Phil's Superpower of Enthusiasm

Headphones, goldens, whiskey, and wine.

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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: review

  • Hifiman: How I learned to stop worrying and love terrible customer service.

    The author expresses dissatisfaction with Hifiman’s customer service after receiving two defective headphones, resulting in a lengthy return process. Issues included poor communication, upselling attempts, and a lack of resolution. Ultimately, the author advises potential buyers to avoid direct purchases from Hifiman, recommending vendors with better return policies.

  • Sennheiser’s HD 660S; an Unfortunate Twist on an Old Classic

    Sennheiser’s HD 660S; an Unfortunate Twist on an Old Classic

    The Focal Elegia closed-back headphones, originally priced at $890, are now valued around $300. Praised for their excellent sound quality and construction, they outperform many rivals, especially at used prices below $400. The Elegia offers a refined bass, clean mids, and precise treble, making them a recommended choice for enthusiasts.

  • The Focal Elegia; an Elegy for a Gone but not Forgotten Closed Back

    The Focal Elegia; an Elegy for a Gone but not Forgotten Closed Back

    The Focal Elegia closed-back headphones, originally priced at $890, are now valued around $300. Praised for their excellent sound quality and construction, they outperform many rivals, especially at used prices below $400. The Elegia offers a refined bass, clean mids, and precise treble, making them a recommended choice for enthusiasts.

  • Focal Azurys Review: Worth the Price?

    The Focal Azurys, a closed-back headphone launched in 2024, offers good sound quality and build but is considered overpriced at its MSRP of $599. As a used option at $335, it provides solid performance, especially compared to budget alternatives. However, it lacks the superiority of higher-end Focal models like the Elegia.

  • iFi Uno: Great Mobile Desktop DAC/Amp for Beginners

    iFi Uno: Great Mobile Desktop DAC/Amp for Beginners

    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.

  • An apology to Sennheiser Momentum 4 fanbois; they’re better than I thought

    [ORIGINAL MSRP $449.95, frequently listed around $200 on Amazon in November 2025. Purchased used from r/AVExchange for $160.] [Edited 4/18/26: I did a deep dive on the different connection methods for the M4 and how they affect the performance.] [Tl;dr: The Momentum 4 are an intriguing wireless ANC headphone at their current price point. They sound…

  • Focal Bathys Review: Premium Sound Quality in ANC Headphones

    Focal Bathys Review: Premium Sound Quality in ANC Headphones

    The Focal Bathys are a premium ANC headset that deliver remarkable sound quality, both running wirelessly via Bluetooth as well as via their really excellent DAC mode, connected to a source via USB-C. The ANC leaves something to be desired compared to some of their competitors, particularly their transparency and soft modes, and they are…

  • My Headphone Review Methodology Explained

    When I decide I want to review something, here’s my methodology: The actual methodology: All told, this is somewhere between a 30-40 hour commitment per review, which is why I tend to focus on the things that I like. If I get a few hours into listening to something and I really don’t like it,…

  • Meze 105 AER Review; Another Great Meze Product

    Meze 105 AER Review; Another Great Meze Product

    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.

  • Phil’s Sheet of IEM Goodness

    Over the years, I’ve listened to a lot of in-ear monitors (aka IEMs); some good (Tangzu Wan’er 2), some bad (anything by KZ, really), and some ugly (the CCA CRA). They range wildly in price, but I tend towards the less expensive ones just becaus they’re more fun. Very few of them are worth doing…