The weird and wonderful headphones of CanJam 2026
The Verge explores the 2026 CanJam audio show in Irvine, California, highlighting the niche world of high-end, boutique headphone manufacturers. The event serves as a hub for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality beyond mainstream consumer brands like Apple or Bose.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing enthusiast market for high-fidelity audio equipment and the importance of specialized trade shows in the consumer electronics industry.
I’ve been reviewing headphones for a long time, and I’ve listened to everything from the barely serviceable to multi-thousand-dollar open-back headphones. But recently I’ve been uninspired by the state of mainstream options. Most are perfectly good — great, even — but they lack a distinct character. Something to remind me why I fell in love with headphones to begin with, landing me in this crazy career. I needed some revitalization. I needed to see something cool. I needed to be around other people with an emotional connection to headphones. I needed to go to CanJam.
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