The Article
iFi Ear Buddy: Keep Your Bits To Yourself
28th September 2017
Based on the original iFi audio iEMatch, the Ear Buddy has been created for any headphone user
The Ear Buddy is a plug-and-play device that attenuates the output of your device so that you can listen at reasonable volumes – without damaging your ears , “…while maintaining the true resolution of your source material,” said he company.
By attenuating the output of your device and letting you use the full digital volume (without losing ‘bits’ which often happens when a DAC is heard at less than full volume), Ear Buddy gives you music at full audio resolution no matter what the volume.
It includes, 6N Copper matrix signal cabling, a gold-plated circuit board with “premium components (eg MELF resistors)”, gold-plated 3.5mm male/female connectors and a price of £20.
To learn more, click www.ifi-audio.com
I got my Ear Buddy at the Rocky Mountain Audio Show and was super pleased — does what it says it does.
I have one complaint, though: it renders my IEM control useless, so I have to reach for my phone/player to adjust volume, start/stop play, etc. This is VERY annoying. I haven’t tried taking a call with it, but I’ll probably be even more annoyed. >:(
One unexpected thing, though: my HTC10 recognizes the ear buddy vs the IEM, and adjusts automatically to the respective volume that whatever I plugged in was on last time. That’s handy.
I’m still annoyed.
Hi ‘rene – sorry for the reply delay, just moved house! Thanks for the heads-up re the Ear Buddy. Hope to grab one for a test but will bear your comments in mind.