This was my first SoCal CanJam and my second CanJam overall - NYC 2019 being my first. Overall, I had a great time again. It was awesome seeing some of the folks I met at CanJam NYC, and meeting some new ones.
Some of my thoughts from this CanJam:
- Empire Ears Valkryie - thought this was a great IEM. For me, it sits in between the Phantom and Legend X for bass, but adds slightly more on the treble as compared to the Phantoms. BTW, I used a SPK1M and listened to Phil Collins, Def Leppard, Candy Dulfer, Hans Zimmer and some Star Wars soundtracks for my impressions. Thanks to
@Jack Vang and
@ajyagle for the friendly banter.
- Campfire Audio - only listened to the Polaris v2 and the IO. The Polaris v2 sound signature wasn’t for me, the bass was overpowering and bloomy, and this is from someone who likes bass. For the IO, I did like that - it was a little more balanced than I typically like and it would be an IEM i recommend to someone starting in the hobby. Plus at $299, it could be a walk around / travel IEM, vice wearing $1500 - $2000 IEMs on a plane.
- Effect Audio - spent time listening to their cables and I could hear some small differences in the cables, all using my Empire Ears Phantoms. Also had the opportunity to listen to their three prototype cables and will post those impressions in the Effect Audio thread. It was also great meeting Eric from
@EffectAudio and discussing food options in Auckland and Sydney.
- ZMF headphones - Introduced to them by
@Zachik and
@buke9 , thanks for your insight. I didn’t have much time to listen to their gear, but it will be at the top of my list at the next CanJam I attend.
- Mr. Speakers - first time listening to their headphones and my initial impressions were good. I didn’t have a lot of time to do so, but plan to dedicate more time to them at my next CanJam.
- Seminars - I attended the Music Streaming and Future Trends seminar and this was the only downside of the CanJam. To put it bluntly, it seemed more like an informercial for Audirvana and Qobuz. During the time I was there (I left after about 30 min, which the first 5-10 minutes was waiting for anyone else to arrive), there wasn’t really any other discussion of other ways to stream music, Tidal was briefly mentioned and no discussion of Roon.
- Hospitality suite - kudos to the LA & OC Audio Society for hosting a hospitality suite. It was nice to grab some pretzels or chocolate chip cookies, and not have to rely on the
@Watagump candy stash
Finally, thanks to the entire CanJam Staff for a great event!! Looking forward CanJam NYC 2020