The Audio Files

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

Can Koss's A/550 Compete in Audio's Toughest Price Bracket?
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Can Koss's A/550 Compete in Audio's Toughest Price Bracket?

Koss A/550 looks absolutely stunning, but grainy lower treble, a stiff headband, and even stiffer competition make it tough to recommend over the established choices in its price range.

Catching Up with DUNU - DN142 vs DN242 Dual Review
  • Reviews

Catching Up with DUNU - DN142 vs DN242 Dual Review

Let's check in with an old friend of the IEM space - DUNU - and see what their new DN142 and DN242 models have to offer.

The Best Studio Headphones... Period — Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Review
  • Reviews

The Best Studio Headphones... Period — Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Review

Sennheiser's HD 480 Pro is a shockingly good $400 closed-back studio headphone that absolutely destroys it's competition, and redefines the standard for what a closed-back studio headphone ought to deliver.

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The Sennheiser Momentum 5 has BIG UPGRADES... but are they enough?
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The Sennheiser Momentum 5 has BIG UPGRADES... but are they enough?

Sennheiser's new Momentum 5 offers massively improved ANC and 60-hour battery life, but can it stand against it's considerable competition without power-user features like Parametric EQ?

Can Koss's A/550 Compete in Audio's Toughest Price Bracket?
  • Reviews
  • Video

Can Koss's A/550 Compete in Audio's Toughest Price Bracket?

Koss A/550 looks absolutely stunning, but grainy lower treble, a stiff headband, and even stiffer competition make it tough to recommend over the established choices in its price range.

Catching Up with DUNU - DN142 vs DN242 Dual Review
  • Reviews

Catching Up with DUNU - DN142 vs DN242 Dual Review

Let's check in with an old friend of the IEM space - DUNU - and see what their new DN142 and DN242 models have to offer.

The Best Studio Headphones... Period — Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Review
  • Reviews

The Best Studio Headphones... Period — Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Review

Sennheiser's HD 480 Pro is a shockingly good $400 closed-back studio headphone that absolutely destroys it's competition, and redefines the standard for what a closed-back studio headphone ought to deliver.

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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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Audiophile Headphone Tournament - ONE Winner
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Audiophile Headphone Tournament - ONE Winner

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
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  • Video

CrinEar Reference & The Problem with "Neutral" IEMs

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
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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)
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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).

Latest News

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Audeze announces the release of MM-520—their newest open-back studio headphones.
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Audeze announces the release of MM-520—their newest open-back studio headphones.

Audeze today announces the release of MM-520, the sequel to the MM-500, and the next iteration of its purpose-built studio headphones in the Manny Marroquin Signature Series.

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
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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.