Best Wireless Earphones For Travelling

Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Final’s flagship TWS earphones are the perfect travel companion, blending striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. Their sound quality rivals the best wired earphones. While modern features like a user-friendly app and excellent wireless functionality ensure a seamless experience, especially useful for when on the go. The unique earbud design offers exceptional comfort, making them ideal for long journeys and their robust feature set guarantees that it will be a reliable and enjoyable journey.

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

The Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds are an excellent choice for travelling and those with active lifestyles. With Dolby Atmos optimization, they deliver an immersive audio experience while their open-ear design ensures you are always aware of your surroundings, especially useful in busy enviroments. Providing a secure fit, 10-hour battery life, and a smart charging case with a touchscreen and mirror, the Arc 3 is both a practical and stylish Audio travel companion.

1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1More Aero is an excellent choice for those with an on-the-go lifestyle, combining convenience with top-tier features. Its comfortable fit and compact design make it easy to wear for long hours during travel, while the effective ANC ensures a peaceful listening experience even in noisy environments. The head-tracked spatial audio adds a premium, immersive touch to movies and music, typically only found in higher-end models. With great sound quality, reliable battery life, and intuitive controls, the Aero is a versatile bit of kit suited for ones travels.

Best Headphones For Travelling

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51– £89.99

The SonoFlow HQ51 is a top pick for travelers, offering 70 to 100-hour battery life and advanced Active Noise Cancellation to block out distractions on long trips. With Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity and 12 customizable EQ modes, it delivers immersive, tailored sound. Lightweight and comfortable, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricier brands, perfect for music on the move.

Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

The Final Audio UX3000 is an excellent device to take with you on holiday. Offering smooth sound quality, effective ANC (which can also be used on it’s own without the need to be powered on), and modern Bluetooth codecs for a seamless listening experience. Its solid build, the fact that it can be folded and fit into the included carrying bag ensure durability on the go without taking up too much space. While the fantastic mic quality makes it a good one for calls. At under £120, this headphone delivers a premium for good value. Perfect for portable use.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

The SoundMAGIC P23BT is an excellent travel-friendly headphone, combining lightweight comfort with impressive battery life for all-day listening. Its full, warm sound delivers an enjoyable audio experience without overpowering bass, making it versatile for music and calls. With a detachable boom mic for enhanced call clarity while at your desk, plus simple controls, the P23BT is a bargain for wireless on-ear headphones that fit seamlessly into your on-the-go lifestyle.

WATCH VIDEO: SoundMAGIC P23BT Wireless On Ear Headphone Review

Best Portable DAC/Amps for Travelling

iFi Audio GO Link MAX – £79.00

The iFi Go Link Max is a fantastic travel accessory, offering premium audio performance in a compact, portable design. With support for high-resolution formats and powerful amplification, it upgrades your listening experience on the go, whether you’re using wired headphones or IEMs. Its durable build, lightweight form, and plug-and-play functionality make it perfect for seamless use with your smartphone or laptop during travel.

iFi Audio hip-dac 3– £199.00

The iFi Hip-DAC 3 is an excellent choice for those who are often on the go. It offers excellent power & provides premium sound quality in a portable, stylish design. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, while the powerful amplifier ensures your headphones deliver exceptional audio, especially on the go. With high-res audio support, long battery life, and versatile connectivity, it’s the perfect choice for enhancing your music during commutes, flights, or adventures.

iFi Audio GO blu– £199.00

The iFi GO blu is a must-have for audiophiles on the go, combining compact portability with impressive sound quality and versatile functionality. Its dual headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm) and DAC/amp capabilities make it a powerful companion for virtually any audio setup. Whether you’re commuting or traveling, its tiny form factor fits seamlessly into your luggage or gear pack, while delivering the punchy, high-quality audio you expect from iFi. An exceptional choice for those who value performance and convenience.

Best Reuseable Ear Protection for Travelling

Etymotic ER20 / ER20XS High Fidelity Earplugs– £19.99

The Etymotic ER20XS earplugs are a must-have for travelers, offering outstanding hearing protection while preserving sound clarity. Their compact, low-profile design fits comfortably and discreetly, making them ideal for flights, noisy environments, or even concerts abroad. With advanced sound attenuation, they reduce harmful noise levels without distorting speech or music, ensuring your ears stay protected without missing out on the experience.

Best Wired Headphone for Working/ Listening On The Move

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

The Audeze MM-100 is perfect for studio engineers and music enjoyers who are often on the move. They offer studio-grade sound in a portable and durable design. Featuring Planar Magnetic drivers, it delivers precise, studio-quality audio with incredible detail and clarity, making it ideal for mixing, mastering, or casual listening. The sound is stunning, especially when paired with a quality setup and completely outperforms anything else in its price bracket at just £399. Lightweight and comfortable, the MM-100 ensures long sessions are a breeze and gives an immersive listening experience to anyone who put them over their ears. For professionals and music aficionados who need reliable, high-quality performance on the go, the MM-100 is a standout choice.

What is your favourite gear to take along while travelling? Let us know in the comments below.

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

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Audeze Maxwell – £319.00 / £349.00

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

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51– £89.99

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

iFi Audio GO Link MAX – £79.00

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

Etymotic ER20 / ER20XS High Fidelity Earplugs– £19.99

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

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

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

64 Audio U4s-£1,099.00

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

Final A5000– £259.00

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

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

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

iFi Audio Zen DAC 3 – £229.00

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

Final ZE3000– £119.00

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

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

iFi Audio hip-dac 3– £199.00

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

Final VR500– £29.00

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

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

For those who love Sci-fi. A Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair two together to create surround sound!

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £799.00

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

iFi Audio Zen Blue 3– £299.00

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

Audeze LCD-5– £3,999.00

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

SoundMAGIC E80D– £39.98

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

Audeze LCD-X– £1,149.00

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

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

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Best Headphone Amp 

iFi Audio iCAN Phantom – £3,749.00

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

Best Headphone DAC/Amp under £100

iFi Audio Go Link Max – £79.00

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

Best Headphone Amp £100-£300

iFi audio Zen CAN 3 – £229.00

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

Best Headphone Amp £300-£1000

iFi Audio Neo iDSD 2 -£899.00

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

Best Wireless Headphones with ANC under £100

1More SonoFlow HQ50 – £89.99

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

Best True Wireless for Sound Quality

Final ZE8000 MK2- £199.00

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

Best Wired Earphones under £50 

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

Best Wired Earphones £100-£300

Final A5000 – £259

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

Best Wired Headphones Under £100

SoundMAGIC HP151- £88.99

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

Best Wired Earphones £1000-£2000

64 Audio U6t- £1,299.00

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

Best Wired Earphones £2000+ 

64 Audio tia Fourte – £3,599.00

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

Best Wired Studio Earphones 

Etymotic ER-4SR – £305.95

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

Best Wireless Headphones

Audeze Maxwell- £319.00-£349.00

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

Best Headphones £100-£500

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

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

Best Headphones £500-£1000

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £799.00

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

Best Headphones £1000-£3000 

Final D8000 – £2,999.00

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

Best Headphones £3000+

Audeze LCD-5 -£3,999.00

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

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iFi Audio Go Link Max – £79.00

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

Final VR500– £29.00

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

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 usually only found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. At £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment.

1More SonoFlow HQ50 – £89.99

The final product to feature on our Top 5 sub £100 products is the SonoFlow HQ50. Boasting up to a 70-hour battery life, QuietMax ANC technology, a DLC 40mm driver and featuring 12 EQ modes, it delivers premium sound and comfort at a budget-friendly price. This headphone is a challenger to its pricier rivals from the likes of Sony and Bose.

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

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

• Final VR3000 – Virtual Reality in your ears – £69
• Cleer Enduro 100 – 100 hours of Music from a single charge! £99
• Etymotic ER-20XS High Fidelity Earplugs – Next generation market leading earplugs. With a stem or stemless £16- £25

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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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• Campfire Audio Satsuma – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Campfire Audio Honeydew – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Burson Audio Conductor 3X Reference – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• JDS Labs Atom Amp+ – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• JDS Labs Atom DAC+ – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Lypertek Z3 2.0 – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• SoundMAGIC P23BT – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Audeze LCD-5 – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• 64 Audio U6t – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Final D8000 Pro – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Cleer Enduro ANC – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Etymotic Evo – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…

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Here is our definitive guide on eartips and first thing first: There are a lot of people who take their earphones out of the box, put them in their ears and think that’s it, let’s listen to some tunes. Little do most people know is that taking a bit time to figure out which eartips fit best. Will help a long way to get the best sound quality from along with a secure fit.

Most earphones have a set of tips fitted to them out of the box, these tend to be a medium size silicone tip – which will fit quite a few peoples ears but it’s worth looking in the box or case for the rest of them to try out the different sizes.

Finding the right Seal

Ear canal width doesn’t seem to depend on how big or tall a person is, so we would recommend trying the smallest size first to see if this provides a good seal – you should be able to tell you have a good seal as they will effectively block out outside noises and when you speak it will sound very odd (occlusion effect). The earphones should not fall out of your ear either, if the tip is too small they will have a tendency to fall out, so try the next size up.

Another way you will tell you have achieved a good seal is the bass should be present, if there is a distinct lack of bass (unless the earphones are specifically tuned this way) a poor seal is often the cause of this problem. A poor seal often is the cause of earphones sounding thin, tinny and lacking body – this is because in-ear earphones rely on an air-tight seal to deliver the sound pressure waves to your eardrum, disrupt this and the pressure isn’t there so you lose out on a big part of the sound.

Lack of Bass?

This is also one of the most common reasons for people returning earphones – lack of bass – and often we find that the other sizes of eartips are still in their packet and haven’t been touched.

When it comes to actually inserting the earphones, with silicone tips you can sort of just push them in, but using the below method to gently pull the top of your ear up and back will allow the canal to open slightly and makes it easier to insert your earphones. With memory foam tips, you need to roll them between your fingers to compress them before inserting and letting the foam expand, there is a small window before them start to expand and with practice you should get used to compressing and inserting them swiftly and efficiently.

Materials – Silicone

The most common eartip material will be silicone, but not all silicone tips are created equal and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. More budget earphones will often come with just 3 pairs of standard single flange silicone tips (Small, Medium and Large), more premium products sometimes include different types of silicone tips (different grades / consistency of silicone) or different shapes (bowl, bullet, double and triple flange). Etymotic are well known for their triple flange eartips that offer a deep insertion depth and excellent isolation, at the expense of some comfort. There are a few aftermarket brands of silicone tips that are popular such as Azla SednaEarfit and Spinfit, these both offer premium made tips that are often more comfortable and provide more size options than come in the box of most earphones.

Memory foam

Often also included are memory foam eartips, these have a very different consistency than silicone and often conform to odd shaped ear canals better. Depending on the consistency of the memory foam, these tips do change the sound a little more than silicone tips, often absorbing some of the treble making the earphones sound a little warmer/fuller – this can be a benefit to some but may also rob other models of a little clarity and openness.

Custom tips?

In addition to the above you can often get custom made eartips for many models of high-end earphones, this is something to consider if you wish to have the best comfort and isolation for a pair of earphones you plan to be using for a long time. Doing this means that selling the earphones in the future will be easier than if you decided to go full-custom.

Conclusion

Here at HiFiHeadphones we test and demo a lot of earphones and each member of staff has their go-to eartips. As well as a healthy collection of random ones they have acquired over time it should be added. Some earphones work best with silicone tips, others with foam. But what we do know is that spending some time to find the best tips for your ears definitely helps you to enjoy your music to the fullest. By providing the most comfortable and secure fit for yourself you also get that optimal sound.

The post Eartips! The guide by HiFiHeadphones appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Integrating three balanced armature drivers into a specially designed acoustic module, Etymotic claims that the EVO gives the truest sound stage and sound signature you will ever hear.

AV Forums review is brief and concise. In addition, they analyse the performance of the Evo in a very easy to read, roundabout way. Their justification for giving the Etymotic Evo a “Recommended” award can be seen here: Evo Review

If you want something a bit more epic in terms of word count and analysis breakdown, then do not hesitate in reading Ryan Soo’s engaging review of the Evo from Everyday Listening. That is accessed here: Etymotic Evo- Time Capsule

Oscar seems to agree. “Etymotic have done a brilliant job with the Evo. It still retains that signature Etymotic clarity and control yet adds body, widens the soundstage and increases the dynamics. In addition, this is a superb everyday IEM that fits securely and is very well built too. For those who enjoyed the XR series from Etymotic, The Evo should be considered if you are looking for a step up in the IEM world.” His full review of the Evo is here.

The post Etymotic EVO “Recommended” by AV Forums appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

By integrating three balanced armature drivers into a specially designed acoustic module, it is claimed by Etymotic that the EVO gives the truest sound stage and sound signature you have ever heard (or will hear)!

Oscar seems to agree. He concludes his extensive review by writing “Etymotic have done a brilliant job with the Evo, it still retains that signature Etymotic clarity and control yet adds a little body, widens the soundstage and increases the dynamics. This is a superb everyday IEM that fits securely and is very well built too, those who enjoyed the XR series from Etymotic should consider the Evo if they are looking for a step up in the IEM world.” You can read his full review here.

So, back to Brian and his live stream. What is in the box and how does it measure and compare to the ER4-XR? Find out via Super*Review’s live Youtube video here: First Look Etymotic EVO *

*You are going to have to wait a few weeks for Brian’s full review as he needs to spend a couple more weeks living with them to give them a proper evaluation.

The post Etymotic EVO unboxed live by Super*Review on Youtube -including Frequency Response comparision to EX4-XR appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fit and Comfort

The Evo are unlike any other Etymotic model, they have gone for a more traditional in-ear monitor fit with the cable looping behind your ear and the shell filling the concha. The nozzles are however the same length and width as the ER series, and they include plenty of tips to get the right fit. I am a big fan of the new bi-flange tips and these still favour a medium to deep insertion to get the best isolation and sound along with a secure fit. The cable is very thin, however being a linum one it should hold up well over time, this does help with the fit.

Comfort is good, again they like a slightly deeper fit than other similar earphones, but they are not quite as bad as the ER series if you hate the fit of those. The housings are smooth and comfortable, only the weight of them could cause issues with some people over long sessions.

Compatibility

The Evo are pretty easy to drive, at 47 Ohms and 99dB SPL @0.1v, they should work well out of most devices. However they have very good resolution and will definitely benefit from being used with a good source, they should make it easy to distinguish between sources as they are quite a revealing earphone.

Sound

Bass: These follow a similar trend to the XR series that Etymotic released, giving a subtle low frequency boost that is noticeable but never causes the bass to become overbearing or too full. These have better depth than their single driver counterparts, with a noticeable yet subtle additional body to the sound overall that still isn’t enough to make them sound full as such. For a daily driver this amount of additional low end is superb, and makes these just a little bit more enjoyable over the accuracy of the ER4-SR for example. The low end is responsive and keeps up with complex mixes without putting a foot wrong, it also cuts through when required yet always maintains a controlled and balanced nature.

Midrange: The Evo has a very crisp and insightful midrange, the low end doesn’t bleed in to the lower midrange which allows male vocals and guitars to cut through the mix with excellent clarity and faithful tonality. They don’t have any boost in the upper midrange to try and make them sound exciting or artificial, instead they opt for a more linear approach which means you never lose track of any part of the mix. The thing that sets these apart from the other models from Etymotic is the separation and dynamic range, these have a sense of scale and space that the single driver models struggle with. They have that same accuracy but with a bit more power and drive, better space and overall they are more engaging.

Treble: The top end is very smooth and refined, with accuracy high up on Etymotics priorities they sound very realistic up top which isn’t something a lot of earphones do right. Cymbals crash and decay with impressive realism, every detail well presented without being pushed forward in the mix. Never fatiguing the treble is devoid of any nasty peaks, the extension is superb and they don’t miss a thing, yet the body down low makes sure the sound is never bright. The treble does a wonderful job of rounding off a superb tuning, and is definitely one of the most realistic sounding earphones when it comes to tonality.

Genres and Soundstaging

The Evo lend themselves to all genres, they have a very well rounded sound that is detailed, balanced yet also dynamic and engaging. They are however quite revealing of bad recordings and sources, so pair them carefully.

The soundstaging is really impressive, there is a real sense of air and width to the Evo that is slightly lacking on the ER series. These have better dynamics and separation, they are less flat and more engaging but without sounding too coloured either.

The post Etymotic Evo Triple BA Driver Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The Etymotic EVO has Triple Balanced Armature Drivers: Dual low and single midrange/treble. They feature Estron Linum BaX T2 low impedance cable and Estron T2 Talon connectors.

The Etymotic EVO has a two-way design with three balanced armature drivers in a moulded stainless-steel shell. The Etymotic engineering team, employing years of research on the physiology of the ear, designed a shell that fits comfortably in the concha of the ear making for a semi-custom design that fits the majority of people.

Commenting on the new release, Tal Kocen, Director of Consumer Product Development at Lucid Audio said: “We waited so long to put out a multi-driver earphone because we wanted to make sure that it was the best it could be and held to our exacting standards for earphone design and sonic qualities. The EVO is truly where precision meets audio and you’ll immediately hear it the first time you listen”

SPECIFICATION

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 16 kHz
• Impedance: 47 ohms
• Sensitivity: 1khz – 99 dB SPL at 0.1V
• Etymotic EVO Multi-Driver Earphones

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Etymotic EVO is available now for £499.95

The post Etymotic Evo Triple Driver Earphone – Available Now! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Final E500 – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spacial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers – they give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.

You can read our full review of the E500 here

SoundMAGIC E11C – £49.99

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

You can read our full review of the E11c here

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 – £99

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

You can read our full review of the PurePlay Z3 here

Cleer Goal – £99

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

Etymotic ER2-XR/SE – £99.95

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

You can read our full review of the ER2XR here

Oriveti O800 – £799

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

Campfire Audio Ara – £1299

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

64 Audio Nio – £1799

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

You can read our full review of the Nio here

Final A8000 – £1999

With the A8000, Final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed. Not just any driver, Final’s custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning – these need to be heard to be believed.

You can read our full review of the A8000 here

The post Best Earphones 2021 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Design and Functionality

The Etymotion cable is simple in design, with a basic cable, 3-button remote and battery pack. It uses MMCX connectors for the ER2/3/4 series but it will also work with most MMCX equipped IEM’s, the angled connectors however are not always ergonomic with all earphones (I would have preferred them to use more universal straight MMCX connectors). The battery pack isn’t small but if you wear it with the cable behind your neck it sits well, there are 2 included clips to help support it too which is good. Overall it’s not too clunky, and it has to house more electronics than most for optimal sound quality, one thing to note is the use of the outdated micro-USB for charging, most devices have now moved on to USB-C.

Functionality is good, it’s simple and easy to use with the middle button acting as the power button as well as play/pause/skip tracks, paired with volume up/down buttons too. There are not really any special features to the Etymotion cable, its a basic Bluetooth cable that focusses on sound quality over gimmicks. Battery life is around 8-10hrs depending on the volume, and it supports Aptx, Aptx HD and Aptx LL which is welcome.

Interestingly Etymotic have taken the approach of having a Qualcomm Bluetooth receiver chip, which passes the incoming digital signal to an AKM4331 which then decodes and amplifies it. This is usually a much better approach to bluetooth implementation and should result in better audio quality along with higher volume output.

Sound

I mainly used the Etymotion cable with the ER2SE as the neutrality of these should bring out any weaknesses of the cable. Firstly the Etymotion doesn’t take away that classic Ety sound you would expect from the ER2SE, instead it really compliments them. You get the same controlled low end, open and honest midrange and great treble presentation and extension. It doesn’t really take anything away from the sound and the usual “Bluetooth compressed” sound is gone, it’s open, spacious and articulate. The Etymotion cable knows how to deliver the sound to your earphones as it was intended, with help from that little AKM chip.

I don’t find myself wanting to plug the cable back in and go wired when using with a mobile phone, arguably when paired with a device that uses Aptx HD you likely get better quality than if you were to plug them in to the phone directly. Initially I was sceptical, as we have great Bluetooth cables from Shanling in the form of the MW200, but I prefer the cable of the Etymotic over the neckband of the Shanling and the sound of the Etymotic cable is a little more neutral to my ears. If you are already an Etymotic fan but want something that is wireless, this really is the answer, I personally love the ER2SE and with this option to go wireless it is something that is really enjoyable and convenient when out and about.

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We get to try out more headphones than most, so this article is where we at Hifiheadphones share some of that experience with you. In a simple world you could buy a set of ‘known brand’ headphones at a certain price point and expect to receive a product that you can be happy with. In other words, you may think that spending a certain amount on headphones will guarantee that you get a product you will like. Unfortunately with headphones it can be a little more complex.

In this headphone buying guide is a quick summary of some of the major factors when purchasing a pair of new headphones or earphones.

Audio Quality

The first question asked by many people when buying headphones and earphones is “Do they sound good?”. It’s also often the most difficult question to answer. We human beings are very subjective creatures. What is described by one person as “precise and detailed” will be “lacking in bass and clinical” by another. What one listener likes another will find irritating.

The best advice we can give is to do plenty of research and try to understand what you are purchasing. Search the Internet for reviews of the headphones you like the look of – we have plenty of product reviews in our Blog as well as on our Youtube Channel. Ask for advice on forums where people discuss headphones such as Head-Fi or AVForums. You will likely find plenty of information and opinions, often from different points of view. If you make your headphone or earphone purchase with good knowledge of what to expect it’s less likely you will be disappointed.

Design and Aesthetics

High up the list for many people is the looks and aesthetics of the headphones. After all you will have to be wearing the headphones you choose on your head for all to see! Unless you plan to use your new headphones alone at home then it’s likely you will be interested in how they look. Of course the quality of sound is also near the top of most lists, but with such a wide selection of good headphones to choose from it’s also likely that you will want your headphones to reflect your style.

Manufacturers such as Audeze and Campfire Audio have really gone to town with the styling of their headphones and earphones. These brands have a unique look with a wide selection of stunning designs.

If you are looking for headphones that look a little more sophisticated and refined then Bowers & Wilkins‘ range of headphones are a good choice. While only relatively new to the headphone market in the UK, it’s not without reason that B&W are quickly becoming market leaders. B&W’s selection of headphones look stunning and perform equally well. The B&W PX5 headphones are a highly recommended set of stylish portable wireless headphones with a rich, clear sound.

Ease of Portability

If you are going to be travelling or moving around with your headphones or earphones then the size, weight and ability to pack away (fold or collapse) may be important to you. There will also be the choice of going wired or wireless, and with the rise of True Wireless earphones – convenience has become a very popular feature.

Many travellers and commuters like the in-ear earphone type as wired ones can easily be wound up and put into a pouch or pocket, and wireless models tend to come with their own cases that make them easy to carry around. Sound isolating earphones have the added benefit that they can cut down outside noise by up to -20dB, which can be a godsend when travelling on a train, bus or underground. The SoundMAGIC range of sound isolating earphones is a good place to start. Also worthy of mention is Final, Shure and Etymotic who all have a good range of the in ear sound isolating variety.

If wireless is your thing, then True Wireless earphones are the way to go for portable use. These earphones have ditched the wires so there’s no risk of tangled cables getting in the way. We highly recommend Lypertek True Wireless earphones, and the award-winning PurePlay Z3 is a great place to start for under £100.

You will also find a good selection of headband headphones that collapse or fold for stowing away when needed. The SoundMAGIC P22 for a great budget wired option or the B&W PX5 wireless headphones are a superb example of quality lightweight travelling headphones that fold away for transporting.

Sound Isolation vs Noise Cancelling

When listening to your headphones will you need to block out external noise, or do you need to prevent your music from annoying others around you? Ask yourself where, when and how you will be using your headphones.

If you will be listening to your headphones in an office or on public transport you will probably want to keep your music to yourself. In this case you will want to avoid open-back ear cup designs. Although open back headphones are often sonically superior to closed back headphones the sound leaks out and people around you will be listening to a tinny version of what you are listening to – very annoying indeed.

If you travel on buses, trains or planes you might be thinking about noise cancelling headphones, but you may also want to consider in-ear sound isolating earphones instead as they are often able to reproduce a clearer more accurate sound. The extra electronics between your audio source and your ears means that noise cancelling headphones often colour the sound and reduce the clarity.

Closed back headphones tend to passively isolate sound very well without the need for batteries and the noise cancelling technology, and the Dan Clark Aeon 2 Closed Back would be a good audiophile option. If you travel a lot, then active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones like the B&W PX7 would be worth considering as they do a very good job of blocking out the sound of low frequency engine hum.

DJs and studio engineers also have a unique set of requirements when it comes to selecting headphones. A good set of DJ headphones should normally provide maximum isolation from outside sounds, so that you can concentrate on the mix you are putting together. Whereas a studio engineer may be more interested in being able to reproduce a good stereo sound image with sonic clarity and may not be so interested in sound isolation.

Summary

When it comes to purchasing headphones there are so many options and possibilities, but at the end of the day your choice will be down to a few key factors. Factors such as budget, design and whether or not you want sound isolation may be more significant than trying to find headphones with the best audio quality possible.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions on 01903 768 910 or you can email us on support@hifiheadphones.co.uk

The post Headphone Buying Guide – How to choose the right headphones appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fit and Comfort

People don’t tend to buy Etymotic for comfort, they get them for their isolation and sound quality. The best sound, in my opinion, comes from using the triple-flange tips. These take some getting used to, due to their deep insertion fit, but once you get used to them I don’t find them to cause any discomfort over long listening sessions. Their deep insertion also means they fit narrow canals quite well, and the fit is more flush and low key.

Check out the ER2XR

Compatibility

The ER2XR have an impedance of 15Ohms, but with a sensitivity of 96dB (@1kHz – 0.1v) they are not the most sensitive IEM’s around and should pair well with most low output impedance sources. They should not suffer from hiss from most devices, but their low impedance does mean you should try and stick with a source that has lower than 1.8Ohm output impedance.

The single dynamic micro-driver can be powered by most portable sources to loud enough levels, couple that with the excellent isolation and these are truly excellent for loud environments.

Sound Quality

Bass: The bass has a slight lift in the sub-bass region allowing you to really hear the rumble, but without bloating the mid-bass area. The mid-bass has plenty of punch, but it is a tight and controlled response. For those who find the ER2SR to sound a little bass light, the XR should suit your needs, Etymotic have managed to add some presence and body down low without throwing off the balanced overall sound. They have added bass without taking away detail, or control. They are now just a little easier to listen to on a day to day basis, being a little more fun yet retaining that essential Etymotic character. Being a micro-dynamic driver, the bass has a little more texture than the drier sounding balanced armature based ER3 and ER4 series.

Midrange: Here again we witness how well controlled the low end is, if you look at the graph you will see that the bass tapers off and the lower midrange is left with space to shine through with unwanted additional body or bloat. You don’t have to listen for long to figure out that Etymotic carefully tuned these to have a fun and engaging sound but without sacrificing the essentials. The tonality in the midrange is pretty spot on, with good timbre and definition, whilst details are easy to pick out. They don’t favour male, nor female vocals, allowing both to cut through the mix with authority.

Treble: Not lacking here, the ER2XR don’t seem to put a lot of focus on the treble, instead they just let it do its thing and that is just fine. Due to the increased bass of the XR version, the do sound less treble happy than the SE, however that doesn’t mean they are absent. There is a very smooth treble response that doesn’t have and added emphasis to grab your attention, instead it is there to add some air and ambience without sounding grating or fatiguing. Whilst a bit more energy would not go amiss, these are very enjoyable and there is a little lift in the upper treble so as not to sound too rolled off in the upper regions. Give them some well recorded music and you will be surprised how real they get the timbre up top too, clean and clear without any unwanted edginess or unnatural tones.

Genres and Soundstaging

The ER2XR would not necessarily be my first pick for any bass heavy genres like hip-hop or rap, where they tend to shine is faster paced rock music due to their controlled sound along with jazz and acoustic where their accuracy yet warm overall sound is thoroughly enjoyable. Vocals really do sound hauntingly good, whilst they have enough power behind the low end to kick hard when listening to rock music.

The soundstaging on the ER2XR isn’t excellent, their diffuse field tuning limits this slightly. However the stereo imaging more than makes up for this, with pinpoint accuracy as to instrument placement, along with great coherency across the frequency range.

See our Best Earphones Guide

The post Etymotic ER2XR Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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.

Hey everyone, John here. Etymotic is possibly a brand that a lot of you haven’t heard. Don’t be mistaken, though: Etymotic has been in the audio game for over 35 years. They are acoustic research and hearing aid specialists, and this always comes across in their products. The scientists of the world of portable audio, Etymotic strive to create earphones that deliver clean and undistorted audio as well as market leading isolation and hearing protection. Introducing the ER2-SE and ER2-XR earphones.

BUILD

As you may have guessed from my intro, Etymotic are not ones to cut corners. The build quality on the ER2s is superb. The housings are made of anodized metal with a blue finish; this makes them feel good to touch, and I really like the blue finish. The ER2s come with replaceable cables, which connect using MMCX connectors and have obviously been built to last. Both strain reliefs on the connectors and 3.5mm jack are solid, and the cable itself is flexible with a nice smooth finish. The yoke, or y-split, is covered in the same metal as the housings, which adds to the durability and looks pretty good too.

COMFORT

Comfort is an area that will split opinion when it comes to Etymotic earphones. The ER2s are no exception. These earphones are designed to be inserted deep into your ear canal; this is how you will get the most from the 35dB of isolation that can be achieved. The ER2s come supplied with a selection of different ear tips including Etymotic’s own triple flange and foam eartips. For me, the foam tips work the best, but I recommend you try all of them to find the best fit for you. Once your chosen tips are fitted, this is where it can get tricky. And for some… uncomfortable. The ER2s have a long sound tube which is designed to go deep into your ear. With the foam tips, I pinch them so they go as flat as possible, then gently ease them into my ear and follow my ear canal as deep as they can go.  (You’d be surprised how far they can go.) When the foam expands, it creates a perfect seal and along with the built in isolation of the earphones. The ER2 provides the best isolation I have experienced from a universal earphone. The trade-off here is that you have an earphone stuck deep in your ear, which can take a while to get used to.  Even though I am fine with it, I can imagine a lot of people will find it too uncomfortable. Fear not, you can wear these earphones without jamming them far into your ears. Just be aware that you won’t be getting as much isolation and therefore the full potential of the ER2.

SPECS

The ER2 earphones have a fairly low impedance of 15ohms and a sensitivity of 96dB, making them easy enough to drive from a laptop or smartphone. In my experience the ER2 sounded great out of my laptop, but when used with a dedicated portable audio player or headphone amplifier, the extra power and quality provided better soundstage and dynamic range overall. Etymotic has used custom-tuned dynamic drivers for the ER2 models, a change from the balanced armature drivers used in the previous ER3 and ER4 models. This to me suggests that Etymotic are looking to appeal to a wider audience and along with the £170 price tag. I think they have achieved this. The high isolation rating of 35dB means that you don’t need to play your music as loud as some other earphone models. Background noise is greatly reduced, and having such a good seal means that no audio is lost.

 SOUND QUALITY

Now onto the sound quality, another thing about the ER2 that will split opinion. Technically, both the ER2-SE and XR are faultless in terms of sound. This isn’t a quality everyone wants, though. The Etymotic signature has always been flat and neutral, and even with the use of a dynamic driver as opposed to a balanced armature used in both the ER3 and ER4 models. There may not be enough boom and sizzle for lots of people out there. For me, the sound is amazing. It comes across extremely effortless allowing you to hear what I can imagine to be as close to what was made in the studio as possible. Both models provide bass when there’s meant to be, and just the right amount. It manages to go very low without being pushed up. The XR version does, however, give a slight boost to the low end, just enough for those that prefer a warmer sound with more bass presence. Because of the low end control, mids ease through the mix, never sounding too harsh or recessed, providing an uncluttered and dynamic listening experience. Then the treble extends endlessly and brings space and definition. Soundstage is also very impressive, and with no particular frequency being pushed; you get a clean, engaging and intricate sound with no distortion.

CONCLUSION

At £170, there isn’t much competition out there for the ER2s in terms of sound quality, and if sound is your priority then I would highly recommend these. Due to their unique design and fit, they won’t be for everyone, and brands like Shure, Final and Flare Audio are making some very good earphones at this price with a more conventional design.

The Etymotic ER2-SE and XR are very much a Marmite earphone: you’ll either love them or hate them. The fit won’t be for everyone and I think that you will need to have a real appreciation of good sound quality to be willing to get used to the unique fit. Saying that, if you do get used to it, you will be one of the lucky ones.

The post ER2-SE and ER2-XR Review & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Releases for 09/05/2019

Campfire Audio IO

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

Campfire Audio Polaris (2019 Edition)

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

Campfire Audio Andromeda

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

Etymotic ER2-XR

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

Etymotic ER2-SE

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

Oriveti OH300

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

Oriveti OH500

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

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Etymotic ER3-SE and ER3-XR Review

Not content with the splash it’s made with its updated ER4 designs of late, Etymotic is back with more! Or is it less? The ER3 models cost a good chunk less than their ER4 counterparts, so what does this mean in terms of value?

Pros:

• Classic Etys for the price
• Removable cable
• Crystal clarity
• Carry case

Cons:

• Basic selection of tips
• Etymotic deep fit not for everyone

Design and appearance

The ER3 versions are slightly more sensitive than the ER4 versions, with half the impedance too. This may have been done with an eye on the portable market, where some handsets may have struggled to get up to a good volume with the ER4 type.

Accessories are minimal with the ER3-SE and ER3-XR; along with the earphones themselves, we get a case and three pairs of tips. The two sizes of Etymotic triple flange, and a pair of ER38-14F type foam eartips.

Durability & build quality

The capsules are the most obvious change, with plastic-coated aluminium being used instead of the glossy metal look of the ER4. The cable has a good strong, but pliable feel to it, but it is a bit thinner and is not braided at the top. Apart from the slightly lighter weight and less glossy look of the ER3-version capsules, things are much as we’d expect from the ER4-XR and ER4-SR.

Comfort

No change here; Etymotics need to be inserted deeply to be at their best, and people either love the isolation they bring or hate the deep insertion of the eartips. Fortunately we love the isolation enough to ignore any initial discomfort, and the eartips seem to settle into place after a few seconds.

Sound characteristics:

Like the ER4 designs, there are two flavours of ER3. The Etymotic ER3-SE is the more strait-laced and neutral of the two, with the ER3-XR giving a little more bass warmth. Both however sound a little more gentle in terms of the midrange than their ER4 brethren. Where we sometimes get the feeling of jeopardy with the ER4 models, with an errant xylophone or female vocalist threatening to poke us in the ear, the ER3 versions are a little more laid back. Etymotic’s clarity has not been sacrificed though; the midrange presence is just a little more humane.

Bass

Sub bass on the ER3-SE gives a nice bit of wobble which is low in the mix, but there alright. The rest of the bass is as well controlled as expected, but understated; bass junkies need not apply. There’s some great control here though. Meanwhile, the ER3-XR has more of that skull-rattling sub bass and more slam generally. We’re still not in basshead territory, but if you like your sound a little warmer with more weight given to cellos and drums then the ER3-XR may be for you.

Mids

Mids are always a treat as far as Etymotic’s offerings are concerned, and the ER3-SE does not disappoint. While the midrange level is slightly lowered when compared to the ER4-SR, all the other attractive features are there along with a wonderful sense of spaciousness. Details are well rendered, though not with the sharp relief of the ER4-SR. Many will feel the ER3-SE has more comfortable sound when compared to the ER4-SR in terms of the sound, but with all its harmonic and spatial treats largely intact.

With the ER3-XR the extra bass presence vies for attention along with the midrange, so the midrange seems to lose its power slightly. The spaciousness of the ER3-SE is tempered, and the extra bass warmth takes its place. The ER3-XR is still excellent when it comes to midrange action and detail, but is arguably the better all-rounder of the two as the tuning works well with genres such as modern dance music.

Treble

The ER3-SE does not sound treble-heavy but there is some nice extension up top. If your recordings were made on analogue tape, you’ll probably know about it from the tape hiss coming through. Treble is at around the same level as the midrange after a smooth transition, and consequently does its job well whilst keeping the midrange in the spotlight.

The ER3-XR has the same treble presence as the ER3-SE, but the fatter low end gives the tuning a warmer feel.

Soundstage & Separation

With the detail and midrange clarity on offer from both these models, we can say that both soundstage and separation are a treat. The sound has a nice ‘out of the head’ feel without seeming unnatural and with good depth too. Separation and imaging are near perfect, if a bit toned down when compared to the dazzling ER4 designs.

Music genres good for and why

The ER3-SE is a great choice for acoustic music, classical and opera. With modern pop and dance genres, it can depend on your sensitivity to the upper midrange frequencies as to whether they work or not, along with your taste for bass. The ER3-XR is good for any genre you can throw at it, and we went through many!

Summary

Etymotic’s ER4 models are now available for cheap (albeit under the ER3 moniker), but their character is largely intact. Those who like to hear the smallest thing within their music needn’t study the fine print of credit card agreements in order to afford the ER3-SE and ER3-XR.

The post Etymotic ER3-SE and ER3-XR Earphone Review 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.