For larger views of any of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images   The formula above in the title simply refers to Sound Quality + Build Quality + Perceived Value.  Read on to find out why for me they became a must buy.   INTRODUCTION   I’d read a little about the Fidue A83 on these forums, but really knew nothing about the company or their IEMs.  And whilst I’d looked at a couple of the reviews, and was genuinely interested, at USD 320-399, and considering I already have a set of Dunu DN-1000 and Altone200 (both also...

For larger views of any of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images PREAMBLE Tekfusion (http://www.tekfusiontechnologies.com/) is an audio company founded in 2011 in Bangalore, India. They are pretty ‘new on the block’, and it was only recently that they appeared on Head-Fi looking for reviewers of their Twinwoofer IEMs. I expressed an interest, and along with four others was chosen to be on the panel of initial reviewers. As the name suggests, Tekfusion’s Twinwoofers were designed with serious bass impact and...

For larger views of any of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images     PREAMBLE   SWP Shinwoo (http://swpshinwoo.com/) is a Korean electronics company founded in 1986 who started developing earphones in 2012, changed their company name to T-Peos in 2013, and at the same time launched their first 3 way hybrid IEMs.  Their focus is on quality (reading their website is impressive), and it shows in their latest product release – the T-Peos Altone200.   Until recently I did not know a lot about T-Peos or their product range...

For larger views of any of the photos (1200 x 800) - please click on the individual images PREAMBLE Brainwavz is a now well established manufacturer of headphones in the value for money category – offering many different options (especially for IEMs) that suit almost anyone’s sonic preferences. I’ve previously had both good and bad experiences with their headphones / IEMs – I previously reviewed and owned their B2 IEMs and HM5 headphones, and both were stellar performers. I also sampled their R1 and R3 IEMs – but unfortunately these didn’t...

PREAMBLE INTRODUCING ROCK JAW’S ALFA GENUS SINGLE DYNAMIC DRIVER IEM (Updated 8th Sept) Special Note - I've updated the review 8th Sept 2014 - amendments are marked in red for easy identification. The Alfa Genus From Rock Jaw Alfa Genus Paired With Fiio X5 RockJaw UK is a relatively new headphone/earphone manufacturer to the Head-Fi scene, so it was with particular interest that I noticed their early posts on the forums, and when they asked for potential reviewers to test their audio product range, but more...

A 200 p next to the iPhone 4 Dimunitive A 200 p   INTRODUCTION   I’m pretty happy with my current audio chain at the moment (see my sig for set-up).  I have pretty much all bases covered for both portable and desktop listening – but like most Head-fiers, I’m always interested in trying something new.  You never know if it could be the next “must have” device.   So I was immediately interested when Esra from Beyerdynamic asked for volunteers on the forums to test their new A 200 p.  Unfortunately I’ve only had the device for around a week...

uDac-3 From NuForce (front panel) uDac-3 From NuForce (rear panel)   INTRODUCTION My audio chain has been very stable of late, my last addition being my HD700s, and before that my Studio V3 Anniversary (DAP) and Dunu DN-1000s.  With the addition of the Studio V3, I had pretty much solved all of my remaining audio requirements – good desktop system, good DAP for portable, good headphones – what more could I need?   Then out of the blue, Wolfgang from NuForce contacted me to inquire if I’d be interested in having a  listen to their uDac-3. ...

X5 - Strength and Beauty The Fiio X5   INTRODUCTION My audio chain has actually been pretty stable of late, my last addition being the Studio V3 Anniversary (DAP) and Dunu DN-1000s.  With the addition of the Studio V3, I had pretty much solved the one missing component – a decent DAP for my requirements.  I watched the progress with other “audiophile” high-res players being released (DX100, DX50, AK100 & 120, X3 and others), but beyond mild curiosity, I wasn’t overly tempted to go beyond what I currently have.  Then Fiio advertised that they...

Introducing Brainwavz very uniquely designed dual dynamic IEM Brainwavz R3 (Comply Tips) Brainwavz R3 Dual Dynamic IEM I've been lucky enough recently to start reviewing for a few IEM and earbud manufacturers. Raz from MP4 Nation PM'd me a month ago, and asked if I'd be interested in listening to, and reviewing, the new Brainwavz R3 dual dynamic driver IEM. This is one I was really looking forward to for a variety of reasons: [a] I previously owned and very much enjoyed Brainwavz B2 (dual BA) IEMs , and also their HM5 full...

Introducing Dunu's DN1000 Hybrid (dual BA + single dynamic) IEM   I've been lucky enough recently to start reviewing for a few IEM and ear-bud manufacturers.  After reading other comments and reviews on Dunu's latest flagship (the DN-1000 triple driver hybrid), and communicating with Rocky from Dunu, I got my chance to listen to this wonderful product recently. They arrived a little over three weeks ago – and in that time I’ve logged a lot of hours with them (in fact they've been my IEM of choice).  I’ve listed price at  USD $215...

EDITED AGAIN 4th DEC - FOLLOWING FIRMWARE ADJUSTMENT Introducing HiSound Audio’s TOTL DAP – The Studio V 3rd Anniversary Edition   Studio V3 A.E. Sonic Joy - V3 A.E. + RS1   After reviewing many of HSA’s earbuds and IEMs lately, my thoughts turned toward buying a new DAP.  My iPod Touch G4 (32 GB) had been getting pretty full, and I’d been tossing up between simply getting the iPod Touch G5 (64 GB) + an add on amp (probably an Arrow) so I could drive my higher impedance full cans, or buying a DAP that could do an all-in-one job.  I...

Introducing HiSound Audio's BA100 Balanced Armature IEM After reviewing HSA's E212 and Crystal IEMs, and PAA-1Pro and Living buds, Jack from HSA approached me and asked if I'd like a review sample of their new BA100 Balanced Armature IEM. Naturally I jumped at the chance – as for the most part I have enjoyed both their IEMs and earbuds, and I was intrigued as to their next offering. They arrived just on a week ago – and in that time I’ve logged a lot of hours with them. I’ve listed price at USD $59 (available at Noisy Motel for this...

Introducing HiSound Audio's Living Earbuds After reviewing HSA's E212 and PAA-1Pro recently, Jack approached me and asked if I'd like a review sample of the Crystal (IEM) and Living (Earbuds). I jumped at the chance, and after paying for the freight - they duly arrived a couple of weeks ago. I’ve listed price at the RRP of ~ USD $149 – this is not what I paid for them (they are a review sample which I only paid the freight cost) Disclaimer I was provided the HSA Living for just the cost of shipping. I am in no way affiliated...

Introducing HiSound Audio's Crystal IEMs After reviewing HSA's E212 and PAA-1Pro recently, Jack approached me and asked if I'd like a review sample of the Crystal (IEM) and Living (Earbuds). I jumped at the chance, and after paying for the freight - they duly arrived a couple of weeks ago. I’ve listed price at the RRP of ~ USD $69 – this is not what I paid for them (they are a review sample which I only paid the freight cost) Disclaimer I was provided the HSA Crystal for just the cost of shipping. I am in no way affiliated with...

Most of this review is taken from my original longer comparison review here : http://www.head-fi.org/t/679360/review-hisound-audio-paa1-pro-earbuds-e212-iems-opposites-in-almost-every-way For this review - ignore the green bars on the side - it's not where I set mine (something wrong with Head-Fi rating system). I listed price at $50 as that is the normal price for these buds. In reality I paid $10 (the cost of the shipping). Introducing HiSound Audio's PAA1-Pro I'm always a sucker for trying new things - you never know when...

Most of this review is taken from my original longer comparison review here; http://www.head-fi.org/t/679360/review-hisound-audio-paa1-pro-earbuds-e212-iems-opposites-in-almost-every-way Ignore the green bars on the side - it's not where I set mine (something wrong with the Head-Fi rating system). I listed price at $50 - which is normal price - but I paid $10 (postage only). Introducing HiSound Audio's E212 I'm always a sucker for trying new things - you never know when you'll find a hidden gem. So when I saw HiSound...

         From AKG's website - they describe the Q701 as:   Sparkling harmonics, incredibly low distortion and unequalled realism in the lower frequencies – it’s the huge, airy, three-dimensional sound available only in the finest high-end speaker systems and microphones. Now, we've engineered it into the most accurate and responsive reference headphones we've ever produced, the Q 701s. Hear music exactly as the artist intended in true surrounding sound.   Let's see if they match the 'marketing' .......   Pre-amble (about me) I'm a 46...

       First up - I am unabashed fan of this tiny amplifier.  I think that it's features are quite simply amazing given the form factor.   Sadly - I'm actually moving on from it - as I find that I'm using it less with my harder to drive cans now (for most of my portable use - I now simply use my IEMs).  However I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this little amp to anyone.   Preamble - a bit about me At the time of writing, I'm a 46 year old music lover.  I don't say audiophile - just love my music.  Over the last couple of years, I have...

Introduction The HiSoundAudio Popo is a dynamic driver IEM - using an African Rosewood housing - with a warm, engaging , fun  - but very bassy sound signature.  I understand it currently has a retail price point around the 70-90USD mark.   Pre-amble (about me) I'm a 45 year old music lover.  I don't say audiophile - just love my music.  Over the last couple of years, I have slowly changed from cheaper listening set-ups to my current entry/mid-fi set-up.  I vary my listening from portable (i-devices + amp) to my desk-top's set-up (PC > coax >...

  Introduction The Brainwavz HM5 is a closed dynamic circumaural head-phone which appears to be a clone of the Fischer Audio FA-003.  There is also another similar clone by Lindy.  OEM/ODM manufacturer appears to be Yoga Electronics. Response from owners at the moment suggest that the HM5 / FA-003 / Lindy sound similar/same.       Pre-amble (about me) I'm a 44 year old music lover.  I don't say audiophile - just love my music.  Over the last couple of years, I have slowly changed from cheaper listening set-ups to my current entry/mid-fi...