HiFiheadphones

Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Campfire Audio Comet IEM – Video Review

Posted on August 17, 2018 by John

Campfire Audio Comet In-Ear Headphone Video Review

Campfire Audio Comet

Hailing from the other side of the Atlantic – Campfire Audio don’t just create great sounding earphones; they create works of art. Based in Portland Oregon, Campfire design their models in house and for me, they are one of the more exciting brands around right now. The Comet is one of their more recent releases and is their entry level model as just over £200.

Like all of the models in Campfire Audio’s range – the Comet comes packaged in a very cool box covered with colourful artwork. This is a Campfire signature and each model has its own colour combination. Included with the earphones you get a large selection of eartips including Final silicone, standard silicone and foam tips. Individual soft pouches for each driver, a cleaning tool, a lapel pin and a hard carry case – again each model has its own style.

Entry level price – High-end quality

The Comet is Campfire Audio’s newest addition and entry level earphone – a very impressive one at that. Inside the polished stainless steel housing is a single balanced armature driver with acoustic venting – providing a more full and punchier sound than you would normally expect from a single balanced armature earphone. Campfire have also developed their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber or TAEC – this helps improve treble extension when compared to traditionally used filters.

Campfire Audio Comet IEM

These earphones are full of fine craftsmanship and creativity – from the packaging all the way down to the speaker grills. The size of the housings make them very comfortable, they sit in the ear naturally and there’s no irritation when worn for long periods. The Comet is supplied with a replaceable copper Litz cable and is connected using MMCX connectors. The cable also has an in line microphone with universal 3 button controls – making the Comet a superb all rounder.

Fun and energetic sound quality

The Comet is a great introduction into Campfire Audio. It gives a clear idea of the experience and sound expected from the brand. What I find most refreshing is that they don’t take themselves too seriously – and this comes across in the sound. On initial listing the Comet is fun and energetic with plenty of bass punch and a very enjoyable richness – qualities that are lost on a lot of higher end IEM brands.Listen more and the finer details start to come through. The bass manages to have power without overshadowing the mids, which are rich and clear, cutting through the mix effortlessly. Then up top the treble provides space and extends far without ever becoming fatiguing or harsh. The sound has plenty of width and soundstage is impressive – close your eyes and you can picture where each sound is coming from.

Overall these earphones are made to enjoy music on. I think anybody can enjoy these – whether you’re after bass, fun, dynamics, style, comfort or detail, these will do it. Just stick them in your ears and enjoy them – that’s what I did.

Sennheiser HD 820 Audiophile Headphone – Available to Demo Now

Posted on August 15, 2018 by John

Sennheiser HD820 Closed Back Audiophile Headphone now available to demo in the UK

The highly anticipated Sennheiser HD820 closed back headphone is now available to demo here at Hifiheadphones.

HD820 Now at Hifiheadphones!

The HD820 is Sennheiser’s first closed back audiophile headphone release and it promises to be quite special. Based on the same design as the HD800S, the HD820 uses Gorilla Glass as its transducer cover and the curved shape of it allows the sound waves to reflect to an absorber – resulting in minimal resistance and creating an open sound that you would normally expect from an open backed headphone.

HD820 Available for Demo

Sennheiser HD820 Available to Try in our UK Demo room

The Sennheiser HD820 is available to listen at our Sussex UK demo room in Shoreham-by-Sea – close to Brighton and London. The HD820 is also available to order here.

Sennheiser’s New Closed-Back HD820

Shanling UP Portable DAC / Amplifier Review

Posted on August 18, 2017 by John

Shanling UP Portable Headphone USB DAC and Amplifier

Up your portable audio game with the Shanling UP, with excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage, a must have for the audiophile on the go.

Pros:

Clarity
Size
Value for money

Cons:

None for the price

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Shanling UP is a tiny little device, the size of a memory stick, with a glossy black front and matter black rear. It has a USB tybe C socket on the top and a 3.5mm headphone jack output on the bottom, on the front an LED will light up telling you the device is on and what sample rate is playing. It is so simplistic and elegant it will fit into any system with ease.

The build quality is excellent with the glass front and the rest of the body being aluminium. Both sockets feel tight, and there is nothing on it to go wrong.

Accessory wise all you get is various cables, which is all that is needed. You get a lightning to USB C, USB C to USB C, Micro USB to USB C and a regular USB to USB C cable, so it covers most phones and PC use.

Ease of use

The UP does not have an internal battery, it just plugs into your device and runs as a DAC/Amp. It should work with most android devices that support OTG accessories, iPhones with lightning port and also PC’s. With the new Windows 10 creators update you no longer need to install drivers.

The devices has no buttons, thus you control the volume level via your phone or PC, I had no issues getting it to work with a Samsung phone, and a regular Windows 10 PC. It is recommended you use the Hiby music app when using the UP.

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SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Sports Earphone Review

Posted on July 13, 2017 by John

SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Earphone Review

The SoundMAGIC ST80 is the perfect companion for sports enthusiasts, with a big helping of bass, yet crisp and detailed mids and non-fatiguing highs they are sure to keep you motivated on the move.

Pros:

Overall sound quality
Fit
Build quality

Cons:

Possibly a bit too much bass for some

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The SoundMAGIC ST80 looks like most other earhook sports headphones, with a rotation behind the ear hook to securely hold them in place, and a small housing that goes into your ear. There is a battery pack on the cable, with a clip to clip it to your clothing, and a small remote. I think they look great for a sports headphone and do not stick out too much, I also like the black and red cable linking the headphones to the battery pack.

The build quality feels sturdy and these should hold up fine to daily sports activities very well, the cabling feels good, the headphones themselves are a mixture of metal and plastic. There is good strain relief on the connections and being Bluetooth means less cabling to fail, the cable is detachable though (screw on) and also included is a regular audio cable with controls.

Accessory wise you are spoilt for choice, with a nice clamshell carry case, 2 cables (one Bluetooth, one regular with mic and controls), an adaptor that splits the audio and microphone cable for use with computers, USB charging cable, phono adaptor that changes the pinout for apple/android, cable clip, S/M/L Comply foam tips, XS/S/M/L sports silicone tips, S/M/L regular silicone tips and also a pair of bi-flange tips. This amount of accessories and tips means you are guaranteed to find a secure fit, but also have something to store them in when not in use.

Comfort, Isolation, Cable noise and Ease of use:

The ST80 take a while to get used to fitting, once you get the hook behind your hear it is quite easy to get a good fit. The fit is nice and secure due to the earhooks keeping them in place, but the earhooks are soft enough to not cause discomfort. I find them to be very comfortable once you get a good fit and would not have problems wearing them for extended periods of time.

Isolation is good, not as good as fuly sealed units, but enough to block out most of the world around you when you are out jogging, just be careful when crossing the road or are around cycle paths. The good isolation also means they won’t leak sound outwards and annoy people near you.

Cable noise is very low on these, which is important for a sports headphone.

I found the ST80 paired over Bluetooth quickly and easily, I had no transmission issues and the remote was easy to use, if you long hold the volume up it changes track, instead of the usual double tap of the middle button. Something you will need to get used to, but nothing problematic; They charge easily via a microUSB port on the battery pack.

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Sound

Bass

The low end is slightly boosted on the ST80, keeping an upbeat and always present bass line keeping you motivated when out at the gym. Luckily the bass is not a bloated mess, it can extend low and you can feel it as well as hear it, but it does not veil the mid range too much. I find the impact of kick drums to be very impressive, and bass guitars are also very articulate, the only thing they don’t do so well is fast paced heavy metal.

Mids

The mids are slightly behind the bass in overall quantity, but they are still easily heard, female vocals sound a little better than male vocals. Overall though, the crunch from guitars is aggressive when called for, and there is a good amount of crisp detail. What is very good in the mid-range is the spacial cues and separation, being quite open and expansive.

Treble

The treble is very well reproduced here, again it takes a slight back seat in the overall sound but it still retains good clarity and air. It does not sound up front, leaning towards a darker, bassier sound. These won’t be for those who want the clearest sound, but for those looking for a fun sound whilst out and about they are perfect.

The soundstage is intimate, but the separation is good.

Conclusion

The SoundMAGIC ST80 can compete with the big boys, like the Sennheiser HD1 in-ear wireless, the ST80 have a bass oriented sound signature but with good clarity overall. The bass is the driving force behind these, but the mids cut though the mix very well offering excellent detail retrieval. The highs are slightly dull which leads to an easier listening experience but not the best overall balance.

The design lends itself to sports use, and the sound for that use is perfect, a nice big bass beat to keep you motivated, but without masking the rest of the sound.

Beyerdynamic Amiron Home Headphone Review

Posted on June 21, 2017 by John

Beyerdynamic Amiron Home Audiophile Headphone

Beyerdamic have hit a home run with the Amiron Home; it is beautifully detailed yet smooth and easy to enjoy. It gets out of the way of the music and lets you enjoy pure sonic bliss.

Pros:

Excellent detail retrival
Smooth sound
Comfort

Cons:

Earpads may be a little shallow for some.

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Beyerdynamic Amiron Home are a great looking headphone; the cups are grey with a fabric mesh on the outside, the arms are aluminium and the headband is alcantara, a very simple and elegant design.

The build quality is great, they feature a dual sided detachable cable (balanced cable available separately), the cups are plastic but feel very well made, the headband is metal and everything is very well put together.

The Amiron Home come with a hard carry case and a 3.5 to 6.3mm adaptor, all the accessories you need really.

Comfort and Amp Pairing

The Amiron Home are one of the most comfortable headphones around; the alcantara pads are super soft, as is the headband padding. The weight and clamping force means they sit securely but not uncomfortably tight. My only slight gripe is the earpads are a little shallow, so your ears may touch the inner fabric covering the drivers.

Regarding amplifiers, these do require a bit of power behind them and I personally found them to work very well with OTL tube amps as they bring out the best qualities in this headphone.

Sound

Bass

The bass on these has incredible texture and control; they are quick in attack and decay at just the right speed. Snappy and quick when called for, yet also full and articulate during other tracks. The bass blends with the rest of the frequencies, without ever affecting them; perfect in quantity, and superb in quality.

Mids

The mids are natural and crystal clear, vocals come across with the emotion of the original recording, this headphone does not add its own flavour. I would say the mids are well placed, being perfectly centered in the mix. Timbre here is what stands out, along with the amount of detail present but not thrown in your face.

Treble

Beyerdynamic used to be know for peaky treble, and that has been fixed; now the treble is still well present and in good quantity, however it is not peaky or fatiguing anymore. It reaches way up high, but with finesse and control without a hint of grain; the treble is superbly refined.

Soundstage and Separation

The soundstage is smaller than that of some other open back models, they have a slightly more intimate sound for an open headphone but the imaging is excellent and accurate. Separation is very good as is to be expected, all separate instruments are easily distinguished.

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Conclusion

With the Amiron Home Beyerdynamic have made one of their best headphones to date; beautifully balanced sound, excellent control and resolution yet without fatigue, the perfect headphone for home listening.

Noise Cancelling vs Sound Isolation

Posted on June 19, 2017 by John

It’s easy to confuse the benefits of noise cancelling with sound isolating headphones. This is easily done as essentially they are both doing something similar but in very different ways. Because of this you want to make sure you choose the right headphones for your situation – this article will clear things up for you.

Noise Cancelling

Noise cancelling headphones can reduce the amount of low frequency hum or ambient sounds reaching your ear drums. This can make it possible to listen to your music without having to raise the volume excessively or even help you get some good sleep on a long journey – they don’t cancel out all noise. They are useful for people who travel a lot, especially by plane as the engine noise can become a nuisance. These headphones use active noise control to cancel out low frequency noise so they will need power; usually using batteries or USB power.

Depending on the model of headphone, if the power runs out one of three things will happen:

The noise cancelling function will stop running but you will still get sound from the headphones.
The sound will completely cut off, you will need to change batteries/recharge to use the headphones.
The noise cancelling will stop running and if the speakers have high impedance (require more power) then the sound you get will be faint.

A good example here is the Sennheiser PXC550, they are a Bluetooth wireless headphone that feature active noise cancelling, these do however stop playing when the battery runs out.

Sound Isolation

Sound isolation is a term used for headphones that block out external noise and reduce the amount of sound leaking for others to hear passively (without power), this is achieved by their build quality and materials used. Most closed back headphones or in-ear isolating earphones do this, but some will do it better than others. Lots of things can improve isolation such as leather ear pads, a good in-ear seal, heavy clamping force (tight fit on the head), acoustic treatment (dampening) in the ear cups and even the shape and material of the driver housing.

A prime example being the Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless, these have no noise cancelling but for everyday use they block out enough outside noise, and when the battery runs out you can plug the audio cable in and continue listening

Summary

Noise cancelling is great in theory, and for long journeys on planes it can be very effective, however it does have its drawbacks. In solving one problem, it creates another, and this is noise and lack of dynamic range in some senses. The other thing to note about noise cancelling is it is only effective against constant background noise, and does not help with sudden loud noises.

So it has its uses, but for most people, especially those wanting the best sound, noise isolating headphones are the only logical choice. The company will have put time into tuning the housing to reduce resonance, along with experimenting with different pad materials, to bring you the best sound and isolate unwanted noise.

Best Portable Travel Headphones for 2017

Posted on May 10, 2017 by John

Best Portable Travel Headphones for 2017

Summer is round the corner so we thought it was about time to suggest some great travel headphones for your journeys abroad, long train trips and flights to distant lands. Or a stroll down to the supermarket.

Here we have chosen 5 of our best portable headphones ideal for travel and listed them in price order with a video review at the bottom of the page, ranging from low cost on ears, Bluetooth headphones and noise cancelling headphones. Here goes.

Pioneer SE-MJ503T – £14.99

This £15 portable on ear is superb value. They deliver a big and energetic sound and they fold up for easy storage. The headphones also have an in line mic with smartphone controls making them versatile too.

Koss PortaPro Classic – £39.99

The Koss PortaPros have been around for a long time now and with good reason too. Not only do you get impressive sound, the open back design helps deliver a natural soundstage and you can still hear what’s going on around you – this makes them popular for sports.

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Lindy BNX-60 – £89.99

For years Lindy has been offering superb headphones at low prices – now they have stepped into the world of Bluetooth and really know what they’re doing. The BNX-60 gives you superb sound, Bluetooth connectivity and noise cancelling all for under £100!

B&W P3 Series 2 – £119

Bowers & Wilkins design their headphones to look and feel great. The P3 is light and comfortable, and deliver a punchy and energetic sound. They also isolate very well so you won’t be interrupted while enjoying your favourite tunes.

Sennheiser PXC550 – £329

The ultimate portable headphone. Sennheisers PXC550 does it all – Bluetooth connectivity, advanced noise cancelling and a touch sensitive trackpad makes them one of the most feature packed wireless headphones around. Their sound definitely won’t disappoint either.

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Best Sports Headphones and Earphones for 2017

Posted on January 19, 2017 by John

The Best Sports Headphones and Earphones for 2017

We have listed the best sports headphones and earphones to help drive you along. Here you can find our selection of the best earbuds, portable headphones, wireless headphones and earphones and everything in between. Perfect for sporty use!

Fidue A31s – £19.99

The Fidue A31S may be the cheapest of this lineup, but is every bit as good at wringing the last beads of sweat out of you! The tiny capsules sit in the ears with the cable worn over the ear or down, and the supplied double flange eartips give excellent isolation.

SoundMAGIC PL30+ – £19.99

An updated version of the original PL30 earphones, the PL30+ boasts a more attractive deisgn and also a behind-the-ear wearing style for a secure fit whilst you exercise.

Koss Sporta Pro – £34.99

This on-ear design is open-back, meaning that while others may hear your tunes, you will be able to hear the environment around you as well as your music. Perfect for pounding the streets safely!

Mee Audio M7P Sports – £34.99

The M7P has mobile phone controls and a volume slider conveniently placed on the cable, and pivoting nozzles for a secure and comfortable fit behind the ear.

Trinity Vyrus – £59

With tuneable filters, the Vyrus can give you a bassy sound or crystal clear treble for a sound which will best spur you on! Can be worn over the ear too.

Optoma NuForce BE Sport3 – £79

The wireless BE Sport 3 model features ‘fin’ attachments to secure the earphones into your ears so may be better if you wear glasses or shades whilst running, for example.

Pioneer SE-MJ771BT – £79

This bluetooth on-ear design is light and strong, with controls on the headphones themselves for maximum performance with minimum fuss.

LINDY BNX-60 – £89.99

These wireless noise-cancellers aren’t just for meditation, the sound from the BNX-60 is superb and they will completely enclose the ears – handy on those cold days!

RHA T20i – £189.95

These impressive earphones from RHA will sit in place securely behind the ears and motivate the most lethargic lollygaggers with a powerful bass and clear midrange.

Snugs Wireless – £199

Any worries about a secure fit can vanish with some custom-moulded eartips from Snugs. Together with Some M9B bluetooth earphones from Mee Audio, you’ll get excellent isolation and the convenience of wireless together.

Oriveti Basic In Ear Headphone Review

Posted on January 17, 2017 by John

Oriveti are new on the scene and they certainly know how to make an entrance. The new Oriveti Basic earphone packs a punch and gives you plenty of features for its modest price tag.

The Basic is Oriveti’s entry model and along with the flagship New Primacy earphone it is clear that they mean business. Oriveti only use high quality materials to build their earphones and the design is unique and very stylish.

The Oriveti Basic is supplied with a 4 strand twisted cable that feels very tough while also being flexible and avoids getting tangled very well. The cable connects to the earphones using standard MMCX connectors and on the other end it terminates in a gold plated straight jack plug.

These earphones are very attractive with an aluminium body finished in matt black on both the earpieces and the jack plug. Using aluminium makes them comfortable and lightweight as well as feeling robust. A rubberised edge on the earphones helps to reinforce where the cable connects.

These earphones seem to have been designed primarily to be worn with the cable going over the ear and cable guides are provided to add extra support – the Basic’s can also be worn cable down for those who prefer it and the large selection of silicone eartips supplied allow you to achieve the perfect fit. Then to keep your earphones safe Oriveti have included a soft feel tough carry case.

Underneath the attractive casing is where the magic happens. A 10mm titanium coated driver supplies an impressive amount of bass. Now I am not much of a bass head but after listening to these for a while I found myself really enjoying them.

They’re not audiophile and they won’t give you a reference sound but if you like your earphones to be fun and enjoyable with plenty of punch then these could be for you. The isolation and comfort is also really impressive and along with replaceable cables they are a great buy!

Best Earphones To Buy In 2017 – Video

Posted on January 5, 2017 by John

Best Headphones You’ve Never Heard Of

Posted on December 13, 2016 by John

Our audio gurus have collected the best headphones, earphones and players to buy in 2016 from brands you’ve never heard of with a quick review to help you choose. Here we will cover the best in portable audio, home and audiophile listening from unknown brands that can challenge the likes of Sennheiser, Audeze, Astell & Kern and more. Below you can check out our best rated unknown headphones from the year so far.

DUNU Titan 1es

Dunu has a knack for wringing every drop of sound quality out of the music, and the Titan 1ES offers superb value for money. The sound is tuned to give a bit of a lift to your tunes, but the dynamic-driven 1ES remains on the neutral side. The perfect all-rounder.

Nuforce BE Sport3

Currently the best wireless earphones we have heard so far! The Nuforce BE sport 3 not only sounds great with punchy and tight bass, crisp mids and plenty of space up top – their all metal housings provide superb build quality which magnetically attach to each other for easy storage.

Fidue A73

One of our favourite earphones for under £100, the Fidue A73 features a hybrid driver design, with a dynamic ‘woofer’ for a nice warm bass sound and balanced armature ‘tweeter’ for finer details.

Bloc & Roc Galvanize S2

British firm Bloc & Roc’s S2 model is a dynamic design which offers a good amount of detail with a slight bass emphasis. They are very light, and are well suited to those who want to look good while they enjoy their tunes.

MEE Audio Pinnacle

These dynamic earphones are accurate-sounding enough to sound like a balanced armature model. The sound is well balanced, with crisp and clear midrange making them the perfect choice for all types of music.

Nuforce HEM6

With a clear and crisp sound produced by 3 balanced armature drivers in each capsule, the HEM6 from Optoma Nu-Force will reveal detail you never knew existed in your favourite tracks. Bass is deep but balanced with the midrange, with a sparkly treble.

Meze 99 Classic

With unique styling, the Meze 99 Classic will turn heads – and it will rock them too if worn! The 99 Classic has caused a sensation over the past year with this dynamically-driven model which gives a very present bass with good control, and a warm yet detailed treble.

Final Sonorous III

The Final Sonorous III is a great-looking headphone for anyone wanting to upgrade to something special. Bass and treble is emphasised slightly to give your favourite tracks more pep with this dynamic driver model, and the sound is natural but involving.

Questyle QP1R

There are many digital audio players on the market just now, but the QP1R is a cut above with its dashing good looks and stellar sound. The build quality is superb, and it has the power to drive almost any headphone, not just portable designs.

Dita Truth Edition

The full name is the ‘Dita Answer – Truth Edition’ and I can’t tell a lie, these dynamic earphones are as accurate as the name suggests. Large dynamic drivers give every nuance of detail but in a beautiful, natural way. Also they come with plenty of accessories, so you will not get ‘nothing but the truth’.

Mr Speaker Ether

The Ether has to be one of the most comfortable headphones out there, and it has a very accurate and light sound. This is a planar magnetic design and so the Ether is quick on its feet so no detail is lost. Perfect for getting the most out of your music collections!

Headphone Gift Ideas for Christmas 2016

Posted on November 17, 2016 by John

Our audio gurus have collected the best earphones, headphones, TV headphones, Bluetooth and portable devices – all ideal headphone gift ideas for Christmas 2016. From established brands like Sennheiser, Pioneer, SoundMAGIC and Chord to the less known Etymotic, MEE Audio, Thomson and Koss. Below you can check out our best rated headphones from the year so far.

Christmas Gifts Under £50

MEE Audio RX18P – £9.99

For under £10 there isn’t much you can say against the RX18P. They have an inline mic with 1 button control for smartphones and have a fun, punchy sound. They are also tough, making them a great all rounder.

Koss SB45 Gaming Headset – £24.99

For those gamers out there – the Koss SB45 is very impressive. You get superb build and sound quality that will enhance your gaming experience. The built in microphone is also extremely useful, all for under £25.

MEE Audio M9B – £29.99

If you’re looking for an affordable Bluetooth earphone then look no further. You’d struggle to find this quality elsewhere for under £30 – they are lightweight and give superb sound for the money.

Sennheiser HD35 TV – £29

Supplied with a 6m cable – these TV headphones are perfect late night listening as well as helping those who are hard of hearing. They are also supplied with a volume adjuster which can set the left and right channel separately.

Thomson WHP3001 – £39.99

This is our most popular wireless TV headphone. Amazing value for money – packaged with a charging dock as well as offering clarity and comfort. This is the best TV headphone we’ve come across for under £50.

Etymotic ETY-Kids 5 – £39.99

With portable audio devices becoming more and more popular – the ETY-Kids are a great earphone for children. They have built in sound limiting so they will never go loud enough to damage those young ears.

SoundMAGIC E10C – £39.99

The recent 5 star award from What-Hifi confirms that the E10C is still the best earphone for under £40. With smartphone controls for Apple and Android along with amazing sound quality – nothing comes close to knocking these off the top spot.

Christmas Gifts Under £100

Sennheiser OCX686G – £79

Sennheiser makes some of the best earphones around, and their sports range doesn’t disappoint. The comfortable and secure fit provides uninterrupted listening and the sound is fun and energetic to keep you going.

Pioneer SE-MJ771BT – £79

These pioneer on-ear wireless headphones have an attractive design, lightweight body with comfortable fit, and audio quality that can put some flashier and more expensive offerings to shame. featuring Bluetooth 4 and NFC.

Christmas Gifts Over £100

Snugs Custom Ear Sleeves – £179

An ideal gift for those who appreciate great sound quality. Snugs custom ear sleeves can be made to fit your chosen earphone – creating a perfect seal in the ear to get the most from your favourite in-ears.

Chord Mojo – £399

The Chord Mojo allows you to have a high end audio setup anywhere. You can connect your phone, computer and even integrate it into your home hifi system to make the most of Chord’s leading DAC technology.

Best Headphones Under £150 – 2016

Posted on July 25, 2016 by John

We have compiled a list of the best headphones under £150. Our list includes full size, on ear, closed and open back headphones from brands like Sennheiser, KEF, Beyerdynamic, Fostex, SoundMAGIC and more.

Best Headphones Under £150

Koss PortaPro

Most portable headphones understandably are closed back so that they can isolate you from your surroundings – the Koss PortaPro is a great open backed option if you want a wide, open sound and want to be able to hear what’s going on around you. The headphone’s lightweight and comfortable design makes them a good sports option too.

Thomson WHP3001BK

The Thomson’s are currently our lowest priced wireless headphones – but don’t let that put you off. They fit over the ear, they are closed back and thanks to their floating headband design they are very comfortable – perfect for long listening sessions. Their sound is ideally suited for TV and radio.

Sennheiser Urbanite

The Urbanite was Sennheiser’s answer to the popular Beats headphone movement and they have done a great job for a fraction of the price. These headphones have a warm sound with great bass that doesn’t clutter the midrange and smooth, engaging detail. They also fold up and are very comfortable – great for listening on the move.

Grado SR80e

Grado’s SR80e is quite possibly the best open back headphone you can get for under £100. Being open backed you wouldn’t want to use them in public – unless you want others to hear your guilty pleasures, but their lightweight build and exciting, detailed sound makes them a great option for home use.

Lindy Cromo NCX-100

Lindy is still fairly unknown as a brand but they produce extremely good headphones at a low price. The Cromo NCX-100 is their noise cancelling model and it challenges higher priced offerings from bigger brands. They have superb build quality and comfort with a fun and engaging sound.

Fostex T20RP, T40RP, T50RP

Fostex’s recent RP series of headphones give a lot of bang for the buck. They come as either closed, open or semi-open which means there is one to suit all scenarios. They are tough to drive so may need an amp, but will sound superb with a smooth richness and clear detail. The range also boasts replaceable cables and a great comfort.

SoundMAGIC HP150

SoundMAGIC has dominated the low priced earphone market for a few years now thanks to the E10 and the HP150 is currently their flagship full sized wired headphone. The HP150’s superb build quality, comfort and fold up design combined with their clear and punchy sound makes them ideal for portable, home or studio use.

Beyerdynamic DT770

From one favourite to another – the DT770 can be seen in nearly every recording studio worldwide. This is due to their extremely tough build, great isolation and comfort. In terms of sound they are a superb all rounders with excellent bass and treble emphasis.

Sennheiser HD25 II

The HD25 has been around for ever and they still have enough unique points to be current. They are extremely popular, especially with DJs and recording studios. Most of all they deliver great sound, deep bass, isolation, durability and pretty much every part on them can be replaced thanks to the amount of spares available.

KEF M400

Finally KEF’s entry level portable offers everything you would want from your headphone on the move. First of all they fold up, have a replaceable cable, are smartphone compatible and come in a range of colours. In addition they also sound great with a well balanced sound that is very enjoyable and easy to listen to.

CanJam London 2016

Posted on July 20, 2016 by John

CanJam London 2016 to feature world’s best
headphone system – Sennheiser’s HE 1 (Orpheus)

CanJam Global is thrilled to announce exclusive listening opportunities at CanJam London 2016! Technological advances continue to revolutionize the headphone audio industry, one of the today’s hottest trends in Consumer Electronics. The industry is expected to grow by over 40% to USD $18 billion by 2023. In just six short weeks, CanJam London 2016 is bringing you the latest and greatest in headphone audio technology. Visitors will be able to audition the world’s best headphone system, the $55,000 Sennheiser HE 1 (Orpheus), along with the just released Focal Utopia and Elear headphones, two cutting-edge, ultra premium products from world-class speaker manufacturer Focal. You’ll no doubt be transformed by the unmatched listening experience!

CanJam London 2016 will take place at the contemporary Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in Central London on 13-14 August 2016. Produced by Head-Fi.org and sponsored by HiFi+ Magazine, EchoBox Audio, and Noble Audio, CanJam London 2016 will feature products from over 80 of the industry’s leading companies in more than 15,000 sq. ft. (1,500 sq. meters) of event space.

For more information please visit http://www.canjamglobal.com

Best over ear headphones to buy in 2016 – Expert Reviews

Posted on June 3, 2016 by John

10 (11) BEST FULL SIZE HEADPHONES OF 2016

OPPO PM3

If the next headphone on your shopping list needs to be portable then the OPPO PM3 is still the best in our opinion. Other closed backs in this category tend to colour the sound – whether adding bass or top end sparkle – but the OPPO manages to produce a neutral sound with warmth and clarity which along with their superb comfort and isolation, makes them very enjoyable to listen to for long periods of time.

MASTER & DYNAMIC MH40

The PM3 has a challenger to the portable top spot – new in, the Master and Dynamic MH40 has already made an impact here at Hifiheadphones. Unique and stylish looks, sturdy build and great comfort makes them perfect for portable use. The sound is not as neutral as the PM3 but they deliver a crisper and more textured sound.

SHURE SRH1840/SRH1540

Shure’s flagship full size headphone is available as a closed or open back model. Both share the same sound signature – very well balanced and controlled with plenty of width and space. They are both extremely comfortable and lightweight making them ideal for long listening periods while you make the most of their easy to listen to and enjoyable sound.

FOSTEX TH-500

Fostex’s open-backed addition to the TH line is bags of fun, with huge earcups which offer as much comfort as enjoyment. The midrange is the Th-500 RP’s forte, offering rich and plush sound which is not overshadowed, as the treble is detailed, yet gentle. Bass is tight and goes deep, though is not as present as with other models in the TH line such as the TH-900.

FINAL SONOROUS VI

Still the only hybrid driver headphone we have come across – the Final Sonorous VI uses a custom built dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver inside each earcup to produce a very unique and enjoyable sound with deep and impactful bass, crisp mids and treble with space and sparkle. The closed back design will allow you to use them in public but we still see them as a home listening headphone due to their relaxed fit.

BEYERDYNAMIC T1 2nd GEN

Beyerdynamic’s famous T1 flagship has had a makeover since its release a few years ago, but it’s kept all the magic and had a few tweaks as well. The new T1 2nd gen has a fabric-covered removable cable, and sounds more musical and natural than its (already good) predecessor. Smooth and supremely detailed mids are perfectly complemented with a tight bass and smooth treble.

MRSPEAKERS ETHER

At this price point you would struggle to find an open back headphone that delivers sound the way that the ether does. They perfectly balance clarity, space, attack and bass – creating a sound that is musical and very easy to listen to while also bringing fine details to the front with edge and authority. They are also very lightweight and comfortable so you can listen for hours.

PIONEER MASTER 1

At the summit of pioneer’s range comes the Master 1, a stylish and dapper headphone which looks as if it means business. With an adjustable stainless steel headband and plush earpads the Master 1 promises to look as good as it sounds. Neutral bass makes way for a clear and crisp midrange, with detailed and analytical treble.

SENNHEISER HD800S

These lightweight open backs may not be for everyone but their analytical sound gives excellent imaging and they are the widest sounding headphones we’ve heard – the HD800S is a new take on the original HD800 with more low end presence and smoother detail. This results in a more musical sound while preserving the almost 3D experience given by its predecessor.

AUDEZE LCD-XC

Not only are Audeze’s LCD-XC great lookers – they are also our favourite closed back option for a high end full size headphone. The sound is tight and punchy with crystal clear detail. These headphones pull you into the music with superb separation and even though they are quite heavy, the weight is perfectly distributed to make them surprisingly comfortable.

AUDEZE LCD-4

The LCD-4 is Audeze’s current flagship headphone and quite possibly the best we’ve heard so far. Once you start moving into this price category the benefits become more subtle, but the LCD-4 is extremely revealing without being too harsh or bright, they also manage to be very rhythmic and musical with a superb balance of bass power and delicate top end detail – a combination that other models struggle with.

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