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General Description:

One of the things different about this model is that has the ability of a tilt of 15 degrees to give you a more custom fit. Why is this important? Simply put, giving you a more custom fit it will let you block outside noises from getting in and ruin your listening pleasure. By having this feature you will also be able to listen at much lower levels thus help protect your hearing as well and give you a better listening experience as well. As a Head-Fi nut I should stress that you should also try to limit your listening periods to a maximum of 45 minutes each time anyway. It is said to also have a sound stage enhancer (Marketing hype?) , which makes the sound quality sound even better than before, you be the judge? In the package you get three types of earphone plugs with this model. If you are like me you want a good custom fit so you can enjoy your music than this a very important factor to bear in mind.

Sound quality is something that we always want to make sure we get the best we possibly can from our source equipment and media and every link in the chain cannot be overlooked. The earphones have a rich bass sound and well rounded musical spectrum will make your listening enjoyable. Phillips has always been well known for their great sounding CD players which have bee the standard by which others have been measured, now they have transferred that expertize into these earphones, which I really like a lot. It has a very wide range also and comes in a carrying pouch which has a take up spool for the cable (something they learnt from Technics?) to make it truly portable. Not one of these cheap carry pouches which other manufacturers offer, my thumbs up to Philips for giving this aspect some thought.

The Philips SHE9800/27 Professional Series Noise Isolation In-Ear earphones has many great things going for it especially if you are looking to upgrade your factory set in-ear earphones. which are usually very poor excuses for earphones (I wish manufacturers would get with it and supply some decent can with the CD and MP3/4 players they sell). Getting the Philips SHE9800/27 Professional Series Noise Isolation In-Ear Earphones will be a good choice, they retail for about US$90.00. They are no where near the class and grade of my Shure E4c, but then there is also a very big price difference.

The Philips SHE9850 headphones are targeted for jazz music, rhythm & blues enthusiasts and/or classical music lovers, hence my interest. Combining high definition speaker drivers and precise acoustical tuning, the result is crisp, detailed and transparent sound, with extended precision that conveys even the subtlest nuances in music to the casual listener.

The unit is supplied in-box silicon ear caps, the SHE9850 also comes with 'Comply™ Canal Tip' memory foam sleeves which change themselves to the shape of the user's ears for a custom fit! Made from soft recovery foam, they provide exceptional comfort and noise isolation.

Some Features:

Sound Stage Enhancer Design Modifies The Conventional Headphone Structure Producing A Wider Sound Stage Effect (you be the judge?);

Powerful Microdrivers Deliver The Widest Freq Range Possible;

Philips Ilab Acoustic Tuning Yields Deep & Powerful Sound Angled Acoustics Design Provides Exceptional Noise Isolation;

Symmetrical Cables Come In Equal Lengths To Avoid Tangle;

Durable Flexi-Grip Makes A Strong Flexible Cable Connection;

Includes 3 Sizes (S, M, L) Of Ultra-Soft Silicon Caps To Ensure An Ideal Fit;

Includes Durable Carrying Pouch & Cable Management Solution (this is a nice thought!).

Specifications


Impedance	16 ohm at akHz
Sensitivity	106 dB
Maximum power input	50mW
Diaphragm	Mylar dome
Frequency response	12- 22k Hz
Type	Dynamic

Downloads:

Owner's Manual: http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/s/she9800_27/she9800_27_dfu_aen.pdf

Leaflet: http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/s/she9800_27/she9800_27_pss_aen.pdf

Steve

Considered to be a good buy at around US$55 to 65 with postage is the following no brand name 8GB 2.8"LCD TOUCH SCREEN MP3/4 VIDEO PLAYER which is available from various sources on the web including ebay. If you intend to use it for listening to music the 8 GB storage will be ample for must needs.

Features:

FLASH: 8GB Flr260K COLOR

2.8 ” TFT LCD Screen

Multi Language Support: English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese , Korean, Chinese

MP3WMA:Support MP3, WMA ,WAV audio format and AVI high quality video format,

MOVIE PLAYING: Movie Player Supports AVI format, other video files like: RM, MPG, VOB, DAT, ROVB can be converted to AVI format by the AVI converter from the enclosed CD disk

PIC BROWSING: Built-in Photo Viewer. Support PIC format. JPEG, GIF, SWF etc are convertible to PIC files by our bundled CD

FM:Built-in FM Radio: Automatic channel search, allow up to 20 channel preset

REC:Built-in Voice Recorder: Support FM radio internal recording

E-BOOK: Built-in E-book & Phone Book Facility

PLAY LYRICS: Display ID3 Song Title & Lyrics

AUTO POWER OFF: Rechargeable Battery with Auto Power Off/Sleep/Low power function.

REPEAT:Various Play Modes Normal, Repeat Once, Repeat All, Repeat Folder, Random, Intro

2.8'' 260k Color Vibrant TFT-LCD Display and touch screen functions;
8GB Internal Flash - Samsung Memory, Expandable to 8GB Through Available Mini SD Memory Card Slot;
Various EQ modes including: Normal, 3D, Rock, POP, Classic, Bass, Jazz & User1, User2, User3;
format by the AVI converter from the enclosed CD disk;
High Speed USB 2.0 Interface;
Support games playing function; you can listen to music and play games at the same time;
Support E-book; you can listen to music and read an E-book at the same time;
Supports ID3 and the lyrics for Music Files and can be shown on the screen;
Playback Modes All/Folder/Intro/Normal/One/Repeat One/Repeat all/Repeat Folder/Shuffle Long playback time,Built-in Rechargeable Li-ion battery;
Built-in Microphone supports High Quality Recordings;
Built-in Voice Recorder;
Music Playback: Supports MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, etc.. Movie Playback: Supports AVI formats;
Photo Album + Slide Show: BMP, JPG, GIF formats supported.

Steve

What is astounding about The Little Dot MK I is the ultra low noise and distortion specs., Total Harmonic Distortion is rated at 0.001% for a 32 ohm load running at 100 mW.

The Little Dot MK I is the successor to the highly-regarded Little Dot Micro+ portable headphone amplifier and wins its predecessor in every aspect of sound quality imaginable. Employing the much heralded LM4564 op-amp (placed in socket) along-side the Texas Instrument's TPA6120 amplifier chip to make up an exceptional circuit design, The Little Dot MK I provides audiophile sound-quality in a small amplifier footprint. Powered by an integrated, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, The Little Dot MK I frees provides up to 20 hours of playback time per charge!

The construction is impeccable, the outer case made of aluminium with a distinctive two tone finish making it also very stylish.

Technical Specifications:

--National Semiconductor LM4562 High-Fidelity Op-Amp for superior audio fidelity and ultra-low noise and distortion

--Socketed 8-pin Op-Amp design for easy user replacement and "op-amp" rolling

--Texas Instrument TPA6120 Headphone Amplifier Circuit

--4x 500mA/H 3.7v Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery

--Approximately 20 hours battery life per charge

--Frequency response: 10 hz~200 Khz (-1dB)--THD+N: @ 0.001% (32 ohms, 100mW)

--Recommended Load Impedance: 8 ohm~600 ohm

--Power Output:

30 mW @ 600 ohm
60 mW @ 300 ohm
150 mW @ 120 ohm
500 mW @ 32 ohm

--User Adjustable Variable Gain: 2, 4, and 8x, switch on back of amp.

--18V AC Charger for recharging and/or power supply for home use

--Dimensions (Metric): 95 mm length by 70 mm width by 24 mm height

--Dimensions (American): 3.74 inches length by 2.75 inches width by 0.95 inches height

--Weight: 192g or 0.42 lbs (including battery, not including AC Charger 100V--250V 50-60Hz)

Steve

The AT-HA20 is an entry level headphone amplifier; one can expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a reasonable quality unit, so the low price tag on this model is definitely attractive to many wanting a first time headphone amplifier. The unit is made in China, where most of this type of equipment is made these days.

It was noted that this amplifier to be extremely neutral in that, it didn't greatly color the sound. On most mid priced range headphones it gave the mid range more prominence and really increased the resolution and detail. This amplifier gave them a fuller, richer sound.

As an inexpensive alternative to increase the quality of your audio setup, the AT-HA20 is a reasonable choice. The unit is sturdy and the chassis is a well built aluminium enclosure. Those wanting a built in DAC may consider it's bigger brother the HA25. The sonic quality is good, but I have heard better, but then this is reflected in it's price range.

It is nevertheless a handy back up unit and runs off 12V DC which makes it very convenient.

Aluminum alloy body whose rigidity is high.

Through out loading which does not make line output wasteful。

With 6.3mm standard jack and 3.5mm mini- jack loading 2 unit simultaneous enabled。

Illumination function.

AT-HA20 Specification

Maximum Output Power	100mW + 100mW (32Ω、T.H.D. 5%)
Frequency Response	10 - 100,000Hz (-3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion	<0.08％>
Signal-To-Noise Ratio	>90dB
Power Supply	DC 12V 500mA (include AC adapter)
Input Connections	Line Level Analog Input (RCA x 2)
Output Connector	6.3mm / 3.5mm Headphone Output, Line Level Analog Output (RCA x 2)
Dimensions	H44mm x W105mm x D135mm
Weight	425g

Steve

The package offers exceptional value for money, you get a 5.1 decoder headphone amplifier and a pair of fairly decent Sony cans. There is an optical cable supplied also for the surround digital signal input and you must use the optical input on the rear if you are to experience the 5.1 decoding. However analog input is still provided and you can still utilize it as a an straight analog headphone amplifier if you are a die hard stereo user. The Sony cans are actually quite a decent sounding pair of cans with a frequency response of 12Hz ~ 22,000Hz. The amplifier/decoder module takes it power straight from the mains, no battery operation, so you can forget about using it for any portable use. There are two sets of outputs, so you could plug in your favourite set of cans to use if you wish.

The amplifier (DP-1000) runs on 9V DC and Sony supplies a wall wart for the job, but those among you who can hold a soldering iron may be able to make a better and quieter power supply for the amplifier. Amplifier case is plastic, but nicely done (cost cutting exercise). There is also a -8dB Att. switch next to the analog audio socket on the back. My DP-1000 is two tone, white case and charcoal gray fascia - as this is the Japanese market version. US and EU version would most likely be the straight charcoal gray for case and fascia.

The MDR-DS1000 is Sony's all-new, Special-Edition, digital surround headphone system. Featuring Sony`s Virtual Phones Technology(TM), this headphone system creates exciting home entertainment with crisp, clear dialogue and dramatic sound effects.

The included headphone amplifier decoder module has power and volume controls, two headphone jacks and supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS audio sources.

The MDR-XD050 Cans are also not of substantial build (another cost cutting exercise) but are good enough and nice and light weight and actually comfortable to wear, will not tire you out after a period of listening. The tonal quality is good as would be expected from Sony.

This package is indeed a keeper.

Want to learn more about it, you can download the users manual in pdf format at the following location: http://www.docs.sony.com/release/MDRDS1000_.pdf

Specifications
Magnet Ferrite Headband Wide, Adjustable Design Over-the-head, Home-Surround Sound Type of Use Home Plug Nickel, stereo mini plug	Frequency Response 12Hz - 22,000Hz Sensitivity 100dB/mW Impedance 16 ohms Driver Unit 40mm Cord 3.5m

Steve

The JBLREF220BLKI Reference 220 Earphones

I have an selection of different headphones and one of my favorites is the JBL Ref 220 BLKI.

Earphones have always been a smaller, more portable alternative to traditional headphones, and the JBL Reference 220 earphones are certainly that. The Reference 220's deliver full-bandwidth performance in a virtually weightless earphones that can easily slip into your pocket or purse.

JBL Reference 220 features:
• Amazingly comfortable in-ear design
• High-quality miniature transducers outperform other earphone systems
• Wear them your way: foam ear pads, silicone in-ear inserts, detachable ear cuffs or a foldable under-chin strap
• Three ear-piece sizes included, for a personal fit
• Flexible cloth-covered wires
• Compact carrying case
• 3.5mm iPhone compatible jack. Also includes Airline and 1/4" standard Stereo Phono adapters.

Specifications:

General
Maximum Input Signal	5mW
Sensitivity	94dB/mW @ 1kHz
Frequency Response	20Hz – 20kHz
Input Level/Impedance	16 Ohms
Dimensions	Diameter — 13.5mm Wire length — 111cm

Steve

This headphone amplifier from AW Products is based on the highly acclaimed RA-1 Headphone Amplifier circuit, it is small and light weight and utilizes two 9V batteries. Please refer to the information below:

PRODUCT DETAILS:
OP AMP IC : JRC4556
RESISTOR : DALE CLOSE TOLERANCE
CAPACITOR : WIMA AUDIO GRADE
WORKING VOLTAGE : 18V (9V X 2 PCS INCLUDED)
BATTERY WORK LIFE : AROUND 20 HOURS (DEPENDS ON DIFFERENT HEADPHONE OUTPUT CONDITION)
SNR : 110DB
THD : 0.005%
CASE MATERIAL : ALUMINUM
PRODUCT SIZE : 100 X 70 X 25MM
WEIGHT : 160g (NOT INCLUDING BATTERIES)

BEST USED TO DRIVE HEADPHONES WITH IMPEDANCE RANGE : 16 ohm TO 120 ohm

YOU CAN CHANGE DIFFERENT OP AMP IC TO TAILOR THE SOUND QUALITY. BELOW ARE OP AMP ICs MODELS THAT CAN BE USED:

1) NE5532

2) OPA2134PA

3) OPA2227PA

4) OPA2111KP