Posts by author
Evan Caplinger
The Sennheiser HD580 are the benchmark for all sub-$150 headphones. If you’re into headphones, chances are very high that you’ve already heard of the Sennheiser HD600. So much has been…
Review: ES Lab ES-1a – A Labor of Love
The flagship product of Hong Kong’s boutique electrostatic headphone manufacturer ES Lab is an homage to the Stax SR-Omega – and it’s a lot of fun to listen to. The…
Review: LZ Audio A7 – A Hybrid Done Right
The LZ Audio A7 gives you tuning options. It can be impressively neutral – but only when the listener wants it to be. LZ Audio, a Chinese IEM manufacturer, have…
Review: Astrotec Volans – Starry Sky Sound?
With the Volans, Astrotec experiments with a single, relatively large (10.5mm) Tesla dynamic driver. The results? A smooth, relaxed sound signature – but is it worth its USD$330 price tag?…
Review: Stax SR-007 MK1 – Just Right
For an electrostatic headphone, the SR-007 hits the nail on the head, bringing a warm, realistic sound with the top-of-the-line resolution, imaging and clarity. What can I say about the…
Review: NiceHCK X49 – Unremarkable
The NiceHCK X49 is the only sub-$20 IEM I know that uses nothing but a single BA driver. Unfortunately, that’s just about its only standout quality. Much of my thought…
Review: Kinera Freya – Lovingly Yours
Presented as a representation of the Norse goddess of love in in-ear-monitor (IEM) form, Kinera’s Freya somewhat follows through on its theme surprisingly consistently, with surprisingly good results. Kinera Audio,…
Review: Massdrop x Koss ESP/95X – The Common Man’s Electrostat
Massdrop’s revival of the classic Koss ESP-950 provides a (relatively) affordable entry-point into the bottomless pit of audio wizardry that is the “electrostatic earspeaker.” The history of the electrostatic headphone…
Review: Shuoer Soloist – Bulletproof Sound?
Shuoer is back from the lab with another industry first. This time, they’ve put a Kevlar dynamic driver in an IEM, promising, and delivering, exceptionally smooth and velvety bass and…
Review: Stax SR-Lambda – Plastic and Fantastic
Those looking for a perfect headphone should turn back now – the Lambda has its flaws. But it’s also got a lot of personality and mind-blowing resolution at an affordable…
Review: Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000 – Lean, Mean Midrange Machine
Though long out of production, the ATH-AD2000’s unique, aggressive tuning has blessed it with an avid, and well-deserved, fanbase. Introducing the Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000 poses a kind of unique challenge. First,…
Review: Etymotic ER2SE – Neutrality Embodied
The new ER2SE from Etymotic is the best performing IEM in the sub-USD$150 price range. Can anyone deny that we’re in a flavor-of-the-month driven market? Every year, at least…
Review: Shuoer Tape – The Beginning of Something New
With the Tape, Shuoer aims to bring the legendary performance of electrostatic technology to the budget IEM market. The term “electrostatic” carries with it a kind of mysticism in the…
Review: Shanling ME200 – A Refuge Against Hype
While some IEM manufacturers try to reinvent the wheel with every release, Shanling has gone back to the basics with the ME200. The result is an earphone with a supremely…
Review: Hifiman Sundara — A Breath of Cool Air
The Sundara is, at less than $400, all but a giant-killer. Quality control will rightfully concern some potential owners, but for those willing to take the risk, the Sundara provides…
