*build quality scored at a 4 due to the oxidation / deterioration of the original CIEM faceplate, and bears no relation to the Itsfit reshell Acknowledgment The Jolene I am reviewing were purchased from the original owner (thanks MVVRaz) as a CIEM. Given the freakishly straight ear canals of the previous recipient, it was possible... Continue Reading →
Ambient Acoustics – 24 types of madness
Intro Ambient Acoustics was set up in 2009 in the Ukraine, primarily to service the professional audio and hearing aid markets. They started getting a little notice in audiophile circles a few years ago with their LAM serious of tuneable switch models, and it’s fair to say they are a brand that is now starting... Continue Reading →
iFi Micro iDSD Signature review: Swiss Army knife of headphone audio 2.0
iFi iDSD Signature is a glorious transportable DAC/amp.
Unique Melody MEST Mk II – the bone conductor’s revenge
Acknowledgement I purchased the MEST Mk 2 from Andrew at MusicTeck USA at full retail price (RRP was $1499 at time of purchase), with the intention of reviewing them. No input has been sought or received from MusicTeck or Unique Melody with regards to the content of this review - the opinions expressed below (however... Continue Reading →
Unique Melody MEST Mk I vs Mk II comparison – improving on perfection
Acknowledgement I purchased the MEST Mk 2 from Andrew and MusicTeck USA at full retail price, with the intention of reviewing them. No input has been sought or received from MusicTeck or Unique Melody with regards to the content of this review - the opinions expressed below (however ill informed) are 100% my own. Many... Continue Reading →
Unique Melody MEST – the bone conductor
Acknowledgement I would like to thank Andrew at MusicTeck in the US for the opportunity to purchase the MEST at a slight discount for the purposes of this review. No input was sought or given regarding the content of the review, so all the words and opinions below are 100% my own. Introduction Every so... Continue Reading →
HiFiMAN Jade II Electrostatic Headphone and Amplifier Review: inviting electrostat
Pros: Silky mids, balanced sound signature, fluid and detailed treble, treble that contrasts favourably to other electrostats, comfortable earpads, lightweight, that cool jade green dust-cover on the drivers Cons: Tangle prone flat cable, amp isn’t completely silent and takes several hours to warm up (leave it on if you like listening), not as comfortable as... Continue Reading →
Effect Audio Cable tour
Introduction One of the most emotive subjects in the current audiophile "scene" is the effect of cables on sound. Some claim that a good cable can make an IEM, headphone or speaker sound better, fuller, more detailed and is generally able to do everything short of cleaning the wax out of your ears after a... Continue Reading →
CanJam London 2019, part two: a tour of IEMs (InEar, oBravo, Acoustune, HiFiMAN, 64 Audio, FiiO)
CanJam London is the biggest headphone and portable audio show put on in the UK every year. It is the highlight of the HeadFi enthusiasts calendar and something that I have attended since the inaugural CanJam London in 2015. This year was the 5th annual edition and it lived up to its billing. I’ll be... Continue Reading →