::Disclaimer::
MusicTeck provided the Aroma Audio Jewel on loan for the purpose of this review, for good or ill.
The Jewel sells for around $5,130
MusicTeck.com
Specification:
13 unit 4 frequency division
6 electrostatic units, 6 BA, 1 DD 9.2mm
Headphone unit distribution:
low frequency (1DD),
medium and low frequency (4BA),
medium and high frequency (2BA),
ultra high frequency (6EST)
4 tubes 3d printing production
Impedance: 22Ω@1Khz
Sensitivity: 103db SPL@1mW
Sound insulation effect 26db(CM)
Frequency response: 10-22khz
It occurred to me one grim, cold morning all my audio gear was dreadfully out of date. I stepped away from the audiophile world some years ago, and things did not stand still. The landscape is scarcely recognizable. Which is actually reassuring. It means there is much to learn again.
You see, when I’m into a hobby, I’m all in. I dive headfirst, immersing myself fully. It’s overwhelming, and I thrive on it. But eventually you reach a level of familiarity with all the ideas and techniques, and it gets a little boring. That’s not to say you’re an expert, but you feel competent in the field. When that happens, something in my brain checks out, and I subconsciously drift to other things. I move on to another hobby, one which I’ve been curious about for years, and get to joyously wade into those deep, unknown waters afresh.
When a hobby has its teeth deep enough into my spirit, it will call me back. And the siren song of high-end audio reached my ears, urging, and needful.
I began aggressively researching all that was out there. And just as aggressively, I began upgrading my home audio system. New DAC, new amp, new full-size headphones. Yes, plural.
When it came to my IEMs, however, that required extra consideration. My best set for these many years now were the Empire Ears Legend X. The OG LX. I had no idea the Evo even existed. My upgrade options are absolutely stunning. There are so many new TOTL IEMs on the market. With new ones coming every other week. And a shocking number of them are unbelievably expensive! The full-size headphone market, in comparison, is almost stagnant.
In my research, the Aroma Audio Jewel continually emerged as a MUST HEAR. So I contacted good man Andrew over at MusicTeck, asking to get some time alone with the Jewel, and he was gracious enough to arrange it.
Much thanks and appreciation to Andrew and his team at MusicTeck for making this happen.
