BEST AUDIOPHILE WIRELESS HEADPHONES

Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Finals flagship TWS earphone combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. All the bells and whistles are there, a great overall package.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR GAMING

Audeze Maxwell Playstation/Xbox Wireless Gaming Headphones – £319.00/£349.00

The Audeze Maxwell is quite literally a masterpiece. After years of relentless innovation building first class gaming headsets, Audeze has finally released the successor to the Penrose, The Maxwell. This is a serious piece of kit for serious gamers (and us casuals too!). An upgrade to the Penrose in every conceivable way, the Maxwells sound quality, wireless performance & battery life (80 Hours!!!) have all been pushed to the limits of possibility. After 1.5 years being on the market it is still easily sthe best wireless gaming headset out there today.

What Our Customers Say:

I loved my Penrose headset and have had the Maxwell for just over a week. It is an upgrade in every single way. I am so happy I pre-ordered it back in December and it really does live up to the hype. The new chassis is really sturdy and has a premium feel to it. The sound is even better than the Penrose, no issue whatsoever with the wireless connections. I am so chuffed and will be using this for years to come. Great job Audeze

Josh Adams 5* Review www.Hifiheadphones.co.uk

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR BATTERY LIFE & ANC

1More SonoFlow HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

BEST TWS FOR AUDIOBOOKS AND TV

final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – £70.00

Final Audio have collaborated with Dragonball Z to produce 3 iconic and unique models based on main characters. The Frieza model is specifically designed for ASMR content. But it is also perfect for watching movies, animations and videos In general. Absolutely one to consider, if you use your earphones more for Audiobooks/ Movies over music (although they are great at that too!). They are also really small and light, so perfect for those with smaller ears or those who find it difficult to find a pair of buds that are comfortable. Read our review here: final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – Review

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS HEADPHONES

1MORE SonoFlow SE HQ30 Portable Wireless Headphones – £55.00

The SonoFlow SE HQ30 offers powerful ANC, exceptional call quality, and a staggering battery life that outlasts pricier models like Bose. For its price, it delivers unbeatable value with premium features where it counts.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR SPORT / RUNNING

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones- £229

Following the runaway success of Cleer Audio‘s open ear Arc earphones, the Cleer Arc 3 has taken the concept of an open wireless earphone to a whole new level. The Cleer ARC 3 surpasses the ARC II with cutting-edge enhancements in sound quality, including Dolby Atmos and head tracking technology, delivering immersive 360-degree surround sound. Under the hood is an advanced Qualcomm S5 platform, upgraded dynamic drivers, and a refined bass technology that redfines open-ear audio standards. Enhanced AI features like two-way noise reduction, adaptive sound balancing, and voice control bring a more intelligent earphone and allows for a seamless experience in terms of usability, especially while on a run. The redesigned, stretchable ear hook allows for a better, customized fit and the charging case has had a complete overhaul.

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS EARPHONES FOR SOUND QUALITY

1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table—something usually only found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

BEST TWS FOR USING AS A SLEEP AID

1MORE SleepBuds Z30 – £89.99

The 1MORE Sleepbuds Z30 are designed specifically for restful sleep, with their feather-light 2.7g build and compact size making them perfect for side sleepers. Their snug fit ensures comfort throughout the night without causing discomfort, even when lying on your side.

BEST TWS FOR BRAND MERCH

Final x Ultra Seven ZE3000 Ultra Guard TWS – £139.00

Final Audio’s Ultra Seven inspired earphones look and sound the part! They are essentially a re-skinned ZE3000 with a motif of Ultra guard from Ultra Seven. Part of the Ultraman umbrella, this series was first released as a live action television series in 1967! As you can see, the earphone body, charging case, and packaging of these earbuds are designed in the image of the uniform and helmet of the Ultra Guard paying homage and celebrating the 55th anniversary of Ultra Seven. A perfect piece of kit if you are into Japanese culture and want to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

BONUS ROUND – BEST WIRELESS SPEAKER FOR YOUR DESKTOP

GravaStar Mars Pro V2 Bluetooth Speaker– £199.00-£280.00

Not technically a headphone but this is one for those who love Sci-fi. The Mars Pro V2 is a Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair two together to create surround sound!

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

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Fit and Comfort 9/10

The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 have quite a different design to previous Lypertek models. They have a rounded body and a stem which greatly improves ANC effectiveness along with mic placement for calls. This design also works really well in terms of fit. Even for smaller ears they are easy to put in and get a solid, secure fit for everyday use.

These are really comfortable & super easy to wear for long listening sessions

Comfort wise, once you find the right eartips (and there are plenty included to choose from) they are easy to wear for long listening sessions. This is not only due to the smooth housings but the light weight of the earpieces as well. There are no issues wearing these for a few hours at a time. The Z5 is also an optionl for light sports use due to their comfy and secure fit.

ANC 9/10

The ANC is a huge new feature for Lypertek, and one that works very well. When using these in areas with a constant stream of noise (such as sitting on a train) they do a great job to drown it out. It is easy to toggle on and off with the touch controls or via the app. Lypertek have absolutely nailed it with the Z5.

Purecontrol ANC App 10/10

The app is fantastic and easy to use. It allows the user to also fine tune the earphones to their tastes. With EQ curves (including custom ones), ANC on/off and also an Ambient mode which allows outside noise to be heard. LDX (Lypertek Definition eXpander) mode is also supported on the Z5. It has a dedicated button within the app to turn it on and it works well to enhance the space, depth and clarity of the sound. An absolute must try!

Mic 9/10

The stem is perfect for better microphone placement than normal true wireless designs. Resulting with the call quality on the Z5 being truly excellent. At home or out and about, the other person will hear your voice with great tone and clarity. It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.

It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.

Auto Ambient Mode 10/10

Simply one of the best features from the App. This turns ambient mode on automatically when you pause music & is such a handy feature to have. It means you don’t have to take the Z5’s out of your ears to hear people or announcements.

Sound 10/10

The below assessment is with all sound enhancements turned off. You can easily tune the PurePlay Z5 to your tastes with EQ. Not forgetting that the LDX mode is a great one click boost for those wanting and more spacious and engaging sound.

Bass: The perfect amount for out and about listeners in my opinion. These are punchy and fun whilst retaining good body and control. The bass is well controlled and keeps up with complex mixes with ease

Midrange: Open, spacious and natural, the midrange is portrayed in excellent fashion on the Z5’s never sounding drowned out or pushed too far back in the mix. Vocals manage to cut through the mix with great clarity and presence without sounding peaky or harsh.

Treble: Well extended yet not overly hot or in your face. The transition from the upper midrange in to the lower treble is well controlled without any unwanted sibilance. Yet there is still good energy in the lower treble to stop them from sounding dull or dark.

Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model.

Soundstaging and Instrument Separation

There is a good amount of air around instruments and good layering overall. They might not throw out the widest of soundstages but they manage to sound quite airy and open. Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model. these sound very controlled and well separated even when listening to complex music tracks.

Other Notable Features:

Enjoy all things Lypertek? Check out more News and Reviews here

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The new budget offering from Lypertek offer up an engaging and fun listening experience. Without forgetting the finer details.

Fit and Comfort

The SoundFree S20 have a smooth inner housing and slightly elongated nozzle, which allows for a great fit with the right eartips. They are not heavy and sit securely. Excellent if you want to use them for active sports use.

Comfort is excellent due to the lightweight design and smooth edges. They also sit fairly flush in your ears and allow for long listening sessions with ease. The angle of the nozzle really does help when it comes to the comfort of these.

Features

The SoundFree S20 has a claimed battery life of 8hrs, with an extra 40hrs from the charging case. I have found this claim to be quite accurate during listening sessions but it is of course volume dependent. The case supports wireless charging and has a USB-C port too. They use Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC and AAC codecs. The S20 is IPX5 rated, this means you can use them in light rain showers. I would not advise taking them swimming or in the shower.

There is a small button on them, placed at the top so you don’t press them into your canals when using it. This button has multiple functions (play/pause/skip tracks/volume up and down), and also allows you to activate ambient mode which allows you to hear external noises. This mean you no longer need to take them out to listen to the outside world. There is a microphone on each earpiece for calls, I found call quality to be acceptable but not a stand-out feature of the S20.

Sound

Bass

Full bodied, punchy and fun is how I would first describe the bass on the S20. However they never become muddy or overblown. There is a subtle lift in the sub-bass and you can easily hear the rumble. Bass is well balanced with good punch and control. Those who found the PurePlay Z3 a little too neutral, will enjoy the extra warmth down low on the S20. Whilst the bass is certainly present and boosted, the S20 don’t sound overly bass heavy or dark.

Midrange

The bass is well controlled, which allows the midrange to cut through with authority and power. Male vocals sound clean without any added body, the detail inherent means you can hear all the emotion present in the vocals without much veil. Female vocals fare equally as well. Without any real peaks in the upper midrange, guitars and vocals are well separated and each have their own space within the soundstage. Overall excellent performance in the midrange, that gives real insight into the recording.

Treble

Clean, precise and ever present the treble thankfully isn’t just an afterthought. Carefully tuned to be there, but without causing fatigue, often the most tricky part of a frequency response yet Lypertek have pulled it off. Yes, for this price you cannot expect the most faithful tonality but thankfully you can cleanly hear cymbal crashes and violins. They are not dull or veiled, instead they are exciting and add a bit of air to the sound, however they are not the most detailed in the treble region (partly due to bluetooth compression).

Genres and Soundstage

The S20 lend their hand to most modern genres, bringing out the best in Rap and Hip-Hop whilst handling heavier rock with ease too. They wouldn’t necessarily be my first pick for classical and jazz, but these are aimed at the active general user and the sound works well for that.

Soundstaging is actually rather impressive for the price and design, whilst not overly wide there is accurate placement of instruments and good layering between them too.

Enjoy all things Lypertek? Check out more News and Reviews on our Blog here!

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Design: 10/10

The Final ZE3000 true wireless has an angular design that looks stylish and stands out. The overall look eschews quality. They also come with an interesting finish on the buds and case known as “Shibo”. “Shibo” means crease on paper or leather in Japanese and is used on many cameras. This textured finish is also a great deterrent against fingerprints and other marks.

As expected from final, the build quality is fantastic. The hinges of the case and the USB-C connector are rigid and durable. you can even open and close the lid on the case singlehandedly. The case is very compact, therefore easy to carry around or keep in your pocket. Overall, the ZE3000 feels as unique as it looks and clearly sets itself apart from other earphones in the £120 price range.

Fit and Comfort: 9/10

Final has designed the earphone not to fully enter the canal, but to sit comfortably at the entrance. The comfort is excellent, you really do forget you have them in sometimes, they might not be the smallest earphone out there but the shape and weight does mean they are comfortable to wear for hours on end. They are also good to use for the gym and manage to stay firmly in place and comfortable in your ear, even during intense workouts. 

Final E eartips are some of the best in class and widely used by other brands for their earphones. Their TWS E-tips are no exception to this rule of thumb.

Features: 7/10

The ZE3000 do not have ANC or any other the other bells and whistles that come with wireless earphones these days. Instead Final have decided to focus on the audio quality and should be praised for this. Battery life is fairly normal at 7hrs continuous playback, along with an extra 28hrs from the case. More than enough to not be constantly charging them.

The ZE3000 use Bluetooth 5.2 (QCC3040 chip) and support ABC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive. This means you will get the best sound out of these if your device is aptX Adaptive compatible. But even normal aptX is still a step above AAC. The microphone quality is excellent and is perfect for taking calls at home or on the go.

Sound 10/10

Final have focussed on the sound aspect of the ZE3000, giving them a natural yet fatigue free sound signature. The bass is great. It is tight and digs deep when called for but it never sounds like the main focus of the sound. It isn’t bloated or up-front, instead it is happy to just do its thing without drawing attention to itself.

The midrange is also really impressive. It sounds realistic and natural without being pushed forwards. There is loads of detail on offer. Vocals are crisp and well presented, with both male and female sounding excellent. Electric guitars have plenty of crunch, yet acoustics sound subtle and full. They also never sound congested with great layering and space between instruments.

These won’t suit the bassheads out there, but for average everyday listening these are brilliant.

The treble is smooth with that signature Final airiness that brings out a sense of space in recordings that many earphones fail to capture. They are very resolving for such a budget earphone. They extract tons of detail and are very well placed within the soundstage.

Instrument Separation and Soundstaging

The ZE3000 manage to remain well separated and airy throughout. This means they can handle anything you throw at them and still remain open sounding with excellent separation and layering. It is easy to pick out single parts in mixes whilst sounding completely coherent overall.

The soundstaging is really impressive for the price and throws out a broad image that is accurate and realistic. It is wider than many of the more consumer models out there and the airiness in the treble range really helps to add a sense of air to the sound.

Enjoyed our review of the final ZE3000 True Wireless? Check out all things Final throughout our blog here.

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The Cleer Ally Plus II have been doing the rounds across the reviewing world over the last few months and are being praised not only for their affordability but also for their excellent audio quality and overall ease of use. If you are in the market for a new pair of True Wireless ANC earbuds, then these are a no brainer for £130!

Coming in two colours, Midnight Blue or Stone, the Cleer Ally Plus II are touted as a perfect companion for on-the-go lifestyles by Jabba Reviews.

What Gadgets 4.5/5 star review points out how Cleer have cleerly thought about the comfort and fit for users of the Ally Plus II. The inclusion of 8 pairs of ear tips, both round and angled makes certain that you will be able to get a good fit and perfect seal. Read their opinion in full here: Cleer Ally Plus 2 True Wireless Review

Mobile Tech Talk comments on the Cleer Ally Plus II having a “a unique look”. Their 4.5 star review can be found here. Mighty Gadgets 9/10 review for the Ally Plus II centers around The Ally Plus II’s “excellent sound quality with a slight bass emphasis, Its Superb battery and the aptX Adaptive.”. A full review from them can be accessed here.

If videos are more your thing then don’t forget to check out an excellent, in depth video review of the Ally Plus II with music and mic samples from Brian Unboxed on Youtube.

Lastly, but by no means least important, our very own in house guru Oscar gives his verdict of the Ally Plus II here

Click here for a full breakdown of the features and specs of the Ally Plus II

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Tech Radar awards the Pureplay Z3 2.0 their Editor Choice Award ; “Lypertek continues to punch above its weight and outside of its pricing bracket with the PurePlay Z3 2.0 true wireless earbuds, a stellar-sounding and well-priced package.

Trusted Reviews offers Lypertek’s Pureplay Z3 2.0 its very own Highly Recommended Award: “The PurePlay Z3 2.0 are another excellent pair of affordable true wireless from Lypertek, with the new app and features extending its lifespan and adding more value than before.”

Soundphile’s Review puts it bluntly: “If you are in the market for all-round solid earphones with a “mainstream” tuning, these are the ones to get, period.“

This is still only the beginging for Lypertek and their wonderful creations. With their recently released Z7 adding into their ever growing pool of products, we are certain that we will see even more innovation and newer arrivals in the months to come.

For a full features breakdown please watch our video review here or you can read all about them here.

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The Roam NC True Wireless Headphone hits the market at a low £59.99, offering consumers a new way to experience, afford and own True Wireless with Active Noise Cancelling technology. Roam NC delivers superior sound for music with 5.8mm custom tuned dynamic drivers by Cleer’s acoustic lab and aptX compatibility, featuring noise cancelling that blocks low frequency noise up to 25dB for distraction free listening.

Users can control noise cancelation and ambient aware levels, set custom EQ levels or choose a preset and customize control with the Cleer+ APP. Roam NC gives users complete control from the earbuds; Play/Pause, control track or volume, or access your voice assistant with simple touch commands.

The new lightweight earbud ergonomic design is sweat resistant (IPX4 rated), fits secure and is built for all-day comfort. Roam NC’s long battery life delivers up to 15 hours of total battery life, 5 hours for earbuds and extra 10 hours charge with the small, pocket friendly charging case. (Case size reduced by 20% compared to Ally).

Available Now

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Fit and Comfort

The Ally Plus II fit well enough in my ears, they do have quite a large inner housing that houses the driver and a short stem which makes them not as sleek as some other models. Personally I prefer a model with a longer stem as I find they fit better, but these still sit securely in my ears once I settled on the right eartips.

Comfort is good, I do get a bit of pressure on my concha – due to the odd shape of my ears, but for 95% of people out there this design is perfect and provides a secure fit. Once you find the right tips the Ally Plus II are comfortable for long listening sessions and stay put for active usage such as running.

Features

The main feature on the Ally Plus II is ANC – you can switch between a very effective ANC mode and Ambient mode. The ANC is very effective with lower frequency noises, helping drown out traffic and transport noise, making them ideal for commuters that travel by bus, train or plane. Need to hear your surroundings? Just double tap the right side to activate ambient mode allowing you to hear external noise.

The Cleer+ app is really handy too, the app allows you to fine tune the mix between ANC and Ambient sound, by using a simple slider bar. There is a 5-band EQ which lets you tailor the sound to your tastes and you can update the firmware easily too. There is a user manual within the app, along with touch pad controls (you can change what double/triple tap does on the L or R earphone). Overall the app adds an extra layer of functionality, best of all the user interface of the app is super user friendly and easy to navigate.

You can easily control playback via the earphones themselves, double tap the L side to skip track forwards, triple to skip backwards. Double tap the right to switch between Ambient and ANC mode (there is no “off” mode though), volume is done via double tap but on the second tap you press and hold for 1s (Left for volume down, Right for volume up). Play/Pause/Answer calls is done by a single tap on either side.

Codec wise you get SBC and aptX Adaptive – sadly it doesn’t look like there is AAC for Apple users so they will be limited to SBC. Battery life is up to 10hrs with ANC on, and 11hrs with it off. The case provides an extra 20/22hrs playback and a 5 minute charge provides up to an hours playback. Whilst this is far from the class-leaders such as the Lypertek Z3 2.0, it is still more than enough for the average user. The case charges via USB-C but also supports wireless charging which is quickly becoming the norm.

The earphones are IPX4 rated, this means they are good for your average daily use and can survive gym use and rain showers – but you don’t want to submerge them or accidentally take them in to the shower with you.

Mic quality is good when used for calls, again not neccessarily the best in class but a lot better than quite a few true wireless models on the market.

Sound

Bass: The bass on the Ally Plus II is very good for day to day usage, they are a little warm overall with a pleasant amount of body and low-end emphasis. They are not boosted to the point they drown out the rest of the frequency range, however they do have a slight lift which makes them easy yet fun and engaging to listen to. This also helps with outside noise, and when you turn ANC mode on you do notice they increase the low end a little more than with Ambient mode active. The bass is not overly snappy or controlled and is a little slow to react when listening to complex tracks, however modern pop, hip-hop and more mainstream genres are where these shine offering up a bold and punchy sound signature.

Midrange: There is a bit of a dip in the midrange and the bass bleeds in a little, causing male vocals to sound a little too thick and slightly dull. Female vocals lack a bit of bite too, not quite grabbing your attention, there is a veil over the midrange and it is lacking in clarity. Luckily there isn’t anything missing as such, they are just a little too laid back and smooth for my personal tastes, this does however lead to a fatigue free sound. The in-app EQ is quite helpful though, and with a bit of tweaking you can get a bit more from the midrange.

Treble: There is a bit of a dip in the lower treble to ease any sibilance, then there is a bit of a boost immediately afterwards which brings out cymbals quite nicely. There is enough energy but again these lack a certain precision and are not particularly linear in the treble region. They sound quite closed in and lacking air and extension, with a relatively early roll-off.

Genres and Soundstaging

These are tuned to do well with more mainstream genres, so anything pop, hip/hop and slower alternative rock tends to sound fairly good, but they lack the tonal accuracy to bring out the best in acoustic tracks, and lack the speed and control needed for complex metal.

Soundstaging is fairly average, the relatively early roll-off in the treble doesn’t help as this robs the Ally Plus II of some air and space. Whilst they don’t sound overly closed in, they don’t excel in this area either.

Who is it for?

• Frequent commuters who need excellent ANC
• Active users looking for comfort and a secure fit

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Fit and Comfort

The PurePlay Z3 2.0 have the same housing as the original Z3 and Tevi, they fit well in the ear but depending on the size of your ears they do stick out a little. They are however very secure in your ear once you find the right size of tips, and I have never found the fit to be a problem. They are lightweight and you don’t really feel them once inserted in your ears, the smooth surfaces ensure no discomfort too.

Comfort wise the smooth housings sit nicely in your ear and the nozzles are a good length to ensure a snug and secure, yet comfortable fit. I find the Z3 2.0 to be comfortable for long listening sessions, and they are ideal for casual everyday use.

Features

The new PurePlay Z3 2.0 packs in more features for the same price as the original Tevi, the battery life is the same with 10hrs from the earphones per charge, and an additional 7 full charges from the case which gives 80hrs total. They now run on bluetooth 5.2 for even more signal stability and lower power consumption, along with the case now supporting wireless charging alongside the normal USB-C charging port (Lypertek sell a charging pad separately). They are also still IPX7 rated, this means you don’t have to worry about them when using them in the gym or out in the rain.

The button is the same as on the original, which means a single press on either for play/pause, double press the right to increase the volume, on the left to decrease. Triple press on the right to skip tracks forward, on the left backwards. There is another new feature though, if you press and hold the button for 2 seconds you’ll hear 2 chimes, this turns on/off ambient pass-through allowing you to hear announcements and your surroundings without having to take them out of your ears; This is a really useful feature for use on public transport.

App

Lypertek have also launched an app with the new PurePlay Z3 2.0, the app works best with this model but it is compatible with some older models after a firmware update (although the features will vary, as ambient pass through is not available for older models).

With the Z3 2.0 you will need to do a firmware update – this is especially important for Android 11 users – within the app when you first install it, to get the best out of them. The update is easy to do and ensure smooth functionality of the app. The app allows you to set custom EQ curves and has some presets too, along with switching on/off the ambient pass through and changing the function of the buttons (you can change the function of the double / triple press actions).

There is a “find my earphones” bit in the app which will show you where the earphones were last connected to your phone, quite handy if you often misplace them.

The app also has a new LDX Audio mode (Lypertek Definition Expander), this is a new custom audio profile for the Z3 2.0, tuned by the audio engineers at Lypertek. It definitely adds more clarity and space to the stock sound and is quite a nice little sound profile if you don’t want to mess with normal EQ modes. Overall the new app has introduced a lot of tweaking potential for audio lovers and it really is an valuable tool for PurePlay Z3 2.0 users.

Sound

Bass: Much like the original, the Z3 2.0 are relatively balanced in their tuning and they don’t accentuate then low end and it always sounds controlled and tight yet has enough body to satisfy most users. The new app will definitely help those who want a bit more power down low, they are incredibly responsive to EQ and you can bring out quite a lot of punch and depth without them sounding bloated or distorted. The DSP in these is really impressive, it pairs perfectly with the hardware and allows full control over the sound signature.

Midrange: I quite like these with a relatively flat EQ, or the LDX mode enabled, as the sound is very well balanced with a good level of detail. The midrange has a way of cutting through the mix with great layering and a realistic tonality. Out of the box, those who enjoy an upfront and intimate vocal performance will really enjoy these, they really get the midrange presentation spot on. Turn on LDX and the sound gets a little more fun and spacious without taking away too much of the midrange focus.

Treble: The treble is never overdone, it does a great job at adding some air and sparkle to the sound without ever sounding peaky or bright and fatiguing. Just like the midrange, the Z3 2.0 have great tonality in the treble region, cymbals don’t sound splashy or overly metallic and they have good extension with only minor roll-off that’s often attributed to bluetooth compression rather than the earphones themselves. There is a good amount of space and air up top and are really enjoyable whilst remaining smooth too.

Soundstaging and Genres

The soundstage with the Z3 2.0 EQ set as flat is fairly average, there’s good layering and separation but the width and height are relatively average. Turn on the LDX mode and it gets quite a bit wider giving a more out-of-head presentation which is really impressive.

The PurePlay Z3 2.0 work well with most genres, out of the box with no EQ they render vocals especially well and work with acoustic and alternative rock well, with a bit of EQ you can bring out more depth and punch which helps when listening to modern pop and rock/metal.

The post Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 True Wireless Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fit and Comfort

The SoundMAGIC S20BT use a neckband bluetooth design, this is favoured by some users, whilst others prefer the more premium true wireless style. Either way, the neckband on the S20BT is soft and very lightweight which means it’s barely noticeable in use. The length of cable to the earphones is perfect, giving you freedom to move your head without constraint, yet not too long so as to snag on things or get in the way. The earphones have an angled nozzle with specifically shaped tips for optimal comfort and fit in the ear, and it works wonders. They S20BT sit securely in your ears once you find the right size tips and they are secure and work well for more active use.

Sound

The S20BT are full and warm, which makes them an easy recommendation and also an earphone that will please a lot of users. Coming from cheaper models you will definitely notice an increase in clarity and control, but they are not tuned to be clinical or critical of what tracks you play through them. What they might lack in refinement they make up for in easy listening and an overall enjoyable sound signature.

Starting down low they have enough body to make them a warm and full sounding earphone, there is moderate punch but overall they are more full than overly punchy. Luckily the warmth down low only moderately affects the midrange, and you still have relatively clean and clear vocals with a little added body to them. This is great, as you can clearly hear vocals and guitars without them being pushed to the back of the mix, yet they are delivered in a very smooth way to not cause fatigue. The same goes for the treble, which is probably where they fall behind slightly, there isn’t a lot of presence or bite in the upper region which means high-hats and cymbals do come across very muted.

These are not designed for the critical listener, they are a budget wireless earphone that just wants you to enjoy the music. They work well with most genres you throw at them, but do sound better with more modern pop music.

The post SoundMAGIC S20BT Bluetooth Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Hey everyone, John here. Lypertek are new on the scene, and they have arrived with a bang! Their latest model is the PurePlay Z3: True Wireless earphones that look and feel as good as some of the pricier models out there. These are going for £99 so could be quite the steal! Let’s find out.

BUILD

On opening the Lypertek PurePlay Z3, the first thing that strikes me is the supplied charging case; it doesn’t look like your usual £99 product. The case actually reminds me of Sennheiser’s £250 True Wireless model… just saying. The material outer coating feels great to touch and shows that they mean business. There’s nothing cheap about the build here! The case opens and closes with a solid feel, and the battery level lights add to the sleek design. Then there’s the earphones themselves. Lypertek has gone for a simple design that looks attractive and very well built; they have a minimal look that’s been finished nicely.

COMFORT

The PurePlay Z3 sits very comfortably in my ear, they have managed to angle the sound tube perfectly to give a secure and solid fit. Supplied with the earphones are a selection of eartips, including Lypertek’s own Flexifit foam tips. For me, the foam tips provided the best fit in terms of comfort and sound. When trying the PurePlay Z3 yourself make sure to try all of the supplied tips in order to achieve the best fit for you.

FEATURES (size, isolation, accessories)

Lots of features have been packed into the PurePlay Z3. In terms of controls, you can play/pause, skip tracks, increase/decrease volume, take calls and enable your voice assistant all from the buttons on the side of the earphones. I really like the way the buttons have been placed, they are easy to press and do not cause any discomfort when used. Pairing is very easy with the PurePlay Z3. The earphones turn on as soon as they are removed from the case, then with two button presses on either earpiece, the PurePlay Z3 goes into pairing mode, then you can find them on your device. Whether you pair to the right or left earpiece doesn’t matter: once you connect to one of them, the earphones are ready to use.

SPECS

The PurePlay Z3 uses the latest wireless technology, supporting Bluetooth 5.0 as well as aptX and AAC audio codecs. Battery life is very impressive. You get up to 10 hours of use when the earphones are fully charged, and then with a fully charged case you can get a total of up to 70 hours while out and about! This is one of the highest ratings I have come across. You also get an IPX7 waterproof rating which will protect the PurePlay Z3 from sweat and rain, ideal for those long gym sessions or a run in the rain.

SOUND QUALITY

Listening to the PurePlay Z3, I would never have associated this level of sound quality with a sub £100 True Wireless earphone. These instantly grabbed my attention with their crisp and dynamic sound. Lypertek have tuned the Graphene coated 6mm driver extremely well.

Bass Response

Bass comes across well controlled and punchy. There’s power here without getting bloated and I never get the feeling of too much bass. The PurePlay Z3 goes low and provides weight while allowing the mids to breathe.

Midrange (Instrumental/Vocals)

Midrange is crisp and cuts through without being too forward for my tastes. Vocals and snares sit nicely in the mix without getting lost, and whether listening to intricate jazz rock, pop or ambient electronic, the PurePlay Z3 handles different genres well without ever sounding muddled.

Treble (Extension)

Up top, the PurePlay Z3 provides definition and space without harshness or the risk of fatigue. Treble has a smooth edge, which delivers a focused and engaging sound. While they don’t have the widest sound, soundstage provides depth and the level of separation will allow you to pick out where sounds are coming from.

Microphone

Call quality is very impressive with the PurePlay Z3. The microphone does a great job of picking out speech, providing clear call quality.

CONCLUSION

In terms of build and sound quality, I’d say that the PurePlay Z3 definitely competes with the big (and pricier) brands such as Sennheiser, RHA, Samsung, Apple and Jabra. Then when you factor in the £99 price tag, the PurePlay Z3 becomes serious True Wireless competition. In my opinion, the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 is a no brainer for those looking for a new True Wireless earphone.

The post Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphones Review & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The PurePlay Z3 (formerly known as TEVI) are a smooth and discreet, nothing really stands out on them with a small logo and silver trim ring on the faceplate. They smooth black finish looks great, there is a slight difference in colour between the 2 sections of the body but it doesn’t detract from the overall look.

Build quality is excellent, the joins in the housings are very smooth and they are finished to a high standard. The charging case is fabric coated and solid, and the buttons on the faceplates have a very positive click. Overall everything feels very well put together and durable for long term use. They are also IPX7 rated which means they are fine for your daily run and gym use.

Features:

The PurePlay Z3 use the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology along with support for aptX, AAC and SBC codecs. Pair them with an aptX compatible device and you’ll get slightly better sound quality of course, but AAC also sounds very good.

The controls are easy to learn and intuitive, two click on the right to increase volume, two on the left to decrease. Three clicks on the right to skip track forward, three on the left to skip backwards. Single tap on either will pause the music, and a 2s press on the left will bring up Siri/Google assistant. You can also pick up calls and there are built in microphones that work very well.

Battery is rated at 10hrs per charge (SBC 50% volume), and I would say that figure is quite accurate from testing, using aptX will decrease this slightly but the increase in sound quality is worth the trade-off. The charging case supports another 6 whole charges, making these very impressive compared to the current competition.

Connectivity and signal stability are excellent, they pair easily and only cut out if you go out of range or add objects within the transmitting path (walls etc..). Overall, they work as advertised and don’t cut out if your phone is in your pocket or within a reasonable distance.

Comfort and Isolation:

The shape of the PurePlay Z3 is ergonomic with soft rounded edges and the perfect angle nozzle to provide a comfortable and secure fit without sticking out too far. The housings are a little on the larger size, but they never feel cumbersome when in use.

Isolation is pretty good; they do a very reasonable job at muting outside noises and are perfect for daily use and commuting.

Sound:

Bass: The bass on the PurePlay Z3 is full yet well controlled, it has a way of adding body without becoming the centre of attention. In terms of presence they are slightly north of neutral but they always sound very well balanced. There is good extension and kicks are backed up with body. The lows really are impressive, preventing the PurePlay Z3 from sounding thin but without making them sound bloated. They handle most genres with ease and have good articulation, lacking only a little speed during complex mixes.

Midrange: The lows are slightly north of neutral in terms of presence, but this does not mask the midrange and make vocals sound pushed back or congested. The midrange is well separated, lower male vocals do have a tiny bit of added body, and female vocals cut through with a little more detail but the overall midrange performance is very well balanced. Most consumer true wireless models have a habit of boosting the bass and treble, whereas the PurePlay Z3 comes across a lot more even handed and more suitable for a wide range of genres. There is great separation and layering, yet the coherency between frequencies is also excellent.

Treble: The treble is slightly laid back but luckily there is enough presence to prevent the PurePlay Z3 from sounding overly dark. The thing about the treble is that the tonality is just right, they don’t sound splashy or metallic and have great extension and detail. They have good accuracy when it comes to imaging too and they fit well into the frequency range. I would never call these bright though, and the treble is smooth enough that even the most treble sensitive users won’t have any issues with fatigue.

Soundstaging is good, not huge but very acceptable as most TW earphones sound very closed in. The detail present here is excellent and the separation between instruments is great.

Conclusion:

The PurePlay Z3 are very impressive, especially considering their sub £100 price point. Offering up a smooth and detailed sound signature that is well balanced yet slightly full. Add to that great stability and functionality and you have a TW earphone that is so easy to recommend, go out and grab one now as they are a game changer in the TW market.

Sound: 5/5

Comfort:5/5

Features: 5/5

Value: 5/5

The post Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

SoundMAGIC are on a roll right now with their releases. First the E11 and E11C – already gaining numerous 5 star reviews. Then the E11D – their first USB-C dedicated earphone; and now the E11BT Bluetooth earphones. How do they hold up against the rest of the range?

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The packaging is pretty standard for SoundMAGIC, with the addition of a front window flap – showing off the earphones along with a nice close up picture of the housing. Inside you get a selection of silicone eartips, USB charging cable and a carry pouch.

SoundMAGIC has gone for a neckband design with the E11BT. The design is neat and feels very well built. The batteries are placed either side of the neckband and there is an inline 3 button control and microphone for playing music and taking calls. The cables are the right length so they don’t flap around, and call quality is also very good as the microphone height is ideal.

Features and Comfort:

The specs for the E11BT are pretty impressive. You get the latest Bluetooth 5 technology which helps towards the sound quality, a transmission distance of up to 13 meters and improved battery life. The SoundMAGIC E11BT will give you up to around 20 hours of continuous talk time. I have also found out that with general use, battery life lasts and lasts. The manual states that you can expect between 48 and 60 hours of continuous playback and from my experience with the E11BT – this seems to be pretty accurate.

These earphones are AAC compatible which is great news for both Apple and Android users. There is no aptX compatibility. However, like aptX – the AAC codec will transmit your music in CD-like 16bit audio quality.

Connecting the earphones is easy. Once powered on, the E11BT automatically goes into pairing mode, with red and blue lights flashing. Then when the model appears on your device you can connect. I really like the battery level that’s shown on the home screen of my phone – very handy. When you’re not using them, the magnetic housings hang nicely around your neck.

Good news for sporty users. The E11BT has a high water resistance rating of IPX4 – this means that they will be able to withstand water splashes from any direction.

The E11BT is very comfortable to wear. The neckband has a smooth finish and is flexible, sitting nicely behind the neck, and the housings are a good size so no-one should have an issue with fit.

Sound:

Unlike other earphones at this price point – instrument separation is superb. Every sound comes through clearly and crisp.

• Bass: There is bass weight and punch coming from the low end – enough to keep the bassheads happy while keeping it controlled so it doesn’t bleed into the higher frequencies.

• Midrange: Mids pop, and cut through effortlessly with an engaging tone. There is a real crispness that is not what you’d normally expect from a lower priced Bluetooth earphone.

• Treble: The treble provides space and clarity and the soundstage is huge. You get a real sense of depth and width from the E11BT.

Conclusion:

Overall, I can confidently say that these are the best Bluetooth earphones going at this price and possibly even under £100. Their sound quality, technology, design and comfort are normally associated with more expensive models – the SoundMAGIC E11BT should be top of your list when looking for a new Bluetooth earphone.

Sound:  5/5

Features: 5/5

Comfort: 4/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 5/5

The post SoundMAGIC E11BT Wireless Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop or hi-fi system.

So we’ve gathered our picks for the best of the best for active/sports headphones you can buy!

BEST SPORTS HEADPHONES UNDER £50

1. SoundMAGIC P22BT – £39.99

The SoundMAGIC P22BT is suspiciously low-priced for a bluetooth model, but exceeds all expectations. Watch out this summer however, as wearing these constantly may affect your suntan.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC P22BT Bluetooth Headphone Review

BEST SPORTS EARPHONES UNDER £100

2. SoundMAGIC E11BT – £69.99

The guts of the E11C paired with the power of Bluetooth 5.0 make this earphone a real contender for a budget price. Automatic smartphone controls give you even more freedom from your device while on the go. They claim an absolutely massive battery life as well. 

BUY HERE: SoundMAGIC E11BT Bluetooth Earphones

3. Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 – £89.95

Optoma has enjoyed tremendous success recently with its BE Sport3 model; it’s an earphone which has a remarkably solid build quality and reliability, however Optoma has gone one better with additional sweat and water resistance rated at IPX5 – this means that aside from general moisture resistance, we can have a musical duel with water pistols and suffer no lasting consequences.

READ MORE: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 Bluetooth Earphone Review

4. Optoma NuForce BE Free5 – £99.99

Between their purported 16-hour battery life between charges (representing 4 hours of continuous play) and their ipx5 water resistance rating,  the Optoma NuForce BE Free5 is a steal at just under £100. Their graphene diaphragm drivers allow for less energy consumption, while their ergonomic design means they won’t fall out constantly while you’re on the move. 

BUY HERE: Optoma NuForce BE Free5 True Wireless Earbuds

BEST SPORTS HEADPHONES OVER £100

5. Sennheiser CX Sport – £119.99

Between Sennheiser sound and build quality, six hours of battery life, and the ability to quick charge, what more could you ask for in a sport headphone? Splash and sweat resistance, you say? Well, guess what? The CX Sport comes through once more. 

BUY HERE: Sennheiser CX SPORT Bluetooth Sports Earphones

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Sports Headphones 2020: Earbuds, On Ear, Wireless, True Wireless appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

So the bluetooth fairy has delivered yet again, and Optoma Nuforce now has a truly wireless product in the BE Free8. When shoved in the ears, Optoma Nuforce promise us ‘True wireless earphones with superior sound quality with deep explosive bass’. Perhaps they should have called it the ‘Deton8’?

Pros:

• Completely Wireless
• One capsule can be worn only, like a bluetooth hands-free
• Charging can be done in portable case

Cons:

• Supplied tips are a bit slender
• Not good if you have butterfingers

Design and Appearance

The capsules are small and they’re sleek; the shiny plastic looks the part, but be careful when handling them. If you have dry fingers like this reviewer, they can be a bit slippy between the fingers. It would be nice to have a textured panel or a bit of piping around the edge for better grip.

Spinfit tips are included in two sizes; they look like medium and small sizes so if your ear canals are of a large size, you may be looking for some aftermarket tips. Also included is a case or caddy for storing the earphones between uses, and recharging them. The caddy can itself be recharged, so you needn’t be stuck if you’re away from a power socket.

Durability and Build Quality

Naturally, there’s not much to these earbuds, only the capsules and the caddy. The capsules are light but solid enough; were these to fall on the floor and be trodden on, the show should go on. The caddy is much the same in terms of how solid it feels, so there are no immediate concerns here.

Comfort

Depending on how well you can get on with the supplied silicone tips, comfort is not an issue. The capsules sit in place with no trouble, and they can be largely forgotten, but for the music. Should the silicone tips give any issues, aftermarket foam tips such as Blackbird’s S20 tips should offer an improvement.

Sound Characteristics

The sound of the BE Free8 is generally on the bassy side, but with a decent amount of midrange and treble presence for a warm but fairly detailed presentation.

• Bass

There’s a decent amount of subbass here; although as mentioned above, the supplied tips are quite small and thin. Without a good seal, bass frequencies can be affected so bear this in mind. Bass control is pretty good for a design of this type although it could be a bit tighter.

• Mids

Midrange is clear and quite detailed for a bluetooth earphone; it does not appear recessed unless there is a lot of bass and sub bass going on, so if you’re a fan of oldies or acoustic music then do not be put off. Having said that, the BE Free8 is not too tolerant of low-bitrate music files which can come across as a bit mushy.

• Treble (e.g. high hats):

Treble is gentle and goes very well with the midrange; there’s no noticeable throughs or peaks in the sound up here. If you’re keen on a bright or sparkly sound then the BE Free8 may not be for you, although it’s certainly not rolled off or veiled. Fine details are not particlarly well rendered, but this is par for the course for this type of wireless earphone these days.

• Soundstage and Separation

Effects such as soundstage and imaging/separation etc. do rely on those fine details, and these are insufficient to get a good impression of space and the positions of sounds within that space. The BE Free8 is not the best at this, but does present a cohesive and enjoyable sound nonetheless.

Music genres good for and why

The Optoma Nuforce BE Free8 is probably best with modern pop and dance etc. but will cope well with all genres, so long as your digital music files are of good quality. 128kbps MP3 files from 2004 will probably make themselves known!

Summary

Optoma Nuforce’s new BE Free8 is a truly wireless model, with two capsules to put in your ears and that’s it – no cable even runs between them. For music, they are quite adequate for using whilst exercising or on the move but may not cut it for fans of subtle details.

The post Optoma Nuforce BE Free8 Bluetooth Earphone Review – Wireless without the wire appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Edifier W360BT Bluetooth Earphones Review

READ MORE: Best Earphones Buying Guide

Edifier is one of those brands which has escaped our attention in recent years; granted, there are a lot of low-cost brands out there but we are quite impressed with what a relatively humble sum of cash can get from this one. For instance, we have recently been getting familiar with the Sennheiser Momentum HD1 and they are very nice too. But how about cutting the cost in half?

Pros:

• Superb comfort
• Good battery life
• Decent sound for pop and the like

Cons:

• Vented capsules affect isolation

Design and Appearance

Like the Momentum HD1, the Edifier W360BT consists of a horseshoe-like base which sits around the neck, and this houses all the controls and the batteries, leaving the capsules feeling nice and light in the ear. Controls are on the upper side of the left ‘heel’ of the horseshoe, with charging port and on/off switch underneath.

The capsules have a vent each, and this lets a certain amount of exterior noise in. Great if you are planning to use these for the purposes of exercise and jogging as it’s good to be aware of your surroundings, but the noisy London Underground may cause a few problems if you’re commuting.

It’s not certain if the word ‘attractive’ is suitable for the W360BT as they are not really designed to draw attention to themselves, but they don’t look bad.

Durability and Build Quality

The Edifier W360BT is built for lightness, and due to the way it is worn, has not been made to be particularly rugged. Just comfortable and light. Cables from the neckband part are reasonably protected by strain reliefs, and that’s about it. To be fair, this design sits up out of the way of most things and the light design seems quite suitable.

Comfort

At 46.5 grams, the W360BT can hardly be felt whilst being worn; there is no weight on the capsules going into the ear either, so if you’re always fiddling around to get a decent fit with your current Bluetooth earphones, these may be worth a try.

Suitability for intended application

As mentioned above, there are several uses these can be put to. They are particularly well suited to exercising, considering the way they are worn and the vented capsule design, but the packaging is distinctly aimed at the mobile/commuter market. For general out and about purposes, the Edifier W360BT is fine unless you find yourself in particularly noisy places a lot of the time.

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READ MORE: Best Sports Headphones and Earphones – Wired and Wireless

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Sound Characteristics

Generally the sound of the Edifier W360BT conforms to what most people find enjoyable, with a slightly elevated bass and a warm sound signature.

• Bass

Low extension is fairly good, and bass makes its mark with enough emphasis for most without going overboard too much. There is a bit of ‘bloom’ here where the bass lacks control slightly. The midrange is not really affected however.

• Mids

Midrange is clear enough to enjoy vocals and the like; there’s no obvious disconnect between bass and midrange which is nice. Also there’s a decent bit of space in there, showing that the midrange has some good control. There’s no danger here with any spikes or extra presence causing potential listener-fatigue, it’s a comfortable listen.

• Treble

Presence here matches the midrange; hi-hats and cymbals are clear and present, with a certain grainy quality which is not unusual for this type of earphone. Brass and saxophones get a nice raw edginess, and again it’s hard to imagine anyone having problems here with fatigue.

• Soundstage and Separation

Soundstage is OK for such a design, although the vented capsules might have improved on this a bit more. Likewise, separation is decent enough with instruments holding their own ground but there’s the sense that they are blending together slightly.

Music genres good for and why

The Edifier W360BT is great with commercial genres like R&B, hip hop and pop, but if you require any more refinement such as with classical music, you might want to consider spending the extra for the Sennheiser HD1 equivalent.

Summary

Edifier’s W360BT is a worthy addition to the current Bluetooth models available, with the neckband taking the weight so we can enjoy music in greater comfort. A good one to take out with you, but try to avoid those very noisy places!

The post Edifier W360BT Bluetooth Earphones Review – Wearable or Terrible? appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Earphone Review

The SoundMAGIC ST80 is the perfect companion for sports enthusiasts, with a big helping of bass, yet crisp and detailed mids and non-fatiguing highs they are sure to keep you motivated on the move.

Pros:

• Overall sound quality
• Fit
• Build quality

Cons:

• Possibly a bit too much bass for some

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The SoundMAGIC ST80 looks like most other earhook sports headphones, with a rotation behind the ear hook to securely hold them in place, and a small housing that goes into your ear. There is a battery pack on the cable, with a clip to clip it to your clothing, and a small remote. I think they look great for a sports headphone and do not stick out too much, I also like the black and red cable linking the headphones to the battery pack.

The build quality feels sturdy and these should hold up fine to daily sports activities very well, the cabling feels good, the headphones themselves are a mixture of metal and plastic. There is good strain relief on the connections and being Bluetooth means less cabling to fail, the cable is detachable though (screw on) and also included is a regular audio cable with controls.

Accessory wise you are spoilt for choice, with a nice clamshell carry case, 2 cables (one Bluetooth, one regular with mic and controls), an adaptor that splits the audio and microphone cable for use with computers, USB charging cable, phono adaptor that changes the pinout for apple/android, cable clip, S/M/L Comply foam tips, XS/S/M/L sports silicone tips, S/M/L regular silicone tips and also a pair of bi-flange tips. This amount of accessories and tips means you are guaranteed to find a secure fit, but also have something to store them in when not in use.

Comfort, Isolation, Cable noise and Ease of use:

The ST80 take a while to get used to fitting, once you get the hook behind your hear it is quite easy to get a good fit. The fit is nice and secure due to the earhooks keeping them in place, but the earhooks are soft enough to not cause discomfort. I find them to be very comfortable once you get a good fit and would not have problems wearing them for extended periods of time.

Isolation is good, not as good as fuly sealed units, but enough to block out most of the world around you when you are out jogging, just be careful when crossing the road or are around cycle paths. The good isolation also means they won’t leak sound outwards and annoy people near you.

Cable noise is very low on these, which is important for a sports headphone.

I found the ST80 paired over Bluetooth quickly and easily, I had no transmission issues and the remote was easy to use, if you long hold the volume up it changes track, instead of the usual double tap of the middle button. Something you will need to get used to, but nothing problematic; They charge easily via a microUSB port on the battery pack.

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READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E10BT Bluetooth Earphone Review

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Sound

• Bass

The low end is slightly boosted on the ST80, keeping an upbeat and always present bass line keeping you motivated when out at the gym. Luckily the bass is not a bloated mess, it can extend low and you can feel it as well as hear it, but it does not veil the mid range too much. I find the impact of kick drums to be very impressive, and bass guitars are also very articulate, the only thing they don’t do so well is fast paced heavy metal.

• Mids

The mids are slightly behind the bass in overall quantity, but they are still easily heard, female vocals sound a little better than male vocals. Overall though, the crunch from guitars is aggressive when called for, and there is a good amount of crisp detail. What is very good in the mid-range is the spacial cues and separation, being quite open and expansive.

• Treble

The treble is very well reproduced here, again it takes a slight back seat in the overall sound but it still retains good clarity and air. It does not sound up front, leaning towards a darker, bassier sound. These won’t be for those who want the clearest sound, but for those looking for a fun sound whilst out and about they are perfect.

The soundstage is intimate, but the separation is good.

Conclusion

The SoundMAGIC ST80 can compete with the big boys, like the Sennheiser HD1 in-ear wireless, the ST80 have a bass oriented sound signature but with good clarity overall. The bass is the driving force behind these, but the mids cut though the mix very well offering excellent detail retrieval. The highs are slightly dull which leads to an easier listening experience but not the best overall balance.

The design lends itself to sports use, and the sound for that use is perfect, a nice big bass beat to keep you motivated, but without masking the rest of the sound.

The post SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Sports Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

SoundMAGIC E10BT Wireless Earphone Review

For some years now the fine E10 from SoundMAGIC has assaulted our shores and needs no introduction; it has remained a firm favourite everywhere and shows no signs of losing that favour despite being in its 6th year since its release. But given that the SoundMAGIC E10 is now no longer an infant, it’s time to cut the apron strings and allow our little earphone to make its own way in the world, with a knapsack on its back.

So will the SoundMAGIC E10BT become the Mayor of London, or a missing person on milk cartons?

Full video review at the bottom of the page

Pros:

• Now the E10 is wireless!
• Plenty of eartips
• Carry case

Cons:

• Battery takes some getting used to

Design and Appearance

SoundMAGIC has gone to the dark side with the colours here; the E10BT is black all over and even the left/right markers from previous models are black now. The mic/controls are on the right with this one, and a battery pack sits in the middle of the cable.

Accessories are plentiful with various eartip types and sizes, along with a carry case for between uses.

Durability and Build quality

The E10BT seems durable enough, with a rubberised coating on the cable and strain reliefs which are small but seem up to the job. The cable seems a bit thinner than the E10, but this is because the lower section of cable (thicker on the E10) is not present on the bluetooth version of course.

Individual pairings can vary of course, but this reviewer gets a very strong connection with a cheap 4 year old Huawei handset, allowing a fair distance of travel from the source before connection problems arise.

Comfort

This can depend on the manner in which the E10BT is worn, and can require a bit of experimentation. Personally, this reviewer likes to wear the E10 with the cable going over the backs of the ears, with the cable and battery pack hanging loose down at the front like a medallion. Others prefer to clip the battery pack on at the front, or the back of the neck.

With the cable hanging down direct from the ears, the clip is probably required as the battery pack/cable tends to tug a bit more on the earholes.

Suitability for intended application

SoundMAGIC have though about this; with the types of uses the E10BT is likely to be put to, they have included a new type of tip with this model which are vented. These have little notches in them on the outside which allows a certain amount of exterior sound to penetrate, so if you’re out jogging then you’re more aware of the environment.

The battery pack on the SoundMAGIC E10BT sits in the middle of the cable; this can be clipped to a collar if worn at the back of the head, or worn at the front. This reviewer found a good fit with the cable going over the back of the ears, and the battery pack tucked in to clothing at the front. Battery life is good with a 10+ hour playing time which should be alright for a couple of marathons if you’re jogging!

Pairing is easy too; once the earphones are paired with your device initially, the two will connect automatically when turned on. Be aware that this may be tricky if your friend wants to try the E10BT on their own handset – you will have to turn yours off to prevent the automatic pairing from taking place. The connection is strong – at least with my 4 year old Huawei handset

Sound isolation

With the standard supplied silicone tips, isolation is average; exterior sounds are reduced by a few decibels, but of course if music is playing then they can be virtually ignored. Total isolation is not ideal though if you wish to remain aware of your environment, so there are some ‘vented’ eartips included which will reduce the isolation a bit further if needed.

Also, for fans of the previous models, the eartips are the same size so any custom, or aftermarket E10 tips need not be disposed of!

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READ MORE: RHA S500 Earphone Review – Ore Inspiring

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Sound characteristics

So, does the SoundMAGIC E10BT have that classic E10 sound? With a wired E10 in one ear and the E10BT in the other, this reviewer has the same track synched up on his phone and DAP, listening to both at once. It’s hardly scientific, but there are no great departures from the E10 sound but for a slightly warmer-sounding midrange and possibly a smoother treble.

If anything, bass tends to come through more at lower on the E10BT but not by much.

• Bass

There’s a slight emphasis on bass to give some nice added heft to drums and basslines, without going overboard. It goes low too, with a little added sub where called for. It’s a good level for a wide variety of music styles if you like to mix it up!

• Mids

The midrange is clean, clear and relatively crisp; reverb trails can be followed right to their disappearance and little seems to get in the way. Vocals are detailed and backing vocals have a nice breadth. Strings sit nicely in the background; harmonics are fairly easy to pick out which makes for some nice imaging too.

• Treble

The top end is slightly smooth; it’s similar to the E80 model which provides great detail without pushing it at the listener. It’s not a warm or dark-sounding earphone overall, there’s just a little bit of edge taken off which can greatly reduce problems with fatigue over longer listening sessions.

• Soundstage and Separation

Soundstage is about average for an in-ear model, not really creeping out far beyond the confines of the E10BT’s hardware. It makes for an intimate and pleasant presentation but you won’t be swept off your feet.

Separation is pretty good with many instruments vying for attention; pick one out and it’s easy to follow. There’s not much chance of complicated pieces getting cluttered with the E10BT.

Music genres good for and why

As with the original wired E10, the E10BT is a great all-rounder but may be more at home with commercial music such as pop, dance and hip hop. Having said that though, jazz classical and acoustic recordings are still very nice and if you enjoy a wide variety of music genres but just want one earphone, the E10BT is a strong runner.

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