Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
No Result
View All Result

Optoma NuForce HEM8 Earphone Review – Nu Wot, M8?

by Steve
September 13, 2017
in Full Reviews
Home Full Reviews

Optoma Nufore HEM8

Optoma NuForce HEM8 Quad Driver IEM Review

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!

Optoma Nufore HEM8

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.

———————————————————————————————–

READ MORE: Pioneer SE-CH9T Earphone Review

———————————————————————————————–

Sound Isolation

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.

Optoma Nufore HEM8

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.

Optoma Nufore HEM8

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.

Tags: monitor earphonemonitor iemnuforcenuforce earphonenuforce hem8nuforce iemoptoma iemoptoma nuforceproduct
Previous Post

Thomson WHP3311 TV Headphone Review – Pay Less to go Wireless

Next Post

Edifier W360BT Bluetooth Earphones Review – Wearable or Terrible?

Related Posts

JDS Labs Element III Review
Full Reviews

JDS Labs Element III Review

by Oscar
May 9, 2022
Westone Audio Pro X Series Review
Full Reviews

Westone Audio Pro X Series Review

by Oscar
May 9, 2022
Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones
Full Reviews

Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones

by Oscar
May 10, 2022
Next Post
Edifier W360BT

Edifier W360BT Bluetooth Earphones Review - Wearable or Terrible?

Indulgence Show 2017

Indulgence Show 2017 - London

Best Earphones To Buy In 2017 – Expert Reviews

Best Earphones To Buy In 2017 - Expert Reviews

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Featured Article

Our Recommendations

Recent Posts

  • Westone MACH Series Release
  • JDS Labs Brand Story
  • JDS Labs Element III Video Review
  • Campfire Audio Release Supermoon Planar CIEM
  • Top 5 sub £100 Portable Audio Devices

Latest YouTube Videos

JDS Labs decided to skip the Element II+ and designed the Element III from the ground up - around a different DAC Chip. They have added a digital volume attenuator along with optical input, and decided to implement changes that make an audible difference instead of chasing specs.

Buy here: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug

Full blog review: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-element-iii-review/

JDS Labs Blog: https://blog.jdslabs.com/2022/01/jds-labs-element-iii-official-release-benchmarks/

0:00 - Intro
0:20 - development of Element III
0:51 - Design / Features
3:19 - Sound
5:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
JDS Labs Element III DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLjlXSVBfNUZiQkEw
We have carefully put together a list of our current best buys, we have selected products from different categories and items to suit all budgets. Let us know what you think of the list, and if you have any of the products listed or have any items you think we should check out. 

0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Lypertek PurePlay Z5
0:50 - Final ZE3000
1:07 - Lypertek SoundFree S20
1:26 - SoundMAGIC E11c
1:42 - Oriveti OH300
2:03 - Campfire Audio Holocene
2:22 - 64 Audio U6t
2:45 - 64 Audio tia Fourte
3:03 - Etymotic ER-4SR
3:24 - SoundMAGIC P23BT
3:46 - Final UX3000
4:04 - Sennheiser HD660s
4:27 - Audeze LCD-2 Classic
4:53 - Final D8000 
5:18 - Audeze LCD-5
5:44 - Periodic Audio Rhodium
6:08 - JDS Labs Atom Amp+
6:27 - JDS Labs Element III
6:59 - Burson Soloist 3X GT

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blog Post - https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/best-headphones-earphones-hifiheadphones/

Earphones: 

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-pureplay-z5?
Final ZE3000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-ze3000-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black?
Lypertek SoundFree S20 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-soundfree-s20-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black?
SoundMAGIC E11c - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-e11c-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-mic-black?
Oriveti OH300 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/oriveti-oh300-hybrid-triple-drivers-iem-earphones-with-detachable-cable?
Campfire Audio Holocene - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/campfire-audio-holocene-triple-balanced-armature-drivers-iem-earphones-with-detachable-mmcx-cable?
64 Audio U6t - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/64-audio-u6t-six-drivers-universal-iem-earphones-with-detachable-cable?
64 Audio tia Fourte - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/64-audio-tia-fourte-four-drivers-universal-iem-earphones?
Etymotic ER-4SR - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/etymotic-er4-sr-studio-reference-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-replaceable-cable?

Headphones:

SoundMAGIC P23BT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-p23bt-portable-wireless-headphones-black?
Final UX3000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-ux3000-wireless-active-noise-cancelling-headphones?
Sennheiser HD660s - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/sennheiser-hd660s-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-1?
Audeze LCD-2 Classic - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/audeze-lcd-2-classic-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-and-economy-travel-case-leather-free?
Final D8000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-d8000-planar-magnetic-headphones-with-detachable-cable?
Audeze LCD-5 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/audeze-lcd-5-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-leather?

Amps / DACs

Periodic Audio Rhodium - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier?
JDS Labs Atom Amp+ - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-atom-amp-headphone-amplifier-uk-plug?
JDS Labs Element III - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug?
Burson Soloist 3X GT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/burson-audio-soloist-3x-gt-headphone-amplifier-pre-amp?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
HiFiHeadphones Best Buys - Headphones, Earphones, Amps and DACs
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLkxvMXJUak5BV18w
Ever wondered what the difference is between Passive noise isolation and ANC (Active Noise Cancelling)? 

Well watch on as we explain the core differences and the pros and cons of each system. 

Have a preference? Let us know in the comments. 

Any other questions about tech or headphones/earphones? Do put them in the comments too and we will reply and potentially make a video about it. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
- Manfrotto 504HD/546BK Tripod
Passive Isolation vs ANC in Headphones and Earphones
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLnZORGpkZVdqZUNj

Interested in a product?

If you have questions about a product please contact us directly through our contact form

Contact our Experts

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

  • @westoneaudio have just released a new range of earphones - the MACH series - ideal for professionals and audiophiles alike!

#westone #westoneaudio #westonemachseries #earphones #headphones #hifiheadphones #headfi #proaudio #audiophile #highend #highendaudio #inears #iems #musician #stagemonitoring
  • We still have a limited number of @campfireaudio Sabers in stock -  limited to 1000 units worldwide make sure to grab a pair before they are gone!

#campfireaudio #campfiresaber #saberearphones #campfireaudiosaber #dynamicdriver #earphones #headphones #audiophile #portableaudio #inears #iems #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • This little combo comes in at under £100, and sounds incredible!

@periodicaudio Rhodium + @soundmagiceurope E11c

#portableaudio #periodicaudio #periodicrhodium #soundmagic #e11c #rhodiumdac #dac #headamp #hifiheadphones #audiophile
  • Our video review of the excellent @jdslabs Element III is now live!

#jdslabs #jdslabselement3 #element3 #headphones #headamp #headphoneamp #dacamp #headfi #earphones #headfi
  • @campfireaudio are known for doing things differently - their new custom IEM uses a single planar magnetic driver. These are really interesting, and sound incredible too - check out the announcement on our blog.

#campfireaudio #campfiresupermoon #supermoon #ciem #customiem #customearphone #campfireaudiosupermoon #planarmagnetic #planarearphone #earphones #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • When did you last clean your earphones?

Do you know how to clean your headphones?

Check out our handy guide on how to look after your portable audio gear - over on the blog

#cleaning #audiohygiene #headphonecleaning #earbudcleaning #earbuds #earphones #earphonecleaning
  • Looking for audio on a budget, head to the blog to see our top 5 under £100 audio products to give you better audio on-the-go. 

#lypertek #periodicaudio #soundmagic #headphones #earphones #audio #hifiheadphones #bestbuys #bestheadphones #bestearphones #budgetaudio #budgetheadphones #budgetearphones
  • Following up from our blog post on our favourite products across various budgets and ranges, we decided to make a video based on the same list.  Go check it out and let us know if you own, or have tried any of the products listed!

@lypertek 
@campfireaudio
@periodicaudio
@64audio
@bursonaudio
@jdslabs
@audeze_official
@final_audio
@soundmagiceurope
@sennheiser

#audeze #lypertek #oriveti #soundmagic #jdslabs #bursonaudio #finalaudio #campfireaudio #64audio #64fam #etymotic #sennheiser #periodicaudio #iem #earphones #headphones #anc #bestearphones #bestheadphones #bestanc #wireless #truewireless #headfi #audiophile #headamp #dac #headphoneamp
  • Ever wondered what our top picks are for different categories and different price ranges? 

Well wonder no more, we have put together a comprehensive best buy list over on our blog - so go check it out!

http://ow.ly/n5Fm50IsrQY

#bestbuy #buyingguide #topbuys #toppicks #topheadphones #bestheadphones #bestearphones #audiophile #headphones #earphones #headfi #audiophile #hifiheadphones #jdslabs #bursonaudio #final #campfireaudio #audeze
  • Something often overlooked is the importance of eartips, they are responsible for creating an airtight seal in your ear to deliver the best sound possible - not forgetting that different designs and materials also alter the sound. 

This is often quite a complex topic, so check out our guide to eartips over on our blog: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/eartips-how-to-guide-by-hifiheadphones/

#eartips #spinfit #comply #westone #etymotic #inears #inear #earphones #headphones #audiology #audiophile #hifiheadphones #earbuds #iem #headfi #anc #noiseisolation
Instagram Youtube Facebook
hifi headphones

Join Our Newsletter


Categories

  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

About Hifiheadphones

  • About Us
  • Product Reviews
  • Demo Facility
  • Buying Guides
  • Login

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.