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2020-2021 Portable Audio Buyer’s Guide
It’s that time of year again where The Headphone List gathers the best audio gear we have heard over the past year or so, providing the best value at various price ranges. These hand-picked in-ear monitor (IEM), headphone, digital audio players, and DAC/amp selections are can’t miss items that will add to any collection or be a great entry into the world of hi-fi audio.
Want to find out more? Reviews are linked, when available, as some of the listed product reviews are still in the works, expected in Q1 or Q2 of 2021. But rest assured, the entries sans reviews are still worthy and we will be happy to answer specific questions you may have.
In-Ear Monitors (IEM) and Headphones
Under $500
Fiio FH3 Earphone ($129): Cracking clean and dynamic sound from an affordable hybrid. Recommended by Ryan Soo | Launch Announcement
1More ANC True Wireless Bluetooth Earphone ($179): A detailed and exciting TWS earphone with an effective adjustable ANC that doesn’t break the bank. Recommended by Ryan Soo
Penon ORB Earphone ($259): One of the most unique sounding IEM of this year. Let it be the organic toanlity, thumpy and deep lower end or natural and fatigue free listening, the ORB is simple fantastic. Recommended by Suman Sourav Meher | Review
DUNU DK2001 Earphone ($299): Fun, full, and grand-sounding IEM on a budget. No big compromises are made with sound quality and the stock cable is excellent. Recommended by Suman Sourav Meher | Review
Moondrop Blessing 2 Earphone ($319): Harman target tuning and a technically impressive driver setup at an accessible price. Recommended by Ryan Soo
Manufacturer’s Page | Buy on Apos Audio
Audeze LCD-1 Headphone ($399): Comfortable, coherent, and balanced planar at a reasonable price. Recommended by Ryan Soo
Jomo Percussion 3 Earphone ($449): A prime example of what a simple hybrid system is capable of. Thumpy bass, natural midrange, and sparkly treble with a W shaped sound. Excellent for those who want a fun sounding IEM for around $500. Recommended by Suman Sourav Meher | Review
Ollo S4X Headphone ($490): An elegant and classic looking headphone meant of monitoring purposes has one of the best accuracy and details. This is the headphone to beat for under $500. Recommended by Suman Sourav Meher | Review
ADV. M5-TWS Custom Bluetooth In-Ear Monitor ($499): We’ve fans of innovation here on THL, but if you’re passionate about sound quality, I’m sure the TWS form factor has been something to avoid. Enter the ADV. M5-TWS Custom, featuring a reference-leaning tuning and 3D printed, custom design. It currently lies at the pinnacle of TWS sound quality, tuning, and fit, but expect to pay a hefty premium to obtain it. Recommended by Ryan Soo | M5 Universal Review
Above $1K
Avara EST-6 Earphone ($1,100): Masterful timbre and tone while undercutting most competitors. Recommended by Ryan Soo | Review | Review by Deezel
Ultrasone Edition M Plus Headphone ($1,150): Small, lightweight, yet perfectly durable, with true audiophile clarity. Edition M Plus is the entire package for reference-grade, portable monitors. Recommended by Pinky Powers
Metal Magic Research Homunculus Earphone ($1,699): Smooth, airy, rich, and wholesome… and built like a tank. Homunculus is a remarkable, top-grade IEM with a brilliant balance of musicality and neutrality. Recommended by Pinky Powers | Review
Source Equipment
Radsone EarStudio HUD100 mk2 DAC/Amp ($90): One of the clearest and highest detailed sounding DAC/Amp which can be used with mobile phones and PCs. Easy to carry around. Recommended by Suman Sourav Meher | Review
Topping L30 Headphone Amp ($139): Topping cemented themselves as masters of objective audio when they released their NFCA-based A90 that topped SNR charts around the globe. The same technology can now be had at a vastly cheaper price in the form of the L30. That means, excellent driving power, a black noise-floor and low OI for versatile driving power for all of your gear big and small! Recommended by Ryan Soo | Review
Manufacturer’s Page | Buy on Apos Audio
Earmen TR-amp DAC/Amp ($249): An excellent sounding DAC/AMP for transportable multipurpose use. Lovely tonality with up to the mark details. Recommended by Suman Sourav Meher | Review
Cayin N3Pro Digital Audio Player (DAP) ($459): Feature-rich, compact, awesome sound, and vacuum tubes! This is the coolest DAP I’ve seen in this price range. Recommended by Pinky Powers
Shanling M6 Digital Audio Player (DAP) ($499): One of the most neutral sounding DAPs in the market with open source android. It can do all that an android device can do without compromising on sound. If Neutrality is the main focus, the M6 is the one to get. Recommended by Suman Sourav Meher | Review
Cayin N6ii Digital Audio Player (DAP) ($1,320): Whichever module you go with, you will achieve audio nirvana. But for Pinky, the E02 module stands as the current pinnacle and is his reference player. Recommended by Pinky Powers
Let us know your thoughts and/or how this helped you with your buying decisions. Using the included affiliate links helps keep THL going. If there is no review linked, there is one in the works!
Happy Holidays from the THL team!
The post 2020-2021 Portable Audio Buyer’s Guide first appeared on The Headphone List.
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