STAX SR-003 MK2 Electrostatic Earspeakers with SRM-D10 II Energizer Review
August 23, 2024 Comments Off on STAX SR-003 MK2 Electrostatic Earspeakers with SRM-D10 II Energizer Review
One of the great things that I originally fell in love with STAX for was the ability to deliver a detailed open treble without getting fatiguing so if the 003 couldn’t deliver that, I was going to be royally disappointed. No worries, they deliver. There is good energy and percussion snap is phenomenal and about as real as you’re likely to ever hear. Cymbals are dead on, and there is no metallic click to be heard anywhere. I would not call the 003 bright as it balances extremely well, but it is very detailed in the upper ranges and proves that there is a difference in bright and detailed that often gets lumped together by lesser models.
The place where the 003 really surprises though is in its stage and imaging. These have a great stage with plenty of room in all dimensions and the ability to make sounds appear at various depths throughout the stage. Tracks like the intro to “Who are you” (The Who) or “So Lonesome” (Cowboy Junkies) are great listens as the 003 creates a vivid picture of the space around the performers. Bigger ensembles really show off the layering and imaging as seating the orchestra is a non-event with positions defined tightly in space and dimensions seemingly conforming to the track as the stage shape follows the recording being played. The 003 handled everything I threw at it with no sign of compression and the ability to get loud and still deliver the quietest nuances in the background.
Astell&Kern + Empire Ears NOVUS Review
August 5, 2024 Comments Off on Astell&Kern + Empire Ears NOVUS Review
Westone Audio AM Pro X20 IEM $399 Review
July 28, 2024 Comments Off on Westone Audio AM Pro X20 IEM $399 Review
In my listening sessions, I found the AM Pro X20 to be a lively performer with good dynamics and a bit of a bass boost centering around 150Hz before gradually tapering off as it moves up the frequency range.
The sub bass rolls off fairly high with a notable drop-off below 45Hz; the mid bass is much more of the focus with impressive levels of impact and detail.
The midrange do step back slightly, particularly the lower midrange which impacts the presentation of male vocals. There is more than enough weight and clarity, but they do not get pushed forward of the instrumentation and some might feel that they sound slightly recessed.
Spiral Ear SE6 Nebula Custom IEM $3,000 Review
July 25, 2024 Comments Off on Spiral Ear SE6 Nebula Custom IEM $3,000 Review
FIIO FA19 REVIEW
July 18, 2024 Comments Off on FIIO FA19 REVIEW
Introduced first in the FiiO FH5, a few years ago now, the S.Turbo is back once more. Designed as a turbine-shaped acoustic tunnel, it serves as a filtering devices that effectively eliminates high-frequency sound waves, emanating from the bass drivers. The goal? To ensure a smooth transition between low and mid frequencies, resulting in a cleaner split between the low, and mid frequencies – for better sound, you get the idea.
Once more, that was all made possible by the use of 3D Printing techniques, allowing the drawing of intricate inner layouts for the FiiO FA19, with a duct almost 3 times longer than the first generation. But that was not the only feature that made a come-back !
HIBY X FAUDIO PROJECT ACE REVIEW
July 7, 2024 Comments Off on HIBY X FAUDIO PROJECT ACE REVIEW
The new Project Ace from HiBy, unfortunately, doesn’t have an ideal shape for ears in my opinion. The angular design and the positioning of the shells feel off when you insert them. HiBy provides a good set of tips, and I found foam tips to be the best fit for me. The silicone tips didn’t work well, as I couldn’t get a flush fit or proper seal. So, overall, the fit experience with Project Ace is problematic, at least in my experience.
Isolation varies with the tips you use. I found that foam and hybrid tips (aftermarket) offer the best isolation. There’s a vent for the dynamic driver, but it doesn’t affect the isolation much, especially with foams.
THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 $399 REVIEW
July 4, 2024 Comments Off on THIEAUDIO HYPE 4 $399 REVIEW
For the rest of the sound spectrum, the Hype 4 employs six balanced armature drivers from Danish manufacturer Sonion, divided equally among super high, mid+high, and low frequencies through a 3-way crossover. The dual ultra-tweeter Sonion E50 series drivers deliver superb treble extension with minimal harmonic distortion, while the updated 26A series drivers enhance the mids with excellent tonal balance and high audio resolution. Although there is no information about the BAs handling the bass, they seem to be the 28UAP series that was used in the Hype 10.
This setup ensures that the Impact² technology exclusively handles the lows, providing a precise isobaric sub-bass response without impacting the mids. The combination of these drivers results in an impressive sound quality that we’ll explore in detail throughout this review.
Audiophilepure 
You must be logged in to post a comment.