I’ve always been a fan of digital audio converters (DAC). They can make good headphones and earphones sound better by bringing out the best they have to offer. Audio listening is only as good as the weakest link, so if you’re wondering whether those expensive headphones can sound as good as advertised, upgrading the DAC […]
iFi Nano iDSD DAC and Headphone Amp review Read More
Is it me or does the name “Campfire Audio” sound a like bit like an oxymoron? High-end audio and the natural world of a camp fires don’t seem to go together—or do they? When you consider that nothing is more organic or natural as sound, then maybe comparing sound to fire isn’t much of a
Campfire Audio shoots for the stars Read More
I’ve reviewed my share of Braven speakers and have liked—or really liked—them all. I will soon review the MONSTER (caps mine) Braven BRV-XXL. That’s going to be fun. However, it’s 20 lbs! Not exactly sized for lugging around even though it’s made for outdoor use. Enter the much smaller (and lighter) Braven BRV-1M. At first
The Braven BRV-1 evolves into the BRV-1M Read More
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Audioengine. Their products—from the small A2+ to the larger A5+ speakers— are solidly built, affordable without being cheap, and sound terrific. What’s not to like? When I reviewed the A5+ speakers, I talked about how massive they were in both weight and sound. I used to think
Audioengine HD6 Powered speakers review Read More
Most travelers who are familiar with noise-canceling headphones usually think of Bose first because Bose is considered one of the best noise-canceling headphones available. However, there are many other players in this market with more coming every year. Paww is a new challenger with the Paww WaveSound 2 headphone. When looking at the box of the WaveSound 2,
Paww WaveSound 2 headphone review Read More
Phiaton is one of those audio companies that constantly and consistently releases new models of interesting earphones and headphones. Just when you’ve gotten used to one headphone, it’s been discontinued and another has taken its place. Their headphones and earphones are also some of the prettiest designs available, although the earphone’s beauty is mostly hidden
Phiaton PS 202 NC noise canceling earphones review Read More
Audio company Denon has gone after multi-room speaker maker Sonos in a big way with their revamped HEOS HS2 line of speakers. When I reviewed the original Heos 1 wireless speaker, one of my complaints about it was it lacked Bluetooth—unless you bought the Heos Go Pack, a $100 addition which also included a rechargeable
Denon takes a shot at Sonos with the revamped HEOS HS2 system Read More
Creative just won’t leave it alone. First they came out with the Sound Blaster Roar speaker which put almost all other Bluetooth speakers to shame. Then came the Sound Blaster Roar 2 which was 20% smaller, yet improved on the original Roar in almost every way. Now, they’ve dropped the Sound Blaster name entirely and
I roar, you roar, we all roar for iRoar Read More
Over a year ago, I reviewed the small, but tough and waterproof Fugoo Bluetooth speaker. It became my choice when I need to just grab a speaker and go. It’s not the best sounding portable speaker—that honor goes to the incredible and more expensive Bowers & Wilkins T7—but it does sound great and is one
Fugoo Sport XL Bluetooth speaker review Read More
If you thought the rugged Braven BRV-HD was big, think again. The new Braven BRV-XXL Bluetooth speaker is more: more bigger, more louder, more tougher and even more wetter. Yes, that’s bad english, but you get the picture. With the BRV-XXL, Braven has created an outdoor speaker that can be easily carried because of its
The Braven BRV-XXL is more of everything Read More
I’m an art director by trade, so I pay almost as much attention to the design of an item as how it performs. Maybe that’s why I’m an unapologetic Apple fan boy. I’m also obsessed with audio gear, so when a new speaker comes out and doesn’t look like anything else, I notice. Archt (pronounced
Archt tech builds One speaker system with unique audio and visual mission Read More
My father was in the US Air Force, so I grew up as a service brat living around the globe. Many service families residing in Europe (I lived in England), from the 50s to the 70s bought German audio products because they were beautiful, affordable and well built. Ours was a Telefunkin stereo with removable
The Germans are coming—with goodies! Read More
Although I’ve had my issues with portable Bluetooth speakers, I’ve grown to appreciate the convenience of having one around. It’s gotten to the point that I almost always have one playing either in the kitchen, bathroom or outdoors cooking. They’ve become indispensable to my daily life. And even though their audio quality can’t measure up to
Paww SoundBox 10 Bluetooth speaker review Read More
The Gadgeteer has reported and reviewed some of Edifier’s speakers and come away impressed—as much as by their design as their sound. One look at the Luna Eclipse or Spinnaker speakers tells you all you need to know. Now Edifier has taken a step back—and forward—by releasing the retro-inspired RAVE MP700 portable Bluetooth speaker. This
One step back and two steps forward with the Edifier RAVE MP700 Read More
It’s come to this. In today’s ever-increasing reliance on powered smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth speakers and any other gadget we’re addicted to, they have one thing in common: they all require charging. If you have a family, charging can become a hassle when outlets around the house get clogged with charging plugs. It’s similar to not
SecuPower 50W 5 Port Desktop USB Charger review Read More
To say that something is cheap without being cheap can mean either it’s expensive but not well made or it’s not expensive yet well made. The RHA S500i in-ear headphone fits into the latter category. I’ve been using these earphones for a couple of months and still marvel how Scottish audio company Reid Heath Acoustics, Ltd.
RHA S500i in-ear headphone review Read More
Bu-bump … Bu-bump … Bu-bump … The album opened with a heartbeat—a speaker tester of a heartbeat. If I cranked the volume high enough, all kinds of distortion could happen. But it didn’t. What I heard was the recorded heart thumping away along with faint analog tape hiss in the background just before those famous sound
Blue Lola headphone review Read More
Earphones and headphones are conceived and designed in many countries such as the US, UK, Japan, Australia and China. However, with the exception of some high-end models, most are sourced and manufactured in China to help keep costs down. But what if you wanted to design and build headphones in your own country and still
Bloc & Roc Galvanize S2 Edition headphone review Read More
Back in 2011, I reviewed the then new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air Speaker/Dock. It was—and still is—an incredible speaker that blows away most wireless speakers. After the review, my wife “helped herself” to it, so it now sits on top of her piano facing the kitchen where she can use Apple Airplay to stream
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless speaker review Read More
I know I’ve said this before, but one of my favorite things about reviewing products is being pleasantly surprised because a product performs better than I expected. It also makes it harder to review, because it is much easier to explain why you don’t like something than it is explaining why you do like it.
TIBO Plus 3 active speaker system w/Bluetooth review Read More