Canuck Audioholics Anonymous CAA Reviews & Fun Banter

[kingnubian]

Colorfly SR – Razor Wings Analogue

Preamble:

Colorfly might not be as well known in the IEM market as some bigger competitors, but this doesn’t affect the quality of its products. The $150 USD Colorfly Silver Reference, or SR for short, is such an example.
The driver complement includes three dynamic drivers. This driver setup also includes a 10mm carbon-based composite diaphragm dynamic driver and a coaxial module. The coaxial module has a 10mm biological driver and a 6mm titanium-coated driver within the same housing.
Colorfly houses these drivers in a CNC aluminum shell, which encases what they call an “Air Dynamic Airflow Chamber.” This chamber is an attempt to optimize the acoustic output, and in their words, “Delivering open-back-like transparency and natural sound reproduction.”.
The SR’s tuning is a moderately U-shaped sound signature with a thick, almost analogue-type of bass presentation and some brightness on top. Overall, the sound profile is quite enjoyable, even reminding me of the excellent ddHIfI Surface to some extent.
The SR is fairly easy to drive but less so than several IEMs I have had in recently. They do seem to thrive on good, clean power. I will sound repetitive here, but a quality source is recommended. Tip rolling for many will also be necessary, not only for the sonics but for the main negative of the SR, that being its unusual shape. This is not a trivial thing as I did find the SR hard to fit and uncomfortable after even a short while wearing them for thirty to forty-five minutes.

SPECS:
Product Name: Silver Reference(3DD In-ear Monitors)
Driver Configuration: 1x 10mm carbon-based composite diaphragm dynamic driver,
1x custom coaxial dual-dynamic driver

Module:
10mm biological diaphragm dynamic driver
6mm titanium-coated diaphragm dynamic driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: THD@1kHz <0.3%
Sensitivity: 107dB SPL/MW
Impedance: 16Ω
Connector Type: 0.78-2pin
Included Cable Termination: 4.4mm balanced stereo plug

Build & Fit:

1. Looks are subjective. The SR has distinctive looks that falls short on comfort.
2. Build quality is excellent.
3. Retail presentation is nice with a good unboxing experience.
4. The supplied accessories are of good quality, and the cable is adequate.
5. Comfort is lacking, even leading to strong discomfort after a short while.

SOUND:
Bass:

1. Analogue like bass presentation.
2. It has great bass weight with snappy mid-bass.
3. Sub-bass is slightly prominent over mid-bass.
4. The sub-bass has a good definition, although it’s not class-leading.
5. It has great bass power when the track demands it.
6. Bass is well controlled but not class leading. Some midrange bleed.

Midrange:

1. Slightly recessed.
2. Macro detail focused.
3. Lower mids have an added lush warmth.
4. Pleasing timbre and balance.
5. Upper mids are more vibrant than warm.
6. Pleasing note weight.
7. Pinna gain is just above moderate but little to no harshness unless pushed hard.
8. Layering and separation are good but not standout
9. Vocal textures are easy to discern

Treble:

1. The treble extends moderately.

2. Ample treble energy.

3. Detail is macro over micro, with some micro-details still present.

4. Pleasing sparkle and air present.

5. At louder volume levels, treble can take on an aggressive sound, losing some quality.

   The overall sound is vibrant with a good touch of warmth, which adds to the note weight. Male and female vocals have a lush quality about them, but more so with male vocals. Until higher volume levels, the SR shows great coherence and poise with just an occasional forwardness noted because of its pinna gain rise leading into a vibrant treble region.
   Timbre is quite good, and well-recorded tracks with acoustic instruments sounded great. Also, the recording relayed vocal textures effectively. This all comes together to provide a pleasing sound experience.

IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

1. A moderately large-sized open soundstage.
2. Instrument placement is accurate and distinct.
3. Dimensions are generous with good spacing around instruments.
4. Depth and, in particular, height are well presented.

CONCLUSION:
The Colorfly Silver Reference SR had me perplexed. One of my best friends is a successful restauranteur, and he says that a restaurant with the best food but terrible service and user experience will still fail. The SR isn’t a failure by any means, but is suffers the same issue.
The SR is a very good sounding IEM hobbled by what I found to be poor, and even uncomfortable, fitment. This is an IEM that physically never let me forget that it was in my ears and as such diminished the overall experience, no matter how good it sounds.
Still, the Colorfly Silver Reference SR is a well built, tuned and musical IEM.

[pk500]

Those look WILDLY uncomfortable. Whose ear is shaped even remotely like that?

[GregTheEgg]

It is a unique design and I do actually like the way it looks. But yea it defo wont fit well, i can imagine the pointy end digging into my skin. Its a shame because it does seem like they know how to tune…the sound defo deserves better housing.

[KrustyolBastid]

ISN EBC80
8 Driver Quadbrid $699.00 usd

*2 - Sonion Electrostatic Driver for Ultra-high frequency
*1 - Knowles Balanced Armature for High frequency
*1 - Sonion Balanced Armature for Middle frequency
*2 - 8mm liquid silicone Dynamic Driver for Low frequency
*2 - Sonion Bone Conduction Driver for Full frequency

Impedance: 13 ohm
Frequency range: 5 Hz-40 kHz
Sensitivity: 106dB

Preamble:
The ISN EBC80 was released early 2025. I didn’t receive the original packaging, but from what I can gather from the website it comes with the ear pieces, 9 pair of ear tips, IEM case, and, interestingly, 3 modular cables including 3.5, 2.5, and 4.4mm terminations.
C2 is a pure copper cable.
H2 is a hybrid pure copper and silver plated copper mix.
S2 is a silver plated copper cable.

The ISN EBC80 is a personal unit owned by one of the Canuck Audioholics, so thank you, fellow Canuck Audioholics for sharing this IEM, and for your always available support and insights.
@ToneDeafMonk
@kingnubian
@KrustyolBastid

Pros and Cons:
Transparent blue resin shells are high quality build, fit, and finish, with attractive face plates and gold colour metal trim. They offer a glimpse of the driver array, are vented to reduce pressure build up, and the Sonion bone conduction drivers are vented to fire directly against the Concha of the ear.
I would call them medium/large to large sized, but in reality quite compact for an 8 driver offering.
They fit well, and comfortably, in my larger ears and the nozzle angle and mid point insertion depth offers a good seal and anchor.
Fit, as always, is personal. So individual results will vary.
The 3 included modular cables are above average offerings.
The 3.5, 2.5, and 4.4mm terminations are friction fit with no locking or securing method. The connection is snug but it did separate on me one time during a listening session.
There are no ear hooks, but the chin toggle works well and holds securely. Cinch it up and the cables hold securely in place over the ear, and provide good support for the IEM in ear.
Quality brand name drivers used.
Carry case is small and easily pocketable, but fits only a cable and the earpieces.
No room for extra accessories.
Source device compatible. I tried a few different DAPs and dongles and the ECB80 played nice with all.

Equipment:
I found the ECB80 mildly over energetic in the upper mids (I have a mids sensitivity fyi)
I liked the ECB80 best on a warmer source and chose the Hiby R8ii for my listening sessions and sound evaluation.

ISN ECB80 IEM, aged ?? hours, but assume 100+.
Hiby R8ii DAP, low gain, 4.4mm out.
Stock H2 copper/silver plated copper hybrid cable terminated 4.4mm.
Eletech Baroque wide bore ear tips.

Sound:
The dual 8mm dynamic drivers deliver an overall tight and well managed bass presentation.
Sub bass has a nice deep rumble, but doesn’t dip overly low in the head space.
Sub bass stays in its place and doesn’t bleed much, or over shadow the head space.
Mid bass is tight, punchy and well defined from the sub bass.
Very adequate bass quantity, perfectly tuned, and blends seamlessly with the other frequencies.
May leave dedicated bass enthusiasts wanting, but a near perfect implementation for this IEM.

Mids and vocals are clear, highly detailed, and technically proficient, all while retaining an engaging musicality.

Highs are crisp and airy, good micro detail retrieval, one of the better EST implementations I’ve heard, tight, crisp, and don’t decay too quickly.
The highs are rolled off and recessed in the mix, but the detail is there.
With the ultra highs not elevated or forward, during my early listening sessions I overlooked how detailed the ultra highs are

Left to right width is good, just outside the head. Height is good, reaching high in the skull, but bass doesn’t pull really low somewhat limiting the overall perception of top to bottom layering.
Front to rear depth is average.
The head stage is intimate but open and spacious. The clarity in the mids allows for space between instruments and the result is accurate imaging and layering. It is easy to pinpoint individual instruments.

Summary:
The ISN ECB80 suited my listening preference very well, it is a detailed and technically accurate IEM with great dynamics, imaging and layering, all the while steering clear of becoming clinical sounding by maintaining good “musicality”.

My one nit pick is; I find the Sonion bone conduction drivers don’t add as much depth, note weight, or “feel”, to the music as “diaphragm” style BC drivers do.
Nonetheless, EBC80 is a very well tuned and enjoyable IEM, well worthy of a listen.

My music sources:
Qobuz, and, FLAC and DSD files stored on the SD cards of my daps.
My music genre are primarily Rock, Blues, Jazz, Symphonic, Country, Rap, R&B, Pop, Electronic.

Enjoy your music.

[kingnubian]

Myer Audio Sliivo SL224 – Musical Precision

Preamble:
Myer Audio is another IEM market name, and it’s a shame that it might not be as well known as some more established players. The two IEMs I have had the pleasure of listening to from this company have been very good. Myer Audio carries two lines of IEMs named Sliivo and CKLVX. I don’t know what differentiates the two product lines, but in the end it’s the sound that matters.
The $270 SL224 employs a hybrid driver setup with two dynamic drivers, dual balanced armatures handling the midrange and four micro-plan drivers for the treble for a total of eight drivers per side. A dedicated crossover is used to manage the driver frequency ranges.
This all sounds like a lot of different tech, and it is. With the SL224, Myer Audio has shown an admirable level of technical prowess in getting a cohesive and eminently satisfying sound, leveraging the tech not just for the marketing department, but for the betterment of the overall audio quality. A few others, such as BGVP, have succeeded in this regard, but far too many others have not done as well. As a bonus, the included cable comes with 4.4mm, 3.5mm and USB-C connectivity.
The SL224 is fairly easy to drive, yet it is a resolving set that scales nicely with better sources. Tip selection is also in play here in order to extract the best performance. Tuning wise the SL224 offers a neutral presentation with some lift in the upper frequencies, bordering on a bright/neutral sound. Its sound is wonderfully clear and detailed, being noticeably spacious and clean.

SPECS:

Impedance: 36Ω.

Sensitivity: 108dB.

Frequency Response Range: 20Hz~20kHz.

Nozzle Size: 6.2mm.

Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin Connectors.

Termination Plugs: 3.5 mm+4.4 mm+Type-C.

Build & Fit:

1. Beautiful looking iem.
2. Build quality is excellent. Shells are perfectly finished.
3. Retail presentation is nice with a good unboxing experience.
4. The supplied accessories are of excellent quality.
5. The stock cable is exceptional with great haptics, flexibility and functionality.
6. The SL224 is moderately large, yet its shape fits comfortably and is perfect for long listening sessions.
7. From retail presentation to the iem and accessories themselves, a premium product

SOUND:
Bass:

1. Balanced and linear bass presentation throughout the low end.
2. Bass digs deep but not with “Basshead” power
3. Bass control, resolution and speed are a standout.
4. Sub-bass and mid-bass have great texturing.
5. It has adequate bass power when the track demands it but not overwhelming.
6. Bass is all about quality over quantity, but enough of the latter to still satisfy.

Midrange:

1. Clean, transparent and open.
2. Detail retrieval, macro and micro, is outstanding.
3. Midrange can lack some warmth yet not enough to sound cold.
4. Pleasing timbre and balance.
5. Upper midrange is elevated but no harshness noted.
6. Note weight is adequate, but not class leading.
7. Pinna gain is just above moderate with no harshness or sibilance.
8. Layering and separation are very good
9. Vocal textures are easy to discern
10. Layering and separation are notable. The SL224 makes it easy to discern instruments.

Treble:

1. The treble well extended.
2. Ample treble energy.
3. Detail retrieval is again outstanding.
4. Ample sparkle and air present.
5. The 4 micro-planar drivers might be responsible for the treble lushness.

The overall sound is crystal clear and vibrant, with details everywhere. Yes, the SL224 is a detail beast, that’s for sure. The beautiful thing is that Myer Audio has still managed to keep the SL224 from sounding anywhere near clinical. It simply presents a vibrant yet musical sound, and they did it very well.
The SL224 isn’t a toasty warm sounding IEM with subdued technicalities meant to appease everyone. Nor will its sound appease those who are looking for Basshead level low end slam. It is an IEM tuned for precision and musicality.
One rare attribute the SL224 has is its ability to render the space between the notes as a black background. For this listener, it all adds up to a more immersive experience, in particular when listening to well recorded music.

IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

1. A moderately large-sized open soundstage.
2. Instrument placement is accurate and pinpoint.
3. Dimensions are generous with notable spacing around instruments.
4. The presentation of dimensions is natural.
5. Layering and instrument separation are notable.
6. Strong technicalities.

Versus:

• Myer Audio Sliivo SLA3 -
  The SLA3 sits lower regarding pricing, $104 at the time of this review, than the Sl224.
  The bass has more presence on the SLA3 with great drive. In terms of overall control, the SL224 does better here as heard on “Angel” by Massive Attack. Bass is also snappier with the SL224
  In the midrange, the SL224 and SLA3 both offer a sound filled with details, but the SL224 takes the easy win here, having superior detail retrieval capabilities and a somewhat more open-sounding soundscape.
  In the treble range, both sound great, with the SL244 having a lusher sound and slightly more energy.
  Regarding technicalities, while the SL224 is more refined in most aspects compared to the SLA3, the SLA3 performs quite well and, at its price of $104, will make many competitors take notice.

CONCLUSION:
The Myer Audio SL224 is a winner. It offers a sound ripe with detail and precision. Is it for everyone? No, and I have not found an IEM that is, and hopefully I never will.
Myer Audio has done well with the SL224, an IEM with such clear and musical sound. If you are in the market for an IEM that has sonics with abundant details and precision of sound, the Mayer Audio SL224 should be on your shortlist.

[kingnubian]

Myer Audio Sliivo SLA3 – Fun Yet Musical

Preamble:

Hot on the heels of my Myer Audio Sliivo SL224 review, I have in for a listen the Sliivo SLA3. If you haven’t heard of Myer Audio, it is a shame. I found the two IEMs I listened to from them impressive. The SLA3 brings 75% of what the SL224 offers at less than 50% of the cost.

The $104 SLA3 employs a hybrid driver setup, which includes a 10mm composite bio-diaphragm driver and three balanced armature drivers. Regarding the balanced armatures, the SLA3 employs a pair of dual Knowles and one customized driver. These drivers reside in a precise 3D acoustic chamber that is designed to maximize their individual performance.

Having just previously listened to the SL224 and the opportunity to compare them directly, I came away impressed with the SLA3. It does not give much ground to the SL224 even besting it in at least one metric. If anything, it is a more fun SL224 with just a measure less refinement. Competitors in that hot $100 range should take notice.

The SLA3 is easy to drive, but as usual, I recommend a more capable source to extract the best performance from the SLA3. Tuning wise the SLA3 has on offer a moderate V-shape with a sub-bass prominence and enough sparkle in the treble to balance things out nicely.

SPECS:

Impedance: 40Ω.

Sensitivity: 107dB.

Termination Plugs: Gold-Plated 3.5mm+4.4mm.

Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin Connectors.

Build & Fit:

1. Beautiful looking iem.

2. Build quality is excellent. The shell has a perfect finish.

3. Moderate size with an easy fit.

4. The supplied accessories are of excellent quality.

5. The stock cable is exceptional with great haptics, flexibility and functionality.

6. Long listening sessions are super comfortable. .

7. Included accessories are of high quality.

SOUND:

Bass:

1. Nice thick bass with ample presence yet not overbearing.

2. Bass digs deep with power when the track demands it.

3. Bass control, resolution and speed are notable.

4. Mid-bass somewhat more textured than deep sub-bass.

5. Sub-bass emphasis over mid-bass…

6. Bass is tuneful and satisfying.

Midrange:

1. Clean, transparent and open.

2. Detail retrieval, macro and micro, is notable. Macro over micro in terms of balance.

3. Midrange has a warmth that is soothing. More so on male voices but also on female.

4. Pleasing timbre and balance.

5. The upper midrange is elevated, but there is no harshness.

6. Note weight is notable.

7. Pinna gain is just above moderate with no harshness or sibilance.

8. Layering and separation are good

9. The listener can easily hear vocal textures.

Treble:

1. The treble well extended.

2. Ample treble energy.

3. Detail retrieval is good.

4. Ample sparkle and air present.

5. Treble compliments the bass, balancing out the sound.

The overall sound is vibrant with good clarity top to bottom. The treble, making for a fun yet musical listening experience, tempers the elevated sub-bass. Even on busy tracks, the SLA3 could keep all the musical elements in their place. While not as impressive as the more expensive SL224, the SLA3 more than represented itself.

You could describe the SLA3’s sound as fun yet musical.

IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

1. A moderate sized open soundstage.

2. Instrument placement is accurate and pinpoint.

3. Dimensions are moderate with adequate spacing around instruments.

4. The presentation of dimensions is natural.

5. Layering and instrument separation are notable.

6. Good technicalities.

Versus:

Myer Audio Sliivo SL224 -

The SLA3 has more bass energy and grunt than the SL224 but does fall behind on other metrics. Between these two IEMs, it’s really about the fun/technical vs the detail beast/technical.

Each sound great in its own right yet differ enough that one could not push aside the other. The SLA3 is possibly more versatile because of its added sub-bass; however, this is subjective. The SL224, on the other hand, is a detail monster and more open sounding. Both are keepers.

CONCLUSION:

Myer Audio has another winner on its hands. The SLA3 is a fun, yet decidedly musical performer that offers impressive sound with every music genre I threw at it. At an asking price of $104, it definitely has put others on notice.

[ToneDeafMonk]

Whats’s In or on your ears tonight?

My mind is currently being blown by my first listen off the Nipo A100 portable dac amp.
I am testing the MusicTeck version and what a interesting back story on this one.

I am driving my Alpha Omega Custom In Ear Omega off of this incredibly good sounding source!

The Story Behind A100 MusicTeck Special Edition

"Last year, we were introduced to NiPO through their flagship N2 DAP. We were immediately impressed by its delicate sonic presentation—the incredibly dark background, lifelike timbre accuracy, and excellent detail retrieval all resonated with our listening preferences. On the technical side, their patented SLEA amplifier was simply mind-blowing: 2.5W of output power, yet still offering over 1600 hours of standby battery life.

So when the A100 project came into view, we reached out to NiPO right away. Our goal was to capture the same kind of magic we brought to the qdc “Emperor to King” evolution—this time, channeling the feedback and preferences we’ve heard from our loyal community. We combined that voice with our own technical insights to co-develop a special edition tailored just for you.

The development process was incredibly smooth. NiPO’s technical team was not only professional and precise but also deeply committed to realizing our vision. They went the extra mile, even restructuring their supply chain to source new components in order to fine-tune the sound to our exact request.

As a result, the MT Special Edition A100 features a customized capacitor matrix designed to enhance richness and lushness, paired with an upgraded, ultra-low-noise SGM8262 amp chip for optimal synergy with this tuning.

We’re proud to introduce the A100 dongle—our very first collaboration on a source device. Come and hear the difference."

[KrustyolBastid]

BGVP DMA
5 Driver Hybrid $299.99 usd.

Mid/High: Sonion BA (2300 series) x1
High: Knowles BA (RAD series) x1
Bass: 9.2mm nickel-plated DD x1
Atmosphere: Sonion Bone Conduction Driver x2

Sensitivity: ≥106dB SPL/MW
Input impedance: 17 ohms.
Frequency response range: 10Hz-40kHz

Preamble:
Sincere appreciation and thanks go out to BGVP for providing the DMA review sample to the Canuck Audioholics.
Tone Deaf Monk
King Nubian
KrustyolBastid

I received only the ear pieces, stock modular cable with 3.5 and 4.4mm terminations, and, the IEM carry case which is pocketable, but also large enough for a few extra accessories to tag along.
I can’t speak fully to the entire retail unboxing experience.

Pros and Cons:
High quality, clear, 3D printed resin shells offer a clear view of the drivers and acoustic tubes.
CNC engraved metal faceplates, available in blue or silver, have a Y shaped cutout with blue and red colour coded mesh behind, identifying the left and right ear pieces.
Ear pieces are medium sized. They fit well and are comfortable in my ears.
Nozzle depth is shallow to mid reach.
The included modular stock cable is a quality silver plated copper offering and comes with 3.5 and 4.4mm terminations.
Hardware is metal or metal encased.
Ear hooks are comfortable on ear and provide good support to the IEM.
The chin toggle is tight and requires two hands to position it.
The dual Sonion bone conduction drivers are vented through the shell
directly at the auricle to help ensure wave transfer to the underlying bone structure.
DMA has a fairly balanced tuning with a mild mids peak. I find I prefer them on a warmer, non mids forward source.
They are not difficult to drive, a basic dongle will work well, nor are they source fussy, they sounded good on all I tried.

Equipment:
I auditioned DMA on several source devices including a couple dongles connected to my iPhone.
In the end I choose the Hiby R8ii for the sound evaluation portion of the review.

BGVP DMA IEM, aged 100 + hours.
Hiby R8ii DAP, low gain, 4.4mm out.
Stock silver plated copper cable, with 4.4mm termination attached.
Sedna Xelastec wide bore ear tips.

Sound:
Bass is reasonably tight without being lean. Mid bass is more thump than punch, well mannered and stays in its lane.
Sub bass can be boomy, or, have a very satisfying rumble, sometimes a bit of both, depending on the track.
It is also well mannered and doesn’t overwhelm the head space.

Mids and vocals are nicely elevated and forward without exhibiting excessive energy, i.e. not harsh or shrill.
Very good macro details and some micro detail as well.
Good dynamics, natural tonality, accurate male and female vocals.

Highs are crisp and clear without being clinical. Very good micro detail in just the right amounts.
No shortage of sparkle and air in the ultra highs.

Head stage is intimate.
With the exception of width, which presents just out the ears. Pretty much everything else lies within the confines of the head.
Stage allows enough room for individuality, but not overly open and spacious.
The Sonion BC does add some
Ambiance/Atmosphere, but, not as much as coil type BC drivers are capable of.

Summary:
The BGVP DMA was released early in 2024, so it’s not a recent release.
It seems to have flown under the radar to some degree, which is unfortunate because it is a really good sounding, well built IEM, with an impressive driver array.

The DMA doesn’t seek to satisfy bass heads, mid centric’s, or treble fans.
While somewhat mids focused, it has enough of everything, and everything in its place.
Reasonably balanced in its presentation it is well suited to playing back a wide range of genre.

I very much enjoyed my lengthy mixed genre listening sessions just coasting along with the music.

$299.99 usd is a significant ask, but based on sound quality, well mannered tuning, build quality, and brand name drivers. I think it is worth the ask, and, that it will compete easily with others in its class.

My music sources:
Qobuz, and, FLAC and DSD files stored on the SD cards of my daps.
My music genre are primarily Rock, Blues, Jazz, Symphonic, Country, Rap, R&B, Pop, Electronic.

Enjoy your music.

[ToneDeafMonk]

Yeah a terrific IEM, this one seems to be known from more people spreading the word of how good it is and how well priced it is, and didn’t follow the normal hype train.

Great write up thanks for sharing.

[ToneDeafMonk]

Ocean, campfire and my @Oriolus Szalayi
@iBasso DX340 and AMP17 damn do i love this combo!

Canuck Audioholics Anonymous (CAA)

[kingnubian]

Astrotec GX100 – Shine Brightly

Preamble:
Astrotec has been around for some time, but is not one of those companies that may be at the forefront of people’s minds. On their website, they spell out their purpose: “Astrotec’s endless pursuit of exploration in acoustic technology, and the combination of acoustics and aesthetics.”
The $50 GX100 is a new product that, concerning price, sits at the bottom of their product line. It is a diminutive-sized iem with a combination metal/resin housing and a hybrid driver complement of a single 10mm LCP driver working alongside a 10.6mm Piezoelectric Ceramic driver. The website description states that the technologies employed do not use a crossover. Astrotec boasts that the GX100 is tuned to follow the Harman curve, but they do not indicate which one. Tuning-wise wise we have a bright/neutral sound. Upper mids and treble are prominent here, with the bass just a step in the back. I am not one to use EQ, but with the GX100 the built-in bass boost of the Xduoo XA-02 and iFi Hip-Dac did wonders with the GX100’s sonic balance. The GX100 handled this boost beautifully and really highlighted the quality bass it can produce.
Most sources can easily power the GX100, and you can enjoy it. The one caveat is that, given its tuning, for me, a warmer source was required. One issue was that, because of the small size of the IEM, tip rolling was essential to get it firmly set and sealed in my ear. Please note that not having a good seal did adversely affect the bass quality and quantity significantly.

SPECS:
Item Specification
Model Name GX100
Driver Configuration Φ10mm LCP Diaphragm Dynamic Driver + Φ10.6mm PZT Driver
Frequency Response 5Hz – 40kHz
Impedance 32Ω
Sensitivity 108dB/1mW
Max Input Power 10mW
Cable Silver-Plated High-Purity Oxygen-Free Copper (2mm² 2-pin 0.78mm)
Plug 3.5mm Stereo

Build & Fit:

1. Nice-looking IEM with resin shells and a metal faceplate.
2. Build quality is good.
3. Shape and small size required tip rolling to get a good, secure fit.
4. The supplied accessories are sparse but of good quality.
5. The stock cable is above average for the price, though with average haptics.
6. Long listening sessions are comfortable, but this is tip-dependent.
7. Retail packaging is basic but nicely done.

SOUND:
Bass:

1. Bass goes moderately deep.
2. Great quickness and snap, if missing power.
3. Bass control, resolution, and speed are notable.
4. Mid-bass has good speed and responsiveness.
5. You can easily adjust the sub-bass roll off with EQ, and the GX100 handles it quite well.
6. The mids and treble can overshadow the bass.

Midrange:

1. Good clarity and composure with a vibrant presentation.
2. Detail retrieval, both macro and micro, is notable with more of a macro-dynamics focus.
3. Not much warmth, but not sterile.
4. Pleasing timbre and balance, if somewhat bright.
5. The upper midrange shows elevation, yet there is little, if any, harshness detected.
6. Note weight, not class leading. Midrange can sound thin at times.
7. Layering and separation are good
8. Transients have a rapid attack but lack impact because of only moderate note weight.

Treble:

1. The treble well extended.

2. Ample treble energy.

3. Detail retrieval is good.

4. Ample sparkle and air present.

5. Treble adds spaciousness to the sound.

   The overall sound is noticeably vibrant with good clarity. This is not a sound for the treble-sensitive listener, as a bright/neutral tuning is what the GX100 offers out of the box. I indeed found it bright, yet not overly aggressive.
   Even though the bass is high quality, the forwardness of the mids and treble more often than not overshadows it. Generally, I am not one to use EQ, but did find that the built-in bass boost offered by the Xduoo XA-02 and, in particular, the X-bass of the iFi Hip-Dac brought tangible benefits to the overall sonic balance of the GX100, bringing up the bass shelf to be more in line with the energy in the upper registers.
   This adjustment wasn’t always required, but the GX100 took to this boost like a champ, which made me appreciate its sound even more, bringing its high-quality bass into clearer focus.

IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

1. A moderately sized open soundstage.
2. Instrument placement is accurate.
3. Dimensions are moderate with adequate spacing around instruments.
4. The presentation of dimensions is natural with notable air.
5. Layering and instrument separation are also notable.
6. Dimensional cues are carried by the mids and treble as the bass is more subdued.

CONCLUSION:
Astrotec’s GX100 bucks the trend with a bright/neutral tuned IEM built for clarity and detail. While its energetic presentation may not be for everyone, I did find that with a little help, the high-quality bass could be easily brought up to offer an even more balanced sound. I found that with this small tweak, the GX100 rose above many of its direct competitors.
The GX100 and its dynamic/piezoelectric drivers offer up a sound that does not sit in the backseat but one that stands up. For those who value an energetic, bright/neutral tuning with EQ adaptability, the Astrotec GX100 could be of interest.

[kingnubian]

Earacoustics VSA Max – Flying Close To The Sun

Preamble:

Earacoustics Audio is no stranger to my ears. I had previously reviewed another of their products and came away with a positive experience.

The $150 VoidSilver Stalker Max represents yet another release from the company, previously known as TFZ. It is a single dynamic driver-based IEM sporting an 11.4mm titanium diaphragm housed in a jewel-like shell made of aluminum-magnesium alloy and topped off with a glittering faceplate.

The marketing for the VSA-Max on the Earacoustics website made me pause. The terms used to describe the IEM make me wonder what message they are trying to relay. That’s fine, though, as my ears and audio sensibilities will always make the final determination, not a marketing department.

Out of the box, the sound was bright/neutral; however, a lengthy burn-in period and careful tip and source selection improved it significantly. Some engineering and design thought went into the creation of these earphones. The Titanium driver uses two acoustic chambers to massage the sound, and the CNC shell is machined with specific chamber dimensions, again to extract the best sound out of the high-quality driver.

Tuning-wise, we have a V-shaped presentation with extra energy at the top. Careful source and tip selection can lessen much of this for treble-sensitive listeners who may be put off by this

The VSA-Max is easy to drive, but it is a resolving IEM, and as such, a better source is recommended. My listening preferences had me driving this IEM with a warmer source and choosing tips, Final Audio E-type, to manage the sonics. Doing so balanced out the sound profile.

Specs:

Driver: 11.4mm Full-Amplitude Titanium Diaphragm

Magnetic Circuit: Tesla Dual Magnetic

Impedance: 32Ω

Sensitivity: 110dB

Frequency Response: 5Hz–40kHz

Cable: 408-core OFC + Silver-Plated Litz, 1.2m

Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin

Termination: Interchangeable 4.4mm + 3.5mm

Build & Fit:

1. Attractive, not your typical looking iem. Shells have a relief pattern, and the faceplate is jewel-like in appearance.

2. Build quality is excellent.

3. Larger size, but the shape led to a great fit and comfort even for longer listening sessions.

4. The supplied accessories are also of excellent quality.

5. The stock cable is fabulous with interchangeable 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced tips included.

6. The retail package is a treat, with a pleasing unboxing experience.

7. The included carrying case is also standout, similar to other Airacoustics releases.

SOUND:

Bass:

1. Bass goes deep.

2. Sub-bass has great extension and richness, sacrificing a little in firmness.

3. Bass control, resolution, and speed are notable.

4. Mid-bass has speed and responsiveness. Great impact noted.

5. Bass texturing is also quite good. Able to hear nuances in bass instruments.

6. Bass has an organic presentation with ample kick when called for.

Midrange:

1. Clarity and composure with a lively presentation.

2. Detail retrieval, both macro and micro, is notable.

3. Warmth in the lower mids gives male vocals some grunt.

4. Female vocals are exceptionally clear.

5. Pleasing timbre and balance, if somewhat bright at times. This is track-dependent.

6. The upper midrange shows elevation, yet there is little harshness detected.

7. Pleasing note weight.

8. Layering and separation are notable.

9. Transients have a rapid onset with obvious force and a natural decay.

Treble:

1. The treble well extended.

2. Energetic treble.

3. Detail retrieval is standout.

4. Ample sparkle and air present.

5. Treble adds spaciousness to the sound.

6. Treble characteristics may not be forgiving of poorly recorded music.

The overall sound is lively with excellent clarity. I found the “Out of the box” sound leaning towards a brighter presentation, but as previously mentioned, after burn-in, careful tip and source selection did much to improve the overall balance. This is subjective, and the listener will do what they must based on their preferences.

The VSA-Max driver is of high quality and is implemented nicely. I expected a “screamer” after looking at the marketing for this IEM, but instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a detailed and coherent sound.

The bass is solid and balances out the upper frequencies well. That, combined with an open midrange, with great clarity and a vibrant and detailed treble region. The VSA-Max does best with well-recorded tracks as music of lesser recording quality can suffer soundwise.

IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

1. A moderately sized open soundstage.

2. Instrument placement is accurate.

3. Dimensions are balanced, being more natural than exaggerated.

4. The presentation has notable air around the instruments.

5. Layering and instrument separation are also well done.

6. Vocals are in the front, with the instruments being distinct in the headspace.

CONCLUSION:

Earacoutics are at it again with yet another release showcasing the 11.4mm driver, which appears in a number of their other products. The goal of the VSA-Max, at least according to the marketing, was to bring out the best in female vocals. This would have led to a purposefully tuned IEM, which possibly would not fare as well with all music types. Thankfully, this is not the case, and the VSA-Max is found to be more versatile than the over-the-top marketing would have you believe.

My time with the VSA-max was one of discovery, exploring what this IEM is capable of. Taking the time to give it the best chance to shine, managing tips, sources, and cables. It was time well spent as the VSA-Max did well. At its $150 price, there is no shortage of competition, though, and the Max has its work cut out for it. The QOA Mimosa for example, is a staunch competitor. Still, the single dynamic coherence of sound that the VSA-Max brings to the table should not be overlooked.

If you are in the market for a livelier, yet coherent sound signature with stellar build quality, then the Earacoustics Audio VSA-Max could be considered.

[SushiiFi]

Fiio Snowsky Echo Mini – Retro Vibes, Modern Performance

Fiio Just Shook the Budget DAP Market – Snowsky Echo Mini Review (Best Budget Audio Player?)

Pros:

• Compact & Portable
• Beautiful Design
• Excellent Sonic Performance
• Good Power Output
• Effective Heat Management
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• Cumbersome UI
• No USB input or output functionality (nitpick)
• No hires Bluetooth codec support
• Slow charging

Specs

• 1.99-Inch 170*320 IPS Full-View HD Color Display
• Shell material: Plastic
• Dimensions: Appx. 8054.514.5mm
• Weight: 55g
• DAC: Dual CS43131
• Storage: Internal: 8GB
• External: Supports microSD card up to 256GB
• Bluetooth Codec: SBC
• Playback Formats: DSD, WAV, FLAC, APE, MP3, M4A, OGG
• Sampling Rates: DSD: 64/128/256, WAV: 24-bit / 192kHz, FLAC: 24-bit / 192kHz, APE: 24-bit / 96kHz
• Outputs: 3.5mm single-ended/4.4mm balanced
• Output Power: Output 1 (32Ω single-ended): L+R ≥ 100mW + 100mW (THD+N < 1%), Output 2 (32Ω balanced): L+R ≥ 250mW + 250mW (THD+N < 1%,)
• SNR: ≥ 131dB (32Ω A-weighted)
• THD+N: 0.0004%
• Noise Floor: 0.8 µV
• Price: 50$

Before starting the review, I want to thank fiio for sending the Echo Mini in for a review.

Accessories

The unboxing experience is straightforward and minimalistic. You get the device and a USB cable. The USB cable is of decent quality.

Design and build

The design of the Echo Mini is playful and neo-retro, I really love it. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around daily. The size is slightly larger than a regular dongle, but not so big that it becomes hard to carry.

There’s a door-shaped cutout on the back that, at first glance, might make you think it has a replaceable battery, but it doesn’t.

The build quality is decent. The construction is fully plastic, which keeps it light, but not to the point where it feels cheap. The build feels purposeful. Plus, plastic is naturally shatter- and dent-resistant

Functioanlity

OS Experience

The OS experience is the only real drawback of the Echo Mini. It’s not the easiest to use, and it will take some time to get used to the UI. You navigate using the buttons on top, and their functions change depending on which menu you’re in—this adds another layer of complexity. Overall, the UI is a bit unorganised.

Is it cumbersome to use? Yes.
Can you get used to it? Also yes.

With the latest firmware, FiiO has added an EQ feature with both presets and a custom option. It’s not a full parametric EQ, but it’s still a welcome addition. Kudos for that.

Battery Life, Charging and Heat Management

The battery life of the Echo Mini is very good. When running the FiiO FT1 Pro or other harder-to-drive headphones, the lowest battery life I got was around 9 hours. With regular IEMs, you can easily get up to 12 hours.

Heat management is also handled well—the device never overheats, whether you’re charging it or just listening to music.

The only minor downside is the charging time. Using a Samsung 25W charger, it takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge. If you’re using a slower charger, expect it to take even longer.

Gears Used For Testing and Drivability

Iems - Aful cantor, Thieaudio hype 10, Elysian Pilgrim, letshuoer 15 tanchjim bunny, Tangzu Zetian Wu Heday. In terms of

Headphones - Fiio FT1 Pro

The Echo Mini has ample power to drive all the IEMs I have, and it handled the FiiO FT1 Pro excellently. I am really impressed with the driving power of it.

Sound

The Sonic performance of the Echo is the best part about this DAP. Let me say this upfront. This is one of the best sounding dap that is available under $100. I have no complaints with the sound of this DAP.

The overall sound signature is neutral. It sounds natural and smooth, never leaning toward a cold or overly clinical presentation.

The extension into the sub-bass is very good, producing deep sub-bass notes with precision. The mid-bass thump is also well-represented with good authority.

The mids are also excellent. The lower mids are neutral-sounding, but they still have a good amount of heft, making male vocals and instruments in this range sound natural and well-textured. Lower mids never sound thin or lean. The upper mids are well-balanced, without any glare or excessive forwardness; they sound just as they should. The midrange overall has good texturing, especially considering the price.

The treble is smooth and free from harshness or glare. It retains a good amount of detail and has solid extension. The treble is well-defined, presenting details in a refined and gentle manner rather than bombarding you with excessive sharpness.

Detail retrieval is solid, with macro-detail pickup is excellent. The micro-detail retrieval is also impressive, echo mini has nice dynamics and sense of punch. The stage isn’t the widest I’ve heard, but it’s good for the price. Instrument separation and layering are also quite good.

I didn’t notice any background hiss or noise, and there was no interference as well. So overall, in the sound department, consider me impressed.

Bluetooth Transmission and USB Functionality

The Echo Mini also supports Bluetooth transmission, but don’t expect too much from it. It only supports the basic SBC codec, so there’s no high-quality Bluetooth streaming. That said, the Bluetooth quality is decent enough if you just want to use it with wireless headphones while walking or at the gym. I tested it with the Samsung Buds 2 Pro and Moondrop Space Travel, and it worked fine for casual listening.

Unfortunately, the Echo Mini doesn’t support any kind of USB input or output. I really wish it did, especially USB input, so that it could double as a dongle DAC. That would’ve made it even more versatile.

Conclusion

I’m really impressed with the value Fiio has provided with the echo mini. It’s handy, easy to carry, has ample power to drive harder-to-drive headphones, and sounds excellent good as well. Of course, there are flaws main being the UI not as easy to use and lack of Usb input. However, despite these drawbacks, I can confidently recommend this DAP to anyone looking for their first player or if you want off-line player, that is easy to carry and sounds excellent. Overall gets a thumbs up from my end.

[KrustyolBastid]

BGVP SOLOMON
Named after the legendary King of ancient Israel.
9 Driver Quadbrid IEM. $1299.00 usd

2x Sonion Ultra-high EST
1x Sonion Midrange Balanced Armature
2x Sonion Mid-treble Balanced Armature
2x Bass 8mm PU&LCP Composite Dynamic Driver
2x Sonion Atmosphere Bone Conduction Driver

*Sensitivity: 110.8dB SPL@1KHz (100mV)
*Impedance: 7.3 ohm@1KHz
*Frequency Response: 20Hz-70kHzv

Preamble:
Very sincere and gracious thanks, and appreciation go out to BGVP for providing the Canuck Audioholics review group with the incredible BGVP Solomon IEM review sample.
Tone Deaf Monk
King Nubian
Krusty’olBastid

Unboxing
I received the complete retail package this time, and it is top shelf through and through.

It ships in a large plain cardboard box with the wooden iem case, well protected by foam inserts, inside.

Opening the blue, with gold accents, iem case you are greeted by a lot of the color orange, the ear pieces, and a large orange and blue IEM carry case.
Inside the carry case are two high end two pin cables. One high purity copper litz wound, and, one high purity copper + silver (SPC or hybrid?) litz wound.
Both are terminated 4.4mm balanced.

Lifting the insert that houses the IEMs you find the accompanying accessories: 3 pair liquid silicone tips, 3 pair bass tips, 3 pair vocal tips , 1 pair foam tips, documentation, and cleaning tool.
Very impressive.

Pros and Cons:
Vented, medical grade resin shells have 6.2 mm diameter metal nozzles, and a very mild “wing” to aid with nozzle positioning.

Shells and faceplates are the same colour, blue with a gold fleck that reflects light and changes the color from lighter to darker blues depending on lighting angle. A gold metal border, and gold lettering adorn the faceplates.
Simple, yet, very elegant.

I would deem them large size, and fairly thick.
They fit my larger ears well, with good nozzle angle, and are fully seated with a mid point insertion depth.

Fit, as always is very personal and subjective, some may face fitment challenges with the large shells and nozzle diameters.

** The dual Sonion bone conduction drivers are NOT vented through the shell toward the ear. As was the case with both the BGVP DMA and BGVP Phantom snake year edition.
Both of the included 2 pin cables are TOTL.
Nicely colour coordinated with the ear pieces, metal fittings, and chin toggles that work well. Both terminated 4.4mm.

The Stock 4 strand Furukawa single crystal copper cable tames and warms the mids a touch, but also “muddies” the dynamics of the bass.

The bonus BGVP Temple cable Furukawa single crystal copper + single crystal silver 8-strand mixed cable.
(The online description leaves me uncertain as to whether it is a silver plated copper cable. A pure copper strand, and pure silver strand hybrid. Or, a pure copper strand, and silver plated copper strand hybrid cable??)

Regardless of its true construction, it sharpens the detail and separation nicely, enhances dynamics, and has a natural tonality on instruments and vocals.
It can be mids intense when paired with mids forward, high resolving source devices.
(Take into account I’m a bit mids sensitive, your mileage may vary)
Impressive driver count, and mixed array of name branded drivers.
Sonion bone conduction drivers have a somewhat subtle atmospheric presence compared to competitors “coil” type BC drivers.
(Personal, and subjective)
Easy to drive with a basic dongle.
Not source device fussy, but source device selection can aid in achieving a preferred personal sound.

Equipment Selection:
The Temple (copper/silver) cable offers an incredibly clear and detailed listening experience with enhanced dynamics, prominent mids, and bright highs.

The stock (pure copper) cable adds some warmth to, and, tames the mids and high end.
I found this cable offered a more “musical” presentation at the expense of some clarity, separation, and dynamics, while still maintaining a high degree of detail.

I found the Temple copper + silver cable best suited to my listening preference when paired to a mids neutral source device.

I only rolled a few source devices and easily landed on the Astell and Kern Kann Max as my preferred source.
The Kann Max is a fairly clear and resolving source device with a relaxed (not boosted) mids presentation.
The warmer Hiby R8ii and FiiO JM21 also paired well.

Equipment:
BGVP Solomon IEM, aged 100 plus hours.
Astell and Kern Kann Max DAP, low gain, 4.4mm balanced out.
Temple copper + silver cable terminated 4.4mm.
Eletech Baroque wide bore ear tips.

Sound:
Solomon is a clear, highly detailed and bright IEM, with excellent separation, clarity, and dynamics, with a solid bass foundation to anchor it all.

Bass:
The dual 8mm beryllium dynamic drivers are fast, the bass tight.
Listening to some sub woofer test tracks, sub bass gets low in the head space with plenty of satisfying boom and/or rumble. It can fill the headspace but decays fairly quickly and doesn’t linger long or overwhelm.

Bass is sub over mid bass.
Mid bass has decent impact but is easily consumed by the sub bass.

Mids and Vocals:
Mids are where most of the magic happens.
Solomon has, as close to a dead quiet background as you can get.
Mids are crisp and clear, highly detailed and tonally accurate.
Elevated and forward enough to be prominent, but not excessively.

Vocals, are also clean, detailed, natural and accurate. Both male and female.

Treble:
Highs roll off, but instruments like violin, piano, violins, flutes etc., still manage to reach high in the head above the mids.
Ultra highs add sparkle and air. The Sonion EST’s don’t decay too quickly giving cymbals and high hats a nice shimmer and sizzle.

Stage:
The head stage is wide, just outside the ears.
Open and spacious thanks to Solomon’s dark background. But more intimate than expansive.
Top to bottom height is very good. Sub bass will pull low when called on, mids and vocals nicely elevated, highs and ultra highs reach high in the skull.
Front to rear depth is average, vocals present forward, but depth to the rear is limited.
Left to right imaging and top to bottom layering are excellent. Individual placements on stage are precise and accurate.

Summary:
BGVP is a brand I have been aware of for a few years, but my first “ears in”experience with them began just recently when the Canuck Audioholics had the pleasure of experiencing, and reviewing, the Phantom Snake Year Edition. What an introduction to the brand!
Next was the DMA, another outstanding IEM. Despite being at a lower price than Phantom, nothing was spared with the build quality, attention to detail, quality driver compliment, and tuning.
A testament to the commitment and dedication of the company to providing top shelf product quality and performance.

Enter Solomon.
Another incredible dynamic, detailed, clean, clear, engaging, natural and tonally correct IEM, yet still musical and visceral.

With two distinctly different cables, and a generous supply of ear tips included, add in your own source device or two, and I believe a large majority of enthusiasts can and will find their happy place with Solomon.

Solomon doesn’t seek to satisfy dedicated bass heads, mid centric’s, or treble fans.
It offers a nice balance of excellence in all ranges, presented in the right amounts as per the demands of the recorded source.

Is Solomon worth the $1299 usd ask?
Having had the good fortune to be able to compare Solomon against a history of numerous IEM’s from $5, to kilobuck offerings….
My answer…… Yes.
For those whom are comfortable wading in the kilobuck pool.

Thank you BGVP, I am going to miss the Solomon.

My music sources:
Qobuz, and, FLAC and DSD files stored on the SD cards of my daps.
My music genre are primarily Rock, Blues, Jazz, Symphonic, Country, Rap, R&B, Pop, Electronic.

Enjoy your music.

[KrustyolBastid]

PULA UNICROM
SINGLE Dynamic Driver IEM 79.99 usd.

Single 10mm beryllium-plated dynamic driver.
Sensitivity: 101dB +|- 3dB SPL/mW
Impedance: 32 ohm
Frequency Response: 20 - 20000Hz

Preamble:
Thanks go out to Pula and HiFiGo for providing the Canuck Audioholics with review samples of the Pula Unicrom.
Tone Deaf Monk
KingNubian
Krusty’olBastid

DISCOUNTS!! are available on HiFiGo and AliExpress only until Aug 17/25. Enter the code below at checkout.
The code apparently also works on Amazon USA, not sure how to apply it.

Coupon Code: 818UNICROM (case sensitive)
I tried it on HiFiGo and AliX and it works.

Unboxing:
Retail packaging is nice and well done.
The cardboard box with flip top flaps to open has a foam insert that protects the contents well during shipping and prominently displays the ear pieces and green leatherette flip top carry case.
Underneath the foam insert you will find the modular SPC cable with 3.5 and 4.4mm terminations included, and 6 pair of ear tips, for 7 pair total including the ones that come on the ear pieces.

Pros and Cons:
Vented 3D printed resin shells are medium/small in size and capped with attractive stabilized maple wood faceplates. Available in 4 colors, each iem will have a unique grain pattern.
They fit my ears very well, lightweight and comfortable in ear.
Modular silver plated copper cable is a nice offering. Metal encased hardware, and the terminations have a threaded collar to secure the 3.5 and 4.4mm ends in place.
Chin toggle is tight and requires both hands to position it.
Easy to drive, basic dongle works well.
Not source fussy, although I find a more resolving source device helps open up the dynamics.

Equipment:
Pula Unicrom IEM, aged 50+ hours.
Hiby R4 DAP, low gain, 4.4mm out.
Stock modular silver plated copper cable, 4.4mm termination attached.
Electech Baroque wide bore ear tips.

Sound:
An overall warm, balanced, easy listen.

Bass is thick and warm, mildly bloated.
Sub bass has a boomy rumble with lots of resonance, and pulls deep when asked.
Mid bass is smooth and well mannered, it decays quickly and stays in its lane. Sub bass can easily override the mid bass on bass heavy tracks.
There is some bass bleed into the mids, but it tends to stay low in the head space. It adds warmth to the mids, without overshadowing or dulling them.

The mids are relaxed and not over energetic. They have good detail and clarity, just not forced or in your face.
Vocals are more elevated and prominent. Both male and female sound warm, natural and mostly accurate.

Highs roll off and are carried mostly by the upper mids. Micro detail is there but more subtle, no risk of harshness or sibilance.
There is a late peak that adds some sparkle and air to the ultra highs.

Head stage is good. Width between the ears. Good top to bottom height, front to rear depth pretty average.
Head filling, but stays within the head.
Left to right imaging is decent.
Overall imaging and layering is fair.

Summary:
I disliked critically listening to the Unicrom.
It’s obvious from the first listen it doesn’t aspire to be a master of technical proficiency. It’s tuned to be a smooth, easy going, enjoyable and musical listen.
Turning off the reviewer brain and allowing yourself to dissolve into the music and just go with the flow is the way to enjoy Unicrom.
When you do, you realize, those details, that aren’t being forced on you, subtly reveal themselves in spades.
That said, on energetic fast paced tracks… your toes will be tapping.

Unicrom is an IEM for those times you just want to shut down and enjoy your music library.

My music sources:
Qobuz, and, FLAC and DSD files stored on the SD cards of my daps.
My music genre are primarily Rock, Blues, Jazz, Symphonic, Country, Rap, R&B, Pop, Electronic.

Enjoy your music.

[ToneDeafMonk]

I feel the same its just a smooth great sounding chill iem

[KrustyolBastid]

COLORFLY SILVER REFERENCE
3 Dynamic Driver IEM $149.90 usd.

“I Won The Lottery!! THEY FIT!!

1X 10mm carbon-based composite diaphragm dynamic driver.
1x custom coaxial dual-dynamic driver
module:
10mm biological diaphragm dynamic driver 6mm titanium-coated diaphragm dynamic driver.
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion:
THD01kHz <0.3%
Sensitivity: 107B SPL/ mW
Impedance: 16 ohms

Preamble:
LetShuoer provided the Colorfly SR review sample to the Canuck Audioholics via Andreal, their new store on AliExpress.
Thank you Letshouer! your support is very much appreciated.
Tone Deaf Monk
Kingnubian
Krusty’olBastid

Commentary:
I’ve seen several posts about the Colorfly SR and the most common comment has been “they sound good, but they don’t fit”.
Understandable considering their unorthodox shell design.

Well, I’m one lucky audio enthusiast.
They fit my larger ears very well. They are comfortable and don’t touch or dig in anywhere, albeit, getting a good seal and anchor does limit me to Sedna Xelastec ear tips.

The Colorfly SR is one of the most easy going natural sounding IEM’s I’ve heard in some time.
Well executed bass with a nice blend of sub and mid bass.
Mids and vocals are warmed, but clean and clear with good macro detail retrieval. Not overly forward or elevated, never harsh or sibilant.
Highs exhibit good micro details, a bit relaxed, with a nice splash of sparkle and air in the ultra.
Quite literally just enough of everything the track calls for, in just the right place.
Staging has good width and height, and better than average front to rear depth giving a nice holographic feel to the presentation.

Conclusion:
I’m listening on the iBasso DX340 with amp 17 installed. Stock 4.4mm cable, and Xelastec wide bore tips.

It’s a shame it seems this IEM didn’t physically fit well for a lot of folks.
It means many are missing out on a really nice sounding IEM.
Not sure of the motivation for the shell design, acoustic chamber design? driver arrangement??
But I hope Colorfly will stay the course on tuning direction, with a more conventional fitment next time.

My music sources:
Qobuz, and, FLAC and DSD files stored on the SD cards of my daps.
My music genre are primarily Rock, Blues, Jazz, Symphonic, Country, Rap, R&B, Pop, Electronic.

Enjoy your music.

[kingnubian]

Pula Unicrom – When It’s Time To Chill

Preamble:
Pula has released several quality IEMs, including the Anvil and the PA02, which I have and still enjoy. Their latest release, the $79 Unicrom, falls at the bottom of their product line regarding pricing.
The Unicrom features a single 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver housed in a resin shell and adorned with a stabilized wood faceplate. Several colours are available, and because of the nature of the material used for the face panels, no two are exactly the same.
Pula does mention a “smooth, natural sound profile”, and to a great extent, they have achieved this with the Unicrom.
Tuning-wise, the Unicrom offers up a balanced sound with noticeable warmth. The bass has a thickness to it, but at the sacrifice of a little control. Snappy mid-bass, a well-managed midrange, and treble that, while rolling off at the top, complements the overall sound well.
The Unicrom is easy to drive, and was happy with the few sources I drove it with. For tip selection, I went with a short-stemmed, wide-bore model.

Specs:

High-Performance Single-Dynamic Driver IEMs.
10mm Beryllium-Plated Dynamic Driver Unit.
Professionally tuned for a natural, balanced sound profile.
Exquisite Build with Stabilized Wooden Face Panels.
Silver-Plated Copper Stock Cable.
Swappable Termination Plugs(3.5mm+4.4mm).
Lightweight, Ergonomic Earshells.
Premium-quality leather carry case.

Build & Fit:

1. The Unicrom is an attractive and well-built IEM. The manufacturer finished the resin shells well.
2. Build quality is excellent.
3. Larger size, but the shape led to a great fit and comfort even for longer listening sessions.
4. The supplied accessories are also of excellent quality.
5. The stock cable is notable, with interchangeable 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced tips included.
6. The retail package is a treat, with a pleasing unboxing experience.
7. The included carrying case is also standout, being larger than typical with tasteful branding.
8. Lots of quality tips included.

SOUND:
Bass:

1. Bass goes deep.
2. Sub-bass has great extension and richness, sacrificing some firmness and detail.
3. Bass has nice rumble when called for.
4. Mid-bass has snap. Great impact noted.
5. Bass texturing is not class leading but adequate.
6. Bass has an organic presentation with ample kick when called for.

Midrange:

1. Clarity and composure with smooth presentation.
2. Detail retrieval is macro over micro in quantity.
3. Midrange warmth noted, in particular for male vocals.
4. Female vocals are clear and expressive.
5. Pleasing timbre and balance.
6. The upper midrange shows elevation, but it is well managed and moderate.
7. Pleasing note weight.
8. Layering and separation are pleasing.
9. Transients have a rapid onset with obvious force and a natural decay.

Treble:

1. The treble moderately extended with falloff at the top.

2. Treble has a smooth presentation and avoids being harsh.

3. Detail retrieval is pleasing.

4. Adequate sparkle and air.

5. However, frequency falloff limits treble in some tracks.

6. Treble smoothness compliments the rest of the frequency range.

   The Pula Unicrom is an IEM that is easy to listen to, being also versatile, and lends itself well to any genre of music I cared to throw at it. The sound signature is warm and inviting.
   While listening to the Unicrom I could not get it out of my head how much its sound reminded me of the Kiwi Ears Cadencza, albeit the Unicrom having sonics which are more audibly refined. Bass is present and forceful when required, the midrange delivery is smooth and balanced with obvious warmth, and the treble is clean and fairly articulate though falling off at the top.
   The Unicrom is an IEM where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. When listening with a critical ear, each part of its frequency range has faults, but when taken as a whole, the auditory experience comes together in a cohesive presentation that does suit long listening sessions and overall was more than pleasing.

IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

1. A moderately sized open soundstage.
2. Instrument placement is accurate.
3. Dimensions are balanced, being more natural than exaggerated.
4. Space around the instruments is adequate.
5. Layering and instrument separation not class leading but well done.
6. Vocals are distinct.

CONCLUSION:
Pula have succeeded in bringing to market a good sounding and beautifully presented and manufactured IEM with the Unicrom. Even though the IEM has a warmer sound profile that won’t offend the ears, it is not laid back and bland. Its sound is livelier without being brash or offending. I found that the Unicrom faired best when I was not critically listening, enjoying music just for its sake.
Pula continues to impress with the retail experience as well, seeing fit to include a wonderful cable and lots of tips, all of this housed in a very attractive case.
If you are looking for an IEM with a warmer sound profile without sacrificing clarity and musicality, you should consider the Pula Unicrom. It just sounds good.

[kingnubian]

Sivga Que UTG – A Moment of Clarity Please

Preamble:

Sivga, Dongguan Sivga Electronic Technology Co., Ltd, established the company in 2016 to focus on producing and innovating high-end headphones. They have a number of products, from IEMs to full sized, over-ear headphones.
The $90 USD Que UTG, regarding pricing, lands in the middle of their IEM offerings, with their full-sized headphones reaching prices many times more. This IEM has a “Classic” look that I find attractive with its beautifully machined zinc alloy shell and green sandalwood faceplates.
The driver complement includes a single 10mm dynamic driver. The interesting thing about this driver is that it employs a Japanese-sourced ultra-thin flat glass diaphragm. I can’t remember if I have heard of any other IEM which uses this material in driver construction, so that by itself is a point of interest.
The Que UTG is fairly easy to drive, requiring just a touch more power than some of the recent products I have listened to. It is also a resolving IEM, and as such, benefits from a more capable source. I recommend a warmer, yet resolving, source for driving the Que UTG.
Tuning is on the neutral side with a lean towards being bright/neutral. The warmer low end gives way to a more analytical midrange and treble. Bass prominence steps back a measure from the midrange and treble. As such, treble-sensitive folks may have something to gripe about

Specs:
MODEL: SIVGA QUE UTG
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 103dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz - 25kHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: (MODULAR) 3.5mm, 4.4mm
DRIVER UNIT: 1 DYNAMIC DRIVER

Build & Fit:

1. Quite an attractive iem with classic style cues.
2. Build quality is excellent.
3. Medium-sized with a comfortable fit.
4. The supplied accessories are also of notable quality.
5. The stock cable has nice haptics, with interchangeable 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced tips included.
6. The retail package is a treat, with a pleasing unboxing experience.
7. The included carrying case is also well done, being larger than typical with tasteful branding.

SOUND:
Bass:

1. Bass goes deep, with a caveat stated below.
2. Bass drive and power does take a backseat to the midrange and treble.
3. Bass has moderate rumble.
4. Mid-bass has great speed and snap.
5. Bass texturing and detail are quite good. Quality bass over bass quantity.
6. Bass takes very well to eq.

Midrange:

1. Exceptional clarity and transparency.
2. Detail retrieval is ample with both macro and micro-details clearly present.
3. Lower midrange warmth noted, in particular for male vocals.
4. Female vocals are clear and expressive.
5. Pleasing timbre and balance.
6. The pinna gain elevation, but it is well managed and doesn’t have harshness.
7. Pleasing note weight.
8. Layering and separation are notable.
9. Transients have a rapid attack with natural decay.
10. Not the most forgiving of poorly recorded tracks with lots of upper energy.

Treble:

1. The treble extends well.

2. Treble has crisp yet decisive presentation.

3. Detail retrieval is notable.

4. Ample sparkle and air.

5. Treble can become somewhat hard in tone with poorly recorded tracks.

6. Treble clarity compliments the rest of the frequency range.

   The Sivga Que UTG has a sound that grabs the ears with its clarity and open nature. In the midrange up, there is an analytical nature to the sound that may be off-putting to some, but it is tempered by warmer lows and a mature tuning, which retains more than a touch of musicality. I, for one, do appreciate the midrange presentation, which grew on me the more I listened. Just be sure to feed the Que UTG well-recorded music, and it’s all gravy.
   Another point of contention is the bass, which seems to let the midrange and treble dominate. Interestingly, while I often heard this, it depended on the track, and the quality of the low end was notable. Throughout the frequency range, this IEM proved to be a precise and responsive performer.

IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

1. A moderately sized open soundstage. More intimate than expansive.
2. Instrument placement is accurate.
3. The dimensions balance, seeming more natural than exaggerated.
4. Space around the instruments is clearly defined.
5. Layering and instrument separation are well done. Congestion free, even on busier tracks.
6. Vocals are distinct.

VERSUS:

• Pula Unicrom
  I had just finished reviewing the Unicrom and I have to say, these two IEMs, while both good, are so different in sonics that they could be from different planets.
  The Unicrom has a more prominent bass, but regarding bass control and clarity does not approach the Que UTG which has a higher quality low end.
  The midrange follows the same script, the Unicrom being warmer and lusher while the Que UTG rolls over it when considering detail retrieval and overall clarity. The Que UTG does also sound more open but less warm.
  The Que UTG has a more extended treble with better clarity and detail. That being said, the treble of the Unicrom complements the rest of its frequency range well and is a touch more balanced, though not as detailed.
  The Unicrom is also less critical of poorer recordings, but when fed with high-quality tracks, the Que UTG would be my pick.

CONCLUSION:
Sivga has much to be proud of with the Que UTG. Here we have a reasonably priced IEM boasting exceptional clarity and technicalities, which looks great as icing on the cake. I am very interested in what this driver tech can achieve sound-wise with some tuning tweaks, given its high quality. A few decibels more bass presence would have put this one over the top. My message to SIVGA is take this driver tech higher. You are on the right path.
That being said, the more I listened to the Que UTG the more I came to recognize and appreciate its particular sound. Musical with an analytical element in its tuning, it became a joy to listen to.

[pong2541]

I just got the ISN EST80 and for the first time buying from that brand, it’s quite good. Scales well with volume and sounds balanced despite it being a W shape sound signature.

Bass is well balanced and doesn’t favor the sub or mid-bass. Also, it’s well textured and hits deep when needed. Midrange is lush, thick and forward as expected for ISN’s reputation. The upper midrange doesn’t sound spicy for the most part and slightly has that sibilance/sharpness at the treble region. But that’s only cuz I upped the volume a bit higher than needed. The EST80 has that good energy, coloration and detail for Pop, Rap, R&B and EDM. I don’t hear the airiness from the EST drivers just yet so I might need some more time for the brain burn-in. Good job ISN, looking forward to your future products