INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The Softears Reference Sound Five (RSV) is an in-ear monitor (IEM) using five balanced armature (BA) drivers per housing. The RSV retails for $729.99 at ShenzhenAudio. I received the RSV from ShenzhenAudio as part of a review tour. I have had the RSV for just around three weeks and have listened to it extensively during that time. ShenzhenAudio will cover shipping to the next reviewer on the tour, but I am not being otherwise compensated for writing this review. SOURCES: I have used the Softears RSV with the following...

Introduction and Disclaimer: The Hidizs H2 is a Bluetooth receiver with a single 3.5mm output. It normally retails for $64.99. The H2 was provided to me by HiFiGo in exchange for a fair and objective review. Packaging and Accessories: The Hidizs H2 comes in a small black rectangular cardboard box. The front of the box is marked with the Hidizs, LDAC, Hi-Res Audio, and Hi-Res Audio Wireless logos. The H2’s specifications are provided on the rear of the box in English and Chinese. The Hidizs H2 includes a small semi-translucent protective case with a...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The Moondrop Aria is an in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring a 10 mm dual-cavity liquid crystal diaphragm dynamic driver. The Aria is available at ShenzhenAudio for $79.99. I received the Aria from ShenzhenAudio in exchange for a fair and objective review. SOURCES: I have used the Moondrop Aria with the following sources: Hidizs S9 Hiby FC3 Hidizs H2 E1DA 9038D Qudelix 5K I have tested these headphones with local FLAC and Spotify Premium. Visit my last.fm page to get an idea of what I listen to. PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES...

The Hiby FC3 is a compact digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier combination unit which connects to the transport device via USB-C. The Hiby FC3 was provided to me for review by HiFiGo, where it is available for purchase starting at $69. PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES: The Hiby FC3 comes in a square black box with few exterior markings beyond Hiby’s corporate contact information. In its base configuration, the FC3 includes a 9" USB-A to USB-C cable, a 5" USB-C to USB-C cable, and a Hiby-branded protective leather wrap for the FC3. The USB...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The SeeAudio Yume is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) that uses a dynamic driver in combination with two balanced armatures (BA). The Yume retails for $169 at HiFiGo. I received the SeeAudio Yume from HiFiGo in exchange for a fair and objective review. This review can also be viewed on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/seeaudio-yume-review-d6d6b2273998 SOURCES: I have used the SeeAudio Yume with the following sources: Qudelix 5K E1DA 9038D Hidizs S9 Hidizs H2 Hiby FC3 I have tested these headphones with local...

The Hidizs S9 is a compact digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier combination unit which connects to the source devices via USB-C. The S9 is the first Hidizs product I have reviewed since the AP60II digital audio player. Unlike the balanced output E1DA 9038S and the single-ended output E1DA 9038D which I recently reviewed, the Hidizs S9 incorporates both a single-ended 3.5mm audio jack and a 2.5mm balanced connection. This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/hidizs-s9-review-617eaeb2af6 The Hidizs S9 was...

The E1DA 9038D is a compact digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier combination unit which connects to the source devices via USB-C. The 9038D follows in the footsteps of the 9038S, which I reviewed here: E1DA 9038S Gen 3 Review Unlike the 9038S and other E1DA products, the 9038D opts for an unbalanced 3.5mm audio jack instead of a 2.5mm balanced connection. The 9038D was provided to me for review by HiFiGo, where it is available for purchase starting at $99.99 for the DAC/AMP only “Bundle 1.” If you do purchase the 9038D, I recommend opting...

The TRN V90S is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) with a 1 dynamic driver (DD)+ 5 balanced armature (BA) configuration. The V90S is a direct successor to the TRN V90, which I previously reviewed on my blog: TRN V90 Review. Here Comes the Boom | by Alec | Bedrock Reviews | Medium Although it normally retails for around $50, the V90S will be available for $20 on TRN’s official AliExpress store for just $20. The V90S is available for purchase at the link below: TRN V90S OCC Pure Copper Cable 5BA+1DD Metal Headset Hybrid HIFI Bass Earbuds In Ear Monitor...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The Blon BL-05S is an in-ear monitor (IEM) with a 10mm carbon nanotube (CNT) diaphragm dynamic driver (DD). The release of the BL-05S closely follows that of the BL-05, which was widely regarded as a disappointing follow-up to the infamous BL-03. Thanks to the shipping delays caused by COVID-19, I did not receive my BL-05 review unit until many months after its release and elected to wait to review it alongside its successor. The BL-05S currently retails towards the lower end of the $40–50 price range. I received the...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The KZ ZAX is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) with a 10mm PEK spring diaphragm dynamic driver (DD) and seven balanced armatures (BAs) on each side. KZ is one of the biggest names in ChiFi, and I thought highly of the ZSX “Terminator,” KZ’s last major wired hybrid IEM release. However, following the release of the ZSX, KZ’s previously frenetic release schedule slowed to trickle, and what new products they did announce fell mostly into the total wireless stereo (TWS) category. The release of the ZAX comes as a surprise and...

INTRODUCTION, DISCLAIMER, AND PRODUCT LINK: The CVJ CSA is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) using one dual magnetic dynamic driver and one balanced armature on each side. CSA is a recent entrant to the Chi-Fi scene, and the CSA joins a crowded price bracket of 1+1 hybrids currently dominated by the KBEAR KB04. The CSA retails for $26.99 on Amazon at the time of this review. I purchased the CSA on Amazon and was reimbursed for my purchase by CSA prior to the arrival of the review unit, at a net cost to me of $.52. The CVJ CSA can be purchased at the...

INTRODUCTION, DISCLAIMER, AND PRODUCT LINK: The KBEAR KB04 is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) using a 10mm PU diaphragm dynamic driver and a balanced armature on each side. The KB04 retails for around $25 on KBEAR’s official AliExpress store. I received the KB04 directly from KB EAR. The KB04 can be purchased at the link below: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000799521600.html This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/kbear-kb04-review-b1edb0419081 SOURCES: I have used the KBEAR KB04 with the following sources...

INTRODUCTION, DISCLAIMERS, AND PRODUCT LINKS: The E1DA 9038S Gen 3 is a compact digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier combination unit with a female USB-C connection and a single 2.5mm balanced audio jack. The 9038S was provided to me for review by HiFiGo, where it is available for purchase for as low as $88: https://hifigo.com/collections/headphone-amp/products/e1da-9038s-gen-3-usb-dac-headphone-amplifier-amp-and-cables This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/e1da-9038s-gen-3-review-b94e0216f268...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The TinHiFi T2 Plus is an in-ear monitor (IEM) using a 10mm nickel-zinc alloy dynamic driver. The T2 Plus retails for $59 at Shenzhen Audio. I received the T2 Plus from Shenzhen Audio in exchange for a fair and objective review. This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/tinhifi-t2-plus-review-426fc694fd9 SOURCES: I have used the TinHiFi T2 Plus with the following sources: JDS Labs The Element Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle Meizu HiFi Pro dongle Fiio BTR1K Apt-X Bluetooth Receiver Qudelix...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The TRN VX is a hybrid (6 BA+1 DD) in-ear monitor (IEM) which retails for around $73. I received the VX and the TRN-T4 upgrade cable directly from TRN. This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/trn-vx-review-b7f8b0e8d16a SOURCES: I have used the TRN VX with the following sources: JDS Labs The Element Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle Meizu HiFi Pro dongle Fiio BTR1K Apt-X Bluetooth Receiver I have tested these headphones with local FLAC and Spotify Premium. Visit my last.fm page to get an...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The Moondrop Super Spaceship Reference (SSR) is an in-ear monitor (IEM) using a beryllium-coated dome diaphragm dynamic driver. The SSR retails for $40 at Shenzhen Audio. I received the Moondrop SSR from Shenzhen Audio in exchange for a fair and objective review. This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/@darmanskirata1136/moondrop-ssr-review-914188a84895 SOURCES: I have used the Moondrop SSR with the following sources: JDS Labs The Element Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle Meizu HiFi Pro dongle Fiio...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The Smabat ST-10S is a high-end earbud that retails for $119.99 at the time of this review. I previously reviewed its predecessor, the ST-10, which I considered a “high-water mark for earbuds.” I purchased the ST-10S for $2.54 from HIFIHEAR on Amazon using a coupon provided by the seller. This coupon was provided to me in exchange for a fair and objective review. This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/smabat-st-10s-review-b0898455e43b SOURCES: I used the Smabat ST-10S with the...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The Audiofly AF1120 MK2 an in-ear monitor (IEM) sporting six balanced armature (BA) drivers per housing. The AF1120 MK2 retails for AUD 849.99. I received the AF1120 MK2 directly from Audiofly and evaluated them for several weeks before shipping them back. I am not being compensated monetarily or otherwise for writing this review. This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/audiofly-af1120-mk2-review-1fea8221b0ef SOURCES: I have used the Audiofly AF1120 MK2 with the following sources...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The Jade Audio EA3 is an in-ear monitor (IEM) utilizing a 13.6 mm dynamic driver and a Knowles 33518 balanced armature. It currently retails for $40. Jade Audio provided me with the EA3 in exchange for a fair and objective review. This review is also available on my blog: https://medium.com/bedrock-reviews/jade-audio-ea3-review-a013da71be3d SOURCES: I have evaluated the Jade Audio EA3 with my JDS Labs The Element using local FLAC and Spotify Premium. Visit my last.fm page to get an idea of what I listen to. PACKAGING...

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER: The ThieAudio Voyager 3 is an in-ear monitor (IEM) utilizing three balanced armature drivers per side. The Voyager 3 uses a three-way crossover with two separate sound bores. It also has low and high tuning switches which allow the user to adjust the level of bass and treble. The ThieAudio Voyager 3 retails for $159.00 at Linsoul. I was provided with the Voyager 3 by Linsoul in exchange for a fair and objective review. This review is also available on my blog...