Tag Archives: balanced armature

Oriveti OV800 – Product Release

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The Oriveti OV800 brings the incredible sound of O800 but adds switches to allow users to tailor the sound to their liking.

The OV800 are handmade, this means there is a high level of attention to detail and each set are a masterpiece. The driver setup consists of 2x BA woofers, 4x BA midrange drivers and 2x BA tweeters. The woofers are from Knowles while the mid and high BA drivers have been produced in-house to Oriveti’s desired specifications. This is impressive, and has allowed Oriveti to really tune the sound of the OV800 to their specification.

The OV800 come with all-new stained wood faceplates, these look incredible in person and are sure to stand out in your collection. The new 8-wire SPC cable is supple and comfortable in use and elevates the sound too. The port on the earphones alleviates listening fatigue along with improving the soundstage, with out impacting the excellent isolation these provide.

The sound is tuned to be smooth and resolving, much like the O800, but this time Oriveti have incorporated tuning switches. These allow you to add a little more sub-bass presence for a warmer sound, or a little added treble brightness for increased presence and clarity. You can also turn both of these on for a slightly more v-shaped sound signature – so you can choose what you personally prefer.

You’ll be able to own a pair very soon: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/oriveti-ov800-eight-drivers-balanced-armature-iem-earphones-with-sound-mode-switch-and-detachable-cable?

Etymotic EVO unboxed live by Super*Review on Youtube -including Frequency Response comparision to EX4-XR

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It’s been 5 years since Etymotic released its flagship model, The ER4-XR. Their latest model, the EVO, is the company’s first multi-driver earphone and quite clearly the next “evolution” in their sound design. Etymotic proudly claims that the EVO is the culmination of 30 years of earphone engineering and research technology. Brian from Super*Review gets his hands on a set to find out more…

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.

Etymotic Evo Triple BA Driver Earphone Review

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Etymotics first venture into the wonderful world of multiple BA driver earphones, and boy have they done it right.

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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.

Conclusion

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.

Oriveti O800 8-Driver Earphone Review

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Packing in 8-BA drivers per side the O800 are set to take on the big brands; Oriveti have done an excellent job at tuning these for a natural and coherent sound that is packed full of detail.

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Fit and Comfort

The O800 have a smooth resin shell with a metal nozzle for the eartips, the housing is on the larger size which is to be expected, but they fit very well in the ear once you find the right size of tips for your canals. In my small ears they don’t sit all that flush and stick out a little, but most people with normal size ears won’t have this problem. They are comfortable once inserted though, and the housings are not heavy so they sit securely too. The cable is the same as the OH series and features pre-moulded earhooks which I find to be very comfortable in use. Overall they are comfortable and fit securely for long listening sessions.

Compatibility

With an impedance of 15? and a sensitivity of 110dB (+-3dB/mW) @1000Hz they are quite sensitive and will be a little picky with sources. They will pick up hiss from noisier devices, and being an all BA design it would be best to pair them with a dedicated DAP with lower than 1? output impedance. Whilst easy to drive, they are sensitive so careful pairing is best with the O800.

Sound

Bass: The O800 have excellent bass response, it’s not your typical fast and dry response like many of the lower end BA based models. There is real depth and body down low when needed, they extend down to the sub-bass without any real noticeable roll-off but do have slightly more mid-bass punch than sub-bass rumble. And whilst there is plenty of body to the low end, it is always controlled and never bleeds into the midrange or dominates the sound. Kick drums have impact and body, bass guitars have great articulation and they have the speed to keep up with even the most complex of tracks.

Midrange: The midrange is well presented and ever so slightly forward, there is great layering which allows you to pick apart the recording with ease. Whilst there isn’t any major colouration, there is a slight hint of warmth to the midrange that keeps things from sounding sterile and cold. The O800 have a slightly rounded and organic tone to them which helps them sound real and natural. The detail retrieval is superb, you can hear every breath, every little detail and nuance. The upper midrange is handled well too, without sibilance or harshness.

Treble: Whilst there is loads of sparkle and extension up top, it is always delivered in a smooth and enjoyable way. It is expertly rendered with subtlety and refinement whilst not being pushed to the background. The treble is never pushed forwards in the mix, and there is plenty of detail in the treble. The tonality once again is spot on too, never do they sound metallic or artificial. I really appreciate this presentation, they don’t push the treble forward to create a sense of artificial detail, instead they actually have the detail should you listen for it.

Genres and Soundstaging

The O800 having a natural and coherent sound signature lend their hand to pretty much anything you throw at them, they are controlled and can handle complex mixes yet also have enough body for modern pop. However they are quite revealing and do sound better with tracks that are mastered well, yet they don’t render poorly recorded music unlistenable at the same time. The O800 are a great all-rounder.

Soundstaging is good, there is a real depth to the sound and the superb layering definitely helps here. Whilst they are not the widest sounding earphones out there, they do have superb coherency and don’t sound detached.

Conclusion

The O800 are one of the best earphones I’ve heard lately, they have an effortlessly smooth and coherent sound with the midrange being ever so slightly forward. They are not a studio neutral sound, yet they have a great balance overall that makes them highly enjoyable to listen to. They sound convincing and are not lacking in an area, they are also comfortable and very well built, and a real gem under the £1000 price point.

Final B1 Hybrid Earphone Review

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Final B1

 

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The new B range from Final all share the same shape, but with different finishes. The B1 is rose gold with the signature angular outer and smooth inner shell design. I really like the look of the B1, but they are a fingerprint magnet. Also, I do know that rose gold is not everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to colour but I think it looks pretty classy on these.

The build quality really is superb, the B1 are perfectly finished without a single blemish or flaw. The cable is silver plated and uses regular MMCX connectors, it has great strain relief and feels built to last. The housing is metal, but I do fear the shiny rose gold finish will scratch over time.

Comfort and Isolation:

The inner edges of the B1 are smooth and this makes them extremely comfortable to wear. The angle of the nozzle, matched with the angle of the cable, make these of one the most comfortable IEM’s I have tried. I can’t see anyone having issues with the fit of these.

Isolation is really good; they block out more than enough outside noise for general daily use and commuting. Whilst they don’t quite reach fully sealed BA driver levels of isolation, they have more than enough for daily use.

Sound:

Bass: The dynamic driver of the B1 handles the low frequencies, and does a really good job of filling out the sound yet retaining the speed and control to blend well with the faster BA drivers. The bass is tight yet full when needed, it punches with authority yet when slowed down it has great tonality for acoustic and jazz tracks. Articulate and well layered, the low end injects a sense of energy without becoming over the top. These won’t really suit those looking for a bass heavy sound, but they have enough to suit most people’s needs.

 

Midrange: The midrange is clean with great detail, they have more clarity when compared to the B3, but in presence it is still slightly behind the lows and highs. The lower midrange has a slight dip but it isn’t masked by the bass, and the upper midrange is a little forward which can bring out some sibilance in certain recordings. Despite all of this, the midrange is very open and detailed, with great separation and imaging. Even though the lower midrange is every so slightly dipped, the sound doesn’t come across as V or U-shaped.

 

Treble: The upper midrange forwardness also trails into the lower treble and brings out a lot of energy in the initial crash of cymbals. This is backed up with great extension, but this added energy could be a little too much for more treble sensitive listeners. They have plenty of bite up top which leads to an exciting listen, not one for those who prefer a smoother, more laid-back sound signature. The B1 is packed full of energy, the treble never gets lost in the mix and has great accuracy when it comes to placement within the soundstage and tonality.

 

The soundstaging is good, but I find the B3 to create a more convincing sense of width whereas the B1 does better in terms of height. Coherency is excellent and the imaging is very accurate.

Conclusion:

The B1 are not for the faint hearted, they have an energetic and impactful sound signature that requires your attention. They have heaps of detail, excellent separation and speed along with great comfort. Be sure to give these a listen, as they are incredibly well tuned for a triple driver earphone.

 

Sound: 4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 4/5

Final B3 Dual BA Earphone Review

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Final B3

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The B3 have a really interesting aesthetic, with sharp geometrics on the outside, yet rounded and smooth inner lines for comfort. Their matte silver finish looks great with the gold screws and chrome connector barrels. They have a very unique styling, and one that will stand out in the crowd, yet the colour scheme is fairly low key on the B3 (unlike the B1 which we will cover at a later date).

Build quality is superb, Final know how to make a solid IEM and the B3 are no different, although they are going a step further with the new models by including a detachable MMCX connector cable. The cable is silver-plated copper with excellent strain relief, along with great ergonomics and a shiny finish. Everything about the B3 feels solid and well built, I can’t find a fault with the build.

Comfort and Isolation:

The B3’s inner edges are curved and they fit like a glove in my ears, I personally have awkward ear canals and the B3 are one of the best fitting universal models I’ve ever tried. I can imagine that most users will find them to fit snugly with excellent comfort. The fact they don’t have stiff memory wire really helps too, as the cable effortlessly fits over your ear.

Isolation is good, not top levels due to these having a vent (even though they use BA drivers). They block out enough outside noise for general daily use and commuting duties.

Sound:

Bass: The B3 use 2 balanced armature drivers, this is something a bit different as Final used to only use single drivers. The B3 are somewhat of a fuller sounding BA driver earphone, with great depth and extension down low. The lows have excellent texture to them, they don’t have the sheer slam of some dynamic based models but they have great control and fullness that make them a pleasure to listen to. In terms of balance the lows are quite linear with no specific focus on mid or sub-bass, having good punch that is backed up with rumble and body. The low end is slightly thick, yet well controlled and punchy.

 

Midrange: The B3 have a mild U-shaped sound signature, but vocals have a way of being very well separated within the soundstage. They don’t jump out at you; however, they have great clarity and refinement. Tonality is excellent here, the lower midrange has enough body to sound realistic, yet the upper midrange has a slight lift to bring out a little air without becoming shouty or grating. Overall the midrange has a good level of accuracy, if not ever so slightly behind the lows and highs in absolute presence.

 

Treble: The treble is nice and detailed with great air and extension, the transition from the upper midrange to the treble is smooth and sibilance free. There is a slight boost in the lower treble which brings out a little extra energy however the overall presentation isn’t bright. It’s the air and extension that is most impressive up top, along with the fact they they have accurate tonality in the treble.

 

The soundstaging is really impressive, throwing out a wide soundstage with excellent separation and accurate imaging. The B3 really do excel when it comes to presenting a wide and accurate soundstage, never sounding congested or too up front.

Conclusion:

The B3 are one of those IEM’s that shows driver count is not as important as how you tune the sound. With only 2 drivers, the B3 has excellent top to bottom extension, a wide soundstage, coherency and transparency with a little added energy. They are a great all-rounder with a fairly well-balanced sound and an easy to listen sound that is engaging yet surprisingly accurate.

 

Sound:  4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 4/5

EarSonics S-EM6 Six Driver Universal In-Ear Monitor Earphones – Announcement

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The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new In-Ear Monitor Earphones from EarSonics, the S-EM6 is now available to be purchased on our website.

EarSonics surpasses the norm with the S-EM6, the first universal IEM to carry six balanced armature drivers in it’s heart. Offering the sound quality and finish of a flagship custom in-ear monitor, the S-EM6 marks a breakthrough in the world of universal monitor earphones.

Based on EarSonics acclaimed EM6 technology, the S-EM6 achieves audio quality never reached before with universal IEM earphones. Two dedicated balanced armature drivers each for low, mid and high frequencies with a 3-way crossover configuration combine to produce true to original sound recording.

With in-ear design and biflange silicone eartips the S-EM6 achieves high levels of noise attenuation keeping the listening experience private. Earpieces designed to sit securely in the ear when on stage or on the move ensures that the S-EM6 stays in place.

Features

  • Cutting-edge sextuple driver universal IEM earphones
  • Six dedicated balanced armature drivers with 3-way crossover
  • Superior bass definition, detailed mids and clear highs
  • Isolating design achieves high levels of noise attenuation
  • Four pairs of biflange silicone eartips
  • Detachable twisted cable design
  • Formable cable section offers secure fit
  • Two storage cases, cleaning tool and wipes included
  • Designed in France – Made in France

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy EarSonics S-EM6 Six Driver Universal In-Ear Monitor Earphones

Shure SE846 Quad Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitor Earphones – Announcement

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The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Quad Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitor Earphone from Shure, the SE846 is now available to be purchased on our website.

Shure’s SE846 represents the pinnacle of personal monitor technology. Equipped with four dedicated high-definition balanced armature drivers and innovative low-pass filter the SE846 offers unparalleled True Subwoofer bass performance whilst retaining harmonious sound across the entire frequency range.

Shure have configured the SE846 in a three way system with dedicated drivers for bass, midrange and trebles to ensure an even distribution of sound. Advanced low-pass filters enable unequalled True Subwoofer low-end without distortion. User replaceable audio filters offer fine-tuning of the frequency response for a more balanced, warmer or brighter sound stage, making the SE846 a versatile music machine.

To ensure a comfortable listening experience with high sound isolation the SE846 have been ergonomically designed to prevent external noise from tainting the sound. As every ear is different Shure has included a broad array of eartips in different variations to ensures the perfect seal in any ear canal.

With customisable sound, replaceable cables and a wide selection of accessories the Shure SE846 universal monitors are sure to enthral music enthusiasts.

Features

  • Quad High-Definition Balanced Armature MicroDrivers with True Subwoofer
  • Extended high-end clarity and unparalleled low-end performance
  • Removable frequency filters allow adjusting of sound signature
  • Sound isolating sleeves block ambient noise
  • Robust, ergonomic housing with sweat-resistant construction
  • Secure over-the-ear cable configuration
  • Rugged Kevlar reinforced detachable cable
  • MMCX connector with lock-snap mechanism
  • Formable wire ensures secure placement
  • Wide variety of accessories

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Shure SE846 Quad Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitor Earphones

Final Audio Design FI-BA-SS Earphones – Video Review

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Final Audio Design FI-BA-SS Earphones

Watch our video review of the incredible Final Audio Design FI-BA-SS earphones.  With a price tag of over £1000 it is easy to be sceptical about the FI-BA-SS from Final Audio, but this is more than your average earphone. See for yourself in the following review:

Crafted by hand from stainless steel and with a truly innovative approach to the controlling the movement of air in the earphone, it is obvious how much care and attention has gone into developing this earphone.

Press Reviews

HiFi+ Magazine Appraises Final Audio Design FI-BA-SS

“A truly impressive degree of you-are-there clarity, plus an uncanny quality of effortless, top-to-bottom coherency.”