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The annual "Tokyo Headphone festival" by Fujiya Avic was held on April 29. This is the last Headphone Festival at Nakano Sun Plaza due to the venue, and will be held at the Station Conference Tokyo (just next to the Tokyo JR railroad station) from the next time. Please read all the articles are "for Japan" or "at Japan" 
Nakano-Sunplaza
final "Virtual dummy head" was announced
This is for a long-awaited customization of the ZE8000, in which a virtual dummy head is created to customize personal physical characteristics of an individual's head. This requires three visits to the final headquarters to measure the shape of the individual. The company is currently preparing to launch around July in Japan.
Scanning to make the virtual dummy head
The virtual dummy head is used to make CIEM like ear adapter of ZE8000
Dita Audio Navigator was announced
Dita audio's first dongle-type DAC, was announced for pre-release in Japan. The clock is FPGA-controlled, high-output, this is a little giant. CEO Dunny Tan sent us a video message that he aimed to create a product that would make commuting to and from work more enjoyable.
Dunny Tan on video message
final also announced a new brand, REB
This brand is a fusion of the existing Makers community site, the final store, and original products, and is said to be a brand that allows for customization of higher-level products than the existing "Make" brand. DIY earbuds used to be like a toy, but with REB it is like using high-end earphones and exchanging custom earpieces with your own ideas. It would be interesting to exchange earpieces among friends at school. Currently, the first REB products are under development.
REB concept picture
REB earbuds and its core unit(right)
FitEar exhibited a collaboration product with iFI Audio's GO pod
FitEar exhibited with iFI Audio's GO pod, which is currently being marketed by iFI Audio in collaboration with 64 Auio and others. The sound quality is just stunning,especially in term of wide-range and transparency, well comparable to high-class DAPs.
iFI GO Pod and MH334
FitEar exhibited MH335ht
Also on they showed the MH335ht, a new version of the MH335DW. The nozzle tip was molded into a horn shape, which made the peak of the high frequency range higher than that of the DW, thereby extending the high frequency range of the model. The internal components have also been partially changed, so it can be said to be a new generation IEM tuned by the new developer, Mr. Hotta. This tells us a generation shift of FitEar.
MH335ht (Black box is GO pod combo)
JH Audio display their new Pearl system
It was interesting to see JH Audio display their new "Pearl" system. This is not a stand-alone earphone, but a mobile listening system that can be tuned to sound like a professional engineer by combining several modules.
For example, in the system shown in the image, the A&K DAP on the left plays music, which is input to a black box (probably be the Pearl itself) via an analog cable. The box is connected via USB to a PC, which performs detailed sound tuning like an engineering console; the PC does not process the sound signal, only the UI. From the box, a new 10-pin terminal is used to connect to JH Audio earphones. The box can be disconnected from the PC for mobile operation. The earphones were connected to a model under development with four EST drivers in the high frequency range, but conventional models can also be used by changing the terminations.
Pearl system, A&K DAP->Black box->10 pin terminal IEM, PC is only UI
Yamaha showing new amp
The newly developed HA-L7A headphone amplifier was exhibited for the first time. It is characterized by a design that emphasizes the transformer separate from the main unit and seems to be an amplifier for Yamaha's planar with a sense of power, but in fact, it is designed to enable enjoyment of movies with its unique sound field reproduction technology.
HA-L7A
Analog Squared Paper brings new fancy amp
Analog Squared Paper(aka A2P), a company that always brings in geeky amp products, exhibited the new TR17hp, a compact portable headphone amp. The TR17hp looks like a miniature of a large amp and is equipped with a small transformer and aerial wiring, which tickles the fancy of enthusiasts. When I listened to it, the sound was so rich and authentic that it was hard to believe that it was in such a small package.
TR17hp
Campfire Audio showing new Andromeda and Solaris
Ken Ball and Caleb Rosenau visited Japan. They displayed the new ANDROMEDA Emerald Sea and SOLARIS Stellar Horizon. Both models are reincarnations of popular classic products, incorporating the dual-diaphragm BA driver technology and radial vent technology developed for the Pathfinder, which was co-developed with Astell & Kern earlier in the year. The innovative packaging, which is produced in-house, is also noteworthy.
Ken and Caleb
HIFIMAN exhibits new products
The new Audivina headphones and the newly designed EF600 headphone amplifier, were on display for the first time in Japan. I found Audivina have a clean sound for a closed can. EF600 is unique for its headphones-stand shape design.
EF600 and Audivina
Ultrasone Pure first seen in Japan
Ultrasone also displayed a surprise Pure model. This is the essence of Signature DJ and the once famous DJ1 at a lower price. It also uses the newly developed S-Logic3. I was impressed by the richness of the bass and the breadth of the new S-Logic sound.
Ultrasone Pure
FiiO announced LDAC capability
It was interesting to note that FiiO announced LDAC support for the FW5 and UTWS5 here. The reason is that these use Qualcomm's SoC, but LDAC support is usually implemented in Airoha's SoC. This means that they are using library extensions from Qualcomm's 5000 series SoCs.
FiiO announced first powered speaker, the SP3
FiiO also displayed its first powered speaker, the SP3. It has FiiO's own amplifier design and is a perfect match for the company's R7 desktop audio device.
R7 and SP3
L&P's "full digital amp" dongle DAC W4
L&P's latest dongle DAC, the W4, was on display. Surprisingly, the W4 incorporates a proprietary full digital amplifier IC developed by themself. The chassis is very lightweight, listening to the sound, it was typical digital amplifier sound with high transparency and high bass damping power.
L&P W4 with qdc TIGER
xMEMS first seen in public in Japan
The MEMS speaker technology has finally been made available to the general public in Japan. A Japanese division of MEMS speaker manufacturer xMEMS, had a booth at the Headphone Festival and exhibited their MEMS speakers. A prototype is not the same as the "Diablo X" but similar one. They showed a full range Motara Plus and the Cowell drivers as well as dynamic-hybrid version of Cowell as a tweeter
xMEMS units and prottype
D-amp Full Digital Amplifier session
This time, I myself was invited to give a seminor entitled "The Potential of New Generation Full Digital Amplifiers" at the CRI Middleware booth. This was a session of explanation and listening using a prototype of CRI Middleware's D-amp Full Digital Amplifier. This is unique in that it is a high-quality sound product developed not in the audio industry but in the consumer electronics industry.
I also felt that interest in full-digital amplifiers is growing. At this headphone festival event, we saw various forms of full digital amplifiers such as Volumio's INTEGRO which employs Infineon technology and L&P's proprietary W4. This seemed intersting that the one reason for this may be the concern over the supply of DAC ICs.
If you want to know this amp further, please translate and read my article here.
https://ascii.jp/elem/000/004/116/4116608/
Prototype picture(top to down, PWM conversion by FPGA, amplified with H-bridge circuit, volume pod is not in signal path) most of them are common parts and not depended on particular ICs)
Nakano-Sunplaza
final "Virtual dummy head" was announced
This is for a long-awaited customization of the ZE8000, in which a virtual dummy head is created to customize personal physical characteristics of an individual's head. This requires three visits to the final headquarters to measure the shape of the individual. The company is currently preparing to launch around July in Japan.
Scanning to make the virtual dummy head
The virtual dummy head is used to make CIEM like ear adapter of ZE8000
Dita Audio Navigator was announced
Dita audio's first dongle-type DAC, was announced for pre-release in Japan. The clock is FPGA-controlled, high-output, this is a little giant. CEO Dunny Tan sent us a video message that he aimed to create a product that would make commuting to and from work more enjoyable.
Dunny Tan on video message
final also announced a new brand, REB
This brand is a fusion of the existing Makers community site, the final store, and original products, and is said to be a brand that allows for customization of higher-level products than the existing "Make" brand. DIY earbuds used to be like a toy, but with REB it is like using high-end earphones and exchanging custom earpieces with your own ideas. It would be interesting to exchange earpieces among friends at school. Currently, the first REB products are under development.
REB concept picture
REB earbuds and its core unit(right)
FitEar exhibited a collaboration product with iFI Audio's GO pod
FitEar exhibited with iFI Audio's GO pod, which is currently being marketed by iFI Audio in collaboration with 64 Auio and others. The sound quality is just stunning,especially in term of wide-range and transparency, well comparable to high-class DAPs.
iFI GO Pod and MH334
FitEar exhibited MH335ht
Also on they showed the MH335ht, a new version of the MH335DW. The nozzle tip was molded into a horn shape, which made the peak of the high frequency range higher than that of the DW, thereby extending the high frequency range of the model. The internal components have also been partially changed, so it can be said to be a new generation IEM tuned by the new developer, Mr. Hotta. This tells us a generation shift of FitEar.
MH335ht (Black box is GO pod combo)
JH Audio display their new Pearl system
It was interesting to see JH Audio display their new "Pearl" system. This is not a stand-alone earphone, but a mobile listening system that can be tuned to sound like a professional engineer by combining several modules.
For example, in the system shown in the image, the A&K DAP on the left plays music, which is input to a black box (probably be the Pearl itself) via an analog cable. The box is connected via USB to a PC, which performs detailed sound tuning like an engineering console; the PC does not process the sound signal, only the UI. From the box, a new 10-pin terminal is used to connect to JH Audio earphones. The box can be disconnected from the PC for mobile operation. The earphones were connected to a model under development with four EST drivers in the high frequency range, but conventional models can also be used by changing the terminations.
Pearl system, A&K DAP->Black box->10 pin terminal IEM, PC is only UI
Yamaha showing new amp
The newly developed HA-L7A headphone amplifier was exhibited for the first time. It is characterized by a design that emphasizes the transformer separate from the main unit and seems to be an amplifier for Yamaha's planar with a sense of power, but in fact, it is designed to enable enjoyment of movies with its unique sound field reproduction technology.
HA-L7A
Analog Squared Paper brings new fancy amp
Analog Squared Paper(aka A2P), a company that always brings in geeky amp products, exhibited the new TR17hp, a compact portable headphone amp. The TR17hp looks like a miniature of a large amp and is equipped with a small transformer and aerial wiring, which tickles the fancy of enthusiasts. When I listened to it, the sound was so rich and authentic that it was hard to believe that it was in such a small package.
TR17hp
Campfire Audio showing new Andromeda and Solaris
Ken Ball and Caleb Rosenau visited Japan. They displayed the new ANDROMEDA Emerald Sea and SOLARIS Stellar Horizon. Both models are reincarnations of popular classic products, incorporating the dual-diaphragm BA driver technology and radial vent technology developed for the Pathfinder, which was co-developed with Astell & Kern earlier in the year. The innovative packaging, which is produced in-house, is also noteworthy.
Ken and Caleb
HIFIMAN exhibits new products
The new Audivina headphones and the newly designed EF600 headphone amplifier, were on display for the first time in Japan. I found Audivina have a clean sound for a closed can. EF600 is unique for its headphones-stand shape design.
EF600 and Audivina
Ultrasone Pure first seen in Japan
Ultrasone also displayed a surprise Pure model. This is the essence of Signature DJ and the once famous DJ1 at a lower price. It also uses the newly developed S-Logic3. I was impressed by the richness of the bass and the breadth of the new S-Logic sound.
Ultrasone Pure
FiiO announced LDAC capability
It was interesting to note that FiiO announced LDAC support for the FW5 and UTWS5 here. The reason is that these use Qualcomm's SoC, but LDAC support is usually implemented in Airoha's SoC. This means that they are using library extensions from Qualcomm's 5000 series SoCs.
FiiO announced first powered speaker, the SP3
FiiO also displayed its first powered speaker, the SP3. It has FiiO's own amplifier design and is a perfect match for the company's R7 desktop audio device.
R7 and SP3
L&P's "full digital amp" dongle DAC W4
L&P's latest dongle DAC, the W4, was on display. Surprisingly, the W4 incorporates a proprietary full digital amplifier IC developed by themself. The chassis is very lightweight, listening to the sound, it was typical digital amplifier sound with high transparency and high bass damping power.
L&P W4 with qdc TIGER
xMEMS first seen in public in Japan
The MEMS speaker technology has finally been made available to the general public in Japan. A Japanese division of MEMS speaker manufacturer xMEMS, had a booth at the Headphone Festival and exhibited their MEMS speakers. A prototype is not the same as the "Diablo X" but similar one. They showed a full range Motara Plus and the Cowell drivers as well as dynamic-hybrid version of Cowell as a tweeter
xMEMS units and prottype
D-amp Full Digital Amplifier session
This time, I myself was invited to give a seminor entitled "The Potential of New Generation Full Digital Amplifiers" at the CRI Middleware booth. This was a session of explanation and listening using a prototype of CRI Middleware's D-amp Full Digital Amplifier. This is unique in that it is a high-quality sound product developed not in the audio industry but in the consumer electronics industry.
I also felt that interest in full-digital amplifiers is growing. At this headphone festival event, we saw various forms of full digital amplifiers such as Volumio's INTEGRO which employs Infineon technology and L&P's proprietary W4. This seemed intersting that the one reason for this may be the concern over the supply of DAC ICs.
If you want to know this amp further, please translate and read my article here.
https://ascii.jp/elem/000/004/116/4116608/
Prototype picture(top to down, PWM conversion by FPGA, amplified with H-bridge circuit, volume pod is not in signal path) most of them are common parts and not depended on particular ICs)
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