Sagittarius may be among PW Audio's most affordable shielded cables, but it boasts Shielding Pro technology descended from their Orpheus Lite flagship. Endlessly ergonomic still, the build of Sagittarius remains supple – and that's reflected in its sound. With just a little sizzle in the upper-mids making it clear we're dealing with a braid with tons of resolution, this PW Audio release will go down in time for elevating nigh any IEM. The control Sagittarius exerts over runaway transients, and the deep silence borne of PW Audio's constantly-developing shielding technology, already makes this a favourite.  Its expansive and smooth soundstage, coupled with seamless frequency transitions in the high frequencies, delivers a detailed yet fatigue-free listening experience. The dynamic rhythm is vocal-driven, offering captivating PRAT without relying overly on boosted low frequencies. Shielding Pro sees each of Sagittarius' four cores covered by four independent shields for both the positive and negative poles on both left and right channels, effectively preventing interference between poles and eliminating external disturbances. Check out the rest of PW Audio's range here or view our other cables here.

***Brand new stock condition***Full warranty availableiBasso Audio imagined tube magic in DX320 Max TI, and so conceived PB5 'Osprey' – losing the ROHM DACs, but gaining you two Korg Nutubes for a 4.4mm balanced tube/solid-state hybrid portable amplifier. Indeed, PB5's output stage should appear very familiar to fans of DX320 Max TI, packing iBasso's expertly designed, proprietary discrete stepped resistor volume control, Super Class A output stage and an over-the-top, clean power supply of six separate batteries. It goes right onto Headfonia's Recommended Buys list. It is Headfonics' "favourite portable amplifier I have had the pleasure to review". Twister6 praises PB5's "analog texture with bigger soundstage expansion" before becoming a dynamic duo with D16. It's in Audiophile-Heaven's Hall of Fame. While DX320 Max TI is a distant memory, its PB5 descendant could arguably ascend to greater heights.  As a fully analog product PB5 grant you the ability to line-in via today's amazing DAP sources ... while retaining the other aspects that went so far in defining iBasso's greatest flagship DAP. And adding tubes. Head-Fi now finds itself blessed with accessible opportunity. DX320 Max TI was more than a product but the birth of the super portable concept that has more applications than one. PB5 is such an example, iBasso's gift to the masses helping listeners enjoy the vast majority of DX320 Max TI solid-state output stage plus tube magic and – whisper it quietly – perhaps even surpass it with a high-performance DAC/DAP source of your choice. [See Product Desc. For More] Whisper it quietly, indeed. PB5 works near-silently because iBasso's stepped resistor analog volume control shows up where it could be most crucial – in their first battery-powered tube and solid-state hybrid amplifier. Said stepped attenuator preserves the resolution of your best DAP sources in the presence of Nutubes that may not otherwise share the same noise performance as the rest of PB5's carefully assembled transistor circuit.  Before that begins to sound like a problem, the gains from inserting Nutubes into PB5's (read: mini DX320 Max TI's) signal path far outweigh any cons. Beyond granting the kind of natural, spacious and effortless sonics tubes are known for, Korg's fluorescent 6P1 dual triodes pay dividends on the circuit design front too. READ ALSO The benefits of adding input tubes to a circuit As triodes, Korg's 6P1s provide iBasso access to an all-important square law transfer function for wide operating conditions. With tubes – audio's long-established ideal input device – now working differentially in balanced push-pull configuration to receive signal from your 4.4mm source, iBasso's proprietary stepped resistor attenuator takes charge of volume. Additionally counting on common-mode rejection, it's this proprietary volume control that enables PB5 to play it delicately into your flagship earphones for enjoyment at realistically lower volume levels. Because, it's easy to play it loud, but everyone knows it's in playing back tiny sounds that is the litmus test of a hybrid tube/solid-state amp capable of outputting as much SPL as PB5. Transparent at any volume setting down low as much as up high, with virtually perfect +/-0.1dB channel-matching, this iBasso tubed behemoth exposes detail buried deep around the noise floor of your music. So begins the rest PB5's fully-balanced, true differential solid-state circuit whose push-pull operation produces odd harmonic distortion that dovetails perfectly with the naturalness of its Nutubes. Built with individual transistors of iBasso's choosing allows great control over PB5's tuning, while an immense operating voltage over 16 volts grants an innately linear open-loop circuit, with substantially less negative feedback, to be fashioned. At the tip of PB5's spear are buffers capable of outputting more amperes of current than is needed in reality, while keeping output impedance near zero. Said power stage is another call for iBasso's Super Class A to appear.  Current mirrors ensure PB5's push-pull operation works without crossover distortion, yielding Class A-like performance at all power output levels. That makes for extremely linear open-loop operation before negative feedback is applied ... yet mostly avoids the heat and inefficiency typically associated with Class A designs. With superb damping factor as a voltage source, enough standing bias current and signal-to-noise performance to follow today's flagship IEM impedance down low, you still know PB5 will be even more in its element pushing TOTL headphones. That's especially when you consider its six separate batteries providing clean, independent power to each critical section of PB5's circuit. Everything from Focal to a Fostex and Rosson Audio Designs plus Yamaha and ZMF Headphones is applicable. Flexibility is the operative word here and sources like Cayin Audio's N7, iBasso's own DX260 plus HiBy Music's RS6, R8II and RS8 will be queuing up to lend their signal to PB5. PB5 is the perfect segway to add tubes to your portable flagship sources, but it's so much more. Through Osprey's stepped attenuator volume control and Super Class A output stage, DX320 Max TI's spirit lives on. Check out the rest of iBasso's sources for PB5 here, or view our other DAC/amps here.

Sophisticated and elegant technology is nice ... but sometimes all you really need is just a BIG driver and a really powerful magnet. There’s no need to be subtle with 3T-154, iBasso Audio's way of immediately signalling what sets their entry-level earphones apart. What's awesome about 3T-154 is in its name, with a huge, single 15.4mm dynamic driver kept under the control of a 3 tesla magnet. 137 per cent as large as the competition's drivers, 3T-154 impresses immediately with its power. Twister6 and Audiophile-Heaven praised iBasso's overachievement here. Only a 3 tesla magnet – double a conventional IEM's magnetic flux – could hope to maintain complete control over iBasso's magnificent beryllium-coated specimen. Like the Pirelli ads of old, power is nothing without control. And 3T-154 gives you both. [See Product Desc. For More] iBasso developed a massive 15.4mm dynamic driver because nothing moves as much air as one with such a surface area, with as little effort. Coated with the incredibly stiff material that is beryllium, its ability to move large amounts of air at low frequencies provides the firm foundation to your music. But by not being made entirely of stiff metal, iBasso maintain 3T-154's awesome bass quality even as frequencies rise. Their sandwich core driver construction of a soft plastic centre allows for effective damping at higher frequencies, to stave off the usual challenges of cone and modal break-up with drivers of these sizes. That means 3T-154's driver moves as a perfect piston over all frequencies up to and above its working range, keeping distortion down. A 3 tesla N55 neodymium magnet certainly helps in that respect, with a iBasso's copper-covered aluminium voice coil always kept under the control of magnetic flux regardless of its pistonic position.  3T-154 might be an entry-level IEM but iBasso certainly opted for quality parts in its construction with beryllium, neodymium and copper-covered aluminium all coming together in a high-precision CNC bracket. The experience is just taken up a notch when one considers its 2-pin cable construction and unique interchangeable plug locking system. 3T-154 is so good you may struggle to move up from it – and iBasso undoubtedly build your IEM to last the distance. Also check out a source from iBasso to preserve 3T-154's requisite sound quality here, or check out our other IEMs here.

Yamaha makes a glorified return to its Hi-Fi past in its planar-magnetic flagship headphone YH-5000SE. This is bound to make an impact – figuratively but especially literally. Yamaha received full marks from What Hi-Fi? and SoundStage! Solo. Hyper-dynamic, the punch this pair produces is unrivalled in all of Head-Fi, not matched for sheer impact by comers from all topologies – be it fellow planar, dynamic, AMT or electrostatic drivers. With a tuning popularised in Japan, the featherweight YH-5000SE is a heavyweight that shows its roots in hitting hard and fast while gracefully accommodating the hot and loudly-recorded female vocals typical of Asian acts.  Lovers of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Cantonese pop will find that this Yamaha is not stuffy nor stuck in the past, coming right out of the blocks by producing every detail in the voice and dodging potential for harshness. A natural progression from Audio-Technica's ATH-ADX5000 and Focal's Clear MG, YH-5000SE similarly propping that soulfulness up with bass impact and depth for days for concert-like atmospherics. [See Product Desc. For More] Inspired by Yamaha's first planar "orthodynamic" headphone of the 1970s but not merely content to reproduce it, YH-5000SE pursues an expressive contrast between stillness and motion, achieving low-frequency reproduction with rich volume and extraordinary transparency. The result is that the full dynamism of the sound is artistically conveyed and immerses the listener inside a remarkable, musical world. YH-5000SE's specially developed thin-film diaphragm is the result of relentless prototyping, meticulous measurements, and rigorous analysis. Yamaha manufactured it by etching the voice coil with a unique pattern on both sides of the film and applying minute corrugation. Moreover, highly permeable, micro-perforation air dampers are arranged on both sides to ensure the diaphragm motion can be accurately controlled for sound reproduction that doesn’t degrade the vibrant dynamism of the music. YH-5000SE's rounded shape devoid of any fixed points other than the outer circumference maintains uninhibited movement of the entire film, enabling exceptionally full, yet clear low-frequency expression. Yamaha's housing is built without any fixed central structure ensuring shape retention by use of concentric circle corrugation and pattern reinforcement, and avoiding magnetic substances in the vicinity. Indeed, YH-5000SE's large housing has ample internal acoustic volume and reduces the adverse effects on the thin planar diaphragm, preventing sound reflections inside the rear cavity to eliminate undesirable resonance.  Yamaha adopted a newly developed, Japanese-made, rolled plain Dutch weave stainless steel filter to control internal pressure in the housing. It includes an arch-shaped protrusion arranged inside the housing which functions as a reflector. Produced under strict air permeability control, this filter enables smooth air discharge and is the key element in creating the sound field expression we aspired to for the YH-5000SE. These features allowed Yamaha to achieve exceptionally controlled reproduction of both instruments and vocals, and properly control those sounds throughout their initial attack and final decay. This package is complete with two different types of earpads. A hybrid version combines leather around the build with well-ventilated mesh on the inner circumference that increases the perception of dynamics. Meanwhile, the alternative utilises Toray Ultrasuede to blend frequencies better bottom to top for an even longer immersive experience with soft, warm sound. A 4.4mm silver-plated copper cable comes included for all your balanced amplifier needs. Take advantage of YH-5000SE's flat impedance together with Enleum's current-source HPA-23RM, or Cayin Audio's transformer-output tube amplifiers. Questyle Audio's CMA18P and CMA18 Master are solid-state candidates, as is Cayin's iHA-8.  At the end of the day, the solution could very well lie in house with Yamaha's own HA-L7A DAC/amp. Check out the rest of their releases here, or view our other headphones here.

The only limit set for Lotoo had been size, but now they've roundly conquered that with Mjolnir. Limited to only 600 units made worldwide. The ultimate Lotoo ever built is a trans-portable 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm music player and DAC/amp powered by a super battery unit. Capable of outputting up to 2.5 watts of power per channel, Mjolnir is built on AKM's final units of AK4499EQ DACs. Mjolnir gives its prized, rare and out-of-print AK4499EQ chip from 2019 an all-metal, CNC-machined platform to shine upon. Robust power supplies comprised of six 21700 battery cells means this Lotoo monolith works on an operating voltage of 20 volts.  That, coupled with its silent noise floor and up to 134dB of dynamic range delivering fidelity, means Mjolnir performs about any way you want it. That means it'll drive the Empire Ears Raven and Oriolus Traillii JP, up to Focal's Utopia, ZMF Headphones' Atrium Closed and Caldera plus HEDD Audio's HEDDPhone 2 equally well. [See Product Desc. For More] It's wonderful that Lotoo provided Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)'s AK4499EQ zenith the time capsule needed to transport this legendary chip forward for the enjoyment of future audiophiles.  With Mjolnir built on Lotoo's LTOS custom user interface, this uber-flagship DAP adds its own value with a digital subsystem – consisting of Lotoo's tried-and-true NXP i.MX 6ULL and Analog Devices Blackfin DSP processor sub-system carrying proprietary code that generates clocking and audio data I2S for its AK4499EQ. Marking Lotoo's return to current-output DACs for the first time since 2014 when Texas Instruments' (TI) PCM1792 appeared in Paw Gold, Mjolnir's four-channel AK4499EQ outputs analog to a current-to-voltage I/V stage where D/A conversion errors manifest as a DC offset that is easy to filter out – instead of more sinister total harmonic distortion. The desire for purity is mirrored in Lotoo's construction of Mjolnir. Multi-layer PCBs and a 3mm thick metal locked-in shield for the audio circuit, down to individual screws fashioned from 304 and 316 stainless steel and a CNC chassis built to surpress quality-averse vibrations, are testament to Lotoo's attention to detail. Mjolnir's pristine small signal gets fed to its power stage consisting of eight TI LME49600 buffers – the first and only time Head-Fi has seen these parts implemented in such a topology – making up an incredibly powerful paralleled quad-mono balanced output stage capable of 5 total watts. With Mjolnir's 20 volt battery power rails running closer to each LME49600's power supply requirement, each op-amp already acts linearly in the open-loop before mandatory feedback is added. Dynamics are unhindered regardless of load complexity – undoubtedly bolstered by LME49600's incredible slew-rate spec. The negative feedback finally applied as the cherry on the cake sees Mjolnir achieve up to an incredible 130dB dynamic range via 4.4mm or 4-pin XLR headphone outs, or 134dB via dual 3-pin XLR line-outs. Indeed, Lotoo built Mjolnir to function perfectly as a DAC too, its Wi-Fi undergoing Roon testing and certification, with DLNA readiness meaning use with UPnP software is also possible. Digital outputs into your Hi-Fi system's DAC also sees Mjolnir execute transport duties via AES/EBU, S/PDIF RCA and optical. So here is Lotoo with Mjolnir proudly asking whether your all-in-one system even hubs, building the ultimate all-in-one to end every argument against it. Check out Lotoo's other devices here, or view our other DAPs here.

Your music, noise free. When your music is on, nothing else matters. The JBL Tune 770NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling wireless headphones deliver on that promise all day—and longer, while sparing you the unwanted noises. With up to 70 hours of battery life, you’ll easily get through a busy week of using them and still have enough JBL Pure Bass Sound to get you through the weekend. And if you do need a quick recharge, 5 minutes gets you an extra 3 hours of music. Lightweight, and flat-folding, the JBL Tune 770NC can also connect with two Bluetooth® devices simultaneously, so you’ll never miss a call while watching a movie on your tablet. With the free JBL Headphones app, you can tailor the sound to suit your taste. And voice prompts in your language will guide you through the features. Manage your calls and your voice assistant hassle-free right from your phone and use VoiceAware to hear yourself when you’re speaking. Just choose the color that best suits your vibe, and start having fun. Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient Adaptive Noise Cancelling means zero distractions when it's time to focus on your studies—or get your groove on. And if you want to hear the world around you without removing your headphones, Ambient Aware and TalkThru sharpen the sounds of your surroundings or voices. Easily activate these Ambient Sound Control modes through the JBL Headphones app. Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio (*) Wirelessly stream high-quality JBL Pure Bass Sound from your smartphone with the help of the latest Bluetooth technology. Optimize the Bluetooth performance with the Smart Audio & Video feature in the JBL Headphones app by selecting the Audio (for the best sound quality) or the Video (for an optimal gaming and video output) modes. (*) Available via OTA update at a later stage. JBL Pure Bass Sound JBL Tune 770NC headphones feature renowned JBL Pure Bass sound—the same that powers the most famous music venues all around the world.

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At the start of the trilogy brought to you by Tago Studio is T3-01. This wooden closed-back portable headphone manages to entertain with its accuracy – a truly fine line to walk in Head-Fi. Silk-coated dynamic drivers sitting below maple wood cups plumb the deepest bass with a sense of mid-range space and treble sparkle that hint at products many times more expensive. T3-01 is a headphone that studio pros and content creators are meant to trust ... and so, therefore, should you. [See Product Desc. For More] It's that delightful emphasis at the frequency extremes that makes T3-01 particularly exciting news and listening for audiophiles. But that U-shaped approach also morphs to a flat line at quieter listening, granting the impression of exciting accuracy and neutrality. Indeed, Tago Studio exploits the Fletcher-Munson effect to good effect here, compensating where bass and treble extremes fall off at low volumes with T3-01's loudness contour. Quiet listening won't hinder professionals from experiencing a flat frequency response. Nor will it stunt the natural dynamic movements inherent to your precious music – T3-01 is just apt at reproducing smaller detail. And when you turn the music up, Tago Studio built in a driver and acoustics that keeps every note and imaging cue tidily arranged, befitting the recording when sonics are brought to SPL life. Ignore T3-01's entry price. A silk protein-coated 40mm driver – jointly developed with Gunma Prefectural Textile Industrial Lab – is key to reproducing the inherent warmth in music.  T3-01's driver excursion is responsible for moving the copious amount of air required to reproduce a deep, rumbling and impactful sub-bass. It continues to move as a piston, without cone or modal break-up, even as frequencies rise owing to its humble proportions. Tago Studio's resulting lack of distortion is audible, and as key to content creators accurately judging what's on their tracks as you enjoying the tunes they make for your enjoyment – as the artist intended. That's further helped by T3-01's voice coil kept thin and light by a 70ohm impedance. Inertia is low and Tago's driver reacts instantly to the smallest voltage impulses. This is a 70ohm load that's simultaneously easy to drive for any partnering amplifier, such that a studio console, mixer or tube amplifier with varying output impedance mates comfortably with suitable damping factor. Apart from frequency response being less prone to variation from impedance mismatch, T3-01's easy load means many modern bridge-tied load outputs on music players won't grind their gears pushing into inordinately low impedances – small power supplies and output stages producing less in the way of distortion and noise as a result. T3-01 will make for a happy result running from iBasso Audio's DC07 Pro and DX180, but high output impedance, imperfect voltage sources from FiiO and Shanling will not be tested untowardly either – music players from the latter both having enough mettle to push Tago very satisfactorily.  Clearly, there are infinite ways to enjoy Tago Studio's exciting accuracy, with infinite satisfaction following in the studio, at home or on the go. Check out the rest of Japan's best studio releases here, or view our other headphones here.

A modern Mass-Kobo built for every budding audiophile coming of age. Model 433 is the Goldilocks of Masuda-san's range, able to offer something to everyone.  Model 433 is built personally by Masuda-san in Shizuoka, Japan. There, his hand-selection of the top one per cent of matched discrete parts for incredible open-loop gain tolerances yield incredible sound quality. Inspired by the Model 394 II, Model 433 offers as little as possible in the way of compromises for those seeking the full Mass-Kobo experience. [See Product Desc. For More] Mass-Kobo's choice of current-mode signal has been around as long as Head-Fi has, and Model 433 calls upon such heritage. Current-mode amplification eliminates the lag time that might otherwise occur when signal is transmitted in voltage, as it builds up at the capacitances in the circuit – current signal passes through unhindered by comparison, with speed and ease. By doing away with the issue of transmission delay in Model 433, Mass-Kobo virtually eliminates any of the harshness caused by the intermodulation distortion associated with high capacitance, solid-state circuits. Model 433 presents music with an iron grip on your transducers, never allowing the slightest note out of control. Any trace of transient smear or note bleed vanishes, from the lowest bass to the highest highs, given the extraordinary damping factor as a perfect voltage source current-mode delivers. Mass-Kobo presents your favourite music with a zeal and vibrancy that's accurate and still entertaining. Another effect of being unhindered by capacitance in the signal path means that huge signal bandwidth is possible. Model 433 runs flat from 10hz to 100Khz, with phase response excellently preserved in the human hearing range for startlingly life-like dynamics, impactful bass and realistic portrayal of musical images.  Indeed, to hear current-mode is to hear a precision to music not encountered before in a conventional circuit, and Mass-Kobo build Model 433 as testament to such a topology. Current-mode technology excels the more it detects a dead short, so Model 433 only works more happily when presented with sub-30ohm loads from Audeze's LCD-5, Dan Clark Audio's Stealth, Expanse and E3, plus HIFIMAN's latest flagship generation – particularly considering that's backed up by nearly 20 volts of swing for sudden massed orchestral bursts. Feed Mass-Kobo only the finest signal. Keep your whole chain working in current-mode with Questyle Audio's CMA18. Meanwhile, browse the rest of Mass-Kobo's range to see what you get higher or on the go here – or view the rest of our amplifiers here.

Mass-Kobo's choice of current-mode signal has been around as long as Head-Fi has, and the portable, battery-powered, Model 475 calls upon such heritage.  Current-mode amplification eliminates the lag time that might otherwise occur when signal is transmitted in voltage, as it builds up at the capacitances in the circuit – current signal passes through unhindered by comparison, with speed and ease. By doing away with the issue of transmission delay in Model 475, Mass-Kobo virtually eliminates any of the harshness caused by the intermodulation distortion associated with high capacitance, solid-state circuits. [See Product Desc. For More] Model 475 presents music with an iron grip on your transducers, never allowing the slightest note out of control. Any trace of transient smear or note bleed vanishes, from the lowest bass to the highest highs, given the extraordinary damping factor current-mode delivers. Mass-Kobo presents your favourite music with a zeal and vibrancy that's accurate and still entertaining. Another effect of being unhindered by capacitance in the signal path means that huge signal bandwidth is possible, with phase response excellently preserved in the human hearing range for startlingly life-like dynamics, impactful bass and realistic portrayal of musical images.  Indeed, to hear current-mode is to hear a precision to music not encountered before in a conventional circuit, and Mass-Kobo build Model 475 as testament to such a topology. Current-mode technology excels the more it detects a dead short, so Model 475 only works more happily when presented with sub-30ohm loads from Audeze's LCD-5, Dan Clark Audio's Stealth, Expanse and E3, plus HIFIMAN's latest flagship generation. Feed Mass-Kobo only the finest signal. Keep your whole chain working in current-mode with Questyle Audio's CMA18P and M15i. From a player, Cayin Audio's N7 has the consummate sound quality, and more importantly line output stage, necessary to drive Model 465's low-impedance current-mode input stage Meanwhile, browse the rest of Mass-Kobo's range to see what you get higher or on the go here – or view the rest of our amplifiers here.

***Made to order, ~1 week turnaround time Conductor: 7N OCC Copper for signal, Copper & Pure Silver mix for ground Geometry: Multi-Gauge Shielded Litz Sleeve: Ultrasoft PVC True Gauge: 22.0 AWG Resistance (Including Connectors): 0.07Ω Solder: Custom Silver Blend Default length: 1.2m (Inquire for other lengths) Inquire for other connectors/terminations

Should we greet a company that builds cables for other IEMs with surprise, when they approach the summit with their own IEM release? If there were expectations, then they certainly had not been as great as Allegro – PlusSound's flagship tri-brid IEM that's their take on what 12 drivers can really do. Headfonics awarded nearly full marks after being taken by surprise by Allegro's performance. Twister6 praised a flawless first execution. This is PlusSound at the forefront of high-end personal audio, moving to the centre of your consideration with dual dynamic drivers in push-pull isobaric configuration, six balanced armatures and four electrostatic tweeters coaxially mounted in Allegro's nozzle. Allegro's supporting cast is stellar. A crossover that's a work of art keeps her drivers ticking over as one sound and quietly showcases PlusSound's pedigree as an IEM builder. A sleeping giant, now awakened, launching a flagship that packs a bass that excites, an accurate, articulate and natural mid-range, and no shortage of treble extension. And cables are brilliant as expected, with choice of Copper+ or Hybrid+ premium 2-in-1 shield coax type litz connecting you to sources that highlight the vast technical ability Allegro is capable of. [See Product Desc. For More] Cayin Audio's N8ii and HiBy Music's RS8 are naturally worthy of feeding Allegro. But part of PlusSound's brilliance here was designing a crossover that operates at a virtually flat 10ohm impedance and electrical phase, while granting their first flagship 112dB/mW of sensitivity.  Allegro will always be a powerhouse that scales based on source quality, but as a fairly benign load all listeners will enjoy excellent sound from more humble DAC/amps and music players.  Indeed, said crossover is the platform to perform for Allegro's drivers. PlusSound's low-order network feeds both dynamic driver bass and electrostatic treble sections. Their slow frequency roll-off slopes ensure accurate phase reproduction and maximum cohesion in their assigned audible band. And these simpler, lower-order signal paths utilise fewer components such that the crossover saps as little power as possible, ensuring maximum transparency, dynamics and detail reach the bass and treble units. Allegro's dual dynamic drivers, operating in push-pull isobaric fashion, are more than capable of keeping up with the extended range they operate in. Both stiff yet well-damped as they rise higher in frequency, these large 10mm drivers are mounted in a 3D-printed acoustic enclosure with a massive rear vent. That aids decompression out of phase, lowering air resistance within their chamber for greater excursion and better drive. PlusSound similarly mounted Allegro's electrostat tweeters where they would have maximum effectiveness. Placed coaxially against the IEM spout for the best directivity, their wide-frequency bandwidth extends up into the ether. Their low-order crossover sees these Sonion electrets enjoy the best sensitivity and power-to-SPL conversion, for audibly excellent dynamic ability. In between are six mid-range balanced armature drivers, this time working under high-order slopes to keep them in their ideal range of reproduction to avoid unduly taxing them. All 12 drivers are masterfully placed in Allegro's shell for maximum frequency and time-domain performance connected by Copper XS, an in-house designed cryogenically-treated Type 6 UP-OCC wire with proprietary insulation. PlusSound's attention to detail extended to their accessorisation, with custom-designed silicone eartips for ideal acoustics beyond the shell showcasing the technical potential of Allegro. And PlusSound's flagship Exo Copper+/Hybrid+ cables are included for the perfect signal path to source, placing their secondary twisted litz wire bundle used as the core and unique silver shielding to reduce EMI for listening not plagued by interference.  Allegro packs quality inside and out. Its polished, anodised, cryogenically-treated aluminum faceplate, body and nozzle carved from seven-axis CNC, and rhodium-plated tellurium copper 2-pin connectors, guarantee PlusSound's flagship will be as life-proof as its sound is timeless. Proudly carry Allegro in PlusSound's leather storage case cum IEM display stand whether you listen on the go or at home. Such is her performance that you'll never want it to leave your side. Because if you were surprised by PlusSound's entry into the high-end IEM arena, then that shock extends to the IEM clinic they just put on after over two years of research & development. While you're enjoying Allegro, explore how you can cable up your other transducers with PlusSound here, or view our other favourite IEMs here.

Acoustics are the name of the game building planar-magnetic headphones, and ZMF Headphones have made acoustics their playground. That spells good news for Caldera Open as Zach Mehrbach’s first, original, planar-magnetic headphone release, an implement of everything he’s learnt acoustically. Such is the groundwork that can be had from cutting one’s teeth building brilliant dynamic driver headphones. The biggest compliment to give ZMF’s asymmetrical double-sided planar-magnetic Caldera Open is that it sounds six years in the making – exactly the whole R&D process.  The influence of Caldera Open’s patented acoustic system, dubbed Caldera Asymmetrical Magnet Structure (CAMS), is so great that this flagship is named after the basin-like depression resulting from the explosive collapse of a volcano – also the shape of its airflow management system. The success of such implements has now spawned Caldera Closed too. So here’s a release that’s landing ZMF on the planar-magnetic map with a bang, tuned partly in reference to the Harman Curve and sure to impress with the authoritative wall of sound such drivers are known for … yet maintaining the effortlessness, micro-dynamics and resolution their dynamic driver releases symbolise. [See Product Desc. For More] It leapt onto Headfonia's Recommended Buys list. Headfonics "was simply not expecting this huge emotionally enjoyable sound complete with that trademark easy-to-listen-to tuning" from an "incredible high-end debut planar". Headphonesty calls Caldera "art for music's sake". Audio Discourse says this release is a totally clean slate for ZMF. Caldera Open's biggest strength at the drawing board was that it was designed from scratch. With a new asymmetrical magnet array working for – not against or apart from – earcup acoustics, ZMF's original work merged their two biggest technical accomplishments from 2022 into one headphone. Certainly, CADS birthed Caldera Open together with the Atrium Damping System (ADS). CADS starts with trapezoidal N52 magnets that shape and optimise airflow either side of Caldera's 80mm planar driver minimising turbulence and phase issues.  It's a volcano-like magnet structure that allows air to naturally spread out, and maintains a slightly asymmetric force making the membrane more nodal, pushing a massive amount of air towards the ear while diffusing it at the same time. Macro dynamics are a given but it's micro-dynamic reproduction that distinguishes Caldera Open. The traces in proprietary ZMF planar driver film are gold-plated copper, and the diaphragm is coated with silver to maximise excursion along the traces. It's not just sheer driver size producing authority and slam – actual pistonic excursion akin to dynamic drivers reproduces tiny gradations in SPL. This sees Caldera Open's timbral resolution on par with the likes of its Atrium and Vérité counterparts.  Indeed, Caldera Open won Part-Time Audiophile's Reviewers Choice award, winning similar accolades too on TechPowerUp. Armed with the technological potential of CADS, 2022's release of ADS was the key taking Caldera's design to 11.  Atrium Damping minimised back-wave cancellation from the rear of the driver, for more pressure to be exerted in a controlled manner towards the ear, carefully away from the back volume at determined frequencies. The smallest details made all the difference to a driver with as much resolution as Caldera Open produced, and ZMF extended their research to earpads with three depth variances released for a complete ecosystem of accessories. All Caldera pads bear fluting – the tapering of rim thickness and circumference back to front – officially sealing the integral role oft underestimated items play on the ZMF tuning process. Already, Caldera Open's combination of Atrium Damping plus the horn-like acoustic amplifier its sculpted earpads take the form of ensure substantially better SPL loading of the driver ear-side. With sensitivity at a high 95dB ensured by these added implements, the driver and motor are then freed to focus on mustering as much deep bass extension as possible from the air volume within limited cup enclosures. Caldera is a call to experiment with sources, so big-small devices such as Cayin Audio's C9ii, HiBy Music's FD5, R8II plus RS8 and iBasso Audio's PB5 throw their hat into the ring to work very satisfactorily. Yet for the very best performance, make use of ZMF's purely resistive, 60ohm flat impedance and electrical phase for a happy match with transformer output tube amplifiers from Cayin and Feliks Audio, or Enleum's HPA-23RM. Perfect voltage sources can't hurt either and the solid-state route is straightforward with Questyle Audio's current-mode desktop flagship CMA18. The Cayin iHA-8 and HIFIMAN EF500 are absolutely capable. And the dCS Data Conversion Systems Lina, with unlimited damping factor and resolution, finally milks every drop of performance left untapped in Caldera Open. That's exactly the kind of attention Caldera Open deserves, the planar-magnetic cherry on the ZMF cake that completes the circle from the very first days Zach Mehrbach spent modding venerable Fostex T50RPs. Caldera is a headphone unlike any other, entering a world of planar magnetics yet not being entirely of it. Explore Caldera Closed for listening in public settings here, the rest of ZMF's dynamic driver releases as the perfect complement to Caldera here, or check out our other headphones here.

Purity of sound is everything that Feliks Audio is about, and Euforia EVO is the full realisation of that legacy. This uber-revealing output transformer-less OTL tube amplifier built on the CV-181 (6SN7 derivative) unearths every detail in your music. Now with a 4-pin XLR output for balanced connections, EVO bears similar upgraded parts broadly carried over from the Feliks Euforia Anniversary Edition. EVO is a Headfonics pick for hours of fatigue-free listening, a Headfonia Recommended Buy, an Audiophile-Heaven Hall of Fame-r, and "wildly recommended" by Ear Fidelity. Headphonesty say Euforia EVO is "absolutely sublime". UPOCC copper wiring in the signal path, enhanced coupling capacitors and a power transformer with great AC line performance come as standard. EVO sets a new benchmark of stock transparency that will serve you well with many an Audio-Technica, Sennheiser or ZMF Headphones. Feliks present the Euforia line its latest, timeless, new member ... in a beautiful satin gloss black finish packing sound quality that will remain unrivalled for years. [See Product Desc. For More] As another single-ended triode amplifying in Class A, EVO remains fully transparent and yet never overbearing in its presentation of detail. Natural and wholesome even harmonic sound dominates – a direct result of EVO's single-ended Class A topology. The holy grail of all bias schemes isn't undertaken lightly, and rock-solid current sources ensure Feliks Audio's flagship OTL runs stably fully biased at all output levels. This is a decidedly low-distortion affair in an inherently linear amplifier given high tube operating voltages and current. Transconductance increasing with bias current is optimal. And while tube imaging, emotiveness and liquidity is de facto, EVO always sounds natural and fully transparent. Certainly, a massive audio bandwidth is guaranteed given its output transformer-less OTL construction. Literally nothing separates you from your music. Pairs of transparent CV-181 drivers and NOS 6N13S tubes power your headphones directly, without any chunk of transformer iron in the signal path.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Headphonesty (@headphonesty) This Feliks champions frequency extension – the fast, deep bass and airy, open highs from the best OTL associations. Phase reproduction in the audible human hearing range is stellar, and dynamics crash especially potently bottom to top, rivalling even the best solid-state competition. Boasting a new 4-pin XLR connection, EVO eschews the headphone cable adapter you might have used with its predecessors, powering your flagship cans even more directly in the spirit of maintaining total purity. This makes the case of EVO being the only amplifier you need – at least, till you aim for the extreme Envy... Whether you go up or down, you'll be served browsing the rest of Feliks Audio's offerings here, or all our other DAC & amp options here.

Vocal lovers, pay attention to PlusSound's basic Exo. There's more than meets the eye for Exo, and this beautiful build made in USA has a beautiful way of handling the mid-range on both IEMs and headphones alike. With a way of pushing upper mids just so slightly forward, Exo allows females vocals to shimmer without fatigue before fading off into the air. PlusSound's entry is particularly effective on the Vision Ears EXT, Audio-Technica ADX-5000, Focal Clear MG and Sony's MDR-Z1R, for starters. Easy on the ears, Exo has a way of relaxing an overly-tense presentation – perfect for an evening listen in the lounge that still packs resolution, and one of the best cable builds Head-Fi has ever seen. [See Product Desc. For More] PlusSound build Exo of four high quality, custom manufactured UPOCC stranded wires. With a durable and flexible proprietary PlusSound insulation, Exo is then braided to provide better quality sound while reducing low range and interference noises.  PlusSound implement a Type 6 Litz wire design that will prevent electrical anomalies such as skin effect and proximity effect, in addition to eliminating oxidation by applying a special enamel coating to individually insulate every strand for long lasting sound quality and appearance. The multiple proprietary dampening cores function to reduce vibration – keeping conductivity constant throughout for the best quality sound. After production, PlusSound wires are cryogenically treated to strengthen the structure of the wires for maximum durability and performance. Exo is the perfect solution for use on the go, at home, or on stage. With excellent ergonomics, sound quality, and constructed with only the highest quality components on the market, Exo is the best interchangeable cable available. View what PlusSound are capable of higher up the line here, or check out our other cable builds here.

MITER is made in Korea. Store your favourite audio gear and accessories in this neat box. Box fits up to 6 earphones, OR 4 earphones + 1 Digital Audio Player (DAP). Separators are attached by velcro, so you can adjust the compartments to fit your preferred organisation. Flip stand in the middle for propping up your music player (A typical feature of Miter products) Box includes 01 leather cable wrap. Box dimensions in centimetres: 26 x 18.5 x 6cm.

No one knew exactly what to expect from dCS Data Conversion Systems' first separate analog power amplifier, but neither is anyone surprised by the excellence of Lina headphone amplifier anyway.  Stereophile's extensive review saw Lina pitted against flagship competition and emerge with distinction ... "watch out for goosebumps, tears and laughter, because that's how you'll know if they can please for the long haul". Exhibiting remarkable specs on paper, it's immediately apparent how Lina's discrete transistor solid-state reference amplifier product translates those into spectacular audible results – an analog product that proves worthy of bearing the dCS name. [See Product Desc. For More] A pinnacle of frequency extension and transparency, Lina headphone amplifier makes its case to be the ultimate, final headphone source you'll ever need – conjuring macro and micro dynamics before your ears while always sounding relaxed and completely natural in its tonality. READ ALSO How Lina is the perfect amp for Susvara When fed by dCS' accompanying Lina network DAC, Lina amp's fully-balanced, differential design encased in solid aluminium brings out even more than you thought your flagship headphones could produce. Headfonia didn't do a very good job, trying to prevent their jaw from dropping at Lina's performance. From "planar headphone fan" Headfonics, "this is a tremendously satisfying and engrossing world-class solid-state amplifier". Lina saw Headphone Guru's headphones replace his speakers over a month of testing.  READ ALSO Lina – designing the perfect voltage source She was a Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product. Lina amp outputs in excess of 4 watts with enough current-handling ability for loads like the Abyss AB1266 Phi TC, Hedd Audio HEDDphone and HIFIMAN's Susvara. At the drawing board, dCS invest every effort in building Lina amp as a linear open-loop design.  READ ALSO Building a dCS statement in analog design Rather than achieving current-handling capability via the usual technique of building with more output transistors in parallel, Lina amp opts for quality over quantity and a lower parts count. Less is more, and dCS elegantly selects fewer but more unconventionally capable devices with 8 ampere current capability exceeding the normal needs of headphone amplifiers. Feeding this potent array of beastly power transistors is a proprietary driver stage that dCS designed to operate linearly with low open-loop distortion, unfazed by pushing the large output devices. This secret voltage gain circuit is more than up to the task of passing along and upsizing the signal of Lina DAC transparently without adding noise and distortion, thanks in part to cascodes operating supplementary and reducing voltage-induced non-linearities. READ ALSO Lina power quality matters – not just quantity Said cascodes also play a part reducing capacitance at the bases of transistors where they operate, which provides tremendous high-frequency performance with Lina amplifier extending out to 100Khz at -3dB. Meanwhile, Lina amp's DC-coupled nature also means bass extends down to subterranean levels – this kind of frequency performance down low and up top guarantees superbly flat phase reproduction in the audible human hearing range for potent and realistic musical dynamics. Through the audio microscopes that are flagship headphones, Lina's perfect phase response is undisputedly audible. The above – low output impedance, excellent current-handling, low distortion and frequency extension – all remarkably achieved in the open-loop. After getting these basics of an excellent analog circuit right, dCS then apply the cherry on the cake – closing the loop with negative feedback to make an already good design great. dCS thus achieves the amplifier ideal of a straight wire with gain, adding as little colouration as possible to let your transducers speak freely, to the fullest of their potential. It's been thoroughly thought out. When used with Lina DAC, Lina amp takes advantage of the former's high-current line-stage. The latter boasts an unbuffered balanced input, bypassing unnecessary active input stage devices and simplifying the circuit further for less chance of error.  Now we see – with the gargantuan task of creating a standalone amplifying product that lived up to the dCS name, these digital specialists pulled off a masterclass in analog design. A true testament to the skill of the designers, for the benefit of the most dedicated headphone listeners. Elsewhere, explore the digital chops from the rest of Lina here, or browse our other desktop products here.

The Lina network streaming DAC boasting Ring DAC technology is both a continuation and a new beginning for dCS Data Conversion Systems. Lina DAC's design combines renowned dCS technologies with new innovations developed for headphone listeners – resulting in a bold new interpretation of the dCS experience, and a complete re-imaging of form and function alongside Lina headphone amp and Lina master clock. READ ALSO The inside story behind Lina DAC's creation What doesn't change, however, is a level of new immersion, resolution and realism that accompanies any dCS; even at Lina's new entry-level point. There are multiple ways to get your music aboard Lina DAC, with Spotify and Tidal Connect, plus Roon Ready status, standing by for easy connectivity right from set-up. With Lina DAC, dCS took core playback technologies, including the dCS Ring DAC and Digital Processing Platform, and added new innovations developed for headphone listeners. [See Product Desc. For More] 5 ⭐ came from What Hi-Fi?. Headfonia didn't do a very good job, trying to prevent their jaw from dropping at Lina's performance. Lina's "energy, dynamics, and a very strong level of detail retrieval" floored Headfonics. It saw Headphone Guru's headphones replace his speakers over a month of testing. She was a Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product. These impressive results translated to speakers too, for Steve Huff. A sensible flex-ridged circuit board allows dCS to deliver all of the features you’d expect from a dCS DAC in a much smaller chassis that would sit handsomely on a desktop or coffee table. READ ALSO The exhaustive breakdown of dCS Ring DAC technology At the heart of all dCS DACs is the Ring DAC, and Lina is no different. Ring DAC denotes a proprietary digital-to-analog conversion system. Ring DAC is renowned for its ultra-wide bandwidth, technical accuracy, and ability to reveal astonishing levels of detail in digital recordings – from the subtlest of sounds, to the sense of time and harmonic movement, and the atmosphere that surrounds a musical performance. A Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA comes loaded with the dCS Ring DAC mapping algorithm, and custom dCS oversampling linear-phase filters. FPGA technology allows dCS to supply constant firmware updates with time, by way of network updates. This showcases Lina's status as a true software product with each firmware upgrade yielding audible and functional improvements that sees dCS DACs always stay relevant. READ ALSO Software-driven hardware design at dCS After digital signal processing at Lina DAC's FPGA, the oversampled signal is then processed by a high-performance array of resistors and current latches controlled by the Ring DAC mapping algorithm, to form the basis of Lina's supreme performance discrete delta-sigma DAC. Designed from the ground up by dCS, not relying on performance-limiting off-the-shelf DAC chips, there is literally nothing out there like Lina DAC.  Lina gives all listeners the capability to expand its potential beyond a single box – its high-current discrete analog line output stage, fully balanced and differential – is designed to preserve the transparency of the Ring DAC. It can feed directly the unbuffered input section of Lina headphone amp, for full resolution and best signal-to-noise ratio.  Lina master clock meanwhile sits alongside ready to supply a reference clock source via dual BNCs for Lina DAC. Pushing phase noise and jitter far below audibility, the difference Lina master clock makes is profound, even on a decoder already as supreme as Lina DAC – and must be heard to be believed. The result is a powerful, supremely capable product designed for use in a wide range of environments, from living rooms to studios and workspaces.  With its wide dynamic range, crisp, clear playback, expansive soundstage, and tonal neutrality, Lina DAC provides a deeply natural, highly detailed, and profoundly musical sound that encapsulates our singular approach to audio. Add unique headphone optimisation technology like digital crossfeed, an elegant and tactile design, and a high-performance streaming platform, and you have a hugely versatile source that delivers spectacular sound, however you choose to listen.  READ ALSO Expanse – digital crossfeed done right View the rest of the Lina family here so that you may build on the magnificent performance of this network DAC, or view our other desktop products here.

The Lina master clock is a product inspired by dCS Data Conversion Systems' absolute dedication to achieving the highest possible standards of sound reproduction.  Headfonia didn't do a very good job, trying to prevent their jaw from dropping at Lina's performance. Lina saw Headphone Guru's headphones replace his speakers over a month of testing. She was a Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product. Design of Lina clock, to operate in tandem with Lina network DAC connected by dual BNCs, is informed by dCS experience developing master clocks for professional and home use. Headfonics clearly heard an improvement, certainly in a way he didn't miss Rossini clock. READ ALSO Lina a timely addition to dCS heritage Designed to further suppress jitter and phase noise in Lina DAC, it uses two oven-controlled crystal oscillators to deliver a precise and stable clocking reference for all audio formats and frequencies. [See Product Desc. For More] When paired with Lina DAC, Lina clock allows its sibling's internal clock system to be locked to a master signal, for even greater precision and enhanced audio performance. READ ALSO The scientific basis of dCS master clocks Its standalone design ensures sensitive clocking components are protected from factors that can cause interference. Each crystal oscillator is oven-controlled to ensure its performance remains consistent, even under changing conditions and temperatures. With its own dedicated chassis and power supplies, clock signals are thus protected from power interference, crosstalk and other factors that can affect integrity and in turn, audio quality. The feedback dCS received from listeners and audio experts who’ve experienced significant sonic benefits after adding such a master of time to their system clearly advised their design for the most thorough headphone reference rig available to market. Designed for maximum reliability and longevity, Lina clock is a silent but powerful component engineered to operate with absolute precision and consistency, so you can experience the best possible performance from your system. Combined with the rest of the Lina system that you can view here, Lina clock delivers an even more profound and immersive dCS listening experience, and helps ensure the audio you hear sounds exactly as it should.

PW Audio's flagships often take the headlines, which is why No. 5 surprises everyone for the level of immersion it promises as one's first IEM upgrade cable. No. 5 behaves exactly as you'd expect a copper cable to perform, providing warm high-end detail without fatigue, and smooth liquid mid-ranges.  Despite its obvious colouration, PW Audio's basic No. 5 still respects the accuracy of your music and recordings, offering little to no exaggeration in the bass frequency regions. Or you can enjoy a very different view from No. 5's counterpart, No. 10, here. Also view the rest of our PW Audio cables here, and our other cables here.

PW Audio's Genesis knows how to get a party started. This copper cable adds plenty of life and vibrancy to the presentation of any IEM. Mostly mid-forward, with a slight emphasis at the frequency extremes both in the bass and treble, Genesis is born for your consideration to add midrange vivacity to any IEM that failed to sound engaging prior. Also view the rest of our PW Audio cables here, or our other cables here.

The ITG01, specially designed for the outdoor sports crowd, where you may enjoy music while staying safe and being able to hear your surroundings well! Boasting an IPX6 rating, making it sweatproof and waterproof, it allows you accessibility while not having to worry about it malfunctioning while you are exercising. The use of full-frequency bone sound conduction technology changes the way of distributed sound transmission, realizes directional transmission to the human ear, provides full and powerful bass performance, and restores high-quality music in the full frequency range.With an aluminum alloy shell, the ITG01 will remain stable and will not be prone to shifting, which is one of the most important things to consider while using it On-The-Go. Finally, weighing only at 34g, the ITG01 gives you maximum comfort. Coupled with 6.5 hours of battery life, you get to enjoy long uninterrupted playback to your favourite tunes.

***Expected wait time of around 12 weeks

***On order basis. Please let us know preferred cable termination (3.5mm / 2.5mm / 4.4mm)

A modern classic. Fostex distinguished themselves at the top of the luxury headphones list with TH900 and continue to do so – a pinnacle of sound quality, design and handcrafted build quality.  Whether in striking stock Bordeaux Red, or limited-editions Pearl White and Brilliant Purple, TH900s are instantly recognisable for their hand-applied Urushi lacquer finish. [See Product Desc. For More] This traditional Japanese art form undertaken by the Sa-kamoto Urushi Factory established over 100 years ago earmarks this Fostex flagship as a heirloom to be passed down for generations. Urushi applied over closed-back Japanese Cherry Birch cups allows Fostex to showcase the significance of each TH900, hand-built in Japan. Such allure and prestige invites us to put these featherweight and light-clamp headphones on, to be totally immersed in the incredible sound they produce. TH900 debunks so many myths about closed-back headphones. There is nothing small about the way this Fostex stages, its larger-than-life personality projecting sonic images and soundstage far beyond the confines of its wooden cups. Centre-image and depth are produced especially realistically. These have to be heard to be believed. TH900 grabs you and shakes you in one massive dynamic movement, also thanks to its 50mm driver that moves plenty of air. Made of Fostex's famous Biodyna biocellulose material and guaranteed huge excursion by a 1.5 tesla magnetic circuit, TH900 effortlessly produces the lowest bass. Biodyna is stiff and lightweight as a diaphragm material but also promises excellent damping. Biocellulose allows Fostex to keep the large 50mm driver under control at all times even as frequencies rise, averting any harsh intermodulation due to cone modal break-up. TH900's highs sparkle and breathe naturally, with a transparency ahead of its time for what was capable behind closed cups. Notes start and stop on a dime, transients properly defined without smear or bleed – clearly a low-distortion affair for even-handed and natural music reproduction throughout. Find out why Fostex earned Major HiFi's Gold Award when you listen to TH900 via our music players, and upgraded via PW Audio's No. 5 and No. 10 cables. Also browse the rest of Fostex's artisan handcrafted headphones here, or our other cans here.

Let's open up about a new modern classic. Fostex performed the ultimate factory mod on their defining TH900 and opened up its cups to give you TH909, for an exciting yet reference sound quality at home. It's a keeper for Headfonics, and there was never a boring moment for Headfonia. Hi-Fi Choice awarded 5 ⭐. Double-layered grills confer open-back status to legendary Fostex sound via TH909 – which are still instantly recognisable for their hand-applied Urushi lacquer finish. [See Product Desc. For More] This traditional Japanese art form undertaken by the Sa-kamoto Urushi Factory established over 100 years ago earmarks this Fostex flagship as a heirloom to be passed down for generations. Urushi applied over closed-back Japanese Cherry Birch cups allows Fostex to showcase the significance of each TH909, hand-built in Japan. Such allure and prestige invites us to put these featherweight and light-clamp headphones on, to be totally immersed in the incredible sound they produce. TH909 addresses the clamour to adapt the original TH900 for exclusive listening in quiet home and office environments, promising something more tonally neutral and evenly-balanced while remaining unmistakably Fostex. Double-layered etched metal grills are used as openings to TH909's housings, randomising resonance points and eliminating standing waves while appearing gorgeous to boot. A soundstage that already breathed naturally on TH900 blossomed and reached its climatic zenith in TH909. Centre-image and depth are produced especially realistically. TH909 grabs you and shakes you in one massive dynamic movement, also thanks to its 50mm driver that moves plenty of air. Made of Fostex's famous Biodyna biocellulose material and guaranteed huge excursion by a 1.5 tesla magnetic circuit, TH909 effortlessly produces a bass that is flat and linear in nature, without any sort of mid-bass bloat. More air and space allows for male and female vocal fundamentals to emerge, and their overtones dissipate magically into the ether around. TH909's Biodyna is stiff and lightweight as a diaphragm material but also promises excellent damping. Biocellulose allows Fostex to keep the large 50mm driver under control at all times even as frequencies rise, averting any harsh intermodulation due to cone modal break-up. TH909's highs sparkle and decay spectacularly as a result. Its notes start and stop on a dime, transients properly defined without smear or bleed – clearly a low-distortion affair for even-handed and natural music reproduction throughout. Find out why Fostex earned Gold Awards from Major HiFi and Soundnews when you listen to TH909. Also browse the rest of Fostex's artisan handcrafted headphones here, or our other cans here.