MBC/ PINOYMAN's review:
The TFZ series 1 Iem.

Id like to thank Christopher Gatchalian for lending me his pair unit for the purpose of this review.

Shell: clear in smoke black.

Cable: quality is thick and strong. It can survive as a daily beater from rolls and throws.

Strain relief is small, but well made and implemented. It gets the job done keeping the cable safe from cut and breaks.

Y splitter: no volume control, size adjuster.

SQ:

Tonal balance is warm but clear.

Bass hits hard and deep, mibass is on the fun side. It can sometimes sound boomy and strong at times. Something you may like or not. Most prominent in its signature. Its not well controlled. More sub bass than midbass.

Treble lacks the energy and extension. Fatigue-free, yes. Somewhat veiled or blanketed. Instruments doesnt come out alive but thankfully the vocals is sweet, something to love about.

Mids is warm and vocals sound sweet. Sometimes being drowned by too much bass (again). Sometimes this good vocals is affected by the bass slams which kills the full experience.

Texture and timbre is just so so. Pianos and stringed instruments dont sound too defined, a little on the dull side.

Soundstage, instrument separation and layering is good. More depth than width. Bass have more weight, affects by diminishing details, attack and definition. Making this bassy signature. Bass makes the presentation sounds big.

Somewhat transparent but blanketed by too much bass. Can be fatiguing in long listening sessions. Recommended for bass lovers.

Personally, i find the signature as bass heavy. I could have fell in love in the sound, if only the bass is controlled and a if its a little distant. Too bad, the bass smeared some details and it fools you of its strong weight to make you fell it sound big. Bass is weighty but less in texture and definition compared to what i heard in CFA ANDROMEDA and what i have - the FITEAR TG334.

Definitely this is a colored pair, warm and fun, but lacks the sparkle and crisp of treble to counter the bass. Unlike the JVC FX850, bassy but bring an open back, makes it like a headphone sounding iem. Adding hole in the iem may improve airiness and may lessen the bass weight and boomy-ness.

But thats just my gripe. We have our own personal tastes and preference.

Recommeded for bass lovers. (Again)
If TFZ iem will be converted to words it will be ALL ABOUT THE BASS.

pls enjoy the vid of Meghan Trainor

https://youtu.be/7PCkvCPvDXk

Source:
Iphone 6
Christian Bautista Live album.

AIGO 105
Credit to: @jonjon manlapaz for lending me his unit for the purpose of this review
 
 


Pros:
Tank like build
Hefty weight/size
Body structure and design are well made
Good battery performance
Soft buttons
Powerful amp section
Internal memory of 8gig
Aluminum body and buttons
Great for fast phased music
Line out
Good impact / presence
Great dynamics


Cons
Screen size is good enough but albumcovers are all stretched and do not match on screen resolution.
UI needs a little more improvement in implementation, too many settings in the menu.
Confusing menu
Scroll wheel is welcome but badly implemented from poorly provided UI/
Graphically imperfect UI
Synergy depends on your gears signature
 
 
 
 
The Aigo is a well made dap. Period.
A dap with a tank like build and weight.

Even my old headphiler friends who joined our FAC minimeet last Sunday are all impressed by how well made this dap is. AIGO will put to shame all the daps in our old days, from sansa to creative to sonys.

The buttons are neatly placed for easy access. But i personally prefer the XDUUO X3s button placements. And XDUOO's 2 MMC slot is a winner!

Volumes on the right side, along one mmc slot and usb for charging. No buttons on the left side and also under the dap.

The screen is more elevated than the facia.

The first thing you will notice when you hold it is weight. It's heavier compared to most daps of this size.

Let me remind you that the font is very small and not easy on the eyes when viewing and navigating your library. It CAN BE if fixed by an update from AIGO.

The SQ is leaning on the warm-fuller side. The amp section is powerful enough for any iems.

With my FITEAR TG334, im only using 15/100 and thats the standard volume i can take normally. The other 85 is extra juice for your other hard to drive cans in your collection.

When i use the TY HIZ (no foam), I find the sound to be on the bright side which i didnt like much unlike when i use the VE MONK. The funny thing is, i love my HIZ so much even to the H.O. of my iphone 6. And was amused why its not good with the AIGO.

The BALDOOR proved also to be a good pair on this dap. Using BALDOOR earbud, the AIGO reminds me what i like most on this earbud - good timbre and bass. It revealed the character of this earbud.

Using ZERO AUDIO TENORE, to level the same amount of volume with my TG, i went from 15 to now 25.

The soundstage is 2d-like only in layers if compared to directly with my usb dac amp ADR (audioquest dragonfly). Detail level however is excellent like that from XDUOO, considering it falls only in the budgetfi range.

Treble is more defined and extended than the XDUOO X3. The sound is not as bias as that of the XDUOO, it may not be as clean and blacker background as the XDUOO but you will feel this is more balance sounding from treble to bass. It felt like the thick mids has been taken out. The extension of treble is countered by thumping lows.

Sometimes the treble is almost leaning to the thin side, not by much, only in the extension. But it still compose on being smooth even in female vocals.

Im a little worried on the treble part. There are times when i like its extension because its one thing that helps to elevate the sound, but there are also parts when shouting vocals became a little alarming on certain tracks.

Sound is livelier. More articulate.
Not as soft as the XDUOO. Better attack and push but soundstage is smaller if compared directly to XDUOO. Theres layers of depth than wideness in width. Less spacious in soundstage and separation.

In my INEAR stagediver SD2S, im using 20/100 of volume.

My SD2S is a warm sounding iem, when i pair it with the AIGO, it became a little bright than usual warm sig im used too.

This dap is good with the gears i have. We all know, Synergy plays an important role in enjoyment of your set up.

Here i plugged the FITEAR, even the RED VE MONK PLUS, and when i push play, i just put the dap on the table and let the music do its thing to keep me inlvolved and happy. I love it.

The amp section is powerful and clean. Powerful. You wont be needing an extra amp for most of your gears. Clean. It is free from distortion at. Unlike the HIDIZS AP100 dap, you will hear a little distortion when you went up from neat full volume level.

Bass section is not as fuller as that of the XDUOOs (0db). But the treble on this one is better. On the mids part, i really like the XDUOOs. Background is blacker on the XDUOO too.

I wish the company can still improve the UI, its necessary to make this unbeatable, thats where the XDUOO win. And hope the AIGO, a not popular brand, wont cut its support.

Pair this with a bright and treble sensitive iem or earbud and you have a recipe for disaster. Lol. Kidding aside, warm sounding gears will tame the treble a little and will be have a synergy to this dap.

This dap has its own respective PROS and CONS. So is that of the XDUOOs. You will have to try them both and hear what fits your gears nicely in terms of synergy in what daps.

XDUOO has more blacker background, more smooth and spacious but its soft, attacks is a bit lame. The AIGO is clearer, livelier and has a powerful amp section, but the treble will play a role if it will match well with the gears you have. Its more balanced, yes, deep in depth but narrow. Might be fatiguing if youre not into this or not used to this kind of treble. The AIGO is good for fast phase music, POP, ROCK, METAL etc.

UI is graphically imperfect, it needs more polishing and thought. Its so confusing in so many ways. Sometimes i get lost in navigation.

What confuses me with this dap is, when i use a BA iem, it only needs lesser volume level. When i use DYNAMIC driver in earbud, it demands more volume than that of the BA. I dont know why its like that, or how to call it but i never experience that in the XDUOO.

If youre into balanced sounding dap, good attacks, longer battery life,more powerful amp, with a tank like build, you cant go wrong with the AIGO. It can outlast most daps in its time.

PINOYMAN / MBC's impression on
SHANLING M1
Credit to: @christopher gatchalian for lending me his unit for the purpose of this review
BUILD and NAVIGATION
All parts are made of plastic. Back is reflective. Not a touchscreen dap, but it looks like one. 
Two hand operation. Even its small. Your fingers cannot press a button without the other hand supporting the dap.
Navigation is done by buttons on side: 
(left)back, forward and back 
(right) scroll wheel and power
Neat operational buttons ala AK daps.
The multipurpose scroll wheel acts as:
-play
-pause
-ok
-volume adjustment
-browsing menu
The unit is very lightweight. Twice the weight of ipod shuffle 4th gen.
Adjusting volume will give you a bit of delay, due to the processing power. .
I wish its made of aluminu like that from apple, ill then consider this excellent on this department.
Touchscreen also will be a plus. But, not necessary.
UI and FEATURES
The provided UI Is intelligent. 
It knows exactly what function to work from where it is.
Its well thought. 
The fonts are small but it is well spaced and easy to read. 
On playback, using scrollwheel will increase/decrease volume.
On menu, navigation of ups and downs for choices.
There is no delay in UI. Fast. Accurate and smooth. It reminds me a bit of FIIO's UI. 
I love how they designed the screen, the cover art filled and fits nicely on the screen. Its like you are browsing by coverart ala walkman here.
Pushing back button twice will bring you to NOW PLAYING screen. 
Overall. Shanling M1 is miles ahead. Better than that of AIGO and XDUOO combined. It will put both to shame. 
Theres so much to tell on this part:
4 provided themes.
Volume gains.
EQ with presets.
Folder browsing.
Music organizer.
Chanel balance.
Gapless playback.
Clock.
Bluetooth in hd.
The list goes on... 

It offers more than what other competitors lack.
Let me tell you. 
This is the most excellent dap in terms of features and UI. Its a breeze to use and not confusing to operate. Pretty straightforward and no useless nonsense.

SOUND
Gears:
INEAR Stagediver Sd2
FITEAR TG334
FLIPEARS Genesis

EVERYBODY HURTS.
WHAT CAN I DO.
TOSS THE FEATHER
By The Corrs 
MTV Unplugged Album
Seperation / Panning of left and right part is excellent. One part of the phone is blank, while the other part plays the guitar. When Andrea's cue came, she sang at the middle of my head... this plays till 1:20 before the left part of my phone entered a sound of drums mildly and faintly. I tried pushing the volume by going to HIGH GAIN. Aside from volume increase, the sound remains clean, no distortion but better in push.
On my Genesis by FLIPEARS. I can clearly hear my own iem's signature without not much additional coloration to the signature. From my review, the Genesis is somewhat lacking in sparkle and energy in treble. Dry. Good midbass. The FLIPEARS signature is very transparent in this dap. I really like how it shows my iems character. It makes me enjoy more of my iem's own signature.
On TOSS THE FEATHER track of this album, using my CIEM, real sounds of instruments shined with organic timbre. A distanf Whistled in the audience heard clearly from the background. Each breath of the flutist is heard with clarity.
I LOVE YOU GOODBYE.
I CANT TELL YOU WHY.
PIANO IN THE DARK.
ANYTHING FOR YOU.
By Nina
NINA Live! Album
Background claps are faintly presented. Theres not much command and definition, Its there but the details focused more on whats upfront only- instruments and vocals. 
There is no coloration in the signature. Its not as sweet and thick as the Xduoo which I personally prefer as my signature, which could have made Nina's voice to be more expressive and inviting. The treble part and upper mids have no harshness. Stringed instruments and Nina's voice is presented with right amount of sparkle. 
Spaces is good. Though not as excellent as that of the XDUOO's, which is wider. Depth and layers is somewhat limited compared to AUNE M2s.
Volume push is not be as poweful and fuller like the AIGO 105. Micro details is ok. It lacks some small details which is present on the excellent sounding dac amp like MOJO and and my ADR. 
Micro details is somewhat faint. Though it may lack on micro details, it is not a hindrance to the overall performance of the player. Its still enjoyable for me.
Guitars sounds excellent. Rightly tuned without harshness in treble. In AIGO, much treble is present which might be good for trebleheads. Also aigo is picky in gears compared to SHANLING.
HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART.
HOME.
By Michael Bublé
I really like this dap. My INEAR stagediver is warm  and detailed. SHANLING M1 as DAP let enjoyed most of the signature of my iem. 
This is a Neutral dap. 
Its not leaning on warm or bright signature. Its not bias on slow or fast phased music. 
Midbass of my FLIPEARS CIEM is truly a joy to my ears. With Michael's melodic vocals along with defined presence of pianos in the background, all i can say is WOW. I can listen to this all day or all night l, without the borebom of too much smoothness and warmth of lets say the XDUOO, or getting fatigue from AIGO with the element of its harsh energetic attack.
ENDING.
Well. This dap is a wake up call.
Hoping companies will learn from the likes of SHANLING.
SHANLING is the most excellent dap i have tried in its price range.
Excellent UI and Features. Great build. Good battery life. Giving you about 10hours.
I wish the micro details is more present. Even small claps will get my attention to the music. So that i could  fully enjoy whats in there in my music.
Petite. Cute. Small.  A Very beautiful dap indeed. I think everyone will agree.  Navigating coverart photos. Holding it in your hand. Who did that? No one but SHANLING.
Its cheap. But the performance is more worth than its asking price.
Anyone who needs a dose of music enjoyment without additional nonsense of bells and whistles will probably pick SHANLING M1. Specially when youre on the go. 
It doesnt add much flavor to the signature to your iem. It does well at what it is. 
A Dap. Neutral. Flavorless.
Its an honor as a reviewer like me to experience something like this. Thank you SHANLING. This dap proves that there are still companies that listens to the needs people who love music and have passion for it,
 
 
 

Xduuo x3
Credit to: brian ganchua for lending me his unit for the purpose of this review
 
Pros
Basic and straightforward menu
2 MMC slots
Clean sounding 
Black background 
Spacious soundstage
Detailed sound
Best dap in its price bracket, even beyond its asking price
Bold color and discreet looks
Line out
Lightweight
Desirable daily beater dap 
Cheapest ticket to introduce you to hifi
Simple UI that works
 
Cons
Old style led screen
Not colored, no coverart
Aluminum front and sides, but back and buttons is made of plastic.
The design of the facia is dust magnet
No music or library organizer
 
 
 
 
The Xduuo X3 is very popular as a budgetfi dap here in our country. One of the reason why FITEAR also manages to rebrand it for its company as their main choice.
 
It has a hint of pitch black background. It retains musicality without loosing details from being too thick on mids. The sound reminds me of the famous dac amp - MOJO. Less the push, less the micro details and midbass. They share similarities in warmth.
 
Ill start this review with the use of my TG334 by FITEAR as my reference iem.
 
The lows is detailed, fast and accurate but less the fun factor and midbass you hear from MOJO.  Never boomy nor loose no matter what genre. It compliments well with the rest of the frequency.
 
The midrange is articulate and open. This is the big picture in the signature. There is no feeling youre too close or too narrow.  moves freely to its space. Its lush and never thick. With the right amount of smoothness to like it easily. 
 
Treble part has a right amount of sparkle in it. To bring out life to instruments and vocals. Not extended though. Its like playing safe, to stay away from harshness. I can say its well controlled for fatigue free-long listening sessions.
 
My hunch is the tamed treble may be the culprit to some micro detail's veil.
 
The separation is excellent for its price. Soundstage is wide and spacious. Its one thing you will notice. But not too much 3d-like like the ADR. More spacious than that of AIGO's.  
 
There are times when im having a doubt if what im testing here is from an iem, that terribly good!
 
My only gripe, personally, is its push and attack. Its a little on the soft side. (Add the +6db option to remedy softness) It lacks that powerful amp section which is present in the AIGO 105. You will have to increase the volume to get the perfect push, that thing you enjoy in the music.
 
UPDATE:
I was informed by mr. bryan ganchua about this:
 
Theres a hidden option on the option button when playing back music, theres a +6db additional for the volume. I was trully became more impressed when i pushed play WHAT CAN I DO song by THE CORRS. I was blown away!  It brings out that lossed pushed and impact i wanted to hear. Those i felt lacking just pop out of thr blue. It felt like this one has been a new level of XDUOO i once reviewed in the previous days. 
 
Adding that +6db will give you more balanced treble and bass. It will increase impact, push and attack. That softness will diminish instantly.
 
Compared to my usb dac amp, ADR, the sound is less thicker but more cleaner, a more on micro details, same black background and more 3d. More open sounding, instruments shine on their own right. I can hear the ADR is more spacious than XDUOO. But thats not to say the XDUOO is bad, its really competitive as a good dap.
 
When i changed iem, from FITEAR to INEAR Stagediver SD2S, the signature compensates a little in the treble area. It gives more life than what ive experience in TG334. However, i still feel that softness in the attacks. (This softness is gone with the additional +6db option)
 
UI is straighforward and basic, not confusing to use like the AIGO 105, no delay in UI. Its polished and very easy to use.
 
No library organizer. You will have to browse by folder. No artists, songs, or album browsing.
 
Two MMC slots! Yay!
 
This is your cheapest ticket to HIFI. It will  provide you good sound, good build and useful, functioning UI. 
 
The Xduuo x3 is smooth, warm and clean sounding dap. 
 
I just wish they provided a more powerful amp for this so that the push and attack in music is more present and not softly presented. (Add +6db option to remedy the softness)
 
But aside from it, ill consider buying myself one. Its one of the best daps ive heard next to AUNE M2S. It may not be as organic and as natural to the level of AUNE M2S, but smoothness is similar to the MOJO's.
 
The FITEAR TG334 and XDUOO combo provided good synergy. Its like you can touch the music, its organic and natural at the same time, I loved the outcome. That good timbre! Ugh! 
 
The XDUOO has more PROS than CONS. It has proved to be a good instrument to enjoy your music better.
 
Excellent details without being too clinical, couple that with spacious soundstage and good lows. And paint it with the smoothness of midrange and behave treble, thats what the XDUUO X3 is capable and is all about.
 
What i experienced with the XDUOO is really something memorable, it is something to write about. I never thought such dap existed for its price. Id definitely recommed it to anyone, Audiophiles or Newbies alike. This kind of sig is what i personally prefer, its more worthy than its asking price. Its really a pleasure trying it, I really enjoyed my time with it.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Credit goes to: MR. DSD
picture c/o: MR. DSD







The Hisound HA2 & Wooduo HW2

Things at my disposal:
Creative Soundblaster ZXR (dedicated PC sound card / DAC)
Roland SRA-5050 (Professional Grade Integrated Amplifier)
Lake People Phone Amp G109-A, 30th Anniv. Edition (Dedicated Heaphone Amp)
Audioquest - Golden Gate Mini-to-RCA (0.6m)
Sansa Fuze (Portable DAP)
Dita 3.5mm jack to 6.3mm jack adapter (accessory included by DITA)
Foobar2000 (Dedicated Music App)
New SpeakerHeadphone Burn In Track. Pink Noise, Brown Noise and White Noise. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3CiZxstvEA

Keeping in mind that the iem's are special in their own terms and make, each came fresh thus needing some stretching in order to be appreciated. The HA2, which boasts its second generation Balance Armature and the Wooduo HW2 has a strong Dynamic Driver built in. Before one can realize the full potential of both the iem's, I have dedicated a conservative 4 hours "burn in" time. I have also painstakingly chose the right ear tips to match the opening without flooding the other audible frequencies, at least on what I can sense and perceive.

The Roland SRA-5050 gave a hell of a workout to both of the iem's. The integrated amp receives its unbalanced audio output from the RCA of my soundcard. I have laid in a pair of QED Reference Audio 40 as my interconnects. I set the volume pot at 12 o'clock, 50% volume on the Creative Soundblaster ZXR and let Foobar2000 make a lot of noise while playing "New SpeakerHeadphone Burn In Track. Pink Noise, Brown Noise and White Noise" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3CiZxstvEA). Expect it to be annoying, just them leave isolated for a while.

I used a pair of silicon tips for the HA2, and a matching couple of foam tips for the Wooduo HW2, kindly refer to the pictures provided.

As I said earlier, the diameter of the canal should not be mired by opening of the ear tips. I believe that the sound resonating from the drivers should flow in liberty. It would beat the purpose of and the design of each of the iem's if I would be hearing from the funnel like response at the other end of the tip. In short, I want to lessen any elements for me to take benefit from the experience.



Both iem's are POWER HUNGRY! I adamantly believe that both iem's were built to synergize with the Hisoundaudio Studio S6. I was lucky enough to have a Lake People Phone Amp G109-A, 30th Anniv. Edition, which is known for its neutrality, by simply not adding coloration to your listening pleasure. The headphone amp can drive a majority of professional grade cans. The Amp produces an impressive transparency and the frequency range is believable. As I a plug in the iem's alternately, I've notice that the right headphone-in is suitable than that of the left. I am not quite sure why, however I found the right hole to be less "agressive" and is less piercing to the ear drums. I love it when everything is silent, meaning no hisses when my Sansa Fuze is playing no songs. Plus, Lake People Phone Amp G109-A is made in Germany.

After a conservative 4 hrs., the stiff HA2 is now agreeable. The HA2 having BA driver(s) is expected to be fast and timely. It offers considerable amount of transparency, picks up minute details and the rhythm of the majority of the music, regardless of the genre, I throw in it. It is clean sounding without sacrificing the mids. I prefer the term "crisp" to politely describe the totality of its tone. I found myself turning the pot to nearly to 12 o'clock, it is the same degree when I listening to my full size can mid-fi Grado PS500. You can check the specification below.



Do not expect to dig deep on the lower frequencies. It may tap or stump (lightly) and expect nothing lower. People who are into acoustic will love these micro speakers. Any decay or reverberation will depend on your preferred AMPs and DACs, however I am pretty confident that the energetic and lively presentation won't disappoint. Depending on how a song was Mastered, the HA2 might sound sibilant at some point. Rock Music such as the Queen's "Princes of the Universe" sound sharp on the parts of the Electric Guitar. But hey, I can distinguish the separation of instruments the band is playing. It is satisfying. Nothing is there to hide, again, separation is good close to excellent, not quite though. If it is not for the packaging, I'll be fooled what I am listening into is a BA driven iem. Most BA iem's I have auditioned lacks that "natural" tone. The HA2 does not masked nor compensate for the bad recording of your music, it is honest, oftentimes. It neither sound clinical nor bland, it gives this impression for me to be excited, yes, that builds up as the music plays by. Bass, where is the bass? It is there, again it is light, I don't yearn to hear more. It is rather substantially there.

For atleast $99.00, it is basically made out of plastic. I am not sure how durable the wires are or how they are made for the unit to last long. Nothing too fancy, I guess. However, BA drivers are cost more to produce than the dynamic counterpart. Perhaps, the cost of making the second gen. may justify the price. Or the R&D Hisound has invested. Unless the Hisound openly brings out what makes it extra special, I'll just keep on guessing. I learned a lot by not judging a book by its cover.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Wooduo HW2 is a Bass prodigy. It has its own set of skills that a number connoisseur would find irresistible. As I mentioned above, the iem was also given same treatment as the HA2. My first impression, before the minimal 4 hr. "burn in", of the iem was piercing in some Audiophile Voices tracks and the bass tends to be out of control. The bass was heavily bloated and somewhat hard to distinguished the "layers" of the lower spectrum of the frequency.





The Wooduo HW2 having dynamic drivers is expected to have a mid to low range impact. What makes the HW2 bashing on the lower spectrum, of what is considered audible, is its wooden body construction analogous to great vintage speakers. Popular iem's with similar, at least basing on what I have personally auditioned, like Japanese JVC fx700 and fx850 are of parallel sound signature. They are sibilant to my ears and can satisfy one's craving for impactful layered bass, not to mention pleasurable dynamics. Okay, how can I compare the $200 to $300 + iem's to the Chinese counterpart? At a measly $65, the wooden construction, flat red chords (eyecatching), a hard shell case, a "cablemanger" and pairs of ear tips are enough for the price to material ratio. Soundwise, the JVC's has more texture and authority for your music and are more energetic. The JVC's present a better sense of soundstage than the Wooduo. The HW2 is smaller in size, BUT, one won't expect a "BIG" sound for its size. To achieve that sound, I prefer the foam tips as the perfect match for the Wooduo's potential to shine. The iem is neither a detail freak, nor some diva vocalist. It is intended to be fun, non - fatiguing, and therefore fit for long hours of listening. The Bass prodigy digs deep but not tight. I care less of what certain frequency is in favor of because I lack tools and expertise to present an empirical data. I just trust my ears and my emotions I attached to familiar music pieces I often thirst for a deep bass. Subjective, I am.

Jazz enthusiast who are yearning to hear jazz string percussions won't run short of. It is not the most accurate, however it is utterly satisfying. Bass is plenty, and heck after that 4 hour burn in, quantity shifts to quality. The bass prodigy is learning additional "skills" and its "talent" refined to "a certain extent." Highs are smoother and I am still hoping it be velvety as I use it over time. To the less challenged when it comes to bass, this iem is definitely for you! I found myself turning the volume knob to 10 o'clock to push the Wooduo HW2 to sing. Deep Bass is pumping and rolling in the track like "Satisfaction", the dynamics is so awesome. I won't say that the bass is ear shattering, don't mind it. You just feel it whenever it is present. You tap with mid-bass to the point that one internalizes the subtle sub frequencies. I like it. I am not a Basshead to start with. Sheesh!




I therefore conclude that Hisound is doing its best to cater audiophiles by not being too fancy. HA2 & Wooduo HW2 are siblings positioned on the opposite ends of the pole. Both have their followers that would satisfy on what they intended to, considering the vast genres available from your music source. However, one must not forget that Hisound has a Digital Audio Player and is bound to synergize with both the iem's in order for them to show their full potential. I am lucky enough to have an Amp, which I believe to have a sound signature close to the S6. Lake People G109-A is neutral and frequency range is fantastic. This the closest I can get to the Hisound S6 though the Studio - V is what I can resource from the back of my mind. Lastly, Hisound made it simple and direct for audiophiles to appreciate. I would recommend both the iem's for starters and for those who needs a breather from their proud and luxurious toys. Thank you.
 
 

Credit goes to: MR. DSD
picture c/o: MR. DSD








The Hisound HA2 & Wooduo HW2

Things at my disposal:
Creative Soundblaster ZXR (dedicated PC sound card / DAC)
Roland SRA-5050 (Professional Grade Integrated Amplifier)
Lake People Phone Amp G109-A, 30th Anniv. Edition (Dedicated Heaphone Amp)
Audioquest - Golden Gate Mini-to-RCA (0.6m)
Sansa Fuze (Portable DAP)
Dita 3.5mm jack to 6.3mm jack adapter (accessory included by DITA)
Foobar2000 (Dedicated Music App)
New SpeakerHeadphone Burn In Track. Pink Noise, Brown Noise and White Noise. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3CiZxstvEA

Keeping in mind that the iem's are special in their own terms and make, each came fresh thus needing some stretching in order to be appreciated. The HA2, which boasts its second generation Balance Armature and the Wooduo HW2 has a strong Dynamic Driver built in. Before one can realize the full potential of both the iem's, I have dedicated a conservative 4 hours "burn in" time. I have also painstakingly chose the right ear tips to match the opening without flooding the other audible frequencies, at least on what I can sense and perceive.

The Roland SRA-5050 gave a hell of a workout to both of the iem's. The integrated amp receives its unbalanced audio output from the RCA of my soundcard. I have laid in a pair of QED Reference Audio 40 as my interconnects. I set the volume pot at 12 o'clock, 50% volume on the Creative Soundblaster ZXR and let Foobar2000 make a lot of noise while playing "New SpeakerHeadphone Burn In Track. Pink Noise, Brown Noise and White Noise" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3CiZxstvEA). Expect it to be annoying, just them leave isolated for a while.

I used a pair of silicon tips for the HA2, and a matching couple of foam tips for the Wooduo HW2, kindly refer to the pictures provided.

As I said earlier, the diameter of the canal should not be mired by opening of the ear tips. I believe that the sound resonating from the drivers should flow in liberty. It would beat the purpose of and the design of each of the iem's if I would be hearing from the funnel like response at the other end of the tip. In short, I want to lessen any elements for me to take benefit from the experience.



Both iem's are POWER HUNGRY! I adamantly believe that both iem's were built to synergize with the Hisoundaudio Studio S6. I was lucky enough to have a Lake People Phone Amp G109-A, 30th Anniv. Edition, which is known for its neutrality, by simply not adding coloration to your listening pleasure. The headphone amp can drive a majority of professional grade cans. The Amp produces an impressive transparency and the frequency range is believable. As I a plug in the iem's alternately, I've notice that the right headphone-in is suitable than that of the left. I am not quite sure why, however I found the right hole to be less "agressive" and is less piercing to the ear drums. I love it when everything is silent, meaning no hisses when my Sansa Fuze is playing no songs. Plus, Lake People Phone Amp G109-A is made in Germany.

After a conservative 4 hrs., the stiff HA2 is now agreeable. The HA2 having BA driver(s) is expected to be fast and timely. It offers considerable amount of transparency, picks up minute details and the rhythm of the majority of the music, regardless of the genre, I throw in it. It is clean sounding without sacrificing the mids. I prefer the term "crisp" to politely describe the totality of its tone. I found myself turning the pot to nearly to 12 o'clock, it is the same degree when I listening to my full size can mid-fi Grado PS500. You can check the specification below.



Do not expect to dig deep on the lower frequencies. It may tap or stump (lightly) and expect nothing lower. People who are into acoustic will love these micro speakers. Any decay or reverberation will depend on your preferred AMPs and DACs, however I am pretty confident that the energetic and lively presentation won't disappoint. Depending on how a song was Mastered, the HA2 might sound sibilant at some point. Rock Music such as the Queen's "Princes of the Universe" sound sharp on the parts of the Electric Guitar. But hey, I can distinguish the separation of instruments the band is playing. It is satisfying. Nothing is there to hide, again, separation is good close to excellent, not quite though. If it is not for the packaging, I'll be fooled what I am listening into is a BA driven iem. Most BA iem's I have auditioned lacks that "natural" tone. The HA2 does not masked nor compensate for the bad recording of your music, it is honest, oftentimes. It neither sound clinical nor bland, it gives this impression for me to be excited, yes, that builds up as the music plays by. Bass, where is the bass? It is there, again it is light, I don't yearn to hear more. It is rather substantially there.

For atleast $99.00, it is basically made out of plastic. I am not sure how durable the wires are or how they are made for the unit to last long. Nothing too fancy, I guess. However, BA drivers are cost more to produce than the dynamic counterpart. Perhaps, the cost of making the second gen. may justify the price. Or the R&D Hisound has invested. Unless the Hisound openly brings out what makes it extra special, I'll just keep on guessing. I learned a lot by not judging a book by its cover.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Wooduo HW2 is a Bass prodigy. It has its own set of skills that a number connoisseur would find irresistible. As I mentioned above, the iem was also given same treatment as the HA2. My first impression, before the minimal 4 hr. "burn in", of the iem was piercing in some Audiophile Voices tracks and the bass tends to be out of control. The bass was heavily bloated and somewhat hard to distinguished the "layers" of the lower spectrum of the frequency.





The Wooduo HW2 having dynamic drivers is expected to have a mid to low range impact. What makes the HW2 bashing on the lower spectrum, of what is considered audible, is its wooden body construction analogous to great vintage speakers. Popular iem's with similar, at least basing on what I have personally auditioned, like Japanese JVC fx700 and fx850 are of parallel sound signature. They are sibilant to my ears and can satisfy one's craving for impactful layered bass, not to mention pleasurable dynamics. Okay, how can I compare the $200 to $300 + iem's to the Chinese counterpart? At a measly $65, the wooden construction, flat red chords (eyecatching), a hard shell case, a "cablemanger" and pairs of ear tips are enough for the price to material ratio. Soundwise, the JVC's has more texture and authority for your music and are more energetic. The JVC's present a better sense of soundstage than the Wooduo. The HW2 is smaller in size, BUT, one won't expect a "BIG" sound for its size. To achieve that sound, I prefer the foam tips as the perfect match for the Wooduo's potential to shine. The iem is neither a detail freak, nor some diva vocalist. It is intended to be fun, non - fatiguing, and therefore fit for long hours of listening. The Bass prodigy digs deep but not tight. I care less of what certain frequency is in favor of because I lack tools and expertise to present an empirical data. I just trust my ears and my emotions I attached to familiar music pieces I often thirst for a deep bass. Subjective, I am.

Jazz enthusiast who are yearning to hear jazz string percussions won't run short of. It is not the most accurate, however it is utterly satisfying. Bass is plenty, and heck after that 4 hour burn in, quantity shifts to quality. The bass prodigy is learning additional "skills" and its "talent" refined to "a certain extent." Highs are smoother and I am still hoping it be velvety as I use it over time. To the less challenged when it comes to bass, this iem is definitely for you! I found myself turning the volume knob to 10 o'clock to push the Wooduo HW2 to sing. Deep Bass is pumping and rolling in the track like "Satisfaction", the dynamics is so awesome. I won't say that the bass is ear shattering, don't mind it. You just feel it whenever it is present. You tap with mid-bass to the point that one internalizes the subtle sub frequencies. I like it. I am not a Basshead to start with. Sheesh!




I therefore conclude that Hisound is doing its best to cater audiophiles by not being too fancy. HA2 & Wooduo HW2 are siblings positioned on the opposite ends of the pole. Both have their followers that would satisfy on what they intended to, considering the vast genres available from your music source. However, one must not forget that Hisound has a Digital Audio Player and is bound to synergize with both the iem's in order for them to show their full potential. I am lucky enough to have an Amp, which I believe to have a sound signature close to the S6. Lake People G109-A is neutral and frequency range is fantastic. This the closest I can get to the Hisound S6 though the Studio - V is what I can resource from the back of my mind. Lastly, Hisound made it simple and direct for audiophiles to appreciate. I would recommend both the iem's for starters and for those who needs a breather from their proud and luxurious toys. Thank you.

 
THE STORY:

i was in TRINOMA mall yesterday.
i was about to meet bro Josh (lolopopoy) and Ceph.

im always haunted by my tracks, the aiaiai ever since i sold one.
i missed its light and portable body.
and a nice warm bassy sound sig.

so, while waiting, i decided to walk around for a little while.
while i was striding one part of the mall, the ANSON store in ground level, i saw the philips headphone and ask a guy for a demo unit.

while trying some of the philips low end model, i saw their top of the line model - SHL5500.
priced at p4,499.




site: http://www.usa.philips.com/c/headphones/shl5500_28/prd/en/
specification:http://www.usa.philips.com/c/headphones/shl5500_28/prd/en/;jsessionid=596C501545B402B6B0F541404933CFF5.app102-drp3?t=specifications





an on ear can with a sleek and modern design.



red aluminum arm holding the phones.



lightweight, and really slim.



pads are made of durable cow's leather.
this one is made of genuine leather, unlike bose's.



flat cables.




IMPRESSION:

well, i had the grado sr325is before, the bose on ear headphone and the aiaiai tracks.
the 325is sounds too hot in treble for me.  the sound is quiet very smooth and has a live feel to it.  the aiaiai tracks is a fun, warm sig phone in a clean and portable body.

i think many if not most of us here...
have heard what a good can really sound.
and ever wonder what a good music really sound?
a real sound of instruments? 
not in a live effect, or a delicious warm soft bass, or something that is comparable to your hi end set up speakers in a form a can...
not that.
but something...that sounds natural. 

the shl5550 is a sweet and natural sounding can.

bass and treble doesnt sound overly done...like most headphones do.

what most of companies do is they tune a headphone to be likeable...
something that youll like in your first listen.
with that jaw dropping wow effect.

some cans are tuned too much.

powerful bass for bass lovers, which may sound bloated or too much mid bass humps at times.
hot highs for treble heads, to create more live feel to your music, to give more clarity which sometimes lead to ear piercing highs.
too much warmth in the mids which may sound positive and relax but may sound unrealistic and true...
some companies intend to shape the sound, with their different technologies and patented technics...

all are tuned to impress us.

what's wrong in the final outcome is what you are hearing is the too much tuning or flavor of most companies to their phone, and no longer the right flavor of your music.


its very rare to find something so...unique.
something who stands differently among the rest.

how about something for a changed?
something new.
and not a particular company that is popular by its kind of product.

how about a brand PHILIPS for a can?
want one???
would you believe me when i tell you a PHILIPS brand can sounds as good as your mid to hi level of HIFI can?
sounds as good as your grado prestige series? or audio technica m series?

you maybe saying right now...
PHILIPS? are you nuts? a household brand?


you may not believe me...because its a PHILIPS brand.
right?
me too.
but when i heard it, im amazed.
there is something so unique in its sound.
i couldnt believe a brand like this could create something so good.


the shl5500 is what it is.
the sound is so natural and true.
instruments come alive without exaggeration at all...
its balanced. just right.
its not warm (tracks) nor bright.

i also tried comparing the m50 side by side to it, which cost around 8k. 
the m50 sounded really lush and delicious, but it is tune to be...likeable. 
like most companies do.  
just like what i said above.

unlike the shl5500, the sound is presented to you naturally.
depth, details, dynamics, realism of the sound of instruments...
natural sounding.
this what makes me stop buying most iems...my fx700.
the sound is presented to you naturally.
just like the fx700.

and i want something right.
do you?

there is no forwardness in vocals at all...which doesnt mean it sound too flat or too boring.
there is no too much in treble, bass or mids.



the shl55000 sound is just right.
with the right amount of everything.

you know it sounds right when you hear every details in your music, every nuances, without all the harshness.
it sounds right when youre hearing more of your music than your gear.
it sounds right i believe, when you can distinguish between a sound of a guitar to a sound of a violin or to a sound of a piano.
when you know what your are hearing is true.
true to the sound and character of an instrument.
when a guitar is playing in the background of a song, you should be able to hear it clearly...with the right sound of the guitars body composition, metal strings and wood body.

that's what youll hear here.

some of my mp3 music sounds anemic.
and worst...most of my music is in mp3 format..
too revealing, or too true to the source or format of the music.
its very transparent.





FINAL WORDS:

well, most of us here is already used to audiophile or hi quality, hi resolution, hi fidelity brand of gears...from grado, to dennon, to audio technika, to shure to sennheiser... 
we may have owned a pair of two brands or more...
maybe it wont hurt if we could try one new brand, which is not recognize in audiophile or purist's world.

where does the philips fit?
i think the philips hit it home here.
its one of the best sounding can around that needs TO BE HEARD to believe.

maybe we should also give some brands a chance to shine.
philips maybe a household brand...
but give it a one shot try.

i dont want to speak more about the can, but i wanted you to test one yourself.
and hear if what im saying here is true.

im mark, mbc0528 here.
a former owner of a grado sr325is, a bose on ear and aiaiai tracks can..

and ive been hunting for a good pair of new can for a long time...
something that would match my need.
my sound preference.
with a sound that i would really really like.
portable, easy to bring to anywhere, sleek.
and i think...
i already found what im looking for...

with the PHILIPS SHL5500.




how about you?
how about something for a change?

 


 

THE STORY:

i was in TRINOMA mall yesterday.
i was about to meet bro Josh (lolopopoy) and Ceph.

im always haunted by my tracks, the aiaiai ever since i sold one.
i missed its light and portable body.
and a nice warm bassy sound sig.

so, while waiting, i decided to walk around for a little while.
while i was striding one part of the mall, the ANSON store in ground level, i saw the philips headphone and ask a guy for a demo unit.

while trying some of the philips low end model, i saw their top of the line model - SHL5500.
priced at p4,499.




site: http://www.usa.philips.com/c/headphones/shl5500_28/prd/en/
specification:http://www.usa.philips.com/c/headphones/shl5500_28/prd/en/;jsessionid=596C501545B402B6B0F541404933CFF5.app102-drp3?t=specifications





an on ear can with a sleek and modern design.



red aluminum arm holding the phones.



lightweight, and really slim.



pads are made of durable cow's leather.
this one is made of genuine leather, unlike bose's.



flat cables.




IMPRESSION:

well, i had the grado sr325is before, the bose on ear headphone and the aiaiai tracks.
the 325is sounds too hot in treble for me.  the sound is quiet very smooth and has a live feel to it.  the aiaiai tracks is a fun, warm sig phone in a clean and portable body.

i think many if not most of us here...
have heard what a good can really sound.
and ever wonder what a good music really sound?
a real sound of instruments? 
not in a live effect, or a delicious warm soft bass, or something that is comparable to your hi end set up speakers in a form a can...
not that.
but something...that sounds natural. 

the shl5550 is a sweet and natural sounding can.

bass and treble doesnt sound overly done...like most headphones do.

what most of companies do is they tune a headphone to be likeable...
something that youll like in your first listen.
with that jaw dropping wow effect.

some cans are tuned too much.

powerful bass for bass lovers, which may sound bloated or too much mid bass humps at times.
hot highs for treble heads, to create more live feel to your music, to give more clarity which sometimes lead to ear piercing highs.
too much warmth in the mids which may sound positive and relax but may sound unrealistic and true...
some companies intend to shape the sound, with their different technologies and patented technics...

all are tuned to impress us.

what's wrong in the final outcome is what you are hearing is the too much tuning or flavor of most companies to their phone, and no longer the right flavor of your music.


its very rare to find something so...unique.
something who stands differently among the rest.

how about something for a changed?
something new.
and not a particular company that is popular by its kind of product.

how about a brand PHILIPS for a can?
want one???
would you believe me when i tell you a PHILIPS brand can sounds as good as your mid to hi level of HIFI can?
sounds as good as your grado prestige series? or audio technica m series?

you maybe saying right now...
PHILIPS? are you nuts? a household brand?


you may not believe me...because its a PHILIPS brand.
right?
me too.
but when i heard it, im amazed.
there is something so unique in its sound.
i couldnt believe a brand like this could create something so good.


the shl5500 is what it is.
the sound is so natural and true.
instruments come alive without exaggeration at all...
its balanced. just right.
its not warm (tracks) nor bright.

i also tried comparing the m50 side by side to it, which cost around 8k. 
the m50 sounded really lush and delicious, but it is tune to be...likeable. 
like most companies do.  
just like what i said above.

unlike the shl5500, the sound is presented to you naturally.
depth, details, dynamics, realism of the sound of instruments...
natural sounding.
this what makes me stop buying most iems...my fx700.
the sound is presented to you naturally.
just like the fx700.

and i want something right.
do you?

there is no forwardness in vocals at all...which doesnt mean it sound too flat or too boring.
there is no too much in treble, bass or mids.



the shl55000 sound is just right.
with the right amount of everything.

you know it sounds right when you hear every details in your music, every nuances, without all the harshness.
it sounds right when youre hearing more of your music than your gear.
it sounds right i believe, when you can distinguish between a sound of a guitar to a sound of a violin or to a sound of a piano.
when you know what your are hearing is true.
true to the sound and character of an instrument.
when a guitar is playing in the background of a song, you should be able to hear it clearly...with the right sound of the guitars body composition, metal strings and wood body.

that's what youll hear here.

some of my mp3 music sounds anemic.
and worst...most of my music is in mp3 format..
too revealing, or too true to the source or format of the music.
its very transparent.





FINAL WORDS:

well, most of us here is already used to audiophile or hi quality, hi resolution, hi fidelity brand of gears...from grado, to dennon, to audio technika, to shure to sennheiser... 
we may have owned a pair of two brands or more...
maybe it wont hurt if we could try one new brand, which is not recognize in audiophile or purist's world.

where does the philips fit?
i think the philips hit it home here.
its one of the best sounding can around that needs TO BE HEARD to believe.

maybe we should also give some brands a chance to shine.
philips maybe a household brand...
but give it a one shot try.

i dont want to speak more about the can, but i wanted you to test one yourself.
and hear if what im saying here is true.

im mark, mbc0528 here.
a former owner of a grado sr325is, a bose on ear and aiaiai tracks can..

and ive been hunting for a good pair of new can for a long time...
something that would match my need.
my sound preference.
with a sound that i would really really like.
portable, easy to bring to anywhere, sleek.
and i think...
i already found what im looking for...

with the PHILIPS SHL5500.




how about you?
how about something for a change?

I would like to say my deepest gratitude to bro sherwino for hitching me in his group buy...without him i could never get my hands on this beautiful thing - the ZO.




[size=24pt]this is the story of the ZO...[/size]


what is the ZO?
well, to me, its like a boost.
a boost not only in volume but in frequency, in bass, and unheard details/details that are buried in your music.
its a small device that uplifts the experience and bring you to another league of FUN.


I strongly believed that this item is not just an amp.

well, from there ill try to define it more in experience.
i tried using my iems with it.
and the grado sr325is can.
and i really liked how it performed...and what it did to my music.
its really worth every penny to me.


IMPORTANT:
i would like to clarify things here...
it cannot be use in your LINE OUT directly.
it will give you UNBEARABLE amount of volume...specially if youre using low impendance iems.
its not yet meant to be use directly to your dap's line out.
if you want to use the LINE OUT and your ZO, you'll have to use amp between them to control the amount of volume that would go to your gear (iem or hp).

you can charge this item thru any USB port. 
so charging is easy and hassle free...
a blue light to indicate that your unit is in charge mode.

there is a LIGHT SCALE that serves as an indicator to the level of bass that youre in.
green for minimum and red for max level.

INPUT and OUTPUT jacks.
and one button at the side to control the level of bass and to turn the unit ON and OFF.







WELL, enough of too much basic features...what about the sound?


i would highly recommend the ZO to all BA iem users.
wether you are using a CUSTOM or UNIVERSAL BA iems.
its a great pair with your gear.


[size=18pt]UE700[/size]
been using this with my UE700.
ZO level to the max.
and i got a beautiful BA bass.
the only bass i have experienced before in a BA is the SM3 and the ortofon eq7.
and it beats them.
its a lot leaner and stronger...
more mature and slower-slow bass that longed in the air, ala-DYNAMIC but still a BA. 
with both quality and a bit of quantity.
it became better.
it increases mid bass...something like a fun kind of bass with thicker presentation.
call it fullness, there is that with a ZO.


[size=18pt]MX980[/size]
this is an earbud with a very smooth high, clinical in presentation, very musical.
pair it with a ZO, and this earbud became tamed....no sharpness of highs, with warmish mids and leaner bass...again. 
i like it!!!
ZO level to the max.


[size=18pt]FX700[/size]
now this is already almost perfect iem for me...
and i like how it really sound.
im selling my grado sr325is because of this.
i think i already found the period to the end of the sentence...to this journey.
and to me, its the fx700.

well, my impression is a bit mixed...
see, im using ZO level always to the max, with my ue700 and the mx980.
and here, i cant. i just cant justify to add more brute force of bass to my herculean fx700.

i can only use level 1 to 8 with it.
add more and it becomes more unrealistic...the bass would became ridiculously MONSTROUS.
im no basshead, and i only enjoy a good amount of bass.
too much will be fatiguing to me in the long run...it would be a fun ride..you know..
and we all know anything with TOO MUCH is bad.

so...i cant go ZO level to the max with my precious dynamic.

what it did to my fx700 is a warmish and fuller mids.
more greater details and nuances.

really? 
YES.
i gave you my word.
tried listening to ITS MY TURN by DIANA ROSS.
turn the ZO off and you wont hear a detailed part very clearly to your dap's HP Out.
turn ON the ZO and youll be amazed how that detail was absent in your dap's hp out...almost barely audible in your dap. but with ZO, its clear as a day, its there!

see?
the ZO isnt just an amp.
it would do something more with your music.
with your experience.


[size=18pt]GRADO SR325is.[/size]
bright. addictive. very energetic. organic. strident.
this is the grado sr325is.
add ZO...
ta dah!

the magic begins.
it would make the grado more stronger, leaner and better.
the mids will became fuller.
with tamed highs, just like what it did to my mx980, and the strident highs...its gone.
just all the goodness, all that retains.

i like what the zo did here too.




[size=18pt]CONCLUSION:[/size]
a ZO is not just an AMP.
i believe.
it does a lot of things.
you can read again in my gears on things that the ZO did.
gears reacts to the ZO differently.
i got very good results with my can and with my BA iem ue700.

what more if its an sm3?
or a tf10, or a um3x?

feel something's missing with it?
maybe the ZO is the answer for sure.
its an extraordinary experience.


i tried the e5 and the e7 of fiio.
and its not like that.
i have a maverick audio d1 with an amp...and the ZO is not just like that.
its not an amp only.

i cannot tell what magic did the digizoid did here...
but im dumbfounded.

its a thing that i cant live without anymore...TRUE.

this thing is dangerous.
youll be attached to this specially when you hear that your gears gets better with ZO.
not only the gears, but also the experience.
YOU and your music.

try to turn it off and youll hear how your hp out sounds... anemic.
turn it on and your music will sound fuller. the mids will became awesome, strident highs will became tamed, and bass, well, that would depend to you, to your liking.







this ZO.
is really something.
and i cant live without it. 

well, here is my review:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/548820/jvc-ha-fx700-review-wooden-king-of-dynamic-iems
 
 

[size=18pt]Masters of Enchantment!!!​

-james444 of headfi.​

the FX700.

Edited by pinoyman - 4/14/11 at 10:58pm
[/size]


 

ReplyQuote Multi



post #2 of 39

4/10/11 at 4:36pm

1. pinoyman
2. 
3.  
4. online

1. 369 Posts. Joined 5/2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
[size=24pt]NOTE
This review was done by comparison with my current iems - Ultimate Ears UE700, Sennheiser MX980, Earsonic SM3 and Grado SR325is, based only from the gears that ive tried and auditioned in our meets such as the Monster Turbine Pro Copper, Sennheiser ie8, Meelectronic M6, Soundmagic Pl50, Ultimate Ears MF220, Hifiman Rezero, Westone UM3X and Monster Diddy Beats. My past iems include the Ortofon EQ7, Panasonic HJE900, Moshi's Vortex iem and the Yuin PK2.

 
 


This is just my personal opinion and point of view. It may changed from time to time. I just wanted to share what i feel about an iem. I will update this more with more info and changes if something or if anything comes up. Take this as a pinch of salt. YMMV.

-PINOYMAN.April.17.2011.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[size=24pt]In The Beginning:[/size].
in the beginning, there was an ie8.
i named this thread "FX700: the KING of DYNAMIC UNIVERSALS".
i believe, this title belonged to the Sennheiser IE8 before. 
When i first join this community, this was the flavor of the month for so many months...
 
even before the qjays, the miles davis, and the fx700 came.
Now, this title belong to the right iem...
 
 
 
The JVC HA-FX700.
 
 
 
 

[size=24pt]BUILD[/size]
the fx700 is an iem that is oozing with elegancy. 
 
from the chosen birch wood for the body, which changes color in direct light from black to dark red glossy glow, to the gold ring that holds phone and the cord, from its unique open backed design, gold color grilles at the back, something like a touch of glam overall. something that uplifts your soul. different than the usual and it gives you a feeling of exclusivity.

most iems ive reviewed in the past are made of aluminum (ortos eq7), plastics (ue700/sm3/yuin pk2) the others is zirconia (pannys hje900) or a steel (vortex, mx980).

but this time...its a wood.
 



[size=24pt]BASS. in HIGH DEFINITION.[/size]
let's talk about buzz. bass.
well to be straight, its the best bass that ive heard in an iem. ever wonder why?  from my reviews in the past, i gave the pannys the best defined bass. very deep that sometimes the iem is already vibrating, no more sound. i thought it was the best bass with a good definition. but all was in the past. 

now, the fx700s bass wins the crown of the best bass in dynamic iem that ive heard.

in comparison to the fx700, the bass of pannys sounded hollow, ill defined, unnaturally done and lacks definition and texture of a real bass.

a bass that is so strong, natural, powerful, and well defined.

the ortofon (single moving BA), the SM3 (3 driver, 3 way crossover) has a BA kind of bass, but the ortos sound almost like a dynamic. all of this iem when compared to the fx700, will give you a kind of an artificially done bass.
 
 


[size=24pt]THEY DONT CARE ABOUT US. Michael Jackson.[/size]
Here, youll hear how the bass is done in a right way.  Fx700 will show you that way.  It will make you feel like youve been fooled all along on how much bass was really missing in your music when you listen to a BA driver iems.  Im really dissapointed myself when i heard how much bass was supposedly there in this track, that the BA cant produce even the half of it.

 
 

[size=24pt]SM3.[/size]
in Sm3, the sound is tamed. relaxed. No extremes. No energy that will keep you moving. It sounded hollow next to the fx700. 

The SM3 sounded so gentle to my ears.  While the fx700 is full of brute force and energy, all in a good way.

but overall, something lacking is not good. if you read my review and comparison of sm3 and ortofon eq7, i really like the eq7 more due to its HIGH presentation. its convincingly alive and upbeat. while the sm3 is lacking some inspiration, some kicks in the highs to make you move.
 
 
 

[size=24pt]DETAILS.[/size]
The SM3 is a very detailed iem. But how about the fx700?  Well, upon doing a head to head comparison in a certain track, i conclude that what the SM3 can do, can be done also by the fx700.

where the BA is stronger can be beaten by a dynamic. You think that the sm3 and any BA iems is a master of details?  Youre wrong. Im hearing more forward details in the fx700 than in the SM3. 

The mids detail in the SM3 is gentle and boring... everybody might agree. but to some extent it is also good in its own way. its useful in times when you want just the mild music in your ears. time when you want to relax, good for times when you want peace...you and your music. 

The sm3 wont hit you with punches like what the fx700 can do.  The mids detail on the Fx700 is more alive, along with a strong presentation of bass is a clear, sibilant-free highs.  

the vocal may not be as forward as the sm3's but, the overall presentation of voice and instrument is right and spot on. it is more dynamic in quality, more real and almost tangible, you can almost feel that defined bass.




[size=24pt]TIMBRE.[/size]
in the dictionary, the timbre is:
timbre |ˈtambər; ˈtä n brə|
noun
the character or quality of a musical sound or voice as distinct from its pitch and intensity : trumpet mutes with different timbres | a voice high in pitch but rich in timbre.
ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: from French, from medieval Greek timbanon, from Greek tumpanon ‘drum.’

When you got to listen to the Panasonic HJE900 and the FX700, youll hear what a good timbre sound.  the sm3 may be good in the tones of a piano and strings, but the fx700 is a lot better.  

to me, a timbre is realism. something that makes the music natural. If you strum a guitar, you should really hear that guitar, the wooden body, the vibration of the strings, and the echo of the sound that moves with the instrument and along in the air.

The sound of drums is just isnt true on the SM3. But the voice is where this iem shined like i said. still the smoothness and liquidness cant be matched by the fx700. 

the ortofon may also be good in vocals and pianos, and to some extent, strings. the ue700 may be also good for vocals, with a 3d soundstage, a lively feel overall in presentation but this two, and add there the sm3, would sound unnatural next to the fx700.
 
 


[size=24pt]PANASONIC HJE900.[/size]
the pannys is also a good dynamic iem with a good timbre. i heard excellent strums of guitar, pianos, a real sound of cello, a cry of a violin, the hard hit of wooden stick to drums...any instruments, you name it, the panasonic can reproduce it.

But what really made me sell the pannys was its highs. it is sibilant in nature. it is extreme. it sounded excessive to me. its too much for my ears. 
you may hear it at some certain tracks, but still, it kills the experience, the fun, the moment of enjoyment.  its just really annoying in the long run... and disturbing.

comparing the fx700 to the pannys, think of all the pannys goodness, without those extreme fatiguing highs. its the fx700.

here, i will apply something too much is not good. the extremity of highs that the pannys presented is really disturbing...and killed my enjoyment.
 
 
 

[size=24pt]DYNAMICS. DYNAMICS. OTHER DYNAMICS[/size].
i have the vortex iem before by moshi. a dynamic. ive heard a lot of dynamic iems before, including the ie8, the copper, the diddybeats, the metrofi220...etc.

most of this iems are tuned to the fun side. smooth. sweet. big sounding bass. all unnatural. they are never close to the sound of the fx700's bass. they may sound enjoyable, but in reality, it is far from natural. 





[size=24pt]CONS.[/size]
cons, well, to be honest, its the cords length. its too short. its bothersome. i think, this iem is designed in a specific people only - the JAPANESE. it would really be helpful and more friendly to everyone if they made this on regular length like all the other iems in the market. why did they have to cut it short? and throw in the accessories an extension cord? 

another thing is the build. well, its just me. and i think, its also a con. this iem is really made of birch wood. is this lasting? i do not know. this is my first time to have this kind of iem. doesnt this break when it fall? can it outlast the life of most iems that are made of steel? plastics? or aluminums? well, lets see....

ill update this more when this iem is still intact within 5-10 years of regular use.




[size=24pt]I want to talk about the BASS.[/size]
everyone might ask:
how was the bass on this iem. is it good. the answer is definitely YES. is it too much? NO. it would be if you came from BA iems in many years. Is it distorted in High volume? NO. is it fatiguing? No. Is the bass on this iem excessive? NO.

is it really too much? 
To me, NO. I am no basshead. I came from ue700, the sm3, the MX980, the ortofon eq7... im more into we call detailfreak. But i believe, the fx700 can give you more details than a BA iems. specially in the lower frequency.
 
if you want something too much, its the panasonic hje900. extreme highs.
if you want something lacking, its the sm3.
but how about if you have the chance to have something that is RIGHT?
would it be a real fun? something that doesnt fool you, that would not sound just convincing but very TRUE.
 
and that's the FX700.
 
 
 
 

In The End.
In no time, i believe the fx700 can reign as the best universal in dynamic.  i once named the SM3 - the darklord of all universal. well, now, it is almost dethroned, it will be renamed the DARKLORD OF ALL BA UNIVERSALS.  Because the truth is, BA's cannot conquer the dynamics.
 
 
 
theres been magic to most iems. they tuned to be likable. no matter what brand, no matter what design, most of them sounded unnaturally true. most ba's have the power to define space, soundstage, making most vocals upfront (ue700/sm3) and some dynamics, like the hje900 have a unbelievable deep bass, some have bigger bass (ie8, vortex) that helps to make the sound big. 
 
 
some where tuned to be intimate. to sound captivating. to sound too much. to sound excessive. to sound shining. to sound according to their liking...on what most companies think would really be the selling point of an iem.  something unrealistic compared to the honest sound of the recording or performance.



but nothing, is really close to the fx700.
 
 

WOODEN KING indeed, of DYNAMIC Universal iems.
 
 
 
....in the end, there is the fx700.
 
 
 
 


[/size]

IMPORTANT:
this review must be read from the top till you reach the bottom of this thread.
the review is made with updates, certain changes due to mental and iem burn in.
please bear some time to understand the feelings and the experience WE want to share.
may we find happiness to this journey.







most of my reviews are all the same...
i know you all guys find it kinda boring.
ill try to do it differently this time...


INTRODUCTION:
imagine this....
think of your p3k.
and think of an iem in price range of p3k.
think of a brand.
think of all the good stuff in it.
think of the sound.
the look.
the build.

i always thought that a good iem built like tank with a good set of accessories thrown in the box, plus the nicest silicon rubber case i ever lay my hands on should always be pricey...
well, im wrong.
these are the cheapest iem in metal with all the good stuffs.

priced at p3k in DIGITAL WALKER AND DIGITAL HUB.



MOSHI.
Moshi is a popular brand.
if you are an apple user, then you know this company thru their APPLE accessories: from macbook pro, ipod, ipad covers, screen cleaning cloths, screen protectors...everything about apple, they have it.
now, they are also invading the in ears, like the MONSTER audio and video cables.
http://store.moshimonde.com/vortex.html



IMPRESSION:

now, lets see in the box.
it says "VORTEX, dive deeper into music"
the packaging is made of metallic paint, like the one you see in your silver ipod classic.


here are its features:
RIGIDBODY steel alloy construction delivers deep, clean bass.
HIGH definition neodymium drivers with extended range (10Hz-20kHz / 10dB@1kHz)
Braided ultra light weight cable with integrated MEMS microphone.
Custom silicon carrying case.



HERE's WHAT I THINK:
well, this iem is really made of steel.
its like SUPERMAN's iem.
and its closer to the PANASONIC HJE900's sturdiness.
although, they are not exactly the same material...
this iem is made of pure alloy.
and the hje900 is made of zirconians.
by looking at its shape...its kinda familiar right?
its like a sennheiser ie8 and a MONSTER's LADY GAGA IEM.
its weird.



THE SOUND:
the sound is surprisingly good.
to sum it all up, here is the mixture that i find to be distinct to many of the iems ive heard...or familiar with.

HIGHS.
the highs is similar and distinct to the highs of klipsch s4.
sweet. just the right amount of it, not overly done like the pannys. 
it is never sibilant. very similar to the klipsch s4's presentation of highs.
very sweet...almost the same.


MIDS.
lush and super liquid.
the mids is close to the pannys.
but this is a lot liquid and lush than the pannys, 
but the pannys presentation of mids is grainy because it is full of micro details.
Liquid and lush, but not smooth mids.


LOWS.
ive heard the lows of this before in the meets. similar to the presentation of the sennheiser ie8, monster copper and klipsch s4s.
big. heavy. strong. and fun.
youll have to be deaf to say this has weak lows.
this is where it helps me feel like the presentation of music is big.
its like above-my-head-feel.


DETAILS.
i think the panny is still superior here.
rich BUT sibilant at times.
here, you get the right amount of details.
its right there.
but not as smacking your face with it.
if i were to measure it... 
pannys details is 100%, this iem...is 80%.






WHY ITS WORTH IT:
well, for its price...p3k.
youll have a STEEL iem.
very very rare to any iems at its price range.
youll get "almost similar and distinct"  
BUT NOT PERFECTLY THE SAME to the 3 iems ive mentioned above.
the mixture of this is like having all 3 iems in one package.
imagine the price of those 3 iems:
ie8 is p15-20k, the pannys is $200+ and the klipsch s4 is p3,500.
the resolution here is not as great as the pannys (micro details) but its already more than descent of its price.

i love the case. 
its really unique in all iems ive had. 
very soft and sturdy.
its like a luxury case...youll feel special.

the build is great. metal. the shape is good. i can use it in my sleep.

the included silicon tips is very SONY-like-silicon tips.


and there is a free olive tips too, similar also to the SHURE's.

you get a built in mic.
and a controller for your music.
very NEAT!


what i like most is that MIDS.
very very liquid. 
its like flowing and oozing with quality.




WHAT I HATE ABOUT IT:
im afraid of the wires...this is my first iem with braided wires.
i dont know if this will last with abuse.



GOOD for ROCKS, POP, CLASSICAL.
 
 
 
FINAL CONCLUSION:
i say, this iem is of premium quality.
the build is just great.
looking at the accessories and the best IEM CASE EVER.
 
the sq of this is not the best among all iems, but at its price range it is more than descent.
 
if you want an upgrade to your earbud (stock) earbud, this maybe it.
 
LUSH and LIQUID midrange is where this iem excel in sound quality.

i really dont know how to explain this but, this iem is not engaging that will make you thump and dance on your music.
its a little similar to the panny's dreamy signature, yet more liquid and lush.

i dont believe this is warm nor cold.
but...the details is presented as one.
it has no micro details as the pannys but, the liquidness is enough to be something worth owning.
 
 
i dont recommend this for those who owns a hi end iem already.
this is NOT an upgrade to your gears.

BUT perhaps consider this as a back up iem.

consider this if you dont have enough money to experience the quality of the hi end.
well, if you want to short cut the route to ie8, copper, or the panasonic hje900, this iem is worth the try.


like i said in my review, this iem is similar to the sq of the above mentioned iems.
similar but not perfectly the same.


having this iem will make you feel appreciated. special. its like having a premium gear in your hand..all for p3k.
what more can you ask for in a p3k iem?

a special silicon case.
a good set of almost perfect silicon tips.
a perfect build iem -steel.
good sound, lush and liquid mids.
 
 
 
 
 
 
im starting to smile now...
because this is almost fully burned in...the resolution now is very close to the refinement of the panasonic hje900.
i think, if moshi use the zirconia as the material here, moshi and panny may share the same sq.

panny is very good in strings and pianos.
here, almost...almost the same now.


updated--------

the sound here is big.
bigger when it hits the bass.
what it lacks here is the space for air to move well.
there are certain tracks where its like a bit congested at tracks with many instruments.

but there is no perfect iem it seems. 



and another update again-----


this iem is a bit power-hungry.
it needs more volume to sound fuller.
it needs 80% of ipod's volume.
what i like here also is the sound.
so FULL.
like i mentioned before in the review...it sounds as one.

there is a better depth and height.
thats why i call it BIG.
the room for instrument separation is lacking.
i cant say its closer to the pannys, it doesnt belong to me anymore for some time, and i have no right to compare it from memory here...i cant remember.
 
 
 
THE MIDRANGE

at first listen...
you will be welcomed by this mids.
its like inviting you to come in.
very friendly to the ears...even to some who is new into this hobby.

the sound here is really captivating. a little addictive.
ive had the same experience before with the pannys.
the airiness, the ILLUSION of being surrounded by the lush music/mid is here.

to give you an example, ive been playing since yesterday all of the familiar tracks of REGINE VELASQUEZ, youve known her voice right?
the lips, on how she say a word...its all dramatic here. the mids helps a lot...to make the music more like youre under the illusion of her spell.


i wonder if it felt the same with the MILES davis, my dream iem....

in pannys, you experience the same...the echo feel.
but with the graininess of micro details plus the sibilance of some tracks.
here, no sibilance, and no graininess, only the lush and liquid midrange (forward).

it is like the same feeling in the klipsch s4.
the experience here is worth the price of the iem.
the klipsch s4 is also priced at p3k, but this has better build...and better accessories too!

i find this to be a problem to certain tracks...mostly to more energetic tracks with lots of loud instruments and vocals.


this is a mid-level iem, but like the pannys, they both perform like the HI END BIG BOYS.


THE BUILD:

i believe the BUILD contributes a lot to the sound.
like what is said in the box, it helps in resonance.
i dont know how to explain this but....this iem is worth the try.

the build is really something worth mentioning.
why?
because most iem with build like this is found among the top tiers...
MONSTERS. PANASONIC. FINAL AUDIO.
and cost a lot.

well, for p3k iem..
in internet, its $80...
its still exceptionally cheap.

by looking at all the included accessories, i cant believe they were priced only like that.
 
 
 
some photos...to share with you what it looked like.
the box
the black metal iem with a black ipod

the case and the iem

the accessories

the vortex case

what youll get


the mic and controller

charcoal metal









the wire




[size=0.85em] « Last Edit: 01 February 2011, 07:10:53 by mbc0528 »[/size]
 
 
 
 
 
added more pics:






 
[size=0.85em]  [/size]
[size=0.85em]  [/size]

 
this is the FIRST IMPRESSION ON THIS EARBUD, BELOW DOWN IS THE FINAL REVIEW...

 

enjoy reading!


rock on!!!

pics:







the review:

sennheiser mx980 is the top of the line in the mx series.
all released this year including the mx880, a downgrade series for $79, an earbud considered to have a good bass.

i love earbuds.
it doesnt make my ears itch in hours of use. and i hear everything around me.
unlike in iems, it blocks all the noise, and sometimes makes my ears itch.
hearing it all doesnt make me feel like stupid.
i enjoy my music, and i can still hear everything around me.
or its just me.

this review is base only on the first impression or first use.
please be reminded that i didnt have the mental burn in yet...so consider this is a BETA.



BUILD:

the mx980 is built with metal, stainless steel.
the tip that holds the wire and the phones is an angled steel to make the wires stay off. 
the end plug can be straightened or angled depending on your choice of style.
everything seems new here, compared to the ordinary and plastic pk2.
the mx980 seems to be a winner in build department.
it is well thought product.
with materials that you can count on.

what i do hate in this earbud is the volume control.
it is useless in a sense wherein it is a sliding style volume control...
anytime you might accidentally brush it and its either you lose the overall volume or it changes to max that  might make the earbud scream at your ears...
well, its bad.

no microphonic on the wires, nice one!

overall: a well built earbud with an ugly and useless (SLIDING)volume control.


SOUND QUALITY:

this is the most important part.
from a 10minute audition and first listen, i think it is totally a very different upgrade to the pk2.

the highs, the most popular signature of this earbud is closer/tending to be sibilant.
but not at all sibilant. almost. or i can say it reaches to the peak of its spark/brilliancy but not ear-fatiguing at all.
it is very good on the highs...if you love the highs like me.
most of my gears has sparkling highs.
among them the ue700. and it has it.

the mids, is so clear.
its like nothing is veiled. the mids is crystal clear. a clarity that i didnt find in my pk2.
it is making the music closer to you. it can be compared to my ue700...
it is so clear.
not warm at all.
bright signature, i call it.

the lows, well...
its there but not as low and not as defined as others may say.
it hits, but not as hard as an iem.
its only a natural bass that hits simply, down.
tried playing MJ's (Michael Jackson's) tracks....and i hear no deep bass.
it has bass but not deep.


INSTRUMENT SEPARATION:

it is not as far as everyone would think.
its not as mind blowing, or im just lets say expecting too much on this earbud?
hmmm... its nice. its fine. and nothing worth mentioning.
not bad at all. just good. and not the best.


DEFINITION/ RESOLUTION:

where the mx980 trumps in all earbud brand you can give.
i think, compared to the pk2, the mx980 has the best definition, resolution and refinement.
the pk2 is not as refined as the mx980.
include there the clarity, well the mx980 wins, hands down.
no questions asked.

here, i hear a very very refined and detailed earbuds ever.
bar none.
even the ue700 was beaten in the resolution.  this has more refinement than the ue700.
the highs helped a lot in making the sound more detailed....its like the ue700 can make 3 layers of details at the same time but the mx980, the mx980 can do it 5x more! a very impressive one indeed!

the echo is present in my track, and its there, and its there naturally.
the guitar, is great here as well. 
tried playing some acoustic track, LOVE MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS, by NINA, there is a soul in the music. the surrounding is captured nicely. the audience's claps are defined very very well depending on their location.

if this is a camera, i can consider this the NIKON D3S...a hi end SLR.
it is fast, it is accurate and it capture very very well...at its best!



that is one of the many reasons why you will buy this earbud. 
DETAILS.
RESOLUTION.
CLARITY.
HIGHS.
ECHO.


USING THE FOAM:

true to its nature, when foam is used the sound changes dramatically.
from bright it becomes a bit veiled but not muddy and not bad at all, a bit warm in overall sound.


OTHERS:

theres so much energy in this earbud.
it is like a powerful version of my ue700, with the muscles in it. it can perform very very well on any tracks, and can compete or much better than the resolution overall of my panasonic hje900.
you knew well that the panny is one heck of an iem when it comes to details.
well, this is much better, trust me.
and its not dreamy at all.

actually, this is my kind of signature.
if its either bright, it is warm that i want.
and that is depending on my taste and mood.

i cannot recommend this during sleep. it wont make you sleepy in any sense.
it will wake the blood in you, and make you curse the night you wore this!

ha!

but for some serious listening and detail peeping, well, its a better choice.
this will provide you good results... good definition to your music.

and looking back, i have totally forgotten that it is an earbud im using, not an iem...
and not at all a headphone!

what a joy to own this earbud.
this doesnt beat the pk2, in my opinion.
i respect pk2's own strength.



PK2 COMPARISON:

the pk2 sounds a bit more enjoyable overall. and considering the price, cheap!
here, all you hear is details, full definition in every angle.
it is a lot smoother than any of my iems.
pk2 is good enough but it cant compete to the definition of the mx980...it is miles away.

however, what i do like in pk2 is the sweet sound of the mids, of the warmth.
the deep bass that is ultimately artificially but enjoyable.

here, i call it a critical listening.
the mx980 is like the SON GOKU SUPER SAIYAN. while the pk2 is like the natural GOKU.
sometimes, i like the look of GOKU's hair when its black.
but want to go SUPER SAIYAN? well, its more when you want something more.

is it worth an upgrade?
well, honestly it depends to the user.

the pk2 can provide you already the so called "FUN" and "ENJOYMENT" but why settle for more?
well for those who want something more, like BA DETAIL, or the PANNY HJE900 DETAIL, well this is the final goal of that earbud.

this earbud is so boring in a way. it has no specific signature.
and my ears cant taste this yet due to the fact that this earbud hasnt gave me mental burn in yet.
but, very nice overall...

did you know that this time:
yeah, this time, its 1:14PM at 95% of remaining battery of my macbook pro, this earbud is the SINGLE BEST SOUNDING EARBUD/IEM I EVER HAD?

that is the power of this ultimate earbud.





FINAL CONCLUSION:

finally to make this a so called beautiful review, it has to have a right ending...
how do you want me to end this?
its new yeah...
but i dont want to prove here that its worth it.

its just me, it just beats all of my gears overall, even the panny hje, my previous winner in details...here, the details is breathing naturally.

its like its created to by a genius, and created to be supreme to everything of my gears.

the sound is not particularly enjoyable, yep, but it is beautiful in his own ways.
the firs thing to notice is the highs, then the details, the clarity, and you forgot its bit weakness - the bass.

well, naturally, i never would imagine something so small would sound so good as a headphone...much better in pk2 in many ways.
but it all comes with a price.

those who enjoy their pk2, stay there...search no more.
you already got something in your ears that you will enjoy in the rest of your life.

for those who want to spend more, and reach the darkest of your nightmare, or for those who want their dreams to come true...well all will be realized upon hearing the ultimate mx980.

i call it ultimate coz i beats all of my gears sound sig.
it has no particular signature, just like what i said...
and it wont make you feel fatigue with its beautiful highs.

i can sell all my gears now that i have the mx980.
im sure, i wont miss any of it.



hmmm...
miles davis is waiting for me.
where are you miles???

 

hey everyone!
i have this long review in my views regarding the pannys.

i got the earphones today...in me.
and they are just as amazing as my ue700!
but in a different way.




they are colored for me.
there's a lot of echo...air moving...and vibrating inside...something heavy... not the bass...but the overall music. the heavy thing is going to smash into your ears just like that!!! BAM! pushing air and sound into your ears.
for me, its bad.
its like messing with some of the instrument's sound...but its not that very bad...but i really dont like it...i mean that heavy thing.
its always there no matter what track i played.
there is an echo. something that makes the sound more INTIMATE. 
i think...that echo gives the spectrum the body it needs.


after a minute...that heavy thing is making me feel good.
maybe its rather good in the end.

...but very musical, very very musical indeed!





but i dont think i can stand listening to them for a longer time...they make my head ache...but only for the first listening.
until in 5 minutes, thats when my mind learned to adopt its sound sig.
they were heavy and full bodied.

the highs were good. not too bright. not recessed. its there but not sparkling.
the imaging is very very nice...
the soundstage is like in a recording...honest.
but not like a 3d. maybe a 2d.
the lows were a little deep and yet detailed...but not slamming. not boomy. not for bassheads.
the mids...have the airy effect.
one word on the mids to explain them: DREAMY " border="0" class="smiley" src="http://www.headphiles.org/Smileys/default/wink.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; " title="Wink" />
the echo helps a lot...to make the music intimate.
the heavy thing is part of the overall sound...after listening for barely 10minutes now...its gone...how is it like that???

comparing it to my klipsch s4, i prefered the sound of the pannys much!
very well rounded bass.
very detailed and full than the creeping bass of klipsch.

an unfair comparison....
DUAL BA DRIVER vs. DYNAMIC
comparing it to my ue700, it blew the panasonic in many ways.
the ue700 soundstage is in 3d, more nicer.
the highs are sparkling on ue700.
the voice of the singer is upfront.
in short, the sound is more lively and more intimate than the pannys!
by comparing both, when i have my ue700, it feels like i dont want to put the pannys in my ears again...there is something that is unmatched with the ability of the ue700...
or maybe its because of my ears, i really like beautiful highs in 3d soundstage.

the build of this iem can blew my ue700 to dust!
its like a tank! while my ue700 is just like a scooter.
wow..

returning back to pannys, the voice of the singer is smooth.
the heavy thing is there...making the sound fuller. 
punching my ears, with pacquiao's fist.
more bodied.


when i take the pannys out of my ears...its like...i tell myself...haay... salamat.
parang nakahinga na tenga ko sa sound.
hahaha...something like that.
its like im back in to the real world...and its nice to be back.
sometimes with panny i feel like nalulunod ako...its like there is something that is overly done in the echo and the heavy thing. but giving it a little time, the heavy thing makes the sound beautiful. more with a spirit. more intimate and lovely...dreamy in fact.

the air is covering the whole spectrum.
making it in a dreamy stage.
well...it is good. making it more relax.
and it is also bad. making you dreamy and noot in a manner of lively...



i played the acoustic, corrs.
there were instruments in the sides, the voice of the singer is in my head....centered. it is not upfront.
the instruments are alive....with a body to them.
swooshing from left and right, sometimes at the back.
they are very detailed even in micro details.

overall, the sound is very intimate...to me.
they sweet, relaxing and kinda involving...
but hey!!! i didnt mean they were bad, that heavy thing makes you realize that your in earphone is its one sig.
its really nice. nicer than that of my klipsch.


the sound is clean. dreamy. very detailed. heavy. airy.
making it intimate. and relaxing. 
well it is good!
and very good than any of the 5k range earphones on the market today.
and i guarantee you, you will never miss any iems in your possession when the pannys are in your ears.



in another manner...
if pannys and ue700 will be a person, and saying the word BEAUTIFUL, it will be like this: 

PANNY: BEEOOWOOTIFFFOUUUWWLL.
UE700:  VIEWTIVFUL.

and its like that.


i know now the reason why people are crazy for this iem.
the details. micro details that is very very present in your face!
and the rounded sound. the bass is amazing.
just enough to keep you upbeat...to keep you involved.

well for a thing...this is one of the best. keep that in mind.
cause it is worth mentioning.
grab one while you still can...

they are priced at $200+ from the beginning but now...
$79!!!!!!! at amazon.


note:
the earphones are very very good, considering the price, it is a steal!!!
considering the build, the wires...impressive and outstanding also.
the sound is very musical...if you can live with the heavy one im saying, well they are a bang for your bucks.

by the way...owning this iem is like owning ONE OF THE HIGH END iem.
i am very very serious with that!
it can compete with my ue700.
it has a lot of muscle to punch you with micro details!
it wont make you bleed.
it will make you dreamy!
the sound is just...simply amazing.
it is arrogantly dreamy.


if you are looking and still searching for a very very good iem...
PANNY is your answer.
details are excellent. perfect.
the whole spectrum is clean.
nothing is creeping on the mids, or messing with any frequency.
this is a hi-end in ear of panny that never make it to the top...but can be one of the top.
for a is very very cheap price.

in the end...it is hard to be seperated to this iem...since it is just borrowed..
i kept saying to myself...such a very nice iem.
its hard to let go...
it seems like napalapit na sya sa puso ko. 
and id like to own one...for me.
i would really really miss that magic...that dreamy signature.


my sources for review:
wav files.
mp3 320kbps files.
shuffle 4th gen.
ue700
macbook pro itunes.
 
 
 
 
 
pdated:

 

i am very sorry people for my first impression...
right now...i have to correct things i posted and said on this thread.

again...im very very sorry.


right now...burned zirconias have really improved.
my first review is a zirconia that hasn't been burned, that is why i told in my review about the HEAVY and ECHO that is messing around the frequency...

right now..this iem has beaten my ue700 in details and definition.

honestly, i love my ue700 for their details.
but it seems...
the PANNYS captured my heart 100%.
yes, i still love my ue700 but i love the pannys more!

glad to inform you that!

they sounded awesome.
they sound now more realistic!
they reproduced instruments more in an honest way.
the moving air, the warmness is now gone...

burned...perhaps.

but now..what i hear is honesty.
each instruments are heard far enough.
it is only now...that i heard a real bass.
a bass with definition.
a bass with details.
not slamming.
not bloated.
not a bass that is hard on your ears.
but real bass.

something that is my ue700 cant reproduced.
honestly...
even the aiaiai tracks, the klipsch and the philips i owned.

i really like them now.
the soundstage is still in a 2d manner.
but when i have this on my ears...i dont miss the 3d soundstage of ue700 anymore.

this pannys make me more satisfied...NOW.
i want to share this with you.
not even my ue700 cant make a realistic details.
those details i am now hearing with the pannys have air with them.
unlike my ue700, the details seems to be made by the earphones only. i mean they dont sound realistic....but a little artificial.
i dont know...what happened.
something that is not lifeless...like my ue700.

considering the build made by the company...
i can now confirm to you...
this panasonic company is really serious about their word....
AUDIOPHILES IEM!



this iem is a REAL high definition, high resolution iem.

This is the final review and update of the ULTIMATE EARS 700as of 2010 of OCTOBER.
UE's latest addition after the famous universal in ear, Triple fi 10.
i bought them in POWERMAC store in SM north for P14k in JUNE
now they are priced $149 in UE store, around 8K in philippine peso.



here is the link:
http://ultimateears.com/en-us/products/700

product description and details:

[size=x-small] Quote
[/size]

[size=x-small] With pro quality hidden inside.
Pro quality goes undercover with the Ultimate Ears 700 Noise-Isolating Earphones. They deliver pro-quality sound in a sleek, micro design. Fitting flush to your ear, you barely know you're wearing them?until you hear the detailed, immersive 3D sound stage delivered through the custom-tuned, dual-armature speakers.

Pro-quality sound reproduction.
Dual-armature design with passive crossover: Two custom-tuned armature speakers in each ear give you clean, detailed sound. One speaker produces rich and punchy bass, while the second speaker delivers clear mid and high notes.

Immersion sound signature: Enjoy a 3D sound stage that makes you feel as though you are experiencing the quality, energy and emotion of a live performance.

Frequency range: 10Hz–16.5 kHz to deliver cleaner, clearer mid and high tones.
 

[/size]

Click to expand...

 


pictures







my reference for sound quality are the AIAIAI tracks(headphone), bose triport on ear, philips in earphone clarity, klipsch s4, apple ipod earphone stock, akg earphone, ortofons eq7.



[size=14pt]REVIEW:[/size]

1.    the build:
these are so small yet beautiful. like pellet. like pills, cut to almost half.
made of plastic body, very good paints/aesthetic. so small that you can wear comfortably even when sleeping. wear them all day and you will never notice that they are barely there inside your ears, shining little pills.
NOTE:unfortunately, as reported, the paint doesn't last long enough if you make it in contact with any chemicals including perfume, oils, even sweat...it will tear off in due time. mine has already experience the same fate.

2.   the box contents:
well what you only need... a pair of small, medium (x2) and large eartips. an earphone case, the earphones, volume attenuator - use in airplanes, and 2 pairs of comply tips...some basic manual.
NOTE: ue700 has the best eartips ever.  the contours and shape is just exceptional! It even exceeds the comfort of Klipsch eartips.


3.   the sound quality:

HIGHS
the most noticeable range in the ue700. 
it is sparkling. crisp. top notch! ue's highs!
the primary contributor why the music sound so lively and engagingmore like you are in the concert, like real life sound...
the beatiful highs of ue.
very very lively.
not harsh. not lacking. smooth, not distorted even at high volumes.
defining every high notes from voices to instruments.
perfect highs, for me!
  

MIDS
 can be a warm mids. but not klipsch-like.
only true to the recording, precise.
nothing more, nothing less.
these are not mid-colored iem.
if there is an air with the environment/tracks, for example, a night club, you will hear air details that are there in that nightclub. 
NOTE: comply tips plays an important role in changing the soundsig of ue700, if you want to tame some highs, use comply tips and you get tamed highs and lovely warm mids... 
the warm mids is there if its also there in the tracks you are listening.
this is not a cold iem.
a very transparent iem.

LOW
fast punch. tight. but not boomy. tight!
you dont hear dynamic bass here, but Balanced armatured bass...it is tight!
only defining whats there in the tracks.
even lows are well defined.
but having hard time when too much.
true only to the track. if it can do, it will. but too much is not that great with this iem.
nothing more, nothing less. just enough details.
deep bass? nope. not for bassheads.
only right. only enough. detailed lows? yes. but not deep. very limited but detailed.
its not smackingly heavy hitting bass.
but its just right and just there.
it just does the job done.



SOUNDSTAGE/IMAGING
two words: 3d effect.
one of its signature that i cant find in my other iem.
more depth than width.
the voice is upfront. 
the instrument separation is just on the back of the singer.
much tracks sound like that.
they are sounding only around your head not from afar.
iem's weakness.
these are finely tuned that way.
something that would render space thru depth.


OVERALL SOUND QUALITY
clean. detailed. details are not lacking. it is ue700's strenght!!!
the more volume you add, the more the music sounds lively...
the more the voice of the singer comes nearer/closer.
3d effect. 
voice is very upfront. 
highly defined, every instruments sounds lively especially jazz instruments, guitars, piano, organs, and drums.
precise imaging and very detailed, even in micro measurements.
every breath is present, but not much. 
just right. nothing more. nothing less. 
it is there when it is present.
you will surely hear it...clearly.
precise bass, detailed. but not deep enough like dynamics.



4.   PROS:
very very small. very nice looking. very comfortable to wear.
highs are very lively...making every tracks engaging.
the mids is sweet, good for blues, jazz, acoustic and live.
very transparent to the source.
play 128kbps and hear crap.
play 320kbps/wav/flac and you will hear it singing.
very well in defining instruments, especially lingering voices, the thick saliva in the mouth, its there. hahaha...
use ipod shuffle 4th gen and you hear clean sound with this.
use nokia phones, and you hear them crap also...even with the same track comparison.
very transparent.
you hear what is there. only what is present in the tracks.
even very very little details are present.

CONS:
there is no perfect iem.
it cannot handle too much.
too much instruments in a music makes the sound thin sometimes, due to their being dual-only armature.
tends to be blurry when playing very hard tracks.
too much is not best in this iem. if you are love heavy metal tracks, look elsewhere.
very limited song genre. not recommended for heavy tracks/ orchestral pieces.
limited lows.
i wish a bit more lows on the low. for you to be more MOVED. to be more INSPIRED. to be more IMMERSED.



5.   OPTIONS:
the following can be compared/sound much better or alike to ue700.
for the price you can add/save more by buying:
triple fi 10..............................p14-18k
ortofon eq7............................p11/15-18k
dynamic: philips clarity iem.......p1,999.(almost but not as lively,not very detailed)
jays q jays.............................p8-9k
other dual armature brands......p5k+




6.   RECOMMENDATIONS:
amp is not that essential with this iem, i think most b.a. iems.
you can buy ue700 now for only p7k-8k brand new at ue store.
triple fi 10 i think is the best upgrade here, if you want the ue signatures.
but still you can choose um3x, westone 3, and sm3 for other brand upgrade.
this is a top tier iem, for me...
unique melody is your final goal in upgrades. custom remolding.
UM can upgrade it for 4-6 or even 8 drivers total plus 3-4 crossovers. you can choose single/dual/triple bore, which is also believed to change the sounds...which will costs around p10k-25k-35k.

the genres that are best being played here are:
jazz, rock, pop, melodic, instrumental, classical music(not orchestral type), blues, live, acoustic, slow rock.



7.   FINAL CONCLUSION
ue700 is a good iem.
very good indeed!
very musical. very refined details and textures...remember TEXTURES.
very transparent iem.
very revealing.
micro details make it more musical.
what more can you ask for in an iem?
it is there. it is defined. it is present. it is lively. it is fun. and it is ue700!


NOTE: ue700 now is a bang for the buck, considering the price...p8k(ue store).
while the jays q jays is priced at p8k also in A.shop, our country.
better choose ue700 for it is believed by many reviewers to sound more fun than the q jays.





remember, just like what i said already, it is not the best out there, but can be the best for you...if you only give time for it to show you what it can do.

you dont need time for you to get along with ue700...

you will love them at first listen!
there is always undying wow factor in them every time you put them in your ears.
always present.
in every tracks.
which will make you listen to them like never before heard them.
concert-like.

and ue700 wont dissapoint you in anyway.
they are that easy to love.
ue700 will cover for all the yearning youve wanted in many iems youve tried.




RATING:
perfect score:      ************************
build:                 ********
sound:               *********************
price:                 ******************
accessories:        ************************
overall:              *********************




if you love lively and fun and very musical iem with very upfront voices and lots and lots of micro details...
ue700 is for you.

 
this is a review of the famous sm3 and a comparison to the eq7.

 

 

 

PICS first:
















 

 

 

 

[size=12pt]INTRODUCTION:[/size]

the ortofon is one of the best among all top tier iems.
to me it is one of the hardest iem to explain.
hardest to describe.
the sound is just very hard to capture.
and turn it in words.
its warm. its cold. its bright. its everything. 
and that everything is the ortofon eq7 and your music.
what makes the ortofon eq7 stand out among the rest is its tube like sound and very sweet voice presentation.

now, the sm3, is considered and highly regarded as the best iem in all universals.
well, to some it is.
to me?
well let's see.
to ceph, my friend in headphiles, it is his cure to all the iem poisons that surrounds him.


[size=14pt]BUILD:[/size]
The phones are shelled in a plastic case, transparent in front and black in back.
its amazing how Earsonics fitted 3 drivers inside. 
it looks like a semi-custom-shelled iem.
but, it feels cheap to the touch.
the wire and plug is very well built.
there were 3 strands that were held together to make a one single braided wire.

however, upon inspection at the phones, youll notice how fragile this iem is.
one fall, and it will surely break.
there were reports already that this iem is very prone to breakage.
so...
taking care and handling of this is critically and essentially important.

the case is sturdy and strong, but it doesnt feel classy like the ones that is included in the ortofon eq7.

[size=14pt]NOTE:[/size]
i just wish it was made more of HIGH QUALITY material, instead of just breakable plastic, they can use hard plastic shells, or the ones that is currently use in customs...acrylics. or something made of metal...aluminum like the ortos or the zirconias of tha pannys.
the wires are already fine with me...and the case too.

bro daniel once told me...the secret to sm3s sound is its poor build.hahaha.




[size=14pt]MATERIALS:[/size]
ipod classic EQ off
.wav format files

[size=14pt]SONGS:[/size]
ACOUSTIC - LOVE MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS, NINA
INSTRUMENTAL - ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING, CHIELI MINUCCI
LIVE - ONLY WHEN I SLEEP, THE CORRS ACOUSTIC LIVE
POP ROCK - BAD ROMANCE, LADY GAGA
JAZZ - HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART, MICHAEL BUBLE (MALE VOICE)
        - COME AWAY WITH ME, NORAH JONES (FEMALE)







[size=14pt]SOUND:[/size]

you all know sound is very subjective.
so, i only have limited experience with it.
my background for reference:
have been using the ue700 for about a year now...
mx980 earbud, by sennheiser, for 6months now.
ortofon for about a month.
a grado sr325is for 3months.

my aim is to define the sound of the sm3 and compare the voice presentation of the sm3 to the ortofon eq7.





ACOUSTIC - LOVE MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS, NINA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWh4eHoRI2o

SM3:
at first, youll hear a few number of people clapping...in a great distance.
the soundstage is very one of kind.
its special here.
its like it defines the space where the performer is.
here its like in a small room, with very few people around.
the sound of the piano here is thick and strong...textured.
and youre very close to that piano, its like its in front of you.
Nina's voice is sweet as it is... its sounds natural to me.
then, came the guitar and the thump of an instrument that i dont know, its  like youre listening to a live acoustic session.
it brings you to the space theyre in.

its like i am listening in a smokey room...
full of small band and listeners...its like the air in that room is here too...
you can feel it.
the acoustic of the room.

to define it beautifully, the sm3 is inviting/engaging and i once told the panny is dreamy, well, here youre not dreaming, its like youre in there with the performers...the voice, very few listeners and instruments have good spaces in them.
it doesnt mix the voices from instruments.
everything is clear as day.
the sound of cymbals crashing doesnt seem too lively like in my ue700, its like its there, but its not clearly defined. not lacking....BUT...
but its alright...just fine.


EQ7:
people clapping... then the space seems smaller here in EQ7 than in sm3.
its much better in sm3 to my ears.
however, NINA's voice seems...
sweet but id prefer the voice in sm3...its very natural there.
here, its limited in space, in instrument separation.
its like crowded a bit in a very small room...
theres a bite of stick pounding in the drum, the guitar is lively as well, pianos is textured too...
but ill choose guitar sounds here over the sm3.
sweet. lush and smooth all at the same time.
but space/soundstage, its the sm3.

 

 

 

 

INSTRUMENTAL - ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING, CHIELI MINUCCI (guitar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul5sVddWqj0

SM3:
rumbling then...the sound of the guitar..
strings sounds just fine.
i can differentiate clearly the front and the supporting guitar here.
the sound is relaxing as it is...
very nice.
tototot...tooowwttt...
its like the guitar is crying...
hear that?
nice.
youll be amazed by this song...on how it can bring you that emotion...
youll be swayed here...as what was meant by the artist.
very addictive here too.
the sparkle just isnt here...i wish i could hear it here so that, the sound will be more on the LIVE side. (ue700s)

EQ7:
refreshing...
something new to my ears...coming from sm3.
its like the sound here is much nicer.
airy, and theres the lushness in the midrange.
making the sound relaxing and warm...definitely engaging.
the HIGHS here is alive.
its kicking and there that bite at the top...
here i hear the sound i long for...the sound stays longer in the air...the highs...it dies with sweetness at the end, decays much better than the sm3...
it sounds cleaner in sm3, here is smoked, but...in a good way.
the guitar here is more lively.
and better.
one quality of the ortofon that the sm3 just cant simply beat.




LIVE - ONLY WHEN I SLEEP, THE CORRS ACOUSTIC LIVE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq4eeHZOpfs

SM3:
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...PLEASE WELCOME...THE CORRS!!!!"
people clapping and whistling...its like im there!
wow.
claps are everywhere...surrounding me.
unbelievable...this isnt the sound coming from an iem!!
then the stick...counting 1,2,3...then the orchestra along with the band...
Andrea's voice is very sweet and nice. very natural again...just like NINA's.
its like she is singing to me and everyone's performing around me...
you call it 3 dimentional?
yeah it is!
im in the middle of the space theyre in.
too many instruments here, from guitars to drums to violins...
some are placed far from my ears, others are in front of me...some in between.
i say, this is a very good iem that can perform unbelievable in some certain kind of tracks...
Andrea's voice is in the center in front of my face, the sound of the guitar in my right, inside my head, there are the orchestras and the back up singers...its place everything beautifully.
 

EQ7:
with the same intro, well id say the sm3 is better with all the clapping everywhere, its more lively and true in that part.
here its like youre drown by the ortos magic...something relaxing.
the sound is limited like before..
it cannot portray the sound space like the sm3s...
too bad.
but id like the sound of decays here.
sweet...very!
Andrea's voice is nice.
but id prefer sm3s version of Andrea's voice.
its more organic there.
addictive? lush? its in here.
mellow? smooth? its in here.
all coloration can be heard here to make your music more beatifully and artificially done.
but, being TRUE AND ORGANIC is in the sm3...
its there.
Simply, the ortos cant match the soundstage and deeper depthness of the sm3.
its the sm3's aura and prowess.
but coloration for goodness' sake...its in the ortos.
its more addictive there.





POP ROCK - BAD ROMANCE, LADY GAGA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

SM3:
please dont hate me if i chose this song...i really like LADY GAGA, just much as i like MADONNA.
same as before, the sm3 wont fail you on its sweet voice presentation.
the honesty and truthfulness is all there.
no matter how big, how hard, how fast the sound is...it can do everything with flying colors.
but the highs is just right just like as before.
every details, nuances, but seems like to me...the sm3 sounds dark.
dark.
making the track uhm...lifeless.
but i dont mean it as its not a good performer, it is in voice, in soundstage.
but...here, clearly, id say...the HIGHS plays an important role in some tracks (POP, ROCK, anything with energy and with fast beats)  that needs it...the LIVELY HIGHS..
sparkling...crispiness...isnt here.
it sounds lifeless. dull.
it sounds...is this it?
is this the sm3s weakness?
well it is.
i found it at last.
i didnt notice at first. but upon listening to the middle of this song...its somewhat lacking now to my ears.
its dark and dull at this kind of tracks...
no matter how hard the sm3 tried...there isnt a lively, sweet, sparkly, crispy HIGHS.
the bass is great. deep and accurate. well defined.

EQ7:
now the eq7 goodness.
the voice is very refined.
very defined.
very nice.
oomphs are here...but sounded limited at times because its a BA, only MOVING.
i say, this can match the sm3s details...but not much..at least it can compete with bravery.
the bass doesnt go deep in the ortos as the sm3s.
the highs is of high quality...smooth and nearly earpiercing.
beware if youre sensitive to that kind of HIGHS (ala-mx980 highs)
there is this kind of sig in the ortos that makes this music...addictive air/liquidness.
and i like it, really...
strange.
but the coloration is really pleasant too at this kind of tracks...
or i say, most of the tracks i played with this iem.
it welcomes you at first sound it gives...
youre  IN-to music...that fast!
call it inviting, engaging, everything...its here.
and really, i like it very much.
something that is not present in the sm3.
the coloration.
the flavor...is enjoyable.
and it helps you to be IN to your music and long listening sessions.





JAZZ - HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART, MICHAEL BUBLE (MALE VOICE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aML0e2eZl3s

SM3:
michael's voice is inspiring.
there is a quality to it.
truthfulness to his voice.
...even the breathing, the thickness of the breath he inhales and exhales..
the texture of the words he utter/sings...
he is like singing only to your ears...privately in front of you.
i really like the sm3s presentation in voice.
very high quality and unique.
sweet and "mapapadala ka", youll be swayed.
the instruments sounds wont also fail you to be emotional along with michael's voice.
its perfectly done.
everything.
theres some crispness i hear now, that is not present in lady gaga's bad romance, pop rock track.
just lovely...

EQ7:
crispiness of the cymbals...nice.
i like it here. sweet and defined well.
michael's voice is brilliant as the sm3s.
but i will choose the ortos this time in this kind of slow jazz music.
its really UUGGGHHHHH....
hard to explain.
its addictive. 
addictive in many ways.
clearly, the soundstage may not be as perfect here as the sm3s, but the sound is so..
yummy.
so delicious.
its like in ortos, all the goodness is near you, in front of you, with the sweetness, all in your face, all you can eat, all you can hear, all you can feel.
it doesnt do honesty like the sm3s presentation.
but pianos are more alive here, the voice is great as the sm3s...but the HIGHS are again cautiously spiky at times.






COME AWAY WITH ME, NORAH JONES (FEMALE VOICE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBKcKQHZXks

SM3:
the intro of this song is so lovely.
its like the air is welcoming you.
there is a cymbal crashing softly. very softly...
something that doesnt sound offending at your listening.
the pianos are soft as well...with a careful lightness to it.
its done with care.
Norah's voice is superb as it is.
im in the jazz club.
where i hear the lonely sound of BASS.
its like im alone and i want to cry with this music.
im IN-to the music again.
and im feeling very emotional right now.
im happy.
content.
feeling very luck at what i have right now.
i imagine myself...walking in a lonely street...under the hot hot sun. but feeling cool..because the clouds covered the sun.
and under the tree, wind blowing my way...
walking now on a greenly grassy field...
so nice.
there's a magic here in the sm3 and in this music.
and its done.
the music just died just like that.
it ended....without me noticing.
i replayed the song again...
under the power of this song again...its like im in HYPNOTIZED by its magic.
very very nice.

EQ7:
the eq7 way...now.
i hate to take the sm3 off my ears...
i wish it stayed there while listening again in this music.
im missing the sm3...now.

well, for the ortos, sorry, i played it back again...
i missed the sm3 so bad.
now, i hear clearly the softness of instruments in sm3s.
here, its like a bit veiled...off.
but the pianos is very well done.
alive. true and accurate.
the voice is just right.

upon hearing the sm3...sorry guys...im having a hard time defining the ortos right now.
its like the power of the sm3 lingers in my mind.
and im out of focus in the ortos...

well, ill press play again, and try to do it again...
sorry.

here.
the air here is much stronger, its thicker, than in the sm3.
the pianos is of much thicker here.
the sound of the bass, is audible..thick too.
the voice is nice too.
it is on par with sm3.
maybe...i forgot. sorry.
been playing this song for 3x now.
and...simply nice.
and right.
the addictive air/liquidness is helping alot to make the music enjoyable and sweet.
 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCLUSION:
well, here is where i want to give my final words on this iem...the final verdict.

the sm3 is an overall good performer, from jazz to rock.
it can penetrate you in many ways.
its musical, with the capability to portray music in its 3d space goodness.
the sound is really UP there...
UP there kind of quality.
its a TOP tier indeed.

it can do something that others just CANT.
wanna know what that is?
one is the voice.
it can match and sound more realistic than the ortos vocal presentation, the ortos main strength.

it can do the FAST TRACKS/POP ROCK kind of music easily...effortlessly and with realism.
it isnt lacking in spaces. soundstage. or instrument separation.

it can do what other universals cant.
its unlike any universal that makes the sound tuned in a small space.
here, youre IN that kind of space where the music was recorded.
wether its a THEATER, a HALL, a JAZZ CLUB...or in a STUDIO.

its like a MONITORing iem with the FUN factor.
youll hear every nuances...every bit of air, and sound...

i hear its weakness and also can be considered as its strength...being DARK.
why?
well, its really important to certain tracks to give that LIVELY sound.
being dark gives you that ...dullness and lifelessness in music.
without the help of those CRISP, SWEET, AIRY highs...it just sounded off at times.
only at times, and only at some certain tracks.

i say, this is a very very good iem that has and will shape the history of ALL UNIVERSAL iems.
the sound isnt limited.
its not an iem at all...
it produces sound brilliantly on its own ways.

you gotta respect that this iem just simply cant produce that HIGHS im looking for.
but, for long time listening, that present HIGHS can be fatiguing at times...
so...the SM3 created something better for long listening sessions.

its not very hard to love the sm3.
the fit is not a problem.
the build is....
but, im not bothered, because the future of this iem lies in RESHELLING/REMOLDING.

the sm3 is an all rounder iem.
it can play anything.
it is an iem...that shakes the universals.
and shapes the history of audiophiles.
it is like a dark as a chocolate.
oozing and bursting with sweetness...

a custom in a package of a universal.

 

 

 

NOTE:

to all the readers...sorry for my kind of style of writing.

its easy for me to take notes and read in this kind of style...

so i chose this kind of writing.

 

ORTOFON EQ7.

THE REVIEW:


Build Quality: (you be the judge)

thick cloth covered cables.
hard plastic for the jack and y-splitter.
thin rubber cable from splitter to phone.
machined aluminum housing.
classy and expensive looking black box with very nice to touch foam covers inside.
black leather case for the eartips and iem filters.
some japanese instruction manual.


SONIC CHARACTERISTIC:

This iem is popular by having the TUBEY characteristic,
with excellent definition in vocals.

I have decided to take some word from the AUDIO TERM GLOSSARY, under SOUND SCIENCE SECTION, to describe the sound of the ortofon eq7.

here:

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[size=x-small] Airy - Spacious. Open. Instruments sound like they are surrounded by a large reflective space full of air. Good reproduction of high frequency reflections. [/size]

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[size=x-small] Articulate - Intelligibility of voice(s) and instruments and the interactions between them.[/size]

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[size=x-small] Attack - The leading edge of a note and the ability of a system to reproduce the attack transients in music.[/size]

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[size=x-small] Breathy - Audible breath sounds in woodwinds and reeds such as flute or sax. Good response in the upper mids or highs.[/size]

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[size=x-small] Dynamic - The suggestion of energy and wide dynamic. Related to perceived speed as well as contrasts in volume both large and small.[/size]

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[size=x-small] Liquid - Textureless sound.[/size]

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[size=x-small] Open - Sound which has height and "air", relates to clean upper midrange and treble.[/size]

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[size=x-small] Wet - A reverberant sound, something with decay. Opposite of Dry.[/size]

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[size=x-small] Speed - A fast system with good pace gives the impression of being right on the money in its timing.[/size]

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MY DESCRIPTION OF THE SOUND:

The Ortofon EQ7 is a very special iem with a hard to explain sound characteristic.
It is a highly detailed iem, very energetic-dynamic in nature with fast transient and special articulation in voice yet theres a lightness and density in music, youll be submerged by the liquidness and wetness and airiness to its music presentation.

The definition in voice is just...one of a kind.
It deserves a special mention in its sonic character.
In all of my iems, this is the best when it comes to artist's voice.
In a song, KAILANGAN KO'Y IKAW by REGINE VELASQUEZ, Regine's voice is oozing with honey-like-sweetness in her voice.

there is a special quality to it.
its like...the voice has the right ingredient to sound real.

My vortex, an iem with a lush mids, this ortos can define the voice with excellent texture and definition while comparing both, the vortex would sounded like muffled and veiled.
the ue700's presentation maybe true also, but it lacks the right thickness and melodies as the ortos.
the panny's vocal is just right.


Like i said, theres lightness and density to this iem.
its light. its airy. 
i cannot say that this is rich sounding iem...NO.
its not.
its not hearty like the AS CHARMS earbud or the balanced YUIN pk1.
its like a light bread.
with the right softness. 
cooked lightly.
too much youll get the bread burned.
too hard, it will be too toughed.

there's elasticity to it.
like the YUIN PK2's characteristic.
its fast.
it can change instantly in just a flick from fast to slow paced music.
if its slow music, it will induced you to sleep.
if its fast music, it will give you a lot of energy to make you tap your hands.
it moves you.
it has an impressive speed.
nothing like it.
its where all my iems struggle hard (from my ue700 to klipsch s4)
its where it failed some of my gears...i got muddy sound.


its airy.
and a lot of it.

the midrange is very wet, liquid and very tube like.

to all the readers...try listening to ESPERANZA SPALDING's PONTA DE AREIA.
the first 20sec of that music is a good example of how to clearly define the MIDS of this ortos.
on how liquid and wet it is...
very similar to be tube-like sound.
try it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9sN3ySkkz0

well about the bass.
ill try GO GIRL by PITBULL.
its fast. energy is comparable to the dynamic iems.
its not overly emphasized here.
not ie8 like.
moving now to I KNOW YOU WANT ME, the bass is satisfying enough with the right density and speed, with enough deepness. 
its giving only enough dynamic bass, but not as like the big bass of myvortex.
only satisfying.
not too much.
not too little.

another important reminder...this iem is hissy.
it hisses to most of my songs when nothing is playing yet at the very first second...its sssssssss...like that.
then...its gone when the music plays.

it is very effortless to give you the best to your music.
it never gets tired of giving you the dynamism.

the highs are very smooth.
i have to disagree with many reviews...that this sounded warm.
NOPE. not to me.
its bright with a touch of tube, liquidness and wetness.

the highs are smooth as my mx980 earbud.
its similar, but amount may differ.
at first i find this to be sibilant.
i dont know...it is in contrast in most reviews ive read about this iem.
get the right fit, and youll loose that sibilance. (maybe at first try only, before mental burn in)
its not ear piercing at all, but smooth and close to heavenly feeling of mymx980.

if panny is excellent in timbre and guitras, ortos is excellent with slow and fast paced music, very good in wind and strings (classical music). 
and i would also like to add that...every note in pianos here is excellent.

if there is something i would like to add to the ortos, the build should be more better than the case...or the box...actually, it doesnt help in the sound at all.
maybe they could do a jack that can be reversed back to straight and angled just like the one with the mx980.

the housing is already good looking...so nothing more to mention there.

and...i like the sound.
a lot.
its new to me.
its sibilance free unlike the panasonic hje900.

i wont say that this is better than the panasonic.
no.
the panasonic shines in his own way.

if theres something id like the ortos to be..
id like it to add more a little pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.
where id like the sound more rich.
like i said above, there's an elasticity to the music.
its fast.
i want it more to be more decayed.
to stay a bit longer.
because of its sonic character, some tracks seem to be delicately done.
but some were like its being chased...

this is a quality iem.
and everyone might agree to me.
the technology is just one of a kind.
there are few who do this kind - moving armatures.


there maybe few iems out there, like the BA (dual) ue700, or the famous triple fi 10 (triple driver) but it cant match some characteristics of a moving BA (ortos).
same as to dynamics.

going back to dynamics, not all performed BA-like.
so either you get a simple dynamic/ or a dual dynamic/ or a single/dual/triple/quad BA drivers...

why not try a hybrid?
something that would give you TWO WORLDS in ONE.
its not something like the same BA or DYNAMIC that you purchase EVERYDAY.


it would be new to your ears.
and that's the promise it could give you.




IS THIS THE BEST UNIVERSAL IEM?
NO.
nothing such exist.
it would only be excellent to you if you value the iem and learn to love its weakness.

this iem is recommended to those who value detailes and vocals.
recommended for those who own a set of a BA driver (no matter what the numbers are) and a dynamic (no matter if its single or dual).

if you have a BA.
a DYNAMIC.
it wouldnt hurt to have another one - MOVING BA.

you'll not only add one more to your collections but..
you'll also get to try another different kind of FLAVOR.

to end this...
is it really worth it.
i believe its a YES.
the experience it could give you is one of a kind, its refreshing - being a moving BA.




ORTOFON EQ7.
B.A. AT HEART, DYNAMIC IN SPIRIT.