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

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.

The post Focal Elegia Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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.

The post Edifier H850 Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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.

The post Meze 99 Neo Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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.

The post KEF M400 Headphones – Expert Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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!

The post B&W P5 Series 2 Headphone – Expert Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Also See: Read our in depth review of the Final Audio Design Pandora VI

The post Final Audio Design Pandora Hope VI – Video Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review – The Dark Horse From Tokyo appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post LINDY HF-100 Headphones Review – Low Cost, High Value. appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post Shure SRH1540 Review – Light Luxury appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post Audeze LCD-XC Review – Take a Shine to Closed Backs! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post Beyerdynamic T51i Review – Premium Portable Perfection appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post KEF M500 Portable Closed Back Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post Sennheiser Momentum Full Size Portable Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post Beyerdynamic T51i Portable Headphones With Mic – Announcement appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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.

The post SoundMAGIC HP150 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Pros

•     Comfortable and lightweight
•     Simple attractive design
•     Flat non tangle cable
•     Impressive bass and detail for price
•     Solid construction and soft case

Cons

•     At this price it’s very hard to pick fault here!
•     The P21S version with Mic and MFB might be better if you’re chatty

Summary

The SoundMAGIC P21 is a new lightweight on ear headphone from the multi-award winning SoundMAGIC brand. It’s a small foldable unit with a 3.5mm connector, a perfect companion to a Dab radio, Smartphone or Tablet computer.

Key Features

•     40mm Neodymium transducer
•     Sensitivity 103db
•     Cable Length 120cm
•     110g
•    Microphone & Smart Switch, enables Apple iOS/Android Smartphone compatibility (P21S only)

A foldable headband and soft carry pouch make these portable gems a must for travelling music andfilm lovers.

First Impressions

Featuring super soft pads and a non tangle cable, this is a simple product with everything you need included. Comfy on the head, there isn’t much pressure applied by the light frame but the generous ear pads keep the P21 in place even whilst walking around. You forget you’re wearing them right away and Isolation is impressive too.

Sound Quality

Famed for creating products which perform sonic feats unexpected at their price, SoundMAGIC have done it again with this budget beauty. These practical cans have sparkling mids, impressive soundstage with both detail and bass depth. Realistic instrument separation gives an accomplished musical feel.

Because SoundMAGIC have not been tempted to make the bass huge, the P21 really work across most genres. There is plenty of impact and rhythm for Dance and Rock lovers, but the top end sparkle will make classical fans equally happy. The sense of space and solidity will shame much higher priced portables!

Verdict

SoundMAGIC takes a lot of beating in this price category. Ideal for travel and holidays, these will fit right in to any bag or backpack when stored in their low profile travel case.

Even having tried much more serious and high value portables, I’m still really impressed while listening to this little SoundMAGIC on-ear. If you would rather have a budget headphone than an earphone, the P21 is probably what you’re looking for.

Engaging and fun-sounding, the SoundMAGIC P21 will make the absolute most of the output from any portable player.

Please take a look at our video review of the SoundMAGIC P21S below for more details.

The post SoundMAGIC P21 Portable On Ear Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

We’ve collected the best full size hi-fi headphones from under £100 to over £1000 from 2015. The reviews are designed to help you choose from the massive selection of hi-fi and audiophile headphones with open back and closed back designs available. From trusted brands like Shure and Grado, to the freshest new brands like SoundMAGIC and Final Audio Design.

Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite full size open back and closed back headphones.

Shop: Visit our Over-Ear Headphones Store.

More Info: Read our Best On-Ear Headphones Buying Guide.

Best Over-Ear Headphones Under £100

Grado SR80i

There are not many good Hi-Fi headphones for under £100, but the SR80i is an exception.  The Grado SR80i is a great first step into high quality full size Hi-Fi headphones. Choosing the best Grado headphone is a little tricky as they are all excellent, but the sensibly priced Grado SR80i headphone is a worthy contender for best entry level on ear Hi-Fi headphone.

The SR80i is a energetic sounding headphone, with excellent clarity through the mids/highs, highly detailed resolution and a solid bass kick. Grado’s have a very up-front sound that can bring music to life. The SR80i is an on-ear headphone, so they can require a bit of re-adjusting after some use to get them comfortable again.

Unlike some audiophile class headphones the Grado SR80i’s are sensitive enough to give good response without any dedicated amplification, as they are rated at a very efficient 32 ohms.

All of the Grado range are fully open back headphones, which means sound can leak in and out of the ear cup. If this isn’t a problem then the SR80i is a very solid choice for a home listening Hi-Fi headphone.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Delivery stunningly good sound quality for the price. If the open back headphone design is no problem then you should definitely consider this headphone.

Best Over-Ear Headphones Under £200

Beyerdynamic DT770

Featuring a fully sealed (closed back) design and extremely robust build quality, the Beyerdynamic DT770 is a real workhorse of a headphone that is suitable for daily use and abuse.

With a pedigree in studio and live recording, Beyerdynamic is the number one choice at the BBC – check out photos on the BBC Radio 1 website and you will see most guests wearing the DT770.

Bass response is powerful and positional accuracy is excellent, making this a firm favourite for gaming and movies. However, the DT770 is a versatile headphone and is great for long music listening sessions also.

The DT770 is available in an easy to drive 80 Ohm version (suitable for home and even mobile listening) and also a much harder to drive 250 Ohm version that is designed to be plugged into a high output power mixing desk or dedicated headphone amp.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Robustly built and with superb sound quality, if you are looking for a closed back headphone with a big sound then the DT770 should be high on your list.

SoundMAGIC HP150

SoundMAGIC’s second generation full size HP150 headphone (replacing the excellent HP100) is a fantastic addition to any audiophile headphone setup.  With a natural midrange, wide soundstage and excellent detail resolution, the HP150 has an engaging sound that makes this a perfect everyday headphone for home or the office.

Despite the closed back headphone design, music is given breathing space and voices sound natural.  Overall a very well balanced headphone.

The low impedance of the HP150 makes them suitable for use with portable players without the need for further amplification.

Generously padded earcups and adjustable headband provide for a comfortable listening experience, even during longer listening sessions. The construction of the HP150 is very solid, and the earcups swivel so the headphone can easily be stored in the included hard case.

The HP150 is a closed back model; this headphone type is best for situations where isolation is requires, but if this is not an issue then also consider the SoundMAGIC HP200, which is generally thought of as better for natural-sounding music.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The HP150 represents fantastic value for money and gives a sound which is engaging, fun and of impressive quality. Great for all genres.

Best Over-Ear Headphones Under £500

Shure SRH1540

With this closed-back full size headphones, Shure have made a fantastic headphone for people who like their bass, but without the bloat of similar ‘basshead’ headphones when it comes to a wide range of music and styles. However, the SRH1540 will pick up and run with higher levels of bass if the track has them – lower quality recordings/mixes are faithfully reproduced.

The overall sound is exciting, yet smooth. It has been said that they give the sound of music recorded using ribbon microphones and there is a hint of a vintage feel to the sound.

They are immediately engaging, and along with a fine build quality they are certainly headphones to hanker for; aircraft-grade aluminium alloy and carbon fibre make for some very solid headphones indeed, while at 286g, they are very light considering the materials and solid feel.

The impedance/sensitivity of these headphones should be suitable for most portable players and applications, but a portable amp will allow them to be at their best.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

If you like a good warm detailed sound but find higher frequencies tend to lead to fatigue, then these headphones are definitely recommended.

HiFiMAN HE-400

A relatively new name, HiFiMAN has made itself very well known in recent years with its range of planar magnetic headphones among other models.

The HE-400 is a very low-cost taste of what this technology can do with your music; the bass is not like anything heard from dynamic headphones, and the soundstage and imaging is breathtaking.

The bass is not bloated or overemphasised; it is simply replicated in the headphones so that it is felt by the ear, as well as heard. Sub bass is sublime.

The 440g weight may not suit everyone but there is some wonderful technology to account for; the HE-400 is certainly for those who accept no compromise when it comes to sound quality.

The sound signature is rich and detailed; there is a slight roll-off at the top end making these relatively warm but not at the expense of details. This is one to consider if you dislike too much high-frequency energy getting in the way.

Their wide-open design may not lend itself well to shared environments such as the train or bus, but with headphones like these to listen to, why would you want to go out?

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The HiFiMAN HE-400s are heavy hitters when listening at home and lend a wonderful weight to any music.

Best Over-Ear Headphones Under £1000

Final Audio Design Pandora Hope VI

The Pandora Hope VI is the bigger brother to the Hope IV model and includes the same hybrid driver technology, i.e. two speakers per ear.

Constructed with both dynamic and a balanced armature drivers, the Hope VI delivers the warm and engaging sound most headphone users are looking for, but with greater accuracy and speed when compared to similarly-priced dynamic models. There is no crossover; the full frequency range of both drivers is used.

The Hope models have a BAM (balancing air movement) mechanism to ensure that air flowing within the earcups does not compromise the sound; this, with the dual driver technology, leads to a listening experience which is great value for money.

Made from matt-finished ABS thermoplastic resin, the Hope IV has a very solid and well built feel – these have been made to last through many years of listening pleasure. The earpads feature a highly elastic synthetic leather material which provides a good seal for great bass response and further isolation.

The 1.5m detachable cable is also great quality, with strain reliefs to ensure that it remains free of problems should the cable get snagged.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The Hope VI is certainly worth considering as an upgrade if you like listening to details within music and appreciate great imaging, but do not want to compromise where it comes to bass.

Ultrasone Signature Pro

Ultrasone’s range includes some fantastic portables and the Signature pro is no exception. Easily driven, these headphones are perfect for commuting or around town. The modest design is low-profile enough for those who want to stay under the headphone fashion radar; the spartan design belies the rich, sumptuous sound within.

Featuring Ultrasone’s own S-Logic Natural Surround system, these have the ‘speakers in a room’ effect due to the way the technology uses your ears as part of how they work. The audio is reflected off of the pinna of the ear into the ear canal just as sound is naturally, leading to a fully immersive presentation.

The Signature Pro has bass which is not overblown or pumped up; it is bright without being sibilant and the midrange is well balanced with great detail. Soundstage is amazing and isolation is impressive.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

At home on the train or in the living room, the Ultrasone Signature pro takes high-end audio wherever you wish to go. Altogether, a very solidly built and high quality portable.

Beyerdynamic Tesla T1

Founded in 1924 Beyerdynamic is one of the oldest names in audio and still manufactures most of their products in Germany by hand. The Tesla T1 is the culmination of many years of experience, which is evident from the beautiful finish of the headphone and superbly balanced sound. Delivered in its aluminium flight case the Beyer T1 has a solid industrial beauty that exudes high end build quality.

The A1 amplifier is the perfect partner to the T1 which at 600ohms is not an east headphone to drive. With its unique intelligent-circuit concept the Beyerdynamic A1 is capable of reproducing an amazingly wide frequency range which stretches way above human perception. Underneath the large front-panel-mounted aluminium volume control is a high grade ALPS-potentiometer for smooth volume adjustment. This is just part of the attention to detail that ranges from the outer unit construction to its quality integral components – use of a generously-dimensioned toroidal core transformer, plus a combination of carefully selected components allows even the highest-impedance headphones to be driven flawlessly over the entire frequency range.

We feel the Tesla T1 is the best balanced, most comfortable high end headphone available. Offering a level of insight that is at times staggering, the T1 breathes life into music. If there is one problem with this headphone it is the fact you cannot listen to basic quality MP3’s or fizzy low res music – the T1 is simply too revealing and compressed music is shown up for its lack of definition.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The sound is fluid and natural, there is a fast sense of detail that is crisp and precise without being fatiguing. The headphones themselves are surprisingly light and in typical Beyer style really comfy.

Fostex TH-900

The Fostex TH-900 is among the best sounding closed-back headphones, they are a treat for anyone who likes a smooth, effortless presentation.

With a low impedance of 25 ohms and 100dB sensitivity, these can be enjoyed on the move or at home; however a separate amplifier is required to get the best out of them if used for portable applications.

They have a warm sound signature, but at the same time have a speed and tightness which provides a lot of impact in the bass region. They are well balanced and the sound really must be heard to be believed; the TH-900 exudes beautiful quality in terms of both sound and build.

The protein leather earpads feel as comfortable against the skin as the music feels against the ear; these are amazingly comfortable headphones and really deserve the high esteem in which they are held by audiophiles everywhere.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Possibly the best quality closed-back headphones currently on the market. The price only seems high if you haven’t heard them yet!

Best Over-Ear Headphones Over £1000

Grado PS1000

The flagship Grado PS1000 is a headphone for someone looking for the very best headphone available. With the ear cups hand internally crafted with mahogany, while the outer is machined from a non-resonant metal material. The drivers are manufactured to tolerances far exceeding normal expectations, making the PS1000 a very special headphone that deserves serious attention.

Often described as a portable listening room, the PS1000 offers levels of clarity and detail that is normally reserved for dedicated listening spaces costing tens of thousands to construct.

When choosing a high end headphone like the PS1000 the best advice we can offer is to try the headphones out for yourself with your own equipment (we offer a 30 day money back guarantee).

The PS1000 sounds best when matched with a good quality headphone amplifier, but is relatively easy to drive and can sound great connected with any good quality audio source.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

We are big fans of the “Grado sound” and the PS1000 has the trademark lively, detailed delivery that is both engaging and exciting. This headphone has to be heard if you are serious about your music.

Audeze LCD-3

The LCD-3 is a headphone which does not compromise in the search for the highest quality audio reproduction. The planar magnetic drivers deliver a very fast and powerful sound, with breathtaking imaging and realism. Your music will come to life.

More than one audiophile has remarked that these are the best headphones they’ve heard, and they certainly live up to their reputation.

Individual instruments are as real to the listener as the spaces they’re recorded in; the effect is a truly immersive listening experience which is hard to find anywhere else outside of full electrostatics.

The LCD3 is a headphone for enjoying at home – the weight and wide open-backed design is not for the street or more strenuous activities; also a headphone amp is recommended.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Whilst you wonder how people can afford to buy these headphones, LCD-3 owners everywhere are marvelling at how you can go without them.

The post Best full size hi-fi headphones to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

World Cup 2014 is on its way and now that FIFA have banned branded headphones, we have come up with a list of headphones to help you keep up with all of the matches. Whether you listen to the radio on the go, stream the games on your iPad or just want to watch the football at home without disturbing anyone.

Here is our pick of headphones that will help you enjoy the World Cup and sound great!

Portable Streaming

Ideal for listening on the go with portable devices. These headphones are small, lightweight, they have good isolation and will reduce the amount of sound leaking out.. You can follow the World Cup in style.

SoundMAGIC E10

Voted best in-ear for under £40 3 years running. The E10 is the go to earphone for great sound and value.

Jaybird BlueBuds X

If you like using in-ears but want something wireless these are perfect! They use Bluetooth so will be able to connect to most mobile phones and modern portable devices.

Beyerdynamic DTX501p

These are great for portable listening. Very comfortable, they fold neatly into the supplied case and they sound great too.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear

If you’re after a bit more luxury then the Momentum On-Ear is for you. They are the portable sized version of the popular full sized Momentum. They have a lush sound with great clarity and soundstage. They are also extremely comfortable and they look great too!

Audiofly AF78/M

The AF78 uses hybrid technology, so you get a dynamic driver (for rich bass) and a balanced armature driver (for clarity and detail). This combination gives you great punchy sound with clear detail. The M version comes with a universal in-line microphone and one button control.

Sennheiser MM450-X

To fully immerse yourself you can go for the ultimate portable headphone. The MM450-X not only sounds great, they have noise cancelling – this will help block out background noise so you can listen in peace.

Home Streaming

Full size, comfortable and easily driven. Perfect for private listening at home with any source device.

Grado SR80i

These are open backed headphones so they will leak sound, but very good sound! They are probably the best value for money headphone we do.

Sennheiser HD380

Closed back and extremely comfortable. They have a warm and open sound – great for the price.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro

One of the best sub £200 closed back headphones we do. Very good sound isolation and adjustable bass ports lets you customise the sound for your taste. Very comfortable and has a replaceable cable.

SoundMAGIC HP200

Another open backed headphone so sound will leak. These have a surprisingly warm sound for an open back headphone with great bass and natural detail.

Final Audio Pandora Hope IV

This closed back headphone gives you the best of both – a balanced armature driver for crisp top end detail and a dynamic driver for rich, punchy lows. Once burned in these headphones sound amazing – you’ll want to wear them all day long!

Beyerdynamic T70p

The T70p has great clarity and top end detail with tight bass and an overall neutral sound. The P version is designed for portable devices, if you use a headphone amplifier then I would recommend the T70 (non P version).

Watching TV

If you’re going to be watching the games live on TV then you will be doing some late night viewing. These headphones will be able to connect to your TV and get you fully immersed in the World Cup without disturbing anyone else in the house.

Sennheiser RS160 or Sennheiser RS170

The ultimate in TV quiet listening. Both the RS160 and RS170 are closed back and will isolate sound extremely well. The RS160 comes with a portable transmitter which can be powered by batteries whereas the RS170 has a more powerful transmitter that also acts a holder and charging station for the headphones.

The post World Cup 2014 Headphone Guide appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Introducing the latest addition to the highly acclaimed Fostex high-end headphone line: TH-600. With reputable bio-dynamic diaphragm drivers, Tesla magnetic flux circuit and magnesium die-cast housing the TH-600 delivers supreme audio reproduction. Special textured earpads and headband made of soft ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material offers a comfortable listening experience.

The TH-600 features Fostex’s renowned bio-dynamic 50mm diaphragm and powerful 1 Tesla magnetic circuit as well as the magnesium die-cast housing to deliver supreme audio reproduction. With unique bio-dynamic diaphragm the TH-600 offers rich lows, natural mid range and smooth highs.

Fostex TH600 headphones incorporate an innovative Piezo sheet inside the housing for dispersion of resonance as well as high damping treatment. Thin vacuum sputtered nickel electrodes produce extremely low current leakage and low magnetic permeability.

Earpads and headband of the TH600 are made of ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material with comfortable textured protein combination derived from egg, which is 60% lighter than genuine leather.

• 50mm driver units with 1 Tesla (1000 gauss) magnetic circuit
• Superior audio reproduction with low distortion and wide dynamic range
• Bio-dynamic diaphragm that offers rich lows, natural mid range and smooth highs
• Light-weight and highly rigid magnesium die-cast used for the housing material
• Piezo sheet inside the housing for dispersion of resonance as well as high damping treatment
• Earpads and headband made of ‘Idemitsu Grancuir’ material

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Fostex TH-600 Premium Closed Back Reference Headphones

The post Fostex TH600 Premium Closed Back Reference Headphones – Announcement appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Taking the celebrated KEF M500 Closed Back Apple Compatible Headphones sound to the streets, the M500 headphones offer balanced and natural sound with intense clarity and detail united with comfortable design and Smartphone compatibility.

KEF M500 headphones incorporate fine-tuned 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver an extended high definition frequency response. Precise driver alignment in the acoustic chamber optimises clarity, dynamics and bass performance. Special acoustic sealing rings in the earcups allows for full isolation from external sounds while minimising sound leakage to the outside maintaining a private listening experience.

With KEF’s unique multi-directional Smart Hinge that make sure the earcups are positioned perfectly. Breathable memory foam earpads, lightweight design and comfortable headband together make the M500 a pleasure to wear, even for extended listening sessions.

KEF’s high performance audio cable incorporates an in-line microphone and remote for iPhone and other Apple devices, smartphones, computers and other mobile devices. To make sure the headphones are protected when not in use, KEF include an elegant storage case that matches the M500 design and build quality.

• Neodymium driver tuned to deliver full range high definition response
• Acoustic chamber is precisely positioned to optimise clarity, dynamics and bass
• Copper-clad aluminium wire voice coil improves response to enhance musical subtleties and detail
• Precision engineered in aluminium alloy lightweight frame
• Multi-directional Smart Hinge on frame conforms to head shape
• Memory foam earpads mould to the shape of the ear
• Breathable earpad material maximises bass performance and comfort
• Acoustic sealing ring isolates from external noise and minimises sound leakage
• In-line microphone and remote for iPhone and other Apple products
• Smartly designed matching case included

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy KEF M500 Closed Back Foldable Apple Compatible HiFi Headphones

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