Perhaps it is worth taking a big step back to remember why we are all here. The thread seems to have calmed down today, but there are still some things I feel need to be said.
I’m a longtime headphone guy. Last year I started my journey to find an IEM more serious than Apple’s premium buds. I was intrigued by AKG’s K3003i hybrid model, which I heard in an airport plugged into my Cowon P1. I loved the deep bass, clean separation and clarity of the high end sparkle, but thought it was overpriced. I was also concerned about the long term durability of the relatively thin fixed wires. Then I discovered the Dunu DN-2000J. It had some good reviews, but I was concerned about their customer service if anything went wrong. Then, I found Trinity. Searching for alternative hybrid models, I found the Atlas, and then Bob’s Head Fi page from last January announcing the new Phantom line.
The more I read, the more I liked – Bob and his small firm committed to making great audio affordable. The reviews raved about their customer service, and Bob was personally involved with the audio community to listen to feedback and share his perspectives. I bought in. I thought, “This is someone I want to back.” Don’t get me wrong, I’d be untruthful if I didn’t admit that the discounted pricing also played a role, but here was a company trying to make a difference. I ordered the Hunter last June as soon as it was made available, then the Master 6 in July, and finally the Air on Kickstarter. While I am excited for the Air, I also wanted to make sure they met their goals to see the product actually made.
Over the course of the last year, Bob and team have transformed a silver disc into the ergonomic (I hope) shape of the Master 6, switched construction from aluminum to stainless steel in response to some Master 4’s filter threading issues and potential durability (from what I gather), re-tuned the Hunter, changed up the entire filter system, and then switched to an industry standard 2-pin connector to improve durability and preserve the removable cable feature to please us.
At this point, I’d say Bob and Trinity have done all they can to make the best product they can for us, and I for one am grateful for their many sacrifices during this long journey. I’m as eager as everyone else to listen to the results of their labor of love, and hope it is everything I’ve dreamed about. But while I’m waiting for my new gear to arrive, I’d like to take this opportunity to say “Thank you” to Bob and Trinity.
