INTRODUCTION
Final Audio has been manufacturing audio equipment in Japan since 1974.  Headphones and IEM are a fairly recent addition to the FA lineup and have generated quite a cult following amongst audiophiles.  The product I'll be looking at today is the Final Audio Heaven VII, a Single BA IEM enclosed in a fashionable  (Metal Injection Molding) housing.  For those of you not familiar with this process, it uses powdered metal which is poured into molds typically used for producing plastics.  This makes it easy to consistently get exactly the shape you want without having to machine the metal.  The only other IEM I know of using this production technique are the RHA T10 and T20.
 
Here's how Final Audio describes the Heaven VII:
 
"Heaven VII pursues the special attributes of final audio design products – a vast sound stage and vivid vocals. The vocals reverberate warmly across the full-range of clear sounds achieved with the product. With MIM (Metal Injection Molding), a special metal working process, a housing that optimizes acoustics not possible through regular machining is achieved. Compared to before, a new single driver unit excelling in bass tone reproduction is employed. With what is in principle ideal full-range reproduction, the result is natural sound reproduction that you could listen to forever. The back design is not merely for decoration either. Resonance dispersion has been factored into the design, making for a high-level balance between beauty and function."

 
Let's see if I agree with that description...
 

Photo courtesy of Final Audio
 

 
First, here are some links for further exploration:
FINAL AUDIO
HEAVEN VII
METAL INJECTION MOLDING
@money4me247's review
@peter123's review
@Cotnijoe's review
@WayneWoondirts' review
 
 
DISCLAIMER
I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the Heaven VII reviewers by Final Audio as part of a Review Tour.  There is no financial incentive from Final Audio in writing this review.  I am in no way affiliated with Final Audio, and this is my honest opinion of the Heaven VII.  I would like to thank Final Audio for giving Head-Fi members a chance to test drive the Heaven VII, and I hope our feedback proves useful for our fellow Head-Fi members as well as for Final Audio.




 
 
ABOUT ME
I'm a 43 year old music lover who listens to a wide variety of genres and artists (but mostly electronic, metal, and modern composition these days). As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues - some upper frequency loss and mild tinnitus. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders, and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-120, iPod, iPhone, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
My headphone journey started with Sony MDR e888 and Eggos back in my minidisc days.  I moved on to full-size Beyerdynamic and Ultrasone cans and Shure E2 and E3 IEM. Those all served me well for quite some time.  Then I rediscovered Head-Fi, and my poor wallet...
 
 
SPECIFICATIONS

Drivers	Single Balanced Armature Driver
Frequency range	Unspecified
Impedance	24 Ω
Sensitivity	106 dB/mW
Rated / Max power	Unspecified
Weight	29g
Cable	1.2m
Connector	3.5mm, gold-plated straight plug
Warranty	2 years

 
MSRP: ~$600 - $700

 
 
PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES
I'm not one to go on about packaging and accessories, so I'll keep this short and sweet and let the pictures do the talking.
 
Here's the packaging.  Faux reptile skin?  Really?
 
Take off the lid, and you find lots and lots of... fake fur?  
Sensing a trend here...

 
Is that an old-fashioned cigarette case?


No, it's an IEM case, silly!

 
You also get a nice selection of silicon tips.  
I really like it that you get in-between sizes, making it easy to get the fit just right.

 

Ok, so you get the fanciest IEM case I've ever seen and a very nice selection of tips.  What's missing?  A shirt clip and chin slider come to my mind.  
 
As you can probably tell from my commentary, I'm not a fan of the packaging.  I like simple, straight-forward design, and this is definitely not that.  I can see how it would appeal to some, but it's not my cup of tea.
 

 
BUILD & ERGONOMICS
Let's see how well the Heaven VII are constructed and how well they fit.
 
Starting with the shells, the Heaven VII are very well-made.  The Stainless Steel Metal Injection Molding construction makes them smooth, nearly seamless, and tough as nails.   The tour Heaven VII came with a very attractive matte black paint job. The shells are a bit on the large side compared to other IEM I've used and are sealed.  The size, shape, and pattern are intentional, being part of FA's sound shaping strategy.  Being sealed, isolation is quite good and wind noise is minimal.


 
The shells have L / R markings painted on the inner face near the cable exit.  A raised dot would've been nice to make sightless placement possible.  As it is, you do need to look at the shells for correct
placement.  There is a metal mesh wax guard just inside the nozzle.  This doesn't seem like a user serviceable part, so take care to clean this often to prevent wax from building up inside the nozzles.  The tips are smooth inside but have ridges on the outside of the barrel, making it easy to grip them during placement and removal.  It's the first time I've seen this incorporated into tips.

 
The standard length flat cable resists tangling and microphonics quite well.  At this price point, I would've liked to see a nice matching matte black metal shirt clip to keep the cable secure and further diminish microphonics while out and about.  The silver plug looks quite out of place on the otherwise stealthy all-black Heaven VII.  A matching matte black plug would've been a better design choice, in my opinion.


 

Although the shells are a bit heavy, under ear fit was comfortable for long periods of time with my smaller than average ears.  Even though comfortable, Heaven VII does fall square in Frankenbolts territory.  Over ear fit didn't seem likely with my ears, so I didn't capture any photos of that. 

 
Ok, so what's the takeaway?  Obvious positives are solid build, apparent durability, comfort, and fashionable design.  Suggestions for improvement would be to provide a matching shirt clip, implement an improved system for distinguishing L / R earpieces, and use a matching mate black plug.
 

 
SOUND
I'm going to keep this section simple. I appreciate reviewers who wax eloquent, describing each peak and valley - but for me that's still a work in progress.  Other reviewers on the Heaven VII Tour who have done a superb job describing their sound, so if you need further clarification please refer to their reviews.
 
With that disclaimer out of the way, how do the Heaven VII sound?  
 
Again, here's Final Audio's vision for the Heaven VII's sound signature:
 
“"Heaven VII pursues the special attributes of final audio design products – a vast sound stage and vivid vocals. The vocals reverberate warmly across the full-range of clear sounds achieved with the product. With MIM (Metal Injection Molding), a special metal working process, a housing that optimizes acoustics not possible through regular machining is achieved. Compared to before, a new single driver unit excelling in bass tone reproduction is employed. With what is in principle ideal full-range reproduction, the result is natural sound reproduction that you could listen to forever. The back design is not merely for decoration either. Resonance dispersion has been factored into the design, making for a high-level balance between beauty and function."”
 
Do the Heaven VII live up to that description?  Mostly.  I'll try to explain.  The Heaven VII have a fairly flat sound signature that's rolled off a bit on the low and high ends.  This makes a sound signature which reproduces a lot of music very well but isn't as good for other music styles.  I think it's important to understand that when deciding on any IEM but especially in this case, where the price is quite high for a Single BA design.  I listened to the Heaven VII as my primary IEM for a my week with them, using it with several sources I own or was testing.  During that time, I listened mostly to experimental electronic and metal because that's what's I groove on.
 
LOWS

1. Bass reproduction tapers off a bit into the sub-bass region
2. Bass is quick but is soft and lacks punch
3. Bass definition and texture are quite nice
4. Heaven VII's bass is definitely more about quality rather than quantity

 
MIDS

1. Other than a slight 3kHz peak, mid reproduction is fairly linear
2. Mids are a bit forward and on the warm side, making vocals stand out and sound rich and vibrant
3. Male and female vocals sound equally good

 
HIGHS

1. The upper end has no 8kHz peak like many IEMs and rolls off pretty after 10kHz
2. It's quite a smooth presentation, making it easy to listen to but lacks sparkle and shimmer
3. Treble heads will find this too relaxed

 
OTHER

1. Soundstage is great for an IEM
2. Excellent timbre and resonance

 
SUITABILITY FOR MY MUSIC
As I mentioned earlier, I listen to a lot of experimental electronic and metal.  How did the Heaven VII work out for me, taking my musical preferences into account?  
 
I'll be honest, I listen to a lot of electronic music and found it pretty lackluster with the Heaven VII.  A lot of my enjoyment there relies on high-impact, well-extended bass.  Without that and a nice soundstage, you just can't get the same feeling you get from larger cans or speakers.  The Heaven VII definitely has soundstage covered, but I felt the Heaven VII's bass reproduction lacked in quantity and impact, making it sound softer than I'd prefer for this type of music.  If my electronic music has vocals, they're usually female vocals.  The Heaven VII has that covered, as well.  I found myself yearning for more sparkle and shimmer up top.  If I were using the Heaven VII for electronic music, I'd need to engage in some EQ work to get the sound signature right.
 
I wasn't really feeling the Heaven VII when it came to metal, either.  With doom / stoner / sludge, the low end lacked the sense of ponderous weight needed for these genres, the upper end again needed more sparkle and shimmer to liven things up a bit, and the mids, well... those aren't really critical for this type of music.  With black and death metal, they were pretty good but could still use more bass impact, a slight reduction in mids, and a slight bump in treble.  Now for classic old-school metal like Iron Maiden, the Heaven VII sounded quite good.
 
So, for me the Heaven VII would work out.  They just don't have the sound signature I prefer for the music I listen to most.  Maybe some electronic and metal fans would love them, but I suspect most would be left wanting a bit more bass and treble.
 
What are they good for?  Man, I found the Heaven VII really shined when it came to Classic Rock (Beatles, Eagles, Rush), Jazz (Coltrane, Davis, Monk), and Modern Composition (Cage, Glass, Reich). If I were more invested in those genres I'd be much more interested in the Heaven VII.  But even then, I found myself preferring the less mid-centric sound signature coming from TPEOS Altone200 and VE's new IEM The Duke.
 
So to sum up, I'd call the Heaven VII a neutral to mid-centric IEM with excellent vocals reproduction, great soundstage, and some of the most realistic timbre I've heard in an IEM.  It's quite nice, but at the end of the day it just doesn't tick my boxes.
 
 
SUMMARY
Final Audio's Heaven VII are an interesting luxury IEM.  If you're looking for a great sounding neutral, slightly mid-centric IEM to feed Classical, Classic Rock, and Jazz and are willing to pay a hefty premium, then these might be your next IEM even if they weren't my cup of tea.  Build quality and design are top-notch, and the packaging and presentation just scream luxury brand!
 
It was great to finally give a pair of Final Audio IEM a listen, and it made me look a bit more into the brand and its products.  In doing that research, I honestly think I would've gotten along much better with the Heaven VIII.  It sounds like those kick the bass up notch or two, which I found was the biggest gap with the Heaven VII with my music.
 
FYI: My final score was heavily influenced by the Heaven VII's high cost.  While they did sound quite good for the sound signature, I have a hard time handing out glowing reviews for expensive gear feeling they have a much higher bar to jump over than lower-priced, bang for your buck products. 
 
Again, I'd like to give a hearty thanks to Final Audio for providing me with the chance to give the Heaven VII a listen and hope others find this review useful, particularly those with similar interests in music.

First off, I got the ESS RLM-713 on loan from a generous fellow headfi'er.  You know who you are.  Thanks!
 
I have absolutely no connection to ESS and have no incentive to compose this review other than to provide my own honest opinion.
 
As with my recent E80 Review I'm going to make this a quick, nearly pictureless review.  I'll go through some highlights of what I thought made the ESS RLM-713 special and where I found room for improvement.
 
For some really stunning pics of the ESS RLM-713, please check out @hakushondaimao's review HERE.  I'm not sure how, but the guy does it with his iPhone.  Impressive!  
 
So, here we go...
 
ABOUT ME
I'm a 43 year old music lover who listens to a wide variety of genres and artists (but mostly electronic, metal, and modern composition these days).  I've been enjoying IEM since the venerable Shure E2C was released and have listened to a lot of IEM over the years.  As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues - some upper frequency loss and mild tinnitus.  So my reviews might be particularly valuable for people in the same boat.
 
 
Photo courtesy of ESS Labs

 
SPECS
Speaker Size: 50mm
Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz
Impedance 40 Ω
Sensitivity 113 +/- 3dB at 1KHz1mW
Cable Length 1.2 & 2m
Rated Input Power 30mW
Maximum input power 50mW
 
ACCESSORIES
Since these were a loaner, I just got the ESS RLM-713, 1/4" adapter and carry bag.  I have reviewed the provided accessories and think that's about all there is anyway.  Moving on...
 
BUILD
The ESS RLM-713 are a lightweight one-ear made with wood, metal, plastic, and rubber.  The attractive ear cups are ebony wood with 5 small vents on the top of each ear cup.  It's the first time I've seen this.  The ear cups rotate 180°, laying flat for storage.  Instead of a traditional headband, these have the self-adjusting wing type headband seen with Audio Technica headphones.  The cable is single entry on the left ear and is removable, which is a godsend because these come with a 2m cable.  Despite being easily driven by my iPhone, the jack isn't iPhone case friendly.  I'm not sure if the pads are replaceable - didn't want to yank on them, since they aren't mine.  Overall, they seem like they're build pretty well.  Moving on...
 
Note: I tried covering the vents with scotch tape to see if I could tighten up the bass.  I didn't find that to be the case, but I did find it had a negative impact on soundstage.
 
ERGONOMICS
I've never been a fan of on-ear headphones.  The few I've tried were very uncomfortable for me, with too much clamping force which gave me a headache after listening to a few songs.  Luckily, this wasn't the case with the ESS RLM-713.  I was able to wear these comfortably for extended periods of time with my glasses off.  I can listen for quite a while with my glasses on, but it isn't the most comfortable.  Can't really blame ESS RLM-713 for that, though. I think it's the nature of the beast with on-ear HP.
 
ISOLATION
Better than I thought it'd be for on-ears.  I listened to these in my backyard while working on my laptop and most environmental noise was blocked out at normal listening volumes.  They're not commuter cans by any stretch, though!
 
SOUND
As I mention in every review, I find describing what I hear a lot more difficult than some but enjoy trying.  It's a work in progress...
 
I listened to the ESS RLM-713 for a few days as my primary HP with my Fiio X5 and iPhone + Calyx PaT, mainly listening to electronic and metal with some classic rock thrown in for good measure.  I'd describe the ESS RLM-713 as having a full, warm, round bass that's a bit slow, natural mids, and slightly obscured highs.  
 
For context, I really like the SoundMagic HP200 and HiFiMan HE400 headphones.
 
Here's what I found...
 
BASS
I'd describe the ESS RLM-713's bass as powerful, warm, and lush but a bit ponderous and slow.  It's really fun but is in no way "audiophile", so if that's what you're after, run away now!
 
Metal these days has a lot of super-fast blastbeats, making it a good test for bass quickness.  The ESS RLM-713 just can't keep up.  Instead of individual quick kick drum hits, I'm getting quite a bit of smearing.  This is not a headphone for you black and death metal fans!  
 
So, what is the bass good for?  Well, it sounds good with doom and sludge metal.  It also sounds good when you get a bass drop in electronic music.  Somewhat counter-intuitively, it also sounds very nice with classic rock, filling out those leaner recordings quite nicely.
 
MIDS
I'm going go with @hakushondaimao here and call these kids pretty natural.  They're not recessed, and they're not too prominent.  Male and female vocals sounded pretty just fine with these.  Sibilance isn't emphasized with these, although I'm not too sensitive to that so YMMV.
 
TREBLE
I feel the ESS RLM-713 get tripped-up a bit on the upper end.  To my ears, the powerful bass starts to mask the treble.  This was a different experience than @hakushondaimao had.  I chalk it up to differences in music, perception, and sound signature preference.  For instance, if I turn on the iPhone's godforsaken Bass Reducer EQ, I suddenly hear more happening in the upper end.  Turn it off, and some of those details go away, masked by powerful bass.  
 
(Disclaimer: Please, please do not use the iPhone's EQ!!!)
 
SOUNDSTAGE
Soundstage seemed natural to me.  It wasn't closed-in, and it wasn't stretched out.  More on the closed-in side, though.
 
DRIVING POWER
I can push these to very high volume with my iPhone, although they sound better from my Fiio X5 or with the Calyx PaT.
 
 
WRAP-UP
The ESS RLM-713 are an attractive and comfortable headphone with a fun sound signature but leave me wishing for a more balanced sound with quicker and less prominent bass so the upper end isn't overshadowed.  For me, it was a bit too much and would require EQ correction to enjoy with the majority of my music collection.  However for some of you, this sound signature will really hit the spot.  As I called out earlier, I think these sounded really nice with classic rock and old-school heavy metal that was recorded leaner.  Black Sabbath and Rush sounded great!

First off, I got the E80 on loan from a generous fellow headfi'er.  You know who you are.  Thanks!
 
I have absolutely no connection to SoundMagic and have no incentive to compose this review other than to provide my own honest opinion.
 
I'm going to make this a quick, pictureless review (I know, I know.  Boring, right...).  I'll go through some highlights of what I thought made the E80 special and where I found room for improvement.
 
For pictures, please check out one of the other five reviews HERE.  They all took absolutely fantabulous pics of these cute little guys!
 
So, here we go...
 
ABOUT ME
I'm a 43 year old music lover who listens to a wide variety of genres and artists (but mostly electronic, metal, and modern composition these days).  I've been enjoying IEM since the venerable Shure E2C was released and have listened to a lot of IEM over the years.  As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues - some upper frequency loss and mild tinnitus.  So my reviews might be particularly valuable for people in the same boat.
 
ACCESSORIES
Since these were a loaner, I just got the E80 with some Lunashops heir-style tips and the carry case.  I have reviewed the provided accessories and think SoundMagic provides a great accessories package with the E80.  I really like it that they provide S, M, and L narrow bore, wide bore, and comply tips.  I also liked the compact semi-rigid carry case.  The only thing missing are ear guides, so those who go for those might be disappointed.  I abhor them, so it wouldn't be a loss for me if I were to purchase the E80.  Good job SoundMagic!  
 
BUILD
The E80 are a fairly small, straight barrel single dynamic IEM made of aluminum with some minor plastic accents.  You can choose between a couple colors.  The pair I was loaned were a sexy red color and were quite attractive!  Cable exit is out the back of the barrel.  Luckily SoundMagic provided a good strain relief there.  The nozzle is standard size and has a good lip to see your tips on nice and snug.  It made a nice popping noise when I put the Lunashop tips on.  There was one vent on the shell near the nozzle.
 
The cable is a bit of a mess, honestly.  It seems to be the trend to affix shiny, springy cables to otherwise nice IEM these days.  It makes the cables hard to wind and increases microphonics.  I just don't get it, and hope the trend ends immediately!  I am glad SoundMagic included a cable cinch, and it's a really thin one.  I haven't seen one of this sort on IEM before.  You'll see it when you check out pics from the other reviews.
 
Strain reliefs are good.  Nothing to write home about, but they'll do their job quite nicely.
 
Y splitter and plug housing are both aluminum and color match the shells perfectly to my eye.
 
Speaking of the plug, it's one of those 45º plugs that some people absolutely abhor.  Not me, I love them - good on you SoundMagic for being an in-betweener!  And the plug has ridges near the insertion point to make it easier to grip when unplugging from your phone or DAP.  Nice touch!  It also fits into smartphone cases, which quite honestly any IEM plug should nowadays.  (Shame on you manufacturers who don't do this!  Get with the times!!!)
 
Ok, that's it.  Pretty good marks all around here besides the shiny, springy cable.  Seem like they're build pretty well.  Moving on...
 
ERGONOMICS
As I mentioned, I'm not a fan of the cable.  It's springy nature increased microphonics and made it more difficult to wear over ear.  The dreaded ear guides would've been useful if I actually wanted to try that.  As with most straight barrel IEM, I much prefer wearing them down and relying on the cable cinch + shirt clip to attenuate any microphonics, finding it much easier to get a good fit and seal.  The E80 were no exception.  I'm sure plenty of you will enjoy wearing them up.  Not me.  Once I got them into my ears, I found them really comfortable and easy to maintain a good seal.
 
ISOLATION
It's ok.  I've had better, but not too bad.
 
SOUND
As I mention in every review, I find describing what I hear a lot more difficult than some but enjoy trying.  It's a work in progress...
 
For context, I really like the TPEOS Altone200's sound signature and can listen to it for long periods at a stretch out of my X5 without feeling fatigue.
 
Also for context, I didn't tip roll with these - just used the provided tips.  They sealed well and were comfortable.
 
I'd describe the E80 as having fairly full, round bass that's a bit slow, sweet mids, and slightly attenuated highs.  I'll try to explain with some examples.

I listened to the E80 for a few days as my primary IEM with my Fiio X5 and iPhone + Calyx PaT and then did some comparative listening with a few IEM I thought would be of interest - the RHA MA750 and VSONIC VSD5 and ANV16.
 
Here's what I found...
 
vs. VSD5
After becoming accustomed to the E80, the VSD5 sounds edgy and lacking in bass extension and quantity.  When I go back to the E80 after listening to a few songs with the VSD5, I notice that I'm missing some upper end details with E80 that I heard clearly with the VSD5.  A particularly noticeable example was one point in a song where the drummer simultaneously hit the kick drums and cymbals.  I can clearly hear kick drums and cymbals with VSD5, but the bass isn't as punchy as it should be.  With the E80, I get one punchy, sharp sound but can't separate out the cymbals from the kick drum.  It's as if the kick drums just sound a bit star for some reason.
 
After listening to E80 for awhile, the VSD5 sounds stretched out and diluted. Give it a bit, and it sounds natural. Switch back to E80, and it sounds overly intimate. Give it some time, and it sounds just fine.  Our brains are just funny that way!
 
Oh yeah, I'm not a big fan of VSD5 housing shape / construction.  It's got sharp angles, you can feel seams, and the strain reliefs aren't built to inspire confidence.
 
Just a note that I found this comparison challenging because these two have quite different presentations, making comparison difficult - apples to oranges type stuff and all.  
 
Overall, I'm giving the battle to the E80 even though I really missed some of the details the VSD5 can provide.  The E80 just sounds more natural to my ears and is easier to listen to for longer periods of time.
 
 
vs. ANV16
Another complementary pairing, although ANV16 pulls it off much better than VSD5.
 
To set the stage, ANV16 is a lean / dry sound signature.  There's nothing sweet about it to my ears.  Bass isn't elevated at all and sounds tighter and more linear than VSD5.  It doesn't sound as edgy as VSD5 and has more air and better soundstage.
 
As with the VSD5, I was able to clearly distinguish the kick drums and cymbals in the passage I mentioned above, and it sounded much tighter than VSD5.
 
Compared to the E80, the ANV16 has tighter bass but with a lot less quantity, dry mids, and more upper mid and treble presence.  Bouncing between these two makes E80 drums sound slow and bloated.  I'm also missing out on details up top with E80 that I'm getting with ANV16.  E80's soundstage again sounds overly intimate.  Moving to ANV16 from E80 makes the ANV16 sound thin / diluted but also  quick / crisp / dry. 
 
ANV16 have much better build and ergonomics than VSD5 and quite different vs. E80.  I love, love, love the ANV16's rotating nozzle!!!
 
It's hard for me to pick a winner here because I think they're both quite good at the presentation they're shooting for.  I'd pick ANV16 for shorter, more detail oriented listening and E80 for longer, relaxed listening sessions.
 
vs. MA750
​Whew, finally a much easier comparison...
 
These aren't nearly so different. E80 wins again. Bass is similar but has a bit more attack than E80.  MA750 has recessed mids that make me miss the E80's sweet mids.  As with E80, I still can't clearly distinguish kick drum and cymbal with MA750, again getting more or less one sound like a sharp kick drum.
 
For me, E80's ergonomics just completely destroy the MA750's, although the MA750 are built to last!  I swear you could use MA750 as a self-defense weapon!!!
 
Hands down, no contest, the E80 is the clear winner here!
 
Sound Wrap-up
The E80 leave me wishing for quicker bass attack to speed things up a bit down there.  Leave the mids alone, as they're really nice.  A bit more detail up top so I don't miss things would be nice.  Overall, these are a nice, relaxed sound signature for longer listening sessions with just enough sparkle up top to keep things interesting.  Again, I love Altone200, so keep that in mind when gauging how I hear the E80!
 
SUMMARY
The SoundMagic E80 are an attractive, ergonomic IEM with a slight bass emphasis, sweet mids, and relaxed upper end.  It's got a lot going for it, even if it's not my preferred sound signature.  From the reviews so far, it's obvious that a lot of people will like, if not love the E80.  Personally, I'd like to see a more supple, less microphonic cable.  I'd also prefer tighter / quicker bass and more detail retrieval.  

INTRODUCTION

The Alpha & Delta AD01 is the first house-brand product from Lend Me UR Ears.  LMUE is well-known to adventurous Head-Fi members who like to experiment with bang for your buck Asian portable audio gear.  I've purchased several IEM from LMUE and was intrigued when I ran across an email announcing the AD01, so I reached out to LMUE to see if we could set up a Head-Fi tour to see what the community here thinks of their first product. LMUE was very receptive to the suggestion, and here we are.  A big thanks to @TEOSJ from LMUE for helping me set this up!
 
Here's LMUE's Product Description for the AD01:
 
"Alpha & Delta AD01 is the result of a collaboration between Lend Me UR ears and a Chinese manufacturer. In English, the noun "alpha" is used as a synonym for "beginning", or "first" while the greek symbol for Delta is used to denote change. Thus, the name Alpha & Delta was coined to represent a new chapter in LMUE's history and the wish that this brand will chart a new direction for the company. 
 
Dual Driver Design for Excellent Sound Quality
In designing this IEM, we aimed to create a pair of earphones that has a strong punch bass while maintaining the overall clarity in the mids and the highs. To this end, a dual driver design is used for such purposes. 
 
Modular Design
AD01 also adopts a modular design. This means that that drivers and the wires can be easily replaceable if damaged or lost. The drivers and wires will be made available for sale separately.
 
Well designed connection pins    
For AD01 to use a modular design, the wires needs to be detachable. However, several existing solutions for the connector pins can lead to loose connection overtime. To this end, AD01 overcomes such build quality issues by adopting the 2mm dc plug connector pins which are extensively tested for reliability."

 
Sounds pretty interesting.  There are some pretty good bang for your buck dual drivers with quite different sound signatures on the market like the Havi B3 Pro I and TTPOD T1E.  What will LMUE's first IEM bring to the table?  Read on to find out...
 
First, here are some links for further exploration:
@thatBeatsguy's review
@ljokerl's review
Dedicated AD01 thread
 
 
DISCLAIMER
I was provided the Alpha & Delta AD01 as a review sample as part of a U.S. + Canada Review Tour I'm coordinating.  There is no financial incentive from LMUE in writing this review.  I am in no way affiliated with LMUE, and this is my honest opinion of the AD01.  I would like to thank @TEOSJ for giving the Head-Fi community a chance to test drive the AD01, and I hope our feedback proves useful for fellow Head-Fi members as well as for LMUE.



 

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF LMUE)

 
 
ABOUT ME
I'm a 43 year old music lover who listens to a wide variety of genres and artists (but mostly electronic, metal, and modern composition these days). As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues - some upper frequency loss and mild tinnitus. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders, and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-120, iPod, iPhone, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
My headphone journey started with Sony MDR e888 and Eggos back in my minidisc days.  I moved on to full-size Beyerdynamic and Ultrasone cans and Shure E2 and E3 IEM. Those all served me well for quite some time.  Then I rediscovered Head-Fi, and my poor wallet...
 
 
SPECIFICATIONS

Drivers	9.8mm and 6.0mm Dual Dynamic Driver
Frequency range	10Hz- 25KHz
Impedance	9 Ω
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW
Rated / Max power	10 / 20mW
Weight	Shells: 7g Shells, tips, cable: 17g
Cable	1.30 mm 18N OFC cable with 2mm DC connectors
Connector	3.5mm, gold-plated right-angle plug
Warranty	1 year

 
MSRP: $99

 
 
PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES
I'm not one to go on about packaging and accessories, so I'll keep this short and sweet and let the pictures do the talking.
 
Here's the packaging:

Flip the lid back, and you find:

 
Lift off the top foam layer, and you get to the final bits:


Here are the AD01 and accessories:

 

What's missing?  A shirt clip and ear guides are what immediately came to my mind.  Other than that, you get a nice selection of tips and a semi-hard case.  Speaking of the case, it could use a mesh pocket or two inside to hold your extra tips - but it does have a wrist strap if you need one of those for some reason.
 
 

 
BUILD & ERGONOMICS
Let's see how well the AD01 are constructed and how well they fit.
 
Starting with the shells, they appear to be mostly metal construction, are very smooth, and seem quite sturdy.  The shells are ~23mm long and ~12mm in diameter at their widest point.  There are two small vents indicated below with red arrows.  I'm sure you could try a tape mod or two (or maybe three) with these vents if your heart so desired.  The nozzles are pretty standard 5mm in diameter, meaning you can engage in a lot of tip rolling, as well.  Tips were held in place quite securely.  Metal mesh wax guards are glued down over the nozzle and don't look like they be easy to remove / replace, so keep them clean!
 
Here are the 2mm DC connectors.  I read in @thatBeatsguy's review that the MEE M6 Pro also use this type of connector. I've also seen DC connectors used by T-PEOS in their higher-tier IEM, but it's a much bulkier implementation.  The male connector is 2mm in diameter and 3mm long.  The strain relief is ~20mm, with the first 10mm housing the actual connector and the remaining 10mm being the flexible cable entry point.

 

Once inserted, the connection is quite stable.  Note that while there are L / R indicators on the strain reliefs, they are very subtle.  This makes it hard to determine which orientation to insert them in under less than ideal lighting connections.
 
Here is the stock black cable and the upgrade cable.  The stock cable is springy and reminds me of the SoundMagic E50 / E80 cables.  The upgrade cable is less springy and is still OFC.  Both seem solid with solid connections and good strain reliefs.  The y-splitter is in the normal spot and hits me in the middle of my torso.  I didn't find either cable to be overly microphonic, but then again I do use the chin slider.  If you don't like using chin sliders, the springy stock cable might cause some problems for you.  Unfortunately, there's no shirt clip to help abate this.

 
Here's a close up of the L-plug, y-splitter, and chin slider.  The plug is narrow enough to fit into smartphone cases, which is much appreciated.  The chin slider is pretty grippy, so it's not the easiest to get sliding but stays in place very well!  There's really no visible difference between these components on the stock vs. upgrade cable besides the color.

 
Under ear fit was very comfortable for long periods of time with my smaller than average ears.  Over ear fit was a bit trickier due to the length of the connector's housing and strain relief.  LMUE has indicated that they'll be providing ear guides to help solve this issue for existing and future owners.  Good show! 

 
Ok, so what's the takeaway?  Obvious positives are the solid build, detachable cables, and (for me anyway) comfortable housings.  Suggestions for improvement would be to use a more supple stock cable, implement an improved system for distinguishing L / R earpieces, include ear guides and/or reduce the connector + strain relief size for easier over ear fit, include a shirt clip for more secure fit and reduced microphonics, and offer a silver-plated copper upgrade cable to tighten the low end and open up the upper end a bit.
 

 
SOUND
I'm going to keep this section simple. I appreciate reviewers who wax eloquent, describing each peak and valley - but that's not my forte.  There are others on the AD01 Review Tour who will do a much better job than I will at describing all the nuances, so stay tuned!
 
With that disclaimer out of the way, how does LMUE's rookie IEM sound?  
 
Here's a quote of @TEOSJ from @thatBeatsguy's review:
 
“The AD01 has a V-shaped sound signature. Even though the bass is punchy, it does not bleed in to the mids and the overall clarity of the IEM is still there. Several people compared it as the Havi B3 Pro 1 with a good and punchy bass. I will also be offering an upgrade cable which will improve on the highs and the mids while taming the bass a little.”
 
Does the AD01 live up to that description?  Somewhat.  I'll try to explain.  Instead of describing the sound signature as v-shaped, I'd instead describe it as a reverse checkmark shaped sound signature with copious amounts of bass, very sightly recessed mids, and flat upper end.  What does that mean for the listener?  Well, it will obviously mean different things to different people, but I'll tell you what it meant for me.
 
I listened to the AD01 as my primary IEM for a couple weeks, using it the Shanling M3 DAP I was testing, as well as my Fiio X3 & X5 DAPs and iPhone 5s.  I listened mostly to experimental electronic and metal because that's what's I groove on.  In addition to daytime listening, these were well-burned in with my music collection on shuffle at moderate listening levels overnight for the first week.
 
LOWS

1. Bass emphasis is focused on lower bass, so it has good impact but doesn't sound overly boomy despite being generous as would a more mid-bass focused low end
2. Bass speed is a bit slow due to the generous bass quantity but speeds up with a bit of bass reduction
3. Bass definition and texture also improves with a bit of bass reduction in EQ

 
MIDS

1. Mids are slightly recessed and dry, keeping the AD01 from feeling overly warm but making vocals sound a bit sterile and distant
2. Mid register vocals are more affected than upper register vocals
3. A bit of bass reduction in EQ makes the mids feel less intimate but keeps the dry tonality

HIGHS

1. The upper end has just a hint of sparkle and maintains a decent amount of clarity
2. Cymbals sound distant and a bit muted - definitely not splashy at all
3. Treble heads will find this too relaxed

 
SOUNDSTAGE

1. Soundstage is pretty closed in compared to brighter IEM but is on par for this type of sound signature
2. If you're looking for something spacious like Dunu DN1000, Havi B3 Pro I, or TPEOS Altone200, move along

 
EQ
I used the tone controls on my Fiio X3 to adjust the AD01's sound signature with the following results

1. -2 bass changes these from a reverse check mark to slight v-shape sound signature, tightening up the bass a bit
2. -4 bass makes these quite neutral but not as fun, but the bass feels much faster now
3. -1 or -2 treble should help those with extreme treble sensitivity
4. My preference is 0 to -2 bass with no treble adjustment depending on what I'm listening to and my mood

TIPS & CABLE
For me, the sweet spot was with the hybrid-style tips and upgrade cable.  It's practically impossible to do any type of valid A/B comparison with time spent changing tips and cables, so take this with a few grains of salt.  The hybrid tips seemed to tame the low end a touch and sweetened up the mids slightly without noticeably impacting the upper end.  Adding the upgrade cable seemed to enhance this effect.  All of this back and forth took so much time that I was relying a lot on audio memory, which is notoriously faulty, so again - grain of salt, please!
 
@TEOSJ: I'd really like to see a silver plated copper cable for these from LMUE to further tighten up the low end and bring out the upper end a bit more!
 
SUITABILITY FOR MY MUSIC
As I mentioned earlier, I listen to a lot of experimental electronic and metal.  How did the AD01 work out for me, taking my musical preferences into account?  
 
For electronic music, it worked out pretty well.  A lot of my enjoyment there relies on high-impact, well-extended bass.  Without that and a nice soundstage, you just can't get the same feeling you get from larger cans or speakers.  The AD01's got you covered with the bass.  It extends well and has nice impact, but if there were sections where the bass hit hard and fast the AD01 stumbled, losing articulation and blurring a bit.  If my electronic music has vocals, they're usually female vocals.  Since they usually hit the upper midrange, female vocals felt more forward and covered more emotion, which I preferred.  The upper end had enough sparkle to be satisfying without getting fatiguing in any way.  Soundstage and placement weren't the AD01's strength but were ok.  For electronic music, I didn't touch the EQ much.
 
For metal, it depended on the type of metal I was listening to.  For doom / stoner / sludge and old school metal, the AD01 were pretty good!  The low end beautifully conveyed the sense of ponderous weight needed for these genres, the upper end was just sparkly enough to liven things up, and the mids, well... I could've used a bit more emotion there but it was okay.  I didn't touch the EQ for these metal sub-genres.  For black and death metal, I ended up using the EQ to reduce the bass a bit so it didn't get bogged down during kick drum blast beats.  And just for black metal, I ended up using the EQ to reduce the treble a bit - but black metal is often mixed quite hot even for my older ears, so that shouldn't be too surprising.  With the black and death metal sub-genres, who can really tell what they're singing anyways, so the mids weren't as much of a factor for me.  So with a bit of EQ, the AD01 were pretty good for these sub-genres, too.
 
I listened to other music with them and found that in general, the AD01 sounded pretty good with older music recorded before the loudness wars.  This music was less compressed and often recorded leaner than the majority of today's music is.  For instance, with older Black Sabbath and Rush, the AD01 filled out the low end quite nicely.  This gave those recordings body and texture they lack with a more neutral IEM.  With a lot of today's highly compressed music, you just might find yourself reaching for the EQ. 
 
 
ISOLATION & MICROPHONICS
Not much to say here that I didn't cover earlier.  Isolation is on par with my other dynamic driver IEM, and microphonics can be easily controlled by using the chin slider.  That said, I'd still appreciate a shirt clip to further control microphonics.
 
 
VS. OTHER IEM
 
vs. TPEOS Altone150 (single dynamic driver) with Heir-style tips - $89
Despite being bass-enhanced IEM, these two couldn't be more different.  Basically this comes down to whether you're looking for a bass-enhanced IEM that sounds cleaner / more neutral (AD01) vs one that sounds sweeter / warmer (A150).  Versus the TPEOS A150, LMUE certainly succeeded in producing a more audiophile-oriented bashed IEM.  I think that's what they were going for here, so that's a good thing!
 
vs.  Vsonic VSD5 (with stock tips) - ~$70
Okay, I intentionally chose an IEM with a radically different sound signature this time.  The VSD5 is much more focused on the mids and upper end than but isn't lacking in the lower end by any means.  With the VSD5, soundstage is less intimate and vocals are more prominent, as are cymbals and (unfortunately) sibilance.  Moving back and forth between the two, I'm sensing a lack of engagement on the low end with the VSD5, but that's balanced out by the more engaging vocals and added clarity up top.  However, the upper end can be a bit hot - especially with poor recordings.  With the AD01, the bass is slower and boomier but more engaging, the mids are recessed making vocals more distant, and the top end lacks clarity but is much easier to listen to for extended periods.

 
 
SUMMARY
The AD01 are an interesting first house-brand product from LMUE.  The target seemed to be an audiophile-friendly bass-enhanced IEM.  I'd say they came close but fell short due to lack of clarity up top.  Design-wise, I really liked them - especially the connectors they used for he detachable cables.  I hope more manufacturers start using these 2mm DC connectors!  Aesthetically, the plain black or silver shells with no branding are quite attractive yet unassuming at the same time.  Ergonomically, they worked very well for me.  The shells were comfortable, and I actually prefer IEM that are worn down so that was a plus.  Finally, LMUE included a pretty good accessory package.
 
What could be better?  As far as the sound goes, tone down the low end a bit while keep the same overall sound.  This will make it more responsive and less boomy.  It will also make the mids stand out a bit more, making vocals more engaging.  Bump up the upper end a tad, increasing clarity.  I think these changes would keep this IEM differentiated from the competition, retain the basic sound signature it seems LMUE was after, and better please the audiophile crowd.  I'd also suggest pairing the AD01 with a more supple stock cable with better L / R markings and slightly smaller strain reliefs.  This would help fix concerns about microphonics and make over ear fit more ergonomic.  Including ear guides (already in the works) and a shirt clip would help out here, as well.  Finally, I really think a silver plated copper cable would be of benefit to tighten up the low end and open up the upper end if the same tuning is kept. 
 
Thanks again to @TEOSJ at LMUE for the opportunity to give these a listen, and please stay tuned for more reviews from the U.S. and Canada tours!

 

 
 
 

BACKGROUND

A bit of information about Shanling excerpted from their Website:

Shenzhen Shanling Digital Technology Development Co., Ltd. is a joint-venture high-tech enterprise specializing in research and development, manufacture, marketing and sales of audio products.  Shanling began as a developer of audio products in 1988, producing its first Hi-Fi stereo power amplifier.  Since then, Shanling has grown and now manufactures a wide range of products – SACD/CD player, high fidelity solid-state and vacuum tube amplifier, advanced mini music center, tuner, audio/video amplifier, etc.

Today, we'll be looking at their first entry into the ever-expanding DAC/Amp market targeting smartphone users, the Shanling H3.

Here's a LINK to the dedicated H3 thread, where you can look for upcoming impressions, ask questions, etc.

 

DISCLAIMER

I was provided the Shanling H3 as a review sample as part of a U.S. + Canada Review Tour I'm coordinating.  There is no financial incentive from Shanling in writing this review.  I am in no way affiliated with Shanling, and this is my honest opinion of the H3.  I would like to thank @Shanling for giving the Head-Fi community a chance to test drive the H3, and I hope our feedback proves useful for fellow Head-Fi members as well as for Shanling.

 

INTRODUCTION
Ok, so why review the Shanling H3.  Well, when I saw it announced I wondered how well this DAC/Amp would compare to the Cayin C5DAC.  I'd just signed up for that review your and thought it would be a good opportunity to compare the two first-hand.  I was also intrigued by the Apt-X Bluetooth feature.  Wireless connectivity is something I think we're going to see more and more of in the future, so I was curious how well it worked and whether or not it would improve upon the listening experience with my iPhone and also how well the iPhone + H3 could replace my trusty Fiio X5 Classic.  On top of this, a review tour would provide other Head-Fi members a chance to check out this new DAC/Amp, compare it to existing products, and make a more informed choice about which DAC/Amp fits their needs!
 
Read on to find out whether or not the H3 met my expectations…
 
 

ABOUT ME

I'm a 43 year old father who loves music.  From electronic (Autechre, Boards of Canada) to modern/minimalist composition (John Cage, Philip Glass) to alternative rock (Flaming Lips, Radiohead) to jazz (John Coltrane and Miles Davis) to metal (Behemoth, King Diamond) to classic rock (Eagles, Rush), I listen to a wide variety of genres and artists. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders (still have my Sharp DR7), and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-1xx, iPod 5.5, iPhones, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
I typically listen with IEMs from my ever-growing collection from budget to mid-fi. Less often, I grab a pair of full-size cans.  Recently, I've been listening a lot with my AKG K553 and HiFiMan HE400, as well as the Alpha & Delta AD01 and RHA T20 IEM I had in for testing.  I do have a lot of other gear, though.  You can always check my profile for a reasonably up to date gear list. 
 
As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues.  I've got mild tinnitus and suffer from allergies, which can affect hearing in my right ear.  I'll admit it, I'm not blessed with a pair of golden ears.  That said, I've been listening to portable gear for a long time and feel confident in assessing audio gear - just wanted to be transparent up front. 
 
 
SPECS
SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Output: 210mW @ 32 ohm
2. Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz(-0.5dB)
3. THD: <0.004%
4. Dynamic Range: >110dB
5. SNR: >120dB
6. Supported Bit Rates: 16bit, 24bit, 32bit
7. Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz - 384kHz

FEATURES:

1. DAC: ES9018K2M
2. I/V & LPF Opamp: OPA2134
3. 4.0 Bluetooth, APT-X supported
4. XMOS, supporting up to 384k/32bit PCM and DoP128 DSD128
5. HP Opamp: OPA2134
6. HP Buffer: TPA6120a2

MSRP: $350
 
 
PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES
Similar to the Cayin C5DAC, the H3 arrived in nuclear bomb proof packaging.  Shanling one-upped Cayin at DIY-ing some of the toughest, most packing tape covered packaging I've ever experienced, and I've received a lot of packages!  Do Chinese audio companies hold stock on packing tape companies or something?  I mean, seriously!
 
The actual H3 comes in a classy matte black hinged box with embossed writing on the lid and a very snug outer sleeve that mimics the inner box - just like the M3 DAP from Shanling.
 

 
 
Open the box and you see the Chinese-only owners manual.  I know there's a bit of English on the cover.  Disregard that.  Once you open it, nada...
 

 
 
Under that, you find the H3 and accessories nestled in foam.
 

 
 
Accessories include one stacking band (just one band - what's up with that?), a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, and a long micro usb to usb cable.  There were also some silicon feet for the amp which aren't pictured here, since I'd already installed them.  Note that there's no protective case or pouch for your new H3!.  @Shanling, at this price point a protective case or much should be a mandatory accessory!
 

 
 
Speaking of the usb cable, the micro USB connector was the longest I've ever seen and stuck out on the H3's case more than any of my other micro USB cables.  Here it is fully inserted in the H3.  Notice how much metal is showing.  It was perfectly stable, though.  If I were using the H3 long-term, I'd plan on purchasing a much shorter left or right angle micro USB cable to make a lower-profile connection with my iPhone.
 

 
 
The only thing I needed to get up and running that wasn’t provided was an Apple Lightning Camera Connection Kit cable, and it’s certainly not on Shanling to provide one of those for us Apple fans.
 

 
 
 
BUILD & ERGONOMICS
The H3 comes in black or silver and has mostly metal build with a small plastic plate on top,a small plastic cover over the Bluetooth receiver on back, and a plastic gain switch.  I'm honestly not sure what Shanling was going for with the design language here.  Compared to the very unique industrial design of their M3 DAP, the H3 is very plain looking although I do think the black H3 is much better looking than the silver H3.  The build is solid with one exception which I'll cover later, so stay tuned.  Ergonomics are pretty well thought out, but there is room for improvement there, too.
 
Let’s start with the front of the H3.  Here we see the nice, large knurled metal volume knob.  It turns smoothly with just enough resistance to prevent accidentally pushing the volume too high too quickly, which is great when you're using IEMs. My one gripe with the knob is that I have gotten my fingers pinched when adjusting volume by gripping the knob from the front instead of just nudging it along from the top or bottom.  As you can probably tell from the picture below, the case has some pretty sharp edges right around the knob, so be careful.  @Shanling: If you're listening, please round these off next time!
 
The front also has the headphone jack and input selector on either side of the volume knob.  All of my plugs clicked in very snugly with no loose connections.  The metal toggle switch has nice resistance.  It clicks firmly into place and stays put.  I never had it accidentally switch to another position.
 

 
 
 
On the back, we see the Line In jack and the black plastic cover for the Bluetooth receiver.
 

 
 
 
Left side.  Nothing to see here.  Move along...
 

 
 
 
On the right side, we find the micro USB receptacle and the gain selector, which is one of my main complaints about the H3.  The gain selector is a small, raised plastic switch with far, far too little resistance.  Since the H3 didn't come with a protective case or pouch, I used a spare fabric carry pouch I had laying around.  When I removed the H3 from the pouch, it was a crap shoot whether or not the H3 would be on the gain setting I left it on.  So a friendly reminder to all of you, please make sure you turn the volume all the way down and check your gain switch when using any portable amp.  Your ears will thank you!  @Shanling: A nice solid metal slider with adequate resistance like those used in the Fiio E12 series of potable amps would be a much appreciated improvement!
 

 
 
 
How big is the H3?  Here's a comparison pic with my iPhone and the Cayin C5 DAC (another DAC/Amp I recently tested).  It has basically the same dimensions but is twice as thick.
 

 

 
 
SOUND
I’m the first to admit that describing sound isn’t an easy thing to do, so I’ll try to describe this as clearly and concisely as possible without waxing eloquent about subtle nuances that only the highly-trained ear will hear.  If you’re looking for that, there will soon be other reviews that meet your needs.  With that said, my listening was done with three goals in mind: 

• How competitive is the H3 + my iPhone 5s vs. the Cayin C5 DAC + my iPhone 5s?
• How competitive is the H3 + my iPhone 5s vs. my main DAP, the trusty Fiio X5 Classic?
• How similar is the H3 to Shanling's M3 DAP

 
I used many different HP and IEM during my time with the H3. Critical listening was done with my AKG K553 and HiFiMan HE400, volume matched with a 1kHz test tone and the Decibel 10th iPhone app. 
 
Soundstage

1. Compared to the M3 and X5, the H3 had comparable width but greater depth and height.
2. The C5 DAC had comparable depth and greater width, but I found the H3 again excelled in height.
3. I remember listening to a song where the music audibly rises over several seconds.  With the DAPs and C5 DAC, the sound seemed to rise up to my forehead level.  With the H3 the sound just kept rising and rising, feeling like it was pulling me upwards.  Nice!

 
Lows

1. Compared to the C5 DAC and X5, the H3 had tighter, faster, more linear bass with less mid-bass bloom. This made the H3 sound more natural but less fun, with less impact / slam.  Not that it's not still fun, the bass impact is still there and is satisfying - just not at the same levels as the C5 DAC and X5.
2. Compared to the M3, the H3's bass felt like the more fun option with a bit more mid-bass and slam / impact.  The M3's bass sounds even more linear, feeling more relaxed / softer in comparison.

 
Mids

1. Compared to the C5 DAC and X5, the H3's mids are cooler and less intimate. With the the X5 to a lesser degree and the C5 DAC to a greater degree, vocals sound warm / lush, making it feel like the vocalist is singing directly to you. The H3 on the other hand feels like they stepped back a bit and are singing to the room.
2. Compared to the M3, the H3's mids have a quite similar presentation but the M3's mids are a but drier, conveying less emotion. 

 
Highs

1. Compared to the C5 DAC, the H3's highs were a bit less shimmery and less analog sounding.
2. When comparing to the X5 however, the H3's highs were crisper and more detailed but less harsh / digital. The X5's highs sounded a bit aggressive in comparison, and the X5 was more prone to accentuating sibilance.
3. Compared to the M3, the H3's highs were a bit edgy. The H3 sounded crisper and more detailed, lacking the M3's smooth, relaxed presentation. 

 
Layering / Separation

1. H3 > C5 DAC > M3 > X5 

 
 
Bluetooth vs. Wired

1. Bluetooth sounds better than my iPhone but can't keep up with a wired connection or with my DAPs.  My suggestion is to stick with a wired connection.  Your ears and the H3's battery will thank you.  That said, you can certainly do worse than the Bluetooth connection.

 
Driving Power

1. The gain settings are great, and I got good use out of the volume knob with both Low and High Gain settings. IEM and most HP were good with 25-50% on Low Gain. My HE400 planars were good with 25-50% on High Gain.

 
Resolution

1. Bluetooth is limited to 16/44
2. Wired is capable of up to 24/384 and DSD128

 
Miscellaneous

1. I wasn't bothered by channel imbalance, EMI, or hiss when using the H3. The H3 is missing a bass boost setting, but I didn't find myself missing it.

 
Overall
I quite liked all of the gear I was testing out, and I think each has it's time and place and will suit someone's listening tastes well.  Sonically, I felt like my iPhone 5s + H3 (and the C5 DAC) compared very nicely to both the Fiio X5 Classic and the Shanling M3.  I could see a smartphone + either C5 DAC or H3 being a great option vs. a dedicated DAP.  Depending on your preferred sound signature, one of these options could work very well for you.  Hopefully the above descriptions will help guide you in making a decision.  In my case, the H3's cooler sound and more reasonable gain settings would lead me to reach for it over the C5 DAC in most cases.
 
 
BATTERY LIFE
My main criteria for success here was whether it would keep up with my iPhone, and it just pulled that off.  That said, the battery life isn't stellar.  I didn't time it, but I'd peg it at about 8 hours with a wired connection and 6 hours with a Bluetooth connection.  For me, this would mean I'd need to charge the H3 every day or two to keep it charged.  Hopefully other reviewers will prove their overachiever status and time the H3's wired and Bluetooth battery life.  
 
This brings me to one of my gripes with the H3, which is the lack of a useful battery indicator.  The Power LED lights up solid red when charging, solid blue when the H3 is powered on, and then changes to blinking red when the battery is low.  That's it.  There's no way I could figure out to determine how much more battery life is remaining.  Not cool!  Maybe there is a way, but having a Chinese only manual certainly didn't help.
 
@Shanling: Please give us some way to get a battery life estimate.  The Cayin C5 DAC's three Power LEDs is a better solution.  Even the Aune B1's "morse code" method is better than nothing at all. 
 
 
CONNECTIONS
Connecting to my iPhone and MacBook Pro via Bluetooth was a snap!  I flipped the H3's input toggle switch to Bluetooth, selected Shanling H3 on my iPhone or Macbook, and was up and rocking in no time.  Nice!
 
Connecting to my iPhone via USB was a bit more complicated.  Something I learned during my time with the C5 DAC and H3 is that having a separate USB receptacle dedicated just to charging makes life much, much easier for smartphone users!  With the C5 DAC, I just plugged it in and made sure it was selected as my output device.  With the H3, I had to make sure I plugged in headphones before connecting the H3 to my iPhone.  Plugging in headphones switches the H3 from charge to output mode.  So if I forgot to plug in headphones before connecting the H3, my iPhone would give me a warning message and I had to completely disconnect the H3 and try again.  Is it the end of the world?  No.  Is it a pain?  Yes.  
 
@Shanling: Please find a way to simplify this to make sure iPhone users don't get a frustrating error message when connecting the H3 when there are no headphones plugged in! 
 
Final note on connections: The H3 works just fine for watching movies.  I didn't get any lag while using it as a DAC with my MacBook Pro to watch an episode of Vikings.
 
 
SUMMARY
As I mentioned in the introduction, I was interested in testing out the Shanling H3 for a couple reasons.  
 

• I wanted to see if it fared favorably against other portable gear I owned or was testing. CHECK!
• I wanted to see how well the Apt-X Bluetooth feature worked.  Not too bad, but not as good as a wired connection.

 
The Shanling H3 is a flexible audio tool capable of greatly enhancing the audio experience with you smartphone.  If you want freedom from cables, connect via Bluetooth and it'll sound good.  If you're ok with a cable, connect via USB for great sound.  It can also spice up your DAP listening experience via Line Out.  Although I didn't write about it here, it sounded great hooked up via LO from my Fiio X5 and the Shanling M3 I was testing.  After testing the very powerful Cayin C5 DAC, I was happy to test a DAC/Amp with much more reasonable gain settings.  Good show, Shanling!  I was also happy with the H3's dimensions.  It was basically the same size as my iPhone 5s but twice as thick.  This made it very easy to pair the two.
 
Although I was mostly happy with the H3, there were a few detractors.  My main concern was the sloppy gain switch, and I hope Shanling changes to one with much more resistance in the future.  I was also disappointed with the lack of a protective case or pouch.  Other amps I've purchased include some kind of protective case or pouch - even at lower price points.  There's really no excuse not to include one, in my opinion.  And finally, the lack of a useful battery indicator left me with a battery-drained H3 on a couple occasions.  I'd strongly encourage Shanling to provide a way for H3 users to get a quick and easy battery life estimate.  This could be by multiple LEDs or coded blinking.
 
Despite any issues, if you’re using a smartphone without using an amp or DAC and think the sound signature I described for the H3 matches your listening preferences - please give the Shanling H3 some serious consideration.  This is especially true if you use harder to drive cans.  It will significantly improve your listening experience!
 
Thanks again to @Shanling for providing the Head-Fi community the opportunity to give the H3 a listen.  My iPhone already misses it!  I look forward to hearing more great portable audio products from Shanling in the future.
 
And please remember to stay tuned for more reviews from my fellow tour members.  I'm sure you'll get many different views of the H3 over the next couple months!

 

BACKGROUND

A bit of information about Shanling excerpted from their Website:

Shenzhen Shanling Digital Technology Development Co., Ltd. is a joint-venture high-tech enterprise specializing in research and development, manufacture, marketing and sales of audio products.  Shanling began as a developer of audio products in 1988, producing its first Hi-Fi stereo power amplifier.  Since then, Shanling has grown and now manufactures a wide range of products – SACD/CD player, high fidelity solid-state and vacuum tube amplifier, advanced mini music center, tuner, audio/video amplifier, etc.

Today, we'll be looking at their first entry into the ever-expanding Chinese DAP market, the Shanling M3.  

Before moving on, I'd like to point readers to two reviews that piqued my curiosity:

1. @YoYo JoKeR's M3 review
2. @marcusd's M3 review on headfonics.com

Both reviews captured the essence of the M3 very well and have a different point of view than I do, so please hit those reviews up for a couple different perspectives.
 
Here's a LINK to the dedicated M3 thread, where you can look for previous and upcoming impressions, links to firmware updates, etc.
 
 

DISCLAIMER

I was provided the Shanling M3 as a review sample as part of a U.S. + Canada Review Tour I'm coordinating.  There is no financial incentive from Shanling in writing this review.  I am in no way affiliated with Shanling, and this is my honest opinion of the M3.  I would like to thank @Shanling for giving several Head-Fi community members a chance to test drive the M3!
 
 

ABOUT ME

I'm a 43 year old father who loves music.  From electronic (Autechre, Boards of Canada) to modern/minimalist composition (John Cage, Philip Glass) to alternative rock (Flaming Lips, Radiohead) to jazz (John Coltrane and Miles Davis) to metal (Behemoth, King Diamond) to classic rock (Eagles, Rush), I listen to a wide variety of genres and artists. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders (still have my Sharp DR7), and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-1xx, iPod 5.5, iPhones, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
I typically listen with IEMs from my ever-growing collection from budget to mid-fi. Less often, I grab a pair of full-size cans.  Recently, I've been listening a lot with my AKG K553 and HiFiMan HE400, as well as the Alpha & Delta AD01 and RHA T20 IEM I had in for testing.  I do have a lot of other gear, though.  You can always check my profile for a reasonably up to date gear list. 
 
As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues.  I've got mild tinnitus and suffer from allergies, which often affect hearing in my right ear.  I'll admit it, I'm not blessed with a pair of golden ears.  That said, I've been listening to portable gear for a long time and feel confident in assessing audio gear - just wanted to be transparent up front. 
 

 

REVIEW

 
SPECIFICATIONS

1. Frequency response: 20Hz～20kHz
2. THD: <0.004%
3. Nominal power: 250mW @ 32Ω; 16mW @ 300Ω
4. Battery charging time: ~6 hours @ 2 amps (power off); ~10 hours (power off) via typical USB computer port
5. Battery Life: >10 hours (volume 30, screen off)
6. Battery: 3600mAH rechargeable lithium polymer battery
7. Recommended impedance: 16 - 300Ω
8. Storage: 8 GB internal storage + TF card (up to 64 GB)
9. Dimension: 69 x 21 x 125.5 mm (2.7 x 0.8 x 4.9 inches)
10. Net weight: ~220 grams

FEATURES

1. Broad support for audio files including DSD
2. DAC functionality
3. Unique joystick / command dial operation
4. Hardware Bass / Treble Controls
5. SRC Upsampling

MSRP: $450
 
STREET PRICE: $360

 
 
PACKAGING
 
The M3 comes in a classy matte black hinged box with embossed writing on the lid with an outer sleeve that mimics the inner box.
 
 
 

Upon opening the hinged box, you find the M3 nestled in a foam cutout.  When you first get it, the M3 will have thin protective plastic covers over the command dial / joystick and over the screen.  The protective cover over the screen has directions for using the command dial / joystick.
 
 
 
Under the protective foam, you'll find a thin black cardboard box with what looks like a warranty card in Chinese, a user manual in Chinese and English, a couple screen protectors, and a USB cable for charging and data transfer.  I'm glad the manual has an English section now and also that screen protectors are now included, as there were called out in the reviews I referenced above.  
 

 
 
Surprisingly for this price point, you won't find a carry pouch or silicon case.   I'd suggest Shanling at least consider a carry pouch for storage when your M3 isn't in use.  Even better yet, it would be fabulous if they included their very attractive leather case with the M3.  They come in black, red, and tan.
 

 
 

 
 

BUILD & ERGONOMICS

 

 
 
My first reaction after opening the box was, "Wow, that command dial / joystick thing looks pretty cool.  I hope it works well!"  I'd already seen a few comparison pics with other DAPs, so I wasn't surprised when I picked it up and fond it to be a bit larger than my other DAPs.  It felt quite solid with a full metal case.  The command dial / joystick is also metal and feels like it's built to last.  No way you're going to accidentally boost the volume into ear implosion territory with that dial.  No way!
 
There was a question in the tour thread about the command dial / joystick's durability, so I shot Shanling an email.  The reply was quick, and Shanling let me know that the command dial / joystick is manufactured by Alps and is rated for 50,000 presses in each direction.  Shanling also said that they haven't received any reports of a faulty command dial / joystick yet.  With that out of the way, let's take a tour of the M3.
 
 
The top has the knurled command dial / joystick, power button, screen, and a lot of black metal casing.  The bottom has the usual information.
 

 
 
 
The left and right sides are pretty sparse, with just a shallow groove to make gripping your M3 easier.
 

 
 
 
The bottom edge of the M3 has combined Line / SPDIF In & Out ports, USB port for charging and data transfer, and the sole micro SD slot.  Interestingly, this is the only DAP I have where the mSD card inserts with the writing side up and contact side down, which seems more natural to me.  I'm always trying to insert them that way on my other DAPs, can get them inserted, and then have to try again with the mSD card upside down.  Not so with the M3!  (BTW: I added the jack plugs, since I knew I wouldn't be using those ports much).
 

 
 
The top edge just has the headphone jack and a reset hole (which I never had to use).  In one of the previous reviews, it was noted that the headphone jack had bearings inside and wasn't the most secure connection.  I didn't find this to be the case.  All of the headphone plugs I inserted clicked in firmly and securely.
 

 
 

Here are some comparison pic with my other DAPs.
 
L-R: Shanling M3, Fiio X5, Fiio X3, iBasso DX90
 

 
 
Here's a stock photo of how it fits in your hand.  (BTW: I think they found someone with exceptionally large hands!)
 

 

 

To sum up: The M3 is solid, has a very modern, industrial appearance, and feels good in your hand.  But compared to my other DAPs, its larger size made it less pocket-friendly.  It's certainly possible, but it is a tight fit.  Of course, the most intriguing aspect from a design perspective is the command dial / joystick and lack of buttons beyond the power button.  Read on to find out how this works...
 
 

USER INTERFACE / FIRMWARE

 
User Interface (UI) can make or break your experience with any piece of technology.  In this case, the Shanling M3 makes a pretty radical departure from the physical interface most of us are used.  Let's be honest, it looks like it shouldn't work, doesn't it?  I mean, how are you supposed to navigate through the menu, music, skip tracks, and adjust volume all with that one command dial / joystick?  In practice, I found it pretty easy but admit that I did get a few tips from the reviews I referenced earlier.  
 
Ok, so how do you get around the M3?  It's all about the joystick, and all you old iRiver IHP users will feel right at home.  I know I did!  But unlike the tiny iRiver joystick, this one has some heft.  The joystick has a very solid click when you press it in any of the five directions that drive the M3's navigation (left, right, up, down, and straight in).  The knurled dial makes adjusting volume very easy.  Is it foolproof?  No.  But I'll cover that later on...
 
Here's your simplified guide to navigating the M3:
 
Power Button: Turns the M3 On / Off AND turns the screen On / Off
 
Click Up: Skip to beginning of the current track if more than 10 seconds have passed OR skip to the beginning of the previous track if less than 10 seconds have passed (same as Fiio's DAPs)
Hold Up: Rewind through track
 
Click Down: Skip to the end end of the current track
Hold Down: Fast-forward through track
 
Hold Right: Activate the Main Menu on the right side of the scree
 
Click Left: Navigate back through files
Hold Left: Activate the Quick Menu
 
Click Straight In: PLAY / PAUSE
 
Turn Dial Clockwise: Volume Up
Turn Dial Counter-Clockwise: Volume Down
 
That's basically it.  Navigating through menus and files is basically just clicking up, down, right, left to drill down and back out of the various sub-menus and to select something. I did have the occasional misfire during playback where I wanted to press straight in to pause the music but clicked up or down instead and ended up skipping tracks instead.
 
 
Here's what it looks like in practice, and if you looked over @marcusd's review on headfonics.com, you'll see that Shanling has refreshed the firmware with a much more modern-looking GUI.  Nice job, Shanling!
 
 
POWERING UP (Only takes a few seconds!)
 
 
 
MAIN MENU (HOLD RIGHT)
Top - Bottom: Now Playing, Music Center, File Directory, Play Settings, System Settings

 
 
 
SUB-MENUS 
Top L - R: Music Center + File Directory
Bottom L - R: Play Settings + System Settings
 

 
 
LEFT CLICK (File Navigation) + LEFT HOLD (Quick Menu)
 

 

 
Once you get used to it, it's really easy to navigate through the menu system.  In fact, I was a bit surprised when I found myself stumbling a bit when I moved back to my trusty X5 Classic!
 
The M3 has a screen lock feature that completely disables the command dial / joystick if you're worried about accidental clicks or volume adjustments while the M3 is in your pocket.  That's a mixed blessing, and the one time I wished there were more buttons on the M3 was when it was in my pocket!  With controls disabled, you basically have to take it out of your pocket to unlock the screen and skip tracks or adjust the volume.  With controls enabled, I got some accidental track skipping but never once had accidental volume adjustments.  This makes it feel better as a "set it and forget it" DAP where you select and album to play and throw it in an accessible location in your bag with lock screen controls enabled.  Then you can just sneak your hand in to skip tracks or adjust the volume as needed with worrying to much about accidental presses.  If only there were a few control buttons near the top of the M3 for more pocket-friendly operation.

 
Is it perfect?  Nope, it's not.  As an earlier reviewer pointed out, the main menu is a bit of a jumble with things you wouldn't use very often placed in the middle of the last instead of at the bottom.  This is confusing at first glance, but after getting used to the menu structure it begins to make sense because the M3 has wrap-around lists.  This means when you first enter a menu, you can click up to get to the bottom of the menu and start navigating up the menu.  So once you get used to where things are, it actually makes sense to put rarely used settings in the middle.  At least that's my thinking on this after using he M3 for awhile.  
 
Other gripes are a bit of lag and no Gapless, Play Through Folders, or Playlist support.  The lag isn't really any worse than my X5 Classic, bit its there nonetheless.  More important, there are no settings for Gapless or Play Through Folder playback.  What this means is you will get a very small gap between songs that should be seamless (which drives me batty!).  And there's no way to get the M3 to keep playing not the next folder after the current one is finished.  This isn't that big of a deal for me, as I tend to listen to one album at a time, but I know it's going to drive some of you out there crazy and might be a deal breaker.  The lack of Playlist support will also be a deal breaker for some of you.  Instead, you get a Favorites feature that's stuck on the M3.
 
Final gripes are that you can't skip tracks when you're navigating lists, since the Up / Down clicks are then relegated to menu navigation instead of skipping through tracks.  And I desperately wanted to be able to use the dial to quickly scroll through lists like an old school jog dial, but alas no joy!
 
Okay, I do have one last grip.  It's that darn 5800 track limit.  What is it with Chinese DAPs and a 5800 track limit?  Of course, the easy workaround is to just use the File Directory like I do on the rest of my Chinese DAPs.  The bonus in this is that you get to organize your music however you want to!
 
I've got to leave you with a positive because I do like this DAP.  Unlike most of my Chinese DAPs (and even my phone and tablet), the screen is bright enough to use in daylight conditions!
 
To sum up: No it's not perfect, but it is rock solid, pretty intuitive, and quite enjoyable to use.
 
 
BATTERY LIFE
 
I got ~10 hours at volume 20 with a little bit of fiddling around with the M3 - pretty spot on with Shanling's specs!

 
 
DAC
 
This isn't a feature I see myself using, as I typically just buy large capacity cards and listen straight out of my DAPs.  I gave it a spin for the review and found it to work flawlessly with my MacBook Pro running Yosemite and El Capitan, easily connecting to my Mac for use as a DAC at 192/24 resolution.  Easy-peasy!
 
 
THEMES
 
If you don't have album art, there are plenty of themes to choose from.
 
 
 
You can even simplify the Now Playing screen a bit if you want.
 

 

 

SOUND

 
During my time with the M3, I used a variety of headphones and IEM and listened to a wide variety of music in mostly AAC and FLAC formats.  I performed critical listening with M3 vs. my iPhone 5s + Shanling H3 DAC/Amp, my Fiio X5, and my iBasso DX90, volume matching across the three DAPs using a 1kHz test tone and the Decibel 10th iPhone app.
 
I typically switch off between my DX90 and X5, but as soon as the M3 arrived I started using it as my sole DAP and sound-wise found nothing to be lacking. It drove all of my HP / IEM well.  I used Low Gain for most of my HP and IEM, saving High Gain for my HE400 planars. 

 

 
 
I'll be completely upfront here and state that I think there are a lot of other reviewers who are much better at describing what they're hearing than me.  Please check out the reviews I referenced above for more eloquent / elaborate descriptions.  With that disclaimer out of the way, here's what I thought of the M3... 
 
Volume

1. 60 steps, with a bit more volume increase between steps than I'd like.  I'd much prefer it to have 120 steps for finer-grained control with sensitive HP / IEM.

 
Driving Power with AKG K553

1. M3: 21 LG, 17/18 HG
2. X5: 50 LG, 38 HG
3. DX90: 188 LG, 183 MG, 175 HG

 
Driving Power with HE400

1. M3: 26 HG
2. X5: 71 HG
3. DX90: 207 HG

 
Soundstage

1. M3 vs. H3: Comparable width.  Less depth and height.
2. M3 vs. X5: Comparable width and depth but taller.
3. M3 vs. DX90: Less width and depth, comparable height.

 
Lows

1. M3 vs. H3: More linear.  Less impactful.  More relaxed / softer. 
2. M3 vs. X5: More linear bass with less mid-bass bloom.  More natural but less fun.  Less impact / slam. 
3. M3 vs. DX90: Slightly more linear bass.  Slightly softer / less fun.  Slightly less impact / slam. 

 
Mids

1. M3 vs. H3: Similar presentation but with drier mids, conveying less emotion. 
2. M3 vs. X5: Drier / cooler yet more intimate miss.
3. M3 vs. DX90: Again, drier / cooler yet more intimate mids.

 
Highs

1. M3 vs. H3: Smoother / less edgy but lacking a bit of crispness.
2. M3 vs. X5: Smoother, more refined high end.  Less aggressive.  Less prone to accentuating sibilance.
3. M3 vs. DX90: Again, smoother, more refined high end.  Less aggressive.  Less prone to accentuating sibilance.

 
Overall

1. M3 vs. H3: The M3 sounds quite neutral in comparison, making it easier for longer listening sessions but less exciting. H3 now feels like the fun sound signature, with more bass impact, sweeter mids, and more detailed high end. 
2. M3 vs. X5: M3 has more linear bass, a taller soundstage, and is detailed without sounding aggressive, giving the M3 a more neutral, natural sound signature. In comparison, the X5 has more mid-bass and a more aggressive high end, giving it a more "fun" sound signature than the M3's more refined, smooth sound signature. 
3. M3 vs. DX90: M3 has more linear bass, soundstage is narrower and les deep, and is detailed without sounding aggressive, giving the M3 a more neutral, natural sound signature. In comparison, the DX90 has more mid-bass and a more aggressive high end, giving it a more "fun" sound signature than the M3's more refined, smooth sound signature. 

 

 
 
To sum up: Out of the dedicated DAPs I own or have tried, this is the most neutral sounding I've heard to date.  That can have its pros and cons.  On the plus side, you hear what you're supposed to be hearing.  On the negative side, if you're switching back and forth between DAPs the M3 can sound a bit flat / boring.  Get accustomed to its sound signature however, and your other DAPs might just end up sounding colored.
 
 

SUMMARY

 
PROS

1. Neutral sound signature
2. Hardware tone controls
3. Drives all of my HP / IEM well
4. Unique and attractive design
5. Solid construction
6. Intuitive navigation

 
CONS

1. On the large side / lacks pocketability
2. That pesky 5800 track limit rears its ugly head yet again
3. No gapless, play through folders, or playlist capabilities
4. No protective case
5. Lockscreen modes are all or nothing
6. Volume adjustment isn't as fine-grained as my other DAPs

 
Thanks for taking the time to read this review and thanks again to @Shanling for providing the Head-Fi community with the chance to test drive the M3!

 
INTRODUCTION
Let’s cut to the chase, I’m a former Cayin C5 owner.  I loved the sound signature but found it’s amp section to be ridiculously over-powered on the low gain setting.  I could barely turn the volume knob before I felt like my eardrums might implode.  Not good.  Not good at all.  But that sound signature was oh so nice…
 
So when I heard Cayin was releasing a new iteration of the C5 with a built-in DAC that was supposed to be more IEM-friendly, it caught my attention.  When I heard Cayin was looking for reviewers, I immediately responded.  If Cayin could keep the sound signature of the original C5 amp with a less powerful low gain setting for better compatibility with IEMs AND add in a good DAC, well now.  That might be a good competitor for my dedicated DAPs!
 
Read on to find out whether or not the C5 met my expectations…
 
ABOUT ME
I'm a 43 year old music lover who listens to a wide variety of genres and artists (but mostly electronic, metal, and modern composition these days). As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues - some upper frequency loss and mild tinnitus. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders, and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-120, iPod, iPhone, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
My headphone journey started with Sony MDR e888 and Eggos back in my minidisc days. I moved on to full-size Beyerdynamic and Ultrasone cans and Shure E2 and E3 IEM. Those all served me well for quite some time. Then I rediscovered Head-Fi, and my poor wallet...
 
 
SPECS
Follow this LINK for full specifications and more information at Cayin's C5 DAC product page.
 
 
PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES
As cotnijoe mentioned in his review, the C5 DAC arrived in nuclear bomb proof packaging.  Seriously, I’ve never received a package that had so much packing tape and then onion layers of corrugated cardboard hand-cut to snugly fit over the C5 DAC’s box.  Wow, just wow!!!
 
The actual C5 DAC is packaged quite simply and elegantly with very eco-friendly materials (except a small amount of foam and a small plastic baggie).
 

 

 
 
Accessories include a soft grey pouch, stacking bands, a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, a short micro usb to micro usb cable, and a long micro usb to usb cable.
 

 
 
The only thing I needed to get up and running that wasn’t provided was an Apple Lightning Camera Connection Kit cable, and it’s certainly not on Cayin to provide one of those for us Apple fans.
 

 
 
 
BUILD & ERGONOMICS
The C5 DAC is made of two aluminum pieces which fit over a plastic frame with a plastic end cap and plastic switches.  The aluminum plates are an attractive finely-textured champagne gold which looks like vintage hifi equipment.  The build is pretty solid with a couple exceptions.  Ergonomics are pretty well thought out, but there is room for improvement there, too.
 
Let’s start with the front of the C5 DAC.  Here we see the plastic front cap, which covers the front of the C5 DAC as shown in pictures below.  While it feels solidly attached, it does seem like it would be the first thing to pop off for break if the C5 DAC were dropped.  The volume knob is white plastic with knurled metal which matches the case - a nice touch.  It turns smoothly and has good resistance when turning without being too hard to turn.  There are small numbers that go from OFF to 9 painted on the white plastic, making it easy to set the C5 DAC to your preferred volume without much fiddling around - another nice touch.  Just to the left of the volume know, we see the LED which indicates that the C5 DAC is turned on. In the middle is the line-out jack.  To the far left is the headphone-out jack.  Both jacks are embedded in a plastic block covered by the plastic cap.  Besides the questionable plastic cap, everything seems pretty good on the front.
 

 
 
On the back, we see the power in micro usb receptacle on the right, the 3-level power level and charging indicator LEDs just to right of middle, the nice solid DAC / AUX switch in the middle, the DAC micro usb receptacle just left of middle, and finally the coaxial-out jack on the far left.  The white text on black background is highly legible.  Everything here seems well thought out and solid with one exception.  The manual states that you shouldn’t try to charge the C5 DAC while it’s being used as a DAC to prevent damage.  It would have been much more user-friendly to implement internal circuitry which prevented this instead of relying on the user to remember.  I for one would think that charging while being used as a DAC would be a no-brainer feature and would have a hard time remembering not to do this.
 

 
 
On the left side of the C5 DAC, we find the other fiddly bits - the wobbly gain and bass switches.  There is a much, much better switch on the back of the C5 DAC.  It may not be as flash as the triangular gain and bass switches Cayin used here, but I’d be much happier if the same more solid yet less flash switches were used throughout.  Another complaint is the gold on gold text Cayin used under the gain and bass switches.  This makes it quite hard to read in suboptimal lighting conditions.
 

 
 
Left side.  Nothing here.  Moving right along…
 

 
 
How big is the C5 DAC?  Here are a couple comparison pics with my iPhone, Fiio X5, and the Shanling H3 (another DAC/Amp I’m testing).
 

 

 

 
 
There were a few very minor build issues with the C5 DAC I received.  They didn’t compromise the unit’s integrity in any way, but at this price point I’d expect a bit better…
 

 

 

 
 
SOUND
I’m the first to admit that describing sound isn’t an easy thing to do, so I’ll try to describe this as clearly and concisely as possible without waxing eloquent about subtle nuances that only the highly-trained ear will hear.  If you’re looking for that, there will be other reviews that meet your needs.  With that said, my listening was done with three goals in mind: 

• How competitive is the C5 DAC vs. my iPhone 5s?
• How competitive is the C5 DAC + my iPhone 5s vs. my main DAP, the Fiio X5?
• How competitive is the C5 DAC + my iPhone 5s vs. the Shanling H3 + my iPhone 5s?

 
I mostly used my HiFiMan HE400, SoundMagic H150, and TPEOS Altone200 during my time with the C5 DAC.  Listening with the full-size cans was volume matched with a 1kHz test tone.  A200 was matched by ear. 
 
C5 DAC vs. iPhone 5s

1. C5 DAC has significantly more holographic soundstage
2. C5 DAC has a warmer sound signature
3. C5 DAC has more impactful bass
4. C5 DAC has more shimmer up top

 
C5 DAC + iPhone 5s vs. X5

1. C5 DAC has s slightly more holographic soundstage
2. C5 DAC has slightly less impactful bass
3. C5 DAC has warmer mids
4. C5 DAC is more shimmery yet less aggressive up top

 
C5 DAC + iPhone 5s vs. Shanling H3 + iPhone

1. C5 DAC has less holographic soundstage
2. C5 DAC has warmer sound signature
3. C5 DAC has less impactful, slower bass response
4. C5 DAC has warmer mids
5. C5 DAC is less shimmery up top

 
To sum up, the C5 DAC has a warm, natural sound that doesn’t lack detail.  Despite being on the warm side, it has a nice soundstage which is one of the characteristics that originally drew me to the Cayin C5 amp. The sound signature is great for long, relaxed listening sessions without being at all boring.  If I could pinpoint one area for improvement it would be to tighten up the bass a bit.  In comparison to the Fiio X5 and Shanling H3, the C5 DAC’s bass felt a smidge sloppy.
 
The bass boost was something I just couldn’t get used to with he original C5 amp.  I felt it was too broad spectrum, bleeding into the upper bass and lower mids making the sound signature overly warm and boomy.  Now that I’ve played around with a bit more, I can see its usefulness with cooler HP or IEM.  I turned it on with my Altone200, and it warmed them up nicely.  With HP or IEM that are already warm, I wouldn’t touch the bass boost.
 
Other factors impacting listening enjoyment were a slight bit of channel imbalance and EMI.  The channel imbalance was at very low listening levels.  The actual levels I encountered channel imbalance at were lower than I’d actually listen, so this didn’t negatively impact my enjoyment but of course your mileage may vary.  I did encounter EMI when my iPhone was fetching data.  It was pretty quiet but still present.  Better shielding would’ve been appreciated from a device being targeted to smartphone users.
 
I don’t find myself sensitive to hiss and didn’t encounter it with he C5 DAC with the HP / IEM I used.
 
 
POWER
Power is certainly one of the words that comes to mind when I think of the original Cayin C5 amp.  As I mentioned above, I felt its low gain setting was overpowered which led to a very small usable range on the volume knob with IEM.  It was a shame, as I really liked the C5 amp’s sound signature.  In the C5 DAC announcement thread, Cayin’s representative said the C5 DAC would be more IEM-friendly.  So, how did it fare?
 
Just a reminder that the highest volume setting is 9.
 
Usable volume range on low gain with IEM and easy to drive HP

 
 
Usable volume range on low gain with HE400 planar HP

 
 
To be honest, I was quite disappointed in the usable volume range on low gain for IEM and easy to drive HP.  It’s a good thing the volume knob is well-protected because if it the volume were bumped up beyond the settings I showed above, I’d be afraid for my ears.  With my HE400, I was expecting to use the high gain setting.  I tried that and found I could only use the same volume range I showed in the first set of pictures for IEM on low gain (2-3), so I switched to low gain and got much more reasonable results (2-6).  I’d love it if I could use IEM on low gain and be able to use 2-6 on the volume knob, too.   Please Cayin, please make the low gain setting much less powerful!
 
 
BATTERY LIFE
My main criteria for success here was whether it would outlast my iPhone, and it did that handily!
 
 
COMPUTER DAC
I really don’t see myself using this feature much, as I don’t typically find myself tied to a computer.  I did test it out with my MacBook Pro, however, and found it worked flawlessly including being perfectly in synch with movies.  Setup was a breeze - just remember to not only select the Cayin C5 as the output but also to go into Audio MIDI Setup and set the maximum output resolution for the C5 DAC if you plan on listening to hi-res recordings.  The only ding I can think of here is that the C5 DAC doesn’t support super hi-res recordings.  The Shanling H3 I’m testing support much higher hi-res recordings including DSD.  However, I’m not a hi-res fanatic, so this didn’t impact my enjoyment at all.
 
 
SUMMARY
As I mentioned in the introduction, I was interested in testing out the Cayin C5 DAC for a few reasons.  
 

• I wanted to see if it retained the sound signature that made the original C5 amp special.  CHECK!
• I wanted to see if it fared favorably against other portable gear I owned or was testing. CHECK!
• I wanted to see if it solved the issues I had with the original C5 amp.  Well, that was a bit of a mixed-bag, honestly.

 
The Cayin C5 DAC is powerful, attractive DAC/Amp with great sound quality.  Its warm, natural sound signature makes it good for longer listening sessions.  The added bit of sparkle up top and good soundstage keeps it from getting boring.  It’s not too big and has good battery life, so it makes a great addition to your smartphone to significantly improve sound quality.  It also pairs nicely with dedicated DAPs to change the sonic flavor.  The main detractor for me is that Cayin again made low gain far too powerful for IEM and easy to drive HP.  Despite the overwhelming positive attributes the C5 DAC has, this one thing really makes me waver but of course that’s my use case and your mileage may vary. 
 
Despite any niggles if you’re using a smartphone without using an amp or DAC, please give the C5 DAC some serious consideration - especially if you use harder to drive cans.  It will significantly improve your listening experience!
 
Thanks again to Cayin for providing the opportunity to give the C5 DAC a listen.  It’s quite the engaging little DAC/Amp, and I already miss its sound signature.  I look forward to hearing more great products from Cayin in the future.  Just remember to lower that low gain setting!

 
INTRODUCTION
Being a fan of the RHA MA750 (RHA's first flagship IEM), I was quite excited to hear when RHA released the T10i.  The new stainless shells, novel "memory wire" implementation, and smartphone-friendly plug along with tune-able sound via interchangeable filters got me pretty excited, so I took part in a tour for the T10 at that time and spent a week using the T10 as my primary IEM.  While the new ergonomic shell and "memory wire" solved my biggest problem with my MA750 (comfortably staying in place), the sound wasn't what I was looking for in the MA750's successor as RHA's flagship.  It had a quite dark / warm sound signature that satisfied a lot of bass-heads but just wasn't for me.  But even back then, there were promises of more to come from RHA...
 
So what is this new IEM RHA unleashed on us with the T20?  I got to spend a week with these as the first tour member in the U.S. / Canada tour and if you don't read any further, I want you to know that in my opinion the T20 is RHA's next-generation, all-new & improved flagship and a very worthy successor to the MA750.  In his recent review, @Koolpep@ called the T20 the love-child of the MA750 and the T10.  I agree with that statement but think the T20 are more than that, and I hope to convince you of that in this review.  Read on to find out why...
 

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF RHA)

 
RHA T20 PRODUCT PAGE
 
 
RHA T20 TOUR
When the T20 was announced on Head-Fi, I reached out to RHA to see if we could set up a U.S. / Canada review tour.  RHA obliged, and here we are.  Many thanks to RHA for sending a pair for the tour, and a special shout out to Iain at RHA for helping to coordinate the tour!
 
 
ABOUT ME
I'm a 43 year old music lover who listens to a wide variety of genres and artists (but mostly electronic, metal, and modern composition these days). As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues - some upper frequency loss and mild tinnitus. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders, and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-120, iPod, iPhone, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
My headphone journey started with Sony MDR e888 and Eggos back in my minidisc days.  I moved on to full-size Beyerdynamic and Ultrasone cans and Shure E2 and E3 IEM. Those all served me well for quite some time.  Then I rediscovered Head-Fi, and my poor wallet...
 
 
SPECS

 
 
PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES
I'm not one to go on about packaging and accessories, so I'll keep this short and sweet.  The packaging and accessories are up to snuff for an IEM at this price point - several pairs of tips (single flange, double flange, and foamies) in a credit card style stainless steel tip holder, interchangeable tuning filters screwed into a small stainless steel plate, shirt clip, and nice zip-up case.  In fact, they're pretty much the same accessories that came with the MA750 with the exception of the filters.  And they are the same as those that came with the T10, so if you're familiar with either of those you'll know what to expect. 
 
My only complaint was the shirt clip, which was too small to accommodate the T20's cable. It bent out of shape and showed signs of stress (whitening) when I attempted to insert the T20's clip just below the y-splitter. I informed RHA of this and hope it will be fixed before final release.  In the meantime, I affixed an aftermarket shirt clip to the tour T20. 
 


 

 
BUILD & ERGONOMICS
 

 
My first reaction after opening the box was, “Looks a lot like the T10i!”  In fact, they look pretty much identical to the T10i with the exception of the T20’s black cable.  When I removed them from the foam insert, I was reassured by the weight and super solid construction.  The injection molded stainless steel shells are very smooth and comfortable sitting in your ear with no exposed sharp bits.  I’ve found this can be a problem with a lot of shells. Whether metal or plastic, a lot of shells have one or two spots with an exposed seam of other sharp bit that irritates your ear after a while.  Not so with the T20!   
 
The T20’s shells are fairly heavy, but once inserted I didn't find them overly heavy due to RHA’s novel memory wire implementation.  With other memory wire cables I’ve used, you bend the memory wire and it just stays in place with no give. RHA’s memory wire implementation is pretty springy.  After inserting the T20, I would gently press the memory wire in place, give it a gentle tug near the small weight below the memory wire, and the T20 would stay in place.  I wear glasses and the one nitpick I have with RHA’s memory wire implementation is that it is thicker than other memory wire I’ve used.  This means it will interfere more with the arms on your glasses.  Is it a deal breaker?  No.  Would it have been better for me as a gasses wearer if the memory wire were thinner?  Definitely.  That said, I don’t know if RHA can make their novel memory wire implementation any thinner.
 
Speaking of thick vs. thin, the cable is another point where I think some improvement could be made.  As with the MA750 and T10i, the T20’s cable is quite thick.  It honestly seems more like a headphone cable than an IEM cable.  Luckily, it is pretty flexible and doesn’t have memory issues, so you can coil it up to store them away in the included case, pull them out, and they straighten out right quick.  The main improvement I could see here would be to thin down the cable both above and below the y-splitter.  If the main cable were the thickness of the two cables above the y-splitter, they’d still be plenty thick.  The other improvement I’d suggest is to have a better balance between the cable length above and below the y-splitter.  I’m 5’ 10”, and the y-splitter nearly reaches my belly button.  In my opinion, that’s too long.  I’d rather see it hit me mid-chest, so the shirt clip was in a more reasonable location.  I’ve never used an IEM where the y-splitter sat so low.  It again reminds me more of a headphone cable than an IEM cable. 
 
So how’re the tips?  I know from previous experience that RHA’s double flange tips don’t fit me well, so I stuck with the stock medium single flange tips.  They fit well and sounded good, so I left those on for most of the review.  I only took them off to try a pair of medium foam-filled Sony Hybrids.  I enjoy those on my MA750.  They help keep them from popping out and add a bit more oomph to the bass.  With the T20’s memory wire, more ergonomic shells, and sound signature, I didn’t find the Sony Hybrids to be an improvement and took them off.  Are the stock tips perfect?  No, they’re not.  They still pop out after a while, but I have this problem with a lot of IEM and it wasn’t enough of a bother to warrant a change in my opinion.
 
I once referred to the MA750 as a multi-use IEM.  You can listen to them, and they sound great.  If you’re short a tie-down, you could probably use the MA750’s cable in a pinch to help secure a load. And if you’re attacked, well… there are several ways I can envision using the MA750 for self-defense.  RHA has taken the same approach with the T20 but kicked it up notch, creating a really nice balance between ergonomics and durability.
 
 
SOUND
(PHOTO COURTESY OF RHA)

Frequency Response Curves
Red = Treble Filter
Gray = Reference Filter
Black = Bass Filter
 

I'm going to keep this section simple. I appreciate reviewers who wax eloquent, describing each peak and valley - but that's not my forte.
 
With that disclaimer out of the way, how do they sound?  Does this new DualCoil™ technology perform? Based on the performance of the T20 vs. MA750 and T10i, I’m going to say that the answer is a definitive yes!
 
After receiving the T20, I used them with the Reference filter and stock medium single flange tips for several days to accustom myself to their sound signature.  For those of you who are "burn-in believers”, I left them playing overnight at a moderate volume with my music collection on shuffle for the first three nights I had them in addition to listening for a few hours each day.  After that, I tried out the Bass and Treble filters and compared them to my Dunu DN-1000 and T-PEOS Altone200.  I listened to a wide variety of music but stuck with albums I know well.  A lot of my listening was done with Bjork’s most recent albums (Biophlia and Vulicura), as they have a wide range of musical elements.  The RHA delivered very nicely! 

The Bass filter imparts a more intimate soundstage and treble roll off.  This is the “relaxed listening session” filter and reminds me a bit of the T10i with the Reference Filter.  However, it didn’t suit my taste.   With bass-heavy music, the bass emphasis was just too much for me becoming more one-dimensional, slower and more ponderous instead of quick and responsive.  I know the bassheads out there will really like it, but it wasn't my cup of tea.  Instead of using it for electronic music as suggested, I could actually see using this filter for acoustic / instrumental music to add depth / warmth.

The Reference filter strikes a good balance between warmth, clarity, and soundstage - nice! The bass was quick and responsive with good attack, decay, and texture.  Mids were well-balanced with the rest of the spectrum, and vocals came through clearly without getting shouty.  Upper mids and treble were crisp and clean with nice detail.  There was some discussion about these being aggressive in the upper mids and treble region with the Reference filters, but I didn’t think so.  It was certainly vivid and added nice shimmer / sparkle, but it seemed natural and lifelike to me - definitely not over the top like some BA IEM can get.  For those of you with younger ears, your mileage may vary.  These attributes plus the expansive soundstage kept my ears quite happy for my week with the T20.  This is your all-rounder filter.  For those of you with the T10, the T20 with this filter reminded me most of the T10 with the Treble filter on but with more controlled bass, crisper highs and larger soundstage.  

The Treble filter is for those you who like to live on the edge.  Compared with the Reference filter, the bass is a bit less prominent and upper mids and treble take a leap forward.  I found it was a bit shouty and aggressive.  I thought I'd hear a larger soundstage with this filter but was happy that I think I heard a wee bit larger soundstage with the Reference filter.

I'm sure all three filters will have their advocates.  Devoted bassheads will screw on the black Bass filter and never look back, if Ety fans were to pick this up they’d head right for the Treble filter, but most people will be more than happy with the Reference filter.  This makes me really happy as after hearing the T10i, I was a strong advocate for the Treble filter being the most balanced.  After owning the MA50 and auditioning the T10i, I’m really glad RHA had the T20 up their sleeve.  Good job making an IEM for the rest of us, RHA!
 
 
ISOLATION & MICROPHONICS
Not much to say here.  Everything is fine.  Isolation is on par with my other dynamic and hybrid IEM, and the over ear fit plus thick, rubbery cable control microphonics very nicely.
 
 
LISTENING NOTES VS OTHER IEM

 

Unless otherwise specified all comments apply to T20.
 
vs. MA750 (with foam-filled Sony Hybrids)
- more engaging
- more holographic soundstage
- better instrumental separation
- increased clarity
- more well-rounded, impactful, less one-dimensional bass
- same cable but in black
- same y-splitter
- plug now fits into phone cases
- more ergonomic shells
- memory wire works better than MA750 ear hooks
- clear sonic upgrade for those looking for more impactful bass response, more mid presence, and increased clarity, soundstage, and instrumental separation
- MA750 would be more like T20 bass filter mids, upper end, clarity, and soundstage + treble filter bass
- clear ergonomic upgrade
- comparable durability
 
vs. DN1K (with red ring + clear tips)
- more of a fair fight but T20 are again more engaging
- slightly more spacious
- slightly better instrument separation 
- slightly increased clarity
- similar bass weight but with faster attack and less one-dimensional character - less bloated
- T20 has more ergonomic shell and more durable but less ergonomic cable
- sonic upgrade
- toss-up in ergonomics
- upgrade in durability
 
vs. A200 (with foam-filled Sony Hybrids)
- again more of a fair fight but T20 are again more slightly more engaging
- slightly more spacious
- slightly more instrument separation 
- slightly increased clarity
- warmer mids
- similar bass weight, impact, and decay but more well-rounded
- sonic upgrade
- toss-up in ergonomics
- upgrade in durability

 
My preference: T20 > A200 > DN1K > MA750

 
 
SUMMARY
The T20 are an attractive, well-built pair of IEM with filters that work to very clearly customize the sound signature.  With the Reference filter, the sound is quite engaging - a clear upgrade from the MA750 and T10i.  They’re also very competitive with the triple driver hybrids I own.  It’s obvious that RHA not only pays attention to sound but also ergonomics and durability.  My only nitpick with the T20 is the headphone-like cable which could be thinned down a bit for IEM without compromising durability, but that's certainly not a deal breaker.  RHA's best IEM yet!
 
Thanks again to RHA for the opportunity to give these a listen!

 

DISCLAIMER

I was provided the X5 2nd generation (from here on, I'll refer to it as X5ii) as a review sample as part of the U.S. tour.  There is no financial incentive from Fiio in writing this review.  I am in no way affiliated with Fiio, and this is my honest opinion of the new X5ii.  I would like to thank Joe & James from Fiio for giving me the opportunity to test drive the X5ii!
 
 

ABOUT ME

I'm a 43 year old father who loves music.  From electronic (Autechre, Boards of Canada) to modern/minimalist composition (John Cage, Philip Glass) to alternative rock (Flaming Lips, Radiohead) to jazz (John Coltrane and Miles Davis) to metal (Behemoth, King Diamond) to classic rock (Eagles, Rush), I listen to a wide variety of genres and artists. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders (still have my Sharp DR7), and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-1xx, iPod 5.5, iPhones, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
I typically listen with IEMs from my ever-growing collection from budget to mid-fi. Less often, I grab a pair of full-size cans.  Recently, I've been listening a lot with my SoundMagic HP200 and T-PEOS Altone200.  I do have a lot of other gear, though.  You can always check my profile for a reasonably up to date gear list. 
 
As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues.  I've got mild tinnitus and suffer from allergies, which often affect hearing in my right ear.  I'll admit it, I'm not blessed with a pair of golden ears.  That said, I've been listening to portable gear for a long time and feel confident in assessing audio gear - just wanted to be transparent up front. 
 

 

REVIEW

Here's a LINK to Fiio's produt page for the X5ii.  Previous reviews have great unboxing pics and a full accessories list. I'm not going to duplicate that effort and will instead focus on a more experiential take on the X5ii.  I will say that if you've purchased a Fiio product recently, the unboxing experience will be very familiar and you get all the accessories you need to get up and running and to protect your new DAP.  It's really nice that the X5ii comes with a screen film pre-applied.  Thumbs-up, Fiio!  Unlike the recent X3 2nd generation (X3ii), Fiio has not installed nor provided a protection film for the back - not sure why.  However, do yourself (and your X5ii) a favor and buy a Dignis leather case for it when they become available - you will not be disappointed!
 

 

BUILD & ERGONOMICS

My first reaction after opening the box was, "This looks exactly like what I wanted from the X5ii!"  When I lifted it from the box, I was happy that it was smaller and a bit lighter than the original X5. It may be smaller and lighter, but it felt very solid just like the original X5.  I was also struck by how attractive it is, with careful attention to detail. 
 
As with the X3ii, I was again impressed with the attention to detail.  All the buttons were  centered perfectly within the frame.  This is something that can get overlooked even at higher price points.  Not only were all the buttons nicely centered, they felt good when pressing them with just the right amount of resistance. 
 
Some much-appreciated differences coming from the original X5 were the four control buttons, which are now round, recessed, and well-marked.  The four control buttons on the X5 are okay, but their shape as well as being raised makes them much, much easier to accidentally press.  Again, as with the X3ii, having smaller, recessed targets means far fewer navigational faux-pax. 
 

 
The power button has been moved from top right on the original X5 to the left side just above the volume controls.  Surprise, it's exactly where the X3ii's power button is, but whereas the X3ii's power button was completely recessed the X5ii's is just slightly raised.  It's not as raised as the nearby volume buttons, though, which is a good thing.  Again, this means fewer accidental presses, saving battery life by keeping the screen off. Speaking of the power button, it now contains the power indicator LED (Blue = Powered On, Red = Charging, Green = Fully Charged).  The volume buttons are more distinct and separated than those on the original X5, and the X5ii's volume up button has a small raised dot to distinguish it from the nearby recessed power and volume down buttons.  
 

 
Like the X3ii but in contrast to the original X5 and X3ii, the X5ii has a shared Line / Coaxial Out jack. I think this is a quite reasonable compromise to conserve space.  When I reviewed the X3ii, I found one UI quirk that I suggested Fiio fix before final release.  The X3ii's default was Coax Out, which was an odd choice given how many people use Line Out vs. Coax Out.  I could easily see this leading to confusion when people hook their new DAP up to their favorite amp and get no signal.  I'm happy to report that Fiio fixed this and made Line Out the default.  This is just another example of Fiio's responsiveness to customer input.  Way to go FIio!
 

 
I saved my two of my favorites for last: the screen and scroll wheel.  The screen is flush with the X5ii's body.  In contrast, the original X5's screen is raised up a few mm above the face.  Scratching the original X5's screen is something I worry about, however unnecessarily given the screen protector.  With the X5ii, this is much less of a concern. Like the original X5, the X5ii has bezels on the screen, but they aren't as prominent or intrusive.
 

 

And finally the scroll wheel, what a love or hate thing it is. I'm in the love it club and found the X5ii's scroll wheel to be a nice improvement over the original X5's.  Even though Fiio has stated that the pre-production model doesn't have the finalized scroll wheel, I found it an improvement over the original scroll wheel. Maybe it's just a firmware tweak, but I found the X5ii finally has one to one parity with scroll wheel clicks and movement of the selector on screen.  How nice to finally see this.  If this makes its way into final firmware, it's going to make a lot of people happy!
 

 

To sum up: The smaller size and weight, as well as improved placement of controls makes for easier one-handed and increased pocketability.  Attention to detail like "right-sized" buttons with just the right amount of resistance means fewer accidental button presses.  Small details like the nearly recessed power button and raised dot on the volume up button allow Fiio to place important buttons in close proximity while allowing for blind operation.  I'm very happy to see that the physical design improvements I liked on the X3ii have finally found their way to the X5.  For me, this finally made Lockscreen 3 a pocket-friendly choice.  Big thumbs-up, Fiio!
 
 

USER INTERFACE / FIRMWARE

User Interface (UI) can make or break your experience with any piece of technology.  Luckily, Fiio is learning fast!  I was an early adopter, buying the original X3 on pre-order and buying the X5 after reading the initial positive reviews on headfi.  To be  honest, it was a bit of a wild ride at first.  To their credit Fiio not only listened to customer feedback, they actively solicited customer feedback.  I'm proud to say that I was among many fellow headfiers who actively participated in that process, identifying bugs, suggesting new features, and beta-testing firmware, making Fiio's DAPs better and better with each successive firmware release. 
 
Next came the X1 and X3ii, and it was clear that Fiio had learned much from their initial outings.  The X1 and X3ii had sleeker hardware and firmware design.  The X5ii follows the same trajectory, and it should be very easy for anyone who's used the original X5, X1, or X3ii to pick up the X5ii and get going with no real learning curve.
 
 

 
That said, the X5ii shares some weaknesses with its siblings, lacking some features more mature DAPs have with respect to tag-based music browsing.  So if you're used to using a smartphone or a DAP with more mature firmware, you need to go in eyes wide open.  Many commonly-used tags just aren't recognized by Fiio's DAPs - like Album Artist, CD#, and Composer.  For example, when browsing by Genre, you just get a big list of songs for each Genre in numerical order.  IMHO, it would be handier to have Genre browsing act like a filter for Genre-specific Artist -> Album browsing. 
 
To overcome these limitation many Fiio DAP users have become fans of File Browsing, which doesn't rely on the database.  For instance, the 128GB mSD card I used while testing the new X3 was organized at the top level with folders named A-C, D-F, G-I, etc.  Inside those, I maintain the following folder naming scheme: Artist / Year  Album / Songs.  This can be easily accomplished (and even automated) with many tagging programs.  This structure lets me quickly navigate through my artists and once I'm at the album level, albums are all arranged in chronological order - nice!
 
Moving on to themes, the X5ii lets you choose between five themes.  I think Fiio's could've spent more time and attention to these.  The only two I found attractive were Themes 1 and 2, which were fairly simple with black backgrounds (albeit textured).  That said, Theme 1 has transparent white icons in the topbar, so good luck reading them if you've got white album art - so much for Theme 1. Theme 2, you're it!  I didn't use the three remaining themes, which were skeumorphic (denim, leather, and wood).  Of course, there is a flourishing community of themers for Fiio DAPs on headfi, so if you're not completely satisfied with the stock UI just wait a bit and the themers will have you covered!
 


 

Just like the X5 and X3ii, the X5ii features a highly-functional 10-band equalizer with several fully-customizable presets.  If you learn how to mod the firmware, you can even rename them.  I did this with my X5, renaming the presets after my most commonly-used HP / IEM.  This allows me to tailor each preset for my HP / IEM and then easily switch between them without remembering whether my Altone200 was the Metal or Rock preset - handy!
 
One cool "Easter Egg" I found was that the Launcher UI switches to a linear mode when you start use the FFWD / RWD buttons for list navigation.  I'm not sure if this is implemented in X1 or X3ii, but it was a pretty cool nod to some of the X5 themers (you know who you are!) 
 

 
Just as with the X3ii, the new X5ii's "deep sleep" mode works a treat!  Battery life is good to begin with, and deep sleep helps stretch it further by allowing you to set the X5ii to sleep after one minute without having to waste time and energy rebooting when you wake it up.  And man, does it wake up quickly!  No more waiting through the boot sequence after that annoying coworker interrupts you for the fifth time this morning (you know who you are!).  Nope, just push the power button, and you're ready to go - instantly!
 
To sum up: Just like most of the boutique, audiophile DAPs, the X5ii is no iPod and lacks support for some commonly-used tags.  This will frustrate some users - especially classical music fans.  For most users though, this is easily overcome with some basic file / folder organization and File Browsing.  And despite not being as feature rich as a more mature DAP like an iPod, the X5ii is very easy to use and most users will find little to complain about, especially with the lightning-fast response of the new "deep sleep" feature. 
 
 

SOUND

During my time with the X5ii, I used the following HP: HiFiMan HE-400, Oppo PM-2, and SoundMagic HP200 and IEM: Heir 4.Ai-s and T-PEOS Altone200.  I didn't encounter synergy issues with any of these, and could easily recommend any of them for use with the X5ii.  I performed critical listening with X5ii vs. my X5 and DX90, volume matching across the three DAPs using a 1kHz test tone and the Decibel 10th iPhone app.
 

 
I'll be completely upfront here and state that I think there are a lot of other reviewers who are much better at describing what they're hearing than me.  Several of them have already weighed-in on the X5ii's sound - and have done a very good job at it! In light of that, I'm going to make the sound section the lightest part of my review. 
 
I typically switch off between my DX90 and X5, but as soon as the new X3's arrived I started using it as my sole DAP and sound-wise found nothing to be lacking. It drove all of my HP / IEM well with one exception to he noted later.  I typically used High Gain for HP and Low Gain for IEM, as I would with my X5 and DX90. 
 



 
When comparing more closely with my DX90 and original X5, I found subtle differences in the X5ii's sound signature that could sway you towards one of the others.  However, I'd like to make it very clear that to me these were subtle differences that required an A/B switcher to confirm.  Once you grow accustomed to the sound of any of these three DAPs, the differences melt away leaving you with a very satisfying listening experience.  Okay, so what were the differences I heard?
 
As compared to my original X5 (FW 2.5), the X5ii has less mid-bass emphasis which tightens up the low end and overall impact of bass on the sound signature.  This was one sticking point with a lot of people with the original X5, so the X5ii will make those people happy.  I found X5ii's mids to be a bit less lush than the original X5's.  I found the X5ii's upper end slightly more detailed and clear but not fatiguing.  All of these differences were subtle but added up to a slightly more analytical / linear sound signature with a more 3-dimensional soundstage.  Personally, I've been very happy with the original X5's slightly warmer, more intimate sound signature and found it was a toss-up which DAP I preferred depending on the music.  With electronic and metal, I found myself preferring the original X5 for the slightly enhanced low end and slightly warmer sound signature.  With classical and jazz, I'd reach for the X5ii for the more 3-dimensional sound signature and to hear more details.
 
As compared to my DX90 (FW 2.2.0), the DX90 has a slightly more v-shaped sound signature, with slightly enhanced bass, more energetic treble, slightly better separation and layering, and a slightly larger soundstage. There was one area where I found the DX90 to clearly win out over both original X5 and X5ii, and that was driving my HiFiMan HE-400.  The DX90 really filled them out and significantly widened the soundstage.  Other than that, the differences were again subtle.  There are plenty of advocates and detractors in both Fiio and iBasso's camps. While I enjoy both Fiio and iBasso's DAPs, I do find myself reaching more for my X5 and also found myself reaching more for the X5ii partly due to sound signature, UI, and battery life.
 

 
To sum up: I found the differences between the X5ii and my X5 were subtle.  They have similar sound signatures, and I could easily live with either. If you prefer a more linear sound signature, go for the X5ii.  If you prefer a warmer sound signature, stick with the original X5.  As mentioned, I prefer both to my DX90 for various reasons and would recommend the X5ii as a good substitute for those looking into the DX90.
 
 

SUMMARY

The X5ii is a very attractive, well-made DAP with excellent attention to detail that builds on the success of other current-generation Fiio DAPs (X1 and X3ii). Fit and finish are superb.  Its size and design make it more pocket-friendly and ergonomic for one-handed use when compared with the original X5.   The more linear sound signature really allows the unique sound signature of your HP / IEM to shine through without worrying about synergy. 
 
The only detractors for me are minimal and not enough to prevent a strong recommendation.  First - the UI isn't as polished as more mature DAPs like the iPod. However, this can be easily mitigated with basic file management and tagging practices. Second - there's no internal storage, which could've brought the X5ii close to 400GB.  Third - when compared with the original X5, the X5ii's HO and LO jacks are switch which exposed me to some high volumes as I inadvertently plugged into the wrong jack a few times.  Being an original X3 owner, one thing I wish Fiio would bring back is hardware Bass / Treble EQ.  It works a treat!
 
In short, if you're looking for a well-built mid-tier DAP with a neutral sound signature that's easy to use and pocket-friendly, the X5ii from Fiio should be at the top of your list. Fiio's learning how to make very competitive DAPs very quickly, and I can't wait to see what Fiio has in store for us when the X7 when is released!
 
Thanks again to Fiio for giving the headfi community an early taste of this brilliant new DAP!

INTRODUCTION
 
Oppo PM-3 Audition Program
 
I'd like to give a shoutout to Oppo and @Jiffy Squid for organizing the PM-3 audition tour, giving me the chance to determine if the PM-3 are right for me!
 
 
ABOUT ME
 
I'm a 43 year old music lover who listens to a wide variety of genres and artists (but mostly electronic, metal, and modern composition these days). As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues - upper frequency loss and mild tinnitus. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders, and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-120, iPod, iPhone, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
My headphone journey started with Sony MDR e888 and Eggos back in my minidisc days. I moved on to full-size Beyerdynamic and Ultrasone cans and Shure E2 and E3. Those all served me well for quite some time. Then I rediscovered headfi...
 
 
REVIEW
 
SPECS
 
From Oppo's PM-3 Page

 
 
ACCESSORIES
 
Oppo provides a nice, compact denim case, a 3m cable without mic or controls, your choice of 1.2m Android or Apple cable, 1/4" adapter, and drawstring pouch for cables.  I would've liked an additional 1.2m non-mic cable included, as I wouldn't use the cable with mic and controls very often and found myself getting tripped up with the 3m cable.
 
Here are some pics I took of the closed case and exposed to show how the headphones and cable fit inside.

 

 
 
BUILD & ERGONOMICS
 
My first reaction upon taking out the PM-3 was, "Wow, these look and feel great!!"  They have a premium look and feel and construction seems top-notch. No concerns with the build.
 
Ergonomically, they were a mixed bag.  The headband and earcups were well-cushioned and quite comfortable to wear for extended periods.  The downfall is the quite small cup size.  I've got small-ish ears that don't stick out much, and these seemed cramped to me and my ears were just touching the drivers.  For someone with large ears, I'd be concerned that you'd have to stuff your ears in and then they'd be touching the drivers.  I felt like I was just above the sweet spot for these with ear size.
 
PM-3 with my trusty Fiio X5 for size reference
 

 
 
SOUND
 
Listening parameters: I listened to the PM-3 through my iPhone 5S and Fiio X5 with or without my E12DIY with LME49600 + OPA627.  For comparison, I used my HiFiMan HE400 (open planar) and AKG K553 (closed, dynamic).  Songs were a mix from various genres I enjoy.
 
So, how do they sound? Well, I'm going to keep this section simple. I appreciate reviewers who wax eloquent, describing each peak and valley - but that's not my forte. 
 
To be blunt, the PM-3 have a pretty neutral sound signature that is easy to listen to for extended sessions but unltimately suffer from rolled-off low and high end and small soundstage compared to the headphones I used for comparison.
 
Compared to the HE400 and K553, I found the PM-3's low end lacked punch and warmth, making the low end sound more sterile than I'd prefer.  Bass speed was more than adequate to keep up.  EQ-ing up the mid-bass helped warm them up a bit, but I couldn't achieve the level of sub-bass punch I like for electronic music.
 
I didn't find anything to complain about with the mids.
 
Compared to the HE400 and K553, the PM-3 lacked sparkle up top.  This could be a pro or con depending on your listening preferences.  I prefer more sparkle and found them lacking.  This can definitely be a pro for extended listening sessions, though.
 
Compared to the HE400 and K553, I found the PM-3's soundstage quite intimate.  I expected more at this price point but expect the role off upper end is at work here.
 
One last pic...
 

 
 
ISOLATION & MICROPHONICS
 
Isolation was fine and was better than the K553.  Microphonics were minimal.  Not much to complain about here.
 
 
SUMMARY
 
The Oppo PM-3 are an attractive, well-built pair of closed planar headphones with a neutral sound signature that's easy to listen to.  That said, I found they lacked low and high end extension and energy and soundstage that I missed compared to other headphones in my arsenal.  A good first attempt from Oppo, but there's room for improvement!
 
 
Thanks again to Oppo and @Jiffy Squid for giving the Head-Fi community the generous offer to audition these in-home.  Very nice!

INTRODUCTION

Altone250 U.S. Tour

Being an Altone200 fan, I was quite excited to hear that T-PEOS was updating their IEM lineup with a new Altone series based on feedback received from the H300 and Altone200 IEM. EmpJ from CTC Audio heard about my interest and reached out to me to organize a U.S. tour for the T-PEOS Altone250, which is the mid-tier product in the new Altone lineup. Thanks CTC Audio!!!

Jonyoo has linked to numerous pics of the new Altone lineup, so I'm going to borrow some of those since I'm not the best product photographer. I'll also post some pics I took showing fit and comparing size to Altone200 and Dunu DN1K.


ABOUT ME

I'm a 43 year old music lover who listens to a wide variety of genres and artists (but mostly electronic, metal, and modern composition these days). As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues - upper frequency loss and mild tinnitus.

My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders, and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-120, iPod, iPhone, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso.

My headphone journey started with Sony MDR e888 and Eggos back in my minidisc days. I moved on to full-size Beyerdynamic and Ultrasone cans and Shure E2 and E3. Those all served me well for quite some time. Then I rediscovered headfi...


REVIEW

NEW ALTONE LINEUP




ACCESSORIES

T-PEOS includes S, M & L narrow and wide bore silicon tips, Comply tips, a shirt clip, soft case, and two cables (with/without remote). Plenty of goodies - no complaints here!




BUILD & ERGONOMICS

My first reaction after opening the box was, "Man, those look shiny, tough, and maybe a bit heavy!" When I removed them from the foam insert, I was reassured by the weight but didn't find them overly heavy - lighter than DN1K shells, actually. Build quality looks to be quite high. With titanium housings and detachable cables, they seem built to last!

By default, they come with the black remote cable attached. Since I planned to mostly use these with dedicated DAPs, I decided to go with the very red remote-free cable. The unique DC connectors were easy to remove and the new connectors clicked in very securely with no worry of bending/damage as when swapping 2-pin cables. After using 2-pin, MMCX, and these DC connectors, I have to say the DC connectors seem easiest to remove and replace. The downside is they're larger than the alternatives. If the connector length can be reduced without compromising a secure connection, I'd happily encourage more IEM manufacturers to jump on the DC connector bandwagon so we have more choices for third-party cables for T-PEOS IEMs.



Ok. I had them out, cabled-up, and ready to go. How did they fit? Well, this is a bit of a mixed-bag. I'd already gotten word that achieving an over-ear fit with these was going to be a challenge due to the large connectors + a very springy rubberized cable. I gave it a go anyway. Without ear guides, it was definitely a no-go. The cables were just too springy, with a mind of their own. No problem, I'll try the ear guides! Well, that's a no-go, as well. The cable was very stubborn and refused to stay in the ear guides. Maybe someone else can figure out how to get these to cooperate for over-ear use? Until then, I'm wearing these down. No big deal for me as I prefer that anyway.



Once I settled on wearing them down, I snuggled them into my ears and found I got a great, comfortable seal with the stock medium wide bore tips. I left these on for the review, since they fit so well.



TL/DR: Well-constructed titanium housings, springy rubberized cables with secure yet non-standard DC connectors, easily worn down, hard to wear over ear.


SOUND

So, how do they sound? Well, I'm going to keep this section simple. I appreciate reviewers who wax eloquent, describing each peak and valley - but that's not my forte.

To be blunt, the Altone250 have a big sound. They are an IEM with plenty of punchy bass, nice mids, and clarity up top.

The low end is well-extended and well-represented with very punchy bass when called for. Depending on your sound signature and musical preferences, the low end might have more mid-bass than you'd like. When listening to classical, electronic, jazz, and leaner rock music, I found the mid-bass wasn't objectionable and added warmth and richness to the music. For a more linear sounding bass region, I found cutting 150Hz by 2-4dB tightened things up nicely.

So yes, the low end could be a bit much for some people. Luckily they respond well to EQ, so set up an EQ to carve out mid bass and use when needed. Otherwise, leave them alone and enjoy a warmer, richer listening experience that'll provide plenty of bass slam when needed.

I didn't find anything to complain about with the mids and treble. The mids seem pretty neutral to me. Enough presence to ensure vocals don't sound sucked out but not so much that they sound overly sweet.

Being T-PEOS, they've got some sparkle up top but it isn't overbearing. These aren't detail monsters, but I don't think they're meant to be. They're a fun, bassy sound that doesn't lose out on the mid section and doesn't succumb to the fun sound signature traps of either rolling off the top end too much or making it overly bright and splashy. Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who went to one too many metal concerts in their youth (Earplugs? I don't need no stinking earplugs!).

Soundstage is decent but not as spacious as some of my other IEMs. Carving out the mid-bass helps open things up a bit.

TL/DR: Fun sound signature with big punchy bass, neutral mids, and clear yet not overbearing treble. Responds well to EQ, which some will want to attenuate bass as needed. Decent soundstage.


ISOLATION & MICROPHONICS

While isolation is on par with my other hybrids, the rubbery cable is quite microphonic. Using the provided clip does help attenuate this some, but not completely. Being able to wear them over ear would definitely help, but that springy cable just won't cooperate. I would've much rather T-PEOS used a thinner, more supple cable so it would stay put in the ear guides. A nice supple braided cable would've been even better!


SUMMARY

The new Altone250 are an attractive, well-built pair of IEMs from T-PEOS. They have big sound, with deep punchy bass that can require EQ to attenuate depending on personal preference and music at hand. If you listen to a lot of electronic or metal music as I do, these might be right up your alley. Let the bass come out to play and give you a good solid punch in the eardrums when it's party time. Then reign it in with a bit of EQ when you put on some delicate, refined audiophile tunes.

These fill a gap in my IEM collection, as no other IEM I have has their sheer power while retaining good mids and top end. This is what I was hoping for when I auditioned RHA T10. They're not as refined/restrained as my Altone200 or Dunu DN-1000, but boy is it an exciting ride!

A few detractors are the overly springy rubberized cable that, while tough, prevents easily achieving over-ear fit. The unfortunate side effect of this is there's not a really good way to attenuate microphonics.

Thanks again to CTC Audio for providing the tour unit. They're a unique IEM in my collection, which makes me interested in hearing other IEM I think may be in this vein like JVC FX850 and T-PEOS H300 & Altone350.

P.S., Be on the lookout for more reviews as the tour continues...

DISCLAIMER

 
I was provided the new X3 as a review sample as part of the U.S. tour. There is no financial incentive from Fiio in writing this review.  I am in no way affiliated with Fiio, and this is my honest opinion of the new X3.  I would like to thank Joe & James from Fiio for giving me the opportunity to test drive the new X3.
 
 
ABOUT ME

 
I'm a 43 year old father who loves music. From electronic (Autechre, Boards of Canada) to modern/minimalist composition (John Cage, Philip Glass) to alternative rock (Flaming Lips, Radiohead) to jazz (John Coltrane and Miles Davis) to metal (Behemoth, King Diamond) to classic rock (Eagles, Rush), I listen to a wide variety of genres and artists. 
 
My portable music journey started with the venerable Sony Cassette Walkman and then progressed to portable CD players, minidisc recorders (still have my Sharp DR7), and finally on to DAPs like the Rio Karma, iRiver IHP-120 (just picked a lightly-used IHP-140 for nostalgia's sake), iPod 5.5, iPhones, and the newer crop of DAPs from Fiio and iBasso. 
 
I typically listen with IEMs from my ever-growing collection from budget to mid-fi. Less often, I grab a pair of full-size cans. Recently, I've been listening a lot with Brainwavz S0 & S5, Heir 4Ai-s, Philips Fidelio L1, and Vsonic VSD5. You can always check my profile for a reasonably up to date gear list. 
 
As with a lot of people my age, I've got some hearing issues. I've got mild tinnitus and suffer from allergies, which often affect hearing in my right ear. I'll admit it, I'm not blessed with a pair of golden ears. That said, I've been listening to portable gear for a long time and feel confident in assessing audio gear - just wanted to be transparent up front. 
 

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INTRO

 
Previous reviews have great unboxing pics, specs, and a full accessories list. I'm not going to duplicate that effort and will instead focus on a more experiential take on the new X3. I will say that if you've purchased a Fiio product recently, the unboxing experience will be very familiar and you get all the accessories you need to get up and running and protect your new DAP. And it's really nice that the X3 comes with screen and rear protection films pre-applied. Thumbs-up, Fiio! Do you (and your new X3's) a favor though, and buy a Dignis leather case for it when they become available - you will not be disappointed!
 
Glamor Shot #1: New X3 + Philips Fidelio L1

 

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BUILD & ERGONOMICS

 
My first reaction after opening the box was, "Whoa, this thing is tiny!"  When I lifted it from the box, I was reassured by the weight. It may be smaller than I expected, but it felt really solid - especially compared to the old X3 which felt light for its size. I was also struck by how attractive it is with careful attention to detail and gunmetal finish. 
 
As I turned it on and started to play with the controls, I was again impressed by how well-centered all the buttons were in the frame. This is something that can get overlooked and was definitely appreciated at this price point. Not only were all the buttons nicely centered, they felt good when pressing them with just the right amount of resistance. 
 
Some much-appreciated differences coming from my X5 were the four control buttons, which are now round and well-marked. The four control buttons on the X5 are okay, but their shape makes them easier to accidentally press. Having smaller targets means fewer navigational faux-pax. 
 
The power button was moved from on top on the X5 to the left side just above the volume controls, and it's now recessed. Again, this means fewer accidental presses. The volume buttons are more distinct and separated than those on the X5, and the X3 volume up button has a small raised dot to distinguish it from the nearby recessed power and volume down buttons. Nice touches!
 
In contrast to my old X3 and my X5, the new X3 has a shared Line / Coaxial Out jack. I think this is a quite reasonable compromise to conserve space, but I found one UI quirk that I hope is fixed before final release. The default is Coax Out, which is an odd choice given how many people use Line Out vs. Coax Out. I could easily see this leading to confusion when people hook their new X3 up to their favorite amp and get no signal. Fiio, please fix this and make Line Out the default.
 
I saved my two favorites for last: the screen and scroll wheel. The screen is flush with the X3's body and there's no wasted screen space. In contrast, the X5's screen is raised up a few mm above the X5's body and has a bezel on the left and right sides which gives a letterboxed look to the screen. 
 
And finally the scroll wheel, what a love or hate thing it is. I'm in the love it club and found the X3's scroll wheel to be a nice improvement over the X5's. The X3's scroll wheel is tighter and has quite noticeable clicks when rotated. In contrast, the X5's scroll wheel feels much looser and has no clicks as you rotate the scroll wheel. The one nit I have to pick with the X3's scroll wheel is that with noticeable clicks, I felt an expectation that each click would represent one line or movement through the X3's UI. That didn't happen, and I could see it leading to frustration for some people.
 
To sum up: The size, weight, and placement of controls makes one-handed use easy. It also makes the new X3 very pocket-friendly. Attention to detail like "right-sized" buttons with just the right amount of resistance means fewer accidental button presses. Small details like the recessed power button and raised dot on the volume up button allow Fiio to place important buttons in close proximity while allowing for blind operation.
 
The lineup: X5, old X3, DX90, new X3
 

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USER INTERFACE
 
User Interface (UI) can make or break a positive experience with any piece of technology. Luckily, Fiio is learning fast! I was an early adopter, buying the original X3 on pre-order. To be completely honest it was a bit of a wild ride at first. But to their credit Fiio not only listened to customer feedback, they actively solicited customer feedback. I'm proud to say that I and many fellow headfiers actively participated in that process, identifying bugs, suggesting new features, and beta-testing firmware, making the original X3 a much better DAP. 
 
Next came the X5, and it had a much more mature UI than the original X3 had - even with all the community-driven improvements the X3's UI now had. The X5's UI was very stable but was lacking some some features more mature DAPs have, especially when it came to reading tags and building a database for tag-based browsing. The new X3 shares those limitations, so you need to go in eyes wide open if you're used to using a smartphone or a DAP with more mature firmware. Many commonly-used tags just aren't recognized by Fiio's DAPs - like Album Artist, CD#, and Composer. And when browsing by Genre, you just get a big list of songs for each Genre in numerical order. IMHO, it would be handier to have Genre browsing act like a filter for Genre-specific Artist -> Album browsing. 
 
To overcome these limitation many Fiio DAP users have become fans of File Browsing, which doesn't rely on the database. For instance, the 128GB mSD card I used while testing the new X3 was organized at the top level with folders named A-C, D-F, G-I, etc. Inside those, I maintained the following folder naming scheme: Artist / Year  Album / Songs. To easily accomplish this, I set up Media Rage or MP3Tag to rename my folders to follow that folder structure, pulling the relevant information from tags. This structure lets me quickly navigate through my artists and once I'm at the album level, albums are all arranged I chronological order. Nice!
 
Other than weak support for tags, the new X3's UI is very easy to navigate and is easy on the eyes. Of course, there is a flourishing community of themers for Fiio DAPs on headfi. So if you're not completely satisfied with the stock UI, once the new X3 is released you should be able to easily find a number of alternate themes to choose from - from professional to fun!
 
Just like the X5's, the new X3's features a very functional10-band equalizer with several fully-customizable presets. If you learn how to mod the firmware, you can even rename them. I did this with my X5, renaming the presets after my most commonly-used HP / IEM. This allows me to tailor each preset for my HP / IEM and then easily switch between them without remembering whether my VSD5 was the Metal or Rock preset - handy!
 
On a related note, the new X3's "deep sleep" mode works a treat! Fiio DAPs are known for good battery life to begin with, so I wasn't expecting to charge the new X3 much during my time with it. No surprise there that I only had to charge it once during my time and then topped it off before mailing it out to the next reviewer. I was pleasantly surprised with how fast the new X3 was at resuming playback when picking it up after a period of non-use. Instead of waiting for the DAP to boot before I could listen to music, I experienced near instantaneous resumption of music playback - brilliant!
 
To sum up: The new X3 is no iPod and does lack support for some commonly-used tags that will frustrate some users - especially classical music fans. For most users though, this is easily overcome with some basic file / folder organization and File Browsing. And despite not being as feature rich as a more mature DAP like an iPod, the new X3 is very easy to use and most users will find little to complain about especially with lightning-fast response with the new "deep sleep" feature. 
 
Glamor Shot #2: New X3 + Heir 4.Ai-s

 

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SOUND

 
Since Gold Master firmware was not released yet, I tested the new X3 with firmware 0.22b.  During my time with the new X3 very, I used the following HP / IEM: Brainwavz S0 & S5, Heir 4.Ai-s, Philips Fidelio L1, TPEOS Altone200, and Vsonic VSD5. I didn't encounter any sound-matching issues with any of these, and could easily recommend any of them for use with the new X3. For critical listening, I set the new X3 to a comfortable listening level with a pair of Denon AH-D1100 I had close at hand, played a 1kHz test time, and volume matched the new X3 with my X5 and DX90 using the Decibel 10th iPhone app. I don't have a setup to volume match IEM yet, so I extrapolated the results with my AH-D1100 to the other HP / IEM I used. Here are the volume matching results I got:
 
X3 @ 30 (Low Gain) = 77dB ->1x multiplier
X5 @ 26 (Low Gain) = 77dB -> 0.87x multiplier
DX90 @ 160 (Low Gain) = 77dB -> 5.3x multiplier
 
Other reviewers much better at describing what they're hearing have weighed-in on the new X3's sound - and have done a very good job at it! In light of that, I'm going to make my sound section the lightest part of my review. I listened to the X3 as my sole DAP for my time with it, only comparing it with my DX90 and X5 at the end of the week before my time was up. 
 
I typically switch off between my DX90 and X5 from week to week and was just coming off a week with the X5 when the new X3 arrived for testing. As soon as the new X3 arrived, I immediately started using it as my sole DAP and sound-wise found nothing to be lacking. It drove all of my HP / IEM to my satisfaction. I typically used High Gain for HP and Low Gain for IEM, as I would with my X5.
 
When comparing more closely with my DX90 and X5 later in the week, I found the new X3 was indeed very close sound-wise to my X5. Close enough in fact, that I could see the new X3 being a very good substitute for the X5 if one doesn't need the extra mSD slot. I'm glad Fiio has adopted this quite neutral sound signature as their new house sound. 
 
Comparing the new X3 with my DX90 (Lurker0 2.1.8 FW), the DX90 has a more v-shaped sound signature with slightly enhanced bass, more energetic treble, slightly better separation and layering and a slightly larger soundstage. There are plenty of advocates and detractors in both Fiio and iBasso's camps. I find both Fiio's more neutral sound signature and iBasso's more v-shaped sound signature complement each other, and I enjoy having both around to switch back and forth between. 
 
To sum up: I found the new X3's and my X5 to have very similar sound signatures. So similar in fact, I could easily live with the new X3 in lieu of my X5 sound-wise. As compared to my D90, both the new X3 and my X5 have a more neutral, more linear sound that purists will appreciate. Those looking for a more v-shaped sound should look elsewhere. 
 
Glamour Shot #3: New X3 + TPEOS Altone200
 

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SUMMARY

 
The new X3 is a very attractive, well-made DAP with excellent attention to detail that solves a lot of the little niggles I had with previous Fiio DAPs. Fit and finish are definitely upgraded when compared with the original X3 and X5. It's size and design make it it very ergonomic for one-handed use. It's small size and strong-enough amp stage make it pocket-friendly with no need for an amp to get a great portable listening experience. The neutral sound signature really allows the unique sound signature of your HP / IEM to shine through without worrying about synergy. 
 
The only detractors for me are minimal and not enough to prevent a strong recommendation. First - the UI isn't as polished as more mature DAPs like the iPod. However, this can be easily mitigated with basic file management and tagging practices. Second - when compared with the X5, the new X3's has only one mSD slot as compared to the X5's two mSD slots. For me, this is the difference between carrying around my music library in AAC (new X3) vs. FLAC (X5). Third - when compared with the old X3, the new X3 is missing the very nice hardware bass and treble controls. This is a feature that really works a treat, and I'd like to see incorporated into more of Fiio's DAPs in the future. 
 
In short, if you're looking for a new DAP with a neutral sound signature that's easy to use, well-built, stylish and very ergonomic and pocket-friendly and don't mind living with one mSD slot, the new X3 from Fiio should be at the top of your list. Fiio's learning how to make very competitive DAPs very quickly, and I can't wait to test out the X5 2nd Generation when it's released!
 
Thanks again to Fiio for giving the headfi community an early taste of this brilliant new DAP!
 
Glamor Shot #4: New X3 + Vsonic VSD5

 

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P.S., If you do end up buying a new X3, I'd suggest investing in a nice leather case from Dignis.  I have one for both my X5 and DX90 and love them.  Here's an example of a nice leather X1 case from rakuten.com: