Author: Sword of Damocles
When I founded Kuulokenurkka in August 2021, I assumed that the content publication rate would become more irregular after the initial enthusiasm and the backlog of articles. However, this was not the case, as we published a whopping 52 articles during 2022, averaging one article per week. Although the site operates on a hobby basis without income, the publication rate is likely to remain quite similar in the future. There is clearly demand for Finnish-language headphone-related content, as the readership has grown steadily all the time. As a result, we have begun to perceive our site as an increasingly serious source of information for headphone enthusiasts, so the style of the articles has also gradually become more professional.
Kuulokenurkka currently has approximately 2200 unique monthly readers and about 550 weekly readers. The site receives approximately 10,000 monthly views and 2500 weekly views. I'm not sure what to compare these numbers to or how many new readers it's still possible to reach in Finland, but even the current readership feels like a huge number of people. If the site's language were English, there would, of course, probably be tens of thousands of readers. However, we decided to write in Finnish, and we haven't regretted it for a moment.
Headphone reviews (39 pcs) constituted 75 percent of the 2022 content. Almost all reviewed headphones were over-ear models, but in 2023, in-ear headphones will probably be covered a bit more. Our goal was to increase the number of device articles this year, which was nicely achieved with 9 reviews. As 2023 kicks off with several device reviews, their share will actually increase slightly from the current level. There wasn't much time left for article-type content (4 pcs) in 2022, because we started receiving products for review on loan (over 10 products by my own count), which always take precedence over other content due to the agreed return date.
We would like to especially thank Joensuu Kuvaa ja Ääntä and Hifitalo, but also many headphone enthusiasts. Thanks also to those who have offered to lend their own products, which we, however, haven't been able to fit into our schedule at the time. It's very possible that we will revisit some suggestions in 2023. Generally speaking, similar cooperation and product lending will continue next year as well. This will allow us to test many headphones and devices that would otherwise not be possible to cover on the site.
Kuulokenurkka's TOP10 most read articles in 2022:
- Valco VMK20 (overwhelming number one)
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sennheiser HD600
- Sennheiser HD800
- Hifiman Sundara
- Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X
- Sudio T2
- Hifiman HE6se V2
- Comparison of affordable noise-cancelling headphones: Edifier W820NB vs. Anker Soundcore Life Q30
- Topping E30 (most read device article)
The unstable global situation did not significantly affect Kuulokenurkka's operations, but nowadays we have to consider a bit more carefully which products it makes sense to buy ourselves. We often sell tested products used, which is no longer as fast as before. The trade in used products seems to have slowed down, as people have less disposable income, and more expensive purchases may not be dared to be made without more careful consideration for now. Usually, products only find a new home when the price has been dropped lower than normal. This, in turn, increases the risk of losing money associated with temporary ownership of products, so the possibility of borrowing products has been an excellent thing for Kuulokenurkka.
What's next?
I won't make any big promises for the next year this time. However, as one new development, I will publish a comparison tool for the headphone frequency responses I have measured. My new equipment, which broadly meets IEC711 standards, produces very accurate and consistent data, so readers skilled in interpreting frequency responses will be able to compare different headphone models with each other. A mere frequency response still doesn't tell everything about the sound quality of headphones, but the general presentation and frequency balance are clearly evident from it. If someone knows they like a certain type of sound and frequency response, the measurement results are, for their part, useful background information for choosing suitable headphones. I will also add headphones to my frequency response database that I haven't necessarily reviewed or had time to listen to. For example, before Christmas, I measured most of the headphones on demo use on the shelf at Joensuun Kuva ja Ääni.
We will return to new content in more detail in the coming weeks, as we begin to clear the current review queue of over 20 products. In the meantime, we wish every Kuulokenurkka reader a happy New Year 2023.
Thanks to everyone!
A & J
EN 
FI