Skip to main content

Hi-Fi Corner: AIAIAI’s TMA-2 modular let you customize your cans

aiaiai tma2 modular headphones custom design
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Copenhagan-based AIAIAI is one of our favorite under-the-radar headphone makers here at Hi-Fi Corner. The company’s TMA-1 Studio headphones still stand as a go-to reference set in our mid-tier collection, and the company has expanded that line nicely. Now, AIAIAI has pulled the veil off of its latest innovation, a modular headphone system that aims to offer total evolution through deconstruction, dubbed the TMA-2.

The TMA-2 is less a singular headphone design, and more of an all encompassing headphone solution. The system offers a litany of adaptable and upgradable components, including 3 different headbands, 5 earpads, 6 cables, and 4 separate driver units, adding up to 360 different available combinations.

TMA-2_Modular_overview_concrete_02
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Related: RHA’s steely T10i tender big bass without sacrificing detail

The system was developed from the aforementioned TMA-1, offering customizable elements for sound, function, and design. Designs are tailored for different kinds of applications including studio use, audio editing, DJing, and basic listening. Its an interesting design tack that may take more effort than the average listener is willing to contribute. Still, for those serious about sound, the new system offers a wealth of intriguing possibilities.

“This adaptable, versatile approach to our headphones offers radical new opportunities for future product development, enabling us to expand the system to create better options for our users and the potential for further collaborations with our key artist and label partners,” said AIAIAI co-founder Frederik Jorgensen in a press release.

AIAIAI designer Lars Larsen calls the TMA-2 system a “new way of thinking about headphones,” which builds subtle changes into the original TMA-1 design, allowing for a “natural extension” of what came before, as opposed to abrupt transformation.

While constructing your cans will take a bit more effort, it also allows for users to start small and build up at their own pace, without breaking the bank. The TMA-2 system starts as low as $145, and allows users to move up from there.

By our own experience, we can attest to the fact that AIAIAI knows how to craft good sound through intuitive, minimalist components, which should give the system a solid foundation from which to build your preferred design.

If you’re interested in crafting your own sound, function, and fit you can visit the AIAIAI website and start building your own TMA-2 modular system today.

This post was originally published at our “brother site” Digital Trends

Editors' Recommendations

Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is an audio engineer, musician, composer, and all-around lover of all things tech, audio, and cinema. Hailing…
The 10 best Dominican cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024
Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Every seasoned cigar lover has a preference for where their cigars come from. Cuban and Cuban cigars are the more obvious choices, but there is also Nicaraguan tobacco, Central African, Indonesian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Dominican. Some tobacco is even grown in the United States. Each region has a distinct flavor profile that adds a little something extra to the tobacco grown locally, as well as the cigars made there. The Dominican Republic is prized by many connoisseurs because of exactly this -- a rich, unique profile that enhances Dominican-grown cigars. That's in no small part due to the fertile soil and thriving climate of the region, which is ideal for tobacco growth and cultivation. If you've never tried a Dominican cigar, you're in for a real treat, there are some fantastic options out there.
The best Dominican cigars I've tried

Out of all the cigar guides I've put together so far, this one was one of the more interesting experiences for me. I had a great time trying out Dominican cigars, and I've definitely come away with an appreciation for blends made in the region. I'd also like to point out that Corey Suarez helped recommend some of these. If you haven't tried the JR Cigars or Cigars.com concierge service yet, you really should. Here's a little more about all of the best Dominican cigars I've tried:
Ashton Symmetry

Read more
The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024
Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

Read more
This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts
The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer

Read more