Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Meridian has a new loudspeaker, but not just any loudspeaker – it's hailing the DSP9 as the start of a new chapter for the company. Why? It could be something to do with the new cabinet aesthetic which showcases the company's new design signature. Final won't only be showcasing its current headphones range, which includes the D8000 Pro Limited Edition headphones, the new A5000 IEMs and the flagship ZE8000 true wireless earbuds; it will also be announcing a new product exclusively. "Expect to learn about the key technology behind this upcoming release and see a prototype with early access for those attending," says the Japanese brand.
Once the paragon of neutrality, it seems like Sennheiser has gradually given in to the desire of audiophiles requesting a more lively and dynamic HD 600 model. Over the years, they have tweaked the original HD 600 tuning adding a touch more sub-bass here and a pinch more presence there but never really straying too far from the neutral reference underpinnings that made the 600 series what it was. Increased ventilation around the driver magnet, combined with a lighter, more responsive voice coil than the OG 660S, is said to provide increased “depth and nuance of low-frequency passages,” hence “adding dramatic flair to any type of music”. Additionally, Sennheiser promises “lower distortion and more accurate sound representation” due to the higher impedance (300 ohms vs. 150 ohms on the older model). HD 660S2 Exploded View Sennheiser HD 660S2 Review: Sound Musical Fidelity is the latest brand to make loudspeakers based on the Beeb's original R&D specifications for the iconic LS3/5A and LS5/9speakers. They have a similar feel to Sennheiser’s studio headphones, which are designed to be somewhat utilitarian and lightly tossed around without much concern regarding their longevity. That’s about how I perceive the 660S2 in terms of toughness. Headphones are an essential accessory for anyone who loves music, podcasts, or audiobooks. They allow you to enjoy your favorite audio content without disturbing others around you. However, extended use of headphones can lead to sweaty ears, which can be uncomfortable and even cause skin irritation. This is where headphone fans come in.
8. REXERA Headphone Fan
Danish speaker company Audiovector is looking forward to showing off its reference R8 Arreté speakers, a step up from the R6 Arreté we awarded five stars to last year and called "exceptional musical performers". The R8 is a beautiful-looking speaker that we have little doubt sounds as good as it looks. Details are very thin on the ground, but we spotted a brand new range of Wharfedale speakers at Munich. We’ve been reliably informed that Aura will feature five models including three standmounters and one floorstander and will arrive sometime around August or September. The battery life of the headphone fan is also an important factor to consider. Look for products that have a long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about constantly recharging the fan. A battery life of at least 5-6 hours is recommended. Fan Speed Conversely, the HD 660S2 seems to be the response to that critique and, in turn, could be the furthest departure from the original HD 600 tonal balance I’ve ever experienced. This model, with its enhanced sub-bass, pushes the HD 600 series gingerly into V-shape territory, which does bring in some excitement to the sound, but to me, also takes them out of the “neutral” category to a certain extent. Detail/Dynamics
In March, Japanese digital audio specialist Melco introduced an all-new flagship digital library, the N1-S38, that saw the first built-from-the-ground-up design from the company in eight years. A new SSD-based platform, new set of system electronics, new power supplies, new chassis and casework. At Munich, Melco will be presenting the world debut of a brand-new product that expands on that next-generation audio technology. The fan speed is another feature to consider when purchasing a headphone fan. Look for products that have adjustable fan speeds, so you can customize the airflow to your liking. A high fan speed is recommended for hot summer days, while a low fan speed is ideal for cooler weather. DurabilityQ Acoustics' 5000 series will be flying the flag for its C3 Continuous Curved Cone technology (Image credit: Q Acoustics) The size and weight of the headphone fan are crucial because you don’t want it to be too bulky or heavy and weigh your headphones down. The noise level is also essential, as you don’t want the fan to be too loud and drown out your audio. Finally, the battery life is crucial, as you want to be able to use the fan for an extended period without having to recharge it constantly. Not content with showing off a magnificent New Reference turntable, Thorens has also released two surprising new products. The German company is certainly having a busy show... I have a pretty large head, and the clamp wasn’t unbearable for me, but at the same time, I never quite forgot the headphones were there like with other models. That said, the lightness of the frame makes the clamp easier to get used to after a while. (Ed. Note: After a few days, the clamp loosened dramatically, and comfort improved a lot. YMMV.)
That said, when listening to the Honey Harper song, the dynamics of the 109 PRO were a bit softer than the dynamics of the Sennheiser, which made the Meze sound a touch more sluggish and less rhythmic. The Meze also has a bit of peakiness in the upper mids that the Sennheiser doesn’t have. For audiophiles who want their high-end audio to go, Astell & Kern has created a pricey portable proposition that promises to transform on-the-fly listening. With Kumonics headphone fans, you can enjoy uninterrupted bliss and enhance your overall experience. Don't miss out on these exceptional headphone fans that offer a perfect blend of functionality and comfort. Upgrade your relaxation sessions with these must-buy fans and embrace a refreshing oasis of coolness. The motor has been modified to generate noises of at least 25 dB while running, making it quite enough to hear your own breath. Chord Electronics' Ultima Integrated amplifier, shot by the What Hi-Fi? team on the ground (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)The limited edition Nait 50 (only 1973 samples) to mark the brand's 50th year is made up of all-new internals but takes inspiration from the iconic Nait 1, Naim's first integrated amp, including the half-width form and chrome bumper. One of the quirkiest new products so far comes from South Korean audio manufacturer HiFi Rose. The company is showing off its all-new flagship streamer, the RS130, which it is confidently claiming to be the "ultimate digital audio source for any high-end hi-fi system".
High End Munich will be as good a chance as any to experience the dCS Rossini Apex (the mostcapable digital-to-analogue converterwe've ever reviewed, no less) and Vivaldi Apex, which launched last year and are built around the British company's latest, and hugely impressive, Apex Ring DAC platform. As far as detail and resolution go, some of the top-end air and resolution are blunted by some roll-off in the upper treble, but the detail in the mids and low-end does a good job of fleshing out a lot of what is missing from the treble. Overall, this headphone is quite clean, even though it may sound a touch closed in compared to headphones with more emphasis on the upper treble. Tonal Balance/Perspective JBL will have its entire new Classic Series of hi-fi electronics displayed at Munich. First unveiled at CES 2023, visitors will get to feast their eyes on the CD350 Classic CD player, MP350 Classic music streamer, SA550 Classic integrated amplifier, and JBL’s first turntable, the TT350 Classic. Also being exhibited is the new 4329P Studio Monitor all-in-one speaker system and the snazzy Spinner BT wireless turntable. Look out for sister-brands Arcam, Mark Levinson and Revel at the show, too.Chord Electronics usually has something up its sleeve for High End Munich, and this year is no different. The British hi-fi brand has not one but two new products to unveil at High End. We don't know what they are (or do we...?), but we can reveal that they come from separate product ranges and, according to a company spokesperson, "will create an even broader choice for audiophiles to build hi-fi systems around".
Related:
Great Deal 
New Comment