Marcus reviews the Vision Ears XCON, a new custom-designed 6 BA driver IEM with a magnet-based switch that offers 2 unique sound signatures. It is currently priced at €2,200.
Disclaimer: This was sent as a sample in return for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I would like to thank the team at Vision Ears for their support.
Click here to read more about Vision Ears products I have reviewed on Headfonics
Note that this article follows our latest scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
The Vision Ears XCON CIEM was launched earlier this year as part of the company’s refresh of its custom series.
It sits just below the recently reviewed flagship ZEN, costs from €2200 epending on your design choices, and features a magnetic switch tuning system that targets not one, but two frequency bands to produce two unique sound signatures.
This is an all-BA driver design and will sound quite different from the hybrid ZEN regardless of switch position.
However, for longtime readers, it is not a like-for-like or remix of the older VE6 XControl CIEM that I reviewed way back in 2014 with new drivers and an updated switch system.
Even though the XCON sound signature headline is similar to the XControl, with a punchy, driven sound signature versus a more reference-like or neutral tuning, there are more levels to it than that.
To find out if the XCON brings in the new and leaves the old behind, and how it differs from the ZEN and ‘switch’ BA custom IEM competitors, such as the Soundz Avant, you can read my full review below.
Features
The Vision Ears XCON is a 6 dual-chamber BA driver custom in-ear monitor. The precise driver configuration includes a dual back-vented BA driver for the lows, two full-range drivers for the mids, one for the mids and highs, and a super tweeter for the ultra-highs, all with a 4-way crossover.
The XCON switch system has been updated from the older VE6 XControl’s traditional micro dip-switch to a new magnetic-based ‘cap’ system, where the magnet is inserted to produce the ‘punchier’ tuning (X1) and removed to provide the ‘reference sound’ (X2).
To achieve the X2 sound, the bass below 100Hz is reduced by 4 dB, and the pinna gain region from 1-5kHz is reduced by 3 dB.
It is quite rare to have a switch system that targets two different frequency areas. Normally, it’s just the bass response, so in this respect, the XCON is unique.
The XCON has a 21Ω impedance rating with an SPL of 115 dB/mW @1kHz. Like the older 122 dB/mW rated XControl, this is a fairly sensitive and easy to drive CIEM with DAPs and dongles.
Design
Because the XCON is a custom IEM, you can create your own design and aesthetic to match your personal preferences.
The sample I have here uses VE’s new ‘Copper Maze Carbon’ faceplates matched with the same ‘Midnight’ quasi-translucent acrylic-filled main body shell used on my ZEN sample.
The overall visual is a darker or more subdued look than the bolder ZEN sample, with a beautiful, intricate pattern work on the faceplate, interrupted by the silver VE logos on top and a circular gold-plated magnetic switch system plate at the base of the plate.
I think this finish will suit many out there who like a low-profile CIEM rather than a bright alternative. One that requires closer inspection to see how complex the finish is.
However, if you do want it loud and proud, there are up to 57 alternatives for you to choose from in their online CIEM configurator.
The XCON form factor is about average in size, and slightly smaller than the ZEN. Typically, a custom is made to fit your ear, so it will never be a truly different nozzle size, but you can see a slightly flatter main shell dimension, likely due to the additional driver space required by the ZEN.
Switch System
The gold-plated magnetic switch system has some pros and cons. I think it is far more durable than the older dip-switch and looks classy and different from a typical dip-switch face plate.
However, to change it, you need the included diminutive magnetic pole to pull it out or put it back in again, meaning it’s not so easy to change on the fly.
You also have to bring the pole with you if you intend to switch between tuning signatures, which might be a hassle for some.
The plates are small; you have to be careful with them, or you could end up losing them. I suspect VE realizes that because they have included two spare plates and a small leather holder for all 4, plus the pole to carry them around safely.
Comfort & Isolation
It has been a while since I tested an all-BA CIEM and forgot just how good they are for passive isolation, given that they lack a hybrid IEM driver venting port.
The ZEN is also really good for a hybrid, but the XCON is next level, with almost total shutout of background noise, wind, air conditioning, and more. There also seems to be no difference in passive isolation between the X1 and X2 switch positions.
The key is getting the fit right, and that comes down to VE’s molding process from your ear scans. I tend to keep STL digital files of my ear scans handy, but have never seen the need to update them for a few years now because the VE fits have always been a perfect blend of pressure and comfort.
The nozzle length on this sample is a little more on the relaxed side than a deeper pro fit, so I do not find it bearing down on the second bend in my ear canal as much as others.
VE integrates a horn principle into their CIEM nozzle tips, resulting in an ovoid bloom in the nozzle dimension, which works particularly well for me in terms of sealing compared to more circular alternatives.
Since the form factor is not huge, you will likely find that the XCON shells will sit relatively flush in your ear without too much protrusion.
Stock Cable
My XCON sample did not come with all of the packaging and stock cable, so I cannot comment with too much insight as to how the new stock cable handles relative to the Premium upgrade cable that comes with the ZEN.
What I can tell you is the new 1.35m stock cable has a 4-wire 26AWG Litz geometry, with a mix of 7N Ultra-High Purity Single Crystal Copper and 7N Ultra-Pure Copper Extruded Silver.
The external jacket finish seems somewhat similar to the original EXT or Phönix cable design, with a black braided TPE material, 2-pin connectors, and matching slimline jack and splitter barrels. There is also a dash of purple here and there to match the company’s color scheme.
You can choose between a balanced 4.4mm or a single-ended 3.5mm termination during the online checkout process, but the 2-pin connectors are fixed.
There is also a fairly hefty amount of memory-retentive coating at the terminations to help shape the cable around your ears and keep the shells securely in place.
Based on my experience with similar VE cables from the last few years, this cable should be quite light and easy to manage with low micrphonic performance and memory retention.
Packaging & Accessories
Since my sample came without the external packaging, I can only tell you what you will get based on the feedback from Vision Ears.
That means you should get a compact, branded retail box with a very neatly laid out presentation of the accessories, including a carry case with the stock cable and CIEMs safely tucked inside.
The rest of the packaging includes a cleaning pick, a 6.35mm adapter (if you have chosen the 3.5mm termination), and a cleaning cloth.
You also get a small but stylish leather holder for the magnet system, which you can slip into your back pocket when out and about. I have tested it a fair bit now, and so far, nothing has fallen out when walking around.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the Vision Ears XCON were completed using a mix of the iBasso DX340/AMP15 and the Cayin N6iii/R202. Both DAPs were set to low-gain mode using a balanced output.
Summary
The XCON is a beautiful mix of fulsome and warm on the one side (X1), and on the other side, a more balanced, natural-to-neutral sound (X2).
And yet, despite the contrast in tuning, at the heart of both the X1 and X2 is Vision Ears’ core approach to how they like their IEMs to sound, which is a fairly natural and easy-to-listen-to.
For VE6 XControl owners who will immediately point out that’s exactly what the older model offered, I can assure you this is not a redux.
Both of the XCON switch signatures have a more life-like, immersive, and detailed sound than what came before. You can hear how easily they ‘breathe’ compared to the drier, more precise nature of the older VE6 XControl drivers.
X1 Position
The differences between X1 and X2 are not insignificant; there is enough of a difference between them to offer a genuine choice, both in terms of matching styles of recordings and your own preferences.
The X1 has a much stronger bass shelf with a 6 dB lift over the X2 position from 20-100Hz and a moderate level of pinna gain from 2-5k, with decent upper-treble extension around 8-10k.
As such, it delivers a weightier, fuller performance with a richer note timbre, seductive, smooth vocal coloration, and a relaxed set of highs.
X1 is deeper and more authoritative than X2, but also the darker of the two switch presentations, and my preferred choice for modern pop and R’n’B, given its stronger lower-register instrumental fundamental frequency.
The XCON does not have the most forced pinna gain or 1-4k region in either switch level, so vocals are slightly pushed but not as far forward as some competing monitors, such as the Soundz Avant.
That can help enhance the perception of depth and space, but at the same time, can drop the vocal impact slightly when the bass gets busy in the X1 position.
The relaxed level of treble presence reduces the level of midrange and percussion note contrast, imbuing some performances with a liquid-like softness in attack and a slightly longer level of decay than the older XControl.
X2 Position
At first, I honestly felt I was going to be solidly in the X1 camp. And at least for casual listening, that remains the case. However, over time, I feel the more reference-like X2 position is the more balanced tuning and thus the more rewarding tuning in the long run.
You get some reduction in the bass bloom from 20-100Hz and a relatively neutral set of lower-mids that creates a lighter touch for the X2 lows, but one that entirely suits the BA woofer drivers, allowing them to sound tight, articulate, and nicely layered.
Importantly, with less bloom comes less midrange warmth, so whilst the mids’ coloration is still to the natural side, courtesy of some decent 5-6k presence and a lift from 8-10k, it delivers some additional and necessary timbral contrast, enhancing the midrange and treble staging presence.
This is not a dark sound signature, but neither is it a sterile dry one either. Cleaner and slightly lighter in tone than X1, but more natural and open through the mids and highs, creating some much-needed staging width and height but reducing the comparative depth in return.
I find the X2 position much more adept at teasing out nuanced detail, making it an ideal tuning for more complex recordings, be it lounge, acoustical, or classical.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
