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

SoundMAGIC HP151 Headphone Review – Going One Better

by Steve
May 10, 2017
in Full Reviews
Home Full Reviews

SoundMAGIC HP151

SoundMAGIC HP151 Headphone Review

SoundMAGIC needs no introduction for many; this brand has had tremendous success in recent years, not least with its full size offerings such as the HP100, HP150 and the open-back HP200. The SoundMAGIC HP151 promises to be a new and improved version of the HP150, with a few changes here and there.

Pros:

  • Nice styling and low-key design
  • 2.5m cable more suited to indoor listening
  • Great sound

Cons:

  • Phones/handsets may struggle without amplification

SoundMAGIC HP151

Design and Appearance

Gone is the ‘tactile’ grey covering on the outside of the earcups, yokes and headband which the HP150 had; now it’s plain black plastic. Also the earcup ‘swivel’ feature of the HP150 is gone; the earcups are now fixed. Perhaps it was a bit tricky for those who aren’t DJs? The rest of us shouldn’t need to swivel too much anyway.

Another difference is the cable; it’s still a straight one but comes in at a longer 2.5m, as opposed to the original 1.5m (you can buy the shorter HP150 cables separately which will fit if needed). The extension lead which the HP150 had is no longer included.

Durability and Build Quality

Construction is from plastic and feels very solid, there are no squeezy or squeaky bits. The cable has decent strain reliefs and is rubber coated and slinky, not sticky.

The supplied case is a semi-rigid affair with a little pocket for keeping the supplied aircraft and 6.35mm adapters if needed, and will protect the headphones between uses. Just don’t sit on it.

Comfort

The SoundMAGIC HP151 is a light and comfortable headphone, thanks to its light construction, generously upholstered headband and earpads.

Suitability for intended application

The HP151 can be used quite successfully when on the move, but many handsets will not have sufficient power so a separate headphone amp may be required, or a dedicated player with a little more power than the average phone.

Otherwise it’s one for at home or in the studio.

SoundMAGIC HP151

Sound characteristics

The SoundMAGIC HP151 is a bit of a crowd pleaser; the overall balance is tilted slightly towards the warm but details are quite appreciable, and tape hiss comes through from those old recordings so there’s little roll-off with the treble. Note: for those interested in a comparison with the HP150, there is no difference other than the earcup and headband design; it’s the same great sound.

  • Bass

The big 53mm drivers give a nice thump to the HP151’s low bass; it doesn’t steal the show but gives a nice foundation, bass frequencies are given a bit of heft and authority without giving the impression of a bass-heavy headphone. Control is fairly tight; it’s a breezy, carefree bass with fun on its mind, but always makes it home in time for tea.

  • Mids

The midrange is all there with a slight dip in the 1kHz -2KHz area; there’s no noticeable holes or gaps in the frequency response as there may be with other models. It’s a gentle lowering to shun any shrillness and makes for an inviting and clear presentation. With the detail here and the aforementioned bass quality, the harmonics here can really bring instruments to life.

Similarly, vocals are clear and rather enjoyable with subtle details giving a really good representation of any performer’s unique character.

  • Treble

There’s plenty of sparkle, shimmer and zing here; it’s certainly a clear triple! It’s not overbearing, and gives just the right amount of presence for full enjoyment of those high frequency details. It’s a great balance between brightness and mellowness.

  • Soundstage & Separation

The width reaches out beyond the earcups a little way and gives a nice impression of space; both higher frequency detail and bass are able to jump out and give our ears a little tweak when the music dictates it; very nice. Separation is great too; classical pieces are rendered very nicely with clear harmonics preserving the character and positioning of everything, even with a lot going on.

———————————————————————————————–

READ MORE: Top 5 Best Travel Headphones for 2017

———————————————————————————————–

Music genres good for and why

The HP151 works with everything. Many genres were tried and none failed; bass heavy rap, acoustic, classical, dance; it’s a clear pass for this one.

Summary

If you are looking for a general use headphone with good isolation, look no further. Any and every music type sounds excellent with plenty of space and the feeling that these headphones are enjoying themselves just as much as the listener is!

SoundMAGIC HP151

Tags: best audiophile headphonesbest buyBest Headphonesbest studio headphonesfull size headphoneHP150hp151hp151 headphonesnew headphoneover ear headphonesoundmagic headphonessoundmagic hp100soundmagic hp150soundmagic hp151soundmagic hp200
Previous Post

Pioneer SE-MS7BT Bluetooth Headphone Review

Next Post

Best Portable Travel Headphones for 2017

Related Posts

JDS Labs Element III Review
Full Reviews

JDS Labs Element III Review

by Oscar
June 27, 2022
Westone Audio Pro X Series Review
Full Reviews

Westone Audio Pro X Series Review

by Oscar
June 30, 2022
Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones
Full Reviews

Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones

by Oscar
June 30, 2022
Next Post
best portable travel headphones 2017

Best Portable Travel Headphones for 2017

Meze 99 Neo

Meze 99 Neo Headphone Review

Master & Dynamic MW60

Master & Dynamic MW60 Headphone Review - Bluetooth Beauties

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Featured Article

Our Recommendations

Recent Posts

  • Trusted Reviews take on the Lypertek Z5
  • Latest Final UX3000 Reviews are in!
  • New Audeze MM-500 Planar Headphones
  • New Noble IEMs
  • Cleer Audio Release Arc True Wireless Earbuds

Latest YouTube Videos

We often show off high end equipment, but here are our top 5 sub £100 bargains!

Blog Article: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/top-5-portable-audio-devices-for-under-100/

Periodic Audio Rhodium - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/collections/amps-dacs/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier

Final E500 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-e500-in-ear-isolating-earphones

SoundMAGIC E11c - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-e500-in-ear-isolating-earphones

Lypertek SoundFree S20 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-soundfree-s20-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black

SoundMAGIC P23BT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-p23bt-portable-wireless-headphones-black

0:00 - Intro
0:19 - Periodic Audio Rhodium
0:48 - Final E500
1:15 - SoundMAGIC E11c
1:41 - Lypertek SoundFree S20
2:08 - SoundMAGIC P23BT
2:33 - Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUR GEAR:

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

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

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
Top 5 Budget Headphone Audio Deals
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLklFSEUtUEh3aGFV
This little DAC/Amp is such an easy product to recommend, you get a crisp and clean sound for under £50 - what's not to love? 

Watch the video to find out why we love the Rhodium so much.

Buy Now: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier

0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Design and Features
1:52 - Technical features
2:08 - Sound Quality
3:06 - Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUR GEAR:

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

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

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
Periodic Audio Rhodium USB-C Dongle DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLlhJWHJhMmlzZW5Z
JDS Labs decided to skip the Element II+ and designed the Element III from the ground up - around a different DAC Chip. They have added a digital volume attenuator along with optical input, and decided to implement changes that make an audible difference instead of chasing specs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUR GEAR:

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

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

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
JDS Labs Element III DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLjlXSVBfNUZiQkEw

Interested in a product?

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

Contact our Experts

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

  • The JDS Labs Element III is an excellent sounding DAC/Amp in a beautifully crafted chassis - perfect for headphones and earphones alike.
  • The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 is still picking up awards - great battery life, excellent sound quality and effective ANC - all for only £119!

#lypertek #lypertekpureplayZ5 #pureplayZ5 #lypertekZ5
  • Audeze have annouced the MM-500 -  designed with studio engineering in mind along with a sleek and comfortable fit, these look amazing!

#Audeze #AudezeMM500 #PlanarHeadphones
  • The Final UX3000 is scooping up awards everywhere, and for good reason, for £119 you get an excellent sounding bluetooth headphone with long battery life and ANC.

#final #finalaudio #finalUX3000
  • Cleer have introduced the Arc - these sit on your ear, perfect for those who cannot get on with normal in-ears or those who want to maintain some spatial awareness.

#cleeraudio #cleer #cleerarc
  • 64 Audio are renowned for their excellent custom in-ears - can you name any artists that use them?

#64audio #64fam
  • A simple change of eartip can greatly affect the sound and comfort of earphones - Spinfit tips feature a patented 3D axis to provide the perfect fit in your ears - so check out the range on HiFiHeadphones.

#spinfit #eartips #earphones
  • Check out our blog to see the latest news and reviews - Noble Audio have just announced a plethora of new models, including this beauty the D XII - a single driver IEM that packs some punch!

#nobleaudio #noble #earphones #iem #news
  • Often overlooked, Oriveti make some of the best value-for-money earphones on the market - the OV800 is no exception. Stunning looks meet excellent sound, with a smooth, balanced sound signature and DIP switches to add more bass or treble should you wish. 

#oriveti #earphones #highendaudio
  • Need to power some high end headphones? 

Why not check out our range of Burson Audio DACs, amps and DAC/Amp combos:

https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/collections/burson-audio

#bursonaudio #burson
Instagram Youtube Facebook
hifi headphones

Join Our Newsletter


Categories

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

About Hifiheadphones

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

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

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

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

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