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Lypertek PurePlay Z7 Triple Hybrid TWS Earphone Review

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Breaking into the higher end of the true wireless market, Lypertek have gone for a very grown up and refined sound with the Lypertek PurePlay Z7. Suited to those who want uncompromised audio quality with great features. *Review has been updated to reflect the new, incredible price of £89! *

Lypertek Pureplay Z7

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Fit and Comfort

The Lypertek PurePlay Z7 is a little larger than the SoundFree S20 and the PurePlay Z3 2.0 due to the increase in driver quantity. But they have an ergonomic shape which means they fit securely even if they do stick out a little more than normal (worth it for the sound quality!).

Comfort is good. The earphones are nice and lightweight which helps along with a good selection of tips included. Meaning most people will find a set that fits well and provide a good seal in the ear.

Features

The PurePlay Z7 offer up an excellent 10hrs battery life per charge and the case provides 7 full charges. This gives 80hrs in total which is market leading by industry standards. They also have a quick charge function that will give you 2hrs of play time from just 15 minutes of charging.

The PurePlay Z7 offer up an excellent 10hrs battery life per charge and the case provides 7 full charges

They have 3 drivers, 1 dynamic along with 2 Balanced Armatures. Are IPX5 rated which isn’t quite as good as the PurePlay Z3 2.0 but should still be more than enough for most users. There is a physical button on ear earphone which allows you to control playback along with the voice passthrough, (This mode allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earphones). The buttons are easy to use and less likely to be accidentally pressed unlike touch buttons.

PureControl App

The Z7 are fully compatible with the Lypertek PureControl app. This app allows you to control the EQ, change the button functions and voice pass through, amongst other things. This app is a really handy partner to the Z7 and offers up a lot of flexibility and allows you to really fine tune the sound to your personal tastes.

The app is a really handy partner to the Z7. It offers up a lot of flexibility and allows you to really fine tune the sound to your personal tastes.

On the subject of tuning the sound, Lypertek have developed a sound pre-set in their app called LDX mode (Lypertek Definition Expander). Switching this on in the app instantly changes the sound profile to one that is more engaging, exciting and spacious. There is a little bump in the bass quantity but the sound overall becomes more fun and dynamic with a wider and more open soundstage. This is definitely worth trying out. I can see a lot of people using this mode to bring out a little more fun in the Z7.

A note about ANC..

Lypertek have not gone down the ANC route with the Z7 which is slowly becomming the expected standard. They do however have excellent passive noise isolation, so they cut you off from your surroundings very effectively. To try and shoehorn ANC into these would jeopardise the sound quality which is honestly the crown jewel of these beauties. It is a bold decision but Lypertek have invested where it matters, the sound. And the resulting earphone is something a bit magic.

The PurePlay Z7 case supports wireless charging too and Lypertek have released a super slim charging pad to go with it. The charging pad is super sleek and is a perfect partner for these earphones. All in all the Z7 has a lot of useful features pakced in. But it must be said the biggest focus is on audio quality(more below). The addition of the AptX Adaptive codec is welcome too and really makes a difference.

Sound

The Pureplay Z7 is a really good all rounder

Bass:

Lypertek are using a single dynamic driver for the low end and it is tuned really well. Having just the right amount of punch, body and extension to always be there and audible, but not enough to make them sound dark or bloated. There is really good extension when called for, yet they retain a controlled and smooth presentation. The midbass has moderate kick, not enough to really please those who want a more engaging sound, but enough to sound realistic and audible. The EQ in the app will help those who want more.

Midrange:

The midrange sits where it should. Whilst the Z3 and S20 have perhaps a slightly recessed midrange, the Z7 has a more balanced and neutral approach. While there is a little added body down low, it doesn’t really have too much of an impact on the midrange. Male vocals sound a touch warmer than a strictly neutral monitor. However they have great tonality and a smooth yet balanced presentation that just makes them enjoyable to listen to for hours on end. They won’t throw every little nuance at you. But they sound effortless and realistic which to me is a great quality in a portable earphone. The upper midrange is devoid of any fatiguing peaks. There is a smooth transition to the lower treble yet female vocals still cut through with great clarity and authority.

Treble:

The treble is very refined and not overdone. It is detailed and has good extension but it is not upfront in the mix. They are perhaps a tiny bit subdued for my personal taste, but this means that more people will enjoy the smooth presentation. This is also easily tuneable in the app to be honest, and you can dial in more or less depending on your preference. But the stock sound out of the box is quite smooth and safe yet still present and enjoyable. They are not exciting and do lack a little energy, but this will also vary depending on what music you listen to.

Genres and Soundstaging

The Z7 are a really good all rounder. They do have quite a smooth and refined sound that lend their hand to slower genres. Acoustic and softer alternative rock sounds excellent due to the natural midrange. However turning on LDX mode does make the Z7 a little more exciting and dynamic. This is a must if you listen to more upbeat genres like pop/hip-hop.

Soundstaging is quite impressive with good width and air. The separation is also very impressive with plenty of air between layers. Yet it all comes across in a very coherent manner.

Who is it for?

  • People looking for the best sound quality in a true wireless earphone for an exceptional price
  • Those who want superior sound without sacrificing battery life
  • People who like to tweak the sound to their personal preference

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Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC TWS Review

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The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 was released in the first half of 2022. This is their first ANC model and what an absolute treat they are. Feature packed & with impressive sound quality to boot. How do they do it for such a competitive price?

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Fit and Comfort 9/10

The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 have quite a different design to previous Lypertek models. They have a rounded body and a stem which greatly improves ANC effectiveness along with mic placement for calls. This design also works really well in terms of fit. Even for smaller ears they are easy to put in and get a solid, secure fit for everyday use.

These are really comfortable & super easy to wear for long listening sessions

Comfort wise, once you find the right eartips (and there are plenty included to choose from) they are easy to wear for long listening sessions. This is not only due to the smooth housings but the light weight of the earpieces as well. There are no issues wearing these for a few hours at a time. The Z5 is also an optionl for light sports use due to their comfy and secure fit.

ANC 9/10

The ANC is a huge new feature for Lypertek, and one that works very well. When using these in areas with a constant stream of noise (such as sitting on a train) they do a great job to drown it out. It is easy to toggle on and off with the touch controls or via the app. Lypertek have absolutely nailed it with the Z5.

Purecontrol ANC App 10/10

The app is fantastic and easy to use. It allows the user to also fine tune the earphones to their tastes. With EQ curves (including custom ones), ANC on/off and also an Ambient mode which allows outside noise to be heard. LDX (Lypertek Definition eXpander) mode is also supported on the Z5. It has a dedicated button within the app to turn it on and it works well to enhance the space, depth and clarity of the sound. An absolute must try!

Mic 9/10

The stem is perfect for better microphone placement than normal true wireless designs. Resulting with the call quality on the Z5 being truly excellent. At home or out and about, the other person will hear your voice with great tone and clarity. It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.

It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.

Auto Ambient Mode 10/10

Simply one of the best features from the App. This turns ambient mode on automatically when you pause music & is such a handy feature to have. It means you don’t have to take the Z5’s out of your ears to hear people or announcements.

Sound 10/10

The below assessment is with all sound enhancements turned off. You can easily tune the PurePlay Z5 to your tastes with EQ. Not forgetting that the LDX mode is a great one click boost for those wanting and more spacious and engaging sound.

Bass: The perfect amount for out and about listeners in my opinion. These are punchy and fun whilst retaining good body and control. The bass is well controlled and keeps up with complex mixes with ease

Midrange: Open, spacious and natural, the midrange is portrayed in excellent fashion on the Z5’s never sounding drowned out or pushed too far back in the mix. Vocals manage to cut through the mix with great clarity and presence without sounding peaky or harsh.

Treble: Well extended yet not overly hot or in your face. The transition from the upper midrange in to the lower treble is well controlled without any unwanted sibilance. Yet there is still good energy in the lower treble to stop them from sounding dull or dark.

Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model.

Soundstaging and Instrument Separation

There is a good amount of air around instruments and good layering overall. They might not throw out the widest of soundstages but they manage to sound quite airy and open. Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model. these sound very controlled and well separated even when listening to complex music tracks.

Other Notable Features:

  • IPX4 rating means they’ll be fine for most sports use, but they are not ideal for use in areas of high moisture or heavier rain.
  • The case has the usual USB-C charging port & also supports wireless charging.
  • Touch controls – you can modify the touch controls in the app to your liking. But of the box they are fool-proof (2 taps on the right to skip track forwards. 2 taps on the left to skip backwards. 3 on the right for volume up. 3 on the left for volume down. 2s press on either to turn ANC on/off. 1 tap then long press on either to activate voice assistant. 2 taps then long press to manually turn them off).
  • Safe mode! a touch control configuaration that helps you not to accidently do something you didn’t want to.
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • All the main codecs (AAC, aptX Adaptive, SBC).
  • Battery life is 7hrs (+28 from the case) with ANC off, and 4hrs (+16 from the case)

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Campfire Audio Saber Review

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Campfire Audio have done something a little different with the Saber, their latest limited run earphone, sporting two dynamic drivers and a single BA tuned to be engaging and fun.

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Fit and Comfort

The Campfire Audio Saber follows a very similar design to the Satsuma and Honeydew. However, this time they have used Damascus steel for the faceplate and ABS for the inner shell. This means they have the slightly narrower and longer stem which actually helps when it comes to fit. These fit really well once you settle on the right tips. The nozzle allows for a medium insertion depth that is secure yet comfortable. The inner edges of the shell are smooth and the included cable is lightweight. My only gripe is the cable is the OFC one that uses mouldable memory wire instead of the more comfortable pre-moulded earhooks on the newer smokey litz cables. However it must be said this is a personal preference and most will get on fine with the included cable.

Comfort is excellent due to the housing shape. These are easy to wear for hours on end with no discomfort, making them great for long journeys or just general commuting and daily use. Just take some time to find the right tips for your preference and you’ll have no problems with the Saber.

Compatibility

The Saber are quite low impedance for an earphone, 8.2 Ohms @1kHz, this means they are very sensitive to source changes and benefit from a source with low output impedance. They have a sensitivity of 94 dB SPL @ 1kHz: 25.4 mVrms. These are very sensitive and work well out of portable devices provided they have low output impedance. Saying that, these sound great out of most devices as is.

Sound

Bass:

The Saber uses two dynamic drivers to cover the low and mid frequencies. The largest 8mm dynamic driver adds an impressive amount of depth to the bass but it still retains a tight and controlled response. One that is not as full as the Mammoth yet doesn’t lean too far into the analytical camp either. The Saber manages to have a solid bass foundation with impact and extension without bloat or emphasised warmth. They don’t fulfil a bass-head tuning like the Mammoth but there should be more than enough presence and oomph for most listeners. They are impressively punchy and I doubt anyone could be bored with this presentation.

Midrange:

Wonderfully placed and well detailed without sounding cold and lifeless. The midrange has great tonality and vocals cut through the mix with ease. There is a little thinness at times in the upper midrange but not enough to cause fatigue and sibilance is well handled only becoming problematic on poorly mastered/hot tracks. The Saber have the ability to be snappy and controlled yet utterly fun to listen to. You never lose track of anything going on in the mix, they handle whatever you throw at them and just turn it in to an enjoyable listen.

Treble:

The treble is sparkly, and razor sharp, but not to the point they sound fatiguing. With great air and placement they successfully manage to avoid being too hot for my tastes. These do not hold back, they are not the smoothest or most refined earphones for sitting back and relaxing with, instead they are dynamic and energetic and want you to tap along to the music. There is no lack of extension, no lack of detail whatsoever at the top end of the Saber. They could never be described as dull and that is exactly how Campfire wanted them to be. Fun!

Instrument Separation and Soundstaging

The Saber easily pick apart complex mixes and don’t become congested or muffled with fast tracks. The layering is excellent and they are very responsive in terms of transient response.

The soundstaging is also impressive. It’s intimate with a tightly focussed centre image and good width and space. The treble positioning is very impressive and there is realistic yet accurate staging.

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64 Audio U6t Review

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64 Audio are finally offering up their most popular custom IEM in universal form. The U6t has a smooth and balanced sound that makes it a superb everyday earphone for the majority of people.

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Fit and Comfort

64 Audio have used the same universal shape for the U6t as their other models (U12t / tia Trio etc…) and this is a tried and tested design. Offering up smooth edges with a good length nozzle for a secure fit and great comfort. Once you settle on the right size tips for your ear canals, they fit securely with the new included cable being more ergonomic and comfortable.

The U6t fit comfortably in your ears. They are also extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. The new cable is softer and has pre-moulded earhooks which, in my opinion are always more comfortable than stiff memory wire. 64 Audio provide plenty of eartips with the U6t. So try them all to find which suits you best!

Compatibility

Whilst the U6t is easy to drive, and has 64 Audio’s LID technology meaning there won’t be drastic sound signature changes between sources. However, an IEM of this quality still deserves a good source. Lossless tracks and the use of an external DAC/Amp with a mobile phone, or a dedicated DAP would definitely be my preferred choice of source.

Apex modules and tia drivers

64 Audio have a few interesting technologies they employ in their lineup. the U6t uses their apex technology that relives inner ear pressure whilst also allowing a certain amount of noise through. In turn this also tunes the sound slightly. The U6t comes with the m20, m15 and mX modules, which offer -20dB/-15dB and -10dB of noise reduction respectively. The more isolation results in more lower bass response and a warmer sound signature too. Along this logic, you get minor variations in soundstaging too. The more open being the more open sounding. Personally I do find the apex modules reduce listening fatigue and 64 Audio IEM’s are always perfect for long listening sessions.

The U6t also includes a single tia high driver. This high frequency driver is an open-top BA driver which is tube-less too and sits in the nozzle. This provides an increase in air and space in the treble region along with a more realistic treble presentation. Quite a while ago I listened to the original U6 against the new A6t. The tia driver definitely delivers a smoother and more realistic treble response than a typical BA with tube and damper design.

Sound

(M15 module as installed out of the box)

Bass:

The U6t have a nice and full low end that is exceptionally well tuned for a BA model with six drivers. There is enough warmth to add pleasant body to the sound and enough punch to be engaging. But it’s always composed and controlled, there is never excess bass, or unwanted bloat. Bass guitars are articulate. Kick drums hit with impact and have excellent body to back them up. They are not in your face. They also don’t try and impress with overblown bass, instead focussing on making the low end sound accurate and realistic with a little hint of warmth to ease those long listening sessions.

If you want a little more low end than the m15 module, the m20 offers up even more body. This in turn tricks your brain into thinking there is less treble. I.e this module is one for those who prefer a warmer and thicker sound. On the opposite end, the mX module leans out the low end. Making the U6t sound like a more typical reference tuned device. Allowing the mids and highs to cut through a little better with a tighter and slightly less thick bass response.

Midrange:

The midrange is superb on the U6t. It nails the natural yet not analytical presentation, being detailed and nuanced without being clinical. Vocals have an intimate quality without being up-front and central. There is such a pleasant balance overall that nothing sounds out of place or forced. More aggressive tracks have good bite, yet softer tracks have a sweetness that is intoxicating. Heavily distorted or acoustic, it doesn’t matter to the U6t, they can do it all with ease. Something lacking in many earphones. Both male and female vocals sound excellent, with maybe a slight nod to female vocals having the upper hand. The transition from upper mids to lower treble is handled superbly. They are not pushed to sibilance yet there is no discernible dip robbing them of energy and presence.

Regardless of the module used, the midrange is always very well presented. However it does sound warmer with the m20 and slightly thinner with the mX. So take your pick! For most the m15 is probably going to be just right.

Treble:

The treble is airy and well extended. It is also very well balanced in the mix, with the right amount of attack and energy without sounding bright or harsh. The tia driver provides exceptional treble response. One that sounds tonally accurate without nasty peaks or dips. You never lose track of the treble, it simply never gets lost in the mix. Snares are snappy and cymbals crash with authority. Yet, I never find them to be edgy or uncomfortable. 64 Audio are experts of pulling off the correct balance in the treble, and they are not lacking detail at any point either.

If you want well presented treble that isn’t harsh or fatiguing I highly suggest testing one of the 64 Audio models. These are utterly fatigue free. Should you wish for a little more bite, toning down the bass helps the mids and highs cut through a bit better (mX module).

Soundstaging and Genres

The U6t have a wider than average soundstage, but it’s not huge as these are still based on a pro-audio model. They are very accurate with their placement of instruments within the soundstage and everything is very well separated. I.e never sounding congested during complex tracks.

These are a superb all-rounder to be fair. They might not have the bass quantity many EDM listeners might crave, but they lend their hand to most genres. These have a slightly smooth presentation. Meaning they might lack a little energy for some. But on the other hand they are super easy to listen for long sessions.

Apex Modules

With the U6t you almost get 3 different signatures in one IEM. Whilst the core sound presentation will be similar between the three there are distinctive differences which allow you to fine tune them to your preference. The apex modules mainly affect the bass region. But an increase here will lead to a perceived lowering of the treble/midrange so take this in to account.

Using the most closed module (m20) you get quite a thick, warm and laid back sound. One that has good body and warmth overall but still with the signature tia driver an airy top end.

Using the m15 you get slightly less bass. Which in turn leads to a more balanced but still slightly smooth sound that is a great compromise and likely the sound that most users will prefer. It is well balanced but not lacking in punch and body.

The mX module will give you a more analytical presentation. More akin to a studio monitor sound that might be lacking a little body for some listeners. But it is the one that will sound the cleanest in the mid-range and treble due to less body overall.

It is down to each listener as to which module they will prefer, but the overall signature refinement and balance is present over all modules.

64 Audio U6t vs A6t

Should you go for the custom version? In short, not really. The custom version is for those who are using these professionally or who want increased comfort. The universal is much more accessible for the average user and it retains resale value should you want to change in the future. The U6t gives you 98% of the sound of the A6t. The custom version has a tiny bit better instrument separation and the seal means you get a bit fuller low end, but the difference is subtle and not in the extremes.

Who are they for?

  • People wanting a high quality everyday earphone
  • Those looking for a balanced but not clinical sound
  • Lovers of a natural sound that it tonally accurate
  • Conclusion

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PRE-ORDERS Open: Audeze MM-500

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The great news here is that after much fanfair, the MM-500 are now avaliable for pre-order & purchase with Hifiheadphones, Audeze or your local dealer!

AUDEZE MM-500

Pre-Order the AUDEZE MM-500 Now!

The MM-500 has been specifically designed to deliver studio-quality sound and have also been reimagined for mixes that translate well and capture the emotion the artist always intended. They have also been built and designed to offer all-day comfort. The planar magnetic drivers feature patented Audeze technologies to deliver lightning-fast transients and accurate frequency response that professionals really rely on. The MM-500’s low impedance and efficiency also ensure compatibility with virtually all audio interfaces and consoles.

‘Thanks for getting the MM-500 to me so quickly. I worked on them most of yesterday and I think they could be my favourite headphones. They have the imaging accuracy and punch of the LCD-5 and also the warmth and width of the Neumann ndh-30. Really liking them and will carry on working with them. I think they could be the perfect studio headphones.’

M Duplock purchased 15th August 2022

Key Features:

  • Specifically designed to deliver mixes that consistently translate well.
  • Like near-field monitors, they also remove your room from the equation and give you studio-quality sound anywhere
  • Durable, lightweight chassis featuring machined aluminum and spring steel
  • Compatible with virtually all audio interfaces or consoles
  • Designed in collaboration with award-winning producer/mixer Manny Marroquin

You can Pre-Order the New Audeze MM-500 Today!

More about the Audeze MM-500
Pre-Order the MM500 now!

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Cleer Enduro ANC Wireless Headphone Review

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The Cleer Enduro ANC are a brilliant portable headphone. They are extremely stylish and comfortable. In addition to a fun and engaging sound, they are a perfect partner for daily use.

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Compact and Comfortable for listening all day

The Cleer Enduro ANC has enough clamp force to sit tightly on your head without being uncomfortable. they would stay on during moderate exercise which is good too.

Cleer’s Enduro ANC is a compact headphone, and they don’t sacrifice the comfort. Whilst wearing the Enduro ANC, I noticed that the earpads are deep enough that my ears are were pressed against the driver. They are soft enough to be comfortable over long periods of time. I really liked the headband, as it is well padded and the weight distributed evenly.

How good are the features?

The Cleer Enduro ANC is a wireless headphone that is compatible with most Bluetooth devices. Cleer has made an app for them too which allows you to fine tune the ANC and Ambient noise control. There is also an EQ in the app along with a battery percentage indicator. The app is available from Google Play and the App Store so both Android and Apple devices are supported.

Call quality is a standout feature here, whether it’s a zoom call whilst working from home, or a phone call when out and about. The microphone quality is superb. I tested it a few times, and the other person could always hear every word with clarity. Another impressive feature for the price.

Huge battery life!

They have a stated battery life of 60hrs with noise cancelling on. This will vary depending on the volume you listen at, but you can expect excellent battery life from them. They have Active Noise Cancelling which works well in environments where you have a constant background noise (like public transport).

They are also closed back, so the passive isolation is already very impressive. Unlike many ANC headphones, the ANC on these doesn’t seem to affect the sound quality. This is quite surprising and very impressive.

The Enduro ANC also has Ambient Noise Control. This allows you to hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off. This works really well if you need to listen out for announcements on public transport or planes, and don’t want to take the headphones off. It could also come in handy for active use where you want to be semi-aware of what’s around you.

The Cleer Enduro ANC come with an Aux to USB-C cable for when you need to use them with a wired device, which is really handy. Overall Cleer have packed a lot in to these headphones. Do they impress when it comes to the actual sound quality?

How do they sound? (the important bit)

Bass

Plenty of punch and extension. There is a definite lift in the bass compared to a neutral tuned headphone, which is ideal for a portable headphone. These are engaging and fun to listen to. You will never lose track of the beat. Yet at the same time it’s not overly emphasised so as to drown out the mids and highs. I really enjoy how full and punchy the low end is, without being bloated. Not something that’s easy to get right in my opinion.

Midrange

Vocals and guitars still cut through the mix. They are slightly recessed overall, with a mild U shaped sound signature. There is enough detail to keep you focussed on the music, and they don’t have a single hint of harshness or peaks in the midrange that could cause fatigue. They are energetic and smooth at the same time, with fun being the best way to describe their presentation. The Enduro ANC has been tuned for you to enjoy the music.

Treble

These don’t do the typical lower treble boost to introduce a false sense of sparkle and energy. They are smooth in their transition from the upper midrange into the treble region. They instead boost it a little farther up the frequency range, which means there is still a great sense of air. Cymbals have good presence, without any fatigue inducing properties. They might roll off slightly early, but the treble presentation is very well done with without any harshness.

Genres and Soundstaging

The Cleer Enduro ANC handles most genres well. Engaging enough for rock, yet punchy and full enough for modern pop and hip-hop. They sound best with genres that are more up-beat.

Soundstaging is average, which is not a problem. They have a more direct and punchy delivery, you don’t need concert hall width for that.

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Final VR3000 Gaming Earphone Review

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Final have entered the gaming market with a budget earphone model aimed at VR enthusiasts. With excellent spatial accuracy across the soundstage along with an inline microphone, the VR3000 are sure to be a hit.

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Fit and Comfort

The VR3000 have a lightweight yet solid feeling plastic housing similar in shape to their B series models. It has aesthetically pleasing angles on the faceplate whilst the inner surfaces are smooth and rounded which provides a comfortable fit. In addition to this, the angled nozzle and cable behind the ear make the VR3000 very comfortable for long listening and/or gaming sessions. Finally, the included tips from final work excellently in getting a good seal and confortable fit for those long listening / gaming sessions they were made for.

Compatibility

The VR3000 have a sensitivity rating of 101dB/mW and an impedance of 18 Ohms which results with them being easily driven from portable devices. Including mobile phones as well as games console controllers. Furthermore, the inline mic is essential for communicating with your squad*, whilst the inline volume controls work well whilst out and about.

Sound for Music & Gaming:

The VR3000 are aimed at Gamers and Final put a lot of work into making them sound absolutely stunning for this use. There is enough bass heft for explosions without being overpowering and the drivers are snappy and responsive. This really helps in action packed FPS games. Every shot fired is met with clarity and precision, as well as the sound of footsteps behind and explosions in front.

Simply put, the immersion when using the VR3000 is superb. They really put you in the middle of the action with pinpoint accuracy. Being mainly a BF V player, these really make you feel as if you are in the battlefield. With Planes flying overhead, bullets flying past you and even the ability to hear people sneak up behind you. Not only does this immersion give you a slight edge, it makes gaming all the more worthwhile. For an earphone, the VR3000 offer up an impressive gaming performance, no matter what game / genre you play.

The VR3000 fare well with music playback too, giving a broad frequency response from rumbling sub-bass to delicate highs. This means they are quite even handed overall, even though there is a slight boost in the sub-bass. There is also good clarity and much like their gaming performance, accuracy is key to their sound signature. Vocals sound real, without added body. Cymbals crash with finesse and instruments are easily separated. To conclude, the placement within the soundstage is very well defined and they are just enjoyable to listen to.

*Update to Mircrophone 2022*

*Since its initial release, the microphone in the VR3000 has been upgraded and silently rolled out by Final. The updated mic is crisp and clear, with an impressively wide range that feels like it represents your voice how it should sound. This is especially noticeable on phonecalls and in online game chats.

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JDS Labs Element III Review

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The all new Element III isn’t just a simple refresh. It was built from the ground up around a new DAC chip and offers up the same excellent sound signature people have come to love in an improved package.

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As a result of the AKM factory fire late last year, JDS Labs had to refresh the Element II. So they initially decided to develop the Element II+ with a Cirrus Logic DAC chip. However, increasing lead times from Cirrus Logic forced them to go down the ESS Sabre route and ended up developing the all new Element III. (prototypes with a CS and ESS Chip were developed alongside each other). Due to these supply chain issues, JDS Labs decided to essentially cancel the Element II+ and focus on something completely new. Something that was audibly better, The Element III.

Volume Control

One of the main differences between the Element II & III is the volume knob. It may look the same, but it now uses a digital attenuator instead of the analogue volume pot of old. This means you get audibly perfect channel balance right down to -127.5 dBFS. In turn, this allows you to listen at lower volumes and still get the same excellent sound quality. There is a slight drawback to this though as the new Element III no longer has an analogue input due to the digital nature of the volume knob. But they have added an optical input alongside the USB. This was also done to achieve perfect channel balance and also allow them to implement auto-gain.

The Element III has both USB and Optical inputs and can still be used as a pre-amp via the RCA outputs

OLED Screen

There is a small OLED screen on the Element III that shows you some key things like the volume and output selected (HP or pre-out). This is a really handy feature that was missing from previous models.The power for the screen is also separate to the audio channels to make sure there was no impact on the audio quality. There has allowed for a menu, where you can change the brightness, timeout interval, Volume knob LED behaviour and DAC tuning. (Filters, DPLL bandwidth, S/PDIF De-Emphasis and Harmonic compensation).

Auto Gain

Auto-Gain is something really interesting with the Element III. Instead of a separate gain button the amp automatically changes to high-gain (+13.5dB) when the volume is pushed beyond the 0 dBFS threshold. At that point it also compensates volume (-13.5dB) for a near seamless transition. This means no more toggling between high and low gain to get the right listening levels.

As you can see from above, JDS Labs have implemented a lot of new features here. There are also few more geeky ones if you want to check them out (alongside measurements): JDS Labs Element II Benchmarks

Compatibility

As mentioned above, The Element III is a DAC/Amp combo that works with Optical and USB inputs. Output wise it has RCA output for connecting to an external amplifier where you can use the Element III to control the volume. Or even have it set at 0 and use it purely as a DAC. On the front it has a 6.3mm headphone output. The internal amplifier is excellent and provides more than enough output power for most headphones on the market. From sensitive IEM’s to 600Ohm hard to drive dynamic driver over-ears. The only headphones that need more power are low sensitivity planars like the HiFiMAN HE6/Susvara.

Sound

JDS Labs know what they are doing and have implemented changes that have benefitted the sound. With the side effect of slightly better spec on paper too! (inaudible). I have been using an Element II for the last 2 years in my desktop setup. Before that I had the original Element too. They are excellent devices, and perfect for powering all different headphones without issue. they also make the perfect reference point and one that I am very familiar with.

The Element III brings things up a notch though. It still has that signature JDS Labs sound that is clean, linear and effortless but this time it feels smoother and less clinical. The perfect channel balance is something that is noticeable and a welcome addition to already excellent devices. You can now listen with even the most sensitive IEM’s and have zero hiss, zero noise and also zero channel imbalance at low volumes. Not that hiss/noise were ever issues before.

It is natural, neutral and extremely clean sounding which works wonders when it comes to feeding clean power to your headphones.

The Element III doesn’t want to impart a sound signature. It is natural, neutral and extremely clean sounding which works wonders when it comes to feeding clean power to your headphones. It doesn’t colour the sound. Nor will it flatter poor recordings or making things easier on your ear. However, pair it with a pair of headphones you truly enjoy the signature of and voila. You need to try it!

Where to use

There is a great opportunity for studio users to put the JDS Labs Element III in their system. It provides an exceptionally clean sound signature for recording and referencing work. The design is perfect for desktop users. I personally use it for listening to music and also when gaming. The volume knob is so easy to use. I also often use it as a DAC only into another headphone amplifier. And it must be said, the DAC section is very well implemented, sounding very transparent.

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Lypertek SoundFree S20 Wireless Earbuds Review

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SoundFree S20 wireless earbuds – Best budget buds

The new budget offering from Lypertek offer up an engaging and fun listening experience. Without forgetting the finer details.

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Fit and Comfort

The SoundFree S20 have a smooth inner housing and slightly elongated nozzle, which allows for a great fit with the right eartips. They are not heavy and sit securely. Excellent if you want to use them for active sports use.

Comfort is excellent due to the lightweight design and smooth edges. They also sit fairly flush in your ears and allow for long listening sessions with ease. The angle of the nozzle really does help when it comes to the comfort of these.

Features

The SoundFree S20 has a claimed battery life of 8hrs, with an extra 40hrs from the charging case. I have found this claim to be quite accurate during listening sessions but it is of course volume dependent. The case supports wireless charging and has a USB-C port too. They use Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC and AAC codecs. The S20 is IPX5 rated, this means you can use them in light rain showers. I would not advise taking them swimming or in the shower.

There is a small button on them, placed at the top so you don’t press them into your canals when using it. This button has multiple functions (play/pause/skip tracks/volume up and down), and also allows you to activate ambient mode which allows you to hear external noises. This mean you no longer need to take them out to listen to the outside world. There is a microphone on each earpiece for calls, I found call quality to be acceptable but not a stand-out feature of the S20.

Sound

Bass

Full bodied, punchy and fun is how I would first describe the bass on the S20. However they never become muddy or overblown. There is a subtle lift in the sub-bass and you can easily hear the rumble. Bass is well balanced with good punch and control. Those who found the PurePlay Z3 a little too neutral, will enjoy the extra warmth down low on the S20. Whilst the bass is certainly present and boosted, the S20 don’t sound overly bass heavy or dark.

Midrange

The bass is well controlled, which allows the midrange to cut through with authority and power. Male vocals sound clean without any added body, the detail inherent means you can hear all the emotion present in the vocals without much veil. Female vocals fare equally as well. Without any real peaks in the upper midrange, guitars and vocals are well separated and each have their own space within the soundstage. Overall excellent performance in the midrange, that gives real insight into the recording.

Treble

Clean, precise and ever present the treble thankfully isn’t just an afterthought. Carefully tuned to be there, but without causing fatigue, often the most tricky part of a frequency response yet Lypertek have pulled it off. Yes, for this price you cannot expect the most faithful tonality but thankfully you can cleanly hear cymbal crashes and violins. They are not dull or veiled, instead they are exciting and add a bit of air to the sound, however they are not the most detailed in the treble region (partly due to bluetooth compression).

Genres and Soundstage

The S20 lend their hand to most modern genres, bringing out the best in Rap and Hip-Hop whilst handling heavier rock with ease too. They wouldn’t necessarily be my first pick for classical and jazz, but these are aimed at the active general user and the sound works well for that.

Soundstaging is actually rather impressive for the price and design, whilst not overly wide there is accurate placement of instruments and good layering between them too.

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Westone Audio Pro X Series Review

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Westone Audio have updated their ever-popular UM Pro series earphones, now renamed Pro X. these are still some of the best pro-audio earphones out there with different sound signatures to choose from and superb ergonomics.

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Westone have long had some of the best pro-audio earphones on the market and it is great they gave this range a complete refresh. An upgrade that needs to be immediately mentioned is that both earpieces are now matched to within +/-3dB. This is excellent for pro-audio earphones.

Build Quality: 9/10

The build quality is similar to that of the previous UM Pro series. The hard plastic shells feel extremely lightweight, but this time they have moved to IPX connectors with a Linum Bax T2 cable. The Linum cables are becomming ever more popular and are incredibly thin and lightweight. In fact, they are so thin they look fragile but are actually rather robust and coil back on themselves making them relatively tangle free. The T2/IPX connectors are a big step forward. They feel much better than MMCX connectors with a more secure fit and reportedly increased longevity.

Accessories: 10/10

Accessory wise you get the same excellent assortment as always. A huge number of tips (which are excellent quality) along with the small monitor vault that is perfect for keeping your earphones safe when not in use. Everything is included to use these straight out of the box. You need to spend some time finding the right tips for your ears but that’s it really.

Comfort and Fit 10/10

The Westone UM Pro series were always regarded as some of the most comfortable earphones out there. Luckily the Pro X series are much the same in terms of shape. These fit like a glove, once you settle on the right eartips they really do disappear in your ears. The new lightweight cables makes them even more comfotable. It can’t get any better.

The fit is also superb. The housings are small, lightweight and smooth. Which means you get a secure fit that is flush in your concha too. The cable is so lightweight you forget about it. Arguably, these are the best fitting universal earphones out there. There are slight differences in size between the Pro X10 and Pro X50 for example, but all the models fit really well.

Pro X10:

The Pro X10 is the entry level, single driver model aiming for a neutral and balanced sound signature for general monitoring purposes. It has impressive extension from top to bottom for a single driver unit, with a reasonable amount of body too. It does lack in dynamics a little and comes across a little flat at times. But there is a surprising amount of detail on offer for the price. These seem to excel when listening to more midrange focussed music such as acoustic and folk. The vocal clarity and presentation is really impressive for the price

Pro X20

These improve upon the Pro X10 by adding an extra driver. This improves dynamics and there is a little more sparkle up top and body down low. These sound a bit livelier than the Pro X10, there is definitely some extra bass emphasis going on making these more suited to those who like a little added warmth to their sound. The midrange is less intimate. Making this model more suited to bassists and drummers who need a little more punch and dynamics.

Pro X30

An update to Westone Audio’s bestselling pro model, the Pro X30 retains that ever-loved sound of the UM Pro30 but increases the sound staging, along with ever so slightly better definition and clarity across the board. The Pro X30 uses three drivers. This helps increase the headroom before distortion sets in, along with a single driver dedicated to each part of the frequency range. You get articulate and full lows, a nuanced and detailed midrange and clean highs that extend smoothly. They do have a fuller sound signature that works well in a live music setting. Perfect for pretty much anyone on stage and they are easily tuneable with EQ.

Pro X50

Here we have the flagship model in Westone Audio’s Pro range. Packing 5 drivers into a small and comfortable housing with a focus on bringing out more clarity without sacrificing refinement and smoothness. This model shares a similar core signature with the Pro X30. Although it has a little more body in the bass along with better extension in to the sub-bass. There is a definite boost down low that is tight and controlled, yet makes these a warm sounding earphone overall.
The Pro X50 have a full and enjoyable sound signature that makes them an easy listening, everyday earphone. With a bit of EQ tinkering you can easily tailor the sound to your personal preference whilst retaining excellent comfort and a really good technicalities.

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Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones Review

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Hot off the release of the ZE3000, Final have gone one step further and released their first ever wireless headphone, and it comes with ANC. The Final UX3000 ANC offers a universal user friendly sound whilst retaining that Final magic we love.

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Design 10/10:

These Headphones are simply stunning. The Shibo coating provides the UX3000 with a beautifully textured finish that acts as a finger print deterrent. The use of physical buttons over touch controls to play/pause, power on/off control the volume as well as turning the ANC on/off is reassuring and nicely implemented. The included 3.5mm audio cable that allows them to be used as a wired headphone without any battery is a marvel. They also fold up for easy storage and come with a soft carry pouch.

Fit and Comfort: 9/10

These are a very comfortable headphones. The earcups surround my ears with room to spare and the padding is soft yet dense enough to provide really good passive isolation and a very secure fit. The clamping force is moderate at most and the padding does a great job at alleviating any pressure. They  feel very secure when on the move.

Sound: 8/10

The Headphone essentially has two unique sound signatures. ANC on and ANC off. I find the UX3000 with ANC off to be an engaging and fun headphone, that handles most genres with ease. Sure it can be said that the UX3000 lacks a tiny bitof finesse and clarity overall, but for everything else offered its price point, I am not one to argue.

Fun, dynamic, engaging and full sounding

And here comes the ANC: 9/10

Turn the ANC on and the bass gets an extra helping of that sub-bass boost, with more focus on the bass and treble overall. When using these in high noise environments and with the ANC on – the sound is really enjoyable and upbeat.

So with ANC on you have a really fun, dynamic, engaging and full sounding headphone for on the go use. When you want a bit more clarity and detail you can turn ANC off and have a more linear yet fun and enjoyable sounding headphone.

Incredible microphone for an over-ear headphone

Mic: 10/10

The built in mic for taking calls is incredible for an over-ear headphone. The quality of the voice is outstanding. I even tested them out in strong wind and managed to have a full call with no major issues. They do a fantastic job at suppressing noise on your end so the other party can hear you loud and clear, with great tone too. Noise cancelling can also be activated while on calls, which will allow you to hear voices even more clearly without the fear of outside noise creeping in.

These are also perfect for working from home with very accurate and faithful voice reproduction, it doesn’t sound like you are using the mic from the headphones, they are that good.

Notable other Feautures:

  • ANC on its own mode. You can have the ANC turned on but the headphone turned off. Really good for scenarios such as being in a Library and wanting that extra silence.
  • Support AptX, AptX LL, SBC & AAC Codecs which is great for the audio quality side of thing.
  • 35 hour Battery life with ANC off or 25 hours with it on – More than enough for most of us out in the world.
  • Multipoint connection – You can stream music from once device and take calls from another
  • Wired mode – as mentioned above very useful if you run out of battery, or just what to try something different.

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Campfire Audio Holocene Triple Driver IEM Review

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Campfire Audio have made somewhat of a baby Andromeda with the Holocene. With a focus on control and detail they are perfect for those wanting a more neutral and balanced sound signature.

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Fit and Comfort

Those familiar with Campfire Audio will know the shape. It is common amongst their models with an angular outer shell and smooth inner. With a long-ish nozzle that really helps you get a good fit with them. I find this design works well with most people, they certainly fit me well which is always a bonus.

Once you find the right tips for your ears, the Holocene fit comfortably due to well designed housings and good insertion depth. The cable is also soft and fits over your ears easily without stiff memory wire.

Compatibility

These are quite a picky earphone when it comes to matching them with the right source. Their sensitivity is quite low (94dB SPL @1kHZ – mVrms). However they have very low impedance (5.4 Ohms @1kHZ). This means they need some careful system matching. You really do need a player with less than 1 Ohm output impedance for these. Otherwise they will not sound how Campfire Audio intended them to.

Bass:

The Holocene puts focus on accuracy yet never comes across as thin or lean in it’s presentation. This is when paired with the correct source that is. It is very controlled and articulate and it doesn’t put a foot wrong, even during the most complex of tracks. The low end is expertly separated from the midrange, not allowing it to influence the overall tonal balance. It digs deep in terms of extension but it isn’t exaggerated. Bass guitars are easy to follow in the mix. Kick drums hit with authority and body yet never sound bloated. There is perhaps a tiny bit of added body from the low end, but it is subtle and just makes the Holocene a little more fun and engaging without sounding overly full.

Midrange:

Due to the lack of bleed from the low end, the midrange is incredibly clean and crisp. Male vocals don’t get any added body which helps them cut through with great tonality. I would say the Holocene has a very mild U-shaped signature. The midrange isn’t up-front and intimate and it sits ever so slightly behind the bass and treble, but it isn’t overly recessed. There is excellent detail and layering in the midrange. Things never get muddled and it is always easy to pick apart the different layers within the mix. Contrary to many earphones, the Holocene don’t boost the upper mids. This means female vocals are not pushed to the front. In fact they actually have a slight recession to prevent sibilance. Personally this slight recession in the upper midrange robs them of a little energy but it does prevent them from being peaky and sibilant.

Treble:

The lower treble is slightly muted, which does take away from the sound a little bit of energy. But there is good presence higher up which does add good air and extension. These are not as exciting as the Andromeda and are definitely lacking a little bit of the treble energy of that particular model. However, those looking for a good all rounder that is a little easier on the ears and more forgiving of certain recordings will do well with the Holocene.

Soundstaging and Genres

The soundstaging on the Holocene is good. There is a good sense of air and space around instruments. The layering and instrument separation on the other hand is excellent. The sound is well controlled and this allows you to pick apart the mix with ease, even during complex tracks.

Genre wise these are an excellent all rounder. They won’t appeal to those looking for lots of bass so EDM and the likes are not their main focus. But for metal, jazz, acoustic, alternative rock, indie etc… they all sound excellent through the Holocene.

Who is it for?

  • Those looking for a detailed and clean sound signature
  • Those wanting a good all rounder that isn’t fatiguing

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Cleer Audio Release Arc True Wireless Earbuds

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Cleer Audio Release Arc True Wireless Earbuds – these allow you to enjoy spatial awareness whilst listening on-the-go.

Open ear wireless earbuds do not completely cover your ear, which means that you are still able to hear the world around you. This is often a more comfortable fit. Earbuds that are placed directly in your ear will offer a degree of noise-cancelling functionality, so when it comes to choosing between the two, it will most likely boil down to whether or not you want to hear the outside world. For safety reasons, being able to hear the world around you is a good thing, depending on where you’re wearing the buds of course.

Impressive battery life, water resistance and booming sound are all housed in flexible open-ear true wireless earbuds with a secure fit to ensure that you have the best possible sound experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the features:

• Open-ear true wireless earbuds design with flexible fit to ensure that the earbuds fit comfortable without blocking out environmental sounds.

• Uninterrupted sound by directing high-quality audio into your ear to ensure powerful sound without compromising on sacrificing spatial awareness. You can listen to your favourite music and podcasts while still being in tune and connected to the world around you.

• Durable water-resistant design with IPX4 certified sweatproof and water-resistant rating to help you power through intense workouts. You’ll also never need to worry about a little bit of rain getting in the way of listening to your favourite audio.

• Dynamic audio for powerful sound delivered with ARC’s 16.2mm neodymium drivers, designed to beam audio toward your ears without sacrificing volume and bass.

• Long-lasting battery life is able to last 7 hours on a single charge. The charging-pad integrated carrying case also makes charging your Cleer ARC earbuds a whole lot more convenient.

• Easy to use touch controls make adjusting the volume, playing, and pausing and skipping tracks a lot simpler. You can also use them to take calls and access your phone’s virtual assistant.

• Customizable with the Cleer+ App to personalize controls, update the device and adjust the EQ as well as music playback.

Cleer Release

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Westone MACH Series Release

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Westone Audio release their new MACH series, a comprehensive range starting with an entry level single BA driver, right up to an 8-driver model. MACH is the latest in sound engineering that is bridging the gap between professional performance products and a product for the truest of music lovers. With its unique ergonomic fit, MACH is a product for everyday use and enjoyment.

All the new MACH models come with the T2 connector from Linum, and all of them come with Linum cables too. These are substantially better than older MMCX connectors and are more durable in a wide range of environments.

The MACH10 is a single BA model with a focus on detail, the sound signature is flat and accurate and using them with foam tips will make the sound a little more “natural”. This is the entry level model and is suited to those who don’t want an overly coloured sound.

The MACH20 is more balanced sounding with more neutral bass than Mach10, however they do have a slightly mid-forward sound that brings vocals and guitars into focus. Again they have aimed for a clear and detailed sound with the first two models.

The MACH30 changes this a little, with a more energetic sound signature – they have a subtle lift in the bass and some upper midrange forwardness. This leads to a slightly more fun, yet still well balanced sound signature.

The MACH40 goes for a warmer sound, one for those who enjoy full bodied and organic sound, the mid-bass has added punch whilst the mids and treble take a step back. They also have a slightly more direct sound, the soundstage is more focussed and less open than some other models in the series.

The MACH50 goes for a smooth, open and natural sound – it doesn’t have any fatigue inducing traits and focuses on an organic presentation that is the perfect “everyday” earphone. It has a slightly forgiving sound that doesn’t make poor recordings sound bad, this could be quite the hit for many people.

MACH60 has reference-like characteristics but with ever so slightly elevated bass and treble, the soundstaging is very holographic and these offer up a wide and balanced sound. The treble is crisp, the midrange is smooth and natural and the bass has great punch, a superb all-rounder.

MACH70 has been made with a mild W-shaped signature, with great mid-bass punch, well presented midrange and effortless treble, these are punchy and fun yet well controlled and resolving. The soundstaging again being a highlight with their open sound and excellent separation.

MACH80 is the flagship model in this range, and it’s tuned to be an audio tool. Westone state the Mach80 has no obvious colouration, it is designed to be a flat sounding reference model.

This range looks quite interesting with plenty of different sound signatures to suit different tastes – we can also expect excellent comfort, as this is one area where Westone always do well. We have all of these ready to demo, so book an appointment to be one of the first to hear this new range of earphones.

Available to order NOW