Headphones & Audiophile
Headphone and hi-fi reviews, measurements, new gear, deals, vinyl and value for money for discerning listeners.
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What IEM/earbud are you listening with now, and what are you listening to?
I'm going to copy @timb5881 thread from the headphone sub forum, and post it here in the portable section as well. The headphone version of this thread is by far my favorite thread on Head-Fi, and I think there is enough activity to seperate the threat into two, to keep the other focused on headphones. I enjoy this type of thread more than the one found in the misc. sub forum, because it is often more a talk about the music and the gear, rather than farming post counts and likes... Read more
IFi Audio Announces The Zen Stream 3
Bring Your Hi-Fi Online. With upgraded hardware, software, and a host of new features, the ZEN Stream 3 adds audiophile-grade network playback to any system setup. Key Features of the ZEN Stream 3 include: • High-Resolution Network Streaming: Next-gen engine provides 384kHz/DSD256 digital audio from Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, and more. • K2 Technology: Restores musical harmonics lost in production/encoding for a natural... Read more
Everything TWS and Wireless.. with a dash of whatever(wired) thrown in for flavor
Fellow Head-Fier's Welcome! I thought it would be great to start a thread dedicated to everything related to TWS and wireless audio. This includes headphones, earbuds, technology, codecs, etc. You can also share your wired recommendations if you'd like. Let's aim to keep this thread focused on personal experiences and try to limit the use of AI-generated content. Feel free to share as many photos as you'd like; the more, the merrier!
Hi,Im noob iem user
안녕하세요, 저는 음악 듣는 것을 좋아합니다. 저는 CP752B&SP3000T를 사용하고 있습니다. Nice to meet you!!
Best IEM tips?
For durability, comfort, fit, price, and all that other stuff.
Do we need tuning nozzles and modular cables in a $50 to $60 IEM?
Hey everyone! I have had the upcoming Juzear Nimbus here for a few days now and I will be preparing my review for them soon. Giving you some quick specs, they range between $50 and $60 depending on the cable configuration you choose, they feature a laser glass faceplate that changes depending on how the light hits it, and they feel a bit heavier than your average resin IEMs, though that is not a drawback at all once they are in your ears. They use a single 10mm MACCD DD and have a warm and... Read more
The FitEar CIEM Impressions Thread
Looks like there's a new custom IEM from FitEar MH335DW. The DW stands for Double Woofer. Photo courtesy of Fujiya Avic. There's very little info about the MH335DW at the moment. Edit: Title changed from "New FitEar MH335DW Custom IEM" to "The FitEar CIEM Appreciation/Impressions Thread"
FIIO Open-Back Planar Headphones FT7
FIIO FT7 applies FIIO’s all-new self-developed 106mm large planar driver, coupled with multiple innovative patented acoustic technologies to discover the ultra-low frequency response capabilities of planar headphones. Moreover, the FT7’s driver employs a patented multi-layer coating technology (Patent number: ZL2024205488218). The planar driver uses high-performance PET as the diaphragm substrate and selectively applies 24K gold and pure silver to create a multi-layer coated driver –... Read more
Show Off Your IEM Photography - Let's See Your Best Shots!
Hey Head-Fi fam! Thought it'd be fun to have a dedicated space where we can all share our IEM photography—whether it’s a casual phone shot or a full-on studio still. Doesn’t matter if it’s your daily driver or a new toy—if you’ve snapped a nice pic, this is the place to drop it! Feel free to post: • Solo IEM shots • Desk setups with your IEMs • Creative flat-lays • Photos from tours or reviews Just make sure to include the name/model of the IEM in your post. Bonus points if you add your... Read more
Oriolus EJ01 IEM System - Discussion and Impressions Thread
This topic developed within the Oriolus Traillii Ultra thread - so thought I would give it its own space here. As an owner of the original Oriolus Traillii (formerly) and also the Ultra - I am looking forward to this new system and have just put a pre-order in. It is less than a third of the cost of the Oriolus Triallii Ultra, yet has more useful functionality. The Ultras are the best iem's I have listened to - so fingers crossed these little electrostat hybrids come close. Oriolus EJ01... Read more
ICELAB Spectrumica impressions thread
I can't believe how there is still no dedicated thread for the Spectrumica till now. While there are loads of reviews and appreciation, they are all scattered in the Watercooler or elsewhere. Shall we start giving the wonderful Specs its long overdue credits here? Let's do it. To me, despite its warm tilt, it really offers everything I'd want, and every great quality I could name, in an iem. Sub-bass rumble, mid-bass thump, ultimately detailed mids, absence weird peaks in the vocal and... Read more
Luxsin X8 Intelligent DAC & Headphone Amplifier Officially Released, The PEQ AI era starts now
It has been six months since Luxsin released its first product, the X9. Developed over two years by the Luxsin team, the X9 is a reference-grade DAC and headphone amplifier created with a strong focus on sound quality, stability, and long-term reliability. At launch, the X9 introduced several features that were considered world-firsts at the time, and it has since been well received by users. Beyond its sonic performance, the X9 also integrated a range of practical functions, presented... Read more
Nightcraft Audio Impressions & Discussions Thread
Hi all, About 2–3 weeks ago, I received a set of IEM cables from Nightcraft Audio on loan, as part of their Australia tour. I first heard about the brand through attendees of CanJam Singapore this year — including @Yifang, @GiullianSN, and @AxLvR — all of whom gave overwhelmingly positive impressions, which naturally piqued my curiosity. After spending time with the cables, I can confidently say the hype is well-deserved. I’ve created this thread for those who have tried... Read more
Cable Myths: Do Cables Matter, or Is Pricier Always Better?
We just put out a new video on a question that shows up in pretty much every cable thread here: do cables actually make a difference, or is it all placebo? Our answer might annoy both camps a little. “Cables don’t matter” usually comes from comparing one cheap cable to another cheap cable, so of course they sound the same. “Just buy the most expensive one” has the opposite problem. It skips the question of whether that cable suits your headphones at all. Both sides miss what matters: what... Read more
Thieaudio Cables
I feel like the thieaudio midnix is the greatest value cable at 50 bucks. The pliability and suppleness of the cable is some of the best ive ever had across all cables that have either come WITH an iem or cables ive bought aftermarket. While there's no denying the quality of something like an eletech or effect audio cable, the bang for buck is insane for the midnix. I sincerely wish it came in more colors so I can accommodate my whole iem library. Disclaimer, I enjoy a chunky 2W cable. 8W... Read more
Diana: the second release by Abyss Headphones!
http://abyssheadphones.com/abyss_diana.html Thought I'd create a proper thread for the new Abyss Diana. (General rumors and discussion are in this thread.) Things are going to get confusing, because most people refer to the Abyss AB-1266 as simply the Abyss. Now, we will have to specify which Abyss we are talking about. I suppose this was inevitable... Anyway, I will post updates here and add the most relevant info to this first post. And of course, we... Read more
The ZMF Weight Project
Hi folks! If you're insane like me and buy and sell ZMFs as some form of a demented hobby, and you happen to be weight sensitive, you may be interested in a spreadsheet I created: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tlcAeqy4_keJpFNAeNaEDMSChuiRA2dzz8aYkz79lig/ * I've seeded it with both the official ZMF info, as well as headphones I weighed personally, and from a few historic listings I've scanned * The goal is for people to add entries so over time we could figure out the... Read more
Shanling H7 - High-End Portable DAC/AMP/Player, Featuring new AKM AK4499EX Flagship DAC
Introducing SHANLING H7 With H7 we are taking a big step into the High-End Portable DAC/AMP market. And we made sure it comes packing all the important features: - New Flagship AK4499EX DAC chip from AKM, with its matching AK4191 Modulator - Extra powerful amplifier offering up to 1.2W @ 32 Ohm - 3.5 / 4.4 / 6.35mm headphone outputs and rear RCA - Xmos USB input supporting Hi-Res playback, including MQA - Combined input for Coaxial and Optical SPDIF -... Read more
The (Un)Official Amp Thread For ZMF Headphones
We've been tossing this idea around for awhile, so I thought I'd go ahead and get it started. If you're looking for amp recommendations for your new ( or not so new) ZMF, this is the place. Kindly add photos of your tube, tube hybrid or solid state amps, comments, questions, recommendations, impressions, tube rolls, cables too and anything else amp related for ZMF headphones, and of course photos of your lovely ZMF headphones are most welcome also. Please try to add the name of your amp... Read more
The Watercooler Headphone Edition – TOUR THREAD (see second post for active tours)
The Watercooler Headphone Edition – TOUR THREADWelcome! We now have a headphones tour thread. Similar to the Watercooler tour thread for portable audio, this thread will facilitate tours of full-size headphone demos for community members interested in demoing headphones and/or providing feedback. Spoiler: Eligibility Who is eligible? The tours are offered for active Head-Fi community members. To be eligible to
For those of us with multiple headphones, which ones are you listening with now?
I am using my Koss PortaPro's right now.
Heavy Metal Haven! The headbangers home for IEMs, HP, Music, and all things heavy!
HEAVY METAL HAVEN!! A thread designed by a headbanger for headbangers to discuss and share the very best IEM's, headphones, gear, and music for heavy metal and hard rock! I'm your host, @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 (Charlie), and all are welcome! Let me start with sharing my top 30 BEST sets for metal in my opinion, and I'm sharing some of my favorite metal albums that are currently available on Bandcamp. Feel free to share your favorite MUSIC, gear, and... Read more
Looking for people with odd DACs to break a free Mac player before its 1.0
Hi all. I've been building a free, open-source (GPL-3.0) music player for macOS called Vespertine, and I'd like it to fail on your hardware now rather than on launch day in November. What it's for: surround and hi-res collections. Multichannel FLAC, extracted SACD tracks, DTS CDs, TrueHD and DTS-HD MA share one library with your stereo albums, and play as head-tracked Spatial Audio on AirPods or folded down on a stereo DAC. It switches the DAC to each track's native rate and depth, plays... Read more
Unlock Your Headphones: Introducing the UP Play & UP Play Max
Introducing the UP Play & The UP Play MAX Southport, UK: iFi audio are proud to unveil their most compact and portable Bluetooth transmitter yet – the UP Play. The UP Play offers an instant upgrade for the Bluetooth capabilities of any device, with a range of codecs and features for music, gaming and productivity. Use the built-in microphone with Qualcomm cVc noise suppression technology to takecrystal-clear calls and chat in-game, lose yourself in... Read more
Hugo TT 2 by Chord Electronics - The Official Thread
The world’s most advanced Table Top DAC, preamp and headphone amp just got better. In every way! Hello, Hugo TT 2. Hugo TT 2 has been radically redesigned from the ground up, not only with beautiful new casework by Chief Designer, John Franks, but with 5x the processing power of the original Hugo TT and double that of the multi-award-winning Hugo 2. Hugo TT 2... Read more
Grell Audio OAE2 Audiophile Headphones
Seeing that it is official, time for its own thread. Grell Audio "OAE2" Jermo K said: We'll launch first beginning of December in Germany and Austria, and follow up with the UK and the rest of continental Europe in the following weeks depending on local demand. Click to expand... https://en.grellaudio.com/ JFYI...to Quo
Diamond-Coated Nano-Diaphragm Open-Back Planar Over-Ear Headphones FIIO FT15 is Now Officially Launched!
Diamond-Coated Nano-Diaphragm Planar Over-Ear Headphones FIIO FT15 is Now Officially Launched! Generational thinness: 800nm ultra-thin diaphragm—86.7% thinner than the previous generation—for instant response and a refined, pure sonic foundation. Pioneering coating: Proprietary full-face diamond coating delivers outstanding rigidity and acoustic performance, with frequency response extending to 40kHz. Expansive soundstage: 101mm large drivers... Read more
What do you look for in an iOS music player for your own music library?
Hey everyone, I've been exploring what makes a good music-listening experience on iOS, especially for people who have their own lossless music libraries and use headphones or IEMs. I'm curious what players people here use and what you feel is missing from the current options. Things like EQ flexibility, bit-perfect playback, ReplayGain, external DAC support, and transparency about the audio signal path are particularly interesting to me. I've also been working on an iOS music player... Read more
DX340 iBasso developed Discrete DAC, ***AMP19 JUST out and shipping!
Headfinics Review of the DX340 and the AMP16. Be sure and read as there is a lot of information that can be helpful! ***. https://headfonics.com/ibasso-dx340-review/. *** Issue Feedback Instrucitons DX340 and other DX models with the Feedback Option: 1. Can the DX340 power on when the DX340 is not connected to a charger? If so, the battery is not loose. 2. Does the green charge icon constantly show on the screen? If so, that means the DX340 is charging. 3. Does it... Read more
Viva Egoista 845 SET Tube amplifier 10K Headphone Masterpiece
The Viva Egolista is a 845 SET triode amplifier designed and made in Italy. Amedeo Schembri has been making world class tube amps for speakers. The 15W Egolista can be finished in any automotive paint finish and is available for custom order. The 10K price make this one if the most expensive amplifiers for headphones manufactured. The 845 tubes are unique legendary triodes that are designed and available in speaker amp designs and used here in this headphone only... Read more
Loewe luxury Headphones
Loewe now manufactures luxury headphones ... costing around 100,000 euros. Who developed the headphone component, Loewe itself or was it purchased from another supplier? Has anyone here had the opportunity to listen to them? https://www.loewe.tv/int/en/loewe/audio/headphone https://www.loewe.tv/int/en/audio/headphone/noir-rainbow/2758897 https://www.loewe.tv/int/en/audio/headphone/noir-rainbow/2758897#product-gallery
Cayin HA-300MK3 TOTL Third-Generation Transformer-Coupled Direct Heated Triode Class A Tube Headphone / Speaker Amplifier
Cayin HA-300MK3 The Cayin HA-300 MK3 represents the third-generation evolution of Cayin’s 300B headphone amplifier platform, refining both circuit architecture and industrial design. Building upon the acclaimed MK2, the MK3 introduces a fully upgraded wide-bandwidth transformer system, improved power delivery topology, and enhanced compatibility with headphones—from sensitive IEMs to demanding high-impedance full-size designs. At its core, the HA-300 MK3 remains a purist... Read more
[FiiO BTR17/BTR7] True Lossless Bluetooth, Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier BTR17 Is Officially Released!
One picture to learn about BTR7 Where to buy: The BTR7 is available on our AliExpress Official Store. Click the link below to take it home right away. Aliexpress link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004473518477.html Worldwide Sales agents: https://www.fiio.com/wheretobuy FiiO BTR7 FAQ, Video page: https://www.fiio.com/btr7_faq FiiO BTR7 Firmware download page: Click here How to upgrade the BTR7: Click here THX... R
Pictures metaphoring the sound of your headphones
HD 800: HD600: HD650 A picture is better than a thousand words. This post was adapted from a chinese website. Using words to describe sound is not accurate and too personal. I think using pictures are much better way to express the feeling of sound, more strait forward and vivid, easy to understand.
High-end headphone amp with a true power-amp / bypass mode?
I’m looking for a high-end headphone amplifier that can function as a true headphone power amp, and I’d love to hear some recommendations. My main preamp is a Naim NAC 252 + SuperCap DR, and I’d really like to take advantage of the 252 rather than running the signal through another preamp/volume stage inside the headphone amplifier. Ideally, the system would be: DAC / Source → Naim NAC 252 → Headphone Power Amp → Headphones So what I’m really looking for is a... Read more
Introducing Shanling Q2 - Stylish Compact Portable Hi-Fi Player
Return of our stylish line of compact portable players Find all Shanling Q2 details on our website: https://en.shanling.com/product/500 Shanling Q2 is a follow-up to our older Q1 portable Hi-Res music player. Combining modern Hi-Fi designs into a smaller player that opts for a simpler and rounder design. Perfectly combining a stylish look with Audio performance. Inspired by traditional music players, Q2 features a touch wheel controller, used alongside the 2-inch... Read more
New to IEMs looking for recommendations that have “speaker like” qualities
Pretty new to the ever changing IEM game and am looking for recs for engaging and fast sounding earphones that have qualities that resemble a good pair of speakers. Currently running with the Z1r and Meze alba. While I like both, they don’t have that wow factor for me that good speakers have. Trying to keep the budget under $2000
Geshelli Torc DAC - modular flagship dac
This dac went on sale tonight for black friday, it appears to be the spiritual successor to their Dayzee dac, but is super modular with replaceable DAC CHIP cards, opamps and even Input Socket cards. I'm super excited for the possibility of a geshelli R2R dac card or perhaps dac cards with super high end sc-cut oxco chips in the future It's available in black, red or silver with a choice of button LED ring colors.. I wish they had a photo of the red case. I went with the "safe" choice of... Read more
All new LAiV Crescendo VERSE: DAC + Pre + Amp all-in-one!
LAiV has just launched the VERSE, debutting the first in the Crescendo series that seeks to create more affordable and compact audio solutions. VERSE is a compact all-in-one solution combining a high-performance LAiV R-2R DAC, a discrete output buffered preamplifier, and a fully discrete headphone amplifier. This news came unexpected as they kept VERSE in the dark only until 2 weeks ago! The VERSE is certainly welcome in a world of... Read more
Pics of Headphones... Rules: ONE PIC. NO WORDS!
Rules: 1. One Pic 2. No words Let this be a viewing thread only... no reading.
Fir Audio Radon 6 vs Elysian Annihilator
Hello, I was potentially looking at these two IEM’s. I’ve tried the Xenon 6 and it was a bit too dark for me. I looking for something with great treble and forward detailed vocals. I’d still like to have some good bass presence, particularly in the mid and upper bass. For those who have you who have tried these, which one do you prefer? Both seem to be spoken of very positively from the water cooler thread.
Help me decide on DAC's
Hello guys! I have been researching about R2R DAC's and my interest slowly increased in time. I have just found a very nice local deal for a Gustard R26 way under 50% off and based on my research it seems like a good candidate for me. My problem is: I am currently using the DAC from my mac mini M4 and also an iFi zen dac v1 - I have done some attempts at blindly making a difference between them (volume matching as well as I could then asking someone to switch them for me) and, as the... Read more
Looking for some new gear, specifically: headphones, desktop dac/amp device
Hey y'all, I wanted some help/opinions on some new gear I am looking into getting eventually. I have a desktop pc setup and would like a dac/amp or even separate items that would work well together, but not break the bank. As a college student I need to keep pricing reasonable, but am unsure where to start. Additionally, I also am interested in getting an okay-decent pair of headphones for my ps setup as well. I welcome all advice/opinions/help as my knowledge is sort of only in IEMs so... Read more
JM Audio Editions XTC Headphones
Hello Everyone: I wanted to start a thread on some great headphones new to the market designed and built by John Massaria of JM Audio Editions. JMAE, jmaudioeditions.com, is a startup headphone company dedicated to improving and modifying standard headphones and is now developing and building their own models. John is a well-known figure on the Kennerton Headphone threads as he provided effective modifications of several of their models including their Gjallarhorn GH50 which later became... Read more
IEM setup for travel
I'm taking a long haul flight soon and am looking into a portable IEM setup so I can leave the Sony XM3s at home. My primary audio source would be Tidal via an Android phone. Located in the US, budget is a flexible $500. My home setup is ZMF Verite Open / Matrix Element X / Icon Audio HP8 Mk II. For the DAC/amp, I was looking at the Qudelix 5K but am not set on a Bluetooth DAC necessarily, assuming I could output audio _and_ keep my device charged with a split USB C cable or similar. For... Read more
Looking for my first pair of closed-back headphones ($60–70 budget)
I'm looking for some advice on my first pair of closed-back headphones. My budget is $60–70 USD maximum, preferably less. The reason for the relatively low budget is that I live in an area where I have to be fairly cautious about carrying expensive electronics around, especially while commuting. I'm basically trying to put together a low-cost commuting setup, so I'd rather not spend too much on something I'll regularly take outdoors. I currently use a NICEHCK NK1 Max as my DAC, and I... Read more
Signal loss on long OTG UBS-C cables
My setup is a custom 4 ft USB-C OTG-capable (audio-capable) cable (plugged into a phone), a DAC, and a custom 3.5 mm headphone jack cable. A USB-C cable corroded and died within a few weeks. I thought it was a fluke, so I replaced it. The second cable had signal loss issues from the get-go. It shows up as high-pitched static bursts I hear in my headphones every now and then. I contacted the manufacturer, and he ran some tests on his end. He also... Read more
Long-Time Audiophile and Music Lover, New to Head-Fi
Hi all. I'm a longtime music lover and audiophile who fell down the headphone rabbit hole a little later in life and have been happily exploring it ever since. I listen to everything from jazz and classic rock to electronic music, and I'm especially interested in how different gear presents the emotional character of a performance. I'm here to learn, share impressions, discover new music, and enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts. Glad to be here.
I'm addicted to hi-fi -- send help 🤣
Greetings all! Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I'm actually looking to sell my newish Burson Soloist GT4 headphone amp (will post soon), but also just looking to listen and learn and connect. Thank you for all you have contributed to this community all these years! AP
Upgrade from Philips Fidelio X2HR, with similar sound profile and comfort, what to get ?
Hi everyone ! I'm new here and a beginner in audio looking for what will be his first real headphones. For context, 5-6 years ago I had the opportunity to try a Philips Fidelio X2HR for a few days, I really loved its sound and comfort (I don't know if that makes a lot of sense, but I remember really liking its soundstage, the way its bass resonated in me, and the way the violins stood out in music that had a lot of them, and I could wear it for over 6 hours straight without even feeling it... Read more
Am I on the Right Track?
Hi everyone, I'm new to the site and also new to the audiophile world. I've always loved music, but I'm becoming increasingly interested in hearing high quality recordings reproduced as naturally and accurately as possible. Because of my current living situation, a dedicated two channel system with larger speakers isn't practical, so I've decided to start with a quality headphone setup. My current plan is: **Home WiFi - TIDAL - Bluesound NODE ICON - HiFiMAN HE1000 Stealth** My music... Read more
HDB 630 - Audiophile sound, cut loose
Hello Head-Fi! We’re here to introduce the new HDB 630 — a do-it-all headphone designed for the listener who wants function and fidelity from their hi-res music listening on the move. Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you—this new headphone supercharges the versatile design of our best-selling MOMENTUM 4 with a new high-resolution sound engine, Head-Fi-first tuning and new acoustic treatments to deliver balanced audio with impressive clarity. What’s more, a new toolkit of audio goodies... Read more
Amp for hedd d1
Hi everyone, I own the hedd d1 and I'm currently using them with a WiiM Ultra, a Topping DX3 Pro+, and a FiiO K13 R2R. I really love these headphones, but they sound a bit too bright with the Topping, especially at moderately high volumes. On the other hand, the FiiO feels like a better pairing tonally, but the headphones seem to lose dynamics and detail. For now, I would like to use the WiiM Ultra as a dac and add a dedicated amp that can deliver detail and precision while smoothing out the... Read more
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