Phil's Superpower of Enthusiasm
A place to write about things I enjoy, for my own edification. Headphones, audio gear, albums, whiskey, wine, golden retrievers etc.
recent posts
- HyperX Cloud IIIS Review: One of the Best Budget Gaming Headsets?
- The ZMF Aeolus: Luxury Sound at a (Dangerously Reasonable!) Luxury Price
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Wired and Wireless Connection Comparison
- The Mytek Brooklyn Bridge: a blast from my past (coveting, at least)
- Things I need to review as of April 2026
Lawyer, unabashed nerd and geek. Purveyor and pusher of excellent sci-fi/fantasy, good food, and repartee. He/him. Dog dad/servant to @Goldendenali.
I’m experimenting with Amazon Affiliate status in an attempt to defray some of the costs of headphone reviews; Amazon links may be affiliate links (depending on whether or not I’ve figured out how to use them correctly). Please feel free to buy elsewhere; this is just one way to recoup the costs of this hobby.
Category: #dac
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The HyperX Cloud IIIS headphones, priced around $149.99, perform impressively for gaming, excelling in comfort and sound quality, particularly in FPS gaming. While lacking Xbox compatibility and offering a basic EQ option, they remain a superb value, especially at reduced prices like $110. They stand out as a competitive choice in the gaming headset market.
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The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones can connect via USB-C, Bluetooth, or 3.5 mm. While Bluetooth is generally preferred for convenience, USB-C offers superior sound quality with lossless audio. The 3.5 mm connection has drawbacks, especially in passive mode. Ultimately, Bluetooth remains the best option for most users.
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The iFi Uno is a USB-C powered DAC/amp unit with four EQ modes, suitable for mobile desktop setups. Despite its features, it struggles to compete against better options and has a problematic volume knob that limits fine control. Ideal for beginners, it may not satisfy experienced users seeking quality.
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The Meze 105 AER headphones offer an impressive audio experience, approaching the performance of the higher-end 109 Pro at half the price. With a warm sound profile and great detail retrieval, they are ideal for those seeking high-quality sound without a hefty investment. Their comfort and construction further enhance their appeal.
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[MSRP $650 from Chord, same at Amazon, purchased used from Hawthorne Stereo in spring 2025.] [Tl;dr: The Mojo 2 seems, at first, like a ridiculous idea. DACs and amps can’t make that big of a difference in sound, right?! Except, it seems, when they do. I’m not saying the Mojo makes your gear better; but I’m…
Phil's Superpower of Enthusiasm 