Something to work your brain on a Sunday.
Tell me what this cable does. It is mighty clever and all will be revealed on Monday as an updated to this post.
Category Archives: Audio
The Chord Mojo – The Game Changer has Arrived – First Impressions
Chord Electronics is a UK audio company based in Kent. Chord has been making high end quality audio products for many years. Last week they announced their new Chord Mojo, their most affordable product to date and likely to be one of their most successful products. So what is the Chord Mojo? Chord Electronics state –
“Chord Electronics is proud to introduce Mojo, the ultimate DAC/Headphone Amplifier for your smartphone. Simply connect Mojo to your iPhone, Android phone, PC, or Mac, plug in your headphones and you can experience crystal clear audio the way you would hear it in the recording studio.”
Key Features
-Mojo was designed for the music loving Smartphone owner.
-It is powerful, but small and comfortable to carry.
-It works with your iPhone, Android or Windows phone… Also DAPs.
-Mojo is also compatible with your Mac, PC, or Linux computer.
-Mojo has three digital inputs – USB, Coaxial, and Optical.
-Mojo charges in just 4 hours to provide up to 10 hours use.
-You can use any pair of headphones with Mojo, from 4Ω to 800Ω.
-With two 3.5mm analogue outputs you and a friend can listen too!
-Mojo plays all files from 32kHz to 768kHz and even DSD 512.
-Mojo is fully automatic and remembers its last used settings.
-Its case is precision machined from a single solid block of aluminium.
-Mojo is entirely designed and manufactured in Great Britain.
-Output Power @ 1kHz
-600 ohms 35mW
-8 ohms 720mW
-Output Impedance: 0.075 ohms
-Dynamic Range: 125dB
-THD @ 3v – 0.00017%
So we can all read the specs and features and so on, BUT the key point is how does the Chord Mojo perform and does it sound any good! Answer it is a magical, breathtaking product that blows the competition away when it comes to musicality, sound quality and tonal reproduction. At its price point of £399, there is nothing anywhere near this and likely up to and slightly over £1,500 that competes. Chord sell the Hugo, a bigger version of the Mojo for £1,400, and yet the Mojo according to those that are lucky enough to own both reproduces 97% of what the Hugo achieves. Some say its better.
I have been listening to the Mojo with Sony MDR-1RNC, AKG K702 and ATH-M50x headphones and I have never heard my headphones sound so good. Period! The Mojo is funky with its coloured balls that change colours yet its built like a rock. A stunning piece of engineering. I am not listening to high end FLAC or DSD tracks just normal MP3 encoded music to achieve this wonderful sound. For the record, the Mojo is not a review unit/loan. I consider the Mojo the single best electronic purchase I have ever made. That list includes phones, cameras, tablets, audio equipment, gadgets and more.
My recommendation would be to stop buying the next best smartphone, and start enjoying your music collection all over again!
Chord Electronics Mojo Headphone Amplifier / DAC information and deal at Amazon UK
Recent Phone, Bluetooth Headphones and Audio Equipment reviews
There have been several reviews over the last few weeks. Below are the links. Over the next few weeks there will be more reviews covering new smartphones and the brand new Chord Mojo which has taken the audio world by storm.
Apple iPhone 6S Plus incl Apple Watch review (continuously updated) – Now 14 Parts
August SE20 Mini Radio and Portable Bluetooth Stereo System Review
August SE20 Portable Mini FM Radio and Bluetooth Stereo System – review
August EP650 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones Review
August EP610 In Ear Bluetooth Stereo Sports Headphones review
August EP610 In-Ear Bluetooth Stereo Sports Headphones – review
August EP636 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones review
August EP636 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones with NFC and Mic – Review
Honor 7 Smartphone review
Suaoki 40W 8A 5 Port Compact USB Charger
Motorola Moto X Play
LG G4 – 4 month review
LG G4 – 4 Month Review – The Ultimate Package and its last hurrah
LG G4 – main review
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact 23mp Camera Test
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact – Just how good is the new 23mp camera – See for yourself!
Huawei Watch review
Samsung Note 5 Dual Sim review
August EP650 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones – review
Welcome to my review of the August EP650 Bluetooth stereo headphones. This is the last August Bluetooth I am reviewing and as the expression goes, I have left the best to the last. Out of all 3 this is my personal favourite. More on why later. First the key specifications.
Specifications
– Bluetooth V4.0 with aptX® Technology
– Operating Range: Up to 10m
– Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20KHz
– Speaker Output: 30mW
– SNR: ≥85dB
– Distortion: ≤1.0%
– Battery: 3.7V/220mAh Built-in Li-ion Battery
– Working Time: 10 Hours
– Charging Time: 2 Hours
– Standby Time: 30 Days
– Weight: 235g
– Dimensions: 176.6 x 188.6 x 71mm
Key Features/Usage
The August EP650 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones are packed with all the functionality of the smaller EP636’s which I reviewed a few days ago. The EP650 improve upon the EP636 with more comfort due to the 12mm ear piece cushions and padded headband. In addition the headphones features apt-X and can connect to non bluetooth devices with a standard 3.5mm audio cable (provided). The retail price is normally £67.95, but there is currently an offer on Amazon UK saving nearly £30.
Other key features include –
– Microphone for Hands-Free Calls
– Bluetooth Range up to 10m
– NFC Ready – Tap to Connect
– 11 hours Battery Life
– Adjustable Headband
The August EP650 have larger cushions than the smaller EP636’s and consequently are really comfortable. Add in APT-X for better sound quality and the ability to use a 3.5mm audio cable (provided) for non bluetooth devices or when the battery has gone flat and you have a really versatile good quality headphone.
In terms of call quality, these sounded ok. The caller at the other end had no issue hearing me. I listened to a large number of tracks and a range of musical genres from classical, jazz, blues, pop and more. The EP650’s lean slightly towards the bass which reduces the sound stage and slightly overpowers the treble. The 650’s are best described a fun and comfortable headphone to listen too. During quiet classical pieces you can hear a slight hiss.
Conclusion
The August EP650’s are available in a range of colours and at their price point, comfort, quality and versatility offer good value for money. Recommended.
August EP610 In-Ear Bluetooth Stereo Sports Headphones – review
For your chance to win a pair of these headphones see comment at the end of this review.
Welcome to my review of the August EP610 In-Ear Bluetooth Stereo Sports Headphones.
The August EP610 have been designed to be lightweight, yet provide extra grip along with incredible as a sports utility products on the market. The weight it kept down by using plastics. The August EP610 earbuds come in 3 sizes and with 4 stabilizers to help you adjust them to your ear shape. The in-ear controls allow you to answer phone calls and adjust the volume. The EP610 retail on Amazon at £27.95.
Specifications
– Bluetooth Version: v4.0
– Frequency Response: 200Hz~20kHz
– Output Power: 10mW x 2
– SNR: ≥ 80dB
– Distortion: ≤1% At 1KHz
– Battery: 40mAh x 2 Polymer Lithium Batteries
– Working Time: Up to 5 Hours
– Charging Time: Approx. 1 Hour
– Standby Time: 180 Hours
– Produce Weight: 15g
Key Features
– Wireless Earphones for Bluetooth Devices
– Microphone for Hands-Free Calls
– Built-in Rechargeable Battery
– Micro USB Charging Port
– Bluetooth Range up to 10m
– Bluetooth v4.0
– 5 hours battery life
Sound Quality/Usage
My ears are different to yours. As is the next person. That’s why it was good to see August had supplied different ear buds and 4 different size stabilisers. Whilst the in-ears look big, they are so comfortable and only 15g in weight.
Call quality was ok and playing music provided an enjoyable listen.
For the music test, I listened to several different genres over hours and hours. Below are my findings from a selection of 5 tracks.
“The Sound of Yo-Yo-Ma, The Score – Oh My Love, Ellie Goulding – On My Mind, The Martian – Movie – Emergency Land, Cassandra Wilson – Come On in my Kitchen”.
Across the music spectrum everything was reasonable and not over played. However, I did notice a slight background hiss which was more noticeable in quieter tracks and classical music.
Conclusion
Just shows how far technology is moving forward. In-Ear Bluetooth headphones for £27.95, and currently on offer at Amazon too. This price 2-3 years ago would not have been possible versus the quality. Not only that the August EP610 sound reasonable and are comfortable. Recommended.
For your chance to win these click here. It’s free to enter too.
August EP610 In-Ear Bluetooth headphones deal at Amazon UK
Lenovo, CX and Soundmagic at IFA 2015
Lenovo were displaying a large range of phones and tablets. In fact some large phones. The above is the Lenovo Phab Phone. It’s got a 6.8 inch screen and Snapdragon 615 processor. The other specs are all OK too. Just huge.
Lenovo also had the Vibe S1 with dual front cameras. That right, dual front cameras. Again all the other specs were reasonable too.
CX had it ranges of portable cameras and their new camera just being released. For added entertainment they had members of the Cirque de Soleil on their stand.
Another headphone, this time Soundmagic and their top end HP200. IFA 2015 had so many headphones by different companies , I lost track of them all!
Sony Premium Audio at IFA 2015
This is a portable system by Sony. It’s the most expensive setup Sony sells.
The headphones are around £700 and were connected using balanced cables to the Sony PHA-3 headphone DAC. The player was Sony’s best music DAP.
For around £2,500 you can have portable sound nirvana.
I spent ages having a good listen. Really impressive for a portable system, but oh so expensive.
Oppo HA-1 Headphone Amplifier, DAC & Pre-Amplifier – review
Welcome to my review of the Oppo HA-1. The Oppo HA-1 is terrific headphone amplifier, with its own DAC. It can also be used as a pre-amplifier. For the purpose of this review, I used my Oppo PM-2 Planar Magnetic headphones, the special Oppo balanced headphone cable along with the HA-1. The Oppo HA-1 retails for £1,199, the PM-2 headphones £699 and the Oppo Balanced Cable £149.
From the moment you lift the Oppo HA-1 out of its box, you begin to appreciate the quality workmanship of this piece of hardware. Below is a photo of the internal construction. What is striking is just how neat and precise everything is assembled. The front of the HA-1 has connectors for a standard 6.3mm headphone socket, XLR balanced connector, the infra red receiver, power, source and volume controls. It also has a USB input for iOS devices. The HA-1 is approved by Apple in the MFI program. This means that via the lightning cable, it can extract the digital data from your iPhone or iPad and use the Oppo DAC instead.
The rear panel has you covered for many different types of connections.
Internal Layout
Oppo have designed the HA-1 so that the analog audio section is a fully balanced design with a focus on keeping the audio signal in the analog domain once it leaves the DAC. The HA-1 uses a huge toroidal power transformer, linear power regulators, filters with custom made capacitors that ensure that the headphone amplifier has a clean power source with plenty of reserve energy. The fully balanced Class A power amplification section has hand-picked and paired discrete components to ensure symmetry, with a motor-driven precision volume control knob that allows for both manual and remote control volume adjustment while keeping the audio in a pure analog audio path.
Official Specifications
The specifications are lengthy, so I have extracted these direct from the manual –
Design and Engineering
The HA-1 uses an analog potentiometer (volume knob) to control the volume. This avoids re-digitising the audio signal for volume adjustment. In turn this allows for a clean signal path for the audio. At the same time, Oppo have built this for the 21st Century. A remote-controlled motor turns the volume knob and a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter samples the signal to display a numeric dB level.
The HA-1 passes Apple’s “MFi” certification and is compatibile with the latest iPod, iPhone and iPad to be used as the digital audio output accessory of these devices. By tapping directly into the digital audio signal of these devices and converting the audio to analog using the high performance SABRE32 Reference DAC, the music sounds spell binding. So so good.
The HA-1 supports Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) with both the standard and aptX® high quality codec. I paired my phone with the HA-1 and listened wirelessly. Again incredible sound quality.
The Oppo HA-1 can bypass the low fidelity, poor quality DACs of your computer sound card. The HA-1 turns any computer into a high performance multi-media source by converting digital audio to analog through the ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC. The asynchronous transfer mode uses the high precision clock inside the HA-1 to drive the audio signal, not relying on the clock quality of the computer. HA-1’s USB DAC input supports PCM up to 384 kHz 24-bit and DSD up to 12 MHz (DSD256).
The headphone power amplifier has an adjustable gain setting. For optimal sound quality and to best match your headphones’ sensitivity, you can choose between Normal and High for the Headphone Gain setting.
The HA-1 is housed in a brushed aluminum chassis. The Class A amplifier is designed with ample ventilation and built with the finest components to ensure long term stability and performance. The photo of the internal components highlights this point.
The HA-1 doubles as a high fidelity stereo pre-amplifier with both RCA and XLR output ports. A special “Home Theater Bypass” mode can be assigned to any input source, making it very easy to integrate the HA-1 as a stereo pre-amplifier into a home theater sound system.
The HA-1 features 12V trigger input and output. When used as a stereo pre-amplifier, the trigger output can turn on your power amplifiers automatically when the HA-1 is turned on. You can also turn on the HA-1 automatically by connecting its trigger input to the trigger output of a source device or a surround sound processor.
The HA-1 comes with a remote control that provides volume control, direct source selection and even playback control for digital audio sources. A remote control app is available for both Apple’s iPhone and Android-based smartphones. The app works over Bluetooth and offers the same functionality as the physical remote control. The supplied remote control is made of aluminium too.
The Important Part – Sound Quality and Experience
Wow. Simply stunning. Phenomenal.
I hope you get the message by now. In my entire audio experience, I have never heard such an amazing setup. The Oppo HA-1 performs “magic with music.” It oozes musicality, separation, impact, slam, control, finesse and more. You feel the music. I tried as many different genres as possible and nothing phased it. The Oppo PM-2 headphones with the balanced cable are a real gem and work incredible well in partnership.
In previous audio setups, the compromise with high end audio equipment can be the lack of options. This is not the case with the HA-1. The HA-1 has many different connection options. It can be used as a pre-amplifier, connected to via Bluetooth and even comes with a remote control. Or you can use its android or iOS app.
I connected my iPad, my wife’s iPhone 5S and my android phone (LG G4) via USB and bluetooth. In all cases, the mind blowing sound and theatrical music performance was off the charts “brilliant”.
The HA-1 will extract information from tracks that you never knew existed. I also discovered a whole new level of performance from my Oppo PM-2 headphones.
Final Words
This is a phenomenal piece of kit from Oppo and priced extremely competitively too. Highly recommended.
More info and deals on the Oppo HA-1 Headphone DAC Amplifier at Amazon UK
Evolve Audio Soundbar SB-2501 – review
Welcome to my review of the Evolve Audio Soundbar SB-2501. Evolve Audio are a relatively new brand, owned by Janky Inc, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of satellite products.
The Evolve Audio Soundbar is designed to provide a much better audio experience with your TV. The SB-2501 looks stylish and a quality item from the moment you unbox it. The soundbar itself is made from a brushed aluminium cabinet that houses the latest audio technology. Its 49mm slim profile adds to the entire image.
Evolve Audio have created some unique selling points with their SB-2501. In terms of the technology they have incorporated their unique ‘Definitive Surround Sound’. In addition, the box includes the EVO-1 integrated,rechargeable, wireless headphones which are handy to use when others around you do not want to be disturbed. Evolve Audio have also designed the headphones so that anyone who is hard of hearing can use the Evolve’s EVO-1 wireless headphones at the same time with the soundbar but with their own required volume. But that is not all. The technology included continues as below –
The official technical specifications –
-40mm 8ohm High Efficiency Acoustic Driver x4
-40mm 4ohm High Efficiency Acoustic Driver x2
-60 Watts Power Output
-Built-In 16-bit Audio DSP
-2.4ghz Digital Wireless Audio Transceiver
-24-bit Audio Codec
-APT-X Bluetooth Streaming
-Brushed Aluminum Cabinet
-Evolve Wireless Headphone Compatible
-Dimensions: L-820mm x H-583mm xD-490mm
-Power input: DC 12V
Box Contents:
– Ultra-Slim Brushed Aluminium Soundbar
– Wireless Subwoofer (Pre-Paired With Soundbar)
– One Pair EVO-1 Wireless Rechargeable Headphones (Pre-Paired with Soundbar)
– Full Function Remote Control including Battery– Battery Type 3V Lithium CR2032
– Optical Cable (Toslink)
– RCA Cable
– 3.5mm Mini-jack To RCA Cable
– 12V AC/DC Adaptor (For Soundbar)
– 15V AC/DC Adaptor (For Subwoofer)
– USB Charger Cable (For Headphones)
– User Manual
– Quick Start Guide
The Evolve SB-2501 includes 4 EQ settings (music, movies, sports, news), independent bass control, touch sensitive LED display, full function remote and integrated wall mount brackets. It uses less than 0.5W in standby so it is energy efficient.
The Wireless HD Subwoofer
The Wireless Subwoofer incorporates wireless HD Lossless Technology. The subwoofer is fairly compact, measuring approx 250mm wide by 336mm deep. The wireless HD technology utilised by Evolve Audio is a digital wireless and lossless non-compression audio transmission technology that is significantly more efficient than Bluetooth. This has the added benefit of providing more audio detail. Using this wireless lossless technology also delivers real time sound from your TV ensuring no lip-sync issues. It also has a USB socket for recharging the EVO-1 headphones. For ease of setup, the subwoofer is pre paired too.
The EVO-1 Headphones
The headphones deserve a further mention as they are a welcome addition to the offering by Evolve Audio. The EVO-1 headphones use atom drivers. These are extremely powerful neodymium magnets made with rare-earth material and are twice as powerful as regular ferroferric oxide magnets. Apart from making these sound good, they are also lightweight and energy efficient. Recharging the headphones is a breeze as the subwoofer has a USB socket for recharging them. Of course, you can use the provided micro USB cable to recharge the headphones on another USB socket. Using the headphones couldn’t be simpler. Press the power on button to turn on or off, and use the volume controls to decrease or increase the sound. These are clearly marked and easy to feel. To change the input source simply use the remote. Again, like the subwoofer, the headphones are pre paired ready to use out of the box.
EVO-1 Headphone Specificiations
-40mm 8ohm High Efficiency ATOM Drive x 2
-24-bit Audio Codec
-Three Dimensional Head Fitting Adjustment
-Integrates with Evolve Audio Soundbars
-8-10 hours playback time from one full charge
-USB Charging Port
The Remote Control
The remote control is a cracking piece of kit and clearly designed by somebody who watches movies and thought “What would be really useful to include on a remote control”. So from the remote control you can adjust the volume, bass level, mute, 3D DSS mode, effects, input, screen dimming level and bluetooth. The screen can be dimmed and switched off too. If you want to pair a bluetooth device eg your iPhone it’s a one touch operation of pressing the bluetooth icon on the remote. In use, this remote control makes life so fast and fun to operate the soundbar.
The Soundbar
The soundbar has all the connections on the rear. This includes the power switch and connector, 3 AUX jacks one of which is digital. All the respective leads are provided in the box too. See main specifications.
Evolve Audio have integrated UniPhase into the soundbar. This is a frequency separation technology that delivers a consistent audio wave form from all drivers, without discrepancy or interference. This translates into a high quality music listening experience.
The soundbar has 2 rubber feet that are screwed onto the bottom. This allows it to rest on a flat surface, but these can be removed and used as the wall mounting bracket.
The main screen is touch controllable so if your remote control has temporarily vanished, all is not lost.
The Experience
The first challenge of any new product is the setup. Evolve Audio provide a Quick Start guide and a full manual. The Quick Start guide was clear and concise and made the whole process effortless. Added to the fact that all the cables are included, the remote control battery is also included and the headphones and subwoofer come pre paired, it is one of the easiest systems I have connected. And so few wires too!
In use the standout was the quality of the sound. I connected my mobile phone in seconds via bluetooth and boom, the SB-2501 was pumping out great sounding music tunes. Time to watch a movie, and once again great sounding music. Switching back to using my TV speakers was a harsh experience as you realise just how awful they are. The remote control is fantastic. Flipping between the different effects was easy. Muting, dimming, or changing the input so quick. Bass to heavy, just press the bass minus button. Turn on the EVO-1 headphones and the soundbar mutes automatically. Power off the headphones, and the soundbar goes automatically into mute. This prevents accidental blasting out of music late at night.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed using the Evolve Audio SB-2501 soundbar. It is easy to setup. Even easier to use with some real life thought gone into making the operation a breeze. Includes wireless headphones and subwoofer. Incorporates tons of technology which in layman terms equates to good quality music reproduction.
Impressive piece of kit and recommended.
For the latest deals at Amazon UK on the Evolve Audio SB-2501 Soundbar System click here
Updates – Details of new items for review
Just a quick heads up on a few new reviews that will be published at some point in the future.
Oppo HA-1 Headphone Amplifier, DAC & Pre Amplifier
Discrete Class A Balanced Headphone Amplifier, Asynchronous USB DAC Up to 384 kHz and DSD256, Stereo Pre-Amplifier with Home Theater Bypass, Compatible with iPod/iPhone/iPad and Bluetooth. This piece of kit is not only gorgeous but has some serious clout.
Oppo HA-1 Headphone Amplifier – more information from Amazon UK
Evolve Audio Soundbar SB-2501
There is a lot more to this soundbar than meets the eye. Apart from being slim, low profile brushed aluminium soundbar, it also features a high auality wireless subwoofer with HD Lossless Technology, Unique ‘Definitive Surround Sound’ For Immersive 3D Stereo Surround, 1 Pair of Lossless High Fidelity Wireless Headphones Included and High Quality Bluetooth aptX For Music Streaming. And that is just the beginning.
Mystery Item
There is one more item too.
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 