I got the opportunity to test the new Linsoul BLD 150ohm balanced earbuds. They come in either 2.5mm or 4.4mm. I opted for the 2.5mm.



Pricing for the 4.4mm version is currently at $40.49 USD.
Pricing for the 2.5mm version is currently at $35.99 USD.

*I did purchase the Linsoul BLD 150ohm, though at a discounted rate.

Both types can be found here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Lin...arphone-4-4mm-2-5mm-Balanced/32869327378.html

Specifications:
- Impedance: 150Ω
- Earphone sensitivity: 110dB/mW
- Frequency range: 20-20000Hz

At the time I am writing this, I seem to have the one and only order of this new earbud.

With a first glance you can tell it is built with quality materials that are also very pleasing to the eye. The cable and plug are both Particularly handsome



There is not much in the way of accessories, just a basic case and a few foam tips. For this price point, it seems everything went into the design and sound production.

For pairing, I mostly used the Earstudio ES100 with my LG V20, because well, it sounds awesome. I will say it is a fantastic portable setup.



The Linsoul BLD 150ohm has a very close to neutral signature. If it did have any bias, it would be ever so slightly towards the mids. Bass is reserved, but still present. Highs are rolled off just a tad early, giving them a smooth aftertaste. There is plenty of detail through out the audible range, though I would not say these are reference buds. Instead they seem to play well with all genres with an overall enjoyable sound.

Because of the comfort of the Yuin type shells and the ease of the playback, the Linsoul BLD 150ohm is well purposed for extended use.

I really do there is good value with the current pricing. I look forward to seeing others getting their hands these earbuds and reading future reviews.

Personally I can easily recommend the Linsoul BLD 150ohm and I hope more people will enjoy them as much as I do.

--

Long before earbuds started to gain popularity, there was Sunrise Audio and their original Dragon. As more and more people gravitated towards this form factor, a new Dragon awoke. The SW-Dragon II.



**Disclaimer, the Sunrise Audio SW-Dragon II was provided for my honest review with the help of Penon Audio.**

https://penonaudio.com/sunrise-sw-dragon-ii-swd2-sr120.html


I also did a recent review of its very expensive big brother, the Simphonio Dragon 2+. Link below:

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/si...i-earbuds-earphone.23166/reviews#review-20495


Specifications:

Price: $79.99 USD (at the time of this review)
Impedance: 120ohm
Frequency range: 20Hz-20KHz
Connection: 3.5mm
Transducer type : Titanium Dynamic


Contents:

Sunrise SW-Dragon II Earbuds
4 pairs of Foam Cushions
Carry pouch
Shirt Clip

I particularly like the pair of blue foam cushions that come with SW-Dragon II, they make these earbuds pop.

The carrying pouch however, is an item I am not particularity found of. While the material of the pouch does feel sturdy, it becomes a problem when you try and store your earbuds. As it wants to pull of the foam tips as you remove them from the case. Plus it does not seem to be designed that well for practical use.




Build:

The SW-Dragon II itself is a very basic earbud. The housings are of standard MX500 size and shape. The cable is a bit flimsy and feels like it belongs on a budget earbud, not on one in this price range. The strain relieve on the 3.5mm plug is more that sufficient, but again feels cheap. From top to bottom, Sunrise Audio unfortunately went with an overall build of something you would find for $10 or less.

What does separate The SW-Dragon from being completely mundane is the wonderful white art work on the sides of the black housings. It is quite beautiful and is extremely pleasing to the eye.




Sound:

If you are like me, I can forgive a lot, as long as they have a quality sound and without giving too much away, that is not a worry these earbuds have..

Bass - The lows are not of a main concern for the SW-Dragon II. While they are not boomy, they are also not anemic either. I find them to have just enough bass to keep things interesting, bordering on the side of just under neutral. What is there is represented well and with affection.

Mids - These are wonderful for vocals, but not limited to. The SW-Dragon II presents a smooth airiness that keeps the music fun, but still sophisticated. I would not say these are mid-centric, but rather aspiring to be the for mentioned neutral territory and for that it does very well.

Highs - Keeping with the overall sound signature, the upper frequency stay realistic to the source material. Their is absolutely not harshness on display. The SW-Dragon II is tuned exceptionally well to give you all the detail, but none of the fatigue.




Driving:

If I had to describe the SW-Dragon II playback with one word using various sources and devices, it would be "forgiving". While trying to get the most out of these earbuds, they will respond to higher end pairings, but they still sounded great mid to low budget DAPs. Their relaxed approach to neutral gives them an advantage over most other earbuds to do more with less.




Comparisons:

*I want to note that would LOVE to have put these head to head with some of the classic Yuin earbuds, but unfortunately it is a brand I have not had the pleasure of auditioning

vs. Puresounds 500 (Pop). I went through my personal inventory and looked for earbuds in the same basic price range. The 500 (pop) can now be found about $75 USD. Right away it was apparent to me that these both have a similar signature. The build quality and design of the 500 is a step up from the SW-Dragon II. However, the 500 does require a bit more power to get it to be of equal sound of the Dragon. This makes the Dragon a little more versatile and a better overall value.

vs. TY Hi-Z HP-400se. As the name implies, this selected earbud is rated at 400ohm and is currently on sale for $75 USD. Again another comparison of similar signatures. While both try hard for a fun, yet neutral sound, the SW-Dragon does separate itself by breathing a little easier and the 400se is smoother in its presentation. Build design and quality again are not the strong suit of the Dragon, but it more than holds its own in its positive musical nature. Bottom line, I really like both these earbuds, you can't go wrong either way.


Overall Thoughts:

This is a great audio earbud. It is enjoyable and accurate. Borderline neutral with just an edge towards mids.

The only downsides to the SW-Dragon II are the overall build and accessories. For me, these are very easy to forgive as it excels in function over form. You are paying for the sound characteristics of these earbuds. You are paying for something special.

The SW-Dragon II knows what it wants to be and does not pretend to play by anyone rules of what a high end earbud should be. It knows who it is and what it does well.

--

The Simphonio Dragon 2+ is the culmination of function and form. This is a top tier earbud that pushes the limits of its own design.



**Disclaimer, the Simphonio Dragon 2+ was provided for my honest review with the help of Penon Audio.**


https://penonaudio.com/simphonio-dragon-2plus.html


Brief History:

Simphonio is a fairly new name to the audiophile world, however the company behind it, Sunrise Audio, has been a player for a while now. Sunrise Audio has had past hits with the Dragon name before. Including the SW-Dragon and the newest SW-Dragon II. So, as you can tell, they like putting the Dragon name on their high end earbuds. Sunrise Audio has also produced some well reviewed earphones as well. That tradition continues with Simphonio's Xcited2. But this article is all about their best earbud.






Specifications:

- Brand: Simphonio
- Model: Dragon 2+
- Driver: 15.8mm Dynamic Neodymium magnet
- Frequency Response：20-25000 Hz
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Output Sound Pressure Level：110±3dB/mW
- Maximum Input Power：3mW
- Cable Length: 1.2M 6N OFC
- Weight: 14g





Contents:

- Simphonio Dragon 2+ Earphone
- 4 pairs of foam eartips
- 2.5mm female to 3.5mm male adapter
- Leather carry pouch

Th leather pouch with its embroidered logo, is quite premium in material and feel. I do wish for this price point that Simphonio added some alternate color foam eartips, like maybe a bronze to match the cord. Also, the addition of some earhooks would be a nice welcome as well.





Build:

The Dragon2+ takes the basic design of the earbud and pushes it to level 11. Starting from the bottom, the 2.5mm plug is crafted with precision as it extends itself with tough flexible strain relief. The 6N OFC copper cable is braided neatly from end to end. The Y splitter provides a nice added weight and uses the same casing as the 2.5mm plug. The housings themselves look to be just a simple black paint at first glance, but on further inspection, they have coating that projects a beautiful luster at close range.

The 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter includes the for mentioned 6N OFC braided cable. The black adapter piece while made from metal (and not from plastic as I first thought), is of solid construction, but it is angled design seems to stand out from the flow of the rest of the build. I would have also have liked to have seen a slightly more serious 3.5mm plug.

The Dragon2+ is a handsome earbud that looks the part of a luxury earbud.





Sound:

Before I breakdown the signature of the Dragon2+, I want to say that clarity is beyond impressive. The sound quality is silky smooth from top to bottom. This is an amazing earbud that can produce magical music representation.

I also want to say that I took the advice of Earbud Collector Extraordinaire @golov17 and burned in the Simphonio Dragon 2+ for just about 200 hours before doing any critical listening.

Bass - The lows are quite reserved and do take a backseat to the mids and highs. Tuning for this earbud was clearly focused for the mid-range. With the Dragon2+ you never have to worry about any bleeding from the lows. The restraint in the bass helps to give this earbud its clean character in playback. What is left over are lows that portray an authentic, yet subtle version of the original intention of the sound engineer.

Mids - As have already stated, the mid-range is showcased with the Dragon2+. Putting on "Sad Lisa" by Cat Stevens leaves a truly haunting impression. Vocals are accurate, strings are crisp and keys are powerful. Songs of this nature show off the extremes in transparency that this earbud is capable of producing.

Treble - Playing with the overall feel of cleanliness. The highs are a big part of the Dragon2+ signature. While the upper range is on full display and all of its glory I never found these earbuds to be overly harsh or bright. It gives you all the details without any of the pain or fatigue.

Soundstage - Wide, ultra wide. The Dragon2+ has wonderful depth and in return helps to provide great instrument separation.





Driving and Source Selection:

Being an earbud of this magnitude, one might assume that you would need a fancy rig to get the most out of the Dragon2+. While there is no denying that almost any product would befit from the highest quality sources, it really is not as big of a factor with this Simphonio earbud.

I used the Dragon2+ with a plethora of DAPs, Amps and DACs, I can tell you that this earbud excelled with every interaction. While I could go over each individual source in further detail, in the end it does not really matter. This is a very easy earbud to drive. One of the few I have tested over the years that just did not care if it was a $100 Micro DAP, or a $2000 DAC/Amp pairing. The Dragon2+ has its distinct sound signature that just makes the best possible impression with whatever I threw at it.





Comparisons:

*Note, the other earbuds in this comparison cost about 1/3rd the price.

One of my favorite earbuds of all time is ‎Wong Kuan Wae's "Blur". I find it has an excellent close to neutral balance, also with great clarity. When listening back to back with the Dragon2+, the two both show great range. Though the Blur does include a more noticeable quality sub-bass, while the Dragon2+ has a hint of sparkle up top. Wong Kuan Wae's earbud is not finicky, but does like to be used with higher end, more powerful sources. Both of these show off why I am in love with earbuds with their palpable signatures.

Another interesting earbud is the NICEHCK EBX. It is in quite the contrast of the other earbuds in this comparison. The EBX is a full metal, detectable cable, heavy hitter. Build materials are top notch and heavy. Fit is very different from the light housings of the Dragon2+ and this can factor in when thinking about both comfort and extended use. Sound wise, while the EBX is pleasant and similar in signature to the Dragon2+, Though to my ears, the EBX lacks ultimate character that the Simphonio portrays.





Overall Thoughts:

The Dragon2+ is an expensive earbud. How does one justify this extravagance when looking to purchase? For me, it is their versatility to stay true to their designed tuning with all types of music and sources that shines through. Not many earbuds out there can show this type of clarity in multiple setup scenarios.

Any "downsides" would stack up to personal preferences with sound signatures and output assignments. For those looking for a neutral sound or something with more bass and a dedicated 3.5mm plug, then this might not be the earbud for you. Though I would be willing to bet that anyone that does want their own Dragon2+ already has a set purpose in mind for this wonderfully made Simphonio product.



My rating: 4.5/5

The Dragon2+ is an excellent earbud. It sounds fantastic and looks amazing. It will hit your wallet hard and is not intended to be end game, neutral monster. Instead it knows what it does well and sticks to it strengths. For what it is and what it can do, the Dragon2+ gets one of my highest recommendations.


**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**

www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/

www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/


I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:

Earbuds Anonymous: www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/

--

-
FENGRU W1 - Bluetooth Speaker



[Product Link]: www.aliexpress.com/item/Newest-Original-FENGRU-W1-Wooden-Wireless-Bluetooth-Speaker-HIFI-Music-Speaker-Portable-Outdoor-Subwoofer-Sound-Support/32810669750.html

[Current Product Price] $58 USD


*Disclaimer - I was given the the opportunity to review the FENGRU W1 by the CKLewis Audio Store on AliExpress*


*Specs*

1. Support A2DP, AVRCP, handsfree profile.
2. Bluetooth version: V3.0
3. Working area: Up to 10 metes 33 feet
4. Dimension: 230 * 120 * 95mm / 9.06x4.72x3.74in
5. Net weight: 1 kg / 35.27 oz
6. Speaker: 52mm x 2
7. Speaker output: 2 * 5 watts
9. Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥60dB
10. Distortion: ≤0. 5%
11. Battery voltage / capacity: 2000 MAH
12. Battery charging voltage: 5V ± 0. 5 V
13. Battery charging time: 3 hours
14. playing time for speakers: About 8 hours
15. Support TF card
16. AUX audio in
17. Material: Wood + aluminum alloy




*Package Includes*

1 X Bluetooth speaker
1 X Charging cable
1 X AUX cable




*Build*

The design of the FENGRU W1 is straight forward, with two choices of wood-pattern wrap available. Speakers themselves are evenly distributed in front and covered with a metal mesh black grill. On the left side you will find a smooth vent for needed air flow. All and all it is a relatively handsome construction.

Button placement to control Volume, Tracks and Modes are located in the rear of the FENGRU W1. My advice would be to move those to the top of the player in future generations for easier use. My only other issue is the Volume/Track Selection buttons are shared. So if you want to raise/lower the volume, you must hold down either the + or -. To skip forward or reverse tracks is a short click. The issue here is that it makes for a harder control. I just wish there was buttons for track selection and volume separately and on top of the speakers.




*Features*

The FENGRU W1 is packed with function. First is shown clearly on front, Bluetooth (Version 3.0). The FENGRU W1 sure does like to talk. I voice comes through the speakers letting you know that is ready to be connected, it can be slightly loud and startling at first. Then using my LG V20, I was quickly able to connect and start playing music. The FENGRU W1 is fast to recognize new devices and let me know I was connected. Bluetooth playback was flawless with no skipping. I did not measure the exact distance, but line of site outside, I was able to get decently far away and it still worked.

Standard 3.5mm connection is about as simple as you would think and provides easy playback through a multitude of devices. Again, there was no stutter or static with a wired connection.

An option that is nicely included is the ability to play music from a TF card slot. For my testing I was using a SanDisk 32GB MicroSD. The FENGRU W1 quickly read the data and began to play. For me, this is a great feature as it allows the player to be independent. Great for loading up a ton of digital music and have hours worth of playback for various occasions like hosing a party, going to the beach, or for just cleaning up around at home.




*Sound Quality*

Lows - Right at first listen, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief, these are not muddy or bass heavy. Instead, the FENGRU W1 is reserved in the lows, only allowing a controlled amount come through. For a unit this small, bass is more than acceptable and can be adjusted through connected devices to extend further. While using PowerAmp on my Android phone, I was able to bump up the lows to show more presence and the FENGRU W1 responded very well in including more bass thump. Though, this would not be a bassheads first pick.

Mids - Here is where the FENGRU W1 shines. The mids are wonderfully clear. Vocals are one the best I've heard in a Bluetooth speaker. This is in direct response to the forward mid tuning. Listening to "Julia Michaels - Issues", I was quite shocked at first to hear the purity on her voice. The mids are reveling and accurate.

Highs - With only a hint of tininess, the upper frequencies are nicely detailed and never harsh. When pushed to higher volume levels, the FENGRU W1 keeps the treble ever so slightly rolled off to push away any over-brightness.

Soundstage - With the size of the FENGRU W1 and the spacing of the speakers, with of sound is limited, but never contested. The sound is focused directionally straight and with good speed.




*Overall Thoughts*

If you can get past the button placement and joint ownership in the controls, the FENGRU W1 has a lot to offer. Foremost being the great vocals it can produce. Along with no veil, this speaker system gives you your music upfront and personal without any interference. Bass is there, but lower in it size and presentation. Though the FENGRU W1 will respond well to bass boost, but don't expect it to ruble too much. Detail on the whole is very impressive for a speaker in this price range. Which at the time of this review is running about $58 USD.

The FENGRU W1 is also very versatile due to its various audio input options. All of which work very well and provide comparable quality in sound to each other.

I think a lot of buyers have the potential to be surprised by this FENGRU W1 speaker. While retaining easily portability, it also has the ability to provide great music playback.

--

NiceHCK DIY PK2

Product Page: www.aliexpress.com/item/2017-New-NICEHCK-DIY-PK2-Earbud-In-Ear-Earphone-Earbud-Flat-Head-Plug-Earplugs-Headset-Free/32801437048.html
Price: $19.90 - 21.90



**Disclaimer** - I received a sample of the Yincrow X6 for the purpose of this review.


*Specifications*:

- Impedance: 16Ω
- Sensitivity: 106dB/mW
- Frequency range: 10-22000Hz
- Plug: 3.5mm
- Cable Length: 1.2m±5cm
- Weight: 15g



*Packaging/Contents*

The NiceHCK DIY PK2 does come with a nice little case an a plethora of normal, colored and donut foam covers. There is also a nice, rather large case to hold them all, it is so big you can fit the earbuds and a smaller DAP in there like the FiiO M3, xDuoo X2 or the Benjie S5.




*Build*

Lovely. Simply lovely. The NICEHCK DIY PK2 is a nicely put together earbud both in design and materials. From the bottom with its clear right angle plug with sufficient strain relief, to the the soft flexible white cable and this versions white PK2 style housings. Also for me, this smaller PK2 shell is a very comfortable fit, I use foams.




*Sound* - I used a few devices, including my Orb Jade Casa DAC/Amp for testing.

- Lows: This does extend south a touch, though mid-bass seems to take the largest percentage of the lows. There is just a hint of leakage into the mids, though never muddy, mostly giving the earbud a feeling of warmth in the lows.

- Mids: I found that the mids are just a touch under neutral. Vocals are musical and smooth. Listening to "King - The Greatest" I found the group sound to take ever so laid back approach, more calming than in your face. I would not go as far to say the mids are recessed, just not overly concerned with being up front.

- Highs: There is an extension to the upper frequencies. I would say they can get a touch bright on certain tracks, but never harsh. There is no lack of details in the highs.

- Soundstage: Not a lot to talk about here. Width is decent, but not overly distant.

- Driving: Rated at 16Ω I thought these would be easier for most sources to power up, but I did find you did need a bit of power to get the most out of the NICEHCK DIY PK2. Something like the Benjie S5 has to be cranked up a little higher and did not provide the quickest speed. Best sound was when it was paired with my Orb Jada Casa System.




*Overall Thoughts*

For those looking for a great looking, quality build, biased mid-bass, relaxed mids and extending highs, the NICEHCK DIY PK2 might be right for you.



--

YINCROW X6:



Product Page: www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Original-YINCROW-X6-In-Ear-Earphone-Earbud-Flat-Head-Plug-Earplugs-PK-PK1-MX985/32807226027.html
Price: $12USD

**Disclaimer** - I received a sample of the Yincrow X6 for the purpose of this review.


*Specifications*

- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: 108dB/mW
- Frequency Range: 20-20000Hz
- Interface: 3.5mm
- Cable Length: 1.2m±5cm
- Weight: 15g
- Color: BLack, White, Red



*Packaging* - For a budget earbud, the Yincrow X6 has a decent un-boxing and contents. Inside you will find various foam covers of different colors and some donut style. There is also a "cute" little carrying bag instead of a hard case. Included is also a wire clip.




*Build* - Lets talk about that angled plug shall we? I think more earbuds should offer this type of 3.5mm plug. The angled plug allows the cable to spin around, instead of being directly ripped out of the earbud output. This is a great feature to have for portable use, as your device will most likely be in your pocket. Moving up to the Cable, it is sturdy and can flex a bit. Though the cable can feel just a tad sticky. The housings are the typical MX500 shape, which is perfectly fine with me. In the case of this review, they are painted a shimmering red. I picked the color scheme of the yellow/goldish cable, with the red housings as I thought it was the most interesting to look at. They also come in; Black, White and Red on Red.






*Sound* - I used a few devices, including my Orb Jade Casa DAC/Amp for testing.

Lows - Holy cow, these extend downtown. The sub-bass is magnificent. One of the best quality bass for a budget earbuds. The mid-bass is a little more relaxed, which is welcomed because as a result, there is no leakage of the lows into the mids.

Mids - Vocals come through with good speed and accuracy. Not forward, but just a touch south of neutral. I found the mids to be a place of ease, giving each song a composed and carefree play back.

Highs - The upper frequencies are rolled off bit early. This in return allows the Yincrow X6 to be used for long periods of time with no hint of fatigue. Detail though limited is still structured in a way to give the user the right amount of information from each song for vast enjoyment.

Soundstage - I must say, these do surprise with a honest distance and width. Instrument separation is also a bonus, as these budget buds do very well to entice the ears with a large scope of sound.

Driving - The Yincrow X6 was happy with EVERY source I threw at it. Always happy to respond with some sick bass, quality mids and smooth highs. One of those rare earbuds that is happy to do it all.

Comparisons - I had heard someone mention that they sounded a lot like the Vido. So I did a back to back session of the two earbuds and they do indeed sound very similar. I would be hard pressed to find much a difference in tonal balance between the two. While I am not saying they are the same driver, I don't know, I am saying they sound so much alike, that blindfolded I could not tell them apart. So for those looking for a fancier Vido, the Yincrow X6 is a worthy upgrade.








*Overall thoughts* - The Yincrow X6 has climbed its way up the steep budget earbud ladder to become one of my favorite sets. It combines the sound of the Vido with a higher build quality and design. The angled plug is of big benefit to me, as I am always snagging my cord on something. I wish the cable was a little less sticky, though, it may get better over time.

For those looking for a good budget earbud with deep sub-bass, vocal friendly mids and engaging highs the Yincrow X6 is a great option.



--

--
I give you, the Sennheiser HD 1 In-Ear:



*Introduction/Disclaimer*

I was quite shocked when I was asked to review the Sennheiser HD 1. I was not expecting it and I was very honored to be noticed. I quickly jumped at the opportunity. I was provided a sample of the HD 1 for the purpose of the review from Sennheiser. Also, all photos in this review were taken by me, no stock photos were used.


[Product Link]: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-1-wireless-earbuds-headphones
[Current Price]: $199.95


*Specifications*

- Wearing Style: Ear Canal
- Transducer Principle: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 15 – 22,000 Hz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1, Qualcomm® apt-X™ and NFC
- Charging Time: Approx. 1.5 hrs
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 112 dB
- Battery Specification: Rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer (170mAh)
- Battery time: Up to 10 Hours


*Packaging*

The unboxing experience is relatively straight forward. Sennheiser has been doing this for a while. So you do get quality packaging and presentation as you get to the product inside. Once opened, the HD 1 In-Ear was nicely displayed inside of its portable case.






*Contents*

- HD 1 In-Ear Wireless Headset
- USB Charging Cable
- Ear Adaptor Set (XS, S, M, L)
- Carrying Case
- Safety & Quick Guides



The Carrying Case is a very nice place to store your HD 1, I like how it looks, feels and functions.

The USB cable is simple enough, though I do like that they made it longer than shorter.

While the HD 1 comes with everything you need to make them work, I just wish there was also at least one pair foam eartips. Foam tips can provide even more isolation, which can be important for a set with no noise cancelling.


*Design/Build*

Lets just be upfront, Sennheiser did a FANTASTIC job with both the design and build. The HD 1 In-Ear is put together with precision and quality materials. This is a NICE Bluetooth earphone. I love the integrated red stitching that lines the neckband, I like the matching red cable that goes to the drivers and I especially adore the earphones themselves which are a work of art with their smooth curves and subtle etching.






*Comfort*

For me personally, I could not use the Silicon tips, I had to use a set of MandarinEs Foam Ear Tips instead. (Picture shown below):



The housings themselves are quite light and provide a snug fit, that is smooth on the ear canal. So in return, the earphones are very comfortable. Even when wearing this for long periods of time, I never noticed ANY discomfort. I could wear them all day if needed. That is because a majority of that weight is put in the neck band, controls, batteries and such.



If I have to nitpick, it is that the neckband can get a little warm and sticky, more so if you are out in the sun or hotter weather. This can all be easily solved by wearing a collared shirt, which my wife prefers on me anyways.


*Bluetooth Use/Features*

While you have the basically standard controls and microphone, the HD 1 just does it so effortlessly. When is use, it is easy to feel the four nicely placed buttons on the neckband. I like that I can control the volume, song selection/playback and phone calls with such ease. The reason this is a big deal, is that a few of the Bluetooth earphones/headphones I've tried, have not had this level of functionality and ergonomics.



Sennheiser also added all of these little touches. Like that little vibration of when the HD 1 turns on/off, so you know you are pushing the correct button and it has power. Also, once they boot up, they give you a verbal estimate of the remaining battery life in hours. It is just so classy, I could get used to this!



The battery life claims of "Up to 10 Hours" is no joke. I swear these HD 1 could play forever. I have not tested the exact playback time, but I can tell you they just keep going, like the Energizer Bunny.


*Sound*

For testing purposes, I used the LG V20 (Not Shown) and FiiO X5 3rd Gen (I sold the FiiO DAP shortly after starting this review). Both these devices use apt-X™, that allows the wireless connection to reach HiFi levels.



Lows - Sub-bass, sweet sub-bass, my favorite. The first thing I noticed was the deep, controlled lows. The HD 1 is tuned masterfully in the lower frequencies. The discipline of which the bass is used is masterful. The lows are kept in check at all times and NEVER leak out of their designated range. A GREAT test for the bass is pumping out "Trust (TRST) - Candy Walls, love that distant rumble.

Mids - Stepping up the the mids, the HD 1 continues to impress. I would go as far to say that the mids help put together and overall neutral sound signature. With vocals pitched accurately and oh so enjoyable. The clarity in this mid section is impressive.

Highs - The cherry on the top is the highs. They are as detailed as you can get without any harshness, even with treble happy tracks. The stable highs in return give the headset a longevity to listing time that is impressive for any earphone.

Soundstage - Depth of sound is impressive for not only a Bluetooth earphone, but any type of earphone. Distance is wide, while still being fast and accurate. I would not change a thing here.

Isolation - With the smaller smooth housings, getting a snug fit is a breeze. Once installed, the HD 1 blocks almost all sound, there is no need for any noise cancellation with this Bluetooth earphone.


*Overall Thoughts*

The HD 1 is not only a great Bluetooth Earphone, it is a GREAT Earphone in general! The sound quality is amazing, I honestly could not tell the difference from this wireless earphone and some of my best wired setups. Build is top rated with a great blend of function and form.

The HD 1 surprised me, I was not only caught off guard by the request to review this Bluetooth Earphone from Sennheiser, I was blown away by every aspect of its use.

While these are slightly pricey, I think they still are a wonderful bargain. You are getting EVERY cent of your Dollar/Pound/Euro/Etc... with the HD 1. It gets one of my highest recommendations.

Thank you to Sennheiser for both this chance to review your product and the enjoyment I continue to get out of the HD 1 In-Ear.


--

--
*Introduction*

You will notice two names in this earphone; Seahf and AWK. Seahf is one of the largest manufactures of earbuds worldwide. I have reviewed many of their other brand earbuds including TY Hi-Z, ColaRad and HE. AWK is another brand of Seahf that specializes in many HiFi builds, including this earphone in this review.

Seahf & AWK had a goal with this earphone, to allow consumers to get a quality sound while being easy on the wallet. Lets see how they did.



**Disclaimer, the AWK-009 was provided for my honest review with the help of Penon Audio & Seahf**


[Product Page]: http://penonaudio.com/Seahf-AWK-009-IEMs

[Current Price]: $14.90


*Specifications*

- Impedance: 16ohm
- Sensitivity: 102±2dB
- Frequency response range: 20Hz-20KHz
- Plug: 3.5mm L-shaped
- Cable: 1.2M




*Packaging*

Like the AWK-009, the box it comes in is budget minded. The Package is simple and straight forward, just a place to store the earphone until it makes it into your hands. Though, for this price range, it is nicely presented.




*Contents*

- Seahf AWK-009
- 3 Pairs of Silicone Eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable Clip

Again, following suit of the packaging, accessories are kept to a minimum. The basic three pairs of various sized eartips and a clip to keep your cable in place if so needed.



*Build/Design*

In my opinion, the Seahf AWK-009 is quite handsome in appearance. The metal housing design is well thought out and feels good in the hand. There a quite a few options for colors as well.

The interesting thing here is that there is a vast amount of unique cable options for the AWK-009. There are two different cables only that come with the red housings; a round clear version and a flat red version. This same flat cable also comes in black with the black housings. There is also one more round black cable version, though I did not have one of those to test. The only build issue I found with the AWK-009 is the springy cables of the flat and clear. The clear cable, while the coolest looking, is not only springy, but a touch sticky as well. I'll be honest here, this was one of the hardest photo shoots I have ever done, because all these cables have a mind of their own and did not want to be placed where I wanted them. Also, I wish there was an optional version that came with a remote/microphone, as a lot of people will most likely use these with their cell phones.

The 3.5mm plug is angled on all variations of this earbud and has sufficient strain relief.




*Sound*

Lows – My first worry was quickly put to rest, these are not muddy, at all. Instead there is a nice control to the lows, that leans towards a slight bias of mid-bass, with a hint of sub-bass. All and all, the AWK-009 is nicely tuned and smooth in the lows.

Mids – Vocals are neither veiled or distant. Though they do take a relaxed, but very pleasant approach. While listening to "Grimes - Oblivion", I was taken back how haunting Claire Boucher's vocals seamlessly flowed through each word.

Highs – I cranked up the volume on "Twenty One Pilots - Stressed Out", just to test if it got harsh, but I am happy to report, the AWK-009 handled the highs well enough without being too bright. I will say these do climb a touch into the upper frequencies, but not enough to be bothersome. If anything, this allows the AWK-009 to grab more detail at the top end of the spectrum than would be expected. Fatigue is only present when listening to brighter tracks for long amounts of time.

Soundstage – On average, the soundstage is just a tad smaller, but it never feels congested. While not the widest presentation, there is decent instrument separation and they are able to keep up with quicker tracks without getting lost.

Isolation – The AWK-009 does isolate surprisingly well. I think it has a lot to do with the solid fit the smaller housing are able to provide. My wife has came in to talk to me while I was writing this review, I had to remove the AWK-009 so I could hear what she wanted, we are apparently out of milk.

Driving/Sources - At 16ohm, you would be hard pressed to find any device that would have trouble driving the AWK-009. I can plug these into any of my sources and get a consistent sound, though ever so slightly altered by the nature of the source themselves. The simplicity of the signature allows all these devices to provide a close amount of quality in the final product. Basically, the AWK-009 will play nice with all your gear.




*Comparison*

Looking through my IEMs, I thought it fair to put the AWK-009 head to head with a budget earphone heavyweight, the 1More Piston Classic. Only $5 separates these two earbuds, in today's current market. That extra $5 spent on the Pistons Classic goes towards a slightly better packaging and an added remote/microphone.

Build wise, the AWK-009 has much smaller housings to the wider design of the Piston Classic. When it comes down to cables, I do prefer the braided version of the Piston as it is smoother and much more flexible. Overall comfort is edged out by the AWK-009 as it has a smaller footprint in the ear, though both earphones are quite light.

Sound signatures of these two earphones do share some similarities. Both have a refined ease to the playback that gives the user a calming feeling. There is never any reason to flinch with the possibility of harshness when in use. Neither earphone dips down into the sub-bass much, both prefer the bump of the mid-bass. Though, the AWK-009 does have a touch more bass presence stand out when listening to them back to back. Mids are closer to neutral with the Piston Classic. While both earphones have nice vocals, the Piston does a bit better with presentation. Get to the highs and the AWK-009 stands out with a range that extends further up and in return greats the user with ever so better detail than the Piston Classic.

Both these earbuds give you a big bang for your buck, you just have to decides what type of sound you are looking for and if you need a microphone.




*Final Thoughts*

The overall quality of build and sound for this budget earphone give the AWK-009 a very good fighting chance of becoming a big hit. You will neither hurt your ears or wallet with this Seahf IEM.

While not all versions are perfect, they do show potential and promise. My suggestion is to go with the version I did not try and that is the one colored black with the simple black cable. One of the only downfalls of the other versions is that the cable lets it down by being sticky or springy. I also think a future version with a microphone control would be very beneficial.

I look forward to seeing the direction and design that Seahf choose to take with the future of the AWK-009.


--

--
*Pre-Review*

Before I start my review. I have a treasure hunt for all of you.

Back when the 99 Classics came out, I believe I mentioned that it would be awesome if Meze came out with a Black and Silver version. I've searched for this post, but I have yet to find it (maybe it was a figment of my imagination). However, if it is out there and you do find it, I will give you 10,000 Head-Fi points that can't be used anywhere.


...On to the actual review...

- All Photos Taken by Me-

[Product Link]: Meze 99 Neo
[Current Price]: $249.00

**Disclaimer, I'd like to thank Meze for the 99 Neo sample unit, so as to complete this honest review**


*Specifications*

Transducer size: 40mm
Frequency response: 15Hz - 25KHz
Sensitivity: 103dB at 1KHz, 1mW
Impedance: 26 Ohm
Rated input power: 30mW
Maximum input power: 50mW
Detachable Kevlar OFC cable
Plug: 3.5mm gold plated
Weight: 260 gr (9.2 ounces) without cables
Ear-cups: ABS Plastic


*Packaging*

Meze does a great balancing act of Form and Function with all of their products. That is quickly made clear with just the box the 99 Neo comes in. It is well thought out design and makes the un-boxing experience special.




*Contents*

- Meze 99 Neo Heaphone
- Carrying Headphone Case
- Case for accessories (cables)
- Longer Non-Microphone Detachable Cable
- Shorter Microphone Detachable Cable
- Airplane Adapter
- 3.5mm to 1/4 Adapter



*Design/Build*

Carried over from the original 99 Classics, the Neo shares the same basic layout. They share so much, that even the headband of the 99 Neo says: "99 Classics", not sure if this was done on purpose or by mistake. One difference to be seen is the use of black ABS plastic for the housings of the 99 Neo, while the 99 Classics opts for beautiful wood cups. The ABS plastic on the 99 Neo looks nice, though feels a bit on the cheaper side. Though this material difference seems to have allowed Meze to drop $50 off the price of the 99 Classics which is always good for an audiophiles wallet.

The detachable cables got an improvement from the 99 Classic versions. They now have less microphonics due to the braided cable only extending downward from the Y splitter. Above the split, the cable is now a smoother material that is much less noisy. Meze was smart to listen to its users to upgrade the cable with this new design.

Continuing the evolution of the 99 Classics, Meze also read about increasing concerns about the small radius of the ear pads. While they did release a set of new, larger internal diameter pads later, these come standard on the 99 Neo. The reviews of these new pads seem mixed. For me, I like them. Not that I have big ears, but I still find them to be more comfortable and less warming. Sound wise I am not finding them to change the signature much as some others do.

One of the best tweaked designs from the 99 Classics does not even have to do with the headphones at all, instead it is the carrying case. I love the look and tactile feel of the material used. Plus, with the slightly raised surface, it makes it much easier to grip as well.




*Sound*

- I will note here that I made it a point not to read any of the other 99 Neo reviews that came before mine, as not to influence my own testing. I will be curious to check out other members thoughts on the signature after I have posted this review. It will be interesting to see if they match my own findings or not. -

Lows - Bass comes through as smooth, though a bit on the slower side. Not exactly muddy, but not super controlled either. I wish there was just a little more sub-bass, as there is more of a focus on the mid-bass that creeps up into the mids.

Mids - The smoothness continues in the middle frequencies. Vocals are laid back and lack some energy. Though it must be said that there is something magical about the ease of how the mids are presented, that I have yet to hear in any other headphone. This special sound can only be described as fun and musical, a big reason why these headphones are so popular.

Highs - Roll off comes quick, but not at the expense of details. If anything, this has got to be one of the best headphones for extending listening as the 99 Neo is so easy on the ears. The upper regions are a highlight of the overall sound and tops off the smooth nature of this headphone.

Soundstage - While there is a perception of depth, there is also a feel of reverb as well. This does leave a slightly congested feeling at times when the music speeds up.




*Driving/Pairing*

With an Impedance: of 26 Ohm, the 99 Neo itself is easy to drive. Though, lower level sources, such as the Benjie S5 or FiiO M3 only seem to add to the almost veiled sound.

My best results came when I used my most powerful and clean desktop setup of the Orb Jade Casa DAC/Amp pairing. This allowed the most detail and best possible sound of the 99 Neo to come through. Though, even with the big guns blazing, the sound was as described above, with a tendency for extended mid-bass and a smoother playback.



*Overall Thoughts*

Despite a few of my less than enthusiastic descriptions of the sound signature, the 99 Neo is still a fun headphone to use. I'm always very relaxed after long sessions of use. The ease of playback allows there to be little fatigue and that does allow the 99 Neo to be very useful. While not the most analytical headphone out there, it does succeed in putting a smile on your face, as is presentation of music is fun and engaging.

Build and design are matched well, though I would like to see a slightly thicker and less plasticy feel to the cup housings. If I could convay anything to Meze, it would be while I understood why they kept with the same layout as the 99 Classics, though with a smaller price tag, would have been to make the 99 Neo a bit different than its older brother. My advise would be, to build the Neo as a open-backed headphone with velour pads. I think this would allow the sound to be more airy and maybe help with a little of the congestion. Plus, velour pads would add more to the already comfortable fit.

All and all, while I still see improvements to be made in future generations, the 99 Neo is a good headphone that deserves extensive listening time. Those looking for a smooth and engaging sound, look no further than the 99 Neo


--

--
The Rose Masya (Version 2):
                     

                  
 
 

*Introduction*

Before I start on the Masya.  Let me talk about the flagship Mojito earbud by Rose.  The Mojito cost a little over double the price of the Masya.  The Mojito has gone through a few changes over the years and like the Masya is now 3D printed.  I tried and early model of the Mojito before it was 3D printed.  The reason I want to talk about the Mojito is that my time with the original version was very brief and I will not be comparing it with the Masya in this review.  If I do get my hands on one of the new Mojito versions, I will update this review to talk more about the differences of the two earbuds. 

Also, there is a Carbon Fiber Masya as well, I have yet to hear this version as well, so I am unable to comment if there are any sound difference between the two.  For this review, I will be talking about the Rose Masya 2 (3D Printed Version) that is solid black, with Gold lettering, as shown in my photos.
 

 
 
**Disclaimer, the Rose Masya was provided for my honest review with the help of Penon Audio**
 

[Product Link]:  http://penonaudio.com/Earphones/earbuds/Rose-Masya
[Current Price]:  $109.00
 
 
 
*Specifications*
 

1. Driver: dual dynamic driver
2. Impedance: 12Ω 
3. Earphone sensitivity: 98db/mW
4. Frequency range: 8-22000Hz
5. Earphone Interface Type: 2-pin Interface
6. Interface: 3.5mm 
7. Cable Length: 1.2m±5cm
8. Weight: 18g
    

*Packaging*

The unboxing experience, is quite nice.  Rose did a wonderful job with the Masya so that unpacking is a pleasure.  You are first greeted by a rather large box for a pair of earbuds, this I was not expecting.  The box itself has ROSE Technology in gold lettering on the top.  There is also a HUGE metal silver plaque attached to the side that reads “Create difference”.    I was excited to see what was inside.  Upon opening, I was first shown the Rose user manual, I quickly removed this, as I can’t read, plus I was itching to see what laid beneath.  Behold the mighty Masya in its black, shinning glory.  The earbuds were displayed separately and softly in laser cutout foam. 
 

 


*Content*

1. Rose Masya
2. 3 pairs of solid foam cushions
3. Compressive Earphone Case
4. Carrying Bag (not shown)

 

 


*Design/Build*

One of the main design differences with the Masya (and Mojito) is that this is an earbud that has dual drivers.  At the time of this review, there are only a handful of earbuds that have this feature. 

The build quality is noticeably DIY.  The housings show signs of being handmaid and are not as refined as some other earbuds near the $100 mark.  While the Masya might be a tad rough around the edges, it is still a solid earbud.
The 2-pin interface cable is very well put together, though it does curl up just a small amount.  The 3.5mm gold plated plug is well protected with strain relief.
 

 

 


*Comfort*

These are substantially larger earbuds compared to the basic MX500 style.  The housings themselves look daunting before you put them in your ears.  Though, due to the unique design, they actually rest rather well in the ears.  I must say I was surprised by the decent seal I was able to get with the Masya. 


 


*Sound*

Lows – With dual drivers to play with, the Masya has the ability to spread out the duties throughout the range for the lows and highs.  Thus the bass on the Masya is SILKY smooth.  Not big, not super deep, but so effortlessly controlled.  Not that I recommend this, but you can CRANK the volume and the Masya will just not distort the lows. 

Mids – The emphasis on the mids mirrors that of the lows, very controlled and a tad warm.  The midrange is not quite neutral, just a touch under, this brings vocals to be easy on the ears.  Here is where I feel the Masya is its most “musical”.  Tones sound natural and clear.

Highs – Tuning in the upper frequencies is VERY well done.  The Masya managed to pull as much detail out of the highs, while backing off before they become even the little bit harsh.  This is an earbud that has longevity in playback without becoming fatiguing.  I’ve actually had them in my ears while I’ve sat down to write this review, at times pushing the volume up a bit for testing purposes and my ears are still very relax. 

Soundstage – I find that the Masya soundstage is about on par with most earbuds.  It is neither big nor small, instead finding a nice middle ground.  This way you get a bit of width and separation without getting too extreme and a loss of precision with the details. 


 



*Driving/Pairing*

At 12Ω, it is no surprise that these are easy to drive.  The part that caught me off guard was how wonderful these sound, almost regardless of source.  Don’t get me wrong, the Masya will reward a user with better gear, but at the same time, my little FiiO M3 paired very nicely with this dual driver earbud.  Stepping up to my FiiO X1 2^nd Gen and then to a FiiO X5 3^rd Gen, I did notice the Masya was able to provide even better resolution, but still just as musical as with the M3. 

I also noticed that the Masya had a wide range of genres that it played back with precision and class.  Anything from Pop, to Metal, to Classical, the dual drivers were up to the task. 

I will note, the Masya seem to be designed to enjoy music and not exactly analyze it.  The Masya would not be my first choice for monitoring.  I have a feeling the Mojito might be a bit more analytical from what I have read about them and my very brief listening experience. 
 

 
 
 
*Comparison*

I am lucky enough to own one of the other few, dual driver earbuds currently on sale; the MusicMaker/TONEKING - TKY2.  [Product Link]:  http://penonaudio.com/Earphones/earbuds/MusicMaker-TONEKING-TKY2

TKY2 vs Masya:

~ I will note here, that at the time of this review, the TYK2 cost $20 less than the Masya. ~

While both dual driver earbuds inherently share larger sized housings, the two go about it in different ways.  The all metal TKY2 is made up of a less rounded design.  Thus when you place the two of these earbuds back to back in your ears, it seems the TKY2 is much heavier, but in reality, it is just the way the weight is distributed in your ear canal.  The Masya has a rounded ridge that catches itself onto the ear much easier.   So the Masya will be able to provide a better seal for most people, over the TYK2.

Both have low impedance and are relatively easy to drive.  Though, the TKY2 seems to be pickier about the source you use.  When I use it with something like the for mentioned FiiO M3, I feel like I am missing something.  Though on the other hand, when I step up to my big home AMP/DAC setups, the TKY2 does provide a little more resolution and detail than the Masya can provide.

Sound signature is quite different between these two earbuds.  The Masya is significantly warmer, fuller and again “musical”.  The TKY2 is colder in its presentation (and physical feeling inside the ear).  If one was to pull up some classical guitar, the TYK2 would reward the user with a cleaner, crisp sound.  The TYK2 focuses more on the mids and highs.  Though like the Masya, I never found the TYK2 overly bright. 

So to conclude this comparison, I do not think there is a real winner here.  Instead, I was happy to find that these two dual driver earbuds compliments each other with their unique signatures.  If anything, I think I might spend more time using these two back to back.  The Masya is the work horse for sure; able to fly through all types of songs, though the TYK2 has a special voice that does bring a lot of pleasure to the ears.  I really like them both.
 

 
 
 
*Final Thoughts*

I use the term “Musical” a lot in this review.  It is because the Masya is able to make the music sound fun and natural, with a touch of warmth.  It might be the baby brother to the Mojito, but it stands on its own.  It is a quality earbud, regardless of price and at half the cost of the Mojito, it really seems like the bargain Rose earbud. 
The Masya is a sweet smelling Rose and gets a high recommendation from me.
 
 
 
 
~ Bonus Photo of the Masya with my FiiO X5 3rd gen: ~


 

 
**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**

www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/
 
www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/
 
twitter.com/BloodyPenguin
 
 
I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:  
 
Earbuds Anonymous:  www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/
 
--

--
I give you the ColaRad C01:


                                  - All photos in this review were taken by me -



*Introduction*

A brief description of how the ColaRad C01 fits into its family of earbuds. 

Seahf, TY Hi-Z, HE (Hi-Fi End) and ColaRad are produced from the same factory.  Anyang Su, is the man that is in charge of these brands. 

While all are related, they are by no means the same earbud.  Each is tuned and crafted to stand on its own.   There are many types of Seahf and Hi-Z products, though at the time of this review, there is only one version of the HE and ColaRad earbuds.

For reference, you can find my MEGA review of most TY Hi-Z earbuds here: 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/831374/introduction-to-ty-hi-z-earbud-family-mega-review

You can find my review of the HE 150 here:
http://www.head-fi.org/products/he-150ohm-hifi-earbud/reviews/17601
 

 
**Disclaimer, the ColaRad C01 Earbud was provided for my honest review with the help of Penon Audio**



[Product Page]: http://penonaudio.com/Earphones/earbuds/Colarad-C01

[Current Price]: $11.90
 


*Specifications*

- Impedance: 32ohm
- Sensitivity: 115+-5 db
- Frequency response range: 16-23000Hz
- Plug: 3.5mm L-shaped
- Cable: 1.2M
- Wire: Copper and silver mixed woven



*Packaging*

The ColaRad C01 comes in what I would call, a “cute little box” made of cardboard, which is sealed for freshness.


 


*Content*

- Wire and Paper Flower
- ColaRad C01 Earbud
- Four Pairs of Foam Covers (3 Normal and 1 Donut)
- Leather Cable Management Clip.
 
The included flower does set the ColaRad apart from any other accessory I have ever seen with an earbud; it is a nice little touch.

The leather clip works well and is a nice addition to the C01.

The only thing missing, as you may have noticed is a case, though the box it comes in can be easily used for storing the earbud.


 


*Build/Design*
 
Red and lots of it.  I remember seeing photos of the ColaRad C01 online and slightly cringing at the mismatched red hue of the cable to the housings.  I do not have anything against red, I just wish they had maybe made the cable black.  Speaking of the cable, while it is thick and tough, it is also quite curtly and springs like a pig’s tale.  This is also the exact same red cable that is on the TY Hi-Z 32s, more of this comparison to come later.

I did touch upon the build quality, which is typically top notch for any earbud in its four brand family.  The red housings are smartly painted, shiny well in the light.  The for mentioned cable is securely in place and shows no signs of any microphonics.  Strain relief at the 3.5mm plug is about as durable as one can get.


 
 

*Sound*    

Lows – The first thing my ears noticed was the bass.  The ColaRad C01 likes to thump and it thumps well.  This earbud gives a hint of sub-bass with a slight mix of mid-bass thrown in for good measure.  While I would not call these bass heavy, the lows do play a good part of the overall sound signature.

Mids – The ColaRad C01 is not overly concerned with mids.  There is a bit of a recession in vocals, though that should not be taken in a negative tone.  Instead, these earbuds give way to smoother, less aggressive mid-section, which in return gives the user more details to be found in the upper and lower regions.

Highs – Yes, these could be called a tad bright.  Most definitely the tip of the V shaped signature.  Fatigue could happen in a short amount of time if you play these at too high of a volume.  Though, for a genre like classical guitar, the ColaRad C01 with take it on with ease.  There is plenty of structure to be found in these highs.

Soundstage – Width and separation seem about normal for this type of earbud.  You will not feel closed in at all when using the ColaRad C01, rather you will be greeted with nice distance from each sound element. 


 

 
*Comparison*

ColaRad C01 vs. TY Hi-Z 32s:  This was a no-brainer.  I HAD to test these two earbuds together.  On paper these earbuds have identical; Impedance, Sensitivity, Frequency Response Range, Price and a duplicate Cable.  I spent a LOT of time listening to these two earbuds back to back.  I’ll be honest; I really could not hear much of a difference.  Not to say that just because two earbuds that share so many of the same technical aspects should have the same sound signature, as each could be tuned differently.  But to my ears, I just could not tell any distinction between these earbuds.  If anyone knows of any divergence of sound of the ColaRad C01 and the TY Hi-Z 32s, please let me know.  If you are deciding which one to buy, they are both $11.90, so you can pick which color scheme you like best, or if you want the little wire/paper flower. 
 

 
*Driving/Pairing*

At 32ohm, the ColaRad C01 is easy enough to power.  As such, finding a good device pairing is simpler as anything can drive this earbud.  I will note that I found the best sound to be when the C01 is paired with a slightly warmer source.  For me, I really enjoyed the using the ColaRad with the FiiO M3.  The two played very nice together, allowing the bass to dip a bit further and the treble to roll off a little sooner, giving to a smoother, more enjoyable sound. 


 


*Final Thoughts*

The ColaRad C01 does stand out with its “unique” choice of reds throughout the build.  It also has what I would call a whimsical unboxing experience with the handmade cardboard package and wire/paper flower inside.  It makes you feel like it is special from the moment you start to unwrap the plastic seal.

Sound wise; the ColaRad C01 does embrace the V shaped signature that is shares with the TY Hi-Z 32s. 

Overall, the ColaRad C01 is a memorable earbud, which likes to play with both function and form.  It is a welcomed addition to any earbud collection and will be getting plenty of playing time from me, far into the future.
 

 
 
 
 
**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**

www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/
 
www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/
 
twitter.com/BloodyPenguin
 
 
I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:  
 
Earbuds Anonymous:  www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/
--

--
**This review is a sample portion from the full thread: Meet the Puresounds Earbud Family.**
 
 

 
 
**Disclaimer - I was provided the Puresounds PS100-600 free of charge for the purpose of this review.**
 
 
*Specifications*

- Current Price: $143.20
- Headphone sensitivity: 93db±3db @1KHz
- Frequency range: 15-30000Hz
- Impedance: 600Ω
 

 
 
*Accessories*
 
What you see is what you get. Very standard for this type of earbud.
 

 
*Build and Design*
 
While the mold of most earbuds are based off of the MX500, Puresounds did do a nice job making theirs stand out. First, with the housings themselves, they are hazy clear and you can see their PS100 logo through the plastic. It is something that helps differentiate their earbuds from the crowd.
 
The cable is strong, looks great and terminates to the equally nice straight 3.5mm plug.
 
Overall, these are handsome looking earbuds with a great overall build.
 



 

 

 
 
*Sound*

Lows - I quickly noticed that the PS100-600 had more of a bass response than the 500 before it. I enjoy good sub-bass and this did not leave me wanting for more. I was treated with quality, deep and controlled lows. There is a bit more warmth to this flagship earbud from Puresounds.
 
Mids - There is the smallest hint of a dip in the mids. Vocals are smooth and ever so distant. I found you need power to get the most of the mids, which will in return with reward the user with more detail and overall satisfaction.
 
Highs - Extension and speed in the highs are quite impressive. I did not find them to be anywhere near bright. There is a great deal of detail in the upper regions without any harshness.
 
Sound Signature - Not quite U shaped, but almost. Emphasis in the bass in highs without much loss in the mids.
 
Comparison - This was an easy one. One of my favorite earbuds, the TY Hi-Z HP650. The PS100-600 costs $20 more and is rated at 50 less Ω. Both share a common trait that they need to be driven hard to get the best quality out of their individual sound signatures. The differences between these two flagship earbuds is minimal. The TY Hi-Z HP650 has a smoothness across the full spectrum that gives it a ease that is not quite matched by the PS100-600. Though, those wanting a little more detail and clarity, the PS100-600 does grab more of an edge in that segment. It should come as no surprise as there is not a winner here either. Both have their own assets. I enjoy both earbuds for their overall sound quality.
 

 
 
**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**

www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/
 
www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/
 
twitter.com/BloodyPenguin
 
 
I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:  
 
Earbuds Anonymous:  www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/
 
--

*Info*

Eli Audio = Earbud Lovers Indonesia  www.facebook.com/EliAudioIndonesia

The pure love for Earbuds in Indonesia is palpable. Of this joy, formed Eli Audio and their Sabia Earbud. There have been a few versions of this earbud and I will be reviewing the Sabia V3 (Version 3).
 
                       -All photography in this review was taken by me-

                  


**Disclaimer - I was provided this Sabia V3 for the purpose of this review.**



*Specifications*

- Driver: 14.8mm
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Frequency range: 18hz - 22Khz
- Sensitivity： 118db SP/L



*Content*

- Earbud Case
- Sabia V3 Earbud
- Three Pairs of Foam Covers (2 Normal and 1 Donut)
- Elibuds Sticker
- Photos of Girls Wearing the Sabia V3 Earbuds

The case is rather nice for for a budget earbud. It is of good size, build and has the ELi logo nicely included on the top.

The three pairs of foam covers is welcomed, with the inclusion of one donut pair.

The Elibuds sticker has already been attached to my little netbook, I like how it looks there.

As you can see, there is a little photo included of a cute girl wearing the them, so you must know they are good earbuds. Plus (not shown) there is also one more photo of a girl wearing them on the back of the package as well.
 

 


*Build/Design*

Like many other earbuds, the Sabia V3 uses the standard, but effective MX500 housing. The cord is simple, black and budget minded. I did find the cable to be a bit springy, which does not effect its use while wearing them, but did make it a little harder to lay them out like I wanted for the photography (Photographer Problems). The Sabia V3 terminates at a 3.5mm, with a sturdy amount of strain relief.
 

 


*Price*
 
To purchase, the best way to reach ELi Audio is to message them on their Facebook page.  The official storefront is not operational at the time of this review.
 
Price for a Sabia V3 is $10USD, plus around $4-$6 for shipping.  So the whole transaction will cost under $20 and for that you are getting a great value.



*Sound*

- Testing was done with my ORB Jade Casa DSD & Amp -

Lows - Most of the power is located in the mid-bass, with only a touch in the subs. There is an to the lows that are not over-powering, but very much present. When listening to "deadmau5 - 4wave", there is a constant stream of bass kicks, that come through smooth and never venture on tiresome. Though when playing "Foals - My Number (Parachute Youth Remix)" I find myself wishing there was a wee bit more sub-bass. Overall, the lows are controlled and at no time bleed to the mids.

Mids - When listening to "Kiesza - What Is Love" (https://youtu.be/Y-01dsXDqGE) I am hit with the ease that her vocals come through. Relaxed, musical and haunting. The Sabia V3 does a wonderful job in keeping mids disciplined, yet fun. There is an every so slight drop in the middle frequencies that in turn will lead to the Sabia V3 never be called forward.

Highs - When entering into the upper region, it is quickly noticed that these are neither sibilant or harsh. The treble rolls off a little early, which IMO, is always a blessing. Peaky highs can lead to an earbud become tiresome quickly, but not with the Sabia V3. These earbuds are strapped in and ready for an epic play session. During an extended listen, the Sabia does provide a great deal of detail for a budget prices earbud. While not for analytical testing, the Sabia gives you everything you need for day to day use.

Soundstage - The width and instrument separation is just above average for in this price range. The first time I actually used this was surprisingly with my daughters Wii U. I was impressed with the immersive sound the Sabia V3 was able to provide. I'm not much of a gamer these days, but with these earbuds, I found myself playing longer just enjoying the experience.

Driving - Pretty much any source will be able to drive the Sabia V3 and drive it well. These earbuds were designed to go from a cellphone, to a high end setup and everything in between.
 

 


*Sources*

Walnut V2 - Here I was able to pull out the mids more than with any other device. The Walnut V2 helps the Sabia V3 to focus more on the mids by bringing the lows and highs tighter in. The setup provided a great deal of enjoyment and I also used it to burn-in the Sabia V3 as well.

xDuoo X3 (Rockbox) - The reason I am using my xDuoo X3 for this review is that my X10 has not arrived yet. The X3 provided the most honest playback with the Sabia of any other portable source I used. I found the sound signature to come back at me very close to the ORB Jade system I use as my base for all my testing. The Sabia did come through ever so cold, though only a breeze. Here I was able to play my FLAC files again and see how the V3 did on the go. I found this is the best setup for a thorough search for details. While there is still enjoyment to be had when using Sabia V3 and xDuoo X3 together, I concluded that I spent more time picking apart the songs instead of really listening to them.

FiiO M3 - I use this DAP a lot. The M3 is small and I use it either when I am laying in bed getting close to falling asleep, or when I am cleaning around the house. So it only made sense that these two would spend quite a bit of time together. The Sabia V3 and FiiO M3 were able to provide a slight bump in the sub-bass, even with the EQ set to flat. I also found when using this budget duo, that I was rewarded with a highly fun sound. This is not a serious paring, but they sure did play nice together and will continue to do so for a long time.
 




*Comparisons*

Vs. VE Monk Plus - Build wise, these two are similar, only detouring at the 3.5mm plug. The Sabia V3 goes with the right angle termination, while the Monk Plus goes for a straight end approach. Sound signature of these two earbuds are unique, but do share some traits. One quick difference I noticed is when I jumped back and forth between the Monk Plus and Sabia V3 was I had to quickly had to adjust the sound. The Sabia V3 is easier to drive than the Monk Plus. Their impedance ratings of 32Ω to 64Ω would be a hint as to why. Once I got the levels equal, is when I was able to pick apart their signatures. Neither the Sabia V3 or Monk Plus have an overwhelming amount of bass. When listening to them in quick succession there is a bit more low end to the Sabia V3. When moving up to the mids, the Monk Plus had a more forward path. Vocals were not coming through with as much power with the Sabia V3. The highs are actually quite similar when these earbuds go head to head. The Sabia V3 and Monk Plus both seem to roll off very near the same point, it might not be exact, but it is darn close. This helps both these budget earbuds be great choices for lengthy usage.

Vs. Qian 25 - Right off the bat it is easy to see and feel that the Sabia V3 has a more robust build than the Qian 25. This includes the V3 having a thicker cable and more substantial strain relief at the shared right angle 3.5mm plug than the 25. When it comes to playback, the lows can be felt a tad more with the Sabia V3, with the Qian 25 coming in with lighter bass. Mids, are thicker and more dominant with the Qian 25 over the Sabia V3. It feels as if a little of the vocals get lost with the V3 with its wider soundstage over the 25. Highs are a dead even, as with the Monk Plus. All three of these budget buds seem to grab as much detail from the upper frequencies before rolling off smoothly. Driving the Qian 25 was just as easy as the Sabia V3, both played nicely with every source I throw at them.
 




*Conclusion*

The Sabia V3 Earbud has a lot going for it; A solid build, fun soundstage and sound quality that to rival other earbuds in its price range.  I also found these to be of great use while gaming as it provides a much more immersive experience.  When testing budget earbuds, it really is almost silly to nitpick about tuning. If I were to help mold the next gen V4, I would push for a bit more presence in the lows, particularity in the sub-bass. I'd also be willing to give up a little of the nice soundstage if there could be a further focus on the mids. For the highs, I would leave them just as they are, the roll off is just about perfect for my personal tastes as I never feel I am missing any detail that is too important.

Overall I am a BIG fan of the Eli Audio - Sabia V3 and I look forward to seeing what this great earbud maker comes up next, my ears are tingling with anticipation.
 
 
 
**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**

www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/
 
www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/
 
twitter.com/BloodyPenguin
 
 
I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:  
 
Earbuds Anonymous:  www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/

--

--
 
This is a clip from a review I did of seven different TY Hi-Z Earbuds.  
 
You can see the full post here:  http://www.head-fi.org/t/831374/introduction-to-ty-hi-z-earbud-family-mega-review
 
 
 
 
TY Hi-Z HP-650 ($119.00): http://penonaudio.com/Earphones/earbuds/TY-Hi-Z-HP-650
 

[Specs]

- Unit diameter: 15.4mm
- Impedance: 650ohm
- Sensitivity: 123 +- 5 dB
- Frequency range: 8-27000Hz

For comparison, I will use the current flagship from K's Earphones, the 500ohm earbud. I reviewed this earbud a short time ago and I borrow a bit from it below. http://www.head-fi.org/products/ks-earphone-500ohm-earbud/reviews/17622

Build wise, they share the exact same size, MX500 style plastic housings, though the K's shell is flat black, while the HP-650 has a wonderful red shimmer. Next, they both have a premium braided cable, but there are some differences; the cable on the K's 500 is thinner and terminates to a nice, but simple 3.5mm plug. The HP-650's cable is much more robust and terminates to a BEAUTIFUL carbon fiber 3.5mm plug.

The Hi-Z HP-650 and K's 500 find themselves sharing a higher level of overall sound quality. They both produce a playback that is very pleasing to the ears. The Hi-Z HP-650 takes everything thrown it with ease and has a reproduction reserved for a top end headphones. Differences only coming with the K's 500 being able to sort out the highs with a surgeon like skill. The smoothness of the Hi-Z HP-650 can be more agreeable for longer listening and the K's 500 excels at shorter use examination. It basically comes down to your personal preference or what you are in the mood for at the time. The K's 500 will challenge you, by making your brain work harder to keep up with all the extra details. The TY HP-650 will take a track and elegantly articulate imaging and produce a sound that is accurate without any harshness. In a way, the Hi-Z HP-650 shares much with a Headphone of almost the same name, that of the Sennheiser HD650 as they both engage and ease the listen experience coincidentally.

The TY Hi-Z HP-650 is more than deserving of its current Flagship title. It is the best earbud in the lineup from the build to the sound reproduction. On a personal note, it is currently my favorite earbud for premium listening.
 
 

 

 

 

 
**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**

www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/
 
www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/
 
twitter.com/BloodyPenguin
 
 
I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:  
 
Earbuds Anonymous:  www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/
 
--

--
I want to introduce you to the one and only K's 500ohm Earbud:
 

                        -All photography in this review was taken by me-
 

**Disclaimer - I was given the opportunity to test out the K's 500 Earbud, from NiceHCK on AliExpress. I received no monetary gain for my work on this review, only my ears benefit.**

[Product Link]: www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-K-s-Earphone-500-ohm-Balanced-High-Impedance-In-Ear-Earphone-Earbud-500-ohms-Earbud/32751502658.html
 


*Specifications*

Impedance: 500 Ω
Earphone sensitivity: 110dB/mW
Frequency range: 10-35000Hz
Cable Length: 1.2m



*Contents*

- Wood Box
- K's 500ohm Earbud (Version 2)
- Leather Cable Management Strap
- 8 Sets of Various Foam Covers

The wood box is a premium touch, which displays your individual build number.

There is also an included leather strap to keep your cable sorted when not in use. It is not only beautiful, but works properly well.

The addition of 8 sets of foam covers in a plethora of hues allows you to find a color scheme that works best for you
 

 


*Build/Design*

The black housings are just the typical MX500 plastic frame. There is no Left/Right labeling on either of the earbuds, instead one must look to the beautifully braided cable for that information. Once you glance at the cable, you will notice a tiny ring that only is put on one side of the earbuds, well, that is the right side earbud.

There are two models of the K's 500 earbud; Version 1 and Version 2. As far as I can tell, there is no difference between the two, except for the 3.5mm plug type. For the Version 2 which is shown in this review, the 3.5mm is a work of carbon fiber art. Looks amazing with K's logo inscribed along the top.

There can be some slight noise within the housings, as I can hear the cable rub a little against the inside when I move around. Also, just touching the earbud or cable can cause a small amount of microphonics.

The drivers are stunningly matched and balanced. I find it best to put foobar2000 in Mono and listen for any differences in tone. The K's 500 easily passed this test, showing off its high end attention to detail.
 

 


*Fit/Comfort*

Again, these are just the standard MX500 style housing, so fit is going to depend if you like how earbuds feel. For me, it is a perfect fit with a pair of included foam covers. Personally I could wear these earbuds with absolutely no complaints.
 

 
 


*Sound*

- All Sound and Comparisons Testing was done with my ORB Jade Casa DSD & Amp -

Lows - The K's 500 greets you with great extension throughout the bottom end, with a special touch of sub-bass. The lows are controlled and wonderfully tuned. There is an ease to the bass that warm the ears with satisfaction. It is rare to find an earbud with this smoothness and accuracy in the lows.

Mids - The mids are meet with shivery and honesty. It is a pleasure to hear vocals come through with such poise. The satisfaction felt in the middle is something quite exceptional. Example, "What is Love" by Kiesa, absolutely blew me away.

Highs - One of my favorite songs to test the upper frequencies is Joe Satriani's - "Friends". His guitar hits some notes high enough to crush some earphones, but not the K's 500. Instead the sophisticated earbud grabs every little detail without becoming harsh or sibilant.

Soundstage - There is a great width to the K's 500 that demonstrates wonderful instrument separation.
 

 


*Portable Sources*

Having an impedance of 500ohm, you would think that driving these for a quality sound would be difficult. While they do shine with a proper amp, they are still pretty darn good even with lessor sources.

I even tried these with my little FiiO M3. The playback was a bit warmer, but still very enjoyable. I had to turn the volume up a little more than with smaller impedance earbuds, but I had plenty of room to push them even farther if needed. Not an optimal mate, but in a pinch it works.

One mini setup I was surprised with the result it generated was matching the K's 500 with the combo of the Onn X5 and cMoyBB (Bass Boost Off). This produced a magically smooth, yet accurate sound which I enjoyed for a large amount of time. With the amp on the cMoyBB is not exactly known for its power, it seemed to drive the K's 500 without any issues. Bringing together a bass light DAP, with a warmer amp made for a wonderful marriage with the K's 500.

Of course, I had to venture a try with my trusty Samsung Galaxy S4. I might have even have played a guilty pleasure song by way of Maroon 5's - "Don't Wanna Know". There is even a rumor I was enjoying it so much... I may have danced around until my wife caught me, though she is known to lie . I hope she does not read this. Please don't tell her, or anyone that I like a few Maroon 5 songs.... but I digress.

Next up was the portable device with the best chance to drive the K's 500 to higher levels. The one and only budget beast xDuoo x3 (ROCKBoxed). This pairing produced the most refined sound for on the go. Listening to Tom Petty's - "You Don't How it Feels", reveled a small taste of the excellence the K's 500 is capable of generating.



 
 
*Comparisons*

- For testing purposes, I used the EXACT same medium thickness foam covers on all earbuds -

For this section, I will be comparing the K's 500 to the Dark Horse G400 and the TY Hi-Z 650. Funny thing about all these earbuds is that their impedance is also their model name, so it is easy to remember which is which. At this high level, driving all these earbuds is important for testing. Thus why I only used my ORB Jade Casa Amp/DAC combo to find the difference between these three earbuds.

Build wise, they all share the exact same size, MX500 style plastic housings. Next, they all have a premium cable, but there are some differences. Starting with the G400, the cable is SUPER soft and pliable, however is is also turning green. While I am a function over form kind of guy, it is nice to have a good looking earbud when spending in this price range. The cable on the K's 500 is clearly made from higher end materials, that are good looking and strong. The Hi-Z 650 cable takes the middle ground. It is softer like the G400, but is not turning green anytime soon. The G400 also gets beat when it comes to the 3.5mm plug, of which both the K'S500 and Hi-Z 650 are made of high quality components.

Finally when it comes to sound, the G400 finds it self being out classed yet again. The signature produced by the G400 is a bit too relaxed and veiled. The G400 also seems to have drivers that are not particularity matched very well. The Hi-Z 650 and K's 500 find themselves sharing a higher level of overall sound quality. They both produce a sound that is very pleasing to the ears. The Hi-Z take everything thrown it with ease and has a playback reserved for a top end headphones. Differences only coming with the K's 500 being able to sort out the highs with a surgeon like skill. The smoothness of the Hi-Z can be more agreeable for longer listening and the K's 500 excels at shorter use examination.



*Conclusion*

I love it when a product shines, as it makes completing my review a much easier task. Que the K's 500 Earbud, which took hold of my interest with an attentive sound that is extremely enjoyable.

What surprised me was the K's 500 ability to be driven by a multitude of sources I thought it would struggle with. This earbud scales up particularly well. It gives you the most it can, no matter what you throw at it.

The K's 500 is a premium earbud in every sense of the word; Sound, looks and function. It is such a treat every time I place these in my ears.
 

 
 
 
**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**

www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/
 
www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/
 
twitter.com/BloodyPenguin
 
 
I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:  
 
Earbuds Anonymous:  www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/
 
 
--

--

The HE 150, is named directly after its 150ohm impedance, is a new model to rise in the emerging world of earbuds.


-All photography in this review was taken by me-



**Disclaimer, the HE 150 Earbud was provided for my honest review with the help of Penon Audio.**

[Product Page]: http://penonaudio.com/Earphones/earbuds/HE-150ohm-HiFi-Earbud


*Specifications*

Unit diameter: 15.4mm
Impedance: ≈150ohm
Cable Material: Handmade twisted wire
Sensitivity：120+-5 db
Frequency range: 16-23000Hz





*Packaging*

Nothing too exciting, just comes in a normal shipping box. Money spent on quality of sound and not fancy packaging.



*Content*

- Earbud Case
- HE 150 Earbud
- Four Pairs of Foam Covers (3 Normal and 1 Donut)
- Penon Audio Velcro Cable Management.

The case is nice and large for this type of earbud. The Foam Covers were all in perfect condition, like they were handpicked for the HE 150. The Velcro Cable Management wrap works well with a little earbud.





*Build/Design*

Many budget earbuds share the basic MX500 earbud mold and the HE 150 is no exception. While the build is of a standard design, it is put together well. The cable is simple, though built thick and comes free of any signs of microphonics. The HE 150 also has a robust strain relief at the L shaped 3.5mm plug.

The only way to separate this earbud from many others like it is the small “HE” on the top of the housing.





*Sound*

- All Sound and Comparisons Testing was done with my ORB Jade Casa DSD & Amp -

Lows - There is no loss for the low end with the HE 150. The even mix of sub/mid bass leads to a touch of warmth below. Everything stays clean, though there is bias of bass that does come through in its presentation.

Mids - I find there is the slightest drop in mids, vocals are full, though bit deemphasized. It is barely noticeable and there is still a lot of detail that shines through.

Highs – Not Sibilant, well at least to my ears, though they can get hot depending on the track. I’d say this have a nice sparkle in the treble range. These might not be ideal for longer listening, but they are good when you want details in the higher end.

Soundstage – Earbuds can be known for having a nice helping of soundstage, though the HE 150 is on another level. IT has a VERY wide soundstage, one of the largest I have heard in a MX500 style housing. I feel it is this wide soundstage that gives the HE 150 a sophisticated sound that shines through.

Isolation – It is an earbud, it does not isolate. Forget I even put this here.

Driving – At 150ohm, this is not the hardest earbud to drive. I can confirm this over and over as I had no issues playing this through my Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Tab 7, FiiO M3, xDuoo X2/X3 and Onn X5. Of course, as expected, the HE 150 gave its best performance when played with my ORB Jade System. Power allowed the HE 150 to mature into its full potential.








*Comparisons*

- For testing purposes, I used the EXACT same medium thickness foam covers on all earbuds -


Before I even start, let’s just put it up against the Monk Plus, because if I don’t, someone is going to bug me to do it anyways.

Vs. Monk Plus – VE is well known for its budget Monk + being the comparison standard for budget earbuds. The first thing I noticed, before I even put them in my ears is how similar the build is. Not just because of the MX500 housings, but because they both have thicker cables. While neither has a microphone or inline controls, the Monk Plus does have an optional version that you can purchase directly from them that does. The HE 150 at the time of this review, it did not have an option for a mic. Sound wise these two could not be ANY different. Wow, it is signature shock when listening to these back to back; it really messes with your head. Like the EQ got flipped upside-down listening to these one after another. The HE 150 for sure has a thicker sound, while the Monk Plus is much more focused, both in signature and soundstage. I always wished the Monk Plus just had a bit more sub-bass and the HE 150 has a little extra to share. As for the mids, it is a close call, with the edge going to the HE 150 as it has just a slim more detail. The highs were handled with care by the Monk Plus, the HE 150 on the other hand could get a little hot on tracks like "La Grange" by ZZ Top.


Vs. MusicMaker/Toneking TP16 – For the record, I own every earbud that MusicMaker/Tokening have made. The TP16 is a quality earbud through and through and stacks up very well against the HE 150. Though for design, these two earbuds do look quite different. Matching black matte housings are really all they have in common with the build. The TP16 has a smooth, rather nice looking silver cable with the option for a mic or no mic. The cable on the HE 150 is still a bit thicker. Sound wise they are similar. Going back and forth, I just noticed that the HE 150 has a tad more power in the low and highs. Midrange seems to be almost even-steven. As for the highs, the TP16 has a smoother, easier on the ears roll off, while the HE 150 extends up the range farther, but not the best for extended listening.


Vs. TY Hi-Z 150 – I wanted to test these two back to back because they both share the exact same 150ohm impedance. Build is different with these two earbuds. The HE 150 goes for the simpler tough look, while the Hi-Z 150 has a much daintier, fancy look. Of course, this exquisite appearance of the TY Hi=Z 150 come with a premium price bump of $10 more than the HE 150. Like the Monk plus, the TY Hi-Z 150 and HE 150 have distinct signature difference. The TY Hi-Z 150 has a cleaner playback, with a minor focus on the lows. The Hi-Z 150 seems to roll off earlier as well, leaving the HE 150 to a slight advantage of the details to be heard in the highs.





*Conclusion*

The H150 also has the distinct pleasure of being one of the only earbuds (that I am aware of that) has in Impedance rating of 150ohm and costing less than $15. For those wanting to venture into the higher impedance earbuds, the HE 150 is a great starting point. With a lot to offer in both their ability to be driven by most devices, but at the same time scaling up to bring out more focused details. They have a fun sound, without a loss of detail. The HE 150 has an overall warmer than neutral tone that plays out with a touch of sparkle in the highs. The mids can sometimes take a bit of a step back when vocals are prominent.

I can easily recommend these to both people getting into the world of earbuds and to those, like myself who are collectors. The HE 150 has already found a permanent spot in my earbud rotation for quite some time to come.

P.S. - As I was just about to finish this review. the song "Monolith", by Pyramid came on; talk about a perfect song to show off the HE 150, kickin' bass with a wonderful distance showed off by the great soundstage. Mmmm.. I was actually bopping my head as typed this. Going to hit repeat now....




**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**

www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/

www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/

twitter.com/BloodyPenguin


I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:

Earbuds Anonymous: www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/

--

--
 
Beauty in design and build, the Ultrasone Edition 8 Carbon Headphone:
 

 
 

 
 
**Disclaimer** - I appreciate Ultrasone sending their Edition 8 Carbon for review.


 
 
[Product Link] - http://www.ultrasone.audio/en/products/editions/edition-8carbon
 
[Price] $2,199.00
 

 
 
 
*Specifications*
 
Technology S-Logic™ Natural Surround Sound
Driver Tri-bass-tube titanium-plated Mylar drivers
Driver size 40 mm
Frequency range 6 - 42.000 Hz
Impedance 30 Ohm
Principle Dynamic, closed
SPL 96 dB
Weight 260 g
 
 
 
*Content*

Ultrasone Edition 8 Carbon Closed-Back Stereo Headphones
Transportation Bag
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
3.9' (1.2m) Detachable Straight OFC Cable with Microphone and Remote with Gold-Plated Angled 3.5mm Plug
 
      
 
 
 
*Build/Design*

 
I’ve had the pleasure of testing some nice headphones over the past few years, but hands down, the Edition 8 Carbon is the highest end of them all. 
 
The overall headphone SCREAMS premium build quality.  The speaker housings are spectacularly smooth mirror like and the hint of delicately placed carbon fiber.  The headband padding is wonderfully soft to the touch.
 
Unfortunately the super shiny build of the Edition 8 Carbon is also its downfall.  See, you can’t actually touch these headphones.  Well, not unless you have special gloves on.  That is because these are the most finger print prone product I have ever reviewed.  Trust me, the most important accessory that comes with this headphone is the Microfiber cloth, as you will be cleaning them a lot.
 
My advice to Ultrasone is to do more Carbon (fiber) and less mirror if there is a version 2.0. 
 

 
 
 
*Fit/Comfort*

For my small head and ears, the Edition 8 Carbon are an absolute perfect fit.  I would go as far to say they are one of the most form fitting headphones I have ever worn.  The Oval cups are slipped so gently around the ears.  The adjustable band cups the head so pressure is distributed evenly, which is much needed because these are on the heavy side.  The padding on the headband is soft and helps to add to the overall great comfort.
 
The Edition 8 Carbon can easily be worn for long periods of time with little issue.  Even the leather earpads keep themselves relatively cool as well. 
 

 
 
 
*Use*

While this Ultrasone headphone can be worn at home, it basically defeats the one of the main purposes of the Edition 8 Carbon and that is to be seen wearing it.  This is a flashy, high end design.  It wants to be out in public, for others to notice and lust after.   It is for someone who wants the best and is willing to pay the large price to own one. 
 
Once someone does shell out the $2,200 for the Edition 8 Carbon, they will be rewarded with a headphone that is not only beautiful, but functional as well. 
 
The seal and closed back design do well to block out surrounding noise.  The included detachable cables come with a much needed microphone controls.  And personally, I will always be a fan of detachable cables, that help to protect your investment may you snag it on something. 
 

 
 
 
*Sound*

Bass – The lows keep themselves in check at all times.  I never found them to be too bassy, or muddy.  Instead, there is a nice control that leads the sub-bass and mid-bass to be of equal importance.  I think Ultrasone did a wonderful job tuning the lows to a comfortable level.

Mids – This is where the Edition 8 Carbon starts to some faults.  There is quite a bit of veil in the mids, which dip into the highs as well.  Vocals are relaxed, but come off cold and artificial. 
 
Highs – The upper range does well to stay away from being harsh, while letting some detail come though.  Again, though the veil of the mids are shown in the highs as well.  That non-natural sound signature continues as almost metallic. 
 
Soundstage – Limited by the closed back design, the Edition 8 Carbon has an average width to its playback for this type of headphone.  Though, there is some congestion that has an uneven effect on the instrument separation. 
 

 
 

*Sources*

I ran the Ultrasone through three main devices:
 
ORB JADE casa (system) – This has been my reference setup for a while now.  It is the first device I run review headphones to set control to base other sources off of.  All of the characteristics from the sound topic right above are a result of use with this system.

xDuoo X3 – As they are a portable headphone, I wanted to try them out with a little portable player.  The X3 paired up surprisingly well with the Edition 8 Carbon, helping to bring out a bit smoother sound, while suppressing a small amount of the unnatural metallic feeling from the base test of the Orb System.

iPhone 6 – To my assessment, this would be one of the mainly used devices for those purchasing the Ultrasone headphone.  It fits the type of person who wants a high end, well-built product.  The two do pair well together in both looks and sound.  While not quite audiophile levels, the Edition 8 Carbon and iPhone do their best to provide a sound that is great for on the go, either at a coffee shop or commuting on a train.  The easy bass and veiled mids keep fatigue to a minimum.  A match made in flashy heaven.
 

 
 
 
*Overall Thoughts*
 
The one topic that kept popping up in my head while I wrote this review was value, as it is a very subjective idea.  For an audiophile, there is almost no justification to purchasing the Edition 8 Carbon, when so many others headphones overall sound quality are leagues above for at the $2,200 price and below.  On the other hand, there really is no other headphone like this out there with this top tier design and presentation.  For those wanting the highest of quality build and a premium fit, the Edition 8 Carbon would be a warranted purchase.   
 
Either way, the Ultrasone Edition 8 Carbon, will never be called boring.
 
 
 
**Bonus / Photography Notes**
 
These headphones are almost impossible to shoot due to their mirror finish.  I had to attempt many angles to keep myself and my camera gear out of the shots.  
 
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I give you Lend Me UR Ears house brand Alpha & Delta D2 Sports Earphone:
 

 
 
**A few Disclaimers to get out of the way here**:

#1 – I was approached by Lend Me UR Ears to review the Alpha & Delta D2.  I’d like to thank Teo for the Sample.
 
#2 – I’m not a fan in general of sports/workout earphones, as I don’t like to use them when I work out.
 
#3 – All photography was completed by me, no stock photos from LMUE were used.
 
 
*Price*

A the time of this review, the D2 can be purchase for $23.33 and the D2M is $26.67.


*Product Links*

D2 - http://www.lendmeurears.com/alpha-delta-d2/
D2 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUT2Y8C

D2M - http://www.lendmeurears.com/alpha-delta-d2m/
D2M - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUV61R0
 
 

The few differences between the two models is the D2 has an angled jack and the D2M has the straight jack, along with the Microphone & Volume control.
 
 
 
*Mobile Version*

Reviewed is the D2M (mobile version with the microphone and volume control)


 
 
 
*Features*

- Flexible memory wire for secure and easy over the ear fit
- Balanced and clear sound signature
- IPX 4 sweat resistant design
 
 

*Packaging*

For a budget IEM, Alpha & Delta kept the box simple and to the point.  Looks nice IMO.


 
 
 
*Content*
 
- Alpha & Delta D2 Sports Earphone
- Shirt Clip
- 3 Pairs of Silicon Tips
- 3 Pairs of Bifiange Tips
- 2 Pairs of Foam Tips
- Owners Manual 
- Small Case


 
 
 
*Specifications*
 
- Driver unit: 10mm Dynamic Driver
- Impedance: 16 ohm   
- Rated power: 1mW
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz- 20 Khz
- Speaker Sensitivity: 95 +/- db/ mW 
- Cord Length: 1.2m 
- Plug: 3.5 mm 
 
 
 
*Build/Design*

As a sweat proof sports earphone, one would imagine there would be a tight, rubbery build and you would be correct.  LMUE did a wonderful job keeping the D2 light, small and water resistant. 

The matte black housing feels nice in the hand it is a great material to get a good grip when inserting the D2.  From a photography stand point, they are the worst!  They are dust/debris magnets.  You don’t know how long it took me to clean them before each picture and even then I still missed some.   Though for most people, this will not be an issue. 
 
Strain relief is more than sufficient throughout.  I am very confident that the Alpha & Delta D2 can take a beating and then ask for more. 
 
The strain reliefs at the housings are red (right) and black (left) in coloring, I like this simple touch as it helps to quickly discern which side each earphone goes to. 
 

 
 

*Fit/Comfort*
 
The light and small build makes for an easy and comfortable fit that is also due to the plethora of ear tip options.  I found that the foam tips worked best for me, as they created both a tight seal and also helped to keep the D2 securely in my ear. 

The one thing I am confused about is the “Memory Wire”.  Someone correct me if I am wrong, but they really don’t feel like any sort of memory wire.  While they flowed around the ear with ease, they just did not seem to want to stay there as the wire would flop around and never really provide much of any grip.  The best way to keep everything in place was with the use of the chin strap.  I think providing a pair of cheap ear guides would be a nice addition to the accessories.

Once inserted, I did not notice much discomfort, even with long use.  If anything, I found the D2 to be less intrusive that I thought they would be.  
 
Now I know I could have used that chin strap thing to tighten up the cable to my ears under my throat, but it is not comfortable and looks a bit silly IMO.
 

 
 

*Sports Use*

While I have been quite the athlete over the years, soccer, track, baseball, basketball, weightlifting and anything else I had time for, I never once used earphones when training;  Never. 

In the last few years I have backed off on sports and working out a lot as I recently got married and now have two children.  The one thing I do a lot of is walking, as I live relatively close to my work.  This gave me lots of time to use the D2M while on the go. 
 
During my time walking to work, I was able to test both the microphone and volume control on a daily basis.  Phone calls to the ball and chain were clear and done with little distortion.  The volume control was handy as I did not have to take my cell phone out of my pocket while waking and instead could concentrate on not getting hit by crazy drivers looking to get points for running me over. 
 
Overall, the optional mobile features worked very well and are of great use to me.
 
 

 
 
 
*Sound*

Lows – Believe in burn in or not, but at first listen, I could have sworn these had a lot more bass.  After some use, that bigger bass turned it to much more controlled bass.  While there is an emphasis on the lows, I never found them to be overpowering.
 
Mids – I like the mids.  They are tuned to bring out a high class of vocals with accurate playback and detail.  While they might not have the resolve of more expensive earphones, they do amazingly well for their price.
 
Highs – These are workout earphones in design.  So while you are out concentrating on your run or whatever, it is nice to know at least your ears will not feel any fatigue.  That is because the highs in the D2 are rolled off very nicely.  Not to remove clarity, but to remove any chance of being sibilant or piercing. The D2 is nicely tuned in the upper region.
 
Soundstage – May I say I heard a hint of airiness within the decent depth.  I sure did.  Kind of a surprise here, for a closed back IEM these really do have a decent sense of distance and space. 
 
Isolation – Isolation with the D2 is going to depend a lot on your fit and seal.  Well the same can be said for most IEMs.  The plastic housing does block some noise, but I would not say they isolate overly well. 
 

 
 
 
*Sources*

Samsung Galaxy S4:  My main source used for the D2M was my phone, as I received the M (mobile version).  As I discussed earlier, I paired these two during my daily walks to work.  I even used them once in a light drizzle.  I found that the two played very well together, as the D2 is easy to drive and very forgiving with sources.
 
FiiO M3:  For ultra-portability, these two were a great duo.  The M3 with its small body and the D2 with its small housing gave way to a very small combined footprint.  They also worked very well together in tonal aspects as well.  I noticed a little lower end presence (still with lots of control).  Mids and highs were also brought up a touch in presentation.

ORB Casa DSD System:   I wanted to test the full potential of the D2, so I ran it through the best system I own.  I was quite impressed on how these scaled up.  While not high end IEM killers, the little Alpha & Delta sports earphone did surprise me with the playback for its price.  With the ORB at the helm, it helped the D2 to tighten up the bass even further with a little added clarity through the mids and highs.

Pro-Ject Audio Head Box DS:  Here I found the best signature response.  The Head Box DS has a handy knack for smoothing out bass and replacing it with boosted detail in the Mids and Highs.  And so was such when it was paired with the D2.   
 

 
 
 
*Overall Thoughts*

I think Alpha & Delta has a real sports earphone winner on their hands.  As it is, for this price, the D2 is quite the all-around performer.  They take on the lows with authority, the mids with clarity and smooth the highs in an articulately way. 
 
Comfort and fit can depend on ear size and tip rolling, but the small matte housings are gentle in the ears. 
 
It is nice that there is an optional mobile version for those looking for additional features.  For me, I think it is well worth the extra $3.34 (at the time of this review).
 
Those looking for a great sounding sports IEM that is easy on the wallet, many will find the D2 is right for them.  I'm glad I took a chance to review the D2, as I was pleasantly surprised by this budget IEM.
 

 
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My review of the PMV A-01 Hybrid IEM:
 

 
                                 -All photography taken by me-


**Disclaimer – The A-01 was shared with me by PMV, with the Help of PenonAudio**

[Product Link]: http://penonaudio.com/Earphones/In-ear-earphone/PMV-A-01
 

 
 

*Specifications*
 
Drivers: 10MM Dynamic + Dual Armature Drivers
Cable material: silver-plated OFC
Cable length: 1.3m
Plug Type: 3.5mm gold plated
Speaker Impedance: 13Ω
Sensitivity: 110 ± 3dB
Distortion: <3% (1KHZ, 1mW)
Frequency range: 20-20000HZ
Maximum power: 10Mw
 

 
 
 
*Packaging *

PMV went with a simple box for packaging, with basic black on the front and a prettier blue back cover with its colorful hue:  Business in the front, party in the back.  Inside you will find the A-01 and its accessories sitting comfortable in a layer of cut out foam.
 
   
 
 
 
*Contents*

PMV A-01 In-Ear Earphone
3 pairs of Silicone Eartips(S/M/L)
One pair Double-Flange Eartips
One pair Earhook
Carrying Case
 
Again, there is simplicity to the accessories.    You get standard silicone eartips in multiple sizes along with one pair of double-flanged.  I guess if I feel like being picky, it would be nice to include some foam tips, but I just used a pair of Comply T500 I had laying around.  The ear hooks are also of a normal design that is found along with other earphones and are built well enough along with working like they should.

The Carrying Case however, does stand out as the light brown material is felt like in both appearance and feel.  Inside the case your eyes are greeted by a powerfully bright, neon green cushioning.  Not sure if my pictures will do justice of just how intense the color is. 
 

 

 
 
 
*Build/Design*
 
Quoting the product description: “Earphones’ back cover after high precision CNC process, sandblasting, anode and other technology enhanced the texture of the earphone”.  It all adds up to the A-01 having quite the fancy housing.  The only, small issue is that the L and R labeling is small and a bit hard to read. 

From the Y splitter down to the 3.5mm plug, you will find that the cable is thickly braided with a Kevlar bulletproof silk fiber.  So if you get in a gun fight, you have some added protection.  From the Y splitter up, the cable is your standard rubber cover, which allows for more flexibility.  Strain relief more than sufficient throughout.  
 
There is no microphone option, for an earphone that can easily be driven by a cell phone, it would be a nice feature to include.
 
The PMV A-01 is a very solid built from end to end.  It also looks quite good as well, subtle, but premium at the same time.
 

 

 
 
 
*Fit/Comfort*
 
The A-01 has a relatively small housing that is well shaped for the inside of your ear.  Also, the nozzle is rather short, so it does not intrude inside the ear much.  Both of these feature help the PMV Hybrid to be worn with ease.
 
The PMV A-01 can be worn in a few different ways and they are all super comfortable:

Cable Down – While the A-01 was designed as around the ear fit, they can be worn straight down as well.  I found this to be surprisingly comfortable, though I am sure it has a lot to do with the smaller, very smooth housing.  I touch of microphonics can be heard with this fit.

Cable Over the Ears – Worn this way you more comfortable fit, with the elimination of any microphonics.  While the cable is flexible, it is a bit springy and light which in return does not help to stay perfect in place around the ears. 

Cable Over the Ear with Guides – Here we have the most preferred and effective way to wear these PMV Hybrid earphones.  The A-01 stays firmly in place with a quiet cable.  Comfort is at the highest level and little ear fatigue to speak of with extended use.
 

 
 
 
*Sound*

Lows – The PMV does it best to stay on a neutral level.  As such, these are not too heavy in the bass department.  While there a touch of sub-bass in the distance, it does well to stay controlled instead of powerful.  The same goes for the mid-bass which is slightly subdued.  The A-01 went for quality instead of quantity down low.

Mids – If there was any bias in the sound signature, one might find that there is the smallest, I mean really small boost of mids.  While listening to “Adele – Hello”, her vocals were intimate and focused.  The whole mid-range is silly smooth yet very much detailed. 

Highs – That smoothness from the mids tricks to the highs, while not rolled off too early, they are in return never harsh or sibilant.  It is this easiness to the upper frequencies which gives the A-01 an advantage of extended use to fight off sound fatigue
 
Tuning – PMV did a fantastic job finding a great overall tune for the A-01.  It has a smooth balanced sound throughout the signature.  The Dynamic and Dual Armature drivers all seamlessly work together to keep music flowing at a very high quality.  The PMV A-01 due to its hybrid design was able to keep up with quick movement at speed with no delay. 

Soundstage – I was caught a bit off guard by the decent distance the A-01 could provide.  Not sure what is going on in those tiny triangle housings, but PMV was able to find a good amount of soundstage in a closed IEM.  

Isolation – Due to the smaller housings and nozzle insertion depth, the A-01 does not have the best isolation.  While I did not find there to be any sound leakage, I could still hear a little of what was going around me when I took my morning walks to work.
 

 
 
 
*Comparisons*
 
Hybrids, they are everywhere, but who does them right?

PMV A-01 ($69) vs. Hoomia H8 ($96)
 
These two, really do not have much in common on paper or in actual testing.  They even start off being price transposed of each other.

The H8 has a more pronounced presence in the lows, with ever so slight rescission in the mids.  The A-01 is the exact opposite, with only a touch of bass and ever so slight bump in the mids.  Ok, so I lied a bit, I after comparing the two side by side, treble response for both IEMs is closer than I remembered.  Both seem to deal with the upper range with care and clarity.  Sound isolation is night and day.  The H8 blocks amazingly well, while I have already mentioned that it is not a strong suit for the A-01.  The H8 has a bit of microphonics, while the A-01 does well to keep the cable quiet.  Hoomia included a microphone, where PMV chose to forgo that feature.  There really is no winner or loser here, more of a, what do you prefer or need in an earphone.  Though, it must be factored in that the PMV has quite the value costing almost $30 less.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PMV A-01 ($69) vs. Bette/i.VALUX 8MM 1+1 Hybrid ($50)

Down one Armature driver, the Bette/i.VALUX does its best to keep up with the PMV, battle of the budget hybrids. 

Right away you will notice a slight V shaped signature in the Bette/i.VALUX IEM.  The PMV on the other is flipped is more n shaped with its reproduction.  Both earphones focus on music primarily and skip the microphone.  Comfort will always be a personal thing, but while the Bette/i.VALUX is your typical earphone shape, it just cannot match the smoothness of the PMV.  Build wise, the A-01 has a big advantage from bottom to top.  Not that the Bette/i.VALUX is built poorly, it is just that the materials and attention to detail are top notch for the PMV.  The Bette/i.VALUX does hold the edge on isolation.  Value wise, it is pretty even.  The Bette/i.VALUX gives up a fancy build for a solid sound and lower price, while the PMV packs a premium punch in design and fit.  Again, the winner here is the earphone that best suits your needs.
 

 


*Overall Thoughts*
 
The PMV A-01 produces a neutral bass response, which could be viewed as slightly bass light.  Mids are something special and do very well to bring out the most of the Hybrid drivers.   Highs while refreshingly smooth, also bring out a good amount of clarity. 
 
Build quality is through the roof for a $70 earphone.  PMV outdid themselves with both design and materials.  The A-01 looks way above its price range. 
 
Where I see a little room for improvement?  Maybe adding a pair or two of foam tips so that the A-01 can be a little more versatile in its fit.  Again, the Comply T500 fit great.  Also, maybe release a microphone version, as I am sure this earphone will be used with a lot of cell phones and on the go.
 
Any little improvement I may suggest, are very small.  On the whole, the PMV A-01 is an excellent Hybrid and an excellent value.  So if you are looking for a high quality earphone, with a comfortable fit, an almost neutral signature and slightly subdued bass, then look no further.
 

 

 
 
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The little black beauty - DUNU Titan 1es review.


                                  - All Photography Taken By Me -


**I’d like to thank DUNU for providing the Titan 1es in exchange for my honest review.**
 


 
 
[Product Link]:  http://www.dunu-topsound.com/titan1es.html
 


*Specification*
 
Unit: Dynamic (14mm)
Cable length: 1.2m
Impedance: 16Ω
Plug: 3.5mm gold-plated plug
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
Weight: 13g
Sensitivity: 102 +/- 2dB
 

 
 

*Content / Packaging*

- Titan 1es
- Earphone Case
- Six Pairs of Silicon Ear Tips
- Shirt Clip
- Pair of Ear Hooks
- Owner’s Manual
 
The Titan 1es is nicely presented within the DUNU packaging.  Unboxing is a fun experience with the magnet snapping front cover.  Inside the earphones rest quietly, ready to wow its new user.

The Earphone Case is simple, yet sturdy enough to protect the little Titans. 

The ear hooks are a nice feature and addition that help make the 1es stand out, but more on that later in the Fit/Comfort section.
 
While DUNU has done a nice job with accessories at this price point, I just wish they had thrown in a few foam tips as another option for comfort and better seal.  For this review, I used both the included tips and a set of aftermarket Comply T500s.
 

 
 
 
*Build/Design*
 
There are 3 Color choices for the 1es; Silver, Red and the Black (shown in this review).  I personally think the black version has a handsome, understated look.  I could easily see the appeal for the other, brighter colors as well.

The all metal body gives these Titans a look and touch of a premium earphone.  The housings themselves are blemish free and put together very well. 

The cable is semi-translucent and looks as nice as it feels in the hand.  Attached to the cable is a handy rubber belt that is used for wrapping up Titans when not in use.  The fixed belt works quite well, but is a bit on the larger side, some may like it, some may not. 
 

 

 
 

*Fit/Comfort*

Talk about a versatile fit.  The Titan 1es can be worn in multiple ways; Cable down, Cable over the ear or Cable over the ear with guides.  I’ll be honest; they all work well and with great comfort.  Let me go over them in more detail:
 
Cable Down – This is the fastest and easiest way to wear the 1es.  Pop them in and you are ready to rock out.  I would say this is how I wore them the most during testing, got me to my music the quickest.  Only down sides are that you will get the smallest, I mean really small amount of micro phonics if you are on the go.  This is also not the way you are going to want to use them for any sort of working out as they won’t be as secure.

Cable Over the Ears – Also relatively easy to do and only takes a few extra seconds to complete.  It will help you to maintain a slightly more secure fit.  It will also help to eliminate that smallest amount of microphonics.  The cable is very flexible and has no issues being put over the ears without the ear guides.  Once fitted over the ears, the cable and Titan stay in place quite well.

Cable Over the Ear with Guides – If you are going to do any kind of exercise activity, this is the way you will want to wear the 1es.  While the ear guides are nice and hold the cable very firmly, it does take a few minutes to install them.  The cable is flexible and the ear guides are accommodating, but you must show patience as you put them together.  Once you have completed the pairing, you will be rewarded with the most secure and extremely comfortable fit.  No microphonics to speak of. 
 
A big reason the Titian 1es are so comfortable is their relatively smaller smooth housings.  Also, they are more half in ear, than full.  So they are much less intrusive than many other earphones out there.
 

 
 
 
*Sound*
 
Lows – One of my favorite songs to test bass is with “ZHU – Faded” as it really pushes the earphone to show what it can really do.  With the Titan 1es, it first showed an impressive amount of restraint, in that I did not hear any distortion at all.  Sub-bass has presence, but not overwhelming.   Mid-bass has the slightest kick.  The key to the lows with the 1es is control and it does that very well.
 
Mids – Vocals are relaxed and smooth, example being “The Decemberists - You'll Not Feel the Drowning”, Colin Meloy’s tone is perfectly matched with the Titan’s easy going attitude.  The rest of the mids are simplified, but not recessed, instead they are displayed just slightly north of neutral.
 
Highs – The treble while never harsh, it does show itself more than the mids and lows.  I never found the upper region to be spikey or sibilant, but they are tuned to go up the range.  A perfect test here was playing “ZZTop – Sheik”.  With the guitars being strung out and pushed hard during the solo, the Titan kept itself from shrieking and instead allowed much detail to shine through.  I will say the 1es paired very nicely with all of the ZZTop I used with them.  I will note that from time to time I would find some music with purposeful highs can become a bit much (like “Van Halen’s - Eruption”), but those songs were far and between. 
 
Isolation – Sound blocking is not a strong suit of the Titan 1es.  With the smaller housing some noise can creep in if you are not using these in a quiet place.  On the same note, there can be the slightest leakage if played at higher volumes.
 
Soundstage – Depth and width are quite decent for an IEM.  Instruments were not too intimate, instead they hinted at more of a 3D spacing. 
 

 
 
 
*Comparisons*

I picked two earphones to put the Titan 1es toe to toe with.
 
#1 - FiiO (DUNU) EX1, because they are in the same family and share a similar design.
#2 - MusicMaker Tomahawk IEM, because @neuromancer asked me to.

1es v. EX1 is a family duel.  Price and specs put these two earphones in very tight quarters.  One of the only big differences being driver size (1es 14mm / EX1 13mm) and the way each earphone can be worn.

With very similar housings, both the 1es and EX1 are classified as partial in ear and both are equally comfortable.  The 1es just has the added bonus of being worn around the ear easily due to its design and included ear guides.

Sound wise, they are also very close.  With only ever so slight differences in their signatures.  The 1es showed a touch more sub-bass and overall control down low, while the EX1 displayed a bit more presence in the highs.  The 1es has slightly more simplified sound while the EX1 bounces around a little.  I found the 1es to have the least amount of strain in the highs, but at the same time, the EX1 had just the smallest amount more of detail throughout the range. 

There is no real winner here, but more of a choice of what kind of sound signature you prefer. 
 
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1es vs. Tomahawk IEM is an interesting battle.  Price wise, the Tomahawk costs slightly less, but not much more.  The 1es comes with MUCH better packaging and un-boxing pleasure. 
 
Both are designed relatively the same when it comes to their tips.  Both have smooth rounded housings of metal with angled nozzles.  The Tomahawk is a bit bigger both in size and insertion.  The comfort edge does go to the 1es, while the Tomahawk has better isolation.

Sound Signatures of each earphone differs from one another.  The Tomahawk has slightly darker sound, while the 1es displays a little brighter throughout.  Soundstage is larger on the 1es, as the Tomahawk is more intimate and closed.  The 1es is more relaxed in its approach, where the Tomahawk can be a bit more fun.

Both the 1es and Tomahawk are different earphones, with individual specialties. 
 

 


*Overall thoughts*
 
During my testing, I kept finding that my music stopped playing, but yet the DUNU Titan 1es remained in my ears.  That is because they are extremely comfortable and I would forget they were even there.  The same went for when music was actually playing through them as well.  With the Titan’s easy going playback, there was little fatiguing in the ears.  The 1es can be used for large spans of time without breaking a sweat, as long as you don’t push overly high focused music.

DUNU build is solid throughout.  This is a good looking, tough little earphone.   While I will baby some earphones, I found this is not the case with the 1es, as it is up for the on the go challenge. 
 
The 1es sits almost on the bottom in the DUNU pricing chart (lowest being the DN-12).  Within this price range, you will find a lot of value per dollar with this Titan version.
 
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