CanJam Singapore 2023 – The Show Must Go On!

Registration was fuss-free and the event started punctually.
Registration was fuss-free and the event started punctually.

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A detailed look at (and listen to) the newest IEMs and portable sources.

Last year, CanJam Singapore 2022 was a subdued affair. The world was gripped in the throes of Covid. Thankfully, one year later, most countries have “opened up.” Indeed, CanJam Singapore 2023 came at a highly opportune time – the country just downgraded its Covid framework back to normal as of February 13.

Meet Ethan Opolion, the brainchild of CanJam Global!
Meet Ethan Opolion, the brainchild of CanJam Global!

The event occurred at the 5-star Pan Pacific Hotel in the heart of the country’s Central Business District. Many tourist attractions abound, and this area is highly accessible to the country’s excellent public transport system.

Singapore is known as an audiophile mecca because of the vast number of audio retailers dotting the island. Some adventurous folk flew in earlier to explore the eclectic selection of audio shops before the actual CanJam started! I truly hope they had enough money left over for the event itself!

CanJam Singapore 2023 was hosted in one of the ballrooms of this luxury hotel.
CanJam Singapore 2023 was hosted in one of the ballrooms of this luxury hotel.

The exhibition was well-organized, the vendors were well-spaced, and no hiccups were encountered. Despite large crowds, it was orderly, and the waiting time to test out popular gear was acceptable.

This year's CanJam Singapore had more visitors for sure!
This year’s CanJam Singapore had more visitors for sure!

CanJam Singapore featured a wide array of gear, from IEMs to headphones, portable dongles, desktop-grade sources, and accessories.

There was even a booth catering to testing out gaming headsets!
There was even a booth catering to testing out gaming headsets!

Without further ado, here are (in alphabetical order) some of the booths containing new products and prototypes! This is a sneak peek at some of the up-and-coming hype-trains!

Apologies to our headphone aficionados – I’m not really a cans person, so most of the articles will concentrate on smaller gear such as IEMs.
Featuring more than 80 exhibitors, this year's CanJam featured a smorgasbord of mouth-watering audio delights.
Featuring more than 80 exhibitors, this year’s CanJam featured a smorgasbord of mouth-watering audio delights.

Aroma Audio

This Hong Kong manufacturer is well known for the summitFI Aroma Jewel; having tested them, I agree the accolades are warranted.

I chanced upon two new models – the Neo and Jam, which are marketed for stage musicians, albeit the company says they have a place for general music appreciation.

The Neo are a 1 BA + 1 DD hybrid retailing at USD$418. These are neutral, with a clean signature, and above average technicalities.
The Neo are a 1 BA + 1 DD hybrid retailing at USD$418. These are neutral, with a clean signature and above-average technicalities.

The Jam are a more expensive brother, with an added BA.

The Jam have better soundstage and improved technical chops, though they bordered on shoutiness.
The Jam have better soundstage and improved technical chops, though they bordered on shoutiness.

I concur that these two siblings are fine options for musicians.

AV One

Legend has it that an audiophile has to sell 64 kidneys just to afford a pair of 64 Audio IEMs. Having tried some of their TOTL IEMs, I actually wouldn’t mind selling a kidney or two to get my paws on one of them!

Over at the AV One section, the 64 Audio booth had a brisk turnaround of visitors. In particular, the recently released U4S were a popular pick for auditions.

The U4S come with four Apex modules to vary the sonics. Technically, these hybrids are no slouch, but when stacked against some of the more expensive 64 Audio brothers, the U4S are notably less resolving.

One can see it as getting four different IEMs with one purchase, in view of the tuning modules modifying the sound signature.
One can see it as getting four different IEMs with one purchase, in view of the tuning modules modifying the sound signature.

The A&ultima SP3000 is considered TOTL, and this CanJam debuted a copper chassis variant of this renowned DAP.

The usual stainless steel version has the Astell&Kern technical house sound with excellent detailing and an expansive soundstage. This new (gold-hued) copper SP3000 is warmer, with a thicker note weight, slightly less resolution, and more silky mids.

The two SP3000 DAPs are priced the same, but they bring different flavors to the table.
The two SP3000 DAPs are priced the same, but they bring different flavors to the table.

The Empire Ears Odyssey IEMs are a collaboration with Astell&Kern.

The Odyssey are so popular that they have been sold out locally! Thankfully, there was a last demo unit available.
The Odyssey are so popular that they have been sold out locally! Thankfully, there was a last demo unit available.

The Odyssey are bassy. Technicalities are okay but not class-leading when compared to similarly-priced big boys. There was also driver flex present, and I wasn’t too impressed on first listen.

ConnectIT

The ConnecIT booth showcased some new Campfire products.

The Supermoon, a custom planar set, feature top-notch technicalities and transients, but the timbre was a bit unnatural.

The Andromeda Emerald Sea have the quintessential green shells of the Andromeda lineage, though they have smaller housings and an updated tuning.

The Emerald Sea’s 6.375Ω impedance may prove challenging for certain sources to drive.
The Emerald Sea’s 6.375Ω impedance may prove challenging for certain sources to drive.

Compared to the predecessor Andromedas, the Emerald Sea are very thickened in the lower midrange, which muddies music. Technically they were up-to-scratch – imaging is a headline – though vocals are pushed behind, and the treble is lackluster. The usual complaint of BA bass found in the previous iterations is still present.

Campfire’s re-envisioning of the Solaris – the Stellar Horizon – use a revamped shell with different internals.

Resolution, bass tightness, clarity, and soundstage are a highlight on the Stellar Horizon, though the upper midrange is a tinge shouty, with some BA timbre.
Resolution, bass tightness, clarity, and soundstage are a highlight on the Stellar Horizon, though the upper midrange is a tinge shouty, with some BA timbre.

The Trifecta have iffy fit, horrendous driver flex, and sub-par technicalities. I laud Campfire for trying to chase a more adventurous tuning choice with something more bassy than a “reference” sound. However, the execution is poor, with mid-bass bleed and a wonky tonal balance marring the Trifecta’s soundscape.

The 3 DD Trifecta are a big downer. The USD$3K asking price is very optimistic, to say the least.
The 3 DD Trifecta are a big downer. The USD$3K asking price is very optimistic, to say the least.

Elysian Acoustic Labs

The Elysian booth had reprises of the critically-acclaimed Annihilator and Diva, showcasing 2023 variations with the same namesake. These updated models have cosmetic and internal wiring differences, but the tuning is generally untouched.

The Annihilator 2023 are a technical mild V-shaped behemoth, with great clarity and transparency.

Annihilator seems to be a good agnomen, as these IEMs kill most of the opposition when it comes to technical adroitness. However, they are a tinge strident in the treble.
Annihilator seems to be a good agnomen, as these IEMs kill most of the opposition when it comes to technical adroitness. However, they are a tinge strident in the treble.

The Diva 2023 are just a step behind in technical chops, though they are a bit less in-your-face.

The Diva 2023 are not bad!
The Diva 2023 are not bad!

The Gaea are a collaboration with cable maker Effect Audio.

The Gaea are sub-bass focused, and are technically decent, though I found them shouty.
The Gaea are sub-bass focused and are technically decent, though I found them shouty.

Empire Ears

The Empire Ears Raven employ five BAs, four ESTs, and a bone conduction driver.

The Raven's official tuning may not be tied-up yet. This prototype comes across as too bassy, with this region encroaching into the other frequencies, thus adding a veil to the music. Driver flex was sadly present too.
The Raven’s official tuning may not be tied-up yet. This prototype comes across as too bassy, with this region encroaching into the other frequencies, thus adding a veil to the music. Driver flex was sadly present too.

The bone conduction tech seems to be no gimmick, as the Raven have a visceral sub-bass rumble!

Fatfreq

Meet the Fatfreq team. This local Singaporean manufacturer is known for their bass-cannon house sound.
Meet the Fatfreq team. This local Singaporean manufacturer is known for their bass-cannon house sound.

The Fatfreq Maestro SE are surely one for bassheads.

Despite the copious bass, this frequency band is implausibly controlled without impinging much on the midrange – this is a really tough line to balance!

The Maestro SE are fun with bombastic bass, yet technical.
The Maestro SE are fun with bombastic bass, yet technical.

The big kahuna, the flagship Grand Maestro, are an upgrade over the Maestro SE. They feature switches to activate vocal and stock modes. In stock form, they are a laid-back L-shaped pair with a huge yet agile bass.

I found the Grand Maestro's vocal mode a bit too forwards in the upper midrange.
I found the Grand Maestro’s vocal mode a bit too forwards in the upper midrange.

Fatfreq showcased a sequel to the beloved Maestro Mini, christened the Scarlet Mini. The final tuning is not confirmed, but the latter came about due to user feedback requesting more bass.

Cloaked in a striking red enclosure, the Scarlet Mini have over zealous bass, and it bleeds into the midrange and obscures details.
Cloaked in a striking red enclosure, the Scarlet Mini have overzealous bass, which bleeds into the midrange and obscures details.

If Fatfreq could find a midpoint in bass quantity between the Scarlet and the Maestro Mini, that would be the bee’s knees!

InEar

InEar is a German manufacturer renowned for the StageDiver, ProPhile 8, and ProMission X series.

Two newer models designed for gaming were displayed.

The Black Bronze are a neutral dual BA set with good technicalities and fast bass.
The Black Bronze are a neutral dual BA set with good technicalities and fast bass.

The higher-end Black Moon are thicker in note weight with a more laid-back tuning.

The Black Moon’s shells glow in the dark, isn't that cool?
The Black Moon’s shells glow in the dark, isn’t that cool?

Even though the Black Bronze and Black Moon are meant for the gaming crowd, they are fine specimens for music appreciation and critical listening!

Jaben

Jaben’s stall flaunted a myriad of popular models, such as the Softears Twilight and Studio 4.

The Twilight are one of the most resolving single DDs I’ve tried in my IEM journey, though I found them fatiguing.
The Twilight are one of the most resolving single DDs I’ve tried in my IEM journey, though I found them fatiguing.

The Studio 4, as per their namesake, have 4 BAs per side and are designed for professional audio work.

The Studio 4 are balanced and technically sufficient for their purpose as audio tools, though BA timbre is present.
The Studio 4 are balanced and technically sufficient for their purpose as audio tools, though BA timbre is present.

The Fir Audio Radon 6 were one of the more requested models for testing at the Jaben section. These are the company’s 5th-anniversary model, and only 300 units are available worldwide.

The Radon 6 are extremely resolving, with top-notch technicalities, though treble-sensitive folk might find them too bright.
The Radon 6 are extremely resolving, with top-notch technicalities, though treble-sensitive folk might find them too bright.

The Radon 6 are compatible with Fir Audio’s ATOM venting modular system, which changes air pressure and bass quantity. Thus, the Radon 6 can be tuned with four modules, providing a palette of different nuances to the sonics.

Jomo

The limited edition Jomo Alpha TI are truly exclusive – only 39 units will be sold worldwide. Sporting a diverse configuration of Knowles BAs, 2 DDs, and a piezoelectric tweeter, the Alpha TI are tonally balanced with exemplary technicalities.

The Alpha TI's USD$4000 price tag is eye watering, but you could be one of only 39 owners in the whole world!
The Alpha TI’s USD$4000 price tag is eye-watering, but you could be one of only 39 owners in the world!

Linsoul

The Linsoul booth was constantly packed.

Meet Ray, the experienced boss of 7Hz Audio!
Meet Ray, the experienced boss of 7Hz Audio!

The 7Hz Legato can literally rattle the jaw with gigantic bass reverberation!

While they aren’t a technical tour de force, bassheads will definitely have a field day. The Legato are perfect for bass-forward genres such as hip hop and EDM.

In a sea of hackneyed Harman fare, there’s definitely demand for the unique basshead Legato.
In a sea of hackneyed Harman fare, there’s definitely demand for the unique basshead Legato.

A well-known recommendation for budget connoisseurs, the neutral bright 7Hz Salnotes Zero have a legitimately superb price-to-performance ratio.

Nowadays, it is truly amazing what sub-USD$20 can provide in terms of sonic fidelity.

An orange variant of the Zero were displayed; these have the same internals and tuning, just with a psychedelic hue!
An orange variant of the Zero were displayed; these have the same internals and tuning, just with a psychedelic hue!

The Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite are an 8 BA set, espousing an agreeable neutral-warm tonality with good technicalities.

I really like the Orchestra Lite, they are an almost complete package for a MidFI multi-driver pair. There are just nitpicks of a metallic timbre and BA bass.
I really like the Orchestra Lite; they are an almost complete package for a MidFI multi-driver pair. There are just nitpicks of a metallic timbre and BA bass.

Noble

The Viking Ragnar are a bright U-shaped pair with good sub-bass extension.

The Ragnar Viking have remarkable technical performance, and are very clean sounding, though driver flex rears its ugly head.
The Ragnar Viking have remarkable technical performance and are very clean sounding, though driver flex rears its ugly head.

The Ronin are a smooth neutral monitor-type transducer with first-rate technical chops.

The Ronin are one of my favorites of the entire show.
The Ronin are one of my favorites of the entire show.

Pislo

Astonishingly, flatheads made an appearance!

Earbuds – AKA flatheads – have a cult following; they are neglected orphans overshadowed by more mainstream IEMs and headphones. In essence, earbuds are closer to open-backed headphones than IEMs, providing a spacious soundstage at the expense of isolation.

Pislo is so niche, that this company is unknown outside of China. It does not even have its own webpage!
Pislo is so niche that this company is unknown outside of China. It does not even have a webpage!
I was shocked to see an entire booth at CanJam selling flatheads!

Pislo brought three earbuds to the show. Granted, a showroom floor may not be the best place to audition something with negligible isolation, but I easily spent an hour at this booth!

The PXVV are Pislo’s entry-level earbuds, fashioned from wooden shells. While 99% of earbuds contain cheaper DDs, these puppies accommodate a full-range piezoelectric driver, which is extremely rare for a flathead. Costing USD$674, they also come packaged with a DSP dongle.

In stock form, the PXVV are midcentric. With the DSP dongle applied, the soundstage literally becomes holographic!
In stock form, the PXVV are mid-centric. With the DSP dongle applied, the soundstage literally becomes holographic!

Pislo’s flagship, the PXTI, also house piezoelectric drivers and are a PXVV on steroids.

The PXTI cost a sobering USD$1699, but they are more technical than the PXVV!
The PXTI cost a sobering USD$1699, but they are more technical than the PXVV!

The company intends to release the Totem, a USD$400 pair of earbuds with traditional DDs, in the latter half of 2023.

Unfortunately, the Totem sample did not have drivers, so I couldn't get ear-time with them.
Unfortunately, the Totem sample did not have drivers, so I couldn’t get ear-time with them.

Project Perfection

The Project Perfection booth was another hot-spot at CanJam Singapore. No pun intended, the DITA Perpetua were one of the more perpetually auditioned pairs.

One wouldn't think that the single driver Perpetua can produce such competent technicalities. With neutral bass and an upper mid roll-off, there are some treble peaks, but the overall tuning is quite coherent.
One wouldn’t think that the single driver Perpetua can produce such competent technicalities. With neutral bass and an upper midrange roll-off, there are some treble peaks, but the overall tuning is quite coherent.

A prototype of DITA’s upcoming dongle DAC/amp was also making its rounds. Dubbed the Navigator, it has a 4.4mm (balanced) and 3.5mm (single-ended) output and contains an ESS chip.

This dongle has a cheeky retractable stand to let users place a phone or DAP on it while listening.
This dongle has a cheeky retractable stand to let users place a phone or DAP on it while listening.

The Navigator is neutral and powerful; its estimated price is about USD$200.

While no specs were published at the show, I was pleasantly surprised that the Navigator could drive the Final E5000 IEMs, which have a notoriously low sensitivity.
While no specs were published at the show, I was pleasantly surprised that the Navigator could drive the Final E5000 IEMs, which have a notoriously low sensitivity.

The Final Audio counter was also incessantly thronged with crowds. Other than a spread of Final’s well-regarded gear, there was a Getcha raffle that drew many curious audiophiles.

For SGD$10, attendees could try their luck at a sure-win machine!
For SGD$10, attendees could try their luck at a sure-win machine!
There were a host of Final IEMs up for grabs as a prize, and even the consolation prize turned out to be 5 pairs of Final Audio E tips in never before seen colors!
Considering these tips retail for around USD$15 for 3 pairs, everyone is a winner for the SGD$10 entrance fee! These special colored Final E tips cannot be bought elsewhere!
Considering these tips retail for around USD$15 for 3 pairs, everyone is a winner for the SGD$10 entrance fee! These special colored Final E tips cannot be bought elsewhere!

These tips are highly sought by audiophiles for taming treble, and some of these latest tips even glow in the dark!

Meet the friendly Final Audio reps that flew in specially from Japan!
Meet the friendly Final Audio reps that flew in from Japan!

Have you ever wanted to tinker and tune your own IEM? The Final Make 4 can let you do that, with nearly endless possibilities.

Sporting a single DD with a 2-pin bullet shaped design, the Make 4 are quite ergonomic.
Sporting a single DD with a 2-pin bullet-shaped design, the Make 4 are quite ergonomic.

In stock form, the Make 4 have a warm and pleasant Harman profile with a wide soundstage.

Beyond the stock tuning, these bad boys have 3000 (yes, you read that correctly) permutations in the tuning via rear and front nozzles (adjusted via variations in the screw depth), dampers at the vents, and different placement of the driver and chambers.

It is no exaggeration to call the Final Make 4 a mind-boggling Final Fantasy for DIYers!

A whole assortment of tools come with the Make 4, to tune these IEMs to your heart's content.
A whole assortment of tools come with the Make 4, to tune these IEMs to your heart’s content.

Sadly, the Final reps report that only limited quantities of the Make 4 will be produced worldwide.

Interested readers can check out the Make 4 site (https://final-inc.com/products/make4-jp) on how to tune them.
Interested readers can check out the Make 4 site (https://final-inc.com/products/make4-jp) on how to tune them.

Moving on to another recent Final release, I put the A5000 through their paces. They are V-shaped and hard to drive, with a 100dB/mW sensitivity.

Honestly, I found the A5000 meh. Soundstage and techicalities were average, with blunted note edges.
Honestly, I found the A5000 meh. The soundstage and technicalities were average, with blunted note edges.

The ZE8000 are one of the more impressive pairs of TWS IEMs I’ve come across.

The ZE8000 are warm and full-sounding, with more than decent technicalities. Bluetooth connection is very stable too.
The ZE8000 are warm and full-sounding, with more than decent technicalities. Bluetooth connection is very stable too.

The Melodic Artification Eclipse are a USD$1400 dual DD prototype; these were placed at the Project Perfection kiosk for user feedback.

My 2 cents are that the Eclipse are underwhelming. The bass smears and isn't tight, with sub-par technical performance.
My 2 cents are that the Eclipse are underwhelming. The bass smears and isn’t tight, with sub-par technical performance.

QDC

QDC are famous for technical titans, the V14 and Anole VX. Their latest QDC Folk are a neutral set with a to-die-for midrange.

The Folk are wonderful stage monitors.
The Folk are wonderful stage monitors.

The Tiger are a safely-tuned U-shaped hybrid with a sub-bass focus.

Protective stickers were still in-place so as to prevent scratches on the beautiful QDC Tiger.
Protective stickers were still in place to prevent scratches on the beautiful QDC Tiger.

Sam Audio

The Sam Audio booth featured sources from Burson, Topping, and SMSL. There were ChiFI IEMs from the usual suspects, such as Moondrop, Tanchjim, DUNU, and TinHIFI.

Ben (in centre) is the amiable and knowledgeable boss of Sam Audio.
Ben (center) is the amiable and knowledgeable boss of Sam Audio.

There were prototypes for the upcoming Tanchjim Kara and Space Lite (the latter is a DAC/Amp dongle).

The Kara are a smooth mid-centric hybrid, though the final tuning is not finalized. They have great technical chops, and vocals are very addictive.

“Soothing” is the keyword to describe the Kara.

The Kara have a transparent shell where one can visualize the drivers in all their glory.
The Kara have a transparent shell to visualize the drivers in all their glory.

Crinacle’s Project Red are a sub-bass focused dual DD set with average technicalities. The eventual tuning is up in the air, but from what I hear, there’s a big mid-bass scoop, so these IEMs may not suit bass-forward genres like EDM and hip hop.

Bassheads need not worry, as there may be an impedance adapter included in the packaging, which can boost bass.
Bassheads need not worry, as there may be an impedance adapter included in the packaging, which can boost bass.

A Singapore exclusive, the TinHIFI Terra, are sonically and internally identical to the original T3 Plus. They have a different faceplate with a customized Singapore waifu on the packaging!

Take that you Moondrop and Tanchjim waifus!
Take that you Moondrop and Tanchjim waifus!

Sennheiser

The Sennheiser IE200 eschew the mid-bass boosted, veiled Sennheiser signature for a more balanced and clean sound. They scale with amplification, and the timbre is quite organic.

Overall, I found the IE200 to be nothing special. The treble is grainy with a lack of excitement, and technicalities are bang average.

The IE200’s recessed MMCX port makes it difficult to pair aftermarket cables. The stock cable also isn’t the best.
The IE200’s recessed MMCX port makes it difficult to pair aftermarket cables. The stock cable also isn’t the best.

Subtonic

Singaporean brand Subtonic has drawn much interest with the Storm IEMs. I hear the Storm as neutral with a sub-bass boost. Bass is fast and clean, the technicalities are exceptional, and they are absolutely well-tuned.

The Storm are undoubtedly of the best IEMs I’ve had the pleasure to listen to, though the price tag is sadly prohibitive.
The Storm are undoubtedly of the best IEMs I’ve had the pleasure to listen to, though the price tag is sadly prohibitive.

Symphonium

Another Singaporean brand, Symphonium, has rave reviews for the Triton and Helios IEMs. Indeed, I’ve auditioned those two pairs before, and they are pretty outstanding.

The Meteor are a 4 BA set that are L-shaped. Technicalities are quite good (other than an intimate soundstage), with an agile bass presentation.

I was amazed that despite not having a vent, the Meteor's sub-bass extends and rumbles very well, and almost sounds like a DD bass!
I was amazed that despite not having a vent, the Meteor’s sub-bass extends and rumbles very well, and almost sounds like a DD bass!

Unique Melody

The Unique Melody MEST MK2 are one of the best-regarded IEMs in audiophile ranking lists and for a good reason.

Their planned sequel, the MEST MK3, have good coherence with first-rate technical prowess. They are a worthy successor to the MK2, as the MK3 are even more technical!

Unfortunately, I encountered bad driver flex on the MK3, though this might be mitigated with tip-rolling.
Unfortunately, I encountered bad driver flex on the MK3, though this might be mitigated with tip-rolling.

Vision Ears

Vision Ears needs no introduction, and this brand is one of the big boys at the SummitFI peak. The company intends to launch a 10th-anniversary model this August called the VEX. Consumer feedback was garnered at recent CanJams regarding two different tunings the company has in mind.

The different tunings were covered with red and blue foil.

For this CanJam, most listeners felt that the red pair were more relaxed and less dynamic, compared to the blue pair, which were bassier and more “fun” sounding.
For this CanJam, most listeners felt that the red pair were more relaxed and less dynamic compared to the blue pair, which are bassier and more “fun” sounding.

Wired For Sound

At the Wired For Sound table, the Acoustune HS2000MX MK2 made an appearance. They are the successor of the original MK1, with a beryllium driver.

The HS2000MX MK2 are marketed as the world’s first IEMs with replaceable acoustic chambers!
In stock tuning, the HS2000MX MK2 sound mildly V-shaped, with brilliant technicalities and crisp transients. The other four modules are sold separately, and they change the FR when installed.
In stock tuning, the HS2000MX MK2 sound mildly V-shaped, with brilliant technicalities and crisp transients. The other four modules are sold separately, and they change the FR when installed.

There are five different acoustic chambers to play with:

  • Stainless steel + birch wood module
  • Brasa wood module
  • Aluminum module
  • Brass module
  • Copper module (stock)
Swapping out these interchangeable chambers is as easy as taking out a holding pin and removing a cover.
Swapping out these interchangeable chambers is as easy as taking out a holding pin and removing a cover.

A local Singaporean brand, KITO, was also present at this booth. KITO makes its own bespoke earpads from protein leather, lambskin, and velour.

KITO's pads are estimated to cover more than 300 popular headphone models, with some sounding very close to the stock pads, while others are a bit more colored in terms of sound.
KITO’s pads are estimated to cover more than 300 popular headphone models, with some sounding very close to the stock pads, while others are a bit more colored in terms of sound.

Zeppelin and Co

Last but not least, I paid a visit to Zeppelin and Co’s vast array of berths, with the company covering a large multitude of brands.

The PlusSound Allegro are a balanced yet detailed pair with an expansive soundstage.

Unfortunately, the Allegro's shells are mammoth, with driver flex in abundance. I could not get an optimal fit with them.
Unfortunately, the Allegro’s shells are mammoth, with driver flex in abundance. I could not get an optimal fit with them.

Various AAW prototypes were displayed and planned for release in the coming months.

The AXH+ are decent enough in technicalities, though they were a bit shouty with some mid-bass bleed.
The AXH+ are decent enough in technicalities, though they were a bit shouty with some mid-bass bleed.

The ASH+ are a sequel to the original ASH.

The ASH+ are a 9 driver colossus that are tuned safe and bassy. Comfort was surprisingly agreeable despite the large housings.
The ASH+ are a 9-driver colossus that are tuned safe and bassy. Comfort was surprisingly agreeable despite the large housings.

There were two Canary Pro specimens with different tunings. The AAW rep wanted to obtain critique from respondents. Variant A have class-leading technicalities with a “reference’ tuning, and this was preferred by most of the floor (including myself). Variant B were more “fun” but not as technical, and the latter weren’t as fancied.

The Canary Pro contain 21 BAs on each side!
The Canary Pro contain 21 BAs on each side!

The PW Audio Biscuit are a 6 mm single DD pair retailing at USD$748. I found them overpriced, as although the tuning was quite safe, with reasonable technicalities, the soundstage was intimate with poor bass texturing.

Interestingly, the Biscuit have their logo painted as though it is causing double-vision.
Interestingly, the Biscuit have their logo painted as though it is causing double-vision.

The newly released Cayin N7 DAP features a musical yet resolving sound with outstanding technicalities. Imaging and soundstage stand-out in particular – the N7 truly gives an expansive stage that surrounds the ears. Additionally, the timbre is exceptionally organic.

Sadly, battery life is advertised to hit only about 8 hours with the N7's balanced output, which is a deal-breaker for me.
Sadly, battery life is advertised to hit only about 8 hours with the N7’s balanced output, which is a deal-breaker for me.

The Hiby R6 Pro II DAP is very snappy, featuring superb technicalities with a neutral soundscape.

The R6 Pro II incorporates flagship AK4191EQ DSP and dual AK4499EXEQ DACs via a Class A balanced amp.
The R6 Pro II incorporates flagship AK4191EQ DSP and dual AK4499EXEQ DACs via a Class A balanced amp.

The Hiby Zeta are a mild V-shaped pair with above-average technicalities and good clarity.

Alas, I found the Zeta too shouty at the lower treble region, with some mid-bass bleed muddying the lower midrange too.
Alas, I found the Zeta too shouty at the lower treble region, with some mid-bass bleed muddying the lower midrange too.

I grew up loving Sony’s warm and buttery smooth house sound and was happy as a lark to test out Sony’s new DAPs, namely, the budget NW-A306 and the midrange NW-ZX707.

The NW-A306 is a spiritual successor to the nostalgic NW-A55. It is sleek and light, and very portable.

My main beef with the NW-A306 is that it lacks power, with a sluggish UI. However, the battery life of 32 hours offsets these cons somewhat.
My main beef with the NW-A306 is that it lacks power with a sluggish UI. However, the battery life of 32 hours offsets these cons somewhat.

Caveat Emptor! The NW-ZX707 DAP is volume-locked, with no high gain option available for Singapore, EU, US and Canadian versions!

The NW-ZX707 needed to hit volume level 90 for some easy-to-drive IEMs I paired it with, and this DAP would surely fail at driving high impedance/low sensitivity transducers.
The NW-ZX707 needed to hit volume level 90 for some easy-to-drive IEMs I paired it with, and this DAP would surely fail at driving high impedance/low sensitivity transducers.

Singapore has no volume regulations, so I’m not sure why Sony imposed a volume cap on this DAP – it is literally not usable beyond easy-to-drive gear. On forums, it seems some die-hard Sony fans have resorted to importing international versions at additional cost to bypass this volume-lock conundrum.

I previously tested the higher-end WM1AM2 and WM1ZM2, but my other half wouldn’t let me buy those (haha, some battles cannot be won). Well, temptation calls like a siren, and there’s no harm in taking a small listen to them at CanJam, right?

These TOTL DAPs are successors to the first editions of the original WM1A and WM1Z respectively, with the WM1ZM2 boasting greater soundstage, technicalities, and dynamics than the still excellent WM1AM2.

These world-class DAPs are heavy and large, but the ears can’t unhear hearing such audio nirvana! Thankfully, they are not volume-locked too!
These world-class DAPs are heavy and large, but the ears can’t unhear such audio nirvana! Thankfully, they are not volume-locked too!

Argg, my ears have been spoiled after hearing the W1MZM2, and it seems the humble DAPs in my home can’t measure up to it! I still dream about the W1MZM2 every night (sigh).

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Conclusion

CanJam Singapore 2023 was a well-attended and successful event, with hordes rushing into a frenzied rabbit hole of audio toys. Many up-and-coming gems and delightful tastes of audio pearls are on the horizon.

Undoubtedly, many audiophiles temporarily scratched their Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) itch during this convention. There will surely be gnashing of teeth, though, once the CanJam visitors return home, only for their significant others to discover how much money was burned on their new shinies.

I’m joking! This event is priceless, and it was great catching up with friends and fellow audiophiles. Wherever we are in the world, we are all united with our love for music and gear!

Regrettably, all good things come to an end, and CanJam Singapore came to a satisfying close.
Regrettably, all good things end, and CanJam Singapore came to a satisfying close.

Until the next CanJam, take care and enjoy the music!

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