Because of Arthur at Power Holdings, I was given the opportunity to spend a few weeks with the Violectric V281 Limited Edition. Over the past couple years Arthur was getting blown up by customers...
Show full review
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Latest reviews
Filters
Show only:
Loading…
geoffalter11
Headphoneus Supremus
For Violectric HPA V281 in Desktop Amps
Pros: 10 New Features - Will Discuss in review
Inky Black Background
Wonderful Energy and Dynamics Below 500k
It is the Freaking Violectric V281
Wonderful with High Impedance Dynamics
Extremely Proficient with Lower Impedance Headphones
Extremely Flexible with Gain Options
Amp ONLY - No option for a DAC
Inky Black Background
Wonderful Energy and Dynamics Below 500k
It is the Freaking Violectric V281
Wonderful with High Impedance Dynamics
Extremely Proficient with Lower Impedance Headphones
Extremely Flexible with Gain Options
Amp ONLY - No option for a DAC
Cons: It is the Violectric V281 - With So Much New Stuff, Does It Still Have a Place in a Sea of Amps?
Not Really Anything.
Not Really Anything.
Last edited:
View previous replies…
geoffalter11
I think the remote was used for their new AIOs as the remote has upsampling at the top, which is not something the V281 can do. But, it is a really nice remote. I don't use remotes, my system is all right at my fingertips. I am not the listen on a chair away from my system kind of listener. I need to be multi-tasking. I have trained myself to listen completely while writing or doing something else, generally audio related, like reading reviews or learning about other pieces of gear. It feels more like a concert that way for me where I have all of these other things to take into account to feel the energy of the venue, people, music, etc. I don't know, definitely more than one way to skin the cat, that is for sure.
tlcocks
Another great review, Geoff! I still really enjoy reading your reviews and wish you the best!
geoffalter11
Thanks Tim
wazzupi
Headphoneus Supremus
Watercooler Travel Team
Pulling out the Head-Fi muscle
Pros: Pros:
-Staging (depth and height is some of the best i've heard to date)
-Imaging (space between instruments is the best i've heard to date)
-Resolution just TOTL level
-Vocals (female particulary a strength)
-Acoustics and (live) are just superb
-Staging (depth and height is some of the best i've heard to date)
-Imaging (space between instruments is the best i've heard to date)
-Resolution just TOTL level
-Vocals (female particulary a strength)
-Acoustics and (live) are just superb
Cons: Cons:
-Treble needs a bit of refinement (cymbals and anything within that frequency range 4-5kish seem to come across as a little shrill)
-Big shell/stem and weight can be an issue for some.
-Cable synergy can be seen as a con or pro but can be a cable chameleon.
-Hard to drive for full potential.
-Stage width (but still very good for an IEM)
-Treble needs a bit of refinement (cymbals and anything within that frequency range 4-5kish seem to come across as a little shrill)
-Big shell/stem and weight can be an issue for some.
-Cable synergy can be seen as a con or pro but can be a cable chameleon.
-Hard to drive for full potential.
-Stage width (but still very good for an IEM)
Recommendations:
cable: Beat Audio Oslo mk IV 8 wire
Tips: Canal Works CWU-GDECA / Eletech Baroque
Show full review
cable: Beat Audio Oslo mk IV 8 wire
Tips: Canal Works CWU-GDECA / Eletech Baroque
wazzupi
Headphoneus Supremus
Watercooler Travel Team
Pulling out the Head-Fi muscle
Pros: -Staging Width(same characteristics you find in an "OPEN" Headphone but in IEM form)
-Imaging (very well in terms of panning and placement of instruments)
-Midrange/vocal performance (smooth and romantic)
-SUB "WOOFER" centric-esque bass with some dynamo
treble is soft/smooth(if this is your thing)
Cleaner presentation/Bass boost focused tuning dip switch
-Imaging (very well in terms of panning and placement of instruments)
-Midrange/vocal performance (smooth and romantic)
-SUB "WOOFER" centric-esque bass with some dynamo
treble is soft/smooth(if this is your thing)
Cleaner presentation/Bass boost focused tuning dip switch
Cons: -Staging depth and height seem to be lacking vs other TOTL sets.(depth is good with proper sources)
-Treble can come across as mute/soft pending on track (highly recommend a silver cable to boost this region).
-Resolution isn't the said all be all but fits the price bracket.
-Treble can come across as mute/soft pending on track (highly recommend a silver cable to boost this region).
-Resolution isn't the said all be all but fits the price bracket.
Open the Woofers !
The Alter Ego are an open design IEM and still do a very good job of keeping outside noises isolated. Priced around a good median from many TOTL sets, the Alter Ego trades blows...
Show full review
The Alter Ego are an open design IEM and still do a very good job of keeping outside noises isolated. Priced around a good median from many TOTL sets, the Alter Ego trades blows...
Last edited:
Ceeluh7
500+ Head-Fier
For Celest Relentless in Universal Fit
Pros: -Nice all-resin build
-Design is just as gorgeous as it is unique
-Unboxing
-Great modular cable
-Nice slight V-shaped sound signature
-Deep, full and punchy bass region
-Resolute and Clean midrange
-Airy & open treble region
-Detail Retrieval
-Separation
-Soundstage
-Design is just as gorgeous as it is unique
-Unboxing
-Great modular cable
-Nice slight V-shaped sound signature
-Deep, full and punchy bass region
-Resolute and Clean midrange
-Airy & open treble region
-Detail Retrieval
-Separation
-Soundstage
Cons: -Treble brightness may be too much for some
-Bass presence may be a bit too heavy for some hobbyists
-Some sibilance rears its ugly head from time to time
-Bass presence may be a bit too heavy for some hobbyists
-Some sibilance rears its ugly head from time to time
Celest Relentless Review
...
ernie633124
another great review Mr. Chris
Colin5619
Great review, would you see it as a major improvement over the Pheonixcall?
MD Rohit
New Head-Fier
Pros: •very light and comfortable
•The face plate is very beautiful
•Stock cable quality is very good
•Clean neutral presentation
•Treble has no sharpness
•The face plate is very beautiful
•Stock cable quality is very good
•Clean neutral presentation
•Treble has no sharpness
Cons: •Stock tips are not good
•not for bass head's
•not for bass head's
•driver information
Attachments
ehjie
Headphoneus Supremus
For Penon Impact in Universal Fit
Pros: Relatively small shells, A lot of people will get to know this set more
High standard of build and finish
The upgraded Gold leaf Face plate is as stunning as the Clear white original
Top shelf European resin clear shells to behold the internal structures
Despite its brilliance, It remains true to its analogue hi-fi qualities
Detail heads and neutral heads unite!
Clear, open, highly resolving, and transparent
As expected with the high grade technicalities, the level of resolution is at the very top
Despite being supremely technical, this set will never bore, Good luck with sleeping
One of the largest holographic staging
Scales extremely well on portable and / or transportable amplifiers
Even on top of the world, Penon represents great value for money
There is perceived Durability and reliability. My Volt is more than 3 years running
After sales support is among the best in the industry
High standard of build and finish
The upgraded Gold leaf Face plate is as stunning as the Clear white original
Top shelf European resin clear shells to behold the internal structures
Despite its brilliance, It remains true to its analogue hi-fi qualities
Detail heads and neutral heads unite!
Clear, open, highly resolving, and transparent
As expected with the high grade technicalities, the level of resolution is at the very top
Despite being supremely technical, this set will never bore, Good luck with sleeping
One of the largest holographic staging
Scales extremely well on portable and / or transportable amplifiers
Even on top of the world, Penon represents great value for money
There is perceived Durability and reliability. My Volt is more than 3 years running
After sales support is among the best in the industry
Cons: The cost of entry, despite being relatively less than its peers - almost half of what the others are offering
No unboxing experience, there's an excellent case though. That's all you need and go play
No unboxing experience, there's an excellent case though. That's all you need and go play
In 2016, Penon started its life from building in ear headphone cables. Shortly after, they expanded their product line to include Ear...
Attachments
Last edited:
Arijit From HiFiManiac
New Head-Fier
For HIDIZS S8 PRO ROBIN in Amp/DACs
Pros: No Heating Issues. Stays Cool For Hours Of Use.
No Driver Is Required For The Use Of S8 Pro In Windows.
Amazing Channel Separation. Left And Right Is Distinct And Clear.
Premium Build Quality With A Sleek And Compact Aluminum Alloy Chassis And Glass Sandwich Design.
Impressive Decoding Capabilities For High-Resolution Audio Formats
Neutral To Mild W And Dynamic Sound Signature With Excellent Detail Retrieval
Excellent Channel Separation
Hardware-Based Volume Control And Play Pause.
Both 3.5mm Single-Ended And 4.4mm Balanced Outputs
Capable Of Driving A Wide Range Of Headphones And IEMs
Affordable Price For Its Feature Set
No Driver Is Required For The Use Of S8 Pro In Windows.
Amazing Channel Separation. Left And Right Is Distinct And Clear.
Premium Build Quality With A Sleek And Compact Aluminum Alloy Chassis And Glass Sandwich Design.
Impressive Decoding Capabilities For High-Resolution Audio Formats
Neutral To Mild W And Dynamic Sound Signature With Excellent Detail Retrieval
Excellent Channel Separation
Hardware-Based Volume Control And Play Pause.
Both 3.5mm Single-Ended And 4.4mm Balanced Outputs
Capable Of Driving A Wide Range Of Headphones And IEMs
Affordable Price For Its Feature Set
Cons: The Indicator Light Is Limited. As There Is No Different Color Assigned For Flac 96Khz, Which Is A True HiRes. From Low Res Mp3, Flac Or 96KHz Flac All Has The Same Green Color.
Fingerprint Magnet. Always Needs To Be Cleaned To Look Good.
Fingerprint Magnet. Always Needs To Be Cleaned To Look Good.
Introduction
The HIDIZS S8 Pro is a portable dongle DAC/amp that promises exceptional sound quality and features at an affordable price point. As the successor to the popular...MusicEnjoyer
New Head-Fier
For LETSHUOER S15 in Universal Fit
Pros: Excellent modular cable (4.4mm, 3.5mm, 2.5mm terminations)
Quality bass
Thick and Full mids
Premium unboxing experience
Quality bass
Thick and Full mids
Premium unboxing experience
Cons: The PRICE
Soundstage and imaging is average
Soundstage and imaging is average
NOTES and DISCLAIMERS
Show full review
- Just your regular music lover trying on different audio gears to see how music can be enjoyed more.
- Thank you for Sir Eiji...
blay
Head-Fier
Pros: - Natural sound and soundstage.
- Perfect size; not too big, not small
- Volume with buttons instead of wheel
- Different and more certified equalization system
- Battery duration
- Perfect size; not too big, not small
- Volume with buttons instead of wheel
- Different and more certified equalization system
- Battery duration
Cons: - high weight
- Heat that gives off
- Heat that gives off
The first thing that catches your attention as soon as you start listening to it is its naturalness, together with the great body and depth it delivers.
It makes you enjoy tombs and sub-basses...
Show full review
It makes you enjoy tombs and sub-basses...
Last edited:
Des99
New Head-Fier
For Simgot EA500 LM in Universal Fit
Pros: Very well built
Easy to drive
Mod friendly with tuning nozzles
Impactful, punchy bass
Slightly warm and pleasing lower midrange
Sparkly and airy treble
Well extended treble
Good technicalities
Easy to drive
Mod friendly with tuning nozzles
Impactful, punchy bass
Slightly warm and pleasing lower midrange
Sparkly and airy treble
Well extended treble
Good technicalities
Cons: Fingerprint magnet
Tuning nozzles does not provide much without mods
Shouty upper midrange with shrilly vocals
Harsh and peaky treble
Metallic timbre
Tuning nozzles does not provide much without mods
Shouty upper midrange with shrilly vocals
Harsh and peaky treble
Metallic timbre
Disclaimer
Show full review
- Huge thanks to Simgot for providing a unit of the EA500 LM for me to review. I really do appreciate it. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and...
dunring
Headphoneus Supremus
For SMSL DO200 Pro Balanced DAC in DACs
Pros: 5.2 volt DAC output
USB 1.0/2.0 toggle for compatibility
Competes with DACs costing 2-3 times the price
Runs cool, auto shutoff
HDMI (Arc) inputs
Color IPS screen is easy to read
USB 1.0/2.0 toggle for compatibility
Competes with DACs costing 2-3 times the price
Runs cool, auto shutoff
HDMI (Arc) inputs
Color IPS screen is easy to read
Cons: Form factor might limit stack options
No color setting options
They haven't ditched MQA support yet
No color setting options
They haven't ditched MQA support yet
I just got one of these today, shipped by Fedex from Aoshida-US and bought myself for $399 on Amazon. It's so new they shipped it direct from their factory, but should be...
Attachments
Jaytiss
500+ Head-Fier
For AFUL Explorer in Universal Fit
Pros: Powerful and impactful bass response
Vocals are impressive and have no issues with them.
Great clarity
Balanced upper air with Bass, so right.
Great overall tech for the price, at least on the level of the Aful 5.
Treble is smooth and inoffensive
Great overall sound quality at its price.
New case with a zipper is nice for on the go.
Shell is cozy and fits me well
Flexible cable with easy swapping as needed for our cable rollers
Vocals are impressive and have no issues with them.
Great clarity
Balanced upper air with Bass, so right.
Great overall tech for the price, at least on the level of the Aful 5.
Treble is smooth and inoffensive
Great overall sound quality at its price.
New case with a zipper is nice for on the go.
Shell is cozy and fits me well
Flexible cable with easy swapping as needed for our cable rollers
Cons: More tips could have been included.
Lower pinna gain isn’t for all
Soundstage is a bit initiate
Tech of this iem is very strong, but not beyond the Aful 8 level.
Vocals can be slightly recessed for some, but not shouty or boring.
Lower pinna gain isn’t for all
Soundstage is a bit initiate
Tech of this iem is very strong, but not beyond the Aful 8 level.
Vocals can be slightly recessed for some, but not shouty or boring.
(this review is still in process)
This is a sample sent to me from Hifigo. I’m going to try to be as honest as I can, but I do want my biases to come out.
...
Show full review
This is a sample sent to me from Hifigo. I’m going to try to be as honest as I can, but I do want my biases to come out.
o0genesis0o
I expected nothing from this IEM, and it blew my mind
torpid
New Head-Fier
For Truthear Zero in Universal Fit
Pros: Fun V-shaped sound with good bass
Expansive soundstage and great imaging
Great for gaming
Easy to drive
Good value at this pricepoint
Nice faceplate
Waifu! (if you’re into that)
Expansive soundstage and great imaging
Great for gaming
Easy to drive
Good value at this pricepoint
Nice faceplate
Waifu! (if you’re into that)
Cons: Nozzle size is large and not the best fit for my ears
Stock cable is passable at best
Vocals and instruments are not presented in a cohesive manner
Hard to tip roll due to the sheer size of nozzle
Somewhat recessed midrange
Upper midrange can be shouty at times
Stock cable is passable at best
Vocals and instruments are not presented in a cohesive manner
Hard to tip roll due to the sheer size of nozzle
Somewhat recessed midrange
Upper midrange can be shouty at times
Intro/Disclosure
Recently, I got the opportunity to A/B the Truthear Zero (Blue) and the Truthear Zero: Red. I purchased both these IEMs with my own money and all opinions are...Attachments
Last edited:
jeromeoflaherty
New Head-Fier
For Schiit Aegir 2 in Desktop Amps
Pros: Fantastic neutral sounding Class A amplifier
Well designed for heat dissipation
Improved power - now 30W into 8 Ohms
XLR Mono block + RCA stereo
Halo Topology included for better quality sound
Well designed for heat dissipation
Improved power - now 30W into 8 Ohms
XLR Mono block + RCA stereo
Halo Topology included for better quality sound
Cons: Class A uses allot of power (compared to Clads AB or Class D)
Price will be expensive for some but cheap for those chasing exceptional quality
Price will be expensive for some but cheap for those chasing exceptional quality
All Hail this new improved Aegir Amplifier
In this review, I will delve into the details of the newly upgraded Schiit Aegir 2:[ATTACH type="full"...
Attachments
Last edited:
cqtek
1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Great soundstage, huge midrange, musical, smooth, subtly warm, three-dimensional and highly enjoyable.
- Bass weight.
- Ability to layer, separate and place elements, generating an accurate image.
- Very good level of detail and resolution, capable of revealing hidden elements when paired with good sources.
- Outstanding construction, titanium capsules and matte finish.
- Very good level of ergonomics.
- Cable is up to the task, with three interchangeable pins and a screw-on system.
- Bass weight.
- Ability to layer, separate and place elements, generating an accurate image.
- Very good level of detail and resolution, capable of revealing hidden elements when paired with good sources.
- Outstanding construction, titanium capsules and matte finish.
- Very good level of ergonomics.
- Cable is up to the task, with three interchangeable pins and a screw-on system.
Cons: The mouthpieces are somewhat short.
- Although the sound is different between the grey and gold mouthpieces, the FR does not change much. The blue mouthpiece does not gain bass, but reduces the upper midrange, losing the resolution of the other mouthpieces.
- The treble can be soft for those who like more presence in the upper range.
- Although the sound is different between the grey and gold mouthpieces, the FR does not change much. The blue mouthpiece does not gain bass, but reduces the upper midrange, losing the resolution of the other mouthpieces.
- The treble can be soft for those who like more presence in the upper range.
Introduction
By now, I'm sure many portable audio enthusiasts are familiar with the AliExpress shop NiceHCK. No doubt, it has been offering its services for the platform for many...
Show full review
By now, I'm sure many portable audio enthusiasts are familiar with the AliExpress shop NiceHCK. No doubt, it has been offering its services for the platform for many...
BX700
Head-Fier
For Creative Aurvana Trio in In-Ear
Pros: Neutral tuning
Good detail
Natural timbre
Accurate decay
Decent extension at both ends
Overall natural presentation
Good detail
Natural timbre
Accurate decay
Decent extension at both ends
Overall natural presentation
Cons: Mannered, safe
Could be faster
Excellent, but not necessarily exceptional in any regard
Could be faster
Excellent, but not necessarily exceptional in any regard
Bought these used based on previous review, and have thereby got myself a bargain reference pair. Neutrally tuned and generally giving the feeling of detailed, clear, accurate reproduction of the...
Show full review
Last edited:
William Apollo
New Head-Fier
For ZiiGaat Nuo in Universal Fit
Pros: + Great sound for the price
+ Pretty good tonality for the price
+ Minimal design
+ Pretty good tonality for the price
+ Minimal design
Cons: - For the price, there are no cons, but I would still say that there is too little metallic timbre and a bit of low resolution in the air frequencies. It bears repeating, for this price it's almost perfect.
***The product was gifted to me by my friend is named here "theodyofil" to write an independent review of it.
...
Show full review
Last edited:
Marijn Riz
New Head-Fier
For Jomo Audio GT600 in Universal Fit
Following are my thoughts, after listening to the Jomo Audio Gran Tourer GT600 for a few days. The GT600 Gran Tourer Universal IEM is packed with 2 hybrid Dynamic Drive, 6 Balanced Armatures...
Show full review
Last edited:
Erkil
Lovely!
Nealz
100+ Head-Fier
For EPZ Q1 Pro in Universal Fit
Pros: 1. Good mid centric tuning
2. Treble is energetic while maintaining a smooth presentation
3. Good sub-bass extension with a satisfying rumble
4. Very natural instruments timbre with minimum glare
5. Light and comfortable shells for longer listening periods
2. Treble is energetic while maintaining a smooth presentation
3. Good sub-bass extension with a satisfying rumble
4. Very natural instruments timbre with minimum glare
5. Light and comfortable shells for longer listening periods
Cons: 1. No 4.4mm balanced cable option
2. Technicalities while good for the price, could have been better
3. Lacks mid bass punch
4. Could have included better tips. cable & carrying pouch
2. Technicalities while good for the price, could have been better
3. Lacks mid bass punch
4. Could have included better tips. cable & carrying pouch
Disclaimer: I received the EPZ Q1 Pro as a loaner unit for review purpose from a friend, and this is not a review unit. I did not...
Last edited:
ahammedsojib
Nice review Bhai
Pranto Dev
Keep up the good work Brother
freeryder05
100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Fit / Style
Bass response
Timbre
Price
All rounder tuning
Bass response
Timbre
Price
All rounder tuning
Cons: Cheap cable
Cheap looking
Can be a bit shouty with the wrong tips
Cheap looking
Can be a bit shouty with the wrong tips
I borrowed this IEM from a friend mostly because I was bored of the things I owned and wanted to try something different. The Miyabi comes in a quaint little box that houses just the IEMs, tips...
Show full review
Hooga
I suggest you try the original version (not the mk II) too
freeryder05
@Hooga I’ll keep my eyes open for a pair