BEST AUDIOPHILE WIRELESS HEADPHONES

Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Finals flagship TWS earphone combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. All the bells and whistles are there, a great overall package.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR GAMING

Audeze Maxwell Playstation/Xbox Wireless Gaming Headphones – £319.00/£349.00

The Audeze Maxwell is quite literally a masterpiece. After years of relentless innovation building first class gaming headsets, Audeze has finally released the successor to the Penrose, The Maxwell. This is a serious piece of kit for serious gamers (and us casuals too!). An upgrade to the Penrose in every conceivable way, the Maxwells sound quality, wireless performance & battery life (80 Hours!!!) have all been pushed to the limits of possibility. After 1.5 years being on the market it is still easily sthe best wireless gaming headset out there today.

What Our Customers Say:

I loved my Penrose headset and have had the Maxwell for just over a week. It is an upgrade in every single way. I am so happy I pre-ordered it back in December and it really does live up to the hype. The new chassis is really sturdy and has a premium feel to it. The sound is even better than the Penrose, no issue whatsoever with the wireless connections. I am so chuffed and will be using this for years to come. Great job Audeze

Josh Adams 5* Review www.Hifiheadphones.co.uk

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR BATTERY LIFE & ANC

1More SonoFlow HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

BEST TWS FOR AUDIOBOOKS AND TV

final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – £70.00

Final Audio have collaborated with Dragonball Z to produce 3 iconic and unique models based on main characters. The Frieza model is specifically designed for ASMR content. But it is also perfect for watching movies, animations and videos In general. Absolutely one to consider, if you use your earphones more for Audiobooks/ Movies over music (although they are great at that too!). They are also really small and light, so perfect for those with smaller ears or those who find it difficult to find a pair of buds that are comfortable. Read our review here: final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – Review

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS HEADPHONES

1MORE SonoFlow SE HQ30 Portable Wireless Headphones – £55.00

The SonoFlow SE HQ30 offers powerful ANC, exceptional call quality, and a staggering battery life that outlasts pricier models like Bose. For its price, it delivers unbeatable value with premium features where it counts.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR SPORT / RUNNING

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones- £229

Following the runaway success of Cleer Audio‘s open ear Arc earphones, the Cleer Arc 3 has taken the concept of an open wireless earphone to a whole new level. The Cleer ARC 3 surpasses the ARC II with cutting-edge enhancements in sound quality, including Dolby Atmos and head tracking technology, delivering immersive 360-degree surround sound. Under the hood is an advanced Qualcomm S5 platform, upgraded dynamic drivers, and a refined bass technology that redfines open-ear audio standards. Enhanced AI features like two-way noise reduction, adaptive sound balancing, and voice control bring a more intelligent earphone and allows for a seamless experience in terms of usability, especially while on a run. The redesigned, stretchable ear hook allows for a better, customized fit and the charging case has had a complete overhaul.

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS EARPHONES FOR SOUND QUALITY

1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table—something usually only found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

BEST TWS FOR USING AS A SLEEP AID

1MORE SleepBuds Z30 – £89.99

The 1MORE Sleepbuds Z30 are designed specifically for restful sleep, with their feather-light 2.7g build and compact size making them perfect for side sleepers. Their snug fit ensures comfort throughout the night without causing discomfort, even when lying on your side.

BEST TWS FOR BRAND MERCH

Final x Ultra Seven ZE3000 Ultra Guard TWS – £139.00

Final Audio’s Ultra Seven inspired earphones look and sound the part! They are essentially a re-skinned ZE3000 with a motif of Ultra guard from Ultra Seven. Part of the Ultraman umbrella, this series was first released as a live action television series in 1967! As you can see, the earphone body, charging case, and packaging of these earbuds are designed in the image of the uniform and helmet of the Ultra Guard paying homage and celebrating the 55th anniversary of Ultra Seven. A perfect piece of kit if you are into Japanese culture and want to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

BONUS ROUND – BEST WIRELESS SPEAKER FOR YOUR DESKTOP

GravaStar Mars Pro V2 Bluetooth Speaker– £199.00-£280.00

Not technically a headphone but this is one for those who love Sci-fi. The Mars Pro V2 is a Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair two together to create surround sound!

Have We Missed Anything Out?

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

The post Best Wireless Headphones 2024: On-Ear, ANC, Earbuds, Audiophile appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £50

1. final E500 Wired Earphones – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spacial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers – they give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.

READ MORE: Final E500 In-Ear Headphones Review

2. SoundMAGIC E11/E11C Wired Earphones – £34.98/£39.98

With various SoundMAGIC models already available, what can the E11/E11C bring to the table? Well, Everything! We have found the E11 to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board.  A truly impressive earphone for the price and in 2024 it is still the wired budget king.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E11C In-Ear Headphone Review

3. SoundMAGIC E80D USB-C Wired Earphones – £34.98/£39.98

Modern technology requires modern solutions. No headphone jack on your new phone? The SoundMagic E80D has you covered. These earbuds deliver exceptional comfort and impressive passive noise isolation at a budget-friendly price. With a reliable USB-C connection, they provide seamless compatibility with modern devices. Lightweight and elegant, they’re perfect for long listening sessions, offering great value without compromising on audio clarity or design quality.

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E80D

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £100

4. final VR2000 Virtual Reality In Ear Isolating Gaming Earphones – £59.99

The VR2000 builds on the immense success of their gaming earphone predecessor the VR3000, which is known for their overwhelming spatial expression. The VR2000 focuses on the rapid response and aims to make object sounds within game audio more noticeable. Many typical gaming earbuds and headphones emphasize an exaggerated sound quality, aiming to accentuate sound effects for a more dramatic experience for the user. But in competitive gaming such as arcade fighting (Tekken), FPS (Apex Legends), Third person shooters such as Fortnite or rhythm games sich as Osu! it’s no exaggeration to say that the player’s quick judgment in reacting to sound effects can largely influence the outcome of each round. The VR2000 is a set of professional-grade earbuds developed specifically for players who are serious about winning.

READ MORE: final VR2000 Gaming Earphones

5.1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table, something that currently is only usually found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

READ MORE: 1MORE AERO

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £200

6. final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones – £119.00

True wireless earphones for the audiophiles and purists out there. The final ZE3000 don’t have many of the bells and whistles. They have no ANC, no ambient mode nor wireless charging. However they were designed from the bottom up for ultimate sound quality and in that they totally succeeded. They also look abolutely fantastic and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119!

READ MORE: final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones Review

7. 1MORE Penta P50 – Five Hybrid Driver IEMs – £179.00

The Penta P50 offers a smooth, natural sound with standout bass texture and crisp treble, perfect for those who prefer a relaxed and fatigue-free listening experience. Its compact, comfortable design adds to the appeal, making it a strong choice for audiophiles seeking balanced tuning.

READ MORE: 1MORE Penta P50

8. Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Finals flagship TWS earphone combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. All the bells and whistles are there, a great overall package.

READ MORE: Final ZE8000 MK2

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £500

9. Westone Audio AM Pro X20 Professional Earphones – £400.00

Stage musicians rejoice! Musicans of the past were limited to selecting either an isolated in-ear monitor mix or an immersive wedge based experience for monitoring. With the Am Pro X20 you can now enjoy both the energy and input from the audience, as well as from other performers and the stage. With Westone Audio’s exclusive StageSense Ambient Technology you are in total control of your musical environment. You can enjoy full-range frequency response from your in-ear monitor signal, hear and feel your surroundings and engage with fellow performers and your audience like never before. The AM Pro X series is a recommended universal solution for on-stage monitoring and band practice.

READ MORE: Westone Audio AM Pro X20

10. Final A5000 – £259.00

Final’s new addition to the “A” series, The A5000 is a wired IEM that punches far above it’s price in terms of sound quality. Style aside, the bass is powerful and tight, the mids and the highs fabulous. Final have proven time and time again that you do not need to spend an arm and a leg for a quality earphone. For anyone looking to upgrade their gear on a budget, look no further. Final Magic for £259.00? Yes please.

READ MORE: Final A5000

BEST EARPHONES OVER £1000

11. 64 Audio U4s -£1,099.00

The U4s is 64 Audio’s new, blue & cheapest UIEM coming in at £1099.00. The hybrid construction delivers a richer and deeper sub-bass then their next cheapest universal model the U6t (which is made up from a full BA driver set up) thanks to the dynamic driver under its hood. The U4s comes with 64 Audio’s all new M12 Apex module, meaning you essentially get four different sound signatures out of the box. You are after an open sound with as wide an image as possible? Then slot in the MX or the M12. Want more bass? Say hello to the M20 or M15. The versatility of these is great and the energetic sound from the U4s will keep your attention for years to come.

READ MORE: 64 Audio U4s

12. final A8000 Audiophile Custom-Driver Earphones – £1999

With the A8000, final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed! Final don’t settle with any old drivers either. For the A8000, Final has developed their custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning. These need to be heard to be believed.

READ MORE: final A8000 Custom-Driver Audiophile Earphones Review

13. 64 Audio Volür – £2369.05

What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of which is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a True Isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away. It is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous.

READ MORE: 64 Audio Volür

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Honourble mentions to the, Fourté , LCD i3, OV800, and many more out there! What is your favourite? Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

The post Best Earphones 2024: IEM, Bluetooth, Wireless, Budget, Audiophile appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

PREFER EARPHONES? READ MORE: Best Earphones 2024

BEST ENTRY LEVEL HIGH-END

Audeze MM-100 – £399.00

The Audeze MM-100 is a versatile headphone designed for both studio engineers and music enjoyers on a budget. It can be driven by just about any source, making it ideal for life on the go. With its Audeze patented planar magnetic drivers, it delivers precise, studio-quality audio with incredible detail and clarity, making it ideal for mixing, mastering, or casual listening. The sound is stunning, especially when paired with a quality setup and completely outperforms anything else in its price bracket at just £399. Lightweight and comfortable, the MM-100 ensures long sessions are a breeze and gives an immersive listening experience to anyone who put them over their ears.

BEST BUDGET WIRED HEADPHONES

SoundMAGIC HP151- £88.99

The SoundMAGIC HP151 offers excellent audio quality with a balanced sound signature and impressive detail for its price. Its spacious soundstage and comfortable design make it an ideal choice for budget-conscious listeners seeking reliable, wired performance. Priced just under £90, it is a great pick for anyone looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES

1More SonoFlow HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone and you will only see smiles on their faces.

SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

How do they do it? SoundMAGIC have once again made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable and boom mic (great for home office or even gaming). In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. Add into the mixer an incredibly impressive battery life and a simple ease of use and you have got yourself a bargain. They sound full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and for a Wireless on ear headphone what more could you want?

WATCH VIDEO: SoundMAGIC P23BT Wireless On Ear Headphone Review

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

5. Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Full Size Headphones – £1149

The Audeze LCD-X are a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you want to give yourself a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself with the Audeze LCD-X.

READ MORE: Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Headphones

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Full Size Studio Headphones – £1699

Audeze MM-500 is designed to suit the requirements of long daily listening sessions under almost any condition. World-class studio monitor? Check. Quick reference on-the-go? No problem. Deep late-night listening? Done. With its ease of drive, comfortable fit and trustworthy sound, you can count on the MM-500 to deliver in every situation. The MM-500’s planar magnetic drivers provide realism that audio professionals like Manny “can’t live without.” With lightning-fast transients, accurate frequency response and trusted mix translation.

READ MORE: Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Studio Headphones

Final D8000 – £2,999.00

Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.

Audeze LCD-5 -£3,999.00

The Audeze LCD-5 is a masterpiece of audiophile engineering, delivering unmatched clarity, precision, and emotional depth to your music. Audeze’s Flagship LCD has a lightweight magnesium frame and the premium materials ensure long-lasting comfort, while the cutting-edge planar magnetic drivers reveal every nuance in your favorite tracks. For those seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction and a transformative listening experience, the LCD-5 is still there, in a league of its own. Full Review

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2024

BEST GAMING HEADPHONES

Audeze Maxwell Ps5/Xbox – £319.00/£349.00.

The Audeze Maxwell redefines what a wireless gaming headset can be. With its planar magnetic drivers, it offers astonishingly clear, detailed sound that brings games and music to life. Combine this with ultra-low latency performance, an 80-hour battery, and a premium build, and you have a headset that’s as serious about sound as it is about gaming. The Maxwell remains the gold standard for serious gamers and audiophiles alike and a must have in 2024

Have We Missed Anything Out?

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

The post Best Headphones 2024 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Compact and Comfortable for listening all day

The Cleer Enduro ANC has enough clamp force to sit tightly on your head without being uncomfortable. they would stay on during moderate exercise which is good too.

Cleer’s Enduro ANC is a compact headphone, and they don’t sacrifice the comfort. Whilst wearing the Enduro ANC, I noticed that the earpads are deep enough that my ears are were pressed against the driver. They are soft enough to be comfortable over long periods of time. I really liked the headband, as it is well padded and the weight distributed evenly.

How good are the features?

The Cleer Enduro ANC is a wireless headphone that is compatible with most Bluetooth devices. Cleer has made an app for them too which allows you to fine tune the ANC and Ambient noise control. There is also an EQ in the app along with a battery percentage indicator. The app is available from Google Play and the App Store so both Android and Apple devices are supported.

Call quality is a standout feature here, whether it’s a zoom call whilst working from home, or a phone call when out and about. The microphone quality is superb. I tested it a few times, and the other person could always hear every word with clarity. Another impressive feature for the price.

Huge battery life!

They have a stated battery life of 60hrs with noise cancelling on. This will vary depending on the volume you listen at, but you can expect excellent battery life from them. They have Active Noise Cancelling which works well in environments where you have a constant background noise (like public transport).

They are also closed back, so the passive isolation is already very impressive. Unlike many ANC headphones, the ANC on these doesn’t seem to affect the sound quality. This is quite surprising and very impressive.

The Enduro ANC also has Ambient Noise Control. This allows you to hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off. This works really well if you need to listen out for announcements on public transport or planes, and don’t want to take the headphones off. It could also come in handy for active use where you want to be semi-aware of what’s around you.

The Cleer Enduro ANC come with an Aux to USB-C cable for when you need to use them with a wired device, which is really handy. Overall Cleer have packed a lot in to these headphones. Do they impress when it comes to the actual sound quality?

How do they sound? (the important bit)

Bass

Plenty of punch and extension. There is a definite lift in the bass compared to a neutral tuned headphone, which is ideal for a portable headphone. These are engaging and fun to listen to. You will never lose track of the beat. Yet at the same time it’s not overly emphasised so as to drown out the mids and highs. I really enjoy how full and punchy the low end is, without being bloated. Not something that’s easy to get right in my opinion.

Midrange

Vocals and guitars still cut through the mix. They are slightly recessed overall, with a mild U shaped sound signature. There is enough detail to keep you focussed on the music, and they don’t have a single hint of harshness or peaks in the midrange that could cause fatigue. They are energetic and smooth at the same time, with fun being the best way to describe their presentation. The Enduro ANC has been tuned for you to enjoy the music.

Treble

These don’t do the typical lower treble boost to introduce a false sense of sparkle and energy. They are smooth in their transition from the upper midrange into the treble region. They instead boost it a little farther up the frequency range, which means there is still a great sense of air. Cymbals have good presence, without any fatigue inducing properties. They might roll off slightly early, but the treble presentation is very well done with without any harshness.

Genres and Soundstaging

The Cleer Enduro ANC handles most genres well. Engaging enough for rock, yet punchy and full enough for modern pop and hip-hop. They sound best with genres that are more up-beat.

Soundstaging is average, which is not a problem. They have a more direct and punchy delivery, you don’t need concert hall width for that.

The post Cleer Enduro ANC Wireless Headphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

Campfire Audio’s Andromeda is about as bold as you can get when it comes to its design. The housings are made from machined aluminium, with a deep forest green anodised finish. The finish has been updated in this new version of the Andromeda, with a much smoother coating and a slightly richer shade of green.

The sound tube is made using stainless steel, which I am sure not only benefits the acoustics. It looks very striking too. Overall the Andromeda feels robust and built to last, while managing to stand out with its unique character.

Features and Comfort

Campfire Audio earphones have a very distinctive look, and the Andromeda is their champion. The design is very unusual, with a slightly futuristic shape to them. The shell’s design allows it to catch the light at different angles, which gives off a multitude of different shades of green. That is not the only purpose of this shape, the angled design provides superb comfort. The Andromeda sits perfectly in my ear, and with the included Final silicone eartips – the fit is snug and they seal extremely well which also helps towards isolation.

Another great feature of the Andromeda is the supplied cable. An upgrade on the older version, this time the Andromeda comes with their popular Silver Plated Copper Litz wire covered in a new smoky jacket. The cable is also more flexible than the previous version and uses a lightweight moulded ear hook design instead of memory wire – a definite improvement.

Campfire Audio don’t stop there, the Andromeda comes supplied with a newly designed leather carry pouch, foam and silicone eartips, a cleaning tool and even a fancy Campfire Audio lapel pin.

Sound Quality

The best way I can describe the sound of the Andromeda is organic. Sound comes across effortless, well balanced and with an impressively natural soundstage.

Bass

Bass comes across with authority and punch. It goes low and manages to keep controlled, even with more bass heavy tracks. Bass performs equally well with intricate instrumental, heavy rock and electronic music. This shows that the bass has been tuned to do what is needed, letting the quality of the production do the talking.

Midrange

Thanks to the controlled bass, there is no risk of the midrange getting over shadowed. Mids come across extremely clear with a musical richness – this is a welcome change from the analytical sound that is common amongst high-end earphone models. Vocals have presence and whether male or female, they sound uncoloured, engaging and with emotion.

Treble

Campfire Audio uses their very own Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber in the Andromeda, designed to improve treble extension and soundstage. This is very clear and noticable. Thetreble provides just the right amount of definition without going harsh or sibilant. Then, in addition the extension provided by the T.A.E.C. goes on and on, creating width and space with superb separation.

The post Campfire Audio Andromeda IEM Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Design: 9/10

The E11C Features an updated 10mm dynamic driver from its predecessor, the E10C. It has also been upgraded via a high quality silver plated copper cable. Proof that SoundMAGIC is continuously evolving as a brand. Not only does this improve the sound, but it also gives the earphones a more sophisticated, grown up look. Other than these changes, they essentially look like a typical SoundMAGIC in ear earphone and still feature a 3.5mm jack. They look great. Why change a good looking winning formula?

Fit & Comfort: 9/10

As with previous wired models, the E11C can be worn with cable going over the ears or just straight down. Although this will interfere with the position of the microphone. The angled jack is great for when you have your Phone/ Mp3 Player in your pocket as it prevents any premature cable break (from poor care!). The ergonomically designed housing fits in your ear very well. The posistion of the in-line mic and controls is practical and makes them easy to use. Finally, the tips that are provided add to the comfort and it is easy to get a secure / solid fit. This ensures not only comfort but total sound isolation and the best chance to immerse yourself in the music.

The sound quality is excellent and the E11C is suitable for all genres.

Sound: 10/10

The sound quality is excellent. The E11C is similar in sound to the SoundMAGIC E50 models. But the E11C has a little more mid and upper-bass warmth to it. To sum up, the bass is well controlled, The mids crystal and the treble super smooth. It’s suitable for all genres, but is outstanding when listening to vocals, acoustic recordings and music making use of “real” instruments. (Sorry techno, you still sound great too though!)

Mic & Controls: 9/10

The E11C comes with an in-line control and mic that works with both iOS and Android (for devices that still have a jack). The controls provide volume and stop/start functionality which is great for when you are on the move. In addition to this the mic/controls are durable and unobtrusive. They do not interfere with the cable which means they do not create any background noise. The call quality is good and your voice comes through loud and clear on the other end, too.

The E11C proves that quality does not need to cost an arm and a leg.

Value For Money 10/10

The E11C proves that quality products do not need to cost an arm and a leg. The updates are modest but make the E11C stand out from its predecessors. The sound is more refined and pricepoint of around 50 pounds really hits the nail on the head. Most people will only spend as much as they need to in order to get something that they will be happy to use every day. And guess what? The E11C is it. The in-line mic and controls are a great practical feature and fantastic addition. They are simply a very durable, stylish and versatile earphone to use day in and day out.

Want to keep in the Loop with all things Sound MAGIC? Check out all News and reviews here.

The post SoundMAGIC E11C Earphones Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The B3 have a really interesting aesthetic, with sharp geometrics on the outside, yet rounded and smooth inner lines for comfort. Their matte silver finish looks great with the gold screws and chrome connector barrels. They have a very unique styling, and one that will stand out in the crowd, yet the colour scheme is fairly low key on the B3 (unlike the B1 which we will cover at a later date).

Build quality is superb, Final know how to make a solid IEM and the B3 are no different, although they are going a step further with the new models by including a detachable MMCX connector cable. The cable is silver-plated copper with excellent strain relief, along with great ergonomics and a shiny finish. Everything about the B3 feels solid and well built, I can’t find a fault with the build.

Comfort and Isolation:

The B3’s inner edges are curved and they fit like a glove in my ears, I personally have awkward ear canals and the B3 are one of the best fitting universal models I’ve ever tried. I can imagine that most users will find them to fit snugly with excellent comfort. The fact they don’t have stiff memory wire really helps too, as the cable effortlessly fits over your ear.

Isolation is good, not top levels due to these having a vent (even though they use BA drivers). They block out enough outside noise for general daily use and commuting duties.

Sound:

Bass: The B3 use 2 balanced armature drivers, this is something a bit different as Final used to only use single drivers. The B3 are somewhat of a fuller sounding BA driver earphone, with great depth and extension down low. The lows have excellent texture to them, they don’t have the sheer slam of some dynamic based models but they have great control and fullness that make them a pleasure to listen to. In terms of balance the lows are quite linear with no specific focus on mid or sub-bass, having good punch that is backed up with rumble and body. The low end is slightly thick, yet well controlled and punchy.

Midrange: The B3 have a mild U-shaped sound signature, but vocals have a way of being very well separated within the soundstage. They don’t jump out at you; however, they have great clarity and refinement. Tonality is excellent here, the lower midrange has enough body to sound realistic, yet the upper midrange has a slight lift to bring out a little air without becoming shouty or grating. Overall the midrange has a good level of accuracy, if not ever so slightly behind the lows and highs in absolute presence.

Treble: The treble is nice and detailed with great air and extension, the transition from the upper midrange to the treble is smooth and sibilance free. There is a slight boost in the lower treble which brings out a little extra energy however the overall presentation isn’t bright. It’s the air and extension that is most impressive up top, along with the fact they they have accurate tonality in the treble.

The soundstaging is really impressive, throwing out a wide soundstage with excellent separation and accurate imaging. The B3 really do excel when it comes to presenting a wide and accurate soundstage, never sounding congested or too up front.

Conclusion:

The B3 are one of those IEM’s that shows driver count is not as important as how you tune the sound. With only 2 drivers, the B3 has excellent top to bottom extension, a wide soundstage, coherency and transparency with a little added energy. They are a great all-rounder with a fairly well-balanced sound and an easy to listen sound that is engaging yet surprisingly accurate.

Sound:  4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 4/5

The post Final B3 Dual BA Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

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

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

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

Wireless Earphones

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

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

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

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

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

True Wireless

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Video Review: The Difference Between Wireless and True Wireless appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Final Audio’s latest release is their B-Series of earphones, the B1, B2 and B3. Drawing on their years of experience and learning from previous releases such as their E-Series and MAKE series, the new B-Series range of earphones looks to take Final to another level with a brand new concept.

This is new territory for the leading Japanese brand, incorporating multiple driver setups for the first time in their standard range of earphones. As ever, Final like to do things differently, even when it comes to naming their earphones. For the B-Series, they decided to step away from the normal naming order based on price. These models are named based on when they were made. Final believe that price shouldn’t dictate quality, with each model having their own style and characteristic. It’s a philosophy which shows Final’s value in every product they create.

B1

So let’s meet the team. The hybrid dual driver Final B1 comes in at around £600 and in terms of design, stands out the most. The housings are made using stainless steel, with a mirrored rose gold finish. Inside each housing is one balanced armature driver and one dynamic driver, both developed by Final themselves. The silver plated copper cable adds the finishing touch to this stunning earphone. Sound wise, the B1 has been tuned to put you right in the middle of the action, with a lively sound that delivers clean and punchy bass, rich mids, and crisp resolution.

B2

The single driver B2 is priced just under £260, with a more understated design choice. The stainless steel housings this time have a brushed gun metal finish, providing a more sleek and elegant look. Inside is a single balanced armature driver, again developed by Final. The replaceable cable is OFC copper and the cable has a black coating, which compliments the design as much as the sound. Sound quality from the B2 is all about clarity and clean detail. Vocals are realistic and present among the naturally reproduced instruments. Overall the B2 delivers a more neutral and perceivably accurate sound.

B3

Last, but by no means least is the dual driver B3 coming in at just under £440. The Final B3 has their stainless steel housings finished in frosty silver, and along with the replaceable silver coated copper cable they have a bright and fresh look about them. Inside the housings are two of Final’s balanced armature drivers, which have been tuned to provide the most in terms of width and space out of the three. Soundstage is very impressive, and the top end extension will allow you to pick out the most delicate of sounds.

The Range

The B-Series earphones have all been designed to fit perfectly in the ear. The unique shape has obviously been chosen not only for its looks, they are all extremely comfortable (for me, anyway). They are impressively small and the shape allows them to sit in my ear with ease.

All three models are packaged in a very attractive box, and supplied with a silicone carry case, cable ear hooks for added support, and a selection of Final silicone eartips in a number of different sizes. (Check out our unboxing video for the B3 to see what we mean!)

With the B-Series, Final are showing that they mean business, challenging the likes of Shure, Westone and Campfire Audio with their high design and impressive sounding IEMs.

The post Final B Series Review & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

HOW TO ENTER

We’re giving away a set of Lyper Tek Tevi True Wireless earphones! To win, you must be following us on Instagram (click here or follow us @hifiheadphonesuk on Instagram), comment as prescribed on the contest post, and like the post.

CONTEST TERMS, RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
   1. Instagram’s Terms of Service must be adhered to at all times. Breach of these terms will result in the entrant’s disqualification.
   2. Hifiheadphones’ Terms and Conditions must be adhered to at all times. Breach of these terms will result in the entrant’s disqualification.
   3. Hifiheadphones are solely responsible for the content, facilitation, and fulfillment of this contest.
   4. Neither Instagram nor any of their affiliates or subsidiaries are involved in any way with this competition or with Hifiheadphones.
2. CONTEST PROCEDURE
   1. To be entered into consideration to win, users must complete BOTH:
      1. Follow the Hifiheadphones UK Instagram
      2. Leave a comment as prescribed by the contest post on Instagram.
      3. Like the comment post on Instagram.
   2. Contest will commence with this video going live and will terminate on 30/07/2019.
   3. On the 31st of July, a winner will be randomly selected out of all entrants who have completed all requirements. Only one entry will be accepted per user. Should no entrants fulfill the requirements, no winner will be selected.
   4. Winner will be publically acknowledged by one or more of the following: Instagram post, newsletter email, or another method of our choosing.
   5. Winner will be given instructions to claim their prize via the Hifiheadphones Instagram account.
3. DATA USAGE
   1. Only personal data collected for use will be the shipping information of the winner in order to send prize. No other entrants will have personal information stored.
   2. Shipping details will remain in our sales system as per data protection laws, to be used for the express purpose of providing prize to winning entrant.
   3. No third party software will be utilized to influence results.

The post July Instagram Contest Rules and T&Cs appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Greetings, headphone enthusiasts! Is there anything better than cracking open a fresh new bit of audio kit? We propose that there is not.

That’s why we’re gathering all our new unboxing videos under one roof, for those times when you just want to curl up with a good bit of vicarious audio product consumption.

Let us know if you have a suggestion for a future unboxing! We want to open everything we can get our grubby hands on.

04/09/2019

It’s been a hot minute! Today John unboxes the Shanling ME500 Hybrid Triple Driver IEM Earphones.  If you’d like more information about them, check out our review right here on the blog.

17/07/2019

John is back and today he’s unboxing the Final B3 Dual Drivers IEMs in beautiful frost silver.

11/07/2019

John unboxes the beautiful, polished Oriveti OH500 Hybrid 5 Drivers IEM earphones.

The post Headphone Unboxing Video Compilation appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

The post Oriveti OH300 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Ni is about the size of a 9v battery, and looks very plain. All black but with the company branding in white on it along with white arrows showing the input/output sockets; sitting between these sockets is an LED. On the other end you have a micro-USB for charging, and that is it, no buttons or switches, just a block with sockets on it.

The build quality is superb, it may be made out of polycarbonate, but it sure is well put together. Tolerances are incredibly tight and the housing is very well put together, along with the fact that the 3.5mm sockets are tight and of very high quality. All of this put together makes the Ni a solid little amp that should easily be up to the task of daily use.

Features:

The Ni does not have an on/off switch or volume control, the sockets sense when a source and headphone are connected and power the amp on. Volume is controlled by the source, and the Ni has a fixed gain of 6.5dB. It will supply 150 mW into 50 Ohms, 250 mW into 32 Ohms, and 270 mW into 16 Ohms. This makes it suitable for most headphones that are used for portable use, and some harder to drive models too.

The battery charges from flat to full in only 30 minutes, and you can expect around 9hrs of battery life from a single charge. The input impedance is very high which means it almost totally bypasses the internal amp of your source. The sockets are TRRS so when you are using it with a mobile phone, mic and controls will still pass through to the phone. The Ni is also engineered to be nearly completely RF and noise interference free.

Sound:

Well Periodic have put a lot of thought into this tiny little amp, so you would hope the results pay off.

Well rest assured all that work didn’t go to waste, the Ni does exactly what it sets out to do without fault. Phone outputs are usually pretty poor, and this little amp really does bring an improvement, and not just in terms of volume.

It goes beyond that and you get a nice quiet background with very low noise, alongside an increased sense of control and responsiveness. Lows sound tighter and more articulate, the midrange sounds better separated and airy, along with effortless extension up top. Of course, a lot of this will depend on the headphones you plug in, but with the Ni you can use a wide range of earphones to headphones and get the same quality performance that a phone simple cannot give on its own.

The Ni doesn’t inject a signature of its own, it does not have any additional bells or whistles, it purely amplifies the signal. But it does so in a very clean and precise manner that is perfect for those with low powered sources or poor headphone outputs.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a boost in power, or a step up from your phone’s headphones output, the Ni is the perfect solution for on the go use. With great battery life, quick charging time and excellent sound quality, what’s not to love?

Sound:  5/5

Features: 3/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 4/5

The post Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) Headphone Amplifier Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

iFi Audio xCAN Portable Wireless Headphone Amplifier

Perfect for those travelers looking to get the best audio while on the move. The iFi Audio xCAN can wirelessly connect to your audio device via Bluetooth, whether you listen to music on your phone, laptop or tablet. The xCAN adds iFi Audio’s high quality amplifier expertise to your setup, able to power some of the more difficult to drive cans with no extra wires. Just plug your favourite earphones or headphones into the xCAN to get the very best out of them.

SoundMAGIC E11BT Wireless In Ear Isolating Earphones

Widely considered to be this year’s best wireless earphones for under £100, the SoundMAGIC E11BT brings years of budget perfection to a Bluetooth neckband design. We’re certain that the E11BT delivers the best sound quality at this price point, with top features like Bluetooth v5.0 technology, AAC audio compatibility and IPX4 water resistance. Then to top it all off, the E11BT has the most impressive battery life going. We’ve experienced over 30 hours of continuous playback from one full charge, which should cover most of your travel needs there and back.

Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless Full Size Noise Cancelling Headphones

B&W’s PX Bluetooth headphone is still our favourite sounding wireless noise canceler out there. The classic design is tasteful and attractive, showing off the B&W heritage with a modern edge. The earpads are soft and comfortable. They fully enclose the ears and isolation is impressive, blocking out a lot of background noise passively. Then, when you need complete silence, the built-in noise cancelling does wonders. When used with the dedicated app, the PX can be customised to suit most environments. They do it all!

Shanling M0 Portable Wireless Hi Res Audio Player

If you fancy getting better sound on the move, but don’t want to add a large device to your setup, the Shanling M0 could be just what you’re looking for. This tiny player delivers top quality Hi-Res audio and can be used in two different ways. The SD card slot allows you to store your own library of tunes, from MP3 to DSD. It can handle it all. The M0 can also act as a Bluetooth amp and DAC for your headphones. So, if you prefer using Spotify or Tidal on your phone, then wirelessly connect to the M0 to boost the audio quality while using an interface you are comfortable with.

Sennheiser Momentum TW True Wireless In Ear Isolating Earphones

For those that value design and build quality along with great sound, then the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless earphones are worth checking out. Relatively expensive for a true wireless earphone, considering there are plenty of cheaper options available, we believe that the Momentum True Wireless is worth the money. From the supplied charging case, with its fabric outer coating, to the earphones themselves: attractive, stylish and extremely comfortable. Sennheiser have put a lot of work into their True Wireless flagship, and it has truly paid off.

Remember to subscribe to our channel for more weekly content and click the links for information on all of the products mentioned. Thanks for watching and happy sunny listening.

The post Summer Sounds Guide & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

Much like all other Campfire models, the Polaris are a thing of beauty. The precision CNC’s machined housings look perfect, the blue really does stand out against the black screws and smoky cable. Even the case compliments the colour scheme. Campfire, in my opinion, make some of the best-looking IEM’s out there.

Build quality is another strong point, the metal housings are perfectly finished, and the MMCX sockets are some of the best I have ever come across. The cable is a silver plated litz cable that is twisted, with good strain relief on the 3.5mm angled jack. I can see the anodised finish showing scratches in the long run, but I personally find that adds character to them.

Comfort and Isolation:

The housings may look uncomfortable but the inner sides have softer edges and once you find the right tips the Polaris are incredibly secure and comfortable to use. I found them to fit and sound best with foam tips, but this is down to personal preference. The cable now uses pre-moulded ear-hooks which I find to sit much better than stiff memory wire, it’s great to see more brands using this. My one tiny gripe here is driver flex, which is quite present when you first insert them.

Isolation is very good, perfect for daily use and commuting, even though the housing is vented for the dynamic driver, I don’t find this impacting isolation much.

Sound:

Bass: This is the part that is immediately noticeable when you first try the Polaris, and for good reason. These are made to deliver a very full and powerful sound, and they do that without fault. The bass carries real weight and impact, you feel as well as hear the notes. The bass may be the prominent frequency band on these, but they do this without totally masking the rest of the frequency response. They are not a dark, bloated mess, yet they still have a bass-heavy signature which is very impressive and a lot of fun. The sheer weight and power of the low end is quite astonishing, yet it manages to steer clear from masking the mid-range too much, only giving the lower midrange a hint of warmth.

Midrange: The midrange is clear and detailed, yet does come across a little behind the bass in terms of absolute presence. The lows do give a little body to the lower midrange, but the upper midrange is quite up front. The transition from the upper midrange to the lower treble is not the smoothest, bringing out a bit of sibilance in the recording. They do not suffer badly from sibilance, but it is there nonetheless, and more present than a few other IEM’s that are a little smoother. The Polaris trade off a little refinement for fun factor, and I honestly am fine with that. They are engaging, the midrange is clear and well defined, especially when you compare it to the bass.

Treble: Due to the T.A.E.C technology, the Polaris has an incredibly open and airy top end. The treble extends effortlessly with excellent tonality and presence, however is it not peaky or harsh. The openness of the top end really aids the soundstaging capabilities of the Polaris, offering a really spacious sound that is not congested or closed in. There is plenty of detail up top and the energy is what mainly prevents the Polaris from sounding too dark. I really do enjoy the treble performance of the Polaris, providing the perfect balance between being there and clearly audible, but not bright and overbearing. Campfire don’t need to artificially boost the top end to give a sense of extra detail, because the detail is there and audible.

Conclusion

The Polaris are one hell of an IEM, with a very powerful and engaging sound signature. The bass is there by the bucketload, yet the midrange is detailed and only slightly behind when it comes to presence. The highs are effortlessly extended and packed full of detail, giving them a sense of space and air that really opens the Polaris up. Overall a great buy if you want an engaging and powerful IEM.

Sound:  4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 5/5

Value: 5/5

The post Campfire Audio Polaris 2 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

What is a headphone amplifier?

Simply put, every device that allows you to plug in headphones has an amp built in. The amp takes the audio signal and boosts it, allowing us to hear sound through the headphones. Amps don’t only boost volume; they can add and improve qualities like soundstage and separation. Adding an amp to a setup can also bring extra warmth or clarity. This all depends on the quality of the amp and how it has been designed.

The reality is that most people won’t need an external headphone amp. That’s not to say that they wouldn’t benefit from one, though. Smartphones are now a very common music source, and with the technology getting better and better, they do a decent job of delivering good quality sound to most portable headphones and earphones.

There are plenty of headphones designed to be used with mobile phones and other low powered portable devices. These headphones generally have a low impedance of up to 32ohm, and high sensitivity of around 100db, so they are very easy to drive and are more likely to go louder. Remember though: not only do amps add extra power but they can also improve the quality of the sound. So, once you start looking at higher quality headphones, improving your amp will start to make more sense as you will want to get the most out of them. No matter how good your headphones are, the sound quality will be limited by how good the amp is.

Choosing a headphone amp

If you’ve decided to go for a headphone amp, you now need to decide which one to go for. There are many to choose from, and they go for anything between £20 to £2000 and more. Amps can be split into two main groups: portable and desktop.

If you want to add some power to your phone or laptop, then you will want to look for a portable amp. These amps can be charged, and will run off batteries, making them ideal for using on the move. They are also small in size, and there are some out there (like the iFi Audio xCAN) which can connect to the source wirelessly using Bluetooth.

 If you only use your headphones at home, or intend to use headphones that are particularly hard to drive, then you will probably want to go for a desktop amp as they are generally more powerful. Not only are they more powerful, they also tend to have a larger amount of inputs and outputs, making them very versatile. They will need to be plugged it at all times, so will need a power socket to work.

As amps can bring their own character to the overall sound quality, it’s worth making sure you choose wisely and pick an amp that will compliment your headphones. For example, if your headphones have a warm or bassy sound then it’s a good idea to go for a neutral or bright sounding amp. This also works the other way around; a warm sounding amp will complement bright headphones and help to balance the sound out.

Get in touch!

If you have any questions about choosing the right amplifier then please feel free to comment below! We’ll be happy to offer advice on this.

The post Do You Need A Headphone Amplifier? appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Essentially custom in-ear monitors are, as the title suggests, custom made earphones that are moulded to the shape of your ear. Everyone’s ears are different, and to really achieve the most comfortable fit, along with the best isolation, you have to go down the custom route.

Where to start?

So, you are thinking about going down the custom route, first up is the usual research and reading of reviews to shortlist some potential models. The custom industry has grown massively in the last few years, and they are no longer reserved for touring musicians, and there are easily as many audiophile models as there are pro-audio models now.

A few of the main brands are:

• 64 Audio
• JH Audio
• Ultimate Ears
• Empire Ears
• Cosmic Ears
• Custom Art

Once you have shortlisted some, it is worth looking to see if anywhere near you has demo models you can go and try out. As once you have the custom version, you won’t be able to return them.

Next you will need to get some ear impressions done, this is one of the most important parts of the process, due to this we would advise you spend a little more and get them done by someone who is highly qualified in taking ear impressions for musicians. Alternatively most brands will have a list of recommended audiologists, the process is not painful, but it is a bit odd if you have never had it done before.

First, they will check your ear canals are clean enough to take the impressions, and then they will insert a foam stopper past the 2^nd bend of your ear canal. Then a 2-part silicone mixture is mixed and inserted into a syringe. You are usually given a bite block to take an open mouth impression (recommended for custom monitors) and the mixture is then injected into your ear and fully filling the outer part too. The silicone takes about 5-10 minutes to cure, then the impression will be removed and you are done.

Now you have your impressions, it’s time to design your monitors (or vice versa)

To be fair, you can order your monitors and then get ear impressions, either way the end result is the same. It is however best to send the impressions sooner rather than later as they do change if kept in storage, reducing the likelihood of getting a good fit the first time round.

You can go on to most manufacturers websites and design your monitors with their online design tools, these are great fun to use and the number of options varies depending on the brand. A lot of them also allow you to upload artwork if you want a specific logo on them. Take your time and make sure you pick a design you love. There are companies like Custom Art that are happy to surprise you if you don’t know what design to go for, they do some incredible pieces.

Now the wait…..

Your customs arrive, you are keen to try them out, but wait, how do they fit in?

Most brands include a leaflet to help you, but there is a technique to inserting custom monitors, you have to twist them in until they lock into place. Here is a great guide on the fitment of Custom monitors: https://theheadphonelist.com/custom-in-ear-monitors-fit-guide/

Now you have your own unique earphones that with some care will last you years and give you excellent sound quality, along with increased isolation and comfort when compared to universal models. Happy listening!

The post What are custom in-ear monitors? appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Hey everyone, John here. This may seem like an obvious topic, but there are a lot of differences between headphones and earphones… some of which are not as obvious as you may think.

Headphones

Starting with the shape and size. Headphones, as the name suggests, fit on your head, and have a headband that sits on top of your head. At either side of the headband, you have the speaker housings or earcups. The earcups hold the speaker drivers, and are designed in one of two ways: on-ear and over-ear. On-ear headphones have the earcups sitting on the ear and tend to be smaller in size, making them ideal for portable use. Over-ear headphones are larger and have the earcups completely surround the ear. Because of this, they tend to be used mainly indoors or where there isn’t much movement needed.

Earphones

Earphones are a lot smaller, and sit in the ear or in the ear canal. There are three main types of earphones:

Earpods / Earbuds

The older earphone design, or newer earpods, rest in the ear without going into the ear canal. This fit means that you are less likely to create a good seal between the earphone and your ear, resulting in an open sound that can tend to be a bit bass light. This fit also means that they will not isolate sound very well, meaning you are more likely to hear what is going on around you and people nearby will be able to listen to your music. Not ideal for public transport, but liked by sports users as it can be useful to hear your surroundings.

In Ear Earphones

In-ear isolating earphones have a deeper fit and will go into the ear canal, they also have eartips installed. This not only helps to keep the earphones in place, they also help create a good seal which improves isolation and sound quality, especially bass performance. In-ear earphones are the most common fit, and there are two ways of wearing them depending on the design. Cable straight down, and cable over the ear. The cable-over-the-ear design tends to provide a more secure fit and deeper insertion into the ear canal. This way, you will benefit from better isolation. Still, a lot of people prefer the cable-straight-down design as they are easier to use.

A quick note on bass performance. It is very important to make sure that you achieve a good seal when using in-ear isolating earphones. If you do not do this, the main effect to the sound will be a loss of bass… and nobody wants that. When this happens, the sound can come across very tinny and flat, so make sure you try all of the supplied eartips to ensure you’re getting the best sound possible from your new earphones.

Custom In Ears

Lastly, you have custom in-ears. These earphones are customised to fit your ear specifically. This is the best way of achieving a perfect seal, which hugely improves isolation and sound quality. This is done by having a mould of your ear taken, and then used to make an earphone that perfectly fits the shape of your ear. This is a more expensive option and is currently only offered by a small number of manufacturers.

Sound

There is also a big difference between how headphones and earphones sound. I wouldn’t say that one is better than the other. The overall experience is different and people will favour one over the other.

Headphones tend to deliver a more natural listening experience. What I mean by this is that with the speakers being away from the ears, sound is delivered in a more natural way. With our ears playing a part in capturing the sound, similar to how we hear day to day. Headphones can also deliver a bigger or wider sound due to the size of the drivers used and them being away from our ears.

With the speakers being so close to the ear, or even inside the ear canal, the experience from earphones is very different and can take a while for some people to get used to. Due to the fit being so close to the ear, and much smaller speakers being used, earphones are capable of delivering a very high amount of clarity and detail. Sometimes this can be overwhelming, especially for those who have never used earphones before. The close fit also means that sound can come across narrower and feel like it is coming from inside the head when compared to a headphone.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it comes down to taste and how you want to listen to your music. Both headphones and earphones can be used in a large number of situations, and whether you prefer using headphones or earphones – there will be a model out there for you.

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Hey everyone, John here. Etymotic is possibly a brand that a lot of you haven’t heard. Don’t be mistaken, though: Etymotic has been in the audio game for over 35 years. They are acoustic research and hearing aid specialists, and this always comes across in their products. The scientists of the world of portable audio, Etymotic strive to create earphones that deliver clean and undistorted audio as well as market leading isolation and hearing protection. Introducing the ER2-SE and ER2-XR earphones.

BUILD

As you may have guessed from my intro, Etymotic are not ones to cut corners. The build quality on the ER2s is superb. The housings are made of anodized metal with a blue finish; this makes them feel good to touch, and I really like the blue finish. The ER2s come with replaceable cables, which connect using MMCX connectors and have obviously been built to last. Both strain reliefs on the connectors and 3.5mm jack are solid, and the cable itself is flexible with a nice smooth finish. The yoke, or y-split, is covered in the same metal as the housings, which adds to the durability and looks pretty good too.

COMFORT

Comfort is an area that will split opinion when it comes to Etymotic earphones. The ER2s are no exception. These earphones are designed to be inserted deep into your ear canal; this is how you will get the most from the 35dB of isolation that can be achieved. The ER2s come supplied with a selection of different ear tips including Etymotic’s own triple flange and foam eartips. For me, the foam tips work the best, but I recommend you try all of them to find the best fit for you. Once your chosen tips are fitted, this is where it can get tricky. And for some… uncomfortable. The ER2s have a long sound tube which is designed to go deep into your ear. With the foam tips, I pinch them so they go as flat as possible, then gently ease them into my ear and follow my ear canal as deep as they can go.  (You’d be surprised how far they can go.) When the foam expands, it creates a perfect seal and along with the built in isolation of the earphones. The ER2 provides the best isolation I have experienced from a universal earphone. The trade-off here is that you have an earphone stuck deep in your ear, which can take a while to get used to.  Even though I am fine with it, I can imagine a lot of people will find it too uncomfortable. Fear not, you can wear these earphones without jamming them far into your ears. Just be aware that you won’t be getting as much isolation and therefore the full potential of the ER2.

SPECS

The ER2 earphones have a fairly low impedance of 15ohms and a sensitivity of 96dB, making them easy enough to drive from a laptop or smartphone. In my experience the ER2 sounded great out of my laptop, but when used with a dedicated portable audio player or headphone amplifier, the extra power and quality provided better soundstage and dynamic range overall. Etymotic has used custom-tuned dynamic drivers for the ER2 models, a change from the balanced armature drivers used in the previous ER3 and ER4 models. This to me suggests that Etymotic are looking to appeal to a wider audience and along with the £170 price tag. I think they have achieved this. The high isolation rating of 35dB means that you don’t need to play your music as loud as some other earphone models. Background noise is greatly reduced, and having such a good seal means that no audio is lost.

 SOUND QUALITY

Now onto the sound quality, another thing about the ER2 that will split opinion. Technically, both the ER2-SE and XR are faultless in terms of sound. This isn’t a quality everyone wants, though. The Etymotic signature has always been flat and neutral, and even with the use of a dynamic driver as opposed to a balanced armature used in both the ER3 and ER4 models. There may not be enough boom and sizzle for lots of people out there. For me, the sound is amazing. It comes across extremely effortless allowing you to hear what I can imagine to be as close to what was made in the studio as possible. Both models provide bass when there’s meant to be, and just the right amount. It manages to go very low without being pushed up. The XR version does, however, give a slight boost to the low end, just enough for those that prefer a warmer sound with more bass presence. Because of the low end control, mids ease through the mix, never sounding too harsh or recessed, providing an uncluttered and dynamic listening experience. Then the treble extends endlessly and brings space and definition. Soundstage is also very impressive, and with no particular frequency being pushed; you get a clean, engaging and intricate sound with no distortion.

CONCLUSION

At £170, there isn’t much competition out there for the ER2s in terms of sound quality, and if sound is your priority then I would highly recommend these. Due to their unique design and fit, they won’t be for everyone, and brands like Shure, Final and Flare Audio are making some very good earphones at this price with a more conventional design.

The Etymotic ER2-SE and XR are very much a Marmite earphone: you’ll either love them or hate them. The fit won’t be for everyone and I think that you will need to have a real appreciation of good sound quality to be willing to get used to the unique fit. Saying that, if you do get used to it, you will be one of the lucky ones.

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Aesthetics and Build quality:

The Leonidas II is one pretty cable, with a soft outer jacket and silver colouration it looks really amazing in the flesh. The jack has a carbon fibre housing, the y-split is silver and leather, and the 2-pin connectors are just sleek silver. I really do love the look of the cable; it definitely stands out as the silver has quite a unique sparkle in the sunlight.

Build quality is superb, from the PSquared jack to the 2-pin connectors everything is flawless. The braid is consistent and everything just feels really premium and well made.

Comfort:

The Leonidas II uses 26awg wires in a soft jacket, along with a consistent braid and moulded earhooks rather than stiff memory wire. All of this makes the Leonidas II an extremely comfortable cable in use, it is also a very quiet cable, with minimal if any cable noise.

Sound:

The Leonidas II is not a cable that brings noticeable changes in the lows/mids/highs, rather it focusses on how the detail and soundstaging effects are portrayed. The Leonidas II places a firm focus on creating a very accurate and wide soundstage, yet it also manages to add an element of increased resolution.

This increase in resolution doesn’t come across as added brightness though, it still remains a smooth a natural sounding cable. The Leonidas II will pair with many different monitors, with a black background and impeccable imaging and soundstaging. This cable never makes you feel like anything has been sacrificed to create the improvements, it keeps all the core elements of the sound of your monitors, but the increase in detail and spaciousness are instantly recognisable.

This is definitely a cable you can hook up and forget about, it doesn’t jump out at you with exciting elements, however it has a very mature and resolving sound that is about pure enjoyment.

Conclusion:

The Leonidas II is a perfectly balanced, highly resolving and all-round excellent cable. It is one that will pair well with most IEM’s, bringing out the best of their technical capabilities without making anything stand out.

Sound:  5/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 5/5

Value: 4/5

You can find our whole range of Effect Audio cables here

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