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munkew
59
Jan 9, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
works great and very convenient
Arrival and Setup: I bought the ES100 so that I could use my IEMs more easily with my iPad Pro. I've got USB-C DAC cables, but this seemed simpler and the price was good. It arrives in a small box with foam packing and a short charging cable (microUSB) which is perfect. I charged it before use and the light went from red to green in about 20 mins (figured that meant it was fully charged. I read the quick start guide - pretty useless. Doesn't even tell you how to pair so I had to search that out on the web. Basically once you turn it on, if it hasn't been paired previously, it will go into pairing mode (the green light is blinking). Straightforward pairing from my iPad on bluetooth. Listening: I inserted my IMR Rah with a 2.5mm jack; it took a bit of pressure but went in fine. The Rah is normally connected to balanced output from Cavalli tube hybrid playing variety of sources from HD music to Spotify. Mostly classical and vocal. The ES100 DAC isn't bad; I had no problems listening with it, just not as open or detailed as from the Cavalli. Not complaining; I was perfectly happy listening to music using the ES100 for an afternoon. Seems to be a bit of burn-in required, as the sound seems to improve, but that could just be me getting used to it :-) Problems: The quick start guide needs a link to the full manual online. Otherwise what the colours and blinking lights mean is a bit difficult to decipher. Clip is useful but isn't tight enough - moves as I use it. I think I ran out of power after a few hours (wasn't measuring) and plugged the ES100 into a powerbank. Bluetooth and music went intermittent after that. Lights would flash (no idea what they mean) and I would lose music, then it comes back on. Gave up and just let it charge. Overall: Different (not better; not worse) than using a variety of USB-C DAC cables and adaptors (I've got a bunch of those) to the same IEMs. Will likely try them with other IEMs and maybe even fullsize headphones later. But it does what it's supposed to do, and I like them.
Recommends this product? Yes
Colinsdad
122
Mar 23, 2020
munkewOne of the best purchases I've made in my audiophile existence!! I ESPECIALLY like the ability to run my 2.5mm balanced IEMs on this. I also have this hooked up to a MINI USB in my car, directly to my 3.5mm input for my stereo. I look at it was a small pre amp for my Picasso 400W, a SUPER "clean" sounding car amp. BTW, ABSOLUTELY agree with most of what you've posted here. However, as someone who's owned what's evidently the "base model", any idea what Rev.2's differences are?? The price is on part for what it's going for on Amazon, too.
munkew
59
Mar 24, 2020
ColinsdadI was wondering that myself :-) But not enough to go digging. The ES100 is working very well and by the time it dies, there will be something better. Both for performance and in design. I like, for example, the Hidizs bluetooth cable design that replaces the stock cable into the IEMs. But it doesn't sound as good as these.
D702C
8
Apr 29, 2020
ColinsdadI'm a big fan of my mk1 and use it in the car as well. That said, I don't think the changes are substantive enough for me to upgrade to mk2. I think what I'd be really interested in is a less portable solution, with a better housing.
bhalejos
49
Jul 7, 2020
munkewTotally agree: unless you go to Earstudio website, you are not realising how good this little beauty is!
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