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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Driver: Single dynamic driver
  • Bluetooth Solution: Qualcomm QCC3040
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.0
  • Codecs Supported: aptX, AAC, SBC
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Impedance: 15 Ω
  • Sensitivity: 100 dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.08% @ 1 kHz
  • Battery Life: ~6 h per charge, up to 55 h with charging case
  • Battery Capacity: 80 mAh per bud
  • Charging Time: 1.8 h
  • Connector (Case): USB-C
  • Case Dimensions: 75 × 45 × 30 mm
The AVA is Shozy’s first audiophile-grade true-wireless in-ear monitor, featuring a single dynamic driver, ergonomic design, and premium audio tuning. Its compact, hand-assembled construction ensures consistent sound and high build quality.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Shozy IEMs are noted for their comfortable fit, often described as ergonomic and suitable for long listening sessions or even sleeping with them in.

MAGMA

  • Positioning: A universal in-ear monitor offering balanced sound and clarity.
  • Description: Delivers articulate mids with a tribrid design that emphasizes a wide soundstage and clear detail. In comparison to the more refined features in Elsa, Rouge, and Black Hole, provides steady performance at an accessible price point.

CERES

  • Positioning: A mid-range in-ear monitor aimed at balanced performance and improved treble.
  • Description: Offers better treble, staging, and imaging with its dynamic and balanced armature configuration that enhances instrument separation.

ELSA

  • Positioning: An award-winning CIEM designed for high resolution and precise sound reproduction.
  • Description: Provides detailed clarity and immersive sonic precision with a design that has earned critical acclaim. Compared to the entry-level Magma and the balanced approach of Ceres, offers enhanced technical sophistication for users aiming for studio-quality performance in compact form.

ROUGE

  • Positioning: A premium in-ear monitor noted for its artistic, one-off design and hybrid driver setup.
  • Description: Features a hand-painted finish paired with a hybrid configuration of one dynamic driver and two balanced armatures, delivering clear dynamics and an immersive soundstage. In comparison to Elsa's award-winning precision and Black Hole's advanced engineering, Rouge stands out with its unique aesthetic appeal and tailored sound signature.

BLACK HOLE

  • Positioning: A high-end in-ear monitor engineered to deliver ultimate realism and advanced performance.
  • Description: Uses patented acoustic technologies and meticulous tuning, resulting in an expansive, natural staging and extremely low distortion. Compared to Magma, Ceres, Elsa, and Rouge, Black Hole represents the flagship model for users seeking the pinnacle of in-ear monitor engineering.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
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Brand Popularity
818
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Products Listed
10
Founding Year

Our take on the brand

Shozy is a hifi audio brand that ships semi-open IEMs with unusually "headphone-like" openness and lateral staging that reviewers consistently note as distinct from typical in-ear designs. The brand also offers hand-built IEMs (AVA) where internals are matched and fine-tuned by a single technician.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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From our interview with
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What if you spend more?

Product image
Noble
FoKus Apollo
649
649
/
10
Reviews
Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent passive noise isolation, better than many headphones with ANC enabled, creating a quiet noise floor.
  • Good build quality with quality materials like anodized aluminum, Alcantara headband, and protein leather pads.
  • Supports a wide variety of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and SBC, offering versatility in device compatibility.
  • Strong battery life, rated up to 80 hours without ANC and 60 hours with ANC, making it suitable for travel and extended use.
  • Powerful, textured, and nuanced bass is a standout feature.

Product Considerations

  • The included carrying case is bulky and may not be ideal for travel, taking up significant space in a bag.
  • Comfort is not great for everyone, with some users experiencing hotspots on the headband during extended use.
  • With ANC on, some users have noted the bass can become boomy with a reduction in sub bass.
  • Treble transparency mode is not as good as other models.
  • The headphone may clip the sound when ANC is on and the user hits bumpy roads or takes a harder step.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Audeze Maxwell: The Apollo has a latency issue.
  • Vs Focal Bathys: The Apollo has a more engaging, punchy, and emotional sound, also it has more features and tech, but the Transparency mode of the Bathys is better.
  • Vs Apple AirPods Max: The Apollo offers superior sound quality with better clarity, speed, separation, and refined dynamics compared to the AirPods Max.

Takeaway: The Noble FoKus Apollo is a well-built wireless headphone with a strong battery life and great bass performance, making it an enjoyable choice for those who prioritize powerful sound and noise isolation. It offers a versatile listening experience with a range of connectivity options and a comfortable design.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Noble is a hifi audio brand built around founder Dr. John "Wizard" Moulton, an audiologist renowned for hand-carving custom earphones from exotic materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum instead of standard acrylic, with each ear requiring up to 30 hours to complete. The brand distinguishes itself by using bone conduction drivers across multiple models and bringing rare metallurgical techniques like Japanese Mokume-Gane and titanium Damascus to earphone faceplates.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay Eleven
599
599
/
3
Reviews
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Luxury design and premium build quality with aluminum accents.
  • Balanced and detailed sound with customizable EQ settings via the Bang & Olufsen app.
  • Good active noise cancellation and transparency mode for immersive listening, and awareness.
  • Bluetooth 5.2 ensures fast and stable pairing.

Product Considerations

  • Expensive compared to other premium earbuds, like AirPods Pro.
  • ANC is good, but not best-in-class compared to Sony or other brands.
  • Fit might not be perfect for everyone, as the earbuds are slightly on the larger side.
  • Touch controls can be sensitive, and may require getting used to.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs AirPods Pro: Beoplay 11 has a bigger case.
  • Vs Sony WF-1000XM4/XM5: Holds its own in terms of sound quality and ANC, but the Sony models might be a slightly lower price.

Takeaway: The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay 11 earbuds are a stylish and luxurious option that provide great sound and noise cancelling. Those who value design and quality may find these earbuds to be a very good pick.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay EX
399
/
Released
2022
As versatile as they are beautiful, these wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation bring deep sound and snug comfort in one sleek package.
Check Amazon
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Premium design and build quality, using materials like aluminum and glass for a luxurious feel
  • Sound quality is generally praised as excellent, detailed, and balanced, especially after equalization
  • Comfortable and secure fit, particularly for those with smaller ear canals
  • App provides an intuitive EQ interface with customizable presets

Product Considerations

  • Active noise cancellation (ANC), while solid, is not considered the best on the market compared to brands like Sony or Bose
  • Some reviewers experienced connectivity issues, including problems with multipoint pairing and occasional signal dropouts
  • Battery life is respectable but not outstanding, with some reviewers noting shorter-than-advertised playback times
  • Responsiveness of the touch controls is sometimes too sensitive, leading to accidental pausing or track skipping
  • Some users have found the default sound profile (Optimal) to be somewhat flat or boring, requiring EQ adjustments

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Apple AirPods Pro, the EX has more clarity, better soundstage and separation, but tonal balance may be preferable on the Airpods Pro
  • Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, the Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
  • Compared to the Devialet Gemini II, the Gemini II offers a more neutral sound signature with advanced ANC capabilities, but Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build

Takeaway: The Beoplay EX offers a luxurious experience with refined sound and a stylish design. It's a good choice for those who prioritize sound quality and aesthetics, and value a premium feel.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
final
ZE8000 MK2
349
/
Released
2023
ZE8000 MK2 further enhances the 「8K SOUND」 introduced by final for the first time as the initial model, which is an audio design capable of analyzing sound elements with extremely fine physical characteristics. Even tiny audio details can now be distinctly felt through the 8K SOUND. Simultaneously, through dual optimization of hardware and software, using "SN ratio" as a measure of the signal-to-noise ratio, the quality of song audio becomes clearer, and irrelevant noise is reduced, highlighting the details and subtle differences in musicality.
Check Amazon
Final is a hifi audio brand known for deep in-house manufacturing control by designing and building its own diaphragm-forming machines and assembly jigs, while engineering products like their D-series headphones for longevity through screw-fastened parts that enable user repairs and future upgrades.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Upgraded 8K sound provides a crisper, cleaner, and more detailed sound, especially when enabling the 8K sound feature
  • Improved ANC performance compared to the previous generation ZE8000, with a 32% improvement in noise reduction
  • Enhanced comfort and a more secure fit due to the new 'Shield Fin' ear tips
  • The design minimizes contact between the ear and the plastic parts of the earphones, supposedly improving overall comfort
  • Wide soundstage with spatial imaging depth

Product Considerations

  • Battery life is not the best, offering only about 5 hours of playtime on a single charge
  • The case does not support wireless charging
  • Touch controls aren't intuitive
  • Some users may find the build quality of the case to be slightly lacking compared to the premium feel of the earphones themselves
  • The microphones on these earbuds do a pretty good job at focusing on speech and rejecting some of the noise going on around you, but the ANC and transparency modes are not quite top tier

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bose QuietComfort Ultras: Dialogue and landscapers mowing lawns aren't eliminated as effectively
  • Vs Sony WF-1000XM5: ANC does not reduce noise as drastically, but the characteristic ‘whoosh’ sound was much more subtle and effective in translating music

Takeaway: The ZE8000 MK2 offers a noticeable step up in sound quality with the upgraded 8K sound, making music feel very large, showcasing a level of scale rarely found on true wireless earbuds. If you want possibly the best sounding wireless earbuds on the market, these are worth at least giving a shot.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Final is a hifi audio brand known for deep in-house manufacturing control by designing and building its own diaphragm-forming machines and assembly jigs, while engineering products like their D-series headphones for longevity through screw-fastened parts that enable user repairs and future upgrades.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
HIFIMAN
Svanar Wireless
499
/
Released
2023
SVANAR Wireless — Ultimate Personal Audio in True Wireless Form.
Check Amazon
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality, potentially challenging cabled IEMs, with a dynamic and holographic rendering and beautiful mids and airy treble.
  • Effective ANC, making it suitable for reducing ambient noise, even in noisy environments, with up to 35dB of noise attenuation.
  • Good build quality, with the IEMs made of lightweight metal and Kevlar, and a sturdy charging case.
  • Good bass performance, with texture and extension, punchy, without overpowering, and a powerful but tight impact.
  • Wide soundstage, creating a spacious and immersive listening experience.

Product Considerations

  • Connectivity issues with LDAC, especially outdoors or in areas with interference, leading to intermittent signal drops.
  • Transparency mode might generate turbulence in windy conditions due to microphone placement.
  • Limited codecs available, with no aptX support.
  • Physical size of the charging case is large and might not be pocket-friendly.
  • Included eartips may not be suitable for all ear sizes, with a shorter nozzle affecting fit for some users.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Final ZE8000: Svanar Wireless offers a more W-shaped and punchy signature, greater upper mids gain, more precise imaging, and a vaster sound layering capability, while the ZE8000 sound more neutral to L shape, warmer, and have more sub bass boost and warmth.
  • Vs Noble FoKus Mystique: Svanar Wireless has some emphasis in the bass, but not as much, has stronger overall imaging performance—providing a wider soundstage and the best balance between the separation and cohesion in the imaging.
  • Vs HIFIMAN Svanar (wired): Svanar Wireless soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more ”noisy”.
  • Vs Sony WF-1000XM4: The Svanar Wireless presents a much more detailed, natural and sophisticated kind of sound, while Sony has bloated bass, that overwhelms everything else.
  • Vs Apple AirPods Pro: The Svanar Wireless generally outperforms the AirPods Pro in sound quality.

Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless is a solid choice for TWS lovers, with a top-tier sound quality, effective ANC, and its convenience and comfort. It is innovative, less bass-heavy tuning, and overall a solid proposal.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
1 More
Comfobuds Mini
59
/
Released
2022
Super Mini, Lightweight & Comfortable - With extra mini size, featherweight (3.7g each) and ergonomic design, the ComfoBuds Mini can provide superior comfort and a secure fit, you will get an "invisible" wearing experience. Four soft silicone eartip options are provided for your perfect fit.
Check Amazon
1MORE is a hifi audio brand known for headphones that achieved multiple industry firsts, including the first THX-certified headphones and true wireless earbuds. The brand offers distinctive features like QuietMax ANC technology, affordable head-tracked spatial audio, and multi-driver configurations, such as their five-driver hybrid with four planar drivers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Extremely compact and small size makes them very comfortable, especially for people with small ears
  • Good active noise cancellation (ANC) performance for the price and size
  • The inclusion of Qi wireless charging is a premium feature
  • IPX5 water resistance makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor use
  • The 1MORE Music app provides customization options, including SoundID for personalized sound

Product Considerations

  • Microphone quality is poor, not recommended for frequent phone calls
  • ANC can alter the sound signature, sometimes creating a less desirable sound profile
  • Limited touch controls, and inconvenient microphone placement
  • Some reviewers experienced connection issues, such as random disconnects
  • Passive isolation is poor

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The ComfoBuds Mini has better noise cancelling than the Nothing Ear 1, but the Nothing Ear 1 has a much better microphone
  • The Mini has better noise cancelling than the 1More ComfoBuds Pro, while the Pro has better microphone quality
  • The Anker Soundcore Space A40 has better sound and more reliable operation
  • The Lypertek SoundFree S20 and the Moondrop Sparks may sound better and offer better passive isolation

Takeaway: The Comfobuds Mini are very small and comfortable earbuds with many good features, making them worth consideration for those seeking tiny earbuds with noise canceling and wireless charging. They are also suitable for people with small ears.

Video review

Our take on the brand

1MORE is a hifi audio brand known for headphones that achieved multiple industry firsts, including the first THX-certified headphones and true wireless earbuds. The brand offers distinctive features like QuietMax ANC technology, affordable head-tracked spatial audio, and multi-driver configurations, such as their five-driver hybrid with four planar drivers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sennheiser
Momentum True Wireless 2
238
/
Released
2020
Leading audio technology and innovation with improved ergonomics designed for full day wearing and refined touch controls for a more personalised experience.
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Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality with depth, great soundstage, and crisp, clean elements
  • Active noise cancellation is a useful addition and blocks out rumbling and background chatter
  • The earbuds themselves are smaller compared to the previous version
  • Touch controls are responsive and easier to use than the old version, and customizable

Product Considerations

  • Continuous battery life with ANC on is quite short at around 4 hours
  • The case is not the smallest and can create a bulge in your pocket
  • Microphone sounds muffled
  • These do not support multi-connect, meaning that these cannot connect to a phone and a tablet simultaneously

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Momentum 2's do not support multi-connect like the Jabra Elite 75T
  • AirPods Pro's transparent hearing quality is better than Momentum 2's
  • Sony's noise-cancelling has an edge over the Momentum True Wireless 2
  • Galaxy Buds Plus have great clarity, but the bass isn't as good as the Momentum 2's
  • The Momentum 2's sound better than AirPods
  • Momentum 2 is more comfortable and nicer to use, battery life is better, and noise-cancelling is included

Takeaway: The Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds offer respectable noise cancelation, sound good, and are sweat-resistant. These could be worth buying if sound is the main priority.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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