HiFiheadphones

Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

About Shaun-HiFi

A self confessed technology addict with a passion for music. Co-owner of the HiFi Headphones store and regular contributor to the blog.

Education Headphones for Schools & Learning Centres

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

Headphones for Use in Schools, Colleges & Learning Centres

Educational headphones have specific requirements that set them apart from the type of headphones used for home listening or with an iPod.

Picking the best headphone for use in schools and other learning environments needs careful consideration. At HiFi Headphones we have built up considerable experience of the type of features that will be the most beneficial for use in a school, college or learning centre. Please do ask us and we will do our best to help.

Robust Educational Headphones

Durability and Robust Build

Durability is obviously a key area of interest, as headphones for school use need to cope with regular listening by the most active students. Robust design of the headphone headband and well made strain relief on the cable are must have features. Headphone cables are often the component that will break first, so headphones with good strain relief on the jack plug and as they enter the headphone earpiece are most suitable.

Reduce Distraction

Reducing distraction of the student is one reason you may choose to work with headphones in your classes. Over ear design and closed back earcups ensure external distractions are blocked out and your students stay focused on the task at hand.

Comfortable & Lightweight

Lightweight, comfortable designs ensure the students are happy to wear the headphones without complaint for extended periods. Look out for adjustable headbands (make sure they can adjust small enough) and low headphone weight.

Educational Children’s Headphones

More Information

For a full range of Education Headphones for many applications as well as a wide selection of Children’s Headphones, please visit the HiFi Headphones online store.

Shure SRH840, SRH440 & SRH240 Closed Back Studio Headphones

Posted on May 19, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

Shure have just launched a brand new range of closed back studio and DJ headphones that have already been getting quite a bit of interest since news of the pricing was leaked on Head-Fi.org.

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

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

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

Shure SRH750 DJ Headphones

More Information

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

Shure SRH440 Headphones

Speaker Station goes online

Posted on May 3, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

We’re proud to announce the launch of Speaker Station an online store dedicated to audio speakers, iPod docks, portable speakers and many more speaker related products.

The new speaker website will be very familiar to HiFi Headphones visitors and we aim to offer the same excellent service and product range.

Please visit the Speaker Station website and check out our range.

More Information

For a large range of speakers, iPod docking stations and more traditional Hi-Fi speakers, such as 2.1 speaker systems, please visit the Speaker Station online store.

Custom Mould Earphones & Sleeves from ACS

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

HiFi Headphones is now offering custom made earphones and also custom sleeve ear gels for a range of popular standard earphone models. Regular visitors to the HiFi Headphones store will have noticed that we’ve recently added a brand new category to the website. We’ve also added a guide to custom fitted earphones and provided information on getting impressions taken for your ears.

If you are looking for the perfect in-ear fit for optimum comfort, then custom fitted earphones or sleeves are the answer. Made from ultra soft silicone material and made specifically for your ears, custom mould earphone gels also offer the best possible isolation from external noise. With custom earphones fitted it’s possible to totally immerse yourself in the sound of your music without interruption from noisy surroundings.

Custom Sleeves for Earphones

Custom made earphone sleeves are the ultimate upgrade for an existing pair of high quality in-ear sound isolating earphones. The sleeves are manufactured specifically for your existing earphones your ears.

Custom Earphone Sleeve fitted to Etymotic ER-6i

Custom Earphones

Custom earphones are custom made ear gels with miniature earphone speakers fitted inside at the time of manufacture. Just like regular earphones, custom earphones come with varying numbers of drivers, with entry level models having a single driver and higher end models having upto three balanced armature drivers.

ACS T2 Custom Earphones with Twin balanced armature drivers

A benefit of opting for a custom earphone with built in drivers is that you only have a single device to think about – no need to worry about the custom ear gels getting split up from your earphones. The all-in-one design also offers advantages over custom made sleeves by being more compact – the drivers are embedded deep within the ear mould – and therefore providing a neater solution. Interestingly, it can actually also work out cheaper to purchase a complete custom earphone with drivers built in, rather than a high end standard earphone and then an additional custom sleeve.

More Information

For information on the full range of custom fitted earphones and custom fitted earphone gels for standard earphones please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

WeSC Open Flagship London Shop in Carnaby Street – Alp Horn First Photo

Posted on March 7, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

WeSC officially opened their first high street shop in Carnaby Street, London last night. HiFi Headphones were invited to the launch party, which was organised by LateralCorp (the UK importer of WeSC products).

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

WeSC Alp Horn – First Photos & Test

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

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

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

WeSC Alp Horn Headphones

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

Overall we think this headphone is a winner.

More Information

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

FiiO E5 & E3 headphone amps – boost volume, add bass and improve soundstage

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

FiiO E5 & E3 headphone amps – boost volume, add bass and improve soundstage

At HiFi Headphones we’ve just taken delivery of our first batch of FiiO headphone amplifiers. The brand new FiiO E5 and FiiO E3 are ultra small headphone amplifiers with a price tag that makes them affordable for anyone with an iPod, MP3 player, laptop or mobile phone.

The FiiO headphone amps promise increased output power (to power hard to drive headphones), added bass response and even better clarity of treble notes.

FiiO E3

The FiiO E3 headphone amp is the perfect introduction to improving your portable audio setup – look out, it’s a slippery slope! 🙂 At a price point that makes it possible to try without risking to much cash, the E3 has taken the headphone amp World by storm.

Just connect the FiiO E3 between your portable audio device (iPod, iPhone, laptop, mobile phone, etc) and enjoy the improvement in volume and sound quality.

FiiO E5

The next step up from the E3 in the FiiO line-up is the all new FiiO E5. With an exterior casing that has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in the pocket, and internals completely revised to improve noise figures, the FiiO E5 is a force to be reckoned with.

When compared with higher end headphone amplifiers, such as the iBasso T4 or Graham Slee Voyager, the FiiO E5 does colour the sound to some degree (it definitely warms up the bass response), but with the FiiO E5’s price tag of less than £25 I shouldn’t really be comparing.

More Information

For more information on FiiO Headphone Amps, a range of other Headphone Amplifiers & DACs and iPod Line Out Docks (LODs) please visit the HiFi Headphones shop.

Why do I need a headphone amplifier?

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

What’s the point of a headphone amp?

If you’ve been following the world of headphones you may have noticed that headphone amplifiers seem to be cropping up more often than ever, but what’s the point? Do they just increase volume, or is there more to it?

Below are a few good reasons to upgrade your audio setup with a headphone amp.

Ability To Power ‘hard to drive’ Headphones

Some headphones are notoriously hard to power. A headphone amplifier gives your audio source a boost in output power, which gives the headphones a more full sound, improves bass kick and often makes trebles more defined.

For example the Sennheiser HD650, HD600, HD595 and many Beyerdynamic headphones have relatively high impedance ratings, which mean they need more power than most to drive the headphone speakers.

Interestingly, many lower impedance headphones and earphones (normally the high end models) also appear to benefit from the use of a headphone amplifier. For example the low impedance Grado GS1000 or Grado RS1 can be easily be driven by a humble iPod, but add a headphone amplifier such as the Grado Slee Solo to the equation and the improvement in sound can be very satisfying.

Avoiding Cheap Headphone Outputs

The headphone output on many portable audio sources, such as iPods, iPhones and laptops, can be very poor indeed. The electronics used often leave much to be desired and are obviously designed with budget, rather than sound quality, as the major design factor. A headphone amplifier offers ways to avoid the noisy headphone output completely.

The iPod and iPhone headphone socket can be avoided completely by using a Line Out Dock (LOD) cable. These cables take the un-amplified line out signal from the 30 pin dock connector provide a way to drive a headphone amplifier with this better quality signal.

Laptop and computer owners can avoid the often breathtakingly bad headphone output with the addition of a Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier. The DAC is connected to the computer’s USB port and the conversion to analogue audio signal is done well away from the noisy electronics inside the computer. Some products, such as the iBasso D2, combine a DAC and headphone amp into a single unit.

More Information

For a full range of headphone amplifiers & DACs and iPod & iPhone line out dock cables (LODs), please visit the HiFi Headphones online shop.

FiiO UK Distributor announced

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

FiiO and KS Distribution today announced a partnership for distribution of FiiO’s audio electronics products in the UK. Based near Brighton on the South Coast of England, KS Distribution is a specialist distributor of headphone and earphone related audio products.

KS Distribution is to be distributing FiiO audio electronics products to independent specialist retailers in the UK and Ireland.

FiiO headphone amplifiers provide a way to get the best audio performance from portable audio sources, such as MP3 players (Apple iPod, iPhone, etc) and laptop computers.

The FiiO E5 has taken the headphone amp market by storm, with a high specification and entry level price making it accessable for anyone looking to upgrade their portable audio system.

About KS Distribution

A leading audio electronics distributor, KS Distribution specialises in bringing innovative products to the UK market and providing a World class service to their customers. Offering a carefully selected range of products for home and mobile listening, KS Distribution are a highly focused team whose primary aim is to develop strong partnerships with retailers and manufacturers.

For more information visit www.ksdistribution.co.uk

About FiiO

FiiO Electronic Technology is a personal audio consumer electronics manufacturer with a product line-up that includes headphone amplifiers and speaker systems. Leading the field in affordable personal audio products, FiiO is constantly innovating to stay ahead of the competition.

For more information visit http://www.fiio.com.cn

iBasso D2 headphone amp & DAC – all in one miniature device

Posted on February 6, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

Regular visitors to HiFi Headphones may have noticed we’ve listed the iBasso D2 in our headphone amplifier section. Last week we received a couple of samples of each iBasso model to test. The results were so positive we went ahead and listed them immediately and put our first order in (we’re expecting stock from in approx 3 weeks).

There are other models in the range, including an ultra portable headphone amp called the iBasso T4 (it is VERY small and weighs just 29 grams) and a high end model that comes with various types of Op-Amp to swap over to alter the sound signature (one for the perfectionists).

The iBasso D2 works especially well with higher impedance earphones such as the Sleek Audio SA6 and Klipsch Image X10, where there is good improvement in depth of bass, as well as high frequency detail and soundstage. I’ve yet to test with lower impedance earphones (Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10’s, etc), but I would guess the effect is similar, but maybe not so pronounced.

Below is a photo of the iBasso D2 with my Sleek Audio SA6’s and an old iPod Nano:

In my opinion the most interesting application for the iBasso D2 is using the DAC with a laptop. With my IBM ThinkPad T62 laptop feeding the D2’s DAC and a pair of Sennheiser HD650’s the difference in overall sound quality is significant compared with the laptop’s standard headphone output. I would say this is the application where the biggest improvement in sound quality is seen.

More Information

For the range of iBasso headphone amps, including the iBasso D2 and iBasso T4, please visit the HiFi Headphones shop.

iBasso UK Distributor Announced

Posted on January 19, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

KS Distribution has announced they have been appointed as the sole UK distributor for iBasso Audio headphone amplifier products. Based near Brighton on the South Coast of England, KS Distribution is a specialist distributor of headphone and earphone related audio products.

KS Distribution is to be distributing iBasso electronics products to independent audio retailers in the UK and Ireland.

iBasso headphone amplifiers provide a way to get the best audio performance from portable audio sources, such as MP3 players (Apple iPod, etc) and laptop computers.

About KS Distribution

For more information visit www.ksdistribution.co.uk

About iBasso Audio

iBasso is a personal audio electronics manufacturer dedicated to getting the best from portable audio listening via headphones. iBasso’s range of headphone amplifiers feature high specification design and outstanding audio quality at an affordable price. With flexibiliy in mind iBasso headphones amps have been developed for high quality headphone listening via direct connection to portable digital audio players, such as the Apple iPod, as well as listening to music stored on laptops and netbooks via USB.

Headphone Sale – Headphones & earphones at reduced prices

Posted on January 6, 2009 by Shaun-HiFi

The HiFi Headphones sale section now lists a big selection of headphone & earphone models at dramatically reduced prices. With bargain prices on headphones from top manufacturers such as Sennheiser, AKG, Audio-Technica, Skullcandy and many others, you can pick up a high quality pair of headphones at a huge discount.

Our headphone sale includes a broad range of high quality models, including wireless headphones, in-ear sound isolating earphones and even professional DJ headphones.

The sale is strictly on a first come, first served basis, so don’t let anyone else beat you to that bargain deal!

More Information

For a large range of headphones on sale please check out headphone sale category on the HiFi Headphones online shop for a huge range of headphones and earphones.

Sennheiser Spare Parts – headphone cables, earpads, headbands & capsules

Posted on December 29, 2008 by Shaun-HiFi

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

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

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

Replacement Cables, Earpads and more

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

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

More Information

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

Klipsch Image X5 and HiFi Headphones listed in 12 best gadgets roundup at Telegraph Online

Posted on December 13, 2008 by Shaun-HiFi

The Klipsch Image X5 is the new single wideband driver earphone from Klipsch (launched in the UK in Nov 2008). Looking very similar in design to the more expensive Klipsch Image X10, we think this new earphone is set to make waves in the mid-range earphone market.

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

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

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

Cheaper Alternative to Klipsch X10

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

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

More Information

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

Sleek Audio SA6 Wireless Earphones – now in stock!

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Shaun-HiFi

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

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

Below are a few product highlights:

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

CD Quality, Lossless Digital Audio

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

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

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

Compatible with Sleek Audio SA6 and Future Models

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

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

More Information

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

Pro-Ject Head Box headphone amplifiers – new models available

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Shaun-HiFi

We’ve just taken delivery of a small quantity of the second generation Pro-Ject Head Box headphone amplifiers.

These very well made units from Pro-Ject Audio, an Austrian high end audio manufacturer, really do sound superb. Pro-Ject’s headphone amps are ideal for driving high quality dynamic Hi-Fi headphones.

With RCA phono inputs these headphone amps are ideal for connecting to TV’s or home cinema amplifiers, where a line level output is available.

Pro-Ject Head Box SE II

The dual output headphone amp from Pro-Ject is perfect for setups where you need to drive two pairs of headphones with independent volume controls.

The Head Box SE II is the second generation in this model from Pro-Ject. Featuring a completely revised internal circuit board, this revision offers a fuller sound, with plenty of bass kick and high end detail. The build quality has also improved, making this a very robustly built little box.

Featuring two independent high resolution volume controls, the Head Box SE II is an ideal headphone amplifier for good quality Hi-Fi setups, home cinemas and computer based audio systems.

Pro-Ject Head Box SE II in Silver

The Head Box SE II is available in Silver or Black.

A typical configuration for the Head Box SE II is a home cinema setup where the output from the DVD player is routed across the room to the Head Box amp (via high quality interconnect cables). The Head Box SE II can be located near the seating with each listener having their own independent volume control. This setup is great for late evening film viewing where you don’t want to annoy the neighbours or wake the children!

Pro-Ject Head Box II

The Head Box MK II is a single output headphone amplifier with the same high quality construction and superb audio quality that the Head Box SE II offers.

The Pro-Ject Head Box II is a very nice little unit and has been award 5 Stars by What HiFi? Sound & Vision – see Pro-Ject Head Box II Review.

The Head Box II is ideal for computer audio setups, or where only a single headphone output is required in a Hi-Fi or home cinema setup.

Project Head Box MK II in Silver

The Head Box II is available in Silver or Black.

More Information

For more information on Pro-Ject headphone amps or headphone amplifiers from other brands such as Graham Slee, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

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