Final Audio Design’s new mid-price range is topped with the Adagio V, a sleek looking and robust in-ear monitor which is designed to be worn down (perhaps earoded?) as opposed to worn over the ear. The driver housings themselves are relatively weighty and feel as though they are likely to fall out of the ears, but when in position this fear is short lived.

I always considered that a shiny barrel of metal going into my ear would lead to trouble, but maybe I’ve watched too many Mafia films. The Italian name Adagio certainly helps to conjure up the picture of a whacking, but the price doesn’t look too much like extortion.

The cable feels like a bit of a mismatch; as while it would not look out of place on other IEMs, the extra weight of the driver housings make it seem a little weedy. The lack of strain relif is a concern too, but I’m thinking that there’s likely some form of reinforcement within the housing. The weight of the Adagio V’s drivers would make it very tempting to use as a bola; fortunately there’s no shortage of people running away from me so I’ll be trying this soon.

When I had figured out the correct sized tip for my ears (which are smaller than average) the drivers sat in the ears happily enough, but I did look a little like my mother had an affair with a soda syphon.

Sound-wise, the Adagio V is forward in the midrange and I find myself tempted to lose a couple of dB in the 2-5k region; this is more a reflection of my own tastes and I feel that a lot of equipment aimed at the audiophile has a similar sound signature. The bass is there and extends very low, but there is no accentuation or bloating, if anything it is understated (again, my tastes are speaking here).

The soundstage is impressive, and it can sometimes really feel as if the sound is emanating from without, with some good instrument separation.

There is plenty of air, and a little play with an EQ shows a lot of response in the 14kHz region where a lot of earphones give very little difference. This is definitely an earphone for those who like detail over bass.

Audiofly’s AF56 earphones celebrate style and amazing talent. Boasting with incredible bass presence perfectly balanced with top end chime and style that will make you feel as authentic as the artist you’re listening to. With custom voiced 13mm dynamic drivers the AF56 delivers superb detail across the dynamic range. The noise isolating in-ear design of the AF56 earphones achieves up to 23db noise attenuation. The Cordura braided cable’s conductivity have been made as a twisted set, which enhances the cables resistance to electromagnetic interference.

• Custom voiced 13mm dynamic driver for amazing detail in the upper mids and highs, with a well balanced punchy bass
• Noise isolating in-ear design, for up to 23db noise attenuation
• 4 sets of Silicon eartips mould to your ears for better isolation and better sound
• High spec Audioflex round braided cable with Kevlar reinforced conductors
• CORDURA brand nylon outer sheath for exceptional strength and amazing durability
• Storage tin with plush velvet lining for roadworthy protection

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:
Buy Audiofly AF56 In-Ear Isolating Earphones

SoundMAGIC E10

Introduction - The E10 is from the second generation of SoundMAGIC headphones, it’s the successor to the excellent (and still available) PL11.

Description - The E10 sounds good, looks great and is beautifully made with metal casing and a high spec braided cable. SoundMAGIC are known for pushing the boundaries of what you can expect for your money, at it’s release you would have definitely had to spend at least twice as much to get the same quality in design and finish.

Anything else? - The E10 is also available as the E10M with a three button iDevice controller and mic.

Describe the sound - Few products capture a What HiFi? 5 Stars review but it’s immediately obvious to hear why the E10 is a twice What HiFi? Award Winner. The E10’s sound signature has a powerful and fun sound with plenty of bass, a great level of control and musical detail. The E10 has slightly elevated bass, which does give a warm and smooth tone, the sound feels like a reasonably accurate interpretation of what is really there, but EQ has been applied in the best possible way. Vocals are also treated gently, soundstage is always short with IEMs but here imaging has natural movement within a very decent sense of space. A nicely designed earphone with sound quality that is sure to impress. Very hard to beat at this price point!

RHA MA350

Introduction - RHA design fantastic audio products at their research and development centre in Glasgow, UK. The MA350 has a lightweight aircraft-grade aluminium build with excellent sound isolating properties and wearing comfort. The cable sports a braided fabric design that not only keeps the cable snag-free and also ensures a longer earphone lifespan. This build quality is rare at this price point.

Description - Unlike traditional earphone designs the RHA MA350 is inspired by the aerophonic design of trumpets, a perfectly shaped chamber channels air and sound efficiently to create a natural and clear sound with full and deep bass response.

Anything else? - The RHA MA450i is a high spec earphone that combines RHA’s renowned sound quality with an inline remote and microphone for seamless control of your music library and calls. The inline remote and mic controls calls, music and volume on your Apple device.

Describe the sound - Another What Hifi 5 Stars product, the MA350 has a natural voice which feels acurate and effortless. Relaxed but not bass prominent they have a decent sparkle to the top end, consequently a great choice for the commutor or regular traveller.

Audiofly AF33M

Introduction - The Audiofly AF33M is an excellent multi-use IEM offering best in class for value-conscious consumers that still want a superior sound experience. For casual listening or taking calls, the Audiofly AF33M deliver amazing sound at an affordable price.

Description - The design of Audiofly products is a joyful blend of vintage music equipment, the latest moulding techniques and incredible colour combinations. With custom eartips, precision engineered alloy parts and serious attention to the sound chambers and nozzle, Audiofly mean business! Four pairs of specifically designed silicone eartips are included for better isolation and improved sound.

Anything else? - Audiofly have split the mic from the multi function button for better voice transmission during conversations, so you only need to say it once to be heard. To have such a great combination of accessories and a mic is almost unheard of at this pricepoint.

Describe the sound -The AF33M is fitted with a custom voiced 9mm dynamic driver for impressive detail in sound reproduction, but this is no bloated bass monster. The sound is refined and accurate, solid but also delicate with a pretty spakle. It’s surprising that you can build such an impressive piece of design with all of these exclusive features and still get it sounding so good for such a low price.

Quarkie

Introduction - Quarkie are probably most notable for their crazy creative designs, British made and designed the Quarkie earphone range delivers fantastic quality sound. The company motto “Quarkie looks and serious sounds.” Pretty much captures the brands identity perfectly. Earphones are available in a number of mad looking form factors, from snakes to rusty bolts, gemstones to reptile eyes.

Description - Despite the novelty looks, build quality and engineering is superb. At the heart of the unit is a 13.5 mm drive unit with a high-tech design that produces balanced sound with sparkling high-frequencies and deep, powerful bass.

Anything else? - Included is a microphone/MFB controller that is compatible with both iPhone and Android. Unique custom-made eartips are included in four sizes giving a perfect ear canal seal for optimum performance.

Describe the sound - Quarkie have given their headphones a reasonably flat frequency response. This gives them impressive tonal balance, Quarkie want you to hear the music just as it was intended to sound. These earphones are more sensitive than average so they can get very decent volume when used with phones or iPods. Neodymium magnets are employed for a wider dynamic range, higher sensitivity, a bigger frequency response and a faster transient response than other systems. The effect is a realistic presentation far beyond what you would expect from a pair of snake heads or chameleon eyes!

SoundMAGIC E30

Introduction - SoundMAGIC E30 are balanced sounding with a professional fit over the ear fit and solid construction - exactly the quality we have come to expect from SoundMAGIC. The E30 in-ear monitors can be and are used in professional audio situations but personal listening rather than stage monitoring is the more usual circumstance to find them in.

Description - Worn over the ears, the professional cabling keeps the E30 firmly in the ears when walking and the cable out of the way at the gym. Included optional earhooks guarantee a secure fit, along with a generous selection of tips. This gives them lower than average microphonic cable noise and great noise isolation.

Anything else? - Cabling is surprisingly high end, a top quality braided audio cable is used to squeeze out the highest quality audio and best durability possible. Strain relief is well thought out and a metal 3.5mm jack plug finishes off the high quality construction.

Describe the sound - SoundMAGIC have configured the drivers of the E30 for a neutral, detailed sound with well defined bass which reaches quite deep. Natural tonally flat reproduction with decent soundstage has been achieved. The in-ear design of the E30 gives high levels of noise isolation ensuring sound is not lost or diluted. The SoundMAGIC E30 is a great headphone for those who enjoy an eclectic mix of music and want an incredibly stable fit to the ear.

Now we’re all different of course, and so it follows that different sound signatures appeal also. I have noticed that high-end headphones tend to present more mid-range and high frequencies than I would like at the moment. I say ‘at the moment’ as my tastes have changed before and may well change again; both in a musical sense and a sound signature sense.

As it goes, these headphones suit me very well. I had the opportunity to try the HiFiMAN HE-400 against its bigger brothers, the HE-500 and the HE-6. For me, the higher priced headphones were a little too forward in the mid range and got in the way of that bottomless bass. This is a common a feature of planar magnetic headphones, and which makes me lament at the fact I can’t grab that bass and cuddle it like a warm puppy.

I understand that people might identify ‘bass presence’ with headphones which owe their success to marketing rather than a decent sound, but these headphones do not overly accentuate the bass. Nor is detail sacrificed. ‘Five years’, the opening track of David Bowie’s ‘Ziggy Stardust’ album starts with a kick drum fading in. I can clearly hear that drumskin quivering and for the first time, despite hearing the album many times.

That’s what’s so good about upgrading from sub-£200 headphones, my entire music collection gets upgraded as well!

And that’s just CDs. In the digital realm, my weak link is now a lack of a decent DAC. I have a reasonable Behringer USB sound card which is good but by no means high-end, plus a M-Audio PCI ‘audiophile’ card; but that’s 10 years old now.

Therefore I decided to try some vinyl with them and the sound is incredible. I found it fun to play a lot of 30 year old pop by way of some early ‘Now That’s’ LPs and various imitators such as ‘Out Now’. The fun is in the difference between the quality of that TV speaker, that little radio, or those cheapo headphones which were held together with sticky tape back in the 80s, and the tastier equipment I have now. Today, those familiar old songs can be heard for the first time as a collection of separate instruments and voices all in unison, rather than a single blunderbuss shot of sound within which you might pick up a distinct instrument if you’re looking for it hard enough, using sat-nav. And DNA profiling.

Indeed, the separation of instruments is a strong feature of planar-magnetic (or orthodynamic) headphones generally. I like to wander between instruments, and am really enjoying the feeling of space between them as well as their resolution which makes them all stand out.

The thing to be careful with is that there appears to be a ’sweet spot’ as with loudspeakers. The earcups are large, and the placement of the ears within them can affect the sound. I like to place the earcups so that the backs of my ears are touching the padding, then ease the earcups backward until I feel I’m there.

Verdict - An invaluable tool for professionals and a must-hear option for fans of a neutral sound at a very competitive price point. Their place amongst the best in-ear headphones is well deserved.

Pro’s - Earsonics has seemingly found a way to make an earphone with a presentation that whilst being very accurate and full of detail, offers enough pleasantness so that consumers can enjoy its sound as much as the professional craving for an honest reproduction.

Cons - Despite not being the most aggressive sounding option on the universal IEM market, the level of forwardness, especially when it comes to the midrange might not be well received by those who seem to appreciate a more laid-back presentation. Bass-heads may also need to look elsewhere.

In-Depth Review

Introduction - Earsonics is a professional audio company from France that specialises in universal and custom in-ear monitors. They have been relevant players on the French market for quite a while now as it can be seen on their website. The SM3 v2 is their universal flagship model that aims to compete with the likes of the Westone UM3X and the Shure SE535.

Description - The SM3 v2’s feature three tiny balanced armature drivers per ear. They are only available in black despite the fact that the first release was in clear. However, compared to the v1, these now have an ergonomic shell which definitely helps in finding the optimal fit with its roundness. Their detachable cable with a gold plated 3.5mm jack plug is braided, feels very durable and is not only tangle-free but also eliminates microphonics - this cable is one of the - if not the - best on the universal IEM scene at the moment.

Included peripherals - After opening the subtle, not too flashy packaging, we’ll find a very practical soft travel case along with a cleaning tool and clothing wipe. They also come with four different types of eartips - two pairs of Comply memory foams (a standard and a P-version for improved isolation) and two pairs of differently sized double-flange silicone tips.

Describe the sound - It is hard to find any flaws in the sound of the SM3’s - it is very coherent and balanced. The bottom end is quick, textured and extends deep really well. Although they lack a bit in impact compared to the high-end dynamic driver earphones, they should satisfy all but the true bassheads. The midrange is definitely the cream of the sound - they are forward but not too “in-your-face” to the extent that some IEM’s are known for. The highs are quite smooth despite having great extension; Earsonics have found great balance here as the treble is detailed and crisp enough but has a nice, laid-back feel to it which accounts for an unfatiguing sound. The presentation is lovely with a good sized soundstage and fantastic instrument separation. Detail retrieval is also above average. These earphones really deserve a good enough source so it is just best to honor them with lossless files for the optimal sonic experience - 128 kbps mp3’s will not suddenly sound good with these!

Comparisons - As mentioned earlier, the SM3’s go up against the Shure SE535’s and the Westone UM3X’s on the market. Fans of a more forward sounding midrange may enjoy the 535’s a bit more whilst the UM3x’s are a good option for those who aim at a bit more clinical sound. Bassheads can find joy in Sennheiser’s lovely IE80 model. And for those who appreciate the accuracy of SM3’s but still crave for a bit more musicality and warmth, go ahead and try the Phonak Audeo PFE 232’s.

Product Information

Product –  Earsonics SM3 v2
Product Type – Universal fit in-ear monitor headphones
Price – £274.99

Verdict

SoundMAGIC continues to impress with their full size models. The HP200s have great balance between accuracy and musicality making them a safe choice for home listening. They measure up really well against the best headphones in this price range.

Pro’s

Great build quality and adjustability, comfortable pads, easily driven and the price is right.

Con’s

Aesthetically unadventurous.

In-Depth Review

Introduction

The HP200 is SoundMAGICs first full size open backed headphone. It follows on from their very first full size, the excellent HP100 closed back, with very similar looks and build quality. Because open backed headphones allow sound to bounce around and even move away from the ear they give a more realistic sense of space. This means they do not isolate well but the sonic benefits can be spectacular.

Description

The HP200 is nearly entirely metal with some tough PE materials for the smaller mouldings. The large earpads and headband are extremely soft and comfortable, the unit itself beautifully ergonomic and relatively lightweight. The range of movement and adjustment is very well thought out with a higher than average amount of articulation, so they should work for anybody.

Included peripherals

The single-sided cable is replaceable with a simple locking connector on the left earcup. The cable is 120cm in length and terminates in a 3.5 mm threaded plug with a screw-on 6.35 mm adapter. Supplied with a very nice carry case that holds the 120cm cable, a 3m extension cable and an inflight adaptor, it all fits back into the case with ease.

Application

This airy sounding open back is really designed for Hifi listening at home but due to the foldable frame, carry case and low weight it could easily help save the sanity of a music loving business traveler confined to a basic hotel room for the evening.

Describe the sound

SoundMAGICs HP200 features angled 53mm Neodymium Drivers with a composite surface, are low impedance and quite easy to drive (although they will benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier). The Sound is quick and bright but reaches down nice and low for thumpy bass when needed. The bass is a really interesting part of the sound – bass heavy instruments articulate extremely well, lower strings have real texture which helps the transparent presentation and dark background. The sound is very measured, no one thing is ruling the roost here, SoundMAGIC have not been tempted to make these overly warm but have also stopped them from sounding too analytical, they don’t fizz, the top end sparkles without being aggressive. Accurate but musical is normally the goal with open backs and thanks to well balanced EQ the HP200 achieve this impressively. Instrument separation is superb and these dynamic and exciting headphones are better than their price would suggest. They would definitely suit people who prefer focus on detail to warmth and clean articulation to big bass.

Comparisons

To go brighter look at the Grado 325is, to go darker have a look at the Sennheiser HD650. The Shure SRH940 is a similar sonic experience.

Product Information

Product Type - Open Back Hi-Fi Headphones

Price at the time of review - £219.00

Product Link - Buy SoundMAGIC HP200

Sennheiser MM550-X TRAVEL Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

This is the Sennheiser portable that does it all and at £300 most people would be expecting that. Build quality is excellent, they are more a model of German Efficiency than a statement of urban sophistication. The Sennheiser MM550X are circumaural with soft pleather earpads for long listening sessions in comfort. Despite the generous cups the unit is small sized, easily transportable. The right earcup is laden with controls, not surprising given the list of available functionality - CD quality apt-X, NoiseGard sound cancelling technology, TalkThrough (a button turns on the external microphone so you can talk without removing the headset), Invisible microphone, cable option when power runs out, neodymium drivers, SRS WOW HD technology, integrated track and volume controls. Extremely flexible headphones with impressive technology, of course as with all wireless headphones, not all of the money goes into sound quality. The MM550Xs pair with a phone easily, charge over USB, and they fold into a portable carry case.

Denon’s AH-NCW500 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Denon’s AH-NCW500 Globe Cruiser on-ear headphones feature a 40mm driver, an integrated amplifier and AAC and aptX decoding for CD quality audio over a wireless connection. Much smaller than a full size set of cans, you shouldn’t feel self conscious as the aesthetics are more gentlemans club than superstar DJ. The design’s control wheel also allows you to effortlessly control Apple iPhone, iPad or other Bluetooth devices. The AH-NCW500 has advanced noise cancellation circuitry via Bluetooth 3.0 wireless or a wired connection, actively eliminating unwanted ambient noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music, wherever you travel. They are available in silver and black and come with a hard-shell carry case with a soft fabric finish. Since the headphones themselves do fold flat, the case remains reasonably thin.

Parrot Zik Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Smartphone Headset

Beautifully designed and filled with technology, with plenty of opportunity to adjust the sound to taste. The Parrot Zik, designed by Philippe Starck, is a wireless headphone with gesture control, noise canceling technology and their very own app. Designed to be a gadget fan’s dream audio accessory, they have a host of features including a sensor that pauses the music when you take them off. Pairing the headphones up using Bluetooth is simple and gives a decent range but the Ziks also feature Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick pairing - a first for headphones - although your music player will need this technology too. With your Parrot Zik headphones you get a Micro USB cable and a Protective pouch. The Parrot Zik will also enable you to make and receive calls when paired to your phone, they use several microphones along with a bone conduction to enable your voice to cut through surrounding noise.

SoundMAGIC WP10 Digital Wireless Headphone with DAC

The SoundMAGIC WP10 is a full size digital wireless headphone, supplied with a very small transmitter for use on the move or to transport the unit easily. There are a large selection of supplied accessories including a mains charger, the tiny transmitter unit, a USB cable, a mini jack 3.5mm to RCA cable, a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a long 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable. You can keep all this in the excellent rigid carry case also included. This is a very clever set of headphones, the transmitter also contains a USB DAC for superior sound from your PC or Mac, connection cables for pocket sized media players and RCA for home Hifi connection. Should you run out of battery power while out and about it is possible to use the included cable to carry on listening. The headphone itself has the same incredibly comfortable pads as the excellent HP100 and HP200 wired Full size headphones, is reasonably lightweight and has a well thought out set of controls on the left ear cup. Sound quality is well above any RF headphone and superior to that of Bluetooth headphones as the WP10 uses a 2.4G 16 bit CD quality connection. The sound signature is generally bright and clean with deep but restrained bottom end.

Volume DH-B38 Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth headphones for under £100 often seem a bit bargain basement, the Volumes tick all the boxes for functionality, do not compromise on quality and still come in at a cheap price. A small yet comfortable on-ear, lightweight and durable. The big surprise is that they sound great with impressive stereo imaging for an on-ear. This high-spec, low price philosophy underpins the Volume collection of Bluetooth headphones with mic and on board controls. The headphones themselves are very light and do not clamp making them pretty comfortable for on-ears, the soft leatherette ear cushions are shaped well. Features include a high quality omni-directional mic, Class 1 Bluetooth - giving up to 100m range and the ability to fold flat for storage. Listen to music, answer and end calls without having to touch your phone and they should easily fit into an already cramped bag too. Because of their longer than average range they would also work well for listening around the house or getting out in the garden. Low weight and comfy fit means they also work very well in the Gym. A typically warm feel, punchy smile curve EQ with much more detail than you would expect. The bass will handle everything from chart pop to huge electro bass lines, Classical and Acoustic don’t sound bad either as there is some sparkle here too. The sound is fun and involving but not too aggressive for everyday use or long journeys.

Verdict

A serious contender for being the best sounding mobile phone in-ear headphone under £40.

Pros

Stunning sound quality for the price with well thought out mic features and admirable design.

Cons

The cable could be a little sturdier but it would be a bit unrealistic to expect one at this price point.

In-Depth Review

Introduction

Audiofly are based in Australia. Founded by musicians, they design and build headphones striving to bring a detailed sound to their audience. Having released their first set in 2011, Audiofly are constantly pushing the boundaries to create something unique by merging modern, cutting edge technology with the longevity of vintage gear. Their aim is to replicate music in an honest way; to achieve that, they use custom voiced drivers in all of their models, so you never miss a beat!

Description

Audiofly always make sure that their headphones not only sound good, but look great as well. The AF33s are no exception - they appear stylish without being too flashy and as such, they can appeal to the younger and more mature audience alike. The AF33Ms are available in six different colours (Corset White, HiRise Purple, IshGreen, Lounge Yellow, Selvage Blue, Slycat Black) satisfying even the choosiest headphone lovers out there. Even though they do not come in the box, the 400 series of Comply Foam tips do fit the earphones so if you’re looking for the best combination of comfort and isolation, we recommend trying them out.

Included peripherals

Inside the box there is a nice microfibre storage pouch to keep the ‘phones safe and some additional Silicone eartips (4 sizes in total) for improved isolation.

Application

The Audiofly AF33M is the perfect companion for your smartphone. Driving these headphones is very easy so the standard headphone-out of most smartphones should be able to handle them with ease and drive them to sufficient volume levels. This model comes with an in-line mic, but unlike most headphone models, where the control and the mic are connected, they are kept separate for more practical use. This is called ClearTalk™ - the control button is located on the yoke (where the main cable separates into the individual earpieces), and the actual mic is located closer to the mouth on the left hand side.

Describe the sound

As with most budget earphones, the first thing that strikes the listener is the bass. However, it is usually because the amount is so big that it overshadows the whole scope - not with this model, though! The thing that struck us about the bass is that it is nothing like your average budget dynamic driver bass. It is tighter and more balanced; it still hits hard but no sign of the common, overpowering, muddy bottom end that most budget sets can offer. The midrange is clear and clean, albeit a bit recessed and as such it is definitely not the centre of the presentation. Vocals are still great, though you should not expect the forwardness of in-ear monitors. The treble is surprisingly lively especially for a budget set. Nice and sparkly but not fatiguing at all. Overall, it is hard to find a fault with the set considering the price point, deserves its place amongst the best in-ear headphones on the market.

Comparisons

Below £50 you may also have a look at the following models: SoundMAGIC MP21, RHA MA450i, Sennheiser MM50ip, Audio-Technica ATH-CK400i, SoundMAGIC E10M.

Product Information

Product type - In-Ear Isolating Headphones w/Mic

Price at the time of review - £39.95

Product Link - Buy Audiofly AF33M

Summary

Verdict - With the largest and most advanced drivers of any headphone on the market, together with cutting edge design, the HD800 set new standards in high-fidelity listening.

Pro’s – Great build quality, reasonably lightweight and very comfortable fit.

Con’s – Looks and size may not suit everyone.

In-Depth Review

Introduction – The HD800 sits at the pinnacle of Sennheiser’s headphone product line. Part of the Club Orpheus range of high end listening devices, they are available through a very select set of dealers. This is due to the extra aftercare services provided (a 10 year warranty!) and that Sennheiser would prefer for customers to have the opportunity to try their flagship before they buy. These serious headphones will require an equally serious dedicated amp to get find everything they are capable of.

Description – The looks of the HD800 are surely Metropolis inspired, handsome in a future retro way. When picked up the unit feels beautifully constructed - this makes the lack of design subtlety more endearing as you can easily believe their shape is integral to the success of final object. They feel very comfortable, whilst staying put when turning your head the clamping force exerted is minimal.

Included peripherals – Sennheiser HD800 and luxury storage box.

Application – The HD800 has one job, to get you excited about all your favorite recordings from the most comfortable chair in your living room. You might want to kick everyone else out though as they are open backed and will allow sound to leak in.

Describe the sound – This is where they should and do really impress, vocals feel very real and the handling of bottom end is impressive, punchy with no feeling of sluggishness. Cooler than the usual Sennheiser house sound, detail is very evident without becoming too introspective. Instrument separation is coherent with good width to the stereo image, the angled drivers must help with the perception that the audio is definitely in front of you. Although some may find the soundstage a little in your face with some recordings, many will think that Sennheiser have nailed the spacial presentation here. With a quick and rhythmic feel which works great for stringed instruments, percussion stopping quick passages from becoming confused whilst retaining for more gentle and drifting pieces. The HD800’s seem to do well with most genres, aggressive when needed and capable of subtle sweetness, a well rounded and extremely accomplished offering.

Comparisons – If you want similar quality your wallet could also take a beating from the Beyerdynamic T1, HifiMAN HE6, Fostex TH-900, STAX SRS-3170

Product Information

Product Type - Open Back Circumaural Audiophile Headphones

Price at the time of review - £1000

Product Link - Buy Sennheiser HD800

Product Information

Product type - Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

Price at the time of review - £349.99

Product Link - Buy Sennheiser MM550-X

Summary

Verdict - Portable headphones with built-in noise cancellation, bluetooth connectivity and mic/remote features.

Pro’s – The MM 550-X sound good enough that you’ll feel like it’s money well spent, especially when using it wirelessly. Its active noise cancellation, while not class leading, is still fairly effective; if you want the best and don’t need a wireless pair, the PSB M4U2 is a great alternative.

Con’s – There is huge choice in the world of portable headphones, if you do not require all of the features on offer here you can save yourself money without experiencing a big drop in sound quality.

In-Depth Review

Introduction – This is Sennheiser’s portable that does it all, and at £300 most people would be expecting that. Although they are not the most beautiful cans we have ever seen the build quality is excellent, they are more a model of German Efficiency than a statement of urban sophistication. The Sennheiser MM550X are circumaural with soft pleather earpads for long listening sessions in comfort. Despite the generous cups they are a small size, easily transportable. The right earcup is laden with controls, not surprising given the list of available functionality. Extremely flexible headphones, impressive technology, of course as with all wireless headphones, not all of the money goes into sound quality. The MM550Xs pair with a phone easily, charge over USB, and they fold easily into a portable carry case.

Included peripherals – As well as a lovely pair of foldable travel headphones, you get - USB mains charger, USB charging cable, in-flight adapters, an audio cable, a neat carry case and the user manual.

Application – Headphones don’t come much more feature-packed than the Sennheiser MM550X. CD quality apt-X, NoiseGard sound cancelling technology, TalkThrough (a button turns on the external microphone so you can talk without removing the headset), Invisible microphone, cable option when power runs out, neodymium drivers, SRS WOW HD technology, integrated track and volume controls. To save on weight, most of the unit is plastic, Steel runs through the headband to give flexibility and strength.

Description – Sennheiser say the battery should provide 8 hours of listening with Bluetooth and NoiseGuard enabled, 10 hours Bluetooth without NoiseGuard and 20 hours using the cable with NoiseGuard activated. If you are looking for all the features on offer here then the MM550X are a good bet, however if you want the best sound quality then a well isolated closed back cabled headphone may be a better fit. If the NoiseGuard is the most appealing feature there are similar quality alternatives which have excellent noise canceling abilities for less.

Describe the sound - The sound quality is pretty impressive in standard mode although maybe a tiny bit Mid shy. On most occasions Bluetooth headphones still don’t match up to their cabled cousins but here the sound is nearly identical in cabled or Bluetooth mode, feeling much better than most traveling wireless headphones. Sennheiser’s NoiseGard canceling technology is a different matter though, audibly degrading the great sound from standard mode. The SRS WOW HD button is in our opinion a pointless addition. It seems to add an aggressive smile curve EQ simultaneously making the top end a little scratchy and the bass muddy and over emphasized.

Comparisons – Also see Sennheiser PX210, Jaybird SB2, Volume DH-B38, Sennheiser MM400X.

Price at the time of review – £69.95

Product link - Buy Volume DH-B38 Bluetooth

Verdict – A very impressive sound at an affordable price, great option for those looking for a cord free set below £100. No wires. No worries.

Pro’s – Small yet comfortable on-ear, lightweight and durable. The big surprise is that they sound great, impressive stereo imaging for an on ear. Bluetooth headphones for under £100 often seem a bit bargain basement, the Volumes tick all the boxes for functionality, do not compromise on quality and still come in at a cheap price!

Con’s – None if you have under £100 to spend! AptX CD quality sound would be a great addition but at this price that just seems greedy.

Introduction – Volume is a new audio company proudly making headphones in Taiwan, the brainchild of the son of a British family owned components manufacturing company. After finishing his education in London and becoming disillusioned working in the city he decided to return to Taiwan to make high quality portable audio products at a sensible price. This high-spec, low price philosophy underpins the current collection of Bluetooth headphones with mic and on board controls.

Description –Available in a range of attractive colour ways the Volume DH-B38 has controls for volume, changing track, pause and play. Special features include a high quality omni-directional mic, Class 1 Bluetooth - giving up to 100m range and the ability to fold flat for storage. The headphones themselves are very light and do not clamp making them pretty comfortable for on-ears, the soft leatherette ear cushions are shaped well. Build quality is impressive, no corners have been visibly cut.

Included peripherals - Volume DH-B38 are supplied with a soft carry bag.

Application – If you are looking for some portable headphones for commuting or being mobile in general these have all the features you could need. Listen to music, answer and end calls without having to touch your phone and they should easily fit into an already cramped bag too. Because of their longer than average range they would also work well for listening around the house or getting out in the garden. Low weight and comfy fit means they also work very well in the Gym.

Describe the sound – A typically warm feel for consumer headphones, punchy smile curve EQ with much more detail than you would expect. The bass will handle everything from chart pop to huge electro basslines. Classical and Acoustic don’t sound bad either as they have a bit of sparkle to them, the fact they do sound good does mean you can hear small Bluetooth sonic problems which less capable headphones might mask. The sound is fun and involving but not too aggressive for everyday use or long journeys.

Comparisons – Also see Sennheiser PX210BT, Jaybird SB2, Parrot Zik, Sennheiser MM-400X.

Sponsored by the organisers, Headzones is set to launch this Autumn at the National Audio Show, Whittlebury Hall, Northampton on the 22nd and 23rd of September.

See & Hear the very latest in an exciting line up of some of the best headphones and accessories from around the world!

“This year we have introduced an exciting and long awaited addition known as ‘HEADZONES’ which will feature a large range of Headphones and accessories from around the world. In fact this new feature is proving to be so popular that we’re already having to consider increasing the space we first allocated. This along with additional features that put ‘MUSIC’ at the heart of everything we do.” - Chester Group

Names already confirmed include Hifi-Man, Schiit Audio, STAX, Audio Technica, Omega Headphone Stands, Cavalli Audio, German Maestro, Audeze, SoundMAGIC, Just Audio, Sennheiser, AKG, harman/kardon, Grado, PSB, Beyerdynamic and more recently Phillips Fidelio.

Headphone fans are being spoiled this September

HiFiHeadphones.co.uk will also be attending with a few bits of interesting gear and we will also be selling products on behalf of some of the brands who will be there. Because we have a special offer available for people attending the Head-fi meet in Cambridge (the weekend before), we will be extending this offer for people visiting our stand in the ‘HEADZONES’ area!

Head-Fi is widely seen as the best forum to discuss everything headphone and earphone related. The American contingent have been holding large meet ups for years now, forum members try out each others equipment and discover what all the fuss is about without spending thousands on an item they have no way to demo. Although there have been a few small events in the UK it looks like the largest to date will take place this September in Cambridge on the 15th of September. Click here to read a Blog about the 2012 Head-fi meet up.

Headzones will be located on the ground floor of the main show. See below for National Audio Show tickets.

The National Audio Show ’12 is held at Whittlebury Hall Hotel  & Spa, an ideal location for a top quality Audio Show; geographically perfect, being equidistant between two key arterial motorways (M40 & M1) and also equidistant from the M25 and South Midlands.

Whittlebury Hall benefits from free parking for up to 500 cars and over 65 suites of various sizes - the vast majority of which are on the Ground floor. Onsite you will also find five restaurants and bars, extensive day spa and leisure facilities, a superb support team, and a whole range of exhibitor accommodation packages.

For those that choose not to drive, there will be regular shuttle buses from Milton Keynes Railway station for just £4 return.

Venue and travel details

E-TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE - Entry into a fantastic free prize draw worth over £500

It seems that headphone fans are being spoiled this September, not only is there a Headphone area for the first time at this years National Audio Show but also a Head-fi meet up in Cambridge!

Head-Fi is widely seen as the best forum to discuss everything headphone and earphone related. The American contingent have been holding large meet ups, forum members try out each others equipment and discover what all the fuss is about without spending thousands on an item they have no way to demo. Although there have been a few small events in the UK it looks like the largest to date will take place this September in Cambridge.

Last years head-fi meet in London was so successful many people expressed an interest in attending one this year, one forum member decided to take things into his own hands. With the help of other members and several Audio companies the UK meet up has been organised for Saturday 15th of September in Bar Hill Village hall in Cambridgeshire.

Doors are open at 10:00am with a trully incredible raffle draw taking place at 4pm, the meet will then finish at 5pm. The list of equipment on show is too huge to place here - Visit the Thread on Head-fi to get you excited.

Although HiFiHeadphones.co.uk cannot attend due to prior commitments, as a head-fi sponsor we have donated some raffle prizes and we will be running a special discount offer through the website for those who attend the meet up. We will run this for two weeks so that anyone attending either the Head-fi meet up or National Audio Show ‘12 has the chance to use it.

Headphone fans are being spoiled this September

The National Audio Show ’12 is held at Whittlebury Hall Hotel  & Spa, a geographically perfect location, being equidistant between two key arterial motorways (M40 & M1) and also equidistant from the M25 and South Midlands. For those that choose not to drive, there will be regular shuttle buses from Milton Keynes Railway station for just £4 return.

This year they have introduced an exciting and long awaited addition known as ‘HEADZONES’ which will feature a large range of Headphones and accessories from around the world. In fact this idea has been so popular that the organisers have had to increase the space originally allocated. Click here to read a Blog post about the The National Audio Show ’12.

Names already confirmed include Hifi-Man, Schiit Audio, STAX, Audio Technica, Omega Headphone Stands, Cavalli Audio, German Maestro, Audeze, SoundMAGIC, Just Audio, Sennheiser, AKG, harman/kardon, Grado, PSB, Beyerdynamic and more recently Phillips Fidelio.

Head-fi meet up travel info

Bar Hill village hall, which has good access to the M11 and A1(M) via the A14, has been booked for Saturday 15th September. There is ample onsite parking, tables/chairs, a kitchen, spacious hall and accessible toilets. The hall address is - 171 The Spinney, Bar Hill, Cambridge, CB23 8SU.

The hall is accessed via a residential area, so Sat Nav users enter the postcode and 171 The Spinney to pinpoint the exact location. Bar Hill village is well served by buses from Cambridge bus depot. The Citi 5 (operated by Stagecoach) leaves every 20 minutes on Saturdays. The closest stop to the village hall is near Apple Trees.

Relatively inexpensive accommodation is available at the nearby Travelodge.

PSB has launched its first pair of headphones, the noise-cancelling PSB M4U 2 over-ear cans.

Better known for their speaker designs, the Canadian manufacturer says the headphones result from a “multi-year research program” at the Acoustics Laboratory at Canada’s National Research Council.

The headphones are sturdy with a solid feel but don’t feel any heavier than the avrage passive headphone. Comfort is great, well chosen pads isolate properly and PSB have not let the slick design get in the way of functionality anywhere else either. Nice touches a foldable frame for portability and the cord’s ability to plug into either earcup.

The PSB M4U 2’s are powered headphones, with built-in amplification. The closed-back design uses a four-microphone active noise cancelling system to help remove a broad spectrum of noise. The drop is over 18dB of reduction in ambient sound, plenty enough to keep a long flight relaxing.

The PSB M4U 2 headphones also promise to reduce distortion from portable devices and extend the battery life, they should give around 55 hours of music and will also work in passive mode should you run out of juice. They also feature a monitor button allowing you to rejoin the outside world without taking them off.

PSB M4U 2 Headphones

The place where they really shine is the sound quality. These are one of the best noise cancellers we have ever tried! They have a relaxed sound without feeling boring, gaining a natural timbre from their solid yet precise feeling bass and pretty mids. Detail is articulated well, there is just something a bit more Hifi in the presentation over other active noise cancellers which are often bass heavy and un-natural.

The PSB M4U 2 comes with a protective travel case, two cables and stereo and in flight adapters. Now available in black with a white model is due by September.

More Information

For more information on the PSB Headphones range please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

DJ headphones are often used for a wide variety of tasks and have to satisfy a tough set of criteria, this makes creating the perfect DJ headphone quite difficult.

Essential Features

DJ Headphones need to have the option of a 6.3mm or ¼” jack plug (this can be a screw on adaptor) as this is what you will find at the headphone output of a mixer and other Pro Audio devices.
Closed back headphones keep other noises out and your noise in. DJ Headphones should isolate you from background noise, this helps with cueing up the next track or getting that clever new mix perfect. It also means you can use the same headphones for studio performance or if you make your own music or remix other peoples work they will help here too!

The Importance of Comfort
If you’re going to spend many hours DJing then comfort is obviously a key factor to consider. Some headphone headbands cause a clamping effect that can cause fatigue, this type of distraction will not aid the creative process. Other headphones have a very light grip on the head and will move around, again not an aid to concentration. You should aim for somewhere in the middle, comfy but you don’t want them falling off mid set. DJ headphones might also have articulated cups to help with single ear monitoring. As you will probably be wearing them for hours on end, the cups should feel good on your ears, also think about where the cable will be if you have an unconventional DJ style, they can be single or double sided.

Build Quality and Storage
DJ headphones must be tough, if you are gigging they will be stepped on, dragged around by the cable, stuffed in a bag or record box and will probably get very sweaty! If space in your travelling bag or case is limited then pick a small or folding model. Try not to choose your headphones by looks alone, sometimes it is much better to look professional than to look cool.

Pioneer HDJ Series

The logic seems to be that the models underneath the HDJ-2000 have benefited from the innovation and developments for the Flagship model. This always impresses me as not everyone can afford the top model in a range but it is nice to know you are benefiting from the same technology. Pioneer have made the HDJ range for live or studio monitoring but all the models work very well for listening to music on the go. DJ headphones do lend themselves to general portable use – Great sound, small size, folding parts, replaceable cables and tough construction. Whether you are a bedroom DJ or a Globe trotting superstar DJ you will probably use DJ headphones for listening to music too and possibly even making a little of your own. Pioneer have achieved three excellent models which could easily become the only pair of headphones you need.

Pioneer HDJ-2000

The HDJ-2000 itself is quite a hansom affair. Pioneer have straddled the difficult gap between Consumer and Pro Audio looks with impressive results. The magnesium alloy used in the swivel mechanism for the cups feels solid and lightweight. The Auto return feature, or i-hinge as they call it, swivels the cups back to their original position. This works really well and feels like it should be there. The headband is un-fussy and practical, it can be bent until it is nearly flat without any damage and the retractable arms for fit sizing are simple but sensible. The folding system works perfectly, the unit is actually quite small when folded. The Ear pads are made of an artificial Protein Leather, which I found convincingly leather like and comfy, these are filled with a heat reactive memory foam, not unlike the ever popular Comply tips. The heavy-duty build quality makes the HDJ-2000 durable and portable. The cable is fully replaceable, fitted to the headphone with a Mini XLR at the business end of a tough coiled 3m cable and a 3.5mm gold plated jack plug with 6.3mm adaptor at the other.

First Impressions

On first impressions, the sound is not exactly what I have come to expect from a DJ headphone, they have a more Hifi feel due to the level of detail, the sound feels pretty sophisticated. Although they have the typically short stereo imaging of a Closed back Headphone giving an inverted U shape to the audio, the separation is fantastic. You do not perceive that the sound extends far beyond your head but they feel uncluttered and the sense of space within the soundstage feels natural also the background is relatively dark.

The HDJ-2000s’ 50mm driver units with high-flux magnets create convincing resolution, the top end feels bright but not aggressive, there is plenty of detail here but it never becomes constantly oppressive. Cymbals are handled really well. The bottom end is bigger than necessary for a balanced sound. The bass has body – there is decent weight but it is not excessive - the overall response is definitely big and warm but textured and controlled. The transition to the lower mids is well achieved with little evidence of mud. Mids follow a similar theme to the bass, warm and immediate, textured believable and engaging. Vocals were the big surprise, sweet and lush, quite forward but not overbearing. As the volume gets loud some elements can leap out as a little brash which makes them exciting, in quieter numbers the same effect comes across as sweetness. I would describe the sound as at the technically impressive end of fun sounding – a contemporary HiFi sound that suits the fan of complex Electronic music.

Verdict
The HDJ-2000 have superb clarity, clear instrument separation and maximum comfort whether you’re performing in a packed club, listening for fun or practising at home. Even though they are very detailed, their fresh feel does not seem to fatigue or overpower. They definitely go a lot further than the average DJ headphone by offering greater fidelity, a few really innovative features and a tough but comfy build.

Pioneer HDJ-1000

Pioneer HDJ-1000 has become a common choice for the Pro DJ over the last few years but also appeal to serious music fans too. This headphone works well for basic studio applications and making music at home. They offer great sound quality, lightweight design and are not bad looking either. The 50mm driver units have the same high-flux magnet technology found in the HDJ-2000 creating a very decent level of detail and bass that is deep, warm and lush.
To improve monitoring, there is also a convenient stereo/mono switch. Each ear-cup gives excellent isolation and swivels a full 90 degrees, supporting DJs who prefer the ‘on-shoulder’ method of monitoring. When not in use the HDJ-1000 folds to reduce size, the cable is a 3m coiled type which terminates in a 3.5mm jack and comes with a 6.3mm adaptor.
A great sounding and well thought out unit which certainly fits the brief of the contemporary DJ. Robust build and great sound quality, folding cups and decent cable should put this on your shortlist.

Pioneer HDJ-500

Pioneer HDJ-500 Closed Back headphones are the junior model in the Pioneer range. They have been designed for a flexible DJ lifestyle by adapting to both DJing at home, in a club or listening on the go.The HDJ-500 is engineered with 40mm driver units to strongly reproduce a rich low-range and the mid level frequencies needed for accurate monitoring. The lightweight stylish design utilises technology from the Pioneer flagship model the HDJ-2000.
With its 60º rotating arm structure and flexible headband, the HDJ-500 is also completely adaptable to your personal DJing style. Top quality and style and sound are no longer reserved solely for professional DJs, but are now available to anyone who wants to get the most out of their Electronic music. Included are a 3m cord for DJ use and a 1.2m Single-sided coiled cable with 3.5 mm gold-plated jack plug and a screw-on 6.35mm stereo adapter.Professional sounding and looking headphones which will work on the train, in the bedroom or at the club.

More Information

For more information on the Pioneer Headphone range please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

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.

Compared to giant PA stacks at festivals and floor standing HiFi Speakers, headphones and earphones look small and harmless. But what matters is how much the sound makes your eardrums vibrate. In fact, most earphones can produce a louder sound at the eardrum than all but the largest and most powerful studio monitoring loudspeakers, and can easily give noise exposures well above the accepted safety limits.

Earphones don’t sound as loud as loudspeakers even when the sound level at the eardrum is the same. This may happen because the brain isn’t fooled into thinking the sound is “outside” - it can work out that that the music is right next to your head and so expects it to sound loud and compensates.

Unlike loudspeakers neighbours will not complain if kids are listening at high volumes, with earphones people can get an excessive dose of sound without themselves or anyone else realising it! You can’t assume that equipment made for the domestic market will be safe to do a lot of listening. A 2010 study found that an iPod Nano set on maximum volume, using the standard ear-buds, produced a one-hour average sound level of 96 dB with a popular album, a higher average than is allowed in the workplace.

Should MP3 player use be limited?

Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by two types of noise. Sudden bursts, such as firearms and fireworks, can immediately cause hearing loss in children, who are often reluctant to report such exposures to their parents. The other type is continuous exposure to loud noise, which can damage the ears over time. Sources of continuous noise include motorized recreational vehicles, loud sporting events, power tools and amplified music.

Although the maximum volume limit is adjustable on many current MP3 players you cannot be certain children will not disable this function. A survey sponsored by the Australian government found that about 25 percent of people using portable stereos had daily noise exposures high enough to cause long term hearing damage. Further research from the Netherlands reports that 90 percent of adolescents listened to music through earphones on MP3 players, almost half used high-volume settings, and only 7 percent used a noise limiter.

Medical Studies

Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital determined that listening to a portable music player with headphones at 60 percent of their potential volume for one hour a day is relatively safe. For continuous noise exposure such as music, the level and duration of exposure are important. It takes repeated exposures over many years to cause a gradual onset of noise-induced hearing loss in both children and adults

Portable music players have sparked recent concern since they are used frequently and with earphones that deliver the sound directly to the ear. This is however not the whole of the story as the MP3 player used is not the only factor in deciding the actual volume at the ear. Headphones themselves have an electrical resistance, the higher this resistance the lower the volume outcome for the power of the MP3 Player. Choosing Headphones correctly can stop hearing damage from occurring at all.

MP3 players were investigated thoroughly by Portnuff, a graduate student at the University of Colorado, and Fligor, Director of Diagnostic Audiology at Children’s Medical Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Portnuff and Fligor measured specific sound levels that come out of five common portable music players including the Apple iPod, the Creative Zen Micro and the SanDisk Sansa. For each player, they measured sound levels in music transmitted by several different types of headphones. Interestingly, they found that all five music players output very similar sound levels, especially at the highest volume levels. The highest volumes can be so dangerous that the researchers only recommend listening at those levels a few minutes a day, if at all.

“Damage to hearing occurs when a person is exposed to loud sounds over time…the risk of hearing loss increases as sound is played louder and louder for longer durations.” explains Portnuff.

“It is important to note, though, that not everyone shares the same risk of hearing loss,” Portnuff explains. Some people have “tougher” ears, for them the recommendations are overly cautious. For other people with more “tender” ears, these recommendations do not eliminate the risk of hearing loss.

Do speech and music affect hearing differently from industrial noise?

Many people find it difficult to believe that listening to music can be a hazard to hearing. But there’s little evidence that loud music, however harmonious, is actually safer than unpleasant noise that would measure the same on a sound level meter. So far as the law protecting people at work is concerned, loud music or speech is just another hazardous noise. Speech on earphones can give an excessive noise dose, just as much as music so when people are working with reproduced sound, safety must be taken seriously.

Noise and the causes of hearing loss?

The American National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports approximately 28 million Americans have lost some or all of their hearing, including 17 in 1,000 children under age 18. Overexposure to noise can cause both temporary and permanent hearing loss, sadly very little has been reported on the risk of such hearing loss in children.

Very loud sounds damage the inner ear by damaging the hair cells of the cochlea. When loud sounds are exposed to the ear for a short time, one may experience what’s called a temporary threshold shift, or a temporary hearing loss. This hearing loss may be accompanied by tinnitus (a ringing in the ears). One may recover from the temporary loss. But if the ear is exposed to loud sounds over longer periods of time, the hair cells can be permanently damaged, causing permanent sensorineural hearing loss.

Effects on preschool Children and School age Children

The following effects on preschool children and schoolchildren have been

considered by researchers from around the world:

-Hearing impairment

-Effects on sleep

-Stress-related somatic effects

-Cognitive effects

-Vocal nodules

Noise-induced somatic effects (such as on blood pressure and hormone levels) can best be considered as part of a stress response of children to their noisy environment.

Psychological and cognitive processes also play a role in this stress response of children. Somatic (physiological) results should therefore be considered together with psychological outcomes to give an overall insight in the problem. As in adults, children can react very differently to stimulus. Some children can find loud noises terrifying whilst others do not seem bothered, this is not an indication that damage is or is not occurring.

Hearing impairment

Young children may be more susceptible to noise-induced hearing impairment than adults. Results of experiments with mice, an animal with the same physiology of the hearing organ as humans, give the effect of exposure to very high noise levels as a function of the age of the mouse. The effect has been assessed by counting hair cell loss in exposed mice killed after noise exposure or by measuring cochlear microphonics in living mice. The effect is presented relative to the effect at the age of 4 days. If developmental stage of mice is converted to that of human children (the lower figure), susceptibility to hearing impairment in preschool and school children is greater than that of adults, at least for very high levels of noise exposure. Whether this also applies to the real-life noise exposure of children is currently unknown.

Acoustic Shock – Could Children be safer wearing Headphones?

Acoustic Shock is a temporary or permanent disturbance of the functioning of the ear, or of the nervous system. It is noted that an acoustic shock usually results from the occurrence, in abnormal circumstances, of short-lived high voltages at the terminals of a telephone headset or similar.

There are several different design approaches to combating these occurrences, including low-powered active circuits, but all provide the same protection for the end user. Some use signal processing to significantly enhance the user’s listening comfort and require batteries. Now power free acoustic technology is beginning to appear more readily – this is a passive form of protection using a fast acting system which closes in response to high sound pressure levels. This type of is likely to be recommended for children as there are no batteries and the products are hard to damage in normal use. These types of headphones may even protect a child from external noise as closed back headphones give a reduction in the region of 17db – 27db, enough to avoid acoustic shock in some circumstances.

What does the law say about high sound levels?

Noise at work in the UK is governed by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (part of the Health and Safety at Work Act.) The regulations affect employers, employed people, and the self-employed (who count as both). The current UK law came into force on 6 April 2006.

The new Noise at Work Directive, introduced on 6 April 2006, stipulates that employees must not be exposed to more than a maximum 87dB(A) when at work. This is really important as agents need reassurance that hours of headset use won’t damage their health.

The directive defines two critical levels for noise exposure throughout a working day. For up to 80dB(A) the employer has no obligations. Between 80dB(A) and 85dB(A) the employer should offer hearing protection and education. For levels exceeding 85dB the employees must be provided with and wear hearing protective equipment. Employees of companies producing high noise levels must even attend formal courses with safety training.

How can I Protect Children from excessive noise in Headphones?

If children will be using portable audio equipment (you try to stop them!) then responsible parents will want a safety method that limits noise exposure without constant supervision. Protection in the form of powered adapter using signal processing to significantly enhance the user’s listening comfort is a safe method but requires batteries to work. Modern headphones are usually very sensitive as they have to work with battery powered mp3 players and similar devices. So when you plug them into a mains operated unit they can usually produce very high sound levels!

Passive Acoustic limiting technology is beginning to appear more readily (dB Logic Childrens headphones) which is a form of protection which pulls volume back in response to high sound pressure levels. This technology is likely to become commonly recommended for children as there are no batteries and the units are very robust and resistant to play use.

dB Logic HP-100 Closed Back Sound Pressure Limiting Headphones with No Batteries! Limited to 85dB of Sound Pressure

More Information

More information on the full range of dB Logic products can be found here.

Hand built in Germany and supplied with a 3 year warranty, the German Maestro headphone range is designed to be suitable for studio and home listening.

After the ultra successful MB Quart speaker Brand was purchased (and it’s operations moved to the USA) it was decided that the team responsible for the designs should carry on creating beautifully engineered German products.

The GermanMAESTRO Team are continuing their tradition of best-in-class loudspeaker and headphone design, hand crafting in their renowned Obrigheim German factory, and now their products are here available in the UK.

GermanMAESTRO creates

for audio enthusiasts

The new products are designed to deliver superior levels of detail, long term product durability, and high SPL capabilities for ProAudio. GermanMAESTRO promise nothing about their new listening systems will be anything less than extraordinary and say their goal is “ultimate satisfaction” for the end user.

“To hear is to distinguish. The human ear receives acoustic vibrations and translates every whisper, thunderclap and minute detail into the listening experience. When our auditory senses are stimulated by an acoustic source that satisfies the spirit, a feeling of true listening pleasure is achieved.” GermanMAESTRO

GermanMAESTRO seem to have a real love of invention and pursue new design technologies and materials in their search for excellence. The use of titanium, fiberglass reinforced ABS, unique Poly-comp cone material, and special crossover technologies were key to the development of this new range of headphones. Plastics which cannot tear or shatter and are near impossible to deform are used for the housing construction. Equipped with high-grade drivers, lightweight sandwich diaphragms and copper-plated aluminium voice coils, there are some serious ideas at work inside these cans. Some models, like the GMP400 and GMP450 Pro, have the driver suspended and isolated from the frame, just like a high end vocal microphone sitting in it’s nest. This is called “cardamatic suspension” and is designed to stop external vibration translating to the voice coil but also increases comfort for the wearer too.

It has become fashionable to claim products are used by the professionals, GermanMAESTRO headphones can genuinely be found performing a multitude of Pro Audio tasks. The GMP 8.35 D is part of the 8.000 Series which encompasses similar looking but differently featured pro models. Each model within the 8.000 Series has a distinct job and therefore individual features, they are diverse in application with uses from Pilot headsets to high end display units in National chain stores. There is a high impedance 8.000 Series model, the GMP 8.300 D, which has a nominal impedance of 300ohms and might be of interest to audiophiles or studio musicians.

Almost to temper the hard edge of scientific invention, handcrafted precision is incorporated into the GermanMAESTRO final assembly process. This guarantees that in both form and function every headphone will meet or exceed performance expectations, in fact every headphone has it’s own unique serial number. We might call this level of attention to detail German Engineering, but they insist it is nothing more than the passion of the GermanMAESTRO Team who feel you can hear the difference this makes.

Standout GermanMAESTRO models

GMP 400 - The GMP 400 is designed as an Open Back Studio mix tool and for Audiophile listening. Uncompromising sound reproduction with crystal clear trebles, rich detail in the mid-range and precise dynamic response of bass reproduction. The technical features are very impressive: Sandwich-diaphragm, copper plated aluminium voice coils, ear cups with cardamatic suspension. Immediately I find myself comparing the build, sound and feel to that of the Beyerdynamic DT880 250ohm (housing is near indestructible plastic rather than metal), there is plenty of space with excellent sound stage, tons of detail but a natural and ‘real’ weight to the sound. The DT880 is slightly more musical with a bit more speed and presence, slightly prettier sounding I guess. Pro Audio is the natural stomping ground for these very accurate cans, I believe they would make a fantastic mix tool with plenty enough definition to really get to the bottom of serious mix problems. For Audiophile listening a powerful well chosen amp (the drivers are 300ohm) will light up the GMP 400′, twinned with the excellent Icon Audio HP8 MkII they completely blew our pair of Sennheiser HD650’s away. Ear pads made of a top-quality soft velour and a gold plated screw on 3.5mm - 6.3mm Jack plug give an extra touch of comfort and functionality.

GMP 450 PRO - The GMP 450 like the GMP 400, the GMP 450 follows the specific needs of professional users in special environments, all the characteristics of the GMP 400 have been packed into an acoustically closed version. Ideally suited for a variety of studio applications and recording sessions where noise shielding is required. Perfect for monitoring playback during performance, although sound stage is inevitably shortened due to the closed back there is still a clean clear stereo image to work with, in fact it is surprising how much of the character of the open backed GMP400 the closed GMP450’s retain. Audiophiles who are listening in a room where noise from others will interfere with a listening session will find them similarly accomplished to an Audio Technica ATH-M50 or a slightly livelier version of Beyers excellent DT770 with much lighter housing. 300ohm drivers will again need a powerful amp, the model is finished with soft leatherette ear pads which musicians or any active wearer will certainly find practical.

GMP 8.35 D Monitor - The GMP 8.35 D Professional music production and monitoring is the intended application for this model, acoustically the GMP 8.35 D Monitor has dynamic bass response and overall transparency in the midrange with plenty of detail and control throughout. The headphone’s low-impedance and highly sensitive drivers are able to adapt to the widest range of equipment, at home with a mixing desk or your iPod. The sound is similar to a Beyer DT770 but a little brighter with slightly less weight at the bottom. Superior diaphragms with copper-plated voice coils create a precise resolution across the frequency-range. With a closed leatherette ear cup and one-sided cable design the GMP 8.35 D is the ideal partner for the project studio or Field Recordist. The GMP 8.35 D is constructed from durable PE material which makes them nearly indestructible. The padded headband and leatherette earpads create a really comfortable listening experience, they would work well as an everyday headphone for the Audiophile who requires awesome sound quality and low impedance with maximum durability for portable use.

The GermanMAESTRO Look

Apparently a favourite for many German engineers, their commitment to technical detail has enabled GermanMAESTRO to produce a range of accurate headphones which are not clinical in sound but actually quite natural feeling. They see their goal as providing the listener access to every nuance, an excellent sound experience for Audio Professionals or enthusiasts alike. If I had to find a fault with these I would probably say that the Germans should have had a brief word with the Italians before they styled them, they do lack sex appeal. I don’t see this as a problem though. These days everything from your soap dish to your stapler has had the designer treatment. In a market where recent brands want (Justin Bieber) to convince you that their fashionable noise cancellers are actually studio headphones in disguise, many feel it refreshing when an object looks like it should. GermanMAESTRO have (intentionally or un-intentionally) given their range an Anti-Fashion appeal - they look like studio quality headphones because they are studio quality headphones.

More Information

More information on the full range of GermanMAESTRO can be found here.

Meet the New

SoundMAGIC Earphones

The new range updates some existing models but also adds some completely new ideas, some previously unused materials and more colour choices.

The SoundMAGIC E10 is a beautifully finished in-ear sound isolating earphone made from brushed metal with a choice of four vibrant colours. The E10’s internal acoustic design follows on from the massively popular PL11, but with some serious improvements to the aesthetics and sound. The earphone body is made from metal, features high quality cabling and a robust metal jack plug to give a long life.

The SoundMAGIC E30 is for those who are serious about their portable listening the E30 in-ear monitor features pro-fit over ear cabling and a robust metal jack plug.  Why compromise with audio quality when listening to music on the move, when you can enjoy a high definition audio experience from these pocket sized earphones.

The SoundMAGIC EH11 is a rugged sports headphone designed for serious everyday use by sports men and women.  Made from a lightweight metal frame the EH11 headphone stays in the ear no matter how hard you are training thanks to an over ear design that can be adjusted to fit perfectly.

Finally and possibly most interesting is the SoundMAGIC P30, is a serious portable headphone featuring an on-ear closed back design with soft, comfortable ear pads that also ensure maximum noise isolation.

These new products will appear over the Summer of 2011, expect reviewers to urge you to upgrade your present SoundMAGICs, or if you’re new to the brand, to grab yourself some inexpensive audio treasure!

More Information

More information on the full range of SoundMAGIC products can be found here.

Who are Just Audio?

Just Audio is the brain child of Justin Harris, an experienced electronics/embedded software engineer with a love of Music and Hi Fi, whom previously has worked professionally in the mobile/wireless devices product creation domain. His passion is infectious, he obviously relishes the chance to talk about his ideas, electronics in general and getting the very best out of Hi Fi gear. Justin has worked for some of the mobile phone manufacturing giants, you may even have some kit he was involved in already.
“This all started with designing some functionality to incorporate into my modified Quad 405 power amplifiers, to enable standby and best in class audio detection and wake-up functionality, with the intention to make this in such a way that it could be retro-fitted without making a mess of the existing internals. ”

It was a desire to get the very best of his own Hi Fi kit which lead to the ground up designs for the uHA-120 and now it’s Class A big brother the AHA-120.

In 2009 he decided to start his own company. “The main theme originally was modularity and utilisation of surface mount technology to enable making the modules small enough to fit in tight spaces. I wanted to make operation seem natural and intuitive to the end-user and perform better than other implementations that I’d experienced myself.”
Having such a strong engineering background seems to have provided Justin with an understanding that  individuality, through modularity and customisation, will develop products with the end user always in mind. It can take a long time to find the bit of kit which has all the required abilities and compliments existing headphones or source. By understanding the wants and needs of the enthusiast he hopes to be able to bridge these difficult gaps for customers whilst keeping an eye on the shifting sands of the audiophile landscape.

“By early 2010 We had started to think along the lines of making a complete product that could be tested to the relevant standards. We had already built up a library of components and a capability to produce electronics modules. I’d been studying on various audio amplifier topologies and experimenting with my own Hi-Fi system at home, attaining both measurable and perceivable improvements. I’d also been looking at headphone amplification projects and products out of passing interest for some time and had already built my own headphone amp for use when I was working at the office. The idea occurred too me, why not use the technological advances to make a pocket sized headphone amplifier more akin to the standard one would expect from a respectable desktop amplifier. Of course, the idea of creating a pocket sized amp isn’t new, but we noticed that everyone in this market seemed to be just using an operational amplifier or some form of dedicated amplifier IC combination. Coming more from a Hi-Fi power amplifier interest area, we felt that using a commercial IC would never provide the same level of audio quality as a carefully crafted discrete circuit, so I set about building some prototypes of more discrete topologies usually found in larger power amplifiers. A few months later we had determined most of the system level components (battery, charging, connectors, volume control pot), along with a hybrid class AB topology that we had built in enough flexibility to fine tune and provide what I felt is a more High Fidelity sound, yet able to operate from a low voltage power source.”

With a direction that many enthusiasts will recognise Justin is still committed to customisation and the minor adjustments that provide the best possible performance. So far he has carried out many mods working closely with customers requirements. Several such projects have seen him build a range of Studio quality cabling and adding mods to hardware which have helped  him shape the future direction of the Just Audio range and additional services. More about Justin’s big plans for the future of Just Audio and functionality upgrades (which will be available for existing Just Audio amp owners too) later on.

AHA-120 Put To The Test

Having a Pair of  the truly excellent Beyerdynamic 600ohm Tesla T1 Headphones at my disposal, Justin suggested he send me the Just Audio Class A AHA-120 to test. Quite a few manufacturers have products in this small niche market, some fail to deliver improved sound quality or improved player usability with hard to power headphones, Justin expects the AHA-120 will be a great match to the T1’s. I have been using the excellent iBasso D10 with headphones regularly and also other acclaimed portable amps for some time now, this will be the first proper portable test with the Beyer T1’s.

Many audiophiles believe that class A gives the best sound quality with its absence of crossover distortion and reduced harmonic distortion. Class A amplifiers are typically more linear and less complex than other types, but they are very inefficient. This type of amplifier is perfect though for driving sensitive low distortion headphones where the listener wants the very best audio quality, without the massive electricity bill potential of a full sized class A HiFi system at home! Operating in class A means that the amplifier is always passing current through upper and lower sections of the electronics even when there is no signal, negating any artifacts as a result of the transistors turning off and back on again during the amplification process. The Amp arrives in it’s plain box  - usually an exciting sign. Inside the box there is bubble wrapped AHA-120, a mini usb cable and four self adhesive stick on feet. Inside the bubble wrap bag with the amp is a silica gel sachet, included to prevent any moisture in the air from condensing and damaging the product. Removing the amp from the bubble wrap bag it becomes clear that extruded aluminium case is flawless with a soft anodised finish, and ultra fine print on both the front and rear panels. The company logo on the front panel is in colour and the serial number on the rear panel is engraved, which is a nice touch. The version I have is a product sample and is already burned in.

I can’t resist turning the large volume knob, switching the unit on revealing two things - a warm Amber glow from the LED and the silky smoothness with which the volume turns. The Aluminium case with soft anodised finish is solid and picking it up the unit weighs neither more nor less than expected - it is a little large though compared to most portable amps (26mm x 80mm x126mm, the uHA-120 is much smaller - 23mm x 52mm x 85mm) but still has a very small footprint when used as a desktop amp. Print work is detailed is flawless with all controls well labelled, panel fixings appear to be stainless steel. At the front, right to left, you have the chunky volume knob with accompanying Amber on/off LED, next the 3.5mm output then the input and finally a five-way selector nob for impedance matching your headphones. This feature is probably more accurately described as class A biasing level, most users would like to match current setting to  their headphones, this is simplified by just providing a selector for selecting the amount of bias needed to maintain class A operation for a given headphone impedance. Without this feature the battery would apparently only last around 18 hours whereas now you can get up to 60 hours of battery operation when driving 600 ohm headphones. Round the back there is an engraved serial number, USB charging socket and red to Green Charge LED and two small charging operation switches for charging management with other USB devices. The AHA-120 contains a Vishay P11 potentiometer mounted on a solid ground plain PCB, low ESR Capacitors, Burr Brown Opamp to provide a FET input stage and Alps switches. The flat front panel sockets feel rather nice and connection seems very solid and reliable with a very positive feel to the connection.

The first device I connect to the AHA-120 is my iPod touch via an iBasso CB07 pure Oxy sealed LOD cable, I plug in the Beyer T1’s and turn the five-way switch to 600. Firing up the first lossless track, Radiohead - Pyramid Song, I am instantly impressed with the balance of weight and air, there is an instant feeling of synergy between amp and headphones.  As the song unfolds I find myself closing my eyes and feeling my way around the stereo image. There is real texture to the sound which is vivid, heavy and fluid - detail is is apparent but subtle giving structure and very accurate movement to each instrument. The piano in this track is distractingly pretty and I am already excited to try plenty of other favourite music. There is a ton of headroom and I never get the white marker on the volume control much past 12 o’ clock.The iPod touch is surprisingly charged twice in two days before the amps lithium polymer battery runs flat, which I had not expected at all. It isn’t the best I’ve heard from the T1’s, but the iPod is the most likely culprit and I will put that to the test next. After a decent couple of hours with this initial setup I connect the AHA-120 to the analogue outs on a broadcast quality sound card (running .WAVs from a Mac Book Pro) and revisit the first track I heard. Within seconds I’m glaring at my iPod and shaking my head in disappointment as if it had just kicked a football through my kitchen window. This shows the pairing has real merit, as inferior sources are often shown up by a great headphone/amp combination. The sound is more lush with even more realistic texture and structure, solid and powerful but lighter, quicker. I run through a few classical favourites (this is, to date, the best I have heard Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No2) and the first bad thing I think is when I realise that I have to give the amp back. It follows me everywhere with the iPod touch, great results with Ultrasone Pro 900, Beyer DT770 and DT880, Sennheiser HD650 and HD600 and fantastic in 32ohm mode with my Grado 325is, until sadly it has to go back. Just Audio have a balanced configuration ,using two AHA-120, which includes either balanced XLR or Jack output into the amps and a HD650 balanced cable. Justin expects Beyer T1 and Sennheiser HD800 users will be interested in a cable mod or replacement cable to use this configuration too.

The AHA-120 is very accurate but has a lush warmth which adds to its very real sound. It seemed to encourage the already super clean Beyer T1’s to find convincing sculptural depth in some quite difficult recordings. As promised Just Audio seem to have built a portable Class A which can contribute the power and finesse needed for high impedance, flagship model headphones.

Future Just Audio Projects

Just Audio have some exciting projects under way. They are currently designing a very forward thinking DAC which may be modular, new Balanced operation cables are available now with more cable variants to come and Balanced amps may eventually appear. Due to customer demand some iPod modifications may be added to their service repertoire and customisation of Just Audio amps will continue to be carried out for the best possible operation with specific headphones. Thanks to Justin for talking to me, the loan of the AHA-120 and for the use of the Photos.

Just Audio at Head-fi Meet

Just Audio will be attending the London Head-fi meet where you can try the AHA-120 and uHA-120 for yourself and pick Justin’s brain about his approach to Audio Design. He will be there with another of our favourite HiFi people, Mark Dolbear who will have the latest HiFiMan HE-5LE and HE-6 and Schiit Audio amps on display and for you to try.

More Information

More information on the full range of Just Audio Products can be found here.