What to Look Forward to at Can Jam NYC 2024

Every year, audiophiles flock to New York City to start Can Jam season. The event will take place in Times Square on March 9th and 10th, and is sure to have a few showstoppers for visitors to listen to. Below, you can find the headphones, IEMs, and audio gear we’re looking forward to seeing the most at Can Jam 2024.

Desktop Equipment

Eversolo DMP-A8

Eversolo burst onto the scene in 2023 in a big way. Their DACs Z6 and Z8 came first and now the DMP-A6 and DMP-A8 have arrived. The DMP-A8 is a streaming DAC that supports direct audio passthrough so it’s not bottlenecked by Android OS’ audio limitations. With a large LCD touchscreen, Dual AKM DAC chips, and direct support for streaming services, the Eversolo DMP-A8 looks to be a huge hit at Can Jam. 

Fiio R9

Fiio is probably best known for their DAPs, so it was definitely a happy surprise when they released their Desktop streamer, the R7, last year. Now they’re back with the R9. The R9 offers a few technological upgrades over the R7, including HDMI ARC compatibility, 8-channel DACS and amp stages, and a 5-stage audio architecture. As all-in-one devices become more popular, Fiio is a player to keep an eye on. 

Hifiman EF499 and EF500

In early February, Hifiman announced that they’d be expanding their output of DAC/Amps with the EF499 and EF500. Using the company’s popular Hymalaya R2R DAC tech, the EF500 is the higher end offering of the two DAC/Amps, though the EF499 is no slouch, also taking advantage of R2R tech. With sleek designs that ensure small footprints, the EF499 and EF500 should definitely be on your list for this year’s Can Jam.

Headphones

Final Audio D7000

If you’ve been keeping up with Major Hifi, you know that we loved Finals new headphone, the D7000. Now you can check it out for yourself at this year’s Can Jam. As a refresher, the D7000 is Final’s new top of the line headphone that uses a Pinna Align Diffuser to bring a unique new sound to the table. You can check it out at Final Audio’s booth and well as Audio46’s. 

Meze Liric II

The Liric II is Meze’s update to the original Liric. Going this time for a neutral-warm tonality, the Liric II is an impressive headphone clocking in at $2,000. Now sporting wood ear cups and utilizing a Quarter Wavelength Resonator Mask (QWRM), the Liric II is back to impress with its holographic soundstage, relaxing sonic presentation, and premium feel. I’ve had a chance to hear the Liric II and I encourage everyone reading to check it out for themselves at Can Jam.

Fiio FT5

Like I said earlier, Fiio is probably best known for their DAPs and amps, but last year Fiio made a commitment to releasing headphones. The FT5 is Fiio’s flagship planar-magnetic headphone and I couldn’t be more excited to try it. Featuring a large 90mm driver, switchable terminations on the cable, and a neutral-leaning frequency response, the FT5 should be a high performer at this year’s Can Jam. 

IEMS

Campfire Audio Fathom

Campfire Audio has been churning out new products as of late, and their newest offering looks to be one of their most exciting yet. Using six custom-made BA drivers, the Fathom goes for a detailed presentation while offering a mid-forward sound experience. But I won’t lie, one of the most exciting elements of the Fathom is its design. Encased in a machined aluminum body and anodized in black, bright-dip, the Fathom uses Rainbow PVD fasteners to create a colorful effect. To put it more simply, this is a beautiful looking IEM from Campfire Audio and I can’t wait to see it, and listen to it, in person. 

Astell & Kern / Empire Ears Novus

Astell & Kern and Empire Ears have collaborated in the past to great results, and now they join forces again for the Novus. The successor to the Odyssey, A&K and Empire Ears look to improve on the Odyssey’s technological capabilities. Aiming for the sound produced by Astell & Kern’s SP3000T, the Novus goes for an ultra-high-resolution vacuum tube sound. The IEM is crafted from extremely high grade materials to set a new standard for what flagships can be. I’m really looking forward to giving these a listen. 

Hifiman Svanar Wireless

Not to be confused with Hifiman’s high-end Svanar IEM, this earbud is the headphone company’s entry into the TWS field. The Svanar wireless is super interesting in that they use Hifiman’s Hymalaya R2R DAC and headphone amp technology to drive the earbuds. With support for LDAC and other high-quality Bluetooth codecs, the Svanar Wireless may turn out to be a top contender in the TWS ring. I’m excited to see how they compare to offerings from Sony, Sennheiser, and others.