Shanling M2s gear gallery and first impressions: a pint-sized performer

In a little bit of a different take on gear galleries, this post has some initial impressions. Things I like: Tiny. Super tiny. This thing is smaller than a pack of cards. It looks like the perfect mate to a Mojo. Can be used as external DAC Bluetooth receive and transmit (Cayin N3 does this... Continue Reading →

May 1, 2017 1

Effect Audio Arthur: $3800 of win? Yes.

Pros: Stunningly beautiful statement piece, exceptional natural sound, Excalibur cable ergonomics are excellent Cons: Price, difficult fit, huge shell, narrow nozzle doesn’t fit several Comply Isolate series tips or similar size tips (200 series fits), probably better to buy as custom List Price: $3799 Acknowledgment Thank you Eric at Effect Audio for making the HeadFi... Continue Reading →

April 15, 2017 3

Unboxing: Echobox Explorer

So the long IndieGoGo wait is over. The Echobox Explorer has taken a long while to get here. This was planned for April 2016, but arrived in March 2017, which actually isn't unusual in crowdfunding. I was prepared. Many were not. The player still has some wrinkles to iron out, but Echobox is projecting confidence.... Continue Reading →

April 6, 2017 3

Unboxing: Effect Audio Arthur and Excalibur

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, mostly. These are the most expensive headphones that have ever been in my house. These are $3799, and they look it. They've got 14 drivers per ear in a 2 low, 6 high, 6 mid configuration. They've got a cable made of super flexible ultra-comfortable Hip-Hop jewellery grade... Continue Reading →

April 4, 2017 1

Noble Kaiser Encore: balanced bliss distilled into a soaring aerie of superlatives

Pros: Vast soundstage with natural placement—doesn’t sound like an IEM, natural body, perfect timbre, speedy, micro-details-a-poppin Cons: Hiss on many sources; pinholes on the small side, making aftermarket cables a bit scary; potential side effects of purchase: living with one kidney, spousal waves of wrath, incredulous friends List price: $1850 (£1699) Acknowledgment Thanks @BangkokKid, otherwise... Continue Reading →