At HiFi Headphones we’ve just taken delivery of our first batch of FiiO headphone amplifiers.  The brand new FiiO E5 and FiiO E3 are ultra small headphone amplifiers with a price tag that makes them affordable for anyone with an iPod, MP3 player, laptop or mobile phone.

The FiiO headphone amps promise increased output power (to power hard to drive headphones), added bass response and even better clarity of treble notes.

FiiO E3

The FiiO E3 headphone amp is the perfect introduction to improving your portable audio setup - look out, it’s a slippery slope! :)  At a price point that makes it possible to try without risking to much cash, the E3 has taken the headphone amp World by storm.

Just connect the FiiO E3 between your portable audio device (iPod, iPhone, laptop, mobile phone, etc) and enjoy the improvement in volume and sound quality.

FiiO E5

The next step up from the E3 in the FiiO line-up is the all new FiiO E5.  With an exterior casing that has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in the pocket, and internals completely revised to improve noise figures, the FiiO E5 is a force to be reckoned with.

When compared with higher end headphone amplifiers, such as the iBasso T4 or Graham Slee Voyager, the FiiO E5 does colour the sound to some degree (it definitely warms up the bass response), but with the FiiO E5’s price tag of less than £25 I shouldn’t really be comparing.

More Information

For more information on FiiO Headphone Amps, a range of other Headphone Amplifiers & DACs and iPod Line Out Docks (LODs) please visit the HiFi Headphones shop.

If you’ve been following the world of headphones you may have noticed that headphone amplifiers seem to be cropping up more often than ever, but what’s the point?  Do they just increase volume, or is there more to it?

Below are a few good reasons to upgrade your audio setup with a headphone amp.

Ability To Power ‘hard to drive’ Headphones

Some headphones are notoriously hard to power.  A headphone amplifier gives your audio source a boost in output power, which gives the headphones a more full sound, improves bass kick and often makes trebles more defined.

For example the Sennheiser HD650, HD600, HD595 and many Beyerdynamic headphones have relatively high impedance ratings, which mean they need more power than most to drive the headphone speakers.

Interestingly, many lower impedance headphones and earphones (normally the high end models) also appear to benefit from the use of a headphone amplifier.  For example the low impedance Grado GS1000 or Grado RS1 can be easily be driven by a humble iPod, but add a headphone amplifier such as the Grado Slee Solo to the equation and the improvement in sound can be very satisfying.

Avoiding Cheap Headphone Outputs

The headphone output on many portable audio sources, such as iPods, iPhones and laptops, can be very poor indeed.  The electronics used often leave much to be desired and are obviously designed with budget, rather than sound quality, as the major design factor.  A headphone amplifier offers ways to avoid the noisy headphone output completely.

The iPod and iPhone headphone socket can be avoided completely by using a Line Out Dock (LOD) cable.  These cables take the un-amplified line out signal from the 30 pin dock connector provide a way to drive a headphone amplifier with this better quality signal.

Laptop and computer owners can avoid the often breathtakingly bad headphone output with the addition of a Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier.  The DAC is connected to the computer’s USB port and the conversion to analogue audio signal is done well away from the noisy electronics inside the computer.  Some products, such as the iBasso D2, combine a DAC and headphone amp into a single unit.

More Information

For a full range of headphone amplifiers & DACs and iPod & iPhone line out dock cables (LODs), please visit the HiFi Headphones online shop.

FiiO and KS Distribution today announced a partnership for distribution of FiiO’s audio electronics products in the UK.  Based near Brighton on the South Coast of England, KS Distribution is a specialist distributor of headphone and earphone related audio products.

KS Distribution is to be distributing FiiO audio electronics products to independent specialist retailers in the UK and Ireland.

FiiO headphone amplifiers provide a way to get the best audio performance from portable audio sources, such as MP3 players (Apple iPod, iPhone, etc) and laptop computers.

The FiiO E5 has taken the headphone amp market by storm, with a high specification and entry level price making it accessable for anyone looking to upgrade their portable audio system.

About KS Distribution

A leading audio electronics distributor, KS Distribution specialises in bringing innovative products to the UK market and providing a World class service to their customers. Offering a carefully selected range of products for home and mobile listening, KS Distribution are a highly focused team whose primary aim is to develop strong partnerships with retailers and manufacturers.

For more information visit www.ksdistribution.co.uk

About FiiO

FiiO Electronic Technology is a personal audio consumer electronics manufacturer with a product line-up that includes headphone amplifiers and speaker systems.  Leading the field in affordable personal audio products, FiiO is constantly innovating to stay ahead of the competition.

For more information visit http://www.fiio.com.cn

There are other models in the range, including an ultra portable headphone amp called the iBasso T4 (it is VERY small and weighs just 29 grams) and a high end model that comes with various types of Op-Amp to swap over to alter the sound signature (one for the perfectionists).

The iBasso D2 works especially well with higher impedance earphones such as the Sleek Audio SA6 and Klipsch Image X10, where there is good improvement in depth of bass, as well as high frequency detail and soundstage. I’ve yet to test with lower impedance earphones (Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10’s, etc), but I would guess the effect is similar, but maybe not so pronounced.

Below is a photo of the iBasso D2 with my Sleek Audio SA6’s and an old iPod Nano:

In my opinion the most interesting application for the iBasso D2 is using the DAC with a laptop. With my IBM ThinkPad T62 laptop feeding the D2’s DAC and a pair of Sennheiser HD650’s the difference in overall sound quality is significant compared with the laptop’s standard headphone output. I would say this is the application where the biggest improvement in sound quality is seen.

More Information

For the range of iBasso headphone amps, including the iBasso D2 and iBasso T4, please visit the HiFi Headphones shop.

These very well made units from Pro-Ject Audio, an Austrian high end audio manufacturer, really do sound superb. Pro-Ject’s headphone amps are ideal for driving high quality dynamic Hi-Fi headphones.

With RCA phono inputs these headphone amps are ideal for connecting to TV’s or home cinema amplifiers, where a line level output is available.

Pro-Ject Head Box SE II

The dual output headphone amp from Pro-Ject is perfect for setups where you need to drive two pairs of headphones with independent volume controls.

The Head Box SE II is the second generation in this model from Pro-Ject. Featuring a completely revised internal circuit board, this revision offers a fuller sound, with plenty of bass kick and high end detail. The build quality has also improved, making this a very robustly built little box.

Featuring two independent high resolution volume controls, the Head Box SE II is an ideal headphone amplifier for good quality Hi-Fi setups, home cinemas and computer based audio systems.

Pro-Ject Head Box SE II in Silver

The Head Box SE II is available in Silver or Black.

A typical configuration for the Head Box SE II is a home cinema setup where the output from the DVD player is routed across the room to the Head Box amp (via high quality interconnect cables). The Head Box SE II can be located near the seating with each listener having their own independent volume control. This setup is great for late evening film viewing where you don’t want to annoy the neighbours or wake the children!

Pro-Ject Head Box II

The Head Box MK II is a single output headphone amplifier with the same high quality construction and superb audio quality that the Head Box SE II offers.

The Pro-Ject Head Box II is a very nice little unit and has been award 5 Stars by What HiFi? Sound & Vision - see Pro-Ject Head Box II Review.

The Head Box II is ideal for computer audio setups, or where only a single headphone output is required in a Hi-Fi or home cinema setup.

Project Head Box MK II in Silver

The Head Box II is available in Silver or Black.

More Information

For more information on Pro-Ject headphone amps or headphone amplifiers from other brands such as Graham Slee, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

John Cadman, Graham Slee’s production manager, reported that the delays have been caused by a shortage of the Voyager case component. The case is manufactured outside the UK (in Canada) and the shortage of this one component has held up production.

About the Voyager

Graham Slee produced the Voyager headphone amplifier to be used with MP3 players, such as the iPod, and other portable audio devices. The Voyager amp simply plugs into the headphone output of the audio source and you plug your headphones or earphones into the Voyager’s headphone out.

Alternatively the Voyager can be connected to an iPod with a cable that connects directly to the iPod’s dock connector. This setup provides a better quality line level signal than the headphone output socket.

About Graham Slee

Graham Slee have a long standing reputation in the British audio world for producing phono pre-amplifiers (for vinyl record playing turntables) and high quality desktop headphone amplifiers, such as the Graham Slee Solo.

The Solo headphone amp is popular in broadcast and recording studio environments. The Voyager is the first venture into portable headphone amplifiers for Graham Slee and has been very well received by the audio and HiFi press.

More Information

For a range headphone amplifiers, including the Graham Slee Voyager, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

We also stock a full range of Comply Foam replacement eartips to fit the Ultimate Ears range.

Earphone Cases

Ultimate Ears offer two rather handy cases for their earphones, one in soft black leather and the other in a metallic silver hard case design. Both cases are made for Ultimate Ears earphones, but are also ideal for carrying many other brands of in-ear earphones.

Ultimate Ears Metallic Silver Hard Earphone Carry Case

Ultimate Ears Black Leather Earphone Carry Case

Replacement Spare Cables

If you’ve broken your Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 Pro, Super.fi 5 Pro or Super.fi 3 cable then you will be glad you chose earphones with a replaceable cable. The fact that the earphone lead can be replaced on the Triple.fi and Super.fi range is a truly excellent feature and means that your favourite earphones can be repaired in the instance that the cable breaks.

As with the earphones, the replacement cable can be purchased in Black or Clear colours.

Replacement Cable for Ultimate Ears Triple.fi and Super.fi Earphones

Spare Ear Tips - standard or Comply Foam

After some time the ear tips that come supplied with any earphones, including Ultimate Ears, can get a bit grubby. So why not treat your ears to some spare ear tips? The standard silicone or foam ear tips can be replaced with standard Ultimate Ears parts, or alternatively you can upgrade to pair of ultra-soft Comply Foam Ear Tips.

Comply Replacement Eartips for Ultimate Ears Earphones

Comply ear tips utilise foam that is 30 times softer than standard ear tips and is activated by body heat. These high quality foam replacement ear tips offer superior comfort, enhanced bass response and a more secure stay in ear fit.

More Information

For a full range of Ultimate Ears earphones, Ultimate Ears spares and accessories and Comply Foam ear tips, please visit the HiFi Headphones online store.

Utilising a unique soft foam that is activated by body heat, Comply™ Foam ear tips offer superior comfort, fit and performance and can be fitted to major consumer brand earphones, such as Sennheiser, Denon, Skullcandy, Ultimate Ears and many others. Comply Foam replacement eartips are now available at the HiFi Headphones store.

By expanding to fill the ear canal completely, retention is dramatically increased, providing a secure in-ear fit for today’s active lifestyles. Comply foam creates an optimal seal that blocks noise while funnelling pure sound into the ear for total immersion.

Comply Foam Tips are standard issue for US Army Helicopter crews and used by the Special Elite Forces.  These tips offer ultra soft comfort with a stay in-ear fit, while providing enhanced sound quality and superior noise reduction.

About Hearing Components

An expert in making connections to the ear using innovative foam solutions, Hearing Components focuses on developing innovative products that improve the listening experience. A 3M spin-off founded in 1990 by Dr. Robert Oliveira serve the military, consumer, aviation, audiology and industrial markets. The patented technology was developed through several grants by the National Institutes of Health to improve and protect hearing. HearingComponents is located in the Twin Cities suburb of Oakdale, Minnesota.

For more information visit www.complyfoam.com

About HiFi Headphones

The UK’s leading headphone and earphone store, HiFi Headphones specialises in bringing innovative products to the UK market and providing a World class service to customers. Offering a huge selection of headphones, earphones and related products as well as buyer’s guides and reviews, the HiFi Headphones website is the place to make an informed headphone purchase.

For more information visit www.hifiheadphones.co.uk

KS Distribution is to be distributing products to independent audio retailers in the UK and Ireland.

Utilising a unique ultra soft foam that is activated by body heat, Comply Foam eartips provide excellent comfort, fit and performance and can be fitted to many brands of earphone, such as Sennheiser, Denon, Skullcandy, Ultimate Ears and many more.

About KS Distribution

A leading audio electronics distributor, KS Distribution specialises in bringing innovative products to the UK market and providing a World class service to their customers. Offering a carefully selected range of products for home and mobile listening, KS Distribution are a highly focused team whose primary aim is to develop strong partnerships with retailers and manufacturers.

For more information visit www.ksdistribution.co.uk

About Hearing Components (Comply Foam)

Comply Foam is a trademark of Hearing Components Inc of Minnesota, USA. An expert in making connections to the ear using innovative foam solutions, Hearing Components focuses on developing innovative products that improve the listening experience. A 3M spin-off founded in 1990 by Dr. Robert Oliveira serve the military, consumer, aviation, audiology and industrial markets. The patented technology was developed through several grants by the National Institutes of Health to improve and protect hearing. HearingComponents is located in the Twin Cities suburb of Oakdale, Minnesota.

For more information visit www.complyfoam.com

Graham Slee Voyager - Give your iPod a high quality audio kick

The incredible sounding Graham Slee Voyager iPod headphone amplifier is now available from the HiFi Headphones store.

If you appreciate high quality audio and feel that listening to your iPod is a bit of compromise, then the British built Graham Slee Voyager Headphone Amp is an ideal solution. As most high end audio enthusiasts will quickly tell you, the iPod’s headphone output is actually pretty bad at driving many headphones. The Graham Slee Voyager gives an iPod the extra grunt that enables it to easily drive high quality headphones, such as the Sennheiser HD650, with added warmth and fullness and without distortion.

As well as allowing the iPod to drive higher end Hi-Fi headphones, the Graham Slee Voyager is a also perfect for driving lower impedance earphones and headphones. The Voyager headphone amplifier features a contour switch to equalise street-wear headphones, emulating the sound you get from “home” or Hi-Fi headphones - putting back that missing bottom-end bass and replacing the usual scratchy highs with the whole clarity that makes this portable headphone amplifier “hard to switch-off”.

About Graham Slee

The Voyager headphone amp has been developed and produced in the UK by the team at Graham Slee based in South Yorkshire. Graham Slee have a long history manufacturing high end phono amplifiers and headphone amplifiers. The Graham Slee Voyager is their first step into the world of portable audio, but this is fast becoming a major part of the business.

More Information

For more information check out the Graham Slee Voyager Headphone Amp and a range of other high quality Headphone Amplifiers at the HiFi Headphones online store here in the UK.