Headphones.com - The Audio Files / Features

DCA Core First Impressions - Headphone tuning the 'right' way?

2026-06-30T14:28:49Z

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

2026-06-30T12:44:49Z

At Vienna High-End 2026, Aune turned heads with the flagship AR9000 and a shockingly good, ultra-affordable open-back prototype called the AR3000.

Apple's AirPods EQ: Is It Any Good?

2026-06-14T07:00:10Z

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

2026-06-13T13:37:29Z

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.

Audiophile Headphone Tournament - ONE Winner

2026-05-10T07:00:07Z

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

2026-05-03T07:00:06Z

A breakdown of how “neutral” tuning in IEMs went wrong—and why the CrinEar Reference exposes a decade of misconceptions shaping the IEM hobby.

The Listening Room — April's New Music Picks

2026-04-06T12:35:36Z

Join listener for their bi-weekly dive into audiophile-approved music across genres—spotlighting fresh releases and the tracks that have been on repeat.

Apple AirPods Max 2 Frequency Response Measurements (B&K 5128 and MIRE)

2026-04-02T20:02:17Z

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).

AirPods Max 2 is available for Pre-Order... but you shouldn't buy it.

2026-03-25T13:09:21Z

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.

2026-03-23T19:16:26Z

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.

We measured our HRTFs to try PERFECT headphone sound

2026-03-01T10:34:17Z

We traveled to the UK to measure our own HRTFs at Imperial College London, pushing headphone reviews toward truly personalized science.

Headphone Reviewers Can't Be Trusted. Here's Why.

2026-02-20T07:00:06Z

You’ve seen it before. One reviewer calls a headphone “endgame,” while another says it’s unlistenable. Your first instinct? One of them must be wrong, or one of them must be a shill. It’s possible, sure. But far more often, the explanation is much less simple. Unit Variation is a Real Issue Two people can review the “same” headphone model, but actually be listening to meaningfully different products. Manufacturing tolerances—allowances for differences in diaphragm tension/construction/mass, pad variation, assembly differences—can all create measurable and audible differences between units. Sometimes that difference is minor, but sometimes (maybe more than you...

Headphone reviews need a reset.

2026-02-15T07:00:01Z

Resolve explains why our new headphone ranking system gives lower scores than expected—and why that reset is necessary to raise industry standards.

The Headphone Show's EQ Tier List

2026-02-01T14:59:41Z

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.

Do DACs and Amps ACTUALLY matter? Reviewers weigh in.

2026-01-11T07:00:01Z

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.