Music to your Mind

Scientific American – Mind in Pictures: Music to your Mind

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The Huawei X3 is the ideal save-your-money and check-out-what-android 2.3-can-do smartphone that can keep most users happy for the money they spend on the device. You can read my complete review at Brighthub, but here’s the brief version.

The X3 is an entry level device which seems to target handsets like the HTC Gratia, LG GT540, LG Optimus ME, HTC Wildfire and the Samsung Galaxy Mini (may be the Optimus One as well..).The X3 8510 is a good looking smartphone (read doesn’t have the looks of a cheap no-name handset!), its sleek by smartphone standards (but its no Galaxy II either!) and just feels right in the hands. Performance is decent, considering the 600 Mhz processor and paltry 256 Mb of RAM. Passes the Angry Birds test without too much performance hit, but not ideally a gaming device. That said several casual games run without a hitch.There are a bunch of videos on Youtube demonstrating the X3′s gaming prowess. After a month of having the X3 as my primary phone, I feel that its a very competitive entry level Android device that’s definitely worth the price! Yes, its not fast or powerful but that never stopped me from using it. Android 2.3 – check, Navigation – check, Google maps – check, email and social networking – check, expandable memory – check, location awareness and connectivity check, with checks on all the right boxes Huawei has offered a good smartphone for the money. Go read the full review to see the strengths and where the Huawei X3 doesn’t do so well…here’s a clue…the battery!

Tagged: Android, Huawei, Huawei X1, IDEOS X3, Smartphone ]]> http://balachandar.in/2011/11/19/review-of-the-huawei-ideos-x3-8510/feed/ 0 bala http://balachandar.in/2011/11/15/fubar-4-plus-24192-upsampling-dac-now-on-sale/ http://balachandar.in/2011/11/15/fubar-4-plus-24192-upsampling-dac-now-on-sale/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:05:36 +0000 Bala http://balachandar.in/?p=1518 Continue reading →]]> If you are looking to start out in Audiophile land or earning for an upgrade to your existing desktop rig (who isn’t?…) then here’s a fabulous offer from the folks at Firestone Audio. The Fubar 4 Plus is now available for a limited time (or hopefully till stocks last!) at over 50% off! That’s definitely a fabulous price for a 24/192 upsampling DAC and headphone amplifier combo.

Ofcourse the Fubar 4 Plus does only 16/48 kHz over USB but with 24/192 kHz upsampling that shouldn’t be an issue. The S/PDIF connectivity support 24/96 kHz which also will be upsampled, and the headphone amp that comes along shouldn’t hurt .

From Soundcloud Sounds

… you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life…

This is not going to be a detailed review cause there are better ones out there ( linked in this post).The Phonak Audéo PFE 112 is an IEM that simply wipes out most if not all of its similarly priced competitors. Ok, you can now stop reading and go get the Phonaks.. still not convinced!..read on.

Phonak Audéo PFE 112

I was a believer in “the gear doesn’t change the music” school of thought (oh, that school does exist!). Seriously, I’ve enjoyed songs playing out of a scratchy old tape player found in most typical South Indian tea-stalls, I’ve been there and listened to the slow transformation of these music systems into the mp3 CD music systems blasting out outrageous bass and highs touching the limits of human treble tolerance! All along I’ve to say that I’ve enjoyed the music..though weird as it sounds! Gradually I moved onto more refined audio listening and have to say looking back, it definitely is a transformation. Often I go back and re-listen to the same tracks and come out with a smile, enjoying the subtle nuances that I’ve never noticed. Good gear definitely doesn’t change music but it does change your perception!

I will stop my nostalgic meandering there and get back to the Phonak Audeos.Though I started out this post as a complete review, I don’t think I can add anything more than what is already covered at In-earmatters review of the Phonak PFE 112 or the Innerfidelity review of the Phonak Audéo PFE and Perfect Bass.The Audeo PFE or the  Perfect Bass is the only option if you are looking for earphones that are detailed and bright in the price range that they sell. They are well designed and coming from Phonak, a Swiss company that makes hearing aids – comfort is supreme. The elegant yet simple design is actually a deviation from the usual in-ear models available on the market. Depending on the model you buy, the accessories (carrying pouch,ear tips, comfy foam,ear guide, filters – all these are part of the PFE package only!) are sufficient and functional. The Perfect Bass version of the Audeo is an economically priced offering! (See Tip). The set of filters that come with the Audeos allow for subtle but recognizable modification of sound. The grey filters are default on the PFEs and the green default on the Perfect Bass. The green filter provides enhanced bass, the grey is much more neutral and the black makes things warmer (a small bump in the bass). By default the PFE  has highs that are sparkly, mids – just as i like them, lows are defined…may be a little anemic but I will take clarity over boomy bass!

The Phonak Audéos are absolutely the best earphones available in their price range and will make most listeners happy. The amount of clarity and detail that you’ll hear will just knock you off on first listen! I’ve added the Innerfidelity video review below which gives you the picture want you to get.

Tip:         So if you are a bit cash strapped (who isn’t these days..right?) then try the cheaper version of the PFE 121 the PFE 022 Perfect Bass – you’ll have to live with the enhanced Bass response from the 022 but once you got the cash get the remaining filters from Phonak and you’ve got a multitalented IEM! Oh the 022s retails for about 30 bucks or so cheaper than the PFE 121s.

To conclude let me borrow from the Anythingbutipod review (see related links below) of the Phonak Audéo PFEs

Considering the comparatively low price of the Audéo PFE, it’s a no-brainer: they give you the perhaps best clarity and precision in the sub-$150 earphone price range. They have better treble than the SE530, better midrange than the q-Jays, and a decent soundstage for an IEM. They are definitely worth their price.

Phonak Audéo PFE are among the nicest things to come from Switzerland since wristwatches and cheese.

To Amp or Not:

Now that we’re done discussing the performance of the Audéos let us talk about using an Amplifier. I know that most portable audio gear users don’t like adding bulk to their music player but there are times when it really is worth it! Considering that there are slim portable amplifiers available out there at reasonable prices and that you’re a discerning listener – get an amplifier to go with the Audéos. Good as they are, the Phonaks seem to come to life when amped. The base gets tighter and the overall definition becomes discernibly better when I added an iBasso T3 or a Fiio E7 to it. Also it is quite possible that you’re portable music player may not be able drive the Phonak in an authoritative manner starting with the volume. I noticed that my iPod Nano had reduced volume output and the iPod Classic, some lack in definition which was remedied by adding in an amp. There are portable amplifiers like the newly released Fiio E6 which is cheap (around 30 bucks!) and does an admirable job for the price. Adding an amp does definitely enhance the Phonak Audéo in a noticeable manner.

On Indian Music:

Though the Phonak Audéos are a great pair of IEMs to listen any genre of music (especially with the filters provided) they seem to be a very natural choice for Indian music. The attributes of the Audéos like clarity, brightness, sweet mids and well defined bass make them an ideal accompaniment to movie soundtracks as well as classical performances. The black filters seem to work really well with Bollywood, Kollywood and Tollywood dance numbers and the greys work their magic on tuneful melodies.

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• Review: Phonak Audéo Perfect Bass PFE 022 + Mic Earphones (ilounge.com)
• Review: Phonak Audéo Perfect Fit  (Anythingbutipod.com)

Treat for the Eyes!

Believe me, we buy more stuff (useless or useful like the Samsung Galaxy 750) just because they look, gorgeous! The 10.1 inch screen on the Samsung Galaxy 750 is eye-popping and catches you at first glance. Movies and photos come to life on this well designed screen at 1280×800 resolution, which actually isn’t a surprise as Samsung has a long history with display technologies.The black bezel that runs around the screen just adds the amount of perceived contrast that makes the display appealing on first sight. The rear with the plastic cover isn’t the best but that also helps bring the weight of this device to 565 grams and also keeps the skinny look with 8.6 mm width (psst…its thinner and lighter than the iPad 2!) True love comes from the heart, yet looks are so much an integral part of the relationship…right? The Samsung Galaxy Tab provides one of the most clean and clever design workmanship available on a tablet to-date apart from the iPad.

Source: CNET.com

 What about relationships?

A companion for life that folks at home would approve of – you know, the whole playing well with kith and kin. So the Galaxy 10.1 comes with Bluetooth 3.0 – yeah! connect your phone, headphones and even speakers without tripping over any of the cables. WiFi in all its forms (a/b/g/n) is supported letting you get the juice out of every possible connection (but seriously a/b is so lame – get over it!) For the times when WiFi isn’t around, cellular connectivity keeps the Internet flowing to your device (and at great speeds with HSPA, EDGE, GPRS – trust me you don’t need to know what those abbreviations mean!). Samsung has customized the default Android interface with their Touch Wiz magic and it sure shines. The customization actually adds a lot of usability and interactivity to the Android OS rather than just providing some cosmetic touches. The Swype key entry is a very thoughtful addition to a device of this form factor, though it has been successful in their smartphones category. The Finger Control feature is really cool (this thing is fun to use and play!) and this is exactly the kind of smart enhancement that makes the tablet stand out from the mundane netbook/notebook category. The “find my device” service which had once been the sole right of Apple devices is a worthy feature…after all there are so many jealous eyes..on the Galaxy tab. Several such small but significant improvements adds to the user experience from a device. It definitely makes the relationship between them much interesting.

Its what’s inside that matters!

Remember that beauty that’s skin deep isn’t the way to go. The Galaxy 10.1 has a 1Ghz dual core Tegra processor that powers all the wonder and combine that with the Android 3.1 OS – its a match made in heaven. To round off, a Gig of RAM – now that’s just what you need to have a cordial and loving relationship with…if you know what I mean The 7000 mAH battery means enough time to spend on movies, music and browsing the web, whether your traveling or couch surfing (oh yes! this tablet is just a couch surfer’s dream come true!). Did I mention the support for various file formats on the video front, Complete integration of Google services means there just about everything I would ever need for work, communication and entertainment. I just cannot miss underlining the significance of the built-in flash support…cough…”other” tablet manufacturers..beware! The front facing and rear facing cameras means Skype and video recording is just a breeze. You’re always there for family and friends and all those YouTube video ideas that you had – now’s the time to make ‘em come true!

Its a Family thing!

Perhaps its a little late of me selling the audience on the user friendliness of the tablet design in general, but the Samsung galaxy tablet is going to be a companion that your family members are going to welcome without any reservations. The ease of the tablet form factor together with the Touch Wiz genius of Samsung is going to impress “Chaacha- Naani” or “Thaatha-paati” who avoided the computer like a plague! Seriously set this up for the folks of at home (my NRI friends),Google Talk and Skype will make sharing all the special moments with a not so geeky family a breeze. Don’t even get me started on checking up on Cricket scores while on the move! and that flash support on the browser means that I can quickly catch up on the wonderful shot from Sachin from whatever flash source on the interwebs The keyboard accessory is an option that shouldn’t be one! yeah…sometime the comfort the sensation of your fingers hitting plastic is just too hard to sacrifice! The keyboard add-on is right on the mark and really helps when you actually have to rush out that quick memo or email in a hurry! Or plainly..you’re old school The tablet is also one of the most kid-friendly gadget released recently. Getting your kid an Xbox or PS3 isn’t going to be something that you can explain off to your wife! but, this Samsung Galaxy 750 is a gaming device par none and one which can easily be brought into a household without any justifications Angry Birds!..hello! Did I tell you the kids will love you for it? Its one device that can help your kids to learn and have fun the easy way.

Enthrall me!

First things first..the pricing on the Samsung Galaxy Tab in the Indian market! Oh, I will take that 750 for that price – which just about blows its closest competitor for now! The only gripe about Samsung’s tablet marketing strategy in India is the lack of regionalized content. Samsung did mention in the Galaxy Tab 750 launch event Q&A that they are looking for content partners to promote media content on the tablet but I would have loved to see an advert where a user checks out YouTube videos of a couple of Bollywood trailers or something more mundane! (hey frankly we all love to entertain ourselves on the tab than work ).The advert for the tablet is the international version (well made by the way!), ofcourse there is the Tab Moments (which is more “Indianized”) but that still isn’t enough. As Seth Godin once put it, don’t try to sell me the product..sell me the need for it! (guess that’s not his exact words..but you get the point!) An ace Indian sharpshooter, a tech editor and a model/actress flaunting the Samsung Galaxy is fine – but I’m looking for the average (Indian) user and all his queer adventures with the tablet (here’s an example).

In conclusion, you just don’t have to take my word … here’s a video run-through of the complete feature-set offered by the Galaxy Tab 750 and remember that I’m not trying to sell you one…just thinking aloud

PS: Cool as it may the Samsung Galaxy Tab is not available in my present country of residence (Germany) due to some legal restrictions! I mean…what a bummer..! yet another reason for me to grab a Galaxy Tab when given an opportunity

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• Samsung Galaxy Tab 750 Review (Times of India)

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