Trinity Phantom Hunter – unboxing pictures

UPDATE 21/05/17 - new comparison pictures added against various IEMs (Campfire Vega, Andromeda etc) After one of the most awaited (to put it mildly) product launches on the Head-Fi forums, the Trinity Audio flagship 5-driver IEM (the Phantom Hunter) is now starting to arrive in mailboxes around the globe. If you are one of the many... Continue Reading →

May 19, 2017 2

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

Unboxing: ALO Continental v5 Portable Tube Amplifier

First, I'd like to say thank you to ALO Audio and Headpie for running the Facebook give-away for the ALO Continental v5. I was surprised and happy when I won it. The ALO Continental v5 is a tiny little amplifier. It's only the size of a pack of cards, which I suppose I should have... Continue Reading →

March 18, 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

iFi Micro iCAN SE: Powerful, clear, excellent sound with some sonic flexibility

Pros: enough power to drive the HE-6/AKG K1000/name it to sufficient volume, very good sound, flexibility for different sound preferences, good value Cons: sounds dull without switches engaged, demanding headphones don’t reach potential in spite of copious power, lesser amps may sound better with lower demanding gear Acknowledgment Thanks iFi for lending me this review... Continue Reading →

February 17, 2017 5

Aune M1S: one of the most transparent DAPs I have heard, and only $249

Pros: It sounds amazing: black background, excellent dynamics, accurate and spacious stage, brilliant tonal accuracy; good line-out function; 2.5mm balanced out; 3 gain levels; excellent power output; intuitive control scheme; build quality; price Cons: No tag based browsing even though it reads tags, CUE based gapless (annoying), no EQ, no standalone DAC, no USB OTG, buttons... Continue Reading →