Intro and disclaimer

I met Ryan from Mod House a few years ago at my first Schiit Audio meet back in 2018. Ryan is passionate about what he does, and it shows in the gear that he makes. I had a pair of T50RP Argons a few years ago that I liked a lot but regretfully sold when I moved more towards IEMs. I picked up a T60RP Argon that I enjoyed even more and still have to this day. They are my daily drivers at my desk.

Right before the spring 2023 Schiit meet that I hosted, Ryan from Mod House sent me a few photos of his prototype headphone. At the time, they didn’t even have a name. I vividly remember being blown away by how good they looked. They looked like a very polished product. I was really looking forward to trying them out. A few days later, I saw Ryan at the meet and got to see and hear the prototype in person. I was even more impressed.

The first time I listened to the prototype, I was stunned by how good they sounded. I’ve tried a bunch of low volume hobby headphone creations that sounded ok, but these were special. The sound signature was extremely polished. Two minor gripes at the time were that they took a small nuclear reactor to power and the treble was a touch spicy at times. Other than that, they were very well built and comfortable. They were a work in progress. I was really looking forward to seeing how the project came along.

A few weeks ago, the final production version arrived at my door for review. They have exceeded all of my expectations. Let’s get into it… The SS version was purchased by me and the DS version is on loan from Mod House in exchange for my honest feedback. My opinions are my own.

The Tungsten can be purchased directly from Mod House audio here. (unaffiliated link)

Gear Used

Mod House Audio Tungsten SS (single sided magnet)

Mod House Audio Tungsten DS (double sided magnet)

Mod House Audio T60RP Argon

Schiit Asgard 2

Schiit Jotunheim 2

Schiit Modius (ESS Chip)

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire (no filters)

Fiio Q7

Ifi iDSD Micro Black Label

Violectric V550

Headamp GS-X Mini

Burson Soloist 3X GT



Accessories

The Tungsten comes in a sturdy Pelican style case. It’s compact and high quality. It also comes with a 4-pin XLR Viking Weave cable, cable bag, nice laser engraved metal information card and a sticker.



Build

The build on the Tungsten is fantastic in my opinion. All the materials feel high quality. There are no squeaks or rattles. They have a nice industrial look. The headphones use dual 3.5mm termination. The jacks feel very high quality. There are a few 3D printed parts, but they are of high quality and almost look like powder coated metal.




Comfort

These are not exactly light headphones, but the clamp force, pads and headband make for a comfortable headphone that I can wear for hours with no discomfort. I have zero issues or complaints about the comfort.

Stocks Pads

The Single Sided (SS) comes stock with the Caldera hybrid pads and the double-sided (DS) comes stock with the Caldera ultra-perforated pads. For this review, I will keep them in stock form. At the end of the review, I will do some pad rolling.


Caldera ultra-perforated pads


Caldera hybrid pads

Cable

Both versions of the Tungsten come with a cable by Viking Weave Cables. In my opinion, it’s one of the nicest stock cables I have seen on a headphone regardless of price. It’s thick and has a nice premium feel to it. The cable terminations feel solid. You can get it in either version of the Tungsten with either the 4.4mm termination or 4-Pin XLR.

Customization Options

There are a ton of ways to make your Tungsten your own. You can pick between different color grills. The stock color is Tungsten but you can pick from a list of custom colors. The SS version I have came with the stock Tungsten color and the DS version came with the Smoked Bronze. Both look great in my option. The pictures don’t do it justice. There is a metallic flake look to it when you see it in the sunlight.

You can also customize the cups, yokes, rod blocks and headband with the same list of colors. There is an additional cost for the customization. $100 for the grills and $150 for the chassis.

Sound

Overall sound signature

There isn’t a huge difference between the two. In summary, the SS is warmer and the DS is more of a neutral audiophile tuning.

Single Sided (SS):

Overall, the Tungsten SS has a very mild V-shaped sound. The signature of these headphones is extremely polished. The treble was never harsh to my ears. The bass is well controlled and never boomy. The mids are natural. Bass is not lacking in quantity and has a little more mid bass energy than the DS.

The Tungsten SS is so easy to listen to. They seem to shine with every genre I threw at it and was not picky when it came to recording quality. Well recorded tracks really shined but at the same time it was really forgiving when it came to YouTube videos or poorly recorded rock. Not all high-end headphones can do this.

Double Sided (DS):

The DS Tungsten is a little flatter in terms of signature. The DS also has slightly less bass but more controlled and reaches a bit lower when compared to the SS. It’s overall sound is colder than the SS.

Imaging

The DS and SS both have good imaging but the DS is slighter better. While listening to Yoshi Horikawa’s Bubbles, I had a better sense of the precise location of each sound. The SS while not bad by any stretch, it just was not as precise as the DS. Again, the difference is there but not huge.

Stage:

Both the DS and SS have good staging. The stage width on both is about the same but the DS is a touch deeper.

Comparisons

I started to compare the Argon T60RP and EL8 to the SS and DS but they are in totally different leagues and the comparison isn’t fair. Back-to-back, it’s hard to listen to the EL-8 and Argon after coming from the Tungsten. I like both headphones a lot, but the comparison doesn’t make sense. The Tungsten is better in every aspect.

I’m going to pick a winner for each track based on my preferences. The general theme is that the DS is better for classical or other tracks where stringed instruments are the focus including guitar. The SS is better for electronic and EDM types of genres.

Afterglow – Emancipator

Tungsten SS - Nice low-end rumble and not overpowering. SS is the winner for this track.

Tungsten DS - Less energy in the low end but more control. A bit less shimmer in the treble

Lindsey Stirling - Elements (Orchestral Version)

Tungsten SS - Violin feels a bit distant in comparison to the DS. The slight dip in the upper mids takes a bit away from the focus of this track. Again, minor. The sound is still nice and open with great staging and imaging to make the track feel open and enjoyable.

Tungsten DS - Violin is slightly more forward. Less treble so the chime that goes from left to right a few times on the track is a lot less noticeable. Overall, the DS wins for this track.

Grateful Dead - Touch of Gray

Tungsten SS – Treble is a touch spicy on the track at higher listening levels but give nice impact to the cymbals at more comfortable levels. Nice punch on the kick drum.

Tungsten DS - Vocals are slightly more forward, and the sound is flatter. Not as much punch on the kick drum but it’s tighter. DS is the winner for this track but not by much. The recording of this track may play into the results.

Angus and Julia Stone - Yellow Brick Road

Tungsten SS - Clear winner for me with this track unless you are very sensitive to treble. The guitar strings have a more metallic sound to them. Vocals are great due to them being a little more forward in the recording.

Tungsten DS – Much flatter and even sounding. In this track, the guitar does not have the same authority and does not have that outstanding metallic sound that the SS has.

Alison Krause - It Doesn’t Matter

Tungsten SS - The added treble like in the last track give better attack on the guitar notes.

Tungsten DS - Bass reaches low and is super high quality. There is a touch of sibilance in her voice that the SS doesn’t have however, this slight sibilance seems to be limited to this track. I didn’t notice it on any other track I tried.

Eric Clapton - Old Love Unplugged

Tungsten SS - Winner for this track by a slight margin. I feel like I’m getting more detail with the hi-hat and cymbals due to the more energetic treble.

Tungsten DS - Nice and open sounded. Staging for this track is a bit better on the DS but it’s not night and day.

Caroline No – Still Waters Run Deep

Tungsten SS - Nice even sound and a bit fuller sounding when compared to the DS.

Tungsten DS - The bass is tighter and more impactful on this track. The vocals are better on the DS. More forward and rich. The DS is the winner for this track.

Other Comparisons (SS Only)

I tried the SS against a few other headphones as the opportunity presented itself. This was done before I had the DS so my comparison is limited to the Single Sided Tungsten. Here are a few thoughts on a brief comparison.

ZMF Caldera

The Caldera is much easier to drive. I was averaging around 10 o’clock on the Schiit Jotunheim with the Caldera and about 2 o’clock with the Tungsten. There is more treble energy with the Caldera with a bit more of a metallic sheen. Mids are slightly more forward on the Caldera which translated to more vocal presence. Bass performance is close however the Caldera has a bit more subbass rumble.

ZMF Atrium

The Tungsten has a bit less bass and a slightly narrower stage. There is a little more punch on the Atrium but the Tungsten makes up for it with a little more subbass and more control. There’s less treble as well on the Atrium.

DCA Noire (no filters)

This is a bit tough due to the Noire having a bunch of tuning options. I just decided to use no filters as a baseline for the comparison. There is more subbass and treble energy with the Noire. The Noire presents a ton of detail. The downside is that it’s a bit fatiguing compared to the more mellow Tungsten. The Noire, to my ears is a deep W signature while the Tungsten is a bit flatter with a mild V signature. On one track, the high level of treble made one of my test tracks a little harsh. The Tungsten was much more mellow and easy to listen to.

Pad Rolling

I’ll start off by saying that pads swapping on the Tungsten is easy. They are held on by magnets and the screws keep the pad aligned. Very clever system.

Also, the stock pad choices made by Mod House make sense. In my opinion, they sound better with their stock pads. That said, I would recommend getting both pads when you order due to you being able to tweak the sound a bit for your music choices and listening preferences.

Tungsten Double sided: Hybrid versus perforated pads

With the hybrid pads, you lose a little control in the bass but in exchange you get more punch with more mid bass. Neither pad sounds bad with the DS. Staging is also a bit deeper with the perforated pads. Lindsey Stirling Elements was more open sounding with the perforated pads. The difference is not huge. I had to go back and forth several times before I could hear it consistently.

Bottom line is that the bass has a different quality on the hybrid versus perforated. The other differences are more subtle.

Tungsten Single Sided: Hybrid versus Perforated.

Here the difference is far more noticeable. There is less bass but it’s a bit tighter. It’s also brighter. If you are treble sensitive, the perforated pads on the SS might be a bit too bright. I prefer the SS with the Hybrid bad. With the perforated pads, it loses its smooth and fun nature.


Amping

Ok, let’s address the elephant in the room. These headphones need power to live up to their potential. Not only do they need power, but they also need the right kind of power. I tried the SS with multiple sources both portable and not and they only worked on desktop sources that I tried. The Schiit Jotunheim powers them very well and is a great paring. The Asgard 2 does not have enough power to get them to reasonable listening levels.

I also tried the Tungsten with the Fiio Q7 and iFi iDSD Black Label. While I was able to get to good listening volumes, they were nowhere near driven to their potential. The Black Label would also get to reasonable volume but would distort with bigger bass hits. Both sources are normally very good but asking them to power the Tungsten isn’t reasonable. Even the Headamp GSX Mini struggled.

The best pairing BY FAR was the Violectric V550 Pro. For me, this combination was my desktop endgame. Stunning sound. Very even with very good layering and depth. The Tungsten sound awesome on the Jotunheim but the Violectric took it to the next step. The difference was not subtle. You do need to keep in mind that the V550 is nearly 10 times the cost of the Jot 2.

I also tried the Tungsten with the Burson Soloist 3X GT. There is plenty of headroom with the Burson. When compared to the Jotunheim 2, The Burson had a bit better layering and a bit more energy in the treble. Very good pairing.




Conclusion

What Ryan has accomplished with the Tungsten is truly amazing. The Tungsten is the standard in my opinion in the sub-$3k opened back headphone arena. It’s even more impressive that this is the first Headphone that Mod House has built from the ground up.

I knew the second I heard that prototype that I would probably buy a pair when they were released. I don’t have open back headphones due to the way I listen, but they are so good that I had to make an exception. I purchased the single sided version for myself and will be enjoying for years to come. This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy the DS. It’s just that for my listening preferences, the SS is fits my preferences a bit better. Thanks to Ryan and the rest of the folks that helped make this truly exceptional headphone possible.

I hope you found this review helpful!

Into and disclaimer

This is the first Cayin product that I’ve ever tried. I was lucky enough to be selected for the official Cayin N7 review tour. The N7 was sent to me for two weeks in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own. Thanks to Andykong and Cayin for setting up this tour.



Gear Used
Cayin N7

Chord Mojo 2 (no eq or crossfade)

Shanling M3 Pro

Fir Audio Neon (Custom)

Dan Clark Audio Noire

Audeze EL-8 Closed

ZMF Verite Open



Packaging

The packaging for the N7 is simple but still gives a nice presentation. You don’t feel like you’re missing our or that you spent money on something that doesn’t add value to your experience, just end up in a landfill our clutter up your closet. I prefer to have simpler packing to keep waste and cost down. No issues here.



Build

The build on the N7 is outstanding. It has a solid feel to it and the rounded sides give a really nice feeling in the hand. The volume wheel has a little tactile feedback to it and is super smooth. All the buttons have an identical feel to them in terms of pressure and feedback. The ports all have a nice solid feel to them with no play at all. The screen has nice color saturation and good brightness for outdoor use.

The N7 also runs warm especially in Class A mode.


Accessories

You get extra screen protectors, leather case a high-quality USB C to C cable as well as two adapters. One 2.5 to 4.4 and one 2.5 to 3.5. I am not sure why the 2.5 to 3.5 adapter is included because you might as well take advantage of the balanced circuit with the 2.5 to 4.4 adapter. The case has a premium feel to it and fits the device very well.

OS/UI

During my 30+ hours of use I ZERO issues with the OS. Very well done. As soon as I connected to the Wi-Fi, there was a popup notification that there was an update available. The update was quick and smooth. The screen is very responsive, there is very little lag. My 6000+ tracks of music on my 1TB SD card scanned quickly and accurately. The information at the top of the screen displays a lot of information at a glance. I can see gain settings, output settings, if I’m in Class A or AB, volume level, but rate, battery info, Wi-Fi info and the time. Clean yet informative.

I have a few minor quibbles about the button layout and design. The volume knob at the top of the device makes it difficult to use the N7 one handed. I really like the volume knob on iBasso and Shanling daps. It is easy to use the device one handed. Not a huge gripe but more of an observation. Also, with the case on, it’s hard to select the right button on feel alone. Even after extended use, I was still not able to reliably select the right button for play, pause and next track. On the Shanling, the buttons are not covered by the case and have different shapes. It is easy to select the desired button even without looking.

Overall signature

I tried the N7 with multiple headphones and IEMs and the overall impression is that the N7 is neutral with a touch of extra treble. I prefer to like a little more treble energy and found it added to my enjoyment with several headphones that I paired with the Cayin.

Comparisons


Cayin N7 Versus Shanling M3 Ultra

The overall signatures are shockingly close. The biggest difference that I noticed was the N7 having a bit more energy in the bass with the Noire. The sound is more layered and engaging with the Cayin. Specs wise, the N7 doesn’t have a ton of power but I had no issues powering the Noire which do tend to benefit from more power. With the Verite they were also very close. I did go back and forth between the single ended output of both devices. Here the difference was much clearer. The M3 was missing all those subtle nuances in the music. The vocals were more forward and more organic. The differences are still there on the balanced output but the gap shrinks. The M3 is a very good DAP but the extra money brings a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience.


Cayin N7 Versus Chord Mojo 2 (no eq or crossfade)

The N7 has a touch more treble energy giving the perception of more details. The stage on the Cayin is a touch narrower and more in your head. These two are close. After trying a few more tracks, I started to feel more layers and depth to the sound versus the Mojo 2. I enjoy the sound of the Mojo and then the N7 takes it to the next level. Again, these are very close and I think that’s a good thing to get a Mojo 2 like sound in a single device with a screen and streaming ability.



Conclusion

The N7 is not cheap. There are a lot of great options out there for less money. That said, I think it’s worth the extra funds. In my experience, a lot of gear can sound very similar but the real difference is in the layering and depth of the sound especially in the mid-range. Simply stated, I enjoy the music more with some higher end gear including the N7. The sound is more engaging, and you get more drawn into it. I hope that makes sense. I think this conclusion is a bit of a departure from other review conclusions I’ve done. I mention it here because it was a revelation that I had doing this review. I found myself a/b one track after another and finding myself finishing the entire track with the N7 just because I got so into the music. At the end of the day, that's what this hobby is about. Enjoy!

Intro and Disclaimer

I have been a Sennheiser fan since I was a kid. I still remember jamming out to Collective Soul (on MiniDisk!) with my HD555.

A few months ago, I did a review of the Sennheiser IE600. At the time, I felt like it set the bar its price point. I still feel like that is the case. I have not heard anything since that has provided the level of sound. Clarity, comfort, plentiful yet controlled bass, great accessories, and stellar build all make it an amazing buy. When the opportunity came to try the IE200, I jumped at the opportunity.

Sennheiser gave me the IE200 in exchange for my honest review. At no point did Sennheiser influence my decision. My thoughts are my own.

Gear Used

Chord Mojo 2 (No Eq)
Sennheiser IE200 Stock Med Silicone Tips
Sennheiser IE600 Stock Med Silicone Tips
Westone W20
Brainwavz B400

Packaging/Unboxing

The packing for the IE200 is sparse in comparison to the IE600. Considering the price difference, this is to be expected. You get a similar looking exterior box to the IE600 just a bit smaller. There are no complaints from me. I do not care too much about packaging, especially at this price point. I would rather have the funds go into a lower price or into the product itself.



Accessories

The IE200 comes with three foam tips, three silicone tips, carrying pouch, the IE200 and cable.

Unlike the IE600, the IE200 only comes with one cable (3.5mm). It’s different from the newer Sennheiser IEMs. It is a thin braded cable. It has a nice feel to it and is resistant to tangles.

The tips are the same as the IE600. I was getting a good fit with the medium stock tips so I decided to not tip roll. The stock tips are part of the tuning of the IEM. Inside the bore, there is a little bit of foam. I didn’t notice this when I did my IE600 review. I bought the IE600 with my own funds after sending the review sample back and did notice the sounded took another step up with the stock tips.

Sennheiser is working on a balanced cable to work with the IE200. It's expected sometime in the spring of 2023.



Build

At this price point, I have zero complaints about the build. They are made from plastic compared to the metal on the I600. That said, the plastic feels extremely high quality.

Also, there is a tuning system built into the IEM where there are two positions for the tip. I will go into more detail later, but you can tweak the sound to your preferences. A small port is exposed when you have the tips pulled out a bit. It does alter the sound.



Fit

I have the best luck with IEMs that fit within the concha and are held in the ear by the anti-helix. The IE200 does it perfectly. It keeps the tip firmly in the ear. I can wear these for hours with no discomfort.

Overall sound signature

All the following impressions are with the tips fully covering the nozzle. I’ll write up the alternative position later in the review.

Bottom line, the tuning of the IE200 is fantastic. It seems to play well with every genre I threw at it. There was never any sibilance or other harshness even at higher volumes.

I forget where I saw this, but I remember seeing an article where Sennheiser/Axel Grell started talking about multiple driver headphones and their limitations. He felt that a single driver is the best way to reproduce sound. As far as I know, Sennheiser has never produced a multiple driver IEM. I didn’t think much of it at the time but the more I time I spend with the IE200 and IE600 the more I’m starting to agree. I have many high-end multiple driver custom headphones. Don’t get me wrong, they sound fantastic for various reasons, but I do hear what Axel was saying. I feel like there are no gaps in the sound. Multiple driver IEMs can’t seem to touch the level of coherency of a single driver. The transition from the lows to mids to highs is seamless. It also sounds a lot more natural to my years. Just my two cents.



Bass

For my preferences, the bass was just right for basically every track I threw at it. Never boomy or overpowering the mids. The control is amazing. These are very well tuned IEMs. It also reaches very deep. When needed, there is plenty of kick but never bloated which you don’t always see at this price point. I have a few test tracks that are overly warmly recorded and the bass overwhelms the rest of the track but they were cleaned up with the IE200.

Mids

Both male and female vocals sounded clear and neither too forward nor recessed. To my ears, everything sounded natural.

Treble

I tend to like a little more treble. It gives stringed instruments a little more attack and cymbals a little more metallic sound. I think the tuning plays it a little safe on the treble. That said, that makes them very easy to listen to. It’s a tradeoff. I never felt like it was seriously lacking but it does deliver a little less detail when compared to the IE600 which does have a bit more energy in the upper registers.

Stage and Imaging

As I mentioned in my IE600 review, I’m not great at explain stage. The IE200 never felt overly wide but it also never felt like all the sound was in my head. I would say average stage for an IEM. Instrument placement was very precise. It might be a bit flatter than then IE600. The best way I can describe it is that the IE600 has a more elliptical stage where the IE200 is a bit flatter. Imaging was good and nothing ever felt out of place with my usual test tracks.



Comparisons

Each comparison is done against the IE200. Please keep in mind that the IE600 is FOUR times the cost of the IE200, the Weston W20 was almost double at its release. The B400 was added into the mix because it was around the same price as the IE200 but came out a long time ago and has since been discontinued. In its day, I really enjoyed the B400 sound.

Afterglow – Emancipator
IE200 – Nice sub-bass rumble at the start of the track. Reaches nice and low. Very controlled. Cymbals are a bit recessed but still present. Never harsh and easy to listen to.
IE600 – Slightly taller stage. Same bass characteristics but a bit more quantity. A lot more presence in the treble. There is more depth and clarity to the sound. Great track for this IEM.
Westone W20 – Less rumble in the sub bass and a bit thinner overall. Staging is a bit more narrow but sightly taller.
Brainwavz B400 – More bass energy that the W20 but less than the IE200. These have aged well. Narrower but taller stage.

Lindsey Stirling - Elements (Orchestral Version)
IE200 – Very pleasant sound. Sound feels spacious. Good clarity.
IE600 – Stage feels more open and taller. There is better sense of clarity due to the higher level of treble energy. The violin is a little more lively. It basically takes all the aspects of the ie200 and raises the bar a bit.
Westone W20 – The piano sounds a bit strange. Again, bass reaches deep but lacking the quantity of the IE200. More congested then the IE200
Brainwavz B400 – The narrower staging is much more evident on the track. Less energy in the bass but these still sound great and have aged well.

Grateful Dead - Touch of Gray
IE200 – Neutral and even sound. Kick drum is nice and tight. Vocals are not forward or recessed.
IE600 – Again, it takes all the strengths of the IE200 and brings them to the next level. The stage feels a bit narrower but taller. The sound is a little more “in my head” versus the IE200. Not a good thing or a bad thing. Again, there is more bass and treble energy with vocals being similar.
Westone W20 – A lot less authority in the bass. Sounds a bit flat.
Brainwavz B400 – They make the IE200 sound a bit more V shaped. Kick drum does not have the same authority.

Angus and Julia Stone - Yellow Brick Road
IE200 – I’m really liking this track on the 200. It really shines. Instrument placements are precise. Vocals are a bit forward in this track and it comes through with these IEMs. Very natural. Nothing about the track is harsh even at higher listening levels.
IE600 – Bass becomes a but boomy and again the stage feels a but more in my head. Still a very pleasant listen but I like the IE200 a bit better for this track. The flatter signature of the IE200 plays a bit better with the way this track is recorded. It’s not bad by any long stretch.
Westone W20 – Vocals are much more forward and in my head sounding. They aren’t brighter but they still lack the relative clarity of the IE200. I like this track with these. Not as much as the IE200 but it’s still good. It plays to the W20’s strengths.
Brainwavz B400 – Bass bleeds a bit into the mids here with the B400. Vocals are again a touch more forward and intimate.

Alison Krause - It Doesn’t Matter
IE200 – Very even sound. Nice rumble on the low end. Vocals are so clear and natural. This track also shines with these.
IE600 – First off, I notice more clarity and a slightly narrower stage when compared to the IE200. I feel like her voice is bit less forward. There is sharper attack in the guitar plucks. There is a touch of sibilance in the vocals but nothing offensive.
Westone W20 – Less bass. Vocals are again a little more in my head versus the IE200.
BrainwavzB400 – Similar trend here. I still really like these IEMs.

Eric Clapton - Old Love Unplugged
IE200 – The trend continues with another easy to listen to track. Nice even sound.
IE600 – I remember loving this track when I did my original IE600 review. The added weight in the bass and extra energy in the treble play well with this track. The stage is bit better. You get a more “live music” feeling to the track. Seriously enjoyable.
Westone W20 – Similar difference here. The sound is just lively and flatter overall.
BrainwavzB400 – Narrower stage gives a little less live feeling to the sound.

Dual Tune

This feature allows you to position the tips at two different settings on the nozzle. When you place the tips on the outer setting, a small port is exposed. I tried this feature on multiple tracks and it does work. Generally, on the outer setting the stage widened, the treble became more extended, and bass was reduced. It’s not a gimmick. It really lets you tailor the sound to what your preferences are in general or for the specific music you are listening to. EDM, us it with the warmer signature. Classical, go with the wider signature. I will be using this feature with these. You may also want to keep in mind that using this feature with aftermarket tips may be an issue. The stock tips have the detents in them to keep them in place.

Conclusion

To my ears, the IE600 is an amazing IEM. The IE200 takes a bit of the same magic to a lower price point. It is an insane value at its current MSRP of $149. I have a ton of high-end customs that are getting less use than my IE200. If you need a cheaper IEM to take on the go or you’re on a limited budget, I can’t think of a better IEM. It does so much so well and plays well with every type of music I threw at it.

Intro and disclaimer

When I saw the Final Audio A5000 review come up, I was pretty eager to sign up. I’ve never heard any Final Audio headphones or IEMs. After my IE600 review, I started to really get curious about single driver IEMs.

Thanks to Audio46 for setting up this tour. I was loaned the A5000 in exchange for my honest option. At no point did they influence my decision. My thoughts are my own. They can be purchased here.

Gear Used

Chord Mojo 2 (No Eq)

Sennheiser IE200 Stock Med Silicone Tips

Sennheiser IE600 Stock Med Silicone Tips

Final Audio D5000 Final Audio (included) Medium Tips

Packaging/Unboxing

The packaging is basic but high quality. You open the box and there is foam holding the tips and IEM case in place. I’m not big on packaging because usually it’s out of sight and mind after the initial unboxing. I’d rather see the price lower versus over-the-top packaging.



Accessories

The A5000 comes with ear hooks, cable, case and an assortment of ear tips. The cable has a really nice look and feel to it that turned out to be very tangle resistant. It felt pretty premium especially considering the A5000’s price point. The tips are also of really high quality. I bought a set of the same tips a few years ago on a friend’s recommendation and I have used them a lot. Lastly, the case is neat clamshell design. It has a premium feel.



Build

The A5000s are made of plastic but have a premium and feel. They look like they will hold up well over time. There is a nice texture to the outside of the IEM that adds to the feel of quality. I have zero complains on the build of the IEMs or the cable.



Fit

At first, I really struggled with the fit on these. Sometimes I have issues with my right ear with IEMs but this one seemed harder than most. It may be the angle of the nozzle. I also have issues with 64 Audio IEMs. I’m not sure if it is the shape of the shell or the angle of the nozzle. I tried 15 different tips of various brands, styles, and sizes. The medium final audio tips with deeper insertion seemed to get the best sound and fit. A good fit is essential for these. They have little forgiveness for a bad seal.

Overall sound signature

Overall, the A5000 has a V shaped signature. I am normally not a measurement type of guy, but I feel like there are some holes in the signature. There seems to be energy missing in the mids that leads to some vocals sounding a bit recessed and just off. The overall presentation comes across as a bit cold. That said, there is a fair amount of energy in the treble, and it gives the sound a nice sense of air and detail. The sub bass reaches very deep but the mid bass feels slightly lacking. That said, they still shine with electronic and pop music. These would not be the first pair of IEMs that I would reach for when listening to music like classic rock.

Imaging and stage were very good. Placement of instruments was spot on, and the stage was neither too wide nor too in your head.


Bass

The bass on these is addictive. Once you get a good fit, these kick like a mule. They give so much energy to EDM and other genres that benefit from solid kick drums. There does seem to be a bit of mid bass missing that extends to the lower mids. It gives an overall colder feel to these IEMs. Some of it may have been scooped out due to not getting a perfect seal. As mentioned earlier, I struggled a bit with the fit.

Mids

As mentioned before, there is a dip in the mids that affects male vocals a bit more than female. It is not huge, but it is there. This is not a major issue to me but wanted to point it out.

Treble

The treble is very nice on these. There is a lot of energy in the upper frequencies which gives a nice feel of clarity and detail. At times, it did lead to a bit of a harsh sound and a bit of sibilance in the vocals. I like treble so I did enjoy it on most tracks. It also depended a bit on how the track was mastered.

Imaging and Stage

I’m not great at describing staging but I never felt like the sound was so wide it was disjointed or so narrow it felt like everything was in my head. I am better at perceiving vertical staging and these are not lacking there. They do not have the same height as the Sennheiser IE600 but those are more expensive. Imaging was also very good. The track that I use for imaging came across as very precise. Bottom line, I have no complaints about the imaging and staging. It exceeds their price point in quality.



Comparisons – Each comparison was made against the A5000. Please keep in mind that the IE600 is double the price of the A5000 and the IE200 is almost half the cost of the Final Audio A5000.

Afterglow – Emancipator

Final Audio A5000 – Wow the bass! It reaches so low. Great extension. I’m liking the bass on this track. At higher volumes, the treble is a touch aggressive but does give the track a nice sense of air and detail. Mild harshness only creeps in at higher listening levels.

IE200 – Still has a nice rumble with similar quality but less quantity. There is less treble but still enough sparkle. It’s a touch less harsh at times than the A5000. With this track there is slightly less width to the stage.

IE600 – Even more bass versus the Final Audio. Very good. More elliptical sound stage but not radically different. A bit less treble energy but still a good sense of clarity and detail

Lindsey Stirling - Elements (Orchestral Version)

Final Audio A5000 – Nice wide-open staging. The treble is just right here giving that nice sense of clarity and attack to the violin. I do notice there seems to be less energy is parts of the mid-range. The violine is generally a little more forward in this track. Still very enjoyable.

IE200 – The flat nature of the IE200 is noticeable. The violine feels a touch more forward. There is not as much sparkle in the treble but still not what I would consider lacking. Again, bass quality is about the same but less quantity. The IE200 here is a bit easier to listen to at higher volumes because it never gets harsh anywhere.

IE600 – The stage is a bit narrower but taller. There is a better sense of clarity with the IE600. Besides staging, they sound close with this track.

Grateful Dead - Touch of Gray

Final Audio A5000 – Vocals are pushed back a bit. I notice the dip in the mids here a bit. With this track, I feel like the V shaped signature is a bit more noticeable. That said, it still sounds great with nice detail. The Treble is getting close to showing a bit of sibilance but nothing noteworthy.

IE200 – Very even sound. A bit more mellow. They sound very similar. The IE200 feels warmer. With more mid bass and lower mid presence.

IE600 – The vocals are more forward. The A500 feels a bit cold with this track. The IE600 just feels a bit more polished and. For classic rock, the IE600 is more enjoyable in my opinion.

Angus and Julia Stone - Yellow Brick Road

Final Audio A5000 -Bass is a bit much with this track. The issue is more that the track is mastered on the warm side. Again, the male vocals are a touch recessed.

IE200 – The flatter signature of the IE200 helps with this track. This track sounds phenomenal with the Sennheiser. For whatever reason the treble difference with this track is not as large when compared to some of the other tracks.

IE600 – Also a bit too much bass on this track at higher volumes. It overwhelms the rest of the sound just a bit just like the A5000. Again, the issues is a bit more with the mastering.

Alison Krause - It Doesn’t Matter

Final Audio A5000 – The low end is oh so good with this track. It’s just right for my preferences. The treble gives a sense of detail without being harsh.

IE200 – A bit less rumble in the bass. The female vocals are a bit more forward. Slightly less aggressive attack on the guitar plucks due to a touch less treble. Still a great sound.

Eric Clapton - Old Love Unplugged

Final Audio A5000 – This track got a touch harsh in the treble at higher volumes. Overall, great stage and precise imaging.

IE200 – I notice a narrower but taller stage. Vocals are slightly more forward. With this track, the more intimate state works a bit better on this IE200.

IE600 – The stage feels more like a live performance. I think with track you really notice where the extra funds go with the IE600. The Final Audio is no slouch, but this track is more enjoyable with the IE600.

Caroline No – Still Waters Run Deep

Final Audio A5000 – Again, the bass is so good here. Deep and textured. There are touches of sibilance her voice but it’s not too bad.

IE200 – Similar bass but it feels like it reaches a bit lower with a bit more control. Vocals are a bit more forward with less sibilance.



Conclusion

Overall, the A5000 was a pleasure to listen to once I got a good fit. Adding a bit of mid bass with the Mojo 2’s EQ made a big difference to make the A5000 a bit more well-rounded for my preferences. I don’t EQ a lot but the Final Audio A5000 took the eq very well.

Great bass, nice build, quality accessories. There is a lot to like about the A500 especially at this price. Great release by Final Audio. It makes me want to hear some of their other offerings.

Intro and disclaimer

I have been a Sennheiser fan since I was in my early teens when I started to get into this hobby. I remember seeing the HD600 in a store and hoping that one I would own one. I owned the HD600 and many more sennheiser headphones. I’ve heard even more on top of that including the original Orpheus.

I was excited to learn that I would be the first stop on the IE600 tour. I had heard a little about it but not much. I was very eager to give them a listen.

Sennheiser sent me the IE600 as part of the review tour in exchange for my review. At no point did Sennheiser influence my decision. My thoughts are my own.

Gear Used

Fiio M17
Empire Ears Valkaryie Custom
Sennheiser IE600
AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal 2 Tips

Packaging/Unboxing








Sennheiser has really never been known for their packaging but that’s fine with me. It’s there to protect the product before it reaches the custom and more often than not lands in a closet or the trash. The IE600 packaging is probably the most elaborate Sennheiser packaging I’ve seen but it just works. You open a quality feeling box where the IE600 is prominently displayed in foam. Under that is a certificate of authenticity which is stamped with the date of the final QA as well as the inspectors initials. Simple but a nice touch. Under that, you have a foam insert that holds a cleaning tool, instruction manual, case, tips as well as a 3.5 and 4.4 cable.


Accessories

The IE600 comes with a pretty wide variety of accessories. There are three foam tips, three silicone tips, cable clip, cleaning tool as well as two cables.

The cables comes in 3.5 and 4.4. They look very basic but the more I used the IE600 the more i liked them. I never had any tangles and there were never any kinks in the wire. It’s also really nice to have the 4.4 cable.

The tips are pretty standard but feel of very high quality. I found that I achieved a really good fit with the largest silicone tips. They sat more on top of my ear canal versus going in. It was very comfortable. My ears are a but strange and I ended up finding the best fit and comfort to be with the AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal 2. I think for most ears, the stock tips will work fine.


Build

Solid! The shells of the IE600 are all metal and feel very durable yet light. They are just the right shape for my ears and I think will be a great fit for most. I wore these for hours at a time with zero ear fatigue or discomfort.

I have the best luck with IEMs that fit within the concha and are held in the ear by the anti helix. The IE600 does it perfectly. It keeps the tip firmly in the ear.


Overall sound signature

My first time I listened to the IE600 my jaw literally dropped. Powerful bass and clarity with an extremely cohesive signature. I thought… i didn’t know these were hybrids! I looked it up and confirmed that they were in fact a single dynamic driver. I knew right away these were special.

I never heard any issues with portly recorded tracks. The IE600 always sounded good but scaled well with really well recorded music. I’ve heard a bunch of high end headphones that struggle with poor recordings. That is definitely not the case with these. Very happy with they flexibility


Bass

Just right for basically every track I threw at it. Never boomy or overpowering the mids. The control is amazing. These are very well tuned IEMs. It also reaches very deep. When needed, there is plenty of kick.


Mids

There is a slight dip in the mids especially with vocals but I never felt like I was missing something. Vocal forward tracks still sounded like they should. I did notice a bit of sibilance on a few tracks but it was fairly rare. Going to a slightly warmer source (M17 to Mojo) did cut it own a bit. It didn’t bother me at all but some people that are very sensitive to it should know about it.


Treble

The treble is fantastic. For me, they reached high enough to give a nice shimmer to high hats, fast attack on stringed instruments and amazing clarity. I think it's just north of neutral which is great for my taste in music and preferences.


Stage

I’m not great describing stage on headphones. I think the IE600 is average for an IEM with the sound more to the left and right versus in front of you. Instrument placement is very precise. No issues for me here.


Comparisons

Afterglow - Emancipator
IE600 - The first thing that strikes me is the insane deep rumble of the sub bass on this track. I really like this track for evaluating bass and the Sennheiser does not disappoint. I’d maybe like a little more kick but the low reach and control make up for the lack of quantity. Lots of detail with out harness in the treble. Very enjoyable with this track.
Valkyrie - At the beginning of this track the sound moves back and forth between the left and right channel. That back and forth is less noticeable on the Valkrie. Not sure why. Not an issue just an observation. There is more bass quality with a little more energy on mid bass with a little less control. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sound of the OG Valkyrie but you can definelty tell there are advantages to a really well tuned single driver. There Sennheiesr just comes across as having better clarity with the same level of treble but more natural.

Lindsey Stirling - Elements (Orchestral Version)
IE600 - Very open sounding with so much clarity. This track is really enjoyable with the Sennheiser.
Valkyrie - Right away I notice a little more warmth. Lindsey’s violin feel a bit more distant. Instrument placement is a little less precise. There is a little less energy and simmer in the treble. Still sound great but the IE600 seems to play a little better with this track. I still really like this track with the Empire Ears. It’s just a little more laid back of a signature.

Grateful Dead - Touch of Gray
IE600 - I’m really liking this track on the IE600. Nice punch sound with great clarity. Classic rock can sound a but thin but not with these. Very enjoyable.
Valkyrie - Again, a little more warmth. Still very enjoyable but the IE600 seems to excel with this track.

Angus and Julia Stone - Yellow Brick Road
IE600 - Great vocals. The clarity trend continues.
Valkyrie - The stage is a but more in front of versus around. The sound is less aggressive and smooth. Still very enjoyable.

Alison Krause - It Doesn’t Matter
IE600 - Great live feeling to this track. Very good clarity and great rumble on the bass. The attach on the guitar is really good and reminds my of over ears planars.
Valkyrie - A little smoother sound. Bass has a little more quality and mid bass presence. Both sound really good on this track. This track can have a bit of sibilance and both IEMs don’t hid this but it’s not offensive.

Eric Clapton - Old Love Unplugged
IE600 - There is a great live feeling on this track. The clarity gives you a sense of being a live performance.
Valkyrie - On this track, I like the Sennheiser better. It’s not bad by any stretch. The attack on the guitar is not as good. I think this is a track where you notice the downside of multiple drivers versus the single dynamic of IE600. The Valkyrie does not give the same feeling of the live open stage of this track like the Sennheiser does.

Conclusion
The IE600 is an outstanding on IEM on every level I can think of. Not picky with genres. Amazing clarity. Single driver coohisive signature. There is just so much to like. At it's price point, I really can't think of a better IEM. It challenges IEMs that cost double what they do. Sennheiser knocked it out of the park with these IEMs. Great job!

Update: I had these on loan for another review and realized I needed a pair. I bought a pair retail with my own funds. Highly recommended.

Intro and Disclaimer

I’m really like Empire Ears IEMs. I have a custom Nemesis, Valkyrie, Bravado and of course a universal Evo.

I purchased the Evo with my own funds from Musicteck at a discounted price in exchange for a review. At no time did Empire Ears or Musicteck influence my review. My thoughts are my own. They can be purchased here.


Gear Used

Fiio M17
Empire Ears Evo with JVC Spiral Dot Tips
Fir Audio Neon with AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal 2


Packaging

My version is the Launch Edition. It comes with signed packaging and a leather case unique to the Launch Edition. The case has a really nice feel to it. The packaging is simple but high quality.




Accessories

The Evo comes with a good assortment of high quality accessories. The cable is by PWAudio. I really like it. I usually don’t notice cables all that much but the light blue and copper cable really pops and is something you don’t see all the often. The slider, splitter and terminations feel really high quality. The tips are high quality Final Audio and come in various sizes. The IEMs also come in a Campfire Audio style split mesh bag to protect the IEMs from damage.




Build

The build is typical Empire Ears. That’s a good thing. The shells are transparent black. If you look in the right light, you can see the drivers inside the shells. There is a gold Evo on the left side and the Empire Ears in gold on the right side. They have a nice 3D look and of very high quality. They are more underrated than some of the other universal Empire Ears universals but I like the understated elegance of the Evo.




Overall Sound Signature

As with several other Empire Ears IEMs, the bass is the star of the show. When I first listened to the Evo I was blown away and the physicality of the bass. It’s powerful but just right. I’m not sure if it’s the updated version of the Weapon 9 driver or the tuning but the bass is more controlled than the Nemesis and Legend LX.

At times, I almost forgot I was using an IEM. The Evo sometimes fools you into thinking that you are using an over ear. I’m not sure if it’s the vibration from the bond conductor or something else but these come so close to the sound of an over ear.

The sound is addictive. I really like electronic music and many of my favorite tracks have never sounded better. There is so much bass but it is never overshadowing other aspects of the sound. It’s amazing. I could listen to these all day.


Bass

This is basshead nirvana but will not put off non-bassheads. I wish I could remember who said this first but the term that comes to mind is audiophile bass. Dispite the quantity, there is nothing bloated or overpowering about it. To me the Nemesis and Legend X have an L shaped signature. The Evo’s bass is more in balance with the mids and treble.

The Evo also seems to adapt. I went from some electronic to rock and the bass is not as powerful but still there. The sound seems to adapt for the genre. When I pulled up a classic rock track the sound was far more balanced almost neutral. I was bit surprised. I never thought that i could enjoy these with so many types of music.


Mids

The mids are smooth and organic. I think they are slightly recessed but at no point did I feel like I was missing something.


Treble

I personally like a good amount of treble. The treble is is just enough for me to get that sense of detail and clarity with out ever being sibilant or fatiguing. I think it is missing a little metallic shimmer that you get on some other TOTL IEMs. I think the place it really hurts the sound a bit is on guitar and cymbals. You don’t get that metallic sound that gives a nice fast attack to guitar pluck. Another way to put it is that the start and finish of a note is a bit smoothed out. Minor grip but it’s something that I noticed. On the flip side, it makes them easy to listen to over longer listening sessions.


Stage

To my ears, the Evo has a really nice wide and tall stage. These sometimes make you feel like you are wearing over-ear cans.


Comparisons

Afterglow - Emancipator
Evo - The Evo really shines with this track. The bass reaches so deep with insane rumble. The bass does not take anything away from the mids or leaving you with a sense the sound is muddy. The control for this amount of bass is great.
Fir Neon - The bass is similar in quality but less in quantity. The Fir comes across as a milder V shaped signature. There is more treble giving a sense of more clarity. The tonality of the Neon is a colder presentation when compared to the Evo. The sound stage on the Eve is slightly wider.

Lindsey Stirling - Elements (Orchestral Version)
Evo - Wide stage works well with track. Nice deep rumble on this track but the weight is more on the sub bass. I think I’d want a touch more treble on this track.
Fir Neon -Again nice rumble in the bass adding a lot of weight to the track. Oddly enough, it's about the same as the Evo in quantity on this track. Awesome clarity and sparkle in the highs. The violin is really forward and natural sounding. I really enjoyed this track with the the Fir.

Grateful Dead - Touch of Gray
Evo - I wouldn't have picked this track but it happened to pop up next on my playlist. I’m glad it did. The Empire Ears sound awesome with this track. The kick drum is so tight. The placement of the instruments is so precise. Wow, very enjoyable. The Evo seems to be very forgiving to older tracks where the recording quality is not ideal.
Fir Neon - The sound is too thin on this track. It’s a bit harsher and fatiguing. The kick drum doesn’t have the same punch as the Evo. It’s not bad but after going from the Evo to the Fir it’s a but more difficult.

Angus and Julia Stone - Yellow Brick Road
Evo - Very balanced sound. The bass on this track can be a bit boomy and I’m supposed it’s not with the Evo. The male feel vocals seem slightly recessed from what I’m used to hearing with this track but I wouldn’t say it’s an issue.
Fir Neon - A bit thinner of a sound. The vocals are a bit more forward. The treble is brighter and gives more sense of clarity. Also, the plucks of the guitar are faster and more metallic sounding. I like both IEMs with this track for different reasons.

Alison Krause - It Doesn’t Matter
Evo - The wide stage gives track a nice sense of space where you feel it’s live and you’re right there. Again, the vocals feel slightly recessed but I never feel like I’m missing anything.
Fir Neon - Nice clarity but a narrower stage when compared to the Evo. Again, the Neon has a colder more digital feel to the more mellow and warmer Evo.

Eric Clapton - Old Love Unplugged
Evo - Smooth and pleasing sound. Nothing is harsh. I think I'd like a little more shimmer on the treble on this track. It still sound great over all but I think a touch more treble energy would help with the attack on the guitar notes. Again, it’s super smooth and easy to listen to.
Fir Neon - The extra treble on the Fir helps with this track. The guitar is more aggressive and the high hat cymbals are more noticeable.



Low Level Listening

This is something that I don’t see too many people talk about. I think one major advantage of Evo is that it does not lose a lot of it’s dynamics at lower volumes. I just just want to keep these on all day at a safe volume, these are a great IEM. The Fir needs a bit more volume to get those dynamics.


Conclusion

For my preferences, the Evo is probably the best overall IEM I’ve used. If you don’t have the budget to have multiple headphones or IEMs, the Evo is a great pick in my opinion. I’ve was a bit critical of the lack of treble in some tracks but the reality is that it makes these so good to listen to for longer periods of time. Despite the softer treble, I really don’t feel like I’m missing too much air or clarity on most tracks. These are fantastic for so many genres especially electronic and classic rock. They are forgiving to poorly recorded track and awesome at lower listening levels.

Great job Jack and the rest of the Empire Ears team!! You have stuffed a ton of technology into a small package and it is amazing how well these elements come together to give a superb and coherent sound signature.

Into and disclaimer

First of all, I’ve owned numerous iBasso products including the DX80, DX200, DX220, DX150 and DX220 Max. They have all been great for various reasons. I’m a big fan of the brand in general because I think they cater to the modding community much more so than other brands. One of the clearest examples of this that I can think of is the Fan Edition amp module that came out for the DX2XX line. I’m hoping to see that happen more.

Speaking of limited editions modules; I was lucky enough to get the AMP3MOD module in exchange for a review. Thanks to iBasso and Paul for this opportunity. The module was provided to me free of charge and at no time did iBasso influence my thoughts. They are my own.



Gear Used
iBasso DX240
Fiio M17
Fiio M15
Shanling M8
Empire Ears Valkryie
Dan Clark Audio Aeon Noire


Packaging

The packaging is typical for iBasso. It is simple yet elegant. There is a holographic sleeve over a green box. Looks great. Upon opening the box, the DX240 is nicely displayed on top with the accessories under the DX240. I actually like when manufacturers don’t go crazy on packaging because the reality is that you open it and then throw it in a closet. You’re either paying for the packaging or sacrificing elsewhere. No complaints about the iBasso packaging. Looks and feels nice but you don’t feel like your hard-earned money is going to something that really isn’t going to get used after the initial unboxing.





Build

The build on the DX240 strikes that balance between quality feel and weight. The ports are all solid with little play. The volume wheels moves freely with subtle feedback when you raise and lower the volume. The curvature on the back of the player gives it a great feel in the hand. The play/pause, previous track and next track buttons are a bit raised and easy to find with a quality click. I also noticed that the paint on the AMP8 Mk2 perfectly matches the player. It seems nitpicky but it would annoy someone if there is a difference.

The DX240 is so easy to use with one hand. I can use my thumb to unlock the screen, change the volume and skip tracks with little effort. It really makes this an easy player to live with day to day.

The screen is sharp and takes up most of the device. The colors look great and as a result, album art really pops.




Accessories

The player comes with a clear plastic case that I actually really like. It provides a lot of protection for most of the player and the buttons are really easy to blindly navigate. It also comes with a 2.5 burn-in cable, extra screen protectors, USB-C cable as well as a COAX cable.

I purchased the DX240 from Moon Audio and also received a leather case and additional amp module covers so that you can use some of the older amp modules for the older style iBasso body. The leather case has a nice feel to it and does not interfere with any buttons or knobs. It does cover up the SD card slot but it comes off so easily that I feel it’s actually better to keep junk from getting in there.

One small gripe I have is that there is no factory installed screen protector. After two tries I was able to get it on there with only two small imperfections and reasonably straight. Not a big deal but worth mentioning.





OS/UI

There isn’t really much to say here besides it just works… Well! Zero lag. My SD card with 270gb and 6600 tracks scanned very quickly. The Mango player (iBasso stock music app) is super smooth and one of the cleanest looking out there. Software updates are super simple. The latest update included the 80% charging cap which I really appreciate. I encountered zero bugs or issues in the month that I have had this player.

Mango mode works great. It’s super snappy and reacts instantly to inputs. I did feel like I needed to turn up the volume about 6-8 clicks higher in Mango mode to achieve the same volume. I originally thought I went from high gain in Android mode to low gain in Mango but it was also in high gain. Not a big deal. Even using the Dan Clark Audio Noire I still had headroom. Sound wise, I didn’t notice a difference.


Overall signature

I find the sound to be detailed but never sterile or boring. The tonality changes for sure with different amp modules but overall the DX240 to me portrays the music like it should be without adding coloration either way. I wont make a treble, mids and bass comparison here. I will save that for the amp module comparison due to the fact that there are some noticeable changes that change the sound a bit.


Amp Modules

As far as I know, iBasso pioneered this concept and it’s no surprise it’s well executed on the new line of iBasso products. For them to make this drastic a change to the body of the DX2XX line and be able to retain the functionality of older amp modules is really impressive. I distinctly remember seeing the early photos of the DX240 and thinking that all the old modules would be obsolete. I was happy to read a bit later that all the modules (minus the AMP9 due to fit issues) would work with a simple faceplate change.

I purchased the AMP8 Mk2 with my DX240. The impressions that I had ready up until the point of purchase made me feel it was worth the extra funds. I’ll do into it a bit later but I agree that if you can afford it pick up the AMP8 Mk2 as well when you get your DX240. The difference is noticeable.


AMP Module Comparison

The stock AMP1 Mk3 amp module is a bit dryer and more detailed versus the AMP8 mk2. Sound stage width is about the same to my ears but the AMP8 Mk2 has a bit more depths and a little more energy in the low end. The overall tonality difference is that the AMP8 is a bit cleaner and the AMP8 is a bit more musical. There isn’t a night and day difference. I know the AMP8 has more power but in day to day use even with full sized cans I didn’t notice a big difference. I think it might come down to preference. The AMP8 sounded better with the more neutral EL8 to my ears but with my Valkyrie the AMP1mk2 sounded better. Again, the difference is not night and day. The AMP3MOD slots somewhere in-between the two.




Comparisons

DX240 AMP1 Mk3 Versus M15

The M15 is a bit smoother. The DX240’s bass comes in with a little less quantity but reaches deeper. The sound stage on the DX240 is a bit deeper giving the music a more immersive feel. The DX240 has a faster sound.

DX240 AMP1 Mk3 versus M8

The M8 has a smoother presentation with a bit more mid bass. The treble is less sharp on the M8 but not lacking in my optioning. The M8 reminds me of the DX240 with the AMP8 mk2 module.

DX240 AMP1 Mk3 vs M17

Slightly more low end on the M17 especially mid bass. The stage on the M17 is notably deeper, wider and taller. The sound is more around you versus in front when compared to the DX240.

DX240 AMP8 Mk2 versus M15

Very similar sound but the iBasso is smoother and more musical versus the Fiio as well as having a deeper soundstage.

DX240 AMP8 Mk2 vs M8

Very hard to tell part. The DX240 has a slightly deeper stage but that’s about it.

DX240 AMP8 Mk2 versus M17

Also hard to tell apart. The M17 take the sound stage up another step in all directions but they are VERY close.






Conclusion

I have tried more DAPs than I can count. The DX240 is, in my opinion, overall the best dap that I have ever used when you factor in usability, portability, price, UI/OS and the fact that you can use multiple amp modules. I highly recommend this DAP.

Intro:

I was sent the Hero case in exchange for an unbiased review.

That said, I’m a big fan of the Hero case! I’ve owned several Dekoni products and I have never been disappointed. When I saw the Hero announcement, I was very excited because I think something like this was overdue. The Hero is scheduled to go one sale soon and sell for $149.



Build:

The Hero case is Pelican quality. The latch is very durable and has a lock. The hinges look and feel really solid and the foam feels like it will hold up well. I have zero issues or complaints about the feel or build of the Hero.



Size and weight:

The Hero is a little bit bigger and lighter than I expected. That’s not a bad thing but more of an observation. I don’t feel like you’re sacrificing any protection. It’s a slightly larger than the Pelcan 1400 case (pictured on top).




Features:

Waterproof and dust tight design (MIL-STD 810G)

Molded-in hinge for added protection

Trigger release latch system

Snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip handle

Ambient pressure equalization valve (MIL-STD 810G)

Resistant to UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus and impact damage (MIL-STD 810G)

Uses:

If anyone has ever gone to a headphone meet they already know how useful the Hero could be. Stuff gets thrown around and hastily packed up in your trunk. You don’t want to worry about your gear getting damaged. Plus, the size helps to reduce the risk of stuff getting lost or misplaced.

There is also a very convenient place for either a cable or even a small dap making the Hero a great solution for mobile rig transport. I put my DX150 into the space and it closed. It compressed the lid foam a bit when I closed it but it worked fine.




Part of the foam is removable and makes for an awesome headphone stand while you are on the road. I’m not sure if that was intentional but it works great. Out of a wild coincidence, I received the Hero right before a 5 day business trip. I took my EL-8C along for the ride. The EL-8 fit perfectly into the case. I pulled out the foam at the hotel and was able to store the headphones on the desk. Great feature in my opinion.



Compatibility:

Here is where I encountered my only issues with the case. Some larger headphones don’t fit all that well. My EL-8C fit perfectly along with my Cascade and Mobius. My LCD-2 and Atticus didn’t fit as well. I had to fully extend the headband on both headphones and the pads were getting a bit crushed. You can remove the foam insert and then there are no issues. I would just put something between the pads to keep the headphone from moving too much while on the go. My suggestion to Dekoni would be to include another thinner foam insert for larger headphones. For short-term storage, this should not be an issue. I'd avoid long-term storage when the pads get compressed to avoid damage.

Audeze Mobius


Campfire Audio Cascade


Audeze EL-8C


ZMF Atticus


Audeze LCD-2


ZMF Atticus w/out insert


Audeze LCD-2 w/out insert


Conclusion:

I travel a lot and I like taking my gear on the go and that means having something to protect it. A few of my headphones come with Pelican style cases but not all. One of my favorite headphones to travel with are my EL-8s. The stock Audeze case is not great. There isn’t a ton of protection and the pads tend to get crushed. The Hero is the answer to this issue.

The Hero is a great product. Dekoni should take this idea one step farther and make a case that has room for a DAP and a cable to make it the complete full sized mobile rig storage and travel solution. Great job!!!

Introduction:
First of all, I would like to thank Todd over at TTVJ Audio for the opportunity to spend some time with the Elegia in exchange for my honest impressions.

After I signed up for the review tour, I was very careful to avoid reading any reviews or impression threads of the Elegia in order to avoid coloring my impressions. I knew very little about the Elegia when signing up and absolutely nothing about their sound signature. I had recently spent some time with the Focal Clear and was seriously impressed. That headphone has probably some of the best bass in both quantity and quality that I’ve heard from an open headphone. The Clear and Elegia have similar drivers so I was expecting a serious bass cannon.

The first few seconds of the Elegia were shocking to say the least. There was no prodigious bass. It sounded thin and I was a little disappointed. I was using my DX150, so I dismissed it as needing better amplification. I was on a business trip and didn’t have much else to use as a source. I pressed on and kept listening. The more I listened, the more I started to like Elegia’s sound signature.



Sources use:
iBasso DX150 (AMP6)
Chord Hugo 2
Schiit Asgard 2 (Hugo 2 as a DAC)

Some Tracks Used:
Old Love - Eric Clapton
Take Five - Dave Brubeck
Kangaroo Court - Capital Cities
For You - Angus & Julia Stone

Unboxing:
The Elegia has similar packaging to the Clear minus the extra box for the two addition cables. There is a nice exterior box that holds the Elegia inside their outstanding carrying case. While not compact, it is still easily transportable and keeps the headphones secure and protected. There is even room inside the case for the cable, 1/4” adapter as well as a smaller DAP. The brick like iBasso DX150 didn’t fit.

One definitely gets the feel that the Elegia is designed for portable use. The stock cable is short and is terminated to a 3.5 SE plug but there is a screw on 1/4” adapter included. The longer 1/4” and 4 pin XLR cable that comes with the Clear would have been a nice addition.



Comfort:
The cups of the Elegia don’t articulate all that far and as a result I did experience a little more pressure than I would have liked in front of my ears. I’m a little sensitive to pressure in this area so most people probably won’t have an issue with it. It reminded me a little bit of a new pair of Sennheiser HD600s. It may improve with time.

Build Quality:
While they don’t feel substantial in the hand, the Elegia is very well build and every surface has a quality feel to it. The cable has a nice feel to it. Again, very similar to the look and feel of the Clear cable.




Sound:

Treble:
These are fairly bright headphones but I at no point felt like there was any sibilance or harshness to the highs. Cymbals have a nice metallic sound to them and sound like they should. Kangaroo Court is a track that sounds a little sibilant with my ESRs (with Spiral Dots). I thought for sure that the Elegia would be a little harsh here but it wasn’t at all. The highs went just high enough and were never uncomfortable.

Mids:
I would say that the mids are just slightly forward. Julia Stone’s vocals are very unique in my option and really shine with the Elegia. It’s a very engaging and seriously enjoyable listening experience. Again, the term natural comes to mind. The saxophone at the beginning of Take Five is just wonderful. You really feel like you’re there. Closing your eyes almost makes you feel like the person playing is in the room with you. I haven’t had this feeling with other headphones besides the HD800S. Extremely impressive.

Bass:
Here is where things become a little more of a mixed bag. With some genres, the bass is a little light. Bass-heads will want to look elsewhere. I found them a little thin with genres like EDM and hard rock. If you like classical, jazz, folk or anything instrumental look no farther.

What little bass there is digs very deep and after a while no longer left me wanting more. The sub-bass is very good. You really get the feeling that these drivers are different than your traditional DD headphone or planar.

Sound Stage:
The soundstage is wide for a closed can and also very accurate. On the track Old Love there is a cymbal at around the 3 o’clock position. It felt very precise as if I were listening to a live performance. It really stood out to me. I swapped to my Eikons (which I seriously like) and the specific instruments were not as easy to pinpoint. Very impressive. I stopped analyzing this track and just sat back and enjoyed it.

Drivability:
The DX150 had no issues powering the Elegia to uncomfortable volumes with headroom to spare. That being said, they do scale well. I noticed the bass is a little more present and digs deeper when hooked up to something like the Hugo 2 or Asgard. You also get more separation and depth to the sound. The Asgard 2 is one of my favorite amps regardless of price and really makes the Elegia shine. It adds a touch of warmth and musicality to many headphones including the Elegia.

Other thoughts:
Like the fairly bright ESRs, the Elegia is pretty unforgiving when it comes to poorly recorded music. The Elegia is a treat with well recorded music.

Focal stock pads are VERY expensive. At the time of writing this review, I was not able to find the cost of the Elegia pads. The Clear pads are almost $200 so I'm guessing they will be in the $150-$200 range. The pads will get nasty over time and will need to be replaced.



Conclusion:
Like I said before, I didn’t like the Elegia at first but the more time I spent with them the more I liked them. I was sad to see them go because I definitely enjoyed the week I had with them. My experience with Focal headphones has been brief but I’m seriously impressed so far. My time with the Clear and Elegia really makes me want to try the rest of the Focal line up.