blog

I think Fiio is openly aiming to create a more warmer, more musical experience with their devices. We can see that with this DAC, we can see that with their headphones like FT13, with also new DAC called Warmer, believe it or not. Same thing creating R2R DAP with M33. Fiio building their own personal sonic signature Fiio wants to develop kinda like a brand sonic image, same thing like Rega, when you think about their products, you think about brighter detailed sound. I guess

I have already reviewed the first two products from Ampapa, the A1 preamp and D1 amp. Both solid and great products, that had distinguished style and regarding the D1 amp, great sonics that can rival all the best products in that price range. In the description of this video, I will link to my reviews of these products. Ampapa D1 review: https://www.hifidaydreaming.com/post/finally-stylish-cheap-and-good-amp-douk-audio-x-ampapa-d1-review-vs-fosi-and-ayima Ampapa A1 review: .

While there is a preconception in the audiophile world, that if you want great gear and utmost quality you should go with passive speakers and separate components. While that might be true, it is a more expensive road to travel, even though it is more flexible and allows for experimentation. Destroying preconceptions But more and more we see active speakers “actively” knocking on the door of that perception and blurring the line between just monitors and great audiophile hi-f

I don't remember a device that was a company's first device creating that many ripples in the sea of audiophiles. Their Alpha Pro DAC was received pretty well among both subjective and objective reviewers, which to me is always such a surprise for a device like this. Amazing Design And not just that, its looks are so modern and, let's say, unique that it left an impression on me. It reminds me of another Chinese company called Nothing, which makes mobile phones, etc. This fee

*Lot more images and videos of product in the video review above. What Fiio did with M21 is should be understand as company providing no corners cut, to give DAP that gives outmost value at this price range. This is something that money you gives, does not have that big diminishing value. In that I can see many, many audiophiles be completely satisfied with this device for long time. And that is why I think this should in perfect world be a first device for anyone wanting, no

*A lot more pictures and videos of product and use cases in video. Solving a real problem I love DAPs, they remind me of my childhood of carrying MP3 players wherever I went. That small pill-shaped device was my dream box. I loved it more than anything, carried it everywhere, my isolation from the world, my deeper connection to music. Well, it was like that until phones became good enough to have their own internal MP3 players, and until I got deeper into audiophile addiction

I think KEF is one of those companies that you either really like their products, or you think they are overrated. And I think that is more about the philosophy of KEF, that they are always sticking to their guns. It is very transparent, clean, and insightful performance. Fixing one of the biggest KEF weaknesses If you like that, it certainly brings a lot of value, as they do that amazingly for an affordable price. They created shockwaves around the globe with LS50 and LS50 M

At first glance, the SMSL PS200 barely registers as a serious hi-fi component. Its extremely compact form factor and understated design suggest convenience rather than ambition. Yet once integrated into a proper system, the PS200 reveals itself as a surprisingly disciplined and capable digital-to-analog converter, one that places transparency and control above coloration and spectacle. Built around ESS Technology’s latest 9039Q2M DAC chip, the PS200 is designed to deliver ext

I have waited ever since first hearing this DAC in Shenzhen a few months ago to truly listen to it at home. It is a new age, an SMSL 2.0 for this company. And they are realizing an underdog in an industry, a Japanese technology company Rohm, to be the heart of their new generation of DACs. SMSLs Gamble and experiment For now, it is known that AKM and ESS are pretty much rulers of the DAC market, with Burr Brown following behind them. At majority of DACs that use delta-sigma D

I recommend that you look at my review of Ampapa D1 for a more fuller picture of collaboration of Douk Audio and Ampapa. But here we have a really great product. Why you need preamp A product that on its own is a bit hard sell, but as a supplementary product is a must have, ofc I speak about A1 preamp, to your amp. And as with every Class D amps, these tube preamps just go so well just like butter on a jelly. Its warmth and emphasis on lower spectrum of dynamics scale, helps

I think we all can agree that sonic renaissance that came from the East brought many quality cheap devices, will that be DACs, streamers, amp etc. But while they are masters of using chip devices to maximise its quality and value, there is always a lot to be desired with looks of those devices. Very simple design language in industrial design and software design alike. I wanted for long time to see some experimentation here. And while Douk Audio is not aimed to win design awa

So you read the title, and I guess at least once in your life you asked yourself that question. Why would I spend xyz money on the DAC. And I have seen on internet and among reviewers a lot of confusion around DAC features, materials, build, components etc. And I want to clarify a lot of things, with a bit of technical review of Gustard X26III. Why would I spend so much money on DAC? To start I know that in world of HIFI numbers can go to ludicrous heights. And there are peop

I found continues effort from TRN to be a great indicator that they love to adapt and yet hold their cards close. They try to innovate and follow current needs with their drivers, and setup. And I found quite interesting the new IEM hybrid technology with 3dd and planar for rather reasonable price. And they have continued on line of sea creatures name, like medusa, seahorse, jaws etc. I was like yeah I will try them. And I did, and I was pleasant surprise. Introduction: A Spl

Okay, picture this: you slip on a pair of wireless headphones and instead of just hearing music, you feel like you’ve stepped into a small high-end listening room. The DALI IO-8 tries to give you exactly that. These aren’t just “nice Bluetooth cans” — they’re built by a company known for loudspeakers, bringing that DNA to a wireless form. Let’s walk through how it feels physically, how it sounds, and how it performs — and by the end you should have a clear idea whether they’r

Design & Build Okay — first, the Starfish from TRN gives you that “enthusiast IEM” feel at a budget price. The shell is described as an aluminum-resin composite in a star-shaped chamber, so it’s not plastic-cheap feeling — they’ve paid attention to materials. The cable is upgradeable (0.78mm 2-pin), which means you can swap in better wires if you want. Fit is ergonomic, they claim “ear‐wrapping design” with nine tip choices included. In practice: you’ll feel them in your ears

Design & Build Let`s first start with the design and build quality of ooopusX OP.24 . This one is interesting because it’s from a newer brand (ooopusX) and offers some neat features at a budget price. The standout: a physical tuning dial  to switch between two modes. The shell is lightweight (~5.2g per side reported) and uses resin/plastic materials. The build quality for its price is decent, though some reviewers point out the cable and included accessories are modest. Fit:

*More information, videos and photos of this product in review above I think I started my audio lover career at the twilight of cassette players. I personally never liked cassette players, I think they were a portable necessity of their age, but just could never translate well into the future once newer and greater things arrived. But what brought me to this stage of life was my love of portable CD players. I used to listen to music so much that often I would fall asleep with

There are headphones that sound good, and then there are headphones that feel good even before you hit play. The Bang & Olufsen HX  definitely belongs to the latter group. It’s one of those products where you can tell just by holding it that it’s been designed with care, taste, and that subtle Scandinavian refinement. But good looks alone don’t make a great pair of headphones — so let’s dive into what makes the HX such an interesting piece of audio gear, and whether it’s more

You know how some headphones try too hard? They throw in all kinds of tech, fancy ANC modes, and wild sound signatures — but at the end of the day, they don’t really feel  musical. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3  is different. This one doesn’t try to impress you with flash or gimmicks; it wins you over the moment you hit play and hear just how natural  and complete  the sound feels. Bowers & Wilkins has been around for decades, building high-end loudspeakers used in studios like

*For more insights, pictures and videos of this product please look at the review video above. Can headphones be a rock n roll certified, fun carrying driven piece of work. Yes and these are the ones. They are moving and bopping your head with such effectiveness, and not just a head your entire body is electrified by this electrifying sound. Yes, the spiritual successor to very popular and praised FT1 is here, and ready to rock your world. Build Quality, Spec and Features But