Introduction When I first heard about High Fidelity Cables’s magnetic conduction technology, my first thought was a mixture of snake oil with unicorn tears. After listening to their offerings on my own setup and a few others, I’ve capitulated. They even made it on the Discovery Channel. Now, I own many of their power products and…
1MORE MK802 Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphone Review
1MORE is a Taiwan-based audio company and they’re making huge moves in audiophile-land. Their quad driver IEM recently won the Los Angeles Audio Show 2017 Alfie Awards in the Personal Audio category. If that wasn’t impressive enough, they also have the backing of musician Jay Chou. Their goal is to produce uncompromising quality (both in sound…
Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Bluetooth Headphone Review
Introduction Audio-Technica’s new flagship wireless headphone is finally here and it’s bringing something new to the table. Most bluetooth headphones have a DAC built into the cups/buds themselves but the new Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT ($550) and DSR7BT ($300) both use Pure Digital Drive, a DAC-less technology. Basically the digital signal from your laptop/phone goes directly into a…
Los Angeles Audio Show 2017 – Day 2 & 3
Here’s what 99% coverage looks like. What I’ve learn from this show: If you step into a room and it’s warm because the AC has been turned off…they mean business.
Los Angeles Audio Show 2017 – Day 1
The 2017 Los Angeles Audio Show held at the Sheraton Gateway was very well organized. Driving to the venue from Downtown LA wasn’t bad at all at 10 am. Parking was a breeze. Check-in was easy, the event booklet was helpful, and there was even signage on the elevator doors to direct you to some…
Abyss AB-1266 Phi Headphone Debut – Preliminary Review and How it Compares to V1
Quick impressions! The Abyss Phi made its debut at SoCal CanJam 2017. The original Abyss was my reference headphone for the past few years and I was excited to hear the updated drivers. Many in the community were curious as to whether the upgrade was worth $1,500. New doesn’t necessarily mean better. The original was…
HiFiMAN HE-1000 V2 Headphone Review
The original HE-1000 was a part of my shootout a few years ago. I remember how comfortable and sweet the headphone sounded. I mentioned if the HEK had more shine and a blacker background, it would compete hard with the Abyss. For what it was worth, I had a few music lovers over and 90% of…
World’s Best Electrostatic Headphones – Sennheiser Orpheus HE 1, HIFIMAN Shangri-La, and Mr. Speakers Electrostatic
I was fortunate enough to stop by Source AV’s Electrostatic Headphone Event earlier tonight. It was fun sharing impressions and talking audio with all the folks there. What I liked the most about this event were the private rooms. Listening under normal “show conditions” weren’t applicable anymore and you’re now able to audition gear in isolation away…
Audeze Sine Portable Planar Magnetic Headphone Review
Introduction A few readers have requested a review of the Audeze Sine ($449). When I first heard the Audeze Sine at CanJam 2016, my first thought was “Oh man, on-ears? Painful.” And indeed, it was. It was painful while they were on my head and even more when I took them off. I really didn’t…
Sennheiser HD 800 S Review – A Pure, Smooth, and Balanced Headphone
I reviewed the infamous HD 800 here. As mentioned, with the Anax mod, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend that headphone for a price point under $2,000. As ludicrous as it sounds, it’s a fantastic value for an audiophile-grade headphone. In order to free myself from time limitations on the review, I purchased the HD800S outright. Equipment…