Just before AXPONA 2024, both Scot Hull and I received an email from T10 Bespoke asking us to stop by their booth and check out their new products. I get a lot of these emails before a high-end audio show, and it takes a bit of clever marketing to get my attention amid the deluge of press releases, but I did read this email and I did check out the T10 Bespoke website. After a cursory examination I thought, “A pair of $100,000 in-ear monitors? I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am.”
Words and Photos by Marc Phillips
There are two reasons why I should have taken a closer look at T10 Bespoke before the show. First, these are not $100,000 IEMs, but a complete system that includes earbuds, a handheld device that serves as the T10 Bespoke “computer” that allows you to stream from anywhere using just a mobile device. (Plus, the features of this system go far beyond the act of merely listening to music, just like your smart phone goes far beyond making calls.) Second, the models that cost six figures feature some serious bling–diamonds, for example, and precious metals. The base models begin at around $2,500 to $3,000, which is more than fair for performance this thrilling.
Yes, I was able to experience the T10 Bespoke system right there in the AXPONA head-fi hall, and thanks to the very effective noise cancellation I was able to stroll amongst the noisy crowds while listening to Tool, and it was such a rewarding experience that I immediately thought yes, I could really get into this. It’s a high quality product, produced by an “all-American” supply chain that includes Klipsch and Kyocera, and it provides more than just a glimpse into the future of portable audio.
By the way, if you think the T10 Bespoke computer module looks just like a fancy cigar cutter, that’s because the company’s Innovation Instigator, known primarily as “Bear,” is a cigar smoker, and the company also sells complete herfing kits with cutters, flasks, and more. T10 Bespoke may seem like a purveyor of lifestyle gear aimed mostly at those who need something that no one else has, but there’s far more to learn about this company. They’re definitely onto something.
If you would like to hear even more coverage from AXPONA 2024, check out our recap report and highlights from our audiophile-oriented show The Occasional Podcast. You can stream the episode direct from the embed below, or from your favorite podcast platform including iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.
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