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.
MOONDROP and IEM influencer Crinacle come together to release the highly anticipated DUSK, a new set of IEMs based off the Blessing 3. It re-works the driver configuration, comes with a new faceplate, and then tries to change the game entirely by including a DSP cable with app support to allow users to have six different tonalities to appeal to a wide range of preferances.
I\OAudio is a new brand entering the highly competive IEM market with the VOLARE—a tribrid set that aims to shake things up with what it offers both inside and out. Featuring a superb unboxing experience with great accessories, a clean-yet-fancy design, and a very competent sound signature, the VOLARE is worthy of attention, if not also your money.
Dan Clark Audio follows up on the flagship closed-back STEALTH with the more affordable but equally impressive E3. It uses a new generation planar magnetic driver coupled with a novel dual-mode bass port and custom acoustic metamaterials implementation to put out an accurate, balanced, and fun sound for a reasonable price.
The final Audio ZE8000 MK2 is a flagship set of true wireless earphones which does a lot different from the norm and yet in a mostly logical manner. It goes for a large, in-house developed dynamic driver paired with a dedicated DSP engine and Class-AB amplifier in a novel form factor to try and deliver high resolution sound without the wires.
The Scarlet Mini is FATFrequency's latest IEM and part of its impressive Maestro series of earphones which goes for a deliberate V-shaped tonality. While there is enough bass to meet everyone's needs and then some, the Scarlet Mini has relatively clean mids and impressive highs thanks to some innovative engineering, to be more than a 1-trick pony.
The Arya Organic is the latest iteration in HIFIMAN's popular Arya line of open-back planar magnetic headphones. This version goes for a novel driver implementation to put out a bass shelf that makes for a nightclub party for one while retaining the excellent comfort and fit the Arya is known for.
ZiiGaat is a new brand composed of engineers who developed some of your favorite IEMs from other brands. It enters the audiophile market with the Jupiter, a tribrid set in collaboration with IEM reviewer HBB, that aims to deliver excellent bass, clean mids, detailed but non-fatiguing treble with a smartly executed frequency response.
Sineaptic is a new brand wanting to shake up the audio market with its new ribbon driver headphones called the SE-1 which happens to open-back in operation while also being wireless in connectivity. It aims to combine the best of audio engineering and novel drivers with EQ modes and onboard controls at an affordable price.
The Custom Art Hybrid 3 Pro is a unique set of IEMs using two dynamic drivers and a planar magnetic driver for deep, impactful sound. You can adjust the bass response with an optional tuning kit, and they're also offered in Custom-fit IEM (CIEM) form for a personalized fit and finish, staying true to the brand's identity.
The Mirai is a set of IEMs borne out of a collaboration between established IEM brand DUNU and one of the most demanding IEM reviewers Precogvision. It goes for a colored tonality favoring several music genres quite well and showcases technical prowess on par with far more expensive IEMs to make for a compelling product for many.
The FiiO FT5 is a new planar magnetic set of open-back, over-ear headphones which goes for a deliberately warm tonality. It makes for a fun and engaging sound which, paired with the premium build, design, and accessories, can be very compelling given the <$500 asking price.
Westone Audio's AM Pro X30 targets live music performers and recording artists with its clever "StageSense" filter system that allows users to be able to hear their surroundings without removing the IEMs from their ears. It has three balanced armature drivers and also aims to provide a clean and accurate sound at the same time.
The Corsair HS80 MAX is a spiritual successor to the HS80 RGB Wireless. This $180 wireless gaming headset adds Bluetooth connectivity and Sonarworks SoundID Personalization technology, along with several other welcome changes.
HIFIMAN aims to break the boundaries of wireless audio with the Svanar Wireless. This flagship TWS set of earphones uses a proprietary dynamic driver as well as an industry-first implementation of an R-2R DAC and amplifier inside with the goal of putting out sound comparable to wired IEMs, not just other wireless earphones.
The AQIRYS Alnair is a $100 gaming headset offering dual simultaneous wireless connectivity and several features not commonly found in this price bracket, such as ANC technology and Transparency mode.
Shanling sets its sight on the more affordable side of the wired IEM market with the Sono. It uses two dynamic drivers and a custom balanced armature driver in addition to a tuning nozzle system to put out an engaging, bassy sound in a tiny form factor to also appease those with smaller ears.
The ZMF Caldera, priced at $3,500, is a standout flagship set of open-back planar magnetic headphones known for its distinctive warm sound, which has plenty of weight behind the tones. With its proprietary, patent-pending technologies, this customizable audio gem not only rekindles your music enjoyment but also doubles as a visually artistic piece.
ThieAudio updates its popular Monarch line of in-ear monitors with the Monarch MKIII. It uses a 10-driver tribrid configuration, including a dual DD isobaric setup, to offer excellent bass and mids reproduction. There are also several custom shells/face plate designs to choose from for an additional cost.
The Ploopy headphones are a love letter to open-source design. Not only featuring customizable hardware you can download the files of and 3D print yourself, Ploopy also offers a DIY kit or a fully assembled version depending on your preference. There is also open-source firmware loaded on a DAC/amp board with full EQ support!
The Dan Clark Audio STEALTH is a top-of-the-line closed-back set of headphones priced at $4000. It boasts exceptional comfort, impressive build quality, innovative engineering, and features in-house developed planar magnetic drivers. The result is a package that's capable of putting out a natural and resolving sound which is still fun to listen to.
Chinese IEM brand Binary Acoustics breaks into the international market with the Chopin. This is a hybrid driver set developed in collaboration with IEM influencer Timmy from Gizaudio and aims to present a musical set with plenty of bass and extended treble without sacrificing on build quality and comfort.
HEDD Audio puts its decades of physics and music experience into novel air motion transformer drivers for headphones. The new HEDDphone TWO is a highly capable over-ear, open-back set using AMT drivers for a unique, full-bodied sound presentation and an innovative headband assembly offering excellent fit and comfort.
Truthear aims to follow up on its impressive releases to date with its most expensive set to date called the NOVA. It uses a 1 DD/4 BA driver configuration in an updated, more comfortable shell design to put out a highly dynamic bass and smooth-yet-detailed treble response which follows the Harman in-ear target quite closely.
