What’s In The Box?

Look and Feel

The Audeze Maxwell weighs 450 grams and features a suspension headband to distribute the weight. The ear pads are soft with moderate clamping pressure, offering a snug fit. The button layout is intuitive, with precise and responsive controls. The detachable microphone and wireless functionality add to its modern appeal, despite its somewhat heavy and convoluted design.

In contrast, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro boasts high build quality with aluminum yokes and velour ear cushions. The clamping style might feel tight for some, but it ensures comfort during long gaming sessions. However, its wired design, non-detachable mic, and bulky cable system make it a bit more cumbersome compared to the Maxwell.

Design, Battery, Bluetooth, and Specs

The Maxwell impresses with an 80-hour battery life and quick charge capabilities. It connects seamlessly via a USB-C dongle or Bluetooth. The transparency mode and detachable boom mic deliver excellent clarity, and the 90mm planar driver ensures powerful and clean low-end reproduction. It supports high-resolution audio formats like LDAC, providing strong passive isolation even without active noise cancellation (ANC).

The MMX 300 Pro features the 45mm STELLAR.45 driver for studio-quality sound. It performs best on a PC due to the volume limitations of the 3.5mm connector. The cardioid condenser microphone provides clear chat audio, ideal for communication during gameplay.

Soundstage & Imaging

The Maxwell excels with its 3D Audio compatibility, offering an expansive and detailed soundstage that enhances the gaming experience by allowing precise pinpointing of sounds. This feature is particularly useful in competitive shooters.

The MMX 300 Pro delivers a realistic soundstage with a natural stereo field, suitable for both competitive and atmospheric gaming experiences. Its more natural soundstaging makes it versatile for both music and gaming.

Sound Impressions

The Maxwell features a V-shaped tuning, emphasizing the bass and treble while slightly recessing the mids. This results in thunderous sub-bass, crisp sound effects, and detailed imaging. I was deeply impressed with its ability to parse out layers of sound during busy moments in games. But while this tuning is excellent for gaming, it can feel unnatural for certain music genres.

The MMX 300 Pro offers a balanced bass response with a theatrical tone, enhancing the gaming experience with smooth and textured low frequencies. The midrange is clear and neutral, providing ample space for sound effects. The highs are subdued by Beyerdynamic’s standards, but overall, they add a tactile feel that provides traditional detail in a way that the Maxwell can’t.

Final Thoughts

Both the Audeze Maxwell and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro offer excellent but different features. For gamers prioritizing 3D sound immersion and wireless convenience, the Maxwell is the better choice. However, the MMX 300 Pro is more versatile, performing well for both gaming and music. Ultimately, it’s great to see audio companies providing a range of gaming solutions to suit different preferences.

The Audeze Maxwell and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro are available at Audio46. 

The post Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro vs Audeze Maxwell Comparison Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

What’s in the Box

• Strauss & Wagner Elche MMCX to USB-C Upgrade Cable

Build Quality

The Strauss & Wagner Elche MMCX to USB-C Upgrade Cable is built to last. Measuring 1.2 meters (3.94 feet) in length, it offers ample reach for convenience without compromising portability. Constructed from high-grade materials, the cable is designed to withstand wear and tear, ensuring durability and long-term performance. Its sleek and stylish design complements premium earphones, adding a touch of elegance to your audio setup. The meticulous craftsmanship ensures a dependable connection, providing superior audio transmission. This robust build quality makes it a practical and attractive upgrade for any audio enthusiast.

Technical Design

Equipped with the advanced CX31993 chipset, the Strauss & Wagner Elche cable delivers exceptional audio performance. This high-quality chipset captures every detail and nuance of your music, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking an affordable yet high-quality option for their IEMs. The built-in microphone and remote enhance the cable’s versatility, allowing for seamless control of calls and media playback. The MMCX connection ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of high-end earphones from brands like Audeze, Beyerdynamic, and Campfire Audio. Additionally, the USB-C termination guarantees compatibility with modern devices such as the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel phones.

Sound Impressions

Low End: The Elche cable significantly enhances the bass response of IEMs, adding depth and richness without muddiness. When tested with the Final Audio E5000 and Campfire Audio Cascara, the cable transformed these IEMs into bass powerhouses. Tracks like Radiohead’s “15 Step” became more exciting and engaging, with well-separated and detailed bass that provided a smooth listening experience.

Mids: The midrange of the Elche cable is warm and well-balanced. While the Final Audio E5000 exhibited slight mid-bass bleed, the Campfire Audio Cascara and Moon Rover maintained a cleaner midrange. Overall, the Elche cable offers a warm character and natural timbre, avoiding oversaturation and delivering a pleasing audio experience.

Top End: The treble response of the Elche cable is clean and neutral. It avoids the harshness typical of a V-shaped sound signature, offering a smooth and understated high-end. The Cascara’s otherwise dull treble was notably enhanced, while the E5000 and Moon Rover retained a detailed and sparkling top end.

Soundstage: The soundstage provided by the Elche cable is solid, offering ample space for bass and midrange information. The cable works in harmony with the IEMs, ensuring a balanced and immersive listening experience without overwhelming the listener with low-end frequencies.

Final Thoughts

The Strauss & Wagner Elche MMCX to USB-C Upgrade Cable is an excellent value for money. Its combination of robust build quality, advanced technical design, and versatile sound signature makes it an attractive option for anyone looking to upgrade their IEM setup. With its USB-C connector, built-in DAC, remote, and microphone, the Elche cable is a practical and affordable solution for modern audio enthusiasts. If you’re seeking to enhance your IEM experience without breaking the bank, the Elche cable is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

In summary, the Strauss & Wagner Elche MMCX to USB-C Upgrade Cable stands out as a budget-friendly yet high-quality option for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Its durable build, advanced technical design, and impressive sound performance make it a must-have accessory for anyone looking to improve their portable audio setup. Whether you’re using high-end earphones or looking for a more versatile and affordable solution, the Elche cable delivers on its promise of exceptional audio quality and convenience. At $39.99, it offers outstanding value and functionality, making it a worthwhile investment for enhancing your listening experience.

The Strauss & Wagner Elche is available at Audio46.

The post Strauss & Wagner Elche Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

What’s in the Box?

• COSMO Headphones
• 4.4mm Balanced Cable
• 4.4mm to 6.35mm Adapter
• Manual
• Anime Card
• Certificate
• Service Card

Build Quality

The Moondrop Cosmo is undeniably a substantial headphone, weighing in at approximately 516 grams. This heft is largely due to the 100mm planar magnetic driver. Despite its weight, the Cosmo is designed for comfort and durability, featuring a robust combination of metal and leather materials.

The weight distribution is well-managed, with most of it concentrated around the ear cups where the drivers are housed. This design choice helps avoid unnecessary clamping force or discomfort, allowing for extended listening sessions without fatigue. The leather ear pads add a touch of luxury, and the included balanced, braided cable is flexible and free of excessive memory.

Design

The Moondrop Cosmo headphones exemplify advanced technical design, blending cutting-edge technology with meticulous engineering. At the heart of its performance is a nanoscale ultra-thin diaphragm that delivers a broader frequency response, lower distortion, and faster detail retrieval, resulting in exceptional sound quality. The highly elastic, ultra-thin pure silver circuit enhances efficiency and minimizes heat loss, ensuring precise and clear audio.

A notable feature is the Tension Balancing Technology (TBT), which performs secondary stress balancing on the diaphragm. This significantly reduces dynamic distortions, providing stable and high-quality sound output. The use of a large-scale finite element simulation system by Moondrop’s R&D team has optimized the acoustic structure design, reducing trial-and-error time and improving development efficiency. This simulation system ensures a smooth wide-band response and ultra-low nonlinear distortion. The patented Full Drive Technology (FDT) drives the entire diaphragm surface, eliminating split vibrations and offering a treble performance comparable to electrostatic headphones.

Sound Impressions

Low End

The Cosmo delivers a liquid-like low end that is textured and immersive. While not particularly punchy, it anchors the frequency response effectively and can provide some thud when necessary. It’s not a bass-heavy headphone, but it excels in acoustic and classical music, where texture is paramount. For bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM, some listeners might desire more slam.

Mids

The midrange is a standout feature of the Cosmo, prioritizing smoothness over aggressiveness. It offers a relaxed, intimate presentation with natural-sounding vocals. The tuning is neutral, with a slight midbass bloom adding warmth and character. This midrange quality makes the Cosmo particularly enjoyable for vocal-centric and acoustic tracks.

Top End

The treble region of the Cosmo is laid-back, with highs slightly rolled off to create a more relaxing sound. While this approach may lack the attack needed for genres with prominent cymbals, it shines in acoustic music. Vocals are smooth, and acoustic instruments have a creamy, liquid quality. 

Soundstage

The soundstage of the Cosmo is solid but not overly expansive. This works well with the intimate and warm sound signature of the headphones. While not exceptionally wide, the soundstage is capable of delivering subtle details on the outskirts, providing a sense of space when needed.

Final Thoughts

The Moondrop Cosmo is a unique headphone with a distinctive character. Rather than focusing on dynamic, boisterous sound, it offers a laid-back, warm listening experience. This makes it an excellent choice for fans of acoustic, classical, and other texturally rich genres. If you’re looking for a headphone that excels in these areas, the Cosmo might be the perfect fit for you.

The Moondrop Cosmo is available at Audio46. 

The post Moondrop Cosmo Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

Headphones

Sennheiser HD600: Starting at $349.99, these headphones are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and comfort. The open-back design and high-quality drivers provide a natural, balanced sound with precise imaging and a wide soundstage. Ideal for critical listening and mastering, the HD600 offers a transparent audio experience that reveals every detail of your music. The lightweight construction and plush ear pads ensure long-term comfort.

Audio46 Amazon 

Audeze LCD-X: At $1,199, the LCD-X headphones are celebrated for their planar magnetic drivers, delivering unparalleled clarity and detail. Designed for audiophiles and professionals, these headphones offer a rich listening experience with a wide soundstage and deep, accurate bass response. Premium materials, including leather ear pads and a carbon fiber headband, ensure durability and comfort.

Audio46 Amazon

In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)

Strauss & Wagner EM8C: Priced at $49.99, these IEMs are designed for clarity and balance, offering excellent isolation. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit for long listening sessions and the high-quality drivers deliver precise sound across the frequency spectrum. These IEMs terminate directly into USB-C, making them compatible with most phones without an adapter.

Audio46 Amazon Strauss & Wagner

Sennheiser IE200: For $149, the IE200 IEMs deliver high-fidelity sound in a compact design. Featuring Sennheiser’s signature audio quality, these IEMs provide a balanced soundstage with rich bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs. The design ensures a comfortable fit and excellent noise isolation.

Audio46 Amazon

Campfire Moon Rover: At $1,199, the Moon Rover IEMs offer a celestial audio journey with meticulously tuned drivers and premium build quality. These IEMs deliver rich sound and exceptional comfort, making them ideal for both casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles.

Audio46 Amazon

Accessories

Final Audio Ear Tips: These ear tips are engineered for a snug fit, enhancing noise isolation and overall audio performance. Made from high-quality materials, they ensure long-lasting comfort and durability.

Audio46 Amazon

Dekoni Foam Ear Tips: Known for their premium foam material, Dekoni ear tips conform to your ear shape, offering superior comfort and isolation. They enhance the fit and sound quality of your IEMs.

Audio46 Amazon

Strauss & Wagner Cables: Designed for superior signal transmission and durability, these cables ensure a reliable and high-fidelity audio experience. The Sion MMCX cable is a notable option, but there are plenty of other models to explore.

Audio46 Strauss & Wagner

Effect Audio Cables: Renowned for tremendous craftsmanship, these cables offer flexibility, durability, and enhanced audio performance. The Maestro MMCX cable is a standout, but explore their other models to find the perfect upgrade.

Audio46 

Storage

Strauss & Wagner SW-HS01: This headphone stand combines elegant design with sturdy construction, providing a stylish and practical solution for storing your headphones.

Audio46 Strauss & Wagner

Dekoni Audio Headphone Savior V2: This universal headphone case features a rugged exterior and a plush, customizable interior to protect your headphones during transport. It also includes ample space for cables and other items.

Audio46 Amazon

Wireless Earbuds

Beyerdynamic Verio 200: Priced at $219, these wireless earbuds offer a seamless audio experience with advanced Bluetooth technology and a fully open design. They provide excellent sound quality, long battery life, and a comfortable fit.

Audio46 Amazon

Sennheiser Momentum TWS 4: Designed for audiophiles on the go, these wireless earbuds offer superb sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a sleek design. They provide a premium listening experience with long battery life and intuitive touch controls.

Audio46 Amazon

Wireless Headphones

Strauss & Wagner ANCBT501: At $149, these headphones combine high-fidelity drivers with ergonomic design, offering superior sound quality and comfort for audiophiles on the go.

Audio46 Strauss & Wagner

Sony WH-1000XM5: Known for exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and premium sound quality, these $398 headphones offer a comfortable fit and advanced features, including adaptive sound control and long battery life.

Audio46 Amazon

Focal Bathys: At $699, these luxurious headphones deliver high-resolution audio with advanced driver technology and elegant design, offering an immersive sound experience.

Audio46 Amazon

DAC/AMPs

iFi Zen DAC 3: Priced at $229, this DAC offers high-resolution audio conversion with a compact, stylish design. It delivers rich detail and clarity, making it an excellent choice for upgrading your audio setup.

Audio46 Amazon

Ferrum Erco 2: At $1,795, this high-performance DAC is designed for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in audio fidelity. Its innovative design ensures pristine sound quality with remarkable detail and accuracy.

Audio46 

Digital Audio Players (DAPs)

Sony Walkman NW-A306: At $349, this portable digital audio player delivers high-resolution audio with a nice design and advanced features, providing an exceptional listening experience.

Audio46 Amazon

Fiio M17: This flagship DAP offers great sound quality with advanced DACs, robust build, and intuitive controls, perfect for audiophiles seeking top-tier portable audio performance.

Audio46 Amazon

Astell & Kern SP3000T: Combining cutting-edge technology with exquisite design, this DAP delivers exceptional sound quality and user-friendly interface, making it a top choice for discerning audiophiles. Oh and did we mention it’s powered by tubes?

Audio46 

Streamers

iFi Zen Stream: At $399, this audio streamer delivers high-resolution audio from your favorite streaming services, providing seamless connectivity and exceptional sound quality.

Audio46 Amazon

Eversolo DMP-A8: Priced at $1,980, this high-fidelity digital music player and streamer offers exceptional audio performance and user friendly interface, making it a great choice for audiophiles.

Audio46 Amazon

Portable DAC/Amps

Questyle M15i: This $249 dongle DAC/amp delivers impressive sound quality in a compact form, perfect for high performance on the go.

Audio46 Amazon

Chord Mojo 2: This portable DAC/amp offers outstanding sound quality with advanced digital processing technology. It provides a rich, detailed audio experience in a robust package.

Audio46 Amazon

Full-Sized Amps

iFi Zen CAN 3: At $229, this high-performance headphone amplifier delivers powerful and precise audio, with versatile connectivity options and robust build quality.

Audio46 Amazon

Fiio K19: Priced at $1,349.99, this versatile headphone amplifier offers excellent sound quality and power, making it a great addition to any audio setup.

Audio46 Amazon

Enleum HPA-23RM: At $2,999, this high end headphone amplifier combines cutting edge technology with modern design, offering exceptional sound quality and power.

Audio46 

Final Thoughts

Each of these products has been selected for their unique qualities and performance, so that there is something for every audiophile. Start or continue your audio journey with confidence by choosing from our curated list of top audio equipment.

The post Audiophile Must Haves for Beginners and Veterans appeared first on Major HiFi.

What’s in the Box:

• ZEN BLUE 3
• Power Supply
• USB-A to USB-C Cable
• RCA to RCA Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

Build Quality

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 follows the same build philosophy as the Zen DAC 3 and Zen CAN 3, designed to stack together. Its chassis, crafted from solid, high-grade aluminum alloy, ensures durability and longevity while offering a sleek, modern aesthetic. The matte finish enhances its stylish appeal, making it a valuable addition to any audio setup.

Each component is arranged to optimize space and functionality, reflecting iFi’s commitment to excellence in design and engineering. The back panel features S/PDIF, USB-C, and RCA Analog inputs for its DAC section, along with Bluetooth reception. Outputs include S/PDIF, RCA, and balanced connections. The front panel offers controls for wireless modes, DAC settings, transfer modes, Bluetooth pairing, and light brightness. Central to the front panel is iFi’s Bluetooth codec and PCM display. This changes color based on the codec in use, and a light indicating the sample rate of the streaming music.

Design

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 showcases a masterful integration of cutting-edge technology and thoughtful engineering. At its core is the Qualcomm QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip, supporting the latest aptX Lossless codec, capable of delivering CD-quality audio wirelessly at a maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps. This ensures high-fidelity sound without compromising on audio quality.

A dedicated ESS Sabre DAC enhances its performance, providing precise and clear digital-to-analog conversion. The versatile input options, including USB-C, SPDIF, and analog RCA, make the ZEN Blue 3 adaptable to various audio sources. This technical design underscores iFi’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of wireless audio technology, offering audiophiles a seamless blend of wired and wireless high-resolution audio options.

Bluetooth Functionality

The ZEN Blue 3 supports an extensive range of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, and SBC, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of devices. Notably, it functions as both a Bluetooth receiver and transmitter, offering unparalleled flexibility. This feature allows users to transmit AptX Lossless audio to compatible speakers, headphones, or any wireless device, making it a crucial addition in the early stages of Bluetooth 5.4.

The device also outputs audio via 4.4 balanced or RCA analog outputs. Its Low Latency mode, when paired with a compatible receiver (using aptX Adaptive), reduces audio delay, making it ideal for watching movies or gaming.

Sound Impressions

The ZEN Blue 3 offers a clear, neutral-warm sound signature, consistent with the Zen line of equipment. Whether used as a DAC or a transport to another device (like the Zen DAC 3 or Zen CAN 3), it delivers clean and balanced audio. Testing with detail-heavy headphones such as the Sennheiser HD600, Audeze MM-100, and Hifiman Edition XS revealed minimal lossiness, even with the highest quality codecs.

Bass response is clean and assertive, with the Hifiman Edition XS pairing particularly well. The midrange is controlled with a solid midbass transition and neutral vocal presentation, and instrument separation is excellent. The HD600 headphones, known for their midrange focus, revealed no lack of detail. Treble reproduction with the MM-100 and Edition XS was tactile and deliberate, showing impressive detail retrieval without feeling overly smoothed.

Final Thoughts

Wireless audio technology continues to evolve, and iFi is at the forefront of this progress. The ZEN Blue 3 offers impressive sound quality at its price point, with the key feature of transmitting AptX Lossless setting it apart. This device is likely to encourage more people to explore the potential of wireless audio.

The iFi Zen Blue 3 is available at Audio46.

The post iFi Zen Blue 3 Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

Unboxing the Susvara Unveiled

What’s Inside:

• Pair of headphones
• 3m headphone cable (4-pin XLR plug)
• 3m headphone cable (6.35mm plug)
• Pair of Magnetic Veils
• Pair of ear pads (mounted on headphone)
• Owner’s Guide

Superior Build Quality

The Susvara Unveiled epitomizes luxury and durability. Designed for longevity, it features a solid metal headband and high-quality leather ear cups, ensuring comfort during extended listening sessions. I wore these headphones for hours and never experienced any fatigue, a testament to their ergonomic design. The exposed drivers lend a sophisticated, futuristic aesthetic, protected by magnetic veils when not in use. This thoughtful construction enhances both visual appeal and performance, creating a premium user experience.

Cutting-Edge Design

Hifiman has equipped the Susvara Unveiled with advanced technical features that set it apart in the realm of high-end headphones. Central to its design is the Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm. The diaphragm’s low mass enables rapid response times, ensuring precise and accurate sound reproduction. This feature is crucial for capturing the nuances in complex musical compositions.

Another standout feature is the Stealth Magnet technology. These acoustically transparent magnets minimize interference with sound waves emanating from the diaphragm, preserving audio signal integrity for a cleaner, more natural sound. This design innovation helps the Susvara Unveiled maintain the purity of the original recording, providing an authentic listening experience.

The unique driver architecture further boosts efficiency and performance. Conductors on the diaphragm are arranged to deliver powerful sound with minimal distortion, enhancing the immersive listening experience. This arrangement allows the Susvara Unveiled to deliver more with less power, providing a cleaner and more immersive listening experience.

The ear pads, made from a blend of polyester and protein leather, balance softness with durability. Their asymmetrical shape looks to provide a snug fit, optimizing both comfort and sound isolation. This thoughtful design not only enhances the comfort of extended listening sessions but also contributes to the overall acoustic performance of the headphones.

Sound Impressions

The Susvara Unveiled retains the essence of the original Susvara while introducing incremental improvements for a more refined sound. These headphones are easier to drive and offer a more polished audio experience. It’s sophisticated with a frequency response that is balanced and impactful. For most of my listening, I used the exquisite Enleum HPA-23RM.

Low End: The bass response is natural and warm, striking a perfect balance without being overwhelming. It’s precise, with dynamic drum hits that feel just right. Tracks like Radiohead’s “15 Step” showcase the controlled yet powerful bass, providing an enjoyable listening experience. The bass is refined, offering a sound palette that is cohesive and carefully tuned. This naturalness in the bass response ensures that the Susvara Unveiled delivers a satisfying low end without overpowering the rest of the frequency range.

Mids: The standout feature of the Susvara Unveiled is the midrange. It’s spacious and present, without being overpowering. This headphone delivers a holistic midrange that fits seamlessly into any genre. Whether it’s creamy vocals or crunchy guitar tones, the Susvara Unveiled handles it all with ease. Listening to Sturgill Simpson’s “Johnny Blue Skies” revealed a roomy, natural sound with smooth vocals and tactile percussive hits. The midrange is delicately balanced, providing a rich and immersive listening experience that highlights the intricacies of each track.

Top End: There’s a balanced treble, providing clacky percussive force without harshness. Sibilant sounds are rounded and well-shaped, delivering a smooth yet tactile top end. On Clairo’s album “Charm,” the Susvara Unveiled presented a lush and rich sound, maintaining the cool texture of the original mix. The treble performance is a testament to the meticulous engineering of the Susvara Unveiled, offering a high-frequency response that is both smooth and dynamic.

Immersive Soundstage

The Susvara Unveiled offers an expansive soundstage that immerses you in the music. Rather than simple left-right imaging, it creates a 360-degree sound field. This creates an intimate, room-like experience where the music envelops you naturally, enhancing the overall listening experience. The soundstage is almost like an absence of a soundstage, where the music feels all around you, providing an immersive and captivating listening experience that makes you feel as though you are part of the music itself.

Final Thoughts

The Susvara Unveiled aims to make you forget you’re wearing headphones. Its design minimizes external materials, while its sound presentation is both refined and effortless. The naturalistic soundstage and premium construction make it an exceptional choice for serious audiophiles. Every aspect of the Susvara Unveiled, from its advanced technical features to its luxurious build quality, contributes to an unparalleled listening experience.

While it carries a premium price tag, the Susvara Unveiled justifies the investment with its unparalleled performance. Awarded the MajorHifi Gold, it stands as one of the crowning jewels of high-end audio. If you have the chance to experience the Susvara Unveiled, don’t miss it. It’s a worthy addition to any audiophile’s collection. This headphone is not just a product; it’s an experience that elevates your appreciation of music to new heights.

The Hifiman Susvara Unveiled is available for pre-order at Audio46.

The post Hifiman Susvara Unveiled Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

What’s in the Box:

• Matched pair of driver tubes CV-181(6SN7)
• Matched pair of power tubes 300B
• AC cord
• User Manual
• Warranty Card

Build:

The Envy features a robust metal chassis, providing a solid and durable foundation. This sturdy structure meets a natural, high-quality oiled wood finish, offering an elegant and timeless aesthetic. The front panel features both balanced XLR and unbalanced 6.3mm headphone outputs, along with a touch-sensitive stand-by button with an LED indicator, a volume control knob, an impedance selector, and an audio source selector.

On the back, you get a physical power switch located near the AC connector on the rear panel. The back panel also houses RCA pre-amplifier outputs and XLR connectors for balanced preamplifier output, with the output voltage regulated via the volume knob.

Design:

The Envy utilizes point-to-point wiring technology with custom-made single crystal copper (UPOCC) with Teflon insulation for all connections. Driving your volume control is an Alps RK27 potentiometer, which is known for its precision. As for tubes, it uses a two-stage preamplifier featuring CV-181 tubes and high-end coupling capacitors, and directly heated 300B tubes for the power stage. 

The Envy’s gain selection feature ensures compatibility with various headphone types through three distinct settings: Low Gain, ideal for dynamic headphones with impedance from 16 to 60 Ohms; Middle Gain, suited for headphones with impedance from 60 to 300 Ohms, including most planar magnetic headphones; and High Gain, designed for demanding planar magnetic headphones and dynamic headphones with impedance from 300 to 600 Ohms. When set to “Mid,” stereo speakers with a recommended sensitivity of over 94 dB can be connected to the 6.3mm headphone output, delivering approximately 5 Watts of output power.

Overall, the Envy can give you 5 watts of power at 16 ohms on middle gain. 

Sound Impressions:

How does the Envy sound? I tested it with various headphones, including the Final Audio D8000 Pro, Abyss Diana MR, and Sennheiser HD800S. The Envy produces some of the most refined, lush audio I’ve ever experienced. Let’s dive into the specifics for each headphone pairing.

D8000 Pro:

The Envy delivers an expansive sense of space with the D8000 Pro headphones, providing ample headroom and intricate soundscapes. Tracks like David Bowie’s “Blackstar” and “Lazarus” showcased the amplifier’s ability to convey intricate details and textures. Bass was well-controlled with a warm midbass bloom, while mids were crystal clear, delivering pristine vocals with a touch of tube sweetness. The highs were clear and crisp, creating a perfect blend of high-fidelity sound with a musical presentation.

Abyss Diana MR:

The Envy paired with the Diana MR offers an expansive soundstage, making vocals sound warm and lush without being overly colored. The mid-range dynamics were impressive, revealing subtle changes in strumming intensity on the guitar. The sense of space was so pronounced it felt like listening through an OLED TV, in that parts of the driver seemed almost inactive when not creating sound. This effect enhanced detail perception, especially in the midrange, uncovering nuances like vocal echoes in tracks such as “Bambina” by Vampire Weekend. In other words, it’s almost as if you can hear the absence of an instrument in the mix. While the bass extension was present, it was less pronounced than with the D8000 Pro, allowing other frequencies to shine.

Sennheiser HD800S:

Testing the Envy with the HD800S dynamic driver headphones yielded results similar to the D8000 Pro. The HD800S scaled beautifully with this amplifier, offering a warm, lush, and detailed sound. The soundstage was wide, and the bass response was more pronounced, creating a relaxed sound. This synergy between the amp and the headphone resulted in an unparalleled auditory experience.

Final Thoughts:

Evaluating an amp like the Envy can be challenging, but for those who prioritize sound quality over price, this is an excellent choice. It’s hard to find competitors that match its features and sound quality. If you’re in the market for a high-end tube amplifier, I highly recommend the Feliks Audio Envy Performance Edition.

The Feliks Envy (Performance Edition) is available at Audio46.

The post Feliks Audio Envy (Performance Edition) Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Coming up first at just $99, we have the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x studio monitor headphones. This is a very versatile contender. Meant as a production headphone, the ATH-M40x, along with its older sibling, the M50x, Has become a staple in studios and production spaces due to its excellent sound quality, lightweight design, and solid durability. The M40x excels in sound separation, making it ideal for music creation and pinpointing flaws in mixes. While it doesn’t have the deep bass response of the M50x or M60x, it still performs well. The M40x offers a neutral, transparent high end and mid-range, optimal for music creation and casual listeners who prioritize detail retrieval in their headphones. 

Sivga SV003

Also coming in at about $99, the Sivga SV003 offers some more audiophile features that contrast with the ATH-M40x. For starters, the SIVGA SV003 headphones feature a real wood housing, which helps with its sound characteristics as well as its looks. Powered by 50mm drivers, and offering unique, high-quality sound with crisp highs and rich lows, the closed-back design and high protein leather ear pads provide comfort and noise isolation for all-day use. Durable cords with gold-plated plugs and in-line volume control ensure connectivity with any 3.5mm jack device.The SV003 provides a warm and colorful sound. Each pair’s unique wood grain makes them one-of-a-kind, combining superior quality and striking aesthetics.

Meze 99 Neo

Coming up next, we’ve got the Meze 99 Neo, a budget entrant from the Romanian high-end manufacturer. The Meze Audio 99 Neo headphones feature a retro design with matte black and silver accents, a floating leather headband, and a vintage vibe. The 99 Neo bases its looks off of the higher-end 99 Pro, which is known for its wood ear cups. But for similar performance at reduced cost, the 99 Neo seems like a no-brainer. Packaged in a fabric-bound hard case with a detachable cable, they offer style and durability. The headphones provide a neutral sound signature with rich mids and highs and full bass, creating a pleasant listening experience. The 99 Neo’s comfort and close-to-music feel make them an excellent choice for audiophiles.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

Jumping up the price bracket a little bit, Beyerdynamic’s DT 700 Pro X is a $269 closed-back studio headphone aimed at music creators and engineers. With plush velour ear pads and a sturdy build, they offer comfort and durability. The Stellar 45 sound transducer provides consistent performance across devices without needing an amp. Despite being closed-back, they have a wide, immersive soundstage. The DT 700 Pro X delivers strong, impactful lows, neutral mids, and bright highs, making them an excellent choice for studio use. And like the ATH-M40x, they’re great for audiophiles who want more detail in their sound reproduction.

Sennheiser HD 620S

Next up is the Sennheiser’s HD620S, a new closed-back headphone in the classic HD600 series. Featuring a sleek design with a plastic headband and metal reinforcements, it offers comfort with protein leather ear pads. The 150-ohm dynamic drivers provide balanced sound, with neutral bass, airy mids, and exciting treble. Its soundstage is wider than typical closed-back headphones in this price range. Priced at $349, the HD620S combines excellent build quality, isolation, and accessibility, making it a great choice for audiophiles.

Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro

Jumping up the ladder into true mid-fi territory at $529, we have another great set of headphones from Beyerdynamic. The DT1770 Pro features a robust build with a spring-steel headband, suede-like padding, and two sets of earpads. The build is definitely a step up from what you’ll find in the DT 700 Pro X. But you’ll also get a more refined sound with impressive bass and treble performance and a wide soundstage. Like most headphones from Beyerdynamic, they aim to please audio professionals. But any audiophile should be a fan of its engaging and detailed sound. 

Audeze LCD-2 Classic

Jumping up again in price, the LCD-2 Closed Back offers an entry into Audeze’s higher end, planar-magnetic headphone offerings. Aiming to match the beloved sound of the original LCD-2 while enhancing accessibility, this closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation for distraction-free listening. Featuring innovative planar drivers, it delivers spacious, full, and powerful sound with impressive spatial imaging. The ventilated suspension headband and plush earpads ensure long-lasting comfort. With its taut, punchy bass and warm midrange, the LCD-2 Closed Back is a great choice for audiophiles looking to step up into the next bracket of higher end headphones. 

Focal Celestee

Finally, we have another model from a high-end brand, the Focal Celestee. Priced at $999, the Celestee offers a luxurious design and impressive performance. It features a 40mm aluminum/magnesium driver, delivering dynamic and clear sound, maximizing dynamics and detail retrieval. The Celestee’s semi-aniline leather earpads and microfiber headband ensure comfort. Despite its linear soundstage, it excels in separation and depth. With a balanced midrange and a punchy low-end, the Celestee provides a refined, enjoyable listening experience, solidifying its place in the market.

Final Thoughts

This list is meant to be a starting point for audio enthusiasts looking for closed back headphones. Whether it’s your first pair, or a portable alternative to your main setup, these options should provide great performance for each of their respective price ranges. 

All of the headphones mentioned in this article are available at Audio46.

The post The Best Closed Back Headphones under $1,000 in 2024 appeared first on Major HiFi.

What You Get

Sony’s offering is straightforward, while PSB includes a few additional accessories that might appeal to frequent travelers or those needing more versatile connectivity options.

Look and Feel

The PSB M4U8 MkII opts for a traditional, bulkier design. Its appearance doesn’t follow the sleek fashion trends of recent Bluetooth headphones. Instead, it prioritizes function over form with big switches for ANC, volume, playback controls, and Bluetooth. This design might seem cumbersome, but it’s highly practical. The gyro ear cups maximize comfort and sound quality, providing a great seal without feeling overly tight, unless worn for extended periods. This ensures that even during long listening sessions, the headphones remain comfortable and deliver consistent audio performance.

In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 features a modern, sleek design that appeals to contemporary tastes. Sony went for a complete design overhaul for their 1000X series headphones on the XM5. With a sleek yoke design and a comfortable headband, Sony achieves a balance of style and durability. The XM5 employs fewer, more discrete buttons for power and toggling ambient mode/noise canceling mode. What sets the XM5 apart is its touch controls on the back of the ear cups, contributing to its stylish and less bulky appearance. This design choice allows the headphones to appear more sophisticated and streamlined.

Design and Functionality

Driving the sound of the M4U8 MkII is a 40mm dynamic driver within an ABS + Polycarbonate housing. Using this driver and “RoomFeel” technology, the PSB headphones aim to mimic high-quality speakers set up in a good-sounding room. This unique approach to sound design provides a rich and immersive audio experience. The M4U8 MkII also includes ANC, which can drive itself to loud, if not excessive levels. While the ANC performance is not the strongest in its class, it gets the job done for most environments. The PSB companion app offers EQ controls and a sound personalization test, allowing users to tailor the performance to their ears.

The XM5 retains the popular design and functionality features you’re used to from the Sony ecosystem. This includes ambient sound mode, multipoint connection, and top-notch adaptive ANC. The adaptive ANC adjusts based on your environment, significantly reducing ambient noise. The touch-sensitive controls and voice activation features enhance the user experience, though they do take a little getting used to. The XM5 is driven by a new 30mm driver with a thermoplastic polyurethane and carbon fiber dome, promising better ANC and sound performance, especially in high frequencies.

Bluetooth and Battery Life

The M4U8 MkII features robust Bluetooth connectivity, compatible with codecs like AAC and aptX HD. However, the battery life somewhat undermines the solid wireless features, maxing out at 25 hours with ANC off. This performance lags behind newer models, making it less competitive in terms of battery longevity.

The XM5, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 30-hour battery life with ANC turned on. This is a standout feature, especially for users who need long-lasting performance. In terms of wireless connectivity, the XM5 uses Bluetooth 5.2 and supports AAC, SBC, and LDAC. The inclusion of LDAC is welcome as it aims to provide higher quality audio. However, the lack of aptX compatibility might be a downside for some users.

Sound Quality

Soundstage and Imaging: The M4U8 MkII shines in imaging depth, providing a closed but immersive soundstage. Each sound element possesses dimension and presence, offering an intimate yet engulfing listening experience. The “RoomFeel” technology significantly enhances spatial accuracy, making it a highlight of the M4U8 MkII.

Sony’s 360 Reality Audio enhances the soundstage for supported tracks, offering an immersive experience. However, without spatial audio, the soundstage feels narrower. That said, the imaging is precise, making it easy to pinpoint sound elements within the mix. The XM5 provides a different but equally impressive auditory experience.

Low End: The M4U8 MkII offers balanced and textured bass, enhanced by sound personalization. The bass response is punchy without being exaggerated, adding warmth and depth without overwhelming other frequencies. This makes the PSB headphones appealing to audiophiles seeking quality over quantity in bass performance.

The XM5’s bass is powerful and gripping but can be boomy without EQ adjustments. However, there’s plenty of room for customization to reign it in. Compared to the M4U8 MkII, the bass is slower but louder with great impact. Bass enthusiasts might find the Sony headphones more satisfying in this regard.

Mids: The M4U8 MkII’s mids are detailed and well-defined, with clear vocals and a balanced sound. The midbass transition is smooth, allowing more space for the mids to breathe. This results in a Harman-like feel to the sound, providing an enjoyable listening experience without extensive EQ adjustments.

The XM5’s mids are clear but can be overshadowed by the bass. Male vocals sometimes lack prominence, but instruments and effects are well-balanced. The midrange is more transparent and textured than previous models, but compared to the M4U8 MkII, it doesn’t feel as sophisticated and well-tuned.

Top End: The M4U8 MkII’s highs are present with a nice sense of splash and sparkle. The treble is not overly bright but has a pleasant extension, topping off the frequency response nicely. The tuning of the M4U8 MkII is its greatest feature, offering a well-rounded sound that should be pleasing to audiophiles.

The XM5’s has improved highs compared to previous Sony iterations but aren’t as clear as the PSB’s. EQ adjustments can enhance the treble performance for a more suitable sound. While the highs on the Sony are good, they don’t quite match the refinement of the PSB headphones.

Final Thoughts

Overall, choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the PSB M4U8 MkII depends on your priorities. If you seek superior noise cancellation, long battery life, and a plethora of features, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the better option. It offers a modern design, touch controls, and advanced adaptive ANC, making it a top choice for tech enthusiasts and frequent travelers.

However, if sound quality and personalization are your primary concerns, the PSB M4U8 MkII offers a compelling alternative. With its unique “RoomFeel” technology, balanced sound signature, and detailed mids, the M4U8 MkII is ideal for audiophiles seeking an immersive and customizable audio experience. While it might lack some of the advanced features of the Sony, its focus on delivering high-quality sound makes it a promising choice in its price range.

The PSB M4U8 MkII and Sony WH-1000XM5 are available at Audio46. 

The post PSB M4U8 MkII vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Comparison Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

What You Get

• Strauss & Wagner Rome cable

Build Quality

Strauss & Wagner meticulously crafted the Rome cable from 6N OCC (Ohno Continuous Cast) Silver. This exemplifies premium construction aimed at delivering pristine sound quality. The high-purity silver material is renowned for its exceptional conductivity. This ensures that every subtle detail and nuance in your music is captured with utmost fidelity. The cable’s sleek white design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also signifies its superior build quality. To be sure, it’s a stylish and reliable choice for audiophiles.

Measuring 150cm (~4.9ft) in length, the cable offers ample reach for various listening setups, providing users with the flexibility to connect their headphones to different audio sources without compromising comfort or convenience.

Design and Compatibility

The technical design of the Rome cable is versatile and robust, featuring dual 3.5mm stereo male connectors paired with a 4.4mm balanced termination. This configuration allows seamless compatibility with a wide array of high-end headphones, ensuring optimal audio performance regardless of the model. The cable supports various headphones from renowned brands, including HIFIMAN, Meze, Focal, Denon, Kennerton, Sony, and Sivga. For instance, it is compatible with popular models such as the HIFIMAN Susvara 3.5 (latest version), Sundara/V2, Arya series, and the HE1000 series, as well as the Meze LIRIC/II and 99 Classics. Additionally, it fits Focal models like the Celestee, Clear, Clear Mg, and Stellia, among others.

Sound Impressions

So, how does the Rome cable sound? In a sense, it’s totally transparent. There’s no artificiality or distortion from the cable, allowing pure, unadulterated sound from your amp of choice. To test this cable out, I used various headphones from HifiMan, Meze, and Focal. I had great results from all of them, but I’ll break things down into more specifics below.

I started my listening with the HifiMan Arya Organic Edition. With the Rome hooked up, I got an incredible performance from the Aryas. There was a great presentation of open space and soundstage, while sounds had a really nice tactile feel. Bass was appropriately linear, mids sang quite well, and top-end notes had the type of attack and decay I’ve come to love from HifiMan. What I noticed was that the Rome can take the qualities I love in these headphones without distorting them or coloring them in any way. That’s what makes a high quality cable: the ability to present as much detail as possible and preserve the characteristics of the rest of the equipment being used.

To provide some contrast, I took the Focal Clear MG for a spin with the Rome cable. I got a much different listening experience here, and that’s all because of the different characteristics between the Arya Organic and the Clear MG. Where I was basking in the glory of the musical presentation of the Hifimans, the Clear MG gave me a more intimate presentation with excellent detail retrieval and dynamics. What stood out to me regarding the Rome was how it could take two different headphones and help them reproduce sound faithfully to their natural characteristics.

In general, there was no sign of noise with any configurations of headphones and amps I used. I was able to drive each headphone to its full capabilities properly.

Final Thoughts

What can we glean from all of this? Simply put, a great cable should maximize detail and sound quality while staying truthful to the original characteristics of the headphones and equipment being used. The Rome cable does this excellently, while offering an affordable entry into balanced audio.

The Strauss & Wagner Rome is available at Audio46.

The post Strauss & Wagner Rome Review appeared first on Major HiFi.