FiiO JT7 review: A budget disruptor or a bridge too far?

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?

Review of Kiwi Ears x Z Reviews Serene: Way too chill, or is that the point?

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?

Zaylli Lyrö review: retro on-ear, benchmark sound?

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?