I just got these this morning (ordered last Thursday) and I'd like to post a few impressions. Since this is my first mini-review-thing, don't expect to see me use a heap of terminology.
I tested using:
iPod 6G (ALAC)
Creative EP-630
Head-Direct RE-2
The pleather (plastic leather) box that the 'phones come in is okay, and nothing special. Inside, you get a heap of tips; but mostly bi-flange ones. One gripe was that the holes in some of the tips are smaller than the earphone head, so a little force was required to put them on. Furthermore, you also get 2 pairs of replacement filters just in case the default ones get clogged up. A shirt clip is included to reduce microphonics. The build is okay, the cord is a bit stiff and cheap-feeling, but I'll get used to it eventually. The shiny silver finish on top of the earbuds looks nice and doesn't look like it'll rub off anytime soon.
Initial fit was awkward since I've never used anything past single-flanges before. But once I got that seal, it was quite comfortable. Microphonics was worse than the Creative EP-630 and pretty much reproduced every movement.
I didn't have much time to do an en-masse variety of songs, but I used two ALAC tracks.
Vivaldi Four Seasons - Summer 3rd Movement (Tempo Impetuoso d'Estate)
Linkin Park - Numb
Initial Listens
Highs: strong but very smooth, no harshness
Mids: clear and detailed
Lows: the bass is a little flat and doesn't seem to extend much.
Detail: able to hear all the different instruments in 'most' songs.
Sound-stage: doesn't really have the "in-your-head" experience, relatively wide, airy
Overall: cold, analytical signature with great detail
Comparisons
RE-2 vs. EP-630
Summer: The boosted bass on the EP-630 gives the song some warmth, but the highs cause some fatigue after a period of listening. However, the RE-2 reproduces the song with greater detail and with less warmth. The violin strokes are reproduced in a manner that I can only describe as cold and analytical. The RE-2 is able to reproduce the backing harpsichord whereas it is only slightly discernible on the EP-630 if I concentrate really hard. The RE-2 produces a far more accurate sound than the EP-630's 'coloured' sound.
Numb: The bass on the EP-630 has more impact than the RE-2. However, the bass impact creates a very boomy and muddy sound effect which veils over the midrange. As a result, there is still detail, but the drum kit, guitars sounds very faint and slightly harsh. With the RE-2, the bass sounds a little flat and anemic, but it's still there. Increasing the volume does help a little though. (My volume slider = ~50%) While the bass isn't powerful or 'thumpy', the song's details can be clearly heard. The guitar chords are well pronounced with the RE-2, but the EP-630 somehow manages to cloud them with the overpowering bass notes. As for voices, the EP-630 sounds a little quiet and muffled, whereas the RE-2 sounds more life-like.
Conclusion: For $49 USD (FiiO E5 combo), the Head-Direct RE-2 represents very good value if you're into classical/baroque music. The overall sound quality is great and quite similar to that found on my Audio-Technica AD700. Highs and mids are clear, detailed whilst the bass is present, but light. In regard to ClieOS' 18 IEM shootout, matching the RE-2 with the E3 is also a very good idea. A quick match showed that the E3 improves the bass response, giving it a much darker sound while maintaining a good level of detail. UPDATE: The cable on the RE-2 is very stiff...so restricting movement of the cable is a must; otherwise - the microphonics will ruin your sonic bliss.
In regards to Head-Direct, the purchase was flawless, with payment received within 24 hours. The earphones and amp arrived in an excellent condition, with no shipping defects/marks. I will buy again if the need arises. Update: Great sound quality, but the headphone jack doesn't last very long...
MAJOR UPDATE: Edit: the earphones are fine; no drivers blew...but I'm guessing the right channel disappeared because the headphone jack screwed itself over
I tested using:
iPod 6G (ALAC)
Creative EP-630
Head-Direct RE-2
The pleather (plastic leather) box that the 'phones come in is okay, and nothing special. Inside, you get a heap of tips; but mostly bi-flange ones. One gripe was that the holes in some of the tips are smaller than the earphone head, so a little force was required to put them on. Furthermore, you also get 2 pairs of replacement filters just in case the default ones get clogged up. A shirt clip is included to reduce microphonics. The build is okay, the cord is a bit stiff and cheap-feeling, but I'll get used to it eventually. The shiny silver finish on top of the earbuds looks nice and doesn't look like it'll rub off anytime soon.
Initial fit was awkward since I've never used anything past single-flanges before. But once I got that seal, it was quite comfortable. Microphonics was worse than the Creative EP-630 and pretty much reproduced every movement.
I didn't have much time to do an en-masse variety of songs, but I used two ALAC tracks.
Vivaldi Four Seasons - Summer 3rd Movement (Tempo Impetuoso d'Estate)
Linkin Park - Numb
Initial Listens
Highs: strong but very smooth, no harshness
Mids: clear and detailed
Lows: the bass is a little flat and doesn't seem to extend much.
Detail: able to hear all the different instruments in 'most' songs.
Sound-stage: doesn't really have the "in-your-head" experience, relatively wide, airy
Overall: cold, analytical signature with great detail
Comparisons
RE-2 vs. EP-630
Summer: The boosted bass on the EP-630 gives the song some warmth, but the highs cause some fatigue after a period of listening. However, the RE-2 reproduces the song with greater detail and with less warmth. The violin strokes are reproduced in a manner that I can only describe as cold and analytical. The RE-2 is able to reproduce the backing harpsichord whereas it is only slightly discernible on the EP-630 if I concentrate really hard. The RE-2 produces a far more accurate sound than the EP-630's 'coloured' sound.
Numb: The bass on the EP-630 has more impact than the RE-2. However, the bass impact creates a very boomy and muddy sound effect which veils over the midrange. As a result, there is still detail, but the drum kit, guitars sounds very faint and slightly harsh. With the RE-2, the bass sounds a little flat and anemic, but it's still there. Increasing the volume does help a little though. (My volume slider = ~50%) While the bass isn't powerful or 'thumpy', the song's details can be clearly heard. The guitar chords are well pronounced with the RE-2, but the EP-630 somehow manages to cloud them with the overpowering bass notes. As for voices, the EP-630 sounds a little quiet and muffled, whereas the RE-2 sounds more life-like.
Conclusion: For $49 USD (FiiO E5 combo), the Head-Direct RE-2 represents very good value if you're into classical/baroque music. The overall sound quality is great and quite similar to that found on my Audio-Technica AD700. Highs and mids are clear, detailed whilst the bass is present, but light. In regard to ClieOS' 18 IEM shootout, matching the RE-2 with the E3 is also a very good idea. A quick match showed that the E3 improves the bass response, giving it a much darker sound while maintaining a good level of detail. UPDATE: The cable on the RE-2 is very stiff...so restricting movement of the cable is a must; otherwise - the microphonics will ruin your sonic bliss.
In regards to Head-Direct, the purchase was flawless, with payment received within 24 hours. The earphones and amp arrived in an excellent condition, with no shipping defects/marks. I will buy again if the need arises. Update: Great sound quality, but the headphone jack doesn't last very long...
MAJOR UPDATE: Edit: the earphones are fine; no drivers blew...but I'm guessing the right channel disappeared because the headphone jack screwed itself over
