Re: Blaze EZ

[dennis]

yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.

On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they want 
people to be able to scan with it.
The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can use 
blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and love 
it as well.


On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least 
something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio sounds 
very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - that 
function was next to useless a year or so ago.




On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:

well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that. 
the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of 
station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr 
enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that 
the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you 
with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the 
help you were looking for.


On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the 
Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?


Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now 
working?


Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to this 
unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?


Thanks for your help.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:

yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also have 
a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.


On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!

Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a year 
or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines release 
and did intend to get one at the time.


Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro 
the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a 
few other issues.


I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address 
some of the issues raised at the time.


So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the year 
and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks to a 
review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over a year 
ago which is still an interesting read even though it hasn’t been 
updated so that’s where I need your help .


I’ve posted a link to the review below.


http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez-by-jackie-brown/ 
 


**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.






**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest 
of the halfwits in this world behind.








**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest 
of the halfwits in this world behind.

Re: Blaze EZ

[Singing Sparrow]

Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not 
that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words and 
the like.


On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:

yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.

On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they 
want people to be able to scan with it.
The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can 
use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and 
love it as well.


On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least 
something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio 
sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - 
that function was next to useless a year or so ago.




On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:

well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that. 
the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of 
station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr 
enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that 
the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you 
with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the 
help you were looking for.


On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the 
Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?


Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now 
working?


Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to this 
unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?


Thanks for your help.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:

yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also 
have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.


On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!

Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a 
year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines 
release and did intend to get one at the time.


Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro 
the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a 
few other issues.


I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address 
some of the issues raised at the time.


So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the year 
and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks to a 
review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over a year 
ago which is still an interesting read even though it hasn’t 
been updated so that’s where I need your help .


I’ve posted a link to the review below.


http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez-by-jackie-brown/ 
 


**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.






**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.








**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest 
of the halfwits in this world behind.

me too.

[dennis]

On 12/5/2015 6:34 AM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not 
that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words 
and the like.


On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:

yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.

On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they 
want people to be able to scan with it.
The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can 
use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and 
love it as well.


On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least 
something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio 
sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - 
that function was next to useless a year or so ago.




On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:

well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that. 
the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of 
station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr 
enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that 
the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you 
with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the 
help you were looking for.


On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the 
Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?


Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now 
working?


Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to 
this unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?


Thanks for your help.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:

yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also 
have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.


On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!

Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a 
year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines 
release and did intend to get one at the time.


Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro 
the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a 
few other issues.


I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address 
some of the issues raised at the time.


So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the 
year and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks 
to a review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over 
a year ago which is still an interesting read even though it 
hasn’t been updated so that’s where I need your help .


I’ve posted a link to the review below.


http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez-by-jackie-brown/ 
 


**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.






**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.








**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest 
of the halfwits in this world behind.

SV: me too.

[Brian Olesen]

Hi,
Using a handhelled unit for scanning is always a challenge.

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af dennis
Sendt: 5. december 2015 13:43
Til: PC Audio Discussion List
Emne: me too.



On 12/5/2015 6:34 AM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
> Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not 
> that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words 
> and the like.
>
> On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:
>> yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.
>>
>> On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
>>> The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they 
>>> want people to be able to scan with it.
>>> The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can 
>>> use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and 
>>> love it as well.
>>>
>>> On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
 I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least 
 something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio 
 sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - 
 that function was next to useless a year or so ago.


> On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:
>
> well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that. 
> the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of 
> station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr 
> enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that 
> the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you 
> with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the 
> help you were looking for.
>
> On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>> Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the 
>> Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?
>>
>> Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now 
>> working?
>>
>> Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to 
>> this unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?
>>
>> Thanks for your help.
>>
>>
>>> On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:
>>>
>>> yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also 
>>> have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.
>>>
>>> On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
 Hi!

 Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a 
 year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines 
 release and did intend to get one at the time.

 Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro 
 the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a 
 few other issues.

 I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address 
 some of the issues raised at the time.

 So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the 
 year and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks 
 to a review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over 
 a year ago which is still an interesting read even though it 
 hasn’t been updated so that’s where I need your help .

 I’ve posted a link to the review below.


> http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez
> -by-jackie-brown/ 
>  z-by-jackie-brown/>
>
 **
 Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
 rest of the halfwits in this world behind.




>> **
>> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
>> rest of the halfwits in this world behind.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
 **
 Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest 
 of the halfwits in this world behind.





>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>

Re: Blaze EZ

[Dane Trethowan]

Nothing like “Hands-on” feedback.


> On 5 Dec 2015, at 11:34 PM, Singing Sparrow  wrote:
> 
> Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not that 
> good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words and the like.
> 
> On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:
>> yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.
>> 
>> On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
>>> The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they want 
>>> people to be able to scan with it.
>>> The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can use blue 
>>> tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and love it as well.
>>> 
>>> On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
 I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least 
 something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio sounds very 
 nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - that function was 
 next to useless a year or so ago.
 
 
> On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:
> 
> well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that. the 
> web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of station by 
> making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr enough to be able to 
> comment on that either. also i will say that the podcasting function also 
> works quite well. if i can help you with anything else just let me know. 
> i'm sorry if this isn't the help you were looking for.
> 
> On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>> Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the Blaze EZ 
>> uses, has this been corrected?
>> 
>> Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now working?
>> 
>> Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to this unit 
>> or do anything else with the Bluetooth?
>> 
>> Thanks for your help.
>> 
>> 
>>> On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:
>>> 
>>> yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also have a 
>>> booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.
>>> 
>>> On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
 Hi!
 
 Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a year or 
 so ago I myself was very excited about the machines release and did 
 intend to get one at the time.
 
 Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro the 
 first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a few other 
 issues.
 
 I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address some of 
 the issues raised at the time.
 
 So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the year and 
 my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks to a review of 
 the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over a year ago which is 
 still an interesting read even though it hasn’t been updated so that’s 
 where I need your help .
 
 I’ve posted a link to the review below.
 
 
> http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez-by-jackie-brown/
>  
> 
>  
 **
 Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of 
 the halfwits in this world behind.
 
 
 
 
>> **
>> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of 
>> the halfwits in this world behind.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
 **
 Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
 halfwits in this world behind.
 
 
 
 
 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: me too.

[Dane Trethowan]

I know that there is a stand available in the accessories pack for the Blaze EZ 
which I’m sure would help a lot with OCR work.

I’ve been using KNFB Reader for IOS and Android which took a little practise to 
get going so I can see where difficult concerning the Blaze EZ hand held device 
would come into play.


> On 6 Dec 2015, at 1:24 AM, Brian Olesen  wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> Using a handhelled unit for scanning is always a challenge.
> 
> Brian
> 
> -Oprindelig meddelelse-
> Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af dennis
> Sendt: 5. december 2015 13:43
> Til: PC Audio Discussion List
> Emne: me too.
> 
> 
> 
> On 12/5/2015 6:34 AM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
>> Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not 
>> that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words 
>> and the like.
>> 
>> On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:
>>> yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.
>>> 
>>> On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
 The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they 
 want people to be able to scan with it.
 The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can 
 use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and 
 love it as well.
 
 On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
> I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least 
> something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio 
> sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - 
> that function was next to useless a year or so ago.
> 
> 
>> On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:
>> 
>> well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that. 
>> the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of 
>> station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr 
>> enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that 
>> the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you 
>> with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the 
>> help you were looking for.
>> 
>> On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>>> Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the 
>>> Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?
>>> 
>>> Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now 
>>> working?
>>> 
>>> Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to 
>>> this unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?
>>> 
>>> Thanks for your help.
>>> 
>>> 
 On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:
 
 yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also 
 have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.
 
 On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
> Hi!
> 
> Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a 
> year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines 
> release and did intend to get one at the time.
> 
> Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro 
> the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a 
> few other issues.
> 
> I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address 
> some of the issues raised at the time.
> 
> So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the 
> year and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks 
> to a review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over 
> a year ago which is still an interesting read even though it 
> hasn’t been updated so that’s where I need your help .
> 
> I’ve posted a link to the review below.
> 
> 
>> http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez
>> -by-jackie-brown/ 
>> > z-by-jackie-brown/>
>> 
> **
> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
> rest of the halfwits in this world behind.
> 
> 
> 
> 
>>> **
>>> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the 
>>> rest of the halfwits in this world behind.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
> **
> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest 
> of the halfwits in this world behind.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
 
 
 
 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: me too.

[Singing Sparrow]

how good is the KNFB reader for IOS and android?
Yes there is a stand for the blaze EZ and ET products but even with the 
stand the material seems to not be able to be scanned as well, as a 
person might like it to be.


On 12/5/2015 12:35 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

I know that there is a stand available in the accessories pack for the Blaze EZ 
which I’m sure would help a lot with OCR work.

I’ve been using KNFB Reader for IOS and Android which took a little practise to 
get going so I can see where difficult concerning the Blaze EZ hand held device 
would come into play.



On 6 Dec 2015, at 1:24 AM, Brian Olesen  wrote:

Hi,
Using a handhelled unit for scanning is always a challenge.

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af dennis
Sendt: 5. december 2015 13:43
Til: PC Audio Discussion List
Emne: me too.



On 12/5/2015 6:34 AM, Singing Sparrow wrote:

Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not
that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words
and the like.

On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:

yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.

On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:

The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they
want people to be able to scan with it.
The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can
use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and
love it as well.

On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least
something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio
sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by -
that function was next to useless a year or so ago.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:

well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that.
the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of
station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr
enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that
the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you
with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the
help you were looking for.

On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the
Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?

Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now
working?

Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to
this unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?

Thanks for your help.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:

yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also
have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.

On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!

Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a
year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines
release and did intend to get one at the time.

Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro
the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a
few other issues.

I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address
some of the issues raised at the time.

So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the
year and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks
to a review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over
a year ago which is still an interesting read even though it
hasn’t been updated so that’s where I need your help .

I’ve posted a link to the review below.



http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez
-by-jackie-brown/



**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.





**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.





**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest
of the halfwits in this world behind.






















**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: me too.

[dennis]

well, it doesn't help all that much actually... you still have to place 
it and its quite a distance from the page.


On 12/5/2015 12:35 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

I know that there is a stand available in the accessories pack for the Blaze EZ 
which I’m sure would help a lot with OCR work.

I’ve been using KNFB Reader for IOS and Android which took a little practise to 
get going so I can see where difficult concerning the Blaze EZ hand held device 
would come into play.



On 6 Dec 2015, at 1:24 AM, Brian Olesen  wrote:

Hi,
Using a handhelled unit for scanning is always a challenge.

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af dennis
Sendt: 5. december 2015 13:43
Til: PC Audio Discussion List
Emne: me too.



On 12/5/2015 6:34 AM, Singing Sparrow wrote:

Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not
that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words
and the like.

On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:

yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.

On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:

The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they
want people to be able to scan with it.
The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can
use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and
love it as well.

On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least
something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio
sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by -
that function was next to useless a year or so ago.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:

well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that.
the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of
station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr
enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that
the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you
with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the
help you were looking for.

On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the
Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?

Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now
working?

Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to
this unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?

Thanks for your help.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:

yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also
have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.

On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!

Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a
year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines
release and did intend to get one at the time.

Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro
the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a
few other issues.

I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address
some of the issues raised at the time.

So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the
year and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks
to a review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over
a year ago which is still an interesting read even though it
hasn’t been updated so that’s where I need your help .

I’ve posted a link to the review below.



http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez
-by-jackie-brown/



**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.





**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.





**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest
of the halfwits in this world behind.






















**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: me too.

[Dane Trethowan]

Ah now that’s a good question.

On my Samsung Note5 I think its absolutely super but having said that results 
I’m sure will very depending on what android device KNFB Reader is used with, 
the nature of Android you know.  So in summing up - if you’re prepared to use a 
premium Android device from Samsung or Sony with a reasonable camera - one of 
the modern devices in other words - results should be damn good and also take 
the time to do some practising.

I learnt a few tips and tricks from a book called “getting The Picture”.

Even though this book was written for IOS in particular - I was using IOS at 
the time - it gave me many hints, tips and techniques which would even be 
useful to anyone who uses a Blaze EZ or any other hand held OCR device.

And just one thing more folks, I don’t mean to be picky but perhaps it would be 
better that we stick to the audio parts of the Blaze EZ here? Don’t want to 
stay off topic you know 


> On 6 Dec 2015, at 6:52 AM, Singing Sparrow  wrote:
> 
> how good is the KNFB reader for IOS and android?
> Yes there is a stand for the blaze EZ and ET products but even with the stand 
> the material seems to not be able to be scanned as well, as a person might 
> like it to be.
> 
> On 12/5/2015 12:35 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>> I know that there is a stand available in the accessories pack for the Blaze 
>> EZ which I’m sure would help a lot with OCR work.
>> 
>> I’ve been using KNFB Reader for IOS and Android which took a little practise 
>> to get going so I can see where difficult concerning the Blaze EZ hand held 
>> device would come into play.
>> 
>> 
>>> On 6 Dec 2015, at 1:24 AM, Brian Olesen  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi,
>>> Using a handhelled unit for scanning is always a challenge.
>>> 
>>> Brian
>>> 
>>> -Oprindelig meddelelse-
>>> Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af dennis
>>> Sendt: 5. december 2015 13:43
>>> Til: PC Audio Discussion List
>>> Emne: me too.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 12/5/2015 6:34 AM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
 Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not
 that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words
 and the like.
 
 On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:
> yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.
> 
> On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
>> The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they
>> want people to be able to scan with it.
>> The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can
>> use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and
>> love it as well.
>> 
>> On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>>> I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least
>>> something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio
>>> sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by -
>>> that function was next to useless a year or so ago.
>>> 
>>> 
 On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:
 
 well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that.
 the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of
 station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr
 enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that
 the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you
 with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the
 help you were looking for.
 
 On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
> Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the
> Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?
> 
> Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now
> working?
> 
> Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to
> this unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?
> 
> Thanks for your help.
> 
> 
>> On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:
>> 
>> yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also
>> have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.
>> 
>> On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>>> Hi!
>>> 
>>> Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a
>>> year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines
>>> release and did intend to get one at the time.
>>> 
>>> Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro
>>> the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a
>>> few other issues.
>>> 
>>> I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address
>>> some of the issues raised at the time.
>>> 
>>> So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the
>>>

SV: me too.

[Brian Olesen]

Hi,
It's quite good at least for newer iPhones, or iPads.
But then again. If you don't hold the unit extremely steddy you won't get a 
good or even reasonable result.

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af Singing Sparrow
Sendt: 5. december 2015 20:52
Til: PC Audio Discussion List
Emne: Re: me too.

how good is the KNFB reader for IOS and android?
Yes there is a stand for the blaze EZ and ET products but even with the stand 
the material seems to not be able to be scanned as well, as a person might like 
it to be.

On 12/5/2015 12:35 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
> I know that there is a stand available in the accessories pack for the Blaze 
> EZ which I’m sure would help a lot with OCR work.
>
> I’ve been using KNFB Reader for IOS and Android which took a little practise 
> to get going so I can see where difficult concerning the Blaze EZ hand held 
> device would come into play.
>
>
>> On 6 Dec 2015, at 1:24 AM, Brian Olesen  wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>> Using a handhelled unit for scanning is always a challenge.
>>
>> Brian
>>
>> -Oprindelig meddelelse-
>> Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af 
>> dennis
>> Sendt: 5. december 2015 13:43
>> Til: PC Audio Discussion List
>> Emne: me too.
>>
>>
>>
>> On 12/5/2015 6:34 AM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
>>> Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is 
>>> not that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed 
>>> words and the like.
>>>
>>> On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:
 yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.

 On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
> The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they 
> want people to be able to scan with it.
> The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can 
> use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one 
> and love it as well.
>
> On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>> I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least 
>> something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio 
>> sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - 
>> that function was next to useless a year or so ago.
>>
>>
>>> On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:
>>>
>>> well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that.
>>> the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of 
>>> station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr 
>>> enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say 
>>> that the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can 
>>> help you with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this 
>>> isn't the help you were looking for.
>>>
>>> On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
 Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the 
 Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?

 Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now 
 working?

 Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to 
 this unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?

 Thanks for your help.


> On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:
>
> yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also 
> have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.
>
> On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>> Hi!
>>
>> Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a 
>> year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines 
>> release and did intend to get one at the time.
>>
>> Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart 
>> fro the first version of the firmware being very flaky and 
>> having a few other issues.
>>
>> I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address 
>> some of the issues raised at the time.
>>
>> So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the 
>> year and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled 
>> thanks to a review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was 
>> written over a year ago which is still an interesting read 
>> even though it hasn’t been updated so that’s where I need your help 
>> .
>>
>> I’ve posted a link to the review below.
>>
>>
>>> http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-
>>> ez
>>> -by-jackie-brown/
>>> >> -e
>>> z-by-jackie-brown/>
>>>
>> **
>> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave 
>> the rest

Re: me too.

[Curtis Delzer]

KNFB reader for IOS is very good indeed.
At 11:52 AM 12/5/2015, you wrote:

how good is the KNFB reader for IOS and android?
Yes there is a stand for the blaze EZ and ET 
products but even with the stand the material 
seems to not be able to be scanned as well, as a person might like it to be.


On 12/5/2015 12:35 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
I know that there is a stand available in the 
accessories pack for the Blaze EZ which I’m 
sure would help a lot with OCR work.


I’ve been using KNFB Reader for IOS and 
Android which took a little practise to get 
going so I can see where difficult concerning 
the Blaze EZ hand held device would come into play.




On 6 Dec 2015, at 1:24 AM, Brian Olesen  wrote:

Hi,
Using a handhelled unit for scanning is always a challenge.

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] PÃ¥ vegne af dennis
Sendt: 5. december 2015 13:43
Til: PC Audio Discussion List
Emne: me too.



On 12/5/2015 6:34 AM, Singing Sparrow wrote:

Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not
that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words
and the like.

On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:

yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.

On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:

The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they
want people to be able to scan with it.
The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can
use blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and
love it as well.

On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least
something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio
sounds very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by -
that function was next to useless a year or so ago.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:

well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that.
the web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of
station by making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr
enough to be able to comment on that either. also i will say that
the podcasting function also works quite well. if i can help you
with anything else just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the
help you were looking for.

On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the
Blaze EZ uses, has this been corrected?

Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now
working?

Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to
this unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?

Thanks for your help.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:

yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also
have a booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.

On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!

Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a
year or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines
release and did intend to get one at the time.

Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro
the first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a
few other issues.

I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address
some of the issues raised at the time.

So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the
year and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks
to a review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over
a year ago which is still an interesting read even though it
hasn’t been updated so that’s where I need your help .

I’ve posted a link to the review below.



http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez
-by-jackie-brown/
>> 
z-by-jackie-brown/>

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.




**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the
rest of the halfwits in this world behind.




**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest
of the halfwits in this world behind.

















**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind 
will leave the rest of the halfwits in this world behind.

Re: Blaze EZ

[Kelly Pierce]

I have heard the OCR functionality quickly eats up the battery.  the
unit is twice the cost of the Stream, bookport Plus, or the Plextalk
Pocket.  It makes more sense to me to buy one of these kinds of units
and buy the KNFB reader app for the i Phone for a much better
experience.  I believe Dane you will be much happier with this
combination.

Kelly



On 12/5/15, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
> Nothing like “Hands-on” feedback.
>
>
>> On 5 Dec 2015, at 11:34 PM, Singing Sparrow 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not
>> that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words and
>> the like.
>>
>> On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:
>>> yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.
>>>
>>> On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:
 The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they want
 people to be able to scan with it.
 The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can use
 blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and love it
 as well.

 On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
> I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least
> something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio sounds
> very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - that
> function was next to useless a year or so ago.
>
>
>> On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:
>>
>> well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that. the
>> web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of station by
>> making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr enough to be able
>> to comment on that either. also i will say that the podcasting
>> function also works quite well. if i can help you with anything else
>> just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the help you were looking
>> for.
>>
>> On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>>> Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the Blaze
>>> EZ uses, has this been corrected?
>>>
>>> Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now
>>> working?
>>>
>>> Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to this
>>> unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?
>>>
>>> Thanks for your help.
>>>
>>>
 On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:

 yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also have a
 booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.

 On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
> Hi!
>
> Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a year
> or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines release and
> did intend to get one at the time.
>
> Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro the
> first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a few
> other issues.
>
> I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address some
> of the issues raised at the time.
>
> So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the year
> and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks to a
> review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over a year
> ago which is still an interesting read even though it hasn’t been
> updated so that’s where I need your help .
>
> I’ve posted a link to the review below.
>
>
>> http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez-by-jackie-brown/
>> 
>>
> **
> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest
> of the halfwits in this world behind.
>
>
>
>
>>> **
>>> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest
>>> of the halfwits in this world behind.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
> **
> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of
> the halfwits in this world behind.
>
>
>
>
>




>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> **
> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the
> halfwits in this world behind.
>
>
>
>

Re: Blaze EZ

[Singing Sparrow]

Now that is interesting that you say the OCR eats up the battery life on 
the blaze EZ and ET units I do see/ or in this case hear that the Blaze 
EZ and ET slows down when taking multipul scans  why this is i have no 
idea, it could be because of android i suppose.
on the IOS devices like the iphone and the like does it also suck down 
the battery life?


On 12/5/2015 6:09 PM, Kelly Pierce wrote:

I have heard the OCR functionality quickly eats up the battery.  the
unit is twice the cost of the Stream, bookport Plus, or the Plextalk
Pocket.  It makes more sense to me to buy one of these kinds of units
and buy the KNFB reader app for the i Phone for a much better
experience.  I believe Dane you will be much happier with this
combination.

Kelly



On 12/5/15, Dane Trethowan  wrote:

Nothing like “Hands-on” feedback.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 11:34 PM, Singing Sparrow 
wrote:

Hims has released the 1.5 update on the unit i have but the OCR is not
that good yet i always get poor or unreconizable text smooshed words and
the like.

On 12/5/2015 6:10 AM, dennis wrote:

yes i believe you are right about the ocr needing improvement.

On 12/4/2015 6:10 PM, Singing Sparrow wrote:

The OCR has some troubles that hims needs to take care of if they want
people to be able to scan with it.
The web radio stations work like a charm, as to blue tooth you can use
blue tooth speakers and headphones with the unit. I use one and love it
as well.

On 12/4/2015 4:34 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

I’m glad I was able to contact someone who could tell me at least
something on how the Blaze EZ is progressing and the Web Radio sounds
very nice considering - if the review was anyth to go by - that
function was next to useless a year or so ago.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 9:26 AM, dennis  wrote:

well ok, i haven't used the blue tooth so i can't comment on that. the
web radio works great. you can add just about any kind of station by
making a m3u of the url. i also haven't used the ocr enough to be able
to comment on that either. also i will say that the podcasting
function also works quite well. if i can help you with anything else
just let me know. i'm sorry if this isn't the help you were looking
for.

On 12/4/2015 4:09 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Firstly I believe there were issues with the OCR technology the Blaze
EZ uses, has this been corrected?

Second, what about the Web/Internet radio function is this now
working?

Can you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to this
unit or do anything else with the Bluetooth?

Thanks for your help.



On 5 Dec 2015, at 8:03 AM, dennis  wrote:

yes i have had one for a few months now and i love it. i also have a
booksence just as a fyi. what would you like to know.

On 12/4/2015 2:25 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!

Does anyone on the list have one of these machines? I know a year
or so ago I myself was very excited about the machines release and
did intend to get one at the time.

Since that time I’ve heard very little about the unit apart fro the
first version of the firmware being very flaky and having a few
other issues.

I did hear form Hims Inc that a fix was on the way to address some
of the issues raised at the time.

So now we’re at the “Christmas Stocking filler” part of the year
and my interest in the Blaze EZ has been rekindled thanks to a
review of the unit by Jackie Brown which was written over a year
ago which is still an interesting read even though it hasn’t been
updated so that’s where I need your help .

I’ve posted a link to the review below.



http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/p/a-review-of-the-hims-blaze-ez-by-jackie-brown/



**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest
of the halfwits in this world behind.





**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest
of the halfwits in this world behind.





**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of
the halfwits in this world behind.

















**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the
halfwits in this world behind.

Article: , Egoista is not a dirty word, by Marc Rushton.

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!



I came across this article in last Thursday’s local paper and scanned it in as 
I thought other list members may find it a good read, the article deals with 
Headphones as well as using headphones with a Smart phone which is a frequent 
topic of discussion here it seems.





, Egoista is not a dirty word, by Marc Rushton.

Listening to music with headphones is a pastime that spans generations. For 
many, it's just an alternative to listening to music loud, without upsetting 
the rest of the household.

More recently, new generations have embraced listening through earbuds, thanks 
mostly to Apple's iPod and smartphones. More people appreciating music is never 
a bad thing.

Listening through headphones is a personal experience, intimate even. With the 
driver or "membrane" so close to your eardrum you also remove the chance of 
problematic room acoustics, resulting in more natural and accurate sound 
quality. But to experience and enjoy the very best musical fidelity you'll need 
to aim higher than the buds that came bundled with your smartphone.

For those on the go, you already have a highly capable music player in your 
pocket. Unfortunately, phones have a less than average digital-to-analogue 
convertor, or DAC, built in. That's the circuit that turns your digitally 
stored files back into music when you press play.

They also have an even less impressive amplifier. After all, phones weren't 
primarily designed to play music.

Thankfully, there is a solution. The MOJO ($899) from Chord Electronics is a 
portable headphone DAC and amplifier that's small enough to fit in your hand, 
but powerful enough to drive just about any pair of headphones, or even 
high-end buds. The in-built DAC is also world-class, thanks to revolutionary 
technology that rivals products costing many times the price. This simply 
connects to your smartphone via a USB cable and has two headphone outputs.

While useful for the travelling listener, it's more than capable connected to 
your computer at home or in the office, and will certainly elevate your 
headphone listening experience to new levels.

But for a less portable headphone system - and when the very best is in order - 
you'll be looking a few rungs up the ladder.

Resembling something more akin to Frankenstein, the Model AB-1266 Deluxe 
headphones from JPS Labs Abyss are handmade in the USA. You won't be wearing 
them on a train. Arguably one of the best headphone sets on the market, it uses 
a proprietary planar magnetic transducer design with a very thin, very low mass 
diaphragm.

With a very broad frequency response covering 5Hz through to 28kHz, where the 
AB-1266 excels is in its exceptional ability to retrieve low level detail in 
the bass, mid, and high frequencies. Each driver is hand matched, and by design 
the lack of any rear magnet structure eliminates annoying reflections from 
behind, allowing for a completely open sound.

The unique aesthetic design does serve a purpose, of course. The rigid chassis 
is machined from solid aluminium and has a two-piece headband that allows for 
complete adjustment and fit to your head shape and ears, while allowing you to 
tune the sound to your preference. They're presented beautifully with leather, 
lamb wool, and a handcrafted, felt-lined wooden box. While oozing high-end 
luxury, Abyss AB-1266 commands an asking price of $7659.

To do such a high-end headphone justice, you will need a similarly high-end 
dedicated headphone amplifier. Viva Audio of Italy delivers this in spades with 
its Egoista valve headphone amplifier, weighing in at $15,999. Egoista is a 
30kg beast delivering 15 watts per channel of pure class-A amplification to the 
most demanding of headphones, with unparalleled resolution and dynamics.

Just like the Abyss, Egoista is handcrafted and finished with the finest 
automotive lacquers in a virtually unlimited array of colours. It features a 
multitude of inputs and offers two quarter-inch headphone outputs, while 
providing all the beauty and theatre of vacuum tubes.

Natural, majestic and unwavering in performance, a pairing of such refined 
products can deliver an uncompromised listening experience that may even 
surpass the accuracy and realism of many full range traditional speaker 
systems. Be warned and keep the wallet open, though - you'll still need a high 
quality DAC and cables.

Rushton is the publisher of Australia's largest independent Hi-Fi and home 
theatre publication, StereoNET.



**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.