00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:16 Shameless Self Promotion 02:43 Use Timestamps! 03:22 About the ADX7000 07:50 Nice Carrying Case 08:33 Stock Cabling - Holy Microphonics! 12:35 Microphonics Demo 14:25 Build, Fit, Comfort 15:18 The Process of Pad Rolling Sucks! 17:49 Context About Audio Technica 22:06 Test Gear 24:28 Sound (Velvet Pads) 31:00 Sound (Alcantara Pads) 33:13 A Music Genre Generalist 34:24 Comparisons Setup & ATH-ADX5000 37:18 Comparison to HiFiMan HE-1000 Unveiled 43:29 Comparison to Focal Utopia (OG) 46:01 Is $3500 Fair? And Wrap Up
New Flagship Hi-Z Dynamic Driver Headphone! Audio Technica ATH-ADX7000 Headphone ReviewReviews By WaveTheory2025-10-31 | Thanks to Audio Technica for the loan of ATH-ADX7000!
Buy From Apos Audio (affiliate link): https://apos.audio/products/audio-technica-adx7000-headphones?sca_ref=1448954.julYPU81dF
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:16 Shameless Self Promotion 02:43 Use Timestamps! 03:22 About the ADX7000 07:50 Nice Carrying Case 08:33 Stock Cabling - Holy Microphonics! 12:35 Microphonics Demo 14:25 Build, Fit, Comfort 15:18 The Process of Pad Rolling Sucks! 17:49 Context About Audio Technica 22:06 Test Gear 24:28 Sound (Velvet Pads) 31:00 Sound (Alcantara Pads) 33:13 A Music Genre Generalist 34:24 Comparisons Setup & ATH-ADX5000 37:18 Comparison to HiFiMan HE-1000 Unveiled 43:29 Comparison to Focal Utopia (OG) 46:01 Is $3500 Fair? And Wrap UpHiFiMan Edition XV Headphone Review - HiFiMan Keeps Chipping Away At Your ExcusesReviews By WaveTheory2026-02-13 | Thanks to HiFiMan for sending the Edition XV for review!
All music would have been lossless or hi-rez FLAC or DSD files played locally, or in the case of some FLAC, streamed from Qobuz. In all desktop applications files were played through Roon. In DAP situations, files were played from microSD storage.
Chord 2Go+2Yu streamer (youtu.be/S3O7JNOJIqI); USB output into Ferrum WANDLA GSE (review coming!) into Ferrum Oor (youtu.be/xUsRyoBPdyk) - both Ferrums powered by Hypsos power supply.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:27 Shameless Self Promotion 01:54 Timestamps & Takeaways 02:54 About the Edition XV 08:28 Sound 19:44 Comparison with Edition XS 21:40 Comparison with HD6XX/HD650 25:42 Comparison with Ananda Nano 28:43 Comparison with Ananda Unveiled 31:58 Where it fits in a tight market segment 33:56 Wrap UpSMSL AO300 Pro Review - Does It Rise Above Being the Default Option for this Product Type?Reviews By WaveTheory2026-02-09 | Thanks to Aoshida Audio for sending the AO300 Pro for review!
All music started as digital files in lossless or hi-rez FLAC format or DSD played locally. FLAC files were either played locally or streamed from Qobuz. All files played through Roon.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:40 Shameless Self Promotion 02:07 About the AO300 Pro 06:58 Front Panel 08:27 Back Panel 09:57 Remote, UI, Bass Management? 15:13 USB Implementation Issues 20:09 Sound 26:56 Compare it to what? 31:00 Final ThoughtsFiiO Warmer R2R DAC Review - Showing an R2R DAC Can Warp the Market TooReviews By WaveTheory2026-02-06 | Thanks to FiiO for sending the Warmer R2R for review!
Buy from Apos Audio (affiliate link): https://apos.audio/products/fiio-warmer-desktop-r2r-tube-buffer-and-dac?sca_ref=1448954.julYPU81dF
All files started as digital and were either lossless or hi-rez FLAC or DSD played locally through Roon. Flac files were also streamed from Qobuz through Roon.
Windows 11 PC direct USB into Warmer R2R with and without a JDS Labs Synapse USB isolator (youtu.be/m3stCPEl3Q8).
Chain 3…
FiiO SR11 streamer (youtu.be/YuagbK8p0FA) USB into the Warmer R2R. Then XLR output through a Little Bear XLR MC103 Pro switchbox into a Schiit Jotunheim 3 headphone amp (youtu.be/GhLNMFzcr74), then driving a HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled headphone (youtu.be/pSXKdoYg0Tc). The Jotunheim 3’s single ended preamp output and the single ended output of the Warmer R2R took turns being connected to a Schiit Asgard X headphone amp (youtu.be/n8H8SN3Rdf4).
Telefunken Black Diamond 6922 tubes (affiliate link): amzn.to/4qhdJ4y
Timestamps...
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:31 Shameless Self Promotion 01:59 About Warmer R2R & Use Timestamps... 09:40 Build, I/O, Ergonomics 11:18 Test Gear in Description! 12:01 Sound: Overall Impressions 20:10 Sound: NOS vs OS 25:35 Which Input Should You Use? 28:48 Sound: Balanced vs Single-Ended Outputs 31:03 Sound: Tube Rolling 34:57 Comparison with K13 R2R 37:11 Comparison with Schiit Mimir 43:55 Comparison with Schiit BiFrost 2/64 45:28 Final ThoughtsLIVESTREAM! 4 Feb - Tips for Social Headphone Listening? Is Mid-Fi Even Worth It? & Your Questions!Reviews By WaveTheory2026-02-05 | Join me LIVE on 4 February 2026 at 9pm eastern/8c/6p to discuss some tips on how to listen to music through headphones with a friend and some thoughts on whether or not buying "mid-fi" gear is even worth it in early 2026. And of course I answer questions from the chat!
Want to support the channel? Consider becoming a member! Or you can join my Patreon here:
Black Ice Audio Aries: youtu.be/J7SrsZBSG8A Lake People G111mk2: youtu.be/kSxg9OJWlXQNew Series for Members Out Now! #wavetheory #shorts #members #audioReviews By WaveTheory2026-02-05 | Episode 1 of a new series for Patrons, Members, and Buyers is out now! In the first episode I share some thoughts on how the YouTube platform has impacted audio reviewing and the audio industry at large. Join to watch this and future episodes!
Want to support me? You can make a 1-time donation through PayPal here:
paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7N7Z8WRLWQ36EHow Far Have Planar Headphones Come in 15 Years? Audeze LCD-2 Prefazor vs. The 2025 FieldReviews By WaveTheory2026-02-02 | Let's step back and take a look at the market. How much have planar magnetic headphones improved since the Audeze LCD-2 was released in 2010? At what price point in early 2026 does the performance of new models overtake the performance of the landmark LCD-2?
Want to support the channel? Consider becoming a member! Or you can join my Patreon here:
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:38 Shameless Self Promotion 02:05 The Questions & The Method 07:48 Limitations 09:48 Test Gear & More Method 13:33 LCD-2 vs Arya Unveiled 15:49 LCD-2 vs Ananda Unveiled 18:20 LCD-2 vs JT7 22:06 Analysis & Looking ForwardEffect Audio Code 23 Mk II & Code 24 Mk II Headphone Cables Review - The Cure For The Common Codes?Reviews By WaveTheory2026-01-30 | Thanks to Effect Audio for sending the Code Mk IIs for review!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:14 Shameless Self Promotion 01:41 About the Code Mk IIs 08:48 Sound 13:16 Comparison with Zynsonix Ballista Octet 16:57 Wrap UpHiFiMan HE600 Headphone Review - A Proper Rebirth of a Legend?Reviews By WaveTheory2026-01-28 | Thanks to HiFiMan for sending the HE600 for review!
All music would have been lossless or hi-rez FLAC or DSD files played locally, or in the case of some FLAC, streamed from Qobuz. In all desktop applications files were played through Roon. In DAP situations, files were played from microSD storage.
Chord 2Go+2Yu streamer (youtu.be/S3O7JNOJIqI); USB output into Ferrum WANDLA GSE (review coming!) into Ferrum Oor (youtu.be/xUsRyoBPdyk) - both Ferrums powered by Hypsos power supply.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:29 Shameless Self Promotion 01:56 Price Correction, Use Timestamps 02:18 About the HE600 08:26 Test Gear Listed in Description! 08:51 Sound 18:42 Comparison to HEDD D1 24:15 Comparison to Ananda Unveiled 26:28 Comparison with HE6? 28:06 Final ThoughtsFiiO Jade JT7 Headphone Review - The New Audiophiles First Planar Headphone?Reviews By WaveTheory2026-01-26 | Thanks to FiiO for sending the JT7 for review!
All music was digitally sourced starting as lossless or hi-rez FLAC or DSD files. FLAC files could be played locally or streamed from Qobuz. All through Roon, or played locally from microSD cards on a DAP.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:26 Shameless Self Promotion 01:54 Setup 02:38 What Are Planar Magnetic Drivers? 06:56 Easy to Drive? 09:38 Build, Fit, Comfort 11:24 Accessories 12:54 Sound 16:48 Comparison to HiFiMan HE400se 18:57 Using EQ 20:18 Final ThoughtsFiio Jade JT3 Headphone Review - Dont Buy a Gaming Headset. Buy This Instead.Reviews By WaveTheory2026-01-23 | Thanks to Fiio for sending the JT3 for review. This unit was sent directly from Fiio. Fiio asked nothing in return other than a fair and honest evaluation. I have included an affiliate link to where the JT3 can be purchased on Amazon. If you want to buy the JT3 and would like to support my channel, please use that link and I will get a small commission. Typically Fiio gifts their products to reviewers like me. You still have my pledge to be honest and even handed as I can be.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:17 Shameless Self Promotion 01:45 This One's Different 03:05 About the JT3 08:23 Mic Quality Demo 10:13 What Should You Plug it Into? 13:10 Sound 15:51 Brightening the Darkness 16:41 Wrap UpLIVESTREAM (recorded) - Follow Up On Integrating Headphones Into Your Movie Experience - with Jim!Reviews By WaveTheory2026-01-22 | Jim from Sound & Vision, Inc. joins me to discuss more options on how to integrate headphones into your movie/TV watching experience. Join us!
Apologies for some technical issues (explained further in episode).
All music would have been lossless or hi-rez FLAC or DSD files played locally, or in the case of some FLAC, streamed from Qobuz. In all desktop applications files were played through Roon. In DAP situations, files were played from microSD storage.
FiiO SR11 USB output into Schiit Asgard X with MESH DAC card (youtu.be/n8H8SN3Rdf4)
Chain 4...
Chord 2Go+2Yu streamer (youtu.be/S3O7JNOJIqI); USB output into Ferrum WANDLA GSE (review coming!) into Ferrum Oor (youtu.be/xUsRyoBPdyk) - both Ferrums powered by Hypsos power supply.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:16 Shameless Self Promotion 01:42 Setup & About the Ananda Unveiled 05:32 Build 10:58 Comfort & Fit 12:14 Test Gear in Description! 12:46 Sound 22:56 Comparison to Ananda Nano 27:27 Comparison to HEDD D1 36:33 Comparison to Arya Unveiled 39:21 Amp Power Comments 40:37 Wrap-UpHow Do You Integrate Hi-Fi Headphones Into Your Movie Watching System? Making Waves w/ WaveTheory 10Reviews By WaveTheory2026-01-14 | If you're not watching on a PC, it can be a challenge to get a high quality audio signal from your movies/TV watching rig into good headphones when you need to watch quietly. Erik, a long time patron, returns to discuss our experiences in using headphones for movie and TV watching. Join us!
00:00 Listen on Your Platform of Choice! 00:35 Intro & Setup 03:24 Additional Context 05:14 Bluetooth - Simple, but Lots of Resampling & Latency 13:56 Long SPDIF Runs - Convenient. Reliable. Jittery 24:59 Break 1 - Become a Channel Member! 25:33 USB & HDMI ARC - Cleaner Signal. More Complexity 40:18 Apple Airplay - Erik's Current Solution 45:20 Break 2 - Buy My Content on Patreon! 45:52 WT's Room & Problem to Solve 55:35 Managing Multichannel Audio is a Challenge 57:01 WT's Attempt at Long Digital Runs 01:00:41 Break 3 - Send Me Music! 01:01:32 WT's Analog Transmission Solution 01:07:27 WT's Multichannel Management Solution - Still a Compromise 01:15:47 Final Thoughts 01:21:15 OutroFosi Audio GR70 Tube Headphone Amp - The New Audiophiles First Tube Amp?Reviews By WaveTheory2026-01-12 | Thanks to Fosi Audio for sending the GR70 for review!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:21 Shameless Self Promotion 02:48 About the GR70 06:19 Build, Features, Specs, Ergonomics 15:43 Test Gear & Sound 27:51 Comparison with Apos GremlinYamaha YH-C3000 Headphone Review - The Next Big Thing in Closed Back Headphones? & Sound Leak DemoReviews By WaveTheory2026-01-09 | Thanks to Yamaha for sending the YH-C3000 for review!
All music was lossless or hi-rez FLAC files played locally or streamed from Qobuz, or DSD files played locally. All through Roon (unless source was a DAP).
Austrian Audio OC16 condenser mic (affiliate link): amzn.to/4pw9CBs IK Multimedia iRig Pro audio interface (affiliate link): amzn.to/4pnL51f
Timestamps...
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:10 Shameless Self Promotion 01:37 Use Timestamps! 01:46 Takeaways 03:44 About the YH-C3000 07:56 Cable & Carrying Case 11:51 Sound Isolation 13:08 Sound Leak Test 22:33 Sound 36:09 Where Does It Fit in the Market? (comparisons) 39:20 Final ThoughtsShould You Buy a Brand New HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled or a Used Original Susvara? Things to consider...Reviews By WaveTheory2026-01-06 | Join me as I analyze what you need to consider if you're trying to figure out if you should buy a used original HiFiMan Susvara or a brand new HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled
00:00 Intro & Setup 01:23 Shameless Self Promotion 01:50 See the Links! 02:06 Takeaways 04:23 Some General Thoughts on Buying Used 07:23 The Unveiled Concern...Overblown 12:52 Availability 15:05 Thoughts on Amplification 18:21 Test Gear & Sound 27:45 Wrap UpMartinLogan Motion B10 Bookshelf Speakers Review - Holographic WondersReviews By WaveTheory2026-01-02 | Thanks to a channel patron for donating the Motion B10 to the channel!
Chord 2Go streamer (youtu.be/S3O7JNOJIqI) into Chord Hugo 2 DAC (youtu.be/uuSOYjFtcvY) then RCA outputs through SVS SB1000 subwoofers (pair) crossed over at 100 Hz. Then, into Adcom GFA555mkii amp to drive MLs.
Chain 2...
Sonore ultraRendu streamer (youtu.be/qEOOE9rP6Rs) into LAiV Harmony DAC (youtu.be/GtKG5_ABzAg) into LAiV Harmony HP2A headamp/preamp (youtu.be/PGtdQpNCakk). Balanced outputs of HP2A into LAiV GaNM amps (review coming!) and single-ended outputs into SVS SB1000 subwoofers
Chain 3 (nearfield setup)...
Sonore ultraRendu and Holo Red (youtu.be/6bpJdhOWyC8) streamers into Schiit Gungnir 2 DAC (youtu.be/XzOPRleWXgE) into LTA Z10e integrated amp (youtu.be/Bft6HUsYDhE) with Monoprice 12" 120 watt subwoofer high-level ins/outs crossover ~100Hz.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:13 Shameless Self Promotion 02:41 About the Motion B10 05:15 Test Gear Listed in Description 05:49 Sound 14:57 Comparison to Elac Uni-Fi UB52 19:49 Wrap Up2025 Audio Year In Review: WaveTheorys Top 10 Favorite Pieces of Audio Gear of the YearReviews By WaveTheory2025-12-31 | Let's take a look back at the year in audio! Join me as I count down my 10 favorite pieces of audio gear I reviewed in 2025 (plus a few honorable mentions)!
Want to support the channel? Consider becoming a member! Or you can join my Patreon here:
00:00 Intro 00:51 Shameless Self Promotion 01:19 The Criteria 03:48 Honorable Mentions 06:51 10 08:25 9 09:24 8 10:32 7 11:47 6 13:12 5 14:20 4 16:11 3 18:27 2 20:45 1 24:39 Wrap Up2025 Audio Year In Review: WaveTheorys Top 10 Most Important Pieces of Audio Gear of the YearReviews By WaveTheory2025-12-29 | Let's take a look back at the year in audio! Join me as I count down the 10 most important pieces of audio gear I reviewed in 2025 (plus a few honorable mentions)!
Want to support the channel? Consider becoming a member! Or you can join my Patreon here:
00:00 Intro 00:53 Shameless Self Promotion 01:20 The Criteria 02:54 Honorable Mentions 05:11 10 06:36 9 08:18 8 10:10 7 11:55 6 13:19 5 15:16 4 16:45 Top 3 19:28 Wrap UpHolo Red Streamer/DDC Review - A Stream of Hype? Does It Live Up to It?Reviews By WaveTheory2025-12-26 | The Red was a loan from a patron. Thanks!
I used Red as a Roon endpoint for streaming tests. All music files were lossless or hi-rez flac files played locally or streamed from Qobuz, or DSD files played locally, all through Roon.
Red USB out into Schiit Gungnir 2 DAC (youtu.be/XzOPRleWXgE) into LTA Z10e and then into either Susvara Unveiled or MartinLogan Motion B10 speakers (review soon!)
DDC Testing Chain...
Chord 2Go+2Yu (youtu.be/S3O7JNOJIqI) USB output into Red then I2S, AES, or coaxial SPDIF into Ferrum WANDLA GSE (review soon!) into Ferrum Oor (youtu.be/xUsRyoBPdyk) - both Ferrums powered by Hypsos power supply - driving HiFiMan Susvara Unveiled.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:52 Shameless Self Promotion 02:20 The Journey 09:04 Features & Specs 14:33 I/O and Build 16:56 Test Gear (in description) 17:39 Sound 21:51 Comparison with Sonore ultraRendu 30:43 The Good The Red Offers 32:33 DDC Performance 33:56 Wrap UpWhat Am I Watching for in the Year of Our Audio 2026? Making Waves with WaveTheory EP09Reviews By WaveTheory2025-12-24 | In a brief looking-forward episode, I muse about what trends in our audio hobby I'll be watching for throughout 2026. Join me!
00:00 Intro 01:03 Become a member! 02:02 Do Closed-Back Headphones Make a Move? 04:31 Who Is This Year's Big New Brand? 07:28 Episodes on Patreon! 07:59 What Product Category Shakes Up the Market? 14:55 I Need Music Artists! 15:25 2 Wishes for 2026 18:09 A Goal for the Channel in 2026An Accounting of Apos x Geshelli Merlin DACs Musical AlchemyReviews By WaveTheory2025-12-22 | Thanks to Apos Audio for sending the Merlin DAC for review!
Buy from Apos Audio (affiliate link): https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-geshelli-merlin-akm-desktop-dac?sca_ref=1448954.julYPU81dF
All music was digital starting as either a lossless or hi-rez flac file or DSD file played locally, or in the case of flac files also streamed from Qobuz, all through Roon.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:14 Shameless Self Promotion 01:42 About the Merlin 06:07 Test Gear Listed in Description 06:31 Sound 10:10 Comparison with SMSL DO100 Pro 12:25 Comparison with Schiit MESH dac card (with SE output analysis) 16:34 Comparison with Schiit Mimir 19:27 Comparison with FiiO K13R2R 21:03 Final ThoughtsFrom The Realm of the Giants Comes This Impressive Schiit - Schiit Jotunheim 3 ReviewReviews By WaveTheory2025-12-19 | The Jotunheim 3 was a channel purchase with funds donated by Channel Members/Patrons! Thanks!
All critical listening was done using lossless or hi-rez flac files or DSD files played locally through Roon, or in the case of flac files also streamed from Qobuz.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:18 Shameless Self Promotion 02:45 Use Timestamps! 03:14 About Jot 3 09:04 Potentiometer, Build, Ergonomics 15:40 Test Gear in Description! 16:00 Burn it In! 20:35 Sound! 29:38 Comparison to Jotunheim 2 33:19 Comparison to Asgard X 38:48 Comparison to Lake People G111mk2 41:18 Comparison to Aune S17 Pro EVO 45:08 Some Ground Hum (?) 48:24 Wrap UpLIVESTREAM! Follow Up to Episode 8 of Making Waves with WaveTheory - Audiophile Roundtable!Reviews By WaveTheory2025-12-18 | Let's have a follow-discussion about my latest podcast episode where real everyday audiophiles share their thoughts on our audio hobby!
Listen to the episode on your favorite streaming platform:
Or watch on YouTube: youtu.be/eLZAoy-pHZMSchiit Jotunheim 3 Review is Done! Get Early Access Today! #shorts #wavetheory #schiit #audioReviews By WaveTheory2025-12-17 | To watch early become a channel member on the Early Access tier. Or go to Patreon and buy access for just $5: patreon.com/wavetheory1
Watch video here: youtu.be/GhLNMFzcr74Fiio SP5 Active Monitor Speakers Review - Pretty Good, But One Major FlawReviews By WaveTheory2025-12-15 | Thanks to Fiio for sending the SP5 for review!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:32 Shameless Self Promotion 02:00 About the SP5 04:16 Build 05:58 Connectivity & Use Options 10:46 Cabling 15:07 Test Gear & Sound 29:53 Final ThoughtsZynsonix CBOX-2 Speaker-Amp-to-Headphone-Transformer & Ballista Octet Headphone Cable ReviewsReviews By WaveTheory2025-12-13 | Thanks to Bryan at Zynsonix for the discount on the CBOX-2 and for sending the Ballista Octet for review!
Speaker Connections: Cardas ACBP plus second set ACBP with speaker output switch Chassis Color: Black Headphone outputs: Dual 4-pin XLR (low and high sensitivity) - no bypass switch needed Speaker Amplifier Wattage - Up to 200W Upgrade Internal Wire: Kimber
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:57 Shameless Self Promotion 02:23 About CBOX-2 05:11 CBOX-2 Build 08:16 CBOX-2 Sound 13:30 Ballista Octet Build 18:30 Ballista Octet Sound 20:48 Ballista Octet vs Lavricables Grand Silver 25:12 Ballista Octet vs Danacable Lazuli Rhapsody 29:19 Final ThoughtsWhat Do Real Audiophiles Think About Topics in Our Hobby? Making Waves with WaveTheory EP 08Reviews By WaveTheory2025-12-10 | I am joined by 4 of my patrons/channel members to discuss some audio topics: what got them into this hobby? How did they figure out what they like? What are some mistakes they made and what did they learn from them? What do they like and dislike about the hobby? Join us!
00:00 Intro & Music Artist Info 02:38 Intro Music: All Behind by Edenber & Shielden 02:56 The Panel & How They Got Into This Hobby 15:07 What Mistakes Have You Made & What Did You Learn From Them? 26:01 Break 1: Become a Channel Member! 26:33 Music Clip: Sandstorm by David Allan 27:17 How Did You Figure Out What You Like? 44:30 Break 2: Episodes for Sale on Patreon! 45:01 Music Clip: Neuromancer by David Allan 45:53 Is Endgame Even Real? 53:26 What's Your Favorite Thing About the Hobby? 58:02 What's Your Least Favorite Thing About the Hobby? 01:06:15 Break 3: Music Artists Reach Out to Me! 01:07:36 Music Clip: man from Machine by David Allan 01:12:58 Outro 01:14:18 Demo Track: Rain Dance by David AllanHiFi For All Dahlia Headphone Review - Is This Headphone The Real Lord of the Rings?Reviews By WaveTheory2025-12-08 | Thanks to HFA for providing the Dahlia for review!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:33 Shameless Self Promotion 02:01 More Disclaimers 03:24 About the Dahlia 06:36 Build & Resonator Rings 13:46 Accessories 16:11 Test Gear In Description! 16:36 Sound 29:00 Comparisons with HEDD D1 & Mirph-1 36:13 Final ThoughtsLIVESTREAM! Follow Up to E07 of Making Waves with WaveTheory: Nature & State of TOTL HeadphonesReviews By WaveTheory2025-12-04 | This is a follow up discussion to episode 7 of my podcast. We'll be doing Q&A about the nature and state of the TOTL headphone market. Join us!
Listen to the episode on your favorite streaming platform:
Or watch on YouTube: youtu.be/bLx2fxU4dzgFinal Tonalite TWS IEM Review - Airpods Killer?Reviews By WaveTheory2025-12-04 | Thanks to Final Audio for sending the Tonalite for review!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:11 Shameless Self Promotion 02:38 Context 04:06 The Personalized Timbre 08:25 Accessories 11:16 Build & Use 16:26 Control App: Using Personalized Timbre 18:06 Active Cancelling & Ambient Noise Passthrough 24:54 Volume Step Optimizer & Graphic EQ 27:30 Connection Reliability 30:53 Sound 38:28 Tip & Placement Sensitivity 40:59 Final ThoughtsJDS Labs Synapse USB Isolator Review - Scrub Your Bits Clean, On the Cheap!Reviews By WaveTheory2025-12-01 | The Synapse was a channel purchase.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 00:58 Shameless Self Promotion 01:26 Why Might You Want Such a Thing? 03:06 About the Synapse 03:44 Test Gear & Method 05:16 Sound 07:50 Synapse or Streamer? 11:04 Synapse or DDC? 14:00 Final ThoughtsSMSL R1 $70 Gaming Headphone Amplifier Review - Whos it for? & Mic Quality Sound Demos!Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-28 | Thanks to Aoshida Audio for sending the R1 for review!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer... 01:48 Shameless Self Promotion 02:15 About the R1 06:52 Mic Quality Demos Setup 10:02 Mic Quality Demos 13:18 Final ThoughtsA View From the Summit: Nature & State of the TOTL Headphone Market w/ Michael of Directors GarageReviews By WaveTheory2025-11-26 | I am joined by Michael from Director's Garage to discuss the nature and state of the TOTL headphone market! What does TOTL really mean? What do you pay for if you buy in the TOTL? Is it worth it? What are our favorites? All that and more in this episode!
00:00 Intro 02:09 What does TOTL really mean? 12:31 What are you really paying for? 25:03 Break 1 25:35 Is it worth it? 33:29 Diminishing returns? 49:58 Break 2 50:28 Role of source gear 01:08:26 Break 3 01:09:15 Our personal favorites 01:24:55 Outro & music selectionAune N7 Headphone Amp & Preamp Review - A Balanced Asgard X Competitor?Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-25 | Thanks to Aune for sending the N7 for review!
All digital music files that are lossless or hi-rez flac or dsd files played locally, or in the case of flac files possibly streamed from Qobuz, all through Roon.
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:27 Shameless Self Promotion 01:54 Use Timestamps! 02:14 About the N7 07:41 UI & Output Switching 09:19 Thermal Management 11:32 Sound 20:41 Comparison with S17 Pro EVO 25:44 Comparison with Schiit Asgard X 32:38 Final ThoughtsZikman Tiber IEM Cable - Earning its Tiber Stripes in the Hi-End IEM Cable Game?Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-24 | Thanks to Zikman for sending the Tiber for review!
Buy from Zikman: https://zikman.audio/product/zikman-tiber/
Want to support the channel? Consider becoming a member! Or you can join my Patreon here:
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:03 Shameless Self Promotion 01:30 About the Tiber 04:03 The Challenge I Gave Zikman 05:48 Test Gear & Sound 07:40 Comparison to Effect Audio Eros S II 10:13 Final ThoughtsUltra-Violectrics! HPA V324 vs HPA V281 Headphone Amps Battle Royal!Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-22 | Let's do a deep dive comparison between two awesome Violectric headphone amps: HPA V281 and HPA V324. Which one is right for you and why?
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:08 Shameless Self Promotion 01:36 Setup 02:30 Features Analysis 04:40 Volume Control Analysis 07:25 I/O Configurations & Footprints 08:08 Headphone Types Discussion 13:09 Comparison with Difficult-Driving Planars 15:36 Comparison with Hi-Z Dynamics 17:34 Analysis of First 2 Headphone Categories 19:38 Modhouse Tungsten? 20:48 Comparison with Easy-Driving Planars 22:55 Comparison with Lo-Z Dynamics 26:40 Takeaways & RecommendationsViolectric HPA V324 Headphone Amp Review - Great VU! Great Sound?Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-21 | Thanks to Power Holdings, Inc. for sending the V324 for review!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:53 Shameless Self Promotion 02:20 About the V324 09:30 Unit Tour 15:34 Sound 26:48 Comparison to Prelude 30:20 Comparison to Oor 33:05 Wrap UpLIVESTREAM! Follow-Up Discussion to EP06 of Making Waves with WaveTheory! Navigating ConflictsReviews By WaveTheory2025-11-20 | Join me LIVE for a follow-up discussion of the most recent episode of my podcast Making Waves with WaveTheory about how viewers can navigate conflicts of interest in audio reviews! 19 November at 9pm eastern, 8pm central, 6pm pacific.
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Make a 1-Time Donation to Support Me on PayPal: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7N7Z8WRLWQ36EFirst Impressions Available Now for Jotunheim 3 & Ananda Unveiled -Audivina LE - Edition XV - HE600!Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-20 | Become a member to watch or buy access on Patreon for just $3 apiece!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:03 Shameless Self Promotion 02:30 Use Timestamps! 02:48 About the Ori 3.0 08:00 Pads, Meshes, and Cables Oh My! 12:10 Yeah, They're Gorgeous 13:24 Sound Leak Test! 19:45 What Does Closed-Back Really Mean? 20:45 Test Gear Listed in Description 21:09 Sound (Tonality) 30:33 Sound (Technicals) 38:59 Comparison to Focal Radiance 40:11 Comparison to Dan Clark E3 42:11 Comparison to HiFiMan Isvarna 43:35 Comparison to Calderas 44:37 Wrap UpFiiO K13 R2R - DAC/Head Amp/Preamp/EQ Review - All for $320 And It Sounds Great! Whats the But?Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-14 | Thanks to Fiio for sending the K13 R2R for review!
Buy from Apos Audio (affiliate link): https://apos.audio/products/fiio-k13-r2r-desktop-dac-amp?sca_ref=1448954.julYPU81dF Buy from Amazon (affiliate link): amzn.to/3JZf017
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Chord 2Go + 2Yu: youtu.be/S3O7JNOJIqI -the Chord was connected to both DACs via coax, since the 2yu has 2 coax outputs. Schiit Mimir: youtu.be/JnT_3HpAHt0 Burson (again) Susvara Unveiled (again)
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 01:23 Shameless Self Promotion 01:50 About the K13R2R 05:55 Build, I/O, Operation, Remote Control 14:32 Test Gear - See Description 15:01 Sound - As AIO 19:23 Sound - DAC...and the "But" 25:15 Sound - With PL50 LPS 26:43 Sound - The DAC & Amp Complement 28:33 DAC Comparison with Schiit Mimir 38:30 AIO Comparison with Schiit Asgard X w/ MESH card 41:21 ConclusionsMake It Make Sense! Navigating Conflicts of Interest in Audio Reviews - with Lachlan Fennen!Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-12 | Lachlan Fennen of Passion for Sound joins me to finish our conversation about conflicts of interest in audio reviews and discuss tips for how the audience can manage them.
Access Edenberg & Shielden's work on major streaming platforms: hyperfollow.com/edenbergshieldenSpotify Lossless...Some Quirks, But How Does it Sound?Reviews By WaveTheory2025-11-11 | I give my take on whether Spotify's entry into lossless streaming is worth it for people serious about audio.
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00:00 Intro 00:22 Shameless Self Promotion 00:49 Disclaimers 02:57 About Spotify Lossless 05:28 No Bit-Perfect About 10:49 Downloads Preferred For Better or Worse 12:45 Let's Be Nerds! 13:30 Sound 21:26 Final ThoughtsLIVESTREAM - Follow Up Discussion to Podcast Episode About Narratives in Audio! - Weds 11/5 9e/8c/6pReviews By WaveTheory2025-11-06 | Join me for a follow up discussion of Episode 05 of Making Waves with WaveTheory!
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Info on Dr. Milind Kunchur - sites.google.com/view/kunchur/homebioHEDDs First Dynamic Driver Headphone Has Space-Age Driver Tech! HEDD D1 Headphone ReviewReviews By WaveTheory2025-11-06 | Thanks to HEDD for sending the D1 for review!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:08 Shameless Self Promotion 02:36 Use Timestamps & Takeaways 05:09 About the D1 08:40 Build, Fit, Comfort 13:53 Test Gear 18:18 Sound 29:49 Comparison with Mirph-1 33:24 Comparison with Senn HD650/6XX 43:56 Final ThoughtsFiiO S15 Streamer/DAC/Preamp Review - A Different Sort of HiFi Gear for a Different Sort of Use CaseReviews By WaveTheory2025-11-03 | Thanks to FiiO for sending the S15 for reivew!
00:00 Intro, Pricing, Disclaimer 02:17 Shameless Self Promotion 02:46 About S15 & User Interface 08:55 Remote Control & Firmware Report 11:14 I/O & Additional Options 15:56 Integrating S15 into a Home Theater System 20:22 Test Gear 22:36 Sound & Comparison to Schiit Mimir 30:14 Final ThoughtsYour Narratives Are Wrong! Making Waves with WaveTheory EP 05 - With GoldenSound!Reviews By WaveTheory2025-10-29 | I'm joined by Cameron Oatley, AKA GoldenSound to analyze narratives in the audiophile hobby. Is balanced better? Is USB really that noisy? Is there really a tube sound? And more! Are these narrative right? Wrong? Were they right and are no longer? Were they wrong but are becoming true? Or any combination thereof? Get our takes in this episode!
Listen to the Audio-Only Version on Major Streaming Platforms (EP05 available at 4am American Central time on 29 October 2025):
00:00 Check out the Streaming Options! 00:35 Intro, Guest & Featured Artist Info 03:28 Audio Issues - Working on It! 04:03 Balanced is Better? 26:36 USB is Noisy 33:02 Break 1 33:34 Galvanic Isolation Solves Noise Problems 37:29 The Tube Sound is Warm & Thick 48:39 Hi-Z Headphones Need Tubes 59:06 Frequency Response is All That Matters 01:04:11 What Does Minimum Phase Mean? We Argue About Cables! 01:53:18 Break 3 01:54:14 You Can't Trust Your Ears! 02:09:14 Estats are fast/dry/bass lean 02:17:58 Outro & "Time to Shine" By CS Rucker and collaborators