What it is:
The settings that the headphones were tested under.
When it matters:
When you want to better compare your experience with our test results.
[Coming Soon]
Our Tests
Firmware
What it is:
The firmware version the headphones were tested under.
When it matters:
When you want to compare or keep track of the features and possible issues mentioned in the review.
[Coming Soon]
Power
What it is:
Whether the headphones were tested with their power on or off. If the headphones are not powered, "passive" will show. Passive headphones are powered using a Schiit Ragnarok 1 amplifier.
When it matters:
The performance of powered headphones that have passive playback can vary when their power is turned off.
[Coming Soon]
Connection
What it is:
Whether we tested the headphones with an analog, USB, Bluetooth, or proprietary wireless connection.
When it matters:
Since the headphones' performance could vary depending on the type of connection, it's useful to know how we tested them.
[Coming Soon]
Codec
What it is:
The audio format used in testing the headphones.
When it matters:
The codec may have an effect on certain types of distortion tests, but it's unlikely that it shows up in other tests like frequency response.
[Coming Soon]
EQ
What it is:
What EQ settings, if any, were used in testing the headphones.
When it matters:
This will be important if you'd like to compare/match the performance of your headphones to what's reported in the review.
[Coming Soon]
ANC
What it is:
Whether the headphones were tested with active noise cancelling on or off. If the headphones don't have active noise cancelling, "No ANC" will show.
When it matters:
In certain cases, ANC can change the headphones' sound, so it's important to know what conditions they were tested under.
[Coming Soon]
Tip/Pad
What it is:
What tip/pad size and type was used during the measurements.
When it matters:
Foam tips tend to provide better isolation and leakage performance. Also, certain headphones come with multiple pads that provide different sound profiles for the headphones.
[Coming Soon]
Microphone
What it is:
Which microphone was used for testing (if the headphone comes with multiple microphones).
When it matters:
When you want to better evaluate the product and compare your experience with our test results.
[Coming Soon]
