A Beauty Taking a Rest...

Spotted this beauty yesterday. Can't be certain if its a Hawk or a Kite.  I searched around and its not even conclusive if a Kite can be categorize under Hawks or Buzzards. So I'll just name it 'Hawkie'..ha.

Fireflies Go Burn!!

In my hunt for an amp, was looking for a USB DAC, Tube and small enough to be on my computer table. I've always wanted to own a tube amp. Aren't they all just eye pleasing to begin with. Maybe its just the lights. Like flies to a bulb. So shortly after searching, it came down to three, Aune T1, ALO The PanAm and Woo Audio WA7. Great reviews for all of them but on a different level. I wouldn't be comparing basically because I have not auditioned the other two.

Why WA7? Basically fell in love with the look first. Whats makes this different from the rest is the tube cover. Its basically a block of clear glass. It just shines and glows with the tube. Just a beauty. Also with online reviews and 32-Bit, 192K support, I tell myself that I must try this out.

So next was to audition the sound. As many will know audio is subjective. So with rave reviews, it can still sound blend for one. Luckily we have a local store that has this for auditioning. Pretty clear what went on next eh? .. Was at the store trying it out for quite a while. It just sound very neutral then. At the same time still wide with slight bump on the bass. I was initially afraid it was too bassy for me, as reviews have stated. It was obviously not then. Then again, amp and headphones pairing is also very important. I wouldn't say it makes or breaks. Its more on bringing out the best balance. I was then auditioning this WA7 with the Audeze (not sure what model..ha) and an iPhone 4.

The WA7 sounded a bit more bassy on the Denon D7000 I must say. Then again, this is on USB DAC to my laptop. With the AK120 RCA setup, it sounded so much clearer and wider. I've heard USB cables makes a difference. I don't know. Will be worth a try. Maybe the iUSB with Gemini cables? This would be for my next project. As for now, gotta get this baby burn in :).

Beware!.. Poison!

Back in ancient times, pencil leads were actually lead. Nowadays, we only find graphite composite in pencils though we still call them leads.

Yeah, I found this and I want this for keeps sake. I guess they have manufactured these pencils more for novelty sake. I doubt anyone will use this as their main writing instrument. It comes with a disclaimer.

Another great glass beauty..

Found another yesterday while browsing through a local pen stall. Last piece and I gotta have it. Old school English color. Its a big one and nicely weighted. Has a nice balance on use.

Glass Dip Pens.. The Beauty of Writing

Ok.. I'v been looking for glass dip pens for the longest time. It seems for years no one locally has brought them in. Many times I've went online, added stuff to carts and not buy. Its usually either they are too bloody expensive or shipping is atrocious. Maybe I always choose the elaborate designs.. haha.

So I stumbled upon a gift store yesterday. To my surprise, glass pens. All I ave in my mind was "I gotta have these!", even though I had already bought a set of calligraphy dip nips just a while ago in another store. 

I would say the are not as pretty as the ones I've seen online but still nice. It's a start for my collection for sure. 

I have not tried them out yet. One day.. one day.. 

As one can see, I'm missing a proper ink well.. ha. Still in the hunt for a nice looking one. 

                                                                          

Denon D7000.. Old School is still the best

This model needs no introduction. Denon D7000 has been around long enough. Reviews are many so I'm not going into detail. Just a little appreciation of this fine model.

My Audio-Technica headphones died so I was getting a replacement. Why D7000? This was one love which had gone through test of time, I must say. I have auditioned this years back. I mean like more then 6 or 7 years back. That sound signature has stuck with me ever since. So yesterday I went to my favorite local store and did some headphones audition. I initially can't remember if what I auditioned was the D5000 or D7000. So I tried the D5000. It was close to what I remembered but obviously not the one I remembered. Once I put on the D7000.. BINGO! "I've found you again!". That bass separation is just crisp and not over 'thumping'. The Denon style music coloration. Multiple layering. So the rest is history after that..haha.. Its my preessiouuss now. 

My next headphone? Maybe Audio-Technica ATH-W5000? Or the ATH-W3000ANV (guess this would soon or never since stocks are running out). 

Don't you also love the wood look on these phones? Just pretty.

Oh in case anyone is wondering, I'm just using a simple direct setup. D7000 to my AK120. I can imagine the potential amping this.

iBasso DX100 DAP Audio Bliss?.. at least till something smaller arrives.

I am one for amps but have been putting off for very long. Main reason because it has been always a pain to carry around something clunky without carrying a bag around. Other reasons being not many portable players with line out nor supports common lossless formats and still sound great. Yeah I could use an iPod, however, I AM NOT A FAN of itunes. Besides, my collection of songs are in FLAC. Reconverting them to ALAC would be a pain and storage would then double with the concurrent collections of FLAC and ALAC. Then there would be also the almost impossible feat of getting the player and amp tied together. Don’t even have to mention the LOD sticking out like a sore thumb. Don’t get me wrong. Playing with different LOD cables to tweak sound signature is great. But I just do not like the way it sticks out.

Why did I still get the DX100 even though it’s still a chunky monkey? I did consider for a while. However my decision is based on the fact that it’s a player with a built in amp. What’s not to like? No more trying to get the portable amp and player secured. No more LOD. Oh yeah, I need to replace my Cowon S9 too :P.

It supports FLAC!! Doesn’t come as a surprise but it’s always something I look for a player. The DX100 also supports most lossless audio formats, even ALAC, which is a plus point.

Impressions

1st – 5th day on the DX100: The bass was precise. Was way more precise then the Cowon players I had. Treble is forward..very forward. At times, I would think it can be tune down abit. Sounds great on female vocals, however it tends to drown out the background instruments.

Few points I can think of which might change.

-         - Burn in? I was told it requires about 200hrs. I doubt my player is even on a quarter of it yet.

-        -  EQ? EQ on default player doesn’t seem to change drastically. Gotta take a bit of time to play around with it and fine tune. Have not tried PowerAmp yet. PowerAmp EQ generally works better on any Android devices. Then again, PowerAmp down samples 24bit files. So.. decisions decisions.

There have been slight skips here and there but have noticed it happens only initially. After a while, the skips stops. Its kinda like the player is trying to warm up or something. Need to more testing to determine if the skips are after a device startup or everytime we start using the default player.

~ 8th day: Soundstage definitely not as colourful as the Ray Samuel amps. Would be good for one who likes it clean. "as it is" kinda sound. Also very contained but at the same time not sound like its in a box. Every aspect like voice, instruments, etc are very controlled.

~ 10th day: Dance tracks actually sounds really good on this. I'm actually liking dance albums which I do not really fancy previously.

~ 20th day: Changed back to the JH13Pro default cable. Trebles not as forward. Everything sounds more synergistic. Maybe its just me. Or maybe its just the burn in.

User Interface

Very beta feel! Default audio player feels like a “version 0.x” if you get my drift. Browsing through a long list can be a pain. Example, if I were to scroll all the way down from Artist search to say N. Select an artist from there. Then I decided, Nope.. I hit on back button. Guess what? It goes back to the start of the list.

EQ has custom but doesn’t let you save. And if you were to select another preset EQ, the custom actually follows the EQ settings you have selected.  I like to customize my EQ and change around depending on the genre of songs. In this case, the default player totally fails in this. I guess I have to wait for some new updates from iBasso, hopefully soon. Or just go for PowerAmp.

Android UI is very basic. Nothing to brag about here. Nothing I would like to customize here since this is a DAP and I already have an Android phone to play with. I wouldn’t even wish for ICS. Just hope they dedicate their time to improve on the default audio player.

Battery and Power

It gives and average of 7hrs play time. That is already setting backlight to lowest and networks to Off. Good enough of an average 1 day use.

Too bad USB doesn’t charge the device. Else 7hrs wouldn’t be a bother for many people. Now, to get a spare charging adaptor.  

Conclusion?

This player is getting better as time goes by. The new firmware, v1.1.0, fixed the popping or skipping bugs. Even the UI issue which I have mentioned about above is gone..WOO HOO. There seems to be a slight change in audio quality. Can't get my finger on it. Only on it for less then a hour after the firmware upgrade.

Updates:

10 April 2012, 8:30pm (GMT +8):
I have decided to play around with PowerAmp. Seems to have less skipping. In fact I only encountered once. This was after I have transferred files, disconnected and then playing it. Too early to tell I presume. More tests in the next few days.

- I kinda forgot to include the rig I'm using. DX100, JH13Pro fitted with Whiplash TWag cables.

11 April 2012, 9:38am:
Seem pretty obvious that PowerAmp doesn't skip. Tried restarting device and playing immediately after reboot completes. This was tested a few times then playing from PowerAmp for a while. No skips encountered.

12 April 2012, 9.11am:
Device seems very picky on 24bit audio files.

14 April 2012, 7.53am:
Found out yesterday that it works fine with my Sandisk 64gb Micro SDXC. Extremely good news. 100+gb of flash storage!.. woohoo!!..I've already filled up the internet storage to the max. Now have filled up more then half of the 64gb Micro SDXC already.

20 April 2012:
Reverted back to the JH13Pro default cables as it seems to sound better.

26 April 2012:
Firmware v1.1.0 is out. GO UPDATE!! It seems to have fixed the popping sounds during play, on the built in player.

PS Vita AR Cards!!

Ok. I know..why am I not posting a review of the fantastic PS Vita.. haha. I'll try to find some time in the future. In the meantime as all would have known, PS Vita supports the Augmented Reality, a.k.a. AR. So why doesn't Sony release the AR cards with the set? I wonder too.. blah..

So how do we go about using the 3 free games without the damn cards? Well, you got the answers here. Just download the 6 cards and print them out as normal. Advise you use some kind of thick paper or backing. Else you will have them fly all over the place. 

Card 1: http://db.tt/xJhhYCUf

Card 2: http://db.tt/dUzQDtZ7

Card 3: http://db.tt/pVO7RRvw

Card 4: http://db.tt/8DrFmDb5

Card 5: http://db.tt/NctNrqj7

Card 6: http://db.tt/9Vhkp78S

Alternatively, if you have an Android device, head down to Google Market and search for Vita AR Cards. The app is in no way done by me nor related in any way though.

Market link to the app:

Vita AR Cards v 1.2 ( http://market.android.com/search?q=pname:com.andrewwilson.vitaarcards )


I find the latter much more convenient.

Jawbone holder part 2

So I have recently bought a Jawbone ERA. Now what? Same question bogs me over and over. How do I carry my bluetooth device around? Its been bugging me as to why these manufacturers DO NOT make a useful carrier.

I could use the last detachable lanyard I made? Link.. maybe.. no wait!.. I lost it somewhere at my home :( .

After some views off the web, I came up with a DIY.. again.. Its so simple, a kid could do it.

Items required:

- Self stick Velcro. The 2 sided ones you use for cable tie. I choose this because the rough end is not rough at all.

- Needles and Thread. (Ok kids, I'm joking when I said a kid could do it. Please consult your mother when dealing with a needle.. hehe)

What to do:

First you cut a strip long enough for 2 folds. Meaning you will have 3 sections after that. Please refer to the lousy sketch I've made :P.

Then you will require another thinner strip but long enough to wrap around the Jawbone device.

Now you sew this strip on with rough side face up, to the bigger strip's furry side. On my sketch, the sew portion would be the dark line.

Note that the small strip is pointing down when sewed on. So when in use, point A from small strip goes up and wrap around the Jawbone in a U.

Why this way and not just sew with the small strip pointing up? Because it just wouldn't be tight the other way.. try it if you like. Velcro's cheap anyway.

Now, just velcro this around your belt tight. To use it, put Jawbone above the sewing line, then point A of the small strip will go up to point A.

See end product pics below.

JH13 Pro... "Maximum Audio, Minimum Size"

Ok.. long overdue post here. Had these babies with me for quiet a while. So what's all the hype about them? In case anyone is not sure what these are, they are called JH13 Pro, custom monitors from JH Audio. 3 way crossover, ie 2 Highs, 2 Mids and 2 Lows drivers. Its a wonder how they squeeze everything in there.

If I had to describe them in one sentence, it would be "So true to music". What you expect to listen is what the JH13 Pro produces. The clinical presentation of music is extremely precise. Does not add too much colour to music like most earphones. This is the basic reason why I decided on this. On genres like Classical and Jazz, it makes vocals and instruments so so true! With the perfect fit of these customs, bass is basically just right and never overwhelming.

Overall if you are looking for 'good really clean' fun, this is the custom monitor to go for.
If you are looking for colourful audio output.. oh well.. use the EQ on your player.. haha. I'd suggest Cowon players for really nice and comprehensive EQ tweak.

I would say though that this might not be for the bassheads.. or I might be wrong. (Scratch that.. After many hours of burn-in, it seems that the bass is really picking up. Good thing is, its never overpowering. Mids and Highs are still as separated and precise.)

Remember, audio is subjective. This is just my opinion. You got to try it out for yourself.

Jawbone 'Quick-Snap' Detachable Lanyard

This is kind of a follow up on my previous recent toy I got (Jawbone PRIME). In my quest to obtain the best bluetooth earpiece, a carrier was one of my consideration.

How many times am I placed in a situation where I'm fumbling for my earpiece placed in my pants pocket when calls are in. Not to mention accidentally hitting the wrong button, canceling off the calls. Or in a situation where my pockets are all full and I'm not putting my earpiece with my bunch of keys for sure.

There is however an option (though not as common) where I can find a small little pouch and hook it up to my belt (like those found with Plantronics earpiece). Then again, if you are like me who already have a pouch hooked up for the mobile phone, this is one option I try not consider. With all those pouches hooked up, I'll look like Batman with his utility belt...haha


So now, as expected, the last two previous models didn't provide any carrier. I didn't expect any for Jawbone PRIME too. So I decided to make one myself. Sorry boys and girls if I pictures are sparse. I didn't take most of the pictures because I didn't expect myself to post this.

To the works. Whats required? The display thingy in the box that holds the Jawbone device in place. A little saw and preferably a small file. What I used is a Leatherman multi-purpose tool.

As I've mentioned I didn't take any before pictures. So the picture I is just an example of how it looks like. Its kind of the same for the Jawbone 2 and Prime. Only difference is, less the little 'tail' like thing on the right. Also the display holder for the Jawbone 2 and PRIME is a tight fit, which is exactly what we are looking for.

Either way you can do it. Cut it out (as show with horizontal line), then proceed to saw off the left portion which is not needed. You will then need to file off those edges to make it smooth as possible.


What you are left now is what you should see as above. Now one more good thing about this is there is also a little 'U' shaped rubber which holds its place pretty well without the Jawbone device. And it is also what will be holding the Jawbone device in place securely. Now carefully drill a small hole though so you can thread a string or small metal ring though.

Now we are done! Thread through any necklace or, what I did, used a leather string.

Below is how it would look like wearing it. Now when calls come in, all I have to do is just pull and the Jawbone should detach for use. To place it back, just push the Jawbone back in. What more could we ask for? The excellent design of the Jawbone PRIME is put to good use also as a pendant.

Jawbone PRIME.. best of all time..

I was recently out on my quest to look for the best bluetooth earpiece again.. yes.. again. I have had more than 10 bluetooth earpieces. Some are good, some decent, some was terrible (M10). As with few recent ones with excellent noise canceling technology, they lack design (Z9i, i.VoicePRO). I wasn't really satisfied with what I got. Usually they last few months before finding their way to buy/sell threads.

Last week I decided to head down to a blog site (Managed by Jonathan) who brings in Jawbone earpieces locally. To my surprise, I saw a new model by Aliph. Somewhere last year, I had decided to get the Jawbone 2 from Jonathan. I was pretty pleased with the device. It was good and pretty but it does has its limitations. For one, the earpiece design is not for use without the earhook. For people who wear specs or sunglasses, this can be quite irritating. Then, it was also lacking multi-pair capabilities. I had 2 phones then.

Ok back to the Jawbone PRIME. I decided contact Jonathan and got it on the same evening. Packing is kinda similar to their other 2 previous models. I'm not going to go into details here. First when I took out the earpiece, I found a distinct difference in the dimpled face. It gives a smoother dimpled look instead of Jawbone 2's sharp ones. LED status light is still there but it’s a bit smaller and therefore more discreet. It looks like they made the slid smaller therefore less light would penetrate out.

Now for the more functional improvements. The rubber earpiece design is the main reason why there isn't a need for the earhook. I've seen similar earpiece design on some other brands.

Audio quality on the user's end is great. For some reason, sometimes I have problems listening to the other party on my previous Jawbone 2. On this Jawbone PRIME, I have set it to last second notch from the loudest and it’s really audible. Best thing is I do not hear any distortion.

Multi-pair capabilities works, as with other similar multi-pair capable earpiece. At such time and age, this should be a default on all bluetooth earpiece. It’s pretty common to hear of people with 2 mobile lines coupled with PCs and laptops, be it work or for home. For me, I work with multiple laptops at work and home. At certain times, I carry around 2 mobile phones. With multi-pair capability, now I get to pair up all my devices and forget about re-paring them again.

Till now, I have not had a caller asking me to repeat what I've just said. Not one have highlighted not being able to hear me clearly. Maybe I have not subjected the Jawbone PRIME through extreme tests. The noisiest place I've used the Jawbone PRIME is in the MRT underground.

With roughly a week of use, that’s probably all for now. Oh yah, did I mention they come in pretty colours too?

For more official info: http://us.jawbone.com/

For the place I got mine locally: http://jawbone.jonathanho.net/

My attemps to fix a Fountain pen.. stripping involved!

:P.. this pen works when it starts to write well no doubt. But thats when it starts to. Most of the time, I got to kick start it by scribbling with it for a very short while. It doesn't happen on my The Long March Jinhao fountain pen.
My attemp is to see what may have clogged the ink flow channel which might be the reason ink doesn't flow out as fast for immediate use.
Ok, I must admit, to strip a this pen is really fun.. or to strip any stationary infact. Hehe.. years back, I love to prank my classmates by stripping every single stationary in their pencilbox and mix them up. Its fun to see their faces when they open up the box and their attempts to puzzle everything back ;D.
Ok.. now for the dismatled pictures..



First is this reed thingy. Usually on other pens, its not detachable. They should be found as a whole with the feed and usually thicker.

There is a tiny slid on the reed (can't see it well because phone camera don't have macro).. This acts like a "straw" to channel the ink from the convertor to the feed.. I found out that the slid is not through. One of the end is blocked. Not sure if its meant to be this way but if it through, it should be better. Well anyway, my penknife is out and slid it all the way. Now its through, end to end.

Next is the feed. I saw a block just before the tip of it (Red circle). On this picture, I have already cleared it with a penknife.

It should make sense that the ink channel on the feed gradually slopes up and ends at the tip.. not just before (around red circle) and valley in again and then end at tip.
I may be wrong in clearing that path.. hehe. I'm just an amateur. We'll see.

So whats so great about Jailbreaking an iPhone

Recently got into the whole hype about Jailbreaking a half-ass "phone wannabe".. yeah.. the iPhone or iPhone 3G.

I previously had the iPod touch jailbroken and never found any useful stuff. Few days ago just jailbroke my iPhone 3G.. Just as I expected.. wasn't a surprise at all. Nothing interesting.. Useless apps. Not to mention useless themes that would actually affect the performance of the device (my music skipped occasionally).

Another thing I hate is there is not enough transparency on apps that require $$. Yeah.. some apps in Cydia and Installer requires us to pay to use. They do not tell you about it till you download and try to use.

From what I see, only the useless ones are free.. ha!

Oh.. if you wanna pay $30-$80 to jailbreak.. PLEASE DON'T!.. Yes.. don't need to have your eyes and mouths open so wide. I have personally heard of people asking shops to jailbreak their devices for a cost. Its just a simple process and useless too.

My pen breathes.. hmm

Recently got this.. seems to be breathing.. I get water dew inside the cap almost everyday :? .



Maybe its a good thing.. Its an excellent pen though.. Its a Sailor 1911 btw.