Marcus Carlsen is an avid audiophile with a deep passion for hi-fi systems, high-end headphones, and premium speakers. Marcus constantly explores the latest audio technologies and equipment, from precision-engineered speakers to the finest headphones.
In an era marked by the recording of their 4th studio album by Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, and as Mercedes was gearing up to unveil the first S-class car, two Cambridge students founded Arcam. Four years into its journey, Arcam released its inaugural amplifier, the A-60, to critical acclaim. The formula for its success […] More
Audirect has released a new portable DAC and self-powered headphone amplifier, Team 1 . Sound Quality Equipped with a high-performance dual TI OPA1612 op-amp and four OPA6863 amplifiers, the Team1 amplifier delivers powerful and immersive audio reproduction. With a maximum output voltage of 5.6 Vrms (4.4BAL) and 2.8 Vrms (3.5SE), it can drive headphones up to 600Ω with exceptional […] More
FiiO has been actively broadening its lineup of full-size headphones. Initially, the roster only featured the FiiO FT3 model, boasting dynamic drivers. However, towards the end of autumn this year, the lineup expanded with the introduction of two new models: the budget-friendly JT1 priced around $80, and the mid-budget FT5 priced at $450, both featuring […] More
Fosi Audio has introduced the SK02 , a small, versatile, high-performance device that shares the form factor of the SK01 . The SK02 functions as a headphone amplifier, portable preamp, and portable DAC. The SK02 is equipped with an ES9038Q2M DAC chip and a low-noise, high-speed SGM8262 operational amplifier. This allows the SK02 to support high-resolution streams up to PCM 32bit 384kHz and […] More
SMSL commenced its operations in 2009 in China, focusing on manufacturing audio decoders that utilize ESS chips. By 2020, the company ventured into experimenting with the launch of a passive bookshelf speaker. Presently, SMSL’s product lineup encompasses amplifiers, DACs, and digital players, with a notable emphasis on designing these components within compact casings that conform […] More
The CCA Trio headphones feature an innovative set of three 8mm dynamic drivers, each carefully tuned to deliver unparalleled sound quality across the entire audio spectrum. From deep bass to crisp highs, the CCA Trio delivers stunning detail in every note, offering listeners a truly immersive sound experience. Precision Three-Way Crossover Technology Thanks to precision electronic […] More
KZ Symphony is a new hybrid headphone with a 6mm driver in the low frequencies and a 13.2mm planar driver in the rest of the range. Available in versions with and without microphone. The unique acoustic structure of the planar driver gives it inherent advantages over traditional dynamic drivers in terms of high-frequency and microwave characteristics. Not only […] More
In this review, we’re diving into the latest offering from a Chinese audio powerhouse that has made a name for itself over its 17-year history. Known not just to audiophiles but also to a broader audience of music enthusiasts, this manufacturer boasts a vast array of audio products. Their lineup includes an impressive range of […] More
The Pro-Ject T series welcomes a new addition, the T2 Super Phono, a turntable crafted for beginners who possess a discerning taste in music. Pro-Ject’s rationale behind this model’s creation lies in its enhanced size, the premium finish available in matte white, glossy black, or walnut, and the inclusion of a striking 10mm thick glass […] More
TANGZU has introduced a new pair of flagship in-ear monitors, Xuanwu Gate. Equipped with a 7-driver tri-brid setup on each side consisting of 1 Composite Dynamic Driver, 4 High-Performance Custom BA Drivers and Dual SONION EST Drivers, these headphones promise true high-resolution audio reproduction. They deliver amazing sound with strong bass presence from the drivers, high […] More
Darius Valiunas, a renowned expert in the realm of vinyl playback systems, recently unveiled his latest innovation in the field: the DaVa Soul Field cartridge, a significant advancement for vinyl enthusiasts. Valiunas shared insights into the creative journey that led to this breakthrough, highlighting his long-held vision of designing a cartridge that features a modern […] More
The full-size Leema Libra DAC is part of Constellation’s flagship line and is housed in a solid case, similar in design to those of the rest of the models in the series. It is compatible with the proprietary LIPS control and monitoring system, which automatically rearranges the components included in it into modes corresponding to which […] More
