Wolfson Digital Silence DS-102A & DS-321D

Well known among audiophiles for its high-performance DAC chipsets, Wolfson is now applying its expertise to the world of active noise-cancelling IEMs. The new Digital Silence series includes two models: the DS-102A earphones, specifically voiced for use with Skype, and the slightly lighter, more refined DS-321D earphones, great for listening to music while traveling or commuting. Both use the company’s myZone ambient noise cancellation to eliminate continuous background noise—like howling wind or the chatter of passersby—and come with a dongle for blocking ambient noise to 20 dB from 70 Hz to 1.5 kHz (with a peak ANC of 30 dB).

The DS-102A has a larger plastic dongle and provides 30 hours of playback or talk time, while the DS-321D is equipped with a smaller metal dongle and offers 14 hours of playback or talk time. Of the pair, Headphone Guru’s Gary Alan Barker says, “If you are a regular user of Skype, especially in noisy environments (like out on the patio or an airport hotel), then [the DS-102A] is a must-have and it can also be used to listen to music … But for the music lover on the go, whether it be by plane or just down a busy street, [the DS-321D] are hard to beat. Improving smartphone audio performance by providing rich, deep bass and smooth, liquid midrange, they are an extreme bargain at their modest asking price.”