InnerFidelity

Katz's Corner Episode 8: My Current Affair

Bob Katz Nov 10, 2015 First Published: Nov 10, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

This episode is full of ideas on what makes audio sound better (or worse). If you're like me, constantly searching for scientific reasons, you'll enjoy this episode. Join me in trying to make audible sense of it all.

Headphone Reviews InnerFidelity

Cool and Confident: Mr. Speakers Ether Planar Magnetic Headphones

Tyll Hertsens Nov 06, 2015 First Published: Nov 06, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

Mr. Speakers first fully in-house designed and manufactured headphone seems to deliver quite nicely in the top-of-the-line category.

Headphone Reviews InnerFidelity

The Terrific HiFiMAN HE400S Planar Magnetic Headphones

Tyll Hertsens Oct 30, 2015 First Published: Oct 30, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

Watch out HD 600, there's a new headphone in town.

Headphone Reviews InnerFidelity

Shakin' it with the Subpac S2 Headphone Subwoofer

Tyll Hertsens Oct 27, 2015 First Published: Oct 27, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

Over the years I've tried a number of headphone subwoofer gadgets. Most didn't work well at all. The Subpac S2 is a whole 'nother story.

Katz's Corner InnerFidelity

Katz’s Corner, Episode 7: Mosfet Magic

Bob Katz Aug 25, 2015 First Published: Aug 25, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

Something had to give: Tyll has given me the assignment of evaluating a bunch of midprice phones. But I feel that the amps I have to drive them are not completely up to the task. The Burson Soloist is fun, punchy and “tubey”. The O2 sounds comparatively transparent and is a great bargain, but how would it compare to the big guys? So I knew I needed to include a transparent high class amp to drive and test these phones. But Mary would divorce me if I proposed buying yet another expensive headphone amp. Instead I found a solution: Build one instead. The process has proved to be very rewarding in all respects. Let me tell you about it here.

Katz's Corner InnerFidelity

Katz's Corner, Episode 6: Things Are Looking Up

Bob Katz Jul 31, 2015 First Published: Jul 31, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

I am certain that sound quality improves when we sample at higher rates.

Headphone Reviews InnerFidelity

Philips Fidelio M2L First Lightning Connector Headphone

Tyll Hertsens Jul 08, 2015 First Published: Jul 08, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

The first Lightning cable headphone...but not the last, no doubt.

Katz's Corner InnerFidelity

Katz's Corner: The Great Headphone Shootout. Part 5: The Revisions

Tyll Hertsens Jun 17, 2015 First Published: Jun 17, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

I've seen some reports that the Stax 007 MkII (the "Omegas") sound a bit bassy and dull, but I don't have that reaction with the KGSS amp and a superior DAC. My precious Stax is clearly missing something in the bass department and I wanted to see if I could transfuse the slam of the Audeze into the Stax and have the best of both worlds.

Headphone Reviews InnerFidelity

The Oppo PM-3 A Competent Comfortable Mobile Headphone

Tyll Hertsens May 15, 2015 First Published: May 15, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

Third in a series of planar magnetic headphone releases from Oppo Digital, and at $399 their lowest cost entrant to date, the PM-3 is intended as a planar magnetic headphone for portable use...and it delivers.

Katz's Corner InnerFidelity

Katz's Corner: The Great Headphone Shootout - Part 4

Bob Katz May 13, 2015 First Published: May 13, 2015

This story originally appeared at InnerFidelity.com

On Monday it was raining lions and tigers all day, but four of the faithful eventually arrived, between an hour and two late. Except Mitch Corbin, musician (Suzy Bogguss, David Bromberg, Byron Berline, David Grisman) and project studio owner, arrived early. That was a good thing, because I gave him a solo audition. When the four others arrived, they each had a headphone to check out and shuffle around. Mitch stuck around to learn everyone's reactions and schmooze for the evening, and a wonderful time was had by all.