Unique Melody Mage Cabled with Whiplash TWag v2 OM

How does the Mage sound? Also, how does the TWag change the sonic characteristics of the Mage? I've always resisted the temptation to buy an aftermarket cable, but arguably at the price level of these customs the owners already gunning for the maximum sound quality possible.

I've always thought about the Mage as something like the custom version of the UM3x with forward mids. Too bad UM Phil didn't have a demo version so I could hear the general sonic signature ("general" because the demos sound quite inferior to the real deal).


The Mage is not mostly tuned for forward mids but it is more tuned for a brighter sound signature. When I say brighter sound signature, the highs are more accentuated throughout the spectrum but doesn't drown the other notes for the mids and lows, in addition there is no sibilance, 0%. The main strengths of the Mage are Exceptional acoustics and vocal reproduction, lively sound (doesn't have that dark sound sig CIEM/IEM), fast and high quality bass (Best bass quality I've heard so far), imaging is excellent, soundstage is really wide but not that tall (more of landscape type or widescreen).


*Disclaimer - The TWag recommended burn-in is 300 hours. So far I'm at the 100-hour mark burn-in therefore the full potential of the TWag is not yet heard.

Switching from stock cable to TWag, The first thing that you will notice is the added clarity to the highs and mids and extension of lows and highs. Soundstage made it more wide and added depth (taller). What surprised me is the added live presentation to the Mage by the fact Mage has already a bright sound sig, it surprised me that it made more enjoying to listen. TWag is worth the money.

Don't resist even if you know the benefits already, cause you'll end up buying the product. Sorry for the long write-up. I just like to be certain as possible.

Ortofon e-Q7 and EarSonics SM3 v2 Comparison

Shown above are the Ortofon e-Q7 (red one), EarSonics SM3 v2 and an 8gb Cowon J3. A simple, but definitely not lacking in power, portable system.
 

They quite share some interesting characteristics. Both have excellent midrange and treble response only differs in presentation.

The e-Q7 is the first IEM I've had and I must say that it change my view of how IEMs performs. Midrange is prominent but not as enveloping like the SM3. It's punchy and very detailed without sounding analytical (as opposed to the SM3) all nuances is presented cleanly and cohesively with a lot of musicality. Musicality and accuracy is how I describe e-Q7's mids. Treble on the other hand is as good as well. It's always sparkling and very snappy without exhibiting sibilance.


Other IEMs with a lot of treble like the TF10 or the CK10 might appear more detailed than the e-Q7 but most of the time, I got really tired of that treble energy pretty quick, (apart from them being a bit cold and unexciting). So to my ears, the e-Q7 treble is how it should be; precise, sparkly, yet very smooth and easy. Bass in on the leaner side though, but with the way they were tuned as a monitor type it's quite normal. Nevertheless it's never lacking in quality. It goes deep as possible without any bloat from the mid bass frequency and has excellent reverberation, decay that you usually hear from dynamic drivers. It's quite revolutionary so to speak.

Now comes the SM3. I've read a lot of mixed bag comments about them with most complaining about their treble response and the rather intrusive mids (as the comments suggest). So I took the plunge and got myself a pair. And after listening for about 15 hours or so, I've come to realize "those people bashing the SM3 might either have a bad source or bad ears" coz the SM3 are far from just a FOTM item.

It's a wondrous craft that you won't see quite often. With the right source (I'm NOT talking about high priced amps here) the SM3 performs exceptionally well. Mids are how people describe it; very prominent but like the e-Q7 is precise and highly detailed. Well detailed is a bit of understatement because how the SM3 presents the music is quite unconventional as oppose to the majority out there.

With some typical nuances that hit you outright, there are others that would hit you in some unexpected places. You might even hear other nuances you typically didn't in other phones. They can be musical at times but can be quite analytical in other inferior recordings as well. Treble on the other hand is also in par with the e-Q7 only a tad recessed, yet certainly not lacking in quality. They are quite close to the real thing to my ears. Unlike some cymbal crash that hits prominently and disappears the SM3 treble adds a little more decay onto it, that feels like a rippling water that I really like. It's unusually amazing to my ears.

Bass is typically the same for these phones to my ears, given their monitoring characteristics. the e-Q7 may have a tad bit of decay and extension, while the SM3 had more quantity, but overall it's basically the same.

To better describe the SM3, Ill tell you about my other in ears...

The GR07 has good bass impact but the midbass is a little forward. They extend pretty well up on top giving an airy and light (not bright) presentation. The soundstage is meh...typical of a stage monitor.

The BA200 has excellent mids, detail and incredible soundstage. But Somewhat lacking in impact and treble extension.

The SM3 combines all of the strengths of my two other favorites, but none of the weaknesses. It has good impact (but less than the GR07) and treble extension. Mids are better than both, in my opinion. The most noticeable feature would be the soundstage. It is even ahead of the BA200, which has excellent presentation already.


*credits to tallie0814

Nexus 7 : Turning It into a Multitasking Muscle-Machine

We can force the Nexus 7 to use its GPU to render 2d graphics. Nasa Developer Options-->Force GPU Render. Improves 2d scores by more than 400% (from 233 to 1000).

So I went back to <click here for link> to follow the directions from <click here for link> claiming to improve UI responsiveness. The change was noticeable especially while browsing with Opera Mobile with other things open.

Then I decided to run quadrant for S and G's.

Holy crackers!!!


I wasn't expecting higher bench scores with the fix so I did the benching last. I tried that mod for a faster response from the UI. I also don't have any games currently running.


If I'd run games, I think stock can run anything that a modded Nexus could if only with a small difference in frames per second. The kernel modifications affect the CPU and I/O areas more than graphics. 2D graphics can be boosted by just enabling the [force 2D rendering to theGPU] option. I just like my devices performing more than what was paid for with a little tinkering. Because it's already there, it's up to us to make it work. Thank Google for being run by geeks first and businessmen second.

*credits to steve_c of TPC

Astronomical Telescopes : Guidelines in Buying

I agree that it is costly to buy pro-level astronomical scopes like Takahashi, APO, etc. But for the beginners, don't despair, there's a lot of entry level scopes (3"-4"). Just don't buy the "toy" scopes.

Some guidelines:

- Decide on what you want to see. There is rarely a scope that does it all. Decide whether you're interested in deep space objects (DSO - like nebulas, galaxies, clusters) or lunar and planetary.

- If you choose DSO, you need the best aperture you can afford/ carry and medium to low power only (20x-100x). If planetary, small apertures will do but you need high powers (100x-200x rarely this high) plus a very stable mount.

- Don't believe the "power" hype, like the 600x etc. Actually its not the power or magnification that's important, its the "Aperture" because for astro DSO use, the objects are faint and NOT small so you need to gather more light. Astro Telescope- definition: an instrument that gathers light.



- Power is limited by the "seeing" conditions at the time plus the amount of "light pollution". It is limited to 50x per inch of aperture. Therefore, for a 3" scope it is limited to 150x.

- Aperture determines light gathering power. The bigger the better, the only restriction is how much you're willing to spend and how heavy an instrument you're willing to lug around.

- Another factor is focal length... for DSO, a rich-field or short FL (400-600mm) will do but for planetary you need long FL (600-1000+mm). This is because FL determines power (power = FLobjective/EPfl)

I only have a 60mm(40mm clear aperture f/10) home made telescope (copy lens objective (400mm) plus binoculars eyepiece (20mm) and 20x mag ) but I have seen a lot of things from my backyard. My main interest is DSO. I have observed the great Orion Nebula, Pleides, Beehive Cluster, Lagoon Nebula, Hercules Cluster, and a lot of Messier's objects even with the moderate light pollution.

There is also the option of making your own telescope. You can buy an objective lens (surplus copier lens or buy a telescope objective online )and together with a binocular eyepiece and a PVC tube make a refractor. A reflector or Newtonian is also possible but I am not aware of local availability of parabolic mirrors. Making your own mirror is also possible btw.

Oh NEVER look at the sun with a telescope or binoculars without a sun filter. INSTANT BLINDNESS.

Ainol Novo 10 Hero : Best Ainol Tablet ... So Far

Ainol Novo10 Hero so far is the best release of Ainol... As in 0 known bugs and issues...

Very recommended... Although there's some sacrifice in specs if we compare it to Ainol Novo7 Flame...

#1 Stripped down Cameras.. 0.3MP Front / 2.0MP Rear without FLASH
#2. No more Light Sensor.
#3. No more build sturdiness. Leather-Case is a MUST.

But overall build quality is very impressive..


Novo10 Hero works very well.. no issues, no hiccups, no wi-fi problem, no overheating. Just plain beautiful. Whereas, Novo7 Fire (Flame) has to run with very strictly chosen firmware like Feiyu-10.31-QM/TM to run smoothly. However, some issues like popping sounds are still there but is now reduced. This is coming from my own hands-on experience of both..


It can handle graphics intensive games, so far. But it can get a bit hot (but again no overheating). Video watching is also great - no skipped frames so far. I've yet to test the HDMI so you guys might want to wait for feedback on that one.

I'm also using it as a torrent machine and pdf/comic book reader. I read a lot of med related books and it can get pretty pic intensive and I haven't encountered any problems yet. If you have time, go to the show room and tinker with it. I think I drove my friends crazy this past week just going to Apple and Samsung stores to pit the hero against the iPad, Tab and Note. So far, I'm happy with my purchase.



Finished installing essential apps and casual games and tested every function of the Tablet...

1. WiFi Works like charm... No disruption or low connectivity issues... Accelerometer & G-Sensor works too.
2. Battery definitely last longer after a full charge... No incorrect Battery Meter issue... No heating up while Charging.
3. Both of Cameras works fine... Just don't forget to carefully remove the plastic cover on Rear Cam...
4. Minimal to NO Backlight Bleeding and NO Dead Pixel... 10pt. TouchScreen Sensitivity is fluid smooth...
5. Stereo Speakers are incredible... Great Audio Clarity and Quality... Although the built-in MIC records a little bit low but decent enough quality...
6. Build Quality is awesome although some part produce usual creaking sounds but I guess They can bear with that...
7. Apps compatibility on JellyBean aren't in full scale yet... Twitter is not compatible...
8. Games compatibility on JellyBean are same on above, except for casual games...
9. It runs on Android JellyBean 4.1.1 with build date 2012-10-31... I did not update as it seems functioning well... I also found no way to root this Tablet except Upgrading to 2012-11-15 Firmware...
10. HDMI port, USB port, Earphone port, Charging port and Storage Expansion Slot works well too...

Overall, the Ainol Novo10 Hero Tablet is an AWESOME Tablet and definitely worth its price... 



Are you planning to buy Ainol Novo Tablets with Action-Semi ATM7029?

I don't intend to discredit Ainol for moving into QuadCore Cortex-A9 Tablet, but choosing Action-Semi ATM7029 will be a DISASTER.

Why?

#1. It has the worst DualCore Graphics Processing Unit or GPU called Vivante GC1000. This GPU performance has barely surpass a SingleCore Mali-400 GPU. Plus it is unknown to Game Devs. so don't expect compatibility as-well on Heavy 3D Games.

#2. Action-Semi chipset is really not so popular. Haven't seen any Smartphone or Tablet manufacturer using or planning to use their products except for Ainol. Software support is still unknown which is a huge threat to Firmware Devs. and maybe for Ainol Software Engineer as-well. Not only that, performance is also unknown.

So don't be fooled on what you see on paper. Research before you buy.


My most recommended Chipset for Tablets are:

#1. Nvidia Tegra 3 - some China MID brands are planning to build a Tablet using this chipset. It may not be cheap but surely it will be great).

#2. Samsung Exynos 4412 - there are already China MID brands like Ramos and FreeLander are offering Tablet with this chipset. Although the price are still $250.00 or more, but I guess it'll subside in due time.

#3. Allwinner A31 - this one is new and has few information except it has a stunning OctalCore SGX543 MP*8 GPU. Some China MID brands are already on their way building Tablet with this chipset like Onda and Ampe.

#4. RockChip RK3066 - this is well tested. Good Kernel Support, Great Mali-400 MP*4 GPU @ 266MHz, No Overheating issue and Power Efficient. It became very popular to Tablet.

#5. AMLogic 8726-M6 - although it has poor reputation under IceCreamSandwich 4.0 OS, it was a totally different chipset on JellyBean 4.1 OS. Its fine on my Bro.-in-Law's Ainol Novo10 Hero. It has Mali-400 MP*2 GPU @ 400MHz which is doing fine on Heavy 3D Games

#6. FreeScale I.MX6Q - it has a QuadCore Vivante GC2000, which is still not recommended for Gamers. Also, some feedback says it has poor Power Efficiency.

*credits to ivan_lee05 of TPC

Sony RX100 : Best Pocketable Camera

Branded as the best "pocketable" compact camera today.  Go with the RX100 if you will not expand your lens lineup. For the same price as an RX100, what do you think is the closest alternative? LX7? GX1? 

Obviously the NEX series and the E-PM2/E-PL5 plus the Lumix GX1 but these are interchangeable lens cameras. I think the advantage of these cameras being interchangeable lens will go to waste if the user will not expand the lens lineup, plus the kit will be bigger than the RX100.

Another competitor that is a non-interchangeable lens camera is the Canon G1X (not to be confused with the Lumix GX1) which sports a bigger sensor than the RX100. But the Canon G1X is not known for its quick AF speed.

The LX7 is a different camera, much cheaper than the RX100, but also a smaller sensor. It has a 24mm eq. lens at the wide end compared to the 28mm wide end of the RX100 and a faster aperture lens @ f/1.4-2.3 to somewhat lessen the IQ disadvantage of the smaller sensor.  

Between the RX100 and LX7. If you are to buy now with IQ and low-light as the deciding factor. Which one would you get? 

RX100. 

From Sony website:

Pros: best features ultracompact
Cons: color reproduction (not enough green-color)
- overall very good picture quality, and features ultracompact !!! like me :)
- no 720p/30fps mp4 video mode (6...9mbps, best mode, good quality, less space required)
- only iso3200 video sensitivity (specification)
- large sensor (20Mp, but, enough 10...12Mp)
- too high contrast (normal setting, can adjust)
- less green-color reproduction
- multi-shoot not so accurate with moving object (single-shoot more noise, but more detail)

Other set of Cons from another source:

Front control ring ideally needs sensitivity option adding in firmware update – sometimes needs too many turns
Feel of fly-by-wire manual focus, though reasonable, is not up there with Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses
No punch in focus assist in video mode (you have to use peaking instead)
No native 24p/25p in 1920×1080 (60p and especially 50p conform well to 24/25p in post – less ideally switch to the 1080i interlaced wrapper or low bitrate 1440×1080 25p MP4 mode)
Stills shot whilst recording video are upscaled 4MP frame grabs, not full 20MP quality
Stabiliser still lets handheld jitter creep into videos especially with objects that are close to the lens
Poor placement of HDMI port
Cannot assign peaking to a function button
Would have liked to have seen more isolation of settings between modes. Too many settings carry over to video mode, should be more independent (i.e., AF in PSAM, MF in Movie)
Fastest shutter speed of 1/2000 relative to 1/4000 on most other cameras, and no built in ND filter like G1X
Slightly wooly bokeh compared to a high end DSLR lens

......and yet another set of Pros and Cons:


Pros
large image sensor
compact and stylish body
solid construction

Cons
no hot shoe
questionable high resolution
expensive



Print quality results from imaging-resource


Though its official base ISO starts at 125, the Sony RX100's ISO 80 images looked good printed at 24 x 36 inches. Color was muted, particularly yellows and greens, as we also found in our MacBeth test target.

ISO 125 shots also looked quite good at 24 x 36, with excellent detail, but the muted color persisted.

ISO 200 images also looked very good at 24 x 36, if a little softer than ISO 125. Not enough to require a smaller print size.

ISO 400 images printed very nicely at 20 x 30 inches, with sharp detail.

ISO 800 shots were soft enough at 20 x 30 that we preferred the 16 x 20-inch prints, though we'd still call the 20 x 30-inch prints usable for most subjects. By ISO 800, the red leaf swatch appeared soft.

ISO 1,600 shots are usable at 16 x 20 inches, but look better at a still impressively large 13 x 19-inch size. The red leaf swatch was very soft at this point.

ISO 3,200 images look good at 13 x 19 inches, with the exception of the difficult red leaf swatch.

ISO 6,400 images are a bit soft for 11 x 14-inch prints, but look pretty good at 8 x 10.

Overall, the Sony RX100 stands out as a pocket camera that can produce good quality 24x36-inch prints from ISO 80 to 200, and even its highest ISO of 6,400 outputs a good quality 8x10. Impressive!


Reviews: 

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/06/06/Sony-DSC-RX100-preview-with-sample-images

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-rx100/sony-rx100A.HTM

http://www.eoshd.com/content/8499/sony-rx100-review

http://www.squidoo.com/sony-rx100


Grip Accessory

 

Review:

 

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/07/19/Sony-RX100-accessory-grip-from-Richard-Franeic



Rx100 shots care of makoy99

(Straight from cam jpg shots. Images were just resized and in camera built in filters were used.)

* Photo credits to makoy99 of TPC

iPad Mini : Target Market for this latest Apple "Innovation"?

The intended market for the iPad Mini are those who needs medium size portable internet device in between the size of Ipad 2/3 and iPod Touch/iPhone. This is for those that are not after the innovation as their primary target. I for one will definitely buy this because all of my mobile phones are all in android platform. I am also using an HTC Flyer tablet and an iPad 2.

At first I wanted to replace my HTC Flyer with a Samsung Tab 7.7 because its bigger and thinner but I thought it only differed in size and the platform is the same Android. Second thing, my iPod Touch 4G is too small for Internet surfing but portability wise and ideal for music listening.

I also thought of getting a Nexus 7 but it has no 3G capability since I use 3G sim for Internet browsing and I'm using my HTC Flyer as a hotspot. So for my next gadget, the iPad mini would be the best for my needs to change OS platform for portable internet applications.

The SRP everywhere is around 18k.

Price check in pesos Php:

15,990 = Apple ph
15,500 = CMK Cellphone
18,400 = Widget City
19,400 = DB Gadgets
18,800 = Kim Store
17,980 = Hot Gadgets
19,800 = PC Express

I'm only interested in the base model so what you see above are the 16gb wifi

<click here for link> Demo by Verge
<click here for link> Hands on by AnandTech




*photo credits to farleyo of TPC

SM Value Pack : Deadly Combinations

I really do not know what possessed SM to give their customers a very disturbing "value pack" promo this Christmas season. But the pictures spreading around social media must really be true coz I've seen many other combinations or "value packs" at one of their branches.

Please see below for the actual commentaries about the SM "value f**ks":

Halulululululululu! Magpapasko na! Nu nang ganap mga te? Fruit salad kamo? Go for the value f**k pag dumaan sa SM ng juvekz na si Henry Sy. Fruitcocktail + Baygon! Fruitcockroach! Nomnomnom! Nakaka-repel rin kaya to ng uod at langgam kapag na-tigs na tayey at borlog na borlog na sa sementeryo? Ang powerful ng combination. 'Paka healthy. Paka-tanga. Iba!

[Photo courtesy of Carl Marc Ramota]

Carla Sta. Cruz Creations : Guaranteed 100% Genuine Leather Bags

There's this cool bag designer, and she really impressed us with her fabulous bag designs. She had an exhibit a few days ago at the Shangri-La Place and we were able to personally see and appreciate her stylish and sophisticated bags that's guaranteed 100% genuine Italian leather.

Her name is Carla  Sta. Cruz, and she calls herself a Leather Artisan and Designer with offices in New York and Manila.

Check more of her at http://www.carlastacruz.com

Cucina Andare: Part 2 of Great Food Choices During Weekends!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I have to share the other food choices that I failed to mention on my first blog about Cucina Andare (with an exclamation point). This weekend food market (actually being sold as a food truck market but there are still many stalls inside not housed in a truck) has terrific food vendors with products of great potential to become big and famous if given the right exposure and opportunity to fame...and eventual fortune!

I know there are plenty of them out there worthy of a mention so please forgive me if I again miss out on you.  Just post a comment for its either I forgot to take a photo of your stall or the photo came out all blurry (or I just didn't really liked your food at all).

But I have to say, your visit to the Cucina Andare food truck market won't be a disappointment. It's worth your time and money!