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.
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.
