I have been eagerly awaiting the availability of the PAW S1 since first reading about its upcoming launch. I placed my order as soon as I received notification from MusicTeck that it was currently shipping. I received the S1 yesterday and found upon unboxing that the build quality was...

As a long-time collector, tester and builder of opamp DIY modules, I was approached by Burson Audio for the purpose of conducting an evaluation and unbiased review of their newest hybrid opamp, the V5-i. I readily agreed as this would be an interesting and informative project, hopefully...

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Reposted in F.S. Forum.

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Aurisonics has introduced an updated version of the ASG-1, now called the ASG-1 Plus. This new version has a BA driver installed in addition to the 14.2 mm dynamic driver to add additional detail and resolution to the higher frequencies. The original ASG-1 was received with less than market...

I have recently had the opportunity to evaluate the new iBasso D-Zero Mk2. The Mk2 replaces the earlier entry-level D-Zero and incorporates a number of changes from the original. Below are several pictures of the new version along with the specifications as published by iBasso after which I will...

I would like to thank HiFiMan for making the RE-600 available to me for review. I would like to add that I am not an employee or in any other way associated with HiFiMan or Head-Direct other than being a satisfied customer for quite a number of years. It was with much interest and anticipation...

Today I received my D7, a very welcome Christmas gift to myself! I was unsure of whether to place this post in the portable amp thread or the portable source thread. As the D7 does contain a headphone amplfier, I chose to place it here in the portable amp thread. I must also preface my post by...

Henceforth, all Topkits will be built using removable Class A adapter sockets.  This will enable the user to try both Class A and standard bias with their Topkit opamps.   It will also allow any spare opamps that one might have on hand to be auditioned in either Class A or standard bias.     ...

Although I am not affiliated with Virtue Audio in any way other than being a very satisfied owner of the Sensation M451 which I use to drive my HE-6 headphones, I did receive an email from Virtue that I feel may be of interest to anyone considering the purchase of a Sensation M451 or M901.  ...

Every now and then, a new audio product is introduced to the marketplace that is both very reasonable in cost as well as performing well above its price point.  Such is the case with the newly introduced Project Sunrise, a small hybrid amp that appears to be similar to the inexpensive...

  Below is my review of the Virtue Audio Sensation M451 as a possible amplification source for difficult-to-drive BALANCED headphones.  This review is only the headphone part of a comprehensive 2-part review that is scheduled for later publication.  The speaker portion of the review was done...

I recently acquired a set of Sony EX800ST IEM's from a Head-Fi member who had originally purchased them from a Japan dealer, as these phones are not distributed in the US.    The EX800ST is marketed by Sony as a studio monitor.   That is a term that I have found to be much overused in the...

It has been about a year since I purchased the Scherzo Audio Andante.  As this turned out to be a review sample misrepresented as a member-owned amplifier, I subsequently returned it to its rightful owner, Mr Gontran Durocher, owner of Scherzo Audio and builder of the Andante.   My previous...

Every now and then, it is my good fortune to happen across an audio device that actually delivers much more than one might expect for the price.  Such is the case with the media player from Lattezone.   Given the unlikely name of Espresso, one might initially overlook this player, but upon...

 iBasso has now introduced several new cables to interface with the Toucan balanced amplifier.  These are priced at not much more than the cost of a DIY project, and should make it really easy  for folks to "test the waters" of balanced headphone listening.    They have developed 2 pre-made...

For quite some time now, I have been using the Virtue One Classic to drive my balanced phones.   As all of the Virtue amplifiers are Tripath-based, they cannot be used to drive headphones that use a common ground and therefore lack a traditional headphone jack, but balanced phones, by...

I received my D12 earlier today, and of course I had to promptly give it a listen via my H120 optical input.  As always, I wanted to hear what it sounded like out of the box with no burn-in.   I am pleased to report that it sounds superb.  iBasso stated that the D12 should sound better than the...

While I do not currently own a Rudistor amplifier, I auditioned them at CanJam and have been hoping at some point in the future to add one to my gear collection.  I have followed with interest several of his amplifiers, always hoping to find a bargain on the FS thread, but alas, no deals to be...

  While I probably own more amplifiers that I have need for, both desktop and portable, I am always on the lookout for new or innovative products that do well their intended purpose, namely reproducing music at the output that mirrors that which is presented to the input.      Some time...

I received a Rocoo_b from Craig a few days ago and so far am very pleased with the SQ which I like it even better than my AMP3s. Below are some of my initial impressions: The unit is a very nicely crafted, eye-appealing unit. It is probably the smallest player I have owned in years. It...

The firm date for the meet is February 27th. The meet will be held at the Royal Palm Yacht Club, of which I am a member. There is adequate room and table space for at least 35-40 attendees. There are plenty of tables available as well as lots of AC outlets. There are no stairs to lug equipment...

Review of Hisoundaudio AMP3 DAP/AMP/FM AMP3 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: The AMP3 is the first product to be introduced to the audio marketplace by Hisoundaudio, a China-based company that, by their own description, is dedicated to producing audiophile-grade players that incorporate the...

It has been my good fortune to happen across a Mouse from a Head-Fi F.S. ad when I was looking for an amp to suitably power my AKG K-1000s. I purchased the Mouse from its previous owner, and have been very pleased with all aspects of the construction and performance. I pairs very nicely...