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    Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

    Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

    Sennheiser continue leading the way into 2024 with Momentum True Wireless 4. These sit at the cutting edge of mobile technology, bringing Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast and advanced DSP to bear on top of their TrueResponse® drivers. It gets 5 ⭐ from What Hi-Fi?. But this historic company continue to count on features far before they become mainstream, introducing cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.4 ahead of time so Momentum True Wireless 4 is future-proof ahead of the latest smartphones.  Indeed, it's a lifestyle-enabler and the addition of Bluetooth Auracast means you enter the future world of connectivity with Sennheiser. The Verge acknowledged MTW4's readiness for tomorrow. Forbes praises a "fabulous job". The advantage afforded by using German-assembled drivers in Sennheiser's headquarters in Wedemark was a first step. But MTW4 steps up above its predecessor and indeed the competition. [See Product Desc. For More] The magic of Auracast, a revolutionary Bluetooth feature that transforms how we experience audio, allows a single device, like your phone or smart television, to broadcast multiple audio streams simultaneously. Momentum True Wireless 4 users within range of the broadcast device can simply choose which stream they want to hear. The possibilities are endless. Powered by Bluetooth Low Energy technology, Auracast is not only versatile but also energy-efficient via Momentum True Wireless 4. It breaks down the walls of individual audio experiences, fostering a more communal and engaging atmosphere.  Sennheiser is here to unmute your world and connect you to sound in a whole new way – audiophile style too. Its advanced TrueResponse® 7mm dynamic drivers gives listeners access to a great bass and treble response, promising to keep you charged during workouts with an upbeat personality and IPX4 water resistance. You're unlikely to want to tweak anything more as you listen in bliss, but Momentum adds control access via Sennheiser's Smart Control App to let you take charge of the way you listen to a greater degree. You'll be able to tailor Transparent Hearing, an ambient mode that lets in the world outside when it needs your attention. Here's proof that Sennheiser's audiophile credentials can be enjoyed by anybody. Revel in their other superbly engineered releases here, or view our other Bluetooth gear here.

    $449

    Our Price | $420

    Cayin iHA-8

    Cayin iHA-8

    Cayin Audio are back with their tiny but mighty, discrete Class A solid-state amplifier that could. iHA-8 returns these tube whizzes back to the transistor fold, providing up to 15 watts of power in a compact desktop form factor perfect for any Focal up to HIFIMAN. Don't judge Cayin's solid-state marvel by its size. iHA-8 plays with the same microdynamic, vibrant zeal that charges up notes and brings your music to life, typical of this company's best Class A solid-state work. A 70 watt power supply, discrete FET construction biased into Class A plus optional Hyper Mode's huge operating voltage allows you to throw any low-impedance headphone at it in total confidence. iHA-8's newly-added 4.4mm headphone output adds to the convenience of a member of Cayin's new desktop family together with iDAC-8 and iDAP-8. If you're tempted to plug IEMs in, its resistor ladder electronic volume control control keeps noise low. Indeed, these precise controls preserve signal-to-noise ratio and channel balance down to iHA-8's ALPS-controlled encoder's lowest level – perfect for however much, or little, travel you need. [See Product Desc. For More] 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 powerhouse capable of outputting as much power as iHA-8. Transparent at any volume setting down low as much as up high, with virtually perfect channel-matching, this Cayin behemoth exposes detail buried deep around the noise floor of your music. You'll want to hear it all given iHA-8's linearity – what goes in at the input, comes out the same. To support its dual NJR MUSES72320 high-tech volume controls signal-to-noise ratios, Cayin resort to the old school of Class A bias, and high operating voltages. These high operating values can be boosted further at the push of iHA-8's Hyper Mode button. Already, iHA-8's FET voltage and power amplification brings a tube-like square law function to reduce distortion at the drawing board. Throughout it all, Cayin's individual transistors are kept in their ideal range of operation for as much open-loop linearity – without relying excessively on the band-aid of negative feedback to correct errors, because there are so few.  In fact, iHA-8 relies on a novel mode of gain control, only adding it as part of the feedback loops sitting around this amplifier's output stage. Excessive open-loop gain is something Cayin absolutely can't be accused off here, allowing you to climb up your volume knob for the best dynamic range performance.  Again, this benefits iHA-8's quiet performance. Cayin's input stage – where the majority of any amp's sonic signature is defined – is built on Toshiba's ubiquitous 2SK209 JFET. Famed for its low noise and high input impedance, these JFET's serve another purpose: allowing Cayin to direct-couple iHA-8's signal path.  Frequency performance is virtually flat as a result running 10Hz up to 80Khz, plumbing bass depths so that phase response in the human hearing range is preserved for outstanding dynamics and imaging precision. Meanwhile, high frequencies climb as expected from anything claiming to be high-fidelity, with iHA-8's input JFETs run in parallel to output sufficient current and drive the large capacitances of Cayin's beastly Vishay MOSFET output devices preserving spatial cues and treble ambience.  iHA-8's numerous output transistors are mounted on copper bus bars while the chassis gains heat-sinking compared to its predecessor. This heavy hardware allows these MOSFET buffers to keep cool and operate at temperature equilibrium where they are able to handle the most current on top of withstanding abundant voltage – useful as Cayin's Hyper Mode comes to mind. The high count of output transistors ensures immense current-handling for good reason, to reap the benefits of a typically-overbuilt Cayin power supply with a 70 watt toroidal transformer at its heart, 50,000 uF of filtering capacitors, ultra-fast recovery rectification and voltage supply regulation throughout – even to iHA-8's power stage. All this leads to Cayin's ultimate voltage source to date – once more capable of the feats of powering ABYSS Headphones' AB1266 Phi TC plus HIFIMAN's HE-6 and Susvaras on a budget. But crucial signal path optimisations mean this brute also wears ballet shoes to elevate any other real-world load. Be it a Fostex, Focal, Final Audio, HEDD Audio or ZMF Headphones, there's nothing iHA-8 cannot tackle ... even IEMs like Subtonic Audio's Storm. Make Cayin the centrepiece of a do-it-all desktop headphone rig feeding it via their own iDAC-8, HIFIMAN's EF500 or Matrix Audio's Mini-I Pro 4. It's that good. If you'd like to explore the tube route, HA-2A awaits you here, as do the rest of Cayin's valve amplifiers here. Otherwise, browse the rest of our desktop amplifiers here.

    $1,499

    Our Price | $1,399

    Vision Ears VE10 UIEMVision Ears VE10 UIEM

    Vision Ears VE10 UIEM

    When one's identity is as rock-solid and well-defined as Vision Ears, you don't change it – you work at bettering it. Such is the case with their VE10 flagship earphone, celebrating 10 years of history through 10 drivers. Stocks arrive in February 2024. It's already on Headfonia's Recommended Buys list, and a fitting celebration for Vision Ears to Twister6. The next chapter in the journey of Amin, Marcel & Oliver unfolds with the VE10, maintaining the beloved smooth yet reference tonality cherished by Vision Ears fans. However, this edition introduces the highest level of resolution, presence, and substance ever achieved in a Vision Ears IEM. Crafted as a hybrid 10-driver flagship, the VE10 boasts a CNC-machined housing made of anodised aluminium. This material was chosen to accommodate a sophisticated internal acoustic network, featuring a physical low-pass filter for its 8mm dynamic driver. It shows up in VE10's sound, with a bass that lays down a visceral experience for the foundation of this Vision Ears' down-sloping reference tuning. Handling the mid and high frequencies are nine balanced armatures, including a horn-loaded tweeter that imparts a renewed, vibrant sparkle to the treble, delivering the most apparent resolution in any Vision Ears IEM to date. [See Product Desc. For More] Indeed, embedded within the VE10 is the hallmark of the VE line of earphones: a trusted and true sound embraced by studio professionals, musicians and audiophiles alike. Yet, it never strays into sterility, always providing the immersive experience that the latter crave. The precision remains unwavering in the VE10, even with the introduction of a dynamic driver. While the air's movement adds extra thump to the lows, it crucially maintains the fast, expertly-integrated bass that has long symbolised all Vision Ears monitors. In fact, Vision Ears centre the whole VE10 experience around this driver, marking the debut of a dynamic transducer in a VE series IEM with a physical, robust presence that literally shakes the earth around. Capable of great pistonic excursion, speed and high Q factor, the lessons this new dynamic driver learnt from Elysium and EXT are evident in VE10. The 8mm diameter of the dynamic driver enables it to ascend in frequency without encountering cone or modal break-up, facilitating a seamless handover and crossover to the VE10's nine balanced armatures higher up. Its low-order shallow roll-off means this dynamic driver achieves greater phase coherence than BA alternatives. This handover is aided by an intricate internal structure featuring an acoustic low-pass filter for VE10's dynamic driver. Remaining true to their practice of utilising sound tubes but optimising geometry for minimal turbulence and distortion to rival the best tube-less designs, Vision Ears showcase their pedigree with the abundance of drivers akin to a mini-choir producing the tonal density they've made their own. The incorporation of a horn for the VE10's tweeter is a novel implementation of a classic approach. Placing this acoustic amplifier at the output serves to boost the SPL from a balanced armature that moves relatively little air. This design choice ensures that the VE10 doesn't excessively strain its tweeter for volume, operating it in a cleaner and more elegant manner. Rather than succumbing to an exuberance of new technology, Vision Ears adheres to their established sound. VE10 employs these tools as mere aids to create VE's most articulate release to date, but as means to an end, rather than the end itself. The VE10 embodies the ethos of hard work and innovation that defines Vision Ears, making a clear statement that they are here to stay. It positions itself as a testament to enduring quality, laying the foundation for another successful decade. Check out the road that Vision Ears took to the VE10 here, or view our other IEMs here.

    $4,199

    Our Price | $3,989

    Dita Project MDita Project M

    Dita Project M

    Embracing a philosophy of continual progress and innovation, DITA Audio presents its inaugural resin-based hybrid earphone titled Project M. The Project M departs from DITA's previous designs with a redesigned, ergonomic form that strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, embodying a new era for the brand. Equipped with DITA's revolutionary PM1+ Dynamic Driver and a balanced armature driver, the Project M showcases the prowess of the PM1+ Driver – a 9.8mm dynamic driver exclusively crafted for this model. Serving as the sonic heart of the Project M, the PM1+ Driver imparts the earphones with a signature characterised by texture, clarity, speed, and punchy bass, delivering a full-range sound experience. [See Product Desc. For More] To further enhance the audio landscape, the Project M integrates a single Knowles balanced armature Driver alongside the PM1+ Driver, both housed within a meticulously optimised stainless-steel chamber. Project M does not run contrary to DITA's belief in the use of single-dynamic drivers. This mini-marvel's dynamic driver still operates full-range, with its balanced armature counterpart only picking up where it's been assigned, contributing further in the high-frequencies. The sound produced by the Project M emanates through a custom-molded transfer tube terminating in an aluminum nozzle, maintaining DITA's tradition of tailoring cables for each earphone. Its MOCCA cable, featuring conductors by Cardas from the USA, consists of 16 strands twisted to DITA's specifications and jacketed in a flexible PVC outer layer. MOCCA is future-proofed with DITA's APV2 technology, ensuring compatibility with evolving audio setups. Leveraging Acoustic FEA, objective tests, and subjective listening experiences, the sound tube profile is finely tuned for the Project M's dynamic driver, delivering a coherent, full-range experience reminiscent of 2-channel systems. Encased in a slow-pour transparent resin mix, the entire assembly results in an earpiece with an elegant and captivating visual appeal—distinctive hallmarks of a DITA product now positioned in a new price range. Adhering to the Project M's minimalist industrial aesthetics, each unit is accompanied by a Systainer case, crafted by Tanos exclusively for DITA Audio. The Tanos case includes custom-made silicone inserts to safeguard your contents during everyday life. Owners can choose to freely remove the top and bottom linings, which are moulded to fit the case with the addition of double-sided tape for extra security, easily removable at the user's discretion. Check out DITA's other human-first products here, or browse our other IEMs here.

    $499

    Our Price | $479

    Sennheiser Accentum Plus WirelessSennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless

    Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless

    Sennheiser rate its entry-level noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphone Accentum Wireless to last up to 50 hours on a single charge – and give you five hours of playback after just 10 minutes. While we may be speaking figuratively, it's hard to ignore the appeal of this sleek, more affordable counterpart to Sennheiser's renowned Momentum 4 Wireless headphones, offering numerous comparable features like adaptive Active Noise-Cancelling (ANC).  These include Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, aptX™ HD support, up to 50 hours of battery life, and a lightweight design at just 222 grams. [See Product Desc. For More] Sennheiser's well-established reputation in the world of high-quality audio equipment is further bolstered by their ability to continually meet the evolving needs of consumers, exemplified by the Accentum Wireless Plus. Accentum Wireless Plus is an easy recommendation for individuals who prioritise superior audio performance in their Bluetooth headphones. Sennheiser has meticulously fine-tuned the acoustics to provide outstanding active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities. Accentum Wireless Plus effectively mitigates external noise by combining passive isolation with discreet microphones that target both low and high frequencies. This results in a significantly improved listening experience. These Sennheiser headphones are not just meant for leisure but are also designed for work. With two built-in microphones and a dedicated wind-reduction mode, taking voice calls becomes a hassle-free experience. Moreover, adjustable side-tone and advanced signal processing ensure that conversations feel natural and fatigue-free while minimising background distractions. The multipoint feature enables seamless switching of the active wireless connection between different Bluetooth devices without the need for re-pairing, adding convenience to your daily activities. The Accentum Plus's remarkable 50-hour battery life is complemented by its exceptional wearing comfort. Sennheiser has meticulously designed the earcup and headband padding, ensuring that they adapt effortlessly to the wearer's shape and provide a secure and natural feel. The design of the Accentum Plus echoes the compact fold-flat style of the Momentum 4 Wireless, creating a consistent and appealing aesthetic that emphasises both sound quality and ergonomics throughout the headphone lineup. Sennheiser's Smart Control App enhances the headphone experience, offering a refreshingly simple visual user interface that fits right in your pocket. Accentum Wireless Plus allows you to manage Bluetooth connections, explore features, and experiment with the 5-band EQ, giving you full control over your audio experience. Smart Control can even store user presets and provide updates to keep the Accentum's features operating smoothly as the devices they connect to evolve. Discover the enhanced sound quality you can achieve by upgrading to any of Sennheiser's wired headphones here, or explore our range of other Bluetooth devices here.

    $349

    Our Price | $329

    Hifiman EF500Hifiman EF500

    Hifiman EF500

    A showcase of the value and performance of HIFIMAN's Himalaya LE DAC technology, the network-enabled R2R EF500 is another Everest of achievement. This streaming DAC/amp is exactly the kind of statement HIFIMAN chase – these planar-magnetic headphone extraordinaire's spirit for innovation is what spurred them to develop EF500. Taking the company's discrete new R2R Himalaya LE DAC and slapping on a 4.4 watt per channel amplifier, EF500 is HIFIMAN's claim that they are all you'll need to run a complete personal audio chain on your desktop. With an added ethernet input, you gain the ability to leash EF500 straight to your network router and enjoy music off your NAS, or favourite Android or iOS streaming app. A fully-balanced, differential DAC/amp through the signal path from decoding to amplification and output, EF500 counts on common-mode rejection to achieve excellent noise performance and combine resolution with R2R's lauded musicality. [See Product Desc. For More] HIFIMAN's diminutive powerhouse is a statement of technological ambition from China's leading headphone manufacturers, changing the game by equipping all levels of Head-Fi with an extremely capable source. That's double the feat because the precision demanded in exact resistor values – for the buttery, natural and resolving ability that R2R DAC topology is known for – goes up. For an entirely different sound otherwise, EF500's grants users the ability to switch from NOS to oversampling mode, for the cleanest possible result. That scrubs any last distortion and artifacts beyond the audible human hearing range, claiming over 115dB of signal-to-noise ratio. That's signal that sees EF500 output in fixed voltage via line XLRs and RCAs, in the sense of a conventional DAC. But HIFIMAN – famous for its immensely challenging Susvara and HE6 – challenge you to bring its balanced headphone outputs to bear. A balanced, differential Class A/B amplifier swings plenty of signal voltage and backs that signal up with a power stage bristling with current, to claim a mighty 4.5 watts of power. All so you can enjoy the benefits of EF500's network capability with nigh any flagship transducer. That's power beyond measure but HIFIMAN says it's always better to have more than you need. So EF500 can go about driving the likes of their headphones, plus any HEDDphone 2, Sennheiser or ZMF Headphones, with tons of headroom, and no worry at all. Throw any headphone at EF500: you won't regret it. Also, view our other offerings from HIFIMAN here, or our other amplifiers here.

    $749

    Our Price | $749

    Bose Ultra Open EarbudsBose Ultra Open Earbuds

    Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

    Bose promise a revolutionary audio experience with their Ultra Open Earbuds. These innovative earbuds break the mould by letting you stay connected to your surroundings while still enjoying immersive music. Ultra Open Earbuds' unique cuff-shaped design is both stylish and comfortable, allowing for all-day wear without sacrificing awareness. CNET send their approval.Want to open your world and horizons while still listening to awesome tunes? Ultra Open Earbuds make it possible. Gone are the days of bulky headphones or uncomfortable in-ear buds. [See Product Desc. For More] Bose's latest innovation features a sleek design with soft edges and a metallic finish, blending seamlessly into your personal style. They're also designed to work with glasses, hats, and jewelry without interfering. But style isn't everything. Bose has engineered the Ultra Open Earbuds for superior comfort and stability. A special flex arm, coated in soft silicone, connects the speaker to the battery barrel, resting gently against your skin. Bose's light-as-air grip ensures the earbuds stay secure on almost any ear shape. The magic behind the Ultra Open Earbuds lies in Bose's proprietary OpenAudio technology. Their innovative system combines a powerful transducer with a precisely controlled acoustic structure to deliver clear, high-quality audio directly to your ears. Remarkably, there's minimal sound leakage, ensuring only you enjoy the full richness of your music. For an even deeper listening experience, the Ultra Open Earbuds feature Bose Immersive Audio. This technology uses digital signal processing and an onboard motion sensor to create a wider, more spacious soundstage. It's like having your own private concert, with instruments positioned realistically around you. Whether you're relaxing at home or on the go, Bose Immersive Audio brings your music to life. Indeed, Ultra Open Earbuds offer two listening modes for Bose Immersive Audio: 'Still' and 'Motion'. 'Still' mode is ideal for stationary listening, keeping the audio fixed in a specific position. 'Motion' adjusts the audio as you move, ensuring you stay immersed in your music even while walking or running. But if noise-cancelling and isolation are called for, check out Bose's Ultra Earbuds QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds here, view the rest of their selection here, or our other Bluetooth devices here.

    $379

    Our Price | $359

    Final Audio D7000Final Audio D7000

    Final Audio D7000

    After the world of planar-magnetic flagships was reinvigorated through acoustic tweaks and tricks in 2022 and 2023, Final Audio have joined the fray in 2024 with their own D7000 headphone. A departure from the double-sided magnet structure of its D8000 peer, D7000 counts on its single-sided planar-magnetic driver to do the work of two and potentially surpass previous results. Its new Pinna-Align Diffuser technology makes its Final debut ear-side, working hand in hand with Air Film Damping System (AFDS) to raise their co-flagship’s game. [See Product Desc. For More] D7000's Pinna-Align Diffuser works in tandem with AFDS to allow Final to maintain the open and spacious sound signature that is a hallmark of their planar magnetic headphones, while simultaneously delivering the rich, impactful bass that listeners crave. With many recent flagships lauded for the accuracy of their frequency response through the vital mid-range and upper mid-range, Final have now issued their own answer with D7000 – their Pinna-Align Diffuser goes further by strategically controlling the space through which sound travels.  This allows for precise control over the time it takes for sound waves to reach each ear, ultimately creating a more immersive and realistic three-dimensional listening experience. No Fazors or metamaterials for Final – a company with extensive experience crafting over-ear headphones. This historic Japanese company have brought their resources to bear in understanding how individual ear shapes can significantly impact listening experiences. Together with AFDS and the pistonic motion it promotes of D7000’s planar diaphragm, Final’s new release is set to leave a mark as great as its D8000 counterpart. AFDS effectively eliminates the need for restrictive design elements like tightly sealed earpads, which can negatively impact soundstage and overall audio fidelity. The D7000 represents a significant leap forward in headphone design for Final. By meticulously revising the shape of the diaphragm's coil and punched metal, Final has achieved a breakthrough: more effective diaphragm control. Traditionally, planar magnetic headphones risked diaphragm collision with the magnet at high volumes, particularly in the low-frequency range. This could distort the sound and limit the perceived depth and naturalness of bass. But a metal perforated plate inserted between the magnet and the diaphragm sees the internal airflow of the unit operation damp unwanted movement perfectly in Final's case.  This innovation is made possible by the high-precision machining of the D7000's aluminum-magnesium alloy housing, manufactured at Final's headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan. Leveraging their vast ear data database and a dedicated listening room within their factory, Final's engineers have conducted extensive research and testing to release Pinna-Align Diffuser together with AFDS. Together, they ensure repeatable frequency and phase results regardless of the anatomy of different listeners' ears. Needing no introduction, and having achieved rave reviews on D8000, Final's advanced AFDS system eliminates diaphragm-magnet contact, achieving both deep, impactful bass and delicate high frequencies. While both closed-back and open-back headphones typically rely on sealed earpads to artificially extend their low-frequency response, this approach often compromises the natural spaciousness of the sound source. To achieve both deep, rich bass and accurate soundstage, Final prioritises the driver unit's ability to reproduce low frequencies inherently. This is crucial, as conventional planar magnetic and dynamic headphones frequently struggle with either limited low-frequency extension or the requirement for tightly sealed earpads, which can negatively impact sound quality. Final's D7000 therefore transcends the limitations of traditional planar magnetic types, offering the coveted openness of dynamic headphones without sacrificing low-frequency power. The innovative AFDS empowers the driver unit to reproduce a wider low-frequency range without relying on totally sealed earpads that curtail staging. Final's revolutionary technology allows D7000 to achieve exceptional low-frequency response while maintaining the open and airy sound signature characteristic of the D series. Furthermore, the D7000 prioritises comfort and durability. Final's streamlined design, after removing a whole magnet array, is 16 per cent lighter than D8000. Combined with breathable, Japanese paper earpads that are a new development for the D series, their unique construction of breathable foam and special fibres achieve superior sound quality reminiscent of the limited D8000 Pro flagship Final once released. D7000 could certainly make a fine introduction to Final's flagship line, or serve as a complement to the existing D8000 owner. Check out their Bluetooth line-up that let's you take Final's famed sound quality on the road with you here, or view our other headphones here.

    $4,999

    Our Price | $4,999

    iBasso DX260iBasso DX260

    iBasso DX260

    Measure iBasso Audio's progress through DX260. Head-Fi's best measuring Android music player with 133dB of dynamic range and -121dB THD counts on 8 Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs for its ultimate measured performance. Perfectly neutral with just a tint of sweetness, every musical nuance is audible against DX260's black background. But more than that, it's the debut of iBasso's FPGA-Master 2 technology that's reason to celebrate. With that operating its CS43198 chips quad-mono, the Android 11 DX260 exceeds even Cirrus Logic's nominal specs giving listeners a degree of pocket fidelity from Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music never experienced before. That's owed to iBasso's very precise decode thanks to its FPGA-Master 2, banishing noise and distortion with proprietary code aboard operating DX260's arsenal of DACs with an accuracy and co-ordination not thought possible before. [See Product Desc. For More] This numbers-chasing from iBasso leads to a new-found transparency in your music playback. The technical basis upon which the idea of DX260 was founded was to operate its sheer number of DACs in as flexible and independent a way each. Each DAC answers to iBasso's veritable puppet master – the FPGA-Master 2 aboard. iBasso's treat each of the 8 CS43198s as individual entities, and operates them at very specific moments in the time domain. Ordinarily that might spell chaos, but it's iBasso's FPGA-Master 2 that grants a firm grip of how each Cirrus Logic outputs in the time and frequency domain. The result of the entirety of 8 DACs outputting at phased intervals leads to a coherent, continuous waveform with finer stairsteps in time. That captures more detail in your music and reduces errors, decoding your music back more accurately to the original waveform. Throughout, FPGA-Master 2 keeps an iron grip on proceedings as the CS43198s work in synchronous mode, counting on iBasso's FPGA-generated I2S to work in the exact manner intended.  Superior to the switched-capacitor output stage on Asahi Kasei Microdevices voltage DAC counterparts, the Class H analog outputs of CS43198s are accurate before being fed into DX260's low-pass voltage summing gain stage that smooths the audio wave removing ultrasonic artifacts further. After the differential decoding, iBasso's generous use of negative feedback quashes distortion and claims up to 134dB of signal-to-noise ratio. The employment of this feedback also sees DX260 achieve massive bandwidth that's effectively flat 10Hz to 75Khz. That means phase reproduction in the audible human hearing region is stellar, for realistic portrayal of dynamics and natural transparency – a triumph of iBasso's new mid-line player. Powerful op-amp output buffers supply current and mean iBasso's wonderkid promises high damping factor while maintaining its low distortion into low impedances typical of IEMs, Focals, Fostexs and Rosson Audio Designs. Still the closed-loop internal gain remaining after the application of negative feedback around DX260's op-amp IC analog circuit remains high. So where she really shines is in swinging voltage, opening up the sound of any high-impedance Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and ZMF Headphones while barely breaking sweat. And DX260's future-proof Android 11 software will mean Google Play Store app support of Tidal, Spotify and Apple Music for years to come, backed by a Snapdragon 660 SOC processor and 4GB of RAM. Certainly, iBasso's FPGA-Master 2 wonderkind might be all the DAP you need. Till you step up to what dual battery power supplies, current-output DACs and a discrete output stage can do for you in DX320. Explore the rest of iBasso's range here, or view our other music players here.

    $1,399

    Our Price | $1,299

    Cayin iDAC-8

    Cayin iDAC-8

    After the flagship N30LE music player that ended up receiving rave reviews for leashing AKM's vintage AK4499EQs to tubes, Cayin Audio are back with a valve iDAC-8 DAC/pre-amp that repeats the feat with the new AK4191EQ – AK4499EXEQ tandem. AKM's flagship digital ecosystem makes the claim to be the top dog among chips today, and iDAC-8 counts on that as it outputs via a quad of 6H6b-B tubes ... or its alternative, selectable solid-state path. Sophisticated, open and airy, there's a refined flavour imparted on top of iDAC-8's neutral yet forgiving transparency. Cayin intends for iDAC-8 to be used in tandem with their iHA-8 and iDAP-8. And its I2S and AES/EBU inputs allow it to be a wonderful intermediary in digital-to-analog conversion duties.  iDAC-8 makes for a wonderful tube or solid-state pre-amp too. No matter how well its AK4191EQ's 64-bit digital filters and volume control perform, Cayin didn't opt for half-measures here. A JRC NJW1195A analog volume control is built in to avoid any digital loss, to preserve the resolution of iDAC-8 at any attenuation level. [See Product Desc. For More] A modern-day DAC is so much more than its DAC chips, and Cayin have gone the extra mile in hope of everyone seeing the extent of their efforts.  They ensure the very best platform for Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)’s resurgent flagship DACs to make their mark. Back on their feet with a clean slate, AKM started afresh expanding the basic footprint of a single DAC chip IC into three separate parts – to similarly multiply capabilities by a factor of three. AKM’s AK4191EQ DSP is the brains of the operation, receiving pristine I2S clocking and data from Cayin's MCU. Aboard, AK4191EQ’s delta-sigma modulator takes advantage of its expanded, dedicated, silicone footprint to lay claim to the title of the first chip IC working at seven bits. These seven single-bit modulators flow on into Cayin's AKM 4499EXEQ DACs, one for each channel and built with a single purpose in mind: to turn the interpolated, noise-shaped, digital data it receives into the most precise analog waveform possible afforded by its large footprint.  Silicone size matters when it comes to a great DAC IC, and AK4499EXEQ has it. Enabled by much more exact, matched resistors and capacitors aboard for precise DC single-bit decoding, plus dynamic element matching that is less burdened by switching errors – granted by parts accuracy from a bigger footprint. Any conversion errors from AK4499EXEQs outputting in current manifests as DC offset, and not total harmonic distortion, that is easily filtered out. Current analog outputs are expected of any source claiming to be high performance. Cayin's current-to-voltage I/V section follows these AK4499EXEQs, befitting of chips that output in current for best distortion performance and indeed more expensive DACs. The four valves of iDAC-8's tube stage are testament to this. Two 6H6b dual-triodes each take care of balanced and single-ended outputs respectively. That's to implement each output specially, with Cayin paying particular attention to iDAC-8's RCA outputs – where you can feed their Single-Ended Triode tube amps HA-2A, HA-3A, HA-6A and HA-300B particularly confidently bypassing the latter's input transformers for a cleaner, shorter signal path. Operated in parallel and supplying voltage gain stage where it will yield the biggest sonic difference, iDAC-8's RCA output then gets boosted by a Vishay FET buffer. This transistor preserves triode square law, and lowers output impedance to 60ohms granting iDAC-8 enough juice to drive downstream amplifiers. This low output impedance also ensures there's no risk of a low-pass filter forming between devices. And to prevent any loss in low-frequencies, large coupling capacitors sit at iDAC-8's output to extend its full-range frequency reproduction capably. Its built-in analog pre-amp also keeps dynamic range high, even when you listen soft. These little elements in the signal path hint at Cayin's typical attention to detail. Its overbuilt power supply announces their extravagance in material cost building an affordable compact DAC. An over-specified 45 watt toroidal transformer, nearly 30,000 uF of filter capacitance, linear voltage regulators, dedicated tube and solid-state output supplies plus low-dropout regulators complete this mini-masterpiece of ambitious engineering. You'll want to connect as many of your digital sources as possible to iDAC-8. I2S compatibility is guaranteed via Cayin's own iDAP-6 and iDAP-8, as well as Matrix Audio's Element S and iFi Audio's NEO Stream. CD players enjoy AES/EBU and coaxial RCA connections. And even TV audio benefits from its tube stage via optical. Check out the matching family iHA-8 and HA-2A for iDAC-8 today. Or, view the rest of Cayin's gear here, and our other desktop items here. 

    $1,999

    Our Price | $1,850

    Nobunaga Labs Combine SeriesNobunaga Labs Combine Series

    Nobunaga Labs Combine Series

    The winning combination. The Combine from Nobunaga Labs is a first, basic hybrid cable mixing pure copper and silver straight-up.  Beyond the materials, this Nobunaga entry cable really sits at a sweet spot as it combines the V-shaped natures of its Inspire and Supreme siblings.  Without being as over-bearing as Inspire's energetic and zealous emphasis, Nobunaga invite you to bask in the gentle benefits this bargain yields with your IEMs. Combine's sweetness and sophistication never become as diffuse as Supreme though, allowing it to occupy its own special place in Nobunaga's line perfectly. Apply its traits to IEMs that perhaps risk being too strident in the upper-midrange with vocals or guitars. Combine will immediately yield more space, blackness of background and perceived dynamic range.  Apply Nobunaga's latest cost-effective star to IEMs many more times its price, indeed. Also explore their vast myriad of other sound signatures here, or check out our other cables here.

    $189

    Our Price | $189

    ZMF Headphones BokehZMF Headphones Bokeh

    ZMF Headphones Bokeh

    This is the closed-back headphone from ZMF Headphones that everyone's been dreaming of. Bokeh is the first closed-back ZMF that can claim to be truly portable, with its isolation brought on the go with you in backpacks to offices and hotel rooms. It's the same ZMF quality and promise of durability sans unwieldy storage case. With customary lifetime ZMF driver warranty especially important as Bokeh gets put about the rigours of daily life, this is a build and tuning that will stand the test of time. Brought to a new and affordable price point, the Bokeh is just the latest ZMF that stands to become a classic, bringing their cherished house sound with you on the go whether via USB dongle DAC/amp, music player or small desktop amp. [See Product Desc. For More] A natural step up from Tago Studio's T3-01 that traverses the bus then the desk, the Bokeh combines ergonomic portability with ZMF's traditional ability to scale from sound quality. ZMF's new entry-level is greater than the sum of its parts.  A new 80ohm Liquid Crystal Polymer driver is pushed to its acoustic limits with proprietary ZMF work, in their patented Atrium Damping System (ADS) first found in the flagship Atrium. All this tuning potential in earcup acoustics extends to Bokeh's owners with new Caldera earpads useful add-on options. Caldera pads bear a special fluted, tapered, horn-shaped design that take on the form of acoustic amplifiers. Leather or suede directly contribute to which frequencies you choose to enhance, making Bokeh such a pleasure because ADS makes it so versatile. Bokeh grants ZMF full control over a soundscape, with internal cavity design challenging the physical limits of linear full-range reproduction in closed-backs like never before. Acoustic dampers work closely together with driver mounting position for optimal diffusion effects, allowing ZMF to introduce greater perceived soundstage width and depth.  An incredible amount of fine-tuning took place selecting distances within the cup and damping material for optimal airflow, a five-year research and development process before ZMF deemed Bokeh ready to release to the public. Brought to a new point of cost-effectiveness is an 80ohm LCP driver that is the beating heart of Bokeh. It's a 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, Bokeh'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. Bokeh will make for a happy result running from iBasso Audio's DC06 Pro, DC Elite and DX170, 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 this ZMF very satisfactorily.  Settling down from its travels at its natural habitat that is the desk, Bokeh will continue to display sound that belies its cost, scaling into small desktop amps from iFi Audio and HIFIMAN.  It's this versatility that really elevates Bokeh beyond the generic releases that otherwise dominates the mainstream. To find out how ZMF craft elevates the headphone hobby check out their other releases here, or view all our other headphones here.

    $1,599

    Our Price | $1,599

    Cayin HA-2ACayin HA-2A

    Cayin HA-2A

    If HA-6A and HA-300 MKII were amps you would argue for, HA-2A is the one that's impossible to argue against. Building on HA-3A's success, Cayin Audio again wrapped a single-ended Class A NOS tube amplifier into a compact A4 size for the desktop ... but reduced size, weight and cost at the same time! HA-2A does that, but it's no OTL pussycat despite its reduced size and weight. More than anything, Cayin's baby of the bunch brings the benefits of output transformers designed and built in-house to meet the power requirement demands of modern headphones – both planar-magnetic and dynamic, high or low impedance. Flexibility might be the first topic discussed with the lightweight and compact HA-2A, but compromise in quality was never an option. Cayin's point-to-point wiring is de facto again for signal integrity, and HA-2A's EI core output transformers surpass even HA-3A's, extending signal out to 50Khz. [See Product Desc. For More] That frequency extension up high will already yield great improvements in HA-2A's mid-range and treble compared to HA-3A, with Cayin's latest preserving phase response in the human hearing range that much better for superior sound-staging, dynamics and imaging precision. Mixing fidelity that was once the domain of Output Transformer-Less (OTL) amplifiers in this footprint with actual power – all while reducing in price – is a true feat of Cayin.  The sense of value doesn't stop there, with premium New-Old Stock (NOS) valves – US-production Amperex ECF-82/6U8 driver and 17BF11 power tubes from the 1950s – included. Operating the ECF-82/6U8 only as a triode unlocks load line and soft-clipping functions at the drawing board. Their presence at the voltage gain stage is significant, where the majority of an amplifier's final sound signature is defined. HA-2A's novel implementation of the composite designs of both these driver and power tube types make for very interesting transfer characteristics and distortion curves. Still, linearity is a given through the holy grail of bias operation, even at this price point, while tube voltages allow for large operating points. Measured distortion is below even the threshold of HA-2A's bigger HA-6A and HA-300 MKII brothers.  And any distortion will be of the even-order variety expected of single-ended Class A amplifiers, for a smooth, warm and holistic sound. In there is Cayin's promise – for low cost of entry, weight and size, the flagship trappings of HA-2A are impossible to deny. Class A bias, high tube operating voltages, low capacitances, even-order harmonics and premium EI core output transformers ensure HA-2A gets mentioned over similarly-priced solid-state competitors, and even higher-priced tube alternatives. Even its power transformer is a loosely-wound EI core for greater AC line performance over a conventional toroid, avoiding saturation more naturally plus the negative effects of the latter's high magnetic flux and coupling between primary and secondary windings. Even for those shopping with limitations to size and weight, HA-2A's power supply is fully regulated and 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.

    $1,899

    Our Price | $1,799

    iBasso D16iBasso D16

    iBasso D16

    Give all your music the DSD treatment, says D16. Built of individual resistors, capacitors and code carried on FPGA-Master 2, this all-to-DSD DAC/amp christened 'Taipan' packs DSP approaching -174dB of THD as iBasso Audio's most original, proprietary piece of work to date. iBasso’s USB-input DAC/amp eschews off-the-shelf DAC chips. D16 doesn't differentiate between CD rips, Hi-Res downloads and Spotify, Tidal or Apple Music streaming. It upconverts all your normal PCM material into DSD before decoding your digital to analog. All formats are passed as DSD through D16’s 1-bit decode. Without irony, D16 will yield the most improvement to collectors of SACD-rip, DSD64 files. As a heavily-upsampling DAC, iBasso take the honours for the first Head-Fi product to target and remove DSD64's terrible ultrasonic noise problems. Twister6 praises "a portable audio solution to deliver flagship-level performance with a neutral sound tuning and a natural analog tonality" before becoming a dynamic duo with PB5. Buy this as the greatest gift for the SACD collector in your life, then. Following decoding, the pristine analog is kept totally intact by iBasso's now-familiar discrete stepped resistor analog volume control, before D16's Super Class A output stage pushes your flagship earphones and headphones. [See Product Desc. For More] iBasso build a 1-bit DSD DAC into D16 because there's zero error at the point of conversion. There, D16 relies on the total accuracy of DSD's 1-bit conversion to analog, taking advantage of DSD's sheer ease of decoding to boot. The pitch for DSD's 1-bit conversion is digital at its simplest and closest point to analog – level represented only either as a 1 or a 0, switching on or off. To achieve analog, the bitstream is simply low-pass filtered. But there's work D16 needs to do first, preparing incoming DSD and certainly PCM data from your smart devices over USB, coaxial or optical inputs to emerge as the best possible 1-bit digital stream for conversion. How D16 alleviates said white noise issues of DSD64 – indeed, of any inherent problems to single-rate material be it DSD's noise or PCM's steep digital filtering, intersample overs and digital pre-emphasis – is that it applies heavy oversampling to incoming data.  iBasso's DSP oversamples data to huge bit depth and sample rates synchronous to their new FPGA-Master 2 generating I2S. The new multibit data running many times DSD's base 2.8Mhz rate is then put through a Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) process in preparation for 1-bit decoding.  iBasso treats each of D16's 32 0.1% resistors per DAC phase as individual entities, operating them at very specific moments in the time domain. Ordinarily that might spell chaos co-ordinating a total count of 128 individual DAC elements, but it's iBasso's FPGA-Master 2 that grants a firm grip of how each resistor-capacitor low-pass filter outputs in the time and frequency domain. The result of the entirety of 128 DAC elements outputting at phased intervals leads to a coherent, continuous waveform with finer stairsteps in time. That captures more detail in your music and reduces errors, decoding your music back more accurately to the original waveform. D16's PWM DSP pre-stage addresses the problems of conventional noise-shaped digital's inconsistent rise and fall edges at the frequency level, with adjustments made to facilitate more accurate, predictable switching. A digital volume control with large coefficients is also added here to trim levels and add datastream width. This approach results in a reduction of errors by avoiding intersymbol interference. Notably, non-linearities arising from rise and fall mismatches do not manifest as total harmonic distortion. iBasso's PWM DSP does not produce harmonic errors that vary with digital output levels. This high bit and sample rate headroom is free from overload issues when it is eventually brought back down to the required 1-bit DSD signal for low-pass filtered conversion – but now at a bandwidth of 49Mhz, moving DSD's white noise issues far, far out of the audible band. iBasso's discrete proprietary tech immediately differentiates itself from commercial DAC chips, where IC packages are often too small to perform an ideal 1-bit DSD conversion. D16 also avoids the errors of dynamic element matching inherent to 2-7 bit delta-sigma decoders. The delicate analog voltage waveform painstakingly decoded from DSD in D16 is precious. iBasso's R&D, invested building their own DAC, pays off as the fragile small-signal goes on to be volume adjusted by the same discrete resistor attenuator of DX320 Max TI fame. Said stepped attenuator preserves the resolution of D16 at any listening level. It's that that enables it 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 powerhouse capable of outputting as much volume as D16. Without resting on past laurels to increase and decrease both signal and noise levels together at the same time – as only an analog volume control can – iBasso went for the jugular here. After years of work, Head-Fi's analog specialists have once again applied their own, proprietary, stepped analog volume control here to great effect. Transparent at any volume setting down low as much as up high, with virtually perfect +/-0.1dB channel-matching, this iBasso behemoth exposes detail buried deep around the noise floor of your music. So begins D16's fully-balanced, true differential analog circuit that runs at a massive 13 volt operating voltage for linear open-loop operation. Its power stage is fully discrete and boasts buffers capable of outputting more amperes of current than is needed in reality. Said power stage is another call for iBasso's Super Class A to appear. Current mirrors ensure D16'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. Certainly, the quality of D16's power is not discussion, and will reproduce the fidelity of its 1-bit DAC – a milestone in iBasso's history – into your full-sized transducers of choice via your laptop or desktop's USB in your office, or your smartphone on business travels. 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 know PB5 will be even more in its element pushing TOTL headphones. Everything from Focal to a Fostex and Rosson Audio Designs plus Yamaha and ZMF Headphones is applicable. If you want to free yourself from USB's tether, check out the rest of iBasso's self-contained Android music players here, or view all our other DAC/amps here.

    $2,199

    Our Price | $2,080

    Yamaha YH-5000SEYamaha YH-5000SE

    Yamaha YH-5000SE

    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 CMA15 are candidates. However, the best you'll hear this Yamaha flagship is with the HAA Resolute by Thrax Audio and a music player of your choice. 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.

    $6,899

    Our Price | $6,899

    Canpur CP622B UIEM

    Canpur CP622B UIEM

    Balanced armatures for bass, and bone conductors for mids, lead to Canpur's CP622B possibly ending 2023 as the year's most compelling flagship earphone for its refinement of tone, realism and accuracy. This 10-driver tri-brid promises a lightness of touch and represents the finest of juggling acts that leads to arguably one of 2023's most complete propositions. The debut of Sonion's bone conduction drivers in balanced armature format size, that doesn't take up tons of space and require a lightning bolt to drive? Yes, please.  Indeed, implementing them to reproduce mids and highs has led to a deftness, sweetness and softness of transients that at once promises to be the Goldilocks of everyone's taste and tolerance. CP622B bursts onto the scene late but better than never, because Head-Fi has been waiting for a package that sounds so effortlessly life-like, from bottom to top. [See Product Desc. For More] By being unconventional in their custom driver selection from Sonion – an abundance of balanced armatures handling low-frequency reproduction for fast and accurate bass packing plenty of rumble and presence – Canpur head into 2024 with a true statement of intent. CP622B incorporates an original micro-inverter tube design within its cavity, a design enhancing the cohesion of low frequencies when compared to traditional ordinary air outlets. The debut of bone conduction drivers from Sonion for the mid and high frequencies then provide all the natural tone audiophiles could crave. The dual diaphragm of its co-directional vibration efficiently utiles the auricle and bone layer of the ear structure to transmit sound to the auditory nerve for a visceral portrayal of vocals and a 3D soundstage. CP622B finishes off with the latest generation of electrostatic tweeters for a sweet sprinkle of air and sparkle. Canpur can also build CP622B as a custom earphone which you can share the experience of around. View the rest of their range here, or our other IEMs here.

    $4,899

    Our Price | $4,899

    PW Audio AthenaPW Audio Athena

    PW Audio Athena

    A pair of peaks in just the right places. PW Audio's Authena is on the warpath against boredom, injecting just the right amount of upper-mid spice to give sizzle to an otherwise neutral presentation. Those with IEMs packing big stages and wanting a little more involvement will rally around PW Audio's new Goddess of War. Athena – a limited-edition release – promises to keep things accurate but never strays into becoming too safe. An energetic and direct-sounding PW Audio offering that also injects a small bump in the bass, Athena owes its sound to its new copper construction. Part of PW Audio's Vanquish series, Athena adopted the construction principles of the seven-section tube series, but now features a specially treated alloy. Within the wire, seven cores are intricately twisted to enhance the speed of information transmission compared to straight wires, resulting in reduced signal loss. Athena's conductors undergo deoxidisation and compression, compressing the core to a diameter of 0.9mm or less. PW Audio's compression significantly diminishes the crystalline cross-section, nearly eliminating it. This, in turn, elevates the current transfer rate, and by tightening the twisted pattern, it further enhances transmission speed, sound clarity, and minimises noise. Check out the rest of PW Audio's builds here, and all our other cables here. 

    $199

    Our Price | $199

    Hifiman EF499Hifiman EF499

    Hifiman EF499

    There is always something futuristic about R2R, but the network-enabled EF499 ascends to another level. This streaming DAC/amp is exactly the kind of achievement HIFIMAN are typical of – these planar-magnetic headphone extraordinaire's spirit for innovation is what spurred them to develop EF499. Taking the company's discrete R2R Himalaya DAC and slapping on a 4.4 watt per channel amplifier, EF499 is HIFIMAN's claim that they are all you'll need to run a complete personal audio chain on your desktop. With an added ethernet input, you gain the ability to leash EF499 straight to your network router and enjoy music off your NAS, or favourite Android or iOS streaming app. Disregarding its entry-level standing, HIFIMAN's diminutive powerhouse is a statement of technological ambition from China's leading headphone manufacturers, changing the game by equipping all levels of Head-Fi with an extremely capable source. [See Product Desc. For More] That's double the feat because the precision demanded in exact resistor values – for the buttery, natural and resolving ability that R2R DAC topology is known for – goes up. For an entirely different sound otherwise, EF499's grants users the ability to switch from NOS to oversampling mode, for the cleanest possible result.  That's signal that sees EF499 output in fixed voltage via line XLRs and RCAs, in the sense of a conventional DAC. But HIFIMAN – famous for its immensely challenging Susvara and HE6 – challenge you to bring its balanced headphone outputs to bear. A Class A/B amplifier swings plenty of signal voltage and backs that signal up with a power stage bristling with current, to claim a mighty 4.4 watts of power. All so you can enjoy the benefits of EF499's network capability with nigh any flagship transducer. That's power beyond measure but HIFIMAN says it's always better to have more than you need. So EF499 can go about driving the likes of their headphones, plus any HEDDphone 2, Sennheiser or ZMF Headphones, with tons of headroom, and no worry at all. Throw any headphone at EF499: you won't regret it. Also, view our other offerings from HIFIMAN here, or our other amplifiers here.

    $499

    Our Price | $499

    iBasso PB5iBasso PB5

    iBasso PB5

    iBasso 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. Twister6 praises PB5's "analog texture with bigger soundstage expansion" before becoming a dynamic duo with D16. 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.

    $2,179

    Our Price | $2,079

    Questyle CMA18P PortableQuestyle CMA18P Portable
    Ask The Crew

    Questyle CMA18P Portable

    In response to the newest generation of challenging flagship earphones comes the Questyle Audio CMA18P 4.4mm DAC/amp to rule them all. Battery-powered, this AKM AK4493SEQ current-mode monster runs the Empire Ears Raven and Subtonic Audio Storm with ruthless, total capability.  Questyle adhere faithfully to current-mode amplification at all form factors, and build the ultimate version of M15i. And – with four desktop-class current-mode amplifiers, and a built-in battery power supply to free CMA18P from the handicap of USB's 5-volt source – the capabilities of their now-flagship portable just got extended. It's easy to hear. Operating in current-mode, audio signal gets passed in current instead of the more standard voltage. Certainly, headphones from Focal, Fostex plus HIFIMAN, Rosson Audio Design and ZMF Headphones could not ask for a better 4.4mm portable source. And Raven, Storm, and Symphonium Audio's Crimson all provide instant synergy, given their low impedances – and current signals excel the closer a load is to ground, mimicking a dead short. [See Product Desc. For More] Even before CMA18P's power and signal arrive at the final destination – your flagship earphones and headphones – current-mode amplification is already working its magic. It eliminates the lag time of the signal that might otherwise occur, as it builds up at the capacitances in the circuit – current signal passes through unhindered as compared to voltage, with speed and ease. By doing away with the issue of transmission delay in CMA18P, Questyle virtually eliminates any of the harshness caused by the intermodulation distortion associated with high capacitance, solid-state circuits. That small signal then takes advantage of being unhindered by capacitance in the signal path. An added benefit from current-mode amplification is that huge signal bandwidth is possible, leading to phase response being accurately preserved in the human hearing range. Indeed, to hear current-mode is to hear a naturalness to music not encountered before in a conventional circuit, and Questyle build CMA18P as a portable TOTL expression of such a topology.  Now working with Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)’s resurgent AK4493SEQ and a XMOS XU316 USB receiver for a pristine digital decode, the analog section of CMA18P preserves the converted audio to present it smoothly and organically, without exaggerated warmth or bloat. For those who wish to experiment with other sources, a pair of line-ins are also included. Happily use CMA18P with any low-impedance device bolstered by four desktop-level current-mode amplifiers as Questyle's purest portable voltage source yet.  CMA18P pushes gear such as Focals, Fostexs, HIFIMANs, Rosson Audio Designs, and CIEM heavyweights Craft Ears, Empire Ears – particularly the Raven, Odin and Legend Evo – and Vision Ears effortlessly. Driving low impedances is CMA18P's forte. Still, the bridge-tied load balanced operation with four amplifiers outputting means this Questyle also doubles voltage swing compared to single-ended operation, to drive higher impedances like HEDD Audio's HEDDPhone 2 and ZMF Headphones' Caldera credibly too. CMA18P is all you'll need with the low-impedance gear you'll commonly carry outdoors or at work. Otherwise, explore how Questyle's current-mode scheme in CMA15 can further benefit your planar-magnetic headphones at the desk, or browse our other mobile DAC/amps here.

    $949

    Our Price | $899

    Fostex TH616Fostex TH616
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    Fostex TH616

    After opening up TH900 with TH909, Fostex have repeated the trick at the entry-level, doing the same to TH610 and bringing you their open-back TH616.  As opposed to its closed-back, measured-for-monitoring brethren, TH616 is full of exuberance. Tuned to show off the passion and energy a historic company like Fostex have for releasing hits, this latest limited-edition is full of zeal and life. Fostex's big Biodyna drivers sit below black walnut wood cups and plumb the depths of potent, emphasised bass – together with a sense of mid-range space and treble sparkle that hint at products many times more expensive. [See Product Desc. For More] Fostex build TH616 in beautiful black walnut housings, a plain finish that still reeks of sophistication, finesse and engagement. Do judge this book by its cover, at the sound quality awaiting you. It's that delightful emphasis at the frequency extremes that makes TH616 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, Fostex exploits the Fletcher-Munson effect to good effect in TH616, compensating where bass and treble extremes fall off at low volumes with its loudness contour. Quiet listening won't hinder music lovers from experiencing a flat frequency response. Nor will it stunt the natural dynamic movements inherent to your precious music – TH616 is just apt at reproducing smaller detail. And when you turn the music up, Fostex 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. TH616's 50mm driver is made of Biodyna. Stiff and lightweight as a diaphragm but also promising excellent damping, this biocellulose material allows Fostex to keep the large driver under control at all times even as frequencies rise, averting any harsh intermodulation due to cone modal break-up. Notes reverberate on, providing a kind of immersion that makes an impression. Wooden grills are carved out of TH616's housings, randomising resonance points and eliminating standing waves while appearing gorgeous to boot. A one-tesla magnet keeps its driver locked down and under control at all times. Fostex therefore have released a mid-tier headphone that makes claim to get you all the way, carving a space for itself in an ever-more competitive market with its closed-back isolation. But for those seeking even better, browse how Fostex simply whets our appetites for what is to come at flagship level here, or browse our other headphones here.

    $1,299

    Our Price | $1,229

    PW Audio SaggitariusPW Audio Saggitarius
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    PW Audio Saggitarius

    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. Move on further up the range to hear Sagittarius' shielded counterpart Epoch for both IEMs and headphones, check out the rest of PW Audio's range here or view our other cables here.

    $399

    Our Price | $399