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.

Release Date and Pricing

The entire range will be available to buy on 15th August 2023 from Hifiheadphones with the following pricing:

• AM PRO X 10 – £249.99
• AM PRO X 20 – £379.99
• AM PRO X 30 – £449.99

StageSense Technology

Typically, performers have had to choose between a dedicated in-ear monitor mix or an ambient experience. Meanwhile with the AM PRO X series, you can now hear and feel the energy and input from the audience, your fellow performers and the stage alongside the superior audio clarity, frequency response, and punch that Westone Audio moniters are famous for providing.
Furthermore, the passive StageSense filter system is built into the housings on all AM PRO X models. In short, this provides linear attenuation, reducing external ambient noise by 10dB and providing the user with a clear sense of their environment without jeopardising any audio quality.
In addition to this, by using custom-made balanced-armature drivers as well as the latest cable technology (featuring Westone Audio’s professional quality twisted tensile copper cable, and innovative T2 micro connectors), the AM PRO X range ensure a low profile fit designed with the longest product lifetime in mind. All AM PRO X models incorporate Westone Audio’s passive StageSense technology.

Specifications For Each Model

AM PRO X 10

The smallest of the range, providing ultimate comfort and fit for musicians and performing artist who want a sleek and subtle design. Accordingly, the AM PRO X10 houses a single balanced-armature driver and delivers a clean and balanced sound.

• SENSITIVITY: 114 dB @ 1mW
• FREQ. RESPONSE: 20Hz – 16kHz
• IMPEDANCE: 19 ohms
• DRIVER: Single Balanced-Armature, Full Range

AM PRO X 20

With dual balanced-armature drivers and a passive crossover, the X 20 provides increased dynamic range and impact while maintaining balance and clarity throughout. Of course, as we all know, Westone Audio’s housing design is renowned for its comfort and superior fit.

• SENSITIVITY: 119 dB @ 1mW
• FREQ. RESPONSE: 20Hz – 18kHz
• IMPEDANCE: 27 ohms
• DRIVER: Dual Balanced-Armature, with passive crossover

AM PRO X 30

The ultimate stage monitors. With three balanced-armature drivers and a 3-way passive crossover provides soundstage that features powerful lows, articulate mid-range, and crystal-clear highs. All in all, you get impressive performance, power, and output for any stage that will meet the demands of the most discerning musician and music lover alike.

• SENSITIVITY: 124 dB @ 1mW
• FREQ. RESPONSE: 20Hz – 18kHz
• IMPEDANCE: 56 ohms
• DRIVER: Triple Balanced-Armature, with 3-way passive crossover

In addition to the earphones, each model is supplied with a proprietary T2 cable with 3.5mm jack, 5 pairs of patented ergonomic silicone ear tips, 5 pairs of ear tip technology comfort foam ear-tips, impact resistant Monitor Vault and a cleaning tool.

Let the world in, and set the stage for the best performance of your life.

Available via Hifiheadphones from the 15th August!

Interested in Westone? Read more news and reviews here!

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CanJam London 2022 Update: It’s that time of year again!

We are very excited to be attending CanJam London 2022 on July 30th and 31st at Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.

We will of course be attending with some of our favourite brands and showcasing some of their amazing products. From new releases to old favourites, it is going to be a blast.

Undoubtably, this will be a CanJam to remember. Due to the Covid pandemic, we have been without the show for the last few years (check out our review/ interviews from the last one in 2019 here). We are absolutely frothing at the bit to get amongst the action again! Indeed, CanJam is the place to try all of the best headphones, earphones, DACs, AMPs, DAPs and IEMs under one roof with likeminded people. Obviously we are all there to discover how best to listen to our favourite recordings.

To celebrate, we are running a sale on our brands that are going to CanJam London 2022! Make sure to check out our sale page over on Hifiheadphones for big discounts for a limited time only:

Hifiheadphones CanJam London 2022 Sale

Not only is this a chance to try out these amazing products. It’s also your chance to meet the people behind your favourite brands. Here is a list of just a few brands attending CanJam London 2022:

Audeze, 64 Audio, Focal, HifiMan, Campfire Audio, final, Rupert Neve, Burson, Westone, Chord, Roon, dCS, Meze, Rosson Audio and many many more.

CanJam Sneak Peek Time with Important Updates

As a matter of fact, the reason for this is to give you an idea of what brands we will be representing at CanJam 2022. Below are also some of the products you can expect to see.

Audeze

Audeze are going big this year. In addition to six tables of goods (SIX!) showcasing lots of favourites, there is also a very special newcomer! On show will be LCD-5. CRBN, LCD-X, LCD-XC, LCD-3, LCD-2 Classic. Euclid, Penrose and the brand new MM-500. All products will be powered by some of the finest equipment from the likes of Chord, Burson, Weiss and Eksonic.

Campfire Audio

This year, Campfire Audio is all about the Trifecta! Don’t worry though. There will be enough for everyone to try this new, completely unique IEM from one of the most interesting audio brands of today. For those that want to try other legendary favourites, we will also have Andromeda, Holocene and Supermoon samples there too.

final / Hifonix

Also, our friends over at Hifonix will be showcasing the brand new final D8000 Pro Limited edition. In all of it’s stunning, goldlike lovlyness, it is going to be a crowd pelaser. Certainly make sure to make your way over to their table to check out this rare, majestic work of headphone art!

64 Audio

You can meet the 64 Audio team this year as well as and try some of their finest IEMs. Absolutely make sure to check out the U6t, DUO, U12t, Tia Fourte, U18s, Nio and even more (these are only the universals) from the worlds best pro and custom IEM specialists.

Burson

Burson will be supplying headphone amps and DACs to a number of our brands this year. So you will not only get the chance to try out their incredible products, they will be paired with some of the best headphones in the world!

Westone Audio

With the recent release of the MACH Series of IEMs. Westone Audio will be showcasing the full range at this years CanJam. This is a rare opportunity to test out all 8 models in this impressive and diverse line-up.

Lastly but not Finally..

To celebrate the return of CanJam London, we will also be having a special CanJam 2022 page setup on Hifiheadphones with exclusive offers on some of the best products showing at this years event. Be sure to check out the CanJam 2022 Special page on Hifiheadphones from 30th July to 1st August to get some amazing deals on the best audio gear out there!

The post CanJam London 2022: News, Sale and Best Headphones Guide appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

Build Quality: 9/10

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

Accessories: 10/10

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

Comfort and Fit 10/10

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

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

Pro X10:

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

Pro X20

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

Pro X30

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

Pro X50

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

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

The post Westone Audio Pro X Series Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available to order NOW

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ANC and Passive noise isolation are very different in how they try to block out unwanted outside noise. ANC uses an electronic circuit and sound waves while passive isolation is a purely mechanical system without any additional sound trickery. But their goal is the same, to allow you to enjoy your music to its fullest, without any unwanted distractions.

Passive Isolation

Both earphones and headphones aim to create a seal around your ears or in your ear canal itself to block out outside noise. Many earphones and headphones have venting on them to help tune the sound signature. But these vents also often compromise the sound isolation of the model – this is mainly in models that use conventional dynamic drivers. Balanced armature models are easier to fully seal and some of these, such as models from Etymotic, offer up extremely high levels of passive isolation that are much more effective than ANC.

Etymotic claim that their ER series earphones offer 35-24 dB of attenuation depending on the eartips and depth of insertion. This is much higher than most earphones. Westone Pro X series earphones offer up around 25 dB of attenuation. Some studio headphones such as the Sennheiser HD380 Pro also offer up to 32 dB of attenuation. However more consumer friendly closed back headphones will likely offer around 20 dB of attenuation.

When it comes to what frequency range is most affected, the bass is the hardest to isolate from with a passive isolation model. In fact only some good earphones can effectively isolate in this region. Whereas ANC does a better job at blocking out low frequency noise. Midrange and Treble regions however are usually well isolated with passive designs, especially in the treble region where ANC designs don’t attenuate very well.

For most uses, passive noise isolation is actually more than enough to enjoy your music without outside distractions. It can be argued that ANC seems to have been pushed via marketing to sell a feature many don’t fully understand. Also, a pair of fully sealed earphones will likely work better than a pair of ANC headphones for example. So it is wise to carefully consider where you will be using your earphones/headphones.

ANC

Now on to ANC, shorthand for Active Noise Cancellation. As mentioned before ANC takes a very different approach to noise attenuation. One that oin fact has some benefits but also some drawbacks. ANC uses external microphones to monitor noise levels and create a phase-inverted sound wave to cancel out the ambient noise before it reaches your ears. This system requires a power source, so will only work if there is power supplied (often via a rechargeable internal battery), and this can make them heavier.

ANC works in tandem with passive isolation normally. If the earphones/headphones already have great passive isolation the ANC circuitry will only help a marginal amount and often compliments the downfalls of passive isolation (low frequency attenuation). However, this does cause some confusion, as some people may think that ANC is not working well if the passive isolation is already high. But due to the passive noise isolation doing a great job already, it will seem like ANC is hardly working. However, if the passive noise isolation is mediocre, then it may seem like the ANC is better on that particular model due to having more of an apparent effect. This backfires if the battery runs out though, as models with high passive isolation can be easily enjoyed with ANC on or off.

Another thing to consider is the environment where the earphones/headphones are going to be used. ANC is best used in environments where there is persistent low-mid frequency noise as this is where they work best. This is why they often work well on planes and public transport where there is a constant background noise. However, they do not handle impulse noises very well and don’t cancel out higher frequency noise as effectively either.

Another issue common with ANC models is wind noise. Some models do not handle wind noise well at all, while others are better. So you need to read up on reviews of specific models to see if this could be an issue. ANC can reduce some low frequency noises up to 60 dB but again this is only in certain environments and frequency ranges. Overall usually only reduces noise by up to 30 dB and puts it in line with most passive earphones/Headphones.

When it comes to sound quality, ANC nearly always has an impact, and it’s a negative one. There is an additional circuit influencing the sound, as much as the designers will want it to impact the audio as little as possible, it still has an impact. Those seeking the best sound quality should stay away from ANC, ANC can create constant white noise and also introduces distortion due to the way it cancels out noise.

So what’s better?

Well, it’s not quite as simple as one being better than the other. For sound purists ANC is never going to cut it, but for your everyday listener ANC will sound just fine. The problem is that marketing has over-hyped ANC’s capabilities and people expect them to cut out everything, which they don’t. Wind noise can be problematic for ANC, as can impulse noises. These won’t be filtered out and people will assume the ANC is poor on such models.

ANC is best suited to constant noise environments where there is a steady low-frequency noise that can be effectively cancelled out. Passive models tend to work better in day-to-day use as they more evenly attenuate outside noises and present the music in a more realistic way.

ANC needs power and consumes a lot if active, this will lower the operating time of any wireless models that have this feature, so if you are not in an environment where it is effective, it is worthwhile leaving it off.

We hope this article has helped clear up some misunderstandings when it comes to ANC vs Passive noise isolation, and if you have any further queries don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Did you Enjoy our Passive Isolation Vs ANC? Check out our other How To’s HERE

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Here is our guide for those looking for earbuds on the smaller side. We have found that a lot of people require smaller fitting earphones without wanting to compromise on sound quality – the list below all have small housings, perfect for smaller ears.

TOP 5 EARPHONES TO SUIT SMALLER EARS

1. Final E500 – £19.99 – BUY HERE

Not only is the Final E500 our best value earphone, they are very small in size. The housings will suit those with smaller ears – and sound great too!

READ MORE: Final E500 Earphones

2. SoundMAGIC TWS50 – £79 – BUY HERE

The design of SoundMAGIC’s TWS50 means that they are one of the smallest and most comfortable True Wireless earphones we have tried. A popular combination of comfort and top sound quality,

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC TWS50 True Wireless Earphones

3. Westone UM Pro 10 – £139 – BUY HERE

If you’re looking for the pro touch, then Westone is the brand to go for. Their compact sized UM Pro 10 is a single balanced armature driver IEM, bringing a neutral sound with crystal clear detail and perfect balance.

READ MORE: Westone UM Pro 10 IEM

4. Etymotic ER2 SE and XR – £169 – BUY HERE

Etymotic are hearing experts, and their earphones are the best when it comes to isolation – helping to block out external noise. The ER2 SE and XR earphones are small in size and use a single dynamic driver and deliver the cleanest sound you’ll hear. SE for more clarity, XR for more bass.

READ MORE: Etymotic ER2 Earphone Review

5. Final f7200 – £399 – BUY HERE

We started with Final, so we’ll end with Final. The f7200 is one of their more unique designs, with a fit that will suit the smallest of ears. The f7200 is also a superb sounding earphone too, silky smooth and engaging with depth and clarity.

READ MORE: Final f7200 Earphones Review

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Earphones For Small Ears: Budget, True Wireless, Pro IEM and Audiophile 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.

The W40 V2 are pretty sleek yet you can change up the colours with the interchangeable faceplates. They come in a variety of colours allowing you to choose which fits your style the best. The Bluetooth cable is black, but the normal cable is silver plated and looks great with the black housing.

The build quality is great, the new silver-plated cable has good strain relief and the IEM’s themselves have a high-quality plastic housing with metal faceplates. The MMCX connectors feel solid when you click the cable into place, and everything is very well put together.

Comfort and Isolation:

Westone know how to make a comfy IEM and the W40 V2 are no different. With a smooth housing and perfect angles for the nozzle to enter your ear, they fit like a glove. Find the right tips and you will enjoy hours of comfort from them. The cable doesn’t have stiff memory wire, instead it has soft, pre-moulded earhooks.

Isolation is a real strong point with these, as they are a fully sealed, multi BA driver design they are perfect for use in noisy environments.

Sound:

Bass: The bass on the W40 V20 is nice and tight yet it still has a fullness to the sound that makes them accurate yet easy to listen to. There is good extension and a little emphasis on the sub-bass, but the speed of the lows means they can keep up with complex mixes with ease. There is great articulation and bass lines are super easy to follow. This style of slightly emphasised low end without bloat works well for an everyday IEM.

Midrange: There is a little dip in the lower midrange which can make certain vocals sound a little masked, however there is great presence and clarity throughout the midrange. The intimacy of the midrange is really pleasant, vocals are up front and centre whilst everything comes in from around them, giving a good sense of space and layering. These do really well with vocal based music.

Treble: The highs don’t let these down, these are not a dark or boring IEM. They have great energy up top bringing out plenty of detail and sparkle, yet they also extend with ease. The transition from the upper midrange to the treble is pretty smooth and devoid of harsh sibilance. Positioning of the highs is great with good directionality and pinpoint accuracy. The W40 V2 are an energetic IEM that want you to enjoy the music, without missing any part of it.

Soundstaging is very good, with a wide stage and excellent layering and separation the W40 V2 really allows you to pick apart the mix.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a good all-rounder, the W40 V2 are well worth considering. With flexibility and excellent comfort, paired with a warm/neutral sound signature they handle most genres with ease and add a little energy down low for a bit of added enjoyment.

Sound: 4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build Quality: 4/5

Value: 3.5/5

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Hey there audio addicts! If you stopped by CanJam London 2019 you may have seen the Hifiheadphones crew around the Campfire Audio and 64 Audio tables. A few of us also took some time to conduct some on-site interviews! We’ve compiled them here for your enjoyment, so take a look at some of our favourite faces from the world of audio. Check back for each new interview!

The World’s Best Custom IEMs: Vlad Belonozhko and 64 Audio

Used by some of the world’s foremost musical luminaries (Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, etc) and renowned by audiophiles, 64 Audio has blazed a trail straight to the top. Our good friend Vlad Belonozhko spent some time with us at CanJam 2019 discussing the benefits of staying true to your vision, and knowing when to branch out.

How to Get A Perfect Ear Impression: Gisele Flower, Aid2Hearing

Our interview series continues with Gisele Flower, one of the UK’s premier independent audiologists and the titan behind Aid2Hearing. Gisele is entrusted with the ears of some of the world’s favourite artists, including Stormzy, Jessie J, Sam Smith, and the Spice Girls. Here, she gives us an inside look at her process and tips for getting the best possible impression, whether it be for hearing aids, ear plugs, or custom IEMs for rocking out onstage.

How to Create a DIY Headphone Company: Alex Hyland, Hyland Headphones

Our friend Alex Hyland of Hyland Headphones let us grab him for a few minutes to discuss headphone modding, DIY headphone making, and running his own headphone empire.  Ever wanted to make your own headphones? Have a listen to Alex’s advice on getting started and making a name for himself in the world of high end audiophile headphones.

The Granddaddy of All Custom IEMs: Michelle Dailey, Westone Audio

Michelle Dailey of Westone Audio fame gave us a great rundown of the future of Westone’s custom IEMs, Bluetooth earphones, and the success of the Westone W80. Westone are the world’s foremost experts on in-ear audio science, pioneering IEMs and hearing aids.

Fashion Forward Fun with Focal Audio: Megane Montabonel

Our final video from CanJam 2019 features Megane Montabonel from Focal, who describes the  breadth of Focal’s expertise as well as the newer products they’ve introduced to the world of audiophilia. Focal headphones are, as always, available to try in our demo room, so get in touch to book a time slot!

The post CanJam 2019 London Interviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Final Audio’s latest release is their B-Series of earphones, the B1, B2 and B3. Drawing on their years of experience and learning from previous releases such as their E-Series and MAKE series, the new B-Series range of earphones looks to take Final to another level with a brand new concept.

This is new territory for the leading Japanese brand, incorporating multiple driver setups for the first time in their standard range of earphones. As ever, Final like to do things differently, even when it comes to naming their earphones. For the B-Series, they decided to step away from the normal naming order based on price. These models are named based on when they were made. Final believe that price shouldn’t dictate quality, with each model having their own style and characteristic. It’s a philosophy which shows Final’s value in every product they create.

B1

So let’s meet the team. The hybrid dual driver Final B1 comes in at around £600 and in terms of design, stands out the most. The housings are made using stainless steel, with a mirrored rose gold finish. Inside each housing is one balanced armature driver and one dynamic driver, both developed by Final themselves. The silver plated copper cable adds the finishing touch to this stunning earphone. Sound wise, the B1 has been tuned to put you right in the middle of the action, with a lively sound that delivers clean and punchy bass, rich mids, and crisp resolution.

B2

The single driver B2 is priced just under £260, with a more understated design choice. The stainless steel housings this time have a brushed gun metal finish, providing a more sleek and elegant look. Inside is a single balanced armature driver, again developed by Final. The replaceable cable is OFC copper and the cable has a black coating, which compliments the design as much as the sound. Sound quality from the B2 is all about clarity and clean detail. Vocals are realistic and present among the naturally reproduced instruments. Overall the B2 delivers a more neutral and perceivably accurate sound.

B3

Last, but by no means least is the dual driver B3 coming in at just under £440. The Final B3 has their stainless steel housings finished in frosty silver, and along with the replaceable silver coated copper cable they have a bright and fresh look about them. Inside the housings are two of Final’s balanced armature drivers, which have been tuned to provide the most in terms of width and space out of the three. Soundstage is very impressive, and the top end extension will allow you to pick out the most delicate of sounds.

The Range

The B-Series earphones have all been designed to fit perfectly in the ear. The unique shape has obviously been chosen not only for its looks, they are all extremely comfortable (for me, anyway). They are impressively small and the shape allows them to sit in my ear with ease.

All three models are packaged in a very attractive box, and supplied with a silicone carry case, cable ear hooks for added support, and a selection of Final silicone eartips in a number of different sizes. (Check out our unboxing video for the B3 to see what we mean!)

With the B-Series, Final are showing that they mean business, challenging the likes of Shure, Westone and Campfire Audio with their high design and impressive sounding IEMs.

The post Final B Series Review & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Hailing from Japan, Final have been in the audio game since the 1970’s, where they started off designing and manufacturing high-end hifi equipment. Recently, they have focused on portable audio, and the E4000 is part of their E Series of earphones. Coming in at £120, the Final E4000 sits in the middle of the range and hits a very nice price-to-performance sweet spot.

BUILD

It’s very clear that Final take great pride in what they do, and the E4000 is no exception. The earphone housings are made from aluminium with an alumite coating for added resistances, and then finished in matte black, which I really like. The cable is replaceable and uses MMCX connectors. It’s also flexible and soft to touch, with good strain relief on the 3.5mm jack. The MMCX connectors on the cable could do with a bit more strain relief, however they seem to be pretty durable.

COMFORT

The E4000 is pretty standard when it comes to fit. The earphones are designed to be worn with the cable going straight down, and there are a good amount of eartips supplied to get the best fit. Final design the eartips in house, and their silicone tips are my favourite out of any I have tried. (And I have tried a lot.) For those that are sensitive to cable noise or prefer a cable-over-the-ear fit, Final have supplied the E4000 with ear hooks. These allow you to wear the earphones so the cable goes up and behind your ears. This can provide a more secure fit and will greatly reduce the amount of cable noise; it’s quite a rare thing to have both options.

SPECS

The E4000 houses a small scale 6.4mm dynamic driver, developed by Final themselves. With an impedance of 15ohms and sensitivity of 97dB, the E4000 can be used with a phone or laptop – however they will really benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier or portable audio player. The extra power will open up the earphones more, improving soundstage and separation.

SOUND QUALITY

When it comes to sound quality, Final’s experience in the world of high end hifi really shows. There is a real musicality with the E4000 and sound comes across smooth and silky. Bass goes deep, and has an organic and rich quality to it. The mids sit nicely in the mix and carry on with that richness. Then up top, the treble provides sparkle and sizzle. Overall, the V shaped signature is smooth and easy to listen to, reminiscent to a lot of hifi setups I’ve heard and very much enjoyed. The E4000 has a big sound and part of this comes from the impressive soundstage, with space and air you wouldn’t normally expect from earphones.

CONCLUSION

Around £100 there are earphones out there from Shanling, Shure, Beyerdynamic and Westone to name a few. None manage to give the same hifi listening experience that the Final E4000 delivers. The E4000 is best suited to be used with a dedicated portable audio player or a setup with a headphone amp. If this is you and you’re looking for some wired earphones for some easy listening, have a go on the Final E4000.

The post Final E4000 Review & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

27/11/2018-30/11/2018

So… here’s the thing. We all love headphones, and we all love getting them for less money. And trying to navigate all the chaotic savings on Black Friday can be pretty intimidating. So we thought: why not just… keep the doors open longer?

It’s baaa-aaaack! We thought long and hard about it decided to keep the savings available until Friday at midnight, to give you a more relaxed pace for what is often a serious, intimate purchase. So get in touch, come visit us in our demo room, or just give yourself time to mull it over- we know buying a headphone is a process! And we’re here to help.

23/11/2018-26/11/2018

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the BLACK FRIDAY MEGA SALE! From this very moment until Cyber Monday night at midnight, all of our Black Friday sales are live and kicking. Absolutely everything in our entire Black Friday 2018 category is reduced for the next four days!

We will be in today (Friday) and Monday (Monday) to help if you’d like to call in and chat or ask questions. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We don’t bite!

22/11/2018

Today we’re changing things up a little! We’ve been offering up selected items from each brand these past two weeks, but today we’ve only got one spectacular item on offer: today we’re reducing price on the fabulous Beyerdynamic T1 2^nd Gen Special Black Edition!

Beyerdynamic was founded in 1924, and if you know the brand you know they’ve been changing the game on top-grade personal audio since then. The T1 2^nd Generation is a semi-open back headphone with an incredibly spacious soundstage, and a detachable cable. By all accounts it is a worthy successor to its legendary older sibling, but with a sleek black makeover and updated materials. Not only is this sale limited to 1000 units worldwide, FOREVER, but this sale is even more limited. Get your hands on it while you can!

21/11/2018

It’s a big day, and one that we’re really excited about. If you were holding out, now’s the time to reconsider, because today is the day we drop our Campfire Audio sale.

Campfire Audio began as a series of experimentations with different materials, drawing on experiences in personal audio to create something new and essential for audiophiles. These profoundly unique, exquisite headphones and IEMs deliver truly singular experiences in sound, owing to their masterful craftsmanship. If you’re interested but would like more information, feel free to get in touch with us. We love to talk about them! Like our other sales, this will end at midnight, so be sure to act quickly if you want to take advantage!

20/11/2018

We’re back and ready to rock, so let’s move things along with our next sale: it’s over to our friends at Shanling!

Founded in 1988, Shanling first produced its first item: an amplifier. Since then, Shanling’s commitment to independent research and development has allowed them to blaze unique trails in personal audio. The M-series players, specifically, have broken the mold with their intuitive interfaces and compact sizes. If you’re looking for a really high-quality player and DAC, you can’t go wrong with a Shanling, and today’s the perfect day to upgrade! Our Shanling sale will end at midnight!

19/11/2018

Happy Monday, savings lovers! We hope you’ve had a great weekend full of mirth and merriment, and maybe also some headphone savings. To ease us back into the swing of things, we thought we’d skip back to one of our previous sales- today we’re going to drop the price once again on Westone!

As before, these discounts will only last until midnight, so jump to our sale page and make sure you get what you need before time runs out!

16/11/2018-18/11/2018

Happy Friday! We hope you’ve been having fun so far- we know we have! To round off our first week of wheeling and dealing, we’re excited to show off our first weekend-long sale. It’s not the last sale, but it’s certainly the Final sale.

The beautiful craftsmanship and high-quality audio are the hallmarks of today’s brand, Final. Originally established in 1974 by Kanemori Takai, Final have skyrocketed to become synonymous with beauty, finesse, and precision. Their gorgeous Heaven series feature balanced armature drivers and unique sound signatures between models, keeping Final’s foot firmly in the door of the world’s greatest.  These will be back to normal at midnight on Sunday night, so act quickly!

15/11/2018

Good morning, everyone! We’re back bright and early to introduce our next day of Black Friday discounts. Have you had a good night’s sleep? A nice breakfast? Some damn fine coffee? We need you energised for what we’ve got planned today- it’s time for Flare day!

Flare have been pursuing their visionary goal for five years now- founder Davies Roberts’s ambition to produce distortion-free personal audio products drives Flare’s innovation. They draw inspiration from their experience in the music industry, giving them a strong sense of the issues that need to be resolved. We’ve got a ton of good stuff from Flare for you today, so get crackin’! They poof at midnight!

14/11/2018

Another day, another brand! Today we’re offering up our next discounts in our three-week Black Friday sales event- that’s right! It’s Fidue day!

Fidue, helmed by lead engineer and designer Benny Tan (20 years of experience!), are masters of the craft of delicately tuned IEMs. They strive to reproduce sound accurately and clearly, maintaining detail and neutrality. We have several gorgeous models on offer today, so take a good look! You have until midnight!

13/11/2018

Welcome back! We hope you’ve had a good night’s sleep to recover from those bargains. But there’s no time to waste! We’re back for day two of our Black Friday sales with our second big beautiful brand highlight: Westone!

Westone are quick to point out that they are the world’s largest manufacturer of custom ear pieces, and there’s good reason why- they’ve been around since 1959, so they’ve had plenty of time to sink their teeth into the market. Their IEMs are legendary, and they’ve been around long enough to innovate by leaps and bounds over the evolution of personal audio.

Get on this deal before midnight, because the wheel must keep turning!

12/11/2018

Good morning, everyone! It’s our first day of our three weeks of Black Friday savings, and we’re kicking things off with our first fantastic brand highlight. First out of the gate, it’s the fabulous SoundMAGIC!

SoundMAGIC were founded in 2005 by Tony Xu, and have made a big impression on the personal electronics scene since then. They may be the underdog, but SoundMAGIC are never afraid to take the fight directly to their more well-known competitors. The flagship E-series receives consistent accolades from critics and consumers alike, with the E10C receiving consecutive years’ recognition by What Hifi? as an outstanding in-ear under a certain price. SoundMAGIC has plenty of momentum moving into the future, so make sure to keep them on your radar!

06/11/2018

Here’s the deal about Black Friday: we’re not content to just offer one day of great deals. This year, we’re gearing up to deliver three weeks of savings centered around our big Black Friday Mega Sale. Starting next week (12/11/2018), we will be highlighting brands to do different sales each day!

We’ll be keeping you up to date with what’s on offer across these dates, so check back here for a daily update starting the 12th. You can also keep up with what’s going on via our mailing list and social media.

Happy hunting!

The post Black Friday Headphone Deals 2018 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.

Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors

Australian earphone manufacturer Audiofly, have recently released thier range of four beautifully designed Professional In Ear Monitors. Taking on Shure and Westone in this growing Professional monitoring corner of the market is a big job, but the Performance Series IEMs are more than up to the task. The Performance series have been designed to be used by touring musicians or music lovers who demand the very best sound in a tiny package. They all feature multi driver arrangements, with the top two models also sporting a super tough replaceable version of the cable and leather carry case.

Snugs Ear Docks

The Snugs story began like a lot of product innovations, out of dissatisfaction with what was available on the market and a feeling that there must be a better way to do this. Snugs wanted earphones to fit perfectly and never fall out, ever! To shut the noisy modern world and feel like wearing a soft pair of gloves. By creating soft silicone custom fitted sleeves for their favourite brands, as used by musicians and TV presenters, they’ve really nailed it!

How do the Audiofly performance series with Snugs sleeves sound? As you would expect, the whole range has superb detail retrieval and very impressive instrument separation, calm but with crisp highs. Bass is deep and textured but sits accurately in the mix. A great combination of beautifully designed products.

Snugs Sound Revolution featuring The New Union

 Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors and Snugs Ear Docks

The post Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors and Snugs Ear Docks appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Since their recent introduction, the Um Pro series from Westone have proved to be an excellent balanced armature based range of IEMs, but how does the single BA design of the UM Pro 10 stand up? In its favour is the relative simplicity of the design which does not require crossovers, but some might find the frequency response a little too accurate.

Score – 8/10

Pros

• Small and comfortable in the ear
  Isolation
  Soundstage and speed
  Accessories
• Cons
  Requires a good seal for the best sound signature
  May be fatiguing to sensitive ears

Summary

Balanced armature drivers by their nature are accurate and fast, but some prefer the warmth of more traditional dynamic drivers. More costly models might have a multitude of balanced armature drivers to more fully represent the frequency spectrum, but crossovers are required to split audio information among these drivers which can complicate matters.

Can the single BA driver win out against the costlier and chunkier competition?

Key Features

Westone are always generous with accessories and the UM Pro 10 is no exception; a pelican style case for the IEMs themselves, 5 pairs of rubber eartips at different sizes, and 5 pairs of silicone tips. The cable is removeable and of a twisted design which is coated behind the ears for extra stability. A tool for cleaning nozzles and tips is also included.

First Impressions

Being more used to IEMs with muliple drivers, my first thought is that these are small! However thay are not fiddly and are easy to get into place; the size of the capsules is not an issue. Once in, they’re comfortable and sit nice and still.

Sound Quality

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.

The sound is simple and clear, and the presentation has a lot of space which I like. Separation and imaging are superb. Those who are more sensitive to high frequencies may wish to tread carefully, but I have a treble-shy ear and have just enjoyed the UM Pro 10 over the course of half an hour with no ill effects – I don’t listen at very high volume levels however.

Hifiheadphones Verdict

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!

The post Westone UM Pro 10 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The Performance series have been designed to be used by touring musicians or music lovers who demand the very best sound in a tiny package. They all feature multi driver arrangements, with the top two models also sporting a super tough replaceable cable and leather carry case.

The Audiofly Performance Series range includes the following models:

AF120 – dual driver (dynamic + balanced armature).

AF140 – triple driver (dynamic + 2x balanced armature).

AF160 – triple driver (3x balanced armature).

AF180 – quad driver (4x balanced armature).

Looks-wise these are some of the prettiest IEMs we’ve seen! Slightly slimmer with a more luxurious finish than most, the shiny coating on the AF160 and AF180 gives them an almost ceramic look. Comfort also benefits from this gently contoured design. Comply tips are supplied in small medium and large for perfect fit and better isolation than silicone. A full compliment of silicone tips are included though, as well as a 6.35mm adaptor, a cleaning tool and an airline adaptor too.

Audiofly developed a special cable for the Performance range called the Audioflex, which they say is roadworthy and built for the stage. As with most of their Premium range, the cables feature Cordura fabric (like that found in extreme climbing gear) with the addition of a heavy duty Y splitter, a low profile twisted section and a mouldable over ear sleeve before the driver housings.

It won’t make any difference to the sound but the packaging deserves an honourable mention. Audiofly have really gone to town with some of the best looking boxes we’ve seen in a long time.

Finally to the sound – this certainly doesn’t disappoint. As you would expect, the whole range has superb detail retrieval and very impressive instrument separation. There is a common sound at work here, the EQ is flat and stable with calm but crisp highs. As you move up the range you find a lot more body and purpose, although the AF140 – featuring a hybrid two balanced armature and one dynamic driver set up – is simply the best earphone we’ve heard for below £250. The quad balanced armature driver AF180 is the flagship model, it has un-flappable bottom and mids and an extremely confident presentation which is very difficult to fault.

The post Audiofly Release Pro In Ear Monitors appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Looking for a new pair of in-ear headphones?  We’ve collected the best in ear headphones available in 2014 and reviewed them to help you choose.

UPDATE: New updated best in-ear headphones from 2015

Shop: Visit our in-ear earphones store

More Info: Best portable on-ear headphones buying guide

Best In Ear Headphones Under £50

SoundMAGIC ES20

SoundMAGIC have again pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the SoundMAGIC ES20, which makes this model a strong candidate for the title of best budget in ear headphone. The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.

While you might expect an inexpensive earphone to be poorly made, the ES20 is a part aluminium construction and comes fitted with good quality braided cabling (normally reserved for high end in-ear monitor earphones) with strain relief that is built to last. The quality of the product is truly commendable. The ES20 is like the baby brother of the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 which adds a full metal body and even higher sound quality – for a little more money.

Supplied with a neat carry pouch that is very usable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC ES20 is a very well thought out package.

If you have a little more to spend, consider the SoundMAGIC E10 or SoundMAGIC E50 – also both amazing value at their price points.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the ES20 has just stolen that spot. Sound quality compares with earphones costing two or three times the price.

Shure SE112

Shure’s addition to the sub £50 earphone range is very impressive. They are very well built with a tough cable and solid speaker housing. The sound rolls off slightly at the top which takes away any harsh frequencies and the bottom end has plenty of punch!

The Shure SE112 are a great alternative to the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 – especially if you prefer a mellower presentation.

For a more professional in-ear monitor design we also recommend the Shure SE215 – tight bass, crisp mids and great soundstage.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The Shure SE112 has punchy bass and smooth top end detail. They are very comfortable with great isolation and they are tougher than most.

Best In Ear Headphones Under £100

Audiofly AF45 / AF45M

The AF45 is an impressive pair of earphones.  We think the AF45 is one of the highlights of the Audiofly premium range and one of the best in ear headphones available at this price.

The AF45 successfully marries fashion conscious design with excellent sound. The earphones are sturdy and the sound is big – full bass and crisp detail.

The cable on the AF45 is made from Audiofly’s Audioflex braided technology and is covered in a Cordura fabric outer sheath for extra durability. There is also an option of an in line microphone with the Audiofly AF45M.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The AF45 is a truly superb earphone that excels all round. Big bass and crisp highs makes them ideal for someone looking for big sound and great looks from their in-ears.

Final Audio Adagio III

Final Audio’s Adagio III is sleek in design and gives a more refined sound than many of it’s competitors. The earphones are very well built with a tough cable and airplane engine like design to the earphone body.

Thanks to the balanced air movement internal speaker design the bass is big yet not bloated and the upper detail is crystal clear – this gives an exciting and refined sound.

Some reviews complain that bass is too powerful, but after running in (this earphone changes a lot during the first 50 hours) we think the Adagio III offers plenty of clarity and detail for the price.

Final Audio Design earphones come with excellent eartips, but as with many better quality earphones they benefit from upgrading with Comply tips.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

If you like powerful bass, but want a more refined sound then these earphones are for you. Tight and full low end, cracking mids and the top end has real sparkle.

RHA MA750

With the RHA MA750 earphones you get a lot for your money. The build quality is extremely solid and you get a 3 year warranty – this shows how confident RHA are with their products. You get a good amount of ear tips supplied and a very nice leather carry case.

The overall sound is warm with great bass quality and lots of energy in the upper frequencies. The soundstage is large and separation is very good. There is also the MA750i for those of you wanting iPhone controls.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

If you’re after a great all rounder then the MA750 could be the one. Solidly built, comfortable, 3 years warranty, lots of accessories and great sound – a lot for under £100!

Westone UM Pro 10

The new Westone range of ‘UM Pro’ headphones come with a varying amount of balanced armature drivers to suit all ears and pockets.

The UM Pro 10 model has one balanced armature, so a good seal with the ear is important to benefit from the full frequency range. The sound is extremely accurate and fast-paced, with superb soundstage and imaging. Some may find the design more ergonomic than similar single balanced-armature designs by other makers, as the UM Pro 10 rests in the bowl of the ear as opposed to protruding out of the ear.

Hifiheadphones Verdict:

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!

Final Audio Design Heaven II

The Heaven II replicates the intense auditory sensation of fast-paced live music with accurate speed and harmonious stereo separation.  A truly high end sound at a bargain price.

Final Audio Design’s special Balancing Air Movement mechanism optimises air movement inside the housing that eliminates unwanted sibilant high-frequency sounds. Proprietary balanced armature drivers developed by Final Audio Design (one of only a few manufacturers in the World who make these micro-drivers) deliver concentrated bass performance and perfectly balanced spatial separation.

To replicate the auditory sensation of live music ambiance with speed and accuracy Final Audio Design have crafted the housing of the Heaven II from solid stainless steel. Final Audio Design’s Heaven II is a handmade product, made by Japanese sound engineers with a full-focus on ideal sound with no compromises.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

It will be hard to find an in-ear headphone that can challenge the Heaven II’s sound quality for under £100. They use a balanced armiture driver, which is uncommon for sub £100 earphones. This gives you great clarity and separation as well as superb soundstage. Using the supplied tips you also get full and rich bass which completes the well balanced sound.

Shure SE215

Shure’s SE215 personal monitor earphones are designed to meet the demanding requirements of your audio lifestyle. It features a Dynamic MicroDriver for a detailed, warm, sound with improved bass. With the Shure SE215 you can concentrate on your music, whether you are on-stage, in a train, on the street or working out

Shure’s SE215 earphones features a durable Kevlar reinforced cable that allows easy replacement or customisation. The formable wire ensures secure placement, and over the ear configuration keeps cables out of the way. The gold plated stereo connector has a lock-snap mechanism allowing 360 degree rotation for comfortable fit

Because every ear is different, the Fit Kit of the Shure SE215 includes an assortment of foam and silicone sleeves in different sizes. Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you. A good seal is key to optimising sound isolation and bass response as well as maximising comfort during extended wear

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

For under £100 the Shure SE215 give you the most for your money. You get well detailed sound with crisp highs and tight bass, a removable highly durable cable, a wide selection of eartips including Shure’s own Foam Tip and to seal it off a tough carry case.

Best In Ear Headphones Under £200

Final Audio Design Heaven IV

Heaven IV achieves the truest possible expression of live concert hall sound.

With the incorporated balancing air movement mechanism the earphone body design has evolved into an uncomplicated, slender structure.

Final Audio Design’s special BAM (Balancing Air Movement) mechanism, optimises air movement inside the housing, has pushed the evolution of earphone body design to the next level with a simpler structure and slimmer body. The result is a balanced, natural sound that reduces unwanted sibilant high-frequency sounds.

The Heaven IV is handmade by Japanese sound engineers with a full-focus on ideal sound with no compromises.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Final Audio Design have managed to create an earphone that not only looks great, but sounds it too! You get a refined sound with clear and textured detail as well as deep, tight bass. The flat cable design has also been well thought through, it is very durable and eliminates tangles and microphonics.

Best In Ear Headphones Over £200

Audiofly AF140

Audiofly’s new range of IEMs are exceptional for fit, comfort and sound; available with a hybrid driver arrangement or multiple balanced armatures.

The AF140 model offers both dynamic and balanced armature drivers for a warm, yet detailed presentation. With a slight roll-off at the treble end, the midrange is sweet and smooth with a slightly accentuated bass which is beautifully controlled.

Hifiheadphones Verdict:

As you would expect, the whole Audiiofly  range has superb detail retrieval and very impressive instrument separation.  As you move up the range you find a lot more body and purpose, although the AF140 – featuring a hybrid two balanced armature and one dynamic driver set up – is simply the best earphone we’ve heard for below £250

EarSonics SM64

Technology taken from EarSonics’ EM series achieves audio quality never reached before with universal IEM earphones. The research and development department of EarSonics worked hard to match sound quality of their custom EM4 and EM6. The result brought forward EarSonics’ Flagship SM64, a new professional audio quality reference model.

With new HQ crossover technology with impedance corrector, the SM64 provide a balanced sound spectrum making it very musical and accurate. Earsonics’ SM64 in-ear monitor earphones were made to handle music of all intensities and all volumes on any device, absolute control of the audio spectrum. Pairing the SM64 with a headphone amplifier unleashes incredible stereo imaging and maximum headroom.

Earpieces, designed to sit securely in the ear when on stage or on the move ensures that the SM64 stays in place. The rugged, non-microphonic twisted cable is detachable and guarantees long lasting pleasure and serviceability.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

We love these earphones! If you’re looking for an earphone with a balanced and neutral sound then these are a great choice. The bass is tight, mids cut through without being too harsh and the highs extend very well and naturally.

DITA – The Answer

This little brother to the pricier ‘Truth Edition’ model is no stranger to sincerity itself; machined from solid aluminium, the capsules are designed to avoid adding their own colouration to the sound, and are weighted to lean into the ear for greater comfort and a better seal. They aren’t heavy but just weighty enough to let you know they mean business, and the cable is reassuringly stout.

Much like other similarly-priced dynamic driver IEMs, the sound is what you might expect; bright without being sibilant, well balanced mids, well controlled but slightly elevated bass. There’s a smoothness from this type of large diameter driver which I never fail to appreciate, and along with its speed and accuracy, it brings any music to life with aplomb.

Soundstage and imaging are first class, and the use of a headphone amp can really add the cherry to the cake in terms of realism.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

IEMs like the Dita are showing once again that dynamic drivers can be every bit as fast and vibrant-sounding as their balanced armature counterparts, with added smoothness to give a wonderfully analogue impression.

Sennheiser IE800

The IE800 are Sennheisers new flagship audiophile earphones. Featuring a linear-phase driver system that achieves distortion-free audio even at high sound pressure levels. Surely Sennheisers most innovative portable music solution, the IE800 meets the demands of portable audio with truly superb sound and comfort.
The extra wide band transducer system, with a diameter of just 7mm is the smallest wide-band driver system currently available in dynamic earphones. Innovative vent holes in the housing of the IE800 direct the air flow resulting in minimal distortion levels. Sennheiser’s revolutionary dampened two chamber absorbers eliminate the masking of low volume frequencies by absorbing the energy from the louder low-frequency sounds.
Build quality is amazing, scratch-resistant ceramic housing, stainless steel air vents and Kevlar coated audio cable, the IE800 is built to last. Two special meshes protect the IE800 against residue and contamination.

The package includes 5 pairs silicone eartips in different sizes, premium leather carrying case, a cleaning tool and instruction manual.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Brimming with ground-breaking technologies the IE800 are the ultimate IEM for bass lovers. Big warm and powerful sounding, beautifully engineered with an ergonomic and attractive design, these are very special IEMs.

Shure SE846

At the summit of Shure’s classic range is the 846 – a no compromise IEM with a lot of tech tucked away. They feature an ‘acoustic chamber’ method of producing bass frequencies, creating 4 inches of space within each capsule for that true subwoofer sound.

Together with filters in the nozzles to customise your sound, the SE846 is currently one of the best universal IEMs on the market. Let no detail be missed.

Hifiheadphones Verdict:

For the current king of universal IEMs, get the SE846. Custom earmoulds are not essential, but recommended.

The post Best in-ear headphones to buy in 2014 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

We’ve collected the best headphones for running and reviewed them for you.  Headphones for sports can be used while working out in the gym, out on the street running, cycling or even skiing.  With headphones from under £20 to over £100, for iPhone, Andriod or MP3 players – we have it covered.

Scroll down and read our expert reviews where we rate the headphones for sports available in the UK.

More: Visit our running earphones store

More: Best in-ear headphones review

Best Sports Headphones Under £20

Koss KCS75

Koss is a name which goes back decades and is still one to watch; the sound quality on offer for the modest price of the KCS75 is unparalleled – they give an open airy sound, a good bass punch and clear, forward mids.

The open back design works well for running on the street as it means you can stay aware of your surroundings.

The KCS75 sounds like it should cost much more and some have even compared them to the Grado SR60 model – but at a fraction of the price!

Hifiheadphones Verdict:

If your expectations are far higher than your earnings, the KCS75 is ideal. The wide open design is perfect for situations where you want to remain aware of noise around you, i.e. jogging on the street.

Sennheiser PMX60-II

Sennheiser’s PMX60-II is a neckband headphone with an open sound – bass is light, mids are perfect for vocals and highs are good and detailed for this price point.

The design is semi-open and gives awareness of sounds around you.  The neckband and over ear clips are very secure and stay on the head securely.  Overall weight is light, meaning you can run, cycle or walk and forget you are wearing them.

The usual Sennheiser levels of build quality apply.  Highly recommended for everyday use.

Hifiheadphones Verdict:

The PMX60-II is perfect for runners and joggers who need to be aware – the open-back design allows you to be fully aware of your surroundings whilst enjoying your music.  The discreet neckband keeps everything in place.

SoundMAGIC ES20 

SoundMAGIC have pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the SoundMAGIC ES20 headphones, which makes this model a strong candidate for the title of best budget headphone.  The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.

While you might expect a cheap earphone to be badly made, the ES20 is a part aluminium construction and comes fitted with good quality braided cabling (normally reserved for high end in-ear monitor earphones) with strain relief that is built to last.  The quality of the product is truly commendable.

Supplied with a neat carry pouch that is very usable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC ES20 is a very well thought out package.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the ES20 has just stolen that spot.  Sound and build quality compares with earphones costing two or three times the price.

FIDUE A31

Another entrant in the IEM market is FIDUE, and their range starts with the fantastic FIDUE 31 – the capsules are tiny and the sound is big!

Good warm bass and good mid-range detail – there is a slight roll off in the treble region for those who like a warmer presentation.

The earphones are super lightweight and very tough, perfect for running or in the gym.  Ear tips are designed to keep the earphones securely in the ear and cables can be worn over the ear for a more secure fit.

Also fitted with a lightweight microphone in case you need to take calls.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A great budget choice – narrower sound nozzles may make this a good choice for those with fit issues with other IEMs.  Lightweight and very well made.  Perfect for sports use.

Best Sports Headphones Under £50

SoundMAGIC E30

A truly value for money earphone is the SoundMAGIC E30, which offers well balanced, accurate sound at a price that is hard to beat.  The E30 is an update revision of the still popular PL30 from SoundMAGIC.

The E30 has an in-ear monitor (IEM) design, which is normally reserved for much more expensive earphones (i.e. see earphones from Shure, Westone, etc). The cabling is designed to run up and over the ears to the back of the neck, which means the earbuds stay very securely in your ear. This fit system works very well for sports, on stage in-ear monitoring or any situation where you are active. Although it does take a bit of practice to get the hang of – it really is worth the effort.

The SoundMAGIC E30 is robustly built, with well made cables and good strain relief to protect the cabling from damage. The E30 comes supplied plenty of different size ear tips to ensure you get a good in-ear fit. Comply T-400 Foam Tips work well with this earphone, which gives the best possible comfort and noise isolation.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Sound quality with the E30 is exceptional considering the price and compares well with earphones costing two or three times as much. A well made, professional in-ear monitor style earphone at a very affordable price.

Sennheiser PMX685i Sport II

Sennheiser PMX685i headphones use a neckband design; some people find this stays on more securely than other fit methods. It really is very hard to dislodge the PMX680 from your head, we have had reports from some of our customers in the British Army and Professional Personal Trainers using the PMX680 in training, so these headphones really are built to stay put!

Solidly built with excellent strain relief and chunky well thought out cabling, Sennheiser give a 2 year warranty on all their headphones.

The same comments made above regarding the PMX680’s quality of sound and build apply to the OMX680 , with it being an earbud style headphone with ear clips. If you prefer ear clips to a Neckband design then the OMX680’s.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

PMX680 are an ultra-light comfy neckband solution with an ear clip sister product, the OMX680. Both work well for road running or cycling.

Grado iGrado

While the retro styling is not to everyone’s taste, the Grado iGrado is a very worthy mention for sports use. The round the neck and over the ear design means the iGrado stays very well attached on most people’s heads.

The sound quality with the iGrado is truly superb and has won a number of awards, including What HiFi? Sound & Vision “Best Portable Headphone” and “Editors Choice”. This probably has something to do with the fact that the drivers (micro-speakers) used in the iGrado are exactly the same as those used in the much more expensive Grado SR60 full size HiFi headphone.

The iGrado is an open back headphone, so it leaks sound and lets in external noise. If you are running this means you can keep some level of awareness with your surroundings.  They are a little heavier than other headphones in this review, so we would suggest they are most suitable for walking and cycling.

If you are concerned about the effects of sweat it’s good to know that the ear pads on the iGrado are made from a foam material that can be removed and washed (probably best to wash by hand with just water). Spare iGrado earpads can also be purchased at a reasonable cost, so they can easily be replaced if they start to get a bit grubby.

Hifiheadphones Verdict:

An audiophile sound in an exercise friendly format, great for walking and cycling as the open back allows you to hear traffic or other hazards.

Best Sports Headphones Under £100

FIDUE A71

FIDUE is a brand that has been bringing superb earphones to the market over the last year or two.  They have a background making earphones for some of the best brands in the business, including the legendary Ultimate Ears, so it’s no surprise their products are so strong.

This is a headphone for those who like bass.  The FIDUE A71 packs two dynamic drivers into each earphone body, which gives a sound that is powerful and dynamic.  Some may even want to use EQ on their player to tone the bass down a little.

The A71 is very well made, with strong cabling and robust plastic earphone bodies that will withstand the rigours of sports use.

The fit is great for sports as the cabling runs over the ears.  We have found that the choice of ear tips makes a big difference to getting a secure fit, so do spend some time trying the supplied tips or invest in some Comply foam tips for a perfect seal in the ear.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The A71 earphones from FIDUE pack a solid bass punch for those who like lively, dynamic sound.  Tough cabling, rugged earphone bodies and reliable dynamic drivers make this an earphone for use everyday.

Shure SE215

Shure’s SE215 personal monitor earphones are designed to meet the demanding requirements of musicians on stage, but are equally good for sports use. With 80 years of on stage experience every Shure product is constructed to withstand the demands of everyday use.

Featuring a dynamic microdriver for a detailed, warm, sound with improved bass, the Shure SE215 helps you enjoy your music, whether you are on-stage, in a train, on the street or working out.

Shure’s SE215 earphones features a durable Kevlar reinforced cable that allows easy replacement or customisation. The formable wire ensures secure placement, and over the ear configuration keeps cables out of the way. The gold plated stereo connector has a lock-snap mechanism allowing 360 degree rotation for comfortable fit.

Because every ear is different, the Fit Kit of the Shure SE215 includes an assortment of foam and silicone sleeves in different sizes. Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you. A good seal is key to optimising sound isolation and bass response as well as maximising comfort during extended wear or training sessions.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Fantastic earphone for the gym, running and general sports training, plenty of ear tips for the best fit. Replaceable cables mean your headphones will survive a bad cable accident!

Best Sports Headphones Over £100

Jaybird Bluebuds X

For the ultimate in wireless freedom from snags and tugs, the Jaybird Bluebuds are a definite option and can stay charged for 8 hours; enough time for a marathon! The sound is well balanced with a light bass-end and the iPhoneiPad controls mean the Bluebuds X can be used like any headset.

Hifiheadphones Verdict:

The convenience of a wire-free headset can trump many other features, but battery life and inline controls make the Bluebuds X the go-to headset for those who cannot sit still!

The post Best sports headphones to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Westone UM Pro 30 professional reference IEM for on-stage monitoring and home or studio recording. Tuned for performing artists, the three-way crossover is matched to individual low, mid and high frequency drivers to make the mix smooth and balanced across all frequencies.

UM Pro 30 uses three balanced armature drivers that are significantly more compact and efficient than traditional dynamic drivers. This enables the UM Pro 30 to provide enhanced sonic detail and frequency range that extends well beyond dynamically driven in-ear monitors.

Individually hand-crafted in the USA, the UM Pro 30 is comfortable and secure with Up and Over cable routing that helps prevent microphonics and keeps your earphone securely in place.

Reinforced with a special braided Aramid fibre, the EPIC cable offers superior durability, acoustic transparency, and isolation from mechanical cable noise. The new audiophile connector makes this cable solution conveniently user-removable, upgradeable and replaceable.

Features

• Ideal for on-stage monitoring and home or studio recording
• Triple balanced armature drivers with sophisticated crossover
• Sound isolating Star and True-Fit tips in multiple sizes
• EPIC replaceable cable helps prevent microphonics
• Universal earpiece delivers maximum comfort and ear coupling
• Designed & Assembled in the USA

Package Includes

• Westone UM Pro 30 IEM Earphones in Clear
• Premium comfort tips
• Mini-monitor vault
• Cleaning tool

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Westone UM Pro 30 Triple Driver In-Ear Monitor Earphones

Also available:

• Westone UM Pro 20 Professional Dual Driver Earphones
• Westone UM Pro 10 Professional Single Driver Earphones

The post Westone UM Pro 30 Triple Driver In-Ear Monitor Earphones – Announcement appeared first on HiFiheadphones.