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."