[REVIEW] Sunrise Xcape v2 and Xcited

First, I'll like to thanks Sunrise for the samples. The original Xcape is one of the best sounding IEM in the sub-$100 I have ever listened to, but for some reason it was pulled from the market suddenly and replaced almost at an instant with a new model simply known as the Xcape v2. Beside v2, Sunrise also develop another IEM using the same housing called ‘B’ (which could be known as ‘Xcited’ see note 1). If all goes well, it should be in market pretty soon. Now, let’s see how they measure up to their predecessor

Note 1: The final name hasn’t been decided yet. The name 'Xcited' may be used by ‘B’ or another IEM in development.

 

A is Xcape v2, while B is, well, 'B'. They do look identical.

JVC's TWIN

JVC just announced a new dual dynamic transducers based IEM called the HA-FXT90. The drivers are in what JVC refers as the 'TWIN system' where no crossover seems to be used but instead the driver themselves have different diaphragm materials that reproduce different region of sound, then mix together naturally inside the IEM. So far an early preview from Japan has suggested that it has a very powerful bass. Official launch is 20th April 2011 so we ain't really that far away from learning more about them. The one good news is this is not a particularly expensive IEM. MSRP is 10000Yen ( = US$120) and we can expect it to be cheaper on the street. The only question is, will JVC releases it to oversea market?

Check out JVC's site for close up rendering.

[REVIEW] MEElectronics M16 / M21 / M31 / SP51

First, I’ll like to thank MEElectronics for the samples. With the success of the M6 / M9, MEElec began to announce late last year the addition of new IEM (as well as the previously reviewed HT-21 portable headphone) to expend their current line-up, and then showcased them at the CES in January this year. True to the company’s best-bang-for-bucks business strategy, all these new IEM models are still priced within the sub-$100 ‘comfort zone’ while continues to push the standard of budget IEM ever higher. In this review, we will look at the new entries of the M series and compared them to the old M6 / M9, as well as examining the new SP51 and compared it to the similar looking Hippo VB.

SPEC


M16
Driver: 6.8 mm dynamic drivers
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
Sensitivity: 92 dB
Impedance: 16 ohms
Maximum Power Input: 20 mW
Connector: 3 pin stereo 3.5mm gold plated 90° plug
Cable length: 130 cm cable (51 in) with attached shirt clip
Accessories: 4 sets of silicone ear tips (small/medium/large; bi-flange), clamshell zipper case
Compatible Accessories: Comply T-400 foam ear tips



M21
Driver: 6.8 mm dynamic drivers
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
Sensitivity: 92 dB
Impedance: 16 ohms
Maximum Power Input: 20 mW
Connector: 3 pin stereo 3.5mm gold plated 90° plug
Cable length: 130 cm cable (51 in) with attached shirt clip
Accessories: 4 sets of silicone ear tips (small/medium/large; bi-flange), clamshell zipper case
Compatible Accessories: Comply T-400 foam ear tips



M31
Driver: 9.0 mm dynamic drivers
Frequency Response: 15Hz – 20KHz
Sensitivity: 96 dB
Impedance: 16 ohms
Maximum Power Input: 30 mW
Connector: 3 pin stereo 3.5mm gold plated 90° plug
Cable length: 130 cm cable (51 in) with attached shirt clip
Accessories: 4 sets of silicone ear tips (small/medium/large; bi-flange), clamshell zipper case
Compatible Accessories: Comply T-400 foam ear tips



SP51
Driver: 10.0 mm dynamic drivers with swappable rear tuning ports
Frequency Response: 15Hz – 20KHz
Sensitivity: 100 dB
Impedance: 16 ohms
Maximum Power Input: 40 mW
Connector: 3 pin stereo 3.5mm gold plated 90° plug
Cable length: 130 cm cable (51 in) with attached shirt clip
Accessories: 4 sets of silicone ear tips (small/medium/large; bi-flange), clamshell zipper case

Raising the Bar: Sleek Audio CT20

Just when we all thought JH3A, ES5 or the UE18 Pro are on the cutting edge of IEM technology, here comes Sleek Audio CT20 (= 20 drivers per side) crashing the party! Two things in my mind: First, how do they come up with the crossover is beyond me. Second, who has big enough ears for it? - Yep, it actually costs $8000 a pair (probably enough to get JH3A, ES5 and UE18 Pro all together) and has a physical requirement for ears dimensions to accommodate the huge earpiece. For those who are living on planet earth, don't worry - there are a CT18 and a CT16 in development.

Here is Jude, the Head-fi.org's boss' CT20 impression.

Apparently, overkill is underrated... or maybe it has something to do with the first day of April? ;)