Periodic Audio is an audio brand that specializes in creating high-performance in-ear monitors (IEMs) and headphones. They are known for their dedication to precision engineering and creating high-quality audio products.

Periodic Audio

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In the realm of audio technology, a significant development is set to be unveiled at CES 2024. AURO-3D, a pioneer in audio solutions, is introducing the AURO-CX, touted as the first and only truly scalable next-generation audio codec. This new technology is designed to revolutionize the way audio is streamed and broadcasted, with a keen focus on scalability in quality, channel count, sample rates, and objects within a single bitstream.

AURO-CX stands out for its ability to support multiple resolutions within one bitstream, accommodating 48, 96, and 192kHz sample rates. This flexibility allows content distributors to cater to a diverse audience range, from audiophiles seeking high-resolution immersive audio to a broader consumer base with different bitrate requirements.

The codec also showcases a unique approach to immersive audio, embedding objects in 13.1 immersive audio for a more three-dimensional and higher-quality height channel experience. This method is a departure from traditional techniques, ensuring that the audio quality is not compromised, particularly in the height channels of an immersive setup.

Moreover, AURO-CX encompasses a range of broadcast features like dialogue enhancement and localized audio for multiple languages, making it a versatile choice for a variety of applications. The codec's inherent scalability is a key advantage, offering efficiencies in storage space and reducing the need for multiple encoding passes – a benefit for content creators, distributors, and streaming services.

As AURO-3D prepares to showcase this groundbreaking technology at CES 2024, the anticipation within the audio industry is palpable. The AURO-CX codec is poised to set a new benchmark in audio streaming and broadcasting, offering unparalleled flexibility and quality in audio delivery.

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Experience the Future of Audio with AURO-CX at CES

AURO-CX's CES Debut: Experience the future of immersive audio technology.

If you're curious about what makes some headphones cost as much as a car, here's a straightforward breakdown of some of the most luxurious headphones available, ranked from least to most expensive. We'll dive into what each pair offers, focusing on their technology and design.

## 1. Ultrasone Edition 5 Unlimited

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.26.32.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_26_32_cac12ff880/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_26_32_cac12ff880.png)

**Price:** About $5,000  
**Tech Specs:** The Ultrasone Edition 5 Unlimited uses something called S-Logic Plus technology. This setup aims to deliver sound in a way that mimics natural hearing - the audio seems to come from around you rather than being pumped directly into your ears. This is achieved through decentralized driver positioning, which also potentially reduces ear fatigue. The headphones use Ethiopian sheepskin for ear pads, ensuring comfort, and American cherry wood for the outer casing, which affects the sound's warmth and resonance. They cover a frequency range from 5 Hz to 46 kHz, offering detailed highs and deep lows.

## 2. Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.30.26.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_30_26_606e071381/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_30_26_606e071381.png)

**Price:** Around $8,000  
**Tech Specs:** The Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC boasts planar magnetic drivers known for their ability to handle high power without distortion. The drivers are quite large, allowing for an expansive, open soundstage. Its sturdy aluminum frame and adjustable headband help achieve a good fit, which is crucial for both comfort and optimal sound delivery. These headphones have a frequency response range from 5 Hz to 28 kHz, ensuring you hear every detail in your music.

## 3. HIFIMAN Shangri-La

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.25.14.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_25_14_4a7c52c074/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_25_14_4a7c52c074.png)

**Price:** $50,000  
**Tech Specs:** The Shangri-La set is all about clarity and detail. It uses electrostatic technology, which involves a thin, electrically charged diaphragm between two conductive plates. This setup allows for incredibly accurate sound reproduction, especially in the higher frequency ranges. The system includes tube amplifiers, known for their warm, rich sound quality. The frequency response here is exceptionally wide, from 7 Hz to 120 kHz, capturing nuances well beyond the limits of human hearing.

## 4. Sennheiser HE 1 / Orpheus

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.22.35.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_22_35_0fa71d9ecb/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_22_35_0fa71d9ecb.png)

**Price:** $59,000  
**Tech Specs:** The Sennheiser HE 1 combines an electrostatic headphone system with a tube and transistor hybrid amplifier. The choice of Carrara marble for the amplifier isn't just for looks; it naturally suppresses noise, helping to keep the output incredibly clear. The headphones themselves can reproduce sounds from 8 Hz to more than 100 kHz, far beyond what the human ear can detect, ensuring that what you do hear is extraordinarily precise and detailed.

## 5. Focal Utopia by Tournaire

![Screenshot 2024-04-18 at 13.32.38.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_32_38_a675727ac7/Screenshot_2024_04_18_at_13_32_38_a675727ac7.png)

**Price:** $120,000  
**Tech Specs:** Beyond their flashy design with gold and diamonds, the Focal Utopia by Tournaire headphones feature Beryllium drivers. Beryllium is prized in high-end headphone design for its stiffness and lightness, which translates to a very fast response and minimal distortion across the audible spectrum and beyond, with a frequency range from 5 Hz to 50 kHz. This means these headphones not only look luxurious but also provide top-notch sound quality.

## Final Thoughts

These headphones aren't just about listening to music; they're about experiencing it in the most detailed and luxurious way possible. Whether it's the advanced driver technologies, the use of rare materials, or the integration of traditional tube amplifiers, each of these models offers something unique for the audiophile who wants the very best.

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Top 5 Most Expensive Headphones for Premium Audio Quality

Focal is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment.

Focal

Sennheiser is a widely recognized audio brand known for producing high-quality headphones, microphones, wireless systems, and other audio products.

Sennheiser

HIFIMAN is an audio brand known for producing high-quality headphones and audio equipment.

HIFIMAN

Abyss is a high-end audio brand known for its innovative and high-quality headphones.

Abyss

Ultrasone is a German audio brand known for their high-quality headphones that utilize S-Logic technology for a more natural sound experience.

Ultrasone

Discover the top 5 most expensive headphones: a guide to the world's most luxurious and technologically advanced models for discerning audiophiles.








Utopia

In a significant stride within the HiFi landscape, Fosi Audio has emerged as a notable player, captivating audiophiles with its innovative approach and commitment to quality. The brand's dedication to harnessing customer feedback and integrating it into their product development is evident in their latest offerings: the V3 and ZA3 amplifiers.

The Fosi Audio V3, praised for its elegant design and impressive performance, stands out in the budget-friendly sector. With its TI TPA3255 class D amplifier IC and customizable op-amps, this amplifier offers an exceptional audio experience at a price that doesn't break the bank. Particularly noteworthy is the 48-volt version, which provides enhanced power and performance. The V3's construction ensures it runs cool even at high outputs, and its low noise and distortion levels, coupled with an above-average SINAD of around 88 dB, mark it as a top choice for those seeking quality without high costs.

Building on the success of the V3, Fosi Audio introduced the ZA3, further solidifying its position in the market. This amplifier brings to the table an array of features aimed at delivering unparalleled sound quality. Its robust build, the opportunity for sound customization, and a Mono Mode switch for increased power, make it a standout. With balanced inputs and a dedicated subwoofer output, the ZA3 caters to the nuanced needs of audiophiles, offering versatility and superior audio clarity. Its cool operation and efficient power management are just icing on the cake.

As Fosi Audio continues to innovate and collaborate with its user base, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a brand truly listens to its audience and commits to quality. The V3 and ZA3 are not just products; they are the embodiment of Fosi Audio's vision to deliver high-fidelity sound to more people, redefining the HiFi experience with unmatched value and performance.

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Fosi Audio's ZA3 Hits a High Note with 24-Hour Sell-Out Achievement

Fosi Audio is a brand that specializes in audio products.

Fosi Audio

Explore the ZA3's journey to becoming a 24-hour sell-out star, a testament to Fosi Audio's innovative and quality-driven design.

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Interesting articles

Experience the Future of Audio with AURO-CX at CES

Top 5 Most Expensive Headphones for Premium Audio Quality

Fosi Audio's ZA3 Hits a High Note with 24-Hour Sell-Out Achievement