What is the CEntrance HiFi M8?
The CEntrance HiFi M8 is a DAC+AMP combination, so you cannot use it as an AMP alone. This M8 LX features a USB and an Optical (SPDIF) input, combo toslink/3.5mm audio out jack, 6mm audio out jack and an XLR balanced output connection. It is a portable / transportable unit. It is small enough to carry in a small carrying bag, but to put it in trouser pockets you'll need army trousers with big side pockets.
 
 
The Specs:
 
 
 
 
 
Why did I choose for the CEntrance HiFi M8?
I got the M8 LX to combine it with my PC or with my Astell & Kern AK 100 II (my review) on the move. A the time of ordering I also just ordered my MrSpeakers Alpha Prime (see my review). Dan Clark, MrSpeakers himself, informed me that the AK100 II on its own might not have enough power to get the best out of the Alpha Prime, so I looked for options to power my new headset.
 
After a while of considering, reading-up on head-fi, and sniffing around on YouTube I decided that the CEntrance M8 might be the best solution for me, the LX version so I can use the optical connection from the AK100 II to the M8. So, decision made, order placed ....
 
 
Now I ran into the question of how to connect the DAP and DAC/AMP, luckily Jude had shown his setup on the Head-Fi YouTube Channel. He showed the very nice cable made by Sys Concept inc in Canada, so I got into contact with Sys Concept. They provided excellent input and advise, so I ordered the tiny, tiny custom made cable... another purchase on the way. Things where coming together.
 
 
 
 
 
All came together .... and I was astonished!
Once all the elements where in place I could get to the listening, using all the bits an pieces I have. Testing with all the headsets I have, although not impressive there was more then 1 difficult bugger in the list. I started out my Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro at 250Ohm, the CEntrance M8 had not difficulty what so ever in pushing these high impedance headphones.
 
 
 
 
The M8 has a very nice 3 position gain selector so it is easy to find the setting that best fits the head gear. With the setting on -2 dBV (nominal, max gain) the DT880 ran great. Wonderful open, precise and open sound. But the DT880 is a bit light on base, so ... of to the base setting, +1 on the bass setting was perfect. Nicely filled bass without changing the mids or trebles. Big smile and very happy with the CEntrance M8 and DT880 combination. Next in the list where my Sennheiser Momentum (over ear) and AKG K551. For these two last headphones all settings can return to default, the lowest gain and no bass enhancement.
 

MrSpeakers Alpha Prime with CEntrance M8 LX  
 

Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro with CEntrence M8 LX, 6mm jack
 
 
Now ... connecting the CEntrance M8 to my PC to use it as DAC ... I found it a bit strange that I needed to install a driver to get it to work. My FIIO E18 works without driver, so does the AK 100 II in DAC mode. So, up to the CEntrance website to download and install the driver. It might seem strange that I'm not happy with this ... but it means I cannot use the M8 on my work PC as we cannot install drivers on those controlled corporate machines. That made me a bit sad ... hence my remark about the driver.
 
Note: I found a solution to the driver problem, when my AK 100 II is connected to the Centrance M8 the AK serves as pass-trough for the M8. So no driver needed in this combination, but I need to take my AK 100 II to use the CEntrance without drivers ...
 
 
I've been listening to the M8 for some days now with the DT880 Pro's even using the M8 as DAC for gaming. The M8 provides my DT's with a great wide, open and deep sound. My DT880 was very happy in delivering a great Battlefield 4 game sound. Very good imaging and it was easy to hear the enemy sneak up behind a wall. Spatial perception is very good presented.
 
 
 
THE day of my musical 2014 year ... the MrSpeakers Alpha Prime got delivered!!!
This wonderful day my listening experience changed drastically. The combination of my completed set, the Alpha Prime with the Balanced XLR cable, AK 100 II and the CEntrance HiFi M8 combination. Was this a surprise!!! I had never experienced sound being projected so wide, profound, clean and clear. The CEntrance really made my Alpha Prime sing. Such a wide sound stage as the M8 could present was projected by the Alpha Prime's. The Alpha Prime is a closed back planar magnetic headphone. It is not easy to push although the impedance is not high, it needs a lot of volts to be well pushed. The CEntrance, as Dan Clark had said, pushed the Alpha Prime wonderfully. Gain is on medium setting, all the other settings are on default.
 
I started my listening sessions, Classical music, a bit of pop, moving to Trance/Dance ...
 
Absolute pure and clear sound is produced by the M8. The combination with a wonderful headset is quite an experience to behold.
The most remarkable is how the bass is powered and produced. It is like a very delicate sound but with such a deep vibration. You can hear the strings move, the very fast Alpha Prime makes the whole sound as if you're sitting in between the instruments. Of course, without the fantastic input from the M8, the Alpha's would be limited. No headset can produce what is not put into it by the source.
 
I can say the combination is solid, great sounding, provides a very wide sound stage, fast and deep bass; delicately presented. The mids and treble sound great.
Without trying to fall into huge words or descriptions ... this is the best I have experienced.
 
 
Now ... there are also some drawbacks
 
Size and portability
The CEntrance HiFi M8 is portable, but that is to take with a grain of salt. Yes, you can carry it and it fits is a small carrying bag, but you will not put this into any pocket very soon.
So its size limits its portable use. I use a "man bag" type of little carrying bag with a good solid shoulder strap. That holds my CEntrance M8 and the AK 100 II.
 
Battery Life
The device operates well on batteries, but of course pushing things like an Alpha Prime eats quite some power.
I estimate the battery life to about 6 hours or so, maybe a bit more.
 
Power Consumption & charging
The M8 comes with many options to power and charge it, however, they all demand serious power.
Simply charging by USB is possible, but not while you use it. You have to turn it off to charge over USB. This will also be a slow way to charge it.
 
The power brick (about the same size as the M8) that comes with the unit that pushes out 19V and 2630mA, that is 50 Watt!!!
That is a lot of power ... a USB port typically can deliver 2.5Watt.
 
The M8 is flexible in its charging specifications, so you can look for smaller or alternative charging devices. Specs:  +9...+20V DC (3A)
This means that you charge straight from the 12V of your car.
 
Missing input?
The M8 does NOT have an analog in, so you can not use is pure as an AMP (like you can with a FIIO E18 for example).
Although I do not really miss this feature now, it could further future-proof the M8 in my eyes.
 
USB Connector Size .... HUGE:
The M8 uses an USB type B connector, it is HUGE! Let alone for a portable device.
If you want to combine it with a phone (like a Galaxy S5) the cable is bigger then the phone.
I'll probably get to soldering my own Type B USB to Micro USB OTG cable for this one.
 
Windows Driver is needed
I found it a bit strange that the M8 needs a driver to function in Windows.
My FIIO E18 DAC/AMP does not require a driver, neither does my AK 100 II in DAC mode.
 
 
 
Verdict, what do I think about the CEntrance HiFi M8 LX?
 
Well, simply put, I love it.
 
I love it because it makes my headphones, and in special my MrSpeakers Alpha Prime fantastic!!!
Without a great source they could not be great headphones.
 
Sound is pure, very well balanced and with a very wide sound stage.
 
 
Note: There now is also a CEntrance Mini M8, a device more tailored to in-ear headphones. Smaller, flatter, more portable, but strangely also with full-size USB Type A and Type B connectors.
 
 
 
Greetings to all,
 
CasperBxl

 
 
 
 
 
 
Delivery .... what is in the package:
 
The main packaging is simple, clean black box with a discrete MrSpeakers logo in the middle.
 
In the box all is very well secured by dense foam, and you'll find:
              - the headphones
              - headphone stand (branded discretely with MrSpeakers)
              - velour carrying bag for the headphones
              - cable of your choice/order
              - cloth for cleaning the headset
              - bluedots to tunes the headset a bit to your preference
              - userguide
 
 
 
Sources tested with the Alpha Prime:
Samsung Galaxy S5 (with PowerAmp and Viper V4 installed)
Astell & Kern AK 100 II
FIIO X1
iPod Classic
PC (Asus Xonar Xense)
 
Samsung Galaxy S5 (OTG) + FIIO E18
AK 100 II (optical) + Centrance M8 LX
FIIO X1 + E18 (analog, only AMP)
iPod Classic + E18 (analog, only AMP)
 
FIIO E18: “gain; high”, “bass; off” for best result
Centrance HiFi M8: “gain; medium” for best result
NO EQ set on any device, DAP or PC
 
 
Sound files used:
A wide variety of files was used. From lossless standard iTunes files up to 24bit/192khz FLAC files.
As I like all kinds of music, but most often listen to Classical music, I reviewed the Alpha Prime with all genres I use.
 
Some Titles:
Seasick Steve: I Started Out With Nithin' and I Still Got Most of it Left (iTunes)
Passenger: All the Little Lights (iTunes)
Armin van Buuren: A state of Trance 2014 (iTunes)
Buena Vista Social Club: Buena Vista Social Club (iTunes)
 
Armin van Buuren: Intense (16/44 lossless)
Ton Koopman: J.S. Bach, Toccata and Fugue (16/44 lossless)
Lang Lang:
 
C.C. Colletti: Bring It On Home (HD Tracks, 24/192)
Norah Jones: Come Away with Me (HD Tracks, 24/192)
Keith Jarrett: The Köln Concert (HD Tracks, 24/96)
 
Dr Chesky's; Sensational, Fantastic and Simply Amazing Binaural Sound Show (HD Tracks, 24/192)
 
... and many more ...
 
 
 
First the obvious, sound levels with the combinations …. Does it push the Alpha Primes?
( = happy, = it works, = not happy)
 
 
 
In general, the Alpha Prime is not difficult BUT most sources shine more with additional amplification.
 
It seems a bit reverse logic, but in this case the Prime's seem to allow your source to give what it can and make to most of it.
The Alpha Prime always sounds great, the volume and fullness of the bass changes with the source.
 
That said:
To get a high volume with the FIIO X1 and AK100 II I'm at about 80% - 90% of max volume.
They do still produce wonderful sound though!! No or not detectable deformation.
 
Both the X1 and the AK100 II gave good base, a solid and nice sounding base.
(Tested with Seasick Steve and Walking Man)
 
 
 
 
Starting the Listening with my all new rig:
 
AK100 II + Centrance HiFi M8 LX + Ultra Short Fiber connection (from Sys Concept)
 
No EQ, No Bass Boost, No Treble Boost, Gain on first setting up.
 
 
 
 
I start off with one of my favorite sets, "The Köln Concert" by Keith Jarrett. The sound is immediate, very wide open and pure is the best word I can find. The piano can speak and projects its softness and its force. Keith's gentle touch on the keys brings soft, hmmmm, careful tones I would use to describe the sound. The high notes in the opening of the first track ring all around me. Almost floating in space as they are far apart. Keith lets the notes be, hang there in space. The bass notes are in detail, subtle but very part of the melody. The Alpha Prime is giving me feeling I'm sat on a bench next to Keith watching him play this wonderful instrument. Close your eyes and you can see his fingers effortlessly walk over they keys... What a projection and open sound.
 
 
By now I'm in love with my new headphones ...
... I've been listening for 67 minutes I see ... no fatigue in the ears,
... I do notice the headphones are on; as they are not light, 440 gram to be precise, but not uncomfortable ... or would have taken them off 
 
 
Time to move on ... lets test the base ... hmmmm ... aha!
 
Why not start gentle ... The Buena Vista Social Club.
 
Big smile, the contra bass is so nice to follow under, over, in between the melody and song ... When you listen to the song you 'notice' the bass. The Prime presents it subtle, almost sneaky!
Then when you switch your concentration to the bass ... you can follow its melody without any effort. It is easy to follow, even the deepest tones ... no muddy cover-all sound but a very distinct vibration of the strings can be perceived. It makes me smile, Cuban music with soul and feeling and MrSpeakers Alpha Prime to give me the vibes!
 
 
Switching it up brings me to a cool, strange person, Seasick Steve (he got that name from his friend on a boat trip ... seasick, Steve?)
 
The album is "I Started Out With Nothin' and I Still Got Most of it Left". Steve uses his boot to stomp on a box to make the bass drums, his guitar has only 3 strings.
He starts his intro saying the song is about "nothin", then the bass beat starts in short precise pulses with the snare drums rumbling away. All instruments are sounding precise and with a lot of presence. Steve starts to play his 3 string guitar to complete the tune and his raspy voice adds so much character. The instrument separation on the Alpha Prime is great. Each instrument and voice can be itself, never drowned-out by the others. Listing to the entire album, the sound is engaging, fun, present ... Just got to track "St. Louis Slim", I notice the drum sticks hitting the side rim of the drum, this is the first time i really notice them, softly dancing their rhythm.
 
 
Time to go look for some awesome bass ...
 
Starting this off with Armin van Buuren, Intense ... heeeeeeere we go ... first track, electronic vibes, the notes simply go up and down, a bass track is added, the Alpha Prime's are giving to sound with authority, very wide open. The electronic violin start the real tune, high up there ... in the open sky, floating, the song is gaining substance, volume and strength. Then there it is, the strong bass. It is like the song IS the bass line with a bassy electronic kind of violin. Very nice ... my Alpha Prime is making me happy. I enjoy the strength of the music, the power being present. Not harsh, and certainly not timid. The track has a lot of contents and body. Very, very nice ... lets find another great one;
... there we go, 6th in the list "Sound of the Drums", as you can imagine, the title is not stolen!   
                                                 THIS IS FUN!    
 
 
 
This is going very well ... been listening non-stop for 5 hours now ... the Alpha Prime is still on my head!
Comfort is very good. No sweaty head or ears. 
 
 
Going back to subtle waterfall of notes on a piano ... Lang Lang, "Liszt - My Piano Hero".
I jump to the second track ... "La campanella in G-sharp Minor" from "Grandes études de Paganini, S.141/3"
This track has a lot of high notes, the end of the ladder and it sounds delicate and wonderful. Even the highest notes sound their sound. The Alpha Prime makes the piano sing, no harshness or lost clarity. The notes jump out in what seems like a wide field ... those enormous tone ladders. Up and down we go, I think he uses all the keys he has! Forceful when the piano is hammered, relaxed when it is stroked. What a piece, what a great headphone.
 
 
 
Conclusion
My conclusion can probably be guessed, I'm very, very happy with my new (blind) purchase.
I had never the chance to listen to any of the MrSpeaker products before i decided to buy it.
 
I had been looking for a great closed headphone for a while, I had been considering the Audeze LCD-XC for a while.
Then I saw the new Alpha Prime came out. Read some of the reviews ... well ... the one review on Guru.
 
I did hear good things about the Alpha Dog, I like the small business, VERY HIGH effort Dan and the team is putting in.
So ... I went with the MrSpeakers. Pushed the button, easy, you dont have to pay any more    just push the button on the web.
 
(PS: for young people ... you DO have to pay, to avoid misunderstandings, before you buy anything, always check with your parents!!)
 
 
I am a very happy customer. 
 
 
Small side note: the stock cables are a bit cumbersome on the move or in the office, a bit stiff. So I will probably look out for some replacements.
 
 
With very kind regards,
Wishing you a great day, evening, night,
 
CasperBxl
 
(still enjoying Lang Lang and his piano ........)

Well, not much to say, but it is perfect!
 
Do you need a cable for your gear, contact them and they will see if they can help.
Short, long or custom.
 
Sys Concept delivers a very good customer guidance and service.
Got my cable all the way to Belgium (from Canada) in 6 days.
 
Contact:
      Joseph Kmiec
      Sys. Concept Inc.  http://www.sysconcept.ca
      p: 866-479-1270 / 780-479-1270 ext.55
      f: 780-471-5665 | GPG KeyID: 7B4A78C2

 
 
I'll let the pictures speak for me this time.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
 

I recently got the AK 100 II after dabbling with a phone based stack.
 
Alternate setup:
    Samsung Galaxy S5
    FIIO E18
    + PowerAmp Pro (Cost: 2.99€) + iSyncr (Cost: 3.99€) + Stream to Media Devices, BubbleUPNP (Cost: 3.49€)
 
Sound Quality for this setup is GREAT. Love the E18 and its performance and great sound.
 
 
I had bought the E18 so I could combine good music and being on the go with 1 "device".
After a couple of weeks, I found that a phone based stack is a bit cumbersome and not very handy.
 
So, after snooping though the forums for ages, reading up on features, sound, etc I saw that Astell and Kern released the new AK100 II.
The AK100 II was announced with most of its primary parts as the AK240 has, but a single line (so no dual DAC and AMP and without the dedicated DSD processor)
It runs on a proprietary Android version, seems to have a nice UI.
 
As we do not have any shops in Belgium carrying them ... I decided and went for a bind purchase from a great shop in the UK (I live in Belgium).
(http://www.custom-cable.co.uk/) Within a few days my new AK100 II arrived, I unpacked carefully but in a hurry ... curious to see, hear what I had bought.
 
First Impressions
The package I got from the shop in the UK was a quite large cardboard brown box. On opening the box I found an nice AK branded black box. The AK packaging is a nice even black with only the AK logo on it.
 
[Some pictures]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
The UI [User Interface] is a smooth, easy to use. It has been made for non expert users, easy, few buttons, sleek.
 
Once I put some music on it I finally got to the listening part .... and what a PLEASURE that was.
Very clear sound, silence is silence, my library with a mix of classical -70%-, trance -15%-, bagpipe and jazz came to light.
Most of the tracks are in FLAC, in different levels of quality (16/44 up to 24/192).
 
I immediately tried my different headsets, BeyerDynamic DT880, AKG K551, Sennheiser Momentum, all performed great. The AK even pushed the BeyerDynamic DT880 250 Ohm very nicely.
The sound stage on the AK100 II is wide, pure and light. Never boring or flat.
 
I asked a colleague at work (a 'real' audiophile) to give it a listen.
He was using his shure 215's (he is the 'room' type audiophile, the shures are for at work).
During his listening he immediately noticed the very pure and open sound, more spacious. His comparison was the exact same audio file on his iPod to my AK 100 II.
(file used was: Buena Vista Social Club - 1997 from iTunes)
 
He was truly astonished that only the device could already make this big of a difference.
 
The software on the device comes with a great EQ for those who need it. Just draw the EQ line on the screen and the software matches the line you drew.
Again, simple and easy to use.
 
 
The only thing I would suggest Astell & Kern to add would be a good Sync Software so users can easily select what they want to Sync with their very nice AK devices.
I'm sure a collaboration with a good maker is doable ... why not with MediaMonkey of FooBar2000 community?
It would make our lives so much more practical.
 
You can of course just copy the files with Windows, but that is not hand and it is not really manageable.
Having Sync list 1 for weekends, Sync List 2 for work, etc could be very nice.
 
 
Small note: It work also great a DAC on my PC's!!!  
 
 
UPDATE [3-Jul-2014]: The AK100 II also works as DAC on my Samsung Galaxy S5, but via a OTG cable and not via simple micro-usb to micro-usb, it MUST be an OTG cable.
                                 Otherwise just Plug and play!!!
 
 
 
Well, that is it for me.
 
VERY, very happy with my new player!!!!
 
     - Compact
     - Great battery life (2 to 3 days at work, and you could add an external battery pack to recharge ...)
     - Great Sound with a wide sound stage
     - Great detail in the music
     - Excellent UI (bit slow with over 2400 songs + Album art)
 
 
With Kind regards,
 
Casper
A very happy customer.

Hi all,
 
 
Cost Clarification:
   FIIO E18 on Amazon.fr: 159,00€
   FIIO L9 Cable on Amazon.fr: 18,13€
 
 
TIP: 1st buy the E18, take it to the Phone shop, try the devices they sell.
       Many modern high-end phones support it without extra software, BUT MANY DO NOT support Audio USB OTG!!
       Check the list on the FIIO website + try on the phones you would consider.
 
 
Kit, so you know where I come from:
   Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro 250 Ohm
   AKG K551 38 Ohm
   Pioneer DJE-2000 in-ear's
 
   iPod Classic 160GB
 
   FIIO E18 Amp/DAC for Android, PC and Mac (in combination with Samsung Galaxy 5S) + 30pin L-Cable for my iPod
   (I use the FIIO E18 as DAC + Amp on the Samsung S5)
 
   In my PC, ASUS Xonar Xence (can drive up to 600 Ohm without problem)
   Logitec Z5500 Speakers via SPDIF
 
 
We all know about the iDevice music scene, for Android we get a bit less news I have the impression.
Hence my write-up ...
 
My Android Setup, in detail:
         - Samsung Galaxy S5
         - 128 GB microSD
         - FIIO E18 (DAC + AMP)
         - PowerAmp Pro app for listening
         - iSyncr (bought full version), this has a PC and Android part/module.
         - iTunes + other + Loss-less CD conversions + FLAC Downloads
 
 
The FIIO E18 in different combinations:
Great device, bought through Amazon.
 
Use with Galaxy S5:
I attached the E18 to my Galaxy using Velcro. I tried the rubber bands, but they hinder the usage of the large screen.
The Velcro also allows me the quickly put together my small stack and disassemble it when needed.
The E18 is connected with the micro-USB cables that came with the device (2 cables in the package).
 
I find the sound very clear, no parasites from the phone.
A very neutral sound, and very nice amp. The E18 drivers all my headsets with pleasure, from the 250 Ohm Beyerdynamic to the 38 Ohm AKG K551.
 
The E18 has a great battery life. Not once i had to recharge during the day. Easily runs for 2 or even 3 working days for me.
Aside from being a nice compact Amp/DAC I can also use the E18 to recharge my Samsung should the need arise.
 
For playback I use PowerAmp Pro (payed version, 2.99€),
This is a great software, easy navigation and features, many, many skins for the people that like that. (I got a nice "metal" skin, simple and clean)
It scans through my 3000 songs in a few seconds, so no hassle. Album art etc are nicely presented.
 
The EQ allows for tuning to your own taste, it allows for small changes and tuning to the headset, music or your personal liking.
There are also quite a number of preset EQ settings, something i found usefull to quick-check results and for testing settings, a reset button brings it all back.
Or, with the EQ on/off button, leave the settings but disable/enable the EQ.
Once tuned as you prefer the EQ profiles can be saved for later reuse and you can create a EQ for every headset/situation.
It is also possible to save the EQ settings to a specific album/song should you wish that.
 
To sync to music to my Samsung I use iSyncr (payed version, 3.99€),
This software is of high quality, easy to use. It has a PC module and a module for your device.
You can synch over USB and/or over WIFI (and your internal LAN, it finds your PC).
iSyncr can sync the music, playlists, broadcasts, podcats etc from your iTunes lib and from other locations.
You can even sync more then 1 itunes store ... sometimes handy.
iSyncr can sync on a schedule (like every 1 hour) or on manual command.
 
Stream to Media Devices, I use BubbleUPNP (payed version, 3.49€),
This software allows me to stream to any media device over WIFI. I have a LG Media player that is UPNP and that is connected to my HiFi chain.
Simply select the source, that can be the phone itself, my NAS, my PC with FooBar 2000;
Then set the destination, again my phone, or PC or the LG Media player.
The volume rocker on the phone then controls the volume of the destination player.
 
Total cost for all this great software: 3.49€ + 3.99€ + 2.99€ .... all bases covered for 10.47€!!  
 
 
Use with Laptop:
Here again I can listen to all my music in top quality, using any of my headsets.
Same device, same simple installation, plug in to a USB port and I have a high quality DAC and Amp.
On the PC and on my laptop I use the Foobar 2000 software (+ installed ASIO driver).
I can use the same Velcro to stick the E18 to the back of my laptop screen.
 
Use with my iPod Classic:
Using the FIIO L9 30pin L-Cable I can use the E18 as AMP for my iPod.
Combining the stack ... you guested it ... using the Velcro!!  


 

Hi all,
 
I just picked-up a pair of DJE-2000's (they are 30 Ohm) for 299€ in a local shop.
I've had them for about 8 hours now ...
 
Why did I pick-up these ... because they where the only nice, high quality and high-end in-ear phones they had in the shop.
(I thought of purchasing the Shure SE535, but no shop had them ... maybe I'll get them later .... any input on that?)
 
 
(I'm not an audiophile but I'm looking to build up ....)
 
Kit, so you know where I come from:
   Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro 250 Ohm
   AKG K551 38 Ohm
   iPod Classic 160GB
   In my PC, ASUS Xonar Xence (can drive up to 600 Ohm without problem)
   FIIO E18 Amp/DAC for Android, PC and Mac (in combination with Samsung Galaxy 5S) + 30pin L-Cable for my iPod
   (I use the FIIO E18 as USB OTG DAC + Amp on the Samsung S5)
 
 
Construction:
Well build, solid. The drivers are a bit big for my ears, on the left side the housing touches my ear (when worn over the ear).
(after 30min ... i changed to waring them to simply down .... that was more comfortable for me)
 
The right driver is colored a strong red. I can imagine that this is for bad light conditions (seen directed at DJ's).
 
The cable is of great quality. Braided material. Soft and very flexible.
There is also a hold-back sliding block on the cable to secure it behind your head (over-ear), or avoid cable mess.
Also, no feedback at all when you move the cable, even when vigorously hitting, tapping the cable.
The cable is detachable.
 
 
Contents of packaging:
Clean and nicely make packaging. Easy to open without ripping paper of whatever.
 
- 6mm Jack converter with threading.
- Number of silicon and foam tips (3 of each) in a little plastic bag ... so they are all deformed when you take them out.
  The foam tipped ones have small filters in them.
- Small brush for cleaning.
- Hard carrying case in rubberized / fake leather material, closed with a zipper. Case feels very solid, about the size of a hand palm (without the fingers).
 
 
Sound:
As I'm looking for a correct and 'perfect' sound these have to much bass, the highs are a bit muted.
I use them in combination with my S5 + PowerAmp Pro + E18, I used the EQ in PowerAmp to tune out the heavy bass.
Tuned 31, 62, 125 Hz lower, 4K, 8K, 16K higher ... that makes them almost flat (i think, also seen the graph posted above).
 
!!UPDATE; NOT!! Once tuned in, i found it is very nice sound, even great! Very Detailed.   SEE UPDATE BELOW
You can hear vibrations in detail (ex with cello, alt violin), you can hear the striker landing on the strings.
On a bit of volume Hilary Hahn sounded out of this world... fantastic.
The stronger, punchy bass makes that you can listen at low volumes and not miss the lows.
 
They require a bit of push to get them loud (I have them on High Gain on the FIIO E18).
I don't know if a regular phone would get enough volume for all users.
 
 
Music used to listen and evaluate:
Anne Bisson; Blue Mind
Passenger; All the little lights
Simon & Garfunkel; Greatest Hits
Piano Guys; Hits Vol. 1
 
Red Army Choir; Russian Favorites
 
Vivaldi; Le Quattro Stagioni (Claudio Abbado)
Keith Jarrett; The Köln Concert
Hilary Hahn; Bach Partitas for Solo Violin
Alf Linder; Cantate Domino (from propius)
 
Armin Van Buuren; A State of Trance 2014
Milk Inc; The Best Of
 
 
That is all ...
(if you have feedback, also on the Shure SE535 or other suggestions .... please let me know)

 
 
*** UPDATE ***
I've had the Pioneer DJE-2000 now for some weeks, as they truly disappoint me ... to the level I don't use them any more.
 
The muted highs are almost unrecoverable, even using the EQ's I never get a nice bright, airy sound.
Staying muted even with the EQ set to max for the mids and high's makes me dislike this product.
I listen mostly to classical music with violin, harpsichord and trumpet and nothing is left of these instruments.
 
I have used them on my Galaxy S5 + E18 and my Astell & Kern AK100 II, no avail ...
 
So, I'm very sad to have spent 299€ on a pair of in-ears that do not meet my requirements.
Maybe some people will like them (I hope so for Pioneer), but they are certainly not for me.
 
My BeyerDynamic DT880, AK551 and B&O H3 do not need any settings changed on the AK100 II.
The Pioneers are so muted for the highs even fiddling for hours with the EQ did not help.
 
 
Sorry Pioneer ... I'll be looking to sell them, or get my money back if I can.