CanJam NYC 2024 Recap

CanJam NYC 2024 Recap

Well, the time has come and gone; one other yr’s CanJam has handed. It was nice seeing the audio world come collectively in Times Square for one more installment of the premier headphone audio present. I noticed some acquainted faces, received an in depth up take a look at a few of the trade’s latest merchandise, and naturally, I listened to loads of gear too. If you weren’t in a position to attend this yr’s festivities, don’t fret, as a result of I’ve loads of impressions to share under. 

Headphones

Fostex TH-808: Fostex’s latest launch made an look at CanJam and I used to be excited to provide them a attempt. Given Fostex’s status for bass-lovers’ headphones, and the truth that these use the identical drivers because the TH900 sequence, I wasn’t too stunned to discover a punchy and dynamic expertise right here. I used to be additionally fairly impressed by the soundstage which sounded broad and pure. The solely nitpick I’ve is that the treble was a little bit extra ahead than I usually like. It’s a balanced-to-v-shaped tuning that Fostex pulls off actually properly. Plus, I can’t complain about the appear and feel of the headphone – the black walnut wooden housings are lovely and durable. 

Meze Liric II: We lined the Liric II already on Major HelloFi, so if you wish to learn the complete assessment, you’ll find that right here. The Liric II was one of many stars of CanJam with many cubicles utilizing the headphone to point out off their desktop and residential audio methods. As you could know, we cherished the Liric II, and it was cool to see the remainder of the trade in on it too. To recap, the headphone delivers a relaxed and neutral-warm sound signature that makes for a really nice hear. I’m certain it was additionally a favourite alternative amongst cubicles resulting from its closed-back however open-feeling nature that makes it nice for a showroom ground. 

Final Audio D7000: Like the Meze Liric II, Final Audio’s D7000 additionally made its debut at CanJam following a assessment right here on Major Hifi. The D7000 is meant to take a seat beside the D8000 professional as a prime of the road providing from Final. Utilizing a brand new Pina Align Diffuser, the D7000 packs new tech into a standard bundle, preserving their design language from the D8000, albeit with a brand new matte black end. Like the Liric II, we’re followers of the D7000 and it was good to see it get its huge unveiling at CanJam this yr. 

IEMs

Campfire Audio Fathom: Over-ear headphones weren’t the one stars of the present this yr. Several manufacturers got here ready with new IEMs that I couldn’t wait to attempt. That mentioned, we’re beginning with one other set that we’ve reviewed (you’ll be able to learn that assessment right here). My impressions of the IEM are fairly constructive. The soundstage feels pure, and the sound signature is correct up my alley. With a neutral-warm presentation, I discovered the Fathom to be pleasing to hearken to. I’m additionally a sucker for the colour accents which might be distinctive for a Campfire Audio product. 

Campfire Audio Black Star: I used to be simply as excited to listen to the Black Star, as it’s not simple to seek out. To my ears, I truly discovered the Black Star to sound fairly just like the Fathom, although there are some variations. I discovered the Black Star to have a little bit extra bass and a normal sense of life that the Fathom doesn’t fairly have. That mentioned, I’m a fan of extra relaxed sounding audio, so I truly most popular the Fathom’s extra pure and laid again feeling. The design of the Black Star was fairly spectacular with its chrome steel housing and black PVD faceplates. Overall, I had a fantastic expertise on the Campfire Audio sales space.

Astell & Kern / Empire Ears Novus: This was an thrilling piece to hearken to. The new collaboration between Astell & Kern and Empire Ears is a feast to behold. I’ve to start out off by saying I’ve by no means felt an IEM that feels the way in which this does. They’re premium, lovely, hefty however snug, and really costly. Tech-wise, this IEM is a beast, boasting 13 drivers, together with twin W9+ drivers for bass copy, 5 BA drivers (one from Sonion, and 4 proprietary NOVA Drivers by Knowles), 4 electrostatic drivers by Sonion, and two bone conductors by Sonion. The Novus provides off a lush soundstage and a visceral response that solely twin subwoofer drivers and bone conductors can create. These are positively price experiencing in case you have the possibility. 

DACs & Amps

Fiio K19: Fiio introduced their new DAC/Amp simply days earlier than CanJam and I used to be glad to attempt it out on the ground. I examined it out with Fiio’s personal FT5 headphones and located that this DAC/Amp was in a position to present clear energy with a balanced tonality. The K19 ditches the design of the K9 lineup with a brand new upright orientation that appears nearly like an web router. It additionally leaves bodily controls behind for a menu system the place you’ll be able to management all the gadget’s settings. Overall, it’s a sublime look and I respect the upright design which ought to theoretically cut back its desktop footprint. 

Hifiman EF499/500: The new R2R DAC/amps from Hifiman had been well-liked attendees of CanJam. I hadn’t tried them but so I used to be actually excited to get to listen to them. Overall, they sound fairly related, although the soundstage and determination of the five hundred are a bit higher. Of course, the EF500 makes use of a lite model of the Hymalaya DAC tech that you simply’ll discover in additional superior Hifiman choices which helps give it an edge over the EF499. Interestingly although, they each include distinctive colorways with the EF499 sporting a fantastic black and gold end and the EF500 sporting a extra understated silver end. The EF499 might be the higher worth however if you wish to get nearer to the tech that Hifiman makes use of of their larger finish fashions, the EF500 is unquestionably price it. 

Hifiman EF1000: Speaking of Hifiman’s larger finish fashions, I additionally received to attempt the model’s EF1000 DAC and amplifier. Wow, what can I say? This DAC/Amp paired fantastically with the notoriously hard-to-drive Susvara’s. If you’re a Summit-Fi listener with difficult-to-drive headphones, this pure Class A amp with a vacuum tube enter stage may be the proper mixture of tech and taste you’ve been searching for.  

Bonus

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000t: Another deal with that I received to check out at CanJam is the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000t DAP. Astell & Kern is an trade chief within the high-end DAP marketplace for a cause: their software program is snappy and works nice, and their sound is superb. The SP3000t is particular as a result of it truly has a tube contained in the participant. I attempted this with the aforementioned Novus and was blown away by the efficiency. It’s unbelievable what transportable audio is able to lately and I can’t wait to see what’s but to come back within the discipline. 

Summary

Audio tech is getting an increasing number of superior, with product worth getting higher and higher and kind components turning into way more ergonomic and well-designed. It was superior to attempt a few of the new releases and get an eye fixed on what’s to come back for the remainder of the yr. I’m already wanting ahead to subsequent yr’s occasion. 

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March 12, 2024 at 07:24PM