Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from December, 2025

Kiwi Ears Orchestra II : A Masterclass in All-BA Tuning

  Kiwi Ears Orchestra II : A Masterclass in All-BA Tuning Pros:  * Clean, well-balanced tuning with a mature, confident sound * Impressive subbass depth and control for an all-BA IEM * Midbass is punchy, textured, and well separated from the mids * Natural, well-bodied lower mids with convincing timbre * Clear, articulate vocals with good layering * Airy, extended treble that adds detail without fatigue * Strong separation, imaging, and overall coherence * Excellent build quality with a solid, premium resin shel Cons:  * Bass slam still won’t fully satisfy die-hard dynamic driver fans * Soundstage is more controlled than expansive I haven’t spent time with the original Orchestra or the Orchestra Lite, so I came into the Orchestra II with genuinely fresh ears and zero expectations. No mental comparisons, no nostalgia, no preconceived tuning bias. Just plug it in and listen. And honestly, that made this experience even better. The Kiwi Ears Orchestra II is a full-send, no-c...

Bass With Attitude: Punch Audio Portazo Review

  Bass With Attitude: Punch Audio Portazo Review Pros:  *Fast, punchy bass with serious impact and energy *Excellent treble extension and air for a bass-focused tuning *Stays surprisingly clean and coherent even at higher volumes *Easy to drive and pairs well with most sources *Compact, lightweight, and fun as hell for bass-heavy genres Cons:  *Sub bass depth is strong but not class-leading compared to Martilo *Clearly tuned for fun over absolute balance or reference use Punch Audio is carving out its own lane in the IEM space by committing fully to one idea and not watering it down. This brand is about fun first, bass always, and zero apologies. There is no attempt to chase neutral targets or please everyone, and honestly, that is refreshing. After spending a lot of time with the Martilo, which easily became one of my favorite basshead IEMs of 2025, my expectations were already high. So when I heard Punch Audio had a second model coming before the year ended, I was more ...

FiiO JT7 A Full Size Planar on the Go

  FiiO JT7 A Full Size Planar on the Go Pros:  * Warm, natural, and very easy listening tuning * Excellent midrange with lush, smooth vocals * Fatigue free treble that works well for long sessions * Planar speed with a relaxed, musical presentation * Folding design makes it genuinely travel friendly * Solid build quality without feeling bulky * Comfortable fit for extended use * Good value for a portable full size planar Cons:  * Treble lacks sparkle and air for those who prefer a brighter sound * Soundstage is decent but not especially large or immersive * Dynamics are more relaxed than punchy or explosive Finally got my hands on a full size planar headphone I can actually take out of the house without feeling like I am hauling fragile studio gear around. Most planar headphones I own are big, heavy, and very much stay at home types, so the FiiO JT7 already earns a lot of points just by being practical. It is budget friendly, feels thoughtfully designed, and that folding ...