Best Headphones 2023: Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Wireless, Premium

BEST HEADPHONES 2023

We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop, console or hi fi system. Here you can see the best of the best earphones, on ear, full size, Bluetooth, wireless and audiophile headphones to buy right now.

BEST EARPHONES

READ MORE: Best Earphones 2023

1. 64 Audio Volür – £2369.05

What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal must have IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of this new creation is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a true isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away, not that the highs or the mids are ignored whatsoever. This new hybrid UIEM from 64 Audio is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature in existence today. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous. A must have in 2023.

READ MORE: 64 Audio Volür

64 Audio Volür

BEST WIRELESS EARBUDS

READ MORE: Best Wireless Headphones 2022

2. Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC True Wireless Earbuds – £99.00

Coming hot off the heels of Lyperteks now world famous PurePlay Z3, The Pureplay Z5 has changed the game completely. This is probably the best TWS ANC earphone you can buy for under £100. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying PUREPLAY ANC app with LDX Audio, sound customisation profiles and more. Add to that a fanstastc sound quality and brilliant mics and you can instantly see why the Z5 has made the cut.

READ MORE: Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC TWS Review

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Best Wireless Headphones 2022

3. final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone and you will only see smiles on their faces.

READ MORE: Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones Review

BEST ON EAR HEADPHONES

4. SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

How do they do it? SoundMAGIC have once again made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable and boom mic (great for home office or even gaming). In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. Add into the mixer an incredibly impressive battery life and a simple ease of use and you have got yourself a bargain. They sound full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and for a Wireless on ear headphone what more could you want?

WATCH VIDEO: SoundMAGIC P23BT Wireless On Ear Headphone Review

BEST OVER EAR HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Best Over Ear Headphones 2023

5. Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Full Size Headphones – £1149

The Audeze LCD-X are a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you want to give yourself a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself with the Audeze LCD-X.

READ MORE: Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Headphones

BEST STUDIO HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Best Over Ear Headphones 2020

6. Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Full Size Studio Headphones – £1699

Audeze MM-500 is designed to suit the requirements of long daily listening sessions under almost any condition. World-class studio monitor? Check. Quick reference on-the-go? No problem. Deep late-night listening? Done. With its ease of drive, comfortable fit and trustworthy sound, you can count on the MM-500 to deliver in every situation. The MM-500’s planar magnetic drivers provide realism that audio professionals like Manny “can’t live without.” With lightning-fast transients, accurate frequency response and trusted mix translation.

READ MORE: Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Studio Headphones

BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Best Wireless Headphones 2023

7. Cleer Audio Arc II Sport – Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones- £199

Following the runaway success of the Cleer Audio‘s open ear Arc earphones, the Cleer Arc II SPORT has taken the concept of an open wireless earphone to a whole new level. The new Arc II Sport is superior to its predecessor in every single way. It has a longer battery life, a better, even more secure fit with an improved earhook design and supports wireless hands free and head gesture controls for answering calls and the like. This earphone has been designed from the bottom up for those who want to listen on the move while being simultaneously aware of their surroundings. One of the most stand out changes to the case is the addition of UV-C light that sanitises the earbuds while not in use. How great is that!?

READ MORE: Cleer Audio ARC II Sport – Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones

BEST GAMING HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2023

8. Audeze Maxwell Ps5/Xbox – £319.00/£349.00

With the advent of the PS5 and Xbox X consoles, gamers will want some headphones to maximise their experience. The Audeze Maxwell is a supercharged, reimagined Penrose. Now with 80hr+ battery life, Ultra-Low Latency Wireless with 3X range of traditional 2.4Ghz. As well as first-in-class Bluetooth 5.3. Including an Improved build with an all-new reinforced chassis from aluminium and steel. As well as The adoption of Audeze’s FILTER™ noise reduction technology for clear communications on top of their Award-winning Audeze 90mm planar magnetic drivers. This is the must have gaming headset of 2023.

 

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

Brand Story: Audeze

We’re all looking for acoustic perfection and that is something Audeze has strived to achieve from the very beginning. Their first headphone, the LCD-2, received high praise worldwide and the word Audeze became synonymous with any sentence including the word Audiophile. The LCD-2 was and still is heralded in some quarters as the greatest headphones ever made. But Audeze was never never going to be a one hit wonder and stop there. Where there is room for improvement, so too is the strive to create that end-game perfection. That’s the defining characteristic of Audeze: The strive to innovate. With now over 20 products out there it is nearly impossible to not find an Audeze headphone that is 100% tailored to your listening style.

Audeze CRBN

All About Audeze

As you are well aware, Audeze is a California based high-end audio manufacturer known for delivering some of the most accurate sound reproduction products available today. In other words, they specialise in making luxury high-end planar magnetic headphones. Founded in circa 2009 by Alexander Rosson and Sankar Thiagasamudram, their products are designed from the ground up and engineered with the latest innovations in materials & technology. This is paired with precision craftsmanship to produce products with an astonishingly dynamic and immersive sound. Audeze’s commitment to research and development is reflected in every one of their products from the CRBN, LCD-5 to the Maxwell, Euclid and beyond.

What Does Audeze Mean?

Everyone

Audeze’s mission is to “create the best headphones in the world”, that much is clear. But everyone hears differently, so how can there possibly be “The One Headphone to Rule Them All” so to speak? Drumroll…. There’s not! Audeze’s real mission is to create the best headphone in the world for everyone out there, this is why there is not one Flagship Model but 4 and all manner of products in between.

Audeze LCD-5 Earcup Elements

Making Planar Magnetic Fashionable Again

Audeze’s continued innovation in planar magnetic driver technology has produced plenty of options for audiophiles, gamers, music makers alike. A popular thing in the 70’s, Audeze has managed to bring back / reinvent this technology not only as a USP but with the belief that Planar Magnetic is the way to go for great sounding headphones. This hunch, or commitment has been justified by not only the brand’s success but how others are now emulating what Audeze does day to day. Audeze’s continued innovation in planar magnetic driver technology in open or closed back, over-the-ear & in-ear products has produced plenty of options for everyone, with both small and large budgets.

Just what are planar magnetic drivers? Instead of a coil of wire, there is a thin membrane separated by an array of magnets in front and behind. When electrical sound signals are sent to the membrane it starts to move/ vibrate, thanks to the magnetic field and as a result it produces sound. For the benefits and negatives of this technology, you will need to go down a rabbit hole on the internet.

The Odyssey of Audeze: How do you pronounce it?
…is it Awwdeez or Awe-de-ze or Oh-de-sea?

Please let us know in the comments, we would really like to know!

Flagship Models

Just what are they? “The culmination of decades of research and development. Featuring our Nano-scale or carbon nanotube diaphragms, Fluxor™ magnet arrays, and Uniforce™ voice coils, Audeze’s Flagship series represents the pinnacle of audiophile technology.

LCD-5 – “The very definition of Uncompromised Audio. Representing more than 40 years of research and development in planar magnetic headphone technology, the LCD-5 stands in a class of its own.”

LCD-4Z – “Experience the unrivaled audio quality of our Flagship LCD-4 without the need for an amplifier. No other headphone in the world features such a robust and musically engaging sound signature in such an efficient package.”

CRBN ELECTROSTATIC – “Featuring the most advanced electrostatic technology in decades, the CRBN electrostatic headphone features a new Patent-pending polymer film with suspended carbon nanotubes for sparkling clarity, incredible transparency, transient speed, and bass response.”

LCD-i4 – “Represents the pinnacle of both audio quality and technological innovation for In Ear Monitoring. This groundbreaking in-ear headphone features the same Nano-Scale Uniforce diaphragm found in our LCD-4 and 4z. Paired with our powerful Fluxor magnet array to offer one of the most responsive, detailed, engaging, and immersive listening experiences in the world.”

Audeze LCD-5
LCD-i4

Audeze Artists

You will find Audze’s reference series models in world-class studios and listening rooms all over the world. Audeze Artists and listeners everywhere use words like neutral, trustworthy and game-caning to describe them. So you know you will be hearing exactly what the artists themselves intended. The models in their reference series are the LCD-XLCD-XCLCD-MX4 & the MM-500. They are trusted and well reviewed around the entire world and if you’re a sound producer needing an upgrade, look no further!

You can read more about Audeze Artists, watch reviews, explanation videos and find out exactly why Audeze headphones are the professional’s go to choice here.

Gaming

It is safe to say that Audeze have been expanding their headphone product line a lot within the past few years. Not only is there an Origins Series; LCD-2, LCD-2 classic, LCD-2 Closed & the LCD-3. There is also an In-Ear Series featuring the Euclid, LCDi4 & the LCDi3. On top of these wonderful products there is a whole other beast in Gaming. Gaming is a fast rising market trend and has become an explosive market in the last 10 years. Audeze have managed to tap into this gaming-orientated audiophile quality headphone market, where hearing footsteps is the one thing between life and death (online).

Some of the top gaming headphones out there!

Both the Mobius and the LCD-GX are very different gaming headsets from each other, but that’s part of the beauty of them. Not only have both been considered some of the top gaming headphones out there (thanks to their state-of-the-art technology, design and that remarkable Audeze sound quality). They are both designed with specific uses and people budgets in mind. So gamers can really get the best quality possible within their means.

Introducing Maxwell

Maxwell is an evolved (and seriously upgraded) successor to the Audeze Penrose gaming headset. The great news for gamers out there is that all their feedback from the Penrose/ Penrose X has been absorbed by Audeze and the changes made with the Maxwell are considerable. It has a chassis made of aluminum and steel (longevity +++). The integrated battery will also last up to 80 hours and if you forget to charge your headset, a 20 minute charge will get the headset to work for a full day (Battery +++! In addition to this, a new noise filter has been integrated (FILTER™ is Audeze tech).

Dolby Atmos is also supported, but this only applies to the Xbox version or for use on the PC. The microphone is also detachable. It is a boom microphone with hypercardioid characteristics (think broadcasting microphones) that has 5 beamforming mics integrated too. So yes, when it gets sweaty on the battlefield, you will still sound clear as day. More info here

Audeze Mobius
Audeze LCD-GX
Audeze Maxwell

Timeline of Releases

  • 2009: LCD-1 and LCD-2 prototypes revealed at CanJam
  • 2010: LCD-2 launched
  • 2011: LCD-3 Launched
  • 2012: LCD-2 gets updated connectors and cable
  • 2013: LCD-X Launched, LCD-3 & LCD-2 get Fazors
  • 2014: product of the year awarded to LCD-2 by headphone.guru
  • 2015: LCD-4 Released
  • 2016: LCD-X LCD-2/ LCD-3/LCD-4 get new drivers, iSine 10 released
  • 2017: LCD-MX4 / LCD-2 Classic, LCD-i4, iSine 10 Black/Steel Edition released. Sine headphones win Red Dot award
  • 2018: LCD-4z launched
  • 2019: Limited Edition LCD-24, LCD-GX gaming headphone, LCD-1, LCD i3, Audeze Mobius wireless PC gaming headset come to market
  • 2019: LCDi3 wins best UIEM from Headfonia
  • 2020: Penrose / Penrose X launched. LCD-5 wins best open headphone award from headfonia, LCD-1 wins best portable over ear from Tech Radar
  • 2021: Limited Edition LCD-R, CRBN Electrostatic, LCD-5, Euclid, LCD-XC are released
  • 2022: MM-500, FILTER Bluetooth Conference Speakerphone released
  • 2023: Maxwell drops in Q1 23

Our Top 5 Audeze Product Picks

1.Audeze LCD-5 – £3,999.00

For the price you would expect these to be some of the best headphones on the market. Guess what? They absolutely are indeed. The LCD-5 have that gorgeous textured and full Audeze bass response you would expect, but it is so much more controlled now. The midrange is open, clear and detailed and the treble extends effortlessly without ever becoming harsh. These are resolving yet enjoyable. They have a reference like tuning without coming across clinical. They have an honest presentation without too much colouration or sweetness to the sound. Their greatest attribute is that they can simply play whatever you throw at them with ease.

2.Audeze LCD- X – £1,149.00

If you want to give yourself or someone you know a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself/them with the Audeze LCD-X. The Audeze LCD-X is a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike.

3. Audeze CRBN Electrostatic– £4,500.00

Watch our video review of the CRBN here.

4. Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £649.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

5. Audeze Maxwell – £319.00-£349.00

“After years of relentless innovation building the world’s best wireless gaming headset, Audeze presents Maxwell, designed from the ground up for serious gamers. Sound quality, wireless performance, and battery life are all pushed to new extremes, along with the latest spatial audio features and multi-platform compatibility.” – We cannot wait to get our hands on them in Q1 2023.

Latest Audeze Updates and News:

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Pre-Order The Audeze Maxwell Today!

Fantastic news for all you Gamers out there. The Audeze Maxwell is now available for pre-order with Hifiheadphones.

AUDEZE MAXWELL

Pre-Order the AUDEZE Maxwell Now!

After years of relentless innovation building the world’s best wireless gaming headset, Audeze presents Maxwell, designed from the ground up for serious gamers. Sound quality, wireless performance, and battery life are all pushed to new extremes, along with the latest spatial audio features and multi-platform compatibility.

Audeze HQ

Award-winning Audeze 90mm planar magnetic drivers

A real plus on the forthcoming Maxwell are Audeze 90mm planar magnetic drivers. These have already received a number of awards and, because of their size, will provide a fantastic sound for gaming, delivering powerful bass and pinpoint precision. It must be noted that many other popular gaming headsets only use 40 mm drivers here. The drivers are supplemented by other extra tech in the equipment list such as: Uniforce voice coils, fluxor magnets and Fazor waveguides.

In layman’s terms, the integrated technology will provide high-resolution sound with bit rates of up to 96 kHz / 24 bit. This applies to the connection of the headset via USB as well as with Bluetooth 5.3. When using Bluetooth, there will be many advantages compared to current 2.4 GHz technology. The range will go three times as far before disconnecting and the latency will be significantly lower than competitor models.

New design, upgraded chassis & more!

As you might expect here Audeze have given their new gaming headset a complete overhaul. The Maxwell has a chassis made of aluminum and steel (longevity +++). The integrated battery will also last up to 80 hours and if you forget to charge your headset, a 20 minute charge will get the headset to work for a full day (Battery +++! In addition to this, a new noise filter has been integrated (FILTER™ is Audeze tech). Dolby Atmos is also supported, but this only applies to the Xbox version or for use on the PC. The microphone is also detachable. It is a boom microphone with hypercardioid characteristics (think broadcasting microphones) that has 5 beamforming mics integrated too. So yes, when it gets sweaty on the battlefield, you will still sound clear as day.

Key Features:

  • 80hr+ Battery Life with Fast Charge for All Day Play in 20 min
  • Ultra-Low Latency Wireless with 3X Range of Traditional 2.4Ghz
  • First-in-Class Bluetooth 5.3 supports LE Audio, LC3plus, LDAC
  • Class-Leading High-Resolution Audio up to 24-bit/96kHz
  • Embedded Dolby Atmos® License (Xbox version only)
  • All-New Reinforced Chassis Built with Aluminum and Steel
  • FILTER™ Noise Reduction Technology for Clear Communications
  • Award-winning Audeze 90mm Planar Magnetic Drivers

View Comparison and Compatibility Chart

You can Pre-Order the Audeze Maxwell Today!

Interested in all things Audeze? Check out more news and reviews on our Blog here

Campfire Audio Orbit Review

Campfire Audio is at it again! Only last month they dropped Trifecta – quite possibly the most impressive wired IEM release in decades. And now, finally they turn their exploratory gaze to the world of true wireless. Orbit is Campfire Audio’s first ever true wireless earphone, and I can imagine that this is something fans of the brand have been expecting/wanting for a very long time. Well, now it’s here – and this is what we think about it.

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The Looks

In true Campfire Audio fashion, the Orbit is presented in a beautifully simple and yet visually striking box. There is something quite retro about the colour and font choices for the Orbit, with a very neutral and natural colour palette for the font, box and earphone housings – then there’s a bright splash of green to shake things up a bit. Just a reminder that this is indeed a Campfire Audio product.

Very eco-friendly and also very attractive

The packaging is all made of what looks like recycled cardboard, with no plastic in sight. Very eco-friendly and also very attractive. Open the box and there an explosion of gold which looks like sunbeams coming from out of the centre, with a deep blue box containing all of the goods.
Along with the Orbit, Campfire Audio has included a number of silicone and foam eartips in small, medium and large sizes. There is also a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, user guide and the coveted pin badge.

Campfire Audio Orbit earbuds and charging case

Campfire Audio has designed the Orbit from scratch, resulting in a unique style like no other. The case is nice and small and is finished with a smooth matte finish that feels very pleasing to touch. The two-tone colour style is in all neutral, earthy tones which is new to me – and I really like it. The shape is also interesting, with smooth angled edges along the sides, and the case tapers towards the bottom which makes for easy entry into a tight pocket when on the move. Lift the lid and there’s that lovely green colour again! Nestled in the case are the earphones, which fit very securely and regardless of their compact size. They are easy to remove too.

As for the earphones, their shape reminds me of the Saber with is small housing size and comfortable fit. The Orbit housings are again using the matte finish and two-tone colour style. There is also a stainless-steel sound nozzle which not only looks great – this surely adds to the Orbit’s durability.

The Inside

The Orbit uses 10mm custom full-range dynamic drivers, with a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) film diaphragm. They are also packed with impressive tech: Bluetooth 5.2, AAC and AptX Adaptive codec support handling up to 24bit/48KHz audio, Qi wireless charging and 8.5 hours playtime plus a whopping 30 hours of reserve power from the carry case.

Campfire Audio Orbit open charging case

A Word of Advice

In trying the Orbit, I noticed that the housing shape made it slightly tricky to get that fit right in my ear, so I made sure to move them around until I felt a good seal. Once in place and with the right tips, the Orbit is very comfortable and secure with an airtight seal.

IMPORTANT INFO

When fitting the earphones, first make sure to try all of the supplied eartips in order to get the best fit possible. Getting a good fit is extremely important, as creating a seal between the eartips and your ear canal is what makes or breaks any earphone. If you don’t have the correct fit, sound will come across very thin and lacking in bass. This is not representative of the earphone. Finding the right tip – whether that’s silicone or foam – is the first step, then spend some time adjusting the earphones in your ear so they feel like they are blocking out external sounds. This process may be a bit fiddly at first, but you will get used to it, and be happy you did it as that will deliver the best possible sound.

The sound is massive. It slams when needed with bass that drops low and punches high

The Sound

As for the sound – I had to keep reminding myself that this was a wireless earphone. We know Campfire Audio can create incredible wired earphones, having released some of the best sounding IEMs in history. The Orbit not only manages to carry on this tradition without the need for cables. There is now a Campfire Audio product that delivers their well known bombastic and engaging audio in a more affordable and convenient to use package.

The Orbit makes full use of the custom 10mm drivers, and it is as though they have wrung every bit of quality out of them. The sound is massive. It slams when needed with bass that drops low and punches high. Details come across with crispness and clarity, yet they are still very much a part of the overall listening experience. There has always been an organic quality to Campfire Audio earphones, and the Orbit is certainly this.

It’s hard to imagine that there is just one 10mm driver (per side) creating what sounds like a whole production suite in my head. The higher frequencies appear effortlessly, bringing everything together and helping to create space and depth – which there is plenty. Vocals are smooth and natural sounding, yet very present. They never get lost in the mix, they manage to be the focus when needed and if I didn’t know any better – I would think they were singing directly to me. Words that come to mind are lush, liquid, edgy, smooth, impact, moreish, quick, yum… I think you get the picture.

Campfire Audio Orbit up close

To top things off, Campfire Audio has also developed an app for the Orbit. Here you can view the individual battery levels, edit the touch controls, set the EQ (presets and custom) and update the firmware. This is all done very easily and the app is simple yet visually bold with quick response and connection.

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Interested in all things Campfire Audio? Check out more News and Reviews here!

Read our Campfire Audio Brand Story here!

Cleer Scene Bluetooth Speaker Review

Having made a name for themselves in the wireless headphone and earphone space – with a number of impressive models recently released including the Alpha, ARC, Enduro ANC and Roam SportCleer has decided to turn their attention to portable Bluetooth speakers with the release of SCENE. At just under £100, the SCENE looks like it brings a lot of quality and value to the plate. Lets see how they get on!

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The Outside

First off, looking at the packaging it is clear that the Cleer SCENE is out there to challenge the premium speakers available right now. The box is sleek, has a lovely soft feel matte finish, and is extremely well designed. Inside the box you get a user manual, charging cable and the speaker itself.

As for the speaker – it’s stylish, elegant and feels very robust. The SCENE provides an alternative to the majority of speakers out there from the likes of Ultimate Ears, JBL, Bose, Anker and Soundcore. Where most other brands offer either party-time boom boxes, or plain and minimal designs – Cleer has gone for a more mature and refined design. Now, this won’t appeal to a lot of potential customers out there. However, the SCENE offers something that the current competition does not at a price that is extremely competitive and provides great value.

Cleer Scene outdoors

There are a number of rubber coated buttons that run along the top of the speaker. They provide useful controls such as play/pause, adjust volume and activate the built-in microphone. On the back there are a few more buttons, this time to turn the speaker on/off and a button to activate Bluetooth. There is also a USB-C charging port on the back.

Looks great, and gives the Cleer SCENE its refined look as well as feeling high quality to touch.

The majority of the speaker is covered in a textured – fabric similar to typical speaker grilles – and it goes over the speaker from front to back. This looks great, and gives the SCENE its refined look as well as feeling high quality to touch. The tough plastic rim provides contrast to the design, and then there is a light on the front that indicates power as well as notifying you when the battery is low.

The Inside

Inside the housing are dual 48mm dynamic drivers, and this is paired with two passive radiators. These radiators can be seen from the outside, and they look like mini subwoofers either side of the SCENE’s housing – this looks great and adds an extra element to the premium design.

The Sound

Audio in a refined and sophisticated manner

How does this speaker arrangement sound? Well, like the design – the Cleer SCENE delivers audio in a refined and sophisticated manner. There’s a focus on clarity and definition, which is something that is generally missed in most Bluetooth speakers out there. That’s not all you get though. Thanks to the dual driver setup and two passive radiators – bass is tight and punchy with power and distortion-free depth. The SCENE also provides a high level of detail that give insight into the music you listen to; moving away from the typical bass heavy approach to speaker tuning. This certainly won’t be for everyone, and the lack of boomy bass may also disappoint the bass heads out there. However, those that prefer bass accuracy over volume – I’d say the SCENE could be just right for you.

Cleer Scene – splash resistant design

In addition to the impressive audio performance, the Cleer SCENE is also IPX7 waterproof rated. So there’s no risk of water damage on those rainy days. You can also expect 12 hours of playback time when fully charged. When taking calls – the SCENE’s built-in echo and noise-cancelling microphone is well suited to personal and conference calls alike.

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Interested in all things Cleer? Check out more News and Reviews here!

Read our Cleer Brand Story here!

Brand Story: Cleer Audio

Cleer Audio is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance headphones and speakers. The lifestyle brand has become ever more popular since being founded in 2012. With a passion for uncompromised audio and a cleer, dedicated focus on the design of their products and target audience, Cleer have made a huge name for themselves in the last few years. Their most popular product, the Enduro ANC has consistently won praise since its release and is a great showcase for what Cleer as a brand is, as well as continuing to receive great reviews from those who own it. More recently, Cleer have moved into the “Fitness Audio” niche with products such as the ARC and the Roam Sport ANC. A dedication towards great design, uncompromised features and an incredible price/performance ratio for the end customer only adds to the genuine, authentic experience you get from their products.

Cleer Flow II

About Cleer Audio

Cleer Audio is made up of a team of people that have spent decades in the audio industry. It can be argued that Cleer really got into the mainstream for the first time following CES 2019. With a broad range of product releases to coincide, this foundation is what propelled them into the well known brand they are today. Originally from San Diego, Cleer have become famous for their dedication to building innovative headphones & speakers consumers need and want. As well as continuing to invent things along the way. Cleer believes in elevating and transforming every experience through sound. They create things with intention, anticipating the consumer’s needs before they’re even recognized.

Understanding this is key to understanding their most recent products and gives you an insight into what may come in the near future. Being a lifestyle brand, they want their products to be with you in most memorable moments of your life, “those little aha moments” as they say. With this focus, it is no surprise that they have quality Audio products for all walks of life, from home entertainment, to sport, Audiophile, on the go, casual and everything in between.

Sound has the extraordinary ability to transport us and enrich every moment. It is our quest to pioneer the highest standards of audio and realize its full, future potential through impeccable performance and style.

Own The Moment

Popular Audio Products

As mentioned above, the Cleer Enduro ANC is by far Cleers most famous product (In the UK) and for good reason! It is extremely comfortable yet also compact. The sound signature is perfect for everyday use and the ANC is particularly great for commuting / being on the go. The ambient noise control is another neat feature included in its fantastic price.

For Audiophiles there is the award winning Next and for people who would rather wireless earbuds you have the Ally Plus II.

The design, features and target market are so varied for each of their products that there is sure to be something for everyone. You can find out what is for you here. But one thing remains constant. When you buy a Cleer Audio product, you are also buying into their ethos of “owning the moment” and living life to its fullest. All in style, of course.

Cleer Enduro ANC
Cleer Ally Plus II

Pivot Towards Fitness

In 2022 there was a cleer pivot towards fitness with Cleer’s new releases pitting them against brands such as Beats, Bose and even Adidas. Starting the year with the ARC-Open Ear True Wireless Earbuds, these feature an open ear design with flexible ear hook / hinge design for a comfortable secure fit. They do not go into or cover the ear canal, instead channeling audio directly into your ears. A great idea for those on a morning run or people in general who want to be aware of their immediate surroundings at all times.

Towards the end of 2022, Cleer released the Roam Sport ANC. These sports earbuds are designed and built for those with active lifestyles, and they do a fantastic job at it. With a price of £79.99, these feature packed earphones with full app support mean Cleer are now providing an affordable alternative to the market leader Beats Fit Pro and is definitely one to consider if you need a new (audio based) sports companion.

We are passionate audio lovers devoted to blazing new trails in wireless headphones and smart audio speakers. As champions of functionality and minimalism, we aim to exceed expectations through design and craftsmanship that delivers uncompromising performance and inspires joy.

Cleer Audio Mission Statement

Home Entertainment and Portable Speakers

From the deluxe awarding winning Cleer Crescent to, the wearable neck speaker Halo or the 360-degree alexa enabled room speaker SPACE, Cleer has your speaker needs covered. More recently, they have released the Scene, a water resistant bluetooth speaker that is just destined to be blaring out tunes poolside in the summer. These products show how Cleer are constantly “Owning the moment” by designing and releasing products suited to all walks of life.

Cleer Crescent
Cleer Scene
Clerr Arc

Milestones

Our Top 5 Cleer Audio Product Picks

1. Cleer Enduro ANC – £149.00

The Enduro ANC is superb value. These wireless headphones have a fun and engaging sound signature that brings music to life thanks to the impressive levels of clarity and punch. The Enduro ANC is comfortable yet compact, and the sound signature is perfect for everyday use. The ANC is great and it has a massive battery life.

2. Cleer Scene Water Resistant Wireless Speaker – £99.00

Enjoy versatile portability with the Cleer Scene Bluetooth speaker that supports up to 12hrs of playback. IPX7 waterproof rated, it also provides you with a high-quality sound experience for any adventure. Scene features a powerful digital amplifier, dual 48 mm drivers, and passive bass radiators to bring mighty sound anytime, anywhere.

3. Cleer Roam Sport ANC – £79.99

These sports earbuds are designed and built for those with active lifestyles, and they do a fantastic job at it. These are feature packed earphones with full app support. An affordable alternative in a very competitive space.

4. Cleer Next – £699.00

The NEXT look and feel decadent and have won many awards for their unique design. they also achieve something rather unique by being true to the brand’s name in that they sound very clear. They are detailed, snappy and very controlled. The look screams decadence and they are incredibly comfortable to wear.

5. Cleer ARC-OpenTWS – £129.00

We all know Cleer are constantly innovating and pushing boundaries with their products. Their latest TWS earphone is the ARC and as you can see above they have a very unique design to them. It is an open style, ear-hook earphone that lets you hear your surroundings while listening to audio. The ARC is superbly suited for sports and fitness users in mind, but are suitable for anyone that wants an open listening experience. With superb sound quality, a solid build, great comfort and a real ease of use, the ARC is reinventing what we have all come to expect from TWS earphones.

Lastest Cleer Audio Updates and News:

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Brand Story: Campfire Audio

Over the last 7 years, Campfire Audio has become one of the biggest names in the IEM world. Their iconic designs are immediately recognizable and with a diverse lineup of products they are able to provide options for every music lover out there. They have proven that with unwavering determination and attention to detail, success can be achieved on merit alone. Famous for many products, most notably the Andromeda and more recently the Trifecta, all Campfire Audio Earphones and IEMs are hand-assembled in their Portland, Oregon workshop. When it comes to performance and finish, Campfire Audio products are at the top of the pedestal.

Campfire Audio Solaris 2020

About the Campfire Audio journey

The journey of Campfire Audio began in 2009 with a man named Ken Ball and a company called Audio Line Out (also known as ALO Audio). Kens dedication and hard work ethic resulted in ALO Audio being recognised for creating some of the best audio cables in the world and more importantly, a brand that had gained trust from its customers and fans that it still retains this day. In short, ALO Audio’s passion for quality audio reproduction was the driving force behind the creation of Campfire Audio. A bit like “well we do all this already with cables etc, so why not make earphones!?”.

By building up a highly motivated group of skilled craftsmen and developing their own unique aesthetic, Campfire Audio’s relentless experimentation with materials and technology resulted in them providing something extraordinary in the summer of 2015 with their first product releases, The Jupiter, Orion and Lyra.

Since 2015, Campfire has created and refined over 45 IEMs in a wide range of sound signatures and aesthetics.

The Campfire Universe keeps expanding

As Campfire Audio grew and developed over time, it has continuously improved upon its own ideas and prototypes. In turn, this has led to the development of many different products over the last 7 years. The Campfire Audio Andromeda, Solaris, Ara, Polaris, and Trifecta are just a few of their most famous exemplary products out there. Each earphone and headphone released from them is a result of infinite repetitions, extreme testing and tweaking of the performance and doing absolutely everything in between until it is “perfection”.

The sound signatures are so varied between each model that there is sure to be something for everyone. You can find out what model is exactly for you here. When you buy a Campfire Audio earphone, you immediately own a world-class earphone that comes from a company which stands fully behind the product it builds. Each one is a work of modern art.

Campfire Audio Honeydew
Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020

There’s a Custom for that

Campfire Audio also dabble in the custom earphone market. Bringing their spectacular designs and incredible sound profiles to fit your ears perfectly if you want it. You want crisp detail and reference sound? Then the Solstice is your eclipse. After bombastic dynamics? Hello Equinox my old friend. Or are you after something more velvety with a refined performance? Then look no further and absorb the elegance of the planar Supermoon.

Campfire Audio have issued 19 special edition IEMs, many of them limited to less than 200 units, and some with as few as 8 in existence; creating unique rarities for Campfire fans worldwide.

Campfire Audio History – Fun Fact

The Campfire Audio Market

Recently, Campfire Audio have been documenting the Adventures of Captain Francis Aristarchus and releasing his discoveries to a wide audience worldwide, but they also provide a safe place where fans can get themselves a piece of history (and a quality IEM to boot). The Campfire Audio Market provides a range of B-stock, Pre-Owned, legacy, and overstock products from Campfire and ALO Audio. If you are still wanting that Honeydew or even a C/2019 Q4 , you best be quick, once they are gone, they are gone for good!

Campfire Audio Ara
Campfire Audio Supermoon [Custom IEM]
Campfire Audio Trifecta

Milestones

  • 2015: Launched first set of products, The Jupiter, Orion and Lyra
  • 2016: Andromeda, Vega, Dorado and Lyra II released
  • 2017: Launched the Polaris at the Hong Kong High-End Audio Show as well as 4 unique limited editions of the Andromeda
  • 2018: Released their first and only over-ear headphone called the Cascade, 2018 top gear award winner. The Atlas, Comet and Solaris come out. Also released their first custom IEM the Equinox
  • 2019: Released the Polaris II and the IO in addition to even more unique limited runs of various models. Soltice wins top gear award from Headphonics
  • 2020: The Ara is dropped onto the world as well as 2020 reimaginations of the Andromeda, Dorado, Solaris & Vega. Dorado 2020 “recommended” by Forbes
  • 2021: Tapped into the entry level market with the release of the Honeydew and Satsuma. Also released the Holocene, Mammoth, Saber and a multitude of limited edition runs. Holocene “recommended” by Ear-fidelity
  • 2022: The Trifecta premiers at Munich High-End, Solstice wins Editors Choice 2022 award from ReviewGeek
  • 2023: First TWS Earphone “Orbit” is released. Re-envisioning of the Solaris with a complete overhaul and new name, The Solaris Steller Horizon.
  • 2023: Andromeda Emerald Sea & Trifecta Astral Plane released.

Our Top 5 Campfire Audio Product Picks

1.Campfire Audio Andromeda Emerald Sea – £1,449.00

Since its first release in 2016, the Andromeda quickly became a fan favourite and a legend within the audiophile community. Seven years later this latest version has improved upon this winning formula. The Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ boasts a brand-new housing design, while sticking with the ever-popular green shells. Internally, Campfire Audio has also updated the drivers with five all-new dual diaphragm balanced armature drivers and redesigned the internal driver chamber

2.Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon – £2,669.00

It is hard to imagine how an IEM like the 2018 Solaris could ever have been improved. Well, Campfire Audio has done just that with the new Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’. Having gone through a few iterations since its first release, the new Solaris has kept the small form factor with a new stainless-steel housing and black and gold detail on the faceplate. The internals have also had a refresh with new custom dual-diaphragm balanced armature drivers and radial venting.

3.Campfire Audio Trifecta Astral Plane – £3,399.00

Taking flagship status in Campfire Audio’s range of IEMs, the new Trifecta ‘Astral Plane’ is a work of art. Resembling fine jewellery as much as high-end earphones, the Trifecta sports blue tinted transparent housings which provide a window into the magic. Three 10mm custom dynamic drivers are set in triangle formation, something never seen before in the world of IEMs. As you can imagine, the sound is big and will transport you to another dimension.

4. Campfire Audio Orbit – £249.00

Campfire Audio’s first foray into the world of true wireless has been a success, with their Orbit already gaining awards for its design, build and most importantly; sound quality. Orbit provides a unique take on what is possible from true wireless earphones. The design is unlike any other, showing that Campfire Audio is not afraid to break the mould and do things differently. The sound is why they really stand out though. A must for audio lovers.

5. Campfire Audio Supermoon – £1,449.00

Campfire Audio has taken a unique approach to custom IEMs. The Supermoon is intended for musical pleasure. Using a single full-range planar magnetic driver, this CIEM takes an original approach to the world of customs. Normally intended for pro users and musicians, Campfire Audio has broadened the scope of how to use this technology. Supermoon utilises the benefits of a custom fit in order to fully realise audio where no detail goes unheard. 

Lastest Campfire Audio Updates and News:

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Brand Story: SoundMAGIC

SoundMAGIC design and manufacture award-winning headphones and earphones. They are famous worldwide for their flagship earphones, the E Series. This includes many types of earphones that are known to consistently outperform similar products from established competitors, often even more than twice the price! This is backed up with awards and recommendations for this range from 2011 to today. From What Hi-Fi?, Stuff magazine, T3 to Trusted Reviews, SoundMAGIC have continuously impressed and continue to do so. They provide great value for money and are much loved around the world.

About SoundMAGIC

Tony Xu founded SoundMAGIC in 2005. As mentioned above, their main products include in-ear headphones, professional HiFi headphones, Bluetooth headphones and more. They are one of the only Chinese earphone brands that is widely recognized worldwide. Having been deeply involved in the industry for more than ten years, a lot of their success can be attributed to their brand purpose:

Providing consumers with high-quality audio products that have the ultimate cost / performance ratio. 

SoundMAGIC are particularly famous worldwide for their flagship earphones, the E Series. The E series in-ear headphones are known to be fun and exciting while producing clarity and definition rivalling earphones twice the price. The E Series consists of earphones like the SoundMAGIC E11C, SoundMAGIC E10C, SoundMAGIC E11BT, SoundMAGIC E80, E10, E11 & more!

Many “E” products from SoundMAGIC have been highly praised by the world’s two famous industry magazines “WHAT Hi-Fi” and “Stuff” for the last 12 years and have repeatedly won the “Best Product of the Year Award”. Since 2018 the “E11C” has been best in class in its product category. Proving that you can get immersive sound quality, outstanding durability and stylish aesthetics on a budget.

SoundMAGIC E10 – In-Ear Isolating Earphones
SoundMAGIC E11C – In-Ear Isolating Earphones with Mic and Remote

Product Highlight: SoundMAGIC E11C – “Natural Born Winner That Sounds MAGIC “

Sophisticated Sound
As well as Providing refined and accurate sound from redesigned 10mm dynamic drivers, SoundMAGIC E11C delivers a balanced sound image with extended transparent detail and warm, textured bass.

Elegant Aluminium Housing
Furthermore, E11C are completely crafted from aluminium in a high-precision cutting process and finished with a unique hand painting process. The lightweight and robust housing of the E11C displays a delicate texture with refined and elegant appearance.

Another great pair of SoundMagic budget earphones, the E11C in-ears continue the fine work of their predecessors and deliver an entertaining, upfront sound, complete with a remote control and mic. And we can’t argue with that.

What Hi-Fi 2022 Award Winner Review

Comfortable Isolating Design
Likewise, the E11C combines ergonomic angled sound tubes with an in-ear fit that seals the ear canal totally with soft silicone eartips to provide a secure fit with total sound isolation and immersive listening.

Complete Communication
In addition to the above, they are able to pair with any type of smartphone. The SoundMAGIC E11C has been equipped with a unique technology in the 3-button control unit that switches automatically between Apple and Android smartphones for management of volume, track control and telephone calls. Though some remote features may have limited functionality on Google Pixel 3a/4a and Sony Xperia devices.

SoundMAGIC P23 – Portable Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
SoundMAGIC HP151 – Full Size Closed Back Headphone
SoundMAGIC S20BT – Wireless In-Ear Headphones

Brand Culture

In essence, a good brand is established by the accumulation of time and the spread of word of mouth. By and large, providing customers with high-quality products and services is how you succeed. This is what SoundMAGIC is. As well as focusing on the performance of their products they also focus on their customers with a both come first approach. Hence pursuing original product design, aiming for perfect quality, listening to customer feedback and providing end products that are cost effective & high quality, is what has helped them create a world renowned brand.

All “SoundMAGIC” products present the best cost to performance ratio in their respective categories.

SoundMAGIC Philosophy

Milestones

  • 2005: Shenzhen SoundMAGIC Technology Development Co., Ltd. was founded and “SoundMAGIC” trademark registered
  • 2006: Comprehensive overhaul design, research and development, manufacturing and sales system
  • 2007: SoundMAGIC’s first earphone sold overseas won a four-star recommendation from the influential magazine “WHAT Hi-Fi”
  • 2009: The SoundMAGIC PL11 earphones received a five-star recommendation from the world-renowned magazine “Stuff”
  • 2010: The SoundMAGIC PL50 received five-star recommendation from “Stuff” and created a best-selling myth
  • 2011-2013: The SoundMAGIC E10 has been voted “Best In-Ear Headphones Under £40” by WHAT Hi-Fi for three consecutive years
  • 2014-2015: SoundMAGIC E10S was voted “Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50” by WHAT Hi-Fi for 2 consecutive years
  • 2016: SoundMAGIC E10C voted “Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50” by WHAT Hi-Fi
  • 2018: SoundMAGIC E11 received five-star recommendations from “Stuff” and “WHAT Hi-Fi”
  • 2019: SoundMAGIC launches the first closed-back HiFi headphone HP1000 with a unique design and an open-back sense of hearing
  • 2019-2022: SoundMAGIC E11C has been voted “Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50” by WHAT Hi-Fi for four consecutive years

Our Top 5 SoundMAGIC Product Picks

1. SoundMAGIC E11C In Ear Isolating Earphones with Mic – £52.99

Launched in 2018, the SoundMAGIC E11C is still reaping rewards for being a great pair of affordable in-ear headphones, complete with remote and mic. It’s not often that budget consumer goods stand the test of time but the E11C continues to deliver a great sound for an outstanding price.

2. SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – £49.96

SoundMAGIC once again show that they are unrivalled when it comes to creating budget models with excellent sound quality, the P23BT has such an enjoyable sound that you quickly forget they only cost £50. The addition of a boom mic on the wired cable is really impressive for home working or office use, along with insane battery life for everyday use.

3. SoundMAGIC S20BT In Ear Isolating Wireless Earphones with Controls & Mic – £39.95

The S20BT is the perfect exercise partner. For just under £40 you get a warm and enjoyable wireless set of earphones that sound fun and fit securely for any kind of active use. These are specifically designed for out and about use, and for that purpose they tick all the right boxes.

4. SoundMAGIC E11 In Ear Isolating Earphones– £42.99

The E11 is perfect for somebody who likes what is offered by the E11C but has no use for a microphone or volume controls.

5. SoundMAGIC E10 In Ear Isolating Earphones – £31.99

SoundMAGIC’s acoustic engineers carefully configured the drivers of the E10 to produce exciting sound with powerful bass and balanced musical detail. It is a beautifully finished in-ear sound isolating earphone made from brushed metal with a choice of four vibrant colours.

Lastest SoundMAGIC Updates and News:

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64 Audio Fourté Blanc Already Winning Awards!

64 Audio Fourté Blanc: With only 500 units avaliable worldwide, this unique IEM is already a collectors Item. With the second and final reimagination of the Fourte, it is better than ever. The boundaries have been pushed even further in showing what’s possible with only 4 drivers. If you are a fan of 64 Audio, this is a must have and reviewers are are claiming this is one of the best UIEM’s ever made. See Ulf Kaiser’s review from Kopfhoerer.de below!

64 Audio Fourté Blanc Limited Edition – What 64 Audio Say:

Our second reinterpretation of the world renown Fourté; the first fully tubeless universal in-ear monitor. Rounding off Fourté’s industry leading legacy, Blanc delivers a fresh perspective, both cosmetically and technically. A custom designed open dynamic driver, one balanced armature, and two tia drivers challenge the technical possibilities of a four driver system. This culmination of small yet powerful details all build upon the wide resolving nature of the tia system, bringing recorded music to life.

Read the Review and see the awards for yourself! Best In-Ear headphones Kopfhoerer.de

The original review is in German, but thanks to google and other web browsers we can enjoy anything from around the world with a few clicks. It is an in depth analysis, which also compares the Blanc to the original Fourté as well as the U6t, The U12t and his own A12t.

You can hear the scratching of the bow and the brief use of the cellos and basses in “Star Whisperer” by Tori Amos, are surprised by the reverb content in the guitar intro of Slayer’s “Repentless” and are transported into an electronically illuminated, three-dimensional listening room in “Celestial Echos” by Boris Blank and Malia.

Ulf Kaiser Kopfhoerer.de Review: 64 Audio Fourté Blanc (translated from German)

64 Audio Fourté Blanc Impressive Features

  • Dynamic Low Frequencies now tuned with proprietary new system ensuring lower distortion and more linear behaviour
  • 27 Gauge Cardas Grade 1 (Ultra) Low-Eddy Copper used for Low Driver wiring
  • T6061 Kaiser Aluminium Shell, anodized for hardness and electrical insulation
  • White Ceramic Coating
  • Mundorf Supreme Solder used throughout
  • Custom balanced 4.4mm Shielded Silver-Core Cable, made with fully custom-machined hardware included (MRSP £999)
  • Apex technology – Air Pressure Exchange (Apex) patented vent releases air pressure
  • Full tia system – reduces unwanted resonance and distortion for a transparent and lifelike sound signature
  • High quality packaging and components
  • Limited to 500 units worldwide

Still Interested? Read more and Buy your Fourté Blanc* exclusively from Hifiheadphones here.

*while stocks last

Brand Story: Final

Coming from Japan, Final is a High-end audio brand with a minimalist style and an aim to give their customers the best in class when it comes to audio quality. No matter the price point. Well loved and with a loyal fan base in its native Japan, Fnal has been making strides into Europe and the USA over the last decade. Becoming a household name for Audiophiles, they have recently broken into the more mainstream consumer markets with their Wireless product range. Winning awards for their affordability, style and sound quality along the way.

About Final

Established in 2007, Final’s first earphones were released onto the market in 2009 and their first Final branded headphone was released in 2013. They are a very modern company, making use of high precision Japanese engineering and adopting cutting edge technology such as 3D printing. This in turn aids their now famous and unrivalled focus on finesse and accuracy. 

A name for itself amongst the audiophile world over the last 10 years

This company wide attention to detail, alongside their stylistic minimalist approach to their products has resulted in Final carving a name for itself amongst the audiophile world over the last 10 years. In addition to this, further recognition amongst the general consumer market, most recently with their “Best Most Affordable Wireless Headphone 2022” award from TechRadar for their UX3000 has further enhanced the brands image in the western world’s mainstream.

They are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve in this general consumer space. This is because their products in all price categories from £19.99 to £4000+ fulfil their mission to provide the highest quality of audio design. That “Final magic” reviewers often write about is something very real, and it would be remiss to not try out what they offer.

Final D8000 Pro Limited Edition

Collaboration series

As Final gained more renown worldwide and a reputation for producing great audio devices, they have begun to collaborate with other Japanese cultural exports to create unique products. Without a doubt, these are as collectable as they come and they are great “Final” products themselves. For example, the collaboration between Final and the anime show Evangelion uses the characters Mechas as a motif. So each model (there are now 6 in the wild!) are totally unique with the earphone chassis and case. Not only can people get something that reflects their favourite character, the voice signals in each device, such as “power on” are also recorded by the actors that play the characters these devices represent.

Final have taken this approach further with a recent collaboration with Ultraman and in the coming months, there is sure to be even more collaborations with other Japanese cultural icons that are already popular culture in the western world. As big as Naruto or Pokémon? Hold your breath, because it is going to blow your mind.

Final UX3000
Final Collaboration Series: EVA2020 x Evangelion

Fun FACT

Final has a state-of-the-art “Final STORE” located in Kawasaki, Japan. This is open to all music lovers and audio enthusiasts to come in and experience Final’s range of headphones & earphones. You can even reserve a table or even a soundproof room to try out their products. In addition to this, they offer on the spot, repair / support consultations on your Final products.

Furthermore, they offer various events such as limited edition sales or “The MAKE series tuning experience”. The MAKE series is a DIY earphone kit that allows you to find “your own sound” by changing the internal tuning with the included kit. As well as the option to be able to purchase the kit on the spot, the experience includes staff recommended tunings and advice on how to get the earphone to create more of the sound you desire. Worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Tokyo, Japan!

Ethos

Final strongly believe in creating products that are highly revered by people. They design and build their products with the intention for the customer to have an affinity towards them and continue to use in the same way as for example with mechanical wristwatches; The kind of products that will continue to be valued and seen as antiques in the future.

Final aspire to make their name synonymous with Earphones/Headphones. Much like the countries Switzerland being famous for wristwatches or Germany for their cars. To that end, Final embody the design of their products with their core values and mission, unrivalled craftsmanship precision and accuracy.

Milestones

  • 2007: Founded.
  • 2009: The manufacture and sales of earphones under the Final audio design brand began in conjunction with the beginning of an earphone. / headphone OEM / ODM business.
  • 2011: Sales of Final audio design branded products began overseas focused in Europe and Asia.
  • 2013: The first headphones under the Final brand were released onto the market.
  • 2014: The brand name was standardized to “final”, and the company logo was revamped. Joint development of LAB I, the first earphones with a titanium housing created using a 3D printer.
  • 2015: The company’s head office expanded and relocated from Shinagawa, Tokyo to Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.
  • 2016: LAB II, earphones with a titanium housing, were developed in collaboration with NTT Data Engineering Systems using a 3D metal printer.
  • 2017: Released the bestseller the E3000, the result of research on the correlation between hearing and physical characteristics. The D8000 planar magnetic headphone is also released.
  • 2018: Scaled down ODM and OEM businesses in line with the growth of the Final brand.
  • 2019: Created the ag brand that handles wireless products and opened a directly managed Final store
  • 2020: Name changed from S’NEXT Co., Ltd. to Final Co., Ltd.
  • 2021: Head office and directly managed Final store expanded and relocated to Nakasaiwai-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki.
  • 2022: Released Final wireless range the UX3000 and ZE3000 to critical success. Major review platforms such as Trusted Reviews, T3 Magazine, Techradar and Hi-Fi Choice chose the UX3000 as one of the best affordable headphones 2022.
  • Late 2022: A limited edition of the D8000 pro is released.

Our Top 5 Final Product Picks

1. Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119.00

Final have really worked their “magic” here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The Final UX3000 can be recommended to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. You will only see smiles on their faces.

2. Final A8000 Audiophile Custom-Driver Earphones – £1,999.00

With the A8000, Final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed! Final don’t settle with any old drivers either. For the A8000, Final has developed their custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning. These need to be heard to be believed.

3. Final E500 Wired Earphones – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spatial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers. They give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.

4. Final VR3000 – £69.98

Final VR3000 gaming earphones enable complete immersion into the VR and gaming world by reproducing the acoustic spatial sound as intended by the game creator. Most earphones for games and 3D sounds are made with exaggerated low and high frequencies, emphasising the surprise when you listen to them. VR3000 is very different.

5. Final D8000 Pro Limited Edition Planar Magnetic Headphones – £4,789.00

Final have released a Limited Model of the flagship D8000 Pro Edition headphones, with a new stylish finishing concept and further upgrades. A luxurious and authentic matte black finish is applied throughout, and dry gold-plated perforated metal is used for the AFDS driver. The structural and acoustic design of the driver, and dedicated housing construction which optimizes sound, have been retained.

Latest Final Updates and News:

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Christmas 2022 Gift Guide

Christmas will be here soon, so what better time to release a guide of our favourite picks from the past year. Whether you are buying for yourself or a loved one, we’re sure there will be something for every headphone aficionado in this gift guide. We have True Wireless earphones, Gaming headphones, DACS, AMPs, Speakers, even the perfect Running earphones & more! Check our Christmas 2022 Gift Guide out below:

Cleer Enduro ANC Headphones £149 Currently £119

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the Cleer Enduro ANC wireless headphones with active noise cancelling would be the ideal gift for the music lovers out there. The features include 60 hours of playback with ANC enabled and sound quality that easily challenges the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

Read our full review of the CleerEnduro ANC Here

Audeze Penrose / Penrose X – £298.99 Currently £249.00

With the advent of the PS5 and Xbox X consoles, gamers will want some headphones to maximise their experience. The Audeze Penrose and Penrose X have been designed with these consoles in mind, using their low latency wireless technology for accurate listening, a built in microphone designed by the one and only Shure, and planer magnetic drivers for award winning sound quality makes these a must have – Full Review

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 – £99.00 Currently £69.00

the Lypertek PurePlay Z5 is the ideal gift for those that want the best sound quality from their true wireless earphones. Having gained multiple awards for not just their impressive sound – the PurePlay Z5 is jam packed with features for a very favourable price.

The PurePlay Z5 are one of the best, if not the best, true wireless models for daily use. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying app and more along with truly suburb sound quality for a low price.

Oscar – Full Review

Final UX3000- £119.00

The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. Full Review

Cleer Audio Arc Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones – £129 Currently £79.00

The combination of eating too much over Christmas and local lockdowns may see a real spike in outdoor activities – the Cleer Arc is the ideal true wireless earphone for this. Their secure fit means they will stay put, and the open sound means you can hear your surroundings while on the move. They also look great too.

Noble Khan – £2,398.99 Currently £1,499.00

For those who want something more neutral to natural. With a nice sub-bass weighting, good vocal presence and a very coherent and articulate treble performance the Khan does a fantastic job. And It looks like a piece of uniquely crafted Art.

Westone Audio Pro X20 – £299.00 Currently £199.00

This is something for lovers of anime – and especially the popular Evangelion series. Final has collaborated with Evangelion to release three true wireless earphone models based on different robot units from the hit show. With Final behind the build, sound quality is as good as you’d expect – and the design is equally impressive.

Etymotic MP9-15 Music-PRO High-Fidelity Electronic Earplugs – £340.00

If you’re a lifetime rock & roller, either on the stage or in the crowd then we have the perfect gift idea for you! These dynamic, electronic earplugs will keep your ears damage-free without forcing you to give up the natural quality of the music around you.

Burson Audio Conductor 3 Reference- £1,999.00 Currently £1,799.00

For those of you that want to splash out or add a bit of style to their Setup. The Burson amp/DAC combo’s also work so well with all Audeze products. Providing tons of clean power without any sort of harshness. There is an ever so slight hint of smoothness to the Burson amps that just keeps you wanting to listen more.

Final ZE3000- £119.00

The Final ZE3000 are designed for ultimate sound quality and in that they succeed, They also look awesome and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119? – Full Review

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £52.99 Currently £34.99

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £52 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

Campfire Audio Holocene- £649.00 Currently £599.00

The Holocene are almost a scaled down Andromeda, but with a twist of their own of course, they are slightly warmer and less airy in the top end but still have a very enjoyable sound. The Holocene are fairly linear with a slight bass lift that doesn’t bleed into the midrange, allowing that to cut through with clarity and accuracy. The lower treble is dipped slightly, robbing them of some energy but also meaning they don’t sound fatiguing or sibilant, yet the upper treble is well presented with great extension and air. Overall they are a really impressive earphone, and make a superb daily driver.Full Review

Noble Sultan Black & Grey- £2,899.00 Currently £1,999.00

For those serious audiophiles looking for some of the best earphones on the marke & detail lovers that want a controlled yet also fun sound that isn’t clinical.

GravaStar Venus Bluetooth Speaker- £79.96 Currently £59.99

For those who love Sci-fi. A Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair them together to create surround sound! Full Review

Lypertek Pureplay Z7- £199.00 Currently £69.00

For ultimate value, the best budget true wireless is the Lypertek Z7. If you want exceptional audio quality, phenominal battery life and an abundence of clarity, then look no further. At just under £90, the Lypertek Z7 is easily one of the most impressive options out there. Full Review

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £749.00 Currently £679.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

Final D8000- £2,999.00 Currently £2,499.00

Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.

Audeze LCD-5 –£3,999.00 Currently £3,499.00

The Pinnacle of performance. This is a gift for someone who only wants the best of the best. Audeze’s new flagship planar magnetic headphone is a phenomenal piece of kit. It offers a brand new Audeze sound, way more than just a simple evolution from the LCD-4. With a natural yet almost reference style tuning they hit all the right marks. They are also lighter and significantly more comfortable than previous models. Full Review

SoundMAGIC E11- £41.99 Currently £25.00

The Ideal Budget Gift for somebody who likes what is offered by the E11C but has no use for a microphone or volume controls.

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LCD-X – £1,149.00 Currently £999.00

If you want to give yourself or someone you know a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself/them with the Audeze LCD-X. The Audeze LCD-X is a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you do take the plunge, A very, Merry Christmas is all but guaranteed.

Anything we have missed? Let us know what would be in your Christmas 2022 gift guide in the comments below!

Black Friday Month Sale Now LIVE!

Yes, it’s Black Friday Month! The best thing about our sale this year? It’s not only the fantastic products on offer (Stock is limited) but also our our Black Friday Price Promise: If the item you buy now features in any of our Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals for a cheaper price this month, we will refund you the difference. Simple as that.

BLACK FRIDAY MONTH: Most Popular Deals

Final UX3000- £119.00 NOW £89.00

The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. Full Review

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £52.99 NOW £34.99

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £52 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 – £129.00 NOW £69.00

the Lypertek PurePlay Z5 is ideal for those that want the best sound quality from their true wireless earphones. Having gained multiple awards for not just their impressive sound – the PurePlay Z5 is jam packed with features for a very favourable price.

The PurePlay Z5 are one of the best, if not the best, true wireless models for daily use. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying app and more along with truly suburb sound quality for a low price.

Oscar – Full Review

PLUS SO MUCH MORE!

Check out more news and reviews on our Blog here

Lypertek PurePlay Z7 Triple Hybrid TWS Earphone Review

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

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Fit and Comfort

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

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

Features

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

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

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

PureControl App

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

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

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

A note about ANC..

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

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

Sound

The Pureplay Z7 is a really good all rounder

Bass:

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

Midrange:

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

Treble:

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

Genres and Soundstaging

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

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

Who is it for?

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

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Interested in all things Lypertek? Take a look at more News and Reviews here.

Cleer Roam Sport – Out Now!

Cleer Audio has been on a great run this year with new product releases and the fun keeps going! Their new Roam Sport ANC Sports Earbuds are designed and built for those with active lifestyles. With a price set around £100 They are setting themselves up to to crack into the Sports Audio niche. Feature packed and full app support with a competitive price means Cleer have set themselves up to provide an affordable alternative to the market leader Beats Fit Pro. Watch this space!

Learn More Here! – Cleer Roam Sport

Features at a Glance

  • Active Noise Cancelling
  • Ambient Sound Control
  • IPX4 water resistance certified (earbuds only)
  • Touch Controls
  • Sound Personalization via Cleer+ App
  • Qucik charge – 5 min charge provides 1hr battery: Less than 2 hours for full charge
  • Bluetooth Version 5.2
  • Codecs, Aptx Adaptive, SBC

Cleer+ App

The Roam Sport is also compatible with the Cleer+ App for ultimate personalization. You can adjust the EQ, music playback, and customize the Touch control functions, device controls and receive firmware updates. The units powerful noise cancellation with custom filters provides the peace and tranquility you need wherever you go.

Designed for the Outdoors (and Indoors, of course!)

The lightweight compact design of Roam Sport allows for long listening sessions. The Freebit wing allows for a personalised, secure fit that locks the earbuds in place and they will not budge, no matter what you are up to (running, in the gym, mountain biking etc..)

The Roam Sports ANC is surperb and allows for the peace and tranquility you need wherever you go. On top of this, the Roam Sport also has an Ambient Awareness mode. This allows you to let the outside in so you can have a conversation without taking your earbuds out or hear the traffic around you.

“The new Roam Sport is geared for the active sports and exercise enthusiasts,” says Patrick Huang, CEO/President of Cleer Audio. “It is feature-rich and works great for answering calls and enjoying your favorite podcast and music track, whether jogging or working out in the gym.”

Avaliable via Hifiheadphones Soon!

More News about Cleer and their latest releases here

Gravastar Venus Bluetooth Speaker Review

A Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space.

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Built like a sci-fi tank

The Gravastar Venus is built like a literal sci-fi tank. With a Zinc alloy shell and sturdy rubberized feet, it sits firmly planted on whatever surface you plant it on. It features two rubberized buttons and a total of 6 RGB lights which tie the look of the speaker together.

For such a small speaker, I was surprised at the volume and clarity…

Being such a small unit, weighing in at only 1lb, makes this speaker feel incredibly dense, and this shows in the build quality. There is no creak or moan as you handle the speaker. Even though it offers incredible details, it doesn’t feel fragile.

Remarkable sound quality

For such a small speaker, I am impressed at the volume and clarity of the sound it could produce. Even at higher volumes, it had little to no distortion and could still offer clear vocals whilst also giving the satisfying thump of the bassline.

The Nerd Stuff

As for the numbers, the Gravastar Venus offers a respectable 10 hours of battery life with a full charge achieved in 3 hours. It houses a full-range subwoofer driver which, paired with its vibration chamber allow it to deliver excellent sound clarity. It also utilises Bluetooth 5.0 which gives the speaker a range of around 10 meters.

The shell features 6 RGB lights which cycle to various colours by a button press. These colours dance in rhythm to the music or the setting, adding to the overall robotic feel of the speaker.

The speaker also offers a ‘True wireless stereo’ mode, offering deeper immersion and allowing you to have the edge when playing games. As for connections, the speaker uses USB-C to charge which is a must nowadays. I would have liked to also see a 3.5mm jack, but with the battery life and price point, it’s not a deal breaker.

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Want some true wireless earbuds in the same style check out the Gravastar Sirius is perfect for you!

Interested in all things Gravastar? Check out more News and Reviews here!

Check out our top picks for wireless Earbuds and Headphones here!