Tag Archives: Review

Review of the HiSoundAudio Crystal – Small size, with a Big sound

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Pros: Small size, mids, highs
Cons: Microphonics, no cable management, lows, sibilance

Packaging & Accessories: 7.5/10
Build Quality: 8/10
Design & Look: 9/10
Microphonics (higher ratings means lower cable noise): 6/10
Isolation: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10
Audio Quality: 8/10
Value: 8.5/10
My final Rating: 8/10

Purchase Date: May 2012
Purchase Price: £70

First of all, I would like to thank Jack, at HiSoundAudio for sending me out the Crystal for review.
The Crystal, is a very small earphone, that reminds me of some sorts of the Klipsch Image X10 and the Etymotic earphone range. In other words, small earphones that are very concealed within your ear canal.
After hearing the X10 and the HF2’s briefly, I didn’t have many expectations for the Crystal – that however quickly changed, when I put the Crystal in my ears for the first time.

Crystal - Contents

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Review of the Phonak Audéo PFE 232 – The Best Universal Earphones I’ve Heard to Date

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Pros: Highs, Mids, Bass response for BA drivers, comfort, build quality
Cons: Sibilance, price, isolation, needs to be driven

Packaging & Accessories: 9/10
Build Quality: 10/10
Design & Look: 10/10
Microphonics (higher ratings means lower cable noise): 10/10
Isolation: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10
Audio Quality: 10/10
Value: 7/10
My final Rating: 9.5/10

Purchase Date: April 2012
Purchase Price: £400

First and foremost, I would like to send out a huge thanks (and hug?) to David, over at Phonak Audéo in sending out the PFE232’s to me, for review!

I would also like to point something out about the PFE232’s in relation to the P-Series tips – this was made aware to me by Comply:
“This tip series has a threaded core. While this core is fairly flexible and may stretch to accommodate the sound port of the PFE232 – there is a significant risk that attaching or disengaging a P-Series tip would damage the sound port. I highly discourage any customer from using the P-Series tip with this earphone. Any time you force a tip that is too small onto a sound port, you risk stressing that sound port in such a manner that could cause damage. We have heard of, and have experienced, cracking or breaking of sound ports in these situations (not speaking of Audeo specifically, but of forcing or attempting by force to put a tip onto, or remove a tip from a device that is not compatible with the Comply™Foam tip used in the attempt.)”
(Thus, please do not use the P-Series tips with your PFE232’s)

The Phonak Audéo PFE 232, also known as the PFE232’s are one of the best earphones I have heard to date. These earphones define for me the best universal fit earphones I have ever heard. That said, these do have some slight flaws, such as their sibilance, their isolation and most of all their price tag.
Apart from those few things, the PFE232’s I find are a class-leading earphone, whilst maintaining only 2 Balance Armature (BA) drivers in each ear piece.
Without further ado let’s get on with this review!

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Review of the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS77 – The earphones with a “Big Presence”

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Pros: Bass, price, soundstage, highs
Cons: Microphonics, design

Packaging & Accessories: 6/10
Build Quality: 7/10
Design & Look: 7/10
Microphonics (higher ratings means lower cable noise): 3/10
Isolation: 6/10
Comfort: 9/10
Audio Quality: 9/10
Value: 10/10
My final Rating: 9/10

Purchase Date: April 2012
Purchase Price: £60

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS77, abbreviated as the CKS77’s are an interesting earphone that I was recommended to try. These earphones I found, were an absolute steal at their price of around £60. They come at a very competitive price range, but I feel absolutely deserve to be in a high price bracket, £100+ rather than the sub £100 category. However like with almost every earphone I’ve heard these, aren’t perfect and especially are not suited for everyone.

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Review of the RedGiant A04 Incus – The Shining Star

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Pros: Bass, highs, wire
Cons: Fit, weight, mids, availability

Packaging & Accessories: 8/10
Build Quality: 9/10
Design & Look: 6/10
Microphonics (higher ratings means lower cable noise): 5/10
Isolation: 7/10
Comfort: 5/10
Audio Quality: 7.5/10
Value: 9/10
My final Rating: 8/10

Purchase Date: April 2012
Purchase Price: £40 – Limited availability as of April-May 2012, Price taken from Amazon.ca listing

First of all, I would like to thank Rob, over at RedGiant for sending me the A04’s for review! Thanks Rob!

The RedGiant A04 Incus, known as the A04, is the cheapest model in the RedGiant product line. It comes in at a very reasonable price, where your average customer would be willing to splash out on some new so called “high-end earphones” as they like to put it – these for me were priced perfectly in-between the Denon AH-C260 (£25), Sennheiser CX400II (£25), & the Sony EX510/500’s (£40-50).
Let’s get on with this review!

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Review of the RedGiant A03 Ossicle – The Hidden Gem

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Pros: Highs, lows, design
Cons: Size & fit, availability, mids, packaging

Packaging & Accessories: 8/10
Build Quality: 9/10
Design & Look: 8/10
Microphonics (higher ratings means lower cable noise): 9/10
Isolation: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Audio Quality: 8/10
Value: 9/10
My final Rating: 8/10

Purchase Date: April 2012
Purchase Price: £90 – Limited availability as of April-May 2012, Price taken from Amazon.ca listing

First of all, I would like to thank Rob, over at RedGiant for sending me the A03’s for review! Thanks Rob!

The RedGiant A03 Ossicle, also known as the A03, is a dual dynamic earphone, which means 2 dynamic drivers in each ear (8mm & 14.3mm drivers) – You can read more about it, and some of the other specs, over on their website.
I have to say that the A03 really impressed me at first listen, and still ceases to amaze me. That said, it’s sound signature isn’t for everyone and some might even have some fit problems.
So, let’s see how well it fairs!

 

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