Below $2k Headphones

Product Strengths

• Excellent build quality with premium materials, creating a premium feel
• Wide and spacious soundstage
• High-level transparency and detailed technical performance when paired with a proper source
• Comfortable design, suitable for long listening sessions
• Good bass quality, articulate and well-controlled

Product Considerations

• Cannot reach its full potential with low-powered portable sources
• Bass performance is less impactful compared to closed-back headphones
• Tuning may seem too colored or far-from-neutral for some listeners
• Strong clamp force—can be a little tight
• Upper treble might be fatiguing

Takeaway: The Focal Clear MG offers a spacious and detailed listening experience with a comfortable design, making it enjoyable across various music genres when paired with the right equipment. It strikes a good balance between technical performance and musical enjoyment for those seeking a premium open-back headphone.

Product Strengths

• Ergonomically comfortable for long listening sessions, and has significantly improved from the earlier Helios model.
• The bass is exceptional in quality, it's tasteful, well-controlled and doesn't intrude into the mids or lower mids.
• The Crimson delivers above and beyond expectations if the fit and power requirements are met, demonstrating quality of drivers over quantity.
• Dynamics, soundstage, and resolution are at a flagship level, offering an immersive listening experience.
• The all BA configuration allows the bass to slam hard as some of the best dynamic driver IEMs out there.

Product Considerations

• The upper treble can be too bright and zingy, potentially causing listening fatigue, particularly on certain tracks and sources.
• The sealed, ventless design can create pressure buildup in the ear canals, leading to discomfort, especially during flights or long train rides.
• The Crimson requires a powerful source to perform at its best, and may sound bland if not adequately powered.
• The short nozzle and specific design may cause fit issues for some users, requiring experimentation with different ear tips for optimal fit and seal.
• The stock cable's ear hook is practically non-existent and not doing anyone any favors.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the 64 Audio U12t, the Crimson is technically superior, particularly in bass and upper-midrange, but lacks venting for longer listening.
• Compared to the Elysian Diva, the Crimson has an edge in technical performance—particularly for a sense of sound stage.
• Compared to the Unique Melody MEST MKIII, the Crimson has much sharper sounding treble, and it has way more energy in the upper treble unlike the MKIII.

Takeaway: The Symphonium Crimson is an IEM that delivers exceptional sound quality and powerful bass despite having only 4 BA drivers, making it great for listeners that want to enjoy a highly detailed and immersive listening experience. For those seeking a unique and high-performing audio experience, the Crimson is worth considering.

Product Strengths

• Clarity with refined control of the highs, and more forward mids that jump out for vocals and live jazz recordings
• Retains the warm, rich bass, with some extra energy to how it punches
• Smooth character of sound, a sense of refinement

Product Considerations

• New models mean new prices
• Some might be fine with the cheap plastic covers that must be removed before each listening session, and the increased risk to the drivers themselves
• The new Unveiled designs remove any kind of protection from the backside of the drivers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Aria Unveiled has a sense of refinement that the previous Arias did not have, it is improved in pretty much every way
• The Aria Unveiled cannot keep up with the technical performance of the HE1000SE, tonally, the Aria Unveiled might be preferable to some people over the slightly brighter sounding HE1000SE

Takeaway:

The Aria Unveiled offers a balanced and refined sound, making it a versatile choice for various music genres and preferences. Improved clarity and controlled highs create an enjoyable listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Excellent build quality with solid, sturdy CNC machined aluminum chassis and premium materials
• Very comfortable, even for long listening sessions, thanks to pillow-top ultra-suede earpads and well-designed headband
• Good mid-range with forward, consistent vocals and natural timbre
• Smooth and warm sound signature which is easy to listen to for long periods
• Versatile, performing well across various music genres, and ability to work with different sources

Product Considerations

• Lacks sub-bass fullness and rumble compared to other headphones
• Features proprietary cable connection to the cups
• Replacement pads are very expensive
• Treble response is somewhat relaxed, which can affect the 'air' of the high frequencies
• May require a decent amplifier to drive it to its full potential

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Diana MR, the Joal has a more forward upper mid-range
• Compared to the Diana MR, the Joal has a fuller sound and can sound less hollow
• Compared to the Diana MR, the MR has better detail in the air and treble
• Compared to the Meze Poet, the Joal soundstage is more expansive, making it a strong contender for classical and live recordings
• Compared to the Meze Poet, the Joal offers a greater sense of openness, allowing instruments and vocals to breathe in a more natural environment
• Compared to the Meze Poet, the Joal mid-range is more spacious and natural, making it a strong choice for genres that require instrumental separation and clarity

Takeaway: The Abyss Joal is a well-built and comfortable headphone with a smooth sound that makes it a great all-rounder. It is an enjoyable pick for those wanting a high-end headphone that works well with many different kinds of music.

Product Strengths

• Expansive and well-balanced sound, making it one of the best-tuned models in HIFIMAN’s egg-shaped series
• Smooth, more linear highs and a noticeable increase in warmth from the bass, lending an ‘organic’ feel to the sound
• Outstanding resolution, on par with the Arya Stealth
• Generally comfortable, with improvements to the headband compared to older models
• Features acoustically invisible stealth magnets, which enable sound waves to traverse the magnets without causing interference

Product Considerations

• Accessories (cables and stand) are basic for the price point
• Can be too large for individuals with smaller heads
• Maintains a bright character and can be quite revealing, it necessitates thoughtful pairing based on individual listening preferences, and then again it may not suit every listener

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Arya Stealth: Has a larger soundstage and is more resolving, with better treble presence, brilliance, and sparkle, the Arya Stealth has a more intimate sound with forward vocals and a slightly thickened midrange
• Vs HE1000 V2: Features smoother, more linear highs, more warmth from the bass—resulting in a more pleasant listen
• Vs Verite Camphor Burl: The Verite is heavier sounding and more musical, with better dynamics but is not as reference or liquid-sounding
• Vs Arya Organic: The HE1000 Stealth clearly outperforms in terms of tonal balance and technical capabilities
• Vs Susvara: The tuning, technical performance, resolution, and refinement closely resemble those of the Susvara

Takeaway: The HE1000 Stealth offers a balanced and detailed sound with a wide soundstage, making it suitable for critical listening and enjoying various music genres. It's a high-performing headphone that delivers excellent value.

Product Strengths

• Excellent build quality with high-quality materials, including soft, supple leather and polished wood, and fantastic ZMF-like craftsmanship.
• More balanced frequency response compared to the original Auteur, making them more accessible to various music genres.
• Great for gaming, providing excellent imaging and detail without sharpness, enhancing enjoyment, especially in first-person shooters.
• Comfortable to wear.
• High quality mids.

Product Considerations

• Aesthetics might be subjective; some may not like the gothic grill design.
• Adjustment clips can be frustrating, because you have to wiggle them sometimes.
• Soundstage depth is not a strong point.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HIFIMAN Aria Stealth: Auteur Classic has more natural tonality and a better sense of vocal weight and presence, while the Aria Stealth has better layering and treble energy.
• Vs Sendy Peacock: Auteur Classic is smoother with less emphasis on the upper mids, while the Peacock has a bit more punch in the low end.
• Vs Focal Clear MG: Clear MG delivers more energy, punch, and staging depth, but the Auteur Classic offers a more natural tonality.
• Vs Sennheiser HD 600/6XX/650/660: The Auteur Classic is a natural upgrade, offering more treble energy and a more neutral sound compared to the warmer, mid-range-focused HD 600 series.
• Vs ZMF Atrium: The Atrium is technically superior with more detail and better soundstage separation, but the Auteur Classic offers a more neutral tuning.
• Vs Audeze MM500: Audeze has more visceral and impactful bass, but Auteur has clearer sound separation.

Takeaway: The Auteur Classic is a beautifully crafted, comfortable headphone with a balanced and natural sound that excels across many music genres and is surprisingly good for gaming. Its build quality and engaging sound make it a worthwhile investment for serious listeners.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional resolution and refinement, being one of the most resolving IEMs tried by reviewers.
• Excellent soundstage and imaging, with precise instrument placement and a sense of naturality.
• Great bass quality and dynamics, especially for a balanced armature design, with some reviewers considering it the best BA bass response in the IEM world.
• Comfortable ergonomic metal shell and Apex technology that helps release pressure, allowing for longer listening.
• An excellent all-rounder, it can handle most genres of music.

Product Considerations

• The stock cable feels cheap and flimsy, and many reviewers suggest replacing it.
• Accessories and presentation leave something to be desired for the price point.
• Some reviewers noted minor oddities in the treble response, describing it as uneven or peaky, potentially causing brightness or fatigue for some listeners.
• Vocals can sound slightly thick due to a dip around 3kHz, potentially reducing openness.
• Its transient attack has a roundness or softness that results in it lacking in energy to some listeners.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs. Campfire Andromeda 2020: The U12t and the Campfire Andromeda 2020 both project the image of the vocalist in front of the listener very well.
• Vs. Sony IER-Z1R: The U12t is better-tuned and safer than the IER-Z1R.
• Vs. 64 Audio U18s: Technical performance is better than the U18s.
• Vs. Symphonium Helios: The Helios has a party trick, and one almost immediately notices the bass.

Takeaway: The U12t is a technically proficient and comfortable IEM that delivers excellent detail and balanced sound, making it a great choice for those seeking a versatile and high-performing listening experience. The U12t is a top pick for an IEM that performs well in every category.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional soundstage, providing a wide, spacious, and immersive listening experience.
• Excellent detail retrieval and clarity, making it suitable for critical listening and analyzing musical nuances.
• Generally considered a very comfortable headphone due to its lightweight design and spacious earcups.
• Well-tuned midrange, providing a natural and transparent sound.
• Treble response is improved compared to the original HD800, with the implementation of an absorber to reduce harshness.

Product Considerations

• Bass response is often described as lacking in quantity and impact, with a roll-off in the sub-bass region.
• The plastic construction, while contributing to the lightweight design, may not feel as premium as some other high-end headphones.
• The connector sockets for the detachable cable can be fragile and prone to breakage if not handled carefully.
• Treble, while improved, can still be perceived as bright or fatiguing by some listeners, especially at around 6kHz.
• Soundstage depth may be lacking, some reviewers find that vocals can sound like they are coming from inside the listener's head.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Focal Clear Mg: The HD800S is better at resolving details and has a wider soundstage, while the Clear Mg has stronger dynamics and a thicker timbre.
• Vs HIFIMAN HE1000se: Both have a sparkly top end and clear midrange, but the HE1000se is more colored in the bass and mids, the HD800S has a more robust build.
• Vs Audeze MM-500: The MM-500 is more musical, while the HD800S is more analytical, the MM-500 has more slam, and the HD800S is more relaxed.
• Vs Focal Utopia: The Utopia has more treble and midrange presence, punchier bass, and more precise imaging, the HD800S has a wider soundstage and feels more ethereal.
• Vs HIFIMAN HE1000v2: The HE1000v2 has a warmer tonality and more bass presence, while the HD800S has a more detailed treble and sometimes just as spacious soundstage.

Takeaway: The HD 800 S is a top-tier headphone known for its expansive soundstage and exceptional detail, making it great for analyzing music. It is a comfortable choice that can bring out the best in well-recorded tracks.

Product Strengths

• Excellent bass and treble response.
• Impressive dynamics and imaging.
• Has excellent treble extension.
• The Helios delivers an immensely deep-reaching sub-bass, accompanied by exceptionally clean articulate treble, with no overdone mid-bass to muddy things up.

Product Considerations

• Large angular shell that may be hard to fit.
• Needs a reasonably powerful source, because many dongles will not be able to run these.
• Midrange is somewhat mixed and quite pushed back.
• Some found the stock cable annoying to deal with.
• There is a lack of mid-bass.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020: Helios has a leaner sound and demands attention, sporting aggressive dynamics, sharper resolution, and BA bass that actually slams.
• Vs Hidition Viento-B: One can consider the Helios a Viento-B on steroids with more bass, a more balanced midrange, and a more linear, extended treble response.
• Vs Moondrop S8: The Helios clearly pulls ahead in its impactful dynamics and standout BA bass.
• Vs Sony IER-M9: The Helios has far better dynamics and a smoother, more airy treble response.
• Vs Thieaudio Monarch: The Helios has more treble extension and presence in those final octaves, and for technical performance outdoes the Monarch all around, particularly in the staging and imaging presentation.
• Vs Unique Melody MEST/MK2: The Helios doesn't make compromises, as it sports comparable resolution to the OG MEST and outclasses both IEMs in the dynamics department, and the Helios' treble is a step ahead of the ESTs being used in the MEST IEMs.

Takeaway: The Symphonium Helios is worth consideration for those seeking high-quality sound with great bass and clear highs. It is designed to sound good with diverse musical genres, so listeners can enjoy what they are hearing.