The Audio Files

Your place for audio reviews, news, learning, and guides from our experts.

AFUL Performer 8S Review: Unusually Tuned, Usually Good
  • Reviews

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.
  • Features

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.
  • Features

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.

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YU9 QUE - My Favorite IEM Under $500
  • Reviews

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
  • Reviews

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.

  • Reviews
  • Video

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
  • Reviews

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.

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  • Buying Guides

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!

The Best High-End IEMs (Unlimited Budget) - Start of 2026 Edition
  • Buying Guides

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
  • Buying Guides

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
  • Buying Guides

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.

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

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.
  • Features

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.

  • Features
  • Video

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.

  • Features
  • Video

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

Latest News

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Audeze Maxwell 2 Officially Announced
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Audeze Maxwell 2 Officially Announced

Audeze has just announced the release of the Maxwell 2, the much anticipated follow-up to the original Maxwell, Audeze's best-selling entry in the gaming headset market.

ASUS ROG x HiFiMan: New Flagship Hi-Fi Gaming Headset at CES 2026
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ASUS ROG x HiFiMan: New Flagship Hi-Fi Gaming Headset at CES 2026

ASUS has just teased a new upcoming flagship gaming headset in partnership with HiFiMan to be revealed at CES 2026. Here's what we might expect from this.

New Audeze LCD-S20 Press Release with Initial Reviewer Commentary
  • News

New Audeze LCD-S20 Press Release with Initial Reviewer Commentary

Audeze has recently announced the release of their new closed back planar headphone, the LCD-S20. Fc-Construct gives us a rundown on its specs and provides some initial commentary.

Focal releases Bathys MG Wireless Closed-Back Headphones
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Focal releases Bathys MG Wireless Closed-Back Headphones

Focal pushes back the boundaries of wireless sound excellence with Bathys MG headphones