Some of you may have seen that there are a few earphones sporting a USB-C connector, or even a Lightning connector for Apple devices, but how do these actually work?
Well, all devices that have a headphone jack have internal circuitry that uses a DAC (digital to analogue converter) and then a headphone amplifier. The quality of these components varies a lot between devices, but most suffer from a certain amount of noise and hiss that is detrimental to the overall sound quality.
USB-C or Lightning earphones have this circuitry built into the connector itself, meaning the phone sends the digital data to the earphones and the conversion is done there. This gives the earphone maker a chance to match the specific circuit to a specific pair of earphones/headphones for optimal power and quality. This also means that the circuit is detached from the main board which is a common source for interference and noise.
Whilst not as common as Bluetooth models, USB earphones are on the rise and are an excellent choice if you have a device that has no headphone jack. They offer better sound quality than Bluetooth models along with being more convenient than using a dongle or external DAC/Amp.
Within our range of headphones, we have the new SoundMAGIC E11D which includes a 24bit capable DAC, along with a 4-core cable for balanced signal transmission. These have been getting great reviews in the press, being some of the best USB-C earphones available on the market.
If you don’t mind adding an extra device to get that extra bit of quality out of your regular wired earphones, then take a look at the Cyrus SoundKey. This little DAC/Amp gives you a great step up in clarity and control.
These 2 new models from Oriveti have just arrived in our office and will be available very soon. Due to the popularity of the New Primacy, we thought we should give you guys a quick first impression of them.
The OH300 is set to replace the New Primacy, sporting a new dynamic driver, along with the familiar dual Knowles balanced armature drivers. The OH500 is the new flagship model, sporting a dynamic driver along with 4 balanced armature drivers. Both come with a new 8-core braided silver-plated copper cable and leather carry case.
Both come with a cleaning tool, airplane adaptor, 3.5mm to 6.3mm adaptor along with an assortment of tips: S, M and L single flange silicone tips in 2 styles, along with 2 pairs of bi-flange tips and 2 pairs of M foam tips. Overall an excellent array of accessories.
Build quality is very impressive, Oriveti have now changed to a resin housing which is super smooth and makes them feel like a really premium product. The new 8-core cable is excellent and feels really durable, along with nice tight MMCX connectors. There really isn’t anything to fault here, both look and feel excellent.
The New Primacy always was quite a sensitive monitor, and these are no different so you may get slight hiss with certain sources, but it should be minimal. Pairing them with a good clean DAP is best though.
Sound:
The OH300 has a more neutral leaning sound signature, with excellent clarity and resolution. These are set to be priced around £300 and for that you get a really superb IEM. The midrange clarity is one of the main things that grabs your attention, with details coming across easily and effortlessly. The lows are tight and controlled but fill out the low end when required. They don’t bleed into the midrange, but they sound more coherent when compared to the New Primacy. These are not lacking when it comes to punch and extension, but they are those who like a bit of extra bass might want to look elsewhere. Up top you get great energy and sparkle, but they are a little less bright when compared to the New Primacy. They sound a little more refined without taking away the extension and detail that the New Primacy was famed for.
The OH500 has a slightly more organic tilt, favouring smoothness and slightly full tonality over a more analytical approach. The OH500 are one of those monitors you can put in and just relax, without missing out on technicalities. On the low end you get more pronounced sub-bass than the OH-300, but still a quick and tight mid-bass region preventing too much bleed into the lower midrange. The sub-bass is powerful and comes out of a black background when called for. The midrange is clean and has excellent layering, but it is presented in a natural way, without being pushed up front. There are no real peaks favouring male or female vocals, and the transition into the treble is incredibly smooth. The treble has a rise in the upper region creating a more airy, refined and extended sound rather than being more energetic and in your face. The soundstaging on the OH500 is truly superb, there is a really excellent sense of space with great placement of instruments.
These 2 models are definitely worth keeping an eye on, with the OH300 giving you a more neutral yet coherent sound, and the OH500 offering up a slightly lush but well extended and detailed sound. Oriveti are one of those brands who know how to tune a great earphone, so the competition better watch out.
The Stellia are quite bold when it comes to looks, the colour scheme is unlike most high-end headphones. The brown/copper look is quite out there, some will love it, some will hate it. I like how Focal have been bold, and it is definitely refreshing to see something other than black/silver.
The build quality is excellent, using pretty much the same headband as all the other Focal models (bar the Utopia with its carbon fibre yokes). The headband has genuine leather padding, and the cups have spots of tan leather on them. The included cables are great, but do create a little noise when rubbing against clothing. Overall the Stellia is a solidly built headphone.
Accessory wise you get the usual Focal carry case, along with a short single ended cable, and longer 4-pin XLR balanced cable. The manual comes in a leather case and everything just feels luxurious, as it should for this price.
Comfort:
The Stellia are not the lightest of headphones, again due to the excellent build quality. But just like the Clear and Elegia, I do not find them to have enough padding on the headband, and this does create some discomfort for me personally after a short time listening to them. This is not an issue that affects everyone, but I wish the weight was distributed better. The earcups are spacious and the genuine leather earpads feel great.
Sound:
Bass: Those looking for energetic and full lows might want to look elsewhere, however those who appreciate accuracy over quantity will really enjoy these. The lower priced Elegia have more fun factor, the Stellia are more reserved with a focus on clarity. The definition and control down low is superb, they are not lacking in quantity and there is a subtle amount of body being added to the sound, which makes these sound smooth and refined compared to the livelier Elegia.
Midrange: The midrange can be described as natural, open and detailed. Never lacking in any part of the midrange, the resolving capabilities are showcased best in the midrange, with excellent insight into recordings. They work well with all genres, the midrange isn’t pushed forward but it sits perfectly central in the mix, sounding well separated but never detached. The layering really stands out, along with a smooth transition into the treble region.
Treble: The treble is smooth and well extended, I cannot detect any nasty spikes which is a relief. They don’t rely on peaks to create an artificial sense of detail, instead they just have the detail without trying to grab your attention. I cannot find any fault with the treble to be honest, it is well presented but without drawing attention to itself. It’s resolving capabilities are natural rather than forced, and this really shows when listening to them.
The soundstaging capabilities are a little limited on the Stellia, but there is fairly good height compared to the width. Separation and imaging however are superb and the Stellia never lose focus, even with the most complex of mixes. These don’t suffer from a boxed in sound, the engineering that has gone in to remove cup reflections really works well and they don’t have any nasty resonances that I can detect.
Conclusion:
The looks of the Stellia may divide opinion, but the sound is sure to impress anyone looking for a refined and resolving closed back headphone with incredible technical capabilities and an overall easy to listen to sound.
The new P55 V3.0 have quite a mature and sophisticated look that is sleek and understated. The design is similar to a lot of on-ear headphones, they are not flashy but they have a fairly high end feel to them.
The build quality is top notch, with a mainly metal frame and detachable 3.5mm cable these are perfect for your daily commute. The cable uses a standard 3.5mm jack, so replacements will be easy to come by, along with the P55 V3.0 coming with 2 cables in the box anyway. These are a really solid on-ear headphone, especially for the price.
The P55 V.30 come with a carry case to keep them safe in your bag along with 2 cables, one with a mic and controls, one that is audio only. Also included is a Skype adapter for using them with a PC that has separate mic and headphone sockets.
Comfort:
These are not light due to the metal construction, but they are also not what I would call heavy. The clamping force strikes the right balance between providing a secure fit and not being tight and uncomfortable. The earpads are plus, and the headband doesn’t dig into the top of your head. These are not the kind of headphones you sit back for hours in a comfy chair with, but they are excellent for general use and I can easily wear them for a couple of hours.
Sound:
Bass: The bass on the P55 V3.0 is really punchy and has excellent body to it. It really does an excellent job of allowing you to hear and focus on the bass line of tracks, without masking details. Yes, the bass is slightly emphasised, but for on the go use this is an advantage, and the fact they never sound bloated is a huge bonus. The don’t just punch hard, they also dig deep into the sub-bass with ease. These are about fun, and they deliver on that promise, with a dynamic and engaging sound.
Midrange: The midrange sits slightly behind the bass in absolute presence, but it is far from being recessed. Vocals cut through the mix with great clarity, guitars have good tonality and everything is quite well presented. There is a little bleed from the bass which does affect the lower midrange a tiny bit but this is easily overlooked when the overall sound is this good. Female vocals do have a slight edge, due to a slight uplift in the upper midrange, but the transition into the treble region is fairly smooth with only a hint of sibilance.
Treble: The treble has not been forced to take a backseat on these, giving them a good sense of balance overall. The great thing about the treble on these is the way they are not boosted in the lower treble. There is not a focus on bringing out the initial impact, but more on bringing out air and extension in music. Every cymbal tap and crash is well defined, without sounding sharp.
The P55 V3.0 manage to handle everything you throw at them, they do not have a massive soundstage but the separation and spatial imaging makes up for this.
Conclusion:
SoundMAGIC have created a rugged, stylish and great sounding on-ear headphone for less than £100. The sound is full, fun and engaging. There is a bit of emphasis on the bass, but there is enough detail in the midrange, and presence up top to make them well balanced overall. These could be the best sub £100 on-ear headphone out at the moment.
We start off with the P3 Series 2 from Bowers & Wilkins, this is their entry level model but don’t be fooled by the price. These headphones come in a stylish and durable design that is perfect for everyday use. The lightweight build along with leather earpads means they are very comfortable, and the replaceable cable means you’ll get years of use out of them.
But the main thing that stands out is the big sound they produce from such a small headphone. Offering up a warm velvety sound that is effortless and enjoyable. They may not have the last word in detail, but what they do offer is pure pleasure, they immerse you in the music. Definitely a headphone to consider if you are looking for something low priced, lightweight and easy going.
Next up we have the P5 wireless, keeping the sound quality of the original P5 Series 2 but with the added bonus of no wires. The P5 Wireless are still the perfect size for everyday portable use, they just don’t fold up like the P3 Series 2. All their headphones share a similar mainly metal build, with leather earpads meaning the P5 wireless are still an extremely comfortable headphone. The Bluetooth is easy to pair and the button layout is intuitive, they also come with a cable in case you run out of battery.
The sound is big and bold, this used to be the house sound for Bowers & Wilkins before the Px was released. Plenty of punch and warmth down low, but with good detail throughout. The dynamics really standout and these will grab your attention and draw you in to the music. There is also greater depth with regards to sound staging over their smaller siblings, a worthy contender for your go to headphone of choice.
If you are looking for the ultimate travelling headphone, look no further than the Px. Released last year, Bowers & Wilkins packed a ton of tech into this stylish over-ear headphone. Active noise cancelling with the ability to tune what you want to cancel out via an App on your phone, sensors to automatically pause and play the music along with an excellent power saving feature. The Px really are quite impressive when it comes to features, but all of that means nothing if the sound quality isn’t there.
Luckily, they didn’t cut corners here, these are possibly the most detailed and clean headphones Bowers & Wilkins have made. Gone is the full-bodied sound of the P5/P7, and in comes the audiophile grade sound that a headphone of this calibre should have. Offering up plenty of detail with precision, but without a sense of fatigue, these really do bring out everything in the recording without skipping a beat.
The Atom is sort of built to be the new Objective2, and it sure looks better from an aesthetic point of view. The Atom is very simplistic, yet the curved edges make it look quite premium for the price. The overall finish and attention to detail is excellent, and it looks really neat sat on a desk.
The build quality is really good, it may not have a nice CNC machined chassis but everything is well finished and put together. The push buttons, volume control, inputs and outputs all feel great. I have no complaints about the build quality whatsoever.
Features:
The Atom incorporates everything the Objective2 should have had. Rear power socket and RCA inputs, front gain and input switch along with a ¼” headphone output. On the back you have both RCA and 3.5mm inputs, along with RCA outputs so you can use the Atom as a pre-amp when you don’t have headphones plugged in.
Sound:
As I have said the Atom was conceived as the next generation Objective2, so is it worthy of that title? In short, Yes, it is.
First off, we have the fact that the Atom is more powerful, nearly twice as powerful at 32 Ohms, so it can drive a wider range of headphones. But with this could come more noise, luckily the Atom shares the same black background and pure reference sound of the Objective2. The output impedance remains less than 1Ohm, so there are no issues using sensitive IEM’s with the Atom.
It is really difficult to describe the Atom, as it really doesn’t anything apart from amplify the sound. It doesn’t add its own character, and this is what JDS Labs were aiming for. Feed it with a good source and you have an excellent system on a budget. Either the EL or OL DAC would be the perfect partner for the Atom.
Lets just face the fact that the Atom does a lot right for the price, and I personally cannot pick any flaws in the design or sound of this little amp. I do not think anything comes close if you are looking for a neutral, uncoloured headphone amp under £200.
Conclusion:
The Atom sets a new standard when it comes to budget headphone amps, it has a clean and reference sound, with plenty of power on tap, it does justice to most headphones. All neatly wrapped up in a well-thought-out chassis, the Atom really is hard to beat.
The new M5s from Shanling has all the features you could need, yet it doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the sound quality.
Aesthetics, Build Quality and UI:
The M5s is a sleek looking DAP with well thought out placement of buttons and ports. The front panel is mainly filled by the touch screen; however, the screen doesn’t fill the whole panel, there is a space at the bottom that is blank. The rear panel is glass, the right-hand side has the volume knob/power button on it and the left side has playback controls and the microSD card slot. On the bottom you have the 3.5mm single-ended headphone out, 2.5mm TRRS balanced headphone output and the USB-C connector.
The overall build quality is excellent, but with all that glass I would advise you get a case and possibly a screen protector for the front. The main chassis is made out of aluminium, the buttons and sockets all feel sturdy and it has a reassuring weight to it.
The M5s uses Shanling’s own MTouch firmware which is super intuitive and easy to use. It is based around swiping certain directions to go back and forth between menus, you can customise the home screen and overall it is bug free and smooth in use. There are plenty of sound tuning options, digital filter/EQ/Gain etc… When you dig deep into the settings you can really set it up to how you want it to work, but even out of the box it is really easy to get used to. The now playing screen shows the album art along with the track title and artist, if you want to see the bit rate and other info you can click on the album art and scroll across to the detailed info. Overall the MTouch firmware is sleek, fast and easy to use.
Features:
The M5s has Bluetooth, with which is can be used as a transmitter or receiver, it supports LDAC/AptX/AAC. You can use it as a USB DAC, you can use the USB-C as USB Audio out into an external DAC making the M5s a transport only.
There is WiFi for DLNA, Airplay & OTA update for now, with more features possibly coming in the near future.
16 hours playback in single ended, 9 hours balanced is pretty good for a player of this calibre and price. There are a few more settings and features when you dig into the player, but the above should give you a brief overview of some of the key features.
Sound:
The M5s upon first listen sounds like any good DAP should, clean and detailed without any obvious colouration going on. When you spend a little more time with it you begin the discover that it has a hint of warmth to it with a fairly easy to listen to sound signature. The M5s is a really easy DAP to get on with during day to day life, it just kind of does its thing in a very easy and effortless way. There is no noticeable roll off, there is also no real colouration anywhere even if it does err slightly on the smoother side over a more analytical sound signature. There is no loss of detail, soundstaging and separation are excellent and the main thing that comes to mind is just natural. The M5s sounds natural, not strained, not trying to throw every little detail at you. It wants you to forget about it and listen to the music.
Power wise the M5s is really impressive, it has a pitch-black background with sensitive IEM’s and the low output impedance means it plays well with multi BA setups, yet the high gain setting means you will get enough volume and most likely power for all but the most demanding of headphones.
Conclusion:
The M5s is a great DAP for the price, packing tons of features into a solid and aesthetically pleasing device. The UI is snappy and responsive, the sound quality is neutral and balanced without being too analytical.
The xCAN is built much the same as the xDSD, with a metal housing that is a bit of a fingerprint magnet and a plastic rear cap where the Bluetooth circuitry is located. The xCAN looks superb in person with a great size and shape.
The build quality is superb and the volume control does not stick out, meaning it is well protected and all the sockets are tight. Everything just feels very solid.
Features:
Unlike the xDSD, the xCAN only have analogue inputs along with Bluetooth capability. You get a regular 3.5mm line-input, along with a 2.5mm TRRS balanced line-input. Outputs are the same, one 3.5mm and one 2.5mm TRRS balanced.
The xCAN has the XBass II and 3D+ adjustments. The XBass II is a completely analogue bass correction curve and can be switched to boost low frequencies or to correct the presence region, or both. The 3D+ is also an analogue circuit that aims to correct the holographic soundstage, making headphones sounds less like the music is coming from inside your head.
The volume knob changes colour depending on the volume, starting at blue for low volume going up to red at full output. The xCAN delivers more power from its balanced output as you would expect, so it is recommended to use balanced if you can.
Sound:
Well, as the xCAN is mainly an amplifier, the quality of sound will largely depend on what you are feeding it. But feed it with a high-quality source and it will do its job of amplifying the signal without adding too much flavour. The xCAN is neutral and detailed. It may be a tiny bit on the smoother side so as to prevent it from sounding overly analytical, but it is not coloured to my ears.
When using it with Bluetooth you are relying on both devices; when using an AptX-enabled device, you get excellent audio quality. I really don’t know how iFi do it, but you really do not lose much in terms of sound quality when using this with an AptX device.
The xCANs dual mono amplification stage really is impressive, hiss free with sensitive IEM’s yet at a push it can power the Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Gen with good results (Volume on red). Not that anyone would buy this solely for use with the T1 I don’t think, but it is still a very impressive feat from this tiny amp.
The XBass is a really handy boost for when out and about in noisy environments or just for slightly brighter sounding headphones. The 3D+ works wonders for more closed in sounding headphones giving you a more realistic soundstage. The ability to choose between bass and presence on the XBass setting is actually really handy and allows you a little finer tuning than a standard bass boost.
Conclusion:
The xCAN has all you need from a portable amp, perfect size, good battery life and easy to use. Add to that excellent Bluetooth implementation, balanced circuitry and overall sound quality is the only portable amp you will ever need. Another superb product from iFi that has our seal of approval.
Our pick of the Best Sports Headphones – Earphones, On Ear, Wireless and True Wireless
We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop or hi-fi system.
So we’ve gathered our picks for the best of the best for active/sports headphones you can buy!
BEST SPORTS HEADPHONES UNDER £50
1. SoundMAGIC P22BT – £39.99
SoundMAGIC P22BT
The SoundMAGIC P22BT is suspiciously low-priced for a bluetooth model, but exceeds all expectations. Watch out this summer however, as wearing these constantly may affect your suntan.
The guts of the E11C paired with the power of Bluetooth 5.0 make this earphone a real contender for a budget price. Automatic smartphone controls give you even more freedom from your device while on the go. They claim an absolutely massive battery life as well.
Optoma has enjoyed tremendous success recently with its BE Sport3 model; it’s an earphone which has a remarkably solid build quality and reliability, however Optoma has gone one better with additional sweat and water resistance rated at IPX5 – this means that aside from general moisture resistance, we can have a musical duel with water pistols and suffer no lasting consequences.
Between their purported 16-hour battery life between charges (representing 4 hours of continuous play) and their ipx5 water resistance rating, the Optoma NuForce BE Free5 is a steal at just under £100. Their graphene diaphragm drivers allow for less energy consumption, while their ergonomic design means they won’t fall out constantly while you’re on the move.
Between Sennheiser sound and build quality, six hours of battery life, and the ability to quick charge, what more could you ask for in a sport headphone? Splash and sweat resistance, you say? Well, guess what? The CX Sport comes through once more.
The Empyrean is a luxury item, and it certainly looks the part. The CNC machined main body with an intricate pattern on the grills all look the part, the headband is carbon fibre and the comfort strap is leather. All this comes together to make the Empyrean stand out as a unique yet beautiful pair of headphones.
Build quality is superb, everything is expertly put together and the fit and finish of every part is flawless. The headband adjustment is smooth yet tight, the cable uses mini 4-pin XLR connectors, everything is built to such a high standard on the Empyrean. The great thing is that every part can be serviced by Meze, so these should be supported parts wise for many years to come.
Accessory wise you get an aluminium carry case that is styled like a briefcase, it is a bit extravagant but a nice change from what you get with most high-end headphones. Also included is the standard cable, and an extra pair of earpads (Leather and Alcantara are included) which gives you a slight level of sound tuning ability.
Comfort:
The Empyrean are not the lightest headphones on the market, but the depth of the pads and the headband design all contribute to making these one of the most comfortable headphones around. The headband strap evenly distributes the weight, whilst the earpads are deep and well cushioned to prevent your ears from touching the driver. I prefer the comfort and sound of the Alcantara pads, as the Leather ones can get a little hot after a while.
Bass: The bass on the Empyrean comes out of nowhere, they have a very black background and the bass is akin to having a very well-integrated subwoofer in a stereo system. It has incredible depth and power, but it never overpowers the sound, punching when called for but the extension is what is most impressive. The lows extend so effortlessly, yet they always remain tight and controlled. They have a big sound that has a slight emphasis on the lows, giving a fuller overall sound, but they don’t ever sound dark of bass heavy.
Midrange: Whilst sitting slightly behind the bass in quantity, they never come across veiled or recessed. They are just a little more relaxed whilst still having a great sense of space and separation. The layering in the midrange is superb, allowing you to hear every intricacy in the recording with ease. The thing with the Empyrean is they allow a lot of insight into the quality of the recording, yet never push anything too forward to make you analyse the sound. They are first and foremost for the enjoyment of listening. There is perhaps a tiny bit of added body in the lower midrange, and a slight recess in the upper midrange to avoid any sibilance, and to let them have a smooth transition into the treble region.
Treble: The treble on these is always present and extends with ease yet it never tries to grab your attention. These are maybe a little too safe up top for some, but this means that you still get all the information and detail you could need from the recording without worrying about harshness or sharp peaks. Coming from a personal preference I wouldn’t mind a tiny bit more presence, but at the same time I never feel that I’m missing out on anything with these. Well extended with plenty of detail and excellent tonality, but maybe a tiny bit reserved for some tastes.
The soundstage is a standout quality of these, they manage to sound incredibly open yet accurate at placing instruments within the soundstage.
Conclusion:
It is so hard to sum up the Empyrean, they are definitely some of the best headphones I have heard in a while. They have a good hi-fi setup type of sound with fullness that doesn’t affect the rest of the sound. They are just enjoyable, airy, effortless and ultimately a pleasure to listen to.
The Ether 2 sport the same styling as the Voce, with a spiderweb-like grill and all black colour scheme. The design is simple but at the same time unique; nothing really stands out, yet they are very much a MrSpeakers headphone by design.
When you first look at the Ether 2, you could be mistaken for thinking they look flimsy and weak. Upon closer inspection, they are built to be solid, and comfortable at the same time. The headband is their signature NiTinol metal that is flexible yet incredibly strong. The cups are machined aluminium and the baffles are carbon fibre. This means the weight is kept to a minimum without compromising on strength. The cable has been updated since the old DUM one, and it is now softer, more flexible and just feels more premium.
Accessory wise you get a hard carry case and the cable. To be honest, there are no other accessories that are needed. The case is of excellent quality and will keep your Ether 2 safe when not in use.
Comfort:
MrSpeakers have focused on making this one of the most comfortable planar headphones out there, and they have done a great job. They feel so light when you hold them in your hand! The earpads are memory foam and the clamping force is just right. The suspension strap evenly distributes the weight over the top of your head making these extremely comfortable headphones for long listening sessions.
Angled view of the MrSpeakers Ether 2.
Sound:
Bass:
The bass on the Ether 2 has a certain fullness down low, that makes them very enjoyable. The bass is articulate and easily flows with any genre you throw at them, with excellent, linear extension down low. Overall the bass adds a slight smoothness to the sound, but it is not overpowering. The bass never steps out of line, staying tight and controlled at all times, yet still having that addictive slight fullness to them.
Midrange:
The midrange cuts through with excellent clarity and are well separated from the lows. There is no bleed from the bass warming up the midrange, yet the transition is coherent. Female vocals have great presence, yet without any peaks that bring out sibilance. The Ether 2 have a neutral tone that does well with all kinds of music, but they bring out the emotion in the music really well.
Treble:
The treble is detailed and extended, but it extends with great linearity without fatigue inducing peaks. Everything is rendered with clarity and relative neutrality yet a subtle warmth stops them from being analytical. The treble does not sit in the background, and it does not lack presence or detail, it is just the sound as a whole is so enjoyable.
The soundstage is wide and deep, it is a highlight of this headphone. The sound is not congested and always expertly separated yet still with an overall coherent sound.
Detailed close-up of the MrSpeakers Ether 2.
Conclusion:
The Ether 2 have a great sense of neutrality, but at the same time they offer an enjoyable listening experience and they never sound analytical. There is a hint of added body that creates a smooth listening experience that can be enjoyed for hours on end. It’s a very technically proficient headphone, but at the same time it’s a joy to listen to, and connects you to the music in a way few other headphones can.
Audeze have created a superb all rounder in the Mobius. Whether music, films or gaming is your thing – the Audeze Mobius does it all extremely well. Inside the housings are planar magnetic drivers, providing sound quality that even the audiophiles out there will appreciate. Then the 3D emulation technology delivers a superb surround sound experience, perfect for watching films or playing Fortnite and thanks to the integrated head tracking – you’ll hear sound effects as if they’re really there.
The B&WPX is the ultimate portable headphone. With the latest aptX HD Bluetooth technology, wireless sound quality is of the highest level. Providing a very well balanced sound with tight bass – bass heads may want to look elsewhere – crystal clear clarity and superb soundstage. The PX also has adaptive noise cancelling and uses six microphones to help block out external sounds – allowing you to focus on the music. Along with the advanced technology – the PX has superb build quality and comfort – making them our go to recommendation for wireless headphones.
At under £40 – the SoundMAGIC P22BT Bluetooth headphone provides high quality at a low price. The design is sturdy and comfortable, with a lightweight foldable headband which is great for portable use. These headphones are easy to use with controls conveniently placed on the left earcup. The most impressive feature is the sound quality – audio is crisp and punchy with plenty of energy, making them a lot of fun to listen to.
SoundMAGIC seems to have nailed the under £50 earphone. If you’re looking for a wired earphone and want to keep the price down, then we believe that the E11C is the one. SoundMAGIC have gone for a mature design, and used a silver plated copper cable to deliver superb sound quality which will compete with earphones over £100. The E11C has plenty of energy and punch with a dynamic and well detailed sound. There is also a 3 button inline control and mic, which is fully compatible with Apple and Android smartphones.
Now, if you’re looking for an earphone with a more aggressive sound then the Flares Jet 2 could be the one. These earphones go loud, and they provide thumping bass and sharp clarity. The housings are made of aluminium and are built to last. There is also an in line single button remote to take calls and the cable itself is strong and tough. The design of the Jet 2 definitely stands out and the shape makes them very comfortable.
For those that appreciate their music a bit more and are happy to up their budget, Final’s E4000 is a superb place to start. Final have been in the audio game for a long time, and their E series shows us what they can do. The E4000 is the sweet spot for me – musical and well balanced sound quality that draws you in, great comfort and design and a nicely made replaceable cable – all for just over £100.
For something so small, the ShanlingM0 manages to pack in a load of features. Starting with the design, the M0 looks and feels great. The display is made by LG and is very crisp – and thanks to Shanling’s own MTouch software, the player is extremely easy to use. The sound from the M0 is clear with good bass-weight, punch and fine detail. Thanks to the on board EQ settings, you can add some warmth or sharpness to suit your taste. The M0 can pair with Bluetooth headphones, and the 2-way Bluetooth feature will allow you to connect to your phone to use the player as an external DAC/amp – very clever.
The NuForce BE Sport4 is widely regarded as the go to Bluetooth earphone – and we would agree. At just under £90, they combine good value with superb sound quality – the Graphene coated drivers deliver a crisp and punchy sound with plenty of clarity. The BE Sport4 is IPX5 water resistant and can provide up to 10 hours or battery life. And to top it off, you get 2 hours of charge in just 15 minutes thanks to their Fast Charge feature.
Whether you like to listen to your headphones at home using your computer, laptop or hifi system – the JDS LabsElement will breathe life into your setup. For a long time now, JDS Labs have been making high quality headphone amplifiers and DACs with a simple design and superb value. The Element shows that not only do they have the technical knowhow – they have a great eye for design too. With analogue RCA inputs and digital USB – the Element is extremely versatile and as expected, provides a clean, expressive and powerful sound.
Ever wondered if you could have a high quality headphone amplifier connect to your phone or laptop wirelessly? Well wonder no more. The iFi Audio xDSD is the perfect way for you to get the most from your headphones and chosen device – without adding more wires. Use your phone to listen to Spotify, your favourite podcast or play PUBG and let the xDSD wirelessly drive your headphones, giving them all the power they would need to deliver a balanced and dynamic sound.
Focal have entered the high-end closed back market, and they clearly know what they are doing.
Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories:
The Elegia sport a black and silver colour scheme with textured cups and a nice logo in the middle. The earpads are black on the outside with a silver inner lining, the same as the headband. The logo in the middle of the cups really stands out. These are headphones that like to stand out in the crowd. They are not understated and reserved; they want to draw attention, but in a respectable way.
The build quality is great. The cups are hard plastic, the logo is metal and mesh and there is a mix of leather and microfibre in the headband. The yokes are aluminium, and they just feel extremely well put together when you have them in your hands. They use a recessed 3.5mm detachable cable that is easy to replace. I really like the build quality of the Elegia, but over time the cups are going to show some signs of use.
Accessory-wise, they come with a lovely hard case with heavy duty zip and leather handle. Also included is the cable, which is 1.3m long and terminates in a 3.5mm jack with a 6.3mm screw on adaptor. They included everything you need to get them up and running.
Comfort:
The Elegia are a well-built headphone. This comes at the expense of a little bit of weight, though. Padding is key to keeping them comfortable, and whilst the earpads are nice and plush, with good padding, the headband could be improved. I know that comfort has a lot to do with individual head shapes, so this won’t affect everyone, but the headband padding is not thick enough. I personally found them to create a hot spot on the top of my head, but not everyone will have this issue.
Bass: The Elegia have excellent bass response that is tight and controlled, yet at the same time full and fun. It is slightly elevated overall with a bit of added impact. This makes you want to crank them up a little from time to time. They are a headphone that enjoy slightly louder volumes to really come alive. Bass guitar lines are incredibly articulate, and the kicks hit with authority.
Midrange: You would think with the slightly fuller low end that the midrange might be pushed back a bit. And whilst they are not mid-forward, they still strike a good balance in the mix. Vocals never sound distant; they cut through with great detail and presence. Guitars have power and crunch when needed, yet sound intricate and detailed during other tracks. Overall, they sit well balanced in the mix, with great clarity and separation. The transition is smooth into the treble and there is no large dip like on the Elear.
Treble: The treble is slightly laid back compared to the rest of the sound, but it is not lacking in detail and extension. The treble is always present, but in a slightly lower quantity than the bass and midrange, thus creating a headphone that is easy to enjoy. They lack any hint of brightness, but this does mean that they lose out on a little sparkle. This partly contributes to the ability to crank these up a bit without issue, whilst still being able to hear everything in the recording clearly.
The Elegia don’t have a huge soundstage, but the separation and accuracy of the placement of instruments makes up for this easily.
Conclusion:
The Elegia are a fun, full and detailed headphone that really get you tapping your feet along with the music. They like to be played a little louder than normal, so please do take care of your hearing. These put a big smile on my face with certain songs, due to the sheer fun factor, without missing out on technicalities.
The T1 2nd Generation has had a makeover, but don’t worry, it still has the same outstanding sound quality. Grab them quick though, as they’re limited to 50 units in the EU.
Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories:
These are a meaner, sleeker looking T1 2nd Generation with anodised black yokes, matte black cups and signature silver grills. Internally nothing has changed, but outside they look better than the original in my opinion.
Build quality is what you would expect from Beyerdynamic, solid. With a detachable 3m 7N OCC copper cable, metal yokes, protein leather headband and memory foam filled velour earpads these certainly feel the part. The grills are metal, but the rest of the housing is plastic, this keeps the weight down without making them feel cheap. Overall, they are a superbly built pair of headphones, built to give you many years of happy listening.
Accessory wise you get a lovely hard carry case; the cable has a screw on adaptor but that is it. To be fair they don’t need anything extra, but a balanced cable in the box would be nice.
Comfort:
The T1 2nd Generation is well known to be one of the most comfortable headphones around, with spacious cups and a secure fit you can listen to these for hours at a time. The earpads are soft and conform to the shape of your head, the headband has generous padding and never creates a hot spot like some other models. They are not heavy, and the fit is secure but not tight and I have easily sat with these on for 3+ hours with no issues.
Sound:
Bass: These are not all about the bass, but they do have a little added body to give them some warmth overall. This added warmth does not cloud the rest of the sound, but just prevents them from sounding sterile and harsh. There is enough impact to keep things fun, yet it is always there in a controlled manner never becoming the main focus of the sound. Bass guitar lines are easily distinguished, and everything just sounds right down low.
Midrange: Here the thing that stands out is how clean and detailed they are, without sounding thin. Male vocals have that subtle warmth from the bass, which helps them sound more defined and tonally accurate, whilst the upper midrange blends seamlessly into the treble without any big peaks. Everything sounds very natural in the midrange, and the detail is there if you want to listen for it.
Treble: Whilst there is a little bit of added energy in the presence region to make cymbal crashes stand out a little, they are not bright or fatiguing. This little bit of added energy just adds a little bit of excitement, but without creating a big peak that sticks out. The treble quantity and quality are excellent, never becoming too hot but at the same time never losing focus. There is plenty of extension and it adds a great sense of air and space, along with being effortless and detailed.
The T1 2nd Generation has very accurate imaging, everything sits in a well-defined space within the soundstage. The soundstage itself is not the widest, but it sounds more natural and accurate instead of trying to be as wide as possible. It’s still far from being narrow or closed in.
Conclusion:
The T1 2nd Generation are a very well balanced, highly detailed yet slightly smooth pair of headphones. They play well with all genres, and are perfect for sitting back and enjoying.
The Periodic Audio Be are not for the purists, but don’t let this put you off. The level of clarity coming from an earphone this energetic and dynamic is really quite something.
Aesthetics and Build Quality:
The Periodic Audio IEM’s all look very similar, with a standard bullet shaped housing and machined metal backplate. They may look very simple, but the materials used are carefully selected for their sound properties. So, these may not be the best-looking IEM’s around, but you can rest assured they are built to offer the best sound quality possible.
Build quality is excellent with smooth polycarbonate body and metal end plates they are solid. The cable is rubbery with butyl rubber strain relief that is pliable and durable. They may look simple but rest assured they are built to last.
Comfort:
The shape of these means that most will be able to get a good fit, and there is a good range of tips included. Once you find the right size tips for your ears, you will get a comfortable listening experience for hours on end.
Sound:
Bass: Whilst the Be may have a well-rounded overall sound signature, there is no denying that the lows have some power behind them. They are not overpowering, but they do grab your attention with their speed and articulation making you want to tap your feet along with the beat. There is plenty of depth to the lows, extending down to the sub-bass with ease, yet they punch with great impact when called for too. I would not say the bass is the focus of the sound, as it is always well controlled, but there is a quality to it that makes the Be a lot of fun to listen to.
Midrange: The Be manage to have a fun low end, without sounding bloated and interfering with the midrange. Vocals cut through the mix with good detail, they are not upfront, they just sit happily in the middle. There is an openness in the midrange that prevents them from sounding congested, they just get on and do their thing. There is no upper midrange peak that brings out sibilance, and the transition into the treble is smooth.
Treble: The treble has good energy and detail retrieval, it extends well and doesn’t come across harsh or overdone. The quantity is enough to satisfy most tastes, and the Be are far from being a dark sounding IEM. The top end really rounds of the sound as being well balanced but at the same time dynamic and punchy. They really do combine a lot of fun into an overall well-balanced sound signature, this is not easy to do. The headphone enthusiasts will enjoy the faithful reproduction of the music, and their ability to uncover hidden details, whereas the average user will appreciate their fun and enjoyable sound.
The soundstage of the Be is not very big, but the layering and separation is very good with everything occupying its rightful space within the soundstage.
Conclusion:
Periodic have managed to make a fun and dynamic sounding IEM, without throwing off the tonal balance and overall sound signature. There are no real peaks or dips, yet the lows have incredible power and control, the midrange is clean and the highs have energy and extension. They are well balanced overall, and come highly recommended to those that are bored of the drier presentation most neutral IEM’s have.
