Had a great time meeting all the people who make it happen at CanJam Shanghai, here's my brief summary of the show -
1) Smyth Realiser
This one was definitely eye-opening, as someone who has spent a long time on the theoretical side of localization research, this just changed the game. I'm still not entirely sure how much further DSP is being done and how accurate it really is but honestly, as far as attempts go...this is the best.
An interesting note was when the transfer function was being taken while the Headphones were on, my right side was definitely de-coupled, the MEMS was not seated properly at all. Even though I insisted the staff that the fit wasn't right, they said it's fine. I wonder if a standardized HRTF was being taken instead of the promised individualized for the technology demonstration, I didn't notice any imperfections while listening to the demo after the measurements which led me to the hypothesis of a standardized HRTF and a dummy measurement for the demo. I don't know. I do know that I want it but, Smyth isn't in particularly good shape with order fulfillment, I was keen on giving them a deposit and block a unit but they didn't accept my order. Oh well.
2) Mr Speakers
There are some people you respect even if you have never met them. That is Dan for me, more than the products the people who make it happen is what interests me. A brilliant Engineer and a brilliant person. I had to buy something to support Mr Speakers, so decided to buy an AEON Flow.
The VOCE was fantastic, had one of the best bass responses from an E-Stat, thanks to the large surface area and slightly larger excursion gap compared to STAX, as a result it isn't as efficient but give it power and it's quite a Headphone.
Ether 2 didn't quite do it for me but the build and weight reduction was remarkable to see, I usually stay away from Isodynamics but this looks like a promising future for Isodynamics.
3) HiFiMAN
The Jade 2 was impressive, a little bland and perhaps a little dry but it wasn't bad. A slightly N-Shaped response, not sure what target they were going for but I oddly enjoyed it.
You can see it gets it's rainbow effect from the Green PET crumpled dust-covers.
Anodizing fail.
4) Miscellaneous
Gorgeous but didn't sound any good. Quite forgettable.
Peter from HeadAmp was kind enough to loan me his 009S for some time, I've never liked the 009 and this is the same, I'd rather have the VOCE or an old SR-5 (with some DSP) for that matter.
Interesting iBasso Headphone, did sound alright but I don't think it's the most elegant wear. Pass.
Conclusion -
Will definitely be back for next year. Great show, Shanghai was brilliant.
The Man himself.
The two Headphones I couldn't resist but buy at the show.