Saffron is specifically designed to build tension and make your instruments sound more dramatic. The XY pad makes it possible to blend, and layer orchestral sounds to create unique, atmospheric soundscapes with woodwinds, strings, synths, and more. Whether you are new to composition, or a pro, Saffron offers tons of variety through randomization and over 120 presets.

Key Features

• 16 sound sources to choose from
  • Use the XY Pad to blend between 16 hybrid sound sources, effects, and sound controls, including woodwinds, strings, synths, and more
• Built-in effects
  • Transform textures with a range of effects presets, including reverbs, delays, and modulation
• Aftertouch-enabled
  • Polyphonic aftertouch compatibility gives you hands-on control of parameters like volume, tuning, and motion
• Lightweight & low-cost
  • An install size of around ~1GB and an affordable $29 price tag make Saffron an accessible option for composers.

Scene: Saffron is available now for $29. You can purchase it here.

The post Native Instruments New Saffron Cinematic Instrument Pack Is Made For Composers appeared first on Major HiFi.

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.

Best Budget Gaming IEMs

Blon X Z Jojo

Some of the best budget IEMs can last you a long time, especially ones that are built like the Jojo. Not only does it get style points for its look, but the shell is made from a zinc alloy die casting, and a front plate made of real 18k gold. Even selections that are much more pricey don’t have this kind of design. It’s not all about the looks though, and thankfully the Jojo also brings everything you need for the price. The Jojo will do your gams justice with good imaging, width, and explosive bass.

Final Audio VR2000

Final Audio is no stranger to supplying quality budget IEMs, which makes the VR2000 a great choice. While the E series IEMs might also give your games what they need to sound authentic and immersive, the VR2000 is specifically made for gaming. If you find some gaming IEMs too weighty, then the VR2000 should be a great alternative. It’s light and easy to wear for many hours, matching up to your ear like a puzzle piece. In terms of sound, the VR2000 has a neutral timbre that will make dialogue very clear, but what gives it flavor is its highs that give height to many different gaming environments.

Moondrop Aira 2 

The last time I made a list of top gaming IEMs, the first Aria was included. So, it only makes sense to include its latest version in this list. It makes some notable improvements to its build, including a great new stock cable. The sound should allow for balanced effects and music that feel separated and easy to point to sonically. Should also get some good detail in the midrange for the price, highlighting steps and other specific sounds well.

Shure Aonic 215

One of the best budget reference IEMs also makes for one of the best budget gaming IEMs too. They’re common in the music world and used for production and on-stage performance. This is suitable for a good gaming IEM as well, with its reliable accuracy and spatial positioning. The SE215 offers great width and depth for the price, with a full spectrum of frequency content that will add realism to your game audio.

Moondrop Kato

If you like Moondrop, and you have a bit more money to spend than what the Aria 2 goes for, the Kato is the next step up. Everything about the Kato is elevated compared to the Aria. The soundstage has a holographic appearance, which is very helpful for immersion, and its frequency response is rich and tight for textured instruments and effects. With the Kato, there’s almost no disadvantage, making it one of the best options for gaming for less than two hundred dollars.

Meze Alba

One of the most recently released IEMs makes a great budget gaming option. Meze is known for its high-end, audiophile items, and the Alba brings those sensibilities to a more affordable product. The Alba is uniquely elegant for the price, with its anodized aluminum shell and quality 2-pin stock cable. Its sound signature reflects the Alba’s outer design with exceptional spatial accuracy and detailed response across each range of frequency. Its crisp, precise details will help envelop you in your game with ease, and it also includes its own USB-C DAC dongle.

Sennheiser IE 200

Another reference monitor from a reliable name. The Sennheiser IE 200 makes for a perfect inexpensive game audio companion. Its design is smaller than most, so if you’re displeased with bigger IEM shells the IE 200 might be the best fit for you. Either way, you won’t be disappointed by the IE 200’s accurate, warm, and intimate sound. It’s like the SE215 but more lively and detailed.

Best Mid-Fi Gaming IEMs 

TRN BAX 

You might not have heard of the brand, but the TRN BAX should be on your radar. The BAX has a powerful sound that immediately jumps out at you. Its bass will be the first thing you take notice of, and it’s quite enticing, but it’s also very spacious and balanced. Each range of frequency has a special quirk that adds flavor to your game audio, resulting in a very colorful presentation. This is one of the best affordable mid-fi gaming IEMs you can get before getting into the five-hundred-dollar range.

Campfire Audio Cascara

Campfire Audio is synonymous with high-end IEMs, and the Cascara is one of their best mid-budget options. It serves as a great gaming IEM, with its broad stereo field and deep, rumbly bass response. The rest of the sound signature is very dynamic, with warm mids and sparkly highs that amplify theatrical sound effects and music very well.

Moondrop Variations

It’s no surprise to see Moondrop show up multiple times on this list. The Variations are one of Moondrop’s best IEMs, featuring an impactful bass and wide stage for you to enjoy. Your game audio should sound very clear, showcasing a large scope and theatrical tonality.

Sennheiser IE 600

One of the best IEMs for less than a thousand dollars is the Sennheiser IE 600. Every reason that the IE 200 is a good option goes for the IE 600 as well, but with even more fidelity and versatility. Everything has a distinct shape, which will help immensely with sweeping musical scores and soundscapes.

Best HiFi Gaming IEMs

Shure SE846

Another incredible stage monitor that doubles as a great IEM for gaming. The Shure SE846 is as much a dependable tool as it is a casual listening item. This makes it suitable for detecting precise sound elements in your games, and it perfectly replicates their scale with its soundstage and imaging.

64 Audio Duo

Everything about the 64 Audio Duo feels high-end, and its open-grille design helps achieve that through its impeccable sound signature. Its depth is unparalleled compared to a lot of other IEMs, with a deep bass and immersive soundstage that any gamer can get behind.

Beyerdynamic Xelento Remote

This is the second generation of this model, and it’s one of the best IEMs for gaming. The Xelento supplies swift technicalities to your sound, supported by an open headspace that makes soundscapes feel so engaging. There’s a musicality to its performance that not a ton of other IEMs have, so scores and dialogue should feel completely transparent.

Campfire Audio Supermoon

There’s so much rich texture to the Supermoon, and it makes it an ideal way to experience your game audio. It’s one of the few planar IEMs on this list, which tend to serve games more than traditional dynamic drivers. Everything that comes through it is incredibly smooth, and it quickly became one of my new favorites from the brand after the Andromeda.

Sennheiser IE 900

It’s no surprise to see the flagship IEM from Sennheiser take the final spot here. The Sennheiser IE 900 is one of the best IEMs you can get, supplying fantastic detail and coloration to your game audio. Its sleek balance should do a great job putting all of your game’s complicated sound elements in their place and making them easy to consume all at once. This is thanks to great channel balance, dimensional imaging, and a fully transparent frequency response.

The post Level Up Your Sound: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming IEMs of 2024 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.

DAC Connectivity and Battery Life

The Moondrop Evo boasts Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with a claimed range of 15 meters (49.2 feet). However, in my real-world testing, I found this claim to be somewhat exaggerated. The connection began to drop out at around 6 meters (20 feet), making it more suitable for desk use or keeping your device close by. Despite this limitation, I found the Evo to be quite usable for everyday scenarios.

The Evo supports a wide range of codecs, including aptX Adaptive, aptX TWS+, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. This comprehensive codec support allowed me to enjoy the full clarity of lossless streaming from services like Tidal and Roon. However, I did note the absence of Dolby Atmos compatibility, which would have been a welcome addition.

Battery life on the Evo impressed me. After two hours of use, I barely noticed a dent in the playtime. The charging case, while bulky, provides excellent protection for your IEMs and extends the overall battery life significantly.

In contrast, the iFi Go Pod also features Bluetooth 5.2 but utilizes the Qualcomm QCC 5100 chip. I found its range to be noticeably better than the Evo’s, making it more versatile for moving around. The Go Pod supports an even wider array of codecs, adding LDAC and LHDC/HWA to the mix. This expansive codec support ensures fantastic audio quality across various devices and streaming services.

The Go Pod’s battery life is equally impressive, offering about 7 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 30 hours. I appreciated the useful battery life display on the case, which helped me keep track of remaining power.

Design and Fit

The Moondrop Evo’s design is significantly bulky, but I found it provided a secure fit that didn’t impact my IEM seal. The device clasps noticeably around the ear, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with smaller ears. The rubber material is a little stiff, meaning it took a while to form around my ear. While I found it comfortable for casual listening and walking around, it’s not the best choice for workouts.

The Evo’s touch controls work well, and I appreciated the inclusion of ENC dual mics for great call quality. However, the bulky charging case, while protective, is far from pocket-friendly. You’ll definitely need a bag or tote to carry this around comfortably.

The iFi Go Pod, on the other hand, weighs just 12 grams, making it significantly more comfortable to wear. I found its around-the-ear fit more flexible than the Evo’s, conforming better to my ear shape. After extended use, I barely noticed I was wearing it, feeling more like a slightly thicker IEM cable than a separate device.

The Go Pod’s IPX5 rating adds peace of mind for light water exposure, though I’d still be cautious about using expensive IEMs during intense workouts. The included adapters for both 2-pin and MMCX connections greatly expand its compatibility with various IEMs.

Like the Evo, the Go Pod’s case is quite large, but I found it more manageable overall. The built-in mic with Qualcomm noise suppression performed admirably during calls.

Audio Quality

Turning to the all-important factor of audio quality, both DAC/Amps impressed me, albeit with distinct characteristics. I used the 64 Audio U18t, Nostalgia Audio Camelot, and Moondrop Aria IEMs in my testing.

The Moondrop Evo delivers clear audio with minimal distortion. I noticed a slight drop in bass and presence compared to a wired connection, but the overall volume and clarity were excellent. The Evo adds a warm, slightly V-shaped character to the sound, which I found particularly enjoyable with brighter IEMs.

Listening to “Synapse” by Linea Aspera, I appreciated the Evo’s handling of the track’s layered elements. The sharp synths mixed well with the reverb-heavy vocals, creating a natural and transparent soundstage. However, I did notice that trailing sounds were slightly shortened compared to a wired connection.

Moving to heavier genres, I played Morbid Angel’s “Blessed are the Sick” album. The Evo DAC added a nice character to the boosted guitars and bass, making them less piercing and more enjoyable. If you’re easily fatigued by highs, you’ll likely appreciate the color the Evo adds to the sound.

For a change of pace, I listened to “Loie” by Ike Quebec. The Evo’s warm and detailed sound beautifully supported the track’s haunting organ and vocals. The layered Van Gelder Studios recording came through with distinct fullness, showcasing excellent low-end detail.

However, when I tested the Evo with Brotherhood’s “Till Death” album, I found its limitations. The booming guitars were a bit too much for the unit to handle, resulting in some muddiness. While the drums retained enough sharpness, I wished for more character in the bombastic rhythm section.

Switching to the iFi Go Pod, I immediately noticed its flatter, more neutral sound signature. The Go Pod offers clear audio reproduction with very low distortion. I perceived slightly less clarity in the 2kHz – 4kHz treble range compared to the Evo, which can help tame harshness in some IEMs.

Revisiting “Synapse” by Linea Aspera, the Go Pod provided more clarity in voices and a more present midrange. I also noticed a wider soundstage that reproduced reverb more accurately.

With Freddie Roach’s “Loie,” the Go Pod’s flatter sound showcased the mix’s excellence. While bass was less prominent than with the Evo, I appreciated the more distinct, textured sound. Solos came through with brighter clarity, and cymbals sounded sharper and clearer without becoming fatiguing.

Returning to Morbid Angel’s “Blessed are the Sick,” I found the guitars lacked the same growling bite as with the Evo, but they made up for it with improved layering and body. Feedback and string noise details are louder on the evo as well. The drums pushed through the mix more clearly, with a faster, cleaner attack on the snare.

Finally, with Brotherhood’s “Till Death,” the Go Pod truly shined. Its character paired excellently with the album’s bass-heavy mix. The fuzzy, saturated guitars displayed more presence, and the rumbling low-end was a perfect match for this DAC. I also appreciated how the cymbals separated more clearly from the guitar and bass sounds.

Value and Conclusion

After extensive testing, I found both the Moondrop Evo and iFi Go Pod to be excellent performers in their respective price brackets.

The Moondrop Evo offers impressive sound quality and features at a more budget-friendly price point. While its connectivity range and bulky design may be drawbacks for some, its warm sound signature and compatibility with a wide range of IEMs make it an excellent choice for those looking to dip their toes into the world of wireless DAC/Amps.

The iFi Go Pod, with its $399 price tag, caters more to the high-end consumer with multiple pairs of IEMs. Its superior connectivity, more neutral sound signature, and wider codec support justify the premium to a degree. However, at a price point that exceeds many TWS earbuds, it may be a harder sell for casual listeners.

Both devices successfully bridge the gap between wired audio quality and wireless convenience. The choice between them will largely depend on your budget, preferred sound signature, and how much you value the additional features of the Go Pod.

As for me, I found both DAC/Amps to be valuable additions to my audio arsenal, each serving different purposes. Despite this, it’s hard to consider paying around four times as much for the Go Pod when the Evo does about 80% of what they offer. I’d still suggest the Go Pods for use with high-end IEMs and DAPs.

In the end, both the Moondrop Evo and iFi Go Pod prove that the future of personal audio is bright, offering audiophiles the freedom to enjoy their favorite IEMs wirelessly without significant compromises in sound quality. Whether you’re a budget-conscious listener or a discerning audiophile, these devices offer compelling options to elevate your wireless listening experience.

Get the Moondrop EVO and iFi Go Pod at Audio 46

The post Moondrop Evo vs. iFi Go Pod DAC/Amp Comparison Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

What You Get

• TOZO T6 Wireless Earbuds
• Wireless Charging Case
• 6 pairs of Ear tips (XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL)
• USB Charging Cable
• Quick Guide & User Manual

Look & Feel

The T6 has a simple but elegant design. You get a standard oval shell that is small, and has a glossy faceplate that acts as a touch sensor. It’s a stylish look that comes in tons of color variations. The version I used for this review is the champagne variation, which is even more fashionable than the others. No matter what color the T6 comes in, the level of comfort will be the same. The T6 sits easily in your ear without any extra pressure, and it’s easy to forget about them while you’re just sitting there listening to music.

Design & Functionality

What supports TOZO’s main driver configuration is its OrigX system which is responsible for the earphones tuning. Other than its sound, the T6 doesn’t have many other features. There’s no active noise-canceling or environmental features, but there is a companion app that has EQ. Another part of its functionality is the touch sensors, which work well even after long delays.

Bluetooth

The T6 supports Bluetooth 5.3 with low latency. They have very fast paring and stable streaming quality throughout your listening time. It features standard CODECs, so no aptX or LDAC.

Battery Life

With the T6, you should be able to get ten hours from a single charge. The charging case totals 45 hours of listening time before needed to recharge, which is very good for the price point.

Soundstage

It’s hard to find many flaws with this soundstage considering the price. I’m so easily impressed by the T6’s moderately wide stereo field. When cheaper products like the T6 make any attempt to feature basic stereo dynamics and accuracy, it will receive praise from me. The T6 does an adequate job stacking its layers on top of each other elegantly and showing some degree of separation. You can localize different instruments with ease thanks to its channel balance.

Low End

This bass has everything you’re looking for from a set of budget true wireless earbuds. Even without EQ, the bass on the T6 is very thumpy. It features satisfying bass grooves that dig deeper than you might expect, offering a consistent edge to bass performances. If the constant drive of the bass is too much, you can always reduce it with EQ. Using EQ to add more bass is a bit overkill for me though, as the lows start to lose some of its grace.

Mids

A lot of earbuds like the T6 tend to bury its mids underneath a more dominant bass. The T6 does a good job hiding its lack of midrange detail with a relatively clean timbre. It supplies instruments with a fine layer of surface level resolution. It’s not the most full range of frequency content, but nothing about it feels too destructive to the mix. Maybe the frequency response is more constricted in the midrange, but it’s not too distracting.

Highs

The T6 does a good job adding a little bit of spice to the top-end region of the sound signature. There’s a thinly veiled sparkle that gives cymbals enough juice to have significant presence in the mix. Nothing about it is overtly bright or harsh, but it doesn’t settle for dullness either. It features some pleasant ticks that feel detailed, and it gives sound elements a solid amount of tail.

Summary

There’s a ton of value to the T6, with a good design and sound for an inexpensive price. Its bass and highs present more expressive features than its price would have you assume, and the same goes for its soundstage too. It also features nice aesthetics, and a wonderfully comfy fit that almost makes the T6 the whole package for a generous price.

The TOZO T6 is available from Amazon.

The post TOZO T6 Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

Final Audio E500

Some of the most inexpensive IEMs can be found in Final Audio’s library. The E500 is one of the newest IEMs to be featured on this list, and it will only set you back $24.99. They’re a simple set of earbuds that demonstrate exceptional value. Its sound is surprisingly tactile for its price, with a clear midrange and high-end detail. The earphones are small and easy to wear, with a lightweight and comfortable design.

Strauss & Wagner EM205

Another simple set of wired earbuds is the Strauss and Wagner EM205. While they’re not the fanciest-looking set of IEMs, the EM205 supplies you with clear, energetic bass and a wide soundstage that is hard to pass up. For only $39.95, the EM205 is one of the best traditional earbuds you can find on the market.

Moondrop LAN

Moondrop has a great selection of IEMs. Their standard for quality across a big selection like theirs is impressive, especially with their budget IEMs. The LAN is one of their cheapest sitting at $33.99. This is also one of the most inexpensive options to feature a detachable cable, which allows for potential upgrades to improve sound quality. This is also one of the best designs you can get for the price, with a MIM stainless steel shell that you usually get from more expensive IEMs.

Blon x Z Jojo

The Jojo is certainly one of the flashiest IEMs you can get for the price. Its zinc alloy housing, gold plates, and purple finish certainly get a ton of style points. This is also true for the cable design as well, feeling like one of the best stock cables for an IEM in this price range. In terms of sound quality, its best properties are its soundstage and its bass. It’s a wonderfully wide sound that features more depth than you expect, with a thumpy bass that is very impactful.

Final Audio E3000

This list is fittingly bookended by Final Audio IEMs. The E3000 also has a stainless steel design, which is always great to see on a set of budget IEMs. What the E3000 excels most in though is rich, clean sound across the frequency spectrum. If you’re looking for something wide, dynamic, and elegantly performed instruments on the cheap, the E3000 might just be the whole package.

The post Unbeatable Sound on a Budget: Top 5 Cheapest IEMs Of 2024 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.

Bluetooth Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

It’s the most obvious pick for a reason. Most of that has to do with its superb noise-canceling, which is likely what you’ll favor most if you’re buying headphones for travel. The XM5 might not have the best sound quality compared to the other selections on this list, but the comfort and isolation are unlike anything else you’ll find on the market. It’s not like the XM5 has bad sound quality though, as the bass is very energetic and you can personalize the sound through in-app EQ.

Sennheiser Momentum 4

While the noise-canceling isn’t as strong as the XM5, the Momentum 4 still offers great isolation with better sound quality. Everything from the bass to the highs has better resolution while still providing impact to the sound. You also get a better stereo soundstage that separates the instruments more favorably. It also features the best battery life on the market for ANC headphones, with a maximum of 60 hours of playtime off a complete charge.

Bowers & Wilkens PX7 S2e

The PX7 S2e is one of the best-looking wireless headphones on the market, but it’s not all about style. Thankfully, the PX7 S2e is more than just its looks; its sound and comfort are great, too. It has a compact design that makes them easy to carry around and rest on your shoulders when you’re not using them. You also get good separation and a fun sound signature that combines texture and detail. The noise-canceling also gets the job done, combined with natural isolation from the ear pads. These headphones also have the best color variations, from ocean blue to forest grey.

Focal Bathys

Now we are starting to get into the audiophile territory. Focal is known for its high-end headphones and speakers, and its Bluetooth option is one of the best. The Bathys is not only one of the best sounding wireless headphones, it’s just a great sounding headphone regardless of its Bluetooth capabilities. It also has a sleek design that is comfortable to wear for many hours. The cups are very breathable and have naturally isolated properties on top of good ANC. Sound quality is what you’re buying these headphones for through, and it is nothing short of amazing. This is the closest thing to having audiophile-grade headphones that are wireless.

DALI 10-12

If you’re really looking to go all out, I highly recommend the Dali IO-12. It’s one of the priciest selections on this list, but it offers you so much. The sound is nothing short of spectacular, containing little difference from some of the best closed-back wired headphones out there. They’re bigger than most headphones on this list too, but that’s mostly do to the large ear pads, which are super comfortable. It’s one of the few Bluetooth headphones out there that truly makes you feel like you’re listening to a luxury product.

Wired Headphones

Sivga SV021

If you’re looking for a closed-back headphone that is inexpensive, has good sound quality, and is comfortable, then the Sivga SV021 might be the whole package. For on-the-go listening, the SV021 offers these big ear pads that rest on your head comfortably while forming a tight seal on your ears. It also has a very clean sound that has a kick to its bass. The aesthetic of the SV021 is also on-point, especially te rosewood variation.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

You can never go wrong with a classic like the M50x. These headphones are bound to show up on many lists out there regarding headphones, so it’s safe to say that they make great travel companions as well. With the M50x, you’ll be able to enjoy studio-quality sound anywhere, with a classic build that always comes out with some assortment of color variations. Most of its parts are replaceable too, like the ear pads which tend to wear over time.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X 

Another studio legend that I have no problem traveling with is the Beyerdynamic DT 770. I choose the recent edition of the 770 mainly because of the quality of life differences, like the replaceable cable and more comfortable ear pads for the easier-to-drive version. These headphones can withstand more than the M50x can, and although they are slightly bigger, the sound is exactly what you need.

Meze 99 Classics

Like the SV021, the 99 Classics is another simple plug-and-play headphone. It’s also another stylish wooden design with a compact look and comfortable ear pads. What elevates the 99 Classics is Meze’s sound signature, which enhanced vocals and instruments to great transparency. Upgrading the stock cable also makes the 99 Classics an even better investment.

The post Top Travel Headphones of 2024: Comfort and Quality on the Go appeared first on Major HiFi.

What You Get

Look & Feel

The Pulse Elite takes on the aesthetic of the PS5, while the Maxwell has a chunkier, heavy-duty build. With the Maxwell, you get a sturdier design, with high-grade materials that appear more durable compared to the Elite. Both headphones give off a cool look, and I particularly like how they implement their boom mics. Wearing the Pulse Elite gives off a lighter feel compared to the Maxwell, but I prefer the isolation Audeze’s headphones give you. The Elite is comfortable, but sometimes the fit can feel a bit loose. I have one bit of gripe with the Maxwell though, and it’s the headband. The three-hole design is not one that I favor, especially compared to the Elite’s headband, which adjusts automatically.

Design

Sony’s Pulse Elite headphones adapt Audeze’s planar design principle, but information on the driver’s exact size is not made specific. However, we do know that the Maxwell has a 90mm driver, which is pretty sizable. I’ve heard some complaints about the Maxwell’s loudness quality, but after some firmware updates it’s gotten better. This is not a problem for the headphones when used over PlayStation, as they both output the same amount of volume. EQ controls can also be used through the PlayStation, but Audeze also has its own app called Audeze HQ.

Microphone Quality

This is one of the few areas where one headphone is outright better than the other and it would be hard to say otherwise. The Pulse Elite’s mic quality is very disappointing compared to the Maxwell. When I was testing the Pulse Elite for my review, I noted that my voice came across as boxy when chatting with my friends over Discord on the PlayStation. The Maxwell doesn’t have this issue, and while the voice quality still isn’t perfect, it’s way more clear than the Elite.

Bluetooth & Battery Life

There is a clear winner for battery life and that’s the Maxwell. It offers 80 hours of playtime compared to the Pulse Elite’s 30 hours. Both are appropriate for their price points though, and I never had a problem with the charge time of either of them. In terms of their wireless connection, both headphones are on a similar level. They both offer dongles that give you low-latency wireless connections that you can use with Bluetooth simultaneously.

Soundstage

I thought it would be fitting to directly compare the PlayStation version of the Maxwell to the Pulse Elite for obvious reasons and to see how they handle Tempest 3D audio with the PS5. Testing was also done on PC, but only the XBOX version allows you to use Dolby Atmos. Listening to the Maxwell in Dolby Atmos wields better results in terms of spatial performance. Still, since we’re comparing it with the Pulse Elite, it’s fairer to judge the soundstage based on how it functions with the PlayStation.

Even with these parameters set, the Maxwell still impresses me more with its soundstage than the Pulse Elite. While Sony’s headphone showcases better pure stereo dynamics than most of its other efforts, the Maxwell still outclasses it. No matter how it acts in 3D, you can still tell which headphone has the better soundstage based on stereo accuracy and depth. The Maxwell shows a better identity with specific effects and music through the left and right channels, enwrapping your head in an immersive sonic environment before you even activate spatial audio. The Pulse Elite should get some credit though for exercising breathability in the soundstage. It allows for sounds to also feel more localized in a specific place, but the Maxwell is more elegant with its imaging overall.

Listening to sounds whirl around you like wind or flames over the Maxwell has more movement behind it than the Pulse Elite. However, switching to 3D makes them more similar in terms of spaciousness. The Maxwell still retains its superior accuracy and width over the Pulse Elite, but the Pulse Elite has more of a hovering effect. In this case, the 3D audio might be more fun with the Pulse Elite as sounds are propelled into a more forward headspace. The Maxwell still has the better height and depth though, featuring a better scale to singular sound elements than the Pulse Elite.

Low End

I respect the level of balance that the Pulse Elite exhibits with its lows like the bass has restraint to it. This might not be what you’re looking for in a pair of gaming headphones, but it can make a difference in terms of clearer sound fidelity. Thankfully, you can boost the bass to your liking with the PlayStation’s EQ, which adds more presence and texture to the bass frequencies. With the Maxwell, the bass features greater impact and rumble throughout its sound signature. It slams down with a quick, thunderous vibration of tone. Surprisingly, the bass never gets out of control with this response. The Maxwell presents a sub-bass that makes all the difference, giving a pointed buzz to bass-heavy sound effects and instruments.

Mids

Both headphones exhibit a V-shaped sound profile. This is common for a lot of gaming headphones, but that doesn’t stop the Maxwell and Pulse Elite from showcasing better properties. This is thanks to their planar drivers, which make the mids come across a bit more transparently, but the Maxwell ends up with better balance than the Elite. You can hear a dip in energy when dialogue occurs over both headphones, but neither push sounds toward the background. I think the Pulse Elite just comes across as a hollower timbre overall compared to the Maxwell. When it’s time for both headphones to show excitement in the upper-mids, the Maxwell feels a lot more detailed. The Pulse Elite has some good energy to it here, but the resolution isn’t as clear.

Highs

While the Maxwell outdoes a lot of what the Pulse Elite can do in terms of fidelity, the highs appear surprisingly more lifelike. The Maxwell has solid crispness in its treble, but the timbre is more veiled than the Pulse Elite. It appears less believable than the Pulse Elite, which is more expressive in comparison. There’s more brightness to it, but the response rings out more and takes on a clearer shape than the Maxwell. It can be a bit peaky and forward, but I prefer its coloration over the colder high frequencies that the Maxwell presents.

Summary

Sony’s future gaming headsets have the opportunity to take more of what the Maxwell does right, but for now, both headphones still have their pros and cons. The Maxwell sounds like a great headphone in general, while it’s hard to find much use for the Pulse Elite outside of gaming on your PS5. The Elite does surprise me though, with its expressive highs, easy adjustability, and generous price point.

The Audeze Maxwell is available at Audio46, and the Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite is available from Sony here.

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