This review is based on the 5.42 firmware. The AMP3 and PAA-1 earphones have been burned in for over 600 hours, and are tested with 320 kbps mp3 files ripped with LAME 3.98r. Some of the music used to listen were various male and female RnB artists, jazz vocalists, classical, big band, and electronica.

Music player comparisons

The first test was a comparison between the AMP3, Gateway M-6864 Laptop headphone out, and Samsung P2. Headphones used were the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Studio Monitor.

Treble, midrange, and bass

The AMP3 had a very crisp and forward treble with a slight sparkle. High hats and cymbals sounded very forward and clear and got slightly fatiguing after long listening. The laptop had a much more recessed treble and sounded laid back. This gives for a more relaxed listening that was not as fatiguing. The P2 sounded forward without the sparkle, due to the slight echo effect.

The AMP3 had a more laid back midrange compared to the laptop, with vocals sounding more veiled than clear with the laptop. I preferred the laptop in this context, as I prefer my vocals to be more forward. The midrange on the P2 was even more laid back than the AMP3, but not enough to feel as though the vocalists were very far away. In terms of midrange, the laptop definitely wins.

The bass on the AMP3 was very clean and tight. However, the laptop’s bass sounded the cleanest, with the AMP3 being slightly muddier, and the P2 being the muddiest. The bass on the P2 was also slightly recessed compared to the other two, and would probably need the equalizer to even it out.

Soundstage, imaging, and instrument separation

The AMP3 has the smallest soundstage of the three, but the difference is very minimal. The P2 appeared to have the most open soundstage due to its echo effect which made instruments and vocals sound airy and open.

In terms of imaging, the laptop had the largest horizontal imaging, which makes for a very immersive experience for the listener. The AMP3 and the P2 both had less horizontal imaging, but the P2 had very good depth perception due to the echo. However, it sometimes affects the listening quality as it tends add echo where the sound was supposed to be crisp, making the P2 not ideal for listeners who want an accurate representation of music.

The AMP3 shines when it comes to music details and instrument separation. When listening to various classical recordings, I heard details that I never noticed before, and could easily tell where each instrument was. Listening on the laptop or the P2 could not replicate this, the instruments sounded more mashed up and it was hard to discern an oboe from a flute in complex passages, but with the AMP3, the difference was very noticeable.

Earphones comparisons

The second test was a comparison between the PAA-1 included earphones, Samsung stock earphones, and Apple iPod stock earphones using the AMP3.

Treble, midrange, and bass

The PAA-1 was very forward and bright in terms of midrange and highs, with the music sounding like it was right in front of you. The Samsung and Apple were still forward sounding, but not as much as the PAA-1. The Samsung buds seemed to have recessed highs and mids. The PAA-1 had a very clean bass range with enough punch without sounding too muddy or boomy. There is a slight bass rolloff, but this is expected with a small open earbud design. The Samsung buds were very over-emphasized in terms of bass, which sounded slightly distorted and muddy. This overwhelms the low-midrange and shrouds vocals, making for a very fun listening experience but I prefer a clearer midrange so I can hear vocals better. The Apple buds had a nice controlled and punchy bass, but not as clean as the PAA-1 or as strong as the Samsung buds. The Apple buds seemed to have the most bass and treble rolloff compared to the rest.

Soundstage, imaging, and instrument separation

The PAA-1 has the largest soundstage compared to the others. It seems as though Hisoundaudio designed the PAA-1 to complement the already detailed sounding AMP3 to bring out a good listening experience. In terms of imaging, all of the earphones lose to more expensive earphones and in-ear monitors, as they are very simple earphones designed for casual listening. In terms of instrument separation and detail, the PAA-1 comes out on top to bring a very immersive listening experience compared to the Samsung or Apple buds. The PAA-1 earphones are definitely not just stock earphones that need immediately need replacement with something better, the AMP3 customer will be pleased with the performance of the PAA-1.

FM Radio Tuner

Using the AMP3 as an FM radio tuner really impressed me. The sound is crystal clear with very little noise and interference. With the radio stations in Toronto, and I can listen to pop and jazz radio stations with very high clarity. This is definitely one of the best FM tuners I have ever heard, with sound that is just amazing.

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