I’ve participated in a couple of review tours for Aune products (the B1 portable headphone amplifier and the X1S desktop DAC) in the last several months, and really enjoy the clean, neutral Aune house sound (or at least what I believe to be their house sound, based on limited exposure).     In early October, having seen several posts and reports of the upcoming M2 DAP, I took a chance and asked if there was any chance of a review unit. As luck would have it, Aune was just wrapping up development of the hardware at that time, and they asked me if...

Little birds began twittering several months ago (early June, to be precise) about a possible little brother for the highly respected Cayin N6. Having just reviewed the N6 but not pulled the trigger on a purchase, the idea of a smaller, scaled-down, less expensive Cayin DAP excited me. I'm on the road a lot, so I'm always on the lookout for a truly portable, quality DAP (as opposed to TRANSportable, which is how I classify the N6).     With anticipation high, I started an N5 discussion thread, and quickly discovered that there were numerous...

The Fiio EX1 is the first Fiio-branded IEM. If it looks familiar, that’s because it is basically a re-tuned Dunu Titan 1 (a collaboration made obvious by the appearances of both the Fiio and Dunu names on various parts of the product).   The Titan has an excellent reputation within Head-Fi circles for spacious soundstage, capable bass, sparkling treble and revealing detail. Although curious for some time to try the Titan, I was held back from purchasing a set of my own by reports from some reviewers of poor isolation, edgy treble (tip dependent)...

Back in July, Lucas (@LucasCL) of Creative put out a call on Head-Fi for reviewers for three Sound Blaster products: the Roar 2 portable wireless speaker, the Aurvana In-Ear3 Plus IEM, and the Sound Blaster E5 portable headphone amplifier. I was lucky to be selected to review the E5 amplifier.     Disclaimer: Creative sent me the E5 at no charge in exchange for an unbiased review and permission to use my feedback on their media channels, if Creative desires. I do not need to return the review unit, but was encouraged to allow other Head-Fi’ers...

  Have you ever seen one of those videos on Facebook where they show a deaf kid or baby with a new cochlear implant who hears sound for the first time? I’ve seen a few of them, and the script is always the same: Faffing around getting things hooked up, checking everything is in working order. Baby or kid looks nonchalant, or uncomfortable with all the activity and attention and wires and stuff. Sound is turned on. Doctor and parent(s) look on expectantly. Little person looks confused, perplexed, uncertain of what’s happening as this new sensation...

  I first joined Head-Fi in November of 2014. At the time I owned a couple of pairs of IEM’s, and had just purchased my first DAP (Fiio X3) and over ear headphones (Sennheiser HD598). I really liked the X3 with my IEMs, but found something missing with the HD598s, especially in the bass and body. I started researching portable headphone amps – even starting a thread asking for suggestions – and had several names put forward, which through further research I whittled down to the Fiio E12A and Cayin C5.   Not having any place in Calgary to try out...

A few weeks ago, my great Head-Fi pal @nmatheis contacted me and asked if I’d like to coordinate a Canadian tour of a new IEM from Lend Me UR Ears (herein known as LMUE). I knew of the company from their online store, but wasn’t aware they’d decided to try their hand at designing and manufacturing their own product. Initial information on the Alpha & Delta AD01 was that it seemed like a solid product with good build quality and a consumer-friendly sound signature. I’m always up for trying a new piece of kit, so jumped at the chance and said yes.  ...

  About ESS   Up until receiving a review sample of the RLM-713, I had never heard of ESS. I posted some pictures on various threads on Head-Fi and on Instagram, and no-one who commented seemed to have heard of them either. When I mentioned they used to make speakers, I got a few comments along the lines of, “Oh, Electro-Static Sound!” but nothing else. So, with that muted response, I decided to do a little research.   Information about ESS was pretty hard to find, but it seems the company has been around in one form or another since the early...

  Disclaimer   I received a sample unit of the B1 portable amplifier from Aune Audio as part of a worldwide review tour. I was able to keep the unit for 10 days, during which I used it extensively. I did not have to pay for the unit; only for postage at the end of its tenure with me. The only expectation of tour participants was an unbiased review once we had given the B1 enough time for a fair evaluation. I am not affiliated with Aune in any way.   About Me   To begin, here's a little context. I’m 50 years old, and am pretty sure I have...

Before I start my X5 2nd Generation review, I should state that I received a pre-production review unit from Fiio as part of their pre-release “World Tour.” I got to keep the unit for 10 days, during which I used it extensively, before sending it on to the next reviewer on the Canadian tour. I did not have to pay for the unit (only to forward it to the next reviewer), and unfortunately do not get to keep it. Because I was reviewing a pre-production unit running beta firmware, it is possible that release models will feature changes and/or improvements...

  Before I get into my review, some disclosure: I received a free loaner unit as part of a mini North American tour, set up and sponsored by @EmpJ of CTC Audio. I got to keep the unit for a week, during which I used it fairly extensively, before sending it on to the next tour member. I am not personally affiliated with CTC Audio, I did not have to pay for the loaner unit (only to forward it to the next reviewer), and unfortunately I was not able to to keep it long term.   In my review I did comparisons using the X3 2nd generation (referred to as...

This is a review in two parts, with an initial, excited set of unboxing and listening impressions, followed up several days later with more considered comparisons to other headphones, requested by other Head-Fi’ers in various forum threads.   Introduction (May 24, 2015)   My wife returned from two weeks in Japan today. While I was glad to see her after time apart, and excited to have her back, a part of me was more excited about what she had brought with her: my Audio Technica ATH-R70x! I’ve been drooling over and dreaming about this headphone...

Before I get into my review, I should state that I received a pre-production unit from Fiio as part of their pre-release “World Tour.” I got to keep the unit for 10 days, during which I used it extensively, before sending it on to the next reviewer on the Canadian tour. I did not have to pay for the unit (only to forward it to the next reviewer), and unfortunately do not get to keep it. Because I was reviewing a pre-production unit running beta firmware, it is quite possible that release models will feature changes and/or improvements to hardware and...

I always loved the iPod Mini. Had a blue one 8 or 9 years ago, and was heartbroken when the disk drive failed. Delighted to find several flash-modded models on eBay recently, so decided to pick up a 32 GB version. Love the form factor, and the high capacity storage.