Tag Archives: headphone review

Cleer Enduro ANC Wireless Headphone Review

Posted on by
2

The Cleer Enduro ANC are a brilliant portable headphone. They are extremely stylish and comfortable. In addition to a fun and engaging sound, they are a perfect partner for daily use.

[jnews_review_shortcode review_show_pros_cons=”true” review_show_breakdown=”true” review_show_price=”true”]

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.

[jnews_review_shortcode review_show_price=”true”]

Shanling MW200 Review

Posted on by
Reply

The Shanling MW200 allows you to listen to your IEM’s wirelessly, with excellent Bluetooth implementation and sound quality.

[jnews_review_shortcode review_show_pros_cons=”true” review_show_breakdown=”true” review_show_price=”true”]

Design and Functionality

The MW200 is a neckband Bluetooth cable that allows you to convert your MMCX earphones into a Bluetooth set. It’s a flexible rubber neckband with solid plastic end parts that house the electronics and controls, these are finished with a tempered glass faceplate. It’s a well built, and good looking neckband that is also comfortable in use. The cable sections I feel are a little too long though, and could have about 3-4cm cut off without hindering the fit. The cable section has moulded ear hooks so it is for use with earphones that fit over-ear rather than straight down.

Feature wise you get full controls on the left side of the MW200, with volume controls (these are separate from the sources volume), play/pause and on/off. You can also use the play/pause to skip tracks, and there is a microphone on the unit for calls. The MW200 supports all the latest Bluetooth codecs for the highest quality Bluetooth playback (Aptx and LDAC etc…). The MW200 paired easily and the range seems very good, battery life is also great at up to 11hrs in LDAC mode and 14 in SBC. There is plenty of volume to power most IEM’s currently on the market too.

Sound

I’ve mainly been using the MW200 with Final’s flagship IEM the A8000, because they really are ruthlessly revealing of the source material and also enjoy a bit of power behind them. I’m glad to report that the MW200 doesn’t have any problems with noise, and there isn’t any noticeable hiss when using it. I will mention that I have also been using it with LDAC from my Pixel 3a using Qobuz streaming.

The MW200 has good power and volume, there is plenty of detail and an overall crisp and clean sound. Of course, Bluetooth is still limited and there was a drop in resolution over playing the A8000 out of a high-end DAP. However when out and about this drop is not as noticeable as when critically listening, and the MW200 does a truly great job at decoding and amplifying the signal. I was really testing the limits of the MW200 by using it with the A8000, but pair it with something a bit more affordable like the Oriveti OH300 and you get a superb sounding wireless setup for under £500. Much better than any current wireless offering on the market at least.

The MW200 really doesn’t impart much of it’s own sound on to the IEM’s of choice, which is great in my opinion, you can get the Shanling app though which includes an EQ. This EQ does not work when using LDAC codec though. If you are used to using your IEM’s with an excellent source, please remember there will be slightly lower resolution, mostly in the treble region, again this is more a limitation of Bluetooth and not necessarily the MW200’s fault.

Conclusion

There are not a lot of good solutions for making wired IEM’s wireless, at least not with good quality anyway. The MW200 is excellent when it comes to the sound and functionality, it is also comfortable. The only drawback I see if the length of cable that goes to your ear, it is just a little too long. If you have good IEM’s and want a convenient solution for portable use, the MW200 comes highly recommended, with only a slight dip in sound quality over wired use.

Audeze LCD-1 Review

Posted on by
Reply

The LCD-1 lean towards a more balanced sound signature, with a dash of added colour for an enjoyable and easy listening experience.

[jnews_review_shortcode review_show_pros_cons=”true” review_show_breakdown=”true” review_show_price=”true”]

Fit and Comfort

The LCD-1 are a small, portable sized headphone with a mainly plastic build to help keep the weight down. The earpads do go around your ears and are quite snug, the clamping force is moderate to retain a secure fit. There is plenty of adjustment in the headband sliders to fit most head shapes and sizes. They fit well and have an understated look compared to higher end Audeze models.

Comfort wise the moderate clamping force is noticeable during longer listening sessions, and the small-ish earpads are plush and soft but not the most spacious. Being open back they don’t heat up as quickly as a closed back model though. The headband has fairly good padding, but it is a little narrow and does create a small pressure point on the top of my head.

See our Headphone Buying Guide

Compatibility

The LCD-1 might look like a portable headphone, but it’s open back nature mean it is better used in environments where you won’t disturb others with sound leakage. Also they are a planar magnetic headphone, and in my opinion fare much better when a powerful source is used. Something like the JDS Labs Element II or Burson Audio Conductor range would be perfect with them. They don’t sound all too good out of a mobile phone, they definitely benefit from a bit more power to get the best out of them.

Sound Quality:

Bass: Whilst Audeze cut their teeth with the LCD-2 and its famous bass, the LCD-1 does not follow in its footsteps. Instead Audeze have created a tool for the sound engineer on the go, or for the travelling audiophile who wants a more reference sound when away from home. The bass hits fast and clean with minimal boost in terms of quantity, there is a tightness to the sound yet with body that is subtle yet pleasant. It is in the bass region where a good amplifier will make or break the LCD-1, don’t give them enough power and they do sound thin and a little anaemic, but when you have a good source behind them the articulation and slam is excellent whilst retaining clarity and control at all times. Full bodied, but not overblown, musicality and technicality mixing in perfect harmony down low.

Midrange: Here is where the LCD-1 really got me, such a clean cut and alluring midrange that has all the detail you could want at this price range. It is natural, with realistic tone and yet it is always crisp and kept clear of any bloom from the bass. In my opinion the midrange is pretty flawless on the LCD-1, it has excellent timing, tonality and overall just sounds accurate and right. No matter the genre, give them a good source and recording and you will hear all the nuances you could want but never in a harsh or annoying way. Much like the bass they manage to mix technical ability with a slight smooth musicality to great effect.

Treble: Here is possible where the smoothness slightly outweighs the technical abilities and they have a bit of that typical Audeze lushness. Not as extended or present as some of the competition, the treble region is where I personally would have preferred a little more energy. Those who are a little more treble sensitive though will welcome the natural and smooth treble, with enough presence to keep the LCD-1 sounding well balanced, but without any fatigue inducing peaks. Luckily the resolution up top is excellent with plenty of detail to be heard in the treble region.

Genres and Soundstaging

Due to their fairly balanced sound signature, the LCD-1 seem to handle most music you throw at them with relative ease. Their presentation is a little more on the engaging side of things so they fare well with more upbeat music than classical for example.

The LCD-1 soundstaging is good, there is plenty of width and good height too, but the layering also stands out. They are an agile headphone and expertly pick apart even the most complex of mixes.

Check out our Best Over-Ear Headphones 2020

Conclusion

The LCD-1 is an instant classic in my opinion, from the moment you put them on you hear that a lot of work has gone in to making them balanced, technically proficient, yet always slightly musical and enjoyable. The midrange stood out to me, being excellent in terms of clarity and tonality, backed up with by full bodied yet controlled bass and sweet yet detailed treble. All packaged in a small, comfortable and well built package, and for an affordable price. The LCD-1 are a truly excellent headphone.

Campfire Audio Solaris Review

Posted on by
2

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Solaris do not take a low-key approach when it comes to looks, with a gold faceplate and large housing they definitely stand out in the crowd. They do however look great, you can see the craftsmanship in the machining of the shells, and everything feels very premium.

Build quality is superb again, with aluminium shells that are CNC machined, the cable is silver plated and slightly thicker than the one on the Andromeda. Everything is very well built and feels solid, albeit a little on the heavier side.

Comfort and Isolation:

Well there is no escaping just how big the Solaris are, and depending on the size and shape of your ears the fit will vary. I have quite small ears, and the Solaris stick out quite far, but do stay in fine with the right tips. They are not uncomfortable, just a little cumbersome.

Isolation is good on these; they do have a vent for the dynamic driver but this doesn’t seem to affect their isolation and these are great for on-the-go use or commuting and hold up well in loud environments.

Sound:

Bass: Having a single dynamic driver handling bass duties, these have more impact and rumble when compared to a more neutral IEM like their sibling the Andromeda. These have incredible articulation down low, there is a slight increase in presence down low to keep things tilted towards a more fun sound signature. However, the bass does a good job at controlling its body, and it never manages to get in the way of the midrange.

Midrange: The midrange on the Solaris is clean and clear, not suffering from the typical warm lower midrange due to bass bloat. This is where the BA drivers kick in and through out incredibly crisp and detailed mids that sound natural and tonally accurate. The midrange sits perfectly in the mix, without being pushed back, the extra body down low does not translate to a v-shaped sound signature.  The transition from the midrange to the treble is smooth and sibilance is not an issue with the Solaris.

Treble: The treble on the Solaris is very tastefully done, packed full of detail yet with a smooth and effortless extension allowing them to shine yet without fatigue. There is no artificial boosting to create a sense of detail, instead they decide to have a more even-handed approach and allow you to enjoy the music but also the detail is there if you want to listen. The precision of the treble is really impressive and their placement within the soundstage is very accurate.

The soundstaging of the Solaris is a definite highlight, there is great width and height and everything is incredibly well separated.

Conclusion:

The Solaris are incredibly coherent from top to bottom, with a mild emphasis on the bass region. They are a full bodied yet well balanced IEM that handle pretty much anything you throw at them. They may be expensive, but their performance is truly superb.

 

Sound: 5/5

Comfort: 3/5

Build Quality: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Final B3 Dual BA Earphone Review

Posted on by
Reply

Final B3

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

Meze Rai Penta 5 Driver Hybrid Earphone Review

Posted on by
1

Meze Rai Penta

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

IEM build quality is really on the rise, and the Rai Penta show off how good well CNC machined shells can look. The Campfire Audio line-up have been using this technology for a while and they have their own twist on styling, whereas Meze have gone for a more rounded look with an understated colour scheme.

The detail on the shells is incredible and you can see a lot of work has gone in to getting the finish as flawless as possible. The small vent for the dynamic driver is a work of art and these feel and look very premium.

Build quality is very good as you would expect, the shells being made out of aluminium are solid and sturdy, the MMCX connectors are tight and rhodium plated for durability. The cable is silver plated copper, with a high strand count helping with ergonomics. You can see the solder joints in the clear MMCX connector strain relief which is a nice touch. The 3.5mm jack is also rhodium plated, and there is good strain relief all round.

Comfort and Isolation:

The Rai Penta has a very ergonomic housing with rounded edges and a soft and flexible cable, this all leads to a very comfortable fit. Once you find the right size tips, you can leave these in and forget about them, they should fit most people’s ears well.

 

The Rai Penta are vented due to the use of a dynamic driver, this means there is no driver flex but the isolation is affected a little. They don’t leak, but isolation is not quite as good as fully sealed BA based designs.

Sound:

Bass: The lows on the Rai Penta has very impressive reach and linearity down low, they hit with authority yet extend without rolling off early. You can easily hear the sub-bass however it is not boosted and only comes out when it’s in the recording. They are very transparent and revealing and will bring out the bass when called for, they do however remain incredibly well controlled at all times and never sound congested or slow. The lows have the ability to be full when needed without affecting the midrange at all, and as they are so transparent the amount of body will change depending on the source.

 

Midrange: The midrange is remarkably well controlled and the lows never bleed in to the lower midrange. This leaves male vocals to cut through with excellent clarity and layering without added body congesting the sound. The tonality is spot on though and the Rai Penta are never lacking in natural timbre. Both male and female vocals excel with perfect presence, falling perfectly in line with the rest of the frequency response. It doesn’t matter how busy the mix gets, the midrange cuts through and is never left behind.

 

Treble: The highs extend effortlessly into the black background of the Rai Penta, yet they have great impact and energy without distortion or fatigue inducing peaks. The transition from the midrange to the treble is smooth with no emphasis so they are devoid of sibilance unless it is in the recording. The highs do nothing wrong, perfectly aligned with the bass and mids, they add great air and openness to the sound. Getting rid of sound tubes, and using CNC machining for the sound bores goes a long way in helping the high frequencies breathe and sound as open as these do. They don’t quite reach Andromeda levels of presence and air, but they are not lacking by any stretch.

 

The soundstaging is very good, with great depth and impressive width as you would expect for the price. Separation is a real strong point due to how controlled the Rai Penta sound, they never lag or sound congested no matter how busy the track gets.

Conclusion:

There are so many great models out at the moment that it is hard to pick which are best and thus we always recommend listening before purchasing. What the Rai Penta delivers are impressive dynamics and a level playing field for all the frequencies. Their transparency allows them to play well with all genres and bring out the best in all of them, it is not a jack of all trades, master of none experience either. Even at low volumes you get the full range and impressive dynamics, yet play them a little louder and they hold the same signature with nothing stepping out of line. The Rai Penta is a high-end IEM in all aspects, and delivers a balanced yet musical and natural listening experience.

 

Sound:  4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 5/5

Value: 4/5

SoundMAGIC Vento P55 v3.0 Review & Video

Posted on by
Reply

SoundMAGIC P55 V3.0

The SoundMAGIC P55 v3.0 are helping SoundMAGIC blaze a trail in the world of portable on-ear headphones, looking to build on their success from the award winning E10 and E11 range of in-ears.

BUILD

The P55 v3.0, as the name suggests, is the third update to this model. The build and design have stayed the same, the big change is to the drivers used. SoundMAGIC has developed a brand new dynamic driver for the P55 v3 – using improved materials to increase performance. Starting with the build quality, SoundMAGIC has done a great job here. The steel headband is tough, and is finished in a way to match the look of the brushed aluminum earcups – materials not normally associated with headphones costing under £100. These headphones can fold flat, which is not only useful for storage – it also makes them comfortable to hang around the neck while not in use… if that’s your thing. Plastic is used around the earcups and on the underside of the headband – the matt black finish adds to the high-quality feel.

COMFORT

To provide comfort, there is soft padding used on the headband and the earcups – all covered with a leatherette finish. The soft foam makes the P55 v3 very comfortable to wear and along with the gentle clamping force on the head – these can be worn for long periods without the risk of fatigue.

FEATURES

Like most portable headphones, these are on-ear – so they’ll sit on the ear as opposed to enclosing the ears completely. Isolation is decent and sound leakage is very low, so others nearby won’t be judging you on your choice of music. The headphones are supplied with two replaceable cables, one standard audio cable and one with inline 3 button controls and microphone – compatible with both Apple and Android devices. Both cables are 1.2m and you also get a hard carry case to keep them safe.

SPECS

These headphones are designed for portable use, with a low impedance of 35ohms and fairly high sensitivity of 110dB. This makes them well suited to devices with less power output such as phones, laptops and tablets. Saying that – plug them into a high-quality portable player or headphone amp and hear the headphones really come alive.

SOUND QUALITY

  • Bass response
  • Midrange (instrumental/vocals)
  • Treble (extension)
  • Soundstage
  • Imaging (L/R)
  • Microphone

Now for the sound quality, and for me this is where the P55 v3 really shines. Bass is not what you’d normally expect from a sub £100 portable headphone. There’s a maturity here which delivers weight and punch without any boomyness – bass is tight and doesn’t bleed into the midrange. The midrange is superb on the P55 v3. It’s extremely clear and engaging, and thanks to the controlled bass – it doesn’t get lost in the mix. Thanks to the midrange, male and female vocals both shine and the P55 v3 can also handle intricate instrumental music. The treble provides a good amount of space and gives the whole experience a crispness without sibilance or fatigue that can normally come across. Imaging is very impressive, with a very clear sense of left and right with good width. Soundstage is good, instruments all have their place with well-defined separation.

CONCLUSION

  • Alternatives
  • Best uses
  • Recommendation

At £90 there is a fair bit of competition out there, especially from the likes of Sennheiser, AKG and Sony – with a lot of brands offering Bluetooth at this price point. With the P55 v3.0, SoundMAGIC are doing something different to the ret of them. This headphone provides a high-end experience at a very competitive price, something SoundMAGIC has become very well-known and respected for. Suited to those not wanting to sacrifice sound quality for Bluetooth, who appreciate fine build quality and a hi-fi listening experience without breaking the bank. For me, SoundMAGIC have nailed it, and I would recommend these headphones for anyone looking for a new set of wired portable cans.

Etymotic ER3-SE and ER3-XR Earphone Review

Posted on by
Reply

Etymotic ER3-SE and ER3-XR Review

 

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

Design and appearance

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

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

Durability & build quality

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

Comfort

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

Sound characteristics:

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

Bass

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

Mids

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

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

Treble

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

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

Soundstage & Separation

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

Music genres good for and why

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

Summary

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

Sennheiser IE80s Earphone Review

Posted on by
Reply

Sennheiser IE80S – An Old Classic Reborn

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Could have more midrange clarity
  • Straight jack on cable

Design and appearance

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

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

Durability & build quality

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

Sound characteristics:

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

Bass

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

Mids

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

Treble

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

Soundstage & Separation

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

Music genres good for and why

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

Summary

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

Build your own Grado style headphones

Posted on by
Reply

Build your own Grado style headphones tutorial with Symphones V8 drivers

  • Do you have a pair of Grados?
  • Have you upgraded them to wood cups?
  • Are you looking to build your own Grado style headphones?

If the answer to any of these is yes, then read ahead.

So who are Symphones? Symphones started off modifying Grado headphones with their original Magnum modifications. They then went on to develop Grado style drivers that slot right into most Grado cups and aftermarket cups. Today we are looking at the V8 drivers, their latest offering that are very different in design to the V7.
A big part of driver tuning is adding dampening materials to the diaphragm and magnet, and the new V8 have a completely new driver coating.

The V8 drivers in this review are installed in Rholupat spalted tamarind cups with a Grado SR60e headband and SMC connectors to allow for detachable cables. The cable used is made from Van Damme minature starquad.

So what do you need?

Some Symphones V8 Drivers: https://www.symphones.com/shop/symphones-v8

You will then need suitable cups to install the drivers in, the drivers will fit into all Grado cups excluding the PS/GS series. Please take care when removing the old drivers as to not damage the cups you will be installing the drivers into.

Alternatively you can buy wooden cups from a couple of places:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShipiboAudio

http://www.rholupat.com/

http://www.ellevenacoustica.com/

https://wabisabiheadphones.wordpress.com/

Once you have the cups you need a headband with gimbals from your old Grados, or a Sony MDR7506 headband. Alternatively Rholupat and Shipibo offer nice leather headbands and also aluminium gimbals and rodblocks.

The Symphones drivers will need soldering to your cable of choice and installing into the cups, to make sure they press fit tightly you may need a strip of insultion tape around the edge of the driver. I have installed SMC connectors into the cups so I can change cables if I need to.

Now you come to earpad selection, Grado OEM pads, or generic cheap eBay ones, take your pick but they all change the sound.

Symphones have tuned the V8 drivers to be used with OEM G-Cush pads, and the main review will be based using those.

Generic G-Cush pads add a little more body to the sound, but are not as detailed and clean sounding as the OEM G-Cush pads.

OEM L-Cush pads also work very well with these drivers, giving them the more aggressive Grado style sound, over the more spacious G-Cush sound.

———————————————————————————————–

READ MORE: Grado SR80e Headphone Review

———————————————————————————————–

Sound:

  • Bass:

The bass is not as full as the newer E series of Grado, but it is more controlled and also extends lower, digging right down into the sub-bass with ease. The bass is still quite Grado like being about quality over quantity but it is cleaner and more separated. The bass never encroaches on the midrange, and the punch is really good on the V8 drivers. Changing the earpads affects the bass the most, with generic G-Cush and OEM L-Cush pads adding a few extra dB’s of bass which may appeal to some people. The bass is more dynamic and full on the V8 drivers than the lower end Grados, sounding more realistic in tone.

  • Midrange:

The midrange sounds like a veil has been lifted, comparing to the Grado lineup you need to go to the PS500e at least to get this level of detail however the V8 are more spacious sounding. They still have the slightly aggressive tone to them, but are far more open soundstage wise. The upper midrange is not quite as upfront as Grados, leading to a slightly less fatiguing sound and also very minimal sibilance unless the recording has it. The midrange sits ever so slightly behind the lows and highs quantity wise, but not enough for it to be classed as recessed. The clarity and separation of the V8’s is what sets them apart from the original Grado drivers.

  • Treble:

The treble from the V8’s is smoother and more refined than the peakier Grado drivers. In terms of quantity it is still up there with most Grados however they are better separated and airy, with less peaks and more effortless extension. I never find them to be grating and they compliment the rest of the sound perfectly. If you are used to more bassy headphones, yes these will sound a little bright, however I find the highs to be quite well balanced with the rest of the range.

  • Soundstage and Imaging

More precise and also quite a lot wider than original Grados which are more direct and in your face. There is a lot of air between intruments and percussion comes through with excellent tone and control.

Conclusion:

These are an excellent upgrade for your current Grados or for a scratch build, they offer a more vivid and dynamic sound over original drivers. They sound as if a veil has been lifted from the whole sound, and the soundstage and imaging is far superior to lower end Grados. Articulate and dynamic lows, crystal clear midrange and sparkly highs, all that you love from Grados but supercharged.

Grado SR80e Headphone Review

Posted on by
Reply

Grado SR80e Open Back Headphone Review

The Grado SR80e are a definite improvement over the SR80i, with a slightly warmer, more balanced sound. Their retro styling may not appeal to all, but underneath the looks is a fine sounding open-back headphone. The undisputed king of headphones for rock music, these are sure to get you toe tapping and head banging in no time.

Pros:

  • Clean sound
  • Well balanced
  • Exciting

Cons:

  • Bass will not satisfy all
  • Comfort can be an issue for some

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Grado SR80e do not stray far from the classic low end Grado style, with very retro looks that are a love or hate affair. I think there is something quite pleasing about the design; it is wonderfully simple yet stylish and functional. All black with silver lettering, they don’t stand out with colours, but they do with their unique styling.

The build quality is nothing spectacular but you can change nearly every part on it, with an extensive community dedicated to modifying them. The cups are plastic but well put together, the headband is a vinyl covered metal band; the sliders are metal rods in rod blocks. The cable is dual sided, and feels quite substantial, it is rubbery under the y-split and quite thick, above the y-split they are prone to twisting and kinking a little. The construction is so simple, yet it works and they last for years, the foam pads will need replacing from time to time, but apart from that you can expect many years of service from a pair of Grado.

Accessory wise you get a a 3.5mm to 6.3mm jack adaptor, that is it. I know some models now come with the genuine Grado hard carry case which is a nice little added extra.

Comfort and Usage

The comfort of Grados has been talked about a lot, and as with the styling, it is a love or hate affair. I personally don’t find them uncomfortable; the earpads do need some time to settle in as they are a little stiff out of the box. The headphones are very light, they clamp a little tightly but the headband can be stretched to alleviate this. The weight of the headphones and the way they sit means they don’t really create a hot spot on the top of your head easily, even if they do lack proper headband padding. Some people do not find on-ear headphones very comfy, as for pads, the stock are very comfy but the L cush from Grado are even better if you want an upgrade.

The SR80e are an open back, on-ear headphone so they will not isolate from outside noise, also this means they leak sound. This means that using them around other people can cause annoyance, so please be considerate. There are benefits of an open-back headphone for out and about usage, you stay aware of your surroundings.
These headphones are perfect for home listening too; especially with the recent vinyl boom these play wonderfully with a good vinyl setup.

———————————————————————————————–

READ MORE: Effect Audio Thor Silver II Cable Review

———————————————————————————————–

Sound

Contrary to the belief that open headphone have a wide soundstage, Grado have a very unique sound for an open back design, being airy but very intimate, engaging and slightly aggressive.

  • Bass

These are not for the bass heads of the world; these are for those that appreciate the quality over quantity. The Grado of old used to be considered a little bass light, yet the new E series has more articulate and present bass response. It is far from being overwhelming but it is tight and fast, yet at the same time incredibly articulate. Bass guitar lines are so easy to follow, kick drums hit with authority and the PRAT (Pace, Rhythm and Timing) is class leading at this price. The bass fills out the sound keeping it exciting, yet they are so controlled, never encroaching on the rest of the frequency range.

  • Midrange

The SR80e has such a clean midrange; this is partly due to the incredibly well controlled bass. The midrange has no big dips or peaks; it is relatively well balanced handling male and female both with ease. Distorted guitars in rock music have power and authority, and the air and layering in softer acoustic and slower rock is excellent.

  • Treble

These is a bit of a peak in the treble but it does not induce fatigue or harshness, the old SR80 was slightly leaner sounding which lead them to be a little more fatiguing. The treble has been toned down a little over the ears, and they have become a more balanced sounding headphone. The peak brings out energy and sparkle in the initial cymbal crash in music, making them really engaging and not lacking up top at all. The treble is still refined though, and does not sound strained or forced.

As stated before the SR80e has an airy sound with excellent separation, however the soundstage is very small and intimate sounding.

Conclusion

The SR80e is a real step forward for Grado, toning down the highs a little, adding a little extra bass presence has made these less fatiguing and more balanced sounding. These will not appeal to bass heads, they fair better with music that is played on real instruments. They have long been favourites for people that enjoy rock music due to the speed and control of the sound. At the price point I still think Grado hold their own with a well balanced, aggressive and detailed sound, there is nothing quite like them.

Modifying

Now there is a whole community dedicated to modifying Grados, which can improve their sound for very little money sometimes. Please be aware that modifying them will void your warranty, but the benefits can be great. For under £200 you could have a set of wood cupped Grados that will sound nearly as good as their higher end models, and will be unique to you.
Here is an excellent thread dedicated to this:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/post-your-grado-mods.119314/

And also great places to get custom parts:

And I personally have a pair of SR60e which I replaced the cups and put dynamat on the back of the driver, along with getting some L cush pads and changing the cable. They are incredibly light and comfortable for long listening and the sound is just really fun. What I personally really like about the Grados is their way of allowing you to enjoy the music rather than try and pick flaws in it.

Focal Elear Audiophile Headphone Review – No Definition

Posted on by
Reply

Focal Elear Open Back Headphone Review

Focal has caused a stir recently with their two new additions; the Utopia and the Focal Elear headphones. In the hunt for a snappy title, we have found that the word ‘Elear’ has no definition in either English or French, so we had to make do with a click-baity title instead.

With the Utopia at a wallet-wilting £3499, the Elear has missed out on a lot of attention due to its less sensational price. However, £899 is still a fair whack for a pair of headphones so let’s see if we can define ‘Elear’ here.

Pros:

  • Excellent clear sound
  • Strong, well made cable
  • Great presentation, beautiful!

Cons:

  • Some may find them heavy

Design and Appearance

The Focal Elear comes in a very impressive looking box, although it won’t stand up to much use without starting to look scruffy, as it’s made of paper-coated wood or card. Given the Elear’s intended uses however, we don’t imagine that it will need to go back in very often. The headphones themselves are very well built, with great styling. Imagine the Sennheiser HD600 being designed by a Frenchman and the Elear would not be far off.

Durability and Build Quality

The Elear is of relatively light construction in terms of the way the components fit together. For instance the headband and earcups have a little bit of give to them, but this is down to helping achieve a good fit rather than poor design. Whether these parts loosen in years to come, time will tell but we don’t think so. That’s where the lightness ends though, as the Elear weighs in at a relatively hefty 434 grams (15.3 Oz – nearly a pound!).

Also the cable is quite substantial; it makes most other cables look like spider silk but it’s not cumbersome; ‘reassuringly lavish’ probably fits. It’s a rubber-coated affair and matches the headphones very well.

Comfort

There’s plenty of padding under the headband and with the soft and pliable earpads on the Elear, no particular part of the head registers discomfort. These headphones can be worn for hours depending on your neck muscles; those 434 grams can start imposing themselves after a while.

———————————————————————————————–

READ MORE: Shanling M1 Portable Audio Player Review

———————————————————————————————–

Sound Characteristics

The Focal Elear‘s tuning is pitched slightly warmish, but with a respectable presence in the mid/treble region too. It is good at reproducing the subtle variations in volume offered by acoustic instruments and so excels with live and acoustic performances. Having said that, studio recordings are pretty convincing too. The Elear is fairly forgiving with less than perfect recordings, old records and music files; pops and scratches are there alright, but not brought into sharp relief. Enough fun can be had with old MP3 files without feeling as if we need to rush out and get these in higher resolution in order to enjoy the Elear.

  • Bass

Bass is in no short supply, but is well balanced with the rest of the frequencies; it doesn’t tend to dominate unless the music is already bassy. Sub bass gives a pleasant rumble if required, and mid bass is punchy and tight; it’s well behaved up to the midrange and the transition to the higher frequencies is nice and even.

  • Mids

Plenty of space here; decays are as long as needed and vocals/backing vocals are clear and well defined. Fans of acoustic and classical music are in for a treat as a strong impression of the recording space is given by the Elear, with the ebb and flow of natural reverb being very well reproduced.

  • Treble

Treble is not pushed at us but is very resolving and we find ourselves ‘reaching in’ to the recording to find tiny details which are all the more natural-sounding. Transient speed is excellent with clear, sharp percussive sounds. Also, be ready for unplanned sounds in recordings, such as when a singer opens their mouth, ready to sing. Unplanned perhaps, but fun to spot and enjoy as an added level of realism.

  • Soundstage and Separation

Width is great with studio recordings but as noted above, all the more realistic with recordings made within a performance space such as classical or opera. Imaging is impressive, with subtle harmonic details giving a strong impression of instrument shape and form.

Music genres good for and why

The Focal Elear is a good all-round choice; if this is the only headphone you have, it will do everything well but it really shines with classical and opera; anything which is recorded within a performance space really.

Summary

Focal’s Elear may sit in the shade next to Focal’s current flagship headphone (The Utopia) but can really dish up the goods. Prices for top of the range headphones have been pushing up and up recently, but if you wish to keep your feet on the ground then the Focal Elear is one of the best which can be had for under a grand.

Edifier H850 Headphone Review

Posted on by
Reply

Edifier H850 Closed Back Headphone Review

The Edifier H850 Headphones offer excellent sound quality for the modest price of £39.99, offering a clean and clear, well balanced sound.

Pros:

  • Build quality
  • Balanced sound

Cons:

  • Not the most natural timbre
  • Lacks some high end refinement

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Edifier H850 are a fairly standard looking headphone, nothing stands out with a mainly matt black design and brushed aluminium faceplates. The H850 won’t win any beauty competitions, but they look stylish for a headphone at this price.

The build quality is perfectly acceptable for the price, with plastic cups, metal reinforced headband and metal faceplates. The cups swivel flat, the earpads are replaceable and a big plus point is the cable is user replaceable with a standard 3.5mm jack (however the stock one has a locking mechanism).

The H850 accessories are kept to a minimum, only a 6.3mm jack adaptor is supplied as extra, however this means that costs are kept to a minimum, leaving you with better sound quality for the price over luxurious accessories.

Comfort and Isolation

The Edifier H850 are very light, but the cups are not the most spacious, however I find them to be comfortable for long periods of time. The headband is well padded and again the weight comes into play here not creating a hot spot on the top of your head.

Isolation is good, this is a closed back headphone but there are vents in the cups that do leak a minimal amount of sound. If you listen at moderate volumes you are unlikely to bother people around you.

———————————————————————————————–

READ MORE: Shanling H1 Portable Headphone Amplifier Review

———————————————————————————————–

Sound Quality

  • Bass

The bass on the H850 is surprisingly punchy and well in line with the rest of the frequency range. It is articulate and well layered, bass guitar lines are easy to follow. They do roll off around 50hz, and there is a bit of a mid bass hump but, overall the bass is well controlled and does not shadow the rest of the frequency range. The lows are quick in attack and recovery making them handle heavy rock music very well, yet they can still offer some body in acoustic and electronic tracks.

  • Mids

The midrange is quite clean and clear, there is a slight dip in the lower mids making male vocals not as prominent as female vocals. However they do not suffer from bleed from the lows, being well separated. Finer details are not the H850’s strong point, but they are well balanced and there is good space and air. For the price the midrange is very good, there is a slight peak in the upper midrange which does highlight some sibilance in certain recordings. Electric guitars fair well with good energy and crunch when called for, and acoustic guitars come across with good body but perhaps a little cold in tonality.

  • Highs

The highs are well presented but do lack extension and air, I find them to roll off too early and lack refinement. They are a bit one toned with lack of distinct definition, but then again they are present and at this price point I don’t think any headphone can match these in the treble range. The highs do have good placement and directionality being able to pinpoint where they are coming from in the recording.

  • Separation and Soundstage

The instrument separation is good on these, during faster tracks they do have a tendency to become a little congested but for the most part everything is well separated and easy to pick out in the recording.
The soundstage is not huge, it is just outside the headphones in terms of width, so they won’t be the best for large orchestral pieces.

Conclusion

Now for the price, the Edifier H850 is possibly best in class, most headphones around this range have boosted bass, or non-existent highs, these do not. These actually have good balance across the board, yes they won’t have the natural tone of high end models, or the effortless high end extension, but they do offer a very pleasant listening experience for an excellent price.

MrSpeakers Aeon Headphone Review – A new Epoch?

Posted on by
Reply

MrSpeakers Aeon Closed Back Headphone Review

MrSpeakers is one of those small companies which gets some big attention; not content with their excellent Ether models, they’re back with another design! The MrSpeakers Aeon is a slight departure from the norm, as MrSpeakers has elected to go with some teardrop-shaped earcups for this one. Perhaps they’re designed to match the tears currently falling down our cheeks.. but are they tears of pure frisson, or rage?

Pros:

  • Light and comfortable
  • Excellent sound for a closed back
  • Tuning/modding foam included
  • Isolation impressive

Cons:

  • Nothing worth mentioning!

Design and Appearance

Much like its MrSpeakers forebears, the Aeon is a light and thoughtfully constructed headphone with ‘memory metal’ headband and a decent real leather strap. The earcups are mostly plastic with metal housings for the drivers; it’s all rock solid though, despite the low weight of the Aeon.

Durability and Build Quality

There’s not a lot to go wrong with the design; there are no hinges which can sometimes give trouble eventually, and the sturdy case supplied with the headphones will protect them well between uses. The ‘Dummer’ cable is about 1.8m long and is much like those we’ve seen on the previous Ether models; fabric coated and substantial enough without becoming too cumbersome.

Comfort

Comfort is not an issue with the MrSpeakers Aeon; these are very light for what they do and can be worn for many hours. Clamping force may be more noticeable but the soft pads ensure that no pressure points announce themselves.

Suitability for intended application

The Aeon is primarily intended for the home or office, but wouldn’t look out of place outdoors. The Aeon is a little hard to drive with portable equipment so a separate amp may be required for this, or a capable player. The isolation on the Aeon is quite impressive so it could be a worthwhile thing to try.

———————————————————————————————–

READ MORE: Shanling M2s Digital Audio Player Review

———————————————————————————————–

Sound Characteristics

At first listen the Aeon is quite a neutral-sounding headphone; nothing sticks out too much and there are no obvious dips in the frequency response. After a while though, the Aeon’s character starts to come through. MrSpeakers has also included some small foam pads to modify the sound somewhat; this fills in the upper bass and smooths upper midrange frequencies a bit if needed.

  • Bass

Bass starts with a bump, and the sub bass is really rather nice; a lot of what certain tracks require is just waiting in the wings and pops out to make a great bottom end. Further up towards the upper reaches of the bass, there is a feeling that more presence would be good as it meets the midrange but it’s slight. Overall the bass is tight and well behaved, giving a solid feeling to proceedings.

  • Mids

Midrange is extremely clear and revealing; it has a natural and loose feel to it which is impressive for a closed-back model. It has a well balanced quality which is not too hard, nor too lush. There’s no issue with sibilance here either, despite the impression that midrange is fully present within the tuning of the MrSpeakers Aeon.

  • Treble

Up at the top, there’s good extension and a decent amount of sparkle although there is no obvious emphasis here; treble continues on from midrange without any problem. Cymbals are rendered very well with decent detail, and attacks are good and sharp.

  • Soundstage and Separation

We keep needing to remind ourselves that this is a closed-back headphone; the soundstage is very impressive indeed with great depth too. Imaging and separation are excellent, making a very entertaining and enjoyable headphone.

Music genres good for and why

Many genres were tried and none failed to hit the mark. Classical is treated with delicacy, hip hop is thrown down, and jazz gets playful. The MrSpeakers Aeon handles it all equally well!

Summary

MrSpeakers’ Aeon is a very capable headphone which is worthy of the high price, and equally suitable for use outdoors as well as relaxing at home.

SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Sports Earphone Review

Posted on by
Reply

SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Earphone Review

The SoundMAGIC ST80 is the perfect companion for sports enthusiasts, with a big helping of bass, yet crisp and detailed mids and non-fatiguing highs they are sure to keep you motivated on the move.

Pros:

  • Overall sound quality
  • Fit
  • Build quality

Cons:

  • Possibly a bit too much bass for some

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The SoundMAGIC ST80 looks like most other earhook sports headphones, with a rotation behind the ear hook to securely hold them in place, and a small housing that goes into your ear. There is a battery pack on the cable, with a clip to clip it to your clothing, and a small remote. I think they look great for a sports headphone and do not stick out too much, I also like the black and red cable linking the headphones to the battery pack.

 

The build quality feels sturdy and these should hold up fine to daily sports activities very well, the cabling feels good, the headphones themselves are a mixture of metal and plastic. There is good strain relief on the connections and being Bluetooth means less cabling to fail, the cable is detachable though (screw on) and also included is a regular audio cable with controls.

Accessory wise you are spoilt for choice, with a nice clamshell carry case, 2 cables (one Bluetooth, one regular with mic and controls), an adaptor that splits the audio and microphone cable for use with computers, USB charging cable, phono adaptor that changes the pinout for apple/android, cable clip, S/M/L Comply foam tips, XS/S/M/L sports silicone tips, S/M/L regular silicone tips and also a pair of bi-flange tips. This amount of accessories and tips means you are guaranteed to find a secure fit, but also have something to store them in when not in use.

 

Comfort, Isolation, Cable noise and Ease of use:

The ST80 take a while to get used to fitting, once you get the hook behind your hear it is quite easy to get a good fit. The fit is nice and secure due to the earhooks keeping them in place, but the earhooks are soft enough to not cause discomfort. I find them to be very comfortable once you get a good fit and would not have problems wearing them for extended periods of time.

Isolation is good, not as good as fuly sealed units, but enough to block out most of the world around you when you are out jogging, just be careful when crossing the road or are around cycle paths. The good isolation also means they won’t leak sound outwards and annoy people near you.

Cable noise is very low on these, which is important for a sports headphone.

 

I found the ST80 paired over Bluetooth quickly and easily, I had no transmission issues and the remote was easy to use, if you long hold the volume up it changes track, instead of the usual double tap of the middle button. Something you will need to get used to, but nothing problematic; They charge easily via a microUSB port on the battery pack.

———————————————————————————————–

READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E10BT Bluetooth Earphone Review

———————————————————————————————–

Sound

  • Bass

The low end is slightly boosted on the ST80, keeping an upbeat and always present bass line keeping you motivated when out at the gym. Luckily the bass is not a bloated mess, it can extend low and you can feel it as well as hear it, but it does not veil the mid range too much. I find the impact of kick drums to be very impressive, and bass guitars are also very articulate, the only thing they don’t do so well is fast paced heavy metal.

  • Mids

The mids are slightly behind the bass in overall quantity, but they are still easily heard, female vocals sound a little better than male vocals. Overall though, the crunch from guitars is aggressive when called for, and there is a good amount of crisp detail. What is very good in the mid-range is the spacial cues and separation, being quite open and expansive.

  • Treble

The treble is very well reproduced here, again it takes a slight back seat in the overall sound but it still retains good clarity and air. It does not sound up front, leaning towards a darker, bassier sound. These won’t be for those who want the clearest sound, but for those looking for a fun sound whilst out and about they are perfect.

The soundstage is intimate, but the separation is good.

 

Conclusion

The SoundMAGIC ST80 can compete with the big boys, like the Sennheiser HD1 in-ear wireless, the ST80 have a bass oriented sound signature but with good clarity overall. The bass is the driving force behind these, but the mids cut though the mix very well offering excellent detail retrieval. The highs are slightly dull which leads to an easier listening experience but not the best overall balance.

The design lends itself to sports use, and the sound for that use is perfect, a nice big bass beat to keep you motivated, but without masking the rest of the sound.