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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
