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Priced at a modest 149 USD, the FiiO FT1 might initially seem like just another mid-fi option. But don’t let the price tag deceive you—this is an audiophile-grade headphone. The FT1 delivers such impressive sound quality and build craftsmanship that…
The HD800 and HD800S are among the most significant high-fidelity headphones ever produced. Released in 2009, the HD800 set a new standard for detail retrieval, soundstage size, and overall performance, establishing itself as a benchmark in the world of personal…
This is a review and comparison of the five different types of aftermarket pads offered by Dekoni for the Focal full size headphone range. I will be using them on the Focal Clear MG, and all observations on the sound…
The Gemini hybrid headphone amplifier is designed around a tube-based input stage and an op-amp-based output stage. In this review, the Gemini is tested with a multitude of headphones and compared to several other headphone amplifiers. I can say right…
This is a comparison between the Focal Utopia dynamic driver headphone and the Voce electrostatic headphone from Dan Clark Audio, formerly known as MrSpeakers. Both are among my favourite headphones. I chose to do this comparison with the Utopia equipped…
The Hifiman Edition XS is one of Hifiman’s most popular headphones. Launched in 2021, the XS is the latest version of the Edition X-series. The first Edition X was launched in 2015 and the Edition X V2 followed shortly after in…
As the name suggests, the Quintet has 5 drivers per side. There are 4 different types of drivers: 1 Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) dynamic driver, 2 balanced armature (BA) drivers, 1 planar magnetic driver, and 1 piezoelectric (PZT) bone conductor. A…
The Hifiman Sundara and Edition XS are two of Hifiman’s most popular headphones. The Sundara was launched in 2017, Edition XS was launched in 2021. The XS, however, is based on the previous Edition X, launched in 2015 with…
Headphones
Simgot has been a well-known name in the in-ear monitor scene for years. Recently, the brand has expanded into the full-size headphone market with the EP5—a semi-closed back design featuring 50mm dynamic drivers. The EP5 headphones can be used on their own or paired with the optional GH22 boom mic cable. There’s also the optional lightweight and compact GEW1 USB…
The planar magnetic Audeze LCD-X was launched back in 2013 as a low impedance, higher sensitivity option to the LCD-2 and 3. It is aimed at studio work and professionals, and it became indeed a successful venture. Audeze has made some silent but major changes to the headphones over the years but didn’t release a statement on the details until…
The Noble FoKus Apollo ($649/£589/€699) is a premium true wireless (TWS) headphone with noise cancellation, marking Noble’s debut in the headphone market. Founded in 2013, Noble is best known for its high-end, usually quite expensive in-ear monitors (IEMs). The company initially specialized in wired IEMs before expanding into true wireless (TWS) IEMs, and now, with the Apollo, into TWS headphones….
The Atheia ($349) is a full-size, closed-back headphone featuring walnut ear cups and a dual hybrid driver design, combining a dynamic main driver with a small planar magnetic driver, aiming to blend the strengths of both technologies. MAIN TAKEAWAY Kiwi Ears, a relatively new brand, has been very successful with their in-ear monitors like e.g. the Cadenza and Quintet. Now,…
The $199 FT1 PRO is FiiO’s second planar magnetic headphone, following the FT5. However, its name and price position it closer to the $149 wooden closed-back FT1, which has been extremely well received. I am one of those who have contributed to the hype: The FT1 is shockingly good. Despite its similar name, the FT1 PRO differs significantly in key…
Priced at a modest 149 USD, the FiiO FT1 might initially seem like just another mid-fi option. But don’t let the price tag deceive you—this is an audiophile-grade headphone. The FT1 delivers such impressive sound quality and build craftsmanship that it should make many competitors rethink their pricing strategies and take a hard look in the mirror. MAIN TAKEAWAY FiiO…
IEMs
Headphone amplifiers
The Mytek Liberty Headphone Amplifier is a compact yet powerful device, delivering clean sound with a wide range of input and…
The Gemini hybrid headphone amplifier is designed around a tube-based input stage and an op-amp-based output stage. In this review, the…
The Focal Utopia is one of the best headphones in the world. Naturally, it deserves a good source and a serious…
This is not a review but a guide to the Violectric legacy products and their current lineup. I have so far…
THE GAME CHANGER Violectric V200 is a long-standing reference amp for many, including myself. It is now discontinued. Its successor V202…
This is a group test of the headphone performance as a standalone DAC/amp of the SPL Phonitor xe with the DAC768,…
More Posts
The Thieaudio Hype 4 is a premium in-ear monitor (IEM) priced at $399, positioned in the middle of Thieaudio’s Hype series. “Hype” stands for “Hybrid Performance,” reflecting its hybrid driver…
Released in 2024, the $399 Hype 4 from Thieaudio has earned significant praise as a high-value IEM. The same can be said for the $219 Quintet from Kiwi Ears, which…
The $399 Hype 4 is an IEM from Thieaudio released in 2024. It has gotten some serious recognition, being regarded as a high-value option. This also applies to the $499…
The Hype 2 and Hype 4 are two recent IEMs from Thieaudio that both share a similar configuration with a dedicated dual-diaphragm driver for the bass and balanced armatures for…
The closed-back, dynamic-driver FT1 was a true shocker, in the best possible way. I don’t think I’ve ever given higher praise to a headphone in terms of price-to-performance. Therefore it…
The $89 Canta is a new hybrid IEM from Kiwi Ears, combining a dynamic driver with two planar magnetic drivers. It’s designed with a special attention to midrange quality. “Canta”…