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.
So… here’s the thing. We all love headphones, and we all love getting them for less money. And trying to navigate all the chaotic savings on Black Friday can be pretty intimidating. So we thought: why not just… keep the doors open longer?
It’s baaa-aaaack! We thought long and hard about it decided to keep the savings available until Friday at midnight, to give you a more relaxed pace for what is often a serious, intimate purchase. So get in touch, come visit us in our demo room, or just give yourself time to mull it over- we know buying a headphone is a process! And we’re here to help.
23/11/2018-26/11/2018
Good morning everyone, and welcome to the BLACK FRIDAY MEGA SALE! From this very moment until Cyber Monday night at midnight, all of our Black Friday sales are live and kicking. Absolutely everything in our entire Black Friday 2018 category is reduced for the next four days!
We will be in today (Friday) and Monday (Monday) to help if you’d like to call in and chat or ask questions. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We don’t bite!
22/11/2018
Today we’re changing things up a little! We’ve been offering up selected items from each brand these past two weeks, but today we’ve only got one spectacular item on offer: today we’re reducing price on the fabulous Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Gen Special Black Edition!
Beyerdynamic was founded in 1924, and if you know the brand you know they’ve been changing the game on top-grade personal audio since then. The T1 2nd Generation is a semi-open back headphone with an incredibly spacious soundstage, and a detachable cable. By all accounts it is a worthy successor to its legendary older sibling, but with a sleek black makeover and updated materials. Not only is this sale limited to 1000 units worldwide, FOREVER, but this sale is even more limited. Get your hands on it while you can!
21/11/2018
It’s a big day, and one that we’re really excited about. If you were holding out, now’s the time to reconsider, because today is the day we drop our Campfire Audio sale.
Campfire Audio began as a series of experimentations with different materials, drawing on experiences in personal audio to create something new and essential for audiophiles. These profoundly unique, exquisite headphones and IEMs deliver truly singular experiences in sound, owing to their masterful craftsmanship. If you’re interested but would like more information, feel free to get in touch with us. We love to talk about them! Like our other sales, this will end at midnight, so be sure to act quickly if you want to take advantage!
20/11/2018
We’re back and ready to rock, so let’s move things along with our next sale: it’s over to our friends at Shanling!
Founded in 1988, Shanling first produced its first item: an amplifier. Since then, Shanling’s commitment to independent research and development has allowed them to blaze unique trails in personal audio. The M-series players, specifically, have broken the mold with their intuitive interfaces and compact sizes. If you’re looking for a really high-quality player and DAC, you can’t go wrong with a Shanling, and today’s the perfect day to upgrade! Our Shanling sale will end at midnight!
19/11/2018
Happy Monday, savings lovers! We hope you’ve had a great weekend full of mirth and merriment, and maybe also some headphone savings. To ease us back into the swing of things, we thought we’d skip back to one of our previous sales- today we’re going to drop the price once again on Westone!
As before, these discounts will only last until midnight, so jump to our sale page and make sure you get what you need before time runs out!
16/11/2018-18/11/2018
Happy Friday! We hope you’ve been having fun so far- we know we have! To round off our first week of wheeling and dealing, we’re excited to show off our first weekend-long sale. It’s not the last sale, but it’s certainly the Final sale.
The beautiful craftsmanship and high-quality audio are the hallmarks of today’s brand, Final. Originally established in 1974 by Kanemori Takai, Final have skyrocketed to become synonymous with beauty, finesse, and precision. Their gorgeous Heaven series feature balanced armature drivers and unique sound signatures between models, keeping Final’s foot firmly in the door of the world’s greatest. These will be back to normal at midnight on Sunday night, so act quickly!
15/11/2018
Good morning, everyone! We’re back bright and early to introduce our next day of Black Friday discounts. Have you had a good night’s sleep? A nice breakfast? Some damn fine coffee? We need you energised for what we’ve got planned today- it’s time for Flare day!
Flare have been pursuing their visionary goal for five years now- founder Davies Roberts’s ambition to produce distortion-free personal audio products drives Flare’s innovation. They draw inspiration from their experience in the music industry, giving them a strong sense of the issues that need to be resolved. We’ve got a ton of good stuff from Flare for you today, so get crackin’! They poof at midnight!
14/11/2018
Another day, another brand! Today we’re offering up our next discounts in our three-week Black Friday sales event- that’s right! It’s Fidue day!
Fidue, helmed by lead engineer and designer Benny Tan (20 years of experience!), are masters of the craft of delicately tuned IEMs. They strive to reproduce sound accurately and clearly, maintaining detail and neutrality. We have several gorgeous models on offer today, so take a good look! You have until midnight!
13/11/2018
Welcome back! We hope you’ve had a good night’s sleep to recover from those bargains. But there’s no time to waste! We’re back for day two of our Black Friday sales with our second big beautiful brand highlight: Westone!
Westone are quick to point out that they are the world’s largest manufacturer of custom ear pieces, and there’s good reason why- they’ve been around since 1959, so they’ve had plenty of time to sink their teeth into the market. Their IEMs are legendary, and they’ve been around long enough to innovate by leaps and bounds over the evolution of personal audio.
Get on this deal before midnight, because the wheel must keep turning!
12/11/2018
Good morning, everyone! It’s our first day of our three weeks of Black Friday savings, and we’re kicking things off with our first fantastic brand highlight. First out of the gate, it’s the fabulous SoundMAGIC!
SoundMAGIC were founded in 2005 by Tony Xu, and have made a big impression on the personal electronics scene since then. They may be the underdog, butSoundMAGIC are never afraid to take the fight directly to their more well-known competitors. The flagship E-series receives consistent accolades from critics and consumers alike, with the E10C receiving consecutive years’ recognition by What Hifi? as an outstanding in-ear under a certain price. SoundMAGIC has plenty of momentum moving into the future, so make sure to keep them on your radar!
06/11/2018
Here’s the deal about Black Friday: we’re not content to just offer one day of great deals. This year, we’re gearing up to deliver three weeks of savings centered around our big Black Friday Mega Sale. Starting next week (12/11/2018), we will be highlighting brands to do different sales each day!
We’ll be keeping you up to date with what’s on offer across these dates, so check back here for a daily update starting the 12th. You can also keep up with what’s going on via our mailing list and social media.
The family is getting bigger- we’re expecting a new bundle of joy to our homestead in the coming weeks, and to celebrate, we thought we’d do a brief overview of the impressive in-ears on offer from these chemically-conscious can constructors.
What is the deal with Periodic Audio, anyway?
As the name might imply, Periodic Audio deal in high-end equipment with a twist- they specialize in highlighting the performance of elements on the periodic table as facets of their design technology. For example, their earphone range features diaphragms hewn from varying materials.
Periodic‘s motto is ‘Portable audio excellence’, which gives some insight into the brand’s style. You won’t find flashy cases or an abundance of accessories- they prefer to focus all their attention on the IEMs and let the sound speak for itself.
What will we be offering?
The Mg IEM
These bad boys feature a majority-magnesium content alloy in the diaphragm and Periodic advise they feature a bright, clear top end that would help cut through the noise in loud and busy settings.
The Ti IEM
You may have guessed, if you paid attention in chem class- these IEMs feature a 100% titanium foil for the diaphragm. Periodicfigure this is their best model for aggressive, fun music- it’s got great responsiveness and strong bass and treble- but perhaps not the most reference-style.
The Be IEM
Anyone get the last one? Well done at home if you guessed beryllium- they boast a 100% pure beryllium foil diaphragm to produce a sound with fun, strong bass and an impressive array of sonic detail.
Get Nerdy
Want a closer look into the science of Periodic‘s range? Luckily, they’ve got you covered. Each IEM has a full guide to what makes it tick, complete with measurements, readouts, and charts to show impedance and other factors. If you want to know specifically, down to the molecule what you can expect from each IEM, you ought to have a field day here.
So, that’s our glimpse into the future for the day. We’ll be shouting at the top of our lungs about it when these are available, so be sure to keep an ear out. And, as always, feel free to get in touch if you’d like to come visit us for a demo. And bring your chemistry set!
BONUS:
Q: Which genre sounds best on Periodic Audio‘s unique IEMs?
Shipibo wood cups, aluminium gimbals, rodblocks and leather headbands are all excellent hand crafted upgrades for your Grado headphones. They also provide a great base for a custom Grado style build for use with 3rd party drivers.
Shipibo Audio is the creation of Przemyslaw Nyczaj and Michal Czok, created to provide perfect products that stand out in the world of custom headphones. They craft all their products in house in Poland.
Cups:
Lets start off with the main product, the Zebrawood cups. These cups are Grado RS style that have been CNC milled on the inside, and hand turned on the outside to provide a perfect finish. These cups have tight tolerances inside and this means that your drivers will be a perfect fit. You can use liberated Grado drivers from the Prestige or Reference series; or 3rd party drivers from Symphones, Nhoord, Elleven Acoustics and Turbulent Labs.
The drivers slot right into place, you can use a layer of tape around the edge of the driver to make it a snug fit. The cups have a small opening to route a cable through, alternatively you can drill it out a little and fit connectors for detachable cables.
The grills are press fitted into place, and everything is flawlessly finished, these cups are produced to a very high standard. They have not ruined the grain by using a gloss varnish on them.
Sound wise cups do not change the sound drastically, but I have compared these to a Spalted Tamarind cup and these are ever so slightly fuller sounding. These are however a huge upgrade to your current Grados, and one that does not cost the earth. They will alter the sound a little over Metal or Plastic stock cups, as the resonant frequency is slightly different. I found moving to wood cups brings out a little more air, but also a more realistic timbre and body to the sound.
Rodblocks and Gimbals:
These are a prototype of the slim style rodblocks, and because of this they do have slight differences to the production models. However for a prototype they are perfectly machined with tight tolerances once again. The headband screws into place, and the slider tension can be adjusted by screws to keep them in the same position on your head.
The Gimbals have screws on each side to hold the cups in place, they are sandblasted on one side, and plain aluminium on the other. They are a perfect fit, and feel much more substantial than the stock plastic gimbals.
Apart from the cosmetic upgrade, being able to lock the rods in place to keep them the right size for your head is a huge bonus.
Note: The new rodblocks and gimbals have been treated with microarc oxidation which created a ceramic layer on them. Ceramic microarc coating is generally recognized for high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, so you won’t have to worry that your new parts will get scratched. So these parts are scratch-proof, but come only in bright silver matte colour.
There are 2 types of headband padding being made, one is a slim size which is similar in width to the original Grado padding, and the other is wide which is also thicker.
For this main build I used the slim pad, as it looks similar to the stock pad, but if you are making a heavier build, or want to upgrade your PS series headband the wide would be perfect.
Both pads are hand made, they are easy to install and offer a large upgrade in the comfort department. The padding and leather is soft and the weight is distributed more evenly, these headband pads are such a simple upgrade, yet one that makes your headphones a lot more comfortable.
Conclusion: Firstly it is excellent to see another company producing Grado style parts, there are too few. Also people do not realise that for a modest price you can build a headphone from scratch that will compete with models a lot higher priced, with minimal work involved.
Shipibo parts are well priced in the market, superbly finished and simply excellent.
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.
Sennheiser HD 630VB – Expert Review – Pump Out The Bass!
Sennheiser may now be a septuagenarian, but is keen to be ‘down’ with the kids without resorting to giving out Werther’s Originals. Hence the new HD 630VB, which has the facility to alter volume, answer calls and alter bass levels using controls on the right earcup; as hinted at by the ‘VB’ bit of the name. But does the Sennheiser HD 630VB have the panache of an elderly David Niven, or does it come across as a flare-clad grandad at a rave?
Design and appearance:
At first glances, the HD 630VB appears to be something which executives are pictured enjoying whilst looking out of aeroplane windows. Much like executives, they are very smart looking with their metallic veneer and slightly hard-edged styling, but they feature generously upholstered earpads and headband padding to offer a more yielding and comfortable experience.
The unique selling point is the variable bass feature; this works on its own (without relying on software in your digital audio player) so can be used with any device or full size amp with a headphone socket, although an extension cable will likely be required. The only thing is that the earcups are very large for a portable, but hey, let’s smash those preconceptions!
Unusually, the cable is worn on the right side of the headphones; this is due to the controls being on the right side for the majority of us who are right-handed.
Durability & build quality:
Weight is an issue with a lot of headphones designed for portable use and the HD 630VB is no exception. It’s a lot lighter than it looks but the stress points, such as the bit where the headband extends and the pivot points for the yokes have a good solid feel to them, so there should be plenty of life in the HD 630VB.
The cable is non-removable but has a very solid feel and is quite supple. The jack is straight and the housing is only 5mm wide so not a problem for anyone with a recessed socket in their player or DAC.
Comfort:
As is typical of portables, the Sennheiser HD 630VB does have quite a grip on the head, but the comfy earpads mitigate against this very well. Also they are good with glasses with reasonably chunky frames/arms. After a couple of hours, it may get a bit warm and moist under these earpads however.
Suitability for intended application:
These headphones are an obvious choice for portable applications, but are large and comfortable enough to be a good choice for relaxing at home too.
Sound isolation:
Isolation is pretty good, as the ears are swallowed up within the luxurious earpads and a fair bit of outside noise is taken care of. Obviously this melts away with music playing so you’re alone with your music. Others nearby will not twig that some particularly loud music is being enjoyed; the HD 630VB will keep your more questionable music preferences hidden.
Portability:
The headphones can be taken anywhere with the use of the supplied semi-rigid case; they fold up quite nicely to save space when not in use too.
Sound characteristics:
The HD 630VB has that classic Sennheiser tuning; ignoring the variable bass feature for a moment. Warm yet detailed, with clear mids and impactful bass.
Bass (e.g. punch, low extension):
The variable bass part of the design alters the bass level by 5dB up or down at 50 Hz, so there’s a good amount of control here. They can be made mean and lean, or can lend some serious welly to proceedings with a twist of the wrist. The trouble is, the temptation is to keep playing with the bass levels rather than just enjoying the music; to a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Naturally, some sub bass-heavy genres such as drum&bass have been tried and with the bass turned way up, the rumble factor is extreme; though not to the detriment of the midrange. Things are still well controlled, it’s just that there’s a particularly heavy foot beneath it all. Great news for bassheads.
With more midrange-centric genres however, the bass can be a little too much and appear boomy, perhaps as expectations and tastes change depending on what’s expected. You might enjoy salt on your chips, but not so much with cornflakes. The obvious answer is to tame the bass again using the control.
Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):
Midrange is clear and crisp with good harmonics coming through; vocals are prominent without giving too much in the way of sibilance, and reverbs/space get a good treatment too. It’s smooth yet detailed too, a good balance.
Treble (e.g. high hats):
Treble is an extension of midrange you might say; crisp and clean but allowing for the high-frequency sensitivities most of us have. Hi-hats and other percussive sounds cut through the mix, while synths scintillate energetically.
Soundstage & Separation:
For a closed-back model, soundstage is excellent on the HD 630VB. You might argue that the earcups are big enough to offer enough room for this, but that’s just mean. Separation is very well preserved too; the HD 630VB is faithful to classical genres and gives a decent sense of an orchestral performance.
Music genres good for and why:
With the variable bass feature, the obvious recommendation is for dance music genres and anything which benefits from a good solid kick. Jazz and classical are very well served too, with bass adjusted to suit, of course.
Pros:
Variable bass feature
Volume and call answer buttons mounted on earcup
Great isolation
Good build
Cons:
Earcups are large for a portable model
Fixed cable
Summary
The variable bass control gives a good range of possibilities for those who like a variety of genres and styles, and bass can even be adjusted to mask exterior noise like aeroplane engines or the rumble of a train. The Sennheiser HD 630VB is an excellent gift idea for those who wish to take no chances!
Bloc & Roc are relatively new arrivals in the headphones world; hailing from London, they may have just been delayed in traffic – but they’re here now with models such as the Galvanize S2. Aerospace-grade aluminium and 40mm drivers promise a well-built and impactful experience; so does the Bloc and Roc Galvanize S2 soar like a bird, or blow up during launch?
Pros:
Solid, yet light construction
Fabric cable
Decent quality jack
Sturdy carry case
Cons:
Cable is not detachable
Some may prefer more brightness
Design and appearance
Like those planes and rockets, the Galvanize S2 is designed to be light and functional with a no-nonsense approach and spartan design ethic. Everything within its payload has been justified and the design whittled down, making an incredibly light and comfortable pair of headphones. However for those not intent on staying within their baggage limit, a 24 carat version is available – we have the ‘plane’ black version here for this review.
Durability & build quality
Despite the lightweight construction and materials, the Galvanize S2 gives a strong impression of ruggedness. The fabric cable again gives a nod towards hardiness and the jack has a strong metal construction, much like the best jack plugs out there.
Comfort
A lot of portables either suffer from poor isolation or too much in terms of clamping force, but the Galvanize S2 gets it just right. These headphones can be worn for extended periods without any problem. Those with glasses may have issues much like with any on-ear model, but glasses can be readjusted once the headphones are in position, to avoid any discomfort.
Sound isolation
Very good for an on-ear model – the Galvanize S2 attenuates rather than blocking everything out; but particularly with music playing, the outside world is effectively sealed off. People nearby will not be disturbed by your music. There’s not much sound escaping the earcups even at higher volumes.
Portability
The Galvanize S2 can go wherever you go – Hifiheadphones will stock the version with a strong outer case included, so the headphones are very well protected in a bag or case.
Sound characteristics:
The Bloc and Roc Galvanize S2 is a warm-sounding headphone, but mid-range detail is definitely present with a decent amount of control.
Bass
Bass is plentiful but tight and well textured; it doesn’t get on the wrong side of the music and puts in more of an appearance when the music calls for it. It can go down very low too; dance music and similar bass-driven genres will be well enhanced.
Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):
The relatively smooth top end opens up the midrange for harmonics and vocals; acoustic tracks are a treat along with those featuring wind instruments and strings.
Treble (e.g. high hats):
Although the treble end of things is toned down a little, details are not sacrificed. Bells still jingle, and cymbal crashes still smash, but without impinging on the excellent midrange and lower frequencies.
Soundstage & Separation
As well as the clear midrange on the Galvanize S2, there’s a tremendous sense of space which goes along with it; reverbs make us almost agoraphobic. Soundstage is very good for a closed-back headphone, and separation is excellent.
Music genres good for and why
As mentioned above, the Bloc & Roc Galvanize S2 is well suited to many genres; dance and rap music both benefit from the midrange and bass emphesis, while acoustic tracks are enhanced by the excellent sense of space and harmonics reproduction within the midrange. Rock music too. Right now I’m trying the Galvanize S2 with some classic Italian cinema music – Armando Trovaioli’s theme to L’Arcidiavolo – and there’s woodwind jumping right out at me. It’s as good as I’ve heard.
Summary
The Bloc and Roc Galvanize S2 is one of those headphones which gets better the longer it’s worn. The way it brings instruments and performances to life is quite something for an on ear portable – quite uplifting! With this sort of power and finesse, the Galvanize S2 can certainly rocket.
