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.
The Audalytic AH90 is a DAC that offers superior decoding performance and accurate audio reproduction thanks to its carefully crafted design. At the same time, it has a reasonable price for its capabilities. In addition to featuring top-notch components such as the AKM AK4499EX DAC chip or the XMOS XU316 USB interface, the AH90 boasts extensive connectivity options, […] More
SMSL PL200 is a new high-end CD player with vertical loading of discs. Can also be used as a DAC and Bluetooth receiver. The new standard for high-quality CD playback The SMSL PL200 MQA-CD Player is not just a CD player, but an all-in-one audio center designed for the modern audiophile. It combines features such as a built-in […] More
Eversolo has released the new DMP-A8 , a network player and DAC of the highest quality and incredible versatility . A true centerpiece of a modern hi-fi system, it offers a wide range of options, from playing files locally to accessing your music library from network devices or your favorite streaming apps. The carefully thought-out design also ensures the clearest and […] More
The R28 Audio-GD is a unit of rare versatility, combining the high-quality R-2R DAC, discreet balanced preamp, and high-precision headphone amplifier into one package. Thanks to this extremely comprehensive element, all audio devices present in the sound installation can benefit from the Audio GD experience. The ability to connect multiple sources (including analogue) allows the R-28 to become […] More
Mumbai-based Indian headphone manufacturer Altiat has unveiled its flagship over-ear model CAL .1 H in an exclusive Mystique Edition . Altiat’s CAL.1H over-ear headphones are offered in a King Emerald finish , achieved using a 3M ceramic coating on a 6000 series aluminum body. This unique finish is combined with multi-layer paint technology found in the automotive industry. The Altiat CAL.1H Mystique Edition headphones are available in pearlescent purple. […] More
The Fostex TH616 are open-back over-ear headphones made in Japan to celebrate Fostex’s 50th anniversary. The earcups are carved from solid walnut wood. Open body carved from solid black walnut and shaped like a beam of light The body is carved from solid black walnut, a premium wood, and has an open design inspired by the fantastic […] More
It so happened that in two months, out of four of my reviews, three were devoted to the topic of USB dongles or, as they are also called, “whistles”. Indeed, this format of portable devices has gained a lot of popularity these days. This is confirmed by both the appearance of new models from various manufacturers and […] More
SMSL DO300EX is a new powerful high quality DAC/headphone amplifier. It uses such high-quality components as the AK4499EX DAC chip coupled with the AK4191 digital filter interface, the XMOS XU316 USB interface, 5 OPA 1612A chips, the TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier chip and the latest generation Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip. Additionally, the DO300EX integrates an MQA decoder. This DAC […] More
American HiFi brand JDS Labs presented the second generation of components in the budget Atom series – the external DAC Atom DAC 2 and the headphone amplifier Atom Amp 2 . In the second generation, the manufacturer retained the distinctive features of the Atom series – compactness and accessibility. The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 headphone amplifier features an all-metal design for durability and […] More
Hybrid headphones from FiiO have always been one of the most changing and renewing lines of the company. Starting with the legendary FiiO F9, the company’s designers and engineers have constantly developed and improved hybrid headphones, which later received their permanent FH index. At the moment, FiiO FH9 is considered the flagship of the hybrid line . Also, in parallel […] More
SMSL has introduced the DO400 , a powerful , high-quality DAC/headphone amplifier. It includes high-quality components such as the latest ESS ES9039MSPro chip, XMOS XU316 USB interface, 11 OPA 1612A and the latest generation Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip. To complete the picture, the DO400 integrates an MQA decoder, allowing you to decode high-resolution audio streams up to PCM 32-bit 768 kHz, […] More
The D70 Pro OCTO Topping DAC has all the advantages of a high-end audio product. Featuring high-performance ICs (8x CS43198), ultra-low clock jitter, latest-generation interfaces and great versatility, this converter delivers exceptional audio performance with superb clarity and richness, as well as practical and useful features. The D70 PRO OCTO is equipped with 8 CS43198 DAC chips, […] More
