FiR Audio E12 Review - Indranil Mitra's Take

Unboxing experience is premium by audiostore box gets covered in gift wraper with coffee pouch. Product is delivered next day happy with its shipment process. Hd560s doesn't disappoint at all currently using with ifi go link source apple music on android device. Bass is tight and enough which I personally lacked in ie200 can easily observe some notes which i didn't hear in iems. Treble is smooth and not peaky. Comfort is great just little pressure after sometime which is expected. No sweating issues being open back headphones has it advantages can easily listen where many instruments being played. Build is completely plastic and sturdy. Overall I'm totally statisfied with Hd560s.

I like 7hz zero 2 more than tangzu Warner and moon drop 2.

Audiophile Review: Effect Audio 8 Wire Cadmus Paired with Sennheiser IE 900

The Sennheiser IE 900 is already a highly regarded in-ear monitor (IEM) known for its exceptional sound quality, balanced sound signature, and impressive detail retrieval. Pairing it with the Effect Audio 8 Wire Cadmus cable, which is designed to enhance audio performance, promises to elevate the listening experience even further. Here’s an in-depth review of this pairing, highlighting the pros and cons.

Build Quality and Design
Effect Audio 8 Wire Cadmus:
Premium Materials: The 8 Wire Cadmus is constructed with high-purity OCC copper, ensuring excellent conductivity and minimal signal loss.
Robust Build: The cable features a durable yet flexible design, with a high-quality sheath that protects the internal wires while maintaining flexibility.
Aesthetic Appeal: The braided design not only adds to the durability but also gives the cable a luxurious and premium look.

Sound Quality

Effect Audio 8 Wire Cadmus Paired with Sennheiser IE 900:

Pros:

1. Enhanced Clarity and Detail:
- The 8 Wire Cadmus significantly enhances the clarity and detail retrieval of the IE 900. Micro-details become more pronounced, and the overall resolution improves, providing a more immersive listening experience.

2. Improved Soundstage and Imaging:
- The pairing creates a wider and more expansive soundstage, allowing for better separation and placement of instruments. Imaging becomes more precise, making it easier to pinpoint the location of individual elements within the music.

3. Refined Bass Response:
- The bass becomes tighter and more controlled, with improved texture and depth. The slight bass emphasis of the IE 900 is complemented by the Cadmus cable, resulting in a more impactful and engaging low-end performance.

4. Smooth and Extended Highs:
- The treble is smooth and extended, with added sparkle and airiness. The Cadmus cable helps to mitigate any harshness or sibilance, providing a more refined and enjoyable high-frequency response.

5. Natural and Lush Mids:
- The midrange becomes more natural and lush, with enhanced vocal clarity and instrument separation. The pairing ensures that the mids remain clear and detailed without being overshadowed by the bass or treble.

Cons:

1. Price:
- The Effect Audio 8 Wire Cadmus is a premium cable, and its price reflects that. While it offers significant improvements in sound quality, the cost may be prohibitive for some users.

2. Stiffness:
- Due to the 8-wire construction, the cable can be slightly stiffer compared to standard cables. While it is still flexible, some users may find it less convenient for portable use.

3. Potential for Over-Analysis:
- The increased detail and resolution can sometimes lead to over-analysis of the music. Audiophiles may find themselves focusing more on the technical aspects rather than simply enjoying the music.

Conclusion

Overall Impression:

The pairing of the Effect Audio 8 Wire Cadmus with the Sennheiser IE 900 results in a truly remarkable listening experience. The cable enhances the already impressive sound quality of the IE 900, providing improved clarity, detail, soundstage, and overall musicality. While the price and slight stiffness of the cable may be considerations, the benefits it brings to the audio performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious audiophiles.

Recommendation:

- For Audiophiles: If you are an audiophile seeking to extract the maximum performance from your Sennheiser IE 900, the Effect Audio 8 Wire Cadmus is highly recommended. The enhancements in sound quality are substantial and will elevate your listening experience to new heights.
- For Casual Listeners: If you are a more casual listener, the improvements may not justify the cost. The IE 900 is already an excellent IEM, and the stock cable provides a great listening experience.

In summary, the Effect Audio 8 Wire Cadmus paired with the Sennheiser IE 900 is a match made in audiophile heaven. The combination delivers exceptional sound quality, making it a top choice for those who demand the best in their audio gear.

Its great iem that I had in my bucket list. It sounds amazing. The vocal clarity and instrumentation separation is top notch.

After burning it for morethan 50 hrs its shows its output and capacity.

Really in love with this iem and also looking forward P8 soon.

Thanks The Audio Store🙏

DAC with independent AMP chip
Enhances audio clarity and detail

KZ AM01 is a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable, portable DAC that significantly improves audio quality across various devices.

Pros
bass is well-controlled with a focus on mid-bass
mids are smooth and natural
treble is safe and smooth, avoiding harshness, but it lacks brightness and detail

Cons
Missing spare filters in my package

Tanchjim Tanya is a solid choice for those seeking a laid-back and smooth listening experience at an affordable price.

enhance soundstage and clarity, making it a valuable upgrade for IEMs

compact and Portable carry case

Using this with my Meze Alva (as demo-ed by Zeos) and enjoying great bass

I am in this hobby for years and I think I have got the perfect stopping point.
Some of my previous mid fi iems include
Truthear Hexa
Etymotic ER2XR
Letshuoer S12
Kiwi Ears Quintet and many others.
BTW I consider the samsung galaxy bus 2 pro a audiophile grade mid fi IEM
My favorite among these are the Quintets followed by the Samsung buds and then the etys
The Quintets had a few flaws namely they can sometimes be sibilant with poorly recorded music, most of not so famous JPop artists and it has a recessed mid bass so kick drums and stuff were not that satisfying but in terms of detail retrieval, staging and imaging it was top notch.
The pilgrim fixes all the negatives and retains the positives of the Quintets.
My only issue with the pilgrim is that the chrome finish is chipping off within a few minutes otherwise I love them. Oh and it has a big fat nozzle 5.9 mm to be exact and so I had to tip roll quite a bit and settled on the Final E tips.
Now lets come to the sound qualities:
Bass : The bass is amongst the best I have heard till date. It has good physicality and the rumble and growl is just unreal. Bass details shines through and has a very natural feel to it. It is a sublime experience.
Vocals: To me personally it feels a bit recessed, but it is also quite natural and hardly gets sibilant or honky. Both male and female vocals sound natural and carry good weight to them. Its not enough to make you cry or pierce your soul. The Quintets and the galaxy buds are much more vocal forward than Pilgrim. But I find the pilgrim more natural and enjoyable.
Treble: They are bright but not harsh. For me this is the perfect amount of treble to bring out micro details and nuances in the treble without being too fatiguing or distracting. I miss the splash of the cymbals from the quintet sometimes but again they can border on the line of too bright sometimes
Soundstage: its good enough. Its above average and can sound open or boxy depending on the music that you are playing.
Imaging and separation: its great. You can hear every instrument and pinpoint then and every instrument feels really tactile. Like you can feel the instruments being plucked or hit or blown into. It feels surreal sometimes.
I played the mountains track by Hans Zimmer and every time the organs started playing I got goosebumps these are that good.
Everyone has their own music preferences and for me these are just perfect. In terms of details, resolution and dynamics, I personally don't think you can get anything better under 80k or 1L.
You have to get the fit right to enjoy these to the fullest so you have to tip roll a bit. For my case final E tips worked the best.
Thanks to the team for helping me out with my request. I thought that these will sell out like hot cakes and to think that my review will be the first here is unbelievable🥲

Just ordered this DAC and got it in 2 days.
Worth it. Had great experience. Worked well with my laptop and Samsung phone.
Though I had to do some adjustments with equaliser and music player modes, finally I got what I expected. Def recommended.
Also good that they added an indicator for it to show that it works.
Value for money. 10/10.

Really great V-shaped sound signature.
Satisfying bass quantity without bloat & bleed.
Clean and crisp treble without too much shouty.
Good attack and timbre.

It typically sounds less warm nd less bright compared to EW200. It sounds rich nd very clean overall. Technically also it's a very good set balancing analytical nd musical. There is a noticeable mid bass presence which doesn't make u feel sounded boring. It scales well with different dongle DACs I own. Treble, mids, lows, soundstage nd imaging are very well done. It doesn't feel congested. It portrays different venues precisely.

Overall it's a worth upgrade to my EW200 nd other budget IEMs I own. No regrets. Very much satisfied with the product.

Review:

In the realm of audio enthusiasts, where established brands often take the spotlight, there exists a hidden gem that shines brightly amidst the sea of familiar names - the xDuoo XD05 Bal 2 Portable Wireless Balanced DAC & Headphone Amplifier. While the brand may be relatively unknown in India, the XD05 Bal 2 is a true revelation, offering a level of audio performance and versatility that rivals the giants in the industry.

Design and Build Quality:

The xDuoo XD05 Bal 2 exudes a sense of understated elegance with its sleek, minimalist design and robust construction. The matte finish and clean lines give the device a modern aesthetic that belies its affordable price point. The compact form factor makes it ideal for on-the-go use, while the sturdy build instills confidence in its durability.

The thoughtful placement of controls and ports ensures ease of operation, allowing users to navigate settings and connections with precision. The inclusion of a balanced output further enhances the audio experience, providing a cleaner signal path for audiophiles seeking optimal sound quality.

Audio Performance:

At the heart of the xDuoo XD05 Bal 2 lies a powerhouse of audio technology that elevates your listening experience to new heights. The DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and headphone amplifier work in perfect harmony to deliver pristine audio reproduction with exceptional clarity and detail. Whether you're listening to high-resolution audio files or streaming your favorite tracks, the XD05 Bal 2 unveils layers of sound previously unheard.

The balanced output configuration minimizes crosstalk and distortion, resulting in a more accurate and immersive soundstage. Bass notes are tight and impactful, mids are rich and expressive, and highs are crisp and extended, creating a dynamic and engaging sonic landscape that captivates the senses.

Wireless Connectivity and Versatility:

In addition to its wired connectivity options, the xDuoo XD05 Bal 2 offers the convenience of wireless playback via Bluetooth. The aptX and LDAC support ensure high-quality audio streaming with minimal latency, allowing you to enjoy your music with freedom and flexibility.

The XD05 Bal 2's versatility extends beyond its role as a DAC and headphone amplifier. It can also function as a preamp for powered speakers or as a standalone DAC for your home audio setup, making it a versatile hub for all your audio needs.

Value Proposition:

While xDuoo may be a lesser-known brand in India, the XD05 Bal 2 presents a compelling value proposition for discerning audiophiles and music lovers alike. Its combination of premium audio performance, versatile connectivity options, and solid build quality rival that of more established brands, all at a price point that offers exceptional bang for your buck.

Conclusion:

I trust the words of Pritam to choose this product and I am telling you it is one of the great buy of mine in the journey to become an audiophile.

I paired this with my AK SR35 and MacBook Air as source and got the output in IE900 and Focal Bathys. Both sounds so loud, bassy and clear.

In a world where big names often dominate the audio landscape, the xDuoo XD05 Bal 2 stands out as a beacon of excellence from an unsung hero. With its impressive audio performance, versatile features, and affordable price, the XD05 Bal 2 is a true revelation for those seeking to unlock hidden audio brilliance without breaking the bank. Embrace the unknown, and let the xDuoo XD05 Bal 2 redefine your audio experience in ways you never thought possible.

Clean, clear sound with very good refinement and control in the treble region. Solid build quality. Almost all the tunings can be done through physical buttons on the DAC. Coming to music.. Sounds great, bit warm. Just started exploring the DAC with different music genres. Paired this with ISN Neo 3 IEM and simply awesome. Takes listening experience to the next level