In 2026, headphone makers are blending modern engineering with luxury craftsmanship, from Beyerdynamic's updated studio icons to Audio-Technica's ultra-premium designs and six-figure tube amplifiers.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Technology journalist specializing in audio, computing and Apple Macs. The older I get, the more I appreciate listening to music ...

The FiiO K11 desktop headphone amplifier and DAC is an easy way to get audiophile quality from almost any computer, smartphone or tablet. Do you listen to music while you’re working away at your desk?

Rotel is a more-than-60-year-old Japanese hi-fi company best known for its high-end amplifiers catered to serious audiophiles. And while its newest amp stays true to that ethos, it also marks a “first ...

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more Esoteric is a high-end Japanese audio manufacturer that’s been around since the mid-1980s and specializes in elite hi-fi components — ...

Has the Pass Labs HPA-1 finally met its match? The SparkoS Labs Aries Headphone Amplifier joins some elite company in 2022. Sometimes, little ideas become big ones. The high-end audio DIY space has ...

At the heart of the FiiO K9 lies the high-performance ES9068AS*2 DAC, a dual-channel digital-to-analog converter that serves as the cornerstone of its audio prowess. With separate ES9068AS DACs ...

Astell&Kern today introduced two new headphone amplifiers, the ACRO CA1000T ($2,229) carriable headphone amp and the PA10 ($599) portable headphone amp. In addition, the HC3 Dongle DAC ($229) we ...

A portable headphone amp might seem anachronistic in this age of Bluetooth headphones. Why be tethered to your phone when wireless is the future? While many Bluetooth headphones offer impressive sound ...

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of headphone options out there? With so many designs, technologies, and technical terms thrown around, it’s easy to feel lost in the ...