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.

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  • 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…

  • On being a 43-year-old Deadbeat

    In February, after three reorganizations in six months, the Gates Foundation eliminated my work group and laid me and my colleagues off. For me, it was more unexpected with regards to the timing, rather than the fact of the lay off itself. After the last couple of reorganizations, I more or less figured the writing…

  • My Headphone Review Methodology Explained

    When I decide I want to review something, here’s my methodology: The actual methodology: Pick the product, and avoid reviews, videos, and data about the headphones as much as possible. Acquisition: figure out how to acquire the product and actually get it in my hands. Brain burn-in: listen to the product for 10-15 hours as…

  • 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…

  • The Bose Quietcomfort SC; a Solid ANC Offering

    [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…

  • The Fiio FT1 Pro; a Great New Addition to the Crowded Open-Back Space

    [MSRP $279.99, purchased on Amazon.com in March 2025 at the old MSRP.] [Tl;dr: I’m really very impressed by the FT1 Pro; I thought given how good the FT1s were that these might be a disappointment, but they did not let me down. For my general musical preferences, I’m still going with my trusty 6XX most of…

  • The Chord Mojo 2: a Ridiculous, but Ridiculously Good, DAC/amp

    The Chord Mojo 2: a Ridiculous, but Ridiculously Good, DAC/amp

    [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…