Products (Coming soon) product reviews available
Sennheiser HD650
The completeness that has been cherished as a reference headphone for over 20 years is truly authentic. Its acoustic design is scientifically rational and boasts top-class technology level even by today's standards. Reliability and support systems are also perfect. The only factor that makes the cost-performance evaluation harsh is the existence of the 'Drop HD 6XX' with nearly identical performance at a lower price. However, its absolute performance and reliability continue to be one of the best choices for many audio enthusiasts.
Company: Sennheiser
7Hz-Crinacle Zero:2
Ultra-budget 25USD IEM from 7Hz and Crinacle collaboration. Enhanced the neutral tuning of original Zero with 3dB bass reinforcement for more mainstream appeal. Provides THD<1%, 32Ω, 108dB/V specifications at 25USD, achieving excellent price efficiency in this price segment. Technical performance at industry average level but sufficiently practical considering the price. Some durability concerns but optimal choice for pure price efficiency prioritization.
Company: 7HZ
7Hz Timeless
The 7Hz Timeless was a revolutionary 14.2mm planar magnetic IEM that sparked the 'planar war' when released in 2021. Originally priced at USD220, it brought kilogram-class audio quality to the masses and significantly contributed to the popularization of planar IEMs. While technically competent with characteristic planar low distortion and fast transient response, the 2024 release of Timeless II has rendered the original largely obsolete. With numerous excellent planar IEMs now available under USD90 and the superior Timeless II at USD229, the original Timeless faces strong headwinds in the current competitive landscape.
Company: 7HZ
Aful-Performer8
A luxury hybrid IEM featuring 7BA+1DD driver configuration at USD 369.99. Advanced acoustic technologies including 4-way crossover and RLC network achieve 5Hz-35kHz frequency response. Measurement performance is excellent, particularly the smooth treble extension rivals top-tier products in its price range. However, cost-performance suffers due to the emergence of ultra-budget IEMs like the CCA CRA at USD 15-20.
Company: Aful
audio-technica ATH-CC500BT
Cartilage conduction wireless headphones from audio-technica. Unique cartilage conduction technology achieves more natural sound quality than bone conduction while enabling environmental sound detection. While inferior to traditional headphones in audio quality, achieves high completion as cartilage conduction technology. Pricing is higher compared to bone conduction products but reasonable considering technical uniqueness. Excellent comfort for extended wear, suitable for business applications.
Company: Audio-Technica
Bose-QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Features CustomTune technology and Immersive Audio functionality with industry-leading ANC performance (34dB attenuation below 400Hz, 39dB above 1kHz). Incorporates Snapdragon Sound certification, aptX Adaptive support, and multipoint connectivity. Achieves lightweight 7.1g design with 6-hour battery life. However, excessive frequency emphasis at 30Hz (+14dB) and 2.5kHz deviates from faithful reproduction with artificially tuned sound characteristics.
Company: Bose
Bose-QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose's latest flagship noise-canceling headphones featuring industry-leading ANC performance and Immersive Audio spatial technology. CustomTune technology provides personalized optimization with excellent wearing comfort. At 270 USD, comprehensive performance exceeds competitors, though 24-hour battery life trails behind competitor products. Folding design ensures good portability.
Company: Bose
IK Multimedia ARC Studio
IK Multimedia's ARC Studio is a room acoustic correction system that delivers practical effects in music production environments. Through VRM technology's 3D acoustic analysis and 21-point measurement, it provides scientifically valid correction. At USD 300, it offers a complete package of hardware, software, and measurement microphone with standalone operation capability. However, it has limitations as a pure acoustic correction technology, and the price-to-performance ratio is challenging.
Company: IK Multimedia
JBL-TOUR PRO 3
JBL's first flagship earbuds with dual-driver configuration. Features 10mm dynamic + BA driver setup with significantly improved sound quality from predecessor. Smart charging case provides unique functionality, but pricing near 300 USD faces competition from similarly performing products at lower costs. Reliability concerns exist with reported early failure cases, questioning long-term durability.
Company: JBL
Moondrop Blessing 2
A revolutionary product that shook the IEM market in 2020. With its 1DD+4BA configuration at USD 320, it provided performance comparable to USD 1000 IEMs of its era, causing industry-wide price disruption. Measurement performance is excellent, particularly the natural midrange reproduction. However, after 4 years, numerous competitors like Truthear Nova (USD 169.99) offer equal or superior performance at approximately half the price, severely degrading its cost-performance ratio.
Company: Moondrop
SENNHEISER-MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
Cutting-edge true wireless earbuds featuring Qualcomm S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with aptX Lossless and 24bit/96kHz support. The 7mm TrueResponse drivers achieve low distortion (0.08%@94dB) and wide frequency response (5Hz-21kHz). Positioned competitively within the premium true wireless market against Sony, Apple, and Bose flagship products with comparable pricing and superior technical specifications.
Company: Sennheiser
Shokz OpenRun Pro
Flagship bone conduction headphones from Shokz featuring top-tier positioning in their lineup. Enhanced audio quality through TurboPitch technology with 10-hour long playback and fast charging support. Design balances safety and practicality for sports applications. While facing physical limitations in audio quality, achieves high completion as bone conduction headphones. Pricing is higher compared to competing products, but reasonable considering brand value and technical capabilities.
Company: Shokz
Sony TA-F501
A full digital amplifier from Sony's System501 series released in 2007. Features 32-bit S-Master Pro technology, which was advanced for its time. However, from today's technical standards, its 6Ω-only design specification, limited input terminals, and overwhelming price disadvantage compared to currently available products with equivalent performance are notable drawbacks. While having historical value, it falls short of modern alternatives in terms of practicality and cost-performance.
Company: Sony
Sony-WF-1000XM5
Features Integrated Processor V2 and QN2e HD processor with 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X delivering improved sound quality and industry-leading ANC performance. Achieves 25% size reduction and 20% weight reduction while providing 30dB+ noise attenuation in low frequencies. The 23,900 yen price point represents the lowest cost among premium true wireless competitors, offering exceptional cost-performance in the market.
Company: Sony
Sony-WH-1000XM5
Sony's flagship noise-canceling headphones featuring 30mm carbon fiber composite drivers and 8-microphone array for industry-leading noise cancellation. LDAC support and 30-hour battery life deliver premium performance. Price dropped to ~240 USD following WH-1000XM6 release in 2025, offering improved value. However, non-folding design philosophy raises portability concerns despite sound quality improvements.
Company: Sony
Topping ArpegEar Hane
Topping's first IEM under their new ArpegEar brand, featuring a 10mm dynamic driver at USD 129 with 16 tuning options via 4 DIP switches. Measurements show low THD <0.05% at 90dB SPL, but rising to 5% at 110dB. Features aggressive V-shaped sound signature. Compared to competitors like Truthear Hexa (USD 89.99) and Dunu Titan S (under USD 100), the price-performance advantage is limited.
Company: Topping
AudioVero-Acourate
The pinnacle of professional room correction and measurement software. Features advanced phase correction with its proprietary ICPA technology, in addition to FIR filter generation. An industry-standard tool supported by renowned engineers like Bob Katz. Offers functionality comparable to its direct competitor, Audiolense XO, at a reasonable price point.
Company: AudioVero e.K.
Bose SoundLink Max
Bose's large portable speaker. Features 3 transducers and 2 passive radiators, Bluetooth 5.4, IP67 waterproofing, 20-hour playback at 399 USD. Audio quality shows Bose's characteristic balance, but MDAQS distortion score of 1.5 indicates low measurement results. Significant price gap compared to competing products offering equivalent functionality at much lower costs creates serious cost-performance challenges.
Company: Bose
DENON DHT-S218
The DENON DHT-S218 is a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar with built-in dual subwoofers. It stands out with its support for advanced standards like Dolby TrueHD and Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, offering a future-proof design. Priced at 27,979 yen, while more affordable competitors exist, its feature set makes it a rational choice for users prioritizing high-fidelity playback.
Company: Denon
Etymotic Research ER2SE/ER2XR
The Etymotic Research ER2SE/ER2XR are single dynamic driver IEMs priced at USD 100. Their greatest feature is the scientifically-proven, industry-leading 35-42dB passive noise isolation. While there are cheaper options for sound quality alone, no other product offers this level of isolation at this price point. This makes them an exceptional value for those who need to block out external noise. Their technical competence and reliability are also highly rated.
Company: Etymotic Research
Etymotic Research-ER4SR
A reference earphone continuing the single BA tradition from the 1991 ER4, pursuing measurement accuracy. Its exceptional >35dB isolation, comparable to custom IEMs, and a precise soundstage from drivers matched within ±1dB, offer unique value. While cheaper alternatives exist for sound quality alone, as a unique choice combining both isolation and measurement accuracy, it delivers high cost-performance for professional use and in specific environments.
Company: Etymotic Research
JBL CHARGE 5
JBL's workhorse portable speaker, covering all the bases for outdoor use with 40W total output, IP67 dust/water protection, 20-hour playback, and a power bank feature. While its acoustic performance is solid, the 179 USD price may feel steep for users who don't need the power bank, as strong, more affordable competitors challenge its value proposition.
Company: JBL
JBL FLIP 7
The JBL FLIP 7 is a solid evolution from its predecessor, featuring increased output, IP68 waterproofing, and support for the next-generation Bluetooth standard, Auracast. However, these improvements come at a higher price, making its cost-performance less compelling than the previous model and warranting careful consideration.
Company: JBL
Sennheiser IE 600
Sennheiser's premium single dynamic driver IEM. Features 7mm TrueResponse driver and AMLOY-ZR01 metal 3D-printed housing, achieving THD<0.06% low distortion performance. However, the 699 USD price point lacks rationality when compared to competing products offering equivalent performance at significantly lower costs.
Company: Sennheiser
SIMGOT EA500
Single-driver IEM featuring 10mm DLC dynamic driver at 79USD price point. Features dual-magnetic circuit design and interchangeable nozzle tuning system. While measurement performance and technical competence are decent, overwhelming cost-performance advantage is lacking compared to 20USD Moondrop Chu or same-priced Truthear Hexa.
Company: SIMGOT
Sony-ULT FIELD 1
Sony's new compact portable speaker. It offers solid fundamentals like the ULT bass boost function, IP67 waterproofing, and a 12-hour battery. However, its cost-performance is rated extremely low due to the existence of the Anker Soundcore 3, which offers similar basic performance at less than half the price. It also lacks a clear advantage over competitors like the JBL Flip 6 in terms of sound quality and features, making it difficult to justify its price.
Company: Sony
Truthear Hexa
The Truthear Hexa is a Chinese IEM offering a 1DD+3BA hybrid configuration at USD 79.99. While its measured performance is solid, it faces serious price competitiveness issues, as competitors like the CCA C10 offer a 1DD+4BA configuration for around USD 25. Although praised for excellent isolation and a flat frequency response, its cost-performance ratio significantly lags behind alternatives.
Company: Truthear
YAMAHA SR-B30A
The YAMAHA SR-B30A is an entry-class soundbar offering Dolby Atmos support for 24,389 yen. Priced approximately 4,600 yen below its competitor, the DENON DHT-S218 (around 29,000 yen), it boasts the highest cost-performance for a product with this feature. Its spatial representation via angled upward-firing speakers is also excellent, proving particularly effective for movie viewing. However, its mid-high frequency resolution for music reproduction shows limitations inherent to its price point.
Company: Yamaha