These types of "journey" write ups are always a lot of fun to read. Thanks for the post.

Is there something specific you are looking for in an upgrade, or are you just interested in getting something that sounds "better" than your UE Pro 10s? E.g. you want more top end clarity or better bass extension. If you want something "better" I think you are on the right track with the 18+...

Screw length.

I own a pair of the ER4XR and the isolation is very good. However I get better isolation from my Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered CIEMs. 2 cents.

Has there been a single man or woman who has done more for us Head-fi hobbyists? If so the list is very very short. Hope he is loving life in his retirement.

So there are no issues with just leaving it plugged in all the time and on a charging cycle all the time I guess? Normally I will charge and then use as a portable source so I get a charge and deeper discharge cycle. Is there a FAQ on best battery charging practice for A&K DAPs?

I have the SP1000m and I've been using it as a USB dac on my desktop a lot these days. Is it OK to just leave it plugged, turned ON, in USB DAC mode? Or should I be turning it off and on every day? I'm asking because I wonder about battery charging / conditioning issues. TIA.

Gun to head. Cocked. Finger on trigger. Pick one. Curious what you would choose... :)

Hi all. On a whim, I just picked these up on sale (+ free AQ dragonfly black). A/B'd them with the Focal Elegia, Senn HD820, and my UERR IEMs, using my A&K SP1000m DAP. Very different tonal signature compared to just about anything else I have listened to but there is something about them that...

Great review. But next time instead of saying "zero zero nine" and "zero zero nine-s" go with just the "nine" and "nine-s." It will save you some breath. :wink:

Well I bit the bullet and picked up a SPKM after auditioning it extensively this afternoon. Using my UERR I compared the SPKM to the SR15 and the SE100. I didn't audition the SPK because it was out of my price range and didn't want to face any possibility of going over budget. The short review...

Can I get a warranty clarification. If I buy a SP1000m from authorized dealer in Hong Kong but end up having a warranty issue in Canada, can I send the device to NA iRiver? If it is out of warranty then I assume it is OK to send to NA iRiver for service? Shot in the dark. Anyone have 1st hand...

It is easier to audition headphones at E-earphones than BIC or Yodobashi. If your time is limited I would go there first. That said, Yodobashi is an absolute must visit if you are in Akiba...

If I'm in the gym or walking to work, I still use iPods (nano or touch). If I'm traveling and would like better SQ and/or want to listen to high-bit high-sample rate music, I use a older Sony DAP (NW-A35). If I'm at my desk I have a PH series Sony DAC/AMP. With the SE535, I'm on the edge on...

Ahah! Things are making sense now. I would try the regular SE535 (bronze, clear). The warmer heavier bass balance of the SE846 might psychophysically make it seem that the treble is "lackluster," especially if you A/B'd it to the SE535 (red) special edition. The regular SE535 might be just...

I remember looking at all those high end Headroom headphone amplifiers...thinking one day I will own these babies. Never thought the headphone scene would be so crazy as it is now.

Just to double check. You listened to the regular SE535 or the SE535 special edition (red)? The special edition has extended highs. I haven't found many people complain about the SE535 being too bright. In fact just the opposite. This is why Shure came out with the special edition.

Is this the cable? https://campfireaudio.com/shop/copper-litz-cable/ Thanks.

I have both (SE535 and ER4XR). It depends on what you using them for. ER4XR: cables are microphonic, impedance is higher than than the SE535 (45 Ohm vs 36 Ohm), a little less sensitive than the SE535. So I use them only at my desk with an amp. SE535: very comfortable secure fit with low...

I think it is because phone manufacturers buy up all the supply years in advance. The DAP manufacturers buy what they can and since the number of DAPs is much smaller than phones, they have a much higher unit cost.

I haven't A/B'd with the Oppo HA-2 directly, but I own a pair of UERRs and use the A35 as my daily commuting DAP. Frankly the pair sounds very good, and I'm perfectly content and don't feel a need to upgrade (which is a relief in this hobby). 2 cents.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ultimate-ears-ue-pro-18-discussions-and-impressions.829099/

Pardon my clumsy wording. What I meant by reference core sound + fun turning might be better described by saying "natural" + "musical". I tend to prefer "reference" and "analytical" tunings, so I'm pretty sensitive to exaggerated curves, and I found the JHA 13v2 very enjoyable, a good value at...

I recently listened to them and many other similarly priced IEMs extensively at E-earphone (Tokyo). I liked them very much and thought they were a great value for an IEM with a "reference" core sound but with a very subtle tweaked tuning for a little more "fun". Bass tuning was neutral. If you...