Here’s what you missed if you skipped CanJam this year.
This February, 10,000 people explored the latest in personal audio at CanJam NYC 2025, held at the New York Marriott Marquis.
But, with countless headphones on display, these ten models consistently drew the biggest crowds. Here’s what made them stand out and why they might matter to your next listening experience.
1. Abyss JOAL
Editor’s Pick
The Abyss JOAL headphones were nearly impossible to miss at CanJam NYC 2025. Everyone seemed to want a turn with these cans, and for good reason.
They’ve taken what worked from the Diana series and pushed it further, with better technical performance and a fit that more people can actually enjoy.
What really stood out was how these headphones handle sound:
- Bass notes hit with authority but don’t muscle their way into other frequencies.
- Vocals sound honest and present.
- Treble sounds crisp and airy, with a touch of brightness that adds some sparkle without becoming harsh.
Weighing 390g with ear pads, the JOAL are lightweight for high-end planar headphones. But, they’re slightly heavier than competitors like the Meze Poet (350g without pads) and the HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr (374g).
- Where to buy: Available at Abyss Headphones’ official website
2. Meze Poet
Most Premium Experience
The Meze Poet headphones drew crowds at CanJam NYC 2025 with their refined tuning and beautiful craftsmanship.
Released just before the event, these headphones come equipped with some serious tech under the hood.
They feature the Rinaro Isodynamic® Hybrid Array MZ6 driver paired with an Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS). All of which helps tame the high-frequency peaks for a smoother listening experience.
At the show, listeners described the Poet’s sound as warm and immersive.
The headphones particularly shine with classical, folk, and ambient music thanks to their natural flow that pulls you right into the recordings. Their bass stays tight and controlled instead of overwhelming everything else, which nicely supports their rich midrange.
And, the detailed treble manages to avoid sharpness quite effectively too.
Not everyone was completely won over, though.
Some attendees mentioned that fast-paced or percussive tracks lacked the snap and attack they were hoping for. Many also noted that while the soundstage feels open, it comes across as more intimate than expansive compared to other flagship models at the show.
- Where to buy: Available at Meze Audio’s official website
3. HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr
Most Impressive Electrostatic
The HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr sort of became a hot topic of debate during the show. These electrostatics wowed the technically-minded crowd with their speed and resolution. However, opinions varied wildly depending on listening setups.
HiFiMAN built these headphones with an impossibly thin diaphragm (less than 0.001mm) suspended between micro-mesh wire stators.
This unique design explains their impressive performance:
- Bass notes hit with surprising authority for electrostatics
- Vocals sound eerily present
- High frequencies extend to dog-whistle territory with crystalline clarity
But, the amplifier pairing drama became one of the most interesting stories at the show. Some people think the amp used in the demo (the Shangri-La Sr electrostatic amplifier) just doesn’t give the headphones justice.
“For the past 3 years, I’ve loved my Shangri-La Jr for its smooth, yet elevated and extended treble presentation. (But) if I had demoed it in this setup beforehand, I may never have bought it in the first place.” says one listener.
“I had never understood why people thought the Jr had rough treble, but now I get it if they had demoed it on this amp.”
The takeaway? These headphones can sound dramatically different based on what’s powering them. So, your choice of amplifier is particularly crucial if you’re considering adding them to your collection.
- Where to buy: Available as a special order item through HeadAmp
4. Grell OAE1
Most Innovative Design
Axel Grell’s OAE1 was one of the most unconventional headphones at CanJam NYC 2025.
That’s because, instead of placing drivers beside your ears like normal headphones, they position them at an angle in front of and away from the listener.
Their earcups also use 90% open metal mesh and woven stainless steel acoustic-damper mesh. All to mimic how sound reaches the ears in a live setting.
However, the attendees had pretty mixed feelings about these headphones.
- The bass is powerful and impactful, though at times it can overshadow the midrange.
- Treble is crisp and highly extended, but some listeners found it sharp or fatiguing depending on the track.
- The midrange presentation also felt inconsistent to some. This could be due to how the unique driver positioning affects frequency delivery.
- The spacious soundstage impressed many. Yet, others found it unnatural on certain recordings.
Despite these divided opinions about the sound, almost everyone agreed on one thing: these headphones are seriously comfortable.
Their lightweight build and plush ear pads make them easy to wear for hours without discomfort.
- Where to buy: Available at Drop’s official website
5. DUNU Arashi
Best Value
The DUNU Arashi headphones earned plenty of attention at CanJam NYC 2025 as a strong value proposition.
Most attendees appreciated how these headphones handle different music genres without playing favorites. They manage to balance detail, dynamics, and versatility. And, their sound signature hits a sweet spot with clear highs, articulate mids, and a controlled bass response that works well across various musical styles.
During comparison discussions on the show floor, the Arashi headphones held their ground against more expensive options.
Some listeners noted they don’t deliver the same deep, physical bass impact as certain competitors. But, their detail retrieval and overall balance impressed nearly everyone who tried them.
Comfort was another strong point that came up repeatedly in conversations. The sleek design and lightweight construction of these headphones make them easy to wear for extended listening sessions.
I can’t say that they were unanimously crowned the absolute best value at the event. After all, they’re still priced at more than $1000.
But, their sound quality, build, and comfort earned them recognition as one of the strongest performers without a flagship price tag.
- Where to buy: Available at DUNU’s official website
6. Audeze CRBN2
Best Build
The Audeze CRBN2 headphones proved that electrostatics can be both refined and durable. While most brands in this category focus on delicate performance, Audeze tackled the durability problem head-on.
These headphones earned their “Best Build” badge honestly.
Audeze used lightweight but tough materials that make the CRBN2 more robust than typical electrostatics without sacrificing comfort.
The carbon fiber headband keeps weight down but strength up compared to standard metal or plastic. The ear cups blend premium composites that handle both rigidity and unwanted resonance. And, the ear pads create a comfy seal you can wear for hours.
When it comes to sound, the CRBN2 headphones break away from the typical electrostatic playbook.
Their highs sound clear without being clinical, mids feel natural and present, and their bass packs more punch than you’d expect from this technology.
No, they won’t rattle your chest like planar magnetics. But, there’s enough low-end to keep music sounding full and engaging.
This made them an appealing alternative to models like the HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr and Stax SR-X9000, especially for those seeking a less analytical, more engaging sound.
- Where to buy: Available at Audeze’s official website
7. ETA Uli Prototypes
Most Anticipated
The ETA Uli prototypes (formerly known as “Purple”) created quite a stir among the tech-savvy crowd.
In fact, one reviewer specifically mentioned these prototypes as “the headphones that made me the most excited” at the show.
These headphones are still in development. But, early impressions suggested a balanced yet engaging sound. They praised the Uli’s imaging capabilities, with many noting how precisely they separated instruments in complex recordings.
That said, opinions varied when it came to soundstage width and depth. Some loved it, others thought it was just okay.
- Where to buy: Not yet available
8. Grado HP100SE and Signature S950
Best Old-School Brand Revival
Grado brought two standout models to CanJam NYC 2025, and they definitely stayed true to their roots while making some welcome refinements. Rather than completely reinventing their sound, they’ve taken what fans already love and made it better.
The HP100SE stood out for its more balanced tuning. If you’ve ever found traditional Grados a bit too bright or forward, you’ll appreciate how these handle classical music and detail-rich recordings. They’re noticeably smoother in the upper mids and treble regions so you’ll have a more natural sound.
Meanwhile, the Signature S950 bring a bit more energy and excitement to the table. They’ve got this lovely touch of warmth that makes rock and acoustic tracks really shine.
Both models retained the airy, open soundstage and precise imaging that Grado is known for. But, some listeners found the soundstage slightly narrower than expected.
Comfort also remains a bit of a mixed bag with these headphones (which honestly isn’t surprising for Grado).
Some people love how lightweight they are, while others were fidgeting with the headband and pads after just a few minutes. It’s very much a “try before you buy” situation.
While these models didn’t generate the same level of buzz as flagship releases, they reinforced Grado’s reputation for delivering distinctive, engaging sound with a timeless aesthetic.
- Where to buy: You can buy both models at Grado’s official website.
9. CrinEar IEMs
Best New Brand Introduction
The launch of CrinEar at CanJam NYC 2025 had everyone talking. In fact, it’s one of the busiest booths in the show.
CrinEar brought three models to the show: Project Meta, Project Daybreak, and Project Reference.
Project Meta won fans with its incredibly balanced sound and natural timbre. These IEMs deliver clean sound with controlled upper mids and none of those harsh peaks that make you wince during long listening sessions.
They just pull off that impressive trick of offering excellent detail without leaning too warm or too bright.
The Daybreak, on the other hand, took a slightly different approach with what many described as a more “fun” signature.
They’ve got a bit more punch in the bass and sparkle in the treble compared to Meta’s gentler V-shape. Many attendees say they preferred the Daybreak because of this. But, both models received overwhelmingly positive feedback either way.
Project Reference takes more of a Harman tune approach, which lives up to its name.
When it comes to the build quality, the aluminum shells feel premium in your hand, and you can tell someone obsessed over details like those perfectly chamfered edges. And, even the stock cable got compliments!
The catch? Project Meta will be limited to just 500 units when they launch in late March 2025, while Project Reference is scheduled to become a permanent offering starting in December. We don’t have much detail on Daybreak, though.
- Where to buy: No official statement has been released but you can expect these to come out on Crinacle’s online show, Hangout.Audio.
10. FiiO K17 Desktop DAC/Amp
Show Floor Favorite
This isn’t a headphone, but the FiiO K17 desktop DAC/amp deserves its spot on this list.
What made the K17 such a hit? For starters, FiiO packed it with dual AKM flagship DACs that had the audio nerds absolutely geeking out over the conversion quality. The thing can pump out a massive 4,000mW per channel, which means it’ll drive even those power-hungry headphones that make other amps break a sweat.
But let’s be honest, what really turned heads at CanJam was how cool this thing looks. FiiO nailed the retro-meets-modern aesthetic with a gorgeous touchscreen alongside this warm, nostalgic orange glow.
For those familiar with FiiO’s popular K9 Pro, this feels like the natural evolution with improvements in both usability and features.