For over a decade, Noble has been leading the way in universal and custom in-ear monitor design and development. From their first K-10 universal IEM, to their award-winning true wireless range and prestige custom in-ear monitors - Noble only uses the finest materials, hand-crafted with passion and precision. The FoKus Apollo is Noble's first ever headphone model, and the world's first headphones to use a dynamic driver and planar magnetic driver hybrid speaker arrangement. This unique blend of technologies results in audio like no other wireless headphone that has come before, utilizing the accuracy and top-end clarity of planar with the power and body achieved by dynamic drivers. Available to buy on the 3rd September from NobleAudio.com and selected retailers worldwide for $649/£599/€699.

The FoKus Apollo is Noble's first foray into the world of over-ear headphones. With the world's first patented 40 mm dynamic driver and 14.5 mm planar magnetic hybrid driver speaker arrangement, Noble has created a headphone that is completely unique in sound and design. Planar magnetic speakers are known for their delicacy and accuracy, without the blurring effects of excessive inertia. Dynamic drivers provide excellent bass by moving significant amounts of air, however, due to their mass, dynamic drivers cannot provide the crystal clear mid and high frequencies that planar magnetic speakers are capable of. By utilizing both a dynamic speaker and a planar magnetic speaker the Noble FoKus Apollo provides the clarity of a planar magnetic driver, while retaining the bass of a dynamic driver. Two worlds collide for a stunningly blissful audio experience like no other.

Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer, announces the STAX SPIRIT S5 Wireless Planar magnetic headphones. In the 2012, Edifier acquired STAX Ltd., a company with over 80 years history, and a specialist in electrostatic headphones. The brand name "STAX" is almost considered the benchmark of electrostatic headphones. Inspired by STAX's pursuance of high-fidelity music and craftsmanship in the field, the STAX SPIRIT brand was created as a high-end sub brand for Edifier headphone products with the aim of developing more high-quality products for audiophile users.

The STAX SPIRIT S5 are Planar magnetic headphones. Planar magnetic drivers are commonly found in Hi-fi headphones and other high-end audio equipment. With their unique way of operation, planar magnetic drivers can represent a superior audio experience with rich details and impressive transient response. With solid innovation and advanced features, the STAX SPIRIT S5 packs upgraded planar magnetic drivers and the latest Bluetooth V5.4 technology into a compact and portable form-factor. The 2μm thin film and 2nd gen EqualMass wiring technology generate a performance comparable to legendary electrostatic headphones.

Launching today, our latest wireless headset, Pulse Elite, brings crisp, immersive audio to the gaming experience on the PS5 console; to PlayStation Link supported devices including PS5, PC, Mac, and PlayStation Portal remote player; and to Bluetooth compatible devices such as smartphones and tablets. Pulse Elite follows the launch of our first wireless earbuds, Pulse Explore, with both audio devices featuring planar magnetic drivers to further enhance the PS5 console's Tempest 3D AudioTech. When combined with PlayStation Link, the planar drivers precisely deliver the output of the 3D audio algorithms directly to the player's ear without loss, and nearly no distortion or delay. Here's our quick-start guide on setting up and using the Pulse Elite wireless headset, along with Pulse Explore wireless earbuds.

Set up and use sidetone and 3D audio features on PS5
A tour of the headset appears when you first connect the Pulse Elite wireless headset or Pulse Explore wireless earbuds to your PS5 console via the included PlayStation Link USB adapter. Before diving into a game, I recommend personalizing 3D audio settings and adjusting sidetone volume (changing this adjusts how loudly you hear your own voice in your ear when you talk). It's also possible to create a custom name for the headset, with standard letters, symbols, and even emoji. After the tour, you can change settings at any time while the headset is connected by navigating to the Settings menu and selecting Accessories, followed by Pulse Elite wireless headset.

Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC ("SIE") announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Audeze, a leading audio technology brand and pioneer of high-end gaming headphones. The acquisition will strengthen SIE's efforts to continue innovating when it comes to the audio experience of PlayStation games. Audeze will continue to operate independently and develop multi-platform products, while benefiting from being a part of the PlayStation ecosystem.

Based in Santa Ana, Calif., Audeze develops award-winning headphones for the professional audio, audiophile, and gaming markets. These headphones use Audeze's patented technologies and unique planar magnetic drivers to deliver an outstanding sound experience for consumers as well as recording professionals, including sound engineers at many game development studios. Audeze designs and manufactures its planar magnetic drivers and professional headphones in its California facility.

Back in May Sony officially revealed what was then known as Project Q, its first streaming only handheld gaming device. Since then, there have been multiple rumours about the specs and what the device will deliver and now, Sony has finally decided to launch the device as the PlayStation Portal. However, it appears that Sony is still keeping things under wraps, as not much new was announced in terms of the actual specs of the device, although we now know that the 8-inch, 1080p60 display is a touch display and it can act as a virtual touchpad. Other details that Sony shared in today's announcement was that the device will feature a 3.5 mm headset jack. With a US$199.99 MSRP it might end up being a popular accessory though, as Sony is asking for far less than the rumours suggested the PlayStation Portal would cost.

Sony also unveiled a pair of new headsets for the PS5, the Pulse Elite and the Pulse Explore. The latter was shown back in May. What was not known back then, was that Sony will be adding a new wireless audio specification to the PS5 called PlayStation Link. This will require a new USB dongle that ships with the headsets and can apparently also be used with PCs and Macs in a rather unusual move for Sony. PlayStation Link is said to be a low latency and lossless wireless audio solution, but the good news is that both headsets also support Bluetooth connectivity and can connect to a PlayStation Link dongle and a Bluetooth device simultaneously. Both the the Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore will feature planar magnetic drivers, which is a not common in gaming headset and even less so for earbuds like this. The Pulse Elite has a US$149.99 MSRP and the Pulse Explore will retail for US$199.99 when they launch later this year.

Audeze, the leading audio technology brand and premium headphone manufacturer, today announces their newest headphone made in collaboration with 17-time Grammy-winning engineer/producer Manny Marroquin. The MM-100 features Audeze's latest planar magnetic driver design, and a new lightweight chassis to bring unprecedented levels of quality and reliability to a wide range of audio professionals and enthusiasts. Audeze's MM-100 is assembled in the U.S.A. and will retail for $399, with first shipments expected in May.

The MM-100 is based on the highly successful MM-500, which has earned praise from acclaimed recording professionals since its debut at NAMM 2022. The MM-100 carries forward the highly regarded tuning from Audeze's 90 mm planar magnetic drivers. These efficient, low-impedance drivers make the MM-100 easy to drive from any console, interface, or laptop. The newly-designed chassis features premium materials ensuring comfort over long sessions.

Audeze, the leading audio technology brand and pioneer of high-end gaming audio products, today announces Maxwell, a new ultra-low-latency wireless PC & console gaming headset with class-leading 80+ hours of battery life. Two versions of Maxwell will be available: Maxwell for Xbox & PC is officially licensed by Microsoft and includes the first auto-activating Dolby Atmos license, while Maxwell for Playstation & PC supports Tempest 3D Audio. Maxwell is the latest release from Audeze in a line of purpose-built gaming headsets like the LCD-GX and Mobius which have garnered rave reviews for their innovations in audio performance and headtracking.

Connect and game anywhere, without limitations. Maxwell provides ultra-low-latency, high-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96 kHz when connected to the included USB dongle. Low-latency wireless range and stability are improved up to 3X from the award-winning Audeze Penrose headset. Maxwell features many wired and wireless connection options including the latest Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio technology, supporting the LC3 and LC3plus codecs. In addition, Maxwell supports classic Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC and LDAC for high-quality portable audio. Maxwell also supports lossless high-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96 kHz over wired USB.

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.

Nectar Sound Research is known to those in the electrostatic headphone game as the company behind the popular HiveX—an e-stat that comes in $649 and challenges the whole notion of how good electrostats have to be expensive. There are plans in motion to get a review of the HiveX done here, but in the meantime the company has been busy. When I say company, I really should be one person given everything is done by a single guy from design to prototyping to assembly to sales and even customer support. Somehow the person behind Nectar Sound found enough time to work on a brand new headphone concept that, fitting in the company theme, is called the Nectar Bee. It uses a 12 µm thick diaphragm and single-sided magnets to make for a planar magnetic driver that is extremely low in impedance at all of 10 Ω. The Nectar Bee has been undergoing private tests for a while now and has an adaptable sound signature courtesy external removable ear cup covers too. Those interested might want to check out the company website where you will see the Nectar Bee is now shipping for $619.

Audeze is a brand extensively covered on TechPowerUp and renowned for its planar magnetic headphones and in-ear monitors. With the recently announced flagship class LCD-5, the company unveiled the culmination of several years of R&D and new technology packed into a $4500 set of headphones that is understandably well beyond the reach of the average end user, however in a working example of trickle-down technology we see today two announcements that help in this aspect while showcasing also what's to come from the USA-based audio brand. First up, Audeze announced 11-time Grammy award-winning engineer/producer Manny Marroquin as its new Head of Professional Products, with Marroquin aiming to bring his music industry and production experience to the Audeze team. Audeze and Manny Marroquin are collaborating to create a new series of audio products—called the MM Series—focused on using cutting-edge technology and engineering to deliver better results more efficiently for working audio professionals.

The first of the products under the MM Series also launched alongside in the form of the MM-500, which takes several cues from the LCD-5. It features a new chassis design for comfort over long sessions at a reduced mass of 495 grams compared to the 600+ g heavyweights under the Audeze umbrella. The MM-500 is designed to perform both inside and outside the studio, with low impedance and high sensitivity that make it easy to drive from any console, interface or laptop. It is an open-back, over-ear set of planar magnetic headphones with Audeze's Uniforce voice coil over an ultra-thin diaphragm, and utilizes Fazor waveguides coupled with Fluxor magnets. The transducer is 90 mm in size and the use of the LCD-5 style frame and headband design combined with single-sided magnets also indicates the MM-500 is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the prosumer and audiophile market. The Audeze MM-500 costs $1699 and will be available for purchase soon. Read past the break for reactions on the collboration as well as more information about the new product itself.

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.

I know what you are thinking—this isn't the typical news content we see on TechPowerUp. Yes, we do cover audio products with plenty of reviews here, including Audeze planar magnetic headphones. When Audeze mentioned there's a whole different thing coming up, and that it involves carbon nanotubes (CNTs), I was quite intrigued. Some of you may have picked it up by now, but all the neat toys I have access to and used in several reviews come because I am a research scientist by profession, with a specialization in carbon nanomaterials including CNTs. So this news post is about my attempt to help explain why the Audeze technology is such a big deal. This is not a review of the actual devices and neither is it a sponsored post, or even solicited by Audeze. It is purely me geeking out about a fairly novel use of CNTs in the audio world, especially when there have been CNT coatings on a few dynamic drivers before but barely put to the potential capable until now.

See, the whole reason the Audeze CRBN (Carbon, get it?) even came about is because an indirect research colleague of mine, Prof. Mark Cohen from the University of California, Los Angeles as well as his startup company SMRT Image, saw a need for a more calming influence for patients undergoing fMRI imaging, as well as better means for the technicians to communicate with said patients while they are inside an operating MRI machine. If you have ever been inside one, you would know that thing gets real loud with magnetic coils rapidly going around and clacking noises galore. Audeze is also based in California, and multiple years of research led to the development of the Audeze CRBN—starting off for medical applications and then coming out also as a high-end retail headphones experience based on the knowledge and IP gained in the process. Read past the break for more on the science and tech, if this is of interest to you!