LOS ANGELES (PTA) — This year’s CanJam SoCal 2019 is bigger, better, and already on track to be the most newsworthy yet. There are over 1,000,000 brands exhibiting here at the Marriott Irvine — okay, okay — maybe not a million brands exactly, but the 100+ brands that are have brought their A-game. CanJam SoCal 2019 feels every bit like the headphone heaven of sunny California. Lots of exciting product debuts are taking place at this year’s ‘Jam, and we at Part-Time Audiophile are committed to bringing you the most comprehensive highlights of what’s NEW and out-of-this-world in the exciting headphone universe.

Let us then carry on with the Day One Highlights of CanJam SoCal 2019

ZMF Headphones (Booth G6)

ZMF is taking us right to the gun show with these powerful mono-blocks from ampsandsound. These should be considered an extension of the ZMF Pendant, and LeeLoo from ampsandsound. Featuring three headphone outs of differing impedance, (8/32/300-Ohm) and loudspeaker taps for even more fun. Wiring is all point-to-point, and the power on-hand is gripping.

Campfire Audio (Booth F10-F11)

Campfire Audio will be showing two NEW dynamic-hybrid headphones, the Polaris and IO. The Polaris is an IEM that emphasizes fat bass and sparkly highs, while the IO resembles a more flat studio sound. Expected street price for the Polaris is $499 USD, and for the IO at $299 USD

Focal (Booth F1-F6)

This is a listening station that could embody everything about Can Jam. Tons of headphones, DACs, and amplifiers on-hand in one thrilling and sprawling display of fidelity and musical power. If I was attending Can Jam with the uninitiated, this would be my first booth to share.

Sennheiser (Booth G1-G3)

Sennheiser is showing a wide range of their top headphones, along with my other favourite closed-back design, the HD-820. Don’t let this unassuming booth slip-you-by, for it may provide the ideal benchmark for which all others in the room should be judged. Maybe.

Schiit Audio (Booth A5-A7)

There’s a whole lotta Schiit to see, hear (and do) at the Schiit Audio booth. The new SOL turntable is on display, in a version “more closer” to resembling a production ready form. Also on-hand, the Ragnarok 2 Integrated/HA.