ClarityOne™ Earphones will be the first product from PureSound Technologies Inc, a forward thinking collective of audio experts and self proclaimed audiophiles, committed to pushing back the boundaries of sound reproduction. This is the most exciting new earphone for a very long time!
ClarityOne™ earphones aim to deliver the clearest, truest, best sound on the market today. Developed out of the belief that better speakers are needed to accurately reproduce what the artist has recorded. The technology for sound reproduction has not had any major advancement in decades. It took 12 years, 6-patents with more pending, but they believe they have come up with the perfect solution, enter the PureSound Processor and the ClarityOne™ earphones. Here is the short version of how they do this.
“Your music is a signal. Every other speaker in the world is made the same, based on ideas dating back to before there were cars. When your player sends the signal to your earbuds a field is built around the voice coil and it robs you of harmonics, volume and creates distortion. Our patented processor holds this field in a magnetic gap and does not allow it to alter the signal in any way so you have all the music that was recorded in perfect Clarity. The industry benchmark for testing this is a square wave test. The reason is the only a square wave has all harmonics and the associated sub harmonics. We are THE ONLY audio reproduction company that can achieve this and promise perfect sound quality. Square wave in, square wave out. A bonus is that it actually makes your players battery last longer because we can use 8 ohms, less resistance, and we have no counter EMF back to your player.” - ClarityOne
This is breakthrough technology. The earphones sound incredibly clean - So clean they make you question what you have heard from every single earphone you have previously spent time with. The difference is so shocking its hard to even make comparisons in the same price bracket, in fact, the general feel of Electrostatics and Magna-planers is the closest I can come.
PureSound Processor - IEMs may never be the same!
The PureSound Processor circuit provides an economical solution for achieving perfect phase unity between amplifiers and multiple driver systems, it is not a crossover, it is a coupling unit. Unlike traditional crossovers, PureSound Processor´s patented technology cancels out the Counter EMF and at the same time provides a two way magnetic brake on the voice coil which “couple” it to the amplifier, therefore allowing it to operate freely with no added distortions allowing for pure sound to enter the system (at Crossover) and pure sound to exit (to the speaker).
The sound signature is a gentle smile curve with tons of bottom end and a rich cool feel to the mids and highs. Talking about sound with this product is tough because they really do sound very different, really open and spacious. The result is a very natural sweet sound which is really quite compelling. The worst part is going back to your original earphones, I have what I consider to be very good earphones but it is just not possible to feel that the ClarityOnes’s are anything other than a huge step forward.
“Modern day speakers use a simple voice coil or a single coil crossover, a technology that was developed almost a century ago. Its original design was for electric motors. Early audio engineering pioneers found a way they could make it work in a new speaker design at the time but in doing so they also created audio’s greatest Achilles heel. The reason is that all audio signals that go through a voice coil or a coil crossover are subject to interference. We know of this evil as distortion and loss of harmonics or your sound.” - ClarityOne
ClarityOne™ aim to test all traditionally accepted limits of technical beliefs and design, they say they didn’t want to create just good headphones, they wanted to create the best headphones ever. ClarityOne™ are well aware that sound is a very subjective area, the best IEM in the world is a noble goal, at the moment they will have to be happy with possibly revolutionising the market.
More Information
More information on the full range of ClarityOne™ can be found here.
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The new Audéo PFE Perfect Bass 012 and 022 from Phonak offer music lovers not only perfect bass, but also an extremely natural and defined sound experience.
Audeo PFE earphones suppress external noise for undisturbed musical enjoyment. This guarantees precise, crystal-clear sound even at lower volume, without causing damage to hearing.
All Audéo PFEs offer excellent sound quality and will bowl you over with comfort and their unique design. The ergonomically-shaped earphones sit perfectly in your ear and can be adapted to your ear canal thanks to the different-sized silicone ear tips included.
Audéo PFE is one of the lightest earphones on the market, weighing only 14 grams.
Our Opinion
We think that £ for Pound this must be a future champ, with improved bottom end grunt the PFE sounds chunkier and more contemporary. Having heard the new Audeo 012 Perfect Bass it is hard to believe that such a refined balanced armature earphone will be on the market for less than £80. They also feature the same updated cabling and strengthened materials found on the Award Winning Audeo PFE 111, 112, 121 and 122.
More Information
For more information on the PFE Perfect Bass and the Phonak range please check out the HiFi Headphones web store.
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We’re proud to announce the launch of Speaker Station an online store dedicated to audio speakers, iPod docks, portable speakers and many more speaker related products.
The new speaker website will be very familiar to HiFi Headphones visitors and we aim to offer the same excellent service and product range.
Please visit the Speaker Station website and check out our range.
More Information
For a large range of speakers, iPod docking stations and more traditional Hi-Fi speakers, such as 2.1 speaker systems, please visit the Speaker Station online store.
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WeSC officially opened their first high street shop in Carnaby Street, London last night. HiFi Headphones were invited to the launch party, which was organised by LateralCorp (the UK importer of WeSC products).
The launch party was also attended by celebrity investor Debora Meadon from the UK TV series Dragons Den as well as the founder of WeSC, Greger Hagelin. Shaun and Kristina from HiFi Headphones took the opportunity to have a few beers and meet some of the team.
WeSC Alp Horn - First Photos & Test
The WeSC store launch party gave us the chance to have our first listen of the WeSC Alp Horn headphone. The Alp Horn has been in the pipeline for some time (we were expecting initial stock in August 2008), so it is great to finally see the Alp Horn in production.
Annalise from LateralCorp kindly let us demo an Alp Horn and we were suitably impressed. The design of the Alp Horn is like no other headphone we have ever seen and we love it. It’s great to see a headphone manufacturer doing something completely different and unique with headphone design.
I had a bit of trouble with the fit of the headband over my head and ended up wearing it with the headband resting towards the back of the top of my head. Mind you I have a particularly large head and have problems finding hats and caps that fit me!
Sound quality is excellent, with plenty of clarity and detail. I found bass response a little lacking initially, but this improved substantially once I got the fit right and therefore got a good seal over the ears.
Overall we think this headphone is a winner.
More Information
For a full range of WeSC Headphones and many other brands of high quality headphones and earphones please visit the HiFi Headphones online store.
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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
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Regular visitors to HiFi Headphones may have noticed we’ve listed the iBasso D2 in our headphone amplifier section. Last week we received a couple of samples of each iBasso model to test. The results were so positive we went ahead and listed them immediately and put our first order in (we’re expecting stock from in approx 3 weeks).
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.
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KS Distribution has announced they have been appointed as the sole UK distributor for iBasso Audio headphone amplifier products. 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 iBasso electronics products to independent audio retailers in the UK and Ireland.
iBasso headphone amplifiers provide a way to get the best audio performance from portable audio sources, such as MP3 players (Apple iPod, etc) and laptop computers.
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 iBasso Audio
iBasso is a personal audio electronics manufacturer dedicated to getting the best from portable audio listening via headphones. iBasso’s range of headphone amplifiers feature high specification design and outstanding audio quality at an affordable price. With flexibiliy in mind iBasso headphones amps have been developed for high quality headphone listening via direct connection to portable digital audio players, such as the Apple iPod, as well as listening to music stored on laptops and netbooks via USB.
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The HiFi Headphones sale section now lists a big selection of headphone & earphone models at dramatically reduced prices. With bargain prices on headphones from top manufacturers such as Sennheiser, AKG, Audio-Technica, Skullcandy and many others, you can pick up a high quality pair of headphones at a huge discount.
Our headphone sale includes a broad range of high quality models, including wireless headphones, in-ear sound isolating earphones and even professional DJ headphones.
The sale is strictly on a first come, first served basis, so don’t let anyone else beat you to that bargain deal!
More Information
For a large range of headphones on sale please check out headphone sale category on the HiFi Headphones online shop for a huge range of headphones and earphones.
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The Graham Slee Voyager headphone amplifier is back in stock after a delay of some months. The delays, due to a shortage of the parts, has meant the Graham Slee portable headphone amp has been out of stock with many UK retailers for an extended period of time.
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.
]]>The aim of this new headphone community is to provide a place to discuss, review and compare the latest headphone and earphone related products.
UK’s First Online Headphone Community
We believe that forums and online communities are a great way to bring groups of like minded individuals together. While the USA has Headwize.com and Head-fi.org headphones forums, until now the UK has been lacking any forums dedicated specifically to headphones and earphones.
At HiFi Headphones we love interacting with our customers and website visitors, so please don’t be shy!
Join In Now
Check out the HiFi Headphones forums at the following link:
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KS Distribution has announced they have been appointed as a UK distributor for Comply Foam ear tips and earphone products. Based near Brighton on the South Coast of England, KS Distribution is a specialist distributor of headphone and earphone audio products.
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
Grado headphones sometimes get labelled with the term ‘audiophile’. The word audiophile may send shivers up your spine, but it’s just a word that has been used to describe discerning high end audio enthusiasts who take their music listening very seriously, and Grado headphones do deserve to be taken seriously.
Our first listening tests with a sample from the range of Grado open back headphones has left us wondering why we didn’t take a listen before.
During initial listening tests we’ve been very impressed by the sounds coming out of these distinctively retro looking ‘cans’ (an affectionate name for headphones). We love the energetic and up front sound that appears to be the hallmark of the Grado headphone range.
Below are a few highlights from the Grado headphone line-up.
Grado iGrado - iPod streetstyle headphones
Even the humble bottom of the range iGrado street style headphone really does sound very good indeed. When you compare the iGrado with the rather cheap and muddy sounding standard iPod earbuds you realise that excellent headphones don’t actually need to cost a fortune.
Grado iGrado
While the iGrado styling is distinctly unique and maybe not to everyone’s taste, nobody can deny the performance knocks spots off the competition.
Grado GS1000 - top of the range
If you are looking for sonic perfection then the incredible top of the range Grado GS1000 will actually cost a small fortune. The sound coming out of the GS1000 is, however, quite astonishing. If you are looking for perfection in a headphone then the Grado GS1000 has to be quite near to it.
Grado GS1000
With good Hi-Fi equipment the Grado GS1000 can sound on a par with far more expensive speakers. On a personal note the GS1000 has reminded me why I get so excited about headphones.
Grado SR225 - best headphones available at this price?
Somewhere near the middle of the Grado headphone range is the rather nice sounding Grado SR225. Compared with the budget priced Grado SR60, the SR225 is a much more refined sounding headphone.
The Grado SR225 is a low impedance headphones, so it is quite possible to drive it with a low spec headphone output, as found on portable players like the iPod and laptops.
Grado SR225
Without a dedicated headphone amplifier the SR225 will give a stunning performance, with solid bass extension and high end intensity that will make you sit up and pay attention. On the other hand, with a good quality headphone amplifier the Grado SR225 will open up and you will experience a new level of sonic detail and even tighter bass response.
More Information
For the full range of Grado headphones, Grado Spares & Accessories and other Audiophile Headphones please visit the HiFi Headphones store.
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KS Distribution has today announced they have been appointed as the UK distributor for Sleek Audio earphone products. Based in Brighton on the South Coast of England, KS Distribution is a distributor of audio headphone and earphone related products.
Sleek Audio’s SA6 earphone is the first fully customisable headphone that can be custom tuned to alter the frequency response of the earphone within the ear canal.
Based on 30 years experience in the hearing aid industry, Sleek Audio’s Mark and Jason Krywko have developed the SA6 to be fully customisable, enabling headphone owners for the first time to be able to alter frequency response to suit the their individual musical taste and to match their ears.
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 Sleek Audio
Sleek Audio is a personal audio company dedicated to creating “Music in Tune with You.” Creators of the first ever acoustically customisable earphones, Sleek Audio are driven from decades of experience in the custom hearing aid and audio industry. Sleek Audio products are designed for high-performance use with all MP3 players including iPod® and Zune®.
For more information visit www.sleek-audio.com
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The headphone buying advice area of the HiFi Headphones online store has been expanded to include a whole load more information, which we hope will help when you are trying to choose a new pair of headphones. The aim of this part of the website is to inform and educate visitors through easy to read buying guides, reviews and explanations of headphone technology. We also have some other very exciting developments waiting in the wings, which we can’t talk about right now.
Check out the following headphone and earphone buying information:
- Headphone Buying Tips - tips and advice on factors that may influence your decision when buying headphones.
- Best Headphones - a Top 10 Review - a review of our best rated headphones.
- Headphone Terminology Guide - a useful guide to headphone and earphone technical jargon.
- Cheap iPod Headphones Review - a review of some bargain priced headphones for replacing the standard iPod earbud headphones.
- Sports Headphones Buyers Review - a review of headphones for running, jogging and an active lifestyle.
Also in the headphone buying advice section of the website we have added a Guide to Headphone Types, which so far has information and descriptions of the following types of headphones:
- Guide to Ear Bud Headphones
- Guide to In Ear Sound Isolating Headphones
- Guide to Wireless Headphones
- Guide to Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Guide to Open Back Headphones
- Guide to Closed Back Headphones
We thrive on feedback from website visitors and customers, so if you have any comments (positive or negative) about our buying guides and headphone information please let us know. You can contact us through the HiFi Headphones email form or by commenting on this blog. We’d love to hear from you!
The HiFi Headphones Team
]]>We’re proud to announce that the HiFi Headphones Store now has a brand new Headphone Buyer’s Guide with lots of expert advice from the experts at HiFi Headphones. This area of the website currently holds a headphone selection guide with a subsection for each of the main types of headphone and earphone. The guide can be found at the following link:
We plan to include additional sections to the buyers guide in the coming months, including some headphone reviews (by type) and a selection guide by application, e.g. DJ Headphones, iPod Headphones, Travelling Headphones, etc.
As always we love to hear from our customers, so let us know if there is anything you would find particularly informative in this area of the website.
The HiFi Headphones Team
]]>We love to get feedback from visitors and customers, so if you have a moment please feel free to add comments to our blog entries.
Thanks for reading!
The HiFi Headphones Team
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