Disclaimer:  I would like to sincerely thank Salsera and Brainwavz for providing the sample R3 version 2.0 (R3v2) for this review.   For most of my audio listening “career”, I was never a big fan of in-ear-monitors (IEMs) or earphone/earbuds, tending to prefer more traditionally designed portable and full sized headphones.  The major issues I had were trying to find the right positioning, fit, and seal to obtain the optimal sound quality.  I could never seem to find the right position for the housings to stay in so the tips could stay sealed so the...

Disclaimer:  I would like to sincerely thank Salsera and Brainwavz for providing the sample S5 for this review.   For most of my audio listening “career”, I haven’t been a big fan of in-ear-monitors (IEMs) or earphone/earbuds, tending to prefer more traditionally designed portable and full sized headphones.  The major issues I had were trying to find the right positioning, fit, and seal to obtain the optimal sound quality.  Earbuds were out because I prefer to block ambient noise and enjoy the music at a level that doesn’t require an upgrade to a...

Disclaimer:  I would like to thank Todd at TTVJ for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Grado “e”-series tour.  I have owned many sets of Grado cans including the SR-80, 225, 325i (Gold Edition), RS-1i, and a couple of the Head-Fi Edition HF-2s.  I have also had experience with a pair of broken-in original edition GS1000s.   Product review tours can be a bitter-sweet experience…especially with headphones.  There is the desire to be nearest the beginning of the tour and get them soonest (I was number two for these), and the realization...

Preamble:  Break out the Champagne, the silly putty has left the building!  23 Nov 14...Since this review was originally written, Rockjaw did exactly what they said they would do...go out and create a new filter combining the best aspects of the black and silver filters.  In other words they created a balanced filter for those that wanted...well...a more balanced sound (what did you really expect me to say here? ).  Did they succeed?  Let's find out...   (Updated info is highlighted in red)   “First in last out!” While the above makes for an...

Pros: (expanded) Sound quality, versatility, (mostly) easy to use UI, data storage options, charging indicator, user’s manual, most “issues” can be addressed via firmware update Cons: (expanded) Gapless needs work, lack of markings on control buttons, silicon cover needs larger holes for plugs, twitchy scroll wheel, no playlist support, no easy way to return to “Now Playing” screen, “Next Track” and “Previous Track” functionality needs work, need to read user’s manual just to operate the player   Disclaimer:   I would like to thank James FiiO and...