MOONDROP updates its budget-friendly Quarks line of IEMs with the Quark2 that uses a single dynamic driver with acoustic filters in a small shell for added comfort. It's paired to a fixed cable that contains a DAC/amp ending in USB Type-C to directly connect to your phone, and offers an in-line microphone with integrated controls too.
MIRPH Design is a one-man operation based out of Germany which aims to take on the more established headphone brands with the MIRPH-1, an open-back dynamic driver set using Peerless 50 mm drivers in a way no one has seen before. It has a uniquely appealing warm and smooth sound which still manages to be extremely wide sounding.
IEM newcomer I\OAudio is back with the SOGNO, a hybrid driver set using a novel 2 DD/6 BA configuration with one of the dynamic drivers aiding two BA drivers in the treble. It goes for a Harman-style tonality and aims to compete favorably from a value proposition by offering a premium accessory set and nice looking shells/faceplates too.
HIFIMAN adds to its electrostatic headphones lineup with the Mini Shangri-La, released alongside the Mini Shangri-La amplifier. The entire system costs signficantly less than some e-stats do by themselves and offers a comfortable, relaxed, yet resolving listening experience worthy of consideration.
Meze Audio releases its most affordable IEMs to date with the single dynamic driver Alba. It uses small shells ensuring a good fit and great comfort in the ears, and adds to the pleasant user experience with a fairly universally-appealing warm, U-shaped sound with a punchy bass and controlled treble while giving vocals and instruments their time in the spotlight too.
Altiat is a fresh name in headphones, but think of them as expert manufacturers who also make headphones. The CAL.1H is an affordable, open-back dynamic driver model with ear cups in wood or aluminum. The aluminum version comes in some of the coolest paint finishes available.
64 Audio enters the wild world of planar magnetic IEMs with the new Solo. It uses tech gained over the years and adds a novel implementation of Helmholtz resonators + electronic filter to make for the most controlled and smooth sounding treble of any planar magnetic IEMs I've tried to date. Add to this an open sounding presentation and unique aesthetics, and the Solo is a premium set that should interest many.
Final's $70 IEMs are well-built, comfortable to wear, and tailor-made for gaming. They excel in spatial awareness and offer a competitive edge in games that are highly dependent on quick reactions and subtle audio cues, such as multiplayer shooters.
The Sharkoon Skiller SGH10 is a €20 ($22) analog gaming headset, built around a suspended headband design, and with very high sensitivity, making it easy to drive even with low-power sources. What can a gaming headset with such a low price even offer?
The XPG PRECOG Studio claims to be the world's first balanced gaming headset. It's equipped with a powerful USB dongle with an ESS DAC and amplifiers, and comes with a surprisingly reasonable $60 price tag.
The MOONDROP COSMO is a premium set of open-back planar magnetic headphones which uses in-house developed drivers that can compete with flagships costing significantly more. It has issues with comfort and stock tuning, but benefits heavily from aftermarket pads and EQ.
PMG Audio made a big splash with its debut a few months ago. Today, we’re taking a look at its latest release, the Apx SE. This model builds on the already impressive Apx Amber, adding luxurious new accessories, a flagship cable, and a fresh design. The drivers and tuning have also been reworked to deliver a more balanced, yet still highly resolving and engaging sound—all at a lower price point.
Sitting at the top of Final's gaming IEM lineup is the $80 VR3000. It is in fact the oldest member of the family, and the VR2000 is essentially a slightly retuned variant.
ZMF puts its recently developed patented features into a more affordable set that is also designed to be easily transportable and driven, even off portable sources. The BOKEH is a closed-back set using snappy LCP dynamic drivers, the Atrium damping system, and Caldera pads to put out a highly engaging warm sound to please many.
The ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova earphones offer both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, hybrid ANC and multipoint options, touch controls, and even extensive customization over sound and functionality using a first-party mobile and desktop program. Oh, did I mention there are also RGB LEDs?
The Final Audio VR500 wired in-ear earphones are affordable, unassuming, and deliver enjoyable performance for gaming and music. They’re worth checking out if you want good sound for your VR headsets or mobile gaming devices without breaking the bank.
The Audeze MM-500 is a debuting entry from a new product line of open-back planar magnetic headphones designed with the working professional in mind. Developed in collaboration with renowned mixing artist Manny Marroquin, the MM-500 offers highly detailed and accurate playback paired with excellent build quality too.
HIFIMAN's new planar magnetic flagship is one of the boldest designs ever made. The Susvara Unveiled builds upon the already-excellent Susvara and ditches the grilles for a fully open-back design aiming to improve sound quality and accuracy. It also has more efficient updated drivers tuned to be more engaging than before.
FiiO aims at the premium IEM market with its flagship FA19 earphones. These use 10 balanced armature drivers with some clever acoustic engineering to put out an esoteric tuning that works very well for vocals and some music genres similar to high-end offerings from others.
The Aune AR5000 is an open-back dynamic driver set of headphones that looks and feels more premium than it costs. It goes for a warm, relaxed tuning that will appeal to many people, but has compromises to be aware of. We pair it with the Aune S17 Pro Class-A headphone amplifier that offers up to 7.5 W per channel and makes for a smooth sound presentation.
Japan-based audio powerhouse final adds to its growing wireless ANC headphones lineup with the UX2000. It shares a lot with the more expensive UX3000, but goes for a more mainstream bassy sound signature to target a different customer base while still boasting decent active noise cancellation and onboard physical controls.
Elysian Acoustic Labs aims to take over the sub-$500 IEM market with its all-new Pilgrim hybrid driver IEMs. It uses CNC-machined aluminium shells with high quality drivers and Elysian's famous tuning touches to put out the premium brand's most affordable offering to date.
PMG Audio is a new IEM brand from the talented team behind Custom Art. It debuts with a big bang in the form of the Apx, a true TOTL set using a clever driver configuration paired with good engineering and a novel one-of-a-kind design to offer an engaging and highly detailed sound signature.
The ZMF Caldera Closed closed-back planar magnetic headphones manages to combine the bass impact and timbre of dynamic driver headphones with the tactility and low distortion of planar magnetic drivers. It goes for a cleverly implemented, colored tonality featuring multiple patented technologies, and uses ZMF's handcrafted wooden ear cups to make for a compelling flagship product.
Meze Audio updates its flagship LIRIC closed-back headphones to offer a new take on the warm sound signature it is known for. The LIRIC 2nd Generation now features Macassar ebony wooden ear cups, easily detachable ear pads, an updated driver setup addressing the harsh treble the original LIRIC did, and retains the excellent fit and finish too.
