Review of the new PaMu Scroll wireless earphones

Recently I had the opportunity to review the new PaMu Scroll wireless earphones which recently . This is the second generation bluetooth earphones from Xiamen Padmate Technology following on the footsteps of their successful Waterproof Wireless Earbuds. The new earphones has already secured more than $600,043 on Indegogo when I last checked - 3000% more than their target of $20,000.

Unboxing and First impressions

I was quite impressed with the design and quality of the box considering that it was a review sample. Most of the time, I often receive these samples wrapped in brown boxes and bubble wrap without a box and sometimes without even any instruction booklet.

In the box were the earphones, the really nice scroll design leather charging/ carry case with magnetic clasp, a wireless charging receiver, a USB cable and as I mentioned before, a user manual.

Using the earphones

There are so many bluetooth earphones in the market and you might be wondering what makes the PaMu Scroll different from the competition. Well, it has several features which makes it stand out from the crowd.

First of all, it is Bluetooth 5.0 with auto pairing, and as mentioned before, with wireless charging, which you can use with a standard Qi wireless charge pad to charge.

Easy pairing - blue lights on the phones indicate that they are paired with your mobile device.

My son loving the earphones. He has got them on wrong - the led lights should be on the top with the mic down but it does not really affect the performance in any way.

 Well, you might argue that these features are now common in so many others as well. Well, other special features include call audio in both ears, as opposed to only one in most bluetooth earphones, touch control and my favourite - it is water resistant (IPX6). Which means that you do not have to worry if you get caught in the rain with the earphones on. I am a bit sceptical about claims manufacturers make and this was one of the first things I tested - to see if the earphones were indeed water resistant. So I put it under my shower for about a minute - put it in my ear and it works.

Also most bluetooth earphones will have an extended arm with the mic near your mouth and I was a bit concerned about the quality of communication. I was pleasantly surprised when I found that the person on the other line could hear me perfectly. Their manual reminds you to wear the earphones with the mic downwards but I did not make any difference in the performance or sound quality if the mics are up as well.

The review earphones came charged and again as I wanted to test out the claims that had a playtime of 3.5 hours. I was quite surprised that the playtime actually lasted slightly more than 3.5 hours on a full charge. Not as much as the 5 hours on the Apple Airpods but much better than other bluetooth earphones in the market.

However, all these features mean nothing if the sound quality is not good, and again I was pleasantly surprised as it was in fact amazing. The bass was really good without any distortion, even when playing  Led Zepplin's Kashmir.

I am not too found of my bluetooth earphones because they are quite heavy and uncomfortable and only on one ear. I only put them on when I need to take a call while driving and I often forget to bring them along. However, the PaMu scroll is really comfortable and fits perfectly in my ear. It is quite light as well at just 5gms, 1.5gms lighter than the PaMu 0.1 earbuds.

About the touch control, which is again one of the unique features of the Pamu Scroll each phone has specific controls. The user manual mentions 'Click' and I was expecting a button but actually all you have to do is tap. While listening to music, you just tap it once to play or pause (on either ear) and tap twice to go forward to the next track (on left ear). To answer calls, you tap once and tap twice to reject a call (on both ear). Also double tap to activate Siri or Google assistant (on Android phones). Had to practise a bit to get used to the tapping controls.

Another thing that sets the phones apart is of course the fantastic looking leather scroll charging/ carry case (and hence I guess the name) which can be a great conversation starter. I have had so many people admiring the case more than the earphones. They have four colours/ designs, namely, Rock 'n' Roll, Graphene, Glory Edition and Sakura (Pink) and I received the Rock 'n' Roll, design which has a dark brown shade. I think they got it wrong on their box as it says Graphene.

After using the earphones for about two weeks now, I would definitely recommend these earphones - they look great, are comfortable with fantastic sound quality and several unique features as highlighted above.

The earphones are now only US $39 on Indegogo with free shipping for the super early birds. There are only 415 pairs left when I last checked so hurry. Here is the link to their Indegogo page: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/pamu-scroll-bt-5-0-earphones-with-wireless-charge#/

Watch my unboxing video:

Armaggeddon Molotov-5 mobile gaming headset reviewed

Updated: 12/05/2017

Singapore based gaming gadget brand Armaggeddon recently launched the Molotov-5 headset. I was delighted to get the opportunity to review a set. See my unboxing post here.

I have been trying it out for a couple of days now and I have I have to say, I am quite impressed.

This headset is compatible with both Android and iPhones and has been clearly designed with the mobile gamer in mind - with strong durable braided nylon cables (1.5m long) protecting the inner wires. The cables are among the most vulnerable parts of a headsets/ earphones and it feels like they have done a great job with the Molotov-5. The headphones can be folded up as well making it easy to carry in your jacket pocket when not in use.

Regarding the audio quality, the Molotov-5 delivers great audio performance with rich bass, surprisingly generated by only 2 40mm audio drivers (Frequency response: 20Hz to 20KHz, Impedence: 320, Sensitivity: 103+- 3Db). It was a bit worried that they would project sound outwards (a problem with the Logitech headphones I normally use) but according to my wife, they were OK.

As for comfort, the headphones are not that chunky and quite light. They don’t clamp down too hard on my ears, unlike a few other affordable headsets I have tried so far. The earpads are comfortable and provide good soundproofing. I was surprised that the headphones did a better job of keeping out external noise as compared to my old Sennheiser HD 558 headphones which covers my ears completely.

Sennheiser HD 558

I love the fact that it comes with an in-line microphone (Frequency response-75Hz-20KHz, Sensitivity:-42+-4dB) with push-to-talk button and not sticking out in front of your face.

Also included with the headsets is an audio splitter so that I can use them with my PC and laptop. It is perfect for my Smule and Skype video conferencing sessions - not necessarily what the guys at Armaggeddon had in mind when they designed the headset. I did not have to raise my voice and could talk normally and according to people I talked to, my voice was clear with no distortions.

The Molotov-5 comes in three different striking colour variations with exciting names - Scarlet Soviets (Red, Alpine Allies (Blue) and Armaggeddon (Yellow). I got the yellow one which is not necessarily my favourite colour and does attract a bit of attention because it stands out from far.

What would I have liked different - not much actually apart from maybe a volume knob, removable cables and maybe bluetooth. Yeah! maybe I am a bit too demanding

I have to admit, I have come to really like the Molotov-5 headset and would recommend it for all audiophiles on the go (not just gamers). It retails for only RM 69.90  on Lazada RM99.90 , which is amazing value for the price. One of the best-sounding headphones in its price range.

Armaggeddon Molotov-5 headset unboxing

I recently received a set of the new Armaggeddon Molotov-5 mobile gaming headset. It was delivered to me in person.

What is in the bag?

I was surprised when I also received a hoodie with my own name on it as well. 

This is the one in the Armaggeddon flag colours - Yellow

With adapter jacks

I would like to thank the guys at Armaggeddon for giving me a chance to review the new gaming headset. Watch out for a review of the headset soon.

Computer speakers for all budgets

Here is my selection of three different computer speakers to suit different budgets. Space or the lack of was my main concern when considering the speakers and so out of my list were all the huge surround sound systems. So here are the three speakers starting with the least expensive.

A. Budget Option: Vinnfier VS200

They are not the cheapest or the smallest in the market but the sound quality was acceptable. All other cheaper speakers I tried were simply not up to the mark.  The two speakers delivers a total of 6W with frequency response between 90Hz – 20KHz and impedance: 4 ohms. Power supply is via a USB cable (5V).

Price: Approx. RM30 (Malaysia)

 B. Mid-range Option: JBL Pebbles

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When you want quality sound, small profile and not break the bank, you have to go for the JBL Pebbles. Mine is the white-orange combination. Despite its small dimensions (13 cm high x 15 cm deep x 7.7 cm wide), the speakers deliver amazing sound - amazing clarity and deep bass.

Not sure about the wattage (no information was provided with the packaging) but the frequency response is between 70Hz – 20kHz with maximum SPL / signal to noise ratio at 89dB@1m. I love the simple integrated rotating volume control on the side of the main speaker. You can connect other devices via the 3.5mm Aux-in Port.

Price: $49.95 (US)/ RM 299.00 (Malaysia)

 B. High-end Option: Harman Kardon NOVA 

If you are an audiophile and have money to spend, this is the option to go for. For it's size, this high-performance stereo speaker system delivers really amazing sound - excellent clarity and rich lows. You can also press the bass button for improved deeper bass.

The transparent futuristic looking speakers include Performance-tuned 2.5” drivers, 1.25” tweeters and passive radiators. Moreover, the speakers allow Bluetooth wireless streaming with NFC compatibility with any device via analog 3.5mm connector and optical inputs.

One of the cool features is the touch sensitive volume control slider on the top of the main speaker. Unfortunately the kids love playing with it.

Specs for the technically minded:
Frequency Response between 70 Hz - 20,00kHz
Impedance: 8 ohms;
Crossover Description: 3.5kHz;
RMS Power Range - Amplifiers: 40 watts

Unlike the two previous speakers, the NOVA requires a connection to a power outlet.

For a change, this is a PC speaker which looks nice and it sounds nice as well.

Price: $299.95 (US)/ RM1199 (Malaysia, best price on Lazada)

Hat with built-in headphones

My beloved Bassbuds earphones has finally reached the end of its life and I was looking for a replacement.

In the meantime, I am using my Senheisers but somehow I don't feel comfortable walking around wearing them. Moreover, as the weather is quite cold, I normally wear a hat and it is really awkward with the huge headphones. Ideally, I would prefer earphones with mics, which I could also use as a hands free kit. 

And I think I might have found the perfect solution - the IHat Music hat. It is a stylish beanie which incorporates removable headphones. 

You can detach the wires if you are not using the headphones.

The speakers 

The hat is really comfortable and the speakers just fit right over my ears. The quality was surprisingly good with very little noise spillage - so you do not annoy your fellow passengers. 

The hat normally costs £19.99 but is now on sale for only £12.99. It would make an ideal Christmas gift. See more affordable stocking fillers from Paramountzone.com

Bang & Olufsen sound purists

Bang & Olufsen speakers are known for their amazing acoustics. This comes from high-tech design and thousands of accurate measurements used to calibrate their speakers. However, according to them,  "accurate measurements alone aren't enough". They employ specialised people to ensure that their speakers have the right tone and detail. Listen to two people who are responsible for acoustic perfection of Bang & Olufsen speakers.

Hottest gadget accessory of 2011 - Beats by Dr. Dre

No! The hottest gadget accessory is not the multicoloured iPad covers or your Wi-Fi signal detecting T-shirt (though I would love to have one).

The hottest gadget accessory this year are the headphones. And I am not referring to just any headphone but Beats by Dr. Dre headphones. I first noticed them in some celeb pictures but now I see them everywhere.

Pic by MB-one (Alexander Kaiser)

I noticed a couple of University students with the headphones hanging around their neck and asked them what they liked about them. Their reply: "They are cool!"

They do look nice but they are definitely not cheap. For example one of the best selling headphones on the Apple store is the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre High Definition Wireless Bluetooth Headphones which costs £249.95. However, according to some of my techie friends, its' just a fashion fad and you can have comparable or better quality headphones for lesser, for example, the Sennheiser MM400 Bluetooth Headset (in comparison to the Beats headphones), only costs £184.95.

Check out the list of the best budget headphones on the Stuff website.

The JBL MS-2 - for a better listening experience

Some great news for audiophiles who love to pump up the volume on their car stereos. The groundbreaking JBL® MS-2 car audio accessory from HARMAN International Industries automatically tunes your car stereo to improve the listening experience from portable music players and smartphones - making it the perfect iPod, iPhone or Android™ smartphone accessory.

Small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and really simple to use, the JBL MS-2 uses digital signal processing to create clearer, more powerful sound from existing speakers in any car or even at home (with a 6-volt DC power supply). Once connected all you have to do is press the Setup button and the JBL MS-2 will automatically tune the tonal balance, bass impact and sonic clarity across a car’s existing speakers.

The JBL MS-2 has a suggested retail price of $239.95 in the US. Not sure how much it will cost here in the UK.