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The Audeze LCD-X was launched in 2013 as an easier-to-drive version of the popular LCD-2. Over the years, it has received several silent upgrades, with the most recent iteration commonly referred to as the LCD-X 2021. Dan Clark Audio, often…
The first LCD-2 was released in 2009 and the LCD-2 has since undergone multiple revisions, but Audeze never changed the name. These versions are often unofficially referred to as the LCD-2 Rev.1, LCD-2 Rev.2, LCD-2.1, LCD-2.2, LCD-2 Pre-Fazor, LCD-2 Fazor…
Noble Audio has nailed it with a perfectly tuned, technically capable wireless earphone that can genuinely compete with high-quality wired options. The Noble FoKus Rex5 stands out with its five-driver hybrid configuration—not only using five drivers but of three different…
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…
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…
Headphones
Great headphones – if and only if – you give them the right pads! While some companies obsess about releasing new models almost every year, some just make a good headphone and let it be the same for decades. The Sennheiser HD600 and HD650 are classic examples, as is the AKG701. The Shure SRH1840, on the other hand, is something…
The Focal Clear MG was introduced in 2021, taking over after the first Focal Clear, launched in 2017. The original is now referred to as the Clear OG. Focal was originally a French high-end speaker manufacturer and entered the realm of high-fidelity headphones with the first Utopia in 2016. Soon after came a more affordable option, the Elear, which is…
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,…
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
When it comes to planar magnetic headphones, Hifiman is one of the most recognized brands in the industry. The Hifiman Edition XS, launched in 2021 as the third generation of…
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…
The $149 FT1, FiiO’s first wooden closed-back headphone, has been a huge hit in the headphone market, and for good reason. It offers remarkably good sound and has a superb…
The $299 Hifiman Sundara has long been a benchmark amongst planar magnetic headphones in its price range. It first was introduced in 2018, with a slightly revised revision introduced in…
The FT5 was launched in late 2023 and was FiiO’s first planar magnetic headphone. It is still the most expensive offering in the FiiO lineup, until the teased FT7 arrives,…
The $90 FP3 is an in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring a single planar magnetic driver, with a real wooden acoustic tuning cup as its faceplate. Behind this dome-shaped wooden faceplate lies…