[Impression] FiiO E02i Rocky

E02i is basically FiiO’s answer to those who want to use their iPhone with amp but also want the function of remote and mic. Inline amp isn’t exactly the most welcomed of solution among audiophile since line-out has always been the prime choice for amping. However, given how well iPhone’s (and Apple’s products in general) headphone-out behaves, and negative from double amping is outweighed by the convenient of having one device that can do it all. That’s what E02i is about – an amp with bass boost that also acts as remote and mic. Add in your favourite pair of IEM and you got yourself a minimalistic rig.

[REVIEW] Rock It Sounds R-10, R-11, R-20, R-30, R-50 and R-Shield

It seems to come from nowhere but suddenly the R-50 from Rock It Sounds is taking Head-fi like a storm. The company is using the same OEM/ODM company we have seen in Head-fi before, but manage to tweak the products to their own design. Here is a complete overview of their current line-up.

Happy Holidays... and an announcement.

Another year comes and goes, and we have seen the busiest year at this blog so far. I was a bit late last year, and even more so this years. For that, I'll like to apologize for those who are still waiting for review that are yet to come. However, there are also a few important announcements I'll like to make right after the break.

SM64

No, not the Nintendo Super Mario 64. 

EarSonics is replacing its SM3 with an upcoming new model called SM64 - three drivers, three ways, but interestingly with what they called an 'impedance corrector' in the crossover circuit. Is it the same kind of circuit used by TDK on BA200? Hopefully yes, as it will make the IEM much easier to pair with different sources. However, with impedance as high as 112ohm, I don't see much of a problem anyway. Yes it is on the higher side of things, but sensitivity is very high as well, so typical source like iPod should drive it loud enough.

From my audition of SM2 and SM3, EarSonics tends to sound way too laid back even as a stage monitor and totally out of my preference (and I do have a fairly loose preference for a person who collect IEM). Well, If SM64 carries the same house sound, I am not sure I'll like it either.

Oh, no price yet.

[REVIEW] DUNU Crater, Hawkeye, Tai Chi and I 3C-S

It has been a year and a half since DUNU comes back to the IEM market and they are still busy bolstering their line-up. DN-17 Crater, DN-18 Hawkeye, DN-19 Tai Chi, and I 3C-S are the latest models to hit the market and we will take a quick look over them.