If you don’t mind a laid-back midrange or a relative lack of treble extension, the FWX1’s highly textured notes and rich instrument timbre permit a sublime listening experience with classical, jazz and acoustic.
The D8000 Pro meticulously balances summit-fi technicality with an inviting, balanced and genre-flexible tonality that I haven’t yet heard in such equal measure.
The Copper+ is a complex and well-realised take on a copper custom cable defined by an especially wide stage, immaculate background and robust, powerful bass.
Should you enjoy a balanced and spacious sound with excellent control throughout, the Cerberus makes for a unique and immensely rewarding listen and continues to surprise after every hour of listening.
The SX-8s stack represents a scaled down versions of SMSL’s higher end SX-9 devices, upholding a similar character while taking a step back in both technical performance and price.
If you’re looking for a premium TWS earphone purely for exercise, then the MW08S’ powerful sound, stable fit and effective ANC make it a good contender. However, the drop in sonic balance and finesse does make this a far more situational purchase than the MW08
If you enjoy an open, high-clarity sound and a powerful bass performance, the Bravery punches well above its weight.
The OH1s is a beautifully designed earphone with excellent build quality and a super svelte form factor. The sound has a unique character that will no doubt appeal to some but cannot be universally praised and recommended.
Like the ER-line before it, the EVO is intimate, hyper-responsive and oh so clean from bottom to top. Years later, the Etymotic sound remains hard come by and has plenty of life.
Astrotec has created a great earphone to live with day to day but also one that is not especially enjoyable to listen to.
Combining hugely impressive timbral accuracy with top-level resolution, the RS10 provides a sound that has surely secured itself as a benchmark for years to come.
If you enjoy a gorgeous, organic tonality and don’t mind a slightly laid-back midrange, the U6t is an auditory delight and a fully formed high-end IEM experience.
If you have the luxury of purchasing this cable, expect unmatched opulence and a listening experience accomplished in equal measure.
The Skuld is an intersection between IEM design and art, a combination of great tuning and good technical ability that delivers one of the most coherent and layered presentations I’ve heard.
xi’s ESP/95X earpads are a very smart upgrade for current users and something to consider for buyers on the fence about dipping their toes in electrostatic headphones on a budget.
If you don’t mind a drier vocal presentation, the NOVA is a well-considered, versatile and technically impressive performer. It has no glaring weaknesses, but some idiosyncrasies that will limit mass appeal.
Everyday Listening 