MIN from ST.319 - TÌM (LOST) M/V

A recommended chance to listen out this song, it's St319 from Vietnam, really nice composition of the song, and they originated as a dance crew, and decided to make an MV for one of their crew member, MIN

Goldring DR-150

I have had this Goldring DR 150 for some time already, but I was quite reluctant on reviewing it, cause I sensed it was not as desirable initially. I thought I might give it a second chance with my current Magni from Schiit Audio, and perspective changed a bit.

Packaging

The packaging is simple and has no fancy items inside, just the headphone, cable and adapter for 6.5mm.

Unpacking the DR150 was easy and swift, not much plying needed, not like the last Sennheiser I did.

Setup

Unfortunately I sold off the original QED cable with my Custom One Pro, they made a great combo, and was liked by the buyer. Hence, the cable I will be using is made by a local cable maker, and named Vero150, so the whole combo I call it DrVero 150.

Specifications of this cable:

*Vero-150 made with 6N multicore cooper wire.
*Material were carefully selected to enhance the sound of goldring DR150 headphone.
*1.5 meter 6N multicore wire
*Cooper material
*Hand braided in "Quad" configuration
*Carefully hand terminated
*Each cable consist of 4 strain,
*Solder using high quality industrial grade soldering lead
*3.5mm Neutrik plug both end terminated.

Oh, one more thing, the inner cloth mod was done. Search around and you will know what mod I am talking about.

Sound

Treble

The treble on the DrVero 150 is not very sharp, but still presence. To me, it is quite "in the middle", doing an adequate amount of sharp highs and not pierce your ears till they bleed. It is doing quite a decent job.

Mid / Vocals

The vocals are slightly laid back, and IMO is at the right spot where it should be. The vocal are relatively flat in comparison with other headphones I have. 

Bass

This is considered a light bass headphone. The drums hit with a small amount of kick into it, and does not overtake the whole music. You can hear it just about there and I quite like how the bass is.

Soundstage

All I can say is studio quality soundstage. There is a lack of airiness despite it is an open back headphone. Echoes do not transfer into distance and cut off quite soon. This is great for people who listen to studio CD but a no no to Live albums.

Conclusion

I can say just about okay for the price level to this DR150. It does a good job on studio CDs and can easily run off of your mobile. The beauty that makes me keeping this piece is the 3.5mm cable jack on the headphone, which means absolute freedom to mingle around with any 3.5mm interconnects you have lying around. It might (or not) change the sound for the better. Not forgetting the comfortableness and lightweight of DR150 makes it highly portable and suits long amount of listening time. This is one that I can recommend for budget users or mobile listeners.

  

Sennheiser HD202 ii

Today we look at a budget line if headphone from Sennheiser, the HD202 ii. The HD202 sells at $27.90 on Amazon.

Packaging

This is how the item is packed, in a hard plastic packing that is a pain to open up. It took me some effort to open up the packaging, and I don't know why do they make it so challenging to open it up.

What you get in the package are these only.

Cable length is giganticly long, 10 foot long. Lucky for that cable organizer / clip that you can wrap it, or not you are going to have a bad time. 

Sound

Treble

The treble on the HD202 is rather spikey and easily clips even on a smooth song. It seems to be overdone, and I myself don't appreciate much on the overload trebles on this can.

Mid

The mids on this can is mediocre. Rather forward and sounds unlively / inorganic. Male vocals do not have the depth that it needs. It sounds like a long due fatigue waiting to happen.

Female vocals are still acceptable, but the spikes on the highs and mid highs could spoil the experience. 

Bass

Bass is one thing that still can be appreciated out of all these bad things I said. They are accurate but lacks the punch and depth that some songs could use. It only shows the presence of bass and does nothing to it.

Soundstage

There isn't much to critic on the soundstage performance. All I can say is it is just enough to be accepted not as "narrow"

Comfort

I normally do not critic on the comfort of cans, as most of them are still acceptable up to 2 hours or so, which I feel is sufficient, but the HD202ii, man oh man, the clamp force is like "I'm going to squeeze your head till it explodes." It is really tight and the ears couldn't breath and heats up shortly after 10 minutes or so of listening. Head fatigue and pain would occur, in my case, after 20 minutes or so.

Conclusion

For me, this is my first time giving so much negative comment on a single can, and I am not happy about that. Every can should have their own appreciated way, but I just couldn't accept this HD202. Luckily this is from the older era of Sennheiser, and things have changed dramatically to the better. SO, the last thing I can say, better not get this, get another can, many are better than this

Shonyun 306a portable amp - SO CLOSE

Shonyun (山韵) 306a is quite a reputable portable amp from the mainland China. It has been featured in multiple review sites, and so you will have a tonne of reference in comparison, so I will make it my way, short and straight to the point as usual.

306a on the left, dacport LX on the right

 Packaging

Since what i got is a demo package, so I am not quite sure how accurate is the package content. They include 2x 3.5mm interconnects, one with Choseal Q563A HIFI cable, another with DIY Tefflon silver plated HIFI cable by Ancient River as shown above. The rest in the box includes a charger and the unit itself.

The package itself is made of hard paper box, which is a love or hate thing, depending on what you think of it.

unpacked

The Unit

The unit itself is very simplistic, with the power inlet at the bottom, and source in, out and volume knob on the top. The unit lights up when both in and out are connected, no power switch of any, so you will have to unplug to switch it off, which I kinda not like it (who ever thought of not needing a power switch should be fired). The body is made of metal, which is nice, but why the hell is the surface using acrylic? It will be prone to scratches, which ruins the overall looks.

Battery life is also quite at an acceptable level, on my listening level of 9 o clock, it can last around 10 hours or so in single charge, all thanks to 21V of battery, consisting of 5 x 3.7V in serial. Not forgetting, there is no battery level indicator, it only either lights up the logo, or not. Depleting battery means sudden shutting off of  the amp without notice. What a mood killer!

Power On

The 306a also has a secure feature, where the volume knob can be pushed into make sure you don't accidentally turn it too loud. This I will give a "like" to.

The charge is where the indication of charge level is, instead of the unit itself. When charging it lights up red, and when done lights up green.

charged

charging

Picture extracted from lowyat.net forum.

Sound

Treble

The treble / high range of this amp, although sounds good overall, in a nit pick manner, there are still some wobbly high notes reproduction, which is weird and I couldn't explain it in exact terms except wobble wobble ( like the vocal tone going slight up and down but not changing the tone level -> the vocal vibrations). Putting that aside, the cyrstality level leaves it very suitable for mobile usage, especially line out from devices like iDevice or even Android line out to a DAC then to 306a. The thick sounding source of the usual mobile devices lets the treble on 306a be tamed down and be much comfortable to listen to.

Mids / Vocal

Vocal on the 306a could use some improvements, as the vocals are relatively recessed, and can be clearly heard off modern day music. Drums though are placed quite in a good position, as every hit can be clearly heard, and not missed out or cut off. Overall speaking, the vocal got suppressed by almost all the instruments added up together (feels like the music player is bullying the singer).

Guitar is also a portion that I am quite liking on the 306a. Strikingly appearing, and glares like a sun shining down on the music. 

Bass

The bass on the 306a is what I am loving to the utmost. The bass hits hard, accurate and full of authority. It doesn't scale to the basshead level, but if you appreciate quality bass from bass guitars and bass drums, you will certainly love this one. I never expected such amount of bass out of the Q701, but it did oush out all the bass mass it needs to sound great. Definitely a great bass prone amp, and a good one!

Soundstage

Soundstage on the 306a can be quite a subjective matter that is very much a bull shit debate that can cause a massive forest fire. Even then, I will still comment on it, and depends on your perspective compared to mine. To me, the soundstage is quite wide, and not quite restrictive provided that you have such a good source to decipher it. Staging feel from a concert music is very entertaining, and does not cause a fatigue of tight space feel to the music.

Summary

Likes

• Quality bass
• Secured volume knob
• Environmental packaging
• 2 cables (varies according to retail)

Dislikes

• Lack of power switch
• Acrylic surface finishing
• Lack of battery indication

Conclusion

From an overall look, I do like this amp, and almost will give out the "recommended" stamp, once all the annoyances are fixed, and some features implemented back. IF yu can live through the minor annoyances, this is a good to go amp to buy.

Credits to Stars Picker Enterprise (reg no: CA0199613-A) for loaning the unit for review.
Contact method/details:
Email: starspickeraudio@gmail.com
Facebook shop: Stars Picker (http://www.facebook.com/StarsPicker)
Hp: +6012-3395413 Willy (preferably via lowyat forum - https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=3024046&hl= or any online mode)

Coming soon

Review on the next item will be this item

Shonyun 山韵 306a portable amp that is made in China

credits to the following for the unit loan coming in:

Stars Picker Enterprise (reg no: CA0199613-A)

Location of seller: KL, Hong Kong, China

Contact method/details:
Email: starspickeraudio@gmail.com
Facebook shop: Stars Picker (http://www.facebook.com/StarsPicker)
Hp: +6012-3395413 Willy (preferably via lowyat forum or any online mode)



and of course Shonyun for the unit itself

Sales thread for Shonyun by Stars Picker Ent:https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=3024046&hl=

Philips SHP2000

My uncle recently bought a, as he said, "cheap" headphone to use, and it comes out to be Philips SHP2000 headphone. Philips, as I tend to put it, sells headphones at more of a mainstream uses, except for the fidelio series, so, I didn't expect too much out of the headphone itself. For a 40mm driver, I'm going to expect some heavy bass down on it, and I was right.

SHP2000 - $19.99

Packaging

The packaging is right out of the box, nothing much. Below is shown what you will get.

Headphone + plug= whole package

Sound

Treble

Treble on the SPH2000 is relatively mild and soft, sometimes feels like a little muffled. Not a lot of specialty and mot much to talk about.

Mid

The mids on the SPH is quite mediocre, not too much forwardness, but doesn't seem to be pushed back a lot. Vocal wise is still acceptable, speech or the pronunciations can still be heard quite okay.

Bass

BASSHEADS REJOICE! I would call this SPH2000 quite heavy on bass, but the bass is quite entertaining frankly. Not my taste, but I'm sure some people will appreciate the good bass you can get.

Comfort

I normally do not mention on the comfort of headphones a lot, as they have nothing special. SPH2000's headband is quite uncomfortable on the edges, it sticks and pressures on my head, and feel discomfort almost instantly.

The circled corner is uncomfortable

Conclusion

For $19.99, I can't say this is a bad choice, neither a spectacular one, but I can say this is for budget bassheads. 

AKG Q701

Well, as a start, I can say that most people, if not all, know AKG one way or another, so I will cut the history and all those things, and go straight to what I have with me here, the AKG Q701 Quincy Jones series.

Q701 Lime Green

A little conflict

Before we head into the main review, just a little side note for all you readers, there are 2 manufacturing line to the Q701 as of now, the (used to) made in Austria and the (now) made in China line up. This has been verified by a couple of head-fiers. AKG stated that rest assured as the driver used and materials are still the same, just they shifted to China to reduce manufacturing cost, but then to me the "Made in Austria" embedded in the sides of the can makes it just a tad more awesome and precious.Mine is made in Austria.

Packaging

What do you get? not a lot, only these:

One pair of AKG Q 701 headphones
two single sided detachable cable
sone jack adapter
one storage cradle 

Storage cradle, as they call it

Comfort

Some people may find the Q701 headband quite uncomfortable, due to the design, which has bumps along the headband, which I, myself also don't get the reason behind it. It, to me, is quite uncomfortable after some really long hours, and get some headache due to pressure from the bumps, and will make your hairstyle look wavy~

The earcup is velour and is very comfortable, nuff said.

WTF? @@

Sound

Treble

The high notes on the Q701 is very nice, accurate and crispy. It is not overdone and will seldom hear clippings. All the cymbals and high hats from the drum can be heard quite clearly, which is nice.

Mid Vocals

Vocals are quite forward sounding and to me, is quite suitable for the rock genre and maybe even punk? Guitars excel in the Q701 as you "almost" can hear the plucking of the guitars, and made the guitar seems like it is singing. Main vocalist and background singers are separated quite cleanly.

Bass

Bass on the Q701 is quite subjective. When the genre demands for some powerful bass, it fails to achieve the required task.It has a "barely there" level of bass, which is just about enough to fill the music and not overdo it. To bassheads, move along now, nothing to see here.

Bass mod

I have researched around and found a bass mod that can be done to K702 and also the Q701, and might be to all x7xx series of AKG. Below is what I done:

Special thanks to krizar of headfi, his post is here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/582276/q701-appreciation-thread/4560#post_9960711

Soundstage

Soundstage is where the Q701 is critically acclaimed for, and is famous in it. I have to agree to a certain extent on that, why? Well. the soundstage is wide, but not as exaggerated as the community said it is. It feels more like a wide studio, instead of the soundstage from a football field.

Conclusion

Well, I can say that the benefits of having a Q701 is the very appreciated sound, the exchangable cable and of course the design of the cans itself, it is quite a "street wear" to me, which is nice combination with a good sound. Bass mod is recommended if you feel it lacking the bass you need.

Something random and short

It has been a while since I posted some review, rest assured, I am trying to get some items up for review, kind of in a struggle now. For your information, I do not have the privilege of getting review / sample units easily, I mostly review items that I myself actually bought or borrowed from my friends.

Hence, please, if you have anything that you do not use, you can send to me so I can test it out, and take my time on review and lastly return it to you.

GoVibe Minibox Review

The GoVibe minibox is a plain simple amp without any special features, heck it doesnt even have a volume control. So this review will be short as hell.

Layout

Simple use of numbering to tell you everything

1. Power inlet is beside source input, on the left
2. audio out on the right, with 2 LED: blue for power display, red for charge
3. back is shirt clip

That's all bout the layout

Cable that comes along is one right angle 3.5mm to straight 3.5mm jack. Charger is usb to DC inlet

Sound

Since it's a passive amp, so I am expecting it to not draw it's own characteristics to sound, but merely amplifying what you give them. So, this is a confusing part, does it have it's own colouring or just a impedance lift up? I have no idea

Final word

Cant say much about it, but for people who thinks they need more power, say for 250 ohm headphone maybe, can sure try this unit. It's not expensive at all, really. Maybe a pack of cigarette  or 2.

Colorfly C3

Special thanks to Mr Su for the unit of C3 that he sent over some time ago. Behold is the 1 of the 3 products that Colorfly make, which is the C3, besides the C4 and a powerbank. From their home site, that's all there is.

has MicroSD slot

Interface

The surface of the player is a piece of touch screen glass, and is very prone to scratches and will be visible in front view.

The navigation of the c3 is quite easy to learn, everything is labelled to do what it is supposed to. One problem I find is that the navigation response is slow. It only responds to a press at one time, blinks a second, then only you can navigate your second action. Weirdly, when I put it into a formal wear trousers, it responds crazily and cranks up or drops down the volume a lot. Might be the static in the trousers :/

The home button is the button which is also the button to shut down the player. Somehow I always mess up this part as sometimes that one single button does not respond to my presses. The buttons are actually 2 instead on a single button, but they are so close together that the control couldnt pick up the action.

Layout

The layout on the C3 is somehow what I feel a bit odd, but that's just me, don't know what you think bout the navigation button layout. 3.5mm audio out at the bottom, with the microSD in the middle and USB on the right, now why cram everything at the bottom? It doesn't seem to have a reasonable answer to this.

Who gave the idea of putting everything at the bottom should be fired.

Sound

Treble

The treble is relatively mild on the C3. No irritations due to spiking trebles or disappointment due to lack of it.

Mid

The vocals on C3 is quite a bit laid back. They seem to mix together with the background vocals and all are evenly distributed.

Bass

Bass on the C3 is a bit on the weak side. It doesnt give the impact and speed, but does have a bit of mass to it. Nothing ear massaging and yet I cant call it "quality" bass either.

Conclusion

For the C3, I somehow will stand in the middle and not going to recommend it, and not going to call it "not recommended". Just be sure to try out the piece to the max before deciding. There are much better players at lower price out there, so A-B them to determine your choice.

Hippo CriCri+ Review

The hippo cricri+ is a 24bit 96khz capable DAC+ Amp, with an internal battery to run on, has line in audio, and that makes it one hell of a complete package. The question is, is it good in sound? FYI it packs a TI USB DAC, so should be a not bad one.

Outlook

At first glance, the unit looks real solid, with a brushed metal type look  on it. The power button is by a click away. Volume button is easily controlled, and can maneuver precisely.

Weight

The unit actually is quite light, and can be pocketed without you actually caring about the weight.

Accesories

3.5mm interconnect

USB cable for PC use or charging

Sound

Basically I will be reviewing it as a DAC+ AMP, since it will be more optimal.

Treble

The treble in the cricri+ is quite clean and not sharply spiked. Just a decent quality treble i must say.

Mid

The vocals is quite "in the middle". Not very strongly forward but yet cant be called laid back. Background vocals are quite muffled bits though, but still can be heard.

Bass

Bass on the cricri+ is quite strong I must say, and packs some punches, BUT it will not satisfy basshead's craving for an ear massage. 

Soundstage

Somehow, I really like the amount of width that the cricri+ is able to project. It has a certain extent of airiness, though still not the best of all. 

Conclusion

I would really recommend this unit for people who seeks these in one pack: 1. portable amp 2. home headamp but dislikes bulkiness 3. has an easy drive IEM or headphone. If you fulfil the 3 terms, this is for you.

Burson Audio Soloist + LCD-3 review

Burson Audio Soloist SL

The Soloist SL is one amp that I am quite impressed with. 

Design + build

Burson Audio Soloist SL

Well I can say that I am totally loving the whole aluminium casing idea and it looks really really classy. All the socket connection secures tightly despite frequent plug unplugging. 

One thing that bothers me though is the only rca input, which I did not have the cable for, and had to go out and find one 3.5mm to RCA. Although so, the 2 inputs are quite appreciated so that users can switch between inputs. Great for AB-ing too.

Audeze LCD-3

This headphone is one heavy one i must say, and overall the build is real classy looking, with the comfort of leather that I find wearing a whole day without breaking a sweat. With the package comes along these accessories:

• Ruggedized travel case

• 4-pin to 2x3-pin XLR adapter (for balanced cables)

• Leather care kit
• 4-pin to 6.5mm adapter

Sound

I always love to simplify sound description and not over boast it. In here, I will just directly make judgement and not split them up into 2 sections, since this review is about the synergy of this both.

Treble

The pairing really brought out major detailing that I have yet to hear from what I had, which made me really impressed. All the clear audio really got me going on and on boasting how good the sound is to my surrounding fellow mates.

Vocal / Mids

The mids are quite forward in this pairing, and I can really feel it quite close to me, so I dont miss a single word out of the singer's lyrics. Background vocals are well separated with the main singer, and doesn't get overly mashed up, which also depends on the mastering of the audio.

Bass

The amount of bass in this pair is short and full of power, but not boasting the ear shattering amount. They do little to the bass and is quite focused on the quality of audio and not letting the bass getting all over the music. 

Soundstage

The soundstage is also one of the point that really got me going on boasting. It is really wide, and is one of the best I have heard so far. Nothing came even close to what this pair had to offer. Having listening to some live concert masterings and instrumental ones, I am quite sure this pair will do remarkable experience to classic lovers.

Conclusions:

Well, all thanks to the sponsor, Burson Audio, I had one hell of an experience, and will definitely get this setup once I hit a jackpot. Now the next person in line, get your ears all ready for hell of an experience, mate! And lastly, as always ,  test everything, leave nothing behind.

Big Guns are here

I have finally received the long awaited (at my side at least) for the Audeze LCD-3 and Burson Audio Soloist SL unit. I'll be starting to test it after i get the things set up, for now, pictures of a few

Burson Audio Soloist SL

Audeze LCD-3

Open up

Special  thanks to Burson Audio and Audeze for this wonderful opportunity, I wouldn't be ablke to afford these rigs anyways :/

thinksound MS01

The thinksound MS01 is an IEM brand that I have not heard before till recently. Mr Su from earmass.com was gladly open up, and sent me his pair of MS01 for testing. No packaging was attached along so no review on that section.

Build

The overall build of ThinkSound MS01 is quite cosmetically attractive. With part of the IEM wooden covered, it gives a very nice touch to aesthetics. Cable is quite thin, but it will still not be broken as simply. The Y splitter ensures that the cables do not split all the way to the socket.

Sound

Treble

The treble on the MS01 is quite sharp, but not until the clipping limit. It just shows the crispiness of the music, with the "s" sound hissing around in the music.

Mids / Vocals

The vocals are quite in the middle, not very forward yet not a laid back type. It is can only be said as "you can hear it clearly". It feels like a mixture into the whole music, and not the very appearing.

The mids especially piano type music is quite impressive to speak. Background vocal separation is also very clear cut. 

Bass

Bass in the MS01 has an extend of power, and accuracy, but not too bloated out or heavy that causes noxious feelings. 

Thought on MS01

The MS01 is quite a nice piece of IEM, with clear accurate bass, mid centric vocals. The only thing i wished for a slight tone down would be the trebles. After that, this IEM will be very ready to be mainstream. Lastly, as always,  test everything, leave nothing behind.

HiFiMan RE-400

Credits to: HiFiMan.com

HiFiMan has been one of the most reputable "underdog" in the audiophile industry. Most of us will go o.0 when you hear HiFiMan, and the word China. Yeah, China brand. Neverr underestimate HiFiMan though, they make very little but real serious equipment that are meant to fly high and not break the bank. One of them is the RE-400 IEM, code name "Waterline".

Design

The RE-400 is one of the IEM which is quite small in size, and fits almost fully inside your ears, snuggling comfortably. You can literally take it on a day without any misfits or fatigues.

 The IEM uses a 45 angle jack, which some may appreciate, some not so.

Packaging

What you see in the image below is what you will get inside.

4 sets of tips, 1 single flange, 3 double flanges, cable holder, 10 filters, a carrying case

Sound

The RE-400 has a relatively relaxing type of sound signature. Overall I can say it fits multiple genre, and excel in most of them.

Treble

Treble in RE-400 does not give that ear piercing high, instead it keeps it there and with just sufficient amount to mix with the whole genre. Drums can be clearly heard, and not miss any details on guitars or percussions.

Mid / Vocals

Vocals are quite forward and placed quite evenly among the musical instruments. It doesnt give the Grado feel of mid, but yet is not the Beyerdynamic laid back. It's somewhere in between.

Bass

Bass on RE-400 is one of the thing that I am most impressed with. Not much mass on the bass, but they can give a short and darn accurate bass hits that I could get some slight goosebumps. Note: not for bassheads.

Conclusion

Well, what can I say, for USD99.00, this is one hell of a bargain not to be missed. Everyone ranging from new and learning audiophiles to old-timers, recommended to get this bastard right away. This is one low cost high grade IEM that should be in every one's pockets.My usual motto will keep going : " test everything, leave nothing behind."

Sansa Clip+ Review

Clip+ has been with me for quite some time, and made a review in a local audio forum, so i extreacted it and put it here:

here is how i view this clip+

Interface:

Since i rockbox directly cause of Rockbox's reputation, i dont even bother with the AMS (stock sansa firmware), but during the installation, i still had to go through the default interface, and startup time was waay slower than of RB. Navigation on stock took me some time to get used to, and now the RB part, that is what i like. Very straightforward, startup within a second or two, file browsing is so damm easy i can relate it to windows navigation, it's that easy.

RB features are very comprehensive and will only show what u wanna know on the playing interface, not eye candies!! Files are separated into SD directory and the internal storage, and from there, separated again to audiobooks, FM etc etc u get the point..

Configuration section is where it gets a bit technical, u get a series of audio configurations like compression, crossfade time, forward time configurable to span between tracks, and seconds. EQ has much more customization from stock. Heck it even has channel configuration, stereo/mono/custom/mono left or right/karaoke (triple LOL). I am lazy now to list out all the configuration list, but it is damm complex inside.

Best thing on the interface is u can save it into a cfg file, nice one!

Audio quality

Provided now that all the audio configuration left untouched, i am using UM Miracle as reference here, which is my favorite IEM and no other i had is better. Bass is quite packing a punch, and can clearly listen to the tone of each bass and where the tone start and stop clearly. Mid is very forward and vocals are clear and the speech (or singing) of the artist is clearly what u can decipher, no blur spots. But it dies get cramped up when there are background vocals. High tones are not very highly pitched, i say is a bit flat and not much crystality, good for me that it does not create ear fatigue/ear pain due to overly high trebles.

Done with bass mid treble, now soundstage.. not much wide to say, quite feels like the orchestra is around me, and im not seating at the spectator seats.. more like the center mike i think..

Some other features i dont bother to try yet, cause i will less likely be using them, i only focus on why we buy DAP, to listen music, top priority! well not to mention that this thing is puny but can really bring out details in music i listen to. Oh yaa, forgot to mention, this although is a 2 tone display - it can display JPG !! Ugly but still.. can be viewed..

Oh and err, i used to have cube c30 and x19HD, both dies and are in the bins now, but if they were alive, i still take sansa clip+ as preference number 1

Summary:

Advantage:

Good SQ
Dirt Cheap
Lots of customizability - themes, games, comprehensive configurations
Image viewer
Puny small
Clip on
Simple navigation buttons
microSD expansion
long battery life as they claim compared to stock firmware
while playing, displays only what u need to know, no garbage
plays 24bit/48

Disadvantage:

Plug in to PC to transfer files to SD = speed loss slightly
too technical configurations for some
ugly 2 tone images
Sound configuration may cause bad SQ to appear if not set correctly
cant display chinese on default RB
chances of losing it is higher

I will definitely push people to find this rare item now, if they need a player, no matter what they want!

Songs used:

On strangers tide OST - for orchestral
Black Shelton - Red river blue - vocals and mixtures
Limp Bizkit - Gold Cobra- Bass test and mids
Minutes to midnight - High pitch test < - 24 bit FLAC
David guetta- nothing but the beat - bass and highs test, techno style
Chinese orchestra - soundstage test

Okay, that's all for the day, and as always, test everything, leave nothing behind.

Shure SE535 reviewed

Well, this unit i got is a relatively used one, so it has some flaws in the cosmetic looks, but still works fine and is eligible for a review.Instead of using this IEM image, I suggest you google around for the looks of the IEM.

SE535 specifications:
Driver: Triple Balanced Armature

Design

As all other universal fit IEM, the design is rather similar, the unit I got is a clear colour variation. Wearing it was very simple and hassle free. You folks might want to take note on the small nozzle when picking a tip for it. It is much smaller than the other normal tip nozzle you might have. 

Cable

Since I got the clear cable along with the IEM(which I am not sure if it is the stock cable), I will comment a two on this cable and the flaws. One thing I observed is the greening of the cable from the inside, and will ruin the cosmetic beauty of the cable, but still is quite functional.

SE535, as with other Shure SE IEMs, use their in-house socket, sort of a round clip, which makes the search for after-market cable be challenging.

Notice the socket SE uses

Sound 

Bass

Bass on the SE535 was short and accurate. I really quite liked how they portray the amount of bass mix with the music. It doesn't go over board and doesn't cause fatigue from over power.

Mid

The mids and vocals on SE535 is quite pronounced and very appearing. I would also call it a forward mid IEM. Something that bothers me is the occasional over power of the background vocals, making the main vocal getting pushed behind. YMMV.

Treble

SE535 has one of the trebles that I find is quite appealing. It doesn't get over sharp or crisped. This will definitely suit long hours of music listening comfortably. You still can hear all the details but they don't get very annoying after long hours listening.

Soundstage

The soundstage is quite wide, leaving echo trails quite long, and I could feel the airiness in the music. Totally loving the relax and wide soundstage.

Conclusion

Besides the depreciation from the cable, I seriously think this is one juicy piece of IEM really worth considering, with that subtle amount of bass, appearing vocals and clean treble, wide soundstage, I do not see anything wrong with this IEM except addiction problems :P This IEM gets my first IEM stamp of approval. As always, test everything, leave nothing behind.