Here at MajorHiFi, we’re headphone fanatics. So we put together a list of the best headphone stores in the United States. This way you’ll be able to find the best headphone stores near you. Our headphone store list is based on a special set of criteria and is listed alphabetically by state. Please note those headphone stores has a physical location to try headphones.  This is a list that we’re constantly updating so check back often. And feel free to send us feedback in the comments section. If you have experience or additional knowledge about the stores listed we’d love to hear from you.

HEADPHONE STORES BY STATE

CALIFORNIA

The Source AV Design Group

At The Source Audio Video, strive to provide the best in all our product assortments and services. From Headphones to 2 Channel Audio, Home Theaters and Automation.
They provide high-quality audio and video equipment in all price ranges.
Address: 3035 Kashiwa St Ste 101 Torrance, CA 90505
Telephone: (310) 534-9900

Audio High

Description: Music, home theater, and audiophile equipment store.
Address: 605 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 650.964.4000

Audio Visions

Description: HiFi and home theater store.
Address: 1603 Pine at Van Ness San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 614-1118

World Of Stereo

Description: DJ, audio, and recording equipment.
Address: 1080 Market St San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 626-1195

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ILLINOIS

Decibel Audio

Description: HiFi audio and stereo installation shop.
Address: 1429 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 862-6700

Chicago Music Exchange

Description: Pro-audio gear and musical instrument shops.
Address: 3316 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (224) 225-4931

Saturday Audio Exchange

Description: Electronics and Home Theater store.
Address: 1021 W Belmont Ave Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 935-8733

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Maryland

Gramophone

is a privately held, family-owned company with more than 60 employees, been around since 1976.  Have a large selection of Audiophile headphones, they provide high-quality home audio and video equipment, as well as expert design and custom installation.

3 locations

Timonium:  4 West Aylesbury Road  Timonium, MD 21093
Tel 410-989-4613

Columbia:  8880 Mcgaw Road  Columbia, MD 21045
Tel 410-697-1474

D.C. Metro:  8513 Grovemont Circle Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Tel 301-296-6202

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MONTANA

HeadRoom Audio
Description: HiFi Headphone store
Address: 205 S Main St Livingston, MT 59047
Phone: (406) 587-9466

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MASSACHUSETTS

Q Audio

Description: HiFi stereo, turntables, headphones
Address: 5 Brookline St. Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 547-2727

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NEW YORK

Audio46 – Headphone Superstore

Highest rated headphone store in New York City with over 80 brands of best headphones in stock, with the largest selection of headphones to demo Manhattan.
Address: 29 W 46th St Between 5 And 6 Ave New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 354-6424

In Living Stereo

Description: High-end stereo equipment and vinyl shop
Address: 2 Great Jones St New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 979-1273

Turntable Lab

Description: DJ Store specializing in turntables, vinyl, and HiFi audio equipment.
Manhattan
Address: 120 E 7th St #1 New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 677-0675
Brooklyn
Address: 20 Jay Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 858-9620

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OREGON

Echo Audio

Description: Audio equipment, amplifiers, turntables, and headphones.
Address: 1015 SW Washington St Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 223-2292

Stereotypes Audio

Description: HiFi audio equipment
Address: 1401 SE Morrison St #115 Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 280-0910

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PENNSYLVANIA

Audiolab Stereo & Video Center

Audiolab is a premier dealer and installer of Hi-Fi home audio solutions in Greater Philadelphia and the tri-state region. Have been in business since 1958. They do carry a wide selection of headphones.

Address: 492 Lincoln Hwy Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Phone: (215) 295-8795

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HiDEF Lifestyle

Large selection of headphones to demo in-store, plus Audio/Video Sales and Installation. Custom Theater Design Services. Whole House Audio. Home Networking Services.
Home Theater Furniture. Address
Address: 6195 Allentown Blvd. Harrisburg, PA 17112
Phone: (717) 914-1751

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TEXAS

NICE CANS

Description: HiFi headphones and audio equipment.
Address: 1706 W 10th St Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 417-5903

Audio Geeks

Description: HiFi headphones and audio equipment.
Address: 4714 Shavano Oak, Building 2
San Antonio, Texas 78249
Tel: (800) 464-1540

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WASHINGTON

Tune: Hi-Fi For Humans

Description: Home theater, music, stereo equipment.
Address: 2121 1st Ave #101 Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: (206) 283-8863

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The post Best Headphone Stores in the USA appeared first on Major HiFi.

Final Audio D8000 HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. cHECK OUT THE REVIEW ABOUT FINAL AUDIO D8000 PRO.

Final Audio has really proven themselves to be one of the top manufacturers of audiophile quality headphones and earphones. The Sonorous series closed back headphones all have incredible sound quality and span a wide range of price ranges for different budgets. They also make some of the best sounding earphones… from the E2000 to the Piano Forte X-G.

Their latest creation is quite an interesting and sophisticated looking headphone. It’s called the Final Audio D8000 Planar Magnetic Open Back Headphone. I’ve been anxious to give this headphone an extended listen and review ever since I got a first glimpse (and quick listen) of it at the 2017 AES Convention. Well I finally have one for review. It’s time to take a look and see if the D8000 headphone lives up to the high-end reputation of the previous Final Audio headphone lines.

In The Box – Accessories

• D8000 Planar Magnetic Headphone
• Sturdy metal headphone stand
• 1.5 meter cable with 3.5mm plug (1/8″)
• 3 meter cable with 6.3mm plug (1/4″)

Features and Technology

The Final Audio D8000 is their first planar magnetic audiophile headphone but in typical “Final Audio fashion” they took it a step further. The D8000 was developed with an AFDS style planar magnetic driver. As Final Audio describes it, AFDS is an “Air Filter Dampening System” that actually significantly improves the amplitude and clarity of bass frequencies that can often be weak or overpowering in many planar headphones.

The D8000 is also built and designed like an audiophile headphone with serious listeners in mind. Not only is it a one of a kind open-back planar magnetic headphone but Final Audio uses a machined aluminum magnesium alloy housing making it durable yet sturdy. The D8000 is engineered with incredibly soft earpads designed to be comfortable and “breathable”. This allows the headphone to be worn for long listening sessions but the open-back design also let a little of the bass dissipate giving it full, yet not overwhelming low-end.

One other very intuitive feature about the Final Audio D8000 headphone is that it’s literally designed to last a very long time. Perhaps a lifetime even. Nearly every part on the D8000 is designed so it can be disassembled for repairs, replacement parts and maybe even improved upgrades in the future. And the truth is… you may never need to repair or replace anything on this headphone. It’s really a brilliant feature in a headphone that I personally think many other headphone companies should implement.

How’s Does the D8000 Sound?

Final Audio is serious about audio. The Sonorous series headphones are some of my favorites because of the solid build, comfort and of course the pleasant sound signatures. But the D8000 Planar Magnetic headphone is a totally new thing for Final Audio so although my expectations are high I didn’t know if they could really compete with some of the “top dogs” in the open-back planar magnetic headphone market. But I gave it a thorough test with my favorite iFi Pro iCAN amplifier and here’s what I found.

Sound Signature – Lows, Mids, Highs and Soundstage

Starting with the bass, the D8000 delivered on the promise of an impressive, well-rounded bass response. It seems that Final Audio may be on to something with their AFDS technology.

The mid-frequencies on the D8000 were exceptional. It sometimes tough to describe mids in a headphone unless they’re tweaked up in an unpleasant way or dulled to death. The Final Audio D8000 has a sort of warm yet still crisp mid-range. It’s a similar sound quality that you’d find in the Sennheiser HD 800 S.

The top-end on the D8000 has a similar quality as the mids. It has that beautiful presence that you want in an audiophile headphone without the overcompensation in the high frequencies that you find in a lot of popular audiophile planar magnetic headphones. It’s clean, crisp and brings out qualities in your music that you just don’t get in other headphones.

The soundstage was quite interesting when listening to the D8000. I spent quite a long time with this headphone sampling music I know well. The result was a beautiful amount of soundstage that left me quite satisfied and impressed. I’ve definitely heard a few high-end headphones that have a wider soundstage but I must say the D8000 opened up tracks incredibly well.

Final Assessment

The Final Audio D8000 Planar Magnetic Open-Back Audiophile headphone is quite possibly the best new headphone of the year. It’s a brand new feel and sound that left me wanting to listen to music for hours. If you’re an audiophile like me looking for that headphone that isn’t designed to totally level the mix and sacrifice bass for the sake of a “reference style sound signature” I suggest you seriously consider the Final Audio D8000 Planar Magnetic headphone. It’s comfortable, sounds brilliant and features a unique balance of bass at the same time, and can really push some amazing sound with the right amp. It’s a bit pricey at just under $3800 but it’s definitely one of my favorite headphones of the year so far.

Get the best price on the Final Audio D8000 Planar Magnetic Headphone from New York’s premium Final Audio dealer Audio46 Headphone Store

Specifications

Housing: Aluminum magnesium alloy
Driver: AFDS Planar Magnetic
Sensitivity: 98dB/mW
Impedance 60 Ohms
Weight: 523 grams (1.15 lbs)
Cord Lengths: 1.5m (4.9 feet) / 3m (9.8 feet)

The post Final Audio D8000 Planar Magnetic Headphone Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

In The Box

• HD1 Free Wireless Headset
• USB charging cable
• Eartips (XS, S, M, L)
• Leather carrying case
• Safety guide and Quick user guide

Features

The HD1 Free is the next generation of HD1 in-ear headphone and has some new and interesting features. Here’s just a few of the most noteworthy features.

• 6-hour battery life (1.5hr charging time)
• supports SBC, AAC, aptX & aptX LL (low latency) codecs
• Bluetooth 4.2
• connect to 2 devices simultaneously and 8 device memory
• wireless range up-to 10 meters
• frequency range of 15Hz to 22,000Hz
• supports Hands Free Profile (HFP) / Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) / Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
• magnetic clasps in the housings keep the earphones secured around the neck

Download the manual: Sennheiser HD1 Free User Manual

Build / Durability / Fit

The HD1 Free follows in the tradition of the previous HD1 in-ear headphones. The housings are identical but the electronics are compacted into a much smaller space than the first HD1 wireless. The connecting wire with inline controls and battery are really light and I hardly notice it’s there.

As for durability, the HD1 Free is made of basically the same materials as the HD1 Wired in-ear headphone. From housings to cable it feels nice and sturdy.

The fit is exactly as you would expect. If you’ve ever had a pair of HD1 in-ear headphones you can expect the same ergonomic fit and excellent isolation.

There was one problem though. The magnets. The HD1 Free has magnets embedded in the back of the earphone that’s supposed to make them stick together around your neck when you’re not listening. But the magnets are pretty weak. Probably not a deal breaker but it’s definitely a small design flaw.

Connectivity and Range Test

The HD1 Free boasts a range of 10 meters (about 30 feet) but as always I like to test these things for myself. It was one of the best Bluetooth headphone results I’ve got so far. The range of the HD1 Free was easily 30 + feet.

How Does It Sound?

The HD1 in-ear headphone line has a specific reputation to maintain. Most importantly the sound signature. These earphones are well known for their exceptional clarity and great bass response. In fact, the HD1 wired in-ear headphones are some of the best for the price. But the HD1 Free is a different story. Bluetooth audio is usually not as good as wired and can often cause the listening experience to suffer for the convenience of going wireless. So how does the HD1 Free hold up? Here’s what I found.

Bass

The Bass in the HD1 Free is exquisite. It’s strong, full and totally robust. It’s the sound HD1 listeners have come to expect and with the added freedom of Bluetooth.

Mids

The mids were excellent. Crisp, clear, even tingly at times in some sort of oddly pleasant way.

Highs

The high end in the HD1 Free was great. It felt congruous with the full frequency range. I didn’t sense any crossover points or special dampening techniques. Instead it was smooth sailing high-frequencies that didn’t pierce my ears with harshness.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD1 Free wireless earphone is a step in the right direction. It’s light, fits well and literally gives you freedom. Priced at just under $200 I find the HD 1 Free is one of the best sounding Bluetooth earphones on the market. It’s incredibly easy to use and fun to listen to.

Get the Sennheiser HD1 Free for the best price at the following retailers:

Audio46 Headphone Store: Sennheiser HD1 Free Wireless In-Ear Headphone

You can also find the Sennheiser HD1 Free on Amazon

Specifications

Bluetooth Version: 4.2
Supported Profiles: A2DP 1.2 / AVRCP 1.4 / HSP 1.2 / HFP 1.6 – HD Voice
Frequency response: 15Hz – 22000Hz
Max. sound pressure level: 118dB (Passive: 1kHz/ 1Vrms) > Active
THD, total harmonic distortion: <0.5%
Ear coupling: In Ear
Transducer principle: Dynamic (SYS10)
Weight: < 40g
Audio input: Bluetooth
Range: up to 10 meters
Min. terminating impedance: 28 Ohm (Passive) / 480 Ohm (Active)
Operating voltage: (mains) 3.0-4.2V
Sensitivity as per 121 TR 9-5: – 44 dB V/Pa
Sending Loudness Rating (SLR): Wideband: 10dB +/- 5dB / Narrowband: 8dB +/- 5dB
Battery Specification: Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer (~85mAh) with more than 500 charges
Codecs: apt-X ® / apt-X ® LL /AAC/SBC
Personal fit: XS, S, M, L (4 sets)
Speaker type: MEMS
Voltage: 3.7V Nominal
Connection: 2 device simultaneously (HFP/A2DP) / 8 device in pairing list
Charging Current: 3.0-4.2V

The post Sennheiser HD1 Free Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

Setting Up Chord Poly

Charge First, Play Later

It sounds like a bit of a bummer but Chord recommends that you charge the Poly first. Chord recommends a charging port capable of at least 2 amps. In 4-hours time you’ll get an average of 9-hours of battery life for the Poly. The Poly has 2 small LED lights that indicate the charging and connectivity status of the Mojo and Poly. They’re labeled M Status and P Status respectively. You can see the color-key for the Poly Status in the user manual.

Connect Poly to Mojo

The next step before you can do anything is connect your Poly to the Mojo. It should slide very easily and snap solidly into place. Never use extreme force when installing Poly. Once that’s done, press the power button on Mojo and both devices will power-on.

Poly WiFi Configuration

WiFi configuration will enable you to stream wireless audio to Poly via your local WiFi network. WiFi setup will also allow you to access the music on your micro SD for playback from Poly.

• Make sure Mojo and Poly are connected and turned on
• Plug in a headphone to Mojo
• Use the “included” pin tool to press the “Config” button for 5-seconds (this will put Poly in Access Point mode and the P Status LED will flash ‘green and blue’)
• Poly’s mode status will play audibly through the Mojo headphone output
• Open the WiFi settings on your mobile device and connect to Poly
• Once connected you will have access to Poly’s internal settings via web browser (note: Poly is only compatible with 2.4Ghz networks)
• Select WiFi Settings and enter a device name for Poly, then the network SSID and Password for your WiFi
• Save your settings and reboot (takes approx 10-seconds)
• Now you can access Poly via WiFi to stream music to Poly via Apple AirPlay or Roon. Or playback music from the micro SD (via DLNA app)

Connecting to Poly via Bluetooth

Connecting to Chord Poly via Bluetooth is simple. This will enable you to stream audio from your mobile device, tablet or smartphone directly to Poly.

• Make sure Mojo and Poly are connected and turned on
• Find Poly in your devices Bluetooth settings and select it
• Enter your “provided” PIN number when prompted and you’re connected
• If you do not see Poly in your Bluetooth settings skip to the WiFi Configuration instructions and make sure the Poly’s internal settings are correct

Hotspot Feature

Chord intends to implement a Hotspot Feature into the Poly but for now it is currently not yet available.

Connecting to your mobile Hotspot however should work by using the WiFi Configuration instructions. You may need to contact your service provider though in order to make sure your phone is capable.

Playing Music From A micro SD Card

Once you’ve performed the WiFi Configuration for Poly you can connect to Poly via a DLNA application on your smartphone or mobile device. The DLNA app uses Poly as a remote server so you can play music directly from the micro SD card. For this task I used the “8 Player” application. There’s 2 versions: 8 Player and 8 Player lite (free version).

• Insert your micro SD with Hi-Res files into Poly and wait for the flashing green light
• Download the 8 Player app on your device and open it
• Select Chord Poly as your output at the bottom of the screen
• Then go the the Servers icon and select Chord Poly
• From there you can access all your music and folders on the micro SD
• Select any song to play

Streaming Music With Roon

The first step in order to use Roon with Chord Poly is to follow our Poly WiFi Configuration steps and select the “Roon” check box in “Play Mode Settings“. Once you’ve changed your settings, save and reboot Poly.

The final step is to simply go to the Roon website and download the app and follow the installation instructions. For further information on connecting Roon with Poly download the Chord Poly User Manual.

Buy Chord Poly Wireless Receiver for Mojo at Audio46 Headphone Store 

The post How To Setup Chord Poly – A Tutorial appeared first on Major HiFi.

In The Box

• Poly Wireless Streaming Module
• micro to USB charging cable
• Configuration pin tool
• Registration card
• User Manual

Features

The Chord Poly is a very unique device. It’s main function is to work seamlessly with the Mojo to receive Bluetooth audio and deliver it to the Mojo’s DAC and amplifier. You can also transmit higher quality audio over a local WiFi network via Apple AirPlay or Roon applications.

But the Poly also has another interesting function. It also acts as a Hi-Res portable music player. By inserting a micro SD card with music files you can control Poly over a shared WiFi connection using a DLNA app on your smartphone. This essentially turns the Poly into a wireless server that can play your music files by remote control.

Configuring Chord Poly

Chord has a smartphone app in the works called GoFigure that will hopefully allow you to configure Poly quickly and easily. Unfortunately that app is still not available yet so the configuration process takes a few more steps. I put together a tutorial based on the Chord Poly manual that will lead you step-by-step through this process to make it a little easier.

You can see our tutorial here: How To Setup Chord Poly – A Tutorial

Download the user manual here: Chord Poly User Manual – English

Build / Construction

If you’re familiar with the Chord Mojo you know the solid build of this unit. In fact Chord is well known for this level of craftsmanship and solid construction. The Chord Poly is certainly no exception. It’s a solidly built device that offers the same weighty confidence as it’s companion.

Connectivity

Using the Chord Poly and Mojo via the Bluetooth function I streamed music from my smartphone and got about 20 feet before I got any dropouts. Not bad considering all this wireless receiver is doing. Within close proximity (under 20 feet) I got excellent wireless connectivity 100% of the time.

When using Poly as a standalone player from the built in micro SD slot I had no issues whatsoever because the music is being delivered direct from the source.

How Does It Sound?

There’s a few different ways to use Poly with the Chord Mojo. But the fact remains that this combination of wireless receiver and DAC/amplifier pack a powerful punch. Streaming audio from Spotify and Tidal I got in incredibly clean and pristine sound output. It sounded almost like it was connected direct via wire. The sound quality Chord Mojo owners have come to expect is effortlessly complimented by the Poly Wireless Receiver.

After my Bluetooth streaming test I wanted to get into using the micro SD. The idea of using the Poly as a player is intriguing to me. First I installed the “8 Player” app on my phone and followed the WiFi Configuration Setup instructions. Once that was done I had no problem accessing Poly just like a remote server. The result was powerful. Just when I thought the sound couldn’t get any better… it got way better. The Poly transformed my music into clean, Hi-Res audio and delivered it to my headphones courtesy of the Mojo.

I attempted to get started with the Roon app to stream audio via WiFi but they wanted my credit card number for a “free trial”. So I decided to skip it altogether. I’m sure it’s a dandy app with interesting features but I can be perfectly happy with the functions I’ve unlocked with Poly so far.

Final Analysis

So now that Poly is finally here and I’ve had a chance to run it through the paces I’m quite impressed with what Chord has created here. Although it adds a little bulk to the Mojo, the Poly Wireless Streaming Module serves well to open up the possibilities for current and future Mojo owners.

In conclusion, the Chord Poly is a solid hit that’s a perfect match for the Mojo DAC/amp. It’s a worthwhile investment for any Chord Mojo owner looking to expand the horizons of fine audio listening into the wireless realm and beyond.

Get the best price on the Chord Poly Wireless Streaming Module for Mojo at Audio46 Headphone Store.

The post Chord Poly Wireless Streaming Module for Mojo Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

In The Box

• F9 triple driver earphones
• MMCX to 3.5mm cable with inline controls
• MMCX to 2.5mm cable without controls
• Hard travel case
• 6-sets of silicone eartips (3 for balanced sound / 3 for better bass)
• Warranty card (1-year)

Features

The two main features of the Fiio F9 in-ear monitor are the removable MMCX cable and the hybrid triple drivers. The MMCX wire connections allow you to switch out the (included) cables to your preference or even get yourself a totally different quality of sound with your favorite brand of cable. The Linum G2 Series MMCX cables are one option. There’s a world of high-end aftermarket replacement MMCX cables that can suit the needs of any audiophile. It’s just a matter of finding one that works best for you. As it is, you’ve already got 2 nice audio cables ready to go right out of the box.

As for the 3-way hybrid drivers, this is not a new approach but it has become a popular driver setup for more effective sound. The Fiio F9 uses 1 x 9.2mm dynamic driver (best for bass frequencies) and 2 balanced armatures (excellent for mids and highs). The idea is you to the best driver combination for the full spectrum of music.

Build / Design and Fit

The design of the Fiio F9 is of course a classic IEM with a modern twist. The over-ear wire keeps the earphone in place and the ergonomic shaped (aluminum) housing features a futuristic ripple design inspired by nature. It’s an interesting look for sure but also an efficient one.

The balanced (2.5mm) cable uses a twisted pair design and the unbalanced (3.5mm) cable is a standard single wrap around the entire wire. Both feel fairly solid and built to last. I did have quite a bit of trouble though with the MMCX connection itself. When snapping them on for the first time it felt very stiff. This can be normal. But when I tried to take the earphones back off to switch the cable I had a very difficult time removing them.

The fit of the F9 earphone is nice as expected considering the curved shape of the housing and over-ear wire. It’s a pretty standard IEM setup that doesn’t seem too big and didn’t cause any discomfort during extended uses.

How Does It Sound?

I’ve sampled several triple hybrid driver earphones over the past year and each one had a slightly different take on how to implement the triple driver technology. The biggest benefit of the hybrid technology (mixing a dynamic driver & balanced armatures) is that you get a much better bass response than only using balanced drivers. (note – Fiio also offers 2 types of eartips in the box. Three sets are designed to deliver a more balanced sound signature and the other three sets are for better bass response.)

Here’s some of my observations on the F9 in-ear monitor sound signature:

Bass

I found the bass to be quite powerful and capable of the entire range of bass all the way down to the 15Hz cut off. In the mix of tracks this dynamic driver provided a fullness and even warm aspect to my tracks.

Mids

The mids revealed the true nature of balanced armatures. The F9 has a sweet spot in the mid-range and it brings out the vocals and main elements of the mix like guitars and attack on percussion instruments. I found that this earphone excelled especially with electronic, pop and hip-hop because of the clarity of the mid-range. I detected a small amount of sibilance with a few tracks but for the most part found the mids to be clear yet smooth.

Highs

The high frequencies reflected a similar result as the mids. The second balanced armature pressed out the highs cleanly and accurately. Although I think it’s probably rolled off a bit toward the top, the frequency range definitely reflects a Hi-Res sound quality with a top-end of 40kHz.

Using A DAC / Amp and Balanced Connection

Considering the Fiio F9 comes with a balanced 2.5mm cable I decided to give it a little amplification with a proper device. The Fiio Q1 MkII is a powerful, portable DAC / Amp combo that features 3.5mm (unbalanced) and 2.5mm (balanced) outputs. It seems like a perfect match for the F9 in-ear monitor.

Using the balanced output on the Q1 MkII I played streaming music from my iPhone and got incredible results. The sound signature of the F9 came alive with even more force and depth. In addition, the DAC and balanced output combined to clean up the signal quite a bit. Overall it was a very successful test.

Final Overview

In conclusion, the Fiio F9 Triple Driver Hybrid In-Ear Monitor is a great headphone for the price. The combination of 2 types of MMCX cables, heavy duty case and triple driver hybrid technology are pretty hard to beat for just under $100. You won’t get nearly as much in terms of hi-res sound quality or build quality from any other IEM in that price range. It might not be everybody’s bag but I kinda dig this cool new earphone. You should definitely check it out.

Get the best price on the Fiio F9 Triple Driver Hybrid In-Ear Monitor at the following retailers:

Audio46 Headphone Store: Fiio F9 SE Triple Driver Hybrid In-Ear Monitor (Red)

Audio46 Headphone Store: Fiio F9 Triple Driver In-Ear Monitor (Black)

Amazon: FiiO F9 Best Over the Earphones/Headphones Detachable Cable Design Triple Driver Hybrid In-Ear Monitors (Red)
Amazon: FiiO F9 Best Over the Earphones/Headphones Detachable Cable Design Triple Driver Hybrid In-Ear Monitors with Android Compatible Mic and Remote (Black)

Specifications

Type: Over-Ear
Frequency Response: 15Hz – 40,000Hz
Driver Type: 1 Dynamic / 2 Balanced Armatures
Impedance: 20 Ohms
Sensitivity: 106dB/mW
Maximum Input Power: 100mW
Plug Type: 3.5mm / 2.5mm
Cord Length: 120cm
Single Earbud Weight: 3.67g

The post Fiio F9 Triple Driver Hybrid IEM Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

Special Features

With the nano iDSD BL, iFi kept the same clean digital audio converters and powerful amp as the micro iDSD but the nano has a few special tricks up its sleeve. Here’s a list of the most noteworthy features.

• S-Balanced Performance / IEM Match: iFi has increased the power (up to 285mW) over the original nano iDSD giving it the ability to power high-impedance headphones. The IEM Match function is built-in giving you the best “hiss free” response from your most sensitive IEM’s. And the S-Balanced circuit gives the same “balanced” benefit to unbalanced headphones.
• MQA, PCM, DXD, DSD: The nano iDSD BL now offers support for Tidal’s MQA streaming format as well as the standard PCM, DXD and DSD file formats for a premium Hi-Res sound quality every time you use it.
• 10-hour Battery Life: The built-in Lithium Polymer battery inside the nano iDSD BL delivers up to 10-hours of pristine audio playback.
• Measure / Listen Filter: The ifi nano iDSD BL offers a special filter giving the listener two choices in listening. The first is “Measure” or (Linear Phase Transient Aligned Filter). And the second is “Listen” or (Minimum Phase Bezier Filter)

Premium Components

iFi is known for using some of the best components in the DAC’s and amps and the nano iDSD BL is certainly no exception. Here’s a list of the electronics under the hood.

• Thin Film Resistors lowering noise & distortion over standard film and carbon types
• Tantalum Polymer Capacitors for power supply
• TDK C0G Capacitors for the analog filter
• Panasonic ECPU Film Capacitor for critical DAC reference voltage
• Analog volume control potentiometer for the best sound quality
• Dual-Mono headphone amplifier with 3.5mm TRRS balanced wiring all the way to the amplifier. Although the amplifier is single-ended, this circuitry offers the benefits of balanced wiring
• Built-in iEMatch with MELF resistors for matching even the most sensitive headphones and IEM’s
• Burr Brown DAC Chip

Where Can You Buy It?

The iFi iDSD Black Label DAC and Amplifier is set to hit stores at the end of November. This nicely priced audio machine (just under $200) is sure to be wildly popular with music lovers on a budget. Ambitious audiophiles can pre-order the iFi nano iDSD Black Label at Audio46 Headphone Store.

Specifications

General
Input(rear): USB2.0 type A “OTG” Socket (with iPurifier® technology built-in)
Output(rear)； 1 x Audio fixed line out L+R 3.5mm
Digital Filter: 2 positions, 2 filters
Outputs(front): 2 x Headphone Audio 3.5mm one direct and one with iFi iEMatch® integrated

DAC
DAC: DSD, DXD, PCM DAC by Burr Brown Bit-Perfect DSD processing, Bit-Perfect DXD processing
Clock: Low-jitter crystal clock
Audio Formats: DSD 256/128/64/12.4/11.2/6.2/5.6/3.1/2.8
DXD 384/352.8kHz
PCM 384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz
MQA 88.2/96/176.4/192kHz filters
Filter–PCM: Listen(transient optimised minimum phase)
Measure(frequency response optmised)
–DSD: Listen(extended bandwidth transient optimised)
Measure (narrow bandwidth, low output band noise optimised)
–DXD: Fixed Bit-Perfect Processing
–MQA: Fixed MQA Filter

Headphone Amplifier
Amplifier: Dual Mono 2 x 285mW Direct Drive, coupling capacitor free circuit for highest fidelity
Volume Control: 3.5mm TRRS with Balanced compatible wiring
Dynamic Range(including DAC): > 109dB(A) @ 3v (Direct)
> 107dB(A) @ 0.5V (iEMatch®)
THD &N (@ 125mW/30R): < 0.005%
Max. Output (<10% THD): > 3.5V @ 600Ω Load (Direct) (20mW/600Ω)
> 2.9V @ 30Ω Load (Direct) (285mW/30Ω)
> 1.7V @ 15Ω Load (Direct) (200mW/15Ω)
Output Impedance : < = 1Ω (Direct)
< = 4Ω (iEMatchsup>®)
Channel Separation: > 79dB @ 600Ω Load (Direct)
> 79dB @ 15Ω Load (Direct) (1kHz, TRRS plug Balanced wiring)

Line Output
Dynamic Range(Line): > 109dB(A)
THD & N(0dBFS Line): < 0.004%
Output Voltage(Line): : 2.15V (+/-0.05V)
Output Impedance: < 240Ω Channel Separation: > 99dB (@ 1kHz)
Jitter(correlated): Below test set limit
Dimensions: 96(l) x 64(w) x 25.5(h)mm
Weight: 139g (0.31 Ibs)
Warranty period: 12months

The post New Release: iFi nano iDSD BL Portable DAC Amp appeared first on Major HiFi.

Specs Comparison

Comfort / Fit Comparison

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is an incredibly light and comfortable headphone. The unique shape of the earcups make them very streamline and amazingly ergonomic. The headband conforms well on the head and it honestly feels like you’re barely wearing a headphone at all.

Focal Utopia

The Focal Utopia is slightly heavier and features a more traditional headphone approach. Between the lush earpads and the slick padded headband, the Utopia headphone feels more like a comfy armchair or sofa. This design is quite a contrast to the HD 800 S as it exudes a more luxurious feel.

Sound Comparison

For this sound comparison I used an iFi Pro iCan amplifier in solid-state mode with a Fiio X7 Mark II and a Audioquest Evergreen 3.5mm to RCA cable. I played a wide selection of music in flac file format. Each headphone got equal time with each track to get a true impression of how they responded to different frequencies and styles of music.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is especially known for 2 things… excellent bass response and wide soundstage. This is quite an accurate description. Let’s take a look at a breakdown of the sound signature.

Bass

The bass in the HD 800 S is fierce an punchy. In many cases I didn’t even need to use any bass boost at all except when listening to a few very flat tracks. This headphone especially excelled with rock and electronic based genres capturing the true essence of the mix without getting muddy.

Mids

Although dialed back a bit in the mids compared to the HD 800, the HD 800 S has impressive clarity. The amazing part of this headphone is that you can push it hard into higher SPL’s without getting piercing frequencies in the mids and upper frequencies. Instead it retains the clarity at a level more tolerable for extended listening sessions.

Highs

The frequency range of the HD 800 S reaches well beyond the ability of the human ear topping off at a whopping 51kHz. This may seem pointless but headphone makers do this for a reason. When listening to tracks I know very well I found a huge presence that you just don’t get in most headphones. It’s the reason people spend big money on high-end headphones.

Soundstage

The way the 800 S sits far off the ears creates an expansive soundstage that has me feeling like the music is everywhere. It’s one of the widest soundstage experiences I’ve found in a headphone so far.

Focal Utopia

The Focal Utopia is one of the most expensive and sought after headphones on the market. It’s famous for wide soundstage combined with punchy low-end. Here’s my observations on the Utopia sound signature.

Bass

The bass in the Focal Utopia was quite a bit more colored than that of the HD 800 S. It was meatier and punchier right out of the gate. Turning up any kind of bass boost got impressive results on a few tracks but overpowered the mix on some other tracks. This headphone is fun when listening to rock mixes from flat to a little bass heavy.

mids

The mids on the Focal Utopia were similar to the HD 800 S in some ways. Although the clarity was there it felt a little dialed back in the mid-range too. No doubt in order to soften the harshness of the brightest mixes that can exhaust the listener during extended listening sessions.

highs

The highs on the Utiopia headphone were comparable to the HD 800 S but softer and possibly rolled off just a little. Overall the high-frequencies were excellent.

Soundstage

The soundstage on the Utopia is one of the drawing features and it doesn’t disappoint. If you’re moving from a high-end closed-back headphone to your first open-back you’ll find the Focal Utopia to be a major upgrade. I enjoyed it quite a bit and had no major complaints. The stereo spectrum is expanded out into the room. But it did feel like it wasn’t as wide as the HD 800 S.

Final Analysis

In conclusion I prefer the sound of the Sennheiser HD 800 S over the Focal Utopia because of the excellent frequency response from lows to highs, the comfortable fit and the wide soundstage. Considering the price it’s quite a deal at half the price of the Utopia as well. The Focal Utopia has incredible sound and comfort but the HD 800 S is simply more fun for long listening sessions and has the clarity and tight bass response that I’m looking for. Many audiophiles will disagree but just as many will also agree the Sennheiser HD 800 S is a winning headphone for the price.

Get the best price on the Sennheiser HD 800 S at the following retailers.

Audio46 Headphone Store: Sennheiser HD 800 S Dynamic Open-Back Headphones

Amazon: Sennheiser HD 800 S Reference Headphone System

Get the best price on the Focal Utopia at the following retailers:

Audio46 Headphone Store: Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones

Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones (2020 edition)

Amazon: Focal – Utopia Headphones

The post Sennheiser HD 800 S vs. Focal Utopia – Headphone Comparison appeared first on Major HiFi.

In The Box

Inside the box with the HD 660 S you’ll find the following:

• HD 660 S Headphone
• Removable cable with 1/4″ (6.35mm) plug
• Removable cable with 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn (5-pin) plug
• 1/8″ (3.5mm) to 1/4″ (6.35mm) adapter cable

What’s New?

For starters, Sennheiser brought an a darker color scheme to the HD 660 S with matte black and anthracite. They also cut the impedance of the previous headphone in the series by half… down to 150 Ohms. In addition, Sennheiser uses very light aluminum voice coils and match the left and right drivers within +/- 1dB tolerance for each headphone.
The frequency range is expanded to 10Hz – 41kHz which is wider than the HD 650.  One other notable feature promised by the HD 660 S is “crisp bass”.

How’s The Build and Fit?

The build of the Sennheiser HD 660 S is almost identical to the 650. The earpads and headband appear to be the same and the overall size and build. The big difference in the build of the HD 660 S is the matte black and anthracite color scheme. It’s tough to tell if this is the same kind of plastic as the HD 650 but to the eye it looks more durable. The shiny gloss of the HD 600 and HD 650 seemed to look more brittle.

The fit of the HD 660 S is also very similar. Although the design is meant to be close and form fitting I find the 600 series headphones to be a bit tight out of the box. This does loosen up a bit over time but I was hoping the 660 S would solve the problem as this headphone is designed for extended listening sessions. As for the earpads and headband, I can’t complain a bit. They’ve got the necessary cushion yet remain firm and don’t feel flimsy.

How Does It Sound?

I messed around with the HD 660 S for a bit skipping from one genre to the next. From pop to electronic, rock to jazz. I also started out using an amp and Hi-Resolution player. All across the board I got similar results. A relatively flat (and somewhat stiff out of the box) sound response. If you’re familiar with the standard “Sennheiser headphone sound signature” you know what I mean. It’s a sound signature I’ve come to know and eventually love.

Bass

The bass response on the HD 660 S was in fact “crisp” as promised. The aluminum coils manage to reveal a bit more of the attack as well and the punchy, meaty part of a bass guitar. Sub-oscillators and synth bass lines were earth shaking and powerful.

Mids

The mids on Sennheiser headphones are a complex thing to describe. Straight out of the box they’re a bit stiff and muted. But as time goes on and you get a proper burn-in time I find the Sennheiser sound signature is one of my favorites… especially in the mid-range. This is also true of the HD 660 S. It’s a little muted at first but in time it really develops a pleasingly crisp mid-range response that compliments nearly all music genres.

Highs

The higher frequency range of the HD 660 S doesn’t initially reveal itself. Just like the mids, it takes a little burn-in time to liven up the very top-end of the spectrum. But you will notice it if you push some SPL’s on the right tracks. Digital recordings and certain pop tracks will reveal the true capability of the HD 660 S and in time it opens up and delivers the high end easier than before.

SPL and Distortion

The specs of the HD 660 S brag a SPL top-end of 104dB and a less than 0.04% distortion using 1kHz at 100dB. These controlled sound tests are certainly reasonable bench test but I like to just get down to the real deal and run the “Butch Vig SPL test” with some Nirvana. The HD 660 S performed quite well. Even at intense levels, this headphone remained tight and unflappable. It was only at the very top end that I could hear a little bit of distortion.

Soundstage

The Sennheiser HD 660 S is an open-back headphone meaning it’s only designed for use at home or in the studio because the sound leaks out. The benefit of this feature, of course, is soundstage… a wide stereo spectrum of sound that you won’t find in a closed-back headphone. Like its’ predecessors, the HD 660 S displays an ample amount of soundstage.

Straight From A Smartphone?

Sennheiser would have you believe that you can just go and run the HD 660 S straight from a smartphone. While it’s twice as easy to power this headphone it’s a bit of a stretch to use a smartphone directly. I tried it and the sound did play out but I found myself pushing the volume all the way up and needed more. So do yourself a favor and always use an amplifier with the HD 660 S.

Final Analysis

In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD 660 S is the best so far in the 600 line. The sleek matte black look, low impedance, improved drivers and optional balanced cable all add up to more than you’ll get with the previous headphone models. It’s easier to drive and features a crisp bass response well suited for audiophile listening or even studio reference. Priced at just under $500, the HD 660 S is a budget-friendly headphone for musicians and music fanatics alike.

The Sennheiser HD 660 S is now in stock at Audio46.

Get the best price on the Sennheiser HD 660 S at Audio46 Headphone Store.

This headphone is also available on Amazon. Before purchasing, be sure to verify you are ordering from an authorized Sennheiser dealer.

Specifications

Impedance: 150 Ω
Connector: Stereo jack plug, gold-plated 6.35 mm, unbalanced, 3-pin 4.4 mm, balanced, 5-pin
Frequency response: 10 – 41,000 Hz (-10 dB)
Sound pressure level (SPL): 104 dB at 1V 1kHz
Ear coupling: Over-ear (circumaural)
THD + N, total harmonic distortion and noise: < 0,04% (1 kHz, 100 dB)
Transducer principle (headphones): Dynamic, open
Weight w/o cable: Approx. 260 g (without cable)

The post Back In Black – Sennheiser HD 660 S Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

In The Box

The Klipsch Heritage HP-3 comes in 3 different wood types… Walnut, Ebony and Oak. Each comes in a fancy wooden case with a glass window. Inside the case you’ll get the following.

• Klipsch Heritage HP-3 Headphone
• 1.37m cable
• 2.5m cable
• 1/4″ adapter
• Solid steel rod headphone stand
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Owners manual

Special Features

The Klipsch Heritage HP-3 features 52mm KG-250 biodynamic drivers and a triple-vented semi-open design. The earcups are made of solid-wood giving the headphone a sophisticated look. The headband frame is made from stainless steel and the padding is made from premium leather. One of the most interesting features is the magnetic removable sheepskin ear cushions.

Build / Comfort

The build of the Heritage HP-3 is incredibly nice and the fit is perfect. Everything about this headphone feels solid. From the headband to the super soft earpads I thoroughly enjoyed the way this headphone felt. Holding this headphone in person I can feel the quality of the stainless steel, aluminum and wood materials. It’s feel like a fine piece of hand crafted furniture.

How Does It Sound?

The specs on the Heritage HP-3 claim low impedance (25 Ohms) but I automatically go for an amp when I see a high-end open-back headphone like this. For my test I used a iFi Pro iCan and a Shanling M2s DAP connected with a Audioquest Evergreen cable (3.5mm to stereo RCA). I started out my listening session in the solid-state circuit mode with all the EQ settings flat on the iFi. Depending on what tracks were playing I found that some recordings sounded better with the tube circuitry. If you have the option to use a solid-state and tube amp combo like this I highly recommend it. Klipsch also makes a Heritage Headphone Amplifier that pairs well with the HP-3 too.

Here’s some of my observations on the sound signature with the Klipsch Heritage HP-3:

Bass

Leaving the bass-boost off and using the solid-state circuit I found the bass to be spot on. From Peter Gabriel to The Beatles the bass was very tight and not overpowering. Then I turned up the bass-boost a couple notches and also tried the tube circuit. The HP-3 responded very well to the bass increase. It was powerful and robust and I never detected any distortion, even at higher SPL.

Mids

The mids on the Heritage HP-3 were quite powerful and accurate. When listening to the Peter Gabriel track “Sledgehammer” the horns were right there in my face and the lyrics were crystal clear. I did detect a little bit of sibilance on a few tracks depending on the mastering but the tube circuit managed to soften them like a pillow.

Highs

The high frequencies on the HP-3 are absolutely stunning The wide frequency range of the Klipsch biodynamic drivers gives you brilliance and detail in all your favorite tracks. From older recordings like The Beatles “White Album” all the way up to the most modern day tracks recorded at high sample rates. The Heritage HP-3 manages them all.

Soundstage

The soundstage on the HP-3 is great. It may not be quite the spread that you’ll get on a HD-800 but this semi-open design does an excellent job at opening up the stereo spectrum of your mix without losing too much of the bass.

Final Analysis

In conclusion, I think the Heritage HP-3 headphone is an incredible audiophile hit. From the solid construction and materials down to the Hi-Res sound quality, the HP-3 is an excellent headphone for high-end home listening. It’s strong yet light… and crazy comfortable. Retail price is $1199 so it won’t be in everybody’s budget but if you’ve got the money I highly recommend it.

Get the best price on the Klipsch Heritage HP-3 headphone at Audio46 Headphone Store

Specifications

Style: Semi-Open Over-Ear
Driver: Free-Edge Biodynamic
Driver Components: Full Range KG-520
Driver Diameter: 52mm
Frequency Response: 5Hz-45kHz
Sensitivity (1MW): 98dB
Power Handling: 1800mW
Impedance: 25 Ohms
Input Connections: 3.5mm
Weight (w/o box): .97lbs (440g)
Colors: Ebony, Walnut, Oak

The post Klipsch Heritage HP-3 Headphone Review: Hi-Fi For The Home appeared first on Major HiFi.