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.


I was lucky enough to participate in the S6 review tour, and here are my impressions.


NOTE* I spent a little less than a week with the unit due to shipping issues, so my experience and review will be a bit abbreviated.


REVIEW



SPECIFICATIONS:
White TFT display
DAC: AK4495S
Natively recognized on Mac OS and Linux without drivers
Bitperfect: Wasapi / Asio for Microsoft XP to Win10
Inputs: 1x Optical Toslink, 1x Coaxial, 1x USB B and 1x AES / EBU
Decoding up to 32bit / 384kHz (USB) via XMOS interface and 24bit / 192kHz for other digital inputs
DSD native support (DSD64 (DOP / native), DSD128 (DOP)
Support for DXD 32bit 384khz
Digital isolation of USB and Coaxial inputs
2x high precision clocks
Shielded transformer
Stereo analog outputs on RCA and XLR
Balanced 4-pin XLR headphone output
Headphone output asymmetrical 6.35mm jack

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Bandwidth: 20hz to 20khz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.0008% to 1khz
Dynamic capacity: 116dB
Crosstalk: -132dB
Output voltage (RCA): 2 Vrms
Output Voltage (XLR): 4.2Vrms

POWER OUTPUT:
Symmetric output port: 246mW @ 300ohm
Asymmetric Output Port: 72mW @ 300ohm


PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Selecting sources by pushbutton
Volume control for helmet with notched potentiometer
Chassis Aluminum Black anti-oxidation treated
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS:
Housing dimensions: 288 x 211 x 63mm
Weight: 3kg


Design



Aune went with an interesting design choice on the S6. The top of the S6 is curved, which looks unique compared to many desktop DAC/Amps, but makes stacking of other audio equipment very difficult. I use an LH Labs LPS power supply to filter my USB connection, and it could not be safely stacked atop the S6. For those willing to spend $500+ on their desktop setup, you would expect them to have other audio devices. I can’t say I’m a fan of that design choice, as I can’t even put a headphone stand on top to save desk space.


The casing is made of a sturdy matte black Aluminum. Based on the material, the case doesn’t quite look or feel as premium as it could be. When I think of a good use of Aluminum, I think along the lines of the older iPhones. The way it is used on the S6 feels more utilitarian in design, lacking that sexy look and feel of a more premium device.


Another knock on the design is the volume knob. It feels a bit cheap in the way it clicks between volume notches. It does make things a bit more precise, but also more annoying. Pushing the button in for different modes seemed a bit imprecise, but it got the job done.


The LCD screen is a nice touch, showing exactly what info is needed on screen with no frills.


I do like the 4-pin XLR front jack and 6.35mm single ended input up front for ease of use.


The back includes dual XLR, RCA, AES, optical, coax, and a USB input. Just about any input and output type is available.


Sound Review


Testing Gear (in order of quality)

LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0

Aune S6

LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity (Balanced)

Axon 7

Asrock Fatality amped onboard DAC/amp


Music used for testing

Metal, EDM, Classic Rock, Acoustic, Top 40, Rap, anything that shuffles up.




Sound Signature


AKM DACs tend to be on the warmer side, and the 4495 used in the S6 is no exception. Compared to the many ESS Sabre DACs I have owned, the 4495 trades a little less sparkle and treble for a satisfying warmth. Those that find Sabre DACs a bit too bright will enjoy the S6’s sound. Soundstage, resolution, imaging is all there depending on how good your headphone/IEM is. The S6 won’t hold it back.



Power


There is an abundance of power on hand running Balanced on the S6. You get an easy 1 Watt of power at 32 ohm with a THD of .001 at 1khz. That is a strong amount of clean, distortion free power. The S6 can handle nearly any headphone you throw at it, including 600 ohm sets and most Planar Magnetic headphones. Only the most difficult Planars and headphones will have some trouble (like the HE-6). If you truly need that extra bit of power, Aune offers the S7 balanced amp that can be added (at nearly the same price of the S6 itself)



Conclusion



DSD capable, powerful Balanced desktop DAC/Amp combos used to easily cost in the $1000+ range, but we have started to see units like the S6 and Schiit Jotunheim in the $500 range. This is a stellar achievement in Headphone audio, as running Balanced really does give that extra bit of clean sound anyone can appreciate.


So should you get the S6 or Jotunheim? I can say it is much easier to purchase the Jotunheim in the US. Aune seems to not have many distributors that I can find selling the S6 compared to its other products. You can buy the S6 from Aune directly at http://mall.auneaudio.com/ though.


I can’t say that the Jotunheim is truly better though based on specs. Schiit doesn’t show comparable THD numbers per mW, so it is tough to judge what seems to be power in favor of the Jotunheim. The Jot is also a little cheaper and made in the US.


The 4495 may outperform the dual 4490’s, but I cannot say for sure until I listen to the Jot. I don’t think you could go wrong with either setup


If I didn’t already own the Pulse X Infinity, I would have purchased the S6 myself. Well done Aune.

Score 4.5/5.0 (I can't seem to get this to show)

The LH Labs Geek Out had a lot to live up to. A good 7+ months ago, the Geek Out started as a concept. This concept was to bring a high quality audio experience into a small and affordable device. Light Harmonic already created and sold the Da Vinci DAC, an award winning $20,000+ DAC, but they wanted to take a chance and bring a more affordable device to the masses.
 
Kickstarter crowdfunding was used to successfully fund into the project. As an "investor" into the Geek Out, I felt connected with the project. I and the other backers wanted it to succeed. We offered advice that changed the device into a better one over time. We told LH Labs what we wanted, and they listened. I got in as an early backer, and got an incredible deal on an incredible device. I kick myself for not getting in earlier and getting an even bigger discount. Even at retail, the Geek Out is still a steal.
 
I have the Silver Geek Out 1000, and this sucker is powerful. It is easily as powerful as my 1000mW Aune T1. The GO is being powered from USB alone, where the T1 has a giant power supply that needs to be plugged in. The Geek Out also happens to support 96khz+ and DSD, which the T1 can't do. The GO also sounds much better, and does it for the same price.
 
The device itself is smaller than a deck of cards, is lightweight, and has a beautiful aluminum shell. A LED alignment shows you physically on the device what bitrate your music is being played in. The two outputs offer different resistance modes 0.47ohm and 47ohm, which can be used simultaneously, or to better match your equipment. The GO is so powerful, that I normally run it on the 47ohm line out most of the time. Although I no longer have it, I'm sure the GO 1000 could easily support the HE-500 and most other demanding headphones as well.
 
Sound quality is stunning. "I'm hearing things I never heard before" is so cliche in an audio review, but it is 100% true here. Soundstage, imaging, bass tightness, clarity, power, a black background, impact... it's all there in spades. I find it more enjoyable than my old Audio-GD 11.32 unit, which was no slouch in sound, and was $350+.
 
The GO also has this unique ability to "change" the sound signature of some headphones, yet it doesn't color the sound and remains neutral. Let me try to explain this, because it might not make sense at first. Some headphones that I have previously found "a little hollow" or not as enjoyable as I liked, now seem to have come alive and gotten better. Maybe it is from the increased detail this DAC gives, but it can really throw you off guard and question your opinions of your headphone and speaker gear through older DACs and amps. I think that's awesome, and its an intangible quality that wasn't expected.
 
Setup on Windows 8.1 was quick and easy. The LH Control Panel is simple and shows you basic info and volume control. Foobar2000 and the LH ASIO driver played with no issues.
 
I was unable to get the GO working on my Cyanogenmod 11 Nexus 5 Android Phone with USB Audio Player Pro however, which was disappointing. I connected the GO via a USB OTG Y cable, and provided it external battery power with 2.1A. It powered the device, but neither CM11 nor UAPP was able to initialize it. Hopefully this can be fixed or added in the future. My Aune T1 worked flawlessly with CM11 and UAPP. The GO would be the ultimate DAC/Amp for me if it could work off my Nexus too.
 
I'm blown away by the GO. It draws me in, and makes me want to listen to my music more. Mission accomplished LH. Well done, and thank you. Keep bringing this quality and pricing around, and I will continue to purchase them.
 
Just buy one already. I'm really excited at what the Geek Pulse and Geek Wave will bring when they arrive now.

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
 

1. Mounting Method: 3M VHB™ adhesive tape
2. Material: All-Metal, Die-Cast Aluminium
3. Overall Dimensions: 162 x 45 x 60 mm
4. Headband Plate Dimensions: 45 x 50 mm each
5. Weight: 135 g

 
 
Thoughts
 

 
 
The first thing that caught my eye with the Truss is the all metal build. There is no flimsy plastic anywhere to be found. The Truss feels solid with some nice heft to it. I had no worries of breakage, nor did I think the Truss would fall while holding headphones despite being mounted with 3M adhesive tape. The tape is strong, so be careful if you ever need to remove it.
 
The black double hanger design is attractive and allows the outer cups of your headphones to show facing you. It’s a minor but nice touch, as my others stands place the headphone as it would be worn.
 
I currently have it right next to me at my gaming pc/audio station. While my AKG 7XX sits on an Omega stand, any other set that I currently wish to use goes right on the Truss within arm’s length. It’s incredibly convenient and hidden away, saving me some desk space in the process.
 
Installation
 

 
 
Installation is very simple. Attach one end of the 3M adhesive to the Truss, and stick the Truss underneath the area you desire to hang it from. That’s it.
 
Conclusion
 
I had no idea the Truss even existed, nor did I think I would ever need something like this. I’ve had the Brainwavz Quartz for a while which I really like, but the Truss is a must have item for someone needing both space and quick access to their headphones. Its price is modest as well, considering you’re getting a fully metal piece.
 
Simple, strong, modern, and a great idea.
 
I’d like to thank Brainwavz for providing me with the sample, along with providing nice affordable stands to the audio community.

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 than most branded commercial setups.
Since I cannot play music at 100+db all day and night in an apartment complex, I started looking for similar values in the Headphone/Earphone/IEM world. In a Beats dominated world, I was very disappointed.
I then found out about some excellent headphones/IEMs at great prices being made by Asian companies that are not known of here in the US. It renewed my interest in headphones and became the basis of the Asian audio thread.
 
Intro
I was made aware of the LZ-A2 by fellow Head-Fi members RedJohn456 and yangian. They gave high praise to this IEM, and I had to see for myself if they were as good as claimed.
I was skeptical initially. The less than $99 price for a triple hybrid (Dual Balanced Armature + Dynamic Driver) was very intriguing, but TTPOD released a triple hybrid at this price range a while ago, and it failed to impress.
After being provided a review sample by Faith Audio (with RedJohn456’s help) and listening for myself, I can say that not only is the LZ-A2 as good as claimed, it has become my new favorite IEM in my collection.
 
Specifications:
 1. Product Name: LZ A2 Dynamic and Armature 3 unit Headphone   
 2. Brand: LZ
 3. Model: A2
 4. Type: In-ear  
 5. Impedance: 16Ω 
 6. Headphone sensitivity:120±3db
 7. Frequency range: 2-24000Hz
 8. Interface: 3.5mm 
 9. Cable Length: 1.2m±5cm
10.Weight: 25g
11.Color: Gold   
12. Mic:  Optional
13.Headphones category: HIFI, Monitor
14.Drive unit: dynamic and complex double unit armature (3 unit drive)
 

 

 
 
Build Features/Accessories: 

1. Case
2. Multiple eartips
3. Ear Hooks

 
The LZ-A2 did not ship with any packaging. It arrived in a case along with multiple (serviceable) eartips. I won’t spend much time comparing the tips, as I immediately set them aside to replace them with the wider bore tips of the JVC Spiral Dots.
The housing consists of a metal/metal alloy with a shiny gold appearance. The chin slider runs up and down a standard, plastic coated, clear, flexible cable that doesn’t tangle nearly as much as many other cables that I have.
I have no problems with comfort from the housings. I can listen (and have listened) for a few hours with them without any comfort or fatigue issues.
 
Sound Quality:
Source: LH Labs Pulse X Infinity, Moto X Pure + LH Labs V2+ Infinity
 

1. Excellent bass levels and clarity. Some of the best I’ve heard in a hybrid
2. Excellent midrange/vocals/guitar crunch. A treat to use with Rock music
3. Slight roll off in treble. Detail and resolution not up to the level of other flagship hybrids

 
Just like when meeting a new person, you usually get an idea within the first few minutes if you like them or not. Within the first few minutes of listening to the LZ-A2, I knew I found something special.
 
The first thing you notice is a bass slam/impact that you don’t normally hear from higher end earphones. When you listen further, you can hear a control in that bass impact that is noticeably absent from lower end earphones. This extended bass (sub bass and mid bass boost) gives a fun, pleasing boost which enhances the bass line in a rap song, but also brings out the bass drum in a good rock song. It does this while retaining the control and clarity hybrids are known for without muddying up the rest of the frequency spectrum. I have not heard this amount of bass from anything with a balanced armature unit in it before, so I was pleasantly surprised.
 
The midrange captures your attention next. This IEM is made to showcase vocals and guitars. Where the bass provides the appropriate bass needed for hip-hop, the slight lift in the midrange allows vocals to come through clearly and adds some bite to guitars, making the LZ-a2 and its sound signature an all-in-one IEM for the rap loving metalhead (a.k.a. me). I believe the clarity can be attributed to good use of the dual BAs, but I could be wrong. Distortion (THD) levels seem to be low.
 
Treble is the one area which takes a bit of a backseat to the rest of the sound. Highs are rolled off a bit, but they aren’t really recessed or missing like in most lower quality earphones. You can still hear the highs and the detail is still there, but it isn’t lifted or biting like most Balanced Armatures. On the bright side, this allows for extended listening sessions without treble fatigue, something which I couldn’t do with my previous favorite the Dunu Titan 1.
 
Detail and resolution in general are above average, but not quite as resolving as other triple hybrid flagships like the Dunu DN2000. I find the sound signature of the LZ-a2 much more enjoyable than the DN2000 however, which can overdo the treble and highs the majority of the time. I find the LZ-a2 as a median between ultra bass and ultra resolution.
PRaT is off the charts. With some Lamb of God or Gojira, I find myself moving to the music just as I would with my most prized equipment.
Isolation is above average. I’ve had family members literally scream at me while writing this review, and I couldn’t hear them.
Soundstage, separation and positioning are also above average. The a2 doesn’t beat the best IEMs in these categories, but it isn’t far off either. Everything is spaced appropriately and nothing is congested in the sound.
 
Comparisons:
 
vs. Vivo XE800 (VSonic GR07BE) = XE800 has a bit more top end, but the A2 is just more engaging and wins in everything else.
 
vs. Dunu DN2000 = The DN2000 has a little more detail, resolution, and soundstage, but can be very fatiguing/grating with highs. The a2 comes close and has a more appealing, warmer sound with none of the fatiguing treble.
 
vs. Dunu Titan 1 = The Titan 1 has slightly more detail, but suffers in isolation due to the open ports on the housing. Like the DN2000, the highs can also be fatiguing and too much at times due to the titanium dynamic driver. The a2 has a much more pleasing bass and sub bass level, better isolation, and almost as much detail.
 
Conclusion:
 
The LZ-a2 is a very fun listen for just about any genre. There really aren’t any glaring weaknesses or fatiguing peaks to speak of. It has become my new daily driver and my new favorite IEM, overtaking my Dunu Titan 1 for daily use. It can easily compete with many $300+ IEMs on the market. At the current price of ~$90, that kind of value is exceptional.
 
I cannot recommend this IEM enough. Being that this is the first of two IEMs that Faith Audio has put out, I cannot wait to see future product lines.
 
You can grab the LZ-a2 here:
 
Shenzhen HCkexin Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/2015-Newest-LZ-A2-Dynamic-and-Armature-3-unit-Headphones-HIFI-Fever-Earphone-As-K3003-DIY/1825606_32501370155.html

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 driver for a very long time. It made me lose interest a bit in the hobby in looking for something better, because I didn’t feel I needed to.
 
I was then invited to participate in the LZ A4 prototype tour. A prototype model was sent around to a select group of Head-Fi members in which we were to give our impressions of the unit. Suffice to say, for the suggested price of $200, I was not originally impressed. I felt the soundstage was congested, the filters did more harm than good to the sound signature, and the ergonomics needed work. In what was a highly impressive move to me, LZ listened to our feedback and fixed ALL the issues we noted for him. In doing so, he has created a masterpiece in the A4 (in my opinion).
 
My LZ A4 is not a review unit, but was purchased at full retail price from HCK Audio on Aliexpress.
 
This will be an ongoing review over time. I have spent about two months with my pair now, and here are my thoughts.
 
 
REVIEW
 

 

 
 
Specifications:
 
 
 
LZ A4 2BA Balanced Armature + Dynamic Driver Hybrid In-Ear Earphones with Detachable MMCX Cable 

 

1. Driver unit: 1 dynamic + 2 Knowles balanced armatures
2. Impedance: 16 ohm
3. Headphone sensitivity: 120 dB
4. Frequency range: 20 Hz – 28 kHz
5. Connector: ⅛ in (3.5 mm)
6. Cable: MMCX detachable, 4 ft (1.2 m +/- 5 cm)
7. Weight: 1.1 oz (30 g)
8. Use Titanium silver composite diaphragm dynamic driver+ dual Knowles balanced armature driver

 
Included Accessories

1. 7 pairs of single-flange silicone tips
2. 1 pair of double-flange silicone tips
3. 3 rear filters and 5 nozzle filters in metal tin
4. Detachable cable
5. Zippered carrying case

 
The A4 comes with a wide array of silicone tips varying in shape and size. If you don’t already have a pair of preferred tips (Spiral Dots and KZ Acoustics for me), the different bore sizes will affect the sound per filter configuration. If you use bass filters (red), try for a wider bore. For treble enhanced filters (blue), try a smaller bore opening.
 
The filters are nicely arranged and easily accessible in a metal tin, while the carrying case provides enough room to fit everything inside.
 
My favorite combos are: Red/Black, Black/Black, Black/Blue, Red/Blue
 
The case, while a nice included touch with an LZ logo, didn’t really strike me as all that appealing. It does work great for storing everything however.
                                                                 
 
Housing/Fit/Isolation
 
The LZ-A4 is shaped in a unique teardrop/half circle configuration and made from a sturdy metal alloy. It allows the A4 to be worn over ear and down based on your preference. I prefer wearing them down, which feels more natural and easier to use. If you get a good tip seal, they stay in ear, even during a workout.
 
The rear chamber houses circular filters that you twist on and off to change the bass levels. The nozzles in the front are also removeable and change the sound based on their color.
 
Bass levels:
Back Filters: None > Red > Black > Blue
 
Mids/Treble:
Front Filters: Red < Pink < Grey < Black < Green < Blue
 
My favorite combos are: Red/Black, Black/Black, Black/Blue, Red/Blue Black/Pink
 
Isolation is good, as only a slight bit of sound leaks to an outside listener. I expected a lot more sound leakage based on the rear filter designs.
 
Cable
 
The cable included with the A4 has a quality, rounded bumpy plastic feel to it, but it is also extremely difficult to remove from the housings. I stupidly pulled very hard on the wire one day while trying to remove the right housing and snapped the wire right off it. This is not to say it is a poor cable, but more of a warning NOT to pull the wire while removing the housing. Grab from the lowest part of the housing, and the tip of the cable.
 
I switched to a silver plated MMCX cable and Fidue’s balanced MMCX cable (which brings the A4 to another level of sound). The Fidue cable allowed the A4 to shine on the few balanced sources I tried it on
 
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
 
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity (Balanced)
Aune S6
Fiio X5 3^rd Gen
Axon 7
Asrock Fatality amped onboard DAC/amp
 
Music used for testing
 
Lots of metal, EDM, classic rock, vocal melodies, anything that shuffles up.
 
Amplifier Needed?
 
An amp isn’t needed, but the A4 does scale well with higher quality sources and some extra power. Bass extends deep, so more power can give you a few more dB of clearer sound down low, especially when using the red back filter.
 
Go with a balanced source if you can. There is a noticeable difference in clarity.
 
Sound Signature
 
The 18 possible filter combinations produce a wide range of sound signatures. The Blue back filter will create a bass light, mostly neutral signature. The Red back filter and no filter provide near basshead levels of bass. The flexibility of the sound is like the FLC8S at a much lower price.
 
The signature is balanced with a slight or massive V, depending on the filter used as seen below:
 
Graph Filter Colors: Green=Green, Blue=Blue, Grey=Grey, Red=Red, Pink=Pink, Yellow=Black
 
I consider Black/Black the "reference" tuning, as it seems to be the average midpoint of all the filters.
 
Blue Back

 
Black Back

 
Red Back

 
 
Bass
 
I enjoy slightly boosted bass with clarity. The A4 nails this signature better than almost any other IEM I’ve heard. I also tend to want more bass some days and less on others. A quick swap to the Red back filter gives me the slam I want for EDM listening one day, while a quick swap to Black will give me just enough kick drum power in a metal track to not overshadow the rest of the sound. If you want a flat, neutral sound, go with the Blue back filter.
 
There is plenty of subbass and midbass present, almost too much at times, but I enjoy it. Oddly enough, I get the biggest amount of bass from using wide bore Sennhesier type biflange tips. Normally tips like these reduce bass, but not on the A4.
 
The clarity of the bass with the Black back filter makes it my favorite. The Red back filter has more bass, but it is a bit loose in comparison and takes away from the mids a bit. Black gives a “just right” amount of slightly boosted bass that works well with all music genres.
 
Midrange
 
The mids of the A4 aren’t recessed, but they aren’t prominent either. Instruments and vocals never suffer or get lost in the mix despite the significant bass behind them. Some filters bring the mids forward (grey, green, blue), while others take a small step back or remain neutral.
 
The timbre, clarity, and sound is comparable to something your favorite tube amp would produce… organic, smooth, detailed with a bit of warmth to it.
 
Guitars really shine. From solos to acoustic, or to a sustained crunch… the sound is truly crisp and enjoyable. The A4 is one of my favorite IEMs to listen to all kinds of guitar driven music.  There is a ton of weight behind a power chord, and it makes me want to jam along.
 
Treble
 
One of the weaknesses of the LZ-a2, a previous model, is that the treble was a little too rolled off and missing detail. The A4 fixes that, with well extended treble with almost every filter. Measurements show the extension, but they also reveal significant peaks in some of the filters, most notably the Blue and Green fronts. The mid and treble peaks in those filters are best tamed via EQ if they sound fatiguing to you.
 
Some filters like the Pink one provide a smoother sound without sacrificing much detail. Personally, I like the slight boost the Black front filter provides, making Black/Black my reference. Black/Pink is a reminder of the LZ-a2 sound, but with more extension and detail.
 
 
Soundstage, Imaging, Resolution
 
There is a clarity and detail level here that the older a2 just cannot match. Imaging wise, while everything is well represented, instruments feel cohesively blended together instead of standing out. The soundstage is also a significant step up, providing a very 3D feeling while keeping vocals front and center. The A4 retains some of the best clarity and detail amongst bass heavy IEMs I’ve heard, making this incredibly ideal for my preferences.
 
Comparisons
 
A4 vs. Magaosi K3:
 
Very similar, but the K3 tends to lean a little bright and fatiguing without foam tips. Pricing differences between the two make it a toss up, as the A4 is more versatile, but the K3 isn’t far behind technically either. They play at nearly the same level of sound for a very value driven price.
 
A4 vs a2:
 
As mentioned throughout the review, the A4 bests the a2 in every way, and I loved the a2.
 
A4 vs Vibro Aria:
 
The Aria may have the A4 beat a bit in more detail at times, and the Aria is built a bit nicer, but the A4 is just much more enjoyable. The Aria doesn’t come close to the bass levels the A4 can output and can sound a bit cold, even though the signature leans towards a V shape. The Aria is also double the price.
 
Conclusion
 
This is the best IEM I own, and easily my favorite. I knew within the first 15 seconds of listening that I was going to love the A4. I haven’t been truly impressed with earphones in a long time, but the A4 does everything I want it to, and sounds just like I want it to. It would really be difficult to get better sound quality without spending hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars more. While $199 isn’t exactly a budget purchase, when you start comparing the sound to IEMs in the $499 and up level, it beats some (like the Aria) and comes close to a few others.
 
You can purchase the LZ-A4 here:
 
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/New-LZ-A4-In-Ear-Earphone-Dynamic-With-2BA-Hybrid-3-Unit-HIFI-Earphone-Earbud/1825606_32771039693.html?spm=2114.12010615.0.0.tKPMK6

My first quality IEM purchase was the Hifiman RE-400 when they first came out. I was used to low end Skullcandy sets at the time, and I really wanted to see what "reference sound" sounded like for a reasonable price of under $100. At the time, I felt anything above that price was absurd for me to purchase.
 
From the first listen, the RE-400 showed me what quality sounded like. I was hooked. It started my headphone/earphone addiction that continues to this day, and I have Hifiman and Head-Fi to thank for that. I didn't think there would be a higher ranked, better sounding IEM for the price for a long time... until I heard the Havi.
 
The Havi B3 Pro 1 is my favorite in ear monitor, and has been for a very long time. It has quite a bit of a storied history however, as the product would not exist anymore today if Head-Fi members had not requested Havi to re-release what is now called the B3 Pro1.
 
Inititally, Havi offered two versions of the B3, the "Enhanced" version, which was basically trying to mimic a bass heavy, consumer directed Beats sound (which sounded poor), and the "Professional Version", which is now called the Pro 1. The Pro version promised near transparent, balanced sound with lifelike vocals and a pristine soundstage. Audiophile oriented IEMs just do not exist for $45, which is what the initial promo price was. I was very intrigued and took a chance on ordering them through Taobao.com (A huge chinese marketplace). Havi was a brand new company at the time, and there was no information about them or the B3 whatsoever. There was no other way to purchase them either, it had to be done through a forwarding service (I use Mistertao.com) and shipped to me from overseas.
 
When I received them and listened for the first time, the experience was jaw dropping. They easily bested the RE-400, and they bested the KEF M200, a $200 IEM which was all the rage at the time. The clarity, imaging, soundstage.. I had not experienced anything like it. $45 bought me a balanced, neutral, reference sound quality dual dynamic akin to $200+ IEMs. I found a gem, and everyone needed to know about it. A few other people were lucky to experience them as well, but then something awful happened.
 
Havi discontinued the Pro version, without warning. The only models available were the "Enhanced" and "Pro 2" version. The Pro 2 was not an upgrade however. It turned into another bass heavy tuned version which could not match the Pro 1, but was better than the Enhanced version. Pro 2 was just another run of the mill V shaped $60 earphone.
 
Luckily, Head-Fi members and those who could interact with the company begged and pleaded for the return of the Pro 1. After a good 4+ month hiatus, Havi brought them back. Almost a year later, this IEM ranks amongst the best value/performance buys of all time.
 
Design:
Yes, the design borrows heavily from the Sennheiser IE80, but the tempered glass casing and four wire tangle free flat cord offer a classy touch. The four parallel wire approach was mentioned as a first in IEMs (as well as the tempered glass). The casing is a small, square plastic case similar to what the Xiaomi Piston comes in. Looks great, and would make a stellar gift.
 
Initially, the accessories were just the plastic case and some mediocre tips. Now, you get a carry bag, carry case, and a lot of good quality tips.
 
Comfort:
The right tips make all the difference. If I do not use Sennheiser double flange type tips or Sony Hybrids, the Havi does not seem comfortable to me, nor does it seal well. With them, it fits very well. They can be worn over or under ear with no issue, and I often sleep with them on.
 
Isolation:
It keeps the busy noise of NYC and commuting out of my head. Mission accomplished.
 
Sound:
Incredible. I've preferred it's signature to Flagship IEMs such as the Dunu DN-2000. While the Dunu is technically a little more capable and has a bit more clarity, it does not have some of the things the Havi does, which at $300 vs $45 is unacceptable to me as a value conscious audiophile.
 
The Pro1 signature is dead flat.. balanced.. neutral. Nothing in the frequency range overpowers another. There is no bloat, no piercing highs, no sibilance... just pure, transparent excellence.
 
The main feature it has which I believe is near world class, is it's soundstage and imaging. Simply put, the soundstage envelops you completely, and you can pinpoint each instrument or effect from its exact location in your ears. It's kinda freakish, and it has to be heard to be believed. I can pinpoint everything in a mix, something people spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on equipment to be able to do. It is on par in that effect to Planar Magnetic headphones like the HE-500 (which I also sold off and no longer have). The Havi isn't going anywhere.
 
There is one caveat to all this. The Havi MUST be amped to sound good. It absorbs power like no other. A simple smartphone or laptop headphone jack will no be able to drive them. Luckily, there are several low cost amps out there now like the Topping NX1 which can drive the Havi perfectly. On a high quality source, the Havi scales incredibly well.
 
All of this, for $45 (now $60). Insanity. Instant GOAT status, and it is still widely unknown. I vastly prefer these to other major budget gems as of late like the Ostry KC06/KC06A, Tenore, Xiaomi Piston, Vsonic VSD3S, etc etc...
 
If you love music, you owe it to yourself to try these.
 
 

Dunu Titan 1
 
Dunu may not be a recognizable name in audio amongst the mainstream masses in the United States, but they absolutely should be. Based in Taiwan and China, Dunu has been making exceptionally good In Ear Monitors for some time now. The powerhouse DN-1000 along with the more refined DN-2000 have blown away and satisfied many who have tried them. Dunu’s combination of high quality materials, a plethora of accessories, and top notch sound quality have solidified them as a major player for audio enthusiasts.
The Titan 1 is a bit of a shocker. Being a single dynamic driver, I did not think the Titan 1 would ever approach the quality of the DN-1000 and DN-2000. This IEM wasn’t even remotely on my radar, as newer doubles (dynamic and hybrid) and triple hybrids have been released or will be soon. A single dynamic driver at around $100 couldn’t possibly keep up with these… or could it?
In this case, not only does the Titan 1 keep up… it sounds better than many multiple driver in ears, for $100! The SQ comes shockingly close to the DN-2000 as well, and in some areas, I feel the Titan is better.
 
Specifications:

1. Driver: 13mm Titanium Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
2. Impedance: 16Ω
3. Sensitivity: 90+- 2dB
4. Reproduction Frequency: 10Hz-20kHz
5. Weight: 18g

 
Build Quality: 

1. Semi open, ported metal alloy shell
2. Aesthetically pleasing, strong build
3. Titanium coated diaphragm
4. Tweed + plastic coated non microphonic cable
5.  

The Titan 1 can easily be mistaken as an earbud at first glance. The 13mm driver is housed inside a sturdy circular metal casing which sits quite comfortably and firmly in my ears. The casing is ported both in the back and in the front, creating a semi-open sound. Isolation is not the Titan 1’s strong suit, and if played loud enough, others around you will notice and hear your music.
The cable is half rope like toward the bottom, half plastic up towards the ears. Microphonics are near nonexistent, and the cable feels strong enough to take a commuter or athletes beating.
 
Accessories:

1. Carrying case
2. 9 pairs of eartips (S/M/L)
3. 3.5mm to 6.3mm gold adapter 
4.  

Dunu never seems to disappoint here. The carrying case holds several different types of eartips which change the sound a bit, ear size dependent. The quality of the tips are quite good, although my favorite to use were M sized JVC Spiral Dot tips, by far.
 
Sound Quality:

1. Exceptionally clear. Sounds more like a BA/dynamic hybrid.
2. Slightly enhanced bass. Slight V signature
3. Can be a bit bright at certain high frequencies. Certain tips solve this
4. Huge soundstage. Better than the DN-2000 here.

 
Titanium diaphragms are not new in the audio world. Klipsch uses titanium diaphragms in their compression drivers, and anyone who has listened to a Klipsch speaker knows it can be exceptionally clear and powerful, yet at times piercingly bright. In my custom built speakers, I had a choice between Titanium and Polyimide, and I went with the polyimide diaphragm since the Titanium was too harsh.
 
I was afraid the Titan 1 would suffer the same fate… great clarity, but insufferably bright. Thankfully, this isn’t the case.
The Titan 1 is EXCEPTIONALLY clear, not just for a single dynamic, but for earphones in general. Every note, every detail shines right through the mix. All of the instruments and sounds from complicated Thrash Metal progressions to pop vocal ballads are presented with near absolute clarity.
Bass is slightly north of neutral, especially in the midbass. While not bassy by any means, there is a slight boost here compared to the more neutral DN-2000. With some slight EQ and Bass Boost, a thicker, pleasing bass becomes available.
 
The mids may be slightly recessed, but much less so than you may perceive. Nothing is lost in the mix, although it is noticeable that the low and high end get a slight boost over them. No frequencies bleed over into the mids, which is one of the main ingredients of the Titan’s clarity.
 
Highs were a bit troublesome at first. With the default tips, some high frequencies were noticeably sibilant and piercing out of the box. This is what I was afraid of with the Titanium. At this point, I decided to burn in the driver a bit and find new tips to try.
 
I had a revelation based on my DN-2000 experience. I found the DN-2000 to also be a bit too bright with highs… until I added Comply foam tips. After that, I loved the DN-2000.
It turns out that the Titan 1 also reacts favorably to Comply tips, and even more so with JVC Spiral Dot tips (medium size). These tips smooth out the peaks that I find harsh without removing any of the detail. While the highs are still boosted a bit, they remain engaging and non-fatiguing.
 
The soundstage. Huge. Throw on a live concert, and the sound envelops you.
 
All of this from a $100 IEM. Fantastic.
 
Thoughts:
 
It’s only February, and the Titan 1 may be the biggest surprise and value of 2015. Earphones under $300 rarely do all the things right that the Titan 1 does, and the Titan 1 does them for ~$100. Buy them.
 
Thanks to Vivian @ Dunu for the review unit.

HZSound EP-001
 
HZSound is a new IEM company out of China which recently launched their first IEM, the EP-001. There has been an explosion of excellent new audio gear coming out of China in the past year or so, and HZSound makes a strong introduction with the affordable yet nicely tuned EP-001. For ~$25, you get an above average selection of accessories, and a clear balanced sound that tilts towards some bass enhancement.
 
Build Quality:
The ringed alloy exterior shell gives a nice appearance to the design. The cable isn’t groundbreaking in design or quality, but it doesn’t make much noise. Although the shell may seem big, I was able to fit them securely in my ear quite easily. Although light in weight, the EP-001 feels (and sounds) like a higher quality IEM than the price suggests.
 
Accessories: 

1. 1X hardcase 
2. 1X 3.5 mm to 6.5mm adaptor 
3. 3 pairs of single flange tips  (S,M,L)
4. 1 pair of biflange tips
5. 1 pair of foam tips 
6. 1 carbiner 
7. 1X watertight case 

 
Specification

1. Driver: 12.5mm CCAW dynamic drivers
2. Frequency Range: 20-20, 000 Hz 
3. Impedance: 16 Ohm 
4. Sensitivity: 100 dB 
5. Distortion: <1%
6. Plug: 3.5mm stereo, gold-plated 
7. Cable: 1.2m 

 
The entire package was very well done. The case and 4 types of tips provided (memory foam tips as well) are normally not found often in this price range, and they’re a welcome addition. None of the tips provided the best sound quality however…
 
Sound Quality:
 
Surprisingly clear and better balanced than the Xiaomi Pistons (also ~$25). The EP is very tip dependent however.
Wide bore tips made treble sound harsh. Memory foam ruined detail. The other tips didn’t cut it either. It wasn’t until I tried Heir type narrow bore silicone tips that the sound rounded itself out nicely. Bass is boosted but pleasing. Mids and vocals remain at the forefront and clear, albeit slightly recessed. Midrange and treble remain smooth and non-fatiguing. Treble does drop off in extension somewhat, but not as much as most bass enhanced sets.
 
Thoughts:
For their first outing, HZSound did a great job with the EP-001. It should definitely get some recognition as a solid budget choice. I’m looking forward to more quality designs from HZSound in the future.
 
The HZSound EP-001 can be found at Lendmeurears.com. Thanks to them for the review unit!
http://www.lendmeurears.com/hz-ep001/

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).  The EP-51 is Meizu’s entry into the sport Bluetooth earphone market, and I feel they have something special here that could make those budget conscious, active, casual listeners want to choose these EP-51’s over many other similarly priced Bluetooth earphones out there.
 
I’d like to thank George at Gearbest (A new Head-Fi sponsor) for providing me the EP-51 for review. Gearbest is one of the easiest and top shops to import some great audio equipment from China, yet they have quite a diverse offering of many other items. I bought my Xiaomi Hybrids and my Mi Band from Gearbest, and I just bought my iLife A4 robot vacuum from there!
 
About me
 
REVIEW
 
 
Specifications
 
Accessories
 

 

 
 
The EP-51 comes in an attractive packaging containing the earphones, special tips, and a storage case. The tips are important to keep around, as they are specifically made to fit the EP-51 and not much else. The nozzles are absolutely huge, practically earbud sized, making tip swapping very difficult.
 
I like the approach here, as I don’t feel as if I’m missing anything. The basics are here and they are presented well, especially for the price.
 
 
Housing/Fit/Isolation
 

 

 

 

 
 
Much like the HD50, Meizu uses a strong aluminum metal alloy on the housing of the EP-51 that also happens to be magnetic. I really like the extra nuance of the magnets. They aren’t overpowering, and they make organization a “snap” (pun intended).
 
The housing feels like they could survive an accidental stomp or mishap, which works in my favor at the gym or running the track. I don’t feel the need to baby these at all, as they are sturdy, yet lightweight.
 
The water resistant, anti-sweat coating is another nice touch. I sweat like an animal during a workout, and you can barely tell when I remove them after the workouts.
 
The fit is a mixed bag. The housing and tips do a wonderful job of staying in-ear, which is one of the things I require in a sport earphone. They can be a bit uncomfortable to insert or wear at times though, as the housing and fit is a bit big (for me) and doesn’t naturally sit in/on the ear as well as I’d like.
 
I have mixed feelings about the nozzle size as well, which is earbud sized. The nozzle sits outside of the ear though, with the tips acting as a chamber directing the sound into the ear. One of the Pros of this is that the sound quality is a step above most other Bluetooth earphones in the same price range, but it also can limit isolation and severely limit tip preferences. Isolation is very good however when you get a good seal, and you should be able to with the 3 different sized pair of tips included.
 
 
Cable/Mic
 

 

 

 

 
 
A tangle free flat cable runs about a foot wide, large enough to wrap around most necks with ease. The volume/mic unit sits very close to the right ear, and it is also where you can find the Micro USB charging insert. The cap over the usb removes easily and conveniently, unlike the QCY QY8 earphone which I can barely get open without resorting to finding a bent paper clip. Volume, pause, and skip controls worked perfectly on my HTC 10, and the mic performed admirably with no call distortion.
 
The battery lasts about 6 hours, or 3 days of commuting and workouts for me. This may be a bit less than other sets, but standby time seems to be as good or better than the competition to help make up for it.
 
Bluetooth range is standard and can get up to 10 meters, but it will usually cut off before that. The HTC 10 also cut out at times while walking with the phone in my left hand, but this did not seem to happen with a dongle via the PC. I’ll leave that as a possible firmware fix that HTC might upgrade in the future.
 
 
Sound Review
 
Equipment used
HTC 10
 
Music used for testing
Random songs from random genres. I favor hard rock/metal for accuracy testing, EDM and Rap for bass, and Pop for vocals.
 
Amplifier Needed?
 
Not Applicable. The EP-51’s built in DSP gets loud.
 
 
Sound Signature
 
The EP-51 is bassy, but not quite V shaped. Mids are slightly recessed, but less recessed than many of its competitors. Vocals are actually quite clear and prominent. Treble rolls off a bit, which is expected.
 
Bass
 
There is some nice midbass and decent extension here. While not quite at basshead levels, bass lovers like myself will be more than satisfied with these compared to such sets as the Mpow Megneto, which somewhat lacks in this area. There is a slight amount of bleed into the mids, but at a much lower rate than a lot of other sets I’ve heard. Bass is actually controlled better than average for this price range, making the rest of the music come across much clearer than expected.
 
Midrange
 
A big surprise with the EP-51 is the vocal clarity and coherency. Vocals absolutely shine here, and are very clear for a Bluetooth earphone. This is where I feel aptX starts to show its superiority over sets that don’t have it. The rest of the mids, while still good, aren’t the EP-51’s strong suit. They feel tuned for bass and vocals, but they still can give a great guitar crunch sound when called upon. Joe Satriani’s Crystal Planet was well represented, and the Lamb of God/Slayer gauntlet I put the EP-51 through passed with approval… a rarity for a Bluetooth earphone.
 
Treble
 
Another advantage of aptX is treble extension. The EP-51 has better treble extension than most non aptX sets, and it matches or exceeds similar sets that do have it. There is still a roll off, but the extension matches some wired IEMs in its price range and a bit above it, which is impressive. There is little to no fatigue, and everything up high is still audible. Cymbals and highs can still be heard, just not at the level and clarity that you would find wired and above $100, which is asking too much for a $30 sport earphone.
 
 
Soundstage, Imaging, Resolution
 
This is an area in which the $30 price range and Bluetooth just won’t provide the experience that higher priced wired equipment would. Even against those odds, instrument separation is very good, and there is a decent amount of a soundstage and ambience. Detail, resolution, and imaging are average, but above average for a sport Bluetooth earphone. I had no issues with using these as my daily driver for the review, and I could easily see these becoming a studying/reading pair. You get a good sound and the convenience to walk around untethered at bargain pricing.
 
 
Comparisons
 
I’ve used a bunch of previous gen ~$20 Bluetooth earphones, and the QCY QY8 was my previous favorite. It goes under various different names, and it can be found for $15. If you’re very price conscious, the QY8 is perfectly acceptable, but the Meizu EP-51 is better than it in every way, from build quality to sound quality, and is worth the extra cost.
 
The Moxpad X90 looks to be a good competitor at around the same price. The X90 features Dual Dynamic drivers, but does not have the metal build of the EP-51. I do not have the X90 on hand to compare however.
 
 
Conclusion
 
Meizu is quickly becoming a company that I pay attention to. The HD50 and EP-51 are budget kings, offering excellent sound quality for the prices they are going for. The EP-51 has become my new favorite workout pair, and I highly recommend them for this use.
 
I’d also love if Meizu were to offer their phones with US LTE bands. It would be great to pair their audio equipment with their phones here in the US. Meizu has used some good DACs and amps in their phones, and it would translate well for us audio lovers in the US and Europe.
 
You can purchase the Meizu EP-51 from Gearbest here:
 
http://www.gearbest.com/sports-fitness-headphones/pp_356162.html

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 available during the review. If you are in the US or a country that uses 110v, it is strongly recommended to order the 110v and not run the 220v off of a voltage converter like I did (although it does work just fine this way).
 

 
 
 
 
REVIEW
 
 
Specifications
 

1. Input: Gold-Plated Unbalanced Phono (RCA) Jacks
2. Output: 1/4" Gold-Plated Stereo Headphone out, Gold-Planted RCA pre-amplifier out
3. Driver Tubes: 6JI
4. Power Tubes: 6N6
5. A newly designed SEPP (single-ended push-pull) circuit, which improves the output dynamic range
6. and sound quality far better than the old LD II++, which used a cathode, output circuit.
7. High quality ALPS-16 Potentiometer provides far better tracking between channels, which
8. translates into more precise sound imaging.
9. Upgraded circuit components include high quality NICHICON and German WIMA/ERO capacitors.
10. Improved Pre-amp functionality
11. Includes transient voltage suppression diode to shunt off voltage spikes.
12. Frequency Response:
13. 20HZ - 50KHz (-1 dB)
14. THD+N: 0.1% (50mW into 300 ohms)
15. Suitable Headphone Impedance: 32 - 600 ohms
16. Input Impedance: 50K ohms
17. Pre-Amplifier output impedance: 600 ohms
18. Pre-Amplifier Gain: 3-10x (also controlled via gain switches)
19. Pre-Amplifier Voltage: 10V RMS
20. Pre-Amplification circuit includes both driver and power tubes
21. Power Output:
22. 300mW @ 300/600 ohms
23. 200mW @ 120 ohms
24. 100mW @ 32 ohms
25. Power Consumption: 28W (228V * 0.124A)
26. Measurements:
27. Metric: 210mm (L) by 110mm (W) by 130mm (H)
28. English: 8.26 inches (L) by 4.33 inches (W) by 5.18 inches (H)
29. Weight: 2.5 kg or 5.5 lbs

 
Accessories
 
Tubes
RCA Cables
Power Cable
 
Tube and Gain Selection 
 
EF91
EF92
EF95
6N6/6H6P power tubes
 
4 Gain settings- default setting best for iems.
 

 
 
Design
 
Shiny, simplistic, effective. The black gloss matches my black tempered glass desk perfectly. The tubes are easy to install and remove (try not to touch them much), and the RCA inputs were easy enough to see during installation.
 
I wish I could easily get to the gain switch and jumpers without needing to remove screws and the housing. That's the one knock I have against the design and the MK II in general.
 
 
Sound Review
 
Equipment used
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
 
Music used for testing
Gojira – Magma
Tiesto – Discography
Katatonia – The Fall of Hearts
Megadeth – Dystopia
Lamb of God – Discography
Blink 182 – California
Nonpoint – The Poison Red
Stone Temple Pilots – Core 24bit/96kHz FLAC
Tech N9NE, YG, Drake, Wu-Tang Clan
 
 
Sound Signature
 
Like most tube amps, the MK2 adds a touch of warmth to the music over what a solid state amp would provide. This both can elevate and hurt the sound depending on the earphone/headphone used. There are also noticeable differences switching between the different gains, in which each earphone/headphone also responds differently. This is just with the stock tubes as well. Tube rolling would bring a whole new plethora of sounds. Stock tubes will only be used for testing.
 
The most noticeable addition is the enhancement of “presence” in the music. Compared to the single ended headphone output of my Infinity (which is no slouch), there is an extra analog thickness added to the music. Purists may prefer more analytic Solid State amping, but the MK2 was very enjoyable as the amp to use out of the Infinity. Some iems that seemed cold from the stock amp (Qingyin-20 hybrid) came alive via the MK2. This is via the stock tubes, which many deem neutral. A tiny bit of detail seemed to be lost via the tubes compared to the Infinity amp, but the sound was smoother.
 
Since the MK2 has been around awhile, I’d suggest researching tube rolling results to get an idea of what kind of sound you would like. You could end up spending far more on rare tubes that what the MK2 costs.
 
Another big pro of the MK2 is the power it has available. I had no trouble powering everything in my collection. Aside from the most power hungry planar headphones, the MK2 can handle just about anything you can throw at it, which is quite a feat for the price.
 
There weren’t many large differences in soundstage, imaging, and resolution via my amps and the stock tubes. I believe the headphones/iems are far more important in that than the amp. A good amp will allow these to be heard as intended. These results can vary wildly between sources and tubes, so YMMV.
 
 
Comparisons
 
This is my first true tube amp (outside of my Laney Cub 12R guitar amp), so I can only compare it against some hybrid tube amps.
 
Compared to the Aune T1 and Bravo Ocean (both nice little amps), the MK2 has more power on tap, along with a warmer, livelier, and more engaging sound. You can tell the difference between the pure tube and hybrid sound/setup. Unfortunately, I could not use my extensive tube collection that worked in the T1, as the tube families are incompatible.
 
Conclusion
 

 
 
There is a reason the Little Dot series has been around for a long time and beloved by many. With the extensive tube rolling options available, multiple gain modes, quality internals, strong amplification, and great sound quality, the MK2 would make an excellent entry into Tube Amps. It’s an entry I should have made a long time ago, and now with the discounted pricing found at Gearbest, it’s an affordable entry as well.
 
You can purchase the Little Dot MK2 from Gearbest here:
 
http://www.gearbest.com/headphone-accessories/pp_368032.html?wid=10

Pros: Comfort, style, quality build, bass, enjoyable on ear
Cons: Slight treble peak. Slight midrange recession
 


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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 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 high end audio equipment, from amps, speakers, subs, to just about anything audio related you can think of. I eventually moved on into building my own DIY custom speakers, as I felt the value and performance of most commercial speakers were lacking. I found out through this process that you could create high end setups from equipment costing thousands less than most branded commercial setups.
Since I cannot play music at 100+db all day and night in an apartment complex, I started looking for similar values in the Headphone/Earphone/IEM world. In a Beats dominated world, I was very disappointed.
I then found out about some excellent headphones/IEMs at great prices being made by Asian companies that are not known of here in the US. It renewed my interest in headphones and became the basis of the Asian audio thread.
 
REVIEW
 

 
 
Specifications
Connectivity : Wired 
Connecting interface : 3.5mm 
Application : Portable Media Player, Aviation, Computer, DJ, Mobile Phone 
Plug Type: Full-sized 
Cable length : 1.2m 
Frequency response : 20~20KHz 
Impedance : 32ohms 
Sensitivity : 103dB + / - 3dB 
Microphone sensitivity: -42±3dB
 
Accessories
 

 


Package contents: 1 x Original Meizu HD50 Hi-Fi Headphones, 1 x 1.2m Cable, Case
 
 

 

Housing
 
The HD50 is a sexy looking headphone which looks far better than its asking price. Available in both White or Black leatherette padding, everything about this headphone screams of quality… from the comfort level and stitching of the headband, to the “apple like” quality of the metal housing. Meizu claims the housing itself has gone through a “high end rugged manufacturing process” along with CNC engraving, and I fully believe them. Meizu also talks of a front and rear “dual chamber” design which claims to enhance the soundstage, which will be talked about later in the review.
 
One unique feature I liked is that “L” and “R” are clearly marked inside each of the earcups, making it incredibly easy to decide on how to wear the headphone. Some may find it cheesy or cheap looking, but I dig it.  
 

 



 
Cable
Meizu’s cable is simple, yet highly effective. The main features are the better than average mic and the 99.99% high purity OFC cable encased in Kevlar. The cable itself is TPE with the Kevlar encasing the copper inside.  Microphonics are non existant.
 
 

 
  
Functionality
The mic was able to provide crystal clear voice while in use, and the volume/play buttons functioned as they should on my Moto X Pure (Marshmallow). The buttons themselves are clearly marked and easily accessible. I was able to play through my Xbox One and PS4 controllers with no issues. Unless there is a need for simulated 7.1, headphones like these make most dedicated video game headphone sets obsolete. If better dac/amps can be added to the controllers, it would make the sound quality noticeably better through these. It will happen eventually.
 

 
 
Fit and Isolation
I have no reservations in mentioning that I am not a fan of on-ear headphones in the slightest. Normally on-ears are very uncomfortable for my ears, which aren’t very large to begin with. I am pleased to say that not only do the HD50 fit pretty well on my ears, but they are also extremely comfortable. The soft leatherette feels like a mix between leather and memory foam (upon checking with Meizu, it does use Memory Foam, well done Meizu). Meizu really nailed it comfort wise on these. They remind me of how much I like my Takstar Pro 80 (Hyper X Cloud).
 
Isolation is excellent. My testing area is my daily commute to New York City. The city that never sleeps is also a city with very prominent noises at every corner. I cannot hear my fellow train commuters or the streets, and they cannot hear my music.
 
 
 
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
 
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity + Moto X Pure
Moto X Pure
MSI Gaming 7 amped onboard DAC
 
Testing Songs
Random Metal, Rock, EDM, Rap, Top 40, Hip Hop, Blues, and anything else that comes along. I focus on songs I know well to spot differences in frequency amongst a/b comparisons. 
 
Amplifier Needed?
No. Any smartphone can drive the HD50 with ease. More power doesn’t increase the sound quality by any significance.
 
Sound Signature
Consumer oriented V signature, yet clearer than most consumer oriented bass lifted signatures. Bass is strong but cohesive and not overdone. Minimal bass bleed. Recessed mids, but slightly recessed. Strong peak in the mid-highs region, but nothing ear piercing. Overall the signature is enjoyable, but could induce fatigue during long sessions. Always keep a safe volume when listening.
 
Resolution
Average to above average for the price range, leaning more towards above average. The HD50 can’t compete with the resolution of most $200+ sets, but at its low price, it doesn’t need to. If the mids were a bit more prominent, the resolution would be strikingly good, as the rest of the frequency range is well represented.
 
Bass
Beefy, satisfying, thumping, clear. The subbass and midbass levels are surprising for an on-ear, not only in quantity, but also in its control. Most on-ear sets in the HD50’s price range have overly bloated, uncontrolled bass which bleeds into the rest of the music. The HD50 exhibits control similar to many sets in the $100 range, which is excellent. EDM lovers will fall in love with this.
 
Midrange
The midrange is the only average quality of this otherwise excellent headphone. The detail simply doesn’t match up with high end sets and is somewhat recessed at times. It isn’t bad by any means, nor is it overly recessed. You’ll get the full frequency range of your music and most people won’t notice it, but headphone enthusiasts will be able to hear it. Compared to my AKG 7XX, the midrange just can’t keep up. The 7XX is also 4x the price.
 
Treble
Engaging. There is a lift in the mid-highs which can get peaky and distracting at times, but the headphone does not distort, even at high volumes. Meizu claims distortion of less than 0.5%, and I agree with their claims yet again. .5% is actually high for a speaker and amp enthusiast when you hear this number, but the HD50 seems to fare well when I sent a high gain signal through them. Vocals, cymbals, and the rest of the highs maintain a nice clarity at all times.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
As noted before, Meizu’s soundstage claims are true. While the HD50 doesn’t match the soundstage of most open back headphones, they do a very good job and could be considered very much above average to excellent. The HD50 has a live, wide sound which is most noticeable through EDM tracks.
 
Imaging is somewhat forward in presence, with instruments able to be placed in each ear, yet they seem to be heard in front of the listener instead of all around.
 
 
Comparisons
There really aren’t many notable headphones in the $50-60 price range. The only other headphones that compare to me are the Xiaomi Headphone (More expensive), or the Takstar Pro 80. I haven’t head the Mi Headphone so I cannot comment on it, but the HD50 easily equals the Pro 80 and has become one of my favorites to recommend at $50-60.
 
Conclusion
 
I had a feeling going into this review that Meizu was going to have a winner on their hands with the HD50. Is it going to surpass most $120+ sets? No. It does easily compare with sets well over double its price though, and it looks beautiful. Highly recommended budget buy
The Meizu HD50 can be bought here at Gearbest:
http://www.gearbest.com/headsets/pp_265038.html

SYUN ME-1
 
SYUN is a relatively new brand out of China with an apparently well known (in China) acoustic tuning staff behind it. The ME-1 is the current flagship, and it is an impressive debut.
 
Specifications: 

1. Driver unit: 9.8 mm dynamic driver 
2. Rated Impedance: 30 Ohm 
3. Sensitivity: 120 dB/mW 
4. Frequency response: 15Hz- 22KHz 
5. Plug: 3.5mm gold plated plug
6. Cable: 1.20 mm TPU cable

 
Build Quality: 

1. Attractive, flashy design 
2. Sturdy, light

 
With its shiny gold metallic coated housing, a quick visual of the ME-1 is striking. A large grilled vent in the back allows a semi-open sound with good isolation. The housing is small and should fit in most ears without any issues. The cable has little to no microphonics, but it is more of a standard wire look and subdued compared to the housing.
 
Accessories:

1. 3 pairs of silicon tips (S,M,L)
2. Velvet Bag

 
For a $100 IEM, this is a bit disappointing. The silicone tips are standard issue and not much better than what you would get from cheaper IEMS. The Hifiman RE-400 came with an abundance of tips at this price in comparison. The lack of accessories makes it seem like less of a value, but then again most enthusiasts have their own special sets of tips they enjoy. I’m all for cutting back fluff in order to lower the buying price, so I hope that’s what SYUN went for here.
 
Sound Quality:

1. Mostly analytical, flat sound
2. Can be a bit thin for bass lovers
3. Vocals shine
4. Big soundstage
5. Benefits greatly from an amp

 
The ME-1 can be best described as a dynamic earphone that sounds like a single balanced armature one. The sound kept reminding me of the MeElectronics A161P BA, but at a more refined level.
 
The sound is very analytical, which is unusual from a single dynamic driver. Those who like a thick, deep, driving bass will not find it here, as the sound signature remains relatively flat throughout. It does take EQ well, so a good 30% bass boost is possible (and pleasing).
 
The tuning is centered on excellent vocal performance. Clarity and soundstage are above average and validate the ~$100 price point. The wide soundstage is very reminiscent of the Havi B3 Pro 1’s, although not quite at its level.
 
The flat sound is both a pro and a con. Highs can seem to be a bit much at times, which is the same problem I had with the A161P. Unlike the A161P, a bass boost can be applied to smooth things out without ruining the sound. EDM and bass oriented music can sound a bit thin as well without that boost. If you loved the A161P, you’ll love the ME-1 as well.
 
The ME-1 is also a bit hard to drive. Out of a smartphone they are just barely passable. With a small or solid amp, the extra power allows the ME-1 to be driven properly to its full capability.
 
Thoughts:
 
I love transparent, analytical sound with the ability to add bass boost as needed without distortion. The ME-1 does this, and does it well. If you like this kind of sound, the SYUN is worth a buy. Recommended.
 
The SYUN ME-1 can be found at lendmeurears.com
http://www.lendmeurears.com/syun-me-1/
 
I'd like to thank Lendmeurears for providing me the sample for review.

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 DAC, OTA updates), and it does it very well. I was lucky enough to be chosen for the X5 Gen 3 tour, and I will be providing my impressions based on a week with the unit.
 
 
REVIEW
 
Specifications
 
DAC : 2 x AK4490
Processor : Quad-core RK3188 processor
ROM : 32GB built-in storage +
RAM : 1GB
Storage : Up to 512GB(2 x micro SD)
Headphone Out : 3.5mm + 2.5mm TRRS balanced output +
OS: Android 5.1
Connectivity : Bluetooth 4.0 (aptX) + 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Usability: 4.0 in. touchscreen
Charging : 2 Fast charging modes(Qualcom QC and MTK PE)
 
Full specs here:
http://www.fiio.net/en/products/65/parameters
 
Accessories
 

 

 
 
Package Contents:
 
1 x Case 1 x Protective TPU Silicone Case  1x Screen Protector
 
The X5 comes packaged beautifully, similar to the packaging of a high-end smartphone. The pre-applied screen protector is a nice touch, and the silicone case helps prevent scratches and wear. Despite some annoying silicone pieces that are meant to cover the openings getting in the way, I think it was wise of Fiio to provide protection instead of having to have the customer search for some or pay extra.
 
 
Build Quality
 

 
 
The X5 size and shape reminds me of a deck of cards, albeit slightly larger.  Its compact size allows it to be carried easily on a commute or trip, far easier than it would be to strap a DAC to the back of your smartphone. It’s design is sleek but simplistic,  focusing your eyes onto the display, despite the enclosure giving a very polished, high quality look. While not heavy, it did feel sturdy enough to survive a drop and day to day use.
 
While not high res like a smartphone, the display resolution is more than acceptable.
 
The balanced port is 2.5mm, making it easy not to plug into the wrong output.
 
One of the things I somewhat disliked is the location of the back/skip buttons. They are entirely too easy to hit while holding the device or walking. The volume knob is fluid and far more useful than pressing buttons, and having the separate hardware play button was useful.
 
I had no issues with the touchscreen, and the interface behaved very much like the Android interface I’ve grown used to over the years.
 
 
Features
 
Quick Charge. Ever since it first debuted, it was a monumental battery achievement to me. Getting a full charge in less than two hours, and a useable one in 15-30 minutes was so convenient that I stopped caring about removeable batteries. Having this on the X5 is a beautiful thing.
 
Balanced audio: More power, more crisp audio in an affordable unit. With the prevalence of MMCX iems, not running balanced for every bit of power and other enhancements seem like a waste to me. The X5 had just enough power to drive my balanced AKG7XX at more than acceptable levels.
 
Dual MicroSD: Do you have several terabytes of music like I do? If so, running two 128GB MicroSD cards on the X5 gives you a very large collection for cheaper than an integrated 256GB of storage would cost. Transfer speeds are a bit slow though, so it can take a bit to load if you transfer to the cards in the X5 via USB. Apps like USB Audio Player Pro, Neutron, and even the Fiio Music app easily detects the music.
 
aptX: I like that Fiio included aptX (although aptX HD would have been a bit nicer). aptX provides substantial benefits in sound quality over a Bluetooth connection, and it works well on the X5. I believe that using Bluetooth on a DAP is a waste though, as you get the same experience you would from your aptX enabled smartphone. You also miss out on the sound quality of the balanced connection.
 
  
Functionality
 
The ability to sideload android apps is the killer functionality feature of the X5. While the “Fiio Market” contains many of the popular Android apps such as Spotify, adding your own favorite app just works the majority of the time.
 
ES File Explorer Wifi transfers provide another desperately needed function to the X5. You can connect to your media server without wires and download your music to the X5. This is incredibly useful while lying in bed or away from your PC. Transfer speeds are on the slow side however, as the Wireless N wifi connection and slow transfer speeds of the internal memory and SD card tend to transfer under 4 MB/s. It would be best to transfer a large collection onto the SD card first, where the wifi connection works well for a few albums to listen to on a whim.
 
USB DAC: This is the most useful function of the X5 to me surprisingly. In USB DAC mode, the X5 has the power and features to replace many desktop DAC/AMP setups with its dual balanced mono DAC and powerful amp implementation. While it doesn’t have the power to truly drive power hungry headphones, it was able to drive my AKG 7XX in balanced mode at more than acceptable levels with the volume knob at 90/100 in High Gain mode (you can also adjust Gain in normal use). My smartphone can’t do that, and I have the Axon 7 with the same AK4490 DAC.
 
You can adjust many features in USB DAC mode as seen below
 

 
I did have trouble finding out how to turn this feature on. You need to hit the “Storage” button in the notification pane to switch over to USB DAC mode. You also need to install the USB drivers from Fiio, then choose the Fiio ASIO driver in programs like Foobar2000. None of this is documented, which will confuse a lot of users.
 
ViperAudio & EQ: I've used ViperAudio a lot in the past. I didn't use it much on the X5, but it has extensive sound modeling features. Seeing it on a DAP for the first time is exciting. The Fiio EQ is a nice feature, but I didn't use it much. It is lacking compared to Viper and a Parametric EQ, such as the paid EQ within USB Audio Player Pro.
 

 
 
OTA Updates: OTA updates went very smoothly. I had no issues updating to version 1.1.1, although a semi detailed changelog would be nice before each update. Easy updates like this weren’t possible on DAPs before.
 
 
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
 
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity + Moto X Pure
Axon 7
MSI Gaming 7 amped onboard DAC
 
Testing Songs
 
Random Metal, Rock, EDM, Rap, Top 40, Hip Hop, Blues, and anything else that comes along. I focus on songs I know well to spot differences in frequency amongst a/b comparisons.
 

 
 
Sound Signature
 
The AK4490 is a warm, smooth yet detailed DAC. The Dual Balanced Mono DAC configuration along with the amps chosen provide a more powerful, more refined, more detailed sound over the AK4490 configuration in my Axon 7, despite the same overall signature. The S/N ratio increase the X5 has is noticeable.
 
Compared to my Dual Mono Sabre ESS SABRE9018AQ2M setup in my LH Labs Infinity V2+, the Sabre has more forward mids and treble, which presents itself as a little bit clearer. Both the V2+ and AK4490 sound excellent in their implementations, but the AK4490 is a bit easier to listen to for longer periods of time.
 
Comparisons
 
There is no comparison to me in the price range unless you go by pure sound quality. You get so much more functionality over a custom DAP interface by using Android OS.
 
Conclusion
 
There are a few things that I wished were a bit different. I wish Fiio used a more powerful SoC to give the X5 faster transfer speeds and AC wifi. I also wish they used Android 7.0 Nougat as a base instead of Android 5.1, which is over 2 years old now. These are minor qualms though, as the X5 functions just fine otherwise.
 
This is the first DAP that I would ever purchase. If I did not already have a strong balanced DAC in the V2+ Infinity, I would own the X5 3^rd gen. The combination of sound quality, build quality, features, and price makes the X5 an incredible value to me. This says a lot because I have never truly liked DAPs in the past. Fiio really nailed it here.
 
Thanks to FiiO for the opportunity to review the X5! You’ve been a wonderful company to us music lovers for years, and we hope you continue being great.

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
 

1. Driver unit: 10mm dynamic driver  
2. Impedance: 16 ohm  
3. Rated power: 1mW
4. Frequency Response: 10 Hz- 20 Khz
5. Speaker Sensitivity: 95 +/- db/ mW  
6. Cord Length: 1.2m  
7. Plug: 3.5 mm  

Accessories
 

1. 1 shirt clip
2. 3 pairs of silicon tips
3. 3 pairs of bifiange tips
4. 2 pairs of foam tips

 

 
 
 
Housing/Fit/Isolation
 
The housing is a simple, black matte plastic casing with a rubber type, sweat resistant coating. It is very lightweight, yet rugged, which is great for active purposes. The strain relief of the right earpiece is red, making it easy to figure out which side is which with a quick glance (a small but great feature)
 
The D2 fits almost perfectly in my ear. The sport type elliptical shape of the housing kept the D2 in my ears without issue during my workouts, no matter how hard I tried to get them to pop out.
 
The cable is pretty standard with a chin slider included. Despite not looking much different than most plastic coated cables that get tangled easily, these were pretty easy to untangle (another small but great feature for me on the go)

 

 

 

 
 
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
 
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity (Balanced)
HTC 10
Asrock Fatality amped onboard DAC/amp
 
Music used for testing
New Gojira, Hatebreed, Lamb of God, Megadeth, Deftones, Katatonia, Slayer, Volbeat, Clutch, AC/DC, Van Halen, Hendrix, Clapton, Pink Floyd, Mudcrutch, Zac Brown Band, and hundreds more bands
Random EDM
New Drake, 2 Chainz, Havoc & Alchemist, Straight Outta Compton OST, Big K.R.I.T. and many more
Live concerts: Pearl Jam 4/16/16 soundboard
 
Amplifier Needed?
 
No
 
Sound Signature
 
Consumer oriented V shape signature. Fairly common in the $30 price range
 
Bass
 
The bass is nicely boosted with a good amount of energy, but there is a bit of bleed into the midrange with most silicone tips. It can become overpowering at times and hurts detail.
 
One thing I noticed is that foam tips removed a lot of this bass bleed. Normally foam tips enhance bass and decrease treble for me, but on the D2 it happens to work opposite and it works wonders. The tips can make the fit slightly less comfortable however, as it doesn’t let the housing sit as nicely in.
 
Midrange
 
The mids are recessed a bit to make way for the enhanced bass. This is normally found and expected in this price range, as it is more attractive to provide good bass levels at the expense of some midrange clarity. The vocals manage to avoid most of the recession and are very much present in the mix. I’ve heard $50 sets that were much worse in recession than the D2, so it does well in this regard.
 

 
You can see the peaks in the 3k and 6k region which seem to be intentionally tuned to bring out those vocal, guitar, and cymbal areas.
 
 
Treble
 
Treble is enhanced with a bit of roll off towards the end. Much like with the vocals, there are several upper peaks to provide some airiness to what would be an otherwise flat sound. While present, some of the treble detail is lacking a bit.
 
Soundstage, Imaging, Resolution
 
Resolution and detail are the weakest parts of the D2. While there is a good amount of detail and instrument separation for its price range, the D2 simply gets outclassed by $50 and up sets that aren’t meant for sport use. For a sport earphone, they are average to slightly above average in this regard, and the soundstage is a little wider than expected (possibly from the upper peaks).
 
 
Comparison
 
D2 vs Piston 3 = The D2 has a more balanced, less dark sound with better detail and soundstage characteristics. The D2 is better overall, but also technically almost twice the price.
 
 
 
Conclusion
 
For those looking for a good sounding, inexpensive earphone that will stay in your ears during the toughest of runs and workouts, the D2 is an easy recommendation.
 
The D2 can be found for purchase from LMUE here:
 
http://www.lendmeurears.com/alpha-delta-d2/

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 high end audio equipment, from amps, speakers, subs, to just about anything audio related you can think of. I eventually moved on into building my own DIY custom speakers, as I felt the value and performance of most commercial speakers were lacking. I found out through this process that you could create high end setups from equipment costing thousands less than most branded commercial setups.
Since I cannot play music at 100+db all day and night in an apartment complex, I started looking for similar values in the Headphone/Earphone/IEM world. In a Beats dominated world, I was very disappointed.
I then found out about some excellent headphones/IEMs at great prices being made by Asian companies that are not known of here in the US. It renewed my interest in headphones and became the basis of the Asian audio thread.
 
REVIEW
 
Specifications
8mm Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Sensitivity: 113db@1000Hz
Frequency Response: 18 – 21,000 Hz
 
 
Accessories
 

 


Package contents:
Silicon tips (3 Pairs)
Ceramic Case
 


Housing
 


 
The best quality of the Doux is the fact that it is handmade. Available in over 12 different colors and many variations, the Doux is a work of art… fashionable, and eye catching. A hand symbol adorns the right housing (clever). The housing goes through a 26 hour building process, creating individually unique units every time. Each Doux is technically “one of a kind”. Artistic and creative types may appreciate this quality of the Doux.
 
The housing itself is small and looks ceramic due to its highly polished sheen and glisten. Build quality is high, as the housing is very sturdy.
 
 

Cable

 
The Doux’s cable is thin and rope like, covered in fabric to help prevent tangling. It gets the job done, but it isn’t awe inspiring in its design.
 
 
  
Functionality
The fabric/acrylic pad which houses the 3 button controller is nice in design, but poor in practicality. There are no icons showing which button is which, leading to confusion at times. The Doux does work well as a quick “go-to” earphone while you’re on the go as its microphone worked pretty well off my smartphone.
 
 
Fit and Isolation
Due to its small size, the Doux fits perfectly in my ears. They stay firmly in place, and they feel comfortable doing so. They can be used actively without worry. The fit also allows excellent isolation and minimal cord microphonics. 
 
 
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
 
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity + Moto X Pure
Moto X Pure
MSI Gaming 7 amped onboard DAC
 
Testing Songs
Random Metal, Rock, EDM, Rap, Top 40, Hip Hop, Blues, and anything else that comes along. I focus on songs I know well to spot differences in frequency amongst a/b comparisons. 
 
Amplifier Needed?
No. The Doux is easily driven and doesn’t benefit much from higher scaling equipment.
 
Sound Signature
V shaped. Lots of bass. Too much. The bass focuses so much on the midbass that it muddies up subbass and midrange frequencies more than it should, despite Joinhandmade’s claims that it does not. A treble boost adds clarity amongst this, while detail and resolution are comparable to other ~$35 sets. It is priced right for the performance.
 
Resolution
Average. Vocals and cymbals are clear and present, yet they are missing the layering and precision of more expensive equipment.
 
Bass
I’m an analytic basshead. I love big deep bass and got excited by the Doux’s deep, thunderous, fun midbass. I quickly realized that it overtook and bled far too much into other frequencies for my liking though. It provide more midrange than older Beats in-ears, but needs eartip swapping to tone the uncontrolled bass down. Go with short, wide bore opening tips for the best results.
 
Midrange
Surprising. Most V shaped, consumer tuned sets miss out on getting midrange right. The Doux does a very good job in keeping the mids at levels they are supposed to be at. This is the strongest asset of the Doux’s sound, and it bests many other similarly priced earphones in this area.
 
Treble
Treble extension is also very good, with obvious small peaks scattered across the frequency range. The treble isn’t too over-emphasized (which I like). A lot of companies do that to create a perceived clarity enhancement, but it actually hurts the overall sound, so I’m very glad Joinhandmade avoided that. The small increase complements the bass and pushes the vocal/cymbal ranges above the bass levels to allow them to be heard. In the process, it creates a bit of fatigue for long term or loud listening. I can’t see myself spending hours engaged in music because of it, but low volume commuting is a perfect scenario where it is beneficial.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
Good. Everything is balanced quite nicely, but separation is a bit hard to notice at times. Instruments can blend with each other due to the bass levels. 
 
Comparisons
There is no comparison in build. The handmade unique nature makes it a collectable work of art. Sound wise, they are similar to many of the $20-35 sets on the market from bigger brand names such as Skullcandy.
 
Conclusion
 
If the Jelly Doux was available sooner, I would have bought several as gifts for friends and my Cousin’s daughters. I appreciate the painstaking process to make these little pieces of art, and I feel that they sound good enough that they warrant the price tag. The Doux is fun and exciting, both in looks and sound.
For future sets, I would like Joinhandmade to focus more on improving the sound quality with better internal drivers and tunings. Another audiophile tuned model in Joinhandmade’s lineup (with nice bass and a good price) would be a welcome edition for those of us who need that extra bit of precision to make us happy.
 
 
The Jelly Doux can be found via their Indiegogo campaign here, with retail versions hitting the market next month:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jelly-doux-redefining-handcraft-earphones#/
 
https://www.joinhandmade.com/

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 models available.
 
 
REVIEW
 
 
Specifications
 

1. Model Number: TFZ SERIES 1
2. Driver: 12.5mm Titanium Crystal Dual Loop Dynamic Dual Chamber (N50)
3. Impedance: 12ohm
4. Sensitivity: 103dB/mW
5. Frequency Response: 18Hz-22 kHz
6. Style: In-Ear
7. Plug Type: Line
8. Connectors: 3.5mm
9. Mic: No
10. Lowest Power: 8MW
11. Interface: 3.5mm Giled
12. Cable length: 1.2M

 
 
Accessories
 

1. TFZ SERIES 1
2. 3 pairs of Silicone ear tips
3. 1 pair of double-flange silicone ear tips
4. 1 pair of Foam ear tips
5. 1 pair of Ear hook
6. Carry bag
7. Clip

 

 

 
 
When I unboxed the TFZ Series 1 for the first time, I came away impressed. The packaging is something you would find on much more expensive iems, from the abundance of accessories to the unique quotes written within and also on the IEMs.
 
The included selection of ear tips is well chosen which include double flange and foam eartips. These are a staple of my tip swapping collection, and it is nice to see them included.
 
The velvet like carry bag branding the TFZ logo is a nice touch, and a convenient carry case. I prefer velvet cases on less expensive iems for their ability to fit in pockets.
 

 
 
Housing/Fit/Isolation
 

 

 
TFZ offers a multitude of colors and designs for the housing which you get to choose from. Carbon Fiber, faux woodgrain, transparent, and solid color choices are amongst the variety available. For the review, I received a standard glossy black housing.
 
The housing itself is a strong plastic with an over ear fit. It is shaped very much like most custom iems, which allowed a comfortable ear fit. Isolation was pretty standard, allowing some loud sounds through, but not too much noise.
 
The cable was a standard plastic which I’m not too fond of, but it wasn’t necessarily bad. The 3.5mm plug has a nice, thick quality to it.
 
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
 
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity
ZTE Axon 7 (AKM 4490)
Asrock Fatality amped onboard DAC/amp
 
Music used for testing
Devin Townsend Project, Temple of the Dog, Guns & Roses, Pearl Jam, Bassnectar, Of Montreal, Agnostic Front, Nick Jonas, Gwen Stefani, Alice in Chains, Iron Maiden, Drake, Buckethead, etc.
 
Amplifier Needed?
 
No
 
Sound Signature
 

 
 
Big bass, but surprisingly competent all around. Slight mid recession with some bass bloat. Smooth. Rolled off treble.
 
ARTA and the Vibro Veritas FR show the elevated bass levels, a peak at 2k, a diving dip to 7k, a peak at 9k, and the subsequent rolloff towards the end.
 
Slight EQ at the peak and dip areas can “fix” the sound a bit if desired.
 
The foam tips were used for the review and measurement, as they were the most coherent and lowered the mid bass for me.
 
Bass
 
Dat Bass! The highlight of the TFZ Series 1 is the deep bass available within every track. These are hip hop/EDM/Rock/Pop geared earphones with their pleasing bass tones. The bass is clear, not sloppy, but doesn’t quite reach true basshead levels (It can come close though). The newest Drake album is already bass enhanced, and the TFZ1 provides “Beats like” bass levels without drowning out vocals. Bass drums come through with force on rock tracks, a feeling which can be lost on mid-centric iems.
 
Midrange
 
The 2k peak gears towards guitars and male vocals which enhanced some Iron Maiden tracks by highlighting Bruce Dickinson’s trademark howl and their otherworldly guitar compositions. This peak allows the bass to be so big without muffled recession. Most music will benefit from this, but further down the mid frequency range will suffer in detail via some instruments, female vocals, ambience, etc.
 
Treble
 
Another peak at 9k brings forward the highs, but rolloff starts to occur from this point. Detail and resolution suffer a bit, but it also allows a non-fatiguing, smooth listen.
 
Soundstage, Imaging, Resolution
 
There is a surprising soundstage present with a good amount of depth. It isn’t wide, but it is still above average in the price category. The TFZ does well with imaging and placement, but doesn’t set itself apart in this area compared to similar iems. Same with its resolution, which is good but not great. The higher end TFZ models may fare better in this area.
 
Comparisons
 
TFZ Series 1 vs. Shozy Zero -  These two are very close in presentation. I feel the TFZ is more comfortable to wear and easier to seal, but the Zero edges the 1 in detail a bit. Both have elevated bass with a nice smooth signature, but the 2k peak of the 1 in the mids lets vocals through more. With some EQ, the Zero’s mids are easily brought up from recession however, making it slightly better for me.
 
 
Conclusion
 
I’m impressed with TFZ. The packaging, style, custom options, and sound make a well put together audio experience. Something like this would be a gift purchase for me to others, showing them just how good these lesser known brands can be. Hopefully I can hear the 3 and 5 Series in the near future, as TFZ is now on my radar.
 
The TFZ Series 1 can be found for purchase here:
 
http://penonaudio.com/TFZ-SERIES-1

 


 

 
 
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 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 high end audio equipment, from amps, speakers, subs, to just about anything audio related you can think of. I eventually moved on into building my own DIY custom speakers, as I felt the value and performance of most commercial speakers were lacking. I found out through this process that you could create high end setups from equipment costing thousands less than most branded commercial setups.
Since I cannot play music at 100+db all day and night in an apartment complex, I started looking for similar values in the Headphone/Earphone/IEM world. In a Beats dominated world, I was very disappointed.
I then found out about some excellent headphones/IEMs at great prices being made by Asian companies that are not known of here in the US. It renewed my interest in headphones and became the basis of the Asian audio thread.
 
REVIEW
 
Specifications
 

1. Impedance: 32 Ω
2. Driver Unit: 11mm, dynamic
3. Weight: 15g
4. Cable Length: 1.25m
5. In-Line Remote: Yes
6. Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 110±2dB
7. Colors: Gold, Graphite
8. Connector: 3.5mm jack (straight)
9. Wire Core Material: Enameled copper wire
10. Rated Power: 5mW
11. Coil Material: Copper-clad aluminum
12. Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000Hz
13. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.5%(1000Hz, 1mW)

 
Accessories
 
 

Package contents: Faux Leather Pouch. 3 Silicone tip sets. Oneplus Icons
 
 
 
Housing/Fit/Isolation
 
The Oneplus Icons have a beautiful and unique Organ Pipe shaped design to them. The housing extends upward in an asymmetrical fork like shape, with the driver attached in between. The angled nozzles and long body allow for a very snug yet comfortable fit, excellent for active users at the gym or running. I have seen a review stating the Icons fell out of the reviewer’s ears quite a bit. This is easily solved with a pair of tips that actually fit your ear. My favorite to use on the Icons (and many other IEMs) are the JVC Spiral Dots, large size.
 
The aluminum alloy the shell is constructed of is lightweight yet strong. The Icons have taken some serious pocket abuse and haven’t gotten a scratch on them.
 
Isolation is above average. Outside noise is blocked out nicely, while little to no sound escapes to the outside.
 
 
 
Cable/Mic Functionality
 
The Icon cable uses a regular plastic coating going to each ear after the Y split, but uses a Kevlar type rope coating for the rest of the wire. This has actually helped prevent tangling in my pockets by quite a bit, and I like the design. I only tested the mic briefly, but it worked clearly with no issues. 
 
 
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
 
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity + Moto X Pure
Moto X Pure
MSI Gaming 7 amped onboard DAC
 
Testing Songs
Random Metal, Rock, EDM, Rap, Top 40, Hip Hop, Blues, and anything other music genres I feel like listening to at any given moment. I focus on songs I know well to spot differences in frequencies amongst a/b comparisons. 
 
Amplifier Needed?
No. The Icons are driven well by nearly any source.
 
Sound Signature
The Icons are so close to being balanced audiophile level IEMs, but the upper mid range places a slight metallic emphasis on guitars and vocals where it shouldn’t be.
 
Resolution
Above average. The clarity is comparable to sets in the $100-$150 range the majority of the time, with all parts of the sound well represented.
 
Bass
Bass levels are done very well, with a slight boost down low that adds a pleasingly tight and controlled level of fun to the music without bleeding into or muddying the rest of the spectrum. Along with the highs, bass is one of the Icons consistent strong suits. Bass lovers will very much enjoy these.
 
Midrange
The midrange is the crux of the Icons. At first, it seems excellent. It is not recessed and punches out a very good level of detail. To achieve this enhanced sense of clarity, the driver seems to be being pushed too much or tuned unnaturally.  This produces an uneven peak in the upper mids where guitars/vocals normally lie. Once you hear it, it can start to detract from the music a bit. This doesn’t mean the Icons aren’t highly enjoyable however. The Icons were almost on par with my current favorite (discontinued) set, the LZ-A2 during an extended listen of Megadeth Dystopia.
 
 
Treble
Despite the enhanced midrange, the highs remain natural and well extended. Cymbals hit with natural power and are easily heard within the music. Small enhancements can be heard within, but no major troubling peaks seem to jump out.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
Very good for a single dynamic driver. The soundstage is wide, but not open back headphone wide. Instruments can be individually heard, but tend to blend into the middle of the soundstage instead of being able to be easily picked apart in the left and right channels.
 
Comparisons
The Icons are appropriately priced for the quality of sound they put out. They compare easily with many sets in the $50-150 range from well-known companies. They sit alongside my Dunu Titans, LZ-A2, and Havi B3 Pro 1 as the go-to favorites in my collection.
 
Conclusion
 
Like the Oneplus One, I believe Oneplus has winner in the Icons that deserves more attention. It easily gets a thumbs in quality/value from me, and I hope it does for many others.
 
The OnePlus Icons can be found at OnePlus’ online store, and can be found at Gearbest here: 
http://www.gearbest.com/earphones/pp_261000.html

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 
Microphone Unit：Φ 4*1.5mm 
S.P.L：-42±3dB S.P.L at 1KHz 
Impedance: ≤2.2kΩ 
Frequency response: 100Hz-10,000Hz 
Directivity: Omni-directional 

Speaker Spec 
Speaker diameter: Φ 10mm 
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz 
Impedance: 32Ω 
S.P.L: 92±3dB S.P.L at 1KHz 
Rated power: 20mW 

Bluetooth Spec
Bluetooth version: 4.0+EDR
Support profile: HSP,HFP,A2DP,AVRCP
Transmission frequency: 2.40GHz-2.48GHz
Transmission distance: 10m
Pairing name: Ausdom M08

Battery Spec
Charging port: Micro USB
Standby time: More than 250 hours
Talking time: About 25 hours
Playing time: About 25 hours
Charging time: About 2-3 hours
Battery type: Build in 500mah rechargeable lithium battery
Dimension:185*167mm

What's in the Box

1*Bluetooth headset
1*Micro USB charging cable
1*3.5mm audio cable
1*User manual
 
 
Build Features/Quality: 

1. Aluminum Magnesium Alloy on Headband and Cups
2. Plush Faux Leather Foam Pads
3. Fold up Design
4. FF/Play/RWD buttons on Right Cup
5. Long battery life

 
 
The Ausdom M08 has a lot going for it in its design. The Aluminium Magnesium alloy surrounding the majority of the headphone is sleek, sturdy, and surprisingly lightweight. While some people may prefer a little more heft and weight, I find the M08 to be comfortable and light without feeling cheap. I have some sunglasses consisting of the same material, and they have yet to show as much as a scratch.
 
It might be classified as an Over-Ear headphone, but the earcups are noticeably small and fit more like a pair of on-ear headphones.  Despite being smaller than a typical set of over-hear headphones, isolation is above average. I was able to walk the streets of NYC and not hear anything going on around me. My commute on the train consisted of Iron Maiden classics blasting loudly without bothering those sitting near me. In this regard, the M08 is excellent. The M08 also folds up easily, making it a good choice for a gym bag/commute.
 
The controls on the right earcup are placed in an easily accessible position, and I had no trouble playing, pausing, and seeking through songs.
 
Battery life was another strong suit. The battery lasted over 20+ hours during the review process and still had plenty of juice left.
 
 
Sound Quality:

1. Good clarity, decent detail retrieval
2. Bluetooth sound is good, but could use the aptX codec
3. Mid bass boosted, treble contains a slight boost with a quick rolloff

 
 
I was anxious to see how well the M08 performed in both wired and Bluetooth mode. It was no surprise that the wired mode sounded better by a good margin. Wired mode was just much more enjoyable. Using my Geek Pulse Infinity as a source, you could hear more detail and the treble drop off was much less (but still there). This is unfortunately the case for Bluetooth headphones in general, which is why I like that the wired option was included.
 
One of the biggest drawbacks of many Bluetooth 4.0 headphones are that they fail to include the aptX codec in their design. It may be a licensing or cost issue, but I have found that aptX offers noticeably better performance over EDR and any other Bluetooth codec. AptX seems to be missing from the M08 as well, which is unfortunate.
 
Even without the aptX codec included, the sound in Bluetooth mode is more than acceptable and beats out a few other sets in the same price range. Bluedio offers a similar headphone in their “Turbine” series, but I’ve always found Bluedio to be way too bass focused and lacking any sort of cohesive sound. The M08 maintains a good amount of clarity and crispness in the vocal and cymbal range. Bass is boosted slightly too much in the midbass levels, blending and bloating into vocals a little too often, hurting the clarity and detail of the sound a bit. Soundstage is a bit closed in and forward, but enjoyable. Treble drops off significantly through Bluetooth.  I also noticed that my Azio aptX Bluetooth dongle introduced distortion into the music via foobar2000 which wasn’t heard from any other source. If you use this dongle, be aware if this is an issue for you as well.
 
 
Conclusion:
Ausdom has created a well-designed, nicely priced Bluetooth headphone in the M08. While higher cost headphones have much better detail retrieval, resolution, and clarity, not everyone wants to spend $150+ to get that.
 
Including the aptX codec would have been a nice addition, and I hope Ausdom considers this in the future. I hope they can come out with a true giant killing flagship model in the future that provides $200+ balanced, reference sound in a value package of $80 or less.
 
At the under $40 price Gearbest is currently offering them for, anyone looking for a nice looking, serviceable, good isolating Bluetooth/wired headphone should give the M08 a try.
 
You can grab the M08 here:
(Cheaper than Amazon, and Gearbest has always been a consistent pleasure to buy from for me)
http://www.gearbest.com/headsets/pp_230468.html

Aune B1
 
If you’ve ever wondered how a Class A, discrete amp would sound with your portable music rig, Aune has given you the chance with the B1.
While I’m not going to go into the details of Class A nor comparisons to other amp types (Class AB, Class D), Class A is considered the best by many. I’ve found amps in all topologies that are so good that you’d never consider or care what type they are, so I don’t necessarily prefer one type over another. The design and components are what matters most.
 
Specifications:

1. Frequency range: 10 Hz – 20 KHz ± 0,15 dB
2. THD+N: <0,0008% @ 1 KHz, 600Ω
3. Signal/noise ratio: >124 dB @ 600Ω
4. Channel separation: > 110 дБ @ 1 КГц, 600Ω
5. Output power: 25 mW @ 16Ω, 50 mW @ 32Ω, 100 mW @ 300Ω
6. Headphone impedance: 16Ω — 300Ω
7. Battery: 4000 mA/h
8. Life time: 10 hours for 20 mA, 5 hours for 40 mA
9. Size: 65 mm × 110 mm × 18 mm
10. Weight: 230 g

 
Build Quality: 

1. Quality Aluminum Chassis
2. Unique window design showcasing internals
3. Stylish Faux Leather
4. Confusing switch placement

 
The B1 is a somewhat hefty amp to carry around, about the size of a smartphone lengthwise, and about 3-4 phones wide in girth. While it may be a bit wieldy to carry around, the actual quality of the device is high. The aluminum chassis and clear window casing showing the internals of the device provides a sleek look with a sturdy feel. The faux leather along the chassis also fits the design quite well without taking away from the overall appeal.
The switches and volume knobs did take away from the build though. I found the gain switch and volume knob placement to feel unnatural when I went to adjust them. It was nothing too distracting, but I’ve also used many amps that felt much better (Fiio and Cayin come to mind).
Battery life is not the greatest. The Class A design really eats up the battery, with 5-10 hours being the norm depending on your gain setting.
 
Sound Quality:

1. Good but not great power overall.
2. Slight bass tilt, 40mA mode better
3. Neutral sound

 
The B1 has plenty of power for most applications, and it excels at powering high impedance headphones. I ended up finding out that low impedance multi driver earphones do not do well with the B1 however (Havi B3). My smartphone drove the B3 at the same power level (even in high gain), which is not something I want in a $200+ amp. Every other IEM and headphone sounded stellar however. The O2 amplifier comes to mind with the overall neutral aspect of the sound.
Compared to my Geek Out 1000 V1, I found the GO1000 to be slightly more engaging and more powerful, with a slight edge in soundstage. Treble was enhanced over the B1, but I found the B1 more pleasing.
 
Conclusion:
There is a lot to like about the B1. I would very much recommend it as a portable amp for a high impedance headphone. For a portable IEM solution, I find that there are better dac/amp combo options available at similar pricing.
 
As a fan of Aune and their past products, I applaud their effort in making a unique amp that can satisfy a lot of people.

Fiio's new X1 is an excellent low cost entry for those looking for better audio quality than what their current smartphones are capable of.

 

I must admit, I am not a fan of DAPs. Even the nicest, most expensive DAPs still don't have the capabilities of most mid range smartphones (touch screen, downloadable programs/album art, wifi transfers, etc). I would be very hesitant to spend $300+ to have none of those features available to me in a separate audio player. This is where the $100 X1 comes in. The DAC and amp inside the player ends up providing very good sound quality at a very affordable price. Here are my impressions of the X1 in the week that I had it. 

 

 

Build Quality:

 

Top notch for the price. The aluminum alloy chassis has a premium feel to it. It feels nice and solid in your hand, and the provided silicone skin and screen protector help prevent possible damage. The click wheel turns easily, and the buttons respond fluidly to touch.

 

Features:

 

-192kHz/24bit playback from just about every useful audio file type (FLAC, ALAC, MP3, OGG).

 

This is a major feature that most audio players ~$100 simply don’t have. This allows high quality playback from sources such as HDTracks with zero issues.

 

-A good (but not great) quality DAC and amp.

 

The DAC and amp used in the X1 (PCM 5142 + ISL28291) are better than your average DAC found in smartphones, but they still fall short to many of the higher level DACs (SABRE) out there by quite a margin. This combo simply doesn’t have the detail and resolution found in higher quality DAPs (X5), but it is better than what $100 normally gets you.

 

-Up to 128GB of SD card storage

 

Huge feature. Any respectable DAP should be using consumer friendly expandable SD card storage.

 

-Line Output

 

Another huge feature. This allows an external amp to pick up where the X1 lacks, which allows more demanding headphones (or speakers) to use the X1 as a source.

 

Ease of Use:

 

This is where the X1 stumbles a bit for me. With touch screen smartphones being such a large part of our lives now, having to use a scroll wheel feels like a time warp back to 2005. While it is easy to navigate through the Fiio UI, there were far too many times I missed the convenience of tapping where I wanted to be in a track.

 

Sound Quality:

 

The overall sound signature of the X1 surprised me with how flat it was. Normally I love a good flat signature, but bass levels actually seemed lower than flat, and with less extension. For bass heavy consumer earphones, this works out pretty well in cleaning up the bass bloat present. For higher quality neutral signature IEMs, it sucks the life out them. EQ ended up being a must in order to bring back sufficient levels of pleasurable bass. Luckily the Fiio EQ works pretty well, but more power hungry IEMs won’t do well off of the internal amp with a large bass boost.

 

Detail retrieval was a noticeable step up from a Moto G that I used in comparison.  

 

Final Thoughts:

 

The Moto G vs. X1 got me thinking… which would be better, a standalone DAP, or a cheap smartphone with a USB DAC/amp attached? With the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop, most android phones now support USB DACs. I was finally able to use my Geek Out 1000 off of my Oneplus One the other day, and the results were fantastic.

 

The X1 is a nice unit that will work very well for most people. For me, while it was nice to try, I vastly preferred the interface of my smartphone and ease of use to run Spotify and Google Play Music (two major things missing from the X1).

 

My suggestion: Now with both Apple and Android supporting USB DACs, the time is now to make a compact, affordable, high quality, easily connectable 192/24 USB DAC/AMP for smartphones and anything else with USB. Separate devices with less features don’t make much sense anymore to me, and I don’t feel I’m alone in this.

 

 

FW 1.0 was used during the review duration.

 

Thanks goes to Joe @ Fiio for providing the X1 for review.