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.
It’s amazing that with the SoundMAGIC HP150 headphones, SoundMAGIC have yet again shown how they can raise the bar.
The market for full-size headphones costing £200 and below provides more shining examples of incredible sound quality. And helping all this along is SoundMAGIC, which has impressed all and sundry with its offerings of all types and sizes.
Perhaps most notable is the HP100 released in 2012 – a full sized and very comfortable closed back, offering a well balanced sound and good isolation. Summer is no stranger to super sequels however, so will we be jumping for joy in the aisles, or blubbing into our popcorn?
Pros
Superb Comfort
Pristine Sound
Solid Build
Plain Good Looks
Cons
Unique cable connection shared only by the HP100 Headphones
Some sound leakage
Summary
The HP150 headphones remain loyal to the previous HP100 design in terms of headband, padding, drivers and accessories. The most noticeable change is the driver housing; the previous ‘Tron’ style has been superseded by a matt black rubber coating which matches the rest of the HP150’s look.
Key Features
Features are only what’s to be expected from a headphone in this price range – just good sound and the usual accessories. There’s a 3m extension cable for Hi-Fi listening which is a bonus, as well as flight adapter and 6.3mm adapter. The case has undergone an improvement in that it affords greater protection; there’s more space for padding so that the headphones are safer in transit.
First Impressions
As mentioned above, the HP150 headphone is the sleeker, sexier descendant of the HP100. The shiny parts on the earcups and yoke joints are gone, and matt black is now the uniform colour.
The cable has undergone a slight change too, the previous model was shipped with a coiled 1.2m cable. This has been straightened, and together with the 3m extension cable should provide a bit of slack in most tight situations.
Sound Quality
The best bit of the HP150 headphone is of course the sound – heads are scratched and price lables are rechecked – are we sure there’s no mistake? The HP150 sounds like a headphone three times the price! They are well balanced with a little drop in the midrange, but it’s nothing which gets missed. Think of them as giving a little boost to both ends of the frequency spectrum.
Bass is fully representative of what’s there without getting its own ideas, and treble has a brightness which doesn’t cross into strident territory – even for those like myself with a sensitivity to these frequencies.
The soundstage of the HP150 is very impressive for a closed-back headphone. I wouldn’t say that the HP150 has the feel of an open-backed equivalent, but the breadth of the presentation is certainly comparable. Imaging and separation are pristine with details standing up to be counted wherever they are.
SoundMAGIC has stated that the drivers in the HP150 are the same as the HP100 – the change in earcup material has been balanced with padding within the earcup so that the sound is as close to that of the HP100 as possible.
With possible burn-in still to go on the HP150, the bass appears to be a tiny bit higher in volume against the rest of the presentation but with the same qualities. Treble seems to be a little bit smoother but not at the expense of detail. Midrange appears unchanged.
Hifiheadphones Verdict
Even with newly-introduced headphones getting better and cheaper year after year, the models put out by SoundMAGIC seem to thumb their noses at the competition. The HP150 headphone is quick, light and nimble; jester-like in its ability to handle any genre with fun and merriment.
If you have £200 and a need for closed-back full size headphones, a few minutes’ delay is a tragedy. Do your ears a favour and resist no longer!
Australian earphone manufacturer Audiofly, have released a range of four beautifully designed Professional In Ear Monitors. Taking on Shure, Westone and Ultimate Ears in this growing corner of the market is a big job, but from what we’ve seen Audiofly are more than up to it!
The Performance series have been designed to be used by touring musicians or music lovers who demand the very best sound in a tiny package. They all feature multi driver arrangements, with the top two models also sporting a super tough replaceable cable and leather carry case.
The Audiofly Performance Series range includes the following models:
Looks-wise these are some of the prettiest IEMs we’ve seen! Slightly slimmer with a more luxurious finish than most, the shiny coating on the AF160 and AF180 gives them an almost ceramic look. Comfort also benefits from this gently contoured design. Comply tips are supplied in small medium and large for perfect fit and better isolation than silicone. A full compliment of silicone tips are included though, as well as a 6.35mm adaptor, a cleaning tool and an airline adaptor too.
Audiofly developed a special cable for the Performance range called the Audioflex, which they say is roadworthy and built for the stage. As with most of their Premium range, the cables feature Cordura fabric (like that found in extreme climbing gear) with the addition of a heavy duty Y splitter, a low profile twisted section and a mouldable over ear sleeve before the driver housings.
It won’t make any difference to the sound but the packaging deserves an honourable mention. Audiofly have really gone to town with some of the best looking boxes we’ve seen in a long time.
Finally to the sound – this certainly doesn’t disappoint. As you would expect, the whole range has superb detail retrieval and very impressive instrument separation. There is a common sound at work here, the EQ is flat and stable with calm but crisp highs. As you move up the range you find a lot more body and purpose, although the AF140 – featuring a hybrid two balanced armature and one dynamic driver set up – is simply the best earphone we’ve heard for below £250. The quad balanced armature driver AF180 is the flagship model, it has un-flappable bottom and mids and an extremely confident presentation which is very difficult to fault.
The Final AudioPandora Hope VI may not be able to deal with all the world’s evils, but it can certainly make them appear more approachable and cuddly. 50mm dynamic drivers are coupled with balanced armatures within the Hope VI, so the listener can benefit from a warm and toe-tapping presentation, but needn’t sacrifice detail or presence. The result is as crisp as any IEM working on the balanced armature principal, with similar detail perceived all the way down the frequency spectrum.
Here at HifiHeadphones we’re no strangers to the type of quality products the portable audio industry can put out; however the Pandora Hope VI has surprised us all. From the retro-future ‘Metropolis’ looks of the Hope VI to the weight and the way they feel in the hand, we knew that these headphones weren’t just designed, they were born.
Pros
Unique and gorgeous looks
Lovely to touch
Comfortable and relatively light
That sound!
Cons
Will need running in to be at their best
Key Features
As mentioned, the driver principal is the Pandora’s most notable feature; the balanced armatures working alongside the dynamic drivers. There is no sense that two drivers are operating on each side; the presentation is as smooth and even as it would be with any high-quality wide bandwidth dynamic driver, once worn in.
First Impressions
The Hope VI can’t fail to please with its Buck Rogers looks. Something feels as if it is being wasted once they are worn on the head as they cannot be seen any more! However, the soft comfort of the padding and solid feel of the design keeps the wearer happy enough until a mirror is within reach.
Sound Quality
The Pandoras are consistently referred to as being among the best-sounding headphones around; this by people who are in the know and have tried many headphones and set-ups. My own experience involves gorgeous silky bass which sits just where it’s supposed to be, mids which surround and demand attention, and highs which pierce and shock, but in the most gentle way possible. My ears are sensitive to high frequencies and fatigue is never far away with some headphone/genre combinations, but the Hope VI never strays into that area; it knows exactly when enough is enough, preserving a smoothness which has no right being there but is staying nonetheless.
As mentioned above, there may be a brief period of ‘running in’ required as the two drivers meld together but this will be limited to a weekend.
HifiHeadphones Verdict
Dr Who’s Tardis is famous for being bigger on the inside than the outside. My guess is that Final Audio have been watching from behind the sofa whilst taking notes, as for a closed back headphone (a fact I have to keep reminding myself of) the sound is all-encompassing. Watch out Fostex, your closed-back crown may be about to slip!
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.
Introducing the unassuming Hugo from Chord Electronics; the company which is now causing ripples in the portable audio world with this fantastic device.
Time and again we hear that headphones can mean a huge leap in sound quality; but equal to that is the process by which a particular signal reaches the headphones. Get both right and the effect is no less than sublime.
The Hugo is both a DAC and an amp, with a battery which can last a good while between charges, considering the processes it has to power. There are numerous options when it comes to connectivity, even a bluetooth input is available among the more traditional ins and outs.
The Hugo is built from aircraft-grade aluminium and it almost feels as if it designed for military purposes. Also the input controls are in keeping with this theme; they are obviously built to last also, particularly the large recessed volume control which is hard to knock or move accidentally.
The sound of the Hugo is probably better than a lot of people can imagine; the level of detail and sense of space one can glean from a given recording is out of this world. This is due to the DAC in the Hugo being designed for the Hugo; other designs take pre-existing DAC chips and implement them the best they can.
It consists of a field-programmable gate array, which is configured from the ground up by Chord. Basically it is a custom-made computer which specialises in the highest quality signal conversion.
Inputs include Optical/Toslink, Coaxial, bluetooth, and USB; with an extra HD USB input for operation to 384kHz in PCM format. Outputs feature 2 x 3.5mm sockets (these are slightly recessed and may give trouble, for instance with Earsonics in-ears), one 6.35mm socket and stereo RCA outs. Chord is aware that the Hugo is likely to be used as a DAC for full-size systems and accordingly it is possible to set the output volume to line-level for this purpose.
The effect of all this extra detail (even with 44.1kHz/16-bit recordings) is to vastly increase the sense of space and movement within the performace or recording, making it so much more realistic and captivating. Frequency response is virtually unchanged, so your favourite headphones should not take any rapid departures from their usual sound if used with the Hugo.
It is difficult to get across how much better music sounds with the Hugo, while nobody is a stranger to the potential benefit of the money this item costs! Therefore we welcome enquiries about our listening room; we are confident that the sound of the Hugo will alter your perceptions..!
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 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.
Beyerdynamic’s in-ears have always proved to be a reliable and low-cost solution for those who like a detailed and well balanced sound,and the Beyerdynamic DTX102iE in ear Headphones continue in this tradition.
This is the revamped and made-over DTX101iE; there’s no great departure from the sound signature of the DTX101iE (although we have no 101s now for a direct comparison) but there are improvements to other features of the design.
The cables have been made a little thicker and more robust, with less cable noise/microphonics should the wearer prefer them worn down from the ear. They can of course also be worn with the cable over the back of the ear which eliminates a lot of this noise at a stroke.
Also the housing has been made a little more durable, although we don’t recall having many issues with the former model.
To briefly describe the sound, the low end is beefy but not woolly; the mid range is clear and uncluttered whilst the treble is very nice for a sub £100 in-ear. High-frequency roll off is less than what I’d expect for a model in this price range.
Soundstage is fair, with good separation. I found that these are very good for rock and dance music.
Accessories are basic, with the standard 3 sizes of tips and a ‘snappy jaw’ case for the earphones.
For those who like things nice and clear with no clutter, these may be the perfect companions.
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.
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.
In the next episode of our review series, we take a closer look at the home listening open back headphone from German MAESTRO, the GMP400. Whilst not being the best looking headphone, the set certainly impressed when it came to its sonic capabilities. Enjoy the video!
