CanJam SoCal 2026 - Coverage Sponsored by Noble Audio Part 1

CanJam SoCal 2026 may have been the largest show they have hosted yet; not only was the ballroom packed to the gills with vendors, the private room presentations expanded to encompass the second floor of the hotel. As usual, Ethan and the gang did a marvelous job making sure things ran smoothly and provided enjoyment for everyone.

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

Per usual, my first stop was Noble Audio where they were making huge waves with the launch of four fantastic new products: the wonderful Noble Audio Osprey True Wireless Stereo Earphone ($199), the best value in a high-performance TWS IEM, which I reviewed this past July, the long-awaited upgrade from the fantastic Noble Audio FoKus Apollo True Wireless Headphone the Noble Audio FoKus ARTEMIS Hybrid True Wireless Headphone ($899) and if my short listening session is anything to judge by it is spectacular in both sound quality and build quality, and on the wired IEM front they have the Noble Audio VANGUARD ($325) and the Noble Audio IRIS ($699) fleshing things out on the more affordable end. Reviews of both the ARTEMIS and IRIS are slated for the near future.

MARGULES/THE SOURCE AUDIO VIDEO DESIGN GROUP

One of the more exciting events at the show was the world premiere of the production version of the Margules U4 Headphone ($3,000) and Margules ORIA Headphone Amplifier & Music Server ($5,000 or $7,000 as a system with U4 Headphone), representing one of the best sounds at the show. The latest extreme High-End and well respected Audiophile manufacturer to enter the Personal Audio space Margules was presented by Bruce Ball of B.A.D.A.S.S. (Ball Audio Distribution And System Solutions) and Julian Margules, the designer and manufacturer in a space hosted by THE SOURCE AUDIO VIDEO DESIGN GROUP they showed off the system paired up with a Margules TD-25 Turntable ($6,900) and Margules Magenta FZ47DB Phono Stage Preamplifier ($2,500).

GRADO

Filling up one of the private listening rooms with their extensive line of amazing headphones, GRADO was focused on their growing Signature Line of headphones, including the GRADO Signature HP100 SE ($2,495), GRADO Signature S950 ($2,195), GRADO Signature S750 ($1,695), and GRADO Signature S550 ($995). There was even a display of their epic phono cartridges.

HIFIMAN

Always representing the bleeding edge in personal audio, HIFIMAN put their best foot forward with their absolutely unique HIFIMAN HE1000 WiFi headphone ($2,699) and HIFIMAN Arya WiFi Headphone ($1,449), which have the HIFIMAN HYMALAYA DAC along with an amplifier and the necessary computer built in making them a true one-stop solution. Premiering at CanJam SoCal 2026 was the historic HIFIMAN HE6 Remastered ($1,899).

MOON AUDIO

Returning to CanJam SoCal 2026 was Moon Audio, who not only represent a fantastic resource for the best in personal audio, but actually manufacture some of the best cables available. The highlight of their display was, of course, their fantastic new SAROS EUROPA Tube Headphone Amp & Preamp ($8,995), a sample of which sits on my desk now as subject of my first review following the CanJam SoCal 2026 show reports.

DAN CLARK AUDIO

Always a crowd pleaser, Dan Clark Audio was showing their epic new Dan Clark Audio ÆON CORE Planar Magnetic Headphone ($899), which represents Dan’s first offering tuned to his new corrected update of the Harmon curve. 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) were available offering the pinical of planar headphone performance, 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.