If you have started researching better headphone sound, you have probably encountered terms such as DAC, headphone amplifier, audiophile-grade, sensitivity, and high-resolution audio. These somewhat esoteric concepts (in addition to the vocabulary) can make a simple headphone upgrade feel much more complicated than it needs to be.

Simply put, a headphone DAC can improve the way music is digitally processed and delivered to your headphones, but not every listener needs an expensive external device. Understanding what a DAC does, how it differs from an amplifier, and whether it matches your headphones can help you make a smarter purchase.

Here are five essential questions beginners should ask when choosing a headphone DAC.

1. What Does a Headphone DAC Do, and How Is It Different from a Headphone Amplifier?

DAC stands for digital-to-analog converter. Music stored on a computer, phone, streaming service, or CD begins the signal path as digital data. Headphones, however, require an analog electrical signal in order to produce sound. The DAC converts that digital information of 1’s and 0’s into an analog signal (sine wave) that can be interpreted and played through your headphones.

A headphone amplifier performs a different job that has everything to do with power and volume, often referred to as gain. After the DAC processes the digital into an analog signal, the amplifier increases the strength of the signal so it can properly drive the headphones for optimal sound performance.

Many products combine both functions into one device and are commonly described as DAC/Amps. This is why the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, even though they technically refer to two separate stages of audio playback.

A simple way to think about it is that the DAC translates the music, while the amplifier provides the power needed to reproduce it through the headphones at an appropriate volume for the specific headphone you’re using.

2. Do My Headphones Actually Need an External DAC or Amplifier?

Not every pair of headphones requires an external DAC or amplifier. Many efficient headphones and earbuds are designed to work well with phones, laptops, tablets, and portable music players. Most often, these are dynamic headphones which require very little power to reach optimal levels of performance. They can be powered with internal batteries or through usb cables.

An external DAC/Amp becomes more useful when the built-in audio output of your device is noisy, weak, distorted, or unable to reach a comfortable listening level. It may also help when using demanding audiophile electrostatic or planar-magnetic headphones which require much more power than a typical phone or computer can provide.

Before buying anything, listen for practical problems with your existing headphones. Does the volume remain too low even near the maximum setting? Does the sound become harsh or distorted when turned up to comfortable listening levels? Do you hear background hiss, buzzing, or electrical noise? These may indicate that an external DAC or amplifier could improve your system without the need for replacing or upgrading the headphones.

A DAC/Amp may also provide a worthwhile upgrade when your current device has no headphone jack or when you want a dedicated volume control and better connectivity. Typically, this is the case with specific-use cases like a destop home setup.

However, a new DAC should not be viewed as a one-size-fits all transformation of sound quality. For those who already have electrostatic or planar headphones, their performance will almost certainly benefit from a desktop DAC like the iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 or the iFi Audio GR2 Portable DAC.

3. What Connections Should I Look For?

The correct connections depend on the devices you plan to use with the DAC.

USB is one of the most common connections for computers, smartphones, and tablets. Specifically, USB C, which can carry digital audio directly to the DAC and is often the simplest option for a desktop or portable setup. Phone users should confirm whether the DAC supports USB-C, Lightning, or the appropriate adapter for their model and brand.

Optical and coaxial digital inputs are useful for connecting televisions, CD transports, streamers, gaming systems, and other home audio components to the DAC. These connections can make a desktop DAC more versatile within a larger system.

Bluetooth is convenient for wireless listening, although performance can depend on the Bluetooth codec supported by both the source device and the DAC. Wireless playback may not always equal the quality of a direct wired connection, but it can offer a practical balance between convenience and performance. Many of the newest generation of DACs have BT 5.4 which supports hi-res playback on par or better than 24-bit CD lossless. Look for the specific specifications of the unit to determine if it meets this requirement. A minimum standard listeners should aim for is lossless (24-bit) resolution, supported by almost all streaming services.

You should also examine the headphone outputs. Common options include 3.5mm and 6.35mm (1/4” jack) single-ended connections. Some DAC/amps also provide 4.4mm or 4-pin XLR balanced outputs. Balanced outputs provide a cleaner and more balanced sound performance over their unbalanced counterparts. High-end headphones will sometimes have this option included as the standard for optimal playback.

Balanced outputs may provide more power and improved channel separation on compatible equipment, but they are not automatically better in every situation. Your headphones must have the correct balanced cable, and you should never assume that a standard single-ended cable can be connected with a simple adapter.

Choose a DAC with the connections you need now for the headphones and equipment you listen with, along with enough flexibility for potential future upgrades.

4. Is the DAC/Amp Powerful Enough for My Headphones?

Headphone power requirements are influenced by impedance and sensitivity.

Impedance is measured in Ohms and represents the electrical load presented by the headphones. Higher-impedance headphones often require more voltage, while lower-impedance models may require more current. However, impedance alone does not determine how difficult a headphone is to drive.

Sensitivity indicates how loudly the headphones will play with a given amount of power. A low-sensitivity headphone may require substantial amplification even if its impedance does not appear unusually high.

This is especially important with planar magnetic headphones, which may have relatively low impedance but still need a capable amplifier because of their lower sensitivity.

When comparing a DAC/Amp with your headphones, check the manufacturer’s recommended power requirements and review the amplifier’s output at the relevant impedance. A power rating measured at 32 Ohms does not tell you exactly how the same amplifier will perform with a 300-Ohm headphone.

More power is not always better. Extremely sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal background hiss when connected to an amplifier designed for demanding full-size headphones. A low-gain mode can be valuable for sensitive headphones, while a high-gain setting can provide additional output for harder-to-drive models.

The ideal DAC/Amp should offer enough clean power, a comfortable volume range, and low background noise with the headphones you intend to use.

5. What Improvements Should I Realistically Expect?

A good external DAC/Amp can improve clarity, channel separation, volume control, background noise, and overall composure. Bass may sound tighter with more oomph, tiny instrumental and vocal details may become easier to hear, and the soundstage may be perceived as more organized and easier to visualize.

The biggest improvement often occurs when the original device has a poor headphone output or cannot properly power the headphones. In that situation, an external DAC/Amp can make the system sound cleaner, fuller, and more dynamic. Headphones that are normally disappointing may open up to present their full capability with the additional processing and power.

However, the difference may be more subtle when replacing an already competent source. A DAC does not normally change the fundamental characteristics of a headphone, rather it amplifies the characteristics already present. Harsh high-frequency heavy (bright) headphones will not suddenly become warmer, and headphones with limited bass extension will not gain deep bass simply because they are connected to a more expensive or powerful converter.

Your music files, headphones, fit, ear pads, listening environment, and personal preferences all contribute to the final result. The DAC and amplifier are important parts of the system, but they should be chosen to support the headphones rather than compensate for a poor match.

Choosing Your First Headphone DAC

Beginners should focus on compatibility, useful connections, sufficient power, ease of use, and budgetary constraints before becoming concerned with advanced specifications.

Begin by identifying the headphones you own, the devices you use for playback, and any problems with your current setup. Then choose a DAC/Amp that provides the required inputs, the correct headphone output, enough clean power, and suitable gain settings.

A compact USB DAC may be ideal for listening from a phone or laptop. A desktop DAC/Amp may be better for demanding headphones and a permanent listening station. A portable model with the correct inputs and power settings may be perfect for someone who doesn’t have a permanent listening station.

Ultimately, the best headphone DAC is not necessarily the one with the longest feature list or the highest price. It is the one that connects easily to your equipment, properly drives your headphones, and allows you to enjoy your music without unnecessary complications. For more information about DAC/Amps, please visit our Headphone Amps & DACs Category page.

For decades, the history of recorded music has been shaped by one repeating pattern: a new format arrives, promises greater convenience, and pushes the previous format toward obsolescence. Vinyl records gave way to cassettes and compact discs. CDs were later pushed aside by peer to peer sharing and streaming. Each shift was presented as progress, and in many ways it was. Music became cleaner, more accessible, more portable, and eventually available almost anywhere at any time.

But the story does not end with physical media disappearing. In recent years, both vinyl records and CDs have returned to public attention and have seen a major cult-like resurgence. Not as the dominant way most people listen to music, but as meaningful formats that offer something streaming cannot fully replace: ownership, artwork, collectability, and a more personal and physical connection to the music itself.

The rise, fall, and eventual return of vinyl and CDs says a lot about how music listening has changed over the decades. It also reminds us that convenience is only one part of the experience.

The Age of Vinyl

Before digital music, before streaming, and before CDs, vinyl was the primary format that defined serious home listening. (Yes, we’re aware of reel-to-reel, but this format wasn’t nearly as popular nor did it have the same longevity). Records were not just a way to hear music. They were more personal and told a more complete story about a listener’s collection. The album jacket, liner notes, artwork, inner sleeves, and the act of placing the needle on the record all helped to create a singular experience.

Vinyl also shaped the way albums were made and experienced. The format encouraged listeners to hear music in sides, not endless playlists. You listened to Side A, flipped the record, and continued with Side B. That pause was part of the rhythm of the vinyl experience. It gave music a physical and tactile structure and asked the listener to be present and participate more.

For decades, vinyl was central to music culture. Record stores were gathering places and collections were personal archives. Owning an album meant more than having access to songs, it also meant having a physical connection to the artist and the moment in time when that music entered your life.

But vinyl had its limitations as well. Records could warp, scratch, collect dust, and wear down over time. Turntables required setup and continual maintenance. Records were large, fragile, and definitely not portable. As consumer technology moved toward convenience, vinyl began to look old-fashioned and dated.

The Compact Disc Takes Over

When the compact disc became widely adopted in the 1980s and 1990s, it felt like the future. CDs were smaller, more durable, and easier to use than records. They had some of the same appeal of vinyl with a modern twist entirely typical of the 1990s. They offered quick track access, longer playing time, and better quality with digital playback. For many listeners, the absence of surface noise was a major selling point. No crackle, no pops, or worn grooves that resulted in pure, clean digital playback.

The CD also fit perfectly into a changing lifestyle. It worked in home stereo systems, portable CD players, boom boxes, and cars. Music became easier to carry, easier to store, and easier to navigate. The jewel case was compact, the disc itself looked futuristic, and the format gave record labels a reason to reissue catalogs all over again.

For a time, CDs seemed to make vinyl obsolete. Many listeners replaced their record collections with CD versions of the same albums. Record stores shifted shelf space away from vinyl and toward CDs. Turntables disappeared from many homes and were replaced with cassette and cd players. The industry moved forward, and vinyl became a niche format associated with DJs, collectors, audiophiles, and dedicated music fans. It also became associated with an older generation out of touch with the current music trends.

But eventually, the same force that helped CDs replace vinyl would turn against CDs: convenience.

How Digital Music Made CDs Feel Obsolete

The arrival of digital downloads through peer to peer sharing in the early 2000s as well as the availability of MP3 players changed the relationship between listeners and music again. Suddenly, music no longer needed a shelf, a case, or a disc tray. Songs could be stored on a computer or portable player and carried by the thousands and tens of thousands. Instead of buying an entire album, listeners could buy or download individual tracks.

Following the download trials of Napster and Limewire, digital streaming changed everything even more dramatically. With streaming through wireless routers and bluetooth, the idea of owning music became less important for many people. Access replaced possession. Instead of choosing from a personal collection, listeners could search almost any artist, album, or song instantly. Playlists replaced shelves. Algorithms replaced browsing. Music became less tied to a physical object and more like a service. Listeners went from dozens of albums to millions (or even trillions!) of songs!

As streaming grew, CDs lost much of their everyday purpose. They were no longer the most convenient format. They were not as visually impressive as vinyl, and they lacked the same nostalgic romance. For many people, their CD collections were lost to time stored in boxes in storage, donated to thrift stores, or simply thrown away in the trash bin. There was very little sentimentality attached to CDs.

By the early streaming era, it seemed reasonable to assume that physical music was on its way out entirely and possibly, for good. But that assumption underestimated the emotional side of listening.

The Vinyl Comeback

Vinyl’s return did not happen because records became more convenient. In fact, the inconvenience is part of the appeal. Vinyl asks the listener to slow down and appreciate the music once again. You pull the record from the sleeve, place it on the platter, clean it, cue the tonearm, and listen. It’s a measure of lengths a younger generation would go to in support of their favorite artists.

In a world where music is often reduced to a tap on a screen, vinyl restores a sense of presence. The record is large enough to admire. The artwork becomes part of the experience again. The listener owns something physical and lasting that they can share with their friends and family.

The numbers show that vinyl’s comeback is more than a small trend. In the United States, vinyl albums outsold CDs in 2025, reach over $1 billion in revenue for the first time since 1983. 46.8 million vinyl albums sold in 2025 compared with 33.8 million CDs. Vinyl also accounted for nearly three-quarters of all physical music format revenue.

Vinyl’s revival is driven by several overlapping factors. Older listeners often return to vinyl because it reconnects them with the way they first experienced music. Younger listeners are drawn to the format because it feels authentic, collectible, and different from the invisible nature of streaming. For artists, vinyl also gives fans a premium object that can include special editions, colored pressings, expanded artwork, and exclusive packaging.

The Quiet Return of CDs

While vinyl has received most of the attention, CDs are also making a strong resurgence as well. Their comeback is quieter, but it makes sense. CDs are more affordable, compact, durable, and often easier to collect than vinyl. They also offer true ownership without the cost and maintenance associated with records.

For younger listeners, CDs can feel surprisingly fresh. Many Gen Z fans did not grow up with large CD collections, so the format carries a different kind of nostalgia. It is retro, but not ancient. It is physical, but still practical. It offers artwork, liner notes, and collectability in a smaller, less expensive package making it the perfect middle ground between vinyl and streaming.

CDs also appeal to listeners who want a dependable physical copy of music they love. A format that is expected to last many decades into the future with proper care and storage. Streaming catalogs can change and become less accessible thanks to paywalls. Albums can disappear, versions can be altered and remastered, and access can depend on subscriptions. A CD, like a record, gives the listener something permanent that will last their lifetime.

This is especially important in fan culture. Many artists now release special CDs with alternate covers, bonus tracks, signed inserts, or limited packaging. For fans, the CD becomes both a listening format and a piece of memorabilia. That helps explain why younger buyers have shown renewed interest in physical formats even while streaming remains their primary listening method.

Why Physical Music Still Matters

The return of vinyl and CDs is not really about rejecting technology. Most people who buy records or CDs still stream music. The comeback is more about finding the appropriate balance between instant gratification and a mentality of stopping to smell the roses. Streaming is excellent for discovery, convenience, and everyday access but physical formats are better at creating long-term attachment.

A record or CD asks something different from the listener. It gives music a place in the home and turns an album into a memory with weight, design, and function. It creates a stronger connection between the listener and the artist because the music is no longer just another line in an endless digital library.

Streaming encourages skipping, shuffling, and grazing. Vinyl and CDs encourage collections. They invite the listener to sit with a complete work, follow the sequence, and experience music as it was meant to be enjoyed by the artist. That does not make physical formats better for every situation, but it does make them different in a meaningful way.

There is also an emotional component. Collections tell stories. A shelf of records or CDs can reveal someone’s history, taste, personality, and memories much easier than a playlist. The album you bought after a concert, the CD you played in your first car, the record you inherited from a parent, or the release you saved up to buy all carry meaning beyond the music itself.

The Future of Music is not One Format

The biggest lesson from the history of vinyl and CDs is that formats do not always disappear just because something newer arrives. Vinyl moved from THE mainstream format to a collector’s item, then returned after a long hiatus as a premium listening experience. CDs moved from THE dominant format to an overlooked inconvenience, and now they are being rediscovered as an affordable, collectible, and practical option.

Streaming will almost certainly remain the primary way most people access music. It is too convenient and too deeply embedded in daily life to be replaced by physical media. But vinyl and CDs do not need to replace streaming in order to mean something. Their value comes from what streaming lacks in the long run.

The re-rise of vinyl and CDs in this modern world demonstrates how listeners yearn for more than access. They want connection with their listening (as they always have) with something tangible that represents the music they love. They want the experience of opening an album, reading the notes, studying the artwork, and choosing what to play with intention.

Technology may keep changing, but the desire to connect with music remains the same. Vinyl and CDs survived because they offer something timeless. Ultimately, these physical formats remind us that music is not just something we hear.

Music reaches people in a way ordinary language often cannot. It allows people to express joy, grief, love, anger, nostalgia, peace, and longing without the need for explanation. A single melody can bring back a memory, shift the mood of a room, or make a difficult moment feel a little more bearable, we all remember being teenagers, I’m sure. Long before music became entertainment, it formed the foundation of the human experience.

We recently shot a video with my father to discuss his music collection. One of the most insightful things to come from our discussion was a quote he shared from my mother about the importance of music. She stated, “music shifts a two-dimensional memory into three dimensions, giving it texture and feeling and emotion.” This really struck me and got me thinking about the importance of music in everyone’s life, and why music leads us to have such strong emotional and physiological reactions. It also solidified in my mind why people are willing to spend their hard-earned money in order to achieve better sound.

At its core, music is one of the oldest ways people connect. Every culture has some form of song, rhythm, chant, or communal sound. Before recordings, speakers, and car stereos, music lived in voices, hands, drums, strings, and shared spaces. It marked ceremonies, told stories, passed down history, and gave people something to gather around. It forms the basis of national pride and heritage, and helps individuals achieve a sense of shared identity. Ultimately, music has always been about more than background noise. It is part of how people understand themselves and each other.

Music also gives emotion structure. Feelings can be messy, overwhelming, and difficult to work through and express, but music gives them shape. A sad song can make sorrow feel less lonely. Knowing that someone is able to express your emotions through their music can be incredibly helpful to working through that emotion yourself. An energetic song can turn physical stress and anxiety into motion. A familiar album can become a place to return to when life feels uncertain or when you want to revisit your past and feel how you used to feel. In this way, music does not just reflect our emotions. It helps us to internalize and process the world around us.

That is one reason music is so personal. People do not simply like songs because of tempo, lyrics, or production quality. They also like songs because of where and how those songs found them. A track played during a first date, a late-night conversation, a wedding, a breakup, a long workday, or a quiet morning can become tied to that moment permanently. In the future, these songs become a time machine that can take us back to relive those moments. Music therefore lives in each of us as a memory system, serving as the scaffolding of the building that makes up who we were and what we were feeling at the time.

Music also fosters self-awareness and individual identity. The artists, genres, and records people love often say something about how they see the world. Punk, jazz, soul, hip-hop, classical, country, metal, folk, electronic, and countless other styles all carry their own histories, communities, and cultural makeup. Musical taste can be deeply individual, but it can also be a shared language between people who may otherwise have little in common.

Just as importantly, music teaches us to listen. Real listening requires attention and patience. Whether someone is hearing the texture of a voice, the placement of a bass line, the breath of a saxophone, or the silence between notes, music rewards attention. In a world full of distraction, that kind of listening has value. It slows us down and asks us to experience something more fully.

Even simpler, music improves our everyday life because it can enhance ordinary moments. It can make cleaning feel less like a chore or driving less stressful. Listening while working can help someone achieve more focus and relaxing after a long day, feel more complete. A song can turn an event into a memory, a commute into a therapy session, or a quiet evening into something meaningful. It does not have to be dramatic to have an impact. Sometimes music matters most when it simply makes daily life feel more alive.

Sound quality also has an impact. The way music is reproduced can affect how deeply we experience it. A good system does not just make music louder or cleaner. It can reveal the space around instruments and help the imagination run wild. The emotion evoked by a talented vocalist can help us reach an understanding of the message they’re trying to convey. The subtle details that get lost with poor playback can limit these interactions. Better sound can bring listeners closer to the performance, and ultimately the artist, and help them reconnect and experience the songs they thought they already knew by heart.

Ultimately, however, music is not just about equipment, formats, or technical perfection. A great song played through a small radio can still be powerful. A favorite album in the car can still feel life-changing. The goal of better audio is not to turn listening into a contest. It is to preserve more of what made the music meaningful to you in the first place.

Music matters because it reminds us that life is not made up of only tasks and obligations and responsibilities. It gives beauty to the routine, dimension to a memory, and expression to feelings that might otherwise stay buried and unresolved. It connects cultures, strangers, and loved ones. It can comfort, energize, challenge, inspire, and heal.

In the end, music matters because emotion matters. Our stories, memories, and individual moments matter. Music carries all of that in a form we can share and identify with instantly. It is one of the simplest and most powerful ways we have of saying: this is what it feels like to be me.

iFi Audio for Discerning Headphone Listeners

We are excited this month to highlight our years-long partnership with iFi Audio, a brand known for making high-performance personal audio products more accessible, flexible, and useful in real listening spaces. From desktop headphone systems to wireless hi-fi upgrades and ultraportable listening upgrades, iFi Audio has built a strong reputation for products that offer better sound that is easier to enjoy without requiring a complicated (or expensive) system overhaul.

This partnership gives Sound Approach customers access to some of iFi Audio’s most versatile new products, including customer favorites like the ZEN DAC 3, ZEN Blue 3, and GO bar Kensei. Each product serves a different kind of listener, but they all share the same goal: making high-quality audio more convenient, personal, and ultimately, enjoyable.

We were lucky enough to sit down with one of iFi Audio’s technicians and subject matter experts, Jamie Lauffer, from their Yorktown, VA facility this past month to get a breakdown on a few of our most popular sellers.

More Power and Control at the Desk: iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3

For listeners who already have a DAC or want to build a more capable desktop headphone system, the iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3 is a strong next step. It is a dedicated desktop headphone amplifier designed to give headphones more power, better control, and a more engaging listening experience than a basic computer or portable device output can provide.

The ZEN CAN 3 is especially useful for listeners using demanding headphones or anyone who wants their desktop setup to feel more like a true hi-fi system. It offers balanced and single-ended connections, making it flexible enough to work with a wide range of sources and headphones. Instead of trying to be an all-in-one solution, it focuses on one job: driving headphones with authority, clarity, and confidence to improve the overall sound quality by a significant margin. 

It also includes iFi’s analog sound enhancement features, including XBass and XSpace. These give listeners the option to add more low-end weight or a wider sense of space without relying on digital EQ or software processing. That makes the ZEN CAN 3 easy to tailor to different headphones, music styles and genres, and a listener's personal preferences.

What makes the ZEN CAN 3 even more appealing is how naturally it fits into a serious desktop listening setup. Pair it with a DAC, connect your favorite headphones, and it gives the system more headroom, more flexibility, and a wider and more open soundstage. For Sound Approach customers looking to upgrade their headphone performance at home or at work, the ZEN CAN 3 is a practical and powerful addition to the iFi lineup.

Wireless Convenience Without Giving Up the Hi-Fi System: iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3

The ZEN Blue 3 is designed for listeners who want modern wireless convenience without replacing the system they already own. It brings high-quality Bluetooth connectivity to traditional hi-fi systems, powered speakers, headphones, TVs, CD players, and desktop setups.

One of the most important upgrades is support for aptX Lossless via wireless streaming. iFi describes the ZEN Blue 3 as the world’s first Bluetooth DAC to send and receive CD-quality audio through aptX Lossless, along with a Hi-Res USB mode for desktop use. That makes it more than a basic Bluetooth adapter. It is a flexible bridge between modern wireless sources and traditional audio components.

The ZEN Blue 3 also offers three operating modes: receiver (RX) mode for receiving Bluetooth from a phone and sending it to a hi-fi system, transfer (TX) mode for transmitting audio from sources like a TV or CD player to wireless headphones, and DAC mode for high-resolution playback through USB and S/PDIF connections. That flexibility makes it useful in more than one room and more than one kind of system.

For Sound Approach customers, the ZEN Blue 3 is a practical upgrade for anyone who wants wireless streaming but does not want to abandon a favorite amplifier, receiver, or speaker system. It helps older and newer components work together without making the system feel patched together.

High-End Listening That Fits in Your Pocket: iFi Audio GO bar Kensei

The GO bar Kensei is for listeners who want serious headphone performance without being tied to a desktop. It is an ultra-portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for use with phones, tablets, and laptops, giving mobile listening a major performance upgrade over standard dongles and built-in outputs.

Inside, the GO bar Kensei uses a 16-core XMOS microcontroller, a 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset, customized digital filtering, and iFi’s GMT precision clock system to reduce jitter. It supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, Native DSD256, and full MQA decoding. Like other iFi Audio products, it includes XBass + XSpace, for multiple presets for audio enhancements focused on improving the bass and soundstage performance.

The Kensei also stands out because of its K2-HD processing, a technology associated with JVC-Kenwood that is designed to improve digital audio processing and restore more of the character of the original recording. For users who listen through high-quality wired headphones or IEMs, the GO bar Kensei brings a more refined, more intentional listening experience to travel, work, and everyday portable use.

This is not just a convenience product. It is a compact performance tool for listeners who want their portable setup to feel closer to a dedicated hi-fi system.

Three Products, Three Listening Styles

The strength of iFi Audio’s lineup is that it does not force every listener into the same solution. The ZEN DAC 3 is ideal for the desktop listener who wants better headphone and speaker performance from a computer-based setup. The ZEN Blue 3 is perfect for someone who wants to add high-quality wireless streaming to an existing hi-fi system. The GO bar Kensei is built for the listener who wants serious sound quality on the go.

Why This Partnership Matters

Together, these products show why Sound Approach is excited to partner with iFi Audio and offer their products. They make better sound more accessible without stripping away the fun of building a personal audio system. Whether the goal is a cleaner desktop rig, a smarter wireless connection, or a pocket-sized DAC that can travel anywhere, iFi Audio offers products that solve real listening problems.

Sound Approach has always focused on helping customers find the right equipment for the way they actually listen. That makes iFi Audio a natural partner. Their products are compact, thoughtful, and practical, but still built with the kind of audio-first design that matters to serious listeners.

This partnership gives Sound Approach customers more ways to improve their systems without overcomplicating them. A better DAC, a better Bluetooth connection, or a better portable headphone setup can completely change how often someone listens and how much they enjoy their setup.

The iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3, ZEN Blue 3, and GO bar Kensei each offer a different path toward better sound. More importantly, they make those upgrades feel easy, useful, and personal. That is exactly the kind of hi-fi experience Sound Approach wants to help more people discover.

Sound Approach tests the Perfect Portable Radio

Welcome back to Sound Approach. Today we’ll be sitting down with one of our favorite brands, Tivoli Audio. They’re well known for their analog and digital audio equipment that works perfectly for anyone looking for a simple and functional audio solution with excellent sound characteristics and impressive capabilities. Especially, when you consider the sizes of most of the Tivoli Audio products. Most of these are smaller units with a single or double-speaker setup that delivers incredible high-quality sound.  

We’ve done several videos on our channel in the past to focus on products like the Model One, Two, and Three radios. These products, along with the digital versions of each, have been exceptionally popular with our clients. But the Music System BT all-in-one unit is one of our best-sellers. The Music System stands apart as an all-inclusive CD player that is Bluetooth compatible and works well with any aesthetic.

However, Tivoli offers more than just analog alarm clocks, digital radios, and CD players. They have just released their newest version of their take on a portable radio, reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s genre that has become more mainstream following the success of shows like Stranger Things and The Americans.

The PAL BT Gen 3 is an update to the Gen2 of the same name. However, they have taken the input of Tivoli users worldwide to ensure that it suits their modern needs much better. As a portable radio, it’s perfect for any outdoor activity, be it at the beach, the park, the baseball diamond, or the pool.

Specifically, the PAL BT now features USB-C inputs for charging and fast-charge capabilities. This makes it much more accessible than the prior iteration that had a micro-USB connection. Additionally, the battery length has been increased by several hours to 14hrs of continuous use/playback. If you’re out in the sun for that long you’ll have more problems than just the battery life being drained!

Additionally, after a lot of feedback from their users, Tivoli decided to remove the AM band from the radio broadcast. This allowed for the more convenient USB-C connection as well as decreasing the weight of the unit, making it more comfortable for portability.

Thankfully, they decided to keep the vintage and tactile feel of this unit with the three knobs on the front for the FM Tuner, Input Selector, and Volume Switch. It still functions as an FM radio with the tuning knob, so will work in just about any situation you put it in. And the BT module has also been updated to support higher resolution signal processing with 56-bit DSP, limiting interference or static and maintaining compatibility with upgraded mobile devices as well as streaming apps, like Spotify or Tidal.

Once again, Tivoli shows how they understand the assignment by offering this product in several different unique and glossy finishes. My favorite is definitely the dark navy blue. I was in the Air Force so I’m very partial to anything in blue. But I can definitely see how people gravitate toward the matte gray and glossy red finishes as well. The Red definitely reminds me of the limited-edition Supreme model that Tivoli made with the first-generation PAL BT. I’m glad they decided to bring back that same shade! Yet, there is always something to be said for classic black and white. Though they don’t stand out much in my mind, they match every aesthetic and remain classic through the ages for a reason. These finishes are a statement of simplicity and practicality and will almost certainly never go out of style.

Beyond aesthetic is functionality. Each of us enjoys spending time outside but using your mobile device to stream and play music doesn’t result in the greatest audio quality. And for some reason, whenever I encounter someone streaming music publicly, it just feels rude…like I’m listening to their phone calls or something. Am I the only one that feels that way? But streaming to a speaker is different, almost expected in a way. And having the option of a portable radio makes sense in a lot of situations. Especially family get togethers, backyard BBQs, trips to the beach or the local pool, parties, and more! The PAL BT includes rubberized tabs for the inputs to ensure that dust, dirt, sand, and water can’t get in. These units are weatherized for outdoor use and also just as capable indoors. Imagine having the PAL BT in the kitchen and you spill your coffee or some water on the counter. It won’t phase this speaker (or you) in the slightest. You can just keep on keeping on like nothing even happened! That’s the kind of comfort you want and expect from a product that is meant to bring you joy and relaxation.

Finally, the output of this unit is surprisingly good for such a small speaker. Every time I turn on a Tivoli product and listen to my favorite music, I’m surprised all over again by how well they’ve managed to generate powerful sound from such a small driver. Seriously, when you listen to a 1 ½” speaker and it puts out detailed and clear vocals and layering of the instruments, it catches you off guard. To be fair, this isn’t going to shake the room with the bass, and outdoors, it works best within about 25 ft. But for a personal portable radio and streaming device, you just can’t beat the performance.

At just $219.00 retail, this is also one of the most affordable personal portable options available on the market today. I’ve only been disappointed by a couple of Tivoli products, and more for what capabilities they were missing rather than what they could do or how they sounded. Tivoli has absolutely mastered the ability of cramming a lot of small pieces together to collectively create something that sounds amazing, looks good, and performs exactly as you hope, if not expect.

Like most of my reviews for Tivoli Audio, I can’t say enough good things about the PAL BT Gen3. They made the necessary upgrades that the Gen2 was missing to provide a better product to their loyal customers and future clients alike. I could talk about these items until I’m blue in the face, but the only way to really know is to get one for yourself and then see if I’m lying. I’m not, but you don’t know that yet. Thanks for joining us and hopefully this video has helped you find your sound!

The following demo guide breaks down many of these same tracks by frequency range and performance trait, so you can evaluate your own system with the same intent. Think of it less like a playlist and more like a diagnostic toolkit where each track is probing a different aspect of your system’s capabilities. To listen directly, please use one of the following links to this specially curated playlist by Sound Approach on Tidal or Spotify. If you have a premimum subscription for Spotify or Max subscription with Tidal, remember to tweek the settings in your account so you're listening to the highest quality available, preferably, 24-bit/44.1kHz (FLAC) lossless, where available. Tidal has a higher quality at 24-bit/192kHz (HI-RES FLAC) for their Max option as well as Dolby Atmos for a more immersive performance. If you don't have lossless settings, that's totally fine and you can still benefit from the following article. 

Tidal Sound Approach Test Playlist

Spotify Sound Approach Test Playlist

Bass & Sub-Bass: Foundation and Control

Tracks:

• Silent Shout – The Knife
• Ratchets – HEDEGAARD
• Angel – Massive Attack
• Royals – Lorde
• Bad Guy – Billie Eilish

Low-frequency testing is about more than just “how much bass” your speakers present. It’s about detail, control, and texture. “Silent Shout” digs into the sub-bass territory that will immediately reveal whether your system can reproduce frequencies below 30 Hz without distortion. “Angel” builds slowly, layering bass lines that test composure under pressure which lesser systems may turn into a muddy blur.

“Royals” and “Bad Guy” are deceptively minimal, making them perfect for identifying bass tightness and transient response. They’re also popular enough that you may already be familiar with the bass line. With these tracks, you’re listening for clean starts and stops, not bloated resonance that leaves the detail wanting. If your room or speaker placement is off, these tracks will call it out immediately by sounding blurred and muddy.

Imaging & Soundstage: Placement and Space

Tracks:

• Queen Mary – Francine Thirteen
• Graffiti Jazz Number 2 – David Chesky
• Letter – Yosi Horikawa

This is where systems either disappear entirely or collapse into two boxes making noise at you. Imaging and soundstage influence the presence your speakers have (or don’t have) as well as making you experience a submersion into the music. If your system struggles in this regard, it may be because of poor soundstage or imaging.

“Letter” by Yosi Horikawa is practically a benchmark. The shifting sounds should move in three-dimensional space, not just left to right but forward and backward, in front of and (possibly) behind you. If your speakers are dialed in, you’ll perceive a three-dimensional space that extends beyond the boundaries of your speakers to fill in the room. With good Imaging you should be able to perceive instruments in different locations and vocals typically centered mid-way between your speakers and slightly above the site line of the tweeters.

David Chesky’s recordings are engineered specifically for binaural realism, exposing how well your system handles micro-detail and spatial cues. He’s well known in the audiophile community for exceptional production and understanding of spatial reconstruction in stereo. “Queen Mary” by Francine Thirteen adds complexity, testing how well your speakers separate layered elements without smearing their positions as well as demonstrating imaging clearly in isolated bursts with the sporadic bass punching discreetly from left to right and back again.

Midrange & Vocals: The Heart of the Music

Tracks:

• Runaway – AURORA
• Don't Know Why – Norah Jones
• Hey Now – London Grammar
• City of Angels – Em Beihold
• The Sound of Silence – Disturbed
• Still D.R.E. – Dr. Dre

The midrange is where most of the music lives and where most systems succeed or fail.

Norah Jones’ voice should sound intimate and natural, not recessed or overly forceful. AURORA and London Grammar introduce ethereal vocal layering that tests how well your speakers maintain clarity without harshness. Ideally, these tracks will sound airy and ethereal. “The Sound of Silence” pushes dynamics within the midrange, blending vocal weight with low-end presence.

“Still D.R.E.” adds a different angle with its piano loop and vocals which will allow you to test tonal balance and midrange articulation in a modern mix. If the voice sounds hollow or congested, your system needs attention.

Treble & Dynamics: Detail Without Fatigue

Tracks:

• Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
• Runaway - AURORA

High frequencies are where systems often cross the line from “detailed” to “fatiguing.” Specifically, overly bright speakers will make you want to turn the volume down or in the worst case scenario, off. This is something we want to avoid. 

Sinatra’s recordings often include unforgiving cymbals and brass instruments that should sound crisp and smooth, never piercing, with a noticeable sibilance at the tail end of each percussion strike or note that tells your ear which instrument is being played. “Runaway” highlights dynamic swings and unique musical presentation from this Scandinavian pop sensation, testing how well your speakers transition from quiet passages to explosive peaks without compression or distortion amidst the instrumental layers and vocals.

This category is about refinement and detail. If you find yourself turning the volume down, your setup isn’t behaving. This is often what reviewers are insinuating when they describe speakers as harsh or bright. 

Full-System Performance: The Big Picture

Tracks:

• Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz
• Hotel California – Eagles
• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

These are your “final exam” tracks. These are the tracks that you love, that you can listen to over and over again, and those that are just damn good in regards to production, performance, or even cultural impact. While this list includes some of the author's favorite songs for overall testing, it's by no means all encompassing. 

“Hotel California” (especially live versions) reveals how well your system handles layering, crowd ambience, and transient response. You should feel like you’re in the audience at the concert, even if it is in the last row of the stadium. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a stress test for coherence with multiple layers, dynamic shifts, and tonal changes all happening at once. “Feel Good Inc.” blends modern production with bass and spatial effects, making it a great indicator of whether your system feels cohesive across all frequency ranges.

How to Use This Testing Playlist Effectively

Treat each track as a targeted test, not background music:

• Start at a comfortable moderate volume, then increase gradually - surprisingly, more volume isn't always the answer because it's often easier for your ear to pick out more details at a lower volume.
• Focus on one attribute at a time (bass, imaging, vocals, etc.) – pick one of these attributes and listen through an entire song focused on that specific thing. You’ll be surprised what you pick up that wasn’t recognizable in a more casual listening session.
• Make small adjustments to speaker placement and relisten to the track – if you’re not happy with the performance, adjust your speakers slightly. If you have rear ported speakers, move them a few inches away from the wall. For tower speakers try toeing them in (angling slightly toward a central point). Rinse and repeat, when necessary. 
• Take notes - seriously, it helps more than you think and while some things will jump out at you, the more subtle a change, the less your mind will hang onto the details.

A well-tuned system doesn’t just sound “good” it reveals layers, space, and most importantly, will have an emotional impact that lesser setups simply can’t achieve.

Final Thoughts

The tracks above aren’t just popular, they’re proven tools used by manufacturers, dealers, and audiophiles alike. Borrowing from demo rooms at events like AXPONA, this playlist helps to give you a structured way to evaluate performance across the full frequency spectrum.

However, the ultimate judge of a system is your favorite music. Don’t rely solely on the opinions of others or the songs recommended above. Listen to your favorite songs a few times and focus on different aspects of the music during each play through. You just may discover something you’ve never heard before and testing what you know best will definitely help you identify those minute details.

Whether you’re dialing in a new pair of speakers or refining your dream setup, these songs will help determine exactly where you stand, and where you can improve. Enjoy!

If you’ve been watching the shift toward all-in-one audio systems, Cambridge Audio’s L/R Series is one of the newest and most ideal examples of what modern Hi-Fi can achieve with the right motivation. Instead of building a system piece by piece, these speakers combine built-in active amplification, connectivity, and in some cases, accessibility with streaming platforms in a single, refined package. The lineup includes three models from the L/R S (smallest) to the L/R X (largest). While they share a common design language, they’re built for very different types of listeners and a variety of spaces.

The entry point is the Cambridge Audio L/R S, and it’s a bit of a hybrid in the best way. On paper, it’s a compact active speaker system with 2x50 watts of Class D amplification, a 21mm aluminum tweeter, and a 3-inch woofer. In practice, it behaves more like a modern desktop or nearfield solution that manages to carry Cambridge’s Hi-Fi DNA. The Bluetooth with aptX HD adds wireless convenience, but there’s no Wi-Fi or native streaming platform here. That’s intentional. The L/R S is designed for users who want high-quality sound and some flexibility without committing to an app-driven ecosystem. The L/R S seem like an ideal desktop or computer speaker system, perfect for nearfield listening.

Moving on, you step up to the Cambridge Audio L/R M and the experience changes significantly with a lot more features. This is where the L/R Series fully embraces modern streaming and additional inputs. Power jumps to 2x150 watts, and the dimensions expand to dual 4-inch woofers paired with a 28mm Torus tweeter, with 2x4.75” passive radiators for additional bass output. The L/R M supports more advanced DSP and a 2.5-way design. More importantly, it allows access to Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic platform, opening the door to Wi-Fi streaming, multi-room audio, and direct access to services like Spotify, TIDAL, and Qobuz. Connectivity also becomes far more system-focused, HDMI eARC allows it to function as a serious TV audio solution, while the built-in moving magnet phono stage means you can plug in a turntable without extra gear. It’s the point in the lineup where these speakers stop feeling like accessories and start replacing traditional components.

At the top of the new releases, sits the Cambridge Audio L/R X, where Cambridge Audio makes a bold statement. With 2x400 watts of Class D amplification and a more substantial driver array with the dual 5-inch woofers augmented by dual 6” passive radiators alongside the 28mm Torus tweeter, the L/R X is built to fill larger rooms with authority, dimensionality, and character. It carries over everything that makes the L/R M compelling, including StreamMagic, HDMI eARC, multi-room support, and a phono stage, but elevates it with greater scale, headroom, and refinement. For many listeners, the L/R X can replace an entire rack of separates while still delivering a performance that feels unmistakably high-end.

What ties the series together is a clear progression in both power and capability. The L/R S focuses on simplicity and flexibility, offering an exceptional nearfield experience without the complexity of networked audio. The L/R M finds the balance, combining robust amplification, full streaming functionality, and system-level connectivity into a single, versatile solution. The L/R X pushes the concept to its limit, delivering the kind of output and scale which defines a serious listening space while still maintaining the clean, all-in-one approach.

Choosing between them comes down to how you plan to listen. If your setup revolves around a desk, a computer, or a few wired sources, the L/R S keeps things straightforward while maintaining a refined sound. If you want a central hub for streaming, TV audio, or vinyl, the L/R M hits a sweet spot that’s hard to argue with. And if your goal is to simplify a full Hi-Fi system without giving up power or presence, the L/R X makes a strong case for leaving traditional separates behind.

Figuring out which model of a manual, articulating TV Mount and Wall Box you need is based simply on the size and weight of your TV and the application you plan to achieve. This may include additional electronics or other requirements. Thankfully, Future Automation is well known for a high level of design and engineering, ensuring that you have a sturdy and strong piece of hardware that will last you many years to come and that an option is almost certainly available to fit your existing project! Beyond articulating mounts, Future Automation also has optional in-wall boxes compatible with each wall mount, allowing for flush mounting for specific models like the Samsung Frame TV.

Which PS Mount should I get?

To determine the best option(s) for your application, please use the comparison chart below based on the size of your TV to select the best Future Automation PS Mount Model and associated Wall Box, if required.  

Which Wall box should I get?

The first step will be to make sure they align vertically and horizontally with the TV so that none of the edge of the wall box will be visible. This can often happen with smaller TVs on the PS40 and WB26 Wall Box pairing. Therefore, we would recommend you measure the height of your TV to confirm it is taller than the 26” height of the WB26. If the TV is less than 26” tall, we would most likely recommend the UB22 and a smaller PS Mount.  

Selection also depends on how you are planning to use the Wall Box. The standard WB boxes (21-80) are designed to pair perfectly with their compatible mounts. The WB26 and above are also able to mount additional TV electronic accessories, like the Samsung Connect. Again, this means that your specific application may impact which mount is the right choice.

Next you need to decide if you’d like the Wall Box to mount between two 14” studs or if you’d like it to be mounted in a twin stud bay between two studs, approximately 30.5” in width. The UB (Universal Box) is not as tall as the WB and makes it a much more suitable choice for smaller TVs or for applications where a wider mount may be necessary.   

Like the WB, the UB has a complimentary size to go with each of the PS wall mounts and allows for flush mounting. Additionally, it is the optimal choice for anyone who wants to mount a power supply or connection points concealed behind the TV. Additionally, each size of the UB is compatible with the Samsung Connect Box.

Selecting the correct wall mount for your TV installation is an important step at the beginning of your project. At Sound Approach, we are here to help you every step of the way and ensure that you get exactly what you need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for confirmation of your setup prior to purchase or let us know if you have any questions.

Enjoy your new TV mount!

Ported vs Sealed Subs

Ported subwoofers generally provide more output down to the tuning frequency of the enclosure, while sealed subwoofers have a higher tuning frequency but due to the advancements in DSP technology, RBH sealed subs are factory tuned for a linear and deeper response.

Freestanding Subs

There is no question, freestanding subwoofers offer the traditional approach to subwoofer integration in a room.

  - Signature 12" subwoofers: these provide the best value RBH offers.  With a great long throw aluminum woofer, these subs punch above their weight class.  Available in single driver ported, dual driver ported, and single driver sealed.

  - Reference 12" subwoofers: stepping up to Reference increases fidelity and output.  Experience real power and fantastic low frequency response.  Available in single driver, dual driver, ported and sealed configurations.

  - UNRIVALED subwoofers: those needing significant performance, the UNRIVALED subwoofers provide upgraded cabinet design for less resonance and a more substantial build for less kinetic losses caused by driver excursion.  With UNRIVALED subwoofers, you can realistically expect infrasonic performance, especially with the larger 21" drivers.  Available in a 12" sealed, single driver 21" and dual driver 21" subs.

  - 50th Anniversary:  the Nemesis Mk II is a dual 12" sealed subwoofer that has been overbuilt for the absolute best in musical fidelity with some serious power behind it to excel in any application.  The 33 is a massive infrasonic subwoofer with serious clarity up to 80 Hz making it a top performer across the entire LFE bandwidth.

In-wall/in-ceiling/in-floor Subs

For new construction or incognito applications.

  -Signature 12" driver 3" deep subwoofers: providing excellent low frequency effect while being able to fit in between a standard stud bay.  Available in single driver and dual driver configurations.

  -Signature 12" driver 9" deep subwoofers: designed to be used in baffle walls or in-floor/in-ceiling applications.  With only a 6"x12" opening to be used with an HVAC grille for a completely incognito look.

  -Reference 12" driver 9" deep subwoofers:  designed to be used in a baffle wall and utilizing our long throw high fidelity aluminum drivers where maximum performance is desired.

On-wall Subs

For small footprint, out of the way applications.  Also excellent for wave-forming.

-Signature shallow 12" subwoofers: standing only 5" off the wall, these are fantastic to add bass to a room and not have to take up precious floor space or rip up the walls for an in-wall subwoofer.  Available in an active/passive, or dual active driver configurations.

SCHAUMBURG, IL (April 10^th-12^th, 2026) – AXPONA is a one of the preeminent and must-attend events featuring HIFI audio equipment for consumers, manufacturers, and retailers that occurs annually in the US. Sound Approach was once again in attendance, along with approximately 13,000 others, to experience and enjoy some amazing products from the over 230 exhibitors on display.

We’ll be running through some of the highlights of the show and discussing what we feel are truly standout exhibits of the Ear Gear Experience – from the Audeze LCD-5 to the ZMF Atrium – we’ll lay out our impressions for you in the below article.

The beginning of this show, like many others, starts with picking up your attendance badges in the front lobby. When we arrived on Friday morning, we were enveloped by a large and diverse group of people already in line to get their badges. Attendance skyrocketed by several thousand from 2025 and it really felt like nearly double the amount of people were there. Exhibitors were on several more floors as well, giving attendees a fully fledged weekend of HIFI enjoyment and listening.

After getting the lay of the land, we decided to start our weekend by visiting the Ear Gear Experience to listen to headphones, DACs, in-ear monitors, amplifiers, and more. We tested nearly everything on display from A to Z (Audeze to ZMF Headphones) and were blown away by some of the exhibits in terms of performance, price, and aesthetic appeal. Our favorites included Dan Clark, JVC, Austrian Audio, and more!

Without further ado, let’s jump into our impressions of the headphones on display at AXPONA 2026!

Audeze LCD-5

What do you look for when you’re listening to headphones? Soundstage? Image and detail? Bass response? All of those things? If it’s all of the above, you’ll definitely need to look into the Audeze LCD-5 Flagship Planar Headphones from Audeze. These headphones are simply exception in detail and offer extreme clarity in the lower ranges with their SLAM technology. Additionally, the headphones are very comfortable and just beautiful. Audeze pays attention to all the smallest details from design to engineering to demonstrate why they’re such a fantastic option when it comes to headphones. The only barrier for enjoyment is the price at $4500 retail. However, for fans of Audeze or someone who has an earlier model, you won’t be disappointed by this pair of headphones!

Dan Clark Audio Noire XO

This brand was newly introduced to us at the show and we were extremely impressed with the overall sound quality of each headphone in the lineup and how they’re broken down by series. It’s difficult to find a truly stepped and gradual increase in performance as you move up and down a line, but Dan Clark has done an excellent job with their Planar Magnetic and Electrostatic headphones, including a Closed and Open-back design for each model (save the Corina).

We listened to every headphone on display and noticed the same thing throughout, robust bass and tight vocals that resulted in three-dimensional presence and fully fleshed out transparency that improved in quality as you moved up from one series to the next. Our favorite in terms of value for overall performance against the price were the Noire X and XO, specifically the closed back model, which had exceptional bass and warm tone in the mid-range. The design is bit unique with the wired headbands but they seem durable and designed for overall comfort and longer listening sessions. Some of the headphones, like the Stealth, are more power hungry than others and require more to drive at optimum levels, but with the correct desktop amp you won’t have any issues enjoying these headphones. A special thanks to Grover as well for taking the time to run through each of the headphones with us!

Sivga SV021 & Sendy Audio Egret

The presentation of Sivga & Sendy Audio equipment is really appealing, with the leather cases and the unique and modern aesthetic choices. However, some of the products suffer from limited performance (for the price), which is frustrating. We really wanted to be blown away by these products, much like we were with the ZMF Headphones at the Florida International Audio Expo. Unfortunately, not all of their headphones demonstrated sound to match the visual appeal and price tag.

The Sivga SV021 Pro Dynamic Headphones sounded really decent at $149 retail. These are a standout piece in terms of aesthetics at that price point and it’s hard to say if we’ve ever seen anything that looks quite like this. The performance is better than what you would expect for lower priced headphones as well. We noted good separation of instruments, detail and clarity in the mid-range, and dimensionality in terms of the soundstage. As far as overall performance and value, these are a good dynamic-drive headphone.

Moving to Sendy Audio, a sister-company to Sivga, we were a little disappointed by the performance of some of these Planar-Magnetic headphones. When we asked to test a few pairs, we were told the Peacock model was the flagship unit. This is a little difficult to believe in terms of overall performance because the audio really suffered from non-existent bass and echoey vocals and harsher higher frequencies. The sound performance just seems disjointed or discombobulated and definitely not worth the $1499 price tag.

However, the lower-priced Egret at $799 retail sounded much more consistent across the frequency range, much more bass response, and warmer/richer tones. The Egret also had a unique design build that made it more appealing, in our estimate. With this said, it’s difficult to understand how they landed on the much higher price point for the Peacock. Between the two, the Egret looks and sounds better but is half the price…in summary, it’s just confusing.

The important thing to keep in mind for both Sivga and Sendy Audio, it’s necessary to do your research before you purchase to ensure the product is well-received with positive reviews. Sendy Audio has a different idea of luxury and the presentation of their products is just about second to none, but the quality of the sound, which is even more important, needs to be considered when they price their units for consumers. We hope they do this better with future models.

JVC IEM Wood Masterpiece

When most people think about JVC, they envision the gigantic camcorders from the Jurassic age (aka 1990s) or more likely, projectors, from this century of electronics. However, in the past few years, they’ve embarked on a new project to manufacture in-ear monitors with the spectacular sounding Wood Masterpiece! These are a must have for anyone who enjoys IEMs or is looking to upgrade to improve their sound quality, wireless connectivity, or overall aesthetic.

In-Ear monitors can be hit or miss depending on the brand and the features they have. JVC really did an excellent job with the Wood Masterpiece to ensure that the sound quality was above reproach and that features like the 6.0 Bluetooth, noise cancellation, and rosewood diaphragm features really set them apart from other IEMs on the market. The tones are warm and rich with excellent clarity and isolation, because the noise cancellation really does cancel noise. When we were listening, we couldn’t hear any external noise at all, even when they weren’t being played. The price of $349 seems like a very reasonable cost for such an incredible piece of equipment and we were very impressed with what JVC was able to produce.

Austrian Audio Arranger

One of our favorite performers from AXPONA 2026 was the Austrian Audio Arranger Premium Reference open-back headphones. Across the board, Austrian Audio is really able to capture excellent performance with their products but the Arranger stood separate and above the others. Coming in at $1099 retail, consumers would be hard-pressed to find anything else with the same level of sound quality at a similar price point. Additionally, the Arranger folds up for easy storage or to lay flat on a table or desk. This isn’t typically a feature you find on more expensive models, but does allow it to be more flexible and geared toward everyday listening rather than a unit isolated to your desktop or production space.

These headphones are perfect for any scenario of listening with a pro-audio look and feel. The overall performance is dynamic and three-dimensional, the bass response tight and detailed, and the vocals are silky smooth and airy. After about 20 minutes of testing, we realized that we just wanted to keep listening and went through 3 or 4 more of our favorite songs before hesitantly moving on to test more headphones. For the price, for the performance, for the look and feel, these were at the top of the list of everything we listened to!

HIFIMAN HE1000 WIFI

Newly released to the US Marketplace, HIFIMAN has introduced WIFI models of some of their signature headphones like the HE1000 and Arya. The WIFI models have a sleeker look and feel to them as well as a new color palette to go with the redesign and which incorporate the design aspects of the super popular HE1000 Unveiled. The wireless features also allow for the flexibility and versatility that high quality headphones currently demand.  

The Arya WIFI and HE1000 WIFI both have improved performance over their stealth counterparts with the open-back design that allows for a slightly wider soundstage and more detailed imaging. The WIFI models are also very comfortable with the wider adjustable (and perforated) head strap that disperses the weight of the headphones evenly. The battery life on these models is anywhere from about 6-8 hours, which isn’t great, but just okay. They also include a USB C cable for wired connection for charging and when necessary.

Rather than the previous generation of the Hymalaya R2R DAC, these new WIFI models are using the built-in Hymalaya Pro R2R Mini DAC for improved sound performance. This chip allows for WIFI streaming rather than just BT streaming, which allows consumers significantly more processing power of over 3 mbps compared to less than 1mbps with standard BT connectivity. This system is also a step up from prior models that featured the standard R2R DAC chipset.

Completely aside from the new releases of headphones, we also took a look at the EF600 Amplifier & DAC. One of the things that jumped out at me is that the amplifier doubles as a headphone stand. Check out the pictures attached to this article to see the EF600 in action. It’s a fantastic looking piece that sounds great and works really well in any desktop setup as it can serve as your desktop amplifier, DAC, and headphone stand. It’s a phenomenal piece of equipment and we highly recommend it to those of you looking at HIFIMAN (despite not really being necessary with the WIFI headphones, we obviously understand that).

ZMF Headphones Atrium & Aegis Amplifier

Sitting down to listen to the Atrium Headphones connected to the Aegis Amplifier was more of a chore than I expected it would be. Not because it sounded bad, it didn’t. And not because it wasn’t enjoyable, it most certainly was. It was a chore because there was literally a line of customers standing two or three people deep at times that made it difficult to get a spot at the table for testing. When walking around the Ear Gear Experience we kept having to make loops around the ballroom hoping for an open seat when we came back around. Finally, on the last day of the show (when the attendees had cleared out quite a bit) we were able to get a seat for testing these headphones. A sign of a successful product is one that the consumers don’t want to stop listening to.

The wait for a seat was worth it because the Atrium headphones really are that good and didn’t disappoint us. The design of ZMF headphones as a brand sets them well above and beyond most of the other headphones in similar price ranges and ZMF has managed to captured stunning sound quality with a wide-open soundstage, detailed imaging and extraordinary detail in depth with their flagship Atrium. On top of that, the vocals and mid-range tones are extremely natural and dynamic. The Aegis Amplifier adds additional dimensionality and warmth to the performance as well, leading to a smooth, inviting, and rich listening experience.

Wearing ZMF headphones is an enjoyable experience for more than your sense of hearing as well because ZMF understands comfort. All of their headphones feel like a baby’s breath when the lambskin pads settle over your ears. They’re gentle and unassuming and they feel expensive and luxurious. Because of the high-quality of the build and materials, the whole experience is quite invigorating and restores your faith in the audio industry. There are high-quality and high-fidelity products out there and once you experience ZMF headphones, you’ll understand what we mean.   

Axpona 2026 – Headphones In summary

Audio shows are one of the best opportunities consumers have each year to test out new, innovative, or difficult to find products. It allows them the chance to compare a $200 pair of headphones to a $5000 pair or planar-magnetic to an electrostatic. It allows them the opportunity to listen to a solid state or tube amplifier that may not be on display at their local brick and mortal audio shop. Or, it’s a chance for them to sit down with their favorite brands to discuss what’s changed and the insights they may have on the products that may help inform the next generation of design.

Each show offers a unique opportunity to listen to some of the best products out there and gauge firsthand what sounds best. We highly recommend shows like AXPONA because they understand and appreciate how important a role testing equipment plays to the consumer. Don’t miss it next April and we hope the above article helps you be better informed about what’s out there. Thank you!