Editor’s Note: iFi Audio provided the iEMatch free of charge for the review What is the iEMatch and why would you need one? iFi Audio markets the iEMatch as a tool to eliminate hiss, restore dynamic range and give you more volume headroom — sounds pretty simple but in the world of in-ear monitors, and in…
Category: Custom In-Ear Monitors
Custom-fit, molded only for you.
The Biz: More Companies Join In On The Manufacture of Balanced Armatures
With so many companies making earphones and headsets, it’s no wonder demand for balanced armatures is on the rise. They’re not just for premium earphones anymore, as BA and hybrid earphones can now be found for under $30, and reach prices upwards of $2500. As mentioned in a previous article of ours, ‘The Biz: What…
Critical Analysis: 1964|ADEL — Science or Science Fiction?
Editor’s Note: At CYMBACAVUM, we’re constantly trying to bridge science with the wonderful audio experiences we have. @miceblue takes on an scientist’s curiosity to examine Asius Technologies and 1964Ears’ ADEL — how it functions, the scientific principles behind it, and what it might or might not be. This article was intended to be published on…
NocturnaL Audio – Hydra V2 Custom Cable
Editor’s Note: The cable used in this review was purchased at a discounted rate. NocturnaL Audio (https://nocaudio.com) is a custom cable maker based in Singapore. They have been producing cables regionally for the portable audio market since 2013. I’d heard of them off and on over the past couple of years as members of Head-Fi…
Quick Thoughts: Ion by Soranik
Editor’s Note: Our thoughts are based on pre-production, prototype units of the Soranik Ion and may not necessarily be fully indicative of the state of the final production models. Pictures were generously provided by Soranik. In the grand scheme of things, the financial requirements for becoming a custom IEM manufacturer are not all that stringent….
Unique Melody: From Miracle to Maestro
Note: MusicTeck graciously provided the Miracle and Maestro samples for review. Based in New Jersey, MusicTeck is an official distributor for some of the best-known manufacturers of high-end in-ear monitors, such as Unique Melody, Vision Ears, AAW, InEar and Earsonics to name a few. When they contacted CYMBACAVUM to see if we would be interested in reviewing two of Unique…
Jomo Audio 6R
Note: About three months ago, we were contacted by Joseph from Jomo Audio regarding a review of his newest reference flagship, the 6R. The unit in this review was provided free of charge. Intro The CIEM business, at least to the general public, is much more of a niche circle compared to universal IEMs or…
Perfect Seal AR6: Ambiance and Reference Defined
Note: Perfect Seal graciously provided the AR6 in this review. Perfect Seal Laboratories, based in Wichita Kansas, is a relatively new company in the increasingly popular custom in-ear market. The company is run by Mike Martinez, and while Perfect Seal might be new to the Head-Fi community, Mike is certainly not new to the industry….
The Empire Strikes Back: Empire Ears Line-up Overview
Editor’s Note: shotgunshane was able to get a 10-day loan of the Empire Ears’ universal lineup; read the introduction, or jump straight to sound impressions… By now most of you have probably heard of EarWerkz , perhaps from one of our reports on the company (read more) and their previous flagship Legend CIEM (read more);…
The Biz: E-Earphone’s CIEM Store in Akihabara, Tokyo
Founded by an Osakan man with a full head of hair and a hope to spread the spirit of porta-fi to the masses, E-Earphone is one of Japan’s premier personal audio store chains, with storefronts in both Tokyo and Osaka metropolises. Its aisles upon aisles of headphones and earphones are famed to the enthusiast community,…
Quick Thoughts: Cosmic Ears CE6P — Smooth Seduction
It’s the Barry White of custom monitors. Cosmic Ears is a Swedish custom in-ear manufacturer that burst onto the scene in 2012, offering resells and budget-minded models. Since then, Cosmic Ears has expanded the line with higher end offerings, matured tuning, and artistic faceplate options (steampunk, watch movement, paua shell, etc.), and a new workshop…
Rapid Reaction: Astell&Kern x JH Audio Layla
Layla is the latest and greatest entry into what Jerry Harvey has dubbed his ‘Siren Series’ of in-ear monitor offerings, named after women featured in famous rock songs. As the flagship of the series, JH Audio markets her as a mastering reference tool. Bass-adjustable, Layla comes equipped with a cable integrated with an adjustable bass…
