At the time this review was written, the Dunu DK-3001 was listed for sale on Penon Audio and Amazon. Here are links to their listings of the product:

https://penonaudio.com/dunu-dk-3001.html

https://www.amazon.com/DUNU-DK-3001-Titanium-Detachable-Earphone/dp/B06XT1SYWF/

Introduction
2017 marked a renaissance for hybrid in-ear monitors. A couple of years ago there were only a few companies offering hybrids, primarily consisting of dual or triple driver designs, and they weren’t cheap.

Dunu was one of the first to enter the hybrid ring with the DN-1000. They were definitely one of the early pioneers of this technology. To this day the DN-1000 (released about three years ago) is still an incredible sounding earphone that ranks very high on my list of all-time favorites.

As more and more budget manufacturers bring dual and triple driver hybrid designs to market, the more notable names in the business are working on the next best hybrid designs. We’ve seen some pretty incredible advances in hybrids as time goes on. As previous breakthroughs in hybrid technology become more and more mainstream, the path is laid out for pioneers of the audio industry to take things to the next level. Enter the DK-3001 from Dunu.

New designs create new trends, and for the last couple years hybrid earphones have created a stigma as being a V-signature that can provide listeners with the visceral bass impact and extension of a dynamic driver with midrange and treble accuracy of an armature driver. While many enthusiasts enjoy this type of sound reproduction, I’ve heard some hybrids that sound downright awful. There’s a fine line manufacturers teeter on that determines whether they’re utilizing this driver setup to maximize the listening experience, or bringing to market a disjointed, bloated, harsh and artificial sound. As I’ve stated in previous reviews, it doesn’t matter if an earphone has one or fifty drivers in each channel, what matters is how much fun they are to listen to.

The DK-3001 is one of Dunu’s next breakthroughs in hybrid earphones. Dunu has made a name for themselves by staying ahead of the curve and bringing top of the line sound at mid-fi prices. The DK-3001 is just that. They’ve brought to market an earphone that breaks free from the hybrid stereotype and further advances the technology driving them. Let’s take a look and listen to the DK-3001, and find out why.

Disclaimer
I was given a free sample of the DK-3001 in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Dunu. I would like to take this time to personally thank the Dunu representatives for the opportunity to experience and review the product.


REVIEW

The DK-3001 comes in a medium white sleeved box similar to previous models. A nice picture of the product is on the front along with the Hi-Res logo we see so often these days. For the record, the Hi-Res logo is awarded to earphones that have confirmed measurements that reproduce sound that covers and exceeds the limit of human hearing.

The back of the box features product and accessories information along with illustrations.

Opening the box I’m greeted with a glimpse of the earphones and case. Two high quality cables are laid underneath the foam cutout. The remaining Dunu accessories are located in the airtight carrying case.

Specifications and Accessories

Description and Accessories
Hi-Res Audio
Four driver Hybrid Earphone
Hi-Res Audio Awarded
High molecular liquid crystal polymer film dynamic driver
Knowles top audio balanced armature drivers
Singal BA driver & Double BA driver
Configured with Spinfit & Comply foam tips
Premium Earphone Tips also included
High precision S316 stainless steel housings
3.5mm original cable and 2.5mm balanced cable enclosed
Super purity 5N OCC cable with gold plated plug
MMCX connector design Improve the playability
Carrying case

Specification
Model No: DK-3001
Type: Dynamic(13mm)*1 Balanced Armature*3
F.Response:5Hz-40KHz
Sound pressure level:110+/-2dB
Impedance:13Ω
Plug Size:3.5mm Gold-plated
Cord length:1.2m
Weight:31g


Housings

The DK-3001 features a black powder coated black stainless steel metal shell. They are lightweight for the materials used and feel very sturdy. Dunu signs can be seen on the shell’s exterior.


A red ring is located at the right channel of the MMCX connector (silver ring on the left), making it easy to identify each channel. The DK-3001 has a rotatable MMCX connection that seems premium. I didn’t have any issues using these regularly for the last few months.


The DK-3001 nozzle is slightly wider and shorter than the average in-ear monitor and has no lip. Although this is the case, I didn’t seem to have a lot of difficulty tip rolling for the most part (I wasn’t able to get Sony silicone tips to sit flush). The stock Spinfit tips are ideal for these earphones and will most likely be the most popular option.


Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

NOTE: The DK-3001 comes with two versions of the same cable, with the only difference being the jack termination. The first option is a 3.5 mm jack, the second option is a 2.5 mm balanced cable. I didn’t notice any difference between the two cables besides the termination. Rather than repeat myself, please apply the information in this section to both cable options.


If you’ve owned a Dunu product in the past, you’ll be familiar with the jacketing used on the DK-3001. Dunu uses a premium black rubber coated cable that has minimal spring and memory.


The DK-3001 uses a long memory wire at each channel. This wire is coated in a soft rubber that provides a decent level of comfort. One thing to note, like other earphones with this type of memory wire, the DK-3001 requires a considerable amount of wire manipulation to achieve a comfortable and secure fit. It can be tedious, but once this is accomplished it is a professional over-ear fit.


The Y-Split is a black metal tube with a complimentary matching black metal ringed chin/neck slider. When not used the chin/neck slider sits flush with the Y-Split.


Dunu provides a very well made (and sturdy) ninety degree metal and rubber jacketed cable jack. This is one of the best designed jacks in the business. I had no problems using this jack with any device, and enjoyed how pocket friendly the sturdy ninety degree jack was.


Functionality
The DK-3001 is a plug and play device geared towards maximizing the listening experience. The package doesn’t come with a microphone or remote option. The fact that it is a replaceable MMCX connector earphone, it opens up the options for an aftermarket purchase with this feature. Nowadays a nice mic/remote cable can be purchased for relatively cheap prices. My suggestion, if you do this make sure to buy an MMCX mic/remote cable with memory wire. The DK-3001 needs a memory wire to maximize and secure the earphone’s fit.


Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

Previous reviews have given poor scores in this criteria. While I can understand why some would have issues with the fit, if you spend some time tip rolling, experimenting with housing placement when wearing them and bending the memory wire to work best for your ears, you should get some really good results. I respectfully disagree with others who took a stance of these being unwearable.

The DK-3001 has a disc shaped housing with a metal cylinder attached (where the MMCX connector is located). The edges of this cylinder have edges that can irritate the listener’s ear IF they are seated so they make contact inside user’s concha (the cavity of the ear). I’ve experienced similar issues with other earphones, most notably the Campfire Andromeda. I’ve been able to remedy this issue in both cases by experimenting with tips and manipulating how these earphones sit in my ear. Simply put, with the right tip and manipulation of the memory wire, I can achieve a secure and comfortable fit. Angling the housing so the cylinder rests outside my ears makes this earphone very comfortable and easy to listen to for hours.

Before customizing the fit, I couldn’t wear these earphones for very long. After figuring things out for my ears, I was able to comfortably wear these for long listening sessions. Your mileage may vary, but I wouldn’t let other reports of a poor fit deter you from trying these earphones. Doing so might prevent you from experiencing some world class sound quality.

Microphonics are virtually eliminated thanks to the over-ear fit and memory wire. Isolation is somewhat mediocre, as these earphones don’t provide and air tight or vacuum seal. I could easily hear my surroundings when using them. They will block some external noise, but a majority of my surroundings could be heard when music isn’t playing.

Sound Review
I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V20 and iPhone 6 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7, Aune M1S or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz, or Aune S6/S7 combo. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.


I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)

Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.


Source Selection
The DK-3001 is geared to sound great with your best portable source and music files. The earphone doesn’t discriminate against poorly recorded music, but at the same time they scale incredibly well. The DK-3001 is nicely balanced and plays all genres of music extremely well.

Coming in at 13 Ohms and 110 dB of sensitivity the DK-3001 is a very sensitive earphone. Amplification and high gain are not needed to maximize sound quality. More powerful sources will yield a mild audible background hiss.

Listening to them with warm and colored sources yields a different presentation from a lean and clinical sounding source, but they were equally as good and this will be a matter of preference. While I listened to them the most through my LG V20 (mainly due to convenience), my favorite listening sessions were listening to DSD files through my iFi micro iDSD, Fiio X7 and Aune M1S.

The DK-3001 is a music lover’s earphone. They combine musicality and detail wonderfully. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to my entire music collection with them. Listen to the DK-3001 with your best portable source on low gain and I can almost guarantee you will enjoy what you hear.


Sound Signature
Finally, we get to the part where I feel the DK-3001 sets itself apart from most hybrid earphones!

Having heard many of Dunu’s previous hybrid earphones (primarily the DN-1000 and DN-2000J) I was expecting an earphone that gears primarily towards detail and doesn’t shy away from sub-bass and sibilant areas. That WAS NOT the case this time around. I am pleasantly surprised with what Dunu has done here. The DK-3001 is a generally balanced sounding earphone with more mid-bass punch and warmth, and less perceptual top end as compared to their previous hybrid offerings.

Dunu has taken four drivers and made a hybrid that is NOT V-shaped, is relatively well balanced, and also added a little color and musicality. I expect this earphone will win over the ears of those who previously stereotyped hybrid sound as unnatural.


Bass
Something Dunu has always done with their hybrids is offer a phenomenal bass response. That legacy continues with the DK-3001, but has a more mid-bass focus as compared to other products in their lineup. This is tastefully done and very well executed.

Sub bass is there, and the extension is decent. During Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right” I could hear every note clearly and with great tone. However, I can’t classify it as visceral or robust. Mid-bass tones are a step up from the lowest registers. To my ears it seems as though Dunu’s intention was to give you all the information and present it in a more musical approach. They took the emphasis off the ends of the sound spectrum and bumped up the neighboring frequencies.

Mid-bass is slightly forward and full-bodied. The mid-bass presentation is punchy, bold and growls when warranted. There’s no distortion to speak of. Mid-bass bleed doesn’t even need to be mentioned in this review. Kudos to Dunu for their ability really dial it in just right with the transition from mid-bass to mid-range tones. There’s a sense of dynamics that sounds a lot more natural and engaging than most other hybrid earphones. With some music genres that utilize fast paced and complex music passages, the attack and decay of bass notes did seem a micro-fraction slower than upper frequencies. This was only noticeable during critical listening, and didn’t necessarily negatively impact my impression of them.

Mid-range
Dunu takes a leap forward with the midrange tuning of the DK-3001. As compared to something like the DN2000J, the new DK-3001 has more color and dynamics. There’s more timbre and texture in the middle frequency ranges. The DK-3001 pulls this off while still maintaining a world class level of detail and separation. While not as clinical or detailed as the DN-2000J, I find myself enjoying it more thanks to the overall more musical nature. The midrange is highly enjoyable, and what I consider to be the best part of this earphone’s sound presentation.

During Metallica’s “One” the multiple guitars and bass guitar weaved in and out from each other beautifully and with a natural and full presence. Unlike many other hybrids, the DK-3001 has the mid-range girth to make bass guitars sound very relevant and phenomenal. At the same time Dunu hits a sweet spot in the sense that male vocals sound natural and are never came across as bloated. Low notes on pianos have timbre. While there isn’t a range of the sound spectrum that takes center stage, mid-range is very relevant and has a unique and enjoyable sense of detail and musicality that many will appreciate.

Upper mid-range has a forward presence somewhat similar to mid-bass tones. As previously mentioned, the more forward mid-bass presence along with the slightly forward upper mid-range give a perception of an all around more balanced, textured, dynamic and cohesive sound as compared to many other hybrids.


Treble
Treble hits a sweet spot for me. Similar to sub-bass tones, the information is there, but treble sounds aren’t stealing the show. Sibilant sounds are audible without being overbearing or harsh whatsoever. I can hear sharp pronunciations of the letters S and T, but it’s relaxed enough to not be strident or bothersome (even at loud volumes). Cymbal crashes actually crash, but are a step back from upper mid-range sounds. What I like most about the DK-3001 treble response is that they’ve taken the armature-ish shrillness out of it’s treble response. Those who’ve been around the earphone scene long enough should know what I’m trying to say here.

Don’t get me wrong, the DK-3001 isn’t a “rolled-off” sound by any means. They are crisp without ever being horribly sibilant or what I consider as harsh. Of all the Dunu earphones I’ve heard, this is the most natural sounding treble presentation I’ve heard. I’m not sure if this is thanks to the more forward neighboring frequencies, or if they’ve made some changes in treble tuning. All I can say is that it works well.

Soundstage and Imaging
This is one criteria where I feel that what you listen to, and what volume you listen to these at will determine your impression. With modern genres and at low volumes, soundstage suffers. Increase the volume a few dB and you will hear the soundstage open up.

NOTE: I LOVE listening to hip-hop with these earphones. I really enjoy the way hip-hop vocals are rendered. The DK-3001 will make all genres sound good, but over the course of listening to these, the DK-3001 has become one of my all time favorite in-ear monitors for this genre.

With acoustic and rock music, the DK-3001 soundstage is rather large, and only gets larger the louder you turn the music up. They get a high score in this criteria.

In terms of imaging, I really think there’s something special about the midrange of these earphones. Although there’s not an extreme sense of soundstage depth, the combination of warmth, dynamics, separation and detail in the mid-range pushes me to give them a very high score.

Comparisons

Fidue Sirius ($999 to $1250 USD on many sites)
The Sirius is an incredibly well built and great sounding earphone from one of Dunu’s biggest competitors. It’s one of the first four driver hybrids to hit the scene, and doesn’t come cheap (twice as expensive as the DK-3001).

Holding the two in my hand they are both solidly built. However, the Sirius build quality is a large step forward. From the housing to the cable, materials on the Sirius appear to be more premium in just about every way. In terms of accessories I give them a draw.

When it comes to sound, they’re both great. The Sirius is a more technical and slightly leaner sound with a more even representation of each frequency. That doesn’t necessarily mean it sounds better. It is more technical, but the Dunu packs a more musical and warmer signature that to my ears is more fun to listen to. The Sirius bass is more sub-bass focused while the Dunu is geared towards mid-bass and warmth. Bouncing back and forth between the two, Dunu gets a decisive advantage in mid-range presentation. The Sirius mid-range (although excellent) is a bit more flat and sterile in comparison to the Dunu offering. Let that be a testament to how good the Dunu mid-range is. Treble presentation is a draw. The high frequencies of the Sirius are more even and extended, but the DK-3001 is more clean and fun sounding to my ears.

The Sirius is more source friendly at 20 Ohms and will perform better with a larger number of portable sources. The Dunu will work primarily with low powered sources.

At the end of the day, I may give a slight edge to the Sirius, but not as much as the price would indicate. The Dunu is a more engaging sound with the lesser build quality. Sirius is the more technical and balanced sound with a more robust build and source applicability. Considering the DK-3001 is half the price, I’ll leave it up to you to decide what meets your preference (and price point) better.

BGVP DM5 ($65 to $75 USD on many sites)
The BGVP DM5 is another four driver hybrid earphone that comes in at a budget price. Just like the DK-3001, it features a dynamic driver and three Knowles armature drivers.

Comparing the two, I’m actually more impressed by the shape and build quality of the DM5 housings. The DM5 has a more ergonomic shape and fit, and is made of all metal. Other than that, the DK-3001 is superior in every other way (sound, cable and accessories).

The DM-5 follows the trend of the typical V-shaped hybrid sound. DM5 has a much more forward sub-bass presentation that is looser and boomier than the DK-3001. The DK-3001 bass response is tighter, more responsive and balanced than the DM5. The DK-3001 mid-range is leaps and bounds better than the DM5, making the DM5 seem dry and lifeless in comparison. Treble on the DM5 is more sibilant and harsh at higher frequencies. I can’t turn the volume up too high on the DM5 without the treble being to harsh. This comparison shows a classic comparison of the typical V-signature hybrid that misses the mark in terms of sounding natural, and also shows how Dunu has grown with their hybrid tuning. While the DM5 offers a lot of technology and doesn’t sound bad for the price, they fall short in bringing an earphone that can compete with the new top of the line hybrids that are hitting the market. The DM5 represents what hybrids were and sometimes still are, which isn’t necessarily bad. The DK-3001 represents what hybrids of the future will be.

Conclusion (TLDR?)

The DK-3001 is an advancement in hybrid technology and tuning. Their signature is an impressive blend of detail, balance and musicality. Simply put, they're a ton of fun to listen to. They break free from what we’ve grown to expect, not only in terms of earphones with this driver set up, but also what I’d expect a new Dunu earphone to sound like. They sound incredible to my ears (with a low powered source and high quality recordings).

The DK-3001 is not cheap, but the sound quality I get from them justifies the asking price. The question is whether something will come along that outperforms this earphone at a lower price. At the moment there isn’t much that comes to mind. The DK-3001 rocks my entire music collection and makes every genre sound awesome. The DK-3001 isn’t selling technology alone, they’re selling technology that makes top dollar sound quality. I’ve had a lot of time to listen to these earphones, and I can say in all honesty that these earphones compete with the best in-ear monitors in the world in terms of sonic presentation (with the proper source and music files).

The DK-3001 isn’t perfect product for everyone. The fit of these earphones is not the most ergonomic and ideal. However, with the right tips and a little patience you can achieve a great fit and make this a non-issue.

When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account. The DK-3001 gets four and a half stars for build quality (they use high quality materials throughout), five stars for accessories, five big stars for sound, and four stars for fit and isolation. All in all I give the DK-3001 four and a half stars. They are phenomenally tuned, and with the right source and tips they will be the prize earphone in many people’s personal audio chains.


Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the Campfire Vega was listed for sale on their website. Here is a link to their listing of the product:


https://campfireaudio.com/shop/vega/


Introduction

Anyone who knows me personally (or through Head-Fi) knows that one of my favorite in-ear monitors is the Campfire Andromeda. It’s still top five for me, which is quite an accomplishment considering it’s been almost two years since their release. Here is a link to the review:


https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/campfire-audio-andromeda.21533/reviews?page=2#review-16006


With earphones (particularly in-ear monitors) you don’t know what you’re getting into until you have an opportunity to try the product first hand. Sometimes I look at earphone prices and shake my head. During a time where “bang for your buck” products provide incredible price to performance ratios, it’s getting harder and harder for higher end companies to justify their quadruple-digit price tags.


I can jump online and buy a really decent sounding multiple driver hybrid earphone for under one hundred dollars. However, there are budget manufacturers who are ripping off higher end company’s designs and using deception to snipe consumer dollars. If you are involved in the Head-Fi community you might know why I’m mentioning it here. Don’t be fooled, my friends! Just because something looks like a Porsche, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be a Porsche, especially if it has a Honda Civic engine under the hood! If you want the real deal, don’t waste your money on impostors and most importantly don’t support the sale and promotion of knockoff products!


I don’t care if an earphone has one or twenty-five drivers in each channel or not. If I listen to listen to a twenty-five driver earphone and something sounds wonky, then put on a single driver earphone and everything sounds just right, you better believe I’m preferring the more enjoyable and natural sounding earphone!


So what is it that makes a thousand plus dollar earphone that much better? It’s not the complexity of the design or the number of drivers, IT’S THE BUILD AND SOUND. It’s the customer service and commitment to quality control and consistency. It’s innovation and design executed perfectly. Sadly, sometimes high end audio is more about brand name and hype, or marketing new technological jargon that isn’t nearly as revolutionary it says. When this happens lines are blurred. This makes buyers skeptical of high end audio. The risk to reward factor is increased exponentially as the price tag increases. There's nothing more frustrating than buying an expensive piece of audio gear, then finding a product that performs much better at half the cost.


Making world class earphones is an art form. Campfire Audio is an artist, and their specialty is shaping sound, installing it into a metal shell, placing a premium cable on it and letting the product speak for itself. Expensive? Yes. Outrageous? NO! Campfire brings it when it comes to the most important aspect of manufacturing and selling earphones, MAKING THE MUSIC ENJOYABLE.


When I checked out the Campfire Audio booth at Axpona earlier this year, I had a chance to check out their earphone, the Vega. Let’s go over them with a comprehensive review.




Disclaimer

I was given a loaner of the Vega in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Campfire Audio. I would like to take this time to personally thank the folks at Campfire for the opportunity to experience and review the product.



REVIEW

The Vega comes in a small red box reminiscent of Campfire’s previous releases. There’s really not a whole lot to say here.


Specifications and Accessories

Specifications
Driver: Amorphous Diamond Like Carbon Diaphragm Single Dynamic
Frequency Response: 5Hz–22 kHz
Sensitivity: 102 dB SPL/mW
Impedance: 17.5 Ohms @ 1kHz
Connections: Beryllium / Copper MMCX
Housing: Liquid Alloy Metal Shell


Campfire has a cutting edge driver technology under the hood. The diaphragm is made of diamonds, well, kind of… Here is a note from Campfire’s web page:


“A.D.L.C. Diaphragm
Campfire Audio is proud to be the first company to use a revolutionary breakthrough speaker technology implemented exclusively for in-ear monitors, a non-crystalline diamond dynamic driver.

Our revolutionary ADLC non-crystalline diamond-carbon material is sonically remarkable in our 8.5mm driver. The ADLC delivers stunning clarity, advanced micro detail, and dynamics.”


Accessories
1X Premium leather wool lined carrying case
2X Velvet drawstring bags (for storage of unused tips)
1X Set of Spinfit tips (S,M,L)
1X Set of memory foam tips (S,M,L)
1X Set of silicone wide bore tips (S,M,L)
1X Cleaning tool (brush and earwax removal tool)


The carrying case follows suit with all of Campfire’s releases and is one of the most premium case in earphones today. The thing looks more like a high end wallet than an earphone case.


Housings

Previous Campfire earphones featured machine milled housings which didn’t provide the most ideal fit. Some people reported issues with certain edges making contact with the user’s ears and causing minor irritation with long listening sessions. Campfire took notes and provided a new shell, made from a poured liquid alloy shell. The new metal shell has rounded edges and is more discreet. Kudos, Campfire!


The all metal shell is about as solid as an earphone can be. As with all Campfire models, the Vega has a MMCX connection that I am told is sturdier than the average version of this application. I have used these for the last six months and can confirm the connection is very solid. I’ve had no issues connecting/disconnecting the cable over the course of using them as a daily driver.


Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

If you’ve owned a previous Campfire earphone you’ll recognize this one. The Vega offers a Campfire version of the ALO Audio’s (Campfire’s parent company) Litz cable. It’s honestly one of the best stock cables I’ve ever seen both in terms of ergonomics and functionality. There’s nothing I would perceptibly do differently (maybe switch from the pliable memory wire to a shrink wrap version).


We’ll start from the bottom with the ninety degree angled gold plated 3.5 mm jack (thinned out at the base of the jacketing to accommodate various source/cases). Moving up to the wire, we have a silver litz four strand braided cable that leads to a metal Y-split with rubber/plastic chin slider that sits flush when not in use. The cable itself has virtually no spring and minimal memory. From the Y-split, a twisted two strand cable runs to each channel’s premium memory wire and MMCX connection. Although I am more of a fan of the shrink wire variation of memory wire, the more pliable and bendable memory wire works well with the Vega housing.


Would it have been a nice touch to add a microphone/remote option? Yes, but the quality of the stock cable allows me to overlook this much easier than I normally would. Rarely do you get a stock cable this nice in the package.


Functionality

Plug and play, buddy. Premium plug and play! However, aftermarket MMCX cables with microphone and remote can be found dirt cheap these days. There’s always that option if you so choose.


Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

Although the housing shape didn’t promote a flush fit with my ears, I was able to get a decent fit and seal with the right pair of tips. In my case the included Spinfit tips worked excellent. Aftermarket tip options that worked well were RHA stock tips, Sony stock tips and JVC spiral dot tips. The rotating MMCX connection in combination with the bendable memory wire cable made seating the earphone easy to do. Add the adjustable chin/neck slider and microphonics are virtually non-existent.


Vega seals really well for a universal dynamic driver earphone, almost too well. You can’t shove these things in your ear and go. Doing so, I created vacuum/pressure/flex issues with the driver. If you experience this with your pair of Vega, equalize the pressure in your ear drum by lightly tugging the top of your ear upwards (which should break the airtight seal and relieve pressure on the driver). Using the lift/insert/drop method allowed my ears to create a good seal without creating pressure issues. Because of the excellent seal, the Vega isolates incredibly well for an in-ear monitor.


NOTE: Finding the perfect tip to form a union between this earphone and your ears is crucial. The tips you use will play a big part in your experience and impression of them. I strongly suggest you experiment with tips as much as possible to find the one tip that helps maximize sound quality.


For home music enjoyment, commuting and critical listening, the Vega fits well. However, I wouldn’t take these with me to the gym, or use them to go for a run for a couple reasons, #1 they aren’t the most secure fitting earphones for me, and there are options I can think of that are more ideal for this application (YMMV), and #2 the price of these would incline me to prevent from getting them sweaty and putting them in harm’s range (YMMV).


Sound Review

I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V20 and iPhone 6 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7, Aune M1S or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz, or Aune S6/S7 combo. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.


I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)


Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.


Source Selection

Coming in at 17.5 Ohm and 102dB of sensitivity, the Vega is easy to drive. You can use your smartphone as your source and enjoy them thoroughly, but they will also scale incredibly well with better sources. These earphones sound magical with my Fiio X7/AM3 combo, and borderline legendary with a balanced cable and connection. The iFi micro iDSD rocked the snot out of the Vega as well.


While I feel the Vega is pretty universal in terms of portable source matching, it has a richness in tone that matches better with a leaner, more airy and detailed sounding sources. Desktop rigs are overkill. If you want to maximize sound quality from the Vega, use them with your best portable sources, amplifiers and music files. You will be rewarded in doing so.


Sound Signature

The Vega sounds incredibly organic and spacious while still having a prominent lower frequency range and fatigue free upper frequency range. This tuning in combination with virtually zero distortion and high resolution makes it elite, period. Dare I say (based on the products I’ve experienced) this is the greatest “basshead audiophile” earphone on the planet? If not the best it’s currently one of them, and a whole lot more than just this.


Long story short, Vega has an “it” factor that sets it apart from much of what’s currently offered nowadays. The Vega combines a level of warmth, richness and resolution that makes you want to listen to it more and more, and sets itself apart from other earphones in this regard.

There are some who might not like warmth and bass presence of the Vega. Those who prefer the leaner and brighter sound of something like an Etymotic ER4 or Hifiman RE-XX might be turned off by the robust nature of this earphone. For everyone else this thing kicks butt!


To my ears, the Vega sounds like really well tuned top of the line bass forward closed full sized headphone. There is a downward tilt from lower to higher frequencies, all while offering incredible resolution and adequate sparkle.


Bass

The first thing I said after I first listened to them was “wow, this thing kicks like a mule!”


The Vega bass presence is powerful, dynamic and responsive all at the same time. Looking at a home measurement, it’s definitely the most prominent part of Vega’s tuning. At the same time, it’s by no means overbearing or obtrusive to the rest of the sound, and a big reason why I find this earphone to be elite.


Sub bass is big, bold and has no problems with tone. Sub bass rumble is there in spades. The perceived depth goes to the limit of my hearing ability. Attack and decay is solid for a dynamic driver, but not as tight as a balanced armature earphone. Listening to Daft Punk’s “Doin it Right” I was wowed by not only the raw power and command of the song’s bass line, I was also taken back by the amount of clarity these things maintain with the vast quantities of bass.


Although the Bass response is pretty even, a downward tilt begins at mid-bass regions. Vega’s sub-bass response is slightly more prominent than its mid-bass presence. This downward tilt is done without losing losing the earphone’s sense of balance.


All in all the bass is big, bold and beautiful. Fans of big bass and warm tilted earphones the likes of the Noble 6 and 1More triple driver will be enamored by what’s going on here. This headphone's bass digs deep and responds like no other in-ear monitor I’ve heard. Kick drums thump, and synthesized bass lines sound flat out awesome. This will most likely be one of, if not the #1 summit-fi earphone for bassheads all around the world.


Midrange

Dare I say natural, slightly warm, resolving and spacious all at the same time? Usually these words are hard to put together when describing an in-ear monitor, but Campfire has accomplished just that. The previously mentioned downward slope continues into lower and upper midrange tones. Despite this entire range taking a step down from the bold bass forwardness, there’s adequate timbre and texture, thanks to the resolving nature of this earphone. Male vocals sound very natural and never appeared overly weighted to my ears.


Moving to upper mids things get even more relaxed. These earphones are far from shouty. The most important thing I can do with this review is make sure you don’t get the impression that these things are overly warm or bloated, because although what I’m describing here might lead you to think this, the resolving nature sways me from that impression. Although this range is relaxed (especially compared to how many other manufacturers are tuning their products nowadays), the clarity and separation makes it very relevant and very, very enjoyable. I’m occasionally taken back by how a tuning like this can also sound so organic and natural with this much bass.


Treble

I’m going to sound like a broken record here…


Treble is highly resolving with great separation and a natural and spacious feel. To add to this, extension is great and there’s just the right amount of sparkle to make cymbal crashes and hi-hats sound relaxed but also very realistic (and not harsh whatsoever). Vega doesn't make a mess of sibilant reocrdings, even at loud volumes. There’s quite a big variance between bass tones and treble sounds, but the consistency of resolution makes this uniquely awesome. Treble definitely does take the back seat, but it fits nicely with the rest of this earphones sound. I love turning the dial up a few extra dB with the Vega because of this. It seems to make the tuning sound that much more natural and engaging.


Soundstage and Imaging

The visceral impact and low end extension gives these a tremendous sense of depth. Take into account the slightly relaxed, extended and clear highs, and the soundstage of the Vega is massive from what I hear. Imaging is not the best with bassy modern genres, but live recordings and rock music yields a great sense of instrument placement. This earphone is definitely top ten in this criteria.


Comparisons

Campfire Andromeda ($1099 USD on Campfire’s website)

Similarly priced is Vega’s co-flagship earphone is the five armature driver Andromeda. I LOVE this earphone, as it hits a sweet spot for me in terms of tonal balance and clarity. I’m happy I am comparing these two because it gives me an opportunity to listen to them again!


Comparing the two, Andromeda is definitely the leaner and brighter sounding earphone of the two. Tonally speaking the Andromeda is a more even response, but I can’t say it’s the more natural sounding earphone (depending on music genres and listen volumes) because of the cohesiveness, clarity and separation Vega has. I give these earphones a draw in this regard.


In terms of bass, Vega perceptually has a lot more bass, digs deeper and makes the Andromeda seem lean in comparison. Mid-range tones are leaner and a bit cleaner with Andromeda. Treble is brighter with Andromeda. At low volumes I prefer the more forward presentation of the Andromeda. At louder volumes Vega’s treble gets a decisive advantage.


Soundstage goes to the vega, but I give a slight advantage to Andromeda in terms of imaging.


Both of these earphones are world class in terms of clarity and separation of sounds.


Andromeda is a far more source dependent earphone. Vega scales better and is more universal in terms of source matching.


I’m not going to put one earphone ahead of the other. They are both world class tunings that actually complement each other very well. Andromeda puts on a clinic in terms of tonal balance and crispness (with the right source). Vega puts on a world class bass performance and scales better. Vega provides the listener with a combination of music enjoyment and resolution that is seldom heard from an earphone with this tuning. Airy and balanced? Andromeda. World class basshead audiophile? Vega!


Fit goes to the Vega. They made improvements in their shell design and it will work better for most people. Build quality and accessories is a draw. They offer a virtually identical accessories. Packaging and the cables are pretty much the same.



Noble Katana ($1850 USD on Noble’s website)

The Katana is a world class nine armature driver earphone that seemingly gets better and better the more I listen to it. To be completely honest, the sound is similar to that of the Andromeda but with a touch more musicality.


Comparing the Katana to the Vega, the differences are much similar to my Vega/Andromeda comparison. Vega is really, really bassy compared to the Katana. The Vega is more of a musical and rumbling bass as compared to the more punchy nature of the Katana. Midrange clarity and resolution goes to the Katana. Treble is more relaxed and equally extended with both earphones.


Preference depends on the volumes used for each earphone. Katana sounds better at moderate volumes and satisfies the palate of one looking for a more airy, balanced and articulate presentation. Vega sounds better at larger volumes and is geared to satisfy my inner bass-head audiophile.


Accessories goes to the Katana. The waterproof Pelican case and larger assortment of tips is a bit better, although the included Spinfit tips of the Vega is a nicer set than any tip Noble offers in their package. Build quality is a draw. I like the housing of the Katana more, but prefer the cable of the Vega over the stock Noble option.


Conclusion (TLDR)

Over the years my preferences have grown towards a more even and accurate tuning, the main reason being because warmer and bassier earphones seem to lose out in terms of clarity, separation and soundstage. Campfire has dispelled that stereotype with the Vega. This is one of the few earphones on the planet that can bring this much low end to the table and still maintain a spacious, natural and organic presentation at the same time.


Vega’s bass robust and has tremendous extension. The low end is outrageously good for an in-ear monitor. They take the term “basshead audiophile” and emphasize both words with this product. The tuning is unique in a really, really good way. I honestly haven’t heard an earphone with this much bass maintain a level of resolution, clarity and sound stage like this. The tuning is different from what I often see at this price tag, but I love what Campfire has done. Add the fact that these earphones scale incredibly well, This earphone will rank very high on my list of all time favorites.


I don’t think this earphone will be for everyone. If you’re looking for lean and technical sound, you should probably look somewhere else. However, if you’re looking for an earphone that will bring the boom, with just the right amount of sparkle to make any genre of music sound great, I implore you to give these a demo.


When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account. The Vega gets 4 stars for fit and ergonomics (minus a star for driver venting/pressure issues), 5 stars for design and build quality, and 4.5-5 stars for sound quality (+/- a half star because there’s going to be a small number of people who feel these have too much bass). Campfire has brought to market an earphone that is innovative, creative, unique and unlike most of what exists today. I applaud Campfire for this product. It brings diversity to their lineup, compliments the co-flagship Andromeda, and raises the bar on how good a single dynamic driver earphone with this tuning can perform.


If you ask me what the best performing bass forward in-ear monitor is, without hesitation I’m going to tell you it’s the Campfire Vega. Until I hear something better, I’m giving it the title of best basshead audiophile earphone on the planet.


Thanks for reading and happy listening,

Hisoundfi

At the time this review was written, the Simgot EN700 PRO was listed for sale on Musictek’s website and also on Amazon. Here are links to their listing of the product:


https://shop.musicteck.com/products/simgot-en700-pro-in-ear-headphone


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MJLV9W


Introduction

I had the pleasure of reviewing the simot EN700 Bass a few months ago. It was a solid performer well-worthy of its asking price. Although I enjoyed the EN700 Bass quite a bit, I didn’t care much at all for the inaugural edition of the EN700. From cable design to tuning, the EN700 Bass was an improvement over the original in just about every way possible. Here is a link to the review:


https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/si...river-earphone-red.22212/reviews#review-18744


Upon finishing the EN700 bass review, I received an email from Simgot stating that an improved version was in the works. Color me interested! Although I’m not a fan of multiple variants of the same earphone, any improvement over the EN700 bass would be icing on an already great cake. The new version was reported to have tweaks in design and tuning. The name of the new product is the EN700 Pro. It’s the earphone we will be going over today. Let’s take a look and listen to the EN700 Pro.


Disclaimer

I was given a free sample of the EN700 Pro in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Simgot. I would like to take this time to personally thank the folks at Simgot for giving me the opportunity to experience and review the product.


REVIEW

The EN700 Pro comes in an all black sleeved box. This time around Simgot sports the Hi-Res logo on the box.



The Simgot EN700 PRO has a few different color variations. I received the red/blue pair. With this set of earphones a corresponding color coordinated set of frosted color tips comes in the package (red/red tip, and blue/blue tip). Due to the fact that the pair I received are pre-production, the channels I had were reversed. Looking at the website, and based on what I’ve heard from Simgot, they’ve fixed the issue so red represents the right channel and blue represents the left channel.


Specifications and Accessories


Specifications:
Model: EN700 PRO
Wearing: Ear-hook
Transducer unit: 10mm high magnetic composite moving-coil driver
Diaphragm: Polymer composite titanium plated diaphragm
Frequency response:15Hz --40kHz
Sensitivity:≥101dB (at 1000Hz)
Impedance:16Ω
Distortion: <1% 101dB（20μpa）
Channel imbalance: <1.5dB（at 1000Hz)
Rated power: 10mW
Cable: Hybrid 8 cores of single-crystal copper and silver-plated wires
Color: red, blue, black, gray, red&blue, red&black
Craft: One piece CNC aluminum and stainless powder forming
Warranty:1 year


Accessories:
Earphone X1
Ear-tips (6 pairs)
Storage bag X1
Manual
Global Warranty & VIP card
Brush X1


Housings

The housings are the same shape and material as Simgot’s previous EN700 offerings. They’re over-ear fitting metal housings that are egg shaped and feature an exterior reminiscent of a miniature Hifiman HE1000. I really like the look and build quality of this housing. If something isn’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Simgot has stuck to a shell that works well in terms of appearance, quality and style.

Nozzles are relatively standard in terms of width and length. I didn’t feel the need to do any tip rolling because the stock tips are ideal both in terms of fit and style.


Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

The cable this time around is a big improvement from previous models. Simgot’s two pin cable is fantastic. An eight core braided cable runs from the cable jack to the Y-Split, then splits into two four strand braids that lead to each housing.


The EN700 PRO has angled two-pin jacks that help make the fit ideal. The shrink wrap style of memory wire is flexible and operates as both an aide to make an ideal fit, it also operates as a strain relief. EN700 PRO’s Y-Split is a frosted rubber/plastic composite that seems sturdy. A copper colored metal chin/neck slider sits flush with the Y-split when not in use (and works great when used).


One gripe I have about the cable, the EN700 PRO cable is a straight style cable with a rather large metal jacketed housing that sits flat and flush at the base of the jack. Because of this, I wasn’t able to use the device with some of my phones or DAPs that had cases (I had to take the cases off to use them). Long story short, the jack has to sit flush with whatever device you plug them into.


Functionality

The EN700 PRO is a plug and play device geared for music enjoyment. It doesn’t come with a microphone/remote cable. However, the fact that this is a two-pin universal connection, there is opportunity for owners to use an aftermarket cable with this option.


Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

If you’re a fan of over-ear fit, you’ll like what Simgot has done here. The fit is pretty much identical to the EN700 Bass. The well thought-out housing design, angled two-pin jack, shrink wrap memory wire and chin/neck slider gives the EN700 PRO a “PRO” fit. I was able to wear these earphones for hours with ease. These fit like a universal stage monitor. Matter of fact, these will make a great stage monitor for those who like the tuning.


Isolation is average for a universal dynamic driver earphone. Although a majority of outside noise is blocked, it doesn’t provide the seal of a custom molded or sealed balanced armature earphone.


Sound Review

I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V20 and iPhone 6 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7, Aune M1S or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz, or Aune S6/S7 combo. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.


I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)


Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.


Source Selection

At 16 Ohm and 101dB of sensitivity, the EN700 PRO will sound great with a smartphone. I was able to enjoy the EN700 PRO with my V20 and Iphone 6, but to my ears I noticed a more defined and enjoyable sound with a little added amplification. A portable amplifier will give these earphones a little kick in the pants in terms of definition. Not for the sake of more volume, but in terms of improving resolution.


NOTE: Remember, you only get one set of ears. Crank the music too high for too long, you’ll be trading in your earphones for hearing aides! Take care of your hearing! Turn it down from time to time, and give your ears a break every now and then.


The tuning of these earphones is pretty forgiving. I didn’t notice a significant difference in sound quality when switching back and forth from DSD to streaming music from Google.


My suggestion, use the EN700 pro with a dedicated higher powered DAP, or a DAP stacked with an amplifier. That, or purchase a nice aftermarket cable with mic/remote and use them with your phone. You really can’t go wrong with these. If you like the tuning, they won’t discriminate most sources.


Sound Signature

I would describe the EN700 as decently balanced sound with a Hi-Fi kick in the pants. Take neutral and give it a slightly forward bass response and upper mid-range/lower treble boost. The EN700 pro has a in-your-face presentation that works with all music genres. If you’ve heard the EN700 Bass, I would say that my listening sessions and measurements leads me to conclude that the PRO version is a EN700 Bass with a few design/color tweaks. If you like the sound of the EN700 Bass but wish they had a detachable cable option, the PRO is the answer. If you like the original EN700 but wish there was a touch more bass (and bass extension), the PRO is your answer.


The EN700 PRO is a jack of all trades in terms of music genre enjoyability. The earphone has a nice bass extension that works well with modern genres. The Midrange presence isn’t the most natural, but has enough presence to not say it’s lacking or “sucked out.” Upper mids and lower treble jump out at you a bit, and beyond that you don’t get an incredible sense up upper frequency extension. It’s there but takes a step back from the bass and upper midrange boost.


Resolution is excellent for an in ear monitor in this price range. While it won’t go head to head with summit-fi gear the likes of the Campfire Vega ($1299 on their website), it will go toe to toe with just about anything in its price range. If you are in the market for a $150 earphone, this is a top option for those looking for an earphone geared for enjoyment of all genres of music.


Bass

The EN700 PRO has a very enjoyable and balanced bass presentation. To my ears it sounds a half step forward, but is very evenly tuned. Sub bass is there with a nice rumble, but is also carries good tone. During Daft Punk’s “Doin it Right” the lowest of low bass notes had nice deep and accurate sound. I could hear and feel the bass digging deep in the track. Mid-bass was prominent, but didn’t intrude on any other ranges. The EN700 bass sounds big without making a mess of the rest of the tuning.


The EN700 pro packs what I would consider to be an in-ear subwoofer type of bass. If you can dig that, cool. If not, the original EN700 might be more up your alley (more on this in a bit).


It’s not the tightest and leanest bass you’ll hear, but it’s by no means sloppy either. It does a lot right, and only those who want airy and lean sound will find fault in them. What I can appreciate about the EN700 PRO bass response is that to my ears, it’s geared for one thing, music enjoyment.


Midrange

Midrange is a mixed bag. Male vocals aren’t overly weighted and take a small step back from the robust bass and upper mid-range boost. Simply put, lower midrange was a touch dry in comparison to the other ranges. Even still, there was good detail and resolution. I don’t consider this a deal breaker because it works with the rest of the tuning, making room for the upper mids to really pop.


Upper mid-range gets a little aggressive, making female vocals and upper mid-range sounds jump out of the track. This boost gives the EN700 PRO a nice sense of midrange dynamics. While I prefer to have this jump take place a bit lower on the frequency range, for these earphone it works well.


Although forward, the upper mid-range/lower treble area doesn’t carry the same resolving nature as other top of the line earphones (but does an excellent job considering its price range). There's a splashiness to the pronunciations of the letter S, SH, CH etc. It’s not “bad” but doesn’t pack a incredibly honest rendering of natural tone to my ears. On a positive note, the slightly splashy nature of these earphones at this range makes tracks with considerable sibilance that much easier to listen to, as it renders it in a way that isn’t piercing or strident.


Treble

Treble is adequate and present but doesn’t capture my attention (this is a good thing). To my ears the treble of the EN700 PRO hits a sweet spot in the sense that it does just enough to not be heard as rolled off, but at the same time doesn’t do enough to interfere with the listener’s experience. The forward lower treble registers pop, but after this the treble presence follows suit with the lower mid-range tuning. It’s there, but it’s not stealing the show. Cymbal crashes are rendered as a smooth shimmer. They can be heard with decent clarity but they won’t jump out of the track. Best word I can describe the treble (primarily upper treble frequencies) is pleasantly adequate. It compliments the rest of the tuning and again, it’s geared primarily for music enjoyment.


Soundstage and Imaging

The resolving and extended bass performance, nice resolution through most frequency ranges and aggressive upper mid-range gives me a sense of a better than most soundstage for an in-ear monitor. The variance between lower and upper midrange sounds skews my sense of imaging a bit. Even still, there is a better than average sense of instrument placement for an in-ear monitor.


Comparisons

EN700 (original version) ($75 to $100 USD on many sites)

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a fan of the original version of this earphone. The good news is that the next two earphones (EN700 and EN700 PRO) made the improvements needed for me to be able to recommend them.


Comparing the two, the EN700 PRO sounds much better to my ears, primarily because of improvements in bass response. Going back and forth between the two, the original sounds very dry, and the bass response is much flatter and more sterile sounding. The original tuning was lean and accurate bass that didn’t match up well with the upper midrange/lower treble boost. Upper mid-range was perceptually more present because there were no other frequencies that could match it and level out the sound.


Putting on the PRO version, the entire earphone comes to life thanks to the added depth of the lower frequency tuning. The beefier sound is easier on the ears and far more enjoyable to my ears (YMMV).


In terms of build, both housings have relatively the same housing. However, the EN700 PRO takes things up a notch by adding the detachable cable, shrink wrap memory wire (the original had a long bendable memory wire that hindered the fit for me) and chin slider, all of which improve the fit of the product significantly. Accessories is a draw.


Summarized, Simgot took notes and made the adjustments needed for me to say that the EN700 PRO has improved their product significantly from the original. To me, the original wouldn’t get my hard earned dollars. The PRO version is worth the increase in price and would get my cash if I were in the market for and earphone like this. They raised the bar and did good enough of a job to justify a new release in their EN700 line.



EN700 Bass ($110 on Amazon)

I’ll be short with this one. To my ears and measurements, the EN700 is basically the same sounding earphone as the PRO, but with an improved detachable cable and variance in colors between channels. I DO NOT think EN700 Bass owners should run out and buy the EN700 PRO because of the fact they are tuned so similarly.


The fit of both of these earphones is very similar. The PRO version gets an advantage with their detachable cable and chin/neck slider. The Bass version cable is prone to tangling (but can be avoided with care usage and responsible and careful cord winding/unwinding.


The EN700 PRO is a detachable cable version of the EN700 Bass, with added designated color options. EN700 PRO is a sexier pic, but EN700 Bass owners shouldn’t think they’re getting an upgrade in sound quality with this earphone.


Conclusion

The EN700 line has another “latest and greatest” earphone. The company has once again made tweaks based on community feedback. The detachable cable is premium and a big improvement from the past models. The tuning is a big improvement from the original, and more of a sidegrade from the Bass version IMHO.


The frustrating thing is that many of these companies are re-releasing products that slightly improve from the original. I sometimes wish these manufacturers would take the time to get it right the first time and save the customer some money and not leave them feeling like they need to run out for the latest and greatest every six months. Then again, the same thing could be said of smartphones, laptops, cars, televisions etc…


If you own the original (or no Simgot earphones) I strongly suggest you at least try to the PRO (or Bass version) to experience the improvements in just about all aspects. If you own the EN700 Bass version, you pretty much have an attached cable version of this earphone. Where Simgot goes from here is unknown. However, I am a fan of the Bass and PRO versions. The PRO is the best of the bunch with the new colors and premium detachable cable.


When rating a product I have to take all criteria into consideration (including price). The EN700 PRO gets 4.5 stars for design and build (minus half star for cable jack issue), 4.5 stars for fit and ergonomics, 4 stars for sound quality, and 4 stars for accessories. They are a solid performer with an awesome design and look. Their sound rivals anything in their price range. Whether or not this sounds like the earphone for you, it comes down to a matter of preference. If it sounds like something you might like, it’s definitely something to consider trying or buying.


Thanks for reading and happy listening!


Hisoundfi

At the time this review was written, the Brainwavz B200 was listed for sale on Amazon. Here is a link to their listing of the product:


https://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-Ar...80&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Brainwavz+B200&psc=1


Introduction

I started reviewing earphones by doing write-ups of budget friendly earphones from companies like Mee Audio and Brainwavz. Their budget earphones were respectable for the price and it was a great opportunity to take a stab at writing comprehensive articles for those who visit Head-Fi. Covering earphones has been a lot of fun. The work I’ve done has opened the door for more and more opportunities. It’s an honor and privilege to share my experience with these great products.


I am going to be brutally honest here, but I’m going somewhere with this…


For the last year and a half I’ve avoided reviewing most Brainwavz products. Not because I don’t want to cover their stuff, but rather because the last two years I’ve grown accustomed to what Brainwavz has been offering for the most part (allow me to explain). Many of Brainwavz products have been budget friendly single dynamic driver in-ear monitors with tweaks in their appearance and tuning. There’s nothing wrong with this, but to be honest I’m always looking for the next best technology to hit the market, not the next sidegrade to what has been previously released a few weeks/months earlier. Progress is the most important product when it comes to almost every market, and I honestly wasn’t seeing Brainwavz making a progression in design and tuning. That is, until now. Brainwavz has launched an armature driver in-ear monitor lineup. Kudos!


When I first heard about a Brainwavz audiophile friendly armature earphone I was immediately curious to see what this was all about. It was nice to see them turning the corner on their designs and try something beyond what had become their norm. Reviews reported that the single armature B100 and B150 were somewhat solid performers. When the B200 was announced, I had to try a pair for myself to see what Brainwavz had cooking at their headquarters. Long story short I am very pleased with what they accomplished. Let’s find out why as we take a look at, and listen to the B200.


Disclaimer

I was given a free sample of the B200 in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Brainwavz. I would like to take this time to personally thank Pandora for the opportunity to experience and review the product.



REVIEW

The B200 comes in a discreet black box with red foil print. There’s nothing flashy to point out. I was kind of pleased with the fact that Brainwavz took a less flashy approach and let their product do the talking this time around.


Opening the box I’m greeted with an elongated version of Brainwavz black and red clamshell case. Opening the case reveals the earphones and accessories. As always, Brainwavz offers a really nice accessories package and case.


Specifications and Accessories


Specifications:
Drivers : Dual Balanced Armature
Rated Impedance : 30 Ω
Frequency Range : 12 Hz ~ 22 kHz
Sensitivity : 110 dB at 1 mW
Cable : 1.3 m Y-Cord, Over the ear, OFC Copper
Plug : 3.5 mm, Gold plated


Accessories:
Earphone Hard case
6 sets of Silicone Ear Tips (S M L)
1 set of Comply Foam Tips T-100
1 Shirt Clip
Velcro Cable Tie
Instruction Manual


Housings

Plastic. Yes, plastic. Almost cheap feeling. They are glossy and have a black Brainwavz logo imprinted (very incognito). They are very, very light, and relatively small. Still, they have great ergonomics and a form factor that is ideal for those who go for an over the ear fit. These things won’t turn heads, but they look sleek, do their job, and fit extraordinarily well. Although there’s not a whole lot to say appearance-wise, there’s not much bad to say either. For the asking price I would hope for a more premium aluminum/metal shell, but this is definitely not a dealbreaker for me.


The B200 nozzles are of average length but skinnier than average. I usually bring up tip rolling in this portion of the review, but I honestly didn’t feel inclined to find an aftermarket tip for the B200. I will say that the B200’s skinnier than average nozzle will make it impossible to use with wide bore aftermarket tips. My recommendation, you should first try to use the included stock silicone tips. They are supple, soft and seal well. Of course your mileage may vary, but I don’t see many people needing a different tip than the stock pairs that Brainwavz has provided.


Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

At first glimpse I was disappointed. Although the cable has held up very well, to a certain extent I do feel the B200 could have done better with the cable considering the asking price. A rubber jacketed cable is used which has small amounts of spring and memory. The Y-split is heavy duty and splits into two somewhat frail (for the price) wires that lead to each housing. I had a few occasions where the upper part of the cable (above the Y-Split) would tangle and was somewhat of a pain to untangle. A chin/neck slider is included and works great to snug things into place. A shrink wrap style memory wire is applied about two to three inches from each housing and works great to provide a secure and comfortable fit. The B200 uses a angled gold plated 3.5mm jack. Strain reliefs are well done. Although the cable works great it’s not the most durable cable and mirrors that of cheaper priced earphones.


Although I would have prefered to see Brainwavz offer a detachable modular braided cable, I have to say that I’ve put the cable to the test and haven’t had any hiccups yet. Do I think this cable is awful? The answer is no, but I do think that once the price gets above one hundred dollars there should be a noticeable improvement in design and durability over a budget model. Brainwavz didn’t do that here. The upper portion of this cable seems one tough snag away from making these earphones worthless. The good news is that like all Brainwavz products, they have a nice warranty.


Functionality

The B200 is a plug and play device. My pair didn’t have any microphone or remote. Plug in, play, enjoy music and repeat.


Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

At first glimpse the plastic housings seem downright cheap. However, the lightweight shell does have some distinct advantages, primarily in terms of comfort and wearability. The B200 gives me the luxury of putting them on and forgetting about them. They’re ideal for long listening sessions. Over the course of using them, I’ve fallen asleep several times with them in my ears (binge-watching Netflix). Between the springy over-ear memory wire and small form factor, it’s almost like wearing nothing at all.


If you’re a fan of comfortable over the ear in-ear monitors, Brainwavz has hit a homerun. If you have worn a pair of the B100 or B150, these are virtually identical. The super lightweight housings in combination with an ideal form factor will provide many with an over-ear fit that will work with just about anyon’es ear size or shape.


Sound Review

I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V20 and iPhone 6 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7, Aune M1S or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz, or Aune S6/S7 combo. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.


I used my usual same songs for testing gear:

“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)

“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)

“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)

“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)

“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)

“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)

“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)

“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)

“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)

“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)

“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)

“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)

“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)


Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.


Source Selection

We’re talking about 30 Ohm dual armature in-ear monitors here. They’ll work well with any portable source you have. The B200 will scale with a portable amplifier while avoiding EMI and floor noise for the most part. You aren’t going to find audio Nirvana by plugging them into your high powered desktop rig. Use the B200 with your portable source and you will be rewarded with some great sounding earphones.


The B200 is for the most part a neutral sounding earphone with a hint of warmth and slight roll of at the highest and lowest registers of human hearing. I enjoyed them almost all my portable gear, but primarily with the Fiio X7 and LG V20.


Sound Signature

First things first, the midbass through upper midrange on the B200 is world class. The balance, spatial queues and clarity are phenomenal in these ranges. Where the B200 loses it’s edge is in the highest of highs and lowest of low frequencies. Summarized, there’s adequate treble and punchy bass, but it doesn’t have rumble and sparkle needed to maximize the listening experience with modern genres of music.


With acoustic, classic rock, symphony and movies the B200 sounds incredibly natural and is easy to listen to for hours with no fatigue or discomfort. With Hip-Hop, Pop, Rock, and R&B there’s enough frequency range to enjoy these genres, but not enough girth or shimmer for me to feel like the B200 is ideal.


Depending on what your listening preferences are and what your preferred music genres are will dictate your impressions. If you want neutral and succulent sounding earphone that makes vocals and midrange sounds pop, this is an awesome option. If you want to listen to your favorite Hip-Hop and R&B artists, these aren’t for you.


The good news is that the B200 smokes every other Brainwavz earphone I’ve heard to date. The fidelity of these are world class. Add a few dB on each end of the sound spectrum and we might have a revelation in earphones. Don’t forget, EQ is a viable option for elevating the frequencies you feel are lacking. This applies to just about any earphone. For the record, the B200 responds to EQ reasonably well.


Bass

What bass is there is tight, clean and punchy with timbre at mid-bass frequencies. Where the B200 loses out is in it’s ability to sound robust and deep. It’s mildly audible, but you won’t feel the deep stuff, especially sub bass rumble in genres like Hip-Hop, R&B, and other modern genres that utilize synthesized earth rumbling low frequencies.


During Daft Punk’s “Doin it Right” everything sounds adequate with the only exception being the lowest of low bass notes. There was enough mid-bass presence to make the enjoyment of the music adequate, but the range wasn’t there to maximize all bass tones. To summarize, the B200 has awesome mid-bass, but it doesn’t extend into the depths of which a person can hear.


What bass there is is very well done. I’d go as far as saying the mid-bass response of the B200 is one of my favorites for in ear monitors in this regard.


Mid-range

Midrange has a very responsive sensation with a splash of warmth and nice timbre, all while still leaning towards a primarily neutral presentations. Clarity is far above average, especially for a pair of earphones under two hundred dollars. From what I’ve heard, the B200 is definitely going to appeal to vocal lovers. The tuning is slightly intimate, leans more towards the middle of the ranges of human hearing while adding a dash of dynamics in this range that will satisfy many who like singers of the track to take center stage without drowning out the rest of the band.


The B200 midrange is something that grows on you over time. I can say with confidence that the midrange of the B200 is the earphone’s best attribute in terms of audio presentation. I enjoy vocal and acoustic tracks immensely with these things in my ears.


Treble

The B200 packs an adequate and comfortable upper frequency response. Just like the Bass tuning, B200’s treble has a formidable presence with a slight roll off as things approach the farthest ranges of human hearing. Lower treble/upper midrange are nicely balanced with mid-range frequencies and sound forward enough to give a snappy presence with good PRAT. What’s there is natural and engaging.


As we approach sibilant ranges, they are slightly (albeit not completely) subdued. I think Brainwavz did a great job giving us an earphone that will let listeners crank up their favorite songs and get a natural presentation that isn’t harsh. With that being said, sparkle and shimmer from things like cymbals and hi-hats could be a little more “in your face”. You’ll hear them, but they won’t jump out at you. Long story short, there’s once again a slight roll-off at the highest frequencies.


Soundstage and Imaging

Natural and somewhat intimate soundstage is what I experienced. The B200 has some nice neutrality and transients with a vocals forward/band in the back type of feel. This wasn’t an extreme case, but more a sensation do to the slight roll off on both ends of the spectrum.


Although the soundstage sounds smaller with these earphones than an unnaturally tuned V-Signature earphone, I can honestly say that I appreciate the way these create a somewhat realistic sense of imaging and instrument placement. For the tuning, the B200 gets a good score from me in this regard. There’s a nice sense of space, albeit not a significantly large one.


Comparisons

Noble X (Approx. $250 USD on Massdrop when available)

The tuning of these earphones actually have a lot in common. Both are a smooth sounding dual armature earphone with a bit of roll off at upper frequencies. The biggest difference I can hear between the two is that the Noble X seems to be able to dig deeper at bass frequencies, making more out of modern genres of music. Noble X also seems to be a bit warmer at lower midrange frequencies and sounds a bit less neutral and natural than the B200. Treble response on both are very similar and almost identical to my ears. Summarized, if you prefer modern and bass heavy genres, go for the Noble X. If you like more natural, airy and somewhat midrange focused sound without losing a sense of the overall sound, go for the B200.


The build quality of the Noble X is far superior to the B200. The Noble X comes with Noble’s braided two pin replaceable cable. It’s much sturdier than Brainwavz attached rubber cable. . Accessories is a draw. In terms of fit it’s close, but the B200 gets the edge. Simply put, the Brainwavz B200 is one of the most comfortable earphones I’ve ever worn. It’s hard to top that!



Kinera H3 (currently $99 on Amazon)

I picked this earphone because it’s not only a recent release with a somewhat similar price tag, it will give you an idea of the tuning in terms of how it compares to a V-Signature earphone.


The H3 is the tuning opposite of the B200 from what I hear. They have boosted and extended lows and highs and a dry and subdued midrange with tons of clarity and minimal warmth. The H3 low end exposes what is lacking in terms of extension. However, the B200 midrange and treble destroys the H3 in terms of balance and enjoyability. The H3 sounds pretty good, but you won’t be able to crank up your favorite tunes too much without sibilance becoming an issue.


I adore the build, fit and isolation of the H3 So I’m going say it’s a draw between the two earphones in this regard, with the H3 getting a slight advantage for their detachable braided cable.


Conclusion (TLDR)

The B200 is the best earphone I’ve heard from Brainwavz, and a huge step forward from their single dynamic budget bangers. There’s nothing wrong with budget earphones, but it's fantastic to see that Brainwavz dabble in a multiple driver earphone at a slightly higher price point. Although not what I would consider a perfect product, they do a lot of things very well. The fit and sound are fabulous for their current asking price. However, their achilles heel is their build quality. For this much money I would hope for a detachable cable, metal housing, or both. Just looking at them and holding them in my hand, the build is reminiscent of their budget models.

If you ask me if I’d rather have three pairs of their $20-$40 budget models or a single pair of these, I resoundingly recommend the latter. The sound quality destroys just about every single dynamic driver brainwavz earphone I’ve listened to. As always, Brainwavz brings it with a nice accessories package and a nice warranty.


When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account. The B200 gets three stars for build quality (plastic housings and relatively cheap non-detachable cable), four and a half stars for sound quality (minus a half star for lack of extension on both ends), five stars for ergonomics and comfort (super-duper comfortable and easy to wear), and four and a half stars for accessories. If this sounds like a product you’d like, I have no problem recommending them. They fit and sound great.



Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the Simgot EN700 Bass edition was listed for sale on Amazon and Penon Audio’s website. Here are links for more information and purchase:

https://www.amazon.com/SIMGOT-EN700...ie=UTF8&qid=1497596174&sr=8-6&keywords=simgot

http://penonaudio.com/SIMGOT-EN700-BASS-EARPHONE?search=simgot

Introduction
Hang out on Head-Fi long enough and you’ll come across an earphone that catches your attention. As someone who likes to review products, I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing from up and coming manufacturers.

About a year ago, a new company came along that introduced a rather unique and premium looking earphone. The company was named Simgot, and the product was the EN700. A few reviewers got their hands on them and wrote fairly positive reviews.

Fast forward to a couple months ago, I was checking my Facebook notifications and received a friend request from someone I didn’t recognize. Before accepting the request I asked who they were. It turns out it was a representative of the Simgot company, and they were wondering if I was interested in reviewing their new EN700 Bass version. I gladly accepted.

Speaking with this individual (I can’t say their name because honestly, I don’t know it, the name is written in Chinese) they stated that they were previously part of a earphone company named Ostry. If you aren’t familiar with Ostry, you should be. Their heralded KC06 and KC06A are two EXCELLENT sounding earphones that I still often times recommend. Long story short, Simgot is in a way starting from where Ostry left off. Just like the KC06 had the bassier and more HiFi KC06A, Simgot has taken the EN700 and now offers the beefed up EN700 Bass. Let’s go over them with a comprehensive review.

Disclaimer
I was given a free sample of the EN700 Bass in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Simgot. I would like to take this time to personally thank the Simgot representatives for an opportunity to experience and review the product.

REVIEW

The EN700 Bass comes in a medium size black box with a white cardboard outer sleeve that is nearly identical to the original EN700 box at first glimpse. The front of the white sleeve features a nice picture of the earphones.


The back of the sleeve shows schematics of the earphone’s internals as well as specifications.


Removing the sleeve and top of the black box, I’m greeted with a glimpse of the EN700 Bass set in a foam cutout, with a leather pouch on the bottom. Inside this box contains the EN700 Bass accessories (tips). The package feels premium and matches or exceeds the EN700 Bass asking price.

Specifications and Accessories

Specifications
Sensitivity: 101dB/mW
Impedance: 16Ω
Wearing: In-ear style
Headset Type: Wired
With or without Mic: Without Mic
Plug diameter: 3.5mm
Headphone plug type: straight plug


Accessories
1X EN700BASS earphone
6X Pairs silicone eartips
1X Earphone bag
1X Velcro Cable

Housings

Holding them in my hands, the build quality is great. EN700 Bass has sandblasted all metal housings. They have a little bit of heft to them, but it’s more of a “solid feel” kind of thing rather than being a weighted hindrance.


Between the craftsmanship, ergonomics, style and design, the EN700 Bass is honestly one of the best housing designs I’ve come across. It has been said before, but I can’t help it think of their design as being a miniature version of the HE1000 series. The grills have gold highlighted parallel lines that mimics the looks of the Hifiman flagship headphone.


Nozzles of the EN700 bass are of average length and width. Tip rolling is fun and easy to do. I was able to find several aftermarket tips that worked great with these nozzles. Even so, the stock tips are pretty much all you need. They provide a consistent seal and fit comfortably.

NOTE: The EN700 Bass comes in different housing color variations. Options are Titanium, Red, Blue, and Black. I received the “Titanium” version, but to my eyes it looks more like a gunmetal finish. Regardless of what you want to call it, it looks very high end and stylish. Build, design, and style are all top notch. Kudos to Simgot in this regard.

Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

Simgot has improved from the EN700 with its cable design. The most noticeable thing being the change to an eight strand braided cable. This cable has a brown/gold tint to it, is very flexible and has virtually no spring or memory. The Y-split is a metal jacketed piece that splits the cable from eight strands to two four strand braids which lead to each channel. The cable ends in a straight style gold plated 3.5mm jack with plenty of strain relief. One thing to note, this new cable is very susceptible to tangles if you don’t wrap them. Try stuffing them in your pocket without taking the time to carefully wrap them and I can almost guarantee that you’ll have some knots to tend to.

A clear shrink wrap wire attaches to the housings about three to four inches from each housing. Unlike the more bendable memory wire of times past, the shrink wrap helps promote a more consistent, even and comfortable fit for my ears.

NOTE: During the review process Simgot contacted me to say that they plan on releasing a detachable cable version of the EN700 Bass. When/if a pair arrives I will make sure to share impressions of the product.



Functionality
My pair of EN700 Bass didn’t come with a microphone or remote. It is strictly a plug and play earphone. Plug in, press play, turn the volume up and enjoy, then repeat when desired.

NOTE: When the detachable cable version is released, upgrading the cable will be a simple process that opens the door for upgrades to more premium models, or getting something with a mic/remote.

Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

If you prefer an over the ear fit the EN700 Bass will most likely get your approval. The EN700 Bass cannot be worn cable down. Simgot carries over the same housing shape, and improves on the fit by using a cable that provides a much better and more consistent fit. The biggest improvement is the implementation of shrink wrap wire rather than the previous memory wire.

The housings are somewhat large but the shape is designed to fill the concha of almost every listener’s ears. An angled rubber/plastic strain relief is angled from the housing and connects to the shrink wrap wire which loops over each ear. Although the weight of the cable helps keep things in place, there is no chin/neck slider to help snug things securely. Had this earphone come with such feature I would probably give the EN700 Bass a perfect score in terms of over-ear fit. Even still, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me. I was able to use the EN700 bass for my morning run without having fit/comfort/cable issues. Despite being an over the ear design, the EN700 Bass does have some noticeable microphonics when music isn’t playing. With music playing (even at low volumes) cable noise is pretty much irrelevant. Isolation is average for a universal in-ear monitor. These earphones block out some, but not all external noise.

Sound Review
I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V10 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7, Aune M1S, or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.


I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)

Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.

Source Selection
Coming in at 16 Ohms the EN700 Bass is incredibly easy to drive and doesn’t need anything beyond the average smartphone to sound excellent. However, using the right high powered DAP will yield increased definition and command of each frequency range.

You can use these earphones with just about any source your have, but they do have a sweet spot. The EN700 Bass’ lower frequency forward tuning seemed to match well with a leaner or more linear sounding source. Although they rocked with my LG V20 in HiFi mode, I experienced an even higher increase in fidelity when using them with my Fiio X7/AM3 combo. Although the boosted lower frequencies don’t necessarily need taming, these earphones seem to match best for me with uncolored portable DAPs and high bitrate music files.

Sound Signature

While in one breath I could say that the EN700 Bass is a bass enhanced version of the original, that would only be a half truth. The added bass completely changes my impression of them as compared to the original version (for the better). The EN700 Bass is HiFi in a really, really good way.

This earphone falls somewhere between an L and V signature. One of the first earphones that came to mind when listening to them was the TTPOD T1E. After comparing the two (which I will elaborate on later in the comparisons section) I can confirm that the two have some similarities in sound shape. Those who know me understand my appreciation for the T1E. Well, Simgot has managed to take the T1E sound and improve upon it. I will elaborate more on this in the comparisons section.

Although my recent preferences have leaned towards neutral and airy, the EN700 Bass has rekindled my appreciation for the L signature earphone. When an in-ear monitor’s bass performance is as impressive as the EN700 Bass (and also putting into consideration the relatively natural and fatigue free neighboring mids and highs) this sets up to be an almost addictive earphone tuning that keeps me coming back for more. When I’m leaving the house and want to take an earphone with me (and also considering comfort and fit) the tuning of the EN700 Bass are one of the first things to come to mind.

Bass
The EN700 Bass is the star of the show. This is thanks to their solid performance and balance in relation to the rest of the tuning. There are equal amounts of punch and rumble. Although the bass of these earphones is somewhat forward, it’s by no means excessive. These are not “basshead” earphones, so don’t let the word “bass” in their title lead you to believe this is the case.

The special sauce in this recipe for the EN700 bass is their ability to be responsive while maintaining some great extension and tone. From sub-bass to mid-bass there’s nothing missing. The EN700 Bass is dynamic and sounds good with all genres. The EN700 has the type of bass that can be subtle and polite at times, and rock the block when needed. No matter what I listened to with the EN700 Bass, the lower frequency performance was pretty superb. Although I consider the bass to be very responsive, the bold and big nature of it does have a slower attack and decay as compared to more linear “armature-ish” designs. I consider this a welcomed aspect for these earphones. This is a bass response that I enjoy thoroughly.

Mid-range
Mid-range on a whole takes a small step down from bass frequencies, but still balances out decently with the rest of the overall sound. There’s a somewhat airy presence in comparison to other in-ear monitors with similar tunings. Resolution is very good, albeit not elite.

Lower midrange is a bit subdued and male vocals have a natural yet relaxed feel. Nothing in the lower mid-range seems overly rich or bloated. Mid-bass does have a little resonance that can overshadow the relaxed tuning in this range, but is nowhere near what I would consider the dreaded “mid-bass bleed.” This relaxed and somewhat smooth sense carries through the ranges of most male and some female vocals.

Upper mid-range is another case. There is a lift at upper mid-range/lower treble frequencies and vocals finish with decent amount of bite. Thanks to the lifted bass presence this range balances out and prevents me from saying that the EN700 Bass is shouty. After this upper mid-range boost, things taper off. This forward frequency range also prevents me from saying that these earphones are dark sounding. The ratios and balance between upper mids and bass create some really nice synergy that works off of each other well. Simply put, these earphones are fun to listen to.

Treble
This earphone does a good job at keeping sibilant and harsh frequencies in recordings subdued and still maintaining a nice amount of sparkle. Sibilant ranges seemed slightly recessed to my ears. Pronunciations of the letters S and T are pretty relaxed and never harsh to my ears. Cymbal crashes are easily heard, but a little bit south of what I would consider neutral or natural sounding.

Resolution is good and inline with the rest of the earphone’s tuning. It’s on the better side of average, but not elite. With extremely complex music passages the treble tuning can lose a bit of clarity but never gets to the point of saying things are distorted.

To be completely honest, the treble tuning of this earphone sets up for people to be able to enjoy them at louder volumes. I caught myself turning these up a few extra clicks on the volume dial on several occasions.

Soundstage and Imaging
The impressive bass extension of the EN700 Bass gives them impressive depth. Add this to the somewhat airy midrange, we have a better than average soundstage. The slightly uneven lower to upper mid-range tuning in combination with the bold bass response prevents me from saying that these have a great sense of instrument placement.

Comparisons

TTPOD T1E ($30 to $50 USD on many sites, Discontinued)
I had to do this comparison because in all honesty, they measure and sound somewhat similar. I was sad to see the T1E be discontinued after their long tenured success. Their HiFi tuning and impressive bass response makes them one of the best budget in-ear monitors I’ve had the pleasure of using.

Comparing the two, there are more similarities than differences. In terms of sound shape they measure VERY similar, with the EN700 Bass being slightly more sensitive. The T1E isolates a little better. Bass is a little more extended with the T1E, but they are equally responsive. The EN700 Bass has a more airy and open presentation, and midrange sounds a bit more natural to my ears. Treble on the Simgot model is superior in terms of resolution and separation.

The EN700 Bass has a far superior design and build quality. Their metal housing trumps the plastic housing of the T1E, and their over the ear fit is more comfortable. EN700 Bass also gets a decisive advantage in terms of accessories. Their leather pouch is far better than the drawstring bag of the T1E.

Long story short, the EN700 Bass is a slightly more refined version of the same tuning. If you loved the sound of the T1E and want the next best thing, the EN700 Bass is the earphone for you. The added refinement in sound signature and huge leap in build and accessories easily justifies the leap in price as well.


Simgot EN700 (original) ($90 to $120 USD on many sites)
The original EN700 was shipped to me along with the Bass version to compare the two. They have the same shells with a slightly different finish. They are essentially a bass reduced version of the earphone I am covering today. However, the variance in bass tuning creates a very different impression.

Comparing the two, I will first make a confession that I personally am not a fan of the original EN700 tuning. They are a balanced and relatively even tuning, but with a upper mid-range and lower treble spike that makes most tracks sound shouty and aggressive to my ears and prevents me from enjoying many of the track I’m listening to with them.

Bass on both earphones is very responsive and perform well, with the Bass version being more forward. The Bass version has a slightly more forward lower mid-range in relation to the upper mids, and is more relaxed at lower treble frequencies. Overall, the EN700 Bass is a more even and also more HiFi tuning than the original. Those who didn’t care for the original EN700 for the same reasons, the Bass version is a huge upgrade in my opinion.

I give a slight advantage to the new Bass version for design and fit. The new cable is easier to use, and the shrink wrap is much easier to use than the long memory wire of the original EN700. Accessories are virtually identical.

Conclusion (TLDR?)
The EN700 Bass is in my opinion a huge step in the right direction from Simgot, and big improvement from the original version. They are somewhere between an L and V sound shape. The bass response from this earphone is fabulously well-rounded and forward enough to be highly enjoyable, and without going overboard. The forward upper mid-range balances out nicely with bass frequencies and gives me an impression that is somewhere between HiFi and natural. Simgot has smoothed out much of the harsh frequencies and made an earphone that works well with every genre. Not only have they improved in terms of sound quality from the original, they’ve also improved the fit by adding a nice braided cable and shrink wrap wire that makes getting a secure and consistent fit easier than the memory wire version offered previously (FYI, they also have a detachable cable version coming soon).

I’m not going to say that these earphones are something that a certain demographic of preferences should avoid, because I think most people will appreciate what Simgot has done here. I like the fit and sound of these things quite a bit, and don’t see you regretting your purchase if what I described sounds like something that you might like.

When reviewing an item I often times question if an earphone justifies its asking price. With the EN700 Bass you could have doubled the current asking price and I would still say they do. They won’t challenge much of the summit-fi market, but I could see them rivaling many/most/all of the products in their respective price point (depending on listening and fit preferences).

When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account (including price). The EN700 Bass gets four stars for design and build (minus a half star for no cable down fit and no chin/neck slider), four and a half stars for fit, four and half stars for accessories, and four and half stars for sound. These are a solid product that fits and sounds great, especially for their price.


Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time of the review, the Meze 99 Neo were listed for pre-sale on their website. Here is a link for information and purchase:

http://bit.ly/2n6YzEx

Introduction
Meze is a relatively newer headphone company. Last year they released their inaugural headphone, the 99 Classics. It seemed as though there was a new review of the product on the Head-Fi front page once or twice a week for a long period of time, with most reviews being very positive. I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to review the 99 Classics, and was pleased with their price to performance ratio. Here is a link to the review:

https://www.head-fi.org/f/showcase/meze-99-classics.21066/reviews?page=2#review-16685

The more I listen to the Classics, the more I can appreciate what Meze has done. They aren’t necessarily an audiophile or consumer friendly tuning. Their sound falls somewhere between the two and gives owners a pair of full-size headphones that are sensitive enough to be used with their smartphones and can also paired with a high end desktop rig. Considering the price to performance and unique tuning and sharp looks, their headphones appeal to a diverse crowd.

The Meze team is a group of nice guys from Romania who found a niche in the headphone market with the 99 Classics. Their success has led them to release a reasonably priced and similarly tuned line of in-ear monitors, the 11 Neo and 12 Classics. I have a pair of 11 Neo and they sound excellent in their own right. Having heard their entire lineup, it seems that Meze is sticking to a highly enjoyable “house sound” that many can appreciate.

When Meze contacted me to see if I was interested in reviewing a new headphone called the 99 Neo, there was no hesitation in accepting their offer. From how it was explained the 99 Neo was basically a new spin on the Classics, using ABS (high quality plastic) cups instead of wood. The more cost effective material would also help drop their asking price as compared to the 99 Classics. Let’s take a look and listen to the Neo.

REVIEW

The 99 Neo comes in a black and gray box with black lettering and glossy photos of the product. If you own a pair of Classics you will see almost identical information on both sides of the box, with the only difference being six Ohms variance in the headphone’s impedance.


Opening the box, I’m greeted with a travel case a-la the 99 Classics, but with a cloth jacketing as opposed to the synthetic leather material used in the previous model. Functionally speaking, they both are identical in shape and do the same job.

Specifications and Accessories

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

Accessories:
1X Pair Meze 99 Neo headphones
1X Cloth hard-shell zipper travel case
1X Cloth zipper accessories pouch
1X 1.2 Meter cable with mic/remote for Android and Iphone (version 6 and lower)
1X 10 Foot stereo cable
1X 1/4 Inch stereo adapter
1X Airline adapter


Overall Build

The build is identical to the 99 Classics but with one exception, the cups are made of black ABS plastic. Holding them in my hand, they have the same weight, and almost identical build quality. The ABS cups look more modern than the wood cups of the 99 Classics. If you are familiar with the build and fit of the 99 Classics you might want to skip ahead to the sound portion of this review.


The build quality of the 99 Neo is great in comparison to many headphones in its price range. They have a spring steel headband with a synthetic leather band that attaches via an elastic band on each side of the frame. Those who own AKG headphones, it's basically the same concept.

The frame of the 99 Neo attaches to a ball and socket design which connects to the ABS cups. The cups have ample oscillation which helps create a comfortable fit. Memory foam pads stretch around a ABS plate which holds the 99 Neo’s 40mm mylar drivers.


Each side has a 3.5mm mono terminal, meaning each channel runs separately without sharing any wiring in the headband. You can easily order an aftermarket balanced cable without having to do any modification to the headphone itself.

All in all (and just like the 99 Classics) I’m very happy with the build quality of these headphones and don’t see them breaking any time soon (if handled with a reasonable amount of care). I personally prefer the more modern black and chrome look of the 99 Neo over the wood cups of the Classics.

Cable, Cable Jacks, Strain Reliefs

Meze gives you all the cables you need to get started. The 1.2 meter mic/remote cable is Kevlar coated and has high quality and durable connections. The mic/remote is a single button variation (no volume control) that's made of metal and has a high quality rubber button. Strain reliefs are adequate. Also included is a ten foot cable that comes in handy when using them at home.


Comfort, Isolation, Microphonics

Between the stretchable PU leather headband and memory foam pads, the 99 Neo is better than average in terms of comfort. The 99 Neo is easy to wear and no adjustments are needed to achieve a secure and comfortable fit. Simply set the headphones on your head and stretch the cups down and over your ears. For a closed headphone, the 99 Neo works great for long listening sessions. They will get warm on the ears, but not excessively hot (unless used in hot weather). Under normal indoor conditions I was able to wear the 99 Neo for extended listening sessions without breaking a sweat or needing to take a break.


Meze has made a positive change in comparison to their older models of 99 Classics by making the circumference of the ear pads a bit larger. Just for the record, newer versions of the 99 Classics also uses a larger circumference pair of pads as well.

Isolation is better than a semi open design, but a bit below average as compared to other pairs of closed headphones. External noise is easily hears when music is not playing, but eliminated when it is.

Just like the 99 Classics, one of my biggest gripes about the 99 Neo is the amount of microphonics. Simply put, the spring steel frame creates a lot of of microphonics and noise inside the cups when they rub against or make contact with any other surface. Avoid making contact with other materials and you won’t have a problem. Give them a tap on the spring steel frame while wearing them and you’ll see what I mean. There is also noise from the headband when the amount of stretch on the headband is changed. I don’t consider this to be a deal breaker, but definitely something that can get annoying if you’re trying to rest your head against the back of a chair or wall while listening to them.


Sound Review

I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V20 for smartphone use, and either my Shanling H3, Fiio X7/AM3 combo, or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with my Aune S6/S7, or ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.

I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)


Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.



Source Selection
Coming in at 26 Ohms, the 99 Neo is easy to drive for a full sized headphone and can be used with a smartphone. It will sound decent with low power sources, but gets a boost in fidelity when used with added amplification.


The 99 Neo sounds best to my ears with a powerful and neutral source. My favorite sources used where the iFi micro iDSD in medium gain setting and Fiio X7/AM3. A lean and powerful source seemed to compliment the 99 Neo tuning and seemed to make them sound more responsive and natural than colored sources. The Meze tuning is very forgiving, and will sound great with any recording and genre of music you throw at it.



Sound Signature
Have you heard the 99 Classics? If you have, they sound nearly identical to my ears. Meze uses the same drivers, pads, and cup shape. The only different effects on the sonics is the ABS housings. I did extensive A-B comparisons and found some very subtle differences. The differences are so subtle that it could be a matter of burn-in hours on the drivers, or variances in production models. I will however report this in the sound review and comparison sections.



The 99 Neo falls somewhere between audiophile and consumer friendly. They are slightly bass forward, have a slightly emphasized mid-bass and lower mid-range, warm tilted mid-range, and polite yet adequate higher frequency response. They sound good at low or high volumes and don’t discriminate any genre of music. These are a headphone that will work fantastic for those who enjoy an eclectic music library.



Bass
Bass on the 99 Neo is somewhat forward. The low frequency emphasis doesn’t venture into “basshead” territory, but brings enough thump and rumble to give listeners all the slam they need to enjoy almost any music genre. At the same time the 99 Neo has the refrain to not butcher stuff meant to sound natural and organic.

Sub bass is present but takes a small step back from mid-bass frequencies. I’m not sure if the ABS housings (or larger circumference pads) make the difference, but the sub bass of the 99 Neo seems a bit tighter and slightly more responsive than the Classics (this is a good thing). Even still, this isn’t the tightest and most responsive sub-bass you’ll hear. It’s better than your average pair of headphones, but not on the same level as the more elite planar or high end dynamic headphones I’ve heard.

Mid bass is somewhat bold and has a nice impactful punch. The forward nature does impact lower mid-range a bit but doesn’t make it sound overwhelmingly distorted or sloppy. It’s big and bold, with a slight veil that doesn’t seem to ruin the listening experience.

If the Neo had more bass I might be calling these things bloated or terribly veiled, but that’s not really the case. These headphones have a bold and robust lower frequency range, period. Bass heavy music will sound, well, bassy. Those looking for a neutral, linear and fast response, you’re not going to find it here. Those who like a splash of added dynamics and color will like what’s going on with these cans.

Mid-Range
Mids are dynamic in lower registers, soft at upper mid tones and somewhat soft in attack. Overall the mid response is pleasant and easy on the ears. I would say that it is overall neutral with a bit of warmth and impact in the lower half.

Male vocals and lower midrange instruments take a step down from mid-bass frequencies and are still a touch forward. Mid bass does impact the lower midrange sounds, especially with bass heavy modern genres and complex music passages. Female vocals for the most part are natural. Higher pitches female vocals come across a bit soft and slightly distant.

All vocals finish smooth to my ears. Upper mid-range has a somewhat soft attack that isn’t significant, but noticeable during critical listening. Overall, I like the balance Meze provides. I can see some not caring for the lower mid-range and consider it to have unwelcomed and thick resonance while others will love it for the same reason and state that it has nice texture, color and warmth.

Treble
Treble is forward enough to prevent listeners from calling them dark, and has a clean delivery. Of all frequency ranges this is the clearest sounding. I’m not going to say it’s the farthest back in the mix, but the Meze 99 Neo avoids sibilance in recordings and still maintains an adequate and snappy presentation.

99 Neo’s treble isn’t the most extended thing you’ll ever listen to but won’t take away from your listening experience at all. Cymbal crashes are audible and clean, but a bit in back of the mix and don’t have a lot of energy or shimmer.

Overall I enjoy the the treble tuning of the 99 Neo and feel it’s one of their best attributes. PRAT is good with the 99 Neo, and at the same time they avoid harsh frequencies that would take away from the overall listening experience.



Soundstage and Imaging
This is the criteria where source and music genre matters most. With modern genres, synthesized bass lines and colored sources, the 99 Neo soundstage suffers a bit. With a leaner and more neutral sources and less bassy recordings, the soundstage is perceptually large and vocals will pop. The somewhat L-shape tuning and forward bass response doesn’t create a very good sense of instrument placement. To be honest, the less bass a track had, the more out of head the headphones sound. The more bass, the more “in-head” they became.



Comparisons

Meze 99 Classics ($309 USD on Meze’s website)
The 99 Classics are the original Meze headphone and the 99 Neo is it’s offspring. The Classics differ in terms of materials used on the cups (Classics=wood, Neo=ABS plastic). Both headphones have the same drivers, housing shape, ear pads, design and build (aside from cup materials).

In terms of sound there are subtle differences between the two. As I said earlier I can’t guarantee the difference is consistent because my pair of 99 Classics is older, so age of the product could be an issue.

Comparing my pairs, the 99 Neo bass seems a bit cleaner, punchier, and a tiny bit more mid-bass forward than the 99 Classics. The attack and decay of bass notes with the 99 Neo (primarily sub-bass tones) seems to be a bit more clean and responsive. Midrange of the 99 Classics is a bit more spacious sounding (partly due to the softer and slower mid-bass response). Treble is pretty much identical to my ears.

At the end of the day, I could easily confuse the two. The cup material may be whats causing a slight difference in impressions when comparing them, but it’s a small difference. I don’t prefer the sound of one of them over the other. The Neo has an improved bass response over the Classic, but loses a little bit of magic in the midrange as a result. To my ears it’s a draw. They both accomplish the same level of listening experience in my opinion. Those of you who found the Meze 99 Classic’s bass to be a little sloppy (especially at sub-bass levels) the Neo is the upgrade in this regard.

In terms of build quality, I guess I would have to give the 99 Classics a slight advantage because of the more premium material used for the cups. However, I find the black ABS cups of the 99 Neo to be a little more modern and visually appealing. The Neo cups don’t look or feel cheap whatsoever, and the finish gels well with the rest of the parts. Accessories are virtually identical.

There are a couple reasons why I think these will appeal to the headphone market. First of all, the 99 Classics have a mature look to them. Hold them next to a pair of Beats and it’s almost laughable how different they are in terms of style. The Neo however sits somewhere between the two. I think the appearance of the Neo will appeal more to a younger audience. Secondly, They perform on the same level as the Classics and come in at sixty dollars cheaper. I have to mention the increased price to performance ratio thanks to the drop in price.

Soundmagic HP150 ($130 to $150 USD on many sites)

The HP150 is a somewhat V-shaped tuning with a large soundstage for a closed headphone.

Comparing the two, the sound of these headphones are substantially different. The HP150 has a responsive sub bass focused tuning while the 99 Neo has a mid-bass forward lower frequency response. Midrange on the HP150 is thinner, drier and a bit more recessed on the HP150 while the 99 Neo mids are fuller, warmer and more fluid sounding. Treble on the HP150 is crisper and more extended as compared to the more relaxed and controlled highs of the 99 Neo. Soundstage on the HP150 is larger thanks to the V-signature. Meze’s 99 Neo has a smaller but more natural sounding stage. The HP150 sounds better at low volumes and the highs are harsh at louder volumes. The 99 Neo sounds better at louder volumes (with leaner and cleaner sounding sources).



Design and build goes to the 99 Neo. They are a more stylish and better built pair of headphones that is also more comfortable to wear. The HP150 does a much better job with isolation and handling of microphonics. I give a slight edge to the 99 Neo in terms of accessories. Their case is more sleek and stylish, and the cables Meze provides is superior to the what you get with the HP150.


Conclusion (TLDR)
Meze has brought to market a more affordable version of the Meze 99 Classics. The cups are ABS this time around instead of wood. The cup change appears to make a very subtle difference to the sound, but other than that they are a more affordable version of the classics. The Bass response appears to be a touch more responsive. The black ABS cups look pretty stylish as well.

Just like the last offering, the 99 Neo is a headphone that is easy to drive and works decently with almost all genres of music. Meze’s mid-bass and lower mid-range forward sound will probably be too emphasized for those who are looking for a linear and neutral sounding headphone. Those who like a little oomph and color at this range will like what’s going on here. Lows and highs are pleasant to listen to and don’t get in the way of enjoying them.

When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account (including price). I’ll cut to the chase with this one. I gave the 99 Classics four stars and the Neo gets the same score. They have almost identical strengths and weaknesses. However, I give the Neo a thumbs up for the sleek black and chrome look to go along with the drop in price. If you have been on the fence, deciding whether or not you want to buy the Classics and prefer the look of the Neo, the price drop and updated aesthetic might be the factors that push you over the edge.

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the Noble X was listed for sale on Massdrop. If by chance the Noble X drop has ended by the time you read this review (check the link below), there should be more drops coming in the not too distant future. Here is the link for information and purchase:


https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-noble-x-universal-iem


Introduction

Noble X was introduced a few months ago. This release is a collaboration between Noble Audio and Massdrop. The drop comes in at the two hundred fifty dollar mark, making it the most affordable Noble earphone by a long shot.


The Savant was one of Noble’s most popular earphones. Many heralded them as their favorite earphone when it was released. It made waves in Head-Fi circles because of their very natural and engaging sound signature. Since then, the Savant two driver design has been replaced in the new universal lineup by the Noble Sage.


Many who owned or heard the Savant had very little if anything bad to say about them. For some, they wished the Savant was a few bass decibels (increase) away from sounding perfect for their preference. If anything the Savant bass was maybe a touch to lean for some preferences (not all).


When the Noble X was announced I was curious about how they would sound. So far the reviews have been a mixed bag, with some writing fairly critical and somewhat negative remarks, while others wrote overwhelmingly positive reviews. When this happens I feel even more intrigued to see which side of the fence I’m on based on my own personal impression. Considering the fact that the Savant and Sage are both two armature driver designs, I was curious to see the progression with the Noble X (same driver count).


When I saw Brannan at Axpona I was hoping that he would have a pair of Noble X at his booth I could listen to. Although that wasn’t the case I was able to set up a chance to borrow a pair and share my opinion. Let’s dive in, and see what Noble and Massdrop are offering with the X.


Disclaimer

I was borrowed a pair of the Noble X in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Noble. I would like to take this time to personally thank Brannan for the opportunity to experience and share my impressions of the product.


REVIEW

The Noble X comes in a Black cardboard and tin canister. Nothing extraordinary to say here.


Opening the box I’m greeted with a pomade sized plastic jar.


Opening the jar reveals the Noble X earphones and cable along with a baggie of accessories.


Specifications and Accessories

Specifications (copied from the Massdrop website)
Faceplates: Anodized aluminum in midnight blue
Drivers: 2 proprietary balanced armature drivers per side
Impedance: 30 ohms
Frequency response: 15 Hz – 20 kHz
Cable: 50 in (127 cm), detachable, with 2-pin configuration
Plug: ⅛ in (3.5 mm), gold-plated
Weight: 0.69 oz (19.5 g)
Made by Noble Audio

Drivers sourced from a US company
Socket, ABS housing, and aluminum CNC housing manufactured in the US
Cable, tubing, solder, and wiring manufactured in Taiwan
Partial assembly overseas; final assembly and QA in the US
Optional Noble Lightning Cable (+$40)
50 in (127 cm), detachable, with 2-pin configuration and Lightning connector (0.75 mm diameter)


Accessories (copied from the Massdrop website)
Detachable cable with 2-pin connector & 3.5mm TRS plug
2 pairs of single-flange silicone ear tips (M, L)
2 pairs of Noble foam ear tips (M, L)
1 pair of double-flange silicone ear tips (M)
Cleaning tool
Carrying case
Noble Audio warranty



Housings

The housing are reminiscent of Noble’s current universal lineup and come in their own custom color, which is a midnight blue with a hint of dark green (under the right light). The outer part of the shells are aluminum, with the inside portion being made of plastic.


As with all of the new universal lineup, the shape is stylish and durable. There is some really cool design detail in the outer portion of the shell. The earphone nozzle is fairly average in terms of length and width and has two ports (one for each driver). I had no problem tip rolling with these, and came up with some really nice aftermarket options. A two pin channel is located on the upper portion of each housing and has a small indentation to secure the connection.


Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

The Noble cable is reminiscent of the remaining lineup but with one welcomed difference. Noble has gone away from the more rigid memory wire and went with a shrink wrap variation. I FAR prefer this over the oder memory wire, as it promotes a more consistent and comfortable fit for my ears (YMMV). The new shrink wrap at the top of the wire springs back to a preset shape and makes getting an even and consistent fit less tedious than Noble’s previous memory wire offerings.


X has a black rubber jacketed four strand braided cable. The Y-Split is a black metal tube that splits the braid into two strand twisted cables that lead to each housings. LIke all other Noble earphones, the Noble X has a two pin connection. The cable has a welcomed clear plastic chin/neck slider that does its job and helps hold things in place. A straight black metal jacketed 3.5mm gold plated jack is small but built to last.


Another option (for an extra $40 upcharge) is a lightning cable that works with iPhone 7. If you own an iPhone and want to use your Noble X without an adapter, make sure to purchase this option. I didn’t get to use or test this cable, but I’m confident Noble won’t disappoint with this option.



Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

If you’ve worn other Noble earphones don’t expect these to fit any different. For those of you who haven’t, the Noble X is a nicely designed shell that will easily fit a majority of people’s ears. The ergonomic shape of the inner part of the housing in combination with an angled nozzle, you won’t have any issues wearing these earphones. Although they provide a nice fit, the housing doesn’t sit flush with my (and most other’s) ears. The shells do stick out of each ear a bit (not significant).


The over ear fit of the X in combination with the shrink wrap wire and chin slider, microphonics are virtually eliminated. Isolation is better than average in-ear monitor, making the X a great commuting earphone.


Sound Review

I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V10 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7 or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.


I used my usual same songs for testing gear:

“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)

“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)

“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)

“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)

“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)

“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)

“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)

“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)

“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)

“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)

“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)

“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)

“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)


Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.


Source Selection

Coming in at 30 Ohms, the Noble X is an exception to most all-armature designs. Aside from using a ridiculously powerful source, the X doesn’t suffer from sensitivity issues (background hiss or EMI) and sounds good with most portable sources. I enjoyed using less powerful smartphones all the way up to more powerful DAPs and DAC/amplifiers. Although I enjoyed the sound of the X out of my LG V20, I got an increase in balance and performance from a more amplified source like my iBasso DX80, Fiio X7/AM3 combo, and also several portable DAC/amps. Noble X is one of the few armature driver earphones that likes a little extra juice.


I feel the X will benefit most from a somewhat linear, transparent and more powerful portable source to sound its best. The added linearity and power will help even out the tonality and balance the smoother and relaxed higher and lower frequencies with the rest of the tuning. Noble’s X is pretty forgiving with poor recordings and low bitrate files. Add a high quality (linear, neutral) source and some high quality and high bitrate recordings, you will be maximizing the Noble X’s potential.


Sound Signature

The Noble X is a unique tuning that is incredibly easy to listen to for long listening sessions. I consider this earphone to be the “anti-V signature” earphone for those who don’t like boosted lows and highs. In fact, the lowest lows and highest of highs take a back seat to everything in between.


Noble X has a punchy and forward mid-bass, warm tilt, beefy midsection and relaxed highs. The first time I listened to them my initial impression was that they are kind of dark sounding, especially compared to most other earphones. After my ears and brain adjust to their tuning, the Noble X becomes a highly enjoyable and fatigue free tuning that I can enjoy for hours.


NOTE: These earphones sound much better to my ears on medium/medium high listening volumes. Listening at low/moderate volumes, I heard a dull and lifeless response that needed some extra power. Giving these particular earphones a few extra db on the volume meter will give the X more dynamics and improve your overall listening experience. I question whether this could be a reason why reviews have been mixed up to this point.


Bass

The X has a midbass forward sound that is highly responsive. There’s definitely more punch than rumble. Although there’s sub bass that is responsive and carries a good tone, don’t expect visceral impact or dynamic sub bass that will yield a tremendous sense of depth. Responsive and audible sub-bass? Yes. Earth rattling? No.


Although the mid-bass seems to be the most forward frequency of the Noble X, it gives listeners a nice sense of punch and dynamics but at the same time has very good resolution. Although the X has a forward mid-bass presence, there is no bleed or bloat to mention. The response is very controlled and accurate in tone.


Mid-range

A downward tilt carries from mid-bass to midrange tones. A rich and somewhat bold lower mid-range tuning puts weight and timbre on midrange instruments and male voices. Think along the lines of a warm tilted version of neutral that has minimal distortions and richness that many will appreciate. Starting with the lower midrange, there is a very nice layering of sounds that gives listeners a nice sense of instrument placement and separates sounds well for a dual-armature earphone.


Overall, vocals sound solid. Had the mid-bass not been as forward as it is I would likely be saying that the Noble X is mid-range forward, and to a certain extent it is. The smooth and laid back sub-bass and treble frequencies help promote this impression as well.


Female vocals and upper midrange sounds are fabulous. Upper midrange sounds are incredibly natural to my ears. Although they will play just about every genre well, they shine particularly with vocal oriented genres of music like Indie, Americana, Hip Hop, and Acoustic Music. With these genres the Noble X seems to give an upfront vocal presentation that puts the lead singer right in front of you, and does it with a non-shouty and smooth sound that’s easy to listen to.


Treble

If you are a person who is sensitive to sibilance or aggressive high frequencies the Noble X might be the perfect fit. They have a relaxed presence which refrains from revealing sibilance in a recording. Pronunciations of the letters S and T are present but relaxed. Hi-hats, cymbal crashes and high frequency noises are slightly in back of the mix. You will hear a majority of high frequencies, just don’t expect them to sound incredibly crisp. The treble response of the Noble X is a soft complimentary tuning to the fantastic mid-range the X has. You will hear hi-hats and cymbals but they will be a more relaxed and distant sound than most other earphones. Think along the lines of another earphone like the Noble 6 or LZ-A3’s treble tuning.


Soundstage and Imaging

Because things are relaxed on top and bottom I would normally say that this type of earphone struggles in terms of soundstage. That’s not the case with the Noble X. Instead, the impression I get (after my ears/brain adjust to the tuning) is that the sound creates a decent sense of space thanks to the resolve, texture and layering of sounds they’re able to pull off. Because of it’s ability to put air between instruments and put vocals and some midrange sounds upfront, the Noble X has a great sense of instrument placement (primarily in mid-range frequencies).


Comparisons

Brainwavz B200 ($175 to $200 USD on many sites)

The B200 is far and away the best Brainwavz product I’ve heard to date. Their dual armature design provides listeners with a relatively neutral and airy presentation.


Comparing the two, they have more similarities than differences. Both earphones have a dual driver design with a somewhat mid-focused sound, warm tilt and mid-bass punch. B200 has a bit more sub bass and treble presence. Noble X’x mid-range is more dynamic with a bit more warmth and maybe just a touch more mid-bass presence. The biggest difference between the two in terms of sound is in the treble area. Brainwavz B200 has a treble and upper mid-range presence that balanced out better with the rest of the overall tuning. B200 sounds better at lower volumes. Noble X sounds better at louder volumes. Going from the X to the B200, B200 mids seems to be a bit hollow and sucked out. Going from the B200 to the X, X seems to have an overly relaxed top end. If I had to pick one, I would go for the smoother and more textured mid-range of the Noble product. At the end of the day the Noble X is smoother on the ears, easier to listen to at loud volumes, and better for long listening sessions. Don’t let that take away from the Brainwavz B200, they are an all around more neutral and balanced sounding earphone. This is a really close contest that will depend on preference.


In terms of design and build, the X destroys the B200. The Noble X feels and looks like a premium product, while the B200 could easily be mistaken for a thirty dollar piece. The attached cable of the B200 leaves no opportunity to upgrade or switch cables. Noble’s two-pin connection gives owners the opportunity to switch and upgrade cables as they so choose. The B200 ergonomics and flush fit are slightly better than the X. B200 has a better accessories package with their clamshell case and broader selection of tips.



Sony H3 ($250 to $350 USD, discontinued)

Sony’s H3 was an earlier intro into the hybrid market when the technology had not yet gone as mainstream as it is today. Still, Sony nailed it in terms of making a consumer friendly tuning. The treble performance of the H3 is still one of my favorites.


Comparing the two, both earphones have a warm tilt and mid-bass forward tuning. H3 has more sub-bass, but also more mid-bass resonance that seems to impact the midrange clarity. Aside from the resonance issues with the H3, midrange warmth and clarity are very similar. In terms of upper mid-range and treble, the H3 gets top honors. Sony manages to be crisp, clear and more cohesive with it’s upper frequency tuning. Cymbal crashes sound more natural with the H3 and more distant with the Noble X. If I had to pick between the two, it would be a matter of what application I’m using them for. The mid-bass of the H3 becomes fatiguing during long listening sessions (especially at louder volumes). I prefer using the Noble X when I’m out of the house and also for long listening sessions. I prefer the H3 when I’m home or listening to modern genres of music. Fit also plays a part in this.


Ergonomics goes to the Noble X. They are more of a conventional over-ear fit than the bulky and somewhat awkward design of the H3. Build quality is a draw. Accessories goes to the H3. Sony offers two cables and a lot of very nice tips, while the Noble X offers the basics.


Conclusion (TLDR)

The Noble X is a dual driver earphone that is warm, with punchy bass, warm mids and sounds all around sweet to my ears. They break away from the V-signature stuff we often see these days. Their tuning works well with almost all genres of music and I enjoy long listening sessions with them. Their better than average isolation, over the ear fit that avoids microphonics makes them a great commuting earphone. They make the most of vocal-centric tracks (primarily female vocals).


There are some who should avoid this earphone. Those who want crisp highs or rumbling bass won’t find it here. The Noble X isn’t necessarily a neutral or linear earphone either. There’s a warm, smooth and laid back approach taken with the X. Ask yourself if this is something you’d like to hear. If it is, go for it. Noble has done something unique and special by combining a high level of resolution to a tuning like this.


The build quality is decent, and Noble provides the basics in terms of accessories. While the X doesn’t come close to their summit-fi stuff in terms of accessories (or performance), it gives Massdroppers a chance to get their hands on a Noble built product at a reasonable asking price. I feel this earphone performs well for a dual armature driver, takes a unique and welcomed tuning approach towards in-ear monitors, and gives owners the look and feel of a Noble universal at a reasonable price.


Although I feel that Noble offers tremendous summit-fi gear with performance that many can’t come close to, the $200-$500 dollar mid-fi earphone market is loaded with lots of competition and customers with varying tastes and preferences. Some are going to love what Noble has done here, and some won’t. I feel that’s why impressions are mixed.


When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account (including price). The Noble X gets four and a half stars for design and build quality, three and a half stars for accessories, four and a half stars for ergonomics, fit and isolation, and four stars for sound quality. All in all, I give the Noble X four stars. If you’re looking for a rich and smooth sounding earphone that doesn’t sacrifice resolution, the Noble X will not disappoint.


Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the Aune M1S was listed for sale on their website. Here is a link for more information and purchase.


http://mall.auneaudio.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=18_62&product_id=58


Introduction

If you’re looking for high tech, bluetooth, streaming capability you should stop reading this now and look somewhere else. If you find all that stuff to be a distraction that takes away from remarkable fidelity, carry on…


Today’s market is absolutely flooded with digital audio player options. Several companies are currently offering portable sources that come in at every price point. Options vary, sometimes significantly between models.


Technology is advancing at a tremendous pace. Even still, portable music players that mimic the basic DAPs of yesteryears can still offer tremendous value to audiophiles and music lovers all over the world. In a day and age where I’m still finding features in my phone a year after getting it, sometimes it’s nice to have a dedicated music player that is straightforward and easy to figure out relatively quickly. The Aune M1S is just that.


I don’t know about you, but I can’t make it all day on a single cell phone battery without needing to recharge it. That’s without using my phone for music playback! Because of this it comes in handy to have a separate music source like a digital audio player. I save battery and can still get phenomenal sound at the same time.


When Aune asked me if I would be interested in beta testing and reviewing the M1S, I was quick to take them up on their offer. Looking at the specs, it seemed pretty cool that Aune was offering something with a 2.5mm balanced line out and still comes in under the three hundred dollar mark. Let’s take a look at the unit, and go over it with a comprehensive review.


Disclaimer

I was given a free review sample of the M1S in exchange for my input during beta testing, and review of the unit. I am in no way affiliated with Aune Audio aside from offering input on the device and sharing my honest opinion with all of you.


Review

The M1S comes in a black box with a foil stamped Aune logo on the front. There’s not too much more to say about the box beyond this. Removing the top, I’m greeted with an initial glimpse of the device and a charging cable. Removing the player from the foam inlay reveals an owner’s manual and a couple of screen protectors.


Also included in my package from Aune were three different colored silicone skins (sold separately) for the player to slide into. Kudos to Aune for offering the screen protectors and skins (Gray not pictured). It’s nice to see that owners will be able to protect their investment from the start.


Specifications and Accessories

Specifications:
Screen: 2.4inch IPS Screen
Medium: TF Card ( Max support 128GB,FAT32 format)
Language: Chinese/English/ Japanese/Korean
Playback time: can continue play above 10 hours( 16bit/44.1 file)
Size: 55*126*14.8mm
Weight: 147g


Audio formats:
APE :44.1k/1 bit
FLAC:16bit/24bit-44.1K/48K/88.2K/96K/176.4K/192K
WAV:16bit/24bit/32bit-44.1K/48K/88.2K/96K/176.4K/192K/352.8K/384K WAV+CUE
DSD/DSF/DFF/ISO/DSD128
MP3/ALAC/AAC


Headphone Output:
THD+N: 0.00027%
DNR:120 dB
CCIF: 19KHz+20KHz 0.00012%/32R
Headphones maximum output:110mW/32 ohm BAL output--180mW/32 ohm
Noise: 2.52uVrms
The headset impedance: 8-600Ω
MAX Level: 1.92Vrms


Interface:
3.5mm headphone socket
2.5mm Balance headphone socket


Accessories:
1 x Aune M1S
1 x USB Cable (no wall socket)
1 x Manual


Design and Build

Holding the device in my hand, the device has a somewhat sturdy build and a bit of heft to it. The all aluminum chassis seems durable. The device does have some somewhat sharp edges to it, but is a non-issue with a silicone cover applied.


Looking at the front of the unit I couldn’t help it think of an old Ipod upon first glimpse. However, functionality is not the same. What looks like a scroll wheel is actually a D-pad (more on this in a bit). Also located on the front of the device are a home button on the middle left, and a back button on the middle right of the player. The screen is pretty small and made of plastic, making the screen protectors a necessity to prevent scratches.

The right side of the unit has a power button, + and - volume buttons, a small reset pinhole and a micro SD TF card slot which supports up to 128GB of music files in FAT32 format.


The bottom of the device has 3.5mm and 2.5mm balanced outputs, as well as a MicroSD port for file transfers and charging the device.


The top, left, and back sides of the unit have nothing to note. To be honest the layout is very elementary. The device looks like a sleek and sophisticated version of MP3 players in their early years of development. If you find joy in simplicity, Aune has got your back with the M1S.


Functionality

The M1S has a very simple user interface that mirrors players of years past. There is no album artwork, no fancy themes and no colors beyond a black and gray background with white lettering and thumbnail images that represent areas of navigation. The M1S has no Wifi, wireless or bluetooth capability. It stores your files and plays them out of the headphone jacks. There’s nothing high tech about the player beyond balanced output and DSD playback.


Battery life is one of the M1S’s strength. In low gain the M1S has up to eleven hours of continuous playback time. I was able to easily get two days (and sometimes three days) of moderate use (two to four hours each day) from the unit. When the battery is running low I was able to recharge it completely in less than two hours (depending on what charger I used). Thanks to the fact that there is no wireless functionality and music could be controlled without turning the screen on, battery life is concentrated on music playback.


The player has four folders which are scrolled through by pressing left or right on the D-pad then selecting it with the center (enter/play/pause) button. Here are the folder options explained:


Playlists: Select this folder and you can access either your most played or tracks you’ve identified as a favorite during music playback.


Settings: Lots of options here… From this menu you can adjust various playback functions, adjust screen and lock settings, change gains and filter modes, switch from variable to line-out, and upgrade firmware.


Folders: From here you can access your music. Folders are arranged by artist, then by album, then by tracks



Songs: This is a line list of every song you have on your TF card organized numerically then alphabetically.


Music playback

Despite being incredibly simple, the music playback screen layout is very smartly designed and gives owners all of the information they’d need (with the only exception being album artwork). Volume, Filter option and battery status are located on the top of the display. Artist, track number, album name and file bitrate are located in the middle of the screen. Favorite song status, playback status, repeat status, track number status, and playback time status are located on the bottom.


Filter Mode

Long pressing downward on the D-Pad during playback changes between three filter modes:

FAST= Balanced sound presentation
SLOW= Soft music presentation
MP= Analog sound presentation

These filters are subtle, but do work as advertised. It is more noticeable to my ears with sensitive in-ear monitors. I consider the sound filters to be a fine tweak that works well to try and squeeze every last ounce of synergy out of whatever pair of earphones you use with the M1S. To my ears the FAST setting worked best with warmer and bassier earphones, the SLOW setting seemed to work best with leaner and brighter sounding earphones, and the MP was kind of a crapshoot depending on what earphone I used with the M1S.


Long pressing the up button during music playback made the track a liked song and added it to your “liked” songs playlist (accessed via the playlist folder). A quick press of the up button changes the repeat setting.


Music can be loaded onto a SD TF card in FAT32 format. Aune is specific about the FAT32 setting. It can be loaded onto a SD card via your computer, then loaded into the M1s to be scanned. If you want to leave the card in your player and load music via the micro USB cable, you can do so by powering down the unit, plugging it into a computer and utilizing the drag and drop feature once your device’s storage card is recognized.


Firmware updates are relatively simple to do and reminiscent of other players on the market today. Since obtaining the player I have done two firmware upgrades (I’m now on version 1.03) and there are talks of future firmware updates as well. With the 1.03 firmware the storage card has been expanded from 128GB to 256GB. I wasn’t able to test and confirm (I used my 32GB card and had no issues with storage or scanning).


The M1S is a versatile player in the sense that it plays just about every file of music you can get your hands on, from MP3 to DSD. There are two outputs on the bottom of the player, a 3.5mm single ended output and 2.5mm balanced output. The two outputs can be used simultaneously but are at the mercy of one volume setting, meaning you can use both outputs at the same time but volume cannot be adjusted separately. To add to this, the 2.5mm balanced output is slightly more powerful than the 3.5mm single ended port.


Switching to line out mode in the settings menu, the M1S output is fixed at max volumes, making the player a source that can be stacked with an external amplifier. Be aware that switching to line out with earphones on and plugged in IS NOT a pleasant experience, as you are essentially maximizing the volume output instantly. I made this mistake once with sensitive in-ear monitors and nearly blasted my eardrums out. Take caution and make sure line out setting is accessed with no earphones plugged into the device.


Sound Quality

I would consider the sound of the M1S to be transparent and neutral, offering a nice balance between all frequencies. Firmware update 1.03 did seem to give the sound a bit more bite than the original firmware (going off of memory).


The 2.5mm balanced output of the M1S is superior to the 3.5mm single ended option. From what I heard, separation, texture and detail got a slight bump at matched volumes. Still, the 3.5mm output is no slouch. I didn’t hear any difference in sound signature or tuning when switching between the two.


The M1S has no equalizer, bass boost, or any other DSP adjustment beyond the gain and filter settings. To be completely honest, I didn’t miss having any of these luxuries. Aside from using a junky pair of earphones, the M1S didn’t leave me wishing for more sound adjustments. The sound quality from the M1S is excellent in my opinion.


From what I experienced, the best aspect of this player was its ability to sound magnificent with in-ear monitors (in low gain). Of all the players I currently have at home, the M1S delivered the goods in terms of synergy with sensitive high end in-ear monitors. This is in thanks to the combination of a dead silent background, balanced output, balanced signature, various filter settings and low power output. The noise floor of the M1S is dead silent and I didn’t get any audible hissing from it. If I see you soon at the next Chicago area Head-Fi meet and want to show you a cool new in-ear monitor, I’m probably going to have you try them with a DSD file out of this DAP.


Low impedance headphones sound good with the M1S (in medium gain). Some notable headphones that seemed to benefit from the player were the Meze classic series (99 classics and 99 Neo), the Xiaomi headphones and Koss porta Pros. Between the three gain settings and filter options, I had no qualms about the player’s ability to drive these with excellent fidelity.


Although adequate (in high gain), the M1S didn’t maximize sound quality with high impedance cans like the HD600/6XX, ZMF Eikon/Atticus, or AKG K7XX. Between the power output and sound signature, to my ears the M1S doesn’t maximize the ability of headphones that fall in this criteria. Long story short, the M1S couldn’t hang with the likes of the slightly warmer and more powerful Cayin I5, iBasso DX80 and Luxury and Precision LP5. One thing to note, the fact that I can go from variable to a fixed line out, the M1S can be stacked or paired with an external amplifier and give you the oomph needed to rock a pair of high impedance cans.


Summarized, if you want something for your collection of in-ears, GO FOR IT! If you want to rock your hard to drive orthos on the go (and don’t have a amplifier to pair it with) you might want to look somewhere else.


(TLDR?) Conclusion

The Aune M1S is a drag and drop single SD slot music player that disregards much of the cutting edge technology of today, and focuses on file playback, balanced and single ended outputs, Hi-Res file playback and most importantly, a transparent and balanced sound signature that audiophiles and music enthusiast will enjoy thoroughly.


Aune has cut out a lot of the modern bells and whistles to get to the heart of what makes a great portable music source. The M1S is a simple and easy to use music player that is geared to make the best of any earphone under 150 Ohms (IMHO) sound fabulous. If you have some high quality music recordings and a few good pairs of high end in-ear monitors and low impedance headphones the M1S will bring all of it together into one awesome combination. If you have a good amplifier laying around, you can flip the M1S into line out mode and rock your music files with your high impedance stuff as well.


Aune hasn’t reinvented the wheel here. They’ve broken away from the tech push, considered what maximizes sound quality and ditched most of the stuff that degrades it. For around two hundred fifty dollars Aune is offering a DSD capable portable player with a dead silent background and balanced output. Pretty darn cool if you ask me!


Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the Oriveti Basic was listed for sale on the Oriveti and Amazon website. Here are some links for more information and purchase:


https://www.amazon.com/BASIC-Alumin...&qid=1493571508&sr=8-1&keywords=oriveti+basic


https://www.oriveti.com/basic


Introduction

Oriveti doesn’t have a large product line. From what I gather it is a small startup with some key players that have plenty of experience in the game of in-ear monitors.


I was pleasantly caught off guard last year when I was contacted to review their inaugural earphone called the Primacy. Here is a link to the review:


https://www.head-fi.org/f/showcase/...-in-ear-headphones.21246/reviews#review-15081


This triple driver earphone was a great entry into the Mid-Fi market. Almost all reviews were positive, and justifiably so. Between the style, build, ergonomics and sound these earphones were easy to recommend. The original Primacy still ranks very high on my list of preferred in-ear monitors.


Fast forward to today, Oriveti has updated the Primacy with a new tuning and also released a more “basic” earphone with a similar form factor to its flagship model. Introducing the Oriveti Basic. This earphone is more budget friendly earphone, coming in at a MSRP under one hundred dollars. The Basic features many build and design similarities to the flagship Primacy, but sports a single dynamic driver and more consumer friendly tuning. Let’s go over the Basic with a comprehensive review.


Disclaimer

I was given a free sample of the Primacy in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Oriveti. I would like to take this time to personally thank the reps at Oriveti for the opportunity to experience and review the product.



REVIEW

Basic comes in a small black box with gray accents. A glossy black photo of the product is featured on the front of the box.


The back of the box displays a drawing diagram of the product and also has specifications listed.


Opening the package, I’m greeted by the earphones set in a custom cut piece of foam. Removing the foam reveals a quick guide that describes instructions regarding the cable and fit. Underneath the card is a clamshell case with the Oriveti logo. This case holds the remaining Oriveti accessories.


Specifications and Accessories

Specification:
Driver: Exclusive Titanium-Coated 10mm Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Frequency Response: 20 - 20000Hz
Sensitivity: 108+-3dB/mW, 1000Hz
Distortion: <1%
Plug: Gold-plated 3.5mm Stereo Plug

Cable: 1.2 m

Accessories:
Earphone body - 1pair
Detachable Cable - 1pc
Carrying Case
S, M, L Silicone Tips - 2 pairs per size
Manual - 1pc
Double Flange Tips- 2pairs
Ear Hook - 1pair


Housings

The Oriveti housings are mostly metal and have a bean/disc shape. One of Oriveti’s biggest strengths is the ergonomics in which they design their earphone housings. Simply put, Oriveti makes some of the most well designed and best fitting housings on the market. The outside of the housings have different printing on each channel. One side displays the Oriveti name while the other side has the Oriveti “O” logo. This makes it easy to determine which channel is which.


The Basic nozzles are average width and on the shorter side in terms of length. Stock tips worked okay for my ears. If by some chance you can’t find a stock tip that promotes a comfortable fit and dependable seal, tip rolling should be fairly easy to do. One thing to note, because of the shorter nozzle some after market tips might have a tendency to slip off. Although not a big deal, be aware that even stock tips would occasionally slip off when pulling the earphones out of a pocket or bag. As with previous Oriveti offerings, I had a lot of success using RHA tips with these earphones. The inner part of the housing has peculiarly placed driver venting hole. Although I didn’t necessarily care for the placement of this vent, it didn't’ appear to cause any type of problems with the fit/sound when wearing them.


A plastic/rubber piece attaches to the backs of each of the housings and has the MMCX jack that the cable connects to. Overall the build is solid and I don’t foresee owners having many problems with them in terms of durability.


Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

Original Primacy owners will recognize this offering. The Basic comes with a rubber coated black braided cable reminiscent of the original Primacy. It has virtually no memory and minimal spring. The cable is very easy to manage and use, but is vulnerable to the occasional tangle or knot if stuffed into a ball or if they’re not carefully wrapped and stored.


The cable’s Y-Split is a single piece of shrink wrap that splits the four strand braid into to twisted cables that lead to each housing. Basic’s cable has a clear plastic chin/neck slider that works well and helps promote a consistent and comfortable fit. The cable jack is a 3.5mm straight plug with a black metal jacketing. The MMCX connectors of the Basic are high quality and jacketed in a sturdy plastic/rubber material. Strain reliefs are subtle and adequate.


Overall, I’m very pleased with the Basic cable. Although I do think they could have done something more premium for a Y-Split, the cable is easy to use and looks like it will withstand the test of time if handled correctly. I really like the way this cable functions with the intended over the ear fit. I like that they avoided using memory wire up top and also implemented a chin/neck slider.


Functionality

The cable that comes with the Basic doesn’t have a microphone or remote, making it a plug and play device. However, the MMCX application makes it possible for owners to upgrade to an aftermarket cable with added features.



Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

As with the other Orveti products, the Basic is one of the best fitting in-ears I’ve had the pleasure of wearing. They are designed to be worn over the ear, but can be worn cable down as well (cable down does look a little awkward). Wearing the Basic is a matter of finding a proper sealing tip, popping them in your ears, looping them over the top of your ear, then snugging things into place with chin/neck slider. Isolation is about average for a single dynamic driver earphone. You will block some outside noise, but not all of it. When music is playing external noise is all but eliminated.


Sound Review

I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V10 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7 or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.


I used my usual same songs for testing gear:

“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)

“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)

“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)

“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)

“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)

“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)

“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)

“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)

“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)

“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)

“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)

“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)

“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)


Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.


Source Selection

Coming in at 16 Ohms and 108dB of sensitivity, the Basic is incredibly easy to drive and doesn’t need anything more powerful than your average smartphone to sound good. High Gain and amplified sources is overkill.


Due to the warm and bass forward tuning I preferred matching these earphones with a leaner and airier source. The Basic sounded great with the micro iDSD in its most sensitive setting, and also sounded great with my LG V20, Aune M1S and Fiio X7.


Sound Signature

*Graph was made using my Vibro Veritas and Arta software. There is some roll-off after 4 kHz but should give you an idea of the overall tuning.

I consider the Oriveti Basic to be a bass forward earphone that maintains a relatively decent sense of space. Tip selection will dictate your impression of these things. The more narrow the nozzle of the tip you use, the more bassy and warm these earphones will sound. However, even with a wide bore nozzle the Basic still has a warm tilt and bass forward tuning.


Bass

Bass is the star of the show this time around. It extends well into sub bass regions and is very dynamic and impactful. It’s a big subwoofer booming type of bass that isn’t necessarily the cleanest thing you will ever hear. Although you will get plenty of low frequency, tone is lacking a bit. You will get thump and rumble but don’t expect it to be ultra responsive or necessarily clean sounding.


During Daft Punk’s “Doin it Right” there was plenty of low end girth, but on a whole it was a bit monotone. I couldn’t always disseminate the difference between the mid-bass and sub bass tones of some bass heavy tracks as they would occasionally blend together. Yes, there was punch and rumble, but it was all encompassing into one booming low end. Although this was the case, it didn’t ruin the sound thanks to the tuning of neighboring frequencies. The Basic bass is obtuse and emphasized. Those who like subwoofer bass will enjoy them for this reason. Those who prefer a more linear, accurate and responsive bass aren’t going to find it with the Oriveti Basic.


Mid-range

Mid-range takes a step down from the low end tuning and has a warm tilt. With modern genres Basic will get a little veiled and bass tones bleed into the mids, causing the overall presentation to have a lack of air (especially at louder volumes). With genres that didn’t use synthesized or heavy bass, the mid-range was honestly great. When large amounts of booming bass aren’t dominating the track, these earphones have a rich and spacious sounding mid section that is rich in tone and fun to listen to.


Singer songwriter, symphony, acoustic, Jazz and acoustic music match well with Oriveti Basic tuning. The warm tilted presence has a liquidity and somewhat creamy sound that many can appreciate. Balance is tilted downward from lifted lower and is far from shouty. Take natural and add a splash of warmth and you have the Basic mid-range tuning in a nutshell.


Treble

The Basic treble avoids sibilance and still has a nice sparkle. Pronunciations of the letters S and T were somewhat subdued and distant, adding to the overall smooth feel of the Basic sound. Treble for the most part was subdued with the exception of some nice sparkle from instruments like hi-hats and cymbals. These type of instruments/sounds had a nice resolving presence and kept me from complaining and saying that the Basic was rolled off or dull. On a whole, the Basic treble presence vibes nicely with the midrange tuning and carries on with the downward descent from the emphasized lowest registers of sound.


Soundstage and Imaging

This criteria is entirely dependent on what genre of music you’re using the primacy with. With bassy modern genres the Basic soundstage was very enclosed and small to my ears. With acoustic and more eclectic genres these earphones had a nice warm tone and sounded somewhat large to my ears. Depending on what kind of music (and volume) you listen to/at will determine your impression. More bass = less soundstage. Less bass = more soundstage.


Comparisons

VSONIC GR07BE ($75-$100 USD on many sites)

The GR07BE is a legendary earphone that has held up over the years. Although two years ago these were some of the best in-ears on the planet that had a price tag twice as high as they currently sell for, technology and an ever evolving earphone market has knocked them down from the top of the mountain. Still, they are no slouch and are held in high regard to many earphone enthusiasts.


Comparing the two, the Basic is definitely the smoother and more mellow sounding of the two. Bass on the basic is slightly more forward, rumbling monotone. The GR07BE has a more responsive and natural bass performance. Midrange goes to the Basic, as the overall impression of them is somewhat smoother and flowing to my ears than the drier and more technical GR07BE mids. Treble is a toss up that will depend on your preference, and because of that I give them a tie in this area. If you want a smoother and less fatiguing response, go with the Basic. If you want a crisper and more extended top end (that is occasionally fatiguing and revealing of sibilance) go with the GR07BE.


In terms of design, build and accessories, Basic gets the edge. The housings are more ergonomic, their MMCX cables are removeable/replaceable, and the clamshell case is an improvement over the leather case offered with the GR07BE.



Monster Gratitude ($75(used) to $150(new) USD on many sites)

The Gratitude was released a long while back by Monster when they were in their heyday of in-ear monitors. Considered by some to be Monster’s best work in terms of tuning, the Gratitude was an earphone that used to sell at a very high price tag. It was designed by rock and roll hall of fame inductees, Earth Wind & Fire.


Comparing the two, Bass quantity is equal on both earphones with the Gratitude being more responsive and holding slightly better tone. Mid-range is somewhat similar, with the Gratitude being slightly drier and airier. I found the Basic mid-range to be more for my liking. Treble on the Gratitude is more crisp and extended, while the Basic is smoother and less fatiguing. All in all, I give a slight edge to the Gratitude in terms of sound quality thanks to the improved bass fidelity.


Design and ergonomics goes to the Basic by a longshot. The Gratitude is awkward fitting, and possibly the worst looking earphone I’ve ever seen (IMHO). The Gratitude has an under ear fit, attached cable and quite a bit of microphonics. Accessories goes to Gratitude, but Basic gets points with its mesh clamshell case.


Conclusion

The Basic is a solid portable option for those who prefer a bassy and warm tilted sound signature. This earphone will not appeal to those who want a linear and airy sounding earphone. In fact, those who do like a leaner sound signature might find these earphones to be bloated, veiled and unresolving.They have their pros and cons for various genres of music, but at the end of the day they play just about anything you throw at them decently. Add the fact that they have a great over the ear fit and replaceable MMCX cable (leaving the option open for a mic/remote), I can see someone using these for their daily walk or commute. They sound okay, but I find their most valuable asset to be their great ergonomics and universal fit.


When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account (including price). The Basic gets five stars for ergonomics, build and design, three and a half stars for sound, and four stars for accessories. All in all the Primacy gets four stars. They’re a direct upgrade to most stock earphones that come equipped with smartphones, and come in at a price that many people won’t be reluctant to pay.


Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the iFi Pro iCan was listed for sale on Amazon’s website. Here are some links for purchase and information:
 
https://www.amazon.com/iCAN-Professional-Studio-Grade-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B01GO98QSS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1491958089&sr=8-4&keywords=ifi+ican
 
Introduction
Are you looking for the ideal headphone amplifier? What are your requirements?
 
The answers to these two questions varies, sometimes significantly depending on the person asked. The simple fact that we as audio enthusiasts have to be specific in our answer tells me that there’s room for improvement in one particular area, VERSATILITY. That’s where the Pro iCan steps in.
 
There are arguments about amps that carry on in audiophile circles…
 
“Is balanced worth the leap in price?”
 
“Solid state or Tubes?”
 
“High impedance and power hungry cans or low impedance portable gear with sensitive in-ear monitors?”
 
...as well as many others.
 
The truth is that there’s no wrong answer. As our gear and preferences evolve and change, so too does our demands and opinions of what’s ideal. What is agreed upon is the fact that we want to get the biggest return on the dollars we spend.
 
What if I told you that the answers to just about every single listening preference were answered in one amplifier? The folks at iFi have been listening, and the result is the Pro iCan. I said iCAN, not iCAN’T!
 
Let’s take a look at the amplifier that is versatile enough to eliminate specific preferences and go over it with a meat and potatoes review, shall we?
 
Disclaimer
The Pro iCan was borrowed from iFi in exchanged for a comprehensive review. I would like to thank my good friend Lawrence for the opportunity to spend some time with the unit and share my experience with the iFi community.
 
Review

The Pro iCan comes in a white sleeved box about the size of the average men's shoebox. A nice photo of the front of the unit is featured along with a brief description. The back of the box displays a photo of the rear portion of the device along with some key features.
 

Removing the sleeve I’m greeted to a simple white box with the iFi logo.
 
Specifications and Accessories
 
Specifications    
Gain: 0dB, 9dB and 18dB user-selectable
Frequency Response: 0.5Hz to 500kHz(-3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (by output setting):    
Solid-State:    Balanced: ≤0.0015%        Single Ended: ≤0.005%
Tube:        Balanced: ≤0.002%        Single Ended: ≤0.005%
Tube+:        Balanced: ≤0.012%        Single Ended: ≤0.2%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR, Balanced/Single-Ended): >147dB(A) / > 137dB(A)
Output Power (16Ω, Balanced/Single-Ended): >14,000mW / >4,800mW
Output Voltage (600Ω, Balanced/Single-Ended): >23V / >11.5V
Input Voltage (Pro iCAN): DC 9V/6.7A – 18V/3.35A
Input Voltage (iPower Plus):    AC 85 – 265V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: ≤ 22W idle, 50W max.
Dimensions: 213(l) x 192.5(w) x 63.3(h) mm
Weight:1.93kg （4.3lbs）
 
Accessories
1X Pro iCan
1X Power Supply (15 volt, 4 amp)
1X Wireless Remote
1X Pair RCA jacks
 
Design, Build, Functionality

The Pro iCan is an all metal chassis. For a desktop amplifier it’s on the smaller side. The size is comparable to the likes of the Schiit Jotunheim or Asgard. For its size, the iCan Pro is fairly heavy.
 

I paired the Pro iCan with its older sibling, the micro iDSD. I ran line out in preamplification mode from the iDSD (used the iDSD as my DAC). Hooking the Pro iCan up was simple. Power adapter and two RCAs is all it took. As if I had to mention, the iDSD did a great job and paired well with the iCan Pro.
 

Looking at the back of the unit, there’s multiple inputs and outputs. The Pro iCan has left and right three pin XLR balanced inputs and THREE sets of unbalanced RCA inputs. For preamp output purposes, the unit has left and right three pin XLR balanced outputs as well as a set of unbalanced RCAs. Also located on the back is the power adapter input, a DC loop output, and a ESL link (special connection for a special iFi electrostatic add-on, not yet released).
 

Taking a look at the front, there’s a TON of stuff to go over (I will cover the front of the unit from left to right).
 

Top left we have a iFi Pro indicator light. Depending on what internal amplifier you’re using, the light will change color. The unit’s power button is discretely located on the lower left part of the front. A large dial is also located on the left side. This dial allows users to choose between the three analog RCA inputs and the dual three pin XLR balanced input. To the right of the input selector dial, there is an XBass selector dial. XBass options range from off, to a 12dB boost at 10Hz, 20Hz, or 40Hz. The XBass is definitely a useful tool that adds depth and lower frequency to leaner headphones, or gets the bass bumping when called upon. The boost is powerful, controlled and tastefully done from what I’ve heard. To my ears, each setting adds a noticeable emphasis that can give even the leanest headphones a nice amount of added oomph. Underneath the XBAss dial, a small metal three way lever switch can be found. This is the amplifier selector switch. I can choose to go from solid state, to tubes (with class A amplification), to a tube+ setting (even more “tube-ish” sounding).
 
 

The middle portion of the amplifier has several output jacks. Let's use the next to paragraphs to explain single ended and balanced modes. 
 
Outputs- Single Ended
In the middle of the device, there are up to FIVE OUTPUTS THAT CAN ALL BE USED SIMULTANEOUSLY (in single ended operation). With single ended operation there are two ¼ inch output options, a four pin XLR balanced output, and two single ended 3.5mm outputs that are wired with IEMatch technology. Simplified, the two 3.5mm outputs are ideal with more sensitive earphones (like IEMs, and sensitive low impedance headphones). I find this many output options to be a very useful tool for someone like myself who does multiple comparisons, writes reviews and goes to shows. The amount of outputs the Pro iCan has is fantastic, and what I consider to be one of the device’s biggest strengths.  
 
Outputs- Balanced
If you use the balanced input, the outputs change to balanced as well. Instead of having five different single ended stereo outputs (in unbalanced mode), the Pro iCan outputs change to three different balanced signals. Options are dual three-pin XLR (or dual ¼ inch outputs) which split the signal into left and right channels. The four pin XLR runs in balanced. The two 3.5mm outputs split the left and right signals as well. When using the Pro iCan in balanced mode, the output power is increased as well.
 

On the far right a large dial is placed to control volume. The Pro iCan also comes with a small wireless battery operated remote that changes the unit’s volume. The remote is a simple two button remote to be used for volume only. There is no power or input buttons on the remote. To the right of the outputs another smaller dial can be found. This is the 3D switch. To my ears this is an “awesomifier” for warm headphones and headphones that seem to struggle in terms of soundstage and imaging. Here’s iFi’s definition of this technology:
 
 
Underneath the 3D dial is another three way lever switch. This controls the amplifiers gain. There are three gain settings (0, +9dB, +18dB). Just a heads up, the gain settings increase the sound output quite a bit, and the Pro iCan gets insanely LOUD. How loud you ask? It’s capable of putting out up to 14,000mW. This device is literally is capable of pushing any headphone on earth including Electrostatics (with the electrostat add-on component, not yet released). In the same breath it can drive the world’s most sensitive IEMs with minimal to no background hiss (via the 3.5mm outputs).
 
Sound

Do you want the lean and clinical sound of a TOTL solid state amplifier? CHECK (solid state amp setting)
 
Do you want the best of both worlds with a class A tube amplifier? CHECK (Tube amp setting)
 
Do you want a warm expansive sound of a creamy tube amp sound? CHECK (Tube+ setting)
 
Do you want to use all three of these amp variations with anything from sensitive in-ear monitors to power hungry full sized headphones (and eventually electrostats)? No problem!
 
This amp is absolutely fabulous. Don’t get me wrong, this thing isn’t going to slay every summit-fi full sized headphone amp that exists. In some cases there are going to be elite headphone amps that have higher quality internals and perform better with full sized (primarily power hungry) headphones. Just the same, I’ve heard some multi-thousand dollar tube amps that will outperform the Pro iCan’s tube amp setting as well (as well as provide a larger panel for tube rolling). HOWEVER, these higher priced models don’t come close to the Pro iCan in terms of VERSATILITY. It’s really hard to ask for more considering the fact that this thing is under two grand and can push every earphone on the planet.
 
Because of the various settings and MULTIPLE amplifiers packed into the Pro iCan, I can’t give the unit a definitive sound signature. This device has multiple sounds once you factor in the various amplifiers and adjustable bass and 3D settings.
 
There are some basic observations I made when using the device. I found that neutral and semi open headphones sounded better with the amp in the “Tube” or “Tube+” setting. I found myself using the “Tube+” setting in combination with the Xbass setting on headphones like the Sennheiser HD600 and Philips SHP9500. I was able to really dial it in for my preference using the amp with this setting and added luxury of the Xbass dial.
 
Just the opposite, I enjoyed pairing the iCan Pro in solid state setting with warmer, bassier and closed full sized cans. Using the 3D dial seemed to add air and improve imaging with headphones like the ZMF Atticus, Meze 99 Neo and NAD Viso HP30.
 
Using the iCan Pro with in-ear monitors was a great solution for desktop use. I had fun using all the settings the amplifier had when using it with IEMs. Truth be told, not many amps are made to work with IEMs and as a result there is a fairly large amount of background noise and hiss. Not only did the iCan Pro avoid this phenomenon, it also gave me the luxury of dabbling with amplifier and sound settings like no other amplifier can. The single ended 3.5mm jacks are equipped with iFi's IEMatch technology found in the micro iDSD, making these outputs ideal for sensitive earphones.
 
Conclusion

Factor in price and I can guarantee sound of the iCan in every amp setting will give everything in its range a run for its money. I still love my micro iDSD and think it’s one of the better devices out there, but the iCan Pro’s amplifier section destroys whatever amplifier is under the hood of the iDSD.
 
The iCan’s biggest competition is the fact that there are amps in the five hundred to one thousand dollar range that will give it a run for it’s money if we’re talking about performance (based on preference) with one type of amp or the other (solid state or tube, but NOT both). The Brands and offerings that come to mind are Cavalli, Violectric, Woo Audio, Aune, and Schiit. At the same time, that’s the beauty of the iCan Pro. You don’t have to settle for one amp or have to buy multiple desktop amplifiers, you have them all in one!
 
Each amplifier setting flirts with or achieves excellent to TOTL fidelity.  You want the clinical and balanced sound of a high end solid state amplifier? Flip a switch… You want the warm and expansive sound of a tube amplifier? Flip a switch…You want more bass? Turn a dial… You want a more spacious sound from your headphones? Turn a dial… You want to listen to your 400 ohm planars? There’s a jack for that… You want to listen to your highly sensitive multi driver in-ear monitors? There’s a jack for that… It goes on and on and on…
 
While the Pro iCan doesn’t rule the headphone world at any one thing in particular, the amp's fantastic performance and versatility makes it an epic piece of gear. Ifi has pretty much “cracked the code” and made what I would consider the most versatile headphone amp on the market today. It has an output and setting ideal for any headphone you have. As long as you have a decent DAC to feed it music files (which is an added cost you must consider to maximize the Pro iCan performance), the Pro iCan has the amplifier part down to a sweet science. Much of the magic that was used in the micro IDSD has been utilized with the Pro iCan, and they've also added a phenomenal amplifier section with loads and loads of power.
 
The iCan Pro is several amplifiers in one chasis. Owners can use the device with every pair of earphones they have. This provides tremendous value to those who want an all in one amplifier solution.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written the FLC 8S was listed for sale on Amazon and Musicteck’s website. Here are links for more information and purchase.
 
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_4_4?me=A453POZ0FLKWP&fst=as%3Aoff&rh=p_4%3AFLC&ie=UTF8&qid=1490650093
 
https://shop.musicteck.com/products/flc-8s-hybrid-dual-balanced-armature-dynamic-earphones
 
Introduction
I’ve been around the headphone scene long enough to have my doubts about companies pushing their “new technology” products. I say this because often times it’s a gimmick to get you to buy something new. “Revolutionary sound damping technology” can be a company’s creative way of saying they put a layer of wool or paper over their drivers to dampen the high frequencies. Don’t be fooled by a lot of the mumbo jumbo. Do your homework and most importantly buy what you think sounds best, and at a price you’re comfortable paying.
 
When it comes to tuning earphones manufacturers start with a driver and enclosure, then change the amount of air that flows on each side of the driver. That, or they add dampers to control how much of each frequency makes it to the listener’s ear. While I’ve seen many earphones that come with tuning filters I haven’t seen much out there that allows the owner to shape the sound from top to bottom.
 
Most filters are nozzle replacements that control the upper mid-range and high frequencies. Although that’s an effective and fun product, often time owners come up short of what they consider the most ideal sound for their exact preferences. By the time something goes mainstream we’re often times already thinking about what we want next. This applies to the concept of sound shaping as well.
 
When I was a young there was very popular literature amongst my childhood peers called “choose your own adventure” books. The decisions you made while reading them determined the pages you would read next. The result was a book whose story changed and depended on what we wanted to choose. The added element of choice made reading them a lot more fun.
 
About a year ago the FLC brought to market a “choose your own adventure” earphone. Instead of one set of interchangeable nozzle filters, the 8S has three different ports to adjust sound. Many of my fellow Head-Fiers who heard them raved about the product. Although I didn’t have a chance to try them until recently, I trusted the impressions of those who did and kept them on my review radar. The main question that remained for me was just how effective the filter system was in terms of changing each frequency.
 
When Musicteck contacted me to see if I was interested in reviewing the 8S I jumped on the chance. The main reasons were to see what the hype was all about, and also see if the filter system worked as advertised. If FLC was able to shape the entire spectrum of sound, the next big thing in in-ear monitors is already here. Let’s find out if FLC accomplished this and go over them with a comprehensive review.
 
Disclaimer
I was given a free review sample of the FLC 8S in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with FLC. I’d like to personally thank Andrew for the opportunity, and allowing me to share my honest and unbiased opinion with the Head-Fi community.
 
Review

The FLC 8S comes in a light brown box with silver accents. Not a lot to say here…
 

A magnetized tab flips open to reveal the earphones resting in a custom foam inlay. From that point various tabs cleverly open to reveal the accessories. The uniquely designed box leaves owners thinking they’re in for a real treat. If they can package them this clever, the earphones must be fancy too, right?
 
Specifications and Accessories

Specification:
Driver unit: 8.6 mm dynamic drivers+ dual balanced armatures
Rated Impedance: 11 Ohm
Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
Frequency response: 20Hz- 20KHz
Plug: 3.5mm gold-plated plug
Cable: 1.30 mm TPU cable
 

Accessories:
1X Pair of FLC 8S earphone
1X Modular earphone cable with 0.75 mm two pin connection
8X Pairs of silicon tips (S,M,L)
1X Metal hard case
1X Pair tweezers
1X filter tuning set and metal carrying case (multiple tuning filters with extras)
1X Airline adapter
1X ¼ inch adapter
 
Build and Design

The 8S housings appear to be made of uniquely shaped high density plastic. The housings seem to be very durable and I don’t see there being any weak points. The shape is set up for an over the ear fit. A rubber filter can be seen on the inner and outer parts of the housings. The first thing I thought when looking at the filters is “wow, these are tiny!” Another filter can be seen screwed into the nozzle. Overall I’m happy with the shape. The FLC 8S comes in two colors, midnight teal and red.
 

Holding them in my hand, the first thing I notice is that the cable is stiff, almost too stiff. There’s lots of spring and memory. I took a look at the owner’s manual and it states that the cable is specially designed for the FLC 8S, has quality innards and they encourage that owners don’t remove and replace the cable. Because of this I didn’t mess around too much with it. Although the cable has a considerable amount of spring and memory it’s not the worst I’ve seen and the included chin and neck slider helps snug things into place. The angled two pin connection looks like it will help with ergonomics. The 8S has a ninety degree angled plug with a 3.5mm jack. Strain reliefs seem reliable and strong. There is no microphone or remote, but the modular cable makes this a possible upgrade for owners looking to do so.
 
Ergonomics, Fit & Isolation

The FLC 8S provides a very good over the ear fit. Once you find the right tip, the earphones can be popped in, looped over the ear and snugged into place with the included chin/neck slider. I could wear the 8S for an extended period of time without needing to readjust the fit. The included tips provide a relatively shallow fit and are a softer silicone material with a wide bore. Tip rolling was relatively easy to do thanks to the fairly standard nozzle size. On a whole, isolation is average and depends on what filter you use. I could hear ambient noises, but they were eliminated once music was playing.

 
Functionality

Now to the good stuff…
 
The 8S filter system works. Yes it works, but I don’t consider it a perfect system.

There are three ports. The inner port of the housing shells tunes the earphones lowest “ultra low” frequencies (sub bass). The outer housing port controls bass tones above the lowest frequencies. There are metal pins that screw into the nozzles that control the mid-range and high frequencies. Although the system works pretty decently, I do wish the three filter tuning was split differently and into thirds (lows, mids, highs). Still, it’s not a big deal because the FLC accomplishes the same thing but in a unique and different way than I’d prefer.
 

The filter system is stored in a blue metal canister that attaches to a key ring. Although I can see some people taking the filter system with them by attaching it to their keys, I don’t consider this filter system ultra portable, and definitely not something you can switch out on the go.
 
To change the filters I strongly suggest you change them on a counter, under good lighting, take your time and be very careful. The biggest gripe I have about the FLC 8S is that the lower frequency filters that attach to the housings are TINY and tedious to change. You can easily lose (or break) these filters if you aren’t careful. Because of this, the 8S comes with one extra of each of the lower frequency filters (in a ziplock bag). Although the 8S comes with a pair of tweezers to help with the process of changing the filters, I didn’t find it very useful. I would suggest you keep a little extra slack on your fingernails and carefully use them to pry and place the filters how and where you want.
 
The lower frequency filters are made of rubber and appear to have damping materials on the inner parts of them. The filters are pressed into the corresponding holes and are securely held in place with pressure placed upon the rubber tubes from the diameter of the holes of the housings. These filters control the amount of porting to the dynamic driver, altering the earphones’ bass response.
 
The midrange and treble are adjusted by unscrewing and screwing various metal pins into the 8S housings. I really enjoyed using these filters. They were very easy to switch out. Moving forward, I hope FLC incorporates this threaded option to the other frequencies it will be an improvement.
 
With all this said, the beauty of the FLC 8S is that it does exactly what it says it does. I can shape the sound to be ideal. After weeks of trial, error and comparisons I’ve found my favorite filter system. Let’s discuss this more in the sound portion of the review.
 
Don't take just my word for it. Forrest, the man who invented these earphones has made a video describing the incredible technology these things have. Here it is:
 

 
Source Matching

The 8S comes in at 11 Ohms and 107dB of sensitivity. That is pretty sensitive and doesn’t require more than a phone or portable DAP in low gain. Although they will work with desktop gear, I didn’t get any noticeable benefit from added amplification. If you want to improve the sound of these earphones beyond the tuning filters, focus on using higher quality recordings and increased bit rate music files.
 
The 8S sounded awesome with my LG V20 and iFi micro iDSD. Honestly, the 8S works with all of my portable sources. If something sounded like it could use something, it was a matter of changing filters to accomplish what I was looking for.
 
Sound Review

Because there are 36 different tuning options I can’t go over each one without writing a book about them. Instead I’ll share my experience with them and what I found to be my favorite filter combination.
 

Putting into considerations the multiple tuning configurations, FLC has taken out some of the leg work by listing some recommended filter combos in the owner’s manual. They’ve also nailed it in terms of describing each of the filter combinations. I honestly couldn’t describe it any better than they have. You can try to come up with a better filter combination than what FLC recommends, but after trying just about every filter combination I came to the conclusion that FLC has identified and highlighted the best ones of the bunch.
 
Switching the “ultra low” and “bass” filters is tedious. Here’s a tip, go with the recommended filter combos first. Once you’ve done this you will have a feel for what each filter offers, then be able to tweak it to your preference if you need to. If you don’t have the hands and coordination of a surgeon, you’ll be better off changing the lower frequency filters as little as possible. At this point I’m just glad I haven’t lost any yet.
 
I got flustered changing the filters and putting the unused filters back in the carrying case, at which point I decided to find the combination I like best and haven’t looked back. The “balanced” combination is my favorite, and offers a very even tuning from top to bottom.
 
The good news is that once you find your favorite filter combination, these are some of the best sounding hybrid in ear monitors I’ve heard. There is enough variance in the sound filters to say I’m confident just about everyone will come up with something they find ideal (or very, very close). If your preference changes a bit over time, there is a sound tweaking tool kit waiting for you.
 
The FLC 8S covers every frequency from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs. Although the mid/high frequency filters aren’t ideal tools for tweaking each sound one by one, you can use various filter combinations in conjunction with them to make it work. Yes, FLC has given me the power to shape sound from top to bottom, and that’s awesome! To add to this, the separation of sounds is great. Detail is top of the line, and extension is great in both directions.
 
Comparison to the LZ-A4 ($199 USD on many sites)
The FLC 8S has a direct competitor and it’s the LZ-A4. The A4 came after the 8S and made some interesting tweaks. It’s a three way hybrid (just like the 8S) and comes with tuning filters that adjust the lower, middle and higher frequencies.
 
Comparing the two, LZ has done some things that trumps the 8S. The housing shape promotes both and under and over the ear fit and the cable is much more manageable and easy to use. LZ has incorporated a MMCX connection as compared to the two pin connection of the 8S (you pick which one you like more). A big plus for the LZ-A4 is that the tuning system is much easier to use than the FLC 8S. I am more apt to changing the filters on the go. Build quality on both is about the same.
 
With all that said you may be wondering why people would still consider the 8S. I personally feel that the 8S justifies its asking price over the A4 in a few ways including where it matters most, SOUND. The A4 sounds great, but the 8S gives me more control of the frequency response. The filters (although a PITA to use) are more precise, like precision tools used to perfect the sound to my liking. Simply put, when it comes to sound I can dial it in better with the 8S as compared to the A4. Also, the entire package of the 8S from materials and design to accessories is more professional and less generic than the A4. The A4 may be more fun and easy to use, but the 8S has superior fidelity.
 
With the A4 I can adjust the bass three ways. With the 8S I can adjust it nine ways. For the most part the bass of the A4 lingers and decays slower than the 8S (with preferred filter combos). Compared to my ideal filter combination with the 8S, the A4 bass is a bit more sluggish in comparison. After my ears adjust to the 8S tuning, the sound is more natural and with more air between instruments and vocals. When my ears adjust to the A4 it seems to have more musicality and a more consumer friendly tuning. You won’t go wrong with either, but if maximizing fidelity is most important to you, I strongly suggest the 8S.
 
Conclusion
The tuning filters of the 8S are not a gimmick, they’re the real deal and do exactly what they say they can. I can achieve just about any sound signature I want with them, and that’s awesome! At this time I can’t think of another product that gives the owner the ability to adjust and fine tune the sound at this level (at any price). The 8S has a professional fit and premium package of accessories. These will work as a reference monitor for professional musicians, as a earphone for audiophiles who want to maximize their music experience, and for casual music listeners who want to take their listening experience to the next level. They are a design (and price) that caters and appeals to several different markets.
 
There are some things that could be more ideal. The bass tuning filters are tiny and it’s tedious to change them. The cable is stiff and has a lot of spring and memory. The good news is that once you’ve found the right filter combination and put them on, both of these things become a non-issue. The fact that I can take the 8S and make the earphone sound exactly how I want it to, I can overlook these two things. At the end of the day it’s all about sound for me. The 8S not only delivers high quality sound, it does it with an ideal tuning for my preference.
 
When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account (including price). The FLC 8S gets four and half stars for build and design, four and a half stars for ergonomics, three and a half stars for functionality (springy cable and changing filters is a pain), and FIVE BIG STARS for sound. They are the current king when it comes to shaping sound.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the 1More MK802 bluetooth headphone was listed for sale on 1More’s and Amazon’s website. Here are links for more information and purchase:
 
https://usa.1more.com/collections/headphones/products/1more-mk802-bluetooth-over-ear-headphones
 
https://www.amazon.com/1MORE-Bluetooth-Headphones-Compatible-Microphone/dp/B01IB1QZBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490307049&sr=8-1&keywords=1more%2Bmk802&th=1
 
Introduction
I’m a fan of 1More. Their product line continues to grow over time. Every model I’ve heard to date has been impressive in their own way. The triple driver earphone is still one of my favorite in-ear monitors I’ve ever experienced. While they haven’t dipped their toes in the pool of summit-fi gear I’m confident that will one day be a reality. Their product lines appeals to the masses and also hits a sweet spot with those who make sound quality a top priority. 1More adds a splash of audiophile tuning goodness to all of their earphones.  
 
After finishing my review of their capsule hybrid IEM, I asked the 1More reps if they had anything new and exciting in terms of full sized headphones. When they offered to send a review sample of the MK802 bluetooth headphones I jumped on the chance. Let’s take a look and listen, and go over them with a comprehensive review.
 
Disclaimer
I was borrowed a review sample of the MK802 in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with 1More. I’d like to take this time to personally thank them for the opportunity to share my experience with the Head-Fi community.
 
Review

The MK802 comes in a black sleeved box with gray and silver accents. A very nice photo of the headphones are featured on the front sleeve along with a list of some key features.
 

The back sleeve displays more features (in eight languages) and has a nice side shot of the headphones which shows the customizable bass settings. Also displayed is a screenshot of the 1More application (for Apple and Android) which works in conjunction with the MK802.
 

Removing the sleeve reveals a sharp black box that matches packaging from previous 1More products I’ve used. Removing the top I’m greeted with a view of the MK802 headphones resting in a foam/velvet inlay. A red box is cleverly placed above the headphones and contains the cables, stickers and owner’s manual. Like all 1More products, the packaging is pretty extraordinary and leaves owners with an impression of luxury beyond the asking price.
 
Specifications and Accessories

Specifications
Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1 with 30 foot range
Battery Life: 5 months standby, 26 hours talk time, 15 hours continuous music playback
Charging Time: 2 Hours
Driver: 40mm dynamic drivers (made from beryllium and PEEK)
Sensitivity: 104 dB
Rated Power: 50 mW
Weight: 244 grams
 

Accessories
1X Pair 1More MK802 bluetooth headphones (options of red or blue)
1X Optional kevlar cable with mic/remote for wired operation
1X Microfiber drawstring carrying case
1X Micro USB charging cable and power adapter
1X Owner’s manual
 
Build and Design

Holding the MK802 in my hand, the first impression is that they seem lightweight and reasonably durable. The headphone’s frame is constructed from what 1More describes as synthetic titanium. Holding them in my hands it appears and feels similar to a flexible carbon fiber-like material. A satin blue (or red) coated finish gives the MK802 a really modern and attractive look. 1More logos and silver accents can be seen on each side of the headband and cups.
 

The headbands’ inner padding is a synthetic leather band with memory foam inside. The same can be said of the on-ear pads. The cups slide up and down to make room for various sized heads. To improve comfort there is a ball and socket design that allows the cups to oscillate in every direction and rest comfortably on the owner’s ears. Right and left channel markers are located on the inside of each cup.
 

All of the MK802 controls are located on the back side of the right cup. From top to bottom the buttons are Power, Volume up (long press for song change), Play/Pause/Answer calls/Hang up calls, Volume down (long press for song change), and the One more button (more on this in functionality). A bass adjustment switch is located on the left cup, allowing users to adjust the bass level their preference.
 

Overall I’m very happy with the build and design. It’s like 1More took elements from today’s most popular consumer headphones and tweaked it. The look is modern, hip and fresh. The finish is very cool and the silver accents accentuate the overall look.
 
Ergonomics (Fit, Comfort, Isolation)

The lightweight and slim profile for a full size headphone makes the MK802 a great travel companion. It was easy to wear them around my neck when not using them. The adjustable slides on each side in combination with the oscillating cups guarantees a fit for almost any size head. The closed back and nice seal (along with adjustable bass settings) were ideal for commuting.
 
The small pad circumference does create some minor caveats in terms of comfort and fit. Although the pads of the MK802 are very soft, the squeeze of the headband caused heat buildup and some mild discomfort when using them for long listening sessions. The MK802 fits more like an on-ear headphone. As with just about all on-ear headphones, I had to take a short break after a while to let my ears cool down and stop sweating. Although not a great big deal, let it be known that comfort isn’t the greatest. It’s on par with headphones with an on-ear design. I do wish the MK802 had a larger circumference.
 
Functionality

The MK802 for the most parts is operated like most other bluetooth headphones. Power and pairing is standard. Volume and track change are the same as almost all Aptx bluetooth headphones. Play and pause (as well as phone functions) are also the same. Also on par with other bluetooth cans, the MK802 has a 3.5mm cable with microphone and remote (that works for both Android and Iphone) to use when battery is dead, or to be used when a non-bluetooth device is used.
 

Although basic functions are very similar 1More takes things a step further, offering its customers a unique and refreshing experience with its added features. Starting with the left cup 1More has implemented an adjustable bass dial. The dial tweaks the bass response from very lean, to relatively neutral, to bass forward. The settings are spot on and allow the headphones to appeal to just about any listening preference without altering midrange and treble frequencies. The switch is manual and not a product of digital sound processing, meaning it can be used with or without the headphones being turned on. I was torn between what setting I liked the most. Although I found the leanest setting virtually useless I enjoyed listening to them with the relatively neutral and bassy settings (depending on what I was listening to).
 
1More Application
The 1More application can be downloaded from your phone’s app store and used in conjunction with your MK802 headphones. The app is an “all-in-one” solution for your headphones. From this app, you can use the apps “burn in” feature. There are four steps, in which the app will play a continuous loop of digital noise or music (depending on which step of burn-in you are at) to fully break in your headphones. Needless to say, this will be a handy resource for reviewers and audiophiles who want to burn in headphones other than the MK802. Aside from the burn in feature, the app can be used to replace your stock music player and play music files stored on your device. The equalizer built into the app works well.
 

The best aspect of the 1More app is the 1More button portion. From the menu tab, owners can assign the 1More button on their headphones to open a particular app. For me it was the Google music app. Once the button is assigned to an app, I could access that particular app by pressing the 1More button on the right cup of my headphones (when my phone screen was turned on). Although I consider this button is an awesome concept, it’s kind of silly to have to turn the screen on just to reach back to the 1More button to access the assigned app. It would be a lot nice if I could access the app without turning my screen on and unlocking my phone. Also, I found it annoying (and battery draining) to see that the 1More app runs constantly in the background (with or without the headphones being used) and showing on my phone’s pull down screen at all times. These are things that I assume could be fixed with an update.
 
Battery Life of the MK802 is probably the best I’ve seen from a bluetooth headphone. I listen to headphones maybe a couple hours (sometimes more, sometimes less) every day. I was able to charge the MK802 headphones and go AN ENTIRE WORK WEEK without having to charge these things. The MK802 is a boss when it comes to battery usage. A two hour charge gives me week’s worth of functionality, AWESOMESAUCE! When using the bluetooth function during phone calls, friends and family heard my voice coming through at a four out of five in terms of clarity which is excellent for a headphone of this style. I rate their voices similarly.
 
In terms of range, the MK802 actually lives up to its promised thirty foot range. After this distance the headphone’s signal will begin to break up, and will disconnect at around forty to forty-five feet.
 
Sound
Any 1More earphone I’ve heard hasn’t disappointed in the sound department, and the MK802 is not an exception. The beryllium and PEEK driver delivers excellent fidelity for a portable on-ear bluetooth headphone. Usually I would separate the wired/wireless sound comparisons, but they both sound good enough that I can generalize the two together. I didn’t necessarily notice a perceptual degradation of sound quality when switching from a wired (via my LG V20) to a wireless bluetooth connection.
 
Bass
Because these headphones have three distinct bass settings. Because of this I will give a generalization of each setting
 
Leanest Setting
I consider this setting useless. Unless you like listening to your music with virtually no bass, you will probably feel the same way. Although you can vaguely hear the bass, the whole signature is flat and lifeless with this setting. There is zero sub bass, very light and lean mid-bass, and minimal dynamics.
 
Neutral-ish Middle Setting
The middle bass setting sits smack dab between the other two other bass settings and renders the most balanced overall sound of the three. There is a light sub bass, nice tight punchy mid-bass that avoids the dreaded mid-bass bleed for the most part. If this was the only tuning I would say that they were very neutral and flirting with being a bit sterile at lower volumes and adequate and enjoyable at louder volumes. I enjoyed this setting for acoustic, live, jazz, classical and other various more mature genres of music.
 
Bassiest Setting
I consider this to be modern genre music setting. The bass becomes bold and robust with plenty of soundstage depth and mild mid-bass bump that provides a slight resonance and increased dynamics. These headphones go from neutral (with the middle setting) to HiFi enjoyment in this setting. Although the bass is forward, entertaining and fun, and nowhere near some of the bassier (and sloppier sounding) bass forward cans I’ve heard.
 
Midrange
Mids are natural and fun, with a decent sense of balance. The response isn’t necessarily razor sharp, nor do you get the same clarity, separation and dynamics of summit-fi desktop stuff. Still, for bluetooth headphones they are excellent, with nice balance and no radical spikes or dips to throw the sound off. Think along the lines of an Audio Technica M50 in terms of sound quality. The clarity and separations isn’t world class, but definitely one of the better performers for its price.
 
Treble
Treble is crisp and extends reasonably well. At the same time I don’t consider it to be harsh. Pronunciations of the letters S and T are present and not harsh. Sibilance is avoided for the most part. Cymbal crashes are in balance with the rest of the sound and rendered decently. Just like the midrange, you won’t get summit-fi performance, but it’s definitely one of the best things you can get for the money. Balance is decent with neighboring frequencies.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
This criteria is entirely dependant on what bass setting you use. With the leanest setting the soundstage and imaging suffers significantly. With the Neutral-sh bass setting soundstage is slightly mediocre but imaging is solid. With the bassy setting the soundstage is quite large thanks to the bass depth, but imaging takes a hit at the same time.
 
Conclusion
I have a few pairs of bluetooth headphones at this point, and the MK802 is my current favorite. The battery life is phenomenal, the sound quality rivals similarly priced wired models, the adjustable bass settings allows me to dial it in for whatever I’m listening to, and the added bells and whistles 1More included allows me to enjoy these even more than the average pair of bluetooth cans.
 
The MK802 does have a couple things that I think could be improved. An over-ear fit (instead of on-ear) would make them more comfortable for long listening sessions. Some firmware updates to their stock app would improve the user experience. Other than that, I really can’t say anything else. Let that be a testament to how good these headphones are. I usually have more suggestions for improvement.
 
When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account. The MK802 gets four and a half stars for design and build, four stars for ergonomics, four and a half stars for functionality, and four and a half stars for sound. A solid score, and another impressive product from 1More.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

 
At the time this review was written, the Aune S6 DAC was listed for sale on their website. Here is a link for purchase and more information:
 
http://mall.auneaudio.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=25_65&product_id=59

 
Introduction
When I first started going to Head-Fi meets in my area I felt like the black sheep of the group. I would show up to the meets with a lot of in-ear monitors and portable gear while most others had summit-fi desktop stuff and full size headphones. Although the people were (and still are) awesome and friendly at these events, I initially felt a bit out of place.
 
A couple years later I have not only become more versed in desktop gear, I’ve also had a chance to show attendees that in-ear monitors and portable DAPs, DACs, and amplifiers have come a looooooong way over the last few year and deserve exposure and discussion in audiophile circles. I’ve had a chance to experience other people’s desktop set-ups. I’ve come to appreciate desktop stuff more and more with each passing meet. I’ve enjoyed some of it enough to start purchasing pairs of full sized headphones and desktop components. Although I can’t see myself spending thousands upon thousand of dollars on summit-fi desktop audio gear, I can appreciate much of what’s out there. As always, I’m more a fan of products that maximize price to performance ratios.
 
When my friend Lee asked if I would be interested in reviewing a desktop DAC from Aune named the S6 I wasn’t entirely comfortable doing it. I didn’t know if I had the insight to review a unit like this. Lee insisted that I at least give it a try because it was a DAC upgrade over what I currently have. With that being said I accepted his offer.
 

My bread and butter is in in-ear monitors and DAPs. Don’t get me wrong, I can listen to a desktop rigs and tell you how something performs and whether I like it or not, but I can’t base my opinion on extensive experience owning this kind of stuff. In order to gauge the performance of the S6 I knew I would need to get it in the hands (and on the ears) of some of my friends who are pros at this this type of stuff. This is why I brought it to a local area meet to get impressions. Truth be told, the feedback I got was just about one hundred percent positive. More on this in a bit.
 
I never understood just how important a quality DAC is until I experienced the S6. In a market where many big names that bring nice products for audiophiles, I didn’t really consider the asking price of many desktop DACs to be worth the high asking prices. As long as I had enough amplification to push my headphones I was content with a simple budget DAC like the HifimeDIY Sabre models.
 
I have spent extended time with the S6 and can say that without a doubt the difference may seem subtle at first, but listen to it long enough and it’s blatantly apparent. The S6 is fabulous and justifies its price. After spending a good amount of time with this unit I can appreciate the importance of a dedicated DAC like this.
 
The DAC you use is one of the most important things in your audio chain. It may be a slight improvement over the cheaper stuff but there’s a catch. Listening to a slightly better music file with a slightly better DAC, slightly better amplifier and slightly better pair of headphones, all of these “slightlys” adds up to a big difference.
 
Think of an audio chain as a high performance car. If the amplifier is the engine, a DAC would be the fuel injectors and air intake. Without the right fuel and air mixture it doesn’t matter what engine you have, it won’t perform at its maximum potential. The cleaner and more ideal the music source is being fed into the amplifier, the better the amplifier can perform. Just to add to this, the S6 has a decent engine (amplifier) already built into it. We will cover this more in the review.
 
Simply put, the S6 has taken my full sized headphone game to another level. Let’s find out why, and go over the unit with a comprehensive review.
 
Review

The Aune S6 came in a basic large black box with a foil stamped Aune logo. Inside the package lies the S6 unit, power cable, USB cable and a USB stick which has the drivers needed to use the unit with a computer.
 

Loading the software onto my computer wasn’t too difficult. Once the software was uploaded I did need to restart my computer for it to install. If you are having any difficulty getting the software to work, ask your computer savvy friends to assist. After loading the software I haven’t had any issues using it with my Windows laptop. Although the specs indicate the S6 can run at 32/384k, I maxed out at 32-192k on my windows laptop. Say what you will, once I get to bitrates and frequency ranges this high (honestly lower) my ears can’t hear a difference and would rather concentrate my efforts on listening to higher quality recordings.
 
SPECIFICATIONS:
White TFT display
DAC: AK4495S
Natively recognized on Mac OS and Linux without drivers
Bitperfect: Wasapi / Asio for Microsoft XP to Win10
Inputs: 1x Optical Toslink, 1x Coaxial, 1x USB B and 1x AES / EBU
Decoding up to 32bit / 384kHz (USB) via XMOS interface and 24bit / 192kHz for other digital inputs
DSD native support (DSD64 (DOP / native), DSD128 (DOP)
Support for DXD 32bit 384khz
Digital isolation of USB and Coaxial inputs
2x high precision clocks
Shielded transformer
Stereo analog outputs on RCA and XLR
Balanced 4-pole headphone output
Headphone output asymmetrical 6.35mm jack
 
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Bandwidth: 20hz to 20khz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.0008% to 1khz
Dynamic capacity: 116dB
Crosstalk: -132dB
Output voltage (RCA): 2 Vrms
Output Voltage (XLR): 4.2Vrms
 
POWER OUTPUT:
Symmetric output port: 246mW @ 300ohm
Asymmetric Output Port: 72mW @ 300ohm
 
THE BUNDLE CONTAINS:
A USB cable of 1m50
A mains cable of 1m50
A USB key containing the Windows drivers and a manual in English in PDF
 
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Selecting sources by pushbutton
Volume control for helmet with notched potentiometer
Chassis Aluminum Black anti-oxidation treated
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS:
Housing dimensions: 288 x 211 x 63mm
Weight: 3kg
 
Build and Features

The overall shape of the S6 is pretty cool. It’s about the size and weight of the average video game console and has a slight curve on the top. Although the slight curve gives it a striking aesthetic, I do wish it was flat for stacking purposes. Although nothing can necessarily sit flush on top of the unit it’s relatively flat enough to set something like a DAP or pair of headphones on without it sliding off.
 

The S6 I received has a matte black coated finish on its metal casing. There is also another option for silver. Although I really liked the black finish, it was prone to getting removable scuff marks whenever objects scratched or brushed against it. Although the marks could easily be wiped off, the S6 seemed to look scratched or dirty more often than I would like. I made sure to keep a microfiber cloth close by to keep the device looking sharp. Not a big deal, but something worth noting.
 

Taking a look at the front of the unit, it’s a very sleek and simple front layout. From left to right there’s a balanced four-pin XLR, quarter inch output, a small display screen, a small power indicator light, and a analog-like digital volume pot.
 

Looking at the back of the unit, there is a nice assortment of inputs and outputs. Going from left to right three pin XLR outputs for both left and right channels as well as RCA analog outputs. Moving on to the inputs there is an AES three pin XLR input. For those of you who don’t know what this is, here is a link:
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AES3
 
Next to the AES input, there are input connections for coaxial, optical, and USB type B. Also located on the back is a power supply switch and three prong power input jack.
 
Functionality

The S6 functionality is somewhat awkward at first, but once learned it’s easy to operate and relatively simple to use. Everything is controlled via the analog-ish digital volume knob. The knob can be pressed in and used as a button that not only turns the unit on and off, it also changes the input and output settings.
 
After flipping the back power supply on in the back of the unit, the S6 is in standby mode. I didn’t need to concern myself too much with flipping this switch, and only used it when disconnecting the unit, or turning the unit off because I knew I wasn’t going to be using it for a long while.
 
Once power is supplied to the unit and was in standby mode, I could power up the S6 by long pressing the volume knob for a few seconds. Powering down the unit was done by pressing the unit the same way.
 
Once powered on, a simple display appears. The upper left portion shows the input. The upper right corner shows the output. The middle of the screen displays the type of signal being played. The lower portion of the screen displays the volume setting.
 
To change the input of the S6, single press the volume knob and the input will cycle through until you reach the desired setting. To change the output of the S6, double tap on the volume knob until you reach the desired output setting. Volume is controlled by turning the dial up or down just like any stereo receiver.
 
In regards to the performance of the control knob everything works as it should. However, the button is on the stiff side. The unit will slide on my counter before the button is pushed. Because of this I had to apply downward pressure on the top of the unit to prevent this from happening. When turning the volume up and down the device does not turn smoothly. With each notch the dial is turned the volume will change by one click. The S6 volume range goes from zero to one hundred.
 
In terms of usage, it was a bit awkward at first. Once I learned the button functionality the S6 was easy and fun to use. I used the S6 primarily as a Headphone amplifier and audio out via RCA to my reciever. I also hooked the S6 up to other headphone amplifiers.
 
Thanks to the various inputs on the back of the unit I was able to plug EVERY device with digital output I had into the S6. One drawback was that there is no analog input to use the S6 as an amplifier only. However, as time and technology advances this is becoming less and less of an issue. In terms of outputs I have the luxury of headphone outputs and fixed line-outs. The good news is that there is a complimentary S7 head-amp that you can purchase to add that luxury.
 
My favorite thing about the S6 is that I can use two pairs of headphones at the same time. I can plug one pair in via the balanced XLR, and the other via the quarter inch headphone jack. Although I can't separately control the volume which is dependent on the output of the jack in combination with the sensitivity of the headphone, it's a very nice luxury, especially at meets!
 
Performance

In all honesty, I didn’t necessarily get any decisive advantage hooking the S6 to any of the other amplifiers I had (I don’t have much for high end amplifiers). The S6 has a kick arse built in amplifier that easily pushes every pair of cans I had. Based on my time with the unit the S6 will easily drive just about any headphone you can plug into it. For those interested in the S6, the unit is more than just a DAC. It has a powerful output, balanced XLR balanced and quarter inch outputs that will rock most high impedance stuff. Just in case the S6 doesn’t have enough power for your headphones, there’s an S7 amplifier that can be purchased to go with the S6. I will be receiving and reviewing this unit some time soon. Here is a link if your are interested:
 
http://en.auneaudio.com/index.php?s=Home/Article/detail/id/150.html
 
I honestly have no idea who would need the extra juice because the S6 is already pretty darn powerful by itself. With the power the S6 possesses, I’m guessing the S7 is an added luxury that isn’t necessary (time will tell). Honestly, I can’t think of a single pair of headphones the S6 can’t push and have power to spare.
 
Another big plus about the S6 is that it works great for in-ear monitors as well. Even with highly sensitive earphones like the Noble Encore and Campfire Andromeda the noise floor is almost dead silent (there is minimal background floor noise). I used to think that my trusty micro iDSD was the most versatile unit in terms of playback ability. After using the S6 I come to realize it’s just as versatile and easier to use. I don’t need to flip any switches to make the output ideal with what I’m listening to. Plug it in, play some music and turn the volume up to where you want it and you’re all set.
 
When using the XLR and analog outputs on the back (as a preamplifier) the S6 does its job well. Music is clean and clear with no audible hiss or distortion. The option to switch between the headphone and line outputs makes the S6 a great audio hub for any audiophile or music enthusiast.
 
Sound

When reviewing a DAC It's hard to be completely accurate in terms of sound impressions. I say this because often times when reading DAC reviews I often times catch reviewers commenting on the headphones rather than the unit itself. Because of this I try to listen to a variety of headphones and earphones and come up with generalized feel for the unit. I’ll also share what earphones I feel paired exceptionally well with this device.
 
The S6 is incredibly natural sounding with an added sprinkle of midrange girth and musicality that makes it an improvement over neutral. Any of you who are familiar with the new AK chips, the S6 follows suit and is probably the best implementation of this chip that I’ve heard to date.  There is no sense of boosted lower or high frequencies and everything balances out nicely. S6 has a rich and engaging signature that is thoroughly enjoyable. Micro details can be easily heard. I can’t say anything negative about the S6 performance. Putting things into perspective, in terms of a desktop unit performance(and the added fact that I’m not looking to spend thousands of dollars on this stuff) the S6 is an awesome deal for its asking price, and in gives me everything I need in terms of sound quality and combined versatility.
 
The S6 doesn’t have the same clean and airy sound of many implementations of the ES9018 Sabre chips that have been popular for the last couple years. In my opinion it’s a refreshing approach to HiFi audio. Although the S6 may be a step back in terms of airiness and soundstage, it trumps trumps the Sabre stuff in terms of musicality while still bringing micro details in spades.
 
Pairings

My favorite headphone to use with the S6 was my custom tuned ZMF Omni. I was so smitten by this combo, I featured it at my booth at the most recent Head-Fi event I attended. Even Zach (the owner and manufacturer of ZMF) commented on how well the two sounded together. Everyone who heard this combo was very pleased with the performance of this pairing. A few asked how much the S6 costs. When I told them it comes in at around five hundred dollars several said it was a great unit and definitely worthy of the asking price. A couple other ZMFs that sounded excellent with the S6 was the newly released Atticus and Eikon.
 

Another personal favorite to pair with the unit was the VE Zen 2.0. Although the midbass was a bit looser than what I would consider ideal, the S6 rendered some incredible texture and detail. I was able to enjoy a very pleasant musical experience and was able to catch all the small details of the tracks I listened to. I highly recommend this combo if you are looking to get the most out of a high impedance pair of earbuds like the Zen 2.0. One thing to note, I was using the standard jack Zen. I would suppose the balanced version of this earbud would sound even better than this already great combination.
 
The Hifiman RE-XX (remake of the RE-00) came to life with the S6. I have previously given the sixty-four Ohm earphone some not so positive impressions because of how lean and sterile they often sound with less powerful sources. The S6 gave the RE-XX the extra oomph it needed to make them sound impressive. Separations and detail were top notch.
 
The Noble Encore seemed to get similar results to the RE-XX. Although much more sensitive than the Hifiman in-ear monitor, the Encore had a nice sense of musicality and detail. Noise floor was close to silent and was for the most part a non issue.
 
Conclusion
The S6 isn’t going to destroy everything that’s out there but it’s definitely a top performer at its current asking price. Although I thoroughly enjoy and still use my micro iDSD, the S6 provides the same versatility with less switches and a meatier and more music friendly sound signature.
 
In terms of headphone driving performance the S6 is pretty fabulous. There’s never been a time I’ve listened to the S6 and not walked away impressed (regardless of what earphones I use it with). The sound quality and powerful headphone amplifier (for a DAC) that is built in makes it a big winner in my opinion. For most people looking for a solid desktop setup there’s not much more you’d need beyond this device, and if you did we’re probably talking about spending a lot more than the five hundred dollars this thing costs. I’ve heard quite a bit of desktop gear at this price and I can’t think of much that offers the same combination of sound quality, power and versatility of the S6.
 
There are some things about the S6 I think could be better. The rounded top doesn’t set up for stacking desktop gears with it. I don’t care for how stiff the button is and wish the device had different control options. A remote would have been a big bonus for a device like this. The display is slightly generic. A digital output display (a-la the Oppo HA-1) for each frequency would have been a nice touch. An analog input would have been nice for utilizing just the amplifier section. I would trade the matte finish for something that is more polished and didn’t scuff. Still, at the end of the day I can live without any of these suggested improvements. Aune has knocked it out of the park where it matters most (sound, power, versatility). Add to the fact it’s incredibly easy to use, I can’t help it give the S6 a high score. Other products may get the market’s spotlight, but I can guarantee that the S6 will give similarly designed and priced products a run for it’s money.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the LZ A4 was listed for sale on Penon Audio’s website. Here is a link to their listing of the product:
 
http://penonaudio.com/LZ-A4?search=lz%20a4
 
Introduction
If you’ve read my previous LZ reviews, there’s no need to repeat how much I appreciate what they’ve done for the budget/hybrid in-ear community. Two years later excellent product performance has become a regular expectation. LZ brings great products to market at each price point. Each product seems to offer something uniquely different from anything else in their lineup, primarily in terms of tuning and sound signature.
 
I recently wrote a review for another one of their hybrid in-ears named the A3S. Here is a link to the review:
 
(http://www.head-fi.org/products/lz-a3s-hybrid-in-ear-monitor/reviews/18012)
 
The A3S is a good earphone, but not the best model in the LZ lineup in my opinion. Coming in at approximately fifty more dollars we have the LZ flagship titled the A4. I usually try to avoid the words “better” and “best”. However, I’m making an exception with this review. Let’s take a look and listen to what I feel is currently (at the time of writing the review) the best earphone you can buy for under two hundred dollars.
 
Disclaimer
I purchased a pair of A4 at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with LZ. I would like to take this time to personally thank them for the discount and opportunity to experience and review the product.
 
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
 
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me. I want to hear any earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I can share my impressions with  enthusiasts and help them find the audio product they’re looking for. My Head-Fi profile has a list of audio products ranked from favorite to least favorite. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and having a variety of different gear to mix and match. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
 
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are solidly built, with ergonomics and sound that is pleasing to my ears. It’s my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based on gear I have owned and used.
 
REVIEW

I’m kind of late to the review and impression party for these. Infact, I wouldn’t have even pursued writing the review had I not caught wind of the positive things my friends were saying about them. There are already many thorough and detailed reviews of this product. Because of this I will skip ahead to the good stuff, and try to contribute the straight dope and information my fellow Head-Fiers have been asking for, HOME MEASUREMENTS WITH EVERY FILTER COMBINATION, as well as my intake on the build.
 
Specifications and Accessories

Specification:
Brand: LZ
Model: A4
Driver: 1 Dynamic driver+ 2 Balanced Armature Hybrid
Impedance: 16Ω
Headphone sensitivity:120dB
Frequency range: 20-28000Hz
Interface: 3.5mm
Cable Length: 1.2m±5cm
Weight: 30g
Interface Type: MMCX
 

Accessories:
6X Pair, silicone single flange tips (S,M,L)
1X Pair, silicone bi-flange tips (M/L)
1X Pair, foam tips (M/L)
1X Pair, silicone ear hooks
1X Shirt clip
1X Aluminum tine (filled with the A4 filter assortment)
1X Zipper clamshell case

 
Housings

The A4 housings appear to be made out of a black powder coated aluminum. The shape and fit is somewhat reminiscent to a slightly bulkier version of the Audio Technica CKR line of in-ear monitors. MMCX plugs are cleverly and ergonomically placed.
 

The supplied filter system works as the nozzles. The nozzles are fairly standard in terms of width and length. Tip rolling is fairly easy to do with both the stock and a majority of available aftermarket tips.
 

There are some things that concern me about the A4 build. The filter system is threaded (they twist on and off). I can see those who are not careful accidentally cross threading them and ruining their ability to attach and detach the filters. Also, the rubber gaskets of the filter system seems like something that can wear over time and break. Although I was careful and haven’t had any problems like this, they are definitely two things I would advise customers to be careful with.  
 
Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

The same cable I applauded in the A3S has been used with the A4. There is very little spring or memory, lots of flexibility, a durable build and included chin/neck slider and velcro cable winder. Y-splits, strain reliefs are all better than average and the sixty degree angled plug seems very durable. As previously stated, this cable rivals and bests many cables that come in at higher prices in terms of usability.
 
Functionality
The A4 is a plug and play device. The modular cable sets up for upgraded in terms of material and/or cables with microphones and remotes. The standard MMCX connection is very universal in application.
 
Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation


The A4 is a great earphone in terms of fit. I was able to get a great fit using them with the cable looped over my ear, and also wearing them straight down. The housings are slightly bulky and don't promote a flush fit with the listener’s ear. However, the housings are lightweight and very comfortable. I had no problem wearing them for several hours without needing to readjust the fit (once I found the right tip to use).
 
The included chin/neck worked well and helped snug the earphones into a comfortable fit while also helping to eliminatie microphonics for the most part. Isolation is average at best. The tuning system of the A4 allows some air to vent through the housing, letting in some ambient noise. When music was playing at moderate volumes, almost all ambient noise was eliminated.
 
Sound Review
I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V20, Cayin i5, Fiio X7 or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.
 
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
 
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.
 
Source Selection

Coming in at 16 Ohms and 120dB of sensitivity, the A4 will sound great with a DAP or smartphone. They are very easy to drive and variances like high gain and added amplification are not necessary. I was able to get some great sound from the A4 with just about all of my portable sources in low gain. The A4 rocked with the iFi micro iDSD in its most sensitive setting.
 
The A4 has a relatively bold and slightly emphasized bass response regardless of what bass filters you use. Because of this they will be somewhat forgiving with poor recordings. At the same time, the dual Knowles drivers of the A4 will provide listeners with plenty of details, so expect them to scale well with higher quality recordings and music files.
 
Sound Signature
I simply can’t cover the entire spectrum of what this earphone is capable of doing in terms of sound. It would take me a year to review each filter combination. What I can do is say that in terms of lower frequencies the A4 goes from a tight and responsive neutral-ish tuning to a lower frequency laden bass cannon. Both are good in their own ways and will appeal to a broad variety of listeners. In terms of treble, the possibilities range from polite and smooth, to bright and harsh.
 
LZ has given customers the opportunity to take a terrific triple driver setup and tool kit to modify these into what owners would consider their ideal sounding in-ear monitor. It’s a beautiful thing if I do say so myself. To be completely honest, I have changed the filters on these things a lot over the course of reviewing them. Depending on what I’m listening to, I can tweak the A4 to be ideal for whatever source and genre of music I can throw at it. The A4 isn’t a chameleon, it's a color changing dragon that listeners can chase day in and day out in search of their own personal audio preferences.  
 
What I can broadly say about the A4 is that they will give you dynamic bass, clean mid-range, and detailed treble. Some filter combinations will create a more noticable difference between the drivers (I’ll let you decide which filter combinations do this the most). Soundstage is darn near off the charts. LZ has once again pulled some next-level stuff here. You are getting a detachable cable, universally great fitting and great sounding earphone with customization options that don’t require tools. Did I mention the A4 is under two hundred dollars?
 
Instead of breaking the A4 down in terms of each frequency let’s just take what I said and slap up a graph of each filter combination. I feel at this point it will clarify filters for those who already own a pair, and also give those interested and idea of how versatile this earphone is.
 
My measurements were done with my Vibro Veritas coupler, Startech Audio interface and ARTA sound measuring software. Let it be known that this setup IS NOT an industry standard measuring device. I am fairly accurate through the bass and midrange treble up to around 4 kHz, but after this there is some roll off at higher frequencies. The purpose of these graphs are to gain understanding of how the A4 filter system works and compares.
 
The A4 uses a filter and porting system for the front and back of the earphone. Because of this, various combinations of filters seem to render different results. What I mean is that it’s the combination of filters that alters the overall response and signature. Use a different nozzle filter with what you think is your favorite bass filter and you might change the way you feel about the back filter. Change the bass filter of your A4 when using what you think is your favorite nozzle filter and you might get a different impression of the front filter. The only way to truly dial it in for your preference and source is an almost never ending experiment. The good news is that this process  is fun and easy to do. The way the filters are threaded and shaped, it’s easy to change them out (no tools needed). After trying every filter combination several times I determined that my favorite combination (for the most part) is the black bass filter and green nozzle filter. Over time this will most likely change. Your mileage may vary.
 
Personally, I feel like the measurements do the A4 no justice. Don’t think that what you see in graphs will give you all the information you need to figure out what filter to use. What I measured is different compared to what I heard with some combinations. The best thing to do is try different combinations until something hits your ears’ G-spot in terms of sound
 
NOTE: Because my measurements are not industry standard in terms of calibration I will do a comparison of the A4 filter combinations to one of the most perceptually neutral in-ear monitor I have, the Unique Melody Miracle V2. What I know about my Veritas is that there is a rolloff at around 4 kHz. Please consider this when looking at the results. Let’s take a look at the graphs.
 
READING THE GRAPHS
When looking at the graphs, here is the color reference chart:
 
Yellow= Unique Miracle Melody V2 (note the Miracle is a more sensitive earphone than the A4)
Blue= Blue nozzle filter
Green= Green nozzle filter
Purple= Black nozzle filter (due to black background)
Red= Red nozzle filter
Gray= Gray nozzle filter
Pink= Pink nozzle filter
*Back filter will be noted on the bottom of the graphs
 
Black Back Filter:

 
Red Back Filter:

 
Blue Back Filter:

 
Conclusion
The LZ A4 is my current favorite in-ear monitor to fall under two hundred dollars. While I don’t think it will be the “giant killer” that rivals summit-fi gear, it does way too much right at its price point to not give it the credit it deserves. The physical shape is okay (slightly bulky). The materials used are very nice. The stock cable is excellent in terms of materials and design and is fun and easy to use. The tuning filters are simple to switch and work as they should. The large soundstage for an in-ear monitor in combination with the nice detail you get from the dual Knowles driver makes them incredibly fun to listen to.
 
Once you find the right filter combination for your preference and source you’re ready to rock and roll. When you feel like you want something that sounds different you don’t need to jump online and buy another earphone. Simply switch the filters until you find a more ideal combination and carry on. LZ has made most preference issues a non-issue with the A4.
 
When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account. The A4 gets four and a half stars for ergonomics, fit, build and design (minus a half star for the slightly bulky housing and slightly generic aesthetics). I give the A4 five stars for sound. Although it’s not the best sounding in-ear monitor I’ve ever heard, you can’t ask for much more at this price. Add the fact that this earphone has multiple sound options, I can’t deduct any stars. LZ knocked it out of the park in term of price to performance. You’ll be hard pressed to find an earphone as versatile and easy to use at the same price point as the A4.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the Oriveti NEW Primacy was listed for sale on Amazon’s website. Here is a link to their listing of the product:
 
https://www.amazon.com/ORIVETI-NEW-PRIMACY-Detachable-Ear/dp/B01N7DM567/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1486882862&sr=1-1&keywords=oriveti+new+primacy
 
https://www.oriveti.com/new-primacy
 
Introduction
“New and improved” is a term that is used loosely nowadays. A company can use this marketing term to push a innovative product that will perform beyond their previous models. Other times it can be nothing more than an almost identical product with different aesthetics. Because of this I always apply the “try before you buy” mentality when considering taking a leap from an older to newer product. Trusted reviews help with this process.
 
I have to justify if the “improvements” warrant another purchase, or whether I should skip a generation in order to make the best use of my hard earned dollars. When buying a first product from a company it’s usually smart to buy the latest and greatest version. In many/most instances it’s a representation of the manufacturer’s current benchmark in terms of quality and design.
 
Last year Oriveti launched a triple driver hybrid called Primacy. At the time there was very little that rivaled these earphones at the asking price they were listed at. It checked many boxes for me and received a very high mark when I reviewed it. To this day I have no problem recommending them. Here is a link to the review:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/oriveti-primacy-whole-aluminium-body-triple-drivers-hybrid-2-balanced-armature-dynamic-high-fidelity-cable-detachable-in-ear-headphones/reviews/15081
 
Let it be known, the NEW Primacy is very similar to the older Primacy. Housings are virtually identical. However, some minor tweaks and tuning changes have been made. As the old Primacy stock runs out the NEW Primacy will replace them as the current Oriveti flagship. Let’s go over these updates, and go over the NEW Primacy with a comprehensive review.
 
Disclaimer
I was given a free sample of the NEW Primacy in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Oriveti. I would like to take this time to personally thank the representatives at Oriveti for the opportunity to experience and review the product.
 
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
 
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me. I want to hear any earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I can share my impressions with  enthusiasts and help them find the audio product they’re looking for. My Head-Fi profile has a list of audio products ranked from favorite to least favorite. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and having a variety of different gear to mix and match. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
 
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are solidly built, with ergonomics and sound that is pleasing to my ears. It’s my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based on gear I have owned and used.
 
REVIEW

The NEW Primacy comes in a black box with white and gray print. A glossy black picture of the NEW Primacy is featured on the front of the box.
 

The back of the box shows a diagram of the internals inside the NEW Primacy housings. Specifications and accessories are also listed.
 

Opening the box reveals the NEW Primacy earphones set in a piece of foam. Lifting this foam piece reveals the product’s accessories.
 
Specifications and Accessories

Specification:
Driver: Exclusive Dual Armature Driver & 8mm Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 8 Ohm
Frequency Response: 20 - 20000Hz
Sensitivity: 105+-3dB/mW, 1000Hz
Distortion: <1%
Plug: Gold-plated 3.5mm Stereo Plug
Cable: 1.2 m
 
Accessories:
Earphone body - 1pair
Detachable Cable - 1pc
Aluminium Carrying Case
XS, S, M, L Silicone Tips - 2pair per size
M form tips - 2pairs
Flight adaptor - 1pc
Double Flange Tips - 2pairs
3.5mm to 6.5mm plug -1pc
Ear Hook - 1pair

 
Housings

The housings of the NEW Primacy are nearly identical to the old version. If something isn’t broke, don’t try and fix it, right?!?!
 

Long story short, they are one of the most ergonomic and best fitting universal in-ear monitors I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing. There are no corners on the housings and everything flows. The flattened egg-shaped housing has a egg shell finish and the smooth edges which create a comfortable fit regardless of ear shape or size. The all aluminum shell seems very durable. The NEW Primacy connects to the cable via a standard MMCX connection.
 

Although shape and build are excellent, I found a questionably placed venting hole on the inside of the housings. If you are getting an anemic bass response from your NEW Primacy, I assume it is a result of this venting hole being blocked. Nozzles on the NEW Primacy are slightly wider and shorter than average. This version comes with black silicone tips this time around (the last model had frosted tips). Aside from this change, accessories are virtually identical to the original.                                                                          
 
Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

Oriveti has upped their cable game by bringing a new 8 strand braid cable which leads from the jack to the Y-split, then continues on to each channel via four strand braid which leads to each channel. There is a small amount of spring and memory which doesn’t create a problem when wearing them. The braiding is pretty masterful, and the four strand braid on the upper portion of the cable is a welcomed improvement from the two strand twist in the older version. One concern, when twisting or bending the cable, the very thin strands come apart. I suppose one nasty snag on a separated part of the cable could cause problems. Also, the grippy nature of the cable will promote occasional knotting when handling them.
 
Oriveti has made the cable jack a ninety degree plug this time around. The Y-split is a piece of black heat shrink tubing and has a plastic chin/neck slider installed above it. Both channels have a gold plated MMCX connection with black plastic/rubber jacketing and seem more sturdy than the average MMCX plug. Strain reliefs are well done. If handled with a reasonable amount of care, this cable should function excellently and hold up well.
 
Functionality
The NEW Primacy comes with a stock MMCX cable that doesn’t have a microphone or remote. However, the fact that the cable has a universal MMCX connection there are plenty of online shops that sell replacement cables with this feature. In its stock form the NEW Primacy is designed for music enjoyment.
 
Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

The Primacy nailed it in terms of ergonomics and comfort. I said it last time and I’ll say it again (because it is pretty much the same), the NEW Primacy is one of the best fitting universal monitors on the planet.
 
Although designed to be worn over the ear, these earphones can also be worn cable down. Both wearing styles are extremely comfortable and hassle free. Once a good sealing tip is found, it’s a matter of plugging them in, running them up or over your ear, popping them in and getting a good seal, and snugging them into place with the included chin/neck slider.
 
Microphonics are noticeable when wearing them cable down (and not using the included chin/neck slider). When wearing them over the ear, cable noise is gone for the most part. NEW Primacy is an excellent isolator. Most ambient noises are muffled and non-existent when music is playing at low volumes.
 
Sound Review
I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V10 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7 or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.
 
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
 
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.
 
Source Selection
Coming in at a very sensitive 8 Ohms, the NEW Primacy is easy to drive and also susceptible to background noise from more powerful portable and desktop sources. An ideal source for these earphones is something with the output power of a standard smartphone.
 
The NEW Primacy tuning works with just about every source I used them with. They seemed to have best synergy with my LG V20, Aune M1S, and iFi micro iDSD in its most sensitive output setting. As long as you stay low power, the NEW Primacy will make the most of the source you are using. I slightly prefer the NEW Primacy with a more colored and warmer source (or with an applied bass boost from my source). HIgh powered amplifiers will cause background noise and  desktop rigs are overkill. The NEW Primacy is designed for music lovers on the go, or those looking for a good in-ear monitor for their high quality DAP or flagship smartphone. High bitrate music files will make the NEW Primacy sound better but in the same breath they won’t butcher poor recordings and MP3s.
 
Sound Signature

Long story short, the NEW Primacy is a slightly fuller and crisper sounding version of the old model. The new model throws a curveball to most hybrid in-ears tuning, bringing a musical and center stage mid-range presentation that puts vocals upfront and without sacrificing neighboring frequencies. If you’re wondering whether Oriveti made a radical improvement to the new version tuning, the answer depends on sound preference. If you consider making a more euphonic and crisp sounding version of the original as an improvement over the old model the answer is yes. If the original Primacy sound is the HD600 of the lineup, the NEW Primacy is the HD650. The NEW Primacy gives midrange and vocals more girth and snap. Ratios are changed and the overall perception of the sound signature is altered considerably.
 
Bass
Bass is controlled, mildly dynamic and has a nice supporting depth to its presentation. Just like the original version, the NEW Primacy has a subdued and almost soft attack at mid-bass frequencies. There is an authoritative and controlled sub bass slam that when called upon presents the listener with a response that is very controlled, tight and extended. When the lowest of low frequencies are revealed, the bass lies somewhere between a light dynamic driver and an impactful armature driver type of sound.
 
I think a lot of my impressions is due to the ratios being altered in the NEW Primacy tuning. Because bass isn’t the star of the show this time around (that title goes to the mid-range) I see this range as being somewhat neutral and complimentary. Even so, they aren’t lacking in terms of their ability to present sound in this range. The way the bass leads into the lower mid-range sounds, it is somewhat intimate but also very natural.
 
Midrange
This is the biggest difference between the new and older model. The NEW Primacy measured slightly higher at every frequency from lower mid to mid-range tones. If you are a vocal lover, the NEW Primacy has a strong chance of winning your approval. The new tuning makes vocals have dynamics and texture that the old version couldn’t achieve. Vocals and mid-range sounds take front stage and pop out from the rest of the track. This works well for vocals like Adele, Ed Sheeran, Lorde, and pretty much all genres related to these artists.
 
There isn’t necessarily a spike, but slight rise from the 100 to 600 Hz range, followed by a gradual descent from 700 Hz to 4 kHz. This means that although vocals (primarily male vocals) will pop and have weight, they will avoid being overly shouty. One thing to note, female vocals are bit more distant than male. Upper midrange sounds take a slight step back from lower mid and mid-range tones. This tuning allows me to enjoy the forward mid sound without throwing the element of mid-range fatigue due to aggressive upper mid-range focus.
 
Treble
Treble has more snap this time around. It’s a crisp response that with most genres levels itself out with the increased mid-range presence. The mids to treble presence matches nicely and works well with vocal oriented music. The NEW Primacy will reveal sibilance in recordings. I was able to avoid listening fatigue when listening at healthy volumes. Louder volumes is a different case. Those who are extremely treble sensitive will most likely have an issue with these at loud volumes.  Extension is better than average and detail is along the lines of most in-ear monitors. The NEW Primacy brings a snappy and crisp upper frequency tuning.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
Due to the increase in midrange dynamics and presence, the NEW Primacy stage is more on the intimate side than the old version. Vocals and midrange instruments take center stage. Although the stage is a bit smaller than the earlier version, imaging is excellent to my ears. This new tuning puts the NEW Primacy into my category of vocal lover’s earphones while not sacrificing supporting frequencies. It’s a slightly more mature tuning than the original version.
 
Comparisons

Oriveti Primacy (original version) ($299 USD, discontinued)
The biggest difference between the two earphones is the shape of the sound. The older Primacy bass/midrange/treble ratios are different. Because of this the older version seems to have a more prominent bass response with more distant vocals and a smooth and extended top end. The NEW Primacy has a more musical and forward midrange, making vocals pop considerably more. Whereas bass and complimentary sparkle are the star of the show with the old tuning, the new one makes vocals the star of the show. To be honest the old primacy is a more consumer friendly tuning that offers a slightly larger (and more artificial) soundstage. The NEW Primacy has a more mature tuning to my ears. I am confident they will appeal more to the audiophile who wants a more natural and musical sound reproduction. If you asked me what I like more, it’s a toss up. I think the old version works a little bit better with modern genres of music. The NEW Primacy works better with more eclectic stuff. I consider the NEW Primacy to be an advancement from the old version, and a formidable replacement to the original.
 
Build and accessories is almost identical. The NEW version has a cooler eight strand cable.

 
Sony XBA-H3 ($350 USD on many sites)
Comparing the two, the H3 seems to have a lot more mid-bass and musicality. The NEW Primacy is far more articulate and defined at lower frequencies. The H3 has a smoother and less fatiguing (yet still extended) treble response. At moderate volumes the upper frequency tuning of the Primacy is more natural. At louder listening volumes, the H3 treble is more enjoyable at higher frequencies. Mid-range is more forward and upfront than the NEW Primacy and has a more controlled and balanced mid-bass presence. Overall I give a slight edge to the NEW Primacy. It handles more genres of music than the H3 in my opinion.
 
The NEW Primacy has one of the most ergonomic shapes and fits I’ve experienced in a universal monitor. The H3 has one of the bulkiest and awkward fits I’ve come across. Oriveti gets a huge advantage in this area.
 
Sony gets a slight edge in terms of accessories. Their silicone hybrid tips are fantastic. The dual cables trumps the single cable offered with the NEW Primacy.
 
Conclusion
The NEW Primacy is a step forward in terms of tuning. It’s a more musical, natural and intimate sound that I enjoy immensely. With that being said, I wouldn’t urge those who already own a pair of the original Primacy to rush and buy a pair of the new version unless what I described in tuning changes is something you’re after. It’s a step forward, not a revelation from what they accomplished with the original.
 
If you haven’t heard a Oriveti earphone I suggest you give them a listen. At the current asking price I don’t think anyone who takes the leap will be disappointed in their purchase.
 
When rating a product I have to take all criteria into account. The NEW Primacy gets four and half stars for build, design and fit (minus one half star for the driver venting hole placement) and four to four and a half stars for sound (they won’t appeal to those looking for a V-signature). This is a solid score for a earphone that won’t fail to impress those looking for a vocal lover’s earphone.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the LZ-A3S was listed for sale on Penon Audio’s website. Here's a link to their listing of the product:
 
http://penonaudio.com/LZ-A3s%20?search=lz
 
Introduction
LZ gets it.
 
They are one of my favorite in-ear monitor companies, period. They not only bring great performing earphones to market, they are slightly ahead of the curve as compared to many budget-fi manufacturers. LZ continues to offer products that rival earphones that cost much more, and in the time frame that beats other budget earphone manufacturers to the punch. LZ’s price to performance is often times off the charts.
 
For me it started with the LZ-A2. This earphone is a hall of famer. They still sound incredible today. I’ve been asked several times if I would be willing to part with them for cash or trade. I tell them “sorry, they’re a promotional sample, not for trade or sale.” Truth be told I wouldn’t sell or trade them if I could. They are an elite earphone that marks a shift in hybrid earphone technology. Here is the A2 review:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/lz-a2/reviews/14722
 
More than a year later LZ has released several other models. The LZ-A3 was hyped significantly because it was claimed to be an upgrade over the A2. Having reviewed the A2, I was afforded an opportunity to compare to the A2. Here is the review of the A3:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/lz-a3-lz-a3/reviews/15829
 
Although some may feel the A3 was an improvement from the A2, it was primarily for those looking for a warmer and smoother sounding monitor. I enjoyed the heck out of the A3, but was left wishing the upper frequency range had a little more extension and sparkle.
 
LZ listens.
 
I am confident will grow to be larger and more successful because they’re giving customers what they want. Whoever is tuning their earphones knows what they’re doing. LZ’s new earphones are based on community feedback. This is evident in the re-release of the LZ-A2 (named the A2 Pro) and the earphone I will be covering today, the LZ-A3S. If that wasn’t enough, the A4 is arguably the hottest in-ear product on Head-Fi, and another great offering I will be reviewing soon.
 
Disclaimer
I purchased a sample of the LZ-A3S at a discount. I am in no way affiliated with LZ.
 
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
 
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me. I want to hear any earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I can share my impressions with  enthusiasts and help them find the audio product they’re looking for. My Head-Fi profile has a list of audio products ranked from favorite to least favorite. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and having a variety of different gear to mix and match. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
 
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are solidly built, with ergonomics and sound that is pleasing to my ears. It’s my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based on gear I have owned and used.
 
REVIEW

The A3S comes in a black box with red foil print on the front.
 

The back of the box lists contact information.
 

Opening the box, I’m greeted with a glimpse of each housing seated and a variety of silicone tips  in velvet covered foam.
 

Removing the top foam reveals a very nice red oversized clamshell case and detachable cable. Opening the case reveals more tips and a shirt clip.
 
Specifications and Accessories

 
Specifications
Driver: Hybrid 3 Driver(2 Balanced Armature 1 Dynamic Driver)
Impedance: 16Ω
Headphones Sensitivity: 120dB
frequency range: 15-24000Hz
Interface: 3.5mm
Cable Length: 1.2m ± 5 cm
Weight: 30g
Interface Type: MMCX interface
 
Accessories

1x Pair LZ-A3S earphones
1X Detachable MMCX cable
1X Clamshell case
1X Shirt clip
3X Pair black silicone single flange tips (S,M,L)
3X Pair gray/yellow silicone single flange tips (S,M,L)
4X Pair Sony-ish silicone single flange tips (XS,S,M,L)
1X Pair silicone dual flange tips (M)
1X Pair memory foam tips (M)

 
Housings

The housings of the A3S are identical in shape to the original A3 with the only difference being a black finish (the original A3 is gold). The A3S is an all metal design and seems to be very solidly built. Over the course of reviewing the A3S I dropped them a few times and everything held up perfectly. Although its shape isn’t ideal it sets up for a decent under or over ear fit. The LZ and A3S logos are printed on the housings.
 

The A3 and A3S suffer from a minor design flaw. A back venting hole for the dynamic driver is placed in a location that it could be blocked depending on how they rest against the listener’s ears. If you own a pair of these and aren’t getting some nice bass impact, it is most likely an issue with this vent being blocked due to it resting your ear’s lower concha. If this is the case a slight housing adjustment should be the fix.
 
Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

I really enjoy using the A3S cable. There isn’t anything about it I wouldn’t say is ideal. The cable is covered in a black and transparent striped rubber coating. It has virtually no spring or memory and rarely if ever tangles if handled correctly. A velcro strap is included with the cable to make winding and storage easier to do.
 

The Y-split is a slightly larger than average piece of rubber. A chin/neck slider made of the same material is included and works well. Each MMCX connector is made of a gold plated material and has a firm plastic housing that seems stronger than the average in-ear monitor. The cable jack is a sixty degree plug with a heavy duty rubber housing. I’ve tested a lot of in-ear monitors and I will admit, the A3S cable outperforms cables from many earphones that cost many times more. In terms of functionality it's bordering on perfect.
 
Functionality
My review sample didn’t come with a microphone or remote. The fact that these are MMCX replaceable makes it possible to have this feature with an aftermarket purchase.
 
Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation
 
A3S fits identically to the A3. They can be worn over or under the ear. Both are comfortable and easy to listen to for hours (with the right tip). Although comfortable, they don’t sit flush with the listener’s ear and can be somewhat awkward/unique looking in comparison to other earphones. Isolation is average at best. When music isn’t playing I can hear my surrounding. When music is playing (even at low volumes) outside noise disappears. Thanks to the smooth cable and convenient chin slider microphonics is well controlled. Over the ear (with chin slider used) cable noise is non-existent. Under the ear (with or without chin slider used) cable noise is minimal in comparison to other earphones.
 
Sound Review

I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V20 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7 or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.
 
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
 
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.
 
Source Selection

The A3S uses a titanium diaphragm and two Knowles armature drivers in its set up, none of which call for much power. The A3S comes in at 16 Ohms, meaning it can easily be powered by a phone or portable DAP. I got great sound from just about all of my portables. The only devices I could pick up background hiss or EMI from were primarily more high powered devices or sources in high gain. High powered desktop gear is overkill and will not add anything to your music that a phone or DAP can’t.
 
I think these earphones will pair well with most players but are more ideal with a warmer and more colored sounding source. Linear and more neutral sources may make the A3s seem a bit bright at upper frequencies. Of all the portables I used, the A3S sounded great with my Aune M1S, Cayin i5 and iBasso DX80 (all in low gain).
 
Sound Signature
The A3S is a relatively neutral tuning with a upper midrange emphasis and extended treble presence. To my ears it’s somewhere between neutral and U-shaped, packing plenty of bass with a soft lower mid-range attack and highs that are crisp and clear. If you have heard the A3 and found them to be a bit too rolled off and smooth, this is your answer. LZ has not only improved the cable, they also made the sound more natural. The A3S is more open airy and detailed sounding to my ears than the original version.
 
Bass
Bass is tight and responsive with a bold dynamic punch. There are equal amounts of punch and rumble. Although not as tight as bass heard in armature drivers, it is very responsive and satisfying. Although the A3S bass measures pretty flat it is perceptually slightly north of neutral.
 
The nicest thing about the A3S bass is the sense of balance between sub and mid-bass frequencies. Bass lines have a nice flow to them and there doesn’t seem to be too much that jumps out or seems lacking. During Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right” bass tones were evenly balanced and extended as low as the song warranted. As long as you aren’t looking for a super lean sounding earphone with minimal bass or a basshead looking to rattle your skull, I’m confident you will enjoy the A3S bass and appreciate the tuning. It does a whole lot well, leaving me without very many bad things to say about it.
 
Mid-range
Midrange sounded a bit thin at lower mid/mid-range tones. The mid-bass to lower mid-range transition is very clean (almost too clean) to my ears. This gives me an open and airy feel paired next to what seems like more emphasized neighboring frequencies. You will not miss any details in this range thanks to the reduced warmth and color. At the same time I say this it comes at the expense of losing a little bit of mid-range dynamics and texture. The lower midrange  and male vocals will be more on the thin side of the audio spectrum and give a softer and more delicate presentation.
 
As we venture into the upper midrange portion of this earphone things become noticeably more emphasized and aggressive. Vocals (especially female vocals) pop really well and kind of jump out from the lower mid-range tuning. It’s engaging without being shouty. During Fun’s “Some Nights” the lead singer's voice seemed to jump out in front of the mix as he sang higher pitched notes. If there’s one thing that IS NOT missing from any mid-range frequencies, it’s clarity. The A3S brings it in terms of resolution and detail. The Dual Knowles armatures used in the A3S definitely have that bright and clear sound I’ve grown accustomed to from earphones with these transducers.
 
Treble
Treble is extended and airy, with a small bump at around 6-7kHz, meaning it doesn’t shy away too much from sibilance in a recording. Pronunciations of the letter S and T are crisp from time to time (depending on the recording). While I don’t think it does a terrible job handling harsh noise and plays it with a reasonable amount of clarity, I would probably refrain from suggesting it to someone who is extremely treble sensitive or listens to their music at loud volumes. Doing either or both might lead the listener to think the A3S is harsh with some tracks. If that’s the case the good news is the original A3 addresses this for you. If you listen to music at healthier and more responsible listening volumes, you’ll probably find the A3S to be more natural and engaging at upper frequencies (and not harsh at all). If you listen to music at louder volumes, the A3 is up your alley.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
The airy and soft lower mid-range and somewhat perceptually U-shape of the the A3S give them a big sound. Although it has a somewhat airy presence this is more of an “in-head” sensation. There isn’t a huge soundscape that puts you in the front row of a giant concert hall (primarily due to a softer lower mid-range attack). However, there’s enough detail and separation to say that it’s spacious. Because of this I give the A3S a higher than average score in terms of soundstage. Imaging is slightly unnatural due to a somewhat unbalanced midrange. Extended lower and upper frequencies help the sense of instrument placement but still leaved vocals kind of all over the place (depending on tone).
 
Comparisons
LZ A3 ($135 to $175 USD on several websites)
The original A3 is a warm and creamy sounding earphone that is easy on the ears and sounds better at loud volumes. Revisiting these earphones I can see why LZ would make the A3S. Just as much as the A3 is warm and smooth the A3S is airy and extended.
 
The A3 has slightly more bass and midrange than the A3S. At the same time the original A3 treble is tune down a bit. A3 has more midbass and lower midrange emphasis than the A3S which puts weight on vocals and to my ears sounds a bit more natural and full. The A3S take a thinner and softer attack but also sounds more airy and open. The A3 sounds better at higher volumes while the A3S is designed to work better at lower volumes. A3 has slightly better imaging while the A3S has superior detail retrieval and soundstage.
 
Accessories goes to the A3S (I might be wrong on this if LZ changed the stock packaging of the A3). The A3S cable is a far superior in terms of its design and ease of use.
 
If I had to pick between the two it would without a doubt be the A3S because I prefer this sound signature. Your mileage may vary.
 
Warm and smooth, gold color (louder volumes)= A3
 
Neutral and brighter, black color (lower volumes)=A3S

 
AAW Nebula Two ($199 USD on AAW’s website)
The Nebula Two is a dual hybrid. Using one dynamic and one armature driver, the Nebula Two brings a big, bold and detailed sound to the table.
 
Comparing the two, the Nebula Two bass is is a bit more forward but also a touch slower and loose in terms of response. Lower mid/midrange tuning of the Nebula Two is a touch more natural and full. The Nebula Two mid-range is all around more balanced than the thinner and softer lower midrange of the A3S. The A3S mid-range on a whole sounds more detailed and spacious. Upper frequencies of the Nebula Two is a touch smoother and easier to listen to at louder volumes, while the A3S is crisper and sounds better at lower volumes.
 
Housing design goes to the Nebula Two. Their disc shape housing and angled nozzle provides a flush and is easier to wear than the bulkier housing of the A3S. A3S gets a huge advantage for their removeable MMCX cable. Accessories is a draw. Both earphones come with a nice tip selections and quality clamshell case.
 
Conclusion
LZ took any gripe people had about the A3 and released another earphone that addresses many of the perceptual issues while catering to another demographic of listeners. Doing something like this shows just how capable LZ is at shaping sound. I wouldn’t be surprised to see LZ continue to bring better and better earphones to market in the months and years to come. I can see them venturing into the world of high end monitors and eventually challenge some of the bigger names in this industry. Their stuff speaks for itself. Listen to the LZ lineup and you will see for yourself.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the Cayin i5 was listed for sale on Amazon's website. Here are links for more information and purchase:
 

 
https://www.amazon.com/Cayin-i5-Portable-Audio-Player/dp/B01I50QDZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486517498&sr=8-1&keywords=cayin+i5
 
http://en.cayin.cn/products_info?itemid=87
 
INTRODUCTION

When reading product impressions and reviews you must consider the source. This can be applied in any interpretation you so choose. Not only can an impressions be impacted by the reviewer’s experience with similarly designed and priced products, there are also different and unique variables like the hardware and software is being used in their audio chains. Anything that uses electricity to make sound depends on the audio source that’s pushing it.
 
We want the most ideal thing we can have for what we’re willing to spend when it comes to audio gear. This philosophy creates markets for earphones, DAPs, DACs and amplifiers. Add to the fact that we are in a renaissance of advancement in acoustics, the bar continues to get raised in terms of price to performance ratio at every price point.
 
Computer and smartphone technologically transcends with each passing year. These advancements are being utilized more and more in digital audio players. It seems that this technological trickle down is about a year or so behind modern day smartphones. As Android 6.0 and higher gets released, Version 4.4 and up to 5.0 are now designated for DAP use.
 
Manufacturers are evolving in their designs by breaking away from their iPod roots and venturing into more of a smartphone footprint. Android based digital audio players are starting to pop up more and more. The luxury of streaming music is now possible (via WIFI) and having a separate music source saves battery on our phones. At the same time this is all going on, phones like the ZTE Axon 7 and LG V20 deliver sound output and quality that rivals the best portable sources you can buy. At this current time I feel the line is blurred, leaving us to ask ourselves if it’s worth our while to buy a mid to high priced DAP. We’re to the point that some people would be better suited to purchase earphones that have good synergy with our streaming cellular devices (depending on phone and battery usage).
 
I like to save my old phones. Aside from having them as a backup I can also stack them with a portable DAC/amplifier. These rigs are sometimes a “best of both worlds” tool for audio. I get the speed, functionality, versatility and user interface of a modern device in combination with an audiophile grade DAC chip and amplifier.
 
My jeans have four pockets for a reason. Front left for my DAP (or Bluetooth receiver/amplifier) and a pair of in-ears ran up to my collar. Front right is for my Phone. The back right is for the wallet. The back left is for snot rags and old receipts. Compartmentalization at it’s finest, BOOM! With how much I listen to tunes a music source separate from my phone is a useful tool. I can zone out to music without the distraction of texts, emails and  messages. I save battery on my phone as well.
 
So what do I need for a DAP? I need something with a sturdy build. I need something that doesn’t make it look like I’m running around with a giant brick in my pocket. I need something I don’t have to take out of my pocket to change tracks and adjust volume. I want WiFi streaming. I want Android Market. I want DSD and FLAC playback. I want something that sounds good with in-ear monitors and full sized headphones. Can I get this for under $500 dollars? Am I asking for too much?
 
Recent releases like the Fiio X7, Sony Walkman series, and now the Cayin i5 show that the terms streaming and audiophile can be used in the same sentence. Streaming services are pushing the envelope and keeping up with the trends and technological advancements. Tidal streams in FLAC and Google Music streams in a high CD quality 16/48K bitrate (Itunes and Spotify are also very decent). It’s time to put much of the “digital noise” and “jitter” talks to rest. The only things that can hold the non-caveman back from enjoying a seemingly endless music collection in CD quality is a mediocre phone, crappy Wifi/cellular signal, or old-fashioned pride. Just an heads up, Google will soon be making FLAC playback a reality in  their products. Audiophile chromebooks eh? Me likey!
 
Cayin is well known for some really impressive amplifiers and more recently a portable line of products that cater to budget audiophiles on the go. The C5 and C5DAC are both incredibly well received (and POWERFUL) pieces of gear. The N6 DAP is well known for its sound quality as well.
 
When newly released pics and discussions regarding their upcoming i5 were taking place, I was immediately infatuated with this device. First things first, it was a flat out sexy looking DAP, with flowing lines, simple button layout, and an awesome looking analog volume pot. When Andrew allowed me to bat cleanup on a tour unit I immediately jumped on the chance and have the pleasure to share my experience with you.
 
REVIEW
Many of the guys have already explained or gone over criteria of this player in great detail (Kudos to you all for this). I am going to focus my efforts in reporting to what I consider to be the “meat and potatoes” of this player.
 

The i5 comes in a black box with a white sleeving. The front of the package displays a nice picture of the unit and names the product.
 

The back of the box displays main features and playback capability. Just to get this out of the way right now, Cayin has playback up to DSD when used in their stock player mode.
 

The opening of the package is redundant at this point. Let me remind you that the i5 uses a USB type C cable (micro USB and lightning won’t work without an adapter) and comes with two very nice cables to help make this happen. One is a charging cable, and the other is a USB type C cable to digital audio male jack (to use your i5 with another amplifier that receives a coaxial digital signal). Also included in the package (aside from the device) are some screen protectors and owner’s manual.
 

Holding the unit in my hand, the first impression is that this thing is very solid. The i5 is a little taller and fatter than an iphone 4, and also a little heavier. The glossy carbon fiber print on the back of the unit is flat out sexy looking. There are some sleek lines and uniformity to the unit. It is definitely a stylish device. Hard button layout looks simple and easy to operate.
 
FUNCTIONALITY

The left side has a power button (and that’s it).
 

The right side has play/pause and skip track buttons. The buttons a dedicated for music playback and operation without activating the screen (very smart).
 

The top of the unit has a 3.5 mm fixed audio output as well as a 3.5 mm headphone out jack. There is also an analog styles volume pot. In terms of design I think everything is very well thought out.
 

I like the fact that audio jacks and volume control are located at the top of the pocket and hardware buttons are on the upper portion of each side of the i5. This makes it possible to control music playback without activating the screen, and better yet without having to take the unit out of my pocket each time. Although Cayin has designed a very well built and well thought out button layout, I occasionally caught myself pressing the wrong button. If there was a way to determine each button based on feel (without looking) just a bit better, It would only increase an already high mark in this criteria.
 

Powering the device on, I’m greeted with a orange tinted welcoming from Cayin. Once booted, the i5 opens with a home screen which shows all folder and network options. The i5 has 32GB of internal storage, and also a TF card slot (on the lower right hand side) which allows users to add significant amounts of storage for music files. Other options were drop box and connection to a personal music server (must be set up by the owner).
 
Tracks are broken down and organized in several different ways:
 
*Album
*Artist
*Genre
*Tracks
*Favourite Songs
*Frequently Played
*Frequently Played
*Playlist
 

All folders are sorted alphabetically. It’s a pretty simple layout and once learned it is simple and easy to use. As with other DAPs, I was able to access the “Tracks” folder and randomly play my entire music library, making the i5 a digital jukebox that could be listened to for hours.
 

The Android aspect of the i5 has been uniquely integrated. From the user sub-folder, the Android Market can be accessed via the "third party applications" tab.
 

Downloaded apps appear in the next folder. Here you can also access the Android market. Wifi is required.
 

I was able to jump on the Android market and download just about any app I wanted. As long as the phone, camera or microphone features weren’t needed to use the app, I was able to download and install it. Functionality was not always one hundred percent compatible, but this was primarily in regards to apps that used video streaming.
 
Functionally (in terms of audio) everything seems to work well. However, the i5 is not without some bugs and hiccups in its software. Here are some bugs I experienced:
 
*When trying to adjust the equalizer during music streaming and playback, the i5 froze and reset.
 
*All hardware buttons have a delay after the device is booted. It takes a minute or two for hard buttons to work with software. Beware of button mashing right after firing the device up. If you press a bunch of buttons, or the same button repeatedly before the hardware buttons are functional, the commands will engage all at once, causing the device to seem to have a mind of its own.
 
*Let it be known, the i5 IS NOT going to be an ideal player to stream movies, youtube or music videos (at least not with the current software installed). The timer is jacked between audio and video, and the picture will often times freeze and the device will reset.
 
*The processing power of the i5 seems to be a bit on the slow side. One gigabyte of ram simply isn’t enough to maximize use of the Android Market. Today’s apps now require more processing speed in order to prevent lag during use. Some apps (primarily video streaming apps) will have lag or freeze.
 
*The integration between the stock music player and music streaming apps is not ideal. Hardware buttons get jumbled between the stock and installed Android applications.
 
NOTE: I am told that there will be a firmware update for the Cayin i5 coming soon. I look forward to checking it out and reporting back once the firmware is installed. If any software issues are addressed I will remove my software bug report on it.
 
With all that said, the i5 is a great music player. If used for music playback exclusively (and taking steps to avoid bugs) the i5 is a fun and easy to use device. If you are familiar with using a smartphone the i5 is relatively easy to learn to navigate.
 

The i5 can also be used as a DAC/amplifier that will improve the sound of external sources. With my windows laptop I was able to easily download, unzip and install software needed to use the i5 as a DAC/amplifier. The device also has a USB C to coaxial audio output.
 

Cayin has implemented a massive 4800 mAh battery which is rated to give the unit eleven hours of music playback, or ten hours of music streaming. Although battery life is very good, I didn’t seem to get those same numbers (possibly due to screen usage). I got about two to three days of using the device for recreational listening (two to three hours a day) before I needed to recharge the device. Something you should know is that the i5 does not charge very quickly. The i5 needs 3-4 hours or sometimes more (depending on charger) to charge from a depleted battery completely.  
 
SOUND

This is the most important part, and to be honest the i5 doesn’t fail to impress me. Although it’s sound and power output doesn’t follow in the footsteps of many other players, the i5 brings something unique to the table, and offers something different (in a good way) than much of what I currently have.
 
What I hear from the i5 is a bold lower-mid and mid-range with slight emphasis, and supporting frequencies that are complimentary, well controlled, and avoid talks of “too bassy” or “too bright”. In a world that leans towards a U or V shaped signature, the i5 perceptually breaks free from this knowledge and brings a refreshing and enjoyable sound signature. There have been times I’ve listened to tracks with my Fiio X7 and thought the sound was too bright, but not with the i5.
 

Many recent players implement ESS DAC chips. The Cayin i5 us using a AK4490 DAC chip. The sound is ever so slightly warmer, richer, and slightly more “full” sounding than what I’ve grown accustomed to in recent year’s offerings. While I’ve heard many people speak about this player as being “too warm” or “too musical” I would first question what earphones they are using with the device and secondly what their previous source was before trying the i5. The new AK chips do sound different, but in my opinion they are something special. Everything I’ve heard with the AK chip has been excellent so far. Where I think some people are getting lost in the hoopla is that they aren’t hearing an artificially large stage from the i5 due to the full nature of the player’s mid-range tuning.
 
For a portable player, the i5 sounds FANTASTIC with full size headphones. A majority of my time spent with the i5 has been with my Sennheiser HD600 and HD6XX. The 190 mW that the i5 packs under the hood rocks these headphones (particularly in high gain). No, they won’t directly rival powerful high end desktop amps but it’s still a great portable option.
 

While I feel the i5 performs better with full size cans, it’s more than adequate with in ear monitors. High impedance monitors like the 64 Ohm Mee Audio Pinnacle and Hifiman RE-XX sound great with the i5. Just about everything 32 Ohms and above will sound good and synergize well with the i5. Highly sensitive multi-driver armatures will rock in low gain, but with a small drawback. Be aware that if all you have are in-ear monitors with high sensitivity (16 Ohms or lower) you will be subject to a small amount of background noise. Although this is the case, the i5 did an excellent job avoiding EMI. For a player as powerful as this, the i5 does a great job with IEMs. I do hope/wish the unit would have a more sensitive gain setting than what they have registered as “LOW”. At the end of the day the i5 is a little bit too powerful for a collection of just in-ear monitors.
 
COMPARISON TO FIIO X7
The Fiio X7 is a device that is cut from the same cloth in many aspects. Both devices use older versions of Android and have stock music players separate from the Android aspect. I feel this is the most ideal comparison and should be a great comparison for those who are torn between the two.
 
Functionally the two players aren’t that far off and resemble each other in many ways. Although both players had very similar button layouts, the i5’s analog to digital volume pot was a big plus as compared to the hard buttons of the X7. Not only is it easier to adjust volume on the i5, I didn’t hit the wrong button as often (volume can be easily confused with the track change button of the X7).
 
User interface is a touch better on the X7 in my opinion. Although not far off from each other, I liked the screen layout a bit more with the X7’s music player. The experience was a bit more Android user friendly. The i5 was no slouch though, and once learned wasn’t something I would say is a dealbreaker when deciding between the two units.
 
The X7 has interchangeable amp modules that can be purchased separately. The i5 has a non-replaceable amplifier that is in my opinion more universally applicable to my headphone collection than picking just one amplifier than what Fiio offers with the X7. If you really want to dial it in when it comes to a particular type of earphones, you might be able to do it better with the X7, but it will come at an increased cost on top of the X7 purchase price. The X7 has a balanced option with the AM3 amp module. The X7 also offers a K5 docking station which amplifies music from a computer or your X7. I personally feel the i5 doesn’t need a docking station due to the fact that it has great DAC/amplifier capabilities already. If I wanted to upgrade the power output of the i5, I would probably be talking about spending quite a bit on a dedicated desktop unit. For the record, Cayin offers some incredible high end amplifier options. Here is some links if you’re interested:
 
http://en.cayin.cn/products?cid=1
 
http://en.cayin.cn/products?cid=2
 
Both devices struggle in terms of processing capabilities. I don’t think one device is necessarily faster than the other. They both have some bugs that hold them back from getting a higher score in this regard.
 
On a whole (and regardless of what amp module is being used) the sound from the X7 is leaner, cleaner and sounds more airy. Sound from the i5 is bolder, richer and dynamic. Both sound great in their own ways. The X7 avoids less background/floor noise, but at the same time it picks up more EMI from other devices and when streaming music. Because of this I prefer using the i5 to stream music.
 
At the end of the comparison I can honestly say that I can’t pick one over the other. The biggest difference and selling point for each one is the sound signature. If you want a more “tubey” sound you might want to go with the i5. If you want a more “solid state” sound go with the X7. If you want an all-in-one portable solution with the simplicity of grabbing the player and going, you might want to go with the i5. If you don’t mind spending some extra cash on whatever amp models and accessories, and enjoy tinkering with your gears, the X7 might be the device for you.
 
CONCLUSION

The i5 is a mark in the evolution of an affordable dedicated DAP. It directly rivals the X7 and offers the audiophile community a player that has many of the same features as more expensive players (and even some extras). The drawback is that as I type this, I have a phone with a processor that crushes these older processors and versions of Android. As the world of DAPs advances, so too does the smartphone market, leaving one to wonder if it’s worth the extra funds and pocket space to pack a DAP.
 
The i5 isn’t a perfect product yet still checks most boxes for music lovers. Truth be told, I would have paid a few hundred extra dollars to see the unit have a faster processor, more RAM, a newer version of Android, better video playback, less bugs as well as  balanced and optical outputs. All are not necessary, but any additional noted aspects would be welcomed improvements. I would assume these will be possible factors for Cayin to consider when they design the i6. As time goes on, the market for this type of player will grow. Releases like the Fiio X5iii and iBasso DX200 are in the works, so there's plenty of similar competition. As I always say, it’s a good time to be in this hobby!
 
I really like the i5 because I have a dedicated music player that won’t eat away at my phone’s battery life. It will hold most people’s entire music library, and also stream music when WiFi is available. Most importantly, for the first time I have one unit that makes my HD600 portable. It’s a well thought out design and build that makes for a fun and easy to use portable option.


Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the AAW Nebula One was listed for sale on Musicteck’s web store. Here is a link to their listing of the product:
 
https://shop.musicteck.com/collections/aaw/products/aaw-nebula-one-earphones-titanium-diaphragm-with-remote-for-iphone-and-android-dual-mode
 
 
Introduction
Writing comprehensive reviews has allowed me to experience earphones from several different companies for the first time. Hearing an earphone from a manufacturer is usually a “taste” of what they have to offer.
 
I try to keep my mind (and ears) open to what I’m about to hear, and not allow outside opinions and impressions weigh in on how I perceive an earphone. Even with reviews, I intentionally try to avoid reading other people’s coverage of a product. I want my impressions to be my own unique perspective. Often times my impressions will line up with others. Sometimes they won’t, and that’s okay. One of the great things about this hobby is that many people enjoying agreeing to disagree on how we perceive and feel about a product. When this is done it makes for some great conversation, and if handled correctly it leads to a better understanding of both the product and people involved in the conversation.
 
AAW stands for Advanced Acousticwerks. Here is some information copied and pasted from their website:
 


Taking a look at their website, it appears they have something to offer just about every price point from one hundred dollars and up. There is some unique driver configurations in their earphones, utilizing hybrid technology in their flagship products where most companies go with all armature driver designs.

Today we will take a look and listen to their lowest priced entry level earphone, a single dynamic per channel universal in-ear monitor named Nebula One. This is the first product I will be trying from AAW, coming in at a $199 MSRP (and selling usually around $99 USD). Let’s have a taste of what AAW can offer as an entry level monitor, shall we?

 
Disclaimer
I was given a free sample of the Nebula One in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Advanced Acousticwerks. I would like to take this time to personally thank Andrew for the opportunity to experience and review the product.
 
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
 
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me. I want to hear any earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I can share my impressions with  enthusiasts and help them find the audio product they’re looking for. My Head-Fi profile has a list of audio products ranked from favorite to least favorite. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and having a variety of different gear to mix and match. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
 
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are solidly built, with ergonomics and sound that is pleasing to my ears. It’s my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based on gear I have owned and used.
 
REVIEW
NOTE: The Nebula One has practically identical housings and cables as another earphone I will be reviewing, the Nebula two. The only difference in appearance is the the outside of the housing finish. Because of this, the top part of the review will have repeats from the other review. If you have already read the other review, you might want to skip ahead to the sound review portion to save from reading nearly the same information twice.
I received a promotional sample of the Nebula One, which came in a ziplock bag. I assume the retail packaging is different. If not, who cares? To be honest, the packaging is only good for first impressions. The good news is I have all the accessories and earphones to report on. For those of you interested in the retail packaging, here is a picture from the AAW website:

Specifications
*Proprietary titanium plated microdriver
*Frequency Range: 10Hz-23000Hz
*Sensitivity: 100db SPL @ 1mW
*Input Power: 3mW
*Cable Length: 1.2m
*Android/Apple dual mode inline remote control
 
Accessories
1X Nebula One earphone
1X Earphone sleeve: Foam 3 pairs, Ultra-Flex 3 pairs
1X AAW carrying pouch
1X Flight adaptor
1X 1/4 inch adaptor
1X User manual
1X Warranty card
 
Housings

The Nebula One housings are very nicely done. They come in a brushed nickel all metal outer shell, and translucent black plastic inner shell. The shape is that of a stack of dimes with an angled nozzle.
 

The Nozzle is relatively standard in terms of length and width and has a nice dust screen. The AAW logo is machined into the outer shell and has some nice detail. All in all I find it to be nice looking and nice fitting. The black finish looks very modern and stylish.
 
Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

I am going to be completely honest from the start of this section. The cable is the worst aspect to this earphone, and does the housing design and sound no justice. While it is formidable and works fine, there are traits to it that became pet peeves over the course of my time with them. Please don’t think along the lines that what I’m saying should make it a dealbreaker to anyone considering purchasing these. There are some far worse cables on other earphones in today’s market. Ones that come to mind are the flat noodle style cables from Brainwavz, or the abysmal J-cord of the Sony MH1C. I would take the Nebula Two cable over these two any day of the week.
 
However, the cable is thin, non replaceable and resembles cables used in much cheaper budget earphone models like KZ. It has a considerable amount of spring and memory. The memory wire is very long and impairs my ability to get a consistent and even seal. Although AAW indicates the cable has nice conductive materials and properties, at the end of the day it’s thin, frail, and has enough spring and memory to say that it’s an issue for me.
 
With all the negatives out of the way, let’s discuss some positives. Strain reliefs are well done. The cable has a nice ninety degree plug that is slim in profile and pocket friendly. The included microphone and remote is well placed.   
 
Functionality

Nebula One comes with a three button microphone and remote that works with both Android and Iphone devices. Although functional, I was initially clumsy with the remote. The button layout is different than most models with the play/pause button on the bottom rather than the center. After acclimating to the layout I didn’t have any further issues.
 
The microphone worked great. When talking with friends and family they reported my voice coming through at a four on a scale from one to five. The microphone did pick up wind noise however. When chatting on the phone voices came through with good clarity.
 
Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

I prefer an over the ear fit, so I had no major issues with these earphones. Because of the over-ear design and long memory wire, wearing them down from the ear isn’t really possible. If you prefer wearing your earphones cable down these aren’t for you.
 
Although I didn’t have a ton of issues wearing them after finding a good sealing tip, the long memory wire was a slight hindrance. The added length of the wire forced me to readjust the fit several times over the course of using them. Although not a big deal, it can be a slight issue.
 
Nebula One is a mediocre isolator. When music isn’t playing you can easily hear your surroundings. Microphonics are well controlled. Once I was able to a good seal and securing them in place, they were extremely comfortable to wear, which is a big plus.
 
Sound Review
I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V10 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7 or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.
 
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
 
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.
 
Source Selection
Although impedance is not specified, I’m going to guess it sits somewhere between 15 and 30 Ohms. Nebula One will work great with your smartphone or DAP. It manages to avoid background hiss and EMI for the most part.
 
Nebula One is designed to be a smartphone companion and it’s universal remote will work perfectly with both Android and Apple devices. Using my LG V10, I found a healthy and listening volume at around the halfway point. The same could be said with my Iphone 6 Plus. The Nebula One sounded good with both devices. With a DAP that packs a little more power, lower registers seemed to have a bit more control of the sound (primarily lower frequencies).
 
Nebula One’s warmth sets up better for leaner sounding sources. Using an already colorful source will add to the already emphasized mid-bass and lower mid-range tuning, making it seem sluggish or veiled. That will depend on a listener’s preference.
 
Powerful desktop units are overkill. Although the quarter inch adapter can attached and the Nebula One and handle the extra juice, it’s really not what I feel these were intended for. After using these for a while, I find them to be a good “on the go” option for when I want to hear my surroundings when music isn’t playing, and tuning the world out while music is (all while keeping them in my ears). They are great for those who commute, or want a musical a rich fidelic upgrade over most of the stuff you find on store shelves.

 
Sound Signature
Nebula One is a rich and dynamic tuning that doesn’t shy away from mid-bass and lower midrange sounds and still manages to keep a reasonable amount of control while avoiding distortion. Lower mid-range sounds have weight and a forward presence that won’t appeal to those looking for a linear or airy sound. For those who want to emphasize the tones of bass and guitars, this is right up your alley. Nebula One does this while maintaining a decent yet relaxed sense of neighboring frequencies.
 
Bass
The Nebula one is definitely a bass forward earphone that packs more rumble than punch. This is done so without going insanely overboard. Sub bass is solid but not as forward as mid-bass, and slightly less resolving. Sub bass is present and its tone is lacking slightly. Attack and decay at sub-bass levels are a bit on the slow side. This doesn’t destroy the sound, but rather adds a rumble that some can appreciate. Listening to Daft Punk’s “Doin it Right” the bass lines had good depth and rumble but were slightly lingering and monotone.
 
Midbass is forward and has more of a rumbling effect. As we venture away from sub-bass tones, Mid bass comes forward but also begins to tighten up a little bit in it’s response. Still, the Nebula one does suffer from a bit of mid-bass bleed that drowns out some of the lower mid/mid-range clarity. Although not the most resolving thing I’ve heard, mid-bass tones avoid distortion while packing a slower attack and decay. Although synthesized sub-bass tones may muck up lower registers, genres without a lot of the computer generated bass (like acoustic, rock, band, and symphony orchestra) tend to have more control of the the lower half of its response than modern genres (pop, hip hop, EDM).
 
Mid-range
The Nebula One mid-range is their biggest strength in my opinion. The overall sense I get is that they are considerably warm with good resolution. It’s a beefy sounding mid-range that is slightly unnatural yet still enjoyable.
 
Lower midrange is robust and forward. It is tighter and faster in response than mid-bass frequencies. This trend continues into the upper midrange as well (The higher the frequency, the more responsive the sound becomes). Guitars have a nice depth and chug with a nice sense of impact. Although the deeper tones of bass guitars can be a little boomy, higher bass guitar notes have a nice resolve. Male vocals sound weighted and on the thicker side of natural. All in all, the lower mids of the Nebula one have girth that some will appreciate.
 
The upper midrange is clean and nicely done. Things seem fairly neutral at this frequency and although it is slightly subdued in comparison to its mid-bass.
 
Treble
Treble valleys out at sibilant sounds and picks back up a bit after this. The impression I got was that although there is a decent snap with some tracks, for the most part the Nebula One has a smooth response, a little sparkle, and a bit of roll-off. This tuning will set up well for someone who is very treble sensitive but doesn’t want to lose the treble presence all together at the expense of a fatigue free listening experience.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
Packing some rumble and a little bit of sparkle, I can give the Nebula an average score. There is a nice sense of depth, but the rumble overshadows the midrange with some songs, preventing me from saying that they create an open or airy presence. There is some nice textured midrange sound when bass isn’t dominating the track. When it is, the overall clarity takes a hit.
 
Comparisons
TFS Series 3 ($55 USD on Penon Audio)
The Series 3 is a musical signature earphone released by TFZ. They offer a bassier sound and over the ear fit:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/the-fragrant-zither-tfz-series-3-hifi-earphones/reviews/16947
 
Comparing the two, the Series three has more of a sub-bass focused lower frequency presentation. Nebula One has more mid-bass and lower midrange presence. Although the Series 3 has a cleaner and more neutral middle frequency tuning, it is also blander than the more musical Nebula One. Series 3 has a bit more upper mid-range presence and very similar treble presence.  Considering these two earphones have similar concepts in terms of how their sound is shaped, I give a ever so slight edge to the Nebula One for sound quality. Considering the fact that these are nearly twice as expensive (when they are on sale) it’s a much closer contest than the pricetag would indicate.
 
Build and design goes to the Nebula One. Despite the fact that I give a sight advantage to the Series 3 for their cable, I prefer the build, fit and sleek look of the Nebula One housings. I’d rather be seen in public wearing the Nebula One. I also give a decisive advantage to the Nebula One for their accessories package. They offer a nice clamshell case and adapters, while the Series three offers a velvet drawstring bag. For storage and no added adapters. All in all the Nebula One is a better built IEM with better accessories and slightly better sound. The big question is whether or not the improved aspects justifies the leap in price. At $99 USD I say yes, but at the $200 MSRP I say no way, no how.

 
Hisoundaudio HSA-AD01 ($129 USD on Penon Audio)
The AD01 is a dual hybrid (one dynamic and on armature driver in each channel) with a bass forward tuning:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/hisoundaudio-hsa-ad1-in-ear-dual-hybrid-in-ear-monitor-with-microphone-and-remote/reviews/15266
 
Comparing the two, the AD01 has more of a sub-bass focus and improved clarity at mid-bass tones. The Nebula One has more of a mid-bass focus, and caters more to those who want a more colorful, forward and weighted mid-range. The Nebula One sounds a lot more busy and aggressive, while the AD01 sounds more technical and detailed. I have to be honest here and say that for my preference the AD01 sound takes the cake and justifies the thirty dollar leap in price.
 
All other aspect are another story. Build and design goes to the Nebula One. They offer a over the ear fit that works better than the flat cable and under-ear fit of the AD01. Nebula One also gets top honors for offering a accessories package which is far better than the few tips that come with the AD01.  
 
Conclusion
Nebula one is mid-bass forward and colored sound. If that’s your thing you’re in luck. If you prefer a more linear and natural sound, you might want to skip these. They are a somewhat consumer friendly tuning that is beefy down low, and avoids sibilance up top. They play most genres of music reasonably well. They have an excellent shell design, decent fit, a mic/remote that works with pretty much every smartphone, and awesome accessories package. There’s a lot to like about these things. At the end of the day, there’s a ton of competitive products at the one hundred to two hundred dollar price point. While some will like the Nebula One sound, others may find something that sounds better for their preference at this price point.
 
When reviewing a product, I have to take all criteria into account. I give these earphones five stars for accessories, four stars for build and design (minus one star for the cable), four stars for fit and ergonomics, and three and a half stars for sound signature. All things considered, I give the Nebula One four stars overall.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the Noble Kaiser Encore was listed for sale on Noble Audio’s website. Here is a link to their listing of the product:
 
https://nobleaudio.com/en/shop/universal/kaiser-encore/
 
 
Introduction
As I become more seasoned in this hobby my preferences continuously evolve. When I first started buying earphones, I was looking for in-ear monitors with a lot of bass and a slight V-signature. That preference has changed over time. I’m no longer looking for an earphone that will blow my brains out with thumping bass (respect to you if that’s your thing). I now look for an earphone that can do everything well at the same time. I want a perceptually even amount of detail, accuracy and tone at each frequency range. This is a feat that is seldom done, and often times difficult to accomplish.
 
I listen to different earphones quite often and I’ve only scratched the surface of everything that’s out there. Although there are tons of in-ears to choose from, picking between a bunch of possible options becomes another problem in itself. This especially applies to high end monitors. When you are looking to spend a more substantial amount of money on a product, the risk to reward factor is increased exponentially. Picking between several options becomes a daunting task. Simply put, we all want the biggest return on our investment. Taking a stab in the dark on a high end product can turn out to be a tremendous disappointment. This is why we read the reviews and ask questions. We want to know what the best options are before we make a purchase.
 
I’m not an “expert” at this stuff. I don’t claim to have a golden ear, nor do I consider myself the say all and know all of what a good earphone is. I’ve heard many of the world’s best earphones at each price point. I’ve been blown away by some stuff (regardless of price), while other products I’ve walked away shaking my head wondering what the heck all the fuss was all about. All I can do with a review is give my honest opinion, be fair to both the manufacturer and the reader who is taking time out of their day to read that opinion, and write a review that respects all listening preferences. If I can give you a good sense of what an earphone is like, I’ve done my job.
 
When Noble sent me a review sample of the Katana, not only was I honored to have the opportunity. I was really impressed by what Noble did in terms of venturing from their previous flagship tuning, the Noble K10. Although the original flagship (the Noble K10U) was a legend, the new Katana was an improvement over the K10U in terms of extension, soundstage, separation and detail. I pointed out the differences between the two in my review and explained why I would give a slight advantage to the nine driver Katana. Even still, there were things about the K10U that I enjoyed over the Katana. It had a richness and dynamic tone in the lower registers that made them seem less fatiguing and more musical.
 
Over the course of the review I emailed Noble a few times, asking questions and sharing my impressions. During these conversations Noble’s rep responded, telling me that there were “future projects” in the works. With that being said that my curiosity peaked instantly. When the Encore was announced, I got a shipping notification. The Encore was on its way, and I was about to see what the “secret project” was all about. Here is a statement from Noble about the Encore:
 
 

 
There is no such thing as a perfect earphone for everyone because the diversity of people’s  preferences prevent that from being a possibility. However, there are some earphones that come close for me. Let’s do a comprehensive review to one of these products, the Noble Kaiser Encore.

 
Disclaimer
I was given a free loaner of the Encore in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with Noble Audio, aside from having a few review opportunities. I would like to take this time to personally thank Brannan for the opportunity to experience and review the product.
 
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
 
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me. I want to hear any earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I can share my impressions with  enthusiasts and help them find the audio product they’re looking for. My Head-Fi profile has a list of audio products ranked from favorite to least favorite. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and having a variety of different gear to mix and match. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
 
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are solidly built, with ergonomics and sound that is pleasing to my ears. It’s my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based on gear I have owned and used.
 
REVIEW

If you’ve ever purchased a Noble earphone in the past you will recognize this premium box. There’s magic inside, trust me. Opening the box, owners are greeted with some Noble stickers, a velvet drawstring pouch and a premium black Pelican 1010 case.
 

Opening the case reveals the earphones, cable, carabiner, two rubber binding rings for portable rigs, owner’s card, a cleaning tool and a very nice selection of tips . The entire package is premium. You get everything you need to use and protect your investment.
 
Specifications and Accessories
 
Specifications
*10 proprietary balanced armature drivers per side
*Updated Noble universal form factor and geometry featuring creative precision machined aluminum housings
*Sensitive enough for use with smartphones as well as portable amps and DAPs
*Hand-assembled and matched
*Detachable cable with industry standard 2-pin configuration (0.78 mm diameter)
 
Noble doesn’t give much information beyond driver count. I don’t know the earphone’s exact impedance, but I’m guessing it’s fairly low. The sensitivity of the Encore is on par with most other flagship in-ear monitors, and can be driven loudly at low volumes.
 
Accessories

1X Pair Encore earphones
1X Braided cable with two pin connectors
1X Pelican Carrying case with carabiner
1X Velvet drawstring pouch
1X Earphones cleaning tool
1X Warranty card
2X Portable rig binding straps
3X Pair red/gray wide bore tips (S,M,L)
3X Pair blue/black narrow bore tips (S,M,L)
2X Pair memory foam tips (S/M,M/L)
1X Metal tips organizer plate
 
 
Housings

Encore’s housing is a very similar shape to the K10U, but with different colors and patterning in the earphone’s shell.
 

Encore has a earthy metallic satin teal anodized aluminum finish on the outer portion of the shell. The inner part of the shell is a satin aluminum finish. The pattern imprint on the shell is exquisite. I really like the way the lines of the earphone flows. As with all of the Noble universal lineup, the Noble emblem is stamped in the outside of the shell.
 

The overall shape is slightly bigger than the average universal monitor. They are pretty much the same size as the K10U, and slightly larger than the Katana.
 

The Encore nozzle is slightly wider than the average in-ear monitor. Although a little more effort is needed to do some tip rolling with aftermarket tips, I was able to get just about every tip I had (with the exception of Shure olives) to fit.
 
Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs
Encore’s stock cable is identical to the ones used in previous models. A four strand braided black rubber jacketed cable runs from the jack to the Y-split, then branches off into dual strand twisted braids that lead to each channel. The jack and Y-split are jacketed in metal, with a clear plastic tube just above the Ysplit. This operates as a chin/neck slider. The cable connects to each housing via a standard two-pin connection. About one and one half inches of memory wire run out from each two pin jack and helps users secure the earphones in place.
 
Functionality
There is no microphone or remote option in the stock package. The fact that the cable is removeable, an aftermarket microphone and remote can be purchased from several places. Here is a link to Noble’s versions of aftermarket cables, including a mic/remote option:
 
https://nobleaudio.com/en/shop/accessories/
 
Another clever little gadget I found on the Noble site is the Noble BTS. For all you Iphone 7 owners, I strongly suggest a device like this:
 
https://nobleaudio.com/en/shop/wireless/

 
NOTE: If wireless isn’t your thing and you’re an Iphone 7 owner, Noble is on the verge of releasing a lightning jack cable for their in-ear monitors. When this product is release I will update the review and add a link.
 
Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

Despite being slightly larger than the average in-ear monitor, I got a great fit with the Encore. Just like all other Noble universals I’ve tried, the biggest key is finding the right tip (which plays a key role in both the fit and sound). I enjoyed the fit of and sound with the included black silicone tips best of all of the stock tip options. I did find aftermarket options that worked great as well. Once I found a set of tips that sealed well, it was as easy as popping them in my ears, securing them with the included memory wire, snugging them in place with the included chin/neck slider and enjoying them for extended periods of time with no need to adjust the fit.
 

Isolation is better than average for a universal in-ear monitor. Although not on the same level as a custom shell, the Encore blocks a large majority of outside noise. With music playing at low volumes, average amounts of surrounding noise are not audible. This is one of the big reasons I really enjoy the Encore as much as I do. The tuning in combination with the level of isolation makes them an earphone I prefer to listen to at more modest volumes. Simply put, I don’t have to crank the volume up to tune the outside world out.
 
Sound Review
I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V10 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7 or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.
 
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
 
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.
 
Source Selection

This ten driver design doesn’t come with exact impedance specification, but I’m guessing it’s on par with most earphones with multiple armature driver counts. They are pretty sensitive and can be driven easily with a smartphone. DAPs will work, but more powerful DAPs might reveal some background hiss when music isn’t playing, or you may pick up some occasional EMI and digital background noise. When music is playing this isn’t noticeable.
 
The Encore flat out rocked with my LG V10 and Iphone 6 Plus. I got great sound from the Cayin i5 and Fiio X7/AM3 combo, but there was a little background noise with both units. Using a powerful desktop unit is overkill, and if anything will yield more negative results than positive for the most part. When used with the iFi micro IDSD in its high sensitivity setting, the Encore sounded incredibly good.
 
These earphones will sound great with either colored or more linear sources. They are a phenomenally balanced and cohesive pair of earphones that will not discriminate any low powered source out there. Use the Encore with what it was intended for. A low power output portable source on low gain will be the sweet spot for them. Although you will get best results with higher quality recordings and higher bit-rate music files, the Encore won’t butcher your MP3s. I was able to enjoy the Encore with just about any music file I had. The Encore is incredibly true to your recordings.
 
Sound Signature
With this review I’m going to have to fight hard to not be cheesy or go over the top in terms of my appreciation for what these earphones can do. This is a result of me feeling that the Encore has hit a sweet spot in terms of its technical abilities and sound signature. At the time of writing this review, the Encore is one of the closest things I’ve heard to what I would consider perfect for my listening preferences.
 
To my ears, Noble has managed to take the best aspects of their previous flagships (the Katana and K10) and made a lovechild co-flagship. Take elements of the K10 cohesiveness and musicality, now add the soundstage of the Katana. On top of that, improve the transients and organic nature of its sound (primarily mid-range and upper frequencies). Next, make everything entirely cohesive, seamless and natural at all frequencies. Add all of this up and you have the Noble Encore. Yup, to my ears it adds up to an earphone that earns the title as one of Noble’s premier models.  
 
The Encore is a microfraction leaner and brighter than their previous flagships. The trade-off is an earphone that creates an incredibly realistic sound experience to my ears. Although your mileage may vary, I don’t think there will be many people who hear these things and not consider them to be one of the most natural and cohesive earphones on the planet.
 
Bass
Bass has a similar tuning to other Noble monitors, packing a perceptually even amount of punch and rumble. With that being said, the Encore is a ever so slightly leaner than previous flagships. Although it may be just a touch above neutral, it’s close enough for me to say I don’t classify them as a bass forward earphone.
 
The Encore has a bass response that is NEVER intrusive to other frequencies. It has the ability to be soft and polite, but can also become robust and authoritative when called upon. During Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” bass lines were incredibly fast in terms of attack and decay. The bass is tight, responsive, solid in tone and extends reasonably well. James Blake’s “Limit to Your Love” sounds incredible with Encore. The throbbing bass is authoritative without impacting James’ voice whatsoever.
 
Encore can bring it when tracks that call for a dynamic and impactful response is warranted. Encore has found that fine line needed to be universally world class. They will appeal to just about any listening preference. I’ve had people who prefer more warm and bassy sound listen to them, and just about all of them agree that for a more neutral tuning the Ecore bass is butt-kicking good. For those who preferred a colder and more linear tuning, most of them found them to be neutral enough to get the thumbs up, but emphasized enough to say they don’t follow the trend of being boring or analytical.
 
Mid-bass is incredibly responsive and has a maxed out sense of resolution. You get a slight sense of musicality, but with an incredibly fast and articulate delivery. Just like all other frequencies, the Encore takes detail and accuracy to an elite level while still managing to be entertaining.
 
Mid-range
This is where the Encore is a noticeable improvement over the previous flagships. Noble has taken a step forward from the K10 by adding air between the instruments and improving the separation in the lower to upper mid-range. To my ears the Encore puts on a mid-range clinic. Whatever Noble has done differently with the Encore mid-range, I consider it to be a huge step forward.
 
Lower mid-range seamlessly transitions from mid-bass tones, with a clean and accurate delivery. Compared to other earphones (like the K10 as well as other flagships), this frequency range is a bit thinner, but the trade off is an unrivaled clarity and airiness that is elite. Some may find the Encore to render some male vocals a bit thin, but I think that may be a product of whatever they are used to listening to. Once my ears acclimate to the Encore sound, it’s hard to go back to warmer and bassier earphones. Simply put, other earphones sound sloppy to my ears after jamming the Encore.
 
Upper mid-range is in nice balance with neighboring frequencies. Things to get a little emphasized at the far upper mid-range/lower treble range. Because of this some songs from rock and band genres can get a little edgy and aggressive at very loud volumes. Although that is the case, transients and detail are on another level. Listen to them at a moderate (and healthy) volume, this won’t be an issue.
 
Treble
Normally I would say that this will be an earphone that doesn’t appeal to those who are sensitive to treble frequencies, but I think everyone needs to give these a try before saying that. The transients and organic nature of the Encore’s upper frequency tuning is something everyone must experience. To be honest, it’s the closest thing I’ve heard to an HD800 in an in-ear monitor. It may be more forward than some in-ear monitors, but it’s sounds so incredibly real to my ears that it makes listening to most other in-ear monitors.
 
Cymbal crashes actually crash, with no perceived sense of roll off or unnatural decay. Pronunciation of the letters S and T are there with a reasonable amount of crispness, but again the overall sense is very natural at the same time. Do I think that treble could have been tuned down a few decibels? For some (those who are incredibly treble sensitive or those who listen at really loud volumes), maybe. For me the answer is a resounding NO. There’s so much good stuff going on that lowering it would take away from what I enjoy so much, which is an honest yet still slightly musical presentation.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
For me, the biggest deal about these things is the amount of air Noble has put between every instrument from top to bottom. The balance, separation and clarity is ahead of many other flagships, leaving me with an elite sense of soundstage and imaging. Listen to the Encore is the closest I’ve heard to and HD800-ish signature in an in-ear monitor. Imagine an HD800 sound with great isolation, ya, it’s that good to my ears. Of course your mileage may vary, but that’s what I’m hearing.
 
Comparisons
 
Noble Katana ($1850 USD on many sites)
The Katana is another recent Noble release. They are a nine driver co-flagship that sits somewhere between the older K10 and the Encore. Here is a link to my review:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/noble-audio-katana/reviews/17095
 
Comparing the two, the Katana seems to be a slightly warmer and more intimate sound, and closer in tuning to the original K10 than the Encore. The Encore has taken elements of the Katana and K10 and added an improved level of separation and clarity at midrange tones. With that being said, both earphones have their place as Noble co-flagships. For those who want the next step up from the original K10 without losing that same great bass response, Katana is the answer. For those who found the K10 to be a little bit too warm and colored and would like something that sounds more natural and clear with improved soundstage, the Encore is the answer.
 
Bouncing back and forth between the Encore and Katana, Katana has a little more bass and a little less treble (very minor). Katana’s midrange seems a hair more laid back and with a touch less airiness. The Encore has a slightly more linear approach. The overall sense is a slightly more detailed sound with improved clarity.
 
Build and accessories is virtually identical, with the most noticeable difference being that Katana’s housing is slightly smaller.  
 
Unique Melody Miracle V2 ($1049 USD on Musicteck’s website)
The Miracle V2 has been a go to reference monitor for a good while. They have a very balanced tuning that is somewhat similar to the Encore. Here is a link to my review:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/unique-melody-miracle-v2-universal-six-driver-in-ear-monitor/reviews/15935
 
Comparing the two, both earphones have similar bass response. Mid-range seems slightly warmer and smoother on the Miracle V2. Treble is slightly smoother on the V2 as well. With all that being said, the Encore has a slightly better sense of clarity, separation and detail at almost every frequency. Although I do enjoy the Miracle V2 more with band and band and rock music, I prefer the Encore for every other genre. While the Miracle V2 is no slouch and warrants its asking price, Noble also justifies its more expensive price tag by adding a level of airiness and detail that the Miracle V2 can’t achieve. Both are going to make some great reference monitors.
 
Build quality and accessories goes to the Noble Encore. Their all metal housing and Pelican case are a slightly better offering than the Miracle V2 acrylic housing and metal cannister.
 
Conclusion
The Encore is incredible. If I could only give one in-ear monitor a five star review and had to lower every other five star rating to four and a half, the Encore would get the five star exception. At the time of writing this piece, the Encore is the most cohesive, detailed, clear and enjoyable earphone I’ve experienced. I’ve put the Encore up against the other flagships I currently have in my possession, and while others may give them a run for their money in many aspects, the overall experience I get when listening to the Encore makes it the current king of the hill.
 
The Encore might not be perfect for everyone. They won’t cater to the polar opposites of the listening spectrums (neutral/linear/bright or warm/colored/basshead sound signature preferences). For everyone in between, I’m confident they will be able to appreciate what Noble has done with these. The Encore is one of those earphones that sounds so “real” that many will throw personal preference to the side to say that these are entirely awesome. Upon the conclusion of this review, the Encore gets top honors in my list of favorite in-ear monitors.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

At the time this review was written, the 1More Capsule C1002 hybrid in-ear monitor was listed for sale on Amazon. Here is a link to their listing of the product:
 
https://www.amazon.com/1MORE-Capsule-Driver-Headphones-Microphone/dp/B01FVQSZQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481679918&sr=8-1&keywords=1more+capsule
 
Introduction
Review earphones long enough, and you will realize what manufacturers regularly make good products. When I was first contacted to review 1More’s dual driver earphones, I accepted the opportunity out of sheer curiosity. I was pleasantly surprised at at the sound quality and comfort. Shortly after giving them a solid review, I began to hear some really good things about their new triple driver. If you don’t know, they have become an Amazon best seller. Here is a link to my review of them:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/1more-triple-driver-in-ear-headphones-with-in-line-microphone-and-remote/reviews/16029
 
Having already tried two earphones from 1More, it was clear that these earphones (tuned by Grammy Award winning Luca Bignardi) were something that needed more Head-Fi exposure. Both the dual and triple driver earphones are arguably the best in-ear monitors in their price range (depending on your preference).
 
When 1More’s North American marketing representative contacted me to see if I would be interested in covering their new hybrid in-ear monitor named the “Capsule” there was no way I could turn that opportunity down. Considering the fact that everything I’ve heard from them so far has been excellent, there was no reason to think these wouldn’t be good as well.
 
The Capsule is another dual hybrid design. Having heard the earlier models (the Dual and Triple Driver) the capsule tuning makes a lot of sense. Let’s see why as we go over them with a comprehensive review.
 
 
Disclaimer
I was given a free sample of the Capsule in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with 1More. I would like to take this time to personally thank 1More for the opportunity to experience and review the product.
 
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
 
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me. I want to hear any earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I can share my impressions with  enthusiasts and help them find the audio product they’re looking for. My Head-Fi profile has a list of audio products ranked from favorite to least favorite. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and having a variety of different gear to mix and match. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
 
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are solidly built, with ergonomics and sound that is pleasing to my ears. It’s my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based on gear I have owned and used.
 
REVIEW

The Capsule comes in a sleeved black box with white and silver accents. A nice high gloss photo is featured on the front.
 

The back of the box has a brief description of the product in several different languages.
 

Removing the sleeve reveals a nice looking black box with the 1More “lifeline” similar to other packages.
 
Specifications and Accessories

Specifications
Driver Type: Dual armature hybrid (1x dynamic & 1x armature)
Impedance: 32 Ohms
Sensitivity: 98dB @ 1mW
Frequency Range: 20-40,000 Hz
Plug: 3.5 mm Gold Plated
Weight: 15 grams
 
Accessories

1X Pair Capsule earphones
1X Shirt clip
4X Pair single flange silicone eartips (S,S/M,ML,L)
1X Pair silicone extension sleeves for larger ears
1X Leather carrying case with metal clasp
1X Owner’s Manual
 
Housings

1More has taken a unique approach to its housing shape with this design. The name Capsule is derived from the housing’s form factor. The earphone housings are essentially the same shape and size as two extra strength tylenol gel capsules. The 1More logo can be seen on the outside of the each channel’s exterior with a venting hole located just below it. The Capsule housings are very, very lightweight.
 

The unique shape also calls for unique cable placement which leads up and into the shell from the lower front part of the housing. Because of this the Capsule is designed to be worn cable down. The Capsule has a VERY cool feature. When the ends of the housings are in close proximity to each other magnets will clasp and connect them together. This a very convenient in the sense that they can be wrapped around the neck and attached without having to roll them up and stuff them in your pocket when not in use.
 

The Capsule nozzle is angled from the end of the housing. It’s slightly wider than the average in-ear monitor nozzle, and about average in terms of length. One thing to note, there is no lip on the end of the nozzle which means some aftermarket earphones may have issues with tips not staying on or sliding off. The good news is that the stock tips are a soft silicone material that promotes a comfortable fit and good seal. More on this in a bit.
 
Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

Capsule’s cable is a fairly thin cloth covered cable from the jack to the Y split, and thin rubber jacketed cable above the Y-split. Both parts of the cable has a minimal amount of spring and memory. The Y-split is literally a Y shaped piece of plastic. The cable jack is a straight styled 3.5mm gold plated jack. Strain reliefs are subtle and adequate. Although not the sturdiest cable I’ve ever used, it should hold up okay with responsible and careful daily use.
 
Functionality

The Capsule comes with an inline three button microphone and remote which hangs about four to five inches down from the right channel. All three buttons worked for both my LG V10 and Iphone 6. When talking to friends and family, they reported my voice coming through at a three or four on a scale from one to five.
 
Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation

These are one of the better fitting cable down earphones I’ve worn. The Capsule’s “capsule” rests comfortably in the bottom of the concha of my ear. An included silicone sleeve comes in the accessories package. This sleeve can be used to coat the Capsule housing and increase the circumference of the listener’s ear, making the fit more ideal for people with larger ears. The included tips are a very soft silicone material a la Sony’s silicone tips and promote an excellent seal. These earphones were easy to pop in and out. I could wear them comfortably for hours without needing to adjust the fit (barring snagging the cable)
 
Isolation was average, maybe below average. The I could hear external noise fairly easy when music was playing. When music was playing at average or louder volumes outside noise was pretty much non-existent.
 
One sore spot with the Capsule (and every 1More earphone I've tried so far) is the issue of microphonics. Every 1More earphone I’ve worn at until this point has been a cable down design with no chin/neck slider. This adds up to each model picking up considerable cable noise, especially when on the go. I’ll be honest here, if 1More could offer an over the ear fit with a chin slider to any of the tunings I’ve heard so far it would only increase the value of these earphones. There is no exception with the Capsule in this regard either. While I understand that there are some who prefer an under the ear fit, a simple neck slider would have been a nice touch that allowed listeners to address cable noise.
 
Sound Review
I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-V10 for smartphone use, and either my Fiio X7 or iBasso DX80 DAP/Bushmaster D14 DAC/Amp for high fidelity portable use. For desktop use, I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a ifi micro iDSD playing at 32/192 kHz. I tested them with several other sources as well. I used Google Music in its highest download quality (320 KBPS), and also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.
 
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
 
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.
 
Source Selection
Just like the other 1More earphones I’ve tested, the Capsule comes in at a very comfortable 32 Ohms. I consider this to be a sweet spot for in-ear monitors as it avoids background hiss while still being sensitive enough to be driven easily by just about any portable source there is. The Capsule will sound great with just about any cell phone or DAP. They will sound good with a linear sounding source, but to my ears I enjoyed them more with a more colored source. The Cayin i5 sounded great with the Capsule. These earphones are designed to be a cell phone companion. They will also work well with DAPs (even most more powerful DAPs). Plugging them into high powered desktop amplifiers is unnecessary. You won’t get any added benefit from doing so.
 
Sound Signature
The Capsule is a somewhat balanced earphone with a slightly accentuated U/V shape. Of all of the earphones I’ve listened to from 1More, this is definitely the leanest and most crisp of the ones I’ve heard so far. All of those who heard the triple driver and thought it was maybe a touch too bassy, warm and smooth, the Capsule is 1More’s answer for you. It’s strongest attributes are overall clarity and detail.
 
Bass
For a dynamic driver, Capsule’s bass is fast in terms of attack and decay. The Capsule packs equal amounts of punch and rumble. During Daft Punk’s “Doin it Right” the Capsule hit every note and extended well but there wasn’t the visceral depth and impact I heard with the Triple Driver. Bass tones may be a bit north of what most of us consider neutral, but it's a tight bass geared more for accuracy and quick response.
 
Mid-bass is in nice balance with sub bass tones. As we approach lower mid-range sounds things seem to thin out a bit. What 1More has done with the capsule is remove the color and warmth I heard in their other earphones. I know there is a crowd of ears who will appreciate what has happened here. There is no lingering effect with the 1More lower frequency, or any other frequency for that matter. The response is crisp and fast.
 
Mid-range
I feel inspired to say that the 1More mid-range leans towards sounding thin, but this statement would be more a matter of what you are comparing them to. One thing is for sure, there is a great sense of clarity and detail. Things taper off from mid-bass to lower mid-range just a bit. Things get a little more cold and dry at mid-range tones and maintain the high level of detail and separation at the expense of some texture and depth. Some will find mid-range instruments and vocals to sound very natural, while others who like a warm and more colored sound will think they border on being perceptually thin.
 
Upper mid-range follows suit with the rest of the mids tuning and gives a perceptually smooth response (depending on what source you’re using and volume you’re listening at). I never got a sense that things were shouty or aggressive in this area. Despite this, I did pick up a sense of things being a bit tinny and metallic sounding. Just like all the other frequencies, the Capsule carries a high level of resolution for its asking price.
 
Treble
Just the opposite of the Triple Driver, the Capsule doesn’t shy away from treble frequencies. While there is a dip at most sibilant sound ranges, there are also spikes on either side. The slightly tinny and metallic tint carries into this range. At louder volumes, some may find the 1More Capsule to be a bit fatiguing. At moderate volumes, I found the Capsule to be crisp, detailed (notice a theme here?) and very enjoyable.
 
Soundstage and Imaging
Packing some decent depth and nice height, the triple driver creates a nice sense of space. Add some very nice detail (especially for the price) and imaging is also solid. It is this criteria where people will really be able to appreciate them. Simply put, for an in-ear monitor the soundstage and imaging of the Capsule is all around pretty excellent.
 
Comparisons
1More Triple Driver ($85 USD on Amazon)
The Triple Driver is a bass forward, three driver hybrid. Packing one dynamic and two armatures in each channel, the Triple Driver delivers a bass forward earphone with great clarity and smooth upper frequency tuning.
 
Comparing the two, I can say that these two earphones will appeal to polar opposites in terms of listening preference. Bass on the Triple Driver is far more emphasized and also smoother at higher frequencies. There is more color in the midrange of the Triple Driver.
The Capsule is a tighter all around response. They have a more controlled and crisp delivery of sound at every frequency. Bass is more in balance with the rest of the overall tuning. Treble is much more present but also more metallic sounding on the Capsule. The Capsule has better detail and separation of sounds. The capsule edges out the Triple Driver in terms of Imaging.
 
Accessories goes to the Triple Driver. They offer a very incredible package as compared to the slimmed down package of the Capsule. I will say though, I far prefer the fit and tips of the Capsule.

 
VSONIC GR07BE ($118 USD on Lenmeurears’ website)
One of the first things I thought of when I heard the Capsule was that they sounded a lot like the GR07BE. After doing an A-B comparison and taking some measurements, I wasn’t wrong in my assumption. The Capsule and GR07BE have similarly tuned bass and treble frequencies, with the GR07BE packing a bit more color and midrange presence, while the Capsule has far more detail and clarity at every frequency.
 
Comparing the two, I give a slight advantage to the GR07BE for their bass. Although similar in terms of its presence, it’s slightly fuller and more entertaining than the tighter response of the Capsule. I give a big advantage to the Capsule for its midrange. The capsule is considerably cleaner at midrange registers and impacted less by their bass presence. In terms of treble, the GR07BE may sound a bit more natural, but is a bit more revealing of sibilance than the Capsule. Although having more clarity at treble ranges, the Capsule has a bit more shimmer at the ranges beyond 10kHz, making them seem a little more unnatural than the GR07BE.  
 
Build quality is a close contest that I can't call either way. I give the GR07BE a slight advantage for accessories. They offer more tips than the Capsule.
 
Conclusion
The Capsule is a great earphone in many ways. The fit is incredibly comfortable. The 32 Ohm impedance makes it easy to use them with any portable I have. They have a remarkable level of resolution for at any price, let alone the sub one hundred dollar MSRP. Above all, their tuning complements the other earphones in the current 1More lineup.  The Triple Driver is the basshead audiophile tuning, and the Dual Driver is the creamy and easy to listen to tuning. The Capsule stands alone as the Hi-Res tuning that will appeal to those who are looking for more linearity, detail and clarity than what the Triple Driver offered.
 
There were some things I was hoping to see that I didn’t. The cable is somewhat flimsy and is missing a chin/neck slider. Because of this the Capsule suffers from large amounts of microphonics that impacted my listening experience while using them on the go. The good news is that when not moving around too much this isn’t an issue. I have said it in every 1More review and I’ll say it again. I hope 1More considers making earphones that cater to both under and over the ear fits, or at the very least they supply a chin/neck slider with their earphones. Other than that I really don’t have any more complaints.
 
When rating a product, I have to take every criteria (including price) into account. The Capsule gets three and a half stars for build, four stars for design and accessories, five stars for comfort (but a half star deduction for microphonics), four and a half stars for sound. Considering things like the magnetic clasping of the backs of the housings and the fact that they really are some great commuting earphones, I give the the Capsule four stars.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!