Page 6 - Headphones

Since Sennheiser launched the HD800 in 2009, it has become a top pick for many headphone users world wide and is now known as one of the top benchmarks in the open-back headphone category. In February this year, Sennhesier decided to up the game from the HD800 to the HD800 S, while physically they both look very similar and have an almost identical design; optimizations have made the HD800S a superior headphone.

Like the HD800, the HD800 S are precision built in Germany with only the finest materials

In the pursuit of portable (truly portable) high-fidelity there have been a few hiccups along the way. If you've ever destroyed a pair of headphones in a moment of carelessness jumping from one piece of equipment to another in the gym or perhaps out of a train, you'll know this well. And, you'll also know that the vast majority of incidents related to portable hi-fi devices have something to do with the wires running between.

Wires aren't meant to move very much. Even the most robust of them are

Sometimes it pays to ask for something. In fact, if you don't ask you almost certainly won't get. We pride ourselves on listening to our customers and clients (yes, that's you!) and when a particular request comes up we will do whatever we can to meet their needs. Which leads me nicely onto the focus of this particular piece...

The rather eye-catching Fostex TH610 Headphones have been something of a hot topic in amongst our customers of late, with regular requests for "more Fostex" becoming

Fans of luxury, high-end headphones may be familiar with the brand Ultrasone, and perhaps even familiar with their famous first step into the luxury/high end market: the Edition 7. If you are familiar with one, or even both, of those things than you'll be happy to know there is now an equally high-end and highly refined tribute to them.

Those of you who enjoy the rare and limited will be even happier to know that this particular model is strictly limited edition. How limited? Just 777 units. That

Many of those who enjoy their music, typically enjoy their gaming too, on some level. Perhaps it's the technology, perhaps it's the visuals... and maybe it's the music? Whatever the reason, if you can find a way to combine hi-fi with gaming, you can guarantee it will be popular with everyone. It makes sense if you think about it, especially considering the effort most game developers put into the soundtracks these days - many of them are more immersive than film scores!

Ploughing your game through

Focal have long been regarded highly for their proficiency with drivers: their most recent releases in the loudspeaker department are a testament to that. Well, since the astonishingly well received Utopia range, they have taken some of the lessons learned and crafted something special for those who prefer their hi-fi in headphone form.

Combining over 35 years of driver and loudspeaker innovation, may I introduce...

Focal's new high-end headphones: Focal Elear and Focal Utopia. Elear sit in

Any high end pair of headphones needs a headphone amplifier to match, otherwise you're not getting your money's worth from the sound. But seldom are you able to match the warmth and lushness associated with valves in anything head-orientated. Unless, of course, you know where to look.

This is the Icon Audio HP8 MkII Valve Headphone Amplifier, a miniaturised valve amplifier that allows you to enjoy your headphones in a new and beautiful way.  It isn't new, but it is classic, and something that

Summer's here and the time is right for hitting the road with your favourite music. Is there anything better then taking a stoll in the sun with excellent sound? Well, as a matter of fact, there is: taking a stoll in the sun with excellent sound emitting from comfortable, lightweight headphones that are suitable for iPhone/Android.

Let's face it: in the heat of summer the last thing you want is a heavy pair of oppressive headphones clamped to your head, even when the sound is good. Heck, if you're