All in Headphones

Periodic Audio In-Ear Monitors

Periodic Audio In-Ear Monitors

Karl Sigman
Headphones

Although in general I do not use in-ear headphones (buds) for personal use, I occasionally try them out at audio shows. The prices for some can be staggering at times, even exceeding $2000 per pair! But there are many fine ones that are reasonably priced, too. At the recent February 2017 CANJAM New York City show, I spotted Periodic Audio. They are easy to find: Their presentation reminds one of a hospital or a scientific lab with even the Periodic Table of chemical elements boldly shown, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff are dressed in classic white laboratory coats. The company started in 2016, they are quite new, and worthy of attention.

Periodic Audio make three models, each one referred to as an ‘In-Ear Monitor’ (IEM) and each one is named after the metal chemical element used in its diaphragm material. The least expensive is the Mg (Magnesium) at $99 (frequency response 20 Hz to 30 kHz), second is the Ti (Titanium) at $199 (frequency response 16 Hz to 30 kHz) and finally the Be (Beryllium) at $299 (frequency response 12 Hz to 45 kHz). [Photo of Be in header -- Ed].

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless Headphones

Anthony Kershaw
Headphones

Just a few years ago, the idea of a wireless headphone with quality sound and solid connectivity was a bit of a dream. The last couple of years have seen large steps taken with the connectivity, now using Bluetooth 4.0 and many (including the Momentum Wireless) supporting the aptX codec (improved sound when streaming over Bluetooth). All major and boutique manufacturers are coming out with wireless versions of their benchmark wired headphone.

Master & Dynamic MH40 Headphones

Master & Dynamic MH40 Headphones

Karl Sigman
Headphones

Over the last year and a half, I have been paying careful attention to stereo headphones. Before then, I had a kind of ‘who cares’ attitude towards them. I ruled that a fine stereo system at home with excellent speakers and such was all one needs—using headphones was audio blasphemy. But the recent surge in high-quality headphones together with specialized amps for accommodating them wowed me in sound quality, turned me around and caused me to reevaluate my stand.

Grado Labs GS-1000e Statement Headphones

Grado Labs GS-1000e Statement Headphones

Martin Appel
Headphones

There are several reasons why I got involved in reviewing these headphones. First, I gifted my trusty Grado 125 headphones to the son of my colleague Karl Sigman. Karl and his son Jason came over for a visit and Jason let it be known that he wanted to get Beats headphones for a birthday present, because ‘they are cool’. Peer pressure was a powerful motivator for the soon to be 12 year old.

The Audeze LCD-2 Planar Magnetic Headphones

The Audeze LCD-2 Planar Magnetic Headphones

Audiophilia Staff
Headphones

In the world of audio, there are many types of audiophiles who hold widely varying opinions as to which format will provide the best sound. Tubes, transistors, digital or analogue are but a few areas of debate. I do not intend to take up any of those controversies here. For my purposes, there are basically two types of audiophiles, those who are fortunate enough to have dedicated sound rooms and, those who do not.