Latest & Greatest: The First Big Releases of 2025

There’s something exciting about the first big audio launches of the year. This month, Meze Audio, Abyss, and Astell&Kern have set quite the standard with three extraordinary releases. Whether you seek precision, power, or pure musicality, these new arrivals promise to redefine your listening experience.

Each one has its own unique magic, drawing you in and making everything else fade away as you just listen. Let’s dive in!

Meze Audio POET – A Symphony of Emotion & Precision

Some headphones impress you with sheer technical prowess, but POET does something more. It makes you feel. Every note, from the deepest lows to the most delicate highs, resonates with breathtaking clarity and warmth.

At its core is the MZ6 Isodynamic® Hybrid Array driver, inspired by the cutting-edge technology of LIRIC and ELITE. Enhanced with the Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) developed originally by Dan Clark Audio, POET refines high frequencies for a smoother, more immersive sound signature.

But what really stands out is the comfort and craftsmanship – though that’s hardly a surprise, coming from Meze. The magnesium chassis, titanium alloy headband, and precision-cut steel grille make it ultra-light yet robust, while the soft suede leather headrest and magnetic ear pads ensure effortless all-day wear. It’s a blend of artistry and engineering that Meze Audio has already mastered.

Abyss JOAL – The Jack of All Listening

If POET is an emotional experience, JOAL is a time machine. Abyss describes it as “the master tape for every song,” as it extracts every last detail from a recording, revealing layers of depth you never knew existed. Whether it’s jazz, rock, EDM, or classical, JOAL makes it sound alive.

Abyss’ patented planar driver technology delivers full-range detail, deep bass, and a truly immersive spatial experience. It’s like sitting in the recording studio itself, hearing every breath of the vocalist, every pluck of a string, every echo of the room.

And then there’s the build. Designed and crafted in New York, JOAL features:

• Lightweight CNC-machined aluminum frame for durability
• Magnetic headband for an adaptive, secure fit
• Plush Ultrasuede earpads for comfortable listening sessions

This is Abyss’ most accessible high-end headphone yet, but don’t mistake that for compromise. It’s pure sonic bliss.

Astell&Kern SP3000M Copper Nickel – Portable Audio, Elevated

If you think all digital audio players (DAPs) are the same, the SP3000M Copper Nickel Edition will change your mind. This new release from Astell&Kern isn’t just about cutting-edge audio technology – it’s about craftsmanship, materials, and the art of listening.

The copper-nickel housing, inspired by fine musical instruments, doesn’t just look stunning with its shimmering silvery finish. It also enhances the sound, adding depth, detail, and superior shielding from interference.

What we love most about Astell&Kern players is their ability to make music feel intimate and personal. The SP3000M Copper Nickel does exactly that, with an ultra-precise DAC and amplifier design that delivers uncompromised resolution and dynamic range.

If you demand the best portable audio experience, this is the player to own.

Start 2025 with the Best in Audio

To us, these products are a glimpse into the future of high-end audio in 2025. Meze Audio, Abyss, and Astell&Kern have crafted masterpieces that seamlessly blend innovation, craftsmanship, and pure musicality.

Whatever you’re in the market for, these three have something special to offer.

Which one speaks to you?