Verdict – If you’re looking for a comfortable in-ear with a refined, musical sound, the Aurora should be on your radar. Introduction – Symphonium are a new manufacturer from Singapore with great aspiration. Their initial line-up is simple but focussed, featuring two models, the Mirage and Aurora. The Aurora occupies a higher standing with a dual balanced armature driver configuration and $299 SGD or $249 USD asking price. It features custom tuned balanced armature drivers configured with a two-way mechanical crossover ensuring coherent phase and...

Introduction – Campfire Audio requires no introduction in the modern day, but just a few years ago, many were scratching their heads at cable manufacturer ALO Audio’s foray into in-ear monitors. It’s evident that their efforts were a huge success with the Andromeda and Vega quickly becoming benchmarks for their respective sound signatures and driver types. The Cascade represents the next step in the company’s evolution, as their first closed-back over-ear headphone. Utilising 3 years of development and growing experience, Campfire offer a headphone...

Introduction – A few years ago, the majority of leading balanced armature earphones were using almost identical internals; Knowles TWFK dual driver. In fact, that speaker unit is still widely employed today in earphones such as the Fiio F9 Pro. Sonion is another driver manufacturer to achieve acclaim with essentially every earphone on the market using one or a combination of drivers from each manufacturer. Though the driver only tells a part of the story when it comes to the final sound, there is a definite character to each and those who have...

Introduction – Alongside Sennheiser’s infamous MX980 and Yuin’s PK1, Astrotec’s Lyra was one of the first to illuminate that the earbud form factor was brimming with life, potential and capability. The Lyra especially intrigued with its hybrid driver configuration making it one of the most advanced on the market. Since then, the market has matured, premium offerings are more abundant and we’ve seen greater refinement of single driver designs. The Lyra Classic is a testament to Astrotec’s bold original, utilising a 15mm single dynamic driver and the...

Introduction – When thinking of BenQ, monitors, TV’s and household appliances probably spring to mind. When the company announced their first portable speaker, the very ambitious treVolo, it was quite a shock. The vast majority of portable Bluetooth speakers are uninspiring when it comes to sound quality. Most prioritise brash marketing and volume over quality and nuance, targeting beachgoers and park dwellers over discerning audiophiles. The newly updated treVolo S, however, sets out with a very different demographic in mind. Featuring stereo...

Introduction – Like many, my first DAC was from Fiio, the humble but mighty Q1. It illuminated to me just how significant a source can be in the audio chain, inevitably leading to subsequent upgrades. It felt like yesterday when I first saw the idea of an exciting flagship Q5 floating around on the forums. In turn, an elusive feature-packed DAC/AMP was teased and now before me, the finished product. It may have been almost 2 years since then, but the wait was well worth it. The Q5 is a highly competitive portable DAC/AMP featuring dual AKM DACs, the...

Introduction – Though Hansound may be a new brand relative to veterans in the custom cable field, their team is not to be considered inexperienced. In a similar vein, their designs are nothing less than leading manufacturers. The Redcore represents one of their latest efforts; a Music Sanctuary exclusive that features double insulation and a combination of OCC copper and OCC silver conductions all wrapped inside a gorgeous scarlet jacket. With a $650 SGD asking price (~$500 USD), the Redcore occupies a fairly premium position within the market and...

Introduction – One can tire of the current trend of “pro” earphones, where manufacturers make subtle tweaks to slightly under-performing models and sell them at a higher-price; it’s like selling the beta version of a software then charging buyers again for the finished version. Though we’ve no doubt had some terrific models as a result, with earphones like the Simgot EN700 Pro and Fiio F9 Pro quickly becoming fan favourites, one can’t help but think, this is what the EN700 and F9 should have been! It’s a small frustration and I don’t doubt the value...

Introduction – Though most see headphone stands as purely aesthetic, I’ve found them to provide very real benefits to usability; they’ve become a staple in my life, enabling easy access to my headphone collection while showcasing my favourite designs. It’s far more practical to have my headphones waiting on a stand than packed away in a box/case, and I’m granted some peace of mind that they won’t be disturbed when not in use. So whether your headphones are expensive, cheap, old or new, they can benefit from a stand. However, most stands are either...

Introduction – I haven’t reviewed any of their products, but iBasso and I go way back. My first experience with the company was their T3 amplifier in 2010, when I had just started in the hobby. These were my most formative years and iBasso left me with a lasting positive impression that evenutally pushed me towards the D-Zero and DX50. So when iBasso jumped into IEMs with the IT03, I was first in-line to see what they had created. The result was impressive to say the least, however, its signature didn’t suit my personal preferences. It was just too...

Introduction – It was when I had first started reviewing that Fiio reached out to me regarding their RM1; a quirky Bluetooth remote that demonstrated Fiio’s interest in innovation and variety in addition to traditional audio. The BTR1 is of the same kind, not a traditional DAC/AMP, but a hyper-portable one intended for portable and active use. The BTR1 is, in essence, a Bluetooth receiver. But, what separates it from generic implementations is its implementation of the AK4376 DAC chip and CSRA64215 Bluetooth chip supporting BT4.2 and high-quality...

Introduction – Audio Genetic are a new manufacturer from Hong Kong with big ambitions. Like some of the most formidable manufactures from the West, their origins lie in custom cables, though they’ve since produced two IEMs. The AG2 represents their first effort, employing 2 balanced armature drivers in a low/mid + high configuration. In addition, the earphones implement litz copper wire to the low-frequency driver and litz silver to the high-frequency driver to maximise sonic performance. This isn’t unheard of, Plussound does the same with their...

Introduction – Though not always known by name, those who have experience with any non-Android DAP from the past few years are likely familiar with Hiby. They develop the software that runs on almost all of these devices, including those from Fiio, Cayin and Shanling, the list goes on. Hiby are masters of software and the R6 represents their first attempt at a complete in-house developed product. And, given the popularity of Hiby’s software and the size of the company, they’re afforded certain liberties with specification and pricing unattainable by...

Introduction – Lypertek are a new audio manufacturer trying to break into the scene through aggressively priced in-ears. The MEVI marks their first effort, featuring a single 7mm dynamic driver and premium aluminium housings. Had the MEVI launched several years ago, this along would’ve made it outstanding, however, the market has since grown saturated with competition. With highly impressive earphones from more established brands such as Final Audio and Fiio storming onto the scene to great critical reception, the $30 USD MEVI has surprising amounts...

Introduction – While some debate the sonic benefits of cables, others are firm believers in their effects, something that I will confirm from my subjective experiences. They also possess the ability to enhance ergonomics and, in some cases, can transform the fit of an awkward in-ear. However, few cables can boast the utility and value of MEE audio’s latest offering. Building upon the silver plated unit included with their venerable Pinnacle P1, their newly released upgrade cable features greater conductivity, improved sheathing and reinforced...

Pros – Introduction – Miter is a South Korean accessory manufacturer that specialises in cases. And though they provide a reasonably wide range of models, they’ve garnered a strong following for their high-quality DAP covers that provide additional protection and higher quality materials. Of course, as a lot of manufacturers such as Fiio and Astell & Kern are providing cases from factory, it’s essential that Miter differentiate their products. Luckily, their cases are a product of focus and function; rather than introducing gimmicks or overly...

Introduction – You probably haven’t heard of Hyla but maybe you’ve read into the success of PWAudio and Oriolus. Neither company possess the greatest market presence in the west, but they have a very loyal fan base and a development/manufacturing process backed by the much larger Cyras; and all the budget and resources associated. As a result, Oriolus have quickly made a name for themselves through their resolving in-ears. Their earphones aren’t an assembly of generic components, but are meticulously engineered in-house, essentially, from the ground...

Pros – Super sturdy, folding design, Excellent wireless range, Engaging Sound Cons – Bass emphasis can be overpowering at home, Midrange is a little unnatural Introduction – I’ve always had a strange fascination with V-Moda. They are an audio company that lean towards professional application, as the DJ’s headphone of choice, but their products are served with undertones of consumer fashion sense. As such, they’ve always existed in a limbo for the audio community; offering far more quality than your regular retail store headphone while lacking...

Introduction – The early 2010’s marked the transition of hybrid driver in-ears from proof of concept to affordable luxury. It was during these formative years that we saw some small OEMs rise to become the industry titans they are today and others fall into obscurity. And among them was Astrotec, a small but promising company with huge aspirations. They became most renowned for pioneering fresh designs and innovative technologies, and the original Lyra was a testament to that sentiment. At the time, affordable hybrids were just popping onto the...

Introduction – If you frequent the tech channels on YouTube or any kind of review site on the net, you’ve likely seen Advanced Sound’s Model 3 floating around. As a frequent runner, it’s always intrigued me. I definitely enjoy the freedom afforded by wireless in-ears however, my foray into the category was lukewarm at best; riddled with unreliable fully-wireless options and awkward neckband implementations. The Model 3 caught so much attention as it is quite the opposite. With ergonomic and immensely stable housings, solid wireless connectivity...