Axel Grell has been an innovator in the audiophile world for decades. From the revolutionary HD600 series that began all the way back in the 90s, to the newly released OAE2, Grell has continued to lead designs on great headphones throughout his career. I recently gave the OAE2 a positive review and stand by it. Today, I wanted to take a look at the work that Grell contributed to over at Sennheiser before forming his...

It’s hard to find a good pair of headphones for working out. Over-ears can easily fall off with head movements and can feel heavy after a while, while in-ear-monitors can be uncomfortable and be dislodged easily with exercise. The JBL Endurance Pace offers an all-around fit for exercising at a reasonable price. What’s Special About the Endurance Pace? Rather than going around the head or sitting directly in the ear, the Endurance wraps around your...

After working with Sennheiser for many years and creating some of the most iconic and beloved headphones in the audiophile community (including the 600 series), Axel Grell formed his own company and released their first headphone, the Grell OAE1, in 2024. While the Grell OAE1 was praised for its look and feel, the overall sound received mixed reviews. Two years later, Grell released an updated version of the headphone, the OAE2. I never got my...

For audiophiles, wired headphones have always been king. Sure, technology has progressed where wireless active headphones and IEMs sound good, but do they sound better? Most would say no. There is a special quality to a high-end wired headphone with an amplifier that just can’t be replicated in the bluetooth sound. Hifiman, the innovative company behind some of the most beloved wired headphones of the past decade, has created two new headphones, the HE1000 WiFi...

Meze has been a favorite for the over-ear headphone market for years now. They are especially competitive in the ~$500-1000 price point with great headphones like the 105 AER, 105 Silva, and 109 Pro. While the company did have a sub-$200 IEM before the Astru, the Alba, this new product shoots for the same price range as the 109 Pro. Does it provide that same great Meze audiophile sound? What You Get In the Box...

The Audeze Maxwell has served as a frontrunner in reasonably-priced high-fidelity audio for the gaming space since its release. Now, Audeze has dropped a new and improved version of the headset. Let’s take a look at it! What’s in the Box? Maxwell 2 headset Detachable boom mic with pop filter USB-C wireless dongle USB-C to USB-C cable (1.5m) USB-C to USB-A adapter cable (0.3m) 3.5mm TRRS analog cable (1.2m) The Maxwell’s box sports all the...

In addition to earpads for the Sennheiser HD 600 series, we also have new upgrade pads for some Beyerdynamic headphones. The DT 770, 880, and 990 all have the same earpad compatibility, and now Strauss & Wagner has given some options of ways to upgrade your listening. With options including velour, mesh cloth, and hybrid materials, you are sure to get a great deal on an upgraded listening experience for any Beyerdynamic headphone you may...

Strauss & Wagner has released new accessories for everyone's favorite headphones: earpads! They have variations for a lot of different headphone brands, but today we'll focus on just the variations for the HD 600 series. With three different variations, there are a lot of ways you can mix and match the style with comfort. How do these earpads compare to the stock ones from Sennheiser? We'll dive into all the details in this review below....

A creator-authentic listening experience delivering pure, precise sound At CES 2026, Amsterdam-based consumer audio specialist Breggz announces that the Zohn-1, a true high-end wireless in-ear hearable offering pristine sound, has partnered with IMAX®and DTS® to introduce the first wireless in-ear earphones with IMAX® Enhanced certification. IMAX Enhanced device certification ensures consumer electronics devices meet the highest standards, delivering the renowned IMAX immersive experience on personal devices for the highest-quality entertainment experiences wherever fans are watching....

After the praise and accolades given for their flagship YH-5000SE, Yamaha has announced two new headphones to add to their lineup. You have the YH-4000, an open-planar, and the YH-C3000, a closed-back dynamic. YH-4000: Premium Over-Ear Headphones Flagship Inspired, With A Voice Of Its Own Inherits the design and engineering prowess of the YH-5000, yet offers a distinctive new sound signature. Provides a new interpretation of the Yamaha Orthodynamic® experience. Premium performance, comfort and build...

Sony’s incredibly popular WH-1000XM series has remained a flagship of noise-cancelling headphones since its introduction in 2017. Now, their latest iteration has been unveiled and released to the world in the form of the WH-1000XM6. Coming out three years after the previous version, it boasts a number of new features as well as quality-of-life updates. While many will be eager to get their hands on a new pair of the top-of-the-line headphones, others may be...

I think it’s safe to say that when most people look for Bluetooth headphones, they just want something that sounds good enough to wear at the gym or on their way to work. If it has decent enough ANC to boot, even better. But seldom do people think of wireless headphones and ‘luxury’ together the way that Focal has with the Bathys MG. With this latest release, they fuse opulence and mobility without sacrificing quality...

Campfire Audio is well-known for crafting high-end in-ear monitors (IEMs) with stunning attention to detail, and now they’re making their sound more accessible than ever. Enter the Campfire Audio Axion, a sleek new IEM that delivers premium audio quality in a user-friendly package—no extra gear required. Priced at $249, the Axion is designed for everyday listeners who still want an audiophile experience, complete with a built-in DAC, USB-C connection, and signature Campfire tuning. In this...

64 Audio has long been a leader in high-end in-ear monitors (IEMs), known for pushing sonic boundaries with each new release. The U12t has earned its place as a favorite among audiophiles for its balanced, reference-level performance. Now, with the 2025 revision, 64 Audio aims to enhance this classic without losing what made it great. Priced at $1,999, does the new U12t live up to its legacy? Let’s find out. What’s in the Box U12t...

Looking for a high-quality portable DAC/Amp to take your listening experience to the next level? The iFi iDSD Valkyrie and Chord Electronics HUGO 2 are two top-tier options for audiophiles on the go. Both promise incredible sound quality and premium features, but which one is the best fit for your setup? Let’s compare their design, features, sound performance, and overall value. What's In the Box? iFi iDSD Valkyrie -- $1,699 Chord Electronics HUGO 2 --...