Authors - Caleb Loo

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This IEM has +20 dB of subbass! Nightjar Duality First Impressions

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

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.

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:

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? Comparing IEMs from the "New Meta"

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.

The Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) Summer 2024

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.

Juzear Butterfly 61T Review: The FotM Cycle

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

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 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.

IO Audio Volare Fc-Construct

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.

Focal Azurys and Hadenys Dual Review: The Focal Evolution

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 by Fc-Construct

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.

Sennheiser IE 200 Review: Affordable, but is it good?

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?

Thieaudio Hype 2 vs 4 vs 10 Triple Comparison Review: Worth the Hype?

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.

Sennheiser IE 600 vs IE 900

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.

A Reviewer's Guide to Understanding Graphs - the B&K 5128 Edition

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

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

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

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:

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?

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

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?

Nightjar Singularity Review: Single Dynamic Dreams

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.

Audeze Maxwell Review: The Greatest Value Wireless Headphone

Audeze Maxwell Review: The Greatest Value in Wireless Headphones

Symphonium x Nightjar Impressions: BAs for Bassheads?

Symphonium x Nightjar Meteor Extended Impressions Review: BAs for Bassheads?

HEDDPhone 2

HEDDPhone TWO Review: I've Never Been so Excited for a Headphone

Audeze MM-500

Audeze MM-500 Review: Studio Headphones from a 14x Grammy Winner?

PlayStation PULSE Elite and Explore

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

Unique Melody MEST MkIII

Unique Melody MEST MkIII Review: Moments of Magic

Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea

Effect Audio x Elysian Acoustic Labs Gaea Review: Boutique Brilliance

Thieaudio Monarch MkII and MkIII

The Ranking of Kings: Thieaudio Monarch MkII and MkIII Comparative Review

Focal Elex Review: I've Been Looking for this HD600 Upgrade!

Focal Elex Review: I've Been Looking for this HD600 Upgrade!

Truthear ZERO, Truthear RED, MoonDrop Blessing 2: Dusk, MoonDrop Blessing 3, DUNU SA6, DUNU SA6 Mk2

Sequels or originals? What's better, and who agrees?

A Beginner's Guide to Headphones and Audio for Streamers

Best Headphones and Audio for Streamers: A Beginner's Guide

Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED: Dissecting the Hype

Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite Review: The Return of Multi-BA Midrange IEM?

Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite: The Return of Multi-BA Midrange IEM?

BLON x HBB Z300 and Tripowin Piccolo and Simgot EW100P

Budget IEM Round-Up: Blon x HBB Z300, Tripowin Piccolo, and Simgot EW100P

64 Audio U4s vs Nio

64 Audio’s Next Generation: Comparing the U4s vs Nio

Hidizs MS5

Hidizs MS5: Big Bass and Bigger Marketing

Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon

Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon Impressions - Campfire Audio’s Best IEM

Astro A40 Gaming Headphones

Gaming Audio: Separating the Truth, the Myths, and the Marketing

Hidition T-1 Review: Korean Gaming IEMs

Hidition T-1 Review: Korean Gaming IEMs

Final Audio UX3000: The Best $150 ANC Headphone You’ve Never Heard

CanJam NYC 2023: First Impressions and Secret Auditions

CanJam NYC 2023: A Look at MEMS - The Next Step for In-Ear Monitors?

CanJam NYC 2023: A Look at MEMS - The Next Step for In-Ear Monitors?

Campfire Audio Trifecta, Equinox, Solstice, and Supermoon Impressions

DUNU Kima

DUNU Kima Review: The Arrival of the CRIZ FACTION

XENNS Mangird Top

XENNS Mangird Top Review: When Graphs Lie

Tin HiFi T4 Plus

Tin HiFi T4 Plus Review: The Bassier Aria

Year End Budget IEM Round-Up: 7Hz Salnotes Zero, Kiwi Ears Cadenza, Tin HiFi C2, and Tin HiFi C3

Year-End Budget IEM Round-Up: 7Hz Salnotes Zero, Kiwi Ears Cadenza, and Tin HiFi C2 and C3 Impressions

SeeAudio Yume 2 Review: Continuation of a Dream

SeeAudio Yume 2 Review: Continuation of a Dream

7Hz Timeless AE IEM

7Hz Timeless AE Review: A Year of Difference?

MoonDrop Venus Review: A Comprehensive Look at Headphone’s Most Promising New Entrant

MoonDrop Venus Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Headphone Industry's Most Promising New Entrant

Toronto Audio Fest Part 2: From Porta-Fi to Speaker-Fi

Toronto Audio Fest Part 2: From Porta-Fi to Speaker-Fi

Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) in 2022

Best In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) in Winter 2022

Toronto Audio Fest Part 1: A Sample of Headphones

Toronto Audio Fest Part 1: A Sample of Headphones

HiFiman Arya Stealth Review: An Upgrade and a Sidegrade

HiFiman Arya Stealth Review: An Upgrade and a Sidegrade

MoonDrop Stellaris Review: Still Still (Not) Stellar

MoonDrop Stellaris Review: Still Still (Not) Stellar

Focal Radiance Review: The Art of Luxury

Focal Radiance Review: The Art of Luxury

Sennheiser HD560S vs. HD600 Comparative Review

Sennheiser HD560S vs. HD600 Comparative Review

64 Audio Buyer's Guide: My Journey Through the 64 Audio Line-Up

64 Audio Buyer's Guide: A Newcomer's Journey Through the Line-Up

64 Audio U12t Review: Old Faithful

64 Audio U12t Review: Old Faithful

64 Audio Nio Review: The Triumph of Bass

64 Audio Nio Review: The Triumph of Bass

64 Audio U18s Review: Relaxed Reference

64 Audio U18s Review: Relaxed Reference

DUNU Vulkan Review: Mildly Simmering

DUNU Vulkan Review: Mildly Simmering

MoonDrop Summer Launch Event Summary and Initial Thoughts

MoonDrop Summer Launch Event Summary and Initial Thoughts

Tin HiFi T3 Buds Review: Too Little, Too Late

Tin HiFi T3 Buds Review: Too Little, Too Late

7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko Review: Muddy Waters

7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko Review: Muddy Waters

64 Audio tia Fourté Review: A Swing and a Miss

64 Audio tia Fourté Review: A Swing and a Miss

Sennheiser HE-1 Impressions - How does a $50,000 headphone sound?

Sennheiser HE-1 Impressions - How does a $50,000 headphone sound?

CCA CRA+ vs. CRA Comparative Review: More than Less

CCA CRA+ vs. CRA Comparative Review: More than Less

64 Audio U6t Dual Perspective Review: Resolve and Fc-Construct’s Take

64 Audio U6t Dual Perspective Review: Resolve and Fc-Construct’s Take

64 Audio tia Trio Review: The All-Rounder Powerhouse

64 Audio tia Trio Review: The All-Rounder Powerhouse

64 Audio Duo Review: Complementary Service

64 Audio Duo Review: Complementary Service

HiFiMan Edition XS Review: A Comparison to the Sundara and Ananda

HiFiMan Edition XS Review: A Comparison to the Sundara and Ananda

XENNS Mangird Tea 2 Review: A Conventional Option

XENNS Mangird Tea 2 Review: A Conventional Option

Audio Technica ATH-R70x Review: A Gateway to Soundstage

Audio Technica ATH-R70x Review: A Gateway to Soundstage

HBB Collab IEMs Reviewed: KZ DQ6S & Tripowin Olina

HBB Collab IEMs Reviewed: KZ DQ6S & Tripowin Olina

DUNU Titan S Review: Remember the Titan S

DUNU Titan S Review: Remember the Titan S

Symphonium Helios Review: Uncompromised Engineering

Symphonium Helios Review: Uncompromised Engineering

KZ AZ09 Pro Review: Fundamentally Good but Fatally Flawed

KZ AZ09 Pro Review: Fundamentally Good but Fatally Flawed

CCA CRA Review: The Best Deal in Audio

CCA CRA Review: The Best Deal in Audio

KZ ZEX Pro x Crinacle CRN Review: Return of the K(Z)ing?

KZ ZEX Pro x Crinacle CRN Review: Return of the K(Z)ing?

Tin HiFi T3 Plus Review: Back to Basics

Tin HiFi T3 Plus Review: Back to Basics

MoonDrop Sparks Review - Unplug and Play

MoonDrop Sparks Review - Unplug and Play

Tin HiFi P1 Plus Review: Planar Take Two

Tin HiFi P1 Plus Review: Planar Take Two

7Hz Timeless Review: Uncovering a Genuine Hidden Gem

7Hz Timeless Review: Uncovering a Genuine Hidden Gem

MoonDrop x Crinacle Blessing 2 Dusk Review: Claiming the Throne

MoonDrop x Crinacle Blessing 2 Dusk Review: Claiming the Throne