Sam Smart-Reviewer

Sam Smart

Reviewer

February, 2024
headphones, apps
  • 115
    articles
  • 14
    News
  • 34
    Features
  • 34
    Lists
  • 13
    Guides
  • 15
    Reviews
  • 1
    Deals

About Sam Smart

Sam is a journalist based in Vancouver, BC. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in English literature with a minor in Creative Writing, cutting her teeth  through her university newspaper and radio station. She's particularly interested in the audio side of tech, being a musician and a lover of music and podcasts. You can also find her work in Soundguys, Android Authority, Bon Appetit, and The Maple.

What was your first phone?

My first phone was a Samsung U740, the dual flip phone. In 2008 an older friend of mine had one and I was obsessed with the full keyboard and the hinge that allowed the phone to open two ways, so when I was finally able to get a phone of my own, I knew I needed that one. It lasted me until 2012, I had to keep the hinge together with duct tape and the screen worked only a quarter of the time by that point. I texted people with muscle memory, it was a whole thing!

When did your interest in technology begin?

I'd say my interest in tech began from early childhood, as a Gen Z-Millennial cusper I had pretty unfettered access to the internet from a young age and discovered a lot on my own. I taught myself HTML and CSS so I could customize my Neopets profile, and I became especially interested in audio tech when I got the iPod Classic I shared with my brother.

What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?

I'm super passionate about headphones, I have some strong opinions about design and fit, as well as sound quality. I am a bit of a wired headphones evangelist, but I do love really good Bluetooth headsets and earbuds too. I'm also really interested in microphones, I get super excited any time I get to mess around with a new microphone, especially ones with lots of pickup patterns or software options.

Latest

A stack of CDs in cases on a wooden desk
Selling your CD collection? 4 ways to figure out what it's worth

Since CDs are becoming popular again, now could be the time to make some money off your old collection.

2
noise-cancelling-headphones
6 key things to consider when you're in the market for noise-cancelling headphones

Not all noise-cancelling headphones are built the same.

The Nothing Ear (Open) and an AirPod next to each other on a table.
Open earbuds have a purpose, but they're not for everybody

If you want to hear your music well, open is not the move.

A pair of Audio-Technica headphones beside a phone streaming a song from Bandcamp, on top of a record
5 reasons why you should buy music from Bandcamp

If you're trying to step away from streaming, Bandcamp is a great option.

An iPhone with the Bandcamp app open being held in a hand above a wooden floor
Bandcamp Friday returns October 4 -- here's everything you need to know

It's the perfect opportunity to buy some new music and support your favorite artists now more than ever.

Sonos CEO Patrick Spence in a YouTube video about new commitments from Sonos
Sonos is listening, learning, and committing to doing better in a new blog post

The statement includes seven commitments, ranging from somewhat vague to very vague.

1
0:28
divoom-speaker
There's something gamers should know before buying this pixel art speaker

The Divoom Ditoo Bluetooth speaker isn't for audiophiles, it's for people who want an interactive knickknack.

0:40
noble fokus apollo featured image-1
The Noble FoKus Apollo headphones are an audiophile's dream

These unique wireless headphones with hybrid dynamic and planar magnetic drivers sound incredible.

CD streaming
I'm listening to CDs instead of streaming for these 5 reasons

While I'm not writing off streaming entirely, I'm definitely preferring CDs these days.

A pair of AirPods 3 in the case with an edited orange background
Pairing problems? How to easily pair your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Whether you just want to prepare or you're having issues, here's everything you need to know.

0:28
The Divoom Ditoo bluetooth speaker on a shelf, with an edited purple background
The Divoom Ditoo Bluetooth speaker is cute, but falls flat as a speaker

This speaker isn't for audiophiles, it's for people who want an interactive knickknack.

A pair of Airpods Max against a window with an edited green background
Debunking 4 common audio myths

There's a lot of misinformation out there, and I'm putting my foot down.

1
A Godspeed You Black Emperor record being held over a wooden floor
Audiophiles love vinyl records for these 5 reasons

It's about more than just the audio quality.

4
CDs -2
6 reasons why audiophiles love CDs in the streaming age

A format underrated by most, CDs are still worth listening to today.

8
A Sony record player with a record on the turntable, with the lid open.
Is it worth it to buy an expensive record player?

The answer to that question is a little complicated -- and personal.

Three records in their jackets on a wooden floor, from left to right: Nana Mouskouri's Athina, Jaco Pastorius' Word of Mouth, and Fontaines DC's Skinty Fia.
Selling vinyl records? How to figure out what they're worth

Appraising records is easier than you might think.

1
The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation superimposed on a purple gradient background
Apple's AirPods 4 come with or without ANC, but that's not the only difference

Believe it or not, it's more than just noise cancelling.

AirPods Max on a surface next to the smart case, an Apple Pencil, and an iPhone.
The new AirPods Max have barely changed, and my wallet is grateful

Consider it a blessing that there's no pressure to fork over another $549 for an upgrade.

0:29
The Fiio CP13 on a wooden desk
This is the most beautiful cassette player I've ever seen

The Fiio CP13 cassette player is not only stylish, but offers terrific sound and a sturdy build.

1
0:29
The Fiio CP13 on a wooden desk
The Fiio CP13 is the most beautiful cassette player I've ever seen

With great sound quality and a superb build, this is my new favorite way to listen to music.

3
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