Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by The Apprentice

Warm Value IEM Impression

The Apprentice — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:50:30 +0800

Recently, I started listening to music while on the move and decided to go for IEM because of it portability and isolation. As my budget only allowed me to get some entry level IEM, my priority is getting the one with most value. During the course of my search, it narrows down to three IEMs. They are selling at not more than RM60 each at the moment. Inspired by ClieOS review, I want to share my experience and hope to get some comments and feedbacks.
I have burn-in all of them for around 100 hours before started listening and used small silicon ear tips. I ripped Michael Jackson King of Pop CDs into 320kbps MP3 and randomly listen to them with a laptop. I only listen to them myself thus this findings are only my personal feeling and experience based on my setup and it might be different to others or might not be accurate. This comparison is subjective and the values given are relative to one another.

FX33 (KM*)
Bass: 7.0
Mid: 5.0
Treble: 6.5
Clarity: 6.0
Comfort: 7.0
*KM = Kramer Mod
Like – Good bass, sounds clearer, good build quality, customisable treble.
Don’t – Only satisfactory mid, need to be modded first (though it is not difficult but not revert-able).

JBL220
Bass: 7.0
Mid: 5.5
Treble: 6.0
Clarity: 5.5
Comfort: 7.0
Like – Good bass, more balance sound quality, good looking design, the JBL (a pro audio brand?).
Don’t – Microphonics (can be minimise when wearing its cable over the ears).

PL11
Bass: 6.0
Mid: 6.0
Treble: 5.0
Clarity: 5.0
Comfort: 7.0
Like – Bass quantity, clearer mid, easier to drive with FiiO5, comfortable to ware.
Don’t – Muddy bass overshadow part of its sound, only satisfactory treble, difficult to see the L and R markings (for left and right pieces).

Generally, I feel all three have warm sound signature but excel differently at clarity, bass, mid and treble. FX33 (KM) is more analytical, JBL220 is more balance, PL11 is more bassy among these three. The above impression may be a reference to ones preference though differences among them are small but noticeable (I am no pro). Although I rated FX33 (KM) and JBL220 bass at the same value but they are different kind of bass, I do not know how to descript the differences. I believe these IEMs sound quality is better than most stock phones and might be better than some expensive ones.
I hope to upgrade to a more valuable IEM eventually but this would not be prioritised. I think these 3 are good for any audiophiles looking for an entry level IEM. Ones who like bass would not go wrong with any of this value IEM.

Some references:

Budget earphones
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/934491/
Multiple IEM review
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/review-...t-v-2-a-394365/
JVC HA-FX33 Marshmallow mod
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/jvc-fx33-mod-223642/

[WTA] Missing standard accessories

The Apprentice — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:14:18 +0800

I guess here I should post my question.

Bought new earphones then later found that those additional ear tips are mixed up. Double flange tip and foam tip are missing but got 2 extra silicon tips of the same sizes. I did not notice initially because the translucent ear tips are packed up tightly in small translucent plastics and difficult to differentiate till I open it later on. It is about one month old and under warranty. It is possible to claim from seller or just to exchange?

What if parts of those standard accessories (i.e. ear tips) are missing, can claim then?

Thanks in advance.

P/S: Other than the mixed up ear-tips, the earphones is perfectly fine and I like it a lot.

Looking for TENS

The Apprentice — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:49:48 +0800

May I get recommendation where to buy a good Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) in Malaysia?
I prefer medical brand or no nonsense brand that use to reduce pain.
Thanks in advance.

[addedon]October 23, 2008, 1:48 pm[/addedon]How is OSIM iGoGo? Its price on the high site for me... Anyone know where to get Panasonic ones?

A570is vs F40fd

The Apprentice — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:10:17 +0800

I am a newbie in photography and need to buy a camera for traveling. After reading some reviews I reckon that Fujifilm F31fd is among the best for my situation but too bad it is out of stock.
Next in line would be either Fujifilm F40fd or Canon A570is. They are around the same price. Fujifilm F40fd has less control but smaller, easy to fit in pocket. Canon A570is has more control but is bigger, it need a pouch to carry around. I prefer to travel light or otherwise might go for super zoom.
Which is more technology proof? I plan to use it for a few years.
Which is more value for money? It has to be good image quality.
Thanks for advice.

Maxis offers free Video Calls

The Apprentice — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 02:54:55 +0800

Free? Make me thinking to go for 3G, need to buy a few dual camera phones then. Anyone have experience using this service?

Zire Stylus

The Apprentice — Sun, 21 May 2006 14:58:14 +0800

I lost my it...
Where can I get Zire Stylus that is compatible with Zire 31?
How much is it?
Thanks.