Speaking of the Aurender FLOW - Anakchan reviews it at headfi

Sean Chan has published an early review of it at Head-fi. It's worth a read.

“The Flow has just taken over my Cypherlabs stack in that respect of “presenting a big sound”. The Flow has been able to just make the sound bigger, larger, wider, deeper. I’m actually comparing the Flow to my Invicta/Zana Deux desktop gear - although not up to that level it’s mightily close at a fraction of the cost. So despite the somewhat clinical tonal presentation, it’s width and depth presentation on the other hand makes the overall music sound so palatable to the ears. ”

The Aurender FLOW

The FLOW's comber aesthetic and washing-machine aesthetic take a little getting used to. But its ease of use, perfectly legible OLED screen, plug/unplug safety features, and remote control functionality, are perfectly endearing. 

In case you're wondering, this 1300$ DAC:

1. has a low (but not silent) background noise floor
2. boasts lots of current into low ohm loads
3. pumps good volume, high-quality signal into high-ohm loads
4. works with both iPhone and iPad (as well as Android devices)
5. boasts decent stereo separation and detail levels across all frequencies
6. has a battery and can be used on the road
7. has external controls that interface directly with your device

And, it is machined impeccably. Korean portable Hi-Fi units have the unique advantage of being produced in Korea, by Koreans. They look, and feel, wonderful next to outsourced competitors. And the FLOW is the best-feeling Korean unit yet.

FLOW is a wonderful device. It probably isn't the be-all-end-all of performance DACs, but it boasts headphone safety features, is well-machined, and speaks for itself as an important member of an impressive, and growing, family of products. 

I will be reviewing it at Headfonia in the new year.

More about the FLOW: Aurender FLOW personal entertainment

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Lachlan's Holiday Earphone Buying Guide 2014

Lachlan compares/contrasts nine different earphones. He also almost manages to hang himself. Hang in, Lach!

Be sure to subscribe to Lachlan Likes a Thing for more great videos.

DIY 0,40 calibre earphone

While the stress relief is probably inadequate, this DIY 0,40 calibre earphone is awesome.

via headfonia's Facebook page

MacRumors readers up in arms about headphones

Apple offering Master & Dynamic headphones on their online shop is taking a beat. Nothing draws the ire of headphone audiophiles more than the mention of any brand not AKG, Sennheiser, Grado, or any myriad quality earphone producer. 

Anyway, as a bloke that loves Master & Dynamic's MH40, I feel proud that one of my favourite headphones can now be snagged from one of the world's largest online retailers.

Here's where to find them:

MH30: Master & Dynamic MH30 On-Ear Headphones
MH40: Master & Dynamic MH40 Over-Ear Headphones

Source: Apple Adds 'Anti-Beats' Master & Dynamic Headphones to its Online Store, Proves Open to Competition

Headfonia: Calyx M

If only it was smaller. If only its battery lasted longer than 6 hours. If only it didn't toast up my boys-- only those provisos weren't part and parcel of the Calyx M experience, the M would be the most amazing portable music player on the market. 

If you want the long-winded version, head on over to Headfonia to read the entirety of my review.

Source: Calyx M: Perfect For The Zoot Suit

How BMW came to the K-thunk sound of the 4 Series Gran Coupe

Yes, this Medium article is an unabashed BWM advert. But it shows how audiophile sensibilities carry from the whisky chair to the highway. 

“The moment the door connects with the frame, the metal parts of the latch collide creating a low but audible click. A thunk follows more clearly as the dampers and seals compress, decelerating the door nearly instantly as it locks in place, deadening the sound at once to create a crisp and precise effect.”

My parents drove what they called a 'Swedish tractor'. The doors of our Volvo 840 didn't sound bad, but every time I heard doors close on a BMW, or some Lexus models, my insides rose up in salute. They said: that was how a car door should sound.

As with all things luxury, it is the little things that count. 

Source: Click, Clack, K-thunk How the Perfect Car Door Sound Is Made

Flare Audio and the meaning of 'open'

Has Flare Audio's use of 'open' in their R1 headphone copy been keeping you up? Headfonia fan, Brandon Peterek, answers it below Lieven's cryptic Facebook post:

“I think they are implying that the cups are actually part of the driver assembly.”

Nighty night.

Resetting the expectations for the mini-review: FitEar fitear at AV Watch

Poring over nutritional information won't tell you what your favourite hamburger will taste like. Neither will reading AV Watch (Japanese) give you a real idea of a product's sound, or worth.

That said, yesterday's AV Watch "mini review" of the FitEar fitear (about which I jingled early this year) makes my longest reviews at ohm read like jingles. In fact, it makes my Headfonia reviews read like 'mini reviews'. 

Still, AV Watch use a lot of space to say very little:

1. FitEar fitear's driver count is a secret (like Parterre)
2. new, compact design and fit
3. strong, direct sound with sharp transients
4. fitear helps you rediscover your music

The rest of the review is basic audiophile jargon and memes. As useless as it may be as an audio review of the earphone, it's a long wind up that re-imagines the word 'mini'. 

Source: “音への考えをリセット”したイヤフォン「fitear」。ドライバ数非公開、その実力は?

Back to the first-gen iPod nano

Remember this guy? I do. And I've been loving mine since 2005 or 2006 (honestly I can't remember). Anyway, the first-generation iPod nano is the subject of this week's Headfonia: Back To The Future.

The 1st-gen iPod nano is the most beautiful, simplest-to-use pocketable iPod, ever. Here's a spoiler:

“The nano requires a bit of work, but it is more than just an amazing MP3 player. It is an icon. And my love and devotion to it is Biblical.”

Check it out: BACK TO THE FUTURE FRIDAY: THE ORIGINAL IPOD NANO