The Audio Stuff Reviews

FIFINE K688 Review: A $69 XLR and USB Broadcast Mic

Bastien Beauchamp — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A dynamic broadcast microphone with both XLR and USB-C outputs, so the audio interface is already inside it: cardioid rejection, 130 dB max SPL, on-body gain and mute.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.2/10. Price: $68.99.

What's good

XLR and USB-C outputs - the audio interface is already inside the mic
Metal body and metal shock mount at a budget price
Cardioid dynamic capsule rejects fan noise, keyboards and room reflections
130 dB max SPL takes whispers and shouting without distorting
Mic gain and headphone monitoring wheels on the body, no software needed
Tap-to-mute button on the mic itself
USB path sounds fuller than the XLR path with no processing at all
USB-C cable, USB-A adapter and a 5/8 inch to 3/8 inch thread adapter in the box

Worth knowing

Frequency response stops at 50 Hz and 16 kHz - built for voice, not music capture
XLR output is leaner and thinner than what the built-in interface delivers
Needs close, on-axis technique to sound its best
The built-in interface is the conversion you get - there is nothing to upgrade later
No XLR cable included; the maker sells that as a separate bundle
USB mode works on PS5 but not on Xbox, which blocks third-party USB audio

Read the full FIFINE K688 review on The Audio Stuff

Synergistic Research Network Router UEF Review: Does a $3,000 Router Improve Sound?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A wired-only audiophile router with a linear power supply, EM cell, ULF generator and carbon fiber voicing. In my system it lowered the noise floor on everything I stream.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.8/10. Price: From $2,995.

What's good

Aircraft-grade aluminum chassis with a carbon fiber lid
2.8 kg in a footprint smaller than a shoebox
Linear power supply adapted from the Galileo PowerCell
EM cell conditions the incoming AC and the outgoing signal
Five ethernet ports, enough for a whole audio system
Foundation 12 AWG power cable and metal footers in the box
Dedicated ground post for an SR Ground Block
Money-back guarantee and in-home auditions through dealers

Worth knowing

Three thousand dollars, for a network router
No WiFi on board, so you still need a separate access point
Does nothing at all for vinyl or disc playback
The gain scales with how much of your listening is streamed
Nothing it changes shows up on a frequency response chart
Fuse upgrade costs extra on top of the asking price
A speaker or acoustics upgrade will always move you further

Read the full Synergistic Research Network Router UEF review on The Audio Stuff

Ortvik Parametric Tower Review: An Acoustic Panel and Diffuser

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A freestanding acoustic tower that scatters and absorbs at the same time - handmade Czech oak over a recycled PET felt core, placed wherever the room needs it.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 8.5/10. Price: Varies.

What's good

Diffusion and broadband absorption from one freestanding unit
Stands anywhere, so it treats spots no wall panel can reach
Recycled PET Envizol core - no mineral or glass wool
Handmade in the Czech Republic, no glue marks or rough edges
Only 15 cm deep for a 60 cm wide panel
Natural oak reads as furniture, not studio gear
Slat pattern, finish and dimensions can be made to measure
Casters included, so a 30 kg tower still repositions easily

Worth knowing

No bass absorption - the absorptive layer behind the slats is thin
Over 30 kg per tower, so assembly is a two-person job
Almost 2 m tall, so it needs a room with the height for it
The 2025 units shipped with caster feet still in prototype form
Not a whole-room fix on its own - my space still has work left

Read the full Ortvik Parametric Tower review on The Audio Stuff

HIFIMAN HE1000se Review: The $1,700 Flagship Planar

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

An ex-$3,500 flagship, now $1,700: nanometer diaphragm, Stealth Magnets, a holographic soundstage, and state-of-the-art detail - bright, honest, merciless with bad sources.

Verdict: Reference - 9.3/10. Price: $1,700.

What's good

State-of-the-art detail retrieval - hears deep into any mix
Huge, holographic, out-of-your-head stage with pinpoint imaging
Blazing transient speed keeps busy, crowded tracks clean
Fast, tight, dead-linear bass with real slam on demand
Neutral, honest mids; vocals clean and beautifully separated
One of the most comfortable flagships - light 440g, deep breathable pads
Top-tier CNC aluminium, wood veneer, and real-leather build
Easy-to-drive flagship: 35 ohms / 96 dB, three cables incl. balanced XLR

Worth knowing

Bright, peaky treble - can fatigue or turn harsh on hot recordings
Unforgiving - ruthlessly exposes poor masters and noisy sources
Reference bass, not basshead bass - can feel a touch light
Runs slightly lean; a little more warmth would add body
Very large cups - smaller heads may catch the jaw
Clamp is tight when new, more so over glasses (it loosens in)

Read the full HIFIMAN HE1000se review on The Audio Stuff

HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth Review: Flagship Planar at a Lower Price

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A years-old HIFIMAN flagship, cheaper than ever: Stealth Magnets, a nanometer diaphragm, a wide open soundstage, and a fun, bright tuning - mind the treble peaks and the large fit.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 8.5/10. Price: $1,119.

What's good

Excellent comfort despite 458g - the wide suspension band spreads the weight
Spacious, deep, breathable three-material hybrid pads; user-replaceable
Top-tier hand-polished, CNC-machined aluminium and real leather build
Stealth Magnets + nanometer diaphragm + Window Shade grille
Dual 3.5mm connectors; includes an extra balanced cable
Wide, open, out-of-your-head soundstage with strong imaging
Tight, well-textured bass with more weight than most HIFIMANs
Fun, engaging, slightly bright reference tuning with natural timbre

Worth knowing

Genuinely large - may not fit smaller heads; cups can press the jaw
Peaky, uneven treble with sharp spots - too much on hot recordings
Revealing - unforgiving of poor recordings or cheap sources
On the heavier side at 458g
Less transparent and detailed than the pricier HE1000se
Upper-mid lift over a lower dip won't suit thick, forward-vocal lovers

Read the full HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth review on The Audio Stuff

Douk Audio U2 Pro Review: Does a $70 DDC Reclocker Actually Work?

Bastien Beauchamp — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A $70 XMOS XU316 DDC reclocker (USB-C in; TOSLINK, coax, I²S out). Tighter timing and a fuller, more detailed sound - at the cost of some air and openness.

Verdict: Mixed - 6.5/10. Price: $70.

What's good

Genuinely affordable - $69.99 when many DDCs run into the thousands
XMOS XU316 controller handles high-resolution PCM and DSD
Tighter timing and lower jitter; more detail and a fuller, richer body
USB-C input with optical (TOSLINK), coaxial and I²S outputs
Switchable UAC 1.0 / 2.0 - works with game consoles and audio gear
User-replaceable clock: the oscillator is socketed for upgrades
Front PCM/DSD indicator shows the playback resolution at a glance

Worth knowing

It's a trade-off, not a free upgrade - you lose some air and openness
The soundstage can feel slightly veiled and narrowed
How much it helps depends heavily on how much jitter your system has
Adds another box and another set of cables to the signal chain
No analogue output - a DDC is a digital interface, not a DAC
Purists chasing maximum transparency may prefer a direct connection

Read the full Douk Audio U2 Pro review on The Audio Stuff

HIFIMAN Serenade Review: One Box to Replace Your DAC, Amp, and Streamer

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

HIFIMAN's all-in-one R2R DAC, discrete Class A amp, and hi-res network streamer in one 3kg box - lush, musical, and powerful enough to drive almost anything.

Verdict: Reference - 9.3/10. Price: $999.

What's good

Proprietary Himalaya Pro R2R DAC for a natural, non-clinical sound
Discrete Class A amp based on HIFIMAN's $3000 Prelude
Built-in hi-res network streamer (up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512)
Massive, ultra-clean power supply (50W toroidal + 30,000µF)
4W into 32Ω balanced - drives 99% of headphones with headroom
Every input and output you'd need: USB, optical, coax, Ethernet, Bluetooth, RCA
Beautifully built ~3kg block of CNC-machined aluminum
Dead-silent noise floor (THD 0.0015%, SNR 110dB)

Worth knowing

Voiced warm and lush on purpose - not for fans of a bright, clinical sound
Class A circuitry runs warm by design
If you already own a similar-tier amp, the pricier Prelude is the smarter buy

Read the full HIFIMAN Serenade review on The Audio Stuff

Sivga SV021 Pro Review: A Fun, Wooden Closed-Back for $179

Bastien Beauchamp — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A $179 wood-earcup closed-back with a fun, bass-forward sound. A revised driver fixes the original's treble sibilance, though isolation and midrange refinement still lag.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.6/10. Price: $179.

What's good

Real wood earcups at $179 - a look and feel that usually costs thousands
Beautiful design and genuinely solid build quality
Very light at 289g, with breathable, comfortable materials
Fun, dynamic bass with real grit and excitement
Easy to drive at 106dB / 45 ohms - scales nicely with a dongle or amp
Revised driver smooths out the original's high-treble sibilance
A great-looking, disappear-on-your-head travel headphone

Worth knowing

Poor passive isolation - you hear the street while you walk
Pads are too thin and too firm, letting air and noise leak through
Recessed midrange; vocals and low treble can sound compressed and rolled off
High treble can still get a touch sibilant on trumpets and hard cymbal crashes
Included cable is a bit rigid, and there is no balanced connection
Not refined enough for critical listening to classical, acoustic, or jazz

Read the full Sivga SV021 Pro review on The Audio Stuff

Meze 105 Silva Review: The Most Beautiful Headphone Under $500?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A $499 open-back dynamic with hand-polished walnut cups, a custom 50mm carbon-fiber driver, and a warm, fun, easy-to-drive tuning that punches well above its price.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 8.7/10. Price: $499.

What's good

Hand-polished walnut earcups with intricate radial grille
Custom 50mm driver with carbon-fiber W-dome and titanium torus
Self-adjusting elastic suspension headband - zero hotspots
Light 350g weight for a full-size wooden headphone
Plush, breathable velour earpads - glasses-friendly
Modular, fully serviceable - assembled with screws, not glue
Easy to drive (42Ω, 112dB) - USB-C DAC dongle included
Waterproof hard case + braided stock cable - no upgrades needed

Worth knowing

Musical, warm tuning - not a flaw-revealing reference
Mid-bass is slightly forward - flat-tuning purists won't love it
Lower mids step back behind a small upper-mid lift
Treble has noticeable extra sparkle - bright-sensitive ears beware
Meze's optional $250 upgrade cable is hard to justify over the stock
Open-back design leaks sound - not for shared spaces

Read the full Meze 105 Silva review on The Audio Stuff

Kiwi Ears Belle vs Cadenza II vs Orchestra II Review: Which One Should You Buy?

Bastien Beauchamp — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Three Kiwi Ears IEMs head-to-head - the $30 Belle with a mic, the $50 Cadenza II with KARS 2.0, and the 10-BA $350 Orchestra II flagship. Which is the value pick?

Verdict: Recommended - 8.1/10. Price: $30 to $350.

What's good

Covers three budgets - $30 Belle, $50 Cadenza II, $350 Orchestra II
Belle is a tremendous-value V-shape with a built-in microphone
Cadenza II betters the Belle in every sonic way and stays light
Orchestra II's 10 balanced armatures stay coherent and linear
Cadenza II's KARS 2.0 labyrinth tube tightens the low end
Orchestra II ships with 3.5mm + 4.4mm balanced cables and a case
Multiple ear-tip densities (Belle and Orchestra II) tune the sound
All three scale up impressively with a decent dongle

Worth knowing

Belle's ear tips are a real fight to fit and swap
Low bass and high treble roll off straight from a phone
All three really want a ~$79 dongle to open up
No microphone on the Cadenza II or Orchestra II
Orchestra II is heavy at 7g per side - not for jogging
Cadenza II includes only a single set of ear tips
Orchestra II's price jump is only justified with a balanced dongle

Read the full Kiwi Ears Belle, Cadenza II, Orchestra II review on The Audio Stuff

Ekustik Woody Queen Review: Don't Buy Cheap Acoustic Panels

Jakub Charkiewicz — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Handmade Czech acoustic panels with a luxurious wood frame and PET felt core - true broadband absorption to 100Hz, zero fiberglass, and a 0.94 NRC rating.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 9.0/10. Price: From €399/panel.

What's good

Handmade in the Czech Republic with luxurious wood frame
Eco-friendly PET felt Envizol core - zero fiberglass
Three depth options: 5cm decorative, 10cm performance, 15cm bass
NRC up to 0.94 - 94% sound absorption
True broadband absorber, effective down to 100Hz
60x120cm standard footprint suits most rooms
Optional placement consulting from Ekustik
Looks like luxury furniture - no need to hide them

Worth knowing

15cm Performance Bass version is chunky on the wall
Premium price - not budget DIY territory
Wall-mounting required - heavy and large
Placement requires real consultation for best results
Light wood frame might not match every interior
60x120cm is the only standard footprint

Read the full Ekustik Woody Queen review on The Audio Stuff

HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled Review: A Planar Too Fragile to Own?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

An open-back planar that strips away the outer grill entirely - exposing the driver to deliver dead-silent backgrounds, holographic imaging, and the smoothest Arya treble yet.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 9.1/10. Price: $1,299.

What's good

Grill-less design eliminates micro-reflections off protective metal
Stealth Magnets pass sound waves without turbulence
Nanometer-thickness diaphragm - extremely fast and detailed
Most comfortable Arya yet - lighter, less clamp
Suspension strap with zero hotspots over hours
Smoothed-out, mature treble - no glassy edge
Holographic imaging with dead-silent background
New fabric-sleeved crystalline copper stock cable

Worth knowing

Driver fully exposed - real damage risk if mishandled
Magnetic Veils required when not in use - new ritual
Glossy plastic earcups - fingerprint magnet
Plastic construction feels less premium than HE1000 series
Still needs a real amp - 94dB sensitivity is misleading
Less mid-bass bloom than Arya Organic - bass-heads may want more

Read the full HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled review on The Audio Stuff

Kiwi Ears Atheia Review: A $349 Planar + Dynamic Closed-Back

Jakub Charkiewicz — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A closed-back hybrid headphone pairing a 50mm dynamic driver with a 14.5mm planar - dynamic slam on the bottom, planar speed on top, in a walnut and aluminum chassis.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.9/10. Price: $349.

What's good

Walnut wood earcups with aluminum brackets
Hybrid: 50mm dynamic + 14.5mm planar magnetic
Surprisingly wide soundstage for a closed-back
Bass extension deeper than many pricier planars
Auto-adjusting suspension headband with stretchy bands
Locking 3.5mm cable connectors with mixed braided/rubber
Hard-shell carrying case included
Easy to drive (32Ω, 102dB) but scales with better amps

Worth knowing

Vegan leather pads feel a bit generic
Cups aren't huge - some ears will touch the pads
Mids are slightly recessed and lean honky
Tonally thin/quick - not warm or lush
Exaggerates reverb - can sound messy in busy mixes
Cable is still mildly microphonic

Read the full Kiwi Ears Atheia review on The Audio Stuff

HarmonicDyne Eris Review: The Most Absurd Headphone Bass?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A semi-closed dynamic with 50mm ceramic-metal drivers and a deliberately overwhelming sub-bass tuning - tactile, fun, and tailor-made for EDM, hip-hop, and bass-heavy genres.

Verdict: Mixed - 6.8/10. Price: $249.

What's good

50mm ceramic-metal long-stroke dynamic drivers
Massive, deep, physical sub-bass extension
Semi-closed 4-vent cup design balances slam and openness
Thick, well-built balanced 4.4mm stock cable
Soft micro-suede and vegan leather pads
Wider-than-expected stereo image
Easy to drive (32Ω, 118dB sensitivity)
Decent isolation despite venting

Worth knowing

Mostly plastic construction with glossy fingerprint magnet
Ear cup openings are smallish - ears touch the pads
Recessed midrange - vocals pulled back
Bass can overwhelm complex mixes
Detail retrieval gets swallowed by bass energy
Imaging width is good but depth is weaker

Read the full HarmonicDyne Eris review on The Audio Stuff

Synergistic PowerCell 14 Review: A $15K Power Conditioner?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A 14-outlet flagship power conditioner with seven SRX folded EM cells, ULF+DC biasing, graphene treatment, and a silver matrix ground strap - a tier above any 'power strip'.

Verdict: Reference - 9.2/10. Price: $14,495.

What's good

Carbon-fiber composite + plexiglass top - visible internals
14 UEF Purple 2.0 outlets across three isolated banks
EM Cells doubled as supercapacitors for current peaks
ULF + DC Bias system with 3 selectable bias settings
24-karat gold UEF tuning circuits
10-gauge silver matrix point-to-point wiring
62cm² high-purity silver ground strap
Color-selectable internal lighting for ambiance

Worth knowing

$15,000 entry price is far from affordable
Schuko version omits the USB output
12kg unit takes up serious shelf space
Carbon-fiber/plexi top can attract dust
Benefits scale with system - modest setups won't show it all
Power switch position requires reaching behind

Read the full Synergistic Research PowerCell 14 review on The Audio Stuff

Fosi Audio ZD3 Review: A $150 DAC With Swappable Op-Amps

Jakub Charkiewicz — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A $150 desktop DAC that punches above its price - swappable op-amps, balanced XLR and RCA, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth aptX HD, a 126 dB SNR, and a clean, slightly bright sound.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.1/10. Price: $150.

What's good

Swappable op-amps - rare end-user sound tuning at this price
HDMI ARC input - plug straight into a TV, no extra box
Balanced XLR and RCA outputs, both active at the same time
Bluetooth with aptX HD, not just SBC/AAC
High 126 dB SNR; 123-126 dB dynamic range
External 12V supply instead of noisy USB power
Bypass mode for a fixed-level, preamp-friendly output
Sleek all-black aluminium build with a clear, readable display

Worth knowing

Faint hollow echo when you tap or spin the volume knob
Soundstage depth feels flat - instruments sit side-by-side, not front-to-back
Not a basshead DAC - tight, but no deep R2R-style weight
Chip-based delta-sigma, not a discrete topology
Light unit - under 700 grams

Read the full Fosi Audio ZD3 review on The Audio Stuff

Denafrips Hades 12th Review: The R2R Preamp That Changes Things

Jakub Charkiewicz — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A pure Class A, fully balanced, true discrete preamp with a 60-step relay-based resistor ladder volume control - perfect channel balance, 0.00045% THD, 122dB SNR.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 9.0/10. Price: $1,369.

What's good

Precision-machined thick aluminum chassis, no flex
60-step relay-based stepped attenuator (R2R volume)
Perfect channel balance at any volume
Pure Class A, fully discrete, true balanced signal path
80VA O-core transformer with discrete linear PSU
0.00045% THD, 122dB SNR - whisper-quiet background
Solid aluminum remote that matches the build
Adjustable display brightness for any room

Worth knowing

Three feet instead of four - could be more stable
Unity gain only - some amps may need more volume
9kg unit isn't trivial to move around
Simple I/O - just 2 XLR + 1 RCA in, XLR + RCA out
Display can't be fully turned off
Relay clicks may bother those who want silent volume changes

Read the full Denafrips Hades 12th review on The Audio Stuff

OLLO Audio X1 Review: A $549 Open-Back Studio Headphone

Jakub Charkiewicz — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

An open-back studio reference headphone with AI-assisted per-unit calibration (±1dB), modular design, real wood cups, and a flat tuning that works for both mixing and music.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 8.9/10. Price: $549.

What's good

USC II per-unit calibration to ±1dB tolerance
Real wood machined earcups, no veneer
Modular, repairable, service-friendly design
Hybrid velour + perforated leather pads, user-replaceable
Locking dual 2.5mm cable with forward-angled entry
Sturdy hard carrying case included
32Ω / 101dB - works from any laptop or interface
Realphones-compatible mix translation profiles

Worth knowing

Tight clamp force - takes adjustment if you're used to looser cans
Soundstage is realistic, not impressively wide
Tuning is intentionally flat - some will call it boring
Packaging is minimal - not premium-feeling
Pads are functional, not luxurious
Not the cheapest at this price point

Read the full OLLO Audio X1 review on The Audio Stuff

Tonewinner AD-1PA+ Review: A $3,175 Class A/AB Power Amp

Jakub Charkiewicz — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A 43kg switchable Class A/AB power amplifier paired with a fully balanced preamp - 100W Class A or 500W Class AB into 4Ω with serious bass control and golden-hued mids.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 9.0/10. Price: $3,175.

What's good

Massive 43kg overbuilt chassis with side heatsinks
Switchable Class A / Class AB topology
Fully balanced differential input and BTL output stages
8 pairs of Hi-Fi transistors per channel - 60A capacity
1200W toroidal transformer + 180,000μF capacitance
Stable down to 2Ω - drives demanding speakers
Matching AD-1PRE+ preamp with built-in phono stage
Tactile, milled-metal volume knob with notched rotation

Worth knowing

Significant heat output in Class A mode
Class AB sounds drier and more clinical vs Class A
Notes start/stop more abruptly - lacks tube fluidity
43kg is hard to move - placement is permanent
Up to 1200W power draw from the wall
No automatic Class A/AB switching

Read the full Tonewinner AD-1PA+ review on The Audio Stuff

t.bone SCT 2000 Review: A $231 Tube Mic That Robs the Industry

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A large-diaphragm tube condenser at $231 with a real 12AX7B tube, nine polar patterns, gold-sputtered diaphragm, and a sound that competes with mics 3-5x the price.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.1/10. Price: $231.

What's good

Real, user-replaceable 12AX7B vacuum tube inside the mic
1.07" gold-sputtered large-diaphragm capsule
Nine selectable polar patterns from the PSU
Full all-metal build - no plastic anywhere
All-metal external power supply with tactile selector
High-quality 7-pin cable - long and flexible
Premium full-metal shock mount with spare elastics
Hard-shell case with precision foam fits everything

Worth knowing

Needs external PSU - not a plug-and-play mic
Self-noise of 16dB is good but not pro-grade quiet
Not a true U87 killer - similar tier as WA-47/Aston
Tube needs warmup time
Large footprint - shock mount takes up space
Sound character can be too smooth for clinical work

Read the full t.bone SCT 2000 review on The Audio Stuff

Sivga Anser Review: Open-Back Bass That $2k Cans Can't Touch

Jakub Charkiewicz — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A $200 open-back dynamic with real wood cups and a tuning that delivers springy, bouncy mid-bass you won't find on $2,000 headphones - musical, fun, and built to last.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.0/10. Price: $199.

What's good

Solid wood earcups with aluminum grilles and yokes
No plastic - just wood, metal, and leather
342g - light enough for hours of listening
Earcups rotate 180 degrees for fit adjustment
Unique springy/bouncy mid-bass texture - addictive
Natural, warm midrange with great vocal body
Easy to drive (38Ω, 105dB sensitivity)
Eco-friendly hemp bag and minimal packaging

Worth knowing

Soundstage is on the intimate side - not super wide
Treble could be a bit more refined
Sub-bass is present but not the main focus
Hemp bag offers limited protection
Upper mids may stand out on some tracks
Soundstage feels centered vs. holographic options

Read the full Sivga Anser review on The Audio Stuff

Taga TAV-607F Review: Floorstanders at Bookshelf Money

Jakub Charkiewicz — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A surprisingly capable three-way floor-stander with twin 6.5" woofers, an angled-top low-interference cabinet, and an articulate, energetic sound that punches above its budget.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.9/10. Price: €699/pair.

What's good

True three-way design with twin 6.5" woofers
Taga Low Interference Enclosure (2nd gen) with extra bracing
Angled top minimizes standing waves
1" silk dome tweeter with TWG-I waveguide
Heavy-duty aluminum spike feet included
91dB sensitivity - works with budget amps
44Hz-25kHz frequency response - solid extension
Vivid, forward midrange with great vocal presence

Worth knowing

Vinyl wrap finish, not real wood veneer
14kg per speaker is light for a floor-stander
Soundstage favors directness over width/depth
Bass isn't earth-shaking - midrange-focused tuning
Treble can lean slightly bright on the wrong amp
Cabinet, while braced, isn't as inert as heavier rivals

Read the full Taga Harmony TAV-607F review on The Audio Stuff

HIFIMAN EF500 Review: The Cheapest Himalaya R2R DAC

Jakub Charkiewicz — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The most affordable HIFIMAN unit to feature their proprietary Himalaya R2R DAC chip - 4.5W per channel balanced, network streaming, and a vertical tower form factor.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.2/10. Price: $549.

What's good

First Himalaya R2R DAC chip at this price point
Vertical tower form factor saves desk space
All-metal chassis with industrial design
Fully balanced amp section - 4.5W into 32Ω balanced
Network streaming via Ethernet (Tidal, Qobuz, NAS)
OS/NOS filter selection for tonal tailoring
117dB SNR, <0.0025% THD
131dB channel separation

Worth knowing

Gets warm during long sessions with demanding cans
Vertical-only design - awkward laid flat
No analog input - can't use as a separate amp
Soundstage is solid but not ultra-wide
Filter differences are subtle
Pricier than the EF499 with overlapping feature set

Read the full HIFIMAN EF500 review on The Audio Stuff

3 Audiophile Tweaks That Actually Work: Cables, Power, Filtering

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sun, 18 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Three real tweaks that improve a high-end system without swapping speakers or amps - audiophile network/USB/digital cables, AC power conditioning, and parallel filtering.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.8/10. Price: Varies.

What's good

DH Labs Reunion Cat8 reduces digital haze, sharpens imaging
DH Labs HDMI 2.1 for clean I²S - opens up the soundstage
DH Labs Mirage USB separates data and power - 4 shields total
DH Labs D-750 coax keeps 75Ω impedance with silver-coated copper
DH Labs Air Matrix Cryo: 60% air dielectric, cryo-treated
iFi DC Blocker+ kills transformer hum dead
iFi LAN iPurifier Pro provides optical galvanic isolation
Vera-Fi parallel conditioners lower noise floor without limiting current

Worth knowing

Improvements are cumulative, not night-and-day
Most benefits require a revealing, high-end system
Several products combined add up to a real investment
Parallel AC conditioners are a niche concept many dismiss
Diminishing returns - last 10% costs the most
Easy to fall into placebo without honest comparisons

Read the full DH Labs, iFi, Vera-Fi HiFi Tweaks Roundup review on The Audio Stuff

KBEAR KB02 Review: A $39 Bone Conduction Hybrid IEM

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A $40 hybrid IEM combining a 10mm beryllium-plated dynamic driver with a bone conduction driver tuned for sub-bass - V-shaped, punchy, and surprisingly capable.

Verdict: Mixed - 6.9/10. Price: $39.

What's good

Lightweight resin shell with no rough edges
Hybrid: 10mm beryllium-plated DD + bone conduction driver
Bone conduction tuned specifically for sub-bass impact
Multiple silicone tip sizes and types included
Detachable 2-pin cable with braided sleeve
Three colorways - all done exceptionally well
Beryllium tweeter provides fast transients and treble detail
108dB sensitivity - easy to drive from any phone

Worth knowing

Faint resonating spring sound when tapping the shell
Stock cable is generic - upgrade-worthy
Bass blooms and bleeds slightly into lower mids
V-shaped tuning recesses vocals and midrange instruments
Soundstage depth is limited - more lateral than 3D
Microdynamics are less pronounced than macro

Read the full KBEAR KB02 review on The Audio Stuff

OneOdio Max 1 Review: €179 Wireless Headphones With LDAC

Jakub Charkiewicz — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Hi-Res certified wireless over-ears with LDAC, a 20ms ultra-low-latency wireless DJ mode, dual jacks, and 120 hours of battery life - all for €180.

Verdict: Mixed - 7.0/10. Price: €179.

What's good

Wired and wireless with LDAC + Hi-Res Audio certification
Dual analog jacks: 3.5mm and 6.35mm built in
Dedicated 20ms wireless DJ mode via M1 transmitter
Bluetooth 5.3 with multiple codec support
120 hours of battery life - days of listening
5-minute fast charge gives 2.5 hours of playtime
Surprisingly wide soundstage for closed-back wireless
Thick padding and 90-degree swiveling cups

Worth knowing

Recessed midrange - vocals feel pushed back
Bass can bleed into lower mids at higher volumes
Treble occasionally leans toward sharpness
Mostly plastic build, though feels solid
Glossy earcups can show fingerprints
Microdynamics aren't a strong suit

Read the full OneOdio Max 1 review on The Audio Stuff

Denafrips Hermes 12th Review: Are DDC Reclockers Snake Oil?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A serious DDC with OCXO clocking, FIFO reclocking, dual I²S outputs, and two BNC clock inputs - removes the veil between your source and DAC without coloring the sound.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 8.9/10. Price: $899.

What's good

Heavy, all-metal chassis with virtually no plastic
80VA O-Core shielded transformer + linear regulators
OCXO oven-controlled crystal oscillator for ultra-low jitter
FIFO buffer + reclocking isolates source jitter
Two I²S outputs (RJ45 and HDMI) with selectable pinouts
Two BNC clock inputs for external clock upgrades
Dual AES/EBU outputs for advanced configurations
Transparent - reveals your DAC's true character

Worth knowing

Wide footprint - tricky for desktop setups
I²S still requires pinout selection per DAC
Doesn't add a 'flavor' - won't fix a bad DAC
No display - input/output indicators only
External clock and proper cables push total cost up
Premium pricing for a category many call snake oil

Read the full Denafrips Hermes 12th Anniversary review on The Audio Stuff

HIFIMAN EF499 Review: A Real R2R DAC/Amp Under $300

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A balanced R2R DAC/headphone amp with built-in network streaming for under $300 - warm, musical, and a serious one-box answer to the separates-or-not question.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.1/10. Price: $299.

What's good

All-metal chassis, no QC issues - HIFIMAN's build has matured
Smooth, precise volume pot with virtually no wobble
Doubles as a vertical headphone stand
Built-in network streamer - Tidal, Qobuz, NAS
Philips R2R chip with NOS/OS selector
Balanced output: 4.35W per channel into 32Ω
Fully balanced DAC and headphone amp
Lush, natural midrange with deep, controlled bass

Worth knowing

No analog input - can't use as a standalone amp
Soundstage is well-defined but not the widest
Layering could be slightly more refined
Primarily designed for vertical placement
Not the typical HIFIMAN Himalaya R2R architecture
THD+N of 0.008% isn't a measurement chart-topper

Read the full HIFIMAN EF499 review on The Audio Stuff

Taga PF-1000LPS Review: A Serious 8-Outlet Power Conditioner

Jakub Charkiewicz — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A serious 8-outlet power conditioner with a linear DC/USB supply, 3-tier filtering, audiophile fuses, and a phase detector - real protection and a measurable noise drop.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.0/10. Price: $445.

What's good

Heavy, all-metal chassis acts as additional EMI/RFI shielding
VU-style voltage meter for at-a-glance power monitoring
Phase detector flags incorrect polarity at the wall
Linear PSU for DC and USB outputs - not switch-mode
3-tier filtering network with toroidal transformer
Audiophile-grade internal fuses
8 Schuko outlets (4 direct, 4 filtered)
Switchable DC output (5/9/12/15/19/24V, up to 3A)

Worth knowing

Heavy - drop it on something and you'll regret it
Voltage meter isn't lab-precise, just indicative
Power inlet uses a standard connector - not exotic
Not the most flashy design - purely functional
Schuko outlets only - European market focus
Maximum total load of 10A / 2500W

Read the full Taga Harmony PF-1000LPS review on The Audio Stuff

Taga TAV-500B v.2 Review: €249 Active Bookshelf Speakers

Jakub Charkiewicz — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Active 6.5-inch bookshelf speakers with built-in Class D amplification, Bluetooth, USB, optical, and a 30Hz bass extension that punches way above their €249 price.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.9/10. Price: €249/pair.

What's good

Active speakers - no separate amplifier needed
Angled top reduces standing waves and resonances
Veneer finish in 4 colors - rare at this price
6.5" mid-woofer with rubber surround and large magnet
1" silk dome tweeter with concave-diffuser waveguide
30Hz-20kHz frequency response - serious extension
USB-A, optical, RCA, and Bluetooth inputs
Subwoofer output for future expansion

Worth knowing

Plastic finishes feel modest in hand
Non-magnetic fabric grills (mounted via posts)
Imaging precision is good but not pinpoint
Detail retrieval is medium - won't reveal everything
Sensitivity of 87dB is modest
Crossover at 3.5kHz - higher than some 2-ways

Read the full Taga Harmony TAV-500B v.2 review on The Audio Stuff

Triangle Australe EZ Review: Floorstanders That Cheat a Stage

Jakub Charkiewicz — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

French three-way floor-standers with a rear-firing DPS tweeter that 'cheats' a massive soundstage - lively, detailed, and demanding the right partnering gear.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.1/10. Price: $4,999/pair.

What's good

Real wood veneer (or high-gloss) finish in 6 colorways
Glass pedestal with rubber damping isolates the speaker from the floor
Premium copper/aluminum binding posts - bi-wire/bi-amp capable
Heavy at ~40kg / 90lb per speaker - solid cabinet
DPS rear-firing tweeter for huge soundstage width and depth
TZ2550 titanium horn tweeter with mirror-like waveguide
Fiberglass woofers with dual ferrite magnets
Audiophile-grade crossover with copper coils and MET capacitors

Worth knowing

Treble can become bright/fatiguing without careful system matching
Demands 100-200W of clean power - not for cheap amps
Impedance dips to 3Ω - not the easiest load
Midrange can be slightly shouty on some recordings
Punishing on poorly recorded or compressed music
Soundstage depth feels slightly stretched

Read the full Triangle Australe EZ review on The Audio Stuff

Denafrips Enyo 15th Review: A True Balanced R2R DAC at $699

Jakub Charkiewicz — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A $700 true balanced R2R ladder DAC with an O-Core transformer, I²S input, and a natural, musical sound that easily competes with delta-sigma converters costing far more.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 9.1/10. Price: $699.

What's good

Thick anodized aluminum chassis - dense, rattle-free, scratch-resistant
All-metal buttons and controls - zero plastic
Four-foot design with rubber inserts for stability
I²S input alongside USB, coax, and optical
True balanced R2R ladder with 0.01% tolerance resistors
Selectable OS/NOS modes and slow/sharp filters
60VA O-Core transformer for clean, low-EMI power
Deep, textured, controlled bass with serious foundation

Worth knowing

I²S pinout isn't standardized - requires setup
Heavy and not particularly compact
Slightly "dirty" bass character won't suit clean-sound purists
High output impedance (625Ω RCA / 1250Ω XLR)
Not the cleanest measuring DAC at this price
Treble extension less than the best delta-sigma converters

Read the full Denafrips Enyo 15th Anniversary review on The Audio Stuff

SMSL RAW-MDA1 Review: The ESS DAC That Sounds Different

Jakub Charkiewicz — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A $240 balanced DAC/headphone amp with dual ES9039Q2M chips that doesn't sound like every other ESS box - warmer tonality, forward mids, and a flexible soundstage.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.0/10. Price: $239.

What's good

More premium feel than other SMSL DACs in the price range
High-resolution LCD with tempered glass front
Dual ES9039Q2M chips in dual mono configuration
6x OPA1612A op-amps and XMOS XU-316 USB interface
2.5W into 16Ω / 1.7W into 32Ω headphone output
XLR + RCA outputs, 1/4" + 4.4mm headphone outs
Silent operation - no hiss, no transformer hum
Warmer-than-typical ESS tonality with forward midrange

Worth knowing

Doubled coax/optical inputs instead of BNC or AES
Volume knob can be unpredictable on fast adjustments
Slight digital glare above ~13kHz if you listen for it
Not enough power for Susvara, HE6, or Tungsten
High output voltages can clip downstream amps
Bass is clean but lacks ultimate slam and punch

Read the full SMSL RAW-MDA1 review on The Audio Stuff

Sivga Luan Review: The Most Comfortable $299 Semi-Open?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A semi-open dynamic with real wood cups and a natural, chocolatey midrange - $360 at launch, now $299.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.1/10. Price: $299.

What's good

Looks and feels like a $500+ headphone for $299
Real wood earcups with smooth blacked-out metal grills
Suspension headband with Dekoni-style soft elements - zero hotspots
Silent, perfectly damped cup swivel and tilt mechanism
Large pads relative to cups - plenty of ear space
Standard 3.5mm jacks - no fragile 2.5mm connectors
Hard leather carrying case included
Natural, chocolatey midrange with detailed vocals

Worth knowing

Bass rolls off below ~45Hz
Semi-open (felt behind grills) - not fully open-back
Soundstage is decent but not hugely expansive
Stock cable looks utilitarian - rubberized, single-ended only
Sounds presented mostly in front, less around-the-head
Mid-range scaling with better amplification is subtle

Read the full Sivga Luan review on The Audio Stuff

Verum Audio Verum 1 Review: The Planar That's Scared of Treble

Jakub Charkiewicz — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A $350 open-back planar that goes the opposite direction from most of the market - smooth, refined highs, full warm mids, and ruler-flat bass to 20Hz.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.0/10. Price: $349.

What's good

Stunning wooden earcup design with metal cut-out grills
Real leather pads, magnetically attached for easy swap
Smart 90-degree cable that stays off your shoulders
Suspension-style leather headband adjusts beautifully
Smooth, non-fatiguing treble - almost impossible to make sibilant
Full, warm, inviting midrange with forward vocals
Ruler-flat bass extension down to 20Hz, fast yet with long decay
Can place sounds behind your head

Worth knowing

8Ω impedance demands real current from the amplifier
Needs ~2W/ch to truly open up - scales heavily with power
Treble may sound a touch veiled on first listen
Soundstage is fairly closed-in, not super wide
90-degree connectors make many aftermarket cables awkward
Only single-ended cable in the box - balanced sold separately

Read the full Verum Audio Verum 1 review on The Audio Stuff

Diora Acoustics Chors 5 Review: Speakers That Break the Rules

Jakub Charkiewicz — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A 2-way closed-box floor-stander with ceramic-coated drivers, fast dynamic bass with no port, and uniquely smooth treble - one of the most distinct speakers in its class.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 8.5/10. Price: $2,499/pair.

What's good

Closed-box floor-stander - rare design choice
Ceramic-coated drivers throughout for unified timbre
Beautiful gloss white finish with multiple options
Premium glass pedestal and razor-sharp spikes
Distinct, dynamic, hard-hitting bass
Smooth, ceramic-influenced treble
Wall-tolerant due to no port
Color-matched white drivers blend cleanly

Worth knowing

Single pair of binding posts - no bi-wire
Soundstage isn't pinpoint sharp
Midrange slightly scooped - vocals step back
Best at slightly elevated volumes
Detail retrieval requires active listening
May sound bass-light to some at first

Read the full Diora Acoustics Chors 5 review on The Audio Stuff

Taga Harmony DIAMOND B-60 Review: Is Neutrality in a Speaker Boring?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Bookshelf speakers with no parallel surfaces, neutral and organic tonality, and a midrange focus that's so inoffensive you'll listen for hours without noticing time pass.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.2/10. Price: $1,099/pair.

What's good

No parallel surfaces - curves inward toward the rear
2nd-generation 36mm titanium dome tweeter
Silver-wired voice coil with ferrofluid cooling
6.5" non-pressed paper cone with 2 layers CCAW
Multiple finishes - matte and gloss
Two pairs of binding posts for bi-wire/bi-amp
Magnetic grills for kid/pet protection
Frequency response 36Hz-33kHz - punches above size

Worth knowing

Initial impressions can feel boring
Doesn't have a stand-out 'wow' feature
Needs 100W+ to really open up
Tweeter not in separate sealed enclosure (also vented)
Sub-bass extension limited - sub recommended for HT
Won't appeal to those wanting V-shaped excitement

Read the full Taga Harmony DIAMOND B-60 v.3 review on The Audio Stuff

AudioMica 4-all-in-1 Cable Set Review: HiFi Cable Synergy Solved

Jakub Charkiewicz — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A pre-matched cable kit at €790 (or PRO version) - speaker cables, power cord, and shared geometry tuned together to give you synergy out of the box without trial and error.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 8.5/10. Price: €790.

What's good

Pre-matched: power cable + speaker cables in one set
Tinned OFC conductors with 192-256 micro-conductors
Aluminum foil + tinned copper round braid shielding
Premium soft, squishy texture - love to handle
PRO version adds metal connectors and mesh finish
Static-charge absorbing element in PRO
Faster bass attack with quick decay
Cleaner treble with reduced sharpness

Worth knowing

Premium price point
Standard version connectors look slightly DIY
Slight metallic timbre on vocals possible
Improvements scale with system resolution
Synergy benefits are subtle but real

Read the full AudioMica 4-all-in-1 Cable Set review on The Audio Stuff

Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite Review: An 8-Driver IEM for $249

Jakub Charkiewicz — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

An 8-balanced-armature IEM with a 3-way crossover at $250 - mid-forward, naturally warm, with depth-focused staging that's the opposite of most IEMs in its class.

Verdict: Recommended - 8.0/10. Price: $249.

What's good

8 balanced armature drivers with 3-way crossover
Semi-transparent shell exposing internals - gorgeous
4-core 7N OFC braided stock cable included
Mid-forward, naturally warm tonality
Excellent midrange detail and timbre
Outstanding depth perception in soundstage
Sharp, focused imaging
16Ω, 112dB - extremely easy to drive

Worth knowing

Thick nozzle due to driver count
Bass rolls off - not for sub-bass lovers
Not particularly punchy or dynamic
Soundstage width is limited
Hiss possible with cheap amps (high sensitivity)
Detail varies a lot song-to-song

Read the full Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite review on The Audio Stuff

HIFIMAN RE2000 PRO Silver Review: Does IEM Shape Matter for Sound?

Jakub Charkiewicz — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

An older HIFIMAN flagship IEM with the same topology driver as the RE800 but a CNC-machined aluminum shell - by far the most detailed IEM I've ever heard at $350.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 8.8/10. Price: $349.

What's good

Topology diaphragm with nanoparticle coating
Aviation-grade aluminum shell - no plastic
CNC-machined for refined fit and acoustic properties
By far the most detailed IEM I've ever heard
Razor-sharp imaging with width, depth, and layering
Detachable 2-pin cable - aftermarket support
Premium thicker stock cable vs. RE800
Padded metal carrying case included

Worth knowing

Unusual shape takes time to fit perfectly
Slight midrange dip around 2-3kHz
Lacks scale to instruments (driver size limit)
Sometimes a bit analytical in treble
Bass extension is good but not boosted
Don't run from a phone - quality matters

Read the full HIFIMAN RE2000 PRO Silver review on The Audio Stuff