Audeze Euclid
The Audeze Euclid bring technology from Audeze's over-ear headphones to the in-ear format, delivering richly detailed, differentiated sound.
The Audeze Euclid bring technology from Audeze's over-ear headphones to the in-ear format, delivering richly detailed, differentiated sound.
Etymotic has been building in-ear headphones since 1984 and has plenty of experience in the field of acoustics and hearing aids. And for more than 20 years, the Illinois, USA-based manufacturer has been active in the field of in-ear monitoring (IEM) and during that time, they have consistently pushed the use of balanced-armature drivers. In fact, the classic ER-4 is considered a pioneer in this field. Now, for the new Evo model, Etymotic has fundamentally revised the design in many respects. The result is the first Etymotic IEM with multiple drivers.
For entry into the realms of audiophile headphones, you used to have to dig deep into your pockets, at least for electro- and magnetostatic designs. But now, HiFiMan, the Asian manufacturer known for its high-end headphones, is venturing into the lower price range with the HE400se.
Chinese manufacturer FiiO uses dynamic drivers with a Diamond-Like Carbon diaphragm and a beryllium coating for a clear, balanced sound image in the FD5. Tuning options such as swapping ear tips and tubes are also said to allow for customisation, offering a choice of a more bass-driven and fun listening experience.
The dominance of Apple's AirPods has one unquestionable benefit: it forces other manufacturers to be inventive and try out innovative concepts to compete with the omnipresent AirPods. The T5 II from Klipsch, tested here, are just such a case and are aimed specifically at water (and dust) loving hi-fi enthusiasts. Fully dust- and splash-proof, these True Wireless in-ears aim to be there for all those activities where Apple's fancy white earphones would be out of place.
Audeze has long been known for high-quality headphones that offer the finest sound and workmanship. The closed-back version of the LCD-2 Classic is squarely in line with this, and as an extension of the LCD-2 aims to inspire us with a contemporary tool for music enjoyment with all the warm sound and great dynamics of classic Audeze models.
With the Aiva, Sendy Audio present a pair of open, circumaural headphones at the upper end of the price range. This manufacturer has worked on fine-tuning these headphones over a period of three years, targeting and optimising even the smallest part. We were therefore looking forward to seeing how these planar-magnetic headphones performed in our test.
With the Austrian Audio Hi-X65, the successor to AKG in Vienna present their first open headphones. These are aimed not only at demanding professional users from the recording studio sector but also at fans of audiophile listening pleasure.
With the IE 300 model, Sennheiser launches a wired in-ear headphone in the around 300 euros price range, aimed at buyers who are looking for a compact solution for mobile use with superior sound quality. The product is technically positioned between the Pro models IE 100 and IE 400 Pro, but is listed in the audiophile consumer section of the manufacturer's website. In addition to the high-quality, lightweight construction, they claim that the premium drivers provide a sonic bonus.
After Bang & Olufsen announced a partnership with Microsoft in mid-2020 and specifically mentioned the US software giant's Xbox gaming console, it was only a matter of time before we got the chance to wear a pair of gaming headphones from the Danish hi-fi specialist on our ears. Now the time has finally come: Beoplay Portal are here, and we shall see if they have what it takes to take the throne in the hotly contested gaming headset market. But will the result be Game Changer or Game Danger?