A small British company Rock Jaw managed to literally win its place under the sun in the world of headphones, this was promoted by interesting products in combination with an adequate price policy. I have already considered their budget model Arcana v2 and the flagship Kommand, it's time to get acquainted with the recently updated mid-level model Alfa Genus v2.
These headphones use a dynamic emitter and offer users a proprietary technology for tuning sound with the help of replaceable filters. The kit includes 3 replaceable sound guides, which can be changed using a threaded connection. They change the handwriting of the headphones sufficiently, allowing everyone to choose the appropriate option.
A new version from the first is distinguished by a modified version of the case, in which the metal came to replace the tree, and also ottyuningovanny sound. Price list remained at the same level, it is possible for 66.5 dollars, delivery around the world is free.
Specifications
- Emitters: dynamic, 8 mm
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Sensitivity: 108 ± 3 dB
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 KHz
- Cable: symmetrical, 1.2 m
- Plug: angled, 3.5 mm TRRS
- Headset: one-button, universal
Packing and delivery kit
The box at the headphones is quite interesting. In the role of the main material is a dark tight cardboard with restrained printing. On both sides of the packaging is made on the window, in which you can see the headphones, one on the left, the second on the right, and part of the delivery kit. The outer shell is removed, opening access to the main box with two small symmetrical covers. Under them is hidden the cable and other accessories.
In addition to the headphones themselves, there are 3 pairs of filters that provide different sound, a velvet bag for carrying and storing, 3 pairs of single nozzles of different sizes, two pairs of foam nozzles (small and medium) and a pair of two-flange medium nozzles.
Design and comfort
The appearance of the headphones is two-faced like Janus himself. On the one hand, their shape is simple enough "in general", on the other - it is very difficult at the level of small nuances - chamfers, different colors are used, in general, there is something to look at. The build quality is very good, everything is adjusted properly, there are no visible problems.
The headphone case is cylindrical, this simplifies their seating, they are suitable for most ears, they can be worn either in the BTE or in the usual way, although in the latter case the microphone effect (called the wire friction noise about the clothes) is noticeable, you can level it with the help of a complete clothespins.
The creators of the headphones took care of the strength: everything that can be strengthened, the cable is very thick (although not prohibitive), so that the Alfa Genus will serve its owner for a long time, of course, provided more or less accurate treatment. Wire because of the thickness of the insulation hardens a little in the cold, but retains its strength. The splitter is large and reliable, the plug is L-shaped. On the right cable there is a microphone unit with a one-button headset. When you shake this little stick a little button.
One of the main elements of this model is replaceable filters that allow you to adjust the sound to your own tastes. They are integrated into the sound guides and are kept on the thread. Therefore, the change of filters is to unscrew old ones and screw new ones. The main thing is how to tighten them later (but with the mind, so as not to break the thread). Filters with different sound can be easily distinguished by color: black gives the most HF and the least is LF, silver is oriented to bass, golden tries to make the sound neutral and balanced, performing "average arithmetic" of the other two options.
With the right selection of attachments, headphones can be comfortably worn for a very long time, soundproofing at a typical form factor level. For conventional transport or a noisy street they are quite suitable, but in the subway it is better to use two-flange or foam nozzles.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- NuPrime DAC-10H and Resonessence Labs Concero HP as DAC and Amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Fidelia as a player
- Fiio X5-2 and Cayin N6 as portable players
- VSonic Gr01, Dunu Titan 1 and Dunu DN-2000J as headphones for comparison
- High Definition Records in Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening, each headset was warmed for 72 hours.
The first filters, which I "rejected" for myself, were silvery. Of course, fans of electronic music or, for example, a vigorous rapper will find in these filters just the same joy. With them, the headphones are able to win back a lot of bass, realizing the drumhead's favorite drum massage. The payment for this is the traditional drop in LF control and their creeping to the mid-range. In general, everything is expected "for an amateur".
The second one I refused black filters, they, on the contrary, cut the bass to the level of "background" (although a perceptible background), which in turn accentuates the upper midrange and high-frequency range. It turns out a razor-sharp, cold sound with a good effect of three-dimensionality. Such a sound is well suited for recordings of instrumental classics and vocal tracks, but it can not be called universal either. In addition, in this configuration headphones are very critical to the source, reaching a very strong moodiness.
In general, as it often happens, I stopped on the "averaged" golden version of the filters. The sound of the headphones with these filters is still a bit darkish, but it's rather an easy, pleasant shade, rather than a pressing bass wall, like with silver filters.
The bass in this version is slightly higher than the average speed, it is normally controlled and, although not 100% conveys all the nuances of the low band, it still sounds very good. There is sufficient depth and elaboration. Bass perfectly copes with the task of building the "basis" of sound, on top of which the whole melody is built.
The midrange range is lively and well traced. There are enough emotions, a good transfer of nuances of both vocals and instruments. The imaginary scene is medium in width, but deep enough. The separation of tools is not bad, although not phenomenal. There are little nitpits in terms of the transfer of female vocals, but this is not really critical for this segment.
The upper frequencies are slightly flowing, they do not have enough gloss to become simply excellent, but given the price they are presented quite normally, there is no unpleasant ringing sharpness, and there is no strangled sound effect due to lack of high frequency. The sound of the high frequencies gives enough air and small nuances for most genres.
Compatibility
The presence of the headset hints at mobile use of headphones, and they really show themselves well with good smartphones, despite the fact that the quality source goes to this model for good. Of the players, they showed themselves well with the Cayin N6 and Fiio X7, from desktop sources very well with them played DAC from Beresford.
Genre headphones claim to be versatile, especially taking into account the possibility of tuning the sound. The sensitivity to recording quality varies depending on the type of filter used. With silvery it's somewhere 6 points out of 10, with black ones - all 9. Golden somewhere in the middle.
Traditionally, several sample tracks.
Robert Plant - All The Kings Horses. Few of the white people know how to sing the blues like Robert Plant. And let not all of his songs on the fact of blues, almost in each of them lives a slight shade of sadness peculiar to this genre. This track is an excellent example of the vocals characteristic for this artist, the nuances of which coolly play out the rockjavas.
Che Pazzo Band - Bellevile. Unexpected for a jazz set of instruments: two bayans and percussion, and not characteristic for a jazz country - Russia. Nevertheless, the received result surprises both the freshness of the sound and the originality of the melodies. And although the band, unfortunately, broke up, I regularly listen to their only EP. A tasty and slightly darkened data delivery of headphones is very suitable for the sound of this band.
Nazareth - Hair of the Dog. The famous track has an unusual sound due to the active use of the device, called the talk box. This device allows using the tube to transmit the sound of the instrument (usually guitars) into the mouth of the vocalist, and the one with the mouth gives the sound additional modulation. Alfa Genus v2 allows you to fully hear this effect and evaluate its impact on the sound of the band.
conclusions
Very interesting model. In fact, the sound setting allows you to get three different versions of the sound for one, reasonably priced price. If you add to this the good quality of assembly and materials, the interest of Alfa Genus increases even more.
The article is based on materials .
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