FiiO enters the open-back, over-ear headphones market with the FT3. It uses novel 60 mm dynamic drivers with a Be-plated surround and a DLC diaphragm in a unique, all-aluminium chassis and is paired with a high-quality cable and two sets of ear pads for a refreshingly different warm-neutral sound without breaking the bank.
MOONDROP goes the digital signal processing route with its budget-friendly $15 Quarks DSP IEMs to have preset EQ filters over a Type-C connector for better tuning than many expensive earphones. The Type-C also makes it easy to use with phones and laptops and provides an in-line microphone for further convenience.
ThieAudio steps back into the headphones game with its first-ever dynamic driver open-back set. The new ThieAudio Ghost uses a novel 40 mm driver with a design built around comfort and aims to be the best tuned headphones from the brand while also being easy on your wallet.
Antlion Audio builds upon its microphone expertise to offer an excellent microphone cable for in-ear monitors! The all-new Kimura lineup consists of two cables and two IEMs and we take a look at how these offer a unique solution to those who prefer earphones over headphones/headsets but wanted a boom mic with simpler cable management.
64 Audio lowers the entry barrier to its universal-fit IEMs with the all-new U4s hybrid driver set. It uses a 1 DD/2 BA/1 Tia driver configuration paired with four sets of Apex modules, including the brand new m12 modules, to put out a smooth and customizable sound signature in a very comfortable form factor to be highly compelling in its price range.
LETSHUOER partners with IEM influencer brand Gizaudio to put out a stunning looking set in the form of the all-new Galileo. It uses a 1 DD/1 BA hybrid driver design for some of the better sounding mids at any price range, let alone the more wallet-friendly approach it takes.
XENNS returns with a new hybrid driver set of IEMs! The new Mangird Top uses a 1 DD + 8 BA configuration and adopts the Harman in-ear 2019v2 tonality for a research-based sound signature which is then improved upon for a more pleasant listening session, paired with a nice set of accessories to further sweeten the deal.
Edifier wants to take on the mainstream wireless ANC headphone brands with its new WH950NB over-ear closed-back set. It uses a 40 mm titanium composite driver with DSP and unique app-based presets, including parametric EQ, to put out a compelling sound that is complemented by impressive noise cancellation and ambient sound modes.
Custom Art steps into the tribrid IEM space with its new FIBAE 5 that uses a unique implementation of DD/BA/planar magnetic drivers to put forth an exciting and engaging sound. It provides plenty of bass without sounding one-note and also good treble energy without being overly fatiguing either to be a unicorn set worthy of learning more about!
Lypertek's flagship PurePlay Z7 true wireless earphones gets a price cut to make it an extremely compelling personal audio solution in 2023. It uses a 1 DD, 2 BA hybrid driver configuration combined with extensive app and physical controls to make for a good balance of sound and tech alike.
iBasso aims to use bio-cellulose dynamic drivers to their full potential with its new SR3 open-back headphones. These provide some of the most dynamic and punchy sound I've heard, which can be customized further based on the ear pads chosen. The SR3 also gets a good industrial design prioritizing comfort and build quality, making it well worthy of consideration.
TangZu Audio evokes past memories of the royal Tang Dynasty, aiming to shake up the $150-200 IEM market with its new planar magnetic set. The TangZu Zetian Wu uses a full range 14.5 mm planar driver to good effect for an excellent balance of tuning and technical performance while also boasting a neat design and good build quality too.
Noble Audio joins the TechPowerUp review database with its new flagship Viking Ragnar. It uses an impressive 10-driver tribrid setup paired with a deliberately colored tonality and places the audio experience inside unique shells with hand-forged Damascus steel face plates.
FiiO has updated its wallet-friendly set of well-tuned IEMs to appeal to entry-level music lovers worldwide. The new JD3 Black Edition goes for only $20 and comes with a more balanced tonality from an updated 9.2 mm dynamic driver paired with a semi-open acoustic chamber and an all-aluminium unibody construction for improved build quality. You even get an integrated microphone with line controls for the great price!
HIFIMAN introduces an inexpensive set of closed-back over-ear headphones using in-house developed dynamic drivers. The HE-R9 comes in wired or wireless options with the latter making use of the novel Bluemini R2R DAC/amplifier, and goes with a bass-first tuning that may well appeal to you.
Premium audio brand Astell&Kern partners with IEM mainstay Campfire Audio to put out the PATHFINDER with several unique driver and acoustic chamber technologies inside. This hybrid set comes with deluxe accessories and boasts a high-end build and design while aiming to be your personal audio end game.
ThieAudio wants to take on the emerging world of open-back planar magnetic headphones with its new $550 Wraith over-ear set. It comes with three pairs of ear pads to go with excellent build quality and comfort, making for nice looking headphones with some unfortunate issues to be aware of.
Truthear comes back with a 1-2 punch to the rest of the audio industry courtesy its take on the budget IEM space with the impressive $19 HOLA in addition to joining the portable DAC/amp market with the SHIO. The HOLA is a single DD set that is tuned better than many more expensive IEMs and the SHIO reminds me of a popular ~$200 product to where you certainly need to read this entire review!
Time for another 2-in-1 review as we cover MOONDROP's debut into the over-ear dynamic driver headphones market with the new open-back VOID headphones. It pairs well with the company's recently released DAWN 4.4 mm balanced dongle that provides plenty of clean power in a small form factor.
AFUL Acoustics is a new company aiming to shake up the competitive IEM market with its Performer 5 hybrid driver set. It uses a 1 DD/4 BA configuration paired with novel engineering and electronics to make for a compellingly smooth tonality and a highly comfortable listening experience at a reasonable price.
Truthear returns to the party with the 1 DD, 3 BA hybrid driver set called Hexa. It takes a lot of the successful features from the commercially and critically successful ZERO, and pairs the same dynamic driver with three custom balanced armature units for a more natural presentation and a further extended frequency response.
Sivga introduces its new closed-back set using a familiar 50 mm dynamic driver that gets tweaked for a new sound signature. The Sivga Oriole comes in two color options and builds upon the popular Robin, with better yokes that offer cup swivel and a bass-heavy tonality that also works well with a multitude of different music genres.
Tripowin partners once again with audio influencer HBB to update its popular Olina set of in-ear monitors. The new Olina SE gets an updated driver on top of a more balanced tuning to make a best-selling set all the more relevant for those who thought the original was too bright and fatiguing.
We get back into the popular Drop headphones collaboration game today with the Aeon Closed X. This is a closed-back, over-ear planar magnetic set made by US-based Dan Clark Audio, that adopts a purposeful dampening material-driven tonality and clever build/design to make for a highly comfortable and relaxing sound experience.
Custom Art holds true to its name as we debut the Polish audio brand with a deeper dive of its flagship FIBAE 7 Unlimited. Available as both UIEM or CIEMs, it uses an innovative flat impedance/phase technology to make the most of its seven balanced armature drivers, for a simultaneously pleasant and fun sound signature.
