My Entry Level HeadFi Gear

I have been seeing people walking down streets either with ordinary ear buds on listening to their mp3 player or some more sophisticated dude wearing those big ass dj like headphones, and it got me thinking, can I assemble a decent set of portable audio to take my FLAC music with me whenever I'm on the road.

First things first, I need a source that can play FLAC audio off the bat. Ipods can't do this... tsk tsk tsk, enter the Samsung Galaxy Tab! I bought this as my first tablet, its portable and it can do just about anything...including playing FLAC audio. The next thing on my list is to get a decent, very portable headphone amp and lastly competitively priced to boot! After a lot of googling and searching finally settled for the Fiio E5 headphone amp. Its so tiny it can be attach to the Tab like a remora does to a shark. Its dirt cheap and the reviews are quite good and respectable. Lastly, the ear speakers... I contemplated on using headphones, iems and what not but in the end, I settled with the Grado SR60i, a lot of enthusiasts use this brand because of its cost effectiveness and it is one of the better sounding brands in the headphone business.

                                                             The Samsung Galaxy Tab

                                                         The Grado Sr60i and Fiio E5

                                                                     All together now

                                            Double taped the Fiio E5 to the back of the Tab!

Listening impressions, I listened to my music without the Fiio first but using the Grado, the sound is better than the stock buds of the Tab. sounds neutral than the warm sounding stock earbuds. But I find the details lacking, bass also lacking.

Using the Fiio E5, set to flat, E5 volume set to its highest position, Tab volume set to middle. the music opened up. NICE! Little improvement on bass. with the e5 set to bass boost, everything the same, obviously bass huge improvement but sacrificing some loss of detail. So depends on the genre of music listened to, just set the E5 switch to ones preference.

As for the Grado, no sonic complaints, its only the entry level model but since this is my first time for head fi, it sounds so good to me already. the only complaint I got was from my wife, the looks quirky (but I like) and she hears the music from the cans. But I said that is how it was designed.

SVS AS-EQ1 Audyssey MultEQ XT Bass Equalizer!

I have been through a couple of subs already. From US Audio to M&K to now a SVS NSD-10. Prior to the SVS, I was always looking for more because I could not find the "Slam" so to speak. But when the SVS came, the "Slam" also came with it. But other noticeable problems also occurred, the ringing of my ceiling and windows, it can get annoying when the room shakes for the wrong reason.

The next thing to do for others might be to buy another sub, but reading and experiencing what others were doing like treating their room, using equalization etc. Equalization is the next order of things for me, but I need a system that is both automated (dont know how to calibrate manually) and cheap. I almost got the Anti-mode, even a pre-owned one but for some reason I did not pull the trigger. maybe it was how I have experienced the SVS AS-EQ1 in a friend's home theater that made me wishing for one. But at $750 it was basically buying another sub!

But luckily I managed to get my hands on a pre-owned AS-EQ1 (that's another story). And after a week of getting it, I have now finally set it up. Measured 15 spots for the sub eq and another 6 spots using my Onkyo AVR's Audyssey MultEQ and the results are simply outstanding!

some pictures:

the SVS AS-EQ1



the calibrating process


the computer screen of calibrating software


the result! what's more there to say. the result speaks for itself. the room was tamed! ;D ;D ;D

Now looking at the graph. You could see how it has tamed my erstwhile wild room! But the graph is just a graph. What I can tell you is this. Before calibration my sub was calibrated by my Onkyo's Audyssey MultEQ. My sub's gain knob is set to 1 o'clock and what is apparent is when there are low freq scenes on a movie, ringing through my ceiling and windows are evident, and when this happen we know that the low freq wont hit the viewers at the right spot. Oh yeah, the SVS is definitely better than my previous subs but the result is not yet perfect. After the calibration (which took almost 2 hours!), with the level matching feature of the gear, my sub's gain knob was set to 9 o'clock, I was a little bit concerned that, how can a gain of 1/4 turn improve my bass? but after listening to it after calibration, all i can say is this equipment is not snake oil. Its real. no more ringing on bass heavy scenes, everything is just right (substitute right audio term here).

I have my friend to thank for getting this gear. For those SVS users or even non SVS users. I HIGHLY recommend this product. Night and day difference really! Imagine that I have a 2,000 sq feet room (20 sq meter) and this 10NSD is more than enough for it. Now the room is almost perfect! WOOHOO!!!

The Samsung Wave!!!

Finally got my Samsung Wave S8500 smart phone. This is my company phone, chose this one over the Nokia N97 Mini, read so much about Symbian not smart phone worthy as an OS. Researching over the net lead me to the Samsung Wave S8500, this unit was just launched this May and June all over the world. It has been getting good reviews overall except for those who have been used to using the Iphone and Android smart phones.

The hardware for this unit is top notch, 1Ghz processor, 512 ram, Aluminum body, Super Amoled Screen that is simply amazing! But I think what made this phone not so hot with some reviewers is its OS, its using Samsung's proprietary BADA OS, its a new OS, and for me, a lot of reviewers did not consider that its new and was expecting way too much out of it.

For me, finally able to hold it and use the unit was a great moment, the multi touch part of the OS was slick, no lag was experienced. The included programs like for contacts, messaging, log, email, browsing, games and the other PIM functions were adequate for me. I essentially like that on the contacts, you can swipe the screen left or right to make a call or do a text message. it has the usual bells and whistle like facebook and twitter integration which are basic but very usable, even its mini diary app is very usable wherein you can post your thoughts and photos anytime and you can upload it to facebook or flickr since integration within the app is seamless.

Samsung has also launched its own appstore called Samsung Apps. Well, generally its still on its infancy, roughly less than 1,000 apps as of this writing for its appstore in the Philippines. But paid apps are starting to sprout, and I think it will continually grow over time.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this phone, its all I thought it would be and more. So I am recommending it to people coming from old Nokia or even Sony feature phones. But I guess for people who have been using an Iphone, I guess better wait for the new Iphone 4 or some of the new Android phones that has been sprouting like mushrooms all over the market.

The LG 42LD460 Full HD LCD TV!

My 6 year old 43" Philips Rear Projection TV just conked out on me. Went out and got from SNS a LG 42LD460, great service from Sir Vic's staff as usual. Great LCD too. Initial candidates were Panasonic 42X20 plasma, Toshiba Regza 40CV700 and this LG.

The old rear projection Philips. lasted 11 years without repair.

Side by side comparison of the three panels was really a tough decision, on SNS' showroom, the LCDs have an edge specially in resolution (full HD) vs the Panasonic's HD ready panel.  I would say the colors of the Toshiba really won out vs the two others. the Panasonic eked out a little on the contrast and blacks department. to be honest the LG was always the middle of the pack. Materials watched were from media players. btw, all three units sports local manufacturer's warranty.

Bsince the setup was for our living room, in the end I chose the lg for the following reasons:

1. Its an IPS full HD panel.
2. It can play hd media from the unit itself (MKV, Divx)
3. My living room has high ambient light
4. Its two inches bigger than the Toshiba
5. Free wall mount  

The installation walk-through in pictures:

LG LCD boxed!

42LD460 badge

Measuring the height of the install, chose "44 high, a bit on the high side.

The panel unboxed, being measured by installer.

Levelling the wall mount.

Drilling the hole, no turning back!

LCD mounted finally!

Final touches and adjustments.

Voila! Cable TV viewing on the wall mounted LG!

My New Montero!!!

I have been driving my new Mitsubishi Montero Sport for the the past two months, and I can only say that it performs as advertised. I have been dreaming of this vehicle since it was launched last 2009. I was so happy that they in fact decided to launch a 4x2 variant for me to squeeze my company car budget and finally got one last May 2010. And to make it better, the 2010 variant was loaded with extra stuff that the 2009 model was not fitted with, stuff like the Multi Information Display, Back Door Cladding, Alarm & Keyless entry integrated into the key itself just to name some. And I got myself the Savannah White color that is very in demand.

Driving 100 kms everyday to work and back home at an average speed of 100-120 kph gives me an 11-12 km per liter conversion, not bad at all, but driving in the city at a stop and go situation definitely changes the conversion to 8-9 km per liter. The 4x2 variant is equipped with a 4 speed automatic tranny that also features the Mitsu's proprietary INVECS II sportronic system or manumatic mode. I would say since this is my first automatic vehicle, it was responsive and not lacking in torque and power, even when driving in full 7 passenger capacity, I would say the Montero Sport can cut it. Suspension is definitely one of the Montero's strong points, and having driven it confirms this point, ride was in fact car like, even the back passengers commented the same thing. One of the things maybe that I would say is a downer is the more or less not so responsive steering, the return feedback of the steering wheel after turning the vehicle is slow, it needs the assistance of the driver to bring it back to center. This is so different from some of the past vehicles I have driven, like the Isuzu Dmax pick-up. But overall not a deal breaker, just needs some getting use to.

Inside the vehicle, we get the assortment of stuff we come to expect from a vehicle of this class, car audio with usb / ipod integration, audio controls on steering wheels, enough lights inside the cabin, dual aircon. seven seater configuration, and an assortment of adjustment that can be made to make room for baggage or cargo handling. A nice touch would be the extra car accessory adapter at the back of the vehicle for us to use for electrical components like radio when having a picnic. Another thing that caught my attention is the reserve wheel cover that renders the extra wheel protected from the elements and potential thieves, this is one thing the Toyota Fortuner does not have.

 The front face, very macho SUV

 The back part of the Montero Sport

The Steering wheel with Audio controls

The Multi Information Display

Overall, the Montero Sport is a very good buy, it has the power to be a workhorse but still have the great sporty look to be used as an all arounder in the city as well.

SAIGON!

I never been to Vietnam before, so I was happy when I learned that I will have a meeting there. It was also cool that I get to stay a day later because of flight availability. Use that day to explore the fabled city.

Took a lot of pictures of the city, it is a beautiful city, with its strong french influence in some of the building's architecture even food. I was actually surprised to see pushcarts selling great tasting french breads!!! I also got to go inside the famed Notre Dame Catholic Church, and a sudden downpour actually made me stayed to hear mass in Vietnamese!

The above pictures are of my room in Hotel Intercontinental Asiana Saigon, a great room on the 12th floor with a great view of the city. Its got a great tub, with sliding doors that opens up to the room for you to be able to watch the big ass 42" flat screen tv while relaxing on the tub.

The view of the famed city from my 12th floor room, pretty great stuff to see both in the morning as well as the evening. I could readily see the church and the city's central post office. both great old buildings...

Just some of the pictures taken of the city's more famous buildings. The Notre Dame Church, the former Presidential Palace that is now a museum, the French influenced city can't be complete without an authentic Louis Vuitton Store... a shot of the a park with a fountain and its City Theater.

I will try to post some more pictures in my next article. Till the next...

My Second Hobby!

I actually started liking photography when I was in high school, I use to own a Nikon FM-2 Film SLR camera, but taking pictures then was an expensive hobby specially when you have to constantly buy film and pay for development. You can't ill afford to be shutter happy too, as 36 shots after; you are done, I remember buying those cheap ass YKL films just to maximize my money. By the time I was in college, the interest waned and the SLR camera just did not see the light of day again. As time goes on, the idea of taking a picture was using the ubiquitous point and shoot digital camera. But in come 2008 and the Digital SLR, or DSLR for short phenomenon was on its high gear... the technology has gotten to a point that camera companies like Canon and Nikon can now offer their once expensive gears to ordinary middle class hobbyist, and in a snap, people started want to own one.

I bought my first Digital SLR from Amazon.com it was too hard to pass up as its cheaper by almost 7k if bought here in the Philippines, was lucky my parents was there on vacation, so they just brought it back with them. Got myself a Canon Rebel XS / 1000D. It is a 10 megapixel cam, entry level DSLR. It has a kit lens, the 18-55mm with Image Stabilizer. I then started to re-learn the basics of photography, shutter speed, aperture, but at same time has to learn some new stuff that old SLR did not have then Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, the old film ASA is now called ISO (since their is no film now but data to be stored on a memory card), this is its film equivalent. Shooting these days is also a very instant gratification thing, in the past you need at least a few days from shooting to development to see your masterpieces. Today, take a picture, see it in seconds, don't like the shot? Easy, delete the shot and take a new one until the one you like comes up. But at the end of the day, its still taking pictures and these are the memories that you keep until one gets old...

Anyway, after a year, I found the camera to be lacking and the new models coming out are featuring High Definition videos too. In come the Canon 550D, its a high end entry level of Canon, decided to get this one rather their mid level model 7D because the money saved here can get me a very good lens. The days of using cheap lower end lens for me is starting to set in. In a year of shooting, I got to learn that not all lens are created equal, in Canon parlance, the red lined L lens are the ones you had to have. And I got myself two in the span of two months. The EF 17-40mm F4L and the EF 70-200 F4L IS USM. And all I can say is WOW, pictures captured by these lenses were sharper, the build quality of the lenses are nothing short of extraordinary, its weather sealed. its got Canon's proprietary USM (Ultra Sonic Motor), this is the motor that make the Lens' Auto Focus move, and its very silent unlike the non USM lens. As they say, you get what you pay for.

So now, I am in the process of learning more about IR photography, have to also learn more about the different filters to further improve all those photos. I think what makes this hobby fun is you are capturing a moment in time in your own personal circle's life and being or even other people's too. And in essence as other people have said before. Its freezing time itself. Lately, I have seen myself liking to take people's photographs than the usual landscapes but in the end this thing is really therapeutic for me. Just like watching movies on my HT does for me.