Hifiman RE-272 Reviewed

Introduction:

First off, thanks to Hifiman for choosing me to be part of the review tour. Thanks also to mukulymn for loaning me his RE262 for an extended time.

But, the IEM couldn't have chosen a busier week to arrive. I could not spend as much time as I wanted with the review sample. I am not as half as gifted as many when it comes to writing descriptions and using appropriate terms. Usually, when I choose to write the occasional review, I go through different modes of comparison and periods of staying away from IEMs so that I can purge all that fragile memory and take a fresh perspective on the IEM (and ones in comparison). Since I did not have that luxury in a compressed time frame, I had to squeeze in as much comparison as I could and be satisfied with an 'on the surface' impression. But, that doesn't stop me from making this opinion piece lengthy. So, please remain patient while I take you on a long subjective, opinionated blabber.

Review: Sunrise Audio XCited

Introduction

Thanks to Lend Me Ur Ears for the review sample.

Unusually, Sunrise Audio did not get my attention last year with their IEM (XCape v1), but with their ear buds, especially the AS-Charm. I am more an IEM addict than an ear bud enthusiast and hence did not buy any of them. Actually, at that time, I was least interested in XCape v1 (RE0 with case, warmth and bass? pass...). When my interest in XCape v1 finally piqued, it had been discontinued. With that curiosity about the sound of Sunrise IEMs still at the back of my mind, I could not pass up the opportunity, when a chance came up for reviewing one of Sunrise Audio's latest offerings, "XCited".

Head-Direct RE1: Revisited

Introduction

Sometimes, you want to go back and look at the past - in this case, the reviews I did. One of the past reviews that caught my eye was that of RE1. Here's a review, which at that time was my first attempt to break off from one liner reviews and explore a bit on the 'wild side'. While I wouldn't dare say that I've honed the fine skills in the art of reviewing, I'll say I've learned a few more things compared to last year. I still have much to read, to learn and  to observe before I can even feel nice about my own reviews. That has not happened yet and may not, ever. But, it's a long path crossed from then to now. Let's see some highlights -

Quick Review: Monster Turbine and Nuforce NE-7m

First off thanks to haraakiri for arranging this loaner.

Monster Turbine

Introduction

I was always intrigued by these Monster Turbine series IEMs, which unlike their ridiculously overpriced cables (or their fugly associations with celebrities like Justina) are well received in head-fi. So when an opportunity presented itself to try out Monster Turbine, their most basic version of the series, I accepted gladly. Little did I know that within that time constraint, I'd work on my monstrously (pun intended) long GR07 review or that most of my $50-100 IEMs would be out on loan. Instead of keeping the listening pleasure to myself, I thought I'd do a quick write-up with whatever limited resources (time, comparison IEMs) I've got. So, this is not a complete review, but just a quick listening impression based on the few hours I've managed to spend time with MT.

VSonic GR07: Exquisitely Balanced

Introduction:

In a self destructing way, I justify every IEM purchase with a rational reason. When GR07 appeared on the head-fi scene, my little IEM wearing red devil woke up and said "Let there be a stage monitor!" and there it was - after a few clicks at Lendmeurears and Paypal, I had the bulging large pack of VSonics at my door. Is the IEM devil right in destroying my finances to the tune of $155? The answer lies at the end of a wall of words (and I mean it - including comparison to 7 other IEMs, a little over 7,000 words).

Tale of two brands: Xears and Brainwavz - 11 IEMs compared

Introduction:

Xears is a German web site that sells IEMs (and now even MP3 players) under the Xears brand.  IEMs are also available through the ebay store 4Satisfaction Store.

For someone who has not heard about Xears through the reviews at Head-fi, it's easy to get confused with a garden variety of names, shapes and prices (apart from the long list of discontinued models both under the Xears name as well as Playaz Audio). One interesting fact that sets apart Xears IEMs is that they have no concept of fixed price. Web site and eBay store prices don't match at times and it's not that hard to see an IEM sell at €90 and €20 weeks apart. I've come to regard them as something akin to a small-cap stock whose prices fluctuate widely and wildly on a daily basis. As a result, it's tough to assign Value for money rating as you are valuing against a moving target. Luckily, most Xears IEMs can be had for $25-50 shipped at some point in their life.

Brainwavz is MP4Nation's line up of re-branded / re-tuned IEMs, mostly based on Visang R series. 

At the time of writing the long review (12th February, 2011), I owned five Xears IEMs and have the entire M series (Pro Alpha, M1, M2 and M3) available as loaners, but since then have bought Xears TDIII, Brainwavz M2 and obtained Brainwavz Alpha for free along with Nanite N2 player.But, I no longer have Pro Alpha and M1 for comparisons. Be warned! It is going to be an annoying long diatribe crossing 5,000 words. I will review the IEMs in the order of my preference.

Earsonics SM3 v1: Initial Imperssions

(This is an updated and re-written version of my original impressions thread at TechEnclave here)

Introduction

14 months ago, I started on a wonderful and wallet thinning journey into the world of IEMs. December of 2010 was a milestone month in that journey. I got TF10, e-Q5, FX700 and last but not the least, Earsonics SM3 all delivered within weeks of each other. SM3 is of particular interest to me, since it has been hailed as the world's best universal IEM by some, which is not without strong disagreements from few others. The following is my own take on SM3. I urge any one who does not yawn after a few paras to read my disclaimer and guide to reading this review