Tag Archives: best

Best of the Best – True Wireless

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Thanks to Sony, Bose and Apple, the thought of spending close to £300 on true wireless earphones is far from unheard of. Thank you! What does this mean? Well, this now opens the gates for smaller, hi-fi and audiophile focused brands to release their take on true wireless without having to cut corners. Now we can see brands that have historically released high-end speakers, headphones and IEMs apply their years of hi-fi experience into the popular world of TWS.

It may seem like these brands have come out of nowhere, and apart from those who have previous experience of high-end audio; in some ways they have. This is very much not the case though.

Who are these brands then?

Final

Final is one of those brands. What most people do not know is that Final has been creating some of the finest audio products since 1974. In their home of Japan, Final is regarded as hi-fi royalty. Over their long history, Final has developed a wide range of products from turntable cartridges, hi-fi stereo amplifiers, speakers and more recently, headphones and earphones. Their latest venture is wireless audio, where they have had huge success releasing the UX3000 wireless headphones, ZE3000 true wireless earphones and most recently, their flagship ZE8000 ANC true wireless earphones.

Final ZE8000 ANC True Wireless Earphones

Final’s flagship true wireless earphones are their most advanced release to date. Almost 50 years of hi-fi experience has been packaged into this portable gem. The ZE8000 gives us an insight into the passion and drive towards excellence that is at the core of why Final do what they do. For the ZE8000, Final has developed a number of new technologies from custom made drivers, Class-AB amp integration with dedicated signal processing and software breakthroughs such as 8K Sound, Volume Step Optimisation and sound quality prioritised ANC. The ZE8000 is the closest you can get to wired IEM sound quality from an ANC true wireless earphone.

Read our full Final ZE8000 review
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Campfire Audio

Another ‘new’ brand on the scene is Campfire Audio. They are new when it comes to the world of true wireless, however they have been making some of the finest, and highly regarded IEMs since 2015. Even before 2015, the team behind this creative boutique brand came out of ALO Audio; leaders in developing headphone amplifiers, interconnects, and cables to audiophiles all over the world. Their history and experience, paired with a passion for art and bombastic creativity has resulted in some of the most stand-out IEMs the audio world has seen. Legends such as the Andromeda and Solaris are still regarded as some of the best, and now it is time for Campfire Audio to do the same to the world of wireless with their first ever true wireless earphone: Orbit.

Campfire Audio Orbit True Wireless Earphones

Staying true to their eye for striking design and love of sound quality that aims to please, Campfire Audio’s Orbit perfectly encapsulates these values. This is no ordinary audiophile product; the tuning of the Orbit aims to please all music lovers with a rich and luscious sound. The Portland, Oregon team developed a custom 10mm full range dynamic driver to sit at the heart of the Orbit, with the internal chamber designed to bring out every ounce of detail. This along with the unique design and colour choice means that the Orbit is well suited to those who appreciate style, originality, and creativity for an enhanced musical experience.

Read our full Campfire Audio Orbit review
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Noble

Last up is Noble. For 10 years now, Noble has been creating some of the most beautiful and technically marvellous IEMs money can buy. Headed up by the ‘Wizard’ himself, John Moulton, who is one of the main players when it comes to the IEM industry we know today. Noble specialise in both custom-fit IEMs as well as universal-fit, using only the finest materials and managing to effortlessly pack multiple driver configurations into their models. Only magic can explain this. Noble first released a TWS model in 2019, gaining high praise and multiple awards. Now we have the latest, and most impressive true wireless earphone model: FoKus Mystique.

Noble FoKus Mystique Triple Hybrid-Driver True Wireless Earphones

Once you get over the stunning craftsmanship of the FoKus Mystique, there are plenty of other ways for you to be well and truly stunned. Firstly, Noble has packed one 8.2mm dynamic and two Knowles balanced armature drivers inside each earphone. This hybrid configuration not only uses the finest driver technology, the result is sound quality that most wired IEMs would struggle to compete with. The design is very unique, resembling a custom IEM with the shape and contours crafted to fit perfectly in your ear. The Noble FoKus Mystique is for those wanting the very best, and the most beautiful when it comes to what is possible in wireless audio. You will have to pay for it, however those who are willing to will not be disappointed.

Noble FoKus Mystique review coming soon
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Best Earphones To Buy In 2017 – Expert Reviews

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Best In-Ear Headphones For 2017

Looking for a new pair of in-ear headphones?  We’ve collected the best earphones and earbuds available in 2017 and reviewed them to help you choose.

Shop: Visit our in-ear earphones store

Read More: Best Full Size Headphone Buying Guide

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £50

Edifier P281 Sport

Sleek sporty look with a perfect fit, the P281 Sport are some new budget kings on the block. Coming in at £24.99 they are a huge step up to any headphones that come with a phone.

Offering a well balanced sound with good kick down low, they offer an engaging and fun listening experience when out and about, yet still allow plenty of detail to be heard. From top to bottom there are not real peaks or dips, they have a smooth and easy to listen to sound. What is also great is the inclusion of a microphone and button for taking calls or skipping tracks.

SoundMAGIC E10C

What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £50? The E10C has the same superb build quality and sound signature as the E10 but with the added function of a universal smartphone in-line microphone – need we say more?

The E10C has tight bass with plenty of weight – the mids are well defined and the top end sparkles. These earphones are perfect for listening on the go as the sound is fun and they will sound great with whatever you throw at them.
If you have £40 to spend on some new earphones then go for the SoundMAGIC E10 – if you need an in-line microphone then go for the E10C. Easy.

MEE Audio M6 Pro

If you are looking for a more detailed and neutral sound than the E10C, take a look at the MEE Audio M6 Pro. With it’s monitor like sound and styling, detachable cable and great looks, it is a steal for under £50.

Well the M6 Pro with Blackbird S20 foam tips may have become a new favourite for under £50. These really managed to have everything and sound very engaging, the highs do not disappoint with their presence and tone, the midrange is slightly up front and the mid bass has a mild boost, as a stage monitor I can see these being good and the sound would be easily tuneable with EQ.

For under £50 you won’t find this level of detail, clarity or separation from another in-ear headphone. Add to that brilliant build quality and you have a winner.

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £150

Oriveti Basic

Looking for a more bass oriented in-ear headphone with an upfront and engaging sound, yet without losing out on the finer details and comfort, you need the Oriveti Basic.

A 10mm titanium coated driver supplies an impressive amount of bass. Now I am not much of a bass head but after listening to these for a while I found myself really enjoying them.

They’re not audiophile and they won’t give you a reference sound but if you like your earphones to be fun and enjoyable with plenty of punch then these could be for you. The isolation and comfort is also really impressive and along with replaceable cables they are a great buy!

Oriveti are new on the scene and they certainly know how to make an entrance. The new Oriveti Basic earphone packs a punch and gives you plenty of features for its modest price tag.

READ MORE: Oriveti Basic Full Review

Westone UM Pro10

Looking for a in-ear headphone with quick snappy transients, whilst retaining a well balanced sound signature? Take a look at the New Westone UM Pro10, revised in 2017 to be even better and more comfortable.

Predictably, the balanced armature makes short work of replicating higher frequencies accurately, but the real interest is at the low end where single BA IEMs are concerned. Provided a decent seal can be achieved, the bass is in good balance with the rest of the presentation, although bassheads will be wanting more.

If you fancy the idea of a single balanced armature earphone, but don’t fancy the protruding capsules of the Etymotic designs then the UM Pro 10 is worth a close look. Sometimes the best designs are the simplest and I really think there is something to be said for single-driver IEMs. Makers may be able to tune the sound signature a little more with multiple drivers, but this risks muddying the sound with possible phase/imaging issues as the audio from these different drivers reaches our ears at different times.

In short – choose the simple life and get the UM Pro 10!

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £300

Oriveti New Primacy

One of our best sellers, the New Primacy has a well balanced sound signature with class leading separation and clarity.

The Oriveti New Primacy has a bit of a mid forward sound signature, with excellent clarity and air throughout the range, the bass digs deep and is very articulate, the mids have a habit of bringing out all the detail in recordings but not in an unpleasant way. The highs are airy and well extended, without fatiguing properties, overall a very comfortable and enjoyable listen. The New primacy manages to be a very coherent sounding hybrid design, with a very well textured and layered sound.

READ MORE: Oriveti New Primacy Full Review

Best In-Ear Headphones Under £600

Dunu DK-3001

Our top pick for under £500 is the Dunu DK-3001, with impressive technical capabilities that are really enjoyable to listen to as well. Punchy and clear sound with a wide soundstage, these are truly excellent.

The Dunu DK-3001 is a very well done hybrid IEM, the bass is dynamic and punchy, with excellent and realistic body. The midrange is well layered and very detailed, with a hint of smoothness to it. The highs are always present, yet not fatiguing. These work well with all genres, the bass is fun and energetic in EDM, and rock comes across with detail and layering. Jazz has a very natural tone, and they just take all genres in their stride, however their ability to control heavy metal is truly impressive.

READ MORE: Dunu DK-3001 Full Review

Audeze iSINE 20

If you don’t mind the open back design, the Audeze iSine20 will offer a listening experience more like a full size headphone than an in-ear model.

Offering an open sound with excellent punch the iSine20 offers a relaxing listening experience with slightly polite treble. Keeping in tone with their house sound the iSine20 offers good bass quantity with non-fatiguing treble and a natural tone. This is a very unique IEM that is well worth looking into if you want a more traditional headphone sound. The sound is slightly v-shaped; it’s a warmish, ‘fun’ tuning yet still retains excellent detail retrieval.

Best In-Ear Headphones Price No Object

Westone W80

The W80 are an incredible performer, with a very detailed, spacious yet smooth sound plus an added Alo Audio cable you are sure to be impressed. Fitting 8 BA drivers into this tiny housing is no easy task, yet Westone have done it without sacrificing anything at all.

Some of the most comfortable IEM’s available; the Westone W80 is a pleasure to use for long periods of time, especially with their non fatiguing sound. The bass has body and impact adding a little warmth to the overall sound, the midrange is smooth and non fatiguing, yet the finer details still shine thought. The treble is slightly relaxed but still retains a certain level of sparkle and extension; they are not analytical but still extract the finer details with ease. A very well balanced IEM, that is comfortable and easy to listen to.

Final FI-BA-SST35

The FI-BA-SST35 is one for the detail lovers, being very unforgiving of the source material you will want to listen to well recorded music to get the most out of these.

Final are kings at squeezing the most out of one single BA driver, and the FI-BA-SST35 is no different. Using their proprietary BAM design they move more air, and dig deeper than most conventional single BA driver designs. The bass is always well controlled but offers good impact and articulation without becoming overwhelming or adding much body to the overall sound. The midrange changes depending on the track you are listening to, yet is always very detailed and very transparent. The treble is not fatiguing yet offers incredible insight into the recording, again play well recorded tracks and you will be rewarded with great sound. The soundstage and separation are both excellent, and the timbre is very good for a single BA driver.