Minor Updates

Well, it has been some time since my last post. Again, work, family and travel taking me away from audio and music. I am currently enjoying my mobile setup of iPhone 4 and my Earsonics EM4. At home, I am continuing to enjoy music through the computer to the Li Te DAC-AH and the through to the O2 amp. A lovely combination.

A few notes regarding the O2. I cut one of the gain resistors to reduce the gain to unity. I has allowed me to use more the volume control. Before, it was so sensitive there was horrible channel mismatch. But now, I can use it at 9 o'clock. Still not great, but better. Also the volume control on iTune is at 20%. Again, not great. My next task is to reduce the IV resistors and the gain of the opamp on the DAC to reduce gain even further. My aim is to have iTunes/Fidelio at 100% volume, and have sensible levels at my headphones at the 12pm/1pm position.

Have been thinking about the DAC, and how to build one with deliberately low volume, and the mating it direct to a LM based amp (something like 'The Wire' or TPA's Ventus. But have been designing that (or drawing that) and is taking a long time. Also not looking forward to the SMD parts soldering. Not sure when I will have the chance to put it all together, as my soldering gear is back home...

Anyway, not much to report on. Hopefully I will be able to do a few things like publish my 'design' (I use this very roughly cause I am really cutting and pasting...) on the TDA1543 with the Wire. I plan to use the O2 power stage (giving on battery +/-8V ish and on AC +/-12V ish) coupled to a standard TPA SPDIF receiver setup.

QLS QA-350 Mod 2 - The Inside Story!

Find some photos of the inside of the QLS QA-350 Mod 2 unit, with the beefed up headphone output section. A few things have taken precedence in the last few weeks, so couldn't do much listening nor posting. But did have a good session with the QA-350, Lite DAC-AH and the O2 amp this afternoon - it was a great session, just under two hours. The music was fantastic, very musical and very enjoyable.

LiTe DAC AH Exposed

The LiTe DAC-AH just arrived, and here are some photos of the innards. At the moment, got around 10 hours of burn in - the initial sound seemed to be bass heavy - but overall very articulate. Also note my current audio setup. The white cable is a Lifatech Silflex multi-stran glass Toslink cable. Very nice cable - good price and built well. A note that the unit does get a little warm when left on. Nothing hot or anything, but it is slightly warm to the touch. It was noted that the PCB board said the input voltages were 18VAC, 9.5VAC and 10.5VAC. The transformer indicated 18VAC, 9.5VAC and 9VAC.

• CS8414 - SPDIF receiver
• TDA1543 - DAC Chips
• AD847JN - OPAMP output. 

PCM1704U-K

In the end, I ended up placing three orders for the PCM1704, one for a pair of the J versions, and the other; for 17 of the K version. Find the arrival of the first order, from RS Components. Note that this part is made in Japan, and for US$70, you get a fancy case. Well, from a reputable source, I am certain that this is an original chip. Note the markings. Also place orders for the DF1706, which is a 24/192 digital filter, more flexible than the DF1704 in that it takes the higher resolution; but also pricey, at around US$32 each at Mouser. My 'price is no object' DAC is coming together - more information on this, and maybe some schematics soon.

BTW, I am burning in the QA350 now, and have about 100 hours on it; no time to listen, but maybe in the next few days, some thoughts after some burning in. 

Latest Project

Just made a purchase for 8 units of the PCM1704U-K - Ouch! They are not cheap. But, I think that they will make a nice ultimate DAC unit - one that is swimming in my head right now. Along with that order, I also got some LME49990 and LME49600 - to be used for general opamps as well as a headphone amp that I am also planning.

QA350 and O2

Had a chance to connect up the O2 with the QA350. Having spent two or three sessions with the QA350, it has proven to be a very useful addition. From this, I can now take my own music and use to demo new equipment. For example, been planning on trying out the V200 with my EM4, and now, with the QA350, I can in someway have a more 'controlled' test setup - rather than using the vendor's setup. Secondly, this unit; whilst compact and light weight, is not really body wearable. Even with a jacket or suit, the size is just too large. With a bag, there is not a problem. But issues arise when you are walking around, with a delicate and shortish headphone lead, not the safest approach.

The volume control on both the QA350 and the O2 needs to be no more than a 10 degree rotation from their 'zero' position before the volume gets too loud. Not a good arrangement. I will have to find someway or padding the output volume down, or reducing the gain. This is why the V200 would be a good option, as there are DIP switches on the back to adjust pre-gain. Mated with their V800; which also has output gain selection, could tailor a solution where the EM4 can be used at sensible volume control positions - of which I deem as around 40%-60% of full rotation.

Currently listening to HD Track's 1812 Overture, downloaded as 176.4/24 converted to WAV via XLD, and then down samples by Sample Manager (using isotope Resampler set at 'High' and MBIT+ dithering) to 44.1/16. Just finished it on the O2, and to me, the sound was a little confined, in my head, and potentially a little flat. Having started with the QA350, I can't tell that much difference from first impressions. On a side note, both the O2 and the QA350 have had relatively little burning in time; probably at most 10 hours each. Whereas my EM4 have now got a very healthy 200 plus hours. The volume control on the QA350 has channel imbalance at low levels, important for me cause the EM4 are very listenable at those levels. Also the optical output light is always on, so there is a constant red dot on the main side panel. When the charger is working, I can detect a high pitched noise. Owning to the warnings about Lithium polymer batteries, I am keeping a close watch on them.

Back to the QA350. I dare to say, that with this very casual session, there isn't a lot between them. I think I could hear a few more details with the O2 then with the QA350; and the cannons were more powerful with the O2. In some way, you could feel the cannons - not the full body sensation, but just around the ears, if that makes sense... Both the sound stage is limited to between the ears. I know the EM4 can project sound around the ears (for me anyway).

Now moving onto the Computer setup. This time, O2 front end, from the Calyx, running Fidelia with the full resolution FLAC file. Immediately, the clarity returns! Soundstage is wider - straight away! The setup in Fidelia - 24 bit MBIT+ dither, device sample rate set tup 96kHz with isotope resampler set at 'High'. At this stage, I am running the volume at 100% on Fidelia and using the O2 to control. Changing Fidelia to point at '9 o'clock', has shifted the O2 to be pointing at '10 o'clock'. Differences in sound? A little loss in clarity, but very minor. With dither turned off, and the Fidelia set to 9, I could hear a difference, or missing music, that was there before, when dither is on. Overall, the presentation on this setup is more musical than through the QA350. Oh yeah, the cannons on this were way more body, substance and 'cannon-like'. Night and day. Through the QA350, they just sounded like pop guns, or cannons in the far distance.

The last test is to play the same 44.1/16 WAV file on the QA350 through Fidelia. Oh yeah, the file size is 524.4 Mb compared with 150.9 Mb. Interesting in that the jump from 176.4/24 to 44.1/16 should be a 6 times reduction in information. So, given FLAC has some compression, the full size 176.4 file should, by rights be 905.5 Mb, therefore, the FLAC file has losslessly reduced this by around 40%. But this comparison with the higher res file is moot - the Calyx is limited at 96kHz.

Firstly, the sound stage, again, much wider. The rendering of the music, is more lively and more musical than the QA350. There is a loss in clarity between the higher res file and the lower res. A little more separation in the music and instruments. It is, 'more focused' in photographic terms. But the difference between the QA350 and Fidelia is quite noticeable. I would vote Fidelia in this instance, based on this one track. Again, the cannons on this war much more powerful with more body and substance.

Finally, the same 44.1/16 WAV track through iTunes. Smaller soundstage - less clarity and detail. Very similar to the QA350. If anything, it sounds a little more confused, or muddy, than with Fidelia. What it does sound like, compared with Fidelia, is that there is a limit to the music, in both sound stage, dynamics and clarity. Fidelia sounds like these restraints have been removed. Turning up the volume does not restore, or give iTunes the same energy as it does on Fidelia. The canons are definitely more like the QA350.

After this track, Adele's 'Daydreamer' came up quickly, and it sounds pretty good on iTunes. The guitar strumming and her vocals, focused and articulate. Moving quickly to Fidelia with up sampling to 96kHz, improvements in the sound; but the extent mot as great as that with the 1812 Overture.

Now, what does this short hour session tell me;

• I can hear differences between the same track (source at 176.4/24) played between 44.1/16 and 96/24.
• Dithering on Fidelia is required when using it as the volume control.
• The headphone amp sections on the O2 and the QA350 is in principle very similar - but sure to be differences that can be told over a longer, more rigorous session. 
• There wasn't a huge difference between playing from the SD card and the computer. Perhaps this whole jitter issue, etc, is the storm in a tea-cup? 
• The soundstage, clarity and body is much better on my Fidelia setup than the QA350. 
• QA350 hasn't been burned in. 
• Cannon love on 44.1/16; best Fidelia, then by a long margin iTunes, and close behind that QA350. 

What I cannot conclude;

• QA350 sounds inferior to the computer. Using different files and sampling is surely more of a difference.
• That my opinions or observations can be repeated. This is not a double blind A/B. This is me on a quite afternoon listening to the same track on 5 different setups. Not switching back and forth between each one. Each one in its entirety and in full, followed by the next. So take the above with a grain of salt. Also, this was done with one track, a classical track. At the end of the day, YMMV, and so will mine, from day to day.

QLS QA350 Mod V2

Just purchased the QLS Mod V2 - to try out some decent portable audio in contrast (and comparison) to my iPhone 4. The first thing I noted was the supplied SD Card (A Sandisk Class 2 2 GB card) did not work with the player. I had to use my Class 10 Sandisk - this works fine. At the same time, I have also tried to convert my files into WAV. For this, I am currently using XLD to convert to WAV format, and then Audiofile's Sample Manager to down-sample to 44.1 kHz and 16 bit. A little bit convoluted, but still, it works.

At the moment, the first track, after 0 hours burning in was Holst's Mars from HD Tracks. I have only had a very brief time with this, and a few quick notes when listening to a more familiar CD, Coldplay's X&Y. The interface is refreshingly simple. Some say too simple, but I think its a great minimalist approach. I have no issues with that. It is quite a nice departure from a full blown computer playback - absolutely no frills.

When I am listening to music, I am not too concerned about the CD cover, track name, etc. I just want the music. So far, there isn't much hiss or noise when using the EM4. Which is a good sign. Increasingly, I am of the feeling that at 59R the EM4 aren't as susceptible to noise as I thought that they would be. Which is a good thing, but also, I am of the feeling that they probably need more voltage to drive well, as opposed to being current hungry. So perhaps they can be seen more like my HD650 in terms of amplification.

Anyway, back to the QA350. With the Mod V2, this had apparently an upgraded headphone section; using AD8397 as the driver. I must say, that at this stage, the sound is quite enjoyable and articulate. Nothing overly wrong, or excessive at all. The bass is probably a little loose, but the mids and highs quite well defined and controlled. It lacks a little bit of life and energy, especially on complex parts, it feels like it is losing some control over the music. But in simple guitar passages - quite lovely. Bear in mind, this unit has had zero play time thus far; so all comments need to be seen in this light.

Doing a quick comparison with the D-Zero over one track - 'Hardest Part'. The sound is a little more lively and wider on the QA350. The bass is more 'focused' and a little softer in the mix than with the QA350. This was played back through Fidelia, with volume control all the way up, and volume controlled from the D-zero. The vocals on the D-zero has a slightly duller and small image. The music in general was more lively than the QA350. In very short, brief and un-critical manner, the QA350 had a more musical balance, that already feels more enjoyable. But then, the problem (?), maybe there are just so many variables with computer playback, that it's hard to figure out just WHAT is the source of the negatives and positives.

Calyx Coffee - The Inside Story

On a roll, here are the innards of the Calyx Coffee. It appears from my causal observation that the headphone output is not driven by its own amp circuit, and is paralleled with the RCA outputs; which I presume is coupled by the Fine Gold caps directly to the ESS9023's output.

1. ESS9023P - DAC
2. Tenor TE7022L - USB Receiver
3. SC12.000 A1026 12 MHz clock
4. LD1117A - Adjustable regulator
5. Atmel ATMH038 - Some sort of Microprocessor to control the buttons
6. Nichicon Fine Gold 220uF/35V (x2)

iBasso D-Zero - The Inside Story

Finally (!) had the chance to open up the iBasso D-Zero and have a peek on the inside. Enjoy. Some of the major components;

1. WM8740SEDS - DAC Chipset.
2. AD8656 - Dual CMOS Amplifier
3. PCM2706 - USB Receiver
4. HEF4011BT - Input NAND Gate
5. NEC UD2-4 - Relay
6. Nichicon FW(M) 470uF 16V (x4) and 100uF 10V (x2) Capacitors
7. KDS 12.000 MHz Clock of some sort.

Great link - The complete DAC D/A converter list, showing various DAC and digital players and their chipsets.

Hi Res Music

I just purchased a few more albums from HD Tracks, so in total I now have seven HD albums;

1. REM - Out of Time 96/24
2. Nirvana - Nevermind 96/24
3. Janos Starker - Cello Suites 176/24
4. Janos Starker - Cello Concertos 176/24
5. Holst - Planets Chesky 96/24
6. Diana Krall - Quiet Nights 96/24
7. Charles Mingus - The Black Saint and the Sinner 96/24

What I really wanted to try out are the higher resolution of 176 (which is 4 times 44.1 or CD format) files. At the moment, my DAC tops out at 96 kHz, so some software downsampling will be required, I will get them to play at 88.2 kHz. The next step is now to look for a DAC that can play these files, it seems, up to 176/192 kHz.

The short list so far;

1. Metrum Octave (can't do 192)
2. Violectric V800
3. Mytek DSD-DAC Preamp (can also do DSD)
4. Bel Cano DAC3.5VB
5. Weiss DAC202
6. Weiss DAC2
7. Musical Fidelity M1 DAC
8. Aqvox USB-DAC
9. Junilabs Jundac Two
10. Anedio D2

The option exists for a dedicated computer to DAC interface and a separate headphone amp.

Some DAC Thoughts

Looking at the 'Stereophile' reviews and measurements for some DACs, and it looks pretty interesting. John Atkinson notes that the Weiss DAC202 is the best DAC he has yet to measure. To use that as the 'benchmark', I then compared this superficially to three other DACs, Bel Canto e.One DAC35vb, Musical Fidelity M1-DAC and Musical Hall PH25.2.

An interesting aspect is how close the Bel Canto and M1 comes to the 202's performance. The 50Hz sine wave spectrum for the Bel Canto looks really nice, with a nice decaying set of harmonics, with each higher harmonic less than the previous. But seems to be some weird left and right channel mis-match. But the best looking one would be the Musical Hall, with only a slight peaking on the 5th harmonic. Perhaps this is due to the tube output stage?

Secondly, the graphs on the jitter also presented some interesting issues. The Music Hall has a lot higher noise floor at around -125dB, but shows a relatively tight base, especially with over-sampling, and no side bands. Whereas all the other DAC had side banding at 16 bit, but none with 24 bit. The Weiss floor hovers below -145dB, whilst the Bel Canto just below 135dB and the Music Fidelity at -145dB.

What this very cursory and laymen's review of these measured performance is that the $550 Music Hall and Music Fidelity $750, compares very well to the $3,500 Bel Canto and the $6,500 Weiss. And it also seems that when the lesser ones are paired with a good digital input (that has itself good performance in terms of jitter, noise, etc) the DAC can perform at very high levels.

PCM1704

After researching through some DAC, I have come to realise that my gut says the segmented R-2R 24 bit 96 kHz DAC PCM1704U-K could be the right direction for me. The following is a short list of DAC, either in kit or complete form, that uses the PCM1704 DAC Chip.

• Lite DAC-38
• Lite DAC-60
• Lite DAC-83
• Tentlabs DIY-CD Player
• NewClassD Dexa DAC S.
• Monarchy Audio NM24.
• Junilabs Jundac Two.
• Lessloss DAC 2004 MKII.
• Yulong 1704 DAC
• Audio-GD Reference 7.1
• Audio-GD Reference 5
• Audio-GD DAC-19
• Wadia 922
• Wadia 521
• Aqua La Scala
• Armonia Hifi DAC 4
• 
  

This list will continue… More will follow.

O2 Amp and the EM4

I finally (!) got around to purchasing a 3.5mm to RCA cable so that I can now connect the Calyx Coffee to the O2 amp from JDS Labs. Also of note, was the trial installation of Amarra Mini. Last night and right now, I am listening to music stored on an external firewire drive connected to my Macbook Pro. The music is running through iTunes/Amarra and the out to the Calyx and then O2, finally to the EM4. Currently listening to Adele '19'. Last night, I did a quick A/B between 16/44 and 24/96 on REM's 'Losing My Religion', as well as some casual listening with my favourite tracks.

Back to Adele, the first track, I can only describe the guitars as one of the most realistic I have heard through my headphones before. The articulation and intonation of the guitar, along with the strumming and 'shimmer' sounds very real. Having limited experience with both orchestral performance and guitar/drum band gives me some basic insight into how things sound when played live.

From this, and with the current setup, I can say that the bass and guitars have a very clear definition and sound to it. Comparing this to the other tracks, I can say two things about guitars and the EM4s. Acoustic guitar sounds phenomenal; warm, crisp and articulate. Bass guitar sounds just like on stage through - compared to my own bass playing experience. Mind you, this O2 has NO burning it and hasn't had its battery charged since it was delivered. Again, due to my laziness, I have not yet got an AC adaptor...

Again, with the current setup, I am convinced that the headphones (and by this assumption, speakers) play the largest part in the tone and sound signature of the music. Having dabbled very briefly into 24/96, I can say that, the resolution has the next most important effect. I am not not 100% sure of how and to what extent the Transport, DAC and Amp affects the music. But I can say that through the iPhone and this current setup, there are differences. But surely not as much as changing headphones. If I had to break it down, I would say that for now it'd be 50% headphones, 25% source and 25% transport/DAC/Amp. Perhaps this will change over time, but it will need far more exploration.

Well, the next few tasks are to decide between Audirvana and Amarra; and then find the right DAC setup.

A few quick thoughts regarding the DAC setup, after long thought, I am really looking for a compact solution that is airline luggage suitable. That rules out 19" wide units, and really limits this to one or two boxes that are at least half rack width. Not knowing how much travel is installed for the future, I would like to have a relatively portable system. Perhaps an A and B system, where A is the more permanent one, and the B is the one that I can take on short trips. As much as possible, I would like to share components, as I am trying hard to simplify my setup. So thinking more and more, the Halide Bridge or DAC HD makes so much sense, it removes cables and power supplies. It just makes sense. But the question really is going to be, will they deliver an improvement and get me closer to the music and quicker to relaxation. The search continues.

DAC and EM4 Progress

Currently listening to Norah Jones'Come Away with Me on the iPhone and all I can say us that the sound is warm, effortless and intimate.What more can I say about it? The other night I was walking home and listening to Muse's Resistance and let's just say that the hairs in the back of my neck was tingling. Amazing.

My search now turns back to a suitable DAC. The long term goal us to have a computer based system with a DAC and headphone amplifier. Nothing special. The quest to search for the right DAC had led me to a few thoughts. Firstly computer technology changes faster then audio. In the sense that DAC technology moves relatively slowly. Bit USB or firewire changes much faster. And on that vein I have decided to separate the computer souse to the audio side so to speak. That is to get a USB or firewire to SPDIF or other interface without a DAC separate. This results in two points, one more box and the ability to greatly choose the best suited DAC available. One possibility is that I can then use the twisted pear audio buffalo, which is sitting waiting to be put together. Another alternative its to get a DAC that has digital output as well which allows me to choose which to use.

In the initial search for a computer to digital audio interface, leads to a few very standard offerings. M2Tech, SoTM, Lindemann, Halide, Wyred4sound, Audiophileo, Musical Fidelity, Berkeley Audio, and others. However the choice of this CDI is somewhat dependent on the choice of the DAC itself due to the interface type it can accept. For example the halide and Evo had only a single output, coax it RCA. Whereas the V-DAC has more. But at this point the most relevant question is whether or not I ever want to use DSD format. But that is almost another topic unto itself. So for the moment I will continue to enjoy the music whilst the search continues.

Software Players and some further thoughts

I finally had a chance to try out some Mac software to improve the playback experience. In my quick test and review, I had the chance to use Pure Music, Audirvana and Decibel. The setup was my EM4 connected to the Calyx Coffee which was USB connected to MBP. All files were 16/44.1 Apple Lossless, ripped from CD via MAX, and a two tracks from HD Tracks in 24/96 FLAC files.

Very quick impressions of each so far, using the same 6 or so tracks. Decibel has a very laid back, flat sound. To my ears, using this combination was a tad boring, I also had some initial problems getting sound out of it, and after changing a few options, got it to work. Pure Music was a lot better in this regards. But overall, I found this setup to work really well with Audirvana. It was powerful, dynamic and engaging. I kept wanting to switch back to this player after listening to the others. This must be a good sign. This was a very quick review of all three software; and I really wanted to like Pure Music. But it didn't seem like a huge step up from iTunes itself; and I found the interface not to my liking. Although it is very powerful; the set of features that I would use will be limited.

Amarra is something to test next, as I just downloaded the 15 day Mini demo. Not sure when I will get another chance to have some dedicated listening, but I hope it will be in the next week, before all the other demo licenses wear off.

I also had the chance to do a direct comparison between 16/44.1 and 24/96 using one track, REM's Losing My Religion. The first basic impression was that the 96 had more detail and definition to the sounds and instruments. More dynamics and separation, which must be a good thing, cause I found the 44.1 very flat after listening to the higher res version. At lower levels, the differences were as pronounced, but as you cranked up the volume, the differences became more audible. I ask myself whether this would affect the overall enjoyment? Probably not. But then when you are not just listening for enjoyment and relaxation; and more about review, examination and appreciation; I think the differences would be worthwhile. I also found that the sound stage was a little larger with the 96 version. The 44.1 was well inside my head between the ears, and the 96 was more wider, and more around the ears, rather than between.

Anyway, more to come late, and I hope to put some photos of the current setup...

After 100 hours...

It has been around 100 hours now, with several overnight burning in sessions on the EM4. The result? I can use the words; effortless sound, authority, control and articulate to describe the sound of these IEM. Listening to my very well worn mix of 10 or so songs that I have used in the last year or so to compare all my headphone listening, has demonstrated a sound more akin to the HD650, then any other IEM I have used (which is only two pairs). In terms of the imaging, it definitely is not 'in ear', but much more, around the ear. As such, very natural, and not like someone injecting sound into your ears.

To use the well worn phrase, "I have heard stuff that I have never heard before", would be true in this case. not just new sounds, but the same sounds sounding different, or more truthful to the recording. At this stage, there isn't a lot that I can find fault with them. I don't find these to be warm or dry. But it just feels like the right mix - the right sound.

What I can say is that during the burn in, over the last two weeks, the sound did change up and down by a fair bit, and it seems in increments of between 15 to 20 hours at a time. But right now, with over 100 hours, they have not sounded better! I am sure that it will continue to change until they settle down, at which point, I cannot say, but as long as they keep improving!

The biggest question for me was, were they worth the money? And a lot of money it was... The single most expensive audio item I have bought to date! Even my second hand Lowther DX3 were cheaper! Well, given my current circumstance, they are the closest that I will get to audio nirvana. When I am on the bus, or walking, I do feel like I am in my own private studio, listening to amazing music. This is so relaxing, and helps me deal with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this way, they are absolutely worth it. Without having to dwell on this too much, I spent the cash, got a result that I am happy with, and is on par, if not better than my previous reference headphones, can't complain!

What a difference!

What a difference 12 hours of burning in makes. The bass issue I had last night is now gone. Again it is now firmed back up, but still not super tight but much better than last night. Overall the sonic presentation is much better.

Quick thought on EM4

They now have had around 20 or so hours on them, and want to share a few thoughts. Firstly, I am hearing things on the music that I have not heard before, even withy he HD650, and this is on some very familiar tracks. This is good. Second, the sound is not like the other IEM, which sound like they are inside your ears. These actually like like they surround your ear. Much like the presentation of over the ears. This is a very good pint, as I was looking for an IEM that did not focus the sons into your ear. Thirdly, the guitars sound amazing! The way it strums and the intonation, amazing, best guitar sound from headphones. And also, the way it renders piano and keyboard, you can really tell if the mic was close or far, acoustic only, or with effects. Again, much better than all previous. All of this on my iPhone 4, can't wait to get it onto a proper amp and source!


Now onto the negatives thus far. The bass lost some impact and presence, but I hope that it firms up again after more burn in. And secondly, the isolation is not as good as the HF5, but the fit is so much more comfortable. Well that is all for now, more thoughts later.

EM4 Arrived

After nearly a 5 week wait, including Christmas, my custom Earsonics EM4 have arrived! Currently listening to them and they have about 8 hours on them so far. Some initial comments. The supplied cable is very light and flexible, and not microphonic at all. But given their more delicate feel, a spare cable is probably a must.

The build quality overall is good. It does look and feel a custom product and I like that kind of design. Gives it some personality. The acrylic is a little cold to put on initially, but after 10 minutes, it feels fine. The fit of the customs are at superior to any of the other two IEM I have used. That is Shute SE210 and Etymotic HF5. Very comfortable and good noise isolation. This is especially good for the public transport system of Hong Kong. All of this was and is through Apple loss lesson my iPhone 4, with no external amp.

Onto the initial impressions o the sound. At first it was a little unbalanced and lacked warmth. But after about 6 hours they have opened up somewhat and definitely sound better the the well burned in HF5 and SE210. The bass is far superior. Well controlled and tight. The trebles are also much better than the HF5, which was itself better than the SE210. midrange is slightly warm so far, but well balanced in the mix, but slightly more forward than the HF5.

Overall, the sonic presentation is similar to my hD650. Which I haven't been able to for three months. As they were left at home. Since I am going to be home in a few months, and by then the EM4 should be well burnt in, should make a good comparison. Is it worth the money? Yes, for me it is on three levels: better fit and comfort; much better then the HF5, and approaching my memory of the HD650. More thoughts to come, as I am now on DAC hunting mode.