Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
No Result
View All Result

Pioneer SE-Monitor5 – Expert Review

by Steve
June 30, 2021
in Full Reviews
Home Full Reviews

Pioneer SE-Monitor5 – Expert Review

Intro

Hot on the heels of the Pioneer Master1 , the SE-Monitor5 promises to be a closed-back alternative. It’s a similar design but with a few tweaks here and there, and at a much lower price. So what does a grand get us from Pioneer these days?

Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel):

Wearing the SE-Monitor 5 certainly makes it known that you’re incommunicado; the earcups are big circular affairs which swallow up the ears and quite a lot of head along with them! Attractive copper rings decorate the earcups on the outside, and the cable bears a couple of rose gold touches.

Durability & build quality (e.g. cabling, connectors, materials):

The Pioneer SE-Monitor5 is built with longevity in mind and will probably last for many years. Everything is solid and premium-feeling with no weak points. The cable is a little unusual in that it’s a fabric-coated type which has been braided or twisted, so it resembles a vintage power cable. The twistings are not fixed so they’re a bit tighter here and not so tight there, making it a bit scruffy looking. Strain reliefs are pretty small, but this is a ‘stay at home’ model so pretty standard for that use. There are three cables included; a 3 metre one, and two shorter cables, one of which is balanced with a 2.5mm jack.

The connectors which go into the headphones are 3.5mm stereo jacks, so there is plenty of scope for aftermarket or DIY cables if that takes your fancy.

When swapping the earpads over, the housings for the drivers were revealed as being of solid magnesium alloy. It’s impressive that this should be found where few will ever venture and actually see it, but it’s probably there for acoustic reasons first and foremost.

Comfort:

The drawback of all this solid construction is the weight, around 480g (17 ounces). This reviewer is of the strong-necked variety, and heavier headphones have been tried but some out there may wish to think twice if they are sensitive to this sort of thing. The weight is quite evenly distributed between the earpads and headband, but the slight pressure from the headband may start making itself known after an hour or two.

Sound characteristics:

The Pioneer SE-Monitor5 comes with two sets of pads; the velour is fitted by default and there are a pair of leatherette earpads too. For this review the leatherette earpads are being used; with the velour pads the sound is a little more focused on the midrange with a lower bass level.

The SE-Monitor5 earpads are quite solid and the seal is affected if glasses are worn; glasses with chunky arms create a gap between the earpads and the head, letting out a fair bit of the low frequencies. Metal-framed glasses may be better. It’s easy to imagine that this issue will resolve itself when the earpads start to wear in.

Bass:

Bass is quite responsive to the music being played; it stays in its place with older genres but is fully present with anything newly produced. The sub bass comes out to play, and we’re treated to a very wide, tight and dazzling bottom end! There is no hint of the bass being elevated above where it should be with any particular thing. There’s a nice clarity and form to it, and it’s clear and well separated even with a lot going on within the midrange.

Mids:

Like the bass, the midrange doesn’t overdo it. The SE-Monitor 5 is a fairly flat and neutral-sounding headphone, but there is a certain warmth and lushness there to keep things sounding appealing. There is no sibilance though, or any sign that the SE-Monitor 5 is having anything other than a great time! It’s all relaxed and effortless.

The midrange hangs with the bass and merges seamlessly; there’s a vast amount of space and reverb trails/effects are clear and well defined all the way to their eventual decay. harmonics are clear and serve to make for a large and well defined sound.

Treble:

Following in the SE-Monitor 5 theme, the treble hits the right note too. It’s neither boosted or recessed; our attention is on the full presentation, and it’s topped off with some really impressive detail given the relaxed and unhurried way in which it appears to be served up. Like the midrange, the treble has an inviting lush quality to it which really appeals and makes for a slightly warm sound, but without compromising on detail.

—————————————————————————-

READ MORE: Fostex TH7BK Closed Back Headphone Review

———————————————————————————————–

Soundstage & Separation:

The width of the presentation is pretty good for a closed-back model. There’s a decent amount of virtual space in which the SE-Monitor 5 has its fun, and a very real impression of the space in which the recording was made too, such as in the case of acoustic music like classical or opera.

The SE-Monitor 5 may be a little warm-sounding but not at the expense of details which give positional cues, preserving the positions and forms of instruments really well. There’s great layering and we’re well aware of players and voices stretching out to the fringes of the space; nice for backing vocals.

Music genres good for and why:

Headphones at this price point should really do everything well, and the Pioneer SE-Monitor 5 doesn’t disappoint. Classical pieces benefit from a certain weightiness without taking the listener away from the midrange detail. Drum and Bass can give its all, and the SE-Monitor 5 serves up sub bass in buckets. Older recordings sound vibrant and musical, whilst at the same time being given sympathetic treatment for any artefacts or hiss they may have.

 

Pros:

  • Excellent sound
  • Premium feel/Solid construction
  • Short and long cables included

Cons:

  • Might be a bit heavy for some
  • cables look untidy (nitpicking!)

Summary:

Pioneer’s new SE-Monitor 5 promises to be a closed-back follow up to the open-backed SE-Master 1; but is it a people pleaser? It goes well with all sorts of music and should put a smile on the face of the most committed curmudgeon!

Tags: audiophileaudiophile headphonesBest Headphonesclosed backclosed back headphonehi-fi headphoneshifiheadphonesmonitor 5monitor5Pioneerpioneer monitor 5pioneer monitor5
Previous Post

Final E3000 & E2000 Earphone Review – Get Ventilated

Next Post

Fostex TH7BK Headphone Review – Staying Sober for the Studio

Related Posts

JDS Labs Element III Review
Full Reviews

JDS Labs Element III Review

by Oscar
May 9, 2022
Westone Audio Pro X Series Review
Full Reviews

Westone Audio Pro X Series Review

by Oscar
May 9, 2022
Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones
Full Reviews

Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones

by Oscar
May 10, 2022
Next Post
Fostex TH7BK

Fostex TH7BK Headphone Review - Staying Sober for the Studio

Good seal with earphones fit

The Importance of Getting a Good Seal with In-Ear Headphones

Shanling M2s

Shanling M2s Digital Audio Player Review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Featured Article

Our Recommendations

Recent Posts

  • Westone MACH Series Release
  • JDS Labs Brand Story
  • JDS Labs Element III Video Review
  • Campfire Audio Release Supermoon Planar CIEM
  • Top 5 sub £100 Portable Audio Devices

Latest YouTube Videos

JDS Labs decided to skip the Element II+ and designed the Element III from the ground up - around a different DAC Chip. They have added a digital volume attenuator along with optical input, and decided to implement changes that make an audible difference instead of chasing specs.

Buy here: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug

Full blog review: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-element-iii-review/

JDS Labs Blog: https://blog.jdslabs.com/2022/01/jds-labs-element-iii-official-release-benchmarks/

0:00 - Intro
0:20 - development of Element III
0:51 - Design / Features
3:19 - Sound
5:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
JDS Labs Element III DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLjlXSVBfNUZiQkEw
We have carefully put together a list of our current best buys, we have selected products from different categories and items to suit all budgets. Let us know what you think of the list, and if you have any of the products listed or have any items you think we should check out. 

0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Lypertek PurePlay Z5
0:50 - Final ZE3000
1:07 - Lypertek SoundFree S20
1:26 - SoundMAGIC E11c
1:42 - Oriveti OH300
2:03 - Campfire Audio Holocene
2:22 - 64 Audio U6t
2:45 - 64 Audio tia Fourte
3:03 - Etymotic ER-4SR
3:24 - SoundMAGIC P23BT
3:46 - Final UX3000
4:04 - Sennheiser HD660s
4:27 - Audeze LCD-2 Classic
4:53 - Final D8000 
5:18 - Audeze LCD-5
5:44 - Periodic Audio Rhodium
6:08 - JDS Labs Atom Amp+
6:27 - JDS Labs Element III
6:59 - Burson Soloist 3X GT

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blog Post - https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/best-headphones-earphones-hifiheadphones/

Earphones: 

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-pureplay-z5?
Final ZE3000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-ze3000-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black?
Lypertek SoundFree S20 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-soundfree-s20-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black?
SoundMAGIC E11c - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-e11c-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-mic-black?
Oriveti OH300 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/oriveti-oh300-hybrid-triple-drivers-iem-earphones-with-detachable-cable?
Campfire Audio Holocene - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/campfire-audio-holocene-triple-balanced-armature-drivers-iem-earphones-with-detachable-mmcx-cable?
64 Audio U6t - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/64-audio-u6t-six-drivers-universal-iem-earphones-with-detachable-cable?
64 Audio tia Fourte - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/64-audio-tia-fourte-four-drivers-universal-iem-earphones?
Etymotic ER-4SR - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/etymotic-er4-sr-studio-reference-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-replaceable-cable?

Headphones:

SoundMAGIC P23BT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-p23bt-portable-wireless-headphones-black?
Final UX3000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-ux3000-wireless-active-noise-cancelling-headphones?
Sennheiser HD660s - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/sennheiser-hd660s-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-1?
Audeze LCD-2 Classic - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/audeze-lcd-2-classic-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-and-economy-travel-case-leather-free?
Final D8000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-d8000-planar-magnetic-headphones-with-detachable-cable?
Audeze LCD-5 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/audeze-lcd-5-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-leather?

Amps / DACs

Periodic Audio Rhodium - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier?
JDS Labs Atom Amp+ - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-atom-amp-headphone-amplifier-uk-plug?
JDS Labs Element III - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug?
Burson Soloist 3X GT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/burson-audio-soloist-3x-gt-headphone-amplifier-pre-amp?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
HiFiHeadphones Best Buys - Headphones, Earphones, Amps and DACs
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLkxvMXJUak5BV18w
Ever wondered what the difference is between Passive noise isolation and ANC (Active Noise Cancelling)? 

Well watch on as we explain the core differences and the pros and cons of each system. 

Have a preference? Let us know in the comments. 

Any other questions about tech or headphones/earphones? Do put them in the comments too and we will reply and potentially make a video about it. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
- Manfrotto 504HD/546BK Tripod
Passive Isolation vs ANC in Headphones and Earphones
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLnZORGpkZVdqZUNj

Interested in a product?

If you have questions about a product please contact us directly through our contact form

Contact our Experts

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

  • @westoneaudio have just released a new range of earphones - the MACH series - ideal for professionals and audiophiles alike!

#westone #westoneaudio #westonemachseries #earphones #headphones #hifiheadphones #headfi #proaudio #audiophile #highend #highendaudio #inears #iems #musician #stagemonitoring
  • We still have a limited number of @campfireaudio Sabers in stock -  limited to 1000 units worldwide make sure to grab a pair before they are gone!

#campfireaudio #campfiresaber #saberearphones #campfireaudiosaber #dynamicdriver #earphones #headphones #audiophile #portableaudio #inears #iems #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • This little combo comes in at under £100, and sounds incredible!

@periodicaudio Rhodium + @soundmagiceurope E11c

#portableaudio #periodicaudio #periodicrhodium #soundmagic #e11c #rhodiumdac #dac #headamp #hifiheadphones #audiophile
  • Our video review of the excellent @jdslabs Element III is now live!

#jdslabs #jdslabselement3 #element3 #headphones #headamp #headphoneamp #dacamp #headfi #earphones #headfi
  • @campfireaudio are known for doing things differently - their new custom IEM uses a single planar magnetic driver. These are really interesting, and sound incredible too - check out the announcement on our blog.

#campfireaudio #campfiresupermoon #supermoon #ciem #customiem #customearphone #campfireaudiosupermoon #planarmagnetic #planarearphone #earphones #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • When did you last clean your earphones?

Do you know how to clean your headphones?

Check out our handy guide on how to look after your portable audio gear - over on the blog

#cleaning #audiohygiene #headphonecleaning #earbudcleaning #earbuds #earphones #earphonecleaning
  • Looking for audio on a budget, head to the blog to see our top 5 under £100 audio products to give you better audio on-the-go. 

#lypertek #periodicaudio #soundmagic #headphones #earphones #audio #hifiheadphones #bestbuys #bestheadphones #bestearphones #budgetaudio #budgetheadphones #budgetearphones
  • Following up from our blog post on our favourite products across various budgets and ranges, we decided to make a video based on the same list.  Go check it out and let us know if you own, or have tried any of the products listed!

@lypertek 
@campfireaudio
@periodicaudio
@64audio
@bursonaudio
@jdslabs
@audeze_official
@final_audio
@soundmagiceurope
@sennheiser

#audeze #lypertek #oriveti #soundmagic #jdslabs #bursonaudio #finalaudio #campfireaudio #64audio #64fam #etymotic #sennheiser #periodicaudio #iem #earphones #headphones #anc #bestearphones #bestheadphones #bestanc #wireless #truewireless #headfi #audiophile #headamp #dac #headphoneamp
  • Ever wondered what our top picks are for different categories and different price ranges? 

Well wonder no more, we have put together a comprehensive best buy list over on our blog - so go check it out!

http://ow.ly/n5Fm50IsrQY

#bestbuy #buyingguide #topbuys #toppicks #topheadphones #bestheadphones #bestearphones #audiophile #headphones #earphones #headfi #audiophile #hifiheadphones #jdslabs #bursonaudio #final #campfireaudio #audeze
  • Something often overlooked is the importance of eartips, they are responsible for creating an airtight seal in your ear to deliver the best sound possible - not forgetting that different designs and materials also alter the sound. 

This is often quite a complex topic, so check out our guide to eartips over on our blog: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/eartips-how-to-guide-by-hifiheadphones/

#eartips #spinfit #comply #westone #etymotic #inears #inear #earphones #headphones #audiology #audiophile #hifiheadphones #earbuds #iem #headfi #anc #noiseisolation
Instagram Youtube Facebook
hifi headphones

Join Our Newsletter


Categories

  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

About Hifiheadphones

  • About Us
  • Product Reviews
  • Demo Facility
  • Buying Guides
  • Login

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.