Lypertek SoundFree S20 Wireless Earbuds Review

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SoundFree S20 wireless earbuds – Best budget buds

The new budget offering from Lypertek offer up an engaging and fun listening experience. Without forgetting the finer details.

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Fit and Comfort

The SoundFree S20 have a smooth inner housing and slightly elongated nozzle, which allows for a great fit with the right eartips. They are not heavy and sit securely. Excellent if you want to use them for active sports use.

Comfort is excellent due to the lightweight design and smooth edges. They also sit fairly flush in your ears and allow for long listening sessions with ease. The angle of the nozzle really does help when it comes to the comfort of these.

Features

The SoundFree S20 has a claimed battery life of 8hrs, with an extra 40hrs from the charging case. I have found this claim to be quite accurate during listening sessions but it is of course volume dependent. The case supports wireless charging and has a USB-C port too. They use Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC and AAC codecs. The S20 is IPX5 rated, this means you can use them in light rain showers. I would not advise taking them swimming or in the shower.

There is a small button on them, placed at the top so you don’t press them into your canals when using it. This button has multiple functions (play/pause/skip tracks/volume up and down), and also allows you to activate ambient mode which allows you to hear external noises. This mean you no longer need to take them out to listen to the outside world. There is a microphone on each earpiece for calls, I found call quality to be acceptable but not a stand-out feature of the S20.

Sound

Bass

Full bodied, punchy and fun is how I would first describe the bass on the S20. However they never become muddy or overblown. There is a subtle lift in the sub-bass and you can easily hear the rumble. Bass is well balanced with good punch and control. Those who found the PurePlay Z3 a little too neutral, will enjoy the extra warmth down low on the S20. Whilst the bass is certainly present and boosted, the S20 don’t sound overly bass heavy or dark.

Midrange

The bass is well controlled, which allows the midrange to cut through with authority and power. Male vocals sound clean without any added body, the detail inherent means you can hear all the emotion present in the vocals without much veil. Female vocals fare equally as well. Without any real peaks in the upper midrange, guitars and vocals are well separated and each have their own space within the soundstage. Overall excellent performance in the midrange, that gives real insight into the recording.

Treble

Clean, precise and ever present the treble thankfully isn’t just an afterthought. Carefully tuned to be there, but without causing fatigue, often the most tricky part of a frequency response yet Lypertek have pulled it off. Yes, for this price you cannot expect the most faithful tonality but thankfully you can cleanly hear cymbal crashes and violins. They are not dull or veiled, instead they are exciting and add a bit of air to the sound, however they are not the most detailed in the treble region (partly due to bluetooth compression).

Genres and Soundstage

The S20 lend their hand to most modern genres, bringing out the best in Rap and Hip-Hop whilst handling heavier rock with ease too. They wouldn’t necessarily be my first pick for classical and jazz, but these are aimed at the active general user and the sound works well for that.

Soundstaging is actually rather impressive for the price and design, whilst not overly wide there is accurate placement of instruments and good layering between them too.

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SoundMAGIC E11C Earphones Review

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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.

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Design: 9/10

The E11C Features an updated 10mm dynamic driver from its predecessor, the E10C. It has also been upgraded via a high quality silver plated copper cable. Proof that SoundMAGIC is continuously evolving as a brand. Not only does this improve the sound, but it also gives the earphones a more sophisticated, grown up look. Other than these changes, they essentially look like a typical SoundMAGIC in ear earphone and still feature a 3.5mm jack. They look great. Why change a good looking winning formula?

Fit & Comfort: 9/10

As with previous wired models, the E11C can be worn with cable going over the ears or just straight down. Although this will interfere with the position of the microphone. The angled jack is great for when you have your Phone/ Mp3 Player in your pocket as it prevents any premature cable break (from poor care!). The ergonomically designed housing fits in your ear very well. The posistion of the in-line mic and controls is practical and makes them easy to use. Finally, the tips that are provided add to the comfort and it is easy to get a secure / solid fit. This ensures not only comfort but total sound isolation and the best chance to immerse yourself in the music.

The sound quality is excellent and the E11C is suitable for all genres.

Sound: 10/10

The sound quality is excellent. The E11C is similar in sound to the SoundMAGIC E50 models. But the E11C has a little more mid and upper-bass warmth to it. To sum up, the bass is well controlled, The mids crystal and the treble super smooth. It’s suitable for all genres, but is outstanding when listening to vocals, acoustic recordings and music making use of “real” instruments. (Sorry techno, you still sound great too though!)

Mic & Controls: 9/10

The E11C comes with an in-line control and mic that works with both iOS and Android (for devices that still have a jack). The controls provide volume and stop/start functionality which is great for when you are on the move. In addition to this the mic/controls are durable and unobtrusive. They do not interfere with the cable which means they do not create any background noise. The call quality is good and your voice comes through loud and clear on the other end, too.

The E11C proves that quality does not need to cost an arm and a leg.

Value For Money 10/10

The E11C proves that quality products do not need to cost an arm and a leg. The updates are modest but make the E11C stand out from its predecessors. The sound is more refined and pricepoint of around 50 pounds really hits the nail on the head. Most people will only spend as much as they need to in order to get something that they will be happy to use every day. And guess what? The E11C is it. The in-line mic and controls are a great practical feature and fantastic addition. They are simply a very durable, stylish and versatile earphone to use day in and day out.

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Westone Audio Pro X Series Review

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Westone Audio have updated their ever-popular UM Pro series earphones, now renamed Pro X. these are still some of the best pro-audio earphones out there with different sound signatures to choose from and superb ergonomics.

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Westone have long had some of the best pro-audio earphones on the market and it is great they gave this range a complete refresh. An upgrade that needs to be immediately mentioned is that both earpieces are now matched to within +/-3dB. This is excellent for pro-audio earphones.

Build Quality: 9/10

The build quality is similar to that of the previous UM Pro series. The hard plastic shells feel extremely lightweight, but this time they have moved to IPX connectors with a Linum Bax T2 cable. The Linum cables are becomming ever more popular and are incredibly thin and lightweight. In fact, they are so thin they look fragile but are actually rather robust and coil back on themselves making them relatively tangle free. The T2/IPX connectors are a big step forward. They feel much better than MMCX connectors with a more secure fit and reportedly increased longevity.

Accessories: 10/10

Accessory wise you get the same excellent assortment as always. A huge number of tips (which are excellent quality) along with the small monitor vault that is perfect for keeping your earphones safe when not in use. Everything is included to use these straight out of the box. You need to spend some time finding the right tips for your ears but that’s it really.

Comfort and Fit 10/10

The Westone UM Pro series were always regarded as some of the most comfortable earphones out there. Luckily the Pro X series are much the same in terms of shape. These fit like a glove, once you settle on the right eartips they really do disappear in your ears. The new lightweight cables makes them even more comfotable. It can’t get any better.

The fit is also superb. The housings are small, lightweight and smooth. Which means you get a secure fit that is flush in your concha too. The cable is so lightweight you forget about it. Arguably, these are the best fitting universal earphones out there. There are slight differences in size between the Pro X10 and Pro X50 for example, but all the models fit really well.

Pro X10:

The Pro X10 is the entry level, single driver model aiming for a neutral and balanced sound signature for general monitoring purposes. It has impressive extension from top to bottom for a single driver unit, with a reasonable amount of body too. It does lack in dynamics a little and comes across a little flat at times. But there is a surprising amount of detail on offer for the price. These seem to excel when listening to more midrange focussed music such as acoustic and folk. The vocal clarity and presentation is really impressive for the price

Pro X20

These improve upon the Pro X10 by adding an extra driver. This improves dynamics and there is a little more sparkle up top and body down low. These sound a bit livelier than the Pro X10, there is definitely some extra bass emphasis going on making these more suited to those who like a little added warmth to their sound. The midrange is less intimate. Making this model more suited to bassists and drummers who need a little more punch and dynamics.

Pro X30

An update to Westone Audio’s bestselling pro model, the Pro X30 retains that ever-loved sound of the UM Pro30 but increases the sound staging, along with ever so slightly better definition and clarity across the board. The Pro X30 uses three drivers. This helps increase the headroom before distortion sets in, along with a single driver dedicated to each part of the frequency range. You get articulate and full lows, a nuanced and detailed midrange and clean highs that extend smoothly. They do have a fuller sound signature that works well in a live music setting. Perfect for pretty much anyone on stage and they are easily tuneable with EQ.

Pro X50

Here we have the flagship model in Westone Audio’s Pro range. Packing 5 drivers into a small and comfortable housing with a focus on bringing out more clarity without sacrificing refinement and smoothness. This model shares a similar core signature with the Pro X30. Although it has a little more body in the bass along with better extension in to the sub-bass. There is a definite boost down low that is tight and controlled, yet makes these a warm sounding earphone overall.
The Pro X50 have a full and enjoyable sound signature that makes them an easy listening, everyday earphone. With a bit of EQ tinkering you can easily tailor the sound to your personal preference whilst retaining excellent comfort and a really good technicalities.

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Enjoyed this review? If you are after more, all things Westone Audio can be viewed on our Blog here.

Audeze Penrose Gaming Headset Review – 1.5 Years On

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The Audeze Penrose gaming headset – designed for PlayStation 4, Playstation 5, Windows and Mac desktops – has blessed people’s gaming experiences for just over one and a half years. With it’s various updates and improvements, in addition to a plethora of new models on the market, there is a question that needs an answer: Is the Audeze Penrose still worth considering in 2022?

YES, YES – IT IS!

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Audeze Penrose Review – 1.5 years on: Now more than ever, console gamers are seeing the importance of quality Audio. Lockdowns and Pandemics aside, the rise in online competitive gaming is relentless and we are all seeking that extra edge that will take us to victory. With the onset of “Spatial Audio”, A quality headset that can take full advantage of Sony’s “Tempest” or Microsoft’s “Dolby Atmos” is now an absolute must.

How else am I supposed to hear the footsteps behind me?

Design: 10/10

I would say the Audeze Penrose gaming headset has a perfect balance between an in-your-face over the top gaming design and a not too flashy, sleek looking headset. The all black colour with the blue stripes, provides a bit more subtlety that stops the Logo and decals from popping too much. The honeycomb/ hexagon finish on the ear cups is a nice touch that eschews quality.

Comfort: 9/10

As subjective as comfort is, these headphones fit great. Some people refer to a tight clamping force and a noticeable weight, but I find if you make minor adjustments while they are on your head they are extremely comfortable. They are also very flexible. I find that there is very little to no discomfort for gaming sessions lasting up to 3 hours or so. (I can rarely play more these days but I think even longer would also be fine.)

The sound from these headphones for gaming is phenomenal

Sound Quality: 10/10

Again sound is subjective, but the sound from these headphones for gaming is phenomenal. The detail is impeccable, the soundstage and direction superb. They work extremely well with Spatial Audio Programs to deliver that immersive sound we have always wanted. With the Audeze HQ app, you can adjust the presets and create sound profiles for specific games. They even provide some presets for you that you can try out (Check them out here). This is the best sound from a headset I have used with my PS5. You will never *not* hear a footstep again!

Wireless Signal: 8/10

People complain about the poor range of the wireless signal as a draw but hardly ever have issues and nearly always a stable connection. Okay, if I move into my kitchen or bathroom the signal is weak, but how can I play Apex legends without being in front of my TV? The range is suitable for the requirements.

Mic: 8/10

The boom mic is great, people can always hear me clearly and for game chat it is near enough perfect. I position my mic a bit lower than my chin because I can sometimes hear my breathing on the sidetone. You can turn the sidetone off to eliminate this issue completely should you wish (I only leave it on to make sure I am not shouting!)

What is the Difference Between the Audeze Penrose Gaming Headset & The Penrose X?

It is rather simple really! The Penrose is compatible with PlayStation 4 &PlayStation 5 gaming consoles, as well as Windows and MAC systems. The Penrose X is specifically designed for the Xbox, and is compatible with both the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, as well as Windows systems.

Other Notable Features:

  • Wired Connection – Absolutely Top Notch
  • Volume control – Separate controls for the Volume and the Mic which allows for great control of sound mix.
  • Audeze HQ – 10 band graphic EQ, sidetone toggling, saving/editing presets, the place to upgrade the firmware. A great app to perfect your desired sound signature and a must for any competitive gamer out there.
  • Voice to Chat Mix – This is for Xbox X users. Sadly I only have a PS5
  • Battery Life – Another great feature, a full charge lasts 15 hours and it takes 4-5 to charge it fully from Zero. Newer releases from various brands have 30 hours as standard but I find that as long as I charge it after extensive use, it has never gone dead on me when I need it.
  • Phone connection- You can connect to the PS5 and your phone at the same time which is a big plus.

1.5 years on from its release is undoubtedly still at the top of the table

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You can buy the Penrose (For Playstation or the Penrose X for Xbox here. If you would like to read more About Audeze Products take a look on our blog here

P.S. In case you were wondering about that Sony Playstation 5 design / skin, well let’s just say Etsy is your best friend here. I love the 80’s (obviously)and this graphic has the sunset, it has the neon grids and the palm tress. In fact the only thing it is missing is an 80’s sports car. It gives me that same feeling as when you watched the first episode of Stranger Things season 3. Pure nostalgia, and yes, I absolutely love it!

Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones Review

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Hot off the release of the ZE3000, Final have gone one step further and released their first ever wireless headphone, and it comes with ANC. The Final UX3000 ANC offers a universal user friendly sound whilst retaining that Final magic we love.

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Design 10/10:

These Headphones are simply stunning. The Shibo coating provides the UX3000 with a beautifully textured finish that acts as a finger print deterrent. The use of physical buttons over touch controls to play/pause, power on/off control the volume as well as turning the ANC on/off is reassuring and nicely implemented. The included 3.5mm audio cable that allows them to be used as a wired headphone without any battery is a marvel. They also fold up for easy storage and come with a soft carry pouch.

Fit and Comfort: 9/10

These are a very comfortable headphones. The earcups surround my ears with room to spare and the padding is soft yet dense enough to provide really good passive isolation and a very secure fit. The clamping force is moderate at most and the padding does a great job at alleviating any pressure. They  feel very secure when on the move.

Sound: 8/10

The Headphone essentially has two unique sound signatures. ANC on and ANC off. I find the UX3000 with ANC off to be an engaging and fun headphone, that handles most genres with ease. Sure it can be said that the UX3000 lacks a tiny bitof finesse and clarity overall, but for everything else offered its price point, I am not one to argue.

Fun, dynamic, engaging and full sounding

And here comes the ANC: 9/10

Turn the ANC on and the bass gets an extra helping of that sub-bass boost, with more focus on the bass and treble overall. When using these in high noise environments and with the ANC on – the sound is really enjoyable and upbeat.

So with ANC on you have a really fun, dynamic, engaging and full sounding headphone for on the go use. When you want a bit more clarity and detail you can turn ANC off and have a more linear yet fun and enjoyable sounding headphone.

Incredible microphone for an over-ear headphone

Mic: 10/10

The built in mic for taking calls is incredible for an over-ear headphone. The quality of the voice is outstanding. I even tested them out in strong wind and managed to have a full call with no major issues. They do a fantastic job at suppressing noise on your end so the other party can hear you loud and clear, with great tone too. Noise cancelling can also be activated while on calls, which will allow you to hear voices even more clearly without the fear of outside noise creeping in.

These are also perfect for working from home with very accurate and faithful voice reproduction, it doesn’t sound like you are using the mic from the headphones, they are that good.

Notable other Feautures:

  • ANC on its own mode. You can have the ANC turned on but the headphone turned off. Really good for scenarios such as being in a Library and wanting that extra silence.
  • Support AptX, AptX LL, SBC & AAC Codecs which is great for the audio quality side of thing.
  • 35 hour Battery life with ANC off or 25 hours with it on – More than enough for most of us out in the world.
  • Multipoint connection – You can stream music from once device and take calls from another
  • Wired mode – as mentioned above very useful if you run out of battery, or just what to try something different.

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Interested in what else final has to offer? Check out our other reviews and news of their products here.

Campfire Audio Holocene Triple Driver IEM Review

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Campfire Audio have made somewhat of a baby Andromeda with the Holocene. With a focus on control and detail they are perfect for those wanting a more neutral and balanced sound signature.

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Fit and Comfort

Those familiar with Campfire Audio will know the shape. It is common amongst their models with an angular outer shell and smooth inner. With a long-ish nozzle that really helps you get a good fit with them. I find this design works well with most people, they certainly fit me well which is always a bonus.

Once you find the right tips for your ears, the Holocene fit comfortably due to well designed housings and good insertion depth. The cable is also soft and fits over your ears easily without stiff memory wire.

Compatibility

These are quite a picky earphone when it comes to matching them with the right source. Their sensitivity is quite low (94dB SPL @1kHZ – mVrms). However they have very low impedance (5.4 Ohms @1kHZ). This means they need some careful system matching. You really do need a player with less than 1 Ohm output impedance for these. Otherwise they will not sound how Campfire Audio intended them to.

Bass:

The Holocene puts focus on accuracy yet never comes across as thin or lean in it’s presentation. This is when paired with the correct source that is. It is very controlled and articulate and it doesn’t put a foot wrong, even during the most complex of tracks. The low end is expertly separated from the midrange, not allowing it to influence the overall tonal balance. It digs deep in terms of extension but it isn’t exaggerated. Bass guitars are easy to follow in the mix. Kick drums hit with authority and body yet never sound bloated. There is perhaps a tiny bit of added body from the low end, but it is subtle and just makes the Holocene a little more fun and engaging without sounding overly full.

Midrange:

Due to the lack of bleed from the low end, the midrange is incredibly clean and crisp. Male vocals don’t get any added body which helps them cut through with great tonality. I would say the Holocene has a very mild U-shaped signature. The midrange isn’t up-front and intimate and it sits ever so slightly behind the bass and treble, but it isn’t overly recessed. There is excellent detail and layering in the midrange. Things never get muddled and it is always easy to pick apart the different layers within the mix. Contrary to many earphones, the Holocene don’t boost the upper mids. This means female vocals are not pushed to the front. In fact they actually have a slight recession to prevent sibilance. Personally this slight recession in the upper midrange robs them of a little energy but it does prevent them from being peaky and sibilant.

Treble:

The lower treble is slightly muted, which does take away from the sound a little bit of energy. But there is good presence higher up which does add good air and extension. These are not as exciting as the Andromeda and are definitely lacking a little bit of the treble energy of that particular model. However, those looking for a good all rounder that is a little easier on the ears and more forgiving of certain recordings will do well with the Holocene.

Soundstaging and Genres

The soundstaging on the Holocene is good. There is a good sense of air and space around instruments. The layering and instrument separation on the other hand is excellent. The sound is well controlled and this allows you to pick apart the mix with ease, even during complex tracks.

Genre wise these are an excellent all rounder. They won’t appeal to those looking for lots of bass so EDM and the likes are not their main focus. But for metal, jazz, acoustic, alternative rock, indie etc… they all sound excellent through the Holocene.

Who is it for?

  • Those looking for a detailed and clean sound signature
  • Those wanting a good all rounder that isn’t fatiguing

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Cleer Audio Release Arc True Wireless Earbuds

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Cleer Audio Release Arc True Wireless Earbuds – these allow you to enjoy spatial awareness whilst listening on-the-go.

Open ear wireless earbuds do not completely cover your ear, which means that you are still able to hear the world around you. This is often a more comfortable fit. Earbuds that are placed directly in your ear will offer a degree of noise-cancelling functionality, so when it comes to choosing between the two, it will most likely boil down to whether or not you want to hear the outside world. For safety reasons, being able to hear the world around you is a good thing, depending on where you’re wearing the buds of course.

Impressive battery life, water resistance and booming sound are all housed in flexible open-ear true wireless earbuds with a secure fit to ensure that you have the best possible sound experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the features:

• Open-ear true wireless earbuds design with flexible fit to ensure that the earbuds fit comfortable without blocking out environmental sounds.

• Uninterrupted sound by directing high-quality audio into your ear to ensure powerful sound without compromising on sacrificing spatial awareness. You can listen to your favourite music and podcasts while still being in tune and connected to the world around you.

• Durable water-resistant design with IPX4 certified sweatproof and water-resistant rating to help you power through intense workouts. You’ll also never need to worry about a little bit of rain getting in the way of listening to your favourite audio.

• Dynamic audio for powerful sound delivered with ARC’s 16.2mm neodymium drivers, designed to beam audio toward your ears without sacrificing volume and bass.

• Long-lasting battery life is able to last 7 hours on a single charge. The charging-pad integrated carrying case also makes charging your Cleer ARC earbuds a whole lot more convenient.

• Easy to use touch controls make adjusting the volume, playing, and pausing and skipping tracks a lot simpler. You can also use them to take calls and access your phone’s virtual assistant.

• Customizable with the Cleer+ App to personalize controls, update the device and adjust the EQ as well as music playback.

Cleer Release

Pre-Order Now

Westone MACH Series Release

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Westone Audio release their new MACH series, a comprehensive range starting with an entry level single BA driver, right up to an 8-driver model. MACH is the latest in sound engineering that is bridging the gap between professional performance products and a product for the truest of music lovers. With its unique ergonomic fit, MACH is a product for everyday use and enjoyment.

All the new MACH models come with the T2 connector from Linum, and all of them come with Linum cables too. These are substantially better than older MMCX connectors and are more durable in a wide range of environments.

The MACH10 is a single BA model with a focus on detail, the sound signature is flat and accurate and using them with foam tips will make the sound a little more “natural”. This is the entry level model and is suited to those who don’t want an overly coloured sound.

The MACH20 is more balanced sounding with more neutral bass than Mach10, however they do have a slightly mid-forward sound that brings vocals and guitars into focus. Again they have aimed for a clear and detailed sound with the first two models.

The MACH30 changes this a little, with a more energetic sound signature – they have a subtle lift in the bass and some upper midrange forwardness. This leads to a slightly more fun, yet still well balanced sound signature.

The MACH40 goes for a warmer sound, one for those who enjoy full bodied and organic sound, the mid-bass has added punch whilst the mids and treble take a step back. They also have a slightly more direct sound, the soundstage is more focussed and less open than some other models in the series.

The MACH50 goes for a smooth, open and natural sound – it doesn’t have any fatigue inducing traits and focuses on an organic presentation that is the perfect “everyday” earphone. It has a slightly forgiving sound that doesn’t make poor recordings sound bad, this could be quite the hit for many people.

MACH60 has reference-like characteristics but with ever so slightly elevated bass and treble, the soundstaging is very holographic and these offer up a wide and balanced sound. The treble is crisp, the midrange is smooth and natural and the bass has great punch, a superb all-rounder.

MACH70 has been made with a mild W-shaped signature, with great mid-bass punch, well presented midrange and effortless treble, these are punchy and fun yet well controlled and resolving. The soundstaging again being a highlight with their open sound and excellent separation.

MACH80 is the flagship model in this range, and it’s tuned to be an audio tool. Westone state the Mach80 has no obvious colouration, it is designed to be a flat sounding reference model.

This range looks quite interesting with plenty of different sound signatures to suit different tastes – we can also expect excellent comfort, as this is one area where Westone always do well. We have all of these ready to demo, so book an appointment to be one of the first to hear this new range of earphones.

Available to order NOW

JDS Labs Brand Story

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This is the JDS Labs Brand Story, they are known for creating objectively neutral headphone amps that don’t cost a fortune, with humble beginnings they have gone from strength to strength over the last 15 years.

John Seaber founded JDS Labs in 2007 in his college bedroom, disappointed in lack of power from his iPod, and the mediocre bass response from his headphones, he hacked Chu Moy’s open source (cMoy) portable headphone amp design and added a bass boost circuit. He started building these and selling them on eBay as the cMoyBB – this was the birth of JDS Labs as we know it. John now holds a BSEE from Missouri S&T and is still the lead electronics engineer on all JDS Labs designs, he works with a team of talented developers and fellow audio enthusiasts.

Fully built cMoy BB:

JDS Labs designed a few portable amps in the early years, the C421 was an excellent portable amp that was well received within the community, later they released the C5 and C5D which included an internal DAC too. All of these were slim portable amps at a time where using a source with an amp strapped to it was all the rage (the golden years of portable audio if you wish).

JDS Labs C421 – came with either AD8620 or OPA2227 op-amps installed for different sound signatures:

In 2011 “NwAvGuy” created the design of the Objective2 Headphone amplifier – there was however growing dissonance between this blogger and the HiFi community. JDS Labs decided however to fully support the Objective2 amplifier and helped secure its position as the face of the objective movement. This gamble paid off, JDS Labs tripled in size within a year due to the popularity of the Objective2 and ODAC models, moving out of a basement and in to a much larger office space. In just a year, JDS Labs moved again to a larger space and set up CNC machining facilities to help keep up with the growing demand for their products.

Fast forward and JDS Labs have cemented themselves as a top player in the Headphone amplifier and DAC market – releasing the Element line that is gorgeous to look at, measures well and is a pleasure to use, along with their Atom line which are more basic in terms of looks, but still provide that JDS Labs signature sound that is neutral and linear. The Atom Amp for example quickly became the go-to headphone amp recommendation at it’s price point, offering up leading benchmark performance for an affordable price.

JDS Labs Atom Amp+:

JDS Labs Atom Amp+

In 2020 COVID19 hit – and it hit hard – JDS Labs had to battle with supply chain issues which delayed the release of the Atom DAC. They invested deeper in to robotic automation too, which helped keep up with the manufacturing side of things as the company continued to grow – new CNC machinery helped triple their manufacturing productivity. To top all this off there was a fire at the AKM factory – the supplier of DAC chips used in JDS Labs products. This led to JDS Labs acquiring an Audio Precision ApX555 audio analyzer that has allowed them to redesign their digital products in record time.

JDS Labs are an innovative company, they have an excellent team behind them along with a solid product lineup – they are also known to have some of the best customer support in the industry. All their products are engineered, machined and assembled at their facilities in Collinsville, IL, USA.

Full history: https://jdslabs.com/true-performance

The LDS Labs lineup currently consists of:

Atom Amp+ Headphone Amplifier

Atom DAC+ Optical and USB DAC

EL Amp II+ Headphone Amplifier

EL DAC II+ Optical, Coaxial and USB DAC

JDS Labs Element III Headphone Amplifier with built in DAC

Campfire Audio Release Supermoon Planar CIEM

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Campfire Release a Solid-body Custom-Fit In-Ear Monitor featuring a new custom Planar Magnetic Driver

Campfire have released the Supermoon, a Planar Magnetic custom IEM; they are a brand that often takes risks, be it in design or sound signature. It is notoriously hard to make a small planar sound good, and offering it in a custom fit earphone makes it even more interesting, Campfire Audio have done this so they can optimise the performance of the driver for each individuals ear shape.

Campfire Audio have tuned the Supermoon to sound coherent and balanced, but I would not say they are a studio neutral sounding earphone, with a mild sub-bass lift and effortless treble they are mildly u-shaped without making vocals sound recessed. We have a demo set in universal fit, so book an appointment if you want to hear these (they will also be at CanJam London).

Campfire Audio offer two different fit options, artist-fit and audiophile-fit, with artist fit offering up a more traditional deeper fit and audiophile offering up a more comfortable fit due to a shorter nozzle, perfect for long listening sessions.

Campfire Audio use a unique Solid-Body design – When crafting the solid body of the earphone, the design is 3D printed as a single component before being meticulously hand-finished. Putting the work into the earphone design before the print means the only moving part in Supermoon is the diaphragm. This also means that the earphones you will receive will be a robust and reliable partner.

Full Details HERE

Buy them now: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/campfire-audio-supermoon

Top 5 sub £100 Portable Audio Devices

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We often show off high end equipment, but here are our top 5 sub £100 bargains!

Periodic Audio Rhodium – £49

To begin with our top 5 sub £100 bargains we have the Periodic Audio Rhodium. It’s a compact USB-C DAC/Amp perfect for getting better quality audio from your phone. It undeniably increases the clarity and separation. While it has not been designed to drive some of the more demanding over-ear headphones, for earphone users this is an excellent choice to improve your portable setup.

Final E500 – £19.99

The Final E500 show that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get good clarity and a controlled sound. These are not designed to impress you with massive bass, or an exaggerated v-shaped sound. Instead opting for balance and detail. This means that the sound provided is very refined for the price and while these small earphones might not look like much, they sure do kick out a lot for the money.

SoundMAGIC E11c – £52.99

SoundMAGIC are kings at making affordable earphones and headphones. Furthermore, their products consistently win awards and they really do know how to make an excellent sounding product. The E11c is no exception. Originally designed an upgrade to the E10c, it has delivered in every single way. Coupled with more modern looks and a sound that is more controlled yet still punchy and fun: It is a fantastic earphone for everyday use.

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 – £99

Another fantatic product and the only wireless model in this list, there is simply no better option for under £100. Overall, these earphones offer up a very fun and enjoyable sound. The PurePlay Z3 2.0 has a 70 hour battery life and an extremely stable bluetooth connection. In addtion to this they’re comfortable and look great, without compromising at all on audio quality.

SoundMAGIC P23BT – £49

Finally, it is SoundMAGIC once again that have made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable. In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. On top of that it has an incredibly impressive battery life and is super easy to use. The sound is full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and can easily take on the big brands should they wish to.

Enjoyed our Top 5 Sub £100 list? Check out more from our Best Of Series HERE

Bonus round: Other great products that deserve their own Top 5 Sub £100 list!

Headphone Hygiene – Keeping your headphones clean

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How to clean your Headphones and Earphones

Headphone hygiene is something that seems to get overlooked. We see a lot of headphones being returned to us because of supposed faults. When all they really needed was some TLC.

Here we’ll go through some of the common issues when it comes to headphone hygiene. In addition we will provide steps you can take to make sure your headphones and earphones are well looked after.

Earphones tend to suffer the most from not being kept clean. This is becuase they fit into the ear canal and they tend to be stored in pockets and bags which are both perfect places to pick up dirt. This dirt can seriously affect the sound and performance.

Blocked Sound Nozzle – Earphones

The most common issue is a loss of sound from one or both of the ear pieces. This can either be a complete loss of sound or a slight drop in volume, and is not always the result of a fault. One of the most common reasons for this issue is a build up of ear wax in the sound nozzle of the earphone. There can also be a blockage at the opening of the eartip. Now we know this is not the nicest sounding thing, but you’d be surprised how many earphones are returned to us faulty, when they in fact just needed a good clean.

Many earphones are supplied with cleaning tools. These are great for removing wax or dirt. However, always be careful to not poke the driver or damage the grille that protects it. Be careful when cleaning your earphones in this way, and if it is too difficult – please get in touch and we will be happy to advise.

Typical earphone cleaning tool

If the eartips are blocked, (the silicone or foam tips that go into your ear), then you can remove them from the IEM and give them a proper clean. For silicone tips, you can even soak them in warm water! If they are beyond saving, then you will be able to find replacement eartips that can be bought as spares. Final, SpinFit, Dekoni and Shure are just some brands that sell eartips separately. We are very happy to help if you are unsure which tips fit your earphones.

Blocked Cable Connectors – Dust and Dirt

Another area where dirt can affect your headphones or earphones, is where the cable connects to the housings. This is only relevant if the cable is replaceable. Sometimes dirt can get into the contacts, breaking the connection between the cable and connector.

So, if you notice sound cutting out from one of the sides, try disconnecting the cable from the housing and check for any dust or dirt. Nothing a good blow won’t get rid of. To be extra safe, you can use compressed air or a manual air pump to do this. Check both the housing socket and cable connector to be sure.

Dust and dirt can also make its way into the headphone socket of your device, whether it’s a phone or portable audio player. To avoid any issues, regularly check the socket for anything that may interfere with the headphone connection and make sure to be careful when removing anything blocking the socket.

Air blower pump example

The best way to avoid a lot of potential issues, is to keep your headphones or earphones inside a case. Not only will this look after them and keep the cable safe and tangle free, cases will also help avoid dust or dirt getting into places you don’t want it to.

Enjoyed our How To on Headphone Hygiene? Check out more guides HERE

Periodic Audio Release new IEMs

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Periodic Audio release new models: Periodic have always been an interesting company – they opt to do things differently to most and approach audio in a scientific way, using different diaphragm coatings to help tune the sound.

This has led them to acquire quite a following and those who have heard their creations often thoroughly enjoy them. This new Periodic Audio release shows a new range that includes a detachable cable which uses a mono 2.5mm jack into each earpiece along with cosmetic changes. The new housing is super lightweight and they use a conventional straight down cable which many users prefer.

The Periodic Audio house sound is one that is energetic and punchy, and their single dynamic drivers can dig deep when asked to, however they manage to be very detailed and open sounding at the same time. This leads to a really engaging listening experience, and one that is perfectly suited to daily use.

Periodic Audio are also offering silver plated cables for the new earphones, this cable will bring out a little more control and clarity – if you haven’t heard of Periodic Audio yet we suggest you check them out to see and hear what they are all about.

The whole range has been updated, and can be found HERE