Headphones With The Best Battery Life

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51 – £89.99

Combining 100 hours of battery life with advanced ANC and featuring all the modern bells and whistles expected in a wireless headphone, the SonoFlow HQ51 is a standout for it’s quality, longevity and price. It’s a great alternative to high-end models from Sony or Bose.

• Key Features: Advanced ANC, Bluetooth 5.4, and 12 EQ modes.
• Why It’s Great: Offers incredible versatility and sound quality at an unbeatable price.
• Why You Want It: Perfect for long journeys or extended listening sessions without recharging.
• Extra Detail: Comfortable enough for marathon use, thanks to its lightweight design and plush ear pads.
• Battery Life: 70-100 hours

Audeze Maxwell – £319.00 / £349.00

The Audeze Maxwell reigns as the ultimate gaming headset, combining uncompromising planar magnetic audio, ultra-low latency, an epic 80-hour battery life, and unmatched comfort for gamers and audiophiles alike. – Full Review

• Key Features: Class-leading wireless performance, ultra-low latency, and studio-grade sound.
• Why It’s Great: Engineered for gamers, the Maxwell offers unmatched audio clarity and robust build quality.
• Why You Want It: Take gaming audio to the next level with premium sound and durability for all-day sessions.
• Extra Detail: Customizable EQ presets. Includes advanced spatial audio for pinpoint sound accuracy, enhancing your competitive edge.
• Battery Life: 80 hours.

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

The Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds combine immersive Dolby Atmos sound, a secure fit, and a total 50-hour battery with its sleek touchscreen charging case. They are the perfect blend of style, safety, and practicality for those who want earphones to use on the go.

• Key Features: Open-ear design, Dolby Atmos optimization, secure fit for active lifestyles.
• Why It’s Great: The open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
• Why You Want It: Enjoy an immersive audio experience without sacrificing safety while on the move.
• Extra Detail: The innovative touch-screen charging case doubles as a mirror for convenience on the go.
• Battery Life: 10 hours – 50 hours with the charging case.

Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

The Final Audio UX3000 delivers smooth sound, effective ANC that works even when powered off, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, foldable for easy transport/storage and has a 35 hour battery life. Paired with fantastic mic quality for calls it offers exceptional value all the way from Japan.

• Key Features: Effective ANC, carrying bag, and smooth, balanced sound.
• Why It’s Great: Delivers premium features at an accessible price, making it a standout in its category.
• Why You Want It: A perfect mix of comfort, portability, and high-quality sound for everyday use.
• Extra Detail: Comes with updated Bluetooth codecs for seamless connectivity.
• Battery Life: 35 hours.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

The SoundMAGIC P23BT is a lightweight, wireless on-ear headphone with impressive battery life of up to 60 hours, delivering warm, balanced sound and the versatility of a detachable boom mic for crystal-clear calls.

• Key Features: Foldable design, boom mic for calls, and warm, full sound signature.
• Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly choice that punches well above its weight in both audio and features.
• Why You Want It: Ideal for travel, these lightweight headphones are easy to pack and comfortable to wear.
• Extra Detail: The boom mic ensures crystal-clear communication for work or gaming on the go.
• Battery Life: 60 hours.

Best Portable Wireless DAC/AMP

iFi Audio GO blu– £199.00

An audiophile’s pocket companion, the iFi GO blu combines compact portability with impressive sound quality. This device allows you to make your wired in-ears or headphones “wireless” from the source device. With dual headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm), seamless Bluetooth connectivity and a 10-hour battery life, this little pocket rocket helps deliver high-performance audio on the go.

• Key Features: Hi-res audio support, Bluetooth 5.1, 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs.
• Why It’s Great: Combines portability with premium sound to elevate any headphones you pair with it.
• Why You Want It: Perfect for those who want powerful sound amplification in a pocket-sized device.
• Extra Detail: Features a balanced output for added clarity and depth in your audio.
• Battery Life: 8-10 hours.

With all these options, you’re bound to find the perfect product for your needs. Whether you prioritize battery life, sound quality, or comfort, each product in this guide offers a standout experience for those who take the plunge.

What is your favourite headphone with a long battery life? Let us know in the comments below.

For more buying tips, check out our best of guides here

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Audeze Maxwell – £319.00 / £349.00

The Audeze Maxwell is still the best gaming headset currently on the market, It offers uncompromising audio quality with its planar magnetic drivers, delivering deep bass and clear mids, all in a comfortable, wireless design. With ultra-low latency and an exceptional 80 hour battery life, it’s perfect for gamers and those seeking a pair of high-performance wireless headphones for immersive listening. – Full Review

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

iFi Audio GO Link MAX – £79.00

The all new iFi GO link Max delivers studio-quality sound with up to 241mW of output power—nearly five times that of a MacBook Pro—driving demanding headphones with ease. Compact, portable and versatile, it’s the perfect upgrade for immersive, high-fidelity audio anywhere. An upgrade over the original in every way, this is sure to be a big hit this Xmas (and a perfect size for a Christmas stocking too!).

Etymotic ER20 / ER20XS High Fidelity Earplugs– £19.99

The Etymotic ER20 range of earplugs are perfect for musicians and concertgoers, preserving clear music and speech while protecting your hearing. With a secure fit, attachable string and compact case they’re a reliable choice for any live event.

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

The Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds are the perfect running companion. They now deliver a fantastic sound with Dolby Atmos optimization for an immersive audio experience. Their secure fit means they will stay put, and the open sound means you can hear your surroundings while on the move. Also featuring a 10-hour battery life and an all smart charging case with a touch screen and a mirror, they’re perfect for life on the go.

64 Audio U4s-£1,099.00

The 64 Audio U4s delivers powerful sub-bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs, making it perfect for EDM out of the Box. The beauty of its hybrid design and the inclusion of various apex filters offer flexibility, letting you fine-tune them for a dynamic or neutral sound. A jack of all trades with an added kick.

Final A5000– £259.00

The Final A5000 IEM delivers exceptional sound quality with powerful, tight bass and stunning mids and highs, all at an affordable price of £259. A perfect choice for those looking to upgrade their gear without breaking the bank.

Etymotic MP9-15 Music-PRO High-Fidelity Electronic Earplugs – £340.00

If you’re a lifetime rock & roller, either on the stage or in the crowd then we have the perfect gift idea for you! These dynamic, electronic earplugs will keep your ears damage-free without forcing you to give up the natural quality of the music around you.

iFi Audio Zen DAC 3 – £229.00

The iFi Zen DAC 3 is the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers, offering incredible sound quality with its advanced Burr-Brown DAC for rich, detailed audio. Its sleek design and versatile connectivity make it ideal for upgrading any desktop or home audio setup.

Final ZE3000– £119.00

The Final ZE3000 are designed for ultimate sound quality and in that they succeed, They also look awesome and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119? – Full Review

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

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 £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

iFi Audio hip-dac 3– £199.00

The iFi Hip DAC 3 is an excellent choice of gift to those who are often on the go. It offers excellent power, versatile features, and seamless portability, making it a top choice for consumers at £199.00. With improvements over previous models, including the new IEMatch feature and USB-A connectivity, it set a new standard in portable DAC/amps.

Final VR500– £29.00

A perfect companion to all those virtual reality headsets that will be under the tree this year. The VR500 is a testament to Finals commitment of delivering premium sound at an unbeatable price. TheVR500 is not just an pair of earphones; they are a gateway into a new dimension of gaming audio.

GravaStar Mars Pro V2 Bluetooth Speaker– £199.00-£280.00

For those who love Sci-fi. 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. You can even pair two together to create surround sound!

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £799.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

iFi Audio Zen Blue 3– £299.00

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers, offering stunning wireless audio with lossless Bluetooth streaming and support for all major codecs. Its sleek design and versatile connectivity makes it a futureproof easy upgrade for any home audio setup.

Audeze LCD-5– £3,999.00

The Pinnacle of performance. This is a gift for someone who only wants the best of the best. Audeze’s new flagship planar magnetic headphone is a phenomenal piece of kit. It offers a brand new Audeze sound, way more than just a simple evolution from the LCD-4. With a natural yet almost reference style tuning they hit all the right marks. They are also lighter and significantly more comfortable than previous models. Full Review

SoundMAGIC E80D– £39.98

The E80D ideal gift for somebody who would like a pair SoundMAGIC earphones but has a modern smartphone without an audio jack. With its comfortable fit, impressive passive noise isolation, and rich, balanced sound, it’s perfect for enjoying music or podcasts for hours on end. Modernising SoundMAGIC’s iconic earphone design, The USB-C terminated E80D is a practical yet thoughtful choice for gifting this Christmas.

Audeze LCD-X– £1,149.00

If you want to give yourself or someone you know a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself/them with the Audeze LCD-X. The Audeze LCD-X is a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you do take the plunge, A very, Merry Christmas is all but guaranteed.

Anything we have missed? Let us know what would be in your Christmas gift guide 2024 in the comments below!

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Best Headphone Amp 

iFi Audio iCAN Phantom – £3,749.00

The iCAN Phantom is the jack of all trades and the master of them all. It delivers unmatched versatility, combining top-tier solid-state and tube amplification with cutting-edge XSpace and XBass customization. It is also an Energizer. Pure end-game gear. Perfect for audiophiles, it powers any headphones with effortless precision and offers stunning sound.

Best Headphone DAC/Amp under £100

iFi Audio Go Link Max – £79.00

The all new iFi GO link Max delivers studio-quality sound with up to 241mW of output power—nearly five times that of a MacBook Pro—driving demanding headphones with ease. Compact, portable and versatile, it’s the perfect upgrade for immersive, high-fidelity audio anywhere. An upgrade over the original in every way, this is a must have for anyone who owns wired headphones.

Best Headphone Amp £100-£300

iFi audio Zen CAN 3 – £229.00

The iFi ZEN CAN 3 offers stellar sound and versatility, perfect for music, gaming, and movies. With excellent build quality and performance, it’s the standout entry-level amp and punches well above its selling price.

Best Headphone Amp £300-£1000

iFi Audio Neo iDSD 2 -£899.00

The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 is a versatile all-in-one home audio solution, offering improved performance, user-friendly features, and a powerful amplifier with IEMatch. It delivers a neutral, balanced sound that enhances any audio setup, making it perfect for those seeking high-quality sound without the need for extra equipment.

Best Wireless Headphones with ANC under £100

1More SonoFlow HQ50 – £89.99

The SonoFlow HQ50 is a fantastic product priced under £100. Boasting up to a 70-hour battery life, QuietMax ANC technology, a DLC 40mm driver and featuring 12 EQ modes, it delivers premium sound and comfort at a budget-friendly price—challenging pricier rivals like Sony and Bose.

Best True Wireless for Sound Quality

Final ZE8000 MK2- £199.00

The ZE8000 MK2 combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. The ZE8000 MK2 is a great overall package.

Best Wired Earphones under £50 

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

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 £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

Best Wired Earphones £100-£300

Final A5000 – £259

The Final A5000 IEM delivers exceptional sound quality with powerful tight bass, stunning mids and highs, all at an affordable price of £259. A perfect choice for those looking for an upgrade within this price range.

Best Wired Headphones Under £100

SoundMAGIC HP151- £88.99

The SoundMAGIC HP151 offers exceptional clarity and precision, letting finer details in your music shine. Durable, comfortable, and priced just under £90, it’s a fantastic choice for those seeking great sound from a wired headphone without breaking the bank.

Best Wired Earphones £1000-£2000

64 Audio U6t- £1,299.00

For the price, 64 Audio have created a brilliant everyday earphone that allows great insight into the recording with superb clarity and detail retrieval, wrapped up in a smooth, coherent and easy to listen to sound. They are such an easy earphone to live with. Providing a comfortable fit and refined sound that many fail to match. This is proof that 64 Audio really do know what they are doing when it comes to sound. A superb model for the price.

Best Wired Earphones £2000+ 

64 Audio tia Fourte – £3,599.00

This model pushes the boundaries and shows what’s possible with only 4 drivers. This is a hybrid design with an intricate inner shell with chambers that help shape the sound. Nothing sounds overly boosted on the Fourte, but they do have a healthy dose of impact down low. The Fourte are very revealing and will throw up flaws in recordings, but the clarity in the midrange is truly astonishing. What’s even more impressive is how the top end just extends without rolling off at all.

Best Wired Studio Earphones 

Etymotic ER-4SR – £305.95

If you are looking for neutrality, the ER-4SR are the industry standard – they do not flatter you with a smooth sound or hide any mistakes in recordings, so not great for everyday listening but superb if you want to hear every detail.

Best Wireless Headphones

Audeze Maxwell- £319.00-£349.00

• The Audeze Maxwell the best gaming headset currently on the market, but it is also superb for listiening to music too. It offers uncompromising audio quality with its planar magnetic drivers, delivering deep bass and clear mids, all in a comfortable, wireless design. An exceptional 80 hour battery life, and the ability to create and store custom EQs for different genres, it’s perfect for those seeking a pair of high-performance wireless headphones for fully immersive listening. – Full Review

Best Headphones £100-£500

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

The Audeze MM-100 can be driven by just about any source, making it ideal for on the go. It delivers stunning transparency and musicality, especially when paired with a quality setup, completely outperforming anything else in its price bracket at just £399. Perfect for audiophiles and studio use alike, it has unbeatable value.

Best Headphones £500-£1000

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £799.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

Best Headphones £1000-£3000 

Final D8000 – £2,999.00

Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.

Best Headphones £3000+

Audeze LCD-5 -£3,999.00

The Audeze LCD-5 is a masterpiece of audiophile engineering, delivering unmatched clarity, precision, and emotional depth to your music. Audeze’s Flagship LCD has a lightweight magnesium frame and the premium materials ensure long-lasting comfort, while the cutting-edge planar magnetic drivers reveal every nuance in your favorite tracks. For those seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction and a transformative listening experience, the LCD-5 is still there, in a league of its own. Full Review

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BEST EARPHONES UNDER £50

1. final E500 Wired Earphones – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spacial 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.

READ MORE: Final E500 In-Ear Headphones Review

2. SoundMAGIC E11/E11C Wired Earphones – £34.98/£39.98

With various SoundMAGIC models already available, what can the E11/E11C bring to the table? Well, Everything! We have found the E11 to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board.  A truly impressive earphone for the price and in 2024 it is still the wired budget king.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E11C In-Ear Headphone Review

3. SoundMAGIC E80D USB-C Wired Earphones – £34.98/£39.98

Modern technology requires modern solutions. No headphone jack on your new phone? The SoundMagic E80D has you covered. These earbuds deliver exceptional comfort and impressive passive noise isolation at a budget-friendly price. With a reliable USB-C connection, they provide seamless compatibility with modern devices. Lightweight and elegant, they’re perfect for long listening sessions, offering great value without compromising on audio clarity or design quality.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E80D

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £100

4. final VR2000 Virtual Reality In Ear Isolating Gaming Earphones – £59.99

The VR2000 builds on the immense success of their gaming earphone predecessor the VR3000, which is known for their overwhelming spatial expression. The VR2000 focuses on the rapid response and aims to make object sounds within game audio more noticeable. Many typical gaming earbuds and headphones emphasize an exaggerated sound quality, aiming to accentuate sound effects for a more dramatic experience for the user. But in competitive gaming such as arcade fighting (Tekken), FPS (Apex Legends), Third person shooters such as Fortnite or rhythm games sich as Osu! it’s no exaggeration to say that the player’s quick judgment in reacting to sound effects can largely influence the outcome of each round. The VR2000 is a set of professional-grade earbuds developed specifically for players who are serious about winning.

READ MORE: final VR2000 Gaming Earphones

5.1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table, something that currently is only usually found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

READ MORE: 1MORE AERO

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £200

6. final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones – £119.00

True wireless earphones for the audiophiles and purists out there. The final ZE3000 don’t have many of the bells and whistles. They have no ANC, no ambient mode nor wireless charging. However they were designed from the bottom up for ultimate sound quality and in that they totally succeeded. They also look abolutely fantastic and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119!

READ MORE: final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones Review

7. 1MORE Penta P50 – Five Hybrid Driver IEMs – £179.00

The Penta P50 offers a smooth, natural sound with standout bass texture and crisp treble, perfect for those who prefer a relaxed and fatigue-free listening experience. Its compact, comfortable design adds to the appeal, making it a strong choice for audiophiles seeking balanced tuning.

READ MORE: 1MORE Penta P50

8. Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Finals flagship TWS earphone combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. All the bells and whistles are there, a great overall package.

READ MORE: Final ZE8000 MK2

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £500

9. Westone Audio AM Pro X20 Professional Earphones – £400.00

Stage musicians rejoice! Musicans of the past were limited to selecting either an isolated in-ear monitor mix or an immersive wedge based experience for monitoring. With the Am Pro X20 you can now enjoy both the energy and input from the audience, as well as from other performers and the stage. With Westone Audio’s exclusive StageSense Ambient Technology you are in total control of your musical environment. You can enjoy full-range frequency response from your in-ear monitor signal, hear and feel your surroundings and engage with fellow performers and your audience like never before. The AM Pro X series is a recommended universal solution for on-stage monitoring and band practice.

READ MORE: Westone Audio AM Pro X20

10. Final A5000 – £259.00

Final’s new addition to the “A” series, The A5000 is a wired IEM that punches far above it’s price in terms of sound quality. Style aside, the bass is powerful and tight, the mids and the highs fabulous. Final have proven time and time again that you do not need to spend an arm and a leg for a quality earphone. For anyone looking to upgrade their gear on a budget, look no further. Final Magic for £259.00? Yes please.

READ MORE: Final A5000

BEST EARPHONES OVER £1000

11. 64 Audio U4s -£1,099.00

The U4s is 64 Audio’s new, blue & cheapest UIEM coming in at £1099.00. The hybrid construction delivers a richer and deeper sub-bass then their next cheapest universal model the U6t (which is made up from a full BA driver set up) thanks to the dynamic driver under its hood. The U4s comes with 64 Audio’s all new M12 Apex module, meaning you essentially get four different sound signatures out of the box. You are after an open sound with as wide an image as possible? Then slot in the MX or the M12. Want more bass? Say hello to the M20 or M15. The versatility of these is great and the energetic sound from the U4s will keep your attention for years to come.

READ MORE: 64 Audio U4s

12. final A8000 Audiophile Custom-Driver Earphones – £1999

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.

READ MORE: final A8000 Custom-Driver Audiophile Earphones Review

13. 64 Audio Volür – £2369.05

What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of which is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a True Isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away. It is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous.

READ MORE: 64 Audio Volür

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Honourble mentions to the, Fourté , LCD i3, OV800, and many more out there! What is your favourite? Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Earphones 2024: IEM, Bluetooth, Wireless, Budget, Audiophile appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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.

Anything we have missed? Let us know what you use for Gaming in the comments below!

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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?

The post Oriveti OV800 – Product Release appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fit and Comfort

The Oriveti O400 have a similar shell design as all the newer O and OH series from Oriveti – a hand crafted resin shell that is smooth and very well finished that has a fairly short nozzle which allows for a shallow to medium insertion depth. They fit well in the ear, but the housings are not the smallest and will stick out a little for those with smaller/odd shaped ears like me.

Comfort is good, the housing shape really helps with this as there are no sharp edges that dig in to your ears, also the nozzle is a good angle and lenght to fit most people securely without the insertion depth being too intrusive. The cable has a pre-moulded section of memory wire which is very comfortable, and the cable is soft and comfortable in use.

Compatibility

The O400 uses 4 Balanced Armature drivers, they are Knowles drivers and split between ultra-low/low-mid/mid-high/high frequencies. The O400 have an impedance of 15Ohms and a sensitivity rating of 110+-3dB/mW @1000Hz – this means they are very easy to drive however being an all BA based model it is best to pair them with a source that has less than 1Ohm output impedance to get the best out of them.

Sound

Bass: The O400 have 2 drivers covering the low end, they split up the sub and mid-bass and allow for a subtle sub-bass lift that doesn’t bleed through and affect the midrange or cause any unwanted resonance and bloat. Oriveti have managed to pull off a really impressive tuning down low, one that has a full and deep sub-bass response yet a tight and impactful mid-bass that always sounds controlled. There is never any warming to the lower midrange, allowing vocals and guitars to shine through with ease, these don’t have a high level of bass and it is well aligned with the rest of the frequency response – so they wouldn’t be my pick for bass-heads – however they do handle bass very well without any discernible roll-off.

Midrange: Due to the exceptional control of the low end, the midrange just cuts through with ease and clarity on the O400 – offering up a revealing yet easy to listen to midrange experience without harshness. For the price these extract an impressive amount of detail from the midrange, you won’t miss a thing yet they are very well balanced too. Male vocals don’t sound dull, female vocals are devoid of sibilance or excess presence, the transition into the treble is handled very well and nothing stands out. These have an effortless and clean midrange that seems to handle anything you throw at them without sounding congested.

Treble: The treble rounds off a really great presentation allowing for plenty of air and ambience, along with detail and sparkle without overdoing it and becoming thin/bright sounding. You won’t miss any cymbal taps or crashes, snares are incredibly snappy and violins are presented with finesse and grace. There is no early roll-off, they aren’t muted or splashy, they have great control and this really does help to make the O400 sound refined, open and clean.

Genres and Soundstaging

The O400 work well with pretty much anything you throw at them, they have a controlled and clean sound with a mild sub-bass boost that adds body and reinforces the low end without affecting other frequencies. However these are not bass heavy and would not be my first pick for more bass oriented genres (the OH500 does a better job with those).

Soundstaging isn’t huge, there is great air though and whilst it may be lacking in absolute width and heigh there is good depth to the sound and positional accuracy is a definite strong point of the O400.

Who are they for?

• Those wanting a clean and transparent sound without the more typical analytical tuning
• People who want a comfortable and enjoyable daily IEM

The post Oriveti O400 Quad BA Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The new Oriveti O400 featuring 4 custom tuned balanced armature drivers with a custom crossover network in a hand made resin shell you can tell a lot of attention has been put in to the earphones. The O400 has been paired with an 8-wire silver plated copper along with a huge selection of tips including the much loved Azla SednaEarfit Xelastec. The drivers are split evenly across the range: 1 Treble BA, 1 Bass BA, 1 Mid-treble, 1 Bass-Mid  BA – this allows for minimal distortion and increased range and separation.

The O400 are nice and easy to drive at 10 Ohms and 112dB +-3dB/mW, 1000Hz sensitivity, however as with any multi-driver earphone they do definitely benefit from having a good source powering them.

Oriveti have tuned the O400 to have a balanced, natural and wide sound signature – with a subtle lift in the sub-bass region and a clean and crisp midrange, the treble is airy and transparent but without nasty peaks or induce harshness.

These are available now and for only £399

The post New O400 Earphone from Oriveti appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fit and Comfort

The O800 have a smooth resin shell with a metal nozzle for the eartips, the housing is on the larger size which is to be expected, but they fit very well in the ear once you find the right size of tips for your canals. In my small ears they don’t sit all that flush and stick out a little, but most people with normal size ears won’t have this problem. They are comfortable once inserted though, and the housings are not heavy so they sit securely too. The cable is the same as the OH series and features pre-moulded earhooks which I find to be very comfortable in use. Overall they are comfortable and fit securely for long listening sessions.

Compatibility

With an impedance of 15? and a sensitivity of 110dB (+-3dB/mW) @1000Hz they are quite sensitive and will be a little picky with sources. They will pick up hiss from noisier devices, and being an all BA design it would be best to pair them with a dedicated DAP with lower than 1? output impedance. Whilst easy to drive, they are sensitive so careful pairing is best with the O800.

Sound

Bass: The O800 have excellent bass response, it’s not your typical fast and dry response like many of the lower end BA based models. There is real depth and body down low when needed, they extend down to the sub-bass without any real noticeable roll-off but do have slightly more mid-bass punch than sub-bass rumble. And whilst there is plenty of body to the low end, it is always controlled and never bleeds into the midrange or dominates the sound. Kick drums have impact and body, bass guitars have great articulation and they have the speed to keep up with even the most complex of tracks.

Midrange: The midrange is well presented and ever so slightly forward, there is great layering which allows you to pick apart the recording with ease. Whilst there isn’t any major colouration, there is a slight hint of warmth to the midrange that keeps things from sounding sterile and cold. The O800 have a slightly rounded and organic tone to them which helps them sound real and natural. The detail retrieval is superb, you can hear every breath, every little detail and nuance. The upper midrange is handled well too, without sibilance or harshness.

Treble: Whilst there is loads of sparkle and extension up top, it is always delivered in a smooth and enjoyable way. It is expertly rendered with subtlety and refinement whilst not being pushed to the background. The treble is never pushed forwards in the mix, and there is plenty of detail in the treble. The tonality once again is spot on too, never do they sound metallic or artificial. I really appreciate this presentation, they don’t push the treble forward to create a sense of artificial detail, instead they actually have the detail should you listen for it.

Genres and Soundstaging

The O800 having a natural and coherent sound signature lend their hand to pretty much anything you throw at them, they are controlled and can handle complex mixes yet also have enough body for modern pop. However they are quite revealing and do sound better with tracks that are mastered well, yet they don’t render poorly recorded music unlistenable at the same time. The O800 are a great all-rounder.

Soundstaging is good, there is a real depth to the sound and the superb layering definitely helps here. Whilst they are not the widest sounding earphones out there, they do have superb coherency and don’t sound detached.

The post Oriveti O800 8-Driver Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Final E500 – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spacial 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.

You can read our full review of the E500 here

SoundMAGIC E11C – £49.99

The SoundMAGIC E11C should be included in every best earphone list. SoundMAGIC has been the king of budget wired earphones for years, and the E11C is their best yet. Widely considered to be the best for under £50 and a recent What Hi-Fi award winner – the SoundMAGIC E11C could be the only earphone you need.

You can read our full review of the E11c here

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 – £99

The multi award winning Lypertek TEVI had a name change at the end of 2020. Newly named the PurePlay Z3, these true wireless earphones are still considered to be one of the best for under £100 – and deservedly so. 70 hours battery life, aptX and AAC codecs, IPX7 waterproof rating and sound quality that regularly gets described as audiophile – we’d have to agree!

You can read our full review of the PurePlay Z3 here

Cleer Goal – £99

For the more active users out there, the Cleer Goal true wireless earphones could be your ideal jogging buddy. They fit securely with an open sound that lets you hear what’s going on around you while you listen. The touch controls are easy to use and the built-in microphone does a great job of taking calls on the move.

Etymotic ER2-XR/SE – £99.95

The Etymotic ER2 earphones are personal favourites of mine. Their unique fit provides the best passive isolation available from a universal earphone – blocking out background noise so you can fully enjoy your music. The sound is clean and dynamic, impressively pulling out every detail with no distortion or harshness.

You can read our full review of the ER2XR here

Oriveti O800 – £799

You may not have heard of Oriveti – we’re big fans of them here at Hifiheadphones. The new Oriveti O800 has eight drivers, tuned for real enjoyment with a musical quality. They are smooth and rich sounding and very comfortable to wear – perfect for long listening sessions. The handmade cable and unique design add to the already impressive package.

Campfire Audio Ara – £1299

The Campfire Audio Ara may just be their most impressive IEM yet. With seven balanced armature drivers, this was a first for Campfire Audio. The result is a perfectly balanced IEM that pulls details out of the music you’ve never heard before – in a way that sounds organic and natural. There’s an overall effortlessness to the Ara that will make you want to listen and listen and listen…

64 Audio Nio – £1799

If there was a competition for most drivers, then the 64 Audio Nio wins with a nine driver hybrid setup. Eight balanced armature drivers and a dynamic driver inside each earpiece pushes the limits of what a universal IEM is capable of. The standout feature is the impressive soundstage – delivering an immersive, almost 3D listening experience.

You can read our full review of the Nio here

Final A8000 – £1999

With the A8000, Final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed. Not just any driver, Final’s 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.

You can read our full review of the A8000 here

The post Best Earphones 2021 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Design and Functionality

The MW200 is a neckband Bluetooth cable that allows you to convert your MMCX earphones into a Bluetooth set. It’s a flexible rubber neckband with solid plastic end parts that house the electronics and controls, these are finished with a tempered glass faceplate. It’s a well built, and good looking neckband that is also comfortable in use. The cable sections I feel are a little too long though, and could have about 3-4cm cut off without hindering the fit. The cable section has moulded ear hooks so it is for use with earphones that fit over-ear rather than straight down.

Feature wise you get full controls on the left side of the MW200, with volume controls (these are separate from the sources volume), play/pause and on/off. You can also use the play/pause to skip tracks, and there is a microphone on the unit for calls. The MW200 supports all the latest Bluetooth codecs for the highest quality Bluetooth playback (Aptx and LDAC etc…). The MW200 paired easily and the range seems very good, battery life is also great at up to 11hrs in LDAC mode and 14 in SBC. There is plenty of volume to power most IEM’s currently on the market too.

Sound

I’ve mainly been using the MW200 with Final’s flagship IEM the A8000, because they really are ruthlessly revealing of the source material and also enjoy a bit of power behind them. I’m glad to report that the MW200 doesn’t have any problems with noise, and there isn’t any noticeable hiss when using it. I will mention that I have also been using it with LDAC from my Pixel 3a using Qobuz streaming.

The MW200 has good power and volume, there is plenty of detail and an overall crisp and clean sound. Of course, Bluetooth is still limited and there was a drop in resolution over playing the A8000 out of a high-end DAP. However when out and about this drop is not as noticeable as when critically listening, and the MW200 does a truly great job at decoding and amplifying the signal. I was really testing the limits of the MW200 by using it with the A8000, but pair it with something a bit more affordable like the Oriveti OH300 and you get a superb sounding wireless setup for under £500. Much better than any current wireless offering on the market at least.

The MW200 really doesn’t impart much of it’s own sound on to the IEM’s of choice, which is great in my opinion, you can get the Shanling app though which includes an EQ. This EQ does not work when using LDAC codec though. If you are used to using your IEM’s with an excellent source, please remember there will be slightly lower resolution, mostly in the treble region, again this is more a limitation of Bluetooth and not necessarily the MW200’s fault.

The post Shanling MW200 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Have you met the new Campfire Audio Polaris?

Hey everyone, John here. Campfire Audio is quickly becoming a big name in the world of earphones. Their bold and creative designs really stand out, and whether you look at their artwork, packaging or the products themselves, it’s obvious Campfire Audio love what they do. The Polaris was recently updated with a new cable, design and improved sound quality! Here’s what we think about them.

Build

As is always the case with Campfire Audio products, the build quality of the new Polaris is faultless. The housings have been constructed using aluminium, with a blue anodized finish. Stainless steel has been used for the black sound tubes and then the whole look is finished off with black screws holding it all together. The new cable is a definite improvement. Campfire’s silver plated copper Litz cable has been given a new smoky jacket and feels more flexible than the previous cable. The ear guides on the cable have also changed, scrapping the memory wire and replacing it with a more comfortable coating that can be moulded to fit your ear nicely.

Comfort

The way Campfire Audio has designed the housings on the Polaris makes them very comfortable. They sit nice and snug in my ears and they stay comfortable even after long periods of listening.

Accessories

Included with the Polaris is a number of accessories, including a mixture of silicone and foam eartips of different sizes, small protective cloth bags, a larger blue leather protective carry case, a cleaning tool and a Campfire Audio lapel pin. Thanks to the amount of eartips supplied, you should have no problem finding the right fit. Just make sure you try all of the tips, as getting that good seal makes a huge difference to the sound quality.

Specs

The Polaris is equally impressive inside as they are outside. Campfire’s Polaris has a hybrid driver setup, with each housing containing a balanced armature driver and a 9.2mm dynamic driver. This pairing delivers the best of both worlds, with the balanced armature looking after the higher frequencies, and then the large dynamic driver taking care of the low end. Campfire Audio has developed some of their own technology, and it is present in the Polaris. The balanced armature driver has Campfire’s T.A.E.C. or ‘tuned acoustic expansion chamber’; this helps with treble extension and top end sparkle. Then the Polarity Tuned Chamber brings the most out of the dynamic driver.

Sound Quality

These earphones deliver a high energy sound with plenty of bass power and crisp clarity. These aren’t going to be for those looking for that reference kind of sound, or something neutral. The Polaris has brought fun listening to the high-end audio world.

• Bass response

Bass is where it’s at with the Polaris. It’s full, weighty and goes really low. Campfire Audio have managed to reign it in enough not to overpower the mids or become bloated: it emphasizes and celebrates bass as opposed to adding more of it.

• Midrange (instrumental/vocals)

Mids sit very comfortably in the mix. They are crisp without being too forward and gives the bass definition. Vocals nestle nicely in a pillow of low end goodness, coming across clear and well defined.

• Treble (extension)

Treble on the Polaris extends far, providing space and sparkle. Reverbs tail off naturally and the top end detail makes separation very impressive. There’s a great sense of where instruments are placed and there’s an impressive depth to the sound.

Conclusion

The 4 to 500 pound price bracket has become quite a sweet spot for earphones, with competition coming from the likes of Flare Audio, Final, Westone, Oriveti and Shure. Luckily the Polaris has a lot going for it, and really stands out amongst the crowd. Their bass is like nothing else and Campfire Audio’s design is bold and attractive. If you enjoy good quality bass and want your earphones to deliver a fun and energetic listening experience, then check out the Polaris. Your ears will be happy.

The post Campfire Polaris 2 IEM Review & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Greetings, headphone enthusiasts! Is there anything better than cracking open a fresh new bit of audio kit? We propose that there is not.

That’s why we’re gathering all our new unboxing videos under one roof, for those times when you just want to curl up with a good bit of vicarious audio product consumption.

Let us know if you have a suggestion for a future unboxing! We want to open everything we can get our grubby hands on.

04/09/2019

It’s been a hot minute! Today John unboxes the Shanling ME500 Hybrid Triple Driver IEM Earphones.  If you’d like more information about them, check out our review right here on the blog.

17/07/2019

John is back and today he’s unboxing the Final B3 Dual Drivers IEMs in beautiful frost silver.

11/07/2019

John unboxes the beautiful, polished Oriveti OH500 Hybrid 5 Drivers IEM earphones.

The post Headphone Unboxing Video Compilation appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The OH300 are constructed by hand from acrylic and the new finish is flawless. Smooth rounded edges and an all-black finish make them look professional and understated. The Oriveti logo and name is in silver lettering on the faceplate, and doesn’t stand out too much, I really do love the sleek and smooth look Oriveti have gone for.

Build quality is superb, the housings feel durable, the MMCX connectors are tight and don’t swivel freely which is great. The cable uses 8-cores of silver-plated copper and feels incredible with great strain relief too, I’m very impressed by the quality for the price.

Comfort and Isolation:

The rounded edges of the housing, combined with the size and comfortable cable all contributes to a superb fit, once you have found the right size tips. I did find that foam tips tend to make them fit more securely.

The OH300 isolate well, even though the housing is vented I have not found this to negatively affect the isolation. Perfect for daily commuting and general use.

Sound:

Bass: The OH300 are a hybrid model, and there is a single dynamic driver looking after the low end. Luckily, they have tuned this driver to be tight and fast, perfectly complimenting the detail of the BA drivers. There is still a little bit of added warmth from the dynamic driver, but this is well controlled and never causes any congestion. There is excellent articulation down low, along with great extension and punch. All in good measure and never becoming the main focus of the sound.

Midrange: The mids on the OH300 are spot on, perfectly balanced in the mix with natural yet clean tonality. Vocals are rendered with texture and emotion, yet they are also clear and detailed. Electric guitars have power yet during slower acoustic tracks they exhibit excellent reverberation and subtle detail retrieval. There is a no-nonsense approach to the midrange, it is where it should be with correct tonality and really does just get out of the way.

Treble: The treble is airy and extended, with great impact but not a hint of harshness. Cymbals are rendered with great impact and shimmer, yet they don’t have nasty peaks that induce fatigue. They are not toned down to make these a full sounding earphone, but they have an incredibly lively yet smooth treble response that is truly impressive for the price. There is plenty of detail and resolution up top too, it is this mix of resolution yet refinement that really impresses.

The separation is really impressive, along with the layering. The soundstage is not huge, but there are plenty of out of head experiences to be had, along with the fact that the imaging is pinpoint accurate.

Conclusion:

The OH300 really does a lot right, especially when you take in to account the £299 price tag. With a detailed and even-handed sound signature that is tonally accurate yet not boring. There is power when needed, yet they always have a controlled and refined approach to rendering your favourite tracks.

Sound:  5/5

Comfort: 4/5

Build: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Test playlist

The post Oriveti OH300 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Releases for 09/05/2019

Campfire Audio IO

The newest release from Campfire Audio comes in the form of the Campfire Audio IO, a garnet-coloured IEM with dual balanced armature drivers. The IO features a detachable silver-plated copper cable with smoky tangle-resistant jacket and updated Beryllium copper MMCX connectors. You can also expect the array of accessories you expect from Campfire Audio.

Campfire Audio Polaris (2019 Edition)

Campfire have updated the legendary Polaris IEM for 2019, aptly titled… yes, you guessed it: the Polaris 2019 Edition. Campfire kept the basic setup of the dual drivers, but everything else has been reworked from the floor up, including the drivers themselves.

Campfire Audio Andromeda

Campfire’s iconic green anodized IEMs, the Andromeda, have gotten a few tweaks for spring 2019, including a cable update, fresh new accessories, and a change to the connectors. Also given a boost is the earhook design which sees Campfire rid itself of the memory wire previously housed in the cable itself.

Etymotic ER2-XR

The Etymotic ER2-XR extended response in-ear isolating earphones deliver Etymotic’s iconic passive isolation to block out up to 35dB of background noise. This means you won’t have to blast the volume to appreciate the ER2-XR’s full bass response and detailed sound.

Etymotic ER2-SE

These guys look similar to their cousins, but the ER2-SE is a powerful flat-response in-ear perfect for studio professionals. It’s called the ‘Studio Edition’ for a reason! No range is altered, giving a crystal clear representation of the original sound.

Oriveti OH300

Oriveti is dropping two shiny new IEMs, the first of which is the Oriveti OH300. These triple driver IEMs give a beautiful clear, balanced, neutral sound and look incredibly sleek and impressive. Probably the IEMs Batman would own, if he needed to hear crystal clear audio of himself delivering brutal one-liners.

Oriveti OH500

The Oriveti OH500 houses five drivers (quad balanced, single dynamic) within its gorgeous resin exterior. With those, you get an unfailingly smooth response with some strong low end. Their handcrafted cable of eight-strand braided silver plated wire is second to none, but still detachable for your convenience.

The post New Products Now In Stock appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

These 2 new models from Oriveti have just arrived in our office and will be available very soon. Due to the popularity of the New Primacy, we thought we should give you guys a quick first impression of them.

The OH300 is set to replace the New Primacy, sporting a new dynamic driver, along with the familiar dual Knowles balanced armature drivers. The OH500 is the new flagship model, sporting a dynamic driver along with 4 balanced armature drivers. Both come with a new 8-core braided silver-plated copper cable and leather carry case.

Both come with a cleaning tool, airplane adaptor, 3.5mm to 6.3mm adaptor along with an assortment of tips: S, M and L single flange silicone tips in 2 styles, along with 2 pairs of bi-flange tips and 2 pairs of M foam tips. Overall an excellent array of accessories.

Build quality is very impressive, Oriveti have now changed to a resin housing which is super smooth and makes them feel like a really premium product. The new 8-core cable is excellent and feels really durable, along with nice tight MMCX connectors. There really isn’t anything to fault here, both look and feel excellent.

The New Primacy always was quite a sensitive monitor, and these are no different so you may get slight hiss with certain sources, but it should be minimal. Pairing them with a good clean DAP is best though.

Sound:

The OH300 has a more neutral leaning sound signature, with excellent clarity and resolution. These are set to be priced around £300 and for that you get a really superb IEM. The midrange clarity is one of the main things that grabs your attention, with details coming across easily and effortlessly. The lows are tight and controlled but fill out the low end when required. They don’t bleed into the midrange, but they sound more coherent when compared to the New Primacy. These are not lacking when it comes to punch and extension, but they are those who like a bit of extra bass might want to look elsewhere. Up top you get great energy and sparkle, but they are a little less bright when compared to the New Primacy. They sound a little more refined without taking away the extension and detail that the New Primacy was famed for.

The OH500 has a slightly more organic tilt, favouring smoothness and slightly full tonality over a more analytical approach. The OH500 are one of those monitors you can put in and just relax, without missing out on technicalities. On the low end you get more pronounced sub-bass than the OH-300, but still a quick and tight mid-bass region preventing too much bleed into the lower midrange. The sub-bass is powerful and comes out of a black background when called for. The midrange is clean and has excellent layering, but it is presented in a natural way, without being pushed up front. There are no real peaks favouring male or female vocals, and the transition into the treble is incredibly smooth. The treble has a rise in the upper region creating a more airy, refined and extended sound rather than being more energetic and in your face. The soundstaging on the OH500 is truly superb, there is a really excellent sense of space with great placement of instruments.

These 2 models are definitely worth keeping an eye on, with the OH300 giving you a more neutral yet coherent sound, and the OH500 offering up a slightly lush but well extended and detailed sound. Oriveti are one of those brands who know how to tune a great earphone, so the competition better watch out.

The post Oriveti OH300 and OH500 First Impressions appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Best In-Ear Headphones For 2017

Looking for a new pair of in-ear headphones?  We’ve collected the best earphones and earbuds available in 2017 and reviewed them to help you choose.

Shop: Visit our in-ear earphones store

Read More: Best Full Size Headphone Buying Guide

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50

Edifier P281 Sport

Sleek sporty look with a perfect fit, the P281 Sport are some new budget kings on the block. Coming in at £24.99 they are a huge step up to any headphones that come with a phone.

Offering a well balanced sound with good kick down low, they offer an engaging and fun listening experience when out and about, yet still allow plenty of detail to be heard. From top to bottom there are not real peaks or dips, they have a smooth and easy to listen to sound. What is also great is the inclusion of a microphone and button for taking calls or skipping tracks.

SoundMAGIC E10C

What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £50? The E10C has the same superb build quality and sound signature as the E10 but with the added function of a universal smartphone in-line microphone – need we say more?

The E10C has tight bass with plenty of weight – the mids are well defined and the top end sparkles. These earphones are perfect for listening on the go as the sound is fun and they will sound great with whatever you throw at them.
If you have £40 to spend on some new earphones then go for the SoundMAGIC E10 – if you need an in-line microphone then go for the E10C. Easy.

MEE Audio M6 Pro

If you are looking for a more detailed and neutral sound than the E10C, take a look at the MEE Audio M6 Pro. With it’s monitor like sound and styling, detachable cable and great looks, it is a steal for under £50.

Well the M6 Pro with Blackbird S20 foam tips may have become a new favourite for under £50. These really managed to have everything and sound very engaging, the highs do not disappoint with their presence and tone, the midrange is slightly up front and the mid bass has a mild boost, as a stage monitor I can see these being good and the sound would be easily tuneable with EQ.

For under £50 you won’t find this level of detail, clarity or separation from another in-ear headphone. Add to that brilliant build quality and you have a winner.

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £150

Oriveti Basic

Looking for a more bass oriented in-ear headphone with an upfront and engaging sound, yet without losing out on the finer details and comfort, you need the Oriveti Basic.

A 10mm titanium coated driver supplies an impressive amount of bass. Now I am not much of a bass head but after listening to these for a while I found myself really enjoying them.

They’re not audiophile and they won’t give you a reference sound but if you like your earphones to be fun and enjoyable with plenty of punch then these could be for you. The isolation and comfort is also really impressive and along with replaceable cables they are a great buy!

Oriveti are new on the scene and they certainly know how to make an entrance. The new Oriveti Basic earphone packs a punch and gives you plenty of features for its modest price tag.

READ MORE: Oriveti Basic Full Review

Westone UM Pro10

Looking for a in-ear headphone with quick snappy transients, whilst retaining a well balanced sound signature? Take a look at the New Westone UM Pro10, revised in 2017 to be even better and more comfortable.

Predictably, the balanced armature makes short work of replicating higher frequencies accurately, but the real interest is at the low end where single BA IEMs are concerned. Provided a decent seal can be achieved, the bass is in good balance with the rest of the presentation, although bassheads will be wanting more.

If you fancy the idea of a single balanced armature earphone, but don’t fancy the protruding capsules of the Etymotic designs then the UM Pro 10 is worth a close look. Sometimes the best designs are the simplest and I really think there is something to be said for single-driver IEMs. Makers may be able to tune the sound signature a little more with multiple drivers, but this risks muddying the sound with possible phase/imaging issues as the audio from these different drivers reaches our ears at different times.

In short – choose the simple life and get the UM Pro 10!

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £300

Oriveti New Primacy

One of our best sellers, the New Primacy has a well balanced sound signature with class leading separation and clarity.

The Oriveti New Primacy has a bit of a mid forward sound signature, with excellent clarity and air throughout the range, the bass digs deep and is very articulate, the mids have a habit of bringing out all the detail in recordings but not in an unpleasant way. The highs are airy and well extended, without fatiguing properties, overall a very comfortable and enjoyable listen. The New primacy manages to be a very coherent sounding hybrid design, with a very well textured and layered sound.

READ MORE: Oriveti New Primacy Full Review

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £600

Dunu DK-3001

Our top pick for under £500 is the Dunu DK-3001, with impressive technical capabilities that are really enjoyable to listen to as well. Punchy and clear sound with a wide soundstage, these are truly excellent.

The Dunu DK-3001 is a very well done hybrid IEM, the bass is dynamic and punchy, with excellent and realistic body. The midrange is well layered and very detailed, with a hint of smoothness to it. The highs are always present, yet not fatiguing. These work well with all genres, the bass is fun and energetic in EDM, and rock comes across with detail and layering. Jazz has a very natural tone, and they just take all genres in their stride, however their ability to control heavy metal is truly impressive.

READ MORE: Dunu DK-3001 Full Review

Audeze iSINE 20

If you don’t mind the open back design, the Audeze iSine20 will offer a listening experience more like a full size headphone than an in-ear model.

Offering an open sound with excellent punch the iSine20 offers a relaxing listening experience with slightly polite treble. Keeping in tone with their house sound the iSine20 offers good bass quantity with non-fatiguing treble and a natural tone. This is a very unique IEM that is well worth looking into if you want a more traditional headphone sound. The sound is slightly v-shaped; it’s a warmish, ‘fun’ tuning yet still retains excellent detail retrieval.

Best In-Ear Headphones Price No Object

Westone W80

The W80 are an incredible performer, with a very detailed, spacious yet smooth sound plus an added Alo Audio cable you are sure to be impressed. Fitting 8 BA drivers into this tiny housing is no easy task, yet Westone have done it without sacrificing anything at all.

Some of the most comfortable IEM’s available; the Westone W80 is a pleasure to use for long periods of time, especially with their non fatiguing sound. The bass has body and impact adding a little warmth to the overall sound, the midrange is smooth and non fatiguing, yet the finer details still shine thought. The treble is slightly relaxed but still retains a certain level of sparkle and extension; they are not analytical but still extract the finer details with ease. A very well balanced IEM, that is comfortable and easy to listen to.

Final FI-BA-SST35

The FI-BA-SST35 is one for the detail lovers, being very unforgiving of the source material you will want to listen to well recorded music to get the most out of these.

Final are kings at squeezing the most out of one single BA driver, and the FI-BA-SST35 is no different. Using their proprietary BAM design they move more air, and dig deeper than most conventional single BA driver designs. The bass is always well controlled but offers good impact and articulation without becoming overwhelming or adding much body to the overall sound. The midrange changes depending on the track you are listening to, yet is always very detailed and very transparent. The treble is not fatiguing yet offers incredible insight into the recording, again play well recorded tracks and you will be rewarded with great sound. The soundstage and separation are both excellent, and the timbre is very good for a single BA driver.

The post Best Earphones To Buy In 2017 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Indulgence Show 2017 – London

Hifiheadphones will be at the Indulgence show in London later on this month, so here is some info about the show:

Where?

Hammersmith Novotel London West

When?

29 Sept-1 Oct (10am-6pm on Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm on Sunday)

Effect Audio

We will be showing off the range of luxury handmade upgrade cables from Effect Audio which are sure to turn some heads.

Starting at £149 and going up to over £1000, there are cables to suit all tastes and headphones. Come by and hear the difference yourself!

Final

Alongside them will be the latest offerings from Final, including a prototype of their D8000 planar magnetic headphone.

Since 1974, Final have been producing hi-fi equipment that reflects a musician’s passion for art, as well as their own passion for engineering. Truly unique, Final’s headphones combine sleek retro styling and ground-breaking technology.

Oriveti

We will also be taking along the superb Oriveti New Primacy triple hybrid in-ear headphones, and their Basic model too.
The New Primacy sets a new standard for sub £300 headphones, offering excellent value for money with a highly resolving and detailed sound.
The Basic is a fun everyday in-ear headphone that is superbly built and costs under £100.

The post Indulgence Show 2017 – London appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Shanling H1 Portable Headphone Amplifier Review

We’ve been treated to a few of Shanling’s products lately; as well as the excellent M1 and M2S players, this little amp promises to give brands like Fiio a run for their money! The entry-level portables market has been truly cornered by Fiio in recent years, so it will be interesting to see what impact Shanling can make here.

Pros:

• Small, handy unit
• Thoughtfully designed volume control
• Well constructed

Cons:

• None

Design and Appearance

The Shanling H1 amp is a small unit, being 7cm x 6cm and about 1.5cm thick; about half the size of the average mobile handset. The edges are bevelled and the unit feels good in the hand, with enough weight to feel substantial for its size, although the unit is itself not heavy.

Key Features

The main feature is the recessed knurled volume knob which is centred on one side of the amp, which is protected from accidental operation by the amp’s housing. Power/charge lights are on the top, plus there’s a gain switch and micro-USB socket on the rear for charging. That’s it! The H1 is as simple as it gets for an amp, and it’s all that’s needed.

Durability and Build Quality

The Shanling H1 headphone amp is constructed from aluminium and has a pretty solid feel about it. It will probably have no problem being dropped occasionally, but we’ve not tried this here! The volume knob has a smooth, solid feel as it’s turned and it has enough stiffness not to be operated accidentally whilst in the pocket.

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READ MORE: Oriveti New Primacy Hybrid Driver IEM Review

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Sound Quality

This amp goes loud for its size; we couldn’t resist pairing it up with a HiFiMAN HE-6 which is notoriously difficult to drive. On the low gain setting, and using an incoming line-level signal, the volume goes up to hearing damage levels with the HE-6 on some pieces. Not bad! Of course, we don’t recommend this pairing for getting the best out of the HE-6!

The H1 is designed for portable use, so was tried versus being directly connected to a cheap phone with portable earphones . The sound is faithful and quite neutral, although there is a little more thump coming through with the sub-bass. Music appears to be more relaxed and natural through the amp, where it sounds a little strained with a direct connection. Listening to this amp with a pair of SoundMAGIC E80 earphones is actually very enjoyable!

Summary

Shanling’s new H1 portable amplifier is a palm-sized affair, but Fiio had better start making room anyway!

The post Shanling H1 Portable Headphone Amplifier Review – A Brawny Baby appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Oriveti New Primacy IEM Review

The Oriveti New Primacy are a slightly mid forward sounding in-ear headphone, with excellent air, detail retrieval and layering, a must listen at this price range.

Pros:

• Clarity
• Control
• Detail retrieval

Cons:

• Highs could be a little more refined

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Oriveti New Primacy are a beautiful in-ear headphone, with seductive curves and a smooth finish. With a simple logo on each earpiece, they are understated, and the braided cable adds to the quality feel.

The build quality is top notch, the New Primacy housing is metal and very well finished, the cable is a 8 core braided cable with MMCX connectors. The MMCX connectors are tight and do not detach easily, or cut out, the jack is right angled with excellent traind relief and the y-split is a small piece of heatshrink. There is a chin slider, but there is lack of strain relief where the cable goes into the MMCX connector. Overall a very well built headphone that should last a long time.

Accessory wise these do not disappoint, they come with a multitude of tips 2 pairs of each silicon tip (S,M,L), 2 pairs of bi-flange tips, along with 2 pairs of medium foam tips, you also get a sleek metal carry case, flight adaptor, 3.5 to 6.3mm adaptor and a pair of earhooks. An excellent amount of accessories, to ensure everyone will be able to get a good fit.

Comfort, Isolation, Cable Noise and Driver Flex

The New Primacy are extremely comfortable due to their smooth shape and ease of insertion. The cable is soft and flexible and you really don’t feel them once inserted properly.

Isolation is good, they managed to block out a lot of outside noise effectivey and would be perfect for the daily commute.

Cable noise is not an issue with these, however there is a slight bit of driver flex upon insertion.

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READ MORE: Dunu DN-2002 Hybrid Quad Driver IEM Review

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Sound Quality

• Bass

The bass on these will not overpower the rest of the sound, but they will create a solid foundation for the whole sound. They are full bodied, yet tight and impactful when called for, with excellent extension. They won’t satisfy bassheads, but for most there will be enough presence to keep things fun without excess. The dyanmic driver really gives these an articulate and well balanced low end, that can keep up with heavy rock, yet also the full body of acoustic recordings. I find there is a bit of mid-bass bloom, but this only adds a little extra body and does not affect the lower midrange.

• Mids

The midrange is detailed and linear, nothing stands out apart from the excellent clarity and air. Both male and female vocals sound exceptional with very good detail retrieval, only the slightest hint of sibilance. Tonally they are good but maybe a litte dry for some tastes, not sounding as warm and euphoric as some out there.

• Highs

The highs have good air and extension, and they are well presented in the mix. The great thing about the highs on these is the lack of peakiness, meaning whilst they are always present they are never fatiguing. They are sparkly and have good detail and resolution with great layering, overall very good treble indeed.

• Soundstage

The soundstage is fairly intimate, with slightly forward mids, the instrument separation is very good with an airy presentation though.

Conclusion

The Oriveti New Primacy has a bit of a mid forward sound signature, with excellent clarity and air throughout the range, the bass digs deep and is very articulate, the mids have a habit of bringing out all the detail in recordings but not in an unpleasant way. The highs are airy and well extended, without fatiguing properties, overall a very comfortable and enjoyable listen. The New primacy manages to be a very coherent sounding hybrid design, with a very well textured an layered sound.

The post Oriveti New Primacy Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.