The Collector : Audio Gadgets

Vision Ears is a German company based in the city of Luxemburgerstrasse in Cologne's central south. Vision Ears is a highly respectable name among music experts and professional circles all around the world. They took the audiophile community by storm with the launch of their first IEM VE6X back in 2014. All the IEMs in their portfolio are carefully crafted musical powerhouses giving an unparalleled listening experience. Since 2020, VE series of Vision Ears is available in both custom and Universal versions. Customizing one's IEM is a different game all together. One gets to choose the color of shell, faceplate , Logo color, Wire, almost everything for their IEM. You can curate every aspect of the IEM, making it your precious little possession with your signature taste. For those who do not wish to go through the process of customizing their IEM , Universal VE lineup is the option to go.  The universal version of VE8 has a stunning look. It has a transparent  blue shell, boast...

Kinera is a brand of YuTai Electronic Acoustics, that has been in the business for more than 10 years now. Based in Dongguan, China, YuTai is a pioneer in 'Bone Conduction' technology. In last few years , Kinera has produced a series of exceptions products which include Odin, Idun, Seed, BD005, Idun Deluxe and single dynamic driver SIF. Norn is the latest jewel in crown. It is a 5 driver(1DD + 4BA) hybrid in-ear monitor with stunning looks and killer design. The ear-pieces are an absolute delight to look at. With a hand crafted design and mirror finish face plate and name NORN etched across it in golden, it looks extremely premium for an entry level IEM. Its lightweight and comfortable on ears due to its acoustic structure. I personally like the fit and the nozzle design which serves very good passive noise cancellation.  It is bundled with an 8 core-192 strands Silver-plated copper alloy cable with PVC outer insulation. The cable feels sturdy and compliments the shells perfect...

Burson is an Australian brand which took the world by storm with its revolutionary flagship 'Conductor' line up DAC/AMP products back in 2019. They revolutionized the power supply technology with their proprietary Max Current Power Supply (MCPS). This was a game changer for audio equipment.  Playmate2 is the  latest entry in their product catalog, this is an all-in-one entry-level desktop DAC/AMP. Housed in a stylish white box, I received the Playmate2 without it’s OpAmp upgrade. The package arrived with the basic components including the unit, power supply , USB-C cable,  mic splitter etc. immaculately kept in a thick styro-foam framework for safekeeping.   I personally liked the looks and aesthetics of the product.  The entire chassis is metal and build to act as a heat sink as a result of which the unit runs at minimal temperatures even after a long listening session. The volume knob is placed at the front side of the equipment along with a small screen,...

Advanced AcousticWerkes aka AAW, is a Singapore-based HiFi IEM brand. AAW has a rich catalog of exquisite IEMs. The latest entry in its collection is much awaited Ash. The IEM has a stunning look with a fiery faceplate and name ASH etched in fire. Deep red in the IEM body is highlighted with shimmering  golden flakes. The name Ash seems apt for an IEM that looks like burning in fire and exuding the brilliance contained in it. The earpieces are bulky but lightweight. They have a degree of panache that will make you look twice. These come along with a braided-copper stock cable that ends with a 2 pin connector and 3.5 mm jack and adorns a metallic Y-splitter . The set also has a stylish blue carry case which is quiet spacious and premium looking. Other than that the usual items one would expect from an IEM this range are all part of the set including eartips, adapter etc. Sources: For this review the unit has been paired to A&K SE100 (ES9038 Pro), Shanling M6 (AK4495EQ) and Cayin...