First Contact Archives

Campfire Audio Solstice – First Contact

January 25, 2020

$1000+, Custom Monitors, First Contact, IEM & Earphones

The Campfire Audio Solstice is a custom-built version of their iconic Andromeda universal monitor feature a 5-BA driver configuration and T.A.E.C technology. It is priced at $1499. Disclaimer: The Campfire Aud...

iBasso AM05 – First Contact

Marcus

January 17, 2020

$201-300, Balanced Armature, First Contact, IEM & Earphones

The iBasso AM05 is a 5 balanced armature driver universal monitor featuring a 4-way crossover and a designed using resin inverted mold technology. It is priced at $299. Disclaimer: The iBasso AM05 was sent to ...

Campfire Audio Solaris SE – First Contact

Marcus

January 10, 2020

$1000+, First Contact, Hybrid Universal, IEM & Earphones

The Campfire Audio Solaris SE is a special edition version of their flagship hybrid Solaris featuring 3D printed ceramic acoustic chambers and natural abalone inlaid. It is priced at $1899. Disclaimer: The Cam...

InEar ProMission X – First Contact

Marcus

December 21, 2019

$1000+, Balanced Armature, First Contact, IEM & Earphones

The InEar ProMission X is the company's new universal In-Ear Monitoring series flagship 10-driver IEM featuring a 4-way system and a hybrid wood design. It is priced at €2089. Disclaimer: The InEar ProMission ...

Noble Audio TUX 5 – First Contact

Marcus

November 30, 2019

$1000+, First Contact, Hybrid Universal, IEM & Earphones

The Noble Audio Tux 5 is a brand new hybrid 5 driver universal monitor featuring a 10mm dynamic driver and a quad balanced armature design. It is priced from $1300. Disclaimer: The Noble Audio Tux 5 sent to us...

Audeze LCD-1 – First Contact

Marcus

November 29, 2019

$301-400, First Contact, Headphones, Planar

The Audeze LCD-1 is the company's latest and most affordable planar magnetic headphone with an open-back, foldable and light-weight design. It is priced at $399. Disclaimer: The Audeze LCD-1 sent to us is a ...

Unique Melody Mentor V3+ – First Contact

Marcus

November 23, 2019

$1000+, Balanced Armature, First Contact, IEM & Earphones

The Unique Melody Mentor V3+ flagship sees the original V3 from 2017 upgraded, retuned and enhanced with a new carbon fiber shell design. The retail price is $2599. Disclaimer: The Unique Melody Mentor V3+ w...

Unique Melody Mason V3+ – First Contact

Marcus

November 22, 2019

$1000+, Custom Monitors, First Contact, IEM & Earphones

The Unique Melody Mason V3+ flagship sees the original V3 from 2017 upgraded, retuned and enhanced with a new carbon fiber shell design. The retail price is $3199. Disclaimer: The Unique Melody Mason V3+ was s...

Effect Audio King Arthur – First Contact

Marcus

November 16, 2019

$1000+, Balanced Armature, First Contact, IEM & Earphones

The Effect Audio King Arthur is a collaborative TOTL 16-driver monitor complete with a unique high-end 24AWG hybrid "Caliburn" cable. It retails for $6999. Disclaimer: The Effect Audio King Arthur sent to us i...

Empire Ears Wraith – First Contact

Marcus

November 8, 2019

$1000+, First Contact, Hybrid Universal, IEM & Earphones

The Empire Ears Wraith is the company’s flagship EP Series quad-electrostatic 11-driver universal monitor featuring their proprietary EIVEC technology. It is priced at $3499. Disclaimer: The Empire Ears Wraith...

Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 – First Contact

Marcus

November 2, 2019

$501-1000, First Contact, Headphones, Planar

The Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 is a new foldable upgraded design on the original AEON closed-back planar magnetic headphones. It is priced at $899. Disclaimer: The Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 sent to us is a sample in ...

Empire Ears Valkyrie – First Contact

Marcus

November 1, 2019

$1000+, Custom Monitors, First Contact, IEM & Earphones

The Empire Ears Valkyrie is the company's co-debut triple-driver hybrid electrostatic monitor featuring their proprietary EIVEC technology. It is priced from $1599. Disclaimer: The Empire Ears Valkyrie was s...

XI Audio Broadway – First Contact

Marcus

October 26, 2019

$1000+, Amplifiers, First Contact, Solid State

The Xi Audio Broadway is a transportable balanced/single-ended Class A headphone amplifier with both AC and battery power supply. It is priced at $2,299. Disclaimer: The Xi Audio Broadway sent to us for the pu...

Monoprice Monolith Liquid Platinum – First Contact

Marcus

October 25, 2019

$501-1000, Amplifiers, First Contact, Tubes

The Monprice Monolith Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli is a balanced version of the highly regarded Cavalli Audio Liquid Crimson amplifier. It is priced at $799.99 Disclaimer: The Monprice M...

Meze Rai Penta – First Contact

Marcus

October 12, 2019

$1000+, First Contact, Hybrid Universal, IEM & Earphones

The Meze Rai Penta is the company's flagship Penta-hybrid universal monitor featuring a single dynamic driver and a quad BA driver design. It is priced at $1099. Disclaimer: The Meze Rai Penta sent to us for...

iBasso DX160 – First Contact

Marcus

October 11, 2019

$301-400, DAP's, First Contact

The iBasso DX160 is the company's new mid-range compact digital media player featuring Android Oreo, a 1080p screen, and dual CS 43198 DAC implementation. It is priced at $399. Disclaimer: The iBasso DX160 w...

Shozy & AAW POLA39 – First Contact

Marcus

October 5, 2019

$501-1000, First Contact, Hybrid Universal, IEM & Earphones

The Shozy & AAW POLA39 is a re-tuned version of the electrostatic hybrid POLA monitor with more of a midrange and treble focus than the original presentation. It is priced at $950. Disclaimer: The Shozy &a...

Hifiman R2R2000 Red & Black – First Contact

Marcus

September 28, 2019

$1000+, $501-1000, DAC's, First Contact, Sources, Streaming

The Hifiman R2R2000 Red & Black Editions are the company's newest Hi-Res Bluetooth receivers using dual PCM1704K R2R, (Black) and PCM1702 R2R, (Red) DACs. They are priced at $2500 for the Black and $999 for...

Dethonray DTR1 Prelude – First Contact

Marcus

September 27, 2019

$501-1000, DAP's, First Contact, Sources

The Dethonray DTR1 Prelude is a boutique digital media player with a strong focus on a high-end audio performance. It retails for around $550 depending on location. Disclaimer: The Dethonray DTR1 sent to us ...

WAVAYA Octa – First Contact

Marcus

September 21, 2019

$1000+, Custom Monitors, First Contact, IEM & Earphones

The WAVAYA Octa is the company's flagship porcelain custom monitor featuring a double electrostatic array and a triple BA driver hybrid configuration. It is priced from €1,590. Disclaimer: The WAVAYA Octa sent...