Cool review. Just for an idea of reference, what other DAP or setups do you usually use in comparison to the Alien? thanks!

@vapman Depends...I have an X5 (gen 1), sometimes I pair it with an E12 amp. I also use an iPod 5.5G, an iPod Touch 1G and a Sansa Clip + (Rockboxed). I have a bunch of tours I have participated in too, hence the reference to the Aune. It stood out the most.

Thanks for a nice writeup. May I ask if you've used some other IEMs with it? Which pairings did you like in addition to Zero?

@mgunin I am not much of an IEM guy. I use earbuds a lot though, and Grado-style custom builds. I used the Mr Z Tomahawk, the VE Zen 2.0 and the VE Monk Plus with the unit, as well as a pair of SR225e woodies I recently made for someone, and a personal pair of Grado SR80 pink drivers in African Blackwood cups.
 
I have a pair of TPeos Altone200 and a pair of Zero Audio Carbo Tenore. I'll try and get some time with them at the office today and comment if I hear anything exceptional.

Thanks a lot! Glad to hear it pairs well with full-size cans (32 ohm is not hard to drive. but still).

@vapman Forgot to mention, I also use a Pono player regularly. In balanced and single-ended mode. 

@mgunin I can confirm the Alien pairs well with both the Zero Audio Carbo Tenore and the TPeos Altone200. The Tenore fairs better. The Altone is known for being a touch bright, and it shows a little with the Alien. 
 
The Carbo Tenore made me swear out loud when the music fired up. It sounds pretty special (in a good way).