Hello fellow head-fi members
 
Welcome to the review of Advanced Evo X Sports Wireless In-ear Monitors.
 
Disclaimer
This were a sample provided by Advanced team for my review. I am not affiliated with Advanced team in anyway or getting any financial assistance from them for my review.
 
Advanced team with its successful launch of budget friendly M4 and one of its kind (beast) Model 3, already has set high expectation among music lovers. I was quite excited to review Evo X and lets see the impression it leaves.
 
Where to Buy: https://www.adv-sound.com/collections/all-collection/products/evo-x 
 
Unboxing
Advanced team has taken a minimalist approach for Evo X Packing. Nice and compact packing, with Evo X on the front and details on the backside. 5''X4'' inch box taking minimal space.

 

As usual Solid built Carry case etched with Advanced logo carrying Evo X and accessories safely in its tummy, Keeping her safe and secure. 
 
What it contains?
As usual Advanced team is generous with accessories and has supplied some top notch accessories.
3 pairs of foam tips
3 pairs of silicone tips
1 carrying case
1 User manual
1 microUSB charging cable
 

 

 

 

Build Quality
Build quality is something which Advanced team has never compromised on and the tradition continues. The Premium carry case (the same as Model3) as stated on Advanced website does look and feel premium and makes sure Evo X is safe and secure in your gym bag, 
Plastic/Rubber used to build in housing is top notch (glossy top for look and rubber bottom to avoid slips), Housings are color coded (as well as marked R and L inside) with Red for Right and blue for Left. Cables as usual solid with a cable adjuster.
 
Ease of Use
Hassle free pairing with my iphone 6 plus and wife's iphone 7+ (Thanks to wify for letting me use for phone for clicking pics and some of the calling).
All (multipurpose) controls of the headphone are located on right side (including the charging slot). Power Button located at the end of housing which doubles as call connect/disconnect controller is easily accessible during work out sessions (Tried it while biking and on tread mill). Volume control + Track Skips are easy to reach and operate. Single press skip the tracks and long press will increase or decrease the volume. 
Something other manufacturers need to make a note of, As mentioned by fellow head-fi member b9scrambler skip tracks is quite commonly performed action by users than volume control (Once volume is set hardly we change)
 
Comfort
As soon as I unboxed, i removed the silicone tips and replaced with supplied memory foam tips without a second thought (My take memory foam is the way to go and never loved silicone tips). Something I admire of Advanced team's design team attention to detail and Ergonomics. I was skeptical about fit and comfort looking at the size of the housing (I am a regular wearer of glasses and only time I take of my glasses is while sleeping). Angled nozzle, light housing and ear hooks create a light and shallow fit which let the users keep it on for long without any fatigue.
 
When you buy a wireless headphones, the expectation is once you tuck them in ear, they do not popout or you don't have to keep adjusting them. Evo X passes this requirement in flying colors, Put them on and adjust the chord length you all set. No worries of ear buds popping out or you need to keep meddling with it to keep them on.
 
I tried Evo X while playing pingpong which involves lot of movement (unplanned) and did not find any trouble of adjusting them or fear of popping out. 
 
Charging and Battery Life
Specs states once charged, Evo X is good for 5 hours of use. The performance matches with what is claimed. 
The only drawback is it takes 2 hours for complete charging.
(Note: I am planning to use my Anker quick charge plug for next round of charging and see will there be any improvement)
 
Calling
Tried it for Regular calls, facetime and some international calls. Works perfectly fine. Neither me nor the caller had any issues hearing each other, 
 
Isolation
These earbuds gives you a shallow fit which may not result in good isolation. As stated by b9scrambler this is something dependent on individuals view point. If you are outdoors (cycling or running) its always good to hear some outside sound so that you will be aware of surrounding. 
 
Sound Quality
I used my iphone 6 plus + Spotify combination for most of my testing.
Sound signature of Evo X is more in line with its elder sibling Model 3. 
Evo X offer punchier bass with primary focus on mid bass. Mids is where it excels, details offered by it may not be phenomenon but does a fantastic job. Vocals sound lively, Adele's hello was treat. Pharrell Willaims Happy sounds fabulous giving needed adrenaline rush. 
 
Conclusion
Evo X is perfect mid range addition to Advanced earuds lineup. With perfect Ergonomics offering comfort and ease of use, paired with Punchy bass and detailed mid range they have created one of the best Sports bluetooth IEM's. They have earned a permanent place in my gym bag which I doubt will be replaced in future. 
 
Kudos Advanced team, Hope you continue creating these small wonders  

Finally, my long due review of Meze 12 Classics is here. 
 
Note of Thanks:
Meze team, thank you for including me in the review tour. I received this pair of earbuds as part of Meze 12 classics tour.
 
This is my first encounter with Meze product and lets see the impression it leaves!
 
About me:
http://www.head-fi.org/u/439582/gprs007
 
Unboxing:
Nothing Fancy, Front of the box has a picture of Meze 12 arranged in Company logo (I kinda like their logo). Back of the box got a frequency graph, product specification and Company Information. Opening of the box is hassle free. 
Front

Behind
If you see back of the box, you can see the wording Perfect Natural Sound! Do they deliver what they say?

 
Presentation of the product:
Secured inside is the Meze 12 classics and Carry case which got a beautiful logo of Meze. The walnut wood finish was enough to get me excited . It's beautiful !!!

What it contains:
Sturdy carry case, Earphones (default is silicone tips), a pair of Comply tips (they know what we want), additional silicone tips (S, M and L) and clip

 
I couldn't resist myself from clicking this

 
One last look at Housing with comply tips and Mic. (By this time you should be knowing, I am no fan of Silicone tips)

 
Build Quality:
The earphones are fairly built and can take some abuse for sure. Carry case is solidly built and have enough space to carry earphones and accessories (I mean silicone tips).
(Advanced team, has raised my expectations with their solid offerings and they are my benchmark when I gauge build quality of sub 100 earphones. You want 5 beat them)
4/5
 
Accessories:
You get what you need.
3 pairs of Silicone tips
Comply tips
Sturdy Carry case to keep your possession safe
Shirt Clip
4/5
 
Comfort and ergonomics:
I wear them around ear and they offer good comfort as well as fit. Walnut Housings are light and let you wear it easily for couple of hours. There is no discomfort or fatigue wearing them for 1.5 or 2 hours.
4/5
 
Sound:
 
Testing Equipment:
Iphone 6s Plus + Spotify
Motorola E + MP3
Fiio X1 (Flac files)
 
Meze 12 classics is Well balanced and Crisp sounding earphones. The sound stage is not wide but does good job in presenting the details and differentiating the instruments. They do justice to both male and female vocals. They offer tighter bass, clearer mids and highs. Yes they sound Natural as they claim.
You can get the best out of them when paired with a good source. I could notice the difference when they were paired with Fiio and other phones. You can easily pair it with any of the Phones. Amp might be a overkill though did not try pairing it up with A3. 
4/5
 
Mic:
Meze has paired it with a single button Mic which perform quite well. I used it for some facetime and regular calls. The opposite party never had any issue hearing me. As it is winter never got to test it in open air. 
4/5
 
Conclusion:
At 75$ it is a good bargain. You get beautiful looking, well accessorized, good sounding earphones which can play any kind of music you ask to. 
Overall Rating: 4/5
 
Thanks Meze team for giving me the opportunity to be part of the tour and Introduction to Meze products. Wish you all the best.

Welcome to the review of  wireless + Wired High resolution in ear monitors Advanced Model 3.
 
Disclaimer:
This headphones were a sample provided by Advanced team for my review. I am not affiliated with M4 in anyway or getting any financial assistance from Advanced team for my review.
 
About me:
I am an electronics engineer and a Product analyst (Software Industry) by profession. My undying love for music and hunt for new headphones in market has lead to own below 
Fiio X1 player
Fiio A3 Amp
Shure SE215 in ear
audio technica ath-m40x
Harman Kardon IENC in ear
Harman Kardon AE in ear
JBL TMG81BL Tim McGraw Artist Series On Ear Headphones
Knowledge Zenith (KZ) ED9 in ear
AKG K451 on ear
Velodyne vleve
Klipsch R6
Samson Professional SR950 Closed Back Headphones
KZ ATE Copper Driver Ear Hook HiFi in Ear Earphone Sport Headphones for Running with Foam Eartips with Microphone
Advanced M4
+ Advanced Model M3
 
About Advanced https://www.adv-sound.com/ 
 

Some real Life pictures 

Packing

What it contains

Accessories

1. 1 MMCX Bluetooth cable (wireless)
2. 1 MMCX 3.5mm cable (wired)
3. 3 pairs of green memory foam tips
4. 3 pairs of black silicone tips
5. 1 premium carrying pouch
6. 1 microUSB charging cable

Technical Specifications

 

Driver Unit	Custom Tuned Single Dynamic Drivers
Impedance	16 Ohm+/-15%
Sensitivity	100dB+/-3dB at 1kHz
Frequency Response	Super Wideband 20Hz – 40kHz
Music/talk Time (Wireless)	up to 5 hours
Charging Time	1.5 hours
Bluetooth Version	4.1 + aptX®
Connection Distance	10m (33ft)
Input Port	MicroUSB, DC 5V/60mA
Working Current	10-19mA
Voltage	3.7V
Cord length (Wired)	1.2M
Plug (Wired)	3.5mm Gold Plated

 

Build Quality

M4 was the first model launched by Advanced team and they have set a new benchmark in build quality of in ear monitors and in Model 3 the tradition continues. They offer 3 year warranty(I am not sure, which else electronics product has been offered a 3 year warranty, I am an electronics engineer and surely I will not offer that kind of warranty ) on their products, including Model 3 and once anyone feel the headphones in their hand,  they will understand why. 
It is solidly built. None of the components look or feel cheap. Transparent housings which can be switched between Wireless and Wired cable easily. Both wireless and Wired cables feels good in hand. 
Rock solid Carry case. Color co-ordinated Charging cable and Memory foam tips. I really could not find any compromise in the build quality.
 
Score: 5/5
 

Accessories

1. 1 MMCX Bluetooth cable (wireless)
2. 1 MMCX 3.5mm cable (wired)
3. 3 pairs of green memory foam tips
4. 3 pairs of black silicone tips
5. 1 premium carrying pouch
6. 1 microUSB charging cable

Really??? When it comes to accessories, Advanced team is really generous, You are getting a pair of Wired and Wireless MMCX cables, 3 pairs of memory ear foam tips (S, M and L), 3 pair of Silicone tips (S, M and L), 1 Premium carrying pouch (they really mean that premium word), 1 Micro USB charging cable.
 
(Rough Math - 3 pair of Memory foam tips (10-15$), MMCX wired cable with Microphone (25-30$), Carry case (20$ for sure).. Even with Minimum pricing the accessories easily add 50$. I am a business/Product Analyst and most of my analysis are based on ROI (return on Investment), fellas you already got your money back, they currently offering it for 79$)
 
Score 5/5

Comfort and Design

If I am not wrong, the design team is putting extra hours at Advanced office. To make sure, it does not pop out while running or exercising these guys have added an extra tube to the end of wireless cable. Clever ha!

The housings are very light and you don't feel it while wearing it and memory foam tips are always there to offer the comfort.
The volume control and Mike unit is designed like a pendant and looks cool when you wearing bright colored T-shirts. 
 
Detachable housings

 
 
Score: 5/5
 
The important Part.

Sound

For testing Purpose I played close to 4.5 hours of Soft Rock from Spotify on my iphone 6s+ in wireless mode and 7 hours Lossless music (Flac) from Fiio X1 (Best audiophile voice collection from 1993 to 2011) in wired mode. 
 
Wireless Mode:
I have used Jay Bird X2, Rambotech S5, Rambotech X1, LG Tone Pro and Moto Surround. Wireless earphones offer portability but the compromise is loss in sound detail (There will always be loss in transmission in wireless mode). I was expecting similar experience with Model 3 in wireless mode. I was quite surprised while listening to Soft Rock.
Model M3 offers a lot of detail. Soft Rock was a pleasure playing it from Spotify, This baby got plenty of Juice. You will love the experience.
 
When you read Model 3 features on advanced audio site, you can notice,
Hi-Res Audio Certified  |  What does it mean?
Advanced Model 3 in-ear monitors are certified by the prestigious Japan Audio Society (JAS) to produce frequency over 40,000Hz making it an essential part of high resolution audio (96kHz/24-bit) listening experience.
 
Unless you have a  right source (Flac Music files) and a High Resolution player (Tried and Tested Fiio X1 in my case), Human ear can hardly differentiate between high resolution and MP3 sounds (Sometimes you do notice the muffles).
 
When Paired with Fiio X1 and Flac Files, Model 3 you will realize it truly is high resolution earphones. The Bass is tight and Controlled, Mid range is smooth and beautiful (If you like female vocals then you are here for a treat), Highs are easy on the ears (M4 I could notice some distortion at highs). The Sound stage is spacious and points out the placement of instruments. Out of all the in ear headphones I have experienced none can match the sound this pair reproduces. 
 
Score 4.5/5

Isolation

The memory foams offer good isolation. There are no sound leaks unless you are in heavily crowded area.
 
Score 4/5
 

Battery 

I have received 4 hours 47 minutes and 4 hours 56 minutes of battery life in my first 2 wireless mode use. The specs mention a battery life of 5 hours.
 
Score 5/5
 

Mic

I have made calls during cycling and have taken couple of conference calls in wired mode. The other side parties could hear me clearly. No one really have complained.
 
Score 4.5/5
 

[size=20.007px]Conclusion[/size]

I am amazed at the Sound and build quality Model 3 offers, and to make the deal sweet you have plenty of accessories supplied with. There is no reason to dislike this. You ran out of battery, there is an option to change it to wired mode (The cable is free). You get more than you ask for. If you can see the score, Model 3 has passed with flying colors in all departments. 
 
You have a solidly built, beautifully sounding wireless/Wired in ear monitors for 79$. If anyone ask me for a good in ear monitors my suggestion will be Model 3. You will not be disappointed. 
https://www.adv-sound.com/collections/all-collection/products/model-3
 
Score 4.5/5
 

Competition

I can think of only Jay Bird X2. Couple of my colleague use X2 at office and borrowed Model 3 to check the performance. I could see the disappointment in their face for spending 100+ bucks..

Hello Head-fier's
 
I was fascinated about wireless in ear buds. The thought of no wires always something I wanted to try. Wanted to own the Earin Wireless Earbuds but spending 250$ on it was something I could not justify to myself.
 
The challenge with in ear buds are the battery, you will get 2 to max 3 hours of battery life with it. Though you have some of the earbuds coming with a charging case which you can use it as back up. But the thought of keep charging it is something I find clumsy.
 
Anyways, I read about Rambotech from one of the threads on head-fi and got in touch with Rambotech team (located in China). Customer care is really good, you get immediate response. You can find this either on Rambotech or on Alibaba. These guys are bulk manufacturers and suppliers. You can ask them to put whatever name you want on the product and packaging and bam you have your own product which you can sell on amazon. (Most of the vendors on Amazon buy from them (example: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014VVJBPS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AKOGOKC07UASW&tag=dealmoon-20  it is same as Rambotech S5).
 
I bought this directly from Rambotech for 15$ (but paid 30$ for shipping )
 
Build quality:
Decent. No complain for the price I paid. The plastic doesn't feel cheap. 

 

Accessories:
Charging cable and 3 pair of silicon tips.
 
Comfort:
The housings are pretty big and one of the buds keep popping out of my ear. Post changing the tips to memory foam I was able to get a decent fit, but was always scared of using it for cycling or running.
You can see in the picture, the housings are darn big. I got pretty big ear and still it looks big.

 
Pairing:
Pairing is simple, pair 1 first then add the second. You all set.
 
Audio quality:
It does reproduce decent sound. For the price I paid, i am really happy. Nothing much I can write about sound quality. 
 
It is equipped with inbuilt mic. Only one bud will work during calls. Works decently, but when it is windy or crowd, it gives up. The other person can hear all noises. 
 
Batter Life:
They are equipped with 65mA batteries, so don't expect miracle. With both paired the battery will run for 2 hours and 3 to 4 hours when you pair only one. 
 
Conclusion:
If you want to try out new technology without paying premium amount go for it. 
 
Link: http://www.rambotech.com/
 
Update: I replaced the silicon tips with Memory foam and post some burn in I can say the sound quality has improved. The fit is better with memory foam but still sometime it do pop out.

Hello Fellow Head-fier's,
 
Welcome to the review of Adv.Sound M4 from Advanced team.
 
Disclaimer:
This headphones were a sample provided by Advanced team for my review. I am not affiliated with M4 in anyway or getting any financial assistance from Advanced team for my review.
 
About me:
I am an electronics engineer and a Product analyst (Software Industry) by profession. My undying love for music and hunt for new headphones in market has lead to own below 
Fiio X1 player
Fiio A3 Amp
Shure SE215 in ear
audio technica ath-m40x
Harman Kardon IENC in ear
Harman Kardon AE in ear
JBL TMG81BL Tim McGraw Artist Series On Ear Headphones
Knowledge Zenith (KZ) ED9 in ear
AKG K451 on ear
Velodyne vleve
Klipsch R6
Samson Professional SR950 Closed Back Headphones
KZ ATE Copper Driver Ear Hook HiFi in Ear Earphone Sport Headphones for Running with Foam Eartips with Microphone
+ Advanced M4
 
About Adv.sound M4:
https://www.adv-sound.com/collections/all-collection/products/m4
 
Lets take a look at M4

 

Look: Solid braided cable which promises less tangle, Aluminium chasis housing which keep the earbuds light and a pair comply foam tips offering comfort.
 
Test Setup:

Fiio X1 for source (with flac files)
Fiio A3 amp
Iphone 6s plus (Occasional Music source and testing of Mic during calling)
 
Accessories:
Accessories

1. 1 pair of Comply Foam tips (TX-400 medium)
2. 3 pairs of black dual-flange tips (s/m/l)
3. 3 pairs of black silicone tips (s/m/l)
4. 3 pairs of white silicone tips (s/m/l)
5. 1 premium carrying pouch
6. 1 cord shirt clip

Build Quality:
I am very impressed with the build quality advanced team has offered here. The braided cables are thick and strong, Wires do not add any noise due to movement or shake while listening music or on calls.Housings are made of Aluminium keeping the earbuds lightweight which make them easy to wear for longer hours.
It comes with a solidly built carry case which will not take much space in my laptop bag or while travelling and cherry on the top a pair is free Comply memory foam tips.
 
You get a bang for your buck easily with the above (Right now it is offered at 39$ on Advanced site). 
Score 5/5.
 
Sound Quality:
Here comes the sweet part These headphones are equipped with 6mm Custom Tuned Single Dynamic drivers.
 
Testing Process:
I let this burn for close to 35 hours over a week on my laptop with spotiy as the source, in between used it for making calls on my iphone as well as for morning bike rides.
 
I love all kinda music, that's what keep me going at work as well to lighten up my mood post office. And I have a weakness for good vocals (specially female singers). So My choice of headphones will be the one which reproduce clear sounds at Lows and Mids.
 
Albums used during testing period
The doors (My favorite Riders on the storm atleast 6 times, specially to hear the rain drops), and Best audiophile voice collection from 1993 to 2011. And some Indian bollywood music on Spotify.
 
The Single dynamic drivers reproduces accurate sound and has more emphasis on Lows and Mid range, The detail it offers is impressive. The lows are clear and Mids are soothing, with memory tips offering comfort you can easily keep them going for hours.  I could see some distortion at highs. But overall its a perfect experience. As lows and mids are the key points of this earphones, Vocals are full as well as they reproduce male and female voices accurately. The bass is more than neutral, they could have added more punch to it. Take away for Advanced team.
 
The only concern is slight distortion at highs. This may be due to the micro drivers. 
 
Score: 4/5
 
Mic: Performs perfectly. I made some calls during my bike ride (it was windy) and the opposite person could hear me perfectly well. I used it for couple of meetings which lasted close to 4 hours and these headphone were just perfect. As the housings are light you dont feel a discomfort in longer use. Wires don't add any noise.
 
Score: 5/5
 
Noise Isolation:
The comply memory foam tips offers good isolation for general use. Crowded and noisy areas you might feel some noise.
 
Score: 4/5
 
Conclusion:
The build quality and accessory itself will get your money back. No other headphones at this price range offer such build quality or accessories. No wonder advanced team is offering 3 year warranty on this. They know these babies are built tough and will last longer.
With good sound and perfect build we have a winner in sub 100 category. 
 
Score: 4.5/5
 
Kudos advanced team!!!!

I should have write this review an year back, but somehow could not. Anyways better late than never.
 
This was my first purchase of HK earbuds. Though I own several earbuds now.
 
Pros:
Build quality, decent sound
 
Concerns: 
Oh man, I could never keep it in ear for more than 20 minutes. They keep popping out of the ear for every 10 to 20 minutes. Pissed enough I don't use it anymore.
Wire adds noise while moving. A tiny shake will also generate enough noise which you can identify.
 
I like HK products. They really does make good products. My car C300 was equipped with HK sound system which I really liked it a lot. Post my encounter with it, I thought lets try their earbuds.
 
They have mentioned these earbuds were designed in Austria, I am not sure if Austria designers are so bad or HK is adamant enough to not to accept their earbud designs are flawed! 
 
Sound Quality:
 
These earbuds reproduces decent sound, nothing too fancy. The sound stage is detailed. But wire shake is very annoying and make you hear the shake sound more then the music.
 
Conclusion:
Buy it only if you find it on a deal. Not worth the money they sold at.

Things I own:
Fiio X1
Fiio A3
Shure SE215 in ear
audio technica ath-m40x
Harman Kardon IENC in ear
Harman Kardon AE in ear
JBL TMG81BL Tim McGraw Artist Series On Ear Headphones
Knowledge Zenith (KZ) ED9 in ear
AKG K451 on ear
Velodyne vleve
Klipsch R6
Samson SR 950
 
 
Review of KZ ATE Copper Driver Ear Hook HiFi in Ear Earphone Sport Headphones for Running with Foam Eartips with Microphone (As listed on Amazon)
 
I was looking for a good earbuds to use for my Morning Sprints and Fast walk. After my experience with KZ ED-9 thought lets give KZ ATE a try. I purchased this from AliExpress KZ flagship store (there is some 50% discount going on) and took good 15+ days for delivery.
Lets jump on to the review.
 
Price Paid: 9.74$
Link: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/KZ-ATE-Copper-Driver-Ear-Hook-HiFi-In-Ear-Earphone-Sport-Headphones-For-Running-With-Foam/32337313320.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.65.IFaNSo 
Unboxing:
Standard KZ plastic box with good presentation. Came with a pair of memory tip and 2 silicone tip. No user manual (Who needs it anyway, it is not rocket science)
 
Build Quality:
Plastic transparent housing (Cannot comment on the quality, but looks decent as of now)
Wires - Standard KZ wires, No complains. Good thing, they dont add any noise if shaken or while moving or running
Mic: Disappointed. Feels like it might break soon
 
Fit:
After an hour of Initial use my ears started hurting. This is a new fit for me. I tried using it for few days and getting better but max I can wear it for 90 minutes.
 
Sound:
This is where all your return on investment comes from.
Good Sound (Extra bass), Bass lovers take a note you will not be disappointed. The bass is not overwhelming. It is just perfect. Technically added bass is nothing but headphones are trying to amplify the lows and most of the headphones tend to introduce distortion while doing it and leads to an headache to users. I am surprised at the clear lows and mids this headphones reproduce. Specially while workout I prefer some extra juice in my music and This headphone serve the purpose. At 10$ I really do not have any complains. Cannot expect more than this. 
Noise Isolation is good.. As this fits deep into ear canal, it do reduce external sound interference. 
Used it for calling, no issues with the opposite end person hearing me. As well no issue me hearing the opposite person.
 
Bottom line:
You will not be disappointed, rather will be surprised at the sound quality and you will end up ignoring the flaws.
 

Well, This was my birthday Gift from my friend and turns out to be one of the best gifts I received.
 
Things I own:
Fiio X1
Shure SE215 in ear
audio technica ath-m40x
Harman Kardon IENC in ear
Harman Kardon AE in ear
JBL TMG81BL Tim McGraw Artist Series On Ear Headphones
Knowledge Zenith (KZ) ED9 in ear
AKG K451 on ear
Velodyne vleve
 
I always wanted a good around ear headphones and my friend who's a fellow music lover gifted this post some good research.
 
Build Quality: Good, Swivel cups do the job, very comfortable (Have used it for good 3 to 4 hours with my Fiio x1) and a carrying case.
 
Packing: Nothing Fancy.
 
Testing process:
 
I usually connect my earphones to lapop and play a 20+ hour play list to ensure new earbud or headphones burn in.
 
Source: Fiio X1
 
Audio quality:
After a day burn in coupled it with my Fiio and started playing my latest collection. Wow, I was in love with the headphones. The audio is clear.The sound signature is refreshing. The headphones are very well balanced and neutral sounding but sometime I feel the presence of added bass than usual. The best point is vocals, they are so damn clear and make you fall in love with the singer. 
 
I have tried Bose quite comfort and truly they are so comfortable and M40X will not meet quite comfort in comfort factor but it does a good job. 
 
Conclusion: You cannot go wrong with it.

I am a music lover and an engineer by profession
Things I own:
Fiio X1
Shure SE215 in ear
audio technica ath-m40x
Harman Kardon IENC in ear
Harman Kardon AE in ear
JBL TMG81BL Tim McGraw Artist Series On Ear Headphones
Knowledge Zenith (KZ) ED9 in ear
AKG K451 on ear
 
I bought this during prelaunch of this product. I own a pair of Harman Kardon AE earbuds and I use it regularly paired up with my Iphone. And I was quite impressed with the audio quality (Sometime My meetings end at 2 to 3 hours and I will end up wearing it quite long)
 
I was pretty excited about the launch and price ($39) at which it was offered. Decent external noise cancelling circuit were offered at 200$ price point. And after using Harman Kradon AE I was looking forward for an upgrade.
 
Price: The retail price was 199 and prelaunch offer was $39 (Now sells at 29)
 
http://www.harmankardon.com/earbuds/IENC.html - HM has given a detailed specs, So I will not add specs here.
 
Packing: Good. 
 
Build Quality: Very nice. No filmsy or cheap plastic (solidly build). HK please change the silicone tips you supply along with earbuds. It really needs improvement.
 
Fit: Its a hit or miss. I could never get a right fit on them. As the Housing are bulky they keep falling out. I don't know what is wrong with HK designers,Even the NI and AE earbuds fitting is hit or a miss. Never could get a right fit with there earbuds, they always keep popping out.
 
 
Important Part.
Audio quality:
 
Testing process:  I usually connect my earphones to lapop and play a 20+ hour play list to ensure new earbud or headphones burn in.
 
Source: Iphone and Fiio X1
 
I am an engineer by profession, so my take on good output is always "Garbage in and Garbage out" You get what you give. So I test my earbuds or headphones always with Fiio x1 to ensure I receive a better output.
 
After a day of burn in (I believe a continuous use of 24 hours will help earbuds burn). I was disappointed at the sound quality of these earbuds. Played my favorite Riders on the storm and the rain drop sequence was sounding like more of noise then pleasing. Followed it up by MJ dangerous album. It sound really flat.
 
I have used some real nice earbuds which give you the feel of music coming alive. Specially Jazz. And these are no where near the competition.
 
The noise cancellation circuit all it does is boost the volume nothing else. I could hear my son chatting with my wife and even he running around. Yeah the battery of NC circuit is pretty good. Easily come up to 30 Hours (Could not test it accurately as I had already lost interest).
 
Call Quality: Good. No one has ever complained me of not able to hear me (When used for calling most of the time I will be in Office or Home, So cannot comment on using in crowded place).
 
 
Conclusion: Do not do justice for the MSRP they have quoted. If you want to upgrade from your regular earphones for your phone go for this (Currently selling at 29$).
Not worth using with a dedicated music player. 
There are better offerings in market.

I am a music lover and an engineer by profession
Things I own:
Fiio X1
Shure SE215 in ear
audio technica ath-m40x
Harman Kardon IENC in ear
Harman Kardon AE in ear
JBL TMG81BL Tim McGraw Artist Series On Ear Headphones
Knowledge Zenith (KZ) ED9 in ear
AKG K451 on ear

I happened to stumble upon this by mistake on head-fi and thought lets order one. 13$ there is nothing much to loose.

Packaging: Good

Build quality: Wow, did not expect that for 13 bucks. Solid Steel casing, Great solid wires and Brass Tuning nozzles.

Audio Quality:
I use my fiio x-1 to test any earbuds or headphones with some excellent flac flies (lossless music files). I usually connect my earphones to lapop and play a 20+ hour play list to ensure new earbud or headphones burn in.

I dont love extra bass in my music. I enjoy music the way it is without any altercation. So I switched onto the filter less nozzles (No User manual by the Manufacturer to differentiate between the nozzles. The one with black filter on it is extra bass)

Post a day Connected it to my Fiio X-1 and started with my favorite song, Riders on the storm (The doors), Oh man I was blown away. I was getting the feel that these earbuds gonna be my favorite ones.
I was skeptical about the fit, I get cranky when earbuds dont give a comfort fit and with 13$ i was really not expecting a good fit. (I hate silicone tips as they always give me an annoying fit. So changed the tips to Memory foam). With Memory foam tips on it, I can say they are quite comfy and give adequate noise isolation.

After playing some Jazz, played some adele songs (I love her voice and I really love good vocalists). Then turned on to MJ thriller album. I was blown away. They reproduce the sound the way it is no added bass perfect lows and mids.

I doubt they get better with more burn in, I already have played good 60+ hours and no change. As it is they are just perfect.

You cannot go wrong with this.If these were made by any other famous brand, they would be selling it for 100-150$).

Build Quality: 5 stars
Audio Quality: 5 stars
Pros: Everything
Concern: No instruction on Nozzles, Some of the members have posted concern on QC (I did not encounter any)

Suggestion: Keep good music source and quality music files

Conclusion: If you love good music and you want something under budget, here it is. T