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!
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.
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 AudioFourté BlancImpressive 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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
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
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.
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! *
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
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!
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
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.
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.
The final UX3000 has won “Best Affordable Headphone 2022” from Trusted Reviews: “The Final UX3000 impressed during testing, delivering solid battery life, reliable ANC and wonderfully warm audio.”
Final has delivered a splendid pair of affordable ANC headphones in the UX3000. Their rich, musical performance is easily one of the best at this price point, and noise cancellation is effective to keep everyday sounds out to hear your music without interruption. They’re short of smarts and features; but if all you want is a simple, unfussy pair of great-sounding headphones, then these come highly recommended.
Trusted Reviews Verdict: Final UX3000 Review
Impressive Features
Dynamic drivers deliver clear and accurate details with rich and vast soundstage
Works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices
Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling System
High-performance microphones for crystal clear call quality
Bluetooth with Low Latency provides perfect wireless sound and stable connection
The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. On top of a solid build quality, they are paired with great sound and effective ANC. With all this for under £120, it is simply remarkable. In addition to this, you also get fantastic mic quality, making this an absolute bargain. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a reliable, great sounding portable over-ear headphone.
Oscar from Hifiheadphones
Still Interested? Read more and Buy your UX3000 directly from Hifiheadphones here. Use the code* TRUSTEDREVIEWS2022 at checkout to get an even more affordable price.
The Gravastar Sirius Pro True Wireless earphones impress with impeccable design, build quality and sound quality to match. With dedicated listening modes up to 5.1 virtual surround sound, a very compact form factor and four unique colour options available they siriusly have a lot to offer.
Sturdy and Well Built
The Gravastar Sirius Pro are small lightweight and extremely well built making them perfect for long gaming sessions without the fatigue that would normally come from a more standard in ear.
they immerse you in whatever content you are viewing …
They feature a zinc alloy case with a “siriusly” satisfying flip top making them ultra durable to throw into a pocket or a bag without fear of damage or scratching.
The earbuds themselves are lightweight but still have a great feeling in the hand weighing in at only 6g per earbud, pair this with the small, medium and large ear tips included you will find a fit that avoids fatigue in long gaming sessions.
“Siriusly” Good Features
The Sirius Pro have a plethora of features to give you the edge in games but also immerse you in whatever content you are viewing. They feature three different modes to tailor the listening to your content.
Gaming Mode – Allowing you to hear directional sound with extreme clarity using 5.1 virtual surround sound.
Movie Mode – Become fully immersed even on the move with HD surround sound allowing you to hear every explosion and whoosh.
Music Mode – With clean natural vocals and bass you can feel music mode makes you feel the music as much as hearing it.
These earbuds aren’t just good for consuming media they are great for communication too, they use environmental noise cancelation to cut out annoying background noise and give strong natural voices giving you great call quality no matter the environment.
The Nerd Stuff
Now the technical stuff, the earbuds use Knowles balance armatures and 7.2mm dynamic drivers. This allows them to perform great in the lower ranges with great bass as well as the mids and highs. Using cutting edge Bluetooth 5.2 Technology means the earbuds pair faster and last longer.
The earbuds have a 4h battery life and a solid 3 more charges with the 400mAh charging case. The case also features a USB Type-C charging case which is a must for all modern gadgets and a 3 hour charge time gets you back in the game as soon as possible.
The Sirius Pro‘s case also uses an incredibly pleasing looking LED bar to indicate the charge status of the case and earbuds which fits perfectly with the sci fi theme.
…even works as a bottle opener!
But wait there is more … no “Siriusly”!
The packaging really fits with the theme of the Sirius Pro with an almost hand painted look this is a box case you will want to display proudly, they also include a chain allowing you to wear your earphones for easy access.
The charging case even works as a bottle opener which is an interesting feature but it does really highlight the sturdy nature of the zinc alloy case.
Like the style but don’t need all the features? The Gravastar Sirius is perfect for you!
Should you get a dac for your PC / PS5? You like playing online but you do not want a microphone? How about getting something that will make you stand out as the true pro-gamer you really are? Below is a list of our favourite picks for gear that is suitable for gaming. Some of it is dedicated, other products make perfect sense when you actually try them out. We have TWS earphones, Dedicated Gaming headphones & earphones as well as Amps/DACs, speakers and more! Check our top gaming picks below:
For those that want powerful sound from the future – Gravastar Mars Pro Speaker- from £199.99
If you are after a sci-fi designed speaker with next generation sound tech and arguably one of the Bluetooth speakers on the market, then boy, do we have a surprise for you! The GravaStar Mars Pro is created for audiophiles, who love sci-fi. They can be paired together to give epic, immersive surround sound. They also have built-in, exclusive DSP audio algorithms that give you a deep bass, accurate mids, and crisp highs. Combined with an equal-loudness contour, you get a powerful sound experience. They are very well made, look fantastic, some models are hand painted and they sound amazing. What is not to love ?
For those that want peak performance on a modest budget – Audeze Penrose / Penrose X – £298.99
With the advent of the PS5 and Xbox X consoles, us gamers need headphones to maximise our chances of winning online (as well as a good gaming chair, naturally 😉 ). Using Audeze’s low latency wireless technology for accurate listening, presets and other customization options. As well as a built-in microphone designed by the one and only Shure. Rounding off with planer magnetic drivers for award winning sound quality makes these beauties a must have. Check out our – Full Review
For those that do not want a mic – Final E500 – £19.99
No mic! It has no mic! Perfect for those who want to game in peace and quiet. Whether on a plane or a train, or even jacked into your console contorller. The Gaming performance is one of the highlights of the E500 and was a clear focus for Final when designing them. You will not be prepared for a £19.99 pair of earphones to provide such accurate spatial feedback. In Online Battle Royales, you can hear exactly where bullets are coming from. Footsteps are pinpoint accurate and they give a very honest and detailed sound. Just remember to clean them regularly to keep them tip-top (as they go in your ears after all)
For those that want wireless and to stand out – Final Evangelion 01, 02 & 06 TWS Earphones – £199
This is something for lovers of the anime show, or for people who want to stand out at a LAN party, in their stream or the next Insomnia. Final has collaborated with Evangelion to release these TWS 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. Maybe you also love playing Neon Genesis so much, you just want to go that extra mile!
For those that want a clean and full output for their headphones (PS4/5) – JDS Labs Element III – £499.00
Sony is notorious for making it difficult for anyone with decent equipment to get good sound out of the PS5. Luckily JDS Labs is so customer focused that they jumped on this early and have a solution. Just make sure to buy the UAC1 fallback cable and the inbuilt software does the rest. This is a great bit of kit that can also be used with your PC. (If you want a cheaper set up or just want a DAC or an Amp, take a look at JDS Labs Atom+ Stack) – Element III Full Review
For those that want superb TWS earphones with a bottle opener – Gravastar Sirius Pro– £109
Back to sci-fi but this time with an extra twist! In fact, no twist caps needed as these earphones have an integrated bottle opener on the earphone case itself. And guess what? It works! With a dedicated Gaming mode you are easily able to pinpoint the direction of your enemy’s footsteps by harnessing the buds 5.1 virtual surround sound. They have a dedicated Movie and Music mode too, adjusting the EQ accordingly to get the most out of what you use them for. These are eye catching earbuds sent from the future and well worth a further look into.
For those that want earphones & the full experience on a budget – SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £52.99
A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. The E11C gives a clear and accurate presentation across the board making them not just great for gaming for everyday listening to tunes as well. The mic and controls are an added bonus that make these great for online teamplay. Just do not forget to make use of the included case as well as regular cleaning. As this 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.
For those who want to silence the outside world & immerse themselves fully into their game – Final UX3000 – £119.00
These are a fantastic pair of headphones for the price. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio cable allows you to use the UX3000 with your favourite games console (no ANC via this method). But via the cable, games sound atmospheric and you can easily pick out distinctive noises like footsteps and distant enemies. Thanks to the built-in microphone you can also communicate clearly with your teammates and the quality of the mic is simply superb. The Final UX3000 also supports aptX LL, a low-latency codec, meaning gaming on a smartphone or tablet or wirelessly on your PC is also an enjoyable experience. Whack on ANC mode and you can fully immerse yourself into the game you’re playing. No loud Fan noises, no screaming kids, just you and the game on the screen in front. Not only that, they are also a brilliant device for listening to music. The UX3000 really can be recommended to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. check out our Full Review.
For those that simply want the best (and to game like a streamer) – Audeze LCD-GX – £899.00
The LCD-GX looks like it was made for the professional gamer. It is wired, analog, and stereo only. But it offers probably the most accurate, detailed listening experience you can get for a gaming headset. The LCD-GX has advanced the gaming category beyond the stratosphere. The finest sound quality paired with a clear voice chat means this headphones is for the serious audiophile gamer.
For the listening experience and the immersion it provides, you simply won’t find a better gaming headset and certainly not one that looks and feels as exquisite as the LCD-GX.
The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 was released in the first half of 2022. This is their first ANC model and what an absolute treat they are. Feature packed & with impressive sound quality to boot. How do they do it for such a competitive price?
Fit and Comfort 9/10
The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 have quite a different design to previous Lypertek models. They have a rounded body and a stem which greatly improves ANC effectiveness along with mic placement for calls. This design also works really well in terms of fit. Even for smaller ears they are easy to put in and get a solid, secure fit for everyday use.
These are really comfortable & super easy to wear for long listening sessions
Comfort wise, once you find the right eartips (and there are plenty included to choose from) they are easy to wear for long listening sessions. This is not only due to the smooth housings but the light weight of the earpieces as well. There are no issues wearing these for a few hours at a time. The Z5 is also an optionl for light sports use due to their comfy and secure fit.
ANC 9/10
The ANC is a huge new feature for Lypertek, and one that works very well. When using these in areas with a constant stream of noise (such as sitting on a train) they do a great job to drown it out. It is easy to toggle on and off with the touch controls or via the app. Lypertek have absolutely nailed it with the Z5.
Purecontrol ANC App 10/10
The app is fantastic and easy to use. It allows the user to also fine tune the earphones to their tastes. With EQ curves (including custom ones), ANC on/off and also an Ambient mode which allows outside noise to be heard. LDX (Lypertek Definition eXpander) mode is also supported on the Z5. It has a dedicated button within the app to turn it on and it works well to enhance the space, depth and clarity of the sound. An absolute must try!
Mic 9/10
The stem is perfect for better microphone placement than normal true wireless designs. Resulting with the call quality on the Z5 being truly excellent. At home or out and about, the other person will hear your voice with great tone and clarity. It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.
It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.
Auto Ambient Mode 10/10
Simply one of the best features from the App. This turns ambient mode on automatically when you pause music & is such a handy feature to have. It means you don’t have to take the Z5’s out of your ears to hear people or announcements.
Sound 10/10
The below assessment is with all sound enhancements turned off. You can easily tune the PurePlay Z5 to your tastes with EQ. Not forgetting that the LDX mode is a great one click boost for those wanting and more spacious and engaging sound.
Bass: The perfect amount for out and about listeners in my opinion. These are punchy and fun whilst retaining good body and control. The bass is well controlled and keeps up with complex mixes with ease
Midrange: Open, spacious and natural, the midrange is portrayed in excellent fashion on the Z5’s never sounding drowned out or pushed too far back in the mix. Vocals manage to cut through the mix with great clarity and presence without sounding peaky or harsh.
Treble: Well extended yet not overly hot or in your face. The transition from the upper midrange in to the lower treble is well controlled without any unwanted sibilance. Yet there is still good energy in the lower treble to stop them from sounding dull or dark.
Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model.
Soundstaging and Instrument Separation
There is a good amount of air around instruments and good layering overall. They might not throw out the widest of soundstages but they manage to sound quite airy and open. Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model. these sound very controlled and well separated even when listening to complex music tracks.
Other Notable Features:
IPX4 rating means they’ll be fine for most sports use, but they are not ideal for use in areas of high moisture or heavier rain.
The case has the usual USB-C charging port & also supports wireless charging.
Touch controls – you can modify the touch controls in the app to your liking. But of the box they are fool-proof (2 taps on the right to skip track forwards. 2 taps on the left to skip backwards. 3 on the right for volume up. 3 on the left for volume down. 2s press on either to turn ANC on/off. 1 tap then long press on either to activate voice assistant. 2 taps then long press to manually turn them off).
Safe mode! a touch control configuaration that helps you not to accidently do something you didn’t want to.
Bluetooth 5.2
All the main codecs (AAC, aptX Adaptive, SBC).
Battery life is 7hrs (+28 from the case) with ANC off, and 4hrs (+16 from the case)
Enjoy all things Lypertek? Check out more News and Reviews here
Campfire Audio have done something a little different with the Saber, their latest limited run earphone, sporting two dynamic drivers and a single BA tuned to be engaging and fun.
Fit and Comfort
The Campfire Audio Saber follows a very similar design to the Satsuma and Honeydew. However, this time they have used Damascus steel for the faceplate and ABS for the inner shell. This means they have the slightly narrower and longer stem which actually helps when it comes to fit. These fit really well once you settle on the right tips. The nozzle allows for a medium insertion depth that is secure yet comfortable. The inner edges of the shell are smooth and the included cable is lightweight. My only gripe is the cable is the OFC one that uses mouldable memory wire instead of the more comfortable pre-moulded earhooks on the newer smokey litz cables. However it must be said this is a personal preference and most will get on fine with the included cable.
Comfort is excellent due to the housing shape. These are easy to wear for hours on end with no discomfort, making them great for long journeys or just general commuting and daily use. Just take some time to find the right tips for your preference and you’ll have no problems with the Saber.
Compatibility
The Saber are quite low impedance for an earphone, 8.2 Ohms @1kHz, this means they are very sensitive to source changes and benefit from a source with low output impedance. They have a sensitivity of 94 dB SPL @ 1kHz: 25.4 mVrms. These are very sensitive and work well out of portable devices provided they have low output impedance. Saying that, these sound great out of most devices as is.
Sound
Bass:
The Saber uses two dynamic drivers to cover the low and mid frequencies. The largest 8mm dynamic driver adds an impressive amount of depth to the bass but it still retains a tight and controlled response. One that is not as full as the Mammoth yet doesn’t lean too far into the analytical camp either. The Saber manages to have a solid bass foundation with impact and extension without bloat or emphasised warmth. They don’t fulfil a bass-head tuning like the Mammoth but there should be more than enough presence and oomph for most listeners. They are impressively punchy and I doubt anyone could be bored with this presentation.
Midrange:
Wonderfully placed and well detailed without sounding cold and lifeless. The midrange has great tonality and vocals cut through the mix with ease. There is a little thinness at times in the upper midrange but not enough to cause fatigue and sibilance is well handled only becoming problematic on poorly mastered/hot tracks. The Saber have the ability to be snappy and controlled yet utterly fun to listen to. You never lose track of anything going on in the mix, they handle whatever you throw at them and just turn it in to an enjoyable listen.
Treble:
The treble is sparkly, and razor sharp, but not to the point they sound fatiguing. With great air and placement they successfully manage to avoid being too hot for my tastes. These do not hold back, they are not the smoothest or most refined earphones for sitting back and relaxing with, instead they are dynamic and energetic and want you to tap along to the music. There is no lack of extension, no lack of detail whatsoever at the top end of the Saber. They could never be described as dull and that is exactly how Campfire wanted them to be. Fun!
Instrument Separation and Soundstaging
The Saber easily pick apart complex mixes and don’t become congested or muffled with fast tracks. The layering is excellent and they are very responsive in terms of transient response.
The soundstaging is also impressive. It’s intimate with a tightly focussed centre image and good width and space. The treble positioning is very impressive and there is realistic yet accurate staging.
64 Audio are finally offering up their most popular custom IEM in universal form. The U6t has a smooth and balanced sound that makes it a superb everyday earphone for the majority of people.
Fit and Comfort
64 Audio have used the same universal shape for the U6t as their other models (U12t / tia Trio etc…) and this is a tried and tested design. Offering up smooth edges with a good length nozzle for a secure fit and great comfort. Once you settle on the right size tips for your ear canals, they fit securely with the new included cable being more ergonomic and comfortable.
The U6t fit comfortably in your ears. They are also extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. The new cable is softer and has pre-moulded earhooks which, in my opinion are always more comfortable than stiff memory wire. 64 Audio provide plenty of eartips with the U6t. So try them all to find which suits you best!
Compatibility
Whilst the U6t is easy to drive, and has 64 Audio’s LID technology meaning there won’t be drastic sound signature changes between sources. However, an IEM of this quality still deserves a good source. Lossless tracks and the use of an external DAC/Amp with a mobile phone, or a dedicated DAP would definitely be my preferred choice of source.
Apex modules and tia drivers
64 Audio have a few interesting technologies they employ in their lineup. the U6t uses their apex technology that relives inner ear pressure whilst also allowing a certain amount of noise through. In turn this also tunes the sound slightly. The U6t comes with the m20, m15 and mX modules, which offer -20dB/-15dB and -10dB of noise reduction respectively. The more isolation results in more lower bass response and a warmer sound signature too. Along this logic, you get minor variations in soundstaging too. The more open being the more open sounding. Personally I do find the apex modules reduce listening fatigue and 64 Audio IEM’s are always perfect for long listening sessions.
The U6t also includes a single tia high driver. This high frequency driver is an open-top BA driver which is tube-less too and sits in the nozzle. This provides an increase in air and space in the treble region along with a more realistic treble presentation. Quite a while ago I listened to the original U6 against the new A6t. The tia driver definitely delivers a smoother and more realistic treble response than a typical BA with tube and damper design.
Sound
(M15 module as installed out of the box)
Bass:
The U6t have a nice and full low end that is exceptionally well tuned for a BA model with six drivers. There is enough warmth to add pleasant body to the sound and enough punch to be engaging. But it’s always composed and controlled, there is never excess bass, or unwanted bloat. Bass guitars are articulate. Kick drums hit with impact and have excellent body to back them up. They are not in your face. They also don’t try and impress with overblown bass, instead focussing on making the low end sound accurate and realistic with a little hint of warmth to ease those long listening sessions.
If you want a little more low end than the m15 module, the m20 offers up even more body. This in turn tricks your brain into thinking there is less treble. I.e this module is one for those who prefer a warmer and thicker sound. On the opposite end, the mX module leans out the low end. Making the U6t sound like a more typical reference tuned device. Allowing the mids and highs to cut through a little better with a tighter and slightly less thick bass response.
Midrange:
The midrange is superb on the U6t. It nails the natural yet not analytical presentation, being detailed and nuanced without being clinical. Vocals have an intimate quality without being up-front and central. There is such a pleasant balance overall that nothing sounds out of place or forced. More aggressive tracks have good bite, yet softer tracks have a sweetness that is intoxicating. Heavily distorted or acoustic, it doesn’t matter to the U6t, they can do it all with ease. Something lacking in many earphones. Both male and female vocals sound excellent, with maybe a slight nod to female vocals having the upper hand. The transition from upper mids to lower treble is handled superbly. They are not pushed to sibilance yet there is no discernible dip robbing them of energy and presence.
Regardless of the module used, the midrange is always very well presented. However it does sound warmer with the m20 and slightly thinner with the mX. So take your pick! For most the m15 is probably going to be just right.
Treble:
The treble is airy and well extended. It is also very well balanced in the mix, with the right amount of attack and energy without sounding bright or harsh. The tia driver provides exceptional treble response. One that sounds tonally accurate without nasty peaks or dips. You never lose track of the treble, it simply never gets lost in the mix. Snares are snappy and cymbals crash with authority. Yet, I never find them to be edgy or uncomfortable. 64 Audio are experts of pulling off the correct balance in the treble, and they are not lacking detail at any point either.
If you want well presented treble that isn’t harsh or fatiguing I highly suggest testing one of the 64 Audio models. These are utterly fatigue free. Should you wish for a little more bite, toning down the bass helps the mids and highs cut through a bit better (mX module).
Soundstaging and Genres
The U6t have a wider than average soundstage, but it’s not huge as these are still based on a pro-audio model. They are very accurate with their placement of instruments within the soundstage and everything is very well separated. I.e never sounding congested during complex tracks.
These are a superb all-rounder to be fair. They might not have the bass quantity many EDM listeners might crave, but they lend their hand to most genres. These have a slightly smooth presentation. Meaning they might lack a little energy for some. But on the other hand they are super easy to listen for long sessions.
Apex Modules
With the U6t you almost get 3 different signatures in one IEM. Whilst the core sound presentation will be similar between the three there are distinctive differences which allow you to fine tune them to your preference. The apex modules mainly affect the bass region. But an increase here will lead to a perceived lowering of the treble/midrange so take this in to account.
Using the most closed module (m20) you get quite a thick, warm and laid back sound. One that has good body and warmth overall but still with the signature tia driver an airy top end.
Using the m15 you get slightly less bass. Which in turn leads to a more balanced but still slightly smooth sound that is a great compromise and likely the sound that most users will prefer. It is well balanced but not lacking in punch and body.
The mX module will give you a more analytical presentation. More akin to a studio monitor sound that might be lacking a little body for some listeners. But it is the one that will sound the cleanest in the mid-range and treble due to less body overall.
It is down to each listener as to which module they will prefer, but the overall signature refinement and balance is present over all modules.
64 Audio U6t vs A6t
Should you go for the custom version? In short, not really. The custom version is for those who are using these professionally or who want increased comfort. The universal is much more accessible for the average user and it retains resale value should you want to change in the future. The U6t gives you 98% of the sound of the A6t. The custom version has a tiny bit better instrument separation and the seal means you get a bit fuller low end, but the difference is subtle and not in the extremes.
Who are they for?
People wanting a high quality everyday earphone
Those looking for a balanced but not clinical sound
Lovers of a natural sound that it tonally accurate
Conclusion
Interested in all things 64 Audio? Check out more News and Reviews here!
The great news here is that after much fanfair, the MM-500 are now avaliable for pre-order & purchase with Hifiheadphones, Audeze or your local dealer!
AUDEZE MM-500
Pre-Order the AUDEZE MM-500 Now!
The MM-500 has been specifically designed to deliver studio-quality sound and have also been reimagined for mixes that translate well and capture the emotion the artist always intended. They have also been built and designed to offer all-day comfort. The planar magnetic drivers feature patented Audeze technologies to deliver lightning-fast transients and accurate frequency response that professionals really rely on. The MM-500’s low impedance and efficiency also ensure compatibility with virtually all audio interfaces and consoles.
‘Thanks for getting the MM-500 to me so quickly. I worked on them most of yesterday and I think they could be my favourite headphones. They have the imaging accuracy and punch of the LCD-5 and also the warmth and width of the Neumann ndh-30. Really liking them and will carry on working with them. I think they could be the perfect studio headphones.’
M Duplock purchased 15th August 2022
Key Features:
Specifically designed to deliver mixes that consistently translate well.
Like near-field monitors, they also remove your room from the equation and give you studio-quality sound anywhere
Durable, lightweight chassis featuring machined aluminum and spring steel
Compatible with virtually all audio interfaces or consoles
Designed in collaboration with award-winning producer/mixer Manny Marroquin
Check out the latest Final UX3000 awards and reviews below. Arguably this is the best ANC Wireless headphone of 2022!
The Awards (so far) !
TECHRADAR HONOURS UX3000: EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARD
“The Final UX3000 wireless over-ear headphones are either under-priced or over-achievers – either way, they demand a listen, thanks to their articulate sound and excellent specs.” – Full Review
T3 MAGAZINE CELEBRATES UX3000: PLATINUM AWARD
“The Final Audio UX3000 aren’t made for the ‘big bass at all costs’ brigade, but the rest of us can revel in serious, properly realised performance at a very agreeable price indeed.” – Full Review
HI-FI CHOICE REVIEWS UX3000: RECOMMENDED AWARD
“Noise-cancelling performance is excellent yet simply implemented. The soundstage is pretty special, and long-term wearability vies for top honours.”
Reviews and more praise below:
Trusted Reivews: “Final has delivered a splendid pair of affordable ANC headphones in the UX3000. Their rich, musical performance is easily one of the best at this price point, and noise cancellation is effective to keep everyday sounds out to hear your music without interruption. They’re short of smarts and features; but if all you want is a simple, unfussy pair of great-sounding headphones, then these come highly recommended” –Final UX3000 Review
Pocket Lint: ” you’ll struggle to do better without doubling your budget if superb noise cancellation and audio fidelity are at the top of your wish list.” – Full Review
Tech Power Up: “Compared to the few others I did check out to finish this review, the final UX3000 ends up having the best balance throughout.” – Full Review
Impressive Features
Dynamic drivers deliver clear and accurate details with rich and vast soundstage
Works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices
Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling System
High-performance microphones for crystal clear call quality
Bluetooth with Low Latency provides perfect wireless sound and stable connection
The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. On top of a solid build quality, they are paired with great sound and effective ANC. With all this for under £120, it is simply remarkable. In addition to this, you also get fantastic mic quality, making this an absolute bargain. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a reliable, great sounding portable over-ear headphone.
Oscar from Hifiheadphones
Still Interested? Read more and Buy your UX3000 directly from Hifiheadphones here
CanJam London 2022 Update: It’s that time of year again!
We are very excited to be attending CanJam London 2022 on July 30th and 31st at Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.
We will of course be attending with some of our favourite brands and showcasing some of their amazing products. From new releases to old favourites, it is going to be a blast.
Undoubtably, this will be a CanJam to remember. Due to the Covid pandemic, we have been without the show for the last few years (check out our review/ interviews from the last one in 2019 here). We are absolutely frothing at the bit to get amongst the action again! Indeed, CanJam is the place to try all of the best headphones, earphones, DACs, AMPs, DAPs and IEMs under one roof with likeminded people. Obviously we are all there to discover how best to listen to our favourite recordings.
To celebrate, we are running a sale on our brands that are going to CanJam London 2022! Make sure to check out our sale page over on Hifiheadphones for big discounts for a limited time only:
Not only is this a chance to try out these amazing products. It’s also your chance to meet the people behind your favourite brands. Here is a list of just a few brands attending CanJam London 2022:
As a matter of fact, the reason for this is to give you an idea of what brands we will be representing at CanJam 2022. Below are also some of the products you can expect to see.
Audeze
Audeze are going big this year. In addition to six tables of goods (SIX!) showcasing lots of favourites, there is also a very special newcomer! On show will be LCD-5. CRBN, LCD-X, LCD-XC, LCD-3, LCD-2 Classic. Euclid, Penrose and the brand new MM-500. All products will be powered by some of the finest equipment from the likes of Chord, Burson, Weiss and Eksonic.
Campfire Audio
This year, Campfire Audio is all about the Trifecta! Don’t worry though. There will be enough for everyone to try this new, completely unique IEM from one of the most interesting audio brands of today. For those that want to try other legendary favourites, we will also have Andromeda, Holocene and Supermoon samples there too.
final / Hifonix
Also, our friends over at Hifonix will be showcasing the brand new final D8000 Pro Limited edition. In all of it’s stunning, goldlike lovlyness, it is going to be a crowd pelaser. Certainly make sure to make your way over to their table to check out this rare, majestic work of headphone art!
64 Audio
You can meet the 64 Audio team this year as well as and try some of their finest IEMs. Absolutely make sure to check out the U6t, DUO, U12t, Tia Fourte, U18s, Nio and even more (these are only the universals) from the worlds best pro and custom IEM specialists.
Burson
Burson will be supplying headphone amps and DACs to a number of our brands this year. So you will not only get the chance to try out their incredible products, they will be paired with some of the best headphones in the world!
Westone Audio
With the recent release of the MACH Series of IEMs. Westone Audio will be showcasing the full range at this years CanJam. This is a rare opportunity to test out all 8 models in this impressive and diverse line-up.
Lastly but not Finally..
To celebrate the return of CanJam London, we will also be having a special CanJam 2022 page setup on Hifiheadphones with exclusive offers on some of the best products showing at this years event. Be sure to check out the CanJam 2022 Special page on Hifiheadphones from 30th July to 1st August to get some amazing deals on the best audio gear out there!
