THE REVIEWS
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VISION EARS ERLKÖNIG -REVIEW
The ERLKÖNIG is a tunable IEM in that it has four settings hidden beneath its faceplates. These settings allow for a certain customization, though I found but one—setting #2—that was musical and with a good measure of bass. But like all of the other settings there was little if any sub-bass reach and a decided lack of tautness and drive across all settings. It was thus the typical Balanced Armature (BA) sub-bass that is seldom satisfying.
The MMR GÁEBOLG -REVIEW
The GáeBolg is beautifully designed and engineered. It voice is, without doubt, engineered for lovers of music or music lovers, in that the lower treble and the midrange and the upper bass conjure an intoxicating warmth, that happily abides resolution and clarity and engagement. The GáeBolg may well keep one listening for long hours on end, I can easily attest to that. And yet, despite its lack of sub-bass reach many, I believe, may well find it just their cup of tea.
NOBLE AUDIO SULTAN -REVIEW
The Noble Audio Sultan wears a beautiful aesthetic that speaks to a luxury good or, in this case, a flagship IEM. It is, however, very particular with regard to the type of eartips it is paired with and I highly recommend foam (and foam are rarely my first choice) and a stellar source. Properly mated and it will provide for wonderfully satisfying music with very good treble extension and good, thought not great bass/sub bass reach.
FIIO FD5 - REVIEW
If you’re looking for a flagship IEM but don’t have the money traditionally associated with owning one, then your journey may well end with the FiiO FD5. And one listen, after it is properly burned in, will find you with an IEM of tremendous value and impressive, musical talent.
THE STAX SR-L700MkII - REVIEW
Transparency, clarity, speed, soundstage are all next-level with the SR-L700MkII. And it will absolutely shine on live recordings, open halls, cathedrals, choral, chamber, symphony arrangements (with caveat), intimate cafes, even rock (given the proper supporting equipment). The SR-L700MkII will bring the air, the width, stage depth, and height associated with each of the songs that it renders.
BAKOON AMP-13R REVIEW
The Bakoon AMP-13R is much like a great leader or coach or a superstar athlete in that its inclusion with any combination of capable components will lift all boats to levels that they may not have experienced, previously. Please don’t take my word for it, seek out the Bakoon AMP-13R and discover this for yourself. The truth in this case will be in the listening and the subsequent lifting of all boats/components in your respective, head-fi systems. Finally, the Bakoon AMP-13R performed flawlessly over the course of its entire stay!
PERIODIC AUDIO CARBON REVIEW
The Periodic Carbon ($399) is a minimalist design. There are no frills or fancy packaging or fancy accessories. It is a what you see is what you get IEM and the folks at Periodic Audio like it that way. The Carbon is a bass-rendering champion with few peers, at its price point. So if the Holy-Bass-Head-Grail is what you seek, you will be taken to it posthaste and you will not regret that journey. The Periodic Audio Carbon is very transparent, dynamic, and has lightening fast transients.