ULTRASONE

Headphones that protect you from Electromagnetic radiation?

In 1997 ULTRASONE began developing their first ULE shielded headphones. Electronic equipment emits low and high frequency electromagnetic radiation which experts agree can be harmful to our health. Most headphone drivers produce low-frequency magnetic fields as they convert an electrical signal into the acoustic signal we hear as music. ULTRASONE has developed an MU Metal shielding called ULE (for Ultra Low Emissions) that reduces this radiation by up to 98% in comparison to conventional headphones.  ULTRASONE’s patented ULE-technology brings magnetic field emissions of headphones down to around 90 nT, that’s ten times less than many headsets and headphones!

S Logic is Natural Surround Sound

S-Logic^TM is ULTRASONE’s attempt to create a Natural Surround Sound, they want the listening experience to be 3 dimensional. Basically it is a passive type of surround sound, requiring no extra equipment, it creates the illusion of space and movement increasing soundstage impressively in closed back headphones. This is achieved with off center driver placement and earcups which allow the shape of the outer ear to perform it’s natural job of aiding directional hearing. S-Logic™ allows a reduction of sound pressure levels at the eardrum by up to 40% (3 - 4 dB) reducing the risk of hearing damage while providing hours of fatigue-free listening.

Pro, DJ, Hifi and Edition 8

ULTRASONE break their range into four different areas which are Pro, DJ, Hifi and Edition 8. This is typical German efficiency in action, a brilliantly simple method of helping you narrow your choices and providing a headphone for every purpose.

ULTRASONE PRO headphones are exclusively designed and equipped for the professional audio sector. Each model in the PRO range demonstrates faithful sound reproduction to meet the most exacting needs of musicians and critical listeners alike.

The ULTRASONE DJ range were developed with the very specific way Mix Masters use their headphones in mind. Bringing together Durability, high output, a massive clear sound and distinguished looks, ULTRASONE asked what DJ’s wanted and gave it to them!

ULTRASONE’s HFI consumer-range reflects their professional heritage, fine quality sound is complemented by striking design in this versatile series. Uncompromising headphones for music, personal cinema, and gaming; at home, work, or on-the-go…

…and then there’s the Edition 8’s

Edition 8

Edition 8 incorporates stunning attention to detail in every aspect of headphone design. Each Ultrasone Edition model’s extensive development additionally brings together the latest progression in technologies, brilliance in design, premium quality of materials and long-standing expert knowledge in natural sound performance. Ultrasone invite you to enjoy the composition of the new Edition 8.

Edition 8 Ruthenium is hand-made in Germany. The outer ear cups are covered in Ruthenium, this precious metal is known for its brilliant metallic sheen and durable properties. The outer ear cups are emblazoned with a decorative clasp of noble metal.

The greatest Closed back headphone of all time? No manufacturer has ever put this level of effort and attention to detail into this section of the headphone market. Ultrasone have produced a supremely comfortable, light and undeniably handsome unit which has to be heard to be believed. Although many high end headphones are instantly impressive to the ear few genuinely surprise, the effect of the Edition 8 is instant, leaving you with the belief that the earcups and drivers may have been designed by the alien race who made the TARDIS. It’s all there, from the lowest sub bass rumble to the near in-audible sonic sparkle at the top of our hearing, but it’s the holographic stereo imaging that simply defies belief.

The interior ear cups of Edition 8 headphones and the headband are covered in very soft genuine dark grey Ethiopian sheepskin leather. This is the finest leather available and provides the finest isolation of any leather. In addition to a new titanium plated tri-bass-tube driver, this is the first Edition series headphone that follows Ultrasone´s newest S-Logic™ Plus technology. Edition 8 headphones also contain MU-Metal shielding that reduces magnetic field emissions. Finally, these headphones come with an exclusively manufactured carry bag made from smooth, fine grain Madras goatskin produced in France. Ultrasone travelled the world in search of the finest materials, only those manufacturers that have proven their high standards of quality by working with the most exclusive and luxurious automotive and clothing brands were chosen as suppliers for the Edition 8 series.

Pro 900

The foldable PRO 900 is the first closed pair of Ultrasone PRO headphones with the patented S-Logic Plus technology. This sophisticated new technology combines precision dampening with micro-acoustic reinforcement, allowing driver, buffer-board, and spatial parameters to complement one another in an optimal manner. So the acoustical design of S-Logic Plus models and their tonal fine-tuning result in maximum neutral sound impression with more vivid perception of voices and instruments.

The Pro900’s have a smooth, warm feel and just the right amount of  treble sparkle, they bristle with an engaging musicality. The bass is big but not overbearing, powerful yet capable of communicating subtlety. The midrange is warm, refined, articulate and although there is a massive amount of detail they seem to refrain from becoming overly analytical. The top end is detailed and crisp adding up to a surprisingly wide sound stage for a closed set of headphones ( S-Logic^TM ), thereby giving a broad presentation with excellent instrument separation.

The Pro900 has a rich yet balanced sound with powerful bass response that is complimented by detailed and controlled treble and mid range frequencies.

HFi 780

It’s the age old problem, you want to have a pair of open-back headphones that offer a wide, natural sound but at the same time want to keep your music within the confines of your cans. Open-back Sound with Closed-back convenience – is this too much to ask? Not at all! Loaded with all the Ultrasone Technology you could wish for, as well as a handy foldable design and a 1m cable for portable use plus 3m Extension Cable for home listening,  the 780’s will suit just about any application.

Ultrasone claim the HFI-780 has been “specifically tuned for DVD and gaming”, the low frequency ranges being risen in order to reach the highest possible synergies with DSP-Systems like DOLBY HEADPHONE™. This does these fantastic Headphones somewhat of a disservice as they would sit happily within any HiFi/Studio environment, the level of detail being a particular plus point for professional engineers and hifi enthusiasts alike. However, the real masterstroke is the size of the Soundstage; the width and weight from the wings through to the Phantom Centre is huge – then you remember this is a closed back! Bass is well represented, accurate and deep. The top end shimmers with excitement, backed up with a warm and precise mid range that would suit any genre from pop/rock through to Classical and Dance making the HFI-780’s a stand out model in this very impressive Ultrasone stable.

DJ1

Tested by some of the worlds finest DJ’s The Ultrasone DJ1 are the final word in cans for mixologists everywhere. Ultrasone have used not only the patented S-Logic™ Plus technology but also also Ultra Low Emission Technology. Safer hearing aspects have become very important for DJs. With its heavy duty Mylar driver the DJ1 provides powerful sound. The DJ1 is made for compact storage (transportation bag included) and one-ear-listening due to the folding-mechanism.

15G

Ultrasone 15G lightweight headphones are unbelievably comfortable.  This is the smallest headphone of the Ultrasone HFI line,  punching well above their weight they’re excellent for mobile applications or as a hearing aid for watching TV. Outclassing Sennheisers excellent PX100, is this the headphone to knock Grado’s iGrado from it’s perch of portable superiority?

More Information

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

In our experience the cables with any headphone or earphone is the single most likely item to break during the lifetime of the product.  Occasionally the drivers in the earphone fail, or the earphone body itself breaks, but by far the largest majority of faults are due to cables breaking down - often leading to loss of sound in one or both earpieces.

We think the new Westone models with replaceable cables will become the standard choice for anyone purchasing one of these superb sounding earphones.

More Information

For more information on the Westone UM3x, UM2 or any of the Westone Earphones range please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

ACS have completely redesigned their T1 triple driver Custom In Ear Monitor for 2010, below is our review of this exciting new earphone.

At the top end is a combined unit providing specific drivers for the highs and mids engineered into a single unit with an ultra-compact crossover optimising the response for each, this is then combined with a clear and powerful bass driver to deliver rich and full-bodied bottom end. All driver builds are hand-made and individually tested by the technicians in Banbury to ensure that each configuration is a perfect fit.

Using carefully selected drivers from Knowles Electronics the T1 utilises a combined unit with independent high and mid-range speakers to give the optimum definition, clarity and punch without being overbearing. Next to this, the T1 engages the biggest bass driver in the range providing rich, smooth and deep bass that perfectly compliments its partner drivers. The finishing touches to the T1’s sound are applied by two acoustic filters giving a smooth and balanced signature.

Fit and flexibility

The shape of your ear canal changes with the movement of your jaw and having a flexible earpiece not only gives you the obvious benefits of greater comfort but also helps to maintain a more consistent seal, particularly during vocal performances. Not only that, but using a softer compound means that your monitors warm to body temperature more quickly giving you complete comfort, flexibility and isolation in just a few minutes.

Tailored from top to bottom

Making sure that the right cable is used to deliver your sound is as important as every other aspect in the design of in ear monitors so ACS make sure they are just as well thought out. Starting with the best conductive core they then add kevlar threads for strength and flexibility, each cable is sheathed with a special finish that reduces the transmission of friction noise to the earpieces so there’s as little interference as possible. The cable is then clamped at the Y divide with a custom pressed lengthened binder to give it extra strength where you need it most. Finally, each cable is finished with a custom moulded right-angled plug offering high levels of resilience as well as quality with a gold-plated 3.5mm connector and iPhone compatible shoulder design.

All in the detail

It’s the finishing touches that make every pair of hand-made monitors completely unique from a choice of cable colours to a selection of bespoke silicone finishes. Every monitor can be laser etched with lettering or logo of your choice and is supplied in a customised rugged case to ensure your monitors are protected wherever you might travel.

Your ears on file…

ACS has introduced of a new state of the art scanning technology that means all customers that order custom made hearing protection and in-ear monitoring products from ACS will have their ear shape on file at ACS for up to 4 years. The device will scan the impressions and save as a file on the database so customers can order new products or replacements instantly without the need to have new impressions taken. What’s more, this service will not cost customers anything extra on top of the standard product charge!

The scanning service began on May 1st 2010 so will only apply to customers that ordered thereafter.

ACS T1 Custom IEM Review

What do you get for your money?

Options - Silicone and cable colour
Audiologist appointment for impressions
Ear impressions kept on file
Personalised options - Engraved name / logo
Excellent hardcase

Comfort - Soft silicone helps make the T1 incredibly comfortable, though not immediately. In the first few minutes after insertion they feel weird and intrusive, however this sensation quickly evaporates and within the half hour they feel like a part of your body. Eventually when you remove them it is as if you have lost a finger.

Sound

The ACS T1 reproduces each section of the audio spectrum with subtlety and confident definition. The isolation provided by the medical grade silicon is second to none so nothing gets between you and the music. I gave the T1’s a good 50 hours burn in time which made a significant difference from new.

Bass - There is weight and texture in their reproduction of the bottom end, providing the sensation that the bass notes really move with emotion, that kick drums punch the chest, and that kettle drums and low toms feel full but don’t linger. Bass is felt as tough and visceral in nature, articulate and involving. It is continually enjoyable that they describe so much detail in the lower register - whilst being beefy and solid there is no flab to trim here.

Midrange - A sweet spot here, forward and detailed in their presentation of this part of frequency spectrum, the midrange is a wide powerful backdrop against which the treble is layered carefully over the top. Vocals are sweet, dry and emotional, guitars and strings impressive and never woody, pianos feel real, and horns are particularly vivid without becoming oppressive. I initially worried this power would become fatiguing, but actually the balance is really good and listening compulsive so I really don’t want to remove them from my ears. Make no mistake - the T1’s faithfully reproduce every detail and go about it very boldly.

Treble - Immediately noticeable were the slightly rolled-off highs. The T1’s reproduce treble frequencies faithfully and they do not feel recessed - but some tracks which are normally painfully bright were really tamed. I’m not sure how this is achieved without total relegation of the treble frequencies to the background but there is something very clever at work here. Cymbals and high-hats still cut through and articulate well without becoming harsh and overbearing. To my ears this felt odd at first, I like music bright but I could not detect a loss in detail. As I listened further this initial subjective impression faded as I just really started enjoying the music.

The new ACS T1 is an impressive piece of sonic engineering. With it’s chunky but measured bass, a revealing and solid midrange coupled with a detailed and delicate top end you get the impression the technicians listened to a lot of IEM’s and a lot of peoples criticisms of them. Nothing here feels overcooked and there is no sense that you are missing anything either, the longer I listen the more impressed I become. There is excitement and finesse here in measures that scream musicality.

Stereo imaging - The other point worth mentioning is that they image about as well as I’ve ever heard from any IEM. The music pans through the corridor of Left to Right without stutter, there is a natural ease which stops you from questioning the position of a sound, thereby preventing distraction. The T1’s provide each instrument with it’s own space without completely isolating elements and preventing detailed harmonic interaction. Everything sounds highly intimate and emotional without resorting to the sort of fireworks which detract from the music itself.

Professional application - The first job that the T1’s were invited on was the recording of a live performance music video for a seven piece soul band. I knew it would be a noisy affair as the video part would mean a lot of extra people in the room. There was to be no audience which I initially was pleased with - later I realised the T1’s isolation was so good it wouldn’t have mattered how many screaming folks filled the venue. I took a pair of HD 25’s and some Beyer DT100’s but never touched either, I’m not sure I’ll even pack them in the future. I’ve since rehearsed drums with them and will not be playing using anything else.

Who uses ACS Customs? - Well quite a lot of musicians as you might expect, Pendulum, Pink Floyd, U2, Lily Allen, The Prodigy, Paulo Nutini, Radiohead, Stephen Fry, Ash, Basement Jaxx, Muse, Ladyhawke, The Futureheads, Super Furry Animals, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and lots of other people - I’m sure you get the idea.

Overall - So whether you are purchasing T1’s as a pro audio monitoring tool or an extremely high end headphone, can you be confident that this is £650 well spent? I think this type of purchase isn’t about a product being perfect (for this we would surely all need our own laboratory), it is more about the elimination of imperfection. What ACS have done is to take a wish list common to both the audiophile and the musician of what is necessary, of what is desirable and what is inexcusable to include in an contemporary IEM and worked very hard to balance these elements with clinical precision. Whilst using the T1’s a colleague recently asked me “What do you think of your new monitors?”, over mouthing the words as he knew I couldn’t really hear him. “Yeah! They’re perfect” I shouted back without thinking.

More Information

To read more about the ACS T1 Custom IEM or the rest of the ACS custom range please visit the HiFi Headphones web store.

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The new Audéo PFE Perfect Bass 012 and 022 from Phonak offer music lovers not only perfect bass, but also an extremely natural and defined sound experience.

Audeo PFE earphones suppress external noise for undisturbed musical enjoyment. This guarantees precise, crystal-clear sound even at lower volume, without causing damage to hearing.

All Audéo PFEs offer excellent sound quality and will bowl you over with comfort and their unique design. The ergonomically-shaped earphones sit perfectly in your ear and can be adapted to your ear canal thanks to the different-sized silicone ear tips included.

Audéo PFE is one of the lightest earphones on the market, weighing only 14 grams.

Our Opinion

We think that £ for Pound this must be a future champ, with improved bottom end grunt the PFE sounds chunkier and more contemporary. Having heard the new Audeo 012 Perfect Bass it is hard to believe that such a refined balanced armature earphone will be on the market for less than £80. They also feature the same updated cabling and strengthened materials found on the Award Winning Audeo PFE 111, 112, 121 and 122.

More Information

For more information on the PFE Perfect Bass and the Phonak range please check out the HiFi Headphones web store.

It appears that the high end portable headphone market has recently become the target for the established serious audio brands, with the B&W P5 gaining some very positive reviews and plenty of high profile press.  Beyerdynamic have obviously done their homework and with the launch of the T50p they look set to make their mark with a stylish design and high end audio performance.

Below are some initial impressions of the T50p.  We’ve also included comparisons with the B&W P5 that we recently had on loan for evaluation.

Sound

Well balanced with plenty of accuracy, the T50p will appeal to those who love to hear all the detail in their music.  The clarity is really very impressive, with excellent instrument separation and wide soundstage for a closed back portable headphone. Bass response is well defined and punchy - much less warm and fuzzy than the B&W P5.

The T50p’s sound signature is no surprise when compared with the rest of the Beyerdynamic line up.  We are big fans of the Beyer sound.

Comfort

The headphones themselves weigh very little and the headband has a soft leather pad that runs over the top of the head to keep the headphones comfortably in place. The T50p is an on-ear design, but pressure is actually quite light and the pads are soft. Not as comfortable as a fully over ear (circumaural) headphones, but a lot more practical for using out and about.

Compared with the B&W P5 the Beyer T50p is a little less soft on the ears (the P5 has large, flat, ultra soft ear pads), but we don’t see comfort being a major issue with the T50p.

Noise Isolation

Listening to the T50p in a noisy office with people chattering nearby the sound isolation is good. The ear pads are sufficiently thick and soft to ensure a good seal on the ears. The T50p would be fine to use as a travel headphone because the closed back design prevents sound leakage in and out of the ear cups.

Design

We love the industrial design of the T50p and prefer it over the more reserved design of the B&W P5.  The T50p is designed and built by hand in Germany, with the quality of workmanship being very evident when you hold the headphones in your hands.

More Information

To read more about the Beyerdynamic T50p or the rest of the Beyerdynamic headphones range please visit the HiFi Headphones web store.

Delivered in it’s aluminium flight case the Beyerdynamic T1 is hand crafted in Germany and it shows - they have a solid industrial beauty that exudes high end build quality. The coils are hand wound as a machine is not capable of the necessary dexterity to achieve Beyer’s exacting standards.

Behind the detailed mesh grilles on the beautifully finished aluminium and plastic earcups, the drivers are fitted to the front angled back towards the ear. The diaphragms are made of two-ply foil, which features low moving mass and good inherent self-damping.  The Beyerdynamic T1’s skill is a very low-mass diaphragm in a very dense magnetic field of 1.2 Tesla. The result is a crisp, fast and transparent sound with low distortion (quoted at 0.05 per cent).

These completely redesigned transducers achieve values of over one Tesla (a unit of measurement for magnetic flux density). The increased efficiency also leaves the T1 with greater power reserves for dynamic, undistorted sound and nearly lossless conversion of electric signals into sound waves. The extremely lightweight 600 Ohm voice coil provides transparency and perfect impulse fidelity.

Beyerdynamic A1 Amplifier

The perfect partner to the T1, with its unique intelligent-circuit concept the Beyerdynamic A1 is capable of reproducing an amazingly wide frequency range which stretches way above human perception. Underneath the large front-panel-mounted aluminium volume control is a high grade ALPS-potentiometer for smooth volume adjustment. This is just part of the attention to detail that ranges from the outer unit construction to its quality integral components - use of a generously-dimensioned toroidal core transformer, plus a combination of carefully selected components allows even the highest-impedance headphones to be driven flawlessly over the entire frequency range.

Our Impressions

We felt the sound was fluid and natural, there is a fast sense of detail that is crisp and precise without being fatiguing. The headphones themselves are surprisingly light and in typical Beyer style really comfy. The Beyerdynamic T1’s give a lush wide soundstage with excellent instrument separation drawing you into the recording, the stereo image being nothing short of 3D. The focus here is in the highly detailed treble and midrange but the bass is warm, deep and well pronounced giving the overall sound superb transparency, weight and authority. Joining the big boys, the T1 must be auditioned alongside Grado’s GS1000 and Denon D7000 before you make your ultimate headphone purchase.

More Information

For more information on the Beyerdynamic T1 and the rest of Beyerdynamics Headphones range please check out the HiFi Headphones web store.

One of the world’s smallest and lightest in-ear headphone designs, using a single wideband balanced armature driver, for comfortable wear and audiophile-quality listening.  Although tiny, each machined aluminium and finished in anodized copper ear piece looks stunning. The X10i also includes an advanced mic and 3-button remote (as seen on the Klipsch Image S4i) for taking calls and controlling the music content on your iPod, iPod touch or iPhone 3GS.

The X10i positions its in-line microphone and remote at the yoke—where the two cables meet at chest level—to create a more natural feel when answering calls and controlling music.

Because the microphone is a highly responsive 360° design, you don’t have to talk down into it or hold it close to your mouth. The microphone has also been designed to cancel echo, which keeps it from picking up surrounding noise reflection so your voice always sounds clear as a bell.

Inside the well designed box you get a sleek hardshell carry case, an aeroplane socket adapter, a 3.5mm-to-1/4″ adapter, the  X10i, a clothing clip and a variety of single and dual-flanged ear tips.

Just like the Image X10 before it, the Image X10i gives a big warm bottom end which is solid and defined. They cope with vocals beautifully and have a crisp contemporary presentation that will see iPhone owners Dubstepping, Rocking out or relaxing to Acoustic chillout in style. Be aware that the X10i is not for casual listening. If you rip your digital music files using a low bit rate, the high resolution Klipsch Image X10i earphone will uncover the flaws in your content.

Compatibility

While the Image X10i serves as a pair of premium headphones for any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack, its mic and remote system handles the music and/or voice control of the following Apple products: iPhone 3GS, third generation iPod shuffle, second and third generation iPod touch, fourth and fifth generation iPod nano models and the iPod classic 120GB.

If you have an iPod touch or iPhone and Wi-Fi access, you can also use the Image X10i with VOIP (need an adapter for PC or Mac), Skype and iChat.

More Information

For More information on the X10i and the rest of the Klipsch earphone range please check out the HiFi Headphones web store.

Built to last, the SA7 earphone will appeal to those who get through high end earphones at an alarming rate. Replaceable cables and a robustly constructed earphone body ensure the SA7 is maintainable for many years to come.

To top it all off the SA7 has a digital wireless option that has already been very positively reviewed as part of the Sleek Audio SA6 wireless bundle.

The Ultimate Earphone?

If you’re looking for the ultimate in-ear headphone then the SA7 is likely to tick all the boxes:

Milled aluminium earphone body - built to last the SA7’s earphone body will withstand the toughest environment, with the internal speakers wrapped in shock absorbent silicone and able to withstand 14000 G.  The earphone body is shrouded in carbon fibre for a durable finish.

Dual wideband balanced armature drivers - offering complete coverage of the entire audible frequency range the SA7’s dual driver design promises more than enough power for the lowest bass notes, while reproducing high frequencies with clarity and definition.

Wired or wireless options - the SA7 can be hooked up with cables or via the optional wireless adapter that uses the high fidelity Kleer wireless audio transmission protocol (uncompressed and very close to the sound quality offered by cables - also used in Sennheiser wireless headphones).

Adjustable Sound Signature - by changing the treble filter or bass port on the earphone body you can tune the SA7 to suit your musical tastes.  First featured on the Sleek Audio SA6 and later on the SA1, the new SA7 lets you find a sound that suits you perfectly.

Replaceable Cables - as with the entire Sleek Audio range if you break a cable it’s not the end of your earphones.  The SA7’s robust earphone design and replaceable cables means you can expect to keep this earphone for a very long time.

Our Opinion

Sleek Audio have been innovators from the beginning and the SA7 underlines their position as a company willing to push the boundaries of what can be expected from an earphone.

We love the bold design and applaud the fact that Sleek Audio have taken durability so seriously with the SA7.  Earphones are often very easily broken and it’s great to see a manufacturer making such efforts to produce a product that is maintainable over a longer period of time.

We have not yet heard the SA7, but if the SA1 and SA6 are any measure of performance the new flagship earphone from Sleek Audio is set to offer a high end listening experience that will keep audiophiles more than satisfied.

More Photos

More Information

For more information on the Sleek Audio SA7 and the rest of the Sleek Audio earphone range please check out the HiFi Headphones web store.

Have you ever tried an award winning pair of earphones?

Find out what you’re missing. Audéo PFE are more than just earphones – they are designed to fit perfectly and deliver perfect sound quality, while reducing unwanted external noise.

For those who love music, from those who know the most about hearing. Audéo – perfect fit for perfect sound.

How healthy is your hearing?

Visit Phonak at booth G31 for a free 5 minute hearing assessment, courtesy of Hear the World, or try the Audèo Perfect Fit Earphones for yourself.

Phonak has unrivalled knowledge of the human ear and has been producing state of the art hearing systems for more than 50 years to help significantly improve peoples’ ability to hear clearly.
See the full range of Phonak earphones.

Visit the Phonak Stand - Booth G31- at The Gadget Show live and try the Audeo PFE for yourself

Grado are well known for their mid to high end Hi-Fi headphones, with the top of the range Grado GS1000i being the benchmark that other high end headphones are measured against.  This last month has seen the surprise release of the first Grado in-ear earphone (In Ear Monitor or IEM) in the USA, with a UK launch set for any time now.

The new Grado IEM has been named the GR8 (or GREAT, in case you hadn’t noticed).  You’ve got to love American marketing departments for their often amusing choice of product names (the Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 Pro always makes me smile!).

Grado’s new earphone is based on a balanced armature driver.  This type of driver is very efficient and often exhibits a very clear and smooth midrange, with less powerful bass response than a conventional dynamic driver.

An earphone based on a balanced armature driver generally results in a smaller earphone body (think Klipsch Image X10, Sleek Audio SA6 and Ultimate Ears 700), but in the case of the GR8 the earphone body looks larger (maybe it’s just the photos).  We’re wondering if Grado have been tuning the GR8’s chamber for better bass impact.

Our distributor has told us to expect more Grado earphones to be released over the coming months.  If the GR8 is anything to go by then this new range could be very interesting.

We’re expecting stock of this earphone in w/c 12 October and can’t wait to give them a listen.  Reviews of the Grado GR8 on forums in the USA have been very promising.

More Information

For the full range of Grado earphones and headphones, as well as many other IEM style earphones please visit the HiFi Headphones site.

Beyerdynamic have a long heritage of producing very high quality headphones for home Hi-Fi, professional use (studio and live instrument monitoring) and aviation use.  Now Beyerdynamic have just turned their hand to developing a range of high quality gaming headsets and it looks like they are on to a winner!

As can be expected from Beyerdynamic their gaming headphone range offers no compromises with build  (still hand built in Germany) and sound quality.  As can be expected Beyerdynamic gaming headphones are robustly made and can take daily use by the most avid gamer.

Beyerdynamic’s signature sound is a warm, powerful bass response with lots of detail and clarity in the trebles.  The gaming headsets are no different, offering plenty of rumble at the bottom end and pinpoint positional accuracy in the upper frequencies.  A combination that will put you smack bang in the centre role of your game.

Check out Beyerdynamic’s gaming headset range below.

Beyerdynamic MMX300 Gaming Headphones

Beyerdynamic MMX300

The Beyerdynamic MMX300 is a pair of high end gaming headphones for the serious gamer looking for the best performing headset available.  Based on the highly successful Beyerdynamic DT770 (as used by BBC Radio 1 DJs and guests), with the addition of an ultra high quality aviation class noise cancelling microphone and rather cool carbon fibre finish.  The MMX300 headset takes gaming audio to the extreme, with a closed back design ensuring you can immerse yourself totally in the action without distraction from ambient noise and without annoying other people close by.

While the MMX300 is designed for gaming, it’s studio headphone heritage shines through with high quality audio reproduction.  These headphones are very capable for many applications including listening to music and IP telephony (e.g. Skype), as well as gaming.

Super soft velour earpads and large over ear design ensures you can wear the Beyerdynamic MMX300 for hours at a time in supreme comfort.  The MMX300 offers a truly high end gaming experience.

Supplied two connectivity options, the MMX300 can be directly connected to a PC and Mac via USB (you just plug the headphones in and the computer detects the headset like a soundcard), or alternatively the headset can be connected via 2x 3.5mm jack plugs (one plug for headphone input and the other for microphone output).  Usefully the MMX300 offers the ability to mute the microphone and control the volume of the headphone audio via the supplied USB converter.

Get the Beyerdynamic MMX300 headset today and upgrade to high end gaming audio!

Beyerdynamic MMX2 Gaming Headphones

Beyerdynamic MMX2

The Beyerdynamic MMX2 headphones are built for the serious gamer who needs high quality audio and supreme long term wearing comfort.  Designed just for gamers by Beyerdynamic, the MMX2 headset reproduces sound effects, voices and music with superb clarity and the noise-cancelling microphone ensures a clear and precise voice transmission.  The MMX2 is equally suitable for IP telephony (e.g. Skype) as it is for gaming.

With soft ear cushions made from velour material and a fully adjustable flexible headband the MMX2 is comfortable to wear for the longest gaming sessions.

The MMX2 has two connectivity options, either USB for direct connection to a PC and Mac (you plug the headphones into a spare USB port and the computer detects the headset like a soundcard), or alternatively the headset can be connected via 2x 3.5mm jack plugs (one plug for headphone input and the other for microphone output).  Usefully the MMX2 offers the ability to mute the microphone and control the volume of the headphone audio via the supplied USB converter.

Choose the Beyerdynamic MMX2 today and enjoy high quality gaming audio and comfort.

More Information

For the full range of Beyerdynamic headphones and many other headphones suitable for gaming, please visit HiFi Headphones.

The SoundMAGIC PL30 is an IEM (In Ear Monitor) style earphone with an over ear cable fit system and innovative bass control switch.  The PL30 is priced to compete directly with earphones like the Sennheiser CX300-II, Denon AH-C351 and Ultimate Ears Metro.fi 220.

SoundMAGIC earphones are a relatively new addition to the line-up at HiFi Headphones.  We originally took on the brand after trying out some samples sent directly from SoundMAGIC.  Our initial sceptisism about the fact SoundMAGIC earphones are relatively low cost was soon turned into surprise by the excellent sound and sturdy build quality.  Passing the earphones round the office we quickly decided that the PL11 and PL30 models would be the first we would stock.

The PL30 was the earphone that got SoundMAGIC recognised as a serious contender in the highly competitive in-ear earphone market.  This earphone has been designed entirely by SoundMAGIC engineers and is totally unique to the brand.

This is a review of the some of the attributes of the SoundMAGIC PL30 in ear sound isolating earphone.

What You Get

The first nice surprise when opening the SoundMAGIC PL30 is that you get lots of accessories included.  The following items are included:

• High quality travel case made from high impact fibre material (very similar to Shure supplied earphone cases).
• Many different types of ear tips, including small/medium/large silicone tips, double flange tips and foam tips (harder than Comply Foam, but worth a try).
• 1x pair of silicone over the ear cable guides (for keeping the cable on your ear while running)
• Soft silicone cable wrap for safe storage of the earphone cabling.

It’s great to see a manufacturer really thinking about how the earphones are going to fit in the ear and also considering what is needed to keep earphones safe during every day use.

SoundMAGIC PL30 Package

Comfort and Fit

The PL30 features pro-style over ear cabling (to reduce microphonic cable noise and to provide a secure fit.

Initially the SoundMAGIC PL30’s over ear fit system can take some getting used to if you’v never worn an earphone with this design before.  With the PL30 the cable is designed to run up over the ear and secured at the back of the neck with the sliding cable tensioner.  It sounds complicated, but it’s dead easy with a bit of practice.

I found the fit easier with the PL30 than with earphones like Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3/Super.fi 5 Pro.  The PL30’s earphone body is much smaller than these other designs and I found it simple to get the earphone snug in the entrance to the ear after just a couple of attempts.

Comfort is very good with the PL30.  I found the medium sized silicone ear tips worked OK straight out of the box, but the supplied dual flange ear tips gave me a better seal.  I also tried a pair of Comply Foam T-400 tips that I normally use with my Sennheiser IE8’s and they worked very well with the PL30.  As with all in-ear sound isolating earphones, if you do not get a good seal in the ear then the bass will be seriously lacking.  Get the seal right with the PL30 and it’s unlikely you will be disappointed by the punch of the bass.

Sound Quality

The SoundMAGIC PL30 offers a very well balanced sound, with good kick at the bass end, a forward midrange and good clarity in the higher frequencies.  If anything the lower midrange is a little too forward for my liking, but overall the balance is excellent.

Bass punch is superb and nicely defined.  Much better than the bloated and muddy bass you will find in many entry level earphones.  While this earphone is no bass monster it does represent lower frequency sounds very solidly and I found it very enjoyable listening to tracks with big basslines.  The bass response can be altered by tweaking the bass control rotating switch - I preferred the flat bass setting over the bass boost setting.

Sound stage and separation is something that is immediately striking about the PL30 - you can easily locate different sounds and instruments in the music, without it being analytical.  The PL30 is a very enjoyable listen and presents sounds in a very musical way.

Sound quality is far better than you might expect from an earphone costing less than £40.

Review Summary

For:

• Brilliant sound quality for the price, with excellent clarity and good separation of notes.
• Nearly zero cable microphonic noise and secure fit make the PL30 ideal for running or the gym.
• Well made cabling with good strain relief.

Against:

• Cabling can get tangled due to rubberized coating.

More Information

For more SoundMAGIC earphones and a selection of other earphones please visit HiFi Headphones.

SoundMAGIC have released the PL50 IEM earphone in Asia this week.  The PL50 is an in-ear sound isolating design and looks like it will be competing with higher end IEMs, such as the Shure and Ultimate Ears range.

This is SoundMAGIC’s first step into a balanced armature technology earphone and we’re really keen to give a proper listen.  We are expecting stock here in the UK within the next couple of weeks.

SoundMAGIC has taken the earphone World by surprise over this last year with a stream of new high quality products, including the highly regarded PL30 and PL11.  The PL30 has had plenty of recognition on the Head-fi.org forums since it’s launch and has been getting some excellent reviews.  The PL11 has also rapidly gained acceptance as an entry level earphone to rival the Sennheiser CX300-II, with excellent bass response and robust build quality.  Stuff Magazine recently reviewed the PL11 and seemed to like it a lot.

SoundMAGIC PL50 Photos

See below for photos of the new SoundMAGIC PL50:

SoundMAGIC PL50 IEM Earphones

SoundMAGIC PL50 in Box

More Information

For the full range of SoundMAGIC earphones and many other high quality earphones and headphones, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

WeSC have just launched some new models in time for the summer holiday season.  The new headphone models are the WeSC Pickup and the WeSC Maraca.

The WeSC Maraca headphone is has a distincly retro design, not that far away from the highly sought after Alp Horn, but is a much smaller headphone and has a headband similar to the Bongo and Oboe models

WeSC Pick-up Headphones

The WeSC Pickup headphone is the coolest looking (in our opinion) of the new models, with circular ear pieces and funky earpads.  The headband is a metallic band with adjustment to allow for all sizes of head.

As ever WeSC have really pushed the boat out and come up with some of the funkiest looking headphones available.  You can be sure you’re wearing the coolest headphones with these new models.

WeSC Maraca Headphones

More Information

For the full range of WeSC headphones and many other cool retro headphones, check out the HiFi Headphones store.

The SoundMAGIC PL11 has pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level in-ear isolating earphone.  For less than the cost of a Playstation game the PL11 offers high end audio clarity, with enough low end power to satisfy the biggest bass-head.

Looking and feeling like an earphone that comes from one of the established brands, the SoundMAGIC PL11 is a newcomer that deserves a second look.

Sceptical At First

Before we received samples of the SoundMAGIC range to try out we were sceptical about the way they would sound and even more doubtful about build quality.

How wrong we were!  Like the rest of the SoundMAGIC range, the PL11 is very well made and sounds like an earphone with a much higher price tag.  Holding the earphones in your hand you would be mistaken for thinking they are manufactured by one of the well established earphone brands.

SoundMAGIC PL11 with included accessories

Built To Last

With cabling and strain relief that has obviously been thought about by someone who understands how earphones are going to be used, the PL11 is built to a similar specification as high quality brands like Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic.

Here at the HiFi Headphones store we have a pretty good idea how well a headphone or earphone is going to last by looking at the strain relief on the cabling.  Over 90% of faulty returns we receive are caused by cabling faults.  In our opinion the PL11 is an earphone we are not going to see returned often.

The SoundMAGIC PL11 has high quality cabling with a rubberized finish for extra durability.  The strain relief is also well thought through, with highly flexible support where the cable enters the earphone body and at the jack plug.

How Do They Sound?

Most importantly, does the SoundMAGIC PL11 sound any good?  Yes, the PL11 sounds superb!  When we first received samples I spent a week listening to the PL11 on my walk to and from the office.   The sound is immediately appealing as there is plenty of warmth at the bottom end and the trebles are well balanced and clear.

The obvious comparison that is going to be made is with the Sennheiser CX300-II.  In many ways the SoundMAGIC PL11 is very similar to the CX300-II, with plenty of bass and a clear high end.  Just like the CX300-II, the PL11 has a slightly recessed midrange, which actually helps reduce long term listening fatigue.

Many headphone brands, including high end headphone manufacturer Grado, are known to drop the midrange frequency response slightly to provide a more enjoyable listening experience.  The reason for this is that the human ear resonates at 2.9Khz, making it particularly sensitive to mid-range treble notes.  If the headphone or earphone is less responsive around this frequency then the ear tires less quickly and you can enjoy your music for longer.

Summary

The SoundMAGIC PL11 is an earphone that is a very enjoyable listen.  Good bass response and a superb degree of resolution at higher freqencies make the PL11 an earphone to be reckoned with.

The sound is similar in some respects to the highly regarded Sennheiser CX300-II and beats the Sennheiser hands down on price.

Good build quality rounds off a well thought out earphone package that we are happy to recommend.

More Information

For the full range of SoundMAGIC Earphones and many other high quality brands please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

Full size headphones is a new departure for Shure, as they are known best for their in-ear sound isolating earphones.  Initial user reviews suggest that the Shure SRH840 sound like a ‘Shure SE530 with sparklier treble’, which can only be a good thing.

Those lucky enough to get their hands on review samples of the Shure SRH840 have commented on the huge soundstage considering that this headphone is a closed back design.  Read one Head-fi members review of the Shure SRH840.

We’re really excited about this range of headphones and itching to get out hands on initial stock to give them a proper review.

Shure SRH750 DJ Headphones

More Information

For more information on the Shure SRH range of closed back headphones and many other reference quality studio headphones please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

Shure SRH440 Headphones

The launch party was also attended by celebrity investor Debora Meadon from the UK TV series Dragons Den as well as the founder of WeSC, Greger Hagelin.  Shaun and Kristina from HiFi Headphones took the opportunity to have a few beers and meet some of the team.

WeSC Alp Horn - First Photos & Test

The WeSC store launch party gave us the chance to have our first listen of the WeSC Alp Horn headphone.  The Alp Horn has been in the pipeline for some time (we were expecting initial stock in August 2008), so it is great to finally see the Alp Horn in production.

Annalise from LateralCorp kindly let us demo an Alp Horn and we were suitably impressed.  The design of the Alp Horn is like no other headphone we have ever seen and we love it.  It’s great to see a headphone manufacturer doing something completely different and unique with headphone design.

I had a bit of trouble with the fit of the headband over my head and ended up wearing it with the headband resting towards the back of the top of my head.  Mind you I have a particularly large head and have problems finding hats and caps that fit me!

WeSC Alp Horn Headphones

Sound quality is excellent, with plenty of clarity and detail.  I found bass response a little lacking initially, but this improved substantially once I got the fit right and therefore got a good  seal over the ears.

Overall we think this headphone is a winner.

More Information

For a full range of WeSC Headphones and many other brands of high quality headphones and earphones please visit the HiFi Headphones online store.

Spares for Sennheiser headphones are now available at the HiFi Headphones store.  You’ll find a big selection of replacement cables for Sennheiser headphones, as well as earpads, headbands and capsules (the speaker or earpiece).

One of the great things about buying headphones or earphones from an established manufacturer like Sennheiser is that it’s possible to service your headphones when components wear out or break.  There’s no need to throw you pride and joy in the bin, just replace the part.

Our selection of spare parts includes a full range of spares for popular consumer models such as the Sennheiser HD600, PX100, and HD595 as well as professional studio models such as the Sennheiser HD25, HD280 and HD250.

Replacement Cables, Earpads and more

If you’ve broken the lead on your Sennheiser headphones, or just worn out the ear pads then browse through our Sennheiser spares section and track down the replacement part.  If your headphones are in need of more serious repair then you will also find spare headbands and even replacement drivers for many popular models.

We were hoping to get the product pages for more Sennheiser spares online before the New Year, but due to the huge workload we’ll be working on filling out this section in January.  Please check back soon or Contact Us if you have a particular requirement.

More Information

For more details on the full range of Sennheiser replacement parts and many other accessories and spares for a range of headphones, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

Linking to the Klipsch Image X5 product page at HiFi Headphones, Claudine Beaumont of the Telegraph newspaper featured the Klipsch X5 earphone in a 12 Best Gadgets roundup.

Claudine’s review offered enthusiastic comments such as, “incredibly comfortable and lightweight”, “providing a rich music-listening experience, with lovely, crisp tones even when listening at low volumes” and “these headphones are pricey, but worth every penny”.  It seems Claudine likes the Klipsch X5 very much!

For those outside the UK the Telegraph is a national newspaper with just under 1 million daily readers.

Cheaper Alternative to Klipsch X10

The Klipsch X5 has a recommended retail price of £129.99 and is therefore somewhat cheaper than the superb sounding Klipsch X10 (RRP £179.99).  According to Klipsch, the main difference between the X5 and X10 is the size of the earphone casing, which they say reduces their manufacturing costs.

In our tests the X5 does have a slightly less powerful bass response than the X10, but both earphones do have a very similar sound signature.  If £180 seems way to much cash to spend on earphones, then the Klipsch X5 may well convince you to give high end in-ear sound isolating earphones a try.

More Information

For more information on the Klipsch Image X5 or Klipsch Image X10 and a full range of in-ear headphones, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

The long awaited Sleek Audio SA6 and W-1 Wireless Bundle Pack is now available from HiFi Headphones.  The W-1 wireless adapter enables you to listen to your audio source at full lossless, CD quality within a range of 18 metres (without obstructions).

The W-1 either comes bundled with a Sleek Audio SA6 earphone, or alternatively comes as a standalone W-1 Wireless Adapter if you already own the Sleek Audio SA6 earphone.

Below are a few product highlights:

• Lossless CD quality sound, using Kleer wireless technology.
• SA6 earphone is sound isolating design rather than earbud style (as used on the Sennheiser MX W1), meaning earphones seal in the ear correctly to reduce low frequency (bass) leakage and for best noise isolation.
• Revert back to wired operation when batteries run out.
• Sleek Audio W1 Wireless pendant sits behind neck and can be secured under clothing.  User reviews suggest it stays secure while exercising.
• User reviews at Head-Fi.org suggests slight improvement in bass response over wired SA6 (from iPod without headphone amp).

CD Quality, Lossless Digital Audio

The Sleek Audio’s W-1 Wireless uses a completely new technology called ‘Kleer’, which provides a CD quality, lossless digital audio link between the audio source and your earphones.

If you have tried RF wireless headphones or earphones in the past it’s likely you were disappointed by the limitations of the technology.  Even the highly regarded Sennheiser wireless headphone range introduce noise to the audio signal, which is audible when listening to quiet passages of music.  The audible hissing sound and occasional crackly interference really get in the way of enjoying your tunes.

With the Sleek Audio W-1 wireless there is no longer any compromise over audio quality if you want to get rid of the wires.

Compatible with Sleek Audio SA6 and Future Models

The highly regarded Sleek Audio SA6 made waves in the earphone World at the end of last year when it introduced the idea of customisation to an earphone.  With the SA6 treble and bass response can be custom tuned to suit your equipment, ears and the style of music you are listening too.

According to Sleek Audio they intend to make the W-1 Wireless Adapter compatible with future earphones in their line-up.  There are rumours of a lower end Sleek Audio earphone in early 2009 (an SA3?) and possibly a very high end earphone after that (can they really dramatically improve the audio quality of the SA6?).

More Information

The Sleek Audio SA6 and W-1 Wireless bundle pack is available in the UK from the HiFi Headphones store.