Introduction
This is my review of the Vento P55 V3 - a portable on ear headphone from SoundMAGIC and their Vento series. They are a brand that has been around head-fi since my earliest days in this hobby. They make a range of headphones for different applications and formats. Their name has been synonymous with quality offerings at reasonable prices such as the E80 and the HP150 or HP200.

The official product page can be found here

As you might be able to tell from the official site, this model has undergone a number of revisions and has had a lot of time in it's development. Spoiler alert: It paid off!

Disclaimer
Before I begin this review, I want to thank SoundMAGIC for giving me the opportunity to review the Vento P55 V3 and in providing a review sample in exchange for my honest opinion. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on. These are my personal findings and should be taken as such.

About me
Before I get into the nitty gritty of things, I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.

"Music has always been a huge part of my life, whether it was performing music on stage with my band or more recently, involving myself in this masochistic wonderful hobby of ours. I have always enjoyed listening to music but I haven’t always paid attention to the quality of headphones because I was perfectly content with included cellphone earphones or cheap earbuds from department stores. Ignorance is bliss right? This however all changed when I came across head-fi one day, and that’s when things started to go downhill (for my wallet that is ). It is all too easy to underestimate how large an impact a good pair of headphones can have in the enjoyment of your favorite songs.

After getting my first pair of good headphones, I had felt as if an entirely new world has opened up to me musically and I found myself rediscovering music that I have listened to for many years.

When it comes to musical taste, I can’t say that I have any specific genre that is my absolute favorite, as I like a little bit of everything. But if I had to be specify, I would say that I love mainstream and Pop music and I consider myself to be an average joe in that regard. That is the approach I will be taking in reviewing gear, for people like me who aren’t all that technical and are not audiophiles in the classical sense.

I mostly stream music from the Internet using services such as Spotify and Youtube and like millions of other people, my laptop and cellphone serves as my main media players."

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

The P55 V3 comes packaged in a stylish box that encloses a soft shell carrying case. The headphone comes packaged inside said carrying case, along with a whole host of accessories. These include two headphone cables, one is a single 3.5 mm single ended cable and the other with microphone and remote control for mobile devices.


It also comes with two short adapter cables, one for switching between different smartphones (in case inline features are not supported) and the other for computer use with separate connections for both audio and microphone.

What is it like to use?
When I try to analyze a headphone I try to take into account why it exists. That is to say what did the creators have in mind. The Vento was designed to be a portable/travel friendly and everyday life friendly headphone.

The headphone is comfortable to wear for long periods of time and I did not experience any discomfort after long listening sessions. There is ample padding in both the headbands and the earcups. Though it is branded an on ear headphone, I feel that it sits somewhere between a true on ear headphone and an over ear headphone. I used it throughout the winter and even when it was pressed against my skin it didn't irritate me. The included case will ensure longevity and easy storage when not in use. While I do wish that the P55 folded into a more compact form, it is still easy to package inside the case when the cups are folded flat.



[The microphone is great for use during phone calls. The people on the other side of the phone call had no trouble hearing me, even while travelling outside and the quality of the voice calls were great overall, no complaints in that regard.

It provides great passive isolation when music is playing and you won't find yourself turning up music volume to drown out surrounding noise. Noise leakage was minimal to non-existent at normal listening volumes.

Sound
First and foremost, the Vento P55 V3 was designed to be a portable headphone and it has been tuned as such. It sports a refined and tastefully done V-shaped sound that flies in the face of it's contemporaries bass heavy and muddy tunings *cough*beats*cough* Oh boy, I guess my allergies are acting up again lol.

I would like to start off by saying that the vento is detailed and energetic headphone. It has energy in the upper registers and lies on the brighter side of neutral, relatively speaking. While this is no grado, if you are used to warm and bass monsters, you might be in for a surprise, as well as, a treat! Allow me to elaborate on why I think this to be the case!

The bass is plentiful in quantity and quality. It also has the added benefit of drowning out ambient noise when listening to music outside. The bass is of high quality and texture is easily discerned. It is controlled and slams hard when called for. I am happy to report that the bass did not bleed into the midrange.

The midrange, though recessed in comparison to treble and bass, is still detailed enough to make vocals standout and not get lost in the mix. Speaking of which, the layering and spacious representation is impressive for an on-ear portable headphone. Not too detailed and overbearing, but dynamic enough to keep you engaged during listening sessions.

All of these attributes make the Vento a wonderful match for metal (or any guitar centric genres) and contemporary pop music. In fact, I tend to use the Vento for listening to my favorite heavy metal and EDM tracks.

Conclusion
Since getting the SoundMAGIC Vento P55 V3, I have used it as my main portable headphone over a period of several months and so I feel I have a good grasp on what it’s about.

From its sleek all business look, to its durable construction, inline mic controls and removable cable, it offers a convenient package that people from all walks of life can use

What’s more, the sound is great for what a portable on-ear headphone should be - energetic and dynamic and the passive isolation means that you can enjoy your music at lower volumes. It pairs well with any portable audio source but does sound better when paired with a good source. It is easy enough to drive that it will sound great out of any portable device.

All of this makes for a wonderful portable package that is sure to make long commutes more bearable and a wonderful daily driver. It is easy to use and sturdy enough to survive the rigors of daily travel and being stuffed into bags. If you are in the market for a sleek and well built headphone that looks great and sounds even better, while not breaking the bank, I urge you to check out the Vento P55 V3.

Disclaimer
Before I begin this review, I would like to thank Mike from Mee audio who made this review possible.

The MEE X7 plus is a review unit provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on.

Introduction
I want to take this opportunity to thank MEE Audio for giving me a chance to check out the X7 Plus, their top offering from their lineup of bluetooth in ear headphones.

MEE Audio is a brand that is well known at head-fi, and deservedly so. They provide a range of products at affordable prices, from bluetooth tv adapters to headphones to custom offerings for iems. Their brand is practically synonymous with bang for buck and I have been following them for quite some time now. (M9 anyone?).

Needless to say they have undergone a transformation since then, and not only in name. As an amateur musician, their foray into the professional arena of music is something that resonates with me, especially with their wildly popular stage in ear monitors and custom in ear tips. But I digress.


Here is a bit about them from their own website:

WHO WE ARE
MEE is home to a group of audio enthusiasts who enjoy hearing music at its absolute best. We spread our passion by crafting innovative high-performance audio gear in order to let music inspire everyone as it inspires us. Where others see a pair of headphones, we see the final step in experiencing music as it was meant to be. This is why we obsess over every detail of how our products look, feel, and sound, bringing you the ultimate listening experience.

WHAT WE DO
Since 2005 we have been committed to crafting headphones and earphones with exceptional audio quality and design, winning acclaim from casual listeners and audiophiles around the world. Specializing in sports, wireless, and high fidelity headphones, MEE is committed to providing the best user experience, performance, and value with every product.


We are MEE, and we deliver Music Enjoyment for Everyone.

Click to expand...

Like many people, I tend to listen to music from my phone (iPhone 8 plus). However, most phone companies these days seem to think that headphone jacks are redundant and have been taking steps to eradicate them. And so now we are in the age of wireless headphones, or they would hope.

We must get with the times I suppose but that does not mean we are relegated to overpriced junk offered by the phone manufacturers *cough*airpods*coughs*




More than ever before, people are buying into the idea of using wireless headphones and this is abundantly clear while out and about. A cursory search on any popular on-line retailer will show a plethora of options spanning the entire price spectrum.


Enter the MEE audio X7 Plus - In this era of bluetooth headphones, does it have what it takes to stand out? Is it worth your hard earned dollars/yen/crayons? Read on to find out.

About me
Before I get into the nitty gritty of things, I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, whether it was performing music on stage with my band or more recently, involving myself in this masochistic wonderful hobby of ours. I have always enjoyed listening to music but I haven’t always paid attention to the quality of headphones because I was perfectly content with included cellphone earphones or cheap earbuds from department stores. Ignorance is bliss right? This however all changed when I came across head-fi one day, and that’s when things started to go downhill (for my wallet that is). It is all too easy to underestimate how large an impact a good pair of headphones can have in the enjoyment of your favorite songs.

After getting my first pair of good headphones, I had felt as if an entirely new world has opened up to me musically and I found myself rediscovering music that I have listened to for many years.

When it comes to musical taste, I can’t say that I have any specific genre that is my absolute favorite, as I like a little bit of everything. But if I had to be specify, I would say that I love mainstream and Pop music and I consider myself to be an average joe in that regard. That is the approach I will be taking in reviewing gear, for people like me who aren’t all that technical and are not audiophiles in the classical sense.

I mostly stream music from the Internet using services such as Spotify and Youtube and like millions of other people, my laptop and cellphone serves as my main media players.

Click to expand...

Specifications

What's in the Box

• X7 Plus stereo Bluetooth earphones
• Micro-USB charging cable
• 3 sets of ear tips
• Carrying case
• User manual

Speaker Specifications
driver size 6 mm
frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
impedance 16 Ohms at 1K
sensitivity 100±3 dB (1mW at 1KHZ)
Battery Specifications
battery type 2x built-in rechargeable Li-Poly battery
music playback time 7.5 hours
talk time 8 hours
standby time 300 hours
charging time 2 hours
charging connector micro-USB
Bluetooth Specifications
Bluetooth version 4.1
Bluetooth profiles supported A2DP, HSP, HFP, AVRCP
audio codecs supported SBC, aptX®, AAC
operating range 30 ft (10 m)
Microphone Specifications
directivity omnidirectional
frequency response 100 Hz to 8 kHz
Product Details
ear coupling intraaural (in-ear)
cable length 12 inches (31 cm)
weight 0.5oz (14g)
water resistance technology Liquipel Watersafe™ nano-coating


Build quality, Design and Accessories
The headphones come packaged in a stylish box that presents the headphone shells front and center.


The headphones themselves feel nice to the touch and feel quite premium in the hands with it’s sleek curves and design. It feels sturdy and feels like it can take a beating, and some splashes to boot! It is water resistant and has been designed with that in mind.
I think they could have done more in terms of accessories that come in the box. Competing headphones come with a variety of tips and such, but I would like to think that they put the money and resources towards what matters the most - the sound.


It should be noted that the X7 plus nozzle is wider than standard sizes so tip rolling can be a challenge in some cases. Having said that, I had no trouble finding tips that gave me the perfect seal for my ears so YMMV.

The ergonomic shape ensures a comfortable listening experience for long listening sessions, at least that has been the case for me. I would often wear the X7 plus for my long commutes, straight to the gym, then to the shower…..without taking the X7 plus out. (I am antisocial like that lol). The convenience factor cannot be overemphasized. And my ears didn’t feel sore after these long marathon sessions either!

This little beauty accompanies me everywhere, and it’s not only because of how easily they seem to slip into my ears (and stay there).

What’s it like to use?
The X7 plus is stupidly easy to operate. Once you pair it to a device, it’s a matter of turning the X7 plus on and having it pair instantly with your phone.

The bluetooth range has been superb with a strong and steady connection and I have yet to drop connections. In addition, the battery life is fantastic, I easily get 7 hours of music listening time, which is close to the official 7.5 hours spec.

The microphone is alright and competent enough for phone calls, although it would not be my first choice in this regard. In a pinch it does the job.

The ease of use and consistency in performance is the second bit that has the X7 plus in my pocket on a daily basis, the first bit being the ergonomics.


What does it sound like?
The third reason why the X7 plus has found a permanent spot in my daily life is because of how it sounds! It is a headphone after all, not just a fashion piece

When it comes to sonic performance, the X7 plus takes a more even keel approach with a tasty bump in lower registers. It sports a relatively balanced sound with enough detail and dynamics to keep you engaged whether you are out and about, or pushing through the last set at the gym.

It has a slight bass emphasis, demonstrating both quality mid bass and sub bass that integrates nicely into the sound without bleeding into the midrange. The midrange is superbly detailed, full sounding and engaging. When using the X7 Plus during my workouts I would sometimes pause in middle of my workout to listen closely to the music because the X7 Plus sounds so damn good. The X7 Plus is a fantastic sounding iem, not just for a bluetooth iem but overall.

This will not come across as a shock to anyone but the X7 plus really shines when it comes to pop music and top 40 songs. And I will admit that my tastes in music tend to lie in that area so the X7 plus has been an enjoyable listen for me in that regard.


How does it compare?
Brainwavz BLU-200 vs MEE X7 Plus
The X7 Plus comes in an elaborate packaging with a decidedly more premium experience versus the simpler packaging of the BLU-200. You really feel like you got your money’s worth with the X7 Plus when unboxing it.






The X7P has a more attractive, durable and comfortable design when compared to the BLU200. The X7 Plus employs a more ergonomic design that sits flush in the ear, which I found to be comfortable for longer listening sessions.





I must say that the BLU-200 comes ahead when considering the included accessories. The X7 Plus comes with a set of silicon tips, an extra cable management clip and a charging cable. The BLU-200 carrying case is simply perfect, with an eye catching design that is sure to provide plenty of protection. It has ample room to store the iem and accessories, whereas the MEE case feels more cramped.

While Both are equally easy to use on a daily basis, the longer battery life on the X7 Plus means that its useful both in and out of gym, as its the one I always reach for when leaving the house. With the BLU-200 that is not the case because I have to charge it more frequently thanks to the shorter battery life, so its not really ideal for taking out with me while out and about.

They both pair easily and function very similarly. The X7 Plus has a better built remote with a more raised profile for the buttons, making tactile navigation much easier. I also found the the X7 Plus to possess a larger reception range compared to the bLU-200, allowing me to venture further away from my paired device.

Sonically speaking, the X7 Plus has a more even sound compared to the BLU-200, even sounding better than many wired iems in the <$100 category. The X7 Plus sports an increased resolution along with a balanced sound that flies in the face of many of its competitor's consumer oriented tuning.


BASS 4 LYFE

Compared to the bass heavy tuning of the BLU-200, the X7 Plus has a slight bass emphasis, demonstrating both quality mid bass and sub bass that integrates nicely into the sound without bleeding into the midrange. The midrange is superbly detailed, full sounding and engaging. When using the X7 Plus during my workouts I would sometimes pause in middle of my workout to listen closely to the music because the X7 Plus sounds so damn good. The X7 Plus is a fantastic sounding iem, not just for a bluetooth iem but overall. And what's more it can even be used in the shower, so no need to remove them in the bathroom, just jump in!
Conclusion
The X7 plus was one of the main reasons that I was able to have a relatively painless transition to using phones without headphone jacks.

The X7 plus feels stellar, sounds sublime and sounds heavenly. It has battery life that will not disappoint and it doesn't take long to top up a charge. It is also priced lower than many other offerings with similar specifications, meaning it won't break the bank and will sound better at the same time!

I liked it so much, I purchased two units for my family members.

DISCLAIMER
Before I begin this review, I would like to thank Shelly from Aune audio who made this review possible, and for her help and patience during the review period.

The Aune S6 is a long term loaner unit provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on. These are my personal findings and should be taken as such.


INTRODUCTION
Aune is a brand that I have come across on head-fi on many an occasion, especially when it came to DAPs and Amp/DACs. They have developed a stellar reputation for producing high quality devices that perform at a tier above most other brands.

This is what their website had to say:


So when an opportunity to review and check out the Aune S6 presented itself, I jumped in head first. This is a long term review and I have put the device through its paces and then some.

Truth be told, having tried many a device that tends to eschew on the portable side of things, I was curious to see how a desktop class device would fare for my setup. And of course, how it performs! Let’s take a gander shall we?


ABOUT ME
Before I get into the nitty gritty of things, I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.



SOFTWARE
As with most audio devices these days, the Aune S6 was strictly plug and play on my MacBook Pro. On windows 10, the computer automatically downloaded drivers and it was smooth sailing since. I did not experience any problems in this regard on either operating systems.


SPECIFICATIONS
As you can see the S6 has been outfitted with enough output and input options to whet even the most ardent audiophile’s appetite. In my case, I primarily used the USB digital in from my MAC and PC, and optical input from my gaming console.

On occasion I use the RCA line out to my solid state amps and the balanced out to my balanced tube amp. But most of the time I use the balanced and the single ended headphone out. Sometimes less is more, and I am a firm believer of the K.I.S.S philosophy (Keep It Simple Stupid).

The S6 can also output to speakers but I was not able to test this feature as I do not have any computer speakers.


HARDWARE

​

It should be noted that I received the S6 in non-retail packaging so I won’t be able to comment on the retail side of things. All the same, the box came with the necessary cables, including a power cable and USB Type A cable. A driver CD was also included. The S6 is available in both Silver and Black.

Now about the device itself: It looks and feels professional and sturdy, with a mean metal exterior that in all honesty would not at all look out of place in Darth Vader’s Audio setup. He probably has an amp/dac built into his helmet but I digress.

The front display panel is bright and easy to read and displays only the pertinent information such as volume level and input method and headphone vs line out among other things. The Line out volume can be adjusted with the aid of the knob.


The knob has no end point and will continue to rotate freely. So if you need to change volume quickly, such as during a gaming session, just give the knob a whirl. There is enough resistance that it will not haphazardly change volume levels. The volume change is linear and smooth and there is no chance of accidental volume spikes, which is important when using sensitive IEMS.

I was not able to hear any hissing or background noises when using the S6 with my headphones, everything from sensitive in ear monitors to hard to drive open back headphones.


SOUND
The S6 can be quiet enough to use with in ear monitors and at the same time,it has enough power to comfortably drive my Sennheiser HD600 and HD650. And if you ever need more power, feel free to use line out to an amp of your choice. I sometimes run it with the VE RunABOUT 2.0 and xDuoo TA-20 balanced tube amplifier.

As I touched upon earlier, the Aune S6 sports both a single ended and a balanced ended headphone out. Now people will argue all day long whether balanced truly makes a difference. In the case of the S6, I was able to hear a difference between the two headphone outs. Whether this difference will be an improvement or not will depend completely on you. In my case, I prefer the airier and more open sound of the balanced output. YMMV in this regard. Please put down the pitchforks lol.


Personally, I love running the HD600 balanced from the Aune S6! Again, to my giant ears the balanced output sounds more open and less congested. But the single ended headphone out is no slouch and all my headphones sound just wonderful when using the Aune S6. Given that most of my headphones are terminated single ended, this port gets the most use, and suffice to say I am quite pleased with the output.

When it comes to the sound, I am reluctant to talk too much about DAC performance as it’s hard to describe. After All if it is doing its job well then it should be neutral and add no strong flavor of its own. And the sound often will depend on which headphone you are using so talking about the DAC seems like a moot point.

To my ears, the S6 sounds quite close to neutral, and does not sound analytical at all. It has a natural and engaging sound signature that makes it a blast to use for all applications, including music listening.

Regardless of the headphone being used, the sound was always clear, pristine and detailed with great positional cues. It sounds natural and makes a fantastic match for open back headphones like the HD650 and HD600. It sounded great with all genres of music and did not have any particular weakness that I could readily identify.


The best thing about the S6 is how easy it is to use. Plug and play and turns on instantly, allowing you to enjoy music without any hassle. It’s sound is so soothing and pleasing that I often find myself lost in music, not caring about the analysis or pontification - it’s sound signature has that effect on me. I


USAGE
Since I began my journey in this hobby in 2015, I have always turned to portable devices for my audio needs, even for my desktop needs. Since the Aune S6 has been in my posession, it has surprisingly supplanted all my other devices, quickly becoming the center piece that manages audio for my computers (PC/MAC) and gaming console (Playstation). The S6 is basically the audio equivalent of the swiss army knife.

The Aune S6 gets hours upon hours of use on a daily basis, whether I am working on my computer, or gaming on my computer or console. I have basically stopped using my other devices and I can say with a great deal of confidence that the S6 stopped my upgraditis dead in its tracks.

I find the S6 to be so easy to use, while being incredibly capable and feature filled that I almost never feel the need to reach for my DACs, all of whom are sitting in a box gathering dust. Whenever I am in the mood for a different flavour of sound, I use line out to an external amp, with my favourites being the Venture Electronics RunABOUT 1.0 and 2.0. All of this more have kept me satisfied and happy since I received the device.

I would like to highlight gaming performance - the S6 positively shines in this area! I typically enjoy first person shooters, and I find that the S6 with its detailed sound and accurate sound cues make playing games like Call of Duty and Battlefield an absolute blast. In fact, I daresay it gives you a leg up over others.

All of this makes for a complete package that I feel is worth it’s asking price and more.


SUMMARY
My view on what makes a good headphone or even a good device has changed a great deal since starting in this hobby. It used to be that newer was better, more is better or louder is better. But I assure that is not at all the case

The S6 might not be the most recent, nor the shiniest device on the black, but I feel it is a complete package that is worth its asking price and more.

From a hardware perspective, the Aune S6 has a great build quality, along with a stealthy professional design ensuring that it will feel at home with any setup. It has a myriad of inputs and outputs ensuring great flexibility.

Most importantly, it sounds fantastic for almost any application. It can take care of all our audio needs, whether you are listening through iems, headphones or even speakers. It has the potential to put your audio demons to bed and get down to what actually matters….enjoying audio!

I am absolutely smitten by the S6 and it is most definitely a Keeper. If my unit were to be stolen or be struck by lightning (can’t think of any other way this thing might die on the account of being built like a tank), you can bet your crayons that I will be buying a unit right away!

LZ A4​

A clinic in Performance and Versatility​

 ​

 
 

---

---

 ​

 ​

Disclaimer​

 ​

The A4 was a review unit provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I have tried my best to record my thoughts and impressions on how I found the A4 to sound. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on. These are my personal findings and should be taken as such.
 
 

---

---

 ​

 ​

Introduction​

 ​

This is my review of the LZ A4 (a triple driver hybrid consisting of 2 Balanced armature drivers and 1 Dynamic driver), a direct successor to the A3 which itself attempted to build on the magic of the A2 which had appeared out of nowhere and captured the hearts of many a head-fier (Including yours truly!). 
 
I want to take this opportunity to thank LZ and AK Audio for giving me this opportunity, graciously providing me a sample in exchange for my honest opinion. There is something to be said for presentation, packaging and how you secure the package before shipping. It’s clear that AK Audio put a lot of effort into packing properly, going the extra mile to make sure it will survive the journey. Their listing can be found here. 
 
 
Since I last took a look at the A2 and A3, the market has been moving at a breakneck pace, with a new multi driver iem coming out what seems like every other day. Now consumers have more choices than ever, with fantastic and wonderful iems with untold number of drivers. But therein lies the issue: a lot of the companies in the Chinese market seems to be chasing higher and higher numbers of drivers, placing an emphasis on the number of drivers, rather than the implementation. That is why I have always closely followed LZ releases, they have always sought to prioritize the end sound and tuning rather than cramming more drivers than you can shake a stick at!
 

​

Got room for one more, driver?​

 
 
In my eyes they were the first outfit to REALLY nail the triple hybrid sound with the A2 and at a price that really surprised everyone. The A3 was a step in the right direction, improving the build quality and providing a more premium experience than the A2; But in hindsight, they lacked a certain je ne sais qous. 
 
Enter the LZ A4 - no it doesn't have a billion drivers, no it doesn't have a funky or sexy design, nor it doesn't come with a cable composed of unobtinium. It is once again a triple driver, but this time with a new trick up its sleeve - a cleverly implemented filter system allowing for 18 different filter combinations. I will be upfront and honest when I say that before I heard the retail LZ A4, I was not a believer in the whole tuning filter shenanigans. I was part of the beta LZ A4 tour, and even then the filter system kind of left me underwhelmed. 
 
The retail version of the LZ A4 has completely changed my views on them, not only have they upped the ante from their beta offerings but they have provided a tuning platform that actually provides a very technically impressive stock sound, with sensible tuning options. 
 
 

---

---

 ​

 ​

About me​

Before I get into the nitty gritty of things, I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Music has always been a huge part of my life, whether it was performing music on stage with my band or more recently, involving myself in this masochistic wonderful hobby of ours.  I have always enjoyed listening to music but I haven’t always paid attention to the quality of headphones because I was perfectly content with included cellphone earphones or cheap earbuds from department stores.  Ignorance is bliss right? This however all changed when I came across head-fi one day, and that’s when things started to go downhill (for my wallet that is ). It is all too easy to underestimate how large an impact a good pair of headphones can have in the enjoyment of your favorite songs.
 
After getting my first pair of good headphones, I had felt as if an entirely new world has opened up to me musically and I found myself rediscovering music that I have listened to for many years.
 
When it comes to musical taste, I can’t say that I have any specific genre that is my absolute favorite, as I like a little bit of everything. But if I had to be specify, I would say that I love mainstream and Pop music and I consider myself to be an average joe in that regard.
 
That is the approach I take in reviewing gear, for people like me who aren’t all that technical and are not audiophiles in the classical sense. To be honest, I am just someone who really loves their music and someone who enjoys getting the the most out of their gear. And I feel that this is representative of many young modern music lovers (such as myself); people who just want to hear our favourite modern music tracks at their best. Sure, we may not be classical music buffs, or Jazz aficionados, but all the same we appreciate having in our arsenal some of the best products out there, to hear our favourite pop, electronic dance music or metal artists at their best!

I mostly stream music from the Internet using services such as Spotify and Youtube and like millions of other people, my laptop and cellphone serves as my main media players. 

 

So with that out of the way, lets get on with the review!
 
 

---

---

 
 

Build quality, Design and Accessories​

 ​

Once again, LZ has provided quality packaging, giving you the feeling that you really are getting your money's worth. The package is big and sturdy, enclosing a padded interior which places the A4 front and center. The accessories are enclosed in the included orange case, which is large and spacious but not as sturdy as I would like, I prefer stiffer cases; A rather small sticking point but one I should mention nonetheless. The filters are housed in a padded tin box, which is again a nice touch as it will be very easy to store when not in use. I do however wish it came with a second set of filters, as losing any one of the filters would surely be a PITA. The rubber rings on the filters can fall off so keep an eye on those, to remedy this I store the filters upside down in the foam box which stops the rubber rings from falling off. 
 
 
 

​

 
 
Pictures taken with my own potato phone

 ​

 
 
I usually don't talk about enclosed paperwork, but be sure to retain the manual as it helps explain the tuning system, outlining the frequency ranges for all the available tuning options. I will enclose my own take on this chart later in the review.
 
I am not a fan of the stock tips but to be fair, 99% of the time I chuck the stock tips and use my own anyway, so that’s not an issue. I found myself using tips with medium sized bores, as the ones with wider sized openings made it sound weird (reverse horn effect?) but as always YMMV.
 
The LZ A4 design is a completely step up from the A3, for one thing it can be worn cable up OR down. The shell isn't too heavy and it sits light enough to disappear in your ears after awhile, with nary a sharp corner to be found. The LZ A4's ergonomic nature easily lends itself to marathon listening sessions, be it music or netflix binge watching. The vent placement ensures that driver flexing won't be an issue for most, if not all.
 
The A4 sports removable cables of the MMCX variety, and the connection appears to be fortified and reinforced, ensuring longevity. But as with ANY iem utilizing removable cables, care must be taken not to stress the connection by constantly changing cables.The stock cable is supple, not microphonic, doesn’t have memory,  and is rather easy to deal with on a daily basis. The built in cable management band is nice touch. The cable has a nice weave like pattern and texture, feels nice to the touch, and is also part of the reason why the A4 is so comfortable to wear in both cable up and down configurations.
 
The stock cable is of great quality so I didn't feel the urge to replace it. I did however try some spare cables I had lying around, and to my ears there were no definitive changes or differences (I am talking about single ended cables here). My balanced cable is out of commission at the moment so I wasn't able to test the A4 in balanced mode unfortunately.
 
 

---

---

 ​

 ​

How does it sound?​

 ​

Now lets talk about how they sound! For many people the sound quality is very important, if not the most important quality they look for in a headphone, whether the cost is $30 or $300.​

 

 ​

​

 
 
 
 
Specs: 

1. Driver: 1 dynamic + 2 Armature
2. Sensitivty: 118dB
3. Impendence: 16ohm
4. Frequency response: 20-28000 Hz
5. Cable Length: 1.2m
6. Plug Type: 3.5mm MMCX

 
Sources used: 

1. xDuoo X10
2. Aune X1S
3. FiiO X7
4. FiiO E17K
5. iFi Audio iDSD Micro
6. LH Geek Out V2+ Infinity 
7. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 
8. Macbook Pro 

 
Songs used during review

1. Stone Sour - Bother 
2. Joe Bonamassa - Driving towards daylight
3. Girls Generation - Catch me if you can (that's right, come at me bros)
4. Celldweller - End of an Empire
5. Daniela Andrade - Shore
6. Indila - Ego

 
 
After testing the A4 with a myriad of sources I found the LZ A4 to scale quite well with gear, so the better your source, the better A4 will sound. If you can pony up the cash to buy the A4, you owe it to yourself to feed it good quality sound; As the old adage goes, garbage in, garbage out! However, having said that, the LZ A4 still sounds fantastic straight out of my laptop and cellphone. So even if you don't have a dedicated source or player, the LZ A4 will still impress, and it will continue to grow with your collection, making the A4 a keeper in my eyes. 
 
This is my first time reviewing an iem with filters so initially I was a bit stumped on how to go about it. I will begin by talking briefly about the tuning system. Yes the LZ A4 has 18 possible tuning options, but don't that that number put you off. The system has been designed in such a way that almost anyone can play around with the options and find something that suits them, as long as you keep a few factors in mind. 
 
Using the information in the manual I put together a colour coded chart to help guide your tuning adventures.
 

​

 ​

I will try to keep it as simple as possible. The left most column refers to the circular back filter and the middle column refers to the front nozzle filter. From what I understand and hear for the most part, the back filters mainly modifies the bass amount and extension, while the front nozzle modifies the treble amount and extension. However if you look at the third column, which refers to the frequency range for each combination you will find that this pattern doesn't fit to a T but it holds true for the most part. 
 
 
 
So Red Back + Black front nozzle will give you the most sub bass with full treble extension (not as full as blue nozzle theoretically). After trying the combo with the song End of an Empire by Celldweller, I can confirm that is the case. 
 
Say you find yourself in the mood for less treble just go down the nozzle filter sequence till you are happy with the amount of treble (Blue > Black > Green > Gray > Red > Pink) and vice versa. The same goes for bass, if you want less bass (Red > Black > Blue) go down the list of filters till you are happy, and go backwards to increase the amount and bass extension.
 
As you can see it is a rather well thought out system and you can very easily tune the A4 to fit whatever music you may be listening to at the moment. While it may appear intimidating at first, it doesn't take a long time to try them all, and inevitably everyone will find a couple they love most and stick with that, that was the case for me anyway
 
I would characterize the LZ A4 as having a balanced sound signature, with all parts of the spectrum sounding in proportion to each other. I, for one, am glad that LZ has not elected to go for a bass emphasized sound but rather a very clean and musical sound. The LZ A4 strikes a very fine balance between sounding musical and analytical, as it manages to sound enjoyable AND surprisingly detailed at the same time. It sounds transparent and clear top to bottom, allowing the technical prowess to shine through, unhindered by out of control bass or treble.
 
I find the treble to one of the best aspects of A4, It is well extended (again depending on the filters) and has just the right amount of energy to make things lively but not enough to make things sound sound harsh or splashy. The A4 effortlessly renders micro-detail, background elements and true to life timbre of live instruments. For all the detail the A4 is capable of pushing out, it never once felt shouty or analytical. It blends all the elements in a way where everything is there and if you want you can focus on one aspect of the song and follow it beginning to end, never losing track. Or you can kick back and take it all in and not feel overwhelmed, as the details are not pushed front and center. It is a strange amalgamation that still gives me goosebumps with my favourite songs.
 
All in all the LZ A4 treble sounds incredibly natural and true to life, with cymbal crashes sounding defined, controlled and not splashy at all. Just enough treble to tickle my ears without making my ears ring after. This is treble done right, it is all there but not strident or forward, complimenting the rest of the sound range. Those of you who are allergic to treble emphasized headphones you can rejoice
 
 
All of this makes for a fatigue free listening experience. In fact, the A4 has become my go to iems for extended listening sessions and even daily use, which is very easy to listen to for hours on end, very much like its younger siblings the A2 and A3. I can turn up the volume with the A4 without experiencing distortion at higher volumes and really enjoy my music. The A4 has an amazing sense of space in its sonic presentation. The instruments seem to just float there in the air, immaculately layered on top of each other in a really natural manner. Honestly at times it feels as if you are listening to speakers in a room. Thats what I mean when I say it has a sense of space. The A4 soundstage is impressive especially how it presents EDM and Pop music, ballooning out the different elements of a song so it floats around in your head; For this kind of music A4 reigns supreme. The different elements of a song aren’t overly forward or in your face, nonetheless the details are all still there. Its nice not to have a million things in a song all vying for your attention. 
 
On that note, the instrument separation and layering is superb, which is backed up by fantastic layering as I mentioned earlier; Very much an improvement over it’s predecessor the A3. The soundstage makes it seem like the music is coming from outside my head and that I'm listening to a full size headphone. The soundstage is dense and filled with music, fully immersing you in your songs. I found the soundstage to have incredible depth and above average height and width. The A4’s sense of depth really make it seem if the artists are in front of you performing live.
 
The A4 has seamless transitions between its treble, midrange and bass. The midrange, not to be outdone by the treble or bass, detailed and full of texture. Thankfully the midrange is not recessed in the slightest, with Guitar heavy music is just GLORIOUS. The growl of distortion guitar sounds so guttural and chunky, making it so damn addicting. Even for rock songs with lots of cymbal crashes, the A4 never falters. Male vocals have a very nice weight to them, while female vocals have a somewhat ethereal feeling quality to them. The transparent nature of the midrange makes the A4 sound even more spacious and open and the way the difference elements of a song are blended together, all the while maintaining immense coherency and texture, is all too enjoyable. 
 
Now moving on to the bass: As I said before, A4 has an a balanced sound signature, with all parts of the spectrum sounding in proportion to each other. The A4 bass can be described as controlled, authoritative and clean. With the different filters it can range from clean and polite to sub bass cannon (I could have sworn I felt the shells shake from the sub bass!). The bass is quite detailed and textured with good decay and when coupled with good punch and impact, makes for a very engaging and enjoyable listening experience. When using the back red filter, the A4 bass has nice distinct reverberations that make EDM and Pop music a joy to listen to.  Take the intro to Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson for example, my god that sub bass! I can literally feel it in my chest You can feel each and every reverberation in bass lines. 

 
 

---

---

 

Comparisons​

 ​

LZ A4 VS LZ A3
So, is it worth upgrading to the A4 if you already own the A3? The answer is absolutely, the A4 is truly an upgrade over the A3 in every aspect!
 
Hardware wise its no contest, the A4 has sturdier MMCX connectors and is far more ergonomic in terms of design. Unlike the A3, the A4 can be worn both cable up and cable down. The A4 overall sounds more transparent and balanced compared to A3, the A3 had slow heavy bass that leaked into the midrange obscuring some detail. 
 
To my ears the A4 sounds brighter than the A3, with a more "open" sounding treble. The increased A4 treble resolution is very much welcomed and it also has noticeably better cohesion between the treble, midrange and bass, along with much better resolution in those aforementioned areas.
 
The A4 is able to better handle complicated tracks with lots of things going on, better able to delineate different parts of a song, the A3 relatively sounds smeared and muddy in the midrange. The A4 overall sounds clearer, cleaner, thinner and more neutral than the A3
 
The A4 midrange sounds more dynamic, more textured and more detailed than that of A3, thanks in part to the increase in sonic resolution. When it comes to bass, LZ A4 has the A3 beat, especially in terms of quality, with more resolution, texture and better impact.
 
If I can't make it anymore clear: The A4 is a completely different animal than the A3, the A4 sits at the big kids table, not at the junior table.
 
 
LZ A4 VS 1more Triple Driver
To my ears the 1more triple driver is on the brighter side of neutral with excellent treble extension. I would characterize it’s sound as v-shaped vs balanced for LZ A4.
 
The 1more TD is quite V shaped in comparison to A4, with forward bass and treble, along with a recessed midrange. While the 1more has more treble and bass than A4, the A4 edges it out in quality and technical performance. I should also mention that the A4 is also more comfortable than the 1more, making it more mobile friendly. In terms of absolute performance, A4 is the winner in every category: Soundstage? check. Detail? Check. Soundstage? Checkeroo.
 
The A4 is more open and spacious while sounding more mellow and balanced, making it great for long term listening. The 1more can get shouty at louder volumes, whereas the A4 keeps it ice cool not breaking a sweat, and A4 doesn't distort at higher volumes.
 
A4 and 1more triple driver are quite similar in terms of how hard they are to drive, but unlike the A4, the 1more Triple Driver doesn't scale with gear. The 1more triple driver is quite tip sensitive and with its wide long nozzle its hard for me to get a good consistent seal, which also affects isolation. 
 
The A4 excellent detail retrieval despite not being as bright as 1more triple driver, with a good amount of micro detail. It’s not really what I would consider analytical in the traditional sense, but it has a good amount clarity, which extends through the entire range.
 
I find the soundstage to be a strong point for the A4 With the increased detail retrieval, positional cues are easily discernable, which helps paint a large and believable soundstage. It has fantastic instrument separation and layering. Many headphones can separate out the different parts of a sound but it can sound disjointed. Not so with the A4. Its like you are peering directly into a recording and every single element is crystal clear. In fact, you can easily pick out one instrument to follow in a song and easily do so beginning to end. 
 
The 1more midrange can sound a bit thin and nasally. Male voices lack the weight that you will find with the A4. Female vocals however sound energetic thanks in part to the treble focus. 
 
The A4 bass has good rumble and texture, the bass has not only good punch and weight, but also good decay. Only comes out to play when its called for, with no mid bass bloat or bloom to speak off, and certainly no leakage into the midrange. The 1more lacks the layering, power and finesse of the A4 bass. 
 
 

---

---

 
 

Conclusion​

 ​

The LZ A4 marks a return to form for LZ, after all it was the A2 that more or less sparked a hybrid revolution in the Chinese market. While the A3 was a step in the direction, it is the A4 that is truly a game changer, much like the A2 before it. I know it can be a bit tiring to keep up with new Chinese releases, but this is the one you should get, because I truly believe that the LZ A4 provides flagship/TOTL performance at a not so TOTL price. 
 
Truth be told, I had all but lost interest in iems before the LZ A4 had come along, it managed to draw me back into the fold. The A4 has become my go to daily driver, giving me many hours of enjoyment everyday and it is worth every penny of its cost. With its immense versatility, the LZ A4 sounds great with a wide swath of genres and it sounds great out of everything from cellphones to dedicated digital audio players. The stock cable is easy to deal with on a daily basis, and the included built in cable management band keeps the cable neat and tidy when not in use, and the A4 isolates well with the right set of tips, making it a great travel companion. The A4 does a lot of things right and does so with style and finesse, effectively decimating the competition at this price point, something I am sure other A4 owners will surely attest to.
 
If you are looking for an iem that you can listen to all day and have it sound great no matter what you are using it with, the A4 might be what you are looking for. The LZ A4 is bombastic, fun and easy to live with on a day to day basis. It is commute friendly and scales surprisingly well with better gear, so it will grow along with your collection. With its immense sonic performance and capability, the LZ A4 is a surprisingly good headphone that has the potential to become your daily driver and will certainly have you digging out your favourite songs and albums, because it has a way of breathing life into whatever it plays
 
If someone had blind folded me and asked me to listen to the LZ A4 for the first time (without telling me what it was) and had asked me to guess the price based only on SQ - I would EASILY say $600-700 CAD. I have owned a few so called TOTL iems in his hobby and I am not one prone to hyperbole but the LZ A4 is performing at such a high level, this is about as close to end game as one can get, certainly at this price point, even against giant killers in this segment.
 
For those of you buying numerous budget iems over time, I say save up your cash and get the A4 and be done with it. You will be rewarded with a sound that will have you tapping your feet and you dancing along to the music. With its larger than life sonic presentation, the LZ A4 is the first chinese iem to provide TOTL at a stupidly low price, IMHO. 
 
 
 
Thank you for sticking with me thus far and not falling asleep! Ymmv as we all have different preferences and ear anatomy, but I hope I have helped get across what the LZ A4 offers and whether it would be right for you. The only way to figure out whats best for you is to ultimately hear it for yourself!
 
I do still have a lot to learn so I welcome any and all feedback! 

 
Happy listening  

 

 
 
 
The Brainwavz Hooka was a review unit provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I have tried my best to record my thoughts and impressions on the Hooka and how well it functions. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on. These are my personal findings and should be taken as such. YMMV
 
 
I want to take this opportunity to thank Pandora from Brainwavz for giving me a chance to check out the Hooka. Brainwavz is a brand that is well known at head-fi, and deservedly so. They provide a wide variety of products at affordable prices, from portable amplifiers to headphones to even headphone stands. Their brand is practically synonymous with bang for buck and so it is always exciting to see a new Brainwavz product on the market.
 
Before reviewing the Hooka, I had owned only one other headphone holder, in contrast to my headphone collection which has yet to stop growing (DARN YOU 4 AM PURCHASES!). Our growing arsenal makes it all the more important to store our headphones properly, be it a massive full size planar behemoth or an itty bitty balanced armature in ear monitor. 
 
Brainwavz is positioning the Hooka as a solid hanger on which to rest our precious babies, but does the Hooka cut the mustard? Is it worth your heard earned dollars/gill/crayons? Read on to find out!
 

---

"Brainwavz provides high-end earphones specifically designed for high-quality sound and tailor-made to provide the user with a solution that can be used across a wide range of audio genres and styles at affordable prices. Brainwavz believes in the idea that sound is a deeply personal experience, and strives to provide users with earphones that match their personal inclinations, to inspire with intensity. The Brainwavz name is known in many countries across the globe, and the company is continually committed to providing the best products at the best value.
 
At Brainwavz we have a simple mission, to produce innovative, high quality audio products with a dedicated focus on high-end sound. Our strength, success and product range is built on the unique relationship with our customers. A relationship that has produced a simple and obvious result, we give real users real sound quality.” - Brainwavz 

---

 

About me​

 ​

Before I get into the nitty gritty of things, I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.​

 ​

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Music has always been a huge part of my life, whether it was performing music on stage with my band or more recently, involving myself in this masochistic wonderful hobby of ours.  I have always enjoyed listening to music but I haven’t always paid attention to the quality of headphones because I was perfectly content with included cellphone earphones or cheap earbuds from department stores.  Ignorance is bliss right? This however all changed when I came across head-fi one day, and that’s when things started to go downhill (for my wallet that is ). It is all too easy to underestimate how large an impact a good pair of headphones can have in the enjoyment of your favorite songs.​

 ​

After getting my first pair of good headphones, I had felt as if an entirely new world has opened up to me musically and I found myself rediscovering music that I have listened to for many years.​

 ​

When it comes to musical taste, I can’t say that I have any specific genre that is my absolute favorite, as I like a little bit of everything. But if I had to be specify, I would say that I love mainstream and Pop music and I consider myself to be an average joe in that regard.​

 ​

That is the approach I take in reviewing gear, for people like me who aren’t all that technical and are not audiophiles in the classical sense. To be honest, I am just someone who really loves their music and someone who enjoys getting the the most out of their gear. And I feel that this is representative of many young modern music lovers (such as myself); people who just want to hear our favourite modern music tracks at their best. Sure, we may not be classical music buffs, or Jazz aficionados, but all the same we appreciate having in our arsenal some of the best products out there, to hear our favourite pop, electronic dance music or metal artists at their best!​

I mostly stream music from the Internet using services such as Spotify and Youtube and like millions of other people, my laptop and cellphone serves as my main media players. ​

 
 
 

 
​

So with that out of the way, lets get on with the review!
 
 

Features:

1. Headphone hanger for vertical surfaces
2. Holds headphones of any weight without bending or losing its shape
3. Made with die cast aluminum
4. Wide seat fits small to large headbands easily

Specifications:

1. Weight : 125g
2. Dimensions : 102 mm x 46 mm x 58 mm
3. Plate Length : 78 mm
4. Plate Width : 46 mm
5. Material: All-Metal die-cast Aluminum

 
The Hooka comes in clear plastic packaging, which does well for protection, while also adorning the basic features. The hangar it self is made of tough plastic and sturdy, quite reassuringly so I might add. In fact I had no qualms about trusting it to hold my most expensive full size headphones. The hangar ends in a raised lip of sorts, ensuing that the headphone won't slip off if the surface is not 100% vertical.
 
The Hooka is pretty easy to use, remove the adhesive cover and stick on to a surface of your choice (like my forehead for example) and apply pressure. It should attach after a few seconds - wherein lies the only real downside. It is a one time use adhesive and it is quite difficult to remove once applied. Before deciding where to place the Hooka, make sure that you are happy with the placement, as they say, its all about location location location. The strength of adhesion is quite strong and that sucker won't be coming off anytime soon. 
 
Not much else to say, its fairly priced, its built well and its idiot proof utilizing the tried and tested KISS^TM principle. Which stands for Keep It Simple Stupid. Its as easy as sticking and hanging. 

1.  
   ​

 

Disclaimer​

The Super Dolphin 6BA is a loaner unit provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I have tried my best to recored my thoughts and impressions on how I found the it to sound. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on. These are my personal findings and should be taken as such.
Here we have a chinese iem offering that once again beggars belief that headphones of this quality can exist for this amount of coin! Something like this was unheard of even a few months ago. What the heck is going on? I can’t even imagine how the chinese iem market will look in a few weeks, never mind a few months!
 
For sometime now, I have been testing the Super Dolphin 6BA (I will shorten it to Dolphin for sake of brevity), courtesy of AK Audio, so a big thank you to them for giving me this opportunity. I have really enjoyed my time with the Dolphin as it ticks a lot of boxes for me and I feel it offers a compelling choice in  market where a new product is released every other hour. Lets see if it has what it takes to stand the test of time. They can be purchased at the following link: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/2016-Super-Dolphin-6BA-In-Ear-Headset-DIY-Hifi-Custome-Made-Balanced-Armature-In-Ear-Earphone/119089_32723650896.html
 
 
Before I get into the nitty gritty of things, I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.
 
 
 

So with that out of the way, lets get on with the review!

---

---

 ​

Build quality, Design and Accessories​

The Dolphin utilizes 6 balanced armature drivers and is available with either MMCX or 2 Pin cable connectors (my loaner unit has a 2 pin connector). 
 

This is my first experience with a 2-pin connector and suffices to say I won’t be going back to MMCX anytime soon. A common point of failure for many iems with removable cables is the connector, and MMCX connectors are more prone to issues developing over time. The Dolphin’s rock solid and sturdy connector will prolong its longevity and durability and should give customers some peace of mind about their investment.
 

The review unit came enclosed in a generic case with the usual red core tips that are so prevalent with chinese iems. It is my understanding that the retail unit also only comes with a case and selection of tips. 
 
The included cable is very soft and supple, easy to manage and not prone to tangling. Even the memory wire portion, that rests over the ear, is pleasantly flexible and not in the least bit annoying. The cable itself has a braid and terminates in a 90 degree L jack. The strain reliefs on both ends are very well done so the cable should hold up like a champ.
 
   
 
The Dolphin housing/shells are black, adorning the name in red and blue. The faceplate is adorned by an abalone like design that is quite pleasing to the eye. I also like the dark black look of the shells as it creates a nice contrast with the abalone faceplates.
 
While the shells are a tad on the big side, they are comfortable once inserted into your ears. The Dolphin sports a durable build quality and sturdy construction, ensuring that it will easily withstand the rigors of daily use. I was able to stuff them into my pockets while out and about but due to their shell size it might be more prudent to carry them in a shirt pocket or something similar.
 
  
 
 
The Dolphin provides an insane amount of sound isolation, especially when utilizing tips that provide an optimal seal. While commuting on the subway, I could not hear ANY outside sounds while the Dolphin was playing music. And mind you, this was at low volume. This makes them perfect for long noisy commutes, where you can easily enjoy your music at lower volumes and not damage your hearing in the process.
 
They are quite easy to drive, too easy in fact. I noticed some hissing with my sources due to how sensitive the Dolphin is so that is something to keep in mind. But it was not something I noticed with every source and once music started playing it disappeared but I would be remiss if I did not make a note of it.
 

---

---

 
 

How does it sound?​

 ​

So that's all good and dandy but how do the buggers sound? Well in one word: Impressive! Allow me to tell you why  Though I should point out that the Dolphin is quite tip sensitive and some tip rolling might be warranted for best results. ​

 
 

  ​

FR curve courtesy of the product page​

 
 
 
Before I get into the nitty gritty of things here some  technical specs:

1. Driver - 6 Balanced Armature Drivers
2. Sensitivity - 112 dB
3. Impedance - 14 ohms
4. Freq Response 8 - 25000 Hz (I guess with this FR actual dolphins might actually be able to enjoy it too 
   
   )

 
 
Overall the Dolphin is a clean and airy sounding iem, with a breathtaking midrange and tight bass that has appreciable impact. I felt that it also had a slight emphasis on the mids, making a perfect complement to the otherwise airy and well extended treble.
 
Speaking of which, the treble sounds just about perfect to my ears, very extended and airy without being bright or peaky in the slightest (I am quite treble sensitive). The Dolphin’s treble strikes a delicate balance between sounding analytical and sounding musical. It has great resolution and tons of micro-detail. All the elements of a song are there, easy to delineate and follow individually from beginning to end. While all the details are present, they are not being pushed in your face. I am not quite sure how they pulled off the treble without sounding cold and analytical but that’s china for ya. 
 
The Dolphin has a natural soundstage that is more true to life and not exaggerated. It's not limited to the inside your head, sounding positively out of your head, possessing more width than height. But what impressed me most was the sense of depth the Dolphin portrayed, it felt as if you are peering into the record; As if your music was being played in a room, positively cavernous!
 
In addition to its impressive sense of depth and staging, it has incredible separation and layering of instruments that make you feel as if you are enjoying a live performance. Accurate positioning of sonic cues make for a believable and natural sonic presentation that will leave you wanting more.
 
This leads to the star of the show, the midrange! This one really took me by surprise because how fantastically it renders female vocals, positively ethereal. If you enjoy female vocals AT ALL you really owe it to yourself to hear the Dolphin, it is simply breathtaking. The way in which it renders the details, vocal textures, ambience and atmosphere is something I have yet to hear on other headphones. 
 
The Dolphin is not a one trick pony however, if you are a metal head this is also the iem for you. The way distortion guitars are so textured and detailed is simply mesmerizing. Drum hits come through loud and clear with great impact, giving the iem great PRaT.
 
The bass is neutral with no bloom or midrange leak to speak of. It is tight and punchy with impressive impact, quickly getting out of the way when its not called for. It is distinct from the rest of the mix but not emphasized in anyway but still easy to hear in your music. While the Dolphin sounds good with EDM, its not going to give you the bumping bass you need to really enjoy electronic music.
 

  ​

The Shells look stunning, one of the prettiest iems I have seen coming out of China​

---

---

 

Comparisons​

 ​

So how does it stack up against other iems? I will admit that I don't have many other multi-BA iems aside from the Wooden 6BA and Fender FXA5 Pro, so I will be comparing against them.
 
​Dolphin vs Wooden 6BA
The Wooden 6ba is another 6 balanced armature from AK audio. I will keep the comparisons short and easy to follow. The Wooden 6ba is a tad less comfortable and ergonomic than the Dolphin. The nozzle lies at an angle that doesn't allow it to rest easily in my ears, but then again I have weird ears so YMMV. But thats also not saying much because the Dolphin is super comfortable to use and easy on the ears, so in reality the Wooden 6BA holds up rather well in this department. My review unit has a MMCX connector which is imo not as durable as the 2 pin connector on my Dolphin unit.
 
Sound wise I feel that the Wooden 6ba is more suited to modern top 40 music with its mild v-shaped sound signature. The Wooden 6Ba sounds lacks the treble extension and nuance of the Dolphin (which is basically a trapeze artist lol) while sounding smoother in the midrange, transitioning to elevated bass with a focus on mid bass. It is not the tightest bass in the world, nor is it loose or flabby, but it does have more weight and impact than the bass found on the Dolphin. It lacks the separation, layering and positioning of the Dolphin, which it makes up by sounding fun with a wider genre of music. 
 
Dolphin vs Fender FXA5 Pro (Dual BA)
The FXA5 Pro has a much smaller shell and as a result is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The FXA5 Pro is also several orders of magnitude more tip sensitive than the Dolphin and can sound drastically different depending on the tips used. The FXA5 Pro build quality is terribly disappointing in many aspects. The MMCX connector is not fortified in the least and the cable ends in a connector that doesn not particularly handle bends well; It's not a matter of if it will fail but when. I have serious concerns about the FXA5 Pro's long term durability.
In comparison, the Dolphin connector and build quality is nearly indestructible, allowing owners to enjoy them for many years to come.
 
Even at its best, the FXA5 Pro sounds rather mellow and lifeless in comparison to the midrange mastery on display by the Dolphin. The FXA5 pro sounds glassy and smooth top to bottom but  has weightier and impactful bass. The FXA5 Pro is also quite a bit less detailed lacking the intricate separation, layering and positioning found on the Dolphin. All in all, it is a step down from the Dolphin in almost every conceivable way. 
 

---

---

 ​

Summary​

 ​

So overall, the Dolphin is light and quick on its feet, think Philadelphia Cream Cheese light lol. It is quite revealing without coming across as analytical, retaining a surprising sense of musicality, with impressive depth and a holographic presentation. The Dolphin is an all rounder that will sound great with most music but really shines with Female Vocals and Metal. I will say it again, if you are as big a fan of female vocals or metal as I am, you really should give the Dolphin a listen! Heck these are even great for monitoring given how balanced they are from top to bottom. And lastly, for those of you who are massive Havi B3 Pro 1 fans like myself, you are sure to get a kick out of the Dolphin!
 
Now having said that, I do acknowledge that this tuning & sound signature may not be to everyone's taste. The Dolphin is not massively V-shaped, it will not tickle a treble head's ear drums, nor will it provide the thumping bass that a basshead craves. So you might be asking, RedJohn456 you sexy beast, what good is it then? Well my pretties, the Dolphin is what mids aficionados crave for; a technically impressive iem that effortless blends a clean and balanced sound signature with a surprisingly sense of musicality. It may not do the aforementioned things, but what it does, it does incredibly well! Stringed instrument pieces, female vocal songs and metal music sounds so darn good tho when I am in the mood for these kinds of music I always find myself reaching for the Dolphins. I find myself using the Dolphin for all kinds of music actually but the aforementioned genres really highlight their strengths in my humble opinion. 
 
You would think that the Dolphin would eviscerate lower quality music files, right? WRONG. It is surprisingly forgiving of poorly encoded files, which means that your cheapo mp3s should sound just fine. Furthermore, the Dolphin scales with better gear so it will continue to grow right along with your collection. While it sounded great running straight out of my Macbook Pro and BlackBerry Z30, it was noticeably better out of my FiiO X7 (with line out to VE RunABOUT 2.0). Heck it even sounded awesome sauce out of my Sansa Clip+ (<3 <3). Thankfully the Dolphin is not too picky about sources and pairing. As always some combinations will sound better than others, thats where synergy comes in 

.
 
I avoided saying too much during first few days after receiving the Dolphin because I wanted to avoid falling prey to new toy syndrome. If you can’t tell by now, I absolutely love the Dolphin! It does a lot of things right and really shines when driven out of a good source. This is the real McCoy, proving that you really don’t have to spend a small fortune to get top tier quality sounds.
 

  ​

 ​

Official thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/820721/the-super-dolphin-6ba-not-just-an-aquatic-mammal ​

                                                                                                                                                                      
 
 

 

The BLU-200 was a review unit provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I have tried my best to record my thoughts and impressions on how I found the BLU-200 to sound. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on. These are my personal findings and should be taken as such. YMMV
 

Introduction
​

I want to take this opportunity to thank Pandora from Brainwavz for giving me a chance to check out the BLU-200, their follow up effort to BLU-100, their previous bluetooth offering. Brainwavz is a brand that is well known at head-fi, and deservedly so. They provide a wide variety of products at affordable prices, from portable amplifiers to headphones to even headphone stands. Their brand is practically synonymous with bang for buck and so it is always exciting to see a new Brainwavz product on the market.
 
To be honest I have never really paid much attention to bluetooth headphones, as my first experiences with them were quite disappointing. Clearly technology has improved since then, and the advent of bluetooth headphones is upon us. Don’t believe me? Just go to amazon and search for bluetooth headphones. As you can see there are a plethora of options available, and at very affordable prices no less. Inn this sea of bluetooth headphones, does the BLU-200 have what it takes to stand out? Is it worth your heard earned dollars/yen/crayons? Read on to find out.
 

---

"Brainwavz provides high-end earphones specifically designed for high-quality sound and tailor-made to provide the user with a solution that can be used across a wide range of audio genres and styles at affordable prices. Brainwavz believes in the idea that sound is a deeply personal experience, and strives to provide users with earphones that match their personal inclinations, to inspire with intensity. The Brainwavz name is known in many countries across the globe, and the company is continually committed to providing the best products at the best value.
 
At Brainwavz we have a simple mission, to produce innovative, high quality audio products with a dedicated focus on high-end sound. Our strength, success and product range is built on the unique relationship with our customers. A relationship that has produced a simple and obvious result, we give real users real sound quality.” - Brainwavz 

---

 
 
The headphone comes packaged in a petite cardboard box adorned with pictures and specs. Nothing too fancy, but stylish nonetheless. Unboxing it reveals a very sturdy carrying case, housing the iem itself along with all its accessories. I absolutely adore the carrying case and I can see myself buying a few of these cases for use with my other earphones, but I digress.
 
 
 
 
It's good to see Brainwavz including a variety of accessories for the BLU-200, as I am sure customers are sure to be happy getting more for their money.
 
I ended up using the foam tips, as it was the most comfortable for me, produced the least amount driver flex, and also kept the treble in check, which I will touch upon again later. Perhaps its a case of mismatch with my ear anatomy but I experienced massive driver flex with the included stock tips and even with my personal collection of tips.
 
While Texans might like you to believe that bigger is always better, the size of the BLU-200 shell demonstrates otherwise. I would like to think that I have average sized ear canals, and even so I found the shells to be rather uncomfortable after 10-15 minutes of listening. I can't find a reason for why the shells are so large, if you consider the subpar battery life it sure as heck isn't being put towards a bigger battery. You will definitely be aware of their presence during your workout, as I found out myself, they never really disappear as some headphones tend to do.
 
 
 
 
The housings have a rugged and durable construction with easily discernible Right and Left markings. The cable is tangle resistant, doesn't kink or hold memory and is easy to deal with on a daily basis. The strain reliefs are solid and I am confident they will hold up to daily abuse at the gym or otherwise. The included cable management clip makes it easy to adjust the cable length to your desired length, which is especially helpful when wearing the BLU-200 cable up. Thanks to its flat cable design, it is easy to fold up and shove in your pock and not have to worry about tangle fairies having a field day.
 
While the remote is adequately large, I found it difficult to navigate the buttons by tactile sensation alone, for example when I wear the BLU-200 cable up and I have to reach behind my heard to use the remove, be it changing the volume or answer a call. It would have been nice to have the buttons be more distinct from the remote body, but the buttons are responsive and durable. One feature I was surprised and happy to see was that the BLU-200 volume control is independent of the paired device, as in they are not linked to each other. The BLU-200 employs smaller and more numerous more volume steps than something like my iPhone, so it allowed me to fine control the volume to get it exactly where I like it. The LED indicator is also a nice touch, letting you know things like when its turning on or off, or when its fully charged. 
 
 
 
 
 
The included fins will be sure to please those who are accustomed to iems falling out of their ears, especially during vigorous exercises. The fins are easy to install and remove, and it does a good job of securing the earphones. I didnt have to keep putting them back in while doing my daily 20 mile jog (HAH can’t believe they bought that one) because they stayed anchored thanks to the fins.
 
 
 
Charging the BLU-200 is a simple affair, just left up the back cover of the right housing to reveal a microUSB port. Its as easy as plugging it in and forgetting. The battery life however wasn’t as long as I would have liked, topping out around 3.5 hours for me, which is close to the manufacturer quoted 4 hours. Given the housing size, it would have been nice if they increased the battery size as well. So expect to charge the BLU-200 frequently, especially if you plan to use them daily outside the gym.
 
In terms of tracking battery life, its as easy as checking the pulldown menu or  top right of your screen if using an iPhone. This is pretty handy if you wanted to check how much juice was left.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The BLU-200 is easy to use, taking a no nonsense approach: Holding down the middle button turns it on, and by keeping it held down, device pairing mode is activated. Then its a matter of pairing it with your chosen device. Fun fact: the BLU-200 can be paired up to 2 devices. After you are done using it, holding down the middle button will also turn it off. Additional functions can be seen in the pictures before, which were taken from the manual.
 
 
 
 
Pairing the BLU-200 was a surprisingly quick and painless process. Furthermore I didn’t experience any dropped connections, unless I strayed too far from the paired device. Speaking of which, I found the connection range to be average, going to an adjacent room was okay, but any further than that the signal degraded and I noticed stutters.
 
The microphone is serviceable for phone calls but callers commented that my voice sounded a bit muffled and not that clear. Same story when used for skype calls. If microphone quality is high on your list of priorities, then the BLU 200 is not for you. 
 
 
 
Sources used: 

1. Macbook Pro
2. BlackBerry Z30
3. iPhone 5S
4. My toaster 

 
 
So now we come to the meat of the review, how does the darn thing sound? In one word: competent.
 
The BLU-200 has an enjoyable V-shaped sound with serviceable resolution throughout the range. The treble can be edgy at times, especially if you are listening to top 40 music at loud volumes. Fortunately, using the included foam tips easily alleviates this, while at the same time affording a better seal. The treble is decently detailed but not very extended, which is again fine given its intended use and bluetooth nature.  I experienced no ear fatigue from the treble after long workout sessions, save for fatigue and discomfort from the earphone shell. All things considered, you can definitely to a lot worse in this department.
 
The BLU-200 isn’t very detailed overall, which is a good thing considering you want to use them while working out and the like. It has an engaging sound that is sure to get you in the mood in the gym, keeping you motivated during your last benchpress set for example.
 
Soundstage is average, sounding best with foam tips. The sounds feel like they are coming from inside your head, with serviceable separation and layering. Again this is a budget bluetooth iem meant for working out and commuting etc, and so in that context it is adequate.
 
The midrange is recessed, sounding  warm, dry and engaging. It sounds full, thanksthe bass bleed into the lower midrange. It maintains a respectable amount of coherency and detail, keeping in line with the rest of the sound range.
 
The bass is definitely the star of the show, with great impact, weight and energy. The focus is squarely on mid bass vs sub bass, and EDM tracks are just too fun to listen to with the bass putting on a great show. Like I said before, there is a noticeable bleed into the lower midrange, but I feel it adds to the sound presentation rather than take away from it.
 
Remember at the beginning when I asked if the BLU-200 has what it takes to stand out from the sea of bluetooth headphones? Thanks to something called aptX I think it does. If you were to check other bluetooth offerings at the same price point, there are few, if any at all, that provide aptX capability. So why should you care? Please allow my good buddy wikipedia to better enlighten you:
 

 The aptX audio codec is available for consumer and automotive wireless audio applications, notably the real-time streaming of high quality stereo audio over the Bluetooth A2DP connection/pairing between a "source" device (such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop) and a "sink" accessory (namely a Bluetooth stereo speaker, headset or headphones) …

Click to expand...

 
As you can see aptX allows for streaming of higher quality audio, which in turn allows for higher fidelity listening, in theory anyway. Kudos to Brainwavz for including it in the BLU-200.
 
 
 
The only other bluetooth iem I have in my possession is the MEE X7 Plus, which retails at twice the price of Brainwavz BLU-200. Being in different price triers, this might not be the most fair comparison but given my lack of options I will compare them anyway. But please do keep the price differential in mind when reading the comparison. Having said that, lets see how the two bluetooth headphones compare
 
 
 
Brainwavz BLU-200 vs MEE X7 Plus
The X7 Plus comes in an elaborate packaging with a decidedly more premium experience versus the simpler packaging of the BLU-200. You really feel like you got your money’s worth with the X7 Plus when unboxing it.
 
 
 
 
The X7P has a more attractive, durable and comfortable design when compared to the BLU200. The X7 Plus employs a more ergonomic design that sits flush in the ear, which I found to be comfortable for longer listening sessions.
 
 
 
 
I must say that the BLU-200 comes ahead when considering the included accessories. The X7 Plus comes with a set of silicon tips, an extra cable management clip and a charging cable. The BLU-200 carrying case is simply perfect, with an eye catching design that is sure to provide plenty of protection. It has ample room to store the iem and accessories, whereas the MEE case feels more cramped.
 
While Both are equally easy to use on a daily basis, the longer battery life on the X7 Plus means that its useful both in and out of gym, as its the one I always reach for when leaving the house. With the BLU-200 that is not the case because I have to charge it more frequently thanks to the shorter battery life, so its not really ideal for taking out with me while out and about.
 
They both pair easily and function very similarly. The X7 Plus has a better built remote with a more raised profile for the buttons, making tactile navigation much easier. I also found the the X7 Plus to possess a larger reception range compared to the bLU-200, allowing me to venture further away from my paired device.
 
Sonically speaking, the X7 Plus has a more even sound compared to the BLU-200, even sounding better than many wired iems in the <$100 category. The X7 Plus sports (hah see what I did there?) an increased resolution along with a balanced sound that flies in the face of many of its competitor's consumer oriented tuning.
 
 
 
 
Compared to the bass heavy tuning of the BLU-200, the X7 Plus has a slight bass emphasis, demonstrating both quality mid bass and sub bass that integrates nicely into the sound without bleeding into the midrange. The midrange is superbly detailed, full sounding and  engaging. When using the X7 Plus during my workouts I would sometimes pause in middle of my workout to listen closely to the music because the X7 Plus sounds so damn good. The X7 Plus is a fantastic sounding iem, not just for a bluetooth iem but overall. And what's more it can even be used in the shower, so no need to remove them in the bathroom, just jump in!
 
So why make this comparison at all? Because I said so thats why! Seriously though, its the only other bluetooth headphone in my collection and I thought it might be interesting to point out how much of a gap there is between the two, when taking the respective prices into consideration.
 
Seeing as how the MEE X7 Plus costs twice as much as the BLU-200, is it twice as good? The answer is an emphatic yes.
 
If you are looking for an affordable yet easy to operate bluetooth headphone, the Brainwavz BLU-200 is certainly worth checking out. It comes with a great set of accessories and an impressive 24 month warranty that is sure to give customers peace of mind about their investment. 
 
It is however not without its faults: the Microphone isn't that great for calls, the battery life is relatively short and the larger shell size might lead to user discomfort. However if microphone quality is not a priority, and primarily plan on using it for exercising and such, then I can happily recommend this as it can be easily recharged between workout and sparse listening sessions, provided your ears aren't small. If that is the case, then the BLU-200 won't be a good fit for you (I made a punny lol).
 
Brainwavz, as a company, is not one to rest on their laurels as they continually improve upon their products. I am definitely keen on seeing what they have up their sleeves for the next iteration. The BLU-200 bluetooth iem is a solid offering from Brainwavz and with a few adjustment it is sure to stand out as a strong contender.
 
Thanks for checking out my long (winded) review and not falling asleep in the process! YMMV as well all have different preferences and ear anatomy but I hope I was able to get across what the BLU-200 offers and whether it's a good fit for you. The only way to figure out whats best for you is to ultimately hear it for yourself.
 
 
​Happy listening 

Disclaimer​

The EM3 was a review unit provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I have tried my best to record my thoughts and impressions on how I found the EM3 to sound. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on. These are my personal findings and should be taken as such, and as always YMMV. 
 
 

Introduction​

This is my review of the EM3 earbuds from fan favourites, FiiO.
 
As a company, FiiO has amassed a legion of loyal fans around the world, and not undeservedly so. From their humble beginnings, FiiO has always maintained one principle, to give you the best bang for your dollar/euro/crayons/yen, and this is clearly reflected in their product line up. And I truly mean that in the best way possible.
 
One thing I have always admired about FiiO is their willingness to engage with fans (Facebook, Head-fi etc) and actually listen to what people really want, which is rarer than one might think! 
 
And now they are entering the earbud market with the introduction of the EM3. I think we all remember the stock earbuds that have come bundled with our phones over the years. I certainly do, and it wasn’t all that long ago when stock apple earbuds were all that I had in the way of headphones, and I suspect that a vast majority of people fall into this category as well. FiiO has set out with the intention of creating something that will be a clear upgrade to stock earbuds, and address this segment of the market. So have they succeeded in their endeavour?
 

 ​

About me​

Before I get into the nitty gritty of things, I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.
 
So with that out of the way, lets get on with the review!
 
 
 

---

“There are not that many high-quality earbuds on the market, never mind one that is so cheap and comes with a mic and remote. Hopefully we’ve found a little unfilled niche in the market?”  - FiiO ​

---

 ​

 

Build quality, Design and Accessories​

Not surprisingly, FiiO’s presentation game is on point; Whether you are buying a $20 item or a $200 product from them, you can always expect a classy presentation and well thought out packaging. Taking out the innards you are greeted by a nice frosted paneling, removing which reveals the earbuds and a small compartment housing 3 sets of full cover foams. I do wish that FiiO included doughnut foams as well.
 
From a hardware perspective, the EM3 has a rather handsome design, utilizing a more futuristic looking design instead of the tried and true stock earbud shells. Fear not kiddies, these are not your daddy’s earbuds!
 
The EM3 shell size is on the smaller side compared to something like the Venture Electronics Monk Plus. Consequently the EM3 is quite comfortable to use for long stretches at a time, especially when using the full foam covers. In fact, after a few minutes you will forget they are there. 
 
 
 

What is it like to use on a daily basis? ​

I should first note that the EM3 is quite easy to drive with portable devices such as cellphones and laptops. While it did sound better with better sources and amping, given its intended use it would defeat to be using an amp for it on the go.
 
I thought that the cable was rather well done, especially since FiiO is positioning the EM3 as a replacement for stock phone earbuds. The EM3 cable is soft, supple and easy to roll up into a bundle without having the wires tangle in my pocket, all the while retaining great build quality.  When running to catch the bus or train, it was all too easy to stuff it into a pocket and then take it out again on the bus without having the wires putting up a fight (I am looking at you apple EarPods grrr). The EM3 overall has a sturdy physical build that will surely stand up to the rigours of daily life, both in and out of home. 
 
I feel the EM3 is worth the price of admission for the microphone alone, I was truly impressed by how well it performed. For everything from Skype calls to long distance phone calls, people often commented how clear my voice sounded and how easily the mic picked up details. I would also like to point out that the EM3 mic is quite a bit better than the apple ear pods mic. The EM3 mic is more sensitive, has better clarity and is better suited for calls outside since it is more sensitive. In fact I always find myself reaching for the EM3 whenever I have to take a call. 
 
These earbuds do leak sound, which becomes noticeable at higher volumes (which I of course had to find out the hard way). I was listening to my favourite Britney Spears and Taylor Swift tracks while enjoying a cup of coffee at starbucks when I noticed people at a nearby table giving me weird looks and staring. 
 
Turns out they were enjoying my music too! My mother did always tell me that sharing is caring. Anyways being the alpha male I am, I proceeded to stare down a soccer mom and someone who I presumed to be her mother, until they were forced to divert their eyes down at their own drinks (clearly in awe of me flaunting my alpha prowess). As they should. I then of course continued to enjoy my Caramel Macchiato, Venti, Skim, Extra Shot, Extra-Hot, Extra-Whip, Sugar-Free. But I digress. Point being If you like to listen to music at loud volumes, don’t use these in libraries or similar settings.
 
Isolation wise, the EM3 performs about as well you would expect, meaning they isolate like earbuds, meaning they don’t isolate that well. But for someone like me who wants to maintain awareness while walking outside, earbuds are perfect in that regard.
 
 

How do they sound?​

For many people sound quality is very important, if not the most important quality they look for in a headphone, whether the cost is $30 or $300.
 
Sources used
Macbook Pro 
iPhone 5S
BlackBerry Z30
 
I will be mainly commenting on how the EM3 sounds using the included full cover foams, as most customers are likely to do the same, so please keep that in mind as you read my findings.
 
I would overall describe the EM3 as a v-shaped smooth sounding earbud with a warm and full midrange that still manages to be engaging and non fatiguing.
 
Treble extension is average with no noticeable roll off, retaining just enough detail to make cymbals and high hat crashes sound interesting without being strident. I didn’t come across any harshness nor any sibilance while listening with it to wide variety of music on my phone and laptop. I would characterize the treble as smooth and easy to listen to for hours on end (with the full foam), which combined with how comfortable it is to use, makes it perfect for keeping it on while working or studying for long stretches at a time. Depending on which type of foam cover you are using, you can try "foam-rolling" to tailor the sound to your tastes. If the sound with the stock foam covers is too dull or not to your liking, consider the thin full foam covers found in the Venture Electronics Monk Expansion Pack. The sound is decidedly more energetic with this combination and might be more suited for Top 40 music.
 
The EM3 sounds “big” for lack of a better word. The soundstage sounds spacious and diffuse (foam gives a better seal), wider than it is tall with a shallow sense of depth.  Instrument separation and layering was average, but enjoyable nonetheless. When it came to more complicated or intricate music tracks, things tended to get smeared and jumbled together.
 
The EM3 midrange is my favourite, sounding warm, full, dry and engaging. Distortion guitars sound sublime and I find myself listening to a lot of hard rock and metal music as a result. I find the midrange resolution to be more impressive than its treble, decently detailed and not in your face. 
 
Before listening to the EM3 for the first time I had assumed that FiiO would have gone for a bass heavy signature with lots of bloat. It was anything but! While the bass is emphasized (definitely helps when out and about), it is not bloomy nor bloated. The bass could use a bit more kick and impact in my opinion. It however still manages to rumble and is emphasized in a way that is rather tasteful. Kudos to FiiO for not going overboard with bass. There definitely was some bass leakage into the lower midrange, but it all added to thick and fun sound.
 

 ​

How does it compare?​

 
                                                                                
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
EM3 vs Apple Earpod
To start off with, the EM3 has a better feeling and a more manageable cable that doesn’t tangle easily. The Apple EarPod cable tangled almost each and every time I stored them in my bag or pockets. Apple fairies at work perhaps?   Not a fun thing to deal with when you just want to pull it out of your pocket quickly for a call outside.
 
Microphone wise, as I touched upon earlier, the EM3 mic is noticeably better: Better clarity and more sensitive at picking up sounds. The EM3 has quickly become my go to earbuds for phone calls, making my EarPods obsolete. 
 
I am not a fan of the EarPods and how they sit in the ear. The EM3, with its smaller than usual shell size, is noticeably more comfortable when used with a full cover foam.
 
Compared to the apple EarPods, EM3 sounds more detailed and spacious sounding. The EM3 has better treble extension and resolution with better instrument separation and layering. When it comes to the low end, the EM3 has arguably better quality bass, especially when it comes to punch and impact. 
 
And all of this at less than half the price of what a fresh pair of apple ear pod costs!
 
 
 
 
 

 
EM3 vs VE Monk Plus
The EM3 has a thinner and easier to manage cable. The Monk Plus has a thicker but sturdier cable that is also not prone to tangling and a cable cinch/slider as an added bonus.
 
I should also mention that the Monk Plus is a bit harder to drive than the EM3 and it has no mic. The Monk Plus shell is also larger than the EM3, so it might be an issue for people with smaller ears. Again its manageable if using a full foam cover. Sonically speaking, the Monk Plus has better resolution all throughout the range, a bigger and more defined soundstage and noticeably better instrument separation and layering. The Monk Plus also has better clarity and imaging, along with a bass that rumbles more, has more of a punch and is also tighter.
 
Again, the Monk Plus does have a bigger shell and no microphone (as of writing this review) so the EM3 does have its advantages which appeal to people. 
 
For people with smaller ears the EM3 might be a much better match. As they say, comfort is king, and for many people comfort trumps sound. The EM3 is also readily available from traditional retail stores and popular online sites such as amazon.
 
 
 
 
 

 ​

 ​

 ​

Bottom line​

 
The EM3 is FiiO’s first earbud release, designed to be an upgrade for common stock earbuds that come bundled with cellphones. And to that end, FiiO has put out a great product. I would pick the EM3 over my pair of EarPods anyway of the week and twice on Sundays.
 
It has an enjoyable v-shaped sound that is  easy to listen to for hours on end. Sure it might not have the treble extension that your neighbours pet llama might enjoy, nor is it a detail monster, but for what it has set out to do it has done well.
 
The Em3 is an astonishingly comfortable earbud , sporting a microphone that has fantastic clarity, and great sensitivity making it a delight to use for phone and skype calls. The EM3 comes equipped with a soft and supple cable that is not prone to tangling, allowing it to be easily bundled up and stuffed into pockets with minimal fuss. All of this and more make the EM3 very easy to live with and use on a daily basis, making it a fantastic and affordable option for those looking to graduate from their EarPods or other stock earbuds. The EM3 truly is more than the sum of its parts.
 
A great first effort from FiiO and I am truly excited to see what they have in store for future releases.
 
Thank you for sticking with me thus far and not falling asleep! Ymmv as we all have different preferences and ear anatomy, but I hope I have helped get across what the EM3 offers and whether it would be right for you. The only way to figure out whats best for you is to ultimately hear it for yourself! 
 
I do still have a lot to learn so I welcome any and all feedback! 

 
Happy listening  

 

 
 
 
The A3 was a review unit provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I have tried my best to recored my thoughts and impressions on how I found the A3 to sound. These thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and I reserve the right to change my opinion as time goes on. These are my personal findings and should be taken as such.
This is my review of the much anticipated LZ A3 (a triple driver hybrid consisting of 2 Balanced armature drivers and 1 Dynamic driver), a direct successor to the much lauded LZ A2 which appeared out of nowhere and captured the hearts of many a head-fier. 
 
I want to take this opportunity to thank Teresa Liu from Shenzhen HCkexin Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., who graciously provided a sample in exchange for my honest opinion. There is something to be said for presentation, packaging and how you secure the package before shipping. It’s clear that they put a lot of effort into presentation and packing properly, going the extra mile to make sure it will survive the journey. Also, it looks like they include bonus things like cases, extra tips and accessories if you order from them. Their Aliexpress LA A3 listing can be found at: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/New-Original-LZ-A3-In-Ear-Earphone-Dynamic-And-Armature-Hybrid-3-Unit-Headphone-HIFI-DIY/1825606_32617323753.html.
 
Regardless of how you might feel about any particular headphone or brand, it is hard to deny that the recent crop of audio gear from the far east have been beating the pants off of offerings from bigger companies, and redefining what bang for your buck really means. Now more than ever, it is possible to get performance previously only found in much higher price tiers, at very affordable prices. 
 
No-where was this more apparent than the LZ A2, which was the biggest surprise for me last year. When the A2 arrived on the scene last year, it blew people’s minds. A triple hybrid at <$100? A triple hybrid <$100 that actually sounds good?? Sign me up! To say that the A3 has been hotly anticipated would be a major understatement, as there has been a lot of excitement around its release since it was announcement some months ago. 
 

 ​

 ​

About me​

Before I get into the nitty gritty of things, I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.

 
So with that out of the way, lets get on with the review!
 
 

Build quality, Design and Accessories​

The A3 packaging itself was highly impressive; clearly LZ is stepping up their game in the presentation department. It came with a myriad of accessories, lodged away in a compartment inside the box. An extra headphone case was also included, which is always a nice bonus for customers.  
 

 ​

 
 
 
The accessories include:
 

 
 
 
I am not a fan of the stock tips but to be fair, 99% of the time I chuck the stock tips and use my own anyway, so that’s not an issue. I found the following set of tips to give the most balanced sound. These set of tips allow some excess bass to escape and in a senses “brightens” up the sound signature.
 
 
 
 
A3 improved on the A2 design overall, but also a step back in some aspects. Let me explain what I mean. When pictures first appeared of the A3 housing, it was met with mixed reactions, and understandably so. It doesn’t immediately jump out as something that would be really comfortable in your ears. Unlike the A2, the A3 doesn’t quite disappear after some time, and more or less, you are always aware of its presence. I am glad to see they changed the location of the driver vent, as I felt it was ill placed on the A2. I experienced lots of driver flex when trying to insert the A2 into my ears, but not so with the A3. 
 
On the plus side, A3 has a removable, which is always welcome in my eyes. The stock cable is supple, doesn’t have memory and is easy to deal with on a daily basis. The added cable cinch is also much appreciated. Too bad the stock cable has 2 specific issues. 
 
Because of the way the A3 is designed, when worn cable up, the stock cable doesn’t bear a lot of the weight of the housing, so the housing ends up slanting to the side, making it hard to get a seal at times. There is an easy remedy however! Just use the included cable guide when wearing the A3 cable up. This more evenly distributes the weight of the housing, lifting it up slightly. This allows the housing to sort of float there and rest in the ear, allowing a good seal each and every time. Of course that is if you use the stock cable, which I would highly advise against. 
 
Not only is the stock cable functionally deficient, it also sounds bad lol. When I was putting together this comparison I initially evaluated the A3 using stock cables, and to say that it sounded disappointing would be a massive understatement. In fact I even went on the record earlier saying the A3 feels over priced for its performance, but alas that was with the stock cable, which I honestly feel is holding back the A3 BIG TIME. Given that the A3 has a removable cable, it would be a shame not to play with different configurations to try and get the best sound possible. And hot dang did I ever! I used a balanced Sony Z5 cable I had lying around, with a balance to single end adapter, so it’s essentially acting as a single ended cable. But leaving the option of balanced with the quick change of an adapter.
 
Here are some pics to show what I mean:
 
 
 
 
The stock cable honestly makes the A3 sound more rolled off in the treble region and bloated. Using a different cable improved the sound and it didn’t sound rolled off anymore in the upper registers and bass sounded more controlled. So play around with spare cables to achieve best results. 
 
I know that there is a lot of debate around the sonic benefits of upgrading cables, but in this case I think it might be an issue of impedance being too high in the cable, affecting the balanced armature drivers in the A3.  
 
If you are interested at in picking up the A3 at all, do yourselves a favor and pick up a set of decent MMCX cables from Aliexpress as well, along with the tips I outlined earlier. If I didn’t believe the changes were huge I would not be advocating doing so. 
 
Furthermore, the A3 scales very well with gear, so the better your amp/dac is, better the A3 will sound. If you can pony up the cash to buy the A3, you owe it to yourself to feed it good quality sound! As the old adage goes, garbage in, garbage out!

 ​

 ​

How does it sound?​

Now lets talk about how they sound! For many people the sound quality is very important, if not the most important quality they look for in a headphone, whether the cost is $30 or $300.
 

 
 
Sources used: 

1. FiiO X7 + K5
2. Macbook Pro + LH Geek Out V2 

 
Songs used for comparison purposes

1. Stone Sour - Bother 
2. Joe Bonamassa - Driving towards daylight

 
I would characterize the A3 as having an L shaped sound signature, with an emphasis on sub and mid bass. With the aforementioned combination of aftermarket cable and tips, the treble of A3 is something that will please most people, myself especially! The above combination makes treble more apparent and transparent, without making it sound emphasized. 
 
It strikes a perfect balance, having just the right amount of energy to make things lively but not enough to make things sound sound harsh or splashy. The A3 treble sounds very natural, with cymbals sounding defined and very controlled and not splashy at all. Just enough treble to tickle my ears without making my ears ring after. So those of you who are allergic to treble emphasized headphones you can rejoice  The A3 treble is more in balance with the rest of the spectrum.
 
All of this makes for a fatigue free listening experience. In fact, the A3 has become my go to iems for extended listening sessions and even daily use, thanks to its relaxing sound signature, which is very easy to listen to for hours on end, very much like its younger sibling the A2. I can turn up the volume with the A3 without experiencing distortion at higher volumes and really enjoy my music. The A3 can also handle hotly mastered top 40 music quite well thanks to its more measured treble response. On that note, if a lot of your music revolves around treble centric genres such as acoustic, classical or Jazz, the A3 might not be the best choice for you.
 
The A3 has an amazing sense of space in its sonic presentation. The instruments seem to just float there in the air, immaculately layered on top of each other in a really natural manner. Honestly at times it feels as if you are listening to speakers in a room. Thats what I mean when I say it has a sense of space.
 
On that note, the instrument separation and layering is superb, which is backed up by fantastic layering as I mentioned earlier; Very much an improvement over it’s predecessor the A2. The soundstage makes it seem like the music is coming from outside my head and that I'm listening to a full size headphone. The soundstage is dense and filled with music, fully immersing you in your songs. I found the soundstage to have incredible depth and above average height and width. The A3’s sense of depth really makes it seem the artists are in front of you performing. 
 
You would be surprised just how much can get masked by bass. The tips I like, thanks to their shape and material, actually reduces the A3 bass making the overall sound brighter, unmasking a lot of the spectrum.  As a result soundstage cues are much easier to discern and the soundstage feels more expansive and 3D. The A3 soundstage is impressive especially how it presents EDM and Pop music, ballooning out the different elements of a song so it floats around in your head; For this kind of music A3 reigns supreme. The different elements of a song aren’t overly forward or in your face, nonetheless the details are all still there, albeit with a softer presentation. Its nice not to have a million things in a song all vying for your attention. 
 
The A3 has a seamless transition between its treble and midrange. In fact, I find its midrange to be its strongest attribute. It is lush, warm and full of texture, with a nice helping of natural midrange warmth. Guitar heavy music is just GLORIOUS. The growl of distortion guitar sounds so guttural and chunky, making it so damn addicting. Even for rock songs with lots of cymbal crashes, the A3 never falters. Male vocals have a very nice weight to them, while female vocals have a somewhat ethereal feeling quality to them.
 
The way the difference elements of a song are blended together, all the while maintaining immense coherency and texture, is all too enjoyable. Given that Top 40 music has traditionally mastered hot, rather than making those genres of music sound like a hot mess, A3 makes them sound smooth, natural and even from top to bottom.
 
Now moving on to the bass: As I said before, A3 has an L shaped sound signature with an emphasis on mid and sub bass. The A3 bass can be described as full, bombastic and well textured with good presence and rumble. A3 bass has great decay, when coupled with good punch and impact, makes for a very engaging and enjoyable listening experience. The A3 truly reminds me of the Hifiman Edition X in many ways. 
 
The A3 bass has nice distinct reverberations that make EDM and Pop music a joy to listen to.  Take the intro to Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson for example, my god that sub bass! I can literally feel it in my chest You can feel each and every reverberation in bass lines. 

 
The LZ A3 sounds pretty darn good straight out of my cellphones and macbook, so its not as source dependant as something like Shockwave III, so in that regard, the A3 is quite mobile friendly. But it does scale nicely with better gear.
 
 
To balance or not to balance, that is the question
The cable I am using with the LZ A3 works with adapters allowing it to run in singled ended or balanced configurations with the change of an adapter.
 

 
 
So, does running it balanced give any benefits? YES. The answer is YES. In fact its not even a question, as its pretty clear cut that the A3 sounds better balanced vs single ended.
 
Nearly every aspect of the sound improves in balanced configuration. Bass quality is noticeably better, as it sounds much more controlled and tighter with more prominent sub bass. Soundstage just freaking expands like a balloon, with the width and depth exhibiting the most improvements, essentially becoming Holograhic. 
 
The midrange resolution seems better as things sound less fuzzy and more defined. The midrange sounds more “open” like the A2 does. The separation and layering is improved, making it easy to discern when one instrument or element of a song is in front or behind one another. There was a clear improvement in detail retrieval and resolution top to bottom.
 
For example with the Song “Bother” the sub bass is much more noticeable and the male vocals have a lot more texture thanks to the mid bass being less. 
 
I have A/Bed single ended vs balanced many times, thanks to the adapters being easy to install and remove. I had family members help me with blind testing, to remove expectation bias and again the same changes was easily discernible.
 
Balanced A3 > Single Ended A3 
 
 
Different applications – music, movies, gaming
Having explored how they sound from a music listening perspective, I want to touch a bit upon how they excel at other applications, such as watching movies and playing video games.
 
Using them to watch movies on my laptop, I found the experience enjoyable. Easy to hear movie dialogue, explosions and sound effects sounded terrific with a believable soundstage.
 
They are also fantastic for commuting, they easily stay in you ears and isolate very well. 
 
They were surprisingly great for gaming on my Playstation 3. I found the soundstage and accurate sonic cues to be an asset while playing games like call of duty for example.
 
 
 
LZ A3 vs MusicMAKER Shockwave “Kegger” III
The shockwave III is a 5-driver hybrid consisting of 4 Balanced Armature drivers and 1 Dynamic Driver. You might be thinking, wow 5 drivers! Must be pretty dope right? Well not necessarily, it is not the number of drivers you have that matters but how you use them! Didn’t your mother ever teach you that? No? Well erm I may have made that saying up so… anyway lets move on lol.
 
First things first, there is a noticeable price gap between the SIII ($270 USD) and A3 (~$140).  The SIII is quite sensitive to source, unlike the A3, and its treble can vary a bit depending on what source you are using.
 
To my ears the Shockwave III is on the brighter side of neutral with excellent treble extension. I would characterize it’s sound as v-shaped vs L shaped for LZ A3.
 
But the treble can vary depending on your source, ranging from slightly north of neutral to being strident. With the X7 + K5, it sounds more controlled but at times it can be a tad sibilant, but more often than not it comes ever so close to sibilance without crossing the line. The LZ A3 in contrast is not as source sensitive, sounding great out of all my sources, portable or otherwise.. 
 
The SIII has excellent detail retrieval with a good amount of micro detail. It’s not really what I would consider analytical in the traditional sense, but it has a good amount clarity, which extends through the entire range.
 
My biggest issue with the shockwave III’s treble is that it sounds somewhat artificial or metallic at times, especially for songs with lots of cymbal crashes, and at times splashy. With the added energy up top I find myself listening at lower volumes, as it can get shouty at higher volumes and cause ear fatigue. For those who are sensitive to treble, I would strongly urge you to try the shockwave III first to see if it’s right for you. It really isn’t a treble monster and I don’t mean to paint it as such, but depending on your source it can be a point of contention. The A3 treble is more in balance with the rest of the spectrum, not as forward sounding as the Shockwave.
 
I find the soundstage to be a strong point for the SIII. With the increased detail retrieval, positional cues are easily discernable, which helps paint a large and believable soundstage. It has fantastic instrument separation and layering. Many headphones can separate out the different parts of a sound but it can sound disjointed. Not so with the SIII. Its like you are peering directly into a recording and every single element is crystal clear. In fact, you can easily pick out one instrument to follow in a song and easily do so beginning to end. However the sonic presentation feels almost clinical and too clean in comparison to the A3 which the perfect amount of natural warmth and a more organic feeling.
 
The SIII midrange can sound a bit thin and nasally. Male voices lack the weight that you will find with the A3. Female vocals however sound just sublime thanks in part to the treble focus. Personally I would have preferred a thicker and warmer midrange, like that of the A3. The SIII sounds best with a narrow range of genres whereas the A3 sounds great with anything you throw at it.
 
The bass has good rumble and texture. This is where its hybrid design shines through; the bass has not only good punch and weight, but also good decay. Only comes out to play when its called for, with no mid bass bloat or bloom to speak off, and certainly no leakage into the midrange. However it lacks the layering, power and finesse of the A3 bass, especially when the A3 is running balanced. 
 
Despite having 5 drivers, the Shockwave III has a surprisingly cohesive sound without sounding disjointed, something you might find with some poorly made hybrids.
 
LZ A2 VS LZ A3
So, is it worth upgrading to the A3?
 
Hardware wise its no contest, the A3 spanks the A2 with its fancier presentation, expanded accessory set and removable cable option. Part of me wishes the A3 had stayed true to the A2 design and reiterated on that, seeing as how the A2 is one of the most comfortable earphones I have used to date. That is not to say the A3 is downright uncomfortable, but it doesn’t disappear while you are wearing it to the degree that the A2 does.
 
To my ears the A3 sounds a smidge darker than the A2, with a less "open" sounding treble. I do wish that that it retained the treble presence of A2, however the increased A3 treble resolution is very much welcomed. A3 also has noticeably better cohesion between the treble, midrange and bass, along with much better resolution in those aforementioned areas.
 
The A2 would sometimes sound smeared and all jumbled up when it came to complicated music tracks with lots of things going on. This thankfully is not the case with A3, which handles complicated tracks without breaking a sweat, exhibiting  none of the smearing or blurring that plagued the A2, which I think is helped by an increase in overall resolution and improved instrumental separation and layering.
 
The LZ A2 has very few weaknesses, but detail retrieval and resolution would be at the top of this list. The A3 definitely addresses this complaint, but again in a way that that doesn't go overboard or fully analytical, striking a fine balance.
 
The A3 midrange sounds thicker, more textured and more detailed than that of A2, thanks in part to the increase in sonic resolution. The A2 midrange sounds more “open”and light in comparison. Male vocals have more weight and authority when heard through the A3 vs A2.
 
When it comes to bass, LZ A3 has the A2 beat, in terms of both quality and quantity, along with possessing stronger bass, rumble, and presence. In fact the A3 sub-bass is quite a bit better than that of the A2, which makes it a treat for tracks such as “Dirty Diana” by Michael Jackson or “Before I sleep” by Joy Williams. 
 
Seriously, when running the A3 in a balanced configuration with proper tips, it performs at a much higher level than in stock configuration, a balanced A3 is a force to be reckoned with. I can’t emphasize enough how incompatible the stock A3 tips and cable are, a little bit of work on your part can really bring out what the A3 is truly capable of and give your sonic senses a treat! 
 
So is the A3 worth getting if you have the A2? Before I answer that, I realize that having a review unit it might be very easy to carelessly answer this question, without putting myself in a buyer’s shoes. So Here is what I will say:
 
If you are willing to experiment with aftermarket tips and cables to get the most out of the A3, then yes it’s worth upgrading.
 
If you have a good neutral to bright source to feed the A3, then absolutely upgrade to the A3. Much like the A2, the A3 shines with neutral or brighter sounding sources. 
 
 
 
If you are looking for an iem that can accurately reproduce your music with a neutral presentation…. then the LZ A3 might not be for you. 
 
However if you are looking for an iem that you can listen to all day and have it sound great no matter what you are using it with, the A3 might be what you are looking for. The LZ A3 is bombastic, fun and easy to live with on a day to day basis. It is commute friendly and scales surprisingly well with better gear, so it will grow along with your collection. With its immense sonic performance and capability, the LZ A3 is a surprisingly good headphone that has the potential to become your daily driver and will certainly have you digging out your favourite songs and albums, because it has a way of breathing life into whatever it plays
 
Truth be told, straight out of the box I absolutely hated the A3. I am sure my friends can attest to that as I bitched about it quite a bit. A combination of aftermarket cables and optimized ear tips changed the A3 sound signature to such a degree however, that it went from being hated to becoming my daily driver!
 
What’s more, if you have the capability to use it balanced, you will hear a level of performance that will leave you scratching your head, wondering how its possible at this price point? That was my reaction atleast and I have a feeling I am not alone in this regard. If you are willing to put in a bit of work and bring out the LZ A3’s true potential, you will be rewarded with a sound that will have you tapping your feet and you dancing along to the music. With its smooth, relaxing and larger than life sonic presentation, the LZ A3 truly is a Smooth Criminal (See what I did there? )
 
Thank you for sticking with me thus far and not falling asleep! Ymmv as we all have different preferences and ear anatomy, but I hope I have helped get across what the LZ A3 offers and whether it would be right for you. The only way to figure out whats best for you is to ultimately hear it for yourself!
 
I do still have a lot to learn so I welcome any and all feedback! 

 
Happy listening  

 

 
 
 
Disclaimer:
As part of the Canadian tour I had the Mojo for a little over a week and I received no financial compensation, save for the shipping costs of sending the mojo to the next reviewer.
 
 
 
Introduction:
This is my review of the Chord Mojo, a new portable DAC/Amp from the venerable Chord Electronics.
 
First I want to take this opportunity to thank my friend Craig for organizing the Canadian tour as well as recommending me for the tour. I also wanted to give a big shout out to Chord Electronics for setting up this tour and giving me the opportunity to evaluate their newest foray into the portable dac/amp market, the Chord Mojo!
 
You don’t have to be in this hobby long before running into Chord as a brand, as they are held in high regard and universally lauded by a large legion of fans spanning the globe.
They are a company based in England, whose claim to fame has been making high performance desktop and portable DAC/Amp solutions with a premium price to match the performance.
 
That has been the case until now. Enter the Mojo, a portable entry from Chord Electronics that promises to provide the same high performance their other products, such as the Hugo, are known for but at a much more accessible price point. To say that people were excited to get their collective grubby mitts on the Mojo would be a major understatement. Don’t believe me? Just take a gander at how quickly the official Mojo thread has grown. By the time you finish reading this review, the thread would have gorwn by a number of pages and many posts. No Joke. The Mojo appears to have struck a Chord (hah see what I did there?) with many a fan and not without good reason.
 
 
 
About me:
I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.
 
 
So with that out of the way, lets get on with the review!
 
 
 
Build quality, Design and Accessories
After receiving the package from the previous reviewer, I gleefully tore into the out cardboard box. Opening up the box, I was actually taken back somewhat. The actual Mojo packaging was smaller than I was expected, not that it’s a bad thing of course.
 
The packaging was an understated and elegant white box with minimal adornments. Of note, one panel displayed technical specifications while another a palate of colors listing what sampling rate and frequency each color pertains to [On a side note, I wonder if color blind people would have any trouble using the mojo in light of the visual nature of volume control]. The made in England sticker was a nice touch as well.
 

 
 
 
Opening up the box, the Mojo was presented in all its glory, encased in foam and a plastic bag. Inside the box a male micro to male micro USB cable was included for use with compatible portable devices. To be honest I was a bit disappointed given the lack of accessories as I feel that including a few cables and adapters might have been a nice gesture. Again, no manual was included the box but it can be downloaded from their website at: http://www.chordelectronics.co.uk/mojo/manual/Mojo-User-Manual.pdf
 
 

 
 
I was actually taken back by how compact the Mojo was after taking it out of its packaging. I had an inkling from online pictures that the unit will be on the smaller size, but not to this degree. I was able to wrap my hands around the unit easily and it had a reassuring heft to it, something that I greatly welcome. The unit felt very solid and durable to the touch, adding to its portable friendliness. It honestly felt like a tank, as it was so sturdy and durable that if I accidentally dropped the Mojo to the floor I would be more worried if I damaged the floor because that’s how tough it’s build quality is. The volume buttons rotated easily and is not easily pressed by accident, which is important given how much power the Mojo packs (which is quite a bit I might add).
 

 
 
 
 
The unit houses two 3.5 mm headphone out ports (which is perfect for Netflix dates with your special someone ), which can be used simultaneously.
 
The Mojo also is equipped with three digital inputs:

• 1 X TOSLink Optical
• 1 X 3.5mm COAX SPDIF
• 1 x Micro USB [I do however have concerns about the long-term durability of the USB ports as they appeared to be a little loose and not 100% flush with outer casing. I'm not sure if this was limited to the tour unit but I thought I should point it out.]

 

 
All of this and more make for a VERY versatile piece of gear.
 
 
 
How it works:
The Mojo is a rather strange looking device, like nothing I have come across. Its design is endearing and has rather grown on me during my time with the Mojo.
 
I thought the volume buttons would be static but to my surprise they rotated freely. This of course presents the problem of dirt and dust accumulating, and I did notice a few scratches on the volume spheres on my unit. The unit can be turned on by holding down the right most button until the light starts flashing. Fun fact – by holding down both volume buttons together when switching on the unit, you set the output level to 3V (Line level).
 
The brightness of the volume buttons can be toggled between bright and dim modes by briefly pressing both volume buttons at the same time. As well, Mojo has a memory function that will store the volume level and brightness settings even if the unit is shut down. The only exception to this is Line level, which is not remembered.
 
 
 
How I used it:
 
Sources Used

1. 13 inch Macbook Pro retina via Micro USB
2. Sony Playstation 3 via optical

 
As I touched upon earlier, the Mojo is quite versatile in its capabilities. It is designed to work with everything from cellphones to laptops to gaming consoles and even DAPs (where the dap acts as a digital transport). The Mojo truly is an all in one portable solution, a Jack-of-all-trades and a master of all (if not most).
 
The Mojo fast became an indispensable part of my listening and gaming set up. It was as simple as plug and play with my Macbook Pro, working without a hitch. I used it for everything from listening to music, skype calls and even watching video lectures while studying, showing no weakness in any application.
 
It also transformed my gaming experience while using it in combination with my Playstation 3 via Optical out. Using it in conjunction with the AKG K612 Pro, I really felt as if I was immersed in my games, giving me a cinematic experience unlike anything I have experienced before. Thanks to its fantastic imaging capabilities and soundstage (will touch upon this later), playing shooters such as Call of Duty was all too enjoyable.
 
The Mojo will work with iOS devices via the CCK cable and compatible android devices which support USB audio out. Unfortunately my BlackBerry Z30 didn’t play nice with it (what a big surprise lol) but the mobile capability is there should one choose to use it (which is its primary focus after all). I should note that later on in the review I do discuss a new product from FiiO that all but eliminates the need for those pesky CCK cables, allowing a one-cable solution for iOS devices.
 
The Mojo is like a bull in a china-shop; except it is so delicate and balanced it doesn’t knock anything over. Everything from my most sensitive in ears monitos (which at the time was the Venture Electronics Duke with a resistance of 16 ohms) to my hardest to drive cans (which at the time was the AKG K612 Pro) absolutely sang when plugged into the Mojo. The unit has a large reservoir of power, and this is especially impressive considering the relatively small dimensions of the unit and I felt that it packed more power than my FiiO X7/K5 combination.
 
How it sounds
The Mojo sounds fantastic. Stop reading this review and go out and buy it! Thanks for reading the review….
 
What was that? More details you say? Fine then, let me get a glass of 50-year-old scotch mountain dew and monocles so as to better pontificate the finer subtleties of why the Mojo is an absolute game changer
 

 
All kidding aside, the Mojo has a lot going for it, and it just sounds “right” to my ears, for lack of a better term (I promise its not a cop out!). This probably has a lot to do with what sets the Mojo apart from the rest of its competition. Rather than using an off the shelf DAC solution, Rob Watts (the designer at Chord Electronics) opted to use a customized in house FPGA solution, utilizing 30 years of research, which appears to have solved a lot of timing issues that plague other DACs. To be honest I am not really a technical guy and I won’t profess to understand the technology behind what makes the Mojo so special, but I will say official thread is a treasure trove of information. The best part is that Rob Watts frequents the thread and is very approachable and willing to answer questions people might have.
 
To my ears the Mojo is extremely pleasing and enjoyable to listen to with a warm analogue like sound.
 
I will touch upon soundstage first: Songs being played through the Mojo had a lot of depth to it, positively cavernous even. The soundstage had great depth and width, more so than the height. Mojo appears to have gone for a more accurate and natural soundstage reproduction rather than an artificially boosted one.
 
And part of that is due to how it handles treble. A lot of products use enhanced treble to give a sense of increased detail. No so with the Mojo, which is why I felt it was dark sounding on my initial listen. At that time I was coming from the brighter sounding FiiO X7, so the Mojo was a noticeable departure from that. That is not to say that the Mojo is deficient in the upper registers. It has excellent treble extension and detail, without being forward and strident. In fact the Mojo is astonishingly detailed, which is surprising in light of its warmer analogue like sound. The details are all present, but they are not pushed in your face, making for a fatigue free listening experience. 
 
Mojo has excellent instrument separation and layering with accurate sonic cues. Listening to live classical pieces, it was all too easy to follow individual instruments through entire songs and to imagine where they were located relative to the other instruments. It also helps that it has a pitch black background with an inaudible noise floor, giving a sense of air around winged and string instruments. Listening to EDM tracks, background elements seem to come alive thanks to Mojo’s impressive imaging, truly making you feel as if you are listening to them live at a concert.
 
In fact the Mojo was so effortless and natural, I kept forgetting to analyze the music and kept right on listening to songs. I didn’t stop to marvel at its technical capabilities as I might have with other gears because it’s not a technical performer for the sake of it, but for the end musical enjoyment, which is one of its strongest points I feel.
 
The midrange is where the magic lies for me, with a perfect amount of natural warmth, giving recordings a more analogue and live feeling. It is engaging, detailed and full sounding, giving a nice weight to male vocals, which is perfect for rock and metal music. Distorted guitar sounded sublime with good growl and texture and drum beats sounded natural. It does everything so well that it’s hard to pick a few to highlight.
 
The bass was tight, fast and punchy with terrific control, with no mid bass bloom or midrange leakage to speak of. The bass only came out to play when called upon, and quickly got out of the way. Sub bass was in perfect balance with the mid bass, and exhibited good rumble when present in the song. Bass texture was easily discernable, and immensely enjoyable in tracks like “Before I sleep” by Joy Williams, using stringed instruments.
 
And that’s how I would describe the Mojo’s sonic signature – balanced. Sonic presentation was even from top to bottom, bringing a level of power, finesse and refinement that is very rarely seen at this price point and certainly not in such a portable device.
 
I will however mention that Mojo sounded best with my neutral and brighter sounding gear compared to my darker sounding headphones. For example, the synergy between the VE Zen 2.0 and Mojo wasn’t as great as say the Zen 1.0 or VE Duke. The AKG K612 Pro sounded just heavenly out of the Mojo as opposed to the Sony MA900, which sounded average at best. The Mojo took off some of the edge and bite that the K612 Pro had in the treble region, while at the same time giving more depth and a more holographic presentation, especially for classical music. I am not suggesting this is something universal as YMMV depending on personal tastes and such, but all the same, it is something to keep in the back of your mind.
 
I would however skip the Mojo if you happen to be a certifiable treble head. That is not to say that the Mojo has poor treble extension, but rather a more natural presentation that may seem darker than gears that use enhanced treble to give a sense of increased detail retrieval.
 
Battery Life:
I managed to squeeze out anywhere between 6-7 hours of battery life on average and so it usually saw me through a whole day. For example I might use it all day with my Macbook while working or studying, and then have to charge it again at the end of the day while using it for gaming with my Playstation. The battery life is actually remarkable considering how much power and performance there is on tap, Chord certainly could have done a lot worse in this department.
 
While it is possible to use the Mojo whilst it is charging, do note that it will take longer to charge, which normally should take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours. Don’t be alarmed if your unit becomes hot while charging, this is perfectly normal, especially if you are listening to music at the same time.
 
The online manual does also mention to avoid leaving the Mojo on continuously, which is important if you plan to use it as a desktop solution. Just turn it off once in awhile lol.
 
Looking to the future:
Chord plans to release modular expansion solutions for the Mojo with additional features such as an SD card reader and a more streamlined iOS product compatibility by incorporating the apple CCK cable.
 
 
Bottom line
If you are looking for a class leading dac/amp combo that you can use with your phone, tablets, computers and gaming consoles, look no further than the Mojo. Although it is billed as a portable product, it is more than capable of pulling double duty as part of a desktop setup or indeed, a desktop replacement in and of itself. Chord has proven that you really can take desktop quality music with you on the go, without having to make compromises. The Mojo is something you can enjoy while commuting to and from work, at work, and again at home while listening to music, watching movies or even gaming!
 
All this is at a price that is far more accessible than its performance or feature set would suggest. At a price of $599 USD, it is much cheaper than its sibling, the Hugo, which is priced at >$2000 USD. Kudos to Chord for bucking the recent industry trend of pushing the price envelope.
 
Also, FiiO has recently released the L19 cable that will allow iOS devices to interface with any external dac/amp without having to use pesky and unsightly Apple CCK cables. Take that apple! You can get this cable at: http://penonaudio.com/L19-Lightning-to-Micro-USB   So take any old iPhone or iPod touch (lightning port version) and slap on the L19 cable to use it with the Mojo and voila, you have a very capable portable solution that is also easy on the wallet!
 
With its immense sonic performance and versatility, the Chord Mojo is a comprehensive all in one package that has the potential to replace both your home and portable setups, while at the same transforming your console gaming experience. The Mojo is desktop-capable and wholly portable; A Swiss army knife in all but name.
 
 
Thank you for sticking with me thus far and not falling asleep! I tried my best to pen my thoughts on what I thought about the Mojo but I do still have a lot to learn so I welcome any and all feedback 
 
 
Happy listening!

 
 
 
Introduction
This is my review of the SoundMAGIC E50, a iem from their new reference series.
 
I want to provide a little background information in the hopes that it can help put my views in perspective and provide some context for the content of this review.
 
Music has always been a huge part of my life, whether it was been performing music on stage with my band or more recently, involving myself in the headphone hobby.  I have always enjoyed listening to music but I haven’t always paid attention to the quality of headphones because I was happy with whatever earphone was included with my cellphones. Ignorance is bliss right? This all changed when I came across head-fi one day, and that’s when things started to go downhill (for my wallet that is ). It is easy to underestimate how much difference a decent pair of headphones can make in the enjoyment of your favorite songs.
 
After getting my first pair of good headphones, I had felt as if an entire new world opened up to me musically and I am rediscovering music that I have listened to for many years.
 
When it comes to musical taste, I can’t say that I have any specific genre that is my absolute favorite, as I like a little bit of everything. But if I had to be specify, I would say that I love mainstream and pop music and I consider myself to be an average joe in that regard. That is the approach I will be taking in reviewing headphones, for people like me who aren’t all that technical and are not audiophiles in the classical sense.
 
I mostly stream music from the Internet using services such as Spotify and Youtube and like millions of other people, my laptop and cellphone serves as my main media players.
 
So with that out of the way, lets get on with the review.
 
 
Disclaimer
I want to thank SoundMAGIC for giving me the opportunity to review the E50 and in providing a review sample in exchange for my honest opinion.
 
 
 
Accessories
The E50 comes in a small attractive packaging with plenty of goodies inside. It comes with a solid carrying case that will provide ample protection and interior space to carry the E50 and spare tips. The case is stark black with red border stitching, being both fashionable and functional with sturdy construction. An ample selection of tips is provided in the packaging, ranging from single flange to double flange tips (not pictured as I seem to have misplaced them at the moment!) of varying bore sizes. A medium size comply tip was included, which should provide a snug and stable fit with great isolation.
 

 
 
 
Design/Build quality
Out of the box, the first thing that caught my eyes was how utterly small the earphone felt in my hand. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
 
They have a solid and sturdy construction that holds up well to the rigors of daily life, for example stuffing them into pockets quickly when you have to catch a bus.
It’s always nice to be careful with your headphones but truth be told, these headphones don’t need to be babied and they can take the abuse. One thing I did notice was a bit of driver flex when I used certain tips on a number of occasions. 
 
They are well designed in that they truly disappear into your ears and you kind of forget that they are there, not only because how good the music sounds, but also because how comfortable they are.
 
The jack is at an angle and narrow, so it will work well with your favorite cellphone cases. The angled jack also makes the cable decidedly more pocket friendly.  The cable has adequate strain reliefs and it gives me confidence that it will hold up in the long run. One other thing I appreciated was the easy left and right identifiers on the iem housing, makes it easy to properly orient the left right pieces.
 
The cable is rather springy and stiff, for better or worse. On one hand, it doesn’t tangle easily when carried in pockets, but on the other, they carry a bit of memory and can be unruly at times, specially when worn cable down, due to it's stiff nature. However, the addition of a chin slider helps reign in the cables.
 
The wire does carry noise but wearing the E50 cable up can easily mitigate that, which is something the E50's design easily lends itself to.
 

 
 
 
Comfort/Isolation/Commuting
As I touched upon earlier, the SoundMAGIC E50 is easily one of the more comfortable earphones I have used. With their pill like design and diminutive size, it’s a matter of inserting in your ears and forgetting about them, which I have done on a number of occasions, falling asleep while listening to music at night.
 
The E50 has above average isolation in my experience and with correct size ear tips  one could expect to reasonably drown out most of the loud sounds and noises during a daily commute. With the use of comply foam tips, this isolation further improves, but at the cost of flexibility, as it’s not as easy to keep taking out the earphone to catch subway announcements or if someone is trying to talk to you for example and then having to squeeze the foam tips again for insertion.
 
All in all, these are all the hallmarks of a commute friendly headphone and I would happily recommend them for that purpose alone, if that is your highest priority above all else.
 
 
Sound
Now lets talk about how they sound!
 
For many people the sound quality is very important, if not the most important quality that many look for in a headphone, whether the cost is 30 dollars or 300 dollars.
 
Ever heard the old saying “it’s not the size of your dynamic driver that’s important but how you use it?” Yeah me neither possibly because I may or may not have made that up for this review! But lets not sweat the details
 
Don’t let the E50’s size fool you into thinking they sound as small as they look, because they sound anything but!
 
They have a big, engaging and energetic sound. I find the sound signature to be v-shaped with a tasteful emphasis on treble and bass. Despite this, the midrange hardly feels recessed. Somehow the E50 manages to be warm and detailed all at the same time. They certainly live up to their moniker
 
The treble has a bit of sparkle to it when the song calls for it. It highlights some of the more subtle background details allowing you to hear them with ease. This is especially highlighted in dance music tracks where panning and background effects are easily noticeable and brought to the forefront.  With its emphasized treble, it gives the sound an expansive feeling and makes Top 40 music quite exciting to listen to. It is nicely extended and sparkly and really opens up with the help of a wide bore tip. Despite this, the E50 is easy to listen to for longer periods of time without experiencing ear fatigue. I did not notice any troubling treble peaks or sibilance.
 
Getting back to the soundstage, the sound stage is above average, with an expansive sound that feels open and not congested in your head. To my ears it has great height and width but is lacking in depth. Sonic cues, for imaging and instrument positioning, were surprisingly good for an iem at this price range. The E50 makes it easy to pick out the different instruments and elements of a song, with above average layering and separation of instruments.
 
As I had touched upon earlier, the midrange felt a bit recessed to my ears, while being warm and lush, which works well with a great deal of music genres. Female vocals were a treat in dance music tracks specially.
 
The bass is tight, punchy and reasonably extended. The bass emphasis is more in the midbass region than the sub bass region. Easy to discern textured bass lines that demand your attention but scurry out of the way when not called upon, with good decay. Listening to a track with lots of sub buss such as “Before I sleep” by Joy William, I noticed that the sub bass is a bit subdued compared to the midbass, nonetheless, the bass is not bloomy but there was a bit of bleed into the lower midrange.
 
 
Custom tips
I am someone who enjoys getting the most out of my purchases, whether it be top of the line in ear monitors or more budget friendly headphones. It was with goal in mind that I had custom silicon tips made.
 
Getting an optimal sound out of an iem is ultimately dependent on how well they seal in your ears. I decided to remove this variable from the equation all together so I can hear how it sounds like, and get a great fit every time.
 
Using the custom silicon tips, I find that the sound is quite competent. The bass is much more tight and controlled and the sound is overall brighter with smaller soundstage. The biggest change I noticed was how much detail this thing can put out. Everything feels more pushed to the front and intense and it makes for a very engaging experience.  However the sound can be fatiguing when listening in this fashion, but the custom tips serve to highlight that with a great seal you can expect a detailed sound that will surely have your toes tapping.
 

 
 
 
Different applications – music, movies, gaming
 
Having explored how they sound from a music listening perspective, I want to touch a bit upon how they excel at other applications, such as watching movies and playing video games.
 
Using them to watch movies on my laptop, I found the experience enjoyable. Easy to hear movie dialogue, explosions and sound effects sounded terrific with a believable soundstage.
 
They are also fantastic at the gym, particularly when used in conjunction with foam tips such as comply. They easily stay in you ears and isolate you very well when working out and the wires are sturdy so they won’t be easily damaged should they snag on something.
 
They were surprisingly great for gaming on my Playstation 3. I found the soundstage and accurate sonic cues to be an asset while playing games like call of duty for example.
 
 
Conclusion
If you stuck with me this far, congrats on staying awake this long!  Here is the bottom line:
 
What the E50 is:
If you are looking for something you can easily listen to all day, whether it be at work, the gym or home, the SoundMAGIC E50 should definitely be on your list of earphones to check out, especially if commuting and isolation is high on your list of priorities. The E50 is fantastic for on the go music listening, particularly out of cellphones and the likes. They have a fun and engaging sound that brings your favourite tracks to life, all the while providing a non-fatuiging sound that you can listen to for hours on end.
 
What the E50 is not:
It is not a neutral iem looking to produce the most accurate sound possible. If you want something that is more accurate and neutral, the E80 would be an excellent alternative to check out, along with many others on the market.
 
I hope I have helped get across what the soundMAGIC E50 offers and whether it would be right for you.