Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click (photos in tables) to view larger images. INTRODUCTION My favourite DAP, and the one I used most often for testing (up to last year anyway) was FiiO X3 2nd generation (or X3ii). It was a perfect palm size, had a bevy of features, good power output, was pretty responsive, and pretty much did everything for around 200 USD. In my opinion, there wasn't a DAP I'd seen that could touch it in the value for money stakes. Like most FiiO DAPs, it took a while for the firmware to mature – but once it did...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION I've stuck to a couple of rules since I first started reviewing and getting samples sent to me. The first was not to openly solicit review samples (it helps keep me at a distance from the manufacturer, so I'm less likely to show overly positive bias). The second rule works similarly – treat any sample as borrowed (unless I buy it – and I do buy the things I want to keep). Both rules have served me well so far. What has been really nice is when a new company...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION Most of you will know my review style by now – and typically it has always been listen and measure, and then try to reconcile the two. I'm also a strong proponent of blind testing (where possible), volume matching properly when making comparisons, and trying to look as objectively as possible at a product when evaluating. But very occasionally some of the methodology goes out the window – usually when I find something I can't measure (don't have the gear), and...

Pictures in tables are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION I love trying new technologies, and especially when they are coming from companies who are very innovative, and who have vast knowledge of the industry. My friend Alex (Twister6) talked to Unique Melody some time ago and mentioned my name to them. As many know, I don't solicit review samples (I prefer companies to approach me – it helps me personally remain more impartial), so it was somewhat of a welcome surprise to receive contact from Lawrence of UM...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click (photos in tables) to view larger images. INTRODUCTION One of my first introductions to FiiO (from a DAP perspective) was the original X1. At the time I was looking for an affordable portable player which I could use on-the-go and also around home (pairing an appropriate amplifier for full sized cans). When it was first released, the firmware was a work in progress. It took FiiO a while to get it right, but eventually what we got was a fully featured pocketable audio player with very good SQ, and...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION FiiO has been on a bit of a roll lately – introducing new product lines, and updating old ones. They also branched out into earphones and ear-buds – starting with the F1, EX1, and more recently the F3 and F5. They've proven to be very good – especially at the more budget end of the scale. I remember suggesting to FiiO a while ago that I'd love to see what they could do if they were to put their mind to a truly ergonomic IEM – similar to other offerings from...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click (photos in tables) to view larger images. INTRODUCTION That most elusive of audio hardware components – the perfect DAP or Digital Audio Player. Anyone who is into personal (and especially portable) audio will recognise the search for nirvana. The perfect player must be able to drive practically any headphone (from the most sensitive to the harder to drive), must sound incredible, have a perfect UI, perfect wireless, perfect bluetooth, perfect sorting ability, perfect EQ tools, long battery life...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click (photos in tables) to view larger images. INTRODUCTION The search for the holy grail, for our personal end-game earphones. For many it will be a “pipe dream” – there is always something better. For others it can be simply a matter of gaining enough experience to really understand what our own personal triggers are, and then getting as close as possible within an affordable budget. For the lucky ones, what awaits is the chance to forget about the excitement of new gear, and enjoy the much more...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION I posted my RE2000 review just a few weeks ago, and the follow up to that review was always going to be it's sibling – the RE800. When Mark contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing both the RE2000 and RE800 I went into it knowing I couldn't afford the RE2000 but hoping that the RE800 might hit a sweet spot between sound and affordability. I'd loved the RE400/600? earphone which was included with the HiFiMan SuperMini when I reviewed it, and was...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click (photos in tables) to view larger images. INTRODUCTION As music lovers, its not uncommon for a lot of us to have multiple earphones – mainly for those times when we're in the mood for a slightly different sound. Whether it be more bass, a different tonality in the mid-range, more up top, preference for a V shape (fun!) or simply more balance. The problem is that to satisfy this we either have to be adept using EQ (its not hard once you learn), have reasonably deep pockets (for multiple earphones)...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION I've reviewed a couple of HifiMan's DAPs in the past (one of which included an IEM I suspect was modelled on the RE600). I've also heard the HE-6 at a meet and was very impressed with what they had achieved. But beyond that I haven't heard a lot of their line-up. So when Mark contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing some more of their gear, I jumped at the chance. He originally asked if I wanted to review the Susvara as well as the RE2000 and...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION Sunny from FiiO has had me pretty busy with a string of released products, and I have to admit falling behind a bit (and I apologise for that). Recently I reviewed their F1 and F3 IEMs and found both to be very well tuned for the money. The third in the series reaches a little higher in the price bracket (still sub $100 though), and introduces replaceable cables, a balanced cable option, and early hype suggested these would be something quite well received at the...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION Its often you see a progression from new audio companies – starting with entry level, then slowly building their range, pushing boundaries, and eventually aiming for for their flagship. We've seen Fidue do it – starting with their A60 series, building to the A70 and A80 series, and culminating with their A91. We've seen Dunu do it with their DN-1k, move to the DN-2K and 2002, and now make inroads with the DK-3001 and (coming) DK-4001. And then there are the...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION My first foray into the world of quality sounding IEMs was with Shures range quite a few years ago – starting with the SE425 and culminating with the SE535LE. From there I first experimented with hybrid IEMs – first T-Peos Altone 200 and Dunu's DN-1000 triple drivers, and shortly afterwards Fidues A83 triple. The A83 mesmerised me, and the sound still captivates me when I get them out from time to time. What impressed me was the big sound – the robustness of the...

Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION Having listened to most of DUNU Topsound's hybrid earphones (DN1000, 2000, 2000J and 2002), and also their Titan series (1, 3 and 5), I've been privileged to experience the evolution of a company's engineers as they search for their own “holy grail” of sonic performance. When they first released the DN-series hybrids, many (myself included) marvelled at the overall package DUNU was able to deliver – in terms of sonics, build quality, and innovation – and...

  Picture are default 1200 x 800 resolution - click to view larger images. INTRODUCTION This one came out of the blue. A company I'd never heard of, and an IEM I didn't know existed. The inquiry was from Baptiste Sanchez (their CEO) after a recommendation from Nic Flinkenflogel – and naturally I was intrigued.   The ODS-1 is a hybrid IEM in 3 different subtle options – the Classic, Legacy and Eclipse. All run at $360 on aëdle's website. I think what hooked me is the style/flair/elegance. I should elaborate a little. I'm a huge Rugby Union fan...

For larger views of any of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images INTRODUCTION This is the 2nd pair of IEMs sent to me for evaluation recently by FiiO. You can find my thoughts on their F1 IEM here, and the F1 did genuinely surprise me with its tonality and overall sonic signature for a very budget price. The F3 comes in at a price slightly more expensive – but still firmly in a budget price bracket (only USD $25). As I alluded to in my F1 review, it's nice to get an unexpected surprise when reviewing a cheaper headphone...

For larger views of any of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images INTRODUCTION Every so often as a reviewer you get a surprise – something not quite expected. Sometimes its disappointment – when a much hyped new product simply doesn't live up to its billing. Other times its quiet wonder and amazement – especially when something arrives that you thought would be just another product – and it turns out to be something quite special. When Sunny approached me about reviewing their F1 and F3 IEMs, my initial reaction was “OK its...

For larger views of any of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images INTRODUCTION Choosing an amp or amp/DAC can be bewildering given the many options and price points available. Add to that the many subjective opinions from reviews about what adding a new amp or amp/DAC can bring to the table in terms of clarity! details! soundstage! As I’ve gained a lot more experience, and (more importantly) tested more, I’ve come to realise that many of the differences I thought I’d previously heard are pretty subtle, and mostly occur...

For larger views of any of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images INTRODUCTION I was first introduced to RHA (or Reid Heath Acoustics) during a review tour for the RHA T10i, and later the RHA T20. I was very impressed with the build and fit on both earphones, but less impressed with the T10i signature (too bassy IMO), and pleasantly surprised with their T20 – which I still regard as a very good earphone in its price range. So when their new CL range was announced late in 2016, I was very keen to review, and especially so...