THE REVIEWS
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FIIO Q3 REVIEW
The FiiO Q3 ($149) represents the second product of a similar voice from FiiO and it is equally impressive in form factor, aesthetic, and technical abilities. But, how does it sound? Yes, there is a family resemblance in the voices of these two products—an IEM and a DAC/Amp—in terms of musicality, transparency, engagement. And value per dollar spent continues to be truly impressive. But, really how does it sound?
MEZE 99 CLASSICS REVIEW
The review today is of the Meze 99 Classics ($309) another beautifully designed and appointed headphone, where, once again, form follows function follows technological wherewithal. And again, like its brethren the 99 Classic has been created as a musical instrument intent on letting the music flow in order to engage, enthrall, and entertain.
VISION EARS EVE REVIEW
Some might think the EVE an anomaly for what it does in service of the music, with its outstanding transparency—detail, microdynamics, articulation—its superb musicality, its speedier than The Flash transients, and its top to bottom coherency. However it is for us, very much in line with what we consider the Holy-Music-Lovers-Grail.
IBASSO AMP9 MODULE REVIEW
The iBASSO AMP9 module is unique in that it utilizes “high current vacuum tubes” for power generation. The tube in question is the sixth generation, Korg and Noritake Nutube vacuum tube, which clearly reflects the “old is new again” adage. And, in this respect, the AMP9 module brings an analog sound signature as opposed to an analog-like sound signature.
IBASSO IT00 REVIEW
The IT00s renders a very coherent tuning from top to bottom with good air on top, a clear, engaging midrange. and a taunt, impactful bass. There is a warmth that wells up from the bass the nicely textures the midrange and vocals without smearing or obscuring detail.
IBASSO AM05 REVIEW
The AM05 renders an extended, clear, sweet voicing with quite good resolution, tone and timbre. And it does this in a very musically engaging and transparent way. It should definitely be noted that in single-ended mode the AM05 is imbued with a dollop of warmth.
IBASSO DX220/AMP1 MK II REVIEW
We were initially going to review only the iBASSO DX220 as aligned to the AMP9—a tubed module wherein there was great consensus that it would fall within our “sound niche.” But then we took a cursory listen to the iBASSO DX220 with the prix fixe AMP1 Mk II card with several headphones/IEMs, well, ‘it was on!’