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Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Shanling MW200 Review

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Oscar

The Shanling MW200 allows you to listen to your IEM’s wirelessly, with excellent Bluetooth implementation and sound quality.

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Design and Functionality

The MW200 is a neckband Bluetooth cable that allows you to convert your MMCX earphones into a Bluetooth set. It’s a flexible rubber neckband with solid plastic end parts that house the electronics and controls, these are finished with a tempered glass faceplate. It’s a well built, and good looking neckband that is also comfortable in use. The cable sections I feel are a little too long though, and could have about 3-4cm cut off without hindering the fit. The cable section has moulded ear hooks so it is for use with earphones that fit over-ear rather than straight down.

Feature wise you get full controls on the left side of the MW200, with volume controls (these are separate from the sources volume), play/pause and on/off. You can also use the play/pause to skip tracks, and there is a microphone on the unit for calls. The MW200 supports all the latest Bluetooth codecs for the highest quality Bluetooth playback (Aptx and LDAC etc…). The MW200 paired easily and the range seems very good, battery life is also great at up to 11hrs in LDAC mode and 14 in SBC. There is plenty of volume to power most IEM’s currently on the market too.

Sound

I’ve mainly been using the MW200 with Final’s flagship IEM the A8000, because they really are ruthlessly revealing of the source material and also enjoy a bit of power behind them. I’m glad to report that the MW200 doesn’t have any problems with noise, and there isn’t any noticeable hiss when using it. I will mention that I have also been using it with LDAC from my Pixel 3a using Qobuz streaming.

The MW200 has good power and volume, there is plenty of detail and an overall crisp and clean sound. Of course, Bluetooth is still limited and there was a drop in resolution over playing the A8000 out of a high-end DAP. However when out and about this drop is not as noticeable as when critically listening, and the MW200 does a truly great job at decoding and amplifying the signal. I was really testing the limits of the MW200 by using it with the A8000, but pair it with something a bit more affordable like the Oriveti OH300 and you get a superb sounding wireless setup for under £500. Much better than any current wireless offering on the market at least.

The MW200 really doesn’t impart much of it’s own sound on to the IEM’s of choice, which is great in my opinion, you can get the Shanling app though which includes an EQ. This EQ does not work when using LDAC codec though. If you are used to using your IEM’s with an excellent source, please remember there will be slightly lower resolution, mostly in the treble region, again this is more a limitation of Bluetooth and not necessarily the MW200’s fault.

Conclusion

There are not a lot of good solutions for making wired IEM’s wireless, at least not with good quality anyway. The MW200 is excellent when it comes to the sound and functionality, it is also comfortable. The only drawback I see if the length of cable that goes to your ear, it is just a little too long. If you have good IEM’s and want a convenient solution for portable use, the MW200 comes highly recommended, with only a slight dip in sound quality over wired use.

Best DACs & Headphone Amps 2020: USB, Portable, Desktop

Posted on December 17, 2019 by John

Our pick of the Best DAC and Headphone Amplifier for all budgets and uses:

Not to be overlooked, a good quality DAC and amp can do wonders to any setup. We have seen huge growth in interest towards DACs and amps, so it makes sense that we put together our favourite headphone amplifiers and DACs to help make that decision easier.

Whether you want to use them with your TV, computer, laptop, smartphone or hifi system. We’ve gathered our picks for the best DACs and headphone amplifiers that you can buy!

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £100

1. Shanling UP2 – £79.99

Shanling UP2

The Shanling UP2 is the perfect way to bring added power and audio quality to your smartphone, tablet or computer. Using Bluetooth, the UP2 will connect wirelessly to your phone – or any Bluetooth compatible audio device – and thanks to the on board dedicated headphone amplifier and high quality Sabre DAC chip – you’ll be able to get high fidelity audio wherever you go.

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £200

2. JDS Labs Atom – £129.99

JDS Labs Atom

JDS Labs has mastered the art of making high quality amplifiers and DACs at affordable prices – and the Atom is their most impressive yet. For just over £100, the Atom desktop headphone amplifier will drive any headphone you throw at it and will bring improved soundstage, depth and dynamics to your setup. All in a neat and tidy desktop design.

3. Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) – £199

Periodic Audio Nickel

This one’s for the purists out there. On the outside, the Periodic Audio Ni seems like a very simple and basic headphone amplifier – plug it into your source and you’ll soon see that it most definitely isn’t simple or basic. This amp brings added power, punch and improved dynamics to whichever device it gets used with. Those that really appreciate good sound will love the Nickel.

MORE INFO: Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) Portable Headphone Amplifier Review

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £500

4. iFi Audio xDSD – £399

iFi Audio xDSD

The xDSD from iFi Audio is a portable amplifier and DAC that can connect to your audio source wirelessly. So if you like to use your phone, but want to plug in some high quality headphones – then the xDSD will allow you to get the most from them, without adding more cables. The xDSD will take over the amp and DAC roles, so you will know that you’re getting the best sound no matter the source device.

MORE INFO: iFi Audio xDSD Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review

5. JDS Labs Element II – £399

JDS Labs Element II

If it is a desktop option you need, then the JDS Labs Element II will not only bring an audio upgrade – it will look great too. Beautifully designed with a simple yet striking look – the Element II will fit into any setup. Historically, JDS Labs has been known for their functional design and great sound – now with the Element II, they have shown that they can make great looking equipment too.

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £1000

6. iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL – £599

iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL

For the ultimate amp and DAC solution, look no further. The 2 Burr-Brown DAC chips provide a solid foundation for the custom op-amps, which help to deliver an impressive amount of fidelity and power. Using sensitive IEMs? This amp/DAC handles these superbly, with no noise or distortion. Whether used on a desktop or on the move – the iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL does it all… really well.

MORE INFO: iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Have We Missed Anything Out?

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

Westone W40 V2 Review

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Oscar

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The W40 V2 are pretty sleek yet you can change up the colours with the interchangeable faceplates. They come in a variety of colours allowing you to choose which fits your style the best. The Bluetooth cable is black, but the normal cable is silver plated and looks great with the black housing.

The build quality is great, the new silver-plated cable has good strain relief and the IEM’s themselves have a high-quality plastic housing with metal faceplates. The MMCX connectors feel solid when you click the cable into place, and everything is very well put together.

Comfort and Isolation:

Westone know how to make a comfy IEM and the W40 V2 are no different. With a smooth housing and perfect angles for the nozzle to enter your ear, they fit like a glove. Find the right tips and you will enjoy hours of comfort from them. The cable doesn’t have stiff memory wire, instead it has soft, pre-moulded earhooks.

Isolation is a real strong point with these, as they are a fully sealed, multi BA driver design they are perfect for use in noisy environments.

Sound:

Bass: The bass on the W40 V20 is nice and tight yet it still has a fullness to the sound that makes them accurate yet easy to listen to. There is good extension and a little emphasis on the sub-bass, but the speed of the lows means they can keep up with complex mixes with ease. There is great articulation and bass lines are super easy to follow. This style of slightly emphasised low end without bloat works well for an everyday IEM.

Midrange: There is a little dip in the lower midrange which can make certain vocals sound a little masked, however there is great presence and clarity throughout the midrange. The intimacy of the midrange is really pleasant, vocals are up front and centre whilst everything comes in from around them, giving a good sense of space and layering. These do really well with vocal based music.

Treble: The highs don’t let these down, these are not a dark or boring IEM. They have great energy up top bringing out plenty of detail and sparkle, yet they also extend with ease. The transition from the upper midrange to the treble is pretty smooth and devoid of harsh sibilance. Positioning of the highs is great with good directionality and pinpoint accuracy. The W40 V2 are an energetic IEM that want you to enjoy the music, without missing any part of it.

Soundstaging is very good, with a wide stage and excellent layering and separation the W40 V2 really allows you to pick apart the mix.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a good all-rounder, the W40 V2 are well worth considering. With flexibility and excellent comfort, paired with a warm/neutral sound signature they handle most genres with ease and add a little energy down low for a bit of added enjoyment.

Sound: 4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build Quality: 4/5

Value: 3.5/5

Shanling UP2 Bluetooth Receiver / DAC Review

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Oscar

Shanling UP2

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

Well what can I say, Shanling know how to make a great looking product and the UP2 is no different. Tempered glass in the front and back with subtle branding and a machined aluminium shell and volume knob/button. On the bottom you have a single USB-C port for charging and DAC duties, on the top you have the headphone socket and small hole where the internal microphone is located. It is sleek, slim and just looks great in person.

Build quality is great, the tempered glass should hold up well over time, along with the main aluminium body feeling strong. Having a USB-C connector is excellent as most new devices have now moved over to this connector. I really cannot fault the UP2 in terms of build.

Features:

Well the UP2 is first and foremost a Bluetooth receiver, it supports all the latest codecs too including LDAC and AptxHD. This really does make a difference when compared to devices that only support SBC and AAC.

The UP2 can also be used as a USB DAC with a PC and does not require drivers to work. The internal headphone amp is powerful enough for most IEM’s and easy to drive headphones.

You can quite easily control the music via the UP2, the volume wheel can be pressed in to play/pause, double click to skip a track forwards, and triple to skip back. You can pick up phone calls and the UP2 has a built-in microphone for that duty. The UP2 has around 11hrs battery life on SBC, when using LDAC or Aptx it is slightly lower.

Sound:

The UP2 is an excellent sounding Bluetooth receiver, using a separate Bluetooth receiver and DAC chip means you really do get high quality Bluetooth audio. I’ve been using the UP2 with some Campfire Audio Andromedas and there is absolutely zero background hiss, match that with the low output impedance and you have an impressive wireless setup. The UP2 doesn’t really have much of a sound signature of its own, being neutral and detailed depending on what you pair it with.

With LDAC playing it’s getting harder and harder to tell between Bluetooth and CD quality wired from a DAP (of course you have to be playing CD quality over Bluetooth for LDAC to do its magic). No longer do we have to put up with mushy highs, and one tone bass notes over Bluetooth, now we can have excellent dynamics and detail retrieval, it is making me rethink the whole Bluetooth thing, and that’s a £79 product paired with a £1049 pair of earphones.

Of course, there is still an argument to have a dedicated DAP, with a better amplifier and better components, but usually at a much higher cost. For daily use however the Shanling is perfect, the difference in sound quality really isn’t that big and one that is easy to live with if you value convenience. Yes the UP2 + earphones isn’t as slick as a pair of true wireless earphones but the sound quality is superior to all true wireless models we have tested, along with having better battery life.

Conclusion:

Well the UP2 really is a great little device, the sound quality when paired with a device that can transmit LDAC or Aptx HD really is closing the gap between wireless and wired, with no substantial drop in audio quality. The UP2 is the perfect on-the-go partner for a pair of quality earphones or easy to drive headphones, I forgot to add that the UP2 is clean and neutral sounding to boot.

Build Quality: 5/5

Features: 4/5

Sound Quality: 4/5

Value: 5/5

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphones Review & Video

Posted on August 28, 2019 by John

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless In Ear Isolating Bluetooth Earphones Review

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.

Video Review: The Difference Between Wireless and True Wireless

Posted on July 31, 2019 by John

Wireless Vs True Wireless

Hey everyone, John here. We’re all moving into a wire free world. You can get a wireless version of most gadgets now, and to make things confusing, you can even choose whether you want wireless or true wireless. What’ll be next… really true wireless? Or the truest wireless? Anyway, we’re going to explain the differences between wireless and true wireless.

The term wireless, when it comes to headphones, has been around since the late 60’s. Back then, wireless headphones needed their own transmitter in order to get a wire free signal to them. These transmitters used radio frequencies and were mainly used to watch TV with. Earphones were also used in this way but were not very common. The early wireless earphones had a stethoscope design and were mainly used for those who were hard of hearing and needed some assistance, again mainly to watch TV with or listen to the radio.

Then something amazing happened. Bluetooth. This technology named after the 10^th century king of Denmark (King Harald Bluetooth) changed the world of wireless listening, and opened it up to everyone to be used anywhere.

With the help of Bluetooth, wireless earphones have become extremely popular. Now the name would suggest that there are no wires, but this is not the case. Wireless earphones can connect to your device wirelessly, however there is always a wire that connects the two ear pieces together.

Wireless Earphones

There are three main design choices for wireless earphones. Possibly the most common type is where the wire is designed to fall behind the back of the head, with a cable tightener used to fit the wire as tight as you like. This design is very good for active users, as the tight fit means there is less chance of the wire moving around while in use, and helps provide a secure fit of the earphones.

Another style of wireless earphone is where the cable is designed to rest along the back of the neck, using a longer wire with a looser fit. This design is potentially more comfortable as you don’t have a wire tight behind your head, it does however move around more as there is nothing securing it in place.

Lastly and recently gaining popularity is the neckband design. Similar to the previous, but these earphones have a solid neck band which holds the wire in place, achieving the best of both worlds. Having the wire secure around the neck is also useful when not in use, as you can just let the earphones dangle without the risk of losing them.

Having a wire between the earphones not only allows them to connect to each other, it also provides space for a microphone, controls and batteries to be placed. This means that the ear pieces can be smaller, controls are easy to use, call quality is very good due to the microphone being placed close to your mouth and battery life is very impressive, with some models achieving up to 30 hours from a single charge.

Now, how do you get more wireless than wireless? You go true wireless.

True Wireless

With true wireless earphones, not only do they connect wirelessly to your device, the ear pieces themselves connect wirelessly to each other. So, no wires at all.

It’s obvious why true wireless earphones have become so popular, as there are many benefits. The main one being: no wires. You get complete freedom. This makes true wireless earphones ideal for active use, as much as general portable use; they can do it all. Having no wires makes them extremely comfortable, so much so that sometimes it’s easy to forget they’re in your ears. No wires also means that there is nothing to get tangled. Hurrah!

True wireless earphones are supplied with their own carry case, which also acts as a portable charger. So when you’re done using them, not only will the case keep them safe, it will also charge the batteries up for when you next need them.

True wireless earphones aren’t all perfect though, there are a few compromises to be made for all of the practical benefits.

As there are no wires, everything needs to be packed into the ear pieces. Speaker driver, amp, DAC, battery, controls, microphone and all the other techy bits needed for them to work. This means that the ear pieces are bigger than normal wireless earphones and there isn’t much space. Batteries are smaller giving less usage time, with around 10 hours being the maximum on a single charge. The microphone is further away from your mouth, which effects call speech quality. Sound quality is compromised, as the drivers need to share space with everything else and there is less power to work with. They are also a lot easier to lose, being so small means they can easily be dropped or misplaced without being careful.

True wireless earphones are still new, and the quality, performance and value for money is constantly improving. So even though it is easy for me to pick at the problems. I can see why the benefits of convenience, comfort, functionality and style outweigh the negatives. Me personally, I’m still a wired earphone kinda guy. But with the rate at which the true wireless technology is advancing, that could one day change.

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphone Review

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Oscar

Lypertek PurePlay Z3

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

SoundMAGIC E11BT Wireless Earphone Review

Posted on May 30, 2019 by John

SoundMAGIC E11BT Earphone Review

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.

SoundMAGIC E11BT

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.

SoundMAGIC E11BT

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.

SoundMAGIC 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

Bluetooth 5.0 Explanation & Video

Posted on May 15, 2019 by John

New Video: The History of Bluetooth & 5.0 Explained

Since the invention of Bluetooth, it’s gone through many versions (well, 5 to be exact). But what do they all mean? Before a new version comes out and makes this video old news, here’s a rundown of what makes Bluetooth 5.0 so special.

To fully understand how far the technology has come, here’s a bit of a Bluetooth history lesson.

The History

Bluetooth 1.0

Bluetooth 1.0 was released back in 1999, and as you can imagine, it was pretty limited compared to what we are used to now. Back then, though, it was quite groundbreaking. The technology made it possible for compatible devices to transmit data wirelessly over short distances and using minimal power. It was first used in mobile phones and PC cards, allowing mobiles to connect to Bluetooth headsets for hands-free talking, and for PCs to communicate with wireless mice, keyboards, digital cameras and printers.

Bluetooth 2.0

For all its achievements, Bluetooth 1.0 was limited when it came to audio. Low data speeds meant that speech was just about the limit: transferring music required a higher data transfer speed. Skip to 2004, and we say hello to Bluetooth 2.0 and EDR, or Enhanced Data Rate. The big change here is increased data speeds, from 0.7Mbps to a whopping 3Mbps thanks to the EDR technology. Another improvement was to the maximum wireless range – this was increased from 10m to 30m. To this day, 3Mbps is the maximum connection speed. There have been other improvements over time, though.

Bluetooth 4.0

The next big jump was in 2010 with the release of Bluetooth 4.0, increasing the max range to 60m and introducing the use of Low Energy. This allowed for quick bursts of data transfers to be done with the use of even less power with relatively high data speeds of 1Mbps, opening the doors to Apple and Microsoft: bringing Bluetooth to the big leagues. Version 4.0 went through a few of its own updates, improving security, speed and efficiency until 2016 and the release of Bluetooth 5.0.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.0 shows how quickly this technology is advancing, with the max range being quadrupled to 240m and Low Energy data speeds doubling to 2Mbps. Boosting the range and reducing power usage has meant that Bluetooth can be used on a larger number of different devices, allowing them to transmit large amounts of data at high speeds with little power being used – and it’s only going to get better. Bluetooth 5.0 also enabled a new dual audio feature – allowing users to stream audio to two different devices at the same time from one source.

Backwards Compatibility

It’s amazing to see how much Bluetooth has improved in just 20 years, and even more impressive is that the smart brains behind it has managed to keep the technology backwards compatible. This means that no matter what version of Bluetooth your devices have – they will be able to communicate with each other. Just remember that being backwards compatible means that you will be getting the benefits of the lowest Bluetooth version – so it’s always worth making sure your devices have the most current version of Bluetooth to get the most out of the technology.

Summary

To summarise, the main improvements gained from Bluetooth 5.0 are:

Longer transmission range – Increased to 240m from 60m.

Higher data transfer speed – Bluetooth Low Energy speed doubled to 2Mbps, allowing all audio devices to communicate with reduced power usage.

Dual Audio – Allowing you to play audio on two devices at the same time from one source.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless Review

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Oscar

Momentum True Wireless

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Momentum True Wireless look great, with a matte black body and textured aluminium faceplates. A lot of the lower end true wireless models look very generic and cheap, whereas Sennheiser have made sure these have a modern and simplistic look to them.

The build quality feels excellent too, with a sturdy body and great case there is nothing to go wrong. Providing you don’t drop them too often; I have a feeling these will last you a while.

Features and Comfort:

The little case they come with is really compact and charges them securely, with magnets holding the earphones in. It takes a while to get used to how the touch features work, but the manual explains it all and once you have used them for a bit, they become quite easy to use. The main thing is that the connection is stable, I haven’t had any drop-outs when in use unless I am a long way away from the transmitting device.

Comfort is great once you find the right ear tips, they stay securely in my ears and are very comfortable due to the rounded edges of the housing.

Sound:

Bass: The Momentum TW has quite impressive bass response, with a nice dose of added body which gives the sound a pleasant warmth. The bass is not necessarily the tightest out there, but it does a respectable job of keeping up with more complex tracks, along with having enough extension and impact to keep most people happy. The added body these have is great as when you use them in noisy environments you will still be able to hear every beat.

Midrange: The midrange is a little bit recessed, but there is enough presence to stop them from sounding overly V-shaped. Guitars have great tonality to them; however, vocals don’t quite grab your attention, lacking a bit of clarity. The midrange doesn’t really do anything overly wrong, but they do lack detail and come across a little muffled at times.

Treble: The treble comes across with good clarity but in a polite manner, never becoming overwhelming. They have quite good presence without any nasty peaks, there is a smooth and controlled nature to the treble that is very easy to listen to. They have just enough bite to prevent them from sounding overly dark, and they do extend with relative ease but this is hindered by Bluetooth codecs somewhat.

Conclusion:

The Momentum true wireless are the best true wireless headphones I have tested so far, with stable connectivity and good sound quality. Wired earphones at this price do still offer better sound, but at the cost of convenience. With a full-bodied sound that still offers a good level of detail, the Momentum True Wireless are actually quite impressive considering all that goes in to them.

Sound: 4/5

Features: 5/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 4/5

Bowers & Wilkins Roundup

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Oscar

Bowers & Wilkins Roundup

We start off with the P3 Series 2 from Bowers & Wilkins, this is their entry level model but don’t be fooled by the price. These headphones come in a stylish and durable design that is perfect for everyday use. The lightweight build along with leather earpads means they are very comfortable, and the replaceable cable means you’ll get years of use out of them.

But the main thing that stands out is the big sound they produce from such a small headphone. Offering up a warm velvety sound that is effortless and enjoyable. They may not have the last word in detail, but what they do offer is pure pleasure, they immerse you in the music. Definitely a headphone to consider if you are looking for something low priced, lightweight and easy going.

Next up we have the P5 wireless, keeping the sound quality of the original P5 Series 2 but with the added bonus of no wires. The P5 Wireless are still the perfect size for everyday portable use, they just don’t fold up like the P3 Series 2. All their headphones share a similar mainly metal build, with leather earpads meaning the P5 wireless are still an extremely comfortable headphone. The Bluetooth is easy to pair and the button layout is intuitive, they also come with a cable in case you run out of battery.

The sound is big and bold, this used to be the house sound for Bowers & Wilkins before the Px was released. Plenty of punch and warmth down low, but with good detail throughout. The dynamics really standout and these will grab your attention and draw you in to the music. There is also greater depth with regards to sound staging over their smaller siblings, a worthy contender for your go to headphone of choice.

If you are looking for the ultimate travelling headphone, look no further than the Px. Released last year, Bowers & Wilkins packed a ton of tech into this stylish over-ear headphone. Active noise cancelling with the ability to tune what you want to cancel out via an App on your phone, sensors to automatically pause and play the music along with an excellent power saving feature. The Px really are quite impressive when it comes to features, but all of that means nothing if the sound quality isn’t there.

Luckily, they didn’t cut corners here, these are possibly the most detailed and clean headphones Bowers & Wilkins have made. Gone is the full-bodied sound of the P5/P7, and in comes the audiophile grade sound that a headphone of this calibre should have. Offering up plenty of detail with precision, but without a sense of fatigue, these really do bring out everything in the recording without skipping a beat.

iFi xCAN Review

Posted on February 18, 2019 by Oscar

Review: The iFi xCAN

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The xCAN is built much the same as the xDSD, with a metal housing that is a bit of a fingerprint magnet and a plastic rear cap where the Bluetooth circuitry is located. The xCAN looks superb in person with a great size and shape.

The build quality is superb and the volume control does not stick out, meaning it is well protected and all the sockets are tight. Everything just feels very solid.

Features:

Unlike the xDSD, the xCAN only have analogue inputs along with Bluetooth capability. You get a regular 3.5mm line-input, along with a 2.5mm TRRS balanced line-input. Outputs are the same, one 3.5mm and one 2.5mm TRRS balanced.

The xCAN has the XBass II and 3D+ adjustments. The XBass II is a completely analogue bass correction curve and can be switched to boost low frequencies or to correct the presence region, or both. The 3D+ is also an analogue circuit that aims to correct the holographic soundstage, making headphones sounds less like the music is coming from inside your head.

The volume knob changes colour depending on the volume, starting at blue for low volume going up to red at full output. The xCAN delivers more power from its balanced output as you would expect, so it is recommended to use balanced if you can.

Sound:

Well, as the xCAN is mainly an amplifier, the quality of sound will largely depend on what you are feeding it. But feed it with a high-quality source and it will do its job of amplifying the signal without adding too much flavour. The xCAN is neutral and detailed. It may be a tiny bit on the smoother side so as to prevent it from sounding overly analytical, but it is not coloured to my ears.

When using it with Bluetooth you are relying on both devices; when using an AptX-enabled device, you get excellent audio quality. I really don’t know how iFi do it, but you really do not lose much in terms of sound quality when using this with an AptX device.

The xCANs dual mono amplification stage really is impressive, hiss free with sensitive IEM’s yet at a push it can power the Beyerdynamic T1 2^nd Gen with good results (Volume on red). Not that anyone would buy this solely for use with the T1 I don’t think, but it is still a very impressive feat from this tiny amp.

The XBass is a really handy boost for when out and about in noisy environments or just for slightly brighter sounding headphones. The 3D+ works wonders for more closed in sounding headphones giving you a more realistic soundstage. The ability to choose between bass and presence on the XBass setting is actually really handy and allows you a little finer tuning than a standard bass boost.

Conclusion:

The xCAN has all you need from a portable amp, perfect size, good battery life and easy to use. Add to that excellent Bluetooth implementation, balanced circuitry and overall sound quality is the only portable amp you will ever need. Another superb product from iFi that has our seal of approval.

Best Sports Headphones 2020: Earbuds, On Ear, Wireless, True Wireless

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Maddie

Our pick of the Best Sports Headphones – Earphones, On Ear, Wireless and True Wireless

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

SoundMAGIC P22BT

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.

BEST SPORTS EARPHONES UNDER £100

2. SoundMAGIC E11BT – £69.99

SoundMAGIC E11BT

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

Nuforce BE Sport4

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.

4. Optoma NuForce BE Free5 – £99.99

Optoma NuForce BE Free5

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

Sennheiser CX Sport

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…

Optoma Nuforce BE Sport4 Review – Don’t Fret the Sweat

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Steve

Optoma Nuforce BE Sport4 – Don’t Fret the Sweat

“The Optoma Nuforce BE Sport4 is a solid and reliable companion for exercise and general use, and is well recommended if you’d like a bit of a bass kick to spur you on”

BE Sport4 relaxing in the sun

Intro

Optoma has enjoyed tremendous success recently with its BE Sport3 model; it’s an earphone which has a remarkably solid build quality and reliability, but 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.

Pros:

Funky, modern look
Quick to charge
Additional earfins included for better fit
Good quality carry case

Cons:

Doesn’t have the fine detail some may require

BE Sport4 on the tiles

Design and appearance:

The Be Sport4 capsules are of a rounded square design; the shells are a metallic-grey colour which is offset by a sort of pastel green for the soundports and strain releifs. It’s a funky look, and it can be supplemented by the addition of some particularly vivid earfins for keeping the capsules securely in the ears whilst exercising. The cable conforms to the BE Sport3 design, although the large strain releifs of the former model are gone. Also gone are the ‘left’ and ‘right’ markers which were on those strain releifs, but so long as we remember that the mic/remote control goes on the right side, we’ll manage without them.

Durability & build quality:

The Be Sport4 is a solid unit; nowhere is there any creaking or movement where there shouldn’t be, and there is just enough weight to give the feeling that we have a premium product here. As mentioned, the strain releifs are reduced in size on the BE Sport4 model; perhaps the designers felt these were not so necessary on a wireless model.

Comfort:

With everyone’s ears being different, your experience may differ but the Sport4’s rounded capsules and eartips fit this reviewer in a very satisfying way. The weight of the capsules doesn’t come close to becoming a problem and the earfins aren’t required at all. However if you’re having fit issues, the earfins will help to keep the capsules in place by sitting within the folds of the ears through the most strenuous workouts. The cable can be forgotten, as a slider can take up any slack to keep it securely against the back of the head.

Suitability for Intended Application:

It’s no surprise that the BE Sport4 is aimed at the ‘active’ market, but it’s equally suitable for commuting and general use. The earphones do have a sporty feel but won’t look out of place on the train or in the office.

Sound characteristics:

The Be Sport4’s sound is warm and comfortable with a decent amount of bass and no signs of any troublesome frequency peaks. It’s an inoffensive tuning which many people will find pleasing, and of course some extra bass never goes amiss when pumping iron or on a treadmill. Perhaps with the requirement to block out and mask the standard piped-in music which many gyms have, the Sport4 can be turned up a little with no risk to the wearer’s hearing – if they’re sensible of course.

Bass:

Sub bass is pretty good on the BE Sport4; there’s plenty of deep rumble here, and the mid bass region gives plenty of slam. These are not ‘true basshead’ earphones but the lower frequencies are certainly prominent enough to meet the expectations of a lot of people.

Mids:

While the bass is doing its thing, the midrange suffers no bleed and is clearly discernable. However, it does take a back seat in terms of impact and detail here could be more precise. To don the designer’s cap once more however, these earphones are aimed at those who want motivation rather than inspiration, and the midrange serves well to back up the bass without drawing too much attention to itself and possibly leading to listener fatigue.

Treble:

It’s a non-offensive treble also; it’s muted and rounded off, which might be a problem for those who like a concerto or two during their morning run. However, many who just want a bit of dance music or pop will be well served by the Sport4. It’s a matter of fitness over finesse.

Soundstage & Separation:

Given the accuracy of the midrange and the general quality of bluetooth transmission, soundstage and separation are not gobsmacking but quite acceptable.

BE Sport4 and wood

Music Genres Good For and Why:

The BE Sport4 excels with genres such as dance, pop and rock. Anything with a beat and a bassline will go down a storm but classical and similar music styles will be wanting, although still quite listenable.

Sennheiser CX6.00BT Bluetooth Earphone Review

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Steve

Sennheiser CX6.00BT Bluetooth Earbud Review

READ MORE: Headphones Buying Guides

We remember a time when a wireless Bluetooth earphone was a novelty item, but now they’re become de rigueur. It’s an easy conclusion to draw when they’re coming through as sleek and polished-looking as the CX6.00BT.

Pros:

Can be paired with two devices
Smart and well manufactured
Competent sound

Cons:

Included case is a bit impractical
Eartips may be hit or miss

Design and Appearance

As already touched upon, the Sennheiser CX6.00BT is as dapper and chic as we’d expect from that esteemed company. Taking its capsule design cues from the Momentum in-ear models, the CX6.00BT is planned to continue the.. er, impetus that the popular Momentum series achieved.

The asking price gets some fine-looking bluetooth earphones but accessories are spartan; with a selection of tips, a so-so carry case and the required USB charge cable. I think we can call this fair (since our money is saved) but the case could have done with a bit more thought. It’s made of a brittle plastic which may get cracked, and it doesn’t hold together all that well.

The CX6.00BT has a nice trick, as it can pair up with two devices at the same time. If you’re enjoying listening to music from your dedicated music player or DAP and a call comes through on your phone, you have the option to answer. Smart!

Durability and Build Quality

The earphones themselves are among the most competently made wireless models I’ve seen at this price; they show off Sennheiser’s design acumen rather well. Having said that, this reviewer had to go looking for eartips which fitted better than the supplied eartips; which were a bit thin and didn’t hold the CX6.00BT in the ear particularly securely. Admittedly, a shallow fit is preferred here however.

Controls are easy to find and operate when the CX6.00BT is in action, and we find the in-ear commentary to be quite bearable; a female voice with a North American twang announces ‘power on’ and ‘power off’ whilst the female voice which says ‘connected’ sounds like it’s from Essex here in the UK. So there you have it, the CX6.00BT includes your very own Essex girl!

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Comfort

Provided you can get a good fit with the supplied eartips, the CX6.00BT can be more or less forgotten. During exhaustive testing including motorcycle rides and supermarket trips, this reviewer was left with only music to enjoy and no fiddling about was required.

Sound Characteristics

The sound of the Sennheiser CX6.00BT will be no surprise if you are familiar with the sound of other Sennheiser earphones such as the Momentum (HD1) in-ear model. The CX6.00BT is warm sounding, with a bit of muted sparkle up top to keep things lively but comfortable. Throughout, the sound is cohesive with no obvious peaks or troughs in the frequency levels.

Bass

Bass is fairly strong with good subbass; it’s not up to basshead levels, but is sure to please most people with a decent amount of weight underpinning proceedings. It has good manners, and whilst it could be a bit tighter it hits the spot and allows the midrange to come through very well.

Mids

Midrange is clear and fairly detailed for a wireless model; atmospheric effects such as reverb are not lost, and vocals are clean. There’s a decent amount of warm cuddliness within the midrange too, for a fun and involving presentation.

Treble

There’s a decent amount of presence up at the top, but it’s gentle on the ear. Cymbals and suchlike make themselves known, but will not dictate listening levels unless you have a particular sensitivity here. Fine details are hampered by the wireless nature of these earphones, but it makes them quite versatile and forgiving with less than perfect recordings.

Soundstage and Separation

Soundstage is OK for a wireless in-ear model; you won’t be transported to the Royal opera House it’s quite acceptable. Similarly, imaging and separation are good enough for portable uses where the user’s mind will often not be concentrating on the finer points.

Music genres good for and why

The CX6.00BT is particularly good for modern pop and similarly produced genres, but it can handle anything thrown at it.

Summary

There’s plenty of choice out there with bluetooth earphones these days, but Sennheiser seems determined to corner this market with a few great releases over the past couple of years. The CX6.00BT is certainly a contender, especially for the £89.99 asking price.

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