Skip to main content

Phiaton’s MS 100 BA will change what you expect from $100 ear buds

Phiaton has come a long way since first arriving in the US seven years ago. Originally introduced at CES 2008 as a Bose challenger, Phiaton’s parent company, Cresyn, would soon learn the real competition would be coming from a new headphone brand launching later that same year: Beats.

 

One thing we’ve always appreciated about Phiaton is that it has never been one of those “bandwagon” headphone brands, following up on Beats’ success with copy-cat designs and big-bass sound. Instead, Phiaton has stuck to its own look and sound profile, making small refinements to its products, and strategically expanding its product line to meet the evolving needs of listeners. The latest evidence of that approach is Phiaton’s MS 100 BA in-ear headphones, and while they may not be the first balanced armature cans to break the $100 price barrier, but they might just be the first to do it right.

Recommended Videos

Balanced Armature headphones are often criticized for sounding “cold” or “sterile,” and they tend lack bass unless multiple drivers are used. What makes the MS 100 BA so desirable is that they offer a great balance of warmth and detail, with enough bass to satisfy most listeners, all in a remarkably light and comfortable package. We even like the cable.

Check out our first look video, we think you’ll find Phiaton’s latest a highly appealing option if you’re picky about sound, but don’t want to drop a ton of cash on an in-ear headphone.

Caleb Denison
Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…
The Beats Studio Buds+ are only $100 this week — 41% off!
Beats Studio Buds+ in Transparent case open with earbuds outside

Wireless earbuds are all the rage in 2025, and we here at Digital Trends are always on the lookout for the best deals on these class-leading in-ear pairs. And this week, the spotlight goes to the incredible Beats Studio Buds+. Right now, you’ll be able to score these fantastic buds for only $100, which is a $70 markdown from its original $170 price.

Why you should buy the Beats Studio Buds+ 

Read more
Wiim debuts the Sub Pro, its first wireless subwoofer
Wiim Sub Pro.

Wiim is on a tear right now. Alongside the reveal of its first wireless speaker, the Wiim Sound, and its new Amp Ultra, the wireless audio company has announced its first wireless subwoofer, the Wiim Sub Pro. It can connect wirelessly (or via a wire) to Wiim's network music streamers and amps, and the company says its 250-watt class D amp will faithfully reproduce frequencies down to 25Hz without distortion.

Like its other two announcements, Wiim hasn't given us pricing or specific availability for the Sub Pro, saying only that it will be available starting in Q3 2025 on Amazon and at select retailers.

Read more
Wiim’s new Amp Ultra goes above and beyond its amplified streamers
Wiim Amp Ultra.

For those seeking the ultimate all-in-one network music streamer and two-channel stereo amplifier, Wiim might just have exactly what you want. Its new Wiim Amp Ultra, which debuts at the High End Munich 2025 show alongside its first wireless speaker (Wiim Sound) and Wiim Sub Pro wireless subwoofer, appears to be the company's award-winning Wiim Ultra, but packed with 100 watts of amplification and internal components that exceed the capabilities of Wiim's current Wiim Amp, Amp Pro, and Vibelink Amp, plus Dolby Digital decoding -- a first for the Wiim lineup.

Much like the Wiim Sound and Wiim Sub Pro, the company hasn't released pricing or availability for the Amp Ultra, saying only that it will be available in Q3 2025 through Amazon and select retail partners. However, given that the Wiim Amp Pro and Vibelink Amp both sell for $299, it's likely that the Amp Ultra will be more expensive, but by how much is hard to say -- especially when tariffs are factored in.

Read more