Introduction Audbos approached me to review one of their sets, the DB-02. Available through Amazon, this hybrid set seemed to be a good value, but it also seemed very familiar. As an enthusiast of Asian brands, I came to realize the DB-02 is a rebadged Magaosi BK50 which had very good reviews. Through further digging, I found that Magaosi and Audbos were owned by the same company, making Audbos the brand name geared toward the western market. With Magaosi being a very good brand I was familiar with, I eagerly started burning in the DB-02...

Introduction One of the very first headphone amps I ever owned was the Aune T1. The hybrid solid state/tube sound was my introduction into Tube amps and helped give me a better understanding of how DACs and Amps worked. I was able to experience the difference between a normal computer or phone output compared to what a DAC and amp could do. Switching between tubes changed the sound even further. The build and sound quality of the T1 was very good and something I wasn’t expecting for such an affordable price. I became an Aune fan right after that...

Introduction   I was introduced to LZ IEMs over a year ago out of the blue. I was approached by a Head-Fi member to try out a pair of LZ-a2 triple hybrids which were completely unknown at the time. Their price of $99 was groundbreaking for a triple hybrid, and based on the way a few people were gushing over them, I knew I had to try them.   Within the first 15 minutes of listening, I was hooked. The sound was detailed and engaging, yet so smooth to listen to. It was unlike any hybrid I had heard before. It immediately became my favorite daily...

Introduction   I’ve never been a fan of DAPs. I’ve always found the interfaces clunky and missing features compared to what I could do with my Android smartphone and its apps. When high quality DACs started appearing in smartphones and when USB external DACs started working on them, my interest waned even further. It didn’t seem like I would ever be happy with a DAP, and I just gave up on them.   Fiio’s release of the X5 Gen 3 changes all of that. It includes everything I felt was missing in a DAP (Android apps, Wifi transfer, balanced audio, USB...

Introduction   Axgio offered me a chance to review the Axgio Dash, and I was glad to do so. They look to be a great alternative to the Wireless Apple Airpods for a third of the price.   I’ve noticed that a lot of first gen unknown fully wireless earphones had connection issues that plagued their performance. It wasn’t until recently that this tech became somewhat fully stable. Are the Axgio Dash Wireless earphones worth a purchase? Let’s find out….   I’d like to thank Axgio Audio for providing me the Dash for review purposes.   Specifications...

Introduction   **** has been a quality up and coming manufacturer in the Asian audio world. The **** 4 in 1 became a daily driver for me for a while with its bang for the buck cost/performance ratio. When the DT2+ was to be released, its triple hybrid configuration with a known Knowles BA driver inside drew my attention. Could it be another major bang for the buck? A triple hybrid under $40? Does the DT2+ have more tamed highs than the 4 in 1 before it?   I’d like to thank Jim at HCK audio on Aliexpress for providing me the DT2+ for review...

Introduction   Vibro Labs is a small company in Maine founded by Luke Pighetti. They specialize in “daily driver heirlooms”, and I was lucky enough to be picked for their ARIA tour. I am an owner of their IEM measurement device the “Veritas”, which I use to take measurements of all the IEMs I now purchase/receive.   REVIEW   This review will be a bit short as I only had the Aria for little more than a week, but I can give solid impressions of what I heard. To put things in perspective, it is easily one of the best IEMs I’ve heard to date ($500...

Introduction   Simgot is a new name in Asian audio that is getting some attention with their new EN700 model. Supposedly, some that were involved in tuning the Ostry IEMs have tuned this one, so it immediately caught my interest upon hearing this.   I’d like to thank Shenzhen Audio for providing me the Simgot EN700 for review.     REVIEW   Specifications Housing: Aluminum and stainless steel Driver unit: Single 10 mm dynamic Frequency response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz Impedance: 24 ohm Sensitivity: 101 +/- 3 dB/mW Power rating: 10 mW Cable length...

Introduction   I’d like to thank Jim at HCK audio on Aliexpress for providing me the Qingyin Y20 at a discounted price in exchange for an honest review.     REVIEW   **NOTE** There seems to be a defect in my right housing, causing pressure/suction on the ear and not getting a seal unless I use long foam tips. This may be my unit, so I will review with foam tips inserted.   Specifications                                                                                                               1. Product Name: QingYin-20 in ear...

Introduction   Penon Audio was one of the first Asian audio stores I visited years ago. I’ve been consistently impressed with their products and service ever since. When a seller sends you a Christmas card to thank you for being a customer, you know they care.   Penon Audio provided me the TFZ Series 1 at a discount for review. I have heard that TFZ consists of members who brought about the TTPOD iems years ago, which were very good at the time. Many thanks to them for the opportunity and purchase.   TFZ also has the Series 3 and Series 5...

Introduction   Lendmeurears of Singapore has been a quality, trusted store that has served audio lovers all over the world for a long time. They recently introduced their own in-house brand Alpha & Delta, and today we are going to focus on their sport model, the D2.   I’d like to thank Lendmeurears and Teo for the opportunity to review the D2.   REVIEW     Specifications   Driver unit: 10mm dynamic driver   Impedance: 16 ohm   Rated power: 1mW Frequency Response: 10 Hz- 20 Khz Speaker Sensitivity: 95 +/- db/ mW   Cord Length: 1.2m...

Little Dot MK II   Introduction   The Little Dot MK2 is and oldie but goodie, having been around since 2008. The MK2 is a testament of a solid, affordable tube amp. The tube selection, gain choices, and overall quality have stood the test of time, and it is well past time I’ve tried a pure, non hybrid tube amp in my music chain.   I’d like to thank George at Gearbest for providing me the MK2 for review. The MK2 price at Gearbest is one of the best on the net right now.   **NOTE** I was provided a 220v version of the MK2, as the 110v was not...

Introduction   Brainwavz contacted me to provide a review for one of their products, and I was glad to participate.   Space is a luxury I don’t have much of, and my headphone collection is growing. The Truss intrigued me, as I don’t have the space for another stand (I already have the Brainwavz Quartz), but the Truss would allow me to use the underside of my desk to store headphones. It’s a great idea, made possible with some strong 3M double sided tape.   About me     REVIEW       Specifications   Mounting Method: 3M VHB™...

Meizu EP-51       Introduction   The technology behind Bluetooth earphones can be pretty amazing to think about, even though many can be had for very cheap nowadays. Teenage me in the late 90’s would have had some great times with a Bluetooth earphone. Adult me appreciates their convenience in the gym and on a good run.   Meizu is no stranger to high quality at value pricing. The Meizu HD 50 I reviewed previously is one of my favorite headphone purchases that you can find under $100 (especially now that the Takstar Pro 80 is discontinued)...

Introduction   Zhiyin, a somewhat unknown company to anyone outside of China, has recently produced the QT5 which I am reviewing today. It is handmade, with four balanced armatures and one dynamic driver. It immediately caught my attention, as a configuration with these specs can normally run up to $1,000, such as with the Shure SE846. The SE846 actually does not have the extra dynamic driver that the QT5 has, making the QT5 an even higher spec IEM. Multiple drivers do not automatically equal good sound though, so I had to see for myself if the QT5...

        Introduction   When the Oneplus One came out, I waited about two months for an invite to purchase it. When I did purchase it, I was floored by the performance for the price. Nothing in the smartphone market came close in value and performance. With the Oneplus Icons, Oneplus seems to look to do the same in the earphone market. Did they succeed like they did with the Oneplus One, or did they stumble a bit like they did with the Oneplus Two?   I'd like to thank Gearbest for providing the sample to review.   About me   I’m a...

Pros: Handmade, Artsy, a great gift for creative types Cons: Too much uncontrolled bass. Average sound quality.         Introduction   Handmade earphones are a unique and rare item in the audio industry, so I was happy to review the new Jelly Doux for Duong and Joinhandmade out of Vietnam.   About me   I’m a price/performance value shopper in everything I purchase. I spend an extensive amount of time researching purchases and always look for a good value. I have also spent many years as an A/V and music enthusiast. I have owned some...

Pros: Comfort, style, quality build, bass, enjoyable on ear Cons: Slight treble peak. Slight midrange recession   Introduction   Meizu is one of my favorite smartphone companies out of China. They are equal in quality to Xiaomi in their smartphone offerings, and I was genuinely intrigued to see just how their HD 50 performed, as it seemed very promising. George at Gearbest was kind enough to provide me a review sample for my unbiased opinion.   About me   I’m a price/performance value shopper in everything I purchase. I spend an...

Faith Audio LZ-A2   About me: I’m a price/performance value shopper in everything I purchase. I spend an extensive amount of time researching purchases and always look for a good value. I have also spent many years as an A/V enthusiast. I have owned some high end audio equipment, from amps to speakers. I eventually moved on into building my own DIY custom speakers, as I felt the value and performance of most commercial speakers lacking. I found out through this process that you could create high end setups from equipment costing thousands less...

Ausdom M08   Intro   Gearbest and Ausdom contacted me and asked if I would provide a review of their M08 Bluetooth Headphone. I was happy to do so.   I have held a high interest in high quality, value priced equipment from China ever since I started the Chinese Audio thread here on Head-Fi a few years ago. Having never heard of Ausdom, I was curious to see just how well their equipment performed compared to the many other brands I have heard from companies based in Asia. Find out below how well they did.   Specifications:   Mic. Spec ...