HiFiheadphones

Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Sennheiser HD800 & HDVD800 – Video Review

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

Sennheiser’s top of the range headphone-amplifier combination is as pleasing as expected. John had a closer look at the pairing and gave it a thorough listen – without further ado, enjoy our newest video review!

Sennheiser have created the HDVD800 to excel the current levels of audio quality for audiophile listening. As the perfect match for Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones, the HDVD800 delivers a balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive tonal spatiality with perfect conversion of digital to analogue signals.

The HDVD800 connects with all digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital to analogue converter that modifies audio signals with superior resolution. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs or USB. Further to the symmetrical inputs, the asymmetrical input socket of the HDVD800 is able to balance incoming signals before further processing takes place.

Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 is the cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.

This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.

The ultimate in audiophile sound.

Sennheiser have created the HDVD800 to excel the current levels of audio quality for audiophile listening. As the perfect match for Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones, the HDVD800 delivers a balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive tonal spatiality with perfect conversion of digital to analogue signals.

The HDVD800 connects with all digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital to analogue converter that modifies audio signals with superior resolution. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs or USB. Further to the symmetrical inputs, the asymmetrical input socket of the HDVD800 is able to balance incoming signals before further processing takes place.

Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 isthe cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.

This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.

The ultimate in audiophile sound.

– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/sennheiser-hdvd800-balanced-digital-studio-headphone-amplifier-dac.html#sthash.4FhsdgyQ.dpuf

Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 isthe cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.

This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.

The ultimate in audiophile sound.

– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/sennheiser-hdvd800-balanced-digital-studio-headphone-amplifier-dac.html#sthash.4FhsdgyQ.dpuf

Audiofly AF45/AF45M Headphones – Mini Review

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

Audiofly AF45/AF45M Headphones

Designed by musicians for music lovers would be one way to describe what Audiofly are doing in the headphone world. Audiofly’s founder Dave Thompson started his career building guitars and now he’s turned his attention to headphones with impressive results.

The AF45 earphone (like the rest of the Audiofly headphone range) exhibits brilliant attention to detail, with a very high quality finish. The earphone housing is a single piece design, making it acoustically stable and mechanically strong. Internally the shape of the sound tube has been made bevelled to reduce internal sound reflections.

The AF45 has a sound signature that is powerful and accurate, something that appears hard to achieve with mid-range in-ears. Many in-ears at this price point have overly bloated bass, or are painfully accurate (mostly the former). Audiofly have done well with the AF45 to get the balance right.

Externally the finish is equally high quality. Cabling is covered in a tough CORDURA outer sheath (as used in outdoor clothing) to keep the cable safe and the jack plug is reinforced for strength. In our experience the cabling is the first component to fail on earphones, so it’s reassuring to see Audiofly designing this to last.

We found that the fit in the ear had a large effect on the sound signature of the AF45 and that the tips do not fit everyone’s ears well, so we highly recommend Comply foam tips to ensure the best sound (either S-500 or T-500 size will fit).

HiFi Headphones Verdict

An earphone with a level of finish that you would expect to pay more for with a sound signature that is well balanced. Bass is powerful, with slightly recessed mids and highs are clear. A quality earphone that is built to last.

Ultrasone Pyco In-Ear Headphones – Announcement

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

The HiFiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new In-Ear Isolating Earphone from Ultrasone, the Ultrasone Pyco In-Ear Headphones is now available to be purchased on our website.

Ultrasone Pyco Aluminium In-Ear Sound Isolating Earphones with Smartphone Mic and Controls. When it comes to the best portable listening experience with true high fidelity you can count on Ultrasone. Immerse yourself in your own personal live concert wherever you go. Fitted with one of the smallest dynamic transducers available, as well as vital power-transfer, Ultrasone’s Pyco is your ticket to a true superior listening experience.

Equipped with a microphone and remote control, the Pyco enables convenient operation for both music and telephone calls. Outstanding insulation against background noise allows you to concentrate completely on the music – providing you with a fantastic audio experience, whether travelling by plane or train or exercising.

6.5mm dynamic drivers offer powerful life-like sound
Made from fine aluminium for high quality and longevity
Outstanding insulation against background noise
Suited for many mobile phones and MP3 players
OMTP adapter for smartphone use
Multimedia cable equipped with mic and remote
Five pairs of silicone eartips and two pairs of Comply Foam Tips
Includes flight adapter and leather transport case

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Ultrasone Pyco Aluminium In-Ear Isolating Earphone

HiFiMAN HE-6 and EF-6 – Video Review

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

The Chinese-American HiFi powerhouse, HiFiMan’s current top of the range headphone-amplifier pairing seemed way too interesting to not have its own video review. Their speaker-like performance offers a truly unique listening experience. Enjoy!

SoundMAGIC ES20 Headphones – Mini Review

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

SoundMAGIC ES20 Headphones

SoundMAGIC have pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the SoundMAGIC ES20 Headphones, which makes this model a strong candidate for the title of best budget headphone. The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.

While you might expect a cheap earphone to be badly made, the ES20 is a part aluminium construction and comes fitted with good quality braided cabling (normally reserved for high end in-ear monitor earphones) with strain relief that is built to last. The quality of the product is truly commendable. The ES20 is like the baby brother of the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 which adds a full metal body and even higher sound quality – for a little more money.

Supplied with a neat carry pouch that is very usable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC ES20 is a very well thought out package.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the ES20 has just stolen that spot. Sound quality compares with earphones costing two or three times the price.

Audio Technica ATH-ES700 Headphones – Announcement

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

The HiFiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Closed Back Foldable On-Ear Headband Headphone from Audio Technica, the ATH-ES700 is now available to be purchased on our website.

Audio-Technica introduces a new and improved portable headphone into the EAR SUIT series, the ATH-ES700. The 700’s have an improved midrange and bass with a clear and sharp sound reproduction.

In addition, the ATH-ES700 has beautiful high quality mirror finish housing, and helps deliver a sound reproduction in the high frequencies unique to stainless steel. The headband is cushioned with light-weight material to further enhance comfort and a swivel hinge for storage. The newly designed 42mm drivers deliver powerful bass and detail in a compact size

Powerful bass and detail in a compact size
High quality mirror finish
Winding CCAW voice coil
Suitable for portable players
Swivel and collapsible design
Carry pouch and cleaning cloth included

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Audio Technica ATH-ES700 Closed Back Foldable On-Ear Headband Headphone

Graham Slee Bitzie Headphone DAC/Amp – Announcement

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new portable headphone amplifier/DAC from Graham Slee, the Bitzie is now available to be purchased on our website. The products from Graham Slee have been very popular ever since we started offering them so we were naturally exicted when we first heard about the release.

Other than obviously sounding great, the best feature of the Bitzie is that it has been confirmed to work as an external DAC with several Android-based smartphones, like the Galaxy S3 and S4. Android-owners craving for a superior sound fromt their device should look no further!

Plug & Play (instantly recognised by virtually all operating systems including Windows 8!)
Also Plug & Play with Samsung Galaxy S3 running Android Jellybean — 7 hours playing on fully charged S3!
No driver downloads (except Windows 98 which is virtually automatic)
Plays 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz via VLC media player, Foobar2000 or other freeware players
24-bit/44.1 or 48 kHz bit-perfect when running suitable software
16-bit/44.1 or 48 kHz S/PDIF permanently on outputs — 75 Ohm transformer isolated coax and optical “toslink” transmitter
Full-speed USB
Low clock jitter
8x oversampling Burr-Brown USB Audio CODEC
USB powered – USB compliant 0.5W consumption
Analogue 3rd order Butterworth low pass filter, -1dB at 22kHz, -47dB at 352.8kHz
1.55V rms analogue output
Two stereo output jacks
Drives all headphones – low impedance and high impedance
Drives power amplifiers direct
True analogue rotary volume control
Smaller than iPod™ footprint – anodized aluminium case
Smaller than our Voyager portable headphone amplifier
Included high quality full-size jack to stereo RCA jack adapter
Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom

EarSonics SM64 – Announcement

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Triple Balanced Armature Universal Monitor from EarSonics, the SM64 is now available to be purchased on our website.

Technology taken from EarSonics’ EM series achieves audio quality never reached before with universal IEM earphones. The research and development department of EarSonics worked hard to match sound quality of their custom EM4 and EM6. The result brought forward EarSonics’ Flagship SM64, a new professional audio quality reference model.

With new HQ crossover technology with impedance corrector, the SM64 provide a balanced sound spectrum making it very musical and accurate. Earsonics’ SM64 in-ear monitor earphones were made to handle music of all intensities and all volumes on any device, absolute control of the audio spectrum. Pairing the SM64 with a headphone amplifier unleashes incredible stereo imaging and maximum headroom.

Designed and built in France
Universal fit in-ear monitors for professional studio and stage use
Technology inherited from EarSonics EM series
Triple balanced armature drivers with 3-way crossover
HQ crossover process with impedance corrector
Wide soundstage with neutral accuracy
Twisted cable eliminates tangles
Formable cable section for secure fit
Cable detachable for long service-life

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy EarSonics SM64 Triple Balanced Armature Universal Monitor

Audiofly AF78 Headphones – Mini Review

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

The Audiofly AF78 is the top model in the Audiofly Premium earphone line. Featuring custom Articulated Dual Drivers in a hybrid system (Dynamic and Balanced Armature technology), these are advanced IEMS!

Beautifully constructed with machined anodised alloy outer housing, they won a CES Design and Engineering Award in 2013. Cabling is an Audioflex braided, kevlar reinforced conductors and a CORDURA fabric outer sheath for outstanding durability. Audiofly’s AF78 is your ticket to truly sophisticated sound.

Noise isolation is also great with up to 23 dB noise attenuation. 4 pairs of silicon eartips and 2 pairs of Comply foam eartips provide a tailored fit for the best fit possible. Ergonomically designed driver housings shaped for a streamlined fit are comfortable for extended listening.

Also included in the box is an airline adapter, a signal-splitter (enabling a second set of headphones to share the music) and cleaning tool.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

The hybrid configuration draws on the strengths of the two different driver types to produce truly sophisticated sound across the entire frequency spectrum. Excellent instrument separation, strong bottom end, crisp detail and warm mids add up to a sonically impressive earphone. With excellent accessories and superb build quality, the AF78 comes highly recommended!

Audiofly AF78 In-Ear Headphones

Final Audio Design Adagio III Headphones – Mini Review

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

Final Audio Design Adagio III Headphones

Final Audio Design are a well known high end HiFi manufacturer from Japan. Theybegan developing magnetic cartridges and step-up transformers in 1974. It wasn’t long before they were manufacturing turntables and speakers, which were well ahead of the curve at the time. When Final Audio Design started manufacturing headphones, they wanted to relay the musicians passion for music, as well as their own passion for engineering.

The Adagio III uses a special BAM (Balancing Air Movement) Mechanism, which optimises air movement inside the housing, solving sound leakage and leading to a simpler structure and slimmer body.

The Adagio III have a remarkably clear sound – open, transparent and lively. There’s plenty of bottom end power but it’s measured, this and the amazing instrument separation stop any muddiness from occurring.

The bodies are constructed from a tough ABS material, the 120cm cable is superb quality at this price point and small medium and large tips are included for comfort. We also love the clear differentiation between left and right on the earphone bodies

HiFi Headphones Verdict

Contemporary music fans who want a bit of HiFi legacy, a clean clear audio and change from £100, look no further. The Adagio III unleashes a powerful sound which is vibrant and spatial with impressive width and separation in the stereo image.

Final Audio Design Adagio III in Red/White

Final Audio Design Adagio III in Black

German MAESTRO GMP 400 Headphones – Video Review

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

In the next episode of our review series, we take a closer look at the home listening open back headphone from German MAESTRO, the GMP400. Whilst not being the best looking headphone, the set certainly impressed when it came to its sonic capabilities. Enjoy the video!

Beyerdynamic A20 Headphone Amplifier – Coming Soon!

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

We’re happy to share the great news that we’ve just received from one of our suppliers, Polar Audio. Beyerdynamic, the prestigious pro-audio company from Germany have released a new headphone amplifier called the A20.

Find out more by visiting Beyer’s website:

Beyerdynamic A20

We’re hoping to have these in within the next two weeks. Keep an eye out on both the website and blog!

Final Audio Design at the Munich HighEnd Show – Video Review

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

Our next episode of our video review series features the Munich HighEnd Show which we were lucky enough to visit this year. We were kindly invited by the Japanese HiFi brand, Final Audio Design for the launch event of their headphones in Europe. We saw plenty of interesting things at the show and also had the chance to have a brief chat with FAD President, Kanemori Takai and FAD Europe representative, Christoph Umbricht.

Stay tuned for some more videos, watch this space!

SoundMAGIC HP200 Headphones – Video Review

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

After our video review for the Sennheiser Momentum, we decided to take a closer look at SoundMAGIC’s fantastic full size, open back headphones, the SoundMAGIC HP200 Headphones. I hope you’ll find the review useful, we sure had lots of fun making it!

SoundMAGIC’s HP200 headphones give a great sound and are a fantastic addition to any audiophile’s set-up. With natural sound, wide soundstage and excellent detail resolution the HP200 has an engaging sound that will satisfy even the most discerning music lover.

The open design gives the music some breathing space, giving it a natural sound which is warm and balanced, while the low impedance of the HP200 makes them suitable for use with portable players without the need for further amplification.

Generously padded earcups and adjustable headband provide for a comfortable listening experience, even during longer listening sessions. The design and build of the HP200 is very solid, and the earcups swivel so the HP200 can easily be stored in the included hard case.

Along with the HP200’s 1.2m cable there is a 3m extension cable and 6.3mm adaptor included for home listening, while those with the travel bug might take advantage of the flight adaptor, along with the sturdy case.

The HP200 is an open-back model; this headphone type is generally though of as better for natural-sounding music, but if isolation is required (for instance for use while commuting) then I would recommend the SoundMAGIC HP100.

HifiMan RE-400 In-Ear Headphones – Announcement

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Kornel-HiFi

The HiFiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Sound Isolating In-Ear Monitor Earphone from HifiMAN, the RE-400 Waterline is now available to be purchased on our website.

The RE-400 Waterline by HiFiMAN is a premium quality, high-performance in-ear monitor (IEM) that sets the standard for others to follow. Featuring advanced ergonomics for superb fit, and premium materials, the RE-400 represents best-in-class performance and comfort. The RE-400 has extremely wide frequency response with superb dynamics and features an incredible 102dB sensitivity thanks to its 8.5mm driver with Neodymium magnet and can be powered with virtually any type of amplifier. The drivers have been designed and manufactured exclusively by HiFiMAN.

Neutral sound signature and broad soundstage
Advanced ergonomic design
8.5mm titanium diaphragm with neodymium magnets
High-quality OFC Copper Cabling
Easy to drive with any amplifier
Driver designed and manufactured by HiFiMAN

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy HiFiMAN RE-400 Waterline Premium Sound Isolating In-Ear Monitor Earphones

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