Tag Archives: closed-back headphones

Focal Elegia Review

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Review: The Focal Elegia

Focal have entered the high-end closed back market, and they clearly know what they are doing.

Focal Elegia

 

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories:

The Elegia sport a black and silver colour scheme with textured cups and a nice logo in the middle. The earpads are black on the outside with a silver inner lining, the same as the headband. The logo in the middle of the cups really stands out. These are headphones that like to stand out in the crowd. They are not understated and reserved; they want to draw attention, but in a respectable way.

 

The build quality is great. The cups are hard plastic, the logo is metal and mesh and there is a mix of leather and microfibre in the headband. The yokes are aluminium, and they just feel extremely well put together when you have them in your hands. They use a recessed 3.5mm detachable cable that is easy to replace. I really like the build quality of the Elegia, but over time the cups are going to show some signs of use.

 

Accessory-wise, they come with a lovely hard case with heavy duty zip and leather handle. Also included is the cable, which is 1.3m long and terminates in a 3.5mm jack with a 6.3mm screw on adaptor. They included everything you need to get them up and running.

 

 

Comfort:

The Elegia are a well-built headphone. This comes at the expense of a little bit of weight, though. Padding is key to keeping them comfortable, and whilst the earpads are nice and plush, with good padding, the headband could be improved. I know that comfort has a lot to do with individual head shapes, so this won’t affect everyone, but the headband padding is not thick enough. I personally found them to create a hot spot on the top of my head, but not everyone will have this issue.

 

 

Bass: The Elegia have excellent bass response that is tight and controlled, yet at the same time full and fun. It is slightly elevated overall with a bit of added impact. This makes you want to crank them up a little from time to time. They are a headphone that enjoy slightly louder volumes to really come alive. Bass guitar lines are incredibly articulate, and the kicks hit with authority.

 

Midrange: You would think with the slightly fuller low end that the midrange might be pushed back a bit. And whilst they are not mid-forward, they still strike a good balance in the mix. Vocals never sound distant; they cut through with great detail and presence. Guitars have power and crunch when needed, yet sound intricate and detailed during other tracks. Overall, they sit well balanced in the mix, with great clarity and separation. The transition is smooth into the treble and there is no large dip like on the Elear.

 

Treble: The treble is slightly laid back compared to the rest of the sound, but it is not lacking in detail and extension. The treble is always present, but in a slightly lower quantity than the bass and midrange, thus creating a headphone that is easy to enjoy. They lack any hint of brightness, but this does mean that they lose out on a little sparkle. This partly contributes to the ability to crank these up a bit without issue, whilst still being able to hear everything in the recording clearly.

 

The Elegia don’t have a huge soundstage, but the separation and accuracy of the placement of instruments makes up for this easily.

 

 

Conclusion:

The Elegia are a fun, full and detailed headphone that really get you tapping your feet along with the music. They like to be played a little louder than normal, so please do take care of your hearing. These put a big smile on my face with certain songs, due to the sheer fun factor, without missing out on technicalities.

Edifier H850 Headphone Review

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Edifier H850 Closed Back Headphone Review

The Edifier H850 Headphones offer excellent sound quality for the modest price of £39.99, offering a clean and clear, well balanced sound.

Pros:

  • Build quality
  • Balanced sound

Cons:

  • Not the most natural timbre
  • Lacks some high end refinement

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Edifier H850 are a fairly standard looking headphone, nothing stands out with a mainly matt black design and brushed aluminium faceplates. The H850 won’t win any beauty competitions, but they look stylish for a headphone at this price.

The build quality is perfectly acceptable for the price, with plastic cups, metal reinforced headband and metal faceplates. The cups swivel flat, the earpads are replaceable and a big plus point is the cable is user replaceable with a standard 3.5mm jack (however the stock one has a locking mechanism).

The H850 accessories are kept to a minimum, only a 6.3mm jack adaptor is supplied as extra, however this means that costs are kept to a minimum, leaving you with better sound quality for the price over luxurious accessories.

Comfort and Isolation

The Edifier H850 are very light, but the cups are not the most spacious, however I find them to be comfortable for long periods of time. The headband is well padded and again the weight comes into play here not creating a hot spot on the top of your head.

Isolation is good, this is a closed back headphone but there are vents in the cups that do leak a minimal amount of sound. If you listen at moderate volumes you are unlikely to bother people around you.

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READ MORE: Shanling H1 Portable Headphone Amplifier Review

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Sound Quality

  • Bass

The bass on the H850 is surprisingly punchy and well in line with the rest of the frequency range. It is articulate and well layered, bass guitar lines are easy to follow. They do roll off around 50hz, and there is a bit of a mid bass hump but, overall the bass is well controlled and does not shadow the rest of the frequency range. The lows are quick in attack and recovery making them handle heavy rock music very well, yet they can still offer some body in acoustic and electronic tracks.

  • Mids

The midrange is quite clean and clear, there is a slight dip in the lower mids making male vocals not as prominent as female vocals. However they do not suffer from bleed from the lows, being well separated. Finer details are not the H850’s strong point, but they are well balanced and there is good space and air. For the price the midrange is very good, there is a slight peak in the upper midrange which does highlight some sibilance in certain recordings. Electric guitars fair well with good energy and crunch when called for, and acoustic guitars come across with good body but perhaps a little cold in tonality.

  • Highs

The highs are well presented but do lack extension and air, I find them to roll off too early and lack refinement. They are a bit one toned with lack of distinct definition, but then again they are present and at this price point I don’t think any headphone can match these in the treble range. The highs do have good placement and directionality being able to pinpoint where they are coming from in the recording.

  • Separation and Soundstage

The instrument separation is good on these, during faster tracks they do have a tendency to become a little congested but for the most part everything is well separated and easy to pick out in the recording.
The soundstage is not huge, it is just outside the headphones in terms of width, so they won’t be the best for large orchestral pieces.

Conclusion

Now for the price, the Edifier H850 is possibly best in class, most headphones around this range have boosted bass, or non-existent highs, these do not. These actually have good balance across the board, yes they won’t have the natural tone of high end models, or the effortless high end extension, but they do offer a very pleasant listening experience for an excellent price.

Meze 99 Neo Headphone Review

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Meze 99 Neo Headphone Review

The Meze 99 Neo are an aesthetically pleasing, warm sounding, easy listening headphone suitable for kicking back and enjoying rather than analysing.

Pros:

  • Looks
  • Build quality
  • Smooth sound

Cons:

  • Bass is not the tightest
  • Not the widest soundstage

Aesthetics, Build quality and Accessories

The Meze 99 Neo have a vintage look about them, with silver accents and black cups the colours compliment each other perfectly. There is nothing overly remarkable about the appearance of these headphones, but they do look very sleek and stylish.

They are well built, the cups are plastic the headband is solid metal, the cable and earpads are replaceable, all in all a very well built headphone.

The Meze 99 Neo comes with a great range of accessories, you get a hardcase to transport them in, a 1.2m cable with microphone and a regular 3m cable and a jack adaptor, a great array of accessories and all that is needed.

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READ MORE: Pioneer SE-MS7BT Bluetooth Headphone Review

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Comfort and Isolation

These headphones are very comfortable, the earpads encapsulate your ears nicely, and are deep enough so that your ear does not touch the driver. I am a big fan of the headband pad as it is elasticated and conforms to the shape of you head better than most headphones out there.
These are closed back, and use pleather pads so your ears will heat up over long listening sessions, but overall they are a very comfortable headphone.

Isolation is fine for general home, office and most portable use, but they are not the best for very noisy environments.

Sound quality

  • Bass

The bass on these is very full, almost too full sometimes, but manages to keep controlled and not affect the mids too much. The bass manages to dig deep with excellent rumble when called for, the punch is backed up with good body but is not the fastest and struggles to keep up with heavy rock music.

  • Mids

Male vocals sit a little farther behind in the mix, due to the full nature of the lows, whereas female vocals come across a little more forward and cleaner. Separation and placement is well done, and the tonality is good, and there is no harshness at all in the mids.

  • Treble

Laid back is how I would describe the treble on these, the treble is well detailed and present, but not in huge quantities.

  • Soundstage and Separation

The soundstage is not huge, they offer quite an intimate presentation but the separation is very good, and layering is very well done.

Conclusion

The Meze 99 Neo are a relaxed sounding headphone, they are easy to sit back and listen to, the bass sounds a little uncontrolled during certain tracks, but they offer great build quality, looks and good sound quality for the price.

KEF M400 Headphones – Expert Review

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KEF M400 On-Ear Headphone Review – Bantamweight Boogie

British firm KEF has decided to follow up on its acclaimed KEF M500 on-ear model with a slimmer, lighter version. It’s not easy to follow in the footsteps of a famous sibling, and the work is cut out for the KEF M400 in this regard. However the KEF M400 has form which exceeds its weight class and is a real contender. The M400 would make a terrible boxer as it often remains out for far longer than a ten second count; however it’s got me right hooked.

Pros:

  • Small and light
  • Sturdy build and construction
  • Removable cable with mic/controls
  • Stylish understated design
  • Folds up for easy storage

Cons:

  • Soundstage limited

Design and Appearance

The M400 model maintains a family resemblance with its flat ear cusions and swept back ear cups, but it is definitely a cut down version of the chunkier KEF M500. The headband is much thinner, plus the earcups are constructed from aluminium; they’re misleadingly light!

Durability & Build Quality

Despite the lighter and sleeker construction, the M400 still feels like a solid headphone and a fitting follow-up for KEF. The cable is not thick, but has a hard-wearing feel about it with decent strain reliefs at each end. The mic/controls on the cable have no strain reliefs.

Comfort

First impressions were regarding the headband padding and size – with this reviewer being a bighead, the headband needed to be fully extended in order for the earpads to properly sit on the ears, and the headband makes itself known by applying pressure to the top of the head. having said that, they have remained in position for upwards of an hour now, with no significant discomfort.

Suitability/Portability

As a portable model, the M400 is ideal; it does everything well. It leaks very little sound even with a high volume level, it’s light, can be worn around the neck unobtrusively and goes into the supplied carry pouch very nicely. The earcups are hinged so the M400 can easily be folded up, and it even fits in the case when the earcups are extended fully so the headband sliders don’t need to be adjusted all the time. Perfect!

Sound isolation

The KEF M400 does a fair job of keeping out exterior sounds; don’t expect to be incommunicado as you listen to Marillion, but enough environmental noise is blocked to keep things enjoyable.

Sound characteristics

Overall, the sound is very similar to the M500 model in terms of balance. The M400 is a little lighter-sounding with not so much bass presence and subtler treble, for a slightly more neutral sound.

  • Bass

Bass is still very much a part of proceedings, strongly underpinning the music without stealing the show; however there is a little looseness up at the top end of the bass end of things. Not enough to impinge on the midrange, however.

  • Mids

The natural and effortless presentation within the midrange is what makes the M500 great, and the M400 is no different. Instruments jump out at the listener, taking on form and appearing very real without feeling forced. There’s bags of room, and everything is nice and clear even with plenty going on.

  • Treble

Treble is relaxed but tight and accurate. The M400 is a good choice for those with some sensitivity to higher frequencies, but who do not want to miss any details. Like the midrange, the higher frequencies are not forced but very effective at the same time. The treble puts the cherry on the midrange cake to reveal that last harmonic and render a presentation very convincing.

Soundstage & Separation

Soundstage is fairly good, helped along by the clarity of the midrange. It is perhaps limited by the on-ear design when compared to a full-sized closed back, as the folds of the ear are flattened by the earpads’ design and internal reflections are skewed somewhat. Separation is crisp and clear, with everything in place and well defined.

Music genres good for and why

Pop and rock are very good with the KEF M400; jazz, classical and acoustic may suffer slightly from a lack of soundstage relative to full sized or open headphones but this is  a minor drawback. For a fuller bass sound maybe try the M500 model, but the M400 gives a good clean fight and only hugs my head as I enjoy the music!

Summary

A good choice for those who like a smooth and trouble-free model; the KEF M400 is the perfect mixture of stylishness, sound quality and practicality.

B&W P5 Series 2 Headphone – Expert Review

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Bowers and Wilkins P5 Series 2 – Chrome on your Dome

Bowers and Wilkins has been making world class speakers for just about 50 years now, and are still going strong at their Worthing site, just a stone’s throw from ourselves at hifiheadphones. Not that we find ourselves throwing stones at them very often of course, as apart from anything else we have a few windows of our own. Brought out in 2010, the original P5 model has now been updated to the Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2.

Design and appearance:

Designed by Morton Warren, they exude a feeling of graceful simplicity while at the same time feeling very solid and light. The materials give it the same looks as the Oppo PM-1, with plush leather and chrome working together in that classic, opulent pairing.

Durability & build quality (e.g. cabling, connectors, materials:

The B&W P5 Series 2 is very well put together and its lightweight construction belies the fact that nothing rattles or squeaks when the headphones are flexed and placed on the head. Cables are about right for portable use. Both the Apple control cable and plain stereo cables are 1.2 m; they are no thicker than those found used with in-ear headphones. The Apple control/mic itself is very stylish and easy to use despite being just out of sight near the mouth. The earpads are held on by magnets but are unlikely to be removed accidentally; the magnetic force is strong! Changing the cable necessitates the removal of one of the earpads which is a simple process.

Comfort:

Clamping force on portable headphones is always a balance between comfort and the headphones falling off, or needing constant readjustment. On the P5 it’s just slightly on the heavy side, but with time and gentle stretching this should improve. The earpads are made from lambskin and are quite comfortable , offering both a decent amount of isolation and comfort. Glasses wearers may however find themselves adjusting their glasses once the P5 is on, as some discomfort may be encountered over the ears in some cases.

Sound isolation:

Isolation is good, but you are still going to be aware of your surroundings. With music playing however, most exterior noise will melt away. The P5 does leak a little bit of audio but no more than any equivalent headphone. Your fellow train passengers will be all sweetness and light.

Portability:

The B&W P5 Series 2 really hits the mark for portable uses; they can be worn around the neck with minimal fuss, and the pads do block out a fair amount of exterior noise. They’re showy, but not in a way that might cause the wearer to feel self-concious and will fit in with any scenario. They fit the supplied carry case very well which can be stored or carried in a briefcase or bag easily.

Sound characteristics:

The sound of the P5 Series 2 is most agreeable; some people may be expecting accuracy or a neutral tuning but the P5 is squarely aimed at the portable market, with the average music source (read:phones) taken into account.

Bass:

The bass of the P5 Series 2 is fairly powerful considering the driver size. It is well controlled and in proportion, but goes down low and reproduces sub-bass very faithfully. It’s a good match for the typical unamped iDevice with which it will more than likely be paired, bringing up the low end for a more engaging sound.

Mids:

The midrange is free and able to shine quite separate from the bass, and vocals are clear and enjoyable. Acoustic instruments are well rendered and harmonics give a good feel of a performance. Reverb/echo is very enjoyable and not lost during busier parts. It’s all taken in the P5’s stride.

Treble:

The P5 is a little gentle where the higher frequencies are concerned, and this is no bad thing. A lot of people find it frustrating when, because of a headphone’s brightness, high frequencies dictate what volume level a piece of music can be enjoyed at. The P5 gives enough treble to give sparkle and resolution to the music, but it knows its audience and what they’re likely to be doing – they are not listening critically when on the move. Some may want more emphasis at the top end of the frequency spectrum but B&W have gone for the common ground.

Soundstage & Separation:

Soundstage is good for a closed back, with a presentation from far outside the physical confines of the headphones and separation is very good too. A listen to ‘Flight of the Valkyries’ had me convinced that one would collide with me at any moment.

Music genres good for and why:

As implied above, classical music is made very rich and full with the P5, along with jazz, opera and any genre where the space in which the recording is made is part of the enjoyment.

Heavy Metal is pressing and immediate, Disco and more modern Dance Music certainly benefits from the low bass … and something older such as Rock n’ Roll is fully rendered in all its midrange majesty. The P5 is a great all-rounder.

 

Pros:

Stylish and light
Light, removeable mic cable
Spare stereo cable
Good isolation

Cons:

Initial clamping force
Some may expect a brighter sound

Summary:

The Bowers&Wilkins P5 Series 2 makes for perfect company during those long journeys when we’d prefer to be unencumbered by additional amps, DACs and other gadgets needed to get the best from our other equipment. The P5 is designed and tuned to sound amazing straight out of any phone, so that we may travel light!

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review – The Dark Horse From Tokyo

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Verdict

Exceptional quality for the price. The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 renders every detail clearly and leaves no sonic stone unturned, but steers just clear of being overbearing at the top end of the frequency range.

Pros

  • 3 cables for all scenarios, including one for smartphones
  • Solid but light construction
  • Carry pouch

Cons

  • There must be something..!

The new Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 has escaped from Japan and has made it to our eager earholes in the UK; but can we expect a bigger version of the M50, or something else? The styling is reminiscent of the M50, but can we expect the recessed mid range that the M50 is known for?

Key Features

The ATH-MSR7 features ‘True Motion’ Hi-Res audio drivers with a diameter of 45mm; this according to Audio-Technica’s website improves response times and minimises distortion for a clearer and and more detailed sound, due to the inclusion of a super-light voice coil and precision diaphragm. Also ‘Dual layer air-control technology’ is described as a method for reducing vibrations within the housing; together with a triple-vent on each side, virtually all extraneous sound can be dealt with. Audio-Technica have been generous with extra cables in the box; there’s both a 3m and 1.2m cable and for those of us with friends, a cable featuring a mic and smartphone controls. For those without, we can always place the plush and well-made carry pouch over our heads.

First Impressions

The headphones don’t inspire much in the way of excitement on first seeing them; they’re pretty standard and much like the M50 with a less broad headband and larger earcups. The build quality is superb however, exuding a feeling of solid reliability. I’m reminded of a Beyerdynamic DT250.

Sound Quality

Under the ATH-MSR7’s dour and business-like appearance beats the heart of a party animal; ready to draw you in for the time of your life! The sound of these cans really must be heard to be believed; for under £200 the ATH-MSR7 represents some amazing value for money. There’s no ‘effortless’ feeling of headphones at the high end of the market, but everything else is there. A very pleasing bass which knows its place but is very impactful and rich, leaves room for a stunningly clear midrange with bright treble extending high, but with a smoothness which does not stray near harshness.

Soundstage is good for a closed back headphone, but it’s the imaging and speed which really makes the ATH-MSR7 shine. It certainly seems that the mysterious techniques that Audio-Technica have implemented here have paid off. I can think of headphones this good which cost twice as much as the ATH-MSR7! Little harmonic details and hard-panned instruments vie for attention, and the ATH-MSR7 demands pretty much all of it!

Summary

All too often we’re forced to find new exciting ways to say something is very good, and this is another of those times. The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 just does everything well. Understated enough to be worn in public, vented enough to provide a great sound, but also with a good amount of isolation. The ATH-MSR7 is just heavy enough to give the impression of solid build quality, but light enough to be enjoyed in great comfort. And as above, the sound is immersive.

Score – 9.5/10

Click Below to see our Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Unboxing video

LINDY HF-100 Headphones Review – Low Cost, High Value.

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 LINDY HF-100 Hi-Fi Headphones Review – Low Cost – High Value.

Verdict

In return for money spent, the sound quality that the Lindy HF-100 Premium Hi-Fi Headphone puts out is no less than stunning. When guessing what these headphones cost, we overshot like England penalty-takers; we never guessed that this sound would be available for well under £100. If you want to keep someone convivial, buy them these headphones and you will have a friend for life; albeit a very preoccupied one. Perfect for use at home or on the move, but an amp or dedicated music player is required. At 60ohms impedance/100dB sensitivity these will not be sufficiently powered by a phone alone for example.

Pros

  • Ridiculously Good Value
  • Comfortable
  • Travel Case
  • Alternative earpads
  • Removeable cable
  • A taste of audiophilia for under £100!

Cons

  • Not suitable for use straight from a phone
  • Cable runs to both left and right earcups

Intro

Headphones for £100 and under have been a mixed bag generally; at this price point, designs have been compromised in some way in order to keep down costs and the more substanial the headphones looked, the more substandard they sounded. So with all this baggage the Lindy HF-100 had its work cut out and impressed us despite it all.

Key Features

Being a full size headphone, the Lindy HF-100 includes the expected accessories such as jack adaptor and storage case but with a nice pair of alternative earpads too – these are a little firmer than the earpads which are fitted to the headphones when new and will change the sound signature, try these if the original pads do not suit you.

First Impressions

The Lindy HF-100 is a low-cost full size headphone from the Lindy brand, a name perhaps linked with a plethora of gadgets, connectors and peripherals. Our surprise at how good these headphones sound may have been partly due to them being new on the headphone scene, but now that they have come out again for this review I have only the cost in mind, and we’re still delighted.

Sound Quality

The Lindy HF-100 Premium Hi-Fi Headphone has a fun sound; very engaging, and with a decent bass. Not woolly and voluminous, but well controlled and balanced. They respond very well to EQ, the bass boost on my FiiO E12 not being lost on them. Midrange is clear and spacious, with a good amount of detail. Higher up in the midrange the sound is a little uncompromising in terms of stiffness – there is no peak here to cause the listener discomfort but the HF-100 can seem a little starchy and unyielding where a more expensive headphone would be smooth, for example the SoundMAGIC HP-150. With good quality recordings this is a minor detail, but low bitrates and poor recordings may get fatiguing to listen to after a while.

Summary

As with everything you get what you pay for. Although I should make that ‘most things’ as there are exceptions to this rule; not least the Lindy HF-100. A while ago, I would have expected to achieve a sound like this if I were to spend £150 or over. But not any more.

Score 8.5

 

 

Shure SRH1540 Review – Light Luxury

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Verdict

As I come to appreciate slightly brighter headphones and presentations, the Shure SRH1540 is one of the guiding lights along the way. The balance of lightness and impactful bass makes for a wonderful sense of space, realism and.. fun! Even the heaviest rock can be made to prance, skip and gambol yet retain its innate power.

Pros

  • Great comfort
  • Light
  • Solid Build

Cons

  • No carry case as such

Shure’s recently released SRH1540 follows some very good quality headphones and experiences in general with Shure’s products. Does this top notch closed-back deserve to be at the top of this pleasant pile?

Key Features

The Shure SRH1540 comes with a removable cable of good quality, and porous earpads – this may improve soundstage over the more traditional style but it does leak sound a little. Also Shure has provided a spare cable and a further pair of earpads which is always a good touch. A great quality case brings up the rear; this is more of a storage case than a carry case however.

First Impressions

As with most of Shure’s range, the feel of quality is apparent; but not at the expense of weight. It’s a little like a sports car; the available power is hidden away in preference of styling but it’s obviously under the hood, and in spades.

Sound Quality

Straight away, the sports car analogy comes back. The presentation is one of speed, agility and lightness. The Shure SRH1840 is not what I would call top heavy, but the upper frequencies are well represented in relation to the bass. Snares give a good realistic crack, but this doesn’t spill over into anything too bright. The rubber still meets the road in terms of bass however – it’s well controlled, impactful, and goes low if called for. Midrange doesn’t take a backseat exactly, but there is a slight recess in that range. Soundstage and separation are very good, with plenty of space left in the presentation for subtler parts such as reverb tails.

Summary

The Shure SRH1540 has its work cut out when it comes to outshining its esteemed siblings. But for me, the SRH1540 is a current favourite. It gives good weight and rich harmonics are brought out adding realism and depth to vocals and the like. It’s a full-size headphone which thinks it’s a portable, and it’s just as at home in either scenario.

Score 9.5/10

Audeze LCD-XC Review – Take a Shine to Closed Backs!

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Verdict

The Audeze LCD-XC is definitely one of the top-tier headphones available now, and is a worthy stablemate to the similarly closed-back but smoother Fostex TH900.

Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable
  • Sumptuous build quality
  • Amazing detail
  • Well balanced
  • Separation and imaging fully immersive
  • Sturdy travel case

Cons

  • May be too heavy for some

In the world of headphones we get the odd celebrity now and again; the flagships sail in and are esteemed due to their value if nothing else. But as with everything, a high price needn’t necessarily equate with a good product. Is this particualr celebrity just famous for being famous, or do they actually have some talent?

Key Features

Those shiny wooden earcups are a treat for the eyes, and the build quality is exceptional. Solid is definitely the word, but this may count against the Audeze LCD-XC as some necks may suffer under the 650g/1.4lb weight; those with the fortitude to ‘press a head’ should be well rewarded though. The tough carry case protects them in transit, and the supplied ribbon-type cable is ‘tangle free’. Also in the case is a little bottle of wax for keeping the shine on the earcups.

First Impressions

Having tried Audeze’s offerings before, my appetite was suitably whetted and it was not disappointed. By now the obvious build quality and good looks are meeting with blasé reactions – we all know what to expect from Audeze! The weight issue was in my mind, but since I’ve been enjoying the HifiMAN HE-400 for some time now with no issues I was not worried, and indeed the LDC-XC’s weight did not bother me.

Sound Quality

I first tried the Audeze LCD-XC with a Chord Hugo; both to feed as good a signal in as possible, and to try the Hugo’s resolution with the LCD-XC. The presentation was very accurate and crisp; I found it just a little too far into bright territory for my tastes. Then I tried the LCD-XC with my humble Fiio X3; the X3’s output is a little warmer than that of the Chord Hugo, and this was reflected within the sound of the headphones. Where before it was a little cold and uncompromising with the K120, it came to life and into colour for me with the X3. The LCD-XC is like a mirror for the amp; it brings out the best traits of the available equipment.

The closed-back nature of this model is possibly a down side, if only because so many great headphones in this price range are open and so have an advantage in terms of soundstage. As we all know however, isolation is often necessary if we aren’t to be distracted (and don’t want to disturb others), and the LCD-XC does not sound like a closed headphone. The soundstage is appreciably wider than the physical limits of the headphones, and the closed nature of them does not remain so obvious when in use.

Summary

With the asking price in mind, it’s no surprise to learn that this is an exceptionally competent headphone which can hold its own among some cutting-edge competition. If you are considering a highend closed-back model and you find the Fostex TH900 a little smooth, the Audeze LCD-XC may be just for you.

Score: 9.5/10

Beyerdynamic T51i Review – Premium Portable Perfection

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Verdict

High quality needn’t be a feature only of high-end, open-backed headphones, as we’ve recently seen with the likes of the KEF M500 and the Musical Fidelity MF100. With their solid but light aluminium construction, yielding earpads and flawless sound, the Beyerdynamic T51i allows you to take true Hi-Fi sound wherever you go.

Pros

  • Solid build quality
  • Very comfortable for an on-ear
  • Exceptional Sound quality
  • Ideal carry case included
  • Good isolation

Cons

  • Fixed cable
  • Buttons a little small and recessed, may be tricky with gloves on

German headphone company Beyerdynamic’s latest offering, the T51i, features iDevice compatibility for trouble-free calls as well as superior sound quality. The overall impression is that these will last for years; there is simply nothing to fall apart or get loose.

Key Features

Obviously the iControls are what marks this headphone out as different to the T51p; other than that it’s the usual package from Beyerdynamic. Just solid and dependable construction and sound, along with a soft but sturdy case and the usual 6.3mm/flight adaptors. Also included is an adaptor to convert Apple’s preferred CTIA jack terminal spec to OMTP for older handsets. In this market it’s tempting to add a gimmick or two, but Beyerdynamic know that these headphones can easily stand on their own merits.

First Impressions

The build quality is a fine introduction to the general theme here, just pure enjoyment. The Beyerdynamic T51i headphones are lovely to touch; the strong cool metal and leathery earpads definitely give the idea that there’s nothing to worry about and it’s all under control. The cable is more akin to their IEM cables; more suitable for the portable crowd, but non-removeable. Conceivably, they could have had a removeable cable and introduced alternative cables with controls for specific handset types, but that’s just nit-picking.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is about what can be expected from Beyerdynamic’s full size headphones; well represented bass without bloat or bad definition, clean midrange and detailed highs. Some models such as the DT880 can lean toward the bright side, but the T51i has the detail along with smoothness. I’ve been listening at a fair volume for an hour and am quite comfortable.

Summary

Highly esteemed makers with long pedigrees like Beyerdynamic raise one’s expectations accordingly. Nevertheless the Beyerdynamic T51i is still a surprise, and an absolute pleasure to use. The build, feel and sound of them all scream quality; the way they are put together comes from 50 years ago, but the sound is definitely 21st century.

Score: 9/10

KEF M500 Portable Closed Back Headphone Review

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Verdict

KEFs addition to the portable range of headphones is sleek, comfortable and most importantly sounds great! Clear detail with tight bass and crisp mids – They also fold up for easy storage and come with a spare cable for iDevices. The KEF M500 is extremely well built and feels solid, the pads are  soft and they isolate very well.

Pros

  • Foldable
  • Solidly built
  • Extra cable with in-line mic and controls for iDevices

Cons

  • Earpads are fully on the ear so can get warm

Key Features

  • Driver diameter – 40mm
  • Impedance – 32 Ohms
  • Weight – 208 g
  • Replaceable cable (iDevice cable included)
  • Foldable headband
  • Cable length – 1.3m

First Impressions

From the start you can see that KEF have gone for an elegant design. The packaging is simple, and follows the M500s colour pallet of silver and black. Inside you get a hard case – again very simple and well designed, 2 1.3m tangle-free flat cables (one with 3 button remote and microphone for iDevices), a flight adapter and a 6.3mm jack converter.

The M500 is very well built, and thanks to the aluminium frame not only are they light weight but they look great too! The headband padding is very soft and the earpads are made from breathable memory foam –  this provides great isolation. KEF has not only designed a headphone that feels good – they also look great and they’re extremely comfortable.

Sound Quality

The KEF M500‘s are well balanced without being boring – clean, clear and crisp with tight bass, well defined mids and lots of top end detail. Having a well balanced sound makes them sound great with all genres and the top end detail works really well with acoustic music or any songs with plenty going on. The separation is superb – you can hear the edge of every instrument, and considering these are fully closed back they have great soundstage.

Summary

For a portable headphone the KEF M500 is gives you everything – stylish, compact, well built, iPhone compatible, comfortable and it sounds great. The sound will suit anyone looking for a clean, balanced and detailed sound – especially in the higher frequencies. For a warmer sound I would suggest the Sennheiser Momentum or for something with more bass impact the Aedle VK-1 would be a good choice.

Score – 9.5/10

Sennheiser Momentum Full Size Portable Headphone Review

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Verdict

The Full-size Sennheiser Momentum is the big brother to the smaller on-ear Momentum; the last word in luxurious, portable listening with sumptuous earpads made from real leather. These headphones are fantastic for separation, and they have a very wide soundstage which belies their closed back design. Sound isolation is high; the leather pads excel in keeping unwanted noises out, while social isolation is low due to the handy Apple mic and controls.

Pros

  • Comfy Earpads
  • Smart/Stylish
  • Rich Bass
  • 5 year warranty

Cons

  • Top end detail
  • Relatively unforgiving headband

Key Features

  • Coupling: Over Ear
  • Transducer principle: Dynamic, closed
  • Frequency response: 16Hz – 22kHz
  • Impedance: 18?
  • Weight: 190g
  • Cables: (no mic) 1.4m, (Apple mic) 1.3m

First Impressions

The Momentum headphones have a solid feel with a steel and leather construction. At the same time they are quite light to wear; I don’t imagine being fatigued with these during extended periods of use. They have a style reminiscent of Aviator sunglasses; rounded, tinted and very cool with a touch of 80s chic.

As well as the 1.3m Apple-compatible cable, there’s a spare 1.4m cable (without mic) and a semi-solid case for keeping them in good condition whilst on the go. The headband pad could do with plumping up a little, but the earpads are very comfy indeed. For an ‘over-ear’ design however, the spaces in the earpads are limited so comfort may be dependent on an individual’s own ear shape and size.

Sound Quality

The Sennheiser Momentum excels at bass warmth without being bloated, and the soundstage appeared to be shoulder-wide; the ‘breadth’ of the music far exceeds the physical size of the headphones. Separation is very good also with each instrument in its own space. Mid range is involving and enjoyable, but there is a slight lack of high-end detail which some may prefer to keep. I’d summarise the frequency response as akin to the design; very comfortable indeed but not likely to send you to sleep in a hurry!

Dance music is particularly suitable, and although the Momentum can be used straight from a portable device they respond really well to amplification. Sub bass is plentiful, indeed awesome with the Fiio E12‘s bass boost. The Momentums really respond well to EQing.

Summary

If you like to relax in the bath with a box of chocolates, these are the headphones for you! This is not to say that these headphones are suitable for relaxing music only of course. Dance, rap and R&B all come across really well; acoustic music will be good due to the midrange but may lose a little something at the top end. Soundstage and separation will make up for this however; any performance will not feel any less real.

Score – 9/10

Beyerdynamic T51i Portable Headphones With Mic – Announcement

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The Beyerdynamic T51i is one of the best portable headphones out there. Now they have gone a step further by adding an in-line microphone and smartphone controls – making them the ultimate portable headphone!

HifiHeadphones are happy to announce that the Beyerdynamic T51i is now in stock.

Buy Beyerdynamic T51i Closed Back Headphones with Apple Controls & Mic here

Price – £245.95

Features

  • Convenient 3-button remote control and microphone for phone calls and media playback
  • Outstanding balanced and powerful sound quality
  • Brilliant treble and deep bass reproduction
  • Tesla technology with highest efficiency
  • Excellent ambient noise attenuation
  • Swivelling earcups 90°
  • Foldable headband design
  • Made in Germany

SoundMAGIC HP150 Review

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SoundMAGIC HP150

It’s amazing that with the SoundMAGIC HP150 headphones, SoundMAGIC have yet again shown how they can raise the bar.

The market for full-size headphones costing £200 and below provides more shining examples of incredible sound quality. And helping all this along is SoundMAGIC, which has impressed all and sundry with its offerings of all types and sizes.

Perhaps most notable is the HP100 released in 2012 – a full sized and very comfortable closed back, offering a well balanced sound and good isolation. Summer is no stranger to super sequels however, so will we be jumping for joy in the aisles, or blubbing into our popcorn?

Pros

  • Superb Comfort
    Pristine Sound
    Solid Build
    Plain Good Looks

Cons

  • Unique cable connection shared only by the HP100 Headphones
    Some sound leakage

 

Summary

The HP150 headphones remain loyal to the previous HP100 design in terms of headband, padding, drivers and accessories. The most noticeable change is the driver housing; the previous ‘Tron’ style has been superseded by a matt black rubber coating which matches the rest of the HP150’s look.

Key Features

Features are only what’s to be expected from a headphone in this price range – just good sound and the usual accessories. There’s a 3m extension cable for Hi-Fi listening which is a bonus, as well as flight adapter and 6.3mm adapter. The case has undergone an improvement in that it affords greater protection; there’s more space for padding so that the headphones are safer in transit.

First Impressions

As mentioned above, the HP150 headphone is the sleeker, sexier descendant of the HP100. The shiny parts on the earcups and yoke joints are gone, and matt black is now the uniform colour.

The cable has undergone a slight change too, the previous model was shipped with a coiled 1.2m cable. This has been straightened, and together with the 3m extension cable should provide a bit of slack in most tight situations.

Sound Quality

The best bit of the HP150 headphone is of course the sound – heads are scratched and price lables are rechecked – are we sure there’s no mistake? The HP150 sounds like a headphone three times the price! They are well balanced with a little drop in the midrange, but it’s nothing which gets missed. Think of them as giving a little boost to both ends of the frequency spectrum.

Bass is fully representative of what’s there without getting its own ideas, and treble has a brightness which doesn’t cross into strident territory – even for those like myself with a sensitivity to these frequencies.

The soundstage of the HP150 is very impressive for a closed-back headphone. I wouldn’t say that the HP150 has the feel of an open-backed equivalent, but the breadth of the presentation is certainly comparable. Imaging and separation are pristine with details standing up to be counted wherever they are.

SoundMAGIC has stated that the drivers in the HP150 are the same as the HP100 – the change in earcup material has been balanced with padding within the earcup so that the sound is as close to that of the HP100 as possible.

With possible burn-in still to go on the HP150, the bass appears to be a tiny bit higher in volume against the rest of the presentation but with the same qualities. Treble seems to be a little bit smoother but not at the expense of detail. Midrange appears unchanged.

 

Hifiheadphones Verdict

Even with newly-introduced headphones getting better and cheaper year after year, the models put out by SoundMAGIC seem to thumb their noses at the competition. The HP150 headphone is quick, light and nimble; jester-like in its ability to handle any genre with fun and merriment.

If you have £200 and a need for closed-back full size headphones, a few minutes’ delay is a tragedy. Do your ears a favour and resist no longer!

You can now check out our unboxing video of the Soundmagic HP 150 on our youtube channel.