CanJam SoCal 2024 - Coverage Sponsored by Noble Audio

Judging by the crowds even before the show opened, CanJam SoCal 2024 was the largest show yet and Ethan, Jude, and the gang did a great job making it enjoyable for all. 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.

Sporting a staggering 90 exhibitors, not only were the usual suspects in attendance, but many new faces as well.

NOBLE Audio

My first stop of the show was, of course, Noble Audio who always have something new and exciting to debut at these shows, and CanJam SoCal 2024 was no exception. Hot on the block was their latest True Wireless IEM offering the Noble FoKus TRIUMPH ($369) utilizing a custom-made 6.5mm dynamic driver coupled with a Cowell xMEMS driver, which proved so popular that they are already sold out and on backorder. Of special note was the Limited Edition (only 118 made) Noble Chronicle ($9,999) featuring an all titanium shell and is configured with dual bone conduction drivers, dual electrostatics, four balanced armature drivers, and coaxial dynamic drivers (10mm + 7mm) and is only available through select dealers (not available direct). But what stood out the most was Noble Audio’s launch into the Wireless Over-Ear Headphone market the Noble FoKus Apollo ($649) boasting the world’s first 1x40mm dynamic driver + 14.5mm planar magnetic hybrid driver speaker arrangement, which I plan to review in the near future, though like the TRIUMPH it is also on backorder.

qobuz

Per usual, Qobuz was the official streaming service of the show, providing high-resolution music to the vendors allowing listeners to test gear with music they love.

HIFIMAN

HIFIMAN was showcasing their new HIFIMAN HE1000 UNVEILED which is a huge step up in performance from the HE1000se at the reasonable price of only $2,699, as well as their recently released HIFIMAN SUSVARA UNVEILED ($8,000) which I reviewed not to long ago (Here). Of course, they also had their full line of wonderful headphones and headphone amplifiers on display for attendees to sample, including their newly released HIFIMAN ANANDA-BT R2R ($799).

MEZE AUDIO

Meze made a custom faceplate for their dCS Lina System ($31,150) to match their aesthetic while demonstrating the epic Meze Elite Aluminium Headphone ($4,000). Also on display were the Meze Liric ($2,000) and Meze 109 Pro ($799), as well as a brand-new open-back design the Meze 105 AER ($400). I also took note of the Meze Manta Headphone Stand which put me in mind of the original “War of the Worlds”

Schiit Audio

Schiit Audio were debuting two new products, the outstanding new Schiit Audio Gungnir 2 DAC ($1,599) the latest in their world-class multi-bit DACS, and for gaming enthusiasts the Schiit Audio Gunnr Gaming DAC/Headphone Amplifier, with microphone input ($229) and upgrade to the extremely popular Schiit Hel.

Dan Clark Audio/HeadAmp

Dan Clark Audio once again teamed up with HeadAmp to show off their epic line of headphones from their new Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noire Planar Magnetic Headphone ($899) to their flagship Electrostatic Headphone the Dan Clark Audio CORINA ($4,499) each providing best in class performance whether it be their flagship Planar Headphones the Dan Clark Audio STEALTH Closed-Back ($3,999) and Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE Open-Back ($3,999) or the amazing Dan Clark Audio E3 Closed-Back Reference Planar Magnetic Headphone ($1,999) or even the updated version of Dan’s original first design the Dan Clark Audio ETHER2 ($2,299) each made in house using drivers, unique technologies, and voicing all designed by Dan Clark. Providing the perfect match and counterpoint to Dan Clark Audio is HeadAmp whose wonderful HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier ($7,495) is universally recognized as one of the best Electrostatic Headphone Amps out there, and whose much anticipated HeadAmp CFA3 Gilmore Current Mirror Headphone Amp ($3,999 – $4,999 for the Deluxe Edition) has everyone lining up for an audition.