Our first review features Sennheiser’s brilliant portable set, the Momentum. Without further ado, enjoy the video!

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.

Summary

Verdict - Good for pop, great with hip hop and dance music.

Pro’s - Big contemporary warm sound from these lightweight but sturdy on ear headphones. Perfect for commuting or travelling.

Cons - On ear headphones just do not work for some ears - they can become painful after long periods but there is an obvious advantage to this smaller style over full size headphones. Not for most Classical music fans unless you like more bass than average.

In-Depth Review

Introduction - Audio Technica was established in 1962, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio equipment. They started out making phonograph cartridges and now create microphones, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use. Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica manufactures quality products that are used in professional and personal audio around the world.

Description -The ATH-ES55 is available in White and Black and has a closed back design, therefore cutting out external noises which may distract from your listening. Although they have impressive sound isolation this has the effect of reducing the sound stage and stereo image width and gives a slightly warm tone with an elevated bottom end.

Included peripherals - Both White and Black versions come with a carry pouch to help with transporting them.

Application -  The ES55 are excellent everyday use headphones. Sturdy with decent sized pads, very comfy for an on ear, these would make sense for commuting, listening whilst working or as headphones for someone who does not like in ear headphones but wants to keep their portable audio small and light.

Describe the sound - Contemporary feel, warm as with most closed backs, they are relaxed but feel detailed and exciting too, the overall sound is slightly laid back but not dull. Nice and easy to power from an iPod/MP3 player or Laptop so no volume problems.

Comparisons - The alternatives to ES55 are other well made on ears like the Beyerdynamic DTX501p, the AiAiAi Capital, the Audio-Technica ATH-WS55i, the RHA SA950i and the SoundMAGIC P30.

Product Information

Product -Audio-Technica ATH-ES55

Product Type - On-Ear Portable Headphones

Price - £86.95

Summary

Verdict -  For contemporary music fans who want to replace iPod ear buds with better fitting, fun and contemporary in-ears at a wallet friendly price.

Pro’s -  Warm and bass rich with some definition, fans of Hip Hop, Dance and contemporary Rock and Metal will enjoy the full and immediate sound.

Cons - Fans of Folk or Classical music or detail fanatics will need to up the budget and maybe take a look at the SoundMAGIC PL50 or to jump up to another tier, the Westone UM1 or Etymotic HF5.

In-Depth Review

Introduction - Sennheiser is the best known German headphone manufacturer. They make Studio, Audiophile and everyday headphones and even some technology used with the hard of hearing. German quality control is observed rigorously and a 2 Year warranty is given with all their products. Sennheiser seem to have a generally warm feel to their sound with a similar sonic idea running through their whole range.

Description -The CX300II is available in five colours (Black, Chrome, White, and Silver) and is a small, light in-ear isolating headphone. The cabling is copper, has a nice quality feel with anti tangle material used, it terminates in a 3.5mm right angle jack. There is adequate strain relief at the jack plug and driver units, the cable is asymmetrical which means it doesn’t evenly split in half under your chin but instead wraps around the neck.

Included peripherals - Inside the box - Small, Medium and large silicone tips, Cable clip, a little carry pouch.

Application -  The CX300II is an obvious Apple ear bud upgrade, many people find the apple earbuds fit badly and sound weak with little detail or bottom end. Weighing in at 14g and with different tips and a clothing clip getting a good comfortable fit is easy.

Describe the sound - Fit is all important with in ear headphones as without a good seal on the ear you will hear very little bass. Once you have found the correct tips there is plenty of bass. Very smooth and warm with a bit of control of the bottom end. Great for Contemporary music styles like Hip Hop and Dance, the bass line from London Girl by The Invisible feels massive, punchy and driving. The bass can be untidy and this lack of the subtlety doesn’t help Acoustic or Classical, Jazz does a bit better but lacks a natural feeling of space.

Comparisons - What are the alternatives? SoundMAGIC’s excellent PL11 is a little cheaper with a few more accessories. Another model from the Chinese brand, the E10 offers a bit more clarity and a little less bass while keeping the fun approach. The Audiofly AF33’s are great if you prefer more neutrality and less bottom end strength.

Product Information

Product - Sennheiser CX300-II

Product Type - In-Ear Isolating Headphones

Price - £35.95

The first thing the new FiiO headphone amplifier ‘Mont Blanc’ AKA E12 does is impress just with its styling and shape. It is as oblong as it is solid, as it is black, as it is er.. rectangular. The size and shape is perfectly suited to lie against an iPod for instance, to form a nice regular pocketable rig. For me however, the temptation to grab a disused femur and bash the head of a hapless colleague is great indeed. It’s just so black. And oblongtangular.

I eventually shook off my atavistic tendencies; and using logic and reason I connected it to a USB socket for a good charge. The light pulsated slowly while this went on, and remained steady once the E12 was full. The E12 is not a DAC like the E07k or E17, it just amplifies.

The E12 is suitable for IEMs as well as full sized headphones, as there is a gain switch offering an extra 16dB should they be needed. The E12 is listed as being compatible with headphones up to 300 Ohms, but I thought I’d try my good old AKG K240DFs which come in at 600. The K240s were brought up to a good volume, and the bass boost switch on the E12 came in handy with them as they’re a bit bass-light. I’d say they could be driven better, but I could be using an amp which was designed for them so no surpise there. The HE-400 was always only just at an acceptably loud level with the E7, but with the E12 I can turn it up further should I need to.

The bass boost switch can be set to ‘off’ or ‘on’ only, there are no incremental steps. It sounds equivalent to a level ‘3′ setting on the E7’s bass boost, as the effect is large. Whether it improves the sound depends on what music is playing, for me; and how it is produced. Some forms of music can end up sounding a bit boomy and woolly, others are improved no end. I would say that in the former case, bass boost is superfluous anyway.

I tried the crossfeed feature with interest, as there are certain tracks which cannot easily be listened to on headphones. Mainly those early stereo mixes which are still experimental and intended for loudspeakers only, with for instance drums panned hard left, and perhaps rhythm guitar panned hard right. This makes my ears want to do back flips ordinarily, but the crossfeed feature really makes these tracks listenable again. In the past I’ve had to put the signal through a mixing desk and play with the panning, but this does it for me; and very well too. It need hardly be said that its effect on normal stereo mixes is detrimental indeed, so use crossfeed only when required.

The volume is controlled by a small pot on end of the E12, and is stiff enough not to deafen anyone with a nervous twitch. There’s little chance of it being moved by accident, and has a satisfyingly weighty feel to it.

I tried the E12 with my HE-400 full sized headphones and also the Phonak Audeo PFE112. The versatility of the E12 is one of its strengths, but great attention is required if switching from full-size to IEM and back again. It’s a good idea to check the gain control and volume religiously before switching on as there’s nothing to prevent the equipment and eardrums of the careless being damaged!

I think though that Fiio should take more care of their quality control as this appears to be coated in some sort of adhesive. It’s stuck to my hand, and I’m not sure if I can dislodge it before the weekend. I might have to take it home, and that would be dreadful.

Lauri Cular

Summary

Verdict - The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700 is a warm, pleasant sounding home listening set that carries plenty of detail but never steps in the fatiguing territory. Its lightweight design allows the listener to wear them for longer periods.

Pro’s - Fantastic stereo imaging with a great sense of space. Very comfortable headphones, a great partner to that favourite comfy chair. Excellent value for money.

Cons - Very gentle loose fit and combined with their size and the open back means these are definitely for home listening.

In-Depth Review

Introduction - Audio-Technica established in 1962 is a worldwide group devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio equipment. They started out making phonograph cartridges and now create microphones, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use. Winner of numerous awards, Audio-Technica manufactures quality products that are used in professional and personal audio around the world.

Description -The ATH-AD700 is only available in the exciting purple and silver colour way. For the purpose of this review a transparent amp was used, but with such a low impedance of only 32 ohms, the AD 700 can be powered quite easily by your portable devices such as an iPod, iPhone or other portable media player. You really get the impression that Audio-Technica produced these as an entry-level headphone for those not sure if they want to commit a huge amount of their well earned money into their hi-fi gear yet. There’s no need for a headphone amp or expensive audio equipment, anyone can enjoy these excellent hi-fi headphones.

Included peripherals - In the box you may find a 6.35mm jack adapter and not much else.

Application -  One of the main advantages of open back headphones is their accuracy, and as the AD700 are so very open, there are less sound wave reflections clouding the mix, and that will be part of the reason for their excellent accuracy and sound separation. However that also means that those around you will hear everything, so if the reason for purchasing headphones is to not disturb others in the same room then these probably would not be a good choice, you would be better choosing some closed back headphones.

Describe the sound - Generating the sound in the AD700 is a pair of 53mm neodymium drivers. As far as drivers go, that is pretty big, and big is beautiful in this case. Sound separation and stereo imaging is excellent, far exceeding headphones twice the price on that front. There’s such clarity right across the frequency spectrum, although the top end seems to struggle at a louder volume, for most people’s comfortable listening level they really deliver well. In particular the mid range is as good as anything within a reasonable price range. Some may feel that the bass region is lacking a touch but for the casual listener these have plenty to offer, it is only in the very low frequencies where there is quite a drop. In real listening terms I’d put it like this - you still get all the slap of the kick drum, just not so much of the boom. However what you can hear down there is very accurate and unlike the higher frequencies remains very clear even at high volumes.

Comparisons - Have a look at Sennheiser’s HD600 and 650 models in case you’re after a bit more warmth. In case you prefer a tad more articulation at the top, the SoundMAGIC HP200 is a great alternative. For an all around balanced sound, the German Maestro GMP400 is a great option.

Product Information

Product - Audio Technica ATH-AD700

Product Type - Open Back Hi-Fi Headphones

Price - £124.96

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.

Summary

Verdict - The iGrado is one of the best sounding headphone it is possible to buy for around £50. They are a simple solution to the need for a sports headphone for road running or cycling when you need to be aware of your surroundings.

Pro’s - For the price, the sound quality is just stunning.

Cons - Neck band headphones are not everyone’s cup of tea. Although the open back is great for cyclists or exercise in a busy public place, they are not really suitable for the gym or quiet public environments.

In-Depth Review

Introduction - Family owned Grado have been manufacturing beautiful headphones for over 50 years in their Brooklyn USA factory. Grado is famous for their remarkable headphone and phono cartridge designs and hold over 48 patents. Company founder, Joseph Grado is credited as the inventor of the stereo moving coil phono cartridge. Joseph Grado has passed on the mantle of President to his nephew John Grado. John has risen from sweeping the floors of the factory as a twelve year old, to President and Owner of Grado Laboratories.

Description - The iGrado is actually the only Grado made outside the US factory, this was decided so there was a Grado affordable for any budget. The iGrado actually shares the same driver design as the highly acclaimed SR60i which is twice the price!

Included peripherals - Inside the box you will find a Grado iGrado and not a lot else.

Application - Grado iGrado is a lightweight neckband model that will stay still during the hardest workout. The open back allows joggers or cyclists to be aware of their environment whilst exercising and listening to music. They work fantastically well for Classical, Folk and Acoustic music but do a great job with contemporary Rock and Pop and classics from the 60’s to the present day. They work with Hip Hop but having a flat controlled bottom end response, bass fanatic Dance fans should look for a bass dominant headphone instead.

Describe the sound - The Grado sound is detailed, brash and very sweet with a natural feel, basically really exciting. Bass is strong but tightly controlled and never overbearing. The upper mids and the highs really do send the soul soaring, vocals are believable and even difficult strings and brass have a texture which feels right. By venting the drivers a natural ease is gained, getting a closer listening experience to speakers.

Comparisons - The alternatives to this impressive Audiophile workout or even dog walk friendly Headphone are the Sennheiser PX100-II, for a balanced but musical approach a Sennheiser MOMENTUM would work really well if your budget will allow but is closed back. You could also check out the the full sized Grado models such as the SR60i and SR80i.

Product Information

Product -  Grado iGrado

Product Type - Open Back On-Ear Neckband Headphones

Price - £55.00

Attention spans are ever shorter these days, and I’m no exception; planning to sit down and listen to music seems to require the will to be tethered to the spot for the duration. Maybe it’s psychology but the kettle starts to beckon, pressure builds in the bladder and - did I detect a knock at the door?

Not being one for compromise (too much), I found that Sennheiser’s current crop of wireless headphones using ‘Kleer’ technology give sound quality which easily matches most wired headphones in their price bracket. The advantage of being able to take the music with me should I need to cross the room cannot be underestimated; the cable on my good old AKG K240s has me creeping around like a cat burglar in case I snag it, or knock over something  brittle and expensive.

The Sennheiser RS170 is a closed-backed headphone; meaning that I am isolated from environmental sounds to a certain extent and those around me cannot easily be disturbed by what I am listening to. The ‘closed’ type of headphone historically has had problems with standing waves and resonance within the earcups, and any soundstage has appeared narrower. Which makes it all the more surprising when I have to remove the headphones to check I have not left my speakers on! I have also felt as if someone has crept up to me and purred a few lyrics over my shoulder. Closed-back headphones have really come a long way.

The headphones are very light which makes them excellent for wearing whilst engaged in various household tasks such as head-shaking, hand-wringing and general procrastination; also they are right at home outside, and can be used for working or relaxing in the garden. I find mine are invaluable if I’m working on or cleaning my motorbike at the front of the house; the noise from the road drowns out my radio, and the wire involved with in-ear headphones and a MP3 player causes problems. Over the winter they have also kept my ears warm out there!

The RS170 features a bass-boost button which works very well for a bass fan such as myself; although it is by no means overpowering. It is well balanced with the higher frequencies being slightly accentuated when this is active. Also there’s a virtual surround setting which works very well for watching films and the like, but not so well for music or speech/radio. I find that anything in the centre of the soundstage is shifted slightly to the right and a little bit of clarity is lost. The control buttons on the right earcup are a little bit of a struggle for a lot of people as they are close together and most find them tricky, but I got used to them within a week. Tip - feel for the gap between the volume/power buttons and the bass boost/surround buttons.

The leatherette earpads are comfortable enough and provide a good seal; however I have modded mine by using a thin, stretchy fabric intended for use as an insect screen and placing this over the parts which contact my head. My ears can breath a little more easily and I can listen for longer. Velour earpads are available as an alternative; these are for the RS180 but fit the RS170 also.

Being a practical-minded chap, I was happy to find the headphones are powered by a pair of the ubiquitous AAA-sized batteries which will be easy to replace when the time comes. Indeed I’m confident that other spares will be available for some time to come, as Sennheiser obviously realise the value of post-sales support when it comes to spare parts.

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 – Based on the ever so popular DJ headphones, the HD 25-1, the Sennheiser Amperior provide a consumer oriented alternative with their balanced audio reproduction, warm mids, deep powerful bass and smartphone features.

Pro’s – Impressive bass and excellent portable size.

Con’s – On-Ear headphones always become a bit uncomfortable during long listening sessions.

In-Depth Review

Introduction – The Amperior are essentially an update on the legendary HD25 DJ and soundman headphone of choice. Almost ubiquitous in some industries due to it’s superb design, diminutive size (considering the sound quality) and freely available spare parts. We live in a world filled with reboots and sequels so what have Sennheiser done to justify this cover version of a classic?

Description – Aside from a looks makeover, which is actually more than skin deep, there is real attention to the voicing of the Amperior – underneath the classy new paint colours are aluminium cups, making this headphone tougher and aiding with the improved sounds available. The earpads are velour, rather than pleather, giving extra comfort, the headband is nearly identical to the original HD25 split band but also has velour padding. Build quality is at least as good, if not better due to the new metal cups.

Included peripherals - The Sennheiser Amperior come with two sets of cables. The detachable bottom section comes in plain and iDevice compatible version.

Application – As previously mentioned, the size and shape of the Amperiors makes them a practical everyday set of cans. Comfort levels are pretty good although On-Ear headphones are never as comfy as their circumaural counterparts. The ability to swivel and the give in the connection of the cups to the headband means they are very adjustable. The closed-back design gives decent isolation making the Amperior a good choice for the commuter.

Describe the sound – The Amperior comes with a copper cable, part of the reason sound is bigger, warmer and less scratchy at the top end when compared to the steel cabled HD25. The EQ is less flat than the monitoring ready HD25 and has more character, really decent instrument separation and stereo imaging. The Amperior is a great headphone for the contemporary music lover on the move. Practical with smart but not over-designed looks are complimented with refined but current sound – should be considered by any regular traveler.

Comparisons – Also see Sennheiser HD25-SP, AiAiAi TMA-1, GermanMAESTRO JFB 8.35d, Beyer DT1350.

Product Information

Product –  Sennheiser Amperior

Product Type – On-Ear Stereo Portable Headphone

Price – £259.95

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

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

Verdict

Natural materials, modern look and superior sound combine in the Momentum to create the perfect headphones for style conscious music enthusiasts.

Pro’s

Lightweight design, attractive looks, very comfortable fit and fantastic build quality.

Con’s

Larger than some would like as a portable headphone, also doesn’t fold.

In-Depth Review

Introduction

Sennheiser’s new Momentums are a stylish model designed to look and feel good in any situation. Dark brown leather and black leather with red stitching, are the two available colour ways.

Description

The looks of the Momentum are very engaging, handsome with beautiful quality leather pads and headband. The design looks modern enough but has classic elements too – Sennheiser have been very successful in creating a desirable object. They feel very comfortable, due to the very best quality leather being used, but stay put well considering clamping force is minimal.

Included peripherals

Included in the momentum box is a headphone cable with smart controls, a second standard headphone cable, an attractive hard carrying case and 6.35mm jack adapter.

Application

Not only great for wearing in the home using with your Hifi set up, the computer or with the TV but they are also small enough to make a great commuting or travel headphone. They come with a protective carry case which also has space for other portable audio equipment. Compact headphones you would want to take everywhere!

Describe the sound

So are the Momentums all looks and expensive leather? The short answer is no. Sennheiser have worked just as hard on the sound as well as the looks and come up with a comfortable yet fun sound which is on the right side of relaxed. Plenty of detail and instrument separation in the sound but they never step into fatiguing territory, soundstage is short but imaging impressive for the size of the cups. This sound fits very well with the target group of commuters and business travellers who will use them. It’s certainly not boring, tons of bottom end is there when needed, bass drums have a satisfying thump without ever kicking you in the eardrum. Altogether the sound is warm and smooth without becoming sluggish – a hard balance to find!

Comparisons

Few headphones offer the same luxury in this travel size. Look at the Beyerdynamic DT1350, Ultrasone Edition 8, Focal Spirit One or Parrot Zik.

Product Information

Product Type - Closed Back Portable Audiophile Headphones

Price at the time of review - £259.99

Product Link - Buy Sennheiser Momentum

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.

Product Type – Full size Digital Wireless Headphones with built in DAC

Price at the time of review – £239

Product Link - Buy SoundMAGIC WP10

Verdict – A well thought-out wireless set with innovative features at a great price point

Pro’s – The list of features and uses for this wireless headphone with a USB DAC make it a superb all rounder. The headphone itself has the same incredibly comfortable pads as the SoundMAGIC HP100 and HP200 wired Full size headphones, is reasonably lightweight and has a well thought out set of controls placed thoughtfully on the left ear cup.

Cons – It isn’t the most expensive wireless headphone on the market, but not too far off. To make up for the price just about every accessory you could need has been included.

Introduction – SoundMAGIC have been an up and coming headphone brand for the past few years. With a few awards and a lot of recommendations from magazines and gadget blogs, SoundMAGIC have been expanding beyond the low budget - high performance IEMs they are already well known for. Perhaps looking to demonstrate their clear technological know how by producing these advanced wireless headphones. Because of the features, sound quality and comfort the WP10 must be taken seriously, particularly if you have a range of uses in mind for your cable free cans.

Description – Features of the Transmitter include an onboard USB DAC as well as an analogue input – it is tiny and so incredibly portable. The WP10s have a functional look - they look like headphones! - But are by no means un-attractive. Controls are simple and well placed.

Included peripherals – SoundMAGIC WP10 package comes with the wireless headphones themselves, an excellent carry case, the transmitter/DAC unit, USB mains Charger and cable, 3.5mm to RCA cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a physical instruction manual.

Application – This is a very clever set of headphones, the transmitter also contains the USB DAC for superior sound from your PC or Mac, connection cables for pocket sized media players and RCA for home HiFi connectivity. Should you run out of battery power while out and about it is possible to use the included cable to keep on listening! SoundMAGIC have really tried to cover every eventuality.

Describe the sound – Sound quality is well above that of 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 bright and clean with punchy bottom end. It’s not really fair to compare the sound to a similarly priced cabled headphone; the DAC technology in the transmitter obviously costs a pretty penny. The WP10 gives clean audio with decent sound stage which helps live recordings and film sound and feel realistic.

Comparisons – Similar features to the king of wireless headphones, the Sennheiser RS220, but less luxury oriented and more application rich. Very usable for portable applications they have the edge over the Sennheiser RS160 as the SoundMAGIC transmitter is smaller and more advanced.

Price at the time of review - £349.99

Product Link - Buy Parrot Zik

Verdict - Perfect portable choice for those looking for innovative features and a lovely design.

Pro’s – Beautifully designed and filled with technology, plenty of opportunity to adjust sound to taste.

Con’s – The high sound quality is not retained when using the cable in passive mode.

Introduction – The Parrot Zik, designed by Philippe Starck, is a wireless headphone with gesture control, noise cancelling technology and their very own app. Surely 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.

Description – The aesthetics are really impressive, the ear cups are covered with smooth matte rubber, the metal frame is in matte steel finish. 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. The Ziks have their own custom-made Parrot Audio Suite app which is available on iTunes. You can use it to monitor battery life, control noise-cancelling, add a “Concert Hall” effect, which can give the impression of listening in a variety of settings. There’s also EQ so you can fiddle until the sound is just right.

Included peripherals – With your Parrot Zik headphones you will get a Micro USB cable, Line in cable (3.5mm), a Li-ion battery (800mAh), a Protective pouch and a helpful Quick-start guide.

Application – 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.

Describe the sound – Sound quality is impressive for a Bluetooth wireless set, as mentioned you have a lot of control so it is hard to describe a distinct sound signature. They are warm with a quite quickly rolled off top end, they have a comfortable and fun sound and in wireless mode have really nice stereo characteristics, they do not retain their character when used with the included cable however, in this passive mode without their technology they are unimpressive.

Comparisons – Also see Sennheiser PX210, Jaybird SB2, Volume DH-B38, Sennheiser MM550X.

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.

Price at time of review – £379.99

Product link - Buy Sennheiser RS220

Verdict – Would you like audiophile sound with the benefit of cable free usage? Look no further, the RS220 will satisfy all your listening needs.

Pro’s – This is the best and most fully featured wireless headphone on the market at present. Digital and analogue inputs and outputs make this unit very easy to integrate into an existing set up. Not only are the Sennheiser RS220 very serious sonically but they are also well made and extremely well thought out, the controls on the cups work well and the whole unit has a luxury feel.

Cons – This is also the most expensive wireless headphone on the market. As Sennheiser themselves have the excellent RS170/180 models some people may not need to stretch themselves this far.

Introduction – Sennheiser are probably the best known name in headphones, the RS220 is part of a big refresh of their higher end models. Not only is this the top Sennheiser wireless headphone but almost certainly the best and most fully featured wireless headphone anyone has made to date. Because of the available features and sound quality it is bound to become the wireless headphone of choice for custom installers all over the world. Rather than the Kleer technology used in previous Sennheiser digital wireless systems, the RS 220 uses DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum). The difference is that DSSS transmits using an uncompressed audio signal over 2.4 GHz.

Description – Features include an onboard DAC with both optical and Coax input and output as well as analogue (RCA) input and output. All functions including source, volume, left and right balance and On/Off can be controlled from the headphone. The design looks great and should be acceptable in the most grand of living rooms

Included peripherals – Sennheiser RS220 comes with the wireless headphone unit, transmitter/DAC/charging unit, 6ft RCA cable, RCA to 3.5mm adaptor, Coaxial cable, CD and physical instruction manual.

Application – For currently available wireless headphones these really are as good as it gets. There is no way to use these in any portable sense although the range is good for wondering around the house, perfect for avoiding cabling on the living room or bedroom floor.

Describe the sound – As the Sennheiser RS220 is a wireless headphone it is not really fair to compare the sound to a similarly priced cabled headphone, the technology that comes in the transmitter obviously makes up a large portion of the manufacturing costs. Putting this to one side the sound quality is really impressive, plenty of well behaved bottom end that never becomes overbearing. From the mids up they are very clear, the EQ seems sensibly placed to work for a whole host of music or indeed watching HD films. Very clean sound which avoids any harshness, quick and defined. Definitely the most detailed wireless headphones we have heard, the sound stage is wide which helps live recordings feel natural and realistic.

Comparisons – If you want to go down in price from here look at the RS170/180 although they lack the internal DAC features.