Head Gear Reviews by Ichos

FiiO FP3 FiiO is a brand known for producing a wide range of in-ear monitors (IEMs) featuring various driver configurations—from single dynamic driver models like the FD11, to multi-driver setups such as the flagship FX17. However, despite their extensive catalog, a planar magnetic driver earphone was missing—until now. The FiiO FP3 stands out as the brand’s first-ever IEM utilizing a planar magnetic driver. It's a modestly priced debut aimed at budget-conscious audiophiles. Technical stuff The FP3 is equipped with FiiO’s self-developed...

KZ (Knowledge Zenith) is a Chinese audio brand started in 2012, known for making budget-friendly in-ear monitors (IEMs). Their products often include features like hybrid drivers and detachable cables. KZ is popular with audiophiles looking for good sound at a low price, and they’ve released many well-received models like the KZ ZSN PRO X, KZ DQ6, and KZ AS10 Pro. KZ ZA12 The KZ ZA12 is a powerful hybrid in-ear monitor that uses a mix of dynamic and balanced armature drivers. It features a 10mm super-linear dynamic driver and an 8mm...

Psvane is a well-known manufacturer of high-end vacuum tubes used in audio equipment like amplifiers. Their product range includes popular tube types such as the 845, 300B, KT88, EL34, 6L6, and ECC83, along with many mini-tubes. These tubes come in different versions, varying in price and sound quality. The lineup is organized into three main tiers: Basic – “Hi-Fi” and “UK” series Selected – “Horizon” and “Art” series Premium – “Western Electric” and “Acme” series Psvane Horizon series Psvane’s newest vacuum tube line, the Horizon Series, is...

Based in Baia Mare, Romania, Meze Audio has been designing and producing high-quality headphones and earphones since 2011. From their flagship Elite model to the more affordable Alba, Meze Audio's products have garnered numerous prestigious awards and widespread consumer acclaim across all price points. Each piece showcases a blend of outstanding sound quality, timeless aesthetics, luxurious craftsmanship, premium materials, and exceptional comfort. Meze Audio Poet Love the portable design of Meze Audio’s Liric but wish it came with the open-back...

Effect Audio, founded in 2009 by Suyang, is a Singapore-based company renowned for producing high-quality earphone cables. Their products have received numerous prestigious awards from the specialized press and are highly regarded within the audiophile community. In addition to cables, the company also offers a range of audio accessories and two earphones: the Axiom and the Pilgrim Noir. Effect Audio Signature II series Effect Audio introduced the Signature Series in 2022 as their most accessible line of earphone cables. Initially comprising...

FiiO UTWS5 2025 FiiO’s UTWS series consists of true wireless Bluetooth DAC/amp adapters designed in an ear-hook style, allowing you to connect your favorite earphones with either MMCX or 2-pin connectors. The current lineup includes two models: the UTWS3 and the updated UTWS5 2025. The UTWS5 2025 is a refreshed version of the original UTWS5, introduced a few years ago. It stands out as the first true wireless receiver to feature an independent AK4332 chip, which integrates both a digital-to-analog converter and a headphone amplifier. This upgrade...

Drop’s latest collaboration for its audiophile community comes in partnership with the acclaimed earphone maker, Campfire Audio. Founded by Ken Ball, Campfire Audio is known for its cutting-edge earphone designs, patented technologies, and exceptional sound quality. Based in Portland, Oregon, the company operates with a small, dedicated team of skilled artisans who handcraft each product using a wide array of innovative materials and techniques. The Drop + Campfire Audio Dark Star is the spiritual successor to the widely praised Black Star IEM. It...

Hifiman EF400 The EF400 is a versatile all-in-one DAC and headphone amplifier featuring HIFIMAN’s proprietary Hymalaya R2R DAC module for digital-to-analog conversion. Its four-channel differential circuit includes a buffer, an active filter, and a high-current Class AB amplifier, delivering up to 4.4W per channel into 36Ω loads. Connectivity options include a single USB input (supporting both Type-C and Type-B connectors), balanced XLR and single-ended RCA line outputs, and four headphone outputs: 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm balanced, 6.35mm, and 3.5mm...

Dunu was the first Chinese manufacturer to produce high-quality earphones that could compete directly with mainstream brands like Sony, Sennheiser, and AKG. Since 1994, they’ve been crafting earphones that have received numerous prestigious awards. The Titan is perhaps the oldest model in Dunu’s lineup—an earphone that has seen multiple revisions over the years and remains in production. The latest iteration, the Titan S2, offers a slightly different tuning compared to the Titan S. Technical stuff The Dunu Titan S2 is a single dynamic driver...

Truthear Zero Truthear’s Zero is a series of earphones developed in collaboration with Crinacle, a well-known audio reviewer and the creator of In-Ear Fidelity—a site dedicated to headphone and earphone measurements, where rankings are largely based on measured data rather than subjective impressions. Crinacle has since stepped back from actively updating In-Ear Fidelity to focus on Hangout Audio, a retail platform that offers earphones from various brands, including his own CrinEar line. The newest entry in the Truthear Zero lineup—following the...

Sivga is a Chinese brand known for crafting high-quality headphones and earphones, featuring wooden enclosures, such as the P2 Pro and the Que. One of their newer offerings, the Oriole, is an affordable closed-back headphone with a compact design, making it great for portable use. The recently launched Anser shares a similar aesthetic but offers an open-back design as an alternative to the Oriole. Technical stuff The Sivga Anser features a custom 50 mm dynamic driver equipped with titanium plating on the torus surrounding the diaphragm's dome...

Fosi Audio is a rising audio brand known for its wide range of products, including USB DAC dongles, phono stages, and power amplifiers. Since its founding in 2017, the company has focused on delivering innovative design and high-quality performance at accessible prices. Over the years, Fosi Audio has gained international recognition from both audiophiles and industry experts. Fosi Audio K7 One of their newest offerings is the Fosi Audio K7, a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed to cater to both audiophiles and gamers. Originally launched...

In an era dominated by digital streaming, FM radio continues to hold a special place in people's hearts. It remains a trusted and cherished companion, offering a familiar presence from morning until late at night—much like an old friend. FiiO clearly recognizes this enduring connection, which is why they’ve introduced the RR11: a portable FM radio designed for listening on the go through your earphones. And if you don’t happen to have a pair, no worries—the package thoughtfully includes a set of earbuds. FiiO RR11 - Technical features FM radio...

The Questyle brand requires no lengthy introduction. The brand is renowned not only for producing award-winning audio devices like the CMA18 Master and the CMA18 portable, but also for pioneering the patented Current Mode Amplification (CMA) technology. Current mode amplification (CMA) It is widely recognized that processing high-resolution lossless audio and driving amplifiers typically requires significant energy. While this poses no issue for AC-powered Hi-Fi systems, it becomes a challenge when designing mobile devices. Questyle’s patented...

The GO link represents iFi's most economical USB DAC dongle, designed as a compact entry-level model featuring a single-ended 3.5mm headphone jack. The newly launched iFi GO link Max serves as an upgraded variant of the GO link, incorporating dual DAC chips and an additional 4.4mm true balanced output. Technical stuff The iFi GO link Max is equipped with dual ESS ES9219 DAC chips arranged in a balanced configuration. This device utilizes the Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) feature of the Sabre DAC to provide improved contrast between the loudest...

The Penon GS849 is a premium upgrade cable for earphones, featuring a blend of gold and silver. Its braided construction consists of four cores made from 18K gold-plated OCC copper and four cores of silver-plated OCC copper. Each core is composed of 49 strands of wire, while the plug is made up of 68% copper, and the solder tin incorporates silver. Non Audio stuff The cable is offered in a length of 1.2 meters and is available with either MMCX or 2-pin connectors. You can select from termination plug options of 3.5mm, 2.5mm, or 4.4mm. The...

Kiwi Ears is an emerging little brand that manufactures top-notch in-ear monitors and USB DAC dongles, all at prices that won’t break the bank. The KE4 is a new model with a unique driver setup that includes a dual dynamic driver (2DD) isobaric subwoofer system, paired with two balanced armature drivers (2BA) that cover both mid-range and tweeter frequencies. Technical stuff The dual custom 10mm dynamic drivers are meticulously tuned to emphasize sub-bass impact and slam. Furthermore, the RAD 33518 balanced armature driver, designed with...

Volumio For those who might not know much about Volumio, let’s take a moment to highlight its origins. The journey began with the Volumio OS, a free software tailored for Raspberry Pi and PC, specifically created to serve as a Music Player operating system. This system is made for optimal bit-perfect audio playback, supports all audio file formats, and features an array of community-developed plugins to enhance its functionality. Plus, it can easily be accessed from various devices connected to the same network. Volumio OS isn’t just a favorite...

NF ACOUS NF ACOUS, originally known as NF Audio, was established in 2024 by Mr. Felix Yang, who holds a degree in science and engineering. The company began by designing in-ear monitors (IEMs) for stage performances and professional applications, gradually branching out into the Hi-Fi market. Notably, it was among the pioneering brands in China to offer custom IEMs. NF ACOUS NM20 The NM2+ model stands out as one of the most successful earphones from NF Audio. Now, they introduce the NM20, their first earphone under the NF ACOUS brand, designed...

Intro Do you remember the Sony Discman, often referred to as the CD Walkman? It made its debut in the ‘80s and quickly became a hit, selling hundreds of thousands of units until the 2010s, when the rise of the MP3 format began to eclipse the CD. As the saying goes, history has a way of repeating itself. With CDs never truly disappearing, it’s no surprise that portable CD players are making a comeback. Have you held onto your CD collection? Now's your chance to enjoy your favorite albums through headphones, and even more! FiiO DM13 FiiO has just...