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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.
