Phase to Phase

The new CKR series from Audio Technica has actually been announced a few weeks ago, but they only just hit the street in Japan. The lower end of the series (ATH-CKR7) isn't that interesting, but the higher end models (ATH-CKR9 / -CKR10) features what AT called 'Dual Phase' dynamic drivers. Basically it is a dual dynamic driver setup in opposite phase and direction (if they are in the same direction, they would have cancelled each other. But instead they are enhancing each other in the current setup). It is a rather unconventional design, to say the least. CKR9 will be around US$260 and CKR10 will be around $350.

Silver is the New Gold

In celebration of the upcoming 100th anniversary, Ortofon is releasing a new IEM, the e-Q8. It features the same design as the e-Q7, but comes with a new moving armature driver with pure silver coil, pretty much the first of its kind. MSRP is around US$400.

[REVIEW] beyerdynamic DX 160 iE

Almost a year ago, I reviewed the XP series (XP1, XP2 and XP3) from beyerdynamic, which is sold only in Asia. The company has since introduced a few higher end models, including the DX 160 iE that is going to be reviewed here. Priced at about US$120, is it going to sound double as good as the half-priced XP series?

[REVIEW] Brainwavz Delta, R1 and R3

Well, Brainwavz is a brand that really doesn’t need much introduction. It started much like a side project for mp4nation.net to introduce hidden jewels among Chinese IEM to the oversea market and now it transforms into a full-fledged production line of its own. The Delta (US$22.50), R1 (US$44.50) and R3 (US$129.50) are part of their current offering.

[Impression] miniwatt n4

The Hong Kong based company miniwatt has quite an interesting history as they have the tendency to focus on one product at a time. I actually won their first product a few years ago in a contest, and it was the tiny tube based speaker amp called S1. The n4 under review here however has nothing to do with tube anymore, but a DAC + headphone-amp aiming toward the PC audiophiles.