Wireless earphones are commonplace now; so much so, it’s not necessary to draw undue attention to the fact these days. However, it’s nice to see differing styles coming along and the Optoma Nuforce BE6i is a smart addition to this earphone category.
Pros:
Nice case included
Many eartips and fitting accessories
Well tuned for many genres
Good build
Cons:
Charging port is a bit fiddly
Design and appearance
First impressions last, and in this case, the impression is definitely of a well-heeled smartness; these are the sort of earphones you can listen to during a job interview. The backs of the capsules are magnetic, so the earphones can be worn securely around the neck between uses.
The design lends itself to the ‘down from the ear’ wearing style so anyone wanting to have the cable going up, over the ear will need to consider an alternative model.
The case is a very practical, semi-rigid affair which is perfect for use with the BE6i.
Durability & build quality
Cable and control/battery construction is good with no obvious weak points. The capsules feel quite solid as well, without being too heavy.
Comfort
There’s not much to say here; once in, the earphones can more or less be forgotten about provided you have a good fit with the supplied eartips and accessories. There’s plenty to play around with, including some ‘fins’ which sit in one of the various folds of the ear and help keep the earphones in place.
Sound characteristics:
The Optoma Nuforce BE6i has a warm sound with a bit of non-intrusive treble presence, good as an all-rounder.
Bass
Bass has some emphasis, but the BE6i isn’t a bassy model per se. It extends well with good sub-bass at a realistic level and perhaps a bit more of a boost in the mid-bass region.
Mids
Mids on the BE6i are very clear and unaffected by the bass. Harmonics and other directional cues are well rendered and vocals are sweet and well textured.
Treble
There is a bit of sparkle about the BE6i; it’s not likely to cause any discomfort though. Cymbals are shimmery without straying into strident territory, and muted trumpets are just raspy enough. Detail here is very good for a wireless model.
Soundstage & Separation
Lower frequencies benefit from very good separation and give a good impression of bass width; this continues up the frequency spectrum making an impressive presentation for a wireless model. Harmonics are largely preserved, making for an engaging and enjoyable time with the BE6i!
Music genres good for and why
As noted above, the Optoma Nuforce BE6i is a good all-rounder. Some may prefer more bass than the BE6i has to offer, but this depends on previous earphones and expectations. The BE6i is great with current studio music such as pop and rock, with more refined genres such as classical doing very well also since the midrange is so clear.
Summary
The new wireless BE6i from Optoma Nuforce is as smart as it is nice-sounding, giving a good impression of your music and complementing your outfit a treat. With a large range of accessories to get a perfect fit, the BE6i is a superb wireless choice.
Not content with the splash it’s made with its updated ER4 designs of late, Etymotic is back with more! Or is it less? The ER3 models cost a good chunk less than their ER4 counterparts, so what does this mean in terms of value?
Pros:
Classic Etys for the price
Removable cable
Crystal clarity
Carry case
Cons:
Basic selection of tips
Etymotic deep fit not for everyone
Design and appearance
The ER3 versions are slightly more sensitive than the ER4 versions, with half the impedance too. This may have been done with an eye on the portable market, where some handsets may have struggled to get up to a good volume with the ER4 type.
Accessories are minimal with the ER3-SE and ER3-XR; along with the earphones themselves, we get a case and three pairs of tips. The two sizes of Etymotic triple flange, and a pair of ER38-14F type foam eartips.
Durability & build quality
The capsules are the most obvious change, with plastic-coated aluminium being used instead of the glossy metal look of the ER4. The cable has a good strong, but pliable feel to it, but it is a bit thinner and is not braided at the top. Apart from the slightly lighter weight and less glossy look of the ER3-version capsules, things are much as we’d expect from the ER4-XR and ER4-SR.
Comfort
No change here; Etymotics need to be inserted deeply to be at their best, and people either love the isolation they bring or hate the deep insertion of the eartips. Fortunately we love the isolation enough to ignore any initial discomfort, and the eartips seem to settle into place after a few seconds.
Sound characteristics:
Like the ER4 designs, there are two flavours of ER3. The Etymotic ER3-SE is the more strait-laced and neutral of the two, with the ER3-XR giving a little more bass warmth. Both however sound a little more gentle in terms of the midrange than their ER4 brethren. Where we sometimes get the feeling of jeopardy with the ER4 models, with an errant xylophone or female vocalist threatening to poke us in the ear, the ER3 versions are a little more laid back. Etymotic’s clarity has not been sacrificed though; the midrange presence is just a little more humane.
Bass
Sub bass on the ER3-SE gives a nice bit of wobble which is low in the mix, but there alright. The rest of the bass is as well controlled as expected, but understated; bass junkies need not apply. There’s some great control here though. Meanwhile, the ER3-XR has more of that skull-rattling sub bass and more slam generally. We’re still not in basshead territory, but if you like your sound a little warmer with more weight given to cellos and drums then the ER3-XR may be for you.
Mids
Mids are always a treat as far as Etymotic’s offerings are concerned, and the ER3-SE does not disappoint. While the midrange level is slightly lowered when compared to the ER4-SR, all the other attractive features are there along with a wonderful sense of spaciousness. Details are well rendered, though not with the sharp relief of the ER4-SR. Many will feel the ER3-SE has more comfortable sound when compared to the ER4-SR in terms of the sound, but with all its harmonic and spatial treats largely intact.
With the ER3-XR the extra bass presence vies for attention along with the midrange, so the midrange seems to lose its power slightly. The spaciousness of the ER3-SE is tempered, and the extra bass warmth takes its place. The ER3-XR is still excellent when it comes to midrange action and detail, but is arguably the better all-rounder of the two as the tuning works well with genres such as modern dance music.
Treble
The ER3-SE does not sound treble-heavy but there is some nice extension up top. If your recordings were made on analogue tape, you’ll probably know about it from the tape hiss coming through. Treble is at around the same level as the midrange after a smooth transition, and consequently does its job well whilst keeping the midrange in the spotlight.
The ER3-XR has the same treble presence as the ER3-SE, but the fatter low end gives the tuning a warmer feel.
Soundstage & Separation
With the detail and midrange clarity on offer from both these models, we can say that both soundstage and separation are a treat. The sound has a nice ‘out of the head’ feel without seeming unnatural and with good depth too. Separation and imaging are near perfect, if a bit toned down when compared to the dazzling ER4 designs.
Music genres good for and why
The ER3-SE is a great choice for acoustic music, classical and opera. With modern pop and dance genres, it can depend on your sensitivity to the upper midrange frequencies as to whether they work or not, along with your taste for bass. The ER3-XR is good for any genre you can throw at it, and we went through many!
Summary
Etymotic’s ER4 models are now available for cheap (albeit under the ER3 moniker), but their character is largely intact. Those who like to hear the smallest thing within their music needn’t study the fine print of credit card agreements in order to afford the ER3-SE and ER3-XR.
Sennheiser is a company which seems to have painted itself into a corner in recent years; how do they improve on the models they’ve had on sale for the past few years? It’s either a testament to their design teams of years past, or a damning indictment of the design team they have now. They’re recycling old designs, and adding an ‘S’ so we can’t pluralise without causing confusion. What trickery is this?
Pros:
Nice warm sound
Good assortment of tips and accessories
Carry case
Cons:
Could have more midrange clarity
Straight jack on cable
Design and appearance
A new version of an old classic is simple enough to achieve; round off the corners a bit more and you’re done! There’s probably more to it than that, but this new IE80S bears more than a passing resemblance to the original IE80. However it’s a good look, and Sennheiser obviously knows that it’s not necessary to have flashy designs or gimmicks to impress their fans.
The supplied case is sturdy and sleek, with a non-removeable foam insert which houses the earphones when not in use. Also there are plenty of eartips and accessories, such as a pair of earhooks if your cable keeps popping over your ears.
Durability & build quality
There’s nothing bad to write here, the Sennheiser IE80S is as expected with excellent build quality. The jack on the cable is a straight one which may be a problem for some; if you want a right-angle jack then spare cables for the IE80 will fit just as well.
Sound characteristics:
The tuning is what we expect from Sennheiser; there’s no drastic departure from the typical Sennheiser sound which is warm, with a smattering of treble to keep things interesting but staying comfortable.
Bass
Bass is fairly plentiful and should please lightweight bassheads; however the dials on the sides of the capsules can be adjusted to give a bit more grunt. Control is pretty good, but where it’s loose it feels as if that’s the way it should be. It’s loose with a touch of panache! Subbass is quite powerful if it’s in the music, and you’ll be in no doubt
Mids
The level of the midrange is lower than the bass, but pretty clear and enjoyable nonetheless. Harmonics are clear enough and there is no congestion here, but there is the feeling that the IE80S could do better; at least with the supplied eartips. Aftermarket eartips (such as Blackbird) seem to improve things in this regard.
Treble
Treble is gentle; we’re fond of a warmer sound but the IE80S still takes some getting used to. If you’re a fan of an airy, shimmery sort of presentation then the IE80S is not for you. If however you’re a fan of laid-back music then the IE80S is a contender. Plenty of detail is present though; it comes across as an extension of the midrange with a smooth transition.
Soundstage & Separation
Soundstage on the IE80S is pretty good for an IEM but there’s a lack of depth to the sound, apart from the bass which appears to spread out in front of the listener. Separation is good, but limited with the supplied tips. If you’re splashing out on the IE80S, then try some tips such as Blackbird or Spinfit.
Music genres good for and why
Due to the bass presence, the IE80S is best suited to dance music, pop and rap. Fans of classical, jazz and opera may still enjoy those genres with the IE80S but they will likely miss the airiness and the reverb ‘feel’ of the space the recording was made in.
Summary
Sennheiser’s souped-up IE80 design is here, and it’s an enjoyable listen for many modern genres but some may find the sound lacking air and space for genres such as classical.
We’ve have some of the best full size hi-fi headphones from under £100 to over £1000 from 2017. The reviews are designed to help you choose from the massive selection of hi-fi and audiophile headphones available with open back and closed back designs. From established brands like Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser, to new creative brands like MrSpeakers and Audeze.
Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite full size open back and closed back headphones.
The closed-back Edifier H840 has audio quality which belies its entry-level price. Low-cost headphones can emphasise the bass a little too much but the Edifier H840 has a good balance throughout the frequency range, with midrange and treble coming through with impressive clarity. Bass is there too, and prominent enough to give a bit of weight to those basslines without stealing the show.
Build quality is also impressive for headphones at this price; they are quite rugged, but light and comfortable as well.
They can be used either in the home or as a portable model, since the closed-back design offers good isolation from exterior sounds and the H840 can be powered sufficiently by a phone, or a portable music player.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you’re on a budget, there is no need to compromise on sound quality. For the asking price, the Edifier H840 represents amazing value.
Sennheiser’s HD461 models come in two flavours, depending on whether you have an Apple handset (with a headphone socket!) or an Android handset. Designed primarily for portable use, the HD461 models can also be used with home equipment as they will still work in standard 3.5mm stereo sockets.
Also, the cables are available separately as spares, so if you change your phone from one type to the other, you only need to get the appropriate cable for full functionality with your new handset.
The design is light and comfortable with a sound akin to what Sennheiser generally prefers; a warm comfortable sound with enough sparkle at the treble end to keep things interesting and vibrant, but without any danger of listener fatigue. The HD461 design hsa a little bit of extra bass than usual however, so if you’re a bass fan then these are worth a try.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
For a bassy accompaniment at home or on the move, the HD461i (or HD461G) will give full functionality with your handset, whether Apple of Android. With spare cables available too, there is no need to change your headphones if you change your phone (iPhone 7 notwithstanding!).
The new HP151 from SoundMAGIC is perfect for those who want to treat themselves to some excellent sound and build quality, but without breaking the bank. The HP151 comes with a sturdy carry case and an extension cable for more options if listening at home, but is otherwise suitable for portable use, being of a closed-back design. Be aware however that whilst the HP151 will work well with commercial genres, classical or similar may require more amplification than a phone/handset can provide on its own, as those music types generally have quieter recordings, with less dynamic compression applied during production.
The HP151 sound has a good amount of well controlled bass from its 53mm drivers, and midrange/treble are clear and present. It’s a comfortable sound, and it is not likely that listener fatigue will set in.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The HP151 is a fantastic all-rounder, with a bassy yet crisp sound. It has a spacious and wide presentation considering the closed back design, and it looks really good too!
Final makes some excellent-sounding headphones with great build quality too. Their closed-back Sonorous range encompasses many models, but the Sonorous III is a point of interest as it gives some amazing sound quality for the price. With slightly boosted bass and treble, the Sonorous III gives a little added shine to your tracks without going overboard. The low impedance of this design makes it suitable for using with a portable device or phone, for enjoying your collection in the home, or out and about.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The Sonorous III is a favourite here for its relaxed, natural sound. However the Sonorous II is also noteworthy as a more neutral version, giving a more faithful rendition of your recordings and particularly suitable for classical and acoustic performances.
Best Full Size Headphones Under £800
Now we start to enter the price range of diminishing returns; for instance, headphones costing £800 will not sound twice as good as those costing £400, but if you are intent on raising your headphones game, these smaller improvements are still worthwhile to make your music collection come alive again.
Beyerdynamic has impressed us for many years and continues to do so with new models such as the Amiron Home. With sterling build quality and sound quality alike, the open-back Amiron Home does everything well. All frequencies are very well balanced with each other, with treble a little gentler than quite a few of Beyerdynamic’s previous models.
So the sound is natural and smooth; ideal for relaxing at home (where else?), and quite suitable for any music genres that can be thrown at it.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The Beyerdynamic Amiron Home is a real treat to use, and is as comfortable to wear as it is to listen to.
A relatively new maker, MrSpeakers has certainly caused a stir with their line of planar-magnetic models recently. Not least with the Aeon, a lightweight design which hits heavy with some excellent sound quality. The design lends itself well to portable uses, although additional amplification may be required if using with a phone.
The sound is fairly well balanced with a little extra bass and lovely clear midrange and treble. The Aeon is well suited for all genres, but a real treat with anything likely to get you moving!
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If your portable audio game needs updating, the MrSpeakers Aeon is one to look at, although the Aeon is equally enjoyable if you like to stay put.
Focal’s recent additions to their lineup show a slight move away from the generally brighter sound of their previous models, to a gentler more laid-back sound which nevertheless gives detail in spades. The Elear is an exquisitely comfortable model to wear also, and gives the impression of the venerable HD650 but with a little bit of extra treble presence.
The Elear is not a light model at 434g, so this may be worth bearing in mind but the sound is very pleasing indeed.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
French company Focal has produced a real hit with the Elear, and it is easy to understand how; they’re great fun!
Pioneer’s new SE-Monitor5 is where headphones start to get sumptuous and luxurious! Build quality is like an executive car, and the plush padding is much the same. The SE-Monitor5 may be a little heavy for some at 480g but they are made for relaxing at home and swallow up the sides of the head with their huge earcups.
The sound is as you would expect from Pioneer at this price, with well-controlled bass doing just what it needs to according to the music genre being enjoyed. Higher frequencies follow suit and remain faithful to the music, only to add a little bit of extra excitement and glamour to proceedings, whilst staying very relaxing.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The SE-Monitor5 is incredibly comfortable and bound to please anyone who gives them a listen.
If you have got bored of circling Switzerland in your yacht then you’re probably lost, but you may be wealthy enough to consider the following models for your floating games room! These higher priced models may seem as steep as a black route ski slope, but those who accept no compromise will find the following offerings very interesting.
Sennheiser is no stranger to premium headphones, and has followed up on the excellent HD800, released a few years ago. Some felt that the HD800 is incredibly detailed but at the cost of a certain amount of musicality, so Sennheiser now has the HD800S which offers a little more in the way of ‘soul’. Bass is very responsive to what different music genres need without overdoing things, and midrange/treble give some excellent soundstage and imaging with a slightly gentler presentation when compared to the older HD800.
The HD800S is however just as comfortable as its older brother the HD800; these models can be worn for hours on end with no trouble.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The HD800S is a very popular model and with good reason; it’s as enjoyable as it is comfortable and has a fair amount of visual impact as well.
Audeze has plenty of models, but at the top of the range we have the planar-magnetic LCD-4. Top notch build quality is to be expected at this price, including unique drivers which feature NASA technology in their nano-scale diaphragms. These light, thin diaphragms can move very quickly with no inertia, making transient response times very fast, and bass precise with nice extension and very good control.
Made from 30 year old Macassar wood, the earcups are set off by bright silver grilles making the LCD-4 a treat to look at as well as to listen to. As well as the excellent bass, midrange and treble follow in good order with a smooth transition between, but with perhaps a slightly recessed midrange, putting bass and treble at the forefront of the presentation.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
For the last word in headphones, this may need to be your first stop!
Edifier is one of those brands which has escaped our attention in recent years; granted, there are a lot of low-cost brands out there but we are quite impressed with what a relatively humble sum of cash can get from this one. For instance, we have recently been getting familiar with the Sennheiser Momentum HD1 and they are very nice too. But how about cutting the cost in half?
Pros:
Superb comfort
Good battery life
Decent sound for pop and the like
Cons:
Vented capsules affect isolation
Design and Appearance
Like the Momentum HD1, the Edifier W360BT consists of a horseshoe-like base which sits around the neck, and this houses all the controls and the batteries, leaving the capsules feeling nice and light in the ear. Controls are on the upper side of the left ‘heel’ of the horseshoe, with charging port and on/off switch underneath.
The capsules have a vent each, and this lets a certain amount of exterior noise in. Great if you are planning to use these for the purposes of exercise and jogging as it’s good to be aware of your surroundings, but the noisy London Underground may cause a few problems if you’re commuting.
It’s not certain if the word ‘attractive’ is suitable for the W360BT as they are not really designed to draw attention to themselves, but they don’t look bad.
Durability and Build Quality
The Edifier W360BT is built for lightness, and due to the way it is worn, has not been made to be particularly rugged. Just comfortable and light. Cables from the neckband part are reasonably protected by strain reliefs, and that’s about it. To be fair, this design sits up out of the way of most things and the light design seems quite suitable.
Comfort
At 46.5 grams, the W360BT can hardly be felt whilst being worn; there is no weight on the capsules going into the ear either, so if you’re always fiddling around to get a decent fit with your current Bluetooth earphones, these may be worth a try.
Suitability for intended application
As mentioned above, there are several uses these can be put to. They are particularly well suited to exercising, considering the way they are worn and the vented capsule design, but the packaging is distinctly aimed at the mobile/commuter market. For general out and about purposes, the Edifier W360BT is fine unless you find yourself in particularly noisy places a lot of the time.
Generally the sound of the Edifier W360BT conforms to what most people find enjoyable, with a slightly elevated bass and a warm sound signature.
Bass
Low extension is fairly good, and bass makes its mark with enough emphasis for most without going overboard too much. There is a bit of ‘bloom’ here where the bass lacks control slightly. The midrange is not really affected however.
Mids
Midrange is clear enough to enjoy vocals and the like; there’s no obvious disconnect between bass and midrange which is nice. Also there’s a decent bit of space in there, showing that the midrange has some good control. There’s no danger here with any spikes or extra presence causing potential listener-fatigue, it’s a comfortable listen.
Treble
Presence here matches the midrange; hi-hats and cymbals are clear and present, with a certain grainy quality which is not unusual for this type of earphone. Brass and saxophones get a nice raw edginess, and again it’s hard to imagine anyone having problems here with fatigue.
Soundstage and Separation
Soundstage is OK for such a design, although the vented capsules might have improved on this a bit more. Likewise, separation is decent enough with instruments holding their own ground but there’s the sense that they are blending together slightly.
Music genres good for and why
The Edifier W360BT is great with commercial genres like R&B, hip hop and pop, but if you require any more refinement such as with classical music, you might want to consider spending the extra for the Sennheiser HD1 equivalent.
Summary
Edifier’s W360BT is a worthy addition to the current Bluetooth models available, with the neckband taking the weight so we can enjoy music in greater comfort. A good one to take out with you, but try to avoid those very noisy places!
2, 4, 6, 8 – who do we appreciate? Optoma NuForce, which has a new range of sleek balanced armature-driven IEMs with varying amounts of drivers. The HEM2 has a single driver per capsule, there are two in each HEM4 capsule, three in those of the HEM6 and four in each HEM8 capsule.
These models incorporate a ‘three-way phase-coherent crossover that achieves linear phase performance’, so now we know. In English, it amounts to a nice perceived width, fast attacks and faithful reproduction of music.
Accessories are plentiful with all models in this range, with six pairs of silicone tips and two pairs of Comply tips included. There’s a sturdy transparent Pelican-type case for travelling, and also a rigid zip-up case for the pocket. There are two cables as well, one plain stereo version and another for use with phones with a single button remote/mic.
Pros:
Good amount of eartips
Two cases included, and two cables
Capsules are relatively small, no issues with fit
Good isolation
Cons:
Not so forgiving with poor quality recordings
Design and Appearance
On the outside, the capsules themselves are very compact (even the HEM8 with its four drivers), and light. The standard cable is a braided affair, which is very supple and gives no problems when worn. The jack is of a right-angle design which should not offer any trouble other than possibly when used with headphone sockets which are recessed. It just about fits into the Chord Hugo’s headphone socket; this may not affect many users but we need to mention drawbacks whenever we get the chance; there are not many with these earphones!
Durability and Build Quality
As mentioned above, the NuForce HEM8 standard cable is very light and limber but due to its braided nature it’s hard to imagine it getting strained with normal use. Strain reliefs are not uniform and are different depending on which part of the cable they are on; the jack has the usual ‘accordion’ type strain relief and elsewhere it looks as if heat-shrink tubing is present; at the Y-split and where the cable goes over the backs of the ears. There’s also a simple slider on the cable to keep things in place, once in use.
The mic/remote cable is a fairly standard one which is not braided, but again seems strong enough to put up with a typical amount of use and abuse when out and about. Also at the point where the cable meets the capsules, there is no undue strain placed on the connection as a rigid plastic sheath holds the two-pin connectors in position.
Comfort
No problems here, the relatively small size of the capsules means that the HEM Series will fit most if not all ears, and the shrink tubing at the capsule end of the braided cable acts as a pretty effective cable guide to keep the cable in position.
Isolation is pretty good; certainly better than average with the correct tips. As ever, a bit of experimentation may be required but the standard silicone tips do a good job of keeping out exterior noise. The Comply tips will naturally enhance this further.
Sound Characteristics
Testing with a Chord Hugo DAC.
Overall the sound is clear and crisp with no obvious peaks; detail is very good and with plenty going on in the music, there’s no hint of congestion.
Bass
Down low, sub bass is not there in quantities we might expect from models such as the Shure SE846 for example, but it’s there nonetheless and considering the relatively diminutive size of the capsules, it’s impressive. Mid and upper bass is generally very well controlled with plenty of impact, however some bass instruments such as the double bass can tend to take over a bit. Midrange is not affected though..
Mids
Here, everything hangs loose and natural; there’s heaps of space and harmonics are nicely cohesive with the bass frequencies. The multiple drivers and crossovers work together really well. It’s not recessed at all, but not pushy either. There’s a nice balance between the two which makes for a versatile earphone model.
Treble
The crisp treble is natural sounding and is well tuned to sit well with the rest of the presentation; however the flip side is that the HEM8 may be relatively unforgiving with poorly mastered and low-bitrate encoded recordings, or old recordings. Fatigue may be an issue for those with more sensitive ears, depending on the source and the quality of music played.
Soundstage and Separation
Soundstage is impressive with again a lot of room there; individual instruments have plenty of space and it amounts to a very immersive experience.
Music genres good for and why
The HEM8 is a great earphone for everything which is well produced; from hiphop to jazz, classical to hard rock.
Summary
The HEM8 is a winner for those who want a clean well balanced sound, and who have a collection of well-produced music. The wealth of accessories included makes the NuForce HEM8 a very competent and well thought out product.
Televisions have changed recently; where there was once only one speaker facing forwards, now there are speakers all over the place. This can make for an immersive experience, but many complain of finding dialogue hard to follow; mumbling actors, sound effects and soundtracks all take their toll as well as speaker placement and our fondness for wooden flooring, which sends sound reflections all around the room.
Since the Thomson WHP3311 can work with any equipment which has a 3.5mm headphone socket, these wireless headphones are also perfect for listening to music while moving around the house or relaxing in the garden. If your TV does not have a headphone socket or only outputs digital audio, please see our guide for how to best deal with this HERE. Also, check the guide if you wish to use the headphones and also have the TV speaker working; it all depends on how you connect the equipment.
Wireless headphones for TV use have been around for a long time now, but many are put off by the relatively high price of some sets. Step forward Thomson, with a solution for under £40!
Pros:
Wireless audio
Ideal for TV use
Transmitter also charges headphones
Comfortable
Cons:
For £39.99, how can there be a con?
Design and Appearance
The WHP3311 is quite utilitarian in design; it will win no fashion awards but if we are wearing them indoors, who’s to know? The base unit, or transmitter will sit near to the audio source or TV and will blend in quite well, with a black gloss finish. The base unit doubles as a stand for the headphones for between uses, and will also recharge the headphone’s batteries.
There are three channels, selected using a switch on the base unit. If there is any problem with local interference, selecting one of the other channels should solve this.
The headphones can be worn for extended periods; however as the earpads are made of leatherette things can get a bit sweaty under there but it’s not a big concern. Also glasses wearers need not fear, there is no discomfort from earpad pressure on the arms of the glasses.
Durability and Build Quality
Construction is lightweight and designed for comfort whilst being used in a domestic setting. Build quality is good; although not rugged as such. If care is taken with them, they will last.
Sound Characteristics
The Thomson WHP3311 is a low-cost model and sound quality is fair for the price. Given that headphones are much nearer the ears than the average TV, a definite improvement will be apparent when it comes to comprehending speech, for example.
Summary
Are you getting complaints from neighbours when you’re trying to watch Neighbours? The Thomson WHP3311 is a perfect low-cost TV audio solution to bring back a bit of clarity to dialogue and help avoid losing the plot!
Pioneer’s a big player in the audio field, and their new full size headphones certainly went down well at London’s recent Canjam event. They’ve other smaller offerings too, such as the in-ear SE-CH9T; we take a listen.
Pros:
Removable cable
Mic/control for answering calls
Well controlled bass
Pouch included
Cons:
Relative lack of accessories
Sound lacks refinement/detail
Design and Appearance
The outward appearance of the cosily-named SE-CH9T is fairly standard, although on closer inspection the capsules look like they’re half Shure SE215 and half SoundMAGIC E10. There’s a fairly small Shure-like capsule which looks to give some space behind the driver; this works in conjunction with the ‘air-flow control port’ to usher out all those unwanted reflections within. Leading to the actual sound nozzle, there’s a striking copper-coloured aluminium protrusion which itself houses an inner nozzle made of brass. This ‘enables tight and punchy bass’ according to the packaging.
There is a mic/control on the cable; this is of the single button type, so no volume controls. The SE-CH9T is suitable for use with both Android and Apple handsets though, and is removable with MMCX connectors.
It’s generally a sensible, understated design but for the copper-coloured nozzles which give a splash of flamboyance.
Durability and Build Quality
The SE-CH9T is a very well constructed earphone. The twisted cable is strong and pliable; the 90 degree jack is small and stylish and strain reliefs look as if they get the job done. As with a few other similar designs however, no such strain reliefs are on the mic/control unit, perhaps they are not so crucial in the middle of a cable.
Accessories are minimal; a pouch is provided along with a selection of eartips and two ‘connector shields’ which we think go over the ends of the cable where they meet the capsules. We’re not sure why though.
Once a comfortable fit is achieved, the earphones can be as good as forgotten. For this reviewer, a shallow fit works best as the sound nozzles are relatively wide at around 7mm in diameter. A deep insertion is not an option here, but may be for you.
The cable is supple and doesn’t offer any resistance to movement, but there is a chin slider to prevent any unruly cable behaviour, if needed.
Sound Characteristics
The Pioneer SE-CH9T is a bit of a break from recent bass-heavy models such as the SE-CX8, release a couple of years back. Overall the presentation is on the warm side of neutral, with a bit of bass emphasis and upper midrange presence too. The sound has a certain ‘ungarnished’ quality about it.
Bass
Extension is low with the bass; it’s wide and deep, but there’s no more of it than necessary to add a touch of rumble if called upon. Bass is well controlled and tight; there seems to be a bit of a gap where it gives way to higher frequencies though; this isn’t a deal breaker but makes the midrange appear slightly detached from the bass.
Mids
The slightly forward upper-midrange gives an impression of a clean and accurate sound; it tends to pick up instruments like brass, percussion and electric piano rather than male vocals, although female vocals do get a bit of ‘centre stage’ treatment. There’s a decent amount of detail here, but there is also a touch of graininess, or lack of detail which carries on up into the treble.
Treble
The balance of the SE-CH9T’s treble with the other frequencies makes it almost understated and relaxed; it’s a pretty smooth transtion from the upper midrange but the treble prefers sitting in the shade. The treble does lack refinement, but Pioneer decided not to make up for this by emphasising these frequencies, and that’s pretty welcome.
Soundstage and Separation
There is a good breadth to the sound, but instruments are less distinct than they could be. The harmonics which help to give instruments their character and form are not clear enough, and we’re left with a slightly smeary presentation with the instruments overlapping and bleeding into each other. It’s not unpleasant, but there are earphones at this price which do this better.
Music genres good for and why
The strengths of the SE-CH9T lie in the bass and midrange regions, but the tight bass wins out. Modern dance, R&B and pop will do well, with acoustic and classical taking second place. There’s a danger of the sound seeming a bit lean if there is not a fair level of bass warmth in the recording.
Summary
Pioneer’s new SE-CH9T earphones are pretty straight-laced if compared to some previous models such as the ‘Club Sound’ SE-CX8, and we’re tempted to suggest that Pioneer is growing up. However since Pioneer turns 80 next year, we won’t.
Focal has caused a stir recently with their two new additions; the Utopia and the Focal Elear headphones. In the hunt for a snappy title, we have found that the word ‘Elear’ has no definition in either English or French, so we had to make do with a click-baity title instead.
With the Utopia at a wallet-wilting £3499, the Elear has missed out on a lot of attention due to its less sensational price. However, £899 is still a fair whack for a pair of headphones so let’s see if we can define ‘Elear’ here.
Pros:
Excellent clear sound
Strong, well made cable
Great presentation, beautiful!
Cons:
Some may find them heavy
Design and Appearance
The Focal Elear comes in a very impressive looking box, although it won’t stand up to much use without starting to look scruffy, as it’s made of paper-coated wood or card. Given the Elear’s intended uses however, we don’t imagine that it will need to go back in very often. The headphones themselves are very well built, with great styling. Imagine the Sennheiser HD600 being designed by a Frenchman and the Elear would not be far off.
Durability and Build Quality
The Elear is of relatively light construction in terms of the way the components fit together. For instance the headband and earcups have a little bit of give to them, but this is down to helping achieve a good fit rather than poor design. Whether these parts loosen in years to come, time will tell but we don’t think so. That’s where the lightness ends though, as the Elear weighs in at a relatively hefty 434 grams (15.3 Oz – nearly a pound!).
Also the cable is quite substantial; it makes most other cables look like spider silk but it’s not cumbersome; ‘reassuringly lavish’ probably fits. It’s a rubber-coated affair and matches the headphones very well.
Comfort
There’s plenty of padding under the headband and with the soft and pliable earpads on the Elear, no particular part of the head registers discomfort. These headphones can be worn for hours depending on your neck muscles; those 434 grams can start imposing themselves after a while.
The Focal Elear‘s tuning is pitched slightly warmish, but with a respectable presence in the mid/treble region too. It is good at reproducing the subtle variations in volume offered by acoustic instruments and so excels with live and acoustic performances. Having said that, studio recordings are pretty convincing too. The Elear is fairly forgiving with less than perfect recordings, old records and music files; pops and scratches are there alright, but not brought into sharp relief. Enough fun can be had with old MP3 files without feeling as if we need to rush out and get these in higher resolution in order to enjoy the Elear.
Bass
Bass is in no short supply, but is well balanced with the rest of the frequencies; it doesn’t tend to dominate unless the music is already bassy. Sub bass gives a pleasant rumble if required, and mid bass is punchy and tight; it’s well behaved up to the midrange and the transition to the higher frequencies is nice and even.
Mids
Plenty of space here; decays are as long as needed and vocals/backing vocals are clear and well defined. Fans of acoustic and classical music are in for a treat as a strong impression of the recording space is given by the Elear, with the ebb and flow of natural reverb being very well reproduced.
Treble
Treble is not pushed at us but is very resolving and we find ourselves ‘reaching in’ to the recording to find tiny details which are all the more natural-sounding. Transient speed is excellent with clear, sharp percussive sounds. Also, be ready for unplanned sounds in recordings, such as when a singer opens their mouth, ready to sing. Unplanned perhaps, but fun to spot and enjoy as an added level of realism.
Soundstage and Separation
Width is great with studio recordings but as noted above, all the more realistic with recordings made within a performance space such as classical or opera. Imaging is impressive, with subtle harmonic details giving a strong impression of instrument shape and form.
Music genres good for and why
The Focal Elear is a good all-round choice; if this is the only headphone you have, it will do everything well but it really shines with classical and opera; anything which is recorded within a performance space really.
Summary
Focal’s Elear may sit in the shade next to Focal’s current flagship headphone (The Utopia) but can really dish up the goods. Prices for top of the range headphones have been pushing up and up recently, but if you wish to keep your feet on the ground then the Focal Elear is one of the best which can be had for under a grand.
We’ve been treated to a few of Shanling’s products lately; as well as the excellent M1 and M2S players, this little amp promises to give brands like Fiio a run for their money! The entry-level portables market has been truly cornered by Fiio in recent years, so it will be interesting to see what impact Shanling can make here.
Pros:
Small, handy unit
Thoughtfully designed volume control
Well constructed
Cons:
None
Design and Appearance
The Shanling H1 amp is a small unit, being 7cm x 6cm and about 1.5cm thick; about half the size of the average mobile handset. The edges are bevelled and the unit feels good in the hand, with enough weight to feel substantial for its size, although the unit is itself not heavy.
Key Features
The main feature is the recessed knurled volume knob which is centred on one side of the amp, which is protected from accidental operation by the amp’s housing. Power/charge lights are on the top, plus there’s a gain switch and micro-USB socket on the rear for charging. That’s it! The H1 is as simple as it gets for an amp, and it’s all that’s needed.
Durability and Build Quality
The Shanling H1 headphone amp is constructed from aluminium and has a pretty solid feel about it. It will probably have no problem being dropped occasionally, but we’ve not tried this here! The volume knob has a smooth, solid feel as it’s turned and it has enough stiffness not to be operated accidentally whilst in the pocket.
This amp goes loud for its size; we couldn’t resist pairing it up with a HiFiMAN HE-6 which is notoriously difficult to drive. On the low gain setting, and using an incoming line-level signal, the volume goes up to hearing damage levels with the HE-6 on some pieces. Not bad! Of course, we don’t recommend this pairing for getting the best out of the HE-6!
The H1 is designed for portable use, so was tried versus being directly connected to a cheap phone with portable earphones . The sound is faithful and quite neutral, although there is a little more thump coming through with the sub-bass. Music appears to be more relaxed and natural through the amp, where it sounds a little strained with a direct connection. Listening to this amp with a pair of SoundMAGIC E80 earphones is actually very enjoyable!
Summary
Shanling’s new H1 portable amplifier is a palm-sized affair, but Fiio had better start making room anyway!
MrSpeakers is one of those small companies which gets some big attention; not content with their excellent Ether models, they’re back with another design! The MrSpeakers Aeon is a slight departure from the norm, as MrSpeakers has elected to go with some teardrop-shaped earcups for this one. Perhaps they’re designed to match the tears currently falling down our cheeks.. but are they tears of pure frisson, or rage?
Pros:
Light and comfortable
Excellent sound for a closed back
Tuning/modding foam included
Isolation impressive
Cons:
Nothing worth mentioning!
Design and Appearance
Much like its MrSpeakers forebears, the Aeon is a light and thoughtfully constructed headphone with ‘memory metal’ headband and a decent real leather strap. The earcups are mostly plastic with metal housings for the drivers; it’s all rock solid though, despite the low weight of the Aeon.
Durability and Build Quality
There’s not a lot to go wrong with the design; there are no hinges which can sometimes give trouble eventually, and the sturdy case supplied with the headphones will protect them well between uses. The ‘Dummer’ cable is about 1.8m long and is much like those we’ve seen on the previous Ether models; fabric coated and substantial enough without becoming too cumbersome.
Comfort
Comfort is not an issue with the MrSpeakers Aeon; these are very light for what they do and can be worn for many hours. Clamping force may be more noticeable but the soft pads ensure that no pressure points announce themselves.
Suitability for intended application
The Aeon is primarily intended for the home or office, but wouldn’t look out of place outdoors. The Aeon is a little hard to drive with portable equipment so a separate amp may be required for this, or a capable player. The isolation on the Aeon is quite impressive so it could be a worthwhile thing to try.
At first listen the Aeon is quite a neutral-sounding headphone; nothing sticks out too much and there are no obvious dips in the frequency response. After a while though, the Aeon’s character starts to come through. MrSpeakers has also included some small foam pads to modify the sound somewhat; this fills in the upper bass and smooths upper midrange frequencies a bit if needed.
Bass
Bass starts with a bump, and the sub bass is really rather nice; a lot of what certain tracks require is just waiting in the wings and pops out to make a great bottom end. Further up towards the upper reaches of the bass, there is a feeling that more presence would be good as it meets the midrange but it’s slight. Overall the bass is tight and well behaved, giving a solid feeling to proceedings.
Mids
Midrange is extremely clear and revealing; it has a natural and loose feel to it which is impressive for a closed-back model. It has a well balanced quality which is not too hard, nor too lush. There’s no issue with sibilance here either, despite the impression that midrange is fully present within the tuning of the MrSpeakers Aeon.
Treble
Up at the top, there’s good extension and a decent amount of sparkle although there is no obvious emphasis here; treble continues on from midrange without any problem. Cymbals are rendered very well with decent detail, and attacks are good and sharp.
Soundstage and Separation
We keep needing to remind ourselves that this is a closed-back headphone; the soundstage is very impressive indeed with great depth too. Imaging and separation are excellent, making a very entertaining and enjoyable headphone.
Music genres good for and why
Many genres were tried and none failed to hit the mark. Classical is treated with delicacy, hip hop is thrown down, and jazz gets playful. The MrSpeakers Aeon handles it all equally well!
Summary
MrSpeakers’ Aeon is a very capable headphone which is worthy of the high price, and equally suitable for use outdoors as well as relaxing at home.
This is one of the most important things to consider when using in-ear headphones, but unfortunately it is overlook by a large chunk of the consumer market. We buy things and expect them to just work out the box, but just like your shoe size, we all have different ear canal sizes.
So many times have I seen people comment on lack of bass from models well known for their excellent bass response, the common factor is trying them out of the box with the tips that are pre-installed, and not trying any others. I beg you to try all the different tips to find the one that fits the best.
In-ear headphones will only work if properly sealed, as this will give you the optimal bass response, and also isolate the best from outside noises. If you think about it, if you have a bass speaker in a small room it will sound fuller than if it were in an open space. The same goes for in-ear headphones, if there is a break in the seal the bass will be the first thing you lose.
The bass response of this room is likely to be poor; lower frequencies are the first to disappear given the chance – and forget isolation!
Different headphones come with different types of tips, most come with only standard silicone tips, but some come with a pair of Comply memory foam tips, and also dual and triple flange tips. Using foam tips such as the Comply or Blackbird tips, the tips conform to your inner ear better than regular silicone tips, so it may be worth trying some of them out before making up your mind on the headphones. I also personally find foam tips to be more comfortable, and they isolate from outside noise better, but they do have a tendency to tone down the treble a little.
Everybody’s ears are different, and a good play around with the various sizes and types of tips will certainly be worthwhile. Also the placement of the tip within the ear can be experimented with; try a small tip which is inserted into the ear canal. Or perhaps a larger tip placed against the mouth of the ear canal might suit you better.
Personally, I’ve settled before on a small tip in my right ear and a medium one in my left; it is quite common for our ears to be slightly different sizes so feel free to mix n’ match.
The best way to fit your in-ear headphones, is to lift the top of your ear gently as you insert them, as this opens your ear canal a little. Once you let go they should seal fully, and then you can experience the best audio quality from your in-ear headphones.
It’s always a shame to receive a pair of in-ear headphones which has been returned by a customer, and to find that they haven’t been thorough with the eartips. So make sure you are getting a good seal to get the most out of your headphones. Lack of bass? Try some different tips.
The Fostex TH7BK seems to be a revision of the former model, the TH7BB. However, the older TH7BB had a semi-open design whereas the new TH7BK is closed. This lends itself better to the studio applications it’s designed for, but the 1.2m cable may require an extension cable. The TH7BK can be used for portable applications but will require a little help with amplification if being used with most handsets.
Pros:
Decent low cost studio cans
Good for monitoring
Cons:
Cable could be longer for studio use
Design and Appearance
The Fostex TH7BK is exactly like its older counterpart in terms of looks; it’s a plain design which doesn’t draw attention and doesn’t want it either. There is nothing unattractive about it, but it’s not going to suit you if you are planning on making an impression!
The plastic material has a rubberised coating of some sort, giving a matt finish all over.
Durability and Build Quality
Build quality is satisfactory, but the TH7BK is not designed for particularly heavy use. Sit on these and you’ll be looking for new headphones, but with care these will last for a good while.
Comfort
The TH7BK might be classed as an over-ear model but things are a little snug in there; if your ears are on the large side, they might also be partly on the outside, but most should be fine.
The Fostex TH7BK is designed to be a low cost solution for project studios and the like; the overall sound signature is fairly flat and dry, but with enough to work as a headphone for listening to music as an end user too.
Bass
Bass is not as emphasised as with most consumer headphones, but is well controlled and fits in with the rest of the presentation. It starts low and gives a bit of a thump, but no bruises are formed.
Mids
The midrange is clear and fully present without any troublesome peaks. Very good for monitoring and spotting details; vocals are clear enough but there is a slight raspy quality to them. Similarly, harmonics are not as clear as with higher priced offerings from Fostex, affecting imaging a little.
Treble:
Treble is clear too, but as with the midrange there is a grainy element to it. These are under £70, so it’s not meant as a criticism so much as a description of the sound. Hi hats and cymbals still sound good, but with an element of ‘rock ‘n roll’ roughness about them.
Soundstage and Separation
Soundstage depends on the production; some genres can seem a little flat and narrow, but others widen out quite a bit, such as classical. Given that these headphones were designed for monitoring and the like, this is not really an issue.
Separation is fairly good; everything has its place in the mix but it’s not completely distinct all the time.
Music genres good for and why
From the standpoint of an end user rather than a studio user, the Fostex TH7BK works well with electronic, dance and similar genres. Live music, classical and acoustic performances may seem a little two-dimensional however.
Summary
The Fostex TH7BK is good value as a tool for use in the studio, and can be used as a general listening headphone too. Any criticisms regarding the sound involve the TH7BK’s perceived use as an ‘end user’ headphone and so should be taken with a grain of salt; this model is not primarily designed for that purpose.
Hot on the heels of the Pioneer Master1 , the SE-Monitor5 promises to be a closed-back alternative. It’s a similar design but with a few tweaks here and there, and at a much lower price. So what does a grand get us from Pioneer these days?
Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel):
Wearing the SE-Monitor 5 certainly makes it known that you’re incommunicado; the earcups are big circular affairs which swallow up the ears and quite a lot of head along with them! Attractive copper rings decorate the earcups on the outside, and the cable bears a couple of rose gold touches.
The Pioneer SE-Monitor5 is built with longevity in mind and will probably last for many years. Everything is solid and premium-feeling with no weak points. The cable is a little unusual in that it’s a fabric-coated type which has been braided or twisted, so it resembles a vintage power cable. The twistings are not fixed so they’re a bit tighter here and not so tight there, making it a bit scruffy looking. Strain reliefs are pretty small, but this is a ‘stay at home’ model so pretty standard for that use. There are three cables included; a 3 metre one, and two shorter cables, one of which is balanced with a 2.5mm jack.
The connectors which go into the headphones are 3.5mm stereo jacks, so there is plenty of scope for aftermarket or DIY cables if that takes your fancy.
When swapping the earpads over, the housings for the drivers were revealed as being of solid magnesium alloy. It’s impressive that this should be found where few will ever venture and actually see it, but it’s probably there for acoustic reasons first and foremost.
Comfort:
The drawback of all this solid construction is the weight, around 480g (17 ounces). This reviewer is of the strong-necked variety, and heavier headphones have been tried but some out there may wish to think twice if they are sensitive to this sort of thing. The weight is quite evenly distributed between the earpads and headband, but the slight pressure from the headband may start making itself known after an hour or two.
Sound characteristics:
The Pioneer SE-Monitor5 comes with two sets of pads; the velour is fitted by default and there are a pair of leatherette earpads too. For this review the leatherette earpads are being used; with the velour pads the sound is a little more focused on the midrange with a lower bass level.
The SE-Monitor5 earpads are quite solid and the seal is affected if glasses are worn; glasses with chunky arms create a gap between the earpads and the head, letting out a fair bit of the low frequencies. Metal-framed glasses may be better. It’s easy to imagine that this issue will resolve itself when the earpads start to wear in.
Bass:
Bass is quite responsive to the music being played; it stays in its place with older genres but is fully present with anything newly produced. The sub bass comes out to play, and we’re treated to a very wide, tight and dazzling bottom end! There is no hint of the bass being elevated above where it should be with any particular thing. There’s a nice clarity and form to it, and it’s clear and well separated even with a lot going on within the midrange.
Mids:
Like the bass, the midrange doesn’t overdo it. The SE-Monitor 5 is a fairly flat and neutral-sounding headphone, but there is a certain warmth and lushness there to keep things sounding appealing. There is no sibilance though, or any sign that the SE-Monitor 5 is having anything other than a great time! It’s all relaxed and effortless.
The midrange hangs with the bass and merges seamlessly; there’s a vast amount of space and reverb trails/effects are clear and well defined all the way to their eventual decay. harmonics are clear and serve to make for a large and well defined sound.
Treble:
Following in the SE-Monitor 5 theme, the treble hits the right note too. It’s neither boosted or recessed; our attention is on the full presentation, and it’s topped off with some really impressive detail given the relaxed and unhurried way in which it appears to be served up. Like the midrange, the treble has an inviting lush quality to it which really appeals and makes for a slightly warm sound, but without compromising on detail.
The width of the presentation is pretty good for a closed-back model. There’s a decent amount of virtual space in which the SE-Monitor 5 has its fun, and a very real impression of the space in which the recording was made too, such as in the case of acoustic music like classical or opera.
The SE-Monitor 5 may be a little warm-sounding but not at the expense of details which give positional cues, preserving the positions and forms of instruments really well. There’s great layering and we’re well aware of players and voices stretching out to the fringes of the space; nice for backing vocals.
Music genres good for and why:
Headphones at this price point should really do everything well, and the Pioneer SE-Monitor 5 doesn’t disappoint. Classical pieces benefit from a certain weightiness without taking the listener away from the midrange detail. Drum and Bass can give its all, and the SE-Monitor 5 serves up sub bass in buckets. Older recordings sound vibrant and musical, whilst at the same time being given sympathetic treatment for any artefacts or hiss they may have.
Pros:
Excellent sound
Premium feel/Solid construction
Short and long cables included
Cons:
Might be a bit heavy for some
cables look untidy (nitpicking!)
Summary:
Pioneer’s new SE-Monitor 5 promises to be a closed-back follow up to the open-backed SE-Master 1; but is it a people pleaser? It goes well with all sorts of music and should put a smile on the face of the most committed curmudgeon!
Final’s a funny name for a company which keeps bringing out great earphones; there’s nothing Final here as there’s always more to look forward to! Although the Final E3000 and E2000 are budget models when compared to some of their offerings, they are very interesting specimens; dynamically driven and with a hint of openness about them.
Pros:
Simple, small designs
Cables round (not ribbon-style)
Earhooks included
lovely soundstage and imaging
Cons:
Not as isolating as some
Design and Appearance
If you’re familiar with Final’s earphones then you’ll see that there’s no real departure from a lot of their in-ears. They’re a cross between the newer F7200 and the Heaven series, with a sleek and sensible appearance. The capsules are small; again, about halfway between the F7200 and the Heaven series. The capsules for each model differ, as the E2000 has black plastic and the E3000 has shiny stainless steel.
Unlike Final’s Heaven series, the cable is not of a flat ribbon type but has a pretty standard round design which behaves itself and is quite soft and slinky. The E3000 and E2000 can be worn either with the cable hanging down from the ear or with the cable going over the top of the ear; this can be facilitated by use of the included earhooks.
The back ends of the capsules feature a vent each; this allows a little of the sonic ‘backwash’ to escape from those dynamic drivers, improving the soundstage but also compromising isolation slightly. Very little leaks out though so there’s no need to be self-conscious.
And if you’re keen on wearing earphones with the cable over the ear, Final have thrown in a pair of earhooks with each model.
Durability and Build Quality
There is a decent strain relief on the jack end of the cable but it’s minimal where it meets the earphones and the ‘joiner’ in the middle. This shouldn’t be a problem unless the earphones are habitually yanked out of the ears (if you do this then you are asking for problems)!
As we’ve come to expect from Final, the build quality is excellent with no flaws.
Comfort
The capsule size of the E3000 and E2000 is small, so there should be no issues with fit, and the supplied silicone tips are comfortable enough. Not everyone can get on with silicone tips however, so if aftermarket tips are preferred then the Comply ‘200’ sized tips are suitable, or the newer Blackbird ‘S20’ tips are available from our outlet.
Sound Characteristics
As with many of Final’s earphones (both the dynamically driven and balanced armature designs), the sound has lovely clarity, and this dynamic design gives a little bit of extra bass presence when compared to the Heaven II model, for example).
These impressions are for the E3000 model. For the E2000, there is a slight shift in the balance between the bass and midrange; there is a little more in the way of midrange when compared to the lower frequencies. Also the E2000 has less refinement with details at the treble end, but this is not obvious without comparing the two models closely.
Bass
These little things offer a surprising bass quality; the 6.4mm drivers can really dish it out! The E3000 is not bassy per se but the bass starts really low, gives a good thump with those kick drums, and is enough to please anyone. It’s fairly tight and doesn’t interfere with the midrange frequencies at all.
Mids
There’s a good deal of clarity and detail here; it’s clear when flautists inhale and woodwind keys click. Vocals are nicely textured too. The midrange is not emphasised too much, nor recessed too much. The overall impression is of a smooth sound but there’s no feeling that anything is being missed; it’s all here.
Treble
The theme continues up the frequency range, with bright and tinkly sounds coming across as just that; these never stray into strident or fatiguing territory. In fact, the opposite may be true as Duran Duran always struck me as a bit cold-sounding (classic 1980s production here) but the E3000 gives them a more natural feel.
Soundstage and Separation
The vented design comes into play here; when compared to most ‘sealed’ designs the soundstage of the E3000 is impressive with some nice width and depth too; the E2000 is a little behind with its slightly grainer treble but still strikes the right note. Both models give a decent impression of the instruments’ placement as well; recordings such as those done by ‘The Mint Julep Jazz Band’ have us surrounded by some very convincing brass instruments, and it’s very enjoyable!
Overall, the slight loss of isolation in the design is more than made up for with the soundstage on offer here.
Music genres good for and why
As above, anything live or recorded in a big room is a treat, but studio produced tracks are equally as impactful, making both the E3000 and E2000 good candidates for those who like to mix it up.
Summary
Final’s new dynamic offerings, the E3000 and E2000, are amazing value and stay faithful to Final’s house sound of a pure and natural presentation with a touch of warmth. These earphones are certainly recommended for the asking price.
