My Fiio x5ii is starting to misbehave and it's time to replace it. I use it to store & play FLAC files ripped from CDs, mostly through line out to my Arcam Alpha 9 integrated amp which drives 2 Dynaudio speakers. When I use headphones I run them from the Arcam. I'm tempted by the new M11, but...

I've had my HA-EX700 woodies for quite a while, and really like them. But I'm getting curious about what else is out there. Are the Fiio X1 (2nd gen) going to be a downgrade? Or is the sound quality at least as good but just different. I'm not a bass head particularly, but the bass has got to be...

I'm way behind the times in terms of portable gear - I still use minidisc - Sony MZ-RH1 - and still love it for travel music, but it's a little bit thin when played via line-out through my sound system. I only use WAV, and will be ripping my CDs to FLAC if I go ahead with this...   I'm being...

edit - That's FX of course.... I ordered my FX 500s from Seyo in Japan at 9pm Wednesday night, payed by paypal. My receipt and tracking number were in my inbox early Thursday morning, and my package arrived here at noon today, Saturday. And that's what I call impressive! As an extra bonus...

So how are the Atrio M5s for classical music? Do they handle violins and piano well? Legend says that there are those who prefer the Atrios over their Shure 530s.... Me I can't afford the Shures, but I know I love the sound of IE8s and if they'd only stayed in my ears I'd have kept them. Are...

After long frustration trying to get a consistent good fit with both IE7 & IE8, I'm interested in trying the Future Sonics Atrio M5. There seems to be less "body" in the way of getting a fit with the Atrios, and the reviews definitely sound interesting. What's making me hesitate is the worry...

What do other Head-Fiers consider too loud when listening through IEMs? I've had tinnitus for 18 months - the sort that manifests as a continuous high pitched tone in the head. It started quietly, increasing in volume before settling at just loud enough to be annoying if I allowed myself to...

(I have searched and can't find this specific problem dealt with here) Well, it's been five days of trying to get the fit/sound combination right with my IE7s. I have found that the perfect tip for best sound is the large supplied silicon, but I really have to JAM and TWIST to get them to...

I read somewhere in the Sound Science forum that earphones should be "rested" every 90 minutes or so with a half hour silent track if burning in for extended continuous periods (overnight), because the drivers or circuits or other magic parts can overheat and be damaged. Sounds like BS to me...

It's quite possible that I'm simply dim, but can anybody tell me what is the purpose of that little lidded enclosure in back of the Senn IE7 box? I thought it must be for storing spare tips, but the lid itself has a strange open ended compartment which would squash anything put into the space it...

Don't get me wrong, these IE7s, which arrived today, bought after much research (thanks to those here who helped) are gorgeous in so many ways. Straight out of the box, not burned in yet, and I've tried all the rubber tips. Chorul music is utterly lovely, acoustic is superb, classical, again...

Looking to replace my old earbuds - Sony EX70 with the filters taken out - I bought the Etymotic HF5, after much research. But oh dear, they hurt! It's like having a stick stuck in each ear they have to go in so far! The foam alternative tips are just plain horrible, not an option here. They...

Looking to replace my old earbuds - Sony EX70 with the filters taken out - I bought the Etymotic HF5, after much research. But oh dear, they hurt! It's like having a stick stuck in each ear they have to go in so far! The foam alternative tips are just plain horrible, not an option here. They...

Hi, new member seeking insight. Is there anyone here with actual experience of both the Sony MZ-RH1 and the Cowon iAudio7 who can offer me an honest appraisal of how the Cowon's sound quality holds up against the Sony? Let's stick to lossless in both cases. The Cowon has it for battery...