All Posts
DCA Aeon CORE: The Best Planar Closed-Back?
Join Resolve as he takes a look at the $899 DCA Aeon CORE closed-back planar magnetic headphone. With its unique approach to Harman target adherence & ditching DCA's AMTS metamaterial, does it outshine higher tier offerings like the Stealth and E3?
We'd been wanting to hear this for a while.... - Bandoss Avija Impressions
The $5,000 Bandoss Avija open-back planar magnetic headphone offers a mid-focused sound, but do the Audeze LCD-4 comparisons make sense?
Softears EDGE: Not Another Basshead Set
The Softears EDGE is a unique departure from Softears' designs and promises to deliver audiophile experiences in everyday style.
A $50 S-Tier True Wireless Earphone??
The $50 Moondrop Pudding TWS sounds rough by default, but its built-in Parametric EQ makes it a budget game-changer once tuned to your ears.
We waited years for this, and it was worth it - Aune AR9000 Review
Join Resolve as they break down AUNE's flagship AR9000 to answer the question most people have been thinking as this product has been teased time and time again: is it worth the wait?
The best headphone we've heard in ages - Flowztone F-R1 Impressions
Join listener and GoldenSound as they talk through their first impressions of CanJam London's absolute highlight—the Flowztone F-R1 ribbon headphone system.
The Best IEMs Under $100 - Summer 2026 Edition
Looking for the best IEMs under $100? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks, plus practical advice for first-time buyers.
The Best IEMs Under $500 - Summer 2026 Update
Looking for the best IEMs under $500? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks, with some context on the state of the IEM market.
The Best IEMs Under $1,000 - Summer 2026 Update
Looking for the best IEMs under $1,000? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks, with some context on the state of the IEM market.
The Best IEMs Under $2,500 - Start of 2026 Edition
Looking for the best IEMs under $2,500? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks for the luxury end of the IEM market.
The Best High-End IEMs (Unlimited Budget) - Summer 2026 Edition
Wonder what the best IEMs in the world with an unlimited budget are? Fc-Construct gives you some of his top choices that are worthy of attention.
Listener's CanJam London 2026 Impressions
Join listener as they explore the highlights from CanJam London 2026, from the game-changing Flowztone F-R1 ribbon headphone to Hongshu's affordable entry into the electrostatic headphone market.
Revolutionary open back headphone design?
grell's newest OAE2 features a solid bass and midrange tuning, but its forward-mounted driver design creates a highly volatile, potentially sibilant, potentially cavernously dark treble that makes it hard to recommend.
CrinEar Monolith Review - Bassheads Only
CrinEar Monolith is an unhinged, gold-plated bass cannon limited to 999 units. It completely abandons reason, favoring suffocating the listener with bass and catching their eye with ostentatious visuals.
DCA Core First Impressions - Headphone tuning the 'right' way?
The $900 DCA Aeon CORE fixes past errors with tuning to the Harman target, delivering a highly forgiving, timbrally natural alternative to the flagship E3.
About to shake things up? - Aune AR9000 & AR3000 First Impressions
At Vienna High-End 2026, Aune turned heads with the flagship AR9000 and a shockingly good, ultra-affordable open-back prototype called the AR3000.
Subtonic Storm vs. Mysticraft Hex - What's the best IEM in the world?
Subtonic Storm vs. Mysticraft Hex: Which luxury in-ear monitor reigns supreme in audiophile's summit-fi price bracket?
Sennheiser HD 480 Pro vs Audiophile Closed-Backs
The Sennheiser HD480 Pro sets a new closed-back benchmark with uncharacteristic timbral accuracy for a closed-back headphone and incredible comfort.
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Review: In the Margins
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 is here and there are high expectations after the launch of the HDB 630. How does Sennheiser's latest wireless ANC headphone perform?
Apple's AirPods EQ: Is It Any Good?
Apple finally added a native EQ to the AirPods in iOS 27. While it lacks power-user features, the interface and implementation is surprisingly solid, even for audiophiles.
High End Vienna 2026 - Show and Tell
The world's largest hi-fi audio show has moved from its historic home in Munich to Vienna. Join me as I share a sample of all the sights and sounds on offer at High End Vienna 2026.
The Comfiest Headset Ever? — Sony INZONE H6 Air Review
The $200 Sony INZONE H6 Air is an incredibly comfortable open-back gaming headset based on the MDR-MV1. It offers exceptional value in a package that is super enjoyable to use.
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 has BIG UPGRADES... but are they enough?
Sennheiser's new Momentum 5 offers massively improved ANC and 60-hour battery life, but can it stand against it's considerable competition without power-user features like Parametric EQ?
Can Koss's A/550 Compete in Audio's Toughest Price Bracket?
Koss A/550 looks absolutely stunning, but grainy lower treble, a stiff headband, and even stiffer competition make it tough to recommend over the established choices in its price range.
Catching Up with DUNU - DN142 vs DN242 Dual Review
Let's check in with an old friend of the IEM space - DUNU - and see what their new DN142 and DN242 models have to offer.
The Best Studio Headphones... Period — Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Review
Sennheiser's HD 480 Pro is a shockingly good $400 closed-back studio headphone that absolutely destroys it's competition, and redefines the standard for what a closed-back studio headphone ought to deliver.
Beyerdynamic DT270 Pro Review: Their BEST closed back headphone
Like most Beyerdynamic headphones, the new DT 270 Pro offers a decidedly V-shaped sound, but even so, its their best closed-back headphone yet... provided you can handle the tiny ear pads.
Audiophile Headphone Tournament - ONE Winner
Everyone always wonders what the best headphone is... but what if you could only choose one? Join the gang as they try to answer that question amidst disagreement, cope, and pain.
CrinEar Reference & The Problem with "Neutral" IEMs
A breakdown of how “neutral” tuning in IEMs went wrong—and why the CrinEar Reference exposes a decade of misconceptions shaping the IEM hobby.
CrinEar Reference: We Have Arrived
CrinEar's most natural sounding IEM yet, Reference delivers an all-around exceptional package at a scarily accessible $350 price tag. TL;DR? Worth it.
CrinEar Reference: Nothing to Prove
The CrinEar Reference claims to be the world's flattest IEM. Here's what that actually means to Fc-Construct as he compares it against a host of other IEMs.
Sennheiser HD 600 vs. HD 550: Which is better?
HD600 vs HD550: two Sennheiser staples compared. One leans rich and sweet, the other flatter and more neutral... but which one does Resolve prefer?
A Return to Form? - Audeze LCD-5S Review
Audeze’s new LCD-5S has a fresh take on the flagship formula, which seems superficially similar to the sorely missed LCD-4... but how close does it actually get?
We Need to Talk about the Prisma Lumen and Lux
Prisma’s Lumen & Lux shine on paper, but anatomy changes everything. Resolve explains why these IEMs sound so different from person to person—including him.
Does AirPods Max 2 Actually Sound Better? (Tested)
AirPods Max 2 has improved sonic consistency up to 3 kHz, slightly smoother tuning, but still flawed treble—and more importantly—flawed design.
The Listening Room — April's New Music Picks
Join listener for their bi-weekly dive into audiophile-approved music across genres—spotlighting fresh releases and the tracks that have been on repeat.
Focal Clear vs HEDD D1 Comparison - NEW on-head data results
Join Resolve as he dives into the differences between two of the world's best open-back dynamic driver headphones—Focal Clear and HEDDphone D1—and discusses how they behave on his head, as well as, of course, which he ultimately prefers (and why).
Apple AirPods Max 2 Frequency Response Measurements (B&K 5128 and MIRE)
First look at the frequency response measurements of the new Apple AirPods Max 2, measured on the B&K 5128 as well as with MIRE (Microphones in Real Ears).
Meze Astru Impressions - I expect this to be controversial...
Join Resolve as he digests Meze's new $899 single-DD IEM Astru, and uses it perfect example of why people hear IEMs so differently.
YU9 QUE - My Favorite IEM Under $500
A $400 IEM with flagship-inspired tuning, standout treble, and a refined midrange presentation—Precogvision thinks the YU9 Que is an IEM you should know about.
AFUL Performer 8S Review: Unusually Tuned, Usually Good
The Performer 8S is AFUL's follow-up to their popular P8 model. How does yet another entry into the crowded mid-fi market stack up? Fc-Construct takes a look.
AirPods Max 2 is available for Pre-Order... but you shouldn't buy it.
Apple's AirPods Max 2 launches with better ANC, but keeps the same flawed headband, case, folding, and design issues—making this long-awaited update a major letdown.
Sennheiser's Consumer Division Is Being Sold. Again.
After 4 years of ownership, Sonova has announced the sale of its Sennheiser Consumer Hearing division. Here's what it might mean for the audiophile community.
Get this if you want to review headphones - MiniDSP Ears Pro Review
Join Resolve as he dives into the miniDSP Ears Pro—how it compares to original EARS, clone and legitimate IEC 60318-7 rigs, and why it may finally bring reliable headphone measurements to the masses.
Prisma Lumen: The New Standard of All-Around Excellence
With Lumen, Prisma puts the rest of the IEM market on notice: All-around excellence is indeed achievable, but only when manufacturers care more about versatility and craftsmanship than they care about hype. Join listener as they review one of the most important IEMs of this generation.
I was not expecting this - Thieaudio Cypher Review
A mid-forward tuning with rich vocals, soft treble, light bass, sounds pretty agreeable, but is this $399 headphone worth it if it also comes with QC concerns?
Listener's CanJam NYC 2026 Impressions
Join listener as they recount the best, worst, and most surprising gear from CanJam NYC 2026.
We measured our HRTFs to try PERFECT headphone sound
We traveled to the UK to measure our own HRTFs at Imperial College London, pushing headphone reviews toward truly personalized science.
Hifiman Ananda Unveiled Review - ONE Big Problem
Hifiman's Ananda Unveiled delivers a solid overall balance, but for Resolve, a sharp 7–9 kHz treble peak makes it fatiguing and potentially hard to recommend.
Headphone reviews need a reset.
Resolve explains why our new headphone ranking system gives lower scores than expected—and why that reset is necessary to raise industry standards.
The Most UNDERRATED Audiophile Headphone
What makes a headphone truly underrated? In this video, listener breaks down the criteria they use to judge overlooked audiophile headphones—and make the case for what they think is the most underrated audiophile headphone on the market.
The Headphone Show's EQ Tier List
EQ tier lists sound useful—but they’re built on a misunderstanding. Here’s why headphone rankings for EQ don’t work, and what listeners should focus on instead.
Audio Technica ADX3000 Review: Normally Strange, Strangely Normal
Audio Technica's ADX series represents their high-end line-up of headphones. Fc-Construct looks at the baby brother model and tells us about its oddities.
Audio Technica ADX5000 Review - This is NOT the Japanese HD800
Audio Technica's ADX series represents their high-end line-up of headphones. Fc-Construct looks at their previous flagship and tells us about its oddities.
FiiO JT7 Review - Budget Planar Benchmark?
The FiiO JT7 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone priced around $120, and Resolve and listener are here to give you the rundown on what may be the new planar benchmark in the budget headphone space.
Meze Strada Review — A Closed Back 109 Pro?
Meze is back with their newest closed-back headphone, this time using a dynamic driver. How does it stack up to their other closed-backs? Resolve is here to break it down.
Moondrop Skyland is... Polarizing
Moondrop Skyland dares to be different, pairing an updated industrial design with an uncompromisingly bright sound that few competitors attempt, but does that boldness translate into brilliance... or frustration?
Do DACs and Amps ACTUALLY matter? Reviewers weigh in.
In this video, the Headphone Show team explores one of audio’s most persistent questions: whether DACs and amplifiers meaningfully affect sound quality, and if so, how much listeners should actually care.
Yu9 Que Review: Coloured Clarity
There's been a lot of talk about the Yu9 Que. Is it truly ChiFi's latest hidden gem? Fc-Construct demystifies the hype and breaks down the sound of the Que.
The Four Horsemen of Bad Measurements (Or How Not to Be Misled by Graphs)
Graphs are important. So let's go over where frequency response measurements can go wrong to ensure you aren't confused by bad graphs or misreading the data.
Was 2025 the Best Year EVER for Headphones?
We recently discussed why 2025 may have been the best year for headphone releases ever, comparing it to past years as well as indicating what they hope for in years to come.
The MASSIVE Headphone Ranking List — 2025 Edition
Resolve, GoldenSound and listener team up to rank as many headphones as they can remember exist.
The Headphone Show's Best of 2025 Awards!
We discuss our picks for the best headphones, IEMs, and source gear from 2025!
What's inside a DAC? - DAC internals explained
What exactly does all the extra 'stuff' inside a DAC besides the DAC chip do? GoldenSound walks through each stage inside these products.
Is THIS a budget HDB 630???
Join Resolve as he is forced to eat his own words and praise a headphone he previously hated, all because it added his favorite feature: parametric EQ.
Buying Guide: Best DACs, Headphone Amps and DAC/Amp Combos to buy in 2026
As we head into 2026, join us at The Audio Files as we round up some of the best and most compelling products in audio source gear. No matter if you're looking to spend a few hundred, or thousands for the best you can get, we've got you covered!
I Tested Audio Technica’s New Flagship — ATH-ADX7000 Review
The new Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 has arrived during a landmark year for audiophile over-ear headphones, but does it find it's footing among so many excellent 2025 releases? Join Resolve as he digs into what this one really gets right (and wrong).
How good is a $4000 music player? - Astell & Kern SP4000 review
The SP4000 is the latest flagship device from manufacturer Astell & Kern, delivering not only exceptional performance but some highly desirable software features that start to make this device look strangely reasonable in price.
Bose QC Ultra Gen 2 Is WAY Better Than You (Probably) Think
Join Resolve as he breaks down why the Bose QC Ultra Gen 2 is more advanced than most of the competition in the over-ear ANC wireless headphone space, highlighting its adaptive processes and improved sound quality that allows for enough customization to make QC Ultra Gen 2 make sense for almost every consumer.
The Best High-End IEMs (Unlimited Budget) - Start of 2026 Edition
Wonder what the best IEMs in the world with an unlimited budget are? Fc-Construct gives you some of his top choices that are worthy of attention.
The Best IEMs Under $2,500 - Start of 2026 Edition
Looking for the best IEMs under $2,500? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks for the luxury end of the IEM market.
The Best IEMs Under $1,000 - Start of 2026 Edition
Looking for the best IEMs under $1,000? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks, with some context on the state of the IEM market.
The Best IEMs Under $100 - Start of 2026 Edition
Looking for the best IEMs under $100? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks, plus practical advice for first-time buyers.
The Best IEMs Under $500 - Start of 2026 Edition
Looking for the best IEMs under $500? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks, with some context on the state of the IEM market.
Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2025 (Mid-Fi Edition)
Explore our choices for the top over-ear headphones under $1000 in 2025, including new releases as well as time-tested classics.
Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 Review: Bass + Space = AT's Best Open-Back
Audio-Technica’s new ATH-ADX7000 is one of the rare flagship open-back headphones that balances bass-focused warmth, spaciousness, and flagship character without slipping into abject chaos or incoherence.
Orchard Audio X Zeos Valencia Headphone Power Amp Review & Measurements
Orchard audio is most well known for their class-D speaker amplifiers, but the Valencia offers a departure in both aspects. This is a powerful class AB headphone amp, one which rather unusually follows a ‘power amplifier’ design, having fixed gain and no volume control with the aim of increased transparency, but is the sacrifice in convenience worth it?
The Best ANC Headphones to Buy in 2025 - And What to Avoid
Resolve gives his perspective on over-ear ANC headphones at the end of 2025, going over the ones he'd choose at various price points.
Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2025 (Entry-Level Edition)
Explore our choices for the top over-ear headphones under $200 in 2025, including new releases as well as time-tested classics.
Wireless Headsets SOUND BETTER Than Wired Closed-Back Headphones Now
Wireless gaming headsets used to be a joke when it came to sound quality... but that’s no longer true. Join Resolve as he digs into why modern wireless headsets like the HyperX Cloud III Wireless S, Audeze Maxwell, and Sennheiser HDB 630 can genuinely compete with—and often outperform—wired audiophile closed-back headphones.
Abyss JOAL Review - The best Diana yet, but with some frustrations still lingering
The Abyss JOAL is quite easily my favourite in the 'Diana' line of headphones released by US manufacturer Abyss, but there's still some things I wish would change.
Our Headphone Review Gear & Review Process
Resolve, GoldenSound, and Listener break down the exact gear, setups, and processes they each use when reviewing headphones, DACs, and amps. From reference headphones and level-matching methods to EQ tools, measurement rigs, and music choices, they compare how their review chains differ. and why each approach works for them.
HEDD Audio HEDDphone D1 Review: The Disruptor
HEDD Audio’s HEDDphone D1 marks a turning point for the brand: an $800 open-back dynamic driver headphone that may actually deliver the “HD 600 upgrade” audiophiles have been waiting for, pairing exceptional build and serviceability with a reference tuning and genuine all-rounder performance.
Sennheiser HDB 630 Review - It's not just about the sound
Sennheiser’s new HDB 630 is being called the best-sounding wireless ANC headphone yet—but does it actually live up to the hype? In this review, we dive into its sound quality, comfort, app features, and how it stacks up against Sony, Bose, and Focal’s competition.
Meze 99 Classic V2 Review - It's Good Now
Meze Audio’s 99 Classic V2 is a complete acoustic redesign of the original, offering two tunings, improved comfort, and standout passive isolation.
Crinacle made a dongle DAC, and it's very good
The Protocol MAX is one of the most powerful dongle DAC/amps available, with excellent objective and subjective performance to boot.
HE6 Redux? HIFIMAN HE600 Review
After the HE6se series ended up not scratching the itch for many fans of the original HE6, does HIFIMAN's new HE600 represent a proper return to the aggressive, vivid sound of the original HE6?
HIFIMAN Edition XV Review: Brilliance in Darkness
The Edition XV, HIFIMAN’s $400 successor to the Edition XS, is potentially the most important headphone release in the last half-decade of the audiophile headphone hobby... or at least, Listener thinks so.
Studio Reference... but WIRELESS? — KALI HP-1 Review
We test KALI’s $200 HP-1 “reference” wireless headset—complete with Studio, Consumer, and Bass-Heavy profiles—and talk about how a product concept that could in theory help with quick mix checks ultimately fails in practice.
Comparing the Best Thieaudio IEMs - Monarch MKIV vs. V16 Divinity vs. Valhalla
Is the new Monarch MKIV the best IEM Thieaudio has to offer? Fc-Construct compares it against Thieaudio's other flagships to find out.
HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Review
The HyperX Cloud III S Wireless is, surprisingly, a genuinely good-sounding $180 closed-back wireless gaming headset with a relaxed, versatile tuning and EQ that saves onto the headset. While it's probably no secret why, watch the review to find out what made living with this headphone for about a month a much more enjoyable time spent than I expected it would be.
I published music to find the best streaming service for Apple devices
Apple may have the slogan "it just works", but from our testing, it seems that when it comes to getting full lossless quality music streaming, it's not as simple as we had hoped.
Can iPhone Settings Really Fix Apple AirPods Pro 3?
People online claim that certain iPhone or iOS features can “EQ” the AirPods Pro 3 to fix their V-shaped sound signature... but is that actually true? In this video, Listener tests all of these settings one by one to find out what they really do to the sound. Spoiler: Most of them make things worse.
Zahl EQ1 Review & Measurements
The Zahl EQ1 is an analog parametric EQ device originally designed for professional use in API500 series racks, but might just be the best thing I’ve added to my headphone setup!
The Michelin Guide to IEMs - CanJam SoCal 2025 Edition (Part 2)
Precogvision and Fc-Construct take on CanJam SoCal 2025 and share their thoughts, with a twist, on the IEMs they heard. This is part 2 of the article which focuses on endgame IEMs.
Spotify Lossless has a problem
Spotify just released their Lossless streaming feature, and GoldenSound tested it in depth. Unfortunately, it seems that whilst it is a bump in quality over what was available before, it's lacking some features found on other services and players that mean on platforms such as Windows or Android, you may not be able to play your music losslessly at all!
The Michelin Guide to IEMs - CanJam SoCal 2025 Edition (Part 1)
Precogvision and Fc-Construct take on CanJam SoCal 2025 and share their thoughts, with a twist, on the IEMs they heard. This is part 1 which focuses on IEMs that reasonably accessible to audiophiles.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Disappointment of the Year?
The AirPods Pro 2 has been the default recommendation for wireless earphones since its release, so how does its successor measure up?
Testing ALL Hifiman's new Headphones! - HE600, Edition XV, Ananda Unveiled & Audivina LE
HIFIMAN just dropped a whole wave of new headphones, and I’ve had the chance to spend some early time with four of them. Spoiler: one of them really impressed me.
Watch This BEFORE Apple AirPods Pro 3 Reviews
Just like with the AirPods Pro 2, most of the AirPods Pro 3 measurements you're seeing online are wrong. The flawed testing methodology of reviewers and the lack of context on the part of consumers is fueling an endless spiral of confusion, so Listener's here to give you a way out.
AirPods Pro 3: The 3 Audio Updates Apple Actually Made (And What They Might Mean)
Apple announced three primary audio improvements in their AirPods Pro 3 keynote. Here's what we might expect, and questions to consider when looking at a review.
Did FiiO Nail their FT1 Upgrade? - FiiO FT13 Review
FiiO has been on a roll of releasing banger headphones in the budget range, but does their new FT13 provide a compelling upgrade to the near-universally loved FT1? Join Resolve as he breaks it down.
Softears RSV mk2 Review: Reference Revisited
Softears' new RSV mk2 introduces a sizeable bass boost compared to its predecessor, aiming to broaden its appeal without abandoning balance. But does it go too far for an IEM that's supposed to provide "reference-grade" tonality?
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Announced!
Apple finally released the follow-up to the insanely popular AirPods Pro 2, but the question is: does everything we know about the AirPods Pro 3 point to it being a winner for audiophiles like the 2 was?
Can We Make HD 800S Sound GOD-TIER in 5 Minutes?
GoldenSound and Listener think they know what Andrew likes, but do they really? Watch as they challenge each other to see who can blind-EQ the best HD 800S preset for Resolve's taste.
Balanced audio explained FAST!
Audio terminology can be confusing, especially when concepts like balanced, unbalanced, single-ended, and differential are used interchangeably. Join GoldenSound as he unpacks these terms, explains their differences, how each system works, and why they matter for audio quality.
Audiophile Songs of the Week
Resolve and listener take a break from headphone talk to swap music picks—an indie soundscape from Cloth and a bold jazz reinterpretation of The Beatles by Esperanza Spalding and Milton Nascimento.
Objectively terrible headphones that sound... GOOD??
Headphone measurements are an invaluable tool for predicting how a headphone may sound. Typically, a headphone that has well-extended bass, a proper ear gain rise, and smooth treble should sound good… Yet, enthusiasts often find exceptions. So here are some picks from the Editorial Team for headphones that either measure oddly but deliver unique, engaging sound, or look great on a graph but fall short in practice.
Q&A Livestream celebrating Headphones.com hitting 200,000 YouTube subscribers!
This Saturday, August 23rd at 1PM Eastern, we're going to be hosting a Q&A Live Stream on our YouTube channel where our audience can ask our panel of reviewers anything, and we mean ANYTHING they want to ask.
HEDDphone Two GT: This Headphone is Underrated
Most kilobuck headphones opt for vivid colorations at the expense of neutrality, but HEDDphone Two GT is among the most natural-sounding flagship headphones in today's market. But does it balance its neutrality with enough excitement to capture the attention of high-end buyers? Join listener as they break it down.
The Headphone Show's "Best Value in Audiophile Headphones" Round-Up
When it comes to headphones, “value” doesn’t mean the cheapest—it means the smartest way to spend your money. So here are our picks for the best value headphones (and IEMs, and source gear) on the current market!
Is AI better than Headphone Reviewers?
Resolve explores the usefulness of AI (or lack thereof) when it comes to headphone purchase advice or technical explanations, and what may limit AI's usefulness in this regard.
Moondrop Space Travel 2: Is Excellent Sound Enough?
Wireless has typically been where Moondrop falters, but with the Space Travel 2 it seems they've finally found their footing. Join listener as they explain why they think the Space Travel 2 might be Moondrop's best product to date.
Moondrop Para 2 Review — Exceptional Planar Drivers with Hidden Potential
Does Para II's exceptionally well-spec'd driver and seemingly limitless pad-rolling potential make for a compelling enough offering that Resolve recommends it over the Cosmo? Join Resolve as he breaks it down.
A Gaming Headset for Grown-Ups — Fractal Scape Review
With the arrival of the Audeze Maxwell, the bar for sound quality in gaming headsets was decisively raised, and now years later we've received the Fractal Scape, which aims to deliver on the future that Maxwell seemed to indicate was coming, but at an even lower price. Join Resolve as he finds out how the Scape stacks up to its competition.
Symphonium Giant: The Experiment
Described as an experiment by its creators, the Symphonium Giant is a departure from the brands other offerings. Will its unique tuning succeed? Fc-Construct takes a look.
Can You EQ Cheap Headphones to Sound Like $$$$ Headphones?
One of the most common questions we receive is "If frequency response is all that matters, why can't I just EQ my inexpensive headphone to sound like a flagship headphone?" The answer to why one can't simply do this is more complex than one may think, but this question is ALSO the wrong question. Join Resolve as he explains why.
CrinEar Daybreak Review: The New Benchmark?
Crinacle—the most influential figure in the world of in-ear monitors—returns with the Daybreak: his first widely-available IEM under his own brand CrinEar. But does Daybreak improve enough on the Project META’s faults to become a benchmark at its price?
CrinEar Daybreak: Don’t Buy Until You Watch This! (Full In-Depth Review)
The most influential figure in the world of in-ear monitors has returned with the Daybreak: his first widely-available IEM under his own brand CrinEar. But does Daybreak improve enough on the Project META’s faults to become a benchmark at its price?
Meze 105 Silva: Beautiful Design, But How Does It Sound?
As a rule, Meze makes well-designed headphones with exceptional build quality, but Resolve has often felt the sound quality doesn't fully match its visual and mechanical excellence. With their new 105 SILVA, has Meze finally done enough to impress Resolve on the sound quality front?
The Best High-End IEMs (Unlimited Budget) - Summer 2025 Buyer’s Guide Update
Wonder what the best IEMs in the world with an unlimited budget are? Fc-Construct gives you some of his top choices that are worthy of attention.
How do headphone drivers work? - Planar, Electrostatic, Dynamic and BA explained!
GoldenSound walks you through the differences between the major types of drivers that are used in headphones (and IEMs)!
Moondrop Horizon Review: None More Dark
While Moondrop's newest Horizon sports an attractive design and has a few clever ideas, does it handle the fundamentals well enough to earn its place in the most competitive price bracket in over-ear headphones?
The Moondrop Horizon is weird.
Moondrop's newest open-back dynamic driver headphone comes in a classy all-black chassis and has a few novel design features, but is that enough for the Horizon to get Resolve's stamp of approval despite being in the most competitive price bracket in over-ear headphones?
Truthear Pure vs. Hexa Review: Another Shade of Neutral
Two years ago, the Truthear Hexa became the benchmark for IEMs under $100. The new $90 Truthear Pure aims to be its successor, but will it live up to the task?
Is Truthear Pure BETTER than Hexa?
The Hexa was Resolve's favorite IEM under $100, but now the Pure has come along and raised the question: Is Pure's more warm, forgiving signature enough to make it outright better for Resolve?
The Best IEMs Under $100 - Summer 2025 Buyer's Guide Update
Looking for the best IEMs under $100? The Headphones.com reviewer team has you covered with our favorite picks, plus practical advice for first-time buyers.
A heartfelt goodbye to DMS
This is DMS's last video on The Headphone Show, as he is moving on to his next big adventure within the audio sphere, and we're here to wish him the best going forward. In this video, we reflect on our favorite moments with Douglas Middlename Stephens and wish him a heartfelt goodbye.
Resolve Reacts to Head-Fi
Resolve dives into the wild world of Head-Fi, reacting to hot takes, myths, and questionable audiophile beliefs—everything from EQ truth bombs to cable memes and audiophile rocks.
DT990 Pro X vs DT990 Pro vs DT900 Pro X – Which One ACTUALLY Makes Sense?
Resolve reviews the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro X and compares it to the DT900 Pro X and original DT990 Pro, questioning their long-standing reputation as studio headphones.
Thieaudio Valhalla Review: Slight Affection, Genuine Appreciation
Thieaudio has made a name for themselves as a premium IEM brand with price-to-performance to match. But how will their new $2,000 flagship Valhalla hold up?
Audio YouTubers We Love (And Why You Should Too)
Three audio reviewers (Resolve, GoldenSound, and listener) discuss top headphone review channels on YouTube and share their preferred content creators.
Sony WH1000XM6 vs EVERYTHING
Resolve is here to walk you through why exactly the Sony WH-1000XM6 is so bloody hard to characterize, while also comparing it to... well, everything.
The Sony XM6 Hype Train.... were they wrong?
Sony's newest flagship wireless ANC headphone has finally arrived, but how does it stack up to the other heavy hitters in this product class? Resolve and DMS are here to give their take on it.
The Most Popular Headphone Stand Might Be Ruining Your Headphones (Why Pads Matter)
The Omega headphone stand is the quintessential display piece. But did you know that it might be hurting the sound?
The FiiO FT7 sounds great, but...
Resolve has FiiO's latest planar magnetic headphone, and its one that's targeting a higher price range than their recent wave-making releases... but will it live up to the standard set by the incredibly well-performing FT1 series?
Undercover Customer: How do headphone brands handle repairs?
Ever wonder how well a manufacturer would handle after-sales support when your headphone breaks? So did DMS, so he went undercover to find out how well companies would do when he goes undercover as a second-hand owner of a broken headphone.
FiiO FT7, Meze 105 SILVA, and more! - Munich High End 2025
Andrew and Cameron went to the last ever Munich High-End HiFi show! And there was even more ridiculous hifi madness than ever.
Headphones.com Closed Back Headphone Buying Guide - $500-1000
The Headphones.com Editorial Team shares their favorite picks for passive closed-back headphones between $500 and $1000.
BASSY IEM... done differently - XENNS Mangird Top Pro subjective impressions
Resolve checks out the latest hype train IEM, the XENNS Mangird Top Pro, and gives his subjective impressions while listening to his favorite audiophile test tracks.
The ABSOLUTE Beginner's Guide to IEMs - Everything You Need to Know in Less than 10 Minutes
Fc-Construct breaks IEMs down in simple terms what any beginner needs to know to get started with IEMs.
Expensive audio and Snake Oil challenge at High End Munich!
DMS decided to challenge GoldenSound and Resolve to find the most shocking examples of both expensive and snake oily gear possible at Munich High End 2025.
Resolve's Favorite Headphones for Travel
Resolve is here to discuss his top picks for on-the-go audiophile music listening, as well as a few new products he decided to try on his recent trip to Europe.
Audio Nerds vs. Audiophile TikTok
DMS and GoldenSound are among most optimistic audiophiles on our team, so we figured it would be funny to subject them to "audiophile" TikTok to see how quickly their optimism turned to despair. Spoiler: It didn't take long.
DCA's Best Open-Back? - Noire X Open Review
DCA is back again with what might just be their best open back headphone to date, and DMS is here to walk you through why he likes it.
What You Need to Know When Buying Wireless Headphones
Join Fc-Construct as he discusses what makes wireless headphones unique compared to wired ones. Learn what matters for sound quality and wireless features to make informed buying decisions.
Sony's Newest WH1000XM6 LEAKED?!
Listener's here to give you the download on all of the most important things you need to know about what may end up being the new best wireless headphone on the market.
Zähl H1 Review & Measurements
The Zähl H1 is the little brother to the HM1, offering the same fantastic performance, but at a lower price by focusing purely on the amplifier itself.
Ranking (almost) ALL of the 64 Audio IEMs! (Updated for 2025)
Fc Construct is here to give you his ranking of (almost) every 64 Audio IEM, updated for their 2025 lineup.
How To Get THE BEST Headphone Purchase Advice
Listener's here to share how YOU can ensure that you get the best headphone recommendation possible.
What Headphone Reviewers AREN'T Telling You
Ever wonder if there are any relevant pieces of information that most audio reviewers are leaving out of their reviews? The answer is yes, so Resolve is here to break down what exactly reviewers are leaving out of reviews, and why.
The Most Important Spec You’re Not Paying Attention To - Output Impedance Explained
Ever wonder why your favorite headphone or IEM sounds bad on some devices? Welcome to the most important spec you're not paying attention to - output impedance.
Chord Alto Review & Measurements - My favourite 'warm' headphone amp
The Chord Alto packs a huge amount of power into a tiny form factor, and offers what could be one of the best presentations of a 'warm' sound.
Review: The Moondrop Edge is Goodn't™
Join Resolve as he reviews the Moondrop Edge, all while pretending not to enjoy the anime girl voice softly whispering in his ear. Doo-do-do.
The Coffee Shop HiFi Setup Challenge!
Which of our lovely reviewers can put together the best (and least conspicuous) headphone setup for getting work done at a coffee shop? Watch to find out!
Headphones.com Open-Back Headphone Buying Guide - $500-1000
The Headphones.com Editorial Team shouts out their favorite options for open-back over-ear headphones between $500 and $1000
![A Practical Buyer’s Guide to Shopping for Headphones (and Other Audio Gear) - Navigating the Chinese Market [Updated 2025]](http://headphones.com/cdn/shop/articles/Blessing_3_1_0913d3ad-666b-4176-b071-bb48782c4611.jpg?v=1745027626&width=533)
A Practical Buyer’s Guide to Shopping for Headphones (and Other Audio Gear) - Navigating the Chinese Market [Updated 2025]
Buying audio can be surprisingly complicated. Doubly so when it comes to the Chinese market. Fc-Construct gives out some practical advice on how to navigate the scene.
Your Headphones Might Be Butchering Your Music (Why I do what I do)
Join Resolve as he discusses why he's into headphones and what brought him to the headphone hobby.
ZiiGaat Lush: The Sleeper Hit That Silenced My Skepticism
ZiiGaat's Lush seems to present something not only unique for ZiiGaat's lineup, but unique for the IEM market in general. Join listener as they discuss why.
Headphones.com Open-Back Headphone Buying Guide - $200-500
The Headphones.com Editorial Team shouts out their favorite options for open-back over-ear headphones between $200 and $500
The Updated Audio Technica R-Series Line-up: R70xa, R50x, and R30x Review
Audio Technica announced three new headphones to their R-series line-up of headphones: the R70xa ($350), R50x ($200), and R30x ($100). Fc-Construct gives us his thoughts on these additions to the family.
Resolve's Favorite Headphones under $1000 (2025 Edition)
Join Resolve as he talks about what he would buy under $1000 on today's current market, updated to include some bangers that dropped this past year or so.
Focal Bathys MG Review: The Best Sounding Wireless Headphone?
Join Resolve as they dive deep into Focal's newest top-of-the-line wireless ANC headphone and compare it to all of the usual suspects in this product class to find out: is the Bathys MG actually the best sounding wireless headphone?
Focal Bathys MG Review - Raising the Bar
Resolve takes a look at at the Bathys MG & compares it to the OG to find out if it's better. Is Bathys MG the new best sounding ANC headphone on the market?
CrinEar Project META Review: Crin's Best, With Room To Improve
Project META intentionally aligns itself with the tuning approach undertaken by other IEMs in the "New Meta" category, like the Hisenior Mega5EST and Kiwi Ears KE4. But does it fall victim to the same perceived deficiencies that other “New Meta” sets exhibit?
Stop Ruining Your Headphone Bass Right Now
Resolve likes bass. Resolve wears glasses. If you don't already see the problem, you NEED to watch this video, where Resolve breaks down the best ways to handle the sonic compromises inherent to wearing glasses when so many headphones require a seal to sound their best.
Sennheiser HD 550 Review — An Absolute BANGER That Took Us By Surprise
In this video, Resolve, DMS and Listener give their Sennheiser HD 550 review. Find out which of the two new releases is best, and whether the new ones can dethrone the legendary HD 6XX, or HD 600 over ear open back headphones.
Sennheiser HD 550 Review: A Legitimate Gamechanger
Sennheiser has indicated that new headphones named “HD x50” should be neutral, but does HD 550 live up to that standard? Join listener as they break it down!
Nightjar Acoustics Duality Review - The Luxury Bass Experience
Originally conceived as but a novelty, the Duality was an unexpected hit for many show listeners - including Precogvision - who marveled at its bass response. Now that the Duality's made it into production, Precogvision takes a closer listen at what it brings to the table.
The Topping Centaurus has a problem...
Is Holo Audio's notoriously accurate R2R DAC implementation enough to make Centaurus an DAC people should consider? Join GoldenSound as he breaks it down.
This Guy Made Some of the Best Headphones EVER!
If you've already changed the very meaning of what an "audiophile headphone" is, where do you go from there? Resolve caught up with Axel Grell—now of Grell Audio—at CanJam NYC to find out.
Sennheiser HD 505: Senn Steps Forward
With HD 505, Sennheiser demonstrates that they’ve been listening to the criticisms about the HD 560S being too thin and bright... but is it enough for the HD 505 to be a valid alternative to the 6 series?
Truthear Zero: BLUE 2 - Upgrade Path from the Ultra-Budget?
The IEM market has no shortage of Harman-tuned options at low prices, so does the BLUE 2 do enough to represent a compelling alternative that’s worth the extra money versus less expensive options? Join listener as they break it down.
DMS interviews Sennheiser at regarding the HD 505 Copper Edition
Sennheiser's HD 505 is finally here, but DMS has questions for Sennheiser. Join him and Sennheiser's PR Manager Eric Palonen as they discuss the new HD 505 and what this release means for Sennheiser's lineup going forward.
A Walk Through CanJam: NYC 2025 Fc-Construct Edition
Join Fc-Construct as he wanders through CanJam NYC 2025 and shares his hands-on impressions of 8 noteworthy headphones and 15 interesting IEMs. Your next piece of gear might be in here!
The Headphone Show's Audiophile Test Tracks
Audio reviewers Resolve, DMS, GoldenSound and Listener give their audiophile playlists, both for testing new gear and the music they enjoy.
Elysian Annihilator 2023 Review - The Electric Butterfly
The Annihilator has set the standard for top-tier treble performance since its inception in late 2019. IEM reviewer Precogvision takes a look at how it stacks up almost five years later in its latest iteration.
Moondrop Edge: Budget ANC Headphones are Getting GOOD
The EDGE is Moondrop's first wireless ANC headphone that Listener thinks people should be paying much closer attention to. Join them as they discuss why!
Laiv Harmony R2R DAC Review & Measurements
The Harmony is an R2R DAC from a new entrant to the audio market; Laiv Audio, and as well as having a quite simply stunning external and internal build, it has some interesting performance characteristics that make this a great option for those wanting a slightly warmer sound.
I thought this was a cash grab! MoonDrop x Honkai Star Rail Robin's Earphones Review
If you play Honkai Star Rail, the Robin is a highly anticipated wireless earphone made in collaboration with MoonDrop. But even if you don't play the game, there's still reason to be interested. The Robin might be the best TWS IEM under $100.
Buying Guide: Best DACs & Headphone Amps of 2025!
As we head into 2025, join us at The Audio Files as we round up some of the best and most compelling products in audio source gear. No matter if you're looking to spend a few hundred, or thousands for the best you can get, we've got you covered!
Softears Volume S - 2024's Best IEM
Join listener as they discuss the first IEM that truly signals where IEMs are (hopefully) likely to be going in the years to come, and one of the only IEMs they feel wholly earns the designation of “neutral” from top to bottom.
Focal Lensys Professional: Better than Azurys?
Focal's Lensys Professional is a new closed back headphone that looks very similar to Focal's new Azurys—listener's Best Headphone of 2024—but is $150 more expensive. Which raises the question: which is actually better?
This IEM has +20 dB of subbass! Nightjar Duality First Impressions
The Nightjar Acoustics Duality is the dual dynamic driver successor to the single dynamic driver Singularity. There are a lot of improvements under the hood, but at a hefty price: $3,000. Fc-Construct gives us his impressions.
Empire Ears Raven Review - Hefty in More Ways than One
The Raven is Empire Ear's current TOTL flagship IEM. The flagship landscape has become increasingly competitive; however, it seems like many IEMs aggregate on a similar style of tuning. Precogvision takes a look at how the Raven circumvents this new trend.
The Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) to Start 2025
As 2025 begins, join us at The Audio Files as we update our buyer's guide for in-ear monitors (IEMs) worth talking about. From $20 to over $5,000, you're sure to find something to elevate your listening experience.
Third Time's the Charm? HEDDPhone TWO GT Review
HEDD has updated their HEDDphone TWO with an updated model specifically targeting audiophiles with a brand-new sound signature—the HEDDphone TWO GT. Join GoldenSound and DMS as they discuss how the new model differs from the original, as well as how it stacks up to competitors.
Lime Ears Terra: This is NOT New Meta. I Like It.
This year, the IEM world has seen major conceptual shifts in tuning philosophy. Dubbed "new meta" for simplicity, it's gained popularity due to several high profile IEMs featuring this tuning style. Yet, boutique brands march to their own beat. One such example is the new Lime Ears Terra. Fc-Construct explains why he likes it despite not using the hottest tuning.
FiiO FT1 Pro: Is It REALLY That Good?
FiiO is back with their second hyped release of the year, their budget open-back planar FT1 Pro. Does it live up to the legacy already set forth by the incredibly well-received FT1? Join Resolve and DMS as they discuss!
Headphones have evolved! - Auribus Acoustics Sierra Review
Auribus Acoustics has returned with a new project named "Sierra" meant to offer a fully-extended presentation with all-day comfort, but does it accomplish that?
Buying Guide: Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2024
Join listener as they go over what they believe to be the best options out there for buying over-ear headphones in 2024
Hifiman HE1000 Unveiled Review - This Time It IS Just Better
Resolve was less than enthusiastic about the "unveiled" concept as it pertained to Hifiman's new Susvara Unveiled. But this time around, with the HE1000 Unveiled, does he feel better about the balance of compromises it offers? Watch to find out!
Soundstage Is (Much) More Complicated Than You Think
Many listeners end up disappointed upon hearing the best headphone soundstage, realizing it's not as big a game-changer as they'd expected. Join listener as they discuss why soundstage is more complicated than we think, and how audiophiles can better manage their expectations and understand this elusive quality.
64 Audio Solo Review: Chasing After the Planar Train
The Solo is 64 Audio's newest IEM released this year at CanJam SoCal. And this time, it's a 14.2 mm planar with an almost open-back design. At $1,400, it's a step above the universally praised $1,100 U4s. Fc-Construct breaks down 64 Audio's take on the planar IEM trend and whether it's worthy of the 64 Audio name.
The craziest headphones you've ever seen! — CanJam SoCal 2024
The headphones.com team heads to CanJam SoCal for another year of headphone madness.
CanJam SoCal 2024 - Precog's Show Report
Precog makes the annual trip to CanJam SoCal. Did he hear any IEMs that caught his ear this year?
Redefining Neutral? A Buyer's Guide to IEMs from the "New Meta"
For the better part of the last decade, IEMs have seen an increasing shift towards a target-based tuning approach. But what target should be has been a topic of contention, and new measurement standards has brought on a new wave of IEM tunings. Fc-Construct compares 5 of the most popular "new meta" IEMs.
Moondrop's BEST Over-ear Headphone - Moondrop Cosmo Review
The Moondrop Cosmo is an example of a headphone that has a unique sound signature, and deviates from the traditional headphone tuning norms in several places, and yet it still sounds good. This is tasteful coloration done well. See what Resolve has to say about it.
A Survival Guide to Your First Audio Show
It's your first audio show and you're wondering what you should know. Our IEM reviewer Precogvision breaks down his experience and his tips for maximizing your experience.
Making the MOST powerful iPod
DMS loves his iPod. So much so that he willingly subjected himself to a condensed, time-crunched development hell in order to make something cool—The Most Powerful iPod—and have it ready in time for CanJam SoCal 2024.
Behold! The GLORIOUS Kiwi Ears KE4
Kiwi Ears has been a player in the chi-fi IEM space for quite a while, and they've just released what might be their best IEM yet. Join Resolve and listener as they discuss why.
What does an amplifier actually do?
What is an amplifier, why do you need one? And what do they even do?
FiiO FT-1 Review: A truly excellent budget closed back
FiiO has been consistently releasing budget over-ear headphones for the past year or two, and with the FT-1 they've released what might be their best yet.
Kiwi Ears KE4: The Next Step Forward
Kiwi Ears' new KE4 might not be perfect, but it’s close enough that it's probably one of the easiest IEM recommendations I can give in 2024. Why? Let’s talk about it.
HarmonicDyne x Zeos Eris Review
Resolve and GoldenSound have teamed up to look at the latest collab from Z Reviews, the HarmonicDyne Eris. Touted as a bass monster, the question they try to answer in this video is what actually IS great bass? and whether or not the Eris is worthy of such a title. Spoiler - this is a headphone for the most unhinged mid-bass enthusiasts among us. But is that a good thing?
Sony IER-M7: Sony's Sleeper Hit?
IER-M7 has been perpetually overshadowed in our discourse by it's more expensive (and incredibly well-liked) big brother IER-M9, but I think it deserves more credit then it’s gotten in our discourse up to now. Why? Let’s talk about it.
64 Audio Aspire 4 Review - A New Breed of 64 Audio IEM?
The Aspire 4 is the latest model from the Vancouver, WA brand that's aimed at performers on a budget. Does it hold up to the same, lofty standards their other models have set?
ThieAudio Oracle MKIII Review - A Perplexing Prophecy
The Oracle lineup is one of ThieAudio's most popular lines, and it now has a new face in the form of the Oracle MKIII. What's changed in the latest iteration of the Oracle?
I would buy this! - Aune AR5000 Review
In this video, Resolve provides his Aune AR5000 review with measurements, and compares it to other well known mid-priced headphones like the Sennheiser HD 600, HiFiMAN Sundara and a number of other open back headphones worth considering.
This is the PERFECT Headphone for you! - DMS's Ultimate Headphone Buying Guide
Have you ever wanted the ultimate headphone buying guide, which actually changed the recommendation based on the answers you gave? Well, DMS has made this a reality, give it a shot by watching the video on YouTube and following the instructions.
Drop + Grell OAE1 - It's NOT just about soundstage
Resolve gives his perspective on the Drop + Grell OAE1 open back headphones. This headphone has a very unique design to it and goes after a new concept in audio, angling the drivers very far to the front of the cup. In this video, we check out how it turns out in practice.
Susvara Unveiled - Yes, but at what cost?
Hifiman has finally released their successor to their flagship Susvara, but at an increased cost and with a novel design element. Join GoldenSound and Resolve as they discuss the obvious question: Is the new Susvara Unveiled a legitimate improvement over Hifiman's previous flagship?
USB-C HiFi? Beyerdynamic Pro X USB-C Cable Review
Beyerdynamic has released a new USB-C Amp/DAC cable that makes a measurable difference on their headphones, which begs the question: if there's a tuning change, what change did they end up choosing?
A tube amp in your pocket! - Woo Tube Mini Review
The Woo Tube Mini might just be the smallest tube amp available, and GoldenSound gives it the full run-down.
Sennheiser HD 6-series Tier List & Comparison
While there's a lot of love surrounding Sennheiser's HD 6 series headphones, there's also a ton of questions. Join Resolve as they endeavor to answer some of the big ones—including unit variation, the importance of pad wear, and how entries in the 6 series deviate depending on the head they're placed on.
Closed back showdown! Sennheiser HD620S vs Focal Azurys
There are some new heavy-hitters in the world of hi-fi closed back headphones. In this video, DMS compares the new HD620S to the Azurys.
FiiO JT1: $69 headphones with... potential
FiiO has been filling out their catalog of over-ear headphones in the last few years, but how does their newest ultra-affordable semi-open back headphone sound?
Sonos Ace SOUND QUALITY Review - Style over Substance
Sonos is a company well-known for their consumer-oriented speakers and soundbars, but now they're trying their hand in the wireless ANC headphone space. How does it measure up to the other heavy hitters in this range?
Did they make a closed HD600? - Sennheiser HD620S review
People have been asking Sennheiser for a closed back 6-series headphone for years now, and here it is... but how does it sound?
Dunu x Gizaudio Da Vinci - This new trend in IEMs is great
Resolve takes a look at the newest entry into the "new IEM meta" that's taken hold of the "chi-fi" IEM scene in 2024.
Bass cannons from Japan! Final Audio D7000 vs D8000 pro
In this video DMS compares the NEW Final D7000 to the Final D8000 Pro! What's the difference?
New Focal headphones for 2024! Azurys & Hadenys Review
In this video Resolve does a technical deep dive on the Azurys and Hadenys to see how they stack up to the competition, and how they perform relative to headphones in Focal's existing lineup such as the Clear, Elex and Radiance.
The world's best IEM? Subtonic Storm Review
Coming in at a whopping $5200, the Storm has generated a lot of hype and interest from deep within the IEM community. In this video, we find out if it lives up to that hype.
Moondrop Cosmo: Surprising Sound, Blunderous Build
With Cosmo being their most expensive over-ear headphone to date, Moondrop is clearly aiming to provide something different sounding from their prior designs, while perhaps not trying to shirk their established visual design language. But do they do enough to make Cosmo a headphone worth recommending? Let's discuss it.
What is a DAC and why do you need one?
What is a Digital to Analog Converter, and why do you need one? And how do they even work?
The Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) Summer 2024
As we settle into the second half of 2024, join us at The Audio Files as we update our buyer's guide for in-ear monitors (IEMs) worth talking about. From $20 to over $5,000, you're sure to find something to elevate your listening experience.
DUNU Titan S2 & Letshuoer S08: The Sequel & The Dark Planar
The DUNU Titan S2 is the sequel to what many people consider the sleeper-hit single DD of yesteryear, DUNU’s Titan S. On the other hand, Letshuoer’s S08 seems to be their latest—and potentially most unique—offering in their lineup of “S series” planar IEMs. How do they stack up against each other? Let's break it down.
Grell OAE-1: Why You Shouldn't Care About Soundstage
Grell's new OAE-1 has some rather unique design goals: extreme openness and frontal driver orientation. Join listener as they evaluate the headphone, the theoretical underpinnings of its design and marketing, and why consumers should be a lot more skeptical when a headphone is claimed to have "speaker-like soundstage".
Juzear Butterfly 61T Review: The FotM Cycle
The Juzear Butterfly 61T is a $220 IEM from a little known Chinese IEM brand. But it's been building hype since it's release a month ago. In other words, it's halfway to becoming the latest flavour-of-the-month. Fc-Construct gives us a look into its sound and discusses the idea of FotM products.
Sennheiser HD 620S - Does It Deserve A Spot In The 6 Series?
Any headphone laying claim to a spot within Sennheiser's hallowed 6 series needs to have the chops to back it up, and therein lies the question: Is the HD 620S actually good enough to be *the* 6 series closed back, or has the HD 620S been placed in a series it neither lives up to nor competes with? Let's talk about it.
Meze Alba Review: Meze (Mostly) Makes its Mark
If you've heard of Meze, it's for their cult favourites headphones such as the Meze Empyrean, Elite, and 99 Classics. But they've flown under the radar when it comes to IEMs. With the release of their new $160 Alba, Meze hopes to change that. Fc-Construct discusses if the Alba will put Meze on the map.
Elysian Acoustics Pilgrim Review: A Step Along the Journey
Elysian Acoustics a boutique IEM brand from Malaysia that's produced a number of highly acclaimed IEMs. However, they often cost a few thousand dollars and production can take quite a bit of time. Enter the Pilgrim. At $400, it offers a taste of the Elysian Acoustics sound at a fraction of the price. How well does that promise hold true? Fc-Construct takes a look.
What is DETAIL in IEMs?
What does it actually mean when someone says one headphone is more than detailed than another? Our reviewer Precogvision weighs in with his opinion on the matter from the perspective of IEMs.
Truthear GATe - New Ultra-Budget King?
The Hola was Truthear’s first entry into the ultra-budget space, and it was an exceptionally-balanced offering. Now we’ve gotten its replacement with the GATe, and the question must be answered: after Truthear discontinued what was arguably their most universally-beloved IEM, is the GATe actually a worthy replacement?
Sennheiser HD 569: Sennheiser's Best Kept Secret?
A headphone being old and scarcely mentioned doesn’t automatically mean it's bad. In fact, HD 569 might be my favorite mid-fi closed back headphone. Why is that, and more importantly, why does nobody talk about this headphone? Join me as I try a headphone from seven years ago in the hopes of finding an undiscovered gem.
Symphonium Titan Review - Precog's Take
The Titan is Symphonium's entry into the quickly emerging category of IEMs that go for massive bass boosts with otherwise mostly neutral tuning. How does it stack up against the competition?
I\O Acoustics Volare Review: Highlights of Yesterday
The Chinese IEM scene has seen many new brands rise to prominence with high performing products debut. I\O Audio is one of the latest companies to join this trend with the release of the $600 Volare. Fc-Construct takes a listen and explains why it might be worth a look... and why it might not.
DUNU x Gizaudio DaVinci: Are we in the Renaissance of IEMs?
The DUNU x Gizaudio DaVinci is an IEM that’s making waves in the community for its compliance with what many are calling “the new tuning meta.” But does it live up to the hype? Join listener as they discuss why—with IEMs like DaVinci—we may in fact be in the midst of an IEM Renaissance.
Focal Azurys and Hadenys Dual Review: The Focal Evolution
Focal recently announced two new headphones: the closed-back Azurys ($549) and open-back Hadenys ($699). Fc-Constructs gives us a deep dive into their sound and compares them against other benchmark headphones to see where they stand in the market.
Subtonic STORM Review: Chasing the Dragon
The Subtonic STORM has been hailed as The Greatest IEM in the World. That is a heavy crown. Fc-Construct gives us an overly enthusiastic deep dive on why the STORM is deserving of that title.
The IEM I like more than headphones - Hisenior Mega5-EST Review
Join DMS as he takes a look at Hisenior's Mega5-EST. Is this the king of IEMs under $1k? Watch the video and find out!
Visiting HEDD Audio's Factory in Berlin - Inside the German Speaker and Headphone Manufacturer's Headquarters with GoldenSound
GoldenSound heads to HEDD audio in Berlin to find out what makes AMT drivers so different to other technologies, and the history behind the innovation.
Sennheiser HD 660S2 vs. HD 600 and 650: Which is REALLY better?
Sennheiser is the only company that gets the entire headphone sphere excited when they release a new product, but it seems they've forgotten why people love them—and the 6 series—in the first place. Let’s talk about why I think so, how their new HD 660S2 embodies this disconnect, and what I think they can do to fix it.
Moondrop x Crinacle DUSK: An Inconvenient Truth
Crinacle's new DUSK was an IEM that was uniquely positioned to fulfill the wishes of consumers asking for an IEM tuned with the Brüel and Kjaer Type 5128 in mind. However, due to the reliance on the DSP cable to grant that wish, saying "Buy DUSK" isn't quite as simple this time around.
Sennheiser IE 200 Review: Affordable, but is it good?
The Sennheiser IE 200 is the most affordable in-ear monitor in their IE line-up. At $150, it's meant to bring the Sennheiser sound to the masses. But how much has changed from its bigger brothers IE 600 and IE 900 and is it any good?
Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Measurements & Discussion
The WANDLA GoldenSound Edition features several changes over the original, and slightly different measured behaviour.
Tanchjim Origin: Back to Basics?
The Origin is Tanchjim's latest flagship DD IEM. The brand last struck gold with their Oyxgen IEM - almost five years ago. Does the Origin capture some of that original magic?
CanJam NYC 2024: Precog's Show Report
Precogvision shares thoughts from his first time in New York City and his listening impressions of IEMs at the popular audio show, CanJam.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro: Incrementalist
In a world that doesn't include HD 600 or 650, I might actually take HD 490 Pro over most of the other stuff in its price range. While it's not as good as I had hoped, I still found myself using it without EQ for extended periods of time without glaring comfort or sound issues... and frankly, I’m not sure I could do that with most of the other headphones at its price.
Thieaudio Hype 2 vs 4 vs 10 Triple Comparison Review: Worth the Hype?
Thieaudio is one of the most popular brands in the IEM space. Their newest line-up of Hype IEMs share Thieaudio's Impact2 bass dynamic drivers and differ in the number of balanced armatures: 2, 4, and 10. Fc-Construct takes a look to see if these IEMs are worth the hype.
Are Custom IEMs worth it vs. Traditional IEMs?
Precogvision breaks down whether it makes sense to invest in a pair of custom in-ear-monitors versus tradition universal in-ear-monitors.
Sennheiser IE 600 Comparative Review: A Cheaper IE 900?
The Sennheiser IE 600 is the 2nd IEM in Sennheiser's modern IE line-up. At $800, it's a little more than half the price of the flagship IE 900. The question is, what are you giving up? Fc-Construct takes a deep dive to see if the IE 600 is just a cheaper IE 900 or if there are key differences you should be aware of.
Diffuse Field: Calculate, Characterize, Calibrate
Head-Related Transfer Functions have become a common topic of discussion now that Headphones.com have incorporated the Brüel and Kjaer Type 5128 into our roster of measurement fixtures, but some still aren't sure what HRTFs are, how we're using them, or most importantly—why we're using them. Join listener as they break down the myriad reasons why Headphones.com chooses to calibrate measurements using the Diffuse Field HRTF.
A Reviewer's Guide to Understanding Graphs - the B&K 5128 Edition
The introduction of the B&K 5128 measurement system heralded a revolution in the headphone hobby with our visualization of frequency response graphs. But how does it compare to the old GRAS standard and how will calibrated graphs improve our understanding of measurements? In this article, we break it all down for you.
Sennheiser IE 900 Review: This is the Bass I've Been Looking For!
Sennheiser's returned to the high end IEM scene with the release of the IE 900. In a sea of multi-driver and hybrid configurations, it's a 7 mm single DD with a couple neat tricks up its sleeve. Can the IE 900 establish Sennheiser as a key player in the IEM space?
Letshuoer S15 Review: Not At This Price
The Letshuoer S15 is the successor to the wildly popular Letshuoer S12 planar IEM. At $330, the S15 has two tricks up its sleeve: a 3rd generation planar drive and Letshuoer's R-Sonic filter technology. But will it be worth triple the MSRP? Fc-Construct takes a look.
Moondrop Dark Saber Impressions - Flagship Worthy?
In many respects, Moondrop peaked several years ago with their Solution S8 IEM. Their last several flagship IEMs haven't quite measured up. But does the Dark Saber represent the beginning of a possible redemption arc?
Symphonium Crimson Review - Precog's Take
Symphonium is a small Singaporean IEM brand that has been making bigger waves. The Crimson is the brand's latest release, as well as their new flagship IEM. After several listening sessions with the Crimson, Precog discusses how it stacks up.
Audeze MM-100: Mid-Fi Mainstay or Missed Opportunity?
MM-100 is advertised to target those who need a solid headphone for mix referencing, similar to what it’s big brother MM-500—as well as the legendary Sennheiser 6x0 series—attempt to offer. But does it do so well enough to be a compelling option in the headphone world's most competitive price bracket?
The Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) to Start 2024
As 2023 comes to a close, join us as we take a look back at the in-ear monitors (IEMs) worth talking about to begin 2024. From $20 to $5,000, you're sure to find something to elevate your listening experience.
64 Audio Volür Review: A Nio Evolution?
The 64 Audio Volür is the successor to the basshead's delight Nio using 64 Audio's new True Isobaric Configuration technology to double the bass drivers. But can it deliver a performance worthy of the $800 price increase?
Hisenior Mega5EST: Task Failed Successfully
Hisenior claim their $550 tribrid is tuned to Harman's IE Target, yet it has garnered recognition for measuring closely to the beloved—and not Harman IE compliant—Subtonic Storm. Is it Harman? Is it a "baby Storm"? Join listener as they discuss why Mega5EST is one of the happiest accidents in today's IEM market.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Review: The TWS Earbuds I Thought I Wanted
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is the cheapest TWS product with proper ANC from a big tech company. Is it finally time to make the switch?
The DUNU Mirai: A Glimpse into the Future
The Mirai was designed to encapsulate the sound of the future. In this article, Precogvision dives deeper into the tuning process and more details about his first collaboration IEM.
Spotify VS Apple Music
GoldenSound dives into the differences between two music streaming giants; Spotify and Apple music, including real world tests of library size and lossless playback ability!
Truthear Nova: On a Theme
Nova’s release was met with some pretty massive hype due to it being Truthear’s first product over $100. But does the Nova actually improve upon its predecessors enough to command a price roughly double that the Hexa?
Sennheiser Accentum Review
Headphone enthusiast Resolve takes a look at the Sennheiser Accentum wireless noise cancelling headphones. Find out if the "baby Momentum" is worthy of its namesake.
Nightjar Singularity Review: Single Driver Dreams
The Nightjar Singularity aims to be the best basshead single dynamic driver out there. It's a lofty dream, but it's one that's gotten support from avid fans. Fc-Construct breaks down the hype and gives his take on whether it's all warranted.
Headphone graphs that can tell you MORE
The way most people read headphone graphs is more often than not incorrect. People far too frequently get the wrong idea. Here is our solution for better data visualization.
Subtonic Storm Review - The Rumble of Innovation
Subtonic's flagship IEM, the STORM, has been difficult to get ears on due to overwhelming demand. But now that Precog has heard it extensively, these are his thoughts.
Symphonium Crimson: The Heir Apparent
With the Crimson, Symphonium is seemingly counting on a sonic midpoint between their two best performing products being compelling enough to justify placing it in the flagship seat of their catalog. Does Crimson live up to the expectations placed upon it by being the next in Symphonium’s already stellar lineup?
CanJam SoCal 2023 - Precog's Show Report
Precog hits CanJam SoCal again. Did he hear any IEMs that caught his ear?
The Shape of IEMs To Come
IEMs sound pretty different to headphones, but why? Why isn't there an "HD 650" of IEMs? Is it even possible to make one? Join listener as they discuss the Brüel and Kjaer Type 5128 Head and Torso Simulator, the previous generation of IEMs, and where we might be heading to capture the sound of over-ear headphones in IEMs.
Bass: The Audiophile's Not-So-Guilty Pleasure
Bass is tough to get right, and it’s crucial to people's enjoyment of music. Many of us have our own take on how bass is best done, but even in acknowledging that preferences may vary wildly: Is there one headphone or IEM that rules them all? Join listener as they explore some of the best, all in search of the answer.
HEDDphone Two First Impressions
HEDD Audio HEDDphone Two unboxing and impressions from Resolve
The Case for Comfort: Why Sound Quality Isn't Everything
Is sound quality really the most important quality of a headphone, or could it be something else? Join listener as they share research and hands-on experience in an effort to answer this question, as well as options they feel excel at a variety of things a headphone user may find important.
PlayStation Pulse Elite and Explore: What We Might Expect
The new PlayStation Pulse Elite headset and Explore wireless earbuds: Headphone Expert Breaks Down What We Might Expect
A headphone reviewer's reference gear
Ever wonder what headphones reviewers actually use on a daily basis? In this video, Resolve goes through a list of his reference equipment.
This DAP does everything! - Astell & Kern SP3000 Review & Measurements
Quite possibly the most refined experience an IEM user could ask for.
