Brainwavz continues to step up their game. This time it's in the realm of Bluetooth! The BLU-100 is a budget-priced IEM that is very well-designed and offers very good sound for anyone that needs serious mobility without compromising sound quality. Check it.     The Breakdown    Test Songs:   "Love on Top" - Beyonce - 4 "What About Me" - Snarky Puppy - We Like It Here "Attaboy" - Yo Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, & Chris Thile - The Goat Rodeo Sessions "Milestones" - Miles Davis - Milestones "If You Want Me to Stay" - Sly & The Family...

Just like the Koss KSC75 and the Fiio X1, the E100 Earbell from Baldoor (and Mrice) represents a phenomenal value. This little $14 wonder has done two things for me: 1. It has renewed my faith in earbuds and 2. Has proven yet again, that top tier sound can be had for bottom tier prices - you just have to be willing to look! If you're interested in a new super-cheap piece of kit for your commute or gym-time, I cannot recommend the E100 enough.     The Breakdown    Test Songs (all ALAC either 16/44 or 24/96):   "Bloody Well Right" - Super Tramp...

Here we go again. It seems like every other review I've done lately has been on some product from this up-and-coming company that is making a name for itself. This one is however, different than all the others. It's just... better.     The Breakdown    Test Songs (all ALAC either 16/44 or 24/96):   Whistle Past the Graveyard - Rolling Jazz Revue - rjr What About Me - Snarky Puppy - We Like It Here Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap - Speak for Yourself Prelude from Cello Suite #4 - Yo Yo Ma   Source: Fiio X5  Bass: Full and textured. I've...

Here we go again. It seems like every other review I've done lately has been on some product from this up-and-coming company that is making a name for itself. Luckily for us, this IEM from Brainwavz is just like many of its brethren: a force to be reckoned with. Sound Bass: Just plain good. I've heard several of the sub $100 category from Brainwavz, including the Delta, S0, and S1. So far the low-end on the M1 is my favorite. The sub-bass is there (something not usually found in IEMs running under $100) and surprisingly capable. Macklemore's "A...

Well here's the long and the short of it: the new 'e' version of the Grado SR325 is the best one yet. And, IMHO it's the best Grado for the money. Here's why:   I've listened to a lot of headphones. A lot a lot. More than anyone should. And as such, I've developed some preferences. To keep this from dragging on... Grado is where it's at if you want lifelike reproduction. Back when I reviewed my RS1i, I mentioned that it was the first and only headphone (to that date) I'd heard that made me feel like I was listening to actual instruments. After...

The HM5 Velours are quite simply, an uber-comfortable pad for HM5/Shure/Beyer/ATH/(most large circumaural headphones). I was offered a review sample from Brainwavz and have the following to say regarding these and their stock counterparts:   1. Comfort: Both the pleather and velour pads are exceptionally comfortable. The memory foam is quite soft and pliable and distributes weight very well. Even though the Brainwavz HM5 is a bit of a clamper, the lightweight and soft design of the pads alleviates most of the discomfort making these great for long...

The iDA-1 from Geben is a portable amp/DAC that shakes hands with newer iDevices only - iPhones, Touches, and iPads. It offers plenty of power, two gain settings, analog and digital audio inputs and an anodized silver look that is just killer. In a world where products from Fostex, AlgoRhythm, and Sony cost upwards of $3-4-500 for the Apple "handshake" capability, this offering from small house company Geben is just what the rest of us need. Well, almost.   Some tech specs:   USB digital input device: iPhone5 & iPhone 3G, 4, and 5, iPad (all)...

Brainwavz has done it again! While there are several audio companies offering a nice budget-king-FOTW IEM here, a feature-packed portable amp there, I can't think of many that have put together the streak of high-quality products at affordable prices in the short time the way that the people at Brainwavz have done. Delta: Low Cost Champion. S5: Sub $100 Contender. S0: Budget All-Rounder. Even though it's not their newest, the closed back offering from Brainwavz is yet another strong entry.   Enter: The HM5.   The HM5 is a full-sized, closed-back...

The HE500 brings one word to my mind: Immersion. I've never felt closer to the music. Period.   It's the most organic, musical headphone I've heard to date. This implies a preference over the D2k, D5k, RS1i, GS1k, HE400i, ZMF Master, T90, HD600 and HD650. Just a home-run of an effort from Hifiman that, aside from a few aesthetic/comfort issues, makes these an end-game can.   The Breakdown    Test Songs (all ALAC either 16/44 or 24/96):   Someone Like You - Adele - Live from Royal Albert Hall Late in the Evening - Paul Simon - The Essential...

[Disclaimer: Audrey from Brainwavz reached out to me for a review. I'm in no way affiliated with the company and frankly, I'm quite humbled that I was asked to post my thoughts!]   The S0 is yet another sub-$100 offering from Brainwavz that, like its siblings, punches about its price point. It boasts a fun yet detailed sound signature that will bring a smile to both the average Joe and to the audiophile who'd like to have a gym-ready IEM that won't cause tears if it needs to be replaced.   Here's the breakdown:   Packaging/Accessories/Build...

The X5 from Fiio. Where to begin...   Perhaps I'll start with dual-CPU processing power... or maybe the dual TF card slots... or perhaps USB DAC functionality... then again how about the exceptionally black background...   So many options. You know what? I'll make your life easier. Since every other review is pretty dang thorough, I'll just include the highlights and then my personal impressions.   The Hits  Support for every lossless format under the Sun USB DAC capability Two TF-card slots (up to 256 GB!) Exceptional firmware/UI development...

So the Pan Am from ALO Audio. This little guy is pretty dang impressive. An excellently-built, functioning desktop solution that is pretty easy on the eyes too! For the record, I've got the whole stack - Pan Am, Passport, and Gateway. Haven't done much comparison between the two power supplies yet.   As for the sound, the presentation is not glaringly tilted towards the bright or dark end of the spectrum. In a word: neutral. Now of course the tubes you pick can change that, but it's nice to know that with a conservative tube like the Yugo 6HM5 or...

The new S5 from Brainwavz will certainly please most casual listeners. It's sleek design, tangle-proof flat capable, and pop-ready sound signature certainly justify it's price - not to mention probably the best IEM case I've ever seen short of an Otterbox.    Before I get into it, I owe a thank you to the good people at Brainwavz for reaching out to me for a review. They shipped the IEM to me quickly and have been very courteous and communicative throughout the review process. Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with them in any way.    (If you want...

The B3 from Havi is one of the best values for a reference-style IEM I've ever heard. In a time where most IEMs being sold for under $100 are tuned for the masses (i.e. V-shaped sigs that are easy to drive) the B3s refuse to conform. Here we have a dual-driver IEM that gives the budding audiophile a chance to get in on the neutral sound game.    Sound   Bass - Tight, textured, and fast. Bassheads should certainly look elsewhere. Anyone wanting to get bass as it was recorded presumably in studio can rest assured. The B3's deliver.    Mids - Rich...

Well I suppose the good people over at Audio gd would be quite proud. This is the first product out of their largish lineup that I've heard and well, I'm sold.   The NFB 11.32 was purchased after reading up in its appreciation thread. Even though I didn't need one, I'm still interested in mid-tier amp/DAC combos to see how they'll synergize with my gear. I have a MacBook Pro running Fidelia and 2-in-1 combos are the most logical option for my setup. The 11.32 was an excellent purchase for the following reasons.   Sound/Resolution:   It has a...

Well let's admit it. Open-back headphones spoil closed-back cans for most of us. While closed cans isolate, they've never been able to match up in terms of soundstage and instrument placement. Luckily for us Zach over at ZMF is helping to bridge the gap.    The ZMF Master Model is a stunning variation on the Fostex T50rp. Among other mods, Zach offers cup painting, recabling, headband padding, and of course his special blend of damping/sound-altering mods.    I was the very lucky winner of a pair of the V1 variation at the Music City Meet...

Many moons ago, early in my head-fi journey, I had the SE215 and thought pretty highly of it. Very good all-around sound, nice form factor, under $100, and removable cables. What wasn't to like?! Those guys served me very well for yardwork and gym-time for a few months before I moved onto something else. Now I'm back with the 215 LTDs and I think they're to be a staple in my lineup.   These guys look great. The aquamarine color is gorgeous. The color reminds me of some nice CIEMs I've seen before so that's cool. The size/shape of the housing fits...

The KICAS from Purity Audio is a very clean and capable sounding solid state amp that's been spiced with a touch of tube-esque warmth.    KICAS (Keep It Clean And Simple) says it all. 1/4" headphone out, power switch, a pair of RCA inputs, and AC power input. That's all you get, and the guys at Purity proved that's all you need.   This one has excellent synergy with my Grados as well as the SM64s. The RS1's sound very punchy and dynamic (even more than normal) with sibilance only on poor recordings. Separation is very natural and coherent. This...

Ah yes, the SennGrado. Like a unicorn or a woman with brains and beauty, this one is almost impossible to believe. But I'm here to tell you: believe it.   If you want background info, head over to the non-Grado thread. Basically a handful of modders (led by @wje) have installed the drivers from Senn's portable PX100 II in Grado-style cups with astounding results. If you're not sold yet, consider the fact that most who have tried the SG have considered, if not already sold their higher end Grados.   The SennGrado bests anything in the Prestige...

The HE400 from Hifiman is a great value. For someone looking to a.) try a planar magnetic headphone or b.) find a pair of cans that will offer excellent, natural sound at a solid price, then this is one you need to consider.    They're built like tanks! Although the amount of visible plastic is scary at first, its very obvious once you pick them up that they're going to take a few knocks before you have to worry. From the headband (very comfortable) to the metal gimbals to the shielded cable to the plush earpads, the HE400 won't make you feel timid...