Xwind (Jaben Taiwan)

http://xwind-jaben.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post.html

So it seems I'll soon have the opportunity to listen to at least six different CIEM demo models. I'll bring my own recordings -- probably on my laptop, so I can use the DACport rather than the Clip Zip. I'll write down my impressions, but I'm not nearly as experienced as many here on Head-Fi, so don't expect too much. I will let you down. I will make you hurt.

Still ... the point of this post is to ask if you'd like me to use any specific song as a comparison sample. Please keep in mind that listening to the different demo models while taking notes will take time, and that I won't be alone there; we'll all have to take turns. Therefore, please don't provide me with a list of your top 500 favorite songs of all time! 

Ah, well. In fact, there was only one custom demo model (ACS T1) and it was too small for my ears. I could get a seal by pressing my palms hard against my conchas, but even then I could only hear on one side. I wouldn't dare judge the actual product on this experience.

I did get to try a lot of earphones and headphones, though, in the nearly six hours I spent with the friendly people at Xwind (Jaben Taiwan): HD 800, balanced HD 600, PS 5000, DT 990 pro, K 1000, K 701, TMA-1, Piano Forte VIII, FI-BA-SS, SM3, DBA-02, Audéo, Atrio, GR07, and BA200.

Ironically, my Heir Audio 4.A ended stealing the show, with people taking turns to take pictures of it.

From left to right:

Kozee X1, Heir Audio 4.A, ACS T1, LiveWires

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscy2000 

haha nice! you protected my identity!

But how much will you pay for me to keep doing so? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscy2000 

I can give you my ear impressions!

Pff! Waaay too small.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscy2000 

Anyway, you might want to change the title of the thread. 

Correct. And done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscy2000 

BTW, that guy with the Livewire Trips was surprisingly knowledgeable about a lot of stuff. He has done a lot of measurements with different hardware setups; I forgot to get his information.

I've read people complain that the LiveWires cable connectors look ugly. I personnaly don't think so. Their position on the CIEM prevents faceplate art, that's all. On the other hand, this position allows for a lower-profile CIEM (only the connector needs to stick out, not the whole faceplate) and, for those who care, it can be worn both over the ear or straight down. Looks rather pretty, and pretty clever, to me.

Eh, coupled with a Heir Audio wooden faceplate, the LiveWires gold connector would look simply smashing! Nearly steampunk in style. The kind of CIEM Captain Nemo would have worn. ^_^

Quote:

Originally Posted by killkli 

But I'm still temped to buy the Heir 4, especially since I've got a free impression at hand (and not lucky enough to get the ACS T1 XD)

Neither was I.