Welcome to my new video on how to upgrade the opamps in your device, in my case using the Burson Audio Playmate 2 Headphone AMP DAC.
In this review, I take a look at the Burson V6 Vivid and V6 Classic Opamps and compare the sound quality between them. Before we talk about the sound quality, I also show you how to install the new opamps. I also pick a winner based on my preferences, but highlight what each one would be best for. Burson Audio sell the V6 opamps for $145 for a pair.
Video Review
Conclusion
Both the Burson V6 Vivid and V6 Classic make a terrific improvement to the sound quality of the device. Highly recommended 9.5/10.
Welcome to my review of the Burson Audio Playmate 2 which retails for £599. The Burson Audio Playmate 2 is a headphone AMP/DAC and Pre-AMP.
Key Features/Specs
3W Class A SE.
Upgradeable Opamps with four detachable DIP sockets
ESS 9038QTM DAC.
XMOS DSD 512.
Precision machined aluminium for a sumptuous finish.
Unified aluminium enclose also acts as a heat sink.
Class-A and 3W per channel
Two levels of power control, each with 100 volume steps. 110db IEM, no worries. 70db planar magnetic, no problem either.
USB-C input
MCPS charges the Playmate at 170 thousand times per second to enhance the power, dynamics and micro-details.
A decade ago, Burson Audio argued against using IC opamps on the audio signal path. Today, their discrete audio opamps are industry benchmarks. They focus on building great products that speak for themselves. Based on my experience so far, not only do they look stunning but they also sound terrific too! Plus with the added bonus of being able to easily upgrade the op amps, what more could you ask for!
Menu Options
The Playmate 2 has an easy to access and use menu system, that provides access to the following options.
Headphone level – High or Low, this is your headphone gain setting
FirFilter – you can select a digital filter that are built-in directly in the ESS Sabre DAC chip, there are 7 filters to play with
DPLL (DSD) – OFF, Low, Mid and High (default) – the higher this setting is the higher the jitter rejection will be for DSD files
DPLL (PCM) – Off, Low, Mid (default) or High – the same but for PCM files
Emphasis – Off (default), On – ON position rolls-off the treble by about 5db at 10 kHz and by about 8 db at 20 khz. Best to leave this setting to the OFF position. Only turn on if using a cassette tape player.
OLED Level – Low (default) or High – changes the brightness of the OLED screen
Reset Set: No or Yes – resets to factory settings.
Welcome to my review of the iFi ZEN Air Blue which is part of iFi Audio’s budget range. The iFi Zen Air Blue retails for £99. The iFi ZEN Air Blue is a Bluetooth receiver.
Welcome to my review of the iFi ZEN Air DAC which retails for £99. The iFi ZEN Air DAC is a desktop DAC/AMP. It functions as either a DAC or headphone amp. You can connect it to a separate amp or speakers too.
Key Features/Specs
PCM 32bit/384kHz, fully native DSD256 and MQA.
PowerMatch adjusts the gain of theZEN DAC Air so it functions at the right level for your headphones.
XBass+ allows you to tailor the bass to suit your headphones and your personal taste.
New low latency 16 core XMOS IC.
Burr Brown Chip – Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown.
Weight 315g.
Headphone output 280mW at 32ohms, 36mW at 300 ohms, 1V/3.3V max (variable).
Video Review
Conclusion
The iFi ZEN Air DAC is a superb budget DAC/Amp. Highly recommended. 9.2/10.
Welcome to my review of the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini that retail for £92.99. The ComfoBuds Mini are the World’s smallest true wireless earphones with ANC. But there’s so much more too.
Key Features
Bluetooth 5.2
3.7g weight of each buds
World’s smallest TWS with ANC
6 hours playback plus 3 additional charges with case (ANC off)
5 hours playback plus 3 additional charges with case (ANC on)
10mins quick charge 90 mins playback
USB C & Qi charging
AAC/SBC
SoundID
Multiple Noise Cancellation modes (Strong/Mild/Wind Noise Reduction), Transparency, off
Up to 40db ANC
Four mics with DNN
30 soothing sounds to help you relax with 5 auto off times from 30-150 mins
IPX5
Watch my video review, that details thirteen reasons that make the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini such a compelling true wireless earphone.
Video Review
Conclusion
1MORE have produced an incredible true wireless earphone. Excellent noise reduction options, great sound and fit, all in a tiny package. Highly recommended 9.6/10.
Welcome to my review of the SoundPEATS Mini Pro TWS earphones that retail for £59.99.
Key Specs / Features
Bluetooth 5.2
Qualcomn QCC3040 processor
AptX-Adaptive, AAC and SBC
10m range
Hybrid Active Noise cancellation & Transparency Mode
Low latency gaming mode down to 60ms
7 hours battery and 21 hours with case
USB C but no Qi charging
Clear call guaranteed by CVC 8.0 noise detection tech
IPX5
Weight single earbud 4.7g
1.5 hours recharge for earbuds and case
Audio Music Tracks
Audio Music Test Tracks List
– 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
A superb pair of TWS earphones at a stunning low price. Highly recommended 9/10.
The Sony Linkbuds retail for £149 and are without a doubt the weirdest wireless earphone I have ever reviewed.
I waited before I released my review so that I got the new firmware that also allowed the Sony Linkbuds to connect to the Sony headphone app. The new firmware is vital! It makes such a big difference to these wireless earphones.
Key Specs
Codecs SBC , AAC
IPX4
10 mins quick charge – 90 mins usage
Battery life 5.5 hours plus 12 hours extra from case
No Qi charging
USB C
Video Index
00:00 Intro plus firmware 00:40 In the box 01:03 Fitment 01:18 Shake Test 01:34 Gym & Codecs 01:48 Battery test 02:15 Sony Headphone app & recommended settings 02:51 Sound Concept & Feedback 06:12 Comfort 06:56 Mic Quality 07:20 Latency 07:48 Sound Quality
Video Review
Conclusion
Recommended providing you need the USP of these wireless earphones that I discussed at length in my review. I personally really like them.
Welcome to my review of the HiFiMan Edition XS which retails for around $459.
Key Features
NEO Supernano Diaphragm – the new NSD is 75% thinner than previous designs , more detail and more sonics
Stealth Magnets – enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference
Natural, wide soundstage puts you in the best seat in the house
Headband – designed for max comfort , filled with high grade memory foam
HiFiman 3.5mm sockets standard audio size , changeable and replaceable
Frequency response 8hz – 50kHz
Impedance 18 ohms
Sensitivity 92dB
Weight 405g
Audio Music Test Tracks
Below are the key music tracks that I use in every audio review. Many other songs are listened to as well.
– 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 & Comparisons
Conclusion
The HiFiMan Edition XS redefine what is possible at the $500 mark. Truly exceptional sounding. Highly recommended 9.5/10.
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