Some of you may have seen that there are a few earphones sporting a USB-C connector, or even a Lightning connector for Apple devices, but how do these actually work?
Well, all devices that have a headphone jack have internal circuitry that uses a DAC (digital to analogue converter) and then a headphone amplifier. The quality of these components varies a lot between devices, but most suffer from a certain amount of noise and hiss that is detrimental to the overall sound quality.
USB-C or Lightning earphones have this circuitry built into the connector itself, meaning the phone sends the digital data to the earphones and the conversion is done there. This gives the earphone maker a chance to match the specific circuit to a specific pair of earphones/headphones for optimal power and quality. This also means that the circuit is detached from the main board which is a common source for interference and noise.
Whilst not as common as Bluetooth models, USB earphones are on the rise and are an excellent choice if you have a device that has no headphone jack. They offer better sound quality than Bluetooth models along with being more convenient than using a dongle or external DAC/Amp.
Within our range of headphones, we have the new SoundMAGIC E11D which includes a 24bit capable DAC, along with a 4-core cable for balanced signal transmission. These have been getting great reviews in the press, being some of the best USB-C earphones available on the market.
If you don’t mind adding an extra device to get that extra bit of quality out of your regular wired earphones, then take a look at the Cyrus SoundKey. This little DAC/Amp gives you a great step up in clarity and control.
For the asking price, the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear is incredible value; giving great sound as well as swish styling and all in a very rugged and classy looking case. They are available in versions compatible with Apple devices as well as Android, so you needn’t be cutting down your choice of handsets with the Momentum In-Ear.
Pros
Very nice looking
Decent well thought-out case
Versions for Apple and Android
Right Angle Jack
Cons
Bundled accessories are high quality but low in number
Designed to be worn down from the ear only
Hot off the press at Sennheiser, the Momentum In-Ear promises to give music fans a taste of what this esteemed company is capable of in its 70th year. This particular old man is not doddery in the least however; the old CX300 and similar models have been updated, the new Urbanite is impressing young music fans all over the place and now we have the Momentum In-Ear.
Key Features
The first thing which is noticeable is the case, since the Momentum In-Ears are tucked away in the case when bought. Fishing them out gives a very good impression however – the case is semi-rigid with an internal caddy around which the cable can be wound. This will certainly protect the Momentum In-Ears well when not in use. The nozzles have been updated from previous similar Sennheiser in-ears, with the Momentum In-Ear these are now ‘custom machined stainless steel sound tunnels’ – they give a nice impression of build qulaity. Then there’s the buttons, either for Apple or Android, depending on which version you buy.
First Impressions
In terms of styling, it’s more reminiscent of the Urbanite model. The flat two-tone cable and understated shiny design is attractive but not showy, much like the Momentum In-Ear‘s sound. The case is new too, and is an excellent design as it affords protection against the contents being squashed or stressed. A separate ‘caddy’ comes out, around which the cable can be gently wrapped and it goes back into the case to be zipped up. Very neat.
The capsules themselves remind me somewhat of the Brainwavs S5, with their off-centre nozzles. They fit very well indeed when worn like this, but it may make the ‘up and over’ wearing style a little awkward. It can be done though!
Sound Quality
When it comes to the sound, the Momentum In-Ear compares well with its full-size Momentum sibling. Detail is high without sibilance or discomfort; harmonics are brought out for a very real sense of musicality. Soundstage is surprisingly broad for an in-ear model and imaging is coherent and sharp. Overall, the sound is fairly typical of Sennheiser’s recent offerings; in terms of full size headphones at least. When compared to older lines such as the now axed CX300, the sound is drastically improved and shows that this old dog still has some new tricks!
Summary
A very good in-ear from this venerable old timer. Despite all the in-ear competition coming from young companies keen to impress, Sennheiser can still pull a rabbit from the headphone hat; the Momentum In-Ear is a real treat!
Here at HiFiHeadphones we’re asked regularly about what amp/DAC combo might make the best job of converting and amplifying your Apple binary music collections. Would it be best to get an all in one solution like the Cypherlabs Theorem or Fostex HP-P1, or get a DAC such as the Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo with a separate amp?
Further, how does the DAC in the Fostex compare with the DAC in the Theorem if both are connected to the same amp?
The proof of the audio pudding is in shoving the thing into your ears, so here’s our thoughts about how each solution compares!
Firstly, why even bother? The Apple iPod/iPhone has a headphone socket (just) so let’s plug straight in right? There’s nothing wrong with this, and most people find the internal DAC/Amp to be quite satisfactory when used along with their stock white earpods, or any low impedance headphone designed for portable use.
However there are those awkward types who require more power for their chosen headphones; more than the iThingy can put out. Others include those with high value in-ear headphones who will not compromise on audio quality when it comes to the digital to analogue conversion.
The wonderful full size Beyerdynamic T5p and in-ear Sennheiser IE800 were used to ascertain what might comprise the best sound and value for the average portable audiophile.
The original combined dac/amp for Apple; how does it fare with the new available equipment? When tried with both the Beyerdynamic T5p and Sennheiser IE800 the Fostex HP-P1 does a splendid job. Certainly better than the on-board Apple kit, but other makers have been doing their best in the intervening years of course. With this setup, the HP-P1 filter was slightly more natural sounding so assume the filter is in postion one throughout this test. Being the first up in a comparison, there’s not much to be written now but read on..
With the Sennheiser IE800, the Theorem gave a much better impression of control and there seemed to be more space within the midrange region. In comparison, the HP-P1 just got a bit cluttered there and the result was a loss of detail and imaging.
The Theorem compared favourably using the Beyerdynamic T5p too – the soundstage was wider and deeper with better imaging leading to a more immersive 3D sound. The detail level appeared to be the same, but with the Theorem this was smoother and more lush sounding; the Fostex HP-P1 was a little brittle next to this.
Cypher Labs Algorythm Solo with Just Audio AHA-120
I’ve compared this Class A amplifier with the Theorem before; I put it as the Theorem’s spandex versus Just Audio’s silk. Not to say the Theorem is a slouch, but when compared to a Class A amp it sounds slightly less good! And that’s the tradeoff – if you want no compromise in sound quality and wish to pick every component you will pay for it, and you will have to carry it around as well!
DACs Compared Only
For this test I decided to get a decent portable amp (Fiio E12) and compare the Line-Out features of the HP-P1 and Theorem. Things were not all that different in comparitive terms.
The HP-P1 had good detail but the presentation was flat with a limited soundstage; a bit on the dry side.
The Theorem had a wider soundstage but was still a little dry sounding. Detail was similar to the HP-P1 but again with more control.
The Algorythm Solo was a slight let down used in combination with the E12; soundstage was decidedly average with a flat feel to proceedings. Detail was comparitively muddy sounding.
And compared with the E12 amp (with no bass boost), the internal amp of the HP-P1 was slightly darker and more laid back, while the Theorem amp was much fuller and lusher sounding than the Theorem DAC + E12 combo.
Conclusion
The best solution in terms of sound only is the Algorythm Solo/AHA-120 pairing, but this scores lowest in terms of cost, bulk and convenience. Having to keep 3 separate battery operated devices charged is worth considering, and then there’s the interconnects which add cost and lengthen the audio chain. The sound is rich and effortless – a real treat which is earned by those having to carry all that gear!
The Cypher Labs Theorem 720 is the best all-rounder in my opinion – there’s an engaging, exciting energy about the sound from the Theorem which is close to the Solo/AHA-120 combo but it swaps the silky smoothness of the AHA-120 for a more in-your-face powerful sound. Also the amp in the Theorem gives a lushness which is really attractive.
The Fostex HP-P1 is the least impressive of the three; given that it was the first to be introduced this is no surprise. It is still a very competent and fine-sounding unit but has been surpassed since its introduction.
At this price point, you’ll find it very difficult to find an earphone with mic as good as the Fidue A31s. These earphones are extremely light weight, the build quality is superb and most of all the sound is excellent!
Summary
Experience portable high fidelity sound in an affordable package. Fidue A31s embody everything a modern earphone should: superior sound, smartphone compatibility, external noise isolation and long term comfort. High fidelity sound is provided with a balance of strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs.
With small housing design and long sound tube the A31s differs from conventional earphones in creating big sound in a small space. Micro-dynamic 8mm drivers funnel superior sound directly into the earcanal. Double flange eartips provide excellent noise isolation and offer unparalleled comfort for long-term listening.
Integrated with call answering button compatible with most smartphones, the Fidue A31s will work with iPhone, Android, Window and Symbian devices. The integrated remote control allows the user to have full control of music. Calls can also be answered and ended by using the single button remote.
Experience portable high fidelity sound in an affordable package. Fidue A31s embody everything a modern earphone should: superior sound, smartphone compatibility, external noise isolation and long term comfort. High fidelity sound is provided with a balance of strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs.
With small housing design and long sound tube the A31s differs from conventional earphones in creating big sound in a small space. Micro-dynamic 8mm drivers funnel superior sound directly into the earcanal. Double flange eartips provide excellent noise isolation and offer unparalleled comfort for long-term listening.
Integrated with call answering button compatible with most smartphones, the Fidue A31s will work with iPhone, Android, Window and Symbian devices. The integrated remote control allows the user to have full control of music. Calls can also be answered and ended by using the single button remote.
– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/fidue-a31s-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-mic-red.html#sthash.xn9fLWK6.dpuf
Please click the image below to select the colour you would like;-
Price – £19.99 all Models with free Shipping in th UK until Christmas.
Features
Call answering button compatible with most smartphones (iOS, Android)
Small and lightweight housing and sound tube design
Double flange silicone eartips offer high noise isolation
Unparalleled comfort for long-term listening
Suitable for portable media players with standard 3.5mm connection
Balanced sound with strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs
The Beyerdynamic T51i is one of the best portable headphones out there. Now they have gone a step further by adding an in-line microphone and smartphone controls – making them the ultimate portable headphone!
HifiHeadphones are happy to announce that the Beyerdynamic T51i is now in stock.
What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £40? The E10S 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?
Universal smartphone microphone (iPhone and Android)
Cons
Nothing to fault at this price
Key Features
Comfortable fit and distinctive design
Made for all smartphones
Integrated smart remote and microphone
Unique, all metal earphone construction
Powerful bass balanced with superb musical detail
Robust tangle-free twisted cable design
Skype/VOIP adaptor included
First Impressions
From the start it is hard to believe that the E10S is under £40. The packaging is smart and of a very high quality – once opened you find plenty of spare ear tips and an attractive hard case. Holding the earphones you can feel how well made they are and the innovative switch on the jack plug will let you set the earphones to work with any smartphone – you would not expect technology like this on such a modestly priced earphone.
Sound Quality
Once you get over the impressive built quality and actually try them out you will not be disappointed. Like the SoundMAGIC E10, The E10S 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. Soundstage is better than what you would expect from an earphone at this price – it’s engaging and natural.
Verdict
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 E10S. Easy.
SoundMAGIC have made a fantastic name for themselves within the budget in-ear market, no wonder they get on the list of top 10 best headphones under £50. The E18 is a great example of just how they do it – designing products which offer exceptional sound quality for the prices asked.
The ES18 has bass which is warm but not overblown, mids which are fluid and engaging, and highs which are slightly recessed. Suitable for those who find percussion and cymbals generally strident and fatiguing.
The DN-12 is a sturdily built IEM with solid metallic housings and a good solid sound also.
Bass is deep and punchy without being boomy, midrange is slightly recessed with high frequencies well balanced; there’s a slight roll-off for those who like a warmer sound signature; normal for IEMs of this price.
A very well put together earphone with a sound signature that is sure to please.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
A great IEM for the price, the DN-12 gives great weight to music and will suit those who like a fun sound.
Another entrant in the IEM market is FIDUE, and their range starts with the fantastic FIDUE 31 – the capsules are tiny and the sound is big!
Good warm bass and good mid-range detail – there is a slight roll off in the treble region for those who like a warmer presentation.
The earphones are lightweight and tough, perfect for running or in the gym. Ear tips are designed to keep the earphones in the ear and cables can be worn over the ear for a more secure fit.
Also fitted with a lightweight microphone in case you need to take calls.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
A great budget choice – narrower nozzles may make this a good choice for those with fit issues with other IEMs. Perfect for sports use.
The entry-level AF33 from Audiofly gives a fantastic sound, and the AF33M version gives added functionality with smartphones, offering an answer button for those calls.
Good bass which is tight and well controlled, midrange with a slight recess and treble which has liveliness and sparkle without being fatiguing. When we first tried these we thought that there was a mistake – these sound like IEMs which cost more than £50.
A very capable earphone with a grown up sound signature without the boom, boom of some other budget earphones. Very musical.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
Many are getting a kick out of Australian firm Audiofly’s range in more than one way. The engaging and involving sound of these IEMs will certainly get you waltzing.
Sennheiser’s entry-level full size, the HD201, is incredibly cheap for what you get – anyone looking for a good sound without wanting to part with much cash must be tempted by the HD201.
Good but not bloaty bass, a clear midrange and a slightly forward treble make these superb all rounders. Fantastic for detail, you might hear things with these which are missed on pricier headphones.
This are a ideal everyday headphone that won’t break the bank.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
Probably the best full-size headphone you’ll find for under £20, hands down.
The Koss Porta Pro may not be an obvious choice for the top 10 best portable headphones, it is likely older than most of its current users; introduced in the early 1980s, it pre-dates most other lightweight designs and has a real retro charm.
The sound is still very current however, as the PortaPro’s sound signature suits dance music, rap and anything the user can throw at them.
A good level of bass and midrange gives a good grunt with realistic body. The highs are a little rolled off but not to the point where it’s a problem, indeed the roll-off makes them less likely to fatigue the wearer if dance music is played.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
For the money this is amazing value – get yourself a design classic which has stood the test of time.
This portable is certainly a fun-sounding headphone – it also looks fun and feels it too!
They are very light and are a perfect travelling companion when folded into the semi-rigid case.Bass is present but not overblown, midrange is clear and involving, and highs are revealing but not overbearing.The flat cable does not tangle and the 90 degree jack is perfect for placing your music source in a pocket or bag.
Grado are well known for their trademark wide open and airy sound, and the iGrado follows in this theme. Designed to sit over the ear with a neckband keeping things in place, the iGrado gives a wonderfully natural sound.
They are wide open in design, meaning that there is no isolation. Others will hear your music, and you will be aware of the environment around you. This makes the sound much more realistic in terms of soundstage and imaging, but you may get some odd looks if these are worn on the train, for example.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
The iGrado is very popular with joggers and those who prefer to be aware of the sounds around them, also they are a great low-cost upgrade for anyone wanting a headphone specifically for use in the home.
Another of Grado’s great value headphones, the SR60i is much like its elder sibling the SR80i, but may be more appropriate for enjoying older recordings or music with less than perfect sound quality. As the SR60i is not as bright sounding as the SR80i, they may be better or you if you find that you get fatigued after listening for a while.
The SR60 has been around for 20 years, which in the fast-moving world of electronic gadgets seems like a lifetime. Apart from the odd tweak, why change something which works so well?
Hifiheadphones verdict:
The look, feel and quality of the SR60i is magnificent for the asking price; why not get yourself a slice of a headphone legend? If you like details and a more forward or bright presentation, consider the SR80i.
The Hifiheadphones team is pleased to announce the new Portable Apple/Android DAC and Headphone Amplifier from Beyerdynamic, the A200p is now available to be purchased on our website.
Detailed audio signal without the loss of sound quality when using portable devices. Compatible with smartphones, tablets and computers, the A200p offers high definition sound that was previously not possible for travelling audiophiles.
Designed to circumvents the internal signal processing, the integrated Wolfson DAC chip of the A200p receives the pure digital music data first. After converting the digital data to analogue music signals, a high-quality amplifier controls the output to the connected headphones. All this results in previously unheard details, better contoured and deeper bass, as well as natural instrument and vocal reproduction.
Beyerdynamic A200p supports iPhone 5, iPad Air, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini and iPod touch (5th generation) and most smartphones with Android 4.1 or higher, which have a digital USB audio output. The A200p is currently the smallest mobile DAC and amplifier that can work with all of these devices on the digital level.
Features
Crystal-clear sound with portable players
Compatible with Apple and Android devices
Digital connection via Apple lightning or Micro-USB
3.5mm mini stereo jack headphone connection
Volume control with 135 levels
LED display for charging, operation and volume
Three buttons for music playback/pause and skipping forward and backward
On/off switch with locking function
DAC with up to 24 bit resolution at 96 kHz sampling frequency
Integrated rechargeable battery with up to 11 hours operating time
Lauri Cular gets his magic towel and liniment ready for The Big Rig Showdown – which is the true mobile music master? The Cypher Labs Theorem 720 vs The Cypher Labs Solo -R / Just Audio AHA-120.
For many a year, we’ve had great fun at the expense of the music fan on the move; what about those roller skaters with half a coconut over each ear? Then of course there’s the Atlas figure with a ghetto blaster and curvature of the spine, and who can forget that legion of listeners with those white buds of mediocrity?
“Darn these Confederate batteries!”
For some however, no compromise is acceptable; great sound quality just has to be paramount. A lump in the trousers causes no embarrassment in such cases. So who exactly is trying to get these big things in our pants?
There’s a wide selection of portable bits and bobs as we all know; with the more static listener, there’s known to be an entry or ‘low’ end of the market and a high end. Portable devices, by the nature of who they’re generally aimed at, are mostly built around price and convenience; some of them only accepting MP3s or similarly lossy file formats.
Apple’s recent impact on the portable audio market is well known, and although their products have a fair reputation for out-of-the-box audio quality, it’s very difficult to satisfy all scrumpers. Due to the success of Apple’s fruits, other manufacturers deem it worthwhile designing ways to improve the sound quality of these devices.
It’s well known that a low-cost cable can be attached to a 30-pin connection which provides a line-out signal; a signal which bypasses the internal amp of the iDevice, to be fed into an external amplifier. This can give sound quality a boost, certainly where less sensitive headphones are involved. Line-out lightning connectors for newer devices are available via Apple, but they ain’t giving them away.
However, this cuts little ice with those who strive for their jive – Apple’s DAC is still doing the conversion to analogue. Perhaps understandably, Apple would not have such a marketable product if all components were as high-spec as possible, and the DAC is no exception. It’s to get the job done adequately.
Apple has been protective in the past when aftermarket manufacturers wanted to get in between their rind and pips; indeed a hefty royalty has been required should anyone want their product to truly interface with the iDevice’s software. This has affected the price of available gadgets greatly; hopefully this is changing.
Fostex’s HPP1 is one example of a DAC which will decode music on an iDevice, but here we will compare two high-end arrangements provided by Cypher Labs and Just Audio.
..The Theorem 720 with iPod Touch
On one side we have the new Theorem 720 from Cypher Labs; an all-in one solution providing both digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification. On the other, we have the Cypher Labs Solo -R, with separate amplification provided by Just Audio’s A-Class AHA-120. How do these compare, and is the extra bulk of a separate amp (and extra connections) worth it?
The headphones I used for this are at a similar level – the effortless Beyerdynamic T1. Being a semi-open headphone, these are not the first choice for portable use but are excellent for judging the subtle differences in sound quality between high-end rigs, and for illustrating how powerful the amps are.
The Theorem 720 blew me away with its accuracy and power, but the latter depends on the mastering of the recording. For instance Aha’s ‘Take On Me’ (what better to test this against the AHA-120?) was blisteringly loud, but Queen’s ‘Another One Busts the Dust’ needed more headroom. Of course, the T1 headphones are rated at 600 Ohms with 102 dB sensitivity, so the bar’s unrealistically high for portable power requirements. It gives a good comparative impression though.
Bass was present and under good control. The mids had great detail and strength, and the highs were crisp and clean. Soundstage and separation were very immersive, and I was very impressed with what I heard. However, specialist interconnects such as those supplied by ALO Audio were not used, just the standard 30-pin to Micro-B USB connection provided with the Cypher Labs unit.
It’s not hard to imagine that a plethora of high quality interconnects will be available soon for the Theorem.
..Just Audio AHA-120 with the Solo –R and iPod Touch
So then I popped on the T1s with the same 30-pin iPod – now with a Cypherlabs Solo -R, and the Just Audio AHA-120 headphone amp. There was an ALO Audio interconnect between the iPod and Solo -R, and an iBasso 3.5mm to 3.5mm between
the Solo -R and AHA-120. This rig has a slight advantage here.
The bass was a little more present, but by no means excessive. Mids were more recessed than with the Theorem, and high frequencies not so clinically accurate. The soundstage was a little narrower too.
But for all that, I far prefer the Solo -R/AHA-120 combo as it sounds so effortless and natural. The difference is like that of spandex and silk. Spandex is functional, comfortable and easily cared for. Silk on the other hand reqiuires a little more TLC and is expensive. But all that trouble seems unimportant when hitting the town with my silk shirt on – the pleasure of wearing ultra-stylish, comfortable and cool fabrics makes all that seem unimportant.
And so it is with the Solo -R/AHA-120. Even the sound of fingernails scraping the surface of a blackboard would create a large smile across my face when heard through this rig.
Cypher Labs is well known for producing seemingly military grade gadgets for uncompromising audiophiles on the go, but it looks as if the dedication of such users needn’t grow with the passage of time. With the Cypher Labs Theorem 720, digital to analogue conversion AND amplification are taken care of within one handy unit.
First Impressions
The Theorem comes in much the same packaging as its recent predecessors; good for getting the product to you, but likely to turn dog-eared before long if used for storing the item between sessions. There’s a booklet with a few FAQ-type questions and answers, perfect for those who like to get stuck in. I had this unit for the weekend, but was unable to charge it – it is distributed within the UK along with its default 2-pin US plug. Any orders from hifiheadphones.co.uk will of course be shipped with an extra UK-specific power supply.
As luck would have it though, the battery was well charged enough already and I was able to sample the unit both as an DAC with an iPod, and as a PC DAC. The unit comes with connectors for use with the Apple iPhone 5, iPhone 4(s) and some Android devices; depending on software the Theorem can be a DAC for HTC and Samsung models, for instance. I tried to get some functionality on my Huawei handset, but the recommended software is not compatible with my firmware so that was that. Indeed, for supported devices there is a charge for the full version of the suggested app on the Google play store.
The Theorem is built very well and like other Cypher Labs products, it feels as if it wouldn’t be out of place clipped to the side of an Abrams tank. I was careful not to drop it for fear of damaging the floor.
Uses & Features
Now that amplification is a part of what Cypher Labs does, I was looking forward to trying the Theorem as a plain headphone amp with my Walkman before delving any deeper. However there is no ‘Line-in’ socket which was a tad disappointing, and I returned to the office ipod to provide the audio.
There are 3 gain settings (L,M & H) but with my Phonak PFE 232s, I found myself stuck between the lower two settings. Admittedly the 232s have a 49 ohm impedance which is an unusual number, but the lowest gain setting had me wishing for more headroom, and the medium gain hardly allowed any movement of the volume pot before it got too loud. Also the gain selector switch stands proud slightly – I would feel nervous if using in-ear headphones on the street, it’s easy to imagine the switch getting knocked inadvertently.
The USB input is on the same end of the Theorem as the headphone socket which is a good improvement; should the rig go into a pocket or bag, the cables will not be such a problem.
Sound Quality
With my Phonak PFE 232s the presentation was certainly on the cool side for me, at least with the grey filters in the 232s. I exchanged these for the green filters which cut down a bit on the higher frequencies and tamed the sound. There was an unattractive ‘edge’ to the mid-frequencies which needed attention. Other than this, the presentation was very involving and there was a good amount of soundstage for in-ear headphones.
Leaving the 232s, I tried my old AKG K240 DF studio monitors with a very flat frequency response. I have found these headphones indispensable for mixing and arranging, but generally they aren’t the most fun to listen to. However the Theorem made them sound incredible and brought them up to a decent volume for me. Perhaps a little more headroom would be nice for those quieter recordings, but given that these headphones feature 600 ohms of Austrian intransigence, this is very good going for the Theorem.
Finally I tried the HifiMAN HE-400s which really is a superb match. The relative brightness of the amp (for me) complimented the HE-400’s warm character, and there is more than enough power to drive these orthodynamic headphones to their full potential.
Verdict
An excellent choice for those who will accept no compromise when on the move, and who have headphones which will reveal the extra information which the Theorem can glean. Big pockets are still needed to afford the device and carry it about, but given that it does the same work that two units did formerly, those pockets needn’t get too frayed.
Pros
One unit instead of two
Headphone cable/USB connections at the same end of the device
Good and powerful
Cons
Gain selector switch can be knocked accidentally
No 3.5mm Line In socket
Android devices require a separate app which is not free
KEF M200 Premium In-Ear Sound Isolating Clip-On HiFi Earphones. Taking on over 50 years experience in speaker design, KEF have re-created their celebrated full size speaker sound and made it portable with the M200 earphones. With KEF’s unique Dual Dynamic Driver technology the M200 offers detailed and engagingly natural sound with tight and controlled bass.
Two dedicated dynamic drivers cleverly placed in the housing combine in two separate chambers to funnel detailed, engagingly natural sound into the ear canal. With a 5.5mm driver devoted to the mid and high frequencies and a dedicated 10mm driver for the bass region, the M200 captures the natural an integrate sounds of live performances. As the drivers encased in a lightweight aluminium housing the M200 offers a tight and resonance-free bass performance.
KEF’s high performance audio cable incorporates an in-line microphone and remote for iPhone and Apple devices, smartphones, computers and other mobile devices. Included in the package of the M200 is a flight adapter, a protective case for storage and three pairs of silicone eartips.
To ensure the perfect fit, the secure arm of frame folds to the shape of the ear while the ergonomic shell the and soft silicone eartips create a tight acoustical seal for an undiluted and private listening.
Unique Dual Dynamic Driver technology
Detailed and engagingly natural sound across the frequency range
Light aluminium housing for tight, resonance-free bass
Secure Arm folds to shape of ear for secure fit
Ergonomic shell and soft silicone eartips form tight acoustic seal
High performance audio cable (1.2m) with gold plated 3.5mm jack
Compatible with smartphones, computers and other mobile devices
In-line microphone and remote for iPhone and other Apple products
Flight adapter, protective pouch and three pairs of silicone eartips
Taking the celebrated KEF M500 Closed Back Apple Compatible Headphones sound to the streets, the M500 headphones offer balanced and natural sound with intense clarity and detail united with comfortable design and Smartphone compatibility.
KEF M500 headphones incorporate fine-tuned 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver an extended high definition frequency response. Precise driver alignment in the acoustic chamber optimises clarity, dynamics and bass performance. Special acoustic sealing rings in the earcups allows for full isolation from external sounds while minimising sound leakage to the outside maintaining a private listening experience.
With KEF’s unique multi-directional Smart Hinge that make sure the earcups are positioned perfectly. Breathable memory foam earpads, lightweight design and comfortable headband together make the M500 a pleasure to wear, even for extended listening sessions.
KEF’s high performance audio cable incorporates an in-line microphone and remote for iPhone and other Apple devices, smartphones, computers and other mobile devices. To make sure the headphones are protected when not in use, KEF include an elegant storage case that matches the M500 design and build quality.
Neodymium driver tuned to deliver full range high definition response
Acoustic chamber is precisely positioned to optimise clarity, dynamics and bass
Copper-clad aluminium wire voice coil improves response to enhance musical subtleties and detail
Precision engineered in aluminium alloy lightweight frame
Multi-directional Smart Hinge on frame conforms to head shape
Memory foam earpads mould to the shape of the ear
Breathable earpad material maximises bass performance and comfort
Acoustic sealing ring isolates from external noise and minimises sound leakage
In-line microphone and remote for iPhone and other Apple products
