As much as Matrix Audio have been on the digital ascendancy in recent years, sometimes you just want to share that goodness with other DACs. Enter Element S, Matrix’s first pure network music streamer that delivers digital I2S and AES/EBU to another DAC. John Grandberg was comprehensively impressed by Matrix's first dedicated audio streamer, after he "put it up against the Innuos ZEN Mk 3, or the Lumin U2, or even the AURALiC Aries G2.2 confident of a very tough fight". Begin your signal path, your entire audio chain, the right way. As the source Element S accepts audio data from any of its Ethernet or Wi-Fi inputs, putting its Roon Ready status at your disposal or its growing, diversifying Matrix MA Remote OS – most lately adding the HIGHRESAUDIO streaming service to Tidal and Qobuz. The freeware of your choice may be used too, with first-choices Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and UPnP/DLNA augmented with Apple AirPlay 2. After FPGA processing, Element S generates pure I2S data and outputs it via HDMI to any Matrix, Denafrips, Holo Audio or other DAC complying with HDMI standards. Otherwise, this I2S data as well as the source bit, master and word clock presided over by Accusilicon crystal oscillators may be packaged into S/PDIF with the premier standard of AES/EBU – perfect for dCS Data Conversion Systems Lina – backed up by co-axial RCA and optical outputs. [See Product Desc. For More] Even the tricky topic of USB output is navigated expertly by Matrix, who built their interface with a 5 volt ultra-low noise power output that’s processed by a multi-stage ultra-low noise linear regulator and a power filter circuit. Even for downstream USB devices that are self-powered, a clean USB power line can make a world of difference. Certainly, listeners of MQA-certified USB DACs wanting to get a stream onto their downstream devices will be capably served by Element S unlike any other. Low noise is certainly a theme throughout, with the I2S output over HDMI galvanically isolated from power supply noise with fast optocouplers to prevent any power supply or ARM Cortex CPU noise from interfering with each clock type traveling to destination.  That plays a big part in Element S jitter reduction – yielding gains in imaging and soundstage realism on something as transparent as Denafrips and Holo Audio’s R2R DAC flagships. It’s not just DACs that comply to the PS Audio I2S over HDMI format that can enjoy Matrix’s quality. Up to four different pin-outs configurations can be chosen from in the settings of Element S. It’s in this way that Matrix don’t hog all the glory converting digital to analog themselves, but share the stage with others enabling them to perform the final step to analog with the best chance of success possible through Element S.  If you want Matrix to perform the whole process themselves then view their other sources here, or check out our other DACs here.

Matrix Audio lead the way. These digital mainstays take advantage of their close relationship with ESS Technology, to release Element X2 Pure – the first elite network-streaming DAC pre-amp to bring not one, but two, new flagship ES9039Pro DAC chips to bear. Hi-Fi News loved the upgrade. It's a Part-Time Audiophile Reviewers Choice. Element X2 Pure is not merely an advertisement for Matrix, but for ESS. ES9039Pro's patented Hyperstream pulse-width modulation technology is already a one-up on standard delta-sigma modulation, and now enters its fourth iteration pushing nigh inaudible high-order distortion levels post-conversion further down. Perfectly exploiting the dynamic range and distortion headroom these futuristic ESS DACs provide is Matrix's implementation. A direct-coupled analog stage, an O-core power supply, galvanic isolation and a hybrid, relay-based, analog resistor volume control for pre-amp duty means Element X2 Pure sets the standard now, and for the future. Take advantage of Element X2 Pure's overbuilt hardware platform by getting all your music aboard via ethernet or Wi-Fi inputs. Matrix's streaming function is the modern audiophile's best friend. Its Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, UPnP/DLNA plus Apple AirPlay 2 functions will keep your tunes playing all day. [See Product Desc. For More] You'll absolutely want to hear your music from this Matrix pinnacle, and Element X2 Pure ensures it's easy getting your tracks aboard. Part of Element X2 Pure's point is input from this decade's generation of smart TVs. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) transfers audio from the signal to this Matrix for higher quality playback. The bustling conduit of inputs means electronic noise is inevitable from Element X2 Pure's CPU. That's why Matrix have built in full galvanic isolation with independent power supplies for general system CPU operation, and DSP audio processing work carried on a Xilinx FPGA. Re-clocked and de-jittered I2S is generated by said proprietary FPGA code and fed on to dual ES9039Pros running on ESS' most advanced Hyperstream IV architecture. These eight-channel DACs bring five new digital filters – many with low in-band ripple – to the party for new flavours of sonic reproduction, and pack enough computational horsepower to run their 8x oversampling process in just two passes thus minimising rounding errors – an upgrade on other attempts that use a concatenation of three stacked 2x oversampling passes which compound errors. It certainly pays to isolate this sophisticated digital section and that's provided through fast optocouplers. Plus, with total galvanic isolation consisting not just of separate power supplies, but separate grounds, Matrix have covered all bases. Quite literally too, with the chassis of Element X2 Pure dampened to vibrations and sitting pretty on ceramic ball vibration buffers. Six ceramic balls sit in each silicone pad to minimise the noise caused by mechanical interference – and there are 24 balls to turn vibration into harmless heat as they distribute pressure evenly around. As for the essence of pure audio, power supply is overbuilt. The ARM CPU draws from a switch-mode power supply. Meanwhile, a dedicated linear power supply built around a proprietary O-core transformer taking the place of a traditional toroid juices Element X2 Pure's FPGA, clock, and analog line and pre-amp. Matrix's circular O-core cross-section reduces the resistance of the transformer, which increases efficiency and response speed of the power supply in responding to sudden demands across its windings to charge a bank of premium Nichicon KG capacitors – increasing the quality of the lifeblood of great audio. All this plummets Element X2 Pure's noise floor, with this digital specimen touting over 130dB of dynamic range resolution. This is preserved even at lower volume levels running as a pre-amp with efficient speakers – Matrix's Hyper Control volume solution gives you all the low-level detail hidden in your music.  This combines the precision of a fine digital volume control with a relay-controlled analog solution for large steps. Hyper Control keeps the dual ES9039Pros in a position where the chips always maintain their full dynamic range capability, in tandem with the low noise of Element X2 Pure, for a wide range of listening volumes low to high. Element X2 Pure's potent DC-coupled line stage is transferred to its XLR and RCA outputs in this case, packing +10dB of extra gain for up to 15.8Vrms output to match various power amplifier input sensitivities. No pre-amp needed – this flagship Matrix solution fits all. Digitally a dedicated master of time is derived via a Crystek CCHD-950 clock that pushes phase noise and jitter down for a clean and precise decode. Matrix even give you the option to run Element X2 Pure in asynchronous or synchronous mode. It's not the clock that's always in charge of the music – it's you. Because you could choose to run Element X2 Pure as you've usually done, beyond arm's length using Roon Remote, the stock MA Remote software, and Tidal Connect. But now Matrix add a 3.46 inch LCD touch screen for anyone keen to take advantage of Element X2 Pure in a desktop setting. With so many options at one's disposal, and all of equivalent quality, Element X2 Pure promises to take up pride of place in a stereo system or one's headphone booth, outputting the best small signal to elevate the potential of your painstakingly assembled chain. Or headphone listeners can see what they can achieve with the rest of Matrix Audio's 4.4mm balanced output Element line here, and all our other full-sized DAC/amps here.

In 2023 there's every reason for a dual wired/wireless mode MQA DAC/amp to exist. Enter Audirect's Beam 3 Plus to play your music back whether stationary or on the move.

The Radon 6 is FIR Audio’s fifth-anniversary celebratory earphone model, limited to 300 production units world-wide. Radon 6 sums up the best of Fir's recent work to Twister6. It made Headfonia's Recommended Buys list. Headfonics say it "works wonderfully well with almost everything, especially if you want an open midrange with excellent levels of detail". It's highly recommended by Ear Fidelity who tell you to "buy the Radon 6 while you still can"! Indeed, FiR Audio applied everything they learnt from the Frontier Series and mindfully retuned their popular six-driver platform to arrive at a leaner, lighter, and more detail-oriented sound signature. Rn6 features all of their proprietary technologies such as Kinetic Bass, ATOM Venting, Open Acoustics, and Rigid Technologies – truly a celebration of who they've become. [See Product Desc. For More] With an all-new satin black machined aluminum body, gorgeous sapphire crystal glass faceplates, and a pure silver cable that's exclusively designed for the Radon 6. The tri-brid system consists of tubeless balanced armature Open Drivers, an ultra-high electrostatic tweeter, and a dynamic driver with the revolutionary Kinetic Bass technology – all working in perfect harmony. Fir Audio's Kinetic Bass technology features a 10mm dynamic driver that is open and ported in an optimised manner directly facing the outside of the IEM shell, allowing Radon 6 to transmit directly to the ear cartilage and surrounding area. These low frequencies are converted to kinetic energy and reach the inner ear via bone conduction. This results in a more immersive sound with a bass you can feel with increased dimension and an off-the-charts low frequency extension. Higher up, Radon 6's open drivers use no sound tubes and radiate sound directly into a sound reactor which allows the sound to freely flow to the ear canal. This results in a much larger soundstage and a more pure and natural listening experience. Radon 6's sound reactor is a chamber which shapes the sound that comes directly from the open drivers. Fir's sound reactor uses natural acoustics to shape the sound instead of dampers and filters which are found in most traditional IEMs.  And Fir's open high driver is located in the canal stem and features a sound reflector that directs the high frequencies into the ear canal. The results are remarkably smooth and airy highs with great extension, without harshness, from this flagship. View Fir Audio's other releases here, or our other earphones here.

Forget about chasing top specs – Advanced AcousticWerkes are all about creating a truly immersive listening experience at any level, and M20 is proof. Expected wait time for a CIEM is 12 weeks. This entry-level IEM is the result of a year of research dedicated to achieving this goal. It features a large, powerful woofer that delivers deep, layered bass, paired with AAW's innovative NOVA driver - think of it like a super tweeter for your ears! [See Product Desc. For More] This combination lets you hear every detail, from rich vocals to subtle ambient sounds. The M20 might look familiar - it's a revival of one of AAW's first models from 2015. Back then, it used Sonion acuPass technology. This time around, we've modernised it with cutting-edge tech: digitised acoustic design, 3D printing and their own NOVA drivers. Even though it uses a simple 2-driver design, the M20 punches above its weight. The drivers are expertly chosen and implemented to faithfully reproduce audio. Here's a deeper dive into the tech: the M20 uses a specially designed armature driver with a unique open vent. This driver sits deep within the 3D-printed nozzle, placing it incredibly close to your eardrum. This eliminates sound pressure loss and avoids resonances that can occur in traditional balanced armature designs. Check out AAW's other items here, or view all our other IEMs here.

Forget about chasing top specs – Advanced AcousticWerkes are all about creating a truly immersive listening experience at any level, and M20 is proof. This entry-level IEM is the result of a year of research dedicated to achieving this goal. It features a large, powerful woofer that delivers deep, layered bass, paired with AAW's innovative NOVA driver - think of it like a super tweeter for your ears! [See Product Desc. For More] This combination lets you hear every detail, from rich vocals to subtle ambient sounds. The M20 might look familiar - it's a revival of one of AAW's first models from 2015. Back then, it used Sonion acuPass technology. This time around, we've modernised it with cutting-edge tech: digitised acoustic design, 3D printing and their own NOVA drivers. Even though it uses a simple 2-driver design, the M20 punches above its weight. The drivers are expertly chosen and implemented to faithfully reproduce audio. Here's a deeper dive into the tech: the M20 uses a specially designed armature driver with a unique open vent. This driver sits deep within the 3D-printed nozzle, placing it incredibly close to your eardrum. This eliminates sound pressure loss and avoids resonances that can occur in traditional balanced armature designs. Check out AAW's other items here, or view all our other IEMs here.

***Expected wait time of around 12 weeks

*Note: -50% off regular price, no warrantyCertified Fresh! from Rosson Audio Design is MPL-0 – Alex Rosson's renowned planar-magnetic headphone formula in its most affordable handcrafted iteration to date, as excellent-sounding as every last one. It starred for being distinctly different on Headfonics. Rosson Audio had been an outlet for both the professional sound engineer and artist in former Audeze Co-Founder Rosson's life ... and RAD-0 had grown to encompass both endeavours.  But, when not conceptualising, hand-pouring and labouring to produce RAD-0's acrylic cups, instead replacing them with American maple wood construction – costs came down, and affordability went up. [See Product Desc. For More] MPL-0 now is charged with the decree of bringing Rosson Audio's signature warm, transparent sound – packing a tad more mid-range pep, bite and spice – to the wider masses. A warm soundstage emanates from MPL-0 and halos around with unforced ease with an approach many commentators have compared to Audeze's hallmark pre-fazored designs. MPL-0's acoustic enclosure is different to that of RAD-0's – an opportunity for Rosson to implement even more intricate tensioning and dampening techniques to this maple build for sonics that punch way above its price. No sonic compromises have been taken, with Rosson's customary 66mm planar-magnetic diaphragm under the control of 11 N52 magnets made in California, USA, showing up for the task here. And the quiet, softly-spoken maple wood rings exude an air of ease and effortlessness, harnessing the ikigai of Rosson's life inside. There's not an excess of factors to think about, leaving your mind at rest and ease just picking up, plugging into HiBy Music's R6 III or iBasso Audio's DX240, and relaxing. But for those of you seeking to be even more stimulated and inspired by some of the most avant-garde headphone art, make Rosson Audio's collection of unique RAD-0 builds your next stop here, or our other headphones here. 

***Made to order, ~1 week turnaround time Conductor: 7N OCC Copper Geometry: Multi-Gauge Shielded Litz Sleeve: Ultrasoft PVC True Gauge: 26.1 AWG (2-wire), 23.1 AWG (4-wire) Resistance (Including Connectors): 0.20Ω (2-wire), 0.10Ω (4-wire) Solder: Custom Silver Blend Default length: 1.2m (Inquire for other lengths) Inquire for other connectors/terminations

***Made to order, ~2 week turnaround timeNightJar Acoustics calls it "The Final Authority" — An experimental project that was never meant to exist, brought to completion on the insistence of multiple community members. Please consider carefully whether or not the heft of this cable is suitable for your use case. Also note that certain chains and IEMs will not be able to translate the image size and scale presented by the Symphony, and the bottleneck can be heard as congestion. In case of doubts, friends at NightJar recommends the regular Sovereign instead.For the bold and fearless, Sovereign Symphony stages like nothing else if the chain can support it. Both physically and sonically massive, experience an extreme level of granularity and gradation in every domain: dynamics, transparency, scale, timbral precision, and layering, collectively coming together to form an uncompromised symphony of grandeur, emotionality, and effortless technique.Most Storm customers decided on the Sovereign Symphony at point of purchase, or eventually to optimise their flagship. Conductor: 7N OCC Copper for signal, Copper & Pure Silver mix for ground Geometry: Multi-Gauge Shielded Litz Sleeve: Ultrasoft PVC True Gauge: 19.0 AWG Resistance (Including Connectors): 0.04Ω Solder: Custom Silver Blend Default length: 1.2m (Inquire for other lengths) Inquire for other connectors/terminations

***Made to order, ~1 week turnaround time Geometry: Multi-Gauge Shielded Litz Sleeve: Ultrasoft PVC True Gauge: 24.3 AWG Resistance (Including Connectors): 0.15Ω Solder: Custom Silver Blend Default length: 1.2m (Inquire for other lengths) Inquire for other connectors/terminations

Red PVC shielding means warning, because prepare to be impressed right out of the gate by PW Audio with Ignis. This is an entry-level copper cable that gets so much right. Neutral U-shaped with a sub-bass boost, tons of midrange space for vocals that breathe, and a pinch of sparkle at the very top, Ignis offers its candidacy to improve any headphone – even a flagship one.  Clean to a fault, with a deep sense of inner resolution, Ignis simultaneously locks down on any runaway frequencies yet fleshes out the presentation of your music, always making it sound natural. Its solid PVC build and confidence-inspiring plugs surpass expectations at its price, but you can still step up the design of Ignis to OCC copper on its bigger brother Moloch here. Also view the rest of our PW Audio cables here, and our other cables here.

We've heard this before. Moloch is PW Audio taking their Ignis build to new heights for Fostex's TH808, the upgrade to OCC copper giving you the same tuning in maximum quality. Strong dynamics at the frequency extremes, in the bass and treble, immediately impress themselves upon you. This is not a subtle improvement by any means. Moloch is a transformative listen. Skillfully used, Moloch scrubs away any undue upper-midrange peaks that might have plagued your favourite headphone's presentation before. In the place of stridency, PW substitute in gobs of midrange space and an engaging, anchored, vocal presentation. Use Moloch to both control your headphones yet unleash them at the same time, or also view the rest of our PW Audio cables here, and our other cables here.

Focus on your form and forget about your headphones. With Sony's Float Run earspeakers, you can enjoy comfortable, stable, and easy-to-use IPX4 workout companions that will make your music sound great and keep you motivated on your run. Float Run's 16mm drivers and precise tuning combine with its off-ear style to give you a more natural and wider sound while you work out. With Sony's innovative off-ear design, you won’t have to worry about pressure or stuffiness becoming uncomfortable – even on long runs. The unique open design of Sony's Float Run keeps you in touch with your surroundings, while delivering a spacious soundtrack. You'll get the maximum impact from your music and can stay safe in busy surroundings.  Also view all of Sony's other releases here, or our other music players here.

UX3000 is Final Audio's continued exploration of the Bluetooth market, this noise-cancelling Bluetooth 5.0 aptX™ Low Latency following hot on the heels of ZE3000's success. With 25 full hours of use with noise-cancelling active, and 35 with it off, UX3000 is your everyday companion on the commute, rewarding you with rich sound full of life and engagement.  View Final Audio's other releases here, or our other wireless headphones here.

The latest NW-ZX707 is a premium Sony Walkman combining incredible sound quality with Android 12, Google Play Store and Wi-Fi compatibility for downloading and streaming. Lose yourself in high quality sound that’s even more dynamic and transparent, with a richer, more expansive sound field. ZX707 features Sony's newly-designed output stage with a larger inductor for the high quality low-pass filtering fundamental to Class D performance. Coupled with the ease of downloading and streaming music, it takes your listening enjoyment to a whole new level. [See Product Desc. For More] S-Master HX digital amp technology, independently developed by Sony, operates outputting in pulse-width modulated Class D, and supports balanced 4.4mm and high power output. A new output inductor reduces distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies, for rich and full-bodied sound, further enhanced by new high quality sound lead-free solder. The ZX707 boasts an even stronger power supply than its predecessor, not only in the analog section but also in the digital block which is physically separated.  High polymer capacitors and inductors headline the upgraded power supply that is the lifeblood of audio, for a signal path that has similarly been enhanced.  Various DSP tweaks can still be implemented in Sony's custom Walkman software, including DSD Remastering Engine, DSEE Ultimate upsampling and DC Phase Lineariser. All that hardware working in tandem with software is best enjoyed via ZX707's 4.4mm balanced output, with up to 25 hours of battery life ensuring your tunes keep playing over the longest listening sessions. Also view all of Sony's other releases here, or our other music players here.

HS2000MX MKII is a delicious red and houses a brand new chamber, the ACT05. This new ACT05 is made of Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) and worked with same Myrinx* Composite dynamic driver that has been highly evaluated chamber modules ACT01 and ACT02.*The Myrinx's diaphragm is made of a medical grade polymer biomaterial. The dome is made of a Japanese beryllium thin film. This is a material that has never been used in a conventional product due to the combination of availability, mass production andcost.

Part of Sony's Signature Series, the WM1ZM2 sets a new benchmark in pure sound quality and listening sophistication. Brought into the modern age with Android 11, Google Play Store and Wi-Fi streaming, this flagship honours the Walkman legacy giving you the finest audio playback on the go. Indeed, crafted with fine materials and meticulous attention to detail, and offering the ease of downloading and streaming music, WM1ZM2 is audio at its most indulgent. [See Product Desc. For More] Despite oxygen-free copper (OFC) being notoriously difficult to machine process, the WM1ZM2 features a gold-plated copper chassis. Sony's flagship therefore offers even greater benefits in terms of audio quality. Bass notes are clear and powerful, the atmosphere is more expansive, and harmonic overtones through the frequency response linger beautifully. S-Master HX digital amp technology, independently developed for Walkman, is compatible with the Native DSD format, and supports balanced and high power output. Sony's proprietary technology reduces distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies, for rich and full-bodied sound, further enhanced by new high quality sound lead-free solder. Taking inspiration from Sony's desktop transportable DMP-Z1, the WM1ZM2 features an even stronger power supply than its predecessor, both in the analog block and the digital block. High polymer capacitors, film capacitors and inductors headline this, bolstering a signal path that has been revamped for higher performance still. Thick KIMBER KABLE from the American Hi-Fi manufacturer is used to transmit signal where possible, helping shut out external noise, transmit high quality audio signals and achieve powerful and smooth sound quality. Various DSP tweaks can still be implemented in Sony's custom Walkman software, including DSD Remastering Engine, DSEE Ultimate upsampling and DC Phase Lineariser. All that hardware working in tandem with software is best enjoyed via WM1ZM2's 4.4mm balanced output, with up to 40 hours of battery life ensuring your tunes keep playing over the longest listening sessions. Also view all of Sony's other releases here, or our other music players here.

The WM1AM2 is a premium Sony Walkman combining incredible sound quality with Android 11, Google Play Store and Wi-Fi compatibility for downloading and streaming. Lose yourself in high quality sound that’s even more dynamic and transparent, with a richer, more expansive sound field. Coupled with the ease of downloading and streaming music, it takes your listening enjoyment to a whole new level. [See Product Desc. For More] S-Master HX digital amp technology, independently developed by Sony, is compatible with the Native DSD format, and supports balanced and high power output. It reduces distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies, for rich and full-bodied sound, further enhanced by new high quality sound lead-free solder. The WM1AM2 boasts an even stronger power supply than its predecessor, not only in the analog section but also in the digital block which is physically separated.  High polymer capacitors and inductors headline the upgraded power supply that is the lifeblood of audio, for a signal path that has similarly been enhanced.  Various DSP tweaks can still be implemented in Sony's custom Walkman software, including DSD Remastering Engine, DSEE Ultimate upsampling and DC Phase Lineariser. All that hardware working in tandem with software is best enjoyed via WM1AM2's 4.4mm balanced output, with up to 40 hours of battery life ensuring your tunes keep playing over the longest listening sessions. Also view all of Sony's other releases here, or our other music players here.

Beyerdynamic take their XELENTO Remote 2nd Generation slogan of being an audible piece of jewelry to new levels. This classic earphone updates its Tesla single dynamic drivers to second gen Tesla.11 standards and packages them in an immaculate, ergonomic metal shell – handmade entirely in Germany. Ready to wow a new era of audiophiles, Beyerdynamic package a wireless Bluetooth 5.2 collar with LHDC, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD and aptX™ Adaptive, on top of a standard 3.5mm cable with mic.

***Expected wait time of around 12 weeks

FAudio visually blinged out the limited-edition Mezzo. But this 7th anniversary flagship release's strongest trait is likewise its subtlety. Wonderful frequency response evenness and TOTL resolution are perfectly judged – a perfect opportunity for you to bring three tuning switches to bear. Headfonics hailed Mezzo's limited-edition magnificence.  If you've heard what FAudio could do with one driver in Dark Sky then imagine what they could do with four in Mezzo. The traditional hybrid configuration of a dynamic driver in tandem with a balanced armature shows up. In Mezzo, that's backed by a full-range balanced armature and a piezoelectric tweeter. [See Product Desc. For More] Gorgeous softness, delicacy and space show up in even-handed fashion owing to Mezzo's holistic approach to driver implementation. But turn up individual switches to boost bass, mids and treble, and you have an excitable flagship that can be tuned to your exact preferences. Mezzo's solid bass foundation built upon the success that was the Major's dynamic driver. The 10mm unit is integrated into FAudio's patented Triple Built-In Acoustic Chamber (TBAC), which controls airflow thanks to three special cavities. A crossover hands over to Mezzo's balanced armature for mids and highs – the latter supplemented by a piezoelectric tweeter wrought from a crystal coupled to a diaphragm capable of producing very fast vibrations demanded of treble extending beyond the human hearing region. Mezzo's final trick is a balanced armature tagged to an all-pass filter to back each driver up at their crossover points. No matter how steep a crossover slope is – particularly when switches are active – phase is preserved by the flat frequency response of this unifying balanced armature. Said full-range BA helps tie together the whole presentation cohesively and enables precise time alignment. The supplied cable represents Mezzo's ethos of balance – called Tone Master Shield, it adopts a golden ratio structure of silver-plated copper wires of various thickness. But for those wanting to live life further on the edge with FAudio's latest and greatest, opt for the Vision cable upgrade from Nobunaga Labs. Meanwhile, browse all of FAudio's other releases here, or our other earphones here.

PlusSound's eight-core X8 is here as the affordable flagship braid for your IEMs and headphones. Proof that the ultimate signal path can both be abundant in conductor surface area and still malleable, draping beautifully, PlusSound's X8 is there to demonstrate your best transducers can still benefit from these special geometry cables proudly made in the USA. A beautiful, natural soundstage filled with air accompanies grain-free detail given the extra cross-sectional area of X8. Expand the capabilities of ZMF Headphones this way without tipping tonal balance over into any unwanted access. [See Product Desc. For More] X8 series doubles the wires, sound, and build of PlusSound's basic Exo by using eight high-quality, custom designed UPOCC stranded wires with durable and flexible polyethylene outer insulation. These are braided to provide better quality sound, while reducing low range and interference noises. X8's Type 6 Litz wires will prevent electrical anomalies such as skin effect and proximity effect. In addition, PlusSound prevent 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. All wires are cryogenically treated to strengthen the structure of the wires for maximum durability and performance. PlusSound construct X8 with the highest quality components make this the very best performing and quality interchangeable cable on the market. To hear what else they're capable of, check out PlusSound's other builds here, or view all our other cables here. 

If HA-6A and HA-300 MKII were amps you would argue for, HA-3A is the one that's impossible to argue against. Cayin Audio managed to wrap a single-ended Class A 6V6 tube amplifier into a compact A4 sized package, for desktop headphone versatility. Weighing in at just over 10KG, not one gram is wasted with Cayin packing their famed power and output transformer iron into even the smallest member of the pack. It immediately leapt onto Headfonia's Recommended Buys list for a reason. HA-3A is Headphone Guru's "slice of heaven", bringing the benefits of transformers designed and built in-house to meet the demands of modern headphones – both planar-magnetic and dynamic, high or low impedance. [See Product Desc. For More] Flexibility might be the first topic discussed with the lightweight and compact HA-3A, but compromise in quality was never an option. Cayin's point-to-point wiring is de facto again for signal integrity, and the EI core output transformers utilise their shape to take the transparency of 6V6 power tubes out beyond the human hearing range. These power tubes popularised by their use in Gibson and Fender electric guitar amplifiers are run in single-ended Class A. Linearity is a given through the holy grail of bias operation, even at this price point, while tube operating voltages allow for large operating points. Distortion is below even the threshold of HA-3A's bigger HA-6A and HA-300 MKII brothers – clipping theoretically only occurring beyond the former's maximum power envelope.  And any distortion will be of the even-order variety expected of tube amplifiers, for a smooth, warm and holistic sound. Tube rectification rounds out HA-3A's fully-regulated linear power supply built around Cayin's in-house toroidal power transformer. In there is Cayin's promise – for low cost of entry, weight and size, the flagship trappings of HA-3A are impossible to deny. A fully-regulated linear power supply, Class A bias, high tube operating voltages, low capacitances, even-order harmonics and EI core output transformers ensure Cayin's baby of the bunch gets mentioned over similarly-priced solid-state competitors, and even higher-priced tube alternatives. For those shopping with limitations to size and weight, HA-3A absolutely sounds like an offering without limitations. Particularly if Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and ZMF Headphones are your typical port of call.  As for those without space or weight constraints, make the HA-6A and HA-300 MKII your first candidates, or view Cayin's other offerings here and our other desktop amplifiers here.