Focal, renowned for its high-fidelity audio equipment, has unveiled the Bathys MG, a premium wireless headphone that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with sophisticated design. Crafted in France, the Bathys MG features exclusive magnesium speaker drivers with M-shaped domes, delivering natural, dynamic, and exceptionally detailed sound for an immersive listening experience.
Equipped with advanced active noise cancellation (ANC), the Bathys MG offers three distinct modes: ‘Silent’ for high-noise environments like airplanes, ‘Soft’ for quieter settings such as home or office, and ‘Transparent’ to remain aware of ambient sounds when needed.
The headphones boast an impressive battery life, providing over 30 hours of continuous playback in Bluetooth mode with ANC activated. A quick 15-minute charge grants an additional 5 hours of listening, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment.
Designed with both aesthetics and comfort, the Bathys MG showcases a refined Chestnut finish, genuine leather headband, and ergonomic memory foam ear pads, making it an ideal companion for discerning audiophiles seeking both style and substance.
The Bathys MG is now available for purchase through authorized retailers and Focal’s official channels.
Meze Audio, the renowned Romanian brand known for crafting high-end headphones, has unveiled its latest entry into the world of planar-magnetic headphones: the POET. Designed for audiophiles, the POET blends Meze’s signature craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, promising an immersive listening experience in a sleek, open-back design.
At the core of the POET is Meze Audio’s collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics, featuring the MZ6 Isodynamic Hybrid Array drivers. This technology, refined over decades, is engineered to deliver a balanced sound signature with “lush, airy vocals and precise bass impact,” as described by Meze. With an impressive frequency response ranging from 4Hz to 96kHz, these headphones promise deep, resonant bass alongside sparkling highs for an exceptionally rich sound.
Beyond its audio prowess, the POET is a testament to Meze’s dedication to luxurious materials and ergonomic design. The ear cups showcase a striking steel grille in a copper finish, complemented by a magnesium chassis that exudes understated elegance. A lightweight yet durable titanium alloy headband ensures a comfortable fit, while ultra-soft ear cushions provide extended listening comfort.
Meze has also prioritized practicality with the POET’s modular construction, making it easy to replace components like ear pads and cables. The included premium hand-braided copper cable connects via mono 3.5mm TS jacks to each ear cup and terminates in a 6.35mm stereo jack, catering to serious audio setups. While no adapter is included, users can explore custom cable solutions if needed.
When it comes to sound, the POET doesn’t disappoint. The headphones excel in delivering a spacious, well-separated soundstage with remarkable detail retrieval. Their deep bass response is striking, yet it never overshadows the pristine clarity of the mids and highs. Listeners might even mistake them for dynamic driver headphones in a blind test, but the nuanced delivery of the upper frequencies confirms their planar-magnetic heritage.
Pricing and Availability: The Meze Audio POET planar-magnetic headphones will be available starting February 20, 2025, through mezeaudio.com. Priced at $2,000 / £1,850 / €2,000, these headphones cater to enthusiasts looking for a refined blend of performance, comfort, and longevity.
The ModMic series by Antlion Audio offers audiophiles an attachable microphone solution that can transform any headphone into a high-quality headset. They have various options, including USB, UNI aka 3.5mm, and wireless models. Antlion also makes the Kimura, an advanced in-ear headset, and they even offer bundle deals pairing their mics with headphones at a discount.
In this review, I’ll cover the ModMic USB and UNI version 2, priced at around $100 and $60-65, respectively, or 5,400 and 3,600 pesos.
Antlion generously provided these mics for review and I was allowed to keep it, but they had no editorial control or input in this review. They’re only seeing this video after publishing it on Youtube. I wanted to give them a quick shoutout though for being responsive to my questions throughout the review process!
Overview
So, the ModMics are unidirectional, condenser boom microphones with noise-canceling tech built in. This second-generation ModMic improves on the original by offering:
Better sound quality from larger mics
Enhanced noise rejection
Improved build quality with a more flexible cable
As I haven’t tested the first generation, I’ll be solely focusing on the 2nd gen.
Build and Packaging
The ModMic comes in a compact box with a hard case, including adhesive discs, cable clips, and an alcohol prep pad to secure the mic to your headphones. Antlion also sells these accessories separately.
Once installed, the boom mic attaches magnetically, staying securely in place without being overly tight. The build quality is lightweight yet durable, with a flexible arm and a cable of convenient length that includes a handy mute button.
As shown in my hands-on Shorts, installation is straightforward. You just need to find the ideal spot on your headphones for the adhesive, attach the mic magnetically, and use the included cable clips to keep them tidy.
Theoretically, this microphone can attach to any headphones, though shape and size definitely play a role. For example, the ModMic 2’s fit with the HD8XX is perfect, as you can see here. Honestly, I could’ve chosen to attach it in the center, but I avoided that since it’s an open-back headphone for a reason—you don’t want to block the area where it’s emitting backwaves. It’s a minor detail, and one may even argue it doesn’t have any or much effect sonically, but as an audiophile, I kinda live for those nuances.
The fit with the Utopia is also solid, and even with the ZMF Bokeh, which I initially hesitated to install it on because of the gorgeous wooden earcups. But practically speaking, a closed-back headphone like the Bokeh is more optimal since it’s portable and allows me to take calls outside without worrying about extra amplification to sound fantastic.
The more open-back design makes the fit with Hifiman’s egg-shaped cans less ideal. Like I said, you can make it work, but details like headphone color matching or ideal placement on the cup are sometimes down to personal preference—only you can decide what works best for you.
Sennheiser has introduced the HD 505, a new pair of open-back headphones designed for those looking to enhance their audio experience without breaking the bank. Combining precise tuning, rich detail, and exceptional comfort, these headphones are ideal for long listening sessions.
At the core of the HD 505 are custom-engineered 120Ω drivers, housed in open earcups to deliver a natural and immersive sound. Manufactured at Sennheiser’s audiophile facility in Tullamore, Ireland, these drivers offer an impressive frequency response from 12Hz to 38,500Hz, with total harmonic distortion kept under 0.2%.
Sennheiser promises a well-balanced sound signature, featuring deep bass, clear mids, and smooth treble to minimize listening fatigue. The drivers are also positioned at an angle within the earcups, mimicking the layout of nearfield studio monitors to create an expansive soundstage—ideal for enjoying music, movies, and games.
The HD 505 builds upon Sennheiser’s HD 500 series design, known for its lightweight and comfortable fit. Weighing just 237g, these headphones are designed for extended use. They also come with a detachable 1.8m cable featuring a 3.5mm plug, along with a 6.3mm adapter for compatibility with various audio setups.
In line with the modular design of the HD 500 series, the HD 505 allows users to swap out earpads and choose from various cable lengths to suit their needs, making it a flexible option for evolving audio setups.
Pricing & Availability
The Sennheiser HD 505 open-back headphones are now available on Amazon, priced at $249 / £229.99 / 279,90€.
HIFIMAN has unveiled the latest evolution of its acclaimed Arya series with the introduction of the ARYA UNVEILED ($1,400). Building on the legacy of its predecessor, this high-end planar magnetic headphone incorporates cutting-edge “UNVEILED” technology—a game-changer first introduced in the company’s flagship Susvara Unveiled ($8,000). This innovation features a removable back panel designed to enhance acoustic performance while preserving the open-back listening experience audiophiles love.
As the third installment in the UNVEILED lineup—following the Susvara Unveiled and the recently announced HE1000 Unveiled ($2,699)—the ARYA UNVEILED pushes the boundaries of sonic excellence.
Central to its performance is HIFIMAN’s proprietary Stealth Magnet technology, a sophisticated magnetic structure that minimizes unwanted turbulence while optimizing sound wave integrity. This, combined with an asymmetrical, double-sided magnetic circuit, ensures an ultra-clean and dynamic audio experience.
The result? A spacious soundstage with remarkable depth, combined with the natural, neutral tonality that made previous Arya models—including the Arya Stealth Magnet and Arya Organic—some of HIFIMAN’s best-selling headphones to date.
“Arya headphones are some of our most popular products to date,” says Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO of HIFIMAN Electronics. “By incorporating our new UNVEILED design, the Arya series’ performance takes a dramatic leap forward while enhancing the qualities that make it a HIFIMAN favorite.”
HIFIMAN’s high-end models are meticulously designed to minimize unwanted reflections from the grill, a crucial factor given the incredibly lightweight nature of its nanometer-thin diaphragm. The ARYA UNVEILED takes this principle even further with its removable Magnetic Veils, which not only contribute to sound purity but also protect against potential damage from stray magnetic objects when not in use.
As with many of HIFIMAN’s premium headphones, the ARYA UNVEILED is built with the company’s Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm. Originally developed for the top-tier SUSVARA, this ultra-thin diaphragm delivers lightning-fast transient response, exceptional detail retrieval, and a significant reduction in distortion—all culminating in a more immersive and lifelike listening experience.
For versatility, the ARYA UNVEILED features 3.5mm input connectors, ensuring broad compatibility with aftermarket cables and high-fidelity audio setups.
“The new ARYA UNVEILED retains the DNA of the original model, but with the patented UNVEILED design that significantly enhances high-frequency transparency and overall resolution for a more expansive soundstage with maximum detail, especially noticeable when listening to high-resolution audio,” says Dr. Bian.
With the ARYA UNVEILED, HIFIMAN once again raises the bar for open-back planar magnetic headphones, delivering an audiophile-grade listening experience that redefines expectations.
HIFIMAN is launching ISVARNA, the world’s first hybrid headphones that combine deep bass with crystal-clear sound. Thanks to its semi-enclosed design and miniature dynamic subwoofer, ISVARNA offers powerful low frequencies with zero distortion—perfect for music lovers who want it all.
Why ISVARNA Stands Out
At $2,899, ISVARNA seamlessly blends planar and dynamic drivers. A custom crossover ensures smooth sound, with deep bass handled by the subwoofer and clean mids and highs delivered by planar drivers. It’s all about balance, without the distortion often caused by EQ tuning.
“Many music lovers prefer deep bass when listening to music, without compromising on soundstage and overall depth of the sonic output,” says Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “Some manufacturers try EQ tuning, but it often leads to increased, audible distortion and overall deterioration of the sound quality.”
Cutting-Edge Tech
ISVARNA’s Stealth Magnet tech reduces interference for pure sound, while its ultra-thin Nanometer Diaphragm ensures lightning-fast response and rich detail. It’s designed for long listening sessions without fatigue.
Built for Comfort
With a durable, ergonomic headband crafted from premium materials, ISVARNA is as comfortable as most of their full-size headphones
Availability
You can buy the Hifiman ISVARNA for $2,899 at store.hifiman.com or from authorized dealers. It would be interesting to see if the ISVARNA will be perceived positively especially since Hifiman doesn’t do as well with their closed-back headphones.
The Sennheiser HD25, originally released in 1989, has long held its status as a legend in professional audio. Despite a few revisions over the years, the HD25 has kept its iconic design and continues to cater to professionals in demanding environments.
Overview
Designed as a sealed on-ear headphone, the HD25 is a part of Sennheiser’s professional lineup, tailored for use in environments with high noise levels—think DJs, broadcasters, and cameramen. Priced around $150 (or roughly 14,000 pesos in the Philippines), these headphones are readily available through authorized Sennheiser distributors such as JB Music.
Here are some photos of the HD25:
Packaging and Build Quality
The HD25 arrives in a simple Sennheiser cardboard box, with a basic quarter-inch adapter included. For users wanting a bit more, a Plus variant offers a pouch, extra pads, and a longer cable. Though I would usually prefer a carrying case, the HD25’s rugged plastic build doesn’t necessarily require one; it’s known for resilience despite its light, mostly plastic frame.
The ear pads are synthetic and functional, not luxurious. The double-sided cable exits only on the right side, connecting to each ear cup via color-coded 2-pin connectors, making setup straightforward. Its 1.5m cable length is sufficient for portable use, though it might feel limiting if you need more movement while plugged into an amp.
With its matte black finish and compact design, the HD25 has a timeless look that doesn’t appear awkward in a mirror or webcam, which is a rare quality among headphones.
Comfort
As a DJ-focused headphone, the HD25 has unique adjustments that support single-ear listening, with a tilting mechanism for each cup. The split headband provides a secure fit, allowing for more active movement. While on-ear headphones aren’t typically as comfortable as over-ears, I found the HD25’s clamping force just right—neither too loose nor overly tight. I can wear it comfortably for a full commute or a long day of casual listening.
Noise Isolation
In terms of passive noise isolation, the HD25 performs well for an on-ear headphone. While not as effective as active noise cancellation, it fares well on bus rides and in noisy environments, isolating better than some other models like the ZMF Bokeh and Hifiman Sundara Closed. Although the Beyerdynamic DT1350 offers slightly stronger isolation due to its firmer clamp, the HD25 remains a solid choice.
The HD 490 Pro is the latest addition to Sennheiser’s studio recording line, following the well-received HD 400 Pro. When Sennheiser sent me the HD 490 Pro for review, I was eager to see how it compares to its predecessor, especially with a $90 price increase. Is it worth the extra cost? Let’s find out.
Before diving in, a big thanks to Sennheiser for providing this review unit. As always, their support doesn’t influence my review. I borrow the product, ask questions if needed, and return it afterward. Now, let’s get started.
Overview
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is an open-back, dynamic-driver, full-size headphone retailing for $400. There’s also a Pro Plus version, which includes a transport case and an extra headband pad, but for this review, I’ll simply refer to it as the HD 490 Pro.
For those in the Philippines, you can find the HD 490 Pro at JB Music for around ₱42,990.
Packaging and Build Quality
Sennheiser’s eco-friendly commitment is evident with the HD 490 Pro, as the packaging is entirely plastic-free. Inside the standard Sennheiser blue cardboard box, you’ll find a transport case for the headphones and accessories. While the case is a bit large, it comfortably fits two cables of varying lengths, two sets of pads, and an extra headband.
The default “producer” pads have a velvety, soft texture, while the “mixing” pads feature a rougher tweed fabric. Both sets of pads are detachable and washable, offering different sound signatures, which I’ll explore later. The build is largely plastic, typical for Sennheiser, but still feels durable and premium. The design is distinct from Sennheiser’s other lines, especially in the headband, which features foam nuggets for cushioning.
The single-sided cable connector can be attached to either earcup, with the unused port neatly covered. The cables use mini XLR connectors with a slight wiggle near the base to reduce microphonics—helpful when the cable rubs against clothing. A locking mechanism ensures the cable doesn’t accidentally disconnect.
Oh, and a nice bonus: the HD 490 Pro includes access to the Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin, a virtual stereo mixing room worth around $100.
Comfort
The HD 490 Pro is comfortable, thanks to its lightweight frame and moderate clamping force. However, I did find that my ears touch the inside of the cups, which might be an issue depending on your ear size and shape. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting.
Of the two pad options, the producer pads are softer and more comfortable, making them ideal for long sessions. The mixing pads are less plush but still comfortable.
Overall, these are headphones you can wear for hours without discomfort—perfect for studio or production work.
Isolation
As an open-back headphone, the HD 490 Pro provides little to no passive noise isolation, and it leaks audio. This makes it less ideal for noisy environments or situations where sound leakage is a concern.
