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.

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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: #self-indulgent

  • Hifiman HE400se: A Worthy Entry-Level Planar Headphone

    The Apple AirPods Pro 3 improves on the Pro 2 with better noise cancellation, dust/water resistance, and heart rate monitoring. However, the Pro 2’s sound signature is preferred by many audiophiles. The Pro 3 is a solid choice for casual listeners seeking consumer-friendly audio without a significant upgrade value over the Pro 2.

  • Capra Audio Satyr 3

    The Capra Audio Satyr 3 is a DIY headphone project that combines 3D printing with soldering, making it accessible for those curious about headphone modding. Priced around $60, it offers impressive sound quality, particularly in the midrange and treble. Capra provides comprehensive resources and support, making it a rewarding venture for enthusiasts.

  • 3D Printing is pretty cool, actually

    The author reflects on their journey with 3D printing, transitioning from a novice with no prior hands-on experience to designing and creating functional, fun, and gift prints. Initially intimidated, they found success in customizing projects, showcasing the enjoyable process of bringing creative ideas to life while emphasizing the community and learning opportunities within the 3D…

  • The Audeze Maxwell: a Great Headphone in a Mediocre System (aka I’m not Mad, Just Disappointed)

    The Audeze Maxwell headphones excel in sound quality but suffer from poor software and design, making setup frustrating. While they offer good performance for gaming and music, their connectivity issues and heavy weight limit appeal. Comparatively, alternatives like the Fractal Scape perform better at a lower price, challenging the Maxwell’s recommendation.

  • The Fractal Scape; Please Let this be the Future

    The Fractal Scape is a remarkable wireless gaming headset currently priced at $139.99. It impresses with excellent sound quality, a user-friendly EQ system, and thoughtful design features. While limited by lack of Xbox compatibility and optical audio input, it offers great value for gaming and casual music listening. Highly recommended.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    This is a compilation of questions that I frequently respond to on Reddit and my stock answers, gathered mostly for my own convenience. Table of Contents: Question: Do I need a DAC or amp to run my headphones out of my computer? Answer: Need? No. Want? Would benefit from? Probably. Honestly, people often overestimate how…

  • Building the Ouroboros (Golem’s Mod w/Phil’s connector change)

    A year ago, like a number of folks I saw Listener on the Headphone show wax poetic about how great a custom modded Capra Ouroboros that Golem provided to him was, and got curious about how to make that modded headphone. Golem has talked about it on Capra Audio’s Discord and provided a basic overview…

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Worth the Upgrade?

    The Apple AirPods Pro 3 improves on the Pro 2 with better noise cancellation, dust/water resistance, and heart rate monitoring. However, the Pro 2’s sound signature is preferred by many audiophiles. The Pro 3 is a solid choice for casual listeners seeking consumer-friendly audio without a significant upgrade value over the Pro 2.

  • 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.