The Brainwavz company hardly needs any special ideas. Their line of headphones, starting with the simplest Delta and ending with the more expensive HM9, are well known to music lovers around the world. Recently, the company expanded its range of new category of devices - they introduced a new headphone amplifier AP001.
Both size and price make it clear that the device belongs to the very initial segment. In the official online store developer can be for 29.5 dollars, and "in the load" you will get headphones Brainwavz Delta, inexpensive, but quite good in sound and quality.
It is clear that there is no need to expect miracles from the AP001, this is not a solution for swinging taut monitors, but rather a “booster” capable of “giving a kick” to the entry-level headphones that lack the usual inexpensive player, tablet or smartphone. Of course, it didn’t do without the bass boost function, which in the AP001 does not turn off (it has no controls at all). A nice bonus was the presence of two outputs, allowing you to listen to two pairs of headphones at the same time.
In general, this kind of audio splitter with bass boost function, a bit (by 20%) amplifying sound.
Specifications
- Frequency range: 10 Hz - 100 KHz
- Signal to noise ratio: 100 dB
- Output power: 50 mW
- Headphone Impedance: 16Ω - 150Ω
- Battery: 3.7 V, 120 mA
- Current consumption: 8 mA on, 10 μA
- Play Time: > 12 hours
- Charging: Micro USB
- Input: 3.5 mm TRS
- Outputs: 2 x 3.5mm TRS
- Dimensions: 38 mm x 38 mm x 12.7 mm
- Weight: 15.5 g
Design and management
The box for the AP001 is very simple, made of transparent plastic with a buttonhole valve at the top. Inside, the device itself, instructions, a short MicroUSB cable for charging and the same small cable with two 3.5 mm jacks for connecting the device to your sound source are housed.
Made this wonderful device from plastic. Reverse - glossy, front - with concentric ribbed. The hull shape is very unusual, a square with sides slightly less than 4 centimeters, with a slot and a round hole in the middle. The developers recommend using the case AP001 as a coil-coil for headphones (the device turns out quite universal).
Since there is no external control for this amplifier, there are no buttons or levers on it. Below is the source jack, on top there are two headphone jacks, at the end is a charging jack.
AP001 turns on automatically as soon as a signal arrives at the input. It also turns off automatically if there is no signal for several minutes. The work is signaled by a blue LED installed in the middle part of the case (it can be seen if you look into the cut). When discharged, it will change color, it also signals the charging process. Amplifier can be used in the charging process.
The operating time is close to the declared one and it was 11 hours 49 minutes, but I think it depends a lot on the headphones.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- Yulong DA8 as a DAC and Amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Fidelia as a player
- Shanling M3 and SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip as portable players
- VSonic Gr01 and HiFiMan Re600 as headphones for comparison
- High-resolution recordings in Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
For an inexpensive amplifier, it is expected that it colors the sound, because it is for this that they are bought first of all. AP001 in this regard does not disappoint, he, like most of his fellows, is engaged in raising the low-frequency part of the range. To his credit, I must say that he does it fairly moderately, achieving good results. The sound is surprisingly detailed and clear (naturally, for a device of this price category), by ear it is cleaner than that of the nearest competitor Fiio E6.
In addition to a good soft bass, the AP001 is distinguished by a very lively mid-frequency feed, apparently the bass boost function works partly in this range.
The upper frequencies are softened. On the one hand, it gives a rather pleasant and not sharp sound, on the other hand, serious music lacks volume and a feeling of airiness.
Of the serious flaws, I would note the sensitivity of the AP001 to interference from mobile phones and the presence of a slight noise heard in sensitive headphones. But considering the price, it would be strange to expect another.
In general, this is clearly not an amplifier for lovers of classical music or jazz big bands. AP001 - for those who listen to simpler recordings and are not subject to excessive audiophilia.
conclusions
A funny device, the motto of which can be "get what you pay for." Of course, AP001 is far from perfect, there are a lot of complaints about it. But taking into account the money that is being asked for, this baby plays quite well and pleasantly boosts the bass. If you like a warm sound with underlined bass and energetic supply, and your source does not give the desired, this amplifier can add just that little zest to your favorite tracks.
The article is based on materials .
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