The Audio Files
Your place for audio reviews, news, learning, and guides from our experts.
The Listening Room — April's New Music Picks
Join listener for their bi-weekly dive into audiophile-approved music across genres—spotlighting fresh releases and the tracks that have been on repeat.
Focal Clear vs HEDD D1 Comparison - NEW on-head data results
Join Resolve as he dives into the differences between two of the world's best open-back dynamic driver headphones—Focal Clear and HEDDphone D1—and discusses how they behave on his head, as well as, of course, which he ultimately prefers (and why).
Apple AirPods Max 2 Frequency Response Measurements (B&K 5128 and MIRE)
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).
Meze Astru Impressions - I expect this to be controversial...
Join Resolve as he digests Meze's new $899 single-DD IEM Astru, and uses it perfect example of why people hear IEMs so differently.
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Focal Clear vs HEDD D1 Comparison - NEW on-head data results
Join Resolve as he dives into the differences between two of the world's best open-back dynamic driver headphones—Focal Clear and HEDDphone D1—and discusses how they behave on his head, as well as, of course, which he ultimately prefers (and why).
Meze Astru Impressions - I expect this to be controversial...
Join Resolve as he digests Meze's new $899 single-DD IEM Astru, and uses it perfect example of why people hear IEMs so differently.
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
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.
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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
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
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
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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The Listening Room — April's New Music Picks
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)
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.
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.
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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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
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
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
Focal pushes back the boundaries of wireless sound excellence with Bathys MG headphones