I attend CanJam SoCal almost every year, and always thoroughly enjoy it. The overall vibe at CanJam is so different when compared to typical audiophile shows. First thing you notice is that there is always a much higher percentage of younger attendees (under 40) than you see at a show like T.H.E. Show. Also, you see more couples and women. Anything that brings a younger crowd and women in to try out better equipment for enjoying music is not just a good thing, but also an important thing. It is also far more inclusive in that no one is dismissed for their age or gender. Everyone seems to be welcome and is treated equally well. The exhibitors at the conventional audio shows could learn a thing or two from that.
Another really nice thing about CanJam is that since everyone is using headphones, the choice of music getting played is never really in question. Almost every booth runs Qobuz, some using downloaded files in case of poor internet service, but most were fully streaming, allowing people to choose whatever they want to hear. Hearing your own choices in musical test tracks is critical and essential if trying to evaluate any audio product. Qobuz for the win!
Since I was primarily there to look at headphones, not really anything else, I went one step further and brought my Centrance HiFiM8 V2 DAC/AMP and used my iPhone streaming Qobuz to try out the headphones. The HiFi M8 V2 is an exceptional portable DAC/AMP and can easily drive any headphone (except electrostatics, of course) that you might want to try. It is my favorite amp in my own collection with my Beyerdynamic DT1770Pro (original model) and Meze 99 Classic headphones. I had a test track playlist in Qobuz, but when I arrived, I realized I had forgotten to actually download it to my new iPhone 16Pro. I was able to stream it, no problem, and set streaming over cell data to 24/96 resolution. I'll list the test tracks at the end of this report.
And since it has been a long time since I've written about headphones, I'll just add a reminder that I am only interested in, and only ever use, sealed closed back headphones. This is simply because there would never be a situation where I would use open back headphones. I can't imagine ever using them in public, forcing people near me to hear the tinny, screechy sound emanating from the backside of an open back headphone. I got stuck on a cross-country flight next to an otherwise nice person, but who had Grado SR60 headphones. Even with my older Beyer DT770 Pro blocking out most of the sound, I was always aware of whatever they were listening to.
At home, if my wife is there, she will not (understandably) tolerate my using open back headphones, which she can hear regardless of where she is in the house. If she isn't home, then I'll play through my two-channel system and speakers. Most of the time I just enjoy that experience more. Closed back headphones isolate me from outside sounds and as importantly, protect everyone else from my musical choices.
So, with just a few exceptions for other stuff, here are some of the closed back headphones I tried at this CanJam, mostly in alphabetical order:
ampsandsound Red October XL SE $18,000
First exception! This is the ampsandsound Red October XL SE amplifier, with designer and company head Justin Weber. Way out of the price range I write about, but I've tried several of Justin's amps both with headphones and speakers and they are universally excellent. I tried a few different headphones here and loved what I was hearing.
Audeze LCD-S20 $499
The new Audeze LCD-S20 proved to be a very enjoyable and comfortable headphone. When I asked the price, I originally thought they said $999 and figured that was a fair price for what I was hearing. At $499 this is a serious headphone! Great tone and bass character.
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250 $199
I've used a pair of DT770 Pro 600-ohm headphones since 1997 and absolutely love them. There have been design changes since then, and the newish 250-ohm DT770 Pro is certainly different, maybe better, but still cut from the same cloth. One of my top recommendations in their price range. I still like them with the Velour pads better than the leather pads.
Beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro Mk2 $699
I was very interested in hearing the new MK2 version of the DT1770, since my main headphone at home is the original version of the DT1770. I was concerned about the new low (30 ohm) impedance rating, as in other Beyerdynamic headphones I've always preferred the higher impedance versions. But wow, these sounded great. Imagine everything you might like about a DT770 but simply and substantially better in every way. I won't be trading my first generation DT1770 for the new version, but they are a superb headphone. One of the most comfortable headphones I've tried, too.
Dan Clark Audio Noire X $999
I've long admired Dan Clark's headphone designs, dating way back to his Mad Dog modified Fostex model under the Mr. Speakers name. But his Dan Clark Audio models clearly are exceptional. The Noire X headphones sounded wonderful in all regards. Great quality at the thousand dollar price point.
HiFiMan Audivina LE $399
Over the past year or so, HiFiMan seems to have drastically reduced their prices, making their generally excellent headphones a killer value, too. The Audivina LE was a nice listen and very well balanced in tone. Very comfortable, too. I really liked these. Nice seeing planer tech in such a moderately priced headphone.
HiFiMan Audivina $699
Similar to the Audivina LE, but using sculpted, lacquered hardwood cups to help generate a larger soundstage than many closed back headphones. To be honest, soundstaging and imaging aren't really on my list of headphone attributes I care about too much, but these were noticeably expansive in their sound. Nicely done.
HiFiMan Isvarna $2899
One of the few pricey headphones I tried. The Isvarna is a two way hybrid headphone using a planer magnetic driver and a separate dynamic bass driver, set up for time alignment and proper phase response. The blend was seamless and very well integrated, Strong deep bass without being accentuated or bloated. A great sounding headphone.
Meze Liric II $2000
Probably my favorite headphone at the show, as it has been at every CanJam I've been to since they first released it. Super comfortable, great sound that hits all the points I want, and still remains fairly easy to drive. Having both 99 Classic and 99 Neo at home, I have always been drawn to Meze's sound.
Qobuz
Second exception! Just a shoutout to Qobuz. I would say my favorite streaming service, but as of now it is the only music streaming service I subscribe to. I love the sound, their extensive catalog, and now that Qobuz Connect works between my iPhone and Windows based music server, it is easier to use than ever.
Schiit Valhalla 3 $499
Third exception! As usual, Schiit Audio was exhibiting a lot of different DACs and Headphone amps. They always bring a great mix of quality, innovation and value to the table. I've used an original Valhalla with my DT770 Pro headphones for several years and still love the combo. So I was very interested to see and hear the new Valhalla 3. It is a much more complete and advanced amp than the original, though still an OTL design that works great with high impedance headphones. It now includes an "impedance multiplier" switch to adjust for use with more common low impedance phones too. Add in preamp outputs for versatility and you have a winner.
Sennheiser HD 620S $299
Ever since I bought my first high quality headphones while in college in the 1970s, a pair of yellow foamed HD424, I've had a soft spot for Sennheiser. The HD 620S heard here are a strong competitor in the $300 price range. Good sound and really comfortable.
Sivga Peng $449
I had not heard the Chinese brand Sivga before this show, but this model (the Peng) were a pleasant surprise. Maybe not really tuned to my tastes, but surely they will find fans, and do seem to be well built.
Source AV
Last exception! A shoutout to SoCal dealer The Source Audio Video from Torrance. As usual, they showed a wide variety of headphones and amplifiers, while reminding everyone that more so than most big high end audio dealerships, they have also fully embraced the headphone and personal audio market.
VZR Model One MK II $359
I remember a few CanJams ago I heard the first version of the VZR Model One headphone. Largely a gamer headphone, but it was surprisingly fun to listen to purely as a high-quality music producer. The bass was clearly boosted but retained a decent tone and reasonable clarity. Now in MK II release they have tamed the bass and cleared up the sound even more. Not everyone will like how they look, but certainly they're a headphone worthy of an audition.
Here's my playlist:
