Audio Smith Sword

I do written and video reviews for audio gear

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

Myer Audio SLIIVO SL41 #unboxing #shorts #audiophile #audio #inearmonit... https://t.co/qIO5JjcHtc via @YouTube

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

https://t.co/eDsS4kqoIm

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

Got my hands on @FIIO_official CP 13 cassette player. I'll be releasing a review in a little bit. It's pretty impressive so far. #cassetteplayer #analogaudio #fiio #audiophile #cassette #retro #musicplayer #portablemusicplayer

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

@FIIO_official

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

Myer Audio CKLVX CK-D41 - The Best So Far https://t.co/IqfWPqmjqw via @YouTube

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

https://t.co/vFAOcwBIHH

#audiophile #iems #inearmonitors #productphotography

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

FiiO CP13 #unboxing #fiio #cassette #cassetteplayer #analog #walkman #r... https://t.co/498DDfrTiY via @YouTube

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

Happy Valentine's day fellow audiophiles. #audiophile #audiophiles #IEMs #IEM #ValentinesDay #chocolate

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

@kinera13 Phoenix Call review is up. Check it out over on my youtube channel.
https://t.co/2sngoPvijQ
#audiophile #IEM #iemreview #audioreview #audiophiles #inearmonitors #earcandy #audio

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

@FIIO_official Mine came in the mail yesterday. I'm stoked to give it a listen and share my thoughts.

[FIIO @FIIO_official]

#FIIO 2024 New Product Schedule (14) -By James.
Retro Series (Cassette, Vinyl, CD)

First, let me share a story. I've been in the audio industry for over 30 years, making me somewhat of a veteran in the field. My interest in audio started when I was young, playing with Walkman devices. Earlier this year, I felt nostalgic and wanted to revisit that youthful feeling by finding a cassette player. After posting about it on the internet, a loyal fan gifted me their old SONY Walkman.

Unfortunately, due to its prolonged storage, the Walkman I received wasn't functioning properly. I then sought out a repair shop to refurbish it.

To be honest, even after the refurbishment, its condition wasn't ideal; it could barely play. This led me to consider making my own cassette player. Since the company's daily operations and existing product lines are well taken care of, and my role within the company is somewhat dispensable, I have the freedom to tinker with things I enjoy during my spare time

And so, that's the story – creating products I enjoy and sharing them with consumers. I never expected such a big response, both domestically and internationally, including from users and the media.

Afterward, we conducted some serious research and found that there is indeed a considerable number of people who appreciate various retro products, such as CCD cameras, vinyl players, and CD players. Personally, I was also keen on rekindling the nostalgia of my youth.

And importantly, cassettes, vinyl, and CDs don't necessarily equate to inferior audio quality. While it's true that the technical specifications of these old products (signal-to-noise ratio, distortion, frequency response) don't match up to today's 192K/24B high-resolution lossless formats, audio quality isn't solely determined by technical specifications; it also includes tonality. Furthermore, even in terms of sheer technical specifications, they may not necessarily be worse than the 256Kbps MP3s most people listen to.

In fact, the reason these products have faded from the lives of ordinary consumers isn't primarily due to audio quality, but more so because of the user experience. After all, the mainstream music medium nowadays is digital, with 99.99% of it existing in low-bitrate MP3 formats. The introduction of 192K/24B high-resolution lossless formats hasn't phased out the MP3 format.

Therefore, these old products possess both the characteristics of the analog era (warm tonality) and a certain charm. They also serve as excellent decorations when placed at home.

As a result, we've decided to establish a dedicated department to revive (and indulge in) these old products.

Currently, we've planned three products:

1. CP13 Cassette Player
I won't go into detail about the CP13; it's already available for pre-order, with very few spots left.

2. TT13 vinyl turntable
This one features significant innovations in industrial design and functionality, and is expected to be released in July.

3. DP13 portable CD player
I've shared ID images of this one. It's expected to be released in August or September.

All three products share a commonality: they're not positioned as low-end products. We don't intend for them to be mere decorations or toys; audio quality takes precedence above all, followed by modern industrial design. They're not positioned as high-end either. This isn't because we don't want to strive for perfection, but rather due to external factors and considering our user base.

For example, concerning the cassette player's supply chain, most have essentially ceased production. Some may argue that our design capabilities don't match those of the cassette players from the '80s and '90s, and they would be somewhat correct. However, it's not fair to compare FIIO and a few manufacturers still producing cassette heads with the hundreds of thousands of companies thriving during the cassette's heyday thirty years ago.

Of course, there are those willing to invest significant capital (starting from millions of USD) in revival efforts, and they're likely to achieve some noteworthy results.

Take vinyl players, for example. I don't believe that high-end turntable users today (where even entry-level models cost upwards of thousands) would consider purchasing a FIIO turntable. This isn't a characteristic of FIIO's current typical user base either.

So, we're still committed to offering some products that are more affordable for our loyal users, with audio quality far surpassing those on the market that prioritize aesthetics over sound quality.

In summary, this series of products falls into the category of those I personally like and need. I'm the primary user, so it has to meet my satisfaction first and foremost.

Moreover, based on my satisfaction, I hope to share my joy and achievements with everyone. It's also a fitting time for a retro trend – the world is already so dull, so why not add some color and choices?

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

Amber works extremely hard and puts in an incredible amount of work to aid me in my hobbies. I am so grateful to have a loving partner to share my hobbies with and wouldn't have it any other way. I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's day and has someone to cherish it with.

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

Happy Lunar New Year!! Check out these shots of the @kinera13 Plutus Beast on my patreon
https://t.co/jBIvDxK8bi

#AUDIO #audiophile #IEM #iems #LunarNewYear2024

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

In-laws took the kids for the day so we are starting the day off right with Donuts, Coffee and some IEM notes.

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

Huge shout-out to @AWSMDanny for sending me a package of stuff to review as well as some killer ear tip cases. I'm excited to experience my first DAP from @Hidizs and try the beautiful looking @kinera13 IEMs as well as the @thieaudio Elixir that I have heard a ton of praise on.

[Hidizs @Hidizs]

"MP145 was quite a surprise as my first planar magnetic IEM, I think it does quite a lot very well and is a good all rounder but..."

---Reviewed by @AudioSmithSword

Full review: https://t.co/Yo1HGKlrJs

Secure your MP145 now: 🛒
https://t.co/iLeudMUwiA

Photo by Smith✨❤️

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

@TangZu_Official Wow...a beautiful process! I hope to try them eventually!

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

Shout out to @Gizaudio1& @BinaryAcoustic for making one of my favorite IEMs I have been able to try so far. As well as a huge thank you to @HiFiGoAudio for letting me take part in the Canadian tour. The Chopin is incredible and easily worth the MSRP for me. Video review in my bio

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

@MoondropLab Chu II just came in. Quite excited to see how this compares to the original and my other budget sets. I will be working on the full review soon.

[Audio Smith Sword @AudioSmithSword]

I have just put out a video on how to do a grill mod on the @hifimanofficial HE400se. This is an easy to do and non-permanent mod that enhances the bass and fixes the treble for me while increasing the soundstage.

If you would like to see how to do it check the link in my bio!