64 Audio U8 – bass over APEX

Introduction I have always been fascinated by bass in music. That’s probably why I always feel a little bit of a fraud when someone calls me an “audiophile”, as my tastes quite often encompass a little more lower end substance than the current fashion for a more lean and mean sound. I can appreciate detail... Continue Reading →

November 14, 2017 0

Campfire Audio Dorado: Campfire’s search for audio gold, a triple driver hybrid with added sparkle

Pros - Full bodied bass, great extension at both ends of the spectrum, forward vocal ranges, unusual W shaped tuning, great airiness and treble sparkleCons - W shaped sound can push mid-range instruments a little further back in the sound, long nozzle may not be ideal for everyone List Price - $999 (Campfire Audio) Acknowledgement... Continue Reading →

July 17, 2017 4

TheBit Opus #3: stellar sound, Android features still under construction

Pros: Excellent tonality, good soundstage width, very detailed, balanced output with good power, solid build quality, leather case (not included by default everywhere) Cons: Horrible app implementation, navigation niggles, DLNA music app sounds substantially worse than standard music app, tiny hardware buttons, wobbly volume knob Price: $899 (€899) (Haven’t found UK shop with it yet)... Continue Reading →

June 19, 2017 6

TheBit Opus #3: Refined Korean Metal, Unboxing

I like the Opus #3. A lot. But since my review will be following this post in not too much time. I'll let you get a look at some unboxing shots first. These pics include images of the custom Dignis leather case made for the Opus #3. I hope you like 'em. The leather case... Continue Reading →

May 27, 2017 2

Unboxing: Double Helix Cables Symbiote SP V3 OCC Silver Type 4 Litz IEM Cable 8-braid

Peter Bradstock of Double Helix Cables doesn't bullshit. He just makes awesome cables from the most conductive materials available. He uses OCC and Type 4 Litz because these improve sound not because they look fancy. Peter is super refreshing to talk to. He doesn't sell snake-oil, he just sells well-made (in the USA) cables that... Continue Reading →

May 15, 2017 1

Airist Audio Heron 5: power and grace in form and function

Pros: articulate, silky smooth, neutral, black background like the dark side of the moon, power to spare Cons: doesn’t mate well with low impedance phones, no impedance measurements provided for low and high jacks, stepped attenuator volume control lacks sufficient steps and is noisy on step switches List Price: $1000 Acknowledgment Thanks Airist Audio for... Continue Reading →

March 10, 2017 1

Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered (UERR): who says reference isn’t musical?

Pros: Airy big soundstage, lovely treble and bass, precision and speed, noise isolation, neutral tonality, excellent tool for reviewing, look awesome Cons: Can’t share how wonderful they sound with friends, can be a touch thick on some vocals List price: $999 (£870) Acknowledgment Thanks Mike Diaz at Ultimate Ears for supplying these as a review... Continue Reading →

March 1, 2017 7

Fidue Sirius A91: rich cosmic body, and an illuminated stage amongst the void with some anomalies to starboard

Pros: Well above average soundstage, great instrument separation, excellent details, full bodied, speedy, easy to drive, excellent build quality, beautiful Cons: Harsh treble and artificial mids on some tracks (minority of tracks), shallow insertion, potential vent blockages change sound, large shell won't fit all ears, price Acknowledgment Thanks to Tony at HiFi Headphones for loaning... Continue Reading →