NIS

From AudioQuest
DragonFly Cobalt, our new flagship DAC, takes what music lovers around the world have come to expect from the multi-award-winning DragonFly family—naturally beautiful, seductive sound—and strips away fuzz and fog that weren't even noticeable until Cobalt removed them.

How is this possible? Like the critically acclaimed DragonFly Red, Cobalt has the robust 2.1-volt output to drive almost any headphone, uses a bit-perfect digital volume control for outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, enables seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices, and is an exceptionally competent and affordable MQA Renderer.

AudioQuest, Gordon Rankin: A Beautiful Partnership
Like all previous DragonFly models, Cobalt uses Gordon Rankin's precedent-setting StreamLength® asynchronous-transfer USB code. Further, in Gordon's monoClock® technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip runs the ESS chip functions as well as all microcontroller functions. This superior clock enables DragonFly Cobalt to provide greater resolution and clarity than DACs with multiple clocks.

Why the "Slow Roll...?"
Cobalt employs ESS's new flagship ES9038Q2M DAC chip. While the chips used in DragonFlys Black and Red are unbeatable for the price, the minimum-phase slow roll-off filter in the 9038 results in naturally expressive sound that is always emotionally engaging and never fatiguing—a beautiful combination of warmth and detail that we find equally exciting and soothing.

Killing the Noise
In Cobalt, we've taken what we've learned from our recent research and development in noise dissipation to employ power-supply filtering specifically designed to dramatically reduce the increasingly prevalent noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. Successfully combating this noise is absolutely crucial to the preservation of the lowest-level musical details, particularly when it comes to high-res audio—and especially when applied to a portable-audio device such as DragonFly.

Bit-Perfect Volume Control and 2.1-Volt Output
Cobalt features the same ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp and bit-perfect volume control that give DragonFly Red its unique combination of power and grip over the music. This solution ensures maximum fidelity, thrilling dynamic contrast, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The 2.1-volt output makes Cobalt and Red compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models.

Firmware Upgradeable
DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt are firmware upgradeable via our free Desktop Device Manager. In today's fast-paced digital world, longevity in a hi-fi component is increasingly rare—at any price. AudioQuest believes that today's digital devices should evolve as technology itself evolves, thereby delivering musical pleasure for many years to come. Our Desktop Device Manager will also allow you to identify your DragonFly's serial number and software version to ensure that the device is up to date. Click here to download the latest Device Manager available for your operating system.

Beautiful Sound in a Smaller Package...and now with a Tail
All this goodness is packed into a sleek new case that measures just 2.26" x 0.73" x 0.47" (57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm), making the latest DragonFly 10% smaller and even a bit more pocket-friendly. Finally, to easily accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports, DragonFly Cobalt comes with AudioQuest's USB-A to USB-C adaptor.

• 2.1-volt output to drive almost any headphone
• Compatible with Apple and Android devices
• Measures just 2.26" x 0.73" x 0.47" (57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm)
• Advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound.
• ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp
• Microchip's superb PIC32MX274 microprocessor draws less current and increases processing speed by 33%.
• Improved power-supply filtering that specifically increases immunity to WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise.
• Includes a form-fitting DragonTail female USB-A to male USB-C Adaptor.
• All DragonTails use AQ's Carbon-level USB cable.

Our Take
Wow. What sorcery is this? How can these IEMs sound THIS good for only $269? Could be black magic, could be masterful engineering. Either way, these bad boys sound absolutely killer at this insane price. The Cupid gets our wholehearted recommendation. 

Watch Our Impressions Video

Read Our Review

From oBravo
oBravo are renowned for their high end, luxury, boutique earphones and headphones that provide the user with unique technology and exceptional build quality.

The Cupid has been introduced as oBravo’s entry level offering, providing everything people love about oBravo at an economical price. Utilizing oBravo’s patented 8mm planar tweeter alongside a neodymium dynamic driver offers best in class sonic performance and incredible levels of detail often unobtainable from alternative technologies.

oBravo decided on the name Cupid because once you hear it you will fall in love. The stunning metal enclosure has been beautifully finished in a luxurious black gold coating. The gorgeous finish of the Cupid provides users with amazing build quality that can rarely be achieved at this level.

Supplied with Cupid is a high quality Ohno Continuous Casting (OCC) litz cable terminated with a gold plated brass 2.5mm balanced jack. Includes a gold plated brass 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter as well.

WEIGHT	0.2 kg
TECHNOLOGY	Dynamic, Planar Tweeter
ENCLOSURE MATERIAL	Brass
COLOUR	Glossy Silver
AUDIO RANGE	20Hz~40kHz
SENSITIVITY	105dB
IMPEDANCE	16Ω

 

• 1.2m OCC litz cable with gold plated 2.5mm balanced plug
• 2.5mm to 3.5mm Adapter
• Silicone Eartips S/M/L
• Comply Foam Eartips S/M/L

Now available!

From Auris
All-in-one amp that encompasses three key functions: a pure tube Headphone Amplifier, Preamp and a DAC. Also acts like a headphone stand. Allows you to choose between low/high impedance and customize it to your headphones. Elegant design, with a wooden housing, takes little space on the rack.

Multi-functional
All-in-one amp can be used in many ways. Since it is multi-functional it can work like a headphone amplifier, pre-amplifier, and/or DAC. Euterpe can work with its own integrated DAC, or you can connect it with another DAC. Also, its pre-out function can be used in case you want to connect it to a smaller system at your home.

Headphone Stand
The possibility to be used like a headphone stand makes Euterpe strangely utilitarian for such a high-end piece of hardware. Your headphones fit right on top, with a shallow saddle cut into the wood, to keep the cans in place. It can take a full-size headphone.

Internal DAC
DAC inside can play modern sources. OTG input capability has some baseline specifics, including a decoding capability of up to DSD128, PCM max 32bit/384kHz. An XMOS USB DAC and ESS Sabre chipset represent the brain of Euterpe. The DAC quality is impressive with beautiful details captured.

Amplifier
Euterpe is a single-ended headphone amplifier with unbalanced circuit design, so there are no balanced inputs or outputs. The lineup of tubes is classic Auris, with the use of two 7-pin Ei PL95 tubes, which are the equivalent to 6DL5, and a single ECC81 input tube, also known like 12AT7 (running in Ultra-Linear mode). The output power is just a shade lower at 0.9W into a 32Ω load. The magic of Euterpe is really when it is connected to a high-end DAC which tells you a lot about how good that amp can be inside that beautifully crafted wooden enclosure.

Impedance Selector
To make your headphones shine in the best possible way, we make sure Euterpe has impedance swich marked with L/H (low/high) The inference here is a wider range and simpler switching design at 32-80 Ohm and anything greater than 150 Ohm. With the majority of planar headphones, they tend to rate less than 80 Ohm and are more impedance agnostic than dynamic headphones. You need to have that switch set to low or L.

Linear PSU
Euterpe power supply is an external regulated linear power supply, with a switchable 115/230 VAC capable output, and will keep noise to the minimum. It uses a fairly stiff but sturdy 4-pin connector 1m cable, so you can place the two units pretty far apart.

Technology
The Euterpe comes with the technology one would expect from an Auris Audio amplifier:

• It is composed of an xmos chip that handles USP input duties, a Sabre ES9018 chip handles the conversion duties, a 12AT7 tube handles pre-amp functions, with a Mundorf capacitor in line between the preamp and power tubes.
• The supplied power tubes are NOS (new old stock), branded Ei and stamped Yugoslavia: a single ECC81, dual-triode tube serves as the Euterpe’s input stage, while a separate PL95 pentode power tube is provided for each channel; these feed the output transformers. A selector set allows you to use the PL95s, as EL95s with a lower voltage.
• The power supply has a captive five-pin cable that connects to the amp, and a 15-amp IEC connector for a standard grounded AC power cord.

Use
Euterpe allows you to use digital sources such as PC or mobile device. For such an exotic piece of gear, the Euterpe is a piece of cake to use. There’s a master power switch on the power supply, but the main switch is built into the volume control. Just turn it fully counterclockwise to turn the power off. It’s as plug and play as a tube headphone amp gets.

Design
The Euterpe offers a bespoke exterior with the DAC and amp innards sandwiched between two pieces of solid wood. All of this sits on a beveled metal base. On any desk, the Euterpe looks classy, dignified, and inviting. It’s the kind of equipment you just can’t wait to fiddle around with. The tubes are aligned centrally at the top of the matte black aluminum housing with good separation between the top and sides of the wooden enclosure. They seem well protected from bumps, knocks and accidental finger touching.

Footprint
The Euterpe takes up little space on the rack. The overall dimensions of the Euterpe are 270mm (tall) x 210mm (wide) x 230mm (deep). Considering it doubles as a headphone stand you will need 5-10 cm more space to accommodate the additional height from a headphone headband.

According to the Greek Mythology, Euterpe was one of the nine Muses, the Goddess of music and a "giver of delight" and that's exactly what Auris Audio Euterpe will bring to the audiophile community – more happiness.

Tubes	2 x PL95, 1 x ECC81
Amplifier Configuration	Single Ended
Power output	0,9 W
Conversion rate	USB: DSD64, DSD128, PCM max 32bit/384kHz
Output Impedance	Low 32-80 Ohm / High > 150 Ohm
Power supply	115 / 230 VAC
Inputs	1 x USB, 1 x RCA

Outputs	6.3 mm Stereo / RCA Pre out
USB Driver	Windows
Dimensions (WxHxL) mm	270 x 210 x 230
Weight (kg)	4.1/NET (without PSU)
Weight (kg) PSU	1.1/NET
Dimensions PSU (WxHxL) mm	95 x 185 x 55

From Final
Final’s flagship model realizes transparent sound for the uplift that can be gained by listening to music. Development of the A8000 began with reconstruction of physical measurement and subjective evaluation methodologies. Under the subjective evaluation methodology established at the time of D8000's development, the E Series achieved sound quality highly evaluated by many people and became a best seller. With the A8000, a new evaluation index has been incorporated into that subjective evaluation methodology. 

Among factors that determine sound quality for earphones and headphones, amplitude frequency response is predominant, but there are some sound impression cannot be explained by it. For example, the most critically evaluated aspect of classical music recordings is called transparent sound, a sound impression by which sound is very clear even it is localized at a distant location. We have been considering the realization of this sound impression to be extremely important for becoming uplifted by listening to music. We believe that the high evaluation of our D8000 headphones owes to the realization of such transparent sound. Until now, we have employed modification of the amplitude frequency response, known as tuning, to modify the sound of our earphones, but because it cannot make a great change to time response, it became difficult to achieve transparent sound through tuning.

This time, with the aim of achieving transparent sound for earphones, final has developed its own proprietary Perceptual Transparency Measurement (PTM) evaluation methodology. As a result of evaluation and improvement of interrelations between principal components analyzed by the results of subjective evaluation and data analysis of impulse response that could not be gleaned from frequency response in the past, an ideal diaphragm material that is extremely light and possessing high sound speed comprised of ultra-thin Beryllium foil (Truly Pure Beryllium Diaphragm) has been adopted for the A8000.

Adoption of Truly Pure Beryllium Diaphragm
The A8000 employs a diaphragm made from ultra-thin Beryllium foil (Truly Pure Beryllium Diaphragm), which is said to be an ideal diaphragm material due to its light weight and high sound speed. With a specific gravity of 1.85 and a sound propagation velocity of 12,900 m/s, second only to that of diamond, Beryllium has ideal characteristics for a diaphragm material. The adoption of pure Beryllium will lead to improved time response that greatly transfigures sound into transparent. The sharpness of sound build-up and the lingering resonance of the sound can be clearly felt, as can the silence between sounds.

Crafting thin pure Beryllium foil is difficult. Our engineers had to struggle to make it stable enough for the product, but it can be said to be a valuable material that pays off our hard works. In order to realize transparent sound through such superior materials, the same high quality has been demanded of the other components of the drive unit as well as the design and manufacturing technology. We have succeeded in leveraging the experience of developing and manufacturing our own dynamic drive unit to draw forth the advantages of pure Beryllium.

In the past, a Beryllium diaphragm was created by vacuum deposition of a thin coat of Beryllium onto a resin film. This was effective as an improvement methodology, but the characteristics of the film remain predominant. When pure Beryllium is used as the only material for the sound producing part of the diaphragm, the sound and characteristics are completely different.

Balancing Getting an Uplift from a Wide Range of Musical Genres with Universally Good Sound

Sound design for these models has been undertaken with attention to the relationship between spatial impression and dynamic range of music, and the physical characteristics of earphones and headphones. We have categorized sound creation on music recording onto these two axes: spatial impression and dynamic range.

One way of thinking regards the distance perception. Classical and jazz recordings are thought to be performed with emphasis on aspects of spaciousness, such as sense of distance, broadness and reverberation. On the other hand, rock, pops and many of the recent animation soundtrack recordings, spaciousness is not as highly emphasized. There is thought to be greater emphasis on clarity, which brings the various instruments and vocals to the front.

Another approach is dynamic range - in other words, changes in loudness over time. If the dynamic range is wide, naturally it is possible to use the change in loudness over time to achieve a more dynamic expression of music. But, there are some types of music for which narrower dynamic range recordings are preferable to allow each of the instruments and vocals to ordinarily appear before the listener’s eyes.

The difference between these two ways of thinking pertains not to which is superior but rather differences in how music is composed and what is demanded of it. With regard to classical music, and that played by orchestra in particular, the spatial orientation of instruments is particularly important. Stringed instruments are positioned nearest to the audience with wind and percussion placed behind them. Should the balance between the spatial orientation and volume of each group of instruments collapse, the music would disintegrate. For that reason, uniform clarity of sound that allows each instrument to appear before the eyes of the listener is not demanded of this type of music. Even for classical music, a string quartet, for example, would have a narrow dynamic range and the clarity of each instrument would be more prominent. For rock and pops on the other hand, spaciousness is not as necessary as for classical music, and so there is greater emphasis on clarity than spaciousness.

These preconditions are very important, particularly for earphone and headphone listening, and it has become apparent that the implementation of appropriate target curves and driver design result in deeper enjoyment of music.

The superior time response of the A8000 imparts it with sound quality that is capable of providing an uplift from a wide range of music that approaches the extent of the D Series, from the clarity of pop and rock music with a narrow dynamic range all the way to the spatial impression of classical and jazz music with a wide dynamic range. The most distinct characteristic of the A8000 is that it realizes such sound quality not by its ability to create sound capable of attracting a small number of wild fans through its strong individuality, but rather sound aimed at greater universality.

The Feeling of a Customized Fit
Based on the IEM chassis design developed for the B series that has become established as an ideal solution, the A8000 realizes a superior sense of fit. Whether or not the fit of earphones feels superior is determined by the sense of oppression. While at first glance it may seem correct to select an ergonomically praised organic shape to be held in place by the elasticity of silicon, this places ordinary pressure on the ear that serves as an unwary burden and leads to accumulation of fatigue. In limiting the area of contact in comparison to an organically shaped surface that comes in contact with a large area of the ear, this product aims for a sense of fit with no feeling of oppression. For that reason, it is suitable for the ears of many different people. If there is no feeling of oppression at any of the points of contact, that makes for such a comfortable, superior feeling of a customized earphone fit.

Precisely Cut Stainless Steel Chassis with "Tetra-Chamber Construction"
The volume and shape of the chambers in front of and behind the dynamic drive unit have a great impact on sound quality. Particularly, operation of the newly developed true Beryllium driver is extremely delicate, and it is impacted greatly by the spaces in the chassis. The internal design of the chassis can be calculated to some extent through simulations, but after that repeated trials of an actual product must be conducted until the sound quality targets are reached. For the A8000, in order to optimize operation of the driver, the inside of the driver unit chassis is divided into four chambers (Tetra-Chamber Construction); the driver ante-chamber and the double construction driver post-chamber and the MMCX connector portion are separated into different chasses. The driver is direct mounted into the ante-chamber of the chassis by a design that suppresses unnecessary vibration to achieve a distinct sound contour. Additionally, the use of four chambers achieves a balance between volume and tightness in the low-range while at the same time preventing leakage of sound.

MMCX Connector＆Original High Purity OFC Silver Coated Cable
The MMCX connector was developed in-company. We've used high-purity OFC silver coated cables that provide a wide sound stage. These jointly-developed cables were originally designed by and are currently manufactured by the well-renowned Junkosha corporation for the purpose of being used with the supercomputer "Kei" due to their fast signal transmission speed. The insulator film is made from PFA which was also developed by Junkosha who used their extensive know-how through the JUNFLON® brand to create the ultimate in low-permittivity material. The outer tube is made from PVC for maximum flexibility. The user will experience surprising flexibility that both makes the cable extremely easy to use as well as reducing the likelihood of microphonics. In addition, the MMCX plug and the 3.5 mm mini-plug have a tendency to disconnect so we've far exceeded the regular QA pass criteria of a 5,000-time bend test by changing the connection design to one that can withstand more than 50,000 bends.

Junkosha: The Japanese corporation Junkosha develops and manufactures products such as high speed coaxial cables that boast the world's fastest transmission speed at 95% the speed of light, as well as cables for demanding fields such as marine and aerospace, healthcare and power generation facilities. These special cables require a high level of technology and center around fluoropolymers. Junkosha's cables are often called by the brand name JUNFLON® and have earned the tremendous trust of engineers requiring special-purpose cables.

MMCX Assist for Easy Plug Removal
An item for the smooth insertion and removal of earphone cables using an MMCX connector. Using MMCX Assist the plug can be removed with surprising ease by applying proper force to the MMCX connector in the direction for cable removal. It also prevents the contingency of the cable from becoming severed by mistakenly pulling on the cable portion of the MMCX connector plug.

Ear Hooks that Alleviate Cable Touch Noise (Incorporates Lock Mechanism)
An ear hook is effective in reducing touch noise; wearing it when walking dramatically reduces the unpleasant rustling sound that may occur when the cable rubs against the body (cable touch noise). In the past, our company’s ear hooks have characteristically been slimmer than ordinary and virtually indistinguishable from a wire or rosin filled cable, making it so comfortable that it is easy to forget that one is even wearing it. This time we have newly added a cable lock mechanism.

Original Eartips with a Color Difference Between the Left and Right Bushes
Two types of silicon differing in rigidity are employed for the sound conduit and for the earbud that comes into contact with the user’s ear. The silicon used for the sound conduit is more rigid than that used for the earbud, and by having groove processing applied to it, combines both strength and flexibility. Soft silicon has been employed for the earbud, making for a comfortable fit and a high level of sound insulation.

One of the bushes is gray, while the other is red; by pulling the earpiece back slightly to check the color of the bush, it is easy to distinguish between left and right, even in places with subdued lighting. Since the bush colors of neighboring sizes are different (the gray bushes alternate between dark and light gray; the red bushes alternate between red and pink), it is also easy to distinguish between sizes.

Comes in 5 sizes – SS/S/M/L/LL

Interchangeable Dust Filter
The open portion of the dust filter may become soiled with earwax, etc. For the A8000, we have shaped the dust filter in such a manner that it can be removed and replaced by the customer, and a replacement dust filter is included as an accessory.

Aluminum & Silicone Hybrid Carry Case
The aluminum carry case has been designed to strike a balance between fitting in your pocket and protecting the A8000. Cut aluminum is used for portions to which force is applied. The interior is a soft silicone dome to prevent scratching. Attention to detail is evident by other labor, such as inclusion of an internal partition to prevent the chassis from getting scratched by moving back and forth.

How to Wear the Earphones
This product is an earphone that is hung over the ear. The transmission of touch noise to the ear can be prevented by placing the cable on the ear to achieve a comfortable fit.

1. Confirm the R and L marks on the inside of the chassis. R is right, and L is left.
2. Run the cable toward the front from behind the ear, and insert the earpiece of the earphone into the ear.
3. If it is difficult to fir the earphone into the cavity of concha, try to insert the earphone while pulling back and somewhat upward on the ear lobe.

If the cable does not fit on the back of the ear, please use the ear hook accessory. If the fit is too loose, try changing the size of the sleeve. In some cases, the size of the left and right earpieces may be different.

Aging
Aging is a phenomenon by which sound changes by continued use over a certain period of time. A driver unit produces sound through the vibration of an extremely thin heat-formed film. The cause is not clear, but it is thought that the film might become accustomed to the stress applied from the forming of the film or stress from the adhesive through continued use over time so that minute signals can be transmitted easily. A long period of time is required before the aging effects on this product become unnoticeable. Generally, through 150 to 200 hours of ordinary use sensitivity increases to achieve the level of sound quality for which the product had been originally designed.

Sound Quality Reviews
Sound is not muddy at all, extremely high clarity. The vocals and instruments comprising music can each be heard perfectly, and music can be enjoyed with a good feeling. Offers unparalleled reproduction of sound from percussion instruments, piano and other instruments for which good sound build-up is particularly demanded. From classical music to pops, rhythm can be vibrantly delineated. Furthermore, each sound is localized as a silhouette floating in space, as a preface to that, every nuance of vocals is perfectly reproduced, therefore new inspiration can be attained from familiar tracks of music to which one has already become accustomed.

• Housing: Stainless
• Driver: Dynamic driver（Truly Pure Beryllium Diaphragm)
• Connector: MMCX
• Cable: OFC silver coated cable
• Sensitivity: 102dB
• Impedance: 16Ω
• Weight: 41g
• Cord length: 1.2m

• Aluminum & Silicone hybrid carry case
• MMCX Assist
• Eartips (E type, 5 sizes)
• Ear hooks
• Replacement dust filter

 

From iBasso
The DX220 Reference Portable Digital Audio Player from iBasso features multiple chipsets and a removable AMP card to help provide you with clear, high-resolution audio playback when on the go. Chipsets include two ES9028PRO chips, each with eight built-in DACs, delivering eight DACs in parallel for each channel. The DX220 also doubles as a hi-end USB DAC for use with your computer, featuring an XMOS XU208 chip, five femtosecond oscillators, PCM support up to 32-bit/384 kHz, and native DSD up to DSD512.

For additional performance enhancement and customization, iBasso provides the AMP1 MKII amp card and the ability to swap it out for other (optional) amp cards if desired. The DX220 is backward- and forward-compatible with all DX-series amp cards. All of this high-end audio technology is run by an octa-core CPU with 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM.

Interfacing with the DX220 is done via the 5" 1080p HD touch display, and Android 8.1 + Linux-based Mango OS. A new UI has been created to provide a professional look while still being easy to understand and use. For app and music storage, you can use the DX220's 64GB of built-in memory, which can be expanded via a microSD card by up to 2TB in size.

Graphical & Parametric EQs
The DX220 features a 10-band graphical EQ, as well as a parametric EQ (PEQ), which provides a total of 8 different filters in 6 segments. Each filter can be customized and the PEQ has a detailed visual adjustment feature.

MQA Support
MQA, or Master Quality Authenticated, is an audio file format that can capture 100% of an original studio performance. It then makes the file size small enough to stream. With support for MQA technology, the DX220 can playback these files, and at 4 times the resolution of the streamed audio, which lets you enjoy the sound of the master recording.

Wireless Connectivity
Wirelessly connect the DX220 to your network via dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) built in, and stream your favorite music wirelessly to Bluetooth 5-compatible mobile devices and speakers.

Additional Features

• 2.5D curved Corning glass panel
• Nano anti-fingerprint coating on the display
• 95% sRGB color gamut
• 87% screen ratio
• Hi-res 445 ppi display
• 480 cd/m² screen brightness All-metal CNC back cover with an antenna outside of the case to help eliminate interference
• Two-way Bluetooth 5.0 support
• Native support for LDAC and aptX
• Three-step gain settings (high, medium, and low)
• 4400mAh battery with up to 9 hours of playback
• Compatible with Quick Charge 3.0, Power Delivery 2.0, and MTK PE Plus
  

General

• OS: Android
• DAC: Dual ES9028Pro
• Output Ports: 2.5BAL, 3.5PO, 3.5LO, SPDIF
• Screen: Sharp 5.0 inch 1080P Full Screen 455ppi + Gorilla Glass + Nano-hydrophobic
• CPU: Octa Core
• USB-DAC: XMOS
• Audio Formats Supported: MQA, APE, FLAC,WAV, WMA, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, DFF, DSF, DXD
• Bluetooth: V5 Support LDAC, aptX
• USB Port: USB Type-C (Both data transfer and charging)
• WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4Ghz/5Ghz)
• Memory: 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, 1 microSD(TF) slot
• Dimensions: 126mm x 70.5mm x 18.7mm
• Weight: 240g

2.5mm Balanced Output

• Output Voltage: 6.2Vrms
• Frequency Response: 10Hz-45kHz -0.3dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 125dB
• Crosstalk: -125dB
• THD+N: <0.00018% (no Load, 3Vrms), 0.0002% (32Ω Load, 3Vrms)
• Crosstalk: -119dB

3.5mm Single-Ended Output

• Output Voltage 3.1Vrms
• Frequency Response: 10Hz - 45KHz -0.3dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio：123dB
• THD+N: < 0.00031% (no Load, 1.8Vrms), 0.00035% (32Ω Load, 1.8Vrms)
• Crosstalk: -117dB

Line Out

• Output Voltage: 3Vrms
• Frequency Response: 10Hz - 45KHz -0.3dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 122dB
• THD+N: < 0.00035% (no Load, 1.8Vrms)
• Crosstalk: -116dB-112dB

Power

• Battery: 4400mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
• Quick Charge Protocols: QC3.0 / PD2.0 / MTK PE Plus
• Average Play Time: 8 hours (Playtime varies with different resolutions, AMP cards and headphone/IEM loads)

iBasso DX220 Reference Portable Digital Audio Player
USB Type-C Cable
Burn-In Cable
Coaxial Cable
Leather Case
Screen Protectors
Limited 1-Year Warranty

Now available in Black Copper and Jet Black.

Our Take
It's not often that you have one of those "wow, where has this been all my life" moments. Empyrean delivers that. Our office has been abuzz nonstop since the moment we received our demo pair. Beyond jaw-dropping sound, one thing we've come to love the most is the unsurpassed comfort. Meze's unique "suspension wings" increase the headrest’s contact surface area with your head and relieve uncomfortable pressure points exceptionally well. It's one of the very few headphones that can truly be comfortably worn all day.

Ultimately, at its price, despite its beautiful design and superb handmade craftsmanship, the Empyrean is not just a luxury headphone – it's a groundbreaking engineering masterpiece. Our highest recommendation.

Read Our Full Empyrean Review

From Meze 
A blend of premium materials, exquisite craftsmanship and detailing that’s unmistakably Meze, Empyrean is one of the most technologically innovative planar magnetic headphones in the world.

“Empyrean was born from passion, curiosity and innovation. As a business, we have allowed ourselves the freedom to experiment and take risks in search of the perfect sound. To generate something truly remarkable, one must dare to explore, and that’s what we did with Empyrean. We pushed and refined industry’ standards and achieved a true game changer for audiophiles.” – Antonio Meze, Lead designer and Founder of Meze Audio

Empyrean is the product of two passionate companies coming together to explore what is possible beyond their individual capabilities. The result is a no-compromise headphone embodying Meze’s daring aesthetic and user-centered design approach and Rinaro’s experience in research and development within the field of planar magnetics. Rinaro, a progressive audio company, has at the heart of its technology an R&D team that has been at the forefront of planar magnetic development since the 1980’s. What originally started as a state-funded initiative with a focus on innovation has now entered into a new chapter of audio progression with the opening of a cutting-edge industrial facility in Ukraine.

Over 30 years of research and development have led to the creation of the first Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. Meze Audio have collaborated with Rinaro to create a new standard in planar magnetic audio, the resulting technology being one of the lightest and most advanced planar magnetic drivers on the market.

Features:

• Open-back, Circumaural headphones
• Aluminum CNCframe
• Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
• Carbon fiber headband
• Pressure distribution wing
• Isomagnetic earpads
• Anthropometric earcup shape

• Driver Type - Isodynamic Hybrid Array -Operating Principle Open Back
• Ear Coupling Circumaural
• Frequency response 4 - 110,000 Hz -Impedance 31,6 Ω
• NominalSPL100 dB(1 mW/1kHz) -Maximum SPL>>130dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.1% - Weight: ~ 430g

• High-strength aluminum suitcase with foam inserts
• 3m OFC cable, ending with 6.3 jack
• Headphone termination: 2x4pin Mini-XLR
• Two sets of earpads included: one real leather, one Alcantara

 

 

This is the 2020 latest version with blacked out logo.

From Campfire
Cascade is a culmination of a 3 year engineering effort to bring our signature sound to a headphone. The result is a portable, closed-back headphone that sounds and performs like it’s open. Even better; it has the unique sound you expect from a Campfire Audio headphone.

42mm Beryllium PVD Driver
Cascade delivers exceptional musicality and openness. It has a soundstage that expands well beyond the listening space. It possesses sonic traits not found in typical ‘closed-back’ headphone designs.

Specially crafted custom drivers are at the heart of Cascade. Powerful and impactful sound with excellent speed and micro detail retrieval. Superior highs extend over precise and controlled bass notes.

Premium Materials, Durable Build
Creating a portable audiophile headphone requires using materials that are up for the job. Light weight forged and machined aluminum cups paired with stainless steel components. This provides added strength in the places where you need it most.

Premium sheepskin ear pads are not only comfortable, but they provide excellent isolation. Listen to your favorite track on the bus without disturbing your fellow passengers. Escape office boredom without complaints.

Your HiFi Companion
Designed with portable use in mind, Cascade is a durable headphone for use at home and on the go. The more you listen, the more you’ll find you’ll want to keep it with you, where ever that might be.

Cascade has excellent high-frequency extension; cymbals sparkle and expand on a wide soundstage. Mids are clear and uncolored. The bass response is special; rich in texture and well defined. All qualities you won’t find in a typical closed back design.

Highlights

• Premium Select Materials. We wanted to be sure our first headphone was as good as the earphones we make. Close attention to each component is critical to achieving this goal. The headband, joints, and pivot are all made of stainless steel. This makes the traditionally weakest parts of a headphone the strongest. The cups and hanger arms are aluminum; cast and then machined to reduce weight. Our headphone pads are soft sheepskin, attached via magnets and replaceable. Each element’s design is there to improve your ownership experience.
• Detachable Cable. Cables are where we started with ALO audio so we know the importance of including an awesome cable. That is why we include our acclaimed Litz cable with Cascade. It has the same conductor design and materials as the Litz cable included with each of our earphones. Here we’ve added a special cloth jacket to the cable. It minimizes microphonics and adds a level of durability to the cable for headphone use.
• Designed for Portable. Cascade is the headphone that we wanted while traveling. It folds up to a compact size and is an isolated closed-back design. It sounds excellent with your portable DAP or phone. And it scales with ease in your home set-up.

User Manual

Tuning Guide

• 5Hz–33 kHz Frequency Response (attn -26dB)
• 100 dB SPL/mW Sensitivity
• 38 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedance
• 13.5 oz (without cable) or approximately 383 g
• Earpad Dimensions Outside OD approx – 2.75-inch wide x 4 inch tall
• Inside ID is approx – 1.5 inch wide x 2.5 inch
  
  
• 42 mm Beryllium PVD diaphragm dynamic driver
• Sheep Leather Detachable Headphone Pads
• Cicular ‘Push-Pull’ Connections
• Cast + Machined Aluminum Cup and Hanger Arms
• Steel headband, pivot and joints
• Litz Cable – Silver Plated Copper with Cloth Jacket (4′) 

• Campfire Audio Cascade Headphones
• Campfire Audio Zipper Headphone Case
• Campfire Audio Litz Cable with Cloth Jacket; Silver Plated Copper Conductors with Circular Push-Pull Connectors and 3.5mm Stereo Plug
• Custom fit acoustic dampeners to find the sound that is right for you.
  

From HEDD
HEDD is proud to introduce the first full range Air Motion Transformer headphones to audiophiles and recording artists worldwide. The Air Motion Transformer (AMT) is an electrodynamic transducer that allows to move air significantly faster than common voice coil, magnetostatic (planar) or electrostatic systems. Their traditional piston-like movement is overcome by a folded diaphragm that squeezes out air four times faster: A breakthrough for capturing more details in a musical recording.

30 years ago HEDD CEO and Chief Engineer Klaus Heinz designed the first compact and marketable AMT tweeter based on Oskar Heil’s original Air Motion Transformer invention. Since then he has increased its sonic quality in several fundamental revisions. The 2019 version of the AMT can be heard in HEDD´s innovative Series ONE studio monitor line.

Recently Heinz has focused on developing a full range Air Motion Transformer to break new grounds for this superior transducer principle. In order to reproduce the complete audible frequency band (and beyond), the HEDDphone® incorporates VVT® (pat. pending). VVT® introduces a new diaphragm geometry that expands the AMT principle to a linear full range (10Hz–40kHz) headphone transducer. It replaces the fixed geometric structure of conventional AMT drivers as the folds vary both in width and depth.

The HEDDphone® introduces a fourth transducer technology. It brings the enormous dynamic capabilities and the superior sonic resolution of the AMT principle to the world of top-end headphones. HEDDphone® excels where it really matters: in accurate, untamed, and touching music reproduction.

• Concept: open over-ear headphone with Air Motion
  Transformer and VVT® Technology
• Frequency Response: 10Hz–40kHz
• Efficiency: 87dB SPL for 1mW
• Impedance: 42 Ω
• Connector: Mini XLR
• Weight: 718g
• Warranty: 2 years

 

Now in stock! Ships immediately.

Our Take
Is this love at first site? Yes. The very moment we laid our eyes on the SA700, we were smitten. The world class industrial designers at Astell&Kern went back to their roots and created this nostalgic new player incorporating their classic AK120 look in a fresh new player with bleeding edge tech. And to top it all off, this thing sounds better than any other DAP in its class. It's the first to use the new AK4492ECB Dual DAC with bit-to-bit playback up to 32bit 384kHz and native DSD playback up to 11.2MHz.

From Astell&Kern
With the launch of Astell&Kern's first product in 2012, we always aim to deliver uncompromising sound to music lovers. One day we decided to ask ourselves a question - "What if we combined Astell&Kern's first starting point and present?" We wanted to combine the analog sensibilities that remained in our hearts with the sound technology that has evolved over the years since our first product was released. We wanted to create the best sound that only we can do.

"Past Meets Present"
The SA700 is a product where past emotions and current technology meet. The SA700 is an evolution of technology and design that deliver the ultimate sound to Astell&Kern original design and sensibility.

• Emotional Retro Design
• Intuitive LED Indicator
• New Special GUI
• Stainless Steel Body for Premium Sound
• Ideal Size for Portability
• Dual DAC of AK4492ECB from AKM
• 32bit / 384kHz, Native DSD256 support

We took the original design of AK120 and redesigned it into a simple, but refined form. With the latest technology, the deeper and stronger sound of the SA700 delivers new experiences and values ​​not found in other products.

First DAP Using AKM AK4492ECB DAC
The SA700 is the first DAP to use a AK4492ECB Dual DAC to give a new sound signature. AKM's AK4492ECB is a DAC that aims to achieve the best performance in the industry by utilizing the technology obtained by developing AK4497EQ. It has a lower power consumption and similar audio performance compared to AK4497EQ, making it the best DAC for a portable DAP.

Only Astell&Kern's Sound Technology know-how has made the DAC's performance even more perfect. Now you can enjoy premium sound close to the original performance with the SA700 and the AK4492ECB.

Unchanging Value, Stainless Steel
The SA700 uses stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and durable, for maximum material strength and beauty. Since it takes a lot of time, skill and cost to process the material, it is often only used for expensive products. The SA700 uses stainless steel because it provides the perfect sound. Stainless Steel delivers both luxury and balanced, clean sound. Feel it at the SA700.

Deliver the perfect original sound
SA700 offers the optimal condition to deliver perfect original sound.
SA700 is capable of bit-to-bit playback up to 32bit 384kHz and native DSD playback up to 11.2MHz, delivering detailed, distortion-free sound just as the artist intended.

Intuitive LED Indicator
The LEDs around the volume wheel are not just visual effects, but provide the listener information including volume and status of the currently playing song. Different colors are displayed depending on the bit depth of the song being played, and 150 levels of red saturation are displayed to reflect the current player volume. (LED can be turned on or off according to user setting.)

New GUI where the past and the present coexist
SA700 maintains the convenience of Astell&Kern's UI combined with a new GUI that reminds users of our 1st generation players. You can combine Astell&Kern's past and present through the GUI which is reinterpreted by using Astell&Kern's various color identities.

Using Open APP Service
The Open APP Service enables the user to install specific APK music streaming apps to the device. Copy the desired APK into the Open Service folder of the product and install the relevant App in the Menu-Service of the product. Using Open APP Service

• Model: SA700
• Body Color: Onyx Black / Stainless Steel
• Body Material: Stainless Steel
• Display: 4.1inch (720 x 1,280) Touch display
• Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
• Sample rate: PCM : 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) / DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
• Output Level: Unbalanced 2.0Vrms / Balanced 4.0Vrms (Condition No Load)
• CPU: Quad-Core
• DAC: AKM AK4492ECB x2 (Dual DAC)
• Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 384kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
• Input: USB Type-C input (for PC & MAC)
• Outputs: Unbalanced Out (3.5mm) / Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
• Bluetooth: V4.2 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX^TM HD)
• Dimensions: 2.32 ”(59.1 mm) [W] x 4.56 ”(115.9 mm) [H] x 0.64 ”(16.5 mm) [D]
• Weight: 10.68 oz (303 g)
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrades supported (OTA)
  

Audio Performance

• Frequency Response: ±0.12dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.12dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±1.48dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced / ±1.48dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 120dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 123dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
• Crosstalk: -134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -138dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
• THD+N: - 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Balanced
• IMD SMPTE: - 0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Unbalanced / 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Balanced
• Output Impedance: Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1.8ohm) / Balanced out 2.5mm (1.9ohm)
• Reference Clock Jitter: 70ps(Typ)
  

Battery

• Capacity: 3,150mAh 3.7V Li-Polymer Battery
• Continuous Playback Time: Up to 8.5 hours (Standard - MUSIC: FLAC, 16-bit/44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Volume 80, EQ OFF, LCD OFF)
• Charge Time: About 4.5 hours (Standard - 5V/2A Charging)
  

Memory

• Built-in Memory: 128GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD (Max. 512GB) x1
  

OS

• Supported OS: Windows 7,8,10 (32/64bit), MAC OS X 10.7 and up

• SA700 Device
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD card slot cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

From Dan Clark Audio
AEON Flow 2 Open is our all-new high-value planar headphone. AEON Flow 2 utilizes an all-new driver based on our acclaimed ETHER 2 driver design for greatly improved sound quality, and sports a collapsing gimbal so it folds into a compact case, making it much more travel friendly. AEON Flow 2 comes with our 2 year warranty, and is designed, built and tested in San Diego, California.

AEON 2 features the latest engineering innovations from our team, married with smart industrial design and a price that will make you smile.

The original ÆON Flow broke new ground with its ergonomic and stylish industrial design that are hallmarks of Dan Clark Audio designs. From the elegant shape of the earcups, to the lightweight nitinol headband, and the amazing performance of its in-house designed planer drivers, it’s hard to believe we could find a ways to improve it…but we did!

Improved Performance
The new AEON 2 is not a minor update to a great product, it’s truly a colossal performance upgrade. Dan and team took what they learned designing one of the most highly awarded flagship headphones of 2018, ETHER 2, and redesigned the new AEON 2 driver from the ground up using ETHER 2’s state of the art motor tech. New features include: 

• Updated driver structure flipped 180 degrees to remove magnet and flow structures from the diaphragm to the ear
• Streamlined flow elements converted to a single construction, removing air gaps to improve internal airflow
• Higher precision machined flow structures replace injection molded parts
• Superior driver damping for improved resolution, dynamics and a smoother frequency response
• New voicing, with a warmer, fuller tone for the closed, a leaner lower midrange for the open, and a much larger soundstage for both models

The sum of all these innovations is a headphone the renders music with all its emotional impact: visceral bass, transparent mids, and detail up top that is presented in a deep and immersive soundstage putting the music further “out of your head” to create a deeply satisfying experience.

Big Sound, Uncompromising Portability
Many of us at Dan Clark Audio travel extensively around the world to attend headphone shows to meet our incredible customers and dealers. We felt that while the AEON comes with a great case, it was a bit bulky and hard to travel with. When we set out to create the AEON 2 we wanted to improve its portability without sacrificing performance, reliability or comfort. So our engineering team set about making a no-compromise folding headphone and case that would travel more efficiently – and we succeeded.

Our Smart Industrial Design ethos was fully engaged when the team tackled this project, resulting in a singularly cool folding mechanisms that actually improves the clamping, fit, feel, and structural integrity of the entire headphone.

                            

This elegant mechanism deserved a custom designed case, and we are very proud of the outcome. This form fitting protective case also fits your cable of choice and takes up half the room in your backpack or purse the old Aeon case did. 

While we understand many of you will only travel with the Aeon 2 Closed we have included the new folding structure on the Aeon 2 open as well.

Since its introduction in 2017, the Aeon has pushed the Value/Performance ratio beyond industry standards. In many ways the Aeon is a direct reflection of the primary mission Dan Clark Audio was founded on: providing outstanding performance and engineering at prices well below our competitors so our community of listeners is empowered and excited to use our products. We are thrilled to offer the new Aeon 2 to our passionate customers and hope the community will truly love them. 

• Efficiency: 94dB/mW 
• Weight (without cable): 321g
• Detachable 2m premium dual-entry cable with 3.5mm and 1/4" termination
• Impedance: 13 ohms

• DUMMER (Distinctly Un-Magical) cable with an integrated dual 1/4" and 3.5mm plug
• Compact case for travel or storage.

Our Take 
This is it, ladies and gents. The very best DAP in the world. No hyperbole: you cannot find a better sounding, better built, higher performing DAP than the SP2000. If you want the best portable audio experience possible – this is it. Our highest recommendation.

 

From Astell&Kern 
A&ultima SP2000 is the third player released in the A&ultima lineup. SP2000 features the latest technologies of Astell&Kern with a newly developed audio circuitry and amplifier design. 

• Flagship AKM AK4499EQ Dual DACs
• Balanced 6Vrms, Unbalanced 3Vrms Output Level
• 32bit/768kHz, Native DSD512 Support
• 512GB Internal Memory
• Dual Band Wi-Fi Support5.0" 720x1280 HD TouchscreenOcta-Core CPU
• Open APP Support for Music Streaming

The Most Advanced Asahi Kasei DAC Chips, Dual AK4499EQ
The AK4499EQ DAC chip uses the most advanced ‘Current Output Architecture’ technology. To take full advantage of this new architecture, Astell&Kern redesigned the Op Amp and analog amp block configuration completely. The new circuit design optimizes the current consumption and brings out the most from these new DAC chips. The combination of the SP2000 and AK4499EQ chips provide mind-blowing audio quality.

Newly Designed Audio Circuitry
The SP2000 is the first Astell&Kern player to use separate, independent audio channels between the Unbalanced and Balanced outputs. This design offers much more power than ever before, with 6Vrms for Balanced output and 3Vrms for Unbalanced output. With this design, the SP2000 offers the ultimate audio experience as Astell&Kern’s newest flagship player.

Two Times the Internal Storage, 512GB
512GB internal storage can hold up to 700+ CDs or 8,000+ tracks of FLAC files (60MB/track). With the addition of a 512GB microSD card, the SP2000 can support over 1TB of storage space.

Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5Ghz)
With streaming music services becoming more popular, stronger and more reliable network reception becomes even more important for your audio experience. The SP2000 supports Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5Ghz, b/g/n/ac) with an improved 3-dimensional antenna design. With a stronger wi-fi signal and faster speeds, music streaming from the most popular services is better than ever on the SP2000.

Great Performance for the Ultimate Experience
The A&ultima SP2000 is equipped with an octa-core CPU which allows the player to produce the exact details present in the original recording without distortion and provides a quick, lag-free operation. The A&ultima SP2000 features faster booting times, speedy file transfers, lag-free processing and an intuitive user interface for the ultimate player experience. 

Model

SP2000

Body Color

Stainless Steel
Copper

Body Material

Stainless Steel : Stainless Steel
Copper : Copper

Display

5inch (720 x 1,280) Touch display

Supported Audio Formats

WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA(Support Scheduled)

MQA playback

Services(Tidal Masters), Local files, External USB, MQA-CD(ripped)

Sample rate

PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo
DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo
DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo

Output Level

Unbalance 3.0Vrms
Balance 6.0Vrms (Condition No Load)

CPU

Octa-Core

DAC

AKM AK4499EQ x2 (Dual DAC)

Decoding Support

up to 32bit
768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback

Input

USB 3.0 Type-C input (for PC & MAC)

Outputs

PHONES (3.5mm)
Optical Out (3.5mm)
Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported)

Wi-Fi

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)

Bluetooth

V4.1 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptXTM HD)

Dimensions

3.00” W x 5.19" H x 0.61" D (76.3 mm x 132 mm x 15.7 mm)

Weight

Stainless Steel : 14.49 oz (410.8 g)
Copper : 15.25 oz (432.4 g)

Feature Enhancements

Firmware upgrades supported (OTA)

Frequency Response

±0.015dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalance
±0.010dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balance
±0.050dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalance
±0.030dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balance

Signal to Noise Ratio

124dB @ 1kHz, Unbalance
125dB @ 1kHz, Balance

Crosstalk

-138dB @ 1kHz, Unbalance
-144dB @ 1kHz, Balance

THD+N

0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalance
0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balance

IMD SMPTE

0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Unbalance & Balance

Output Impedance

Balanced out 2.5mm (1ohm)
PHONES 3.5mm (1.5ohm)

Clock Jitter

25ps(Typ)

Reference Clock Jitter

200 Femto Seconds

Battery Capacity

3,700mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Battery

Continuous Playback Time

Up to 8 hours (Standard - MUSIC: FLAC, 16-bit/44.1kHz, Unbalance, Volume 80, EQ OFF, LCD OFF)

Charge Time

About 2.5 hours (Standard - 9V/1.67A Fast charging)
About 5 hours (Standard - 5V/2A General charging)

Built-in Memory

512GB [NAND]

External Memory

microSD (Max. 512GB) x1

Supported OS

Windows 7,8,10 (32/64bit)
MAC OS X 10.7 and up

• A&ultima SP2000 Device
• Leather Case
• Stainless Steel: Green Leather Case
• Copper: Brown Leather Case
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD card slot cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

In stock, now shipping!

From Audeze 
The LCD-1 has been meticulously engineered for reference quality sound that will appeal to even the most discerning audiophile ear. Featuring Audeze’s renowned planar magnetic technology within an open-circumaural, foldable and light-weight design, the LCD-1 delivers premium audio in a comfortable and travel-friendly package perfect for mixing, mastering and audiophile listening.

Features:

• Enhanced transparency and sound stage - Open Circumaural Design
• Incredibly wide dynamic range - 90mm Over-Ear Planar Drivers
• Unparalleled sonic detail and accuracy - Ultra-thin Uniforce™ Diaphragms
• Powerful sound and efficiency - Fluxor™ Magnets
• Deep rich bass with low audible distortion - Fazor Wave Guides
• Light-weight construction with robust memory foam ear pads and headband for extended comfort during long listening sessions
• Robust foldable design, perfect for mixing on the go
• 3.5mm premium braided cable for tangle-free connection, with reversible headphone connectors for ease of setup
• 1/4'' adapter included
• Memory foam, genuine lambskin leather earpads
• Designed and built in the USA with imported and US made parts

Style	Over-ear, open-circumaural
Transducer type	Planar Magnetic
Magnetic structure	Single-sided Fluxor™ magnet array
Phase management	Fazor
Magnet type	Neodymium N50
Diaphragm type	Ultra-thin Uniforce™
Transducer size	90 mm
Maximum power handling	5W RMS
Maximum SPL	>120dB
Frequency response	10Hz - 50KHz
THD	<0.1% @ 100dB
Impedance	13.5 ohms
Sensitivity	99 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
Ear Pads	Memory foam, genuine lambskin leather
Weight	250g

• 2m 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm cable with reversible connectors
  
• 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
• Zippered travel case
  
• Certificate of Authenticity

From Dan Clark Audio
AEON Flow 2 Closed is our all-new high-value planar headphone. AEON Flow 2 utilizes an all-new driver based on our acclaimed ETHER 2 driver design for greatly improved sound quality, and sports a collapsing gimbal so it folds into a compact case, making it much more travel friendly. AEON Flow 2 comes with our 2 year warranty, and is designed, built and tested in San Diego, California.

AEON 2 features the latest engineering innovations from our team, married with smart industrial design and a price that will make you smile.

The original ÆON Flow broke new ground with its ergonomic and stylish industrial design that are hallmarks of Dan Clark Audio designs. From the elegant shape of the earcups, to the lightweight nitinol headband, and the amazing performance of its in-house designed planer drivers, it’s hard to believe we could find a ways to improve it…but we did!

Improved Performance
The new AEON 2 is not a minor update to a great product, it’s truly a colossal performance upgrade. Dan and team took what they learned designing one of the most highly awarded flagship headphones of 2018, ETHER 2, and redesigned the new AEON 2 driver from the ground up using ETHER 2’s state of the art motor tech. New features include: 

• Updated driver structure flipped 180 degrees to remove magnet and flow structures from the diaphragm to the ear
• Streamlined flow elements converted to a single construction, removing air gaps to improve internal airflow
• Higher precision machined flow structures replace injection molded parts
• Superior driver damping for improved resolution, dynamics and a smoother frequency response
• New voicing, with a warmer, fuller tone for the closed, a leaner lower midrange for the open, and a much larger soundstage for both models

The sum of all these innovations is a headphone the renders music with all its emotional impact: visceral bass, transparent mids, and detail up top that is presented in a deep and immersive soundstage putting the music further “out of your head” to create a deeply satisfying experience.

Big Sound, Uncompromising Portability
Many of us at Dan Clark Audio travel extensively around the world to attend headphone shows to meet our incredible customers and dealers. We felt that while the AEON comes with a great case, it was a bit bulky and hard to travel with. When we set out to create the AEON 2 we wanted to improve its portability without sacrificing performance, reliability or comfort. So our engineering team set about making a no-compromise folding headphone and case that would travel more efficiently – and we succeeded.

Our Smart Industrial Design ethos was fully engaged when the team tackled this project, resulting in a singularly cool folding mechanisms that actually improves the clamping, fit, feel, and structural integrity of the entire headphone.

                            

This elegant mechanism deserved a custom designed case, and we are very proud of the outcome. This form fitting protective case also fits your cable of choice and takes up half the room in your backpack or purse the old Aeon case did. 

While we understand many of you will only travel with the Aeon 2 Closed we have included the new folding structure on the Aeon 2 open as well.

Since its introduction in 2017, the Aeon has pushed the Value/Performance ratio beyond industry standards. In many ways the Aeon is a direct reflection of the primary mission Dan Clark Audio was founded on: providing outstanding performance and engineering at prices well below our competitors so our community of listeners is empowered and excited to use our products. We are thrilled to offer the new Aeon 2 to our passionate customers and hope the community will truly love them. 

• Efficiency: 92dB/mW 
• Weight (without cable): 340g
• Detachable 2m premium dual-entry cable with 3.5mm and 1/4" termination
• Impedance: 13 ohms

• DUMMER (Distinctly Un-Magical) cable with an integrated dual 1/4" and 3.5mm plug
• Compact case for travel or storage.