Intro: Kiwi Ears sent the Orchestra II over for review, and it was one of those IEMs that caught my attention before I even plugged it in. Part of that is simple enough: I think it looks good. Part of it is that Kiwi Ears has generally been pretty solid when it comes to tuning. … Continue reading Review of Kiwi Ears Orchestra 2: tuned with a clear intent?
Intro: I previously reviewed the FiiO FT1 Pro and found it to be a solid entry in the market. It offered a warmer, more forgiving tuning than the typical Hifimans that have long dominated the budget planar space. It wasn’t perfect. I noted clipping issues at high SPLs, but it was a competent, enjoyable headphone.Enters … Continue reading FiiO JT7 review: A budget disruptor or a bridge too far?
Intro: Collabs are a tricky business. Sometimes they result in a genuinely tuned product that fixes the flaws of earlier ones; other times, they feel more like a marketing exercise. The Kiwi Ears x Z Reviews Serene is an interesting case. Priced at $159 USD, this entry-level planar has the potential to shake up a … Continue reading Review of Kiwi Ears x Z Reviews Serene: Way too chill, or is that the point?
Intro: When Zaylli initially reached out to me with their WIP product — a retro-looking on-ear headphone "Lyrö" launching on Kickstarter — I was admittedly skeptical. I hadn't heard of the brand, and we’re all too familiar with audio Kickstarters that promise the moon but fail to deliver a viable product.But my doubts were quickly … Continue reading Zaylli Lyrö review: retro on-ear, benchmark sound?
Intro: Following the success of the FT1, high expectations were naturally placed upon Fiio's new closed-back, the FT13. Anticipated to be an upgrade into the more premium segment, the specs certainly show ambition: an updated large 60mm dynamic driver housed in an attractive purpleheart wood enclosure.Sound-wise, it is more complicated. While the driver shows exceptional … Continue reading FiiO FT13 review: a case of overengineering
