Final’s previous ANC headphone release was the UX3000, which gained multiple awards and global recognition for its minimal design and impressive audio quality. Now with the UX2000, Final has harnessed its award-winning expertise and applied this to its new ANC wireless headphone for under £100.
Final UX2000
Not just a new addition
The UX2000 is more than just a new addition to the UX series; it represents Final’s commitment to combining state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled audio performance. Whether for gaming, music, or calls, the UX2000 is engineered to deliver an unmatched auditory experience, setting new standards in the wireless headphone market.
Available in Cream or Black, the Final UX2000 will be available to buy on the 8th December for £99/$119/€109 from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide.
The Final UX2000 inherits the legacy of the UX3000 while introducing its own unique design and features. Developed for everyday use, the UX2000 is lightweight and robust with a premium matte finish that is resistant to fingerprints and smudges for a clean and professional look. The advanced hybrid noise cancelling technology removes a significant amount of background and ambient noise for an immersive and distraction free listening experience.
Designed for all-day comfort and usability
The UX2000 has a multi-fit housing structure with multiple points of adjustment for getting that perfect fit. The soft earpads and headband padding provide support that reduces fatigue and with up to 45 hours of audio playback, users can be confident in experiencing a full day of constant use in comfort. Additionally, Final has included an ENC Mic system that eliminates ambient noise, ensuring clear voice communication during calls and gaming sessions.
Final UX2000
Newly developed low-latency mode for gamers
New for the UX2000 is its low-latency gaming mode, making it an ideal companion for gamers who demand synchronized, high-quality audio. Developed by Final, this mode also benefits users while watching movies, music videos or their favourite online content – perfectly syncing lip movements with voice and action scenes with its sound effects for highly engaging viewing.
Key Features
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Equipped with a sophisticated system that effectively cancels external noises for a serene listening experience.
Gaming Mode with Low-Latency: Specially designed for gamers, providing synchronized audio with on-screen action for an immersive gaming experience.
Up to 45 Hours of music Playback: Offers substantial playback time, ideal for long commutes, work sessions, or gaming marathons.
Multi-Fit Housing Structure: Adjustable in multiple directions for a perfect fit, ensuring comfort even during extended use.
Fingerprint-Proof Matte Finish: The body of the device features a matte finish, making it resistant to fingerprints and oil, and ensuring that it doesn’t easily show dirt.
Foldable Design for Compact Storage: The headphones can be folded into a compact form making them convenient to carry.
Specifications
Colour: Cream/Black Communication
Format: Bluetooth 5.3
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Codecs Supported: SBC, AAC
Profiles Supported: HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
Continuous Music Playback: ANC ON:45 hours. ANC OFF:60 hours
The Final ZE8000 MK2 with enhanced audio quality, improved comfort and added features – experience the evolution of ‘8K Sound’. With the release of the ZE8000 flagship true wireless earphones earlier this year, Final developed an earphone like no other. Its unique design, immersive soundstage and clear focus on sound quality offered a new true wireless experience.
Final ZE8000 MK2
An all-new user experience
With the Final ZE8000 MK2, Final has made significant improvements for an all-new user experience. Including new ‘Shield Fin’ eartips for improved comfort and increased passive sound isolation, enhanced signal-to-noise ratio for greater detail retrieval and improved ‘8K Sound’, the ability to deactivate ANC and other noise control settings, and a maximum volume increase of 5dB.
In the ZE8000 MK2, Final has further developed the technology and software capabilities with their new flagship and it will be available to buy today.
Development of the Final ZE8000 MK2 has enabled the evolution of Final’s ‘8K Sound’ feature. Improving the signal-to-noise ratio through hardware and software interventions provides a clearer perception of ‘8K Sound’, extracting more detail and musical nuance from recordings.
As a concise and concrete example to convey this evolution, we consider the ZE8000 MK2 as earphones that immerse you in the orchestra.
Final
The Final ZE8000 MK2 hardware and software improvements have provided fertile ground for a more efficient integration of ‘8K Sound’, ensuring a more faithful reproduction of recorded instruments and their unique timbre. This ability to faithfully and vividly reproduce the balance of recorded instruments extends to all music genres, elevating the listening experience by significantly increasing the amount of information in the sound.
Final ZE8000 MK2
Compared to the initial model, the ZE8000 MK2 achieves a 32% improvement in sound isolation with ANC active. This is achieved by a combination of internal structure enhancements, newly designed ‘Shield Fin’ earpieces, and a refinement of the algorithm for active noise cancellation.
Utilising an FIR filter for frequency and time domain corrections, combined with a unique integration of multiple digital signal processing techniques enables the achievement of high-definition and distortion-free ‘8K Sound’ In the ZE8000 MK2. Compared to the initial model, the digital signal processing has been refined, allowing for a clearer perception of ‘8K Sound’ even in finer details.
New features and updated ‘Final Connect’ app
After listening to feedback from the first release, Final has included the ability to deactivate ANC and all other noise control settings. This provides users with an unfiltered experience of the Final ZE8000 MK2 and ‘8K Sound’
The maximum volume has also been improved upon with a 5dB increase, as well as an overall redesign of Final’s ‘Volume Step Optimization’ feature within the ‘Final Connect’ app for finer volume adjustments.
Users can check the individual volume levels of their Final ZE8000 MK2 via the ‘Final Connect’ app as well as a number of other features and settings for an improved experience:
Switch between the 4 modes of noise cancellation/ambient sound intake.
Easily adjust sound quality like a professional engineer with the “Pro Equalizer” settings.
Fine-tune volume adjustments to your optimal level with the “Volume Step Optimization” settings.
Switch between voice guidance languages (Japanese/English).
Toggle to “8K SOUND+ Mode.”
Switch to touch operation disabled mode.
Configure/switch Multi-Point settings.
The Final ZE8000 MK2 supports Qualcomm’s latest audio platform, Snapdragon Sound™. With aptX Adaptive (24bit/96kHz), users can enjoy high-resolution audio with high quality and low latency.
By strategically placing two high-performance microphones at a distance, the ZE8000 MK2 enables beamforming towards the mouth. This feature ensures clear voice transmission, eliminating ambient noise even during outdoor calls.
The Shanling M8 has been announced, and it looks to be a very impressive portable audio solution. With all of the latest specs and packed with features, the Shanling M8 is definitely a DAP to look out for.
The M8 adopts a brand new system of interchangeable headphone sockets, developed by Shanling themselves. This system makes it possible to provide all the needed connection standards, while keeping cleaner looks and a better optimized internal design. Four different options are available and come supplied with the M8 – 2.5, 3.5, 4.4 and 3.5 pro.
With a massive 7000 mAh battery, the M8 can manage up to 14 hours of continuous playback once fully charged. The M8 also comes with a bigger, brighter and sharper screen than their previous models – for an even better user experience in all conditions.
The analogue circuit of the Shanling M8 was designed around a pair of high-performing AKM flagship DACs, with in house developed I/V conversion stage and fully balanced amplifier. Offering reference class performance, while keeping to Shanling’s smooth, pleasing and slightly warm sound.
Qualcomm’s Bluetooth 5.0 chipset assures stable connection and low latency. And the best sound quality is achieved thanks to the support of advanced Bluetooth Codecs.
Aesthetically you have got to love the stylish yet simplistic look of the Q350, they have a very refined look and build quality that will impress anyone who sees them. The Uni-Q driver array looks superb and the cabinets are well finished, feeling solid and heavy.
Setup:
Ideally you want to place the Q350 40cm or further away from any walls, they are rear ported and quite sensitive to placement, however they do come with foam port bungs in case you don’t have that much breathing room. Toeing them in slightly helps focus the centre image, however due to their design the off axis response is very good.
Sound:
Sound wise the midrange is definitely the standout part of the frequency response, grabbing your attention with plenty of energy and a lifelike presentation. It does an impressive job of sounding well integrated, yet cleanly separated from the lows and highs. The lows are punchy and surprisingly full, the port bungs will help you tune the low end to your preference, as fully open might be a little too full for some.
Extension is always going to be a little limited, however when listening to music I have never found it to be lacking. The highs have enough sparkle to prevent the Q350 from sounding too dark, and they bring out a good amount of air and detail in recordings. For a metal dome tweeter, the Q350 do not have a particularly sharp top end, which is good for relaxing and longer listening sessions, but it does mean they are a little safe sounding. The Q350 sound best when playing at slightly higher volumes, they just don’t sound very engaging at lower volumes.
Conclusion:
The Q350‘s have a good grip on the music, they do however lean towards a more refined and smooth sound than being overly punchy and energetic. This can work wonders depending on the music you listen to, and they are certainly not lacking when it comes to detail retrieval. When positioned properly they portray a very convincing stereo image, and the great off-axis response is welcome when you have people over.
The R-51M are not your typical black box that sits in a corner, take the grills off and you will find their signature spun-copper mid-bass cone along with their Tractrix horn waveguide for the tweeter. All this is housed in an MDF cabinet with wood grain vinyl wrap for a modern yet classy finish, these will definitely attract some attention in your system.
These are well built, the MDF cabinets feel sturdy and on the back you have proper binding plugs which support 4mm banana plugs. The vinyl wrap is applied well without any obvious flaws and they feel and look great for the price. There are no fancy materials here, just well-designed drivers in a rigid cabinet, no complaints from me though.
Setup:
The R-51M are rear ported so do sound best when pulled a little away from the rear wall, however with their horn waveguide the sweet spot is a little wider than normal. They still sound best when toed in, as the sound becomes more detailed and focussed. These are relatively small, which means they will fit on a cabinet or bookshelf well, however as with most speakers of this size they sound best when placed on dedicated stands.
With a Sensitivity of 93dB @ 2.83V/1M these are pretty easy to drive, with your typical 50wpc integrated amp doing a fine job of powering these, alternatively you could use one of the cheaper class-d amps to good effect.
Sound:
From their size, you would expect the R-51M to sound small and a little lean, but you’ll be in for a surprise. They don’t have bottomless extension of larger floorstanders or subs, but they can sure pump out a hefty low end with bundles of energy. Providing they are well placed, the lows will be full without bloat, the lows are punchy and dynamic with stated low frequency extension of 62Hz +/-3dB which in room will sound a bit lower. Perfect for most music genres, however they do favour more energetic music.
The midrange comes across well separated from the lows and with a good amount of clarity on show. They don’t become overwhelming or shouty, however they cut through with a snappy response that wants you to pay attention. The presentation isn’t laid back or warm, these are not a speaker for playing at low levels in the background. This snappy response helps with layering within the midrange, keeping everything well focussed and separated.
The top end is very open, detailed and quite up front. They are not up-front to the point of being harsh, but they are always present in the mix. Snares are particularly prominent, adding great attack to the sound. That horn waveguide really helps focus the upper frequencies and extension is never an issue up top. The R-51M have a liveliness that is similar to how you would hear a live recording rather than a studio one, which will appeal to quite a few people.
Overall they have a good balanced between the frequencies with a full yet punchy low end, open and detailed midrange and energetic treble. These are a pair of speakers that demand your attention when listening to them, and like to be enjoyed at slightly higher volume levels. Match them with the right equipment and you have a very enjoyable system if you favour energy over a smoother sound.
Conclusion:
The R-51M are an excellent speaker for the price, with a highly addictive and energetic sound that is sure to get your feet tapping. This does come at the expense of a little refinement, but this slightly rough around the edges sound is more akin to a live performance than a studio one.
Mission have gone for a modern look with the QX-2 and they stand out amongst the more conventional boxy bookshelf speakers out there. Aluminium plates on the top and bottom, rounded corners and the signature tweeter on the bottom design is sure to turn some heads. These will fit really well in most spaces, and they come in a few different colours to match your décor.
Build quality is excellent, the aluminium plates on the top and bottom add weight to the main construction which is vinyl wrapped. The fit and finish of all components is great, there is one pair of binding posts so you cannot bi-wire these. The design has been carefully thought out to increase mass, reduce resonance and provide the best sound possibly whilst looking great doing so.
Setup:
The QX-2 are rear ported so they do like to have a bit of breathing space, sounding their best when positioned slightly away from a rear wall. They are also quite heavy and are best set on a set of dedicated stands.
With a power rating of 25-100w and a sensitivity of 88dB (2.00v @ 1m) they are not the most demanding of speakers however, the nominal impedance is 8Ohm but they do dip to 3.6Ohms so having a good amplifier will help them sound their best. A sub £500 integrated amp would be the perfect place to start with these.
Sound:
For their size, the QX-2 really do know how to get your feet tapping and yet there is a great sense of control and refinement that sticks with you. Sporting a 15cm mid/bass driver the QX-2 are more than capable of pumping out enough low end to satisfy most users, however it is the quality that really shines here. Kick drums sound real, with the perfect balance between hitting hard, yet with the right about of body to back it up. If you are using these in a home theatre setup, you might want to add a sub, but in a normal multi-use 2 channel system they are more than capable of filling a small to medium size room. The lows are controlled and refined, yet have plenty of get up and go when called for, an impressive feat for a speaker of this size.
The midrange has a silky smooth, and effortless quality to it, although I wouldn’t call them the most neutral here. There is a little hint of warmth to the midrange that renders them effortless yet at the same time they are not missing out on technical details. Vocals come across with a more organic tone to them, whilst guitars have excellent placement within the soundstage. Much like the low end, there is plenty of energy here but without presenting itself in an overly enthusiastic way. Micro-detail might not be their strong point, but the sheer fun of these makes me not worry too much about that.
The interesting looking ring dome tweeter does an impressive job of offering up a very open and detailed top end yet steering clear of becoming sharp and fatiguing. They don’t quite have the sheer brilliance or energy of some metal dome tweeters, but they offer up a very refined and smooth top end that really blends well with the rest of the sound of the QX-2. The extension is effortless and they never sound strained or rolled off, adding a real sense of space to the soundstage.
Imaging is very accurate and the sound staging is excellent with a very spacious sound for a small pair of speakers.
Conclusion:
The QX-2 strike the perfect balance between being engaging yet refined, these are sure to appeal to plenty of listeners with their easy to like sound. Careful placement will ensure you get the best out of these, they are exceptionally clean yet always well controlled and refined and a pure joy to listen to. If you are looking for a pair of sub £500 bookshelf speakers, these should be high up on your list of models to try out.
The YU4 are a seamlessly finished product that looks sleek and polished. The rear panel on the left side has the inputs and bass port and the right side has the bass port and speaker wire terminals. The front is clean and smooth, with a power button and volume control on the left side. The size of the YU4 allows them to fit nicely on a larger desk or on a cabinet/windowsill. You could stand mount them but I think they are a little small to be used for a main system.
Build quality is great, the cabinets feel substantial and the inputs on the back are all very sturdy. For an active speaker at this price range, the Kanto’s feel very well made.
Placement:
The YU4’s smaller bass driver means they are best used in a near-field setup rather than in a typical hi-fi setup. Using them in a more typical hi-fi setup you lose a little body and the sound is a little more focussed on the midrange/treble. These are rear ported and placing them close to a wall will reinforce low frequencies, you can play about with the distance between the back of the speakers and the wall to create the best amount of bass without bloom due to resonance. In a near field setup they sound best when they have some room to breathe.
Functionality:
The YU4’s have a 3.5mm aux input, a pair of RCA inputs which can handle a standard line-in or at the flip of a switch it can be used as a phono input from a turntable (there is a built-in phono pre-amp). You also get Bluetooth with AptX support, a subwoofer output and 2 optical inputs. There is a USB port on the back, but this is not for audio use, purely for charging USB devices unfortunately.
You get a remote which allows you to control all the functions of the YU4’s, including inputs, bass and treble controls and standby on/off. The remote allows you to fine tune the sound and is really handy if you are not next to the speakers.
YU4 sound:
Bass: The bass on the YU4’s varies depending on how they are placed, but when you find the right spot, they have good reach (limited by the driver/enclosure size) and the bass is tight yet full bodied, however there is sometimes a little bloom in the mid-bass. Of course, for a speaker of its size, you have to be realistic when it comes to extension and volume, but the bass is present and controlled and gives the sound good overall balance. You can dial in a little more bass with the remote, but I have found that it becomes a little boomy if you do this. Kicks lack a little weight and come across a little dry, but bass guitars have good articulation.
Midrange: This is where the YU4’s really shine, with great separation the midrange is given space to breathe and has plenty of insight and detail. The upper midrange is not pushed back, so there will occasionally be a little sibilance if it is present in the recording. Vocals are rendered with excellent clarity and the tonality is good. Acoustic guitars have good reverberation, and the layering of instruments in the midrange is excellent. Overall performance in the midrange is very good with a slight lift in the upper mids that can add a little bit of a hard edge to certain notes, but this is a minor gripe.
Treble: The treble is not dialled back on the YU4 and has very good energy in the lower treble region. This makes cymbal crashes stand out with great energy but it might be a little too exciting for those who are a little more treble sensitive. The treble control on the remote works quite well, and just dialling it down a notch or two can help on hotter recordings. There is a slight metallic tone to the highs sometimes, not being the smoothest or most refined, but again at the price point they do a very good job at pulling out finer details and adding air to the sound.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth performance when paired with an aptX compatible device is remarkably good, with very much the same core sound signature with slightly compressed dynamics. These work very well with bluetooth devices and the performance doesn’t drop massively compared to a wired connection.
Conclusion:
The Kanto YU4 with matching S4 stands make an excellent near field setup, without the stands they do a good job as a backup/bedroom or kitchen setup. Their size is a good middle ground between real bookshelf speakers and desktop monitors and they have excellent features in a polished housing. All this is backed up with an expressive and open midrange, ample low end to give the sound some warmth and body and an airy and well extended top end. You could add a sub to the system to bring up the lows a little, but as they are, they make a fine pair of desktop speakers.
Sleek sporty look with a perfect fit, the P281 Sport are some new budget kings on the block. Coming in at £24.99 they are a huge step up to any headphones that come with a phone.
Offering a well balanced sound with good kick down low, they offer an engaging and fun listening experience when out and about, yet still allow plenty of detail to be heard. From top to bottom there are not real peaks or dips, they have a smooth and easy to listen to sound. What is also great is the inclusion of a microphone and button for taking calls or skipping tracks.
What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £50? The E10C 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?
The E10C 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.
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 E10C. Easy.
If you are looking for a more detailed and neutral sound than the E10C, take a look at the MEE Audio M6 Pro. With it’s monitor like sound and styling, detachable cable and great looks, it is a steal for under £50.
Well the M6 Pro with Blackbird S20 foam tips may have become a new favourite for under £50. These really managed to have everything and sound very engaging, the highs do not disappoint with their presence and tone, the midrange is slightly up front and the mid bass has a mild boost, as a stage monitor I can see these being good and the sound would be easily tuneable with EQ.
For under £50 you won’t find this level of detail, clarity or separation from another in-ear headphone. Add to that brilliant build quality and you have a winner.
Looking for a more bass oriented in-ear headphone with an upfront and engaging sound, yet without losing out on the finer details and comfort, you need the Oriveti Basic.
A 10mm titanium coated driver supplies an impressive amount of bass. Now I am not much of a bass head but after listening to these for a while I found myself really enjoying them.
They’re not audiophile and they won’t give you a reference sound but if you like your earphones to be fun and enjoyable with plenty of punch then these could be for you. The isolation and comfort is also really impressive and along with replaceable cables they are a great buy!
Oriveti are new on the scene and they certainly know how to make an entrance. The new Oriveti Basic earphone packs a punch and gives you plenty of features for its modest price tag.
Looking for a in-ear headphone with quick snappy transients, whilst retaining a well balanced sound signature? Take a look at the New Westone UM Pro10, revised in 2017 to be even better and more comfortable.
Predictably, the balanced armature makes short work of replicating higher frequencies accurately, but the real interest is at the low end where single BA IEMs are concerned. Provided a decent seal can be achieved, the bass is in good balance with the rest of the presentation, although bassheads will be wanting more.
If you fancy the idea of a single balanced armature earphone, but don’t fancy the protruding capsules of the Etymotic designs then the UM Pro 10 is worth a close look. Sometimes the best designs are the simplest and I really think there is something to be said for single-driver IEMs. Makers may be able to tune the sound signature a little more with multiple drivers, but this risks muddying the sound with possible phase/imaging issues as the audio from these different drivers reaches our ears at different times.
In short – choose the simple life and get the UM Pro 10!
One of our best sellers, the New Primacy has a well balanced sound signature with class leading separation and clarity.
The Oriveti New Primacy has a bit of a mid forward sound signature, with excellent clarity and air throughout the range, the bass digs deep and is very articulate, the mids have a habit of bringing out all the detail in recordings but not in an unpleasant way. The highs are airy and well extended, without fatiguing properties, overall a very comfortable and enjoyable listen. The New primacy manages to be a very coherent sounding hybrid design, with a very well textured and layered sound.
Our top pick for under £500 is the Dunu DK-3001, with impressive technical capabilities that are really enjoyable to listen to as well. Punchy and clear sound with a wide soundstage, these are truly excellent.
The Dunu DK-3001 is a very well done hybrid IEM, the bass is dynamic and punchy, with excellent and realistic body. The midrange is well layered and very detailed, with a hint of smoothness to it. The highs are always present, yet not fatiguing. These work well with all genres, the bass is fun and energetic in EDM, and rock comes across with detail and layering. Jazz has a very natural tone, and they just take all genres in their stride, however their ability to control heavy metal is truly impressive.
If you don’t mind the open back design, the Audeze iSine20 will offer a listening experience more like a full size headphone than an in-ear model.
Offering an open sound with excellent punch the iSine20 offers a relaxing listening experience with slightly polite treble. Keeping in tone with their house sound the iSine20 offers good bass quantity with non-fatiguing treble and a natural tone. This is a very unique IEM that is well worth looking into if you want a more traditional headphone sound. The sound is slightly v-shaped; it’s a warmish, ‘fun’ tuning yet still retains excellent detail retrieval.
The W80 are an incredible performer, with a very detailed, spacious yet smooth sound plus an added Alo Audio cable you are sure to be impressed. Fitting 8 BA drivers into this tiny housing is no easy task, yet Westone have done it without sacrificing anything at all.
Some of the most comfortable IEM’s available; the Westone W80 is a pleasure to use for long periods of time, especially with their non fatiguing sound. The bass has body and impact adding a little warmth to the overall sound, the midrange is smooth and non fatiguing, yet the finer details still shine thought. The treble is slightly relaxed but still retains a certain level of sparkle and extension; they are not analytical but still extract the finer details with ease. A very well balanced IEM, that is comfortable and easy to listen to.
The FI-BA-SST35 is one for the detail lovers, being very unforgiving of the source material you will want to listen to well recorded music to get the most out of these.
Final are kings at squeezing the most out of one single BA driver, and the FI-BA-SST35 is no different. Using their proprietary BAM design they move more air, and dig deeper than most conventional single BA driver designs. The bass is always well controlled but offers good impact and articulation without becoming overwhelming or adding much body to the overall sound. The midrange changes depending on the track you are listening to, yet is always very detailed and very transparent. The treble is not fatiguing yet offers incredible insight into the recording, again play well recorded tracks and you will be rewarded with great sound. The soundstage and separation are both excellent, and the timbre is very good for a single BA driver.
Hifiheadphones will be at the Indulgence show in London later on this month, so here is some info about the show:
Where?
Hammersmith Novotel London West
When?
29 Sept-1 Oct (10am-6pm on Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm on Sunday)
Effect Audio
We will be showing off the range of luxury handmade upgrade cables from Effect Audio which are sure to turn some heads.
Starting at £149 and going up to over £1000, there are cables to suit all tastes and headphones. Come by and hear the difference yourself!
Final
Alongside them will be the latest offerings from Final, including a prototype of their D8000 planar magnetic headphone.
Since 1974, Final have been producing hi-fi equipment that reflects a musician’s passion for art, as well as their own passion for engineering. Truly unique, Final’s headphones combine sleek retro styling and ground-breaking technology.
Oriveti
We will also be taking along the superb Oriveti New Primacy triple hybrid in-ear headphones, and their Basic model too.
The New Primacy sets a new standard for sub £300 headphones, offering excellent value for money with a highly resolving and detailed sound.
The Basic is a fun everyday in-ear headphone that is superbly built and costs under £100.
The Grado SR80e are a definite improvement over the SR80i, with a slightly warmer, more balanced sound. Their retro styling may not appeal to all, but underneath the looks is a fine sounding open-back headphone. The undisputed king of headphones for rock music, these are sure to get you toe tapping and head banging in no time.
Pros:
Clean sound
Well balanced
Exciting
Cons:
Bass will not satisfy all
Comfort can be an issue for some
Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories
The Grado SR80e do not stray far from the classic low end Grado style, with very retro looks that are a love or hate affair. I think there is something quite pleasing about the design; it is wonderfully simple yet stylish and functional. All black with silver lettering, they don’t stand out with colours, but they do with their unique styling.
The build quality is nothing spectacular but you can change nearly every part on it, with an extensive community dedicated to modifying them. The cups are plastic but well put together, the headband is a vinyl covered metal band; the sliders are metal rods in rod blocks. The cable is dual sided, and feels quite substantial, it is rubbery under the y-split and quite thick, above the y-split they are prone to twisting and kinking a little. The construction is so simple, yet it works and they last for years, the foam pads will need replacing from time to time, but apart from that you can expect many years of service from a pair of Grado.
Accessory wise you get a a 3.5mm to 6.3mm jack adaptor, that is it. I know some models now come with the genuine Grado hard carry case which is a nice little added extra.
Comfort and Usage
The comfort of Grados has been talked about a lot, and as with the styling, it is a love or hate affair. I personally don’t find them uncomfortable; the earpads do need some time to settle in as they are a little stiff out of the box. The headphones are very light, they clamp a little tightly but the headband can be stretched to alleviate this. The weight of the headphones and the way they sit means they don’t really create a hot spot on the top of your head easily, even if they do lack proper headband padding. Some people do not find on-ear headphones very comfy, as for pads, the stock are very comfy but the L cush from Grado are even better if you want an upgrade.
The SR80e are an open back, on-ear headphone so they will not isolate from outside noise, also this means they leak sound. This means that using them around other people can cause annoyance, so please be considerate. There are benefits of an open-back headphone for out and about usage, you stay aware of your surroundings.
These headphones are perfect for home listening too; especially with the recent vinyl boom these play wonderfully with a good vinyl setup.
Contrary to the belief that open headphone have a wide soundstage, Grado have a very unique sound for an open back design, being airy but very intimate, engaging and slightly aggressive.
Bass
These are not for the bass heads of the world; these are for those that appreciate the quality over quantity. The Grado of old used to be considered a little bass light, yet the new E series has more articulate and present bass response. It is far from being overwhelming but it is tight and fast, yet at the same time incredibly articulate. Bass guitar lines are so easy to follow, kick drums hit with authority and the PRAT (Pace, Rhythm and Timing) is class leading at this price. The bass fills out the sound keeping it exciting, yet they are so controlled, never encroaching on the rest of the frequency range.
Midrange
The SR80e has such a clean midrange; this is partly due to the incredibly well controlled bass. The midrange has no big dips or peaks; it is relatively well balanced handling male and female both with ease. Distorted guitars in rock music have power and authority, and the air and layering in softer acoustic and slower rock is excellent.
Treble
These is a bit of a peak in the treble but it does not induce fatigue or harshness, the old SR80 was slightly leaner sounding which lead them to be a little more fatiguing. The treble has been toned down a little over the ears, and they have become a more balanced sounding headphone. The peak brings out energy and sparkle in the initial cymbal crash in music, making them really engaging and not lacking up top at all. The treble is still refined though, and does not sound strained or forced.
As stated before the SR80e has an airy sound with excellent separation, however the soundstage is very small and intimate sounding.
Conclusion
The SR80e is a real step forward for Grado, toning down the highs a little, adding a little extra bass presence has made these less fatiguing and more balanced sounding. These will not appeal to bass heads, they fair better with music that is played on real instruments. They have long been favourites for people that enjoy rock music due to the speed and control of the sound. At the price point I still think Grado hold their own with a well balanced, aggressive and detailed sound, there is nothing quite like them.
Modifying
Now there is a whole community dedicated to modifying Grados, which can improve their sound for very little money sometimes. Please be aware that modifying them will void your warranty, but the benefits can be great. For under £200 you could have a set of wood cupped Grados that will sound nearly as good as their higher end models, and will be unique to you.
Here is an excellent thread dedicated to this:
And I personally have a pair of SR60e which I replaced the cups and put dynamat on the back of the driver, along with getting some L cush pads and changing the cable. They are incredibly light and comfortable for long listening and the sound is just really fun. What I personally really like about the Grados is their way of allowing you to enjoy the music rather than try and pick flaws in it.
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Open Back Audiophile Headphone from Audio-Technica, the ATH-AD700X is now available to be purchased on our website.
With overhauled looks and improved driver performance the ATH-AD700X represent Audio Technica’s latest revision of the acclaimed AD700. The soft and relaxed sound, with deep resonating bass and extended vocal projection offers a completely natural listening experience.
As with the predecessor, the AD700X incorporate a lightweight honeycomb aluminium casing, allowing these open-air headphones to produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation. Newly designed 53mm drivers with bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils deliver spacious sound with superior highs and mids.
The included flexible raised-fabric earpads of the AD700X are also exceedingly comfortable and guarantee fatigue-free listening. Self-adjusting wing supports automatically adjust to your head size for easy-wearing listening comfort. A straight cord at the left earpiece terminates to a mini plug with included 6.35mm adapter.
Newly designed 53mm drivers reproduce clear treble and midrange
Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils for superior power handling
Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears
Lightweight aluminium honeycomb casing with excellent acoustic properties
Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support provides a comfortable listening experience
Flexible raised-fabric earpads offer excellent wearing comfort and durability
Highly conductive OFC single-sided cord with elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangles
Gold-plated stereo 3.5mm connector with 6.35mm adapter
Welcome to our news and update blog for the HiFi Headphones Online Store. Check back here often for the latest news and insights into the world of headphone and earphone technology. Alternatively subscribe to our RSS or Atom feeds to receive our blog entries automatically.
We love to get feedback from visitors and customers, so if you have a moment please feel free to add comments to our blog entries.
