The Headphone List Award Winners List
The award winners in the awards list are selected based on the Headphone List reviewers experience comparing the sonic characteristics, performance, and build for hundreds of products. This list acts as a buyer’s guide, not just a holiday buyer’s guide, but an ever evolving and up-to-date buyer’s guide featuring the latest and greatest and still containing the classics that are worthwhile. Selecting a product from any category will be a rewarding purchase, but we recommend reading the full review to ensure the product will meet your use, listening, and budget criteria. While the below items are “can’t miss,” there is plenty of amazing audio gear that didn’t make this list but you can find here.
TOTL Award: When cost is no object and ultimate performance is the goal, the TOTL Award (Top-of-the-Line) is given to the select few that raise the bar among TOTL products.
Diamond Award: Products with a wow factor that turns heads as well as ears, the THL Diamond Award products are a culmination of beauty, quality, and performance. Typically representative of the highest performance in higher price points, or TOTL equipment that is top-notch but just a hair below the TOTL Award.
Top-Pick Award: Top performers among their peers that will appeal to a wide audience. This selective award is a step above the THL Recommended award.
Budget Star Award: Budget products that do something special given their price point, and appeal to a large audience, with an upper price point of around $200 USD.
Recommended Award: Products that stand above most peers, performing in the upper echelon for their price range while appealing to a wide audience.
Honor Roll Award: Excellent performance worthy of an award for all of the positives, but either appeals to a niche audience or has performance factors that hold it back from an overall “Recommended” award. Honor Roll products are still “recommended,” but with caveats.
Design Award: Where creativity meets innovation, the THL Design Award represents design excellence that moves the industry forward from an innovation standpoint in technology, design, and/or aesthetics.
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2026
More than a decade since Meze launched a new era in affordable artisan headphones with the now-iconic 99 Classics, the Romanian trendsetter has served up its surprising successor. But does the 99 Classics II live up to the legendary name of the original?
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: Balanced, Bass Enhanced, Clear, Engaging, Natural, Punchy
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Mainstream Consumer, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office
No data was found
2025
Cayin, hailing from China has been making high quality audio products since 1993. They have been very active with their range of sources. Mostly known for their high quality desktop DAC/amps and portable players they rose to glory with their N7 DAPs and haven’t looked back since then. They have an arrey of products under their belt but their portable USB dongles DAC/amps are highly popular a...
Sound Signature: Warm & Smooth
Sonic Traits: Coherent, Dynamic, Engaging, Fluid, Full, Lush, Natural, Open, Organic, Powerful, Rich, Smooth, Spacious, Textured, Warm, Weighty
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Drummer, Singer/Vocalist, Guitarist, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer, Commuter, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Recording Studio, Outdoors
No data was found
2025
KBear, known for their high quality single DD IEMs around $100 was a lot more popular a couple of years ago. I can distinctly remember the hype and success around their Diamond. It was one of the most capable single DD IEMs around $100. Then I think a slump came, maybe because of the COVID pandemic, KBear down sized their operations, reduced the number of IEMs per year and kind of laid low with mo...
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: 3D, Airy, Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Crisp, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Engaging, Natural, Neutral, Open, Resolving, Tight, Transparent, Uncolored
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Drummer, Singer/Vocalist, Guitarist, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, On Stage, Recording Studio
No data was found
2025
Ziigaat, hailing from the land of China is known for their high quality hybrid IEMs. They rose to glory with their Cincotres and Dosinco hybrid IEMs and have been releasing IEMs strictly under $500 for the last couple of years and usually like to play around the numbers of the DD and BA drivers. They did release an all BA IEM Luna earlier this year but are back to their hybrid roots with the Horiz...
Sound Signature: W-Shaped
Sonic Traits: Aggressive, Airy, Analytical, Balanced, Bass Impact, Bright, Clear, Clinical, Crisp, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Dynamic, Fast, Resolving, Transparent, Up-Front
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer
Ideal For: Home, Office, On Stage, Recording Studio
No data was found
2025
Befitting its Florentine roots, Italian luxury audio company Gold Note has put a romantic twist on its first ever headphone amplifier, one of the most impressive products in its class.
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast
No data was found
2025
Kiwi Ears hailing for China are known for their high quality value for money IEMs. They have a handful of IEMs starting as low as $30 to as high as $500. They broke into the scene with their high quality IEMs under $100. Their Quintet was received graciously by both the consumers and reviewers while their KE4 is still one of the best new Meta IEMs available under $200. They laid low for while sinc...
Sound Signature: Analytical
Sonic Traits: Airy, Analytical, Bright, Clear, Crisp, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Engaging, Fast, Resolving, Transparent, Up-Front
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Guitarist
Ideal For: Home, Office, Recording Studio
No data was found
2025
Tanchjim, hailing from China is not a new name for most of us. Known for their high quality single DD IEMs they have emerged as one of the leading IEM makers in the lower mid-range price bracket . They already have a handful of IEMs in the range of $20 to $600. I am currently working on couple of DD only Tanchjim IEMs and I have to mention that both of them are on top of their tuning game. What th...
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Dynamic, Engaging, Natural, Neutral, Open, Resolving, Spacious, Textured
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Singer/Vocalist, Guitarist, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, On Stage, Recording Studio
No data was found
2025
Ddhifi, known for their high-quality accessories like USB, power and audio cables, USB DAC/amps, cases and stands make some high quality IEMs too. They started with the DD IEMs, their latest hybrid IEM Surface has received love all over the world. What they didn’t has under their belt was a planar based IEM and the E13P fills that void but it’s different from most of their IEMs. A...
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: 3D, Airy, Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Dynamic, Engaging, Natural, Neutral, Open, Resolving, Rich, Textured, Wide
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer, Traveler, Sleep Use
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, On Stage, Recording Studio, Sleep, Outdoors
No data was found
2025
Disclaimer: I formally thank Chris from Campfire Audio for providing us with a unit in exchange for an impartial and honest review. On behalf of the team at the Headphone List, we thank him for his generosity and trust in THL.
Summary:
The Campfire Audio (CFA) Alien Brain borrows from nascent, tuning orthodoxy, favouring a ‘Harman-centric’ neutral-warm tuning, with a highly-textu...
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: Airy, Analytical, Balanced, Bass Enhanced, Bass Impact, Detail Articulation, Dynamic, Engaging, Liquid, Mid-Centric, Natural, Neutral, Open, Powerful, Punchy, Resolving, Smooth, Textured, Transparent, Up-Front
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Commuter
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, On Stage, Recording Studio, Loud Environments, Outdoors
No data was found
2025
iFi, one of the most popular portable and desktop source maker in the world and of all of their products the Zen lineup is highly popular. These are capable of driving demanding headphones with ease while offering a few in-house enhancements to diversify the sound. Yes, they have more expensive AMPs sitting at the top with the mid range being handled by Neo lineup while the Zen series takes care o...
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: 3D, Airy, Balanced, Bass Enhanced, Clear, Coherent, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Dynamic, Engaging, Enveloping, Fluid, Natural, Neutral, Open, Resolving, Rich, Spacious, Textured, Tight, Wide
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer
Ideal For: Home, Office, Recording Studio
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2025
EarAcoustic, maybe an evolution of TFZ have raised their head and like what!! They have a lot of IEMs under their belt. Starting as low as $20 to as high as $650, they have around 30+ IEMs in nearly every price range inbetween, especially up till $400. They have a handful of lineups too. Their SPA lineup takes care of the higher end IEMs, STA is for the budget segment while the newly announced VSA...
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: 3D, Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Detail Articulation, Dynamic, Fast, Natural, Neutral, Open, Resolving, Rich, Textured, Tight
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Singer/Vocalist, Guitarist, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, On Stage, Recording Studio
No data was found
2025
Tanchjim, hailing from the land of china has been making some high quality DD based IEMs in the budget to lower mid range. They had IEMs as cheap as $30 to as high as $600. Their expensive IEMs aren’t that popular but their budget offerings have caught the imagination of both buyers and reviewers. Back in the days, Oxygen was one of the best DD one can buy and even till this day they are mak...
Sound Signature: W-Shaped
Sonic Traits: 3D, Airy, Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Crisp, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Dynamic, Engaging, Fast, Natural, Open, Resolving, Rich, Spacious, Textured, Tight, Transparent, Wide
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Guitarist, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer, Commuter, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Working Out, On Stage, Recording Studio, Outdoors
No data was found
2025
INTRODUCTION:
Hailing from China Sivga is known for their high quality headphones with a touch of wood in them. They raised their head a few years ago and have a handful of headphones under their belt. Sivga has been delivering eye-catching designs as well as intriguingly equipped headphones since their arrival. The Phoenix reviewed by Ryan has been one of their most popular headphones and thei...
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: 3D, Airy, Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Dynamic, Fluid, Natural, Neutral, Open, Organic, Resolving, Rich, Spacious, Textured, Wide
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Singer/Vocalist, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer
Ideal For: Home, Office, Recording Studio
No data was found
2025
Sivga makes some high quality headphones. What makes them stand out is their use of wood on back plates and cups. They usually focus on headphones and have some of the best headphones under $500. I was taken aback by the clarity and definition of the SV023 and it still is one of the best open back HPs under $500. Sivga has a few IEMs under their belt too. Nightingale is their flagship with a plana...
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: Airy, Balanced, Crisp, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Dynamic, Fast, Natural, Resolving, Tight, Transparent, Uncolored
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer, Commuter, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Working Out, On Stage, Recording Studio
No data was found
2025
The Vision Ears ZEN packs a 10-driver hybrid full of lush, soulful sonics into their peerless custom shells.
THL SCORE: 8.9
Sound
8.8
8.8
Build
9.5
9.5
Comf
10.0
10.0
Iso
10.0
10.0
Cable
7.0
7.0
Acces
9.0
9.0
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: Balanced, Fluid, Lush, Natural, Textured
Target Audience: Audiophile
Ideal For: Home, On-the-Go, Air Travel, Loud Environments
No data was found
2025
INTRO:
Letshuoer started with a big arrey of IEMs, they gained our trust with their mid range and high end EST based IEMs. I reviewed the EJ07M and I have to admit, it is one of the best IEMs under $800. But, that’s not what brought them into the mainstream market, it was the Tape. A lower mid range IEM with tuning knobs that caught the imagination of the consumers. Then they had a s...
Sound Signature: Mid-Centric
Sonic Traits: Clear, Coherent, Full, Mid-Centric, Mid-Forward, Natural, Neutral, Rich, Textured, Warm
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office
No data was found
2025
Cohesive, poised, clean, excellent tonality and timber, highly recommended!!
Sound Signature: Warm & Smooth
Sonic Traits: 3D, Bass Enhanced, Bass Impact, Bass Heavy, Coherent, Dynamic, Engaging, Laid-Back, Lush, Natural, Organic, Punchy, Smooth, Spacious, Textured, Warm, Weighty
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Mainstream Consumer, Fitness User, Commuter, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Working Out, Air Travel, Loud Environments
No data was found
2025
One of the best looking, best fitting headphones in its class has the sound quality to match at a very reasonable price.
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: Balanced, Coherent, Engaging, Fluid, Mid-Centric, Natural, Smooth
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Mainstream Consumer
Ideal For: Home
No data was found
2025
Oh my my, this is a scintillating IEM for those looking for a balanced, clean and clear sounding IEM. It just offers all the goods without any drawbacks!! Just put on for the White filter and enjoy!!
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: 3D, Airy, Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Crisp, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Dynamic, Engaging, Fast, Natural, Neutral, Open, Resolving, Spacious, Textured, Transparent
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Singer/Vocalist, Guitarist, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer, Commuter, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Air Travel, On Stage, Recording Studio, Outdoors
No data was found
2025
The Forté Ears Mefisto is as brash as it is composed, merging the brand's signature spaciousness with heaps of earthy punch.
THL SCORE: 8.0
Sound
8.0
8.0
Build
8.8
8.8
Comf
8.5
8.5
Iso
8.5
8.5
Cable
6.5
6.5
Acces
9.0
9.0
Sound Signature: V-Shaped
Sonic Traits: Bass Enhanced, Dynamic, Spacious, Textured, Wide
Target Audience: Audiophile
Ideal For: Home, On-the-Go
No data was found
2025
Both of these monitors have worn the test of time, and remain as relent to the premium user today as they were when they first launched.
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Drummer, Singer/Vocalist, Guitarist, Studio Engineer, Mainstream Consumer, Active Use, Fitness User, Commuter, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Working Out, Air Travel, On Stage, Recording Studio, Loud Environments, Outdoors
No data was found
2025
Disclaimer: I would like to formally thank Crinear for providing us with a unit in exchange for an impartial and honest review. On behalf of the team at the Headphone List, we thank them for their generosity and trust in THL.
Summary:
Crinear’s sophomore release has a lot to live up to. In this case, the hype was deserved. The Daybreak, regardless of price, has a flawless and near-faul...
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: Analytical, Balanced, Clear, Clinical, Colored, Detail Articulation, Engaging, Mid-Forward, Natural, Resolving, Textured, Transparent, Up-Front
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Studio Engineer
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, On Stage
No data was found
2025
We get to see a lot of brands raise their heads every year but only a handful of them successfully leave their mark and Kiwi Ears is one of them. They are new to the scene but they feel a lot more seasoned. They don’t have heavyweight IEMs but their list of IEMs are interesting and cater to a wide range of consumers. I have heard a handful of IEMs from Kiwi Ears, I liked the Quintet, I loved...
Sound Signature: Warm & Smooth
Sonic Traits: 3D, Coherent, Colored, Full, Lush, Natural, Organic, Rich, Smooth, Spacious, Thick, Warm, Weighty
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Mainstream Consumer
Ideal For: Home, Office
No data was found
2025
Tanchjim, hailing from China, is not a new name for most of us. Known for their high quality single DD IEMs they broke into the audiophile scene with the Oxygen which was loved by both consumers and reviewers. They have handful of IEMs in the range of $20 to $600 under their belt. I am currently working on couple of Tanchjim IEMs and I have to admit that both of them are on top of their tuning gam...
Sound Signature: Analytical
Sonic Traits: Analytical, Clear, Clinical, Cold, Crisp, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Edgy, Fast, Mid-Centric, Resolving, Thin, Tight, Transparent, Up-Front
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Studio Engineer
Ideal For: Home, Recording Studio
No data was found
2025
We won't call it a giant killer, but Spectrumica is arguably the proverbial David among today's IEM Goliaths.
No data was found
2025
With a legacy born of two of Eletech's most lauded cables, Iliad and Aeneid, the all-new Odyssey seeks to blend the best characteristics of both while setting a new performance bar of its own.
No data was found
2025
Forte Ears sophomore IEM, Mefisto, takes a bold approach with an all-new driver mix and tuning direction. Can it scale the same heights as its highly-acclaimed flagship sibling, or perhaps reach even higher?
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: Balanced, Bass Enhanced, Bass Impact, Clear, Detailed, Dynamic, Engaging, Enveloping, Fast, Liquid, Punchy, Smooth, Spacious, Tight, Wide
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Commuter
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go
No data was found
2025
FIR Audio's Frontier Flagships, Xe6 and Rn6, are among the most popular high-end IEMs ever made, even today. Going custom elevates them to true TOTL status, and thus earns our highest possible award.
No data was found
2025
Through cavernous expansion, pristine clarity and a dose of livewire energy, the Forte Ears Macbeth takes your records from studio to stage.
THL SCORE: 8.8
Sound
8.5
8.5
Build
8.0
8.0
Comf
9.0
9.0
Iso
8.5
8.5
Cable
8.0
8.0
Ergo
9.0
9.0
Acces
9.0
9.0
Sound Signature: Analytical
Sonic Traits: 3D, Balanced, Detail Articulation, Enveloping, Tight
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go
No data was found
2025
A lot of brands raising their heads every year but only a handful of them successfully leave their mark and Kiwi Ears is one of them. They are new to the scene but they feel a lot more seasoned. They don’t have heavyweight IEMs in the $1000+ range but their list of IEMs are interesting and cater to a wide range of consumers. I have heard a handful of IEMs from Kiwi Ears, I liked the Quintet,...
Sound Signature: Warm & Smooth
Sonic Traits: Bass Impact, Bass Heavy, Bass Power, Coherent, Dynamic, Engaging, Full, Lush, Punchy, Rich, Smooth, Textured, Weighty
Target Audience: Audio Enthusiast, Mainstream Consumer, Fitness User, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go
Clara is one of the best-tuned IEMs we've heard, making it peerless not only in its price class, but at any price. It's also beautiful to look at, comfortable, and exceptionally well-made. An easy recommendation for just about any portable audio enthusiast who loves their music as much as their gear.
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: Balanced, Bass Enhanced, Bass Impact, Clear, Coherent, Dynamic, Engaging, Fluid, Liquid, Natural, Organic, Punchy, Rich, Smooth, Textured
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Singer/Vocalist, Active Use, Commuter
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Working Out, Air Travel, On Stage, Recording Studio
Buy now:
No data was found
2025
Disclaimer: I would like to formally thank Jasia from Drop.com for providing us with a unit in exchange for an impartial and honest review. On behalf of the team at the Headphone List, we thank her for her generosity and trust in THL.
Summary:
The Dark Stars is a nostalgic throwback from the heydays of Campfire Audio’s cult line-up, borrowing from the Solaris’s bulbous-but-dense bass, and th...
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: 3D, Bass Impact, Clear, Coherent, Dark, Detailed, Dynamic, Engaging, Enveloping, Fluid, Liquid, Lush, Mid-Centric, Natural, Organic, Rich, Smooth, Spacious, Textured, Thick
Target Audience: Audiophile, Musician
One of the best IEMs to buy under $200. Powered by high quality bass and superb tonality, KE4 is the perfect warm, bassy and fatigue free IEM that is musical and fun without being boring or dull even after prolonged use.
Sound Signature: Warm & Smooth
Sonic Traits: Bass Impact, Bass Heavy, Bass Power, Coherent, Engaging, Full, Natural, Organic, Punchy, Smooth, Spacious, Textured, Weighty
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, On Stage
Buy now:
Most of us have heard about 7hz. Hailing from the CCP, 7hz rose to fame with their Planar IEM Timeless, they have a couple other planar IEMs and a few budget IEMs too and took the budget IEM segment by storm with their Zero and Zero 2. 7hz mostly make high quality IEMs under $500. I haven’t worked on many of their IEMs but I did have the opportunity to work on their Timeless couple of years&...
Sound Signature: Basshead
Sonic Traits: 3D, Bass Enhanced, Bass Impact, Bass Heavy, Clear, Dynamic, Punchy, Resolving, Transparent
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Mainstream Consumer, Commuter, Traveler
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, On Stage
Buy now:
Known for their frugal IEMs KZ needs no introduction because I believe most of us have owned one or more products from them. They mostly make budget IEMs but make a few high quality hybrid and all BA IEMs too. I have owned their ZS4 and ZS5 back in the days and they offered superb bang for the bucks too. Since then, I hadn’t heard their hybrid IEMs but the ZS12 pro X left a positive impressi...
Sound Signature: Bright
Sonic Traits: Airy, Detailed, Engaging, Sterile, Thin
Target Audience: Audiophile
Ideal For: On-the-Go
Buy now:
Forte Ears Macbeth is a striking, richly-detailed debut flagship that puts the fledgling IEM maker on the serious audiophile's map.
Sound Signature: W-Shaped
Sonic Traits: 3D, Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Crisp, Dynamic, Engaging, Fast, Full, Powerful, Rich, Textured
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Singer/Vocalist
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go
Buy now:
Oriveti may not be a household name in the high-end IEM world, but the new Grand Oriveti Supremacy could just change that.
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: Engaging, Full, Mid-Forward, Natural, Organic, Powerful
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Commuter
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Air Travel
Canpur has exploded onto the IEM scene with some exceptionally popular high-end models of late. Can the new CP74E continue the winning streak?
Sound Signature: Balanced
Sonic Traits: Balanced, Clear, Coherent, Crisp, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Natural, Neutral, Resolving, Transparent
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician
Ideal For: Home, Office, Recording Studio
Fiio needs no introduction, they are one of the biggest names in the audiophile community with vast range of products starting from IEMs to desktop DAC/amps and everything in between. Back in the days, it was Fiio that basically introduced Audiophile grade resolution to DAPs and portable DAC/amps. Their X5 lineup still has a special place in our hearts. Fiio wasn’t limited to sources, they g...
Buy now:
If you appreciate the art of IEM design as much or more than the science, this review of Jerry Harvey Audio's flagship Sharona is a must-read.
Sound Signature: Warm & Smooth
Sonic Traits: 3D, Bass Enhanced, Bass Power, Clear, Coherent, Detailed, Engaging, Enveloping, Full, Lush, Natural, Organic, Powerful, Rich, Smooth, Spacious, Thick
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician
Ideal For: Home, Office, On Stage, Recording Studio
Lotoo's Mjolnir is the epitome of "statement piece"; astoundingly-built, vastly-versatile and nothing short of desktop-class in delivering clean, powerful sonics.
THL SCORE: 9.5
Sound
9.8
9.8
Build
10.0
10.0
UI
7.8
7.8
BT
10.0
10.0
Batt
9.5
9.5
Noise
9.7
9.7
Acces
8.8
8.8
Sound Signature: Reference
Sonic Traits: 3D, Detailed, Resolving, Smooth, Spacious, Transparent
Target Audience: Audiophile, Studio Engineer
Ideal For: Home, Office, Recording Studio
Kefine is one of the new brands that are on the rise. They make bang for buck budget offerings housing uncomplicated driver setups. Their first product was a planar based IEM Klanar which received plenty of love for its musical signature and comfortable presentation, so did their next IEM Delci. Delci though got a single 10 mm DLC-PU diaphragm and was a more fun and V shaped IEM. The only complain...
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TinHifi, known for their bang for buck IEMs makes some of the best IEMs under $150. Among those are their lineup of planar based IEMs. Critically acclaimed for their accuracy and definition these IEMs usually sit on top their price range. I have a brief experience with their P1 but that was their 1st gen planar. TinHifi has come a long way since then and have a handful of Planar IEMs under their P...
Buy now:
Dunu has been making some high quality IEMs for a while. Since the days of DN-1000j they have winner in their hands. They do stay a bit under the radar for a while but when they rise they get up with a bang. It is one of those rare brands that make some of more desirable IEMs in a handful of price ranges. I still get asked about the SA6 and as per my personal opinion, EST112 is still one of t...
Buy now:
The definition of transparency, the SE 5-way Ultimate is a chameleon that, despite it's warm character, will sound different based on the track and source gear, stepping aside and providing insight how tracks were mastered and tendencies of other gear. On top of the transparency, the ability to resolve micro-details and really define the black space in the presentation enables hearing both instrument and note details and point source origins.
THL SCORE: 9.8
Sound
9.9
9.9
Build
8.0
8.0
Comf
10.0
10.0
Iso
9.2
9.2
Cable
6.0
6.0
Acces
5.0
5.0
Sound Signature: Natural
Sonic Traits: 3D, Airy, Bass Power, Clear, Coherent, Detailed, Dynamic, Engaging, Enveloping, Liquid, Natural, Organic, Powerful, Smooth, Spacious, Transparent, Uncolored
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Musician, Studio Engineer
Ideal For: Home, On-the-Go, Air Travel, On Stage, Recording Studio, Loud Environments
Buy now:
The Lear LCM BD4.2 covers all the bases starting with a massive sound stage (headstage), plenty of well articulated bass, lush mids, and a smooth and balanced upper midrange through the treble. The adjustable bass allows tuning to preference. While it doesn't quite reach the top performance levels of other TOTL award winners, it is recommended due to it's all around excellent performance.
THL SCORE: 9.4
Sound
9.5
9.5
Build
7.5
7.5
Comf
7.0
7.0
Iso
7.0
7.0
Cable
5.0
5.0
Ergo
5.0
5.0
Acces
7.0
7.0
Sound Signature: Basshead
Sonic Traits: 3D, Bass Enhanced, Bass Impact, Bass Power, Clear, Detail Articulation, Enveloping, Laid-Back, Smooth, Spacious, Textured, Transparent
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Mainstream Consumer
Ideal For: Home, Office, On-the-Go, Air Travel
The Hidition NT-6 offers clarity and transparency that is unmatched, highlighting detail of individual instruments and sounds within a presentation. While on the bright and thin side, but not lacking bass, and a sound signature bordering on analytical, cable matching can smooth the presentation while retaining the detail and clarity.
Sound Signature: Reference
Sonic Traits: 3D, Analytical, Bass Impact, Clear, Coherent, Detail Articulation, Detailed, Dynamic, Resolving, Textured, Tight, Transparent, Uncolored
Target Audience: Audiophile, Audio Enthusiast, Studio Engineer