Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by jkleejk

New UM Flagship - Miracle

jkleejk — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:53:23 +0800

1st sneak preview...

You can get another UM cable(Value:USD59) before Sep,30,2010.

B&W P5 headphone brief review

jkleejk — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:42:19 +0800

***all pix taken by Iphone 4

When i 1st audition it, i just say wow!
Amazing! how a famous speaker company just jump onto cans wagon & creating a kickass cans?

Here is the short reviews..

Build Quality:
Overall
So far best cans i had ever seen that can build damn good quality of cans.
Soft leather, all stainless steel with nice aluminum faceplate (top notch quality with complex process)
It is on par HD800 quality.
Cable:
Thin, soft & flexible (no microphonic issue)
***It build in microphone! that is good features
Portability: Can be fold & shrink to smaller size & best come with nice "LV" looking bag which keep your gem safe

Drivability:
- Surprisingly it is very easily drive, sound loud enough even with my macbook pro & iphone4 (just additional 10% volume).

Looks:
-It is sure very elegant modern looking design look like Apple design while Dr. Dre is Zune's Looking

**1 thing, as i have bigger head size, the headband is a bit tight for me & after 1 hr listening the ear get stuffy feeling & some sweating

Sound:
>Quite huge soundstage
>Airy (but it is close cans, new experience for me)
>Bass - quite deep for me, mid bass is average
>Mid - Fairly good
>Treble - it is awesome
>Separation - it is surprise me, it is very good for this price
>Clarity - good due to better treble
>Similarities - remind me of UE11P but more airy, bigger soundstage & deeper bass; u can said it is like Sennheiser sound, but not so laid back & better treble if comparing with IE8.

Ibasso D10 combo:
- Clarity up another level, sound so good...giving more spacious feeling.

I can say this cans is pretty good for its price, kudos to B&W i salute them!
Price: USD$270 region (v good price vs sound vs quality)

It is a must buy item for those looking new cans with above features.

Important features:
1. Nice design & good build quality
2. SQ is good if u like sounding description above
3. Come with microphone
4. B&W fanz out there
5. Best bang for bucks

New Iphone 4 SQ brief review

jkleejk — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:41:46 +0800

Just gotten iphone4 today.

Speaker SQ:
Soundstage: More 3D feeling & definitely much bigger spacey feeling compare to 3GS
Treble: Almost same
Mid: 3GS tend to be more lustful, just like using tube amp for 3GS & solid state amp for Iphone 4
Bass: 3GS is slightly more powerful but iphone4 is more pronounce
Clarity: Almost same
Loudness: 3GS is about 10-15% louder than Iphone4 (max vol. comparison)

with IEM SQ (using UM Quaddie Custom IEM for test, no EQ setting on Iphone 4)
***Big WOW with new IPHONE4!!!! just jaw drop!!!!
- Using Yao Si Ting Songs, Slash-Slash Songs,

- Soundstage: like football field compare with small room (Iphone4 rocks!!), much more laidback feeling; seems like Sennheiser sound signature. 3GS is more upfront in this case ( can say like Grados)
- Isolation: ahemms... me already using custom IEM, now watching world cup, i cant hear a thing when music is playing.
- Bass: In fact opposite with speaker SQ, more bassy & more ripple effect... remind me of IE8
- Mid: Both are equally good, 3GS is slightly better & more pronounce due to more upfront soundsignature
- Treble: Both are on par
**Conclusion: Iphone4 is very good in soundstage & bass, but on par mid/treble compare with 3GS, for me i prefer Iphone4! I can put it more comprehensive way> Iphone4=UE11Pro (with much larger soundstage) & 3GS= JH13Pro so it is again depend on taste. Both are good just matter of preference.

More iphone4 review as following link.
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry34730997 post #863]

Not for other iphone4 discussion pls. this is more into audio thread.

IPhone 4 with bumper, hands on brief reviews

jkleejk — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:36:19 +0800

Gotten new iphone 4 today - best is with the bumper! (sky blue).
Quick Review:
Retina display is so gorgeous.
Hardware speed so freaking fast like turbo charge compare to my 3gs (i can feel it when playing the same game)
Camera is just magnificent, with flash! so nice photo taking.
802.11N is just so fast!
Multitasking rocks! i love it just only annoying the game need to restart whenever i flip back to the game apps
Folder very useful & better organizing
Email is sort by title with multiple senders, much easier to follow up
Just backup my 3gs then sync up with new iphone4, everything just like "photocopy", except all the mail passwords need to set again (thumbs up IOS)
>more review will update from time to time, need more time to play with 1st.

Bumper brief review
- awesome rubber+plastic feel (matte+high gloss finish); with dual color.
- rubber act as impact absorber & better handling grip
- volume button & power button is just as gorgeous as the bare naked Iphone button itself (also made from high polish stainless steel)
- finishing is so good, hardly can see parting line & so fast the best casing i haven't seen in the market (must buy item!)
- easy to assemble

sorry for my lousy camera skill & quality of photos.

- Top view

-Front view

- Side view

-Solid looking volume button

-Rear view with bumper

-The power of retina display, side by side with my 3gs

-Front view comparison

-Side view with stacking comparison

-Close up retina display comparison

Beijing Hivi Showroom Visit

jkleejk — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 22:06:33 +0800

Just auditioned, Swan Flagship Model, the 1st F series....the grandfather of F2.2...

More details info later...now bz with worldcup...

High End Speakers Audition

jkleejk — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:42:44 +0800

Just went to Spore recently, main purpose to audition high end speakers in Adelphi & visiting some friends. It is such a great experience & setting a new level of my own taste in speakers. Most important i want thanks Bernie7 for his time & hospitality. Below is my some short summary of the audition sessions:-

1. MBL 111/116
- It is consider 1 of famous german speaker which famous for its unique omni-directional mid/treble which look like onion shape (it is made of 12 carbon fiber+thin aluminum foils), sound produced by contracting/expanding the carbon fiber horizontally while the magnet is moving vertically.
- It is the most dynamic speakers I ever heard, due its whole mbl setup (exotic amp,dac, CDP & ETC> not to forget extremely good audition place condition); dont dare to ask the total full setup.
- The bass dept is the best i had ever heard too, very fast bass & v impactful, it is using special double opposite acting twin bass which able to move opposite direction at the same instant & able to cancel off the vibration, this creating none distorted bass.
(111 bass is more dynamics due the bigger box only>the rest drivers for both model is same
- Its treble & mid is v good on par as the rest of the other brand high end model
- 1 thing unique of the "onion" drivers, it is less sensitive to your hearing positions, u can move around w/out losing much SQ, so this way u can put quite large speakers in smaller room.
- But instrument positioning is bad, i can't really pin point the instrument position maybe due to the omnidirectional onion effect
- There is MBL 101 Extreme available for display, it is so huge & taller than me with additional 6X12" bass, the amp is so huge each weighing >100kgs!, it is must be a speaker behemoth.
http://www.mbl-usa.com/Browse.aspx/392/Speakers
http://www.mbl-usa.com/View.aspx/2103/mbl-116-Elegance
http://www.mbl-usa.com/View.aspx/2102/mbl-111-F-Hybrid

2. Avalon-TIME
- It is the most futuristic speaker design i like with awesome SQ
- Using famous Accuton diamond tweeter & ceramic mid driver (diamond tweeter alone cost USD10k per pc, USD14K for paired pc)
- So far it is the best mid/treble of all the speaker, v v lustful & sweet; it is v v fast too as diamond/ceramic are the most rigid material available
- Unsurpassed rigidity of the diamond dome leads to most accurate conversion from electrical energy to sound pressure.
- The bass is quite good but still not as good as MBL bass plus the audition room has glass wall, so there is some resonance.
- Instrument separation is very top notch
- Just the speakers alone is cost a bomb, among the most speakers i audition so far (due the diamond tweeter & ceramic mid driver); if it is combo with new ceramic bass, the price will be sky high & unreachable.
- Voted 10yrs best speakers in Taiwan!
http://www.avalonacoustics.com/

3. Avantage-Duo Mezzo & Uno Nano
- 1 of the most efficient speaker around, all are >100db!!! (Nano:103db, Mezzo:106db)
- It can just using 2W tube amp to drive huge speaker set.
- It built in active amp for bass driver, so u just need to have low power amp to drive the mid/treble
- Best combo with tube amp; solid state amp still good but depend on your taste
- So far it is the best presentation, music separation, & instrument locating speaker around!!
- Live tracks are so real & vivid.
- Surprisingly the price is quite attractive
- But when testing my fave rock tracks, combo with tube amp, it doesn't work at all so folk beware!
- But the vocal & jazz tracks experiences are the best.
- Mezzo sound fuller than Uno Nano due to bigger drivers & dual 12" bass.
http://translate.google.com.sg/translate?u...en&hl=&ie=UTF-8
http://translate.google.com.sg/translate?u...en&hl=&ie=UTF-8

4. Focal 1038/Scala
- beryllium copper tweeter sound v metallic like Uni-Q, just too sharp but it is extremely clear (just not my taste)
- its sound very close like swans F series but price wise is like double or more
- SQ is just not on par with MBL, Avalon or Avantgarde.
http://www.focal-fr.com/

5. HD800
-sound quite close like Mage
-lack of bass comparing HD650, it is acceptable level (the sound is quite close as HD600)
-good clarity & music separation, got 3D effect
-a bit sibilance at the treble (just like UE11P)
-top notch cosmetic & built quality
-extremely comfort & light weight.

6.JH11
-very close like UE11P
-a bit more dynamic (better mid bass) & a bit sibilance
-UE11P is smoother & deeper bass

Conclusions:
- Avantgarde provides the best speakers can offer with good price bargain IMO, depend on what type amp u are combo with.
- Best mid/treble - Avalon speakers ( Accuton Drivers)
- Best bass - MBL+whole setup
- Best presentation/instrument separations - Avantgarde
- Best cosmetic design - Avalon
- Most efficient speakers - Avantgarde
- Best innovation - MBL Onion Drivers

MBL Extreme

Famous MBL Bass/Mid/Treble Onions Drivers

Focal 1038 & Scala in the house

MBL 111

MBL full set with MBL class A/B monoblock amp, DAC, CDP & etc, most impressive setup but don't dare to ask the price tag

Smaller "onion" in MBL111

Avalon Isis & Indra

Avalon Time full setup with Martin Logan side by side..but didn't bother to audition ML as i already heard its SQ

Avalon Time close-up note the diamond/ceramic drivers..

Avalon Isis close-up, really like the design...so futuristic

Happy CNY2010

Klipsch- behind the curtain walkthru

jkleejk — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 09:35:40 +0800

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/25/klipsch...es-and-between/
Interesting to understand Klipsch how they do it!

A(H1V1) Swans Flu Attack!

jkleejk — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:24:00 +0800

First of all, don't get me wrong of the thread title, it is just my joke & this thread is about my new Home Theater System Review. Now proceed with the long marathon full review. (Hope it won't bored u all).

Home Theater System Setup

Front Speakers: Swans F4F
-Driver Config: 12" Bass, 6.5" Mid, 28mm Soft Dome Tweeter, Ultra Ribbon Tweeter
-Driver System: 4-way 4th order vented box system
-Freq. Range: 22Hz ~ 20kHz
-Power Handling: 10~500W
-Sensitivity: 89dB
-Nominal Impedance: 8ohm
-Finish: Piano lacquer (7coatings)
-Weight: 71kg/each

Center Speakers: Swans F5C
-Driver Config: Dual 6.5" Mid/Bass, 28mm Soft Dome Tweeter, Ultra Ribbon Tweeter
-Driver System: 3-way 4th order vented box system
-Freq. Range: 40Hz ~ 20kHz
-Power Handling: 10~150W
-Sensitivity: 87dB
-Nominal Impedance: 8ohm
-Finish: Piano lacquer (7coatings)
-Weight: 14kg
Link:
http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/mview.asp?id=279

Rear Speakers: Swans Diva4.1PF
-Driver Config: Dual 5 Mid/Bass, 28mm Soft Dome Tweeter
-Driver System: 4th-order 2-way vented-box system
-Freq. Range: 37Hz ~ 20kHz
-Power Handling: 10~100W
-Sensitivity: 87dB
-Nominal Impedance: 4ohm
-Finish: Dark Walnut (Textured Veneer)
-Weight: 21kg/each
Link:
http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=170

Display:
Samsung T260 LCD

Source: Macbook Pro, LG Laptop, Iphone 3GS, Cowon D2, XBOX360, PS3 Slim (Coming soon)

AV processor: Emotiva LMC-1 (7.1system)
http://emotiva.com/lmc1.html

Power Amp: Emotiva XPA-5 (upgrade version 250W/channel, 5channel)
http://emotiva.com/xpa5.shtm

Misc: HDMI Switches (Input: 4xHDMI, Output: HDMI,Coax, Toslink, Mini)

Audio Connection Setup:
XBOX360/PS3 Slim>HDMI>HDMI Switch>Toslink>LCM-1>RCA>XPA-5>Speakers
Macbook Pro>Toslink>LCM-1>RCA>XPA-5>Speakers
Laptop/3GS/D2>Mini<-->RCA>LCM-1>RCA>XPA-5>Speakers

Visual Connection Setup:
XBOX360/PS3 Slim>HDMI>T260 LCD
Macbook Pro>DVI>T260 LCD

Songs:
Linkin Park Minutes To Midnight Album
GNR Chinese Democracy Album
Buckethead Various Songs
Various Michael Jackson Songs
Various Enigma Songs
Pink
Norah Jones
Various Vocal Chinese Songs

Movies:
Matrix 1,2 & 3
The Fast & The Furious Tokyo Drift
Ironman
Transformers 1 & 2
Pearl Harbor

Descriptions:
2.0Systems (F4F only) & 5.0Systems

>Treble:
- PINK songs provide another new experience with new hidden sounds especially cymbals same feeling when I am 1st received my MAGE
- Guitar strumming & plucking from BUCKETHEAD songs like FOR MOM, it is crystal clear & realistic providing me the metallic feeling
- Cai Qing song 月光小夜曲 at ending song section, the cricket sound effect is extreme realistic, really feel those crickets is just around me.
- MATRIX movies during battle scenes is showing its strength during the glass shattering & bullet empty shells dropping to the floor
-TRANSFORMERS robots transforming sound effect & Dicepticons robot languages is so robotic clear & realistic
-IRONMAN, when Johnny Stark wearing his robot suit sound effect & its background metal songs providing me another new level of experience.
-Verdicts: So far it is the best treble is heard from any dynamic speakers, it is about 80% of Martin Logan Source ESL (Electrostatic Speakers) as it is the best
speakers i have auditioned so far (only ESL is extremely sensitive with audience position). My own preference of treble setup combo>tweeter+ultra tweeter.
Tweeter must be soft silk dome & ribbon ultra high tweeter type, these setup making extremely silky smooth treble sounds & improve sound clarity & instrument
separations! I auditioned KEF XQ40 Uni-Q, it is very great, but its sound too metallic for my liking, Snell Audio Type Q bookshelf speakers treble also is extremely
awesome but this model already obsolete more than 10yrs already now.

>Mid Range:
- Vocalist Norah Jones, Toni Braxton, Faye Wong, Jacky Cheung, Janice, Diana Krell, Axl Rose are more protruding & outstanding.
- All vocal voice from various movies again realistic, F5C really shines when using 5.0system
- Mid range sound more fuller/thicker compare to XQ40 & Jamo C803,C805 & C809.
- Verdicts: Surprisingly deep bass from F4F didn't sunken the mid/treble as it is separated into another speakers box.

>Bass:
- F4F strongest point is bass department, it provide deepest feeling without the urge adding subwoofer. It is default equivalent to dual subwoofer.
- F4F really shines when playing deep bass songs like Linkin Park's Shadow of the Day & In Pieces, MJ Billie Jeans, Enigma's Principle of Lust & Sadness,
Buckethead's White Wash, one words it is equals to EARTHQUAKE!
- Zhao Peng song 月亮代表我的心, F4F making his voice really really outstanding, I really like his bassy voice.
- Explosions & fist punching fight from various movies provide real simulation/experience making you feel the "pain" too; I can really feel the deep bass effect
when Japs bombs is launched & penetrating into US naval ship body during the PEARL HARBOR movie
- Deepest bass i had auditioned from any speakers so far even much better than Wharfedale 9.6 & Jamo C809 speakers which having dual 6" bass speakers.
- Verdicts: Surprisingly deep bass didn't sunken the mid/treble as it is separated into another speakers box with well isolated/insulation from 25mm solid wood
thickness; having huge bass speakers box (664×585×585mm) provide huge room & each box having dual diameter 2" degass holes & creating phenomenal large
deep bass effect. Good bass really need biggest speakers box to shine. F4F speakers is equivalent to UE11P custom IEM bass dept for its fast, accurate, clarity &
having Sennheiser IE8 deep bass & ripple effect.

>Soundstage:
- This is required floor space to shine, my HT area around 3.5M X 3.5M is not justified; having XPA-5 with 250W/channel I don't i am shortage of power my HT
system especially F4F.
- Buckethead's Sur Moon song provide the best surround & soundstage effect
- Deep bass & treble can be heard around the house very clear even at the back of the speakers, I am really impressed, comparing to ESL when sitting down
& standing position SQ really is different which the main reason is give up on ESL.

>Clarity/Instrument Separations:
- Best in this dept., no doubt is ESL speakers, then 2nd spot is F4F from my experience so far.
- F4F is just outstanding in this dept., even complex instrument songs like Linkin Park's The Little Things Give You Away is not an obstacle for F4F. This is my
favorite song to test speakers clarity. I bring Linkin Park CD to every speakers shop i went.
- Not questionable, if speakers are good in music for its clarity, when playing movies it still perform the same level.
- Verdicts: Having 28mm Soft Dome Tweeter which it is built separated from the speakers box just like B&W Nautilus Series & the most important having ultra
high silk ribbon & all these matters really making the clarity/instrument separation really shines. This is best drivers setup for clarity I think so far=separate
tweeter with ultra high tweeter. So far only F4F, Martin Logan Source ESL speakers & Snell Audio Type Q speakers are able receive my Clarity speakers awards.

>Surround effects:
- LCM-1 having 2.0 system, 3.0system, Dobly AC3, Dolby Pro Logic 2 Music,Virtual,Movies, Matrix; & DTS Neo 6 & ES; or DSP 8modes.
- So far I like the most is the Dolby Pro Logic 2 Matrix which is the most dynamic surround effect, this can be experience in Matrix 1 when Neo is docking the
bullets in slow motion & Pearl Harbour when the Japs Airplanes are flying around the US Navy ships
- One of the most shortage of LCM-1 is not having HDMI input/output & DTS/Dolby HD/THX system.
- Speakers wise, F4F,F5C & Diva4.1PF are good combo to perform in this dept. Having Diva4.1PF front speakers as rear speakers is working out great.
- Verdicts: LCM-1 is extremely great providing all the necessary source input/output options for both SPDIF & analog; almost perfect surround system (not having
THX/HD surround system) for audio sections. For visual section to me, it is not so important as I am direct connect to LCD via my HDMI switch, only thing is tgat I
don't use its visual processor. LCM-1 is easy to operate. One thing i notice, XBOX360 is only enable Dobly AC3 mode & not other modes, which i conclude XBOX is
not a good device for movies. PS3 Slim should be much better option having Blu ray/DTS/Dobly HD system & good visual upscaling processor which able to solve
my LCM-1 issue. Oppo BDP83SE is very good option by having extra SACD capabilities & most important ESS32 DAC chip which is one of best DAC chip around,
only issue is the price.

>Speakers/Amps Build:
- Speakers: Swans F4HT & F5C build quality are top notch, having 20mm solid wood wall thickness, making the box to be good noise insulator, 7layers of piano
finish lacquer coating is among best finish i seen so far, only KEF Reference Series is on par. One more surprise is that F4F comes with 2" thick platform for
atheistic with the same speakers finishing. For the same price, Swans provide the best bang for the bucks for the built quality.
- Amps: Emotiva built quality is very good & sturdy. I like both LCM-1 & XPA-5 Silver/Black Aluminum Faceplate, both matches nicely. Both power button blue LED
lighting is the my favorite part, it is so sexy. XPA-5 is so heavy as I cant even lift XPA-5 amp by myself. It is much cooler than I thought when operating.

>Other speakers experiences:
-Wharfedale: I like the diamond 9 series model actually especially 9.6model, but the built quality really making me back off. Its sound signature is well balance
just what i am looking for, but it is not smooth/its clear enough by not having ribbon tweeter & separate speakers.Diamond9.1 75th anniversary model is quite
temping as rear speakers as it having real wood veneer & aluminum name plate, but its bass is lacking. Opus2 series are tempting but I am not able find any
shop for audition, it is difficult to drive & total complete setup is out from my budget (it still need subwoofer anyway).
http://www.wharfedale.co.uk/Products/Produ...ult.aspx#detail
-KEF: I like is their XQ40, only its bass speakers are too small for my like (dual 5" speakers only), Uni-Q sounds too metallic IMO. Finishing also are very
nice with natural wood pattern. IQ90 is not able to reach XQ40 clarity/mid/treble, but its bass is pretty impactful though. http://www.kef.com/hk/loudspeakers/xq
-JAMO: Best clarity is the C803 model, other model C805 & C809 lose its clarity but both bass is pretty good. Built quality is not up to KEF/Swans. JAMO THX
Ultra2 system speakers using Onkyo SR907 really a great experience.
-JBL: No doubts JBL is top in HT system industry, but not in music speakers IMO. So I abandon this option. For me its aesthetic is not so attractive & built quality
is average. L830 is pretty great in its bass, but clarity is not up to my liking & its treble sound too metallic. http://hometheaterreview.com/jbl-studio-l-...eaker-reviewed/
- Martin Logan Source ESL: So far best speakers i had auditioned combo with Bel Canto Mono Amp, clarity/mid/treble is top notch, but biggest drawback is that
it is very sensitive to audience positions. Hybrid with 5" dynamic bass is pretty good combo anyway. Low end ML speakers built quality isn't so good just like
Wharf Diamond 9 series. ESL really need good powerful amp to drive. Actually in China do have one ESL local manufacturer company able to offer very attractive
price, but i don't pursue further after auditioned to ML Source & conclude it is just not my cup of tea. http://www.martinlogan.com/products/source
- Sansui: ID looks is not my cup of tea & as usual suffer from clarity.
- Avance: Cosmetically looks like Sansui, sounds pretty good also close like Jamo & its small hifi setup is amazing better than most japanese brand hifi, but
clarity is up to my preference. http://www.avance-audio.net/products.asp?c...=61&IDPath=0,35,
- Snell Acoustic Type Q: Although this speakers is damn old (>10yrs old), old technologies, but its soundsignature is great. I like it actually. I auditioned it at the
2nd shop. It also having ultra high tweeter at the rear speaker side. So i can conclude those new tech is good to have, it is like partial marketing strategy IMO,
most important is soundsignature that u like or not. I have to confess that i really obsess in technologies, I really do like KEF/B&W for its innovation
advancement. But just my my ears don't allow me to do so. This speaker making me realize that important of ultra tweeter for clarity setting & doesn't need
advance tech to sound good.
http://www.snellacoustics.com/ProductDetai...oomSpeakers.asp
- Swans/Hivi: IMO this brand provides the best sound & build quality with most affordable price. Model like M200MK3/T200B for PC speakers & Diva
Series(6.1/6.2HT) is really really awesome with best bang bucks for those looking for lower budget setup. This is the main reason i am now 100% SWANS fans.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_2/...ers-5-2001.html

***From my experience so far, vocal songs normally sound good in most brand speakers, so it is not a good choice to use those songs for judgement/testing.

>My background:
-I am coming from earphone/headphones background. After reaching end of the road of IEMs by owning 3 custom IEM. I decide to pursue Speakers Hobby
instead of headphones. Initially i having biggest hard time for my mind/ears to adjust to instrument separation/clarity of custom iem when choosing speakers.
After many various speakers audition sessions & I had learned many news info in speakers. I already know what speaker drivers setups suit me & what is the
criteria i am looking for. http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...l=unique+melody http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1202696&hl=mage

>Own Speakers Comparisons:
- So far F4F is the best speakers i had owned so far, best in clarity, treble & bass, comparing with Diva4.1PF it is also like day & night different. It is not fair to
compare both. F4F sounds much more fulller, much deeper/impactful bass, much better treble & clarity.
- My Diva4.1PF is pretty good when comparing with my Swans T200B PC active speakers, 4.1PF wins every aspect IMO, especially in mid/treble/clarity. Only
T200B design & cosmetic still better than 4.1PF, T200B is the Swans PC Speakers Flagship anyway. Anyway it is not wise to compare PC speakers with HT
speaker, Floorstand/Bookshelf & Passive/Active Speakers. (T200B=active/bookshelf/PC speakers & Diva6.1PF=passive/floorstand/HT speakers)

*My review on Swans T200B speakers
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1180438&hl=swans

>Final Verdicts:
- Swans speakers provide me best sound/build quality with most attractive cost. Imagine KEF REFERENCE build/sound quality with Wharfedale Opus2 Price.
- Although Swans is made in China & I dare to claims that its built quality & sound quality is on par with those top brand in this market today.
- My HT setup will last me for long long time, only in the near future I will get PS3 for Bluray movies & 2-3years time I might change my AV amp, dont get me
wrong LCM-1 is pretty good, just AV need to be updated from time to time to catch with latest new surround systems available.
- Emotiva XPA-5 is one of the best power amp with reasonable price, forget about pursuing high wattage AV amp as the price is sky high & not worth it IMO, just
get a decent AV amp combo with power amp; this way u won't have any issue driving any speakers u buy in the future (make sure it is capable to drive 4ohms
speakers too).

Price (MSRP USD$)
-F4HT: $5200
-Emotiva LCM-1: $499
-Emotiva XPA-5:$799

My F4F front speakers
*You can see my PDA phone compare wit this speaker for its size

Unique Melody Mage Review

jkleejk — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:47:52 +0800

Just arrived today. Won't be comment 1st.
Just post some pictures to share.
Pictures tell thousand words.

Brief Review:

Packaging: Very orignal, compact, elegance & good quality (come with stiff robust partition foam)

Accessories: Nice bling bling silver travel bag, cleaner tool, nice manual

Build: Extremely beautiful clear color shell with v v minor bubbles (best among my 3 custom), amazing effect of faceplate which having light clear candy blue when u see it at an angle (UM workmanship has improved so much over the months)

SQ: Phenomenal & accurate Mid/Treble, Adequate Bass Impact, Soundstage is larger than my previous Quad, Vocal is so sweet, Clarity is the selling point here.

Full Review will be this weekend. Stay tune.

Swan T200B active dual-mono desktop loudspeaker

jkleejk — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:46:47 +0800

Finally decided to get an my upgrade for my speakers & I bought Hivi/Swan T200B today
Previously using speakers made from china, chap ayam brand for past 3yrs.

This purchase is unexpected, just 1 fine day i bump into Hivi authorize shop then feel itchy & tryout few speakers model, then other is history.
I had auditioned M200MKII, M200MKIII & T200B at that shop.
Of course MKIII SQ is much better than MKII, much more solid & tighter.
When i compare MKIII with T200B, T200B shine outstandingly.
MKIII soundstage is wider but sound is "loose", bass is great but again like IE8 sunken the mid/high. 1 thing good about this model, bass/treble can be adjusted.
Meanwhile T200B bass is so impactful, mid is so sweet, treble is just nice w/out sibilance.

Setup:
Macbook Pro>Optical>Compass DAC>RCA>Swans T200B Dual Mono Amp+Speakers

Cosmetically, so far T200B is 1 of the nicest speaker i had never seen. It has really 3D shape, not like normal boring box speakers look. It is black piano high gloss paint finish at the front with Triangle Aluminum Brushed Silver Plate attached. Rear side is made from injected fiber insert with some nice paint/ tears drop finish or made from wood with powder coat/tears drop finish.

Furthermore it has remote control to control individual speakers volume & also master volume control. In fact there is also manual volume adjuster at each speakers.
What i like best built in dual mono amp so i dont need to spend another $$$$ on desktop amp, plus in offered RCA output (unbalance) & XLR 3pins output (balanced)>which i am yet to try on this output. I will get another Balance DAC in the future (maybe Gamma1+2 maxxed out or Matrix Mini-I, or if budget allowed Buffalo ESS Saber DAC). Each speakers having its own power source. So u can imagine how powerful is this speakers.

Actually i am looking for other SQ iem/cans or speakers> more neutral soundings actually. Thus i found T200B suit my taste.
Its vocal sound is so great, mellow & sweet, music listening has brought me to another level which i had been listening custom iem or cans previously.
Most obvious is the soundstage is so wide compare to iem/cans.

Initial bass is a bit overwhelming, so i used the 4 sponged which come with the T200B, & fill into the 2 bass hole at each speaker which tamed its bass substantially

It also come with 2 RCA which i found it is very soft & flexible. Its jack is awesome has some kind of twist & lock mechanism. More happening than my "good" RCA-3.5mm which i bought recently. Another nice things, these speakers are 100% QC SQ tested before leaving the factory so the SQ graphs of both speakers are provided. Overall it is quite neutral SQ with slightly warm.

Anyway advise from the seller, this speakers also need to burn for a couple days to loosen up the mechanism & the SQ will improve somemore.

Here is the more details info regarding T200B:-

Swan T200b active dual-mono desktop loudspeaker system

2.0 channel; dual mono configuration
Self-powered
Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs
Swan's best drivers in an active system
Connects to any portable or line-output music source
Individual level controls

FEATURES:
Magnetically shielded
28mm soft dome, Danish-style tweeter
Advanced 5.25 alloy midwoofer
Internally amplified
Dual mono configuration (Left and right speakers are identical)
Includes RCA input per speaker
Includes blanced XLR inputs
Individual input level controls
120vac / 60Hz only; includes dual power cables
Gloss piano black lacquer and champagne anodized aluminum
Removable black fabric grilles with stainless steel pins
Priced, packed, and shipped in pairs
Manufacturer's warranty included
Includes The Audio Insider's 30-day in-home satisfaction guaranteed

SPECIFICATIONS:
Frequency Response: 50Hz-20kHz
Voltage Sensitivity: 500mv
Input Impedance: 47kohms
Internal Power: 65w per channel
Dimensions: 217 x 272 x 383mm
Dimensions: 8.6 x 10.7 x 15in
Net Weight: 16kg / 35lbs pair

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_inf.../products_id/78

Hivi/Swans Multispeaker

jkleejk — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:55:07 +0800

Just passby a speaker shop today & tested Hivi M200MK3 & M200MK2

The sound is so sweet especially M200MK3 model. Tempted to get 1 now
http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=401
http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=364
http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=362
The shop seller even recommend me the T200B model which is nice cosmetically & much better than M200MK3, best part is it has unbalance RCA input & balance XLR input.
Price wise is pretty decent & affordable.

Wish to seek some speakers sifu here for some advise.

Planning to use my Macbook Pro> Audio GD Compass DAC>Hivi Speakers.

Grado GR8 > new kids on the block

jkleejk — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:32:40 +0800

http://gradolabs.com/product_pages/inear_GR8.htm
http://www.soundearphones.com/learn/grado-...nboxing-photos/

this is suprise!

Shure into headphone, then now Grado into IEM!

But insanely, impedance is 120ohm! must be hard to drive. Funny thing Grado cans is famous in easily be driven, but now why IEM having so high impedance. Let wait for the review. I am sure this will be hot topic for this month in headfi or even in LYN

USB - Co-axial Convertor

jkleejk — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:42:00 +0800

http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail...62c40a948c7.htm

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/usb-vs-o...coaxial-394437/

I am thinking to get this, since Head-fi saying CO-axial is much better....
But i am using Macbook Pro & doesn't have the co-axial.
But USB out to Co-axial convertor, does it really work? since the quality is not good, if converted to co-axial output, i think it is same.
Garbage in then garbage out.

So need sifus here to give some opinion on this...thanks

How to install DAC into MBP?

jkleejk — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:38:40 +0800

Hi Taikos,

I just gotten Alien DAC, i plug into my MBP but nothing happen, i just wonder what is the procedure to install? WHere can i download the driver? Or is it auto detect & install? Thanks in adv.

2nd UM Custom & IE8 Custom Tips -added Amp review

jkleejk — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:50:51 +0800

Again just gotten my most waited toys,

1. UM Triple BA drivers
2. IE8 Customize Tips
3. Pelicans Box 1040 series
4. Silveramp
5. Alien DAC
6. ES2 cable

Pictures 1st for eyes candy, review later. Been busy lately.

1st I will give review on Alien DAC with Silveramp/AMB Mini3/fiio E5/fiio E3

Setup:

320bit/s MP3 Songs:
1. Michael Jackson - Billie Jeans/Scream/
2. Eminem - Without me/Cleaning out my closet
3. Linkin Park - In pieces/What I've done/Shadow of the day/The little things give you away
4. GNR - There was a time/Better/Catcher in the Rye

>Macbook Pro>Alien DAC> various amp>UM Quadie

Grading:

Worst >>>> Best
1 >2>3>4>5

Silveramp:

High>4.5 (no sibilance & superior clarity)
Mid>5 (sweet, vocal is lustful)
Bass>5 (tighten up, solid, mellow, impactful, details)
Soundstage>4.5 (slightly bigger than E5)
Transparency>5 (pin point precision in identify all those music instrument & placement)
Verdict: Beat the famous AMB Mini3 out from the league, has lots of WOW effect. My fave amp at home now; power hunger beast with twin 9V battery!

AMB Mini3:

High>3 (slightly hiss)
Mid> 3 (smooth, too neutral)
Bass>3 (mild)
Soundstage>4.5 (very huge, surprisely)
Transparency>4.5 (freaking details)
Verdict: over rated, it is a neutral amp (too neutral for me), Alien DAC much more effect than this amp; 1 thing is good at the soundstaging

Fiio E5:

High>4 (no sibilance)
Mid>4 (something is missing)
Bass>4.5 (very impactful, fast & detail)
Soundstage>3 (quite huge)
Transparency>4 (clearly identify all those music instrument & placement)
Verdict: Surprisely quite close with Silveramp > awesome portable amp with good price & size

Fiio E3:

High>2 (muffled)
Mid> 3 (sunken by the enormous bass, lifeless)
Bass>5 (very impactful, but not much details)
Soundstage>3 (quite huge)
Transparency>3 (overwhelmed bass sunken those mid/high)
Verdict: Used to be my fave amp, but now when combo with UM custom, it is seem like lifeless; only good at bass qty, not so much on the quality.

Final Verdict for AMP:
Alien DAC really made big impact compare to all my amp. My fave home amp will be Silveramp & traveling amp will be fiio E5.
Mini3 for those who like neutrality, E3 is for Dynamic IEM bass lover like IE8.

Now it is time to review on UM Quadie/UM Triplet/IE8+Custom Tips

Setup:

320bit/s MP3 Songs:
1. Michael Jackson - Billie Jeans/Scream/
2. Eminem - Without me/Cleaning out my closet
3. Linkin Park - In pieces/What I've done/Shadow of the day/The little things give you away
4. GNR - There was a time/Better/Catcher in the Rye

>Macbook Pro>Alien DAC> Silveramp>Various IEM

Grading:

Worst >>>> Best
1 >2>3>4>5

UM Triplet:

High>4 (no sibilance, smooth, a bit muffled compare to Quadie)
Mid>4 (mellow, a bit muffled compare to Quadie)
Bass>4.5 (very details, impactful close to IE8, has some ripple effect, good in mid bass,lack in deep bass compare to Quadie )
Soundstage>4.5 (very huge, close to IE8, sound is move to back seat)
Transparency>4 (easily identify all those music instrument & placement)
Verdict: Overall beat IE8+Custom Tips in high/mid with quite close bass/soundstage, compare to UM Quadie > it consider its sound blunt/muffled due to

UM Quadie:

High>5 (no sibilance, superior clarity, very smooth, bass didnt affect this dept at all,)
Mid>5 (silky smooth, vocal is lustful & clear)
Bass>5 (very deep bass, superb mid bass, fast, extremely impactful)
Soundstage>4 (slightly smaller than Triplet)
Transparency>5 (pin point precision in identify all those music instrument & placement)
Verdict: King of all three, all rounder, amazing mid/high with awesome bass dept>best top notch clarity.

IE8+Custom Tips (soft type):
High>3.5 (muffled, worse of three)
Mid>3.5(muffled, worse of three)
Bass>4 (awesome in deep bass, lack of mid bass & less details compare to Quadie/Triplet)
Soundstage>5 (king of this dept)
Transparency>3.5 (worse of three)
Verdict: My beloved IE8, used to be my fave, but now dethroned by Quadie. Custom tips is has improvement seal to another level but it is soft type. I think this is why it is still lose to my both custom IEM which is hard acrylic type. I am not sure if hard type will be better, maybe but beware it is prone to break your IEM nozzle easily.

Final Verdicts for IEM:
No doubts my fave now will be UM Quad BA driver custom. Combo with Alien DAC+Fiio E5 (travel) or Silveramp (Home) + Quadie will be my 1st choice listening .
IE8 still the universal IEM i had ever heard, but it still cant compare to custom IEM, but its huge soundstage & bass ripple effect still make me want to listen to it for some occasion.
Meanwhile, Triplet is fall in between Quadie & IE8. Having an unique sound signature, more toward mid/bass portion, for those cant take high so much, i think this is for u. it is smooth & not harsh.

**Changing UE11/ES2 cable within Quadie/Triplet doesnt really made a significant effect. So far i am still not a cable believer for IEM

Mac OS X language change

jkleejk — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 03:08:21 +0800

Hi Sifus,

I know brand new MB can chose at the initial setup for the OS language. but after that can i know where i can change it again?

Data Transfer from new Macbook to new Macbook Pro

jkleejk — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:00:33 +0800

Hi sifus,

Can anyone tell me how to transfer data/setting from new macbook to new macbook pro using Migration Assistant, beside using the Ext HDD? Using Ext HDD is very slow & all my setting are not automatically setup in the new Macbook Pro. I know there is 1 type of firewire cable for old macbook to new macbook transfer, but new macbook there is no this type of port. Pls help.

My 1st Customize Earphone (Take 2)updated w Review

jkleejk — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:55:44 +0800

Due to my 1st thread is "corrupted" so I start brand new thread to document my review.
Just gotten my custom IEM on 5/25, so now still burning in process (target 100hours).
So I share my pictures 1st.

Again my IEM configuration is as below:

COLOR

Left Side:
Transparent-Candy Blue-Solid White>Linkin Park logo with silver lineage

Right Side:
Transparent-Candy Red-Solid Black> Metallica Ninja logo with gold lineage

CABLE
UE11 clear cable

SHELL

I can see 3 holes at the tips
2- is the driver holes
1- is degass hole

Driver Config

2 drivers - Bass
1 driver - Mid
1driver - High

Degass tiny hole (0.3mm)

Music Valley-SP1 (Silver Prologue One) SP1 VS IE8

jkleejk — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:18:29 +0800

Recently I was honored to audition this new IEM from Music Valley (Hong Kong based company); it is called SPI (Silver Prologue One), which is dynamic driver IEM.
Initial info from the owner, telling me that its SQ is similar Sennheiser IE8, which make me thrill.

When I gotten the SP1 packaging, I am quite impressed. Nice compact colorful packing. Inside the box I can find 3 sets of good quality tips which is similar to Sony Duo Color Tips (small, medium & large size) & 1 set of olive tip (medium size). Furthermore it comes with 1 small pouch, 1 DAP stand & 1 clip, which I find it very practical & useful (it is promotional gifts). There are so many goodies available in such a small packaging, pretty impressed.

For SP1 IEM itself, the design is quickly gotten my attention where each of the shell corners has a weird looking extruded compartment, which I think useful to extend the space of the shell & also to make it more ergonomic. Each shell is decorated with 1 small & 1 medium size aluminum brushed finish plate, which enhances the cosmetic. Meanwhile cable wise is thin but very comfortable, just like Westone cable without braided.

Sound Quality:

Bass:
Initially impression, the bass is very similar with IE8 in terms in quantity/depth but lacks of details. I can say it is about 50% of IE8 bass quality. SP1 bass is more forward & IE8 sound more laidback, which is Sennheiser Sound signature, which I love so much.
When I tweak IE8 bass knob to max, IE8 turn into a bass monster, which SP1 can hardly catch up with it. But not many people like this overwhelming bass & I have to confess that I like it so much & I find it soothing & fun; but it will sacrifice the mid/high details in this manner. It is depend on what you are looking for.

Mid/High:
Compare with IE8, SP1 sounds more blunt & less sparkle. Sometimes when I listening to Axl Rose voice, it sounds a bit harsh/recessed with IE8, but SP1 has no issue with that. Again SP1 has less detail in this department. Here I find mid/high is muffled & all those instruments are push 2-3seats row back compare to IE8.

Soundstage:
This department is IE8 excel most, I can conclude IE8 feels like I am in a concert hall & SP1 is just contain in my bedroom.

Isolation:
I found SP1 medium size tip has better isolation compare to IE8, & it is more comfort too as SP1 is much smaller size & cable is thinner & easier to handle. IE8 has bigger shell & thicker cable causes its own weight pull it downward, which makes wearing less comfortable & air leak sometimes. Lucky IE8 has ear hook which help to improve this issue lots.

*I am using IE8 (minimum bass knob mode) as my benchmark/comparison >my IE8 has marked 600+hours burning so far & SP1 has touch 100+hours mark.

Here is my rigs setup:

Macbook Pro>AMB Mini3>SP1 / IE8 (min bass knob mode)
Cowon D2 (no EQ setting)>AMB Mini3>SP1 / IE8 (min bass knob mode)

Source:
All 320bits Mp3 songs:

1. Nirvana Unplugged in NY – The Man Who Sold The World
- SP1:
o K. Cobain vocal is a bit muffled & feel like he is been pushed his seat few step away from the original location; instrument separation is pretty good as those instrument has been brought into the front
o Mid/High is more forward with moderate clarity & details, cello /violin sounds are sweet
o Bass is very good & impactful as K. Novoselic bass notes & Dave Grohl drum bass can be easily identified
o Live music sound is less real as I felt that everyone are squeezed into more congested space.

- IE8:
o Clear K. Cobain Vocal & good instrument separation where I can really differentiate those acoustic guitar & cello/violin playing.
o Good mid/high, which made the slight guitar distortion riff, sounds so sweet & mellow.
o Bass is fantastic especially on those clean drum playing with clean snare; good depth & good decays
o The live sound is very realistic where I can pin point those instrument location easily

2. Duran Duran – Come Undone
- SP1:
o Simon vocal is soothing & clear; back vocal is muffled.
o Mid/High are both good as those electric guitars with flanger distortion sounds awesome & terrific
o Bass notes are very clearly distinguished & the drum bass is very impactful with good quantity.
o This is studio recording so don’t expect a concert hall recording & I can easily distinguish keyboard playing effect, guitars, drum, snare & vocal.
- IE8:
o Simon & those ladies back vocal are very clear, I can hear in certain vocal note “….who do u need …who do u love ..” where IE8 really excel.
o Superb mid/high, the tambourine sounds so crystal clear, flanger distortion even more details that ever.
o Bass Drum is enormous & wonderful, each beats go till my heart.
o As usual IE8 is best in this department, I can felt the concert hall effect.

3. Linkin Park – In Pieces/Shadow Of The Day
- SP1:
o Chester voice is very clear & sweet but I feel like he is standing a couple seats away from me compare to IE8; it sounds less harsh.
o Mid/High are fairly good & I felt slightly muffled.
o Mid Bass is fairly good here but SP1 more excel in the deep bass.
o This is studio recording so don’t expect a concert hall recording & I can easily distinguish keyboard playing effect, guitars, drum, snare & vocal.
- IE8:
o Chester crystal voice is in his best level, each words can be heard pronounce clearly, never sunken by the enormous bass department of IE8
o The mid/high, snare/violin is clearly heard, Brad guitar’s solo is never sounds so good before.
o The Eletronica & Rob Bass Drum playing are impactful & fast, each beats penetrate thru my heart; I also can hear clearly Phoenix bass note, which means the bass details is most superior.
o As usual IE8 is best in this department, I again can felt the concert hall effect.

Verdicts:
For USD$80 price tag & with so many goodies included, I can say so far this is the best IEM I had ever auditioned with that price range. In my opinion it is better than Sennheiser CX300 even CX500 at some instant. It is not fair to compare with IE8, but at this moment I only has IE8 with me. Surprisingly the SP1 bass is pretty good (50% of IE8 quality), with 1/5 price of IE8.

[addedon]May 16, 2009, 9:19 pm[/addedon]Photo for eye candy.

SP1
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6319/picture1pmf.png
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/874/picture2s.png
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/6033/picture3d.png
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3070/picture4gwp.png
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2673/picture5y.png
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5397/picture6q.png
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1251/picture7e.png
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/9580/picture8y.png
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/9327/picture9d.png
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6351/picture10k.png
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4413/picture11.png
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1627/picture12g.png
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6757/picture13.png
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6332/picture14g.png

Clip
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7153/picture1x.png
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6180/clip01h.jpg

Stand
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/1893/stand01t.jpg

Pouch
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/2870/pouchf.jpg

My 1st Customize Earphone Begin/ IE8 Customize Tip

jkleejk — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:27:30 +0800

Just want to start a thread to document my final earphone journey i hope..
will be getting 2 items in 2wks time
1. 4 BA driver customize earphone with special bass knob - SQ (maintain all the bass & soundstage of IE7 with enhance instrument separation & better mid/high)
2. IE8 soft type customize tips

Here is the story begins...
Found 1 good local customize iem in town, went up to their small factory for a visit..
WOW equipment with all those necessary equipment which needed for customize IEM
they are the PFE authorize dealer too...
Dont ask me their name right now....later on they will emerge into the market & let them do their own intro..
I did my ear expression on site (2 sets) > 1 for tips & 1 for IEM
It is an open mouth type as they explain to me open type is better to provide better seal as when our mouth is open our ear canal is in larger size compare to the close mouth type. If we are using close mouth type. when we are singing or talking, the IEM isolation will deteriorate as our ear canal is expanding as that instant...

Then best part i got to see all graph of each iems behave like those W3, ER4 & etc...1 weird finding, W3 bass has higher frequency compare with IE8, surprise me
then i can see the graph different when my IE8 bass knob turn to max & min, just the bass dept changes a little but the real SQ change lots! this is simple tweak made wonder, so i asking them to do similar feature in my customize IEM they said it can be done!

Then tested their own brand 2 BA customize driver, SQ is pretty accurate just like K701+Rudistor amp, i am lucky as my ear canal is bigger than normal so i can easily fit the sample IEM, of course seal isnt that perfect. but i can hear those clarity of vocal is another level of my experience encounter. Then tested Etymotic ER4B, i was thud this iem wont suit my taste, but surprise the bass is pretty good qty & the mid/treble is damn good for the price i think it is a good buy.

I will visit them again to get my goodies in 2wks time, will try on many other cable to search the most suitable cable my liking (like those ES cable, UE11p cable & etc..).

Now i am in dilemma, what color to chose & what logo to laser etch onto my IEM? any suggestion guys? Initially i chose light blue/purple candy color for left & right with gold dust powder. SO what u think of this combo?