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 first mention of the FiiO EH3 appeared on March 26, 2018, when James Chang, CEO of FiiO, shared details of the model in a Facebook post, and since then there have been many changes. Now in the final stages of pre-production, the company unveiled the EH3 NC at an international exhibition in Chengdu, China, […] More
64 Audio is an American manufacturer of high-end in-ear headphones. In collaboration with Astell & Kern (A&K), they developed the XIO in-ear headphones. The Astell&Kern 64 Audio XIO is more than just a pair of earbuds, but is, according to the manufacturer, the product of two companies obsessed with precision and sound quality. The XIO […] More
Overcoming bias in evaluating large American speakers remains a challenge. The ongoing discussion about the distinct sound characteristics of hi-fi systems from various countries has led to enduring stereotypes regarding the American approach, particularly the preference for pronounced bass and a somewhat relaxed handling of the rest of the sound spectrum. But is this perception […] More
1. How are phono preamps different? A phono preamplifier is a crucial component of the vinyl audio system and can either be integrated into a player or amplifier, or exist as a standalone device. The primary distinction lies in the type of cartridges they are compatible with: MC (moving coil) or MM (moving magnet). The […] More
Pro-Ject Audio Systems has released a compact headphone amplifier, the Head Box E, designed for desktop use. The Head Box E excels in simplicity and features exclusively analog circuitry. The front panel features a 3.5mm and a 6.35mm jack for headphones. Pro-Ject Audio Head Box E: Powerful and discreet headphone amplifier design The Head Box […] More
Edifier’s new MR5 studio monitors feature a three-way design with three amplifiers, Hi-Res Audio support, and Bluetooth LDAC. The manufacturer bills the MR5 as a significant upgrade over the previous MR4 model. Edifier MR5 Edifier’s MR5 is a master/slave speaker system. One speaker is the master and contains all the onboard electronics, including the amplifiers […] More
We’ve put together a list of eight truly affordable and top-notch vinyl players you can find in stores this year. More
Moondrop, known for its precision-tuned in-ear monitors and recent ventures into full-size headphones, introduces the Moondrop Horizon—a full-size open-back headphone engineered to deliver high-fidelity sound with low distortion, high sensitivity, and ergonomic comfort. The Horizon marks a significant evolution in Moondrop’s headphone design language, bringing advanced driver technology and acoustic engineering to the forefront in […] More
Beyerdynamic has launched the Aventho 100, a pair of wireless on-ear headphones that combines a retro design with modern technology. The Aventho 100 features Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and comes in three color options. Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 Available in black, brown, and cream, the Aventho 100 features soft, replaceable memory foam ear cushions and premium […] More
Shanling has launched the UP6, a DA converter and headphone amplifier with Bluetooth connectivity. The circuits for DA conversion and amplification are dual mono and the UP6 also has a connection for a balanced headphone. Shanling UP6 The Shanling Up6 is equipped with a 3.5 millimeter and a 4.4 millimeter jack plug. The latter allows […] More
KZ Gale are newly designed in-ear headphones tailored for gamers and music enthusiasts, developed with Hi-Fi sound quality as a priority. This model emphasizes sound clarity and detail, providing a significant edge in gaming and delivering deep emotional experiences while enjoying music. With proprietary drivers and expertise in acoustic tuning, KZ has engineered headphones capable […] More
FiiO will debut the K15 at the upcoming CanJam (a trade show for head-fi enthusiasts) in London. The K15 is a headphone amplifier with analog and digital inputs and can drive headphones in both symmetrical and asymmetrical modes. According to the press release, the K15 features trickle-down technology from the FiiO K17 . FiiO K15: DA converter […] More
