Why HiFinder?
A learning experiment that became a mission to make high-quality audio more accessible and sustainable.
The Learning Journey
HiFinder started as a personal experiment in “vibecoding” — building something real, fast, and iterative to see what's possible in just a few weeks. As someone learning to code with AI assistance, I wanted to test the boundaries of rapid development while solving a problem I actually care about.
The audio community has always been overwhelmingly helpful to beginners, but the sheer volume of options can be paralyzing. I built HiFinder to be the tool I wish I had when starting out — cutting through the noise to help people find gear that matches their needs and budget.
The Environmental Mission
Audio gear doesn't need to be disposable. A well-made pair of headphones or a quality DAC/amp can last decades with proper care. Yet the industry thrives on the constant churn of new releases, and perfectly good equipment ends up as e-waste.
My hope is that by making used equipment more discoverable and trustworthy, HiFinder can help reduce the environmental impact of a hobby I love and share with countless other listeners and audio enthusiasts.
“Buying one used headphone instead of new saves about 14kg of CO₂ — barely a dent in your annual footprint. But if enough of us make it normal, manufacturers will have to build gear that lasts. That's when real change happens.”
How HiFinder Helps
- →Expert-guided recommendations based on Crinacle's measurements and community ratings
- →Used market integration to surface quality pre-owned gear from trusted sources
- →Transparent pricing showing both new and used market values
- →System building tools to help you put together complete, compatible setups
The Bigger Picture
If HiFinder can help even a handful of people choose used over new — or choose the right gear the first time instead of churning through multiple purchases — it will have succeeded.
Every headphone that finds a second owner is one less unit in a landfill. Every DAC that serves a new listener is one less manufactured device. Small choices, multiplied across a community, can make a real difference.
This is a passion project built by one person learning to code, but it represents a belief that we can enjoy our hobbies while being more mindful of their impact.
Join the Mission
HiFinder is a work in progress, and I'm always looking to improve it. If you have ideas, feedback, or want to contribute, I'd love to hear from you.
Built with Next.js, Supabase, and lots of coffee
Expert data sourced from Crinacle and Audio Science Review