[Nimweth]

Yep, it is stunning how much pad rolling (and mesh rolling) affects the sound of ZMF cans. It's almost like Zach designs them with rolling in mind as part of the fun.

How much power does the Little Bear output? I can't seem to find that anywhere.

But my primary use for any tube amp will be to drive my ZMF Aeolus and my HD 6XX, both of which are 300-ohm cans. Power will be essential, and I'm skeptical a portable will drive them properly.

Sure, I've seen owners say, "This can drive 300-ohm headphones." But can they drive them properly? Will it deliver the same tube sound as a proper OTL amp? I don't really need a dongle -- I power all my IEMs with a JDS Atom+ stack or my Apple dongle.

So, my primary use for tubes will be for high-impedance over-ear cans. But the Little Bear sure looks like a cool portable unit, and you can't beat that price.

Gimme the leopard skin every time. GRRRRROWL.

I know nothing of this album. But I know I need some jazz this Saturday afternoon, so I'm giving this a whirl. Thanks, Nik!

This photo once again proves It's Always Sunny in Slovenia. New FX sitcom?

As the legendary A.J. Foyt says, "This is quite true," especially when compared to consumer-oriented crap on the market. Sony, Beats, Bose and Sennheiser are charging $150 for TWS IEMs that get their collective ass kicked by many wired IEMs that cost $30 or less. Hell, my $10 Piccolos sound better than any of that crap.

The judgment in my post was mainly for me, but I've never been a collector or hoarder. I've never understood the point of possessing stuff just to "have stuff" and not use. I'm very utilitarian in my approach to nearly everything. To each their own!

Well, our two oldest kids are out of the house, living independently and doing well on the other side of the country. Just one college student left.

But ... we've ALWAYS lived like this. I highly doubt that will change once we're true empty nesters in two years and after we both retire. My retirement splurge goals are three-fold:

1. Travel. I've only been outside of North America once in my life, and I have serious wanderlust.
2. Live music. Attend as many live shows of varying sizes and genres as possible. There is no more powerful communal unifier on this Earth than live music. We're not fans of opposing teams. We're not conservatives or liberals. We're just music fans, digging the tunes.
3. Subaru WRX. It has been my dream car for at least 20 years. Of course, I'll buy one used. But man, that would be sweet to see a World Rally Blue Soobie WRX in my garage.

Image of Little Bear specifications: Output power 450mw.

 

[Leonarfd]

The Kotori Audio Zephyr has landed, I like what I hear. Neutral with some warmth, maybe a little extra mi centric.

Going to take my time but will come with a review after a while, life been very busy lately... Actually got this one week ago in Dublin, but first had time and energy to open it today.
Ray from Kotori Audio is a very great guy, its nice actually hearing one of his models after all the praise I heard from the previous model Vampire. So when he asked if I was interested in the Zephyr it was yes, even if I try and stay away from cheaper models to review now.

Some photos for now:

 

[Syan25]

The Kotori Audio Zephyr has landed, I like what I hear. Neutral with some warmth, maybe a little extra mi centric.

Going to take my time but will come with a review after a while, life been very busy lately... Actually got this one week ago in Dublin, but first had time and energy to open it today.
Ray from Kotori Audio is a very great guy, its nice actually hearing one of his models after all the praise I heard from the previous model Vampire. So when he asked if I was interested in the Zephyr it was yes, even if I try and stay away from cheaper models to review now.

Some photos for now:

I hope you stopped for some Guinness in Dublin....

 

[pk4425]

Arguably, pad rolling has a similarly dramatic effect on most headphones. Just look for example at some of the wild pad concoctions people (including Zach at ZMF) have cooked up for Grado sets. The effect pads have on a given headphone has more to do with the pad design than the headphone. HRTF also plays a big roll. Similar to IEM tips.

Oh, no doubt. I bought the ZMF perforated leather replacement pads for my HD 6XX last year, and they launched those cans to an even higher level of sweetness for me.

Image of Little Bear specifications: Output power 450mw.

Hmm. More than I thought. I wonder at what impedance load that output was measured. Probably 32 ohms, which seems to be a standard today, which means that it's much less at the 300 ohms of my over-ears. But yes, I know the Little Bear is a portable ...

 

[Leonarfd]

I hope you stopped for some Guinness in Dublin....

I did

I have @Leonarfd set on loan right now. This is absolutely right up there at the top with the best that I personally have ever heard. Superb in both looks and tuning!

Glad you enjoy them, one of my favourites together with Cadenza 12 and Omega. My Cadenza 12 review is finished soon, and then you then can loan that one also

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

The Kotori Audio Zephyr has landed, I like what I hear. Neutral with some warmth, maybe a little extra mi centric.

Going to take my time but will come with a review after a while, life been very busy lately... Actually got this one week ago in Dublin, but first had time and energy to open it today.
Ray from Kotori Audio is a very great guy, its nice actually hearing one of his models after all the praise I heard from the previous model Vampire. So when he asked if I was interested in the Zephyr it was yes, even if I try and stay away from cheaper models to review now.

Some photos for now:

Your comment about staying away from cheaper models to review is very telling. May I ask why? Do you feel you've outgrown budget gear after spending so much time with summit-fi and kilobuck IEMs? Are you now feeling the need to cater to the Watercooler thread? I ask with a high degree of respect. Very curious as to why, as this isn't the first time a reviewer who used to review budget gear, has said this very thing.

 

[MakeItWain]

Single DD DAY! YuXuanJi and Saga balanced are in! Burning in now. Two song impression: tangzu has was bass but VERY good treble… Saga has more impactful bass.

Yu Xuan Ji is the good stuff. So many good releases lately.

 

[Ozboyblu]

Tangzu Yu Xuan Ji

These arrived today . Nice balance of bass, mids and treble and timbre for a single DD and open back design. I like what I’m hearing so far.

Faceplate looks stunning. Cost me $89 AUD from Ali E.

Probably need a burn in . That’s all I got for now.

 

[Syan25]

Tangzu Yu Xuan Ji








These arrived today . Nice balance of bass, mids and treble and timbre for a single DD and open back design. I like what I’m hearing so far.

Faceplate looks stunning. Cost me $89 AUD from Ali E.

Probably need a burn in . That’s all I got for now.

Great photos.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

This really flew under the radar for me until it didn't. Timsok TS-316.

Thanks to @gadgetgod for sending this across to audition.

 

[Leonarfd]

Your comment about staying away from cheaper models to review is very telling. May I ask why? Do you feel you've outgrown budget gear after spending so much time with summit-fi and kilobuck IEMs? Are you now feeling the need to cater to the Watercooler thread? I ask with a high degree of respect. Very curious as to why, as this isn't the first time a reviewer who used to review budget gear, has said this very thing.

This is more about time available, I have said no to review cheaper sets for over a year now. The more you have available for review the more you have to be picky, an easy way to eliminate some is to say no to cheaper sets.

I prefer to give my reviews good time, and tbh I have reviewed way more than what is healthy when I look at time used per review. Been quite tired last months due to this, having full-time job then push reviews while also being there for the family and friends.

Not about being being to posh for cheaper sets, I love both cheaper sets and expensive.

 

[Syan25]

This is more about time available, I have said no to review cheaper sets for over a year now. The more you have available for review the more you have to be picky, an easy way to eliminate some is to say no to cheaper sets.

I prefer to give my reviews good time, and tbh I have reviewed way more than what is healthy when I look at time used per review. Been quite tired last months due to this, having full-time job then push in reviews while also being there for the family and friends.

Not about being being to posh for cheaper sets, I love both cheaper sets and expensive.

That's good because once the honeymoon is over, that's when a real opinion can be formed. You can also overdo it. Any reviews you do are well respected because you do it properly and over time. Cheers mate!

If you are ever in Yorkshire, I'll buy a few rounds of British ale...

 

[fidgeraldo]

I will just say...THIS IS A WONDERFUL PAIR OF IEMS--->TIANDIRENHE TD08 Pro!
Excellent experience! Easy 7!

Cheers!

 

[gadgetgod]

This really flew under the radar for me until it didn't. Timsok TS-316.

Thanks to @gadgetgod for sending this across to audition.

Man i need your photography skills :/ Hope you enjoy the TS-316, it has slowly found its place among my top-favorite single DD IEMs(Right after Twilight that you are well aware of hehe).

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Man i need your photography skills :/ Hope you enjoy the TS-316, it has slowly found its place among my top-favorite single DD IEMs(Right after Twilight that you are well aware of hehe).

You're far better at photography than I am. I have a lot to learn from you.