FiiO X7
December 25, 2015 Comments Off on FiiO X7
” The X7 can be fed music files from its internal 32Gb, a microSD card inserted into its side, over the local network using DLNA or from cloud storage services like Dropbox*. Outputs include a 3.5mm headphone socket at one end and a 3.5mm line level output at the other. The latter doubles as an optical digital output for feeding an external decoder/amp. One can do likewise with an OTG cable attached to the X7’s USB socket that is otherwise used to charge the device. FiiO promise 9 – 10 hours’ use from a fully charge battery (3500mAh). Oh, the X7 can also transmit digital audio via Bluetooth.”
Astell & Kern AK380 $3,500 – REVIEW
December 16, 2015 Comments Off on Astell & Kern AK380 $3,500 – REVIEW
” The differences are not knock-me-down, bowl me over, mind-blowingly different. But, they are perceivable. The components that make up this musically superior, abundantly articulated arena of substantial sound quality, usually offer only subtle differences. They are there, but you have to exert effort to discover them. If your mind wanders when you listen to music, then this is not the hobby for you. Audiophiles enjoy the thrill of the chase, and part of that chase, is finding devices that offer slight improvements to the superior gear that they already own. When comparing the tonal balance between the two units, the 380 procures the soundstage and distributes the frequencies, massaging them with more aplomb. When listening to Grant Green’s, “Green With Envy”, Grant’s jazz guitar is heard in masterful abundance from beginning to end. His style, akin to Wes Montgomery’s, has him slurring and blending difficult to hold diminished chords, from the top of the guitar’s neck to the bridge. As he holds his chords in tact, one can try to discern the 4 or 5 notes that the chord consists of, living in a coherent harmony, as he traverses through the octaves.”
2016 BUYER’S GUIDE: PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYERS
December 12, 2015 Comments Off on 2016 BUYER’S GUIDE: PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYERS
” hese portable players are best thought of as iPods on steroids. With their finely-brushed black aluminum cases and intuitive controls, they give up nothing to Apple in industrial engineering. But iPods max out at a tepid 48/16 resolution, whereas the AKs go to 192/24. ”
Questyle Audio Engineering QP1R Portable Digital Audio Player $899 Review
December 8, 2015 Comments Off on Questyle Audio Engineering QP1R Portable Digital Audio Player $899 Review
“The sound is truly spectacular in delivery, musicality, balance and resolution. It also draws you into the music as only the best mobile can. If you listen solo on the couch late at night looking out at a night sky, you’ll be transported some place magical. I was nightly.”
Pioneer XDP-100R is world’s first MQA-ready hi-res music player
December 6, 2015 Comments Off on Pioneer XDP-100R is world’s first MQA-ready hi-res music player
” Pioneer claims that the player features a high-grade DAC and specially selected internal components to help reduce noise and improve audio quality. There’s also built-in sound adjustment, such as 384kHz upsampling and realtime DSD conversion to 5.6MHz.”
FiiO X7 mobile audio player based on Android – Video
December 4, 2015 Comments Off on FiiO X7 mobile audio player based on Android – Video
Fiio X7 Review
November 16, 2015 Comments Off on Fiio X7 Review
” Next up was the 300 ohm HD600s, and they required 85-90/120. Did they sound as good as out of the micro iDSD? Well actually once volume matched – yep, they actually sounded every bit as dynamic as they did out of the iDSD. In fact I really loved them out of the X7. They were getting close to the limit of the X7’s capability though, and with Classical I was pretty close to 100/120 to get the listening level I prefer. So loud listeners are likely to need a little more than the X7 can deliver.”
Questyle QP1R REVIEW
November 12, 2015 Comments Off on Questyle QP1R REVIEW
“When you’re Questyle, you really have none of it. Damn funk. Or so you’d think. That’s exactly why turning to Foxconn was such a strategically brilliant move. It leverages Apple’s own infrastructure to gild the QP1R’s physical execution. On optics and fit’n’finish, it competes eye to eye against Big Corporate chic. iWantz! That sonics would (have to) squash a Classic iPod goes without saying. That part actually isn’t so hard to do given how many years the Classic hung out in unchanged suspension. The real question is, can Questyle’s GUI keep pace and peace with iTunes; or does it feel clunky by contrast? If the latter, it squashes desire regardless of great sound, current-mode circuitry that’s exotic even by audiophile standards, premium F95 Nichicon tantalum caps, NDK clocks with -150dB phase noise, German Würth power inductors, Japanese Alps encoders and the clearly slick form factor. One audio task the Questyle isn’t down with yet? Docking. Astell&Kern have already caught on to the fact that some users bounce between the tube, exercise bike, park bench, car, desk top and living-room rig all in one day. Their type wants a dock with hifi socketry and charge function. It remains connected to their stationary system; and parks the player upright to read its display. They so don’t want an RCA cable dangling with its 3.5mm end on the floor when not connected.”
Marshall’s London smartphone is made for music – Video
November 1, 2015 Comments Off on Marshall’s London smartphone is made for music – Video
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