When Chinese manufacturer VSonic came out with the GR07 in 2011, a special IEM was brought to the market. Achieving good performance with its biocellulose dynamic driver, it quickly became an affordable benchmark in the audiophile community.

Many iterations have been released over the years, including:

GR07 MKII, introducing a new housing material to prevent cracks in the housings (fairly common issue with first releases);

GR07 Bass Edition (GR07BE), increasing low-end;

GR07X, fixing some resonance issues;

MMCX detachable cable variants of the Classic and Bass Edition;

GR07 37th Anniversary Edition (GR07AE), using a new housing and the Carbon Nanotube driver of the GR09;

GR07W, a wireless option.

In this review, we will look at the 2017 GR07 Classic Detachable ($109-119) and the 37th Anniversary Edition ($169-199). Both IEMs were purchased second-hand.

Design

External

Physically, the two are extremely similar, featuring rectangular housings with the signature rotating bores. Both are made of a fairly solid/dense plastic (not sure if it’s the same one), with the Classic exhibiting a classy matte-black coating and AE having a reflective chrome finish with red accents that loves fingerprints. Personally, I find the AE look cheaper and somewhat tacky. Another difference is the apparently larger rear vent on the AE.

Otherwise, the Classic has an MMCX detachable solution unlike the AE. Note that the connector coupling is extremely tight on the Classic, making it very hard to detach, though that is still better than the disappointing omission of this feature with the more expensive variant. Not only does it force you to solder in the event of a break, but it also causes additional stress on the cable at the ear side due to less adequate strain relief.

Cable-wise, both IEMs feature the same silver-plated copper cable terminated in an L-shaped single-ended 3.5 mm plug, though the one on the AE feels substantially softer (this could be due to usage/storage differences from the previous owners).

Also included with both is a pretty case, though it isn’t ideal (odd half-moon shape, not protective against crushing).

Internal

Internally, these 07s deviate – while the Classic uses an 11mm biocellulose dynamic driver, the AE uses a carbon nanotube diaphragm: this significantly alters sound. At 50 ohms with a 108 dB/mW sensitivity at 500 Hz, both IEMs are easily driven by my Sony NW-ZX2, a low-powered DAP.

Comfort/isolation

While some disagree, I personally find both IEMs very comfortable. The rotating nozzle allows for a more personalized fit than your typical universal in-ear in addition to the wide range of available tips. The absence of memory wire is also, in my opinion, a plus. They’re small IEMs that don’t protrude much from the ear, so it’s possible to use them while laying your head sideways on a surface (e.g. pillow).

In terms of isolation though, both aren’t going to win any awards, being outshadowed by many other options. Nonetheless, when it came to daily use like commuting, the slightly sub-par isolation was never really problematic to me.

Sound

In a nutshell, the two are different flavors of the textured and dynamic GR07: the Classic is mildly V-shaped while the AE is warm and more technically advanced.

Bass

Both IEMs exhibit an elevation there, though degrees vary with the AE being noticeably bassier. They handle low-end very well, with some nice slam, but their differences don’t stop in quantity. The AE extends farther, with a noticeable lift in sub-bass compared to the Classic’s relatively flat and slightly more mid-bass centric lows. Not only that, but the AE also hits harder, delivering an extremely satisfying dynamic punch that further improves upon the already competent GR07C. It’s very nicely textured, but offers a bit more bloom than the Classics, with more lingering decay. While the AE’s bass delivery is my favorite (especially for EDM and hip-hop), some may find the Classic’s flatness and decay more natural.

Midrange

The GR07 Classic exhibits a slight midrange recession in comparison to the rest of its FR, with more emphasis on upper mids. That’s due to a slightly resonant bump somewhere around 2-3k that, whilst not being the cleanest, adds a certain charm to the sound. Timbre is a little thinner than neutral with vocals that may seem nasal to some. However, the energy in this range gives an impression of clarity and a freshness to instruments and singers, especially female, which is something I enjoy.

The Anniversary Edition, on the other hand, has a more forward midrange that’s lower mid focused. Timbre is significantly warmer and thicker, and the IEM provides more heft and body to notes. While the Classic’s “freshness” may give it an impression of clarity, its slower nature makes certain passages sound more crowded than they actually are, which gives an upper hand to the AE in terms of separation. Despite the thicker than neutral tone of the AE, it only feels slightly veiled when compared to the Classic, with a layer of sweetness and smoothness that is quite musical. However, some may definitely enjoy a more present upper midrange than what it presents.

Overall, that’s where the two IEMs really start showing their character with different tones, both being fairly well executed.

Treble

Again, different flavors, with the GR07C being slightly boosted and the AE being a little subdued in that region.

The Classic, in my opinion, truly starts showing its flaws when it comes to the top end. I wouldn’t say that quantity is the problem, but rather the resonant nature of the boosts. Overall, it has more emphasis on lower treble, with a prominent lower treble spike, followed by more peakage around the sibilance region that easily makes itself heard. Not only do these peaks confer unevenness to the treble (resulting mostly in a metallic/steely character and a one-note aspect to layered snares), but their slower decaying nature give treble a grainy tilt, affecting resolution and precipitating fatigue. I’m not particularly sensitive to treble, the HD 800 being my favorite headphone, but the lack of refinement along with the extra emphasis here have made the Classic quite harsh to my ears.

The GR07AE, though still far from perfect, showcases better control in this department. It’s a couple of dB darker and still emphasizes lower treble over the rest (though this tilt is not as drastic as the Classic’s). Nonetheless, the resonances are inhibited in comparison, taking care of most of the harshness, grain and “one-note” aspect that was present on the Classic. It’s still not as clean as some BA IEMs I’ve heard in that regard, but is a solid improvement over the older model, though lacking some of the aggressive crunch and air present on the Classic which some may prefer.

Verdict

I really like both of these IEMs.

To me, each represents a superb value in its respective price range, but I cannot say I have clear preference for one over the other. Each has its own nicely finished gusto: the Classic is narrower, fresh and energetic, whereas the AE is wider, warm and sweet-sounding.

Thus, the VSonic GR07 Classic and 37th Anniversary Edition both earn my recommendation as two distinct poisons for you to pick.