Threads like this are why head-fi simply rocks.
Currawong reviews the ALO Studio Six
Currawong, Headfi's prim and knowledgeable moderator-extraorindaire, has, at long last, published his review of the excellent ALO Studio Six headphone amp. Generally, and with good reason, he is ecstatic. But without intending to detract from the original text, I will point out that while Curra and I both agree that the Studio Six is an unwavering delight of power and resolution for headphones, we each await an ALO Audio power amp.
“The performance of the amp is so unwavering that even if one plugs 4 completely different pairs of headphones in, even IEMs, the performance through any single pair does not change in the slightest. The question I had at the end of it all was not about whether the amp is worth it, but why it didn’t have speaker outputs. Ken Ball’s reply to this question was to send me a custom cable with a headphone plug on one end and speaker banana plugs on the other.”
For those with short memories, here is what I wrote about the Studio Six.
the convergence of audiophilia and photophilia
Thanks to mirrorless interchangeable lens camera systems and small lenses, I can now comfortably take my X-Pro 1 and favourite lens around with my favourite audiophile system... with plenty of room left over for scotch.
I've got more over at photophile.
R.I.V. - your loved ones, ripped in vinyl
If you really really miss your dearly departeds, and ashes aren't your thing, but vinyl is, And Vinyly will press the ashes of your dads and mums and uncles and aunts into your favourite tunes, recordings of their voices, or, more aptly, into silence. You can also prepare for the future by reserving a record of your own.
thanks @noruweijin
Great year-end headphone and earphone sales
Just a quick shout-out to some great online headphone sale events. Updates will come as I find them.
1. Amazon: Gold Box Deal of the Day: 65% Off V-MODA Crossfade LP Headphones 69,99$ - save 130$ over MSRP
2. Sleek Audio: Final pre-Christmas SA7 Limited Edition Sale 187,49$ - save 62,50$ over MSRP
Meridian prime time
Computer Audiophile's admin, Chris Connaker, has written up a beautiful piece on the Meridian Prime Headphone amp. More and more, Computer Audiophile have been writing about headphone amplifiers, proving that headphones are becoming accepted in the mainstream of audiophiledom.
“Meridian completes the hat-trick in 2013 with the release of its Prime Headphone Amplifier. First the Explorer, followed by the Director, and now the Prime. The Prime is truly the centerpiece for a great audio system. It’s well suited for the home or the office, for headphones or powered loudspeakers, and for digital or analog input. The Prime is a quality audio component in both sight and sound.”
Happy Holidays from Frederick
I remember when Frederick couldn't call what grew on his faces 'stubble'. But the dude's all grown up now. He's a producer at Light Organ Records. He also pops out damn fine electronic tunes. And his beard? It's beautiful.
I stay in my pyjamas all day.
But that doesn't matter. Frederick's got something new growing. Methinks it might be a follow-up to his first EP, Artisan Kane. At least my audiophile-trained ears think they hear something snappy in the background of this ChriSAWmasy Youtube video.
And they are getting me excited.
porridge to the turds at cymbacavum
Some of headfi's tightest headphone reviewers hang out at cymbacavum, where Ω daily goes to ball-up on finely crafted audiophilese. Nearly every word written over there is gold. And recently, the cymbas gave a heart-warming shout out to Ω. Thank you sirs.
Feeling's mutual.
Not!
Your bloody skipper got me started on the Astrotech AX-60... and what I hope isn't a turn into financial ruin. Ω cannot thank him for finding a great-sounding blue earphone, nor can Ω thank him for prodding Ω on to find the awesome Aussie earphone shop, Noisy Hotel, or some such place. Ω certainly can't thank him for including him in the AX-60 tour that sent Ω on a precipitous spending spree. (The wife has caught on.) So hooked as Ω may be on what he now affectionately call the AXE; simultaneously Ω is waiting for the chance to bop your big boy with one of his frenzied five irons.
Ho hum.
instant ohmage: Astrotec AX-60
It’s in and out time, folks, and the Astrotec AX-60 is on the menu. This delightful bit of aluminium and rubber is garnished with three drivers, one dynamic, and two balanced armatures. It comes recommended for the customer who enjoys a mature listen, who invests in the long run. Who isn’t Astrotec’s current customer.
Read moreThe Headphone List's 2013 Holiday Earphone Buyer's Guide - the Best Earphones Under 50$
Well-recommended reading from two of the top earphone reviewers in the business, ljokerl, and average joe. Benchmarks include: sound quality, noise isolation, durability, small ears, and sports.
The Headphone List is bursting with helpful information and comprehensive reviews. It gets full ohmage marks from Ω image.