Full blog review: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-element-iii-review/
Buy it here: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug
JDS Labs Element III Video Review
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Campfire Audio Release Supermoon Planar CIEM
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
Headphone Hygiene – Keeping your headphones clean
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
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
Oriveti OV800 – Product Release
The Oriveti OV800 brings the incredible sound of O800 but adds switches to allow users to tailor the sound to their liking.
The OV800 are handmade, this means there is a high level of attention to detail and each set are a masterpiece. The driver setup consists of 2x BA woofers, 4x BA midrange drivers and 2x BA tweeters. The woofers are from Knowles while the mid and high BA drivers have been produced in-house to Oriveti’s desired specifications. This is impressive, and has allowed Oriveti to really tune the sound of the OV800 to their specification.
The OV800 come with all-new stained wood faceplates, these look incredible in person and are sure to stand out in your collection. The new 8-wire SPC cable is supple and comfortable in use and elevates the sound too. The port on the earphones alleviates listening fatigue along with improving the soundstage, with out impacting the excellent isolation these provide.
The sound is tuned to be smooth and resolving, much like the O800, but this time Oriveti have incorporated tuning switches. These allow you to add a little more sub-bass presence for a warmer sound, or a little added treble brightness for increased presence and clarity. You can also turn both of these on for a slightly more v-shaped sound signature – so you can choose what you personally prefer.
You’ll be able to own a pair very soon: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/oriveti-ov800-eight-drivers-balanced-armature-iem-earphones-with-sound-mode-switch-and-detachable-cable?
Final ZE3000 and Lypertek Z5 – Top of the TWS list on Headfonics
Head on over to Headfonics and read their reviews on the Final ZE3000 and Lypertek Z5 – you’ll find out why the ZE3000 sits at the top of their recommended list, with the Z5 closely behind in 2nd place!
https://headfonics.com/category/wireless-weekend/tws/
HiFiHeadhones Best Buys Video
We have made a video for our best buy list – a nice and snappy run through of our best picks – so check it out
Passive vs ANC Video
Want to know how ANC differs from regular passive isolation? Well watch our handy video below, and find out if you could really benefit from ANC, or perhaps passive isolation is all that you need.
Final ZE3000 is on a roll!
The new Final ZE3000 True Wireless earphones keep getting praised by reviewers and customers alike – with a no-frills approach to wireless audio without any fancy features or app to get in the way of you and your music. Sporting an unusual look with impressive comfort and sound quality what’s not to enjoy. Read the latest review below to find out more!
“The ZE3000 did not let me down and it was quite nice to see Final’s first entry to the TWS field” – Headfonia
https://www.headfonia.com/final-audio-ze3000-review/
“Stellar build quality and unmatched audio quality in its price range make up for the lack of features that you would normally expect.” – PrimeAudio
https://primeaudio.org/final-ze3000-review/
“The wait for final to produce a pair of true wireless earbuds that it was happy with was well worth the wait.” – Forbes
64 Audio Nio Review
64 Audio’s latest hybrid creation give you a bit of everything, from studio neutrality to hard hitting bass, all the while retaining a very refined sound signature.
Fit and Comfort
The Nio are the same shape as the rest of the 64 Audio universal line-up, which have quite an interesting shape and 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.
Compatibility
With high sensitivity (105db dB/mW) and low impedance (6? @1kHz) the Nio are easy to drive out of most sources, and they use 64 Audio’s LID technology which means the sound signature shouldn’t drastically change beween sources. This isn’t to say they don’t benefit from higher end sources though, as things like resolution and detail are important and they definitely scale up with better source equipment.
The Nio use 64 Audio’s apex modules, these help relieve internal ear pressure along with offering different levels of isolation and also slightly different sound signatures. Normally you get an M15 and M20 module, which offer 15dB and 20dB reduction in outside noise respectively, by new for the Nio is the MX module which offers a mere 10dB reduction of outside noise. The more isolation, the more bass is the rough rule of thumb, and the lower the isolation the more open and airy the sound is.
Sound
Bass:
The low end on the Nio is very dynamic and depending on the module used you can range from full bodied to neutral in presence. One thing that always stands out on 64 Audio models is how well controlled and refined the sound is. They can offer up more than enough punch to satisfy most needs but the bass never becomes bloated. It offers a solid foundation for the rest of the sound, and is very articulate. There is great depth to the Nio, and the use of a dynamic driver here works really well here. The M20 module gives you a slight lift in sub-bass and moderately more mid-bass punch over the M15 which is more linear and the MX which is very controlled and not boosted. One thing that stands out here is the coherency and fluidity of which the bass blends in to the midrange.
Midrange:
Depending on the module used the lower midrange changes slightly, with the MX giving the most neutral and least coloured presentation whilst the M20 adds a little body and smoothness to the lower midrange that makes things sound a little fuller. The Nio has excellent control overall and the midrange is crisp and clean, yet tonally accurate. There isn’t any peak in the upper midrange to bring out sibilance, instead you get a linear and intimate insight into the recording. The layering is good and you can easily pick apart the recording without any difficulty. The MX definitely sounds like it reveals a bit more micro-detail over the M20, so it greatly depends on your personal preference.
Treble:
64 Audio are using their usual tia driver up top and these drivers really do offer up excellent resolution and an openness that other BA drivers fall short of. The M20 gives the smoothest sounding treble due to the increased bass response but it still has good presence and resolution. Using the MX still gives the most open and airy treble as would be expected but it never falls onto the side of being harsh or bright. There is refinement up top without sounding too present, yet there is excellent detail retrieval and effortless extension on hand. Overall the treble is always present, allowing the Nio to sound well balanced without any fatigue inducing spikes.
Genres and Soundstaging
The Nio is a superb all-rounder, due to the different Apex modules. The M20 giving you a full bodied sound with good impact while the M15 gives a well balanced and refined sound. In addition, the MX giving a close to neutral presentation without much emphasis on any part of the spectrum. This means they play well with pretty much anything you throw at them, the control down low and the layering means they don’t sound congested with complex mixes either.
The soundstaging varies slightly with the modules, with the MX giving the most air and space. But overall it is wider than it is tall and there is good separation between instruments and layers.
final UX3000 Recommended by Everyone!
final UX3000 : final’s foray into the world of wireless audio kicked off in 2022 with a bang. Adopting a rarely used Hybrid ANC system and featuring dynamic drivers that deliver clear and accurate details with rich and vast soundstage. The final UX3000 is an absolute bargain at £120. With a stylish, soft touch “Shibo” finish and support for AAC, SBC, aptX and aptX LL Codecs, this headphone is amazing for any situation. Whether gaming, listening to your favourite tunes, or even just to block out the background hum in the library for that blissful silence rarely heard in the modern age.
Before we get to the reviews, the microphone on the final UX3000 is also something that should be talked about. It’s simply incredible for an over-ear headphone. When outside they do a great job at suppressing noise on your end so the other party can hear you loud and clear. With great tone too. When used indoors these are 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.
THE REVIEWS
Forbes: “The UX3000 are a genuine Bargain” Ear Fidelity: final UX3000: Reccomended
ZReivews: “I like the sound signature of these…” Jabba Reviews: “Where have the UX3000 been all my life?!”
Makeuseof: “Excellent ANC, Trademark Sound” MightyGadget: “For £120, these are a superb pair of ANC headphones”
The final UX3000 also comes with an AUX cable and has a wired mode! (see the picture above).
Do not forget to check out all of our reviews and news of Final products throughout our blog!
Passive Isolation VS ANC
Here’s a question that is asked a lot, and one that many don’t quite understand. What’s the difference between ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Passive Isolation? We hope this article helps explain the difference between them.
ANC and Passive noise isolation are very different in how they try to block out unwanted outside noise. ANC uses an electronic circuit and sound waves while passive isolation is a purely mechanical system without any additional sound trickery. But their goal is the same, to allow you to enjoy your music to its fullest, without any unwanted distractions.
Passive Isolation
Both earphones and headphones aim to create a seal around your ears or in your ear canal itself to block out outside noise. Many earphones and headphones have venting on them to help tune the sound signature. But these vents also often compromise the sound isolation of the model – this is mainly in models that use conventional dynamic drivers. Balanced armature models are easier to fully seal and some of these, such as models from Etymotic, offer up extremely high levels of passive isolation that are much more effective than ANC.
Etymotic claim that their ER series earphones offer 35-24 dB of attenuation depending on the eartips and depth of insertion. This is much higher than most earphones. Westone Pro X series earphones offer up around 25 dB of attenuation. Some studio headphones such as the Sennheiser HD380 Pro also offer up to 32 dB of attenuation. However more consumer friendly closed back headphones will likely offer around 20 dB of attenuation.
When it comes to what frequency range is most affected, the bass is the hardest to isolate from with a passive isolation model. In fact only some good earphones can effectively isolate in this region. Whereas ANC does a better job at blocking out low frequency noise. Midrange and Treble regions however are usually well isolated with passive designs, especially in the treble region where ANC designs don’t attenuate very well.
For most uses, passive noise isolation is actually more than enough to enjoy your music without outside distractions. It can be argued that ANC seems to have been pushed via marketing to sell a feature many don’t fully understand. Also, a pair of fully sealed earphones will likely work better than a pair of ANC headphones for example. So it is wise to carefully consider where you will be using your earphones/headphones.
ANC
Now on to ANC, shorthand for Active Noise Cancellation. As mentioned before ANC takes a very different approach to noise attenuation. One that oin fact has some benefits but also some drawbacks. ANC uses external microphones to monitor noise levels and create a phase-inverted sound wave to cancel out the ambient noise before it reaches your ears. This system requires a power source, so will only work if there is power supplied (often via a rechargeable internal battery), and this can make them heavier.
ANC works in tandem with passive isolation normally. If the earphones/headphones already have great passive isolation the ANC circuitry will only help a marginal amount and often compliments the downfalls of passive isolation (low frequency attenuation). However, this does cause some confusion, as some people may think that ANC is not working well if the passive isolation is already high. But due to the passive noise isolation doing a great job already, it will seem like ANC is hardly working. However, if the passive noise isolation is mediocre, then it may seem like the ANC is better on that particular model due to having more of an apparent effect. This backfires if the battery runs out though, as models with high passive isolation can be easily enjoyed with ANC on or off.
Another thing to consider is the environment where the earphones/headphones are going to be used. ANC is best used in environments where there is persistent low-mid frequency noise as this is where they work best. This is why they often work well on planes and public transport where there is a constant background noise. However, they do not handle impulse noises very well and don’t cancel out higher frequency noise as effectively either.
Another issue common with ANC models is wind noise. Some models do not handle wind noise well at all, while others are better. So you need to read up on reviews of specific models to see if this could be an issue. ANC can reduce some low frequency noises up to 60 dB but again this is only in certain environments and frequency ranges. Overall usually only reduces noise by up to 30 dB and puts it in line with most passive earphones/Headphones.
When it comes to sound quality, ANC nearly always has an impact, and it’s a negative one. There is an additional circuit influencing the sound, as much as the designers will want it to impact the audio as little as possible, it still has an impact. Those seeking the best sound quality should stay away from ANC, ANC can create constant white noise and also introduces distortion due to the way it cancels out noise.
So what’s better?
Well, it’s not quite as simple as one being better than the other. For sound purists ANC is never going to cut it, but for your everyday listener ANC will sound just fine. The problem is that marketing has over-hyped ANC’s capabilities and people expect them to cut out everything, which they don’t. Wind noise can be problematic for ANC, as can impulse noises. These won’t be filtered out and people will assume the ANC is poor on such models.
ANC is best suited to constant noise environments where there is a steady low-frequency noise that can be effectively cancelled out. Passive models tend to work better in day-to-day use as they more evenly attenuate outside noises and present the music in a more realistic way.
ANC needs power and consumes a lot if active, this will lower the operating time of any wireless models that have this feature, so if you are not in an environment where it is effective, it is worthwhile leaving it off.
We hope this article has helped clear up some misunderstandings when it comes to ANC vs Passive noise isolation, and if you have any further queries don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Did you Enjoy our Passive Isolation Vs ANC? Check out our other How To’s HERE
Final ZE3000 Video Review
Final ZE300 Video Review: Final have released a brand new True Wireless earphone without gimmicks. Focussed solely on Sound Quality, they feature the latest chipsets and support aptX, aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs. In true Final fashion, they even designed their own driver for these, a small 6mm dynamic driver that offers up a detailed and crisp sound without sounding thin, in a comfortable and stylish housing. Watch below to see Johns thoughts of this new creation with his Final ZE3000 Video Review.
Avaliable Now: Final ZE3000
We hope you enjoyed the Final ZE3000 Video Review. If you did, then do not forget to take a look at all things Final on our Blog, Here!
Final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphone Review
We review the Final ZE3000 True Wireless earphones from Final, they have a clear focus on sound quality over gimmicks, all wrapped up in a comfortable yet stylish shell.
Design: 10/10
The Final ZE3000 true wireless has an angular design that looks stylish and stands out. The overall look eschews quality. They also come with an interesting finish on the buds and case known as “Shibo”. “Shibo” means crease on paper or leather in Japanese and is used on many cameras. This textured finish is also a great deterrent against fingerprints and other marks.
As expected from final, the build quality is fantastic. The hinges of the case and the USB-C connector are rigid and durable. you can even open and close the lid on the case singlehandedly. The case is very compact, therefore easy to carry around or keep in your pocket. Overall, the ZE3000 feels as unique as it looks and clearly sets itself apart from other earphones in the £120 price range.
Fit and Comfort: 9/10
Final has designed the earphone not to fully enter the canal, but to sit comfortably at the entrance. The comfort is excellent, you really do forget you have them in sometimes, they might not be the smallest earphone out there but the shape and weight does mean they are comfortable to wear for hours on end. They are also good to use for the gym and manage to stay firmly in place and comfortable in your ear, even during intense workouts.
Final E eartips are some of the best in class and widely used by other brands for their earphones. Their TWS E-tips are no exception to this rule of thumb.
Features: 7/10
The ZE3000 do not have ANC or any other the other bells and whistles that come with wireless earphones these days. Instead Final have decided to focus on the audio quality and should be praised for this. Battery life is fairly normal at 7hrs continuous playback, along with an extra 28hrs from the case. More than enough to not be constantly charging them.
The ZE3000 use Bluetooth 5.2 (QCC3040 chip) and support ABC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive. This means you will get the best sound out of these if your device is aptX Adaptive compatible. But even normal aptX is still a step above AAC. The microphone quality is excellent and is perfect for taking calls at home or on the go.
Sound 10/10
Final have focussed on the sound aspect of the ZE3000, giving them a natural yet fatigue free sound signature. The bass is great. It is tight and digs deep when called for but it never sounds like the main focus of the sound. It isn’t bloated or up-front, instead it is happy to just do its thing without drawing attention to itself.
The midrange is also really impressive. It sounds realistic and natural without being pushed forwards. There is loads of detail on offer. Vocals are crisp and well presented, with both male and female sounding excellent. Electric guitars have plenty of crunch, yet acoustics sound subtle and full. They also never sound congested with great layering and space between instruments.
These won’t suit the bassheads out there, but for average everyday listening these are brilliant.
The treble is smooth with that signature Final airiness that brings out a sense of space in recordings that many earphones fail to capture. They are very resolving for such a budget earphone. They extract tons of detail and are very well placed within the soundstage.
Instrument Separation and Soundstaging
The ZE3000 manage to remain well separated and airy throughout. This means they can handle anything you throw at them and still remain open sounding with excellent separation and layering. It is easy to pick out single parts in mixes whilst sounding completely coherent overall.
The soundstaging is really impressive for the price and throws out a broad image that is accurate and realistic. It is wider than many of the more consumer models out there and the airiness in the treble range really helps to add a sense of air to the sound.
Enjoyed our review of the final ZE3000 True Wireless? Check out all things Final throughout our blog here.
64 Audio’s U6t Gets 2022 Underway With Honours
Addictive and sensual: 64 Audio’s acclaimed U6t, a universal version of its custom counterpart released in the summer of 2021 has started the New Year with a bang. FairAudio.de has awarded the IEM its “Favourite Award 2022”. Highlighting the U6t’s excellent sonic characteristcs and wooing over its price to performance ratio.
The 64 Audio U6t harnesses 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 Apex modules, which offer -20dB/-15dB and -10dB of noise reduction respectively. The more isolation, the more lower bass response and warmer the sound signature. As well as minor variations in soundstaging, the more open being the more open sounding etc.
Let’s get onto the award then. As mentioned above, the U6t was awarded a 2022 favourite by the FairAudio editorial staff due to its excellent sonic characteristics. They argue how you cannot get more sound relative to the cost of the U6t. In the original review they conclude: “I can promise you that nowhere else in the hi-fi world will you get so much sound for the money. Given what some people spend on a cables or cartridges, less than one and a half thousand euros is absolutely cheap for such a complex high-end system in micro form.” Their whole analysis can be found here: 64 Audio U6t You can see all the award winners from FairAudio here.
Want more opinion? Headfonics also have an excellent write up of the U6t. They put forward “The U6t is a substantial upgrade over the original A6 I reviewed back in 2016. It has a very likable and easy to pair sound signature that plays well with modern rock and pop.” Headfonics also compares the U6t to 64 Audio’s Trio, Nio and the A6 which is a handy guide if you are not too familiar with what 64 Audio offers. You can read it in full here.
Do not forget to check out all of our reviews and news of 64 Audo’s products throughout our blog! If you want to read more on the U6t, you can read Oscars write up here. Or if you prefer videos, see Johns in depth review of the U6t here.