Call this one rather odd, but Samsung has decided to issue a statement with reference to the Samsung Galaxy S7 battery.
This no doubt has been issued followed the Note 7 saga and potentially the impact and association on other models in the range.
Samsung stated “the company “stands behind the quality and safety of the Galaxy S7 family” the short note goes on to say that “there have been no confirmed cases of internal battery failures with these devices among the more than 10 million devices being used by consumers in the United States.”
Remember this option to support android apps from the Google Play Store is using the developer channel and therefore installs beta software on your Chromebooks which could be buggy.
I have the developer channel installed on my Lenovo N22 Chromebook waiting patiently for android apps to arrive and for the main has been relatively bug free.
In order to get the developer channel, go into Settings, About Chrome OS, More Info, Change Channel and then pick the developer channel. The build should automatically begin to download on the Chromebook.
In the last 24 hours I have kept the music playing through these headphones for two reasons. One to burn them in and the other to test the battery life of 20 hours.
So far I can say the battery life is matching the claimed 20 hours with noise cancellation switched on. Secondly, I want to burn these headphones in to see what difference it makes to the sound. I will keep music flowing through these for another 7 days before deciding on final thoughts regarding the sound quality. I will then update my thoughts after a full month to see if anything has changed and to see whether any issues have arisen.
As mentioned yesterday, the sound quality from the start has been excellent. This has improved over the 24 hours of burn in. I will cover more of the audio aspects in my full review but needless to say the MDR-1000x are proving to be well balanced across the audio spectrum, but more importantly want me to listen to more of my music and leave me with many wow moments. Toe tapping away at times too!
I tried out the noise cancellation by sitting next to the loud washing machine and dishwasher. The sounds of both of these machines was 98% removed and with music playing through the headphones it was impossible to hear anything but the music. I have also tried these headphones under the bathroom extractor fan and the fan noise is removed. Due to the excellent noise cancellation, I would not recommend wearing these outside in a busy street or when crossing a road.
What I want to see if whether after a full week’s worth of burning these headphones in, whether these are the first pair of headphones that can IMO take the mantra as better or equal to their non wireless counterparts. Stay tuned for more!
Huawei launched yesterday the Huawai Mate 9 and a special version designed by Porsche, the Mate 9 Porsche Edition shown below.
The Mate 9 costs 699 euros and the special Porsche version 1,349 euros. The standard version comes with a 5.9 inch 1080p screen, 4gb ram and 64gb storage and micro SD card support. The flash version has a smaller 5.5 inch QHD display, 6gb ram, 256gb storage and no micro SD card support, the fingerprint sensor on the front, capacitive menu buttons and a curved edge screen. It also has Porsche Design branding. Both phones come with the new dual camera setup co engineered with Leica, a 20mp monochrome sensor and a 12mp RGB colour sensor. OIS is present too but only for the 12mp lens. Both lenses are f/2.2. Both feature a 4,000 mAH battery and Huawei’s super fast charging system that fully charges the battery in 90 mins. Out of the box the phones come with Android 7.0 and Huawei new EMUI v5. The processor is the latest in house Kirin 960.
On paper the Mate 9 plays it safe with a familiar design. However, the phone does come with many of the key aspects to make a good phone but in today’s world a 5.9 inch screen really should be QHD. At 1080p, this means you are only looking at 373 PPI. On the other hand the Porsche Edition has a smaller 5.5 inch display and a QHD screen, yet costs twice as much as the standard Mate 9. This is crazy pricing and out of order when curved display phones from other companies are available for around £650 or less.
I will be interested to see how the camera performs and I am sure the creative options with the new dual lens layout will be excellent. However, I do not think it is acceptable for a flagship phone not to have HDR as an automatic option. With the Mate 9 you need to select it in the camera mode option menu. This is where the powerful processing done by the Google Pixel makes it so good and from a quick camera comparison I have seen between the 2 phones, the Pixel was the clear champion on photo quality.
However, it is early days and I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these phones and test it properly. What do you think?
Welcome to my review of the Obi Worldphone MV1. So who are Obi Worldphone? Obi Worldphone state –
“Obi Worldphone, is a global smartphone company that has announced its entry into the UK market with the launch of its signature MV1 4G smartphone. It is available from Amazon UK for £99.
Born in Silicon Valley and co-founded by ex-CEO of Apple, John Sculley, Obi Worldphone is the first to bridge the gap between high-design smartphones at high prices and generic smartphones at low prices.
Fronted by Ammunition, the celebrated design house behind “Beats by Dre” headphones, and designed in the USA, the Obi Worldphone merges style with their custom user interface – Lifespeed™. Unifying the software and hardware experience, Lifespeed™ is a balance of colourful excitement and having everything where you need it. The phone, camera, and web are all easily accessible from the launch screen ensuring that the user’s favourite apps and phone features are easy to find and configure into any custom setup.”
The Design
The MV1 features a thin 5” ‘floating display’ that appears to hover just above its body. The screen is a 5 inch 1280 x 720 HD display and has excellent sunlight readability. The sunlight visibility is an added feature. You can see how good this is, looking at the photo below and the video review. The rear of the phone has a removable back, giving you access to the removable battery, 2 micro sim slots and then the micro SD card slot. The look of the MV1 is striking. It is unusual and like no other phone.
The Key Specifications
– Networks- GSM / WCDMA / HSPA+ / LTE , Europe, South East Asia, Middle East & Africa:GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz , WCDMA: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz,Bands 4G LTE: FDD B1/3/5/7/20 ,TDD B38/40/B41
Latin America: GSM: 850/1800/1900 MHz, WCDMA: 850/1700/1800/1900/2100 MHz, 4G LTE: B2/3/4/7/28A
– Dimensions – 145.6 x 72.6 x 8.95mm
– Weight 149g (with battery)
– Build Polycarbonate body
– Finish UV coating, smudge-free matte finish
– Display Fully laminated IPS, 5 inches HD (720 x 1280 pixels), 294 ppi
– Protection Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3, Oleophobic Coating
– Special Feature – Sunlight Display
– Android Lollipop 5.1/Cyanogen OS 12.1.1 based on Android Lollipop
– Chipset Qualcomm® MSM8909 Snapdragon™ 212, CPU 1.3 GHz Quad-Core, GPU Adreno 304
– Memory Internal 16 GB + 2 GB RAM for Cyanogen OS version/16 GB + 1 GB RAM for Android Lollipop 5.1 version
– External Expandable up to 64 GB through MicroSD™ card (separate slot)
– Camera Primary 8 MP AF rear camera with LED flash, aperture f/2.2, autofocus, OV8865 sensor
Secondary 2 MP front camera
– Features Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panorama, HDR, continuous shot, beauty face, still image during video recording,Video 720p@30fps
– Sound Mic Dual Mic for noise cancellation, Audio DTS Sound Communication
– SIM Dual Micro SIM (2 separate slots – unlocked & ready to use across all networks)
– WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi® Direct
– Bluetoothv4.1, A2DP
– GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
– USB MicroUSB v2.0
– Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, ALS
– Battery Capacity 2500 mAh Li-ion battery
– Stand-by Up to 13 days (2G), Talk time Up to 16 hours (2G),Web Browser 5.5/6 hours (3G/Wi-Fi))
Music Play Up to 28 hours (speakers),Video PlayUp to 8 hours (speakers)
– In the box – phone, one battery, one USB cable 2.0 & one power adapter (1 amp)
Photo – The 8mp Rear Camera with Flash
Photo – Demonstrating the MV1’s Special Sunlight Visibility
The Basics
I have already mentioned the design. This phone looks great. Also of a surprise and at this price point is the fact the screen has sunlight readability built in. The screen also has an oleophobic coating and gorilla glass 3. Viewing angles are ok. I am concerned that the phone OS is based on android lollipop 5.1 with Cyanogen 12.1.1. The security update shows 1st May 2016. Cellular signal was average. Call quality was average. Battery life seemed to max out at 3 hours screen on time, so a recharge during the day might be necessary depending on usage. The loudspeaker is on the lowish side for quality and volume output. The headphone jack (yes there is one) and the Audio FX produces good quality sounds and a decent volume output too. The rear camera is 8mp and the front 2mp. The quality is poor but if you only post to social media, then a filter will hopefully hide the softness and overall quality. The video review shots shots from the front and rear cameras. The snapdragon 212 is not the fastest processor available. In fact, it is slow. Lag is present. Graphic intense games don’t play well with this processor. Bear in mind this is a £99 phone and not a £919 iPhone 7 Plus. Despite the slower speeds of the 212 processor, for most phone related type tasks , messaging and such like, the phone is fairly fluid.
Video Review
Conclusion
The Obi Worldphone MV1 has an interesting pedigree of ownership. The phone is aimed squarely at the budget sector costing a mere £99. It is versatile with 2 sim slots and a 3rd slot for the micro sd card. The snapdragon 212 processor ensures this is not a gaming device but for generic phone duties and light gaming, it gets by. Battery life could be better, so could the camera. But at £99 it does offer features than some other phones fail to offer.
More information on the Obi Worldphone MV1 – Click HERE.
Welcome to my review of the DJI Osmo Mobile. The DJI Osmo Mobile is the new gimbal from DJI for your smartphone.
The Key Features
– ActiveTrack technology built into the DJI GO app allows the Osmo Mobile to automatically keep your smartphone facing you as you move. (not available on the android app currently, only iOS)
– The Osmo Mobile’s 3-axis gimbal system smooths out the movements you make, turning every shot into cinematic video.
– With a few taps, the Osmo Mobile motion timelapse feature shoots video showing the passing of time.
– The Osmo Mobile lets you share special moments in real time using YouTube Live inside the DJI GO app.
– Shoot better photos in low light, with powerful camera stabilisation and full manual camera control.
– The Osmo Mobile’s panorama function automatically captures and blends 9 separate photos together to create one stunning photo.
– Used with its range of accessories, the Osmo Mobile can be mounted almost anywhere, giving you even more opportunities to get that perfect shot.
– Enjoy more than just DJI GO. Osmo Mobile is open for developers to customise.
Above is the optional base to quickly drop the DJI into. The underneath of the base also has a standard tripod screw.
The photo below shows the extension arm secured into the tripod base. The tripod legs extend further in one solid movement.
Video Overview of Hardware, Accessories and DJI Go App
The Lowdown
– The Osmo Mobile supports smartphones measuring from 58.6mm-84.8mm width and up to 8.4mm thick.
– ActiveTrack – The fastest it can track is the same as its Max Controllable Speed, 120°/s.
– ActiveTrack is a feature currently only available on iOS.
– YouTube Livestreaming or Stream Live to Facebook.
– DJI Go App – Lots of extra features (see video) but needs update to fully support iOS 10 and the iPhone 7 Plus telephoto lens.
– iPhone 6S Plus or 7 Plus does not fit with a case on.
– Apart from the normal timelapse mode, there is a motion timelapse option
– The optional base has a tripod screw underneath
– The DJI Go Movie editing app has a wealth of great music but does seem to degrade video quality slightly compared to using iMovie in iOS.
– Connects perfectly every time. With the iPhone 7 and the loss of the headphone jack, it becomes impossible to use an external mic without some trickery or additional hardware.
Sample Video from the DJI Osmo Mobile using the iPhone 7 Plus
My Experience
I have used the DJI Osmo Mobile extensively now and I was surprised that none of the reviews and YouTube videos mentioned that if you are using the iPhone 7 Plus or similar sized phone, it won’t fit or stabilise with any case fitted. I tried with the Apple silicone and leather case. Also, at the time of writing this review (I delayed the review too hoping for an update from DJI), the DJI Go app only supports 1080p video at 30fps and not 60fps as per the default camera app. You can use the DJI with other third party camera apps. The iPhone 7 Plus telephoto lens is not supported in the app either yet from DJI. It looks like DJI need to update the app properly for iOS 10! To connect the DJI to a tripod you will need the extension arm. This has a standard tripod mount screw underneath. If I had know this prior to purchase I would not have bought the DJI tripod base, as this used with the extension arm is not still enough in the winds of Dartmoor.
In the photo above you can see the extension arm is attached to my normal tripod and securely. I am keeping the DJI tripod base as this works well indoors as a lightweight alternative. The plastic base from DJI is ideal for placing the DJI Osmo Mobile into for quick use, say on a table for editing VLOGs.
The motion time lapse mode is fantastic. Panoramic shots are spooky good. The gimbal just moves all buy itself to take the panoramic photos. However, the file size outputted is only around 3mb vs the native iPhone app which can be over 3 times this size.
One problem using the DJI with the iPhone 7 is the OIS on the iPhone sometimes conflicts with the DJI. There is not much you can do about this, accept during post processing when this can be fixed. All the footage shown has not been adjusted to enable you to see what you get first hand.
Despite some of the negatives, which will likely be solved when DJI updated their app, I have found the DJI Osmo Mobile a joy to use. The included software adds lots of extra functionality and the active tracking is superb.
Conclusion
Despite some bugs in the DJI Go app, it is one of the easiest gimbals to use and setup. It also works really well and the extra options provided by the software make it a joy to use. Highly recommended.
More detailed information and pricing on the DJI Osmo Mobile – Click HERE.
The Google Pixel and Pixel went on sale yesterday in the UK and around the world at select retailers. In the UK you can buy it directly from Google, or via EE or Carphone Warehouse.
As expected, specific large websites released their reviews –
The general verdict with most of the reviews is Google’s new Pixel phone is superb. The camera is great and reliable and the hardware feels solid.
The issue of the high price also got raised but then within the price is profit margins, marketing and 3 years of security updates and 2 years worth of OS updates. You also get free backup of your photos and videos in full resolution. If you think about the free photo backup, its not really free as it is built into the price of the phone.
I have read all the reviews linked above and many more. I have also visited tech forums to read up on what real people think of the phone. Most people seem to like their new Pixel phone. I also got to see the phone yesterday first hand and liked what I saw. It definitely felt fast to use and the camera seemed to take quick and accurate photos.
From what I can see too the camera works really well and consistently. Most of this is down to the decent snapdragon 821 processor and Google’s Camera app software. But bear in mind the Nexus 6P now has the new camera app update available in the nougat update/Google Store, and this improves the photos and speed of the Nexus 6P. I also now believe single lens rear cameras are not as important as dual lens rear camera setups. The LG G5, Honor 8 and iPhone 7 Plus have all convinced me the dual lens (one day triple lens) is the future.
But my biggest feeling after trawling the internet and the forums, is anyone buying the phone? And if so who? Normally, forums are buzzing with posts from new users, but the Pixel and Pixel XL threads seem empty in comparison to other phone launches.
Personally, I would not spend £819 on this phone? Would you? Maybe you have got one? What’s your view now?
For info a wide range of Google Pixel cases – Click HERE.
Oppo have just released the Oppo HA-2 SE which I reviewed yesterday. Click HERE to read the Oppo HA-2 SE review.
However, what you all wanted to know is how does the Oppo HA-2 SE differ to the original award winning Oppo HA-2. First up, check out the video below to see what’s different on the hardware and accessories.
Video Comparison
Sound Quality
So the Oppo HA-2 has the DAC and the HA-2 SE has the new DAC. The new DAC provides a much lower noise floor, which means sensitive IEMs are unlikely to hear any hiss. Also the “SE” now has 32 bit audio instead of 24 bit.
But specs are all well and good, but what matters is the sound quality. So what I did was test both devices using my Oppo PM3 headphones using the 3 tracks below. I have highlighted the audio differences with each song.
Track 1 – Dancing on the Edge, The Louis Lester Band – Down River
The Oppo HA-2 lacks the sparkle in the treble that the HA-2 SE possesses. The HA-2 is more dynamic and provides a slightly wider sound stage.
Track 2 – Bastille – All This Bad Blood – These Streets
The HA-2 SE has better clarity and definition. The original HA-2 feels muddied sometimes. I think the differences I am hearing is due to the lower noise floor, allowed the HA-2 SE to produce better treble and mid range across the track.
Track 3 – Offenbach: Les Contes D’Hoffman (Disk 1) – Prologue: Glou! Glou! Je Suis Le Vin!
The HA-2 SE once again has the edge over the HA-2. The precision in handling all the frequencies and scaling is slight ahead of the HA-2. I also prefer the mid and treble and overall musicality from the HA-2 SE. The vocal parts from this track felt more realistic from the HA-2 SE over the HA-2.
Conclusion
The Oppo HA-2 SE with its new DAC improves the musicality, dynamics, treble, detail and reduces the noise floor too. The Oppo HA-2 SE provides a decent update over the original HA-2 and consequently is highly recommended. I like the HA-2 SE so much over the HA-2 that I spent the whole weekend listening to all my favourite music!
Welcome to my review of the Oppo HA-2 SE. The Oppo HA-2 SE is the upgraded version of the legendary Oppo HA-2, that I reviewed back in February 2015. Click HERE to read the original review of the Oppo HA-2.
Since Oppo released the HA-2, the world of personal audio has exploded. However, the improved Oppo HA-2 SE remains in a class of its own. Read on to find out why.
The Basics
– It is a Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC
– High-resolution USB DAC for Apple/Android/PC/Mac
– Two gain settings for optimal headphone matching
– Mobile power bank for charging your phone
– It looks gorgeous and sounds fantastic
– It has Oppo’s VOCC fast charging. Only 90 mins to recharge the HA-2 SE.
– The HA-2 SE is improved by upgrading the DAC from the ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018-K2M chip to the new ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9028-Q2M
Video Review
Oppo HA-2 vs Oppo HA-2 SE – What’s Different? I have a dedicated post highlighting all the differences between these models Click HERE..
The Design
Before I go to discuss the specifications and sound in more depth, lets take a look at the box and its contents. The Oppo packaging is top notch. Everything is neatly organised in the box which includes the Oppo HA-2 SE itself, the VOCC charger, a short lightning cable, a OTG micro USB to micro USB cable, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, 2 rubber bands for securing it to another device and detailed instructions. The Oppo HA-2 SE simply stands out as a solid, well built and gorgeous looking device (see photos and video). It does not need a case as it is bound in leather.
The Specifications
Full specifications –
– Dimensions (W x H x D) 68 x 157 x 12 mm
– Weight 175 grams
– Frequency Response 20 Hz – 200 kHz
– Audio-in Level 1 Vrms
– Line-out Level 1 Vrms
– Recommended Headphone Impedance 16 Ohm – 300 Ohm
– Maximum Headphone Output Power 300 mW into 16 Ohm,220 mW into 32 Ohm, 30 mW into 300 Ohm
– Headphone Amplifier Impedance 0.5 Ohm
– Output Jacks 3.5 mm stereo headphone
– 3.5 mm stereo line-out
– Input Ports Analog: 3.5 mm stereo audio-in
– Digital: USB A for iPod / iPhone / iPad; USB micro-B for smartphones with USB OTG feature and computers.
– DAC Chip ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9028-Q2M
– Input Format Stereo PCM, Stereo DSD (DoP v1.1 or native)
– PCM Sampling Frequencies 44.1 kHz – 384 kHz, 16 / 24 / 32-bit
– DSD Sampling Frequencies 2.8224 MHz (DSD64), 5.6448 MHz (DSD128), 11.2896 MHz (DSD256, native mode only)
– Profile USB 2.0, USB Audio 2.0
– Included Accessories Power Supply Unit (Rapid Charging Charger)
– USB A – USB micro-B data and rapid charging cable
– USB A – Lightning data cable (for Apple devices)
– USB micro-B to micro-B data cable (for Android and other smartphones)
– 3.5 mm – 3.5 mm stereo audio cable
– Silicone rubber band (2 pieces)
– User guide and warranty documents
– Battery Built-in Battery type 3000 mAh lithium polymer rechargeable battery
– Battery Operation Time Approx. 13 hours for analog source via Audio-in; approx. 7 hours for digital sources via USB
– Charging Time Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
The Technology in More Detail
Ok, so what makes the device really special. The Oppo HA-2 SE is a Hybrid Class AB Amplifier with integrated circuits and discrete transistors. Oppo uses hand-picked and matched parts for the discrete transistors. The output transistors are biased to operate in their most linear range for the critical small signal, and deliver their full potential when power is required. This was most noticeable for when I was listening to music that scaled up suddenly.
The Oppo HA-2 SE is “MFI” Apple certified and is compatible with the latest iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, iPod, and iPad, meaning it can be use the digital audio output via the supplied lightning cable. The HA-2 SE does not need the Camera Connection Kit. I tested the HA-2 SE with an iPhone 7 Plus and the iPad Air and all worked as advertised. In fact with Apple removing the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, this is the perfect solution for bringing back the use of the 3.5mm headphone jack and at the same time providing an improved audio experience.
Android – The HA-2 SE’s micro-USB input port works with Android devices that support USB OTG (USB On-The-Go) and USB Audio Class. A special USB OTG cable is supplied with the HA-2 SE to facilitate the connection. When used with a compatible Android device, the HA-2 SE can support the device’s built-in music app, tones and notifications. Additionally, a high-resolution music playback app can use the HA-2 SE as its external DAC to play lossless PCM and DSD audio files eg USB Audio Player Pro app for android.
Audio-In and Line-Out – The HA-2 SE has a 3.5 mm Audio-In port to support portable music players that do not have a USB-compatible digital output. While the HA-2 SE is used with one of its USB digital input ports, the 3.5 mm jack acts as Line-Out for the USB DAC.
And now on to the crown jewels of this device. ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC – The DAC is one of the most important components for digital audio playback. The ES9028-Q2M DAC chip used in the HA-2 SE is the latest flagship mobile DAC developed by ESS Technology. With the ESS patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the SABRE32 Reference DAC delivers an unprecedented performance for mobile applications. The performance and quality of this DAC is outstanding and a noticeable improvement over the DAC used in the original Oppo HA-2.
Asynchronous USB DAC – The HA-2 SE can bypass the smartphone’s built-in DAC and headphone amplification circuit that are often cost-constrained. The asynchronous USB DAC input of the HA-2 SE also works with PC and Mac computers to replace the built-in sound card and support high-resolution audio playback with PCM up to 384 kHz 32-bit (the original HA-2 only supported PCM up to 384 kHz 24-bit) and DSD up to 12 MHz (DSD256).
Clean Signal Path – There is no DSP (Digital Signal Processor) in the HA-2 SE. Volume control is operated by a combination of the DAC chip’s internal digital volume control and an analog potentiometer (the volume knob). Bass boost is performed by pure analog audio circuits. By avoiding re-digitising the audio signal for volume adjustment or bass boost, the HA-2 SE provides a clean signal path for the audio. And the difference is noticeable in playback.
Bass Boost – HA-2 SE offers a Bass Boost function. With Bass Boost off, the HA-2 SE delivers a ruler-flat frequency response; with Bass Boost on, the HA-2 SE adds force and impact to the sub-bass region without muddling the important mid- to high-frequency bands. In reality, I found I didn’t need the bass boost, although I can’t deny it wasn’t fun to use at times.
Two Gain Settings – The HA-2 SE offers two gain level settings for optimal headphone matching. The High Gain mode is capable of driving large power-hungry headphones, delivering up to 300 mW into 16-Ohm headphones. The Low Gain mode is intended for sensitive In-Ear Monitor type earphones. With the new DAC in the HA-2 SE this makes a big difference with sensitive IEM headphones, removing the background hiss that did occur with the previously DAC.
Rapid Charging – The HA-2 SE features patented VOOC rapid charging technology from OPPO. Using the supplied rapid charger, the internal battery can be quickly and safely charged to 75% capacity in about 30 minutes. It only takes approximately 90 minutes to fully charge the battery. A quick charge gives the HA-2 SE up to 13 hours of operation time.
Mobile Power Bank – The HA-2 SE functions as an external battery pack to charge your mobile device.
The Sound Quality
So what really matters ultimately is how does the Oppo HA-2 SE sound. For this test I used the following headphones: Sennheiser HD598 SE and Oppo PM-3. Genres used – Jazz, Blues, Pop, Rock, Female Vocal. I used my Apple iPhone 7 Plus and iPad Air as the source. I had zero issues with connectivity. The Oppo HA-2 SE has Apple’s MFI certification and includes a lightning to USB small connector.
Sally Barker – To Love Somebody/Dear Darlin – With both headphones the vocals, guitar and the extra detail extracted by the HA-2 SE was exquisite. Sally Barker’s voice sounded so delicate and emotional. Plus the new ES9028-Q2M DAC seem to extract so much detail. The Oppo PM-3 headphones with the HA-2 SE were such a magical pairing listening to Sally Barker’s voice.
Adele – Rumour Has It/ Lovesong – vocals, drums, instruments and the beat – all so well captured and played. The musicality of the HA-2 SE was present in abundance. Good speed and attack and sound stage. Again comparing the 2 headphones, both sounded excellent but if I had to pick my favourite for these sounds it once again goes to the Oppo PM-3.
Paloma Faith – Can’t Rely on You – punchy, musical and a superb presentation. Plenty of bass but not overkill. The bass boost is nuts and so powerful in the sub bass, I had to turn the volume down. A similar discovery occurred again with the Oppo PM-3 headphones. With this new Sabre DAC and the HA-2 SE the combination is electric. My Sennheiser HD598 SE felt totally outclassed by the Oppo PM-3.
Yolanda B Cool & D Cup – We No Speak Americano – even without the bass boost, the Oppo PM-3 were being phenomenal. Of course, I had to flip the bass boost mode too, and bass freaks will love it in this mode. Again, a detailed musical presentation. Vocals are so good. The timing is astonishing too.
The Louis Lester Band – Downtown Uptempo/ Sweet Mary Jane – such great musicality, beat, bass, vocals, wide soundstage, instruments clearly placed in different positions. If you get this device, you must listen to Sweet Mary Jane – you will be blown away at just how good this track sounds across all headphones. But if you want to be transported in audio nirvana, you need the Oppo PM3 headphones.
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody – what’s not to like. Superb presentation again.
Bastille – Weapon/ the Driver – the electronic sounds and fast beat really well delivered. Great vocals again and tons of attack.
Nicola Benedetti – The Lark Ascending – mesmerising delivery. Frighteningly amazing. Brought my hairs up on my arms. The music scales up as the drama unfolded too.
Sound Quality Takeaway – The new ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9028-Q2M DAC is a musical beast. It provides superb vocals, separation and low floor noise and made me want to listen again to all my music. Each time I listened to the Oppo HA-2 SE I was hearing my songs in a new light.
Final Thoughts
There are many portable headphone amp dacs available now. However, none match the Oppo HA-2 SE for its style, looks, flexibility, portability and sound quality. At £289 its an absolute tremendous recommendation. I totally LOVE IT !!
The DJI Osmo Mobile is the new king on the block for stabilising your iPhone and android. Sorry no windows smartphone support.
It comes with a swish app on android and iOS too which adds a whole wealth of features. Now, I have watched many YouTube reviews of this new stabiliser and most left out the weaknesses. I intend to cover off everything, good and bad.
For now below are 2 short clips, both stabilised. One edited using the DJI Go app and the other using iMovie.
First up the clip using the DJI Go app.
And next a clip created using iMovie on the iPhone 7 Plus.
Now, these are the first video clips from the DJI Osmo Mobile and I am certain based on my learning curve, I should be able to improve the footage and the types of shots possible from moving timelapses and more.
Useful Link
More info and latest deal on Amazon UK – Click HERE.
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 