AFUL Acoustics, the innovating brand behind IEMs such as the impressive Performer 5, Performer 8, and the MagicOne has released its latest entry, which also happens to be its new flagship. The AFUL Cantor uses 14 balanced armature drivers per side and pairs it patented innovations developed and used in its other IEMs in addition to brand-new tech, and for a seemingly attractive price of $799 relative to the competition. Some of the engineering used here includes dual channel acoustic maze technology, non-destructive direct drive topology, multidimensional frequency division architecture, high-precision 3D-printed acoustic tube, and RLC network frequency division correction technology. Look out for our future review of the Cantor to know more about these, as well as how these IEMs sound. The Cantor is available in two faceplate options, the StarryNight and MarineEcho, as well as your choice of 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm cable terminations. It can be currently purchased on the Hifigo Aliexpress store, with the main website due to release it next week for those interested.

USound, the leading global provider of MEMS speakers, announced today the availability of a new dual speaker audio module that was created in collaboration with the notable global designer and manufacturer Luxshare-ICT. In 2022, the two companies had announced their collaboration for the development of a new audio solution that would fulfill all criteria for true wireless (TWS) earphones. The development is now concluded and Gemini 2.0 UAM-C1102 dual speaker audio module is available for purchase.

"We proudly announce the availability of the most advanced audio module for TWS and IEMs. Gemini 2.0 exceeds market demands by providing unparalleled audio performance in an ultra-compact form; a development that was made possible thanks to the harmonious and fruitful collaboration with Luxshare-ICT. Here at USound, we look forward to seeing our innovative audio components facilitate the production of state-of-the-art consumer electronics products, such as TWS earphones and advanced IEMs." -Ferruccio Bottoni, USound's CEO

Accelerating the adoption of solid-state micro speakers in consumer audio products, MEMS audio and semiconductor pioneer xMEMS Labs today announced the availability of two innovative reference designs for purchase at the xMEMS web store.

The first unit, known as Harding, serves as xMEMS' reference design for 2-way True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, while the other is for audiophile-level full-range in-ear-monitors (IEMs). Both are available for a limited time and in extremely limited quantities, with the goal of providing interested audio brands and manufacturers with accelerated time-to-market leveraging xMEMS' patented designs.

IEM brand DUNU has its latest release up for pre-order as of today. Titled DaVinci, named after Leonardo DaVinci, this is a hybrid set of IEMs using two dynamic drivers and four balanced armature drivers housed inside resin shells with stabilized wood faceplates. It comes with a rich accessory pack, including three types of ear tips (10 sets total), a modular cable featuring 3.5/4.4 mm terminators, and a handsome looking carry/storage case too. The DaVinci is a collaboration effort in conjunction with IEM reviewer Gizaudio and has been tuned with a 5-way crossover to offer, as the brands involved claim, a fast and punchy lower-end response, accurate midrange, and a true high-resolution sound experience. It retails for $300 with first shipments expected from next week, and you can pre-order it now from HiFiGo if interested.

Malaysia-based Elysian Acoustic Labs is a famous in-ear monitors brand that is known for its expensive offerings. The current flagship Annihilator costs $2999, for example, with an even more expensive one coming out soon. It's least expensive set—before today—cost well over $1000, so news of a $400 set of IEMs from the brand felt important enough to mention here for those interested. The Pilgrim is manufactured by Singapore-based Effect Audio and tuned by Elysian Acoustic Labs, uses a 1 DD (new-gen 9.2 mm Al-Mg diaphragm) + 3 Sonion balanced armature driver configuration inside a machined aluminium shell with a matching faceplate that features cleverly integrated vents. Expect to see a similar tuning style as other popular IEMs from the brand—exceptional lows, balanced mids, and good treble extension—and we will have a full review soon. It comes with a silver-plated copper stock cable in 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm terminations as well as set of Spinfit ear tips in the box. For those interested in purchasing the hotly-anticipated Pilgrim, a small first batch is up for sale on HiFiGo.

Noble Audio today launched the FoKus Triumph TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds, showcasing the company's renowned sound quality in a TWS package. FoKus Triumph is driven by a custom 6.5 mm dynamic driver coupled with Cowell, an all-silicon MEMS-based speaker from xMEMS Labs, pioneers in "Solid-State Fidelity."
FoKus Triumph is Noble's third product, following the Falcon Max and XM1, to benefit from a strategic partnership with xMEMS. Leveraging xMEMS Cowell to deliver exceptional sound quality, phase coherence, and treble extension, FoKus Triumph is the latest evidence of Noble Audio's status as a pioneer in premium portable audio.

Noble Audio's latest fully wireless earbuds incorporate a custom dynamic driver for accurate bass and midrange reproduction with xMEMS' Cowell solid state driver serving as a tweeter. Pre-production units with this hybrid design were tested by hundreds of visitors at xMEMS' CES suite in January, and they received high marks for sound quality.

The EPOMAKER x LINSOUL booth at the 2024 International CES had a lineup of ThieAudio in-ear monitors. We begin our tour with the Hype 10. The name apparently stands for "hybrid performance." Each of these IEMs comes with two 10 mm composite diaphragm drivers arranged in an isobaric design to make a subwoofer. These offer a broad frequency response range from 10 Hz to 40 kHz with 105 dB/Vrms @ 1 kHz sensitivity. ThieAudio has these priced at $900 a pair. Next up, is the more feature-packed Prestige LTD, with 1DD + 4BA + 4EST Tribrid setup, and an electrostatic driver that provides a broad 10 Hz to 20 Hz frequency response. Each earphone contains 4 Sonion electrostatic drivers, plus 2 Knowles mid-treble balanced armatures, plus 2 Sonion low-mid balanced armatures, and a 10 mm dynamic subwoofer. The maximum frequency response thanks to this setup is as high as 80 kHz. Sensitivity tops out at 98 dB @ 1 kHz. ThieAudio prices these at $1,300.

While ThieAudio focuses on audiophiles, the Kiwi Ears series is for the mass market that just wants better sound. Kiwi Ears Forteza is an entry-level IEM by ThieAudio, with a much simpler 1 High-Mid balanced armature (BA) + 10 mm Mid-range dynamic driver (DD) + 10 mm Bass DD setup; a regular 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, with 103 dBSPL/mW @ 1 kHz sensitivity; at an attractive price of just $59. Winding things up is the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite, a more premium product positioned above the Forteza; with an 8 BA multi driver setup consisting of Kiwi Ears customized HI x2 + Kiwi Ears Customized MID x4 + Knowles LOW x2, per earphone. Available for pre-order now, the Orchestra Lite is priced at $249. Lastly, we ran into a number of face-plate customizations by Kiwi Ears.

AFUL (not awful, get the jokes out of the way before you comment) Acoustics, the brand behind the innovatively engineered Performer 5 IEMs, today announced its latest product in the form of the aptly named MagicOne. This uses a single balanced armature driver paired with the brand's exceptional engineering team to make full use of previously developed and patented electrical crossover technology and acoustic tube optimization. AFUL says a resonator is placed in the pathway of the custom driver output to the way to increase the bass response and make the set sound like no other balanced armature driver ever before. The entire acoustic chamber is placed inside an ergonomically designed shell which should also aid in comfort and fit for most people interested. The AFUL Acoustics MagicOne launches today to coincide with China's 11/11 sales and can be had for $140 from HiFiGo. We will have a review sooner than later but initial impressions are extremely positive.

The AM PRO X series of universal in-ear monitors have been designed for stage artists to get the very most from their performance. Available in three driver configurations, Westone Audio use advanced balanced-armature technology designed in-house, along with their StageSense filter system to provide artists with a carefully balanced mix of audio and feedback from the audience and fellow performers on stage. For close to four decades, Westone Audio has been at the forefront of in-ear audio innovation. Having developed balanced-armature drivers for their custom earpieces, Westone created the first custom stage monitors which were used in collaboration with some of the biggest artists at the time such as Rush and Def Leppard.

The entire range will be available to buy on 15th August 2023 from WestoneAudio.com (US), and WestoneAudio.eu (EU) as well as selected retailers worldwide including hifiheadphones.co.uk, gear4music.co.uk with the following pricing:

• AM PRO X 10 - $249.99 / £249.99 / €279.99
• AM PRO X 20 - $399.99 / £379.99 / €429.99
• AM PRO X 30 - $479.99 / £449.99 / €514.99

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today raised the bar in gaming audio with the introduction its first-ever in-ear monitor (IEM), the Razer Moray. Designed with the unique demands of gamers and marathon streamers at its core, this groundbreaking IEM amalgamates all-day comfort with unparalleled audio quality, setting the stage for an entirely new paradigm in extended, fatigue-free gaming and broadcast sessions.

"The launch of the Moray marks an exciting new chapter for Razer," said Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Razer's Hardware Business Unit. "It's an evolution in gaming audio, designed to offer streamers high-definition sound and all-day comfort. With the Razer Moray, we're bringing the exceptional audio quality typically associated with in-ear monitors to not only streamers, but gamers as well. And we're proud to announce this product has earned the coveted global gold standard mark of audio fidelity, THX Certification."

The iKKO OH10 holds a soft spot in my heart because it was the first set of IEMs I ever reviewed here on TechPowerUp. I dare say it's also the set that made iKKO famous and was among the most popular offerings from the brand until it was discontinued last year. Those who wanted to see what was going to replace it would be happy to know iKKO has new OH10S IEMs out now which continues the use of a hybrid driver configuration courtesy a 10 mm titanium-coated dynamic driver and one Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver per side as part of an advanced crossover circuit. The face plates use photochromic glass that allow a look at the electronics underneath which makes for a color shift from black to dark blue depending on the incident light. It uses similar copper alloy shells as before and comes with a nice set of accessories. The new iKKO OH10S sells for $219.99 from authorized retailers such as HiFiGo for those interested.

AFUL (not awful, so don't start with that again) Acoustics is a recently established audio brand that impressed us with its electrical engineering prowess displayed in the Performer 5 IEMs reviewed recently. Soon after the Performer 5 was released internationally to good acclaim, the audiophile community learned that was based off the AFUL Band 5, a Chinese domestic set, and there was also a Band 8 Pro which built up anticipation about there being perhaps a Performer 8 in the coming weeks. Today AFUL Acoustics announced the Performer 8 IEMs to confirm as much and it uses a 1 DD/7 BA driver configuration in a 4-way crossover while costing $369.99 from HiFiGo. These IEMs build upon the Performer 5 in using long acoustic tubes for lower frequencies as well as a high-damping pressure relief tube for added comfort. There are at least two patented technologies used here and we will have a review sooner than later to see whether the new Performer 8 lives up to the hype. In the meantime, you can ogle at the photos below and see if you wish to purchase them in advance if you want to take a chance on the company again.

Taiwan-based IEM brand DUNU has consistently impressed with its offerings and one of its more popular products is the SA6—a member of the brand's Studio line of IEMs that uses six balanced armature drivers. The original SA6 released a few years ago still holds a place as a reference item in the $500-600 price range today and this success was followed up by a limited edition SA6 Ultra which only had audiophiles wanting more. Today DUNU and HiFiGo released the new SA6 MK2 which aims to build upon the SA6 and improve it further. Updates include a new ergonomic shell design paired with wooden face plates, a new Hulk Pro Mini copper cable with 3.5/4.4 mm modular connectors, a new storage case and ear tip collection, and a different tuning signature that can be described as neutral with a bass boost. There is a tuning switch onboard to further up the bass for those who want it and TechPowerUp will have a review soon to test all these claims. In the meantime, knowing how popular the SA6 was and no doubt how this will too, the hand-made nature of the SA6 MK2 means those interested might want to order sooner than later if you don't want to wait for new batches to be made. The DUNU SA6 MK2 uses six balanced armature drivers from Sonion and Knowles and costs $579 from HiFiGo.

MOONDROP's Blessing2 (and Blessing2:Dusk) IEMs get credited for being a benchmark in the world of in-ear monitors at the $300 price point, having re-defined expectations and besting far more expensive products when it comes to technical and tuning performances. A successor has been hotly anticipated thus and now we have the all-new Blessing 3 coming in at the same $320 price point. It uses a 2 DD/4 BA hybrid driver configuration paired with a see-through resin shell that has greatly improved comfort owing to a smaller shell and nozzle—thus addressing the biggest issue with the Blessing2—and a polished stainless steel nozzle on top. The Blessing 3 uses MOONDROP's VDSF tuning to put forth a neutral/bright tuning that we'll examine in more detail in an upcoming review, but those who can't wait can purchase the product from retailers such as HiFiGo right now.

Releasing alongside is a Bluetooth neckband accessory called LittleWhite. It uses a Cirrus Logic CS4131 DAC and has digital signal processing support integrated with a first-party app to allow for specific MOONDROP wired IEMs to have EQ profiles generated so they all get tuned similarly to hit the desired target easier. This can help significantly as seen in our recent coverage of the MOONDROP Quarks DSP, and MOONDROP promises high quality Bluetooth audio with a long battery life (~12 hours). The LittleWhite supports Bluetooth 5.2 with codecs including aptX and LHDC courtesy the Qualcomm QCC5144 SoC, has integrated microphones for calls, and the app provides parametric EQ support for other IEMs you wish to use wirelessly too. It sells for $89.99 from retailers including HiFiGo for those interested.

Campfire Audio has been extremely busy lately, first with the release of the ground-breaking Trifecta, then the release of their first ever true wireless earphones in Orbit, and now their most ambitious project yet: Introducing the all-new Andromeda 'Emerald Sea' and Solaris 'Stellar Horizon' earphones. Unlike past updates, Campfire Audio has completely redesigned both the Andromeda and Solaris from the ground up. A bold move considering how legendary these classic models are.

Using newly developed technologies and creating an enhanced ownership experience, Campfire Audio is forever looking forward; exploring new horizons for a better sounding future. Both Andromeda 'Emerald Sea' ($1,450/£1,449) and Solaris 'Stellar Horizon' ($2670/£2,669) will be available to buy from campfireaudio.com, Amazon and selected retailers worldwide including Harrods (UK) and Selfridges (UK).

Hot on the heels of releasing Trifecta - Campfire Audio's most ambitious wired IEM to date - the team has now decided to turn their attention to the world of wireless. Introducing Orbit, Campfire Audio's first ever true wireless earphone. Orbit is the culmination of years of meticulous design and engineering, resulting in a true wireless like no other. Every part of the process has been approached with passion and creativity to produce something unique - in typical Campfire Audio fashion. From December 7th, Orbit will be available to buy for $249/£249 from campfireaudio.com, Amazon and selected retailers worldwide.

Campfire Audio are masters of their craft, known in the high-end audio space for their bombastic designs, eye-catching artwork and most importantly - sound quality that transports you to another dimension. Orbit brings Campfire Audio's experience and love for what they do to the true wireless market - a fresh and well needed arrival. This is a completely new design for Campfire Audio, with Orbit's two-tone housings shaped in a way that makes them extremely comfortable. The design is also robust, with a stainless-steel sound nozzle and grille. This not only looks impressive; this adds to the solid feel of these earbuds. The touch controls are easy to use, and taking calls is equally impressive due to the built-in high-quality microphone.

Lypertek has announced a price refresh across its range of award-winning true wireless earphone models. In order to solidify Lypertek as a leader when it comes to high quality, high value audio products; these new prices ensure to reflect Lypertek's commitment to its core values. As of today, each model in Lypertek's range of true wireless earphones will be priced under £100/$100/€100 and available from selected retailers across the UK, US and EU.

PurePlay Z5 Born Again: Was £119 / NOW £99 / $99 / €99
First launched in February 2022, the PurePlay Z5 achieved high praise and was highly recommended for its stunning sound quality and excellent performance. Along with its new lower price, the PurePlay Z5 has had an update to its firmware since its release (downloaded via the PureControl ANC app). This update includes an auto power off setting which improves overall battery life, individual battery levels for each earbud and custom control presets which can be saved in order to further personalise the user experience.

[Editor's note: Our review of the PurePlay Z5 can be found here.]

Moondrop joins the Planar bandwagon today with the launch of their highly-anticipated Stellaris Planar Magnetic Driver IEMs. Moondrop isn't bound for any introduction among Audiophiles. The brand has been hyper-active in the industry with its class-leading range of in-ear monitors. They cover different price segments and have always been on the front with their classic approach with single Dynamic and multi-driver hybrid driver configurations. Moondrop is also known for its exclusive designer looks for its in-ear monitors. Today, they join the league of planar magnetic driver IEMs with the all-new Stellaris.

Stellaris features a newly-developed 14.5 mm planar magnetic driver. It utilizes a sub-nanometer diaphragm with a thickness of just 1um. The diaphragm has been stretched tightly on the bracket for uniform tension. This driver has been designed in collaboration with Tuoyin Electronics Pvt. Ltd. which is the first manufacturer in China to develop Planar drivers for in-ear monitors. Bringing together their expertise in Planar Drivers and Moondrop's exquisite acoustic cavity structure design, Stellaris provides exceptional performance with unmatched clarity and low distortion in the output signal.

The world of Planar Magnetic Driver IEMs get a new competition today, DUNU has come up with its first-ever planar magnetic driver IEMs, meet the all-new DUNU Talos. It's not just a planar magnetic set, Talos is a hybrid set that features a newly-developed 14.6mm dual-chamber planar driver as the main driver and custom-developed dual BA drivers as super tweeters. DUNU has featured a special switch on the Talos that allows the users to choose whether to listen to the set in Planar-only mode or hybrid mode. The dual BA drivers act as super tweeters, they are tuned for high-frequency response and instantly improve resolution and details when turned on.

Talos is currently launched on pre-order priced at $199.99, shipments are expected to start from 26th by the order no. sequence. For the first 100 orders, we will be including our HiFiGo Neck Strap and leather buckle as a gift. Know more details here. It's also available on our amazon store, check here.

The MOONDROP Aria has been a highly successful set of IEMs from the brand. It also got some special limited edition variants too. Today, MOONDROP Aria gets a new variant, presenting you the Moondrop Aria Snow Edition. As the name suggests, Aria gets a complete design overhaul with a brand new CNC milled metal gold casing that now has a visually appealing Snowflake theme design. The biggest change with the MOONDROP Aria Snow Edition is an update on its driver, the OG Aria utilized a 10 mm dynamic driver with LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) diaphragm, MOONDROP has replaced that LCP diaphragm with high-quality DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) composite diaphragm as found in their famous Kanas Pro IEMs. With this new diaphragm, the Aria Snow Edition uses the same dual-cavity body structure as the OG Aria. This new DLC diaphragm enables the Aria to deliver high-quality details with a pure, clear, natural timbre. MOONDROP Aria Snow Edition is launched officially for the same price as the OG model, $79.99.

Apart from the sound tuning, MOONDROP has a good name in the industry for impressive craftsmanship. It is evident with the latest Aria Snow Edition too. The pair features CNC machined metallic ear cavities with an impressive snow-flake design. The pair looks simply appealing, pretty sure you are gonna love wearing them around your friends. MOONDROP Aria Snow Edition comes with a bunch of high-quality accessories including the MOONDROP Spring Tips and a high-purity cable. The pair adopts a high-purity 6N OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) Silver-Plated cable with standard 2-pin 0.78 mm connectors and 3.5 mm termination. There is no price update with the MOONDROP Aria Snow Edition, the pair is available to purchase at the same price as the OG Aria, @79.99. Feel free to check out more details here.

After a successful launch of its MOONRIVER 2 portable DAC/amplifier (review coming up on TechPowerUp), MOONDROP announced a cut-down version using the same dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips and dual crystal oscillators, but in a dongle form factor. Making the DAWN quite novel in the dongle market is the output adopting a 4.4 mm balanced TRRS connector rather than the usual 3.5 mm audio jack, meaning you will have to get adapters or go with headphones/earphones that use 4.4 mm cables. In return, this fully balanced connection provides some truly excellent and independently verified metrics including an SNR of 132 dB and THD+N 0.00017% with up to 4 Vrms output in high gain that translates to an output power of 230 mW@32 Ω and 54 mW@300 Ω to easily drive the vast majority of consumer headphones even, let alone earphones/IEMs. The MOONDROP DAWN with its aluminium alloy shell weighs under 14 g, measures 120 x 16.4 mm, can decode PCM playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD256, and costs $70 from the likes of HiFiGo and SHENZHENAUDIO for those interested.

Currently the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) event is taking place in Dallas and at the event, Intel had one of its Arc Limited Edition graphics cards on display. It's unclear if it was a working sample or just a mockup, as it wasn't running in a system or even mounted inside a system. Instead, it seems like Intel thought it was a great idea to mount the card standing up on the port side inside an acrylic box, on top of a rotating base. The three pictures snapped by @theBryceIsRt and posted on Twitter doesn't reveal anything we haven't seen so far, except the placement of the power connectors.

It's now clear that Intel has gone for a typical placement of the power connectors and the card in question has one 8-pin and one 6-pin power connector. Intel will in other words not be using the new 12-pin power connector that is expected to be used by most next generation graphics cards. We should mention that @theBryceIsRt is an Intel employee and is the Intel Arc community advocate according to his twitter profile, so the card wasn't just spotted by some passerby. Intel has as yet not revealed any details as to when it's planning on launching its Arc based graphics cards.

As part of their continued customer-focused approach, Westone Audio launches one of the industry's most technologically advanced universal fit earphones available on the market today. Developed by leveraging over 35 years of audio engineering and artist performance experience, the MACH Series is a one-of-a-kind product focused on delivering sound in its purest form.

"The MACH Series product combines over 35 years of engineering experience and tens of thousands of performance hours to capture this unique and true sound" said Jason Kidd, President & COO, Westone Audio "These sound signatures were previously offered exclusively in our professional custom in ear monitors, but now can be experienced by every listener." MACH is the latest in sound engineering that is bridging the gap between professional performance products and a product for the truest of music lovers. With its unique ergonomic fit, MACH is a product for everyday use and enjoyment.

Tin HiFi isn't bound to any introduction in the HiFi audio industry. Since its beginning, they have delivered high-performing In-Ear monitors in the industry. Among their successful IEMs, is their famous "P" series of Planar magnetic driver IEMs. The series has seen three models so far, the P1, the P1 Plus, and the P2. All three of these have received positive feedback from audio lovers all around the globe. Today, Tin HiFi has released another new Planar Magnetic IEM, the Tin HiFi P1 Max.

With years of experience in designing the Planar Magnetic Driver IEMs, Tin HiFi has designed the latest P1 Max with a new 14.2 mm planar magnetic driver that adopts an ultra-thin lightweight aluminium diaphragm. The P1 Max is said to be easier to drive in comparison to the P1 and P2 models that required high amounts of power to sound their best. The P1 Max features a unique acoustic structure that promises outstanding sound quality with a designer look. P1 Max is launched officially for $179, currently, it is available at a discounted pre-order price of $169, check out more details here.

Astell&Kern, the global leader in premium high-resolution audio devices presents its debut set of true wireless earbuds, the AK UW100. Faithful to the company's philosophy of delivering sound reproduction that is close to the original as possible, these earphones build on Astell&Kern's audio technology expertise to deliver a class-leading, truly wireless hi-fi-grade sound.

The AK UW100's superior sonic credentials are endorsed by a dedicated high performance 32-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter), support for the latest high quality wireless connectivity options aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.2, alongside ultra-detailed Knowles Balanced Armature drivers.