HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System Review

January 23, 2025 Comments Off on HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System Review

All headphones are analytical as they put you where the microphones are, not out in the auditorium or at a distance from the studio musicians. As a result, you will hear things that get buried on regular speakers, like people juggling with music stands or traffic outside. Even the low rumble of air conditioning and air rushing by the microphones was audible to a degree I don’t hear them on other headphones, and certainly not speakers.

I auditioned these headphones through a variety of sources, most often a FiiO M15 portable DAP which has excellent sound and can play any file format of music. I also listened while hooked up to my Eversolo DMP-A6, an excellent pre-amp streaming source, which offered me my Roon based collection of high-resolution files and CD rips. I used the analog outs to directly connect to the HIFIMAN amp. I also hooked up my trusty reel-to-reel machine for some pure analog (and a lot of well reproduced tape hiss).

Hifiman Susvara Unveiled $8,000 Review

December 31, 2024 Comments Off on Hifiman Susvara Unveiled $8,000 Review

So yeah, the Susvara Unveiled can be driven by many amplifiers, but they will all make the Susvara U. sound differently. In that regards the Unveiled is a transparent headphone. It’s also clear that the better amps, or should I say technically stronger amps, really make the Unveiled shine. When using a lower resolution DAC or bad files, you will immediately hear that so make sure your full setup is up to the task.

HEDDPHONE TWO REVIEW

December 26, 2024 Comments Off on HEDDPHONE TWO REVIEW

Meze Audio 105 AER $399 Review

December 24, 2024 Comments Off on Meze Audio 105 AER $399 Review

Meze Audio is a master brand for designing and crafting beautiful headphones. But how about the sound performance of the 105 AER? The new 105 AER is aimed at the casual listener rather than all-in audiophiles who usually invest in equipment. So, the sound presentation is safe, without too much coloration or extension on the polar ends, and it is in an airy and spacious environment.

Shanling HW600 $1,099 Review

December 22, 2024 Comments Off on Shanling HW600 $1,099 Review

The cups are surprisingly nice too, the HW600 featuring intricate patterns carefully carved through CNC machining. The headband remains in stainless steel for better torsion resistance, but apart from that, all the other pieces seem to be made of the same aircraft-grade, anodized, aluminum. Pair that with ultra-thick earpads, made of breathable lamb-skin earpads, filled soft-foam padding, a sturdy braided cables with balanced termination, and you end up with one of the most satisfying experiences you could get from a $1000 headphone.

Bluesound Node Icon Unboxed

December 13, 2024 Comments Off on Bluesound Node Icon Unboxed

ABYSS Diana DZ $3995 Review

December 4, 2024 Comments Off on ABYSS Diana DZ $3995 Review

In balanced high gain mode, both devices do not have enough headroom to drive the Diana DZ comfortably without it starting to sound shouty and thin.

It was only when I plugged the Mystic XP1 into its accompanying AC power brick and turned on its M-Power mode did the DZ suddenly delivered the necessary weight and headroom to sound like it was being driven quite well.

M-Power provides up to 1.5W of power at 50Ω which is closer to where the DZ should be but bear in mind the Mystic XP1 becomes a desktop amplifier in the process.

If you need portable power without a power cable the best I can suggest is the Cayin C9 which will give you 1.6W into a 50Ω going balanced plus a few tonal tweaks to fine-tune the Diana DZ which is a plus in my book.

Early Black Friday 2024 Headphone & Audio Deals

November 27, 2024 Comments Off on Early Black Friday 2024 Headphone & Audio Deals

Abyss DIANA DZ $3,995 Review

November 23, 2024 Comments Off on Abyss DIANA DZ $3,995 Review

I also really like the new headband design with the “sling”. Gone are the hot zones on the top of your head and the weight now is perfectly spread out over the top of your head, resulting in a very comfortable listening experience. I can listen to the DZ for hours without any discomfort. Do note that your ears can get warmer during longer listening periods, especially with the Ultrasuede pads.

As said, the DZ comes in different versions. The design I like most is the Damascus Forged one. Note that the vegan version of this design has Ultrasuede ear pads, which have a subtle softening of upper frequencies. Abyss suggests going for the stock lambskin ear pads if you prefer to maximize detail retrieval.

ModHouse Tungsten Review

November 18, 2024 Comments Off on ModHouse Tungsten Review

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