What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £40? The E10S has the same superb build quality and sound signature as the E10 but with the added function of a universal smartphone in-line microphone – need we say more?
Universal smartphone microphone (iPhone and Android)
Cons
Nothing to fault at this price
Key Features
Comfortable fit and distinctive design
Made for all smartphones
Integrated smart remote and microphone
Unique, all metal earphone construction
Powerful bass balanced with superb musical detail
Robust tangle-free twisted cable design
Skype/VOIP adaptor included
First Impressions
From the start it is hard to believe that the E10S is under £40. The packaging is smart and of a very high quality – once opened you find plenty of spare ear tips and an attractive hard case. Holding the earphones you can feel how well made they are and the innovative switch on the jack plug will let you set the earphones to work with any smartphone – you would not expect technology like this on such a modestly priced earphone.
Sound Quality
Once you get over the impressive built quality and actually try them out you will not be disappointed. Like the SoundMAGIC E10, The E10S has tight bass with plenty of weight – the mids are well defined and the top end sparkles. These earphones are perfect for listening on the go as the sound is fun and they will sound great with whatever you throw at them. Soundstage is better than what you would expect from an earphone at this price – it’s engaging and natural.
Verdict
If you have £40 to spend on some new earphones then go for the SoundMAGIC E10 – if you need an in-line microphone then go for the E10S. Easy.
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 together the best headphones of 2015 and written reviews of our favourites. You will also find more detailed guides to the best headphones for specific types at the following links:
The SoundMAGIC E10 is from the second generation of earphones from SoundMAGIC, and simply must belong in our Best Headphones Top 10, The first generation PL11 and PL30 really pushed the boundaries of what you could expect from an entry level earphone, so SoundMAGIC had quite a task bettering their existing designs. We think they’ve excelled themselves with the E10.
The E10’s sound signature has similarities to the massively popular PL11 (i.e. a powerful, fun sound with plenty of bass), but with a greater level of control and improved musical detail. The E10 is an improvement over the PL11 in every way. Sound quality is exceptional.
The earphone is constructed from a lightweight fully metal frame, which ensures the earphones will survive every day use. Cabling is high quality and the jack plug is very well made. To get the best in-ear fit and sound we recommend T-400 Comply Foam tips – the E10s have quite large nozzles, which is tricky to fit for those with smaller ear canals.
The E10 sounds good, looks good, is very well made and you will struggle to find another earphone to compete with it under £70.
If you need a microphone for use with a mobile phone check out the equally impressive SoundMAGIC E10S.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
A very nicely designed earphone with sound quality that is sure to impress. The earphone is built to a very high standard and rivals the big brands. Cannot be beaten at this price point.
Final Audio have a fantastic range for all pockets and ears, and this is Heaven too!
Machined from stainless steel, these stylish earphones feature a single balanced armature driver, with bass frequencies assisted with Final Audio’s BAM (Balanced Air Movement) design; this boosts the bass frequencies which are generally seen as weak on single balanced-armature models.
The mid range is neutral sounding, clear and uncluttered, with good detail and presence while higher frequencies are rolled off a little; high hats and crashes will be less prominent but still attention grabbing considering the neutral mid-range.
Soundstage, imaging and separation are of excellent quality for an in-ear of this price. Isolation is good and the Heaven II can be worn with the cable over the ear, although it is designed chiefly to be worn down from the ear.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Fantastic quality for well under £100. A full bodied presentation from a single balanced armature which sounds as good as it looks.
Dita – The Answer
This little brother to the pricier ‘Truth Edition’ model is no stranger to sincerity itself; machined from solid aluminium, the capsules are designed to avoid adding their own colouration to the sound, and are weighted to lean into the ear for greater comfort and a better seal. They aren’t heavy but just weighty enough to let you know they mean business, and the cable is reassuringly stout.
Much like other similarly-priced dynamic driver IEMs, the sound is what you might expect; bright without being sibilant, well balanced mids, well controlled but slightly elevated bass. There’s a smoothness from this type of large diameter driver which I never fail to appreciate, and along with its speed and accuracy, it brings any music to life with aplomb.
Soundstage and imaging are first class, and the use of a headphone amp can really add the cherry to the cake in terms of realism.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
IEMs like the Dita are showing once again that dynamic drivers can be every bit as fast and vibrant-sounding as their balanced armature counterparts, with added smoothness to give a wonderfully analogue impression.
The IE800 Sennheisers new flagship audiophile earphones. Featuring a linear-phase driver system that achieves distortion-free audio even at high sound pressure levels. Surely Sennheisers most innovative portable music solution, the IE800 meets the demands of portable audio with truly superb sound and comfort.
The extra wide band transducer system, with a diameter of just 7mm is the smallest wide-band driver system currently available in dynamic earphones. Innovative vent holes in the housing of the IE800 direct the air flow resulting in minimal distortion levels. Sennheiser’s revolutionary dampened two chamber absorbers eliminate the masking of low volume frequencies by absorbing the energy from the louder low-frequency sounds.
Build quality is amazing, scratch-resistant ceramic housing, stainless steel air vents and Kevlar coated audio cable, the IE800 is built to last. Two special meshes protect the IE800 against residue and contamination.
The package includes 5 pairs silicone eartips in different sizes, premium leather carrying case, a cleaning tool and instruction manual.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Brimming with ground-breaking technologies the IE800 are the ultimate IEM for bass lovers. Big warm and powerful sounding, beautifully engineered with an ergonomic and attractive design, these are very special IEMs.
Grado’s full size headphones are famous for their wide open and airy sound – perfect for live recordings, female vocals and percussion. Rock music also.
The clarity and detail which can be purchased for the sub-£100 price of these headphones is staggering; they are perhaps one of the best value headphones available just now.
Bass is tight and not overstated, mids are rich and highs are heavenly. They are as open-sounding as headphones get, and of course leak sound so are to be enjoyed in a relatively quiet space.
Their low 32 ohm impedance means they can be driven by portable devices, but as with many headphones an amp can really help get the best from them.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you are looking at your first quality headphone purchase and you like details and space within music, then look no further than the SR80i.
One of Final Audio’s full size models, the Pandora VI consists of both dynamic driver and balanced armature drivers, to give both a warm and rich presentation, with no compromise on detail.
Sound from the two drivers melds seamlessly into one weighty and accurate. The closed-back and low impedance design makes them perfect for travel, while they are just as enjoyable relaxing at home.
The stainless steel and ABS thermoplastic resin design gives them a timeless vintage look which belies their cutting edge technology. They really look as clean and exciting as they sound.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
A real contender amongst closed-back headphones, and an exciting new addition to a growing family of hybrid-driver products on the market. These have amazing isolation and detail which can transport you.
The LCD-3 is a headphone which does not compromise in the search for the highest quality audio reproduction. The planar magnetic drivers deliver a very fast and powerful sound, with breathtaking imaging and realism. Your music will come to life.
More than one audiophile has remarked that these are the best headphones they’ve heard, and they certainly live up to their reputation.
Individual instruments are as real to the listener as the spaces they’re recorded in; the effect is a truly immersive listening experience which is hard to find anywhere else outside of full electrostatics.
The LCD3 is a headphone for enjoying at home – the weight and wide open-backed design is not for the street or more strenuous activities; also a headphone amp is recommended.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Powerful yet tightly controlled bass, luscious mids and sparkling highs make these a treat without compromise or comparison. The effortlessness with which the LCD-3 delivers audio is testament to their excellent build quality.
The lightweight and portable SoundMAGIC P21 is perfect for the summer and travel; the isolation can keep your music from disturbing your companions and the earcups fold flat for easy storage. The included case will protect them when not in use.
The sound is what you might expect from SoundMAGIC; they have crammed a lot of quality in, considering the low price. Great detail without sibilance, mid-range which is clear and engaging, and bass which is well controlled and in good proportion to the rest of the sound.
Soundstage and imaging certainly make for a immersive experience wherever you go.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
These are the perfect accompaniment for those who wish to travel light and get away; good isolation and a great sound combine to make a traveller’s joy. Also available with microphone as the P21S.
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.
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.
HiFi Headphones 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.
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.
HiFi Headphones 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.
We’ve collected the best full size hi-fi headphones from under £100 to over £1000 from 2015. The reviews are designed to help you choose from the massive selection of hi-fi and audiophile headphones with open back and closed back designs available. From trusted brands like Shure and Grado, to the freshest new brands like SoundMAGIC and Final Audio Design.
Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite full size open back and closed back headphones.
There are not many good Hi-Fi headphones for under £100, but the SR80i is an exception. The Grado SR80i is a great first step into high quality full size Hi-Fi headphones. Choosing the best Grado headphone is a little tricky as they are all excellent, but the sensibly priced Grado SR80i headphone is a worthy contender for best entry level on ear Hi-Fi headphone.
The SR80i is a energetic sounding headphone, with excellent clarity through the mids/highs, highly detailed resolution and a solid bass kick. Grado’s have a very up-front sound that can bring music to life. The SR80i is an on-ear headphone, so they can require a bit of re-adjusting after some use to get them comfortable again.
Unlike some audiophile class headphones the Grado SR80i’s are sensitive enough to give good response without any dedicated amplification, as they are rated at a very efficient 32 ohms.
All of the Grado range are fully open back headphones, which means sound can leak in and out of the ear cup. If this isn’t a problem then the SR80i is a very solid choice for a home listening Hi-Fi headphone.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Delivery stunningly good sound quality for the price. If the open back headphone design is no problem then you should definitely consider this headphone.
Featuring a fully sealed (closed back) design and extremely robust build quality, the Beyerdynamic DT770 is a real workhorse of a headphone that is suitable for daily use and abuse.
With a pedigree in studio and live recording, Beyerdynamic is the number one choice at the BBC – check out photos on the BBC Radio 1 website and you will see most guests wearing the DT770.
Bass response is powerful and positional accuracy is excellent, making this a firm favourite for gaming and movies. However, the DT770 is a versatile headphone and is great for long music listening sessions also.
The DT770 is available in an easy to drive 80 Ohm version (suitable for home and even mobile listening) and also a much harder to drive 250 Ohm version that is designed to be plugged into a high output power mixing desk or dedicated headphone amp.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Robustly built and with superb sound quality, if you are looking for a closed back headphone with a big sound then the DT770 should be high on your list.
SoundMAGIC HP150
SoundMAGIC’s second generation full size HP150 headphone (replacing the excellent HP100) is a fantastic addition to any audiophile headphone setup. With a natural midrange, wide soundstage and excellent detail resolution, the HP150 has an engaging sound that makes this a perfect everyday headphone for home or the office.
Despite the closed back headphone design, music is given breathing space and voices sound natural. Overall a very well balanced headphone.
The low impedance of the HP150 makes them suitable for use with portable players without the need for further amplification.
Generously padded earcups and adjustable headband provide for a comfortable listening experience, even during longer listening sessions. The construction of the HP150 is very solid, and the earcups swivel so the headphone can easily be stored in the included hard case.
The HP150 is a closed back model; this headphone type is best for situations where isolation is requires, but if this is not an issue then also consider the SoundMAGIC HP200, which is generally thought of as better for natural-sounding music.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The HP150 represents fantastic value for money and gives a sound which is engaging, fun and of impressive quality. Great for all genres.
With this closed-back full size headphones, Shure have made a fantastic headphone for people who like their bass, but without the bloat of similar ‘basshead’ headphones when it comes to a wide range of music and styles. However, the SRH1540 will pick up and run with higher levels of bass if the track has them – lower quality recordings/mixes are faithfully reproduced.
The overall sound is exciting, yet smooth. It has been said that they give the sound of music recorded using ribbon microphones and there is a hint of a vintage feel to the sound.
They are immediately engaging, and along with a fine build quality they are certainly headphones to hanker for; aircraft-grade aluminium alloy and carbon fibre make for some very solid headphones indeed, while at 286g, they are very light considering the materials and solid feel.
The impedance/sensitivity of these headphones should be suitable for most portable players and applications, but a portable amp will allow them to be at their best.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
If you like a good warm detailed sound but find higher frequencies tend to lead to fatigue, then these headphones are definitely recommended.
HiFiMAN HE-400
A relatively new name, HiFiMAN has made itself very well known in recent years with its range of planar magnetic headphones among other models.
The HE-400 is a very low-cost taste of what this technology can do with your music; the bass is not like anything heard from dynamic headphones, and the soundstage and imaging is breathtaking.
The bass is not bloated or overemphasised; it is simply replicated in the headphones so that it is felt by the ear, as well as heard. Sub bass is sublime.
The 440g weight may not suit everyone but there is some wonderful technology to account for; the HE-400 is certainly for those who accept no compromise when it comes to sound quality.
The sound signature is rich and detailed; there is a slight roll-off at the top end making these relatively warm but not at the expense of details. This is one to consider if you dislike too much high-frequency energy getting in the way.
Their wide-open design may not lend itself well to shared environments such as the train or bus, but with headphones like these to listen to, why would you want to go out?
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The HiFiMAN HE-400s are heavy hitters when listening at home and lend a wonderful weight to any music.
The Pandora Hope VI is the bigger brother to the Hope IV model and includes the same hybrid driver technology, i.e. two speakers per ear.
Constructed with both dynamic and a balanced armature drivers, the Hope VI delivers the warm and engaging sound most headphone users are looking for, but with greater accuracy and speed when compared to similarly-priced dynamic models. There is no crossover; the full frequency range of both drivers is used.
The Hope models have a BAM (balancing air movement) mechanism to ensure that air flowing within the earcups does not compromise the sound; this, with the dual driver technology, leads to a listening experience which is great value for money.
Made from matt-finished ABS thermoplastic resin, the Hope IV has a very solid and well built feel – these have been made to last through many years of listening pleasure. The earpads feature a highly elastic synthetic leather material which provides a good seal for great bass response and further isolation.
The 1.5m detachable cable is also great quality, with strain reliefs to ensure that it remains free of problems should the cable get snagged.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The Hope VI is certainly worth considering as an upgrade if you like listening to details within music and appreciate great imaging, but do not want to compromise where it comes to bass.
Ultrasone’s range includes some fantastic portables and the Signature pro is no exception. Easily driven, these headphones are perfect for commuting or around town. The modest design is low-profile enough for those who want to stay under the headphone fashion radar; the spartan design belies the rich, sumptuous sound within.
Featuring Ultrasone’s own S-Logic™ Natural Surround system, these have the ‘speakers in a room’ effect due to the way the technology uses your ears as part of how they work. The audio is reflected off of the pinna of the ear into the ear canal just as sound is naturally, leading to a fully immersive presentation.
The Signature Pro has bass which is not overblown or pumped up; it is bright without being sibilant and the midrange is well balanced with great detail. Soundstage is amazing and isolation is impressive.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
At home on the train or in the living room, the Ultrasone Signature pro takes high-end audio wherever you wish to go. Altogether, a very solidly built and high quality portable.
Beyerdynamic Tesla T1
Founded in 1924 Beyerdynamic is one of the oldest names in audio and still manufactures most of their products in Germany by hand. The Tesla T1 is the culmination of many years of experience, which is evident from the beautiful finish of the headphone and superbly balanced sound. Delivered in its aluminium flight case the Beyer T1 has a solid industrial beauty that exudes high end build quality.
The A1 amplifier is the perfect partner to the T1 which at 600ohms is not an east headphone to drive. With its unique intelligent-circuit concept the Beyerdynamic A1 is capable of reproducing an amazingly wide frequency range which stretches way above human perception. Underneath the large front-panel-mounted aluminium volume control is a high grade ALPS-potentiometer for smooth volume adjustment. This is just part of the attention to detail that ranges from the outer unit construction to its quality integral components – use of a generously-dimensioned toroidal core transformer, plus a combination of carefully selected components allows even the highest-impedance headphones to be driven flawlessly over the entire frequency range.
We feel the Tesla T1 is the best balanced, most comfortable high end headphone available. Offering a level of insight that is at times staggering, the T1 breathes life into music. If there is one problem with this headphone it is the fact you cannot listen to basic quality MP3’s or fizzy low res music – the T1 is simply too revealing and compressed music is shown up for its lack of definition.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The sound is fluid and natural, there is a fast sense of detail that is crisp and precise without being fatiguing. The headphones themselves are surprisingly light and in typical Beyer style really comfy.
Fostex TH-900
The Fostex TH-900 is among the best sounding closed-back headphones, they are a treat for anyone who likes a smooth, effortless presentation.
With a low impedance of 25 ohms and 100dB sensitivity, these can be enjoyed on the move or at home; however a separate amplifier is required to get the best out of them if used for portable applications.
They have a warm sound signature, but at the same time have a speed and tightness which provides a lot of impact in the bass region. They are well balanced and the sound really must be heard to be believed; the TH-900 exudes beautiful quality in terms of both sound and build.
The protein leather earpads feel as comfortable against the skin as the music feels against the ear; these are amazingly comfortable headphones and really deserve the high esteem in which they are held by audiophiles everywhere.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Possibly the best quality closed-back headphones currently on the market. The price only seems high if you haven’t heard them yet!
The flagship Grado PS1000 is a headphone for someone looking for the very best headphone available. With the ear cups hand internally crafted with mahogany, while the outer is machined from a non-resonant metal material. The drivers are manufactured to tolerances far exceeding normal expectations, making the PS1000 a very special headphone that deserves serious attention.
Often described as a portable listening room, the PS1000 offers levels of clarity and detail that is normally reserved for dedicated listening spaces costing tens of thousands to construct.
When choosing a high end headphone like the PS1000 the best advice we can offer is to try the headphones out for yourself with your own equipment (we offer a 30 day money back guarantee).
The PS1000 sounds best when matched with a good quality headphone amplifier, but is relatively easy to drive and can sound great connected with any good quality audio source.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
We are big fans of the “Grado sound” and the PS1000 has the trademark lively, detailed delivery that is both engaging and exciting. This headphone has to be heard if you are serious about your music.
The LCD-3 is a headphone which does not compromise in the search for the highest quality audio reproduction. The planar magnetic drivers deliver a very fast and powerful sound, with breathtaking imaging and realism. Your music will come to life.
More than one audiophile has remarked that these are the best headphones they’ve heard, and they certainly live up to their reputation.
Individual instruments are as real to the listener as the spaces they’re recorded in; the effect is a truly immersive listening experience which is hard to find anywhere else outside of full electrostatics.
The LCD3 is a headphone for enjoying at home – the weight and wide open-backed design is not for the street or more strenuous activities; also a headphone amp is recommended.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Whilst you wonder how people can afford to buy these headphones, LCD-3 owners everywhere are marvelling at how you can go without them.
Listening on the go is becoming more and more popular – especially that now you can store your whole library of lossless audio on to a compact player like the FiiO X3, FiiO X5 or even the Astell&Kern AK120.
With the potential to have the highest quality audio in your pocket you will want to complement that with the headphones you use. This article will cover how to choose a portable headphone and suggest some of our favourites.
When buying headphones or in ear earphones for a portable player there are 3 main qualities you will be looking for:
Compact
As you will be more than likely using the headphones while travelling you will want them to be small enough to fit into a bag or even fold up for easy storage. You will also want them to be a size that won’t get in the way whilst moving from busy train to busy train.
Closed Back / Sound Isolating
As these headphones will probably be used in public, you won’t want the sound of your guilty pleasures spilling out to the rest of the train carriage – nor will you want to hear the loud music being played by the youths at the back of the bus. Closed back or sound isolating headphones are perfect for this, as they reduce the amount of sound leaking and help block out external noise.
Easily Driven
The majority of portable players such as iPod, iPhone, Samsung, Sony etc. can give great sound quality but they don’t have the most powerful headphone amps on them – when this is the case you want a headphone that is easy to drive so you can get a good volume out of them without maxing out your player.
In ear headphones
The ultimate portable solution are in ear isolating earphones as they tick all the above qualities – here are a selection that I would recommend:
Smooth and fun sounding with great detail. Very comfortable and good isolation for an open back.
Headphone amplifier
And finally… If you have got your heart set on a headphone that is more difficult to drive then do not fear! Adding a portable headphone amplifier into the chain will solve this issue.
Lots of power, bass boost, sturdy build quality and detailed sound.
So hopefully this article has helped you decide on your new headphone – but if you have any questions then do feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to help!
FiiO X5 Lossless Portable Digital Audio Player & DAC
Summary
The FiiO X5 is the new contribution from this great brand; the company which is making a huge name for itself by bringing high quality budget-priced items to the market. Almost a year ago we were all taken aback by the arrival of the X3 which has certainly shaken up the digital audio player (DAP) market, but now FiiO has X-ceeded itself with the X5.
After coming to know the FiiO X3‘s sound quality, it was a little difficult to imagine how it could be bettered; both in terms of sound quality and power. The X5 creates a certain expectation as it’s larger. It is still pocket-sized, but it certainly makes for a pocket which is full.
Unlike the X3, the X5 has no internal storage so a micro SD card is required to get started. However it has 2 slots for these cards, so there’s a potential 128Gb storage capacity with current firmware/size limits.
Appearance takes priority over usability for perhaps the first 30 minutes of use; the buttons are not marked and the user can feel a little helpless initially. This soon passes, but the wheel remains a point of contention; its build does not appear to sit well with the rest of the device. It’s very light and wobbly, with a rubber touch wheel to select options or tracks on the screen. Notches or slight clicks are encountered as the wheel goes round, but these tend not to be linked so much with what is happening on the screen. A ‘two click’ turn of the wheel may not necessarily move you along by two options so watch the screen. It can be frustrating if the required option is just one ‘click’ away; it seems that a gentle turn of the wheel can turn into a few gentle turns, as the selected option doesn’t change, or changes too far. Fortunately the lower two buttons on the front of the X5 can be used to scroll through these items, so it’s not something we’re stuck with using.
Sticking with the wheel, the centre acts as a ‘select’ button for the X5; however it is machined and is uncomfortable to touch with the thick skin on my thumb. It’s worth it though. Also I was a little concerned that there appears not to be a space where I can throw a band over and have it strapped to my FiiO E12 – the X5 is full of buttons, screen and wheel, but I have found that a band can be placed over the wheel area and operation is not affected. Maybe the addition of an E12 is overkill however; having tried the X5 now, my demanding 600 Ohm AKG K240 DF headphones sound fantastic straight out of the headphone socket.
There is no ‘hold’ button on the X5, there is a simple timer function (from 30s to 120s, or off) which renders the screen blank and most of the buttons inoperable, until the power button is pressed. I noticed that the volume buttons turn into ‘track skip’ buttons in this state.
The screen shows a little more of the track titles than the X3 when browsing, for example I am able to read the full title of Duran Duran’s ‘Is There Something I Should Know’ but no band name is present in the filename. Compilations may still require guesswork as to the track title, or you might want to encode your files with the ‘Track Artist’ after the ‘Track Title’ so song names can be read with no problem. Also the screen is less square than that of the X3; it’s wider, but only the top half of any cover art is visible when tracks are playing as it gets stretched to fit across the screen. Not a real issue, but Sweet’s ‘Desolation Boulevard’ cover isn’t the same!
Sound Quality
I tried the X5 against the X3 with the HiFiMAN HE-400; despite their 35 ohm impedance, these are thirsty headphones and can really take some power to get them up to their full potential. The X5 felt a little more relaxed, more analoguish, more controlled. It appeared to go a little louder as well, although the two models are evenly matched. Both the X3 and X5 powered the HE-400 adequately, although a little more headroom (on both players) might be nice with quieter tracks.
Next, a high quality dynamic headphone was tried – the Beyerdynamic T1. With this headphone the differences were harder to spot between the two Fiio players but the X5 appeared to give a slightly wider and more spacious presentation; the X3 had a little more bass impact or ‘slam’ to it.
FiiO has beefed up the bass/treble setting of the X3 with a full equaliser in the X5 model; there are now 10 bands between 31Hz and 16kHz, the frequency bands roughly double in breadth as they move up through the frequency spectrum; ie. 31Hz, 62Hz, 125Hz, etc. The steps in terms of EQ volume are very fine indeed, so this is a useful tool to anyone wanting fuller control.
Verdict
In all, the X5 is a winner if you have headphones which can reveal its audio quality. If you plan to stick with sub-£100 headphones or only have portable uses, you may as well save your money and get the X3. If you’re confident that your equipment can get the best out of the X5, then that is what I recommend – it is a clear improvement over the X3 and the extra money spent will not be in vain.
This is a question that comes up a lot at HiFi Headphones, so here is our easy guide on setting up TV wireless headphones.
Before you go and buy your wireless headphones it is important to find out what audio outputs
your TV has. This is the best starting point as it will determine which wireless headphones are
compatible and if you need any extra devices, such as a DAC.
Based on the type of outputs, there are two types of TV’s:
TVs with analogue output:
Headphone Output/Jack
This is the most commonly known type of audio output, but not necessarily the best. Using the headphone output on your TV will cut the sound from the built in speakers so only you (or anyone else connected to the wireless system) will be able to listen to the TV.
The majority of TV wireless headphones come with a mini jack cable so there won’t be any problems connecting them via the headphone socket.
RCA Phono
This output is generally located at the back of the TV and has two circular sockets, one red and one white. This provides a pure line out signal and therefore won’t interfere with the built in speakers. This is probably the best option as the majority of wireless headphones out there use analogue inputs, and most of them will include appropriate adapters to connect to the RCA phono output.
Even though there will always be a way of connecting TV wireless headphones to the RCA phono socket, some models come with their own adapter to make this easier. Here are a few that I would recommend:
A lot of modern TVs now only have digital audio outputs, this is either as optical or coaxial. If your wireless headphone transmitter only accepts analogue audio then it’s not the end of the world, you can buy a device called a DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter). This device will sit in the chain between your TV and wireless headphone transmitter. You will need a digital cable to go from the TV to the DAC, this will be either optical or coaxial depending on the output. Then from the DAC you will need an RCA phono cable to feed into the transmitter.
With digital outputs becoming more and more popular, there are now headphones that can take a digital signal and convert it to analogue with their own built in DAC. This way you get a much higher quality of sound. Here are a couple that I would recommend:
With such a wide range of TV wireless headphones and accessories on the market at the moment, it doesn’t matter what TV you have; there will be a wireless headphone out there for your set up.
Open back on-ear headphones. Retro design. Excellent sound with brilliant detail and clarity. SR325is has won many awards. Very efficient headphone voice coils (low impedance) means it can be driven by pretty much any device (even the humble iPod) and does not need a dedicated headphone amplifier. Hi-Fi speakers of similar quality would cost thousands. Hand made by Grado in Brooklyn New York. Grado has been in business since 1953, making turntable cartridges.
Open back over ear headphones. Very comfortable over ear design perfect for long listening sessions. Midrange and high end treble clarity is exceptional. Japanese brand with pro-audio pedigree (also make studio headphones and microphones).
Closed back over ear headphones. Very powerful bass response (ideal for gaming and movies). Replaceable parts (cable and ear pads) make it possible to service the headphone. Beyerdynamic headphones are used throughout the BBC (look at photos on Radio 1 website). Made in Germany.
Closed back over ear headphones. Closed back design ensures good isolation from noise and also means you don’t annoy people sitting nearby. Good bass response and high degree of accuracy. Coiled, detachable cable (can be replaced). Shure is a pro-audio manufacturer of monitoring earphones and microphones.
