The DUNU DN-12 Trident is the entry level in-ear headphone from this exciting brand. DUNU is making waves in the headphone world and I can see why – if they put this amount of work into their low priced headphones then I can only imagine what their high end models are like!
I had to keep reminding myself that these in-ears were under £50. The packaging is nicely finished and when you get inside you find a good quality leatherette bag, plenty of different eartips, a cable clip and even a carabina. The headphones themselves are extremely well built. The driver housing is made from titanium which feels great and has a good amount of weight. The cable feels tough and isn’t flimsy, this ends in a smartly designed angled jack connection – you even get a cable tidy designed by DUNU included.
DUNU have thought about even the finest details with their entry level earphone so you are totally impressed before you even listen to them!
Sound Quality
When I first listened to the DN-12’s I felt that there was a fair amount of bass and that there could be more treble… Then I remembered that they are £35!
Compared to other earphones in their price range they sound more refined with a good amount of bass that doesn’t bleed into the rest of the mix, the mids come through nicely with enough crack and the highs give a great sense of space. The soundstage is very impressive as you feel that you are right in the mix with a wide presentation. I really can’t think of anything negative to say about these great little in-ears!
HifiHeadphones Verdict
Not long ago I would have said that the SoundMAGIC E10 was easily the best in ear for under £40 – now they certainly have stiff competition! The DUNU DN-12 may not have as much weight in the low end as the E10, but for me this is for the best. These earphones feel and sound like something that should be worth somewhere in the £50 region, as not only can they compete with some higher priced models, they have put a lot of effort in the finer details – this for me helps put them at the top of their game
We are a World Wide Supplier of Official Sennheiser Spares.
Via our parent company K&S technology Ltd we can offer the full range of Sennheiser Consumer Headphone Spares. We can ship to virtually any destination across the world.
Since 2012 we have been the only official partner for Sennheiser consumer headphone spares in the UK, ensuring that Sennheiser headphones customers benefit from the highest service standards and can rejuvinate their much-loved headphones for more years of pleasurable listening.
We answer enquiries from all over the world, and can ship to many places on practically every continent. Also we are happy to help regarding fitting earpads and other parts, or if the part you require is discontinued we can suggest alternatives, or offer information which might help you get them elsewhere.
Popular spares requests we receive are for replacement earpads such as for the PX-100, headband padding, headbands, batteries for bluetooth headphones, cases and much more – usually dispatched to you within 24 hours.
We offer a personal service and are very responsive to questions received regarding any part or Sennheiser headphone. Just email us using the link below – or call: 01628 402 217
What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £40? The E10S has the same superb build quality and sound signature as the E10 but with the added function of a universal smartphone in-line microphone – need we say more?
Universal smartphone microphone (iPhone and Android)
Cons
Nothing to fault at this price
Key Features
Comfortable fit and distinctive design
Made for all smartphones
Integrated smart remote and microphone
Unique, all metal earphone construction
Powerful bass balanced with superb musical detail
Robust tangle-free twisted cable design
Skype/VOIP adaptor included
First Impressions
From the start it is hard to believe that the E10S is under £40. The packaging is smart and of a very high quality – once opened you find plenty of spare ear tips and an attractive hard case. Holding the earphones you can feel how well made they are and the innovative switch on the jack plug will let you set the earphones to work with any smartphone – you would not expect technology like this on such a modestly priced earphone.
Sound Quality
Once you get over the impressive built quality and actually try them out you will not be disappointed. Like the SoundMAGIC E10, The E10S has tight bass with plenty of weight – the mids are well defined and the top end sparkles. These earphones are perfect for listening on the go as the sound is fun and they will sound great with whatever you throw at them. Soundstage is better than what you would expect from an earphone at this price – it’s engaging and natural.
Verdict
If you have £40 to spend on some new earphones then go for the SoundMAGIC E10 – if you need an in-line microphone then go for the E10S. Easy.
SoundMAGIC have again pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the SoundMAGIC ES20, which makes this model a strong candidate for the title of best budget in ear headphone. The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.
While you might expect an inexpensive earphone to be poorly made, the ES20 is a part aluminium construction and comes fitted with good quality braided cabling (normally reserved for high end in-ear monitor earphones) with strain relief that is built to last. The quality of the product is truly commendable. The ES20 is like the baby brother of the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 which adds a full metal body and even higher sound quality – for a little more money.
Supplied with a neat carry pouch that is very usable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC ES20 is a very well thought out package.
If you have a little more to spend, consider the SoundMAGIC E10 or SoundMAGIC E50 – also both amazing value at their price points.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the ES20 has just stolen that spot. Sound quality compares with earphones costing two or three times the price.
Shure’s addition to the sub £50 earphone range is very impressive. They are very well built with a tough cable and solid speaker housing. The sound rolls off slightly at the top which takes away any harsh frequencies and the bottom end has plenty of punch!
The Shure SE112 are a great alternative to the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 – especially if you prefer a mellower presentation.
For a more professional in-ear monitor design we also recommend the Shure SE215 – tight bass, crisp mids and great soundstage.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The Shure SE112 has punchy bass and smooth top end detail. They are very comfortable with great isolation and they are tougher than most.
The AF45 is an impressive pair of earphones. We think the AF45 is one of the highlights of the Audiofly premium range and one of the best in ear headphones available at this price.
The AF45 successfully marries fashion conscious design with excellent sound. The earphones are sturdy and the sound is big – full bass and crisp detail.
The cable on the AF45 is made from Audiofly’s Audioflex braided technology and is covered in a Cordura fabric outer sheath for extra durability. There is also an option of an in line microphone with the Audiofly AF45M.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The AF45 is a truly superb earphone that excels all round. Big bass and crisp highs makes them ideal for someone looking for big sound and great looks from their in-ears.
Final Audio’s Adagio III is sleek in design and gives a more refined sound than many of it’s competitors. The earphones are very well built with a tough cable and airplane engine like design to the earphone body.
Thanks to the balanced air movement internal speaker design the bass is big yet not bloated and the upper detail is crystal clear – this gives an exciting and refined sound.
Some reviews complain that bass is too powerful, but after running in (this earphone changes a lot during the first 50 hours) we think the Adagio III offers plenty of clarity and detail for the price.
Final Audio Design earphones come with excellent eartips, but as with many better quality earphones they benefit from upgrading with Comply tips.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you like powerful bass, but want a more refined sound then these earphones are for you. Tight and full low end, cracking mids and the top end has real sparkle.
With the RHA MA750 earphones you get a lot for your money. The build quality is extremely solid and you get a 3 year warranty – this shows how confident RHA are with their products. You get a good amount of ear tips supplied and a very nice leather carry case.
The overall sound is warm with great bass quality and lots of energy in the upper frequencies. The soundstage is large and separation is very good. There is also the MA750i for those of you wanting iPhone controls.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you’re after a great all rounder then the MA750 could be the one. Solidly built, comfortable, 3 years warranty, lots of accessories and great sound – a lot for under £100!
The new Westone range of ‘UM Pro’ headphones come with a varying amount of balanced armature drivers to suit all ears and pockets.
The UM Pro 10 model has one balanced armature, so a good seal with the ear is important to benefit from the full frequency range. The sound is extremely accurate and fast-paced, with superb soundstage and imaging. Some may find the design more ergonomic than similar single balanced-armature designs by other makers, as the UM Pro 10 rests in the bowl of the ear as opposed to protruding out of the ear.
Hifiheadphones Verdict:
Sometimes the best designs are the simplest and I really think there is something to be said for single-driver IEMs. Makers may be able to tune the sound signature a little more with multiple drivers, but this risks muddying the sound with possible phase/imaging issues as the audio from these different drivers reaches our ears at different times.
In short – choose the simple life and get the UM Pro 10!
The Heaven II replicates the intense auditory sensation of fast-paced live music with accurate speed and harmonious stereo separation. A truly high end sound at a bargain price.
Final Audio Design’s special Balancing Air Movement mechanism optimises air movement inside the housing that eliminates unwanted sibilant high-frequency sounds. Proprietary balanced armature drivers developed by Final Audio Design (one of only a few manufacturers in the World who make these micro-drivers) deliver concentrated bass performance and perfectly balanced spatial separation.
To replicate the auditory sensation of live music ambiance with speed and accuracy Final Audio Design have crafted the housing of the Heaven II from solid stainless steel. Final Audio Design’s Heaven II is a handmade product, made by Japanese sound engineers with a full-focus on ideal sound with no compromises.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
It will be hard to find an in-ear headphone that can challenge the Heaven II’s sound quality for under £100. They use a balanced armiture driver, which is uncommon for sub £100 earphones. This gives you great clarity and separation as well as superb soundstage. Using the supplied tips you also get full and rich bass which completes the well balanced sound.
Shure’s SE215 personal monitor earphones are designed to meet the demanding requirements of your audio lifestyle. It features a Dynamic MicroDriver for a detailed, warm, sound with improved bass. With the Shure SE215 you can concentrate on your music, whether you are on-stage, in a train, on the street or working out
Shure’s SE215 earphones features a durable Kevlar reinforced cable that allows easy replacement or customisation. The formable wire ensures secure placement, and over the ear configuration keeps cables out of the way. The gold plated stereo connector has a lock-snap mechanism allowing 360 degree rotation for comfortable fit
Because every ear is different, the Fit Kit of the Shure SE215 includes an assortment of foam and silicone sleeves in different sizes. Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you. A good seal is key to optimising sound isolation and bass response as well as maximising comfort during extended wear
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
For under £100 the Shure SE215 give you the most for your money. You get well detailed sound with crisp highs and tight bass, a removable highly durable cable, a wide selection of eartips including Shure’s own Foam Tip and to seal it off a tough carry case.
Heaven IV achieves the truest possible expression of live concert hall sound.
With the incorporated balancing air movement mechanism the earphone body design has evolved into an uncomplicated, slender structure.
Final Audio Design’s special BAM (Balancing Air Movement) mechanism, optimises air movement inside the housing, has pushed the evolution of earphone body design to the next level with a simpler structure and slimmer body. The result is a balanced, natural sound that reduces unwanted sibilant high-frequency sounds.
The Heaven IV is handmade by Japanese sound engineers with a full-focus on ideal sound with no compromises.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Final Audio Design have managed to create an earphone that not only looks great, but sounds it too! You get a refined sound with clear and textured detail as well as deep, tight bass. The flat cable design has also been well thought through, it is very durable and eliminates tangles and microphonics.
Audiofly’s new range of IEMs are exceptional for fit, comfort and sound; available with a hybrid driver arrangement or multiple balanced armatures.
The AF140 model offers both dynamic and balanced armature drivers for a warm, yet detailed presentation. With a slight roll-off at the treble end, the midrange is sweet and smooth with a slightly accentuated bass which is beautifully controlled.
Hifiheadphones Verdict:
As you would expect, the whole Audiiofly range has superb detail retrieval and very impressive instrument separation. As you move up the range you find a lot more body and purpose, although the AF140 – featuring a hybrid two balanced armature and one dynamic driver set up – is simply the best earphone we’ve heard for below £250
Technology taken from EarSonics’ EM series achieves audio quality never reached before with universal IEM earphones. The research and development department of EarSonics worked hard to match sound quality of their custom EM4 and EM6. The result brought forward EarSonics’ Flagship SM64, a new professional audio quality reference model.
With new HQ crossover technology with impedance corrector, the SM64 provide a balanced sound spectrum making it very musical and accurate. Earsonics’ SM64 in-ear monitor earphones were made to handle music of all intensities and all volumes on any device, absolute control of the audio spectrum. Pairing the SM64 with a headphone amplifier unleashes incredible stereo imaging and maximum headroom.
Earpieces, designed to sit securely in the ear when on stage or on the move ensures that the SM64 stays in place. The rugged, non-microphonic twisted cable is detachable and guarantees long lasting pleasure and serviceability.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
We love these earphones! If you’re looking for an earphone with a balanced and neutral sound then these are a great choice. The bass is tight, mids cut through without being too harsh and the highs extend very well and naturally.
This little brother to the pricier ‘Truth Edition’ model is no stranger to sincerity itself; machined from solid aluminium, the capsules are designed to avoid adding their own colouration to the sound, and are weighted to lean into the ear for greater comfort and a better seal. They aren’t heavy but just weighty enough to let you know they mean business, and the cable is reassuringly stout.
Much like other similarly-priced dynamic driver IEMs, the sound is what you might expect; bright without being sibilant, well balanced mids, well controlled but slightly elevated bass. There’s a smoothness from this type of large diameter driver which I never fail to appreciate, and along with its speed and accuracy, it brings any music to life with aplomb.
Soundstage and imaging are first class, and the use of a headphone amp can really add the cherry to the cake in terms of realism.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
IEMs like the Dita are showing once again that dynamic drivers can be every bit as fast and vibrant-sounding as their balanced armature counterparts, with added smoothness to give a wonderfully analogue impression.
The IE800 are Sennheisers new flagship audiophile earphones. Featuring a linear-phase driver system that achieves distortion-free audio even at high sound pressure levels. Surely Sennheisers most innovative portable music solution, the IE800 meets the demands of portable audio with truly superb sound and comfort.
The extra wide band transducer system, with a diameter of just 7mm is the smallest wide-band driver system currently available in dynamic earphones. Innovative vent holes in the housing of the IE800 direct the air flow resulting in minimal distortion levels. Sennheiser’s revolutionary dampened two chamber absorbers eliminate the masking of low volume frequencies by absorbing the energy from the louder low-frequency sounds.
Build quality is amazing, scratch-resistant ceramic housing, stainless steel air vents and Kevlar coated audio cable, the IE800 is built to last. Two special meshes protect the IE800 against residue and contamination.
The package includes 5 pairs silicone eartips in different sizes, premium leather carrying case, a cleaning tool and instruction manual.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Brimming with ground-breaking technologies the IE800 are the ultimate IEM for bass lovers. Big warm and powerful sounding, beautifully engineered with an ergonomic and attractive design, these are very special IEMs.
At the summit of Shure’s classic range is the 846 – a no compromise IEM with a lot of tech tucked away. They feature an ‘acoustic chamber’ method of producing bass frequencies, creating 4 inches of space within each capsule for that true subwoofer sound.
Together with filters in the nozzles to customise your sound, the SE846 is currently one of the best universal IEMs on the market. Let no detail be missed.
Hifiheadphones Verdict:
For the current king of universal IEMs, get the SE846. Custom earmoulds are not essential, but recommended.
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new In-Ear Monitor Earphones from EarSonics, the S-EM6 is now available to be purchased on our website.
EarSonics surpasses the norm with the S-EM6, the first universal IEM to carry six balanced armature drivers in it’s heart. Offering the sound quality and finish of a flagship custom in-ear monitor, the S-EM6 marks a breakthrough in the world of universal monitor earphones.
Based on EarSonics acclaimed EM6 technology, the S-EM6 achieves audio quality never reached before with universal IEM earphones. Two dedicated balanced armature drivers each for low, mid and high frequencies with a 3-way crossover configuration combine to produce true to original sound recording.
With in-ear design and biflange silicone eartips the S-EM6 achieves high levels of noise attenuation keeping the listening experience private. Earpieces designed to sit securely in the ear when on stage or on the move ensures that the S-EM6 stays in place.
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Premium In-Ear Sound Isolating Earphone from RHA, the RHA-MA750 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Using RHA’s aerophonic design, the MA750 is constructed from individually machined stainless steel components. The handmade drivers and over-ear design ensures remarkable sound reproduction and a comfortable, noise isolating fit.
Precise, balanced and articulate sound reproduction with a great depth of soundstage. The RHA MA750 drivers have been designed to deliver a clear and natural sound. With high levels of spatial separation and distance, the MA750s are capable of reproducing audio with exceptional power and precision. The 303F grade stainless steel construction together with the right silicone eartip ensures extended wearing comfort with excellent sound isolating properties.
The aerophonic design used by the RHA MA750 earphones was inspired by the airflow system and acoustic properties of a trumpet’s bell. The RHA team inverted the traditional shape to create headphones capable of channelling the sound naturally, allowing air to progress unobstructed and unforced from the driver to the ear.
RHA are confident with the superior standard of build and audio quality of the MA750 and offer a full 3-year warranty on all parts.
Handmade steel drivers for precise, balanced and articulate sound
Extended wearing comfort with excellent sound isolation
Selection of dual density silicone, double flange silicone and memory foam eartips
Premium carry case and stainless steel eartip holder
Watch our video review of the incredible Final Audio Design FI-BA-SS earphones. With a price tag of over £1000 it is easy to be sceptical about the FI-BA-SS from Final Audio, but this is more than your average earphone. See for yourself in the following review:
Crafted by hand from stainless steel and with a truly innovative approach to the controlling the movement of air in the earphone, it is obvious how much care and attention has gone into developing this earphone.
Press Reviews
HiFi+ Magazine Appraises Final Audio Design FI-BA-SS
“A truly impressive degree of you-are-there clarity, plus an uncanny quality of effortless, top-to-bottom coherency.”
On first holding the box containing the Earsonics SM64 Earphones, I picked up on the ‘no-frills’ design of the packaging, which is something I appreciate. Opening the box it’s great that you don’t have to rip anything open or work out a packaging puzzle to get to the good stuff. Inside you get an instruction card, a rigid carry case, a selection of tips (2 x double flanged pairs and 2 x Comply isolation pairs) and a small cleaning tool. The earphones come with a replaceable braided cable that feels very well built and flexible – very similar to the Westone cables. The cable has a tough right-angled jack plug and the yoke is of equal quality, this is very reassuring as they are generally the most fragile parts of an earphone.
Sound Quality
The first thing to mention is that the SM64 needs an amplifier! They are high impedance and they have fairly low sensitivity, this makes them tough to drive so I wouldn’t recommend that they be used straight off a portable player unless you know it has a powerful headphone amplifier. Once you have your amp hooked up you need to pick the right eartips – as with any earphone if the tips are too small you will lose the lower frequencies for a paper thin sound or if the tips are too big then the sound will be muffled. I found that thelarger Comply tips suited me perfectly, and once that was sorted I could really enjoy these amazing earphones. You hear everything so clearly and with punch, also the soundstage is superb – you can really pinpoint where each sound is coming from. I tend to find high end earphones either flat and analytical, too aggressive in the higher frequencies or too smooth. These have great clarity without being analytical or harsh, the upper mids really cut through and the bass is tight but also full (if that even makes sense).
In Use
I listen to quite a mix of music and the SM64 did them all justice – With rock music the snare drum really cuts through and you get a nice wash on the cymbals. The bass is clear and tight, guitars (generally in stereo) are well separated. Softer music like acoustic tracks sound great! The guitar strings sound natural and you hear the reverb trail off till the very end, also the vocals are forward without any harshness. These earphones also work with electronic music but they might not be for everyone. I’m not a fan of big bass, I prefer the bass to be tight and accurate – even on bass heavy music. So if you’re looking for a lot of bass then these may not be for you, but if you appreciate bass quality then you’ll be happy.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an earphone with a balanced and neutral sound then these are a great choice! The bass is tight, mids cut through without being too harsh and the highs extend very well and naturally. Thereplaceable braided cable is flexible and well built, there is very little to no micro-phonics and the built in ear guides supply extra support and comfort. The supplied carry case is tough and not too big, and the ear tip selection should suit all users. One possible downside to these earphones is the amount of power they require, you will need a dedicated headphone amplifier to get the best out of them – one with plenty of power.
Designed by musicians for music lovers would be one way to describe what Audiofly are doing in the headphone world. Audiofly’s founder Dave Thompson started his career building guitars and now he’s turned his attention to headphones with impressive results.
The AF45 earphone (like the rest of the Audiofly headphone range) exhibits brilliant attention to detail, with a very high quality finish. The earphone housing is a single piece design, making it acoustically stable and mechanically strong. Internally the shape of the sound tube has been made bevelled to reduce internal sound reflections.
The AF45 has a sound signature that is powerful and accurate, something that appears hard to achieve with mid-range in-ears. Many in-ears at this price point have overly bloated bass, or are painfully accurate (mostly the former). Audiofly have done well with the AF45 to get the balance right.
Externally the finish is equally high quality. Cabling is covered in a tough CORDURA outer sheath (as used in outdoor clothing) to keep the cable safe and the jack plug is reinforced for strength. In our experience the cabling is the first component to fail on earphones, so it’s reassuring to see Audiofly designing this to last.
We found that the fit in the ear had a large effect on the sound signature of the AF45 and that the tips do not fit everyone’s ears well, so we highly recommend Comply foam tips to ensure the best sound (either S-500 or T-500 size will fit).
HiFi Headphones Verdict
An earphone with a level of finish that you would expect to pay more for with a sound signature that is well balanced. Bass is powerful, with slightly recessed mids and highs are clear. A quality earphone that is built to last.
The HiFiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new In-Ear Isolating Earphone from Ultrasone, the Ultrasone Pyco In-Ear Headphones is now available to be purchased on our website.
Ultrasone Pyco Aluminium In-Ear Sound Isolating Earphones with Smartphone Mic and Controls. When it comes to the best portable listening experience with true high fidelity you can count on Ultrasone. Immerse yourself in your own personal live concert wherever you go. Fitted with one of the smallest dynamic transducers available, as well as vital power-transfer, Ultrasone’s Pyco is your ticket to a true superior listening experience.
Equipped with a microphone and remote control, the Pyco enables convenient operation for both music and telephone calls. Outstanding insulation against background noise allows you to concentrate completely on the music – providing you with a fantastic audio experience, whether travelling by plane or train or exercising.
SoundMAGIC have pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the SoundMAGIC ES20 Headphones, which makes this model a strong candidate for the title of best budget headphone. The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.
While you might expect a cheap earphone to be badly made, the ES20 is a part aluminium construction and comes fitted with good quality braided cabling (normally reserved for high end in-ear monitor earphones) with strain relief that is built to last. The quality of the product is truly commendable. The ES20 is like the baby brother of the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 which adds a full metal body and even higher sound quality – for a little more money.
Supplied with a neat carry pouch that is very usable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC ES20 is a very well thought out package.
HiFi Headphones Verdict
In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the ES20 has just stolen that spot. Sound quality compares with earphones costing two or three times the price.
The Audiofly AF78 is the top model in the Audiofly Premium earphone line. Featuring custom Articulated Dual Drivers in a hybrid system (Dynamic and Balanced Armature technology), these are advanced IEMS!
Beautifully constructed with machined anodised alloy outer housing, they won a CES Design and Engineering Award in 2013.Cabling is an Audioflex braided, kevlar reinforced conductors and a CORDURA fabric outer sheath for outstanding durability. Audiofly’s AF78 is your ticket to truly sophisticated sound.
Noise isolation is also great with up to 23 dB noise attenuation. 4 pairs of silicon eartips and 2 pairs of Comply foam eartips provide a tailored fit for the best fit possible. Ergonomically designed driver housings shaped for a streamlined fit are comfortable for extended listening.
Also included in the box is an airline adapter, a signal-splitter (enabling a second set of headphones to share the music) and cleaning tool.
HiFi Headphones Verdict
The hybrid configuration draws on the strengths of the two different driver types to produce truly sophisticated sound across the entire frequency spectrum. Excellent instrument separation, strong bottom end, crisp detail and warm mids add up to a sonically impressive earphone. With excellent accessories and superb build quality, the AF78 comes highly recommended!
Final Audio Design are a well known high end HiFi manufacturer from Japan. Theybegan developing magnetic cartridges and step-up transformers in 1974. It wasn’t long before they were manufacturing turntables and speakers, which were well ahead of the curve at the time. When Final Audio Design started manufacturing headphones, they wanted to relay the musicians passion for music, as well as their own passion for engineering.
The Adagio III uses a special BAM (Balancing Air Movement) Mechanism, which optimises air movement inside the housing, solving sound leakage and leading to a simpler structure and slimmer body.
The Adagio III have a remarkably clear sound – open, transparent and lively. There’s plenty of bottom end power but it’s measured, this and the amazing instrument separation stop any muddiness from occurring.
The bodies are constructed from a tough ABS material, the 120cm cable is superb quality at this price point and small medium and large tips are included for comfort. We also love the clear differentiation between left and right on the earphone bodies
HiFi Headphones Verdict
Contemporary music fans who want a bit of HiFi legacy, a clean clear audio and change from £100, look no further. The Adagio III unleashes a powerful sound which is vibrant and spatial with impressive width and separation in the stereo image.
Final Audio Design‘s new mid-price range is topped with the Final Audio Design Adagio V, a sleek looking and robust in-ear monitor which is designed to be worn down (perhaps earoded?) as opposed to worn over the ear. The driver housings themselves are relatively weighty and feel as though they are likely to fall out of the ears, but when in position this fear is short lived.
I always considered that a shiny barrel of metal going into my ear would lead to trouble, but maybe I’ve watched too many Mafia films. The Italian name Adagio certainly helps to conjure up the picture of a whacking, but the price doesn’t look too much like extortion.
The cable feels like a bit of a mismatch; as while it would not look out of place on other IEMs, the extra weight of the driver housings make it seem a little weedy. The lack of strain relif is a concern too, but I’m thinking that there’s likely some form of reinforcement within the housing. The weight of the Adagio V’s drivers would make it very tempting to use as a bola; fortunately there’s no shortage of people running away from me so I’ll be trying this soon.
When I had figured out the correct sized tip for my ears (which are smaller than average) the drivers sat in the ears happily enough, but I did look a little like my mother had an affair with a soda syphon.
Sound-wise, the Adagio V is forward in the midrange and I find myself tempted to lose a couple of dB in the 2-5k region; this is more a reflection of my own tastes and I feel that a lot of equipment aimed at the audiophile has a similar sound signature. The bass is there and extends very low, but there is no accentuation or bloating, if anything it is understated (again, my tastes are speaking here).
The soundstage is impressive, and it can sometimes really feel as if the sound is emanating from without, with some good instrument separation.
There is plenty of air, and a little play with an EQ shows a lot of response in the 14kHz region where a lot of earphones give very little difference. This is definitely an earphone for those who like detail over bass.
Audiofly’s AF56 earphones celebrate style and amazing talent. Boasting with incredible bass presence perfectly balanced with top end chime and style that will make you feel as authentic as the artist you’re listening to. With custom voiced 13mm dynamic drivers the AF56 delivers superb detail across the dynamic range. The noise isolating in-ear design of the AF56 earphones achieves up to 23db noise attenuation. The Cordura braided cable’s conductivity have been made as a twisted set, which enhances the cables resistance to electromagnetic interference.
Custom voiced 13mm dynamic driver for amazing detail in the upper mids and highs, with a well balanced punchy bass
Noise isolating in-ear design, for up to 23db noise attenuation
4 sets of Silicon eartips mould to your ears for better isolation and better sound
High spec Audioflex round braided cable with Kevlar reinforced conductors
CORDURA brand nylon outer sheath for exceptional strength and amazing durability
Storage tin with plush velvet lining for roadworthy protection
