As part of their continued customer-focused approach, Westone Audio launches one of the industry's most technologically advanced universal fit earphones available on the market today. Developed by leveraging over 35 years of audio engineering and artist performance experience, the MACH Series is a one-of-a-kind product focused on delivering sound in its purest form.

"The MACH Series product combines over 35 years of engineering experience and tens of thousands of performance hours to capture this unique and true sound" said Jason Kidd, President & COO, Westone Audio "These sound signatures were previously offered exclusively in our professional custom in ear monitors, but now can be experienced by every listener." MACH is the latest in sound engineering that is bridging the gap between professional performance products and a product for the truest of music lovers. With its unique ergonomic fit, MACH is a product for everyday use and enjoyment.

1MORE, a globally distributed premium consumer audio company, today announced the evolution of their original CES 2020 Award-winning True Wireless ANC earbuds, with their brand-new EVO buds. The EVO builds upon everything that was loved about 1MORE's previous flagship True Wireless ANC and current ColorBuds 2 and produces something even better. Building upon their trademark dual driver design that gave 1MORE a THX Certification back with the company's last flagship wireless earbuds, the 1MORE EVO earbuds boast a frequency response from 20 Hz to 40 kHz, delivering extreme audio quality and earning the earbuds a Hi-Res Audio certification.

What's more, together with 4-time Grammy award-winning sound engineer, Luca Bignardi, and 1MORE's continued partnership with Sonarworks, the 1MORE EVO deliver incredible clarity, punchy bass, crispy vocals, unrivalled details and a wide soundstage which are excellent even at low volumes. Factoring in the support of the LDAC codec, the EVO provides a decoding rate up to 990Kbps to deliver a fully enriched detailed soundscape and accurate music reproduction. This is high-fidelity sound, but evolved into something much more. "Sound should be shaped around human ears' needs", said 1MORE's Luca Bignardi. He went on to say, "sound shouldn't have flat lines to only make laboratory engineers happy... by personalizing the sound for everyone, the 1MORE EVO makes it true more than ever".

When it comes to Bluetooth headphones with ANC, Sony is one of the best in the business and the company appears to be preparing to launch a couple of new products, if the most recent leaks are anything to go by. First up is the WH-1000XM5, which is an entirely revamped product and doesn't resemble its predecessors in the WH-1000XM series. The LinkBuds S on the other hand is something of a budget version of the WF-1000XM4s, rather than another peculiar design like the LinkBuds.

The WH-1000XM5 aren't as big of a move in a different design direction as Bose's 700-series was compared to the QuietComfort, but they're still different enough to make it obvious that we're looking at a new generation of product here. Sony has slimmed down the headband, but at the same time increased the area of the headband that's covered by soft materials, even though it might not actually touch your head. The earcups have a new design, but it looks like the touch control remains, since the only physical controls that are noticeable in the pictures consist of a power/Bluetooth slider and an NC/AMB button for switching between noise cancelling and ambient mode, as well as presumably turning off noise cancelling.

Astell&Kern, the global leader in premium high-resolution audio devices presents its debut set of true wireless earbuds, the AK UW100. Faithful to the company's philosophy of delivering sound reproduction that is close to the original as possible, these earphones build on Astell&Kern's audio technology expertise to deliver a class-leading, truly wireless hi-fi-grade sound.

The AK UW100's superior sonic credentials are endorsed by a dedicated high performance 32-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter), support for the latest high quality wireless connectivity options aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.2, alongside ultra-detailed Knowles Balanced Armature drivers.

Sony introduces a new way to enjoy your favourite music and the important moments in life, all at once, with the brand-new truly wireless LinkBuds. You can stay connected and aware at all times, with the help of an open ring design with audio transparency, ultra-small super fit and crystal-clear sound and call quality. By leveraging LinkBuds' unique design and its sensor and spatial sound technologies, Sony is creating new sound experiences together with their partners, such as AR gaming, new work from home experiences, sound AR navigation, and quick access to music.

LinkBuds have been created with a unique open ring design and allow you to tune into the outside world whenever you want, without compromising your listening experience. The newly-developed ring driver unit, has the centre of the diaphragm open for audio transparency, allowing you to clearly hear the sounds around, so you'll always know when someone calls your name whilst on a call, or easily chat with friends while listening to your favourite songs. Their new design makes LinkBuds the perfect companion for a range of uses, including working from home, gaming, listening to music, and more.

[Editor's note: Our review of theLypertek PurePlay Z5 can be found here.]

KS Distribution is very proud to announce the new Lypertek PurePlay Z5 true wireless earphones with Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling technology and newly developed PureControl ANC app. Lypertek believe that innovation is key when designing a new true wireless earphone, where sound quality meets functionality - seamlessly connected to create a truly enjoyable and engaging listening experience. With a history of releasing award-winning true wireless products, Lypertek has applied their vast experience and desire to create into designing the PurePlay Z5 - their first ever ANC true wireless earphone. To push the boundaries of what is possible in wireless audio, Lypertek has also developed their brand new PureControl ANC app: Specifically designed for the PurePlay Z5, unleashing its full potential.

Powerful 10 mm dynamic drivers deliver sound like never before, setting a new standard in what can be achieved in the world of affordable true wireless audio: Deep bass that goes low with controlled authority. Mids that provide insightfully clear clarity with richness and emotion. Treble that effortlessly extends far, creating space and definition in a way that sounds as natural as real life. PureControl ANC integrates an extra layer to the experience, providing added functionality and a personalised service to help create your own individual setup. Use the setup assistant to easily get you started on using your PurePlay Z5 quickly and without fuss.

final is an established audio brand that has made its name over the years, with the S'NEXT company it belongs to claiming several engineering designs and patents in addition to a solid reputation in the consumer and professional audio markets as a whole. We took a look last year at what I thought was final's first TWS (True Wireless Stereo) set of IEMs, but apparently that being a collaboration meant it did not count in terms of wholly representing the final brand. As such, final informed us recently that it had indeed been working on its own vision of a first TWS product, which is named the final ZE3000. Sound quality and comfort were prioritized in the design process, and accordingly the use of a single driver was done to avoid phasing issues. The driver itself, a full-range dynamic driver with a new 6 mm adhesive-less injection molded diaphragm, a special silicone surround and a CCAW (copper-clad aluminium wire) voice coil, aims to provide extremely low distortion while at it.

This "f-core for Wireless" driver unit is paired with final's proprietary f-LINK damping system to regulate the air pressure change inside the enclosed housing without introducing a vent. The advantages allowed come in the form of the necessary TWS components not affecting the air pressure regulating system necessary to make the most of the driver, as well as maintaining IPX4 environmental resistance that is crucial for TWS solutions today. This is how final claims the ZE3000 to be able to deliver a non-fatiguing, "relaxing and enjoyable music experience regardless of the music genres". On the technology side, the final ZE3000 is paired with a Qualcomm chipset allowing Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and aptX Adaptive codec support for music playback up to 24-bit/48 kHz, as well as pre-programmed touch controls. The shells employ a claimed ergonomic design with three points of contact in the ear concha, and being on the smaller side also helps with the physical fit. It uses final's Type-E ear tips, which are excellent in my opinion, and comes in black or white colors with a matching case. The advertised battery life is up to 7 hours per charge, and up to 35 hours with the case. The final ZE3000 is available to buy now for £119/€119/$149 from Hifiheadphones (UK) and Amazon US/Amazon UK.

Shure is unveiling the latest addition to its AONIC listening portfolio—AONIC FREE True Wireless Sound Isolating Earphones. Following up on the heels of the launch of AONIC 215 GEN 2, the AONIC FREE earphones introduce a new hook-free, pocketable design and unite it with the same unmatched studio quality sound that artists, audiophiles, commuters, technophiles, and music lovers have relied on from Shure's AONIC line. AONIC FREE boasts top-notch call performance in a sleek, lightweight, and compact design with long-lasting battery life, meaning these earphones are ready for an on-the-go lifestyle and the adventure that lies ahead.

Engineered from decades of experience supporting legendary performers, AONIC FREE provides clear, studio-quality sound with deep bass. This class-leading sound is powered by a premium amplifier and driver combination that was rigorously tested and tuned together—providing an unparalleled listening experience tailored to user preferences. In a world where personalization is expected, listeners can express their musical identity by customizing their audio experience with the ShurePlus Play app's custom multi-band EQ and pre-sets.

Linsoul Audio has been striving to bring the acoustic performance of professional in-ear monitors to the public. After two years of putting passion for perfection to the test and engineering, Linsoul has worked in conjunction with Peacock Audio to introduce the Peacock Flight, which is a superior hand-crafted set of true wireless earphones. Each Peacock Flight unit is handcrafted from start to finish, from the shell molding process to the wiring of the drivers. This is a bespoke design, which makes the earphones be a true one-of-a-kind artwork. The engineering and tuning process is meticulously conducted, and strict testing of each driver component ensures the greatest precision and quality control.

Acoustic performance always comes first on priorities for earphones. Equipped with a Qualcomm aptX HD-compatible chipset, the Peacock Flight supports aptX codecs, which ensures crystal clear sound production with extremely low latency. What's more, the Qualcomm QCC3040 Bluetooth chipset brings a stable connection to achieve the most coherent connection and listening experience. On top of that, the Peacock Flight is also equipped with Qualcomm's latest Clear Voice Capture (CVC) 8.0, which is a noise reduction algorithm that effectively filters out background noise to reduce up to 30 dB of unwanted ambient sound during phone calls. By accurately calculating the position of the caller in relation to environmental sounds, CVC 8.0 allows a pure sound transmission for cleaner and more audible calls.

Edifier, the award-winning manufacturer of premium sound systems, bookshelf speakers and personal audio devices, is introducing its newest audio product, the NeoBuds Pro, which is available to pre-order on IndieGoGo. "With the ever-changing landscape and need of consumers, Edifier continues to expand on its innovation to ensure that the best and most cost-effective products are given to our customers while remaining at the forefront of personal audio innovation," said Stanley Wen, Edifier's CTO.

Distinct from other noise cancellation earphones on the market, the Neobuds Pro are the first Hi-Res certified, noise canceling, truly wireless earphones in the market that boast a dynamic driver, Knowles balanced armature, and LHDC+ACC codec. Edifier's innovative research team conducted hundreds of tests that led to electronic-acoustic technology breakthroughs in the development of the NeoBuds Pro. The earbuds bring premium audio quality traditionally found in speakers and over-ear headphones to a more convenient, compact and wireless package. Its bi-amping with DSP-based active crossover technology ensures the dynamic driver and the armature driver are working in tandem to provide users with premium sound quality, deep bass, and crisp treble frequencies all with truly unique technological advancements.

As the market becomes saturated with commoditized headphone offerings that often put convenience-oriented features ahead of sound quality, Campfire Audio encourages music lovers to experience their music as it was meant to be heard: in full-bodied, no-compromise high fidelity audio. The company's new wired IEMs—which feature unique, hand-crafted designs in two sonically tailored variations, Satsuma and Honeydew—offer listeners an audiophile-grade soundstage and spectacular clarity at an affordable price.

As the quality and sophistication of consumer playback systems and streaming technologies continue to advance rapidly, Campfire Audio believes that many consumers are seeking a 'back to basics' approach with their audio—favoring features such as customized acoustic chambers, full-range balanced armature drivers, and quality cabling over convenient add-ons such as voice command and wireless capabilities. Both the 'orange-fizz' colored Satsuma and the 'mellow-yellow' colored Honeydew earphones are characterized by their superior acoustic performance and instantly recognizable design aesthetic.

Etymotic has announced the release of EVO, a culmination of 30 years of earphone engineering research and innovation. The Etymotic engineers have worked diligently to make these the highest-quality and truest sounding earphones on the market. The EVO was created to match the audiophile's lifestyle. By using a two-way design, it produces a tight, low-end sub bass while providing a true and transparent sound across the entire frequency spectrum. Beautifully integrating three balanced armature drivers into a molded stainless-steel shell, the Evo truly is beautiful in both sight and sound.

Accuracy-driven engineering and comfort-based design deliver an innovative new product for the Etymotic line. The Etymotic EVO is the most accurate multi-driver earphone on the market. Commenting on the new release, Tal Kocen, Director of Consumer Product Development at Lucid Audio said: "We waited so long to put out a multi-driver earphone because we wanted to make sure that it was the best it could be and held to our exacting standards for earphone design and sonic qualities. The EVO is truly where precision meets audio and you'll immediately hear it the first time you listen".

KS Distribution is pleased to announce the release of the new Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 true wireless earphones. This update to the multi award-winning PurePlay Z3 adds features such as the new Qualcomm QCC3040 chipset, Bluetooth 5.2, wireless charging, Hear Through mode and the new PureControl app compatibility - all this and more while keeping the price at £99/$99/€99.

Successor to the multi award-winning PurePlay Z3 (TEVI), the PurePlay Z3 2.0 takes the performance of Lypertek's first true wireless earphones to a whole new level. Utilising Qualcomm's latest QC3040 chipset allows for Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and superior connection quality thanks to its TrueWireless Mirroring technology. Added features including wireless charging, Hear Through mode and compatibility with the new Lypertek PureControl app guarantees to offer an outstanding and customisable audio experience.

[Editor's note: This press release is from the Philips US division, regional applicability may vary. Street pricing is already down to $149.]

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI) today debuts a new pair of premium, true wireless ear buds, the Philips In-Ear True Wireless Headphones TAT8505BKs. The True Wireless version of the popular Philips Wireless Over-ear Noise Cancelling Headphone TAPH805BK earbuds feature classic minimalist design and boast Hybrid Active Noise Canceling and Awareness Mode for control over what is heard, letting users sink into rich, detailed sound or tune into the world around them. The Philips TAT8505BKs are available on Amazon, for $199.99 USD, starting December 15, 2020 at 12:01 AM PST.

Love What You Hear
The perfectly tuned 13mm neodymium drivers ensure a detailed, expansive sound with rich, powerful bass and thrilling clarity for every track. When an earbud is taken out, the music pauses. Put the earbud back in, and the music starts up again. The Philips TAT8505BKs have a refined geometric design creating a comfortable in-ear fit. The circular earbud housing is tactilely pleasing and is designed to subtly catch the light, creating an elegant, understated look.

final, the Japanese high-end audio specialist, has announced their first step into the world of gaming with the new VR3000 gaming earphones - set to be released on 10/12/20. With the appreciation in high performance gaming equipment on the rise - the final VR3000 brings a fresh approach to delivering the highest audio quality, revolutionizing the gaming experience.

final has been involved in the audio industry for over 50 years, always innovating with cutting edge technology and design. The VR3000 is final's first pair of earphones created specifically for the purpose of gaming. The final VR3000 is an in-ear monitor, designed to be small and extremely lightweight - delivering headphone-like special sound with pinpoint accuracy and clarity. The in-ear design also allows for better mobility and device compatibility when compared to larger, more power-hungry headphones and headsets. Equipped with an in-line microphone and 3 button controller, the final VR3000 has a simple plug-and-play design allowing for in-game voice chat for a complete gaming experience.

RHA has introduced new cutting-edge true wireless earbuds to their award-winning lineup - the ergonomically stylish TrueControl ANC.
The TrueControl ANC combines a quality Qualcomm AptX sound signature with advanced active - and adjustable - noise cancellation, a sleek ergonomic design, advanced connectivity, and a 20-hour battery life. In addition, users can use the new RHA Connect App to customise their listening experience.

TAKE CONTROL
Whether it's the traffic outside your home office, the keyboards of your colleagues, or the thrum of the airplane engine, RHA's active noise cancellation turns the outside world off - so you can concentrate on whatever you're working on and whatever you're listening to. (Or just escape!) The TrueControl uses a passive noise cancelling design and ANC technology to eliminate outside noise. External microphones record the world around you, then target these noises with anti-sound.

Ultimate Ears (UE) today introduced UE FITS, the first-ever true wireless earphones with instant custom fit. Similar to fingerprints, each person's individual ear is unique. No two prints, even on the same person, are the same. UE FITS mold to perfectly fit individual ears in less than a minute with its patented Lightform technology. This goes beyond the standard tip sizes of small, medium and large. From podcasts and playlists on morning commutes, to conference calls while working from home or rocking that evening run, these instant, fit-for-only-you earbuds will stay in place for all-day comfort and deliver an exceptional audio experience.

"We are redefining wireless earphones with UE FITS," said Jonah Staw, General Manager and Head of Ultimate Ears Custom Earphones. "For the first time ever, we are bringing instant custom fit to premium earbuds. With the press of a button and in under 60 seconds, consumers can experience exceptional comfort and sound quality from earphones that perfectly fit the unique shape of their ears."

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech, and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, today announced new Oculus Ready immersive audio solutions for Oculus Quest 2 gamers. The new Logitech G333 VR Gaming Earphones and the Logitech G PRO Gaming Headset for Oculus Quest 2.

"The teams at Oculus and Logitech G share the same passion for gaming, and the same ambition to push innovation, design and technology to new heights. We are proud to be partnering with Oculus to deliver a next gen Oculus Ready VR audio experience," said Vadim Kogan, head of business development for VR and AR at Logitech. "The Logitech G333 VR Gaming Earphones and the PRO Gaming Headset have both been thoughtfully designed to support VR set up and to provide the most immersive and refined audio experience possible."

Leading value-for-money digital lifestyle accessories brand, Trust Electronics Ltd, is pleased to introduce its newest launches, the Nika Touch and Primo Touch Bluetooth Wireless Earphones, and the Tones and Eaze Bluetooth Wireless Headphones. The new launches offer the ultimate true wireless experience for an incredibly affordable price.

Combining great sound, an extra-long wireless range, portable charging capabilities and a premium, on-trend design, the Nika Touch offers a fantastic listening experience that is ideal for those who are always on-the-go. With a wireless range of 10 metres and Bluetooth 5.0, the earphones make listening to music or taking calls as convenient as possible, without the risk of losing connection. The earphones provide up to 6 hours of playtime from a single charge, however the carry case included with the earphones gives on-the-go charging, making the total playtime of the earphones up to 16 hours; ideal for long working days and traveling. With a stylish design, a secure silicone fit, touch controls and a built in microphone, the Nika Touch is a fantastic option for those looking for an affordable, ultimate true wireless experience.

Ayute Co Ltd, is set to launch a series of five new HP gaming headsets and earphones this Friday May 29, 2020. The five new models include the H150, H320GS, H360GS, H500GS BLACK, and H500GS GOLD. The five new models feature prices between 20 - 60 USD and are set to be released in Japan. The H150 are budget earphones with an adjustable boom mic, the H320GS and H360GS are both entry-level gaming headsets with LED lighting while the H500GS BLACK and H500GS GOLD offer a more premium design and features.

Following up on our coverage of CES goodies that are more than just swag, we continue exploring the wacky world of true wireless (TWS) earphones. The first set in this quick look series examined the Altec Lansing Nano Pods that clocked in at just $30, and today we up the ante into the oh-so-barely-under-$100 with the Creative Outlier Gold at $99.99. The company has impressed yours truly for three CES showings in a row with their Super X-Fi headphone holography tech, which we examined in the first retail iteration via their SXFI amp. This technology aims to replicate a surround speaker speaker audio experience into earphones/headphones, and requires their SXFI DSP to make the most of it. So when Creative said they have TWS earphones with SXFI, I was intrigued and simply had to test them for myself.

As it turns out, the Outlier Gold does support SXFI, but only with a software experience from their mobile app. This makes sense considering these are meant to be quite small and, well, wireless, and yet Creative claim a whopping 14 hours of battery life per charge. In addition, this set is an upgrade to their previous Outlier Air TWS earphones, which were quite popular for offering good value for money, and we see signs of it already with the packaging going with a two-piece unboxing experience with renders, marketing features, and product specs all over the box. Read past the break for more on these, especially if you are looking for a good balance of audio performance, battery life, and price point.

Edifier, the prominent designers and award-winning manufacturer of premium sound systems and well-known for its bookshelf speakers, today introduced their newest products, the TWS NB, TWS6, GM6 and G7, to its ever-expanding audio and gaming accessory lineup.

To fill a gap in the marketplace, the TWS NB features active noise technology found in noise-canceling over-ear headphones, in a sleek, truly wireless earphone design while boasting a fully noise-free, immersive listening experience at an affordable cost. Equipped with Knowles tri-frequency balanced armature driver, the TWS6 delivers a rich and powerful, all-encompassing sound in a compact and elegant design. In terms of gaming, the GM6 offers a truly portable mobile gaming experience with the security of listening to every sound in tandem with the visuals, while the G7 brings high quality, surround sound audio in a heat regulating, easy-to-use and stylish headset.

Audio-Technica is also introducing two SonicSport wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones. The ATH-SPORT90BT features a built-in music player for the ultimate in on-the-go listening convenience and along with the ATH-SPORT60BT includes a number of useful upgrades from previous models. Both headphones offer a host of fitness-friendly features including IPX5 waterproof-rated construction, a built-in mic and controls for smartphone and portable device operation, and stay-in-place designs that keep them secure even during intense workouts. Both feature improved high-sensitivity drivers for impactful, immersive sound and offer longer battery life along with additional improvements.

Audio-Technica's SonicSport ATH-SPORT90BT (SRP: US$159.00) has newly-designed 6 mm drivers with a powerful magnetic circuit and dedicated headphone amplifier, to bring high-quality full-range (20 - 25,000 Hz) audio reproduction to listeners with active lifestyles. The ATH-SPORT90BT includes a built-in 4 GB music player, making it the ultimate portable music device - no need to carry a smartphone around during workouts. The headphones can also be paired with a smartphone or other Bluetooth device if desired.

Audio-Technica is introducing its ATH-ANC300TW truly wireless in-ear headphones, which combine Audio-Technica's next-generation truly wireless technology with newly-designed digital hybrid active noise-cancelling (ANC) electronics. The result is improved high-fidelity sound and superior noise cancelling performance, all without requiring any connecting wires.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC300TW (SRP: US$249.00) utilizes digital hybrid noise cancellation. In this design, the ANC mics are located both in front of and behind the driver, with one of the ANC mics mounted in a unique horizontal configuration within the sound chamber. This allows the location of the driver and geometry of the chamber to be optimized for an ideal balance of ambient noise reduction and audio performance. The ATH-ANC300TW's 5.8 mm drivers feature a diamond-like carbon coated diaphragm that combines light weight with rigidity for faster response time and reduced distortion, along with powerful, impactful sound with generous bass response and improved high-frequency extension and clarity.

Creative had a positive impact on us at TechPowerUp who attended CES last year, with their retail demonstration of Super X-Fi headphone holography arguably being the most impressive product announcement at the trade show. Yours truly was especially taken aback with the hardware implementation of Super X-Fi, with the first product implementing it, the SXFI Amp, earning a well-deserved recommendation too. Naturally, we were eager to see what the company was up to next, and met them at CES this year too where it was evident they were going all aboard the Super X-Fi train, and inviting everyone along for the ride.

There were definitely a lot of hardware products with the SXFI DSP built in, but the main announcement was in the form of the new Super X-Fi Gen 2 audio profile. Gen 1, from last year, garnered a lot of positive reviews, but also had mixed reception from the general populace who had to rely on head mapping and not also the microphone-based measurements the press got in person. Indeed, my own experience with higher end headphones was not as positive, with music losing detail in favor of a surround sound speaker setup experience that perhaps was not necessary. The worse the audio source was, the worse this discrepancy was as well. Creative had gathered tens of thousands of ear profiles and feedback this past year, and used it to train their Super X-Fi AI engine to develop a more accurate, personalized audio profile as part of Super X-Fi Gen 2. The company claims this free update to all existing Gen 1 profiles will improve also the preservation of audio detail, as well as better positional accuracy as well. We will put this to the test soon enough, but read past the break on more new announcements from Creative, including all the new hardware with this technology built in.