[jude]

 
Episode 003 of Head-Fi TV was just uploaded.  This episode is a short video overview of the Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo, which, as far as portable source components go, is a game changer, in my opinion (based on what's currently available).
 

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Products mentioned in the video:

 

 

1. Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo battery-powered iPod/iPhone/iPad digital dock and DAC (digital-to-analog converter)
2. beyerdynamic DT 1350 headphones
3. Sennheiser / adidas HD 25-1 II Originals headphones
4. Audeze LCD-2 planar magnetic headphones
5. ALO Audio:  various dock cables and headphone cable (with adapter system) for Audeze LCD-2
6. Ray Samuels Audio SR-71B fully balanced portable headphone amp

 

The music in the video was by Twis7 (pronounced "twist"), and the track is called "Ghetto Bass," and can be found on the Bass Rinse EP.  Thank you to the Play Me Records record label for giving us permission to use it.  (Audeze's Alexander Rosson is one of the principals of the Play Me Records label, by the way.)

 

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One thing I didn't mention in the video that I really wanted to (but left out, in the interest of not running too long like I did in Episode 002) was the use of Apple Airplay to stream to an iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad-->Algorhythm Solo-->portable amp rig, when I'm at home.  This allows me to feed the Solo music that is being streamed from my multi-terabyte primary iTunes library to the portable iDevice.  So, when I'm out of the house, the rig in the video is what I've been using.  But when I'm at home, I usually lash an iPhone to this rig (in place of the iPod Classic), for use with Airplay.

 

I also wanted to mention that the Solo can be used while plugged into its wall power adapter.

 

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Thanks to joe for working with me on these videos--I couldn't do it without him.

 

 

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Head-Fi TV Episode 003 produced by Joseph Cwik and Jude Mansilla

 

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Also, we may occasionally include a Q&A segment in future episodes of Head-Fi TV.  If you want to submit any questions (or comments), you can do so via email to tv@head-fi.org

 

[cifani090]

Once again, a very informative video review. Loved it, thanks Jude.

 

 

[bmtran]

great review. i definitely fall under the category of only wanting one setup at the home and the office; i'll definitely be checking that setup out. love it!

 

[GeorgeGoodman]

I love the review! Fantastic rig! There are few other options like this out there, and this is one of the best in terms of usability and absolute performance. I will have to hear it sometimes. Nice music too. It is very cool that the Audeze is pretty much made to hear all the bass. 

 

[shipsupt]

Another great episode!  Makes me re-think my portable rigs!
 

 

[J.Pocalypse]

Great video, Jude. I really like the part where you gave out suggestions who you'd recommend the product to. I hope you keep that going. Rad music, btw. Reminded me of Noisia.

 

[Borgbox]

Cool stuff. You should do a headphone review soon (this is head-fi after all!). The amps and dacs are all cool, but in the end, it's all about the cans. Perhaps a FOTM like ATH-m50s or FA-011s, or heck, the porta pros would be cool too lol. 1080p would be awesome. 

 

[mmayer167]

Great work jude! thanks,
 
M

 

[TheGomdoRi]

Really like these videos, I hope to see more content and longer videos in the future (if possible)

 

[dj nellie]

I enjoyed the review, thanks for putting it together.  One suggestion I would make is to at least briefly present some of the drawbacks of the products you're presenting.  I know it's not a full review, but it would help to mention some things that may be considered flaws or trade-offs.  And I would love to hear more specifically how the Solo improves upon an iMod+amp setup or another high-quality portable source.
 
In the case of the Solo, other than its size and price, are there any other factors that might give someone considering buying it some pause?  As someone who has a lot of FLAC files, I would say that the inability to Rockbox a 6th/7th Gen iPod means that I'd have to convert my collection and buy Apple Lossless going forward.  Not really a flaw of the Solo, but definitely something to consider in light of the prevalence of FLAC files.  The Touch and the iPhone have the FLAC player app, but it seems barely usable to me (no "shuffle all tracks" option or ability to create playlists).
 
Looking forward to the next episode!  I'm especially curious to learn more about over-the-ear portables that Jude pulled out, and any others which have a low profile suitable for office use

 

[Eric_C]

I spy a Mission Workshop...Monty?

 

[RAFA]

Great episode. But still the greatest interest goes towards the DT1350. Would like to hear more about them.

 

[CARRION FEAST]

Exciting stuff! My current rig is the classic and a headstage arrow- it would be mighty nice to get away from the iPods dac - great review!

 

[aLm0sT]

Good vid! Just received word that my Solo has been shipped!

 

[shaunybaby]

i got in hand a ibasso d4 and a ipod classic with 3.5 to 3.5 how i look from mine to that and just wish upon a star.

great reveiw im glad you did a portable reveiw, i haven,t payed my setup the attention that i should be, but it does the job for the 20 minute walks that i take.

2 x on doing a review on full size headphones. plz.