HarmonicDyne moves into the premium planar magnetic headphone world with the over-ear HarmonicDyne G200 featuring custom drivers that compete favorably against others priced a lot more, comes with fantastic accessories, and yet has some issues that we will address and solve in this review!
We take a step back in time to see how the HE1000se, HIFIMAN's 2018 release, fares today as we step into the flagship class of planar magnetic headphones. This article also covers a bespoke, truly customizable cable from Hapa Audio, and the two look absolutely gorgeous together, too.
Edifier introduces the new STAX SPIRIT product line beginning with the S3 that uses custom planar magnetic drivers and Qualcomm technology to bring out a unique set of Bluetooth headphones. It boasts of excellent tuning and detailed sound with two sets of ear pads, a long 80 hour battery life with quick charging, and even app-based customization to make this a highly attractive option for audiophiles on the go.
Truthear joins an extremely competitive IEM market with its first set called ZERO. In collaboration with known IEM reviewer Crinacle, this set offers a rarely seen dual dynamic driver configuration tuned to the Harman in-ear target to carve a niche market for itself without hurting the wallet either!
DUNU is celebrating its 20th year since establishment by adopting lessons learned along the way and combining them with new engineering concepts for the all-new VULKAN. It is a hybrid set of IEMs using a unique 2 DD/4 BA configuration and offers a new take on the U-shaped tuning formula to make it stand out from the crowd.
Today, we examine the extremely popular Audeze LCD-X (2021) set of open-back headphones to see how well it meets both studio monitoring and general consumer needs as a standalone product and in combination with Audeze and Embody's Reveal+ plug-in for a truly personalized audio experience.
ThieAudio follows up on the impressive but expensive Monarch MK.2 and V16 Divinity IEMs with a more palatable offering that innovates with a brand-new full-range dynamic driver. The Elixir aims to put forth a compelling combination of good tuning and great technicalities while looking like a flagship set, too!
Today, we put FiiO's FA7s six balanced armature driver set to the test as we aim to see how this updated circular shell design and modern aesthetics combines with a world-class unboxing experience, excellent modular cable, and rarely seen 2+2+2 triple crossover system at well under $500!
MOONDROP impressed us every time to date with its good value-for-money IEMs at different price points. Today, we examine one of its least expensive sets. The $20 Chu aims to re-define what budget earphones are capable of. It features metal shells and MOONDROP's excellent tuning while throwing in a full set of Spring Tips to help seal the deal!
Tripowin impressed previously at the $50 and $100 price points for in-ear monitors, and we now examine its latest offering that costs just $25! The Tripowin Leá uses a single dynamic driver tuned to meet audiophile expectations, and it works well for general media consumption, too.
Japan-based audio powerhouse final audio joins the wireless ANC headphones market with the UX3000 and its novel Shibo coating that makes this a premium-feeling set without it breaking the bank. Using new dynamic drivers with a custom tuning and DSP-based EQ, this is a good balance of cost, hardware controls, and sound signature.
Raptgo is a house brand of an OEM with years of experience. It now aims to show off its know-how with the new Hook-X open-back, hybrid driver IEMs using a novel combination of a larger full-range planar magnetic driver and bone conduction style piezoelectric elements to generate a unique sound signature worth checking out!
1MORE completes its current TWS earphone cycle with the new EVO flagship hybrid ANC earphones. It adopts a dual-driver setup and LDAC codec support to distinguish itself in a crowded market, and adds a feature-rich app combined with touch controls and tuning from a Grammy-award winning artist to seal the deal.
HiBy steps beyond its forte of technological engineering to put out a new set of wired IEMs that employs a carbon nanotube-based dynamic driver. It comes in three vibrant color options and boasts a highly ergonomic design paired with premium accessories, all while claiming to make vocals shine brightly.
HiBy is a popular brand in the audio world for its digital audio players (DAPs), and we examine its latest offering, the new R5 (Gen 2) player that offers a good balance of sound quality and efficiency on top of a dedicated Class A amplifier mode and the highly configurable HiBy mobile OS.
Sivga Audio's set of open-back Phoenix headphones uses the same self-developed 50 mm dynamic driver we saw in the closed-back Robin, as well as gorgeous wooden ear cups, but ups the ante with better accessories and build quality in addition to a more proficient tuning that makes the total package well worth the money.
64 Audio introduces its latest and least expensive set of universal IEMs with the new Duo, which uses a hybrid driver configuration of one dynamic driver, one tia driver, and more innovative technologies than you can count! It's a highly open set in more ways than one and executes a warm and smooth sound signature quite well.
Effect Audio is a Singapore-based audio brand famous for its unique, modular earphone cables. This modular aspect has carried over to its new Axiom in-ear monitors with compatibility for different cable types and tuning changes courtesy a novel modular unit implemented in these premium IEMs that merit a detailed look!
HIFIMAN continues its technology trickle-down with the all-new Edition XS. It is the least expensive teardrop-shaped open-back, over-ear set from the company and features stealth magnets as well as a much thinner, more responsive diaphragm than its predecessor to make for excellent headphones at a reasonable price.
1MORE updated its popular ColorBuds lineup of TWS earphones with even more technological features to improve the user experience. The ColorBuds 2 comes in three color options and has wireless and fast charging, hybrid ANC, Bluetooth 5.2, and native SoundID integration for a personalized sound signature at under $100.
Today, we check out the HarmonicDyne Zeus, an open-back, over-ear set that uses an attractive combination of walnut wood and a stamped grille with a premium hard case and thick cable to make it seem like a luxurious audio solution for audiophiles and the general public alike.
LETSHUOER joins the planar magnetic IEM train with the new S12 in-ear monitors. It uses large 14.8 mm planar drivers fit into a small, ergonomic aluminium alloy shell to make for an attractive combination of aesthetics, build quality, decent tuning for multiple music genres, and comfort without hurting the wallet too much.
Audeze caps off a productive 2021 with the LCD-5, its hotly anticipated new flagship. The LCD-5 is a genuine contender for the best headphones in the world because of unfathomable detail retrieval and an accurate sound signature, which makes it a favorite among award-winning music artists and audiophiles who want the best!
Sennheiser aims high with its new TrueResponse dynamic driver system for a new generation of true wireless earphones, and we examine its budget-friendly CX True Wireless in more detail. It comes in two color options and promises long battery life by keeping things simple and effective.
Monoprice is back at it with the Monolith series of audio products, and this time we‘re taking a look at its new closed-back over-ear offering: the M1070C. It is a planar magnetic set that comes with two different stock pads and a clean aesthetic to appeal to different customers, all without hurting the wallet too much!
