The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Custom Moulded Ear Sleeves from Snugs, the Ear-Docks are now available to be purchased on our website.
Customise your in-ear monitor earphones with the Snugs made-to-measure solution to match the unique shape and size of your ears. Snugs can make you a set of Snugs custom ear-sleeves to to fit your own earphones for ultimate fit, best sound isolation and superior comfort.
Particularly with earphones using balanced armature transducers, isolation and an airtight seal with your ear are essential to getting the best results. Using Snugs ear-docks will make your favourite earphones sound even better, breathing new life into your listening experience.
For Snugs to make custom fitted Snugs ear-docks just for you they need to take an impression of both of your ears. This is done in 20 minutes by a professional Impressionist, either in the Snugs mobile impressionist vehicle, at your home or office, or you can visit an impressionist on the high street. Your impressions are then made into Snugs and delivered to you by UPS courier within a few days.
Features
Provide an air-tight seal, they are noise-isolating and will not harm your ears like most tips
No sound bleed due to the air-tight fit
Safe to use when jogging, cycling, commuting and in the office, in Awareness APP mode
Snugs are a discreet fashion statement
Made within a few days, by the Snugs manufacturing partner, PC Werth in London
Delivered by United Parcel Services (UPS) as a tracked and secured courier delivery
To purchase these ear sleeves, please visit our website:
The Hifiheadphones team is pleased to announce the new Balanced High-End Cable for HD800 from Sennheiser, the CH800 S is now available to be purchased on our website.
With incorporated gold-plated four-pole Neutrik XLR /ODU connectors, the CH800 S headphone cable offers reliability, easy assembly and improved contact integrity as well as cable strain relief.
Made with oxygen-free silver-plated copper (OFC), this 3 metre long cable is specially matched to Sennheiser HD800 headphones. High-quality ODU connectors from medical technology are used to ensure maximum contact reliability to round off the outstanding sound experience.
The official Sennheiser XLR balanced cable is perfect for connecting the Sennheiser HD800 headphones to the XLR output of Sennheiser HDVD800 or HDVA600 headphone amplifier.
Features
Specially matched to Sennheiser HD800 headphones
Attuned to the symmetrical principle of Sennheiser’s headphone amplifiers
Symmetrical signal transmission from the source to the headphones
Made of oxygen-free copper (OFC) coated with silver to further minimise resistance
Four-pole XLR plug with gold-plated Neutrik inserts ensures optimum sound
High-quality ODU connectors from medical technology ensure maximum contact reliability
Designed and developed at Sennheiser’s headquarters in Germany
The Hifiheadphones team is pleased to announce the new Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earphone from Jaybird, the BlueBuds X is now available to be purchased on our website.
BlueBuds X rewrites the rules of Bluetooth audio, delivering outstanding performance that rivals the very best in mainstream wired headphones. Through perfecting a custom implementation of the native Bluetooth SBC codec, which Jaybird calls Shift, the BlueBuds X deliver a level of purity and sound that rivals and challenges the very best in wired earphones.
The X-Fit option allows users to wear BlueBuds X over or under ears. Voice prompting, a microphone for calls, and integrated controls are also notable features. BlueBuds X comes with three pairs of ear tips and ear cushions, a standard micro USB cable for charging, and a carrying case. The BlueBuds X are completely sweat-proof and Jaybird give a lifetime guarantee on the BlueBuds X against sweat.
With the Jaybird‘s SignalPlus you can use your music device left/right side or above/below the waist or anywhere you like. Considerable innovation has gone into SignalPlus, the ability to run and play sports outdoors while using your music device anywhere on your body without the traditional limitations of your body getting between the devices and blocking signal.
Features
Smallest bluetooth headset available today
Works with any Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPod touch, iPod nano, iPad, iPad mini or Mac
The AlgoRhythm Duet headphone amplifier is perhaps the closest yet to true desktop quality in a portable format. Hear the lowest lows and highest highs. Drive both IEM and large planar magnetic headphones. Ultra low deep and clean background, powerful bass, bold, authoritative and expansive.
Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Duet pairs perfectly with the AlgoRhythm Solo -R or AlgoRhythm -dB. The size, style and colours all match up so now you can have a complete Cypher Labs rig. Three gain settings, balanced input and output using a mini-4 pin connector and single ended 3.5mm input and output.
AlgoRhythm Duet offers volume gain settings optimised for all headphone types, including in-ear monitors and planar magnetic headphones. Markings are laser etched on extruded aluminium for durability.
Features
Fully balanced high power analogue headphone amplifier
Matches in size and style with the AlgoRhythm Solo -R and -dB for the ultimate portable rig
3 gain settings, balanced input and output and single ended 3.5mm input and output
Markings are laser etched on extruded aluminium for durability
Single ended line-level analogue output
Balanced mini-4 pin input and output (never translated from single ended)
Output optimised for all headphone types, including in-ears and planar magnetic headphones
Analogue system does not utilise PC driver
High capacity lithium-polymer battery – 10-14 hours play time – fast re-charge
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Portable Digital Audio Player & DAC from Astell and Kern, the AK100 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Uncompromising high-fidelity music playback at your fingertips: the Astell and Kern AK100 is the pinnacle of modern portable audio playback. Capable of Studio Mastering Quality sound, this portable player offers high-definition lossless music playback well beyond the realms of standard CD quality.
With the Astell&Kern AK100 listeners can enjoy music as it was intended to be heard with all it’s details and subtleties. Equipped with high-quality Wolfson DAC chip, the AK100 offers the highest levels of signal-to-noise ratio and lowest level of harmonic distortion for a highly detailed and realistic sound experience. The Astell&Kern AK100 can also be used as an external DAC via the Optical In/Out function.
The Astell&Kern AK100 is capable of playing all lossless music files offering high-definition music playback. Lossless music files are larger than standard music files and require more storage space. Astell&Kern AK100 carries an on-board memory of 32GB with additional dual micro SD card slots, making the internal memory expandable to 96GB.
An intuitive and responsive touch screen interface combined with traditional control buttons makes using the AK100 fast and easy. The user interface of the Astell&Kern focuses on quickly searching for and listening to songs. Housed in a robust case of black-anodized aluminium with a hairline finish, the AK100 represents a deep and defined craftsmanship
Features
Portable high-fidelity audio system with Mastering Quality Sound (MQS) playback
Up to 24bit/192kHz playback of high resolution audio files
Lossless playback for WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, APE, MP3, AAC, WMA and OGG music formats
Meets 100% of Hi-Fi audio specifications
Equipped with high-performance WOLFSON DAC chip
Optical DAC function for PC and MAC
Dual Micro SD card slot supports up to 96GB of total memory
User Interface with intuitive touch screen and control buttons
Digital volume control wheel with traditional analogue feel
Solid machined aluminium casing
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Portable Digital Audio Player & DAC from Astell and Kern, the AK120 is now available to be purchased on our website.
The Astell and Kern AK120 plays any music format with high-fidelity Mastering Quality Sound (MQS). Lossless music files no longer need to be confined to big set-ups with this portable audio system. Feel the phenomenal realism of high-definition lossless music through 24bit/192kHz sound processing that cannot be heard through a standard CD.
The incorporated Wolfson WM8740 digital-to-analogue converter chip is the world’s best performing high resolution DAC chip. Equipped with two DAC chips the AK120 independently separates the left and right channels and offer true dual-monaural audio with wide soundstage and full-bodied audio. Astell&Kern AK120 can also be used as an external DAC via USB or Optical In function.
To playback 24bit/192kHz files, it is essential for the Astell&Kern to have high-capacity memory. Astell&Kern AK120 carries an on-board memory of 64GB with additional dual micro SD card slots supporting up to 64GB of memory in each slot , making the internal memory expandable to 192GB.
Intuitive and responsive, the touch screen interface combined with integrated hardware control buttons makes using the AK120 fast and easy. The user interface of the Astell&Kern focuses on quickly searching for and listening to songs. The curved design of the volume wheel guard provides additional protection to the volume wheel.
Features
Portable high-fidelity audio system with Mastering Quality Sound (MQS) playback
Up to 24bit/192kHz playback of high resolution audio files
Lossless playback for WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, APE, MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG and DSD music formats
Meets 100% of Hi-Fi audio specifications
Equipped two high-performance Wolfson WM8740 24bit 192kHz DACs in a dual-mono configuration
USB / Optical DAC function for PC and MAC
Dual Micro SD card slot supports up to 192GB of total memory
User Interface with intuitive touch screen and control buttons
Digital volume control wheel with traditional analogue feel
Volume wheel guard provides protection
Elegant design and sturdy build, housed in a brushed aluminium case
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Open-Back On-Ear Headphone from Musical Fidelity, the MF-100 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Musical Fidelity’s MF-100 headphones were designed to make a beautiful lifelike sound. They are light, comfortable and durable making long listening sessions a pleasure. Musical Fidelity’s award winning design team identified and focused on several critical areas to achieve our aims of natural lifelike sound, lightness and comfort, and durability.
Musical Fidelity’s MF-100 drive units have been designed from the ground up to give a flat and wide frequency response with low distortion. This enables the MF-100 headphones to offer a completely natural, stress free sound so you can hear exactly what the artist intended to create.
With subtle leather earpads are crafted from a combination of fine materials and refined design the MF-100 headphones create maximum comfort. At the same time they give excellent sound isolation. Your music doesn’t disturb anybody and vice versa. The ergonomically designed earpad forms an excellent seal which ensures deep powerful and clear bass. Specially designed transparent fabric has been used for the centre of the earpad.
Every part of the MF-100 is made of high quality materials which enhance the durability, tactile sensations and sound quality.
Completely natural, stress free sound
Drivers offer a flat and wide frequency response with low distortion
Light, comfortable and durable design for long listening sessions
Ergonomically designed earpad forms an optimal seal
Specially designed earpad with transparent fabric
Cable incorporates in-line mic/mute control for Smartphones
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Open Back Audiophile Headphone from Audio-Technica, the ATH-AD700X is now available to be purchased on our website.
With overhauled looks and improved driver performance the ATH-AD700X represent Audio Technica’s latest revision of the acclaimed AD700. The soft and relaxed sound, with deep resonating bass and extended vocal projection offers a completely natural listening experience.
As with the predecessor, the AD700X incorporate a lightweight honeycomb aluminium casing, allowing these open-air headphones to produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation. Newly designed 53mm drivers with bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils deliver spacious sound with superior highs and mids.
The included flexible raised-fabric earpads of the AD700X are also exceedingly comfortable and guarantee fatigue-free listening. Self-adjusting wing supports automatically adjust to your head size for easy-wearing listening comfort. A straight cord at the left earpiece terminates to a mini plug with included 6.35mm adapter.
Newly designed 53mm drivers reproduce clear treble and midrange
Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils for superior power handling
Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears
Lightweight aluminium honeycomb casing with excellent acoustic properties
Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support provides a comfortable listening experience
Flexible raised-fabric earpads offer excellent wearing comfort and durability
Highly conductive OFC single-sided cord with elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangles
Gold-plated stereo 3.5mm connector with 6.35mm adapter
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Premium In-Ear Sound Isolating Earphone from RHA, the RHA-MA750 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Using RHA’s aerophonic design, the MA750 is constructed from individually machined stainless steel components. The handmade drivers and over-ear design ensures remarkable sound reproduction and a comfortable, noise isolating fit.
Precise, balanced and articulate sound reproduction with a great depth of soundstage. The RHA MA750 drivers have been designed to deliver a clear and natural sound. With high levels of spatial separation and distance, the MA750s are capable of reproducing audio with exceptional power and precision. The 303F grade stainless steel construction together with the right silicone eartip ensures extended wearing comfort with excellent sound isolating properties.
The aerophonic design used by the RHA MA750 earphones was inspired by the airflow system and acoustic properties of a trumpet’s bell. The RHA team inverted the traditional shape to create headphones capable of channelling the sound naturally, allowing air to progress unobstructed and unforced from the driver to the ear.
RHA are confident with the superior standard of build and audio quality of the MA750 and offer a full 3-year warranty on all parts.
Handmade steel drivers for precise, balanced and articulate sound
Extended wearing comfort with excellent sound isolation
Selection of dual density silicone, double flange silicone and memory foam eartips
Premium carry case and stainless steel eartip holder
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Premium Closed Back Reference Headphone from Fostex, the TH-600 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Introducing the latest addition to the highly acclaimed Fostex high-end headphone line: TH-600. With reputable bio-dynamic diaphragm drivers, Tesla magnetic flux circuit and magnesium die-cast housing the TH-600 delivers supreme audio reproduction. Special textured earpads and headband made of soft ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material offers a comfortable listening experience.
The TH-600 features Fostex’s renowned bio-dynamic 50mm diaphragm and powerful 1 Tesla magnetic circuit as well as the magnesium die-cast housing to deliver supreme audio reproduction. With unique bio-dynamic diaphragm the TH-600 offers rich lows, natural mid range and smooth highs.
Fostex TH600 headphones incorporate an innovative Piezo sheet inside the housing for dispersion of resonance as well as high damping treatment. Thin vacuum sputtered nickel electrodes produce extremely low current leakage and low magnetic permeability.
Earpads and headband of the TH600 are made of ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material with comfortable textured protein combination derived from egg, which is 60% lighter than genuine leather.
50mm driver units with 1 Tesla (1000 gauss) magnetic circuit
Superior audio reproduction with low distortion and wide dynamic range
Bio-dynamic diaphragm that offers rich lows, natural mid range and smooth highs
Light-weight and highly rigid magnesium die-cast used for the housing material
Piezo sheet inside the housing for dispersion of resonance as well as high damping treatment
Earpads and headband made of ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material
It is tempting to think nowadays that smaller is better, cheaper and easier to carry around; but when it comes to headphones there are differences between large and small which are not all that obvious.
One of the relatively new developments in portable audio is the in-ear headphone, as opposed to the ‘earbud’ which goes back 25 years or so. The earbud sits in the ear’s concha and rests up against the ear canal (sort of), whereas the in-ear headphone sits in the ear canal itself and ideally creates a seal, for far better isolation and bass response when compared to the earbud.
In-ear (Intraaural)
This coupling method between speaker and ear gives a much more intimate presentation – indeed, more intimate than the producer or mastering engineer perhaps intended. This brings a danger of fatigue with certain recordings, and the soundstage is typically narrower making any spatial effects less pronounced.
One of the important parts of getting the most out of the in-ear headphone is the seal created when the right eartips are used. Everybody’s ears differ, and it is likely that some experimentation is necessary with the tips before the right effect is achieved.
Not everyone can comfortably wear in-ear headphones; some also prefer to keep the presentation as close to the intended ‘2 speakers in a room’ sound as possible. Full-size headphones replicate this better.
On-ear (Circumaural and Supraaural)
This is the style everyone surely thinks of when they hear the word ‘headphone’ – speakers sitting on or over the ears, connected by a headband.
The Circum-aural style encloses the ear and is the most likely to give the ‘2 speakers in a room’ effect; the entire ear is subject to sound coming from the headphone driver, and this gives the outside ear or ‘pinna’ a chance to bounce the sound around a bit before it enters, much like natural environmental sounds.
Also, headphone designers have much better opportunity to treat the headphones, or make minor adjustments to ensure that they have the required frequency response. For example, holes or ‘ports’ can be created to reduce bass frequencies, and bumps in any frequency response graph can be dealt with by membranes which block certain frequencies and allow others to penetrate. There are fewer opportunities to tinker with in-ears before the design has to go back to the drawing board.
To a lesser extent, there’s a better chance of the left ear picking up sounds from the right speaker and vice-versa; mirroring what happens in real life. Sound passes through the head and is also filtered by it; the resulting sound is therefore attenuated and with a lot of high-mid frequency detail lost. Together with a slight delay (the time taken for sound to cross from one ear to another is around 3 thousandths of a second), the brain converts these subtle details into information on sound placement.
This is why binaural recordings are so lifelike; given that the technique involves small microphones placed in the ears of a real human head or dummy, any recorded audio has the artefacts lent to it by the head on which it is recorded.
The circumaural style is considered to be the most comfortable generally; the intended use for circumaural headphones is that the wearer stays relatively still, perhaps seated, and so the headphones rest gently on the head and ears.
Supraaural headphones are a little smaller and are designed to sit on the ears, against the pinna. This often makes them more practical for the purpose of portability, but often at the expense of comfort when it comes to extended listening sessions. This design tends to press harder on the ears, both to increase the chances of a good seal and to prevent the headphones’ headband from slipping as the head moves. Supraaural headphones are generally designed for outdoors with more active uses in mind, and so tend to be closed-back to offer better isolation.
It is perhaps easy to choose between circumaural and supraaural headphones; do you wish to remain at home and listen, or go out, for instance? In-ear headphones are less clear-cut. They are being designed now for all scenarios it seems. Our habits may have yet to catch up, but in-ear headphones such as the sumptuous Final Audio Piano Forte range are now being designed for the armchair listener, so the choice from now on may be less clear, but it will have increased, which is no bad thing.
Cypher Labs is well known for producing seemingly military grade gadgets for uncompromising audiophiles on the go, but it looks as if the dedication of such users needn’t grow with the passage of time. With the Cypher Labs Theorem 720, digital to analogue conversion AND amplification are taken care of within one handy unit.
First Impressions
The Theorem comes in much the same packaging as its recent predecessors; good for getting the product to you, but likely to turn dog-eared before long if used for storing the item between sessions. There’s a booklet with a few FAQ-type questions and answers, perfect for those who like to get stuck in. I had this unit for the weekend, but was unable to charge it – it is distributed within the UK along with its default 2-pin US plug. Any orders from hifiheadphones.co.uk will of course be shipped with an extra UK-specific power supply.
As luck would have it though, the battery was well charged enough already and I was able to sample the unit both as an DAC with an iPod, and as a PC DAC. The unit comes with connectors for use with the Apple iPhone 5, iPhone 4(s) and some Android devices; depending on software the Theorem can be a DAC for HTC and Samsung models, for instance. I tried to get some functionality on my Huawei handset, but the recommended software is not compatible with my firmware so that was that. Indeed, for supported devices there is a charge for the full version of the suggested app on the Google play store.
The Theorem is built very well and like other Cypher Labs products, it feels as if it wouldn’t be out of place clipped to the side of an Abrams tank. I was careful not to drop it for fear of damaging the floor.
Uses & Features
Now that amplification is a part of what Cypher Labs does, I was looking forward to trying the Theorem as a plain headphone amp with my Walkman before delving any deeper. However there is no ‘Line-in’ socket which was a tad disappointing, and I returned to the office ipod to provide the audio.
There are 3 gain settings (L,M & H) but with my Phonak PFE 232s, I found myself stuck between the lower two settings. Admittedly the 232s have a 49 ohm impedance which is an unusual number, but the lowest gain setting had me wishing for more headroom, and the medium gain hardly allowed any movement of the volume pot before it got too loud. Also the gain selector switch stands proud slightly – I would feel nervous if using in-ear headphones on the street, it’s easy to imagine the switch getting knocked inadvertently.
The USB input is on the same end of the Theorem as the headphone socket which is a good improvement; should the rig go into a pocket or bag, the cables will not be such a problem.
Sound Quality
With my Phonak PFE 232s the presentation was certainly on the cool side for me, at least with the grey filters in the 232s. I exchanged these for the green filters which cut down a bit on the higher frequencies and tamed the sound. There was an unattractive ‘edge’ to the mid-frequencies which needed attention. Other than this, the presentation was very involving and there was a good amount of soundstage for in-ear headphones.
Leaving the 232s, I tried my old AKG K240 DF studio monitors with a very flat frequency response. I have found these headphones indispensable for mixing and arranging, but generally they aren’t the most fun to listen to. However the Theorem made them sound incredible and brought them up to a decent volume for me. Perhaps a little more headroom would be nice for those quieter recordings, but given that these headphones feature 600 ohms of Austrian intransigence, this is very good going for the Theorem.
Finally I tried the HifiMAN HE-400s which really is a superb match. The relative brightness of the amp (for me) complimented the HE-400’s warm character, and there is more than enough power to drive these orthodynamic headphones to their full potential.
Verdict
An excellent choice for those who will accept no compromise when on the move, and who have headphones which will reveal the extra information which the Theorem can glean. Big pockets are still needed to afford the device and carry it about, but given that it does the same work that two units did formerly, those pockets needn’t get too frayed.
Pros
One unit instead of two
Headphone cable/USB connections at the same end of the device
Good and powerful
Cons
Gain selector switch can be knocked accidentally
No 3.5mm Line In socket
Android devices require a separate app which is not free
Lauri Cular and infidelity are very familiar with each other; but here’s a fine pair of headphones to reintroduce Lauri to the straight and narrow path of audio absolution..
Musical Fidelity MF-100
On inspecting the clean, white box which contains these latest objects of curiosity, one feature stands out – there appears to be the packaging equivalent of Tippex: a sticker placed over an erronious line of text. Tantalisingly, the words ‘Balanced Armature’ show through – is Musical Fidelity planning a full-size BA hybrid? Is it text meant for a smaller box containing in-ear headphones but accidentally printed on a bigger box?
Stand by sleuthers; I also have the EB-33 in-ear (not reviewed here). It has the same sticker covering the same indiscretion. Is someone at Musical Fidelity getting their driver types mixed up or is something in the pipeline?
What’s wrong with all this speculation? It’s the natural consequense of hearing the MF-100s. I like them and I want more. The prospect of clapping my ears on a BA equivalent is attractive to me; what else can I do?
On first seeing the MF-100s I was struck by the design; not too flashy but with just enough pazzazz to get them looking attractive. With their sturdy black and chrome build, they remind me of the mid-1990s hair salons in which I would be tempted to get the occasional perm. I just have the combover now, and on windy days I daren’t go out for fear of looking like a walking pedal bin.
However now I have my MF-100s I can dally with a dust-devil or tarry in a tornado. The clamping force is on the high side with these, though it may be possible to bend the headband back and relieve the pressure – I daren’t with my review pair though.
The sound is detailed and on the cool side. The MF-100s are a great match for the Just Audio UHA120 which has a warmer output, but a pairing with something like a Fiio E12 will take a fan of a sound which is bass light and detail rich. Although the earcups do not enclose the ear, they do cover it so the cold wind does not bother me too much, and with the featured mic/button I needn’t take my gloves off should I get a phone call.
This is unlikely as I’m very unpopular, but that’s the power of the combover.
Final Audio’s high end in-ear, the Final Audio Design Piano Forte X, is causing a stir, and it’s not all due to the price or styling. Lauri Cular takes them home after leaving his sister behind as security.
Piano Forte, when directly translated into English, means ‘soft and loud’. With appropriate amplification they certainly go loud, but in terms of their outward design they struggle with softness. Indeed they could be used to mug someone – and with the hefty price tag here the proceeds of a few muggings could come in handy.
If only these were available years ago. All those hours spent collecting conkers and ruining my mum’s roast dinners by sneaking them in the oven to harden them could have been more fruitfully spent. Never mind pretending to miss, and hitting your mate’s hand on a cold morning, what fun!
More seriously, the ‘soft’ is quite accurate when describing the sound of these. The first thought which struck me was ‘where’s the treble?’ followed closely by ‘surely these are the Emperor’s new headphones, has everyone gone mad?’ but I’m glad I reserved my judgement. I collected together some pieces of music which would bring out the strengths of the Piano Fortes – a recording of Hariprasad Chaurasia’s bansuri (with genuine jungle sounds accompanying), Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks and a work which I think reflects Beethoven’s best period – Beethoven’s Greatest Hits. Added to this is the Temperance Seven, which is just perfect – the music brings to mind the huge acoustic horn speakers of the 1920s and the Piano Forte Xs really bring this quality to it. Not the scratchiness or the narrow frequency range, but the liveliness of it all – it really gets me involved. Also tagging along is my Wurlitzer CD from Blackpool Tower ballroom and my fairground Gavioli LP. Rockin’!
These don’t do electronica or pop, and rock is not recommended – unless particularly atmospheric, that is. The Piano Fortes are designed to be at their best for one type of performance or production only – the acoustic. Hence my selection of twiddly stuff.
Now I’m not one to go for the classical or acoustic out of habit, so it made quite a change to don these gold blobs and be immersed. The usual half life for this stuff is about 10 seconds with me, so it’s a feather in the Final Audio cap to keep me listening. Closing my eyes, I could imagine the space and myself in it very easily. The classical, and music of a higher-brow-than-mine variety is all very well but I don’t know it intimately – these aren’t reference tracks for me. The Temperance Seven CD full of them though, and I thoroughly enjoyed the various instruments involved. I was hit with as much information as any great headphone; it was just that the emphasis here is on the midrange and it matches the music perfectly.
It’s like the best of both worlds – the charm and ease of an old-style phonograph presentation, but with the sound quality and convenience of 21st Century technology. These are not necessarily designed for the hectic lifestyles of now, as evidenced by their tendency to drop out when leaning forward or moving the head rapidly. This may be more to do with my ears than anything; I checked Final Audio‘s website to check how they were fitting me, and the chap on the page had managed to ingest the things almost completely. On me, most of the body tended to balance half in and half out of my concha, and the nozzle up against the opening of my ear canal kept it in. They stayed there and would offer no trouble if used in the same manner as full-size headphones of the same calibre.
In summary, these headphones may not be the most practical for our busy modern lives, but they are not meant to accompany any activities other than relaxation. With the Piano Forte X, it might be said that any foul mood can easily be conkered!
Electrostatic headphones are the undisputed kings of headgear when it comes to sound quality – it is only their price and power consumption which stops everybody wanting them! Some of their mystique can be dispelled by knowing the internal workings, but they’re still going to impress!
They operate on the principal that ‘opposites attract’, although Paula Abdul is not involved here. The technique has a thin membrane of plastic held in place between two electrode plates called ‘stators’. The membrane is coated in a conductive substance which allows a static field to be built upon it, and this in turn reacts with any audio signal which is fed to the stators.
Being statically charged, the membrane is attracted by any positive force held within the stators, and opposed by any negative force within them. Since any similar forces in the stators either side of the membrane will be effectively cancelled out, one of the stators is wired out of phase so that one stator is pulling the membrane whilst the other is pushing it. The effect of this is to double any force acting upon the membrane, much like two sawyers operating each end of a large saw.
This is also happening on the opposite side of the headphones; so along with energy required to build up the static fields on the membranes, more energy is needed to move them.
The combination of ultra-light membrane and powerful moving forces makes for a very accurate sound with great separation; since the membrane is acted on as a whole, it does not bend and this also avoids distortion. Also due to the fact this technology can cover all frequencies well beyond 20kHz, there is no need for the crossovers and multiple drivers which would cause distortion in a dynamic or balanced armature equivalent.
