Fostex, established in 1948 in Japan, is renowned for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality headphones, microphones, and speakers. Initially, the company’s ambitions were modest, with a focus strictly on catering to the domestic market; international expansion was not part of their early strategy. However, the exceptional quality and growing demand for Fostex products eventually propelled […] More
Technological advancement is relentless, with smartphones swiftly becoming the norm, surpassing traditional mobile phones. Each year, they evolve to be faster, more sophisticated, and superior in performance. Similarly, the transition from wired to wireless headphones marks a significant shift, with many opting for True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for its convenience. Advances in technology, including improved […] More
Today, I’m putting the budget-friendly Shanling M1s to the test. It’s garnered a lot of buzz for revolutionizing its category with its debut. Many have praised it as a groundbreaking device. Its ultraportable design, comprehensive feature set, and reasonable price of $260 position it as a strong contender in its market. I’m inclined to suggest […] More
Tube amplifiers occupy a unique niche within the Hi-Fi and High-End audio landscape. Despite the advancements in digital technology, these analog systems remain unparalleled in their ability to deliver sound that is rich, dense, and authentically natural. It’s precisely because of these qualities that tube amplifiers not only persist in the modern audio market but […] More
Sennheiser persistently manufactures a broad spectrum of headphones, expanding its production facilities across various nations. My initial encounter with Sennheiser when I experienced the acclaimed HD 800S headphones, and it was an instant connection. The soundstage, authenticity, and positioning captivated me from the first note, sparking a deeper interest in the brand’s diverse headphone range, […] More
For almost 80 years, JBL has been at the forefront of speaker system manufacturing, crafting an extensive range of audio products. This includes everything from wired in-ear headphones and portable Bluetooth speakers to premium studio monitors and concert-grade speakers. The company has also made significant strides in the Hi-Fi acoustics domain. It’s important to clarify […] More
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 headphones exhibit a sophisticated audio profile that appeals to a wide spectrum of listeners. More
As time progresses and audio technology swiftly evolves, iFi not only rides the crest of innovation but also proactively engages with feedback from its enthusiasts. Transitioning from iDSD to iDSD 2, the company implements significant updates, addressing past limitations and refining each aspect to satisfy contemporary demands. In this review, we’ll delve into this “audio […] More
The illustrious history of Technics dates back to 1965 when the Japanese company began crafting its inaugural products. Among these was the groundbreaking Technics 1 speaker system, a compact yet formidable innovation that rivaled the performance of larger floor systems of its era. This early success solidified Technics’ reputation for excellence and underscored their wealth […] More
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
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
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
