HiFiMAN Introduces Duo of Reference Earbuds HiFiMAN has introduced a pair of in-ear headphones the company has dubbed “In-Ear Monitors” (IEM) that use a technology called Topology Drivers. By RS Staff Published: June 5, 2017 ⋅ Updated: April 15, 2019 HiFiMAN RE2000 HiFiMAN has introduced a pair of in-ear headphones the company has dubbed “In-Ear Monitors” (IEM) that use a technology called Topology Drivers. The RE2000 ($2000) and RE800 ($699) are available now for immediate shipment. The dynamic driver in a conventional in-ear headphone can, and often does, produce distortions in operation. HiFiMAN engineers set out to control these unwanted and uncontrolled diaphragm distortions through a “Topology Diaphragm.” The “Topology Diaphragm” or “Topology Driver” refers to a diaphragm with a special nano-particle coating applied to its surface. The distribution of this coating has distinct geometric patterns. By varying the surface pattern, compound used, or thickness, the geometric pattern sound wave formation can be manipulated to achieve the desired audio effect and control. The RE2000 is the company’s first set of in-ear headphones with removable cables. Housed in brass, the unique shape of the RE2000 is designed for long periods of use. Using a 9.2mm dynamic driver in a rigid, gold-plated brass housing, RE2000 has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, sensitivity of 103dB, and impedance of 60 ohms. The detachable cable is comprised of silver-coated, crystalline copper wire. The RE800 shares much of the same technology with its larger sibling but in a lighter, more compact housing of gold-plated brass. Using a 9.2mm dynamic driver, RE800 has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, sensitivity of 105dB, and impedance of 60 ohms. The cable is also silver-coated, crystalline copper wire. “Our new IEMs, with the Topology Driver, have substantially improved performance that is readily audible,” said Dr. Fang Bian, founder and president of HiFiMAN. “In fact, the idea behind the new Topology Diaphragm was actually inspired by my Ph.D. thesis that different nano materials have differing structures and each of those materials has their own properties. Therefore, by carefully controlling the diaphragm surface structure we can yield different results in acoustic performance to a degree previously unobtainable.” HiFiMAN will be exhibiting at the upcoming LA Audio Show June 2-4 at the Sheraton Gateway LAX. HiFiMAN will be in the Xtreme Room as part of Head-Gear. Company founder Dr. Fang Bian, along with company personnel, will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions.