I have already acquainted readers with the Kiev laboratory and their products, first on the example of the AM4 monitors, and then in the course of the story about the new models. From the middle of summer, I am the owner of their flagship model Ambient Monitor 6 HiRez, which I will discuss in this review.
Individual on-board monitors are an expensive, very expensive solution: usually their price is such that you can buy a budget speaker system with this money and still have money for a simple amplifier. So, to say that CIEM (custom in-ear monitors) is a solution for everyone is impossible. The buyer of "custom" must understand that he buys a piece of work product, created only under his ears and often optimized only under his ear. A product that provides the highest possible quality in a portable sound, convenience and sound insulation level. After weighing these factors “for” and “against”, you will come to the conclusion - whether such a purchase is for you. Also note that after buying “custom” there will be no way back, selling them as ordinary headphones will not make it cheaper by 20 percent, and more often than not.
Specifications
- Emitters: 6 Balanced Armature emitters in each headphone (2-low, 1-medium, 1-high, 2-ultrahigh)
- Sound Engineers: 2
- Crossover: 4-way, passive
- Frequency range: 10 Hz - 19 kHz
- Sensitivity: 110 dB / mW @ 500 Hz
- Impedance: 45 Ω @ 500 Hz
Packaging and Design
Headphones are supplied in a super plastic case Pelican, so you can not worry about their safety. The box looks very militaristic, for which it is a separate plus. Inside the box - a dense soft material that protects valuable content.
In addition to the headphones themselves, you will receive: a detachable half-meter cable made of soft twisted wire, a tool for cleaning channels from sulfur, a capsule-desiccant and a bag-case for ties. By default, the plug-in cable uses a standard plug with micro-plugs, and the location of the connectors on the headphones is designed to be worn behind the ear, but as an option, you can order monitors with a non-replaceable cable, with MCX round connectors and cable out.
Since I’ve talked about additional options, it’s worth mentioning that for some money, you can additionally change your IEM, adding: engraving of the case, more steep cables from Vesper Audio, channels of monitors of a different color, through and in-situ ventilation, installation of sulfur filters, and non-standard colors for the body and multi-color printing on the covers.
In general, we can say that for your money every whim will be fulfilled.
I didn’t look for the good from the good, but didn’t change the design of my monitors by choosing the same blue color with white sound guides and the Ambient Acoustics logo on the outside.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening.
- MacBook Pro Early 2011
- Yulong DA8 in HogMode as DAC / Amplifier
- Fidelia as a player
- Records in lossless formats
The new line of IEM Ambient Acoustics focused on acoustic matching of drivers, which made it possible to achieve better dynamics compared to previous models. In the 6-driver HiRez, as the name implies, the developers further expanded the resolution compared to previous models, adding more advanced infra-low and ultra-high frequencies. What did it do?
Headphones were very musical, with a pleasant involving pitch. They do not have the detached neutrality of the AM3 RefEdition, the "six" develop the ideas of the AM4 of the previous line. The sound has an emphasis on the bass, but, of course, without unhealthy excesses. Two low-frequency drivers give out juicy and tight bass, while controlling it well. Listening to AM6, it’s hard to believe that these are clean fittings, rarely when reinforcement headphones give out such a drive.
The mids are slightly underestimated, but do not lose detail, and in general, worked out perfectly. The sound of the instruments is very lively, with the effect of presence, the instruments are easy to distinguish from each other, to understand their position on the stage and the nature of the sound.
The high-frequency range worked much better than most modern headphones. Despite the fact that the upper limit is declared “only” at 19 kHz (while many manufacturers write both 20 and 30 kHz) - AM6 does play up to the stated 19 kHz with a good loudness level, without serious complaints. Due to this, AM6 have a pronounced effect of three-dimensional sound and remarkably cope with the wagering of aftertaste and quiet sounds. Sibilantes are practically absent.
In general, AM6 is a taste, music and playful version. He definitely will not suit lovers of smooth and dry sound.
Compatibility
In fact, the headphones are very good, even on simple sources. You can listen to them from your iPod or iPhone (for the latter, you can even find a cable with a headset on eBay), but you only need to listen to them with a good source and high-quality recordings - you will not want to come back: they will show the difference in the material and the path. Returning to just a good sound after a great one is not an easy test for a real music lover.
findings
Custom intra-channel monitors - the last step in achieving the highest quality portable sound. If you’re ready to make this last chance in the world of personal audio, contact Ambient Acoustics Labs is a smart move. Firstly, their prices are lower than those of most other companies, and not at the expense of quality, and secondly, you will significantly save time and money on postage.
PS Now in Ambient Acoustics work on IEM, created by hybrid technology and combining reinforcing and dynamic emitters.
The article is based on materials .
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