Austrian Audio Composer A Great Take on the High End Opening Austrian Audio Composer is the newest headphone from the company. The guys previously from AKG were well known for the Microphone before they started making high end headphones. The composer is their take on what it means to make a great headphone for both audiophile but also professionals. How does it fare compared to similarly priced competitors in this high end market. Video Review: Specs Sensitivity: 112 dBspl/V Impedance: 22 ohms Driver Size: 49mm Weight: 385g Frequency...

Atrium Open Dynamic At Its Best The ZMF Atrium open is a dynamic headphone that is widely acclaimed to be one of the most enjoyable dynamic driver headphones. Handcrafted by the guys at ZMF, does this headphone sound as good as it looks? This review looks at one of the best dynamic driver, the Atrium Open. Video review Specs Impedance: 300 Ohms Driver: Biocellulose N52 Atrium Tuned Driverr Weight: 490g ± 30g (aluminum chassis, black grille/rods) Aged Copper adds approx 30g Sensitivity: ~96dB/mW Rating Tonality: 9/10 Technicality: 8.5/10...

Mass Kobo 475 Its Special The Mass Kobo 475 (MK475) is a really special little amplifier. It is a solid state so don’t go about thinking it will wildly change your audio experience. However it does somethings really well and for those differences, it may be enough to justify its purchase. Video Review TLDR This is a good amplifier that outperforms its specs. It sounds great, especially if you love sound stage and response. The best part is it applies its characteristics to all headphones and IEMs. The only downside is it doesn't play nice with...

Raal Requisite CA-1A In the Sound! The Raal Requisite CA-1A is a unique headphone. Utilising a full spectrum Ribbon Driver and requiring either special amplification or a transformer with immense amount of power, this headphone presents a unique sound signature that really brings you in the sound at the cost of a ridiculous amount of power. Video Review Rating: Tonality: 8/10 Technicality: 8/10 Enjoyment: 8.5/10 Built: 4.5/5 Comfort: 4/5 Total: 33 Note: This is a set purchased by myself for usage. Thanks to Jaben for introducing this to me...

Hidizs MS3 Affordable Nice and Spicy IEM Video Review MS3 is a recently released 3 driver IEM. Made up of 1 DD and 2 BA, it promises a sound that matches Harmen 2019 target curve closely. Coming in at $119 at the point of writing, it seems to be an entry level IEM. Does it sound good? Today we will take a look at it! Specs Driver: 1 DD + 2 BA Sensitivity: 112 DB Impedance: 18 ohms Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz Connection: 0.78mm 2 Pin Rating Tonality: 7/10 Technicality: 8/10 Enjoyment: 7/10 Build: 4/5 Comfort: 4.5/5 Total: 30.5/40 Note...

Simgot EA1000 Fermet Review Video Review Natural Dynamic Exciting The SImgot EA1000 is a Single Driver with Passive Radiator IEM priced at about $219usd during this write up. This is one of the most dynamic and exciting IEM I have heard while sacrificing little else. Specs Driver: 1 Dynamic Driver + 1 Passive Radiator Sensitivity: 127db/Vrms Impedance: 16ohm Effective Frequency Response: 20hz to 20khz Connector: 078mm 2pin Scoring: Tonality: 8/10 Technicality: 8.5/10 Enjoyment: 8/10 Build: 4/5 Comfort: 4/5 Total: 32.5/40 Note: This is...

Warwick Bravura: Almost Perfection Warwick Bravura is a close system headphone + amplifier setup. Costing the same price as a Susvara if purchased as a set, this may just be your endgame to everything. However not everyone will be impressed or want such a system. Disclaimer: this is my own personal set, purchased and paid for. I did got them separately from a second hand Sonoma M1 system and added on the Bravura headphone later, as such the color difference. Note: I will be taking in consideration the entire package , dac+amp+headphone, as the...

The One Closest to a Planar Headphone Dunu Talos is a planar IEM with the ability to activate an additional pair of BA driver for additional treble. Among the IEM today, it belongs to the more neutral IEM with a slight hint of brightness and a more moderate bass. If you are mainly a PLANAR headphone user with occasional IEM, this maybe the one closest a similar feel. This review will be done in pure planar mode as the activation of the BA drivers is way too hot for me in the treble. My video review will cover amplification so do take a look...

Focal Bathys Review Great wireless headphone with spacious sound Video review will be up soon! Summary The Bathys represent Focal’s attempt to enter the Bluetooth market. Priced around 700usd depending where you get it from, it provides quality sound, good ANC that works and wireless, no all in a package that looks stylish. TLDR The Focal Bathys may not be cheap, but it sounds better than most wireless headphones at its price range and once you consider all the functions, it is actually decent value if sound is your top priority but don’t...

This is review of the XI Audio (11 Audio) Broadway. The version being reviewed is a full balanced Broadway, not the second ended edition. A video review can be found here! Broadway Review The Broadway by XI Audio is an amplifier launched in 2019 for the headphone market. It was a marketed as transportable Class A that uses batteries to ensure the output is clean. The broadway to a true balance amplifier, with no single ended cross over end to end. TLDR The broadway is a competent amp that can compete with some of the best available. However...

Moondrop Para This is Great! This is one of the better headphone I tried at any price point for the genra of music I listen. But… This headphone requires decently good amplifier. Once amplified properly, this headphone performs at prices 5-6x it’s value easily Scoring System: This is added to give a simple scoring with emphasis on sound quality but not forgetting build and comfort. The maximum score is 40. 10: Tonality: timbre, accuracy, balance 10: Technicality: details, separation, clarity 10: Enjoyment: soundstage, dynamics, vocals 5...

Update: Added link to compatibility list of headphones for the current out. This is of course based on my acceptance of the sound. In Summary: This is a powerful amplifier for the serious head-fi enthusiast, comparable to the best of similar price range like the Holo Bliss and Ferrum Oor + Hypsos. Headphones used: Abyss 1266 DCA Stealth T+A Solitaire T Source: FiiO M17 Build Quality: Excellent Build Quality Limited to only RCA and Single Ended In and out. Volume knobs is smooth to turn, but note the Solid State Relay has some ticking sound...

The RE800 is the second Hifiman IEM review I'm writing after the RE2000. Thanks to AVOne and Hifiman for the review sample. The RE800 is probably the smallest dynamic driver earphone I seen. Fully sealed and in gold, this little thing bears some similarity to others of its type but also a significant difference. I wont touch so much on what came with the packaging here where many reviewers covered. Personally I thought its just about right for a earphone of its type: Some tips, a carrying case and a box that holds both of this. I do find the box...

Master of Some: RE2000 Thanks to AVOne and HIFMAN for the review set RE2000. Summary: The RE2000 is a fantastic earphone, worthy of it's price tag and definitely a competent earphone of its price range. A little harder to drive, it benefits from amplification and delivers a unique vocal and lows experience. With a relatively wide soundstage and thick sound, it's really for those that enjoy vocals and tracks that's heavy on bass. The low sibilance nature is also a great choice for listeners of modern pop music. The RE2000 is a dynamic driver IEM...

    The Aune S6 provided was part of a review tour for my region. Thanks to Aune for the chance to try this out.   Exterior   The S6 was a well designed piece of DAC/AMP. Its heavy and had everything that you will need for both a home headphone system to a DAC connecting into a much larger system. From various digital inputs to outputs going both stereo and balance, it was clearly designed to either standalone or integrate into a larger audio design when needed. The outer covering was some matted black coating similar to Chord products which I...

    The Soundaware Esther M1Pro provides a immersive sound experience held down by its dated interface and firmware. Its like driving a luxury car with all its comfort but with a dated design and dashboard.   I got this as part of the Esther Tour for Asia. Thanks to Soundaware and Mary for the chance to review this device.       I received the M1Pro on a Saturday, with my SD card on hand and skipping the menu, I straight away plugged in my iha6/Abyss 1266 and selected a track from Distant Worlds "Liberi Fatali". The first thing that went...

    Hifiman Mega Mini Review   Some disclaimer: This set is provided to me by HifiMan for review as part of the tour in Singapore. Thanks to AVOne for arranging this :D   Little box of happiness.   In the age of monster players that cost >500 USD, here comes this little box of happiness by HifiMan, The MegaMini Player.    This little player is similar sized to a AK Jr, and like it, the only purpose is to output great music to whatever portable headphones or IEM you have. Lets go through part by part on the player.   Physical      ...

The Abyss AB 1266. Some call it the Medieval Torture Device. I call it audio heaven.     I shall not mince my words: Abyss is butt ugly. On first impression, I doubt anyone will even figure how the heck to put it on to your head. Followed by its weight, its one of the heaviest in the 640g range. It is on first sight highly unadjustable and uncomfortable. How can something like this sound good? Add on the initial price tag of more then 5K, maybe JPS Labs went mad or something.   But the truth is actually far from it. Price has fallen to 4k +...

I bought the Hugo TT from my local retailer AVOne. Their service is fantastic. The set I purchased is an all black set.   The TT is not the brother of Hugo, its Hugo that grew up and went for some weight training!   The short summary: Hugo grew up with a larger box and a much more capable amp stage. The same boy that built up some mass to wrestle the harder to drive headphones.   Now for the full review:   Hugo TT is the table top (TT) incarnation of the Hugo. It comes now in a much bigger box, with it a remote to control it and a much larger...

AK Angie Universal   The AK Angie is the universal fit of the JH Angie by JH Audio. Sold by Astell & Kern, it sits below the the bigger brothers Layla and Roxxane. In the upcoming refresh “Full Metal Jacket”, the younger sister Rosie will be introduced. For now I am reviewing the original version of the AK Angie.   Packaging   The Angie comes in a hard box. Within it are 5 different tips, a mini screwdriver, a brush and wire for clearing the tips, a metal case and 2 cables (1 standard, 1 balanced). The metal case is really nice, bright red and...