The iQube Enigma (Review Updated)

[hoosterw]

Originally Posted by flashbak

Hi Hans,
My compliments to the chefs. You have a wonderful portable amplifier here! I'm very pleased! Ok, getting the battery cover off wasn't too much fun, but other then that it is outstanding! Wonderful detail and excellent workmanship!

Thank you, thank you!

[vikingboy]

mines just shipped to me. I give up trying to get on the pre-order list for the Pico.....but after reading more about this amp I feel like that was good fortune!

[digihead]

I did it....what could be more satisfying than hearing the beautiful POP of your iQube battery compartment opening for the first time. Thumbs are a bit sore but the video helped tremendously. Now the question is should I wait for my USB charger cord I ordered and put the rechargeables in or do I put in a second set of AAA's and risk having to open the thing a second time?

[All Day Breakfast]

Originally Posted by digihead

I did it....what could be more satisfying than hearing the beautiful POP of your iQube battery compartment opening for the first time. Thumbs are a bit sore but the video helped tremendously. Now the question is should I wait for my USB charger cord I ordered and put the rechargeables in or do I put in a second set of AAA's and risk having to open the thing a second time?

Heeding all the warnings about over-loosening the tabs, I rocked them just a wee bit and tentatively and gently a few times the first time I finally got the iQube opened, I went through my 100 or so hours of normal batteries and yesterday opened the iQ with no probs. It was a very satisfying moment.

YMMV but carefully limbering up those tabs seems to do the trick. However, the no risk solution is to get those rechargables in there and worry about opening it again in 3-5 years when the rechargables are spent.

[Ihatepopupads]

This really sucks, I have been trying to open this thing for an hour. And whats worse is my fingernails have scuffed some of the paint off, I clipped them as close as possible, but I could'nt help it. I love the sound of it, but if I can't get it open I might sell it. Moon audio had no returns on the pre- order . I mean how hard do you have to push? Thick aluminum doesn't give much.

[HiFlight]

Originally Posted by Ihatepopupads

This really sucks, I have been trying to open this thing for an hour. And whats worse is my fingernails have scuffed some of the paint off, I clipped them as close as possible, but I could'nt help it. I love the sound of it, but if I can't get it open I might sell it. Moon audio had no returns on the pre- order . I mean how hard do you have to push? Thick aluminum doesn't give much.

The first time is the hardest, once you find the knack, it is very easy. Follow the instructions in the video. It makes it ever so much simpler! Trust me, the quality and performance of the amp is worth the effort.

[hoosterw]

Originally Posted by Ihatepopupads

This really sucks, I have been trying to open this thing for an hour. And whats worse is my fingernails have scuffed some of the paint off, I clipped them as close as possible, but I could'nt help it. I love the sound of it, but if I can't get it open I might sell it. Moon audio had no returns on the pre- order . I mean how hard do you have to push? Thick aluminum doesn't give much.

Hi I am very sorry! I am aware that the opening is one of the minor points.

Please be aware that it is not sheer force that is important. it is more the right kind of force in the right direction. As said by HiFlight the Dex video is helpfull and shows how it can/should be done.

YouTube - iQube portable headphone amplifier This is the link.

Really, the first time is the braker but once you have done that it becomed easy.

I hope you will succeed and that it will not destroy your fun with the iQube.

Rgds Hans.

[flashbak]

Ihatepopupads,
See my earlier posts in this thread. I suggest you purchase a IPod plastic opening tool (usually around $3.00) and follow my instructions on how to use it to open the iQube. Works great and won't scratch the unit. One of the places you can purchase them from is iFixit: iPod, iBook, & PowerBook Parts and Accessories. It is the green looking plastic tool.
I actually purchased 3 from another vendor overseas but it took 4 weeks to get. Their price was great but 4 weeks didn't cut it!!

Hans, it probably would have been a good idea for you to include one with the iQube at least for this first generation version. It really makes it so much easier to open the iQube the first time, and in quantity would have probably added a $1.25 or less to the overall price of the iQube. Well worth it in order to cut down on the level of user frustration doing this task!

[hoosterw]

Hi Flashback, could you email me at sales@qables.com where you bought them overseas?

I could see to buy bulk and include them and offer them for sale for the first iQubes.

I think a good idea.

rgds Thanks

Hans

[Ihatepopupads]

Well I finally got it! I had to take my plastic tooth pic from my swiss army knife to put in the opposite corner (gap) of the first tab and slide it towards the fist tab while applying pressure on the fist tab. The rest was pretty easy, then I gently messaged the tabs. I need to buy the charger cable and some of the sanyo rechargables.


I did scratch the edge up a bit though, but some black magic marker fixed that I guess I really wouldn't be happy with the sound of another amp, as I really like the highs on this one, it makes even my E530s sound like they have great treble extension. Hans just out of curiosity, would you sell a battery cover plate if someone really messed theirs up, and would you have any idea what that would cost?