Random "Artwork" - Value

Well, I did this piece of work by blending a few images together. It's not very well done, I was just experimenting and trying to do something to express...


Whether you get the meaning of this piece is not important. I'm just trying to let something out. The images I use were mostly not my own too.

Anyway, some may find this one "very dark" or eerie but actually, I prefers this kind of "theme" although I've been better and doing more "cute" stuffs.

I feel sometimes, if the subject is ugly then it should be shown in a way that "amplifies" the ugliness "in your face". Some things aren't nice but yet you shouldn't just ignore them.

Well, I've ranted enough. That's all :)

XU09 Hifi Headphone Amplifier Review

 

I recently got the Xu09 Hifi Headphone Amplifier from Lazada for SG$25, shipping is free.  It's a very basic amplifier that is pretty decent, doing what I expect it to.

I had wanted to get an amplifier for my desktop, since the maximum volume is so low. Then, I thought it'll be cool if I could use it with my phone as well. (Since I listen to music on it quite a lot), so I went for a portable one.

Packaging

The packaging is pretty bleh and looks cheap. I know the packaging have got nothing to do with the performance but since I do consider the unboxing experience, it counts.

Here is what is included in the box:

- 3.5mm to 3.5mm male to male cable 

- micro USB cable for charging

- XU09 Hifi Headphone Amplifier 

The specification of the amplifier.

Quick observation: It's height is about 2/3 of iPhone 7 plus. Width, is about 4/5 of iPhone 7 plus.

The Design and Build

The design of the amplifier is very simple and looks almost as cheap as its packaging. But at least the casing is solid metal (Aluminum I would guess). The sides and joints are nicely aligned and it's quite lightweight. The cables provided are quite long (at least 30-40cm), long enough for most use. But if you want to connect it from your CPU that is say under your desk, then you might need an extension.

I love the design of the "large" volume knob, I just have this thing that I want to turn it! LOL. But then the knob is pretty loose, so beware of accidental swipe, turning the volume up! (And yes, the max volume could make your ears hurt!)

 Yes, you didn't see wrongly, it does saying "Gharging"... -_-

Light indicator to show the amplifier is on. There is another light indicator at the back (at the charging port area) which will change according to the charging status.

Experience with the Product

Well, I only have this baby for a few days. I've tested it on my desktop running a cheap external sound card adaptor, Orico SC1. The sound card does nothing other than add a volume control, it does nothing to improve the sound quality in anyway nor does it boost the volume. 

The first thing I did was to check if the XU09 could increase the maximum volume of the output and it did! And it increases it by quite a lot. But my speakers were really average, turning up the volume leads to quite some distortions!

A pity I couldn't test out the real power of the amplifier. I usually just leave it at around 4-5.

I've also used it with my iPhone 7 plus with that STUPID lightning to 3.5mm adaptor which is so prone to intermittent or just simply not work at times. (I'll post about this in another post) But to be fair, I feel the 7 has slightly better music quality than the 6. Give and take, I guess.

Anyway, after a few, removing and replugging, I was able to get the amp to work with the iPhone. And then I realise ... I actually don't really need the amplifier for my phone ... I usually just leave the volume at about 40-60%. 

 Uh-oh...

The amplifier works well without statics even when charging. I've tried charging it and listening to music (both on iPhone and desktop) and there is no statics noise.

Battery life wise, it's as advertised, able to last around 8 hours, maybe a little more but definitely not more than 8.5 hours.

Charging time is about 2-3 hours.

After using the XU09 amp, I could tell a slight improvement in the bass and overall sound quality but it's mainly just boosting the volume. Afterall, it's something less than $30.

Overall Score:

 

First Experience buying from Lazada

 

 I recently bought my first purchase on Lazada app on my iPhone, and I'm going to share my experience with you guys.

I bought a 6 port charging hub and a USB-C to USB 3.0 adaptor from Wavlink and a headphone amp.

Lazada doesn't give me the option to combine shipment but since shipment for both are free, I don't really care. LOL.

Shipment Fee

It depends, but it ranges from $0 (free) to $6, from my observation. If you get their LiveUp membership for an annual fee. 

Speed of Delivery (5/5)

I paid on the 7th of December (yes, missing the double 12 sales, since I enjoy discount from the shop coupons).

7 Dec: Paid for items.

8 Dec: Packed and sent out.

10 Dec: Arrived at the Logistic facility

11 Dec: Departed from Country of Origin (China)

12 Dec: Arrived in Singapore, then to Local courier.

13 Dec: Received parcel in the morning. (About 9-10am)

I was surprised by the speed of delivery.

Anyway, for my second shipment (for the headphone amp), also from China, has yet to reach me but it has arrived in Singapore already. The delivery is super fast!

Condition of Parcel (4.5/5)

Nicely wrapped and protected, so much so, I've a difficult time opening it. The items are in almost perfect conditions with little dents or squashing.


Partner/Local Courier (4/5)

They engaged with CJ Logistic which I've never heard of. I do like their service, at least from the cheerful and friendly delivery woman. However, I do wish if they do SMS or email to inform ahead. I was a little caught by surprise. Lucky, I haven't leave for breakfast.


Price (3.5/5)

Well, I did checked out a few items (mainly earphones, chargers and cables) and some of them cost about the same or just a few dollars more expensive than Taobao (after you include the shipment fee from China to SG). But of course not all of those items have free delivery, so some of them would cost around $5-6 more than if you buy directly from Taobao.

But to be fair, they cost much cheaper than on Qoo10.

Overall: 4/5.

I've a good experience this time round and I'm looking forward to my headphone amp and of course, shopping on Lazada again.

An Anti Blue light "Challenge" - End

Well, I've to end the challenge today because I've changed my phone and the sales person applied a non-anti blue light screen protector for me. Well, my anti blue light protector was cracked at the top (not on the LCD screen), so out of good will, the sales person changed a new one for my new phone. He only have "normal" tempered glass protectors so he gave me that.

Anyway, well ... the results have been the same ... These anti bluelights screen protector helps a little in blocking out the blue light. I feel my eyes are less dry and I slept slightly better/easier.