The Scots again show their pragmitism and fondness for finely distilled qualities with the RHA SA950i; an on-ear portable model which is perfect for those with short arms and long sporrans.
Pros
Lightweight yet sturdy
Removeable cable
Great Sound Quality
Cons
No case or any other accessories included
They do not fold down
Hifiheadphones verdict
The RHA950i On Ear Portable Headphones arefantastic portable headphones for the price; and good thing too as there are no included accessories. If you want to grab and go without any worries, the SA950i fits the bill. Light, sturdy and ready for any Highland fling.
Key Features
Given its pricepoint, the SA950i is unsurprisingly bare of features other than the iDevice-compatible controls. There is no case or pouch; nor is there any flight adapter or otherwise ubiquitous 6.35mm adapter.
First Impressions
The first thought which stuck me was the dour and sensible design; we’re not at the point yet where funeral directors wear headphones on the job, but surely this would be their preferred design. Smart, stylish, but never showy. The sober theme continues as no accessories are included, but at least we know that all the value is in the headphones.
Sound Quality
Once the RHA SA950i is donned, the formality ends. The sound is fun but with a good midrange too; the bass doesn’t take over. High up, detail is good and things are relatively smooth. There’s a good bit of space for decaying reverbs and soundstage is good. Separation is surprisingly good too.
Things are impaired slightly as the earcups will not pivot side to side, and a decent seal with the ears is not immediately easy to get. The strong headband and yokes may bend to the shape of my ears after a few flexes, but I do not wish to alter this borrowed pair.
Score – 8/10
Summary
At this price, the RHA SA950i is very good value, and the sound will not disappoint. Aside from a problem with fit which should be easy to fix, the SA950i will suit anyone who can get away with wearing black!
If you like your brand names to look like the first line of an optician’s eye chart, the Hidizs AP100 is certainly worth considering – the name might take some getting used to, but it’s plain to see that this player is getting some covetous glances!
The AP100 has some stiff competition in the low-cost DAP (Digital Audio Player) market, not least from Fiio’s ‘X’ range. The AP100 appears to be a halfway house between the X3 and X5 in terms of size and cost, but how about sound quality?
The same can easily be said – compared to the Fiio X3, the AP100 is a little more accurate and coolish but this is not to say that the Hidizs AP100 is harsh. Listening to unyielding and brittle-sounding early 80s pop such as Duran Duran is fine on the AP100 but the X3 just gives it a bit more warmth and roundness to a presentation – the AP100 wins in terms of detail.
With the default firmware, tracks stood a good chance of having the first second chopped off if selected from the track list on the device, but this was fixed after upgrading to V1.31067. One problem I had after upgrading was that the unit reverted to its native Chinese language – there was no clue how to get it back to English again. Luckily I found the option in the menu as the only item with 2 Chinese characters. Select this and you’ll see ‘English’ in the sub menu.
The buttons on the Hidizs AP100 are lovely to press; there’s a great chunky feel to them and they are good solid buttons which will last. The only problem is that Hidizs saw fit to add separate buttons for ‘fast forward/rewind’ – I’m so used to using the same buttons for track skip and forward/rewind that I keep skipping tracks by accident. Also the ‘back’ button is on the right of the other navigation controls, which makes it feel like a forward/select button; this may lead to a few wrong turns for the uninitiated but it’s easy to get used to.
There’s a little flap in the case which is held shut by velcro. It took a while to figure out but this is for spare micro SD cards; just be aware that you may need tweezers to remove them again. SD cards can be changed simply in the device, however a tool or long fingernail is required to ‘click’ it into place and retrieve it.
I did also notice a problem with the track list on the player – select ‘track 1’ for instance on the track list and skip forward a couple of tracks via the play screen. Then on going back to the track list, ‘track 1’ is still highlighted as if it is still playing. Perhaps this will be addressed in future firmware updates.
Summary
A good little player; I look forward to future firmware updates but in the meantime the UI is quite useable, and the unit gives a clear uncluttered sound with a good amount of power. A great first effort which begs the question: whatever next from Hidizs?
The overriding opinion of those who stick with their free RCA interconnects (often provided with Hi-Fi seperates) is that any money spent on upgrading them is wasted. Quality cabling is a slightly alien concept to be fair; the signal passes from A to B anyway, why spend money on cables which will achieve the same end?
Speaking as someone who has thought exactly this in their time, I was interested to know the actual difference between some of Chord’s offerings, and the skinflint equivalent. Is any improvement noticeable at all, how is it better, and is it worthwhile?
To determine this, my colleague John set up a blind test between a studio grade RME audio interface taking a signal from a computer, and a Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear. These great amplifiers can switch between two inputs using a control on the front of the unit so is perfect for A/B tests. The inputs of the Slee amp came from the same source but using either the high end Chord Anthem Reference cable, or the entry-level Crimson cable.
Being an informal and quick test, rigorous procedures were not followed; I was aware of the cables being compared and it was just me doing the test. I operated the switch myself to select the cables, but I did not know which cable was feeding which input.
Feeling a little nervous, I noted down some of the impressions I got from listening to Level 42’s ‘Something About You’ through a Fostex TH900, with a Grado PS1000 ready for another listen later. I was encouraged to find that perceived differences were quite easy to spot.
Bell sounds which are pure and stand clear of the mix sound flatter and harder to pick out.
A synth with a bit of distortion on it (starts on beat 3 of the song) sounds as if it is going through a bit-depth reduction effect or ‘bitcrusher’.
The bass is slightly muddier with less definition.
Backing vocals are blended together and less distinct; voices are cleanly separated with the Anthem Reference cables.
Hi-Hats are more splashy and ill-defined.
Not surprisingly I guessed the correct channel for the cheaper Crimson cable; the blind test showed very clearly the differences between the cables.
I then swapped headphones to the Grado PS1000 – an open headphone of similar quality to the TH900. I found that the PS1000 made it more of a challenge to spot differences but they were still there. Another thing I noticed was a loss of soundstage height with the PS1000 when listening to audio through the cheaper Crimson cable.
In the spirit of further thorough experimentation, the “free with hifi separates” cable was tried. Predictably, the differences were more marked.
The bells sounds are flat and dull.
The distorted synth sound requires focused attention to hear through the mix.
Bass is flatter and flabbier.
Backing vocals are more blended; both blended together and with the rest of the music.
Hi-Hats sound more like brief bursts of white noise than cymbals.
The overall impression was of an old cassette recording, relatively speaking. The soundstage was practically limited to the width of the headphones , and high frequencies are messy and splashy. There was a large portion of distortion throughout.
Verdict
Although premium cables like the ‘Anthem Reference’ cables may be out of immediate reach for the average listener, I found that the entry-level ‘Crimson’ model is certainly a worthwhile improvement over the generic black/grey RCA cables. At £55, it is clear to see that this represents great value considering the sonic improvements it offers.
At this price point, you’ll find it very difficult to find an earphone with mic as good as the Fidue A31s. These earphones are extremely light weight, the build quality is superb and most of all the sound is excellent!
Summary
Experience portable high fidelity sound in an affordable package. Fidue A31s embody everything a modern earphone should: superior sound, smartphone compatibility, external noise isolation and long term comfort. High fidelity sound is provided with a balance of strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs.
With small housing design and long sound tube the A31s differs from conventional earphones in creating big sound in a small space. Micro-dynamic 8mm drivers funnel superior sound directly into the earcanal. Double flange eartips provide excellent noise isolation and offer unparalleled comfort for long-term listening.
Integrated with call answering button compatible with most smartphones, the Fidue A31s will work with iPhone, Android, Window and Symbian devices. The integrated remote control allows the user to have full control of music. Calls can also be answered and ended by using the single button remote.
Experience portable high fidelity sound in an affordable package. Fidue A31s embody everything a modern earphone should: superior sound, smartphone compatibility, external noise isolation and long term comfort. High fidelity sound is provided with a balance of strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs.
With small housing design and long sound tube the A31s differs from conventional earphones in creating big sound in a small space. Micro-dynamic 8mm drivers funnel superior sound directly into the earcanal. Double flange eartips provide excellent noise isolation and offer unparalleled comfort for long-term listening.
Integrated with call answering button compatible with most smartphones, the Fidue A31s will work with iPhone, Android, Window and Symbian devices. The integrated remote control allows the user to have full control of music. Calls can also be answered and ended by using the single button remote.
– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/fidue-a31s-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-mic-red.html#sthash.xn9fLWK6.dpuf
Please click the image below to select the colour you would like;-
Price – £19.99 all Models with free Shipping in th UK until Christmas.
Features
Call answering button compatible with most smartphones (iOS, Android)
Small and lightweight housing and sound tube design
Double flange silicone eartips offer high noise isolation
Unparalleled comfort for long-term listening
Suitable for portable media players with standard 3.5mm connection
Balanced sound with strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs
The Beyerdynamic T51i is one of the best portable headphones out there. Now they have gone a step further by adding an in-line microphone and smartphone controls – making them the ultimate portable headphone!
HifiHeadphones are happy to announce that the Beyerdynamic T51i is now in stock.
The DUNU DN-900 is a well built, hybrid in-ear headphone. The bass is punchy without overcrowding, with spacious mids and smooth highs – these earphones perfectly combine power and detail.
Pros
Frequency response can be fine tuned
Generous range of extras/accessories
Very clear bass and mid-range
Cons
High-frequency roll-off (if you like a brighter sound)
Case oversized for everyday use
Tuning rings easily lost if not careful
Cable can get tangled
As with all segments of the headphone market, the £100 – £200 bracket is hotly contested with innovation pushing sales as well as gimmicks. The hybrid drivers within the DUNU DN-900 are becoming commonplace among IEMs, but the tuning rings which are supplied with the DN-900 are not so commonly found. Given that we all have our pet sound signatures and preferred frequency responses, have DUNU released a self-adjustable gem?
Key Features
Perhaps most unusual about the DN-900 is the inclusion of the tuning rings; it’s always nice to have a bit of tweakability and it’s fun to experiment. However, be sure that you are changing the eartips and rings while sat at a table, or similar. The rings can jump off the nozzles and roll out of your life for ever if you aren’t careful. It would have been better to have a more ‘trouser clip’ style ring which stays on the nozzle.
First Impressions
Naturally enough, once out of the packaging, the first thing I noticed was the professional quality Pelican-style case. It’s a lovely item if bright yellow is your thing but it won’t fit in a pocket, nor is having your IEMs packed away in a bag or case the most practical place to have them. I would be utilising another case or pouch from somewhere else, while this case might lie unused in a drawer.
Sound Quality
The sound seems very mid-centric at first, with strong yet well shaped bass response. The most noticeable thing is the higher-frequency roll-off but this takes only a minute to get used to. I tried the rings in turn..
Silver gives a good bass grunt with midrange clear and even, and the higher frequencies rolled off. Blue appears bassier in the mid-bass area with a more pronouced and open midrange, while red is bassier again with some more low-bass creeping in and mellower mids. High frequencies are not affected by any of the rings but the blue’s effect on the midrange sits next to the highs better for me.
After trying the DN-900 with the Astell&Kern K120, I was very happy with the sound. Driving bass underpinned some very fluid and involving mids, with higher frequencies just managing to show their faces enough to keep the party atmosphere going.
The following impressions were gained using the blue rings and the AK120:
Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Two Tribes (Blank and Jones reconstruction)
The bass has good texture and impact going into the sub-bass slightly, mid range works well with male vocals and backing. Soundstage is good and wide with a great sense of space. Imaging is also good. The rolled-off highs did not give any problems.
Dub Syndicate – Mafia
Bass is very full and impactful with good slam. It is quite boomy on this track but dub calls for it! Midrange is still clear and separate – the piano parts are very distinct. Highs lend a touch to harmonics but otherwise linger in the background. Soundstage is as wide as the music requires, delay is headshaking.
Summary
The DUNU DN-900 is perfect for the tracks that were tried with them. They will satisfy any basshead but will not add bass which is not there and cloud things – midrange is spacious and lively. Again, the higher frequencies may be a problem for fans of this part of the frequency spectrum; but if like some you’re a little sensitive to it, the DN-900 should fit like a glove.
Thanks to certain headphone brands’ marketing campaigns of late, the perception by users and manufacturers alike is that people want a heavy bass in the sound as well as something that looks good on the street. And the response from Pioneer is the Pioneer SE-MX9, a good solid headphone with a bass response which, although it’s heightened, doesn’t dominate the presentation.
Pros
Solid build, yet light
Comfortable
Various options for cable
Cons
Ear pads may be an awkward size for some
Pouch offers little protection
Isolation could be better
Summary
When looking at headphones produced by large long-established companies it is easy to expect a product which is the result of committee meetings rather than the vision of a gifted and talented individual or team, and although the SE-MX9 headphones do appear to have had some influence from Pioneer’s marketing division I think they offer as much excitement as any equivalent from a specialist headphone maker.
Key Features
Features and accessories are basic with no frills – a curly 2m cable (3m extended) is included to give the option of listening at home, as well as the iPhone cable with volume/track control. The usual flight adapter and 6.3mm jack adapter is also present. A travel pouch is included; although the earcups fold flat the filled pouch still has some size to it, and the pouch will afford little protection should any knocks or bangs be encountered in transit. Admittedly however, it should take quite some impact to damage these headphones.
First Impressions
Of course, the first thing that springs to mind is the similarity to the almost ubiquitous ‘b’ headphones for which the young and under informed are clamouring. However any similarity ends when they are donned; this is the sound I was expecting when I first tried that other brand! Boosted bass frequencies needn’t affect the midrange you’ll be glad to hear.
Sound Quality
I’ve been checking around for a genre which the SE-MX9 doesn’t get on with, and all I can offer is anything which might have heightened bass already. Given that those who might want to listen to dance music etc. will not have a problem with this, I think Pioneer have got it about right. The midrange is very clear and revealing; decays are very enjoyable and the sense of space is very real. High frequencies are bright without being strident, and the soundstage is impressive for a closed-back portable.
Hifiheadphone Verdict
These are one of those headphones I like more and more the longer I wear them – power combined with clarity makes everything sound fun and engaging without clutter or fuss. Build quality is great and the ear pads suit me as I can wear glasses or sunglasses without discomfort. Whether the average 17 year old can be convinced to forgo the fashion boost offered by that other brand remains to be seen, but if they had the chance to hear the different brands side by side these Pioneers would be the clear winner.
Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/dita-audio-the-answer-iem-earphones-truth-edition.html#sthash.UQLlq1VS.dpuf
Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/dita-audio-the-answer-iem-earphones-truth-edition.html#sthash.UQLlq1VS.dpuf
Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – Review
Summary
The Answer Truth Edition is a dynamically driven IEM with a single 10mm driver; Dita Audio wanted to go for the simplest design in order to deliver the purest audio, according to their literature. Since balanced armature technology requires crossovers, multiple drivers and all the related gubbins, Dita went for the less complicated dynamic route. And why not? We’ve all been shown the power and finesse of the dynamic principle through Sennheiser’s excellent IE800s – they can be every bit as detailed and impactful as any well put together BA based driver.
New company Dita has made a splash lately with two significant IEMs; ‘The Answer’ and ‘The Answer (Truth edition)’ – the cable being ‘The Truth’. ..and I thought telling lies could get complicated!
If you forgot what the question was, it’s something like ‘what’s the best IEM man can come up with’? I reckon this response is fitting.
A benevolent deity has bestowed a pair of each model upon us and we have dutifully had a go; for this review I have stuck to the pricier ‘Truth Edition’ but for a quick impression of the non-Truth Dita, please scroll down to the ‘verdict’ part.
Pros
Well built with solid capsules
Weighted to lean into the ear – unlikely to fall out
Stout strong cable
Good range of eartips which can fine tune frequency response
Good extras – 2 quality travel cases included
Cons
Cable can be a little stiff but not too bad
Some might prefer a removeable cable
Key Features
The cable on the ‘Truth Edition’ is what gives the IEM its name; it is a Van Den Hul cable with whom Dita cooperated in order to get the best signal to the driver. The cable covering has a little window on it so the quality can be seen – it is certainly substantial. Other than that, there are no features other than the end product – the sound. Much like record players, the less you get on them as extras and gadgets, the better the sound will generally be. This is Dita’s philosophy.
First Impressions
The build quality is the first thing to be noticed. These are not heavy or unweildy IEMs, but the impression I have is that they were designed to be used in a war of some kind, or by very careless people. The build quality is very solid.
Sound Quality
The Answer (Truth Edition) lives up to expectations for a premium IEM; detail is exceptional and there is plenty of space in the presentation whether things are busy or not; there’s an effortless quality. Harmonics are not lost on these IEMs, everything is reproduced, and faithfully.
Not to say that these Answer/Truths are neutral; they have a sound which is on the fun side but it is done with real adroitness. There’s an analogue quality which reminds me of the Sennheiser IE800.
Soundstage is generous and imaging is great; it all just hangs together and as per the marketing/literature, the strengths of the single dynamic driver design are right here.
When comparing the two, the IE800 is just a little less forward which suits me. So if you feel that the IE800 is a bit laid back for you, try and dally with the ‘Truth’!
Verdict
Given the quality of Dita’s answers, we should be upping the quality of our questions. ‘How much money have I got?’ might be one such question. The ‘Answer/Truth Edition’ is not cheap, but the best things often aren’t. Given the price, the phrase ‘to be economical with the truth’ may not be so accurate, but there are savings to be made by choosing the ‘Non-Truth’ version which is the same but for a little less detail and a slightly smoother presentation. A very close match for the IE800, and only two thirds of the price at £399.
The DUNU DN-12 Trident is the entry level in-ear headphone from this exciting brand. DUNU is making waves in the headphone world and I can see why – if they put this amount of work into their low priced headphones then I can only imagine what their high end models are like!
I had to keep reminding myself that these in-ears were under £50. The packaging is nicely finished and when you get inside you find a good quality leatherette bag, plenty of different eartips, a cable clip and even a carabina. The headphones themselves are extremely well built. The driver housing is made from titanium which feels great and has a good amount of weight. The cable feels tough and isn’t flimsy, this ends in a smartly designed angled jack connection – you even get a cable tidy designed by DUNU included.
DUNU have thought about even the finest details with their entry level earphone so you are totally impressed before you even listen to them!
Sound Quality
When I first listened to the DN-12’s I felt that there was a fair amount of bass and that there could be more treble… Then I remembered that they are £35!
Compared to other earphones in their price range they sound more refined with a good amount of bass that doesn’t bleed into the rest of the mix, the mids come through nicely with enough crack and the highs give a great sense of space. The soundstage is very impressive as you feel that you are right in the mix with a wide presentation. I really can’t think of anything negative to say about these great little in-ears!
HifiHeadphones Verdict
Not long ago I would have said that the SoundMAGIC E10 was easily the best in ear for under £40 – now they certainly have stiff competition! The DUNU DN-12 may not have as much weight in the low end as the E10, but for me this is for the best. These earphones feel and sound like something that should be worth somewhere in the £50 region, as not only can they compete with some higher priced models, they have put a lot of effort in the finer details – this for me helps put them at the top of their game
The P21S version with Mic and MFB might be better if you’re chatty
Summary
The SoundMAGIC P21 is a new lightweight on ear headphone from the multi-award winning SoundMAGIC brand. It’s a small foldable unit with a 3.5mm connector, a perfect companion to a Dab radio, Smartphone or Tablet computer.
A foldable headband and soft carry pouch make these portable gems a must for travelling music andfilm lovers.
First Impressions
Featuring super soft pads and a non tangle cable, this is a simple product with everything you need included. Comfy on the head, there isn’t much pressure applied by the light frame but the generous ear pads keep the P21 in place even whilst walking around. You forget you’re wearing them right away and Isolation is impressive too.
Sound Quality
Famed for creating products which perform sonic feats unexpected at their price, SoundMAGIC have done it again with this budget beauty. These practical cans have sparkling mids, impressive soundstage with both detail and bass depth. Realistic instrument separation gives an accomplished musical feel.
Because SoundMAGIC have not been tempted to make the bass huge, the P21 really work across most genres. There is plenty of impact and rhythm for Dance and Rock lovers, but the top end sparkle will make classical fans equally happy. The sense of space and solidity will shame much higher priced portables!
Verdict
SoundMAGIC takes a lot of beating in this price category. Ideal for travel and holidays, these will fit right in to any bag or backpack when stored in their low profile travel case.
Even having tried much more serious and high value portables, I’m still really impressed while listening to this little SoundMAGIC on-ear. If you would rather have a budget headphone than an earphone, the P21 is probably what you’re looking for.
Engaging and fun-sounding, the SoundMAGIC P21 will make the absolute most of the output from any portable player.
Please take a look at our video review of the SoundMAGIC P21S below for more details.
We’ve collected our favourite on ear headphones from under £50 to over £500 from 2015. The reviews are designed to help you choose from the massive selection of headphones available. From trusted brands like KEF and Sennheiser, to the newest brands like SoundMAGIC and Aedle. Below you can check out our best rated on ear headphones from the year so far.
Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite on-ear headphones.
The Koss Porta Pro may not be an obvious choice for the top 10 best portable on ear headphones , it is likely older than most of its current users; introduced in the early 1980s, it pre-dates most other lightweight designs and has a real retro charm.
The sound is still very current however, as the Porta Pro’s sound signature suits dance music, rap and anything the user can throw at them.
A good level of bass and midrange gives a good grunt with realistic body. The highs are a little rolled off but not to the point where it’s a problem, indeed the roll-off makes them less likely to fatigue the wearer if dance music is played.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
For the money this is amazing value – get yourself a design classic which has stood the test of time.
SoundMAGIC takes a lot of beating in this price category – the brand is a natural at making low cost headphones which sound much pricier.
The P21 model is a lightweight portable with a flat tangle-free cable and good isolation. Ideal for travel and holidays, these will fit right in to any bag or backpack when stored in their low profile travel case.
Sound is impressive for this price point, with plenty of detail and a good kick to the bass without overpowering the mid range.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
Engaging and fun-sounding, the P21 will make the absolute most of the output from any portable player.
Without doubt the best pair of street style headphones currently on the market are the incredible sounding Grado iGrado headphones (with a reasonably RRP of £49.95). The drivers used in the iGrado are the same as those used in the Grado SR60, so you can expect a lively delivery of your music across the entire frequency range. The iGrado’s sound every bit as good as their home listening cousins. The styling of the iGrado’s is not too everyone’s taste, but who cares what you look like when the music sounds this good!
The only downside for commuters is that the iGrado’s have open backs, so sound leaks out and in. This is fine for walking on the street (as long as the traffic isn’t too loud), but is no good for travelling on underground trains or while sitting next to someone on a bus.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you can live with the open back design the Grado iGrado is the best portable headphone you can own. Very highly recommended.
The first incarnation of this headphone (the P30 – without the S) was a little underwhelming, but SoundMAGIC have really pulled out all the stops for this new revised edition, now with Smartphone compatible controls.
Sound is truly superb for an on-ear headphone under £100. In fact we think this is the best on-ear headphone costing less than £100. Bass is punchy and tight, while the mids and highs are natural and well balanced.
The build quality is excellent, with metal internals to the headband and nice quality plastics. Comfort on the ears is good, with soft earpads and a light clamping force on the head. This headphone is compatible with the vast majority of
Hifiheadphones verdict:
Brilliant sound performance and typical SoundMAGIC levels of build quality make the P30S a winner under £100.
Grado iGrado Headphones £50
Without doubt the best pair of street style headphones currently on the market are the incredible sounding Grado iGrado headphones (with a reasonably RRP of £49.95). The drivers used in the iGrado are the same as those used in the Grado SR60, so you can expect a lively delivery of your music across the entire frequency range. The iGrado’s sound every bit as good as their home listening cousins. The styling of the iGrado’s is not too everyone’s taste, but who cares what you look like when the music sounds this good!
The only downside for commuters is that the iGrado’s have open backs, so sound leaks out and in. This is fine for walking on the street (as long as the traffic isn’t too loud), but is no good for travelling on underground trains or while sitting next to someone on a bus.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you can live with the open back design the Grado iGrado is the best portable headphone you can own. Very highly recommended.
– See more at: http://hifiheadphones.co.uk/reviews/best-headphones-types/#sthash.CoBqOD3D.dpuf
Grado iGrado Headphones £50
Without doubt the best pair of street style headphones currently on the market are the incredible sounding Grado iGrado headphones (with a reasonably RRP of £49.95). The drivers used in the iGrado are the same as those used in the Grado SR60, so you can expect a lively delivery of your music across the entire frequency range. The iGrado’s sound every bit as good as their home listening cousins. The styling of the iGrado’s is not too everyone’s taste, but who cares what you look like when the music sounds this good!
The only downside for commuters is that the iGrado’s have open backs, so sound leaks out and in. This is fine for walking on the street (as long as the traffic isn’t too loud), but is no good for travelling on underground trains or while sitting next to someone on a bus.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you can live with the open back design the Grado iGrado is the best portable headphone you can own. Very highly recommended.
– See more at: http://hifiheadphones.co.uk/reviews/best-headphones-types/#sthash.CoBqOD3D.dpuf
The supra counterpart to the full-size Momentum, this on-ear version packs a punch just like its bigger brother. Full and warm bass which stays controlled, mids which are slightly recessed but still engaging – these headphones would suit those who favour a slight ‘V’ shape in their sound signature.
Supplied with a sturdy travel case, these are great for foreign adventures or just for enjoying whilst at work. The remote on the cable ensures that no calls need be missed with these immersive headphones.
They are well powered by portable devices such as phones, and are really suitable for this purpose.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
If supra-aural headphones appeal to you, the On-Ear Momentum is definitely worth a punt. They are fantastic all-rounders which can do any genre justice, anywhere.
Beyerdynamic are known for some wonderfully put together and sturdy headphones, with the Custom One Pro being a good example.
The character of the frequency response can be changed whilst the headphones are being worn by means of the adjustable bass ports on each side. Mids are slightly recessed and highs are clear but not too forward/bright.
They are primarily a portable headphone but are useful at home too; isolation is good and they can be adequately powered from any device, although an amp may be required for quieter tracks if going mobile.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
This good looking and sturdy headphone can be further customised but will sound good however they look.
Portable headphones are really getting some attention again, and the M500 is a great example of the type of quality which has entered this market recently. They are designed to hug the shape of the head and look very cool when worn, although the wearer may well be grinning like an idiot!
The sound is of amazing quality and it really is a strange feeling to be enjoying such a presentation whilst walking in the street, for example. They are solidly constructed without being heavy, and feel very comfortable. The earcups consist of a very soft cushion which provides good isolation without causing discomfort, so the high quality sound these deliver can be fully enjoyed.
The sound is wonderfully balanced; the bass is handled very well and is tight without sitting too far back; midrange is clear and unforced, and treble is crisp and grabs attention without getting harsh.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
For the price, these headphones are incredible value; they are the perfect travel companion for anyone who does not like to compromise when on the go.
Sennheiser’s Momentum are a stylish portable Hifi model designed to look and feel good wherever you use them. Available in two colour ways, Dark brown leather and black leather with red stitching, few headphones offer the same luxury in this travel size.
With plenty of detail and excellent instrument separation they never step into fatiguing territory, soundstage is short but imaging is impressive considering the size of the cups. The sound is exciting with plenty of bottom end available when needed, the Momentums are smooth without becoming sluggish.
Included with the Momentum is a headphone cable with mic and smart controls, a travel adaptor, a second standard headphone cable, an attractive hard carrying case and a 6.35mm jack adapter.
Hifieadphones Verdict:
The size, carry case and sound work well for commuters and business travellers and anyone who likes warm clean reproduction, this type of sound signature generally works well across all genres of music.
You’d be forgiven for assuming that these headphones are from one hundred years ago; from a distance the design harkens back to headphones which might be used to listen to morse code.
Try them however and you’ll realise that these are every bit as sophisticated as their modern-day counterparts; only the build quality is from yesteryear.
Bass is fully present but knows its limits, midrange is clear and fluid, with highs rolled off slightly to avoid fatigue. The VK-1 is a very musical headphone and suits many styles while being very stylish itself.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
These are remarkably beautiful headphones which pack a sonic punch their genteel appearance just does not hint at. High quality leather earpads ensure great comfort, while the sound is vibrant enough to rival any competition on the street. ( Availiable now, contact 01903 768910 )
World Cup 2014 is on its way and now that FIFA have banned branded headphones, we have come up with a list of headphones to help you keep up with all of the matches. Whether you listen to the radio on the go, stream the games on your iPad or just want to watch the football at home without disturbing anyone.
Here is our pick of headphones that will help you enjoy the World Cup and sound great!
Portable Streaming
Ideal for listening on the go with portable devices. These headphones are small, lightweight, they have good isolation and will reduce the amount of sound leaking out.. You can follow the World Cup in style.
If you like using in-ears but want something wireless these are perfect! They use Bluetooth so will be able to connect to most mobile phones and modern portable devices.
If you’re after a bit more luxury then the Momentum On-Ear is for you. They are the portable sized version of the popular full sized Momentum. They have a lush sound with great clarity and soundstage. They are also extremely comfortable and they look great too!
The AF78 uses hybrid technology, so you get a dynamic driver (for rich bass) and a balanced armature driver (for clarity and detail). This combination gives you great punchy sound with clear detail. The M version comes with a universal in-line microphone and one button control.
To fully immerse yourself you can go for the ultimate portable headphone. The MM450-X not only sounds great, they have noise cancelling – this will help block out background noise so you can listen in peace.
Home Streaming
Full size, comfortable and easily driven. Perfect for private listening at home with any source device.
One of the best sub £200 closed back headphones we do. Very good sound isolation and adjustable bass ports lets you customise the sound for your taste. Very comfortable and has a replaceable cable.
This closed back headphone gives you the best of both – a balanced armature driver for crisp top end detail and a dynamic driver for rich, punchy lows. Once burned in these headphones sound amazing – you’ll want to wear them all day long!
The T70p has great clarity and top end detail with tight bass and an overall neutral sound. The P version is designed for portable devices, if you use a headphone amplifier then I would recommend the T70 (non P version).
Watching TV
If you’re going to be watching the games live on TV then you will be doing some late night viewing. These headphones will be able to connect to your TV and get you fully immersed in the World Cup without disturbing anyone else in the house.
The ultimate in TV quiet listening. Both the RS160 and RS170 are closed back and will isolate sound extremely well. The RS160 comes with a portable transmitter which can be powered by batteries whereas the RS170 has a more powerful transmitter that also acts a holder and charging station for the headphones.
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new In-Ear Monitor Earphones from EarSonics, the S-EM6 is now available to be purchased on our website.
EarSonics surpasses the norm with the S-EM6, the first universal IEM to carry six balanced armature drivers in it’s heart. Offering the sound quality and finish of a flagship custom in-ear monitor, the S-EM6 marks a breakthrough in the world of universal monitor earphones.
Based on EarSonics acclaimed EM6 technology, the S-EM6 achieves audio quality never reached before with universal IEM earphones. Two dedicated balanced armature drivers each for low, mid and high frequencies with a 3-way crossover configuration combine to produce true to original sound recording.
With in-ear design and biflange silicone eartips the S-EM6 achieves high levels of noise attenuation keeping the listening experience private. Earpieces designed to sit securely in the ear when on stage or on the move ensures that the S-EM6 stays in place.
In my last article I wrote about the different ways you can set up wireless headphones with a TV. This time I will talk about the different types of headphones available and how to choose the correct one for you.
So you’ve determined which outputs your TV has and now it’s time to pick your headphone – here is a list of the best wireless TV headphones for each connection type.
This is our most popular wireless TV headphone. Amazing value for money – packaged with a charging dock as well as offering clarity and comfort. the Thomson WHP3311 is the best TV headphone we’ve come across for under £50.
The SET 840 TV is the ultimate assistive listening wireless headphone. Great sound quality and three selectable hearing settings on transmitter for optimised speech intelligibility. The volume control has left and right balance settings as well as tone control.
Sennheiser RS120-II (DISCONTINUED)
If you’re looking for a sub £100 wireless headphone then you can’t go wrong with the RS120-II. The transmitter can charge the headphones and uses RF (radio frequency) to transmit audio – this gives you a very long range but can be susceptible to interference. The headphones are open back so they will leak sound – but will provide a natural sound with good width.
TV Ears 2.3 (DISCONTINUED)
For the hard of hearing, the TV Ears 2.3 is very hard to fault at the very low price of £59.95. They use infra red to transmit audio so you get a clear sound, they are susceptible to interference though. The sound quality is what you’d expect for the price but as they are designed for the hard of hearing their main focus is on the upper frequencies – so for this purpose they work very well.
The RS175 transmits digitally using Sennheiser’s advanced technology, this provides a much clearer sound with no interference. The headphones are extremely comfortable and they are closed back so they isolate sound very well. The transmitter acts as a charging station for the headphones and also provides Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound listening modes and the built in DAC allows a digital connection via Optical cable.
The RS185 is almost identical to the RS175 except the headphones are open backed. This means that the headphones will leak sound, but you will get a wider and more natural sound from them. You can also adjust the balance for left and right channels separately.
If your TV only has digital outputs and you don’t want to go for the Sennheiser RS220, the FiiO D03K can solve your problem. Adding this to the chain between the TV (coaxial or optical output) and wireless headphone means that you can use any of the headphones I have mentioned in this article. A very handy piece of kit!
Sennheiser RS220 (DISCONTINUED)
The Swiss army knife of wireless headphones – The RS220 can connect itself to analogue (RCA) and digital (coaxial and optical) sources. The headphones themselves are open backed and provide an audiophile experience. The transmitter has a built in DAC (digital to analogue converter) so when used with a digital source, the sound is superb! The headphones feature balance control for left and right channels, a charging docking station and Sennheiser offer an extended 5 year warranty.
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Professional Reference-Class Open Back Headphone from Shure, the SRH1840 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Let us introduce the flagship of Shure’s reference-class headphone line, the SRH1840. The Shure SRH1840 open back headphones have been developed with premium materials and precision engineering. They are ideally suited to professional recording, mastering and audiophile listening applications.
Shure’s SRH 1840 features individually matched drivers for unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended highs and accurate bass. Custom-crafted, the Shure SRH1840 is extremely lightweight and durable. Steel driver frame with vented centre pole piece improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance for consistent performance at all listening levels. Individually matched 40 mm neodymium drivers for unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended high-end and accurate bass.
An included storage case, replacement set of velour ear pads, and an additional cable ensures years of uninterrupted listening enjoyment.
Open-back, circumaural design for exceptionally natural sound
Lightweight construction featuring aircraft-grade aluminium for enhanced durability.
Steel driver frame improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance
Ergonomic dual-frame, padded headband is lightweight and fully adjustable
Oxygen-free copper cable (OFC) with Kevlar reinforced jacket
Dual-exit cables with gold-plated MMCX connectors
Replaceable velour ear pads with high density, slow recovery foam
Additional cable and zippered storage case included
