LIME EARS MODEL X UNIVERSAL REVIEW
February 23, 2019 Comments Off on LIME EARS MODEL X UNIVERSAL REVIEW
“The boosted low-end on the Model X bass-on mode does mean you will hear a bit more body to instrumental timbre. Lower pitched instrumental work, particularly guitar work with sound richer and more authoritative on this switch setting much like the custom Model X.
Vocals for me do not actually change their position or presence with either switch but due to the more elevated nature of the low end with the bass-on mode they will struggle for a bit more air and fall a bit further back in the mix. When there is less bass energy, however, vocal timbre does sound a little fuller and warmer than when the bass mode is off which I prefer at times, especially for female vocals.
Staging does change on the Bass-On mode compared to Bass-Off. I find the depth to improve on the Bass-On mode with relatively the same level of height and air compared to the Bass-Off mode. With the bass turned off the Model X sounds more linear, not quite as deep or forward sounding but the mids are a bit more open and spacious sounding as a result.”

Audio-Technica’s CKR7 true wireless earphones
February 23, 2019 Comments Off on Audio-Technica’s CKR7 true wireless earphones
FIIO FA7 $300 REVIEW
February 16, 2019 Comments Off on FIIO FA7 $300 REVIEW
“I ran the FA7 on an iPhone6, an AK120, and FiiO’s own M6 DAP as these are popular lower powered devices. On these pairings, I am hearing good resolution especially on the upper vocal range. The dynamic range is good with decent texture in its low-end and excellent articulation and detail in its treble performance despite it rolling-off at the very top-end.
The FA7 performs well technically, yet the low-end quantity can be a bit overwhelming at times. To me, lower pitched vocals are a bit laid back, particularly male vocals which, at times, compete with that stronger bass bias. You may find equalizing down the midbass by 2-3dB effective in delivering more clarity to the FA7’s vocal presence.”

Lark Studio LSXC $1699 Review
February 13, 2019 Comments Off on Lark Studio LSXC $1699 Review
The PW Saladin cleans up the signature of the LSXC and takes a touch of warmth out of the timber replacing it with a little more treble sparkle and clarity. The sound still has relatively the same tuning bias but you do get a much better level of dynamic range, a more open sound and significantly better width in the soundstage.
Personally, I might dabble a bit more with some other cables including some 8-wire silver options to see if I can get a little more out of the LSXC staging-wise for the main review. What you need to know for now this is a smooth and warm sounding monitor with a forgiving presentation rather than a reference tuning.”


Shozy Pola First Look
February 12, 2019 Comments Off on Shozy Pola First Look
“Sonically, the innards of the POLA have gone through multiple revisions too. Shozy worked with various driver setups, 2, 3 and 4-BA to complement the ES tweeters. However, ultimately BA drivers proved challenging to implement due to a mismatch between their sensitivity and the insensitive ES tweeters that require a step-up transformer. The BA drivers required heavy damping which compromised efficiency and fidelity. Ultimately, Shozy settled on a massive 13mm graphene dynamic driver that matches the character of the ES driver, that Shozy claims to effectively provide excellent end to end extension free of obtrusive peaks and troughs. The POLA is stated to carry a slightly darker sound with pronounced vocals and a focus on dynamics.”

AKG N5005 EARPHONES REVIEW
February 11, 2019 Comments Off on AKG N5005 EARPHONES REVIEW
“There are two observations about using the N5005. First, make damn sure you are using the right tips, and don’t be afraid of making the jump to Comply or even experimenting well beyond the norm. With most earphones the difference between tips is a comfort issue, but here it’s the difference between a reasonably OK sounding earphone and ‘wow, that is the best earphone I have ever heard.’ Secondly, although the N5005 is more than efficient enough to be driven by the output of any phone that still has a headphone socket, don’t do it. This earphone demands quality, and quantity when it comes to amps. It’s deceptively demanding.
Observe those two conditions and you are left with one of the best non-custom earphones money can buy. With the right seal from the correct tips, the bass is deep, authoritative, stentorian, and yet incredibly well controlled. And that’s without the bass boost. OK, so without the boost, the N5005 is more about clean depth and texture, and with the boost in place it’s more about weight and slam, but for most audio enthusiasts, the Reference filter has more than enough weight and also has the perfect balance.”

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64Audio A6t $1299 Review
February 5, 2019 Comments Off on 64Audio A6t $1299 Review
“Amongst the sea of sub-$2000 do-all in-ears in the market today, 64Audio’s A6t emerges as a true cut above – thriving on youthful zing, tonal finesse and an outstandingly solid midrange. While it boasts a similar liveliness as its peers, a unique physicality accompanies its rhythmic drive. Instruments are not only fun to listen to, but they’re tangible as well. Although it may lack the effortlessness and transparency of 64Audio’s monstrous flagships, the technology that’s trickled down onto the A6t ensures admirable performance at a fraction of the cost. With 3D-Fit and apex, you have yourselves one heck of a package. Whether on the go, on stage or behind the desk, the A6t unfailingly delivers punchy, accurate and refined audio. It may not necessarily be 64Audio’s poster child, but I smell a clear best-seller for years to come.”


Campfire Solaris vs. Atlas vs. HiFiMan RE2000
January 30, 2019 Comments Off on Campfire Solaris vs. Atlas vs. HiFiMan RE2000
LIGHT HARMONIC $1299 REVIEW
January 29, 2019 Comments Off on LIGHT HARMONIC $1299 REVIEW
“This has been a worthwhile debut challenge review for me on Headfonia. I think Light Harmonic have done a pretty decent job with the Stella in both resisting the temptation to let it all hang out with bloated dynamic driver sound or aiming for an easy darkish sound to tame the masses.
Yes, the Stella is slightly niche, more at home with audiophile standards, clean acoustical sounds and most importantly female vocals. But what it does, it does incredibly well, and it does stand out from the crowd on that basis.”

Light Harmonic Stella $1,299 Review
January 10, 2019 Comments Off on Light Harmonic Stella $1,299 Review
“My stance on all this is simple. I don’t claim to know what happened with any certainty. Innocent until proven guilty. Always. I believe in that for the Courts, and in public opinion. Furthermore, I strongly believe mismanagement of past failures should have no relevance on whether or not I review a new product. If this were a pre-order, or another Crowdfunding project, I would feel differently. Their history would be of utmost relevance. But Stella exists, and is in-stock right now. Which means the only pertinent information is whether or not Stella is good. And if it is good, I want the community to know about it. That is, as I see it, my only real duty as a reviewer.”

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