Tag Archives: earphone

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphone Review

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Lypertek PurePlay Z3

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

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

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

Features:

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

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

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

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

 

Comfort and Isolation:

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

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

Sound:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Conclusion:

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

 

Sound: 5/5

Comfort:5/5

Features: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Oriveti OH300 Review

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Oriveti OH300

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The OH300 are constructed by hand from acrylic and the new finish is flawless. Smooth rounded edges and an all-black finish make them look professional and understated. The Oriveti logo and name is in silver lettering on the faceplate, and doesn’t stand out too much, I really do love the sleek and smooth look Oriveti have gone for.

Build quality is superb, the housings feel durable, the MMCX connectors are tight and don’t swivel freely which is great. The cable uses 8-cores of silver-plated copper and feels incredible with great strain relief too, I’m very impressed by the quality for the price.

 

Comfort and Isolation:

The rounded edges of the housing, combined with the size and comfortable cable all contributes to a superb fit, once you have found the right size tips. I did find that foam tips tend to make them fit more securely.

The OH300 isolate well, even though the housing is vented I have not found this to negatively affect the isolation. Perfect for daily commuting and general use.

 

Sound:

Bass: The OH300 are a hybrid model, and there is a single dynamic driver looking after the low end. Luckily, they have tuned this driver to be tight and fast, perfectly complimenting the detail of the BA drivers. There is still a little bit of added warmth from the dynamic driver, but this is well controlled and never causes any congestion. There is excellent articulation down low, along with great extension and punch. All in good measure and never becoming the main focus of the sound.

 

Midrange: The mids on the OH300 are spot on, perfectly balanced in the mix with natural yet clean tonality. Vocals are rendered with texture and emotion, yet they are also clear and detailed. Electric guitars have power yet during slower acoustic tracks they exhibit excellent reverberation and subtle detail retrieval. There is a no-nonsense approach to the midrange, it is where it should be with correct tonality and really does just get out of the way.

 

Treble: The treble is airy and extended, with great impact but not a hint of harshness. Cymbals are rendered with great impact and shimmer, yet they don’t have nasty peaks that induce fatigue. They are not toned down to make these a full sounding earphone, but they have an incredibly lively yet smooth treble response that is truly impressive for the price. There is plenty of detail and resolution up top too, it is this mix of resolution yet refinement that really impresses.

 

The separation is really impressive, along with the layering. The soundstage is not huge, but there are plenty of out of head experiences to be had, along with the fact that the imaging is pinpoint accurate.

 

Conclusion:

The OH300 really does a lot right, especially when you take in to account the £299 price tag. With a detailed and even-handed sound signature that is tonally accurate yet not boring. There is power when needed, yet they always have a controlled and refined approach to rendering your favourite tracks.

 

Sound:  5/5

Comfort: 4/5

Build: 5/5

Value: 5/5

 

Test playlist

New Products Now In Stock

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Newest Audio Releases

 

 

Releases for 09/05/2019

 

Campfire Audio IO

The newest release from Campfire Audio comes in the form of the Campfire Audio IO, a garnet-coloured IEM with dual balanced armature drivers. The IO features a detachable silver-plated copper cable with smoky tangle-resistant jacket and updated Beryllium copper MMCX connectors. You can also expect the array of accessories you expect from Campfire Audio.

 

 

Campfire Audio Polaris (2019 Edition)

Campfire have updated the legendary Polaris IEM for 2019, aptly titled… yes, you guessed it: the Polaris 2019 Edition. Campfire kept the basic setup of the dual drivers, but everything else has been reworked from the floor up, including the drivers themselves.

 

 

Campfire Audio Andromeda

Campfire’s iconic green anodized IEMs, the Andromeda, have gotten a few tweaks for spring 2019, including a cable update, fresh new accessories, and a change to the connectors. Also given a boost is the earhook design which sees Campfire rid itself of the memory wire previously housed in the cable itself.

 

 

Etymotic ER2-XR

The Etymotic ER2-XR extended response in-ear isolating earphones deliver Etymotic’s iconic passive isolation to block out up to 35dB of background noise. This means you won’t have to blast the volume to appreciate the ER2-XR’s full bass response and detailed sound.

 

 

Etymotic ER2-SE

These guys look similar to their cousins, but the ER2-SE is a powerful flat-response in-ear perfect for studio professionals. It’s called the ‘Studio Edition’ for a reason! No range is altered, giving a crystal clear representation of the original sound.

 

 

Oriveti OH300

Oriveti is dropping two shiny new IEMs, the first of which is the Oriveti OH300. These triple driver IEMs give a beautiful clear, balanced, neutral sound and look incredibly sleek and impressive. Probably the IEMs Batman would own, if he needed to hear crystal clear audio of himself delivering brutal one-liners.

 

 

Oriveti OH500

The Oriveti OH500 houses five drivers (quad balanced, single dynamic) within its gorgeous resin exterior. With those, you get an unfailingly smooth response with some strong low end. Their handcrafted cable of eight-strand braided silver plated wire is second to none, but still detachable for your convenience.

 

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless Review

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Momentum True Wireless

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

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

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

Features and Comfort:

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

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

Sound:

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

 

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

 

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

 

Conclusion:

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

Sound:  4/5

Features: 5/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 4/5

Oriveti OH300 and OH500 First Impressions

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Oriveti OH300 and OH500 First Impressions

These 2 new models from Oriveti have just arrived in our office and will be available very soon. Due to the popularity of the New Primacy, we thought we should give you guys a quick first impression of them.

The OH300 is set to replace the New Primacy, sporting a new dynamic driver, along with the familiar dual Knowles balanced armature drivers. The OH500 is the new flagship model, sporting a dynamic driver along with 4 balanced armature drivers. Both come with a new 8-core braided silver-plated copper cable and leather carry case.

Both come with a cleaning tool, airplane adaptor, 3.5mm to 6.3mm adaptor along with an assortment of tips: S, M and L single flange silicone tips in 2 styles, along with 2 pairs of bi-flange tips and 2 pairs of M foam tips. Overall an excellent array of accessories.

Build quality is very impressive, Oriveti have now changed to a resin housing which is super smooth and makes them feel like a really premium product. The new 8-core cable is excellent and feels really durable, along with nice tight MMCX connectors. There really isn’t anything to fault here, both look and feel excellent.

The New Primacy always was quite a sensitive monitor, and these are no different so you may get slight hiss with certain sources, but it should be minimal. Pairing them with a good clean DAP is best though.

Sound:

The OH300 has a more neutral leaning sound signature, with excellent clarity and resolution. These are set to be priced around £300 and for that you get a really superb IEM. The midrange clarity is one of the main things that grabs your attention, with details coming across easily and effortlessly. The lows are tight and controlled but fill out the low end when required. They don’t bleed into the midrange, but they sound more coherent when compared to the New Primacy. These are not lacking when it comes to punch and extension, but they are those who like a bit of extra bass might want to look elsewhere. Up top you get great energy and sparkle, but they are a little less bright when compared to the New Primacy. They sound a little more refined without taking away the extension and detail that the New Primacy was famed for.

 

The OH500 has a slightly more organic tilt, favouring smoothness and slightly full tonality over a more analytical approach. The OH500 are one of those monitors you can put in and just relax, without missing out on technicalities. On the low end you get more pronounced sub-bass than the OH-300, but still a quick and tight mid-bass region preventing too much bleed into the lower midrange. The sub-bass is powerful and comes out of a black background when called for. The midrange is clean and has excellent layering, but it is presented in a natural way, without being pushed up front. There are no real peaks favouring male or female vocals, and the transition into the treble is incredibly smooth. The treble has a rise in the upper region creating a more airy, refined and extended sound rather than being more energetic and in your face. The soundstaging on the OH500 is truly superb, there is a really excellent sense of space with great placement of instruments.

 

These 2 models are definitely worth keeping an eye on, with the OH300 giving you a more neutral yet coherent sound, and the OH500 offering up a slightly lush but well extended and detailed sound. Oriveti are one of those brands who know how to tune a great earphone, so the competition better watch out.

Campfire Audio Comet IEM – Video Review

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Campfire Audio Comet In-Ear Headphone Video Review

Campfire Audio Comet

Hailing from the other side of the Atlantic – Campfire Audio don’t just create great sounding earphones; they create works of art. Based in Portland Oregon, Campfire design their models in house and for me, they are one of the more exciting brands around right now. The Comet is one of their more recent releases and is their entry level model as just over £200.

Like all of the models in Campfire Audio’s range – the Comet comes packaged in a very cool box covered with colourful artwork. This is a Campfire signature and each model has its own colour combination. Included with the earphones you get a large selection of eartips including Final silicone, standard silicone and foam tips. Individual soft pouches for each driver, a cleaning tool, a lapel pin and a hard carry case – again each model has its own style.

Entry level price – High-end quality

The Comet is Campfire Audio’s newest addition and entry level earphone – a very impressive one at that. Inside the polished stainless steel housing is a single balanced armature driver with acoustic venting – providing a more full and punchier sound than you would normally expect from a single balanced armature earphone. Campfire have also developed their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber or TAEC – this helps improve treble extension when compared to traditionally used filters.

Campfire Audio Comet IEM

These earphones are full of fine craftsmanship and creativity – from the packaging all the way down to the speaker grills. The size of the housings make them very comfortable, they sit in the ear naturally and there’s no irritation when worn for long periods. The Comet is supplied with a replaceable copper Litz cable and is connected using MMCX connectors. The cable also has an in line microphone with universal 3 button controls – making the Comet a superb all rounder.

Fun and energetic sound quality

The Comet is a great introduction into Campfire Audio. It gives a clear idea of the experience and sound expected from the brand. What I find most refreshing is that they don’t take themselves too seriously – and this comes across in the sound. On initial listing the Comet is fun and energetic with plenty of bass punch and a very enjoyable richness – qualities that are lost on a lot of higher end IEM brands.Listen more and the finer details start to come through. The bass manages to have power without overshadowing the mids, which are rich and clear, cutting through the mix effortlessly. Then up top the treble provides space and extends far without ever becoming fatiguing or harsh. The sound has plenty of width and soundstage is impressive – close your eyes and you can picture where each sound is coming from.

Overall these earphones are made to enjoy music on. I think anybody can enjoy these – whether you’re after bass, fun, dynamics, style, comfort or detail, these will do it. Just stick them in your ears and enjoy them – that’s what I did.

Optoma Nuforce BE6i – Trendy Transmission

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Optoma Nuforce BE6i – Trendy Transmission

Wireless earphones are commonplace now; so much so, it’s not necessary to draw undue attention to the fact these days. However, it’s nice to see differing styles coming along and the Optoma Nuforce BE6i is a smart addition to this earphone category.

Pros:

  • Nice case included
  • Many eartips and fitting accessories
  • Well tuned for many genres
  • Good build

Cons:

  • Charging port is a bit fiddly

Design and appearance

First impressions last, and in this case, the impression is definitely of a well-heeled smartness; these are the sort of earphones you can listen to during a job interview. The backs of the capsules are magnetic, so the earphones can be worn securely around the neck between uses.

The design lends itself to the ‘down from the ear’ wearing style so anyone wanting to have the cable going up, over the ear will need to consider an alternative model.

The case is a very practical, semi-rigid affair which is perfect for use with the BE6i.

Durability & build quality

Cable and control/battery construction is good with no obvious weak points. The capsules feel quite solid as well, without being too heavy.

Comfort

There’s not much to say here; once in, the earphones can more or less be forgotten about provided you have a good fit with the supplied eartips and accessories. There’s plenty to play around with, including some ‘fins’ which sit in one of the various folds of the ear and help keep the earphones in place.

Sound characteristics:

The Optoma Nuforce BE6i has a warm sound with a bit of non-intrusive treble presence, good as an all-rounder.

  • Bass

Bass has some emphasis, but the BE6i isn’t a bassy model per se. It extends well with good sub-bass at a realistic level and perhaps a bit more of a boost in the mid-bass region.

  • Mids

Mids on the BE6i are very clear and unaffected by the bass. Harmonics and other directional cues are well rendered and vocals are sweet and well textured.

  • Treble

There is a bit of sparkle about the BE6i; it’s not likely to cause any discomfort though. Cymbals are shimmery without straying into strident territory, and muted trumpets are just raspy enough. Detail here is very good for a wireless model.

  • Soundstage & Separation

Lower frequencies benefit from very good separation and give a good impression of bass width; this continues up the frequency spectrum making an impressive presentation for a wireless model. Harmonics are largely preserved, making for an engaging and enjoyable time with the BE6i!

Music genres good for and why

As noted above, the Optoma Nuforce BE6i is a good all-rounder. Some may prefer more bass than the BE6i has to offer, but this depends on previous earphones and expectations. The BE6i is great with current studio music such as pop and rock, with more refined genres such as classical doing very well also since the midrange is so clear.

 

Summary

The new wireless BE6i from Optoma Nuforce is as smart as it is nice-sounding, giving a good impression of your music and complementing your outfit a treat. With a large range of accessories to get a perfect fit, the BE6i is a superb wireless choice.

Etymotic ER3-SE and ER3-XR Earphone Review

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Etymotic ER3-SE and ER3-XR Review

 

Not content with the splash it’s made with its updated ER4 designs of late, Etymotic is back with more! Or is it less? The ER3 models cost a good chunk less than their ER4 counterparts, so what does this mean in terms of value?

Pros:

  • Classic Etys for the price
  • Removable cable
  • Crystal clarity
  • Carry case

Cons:

  • Basic selection of tips
  • Etymotic deep fit not for everyone

Design and appearance

The ER3 versions are slightly more sensitive than the ER4 versions, with half the impedance too. This may have been done with an eye on the portable market, where some handsets may have struggled to get up to a good volume with the ER4 type.

Accessories are minimal with the ER3-SE and ER3-XR; along with the earphones themselves, we get a case and three pairs of tips. The two sizes of Etymotic triple flange, and a pair of ER38-14F type foam eartips.

Durability & build quality

The capsules are the most obvious change, with plastic-coated aluminium being used instead of the glossy metal look of the ER4. The cable has a good strong, but pliable feel to it, but it is a bit thinner and is not braided at the top. Apart from the slightly lighter weight and less glossy look of the ER3-version capsules, things are much as we’d expect from the ER4-XR and ER4-SR.

Comfort

No change here; Etymotics need to be inserted deeply to be at their best, and people either love the isolation they bring or hate the deep insertion of the eartips. Fortunately we love the isolation enough to ignore any initial discomfort, and the eartips seem to settle into place after a few seconds.

Sound characteristics:

Like the ER4 designs, there are two flavours of ER3. The Etymotic ER3-SE is the more strait-laced and neutral of the two, with the ER3-XR giving a little more bass warmth. Both however sound a little more gentle in terms of the midrange than their ER4 brethren. Where we sometimes get the feeling of jeopardy with the ER4 models, with an errant xylophone or female vocalist threatening to poke us in the ear, the ER3 versions are a little more laid back. Etymotic’s clarity has not been sacrificed though; the midrange presence is just a little more humane.

Bass

Sub bass on the ER3-SE gives a nice bit of wobble which is low in the mix, but there alright. The rest of the bass is as well controlled as expected, but understated; bass junkies need not apply. There’s some great control here though. Meanwhile, the ER3-XR has more of that skull-rattling sub bass and more slam generally. We’re still not in basshead territory, but if you like your sound a little warmer with more weight given to cellos and drums then the ER3-XR may be for you.

Mids

Mids are always a treat as far as Etymotic’s offerings are concerned, and the ER3-SE does not disappoint. While the midrange level is slightly lowered when compared to the ER4-SR, all the other attractive features are there along with a wonderful sense of spaciousness. Details are well rendered, though not with the sharp relief of the ER4-SR. Many will feel the ER3-SE has more comfortable sound when compared to the ER4-SR in terms of the sound, but with all its harmonic and spatial treats largely intact.

With the ER3-XR the extra bass presence vies for attention along with the midrange, so the midrange seems to lose its power slightly. The spaciousness of the ER3-SE is tempered, and the extra bass warmth takes its place. The ER3-XR is still excellent when it comes to midrange action and detail, but is arguably the better all-rounder of the two as the tuning works well with genres such as modern dance music.

Treble

The ER3-SE does not sound treble-heavy but there is some nice extension up top. If your recordings were made on analogue tape, you’ll probably know about it from the tape hiss coming through. Treble is at around the same level as the midrange after a smooth transition, and consequently does its job well whilst keeping the midrange in the spotlight.

The ER3-XR has the same treble presence as the ER3-SE, but the fatter low end gives the tuning a warmer feel.

Soundstage & Separation

With the detail and midrange clarity on offer from both these models, we can say that both soundstage and separation are a treat. The sound has a nice ‘out of the head’ feel without seeming unnatural and with good depth too. Separation and imaging are near perfect, if a bit toned down when compared to the dazzling ER4 designs.

Music genres good for and why

The ER3-SE is a great choice for acoustic music, classical and opera. With modern pop and dance genres, it can depend on your sensitivity to the upper midrange frequencies as to whether they work or not, along with your taste for bass. The ER3-XR is good for any genre you can throw at it, and we went through many!

Summary

Etymotic’s ER4 models are now available for cheap (albeit under the ER3 moniker), but their character is largely intact. Those who like to hear the smallest thing within their music needn’t study the fine print of credit card agreements in order to afford the ER3-SE and ER3-XR.

Whizzer A15 Earphone Review

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Whizzer A15 Earphone Review

The Whizzer A15 are well worth considering for their £69.99 price; detailed and fun sounding, with great build quality make them a winner.

Pros:

  • Well balanced
  • Detailed
  • Separation
  • Soundstage

Cons

  • Highs are not the most refined
  • Cable is a little thin (replaceable)

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Whizzer A15 is an interesting IEM, with a brushed metal outer shell and the company logo stamped in black on it. They look and feel excellent for the price and have a nice slim profile.

Build quality is very good, especially considering the price. The outer housing is metal, the cable has a soft and flexible section of memory wire and is sheathed in fabric below the y-split. The cable is detachable and uses the popular MMCX connection, so you can use aftermarket cables should you wish. The cable has good strain relief, my only concern is it is a little on the thin side where it enters the section of memory wire.

Accessory wise you get plenty of added extras, first off you get a nice faux leather carry pouch which is small and perfect for storing the IEM’s in. Next you get a metal tip holder with a variety of ear-tips. You get S, M and L in 2 different types of single flange tips, and also a pair of S and L foam tips. The A15 have removable dust filters, and come with a pair of tweezers to remove the old foam, and 5 pairs of new foam filters. Overall everything you need is included, along with some bonus extras.

Comfort, Isolation, Cable noise and Driver flex

The A15 are really comfy, the housing has no sharp edges and the memory wire is supple and easy to shape. Once in they are secure and comfortable for all round usage. I do find the angle of the cable does slightly push them out of your ear and foam tips offer a more secure fit.

Isolation is quite average on the A15, due to the large vent on the inside of the housing. They would be fine for most general usage, but if you are looking to block out loud noises, a fully sealed IEM would be better.

Cable noise is not an issue due to the behind the ear cable routing.

Driver flex is not an issue, I believe this is due to the venting of the housing.

Sound

Bass

The A15 are tuned for fun listening, with a strong and punchy low end but without excess or bloat. The bass will satisfy most people and lends its hand to all genres well. The bass is well controlled; during rock tracks bass guitars are easy to follow, and kick drums hit with authority and good body. Acoustic has excellent body and warmth with good tonality, and EDM is just fun and energetic. The bass does not bleed into the midrange, and extends right down to the sub-bass regions with ease.

Midrange

The midrange has excellent bite and clarity, as stated the bass does not cause excessive warmth to the midrange adding only a hint of warmth to the lower midrange. The midrange is also not pushed back in the mix which can happen with some of the more fun sounding headphones out there. A highlight of the midrange is the air and separation, allowing everything to shine through with delicacy and detail. Luckily there isn’t an upper midrange peak, allowing them to be fatigue free with no sibilance.

Treble

The treble is well presented in the mix, not being subdued or left behind. There is a slight peak which gives greater presence to the lower treble region and they don’t quite extend as effortlessly as some more expensive models. But putting them up against similarly priced models, you will find these sound more complete than the usual warm bassy sound of others. Initial cymbal hits have excellent energy but are not sharp, and do not become too bright and fatiguing.

Instrument separation is excellent, the A15 never becomes congested through faster more complex tracks, and the soundstage is above average with great width. Imaging is convincing with good spatial cues and directionality.

Conclusion

The Whizzer A15 lends its hand to all music, and does a great job at being a good all rounder. Stick on some rock and they are energetic and fun, well recorded acoutstic and you can hear subtle detail and warmth. Presenting a well balanced sound across the frequency range, the A15 is a well built IEM for the price with excellent sound to boot.

Sennheiser IE80s Earphone Review

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Sennheiser IE80S – An Old Classic Reborn

Sennheiser is a company which seems to have painted itself into a corner in recent years; how do they improve on the models they’ve had on sale for the past few years? It’s either a testament to their design teams of years past, or a damning indictment of the design team they have now. They’re recycling old designs, and adding an ‘S’ so we can’t pluralise without causing confusion. What trickery is this?

Pros:

  • Nice warm sound
  • Good assortment of tips and accessories
  • Carry case

Cons:

  • Could have more midrange clarity
  • Straight jack on cable

Design and appearance

A new version of an old classic is simple enough to achieve; round off the corners a bit more and you’re done! There’s probably more to it than that, but this new IE80S bears more than a passing resemblance to the original IE80. However it’s a good look, and Sennheiser obviously knows that it’s not necessary to have flashy designs or gimmicks to impress their fans.

The supplied case is sturdy and sleek, with a non-removeable foam insert which houses the earphones when not in use. Also there are plenty of eartips and accessories, such as a pair of earhooks if your cable keeps popping over your ears.

Durability & build quality

There’s nothing bad to write here, the Sennheiser IE80S is as expected with excellent build quality. The jack on the cable is a straight one which may be a problem for some; if you want a right-angle jack then spare cables for the IE80 will fit just as well.

Sound characteristics:

The tuning is what we expect from Sennheiser; there’s no drastic departure from the typical Sennheiser sound which is warm, with a smattering of treble to keep things interesting but staying comfortable.

Bass

Bass is fairly plentiful and should please lightweight bassheads; however the dials on the sides of the capsules can be adjusted to give a bit more grunt. Control is pretty good, but where it’s loose it feels as if that’s the way it should be. It’s loose with a touch of panache! Subbass is quite powerful if it’s in the music, and you’ll be in no doubt

Mids

The level of the midrange is lower than the bass, but pretty clear and enjoyable nonetheless. Harmonics are clear enough and there is no congestion here, but there is the feeling that the IE80S could do better; at least with the supplied eartips. Aftermarket eartips (such as Blackbird) seem to improve things in this regard.

Treble

Treble is gentle; we’re fond of a warmer sound but the IE80S still takes some getting used to. If you’re a fan of an airy, shimmery sort of presentation then the IE80S is not for you. If however you’re a fan of laid-back music then the IE80S is a contender. Plenty of detail is present though; it comes across as an extension of the midrange with a smooth transition.

Soundstage & Separation

Soundstage on the IE80S is pretty good for an IEM but there’s a lack of depth to the sound, apart from the bass which appears to spread out in front of the listener. Separation is good, but limited with the supplied tips. If you’re splashing out on the IE80S, then try some tips such as Blackbird or Spinfit.

Music genres good for and why

Due to the bass presence, the IE80S is best suited to dance music, pop and rap. Fans of classical, jazz and opera may still enjoy those genres with the IE80S but they will likely miss the airiness and the reverb ‘feel’ of the space the recording was made in.

Summary

Sennheiser’s souped-up IE80 design is here, and it’s an enjoyable listen for many modern genres but some may find the sound lacking air and space for genres such as classical.

Dita Dream Earphone Review

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Dita Audio Dream IEM Review

The Dita Dream are a dream to listen to with well recorded lossless files, transparent and effortless, with an excellent soundstage to boot, a true TOTL IEM.

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Dita dream come in a very high quality white card box, lift off the top and the Dita Dream are held in a velvet coated foam insert. Lift this up and you will find another compartment with the accessories underneath.
The Dream themselves are metal bodied, matte black IEM’s which look great and feel like the premium product they are. The cable is very well built and comes with the Awesome plug, and interchangeable plug system that really is nifty. The overall look and feel of these is excellent and they ooze quality as well as being rather understated.

The build quality of the Dita Dream is superb, the metal housing is sturdy yet relatively lightweight, the cable is thick and detachable, the Awesome plug is a system that allows you to change the plug from 3.5mm single ended to 2.5mm balanced, or many others that you can purchase separately. There is good strain relief throughout, and I see not issues arising from the build quality.

Accessory wise you get a very nice leather pouch to store them in, and a plethora of tips. You get S, M and L in 3 types of silicone tips, one is wide bore soft stem, one is wide bore stiffer stem, and the last one has a blue stem and slightly stiffer outer silicone. Also included is a flight adaptor, so you get everything you need to get started.

Comfort, Isolation, Cable Noise and Driver Flex

The Dita Dream are a dream to wear, the shape of the housing is perfect and fits my small ears well, the angle of the nozzle means they don’t protrude at and odd angle and you can achieve quite a deep fit with them. The cable to begin with is a little unruly and stiff, but I am sure it will soften up with some use.

Isolation is very good, blocking out a large amount of outside noise, they are vented but this doesn’t seem to affect the isolation much.

Cable noise is minimal as it is routed behind your ear.

Driver flex is present upon initial insertion, but is not a big problem.

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READ MORE: Final E3000 & E2000 Earphone Review

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Sound Quality

  • Bass

The bass is incredibly punchy and the sub-bass response is truly impressive, extending right down into the sub-bass without any early roll-off. Listen to some rock and you can feel the kick drums, listen to some EDM and the lows are equally as happy being full and vibrant, yet never sounding out of control. I have not heard rumble like this, from any other IEM, yet it isn’t over the top, the rumble only comes out when called for. The lows also do a good job at staying separate from the lower mids, not warming them up. I will also add the the layering and resolution down low is excellent.

  • Mids

The midrange is delicate, and wonderfully detailed, you can really pick apart the recording with these, hearing every nuance. The midrange is very clean, having the tendency to be a little more on the analytical side. Here you can hear every pick of a guitar string, every breath a singer takes, very insightful but not fatiguing. There is no sibilance up top either, and during harmonies you can clearly tell where each singer is positioned.

  • Treble

Not lacking in any way up top yet also not fatiguing, the highs are as good as the recording allows them to be. With well recorded music you will be presented with effortlessly extended highs that have excellent transparency and also air. Never fading to the back even during faster tracks, you can always hear the energy and detail up top.

Soundstage

The soundstage is both deep and wide, with excellent imaging and they give you a real sense of the space in ambient and live recordings.

Conclusion

The Dita Dream are a fun sounding IEM where everything is on a level playing field, nothing sticks out and nothing is missing. They are incredibly detailed, yet not analytical, however they do allow great insight into the recording should you want to analyse it. The space and air around each instrument is a highlight, and the transparency means you will definitely want to listen to better recorded lossless files on these. These have dynamics that mulitple BA designs cannot hope to match, they are a true TOTL dynamic driver IEM.

Fidue A73 Hybrid IEM Earphone – Expert Review

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Fidue A73 Hybrid IEM Earphones – Hybrid Hijinks

Intro:

Just when the heat of summer starts to loosen an Englishman’s resolve to keep a upper lip stiff, along comes something to turn it completely to mush, and give the thermostat a good twist to boot.

Fidue’s new A73 shows that IEMs under £100 are facing challenges unthought of until recent times – there’s fierce competition within the fertile £50 – £100 section of the market and it’s getting better all the time.

Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel)

The A73 is silver to the A83’s gold – literally. Well we’re talking about aluminium in this case, but the A73 bears a striking resemblance to its more expensive stablemate. Designed to fit in the ear ‘monitor style’ with cable trailing down the back of the ear, the A73 is relatively petite with one balanced armature rather than the A83’s two, along with a dynamic driver of course. Both ‘left and ‘right’ capsules are composed of the same translucent red plastic.

The cable is rubber coated with braided or twisted cable within. It has the feel of rubber at least, but does not stick to itself. It’s very well behaved.

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

Strain reliefs are composed of stout rubber sheaths which match the colour of the ear capsules. The straight jack may not be favoured by some but one gets the feeling that the build is sturdy enough to last very well. The jack, mic/button casing and cable join/Y-split are composed of a ridged cylinder which, along with the rest of the design, puts one in mind of the 1950s; in build quality as well as style. The cable is not of the detachable variety which isn’t unusual for an IEM under £100 but some users prefer them.

Comfort

Everyone’s different of course, but this design should suit everyone except those who really must have the cable dangling straight down from the ears. The small capsule size should be a good fit for all but the tiniest of ears.

Sound isolation

There’s a few eartips to try included in the box, and it is recommended that they be experimented with. I found the change in frequency response can be quite dramatic depending on whether the eartips are right for the ears or not. When a suitable fit is found, sound isolation is fair but not dramatic. Using Comply tips a little bit, and the sound is further enhanced (The Comply 200 range is correct for this model).

Portability

In the box, there’s a a decent case for the Fidue A73, with a near-rigid construstion which will protect the earphones in most scenarios. There is webbing within it so a few alternative tips may be carried without jumping out once the case is opened.

Sound characteristics:

Bass:

Bass is both tight and slightly elevated in volume compared to the midrange; there’s a real power to it which underpins kick drums and bass guitars, for example. It extends low so sub bass is not lost on the listener. There’s a good width to it as well, as there is across all frequencies here. It’s further enhanced by some very clear harmonics coming through from higher up in the frequency spectrum..

Mids:

As above, mid-range is pristine with very subtle details not at all lost on the A73. There’s a wonderful sense of space from vocals with a bit of reverb treatment in the production; it’s really involving, along with the harmonics which creates a real immersive 3D effect. I’ve noticed harmonics on synth basslines that I’ve not come across before – I’d probably be able to pick them out with other IEMs if listening for them, but the Fidue A73 serves them up on a plate.

Treble:

Treble is all there, it’s perhaps a little smoother than some would like but probably hits the mark with most people, without causing the discomfort of an all-too-present brightness. Details are laid bare, but bask in a tuneful glow.

Soundstage & Separation

This is another thing the A73 does really well! As alluded to earlier, the experience is involving and riveting. Soundstage is great for a closed IEM, and is as wide as your sense of disbelief will allow you to grasp! Separation is also excellent, as details are always there to be picked out by the discerning listener. Everything hangs together but individual elements can stand up and be counted at the same time.

Music genres good for and why

The Fidue A73 can do it all, however dance genres can be enhanced very well with the tremendous bass response. Also rap music and pop for the same reasons. Older pop also does very well on the A73 with the clear midrange offering a crisp presentation of tracks which are 50 years old, further enhanced by the clear reproduction of reverb equipment and compressors which were used back in the day.

Pros:

Great quality at this price

Good tuning

Wide soundstage

Sturdy build quality

 

Cons:

Cable not detachable

Lack of slider on cable

 

Our video review of the Fidue A73 IEM can be found below, happy viewing.

SoundMAGIC E50S In-Ear Headphones – Review

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SoundMAGIC E50S In-Ear Headphones – Review

Intro

Escaping the shadow of a famous parent or sibling may be a challenge for some, and the SoundMAGIC E50S is in a similar situation. Given the extraordinary success of the E10 model in recent years and the similarities between these two designs, what can the E50S offer to convince us that it both deserves as much attention and can bring something different to the table?

Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel)

The SoundMAGIC E50S conforms to the same basic design as the E10, with the small barrel-like capsules and glossy braided cable but now instead of the straight connection where the cable meets the jack, the E50S sports a 60 degree angle between them, to cut down on stresses which both straight and 90 degree connections can be susceptible to.

The metal capsules, button enclosure and jack casing are covered by a matt powder coating which gives an attractive impression without being too flashy. The capsules can be worn with the cable going up and over the ear, or down from the ear.

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

The best thing about this design is its simplicity and its tried and tested ruggedness. The cable is coated with a strong rubber material which is neither sticky or too stiff, allowing the cable to move and flex whilst avoiding tangles.

Everything about the E50S is solid but light, a perfect combination for the purpose these earphones will no doubt be put to. The included carry case will ensure they are safe and dust-free when stored between uses.

Comfort

As with the E10, the SoundMAGIC E50S will offer no limitations for those with non-standard ears who may have run into problems with other designs. The generous selection of eartips included with the E50S should have something to suit anyone, and help them achieve a good fit for as good a sound as the E50S can provide. This includes a pair of Complyfoam tips, consisting of memory foam for an almost custom fit.

The diminutive and stylish design makes the E50S an ideal companion in all scenarios and weathers, with little to worry about in terms of susceptibility to particular conditions and temperatures. the single button and microphone can be used with both Android-based handsets and Apple products – the switch on the cable’s yoke (where left and right cables meet) can be operated for perfect compatibility.

The E50S, like most IEMs sold in Europe now, are subject to regulations limiting the maximum volume from portable devices such as phone handsets. Therefore the E50S (like the more recent E10) has an impedance of around 46 ohms. Most handsets will still offer enough volume with a majority of music, and if more volume is required (some classical music can be very quiet) then there is always the option to get a separate portable amplifier.

Sound isolation:

Being dependent on the fit achievable with the ear, experiences may differ as far as isolation is concerned (as with all in-ear models). But with the wealth of eartips options included, a good level of isolation can be achieved.

Sound characteristics:

Bass (e.g. punch, low extension):

As regards bass, the SoundMAGIC E50S gives as good as it gets and remains faithful to the original music. Where the E10 increased the bass a bit for more volume in the bass region, the E50S gives more impact and provides a richer, mnore immediate impression of basslines, drums and the like.

Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):

Being a relatively neutral earphone, the E50S provides a little more of the midrange without any peaks. Harmonics are clear and vocals are pristine and backing vocals are distinct. Atmospheric effects such as reverb can be easily picked out and followed, giving a clear sense of space.

Treble (e.g. high hats):

There is as much detail at the top end as most of us require; it’s never an easy job balancing between a sound which some might think is an overly bright and uncomfortable one, and a sound which others might describe as muddy and dull. However the SoundMAGIC E50S hits the right note and makes a great complement to the midrange for clear and comfortable retreival of detail.

 

Soundstage & Separation

The increased midrange response makes harmonics shine, bringing instruments to life and giving greater definition. For earphones at this price point, separation is fantastic and with it, soundstage is very good for an in-ear model.

Being good all-rounders, there is ample scope for the SoundMAGIC E50S to be enjoyed with all genres but the relatively flat response or neutrality of the E50S makes it a perfect earphone for vocals; particularly when accompanied by backing vocals. Percussion gets a nice lift also, as does any distortion effect.

Pros:

Simple, modest design
Superb clarity and neutrality
Good range of tips
Sturdy carry case
Angled jack
Switch for greater compatibility with a wider range of smartphones

Cons:

Single button control only, no volume control functionality

Please take a look at our video review below for more details.

 

 

 

Fidue A83 Earphones Review – Hybrid Unbridled

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Verdict

What’s not to like about the Fidue A83? From the unassuming ‘try me’ design to the expansive sound, the A83 could take us down many rabbitholes!

Pros

  • Instantly engaging
  • Lovely cable

Cons

  • Case is a little ungainly

Fidue is another of those makers who are peppering the market with all sorts of models at various pricepoints, and the A83 occupies their top spot just now. Despite sharing its name with a minor road up in Scotland, the Fidue A83 is warm, fast and hardly ever congested. The Fidue A83 can however bring you to ‘The Mull of Kintyre’ if you really want to go that far.

Key Features

The left and right sides are denoted by the blue and red housings of the Fidue A83; they simply beg to be worn and seem to offer a fun experience just by looks alone. Supplied tips are what can be expected for a model in this price category; there’s a good range along with the nearly ubiquitous free Comply foam tips, but don’t differ that much from those given away with budget models. The case is of the chunky ‘Pelican’ style and along with the hard foam winder/storage insert will certainly protect the earphones. The case will not easily fit in the pocket however.

First Impressions

The clear translucent red/blue plastic of the housings is matched by the outer-facing housing part which although metallic-looking, is also plastic. However the overall impression is of a solid and well-built IEM along with the best of them. The cable is the most striking feature; it is braided and is coated to avoid too much friction. It’s nice and loose so tangles are unlikely.

Sound Quality

Far from a neutral sound, the Fidue A83 certainly packs a fun punch with deep and powerful bass when called for, adding weight beneath kick drums and basslines, but steering well clear of midrange bleed. There’s no more bass than dictated by the music. Midrange is clear with a lush hint; space is well preserved and harmonics make instruments shine. Up top, the Fidue A83 is not as rolled off as most universal IEMs but there is no hint of anything which might cause fatigue in the ear. Separation and imaging are very good for an in-ear too.

The A83 is amazingly faithful to your chosen genre; trying these with some 1970s production music, the dynamic compression used is beautifully rendered and makes the bass and midrange really work together. Conversley, with some clean and clear Level 42 from the 1980s, the presentation is as fresh and clean as a new pin. The A83 takes what’s good, and makes it even better.

Summary

The Fidue A83 really are as fun as they look; but don’t let this kid you into thinking they cannot be serious too. Think perhaps of looking in a mirror and actually seeing the person you imagine yourself to be – 10 years younger, spritely and in your best light – it’s the Fidue makeover!

Score – 9.5/10

The Fidue A83 features in our BEST HEADPHONES OF 2015 REVIEW

Final Audio Heaven VII Earphones Review

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Verdict

Any Final Audio earphone in the Heaven series is fantastic at its pricepoint, and for the asking price the Final Audio Heaven VII offers angelic audio quality. Soundstage and detail are stunning, while the frequency response gives a presentation which is both delicate and authoritative.

Pros

  • Sounds amazing
  • Looks amazing!
  • Good strong metal case

Cons

  • Microphonics
  • Cable can be worn down from the ear only

Being British here we’re no strangers to what the heavens can provide (lots of rain!); however we’ve been enjoying a few distractions lately. Final Audio’s Heaven series is no less than a perfect fusion of detail and comfort; starting from the entry-level Heaven II. The range leaves us spellbound, and a lot drier as well.

The appearance and sound of the Final Audio Heaven VII is a contrast to its stablemate the Heaven VIII, which is the fuller sounding of the two models. While the Heaven VII lies in neutral-airy territory, the golden Heaven VIII gives a lusher presentation with a little more bass. A review of the Heaven VIII is coming soon.

As well as the Heaven VIII, the Heaven VII is one of the latest in this series; it is based on a similar design to the rest of the Heavens, but borrows the capsule design from the limited edition dual balanced armature ‘LAB-1’ model which is not generally available outside of Japan and the Far East.

Key Features

Using a single full-range balanced armature driver produced by Final Audio themselves, the Heaven VII is detailed but never gets fatiguing. Bass is fully represented, mainly due to both the balanced armature and Final Audio’s BAM (Balanced Air Movement) technology which incorporates some clever tricks to improve the frequency response in the lower region, when compared to other makers’ single BA designs.

Also, the Heaven VII has been designed with ‘resonance dispersion’ in mind. According to Final Audio, this helps prevent vibrations and reflections in the housings which may lead to a detrimental effect on the sound. The casings are made using a metal-plating technique so that the colour won’t wear away or chip.

First Impressions

It’s the styling which is first to be noticed; there’s a medieval feel about them – particularly the black Heaven VII. While the design is of course down to a high-tech process, they still give the impression that they were produced by an enchanted artisan a few hundred years ago!

The jack differs from others in this range however; it’s more like the straight jack which comes with the Final Audio Hope VI full-size headphones.

Sound Quality

With an Astell & Kern K120, the Final Audio Heaven VII gives a totally immersible experience – soundstage is well beyond the physical confines of the housings, and separation is superb. Bass, as already mentioned, is not typical for a single balanced armature design; it is very well balanced with the rest of the sound and is well controlled, allowing the midrange a good amount of space to impress. The sound is very clean and exact; it neither is boosted or recessed and works very nicely. Sense of space is very real, and together with the soundstage, very big! There are moments with the K120 where high frequencies threaten to cross into strident territory, but never do. With a Fiio X3, due to the nature of the player’s sound, the Heaven VII is smoother which I prefer personally.

Summary

We’ve come to expect very high standards from Final Audio – in terms of audio quality, build quality and presentation too. The Heaven VII still pushes the envelope, giving a touch of glamour without ostentatiousness, toughness without bulk, and detail without sharp edges.

Score 9.5/10