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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, Audio
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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.
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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.
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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 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…
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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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[Original MSRP $349.99, on sale from Costco for $219.99 regularly and $199.99 for Memorial Day 2025, $180-200 at Amazon in December 2025.] [Tl;dr: These are a perfectly good pair of ANC headphones that will serve most people very well. They’re not super resolving and their slightly bassy consumer tuning and their layering and instrument separation…
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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…
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[MSRP $1099, $200 more with a tuning set, more with additional/upgraded cables.] [Tl;dr: These are an incredible pair of closed backs, from a technical standpoint, an artistic standpoint, and a dedication to craftsmanship standpoint. They are very expensive even for someone like me, and they’re definitely not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but I…
Phil's Superpower of Enthusiasm 