Revamped

JVC is revamping its Micro HD line of IEM with the release of HA-FXD80, 70, and 60 (and FRD60 with mic). The series employs the same type micro dynamic transducer found on the company's dual driver FXT90. Price for the top model with the stainless steel body (shown in picture) is estimated at around US$90 while the lower end aluminum versions are going for US$60 and US$50 respectively - not too bad actually, but the strain relief does look funny in a way.

[Impression] Balanced Amp Module for HifiMan HM801

I am always quite happy with the stock OPA2107 amp module in HM801. As I have mentioned in my HM801’s review, it is on par with my Meier Audio Corda 3MOVE technical wise, but just short of StepDance and its Active Balanced Ground. The great thing about Meier Audio’s Active Balanced Ground is of course the fact that you don’t have to recable any single ended headphone to get some of the benefit of balanced audio. But with the balanced cable’s design adapted by HifiMan, things could perhaps get even batter.

Hot and Cool

Yes, this is the IEM many Head-fier are waiting for. Without any further ado, I present to you the first official rendering of VSONIC's hybrid dual BA + one dynamic driver IEM, the GR08.

Here is a rather interesting new IEM from a Japanese startup Ocharaku (*found by an ex- acoustic designer from Sony) called Flat4-SUI - a dual dynamic drivers, but not in typical sense. Instead of producing sound for listening, the second transducer is actually there to 'cancel' sound, or more precisely, unwanted peaks and resonance. In simpler term, it is kind of like an active damper. Not further detail at this moment except it will be released in June.

Tap Dancing

Koss has always had some weird and wonderful idea - enter the Striva Tap, a wireless IEM that uses WiFi to stream music directly from the Internet (via MyKOSS.com) to the two separated earpiece. Yes, from anywhere that has a WiFi access. The two earpieces will each has a microprocessor to keep everything in sync between them. To make sure you can enjoy your music out of the house with no WiFi, it even comes with a tiny battery powered WiFi adapter that will take analog signal (i.e. iPod's line-out) and translate it to WiFi signal for you. Not cheap though, it is currently available at US$500. There is also a full size headphone version called the Striva Pro, which is cheaper at US$450.