All posts by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

About Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

President, CEO & Editor of https://gavinsgadgets.com Reviews & News of Technology

HiFiMan HE-R10P vs HE-R10D

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my comparison between two superb headphones from HiFiMan. The HE-R10P and HE-R10D.

The R10P is the planar magnetic version and retails for $5,499 versus the R10D which is a dynamic driver version. This retails for $1,299. That’s a price difference of $4,200.

In terms of specification for the R10P, see below –

  • Frequency response – 10Hz – 60kHz
  • Impedance – 30 ohm
  • Sensitivity – 100db
  • Weight 460g

And for the R10D, the specification is –

  • Frequency response – 15Hz – 35kHz
  • Impedance – 32 ohm
  • Sensitivity  – 103db
  • Weight – 337g

In terms of sonic differences, there is a lot to talk about, so click on the video below to find out more.

Comparison Video

Useful Links

https://hifiman.com

HiFiMan HE-R10D review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the HiFiMan HE-R10D which retail for $1,299. These are a closed back dynamic driver headphone from HiFiMan.

Key Features

  • Frequency response 15Hz – 35Hz
  • Impedance 32 ohm
  • Sensitivity 103db
  • Socket 3.5mm balanced
  • Weight 337g

The HE-10D are the dynamic driver version of the HE-10 range which includes a planar magnetic version, the HE-10P. My review of the HE-10P went live yesterday. Tomorrow, my comparison between the two headphones will be up on my website.

The HE-10D feature large wooden ear cups which allow for sufficient breathing space and volume for the music to shine. They also feature a topology diaphragm which has a nano particle coating applied to its surface, giving a more natural and detailed sound. Finally, they are carved by CNC from wood and aviation aluminium.

The headphones come in a beautiful box with 3 high quality cables.

  • 1.5 metre 3.5mm cable
  • 3 metre XLR balanced cable
  • 3 metre 1/4 inch cable

Music tracks used to test the headphones included –

  • Roxy Music – True to Life (Remastered)
  • Leonard Cohen – In My Secret Life
  • Massive Attack – Unfinished Sympathy (2012 Mix Master)
  • Eric Clapton – Layla (Acoustic Live at MTV Unplugged)
  • Axel F – From Beverly Hills Cop
  • Natalie Merchant – Ophelia
  • CeeLo Green – Bright Lights Bigger City
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan – Tin Pan Alley
  • K.D. Lang – Constant Craving 
  • Nigel Kennedy – The New Four Seasons
  • Hans Zimmer – Mountains 

Video Review

Conclusion

The HiFiMan HE-R10D are an amazing closed back headphone from HiFiMan that are easy to drive and sound terrific. Highly recommended 9.1/10.

Useful Links

https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he-r10-dynamic.html

HiFiMan HE-R10P review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the HiFiMan HE-R10P which retail for $5,499.

Key Features

  • Frequency response 10Hz – 60Hz
  • Impedance 30 ohm
  • Sensitivity 100db
  • Socket 3.5mm balanced
  • Weight 460g

The HE-10P are the planar magnetic version of the HE-10 range which includes a dynamic driver version, the HE-10D. My review of the HE-10D will follow tomorrow, and the day after that will features a comparison between the two of them.

The HE-10P feature large wooden ear cups which allow for sufficient breathing space and volume for the music to shine. The true nano thickness diaphragm also has a sub micro thickness coating. Finally, they are carved by CNC from wood and aviation aluminium.

The headphones come in a beautiful box with 3 high quality cables.

  • 1.5 metre 3.5mm cable
  • 3 metre XLR balanced cable
  • 3 metre 1/4 inch cable

Music tracks used to test the headphones included –

  • Roxy Music – True to Life (Remastered)
  • Leonard Cohen – In My Secret Life
  • Massive Attack – Unfinished Sympathy (2012 Mix Master)
  • Eric Clapton – Layla (Acoustic Live at MTV Unplugged)
  • Axel F – From Beverly Hills Cop
  • Natalie Merchant – Ophelia
  • CeeLo Green – Bright Lights Bigger City
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan – Tin Pan Alley
  • K.D. Lang – Constant Craving 
  • Nigel Kennedy – The New Four Seasons
  • Hans Zimmer – Mountains 

Video Review

Conclusion

The HiFiMan HE-R10P are an outstanding closed back headphone from HiFiMan that are easy to drive and sound terrific. Highly recommended 9.4/10.

Useful Links

https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he-r10-planar.html

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Headphones review in 2021

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the infamous Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro which retail for anywhere between £400 to £600. The price varies depending on stock availability versus demand.

Key Features

  • Circumaural headphones for high-end studio use
  • 250-Ohm, 45-mm dynamic Tesla neodymium driver, Nominal sound pressure level: 102 dBSPL (1mW/500Hz)
  • Single-sided, detachable cable with mini-XLR connector. Frequency Response : 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz
  • Soft, replaceable ear pads and headband for long, drawn-out studio sessions

Video Review

Conclusion

In 2021, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones are a beast of a headphone, that deliver knockout sound and rock solid build quality. Highly recommended 9.7/10.

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the OnePlus Wireless Z earphones that retail for £51.

Key Features

  • Quick charge 10 mins for 10 hours
  • 20 hour battery
  • Low latency
  • Quick switch between 2 devices 
  • Magnetic on off control with buds 
  • 9.2mm dynamic driver 
  • 28g weight 
  • USB C 
  • Button – quick switch, volume, skip track, phone calls voice assistance 
  • IP55 
  • Bluetooth 5
  • 3 x silicon earbuds & usb cable in the box

Video Review

Conclusion

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z are a surprisingly good set of earphones. The quick device switching, good sound and low cost make these an easy recommendation. 8/10.

iFi iPowerX review – upgrade audio / video & more

accessories, Audio, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the iFi iPowerX ultra low noise AC/DC power adapter.

The iFi iPower X retails for £99.

Key Features

  • Ultra-low noise DC adaptors that can be used for iFi products and other devices that require a silent power supply
  • Removes unwanted electrical noise introduced by noisy stock wall warts or plugs to provide a steadier and more reliable current to your device, including turntables, media streamers, phono stages, routers, DACs, audio interfaces, and LED studio lighting
  • More defined digital video with Active Noise Cancellation 2, which filters out spurious frequencies introduced by common household equipment that would interfere or muddy your entertainment experience
  • Comes with 5 different barrel tips (as well as micro USB and USB C tips with the 5v version), to ensure use with a wide variety of devices
  • 5V, 9V, 12V, and 15V versions are available so pick the correct version for your equipment.

Video Review

Conclusion

The iFi iPower X is a superb product that makes a difference when used with audio products, lighting and any other electronics. 9/10. Highly recommended.

Useful Links

iFi ZEN DAC v2 review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the iFi ZEN DAC v2 which retails for £159.

The Key Features

  • Compact Digital Analogue Converter for home audio, office, or desktop use
  • Connect via USB3.0 (USB2.0 compatible) input from your USB source such as a computer or Digital Audio Player (DAP). Output to headphones, active speakers, or amplifier with 6.3mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced / RCA connections
  • Hear familiar songs in a whole new light with rich detail and warm natural tones created by the Burr Brown True Native digital to analogue converter which can process any hi-res audio format up to PCM 384kHz/24 bit, DSD256, DXD 384kHz, and decodes MQA all without additional conversion so you can listen exactly as the artist intended.
  • Variable analogue volume control, PowerMatch adjustment for iEMs/On & Over Ears, and TrueBass to add bass to iEMs and a new and improve low jitter clock with >20dB improved performance, you can listen to your music with smoother, cleaner, playback.
  • New 16 core XMOS chip that now decodes MQA and runs DSD 256 on the same firmware. Original version had a 8 core XMOS chip and was a MQA renderer.
  • Military Grade Aluminium makes up a sturdy and sleek exterior.

Video Review

Conclusion

An exceptional DAC from iFi audio. Great clarity and detail with superb musicality. Brings your headphones to life. 9.8/10. Highly recommended.

Useful Links

How to edit ProRaw Photos on your iPhone

Apple, Editorials, Photography, Tech News

Welcome back everyone. Today, I am going to show you how to edit ProRaw photos on your iPhone. Currently only the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max support Apple’s ProRAW.

There are 3 parts to the tutorial –

Part 1 – The correct camera settings

Part 2 – The camera app interface

Part 3 – Editing the ProRAW photos

And finally as a bonus, there is a gallery at the end of 60 photos all shot in ProRAW, to show you what’s really possible.

If it helps, below is the time stamp, so you can go back or forth as required. If you are never going to edit ProRAW pics, I thoroughly recommend viewing the gallery.

0:56 The correct camera settings 

3:06 Editing ProRAW 

15:35 ProRAW Photo Gallery – 60+ shots 

I hope you enjoy this video.

Best budget IEMs in 2021 for under £30 – KZ ZSN Pro X review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the KZ ZSN Pro X that retails for £20. Not all IEMs are created equal, but what do you get for just £20?

Key Features

  • KZ ZSN PRO X In Ear Headphone is an upgraded version of KZ ZSN PRO earphone. Soundstage and feelings are comprehensively improved, covering unit drivers, sound quality, cable material and appearance.
  • 1BA 1DD Hifi Earbud Headphone: Combined with redefined 10mm dual magnetic dynamic driver and 30095 high frequency balanced armature driver on this KZ ZSN PRO X earphone, tuned by professional acoustic team, the frequency response becomes wider and the human voice become richer and clearer.
  • Shining Metal and Resin Shell: The Unique sparkle of the Zinc Alloy metal is combined with resin, fashion and durable. The curved cavity follows the ergonomic design concept and fits the ear tightly and comfortably. With the elastic memory PU tube around the ear, it can be more firmly and freely.
  • Detachable C PIN 3.5mm Jack Earphone Cable: Detachable features provides more ways of combination with this KZ ZSN PRO X earphone at your different needs. 4 strands of 100 wires silver plated copper cable can effectively enhances the details resolution, the loss and distortion in signal transmission are reduced.

Video Review

Conclusion

For £20 the KZ ZSN Pro X is an astonishingly good value IEM that you just can’t go wrong with. Pleasing sound and easily driven from a portable device or smartphone. Recommended. 7.5/10.

THX Onyx review – THX AAA DAC/AMP Dongle that redefines sound quality!

Audio, Headphone, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the THX Onyx portable DAC amplifier equipped with THX AAA technology which retails for £199. 

So what’s is all the fuss about this dongle. THX AAA technology has been taking the audio scene by storm. It enables the world’s highest fidelity audio and maximum dynamic range, whilst still being able to drive power hungry, audio grade headphones with significant volume. 

In addition it features a MQA renderer supporting services that provide this from Tidal. This is direct rendering using the DAC. 

Key Features 

  • Headphones impedance range 22-1,000 ohms
  • Dynamic range 118db
  • Output power per channel at 22 ohms 180mW
  • THX AAA-78 technology 
  • MQA renderer 
  • ESS ES9281Pro DAC
  • Connect via USB or USB-c, android, iOS, Windows 10 or Mac. 
  • Compatible with mic / non mic headphones 
  • With iOS products, there is no call functionality 
  • Magnetic cable management 
  • CNC machined metal chassis 
  • THX standards included 

Video Review 

Conclusion 

OMG. What a killer dongle DAC. 9.8/10 

Useful Links

Onyx