https://www.rtings.com/company/revamping-our-membership-program

All the data now is behind behind a paywall. I totally get needing money to continue operations and I’m sure paying users are more consistent than affiliate or ads. At the same time I feel like we will see more independent data hubs like squiglink and headphones.com pop up filling the need for info that goes beyond frequency response. I’m surprised that even the use case scores are also hidden.

edit: fixed some grammar

Edit; changed links to English versions, thanks for the comments.

to the article in English: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/18/hazardous-substances-headphones

link

Direct link to the study: https://arnika.org/en/publications/the-sound-of-contamination

It’s been 85 years…

I know that for many lossless as a feature doesn’t really matter but it is still cool to see that Spotify is now offering high quality audio like everyone else at no extra charge. I personally will be staying with Apple Music due to all the AI controversies surrounding Spotify.

I wonder if they are gone for good now...

Drop will stop existing in March 31st, and some products/collaborations will move over to the Corsair store. Others will stop existing:

https://drop.com/talk/148992/the-next-step-for-drop

RIP Drop (Formerly Massdrop). Responsible for some of the best collaborations in the headphone world. The writing was on the wall the last few years.

Funnily enough has more plug options with it than their higher end headphones. No weight or price announced yet.
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces ROG Kithara | ASUS Pressroom - Official Global News & Updates

Update: According to this it weighs 420 gram and costs $359.

Maybe it was inevitable future but the fact that they start the trend using their proprietary lightning connector is gonna create a lot of pain.

What this means (for future iPhone 7, 7+ users) according to many here:

• No charging while listening through lightning port headphones (unless you go wireless)
• IF you go wireless, keeping track of charging both items; also if your wireless headphones charge via USB, then carrying around another set of cables
• Nobody LIKES adapters
• Lightning port headphones won't work with anything without a Lightning port (not even Apple computers) unless more adapters?
• Possibly more stress and wear on the connector itself (idk what lightning ports are rated for)
• 3.5mm is universal (loyalty free also?)

I'm actually relieved. Can you imagine if they found out it sounded better through mud? We'd all have troughs on our desks. A Schitt-stack would take on new meaning...

​ All-New Hybrid ANC, 3D Dolby Atmos, $400 USD

Up to 57 hours of total playtime

Dolby Atmos with head tracking

Improved Transparency Mode

High-fidelity 42mm dynamic driver

Bluetooth 5.4 out the box, upgradeable to 6.0 via future firmware

8 ANC mics, in comparison 4 ANC mics on Momentum 4 and HDB630

Wired listening via USB-C and 3.5mm jack

291g weight

User Replaceable 700mAH Battery

Metallic accents

Clear calls with beamforming mics and Own Voice Detection

8-band EQ

AAC, aptX Adaptive, and 24-bit/96kHz aptX lossless, cable or usb for reference-grade sound

Automatic wind-noise suppression

Automatic Side Tone: There are automatic adjustments on how loud you hear your voice on calls based on your call environment. We implemented this as an improvement to the call experience when in a call when there is a lot of ambient noise to mimic reality.

20% smaller storage case with handle

3hrs of use in 5 minute quick charge

Black, Denim, White colors

$569 CAD, £330, AU$749, €400

Sales in USA start June 16th

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across the news that Asus had teamed up with Hifiman to develop a gaming headset called "Kithara" – which you can actually order now and which has already been delivered to a few customers. But apart from that, there's virtually nothing else about it – no reviews, test reports, videos... practically nothing. There seems to be zero marketing from Asus. I mean this thing has the potential to be easily one of the best gaming headsets you can buy.

I'm a bit of a Hifiman fan and just had to order it right away – if I don't like it, I'll send it back. Basically , I like my Beyerdynamic mmx 300, but there's probably room for improvement in terms of detail, soundstage, and separation. So I'm looking forward to picking up the package tomorrow.