Introduction
7hz have been making strides with their low-key yet very competitive releases so far. As a fan of the original Timeless all the while still keeping it in my collection, they have established their name as synonymous to budget-mid tier recommendations akin to the Timeless in the planar space to the Zero & Zero 2 in the budget-tier. The Sonus and the Dioko have their fans while the Legato has its niche basshead fans. I have to say I admire their release-window pacing and their attitude towards not fully launching the Timeless II without being confident of it which should be a pattern some chi-fi companies should take a note of, instead of churning out half-baked efforts. Now with the Aurora standing as their flafship to date and some good positive feedback from the recent Canjam SG behind it, the Aurora seems poised to be another success under 7hz's belt. Let's take a look into this nice-looking set shall we.




Packaging and Inclusions
The Aurora comes in a slide-out box with an attractive slipcover showing the product namesake without relying on any waifu. Upon sliding and taking out the inner box, you are then welcomed by a nice-looking faux white leather flip-top case which contains the IEMs along with 6 pairs of eartips + case holder (3 pairs similar to Acoustune AET07 and 3 pairs of their new first-party produced tips similar to S&S) . You are also then graced by the nice-feeling, no tangle premium cable with 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL modular termination plugs. I have to say that the stock cable itself felt really nice and premiumly hefty. Just the exact nice set of accessories to fit your needs with satisfying quality.





Build
The 7hz Aurora out-of-the-box is a beautiful looking set, with shifting colors of the somewhat Damascus finish hoghlighting the faceplate. The shell itself is a dark translucent one that does not feel cheap or would crack soon but it is very lightweight that makes you wonder how were they able to jam a tribrid configuration of a 12mm DD and a 6mm planar along with dual BAs onto this setup.



Sound and Comparisons
The 7hz Aurora will impress you and outright give you some 'wow' moments upon pushing that play button that will immediately justify the price you pay for it. Its sound signature is of a balanced signature with somewhat of a upper-mids boost that makes it vocal-foward in a number of tracks and genres especially with jpop, female vocals, and mainstream. Ariana Grande, milet, and LiSA are definitely singing on these sets. What definitely complements is set is its execution of acoustic tracks and instrumentals. Pianos are lovely with the Aurora. Those key hit reverbs are really felt, Steinway & Sons would be proud Guitar plucks and strums sound alive and energetic. Best of all, the overall implementation is very detailed and airy. The Aurora is very resolving, jamming a lot of information at you upon playback yet imaging is ponpoint. Hence, it is somewhat its own disadvantage as others may find it fatiguing and even borderline bright in the upper mids going to lower treble. Playback of genres such as heavy metal, rock, and EDM is ranging from ok to quite busy as it does have a bit of trouble handling those with finesse because of the mix of planar timbre and busy resolution. Bass is punchy but may not have enough subbass to satisfy those who love the rumble, I wouldn't say they're deficient though. Just more than enough. On a similar note, orchestrals, concertos, and classicals also shine on this set. Microdetails pop out and are apparent and movie soundtracks are a delight to listen to. Male vocals and jazz though are a mixed bag and kind of a double-edged sword with these, some remarkably good and some are a bit dull and rough, weirdly putting some male vocals in the back despite being vocal-forward with the majority. An immediate comparison and reminder upon listening to these would be the AFUL Performer8, both being very detailed with copious amounts of resolution while playback of your music in a delicate balance. The Performer8 though is more neutral in tonality and soinds more cohesive compared to Aurora's sometimes off-put timbre but I would say the bass quantity and quality is just the right proportion for sets priced at this level while both execute treble in a very airy and extended manner. Staging is also very well-executed with width and depth going to the Aurora even if vocals do tend to be in the front, other elements are well distributed across the stage.





Conclusion
7Hz has a winner here with the Aurora, being a good balanced set that works really well with a lot of genres while being the utmost delight with female vocals, pianos, and acoustic guitars. I do recommend an actual listen with these as they could be a tilt sharp or shouty for your music preferences and if the sometimes unnatural timbre may put you off but if not, it's on the other extreme end towards enjoyment as it is very proficient with its strengths. It's also a fresh set thay set itself as a standout among the repetitive chi-fi tuning and Harman implementations. Very nicely done 7hz and if you do decide to launch the Timeless II properly, I do hope that it's going for something revolutionary worthy of a sequel but plays to its strengths like this.

Sidenotes:
IEM set has been listened via the Sony ZX-707, AK Kann Alpha, and Cayin RU7 separately using the stock eartips over the course of multiple genres across FLACs (16bit&24bit) and streaming (Tidal). The 7hz Aurora is available in Linsoul for $399 -
https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-aurora

Intro
It seems that much has already been said about Simgot's EA1000 though with the number of Chi-Fi releases and hype sets that are being released at a rapid pace, one has to wonder - is it still competitive now? I might be late reviewing my set and as much as possible, I wouldn't want to sound like a broken record. But to tell you outright, it still is one of the better timing to get yours when the opportunity arises as it is still very much competitive (and impressive) in the $200 space. With the advent of Simgot's new batch lineup dawning, it might be the best time to dip someone's toes onto the Simgot flavor of tuning the Harman curve to a tee. Read on to to find my short insights, you may refer to previous reviews for the unboxing and package details though it is a bit of delight and a touch of premiumness in opening these up compared to a majority of other Chi-Fi releases.



Build and Inclusions
The EA1000 comes in a purple somewhat-laser foil box with no evident waifu here. Inside, you have the IEMs themselves in their hefty glory. Feels solid and premium, as it never fails to put smiles onto faces of those I shared experiencing and having them audition in meets. It's been consistent that they can't believe it's worth $200 because ot does feel that it should be priced higher. It comes with a silver-colored flip-top magnetic case and has 3 sets of eartips. The cable is noteworthy to feel very solid and untangly. The looks match the IEMs themselves and is terminated in 3.5mm SE. Lastly, you get 2 sets of tuning nozzles aside from the one already installed - 1) silver with red black ring and 2) gold with white ring though most probably I feel the default silver with red ring sounds the best for me and will be the basis for my impressions.



Sound
The IEMs do feel classy and sturdy with their all-metal shells and glass faceplate with white-pattern and it does sound like it too. The single DD with the passive radiator combine to create a very premium sound that truly resonates in your ears unlike any other in its price bracket. The bass is very defined and of high quality, aspects that are present in higher tier sets. Kickdrums and lows do feel as if they are ever present with proper decay and still quick in response, not sounding pillowy or anemic. Some might prefer to have a bit more quantity though and it is not a bassy set in any sense. The mids and vocals also shine and are more than adequate, none too lean but a bit forward in the upper registers and might come off as shouty to some. What is another impressive aspect to note is the treble and air region. Its brilliance is actually giving it a very energetic and dynamic manner of handling notes while being airy and spacious. It does give you a sense of space and pinpoint imaging, considering its just a single dd set. Though admittedly, for those who are treble sensitive, they might find it spicy or at times sibilant hence why the set is either you really love it or hate it and find it harsh. Undeniably so, this is one very technical set but also toe-tappingly good to listen to without being to analytical. In comparison, the DUNU Falcon Ultra has that somewhat smooth warm response to it so it does create a contrast in the $200 single dd space. I have yet to try the Origin though this set does leave the older Tanchjim Oxygen in the dust. And the Katos and Arias are undeniably inferior to the EA1000 in terms of both product execution, durability and overall sound quality as some might even find the Katos boring when played side by side along with the EA1000. For a different Simgot sound and as complement, one might find the EM6L as a good addition while for those who find this set too peaky may want to go down and might find the right overall mix with the EA500 LM for a touch smoother execution of the similar EA1000 flavor.



Conclusion
The Simgot EA1000 still stands as one of the more impressive sets in its pricepoint and has continuously impressed those who I have it auditioned to, both newcomers and audio vets alike. I, for one, will keep my set for a long time and will be a mainstay as side-by-side against other single dd implementations. It just does a lot of things other sets are unable to standout with. Harsh it may be for some, if one can tolerate its treble response then this set is a keeper. Not to mention its durable and hefty build but fits like a glove for most. Still, one I would recommend for those curious to give it a chance and listen. I just recently converted a couple of newcomers to purchase theirs upon first listen compared to the other budget releases out there. A commendable set from Simgot and they would only go forward from here to create a true flagship in their stable.

Introduction
As a fan of the underrated and underappreciated first P1 Max, it was such a delight when the cutesy box arrived on my doorstep. TINHIFI has already been around the IEM scene for quite sometime and my all-time favorite model from their stable was the T4. The majority though would recognize them more for the T3 Plus and T2 iterations but unfortunately, their releases were more of a mix of hits and misses. It seems that they just can't stick the landing on their desired tuning per product. Afterwards, they also made a name for the themselves for starting the planar IEM wars trend with the P1 and P2 which had a cult appeal but has yet to break the mainstream success of the Timeless. Now, coming off the tail of the original underappreciated but cult fave P1 Max is the release of the sequel. Will this Giant Panda have skadoosh or will it have a crash landing? Read on to find out.



Packaging and Inclusions
The Giant Panda successor comes in a box with a slipcover outside showing the product namesake in an attractive art cover. Upon opening and sliding out, you are then welcomed by a top cover with some documentation attached to it via a ribbon at the back. The IEMs themselves grace the slots while the accessories section contains the nice-looking cable, 6 pairs of silicon eartips and a pair of foam tips though none worked for me so I had to tiproll in my case, especially since I'm an L-XL size eartip wearer but for others the stock contents would fit just fine. Sadly, they don't come with a case or not even a pouch. I believe any case or pouch is mandatory for IEM inclusion nowadays but no biggie, you may use any spare cases you have lying around.





Build
The Giant Pandas out-of-the-box is a sight to behold at this price bracket. The swirly combination of black-and-white and the shells themselves are aesthetically pleasing. The cable itself is also well done and matches the IEMs as these remind me of the ones that came with the MagicOne. The IEMs and the cable seem sturdy and of premium quality but sadly, as for my set, is terminated to 3.5mm SE with no modular options. Nonetheless, the overall build is not something I would complain and scoff at below the $200 price tier.



Sound and Comparisons
If you are a fan of the original P1 Max and is looking for its refined version here and more of the same, steer clear but if you are looking for an alternative take on a fun, lively, fast planar sound then stick around as you will be pleasantly surprised. It comes in a V-shape signature akin to the original Tangzu Zetian Wu and Letshuoer S12 Pro but done in a way that is more refined in certain aspects and less peaky. The bass is punchy and done well, mids are somewhat upper mids focused. Not the star or lead but also not that shouty while the treble is airy and quite well extended but may be sibilant at times. What will immediately get your attention is its technical ability as this set resolves far better than most in its price tier. Microdetails pop out, staging is a bit close but still somewhat expansive and imaging is quite accurate. Though this set may not be the first choice for those who want a well-balanced set with good mids as ot tend to be a bit wonky and off-timbre. I would say though that this will appeal to more users than the original. This set plays well with orchestral pieces, movie soundtracks, and instrumental acoustics while it may not be the first choice for vocal-lovers.






Conclusion
No, this is not the same neutral Giant Panda you have been clamoring for. For those looking more of the same original P1 Max, this is a vastly different sounding set. But for those looking to dip their toes in a planar set or just want something so technically-sounding, so fun to listen at with some scaling when you feed it some more power and voltage, then this powered-up Giant Panda is more right up your alley and is definitely the more appealing sound for the majority of listeners. Both a good starter and an alternative execution in the crowded planar battlefield, have a listen to these and you just might be pleased. Think of it as the fun, outgoing Panda to the chill, laid-back original.

Sidenotes:
IEM set has been listened via the Sony ZX-707, AK Kann Alpha, and Questyle M15 separately in SE with Acoustune Type E eartips over the course of multiple genres across FLACs (16bit&24bit) and streaming (Tidal). The Giant Panda II is available in Linsoul for US$139 - https://www.linsoul.com/products/tinhifi-p1-max-ii

Intro
With the pace Chi-Fi is going now, I might be late into the game with owning the Simgot EA500 LM as the majority has already given its praise to this single DD wonder. This impression piece will be a concise one as most of the details have already been discussed in previous reviews but I'm still going to outright start this review with a thumbs up recommendation at the $89 price point and if you can tolerate a bit of balanced-bright sound signature then I'm already telling you this set is going to put a smile on your face. Though if you have tried the other Simgot sets in the past especially the EW200 and EA500, found out not liking them then still, give this one a listen as this is the EA500 made better, optimized, and refined to its purest form with a more mature sound. Read on to to find my updated inpressions.



Packaging
The EA500 LM comes in a holographic print black box, quite different from its brethren. No waifu here. Inside, you have the IEMs themselves in their shiny glossy metal glory, and an accessories box which contains 3 sets of eartips, the cable and zip case with 3.5mm terminated cable inside similar as to what comes with the EM6L. Lastly, you get 2 sets of tuning nozzles - 1) silver with red ring and 2) silver with black ring though most probably I feel the default gold with red ring will be the right tuning for most listening sessions. The first tuning nozzle is quite minimally different from the default nozzle while the second (silver w/ black ring) makes everything a bit more shouty and peaky.


Build and Sound
The IEMs themselves look and feel classy and sturdy with their all-metal shells, having that hefty feel though it is obviously a fingerprint magnet. It is still somewhat a comfy fit, not needing any fiddling. I just love what a single DD sound can bring and the Simgot house signature is no exception. It is pretty easy to drive and brings out a balanced Harman-bright lively sound that I find it would be appealing to most listeners, both casual and audiophile. The majority would be impressed at what this set brings with above-average details for the price and imaging + stage width that other below $100 sets would be jealous of. Though if you are very sensitive to treble and ever so slightly cringes at the sound of peaks then steer clear especially if the previous Simgot sets does not appeal to you. Though I would say this is one of the smoother sets Simgot has produced with a clean overall response. It's obviously better than the EA500 with friends and I myself finding the LM the polished, improved, grown-up version and better overall as a single whole product. You rarely get this much technicalities and good tuning at this price point. I do find a handful few colleagues who find it a MID set and I respect their opinion, but I do recommend to give it a try first and find out if it appeals to your ears before counting the EA500 LM out.



Comparisons & Conclusion
I would gladly take the EA500 LM over similar single DD sets such as the Moondrop Aria 2, Chu II, and Kato as well as Tinhifi's T3 at the said price tier. It's just that good and puts a boundary what an $80 set could achieve in terms of technicalities. To be frank, even up until now with all the other recent releases, the EA500 LM just gives a price-performance ratio that's hard to beat. With an overall sound that may appeal to the majority, I wholeheartedly just recommend it even up until past the $100 price tier. It just sounds more mature and appealing, makes your toes tap with pop genres while still keeping its composure with smooth jazz. I'd say if you're still curious, have a listen to it and if you're ever so slightly the treble sensitive but then you find the EA500 LM non-offensive, it just might grow on you. Definitely a thumbs up set!

Introduction
Ah Dita… it has been a while since they have been on my radar, falling silent for quite some time. For the uninitiated, Dita is a Singapore-based IEM maker specializing mostly in producing single dynamic masterpieces such as the Dream and most recently the Perpetua. They have been around for more than a decade and have made a name for themselves with the Answer within the head-fi community. This IEM, which I can still remember auditioning in a quaint local audio specialty store named Egghead, catered to a specific niche that favors a V-shape tuned, high-resolution and technical showcase of a dynamic driver thus setting it apart from other single DD sets such as that time’s Sennheiser IE800 and Beyerdynamic’s Xelento. They have been releasing some few lesser known, lesser-marketed ‘projects’ left and right during this timeline, though just recently they have cooked up one that would seem to crack outside that niche with their first-ever hybrid IEM and yes folks, we are going to be taking a look at the aptly named Project M which promises to redefine our imagination of what a mid-tier $300-$400 priced IEM can achieve.

Special thanks to a certain Levin Rabanes and Kenneth Koh for arranging this local review tour and for giving me the opportunity of an early in-depth experience.



Packaging and Inclusions
The Project M comes in a box with a slipcover indicative of the brand / specs. Upon opening the inner black box, you are then welcomed by some documentations detailing Dita’s cool history, a warranty card, and the pleasant presentation of the IEMS themselves along with the case (named the Systainer® manufactured by Tanos, Germany) which houses the cables and termination adapters (3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL), and lastly 5 pairs of Final E Type glow-in-the-dark eartips housed in its convenient clear container. The Systainer seems like a non-orthodox design but feels lightweight yet durable and is a nice touch to the overall concept. I am putting the link down below for a visual unboxing, please check my video here -
Unboxing - https://youtu.be/JAJsFNccEgA





Build
Out of the gate, I’ll just go ahead and say it – these are the most beautiful application of clear resin shells I have ever witnessed. Better (if not on par) than the Moondrop S8. You can clearly see the meticulously engineered internals, as Dita is known to pride themselves for creating and overseeing their products from the ground-up. Striking that perfect combination of looks and minimalism without compromising sound, this set looks to be a testament to that philosophy. That slow-pour, transparent resin mix really do standout and feels truly solid while being elegant and not plasticky. Not to be outdone, they match the IEMs with customized cables equipped with “MOCCA,” which utilizes conductors made by CARDAS (which is a very well-known US cable company). These cables, terminated in 2-pin, look and match the IEMs aesthetics as well as being soft to touch, maintaining its shape around the ears while having no microphonics at all. It is also worth mentioning though that the 2-pin port is visibly raised (kinda like QDC but not) and the custom cables are designed to accommodate for that. You may be able to use other 2-pin cables with the IEMs themselves but you may not be able to use the stock MOCCA cable on other sets, at least without a bit of fiddling or mods. Lastly, it features what they call the Awesome Plug2 with interchangeable adapters of 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL terminations. These adapters are placed via a screw-on outer sleeve before plugging in, giving it an extra feeling of durability and stability. All these premiumness at the mere cost of a mid-tier set should make other companies rethink how they use up their production costs, putting them to shame.


Sound
As per usual, I will purely talk about sound subjectively as I perceive it to be and will leave the graphs to the measurebators. Of course, I always consider how it will appeal to other listeners as well. Right off the bat, Project M for me is a remarkable listen and carries the Dita house sound in all the right places while giving it an extra appeal to casual listeners. If I have to describe Project M’s overall sound in adjectives – it would be engaging, emotive, and captivating. To me it sounds like a near balanced v-shape though I do understand that it might also come off as neutral-bright to some, what I do find though is that the mids seem forward, intimate and not recessed all the while maintaining clarity and articulation. It is no vocal specialist though as it seems to strike a delicate harmony, if not lesser, across the frequency range. The bass comes in with a commanding sense of quality rather than quantity, as the lows are tight and punchy with enough slam, not lacking in rumble. What impressed me though is the treble, which evidently is quite airy. Highs are well-extended beautifully with some crisp sparkle up top. I just love my cymbal hits and shimmers as they sounded right and inviting. Some may find them bright but they are definitely not sibilant. Its PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver handles the full frequency range with such finesse while the BA acts as a supplement tweeter for air extension, adding a bit of breathing room and space to the overall sound.


Comparisons
If you ever find yourself thinking of getting the Moondrop Blessing2 or Blessing3, I would outright tell you that the Project M is the better product across the board from build quality, overall package, to sound. At a similar price range of around $300, the Project M sounds more engaging, livelier and never boring. Quite obviously, it has a thicker midrange compared to the two Moondrop offerings especially if, like the majority, find the mids of the Moondrop offerings somewhat lean. The Moondrop Variations at around the $500 range may have some differences here and there as some might find its tuning better but the majority may find the Project M for engaging. The Variations and Project M do share quite a similarity - which is the delicate balance of frequencies according to their achieved tonality. It also shares some characteristics, notably its treble airiness, with the AFUL Performer 8 but as the P8 aims for being a neutral, non-fatiguing yet detailed listen, the Project M makes the most of its ability to be dynamic and exciting, bringing emotion to your music at the cost of sheer resolution - handing that advantage to the P8. Lastly, as an analogy comparison to their brand’s most recent IEM which is the Perpetua despite the cost difference – if the Perpetua is meant to present the DITA sound in an authoritative and grand way then the Project M is meant to present it in an exciting, inviting and non-intimidating way.





Conclusion
So why the 5-star rating? Project M is such a carefully thought of and well-executed package overall – from every subtle detail of its design, the great fit, and the meticulously formulated engaging sound – it aims to be likeable and not offensive to both casuals and audiophiles alike. The feeling of luxury and pride of ownership just exudes with the Project M, proving that a company does not need kilobuck price for production costs to come up with a great cohesive, holistic product… just the will to show that it can be done and DITA outright did it via their ground up development philosophy. Project M is just a testament to that and owning one just makes you appreciate the effort, pride and thought that went to its final concept at a mere $300 price range. Hats off to DITA and if you’re still reading this then it might just be the time to consider getting one as a daily carry.



Sidenotes:
IEM set has been burned-in for 48 hours straight before review. Listened via the Sony ZX-707, AK Kann Alpha, and Cayin RU-7 separately in both SE and BAL configurations with Final E Type stock eartips over the course of multiple genres across FLACs (16bit&24bit) and streaming (Tidal). I have to say this is not a hard-to-drive set and relatively good with most DAPs and sources though I did notice some average imaging and staging while listening via 3.5mm SE, focusing on the center akin to having a kind of crossfeed effect. Switching to the 4.4mm BAL termination noticeably spreads out the width with some breathing room from L to R. As of this writing, it is set to retail at SRP US$325.

Intro
Hot, or should I say, cold on the heels from the latest release of AFUL, the MagicOne has been a technological showcase of what AFUL can think of. A concept where a single BA IEM has achieved levels unmatched before. AFUL lately has been at the forefront of proprietary tech within their IEM releases though this time, they are again on it but in the form of a DAC release for a change. Seems like a continuation from their 'snowflake' identity, the SnowyNight looks to be a match made for the MagicOne featuring a USB Lossless Transmission Technology. It may be another dual CS43198-based DAC under the hood but it does moreso than some. Let's see if it does break the mold from other DAC dongles in the market.


Packaging and Build
The AFUL SnowyNight comes in a black box with a slide-out cover sleeve with its label and branding in the front as well as info at the back. They could've gone for a clean acetate or white packaging to go with the product name but that's just a package design language. Inside you get the dongle itself housed in a black metallic housing with snowflake design as well as the LED indicator in the middle. The unit itself feels solid. Lastly, it includes what they call a USB Lossless interconnect cable which comes in either USB-C termination or Lightning depending on the purchase options. The cable itself feels of premium quality with metallic plug terminations and a bit extra thickness though that's it. No frills and no extras whatsoever. At this price range, you might expect for an extra interconnect or adapter but no it does not come with such. Also, do note that even if the cable itself is proprietary for optimized function and data transfer, it does still work with any other USB-C interconnect you might have lying around just in case you lose the cable. The cable does feel worth the extra bucks and might have a measurable difference with other interconnects but using another cable provides an inaudible difference.


Sound and Functionality
Aftrt plugging in the SnowyNight, it is immediately recognized by the device which I tested on a Samsung S23+ phone and a laptop. The SnowyNight provides a neutral tonality, with a touch of smoothness to the notes but maintains clarity. What is apparent though was that it audibly expands the stage and imaging, with pinpoint instrument locations while the width expansion is definitely noticeable. The output is clean as snow though one might find a bit reduction in detail while it smoothens out the music for a non-fatiguing listen. This was most apparent while listening to the neutral Performer8, smoothing down some of the peaks but still maintains the control of the said setup when busier tracks call for it. On the other hand, just like its breathren and similar chipset DAC, it does have a difficult time bringing the AFUL MagicOne to loud levels. Of course, I was expecting since it seems it was designed to play the AFUL MagicOne in mind and it does drive it cleanly and at a satisfying level but it is noticeable that its loudness could be higher as max volume still does not reach apex levels of loudness though. If you are a low-mid volume lister, this is fine. What's remarkable though is it does match well with my Symphonium Helios which is known to be picky with sources. The dual CS 43198 chipset brings out the cleanliness you'd expect out of this purist implementation (without additional opamps or the integrated amps of the CS43131) but to compare with a similar set, the DEW4X adds some body, thickness and heft to the notes and bass while the SnowyNight still keeps the low to mid frequencies a bit lean so there's the contrast to these 2 different dual CS43198 implementations.



Comparisons & Conclusion
An immediate point of comparison that I recently had the chance of testing side-by-side was with Simgot's DEW4X. The internals are almost identical, both utilizing the dual CS43198 chips as well as having both 140mW of SE and 300mW of BAL power output. Aside from minor differences in THD, the SnowyNight gives a bit higher level of clarity and technicalities by expanding the imaging and stage width more, though at the cost of somewhat of a bit leaner presentation while the DEW4X noticeably increases the thickness and body while boosting the bass a bit. From my last listening experience with other similar dual CS43198 setups, for me the SnowyNight already sounds better overall than either the Truthear Shio and Moondrop Moonriver 2. The SnowyNight though shows a more premium implementation in handling the sound to midfi levels especially upping the game of sets costing $200 and up to audible improvements. The dual CS43198 DAC market may be a bit redundant as Cirrus chips looks to become as the chipset of choice for performance and value, AFUL though does a good job differentiating the SnowyNight from others in the market. Other than the barebones core package with no extras, it's a job well done for AFUL.



The AFUL SnowyNight will be releasing soon on Jan 30th 2024 and will be available through the ff:

Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSSHBYF6/aful+snowynight/
Amazon JP:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CSSXHHDC/aful+snowynight/
HiFiGo：
https://hifigo.com/products/aful-snowynight
Aliexpress：
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006476607781.html

Intro
It's currently the advent of 2024 and arguably it seems there's no slowing down Simgot with its hot streak of products from the yesteryear. With the pletora of the EA1000, EW200, and EM6L (all of which I've owned) being an awesome sampler of their current house sound, which centers on variations of the Harman curve. It's no wonder they're bound to release something that is not an IEM to supplement their ongoing lineup with a DAC dongle, namely the DEW4X. I have yet to experience the predecessors to this update, but I'm also considering that this is a refined product from their past DAC amps. Is this another winner for Simgot? Let's read on for my impressions and points of observation.


Packaging and Build
The DEW4X comes in a somewhat shiny, shimmery small box, with a foam holding the dongle and the USB-A adapter and a divider for the USB-C cable plus a documentation. That simple, no frills. The unit itself feels well built and sturdy despite its small lightweight formfactor but not ergonomic, with an almost invisible LED beside the USB-C port. The cable is of the usual quality you get with most DAC dongles with the Simgot branding but feels it won't lose the tightness and signal disconnection from the port anytime soon, never flimsy. Overall, it's a simple bare core package with a simple aesthetic without 'wow'ing you but does not feel cheap either. If it weren't for the 'X' as its identity, it would pass as any anonymous DAC dongle.



Sound and Functionality
Outright, the DEW4X provides a neutral tonality but just a tad bit of coloration. It somewhat gives you a pleasant listent, providing a smooth, clean output while adding just a bit of boost to your low end and note weight + thickness without actually transforming the character of your music to a warm tone. I wouldn't say natural but it definitely improves on the musicality of your source. This was most apparent while listening to the EA1000, toning down some of the peaks even if I don't have any issues with it but it may just tilt others who are sensitive up top to having the Fermats and on the same topic, the EW200, to their fancy and give them a chance. On the other hand, it does struggle a bit with sets like the AFUL MagicOne. Even at full volume via USB Audio Player Pro and at high gain (by pressing both vol buttons on the dongle simultaneously), it only gives a tolerable level of loudness which you know you can still turn it up a notch but couldn't. Some sets that just loves a bit more power will leave you wanting but don't take it the wrong way as the DEW4X is more than enough for your usual rotation of IEMs and even headphones, the upgrade you need is immediately felt and heard. Just not for the planars and power hungry cans though. And that CS 43198 chipset brings out the cleanliness you'd expect out of this purist implementation (without additional opamps or the integrated amps of the CS43131). The DEW4X does make it a suitable match for Simgot's own sets, giving just the right amount of roundedness to most of Simgot's harman-bright character.



Comparisons & Conclusion
An immediate point of comparison that I recently had the chance of testing side-by-side was with AFUL's own SnowyNight. The internals are almost identical, both utilizing the dual CS43198 chips as well as having both 140mW of SE and 300mW of BAL power output. Aside from minor differences in THD, the SnowyNight gives a bit higher level of clarity and technicalities by expanding the imaging and stage width more, though at the cost of somewhat a bit leaner presentation and steeper cost. From my last listening experience with other similar dual CS43198 setups, for me it already is a better value overall than either the Truthear Shio and Moondrop Moonriver 2. To add is its ability for inline mic compatibility at the 3.5mm port (have yet to extensively bugtest this though), a must for gamers and a rarity for DAC dongles overall which is a unique proposition. For its price though, the DEW4X just opened a wide door for entry to great sound and experience of fidelity. Aside from the Tanchjim Space in the dual CS43198 realm, one should have no reason for not owning a competent SE and BAL DAC dongle with an option such as this at $79.99.

Intro
It's now 2024 and arguably Simgot has had a remarkable 2023 with its releases. It's no secret that their house sound, which revolve around various Harman FR tunings, have had a lasting appeal to a wide audience who want an engaging fun listen. The EW200 "Maze", which was released in the early-to-middle of the year, has garnered quite a following and admittedly as early as now in this review, right out of the gate is my default recommendation in the $30-$60 price bracket. Much has been said of its price-performance ratio already and I will not delve too much into that. But is it still my default recommendation this dawn of the new year? Read on to to find my updated inpressions.


Packaging
The Maze comes in a somewhat smallish black sleeve, showing some Simgot brand detailing which slides out a black box. Inside, you have the IEMs themselves in their shiny metallic glory, and an accessories box which contains the 3 sets of eartips, the cable and a gray velvet pouch. That's it. You may find the need to change the eartips according to your liking but they are decent, if not mediocre. The cable, somewhat feeling a little thin, seem to be of quality and feels much better than the ones included in similar priced sets, terminating into 3.5mm SE. Overall, it's a barebones package but feels you're getting your money's worth in terms of the build quality.


Build and Sound
The IEMs themselves look and feel solid and sturdy with their all-metal shells, having that hefty feel you rarely get at this price. It is still somewhat lightweight and comfy but it will still give you that cold-to-touch feel during a winter's night. The EW200 is a Dual-Magnetic-Circuit & Dual-Cavity (single DD) IEM which uses Simgot's proprietary tuning system tech to provide that signature Simgot sound, which is a very fun, energetic, engaging listen molded from the Harman FR with a touch of their own flavor. It also seem pretty easy to drive and responds well whether direct from your source though scales well with your DAC dongles, with increased dynamics and a more balanced energy across the spectrum. I wouldn't say it's neutral but there is quite a good harmony in terms of bass quantity, forward mids, and lively treble. It may come of as bright or sharp for a few but for the majority, the set as a whole can cater to multiple genres. Not to mention spacious staging and above average imaging to boot - you rarely get this much technicalities and good tuning at this price point.


Comparisons & Conclusion
Of course, one of the more popular entry-level sets currently is the 7hz x Crinacle Zero 2 and unless you are cash-strapped and are really sensitive to treble, I find no reason to get it over the EW200 as the 'Maze' trumps it across tuning, technicalities, resolution, and overall build quality/durability. The additional moolah on top instead of just buying a $20 set is definitely worth the value your getting in return. Quite honestly, even up until now, the EW200's $35 price tag just gives so much value that I wholeheartedly just recommend it even up until before the $79 price tier, it's that good. It just sounds more mature even when compared to the likes of the Truthear Zero (which is just too energetic at times with less technical capability) and Zero:Red (which comes off as underwhelming in its resolution and treble response at first listen). I have yet to listen to the ZiiGaat Nuo as it seem to be a capable budget entry contender though right now, even up to this early 2024 - the EW200 is still my top budget recommendation in my books after upgrading from the entry-level Tangzu Wan'Er up until you get to the $80 bracket. This makes you think what they can do more with the upcoming EA500LM. I'd say if you're still on the fence, just go and buy one as you'll rarely be disappointed (unless you really really prefer a warm-dark sounding set).

Intro
Simgot has been on a winning streak and just might own this year with its recent releases. If you've been living under a rock and have yet to hear a Simgot set then it is well overdue. They seem to find their house sound, revolving around various Harman FR tunings and giving it their own flavor, in which have succeeded and garnered the majority of IEM enthusiasts as part of their rotation. With the majority of its lineup not offending audiophiles, the EM6L Phoenix though seem to came in to be the black sheep... or rather the blackbird of the family as it seem to be the contrast to their house sound. It's still based on the Harman tuning but overall providing Simgot's smooth take and warm tilt, setting it apart from their lineup. If you favor a somewhat non-offensive, no-peaks, somewhat balanced but with energetic, airy treble set then read on.


Packaging
The Phoenix comes in a squarish black box with the some signature Simgot detailing. Inside, you have the IEMs, a black oval zip case that seem to be similar to that of what comes with the EA500 and 3 pairs of eartips, which seem to emphasize and fit right accordingly with the intention of the target sound. The cable, somewhat feeling a little flimsy and thin, seem to be capable and functional, terminating into 3.5mm SE. Overall, barebones and minimalistic of what you need. It doesn't scream or gives a hint of its Phoenix namesake though on the product itself.


Formfactor, Tech, and Sound
The IEMs themselves look minimalistic yet classy with its glossy shells. Very lightweight but feels solid and seem to have a comfy fit. Its in a 4BA+1DD hybrid setup with the overall sound having coherency as a whole without apparent BA timbre. You would notice that it'll take a few more turns on the volume knob to get it loud compared to your other sets so it does need some bit more juice and a DAC/amp dongle really do help. Again, I'm no measurebator and will tell the sound as it is. To simplify, if you want a neutral set but still want that liveliness and energy at the top end then this is for you. Think of a Harman tuning that caters to the majority but with smoothness and warm tilt, then you have the Phoenix. It has just enough bass quantity (even more at times) but not as defined and not as fast as its siblings implementation, which favors neutral-warm lovers. The midrange are somewhat track dependent, at times being recessed but never too far in the back. Male vocals are a bit lean thoigh still lush but really shines with female vocals. This is Harman tuning done so well to be pleasing to our ears. None of that dryness and analytical flavor that would at times bore or tire you. It may have difficulty in handling busy tracks at times but otherwise it is still a capable set with most genres.


Comparisons & Conclusion
If you want the very technical, energetic, neutral-to-bright Simgot signature then you are definitely better off with the EA500 and EA1000, bringing every upbeat music genre to life and have you dancing to your toes but if you do prefer a more subtle, subdued but never boring take to even the most fun genres then the EM6L fits your bill. It's not as neutral as say the MagicOne but both of these sets cater to those who want it smooth yet will not make you snooze or fatigue to even with long listening sessions. It may not come in ablazing like a dragon breathing fire but is warm enough to naturally rise to the occassion with the grace of Phoenix as its namesake. At around $100, it does what it does differently enough to be part of your Simgot collection or the set you go if you want to feel warm and cozy.

Intro
AFUL has been on a roll with its lineup and have been introducing new patented tech with each release. They may have been already popular in their homeland with the Band series but started to make some noise outside its territory with the Performer5, which was a renowned $199 killer set. Refining that debut resulted into the awesome Performer8, which is my favorite product from them so far , improving every aspect but still maintained its sound different from its predecessor. Now comes another challenger, this time targeted within just above the budget territory and some newer advancements with the MagicOne. Let's take a quick look and see what sets this apart from the flood of Harman-sounding sets in the market. Again, I'm no measurebator and will discuss within the standpoint of actual impressions, inputs, and observations. I will let other reviewers talk in-depth and in detail.


Packaging
The MagicOne comes in a rectangular black box with the slide cover with all its info. Inside, you have the IEMs, a sturdy black circular tin case reminiscent of that used with the P5 and Seeaudio Yume Midnight. There are 6 pairs of tips in total, 3 white-clear and 3 pairs of the usual blue-red combo that AFUL have been using with its sets. The cable itself looks and feels premium terminated to 4.4mm that matches the IEMs themselves to form a shimmery silver-white snowflake theme. Could have used a modular cable or some more accessories but otherwise, it's fine.



Formfactor, Tech, and Sound
The IEMs themselves are lightweight but feels solid and well-built even despite the nautilus acoustic maze that it's being tagged for. I am no engineer but this along with their SE-Math Electro-Acoustic Intermodulation Technology has done wonders on how their custom single BA sound. To put it simply, if you want that Etymotic neutrality, adding a bit of bass extension and smoothness but without the ear-rape and intimacy then this is what you get. There is still some forwardness but this tuning is so well-done and pleasing to the ears. None of the dryness you would associate with a set like this. Low-frequency control is superb due to the featured technology which primarily handles this side of the spectrum, with just enough subbass rumble and decay to keep it away from being muddy. It may lack the punch and impact but otherwise the rest of the spectrum, from the mids to the highs sound wonderfully natural. All coming from a single BA. I would easily take this over the Truthear Zero:Red and the Etymotic ER3 series.




Conclusion
It's just amazing what AFUL did to this single BA set and made it how to behave as such. Again, I'm not behind it's production or engineering but my experience with single BA sets (Etymotics, Westone 1, and the older Klipsch sets) is that they do not sound as technically proficient as the MagicOne while maintaining the smoothness and extension except either being on par or better in detail/resolution. These are very well done though if you ask me if all this tech trouble worth it? I honestly am not sure because it still is just a tad short of behaving like a DD in terms of bass. It is natural sounding but again, I've heard single DD sets that do as much, if not more but hey, this is still somewhat quite an achievement. Well done AFUL for another winner in a flood of similar sounding V-shape or Harman sets within and below this price range.



The AFUL MagicOne will launch this 11.11 and will be available here -
HiFiGo：https://hifigo.com/products/aful-magicone
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM5NCGCD/aful+majicone/
Amazon JP:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CM5SVX5Y/aful+majicone/
Aliexpress：
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006184207746.html

Intro
Finally, the wait is over for Gizaudio's sophomore collab effort and I'm just outright going to say that it is a banger at $199.99. I will let the other reviews go into deep dive and I'm just going to say my thoughts and extended impressions. This is the first time I've heard of Binary Audio as well but they have done a fantastic job which seems like a signature teardrop-shape IEM, easily recognizable that the said IEM is its namesake.



Packaging
The Chopin comes in somewhat a sleek, classy, slim silver box where in after unsealing you take out the top to reveal the case and boxes for the accessories. The non-conventional case is reminiscent of some used by custom IEM makers which contains the IEM themselves in velvet drawstring bags. Aside from the IEM and functional case is the cable which is terminated in 4.4mm, a set of SML eartips, and a cleaning tool.



Formfactor and Sound
The IEMs themselves are light but feels well built. The cables are light as well and retains little memory. No problems upon fitting and here's how it looks like once worn -

The overall sound has a U-shaped signature but despite this I find that the amount of bass, mids, and treble quantity is very balanced and nothing seem to be lacking. Bass is quick and tactile as I can say this can really be a good all-rounder yet also as a percussion-specialist. At first listen, it shares similarities with the Variations especially with how it excels with female vocals and how it implements subbass but it does still sound different enough to warrant it as its own product. The Variations still sounded more refined, polished, and cleaner overall as well with better technicalities given its price tag but the Chopin is an absolute competitor at the $199.99 price mark, preferring it over the Performer5 any day in terms of overall listening experience, energy and timbre quality. Resolving ability is also better than most within its price range and has very competent instrument separation. A definite all-rounder with multi-genres, it aces anything you listen with it. I honestly can't say anything bad about this set. I have the Heyday, Timeless, owned the P5, and listened to the Mega5P - the Chopin handles most music better overall and it's a set that wouldn't make you wanna take them off. They just sound right with most playlists.



Conclusion
It's both a feeling of delight and frustration with the Chopin because as good as it is, it leaves me that feeling what it could have been of 'almost there' being a definitive marketbreaker, just a little more refinement and polish here and there could've gotten it. I would still say that it leaves its mark and one would be hardpressed to suggest a better sounding set against it at this price hence, it's a set that you can do no wrong of owning. Good job and kudos to Timmy and the Gizaudio x Binary team as it seem they have put a lot of work and effort to this set.



Gizaudio × Binary Chopin is available for pre-sale on October 20th on these sites
HiFiGo： https://hifigo.com/products/gizaudio-binary-chopin
Aliexpress：
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006135789174.html
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL6LNF82/binary+gizaudio+chopin/
Amazon JP：
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CL6MRTW9/binary+gizaudio+chopin/

OVERVIEW
Being in the camp of those who refer to cable upgrades as secondary-priority after other elements in the audio chain, it does excite me having the chance to experience a product such as this via preorder. Given that I rarely change cables unless the stock ones are crappy, this gives me a chance to compare side-by-side especially with those sets that already came with good stock ones (such as the SA6 mk2's Hulk Pro Mini). Of course, I'm no stranger to Singapore's locally renowned Effect Audio name in the cable industry though given, I don't have the intention of frequently replacing cables. ConX and TermX just changed that and gave me an incentive to own one and boy was I not disappointed. To add to that, was not expecting the noticeable sound difference with some of my already good stock cables.



Packaging
The Griffin comes in a black matte cardboard box with golden outline design of the mythical creature in the front, somewhat reminiscent of the luxury box of the Gaea (which is their IEM collab with Elysian). Inside you're presented with some quality documentation as well as the cable itself secured by a button leather strap and a cable mesh case. 2-pin is the stock attachment then chose the 4.4mm balanced configuration, with other terminations available as an add-on option. The ConX MMCX screw-in plugs and tool are encased in its somewhat plastic jewel case.



Here are my notes and highlights:
• The Griffin looks 'mythical' for its price, looking best with clear shell IEMs like my custom INM 4 stage set as per below




•In comparison below, here's the DUNU SA6 mk2 with its stock Hulk Pro Mini cable. Interswitching, the Griffin gives a noticeable increase in microdetail and decay + extension compared to a fuller, bodied sound of the Hulk Pro mini which gives the Griffin a good pairing to warm, mid-centric sets.





• Using the tool, unscrewed the 2-pin TermX plug switching to the MMCX was a cinch. The terminations really feel premium and durable, not loose. With the Shure SE846 it fits really snug and tight though not flush while it fits the Xelento nicely.



• Effect Audio's ConX MMCX works really great with the Sennheiser IE 600. Not totally flush but fits tight and snappy. No spinning, looseness nor slip ups.




Overall, the Griffin is really a good value and worth the purchase especially with the premium quality it provides, that's coming from someone who does not frequently change cables with my sets. It may not be as supple or free-flowing soft as some options in the market nor it doesn't totally relieve wire memory but the subtle design combined with its silver look (it is OOC silver-plated copper litz) really gives it some classy attention especially with clear IEM designs. If only it comes with a SE and BAL TermX package then it would be perfect but as it is the cost maintenance is understood. The ConX and TermX terminals felt really durable, even stress-tested it with my clumsy tightening and it never seem it'll crack. If you're someone who just needed that next upgrade cable option or would just buy a single dedicated spare replacement cable then this will definitely make you feel your money's worth and you won't regret it.

The Griffin will be made publicly available on the 21st of August with a SRP of $199.99 here:
https://hifigo.com/products/effect-audio-x-hifigo-griffin

Introduction
Yes, yes... we've heard it and probably already tired of all the brand name jokes but there is no kidding as to all the AFUL releases (at least outside the PRC market) have been so far. Though I have to say, the Performer 5 didn't impress me out of the gate and may have its downsides and flaws at its price bracket for me. This, on the other hand, has all the aces up in its sleeves to be a benchmark in its pricepoint. It impressed me on first listen and just got better on further eartime with different setups. It's only been months since their western debut product but this second release is like a refinement of their proprietary technologies at work. Here's the good part: so far it looks that the only direction they are on is up and forward as this purchase of mine is all good.




Packaging and Build
The Performer 8 comes in a black flip-top box with a slide-out cover sleeve. The IEMs and the premium-looking top-off circular faux leather case that contains the cable are covered in foam with the manuals and eartips being on the bottom layer foam. Covers all the basic but doesn't make you feel shortchanged as the set itself feels and look premium, with the burnt leaves/foil layers on the faceplate looking awesome. The shells are not light and feels durable as well. The cable, while not with interchangeable plugs, is really well-built without microphonics and never felt cheap. It is also quite to note that wearing these does not build up pressure in the ears when wearing, which adds to comfort points.




Sound and Comparisons
As usual, I will leave the graphs to the measurebators as my inputs are based off my good 'ol trusty listening sessions. The Performer 8 impressed right off the bat without the flaws and somewhat odd timbre of its lower predecessor. Details and resolution are apparent while delivering all these information in a dynamic and lively way but still maintaining its smooth character without the shrills and shoutiness. It does feel and sound like a proper $300+ mature set, unlike any at those below its price bracket (but does sound somewhat similar to the SA6 Ultra and Mk2 which are higher up). The bass is just right - fast, tight and punchy with just the satisfying quantity. The treble also feel well extended. I can listen to this set without fatigue for long periods without ever feeling bored enough to switch to something more lively. It is definitely not lacking in both ends of the spectrum and does trump my Blessing2 in almost all aspects. In comparison, the mids are somewhat represented in the same manner as the SA6 Ultra but the SA6 Ultra has even more detail compared to the P8 but priced higher as well. The SA6 Ultra does most of the things better than the Performer 8 but I do feel the bass of the P8 is cleaner and sounds more textured (probably due to the dd nature). The timbre also sounded improved and correct compared to the P5 while the mids have more body and composition compared to the Blessing2 (and even the Variations).



Conclusion
I believe the Performer 8 will have a hard time disappointing anybody who has yet to hear a set at the $300 level as it just has the qualities that make it a great choice entering this price bracket. Though you might find the SA6 brothers and the IE600 impress at a higher price, you'd be deeply satisfied at what the P8 has to offer. Good job and here's looking forward to what AFUL can do to its upcoming products, whether it's a budget set or a tribrid flagship. It seems they're in no pace to lack effort with their releases. The only reason I was not able to give a perfect score is what could have been - such as the modular cables and better tips selection and accessories. Those could've made it a perfect set at the $350 range.

Sidenotes:
Listened via the Sony ZX-707, Sony ZX-300, and Questyle M15 separately in 3.5mm SE configuration with JVC Spiral Dots+ eartips over the course of multiple genres across FLACs (16bit&24bit) and streaming (Tidal). This is not at all a hard set to drive. As of this writing, it is set to retail at SRP $369.

Introduction
It has been quite awhile since the SA6 Ultra was released and boy was it a ride. By the time reviews have poured in and praises have been thrown back-and-forth, the limited 300 quantity have sold out in about 72 hours. Everyone have been clamoring for one (including yours truly) and resell prices have been absurd. Yet, luckily a set has found its way from an unfulfilled order and it was a penultimate combination of relief and ecstacy, the Ultra lived up to the hype. Months have passed, it was no secret with all the criticisms as to why it was just a limited release and DUNU just wouldn't budge to make more, though there have been hints that they are taking the opinions and reviews into consideration for a future product. Alas, here we are now - the SA6 MK2 has been announced. Right out of the gate, it impressed me at first listen and I'm here to tell those who missed the Ultra - if you regret passing up on the predecessor then this second coming does not disappoint. Best of all, it's not going to be a limited edition anymore.

Thanks to @HiFiGo and @dunu for giving me the opportunity to experience the early batch as one of the Ultra buyers and for sharing our inputs and feedback. It was such a pleasure and it is much appreciated that they took into consideration our suggestions and recommendations - especially with the XL size S&S eartips. Read on.



Packaging
I'll make it short with the words on this - it comes in an orange-themed slide out box. Upon opening the inner black box, you are then welcomed by the luxurious fliptop case with blue leather lining and 2 separate boxes with the cable and accessories. I am putting below the link for a visual unboxing, please check my video here -

Build
The set itself looks well built, shiny, and very premium with a bit of transparency that gives a peek into its interior. The faceplate is a combination of wood and resin that gives it a more luxurious feel compared to its predecessors. It also features the same Hulk Pro Mini cable that was included in the Ultra sans the 2.5mm connector due to lack of demand for it and to cut down its cost, which is a welcome consideration from the Ultra's retail price. One of the main differences though is the size of the MK2 compared to the Ultra. It has been mentioned that the changes were more to the size of the faceplate to make it look more like a custom IEM and that the rest of the IEM retains the same scale and improved fit. For me, the MK2 fits me better than the Ultra with less fiddling as well though as we know fit is subjective and I will let you be the judge





Sound and Comparison to the Ultra
I will leave the graphs to the measurebators. Right off the bat, the MK2 for me is impressive and an improvement of the Ultra in all the right places. It is basically the Ultra with a punchier bass (which some find to be lacking prior at the '1' switch setting) and a more airy treble plus a bit of sparkle that is more engaging and livelier but never harsh or sibilant. None of the boost on both ends of the spectrum hinders the smooth mids response that seem to convey that holographic imaging and staging similar to flagship sets such as the Andromedas. The MK2 comes with top-tier kilobuck-level resolution, with details coming out even better, if not the same as the Ultra. This is good news to those who wanted the Ultra or the OG but did not pull the trigger as I really don't see any reason anymore to pick up the OG with these advancements. If you want to go crazy, you can turn the bass (or atmospheric as they call it) switch to 'ON' for even more bass quantity but I do not recommend it as it gives extra bass bloat and muddies the mids a bit, which is in contrast to the Ultra hence, the reason I'm keeping both sets just because they're still a bit different in this aspect.



Comparison with Variations
If you ever find yourself thinking of getting the Moondrop Variations at SRP, the extra cost of the MK2 is more than worth the price of admission to a top-tier set. With the mids alone, the SA6 MK2 trumps the Variations as well as with detail retrieval. At $500-$600 bracket, I don't find the reason to get the Variations over the SA6 MK2 as the performance margin difference is quite high. The SA6 MK2 already gives you a taste of top-tier performance of $700-kilobuck sets. With this, I'd only take the Variations as alternative if priced below the $500 mark.



Options
It may be my unanimous recommendation below the kilobuck level aside from the IE600 as my choice for v-shape. If ever as a step up, you may just consider going straight to the Thieaudio Monarch MKII if you fancy the neutral w/ bass boost signature as compared to the SA6 MK2 - which is neutral veering to slight v-shape/u-shape. The Monarch MKII has it beat in one word - timbre. The Monarch MKII just sounds more correct and is a vocal specialist. Otherwise, the SA6 MK2 as I've mentioned gives you a taste of the top-tier flagships overall or might just be endgame sound for some, if there is any in this hobby. The Monarch MKII also has a grander presentation with everything else despite the intimate vocals compared to the SA6 MK2, which is a smoother, detailed albeit less grainy listen but I can consider both as versatile with a lot of genres except for maybe hiphop and EDM for some. Worth noting that the SA6 MK2 is not vocal-forward as well with some genres, sometimes letting the bass energy or cymbal shimmers lead the music at times.

Conclusion
I'll just go ahead and say it - the SA6 MK2 is deserving of a blind-buy consideration. Its improvements over the OG SA6 as well as the Ultra is noteworthy of hard to beat value in anything below the kilobuck price range, not to mention negates any reason to get the OG other than the smaller form factor. I also can't find another set (yet) more detailed in its tier. It's hard to nitpick on something that I believe will not disappoint the majority aside from those looking for a more natural-sounding listen without overlooking it as an all-BA set. Good job DUNU on making a follow-up to an already great set!



Sidenotes:
Listened via the Sony ZX-707, Sony ZX-300, and Questyle M15 separately in both SE and BAL configurations with S&S eartips over the course of multiple genres across FLACs (16bit&24bit) and streaming (Tidal). I have to say since this is quite a sensitive and easy-to-drive set, I had instances that listening via SE sounded cleaner and less crowded, less grainy than via BAL though BAL usually produced more impact and energy/excitement in its presentations. But no hiss. Varying results are minimal but noticeable being the SA6 MK2 a tad source-dependent. As of this writing, it is set to retail at SRP $579.

Intro
This is the first time I encountered the brand CCZ (amongst the flock of alphabet brands in the market) which is situated in Shenzhen, China as with most ChiFi brands. Thanks to Keephifi for giving me the opportunity to experience their latest product which is aptly named the Warrior. Seems like a contender in its price bracket especially given its quad driver configuration at $32.



Packaging and Contents
As with every similar majority KBear, KZ, and CCA entry - it's within a similar white box formfactor without much fancy front layout design. In it is the IEMs themselves, 3 pairs of eartips (S, M attached, L), the cable and manual. Nothing else. No frills. I guess it's to keep costs down but a pouch would always be appreciated. In my case, I used my own L size eartips as they made quite a difference regarding the fit especially with large ears than the stock ones. The IEMs themselves feels light but somewhat solid and durable with the subtle silver accents to give it a distinguished look than just the usual faceplate+resin build though without the flashiness.



Sound
I used the following to test the Warrior with different genres of music:
AK SR25
Dragonfly Cobalt
iPad via direct 3.5mm

For a $32 quad driver hybrid set, the Warrior immediately impressed me with its lows and bass response. Very pleasing and the rumble feels nice without being overblown or exaggerated as with most V-shaped sets in this tier. Also, its tuning is very safe, being a tad warm and caters to most genres whether pop, acoustic, classical or R&B without the peaks and sharpness which is very welcome and a breath of fresh air compared to its competitors.


It does somehow sounds a bit too lean especially with female-vocal heavy tracks but overall none too offensive especially with the treble being smooth and just right. It also has difficulty in handling busy tracks at times, with its separation of instruments and resolving ability leaves some room for improvement but it is expected with 90% of the sets in this price bracket and you do have to go higher than the $80 if you want a major difference in resolution and naturalness.

In comparison to other 'fun' sets at the similar price, I do find it as a better alternative if you find the KZ x HBB DQ6S too bassy+colored and the KZ CRN too harsh and bright. The CCA CRA may have a better tuning overall than the other two but is still sibilant at times and does find itself very difficult in handling technical tracks such as Daft Punk and various rock/metal recordings. It's somewhat the great balance of strengths of these sets without the glaring weaknesses, all the while still maintaining just the right (albeit average) detail handling without muddying up the track.



Verdict
The Warrior does have a battle in its price-tier bracket but it somehow sets itself apart from the other contenders by being a safe, non-offensive versatile set in a battle royale of V-shaped lively sound products. Don't get it wrong and don't let its no-frills package fool you - despite the safe warm tuning, it does impress with its bass response and energy that goes along well with its smooth treble giving the final overall result. A worthy contender indeed!

Shout out to @SS-Audio and Bhavneet of Burson Audio for the experience and for the chance to review the Burson Audio Funk. It was such a pleasure and out of the gate - the Funk lives up to its brand's reputation with its use-case efficiency, premiumness and power. Read on for more details.



Introduction
For those not in the know, Australian-born Burson Audio has been around for quite some time already (around 12 years) providing us with quality hifi products and proprietary technology designed to set them apart from the competition. Their Max Current Power Supply (MCPS) and focus on discrete opamps are such cases that made them a signature and a household brand in the world of head fi. Now, they're back with a sequel to their predecessor amp (Fun) and combined it with their old near-field speaker amp (Bang) and gave birth of sorts to this compact desktop monitoring & near-field listening solution. Trust me when I say that the Funk is the only funky desktop amp you'll ever need.



Packaging
The Burson Funk comes in a brown cardboard box, then unboxing from it is a clean, sleek white box that houses the unit and its accessories. The basic package (which is the version I received) comes with the unit itself, a powerbrick supply, an RCA-RCA audio cable for your sources and a cable that plugs onto standard 2-prong round outlets. On a separate bag is a hex tool for opening the chassis, a headset w/ mic Y-split adapter and a very small fuse in case of future unit failure. I received the stock package which has the default 2 x NE5532 opamps installed separately as head amp and speaker sections but I did get a pair of V6 Classic dual opamps as upgrades.

For a visual unboxing, please check my video here -

Build
Similar to the current portfolio of Burson products, the Funk is housed in an aluminum casing that feels solid and durable which is designed to be a heatsink in itself. It houses a 3W class A head amp and 45W class, AB speaker amp. Opening the amp is easy wherein you unscrew the top 2screws on the front and rear each in order to unveil the insides. In itself, it definitely looks premium and is not that big enough to eat up some real estate on your desktop (just like the Playmate 2) giving yourself some room for your separate DAC. The front has the volume knob as well as which with light indicators for modes, output and gain levels as well as the 6.3mm ans 3.5mm outputs. On the rear, you have the power supply socket as well as the speaker binding posts and aux/RCA inputs. It is important to note however that upon turning it off, it will give a loud pop sound to your headphones so better to remove your headphones before turning off the unit.



Functionality and Sound Performance

The Funk in its stock configuration is transparent sounding in itself while scaling high with its 3W power, capable to drive almost all dynamic and planars single-ended. The class A power gives this set a very musical, smooth, heft, full-bodied sound but still with some obvious transients and graininess. Though it still leaves some room for improvement. Hence, the rolling of opamps with the change to a pair of V6 Classic dual opamps. The V6 Classic dual opamps makes it more musical, expands the soundstage width but also brings an intimate sound signature. Not exactly warm but never harsh or peaky nonetheless. It, also squeezes out some more details than the stock configuration. It does perform in between the stock NE5532's neutrality and the smoothness of the V6 Vivids. It did not had any problems making the HD800, AKG K812, AKG Q701, Hifiman XS, and Sennheiser HD650 sing without distortions. Though adding your DAC and preamp may alter the sound more according to your flavor.

With this information, the same goes for passive desktop bookshelf speakers. If you have tube preamp, then it will alter its signature to that preamp's sound. What's good about having a class AB and class A amp sections is that these are more natural sounding than their class D counterparts by not sounding digital, with that hint of analog flavor. The speaker amp section powers most passive bookshelf speakers, tested to drive the Q Acoustics 3020i and JBL Studio 620 to high volume levels without distorting but clipping does happen at 4 o' clock knob levels.



Conclusion
I'll just go ahead and say it - if you need an all-in-one desktop amp and not having a balanced output is not much of a dealbreaker, then go ahead and get a Burson Funk. You can play around with other elements in your equipment chain to cater your setup to different preferences. At the end of the day, the Funk will power whatever listening gear you might have on your desktop except the most demanding electrostats. Its solid, compact formfactor is a nice plus and is a really good product though it is admittedly not the most price-friendly of amps but it does justify what you pay for. No worries with powering most headphones despite lacking a balanced connection as there is no shortage of power here unless drving some electrostats. The V6 package aeems to be really a good bundle though the Playmate 2 V6 package seems more enticing because of the extra V6 single opamps and remote control for the same additional price. Hats off to Burson Audio for coming up with this 2-in-1 amp. Awesome job!

Short but Concise Review

First of all, kudos to KeepHiFi and shipping as it only took less than a week for me to receive my item here in the Philippines. This is not going to be long as this has been detailed below with more in-depth coverage.

All I can say is this is the DAC/amp dongle that you need as it has one function that other DAC dongles do not have: it works with mic input! Hence, you do not need to switch audio devices even when gaming or online calls/meetings as it works with gaming headsets/mics.



As for the sound, it has a very energetic, powerful albeit colored grand presentation with a wide soundstage. It goes louder than the Hidizs S9 Pro at single-ended. The '3 modes' is nice to have and is flexible with what you're using it with (music, movie, game). Separation and micro details could be handled with more finesse though but overall, this is a killer product at this price. Aside from the less-premium plastic build and proprietary magnetic attachment cables (which means if you lose the cables, you have to get it from ikko) , I have no qualms. Worth to note that for ios users, you do have to get a separate lightning configuration from ikko as well. In a nutshell, definitely a must-buy for your quick, budget sound upgrade and worth more than its price!

When you've been reading alot about a brand but lack the accessibility to a name such as Burson, it was quite a thrill especially to be part of this Philippine Playmate 2 tour. Kudos to @SS-Audio for trusting me to kick this off for the PH to experience their entry-level product. It does, though, not look the part of a budget model nor it is priced so but with how it performs, it does fill its role of giving that awesome Burson sound in a basic all-in-one compact desktop package.

Introduction
You might have heard of a company from down under, who's made a name for themselves by making these excellent sounding gear and quite unique for themselves, these known opamps. I have been hearing about Burson Audio for quite some time already but didn't had a chance of owning any of their products, yet I was able to listen to some of their predecessors though. Now, they're back with a sequel of sorts to their all-in-one compact desktop solution and what better way to start dipping my toes onto their lineup than to start off with the Playmate 2.

Packaging
The Burson Playmate 2 comes in a brown box, then inside is a more premium, sleek white box that houses the unit and its accessories. The basic package (which is the version I received) comes with the unit itself, a powerbrick supply and cable that plugs onto standard 2-prong outlets, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a hex tool for opening the chassis, a heaset w/ mic Y-adapter and a very small fuse. You also get the default 2 x NE5532, 2 x NE5534 Opamps installed but alas, no remote control and V6 Vivid opamps included with the basic package.





Build
The Playmate 2 is housed in a somewhat aluminum casing that feels solid and is designed to be a heatsink in itself. Despite being a class A amp, it only runs a bit warm even during long operating times. It also is similar to older Lake People amps wherein you unscrew the top 2screws on each side to unveil the insides. In itself, it definitely looks premium and is not that big enough to eat up some real estate on your desktop. The front LED display indicates the volume level and navigation via the knob, while pushing onto the knob affirms the selection. Other than that, it only has the power button and menu button for accessibility which is easy to use. It is quite to note however that upon turning it on, it will immediately give a blip/ping/tick sound to your headphones (indicating a voltage pass I think) so I think this is not that harmful but I do recommend plugging your headphones AFTER turning the unit on.



Functionality and Sound
The Playmate 2 has a USB-C input as its main with an Optical port as well. It has a pair of RCA preouts at the back foe connecting as preamp for active speakers and other systems as well. It does not, however, have coax input for users of this but no biggie. At the front though is a very underrated, but very useful output of 3.5mm headset+mic so that you can plug in your gaming headset with boom mic without the need for passing the device directlt to your PC. Very useful for that amped up gaming experience and streaming/recording without the needing to switch to another USB interface. It does however, miss having a line-in or direct amplifier functionality so you're stuck to having to use its onboard internal ESS9038Q2M Sabre DAC. Though again, I have to say this is another great rendition of the Sabre implementation (along with Khadas Tone2 Pro) wherein there is no harshness, thin-sounding, dryness sound to it. Its synergy with its 3W Class A powerful amp section gives this set a very musical, smooth, heft, full-bodied sound. Not exactly warm but never harsh or peaky nonetheless. It is to note that it is very capable with most cans especially those below 150 ohms. With 300 ohms sets, such as the HD800, for example, you may have to turn the volume a bit more but no trouble handling the requirement and in fact, matches really well with my Sennheiser HD800 and AKG K812.

So much in fact, it gave these sets a really good musical presentation with a wide soundstage. If you find the peaks of these sets hurting at times, the Playmate 2 actually smoothens these out to a non-fatiguing listening session. Plugging in sets like the HD650/HD6xx, however, will draw out its veil much more so I do not recommend these to pair with warm to dark sounding cans. It is to note as well that the Playmate 2 may provide a wide soundstage but at the cost of some detail. I have noticed (may not be obvious for some) that there was the reverse feeling that there were sounds and details to tracks that I've heard back then but not as much pronounced this time while listening to this set. It is not the subtlest and not the most graceful in handling the busiest of tracks especially with rock as well as not the most grand sounding with opera and classical pieces such as Hans Zimmer Live in Prague. But if you would like to listen to your HD800 or K812 fatigue-free with the majority of genres while still maintaining its core technicalities then this just works. Testing its details with Yosi Horikawa's Fluid and Bubbles.



Listening to Paper Trails by Darkside, it also provides neutral, quick-hitting bass but not much decay and treble extension for those looking for some airyness. In comparison, the Khadas Tone2 Pro + Zen Can combo with the same DAC chip gives out more details and air along with some of the same smooth non-fatiguing ESS implementation without losing the dynamics and excitement. The Mojo, on the other hand, is warmer yet more natural sounding in comparison but at the cost of soundstaging, which the Playmate 2 trumps it over. For those looking to integrate this with their mobile via UAPP app and Tidal, it is to note sometimes the connection is quite iffy with my Huawei Mate 20 and since without MQA support, the android device is sometimes confused using the USB DAC device or onboard MQA decoding. If MQA is not your thing then this wouldn't matter as the Playmate 2 gave my long fatigue-free listening sessions enthusiasm and bliss.

Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Burson Playmate 2 houses that signature Burson sound in a compact formfactor and is a really good product though not the most price-friendly with its connection options and functionality. No worries with powering most headphones despite lacking a balanced connection as there is no shortage of power here unless drving some electrostats. No MQA may drive some scratching their heads and an integrated bluetooth option would've made this a no-brainer at its price. The V6 package most probably is the better sounding option but at a cost of a couple hundred bucks more. This, however, is a DAC/Amp/Preamp that feels and sound premium which will give your neutral-bright sounding cans an appetizing treat of that Burson sound. Well done!

EDIT: Recently was able to try these out with the V6 Vivid dual opamps on the I/V stage (farther sides) and I have to say, these are the way it's meant to be configured.


Replacing the opamps was straightforward enough, just keep in mind of the correct orientation (the notch is the indicator). The V6 Vivids took the graininess away and made the overall sound cleaner at the same time musical, giving that class A amp some smoothness. Imaging was more pinpoint/accurate and squeezed out a bit more details, doing justice now with that power. Spending a bit more for the opamps actually is worth it if you find the previously mentioned flaws of the Playmate 2 critical to the unit's performance. No more upper mid peaks and actually made it more engaging. This is how it's meant to be heard than just the stock setup and a worthy upgrade. If ever you feel the Playmate 2 is still lacking your expectations, the opamps takes it to another tier of performance.

I'm quite a fan of all-in-one DACs and upon receiving the Khadas Tone2 Pro, it was nothing short of exciting. You can get the Khadas Tone2 Pro from Hifigo. I was intrigued by how they were able to pack an ESS DAC, coax, opamps, single + balanced outputs onto this sleek formfactor that is just a bit taller and thicker than a credit card. Alas, let's get onto the review and how this small, little DAC is about all you would need to have with you as a desktop stack alternative.

Introduction
Khadas is a brand owned by a Shenzhen-based company called Wesion Tech Co. They are makers of open source, OEM/ODM solutions such as single board computers and admittedly, I did not know much about them from even then but they were able to make a name for themselves in the audio industry with the Tone Board, which has garnered quite a number of positive feedback. Now, they're back with a sequel with lots of improvements of course, specifically now being a standalone usable product instead of just an integratable circuit board.

Packaging
The Khadas Tone2 Pro comes in a similarly sleek white box with the Tone2 Pro itself placed nicely but just with the manuals, warranty card and a single USB-C to C cable as its lone accessory. Would have wanted a bit more but I guess any additions would shoot up its cost a bit more to the north considering this is a $199 all-in-one DAC. An adapter or a case/pouch though wouldn't hurt but alas, you only get what is listed.



Build
The Tone2 Pro feels solid and is just about almost the size of a credit card, just a tad taller and thicker but is still not as thick as a pack of cards or cigarettes. Aside from the silicon pad underneath (which is for stability or non-slip purposes), its matte aluminum body does not ever look cheap with mine coming in red for that Iron Man feel but not as glossy. Aside from the plastic backing that houses the ports and the knob, which is the only means of control you have on this product, everything seem stylish and feels good.



Functionality and Sound
The Tone2 Pro has a USB-C input as its main with an I2S USB-C port as well for expandability options such as a Bluetooth adapter or a separate linear supply (which I would recommend). It also has spdif coax input, which I feel should be a requirement for DACs even nowadays to avoid being branded as just a USB DAC for versatility's sake, though it does miss having an optical port but I would not complain for this form factor. It has RCA preouts of course but what stands out is that these RCA analog outputs does have balanced capability. I was not able to use it as I do not have the balanced RCA interconnects but am quite intrigued with how it would work once these are widely available to connect with balanced amps. It also has single-ended 3.5mm headphone out as well as a balanced 4.4mm output. It definitely is a welcome function being a all-in-one but to note, do not expect the 3.5mm HP output to drive high impedance headphones. Despite its opamps, it had trouble driving my Sennheiser HD6xx and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, unable to separate busy elements with lots of noise, distortion and lacking loudness even on high gain. I would not expect much from its amp stage for a device this small, at least it does have it. It is very capable though with IEMs (without hiss) and 32 ohms headphones such as the Sennheiser Momentums and V-Modas so no complaints there.

Plugging in to either my mobile and PC was hassle-free. Automatically got detected by USB Audio Player Pro via my mobile phone (Huawei Mate 20) while it automatically installed a driver via Windows though you can manually install with directions in the manual where to download for your PC. However, it did not work connecting to my AK SR15 player via USB output, seems due to power reliance or incompatibility as the RGB ring light just continued to flash without recognition. That aside afterwards, everything was up and running via my mobile. The default control for the knob was the volume of the HP outputs with red going to cyan/teal levels on its LED indicator. Though it has to be noted that controlling and cycling through its different functions take some time getting used-to but once you get the hang of it, it's actually pretty simple. Pushing down twice on the top side of the knob (not surface) cycles through the different sections such as the track, gain, inputs, and filters while turning the knob adjusts the levels. Admittedly though, I can imagine users will find difficulty in using this control method.

Onto the sound impressions, I have to say this is one of the better ESS Sabre implementations out there. Out of both the ifi Zen Can and Schiit Magni 3, the Tone2's ES9038Q2M gives a smooth, very airy, presentation. Non-fatiguing and musical even out of the Senn HD800 and no harshness out of the AKG Q701. Layers do stand out with above average details and staging. In comparison, the Topping D50 with its dual ESS Sabre implementation gives out more details though at a more analytical and dry sounding way with less emotion, reason why the D50 is good to pair with a tad warm-sounding or thick bodied sounding amp. The Mojo, on the other hand, gives out the same hint of warmth and smoothness. It's basically the sound combination of the strengths of both the Tone2Pro and the D50 but with an average soundstage as its small weakness though definitely the details, clarity and intimacy is more apparent with the Mojo but of course 3x the price as well. What sets this apart is ithe Tone2's MQA certified capable, which can't be said of the previous two DACs if it matters.

All in all, the Khadas Tone2 Pro is a darn awesome all-in-one product in a compact sexy formfactor at $199. The controls may take some time getting used to and the single-ended HP output may not drive high impedance headphones well enough but through and through, this is a remarkable solid DAC package hindered only by its knob scheme. How else can you have a can-do-it-all desktop setup that fits the palm of your hand at $199? Good job Khadas!