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.
The DUNU DN-900 is a well built, hybrid in-ear headphone. The bass is punchy without overcrowding, with spacious mids and smooth highs – these earphones perfectly combine power and detail.
Pros
Frequency response can be fine tuned
Generous range of extras/accessories
Very clear bass and mid-range
Cons
High-frequency roll-off (if you like a brighter sound)
Case oversized for everyday use
Tuning rings easily lost if not careful
Cable can get tangled
As with all segments of the headphone market, the £100 – £200 bracket is hotly contested with innovation pushing sales as well as gimmicks. The hybrid drivers within the DUNU DN-900 are becoming commonplace among IEMs, but the tuning rings which are supplied with the DN-900 are not so commonly found. Given that we all have our pet sound signatures and preferred frequency responses, have DUNU released a self-adjustable gem?
Key Features
Perhaps most unusual about the DN-900 is the inclusion of the tuning rings; it’s always nice to have a bit of tweakability and it’s fun to experiment. However, be sure that you are changing the eartips and rings while sat at a table, or similar. The rings can jump off the nozzles and roll out of your life for ever if you aren’t careful. It would have been better to have a more ‘trouser clip’ style ring which stays on the nozzle.
First Impressions
Naturally enough, once out of the packaging, the first thing I noticed was the professional quality Pelican-style case. It’s a lovely item if bright yellow is your thing but it won’t fit in a pocket, nor is having your IEMs packed away in a bag or case the most practical place to have them. I would be utilising another case or pouch from somewhere else, while this case might lie unused in a drawer.
Sound Quality
The sound seems very mid-centric at first, with strong yet well shaped bass response. The most noticeable thing is the higher-frequency roll-off but this takes only a minute to get used to. I tried the rings in turn..
Silver gives a good bass grunt with midrange clear and even, and the higher frequencies rolled off. Blue appears bassier in the mid-bass area with a more pronouced and open midrange, while red is bassier again with some more low-bass creeping in and mellower mids. High frequencies are not affected by any of the rings but the blue’s effect on the midrange sits next to the highs better for me.
After trying the DN-900 with the Astell&Kern K120, I was very happy with the sound. Driving bass underpinned some very fluid and involving mids, with higher frequencies just managing to show their faces enough to keep the party atmosphere going.
The following impressions were gained using the blue rings and the AK120:
Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Two Tribes (Blank and Jones reconstruction)
The bass has good texture and impact going into the sub-bass slightly, mid range works well with male vocals and backing. Soundstage is good and wide with a great sense of space. Imaging is also good. The rolled-off highs did not give any problems.
Dub Syndicate – Mafia
Bass is very full and impactful with good slam. It is quite boomy on this track but dub calls for it! Midrange is still clear and separate – the piano parts are very distinct. Highs lend a touch to harmonics but otherwise linger in the background. Soundstage is as wide as the music requires, delay is headshaking.
Summary
The DUNU DN-900 is perfect for the tracks that were tried with them. They will satisfy any basshead but will not add bass which is not there and cloud things – midrange is spacious and lively. Again, the higher frequencies may be a problem for fans of this part of the frequency spectrum; but if like some you’re a little sensitive to it, the DN-900 should fit like a glove.
It’s amazing that with the SoundMAGIC HP150 headphones, SoundMAGIC have yet again shown how they can raise the bar.
The market for full-size headphones costing £200 and below provides more shining examples of incredible sound quality. And helping all this along is SoundMAGIC, which has impressed all and sundry with its offerings of all types and sizes.
Perhaps most notable is the HP100 released in 2012 – a full sized and very comfortable closed back, offering a well balanced sound and good isolation. Summer is no stranger to super sequels however, so will we be jumping for joy in the aisles, or blubbing into our popcorn?
Pros
Superb Comfort
Pristine Sound
Solid Build
Plain Good Looks
Cons
Unique cable connection shared only by the HP100 Headphones
Some sound leakage
Summary
The HP150 headphones remain loyal to the previous HP100 design in terms of headband, padding, drivers and accessories. The most noticeable change is the driver housing; the previous ‘Tron’ style has been superseded by a matt black rubber coating which matches the rest of the HP150’s look.
Key Features
Features are only what’s to be expected from a headphone in this price range – just good sound and the usual accessories. There’s a 3m extension cable for Hi-Fi listening which is a bonus, as well as flight adapter and 6.3mm adapter. The case has undergone an improvement in that it affords greater protection; there’s more space for padding so that the headphones are safer in transit.
First Impressions
As mentioned above, the HP150 headphone is the sleeker, sexier descendant of the HP100. The shiny parts on the earcups and yoke joints are gone, and matt black is now the uniform colour.
The cable has undergone a slight change too, the previous model was shipped with a coiled 1.2m cable. This has been straightened, and together with the 3m extension cable should provide a bit of slack in most tight situations.
Sound Quality
The best bit of the HP150 headphone is of course the sound – heads are scratched and price lables are rechecked – are we sure there’s no mistake? The HP150 sounds like a headphone three times the price! They are well balanced with a little drop in the midrange, but it’s nothing which gets missed. Think of them as giving a little boost to both ends of the frequency spectrum.
Bass is fully representative of what’s there without getting its own ideas, and treble has a brightness which doesn’t cross into strident territory – even for those like myself with a sensitivity to these frequencies.
The soundstage of the HP150 is very impressive for a closed-back headphone. I wouldn’t say that the HP150 has the feel of an open-backed equivalent, but the breadth of the presentation is certainly comparable. Imaging and separation are pristine with details standing up to be counted wherever they are.
SoundMAGIC has stated that the drivers in the HP150 are the same as the HP100 – the change in earcup material has been balanced with padding within the earcup so that the sound is as close to that of the HP100 as possible.
With possible burn-in still to go on the HP150, the bass appears to be a tiny bit higher in volume against the rest of the presentation but with the same qualities. Treble seems to be a little bit smoother but not at the expense of detail. Midrange appears unchanged.
Hifiheadphones Verdict
Even with newly-introduced headphones getting better and cheaper year after year, the models put out by SoundMAGIC seem to thumb their noses at the competition. The HP150 headphone is quick, light and nimble; jester-like in its ability to handle any genre with fun and merriment.
If you have £200 and a need for closed-back full size headphones, a few minutes’ delay is a tragedy. Do your ears a favour and resist no longer!
The Final AudioPandora Hope VI may not be able to deal with all the world’s evils, but it can certainly make them appear more approachable and cuddly. 50mm dynamic drivers are coupled with balanced armatures within the Hope VI, so the listener can benefit from a warm and toe-tapping presentation, but needn’t sacrifice detail or presence. The result is as crisp as any IEM working on the balanced armature principal, with similar detail perceived all the way down the frequency spectrum.
Here at HifiHeadphones we’re no strangers to the type of quality products the portable audio industry can put out; however the Pandora Hope VI has surprised us all. From the retro-future ‘Metropolis’ looks of the Hope VI to the weight and the way they feel in the hand, we knew that these headphones weren’t just designed, they were born.
Pros
Unique and gorgeous looks
Lovely to touch
Comfortable and relatively light
That sound!
Cons
Will need running in to be at their best
Key Features
As mentioned, the driver principal is the Pandora’s most notable feature; the balanced armatures working alongside the dynamic drivers. There is no sense that two drivers are operating on each side; the presentation is as smooth and even as it would be with any high-quality wide bandwidth dynamic driver, once worn in.
First Impressions
The Hope VI can’t fail to please with its Buck Rogers looks. Something feels as if it is being wasted once they are worn on the head as they cannot be seen any more! However, the soft comfort of the padding and solid feel of the design keeps the wearer happy enough until a mirror is within reach.
Sound Quality
The Pandoras are consistently referred to as being among the best-sounding headphones around; this by people who are in the know and have tried many headphones and set-ups. My own experience involves gorgeous silky bass which sits just where it’s supposed to be, mids which surround and demand attention, and highs which pierce and shock, but in the most gentle way possible. My ears are sensitive to high frequencies and fatigue is never far away with some headphone/genre combinations, but the Hope VI never strays into that area; it knows exactly when enough is enough, preserving a smoothness which has no right being there but is staying nonetheless.
As mentioned above, there may be a brief period of ‘running in’ required as the two drivers meld together but this will be limited to a weekend.
HifiHeadphones Verdict
Dr Who’s Tardis is famous for being bigger on the inside than the outside. My guess is that Final Audio have been watching from behind the sofa whilst taking notes, as for a closed back headphone (a fact I have to keep reminding myself of) the sound is all-encompassing. Watch out Fostex, your closed-back crown may be about to slip!
Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/dita-audio-the-answer-iem-earphones-truth-edition.html#sthash.UQLlq1VS.dpuf
Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/dita-audio-the-answer-iem-earphones-truth-edition.html#sthash.UQLlq1VS.dpuf
Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – Review
Summary
The Answer Truth Edition is a dynamically driven IEM with a single 10mm driver; Dita Audio wanted to go for the simplest design in order to deliver the purest audio, according to their literature. Since balanced armature technology requires crossovers, multiple drivers and all the related gubbins, Dita went for the less complicated dynamic route. And why not? We’ve all been shown the power and finesse of the dynamic principle through Sennheiser’s excellent IE800s – they can be every bit as detailed and impactful as any well put together BA based driver.
New company Dita has made a splash lately with two significant IEMs; ‘The Answer’ and ‘The Answer (Truth edition)’ – the cable being ‘The Truth’. ..and I thought telling lies could get complicated!
If you forgot what the question was, it’s something like ‘what’s the best IEM man can come up with’? I reckon this response is fitting.
A benevolent deity has bestowed a pair of each model upon us and we have dutifully had a go; for this review I have stuck to the pricier ‘Truth Edition’ but for a quick impression of the non-Truth Dita, please scroll down to the ‘verdict’ part.
Pros
Well built with solid capsules
Weighted to lean into the ear – unlikely to fall out
Stout strong cable
Good range of eartips which can fine tune frequency response
Good extras – 2 quality travel cases included
Cons
Cable can be a little stiff but not too bad
Some might prefer a removeable cable
Key Features
The cable on the ‘Truth Edition’ is what gives the IEM its name; it is a Van Den Hul cable with whom Dita cooperated in order to get the best signal to the driver. The cable covering has a little window on it so the quality can be seen – it is certainly substantial. Other than that, there are no features other than the end product – the sound. Much like record players, the less you get on them as extras and gadgets, the better the sound will generally be. This is Dita’s philosophy.
First Impressions
The build quality is the first thing to be noticed. These are not heavy or unweildy IEMs, but the impression I have is that they were designed to be used in a war of some kind, or by very careless people. The build quality is very solid.
Sound Quality
The Answer (Truth Edition) lives up to expectations for a premium IEM; detail is exceptional and there is plenty of space in the presentation whether things are busy or not; there’s an effortless quality. Harmonics are not lost on these IEMs, everything is reproduced, and faithfully.
Not to say that these Answer/Truths are neutral; they have a sound which is on the fun side but it is done with real adroitness. There’s an analogue quality which reminds me of the Sennheiser IE800.
Soundstage is generous and imaging is great; it all just hangs together and as per the marketing/literature, the strengths of the single dynamic driver design are right here.
When comparing the two, the IE800 is just a little less forward which suits me. So if you feel that the IE800 is a bit laid back for you, try and dally with the ‘Truth’!
Verdict
Given the quality of Dita’s answers, we should be upping the quality of our questions. ‘How much money have I got?’ might be one such question. The ‘Answer/Truth Edition’ is not cheap, but the best things often aren’t. Given the price, the phrase ‘to be economical with the truth’ may not be so accurate, but there are savings to be made by choosing the ‘Non-Truth’ version which is the same but for a little less detail and a slightly smoother presentation. A very close match for the IE800, and only two thirds of the price at £399.
We are a World Wide Supplier of Official Sennheiser Spares.
Via our parent company K&S technology Ltd we can offer the full range of Sennheiser Consumer Headphone Spares. We can ship to virtually any destination across the world.
Since 2012 we have been the only official partner for Sennheiser consumer headphone spares in the UK, ensuring that Sennheiser headphones customers benefit from the highest service standards and can rejuvinate their much-loved headphones for more years of pleasurable listening.
We answer enquiries from all over the world, and can ship to many places on practically every continent. Also we are happy to help regarding fitting earpads and other parts, or if the part you require is discontinued we can suggest alternatives, or offer information which might help you get them elsewhere.
Popular spares requests we receive are for replacement earpads such as for the PX-100, headband padding, headbands, batteries for bluetooth headphones, cases and much more – usually dispatched to you within 24 hours.
We offer a personal service and are very responsive to questions received regarding any part or Sennheiser headphone. Just email us using the link below – or call: 01628 402 217
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Premium Closed Back Reference Headphone from Fostex, the TH-600 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Introducing the latest addition to the highly acclaimed Fostex high-end headphone line: TH-600. With reputable bio-dynamic diaphragm drivers, Tesla magnetic flux circuit and magnesium die-cast housing the TH-600 delivers supreme audio reproduction. Special textured earpads and headband made of soft ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material offers a comfortable listening experience.
The TH-600 features Fostex’s renowned bio-dynamic 50mm diaphragm and powerful 1 Tesla magnetic circuit as well as the magnesium die-cast housing to deliver supreme audio reproduction. With unique bio-dynamic diaphragm the TH-600 offers rich lows, natural mid range and smooth highs.
Fostex TH600 headphones incorporate an innovative Piezo sheet inside the housing for dispersion of resonance as well as high damping treatment. Thin vacuum sputtered nickel electrodes produce extremely low current leakage and low magnetic permeability.
Earpads and headband of the TH600 are made of ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material with comfortable textured protein combination derived from egg, which is 60% lighter than genuine leather.
50mm driver units with 1 Tesla (1000 gauss) magnetic circuit
Superior audio reproduction with low distortion and wide dynamic range
Bio-dynamic diaphragm that offers rich lows, natural mid range and smooth highs
Light-weight and highly rigid magnesium die-cast used for the housing material
Piezo sheet inside the housing for dispersion of resonance as well as high damping treatment
Earpads and headband made of ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material
Sennheiser’s top of the range headphone-amplifier combination is as pleasing as expected. John had a closer look at the pairing and gave it a thorough listen – without further ado, enjoy our newest video review!
Sennheiser have created the HDVD800 to excel the current levels of audio quality for audiophile listening. As the perfect match for Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones, the HDVD800 delivers a balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive tonal spatiality with perfect conversion of digital to analogue signals.
The HDVD800 connects with all digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital to analogue converter that modifies audio signals with superior resolution. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs or USB. Further to the symmetrical inputs, the asymmetrical input socket of the HDVD800 is able to balance incoming signals before further processing takes place.
Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 is the cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.
This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.
The ultimate in audiophile sound.
Sennheiser have created the HDVD800 to excel the current levels of audio quality for audiophile listening. As the perfect match for Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones, the HDVD800 delivers a balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive tonal spatiality with perfect conversion of digital to analogue signals.
The HDVD800 connects with all digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital to analogue converter that modifies audio signals with superior resolution. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs or USB. Further to the symmetrical inputs, the asymmetrical input socket of the HDVD800 is able to balance incoming signals before further processing takes place.
Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 isthe cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.
This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.
The ultimate in audiophile sound.
– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/sennheiser-hdvd800-balanced-digital-studio-headphone-amplifier-dac.html#sthash.4FhsdgyQ.dpuf
Sennheiser have created the HDVD800 to excel the current levels of audio quality for audiophile listening. As the perfect match for Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones, the HDVD800 delivers a balanced sound image, maximum precision and impressive tonal spatiality with perfect conversion of digital to analogue signals.
The HDVD800 connects with all digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital to analogue converter that modifies audio signals with superior resolution. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs or USB. Further to the symmetrical inputs, the asymmetrical input socket of the HDVD800 is able to balance incoming signals before further processing takes place.
Both the housing and potentiometer control, as well as the rotary switch for source selection, are made of anodised aluminium, while the front panel and other controls are machined from solid metal. Visible through the glass panel of the HDVD800 isthe cooling element, the audio relay and countless resistors for the amplifier giving the user the feeling of being part of the amplification process.
This high-end amplifier fits in perfectly and delivers superior acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.
The ultimate in audiophile sound.
– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/sennheiser-hdvd800-balanced-digital-studio-headphone-amplifier-dac.html#sthash.4FhsdgyQ.dpuf
Now we’re all different of course, and so it follows that different sound signatures appeal also. I have noticed that high-end headphones tend to present more mid-range and high frequencies than I would like at the moment. I say ‘at the moment’ as my tastes have changed before and may well change again; both in a musical sense and a sound signature sense.
As it goes, these headphones suit me very well. I had the opportunity to try the HiFiMAN HE-400 against its bigger brothers, the HE-500 and the HE-6. For me, the higher priced headphones were a little too forward in the mid range and got in the way of that bottomless bass. This is a common a feature of planar magnetic headphones, and which makes me lament at the fact I can’t grab that bass and cuddle it like a warm puppy.
I understand that people might identify ‘bass presence’ with headphones which owe their success to marketing rather than a decent sound, but these headphones do not overly accentuate the bass. Nor is detail sacrificed. ‘Five years’, the opening track of David Bowie’s ‘Ziggy Stardust’ album starts with a kick drum fading in. I can clearly hear that drumskin quivering and for the first time, despite hearing the album many times.
That’s what’s so good about upgrading from sub-£200 headphones, my entire music collection gets upgraded as well!
And that’s just CDs. In the digital realm, my weak link is now a lack of a decent DAC. I have a reasonable Behringer USB sound card which is good but by no means high-end, plus a M-Audio PCI ‘audiophile’ card; but that’s 10 years old now.
Therefore I decided to try some vinyl with them and the sound is incredible. I found it fun to play a lot of 30 year old pop by way of some early ‘Now That’s’ LPs and various imitators such as ‘Out Now’. The fun is in the difference between the quality of that TV speaker, that little radio, or those cheapo headphones which were held together with sticky tape back in the 80s, and the tastier equipment I have now. Today, those familiar old songs can be heard for the first time as a collection of separate instruments and voices all in unison, rather than a single blunderbuss shot of sound within which you might pick up a distinct instrument if you’re looking for it hard enough, using sat-nav. And DNA profiling.
Indeed, the separation of instruments is a strong feature of planar-magnetic (or orthodynamic) headphones generally. I like to wander between instruments, and am really enjoying the feeling of space between them as well as their resolution which makes them all stand out.
The thing to be careful with is that there appears to be a ‘sweet spot’ as with loudspeakers. The earcups are large, and the placement of the ears within them can affect the sound. I like to place the earcups so that the backs of my ears are touching the padding, then ease the earcups backward until I feel I’m there.
The Hifiheadphones team is pleased to announce that the flagship in-ear model from Ultrasone, the IQ is now available to be purchased on our website.
Ultrasone’s IQ has a housing constructed using superior metal die casting, its unique ergonomics make it possible for the IQ to be worn comfortably for a extended listening periods. A dynamic 8mm driver, made with Ultrasone’s powerful Neodymium magnet, is responsible for the robust and precise bass playback. A micro driver (balanced armature) is controlled by a frequency separating filter, this is responsible for the reproduction of crystal-clear mid and high-tones. The outstanding isolation against background noise allows you to concentrate completely on the music.
Metal earphones with bi-directional hybrid driver technology
Superior strength metal die casting earpieces
Suited for many mobile phones and MP3 players
OMTP Adapter for smartphone use
Two high-quality detachable cables
Multimedia cable equipped with mic & remote
Five pairs of silicone eartips and two pairs of Comply Foam Tips
Includes flight adapter and luxury leather transport case
The looks of the Momentum are very engaging, handsome with beautiful quality leather pads and headband. The design looks modern enough but has classic elements too – Sennheiser have been very successful in creating a desirable object. They feel very comfortable, due to the very best quality leather being used, but stay put well considering clamping force is minimal.
Included peripherals
Included in the momentum box is a headphone cable with smart controls, a second standard headphone cable, an attractive hard carrying case and 6.35mm jack adapter.
Application
Not only great for wearing in the home using with your Hifi set up, the computer or with the TV but they are also small enough to make a great commuting or travel headphone. They come with a protective carry case which also has space for other portable audio equipment. Compact headphones you would want to take everywhere!
Describe the sound
So are the Momentums all looks and expensive leather? The short answer is no. Sennheiser have worked just as hard on the sound as well as the looks and come up with a comfortable yet fun sound which is on the right side of relaxed. Plenty of detail and instrument separation in the sound but they never step into fatiguing territory, soundstage is short but imaging impressive for the size of the cups. This sound fits very well with the target group of commuters and business travellers who will use them. It’s certainly not boring, tons of bottom end is there when needed, bass drums have a satisfying thump without ever kicking you in the eardrum. Altogether the sound is warm and smooth without becoming sluggish – a hard balance to find!
Verdict – With the largest and most advanced drivers of any headphone on the market, together with cutting edge design, the HD800 set new standards in high-fidelity listening.
Pro’s – Great build quality, reasonably lightweight and very comfortable fit.
Con’s – Looks and size may not suit everyone.
In-Depth Review
Introduction – The HD800 sits at the pinnacle of Sennheiser’s headphone product line. Part of the Club Orpheus range of high end listening devices, they are available through a very select set of dealers. This is due to the extra aftercare services provided (a 10 year warranty!) and that Sennheiser would prefer for customers to have the opportunity to try their flagship before they buy. These serious headphones will require an equally serious dedicated amp to get find everything they are capable of.
Description – The looks of the HD800 are surely Metropolis inspired, handsome in a future retro way. When picked up the unit feels beautifully constructed – this makes the lack of design subtlety more endearing as you can easily believe their shape is integral to the success of final object. They feel very comfortable, whilst staying put when turning your head the clamping force exerted is minimal.
Application – The HD800 has one job, to get you excited about all your favorite recordings from the most comfortable chair in your living room. You might want to kick everyone else out though as they are open backed and will allow sound to leak in.
Describe the sound – This is where they should and do really impress, vocals feel very real and the handling of bottom end is impressive, punchy with no feeling of sluggishness. Cooler than the usual Sennheiser house sound, detail is very evident without becoming too introspective. Instrument separation is coherent with good width to the stereo image, the angled drivers must help with the perception that the audio is definitely in front of you. Although some may find the soundstage a little in your face with some recordings, many will think that Sennheiser have nailed the spacial presentation here. With a quick and rhythmic feel which works great for stringed instruments, percussion stopping quick passages from becoming confused whilst retaining for more gentle and drifting pieces. The HD800’s seem to do well with most genres, aggressive when needed and capable of subtle sweetness, a well rounded and extremely accomplished offering.
The Hifiheadphones team is pleased to announce that the flagship in-ear model from Sennheiser, the IE800 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Dynamic linear-phase driver with extremely wide bandwidth (XWB)
Very low overall harmonic distortion
Oval-shaped eartips for maximum comfort
Two protective meshes protect against contamination
Attenuated dual-chamber absorber (D2CA)
Extremely deep, distortion-free bass
Ceramic housing, stainless steel vents and Kevlar coated cable
Brimming with ground-breaking technologies the IE800 embodies the most innovative portable music solution Sennheiser has ever created. A welcome addition to Sennheiser’s popular audiophile range, the IE800 meets the demands of portable audio with perfect sound and comfort.
Verdict – Would you like audiophile sound with the benefit of cable free usage? Look no further, the RS220 will satisfy all your listening needs.
Pro’s – This is the best and most fully featured wireless headphone on the market at present. Digital and analogue inputs and outputs make this unit very easy to integrate into an existing set up. Not only are the Sennheiser RS220 very serious sonically but they are also well made and extremely well thought out, the controls on the cups work well and the whole unit has a luxury feel.
Cons – This is also the most expensive wireless headphone on the market. As Sennheiser themselves have the excellent RS170/180 models some people may not need to stretch themselves this far.
Introduction – Sennheiser are probably the best known name in headphones, the RS220 is part of a big refresh of their higher end models. Not only is this the top Sennheiser wireless headphone but almost certainly the best and most fully featured wireless headphone anyone has made to date. Because of the available features and sound quality it is bound to become the wireless headphone of choice for custom installers all over the world. Rather than the Kleer technology used in previous Sennheiser digital wireless systems, the RS 220 uses DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum). The difference is that DSSS transmits using an uncompressed audio signal over 2.4 GHz.
Description – Features include an onboard DAC with both optical and Coax input and output as well as analogue (RCA) input and output. All functions including source, volume, left and right balance and On/Off can be controlled from the headphone. The design looks great and should be acceptable in the most grand of living rooms
Included peripherals – Sennheiser RS220 comes with the wireless headphone unit, transmitter/DAC/charging unit, 6ft RCA cable, RCA to 3.5mm adaptor, Coaxial cable, CD and physical instruction manual.
Application – For currently available wireless headphones these really are as good as it gets. There is no way to use these in any portable sense although the range is good for wondering around the house, perfect for avoiding cabling on the living room or bedroom floor.
Describe the sound – As the Sennheiser RS220 is a wireless headphone it is not really fair to compare the sound to a similarly priced cabled headphone, the technology that comes in the transmitter obviously makes up a large portion of the manufacturing costs. Putting this to one side the sound quality is really impressive, plenty of well behaved bottom end that never becomes overbearing. From the mids up they are very clear, the EQ seems sensibly placed to work for a whole host of music or indeed watching HD films. Very clean sound which avoids any harshness, quick and defined. Definitely the most detailed wireless headphones we have heard, the sound stage is wide which helps live recordings feel natural and realistic.
Comparisons – If you want to go down in price from here look at the RS170/180 although they lack the internal DAC features.
The new Beyerdynamic Flagship model, the Tesla T1, is now available in the UK. We have been lucky enough to borrow Beyer’s Demo pair and it was love at first listen.
Delivered in it’s aluminium flight case the Beyerdynamic T1 is hand crafted in Germany and it shows – they have a solid industrial beauty that exudes high end build quality. The coils are hand wound as a machine is not capable of the necessary dexterity to achieve Beyer’s exacting standards.
Behind the detailed mesh grilles on the beautifully finished aluminium and plastic earcups, the drivers are fitted to the front angled back towards the ear. The diaphragms are made of two-ply foil, which features low moving mass and good inherent self-damping. The Beyerdynamic T1‘s skill is a very low-mass diaphragm in a very dense magnetic field of 1.2 Tesla. The result is a crisp, fast and transparent sound with low distortion (quoted at 0.05 per cent).
These completely redesigned transducers achieve values of over one Tesla (a unit of measurement for magnetic flux density). The increased efficiency also leaves the T1 with greater power reserves for dynamic, undistorted sound and nearly lossless conversion of electric signals into sound waves. The extremely lightweight 600 Ohm voice coil provides transparency and perfect impulse fidelity.
Beyerdynamic A1 Amplifier
The perfect partner to the T1, with its unique intelligent-circuit concept the Beyerdynamic A1 is capable of reproducing an amazingly wide frequency range which stretches way above human perception. Underneath the large front-panel-mounted aluminium volume control is a high grade ALPS-potentiometer for smooth volume adjustment. This is just part of the attention to detail that ranges from the outer unit construction to its quality integral components – use of a generously-dimensioned toroidal core transformer, plus a combination of carefully selected components allows even the highest-impedance headphones to be driven flawlessly over the entire frequency range.
Our Impressions
We felt the sound was fluid and natural, there is a fast sense of detail that is crisp and precise without being fatiguing. The headphones themselves are surprisingly light and in typical Beyer style really comfy. The Beyerdynamic T1‘s give a lush wide soundstage with excellent instrument separation drawing you into the recording, the stereo image being nothing short of 3D. The focus here is in the highly detailed treble and midrange but the bass is warm, deep and well pronounced giving the overall sound superb transparency, weight and authority. Joining the big boys, the T1 must be auditioned alongside Grado’s GS1000 and Denon D7000 before you make your ultimate headphone purchase.
