October Fest

Just when I was enjoying my oversea vacation a week ago, Maxell quietly released a new hybrid flagship to the Japanese market. It is the MXH-DBA900, featuring the same one dynamic + one BA configuration as their previous DBA700 but come with over-double the price tag (~US$205). The DBA700, which is priced under US$100, is well worth the price but not particularly a giant killer in any way. With Maxell confidently prices the new DBA-900 much higher than DBA-700, hopefully we can see it finally competing with the big boys head-on.

CHX series

On other hand, Audio-Technica is doing its thing by releasing way too many new models again. This time they have two new series (*worth noting, there are actually more models being released), the CHX series (2 models: CHX5 and CHX7) which is really more earbuds than IEM and the IM series which composed of dual dynamic (IM50, IM70) to multi-BA configuration (one BA for IM01, two for IM02, three for IM03, four for IM04). Price go from as cheap as US$60 (IM50) to as much as $600 (IM04). The good news is that isn't any dreadful MMCX connector insight even though AT goes for removable cable on all models.

One question remains: would the new IM04 spells the end of the CK100 Pro as flagship? Though I do have to say the new IM04 does look too dull for the price tag.

[Impression] Lear C2 custom IEM cable

Early in the year, I reviewed the Lear LCM-5. Though it is excellent sounding, the stock cable does look a little dull. At the time, Lear already announced they will release an upgrade cable for those who want to complete the whole package of sound and look. It has been released a few months ago and it is called the C2. Oh, it is actually quite affordable too.

[Impression] FireStone Audio Fireye Mini+

I have reviewed the Fireye Mini from FireStone Audio a while ago and now an updated version has come out. The Mini+ keeps to the ultra-portable size while adding in a few more very useful features and mending some of its predecessor’s shortcomings.

[Impression] NuForce MMP

It seems there is a sudden surge of volume-control-less, fixed boost type of ultra-portable amps being released to the market in the recent months, likely targeting the smartphone users market which has seen enormous growth globally in the last few years. NuForce is following the trend and comes out with a small amp called the Mobile Music Pump, or MMP for short.

[Preview] FiiO E18 Kunlun – Surprise, Surprise.

The E18 Kunlun is the latest portable amp/DAC for our favoritest budget amp company FiiO. Different from the E17, the new E18 is built for pretty much exclusive for Android devices. Well, it does work as a USB DAC on PC or as a standalone amp, but being an Android DAC is what it really is all about.

[REVIEW] Nocs NS600 Crush

Dual dynamic has become quite a common place these days, and the Nocs NS600 Crash is one of them. I have to admit that I am a big fan of titanium diaphragm when it comes to small dynamic transducer. Almost every IEM or small portable speaker that I own which has a titanium diaphragm coated driver tends to pull ahead of the competition. Though only the treble driver has the coating, does the NS600 Crash have an outstanding performance as well? Well, let’s find out.

Noble

After leaving Heir Audio, Dr. John Moulton, the man who commonly known as 'Wizard' among custom IEM user, now has a company of his own. The new company is called Noble Audio, with custom IEM available for order and universal models to come in a later time.

[Impression] Spider Surround Pro Amp

Last time when we take a look at Spider, they were mainly a cable and IEM company. Now however, their product range covers everything from full sized headphone and small portable amps, including the Surround Pro that will be reviewed here.

Roxanne

Jude @ Head-fi is previewing some of the new stuff that are going to be released in upcoming CanJam 2013. Among them, the new JH Audio Siren Series Roxanne - a 12 driver per side, 2 ways crossover IEM with a new JHA proprietary 4 pins earpiece connector and variable bass switch. It will be priced around US$1600. Once again, Jerry is at the forefront of IEM innovation. Bravo.

Check out the Jude full length youtube video after the break.

Triple Goodness

It certainly takes them some time but Fischer Audio finally released the successor of DBA-02, and it is a triple driver. The new TBA-04 goes the same way as Sony XBA series by using a full range driver couples with two drivers that 'extend and smooth overall frequency response'. Anyway, the MSRP is $300.

[Impression] Stoner Acoustics UD110 - Tiny DAC, Evolved.

When the UD100 was first introduced by Stoner Acoustics a year ago, it was almost an instant hit and even started a trend of affordable ultra-miniature USB DAC with great sound quality among other manufacturers. The new UD110 is pretty much Stoner Acoustics’ answer to the competition by addressing some of the shortcoming on the UD100 as well as adding a set of new features that still fit onto a tiny PCB and sold for the same price @ US$49 + $3 shipping.




The new UD110, next to the UD100 in TF reader housing.