CanJam NYC 2026 was massive this year, and Ethan and the gang pulled out all the stops, going so far as to have exhibitors spill out into the foyer.

I would like to extend special thanks to Noble Audio for making this coverage possible, not only do they make incredible IEMs and now Headphones, they have always been a great supporter of the Personal Audio community in general, often sponsoring our coverage of these events.

NOBLE Audio

My first stop of the show was NOBLE Audio, who were debuting the NOBLE FoKus PRESTIGE ENCORE ($699), a beautiful three-way hybrid follow-up to their famous flagship TWS IEM, the FoKus PRESTIGE, which up til now was my favorite TWS IEM despite the fact that the NOBLE FoKus Rex5 ($449) was actually the best sounding. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity for a review in the not-too-distant future. Also on display for your listening pleasure was the NOBLE FoKus Amadeus, the review of which posted just before the show. Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without their epic line of wired Universal and Custom IEMs, including the fabulous NOBLE KRONOS ($4,500), the NOBLE Shogun ($3,900), and the gorgeous NOBLE Van Gogh ($699). I was especially pleased to see a pair of NOBLE Viking Prestige ($4,300), which were uniquely two different colors based on what I consider to be the ultimate in IEMs, the NOBLE Viking Ragnar.

HIFIMAN

The most exciting thing at the show was HIFIMAN, who were launching a brand new wireless technology in two new headphones, the HIFIMAN HE1000 WiFi ($2,699) and the HIFIMAN Arya WiFi ($1,449), for the first time offering wired headphone performance in a wireless headphone. The brilliant Dr. Fang held a special presentation where he explained the amazing accomplishment that HIFIMAN achieved by building a WiFi music streamer, R2R DAC, and Headphone Amplifier into two of their top-tier headphones while only adding a mere 22 grams to the overall weight, overcoming the severely limited bandwidth that is designed into the Bluetooth format. For those who want their sound on the go, these beauties also support Bluetooth. Of Course, HIFIMAN also had their full line of reference-level dynamic, planar, and electrostatic headphones, DAC Amplifiers, and Headphone Amplifiers on hand for demonstration; unfortunately, they were so busy that I wasn’t able to get any clear photos of their display. One of the coolest setups was the HIFIMAN SHANGRI-LA jr Electrostatic headphone ($8,000) with the statement piece HIFIMAN SHANGRI-LA Amplifier ($50,000)

Dan Clark Audio

There was a new, fresh face at the Dan Clark Audio booth, Grover Neville, of course, my good friend Dan Clark was also about to share insights into his class-leading designs. And as always, all of his magnificent reference grade headphones were available for audition at his and neighboring HeadAmp’s booth, including what I believe to be the absolute state of the art Dan Clark Audio CORINA Reference Electrostatic Headphone ($4,499.99), and the pinnacle of planar magnetics whether you prefer the accuracy of closed back or the expansiveness of open-back, the Dan Clark Audio STEALTH Closed-Back Reference Planar Magnetic Headphone ($4,499.99), and the Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE Open-Back Reference Planar Magnetic Headphone ($4,499.99), or for those who want reference level sound but don’t have deep pockets their little sisters; the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X Closed-Back Reference Planar Magnetic Headphone ($1,099.99) and the the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE XO Open-Back Reference Planar Magnetic Headphone ($1,299.99) which offer the same sonic profiles as a much reduced price.

HeadAmp

Next door to Dan Clark Audio was HeadAmp, presenting their unbelievable HeadAmp cfa3 Deluxe Edition ss-zf Headphone Amplifier ($4,995) and their magnificent HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier ($6,995), still the most desirable Electrostatic Headphone amp out there.

qobuz

Once again qobuz was the official streaming service of the show, and they had representatives on hand to answer any questions one might have.

beyerdynamic

At one of the foyer booths, beyerdynamic was once again promoting their wonderful new beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII Premium Tesla Closed-Back Studio Headphones ($699.99) and beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII Premium Tesla Open-Back Studio Headphones ($699.99). And to add a little spice to the presentation, they had a selection of their world-class microphones on display, also.

GRADO LABS

Home town Brookland, NY, bespoke headphone and phono cartridge manufacturer was present, waving their family-owned and run credentials by having three Grados present, including owner and chief designer John Grado tending their booth displaying their new Grado Signature line, including the
Grado Signature HP100 SE Open Air Dynamic Headphone ($2,495), the Grado Signature S950 Open Air Dynamic Headphone ($2,195), the Grado Signature S750 Open Air Dynamic Headphone ($1,695), and their newest offering, the Grado Signature S550 Open Air Dynamic Headphone ($995) which was announced for this show, offering a relatively affordable entry into bespoke audio.