We were swamped with showgoers, so there wasn't a lot of time to visit other booths, but here are some pictures from the weekend (Part 1):
Shanghai has one of the longest operating maglev systems around --- just incredibly smooth and quick: 16 minutes from Pudong Airport to city center!
A view of the Marriott from street level; it's just a stone's throw away from the packed Peoples' Square.
Conveniently, there's a Luckin Coffee located within the building right next to McDonald's. This place is really making a push to supplant Starbucks in China.
Their app order only, cash-less business model is both fascinating and convenient. We needed a lot of coffee to get us through the weekend, and being able to order off the smartphone beforehand and directly waltz inside to pick it upon arrival is such a godsend!
AURIS was there showing off its portable sub-brand EarMen. It only had machined shells to display for their tiny smartphone-compatible DAC, but it's using the ES9281 PRO, which is an exciting new low-power codec DAC from ESS. They also had the Donald DAC and TR-amp on hand.
SpinFit was there showing off its fully refreshed product lineup, featuring fully reformulated mostly medical grade silicone materials to maximize comfort.
The new generation of tips is much softer and more supple than before.
(Full Disclosure: DUNU is a major distributor of SpinFit products, and we utilize their tips on our products as well.)
Rebecca at
@RHA Team was next door, and just an absolute pleasure to chat with! Their planar CL2 flagship is extremely enjoyable and as always feature great ergonomics.
Really could've used their new airplane Bluetooth adapter during that plane ride too!
Had a lengthy conversation with
@Antonio Meze at the Meze booth --- we talked about how each of these brands has passionate people pouring so much into each and every single product. Couldn't agree more! The care and detail Antonio puts into the supremely comfortable Empyrean (probably the most comfortable headphones around?) and the form-fitting shapes of the RAI Solo and Penta really speak to his acumen and passion as an industrial designer, and all of Meze's products feature a gentle, easy-to-like signature that reflects upon the brand's philosophy of lifestyle. Just great stuff!
UM's titanium clad, directly metal-sintered additively manufactured shells look even better with a veneer of gold. The Mirage, at its price point is super enjoyable to listen to as well! Of course, the rest of their lineup, while more costly, is just as appealing from both enjoyability and technical performance.
Joseph Mo's new venture Metal Magic Research had an array of fascinating products, including the Homunculus and Gae Bolg.
The booth was too busy to get a good listen, though.
Vision Ears Elysium. Didn't get a chance to listen. They look amazing though.
Shuoer's TAPE, with its low voltage electret drivers, are a nice deal. Shells are much more comfortable than they look.
Their EJ07 stole the spotlight though. Really enjoyable sound.
Moondrop KXXS. No need to state more. Blessing 2 was very enjoyable, as was the S8.
Softears showed off its new Truii. Super fascinating shape, and interesting technology inside.
