There are a few brands that could be considered a powerhouse in the world of audio and headphones and beyerdynamic is without a doubt one of them. beyerdynamic has been family owned since its founding in 1924 and are regarded as one of the best when it comes to headphones. The original T1 was released way back in 2010 and received much high praise as well as firmly planting itself in the position of one of the best to ever grace the ears of avid listeners. Today I’ll be looking at the latest iteration of beyerdynamic's top of the line T1 2nd generation.​

 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was loaned to me as part of a southeast Asian tour for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Peak Fusion for the opportunity to test the Amiron Home. Special thanks go out to Mateen, Kamal and Jannavie for making this review possible.
 
Peak Fusion website
 
beyerdynamic product page
 
T1 2nd gen on Amazon
 
Specifications:
 
Transducer type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dynamic
Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . semi-open
Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 50,000 Hz
Impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 Ω
Nominal SPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 dB (1 mW / 500 Hz)
T.H.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . < 0.05% (1 mW / 500 Hz)
Power handling capacity . . . . . . . . . 300 mW
Max. SPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 dB (300 mW / 500 Hz)
Sound coupling to the ear . . . . . . . . circumaural
Headband pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . approx. 2.8 N
Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 m / double-sided
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gold-plated 3-pole mini stereo jack (3.5 mm) & 1/4" adapter (6.35 mm)
Weight without cable. . . . . . . . . . . . 360 g
 
Packaging and accessories:
 
We start off with the typically styled beyerdynamic box with a large profile shot of the headphones on the front with another photo along with some features and specifications on the rear. The anticipation is palpable at this point, especially if you have seen the aluminum protective case that came with the previous iteration of the T1. But then...oh Well, it seems the 2nd gen comes with a rather uninspiring but admittedly more practical and portable hard case with a suede-like covering.
 

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Inside we find the headphones, a 3 meter textile braided, removable cable and a screw-on 6.35 mm adapter. A detachable cable was one of the most requested features of the original T1 and here beyerdynamic have delivered. The cable feels very robust and high quality but it also means that now of course it can be easily swapped out for a shorter or balanced cable which should please many enthusiasts.

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Build, comfort and isolation:
 
Physically these headphones are built almost identically to the original version with the large, beyerdynamic style brackets and that gorgeous metal grill on the ear-cups giving them their semi-open designation and making them look exquisitly premium in the process. The leather on the headband of the original has been replaced by pleather and of course the cable is now detachable but everything else is much the same - handcrafted in Germany, and reassuringly sturdy.
 

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The drivers are decentralized, angled and are in a position which leaves plenty of room for even large ears (like mine).
 
 
Isolation is pretty poor with these, yeah semi-open so you'd expect that but it means ideally you'll need a quiet environment to get the most out of your listening. Another thing to consider is the noise leakage which might disturb others around you.
 

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Sound:
 
Sources:
 
PC/MusicBee > JDS Labs Element (high gain) > T1 2nd gen
Shinrico D3S > Arcam irDAC-ii > T1 2nd gen
FiiO X1ii > Bravo Audio Ocean > T1 2nd gen
 
Music used for testing (all .flac files):
 
Philippe Jordan, Wiener Symphoniker – Schubert symphonies 7 & 8
Run The Jewels – Run the Jewels 3
Jeremy Soule and Julian Soule - Guild Wars 2 soundtrack
Earthside – A Dream in Static
 
Unfortunately I never got a chance to hear the original T1 but from what I've learned the 2nd generation hasn't strayed too far from its roots but has had some tweaks. beyerdynamic say:

The second generation of this high-end model impresses thanks to a new, even further enhanced tuning with a touch more warmth and musicality that will delight audiophile listeners. Moreover, a carefully intensified bass gives fans of contemporary music, in particular, the low-frequency foundation that they are looking for.

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Obviously I can't do a comparison with the gen 1 to see if they're right but I certainly can try to convey what my ears are telling me. An impressive soundstage is immediately apparent, not ultra wide but there's a great sense of depth which gives a more palpable feeling of the recording space. Right off the bat these didn't sound as analytical as I was expecting but richer and more musical, with plenty of warmth and overall balance, albeit with some added weight in the bass. There's transparency and detail but its driven in a way to make music enjoyable, not so much for mixing and mastering.
 
Bass notes have a solid edge giving kick drums some nice punch and driving power. Mid-bass has been given a bit of elevation while sub-bass digs deep but control is tight. "Down" by Run The Jewels from the Run The Jewels 3 album showcases the strength of the T1's bass with it's driving beats edged with lashings of sub-bass. Though elevated the bass takes nothing away from the mids, in fact the vocals come clearly to the forefront in this track. From the gentle beginning to the rousing crescendo, Maurice Ravel's "Bolero" by Valery Gergiev and the London Symphony Orchestra is a joy as the T1 2nd gen flexes its muscles with a wonderful balance throughout its dynamic range which along with the soundstage and imaging puts you right in the concert hall with aplomb.
 
Vocals get some special attention with the T1. They're raised out of the din to be presented front and center but they're surrounded by tasty detail. From warm male voices like Jonas Renkse from Katatonia to the busy pop driven tracks by Utada Hikaru they're handled with a confidence and striking tonality.
 
The treble is slightly boosted but stays behind the upper mids. There's a little bit of sparkle and airiness there but I didn't come across any hint of sibilance. If anything I found the upper midrange to be more likely to cause fatigue as treble finds the perfect level of shimmer without causing irritation.
 

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Comparisons:
 
T1 2nd gen vs beyerdynamic Amiron Home vs  ($599.00 USD):
 
Comfort and fit are very similar. Both headphones have the same relaxed clamping force and similar overall shape. The T1 is a little more aggressive in the bass, particularly mid-bass while the treble has some extra emphasis as well. Transparency and resolution are superior on the T1 making it more revealing and detailed. In contrast the Amiron Home has a more relaxed presentation and for me would be better suited for longer listening sessions as the T1 assaults your senses with more of everything, which is fantastic but demands more from the listener. The T1 also demands more from your source gear and amplifier- you’ll need something with a bit of grunt to get the most from these 600 ohm headphones.
 
T1 2nd gen vs beyerdynamic T5P 2nd gen ($1,199 USD):
 
Physically the T5P is very similar to the T1 all the way down to the cups. Both headbands share the same materials and characteristics but the T5P has the slightest extra bit of clamping force which makes sense since they're designed to be portable so you're more likely to be moving around with them. You can tell that beyerdynamic's engineers put a lot of thought into the entire design process that goes further than just optimizing the sound. Unlike the T1 the T5P is a closed back system so they lose some of the airiness and soundstage in comparison. They both share angled, decentralized drivers to improve the soundstage but because of its semi-open traits the T1 comes out ahead in this department though the T5P is still impressive for a closed set. The ear-pads are different too with the T5P having pleather covers in place of the T1's velour which means they get warmer on your ears but also improve isolation and reduce sound leakage. These two headphones share a similar bass signature that is slightly north of neutral with the T5P having a slightly crisper edge. The treble on the T1 is superior in sound in my opinion as the T5P can get more edgy and titter on being siblilant. Overall I prefer the sound and comfort of the T1 but for listening on the move the T5P is a great alternative.
 
Conclusion:
 
After hearing the T1 2nd gen I have an understanding of what made the gen 1 so popular. Knowing my personal sound preferences I'm pretty sure that if I were able to directly compare the two I'd prefer the 2nd gen due to having extra weight in the bass and warmth in the lower mids. Comfort is top notch with angled drivers and plenty of depth in the cups to prevent your ears from touching the baffle combined with a low clamping force. Then there's the spacious soundstage, fast and accurate bass with a hint of elevation, a sub-bass that extends really well and treble that's detailed and airy without any nasty peaks. If you want top of the line cans, these fit the bill and if you have the money to spare then I'd heartily recommend them. The Amiron Home shares similar characteristics and is roughly half the price so would be a good alternative if you want to save some cash but if you can afford it (currently available at $1,099 on Amazon) the T1 takes things to another level again.
 

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There are a few brands that could be considered a powerhouse in the world of audio and headphones and beyerdynamic is without a doubt one of them. beyerdynamic has been family owned since its founding in 1924 and are regarded as one of the best when it comes to headphones. The T90 was their first open-back Tesla model, released in June of 2012. Today I'll be looking at the successor to the T90, the beyerdynamic Amiron Home.
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was loaned to me as part of a southeast Asian tour for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Peak Fusion for the opportunity to test the Amiron Home. Special thanks go out to Mateen, Kamal and Jannavie for making this review possible.
 
Peak Fusion website
 
beyerdynamic product page
 
Amiron Home on Amazon
 
FEATURES
 
• Tesla technology with highest efficiency
• High resolution sound
• Open design
• Double-sided, detachable cable
• Ear and headband pads smooth and as soft as velvet, made of Alcantara microfibre and microvelour • Made in Germany
 
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
 
Transducer type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dynamic
Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . open
Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 40,000 Hz
Impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Ω
Nominal SPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 dB (1 mW / 500 Hz)
T.H.D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . < 0.05%
Nominal power handling capacity . . 200 mW
Max. SPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 dB (200 mW / 500 Hz)
Sound coupling to the ear . . . . . . . . circumaural
Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 m / double-sided / detachable
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gold-plated mini stereo jack (3.5 mm) & 1/4" adapter (6.35 mm)
Weight without cable. . . . . . . . . . . . 340 g
Accessory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . transport case
 

Packaging and accessories:

 
The Amiron home comes in Beyerdynamic's typical style box, very clean and uncluttered it immediately elicits high expectations of what you'll find inside. Open the box and you'll find the black, egg shaped luxury hard case, upholstered on the outside with a wetsuit-like material and a soft cloth interior.
 

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I know what you're thinking now - "Enough of this, show us what's inside!" Okay, let's crack this baby open. Upon opening the hard case you're presented first and foremost with the headphones in all their glory. On the underside of the case lid is a removable mesh pocket, handy for storing the 6.35 mm screw on adapter. Apart from the headphones and adapter there's a cable and information booklet so not much in the way of accessories but after all it's all about the headphones right?
 

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Build, comfort and isolation:

 
Before I go any further I just want to say that my photos cannot do these headphones justice. Not only do they look great but the Alcantara microfiber and microvelour feel incredibly silky smooth and soft. Starting at the headband is the beyerdynamic branding embossed into the sumptuous microvelour covering. This just oozes with class and sets the tone for what to expect from these headphones. On the underside is the microfiber wrapped padding that promises to caress your noggin during those lengthy listening sessions.  The clamping force of the headband is superbly balanced, being very light and flexible but at the same time offering a secure fit. There's very little pressure applied to your head but they don't ever feel loose or likely to fall off.
 

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Moving down we come to the notched sliders on the signature beyerdynamic metal brackets. These are pretty easy to adjust but firm enough to not move unintentionally. Next of course the bracket bone's connected to the ear-cup bone which again has the brands' distinguishing look. The cups are made primarily of plastic and the back grilles which look like they're metallic are actually a dark, silvery colored fabric.
 
Then there's the ear-pads, oh boy. The Alcantara microfiber is so soft and smooth, it's to die for. They're pretty big and comfortably encircle my generously sized ears in a tender caress and deep enough so that my ears don't come into contact with the hard plastic interior.
 

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These don't sport the angled drivers like the T1 gen 2 or T5P gen 2 but have a standard parallel configuration for the Tesla drivers. On the underside of the cups are the 2.5 mm headphone jacks for the long requested detachable cables now present on these and the two previously mentioned headphones.
 

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So are they comfortable? Absolutely. The flexible headband and low clamping force paired with the lush ear-pads are perfect for extended periods of use and because the pads are fabric and with the open back they don't get too hot on your ears.
 
As you'd expect from an open back design, noise isolation is not very good. External noise is easily transmitted through the back and of course there is significant noise leakage coming out of the headphones as well meaning that people around you will be able to easily hear what you're listening to.
 

Sound:

 

Sources:

 
PC/MusicBee > JDS Labs Element (low gain) > Amiron Home
Shinrico D3S > Arcam irDAC-ii > Amiron Home
FiiO X1ii unamped and amped (using Shinrico E11)
 

Music used for testing (all .flac files):

 
Philippe Jordan, Wiener Symphoniker - Schubert symphonies 7 & 8
The Gentle Storm - The Diary (CD1 Gentle version)
Ludovico Einaudi - Doctor Zhivago
The Pineapple Thief - Your Wilderness
 
As a successor to the venerable T90 the Amiron Home has a lot to live up to. So does it? In a word, yes. First of all it's surprisingly smooth and surely that's a good thing if it's designed for you to "Just sit back in your favourite chair and let the sound carry you away.”  Fortunately it's not the kind of smooth that sacrifices precision or speed. There's a spacious airiness that's intoxicating in it's clarity and detail. Sound is also very balanced, not trying to be clever in any particular area but hitting just the right timbre and tonality with anything you throw at it. There's a warmth present that I wasn't expecting yet resolution remains excellent throughout.
 
Bass is punchy and precise without sounding in the least bit thin and its certainly not bloated. It's slightly north of neutral with just the right amount of presence in the music to drive it along without digging its elbows into the mids. Mid-bass notes are not thrown in your face like so many headphones tend to do but have the perfect amount of body to bring out the fullness in, yet not overpower whatever you're listening to.  In "Blows" from the In the Heart of the Sea OST by Roque Banos the manic beating of the drums still convey the sense of danger and anxiety but are polite enough to let the subtlety of the strings and rim shots share the same space.
 
Mids are equally as impressive with great resolution and detail. In "Magnolia" from The Pineapple Thief's Magnolia album the Amiron Home's layering is superb with great separation between the harmonic strings, acoustic guitar and vocals. The haunting strings in Ludovico Einaudi's "The Ringlet" from Doctor Zhivago have a true to life tonality and resonance that are rich and vibrant. There's loads of detail coming through but at no point does it sound analytical, it remains very musical.
 
The highs carry on the Amiron Home's refinement being detailed and airy but never becoming aggressive or fatiguing. Even in "No Man's Land" by The pineapple Thief from Your Wilderness the  enthusiastic buildup of cymbal crashes towards the end remain inoffensive where with many other headphones it results in me frantically reaching the controls to lower the volume. On the contrary the treble never sounds muted or metallic and carries over with outstanding timbre without being "soft".
 

Comparisons:

 

Amiron Home vs beyerdynamic T1 2nd generation ($1,199.00 USD):

 
Comfort and fit are very similar. Both headphones have the same relaxed clamping force and similar overall shape. The T1 is a little more aggressive in the bass, particularly mid-bass while the treble has some extra emphasis as well. Transparency and resolution are superior on the T1 making it more revealing and detailed. In contrast the Amiron Home has a more relaxed presentation and for me would be better suited for longer listening sessions as the T1 assaults your senses with more of everything, which is fantastic but demands more from the listener. The T1 also demands more from your source gear and amplifier- you'll need something with a bit of grunt to get the most from these 600 ohm headphones.
 

Amiron Home vs Ultrasone Performance 860 ($359.98 USD):

 
The Ultrasone is more utilitarian physically, having rubber, plastic and pleather in place of the Amiron Home's extravagant fabrics, hardly surprising though as it's just over half the price of the beyerdynamic. Comfort goes to the Amiron Home, due to it having significantly less clamping force and the fabric on the ear-pads means your ears won't get as hot. While both headphones have a balanced signature the Ultrasone has more prominent highs and less warmth overall. Being a closed phone the Performance 860 doesn't have the air or the beyerdynamic and at times sounds more congested. As you would expect the open backed beyerdynamic has a wider soundstage. The Ultrasone holds up well in comparison but the Amiron Home is on a whole other level.

 

Amiron Home vs beyerdynamic T5P 2nd generation ($1,099.00 USD):

 
Designed for portable use the cups on the T5P are smaller than those on the Amiron Home which means for some with large ears they might not be as comfortable. Because they're a closed design the T5P don't have the same sense of air yet they still have an impressive soundstage. Being just 32 ohms the T5P are much easier to drive and can be driven from a phone or budget DAP. The Amiron Home sounds a bit more balanced, while the T5P has a bit more weight and sharper edge to its bass and just a little more energy in the treble. Just like the T1, the T5P are not as relaxed as the Amiron but that's probably better when you're on the move. These are both fantastic headphones but clearly designed for different purposes. If you're only listening at home..... well do I really need to say it? And if you want portability or the freedom of being able to use any type of source then the T5P is the way to go.
 

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Comclusion:

 
beyerdynamic says:

"Amiron home is our invitation to pure musical enjoyment: just sit back in your favourite chair and let the sound carry you away."

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and I believe that they've created the perfect headphones to do just that. The Amiron Home is built for comfort with its soft, luxurious surfaces, non-aggressive tuning and natural, organic sound. Wearing these is like sinking into a well worn leather couch or La-Z-boy recliner, they just ooze comfort. But don't be fooled by the cozy exterior, these still have great resolution and detail. They don't sacrifice precision or speed but find the perfect balance in a physical and sonic sense. With the company's typical approach to build quality (handcrafted in Germany) you can trust in the build as much as the sound. The Amiron Home is designed for pure musical enjoyment and for that purpose it doesn't get much better than this.

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Accutone is a company that specializes in hands-free communications solutions but they've taken their experience and expertise and used it to create a series of consumer earphones. From their website: "Accutone Audio is about music, and our love of music has pushed us to build products that remove the barriers between the musicians and their audience. Continuing our corporate motto of "Clearer Communication Brings People Closer", our audio products are able to do just that by delivering exceptionally accurate audio output, just as our beloved artists envisioned."
 
Today I'll be reviewing the Accutone Taurus.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Angus from Accutone for the opportunity to test the Taurus.
 
Accutone online store
 
Product page
 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The Taurus comes in a rather unusual large, rubberized, black plastic case surrounded by a red cardboard sheath that shows an image of the earphones along with "Switch and Tune" text, alluring to the bass tuning feature. Once inside we're presented with the earphones and cable secured in black foam as well as a pull out cover that reveals the included accessories. I must say first impressions upon opening are pretty impressive and the box is a handy thing to have around.
 

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So with everything removed from the case we're presented with:

1. The standard Accutone carry case
2. A user manual/warranty card
3. Bass tuning tool
4. Foam eartips x2
5. Silicone eartips (S, M, L)

 
A decent line-up of offerings in the box and it's always nice to see a carry case included though once again the Accutone case is on the thin side and I'm always in fear of damaging the earphones when I physically shove them into the tiny opening. I really wish their cases had just a few millimeters more depth so you could drop the earphones in rather than having to push them in.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation:
 
The earphones are constructed from a black plastic and sport an angled nozzle design. There is Accutone branding on both sides and I can't help think that one side should have been assigned to Left and Right markings which are unfortunately completely absent. The tip of the nozzle has a metal ring to securely hold ear-tips. On the rear of the housing are two square shaped, metal grill bass vents which look a little bit like robot eyes when viewed at the right angle. Between the two vents is the bass tuning mechanism which I'll get back to later on. For their low price these have outstanding build quality.
 

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The cable is attached to the housing via Accutone's proprietary MMCX connectors which I actually really like. They're much easier than standard MMCX to attach and remove and snap into place with an audible click. The connectors spin freely meaning these can be worn over-ear or cable down. I seriously wish this was the industry standard MMCX because in my opinion it's a big improvement over regular connectors.
 

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There are strain reliefs in all the usual places though they could have been a little less stiff for added protection. There's a plastic inline microphone and 3 button remote situated above the Y-splitter. The buttons all perform their duties without fault and the microphone is of a decent quality however I do not like the inline's design as the middle button is recessed while the two outer buttons are raised and there are very sharp edges that easily get snagged on shirt collars and buttons when moving your head around. Wires above the Y-splitter seem rather thin making them look a little fragile but so far they seem fairly durable. The cable terminates in a right angled, gold plated 3.5 mm plug.
 

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I get an excellent fit and seal with the Taurus (using third party tips) so for me sound isolation is above average. Comfort-wise I can wear these a long time easily as they're quite small and don't have any sharp edges. The spinning connectors mean that these can be worn over-ear or cable down.
 
Sound:
 
These work fine out of a smartphone or budget DAP but do gain some benefit with amplification to tidy up the bass.
 
Sources and equipment used:
 
FiiO X1ii
Mrobo C5
PC JRiver > JDS Labs The Element
 
First impression had me ready to shout "The End of the World is Nigh!" until I realized it was just the bass, holy jeez these will shake your skull apart. Immediately I pulled out the little screwdriver/bass-tuning tool and dialed the bass to minimum. Hmm much better now but still well above neutral. That's okay with me, I like bass. It's not the tidiest bass, being a bit loose but gains more composure when amped. Sub-bass is still off the charts but rather satisfying. It digs deep and keeps going down into the bowels of the Earth. Technically a bit on the sloppy side but it doesn't bleed too much into the mids, makes for a fun listen and actually is very enjoyable. Tron Legacy by Daft Punk sounds truly epic through the Taurus as does the drum heavy tracks in Trevor Morris' Vikings soundtrack.
 
Into the mids now and immediately there's a bit of a middied veil going on however resolution is still not bad. These have quite a lot of airiness to them which is directly in contradiction with the overly warm and bassy overtones. I guess this is due to the semi-openness from the rear grills. It's that sense of air that rescues these from being a bloaty bass-driven disaster and they're seductively musical and relaxed. Female vocals come through with more clarity and start to lift away from that low end dominance.
The treble is a bit subdued here. There's good timbre and no hint of metallic unnaturalness but I feel the Taurus would benefit from a bit more liveliness in the high end. Then again, it's the slightly recessed but airy nature of the treble that makes these so easy to listen to. From an analytical point of view you might find them lacking but if you get distracted from your critique for just a moment you suddenly realize that you've been lost in the joy of music and thoroughly enjoying yourself.
Soundstage is not too shabby here, greatly aided once again by that airiness. Neither width or depth is above average but it's not congested or claustrophobic. Listening to Jazz at the Pawnshop by Arne Domnerus Group you can get a clear image of the band's placement on the stage along with the person who just clinked the cutlery on their plate at the back right of the room.
 

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Suggestions for improvement:
 
The only major gripe I have with these is the bass tuning mechanism. While it works fine the 'screw' for bass tuning is black on black and absolutely minuscule making it very difficult to see what you're doing. Also the fact that you need to use the included tool makes it inconvenient to change the tuning. It's the kind of alteration that I would only want to do once so for me it's a bit of a "set and forget" option. I'd like to see a mechanism that can be tuned by hand on the go, without the need of a tool.
One more thing is the inline control. The sharp edges on the buttons snag on your clothing a lot and I just wish the controls were flat or those edges were rounded off.
 
Comparisons:
 
Accutone Taurus vs Accutone Lyra ( 25.00 USD):
The Lyra is a more traditionally styled earphone and for me slightly more comfortable to wear. Both can be worn over-ear or cable down. Speaking of cable I like the Lyra's a bit more as it is unique looking and has better strain reliefs along with imo a more well designed inline control which doesn't have the sharp edges of the one on the Taurus. The Lyra has a more balanced sound overall and also has a truly excellent treble presentation that sounds so clear and lifelike. Both have a non-fatiguing and easy going presentation and both are very good for their respective prices (assuming you get the Taurus at $23).
 
Conclucsion:
 
Before I get into this part I want to mention current pricing on the Taurus. On the Accutone website these retail for $89 yet on Amazon they can be found for just $22.92. I'm not sure why there's such a large difference the only thing I can think of is the Amazon version might be the older one with a non-detachable cable. Regardless I'm basing my conclusion and total score on the lower price of $22.92.
 
These are a well-built and unique looking earphone. The ability to customize the amount of bass to your preference is handy but the implementation means you need to have the tool on hand to do so. If you're a true bass-head these have you covered, for real. There's enough bass on tap to shake you to your very bones. The included accessories are generous, especially the inclusion of a carry case. On top of that the outer packaging is handy and worth keeping, rather than a plain cardboard box which just gets thrown away. These have a warm and relaxed yet fun sound or alternatively can be tuned into an absolute rumbling bass monster if that's how you like it. For $89 I would have a hard time recommending these but at around $23 you should certainly get your hands on some.

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I spend a lot of time on my computer. Too much time to be honest but hey, we all have our vices right? When I'm at my desk there's always something playing, whether it be music, video or games. A lot of the time I use headphones but for lighter listening, when I want to let my ears breathe or am getting in and out of the chair often I like to use desktop speakers. Enter the Edifier R1700BT. These are compact, very nice to look at and have Bluetooth 4.0. Is it enough for them to claim a spot on your desk? Let's take a look (and a listen).
 
In 1996 Beijing, China Edifier was created by "a small group of enterprising music lovers". Since then they have become a well known name in the industry and currently have distributors in over 70 countries around the world.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Kathryn from Edifier for the opportunity to test the R1700BT.
 
Edifier website
 
Amazon product page
 
Specifications:
 
Total power output: RMS 15W × 2 (treble) + 18W × 2(bass) (DRC ON)
Signal to noise ratio: œ85dBA
Frequency response: 60Hz ~ 20KHz (@+/-6db)
Input sensitivity: PC: 700 mV ± 50 mV
AUX: 550 mV ± 50 mV
Input type: PC/AUX/Bluetooth
Treble driver: ȡ19 mm silk dome tweeter
Bass driver: 4 inch (116 mm)
 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The R1700BT come in a smart looking box with an image of the speakers on the front. On the rear is another image as well as a list of specifications and features. Inside the box we find:

1. R1700BT speakers
2. 4-pin interconnect cable
3. RCA to RCA cable
4. RCA to 3.5 mm cable
5. Remote control
6. User manual & warranty card

 

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The remote is very small and thin with mushy buttons. I think considering the price of the speakers any kind of remote is a bonus and this one works well. My only complaint with it is that the button labels can be quite difficult to see in low light but it's easy enough for me to remember where the volume up and down buttons are.
 

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Build:
 
Although these speakers look like they're made of wood, it's actually just MDF with hand picked walnut vinyl covering but I really don't care about that. I mean - just look at these things! Beautiful is an understatement, these are absolutely gorgeous. Classical yet modern, the rich brown color of the sides coupled with the matte black front and top are a match made in heaven.
 

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But wait there's more. Take off the front covers and cue the "bedroom music" because they look even better, revealing the eagle eye tweeter sitting above the 4 inch bass driver with the forward facing bass port at the bottom. Because the bass port is at the front of the speakers there's no need to worry about proximity to the wall and you can place them pretty much anywhere.
 

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The drivers are angled upwards at !0 degrees in order to direct the sound directly towards the listener for clearer midrange and treble. On the right side of the right speaker there are (from top to bottom) treble, bass and volume controls and a LED light in a countersunk panel. The LED glows green when line in is selected and blue for Bluetooth mode. The dials are made of aluminium and have a nice feel to them, much better than the plastic knobs on many similar products and they're also weighted nicely to give a silky smooth rotation when adjusting.
 

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Moving around to the back of the right speaker we find the dual RCA inputs, the left speaker out and power switch while the left speaker just has the  single interconnect jack.
 

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Bluetooth and pairing:
 
Pairing the R1700BT with my FiiO X1ii and Galaxy Note 5 was very easy and  worked flawlessly. Simply select Bluetooth mode with the remote or by pressing the volume knob then all you need to do is enable Bluetooth from you source device and select the speakers from the list of available connections. One interesting thing to note is that as long as the speakers are turned on pairing mode is enabled, even when line-in is selected.
 

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Sound:
 
The overall presentation of the R1700BT is what I would call bright, clear and energetic. The speakers employ Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Range Control (DRC) to limit distortion and this works well for the most part. These have enough power to comfortably fill a small to medium sized room but don't expect them to shake the neighbors windows. When the speakers and listener are positioned properly ie: at the desk or in front of the TV soundstage and imaging are quite impressive making them great for movies and gaming.
 
*Note that for testing I kept the treble and bass dials at the default half-way point. The fact you can fine tune the sound to your preference with these is another of their strong points making them very versatile.
 
The treble from the 19 mm Eagle Eye tweeter is crisp and gives some airiness to the sound without being sibilant. Taking the front covers off makes things even clearer and at the same time reveals that sexy fascia (drool) but I actually prefer the little bit of extra smoothness the covers provide.
 
Midrange is very clear with excellent layering and separation. The tonality these offer is really impressive for such a small speaker. In The Plains of Ashford from the Guild Wars 2 soundtrack the horns and strings are lively and emotive with good resolution and detail. Vocals are equally as impressive sounding rich and natural. In Sia's Reaper vocals are surprisingly legible when she's lulling along through the verse and the R1700BTs hold it together well when she's belting it out through the chorus though they can sometimes edge towards harsh.
 
Onto the bass. What a pity I can't leave this section out - If that were possible these bookshelf speakers would be headed for a near perfect score but alas this is where their weakness is revealed. Mid-bass has a good measure of quantity but the quality is not nearly as good. It's loose and boomy and there's significant bleed into the mids. I could actually live with the bass but for me the biggest drawback is the massive sub-bass roll-off. It's fairly obvious why this happens when you look at the frequency response (60Hz ~ 20KHz). The result is that in certain songs there are parts that are barely audible or missing completely. For tracks that rely heavily on the sub-bass rumble such as So Many Rappers in Love by Westside Connection I was left feeling wholly dissatisfied.
 

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Conclusion:
 
The Edifier R1700BT are beautiful, at least in my opinion. If they were a full size speaker I would be happy to make them the centerpiece of my living room but since they're only a rather diminutive 25 cm high I'm perfectly fine to have them grace my desktop. With the added convenience of Bluetooth and a very reasonable price of around $149.99 they're near perfect. If you're in need of some desktop speakers for your movies, games and casual listening these should be on your radar. They're a step up from most other offerings in the same price range and if you're still not convinced just take another glance because they are downright stunning to look at.

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Ahh tubes. They're not going away. In fact they seem to be gaining a resurgence in popularity of late. Perhaps this is because so many people are moving to digital sources and components and everything sounds a bit too clean and controlled. Sometimes you might be craving some harmonic distortion to dirty things up a bit, or want to add some warmth to those analytical headphones. Maybe you just want some cool glowing lights on your desk or you simply need to make your music louder. Well, this little hybrid tube amplifier can do all that. The NS-08E is one of the more popular tube amps on the market because of its small size, ease of use and ample power making it a good starting point for people who want to venture into tube sound.
 
About Nobsound (taken from their website):
"Shenzheng Cavins Technology Co.,LTD has been established since 2014.. We are devoted to design and research of hi-end level of audio equipments under our own brand name Nobsound and Douk Audio with our intellectual property rights. We are striving to build classical extrodinary audio equipments with cultural connotation and propel national audio brands worldwide and pace up with the rest of the world."
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Vivian and Nobsound for the opportunity to test the NS-08E.
 
Nobsound / Douk Audio
NS-08E on Amazon
 

Specifications:

 
Output power: ≥1100 mW (32 ohm)
Headphone Adapter Impedance: 18-600 ohm
Total harmonic distortion: <0.005%
SNR: ≥110 dB
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 30 kHz
Size: 111 * 69 * 32 mm (L * W * H) (Height: 73 mm with vacuum tube installed)
Net Weight: 185 g
Power supply: Input voltage: AC 100-240V 50/60 Hz; Output voltage: DC 6V 2000mA
 

Packaging and accessories:

 
The NS-08E comes in a plain brown, no-frills cardboard box. The package includes:

1. headphone amplifier
2. 6J9 vacuum tubes (x2)
3. power supply

 

Build and use:

 
This is a hybrid amplifier, meaning it uses the tubes for pre-amplification and transistors for the actual audio output. This allows you to get a taste of tube sound while keeping the costs lower for consumers and the benefits of solid state like better bass control.
 
Similar to the NS-01E, this amp is nicely machined and put together. On the gold colored front are the 3.5 mm line in and headphone out jacks, along with the large volume knob. The knob moves in tactile steps, similar again to the NS-01E and the same as the one on the FX-Audio DAC-X6. Just like the case it's made of machined aluminium and has a solid feel to it. These incremented movement dials feel great but they do make precise volume adjustments a little more difficult.
 
On the top of the black metal case are the two 6J9 tubes that simply plug in to the provided sockets. They fit tightly into the sockets but are easy to install and remove with some care and gentle wiggling.
 

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Around the back is the DC 6V power input and the power button.
 

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There have been a few mentions on the internet about the tube ringing sound that sometimes occurs if you bump the amp or the desk. I have experienced this myself but only with sensitive headphones and IEMs. With the 250 ohm Beyerdynamic Amiron Home I was not able to reproduce the sound no matter how hard I tried and it was the same with the T1 Pro. With my Yenona Studio Pro however the ringing was easy to elicit so I'm guessing it's related to the impedance of your headphones.
 

Sound:

 
Equipment used for testing:
 
PC > MusicBee > Arcam irDAC-II (via usb) > NS-08E > headphones
Headphones tested were Beyerdynamics Amiron Home + T5P 2nd gen and Yenona Studio Pro along with several IEMs.
 
This little guy adds some warmth  and fullness to the midrange while rettaining detail and separation from the source. Soundstage is slightly deeper with the Nobsound which I know will please many people also. Treble and bass remain well extended on both ends. With harder to drive headphones like the T1 Pro the NS-08E can add some extra punch to the bass and a more controlled sense at the low end. Pushing out 1100mW at 32 ohms the NS-08E had no problems driving the 600 Ohm T1 Pro with plenty of room left on the volume knob. With sensitive IEMs you can sometimes detect a little background noise but it's not noticeable while music is playing and doesn't detract from the experience.
The NS-08E is lively, energetic and agile and doesn't display any slowness or lack of timing. It's fast and detailed, capable of rumbling bass and extended treble and adds a rich meatiness to the mids for a very satisfying effect.
 
The unit gets a little warm while in use but its certainly not what I would call hot. You can comfortably touch the case without any discomfort but I wouldn't recommend touching the actual tubes. The sound can also be customized by rolling different tubes. Replacement vacuum tubes include: E180F, 6ж9П, EF861, and 6688. For the purpose of this review I stuck with the original 6J9s.
 

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Conclusion:

 
The Nobsound NS-08E sounds better than it should given its budget price. It's so simple and small, obviously not as small as the NS-01E but still it takes up very little space on the desktop. The only drawback I can find (and this is just personal preference) is the input being located on the front panel. This clutters things up a little and doesn't look as tidy as it could because of the extra cable hanging out of its front end. It's a pity the 3.5 mm input isn't on the back so the space on the front panel could be left clean or perhaps have an additional 6.35 mm headphone jack in its place. Regardless of that, this is a neat product that's cheap enough to be a viable option for most people to obtain. If you're curious about tube sound this is a great place to start and won't put too much of a dent in your wallet. Recommended.
 

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These days my desktop seems to be getting more and more crowded with all sort of audio bits and pieces: DACs, players, DAPs, earphones, cables, computer etc. It's getting to the point where I either need a bigger desk or I need to downsize my components. Enter the Micca OriGen+ DAC. This little unit takes up much less space than many of its counterparts yet still have enough versatility to not leave you wanting. Let's take a look then.
 
Disclaimer:
 
Micca Electronics was kind enough to send me a review sample of the OriGen+ for review. Unfortunately it was lost in transit and never reached me. Subsequently I purchased one from their Amazon storefront because I'm so nice and because I want to keep what little integrity I have and that's the unit I'm reviewing here today. However I would still like to thank Micca Electronics for the opportunity to test the OriGen+. I'm not affiliated with the company in any way and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
 
Micca website: https://www.miccatron.com/
 
OriGen+ product page: https://www.miccatron.com/micca-origen-usb-audio-dac-and-preamp-2/
 
OriGen+ on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BURJVOC?ie=UTF8
 
Specifications:
 

PCM Formats	PCM (44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz, 16/24bit)
DSD Formats	DSD64 (2.8MHz), Native or DoP
USB Interface	USB 2.0, Asynchronous Transfer Mode
Audio Controller	VIA VT1736
Digital-to-Analog Converter	Cirrus Logic CS4392
Output Op-amp	JRC NJM4556
Channel Imbalance	< 0.5dB
Optical S/PDIF Format	PCM Only (No signal when playing DSD)
Power Source	5V/500mA
Dimensions	4.6 x 2.0 x 1.9 Inch (116mm x 51mm x 47mm)
Weight	6 Oz (170g)
Line Level Output
Frequency Response	20Hz ~ 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD+N	< 0.003% (1kHz, A-wt.)
Signal to Noise Ratio	> 110dB (1kHz, A-wt.)
Crosstalk	> 96dB (1kHz)
Output Voltage	5.6Vrms (Gain: 0dB); 1.7Vrms (Gain: -10dB)
Headphone Output
Frequency Response	20Hz ~ 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD+N	< 0.003% (1kHz, A-wt.)
Signal to Noise Ratio	> 110dB (1kHz, A-wt.)
Crosstalk	> 96dB (1kHz)
Output Voltage	5.6Vrms (Gain: 0dB); 1.7Vrms (Gain: -10dB)
Output Current	70mA (Nominal); 100mA (Max)
Output Impedance	0.5 Ω
Load Impedance	16 ~ 600 Ω

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The OriGen+ comes in a little brown box that when I first saw could hardly believe that the DAC could fit inside.
 

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Inside was the DAC, an owners manual and a 3.5 mm to RCA cable. The cable is of good quality and comes in handy when you want to connect to an amplifier or powered speakers.
 
 

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Build and functionality:
 
This thing is very solidly built and has a neat, little form factor. Starting with the anodized aluminum top plate of the unit the most obvious thing is the large, solid machined aluminium volume knob. It has a clear white dot, showing you the current position and is nice and smooth to turn allowing for very precise adjustments. Above that is a series of LED indicators showing PCM or DSD input, bit-rate, power and left and right signal detection.
 

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On the front panel there is a 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm headphone jacks so there's no need for any adapters. At the top right is the output select switch for choosing headphone or variable RCA out. On the bottom right is a hi-low gain select switch allowing you to choose between 10dB and 0dB.
 

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Moving around to the back we find the Asynchronous USB 2.0 input, 3.5 mm stereo analog line level and combination optical S/PDIF digital output and the input select switch as well as a DC 5V power input. I kind of wish that the RCA line-out was fixed level instead of variable as that would negate the possibility (or probability) of giving yourself a heck of a fright and possibly damaging your ears if you forget to adjust the volume before flicking the output select switch. In case you're wondering - yes, I have done it already.
 

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On the underside there are 4 rubber feet to prevent sliding and to protect the surface that the OriGen+ is sitting on.
It's quite a versatile little gadget this one. You can have it connected to your computer and then to another device via the optical input. Changing between sources is then as easy as flicking the rear input select switch. Likewise, switching between headphones and line out is just as simple, although like I said above you really need to get into the habit of lowering the volume and gain before doing so.
 

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That's about all there is to it really. The unit is small enough to fit just about anywhere you want to put it and because it's powered by USB there's one less cable to manage. One thing to note is that the driver installation is a bit of a process, made more difficult by changes that Microsoft has made recently with driver management. It can be a little frustrating but there are detailed instructions on Micca's website and you only need to do it once, although I have experienced the occasional BSOD with Windows 10.
 
Sound:
 
Okay this is the most difficult part because how do you talk about a sound that is transparent or neutral? Soundstage is not especially wide or deep but impressive for a unit at this price point. Bass notes are tight and textured and separation is on point. The noise floor is low, I haven't experienced any buzzing or hissing with headphones or IEMs nor any channel imbalance. Overall it's just a clear, fairly neutral presentation.
 
Comparison:
 
vs FX-Audio DAC-X6 (USD 65)
 
These two DACS have a very similar overall sound with the OriGen+ having a touch more sparkle in the treble while the DAC-X6 has slightly more emphasis on the mids. Most of the differences are cosmetic, the most obvious being the size. Both are nicely crafted from metal and both have excellent build quality. Micca's offering has the advantage of high and low gain switch, both 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm headphone jacks while the FX-Audio unit has the added benefit of Coaxial input. The output select switch on the OriGen+ is a very handy addition and it's probably this factor alone that would make this one my preferred DAC for the desktop. The DAC-X6 does have some compelling points though, first being the lower price and secondly its Plug and Play capability, meaning you don't have to go through the driver installation drama or deal with those nasty BSODs.
 
Recommendations for improvement:
 
I'm not sure if it's possible but I'd love to see Plug and Play capability or at least some updated drivers to address the Windows errors. I would also prefer a fixed level line out rather than variable so that you can keep the headphone out volume at sensible levels instead of needing to remember to lower the volume before you switch from line out every time.
 

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Conclusion:
 
The OriGen+ is a solid performer, coming in at around $100 making it one of the cheaper options for consumers. Despite the low price it has some really good features and sounds good to boot. USB and optical inputs, output select switch for versatility and high and low gain settings for sensitive earphones or harder to drive headphones. Construction is very solid and this thing is small - about the same size as a stick of butter (not counting the large volume knob) meaning its perfect for anyone who has little desk space to spare. Overall this is a good entry level DAC for those just starting out or want to improve on their laptops sound quality with something that doesn't take up too much space and it won't make your wallet cry either.

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Accutone is a company that specializes in hands-free communications solutions but they've taken their experience and expertise and used it to create a series of consumer earphones. From their website: "Accutone Audio is about music, and our love of music has pushed us to build products that remove the barriers between the musicians and their audience. Continuing our corporate motto of "Clearer Communication Brings People Closer", our audio products are able to do just that by delivering exceptionally accurate audio output, just as our beloved artists envisioned."
 
Today I'll be looking at one of Accutone's entry level solutions from their "Standard Line" the Lyra.
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of my honest review. I'm not affiliated with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Angus from Accutone for the opportunity to test the Lyra.
 
Accutone website: http://www.accutone.com/
 
Lyra product page: http://www.audio.accutone.com/product-page/e9a53b0e-e08c-93a1-76b3-bda907a524d2
 

Packaging and accessories:

 
The Lyra comes in three colors: Space Gray, Gold and Rose Gold. I have the Space Gray version. They come in a nice, compact box with an image of the IEMs on the front. Inside you'll find:
 

1. earphones
2. 3 pairs of silicone tips
3. pleather carry case

 

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The carry case is made from black pleather and is a nice addition. It has a magnetic flap on the front with Accutone branding that snaps into place when you close it. I find these more convenient than zippered style cases but this one could benefit from just a touch more depth as the earphones can be a little difficult to get in and out.
The provided silicone tips aren't the best quality and were all too small for my ears so yet again I drew some extra large ones from my personal stockpile.
 

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Build:

 
The cable on the Lyra is really nice for a budget IEM. It feels strong, looks good is supple without kinks/memory and doesn't feel sticky like some other budget cables. It has very good strain reliefs at the housing, Y-splitter and plug. The cable terminates in a right-angled 3.5 mm plug. There are Left and Right markers on the strain reliefs where the cable connects to the housing but they are near impossible to see, even in sunlight.
 
There's also a 3 button inline control and microphone between the Y-splitter and housing. The controls worked perfectly on my Android phone and also on my FiiO DAP.
The housings are nicely crafted metal with an excellent, smooth finish. I find the Lyra to be very comfortable although with a good seal you may want to reposition them occasionally as there are no vents present. They're very lightweight, adding to their comfort and there are no sharp edges to be found. I can wear these all day without a problem.
 

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Sound:

 
Sources:
 
FiiO X1ii
NiNTAUS X10
MusicBee > Micca OriGen+
 
The Lyra is easy to drive and works well with all sources including smartphones and budget DAPs.
The overall sound signature of the Lyra is warm and smooth, slightly V-shaped but still fairly balanced. It's a non-fatiguing sound that can be comfortably listened to for long music sessions.
 
While not the most etched bass, these still have good impact and tone. Kick drums sound a little loose but not boomy as they decay pretty quickly, adding some weight and fullness to the sound. Sub-bass has a little boost which fits my preference although on occasion it rolls off a bit early. There's still enough grunt behind it to be satisfying and push the music along. These are not for bass-heads but for those who like a bit of thump these will do the trick.
 
Midrange contributes the overall warmth of the Lyra, being a little recessed but bringing vocals to the forefront. They're not the clearest mids but tonality is natural sounding. Male vocals are smooth and rich as are accoustic and string instruments but things can get a bit congested in busy tracks. Female vocals come across more clearly than their male counterparts sounding vibrant yet smooth and are my favorite part of the middling frequencies.
 
The Lyra has amazing treble for its price. Everything is beautifully clear and the timbre of percussion in the highs is absolutely wonderful. It's relaxed but crystal clear and outdo the treble on many more expensive IEMs. Crash cymbals, high hats, chimes and bells sound really amazing on the Lyra and often make me stop whatever I'm doing and marvel at the sound. There's a bit of sparkle there but no sign of sibilance. The highs are airy and convey some really impressive detail, making them my favorite aspect of the Lyra.
 
Soundstage is average, being neither particularly wide or narrow but still able to portray sound beyond the width of your ears. Imaging likewise is respectable but not spectacular, certainly not bad for this price range though.
 

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Comparisons:

 
vs Fischer Audio Paco (38 USD)
 
The Paco has a more textured and punchy bass. The midrange of the Paco is less forward but has more clarity in the lower mids and lacks the superb treble extension and timbre of the Lyra. While the Lyra is very comfortable the Paco is even more so due to its tiny size and tapered rear housings. The Paco comes with a small carry pouch while the Lyra is accompanied by Accutone's excellent case but the ear-tips provided with the Paco are far superior in quality. Lastly the Paco has very clear Left and Right markers while the ones on the Lyra are practically pointless as they're so hard to see.
 
vs Brainwavz Jive (28 USD)
 
The Jive has a thinner or cooler signature than the Lyra. The lower mids and male vocals are more clear on the Jive but also more recessed. The Lyra keeps its tenacious hold on the treble prize, being more extended and vibrant. The bass on the Jive is more etched and punchy and has a little more reach in sub-bass. Comfort wise the Jive comes out ahead for the same reasons as the Paco - tapered rear housing, smaller size and silky smooth finish. Brainwavz' Jive is a more complete package with better ear-tips and bulkier but more versatile carry case. For overall sound I prefer Accutone's offering but for the entire package the Jive is still hard to beat.

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Conclusion:

 
Accutone have a great entry level IEM with the Lyra. It's well built, lightweight and comfortable. The sound is slightly mid-forward with a rich, warm nature that's balanced by one of, if not the best trebles I've heard in a sub $50 IEM. If the lower mids were a little clearer this would be an absolute killer earphone but as it stands is a very competent performer. My only criticisms would be the sub-par supplied ear-tips and poor Left and Right markers. Apart from that its a strong offering at a low price with a musical presentation, solid build and definitely worth taking a look at.
 

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LZ is an earphone manufacturer who has had some iconic releases in the past. They were one of the first to bring a true hybrid earphone to the masses at an affordable price. Well today I'll be reviewing their latest release, which has been stirring up a lot of interest since its release - meet the LZ A4.
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I'm not affiliated with the company and all opinions and observations are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank LZ for the opportunity to test the A4.
 
The LZ A4 is available at several AliExpress stores and also at Penon Audio: http://penonaudio.com/LZ-A4
 

Specifications:

 

1. Brand: LZ
2. Model: A4
3. Driver: 1 Dynamic driver+ 2 Balanced Armature Hybrid
4. Impedance: 16Ω 
5. Headphone sensitivity:120dB
6. Frequency range: 20-28000Hz
7. Interface: 3.5mm 
8. Cable Length: 1.2m±5cm
9. Weight: 30g
10. Interface Type: MMCX

 

Package and accessories:

 

1. 6 pairs of silicone tips
2. 1 pair of bi-flange tips
3. 1 pair of foam tips
4. 1 pair of silicone ear-hooks
5. shirt clip
6. metal case containing the different filters
7. MMCX cable
8. carry case
9. information booklet

 
The A4 comes in a plain, black box with red print on the front. Upon opening you find a foam sheet with the included ear-tips and the earphones. Underneath that are the carry case, metal filter case, cable and other accessories. It's a decent bundle for this price range but unfortunately, like so many other  IEMs all the supplied ear-tips are too small for me.
 

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The cable is dark gray in color and is smooth and very flexible, similar to the one found on the LZ A2S. There aren't any strain reliefs on the MMCX connectors but hopefully this won't be an issue. There's a nice rubber Y-splitter with a cable cinch and the cable terminates in an angled 3.5 mm plug that has good strain relief. Even when worn down there is very little microphonics present.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation:

 
The housings are metal with a large plastic tear-shaped attachment where the MMCX connectors are. They look quite large at first glance but are actually very ergonomic and can be comfortably worn cable up or down without having to reverse sides. Each earpiece has a Left or Right indicator and although the markings are black, they're still easy to see. Build quality is very solid and these should be very  robust.
 

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I find these very comfortable and can wear either cable up or down for hours on end without a problem. Since they're equally comfortable for me both ways I change depending on my situation: if I'm sitting at home or in the office I'll wear them cable down but if I'm on the move I switch to over-ear.
 
Despite having a semi-open back design these isolate noise quite well and also have minimal noise leakage so they should be fine for commuting or other situations where you need to consider other people.
 

Filter system:

 
The A4 is a tunable system, meaning there are a series of rear and nozzle filters for a total of 18 different combinations, all with a slightly different sound signature. Rather than try to explain them all I'll just insert the filter chart kindly provided by fellow Head-Fier Tamal (RedJohn456). The filters are very well machined and are easy to change, making the process fast and painless. My personal favorite combinations are Black/rear and Red/front or Red/rear and Black/front, most often the former as I like some extra weight in the low end while still remaining smooth up top.
 

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Sound:

 
Sources:
 
The A4 are not hard to drive and work well straight out of a smartphone or budget DAP.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
Foobar2000 > irDAC-II
Foobar2000 > Micca OriGen+
FiiO X1ii > with and without Shinrico E11
NiNTAUS X10 > with and without Shinrico E11
 
Music tested with:
 
Westside Connection - Terrorist Threats album [flac]
Mathias Eick - Midwest album [flac]
Miles Davis - Tutu album [flac]
Jazz At the Pawnshop - Arne Domnerus Group 2cd album [flac]
+many others
For this review I'll be describing the sound using the Red/rear and Black/front  or Black/rear and Red/front filter combination. Note that while the filters genuinely alter the sound, the overall characteristics of the IEM remain the same - something to keep in mind while reading this. Those overall characteristics I would summarize like this: deep, controlled bass, beautifully clear midrange and detailed, airy but smooth treble.
 
Sub-bass digs deep, especially with my preferred filters installed. They extend very low and can bring the rumble that I crave while remaining remarkably well controlled. Similarly the mid-bass is very well textured and has great impact but never overpowers the other frequencies. Of course the intensity can be changed with different filter setups but the core characteristics remain - extension, texture and control are always present. The bass works well across all genres and can be specifically fine tuned with filters if you listen predominantly to a certain type of music but for me, the aforementioned two filter combinations sound great no matter what I'm listening to. Overall the bass is superbly executed and perfectly compliments the mids and highs.
 
The mids have exceptional clarity and tone making vocals, strings and acoustic instruments come alive. Separation is excellent across the board allowing you to pick apart every instrument during busy song sections. Classical music sounds fantastic with wonderful tonality in piano and string instruments (in everything really). And if the crescendos start to become uncomfortable you can just change the front nozzle and you're good to go again. Male vocals carry nicely, sounding rich and natural. In "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers his raspy notes are smooth and articulated. With the Divas of Jazz 4 album there's a song by Ella Fitzgerald called "My Melancholy Baby" that has little bass and lots of loud peaks in the vocals. It's not a great recording and I'm not sure when it was recorded but am fairly sure it was before the days of limiters and compressors. This song can be grating on the ears as if someone is poking needles of ice into your head but with the LZ A4 equipped with red nozzle filters I can begin to appreciate it.
 
How anything can retain so much detail whilst staying chocolaty smooth is a wonder but that's what I find with the A4. There's also an airy lightness about the treble that lifts music with nice extension but is non-fatiguing. For roughly the last third of "No Man's Land" by The Pineapple Thief there are a lot of crash cymbals that can sometimes be a bit painful to my ears but the A4 pulls them off really well, leaving their extension and vibrancy without any signs of artificial (or physical for that matter) dampening. They're just masterfully tuned and the treble nears perfection to my ears.
 
Soundstage is excellent, taking sounds outside of the "headspace" with great depth as well as width. Imaging often suffers from such a wide soundstage but that's not the case here as 3D positioning is precise, allowing you to picture which direction sounds are coming from.  This is yet another aspect of the A4 that combined with the other characteristics and makes these overall probably the most impressive IEMs I have heard to date.
 

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Comparisons:

 
vs TFZ Balance 2M
 
Some might question a comparison between dynamic and hybrid earphones but as we've heard often it usually comes down to the tuning and build rather than driver count/type. These both retail at just under $200 at the time of writing this review so in my opinion make them ideal to look at side by side. Both have a fairly balanced signature but the sub-bass on the TFZ has a bit more impact than that of the A4. Both have great clarity in the midrange but the A4 manages to pull a bit more detail and separation out of the sound. Both have a relaxed but well-extended treble but the TFZ lacks the airiness of the A4. Also the A4 has a wider soundstage with more depth probably due (in my opinion) to the semi-open back design. The Balance 2M has better noise isolation but the LZ is no slouch here either. When it comes to comfort I'd say the Balance 2M pulls slightly ahead. Each of these are among my current favorite IEMs for different reasons and if I had to choose between them it could very well come down to a coin toss.
 
vs Moni One
 
Now we have the same driver configuration of a single DD and dual BA but a fairly large difference in price. The Moni One is currently retailing at around $70. The Moni One is the more V-shaped of the two, particularly in the treble which can get a bit splashy at times. The Moni One actually seems to me to have better micro details but this comes at the cost of slightly thinner midrange and edgy treble. They each have very good bass, with the Moni One slightly edging ahead for quickness and control. Overall the A4 has a more balanced sound and is technically superior. If you're not willing to go into the price range of the A4 then the Moni One is a very solid alternative.
 

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Conclusion:

I think I've said pretty much everything already. The LZ A4 is a stellar performer offering outstanding quality sound at a reasonable price. With its open and airy yet warm, rich sound it's engaging, musical and elicits emotional response from the listener. It can be sophisticated and fun at the same time and can be tuned more towards either direction with the fantastic filter system that makes it so versatile. Soundstage, imaging, timbre and air abound. Detachable MMCX means you can use a third party cable but I can't see why you would want to as the default one is already superb. The one minor complaint I have is that ALL of the provided ear-tips are too small for my ears but this is almost always the case for me personally and as such I don't feel it worth taking off any points. These are at the moment arguably the best sub $200 IEM you can buy and if they're within your budget then I suggest you get yourself some as soon as possible.
 

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Founded in 2014 in Guangzhou, China, Shinrico is a company focused on digital electronic products in the field of high-tech enterprises. Recently I reviewed their excellent D3S Digital Player/Transport here and today I'll be looking at their portable headphone amplifier, the Shinrico E11 that currently retails for around $44. Let's go.
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I'm not affiliated with the company in any way and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Ann from Shinrico for the opportunity to test the Shinrico E11.
 
Shinrico website: http://www.shinrico.net/en/index.asp
 
E11 product page: http://www.shinrico.net/en/produce_view.asp?id=631
 
Buy E11 on AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/SHINRICO-E11-portable-headphone-amplifier/2339372_32740533609.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.G5FhfU
 

Specifications:

 
Charging Interface: USB 5V 1A
Charging voltage: ≤5.2V
Charging current: 1A
Battery capacity: 2000mA
Battery Voltage: 3.7V
Frequency range: 20Hz-40kHz
Recommended tube amp Impedance: 32Ω ~ 600Ω
SNR: ≥110dB
Total harmonic distortion: ≤0.001%
Maximum output power: ≥80mW
Audio input interface: 3.5mm
Audio output interface: 3.5mm
Size: 100mm * 61mm * 13mm
Weight: 0.4kg
 

Packaging and accessories:

 
The E11 comes in a clean looking black and white box. On the front is the brand name and an image of the amplifier. On the back there are  a couple more images of the product. Nothing flashy but it looks good and gives you a clear idea of how the amplifier looks.
 

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When you open the box you're presented with the amplifier and user manual. In a separate, smaller box are the included accessories:

1. USB charging cable
2. 2 silicone bands

 
It's basically all you need but it would have been nice to include some small silicone feet or something similar to protect the body of the amp and the device you're stacking it with from scratches. This isn't really an issue for me as both my current DAPs have a protective case on them already, as does my phone but nonetheless it would be a welcome addition.
 

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Build:

 
The E11 comes in two colors - black and titanium. I have the black version. The unit itself is almost exactly the same size as my NiNTAUS X10 and FiiO X1ii. The casing is made from a brushed aluminium, is very nicely crafted and feels great in the hand. It is rounded along the length of each side and all the edges are smooth and cool to the touch. Everything feels well put together and there are no rattles or loose parts present.
 

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On one end are (from left to right) Micro USB charging port, power indicator LEDs and power button. The unit is turned on by holding down the power button for a second. The button has a solid feel and audible click.
 

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A short press of the power button displays the battery's charge level via four green LED lights. Whilst charging these light up sequentially from right to left. It's a very intuitive system and gives you all the information you need.
 

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On the opposite end are (from left to right) 3.5 mm headphone output jack, 3.5 mm input jack and the volume dial. The dial is very smooth so it's great for doing precise volume setting but I would have liked it a bit tighter to help avoid accidental movement while handling the unit.
 

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It's a perfect size for me, being neither too small nor large and almost identical to the NiNTAUS X10 and FiiO X1ii making it ideal for stacking.
 

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Battery life:

 
The manufacturer claims the E11 has a battery life of 20 hours continuous use and from my experience using it over the last month or so I think that to be fairly accurate. This is a huge bonus for me because it means that no matter what I'm doing there's basically no chance of me going through a full charge in a single day, so I won't be left out in the cold when I'm out and don't have a charger available. The battery level LEDs on the unit are a great indicator and are extremely easy to check and seem to be very accurate too. Drain is consistent across the four levels which makes determining the remaining power a no-brainer. Charge time is around 3-4 hours using the USB cable connected to my desktop or laptop computer.
 

Sound:

 
Equpment used for testing:
 
FiiO X1ii > line out
NiNTAUS X10 > line out
 
The E11 has a two-stage amplification, utilizing the Texas Instruments OPA2604 and TPA6120 to improve output impedance and enhance output power. Speaking of power, there's plenty of it on tap with the E11 making it capable powering full-sized headphones though there's no option for switching to Hi-gain. I have not experienced any background noise or hiss whatsoever, leaving the audio signal clean as a whistle, even when using sensitive IEMs. Though I don't have any equipment for testing, the E11 sounds to me linear across the board, simply offering more gain to drive high impedance or low sensitivity headphones/IEMs.
 
The Ultrasone Performance 860 is not particularly hard to drive with an impedance of 32 ohms and sensitivity at 94 db for its 40 mm drivers. For reference I usually set the volume on the FiiO to 65-75 (maximum 100) with these and with the E11 setting the dial on 2.5-3.5 will give me similar SPL. The E11 sounds very linear to me so there's no discernible coloring of the output, just pure amplification. There's more than enough juice to bring out the full potential of the 860 and plenty to spare.
 
Using the E11 with IEMs results in a similar outcome. The background on the Shinrico unit is black with no signs of signal overload. This was the same with everything I tried from the Moni One, TFZ Balance 2M, LZ A4 and Trinity Audio Phantom Master 4. Admittedly for IEMs such as these there's little reason you would need an amp in most situations but as many will know, sometimes a little amplification can bring out the best in an earphone (think Havi B3 Pro although I don't have one on hand for testing). With a rated total harmonic distortion of: ≤0.001% it's hardly surprising.
 

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Conclusion:

 
I've been using the E11 for the last 4-5 weeks, mostly with IEMs because well, they're portable. Most of them sound pretty good without amplification but some do benefit in my opinion from a bit of extra juice. Also when I'm using the FiiO X1ii, having it connected to the E11 means I can avoid having to use it's sub-par volume controls but I digress. A portable amplifier such as this can also extend the battery life of your DAP when using the line-out and that's a definite plus. There's no high and low gain option or a bass boost but I think if those were added add this price point then there would need to be sacrifices made elsewhere so I prefer it the way it is.  
 
The only criticisms I have are the lack of attachable "feet" or something to protect itself and the connected device from scratches and I'd like the volume pot to have a little more resistance to make accidental changes less likely. At the current asking price of $44 I think this thing is an absolute gem. It's well built, has a silent background, great battery life and a linear signature. If you think you need more power to drive whatever you're listening to then this should be on your radar. Alternatively if you want to get more life out of you DAPs battery then this can help there significantly too. For those thinking of buying a portable headphone amp you should definitely check out the E11.

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Lately it seems that almost every week there are new (or at least unheard of by most) companies releasing new DAPs (Digital Audio Players). This is great for the consumer because more products means more competition which means lower prices and ultimately better value for those who are buying. One of the latest players to crop us is NiNTAUS with their X10. The X10 comes with a 2 inch screen, line out, equaliser, native DSD support and more. Read on to find out if you should get one.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. I'm not affiliated with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Penon Audio for the opportunity to test the NiNTAUS X10.
 
Penon Audio website: http://penonaudio.com/
 
NiNTAUS X10 Product page: http://penonaudio.com/NiNTAUS-X10%20?search=nintaus
 
Penon Audio on Aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1994049
 
NiNTAUS X10 on Penon's AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/NiNTAUS-X10-DSD64-24Bit-192Khz-Entry-level-HiFi-Lossless-Music-Player/1994049_32753376133.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.FxsnxS
 
Specification:
 

1. Operating system: Window XP, VISTA, WINDOWS 8
2. Screen: 2.0inch 320 * 240
3. Headphone output:> = 80mw
4. Volume control: 100 digital volume control
5. Signal to noise ratio:> = 99db
6. EQ: Rock, pop, soft, jazz, classical, electronic music, (sampling rate in the 48khz only support EQ settings)
7. Playback settings: normal, random, all, single loop playback mode
8. Audio Rate: MP3: 16kbps-320kbps WMA: 16kbps-320kbps WAV: 24bit / 48khz 16kbps-1536kbps
9. APE / FLAC 24 bit / 192khz 512kbps-1536kbps
10. Play time: about 60 hours (headset volume 30 ,play lossless music)
11. Charging time: about 5 hours (using 5V / 1000 mA charger)
12. Audio formats: MP3.WMA, WAV, APE, FLAC, ACC, OGG
13. Menu Language: English , Russian, Chinese
14. Operating temperature: 0-45degree
15. Transmission interface: micro 5pin, USB2.0
16. Expansion card: support 128GB
17. Size :98*58*16mm

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The unit came in a compact, plain brown box with the brand name printed on the front. Simple and effective.
 

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Upon opening we're presented with the player wrapped in protective paper.
 

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Once you remove the player from the box, underneath you'll come across the included accessories.
 
Inside the box you'll find:
 

1. NiNTAUS X10 Player
2. USB transfer/charge cable
3. Complimentary earphones
4. Silicone ear-tips
5. Silicone case
6. 16GB Micro SD Card

 

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The included earphones turned out to be surprisingly good. These are nothing exceptional if you already have a collection of IEMs but for those that don't it's a welcome addition. In fact, even if you do have better earphones already it's still a nice touch. The IEMs are an over-ear type and made from lightweight plastic.
 

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On the included Micro SD Card is some sample music including a mix of Chinese and English songs. Overall for the low asking price it's a great package that has everything you need to get up and running.
 
Build and use:
 
The player is made from CNC machined aluminium. Construction quality is very good with all smooth edges and clean lines.
 

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Underneath the brand name printed at the top is the 2 inch TFT screen with a resolution of 320 x 240. Below the screen are metal control buttons and a plastic navigation dial. The buttons feel nice and solid with no noticeable looseness and have a crisp, tactile click when pressed. From top left to bottom right these are:
 

1. Previous
2. Next
3. Menu
4. Back
5. Play/pause
6. Volume

 
The dial has raised bumps around the outside edge to help with grip and moves with little audible clicks (physical, not software based). I find the dial to work really well and it's easy to scroll fairly quickly through lists or one line at a time.
 

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On the top of the player are the Power Button, headphone and line out jacks. I  generally like the headphone and line out jacks on the bottom but that's just personal preference and might be different for you.
 

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Moving to the bottom we find the Micro SD Card slot (supports up to 128GB), the USB charge/transfer port and a reset button.
 

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Here you can see the NiNTAUS X10 in the protective silicone case. It doesn't look anywhere near as pretty as it does without it but it certainly will protect the player.
 

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Right then, let's take a look at the menu.
 
The options in the "Set (Settings)" menu are as follows:
 

1. Language
2. Create Playlist
3. Backlight timer
4. Sleep Timer
5. Information
6. Auto upgrade
7. Format device
8. Restore defaults

 

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And for the play settings:
 

1. Shuffle
2. Repeat
3. Default volume
4. The line level

 

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As you can see the menu is a fairly simple offering. For me it covers most of the things that I want but there are some strange omissions and shortcomings. The UI is fairly snappy, utilizing the torch 2167 processor, although when first starting playback there is a slight delay whilst the album art and track info are loading. The "now playing" screen displays album art, volume, playback/repeat mode, EQ setting, storage space, battery level, track, artist, album, file format & bit-rate and track number. As you can see there's plenty of comprehensive information so good job on that one.
 

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To adjust the volume you need to press any button to activate the screen (assuming the screen is off), press the volume button and then use the dial to ramp it up or down. I'd definitely prefer to have dedicated volume buttons to simplify the process. Skipping to the previous or next track is done via the Back and Forward buttons (bet you didn't see that coming). It can sometimes be frustrating that any button must first be pressed to activate the screen before you can issue any commands. I've seen this before on other players (XDuoo X2 and Benjie K9) and while it's not a big deal I still find it a little inconvenient.
 
The buttons can be locked by a quick press on the power button. Another quick press will unlock the buttons.
 
The screen is clear with good color but it can be difficult to see outdoors on a sunny day.
 
To use the line out simply plug your amp or other device straight into the jack and that's it - no need to change any software settings. Handy. Line out can be set to Volume synchronization , 0db or -6db. Headphone volume can be set to a default level or to memory where it retains the previous level used.
 
One major annoyance I found with the software is the resume playback on startup implementation. Upon starting the device a message will pop up asking if you want to want to resume the last played track. If you click on "yes" then it will take you to the "now playing" screen and then you need to press Play to resume playback. If you click no it will take you back to the main menu. If you don't choose either Yes or No within a few seconds you will get taken back to the main menu AND you lose the position of the last track played. It's a very frustrating setup. I would much prefer an option in the settings to enable or disable resume on playback and leave it at that. Oh and actually resume playback without me having to press the Play button. AAARRGH!
 
There's an equalizer with 6 preset modes, including: Rock, Pop, Soft, Jazz, Classical and Techno but unfortunately no custom setting is available.
 

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Another niggling issue is the lack of a shortcut to the home screen. From the Now Playing screen if you want to go to the home screen you need to press the Back button 4 times. Am I being anal about this? I don't know but it just seems that there could be a better way, for example a long press of the Menu button....
 
Battery life:
 
Battery on the X10 is absolutely excellent. The specifications claim that it has a continuous playback time of 60 hours playing .flac files at 30 volume. I found that with headphones and most of the earphones I tested with I like the volume closer to around 50 but even then I can go for several days of regular use before needing a charge. More DAPs need this kind of lasting power in my opinion.
 
Sound:
 
Tested with:
 
Ultrasone Performance 860 - headphone
MSUR N650 - headphone
Trinity Audio PM4 - IEM
LZ A4 - IEM
TFZ Balance 2M - IEM
Shinrico E11 portable headphone amplifier
 
So how does the NiNTAUS X10 sound? Well its' DAC is the new Wisdom/Xinzhihui WM8965 which I've never seen before but I think it sounds pretty good. It's accompanied by TI's TPA6530 OP-amp which, I believe is the same one used in the aigo-105. I feel that the amp might be a bit under powered. The line-out of the X10 is noticeably less powerful than that of the FiiO X1ii. The X10 can power the Ultrasone Performance 860 fairly well but I needed to bump the volume up significantly to do so. I have doubts that it would be sufficient for a 300 ohm headphone but I don't have one available to confirm this. The MSUR N650 seems to pair very nicely with this however with wide soundstage, clarity and airy treble.
 

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Bass has some nice weight to it and manages to keep its nose clean. Midrange seems fairly neutral but doesn't have the best separation I've heard from a DAP. Treble is nice and clear with some sparkle and airiness. Imaging with the N650 is still very good here. Overall in this price range I think the X10 sounds fantastic.
 

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Comparisons:
 
vs FiiO X1ii
 
The NiNTAUS boots MUCH faster than the FiiO, weighs less and the UI feels more snappy overall. The X10's battery will go for days after the X1ii has sputtered and failed. The FiiO sounds a bit cleaner and more neutral but I actually find the FiiO a little on the thin side when it comes to sound. The amp section on the FiiO is more powerful, for the headphone out and the line-out but the X10 has a dedicated jack for line out which is far more convenient. The X1ii has Bluetooth  which is obviously an advantage but it's also 3 times the price of the X10.
 
vs Benjie K9
 
I have a soft spot for the K9 but just like the X10 it also has some illogical UI design. However the K9 is easier to use and navigate using only its simple control pad, consisting of a circular 4 button disc and central button. The K9 lacks a line-out feature which is something I've come to depend on from a dedicated DAP. Sound wise the X10 pulls ahead slightly but not in a major way being a little clearer and closer to neutral and more forward in the midrange. Battery life on the K9 is pretty good, much the same as the XDuoo X2 (around 15 hours) but gets trumped again by the X10.
 
Recommendations for improvement:
 
First and foremost dedicated volume buttons PLEASE! This would make such a difference, at least for me. I'd like to see a custom setting available for Equalization as well. I'm usually inclined not to use EQ but knowing it's there if you want it goes a long way for the end-user experience. The resume last played track really needs a better implementation. In its current state it becomes annoying very quickly. Make it an option in the settings to "On" or "Off" and if its "On", just play the darn music already without making me press the Play button. It would be nice to have a setting for screen brightness as well. I'd happily bump up the brightness a little and sacrifice a little battery. Lastly I think a shortcut to the main menu would be a welcome addition, rather than having to press the Back button again and again.
 
*Edit: I forgot to add that the player does not sort directories alphabetically by default. In order to do this you'll need a utility such as DriveSort.
 

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Conclusion:
 
The NiNTAUS X10 shows a lot of real potential and I believe with a few minor changes it could be an absolute winner. It sounds very good and has a stellar battery life. The screen is a good size and although it can be hard to see in sunlight (many more expensive DAPs suffer here as well) it has a decent resolution and bright colors. The unit looks great and feels nice to touch. The CNC machined case is top quality and the buttons respond very well and have a satisfying click to them. It's also fairly light - lighter than the FiiO X1ii, even though they are almost identical in size. I feel the X10 comes so close to being great for me but in a way it still is great when you consider the low price of (currently) just $45-$60 (not forgetting it comes with earphones and silicone case). If you're just getting your feet wet in the audiophile world or are more experienced but need something with a longer lasting battery the NiNTAUS X10 is certainly a good Digital Audio Player for the low asking price.
 

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From the Doukaudio website: "Shenzheng Cavins Technology Co.,LTD has been established since 2014.. We are devoted to design and research of hi-end level of audio equipments under our own brand name Nobsound and Douk Audio with our intellectual property rights. We are striving to build classical extraordinary audio equipment with cultural connotation and propel national audio brands worldwide and pace up with the rest of the world."
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I'm not affiliated with the company in any way and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Nobsound/Doukaudio and Vivian for the opportunity to test this product.
 
Doukaudio website: http://www.doukaudio.com/
 
Nobsound on Amazon
 
NS-01E on Amazon
 
Specifications:
 

1. Output power: ≥1100mW (32Ω)
2. Adapter Headphone Impedance: 18-600Ω
3. Total harmonic distortion: <0.005%
4. SNR: ≥110DB
5. Frequency Response: 20Hz-30KHz
6. Volume: (W)50×(L)50×(H)30 mm {1.97 x 1.97 x 1.18 inches}- 65mm height when add tube and feet
7. Net weight: 80g
8. Color: Black & Silver & Purple

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The NS-01E comes in a tidy little white box with gold print on the top. Inside is the amplifier which is protected by a soft white foam, a power supply and a user manual.
 

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Build and use:
 
Small is an understatement, this thing is tiny. Nicely crafted from machined aluminium everything is well finished and put together. Starting with the most obvious part - the top, you can see the large, gold colored volume knob that bumps up and down in increments. Diagonally opposite is the star of the show, the little JAN 6021 vacuum tube surrounded by protective plastic discs.
 

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On the front side are the 3.5 mm input and output jacks.
 

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Moving around to  the back we find the 6V DC power input and the bright red power button.
 

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So that's all there is to it. As you can see it's a really simple device. I have the silver/white version but the NS-01E also comes in black and purple. Everything feels solid, there's good resistance on the volume knob which moves in tactile bumps. Plug in the power supply, your source, whether it be a phone, DAC, DAP or computer and hook up your earphones, headphones or amplifier and you're good to go.*
 
*The manufacturer recommends you power the unit on for about 15 seconds prior to use, obviously to let the valve warm up to operating temperature.
 
There's a blue LED under the valve which may appeal to some and the valve itself glows a mild orange when powered on. Personally I find the blue and orange combination quite pleasing to the eye. The unit gets a little warm when in use but you can comfortably touch or pick it up without fear of burning yourself.
 
Inside are two Texas instrument NE5532P OP amps:
 

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The Nobsound NS-01E really surprised me the first time I hooked it up to my system. This thing is loud! I've no idea how they managed to pack so much power into this minuscule unit but its got some serious grunt. How much exactly do you ask? Enough to make your head explode like a melon under a sledgehammer if you're not careful. Using the line out from the FiiO X1 II 9-10 o'clock was adequate with the Ultrasone Performance 860. At 12 o'clock I was in fear that my head would implode under the SPL. It was the same when using it as a pre-amp to my Pioneer receiver.
 
Sound:
 
Equipment used:
 
Foobar2000 > Micca OriGen+ > NS-01E > headphones/amplifier
Foobar2000 > Arcam irDAC-II > NS-01E  > Ultrasone Performance 860
FiiO X1 II line out > NS-01E > headphones/amplifier
NiNTAUS X10 > NS-01E > headphones/amplifier
 
So how does it sound apart from big? The NS-01E gives sound a sense of energy, sort of like you're sitting on top of a live volcano and just waiting for it to erupt. Low notes dig deeper, mids become a but more full and highs get some extra sparkle. Everything stays remarkably clear and gains some vibrancy.  The most noticeable areas are the bass and treble which both seem to gain more change than the mids. Crash cymbals seem to extend a bit further and take on a real live performance feeling. It takes away some of the studio's clinical presentation and gives you a closer to live sound. Overall things sound a little warmer without losing any of the separation or detail present in the recording. It's not a huge difference and only noticeable if you're really looking for the changes.
 

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Comparison:
 
vs Bravo Audio Ocean:
The two amps sound remarkably similar, both very clear with some nice analog warmth to them. The Ocean has the slightest extra bit of weight in the bass and might be just a little more forward sounding in the mids. Both have very clear and well extended treble. The Ocean is the more versatile of the two, having the added benefit of RCA line in and it also has both 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm headphone jacks but obviously at the cost of a significantly larger footprint. I'd suggest if you're using headphones only then go for the NS-01E but if you want to hook up a pair of speakers as well then the Ocean is the way to go. I should also mention that both units have enormous amounts of power and should be able to drive anything you throw at them with ease.
 
Conclusion:
 
Priced at $48.30 on AliExpress and $50 on Amazon this little fella easily falls into the budget amplifier category. What you get for your money is a well-built, compact and capable little power  house of an amplifier. This would be perfect for anyone looking for something with a small footprint - perfect for the desktop or use in a limited space. Some may just need some extra volume that their source can't provide and the NS-01E has truckloads of that. These should have enough grunt to drive just about any headphone. Others might like it for that extra touch of warmth and analog presentation that only tubes can provide. At this stage I can't really find any faults with the NS-01E because it comes in a neat little package and does exactly what it says on the box. Recommended.

 
 
Many Head-Fiers will be familiar with Brainwavz already as they have a fairly large user group within the community. Brainwavz has a large inventory of quality earphones at reasonable prices and offer a sterling 24 month warranty on their products. Today I'll be looking at the new M100 single dynamic earphone. At the time of testing, the retail price of the M100 is $89.50 and are available on "Brainwavzaudio.com, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and other authorized Brainwavz resellers around the globe."
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I have no affiliation with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Brainwavz and Pandora for the opportunity to test this product.
 
Brainwavz Audio: http://www.brainwavzaudio.com/
 
Product page: http://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/brainwavz-m100-earphones
 
Specifications:
 
 Drivers : Dynamic, 8 mm
 Rated Impedance : 32 Ω
 Frequency Range : 12 Hz ~ 22 kHz
 Sensitivity : 110 dB @ 1 mW
 Plug : 3.5 mm, Gold-Plated
 Cable : Braided 1.3 m OFC Copper
 Remote & Mic: 3 Button, Apple & most Android phones compatible.
 
Packaging and accessories:
 
 Earphone Hard Case
 6 sets of Silicone Ear Tips (S M L)
 1 set of ComplyTM Foam Tips T-400
 1 Shirt Clip
 Velcro Cable Tie
 Instruction Manual & Warranty Card (24 month warranty)
 
As this was a review unit the earphones came to me without retail packaging.
 
First we have Brainwavz' excellent hard carry case. These are some of the best cases you'll find supplied with earphones, even more impressive when they're packaged along with their more budget oriented IEMs.
 

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As always the supplied accessories are very good, including the ear-tips, the comply tips, shirt clip and Velcro cable-tie.
 
Build, fit and isolation:
 
Brainwavz are known for their excellent build quality and the M100 are no different. With their smooth, aircraft grade metal housing, meticulous finish and clear Left and Right markings. The housings are a generic, cone shape that tapers off towards the rear. They're not the most interesting looking IEM but that's not an issue for me as I prefer something that's practical and comfortable and the M100 to me are both. The previously mentioned Left and Right markings are clear making it easy to determine both sides and it's little touches like this that make Brainwavz products rise above the competition when it comes to build quality.
 

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The cable is a twisted, rubber-coated affair with good strain reliefs and a universal three-button inline control with built-in microphone. The cable terminates in a forty-five degree plug that's contoured to easily grip when plugging in or removing from your device. There's also a handy cable cinch placed above the Y-splitter. The cable is reasonably supple and sits well without any noticeable kinks. Microphonics are present but fairly minimal and can be negated by utilizing the cable cinch or wearing the cable over your ears (or both).
 
 
Due to their shape and smooth finish I find these to be extremely comfortable to wear and can basically forget they're there at all. Sound isolation is slightly above average for this style of IEM, doing a pretty good job of blocking external noise.
 
Sound:
 
Sources:
Foobar2000 > Micca OriGen+
NiNTAUS X10
FiiO X1 II
 
All of the included tips were too small for my ears so for testing I used some Large silicone tips from my own collection.
 
The M100 has a very unusual sound signature that I think people will either love or hate with not much in-between. For me it is, unfortunately the latter and I will try to explain why.First of all the bass is a bit soft and not etched but not too bad overall. Sub-bass digs deep enough but just becomes part of the lower-mids bloat making things sound congested and blurred.
 

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Midrange on the M100 is more colored than blindfolded finger painting day at kindergarten making everything sound as though you're listening through a witches hat covered with a blanket. Depending on the track a fair amount of detail can still get through but things just sound unnatural at least to my ears. Female vocals fare much better due to the heaviest of the coloring being in the lower midrange. I found things sounded a lot better with some EQ, specifically pulling the 110Hz-311Hz range down -4db to -5db but I generally don't like to EQ and certainly not this heavily.
 
The treble is very subdued giving things a very warm or dark sound. I found a bit of boost in EQ helped things here too but some people may like it in its default state. It certainly doesn't get sibilant or splashy up top.
 
Soundstage isn't too bad but it's nothing to write home about. Imaging is pretty ordinary on anything except percussion in the upper frequencies where the M100 shows some potential.
 

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Comparisons:
 
vs Hidizs EX-01
 
Sub-bass levels are fairly similar between these two, both going pretty low and able to give you some rumble, slightly more so with the EX-01. Mid-bass has more impact on the Hidizs but had less mids-bleed than the M100. The Hidizs has slightly recessed midrange but sounds a lot more natural with better tonality. There's not a whole lot separating the treble between these two, both being very smooth and warm but the Hidizs sounds clearer in the highs due to a more balanced (but bass oriented) overall signature. The M100 is the more comfortable for me and I get a perfect seal every time while the EX-01 needs a bit of maneuvering every now and then to stay in place.
 
vs SHOZY Zero
 
Bass on the Zero is a bit tighter, faster and more clearly etched than that of the M100. Midrange is a bit forward on the Zero but manages to sound natural and without the apparent veil of the M100. Highs are clearer on SHOZY's offering with hi-hats and cymbals sounding very lifelike while the M100 is more subdued/washed out by the lower mids. Both of these IEMs are very comfortable for me but slightly more so for the Zero as the housings are shorter and the tips are about the only part that come into contact with my ears.
 
vs LZ A2S
 
Although the A2S is a hybrid I thought it relevant for comparison due to its warm signature. Mid-bass on the A2S is way forward and in my opinion has a detrimental effect on the overall sound whereas the M100 in my opinion does the same with its lower midrange, both IEMs being too unbalanced to sound coherent and engaging. Separation is superior with the A2S as you'd expect from a hybrid (but not guaranteed) with most sounds able to be distinguished from one another. The M100 has a slightly wider soundstage than the LZ model but at this point it's not enough to make it a competition.
 

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Conclusion:
 
Some may like the sound of the M100 but I suspect that more would not, unless my hearing and preferences are totally off-kilter. The midrange (especially lower midrange) seems to be rather poorly tuned making it sound unnatural and congested. For the $89.50 asking price there is a vast number of IEMs to compete against - many single dynamics and as of recently a whole bunch of double and triple driver hybrids which to my ears sound a whole lot better. I suggest you don't take my word alone though, if you have the chance to listen to the M100 yourself then you definitely should. Perhaps I've spent too much time in the realm of digital cleanliness, of hi-res files and everything being sourced from computers, DACs and DAPs. Maybe this is a throwback to the analog days of warm, non clinical audio. You owe it to yourself to give it a shot. Although the M100 signature isn't for me I can say without a doubt that Brainwavz retains their standard when it comes to build quality, finish, high class materials and bundle of accessories.

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In an old brewery in central Stockholm, Sweden there is a company making headphones. That in itself is enough to gain my interest! Founded in 2006 Jays set out with a goal "to create great music experiences that everyone could enjoy and love". In order to achieve this they claim to "to stay true to our core value of simplicity in everything we do, in order to make products that are beautiful, easy to use and are built to last". So today I'm looking at the u-JAYS closed back on-ear headphones. These are gorgeous to look at and according to the company are durable, comfortable and sound pretty good. Could it be true? Read on to find out.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I'm not affiliated with the company in any way and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Josefina and Jays for the opportunity to test the u-JAYS on-ear headphones.
 
Jays website: https://www.jaysheadphones.com/
 
u-JAYS product page: https://www.jaysheadphones.com/products/u-jays/
 
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/JAYS-u-JAYS-ear-iOS-Headphones/dp/B01DKT0XYU
 
Specifications:
 

1. Weight: 224 g (7.9 oz)
2. Type: JAYS 40 mm dynamic
3. Sensitivity: 100 db SPL @ 1 kHz
4. Impedance: 32 Ohm @ 1 kHz
5. Frequency responce: 10-20,000 Hz

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
My first thought when I picked up the u-JAYS box was "wow, heavy!" Immediately I was intrigued. The box is black with a simple image of the headphones on the front. Simple and sophisticated, just the way I like it. It looks kind of like the dark nemesis of an Apple product. On the back of the box is another image of the headphones along with some of the features and the specifications. These come in 4 colors: black, black and gold, white, white and gold. I have the black and gold version.
 

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Opening up the box (which folds open like a large book) is an experience in itself. Inside we find the headphones with the cups detached, the 135 cm (53 in) removable cable with remote and microphone, a fabric carrying bag and a multi-language user manual. The manual is of a high quality and includes many different languages and it's pretty large as a result. This is partly the reason why the box felt so heavy. The other reason is the density of the foam in which the headphones are stored. More high quality stuff and it would take some very serious punishment before the headphones were at risk of being damaged. So far so good.
 

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The cable is thick yet supple, is resistant to tangles and 'sits' well when wearing the headphones. The in-line controls have easily defined buttons and seem to work well. The microphone is also pretty decent and worked as intended.
 

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Build and comfort:
Once the headphones and ear-cups have been removed from the box you'll need to attach the ear-cups. This is a very simple process of just putting them on and twisting to lock them on. It feels very secure and there's no way the cups will come off unintentionally.
 

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The headband is a stainless steel core covered in silicone. All the wires are encased within the frame. Very simple yet elegant and strong as there are less separate parts to reduce risk of damage. On the underside is an area with some extra padding to reduce pressure on the top of your head. The headband has good flexibility and therefore the clamping force is sufficient without being uncomfortable. The arms of the headband are covered in a solid plastic that is well matched color and texture wise to the silicone giving the headphones a cohesive appearance.
 

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The ear-cups are a solid and fairly thick plastic that makes me want to use the durable word again. They can be rotated 90 degrees one way and almost as far in the other direction so they're great for wearing around your neck while you're not listening to them. These headphones look fantastic in my opinion, understated and classy. The pleather ear-pads are very soft and added with the low clamping force make for a comfortable experience. Isolation is pretty ordinary and I would have liked to see the ear-pads slightly thicker to make them even more comfortable and block out a bit more external noise.
 
Sound:
 
Sources used for testing:
 
NiNTAUS X10
FiiO X1 II
PC > JRiver Media Center > Micca OriGen+
 
I'm happy to say that along with their build quality and pleasing aesthetics the u-JAYS also sound fantastic. They're nicely balanced with a smooth, textured bass with enough grunt to get your feet tapping. Sub-bass has great extension but never gets overbearing and allows the mids to shine. The mid-range is clear and articulated and oozing with naturalness. Separation is very good and vocals have good definition and realism. The highs on the u-JAYS bring a sense of air and detail, are incredibly smooth and never get splashy. In Miles Davis' "Perfect Way" all the different sections of the song meld together but you can still hear each individual sound. High horn notes can often be an area of sensitivity to me but the u-JAYS have a smooth but energetic presentation that's very easy to listen to for prolonged periods of time. Soundstage and imaging are also handled very well with an openness and positional accuracy. The kick drums in "Hem" by Mathias Eick are particularly meaty and have a satisfying thump with the u-JAYS.
 
Comparisons:
 
These are the only on-ear headphones I have at the moment because I have never been a fan of them in the past. Since testing these though, I'm now very interested to delve deeper into this type of headphone as I find the u-JAYS comfortable and very competent when it comes to sound. Hopefully I will be able to update this section at a later time.
 

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Conclusion:
 
The u-JAYS are a great looking pair of headphones that have fantastic build quality for their asking price. They're currently available for just $119 on Amazon which I think is a steal, especially when I think about the equivalent you get for IEMs in the same price range. They're build really well and are more comfortable than most other on-ears that I've tried in the past. With a textured, impactul but balanced bass, clear, engaging mid-range and smooth yet detailed treble they have a mature but still lively sound signature that is better than you'd probably expect for the modest expense. If you're into on-ear headphones I seriously recommend you get your hands on some of these as I believe to get the same quality sound you would normally have to pay quite a bit more.

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TFZ (The Fragrant Zither) is somewhat of a newcomer in the IEM world but this Chinese company has already established themselves as a serious contender with their iconic SERIES series. Here's some information from their website:
 
"TFZ not only manufactures high-end audio-video products, it is also a unique lifestyle which represents personalized courage, insight and exquisite trendiness. TFZ has been striving to redefine the pure audio-video leisure method and developing it into a heart-stirring leisure activity full of fun and worthy of enthusiastic discussions."
 
Today I'll be reviewing the TFZ Balance 2M, a single dynamic with detachable MMCX cable. Let's do this.
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I have no affiliation with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank TFZ and Zhou for the opportunity to test the TFZ Balance 2M.
 
TFZ website: http://www.tfzither.com/
 
The Balance 2m can be found on AliExpress, Lend Me UR ears and various other retailers. Current pricing is around $185-$199.
 

Specifications:

 
Sensitivity: 108Db/mW
Impedance: 16 ohm
Frequency Response: 6-40 Hz
Speaker Unit: 12MM(N52)
Plug Diameter:3.5mm
Cable Length: 1.2M
 

Package and accessories:

 
Unboxing the Balance 2M was a real treat, like a fine meal that reveals its individual layers of flavor one by one and combines them all in a culinary delight.
These come in a simple black box with the TFZ logo and Balance 2M on the front. I love this kind of plain but sophisticated presentation. It doesn't try to amaze you with a bunch of marketing hyperbole, rather it lets the product speak for itself.
 

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In the box we find
 

1.  braided cable
2. silicone ear-hooks
3. cleaning cloth
4. 6.35mm adapter
5. 2 pin airplane adapter
6. x4 wide bore silicone tips
7. x4 narrow bore silicone tips
8. x1 double flange silicone tips
9. x1 foam tips
10. shirt clip
11. carry case

 
Was that a mouthful? It should be. This is a great package and I thoroughly enjoyed myself discovering all the separate accessories.
 

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The provided cable is classy and its dark bronze color is a perfect match for the gold of the earphones. It feels strong and has decent strain reliefs in all the usual areas. There's a cable cinch just above the Y-splitter to keep things in place if that's your preference. The cable terminates in a rather large L-shaped plug which can cause some difficulty when trying to plug into a phone if it has a case but fortunately was not an issue with any of the DAPs or DACs that I tested with.
 

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The case is the nicest I've seen with any IEM to date. It's large and luxuriously soft pleather feels (and even smells) great, like a nice wallet. It's too large to fit most pockets but perfect to keep in your bag. There's enough room for several IEMs or it can comfortably fit your earphones along with a DAP/portable amplifier and some extra accessories. It's a nice touch and tops off the bundle nicely.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation:

 
These things are built like a tank and are the heaviest earphones I've seen to date but because they're worn over-ear it doesn't pose any problem whatsoever. It gives you an feeling of solidity and ruggedness wrapped in a luxurious shell. The housings are made of a magnesium alloy and have smooth, rounded edges with a ridged pattern on the outer side. The nozzles are a standard width so if you're a tip-roller they should be compatible with most types. The housings are quite large but don't protrude out of your ears and so have a fairly low profile when being worn. I found the best fit with the shallow, wide bore tips that allow me to fit the whole housing inside my outer ear and get a good seal at the same time.
 
Isolation is pretty good, as you might expect having a large chunk of magnesium alloy in your ear.
 

Sound:

 
Equipment used for testing:
 

1. JRiver media player > Micca OriGen+
2. JRiver media player > Arcam irDAC-II
3. FiiO X1 II > Shinrico E11
4. NiNTAUS X10

 
Music tested:
 

1. Utada Hikaru - Deep River album [flac]
2. Arne Domnerus Group - Jazz at the Pawnshop 2cd album [flac]
3. iamthemorning - Lighthouse album [flac]
4. Katatonia - The Fall of Hearts album [flac]
5. Hilltop Hoods - Drinking From the Sun album [flac]

 
If you look at the frequency response graph of the B2M you might think that these have a very flat and analytical presentation but that's far from what these offer. What they do offer is a balanced sound with slightly boosted mid-bass and impressive sub-bass. This is accompanied by some fantastic mids and smooth treble. These don't really need amping to sound good in my opinion and they play well from just about anything.
 

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Bass on the B2m can be meaty with impact when called for but close to neutral for the most part. On bass heavy tracks these things can really rumble with a sub-bass that digs deep. I'd say the mid-bass is close to flat but sub-bass seems to be elevated which for me is never a problem as I like to get my feathers ruffled by some shake now and them. Even with hip-hop tracks the bass is just part of the whole rather than trying to be the star of the show but when tracks have sub-bass in them you'll most definitely notice.
The B2M has some of the nicest mids and vocals I've heard from an IEM. Female vocals really shine, are rendered beautifully and sound so clear and vibrant. Even Utada Hikaru's  "Traveling" is a breeze to listen to with the B2M. In "Lighthouse" by iamthemorning, Marjana Semkina's vocals are soft and airy and later in the track Mariusz Duda's deep tones are perfectly rendered alongside hers.
 
High notes are smooth and non-fatiguing but still carry loads of detail to give things a lift. The high hats and cymbals in "Final Thing on My Mind" by The Pineapple Thief don't have any hint of artificial accentuation and the B2M lets me fully enjoy Gavin Harrison's great skill. These have a relaxed presentation of high notes which I can comfortably listen to for hours on end.
 
Soundstage on these is wider than it is deep and imaging is above average giving a good indication of placement and direction. Separation and detail is superb which isn't an easy thing to achieve with such a smooth high end.
 

Comparisons:

 
*At the moment I don't have any other single dynamics valued at over $50 so I don't think any comparisons would be fair at this point. I don't plan on getting any soon either but if I do then I will update this section. I do have some hybrids in this price range so I could possibly do that. If anyone specifically wants a comparison feel free to PM me or leave a comment below.
 

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Conclusion:

 
The TFZ Balance 2M has a clean, balanced sound with smooth highs, great mids and slightly elevated sub-bass. It comes with a wonderful kit of accessories, is well built and very durable, not to mention the detachable MMCX cable. It's not cheap at around the $200 mark but I do think it's still a good value IEM. It's like a good sounding piece of jewelry but may be physically heavy for some (although they're worn over ear so maybe not). Personally I really like the sound signature - smooth highs, velvety vocals and punchy bass in that warm, analog, dynamic presentation. Highly recommended.

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"Made with love in Bavaria" is what you'll see on the main page of Ultrasone's website, amidst some stunning German countryside. Located in Wielenbach, just near the amazing Alps mountain range and founded in 1991 Ultrasone have some very impressive products under their belt. Each headphone is crafted by hand and the company takes pride in each and every component that goes into making them. What does this all mean for the consumer? Read on to find out.
 
Disclaimer:
 
These headphones were sent to my for the purpose of this review. I'm not affiliated with the company in any way and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Ultrasone and Sabrina for the opportunity to test the Ultrasone Performance 860 headphones.
 
Ultrasone website: http://www.ultrasone.audio/english.html
 
Amazon product page: https://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-Performance-Professional-Closed-back-Headphones/dp/B00O40IE1O
 
Specifications:
 

1. Technology ULE technology-MU metal shielding
2. Technology S-Logic® Plus technology
3. Principle Dynamic principle, closed back
4. Cable Detachable cable 3 m with gold-plated 3.5 mm jack (B-Lock-Connection)
5. 2nd Cable Detachable cable 1.2 m with micro and remote control
6. Adapter gold-plated 6.3mm screw-on adapter
7. Driver PET/Gold membrane
8. Driver size 40 mm
9. Impedance 32 ohms
10. Frequency range 10-28000Hz
11. SPL 94 dB
12. Case Neoprene case
13. Weight (excl. cord) 274 g

 
Summary:
 
Beautifully crafted and extremely well built the Performance 860 offers a linearity that's perfect for a reference headphone. Overall they have a clean, balanced and mature sound bundled into a top quality unit.
 
Packaging and accessories:
 
So here we have a predominantly silver box made from a sturdy cardboard with a clear image of the headphones on the front. Over on the back is some information and technical specifications.
 

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When we open it up we're presented with the neoprene case with the headphones inside. The case is rather nice but it's a soft case so won't provide a whole lot of protection if things get rough. For normal situations though it should do the job and at the very least keep the headphones free of dust.
 

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Underneath the case are the two cables and 6.35mm adapter along with an information booklet.
 

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The first cable is a standard 3 meter rubberized affair. It's a nice quality cable, soft to the touch and does not tangle easily. On one end is a 2.5mm plug that locks into the bottom of the left ear-cup. At the other end is a 3.5 mm straight plug that will fit into most modern devices but if not you can always utilize the supplied 6.35mm adapter. The second cable is a 1.2 meter cable with remote and microphone. It's made from the same materials as the other cable, feels great in the hand with no stickiness and is very supple. This shorter cable is fitted with an L-shaped plug and is meant for desktop or portable use.
 

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Build, fit and comfort:
 
Premium is the word that comes to mind when you have these in your hands. Everything feels extremely robust and the quality of the materials is immediately apparent. Starting at the top is a steel headband with the middle part surrounded by thick rubber that helps absorb vibrations and eliminate noise from movement. There's a rectangular space open on the top showing the steel of the headband and the Ultrasone branding. Where the rubber ends there's a transition to matte black plastic surrounding the adjustment sliders that is perfectly color matched to the rubber section and keeps the appearance uniform. The sliders are clearly numbered and have a very nice, controlled movement when adjusting, along with audible clicks for each notch.
 

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The ear-cups are made of plastic, the bottom half being soft matte black and the top half "iced-silver". On the sides we again see the Ultrasone branding and the 860 classification. The ear-cups rotate 90 degrees for easier storage, for setting down on a surface or when wearing around your neck. I always appreciate when headphones add this convenience.
 

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The soft protein leather ear pads with memory foam are very nice but I have two major gripes with them. First of all they're quite thin so my ears touch the hard driver inside which can be painful after a while. Secondly they're not detachable so you can't use third party pads unless you're willing to rip the original pads off and glue on alternative ones. I really don't know why Ultrasone decided to take this route and for me it's my only major complaint with these headphones.
 
*Ultrasone has informed me that they do in fact provide alternative velour ear-pads for the Performance series which can be found here: http://ultrasone-shop.com/eu/ear-pads/68-ear-pad-for-performances-headphones.html  However the original pads are glued on so keep that in mind if you want to change to the velours.
 
One of the unique features of many Ultrasone headphones (including the Performance 860) is their S-Logic® Plus technology that uses decentralized driver positioning which "sends music around your head not just into it" for a better three dimensional experience. It basically reflects signals off the surface of your outer ear (as opposed to pointing directly into the ear canal), similar to how our ears naturally hear the world around us. This is partly why the Performance 860 has a such a good, wide soundstage.
 

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As far as comfort goes, these have almost nailed it but as I mentioned above the ear pads are a bit on the thin side. That combined with the fairly aggressive clamping force is not ideal for comfort but does make them very stable for use on the move. The soft foam on the underside of the headband does a good job of dispersing pressure on the top of the head but I would like to see a bit less clamping force or the option to change ear pads.
 
Sound isolation is decent as you would expect for closed back headphones. They won't block out all noise but if there's music playing you certainly won't hear much outside of it.
 

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Sound:
 
Equipment used:
 
PC > Arcam irDAC-II > headphones
Shinrico D3S > Audinst HUD-MX2 > headphones
FiiO X1ii > headphones
NiNTAUS X10 > headphones
 
Music used for testing:
 
Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon (Experience Version 2011 double CD) [flac]
Mathias Eick - Midwest album [flac]
Katatonia - The Fall of Hearts album [flac]
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Official Soundtrack [flac]
+many others
 
The Performance 860 is described as a linear headphone and that's pretty much what I hear with them. That's not to say they aren't musical though. On the contrary they provide a smooth but detailed sound that faithfully reproduces the original recording. Although they can be powered sufficiently by smartphones and DAPs they do scale well with some extra juice and can sound more forgiving when paired with a warmer source.
 
These have a fast, punchy bass with a fast decay, perhaps for some a little on the light side but this gives more room for the mids and treble to come through. Personally I don't find the bass lacking and the sub-bass doesn't roll off too early either (10-28000Hz), it's just at a neutral level. In Westside Connection's "So Many Rappers in Love" the sub bass still manages to rumble but it does so without overshadowing anything else in the mix.
 
Good separation and layering is what you'll find in the midrange. Instruments and vocals alike sound like they should with good tonality and realism. They're a little on the dry side depending on what you're listening to. Acoustic guitars sound great like in "Pale Flag" by Katatonia, a track that fares particularly well with these because it's a naturally warm sounding song.
 
Utada Hikaru's "Traveling" is a busy track with some inherent sibilance that I often use to test separation and highs. With these headphones this track can be a bit fatiguing at moderate volume and borders on being downright unpleasant. That's not necessarily a weakness in the headphones though and is mostly due to being mastered by someone with play-dough in their ears. The Performance 860 simply reproduces the track in its natural state, hence why they are called linear. There's a good chance that the song was mastered using warmer studio monitors or headphones. In a roundabout way I'm saying that these are good for reference but are not the most relaxed listen. Technically impressive and leaning towards analytical more than fun.
 
Soundstage is wide and imaging is particularly good, giving accurate positioning of instruments and sound. Whether this is due to the S-Logic Plus feature or not is hard to say but for a closed headphone these give a very good impression of space. Mathias Eick's "Midwest" is one of my go to tracks for testing as the percussion sounds can reach well outside of the head-space and gives a good idea of a headphone's ability to place objects in a 3D space. The 860 does exceptionally well here which reminds me - these are also really good for first person shooters and can reveal the movement and position of enemies. With the included 1.2m cable with microphone these can be used as a serious upgrade over many gaming headsets.
 
Comparison:
 
Ultrasone Performance 860 vs MSUR N650
 
The Ultrasone gives a more accurate reproduction of music where the MSUR adds warmth and color. For detail they're not far apart and I found it difficult to choose between them. The MSUR offers a more laid-back and fun approach while the 860 is more business-like and analytical. Comfort wise they're both pretty good but neither are the most comfortable headphones I've used due to the clamp force of the 860 and the inner foam ring on the N650's ear pads. The 860 is also much more practical for portability and use on the go because of its smaller footprint and rotatable ear-cups. This one for me comes down to mood and specific use - MSUR for easy and non-critical listening and the Ultrasone for audio mastering/production and for gaming or when in transit.
 

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Conclusion:
 
With their modern styling, exceptional build quality and detailed sound the Ultrasone Performance 860 is a fantastic reference headphone that can also be musical when paired with the right source, whether that be the music you're listening to or DAP/DAC. When paired with something neutral what you get is well...neutral, just as promised. Currently priced at $399.95 the 860 falls into the middle or sweet spot of the Performance range. Based on their quality and sound and relative to the asking price I might have given these a full 5 stars if not for the non detachable ear pads which would have added some customizaton options and the slightly aggressive clamp force. If you're looking for a durable, attractive and mature reference or linear headphone then I would certainly suggest you consider the Ultrasone Performance 860.

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Founded in 2014 in Guangzhou, China, Shinrico is a company focused on digital electronic products in the field of high-tech enterprises. Today I'll be looking at the Shinrico D3S Digital Turntable (transport). The D3S can be found on AliExpress for around $619 at the time of review.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This unit was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I'm not affiliated with the company in any way and all opinions and observations are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Shinrico and Ann for the opportunity to test the Shinrico D3S.
 
Shinrico website: http://www.shinrico.net/en/index.asp
 
Shinrico D3S product page: http://www.shinrico.net/en/produce_view.asp?id=629
 
Features:
 
1. Support formats:Support FLAC, APE, WAV, M4A, AAC, WMA, MP3, ALAC, OGG, TAK, TTA, WV, AIFF, DSD (DSD64, non-DST compression), DFF, DSF, SACD ISO format. It supports up to 32bit 192kHz sampling rate.
 
2. Support CUE files.
 
3. Language support Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English.
 
4. Support 32bit 192k digital output, with digital coaxial and digital optical output, it can be used as a digital turntable, connect the decoding device.
 
5. Audio data memory interface, supports FAT32 NTFS file system, support SD card, U disk, USB removable disk.
 
6. Support automatic scanning SD card music, it can classify album and artist.
 
7. 4.3-inch LCD screen to display the playback information and job status.
 
8. Support ID3 information, music cover art display.
 
 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The D3S came in an unassuming brown box. Inside we found the D3S player, securely packed in soft white foam, a power cable, remote control and an 8GB SD card (containing the user manual).
 

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Build:
 
Build-wise the D3S is simple but elegant in its appearance. It comes in black or silver colors and I obviously have the silver/white version. The case is made from very solid feeling aluminium that doesn't bend or move when pressure is applied. The underside has 4 plastic feet attached which raises the unit slightly off the surface. The surface feels nice and smooth and there are no sharp edges to be found.
 
Machine size: 225 x 90 x 240 mm (W x H x D)
 

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On the front panel (from left to right) is the Power button, underneath which are an LED power indicator and IR receiver. Next to that is a lovely 4.3-inch LCD screen and on the right side is a cluster of 4 buttons which are (clockwise from top-left):
 

1. Menu / return
2. Play / pause / confirm
3. Previous track or shuttle back
4. Next track or shuttle forward.

 
On the right side of the box, towards the front is a SD card slot
At the back panel are (from left to right):
 

1. 2 x USB ports
2. Network port
3. Coaxial out (top)
4. Optical out (bottom)
5. AES digital out
6. IIS PCM audio data out
7. AC in (220V) and power switch (top)
8. AC DC select switch and DC in (9V)

 
Remote control funtion:
 

1. OFF: Shut down, the remote control can not start the machine
2. F12: In the "Playing" screen, press the F12 key, delete the current track from "My Favorite" list
3. F11: In the "Playing" screen, press the F11 key, the current track added to the "My Favorite" list
4. F10: In the "Playing" screen, press F10, return to the position where the song list
5. F9: Browse file list of songs, Press F9 , delete the song file function(except read-only files)
6. F8: Browse file list of songs, press F8, the song list page forward function.
7. F7: browse files song list, press F7, the song list page backward function.
8. F1-F6/1-9: No function

 
Using the D3S (with Firmware v0.25):
 
Operation of the D3S is a simple affair. To turn on the unit simply press the power button for 2 seconds and the same to power off. Upon startup we first see the Shinrico logo and then we're greeted with a welcome screen. Boot time is about 25-30 seconds. Now let's take a look at the menu settings.
 

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*It's worthy to note that "Update music database" only works when using a SD card. According to the manufacturer the reason for this is that it's common for users to have 1-2 terabytes of files on USB devices (external hard drives etc) and automatic updating of the database is too slow.
 
The 4.3-inch LCD screen is crisp and clear with rich color. It stays completely cool to the touch even after hours of use (as does the unit itself). Navigation is simple using the remote or the buttons on the face of the unit and the UI is snappy and intuitive with no apparent input lag. Album art is supported and covers look vivid and clear with track and file information shown next to it on the right.
 

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The D3S supports a large variety of file formats so you should be able to play almost anything on the device. There's no internal storage so you'll need to use a SD card, USB flash drive or external hard drive to hold your music library. There's also no on-board converter so you'll need a DAC in order to get sound from the unit. During testing I used the optical and coaxial outputs, feeding to the Arcam irDAC-II or Micca OriGen+ and from there to earphones, headphones or amplifier.
 

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Problems and suggestions for improvement:
There's just one problem I found with the D3S but hopefully it will be fixed in a future firmware upgrade. When seamless/gapless playback is enabled music would stutter badly at the end and beginning of tracks. Fortunately, upon disabling seamless playback the stuttering disappeared completely. Shinrico assures me that the engineers are working on a solution.
 
For improvement, I would like to see an option to manually update the music database for USB drives as in its current state the D3S only supports this feature with SD cards. I'm not sure if boot time could be improved but that would also be a welcome change. The final thing I'd like to see changed is the white text (on the silver unit only) as it's very hard to see against the silver/white case and I think black would have been the better choice here.
 

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Conclusion:
 
I've really enjoyed my time with the Shinrico D3S. It does what it's supposed to do and does it well. It's aesthetically appealing, well built and looks professional. The LCD screen is really nice and gives you all the information you need with good color and clear text. It supports a large number of file formats and the casing stays completely cool at all times, as does the screen. There is a decent amount of output options that should meet your needs and the remote is a very handy addition.
 
Should you get one? Well that depends. If you don't like computers then this would be a good alternative. It's also handy to keep next to your HiFi system and has a smaller footprint than most laptops. Computers often run into problems or have background electrical noise or you might just want to free up resources so you can utilize your computer for gaming or other tasks. You could think of it like a CD player but one that can  potentially hold hundreds of albums via an external drive of NAS server. If that sounds useful to you then I can definitely recommend the D3S.

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Kingston is a name that shouldn't need introduction. For several years they have been a powerhouse in solid state peripherals such as PC RAM, SSDs and USB flash-drives. They're also very well established in the PC and console gaming headset market since the huge success of their HyperX Cloud line was released. I have been a long time fan since I bought my HyperX Cloud Pro more than two years ago (and they're still in great working condition). Recently I was also very impressed with their latest, the HyperX Cloud Stinger. Today I'll be looking at their top of the line product the Kingston HyperX Cloud Revolver.
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I have no affiliation with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my personal experience with the product. I'd like to thank Kingston Technology and Weina for the opportunity to test the Kingston HyperX Cloud Revolver.
 
Kingston HyperX gaming website: http://www.hyperxgaming.com/us
 
HyperX Cloud Revolver product page: http://www.hyperxgaming.com/us/headsets/revolver/hx-hscr
 

Summary:

 
Still comfortable with the HyperX trademark memory foam, still sound great but I still prefer their other offerings. In an effort to take things forward, in my opinion they've also taken some steps back. Read on to find out why.

 

Specifications:

 
Driver: Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
Type: Circumaural, Closed back
Frequency response: 12Hz–28,000 Hz
Impedance: 30 Ω
Sound pressure level: 104.5dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
T.H.D.: < 2%
Input power: Rated 30mW, Maximum 500mW
Weight: 360g
Weight with mic: 376g
Cable length and type: Headset (1m) + Audio Control Box (2m)
Connection: Headset - 3.5mm plug (4 pole) + Audio Control Box - 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs
Microphone
Element: Electret condenser microphone
Polar pattern: Uni-directional, Noise-cancelling
Frequency response: 50Hz-18,000 Hz
Sensitivity: -40dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)

 

Package and accessories:

 
The Cloud Revolver comes in a black box with red highlights - hardly surprising as that is the HyperX color scheme and because that's what every manufacturer apparently believes every gamer wants. On the front is an image of the headset with some of the key features and over on the back is a slight variation of the same. This outer sleeve slides off to reveal the actual box underneath with is more attractive to my eye and promises good things inside. It's all black except for a white HyperX logo on the front and a pinstripe red line that runs around the center of the box. Nice.
 

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Upon opening we see the headset laid out stylishly in black foam, similar to the other HyperX Cloud offerings. On the underside of the lid is some text congratulating you on joining the HyperX Team. Once you take the headset out you'll find the detachable microphone and a cable extension with the inline control that ends in double 3.5 mm plugs that you can connect to your computer or laptop. I was left a little disappointed as I was expecting something more similar to the unboxing of the original Cloud headset which also gave you a pair of velour ear-pads and an airplane adapter.
 

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Build and comfort:

 
The Revolver's design is pretty nice as far as gaming headsets go. The black and red theme continues with the red HyperX logo on the side and red stitching on the headband. The headset feels heavier than the original Cloud and Cloud Stinger but once you put them on it's easy to forget they're there because they are just so comfortable. At the top are two metal bands with a self adjusting headband suspended underneath, a design that has gained a fair bit of popularity over the years very similar to the well known SteelSeries Siberia. The underside of the headband is generously padded and on the top is embossed with the HyperX branding.
 

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The ear-cups are very large and should easily fit over even the biggest ears. As usual the ear-pads are wonderfully soft and pliable with lush memory foam, perfect for long gaming sessions though they can get quite warm. Due to the size of the headset these are not at all suited for using on the move. At the bottom of the left ear-cup is the jack for the removable microphone.
 

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The cable has a nice soft braid and feels very strong although it's surprisingly lightweight. A microphone mute switch and volume control are located on the inline controller as well as a clip to help keep it secure. It's simple and functional but I would much prefer these functions moved onto the headset itself.
 

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Sound and microphone:

 
Once again the HyperX house sound is very good. The 50 mm drivers can deliver big sound. Surprisingly good  sound for a gaming headset. Fairly balanced overall with the inevitable emphasis on mid-bass but still much more tame than you might expect. To be honest if I were to do a blind test I would probably not suspect I was listening to some "l337 gam3r g3arz". These simply sound great and for many would be perfectly up to the task of an all-in-one solution for games, movies and music on the personal computer.
In games these sound superb. 3d positional sound is great and as advertised the improved soundstage does help you hear where your enemies are coming from. Nearby explosions will rumble, when planes fly overhead you can tell in which direction they're going and which direction that near miss sniper bullet just came from. It's immersive and clear without needing to resort to piercing treble or ridiculous amounts of bass. For movies and video you get the same qualities along with clear dialogue for a truly enjoyable experience.
 
When it comes to music these are more than capable of reproducing your favorite tunes. The separation is very good and the sound is balanced and warm. The treble extends well without getting on your nerves or fatiguing and is an improvement over the original Cloud in this respect.
 
The microphone is pretty decent and adequate for chatting with friends while gaming or with programs such as Skype and Teamspeak etc. It's a little nasally  but does a pretty good job with noise cancellation without sounding overly compressed. When not in use the microphone can be an annoying distraction as it doesn't allow much movement and stays in your face unless detached. But who wants to detach or reattach the microphone every time you switch from gaming to music or vice versa? I'd like to see something similar to the microphone on the Stinger which can be swiveled up and out of the way or the Cloud that can be positioned away from your face whilst you're not using it.

 

Comparison:

 
HyperX Cloud Revolver vs HyperX Cloud Stinger:
 
While the Stinger sounds good the Revolver sounds even better. The soundstage is wider on the Revolver and there's a bit more clarity overall but not a huge difference. However the Stinger does better overall when it comes to usability. It has a smaller footprint, is lighter, has detachable ear-pads and does not have the ringing metal bands of death (a bit of searching online will show you what I'm talking about here). The Stinger also has the added convenience of a volume control on the actual ear-cup and a microphone that can be pushed up (and muted at the same time) out of the way. My preference goes to the Stinger here.
 
HyperX Cloud Revolver vs HyperX Cloud Pro:
 
When you have a product as fantastic as the HyperX Cloud you have a real challenge if you want to make something that's even better. With the original Cloud and Cloud II the microphone can be detached OR it can simply be pushed up and out of the way if you don't want to detach it. The Cloud is slightly lighter than the Revolver and arguably just as comfortable. The ear-pads on the original Cloud are also detachable and therefore changeable giving you more freedom and versatility if you want to use third party or velour pads. The Revolver pulls ahead slightly when it comes to sound. Although they have a similar sound signature the treble on the Revolver doesn't get as edgy but extends just as well and brings plenty of detail and air. The original Cloud looks and feels like a quality headphone with a microphone attached while the Revolver looks and feels like a gaming headset. If you want the absolute best sound overall the Revolver is the way to go but if you want added flexibility and convenience while still having good sound then the original Cloud and Cloud II are a better alternative.
 

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Conclusion:

 
The Kingston HyperX Cloud Revolver is a great sounding and comfortable headset. Unfortunately there are a few issues with it that for me make it less desirable than its HyperX brethren. I will say these do sound really good, there's no doubt about that but I feel the design is a step back rather than forward. They're close to being great but are let down by a few small design choices that I hope can be improved in Kingston's next release such as a swiveling microphone and removing the inline control in favor of on ear-cup solution.
At the end of the day if you want the absolute best sound from your gaming headset then the Revolver fits the criteria but it's facing very strong competition from its own stable.

 
Audinst is a name that will be familiar with many audiophiles but perhaps not so much with fledgling enthusiasts. They're a Korean company, launched in 2009 who found great success with the HUD-MX1 which at the time impressed many with its great sound and affordable price. Today I'll be looking at the HUD-MX2 which according to Audinst is "a product that realizes the best hi-fi sound quality, enhances user convenience, has diversified connectivity, and has most functionality relative to the price while not emphasizing on a fancy exterior and demanding specifications".
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. All opinions here are my own based on my experience with the product. I'm not affiliated with the company in any way. I'd like to thank Audinst for the opportunity to test the HUD-MX2.
 
Audinst website: http://audinst.com/en/
 
HUD-MX2 product page: http://audinst.com/en/index.php?mid=items&category=115&document_srl=186

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The HUD-MX2 comes in a clean looking, white box with an image of the DAC on the front and on the back are listed some of the features
 

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Upon opening you'll find the Amp/DAC and included accessories:

1. Power Adapter
2. USB Cable
3. RCA Cable
4. Rubber Feet
5. Allen wrench
6. Spare jumpers x2
7. User Manual

 
The supplied cables are pretty good quality and should be enough to get you up and running fairly quickly. Overall the unboxing feels satisfactory and gives an impression of a good quality product that's designed more for function over form. This DAC means business.
 

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Build and functionality:
 
Boasting the TPA6120A2 headphone amp the HUD-MX2 can be used with both low and high impedance headphones. The DAC is handled by the PCM1796 and OPA2227 op-amp. But enough of that. I'm all about testing with my fingers and ears so let's get to it.
 
Now, onto the HUD-MX2 itself. It has a black aluminium case and silver front panel. The case feels well machined with smooth edges and a nice finish. On the front panel are the dual headphone outputs, 1x 6.35 mm and 1x 3.5 mm - very practical and adds versatility. Next to these is the output select switch that enables you to choose outputting to headphone jacks or the variable RCA line out which can connect to an amplifier or powered speakers. Then there is the source select switch which has 3 settings (from top to bottom) Optical, Off, USB.
 

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Next is a multicolored LED indicator which has three states:
 

1. Red light: Unit is on but there is no source detected
2. Amber light: Source detected but no incoming signal
3. Green light: Incoming signal
4.  

The LED stages are a small thing but in my opinion they go a long way towards a better user experience. Another thing I like about this is that the LED is not overly bright like on some units. The HUD-MX2's LED lets you know what's going on but most of the time you won't notice it's there unless you're looking right at it. Perfect.
 

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Finally on the far right of the front panel is the volume knob. It's clearly marked with position indicators, has a textured surface for extra grip and moves nice and smoothly. Overall the front panel is functional and attractive and thankfully the text on the silver face-plate is black. There are far too many manufacturers who continue to use white text on their silver models which makes it near useless so thumbs up to Audinst for getting this simple but important design aspect right.
 

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Moving around to the back of the unit we find from left to right:

1. Optical IN
2. Optical OUT
3. USB IN
4. DC 12-15V power IN
5. RCA Variable Level OUT

 
 
 
So before I go onto the sound I'll talk a little about my experience using the HUD-MX2. For the most part I think it's a great product but there are a couple of things that I would like to see changed in future revisions.
 
First of all I'd prefer to have a Fixed Level RCA Output or a separate volume control for the line out. The reason for this is because if you're using line out to an amplifier you are likely to have the volume turned up pretty high. If that is the case and you have a low impedance headphone or earphone plugged in and flip the output switch without first adjusting the volume there's a good chance your headphones or your ears will explode. Well this could also work in the opposite if for instance you were driving some high impedance headphones with the volume up and then flipped the switch over to your powered speakers and BOOM! In my opinion it's a less than ideal implementation and that's why I loved the way it's done on the JDS Labs The Element. The second thing is not such a big deal for me personally but still frustrating - the fact that you need to open up the case and fiddle with jumpers to change the Low and High gain settings. I can't be all mad about that though because even though it's inconvenient, it is indeed an extra feature that many DACs don't have.
 
Sound:
 
The MX2 is not what I would consider aggressive or particularly energetic. It has a rather relaxed sound with plenty of musicality which isn't as detailed as some but adds some warmth. So for pairing these might work better with brighter or more neutral phones rather than something that's already warm. For instance this seems to have a better synergy with the Ultrasone Performance 860 than it does with MSUR's N650. Dr Dre's "It's All On Me" from the Compton album can be sibilant on a lot of setups but with the MX2 remains tame enough without causing discomfort.
 
Soundstage is pretty good but not the best out there, probably due to the MX2 adding a bit of fullness to the sound. The treble is a little smoothed over too, taking away some of the airiness in its wake.
 

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Conclusion:
 
When the HUD-MX2 first lifted its head, I think it was around 2013 there were a lot fewer options in the entry level range. Nowadays it has a lot more competition to deal with and might be starting to show its age a little. That's not to say it isn't a good DAC because it definitely is still good. It has some conflicting points for me personally though. On one hand is the sensible layout of the front panel (bravo for the black text on silver). Little things like the black circles around the headphone jacks that at once make it easier to see exactly where they are and also add a sense of symmetrical balance with the black volume knob on the right side. There's also the 3 stage LED indicator which is brilliant. It seems like someone put a lot of thought into this front panel. But then there's the volume knob that handles the output of the RCA out and headphone out which is far from ideal and the hassle of changing the Low/Hi gain.
 
Regardless there's a certain charm to the MX2 both physically and sonically. It's smooth presentation is perfect for brighter headphones giving them that little extra body. The addition of an optical output is also something I haven't seen a lot but I think it's great, making it super easy to connect to my AV receiver. Currently retailing for $200 on Amazon UK the HUD-MX2 is still holding its own and for those looking for a DAC with a smooth, mature presentation this is still a good option.

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Hailing from Guangzhou, China and now located in Shenzhen, MSUR is a company whose focus is forward oriented. Here's what they had to say:
 
"Past company information is not important and our goal is in the future. Start with headset products, first make a good reputation, the user likes the headset products, and then slowly create more other good digital audio and video products in the future. I hope to represent a new generation of Guangzhou entrepreneurs, to make a real "audio capital" of the honor of the product."
 
Summary:
 
It might have come as a shock to some people when I told them I had my first full-sized woody. There was gasping all around and some unintentional glances toward my nether-region until I showed them these headphones. The N650 have a rich, warm and fairly balanced sound (still slightly V-shaped) with loads of detail and musicality, and a wide, immersive soundstage. These pretty much define my preferred sound signature but hopefully it hasn't colored my objectivity too much.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review. I have no affiliation with the company and all observations and opinions here are my own, based on my personal experience with the product. I'd like to thank Edwin and MSUR for the opportunity to test the MSUR N650.
 
MSUR Taobao store: https://msur.world.tmall.com/search.htm?spm=a312a.7700718.w5001-10817971129.5.ZZd3SU&search=y&scene=taobao_shop
 
MSUR N650 on Taobao: https://world.tmall.com/item/41749129201.htm?spm=a312a.7700824.w4011-9747907109.64.BySSML&id=41749129201&rn=3869dd6586656f2728eb2887bc7c5580&abbucket=15
 
There are three full-sized, closed back headphones in MSUR's lineup: The N350, N550 and N650. Today I'll be looking at their flagship model, the MSUR N650 closed back, wooden headphones.
 
Specifications:
 
Brand Name:MSUR
Model Number:  N650
Product Name:  Wooden Metal Headphone
Color: As picture
Transducer Principle:   100% walnut wooden ear housing
Impedance: 32 ohm
Sensitivity: 105dB
Frequency Response: 5-25000Hz
Rated input power: 10mW
Maximum input power: 1000mW
Cable length:2M
50mm Beryllium alloy driver
Accessory: 1pcs detachable cable  3.5mm/6.3mm
Plug diameter:3.5mm
 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The N650 comes in a heavy duty cardboard box that is bare apart from the gold colored MSUR embossed on the front. Upon opening you're presented with the headphones that are securely nestled in foam atop a silky golden fabric. It's simplistic but has a sense of grandeur about it.
 

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In a separate section at the bottom of the box we find a warranty card, user booklet, 6.35mm adapter and 2 cables. The first cable is 2 meters in length and is a supple braided affair.
 
The second is made for portability and includes an inline microphone with a single button for play/pause and answering/ending calls. This cable is sheathed in  a rubberized/plastic coating and is similar to what you would find supplied with good quality IEMs, except of course that these have 2 plugs (one with red markings and one with blue) for connecting each of the ear-cups, along with a single 3.5mm gold-plated, straight plug at the other end. Both cables are very nice and also practical.
 

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Build and comfort:
 
The construction of the MSUR N650 is very solid. They boast metal and wood materials in a classy form factor. Starting at the top we see a metal arch that connects to the ear-cup brackets. Underneath this is the self-adjusting headband made of a stiff pleather material with a generous amount of soft padding on the underside. This is all held together with high quality stitching and bound at each end by a metal clasp, adding to the sense of a durable build. The ear-cup brackets are a lovely polished metal arch that like all the other components feel very durable.
 

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 The ear-cups are made from a "rare wood" and aluminium and look quite stunning indeed. Despite their large size they aren't heavy at all and as you can see from the pictures, are fairly large. The ear-pads (which are removable) are a very soft pleather material and sit comfortably around the ears. Inside the pleather padding is another smaller foam ring that sits flush against the ears and gives the strange sensation that you're wearing on-ear headphones rather than full-sized. Fortunately the outer padding still gives you a proper seal meaning that sound isolation is still good and sound leakage is minimal. On the topside of the ear-cups is a series of 5 small holes. I'm not sure what their purpose is - perhaps bass ports or to help keep your ears a bit cooler? There doesn't seem to be any sound leakage from them. I did try covering them with tape and I thought I sensed a little less bass presence but it was within a margin of error so could be imagination. On the underside are the cable jacks. The cable plugs give a satisfying click when inserted and while some might bemoan having a cable on both sides I quite like it because it means there's no need for the cable to be run through the headband. One thing of note is that there are no Left and Right indicators anywhere on the headphones. Such an omission is quite disappointing when the overall quality of everything else is taken into account - it seems such an obvious necessity and I can't see how such an oversight could occur without being intentional. **The manufacturer pointed out to me that the longer cable does in fact have Left and Right markings on the plugs but they're very difficult to see. On both cables the plugs also have a color marking - red for right and green for the left. For the short cable it's easier to determine by remembering that the microphone is on the Left.**
 
These are a big headphone. Not overly large mind you but not really suited for portability. Although the ear-cups only swivel up and down I had no problems at all with fit or comfort. Speaking of which I find these to be very comfortable. Not the most comfortable headphones I have but far from the least. The pleather pads are reasonably thick and very soft. There's sufficient clamp force on these to keep them in place but the metal arch of the headband is quite flexible so they don't press too hard on your ears or skull.

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Sound:
 
Sources used:
 
Shinrico D3S Digital Turntable > Audinst HUD-MX2
PC using JRiver Media Center > Audinst HUD-MX2
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
Benjie K9
FiiO X1ii
 
These headphones are very easy to drive and can be powered easily from smartphones and budget DAPs.
 
Bass:
 
Bass has an effortless weightiness to it that's never in your face but leaves no  doubt of its presence like a pet tiger sitting in the corner, you know that if called upon it's ready to pounce with claws bared.  There are some rather busy sections throughout Katatonia's "The Night Subscriber" with some rapid fire kick drums and here the N650s take it in their stride without breaking a sweat. In "Snow Park" by Connect.Ohm the low synth tones are handled admirably and that's a good sign because this track can be a real challenge for many headphones. So while the bass is well executed these are not for those looking for a neutral headphone but they're not for bassheads either. There's definitely some extra weight there but not enough to detract from the rest of the spectrum. Decay on kick drums is fast with plenty of punch.
 
Midrange:
 
Mids are rich, lifelike and fairly balanced. Female vocals shine in songs like "The Moment" (gentle version) by The Gentle Storm where Anneke van Giersbergen's voice is bright and clear and her high notes in this track come through without any edginess. There's a good balance between her singing and the various wind instruments and acoustic guitar but a little too much low midrange can be detected here with the drums but this doesn't happen often and happens with quite a few items in my inventory. It's the warmth here that makes things silky smooth and engaging while retaining excellent separation.
 
Treble:
 
Possibly my favorite aspect of the N650 (if all of it wasn't) is the treble. The ride cymbal in Marcin Wasilewki Trio's "The Cat" from their January album sounds incredibly realistic as if you're sitting just near the real thing. There's no hint of any harshness here, it's all smooth and easygoing but at the same time beautifully extended and still clear when things get busy. It's the treble here too that gives the sound a sense of air and gives it a liveliness and excitement that compliments the mellow warmth of the mids and elevated bass.
 
Soundstage and isolation:
 
These have an excellent soundstage for a closed headphone, helped no doubt by the smooth airiness of the treble. Isolation is very good as you would expect from closed cans and you'll need spider sense to know if someone is trying to talk to you while you're wearing them.
 
Comparison:
 
MSUR N650 vs Ultrasone Performance 680
The N650 has more bass and sub-bass, warmer but slightly less detailed midrange and just a hint more treble. Both have very good isolation which is no surprise, both being closed back. The Ultrasone pulls ahead when it comes to soundstage but not by much, both being able to project sound outside of your head. The MSUR is also quite a bit easier to drive and better suited for unamped use. These both provide a great audio experience and for me it comes down to what I'm listening to and whether I just want to chill or do critical listening. The MSUR are more relaxed while the Ultrasone are more towards analytical. There's no clear winner here for me as they're both strong contenders.
 

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Conclusion:
 
Warm, smooth, musical, big and beautiful is what the MSUR N650 is for me. They're comfortable, durable and designed for enjoying music. The detail they put out is fantastic and there's enough bass to give you a rattle when needed but for the most part it's well behaved and happy to compliment the rest of the spectrum. Beautiful sparkling high notes and rich midrange will get your feet tapping in no time. The only real negative point I find with these is the lack of Left and Right indicators and that's easy enough to fix yourself with an elastic band or piece of string attached to one of the cables for reference but it's unfortunate and shouldn't be necessary with a headphone of this caliber.  **The 2 meter cable actually has L and R on the plugs though they're very difficult to see. The manufacturer tells me they will also add markings to the short cable in the next batch.**
 
Prices vary drastically depending on where you look. At Newegg they go from $355 up to $446 but on Taobao and AliExpress they can be found as low as $130. If you've looked at these and hesitated due to there being little information and reviews don't hesitate any longer. Likewise if you're looking for something in this price range with great detail and a good dose or warmth with some tight, low-end grunt then these should do the trick.

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Hidizs is a Chinese company and was founded early in 2009. They're mostly known for their DAPS but seem to be venturing into other areas as well. In Jan 2014, Hidizs’ first pocket HiFi audio player AP100 was officially launch at CES, Les Vegas. Today I'll be reviewing the Hidizs EX-01. Read on to learn more.
 
Disclaimer:
 
The Hidizs EX-01 was sent to me for the purpose of this review. All observations and opinions here are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product. I'd like to thank Penon Audio for the opportunity to test the EX-01. The price at time of testing is US$39.
 
Penon Audio website: http://penonaudio.com/
Product page: http://penonaudio.com/Earphones/In-ear-earphone/Hidizs-EX-01
 
Specifications:

1. The driver: 8mm Dynamic
2. Frequency range: 20-20000HZ
3. Impedance: 16ohm
4. Sensitivity: 102db
5. Maximum power: 20mw
6. Cable length: 1.2M
7. Wire core material: TPE Kevlar core package
8. Plug: 3.5mm gold-plated plug (headphone and microphone)
9. Net weight: 16 g

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The EX-01 comes in a compact, classy black box with gold highlights. On the front is the Hidizs logo and an image of the earphone. On the back we find Technical Specifications and Package Contents information in Chinese and English languages, along with three QR Codes which link to social media sites. It's fairly simple but done in a way that suggests there's some quality product inside. I mean just look at all that bling!
Upon opening the box you're greeted with a booklet advertising various Hidizs products. Underneath the booklet are the earphones, presented in a black velvet covered foam insert. At the bottom is a smaller cardboard box which contains a Hidizs branded carry case and some extra eartips. There are three pairs of silicone tips and one pair of memory foam tips. Unfortunately all the provided tips were too small for my ears so once again I had to fall back on my personal collection to get a proper seal.
 

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Build:
 
The EX-01 are made of a high density ceramic which is a dark gray gunmetal color with gold trim. They feel very durable and after the tens of hours I've used them over the past few weeks there isn't so much as a scratch on the housing - they still look brand new. They're quite small and have angled nozzles which make it very easy to get a good seal. As a result sound isolation is above average for such a small IEM. My first thought upon seeing the EX-01 was how similar in appearance they are to the ROCK Zircon but unlike with the Zircon, after many hours of use the gold parts on the EX-01 show no signs of color fading.
 

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Onto the cable then which has decent strain reliefs where it attaches to the housing and some more gold bling highlights. The cable is one of the few real criticisms I have for these earphones. It feels strong enough but is a little too stiff and 'bouncy' for my liking and doesn't sit/hang well. On the Left side (Left and Right indicators are extremely difficult to find and see) just a few inches down from the housing is a shiny gold, single button inline control and microphone. During testing the controls worked fine for play/pause and skipping tracks etc. and the microphone has fairly good clarity for phone calls. At the Y-junction is a cylindrical gold splitter  and finally, the cable terminates in a straight, gold colored 3.5 mm plug.
 

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I find these to be very comfortable and can easily wear them for hours at a time. The only annoyance is when moving about the cable tends to bounce around.
 
Sound:
 
Sources used:
 

1. Benjie K9 DAP
2. PC > Arcam irDAC-ii
3. PC > Audinst HUD-MX2

 
Music used for this review:
 

1. iamthemorning "Lighthouse" - full album [flac]
2. Mathias Eick "Midwest" - full album [flac]
3. Porcupine Tree "Fear Of A Blank Planet" - full album [flac]
4. Connect.Ohm "9980"  - full album [flac]
5. Jeremy Soule and Julian Soule "Guild Wars 2 Soundtrack" [flac]
6. Trevor Morris "Vikings - Season 2 Sountrack" [flac]

 
Summary:
 
Powerful bass is probably the first thing I noticed but after further listening it became apparent that these have more than that on offer. They have a fairly wide soundstage but there isn't a lot of depth there. The midrange is slightly recessed and the treble is smooth. Overall these have a warm sound that should fare well with most types of music but are certainly not suited for those who are shy on bass or looking for a neutral sound.
 
Bass:
 
Probably the star of the show, the bass has some real solid impact. Kick drums are full and meaty and can really slam. While I wouldn't call these a bass-head IEM, they're not too far from it. Sub-bass reaches deep and on tracks like Connect.Ohm's "Snow Park" reverberates around your skull. However, the EX-01 does this in a refined sort of way - the quantity is there in spades but quality keeps it from being over the top.
 
Mids:
 
Mids are a little recessed but stand up well considering the weight of the bass. Tonality is good although in some songs like "Embers" by Helen Jane Long some coloration can be heard in the piano notes which gives them a softer edge. The lower-mids can sometimes be affected by the mid-bass resulting in some blending due to bass bleed but you're not likely to notice unless you look for it specifically.
 
Treble:
 
The highs on the EX-01 are well extended and lean towards a neutral sound. The presentation is smooth and non-fatiguing while maintaining a decent amount of detail and airiness. Sibilant tracks that can be edgy such as "Traveling" from Utada Hikaru's "Deep River" album still sound bright but without being painful or losing too much clarity.
 
Comparisons:
 
Hidizs EX-01 vs SHOZY Zero (US$60)
 
The Zero sounds the more natural of the two, with things like cymbals being more lifelike. The Zero also has a more balanced bass and is more mid-centric. Although the EX-01 is very comfortable the Zero is even more so due to their very low weight. The EX-01 has the extra features of the inline remote and microphone making it a little more versatile. Overall I prefer the sound of the SHOZY Zero but for the times when I want some bone shaking bass the Hidizs is the obvious choice.
 
Hidizs EX-01 vs Hisenior UE Steampunk (US$50)
 
The Hisenior has a much nicer cable which is also detachable making it more versatile. They don't have an inline control or microphone but this can easily be remedied by using a third party MMCX cable. The mids can be muddy and sometimes congested on the Hisenior and they have significantly less bass (though still nowhere near neutral). Treble on the Hisenior rolls off earlier giving them a darker and less engaging sound. The Highsenior has significantly better sound isolation due to being a UIEM and they're also very comfortable. The EX-01 has a much wider soundstage, better treble, clearer mids and cleaner bass, so an easy win for the Hidizs here.
 
Conclusion:
 
If you like bass then you should like these. It seems that appearance is not the only thing the Hidizs EX-01 shares with the ROCK Zircon as they're similar in sound too but the EX-01 is more refined on all levels (apart from the cable). Wide soundstage, slamming bass, clear but slightly recessed mids and detailed but smooth treble is what these are about. The only things I would change are the cable and perhaps slightly less mid-bass emphasis. For the asking price they're a good buy but nowadays the sub $50 market is saturated with quality IEMs. If however, you like skull rattling bass then these should serve you very well.
 

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