Focal Stellia ($2990): Is this the closed-back version of the Utopia? Stellia *A version of this will be posted on eCoustics Intro: Between Will and myself, we have reviewed pretty much all of the models Focal has produced. Will stated, “the Utopia walked out carrying the bag against the other top tier headphones,” which I think means he liked it and the Utopia performed admirably (review here). Those are high words indeed for a model pushing the envelope of $5000. We both appreciated the Liric as a top tier closed-back headphone, but at that...

iFi Zen Signature Series DAC V2 & CAN HFM: Continuing what is loved from the series. Pros: Affordable duo, typical iFi excellent sound, versatility, cool look to it Cons: Shape while cool, is not conducive to stacking, maybe not as powerful as one would like, other options available now While at T.H.E. Show, last summer, I struck up a conversation with one of the vendors present; Michael Giardina from BeachHiFi, which is an online shop specializing in portable gear. Michael brought some heavy hitters to the show, from the Audeze LCD-5, to the...

Campfire Audio Supermoon Specifications 5Hz–20 kHz Frequency Response 94dB @ 54.0 mVrms SPL 15.5 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedance Features 14mm Full-Range Planar Magnetic Driver w/ 2 micron thick diaphragm. Custom Beryllium / Copper MMCX Connections Hand Polished 3D printed Solid-Body Stainless Steel Cap Gear used Astell & Kern ACRO CA1000 Songs Jazz Guitar work Intro Between Senior Headphone Editor Will, myself and a couple of other reviewers we are close to, we have tried every single iteration from Campfire Audio (CFA). As a result, and because of...

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 ($699): A flagship enters the ruckus. W. Jennings eCoustics review. Px8 As a follow up to Senior Headphone Editor W. Jennings excellent wireless headphone reviews, we would like to present another view. While both reviewers have similar tastes in sound offerings, they do present different responses to how that is achieved. Always the technical one, Jennings prefers crisp, vibrant, detailed sound. Miller prefers a richer, warmer tone to the headphones he chooses along with good spatial characteristics and clarity. Both...

Focal Bathys: The French Go Wireless & It Is Phenomenal Bathys Intro: Having heard many of the Focal headphones of the past, I was quite curious about the Bathys. @Wiljen reviewed this very set for eCoustics, which we both now write for. He told me I was in for a treat, and I anxiously awaited the arrival along with the B&W Px8 (review coming). Recognized leaders in the wireless headphone market would be the Sony WH-1000XM5 along with the Bose QC45 for their superior ANC technology. Sound-wise, the B&W Px7 V2 is recognized right up there along...

Final Audio ZE3000 ($149): Wireless, but still many of the same Final characteristics ZE3000 Intro: I have reviewed a few Final Audio models and consider their Type-E to be amongst the best silicon tips out there as well as my preferred choice. I own a pair of Sonorous III’s and like their laidback musical sound. For the price they are quite good. Now if I could only find a case to hold them...anyway, the ZE3000 is a TWS bud with IPX4 water resistance along with layered ANC characteristics. Easy to use controls and a decent fit affords this...

Sivga Oriole ($199): Does the Sivga sing like an Oriole? Oriole Intro: Numerous Sivga models have come our way of late. All have had impeccable build construction, with many bordering on fanatical while gorgeous in look. Made of classic rosewood, also seen on the SV021, the looks cannot be questioned. Having Sendy in their fold as well, Sivga has produced some of the top mid-fi headphones of late. The SV023 is currently one of my favorites in its price category, and the Oriole follows on the heels of that success. With the Oriole, it seems...

BQEYZ Topaz ($89): A Gem by name and sound Topaz Intro: BQEYZ has produced many models, but not so many that each new iteration seems to fall directly upon the previous. With a seasonal tone, I liked the Spring, Summer and other models such as one of the originals, the BQ3. I have appreciated the tonality of all; but with differing signatures. While not perfect, BQEYZ went their own decided path; eschewing the common theme of the time; which seemed to be a bright, vibrant signature to the detriment of actual quality. BQEYZ went for a smoother...

TempoTec Variations V6 ($299ish): A new mid-fi DAP, aspiring for the bigs. ngoshawk 2 weeks ago mmm V6 Intro: Launching soon on Kickstarter, the TempoTec V6 came my way by contact with a well-esteemed colleague in the portable market. Through some communication, and hashing out specific details, the following is a review of the V6. While the unit was provided to me for review, I have no financial gain in the product, and will state my true words. That said, this has started off as a killer offering at this price. And you though DAP’s were dead…...

Topping A30 Pro/D30 Pro-Amp/DAC: A duo meant to be together A30 Pro D30 Pro Topping is a well-known brand from China, making affordable headphone amplifiers and DAC’s (digital to analog convertor’s). Known for immense power, affordability and a somewhat sketchy past of mediocre construction; I can state that the latter is behind them. The A30P/D30P is a fabulous duo, powering everything thrown its way from easy to drive IEM’s (in-ear monitors) to hard driving headphones for the most part. With plenty of adjustment on both, you should be able to...

Sivga SV023 ($449): The latest has a dynamic driver. How good is it? SV023 Intro: Having reviewed several previous models, Collin asked if I was interested in the SV023. I appreciated the craftmanship involved with the previous models, and of course said yes; for I liked the sound of most so far. The SV023 was in my hands a short time later. Below are my words, and mine only. A word to the wise: do not discount this model based upon the others in the line. Take that for what you will, and as always, YMMV. Specs: Style: Over ear, open-back...

Meze Advar ($699): Will this bring Meze continued good luck? Advar Intro: As part of yet another excellent Andy Kong tour, the Advar arrived at the same time I had the A&K Kann Max; which will be a review for another publication. In the past, I have lamented that items such as the Rai Penta, while good; did not take the risk that I wish Meze did with items such as the Empyrean. Having also heard the Elite within the last month, I can say that the risk taking is back, and the Advar keeps that innovative streak going. Meze to me has mostly been...

Grace Platinum ($2100): Continued excellence from earsonics Grace Platinum Intro: Having previously reviewed the Corsa and the Onyx before release, when Thibault asked about reviewing the Grace Platinum, I of course, said yes. Not knowing anything about it, other than word of mouth in conversation with @B9Scrambler, I awaited my turn. And to be honest, I forgot about it, until Thibault contacted me saying it was on the way. It was then, I delved a bit deeper into the unit specs. 20 drivers, 10 per side harkened back to what we affectionately...

Questyle CMA Fifteen ($2799): I loved the CMA 12Master...is this better? Fifteen Intro: When I reviewed the CMA 12Master, I was floored. I was floored that this slim, unobtrusive critter could sound so darn good. Then I remembered (makes a good story...) that this was why I purchased the QP2R some years before. And why to this day, I still rate the QPM as the best pure DAP I have heard. My QP2R does not see much use, but I refuse to sell it, simply because the occasion comes around when it is called upon. Called upon to realign my senses as to...

Singxer SA-1 ($599): Taking the sting out of your budget… SA-1 Intro: From the site, “Since 2011, Singxer has operated as an ODM and OEM in the audio industry as well as developed their own DACs and digital interfaces. Best known for their work in digital audio, they’ve made technical achievements in clock systems, phase-locked loop technologies, and more. In a bit of a departure for a company that so heavily favors digital products, Singxer has now released the SA-1, a fully balanced pure analog class A amplifier. Call it beginner’s luck or...

CEtrance Ampersand ($750)...&?! Ampersand CEntrance has a rich history, even in the scant 22 years, in the music field, with many well-known producers, artists and engineers using the company wares since 2000. Everyone who works for the company also has a tie to music somehow. Founder Michael Goodman had the goal of “working with every audio company in the world.” He has largely succeeded as his products are used on stages, in recording sessions and finishing studios around the globe. Roughly speaking, in 2009 the decision was made to enter...

CEntrance M8 V2 ($750)...an updated classic CEntrance has a rich history, even in the scant 22 years, with many well-known producers, artists and engineers using the company wares since 2000. Everyone who works for the company also has a tie to music somehow. Founder Michael Goodman had the goal of “working with every audio company in the world.” He has largely succeeded as his products are used on stages, in recording sessions and finishing studios around the globe. Roughly speaking, in 2009 the decision was made to enter the portable market...

Astrotec Vesna ($19.99): A very affordable alternative Vesna Intro: I have been privy to several Astrotec models from IEM’s to TWS systems. All have had their benefits and I still think Astrotec flies under the radar for many enthusiasts. Their products are top notch and the sound fits many styles including my own. The Vsena came about after communication with Ms. Zhang from the marketing department at Astrotec. I graciously accepted her offer and it is implied that the unit is mine to keep but not sell forward (still uncool) unless asked back...

Tronsmart Bang 60W Party Speaker ($109.99): A party is what they want, a party is what they get! 4.25 stars Bang Intro: As part and parcel to a pre-release copy of the Bang, there is a certain amount of wonder as to what the item will sound like as well as keeping the secret for the proper moment. I have reviewed other Tronsmart equipment including the Onyx Prime TWS earbud and the Force 2 BT speaker (which my daughter absconded with...). I have appreciated their desire to make a product, which fits into the niche but also comes across as...

BQEYZ Autumn ($199): Seasons change, but good sound lasts. The Autumn can be purchased from many sources. Intro: I am a methodical (slow) reviewer. Often, I am behind and other units have come since receiving the latest unit. This would be the case in point. The Summer review will be posted before finishing this write up, but the Autumn has been out for a good bit as well. When Elle contacted me yet again, I was thankful that she did. For what I had read about the Autumn was good and I appreciated the support. I like BQEYZ. I appreciate what...