The Reviews Desk
Reviews
A growing collection of audio equipment, expensive mistakes, unexpected bargains and occasional moments of brilliance.
The ARSE Score
Every review includes an ARSE Score.
Because “Recommended” tells you almost nothing.
ARSE8.4
DACs & AmpsFiiO K13
“Warm, musical and dangerously easy to enjoy.”
2 JUN 2026Read Review →
ARSE8.3
DACs & AmpsTopping DX5 II
“The DAC that finally made me understand what people mean by ‘reference’ — once they stop shouting about it.”
24 MAY 2026Read Review →
ARSE9.1
IEMsSimgot EA500LM
“The £90 IEM that makes most £400 ones look slightly embarrassed.”
15 MAY 2026Read Review →
ARSE7.6
IEMsMoondrop Blessing 3
“Technically thrilling, emotionally polite.”
4 MAY 2026Read Review →
ARSE8.4
HeadphonesSennheiser HD 660S2
“The headphone that quietly survives the upgrade cycle.”
22 APR 2026Read Review →
ARSE8.1
HeadphonesHiFiMAN Edition XS
“Big planar magnetic energy for surprisingly little money.”
10 APR 2026Read Review →