Yes, it’s Black Friday Month! The best thing about our sale this year? It’s not only the fantastic products on offer (Stock is limited) but also our our Black Friday Price Promise: If the item you buy now features in any of our Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals for a cheaper price this month, we will refund you the difference. Simple as that.
BLACK FRIDAY MONTH: Most Popular Deals
Final UX3000- £119.00 NOW £89.00
The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. Full Review
A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £52 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review
the Lypertek PurePlay Z5 is ideal for those that want the best sound quality from their true wireless earphones. Having gained multiple awards for not just their impressive sound – the PurePlay Z5 is jam packed with features for a very favourable price.
The PurePlay Z5 are one of the best, if not the best, true wireless models for daily use. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying app and more along with truly suburb sound quality for a low price.
The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 was released in the first half of 2022. This is their first ANC model and what an absolute treat they are. Feature packed & with impressive sound quality to boot. How do they do it for such a competitive price?
The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 have quite a different design to previous Lypertek models. They have a rounded body and a stem which greatly improves ANC effectiveness along with mic placement for calls. This design also works really well in terms of fit. Even for smaller ears they are easy to put in and get a solid, secure fit for everyday use.
These are really comfortable & super easy to wear for long listening sessions
Comfort wise, once you find the right eartips (and there are plenty included to choose from) they are easy to wear for long listening sessions. This is not only due to the smooth housings but the light weight of the earpieces as well. There are no issues wearing these for a few hours at a time. The Z5 is also an optionl for light sports use due to their comfy and secure fit.
ANC 9/10
The ANC is a huge new feature for Lypertek, and one that works very well. When using these in areas with a constant stream of noise (such as sitting on a train) they do a great job to drown it out. It is easy to toggle on and off with the touch controls or via the app. Lypertek have absolutely nailed it with the Z5.
Purecontrol ANC App 10/10
The app is fantastic and easy to use. It allows the user to also fine tune the earphones to their tastes. With EQ curves (including custom ones), ANC on/off and also an Ambient mode which allows outside noise to be heard. LDX (Lypertek Definition eXpander) mode is also supported on the Z5. It has a dedicated button within the app to turn it on and it works well to enhance the space, depth and clarity of the sound. An absolute must try!
Mic 9/10
The stem is perfect for better microphone placement than normal true wireless designs. Resulting with the call quality on the Z5 being truly excellent. At home or out and about, the other person will hear your voice with great tone and clarity. It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.
It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.
Auto Ambient Mode 10/10
Simply one of the best features from the App. This turns ambient mode on automatically when you pause music & is such a handy feature to have. It means you don’t have to take the Z5’s out of your ears to hear people or announcements.
Sound 10/10
The below assessment is with all sound enhancements turned off. You can easily tune the PurePlay Z5 to your tastes with EQ. Not forgetting that the LDX mode is a great one click boost for those wanting and more spacious and engaging sound.
Bass: The perfect amount for out and about listeners in my opinion. These are punchy and fun whilst retaining good body and control. The bass is well controlled and keeps up with complex mixes with ease
Midrange: Open, spacious and natural, the midrange is portrayed in excellent fashion on the Z5’s never sounding drowned out or pushed too far back in the mix. Vocals manage to cut through the mix with great clarity and presence without sounding peaky or harsh.
Treble: Well extended yet not overly hot or in your face. The transition from the upper midrange in to the lower treble is well controlled without any unwanted sibilance. Yet there is still good energy in the lower treble to stop them from sounding dull or dark.
Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model.
Soundstaging and Instrument Separation
There is a good amount of air around instruments and good layering overall. They might not throw out the widest of soundstages but they manage to sound quite airy and open. Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model. these sound very controlled and well separated even when listening to complex music tracks.
Other Notable Features:
IPX4 rating means they’ll be fine for most sports use, but they are not ideal for use in areas of high moisture or heavier rain.
The case has the usual USB-C charging port & also supports wireless charging.
Touch controls – you can modify the touch controls in the app to your liking. But of the box they are fool-proof (2 taps on the right to skip track forwards. 2 taps on the left to skip backwards. 3 on the right for volume up. 3 on the left for volume down. 2s press on either to turn ANC on/off. 1 tap then long press on either to activate voice assistant. 2 taps then long press to manually turn them off).
Safe mode! a touch control configuaration that helps you not to accidently do something you didn’t want to.
Bluetooth 5.2
All the main codecs (AAC, aptX Adaptive, SBC).
Battery life is 7hrs (+28 from the case) with ANC off, and 4hrs (+16 from the case)
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Here at HiFiHeadphones we really are passionate about audio and listen to the products we offer. Our headphone guru and Youtube star John has put together a HiFiHeadphones best buy list, so read on to find out what our best headphones, earphones and headphone amps in 2022 are!
Best True Wireless with ANC
Lypertek PurePlay Z5 – £79.00
The PurePlay Z5 are one of the best, if not the best, true wireless models for daily use. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying app and more along with truly suburb sound quality for a low price. – Full Review
These don’t have a lot of features, no AThese don’t have a lot of features, no ANC, ambient mode or wireless charging. However they are designed for ultimate sound quality and in that they succeed, They also look awesome and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119? – Full Review
A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £52 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review
The OH300 really does a lot right, especially when you take into account the £299 price tag. With a detailed and even-handed sound signature that is tonally accurate yet not boring. There is power when needed, yet they always have a controlled and refined approach to rendering your favourite tracks. – Full Review
TheHolocene are almost a scaled down Andromeda, but with a twist of their own of course, they are slightly warmer and less airy in the top end but still have a very enjoyable sound. The Holocene are fairly linear with a slight bass lift that doesn’t bleed into the midrange, allowing that to cut through with clarity and accuracy. The lower treble is dipped slightly, robbing them of some energy but also meaning they don’t sound fatiguing or sibilant, yet the upper treble is well presented with great extension and air. Overall they are a really impressive earphone, and make a superb daily driver. – Full Review
For the price, 64 Audio have created a brilliant everyday earphone that allows great insight into the recording with superb clarity and detail retrieval, wrapped up in a smooth, coherent and easy to listen to sound. They are such an easy earphone to live with. Providing a comfortable fit and refined sound that many fail to match. This is proof that 64 Audio really do know what they are doing when it comes to sound. A superb model for the price.
This model pushes the boundaries and shows what’s possible with only 4 drivers. This is a hybrid design with an intricate inner shell with chambers that help shape the sound. Nothing sounds overly boosted on the Fourte, but they do have a healthy dose of impact down low. The Fourte are very revealing and will throw up flaws in recordings, but the clarity in the midrange is truly astonishing. What’s even more impressive is how the top end just extends without rolling off at all.
If you are looking for neutrality, the ER-4SR are the industry standard – they do not flatter you with a smooth sound or hide any mistakes in recordings, so not great for everyday listening but superb if you want to hear every detail.
SoundMAGIC once again show that they are unrivalled when it comes to creating budget models with excellent sound quality, the P23BT has such an enjoyable sound that you quickly forget they only cost £50.Full Review
The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. Full Review
The latest addition to the HD6xx series comes with improved clarity, these are detailed and open sounding and paired with the excellent comfort the HD6xx series are known for, make these a superb headphone for the price.
The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to.Full Review
Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.
These are resolving yet enjoyable, they have a reference like tuning without coming across clinical, they have an honest presentation without too much colouration or sweetness to the sound.Full Review
The Atom Amp+ is a neutral and linear sounding amp that will pair well with most headphones and earphones on the market – it measures well and doesn’t cost a lot, what more could you want? – Full Review
The Element III comes with an all new digital volume encoder and optical input, you get perfect channel balance for sensitive IEM’s along with auto-gain and enough output power for most over-ears too – backed by that same linear sound JDS Labs are known for. They even added an opitical input, very handy for gamers or those who listen to CD’s . Full Review
This amp is perfect for those who need the best from their hard to drive headphones, the perfect pairing for those select few headphones that need multiple watts of power – it’s dual mono, fully discrete design doesn’t compromise when it comes to sound quality either.
Campfire Audio have done something a little different with the Saber, their latest limited run earphone, sporting two dynamic drivers and a single BA tuned to be engaging and fun.
The Campfire Audio Saber follows a very similar design to the Satsuma and Honeydew. However, this time they have used Damascus steel for the faceplate and ABS for the inner shell. This means they have the slightly narrower and longer stem which actually helps when it comes to fit. These fit really well once you settle on the right tips. The nozzle allows for a medium insertion depth that is secure yet comfortable. The inner edges of the shell are smooth and the included cable is lightweight. My only gripe is the cable is the OFC one that uses mouldable memory wire instead of the more comfortable pre-moulded earhooks on the newer smokey litz cables. However it must be said this is a personal preference and most will get on fine with the included cable.
Comfort is excellent due to the housing shape. These are easy to wear for hours on end with no discomfort, making them great for long journeys or just general commuting and daily use. Just take some time to find the right tips for your preference and you’ll have no problems with the Saber.
Compatibility
The Saber are quite low impedance for an earphone, 8.2 Ohms @1kHz, this means they are very sensitive to source changes and benefit from a source with low output impedance. They have a sensitivity of 94 dB SPL @ 1kHz: 25.4 mVrms. These are very sensitive and work well out of portable devices provided they have low output impedance. Saying that, these sound great out of most devices as is.
Sound
Bass:
The Saber uses two dynamic drivers to cover the low and mid frequencies. The largest 8mm dynamic driver adds an impressive amount of depth to the bass but it still retains a tight and controlled response. One that is not as full as the Mammoth yet doesn’t lean too far into the analytical camp either. The Saber manages to have a solid bass foundation with impact and extension without bloat or emphasised warmth. They don’t fulfil a bass-head tuning like the Mammoth but there should be more than enough presence and oomph for most listeners. They are impressively punchy and I doubt anyone could be bored with this presentation.
Midrange:
Wonderfully placed and well detailed without sounding cold and lifeless. The midrange has great tonality and vocals cut through the mix with ease. There is a little thinness at times in the upper midrange but not enough to cause fatigue and sibilance is well handled only becoming problematic on poorly mastered/hot tracks. The Saber have the ability to be snappy and controlled yet utterly fun to listen to. You never lose track of anything going on in the mix, they handle whatever you throw at them and just turn it in to an enjoyable listen.
Treble:
The treble is sparkly, and razor sharp, but not to the point they sound fatiguing. With great air and placement they successfully manage to avoid being too hot for my tastes. These do not hold back, they are not the smoothest or most refined earphones for sitting back and relaxing with, instead they are dynamic and energetic and want you to tap along to the music. There is no lack of extension, no lack of detail whatsoever at the top end of the Saber. They could never be described as dull and that is exactly how Campfire wanted them to be. Fun!
Instrument Separation and Soundstaging
The Saber easily pick apart complex mixes and don’t become congested or muffled with fast tracks. The layering is excellent and they are very responsive in terms of transient response.
The soundstaging is also impressive. It’s intimate with a tightly focussed centre image and good width and space. The treble positioning is very impressive and there is realistic yet accurate staging.
64 Audio are finally offering up their most popular custom IEM in universal form. The U6t has a smooth and balanced sound that makes it a superb everyday earphone for the majority of people.
64 Audio have used the same universal shape for the U6t as their other models (U12t / tia Trio etc…) and this is a tried and tested design. Offering up smooth edges with a good length nozzle for a secure fit and great comfort. Once you settle on the right size tips for your ear canals, they fit securely with the new included cable being more ergonomic and comfortable.
The U6t fit comfortably in your ears. They are also extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. The new cable is softer and has pre-moulded earhooks which, in my opinion are always more comfortable than stiff memory wire. 64 Audio provide plenty of eartips with the U6t. So try them all to find which suits you best!
Compatibility
Whilst the U6t is easy to drive, and has 64 Audio’s LID technology meaning there won’t be drastic sound signature changes between sources. However, an IEM of this quality still deserves a good source. Lossless tracks and the use of an external DAC/Amp with a mobile phone, or a dedicated DAP would definitely be my preferred choice of source.
Apex modules and tia drivers
64 Audio have a few interesting technologies they employ in their lineup. the U6t uses their apex technology that relives inner ear pressure whilst also allowing a certain amount of noise through. In turn this also tunes the sound slightly. The U6t comes with the m20, m15 and mX modules, which offer -20dB/-15dB and -10dB of noise reduction respectively. The more isolation results in more lower bass response and a warmer sound signature too. Along this logic, you get minor variations in soundstaging too. The more open being the more open sounding. Personally I do find the apex modules reduce listening fatigue and 64 Audio IEM’s are always perfect for long listening sessions.
The U6t also includes a single tia high driver. This high frequency driver is an open-top BA driver which is tube-less too and sits in the nozzle. This provides an increase in air and space in the treble region along with a more realistic treble presentation. Quite a while ago I listened to the original U6 against the new A6t. The tia driver definitely delivers a smoother and more realistic treble response than a typical BA with tube and damper design.
Sound
(M15 module as installed out of the box)
Bass:
The U6t have a nice and full low end that is exceptionally well tuned for a BA model with six drivers. There is enough warmth to add pleasant body to the sound and enough punch to be engaging. But it’s always composed and controlled, there is never excess bass, or unwanted bloat. Bass guitars are articulate. Kick drums hit with impact and have excellent body to back them up. They are not in your face. They also don’t try and impress with overblown bass, instead focussing on making the low end sound accurate and realistic with a little hint of warmth to ease those long listening sessions.
If you want a little more low end than the m15 module, the m20 offers up even more body. This in turn tricks your brain into thinking there is less treble. I.e this module is one for those who prefer a warmer and thicker sound. On the opposite end, the mX module leans out the low end. Making the U6t sound like a more typical reference tuned device. Allowing the mids and highs to cut through a little better with a tighter and slightly less thick bass response.
Midrange:
The midrange is superb on the U6t. It nails the natural yet not analytical presentation, being detailed and nuanced without being clinical. Vocals have an intimate quality without being up-front and central. There is such a pleasant balance overall that nothing sounds out of place or forced. More aggressive tracks have good bite, yet softer tracks have a sweetness that is intoxicating. Heavily distorted or acoustic, it doesn’t matter to the U6t, they can do it all with ease. Something lacking in many earphones. Both male and female vocals sound excellent, with maybe a slight nod to female vocals having the upper hand. The transition from upper mids to lower treble is handled superbly. They are not pushed to sibilance yet there is no discernible dip robbing them of energy and presence.
Regardless of the module used, the midrange is always very well presented. However it does sound warmer with the m20 and slightly thinner with the mX. So take your pick! For most the m15 is probably going to be just right.
Treble:
The treble is airy and well extended. It is also very well balanced in the mix, with the right amount of attack and energy without sounding bright or harsh. The tia driver provides exceptional treble response. One that sounds tonally accurate without nasty peaks or dips. You never lose track of the treble, it simply never gets lost in the mix. Snares are snappy and cymbals crash with authority. Yet, I never find them to be edgy or uncomfortable. 64 Audio are experts of pulling off the correct balance in the treble, and they are not lacking detail at any point either.
If you want well presented treble that isn’t harsh or fatiguing I highly suggest testing one of the 64 Audio models. These are utterly fatigue free. Should you wish for a little more bite, toning down the bass helps the mids and highs cut through a bit better (mX module).
Soundstaging and Genres
The U6t have a wider than average soundstage, but it’s not huge as these are still based on a pro-audio model. They are very accurate with their placement of instruments within the soundstage and everything is very well separated. I.e never sounding congested during complex tracks.
These are a superb all-rounder to be fair. They might not have the bass quantity many EDM listeners might crave, but they lend their hand to most genres. These have a slightly smooth presentation. Meaning they might lack a little energy for some. But on the other hand they are super easy to listen for long sessions.
Apex Modules
With the U6t you almost get 3 different signatures in one IEM. Whilst the core sound presentation will be similar between the three there are distinctive differences which allow you to fine tune them to your preference. The apex modules mainly affect the bass region. But an increase here will lead to a perceived lowering of the treble/midrange so take this in to account.
Using the most closed module (m20) you get quite a thick, warm and laid back sound. One that has good body and warmth overall but still with the signature tia driver an airy top end.
Using the m15 you get slightly less bass. Which in turn leads to a more balanced but still slightly smooth sound that is a great compromise and likely the sound that most users will prefer. It is well balanced but not lacking in punch and body.
The mX module will give you a more analytical presentation. More akin to a studio monitor sound that might be lacking a little body for some listeners. But it is the one that will sound the cleanest in the mid-range and treble due to less body overall.
It is down to each listener as to which module they will prefer, but the overall signature refinement and balance is present over all modules.
64 Audio U6t vs A6t
Should you go for the custom version? In short, not really. The custom version is for those who are using these professionally or who want increased comfort. The universal is much more accessible for the average user and it retains resale value should you want to change in the future. The U6t gives you 98% of the sound of the A6t. The custom version has a tiny bit better instrument separation and the seal means you get a bit fuller low end, but the difference is subtle and not in the extremes.
Who are they for?
People wanting a high quality everyday earphone
Those looking for a balanced but not clinical sound
Lovers of a natural sound that it tonally accurate
Conclusion
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The all new Element III isn’t just a simple refresh. It was built from the ground up around a new DAC chip and offers up the same excellent sound signature people have come to love in an improved package.
As a result of the AKM factory fire late last year, JDS Labs had to refresh the Element II. So they initially decided to develop the Element II+ with a Cirrus Logic DAC chip. However, increasing lead times from Cirrus Logic forced them to go down the ESS Sabre route and ended up developing the all new Element III. (prototypes with a CS and ESS Chip were developed alongside each other). Due to these supply chain issues, JDS Labs decided to essentially cancel the Element II+ and focus on something completely new. Something that was audibly better, The Element III.
Volume Control
One of the main differences between the Element II & III is the volume knob. It may look the same, but it now uses a digital attenuator instead of the analogue volume pot of old. This means you get audibly perfect channel balance right down to -127.5 dBFS. In turn, this allows you to listen at lower volumes and still get the same excellent sound quality. There is a slight drawback to this though as the new Element III no longer has an analogue input due to the digital nature of the volume knob. But they have added an optical input alongside the USB. This was also done to achieve perfect channel balance and also allow them to implement auto-gain.
The Element III has both USB and Optical inputs and can still be used as a pre-amp via the RCA outputs
OLED Screen
There is a small OLED screen on the Element III that shows you some key things like the volume and output selected (HP or pre-out). This is a really handy feature that was missing from previous models.The power for the screen is also separate to the audio channels to make sure there was no impact on the audio quality. There has allowed for a menu, where you can change the brightness, timeout interval, Volume knob LED behaviour and DAC tuning. (Filters, DPLL bandwidth, S/PDIF De-Emphasis and Harmonic compensation).
Auto Gain
Auto-Gain is something really interesting with the Element III. Instead of a separate gain button the amp automatically changes to high-gain (+13.5dB) when the volume is pushed beyond the 0 dBFS threshold. At that point it also compensates volume (-13.5dB) for a near seamless transition. This means no more toggling between high and low gain to get the right listening levels.
As you can see from above, JDS Labs have implemented a lot of new features here. There are also few more geeky ones if you want to check them out (alongside measurements): JDS Labs Element II Benchmarks
Compatibility
As mentioned above, The Element III is a DAC/Amp combo that works with Optical and USB inputs. Output wise it has RCA output for connecting to an external amplifier where you can use the Element III to control the volume. Or even have it set at 0 and use it purely as a DAC. On the front it has a 6.3mm headphone output. The internal amplifier is excellent and provides more than enough output power for most headphones on the market. From sensitive IEM’s to 600Ohm hard to drive dynamic driver over-ears. The only headphones that need more power are low sensitivity planars like the HiFiMAN HE6/Susvara.
Sound
JDS Labs know what they are doing and have implemented changes that have benefitted the sound. With the side effect of slightly better spec on paper too! (inaudible). I have been using an Element II for the last 2 years in my desktop setup. Before that I had the original Element too. They are excellent devices, and perfect for powering all different headphones without issue. they also make the perfect reference point and one that I am very familiar with.
The Element III brings things up a notch though. It still has that signature JDS Labs sound that is clean, linear and effortless but this time it feels smoother and less clinical. The perfect channel balance is something that is noticeable and a welcome addition to already excellent devices. You can now listen with even the most sensitive IEM’s and have zero hiss, zero noise and also zero channel imbalance at low volumes. Not that hiss/noise were ever issues before.
It is natural, neutral and extremely clean sounding which works wonders when it comes to feeding clean power to your headphones.
The Element III doesn’t want to impart a sound signature. It is natural, neutral and extremely clean sounding which works wonders when it comes to feeding clean power to your headphones. It doesn’t colour the sound. Nor will it flatter poor recordings or making things easier on your ear. However, pair it with a pair of headphones you truly enjoy the signature of and voila. You need to try it!
Where to use
There is a great opportunity for studio users to put the JDS Labs Element III in their system. It provides an exceptionally clean sound signature for recording and referencing work. The design is perfect for desktop users. I personally use it for listening to music and also when gaming. The volume knob is so easy to use. I also often use it as a DAC only into another headphone amplifier. And it must be said, the DAC section is very well implemented, sounding very transparent.
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Hot off the release of the ZE3000, Final have gone one step further and released their first ever wireless headphone, and it comes with ANC. The Final UX3000 ANC offers a universal user friendly sound whilst retaining that Final magic we love.
These Headphones are simply stunning. The Shibo coating provides the UX3000 with a beautifully textured finish that acts as a finger print deterrent. The use of physical buttons over touch controls to play/pause, power on/off control the volume as well as turning the ANC on/off is reassuring and nicely implemented. The included 3.5mm audio cable that allows them to be used as a wired headphone without any battery is a marvel. They also fold up for easy storage and come with a soft carry pouch.
Fit and Comfort: 9/10
These are a very comfortable headphones. The earcups surround my ears with room to spare and the padding is soft yet dense enough to provide really good passive isolation and a very secure fit. The clamping force is moderate at most and the padding does a great job at alleviating any pressure. They feel very secure when on the move.
Sound: 8/10
The Headphone essentially has two unique sound signatures. ANC on and ANC off. I find the UX3000 with ANC off to be an engaging and fun headphone, that handles most genres with ease. Sure it can be said that the UX3000 lacks a tiny bitof finesse and clarity overall, but for everything else offered its price point, I am not one to argue.
Fun, dynamic, engaging and full sounding
And here comes the ANC: 9/10
Turn the ANC on and the bass gets an extra helping of that sub-bass boost, with more focus on the bass and treble overall. When using these in high noise environments and with the ANC on – the sound is really enjoyable and upbeat.
So with ANC on you have a really fun, dynamic, engaging and full sounding headphone for on the go use. When you want a bit more clarity and detail you can turn ANC off and have a more linear yet fun and enjoyable sounding headphone.
Incredible microphone for an over-ear headphone
Mic: 10/10
The built in mic for taking calls is incredible for an over-ear headphone. The quality of the voice is outstanding. I even tested them out in strong wind and managed to have a full call with no major issues. They do a fantastic job at suppressing noise on your end so the other party can hear you loud and clear, with great tone too. Noise cancelling can also be activated while on calls, which will allow you to hear voices even more clearly without the fear of outside noise creeping in.
These are also perfect for working from home with very accurate and faithful voice reproduction, it doesn’t sound like you are using the mic from the headphones, they are that good.
Notable other Feautures:
ANC on its own mode. You can have the ANC turned on but the headphone turned off. Really good for scenarios such as being in a Library and wanting that extra silence.
Support AptX, AptX LL, SBC & AAC Codecs which is great for the audio quality side of thing.
35 hour Battery life with ANC off or 25 hours with it on – More than enough for most of us out in the world.
Multipoint connection – You can stream music from once device and take calls from another
Wired mode – as mentioned above very useful if you run out of battery, or just what to try something different.
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Campfire Audio have made somewhat of a baby Andromeda with the Holocene. With a focus on control and detail they are perfect for those wanting a more neutral and balanced sound signature.
Those familiar with Campfire Audio will know the shape. It is common amongst their models with an angular outer shell and smooth inner. With a long-ish nozzle that really helps you get a good fit with them. I find this design works well with most people, they certainly fit me well which is always a bonus.
Once you find the right tips for your ears, the Holocene fit comfortably due to well designed housings and good insertion depth. The cable is also soft and fits over your ears easily without stiff memory wire.
Compatibility
These are quite a picky earphone when it comes to matching them with the right source. Their sensitivity is quite low (94dB SPL @1kHZ – mVrms). However they have very low impedance (5.4 Ohms @1kHZ). This means they need some careful system matching. You really do need a player with less than 1 Ohm output impedance for these. Otherwise they will not sound how Campfire Audio intended them to.
Bass:
The Holocene puts focus on accuracy yet never comes across as thin or lean in it’s presentation. This is when paired with the correct source that is. It is very controlled and articulate and it doesn’t put a foot wrong, even during the most complex of tracks. The low end is expertly separated from the midrange, not allowing it to influence the overall tonal balance. It digs deep in terms of extension but it isn’t exaggerated. Bass guitars are easy to follow in the mix. Kick drums hit with authority and body yet never sound bloated. There is perhaps a tiny bit of added body from the low end, but it is subtle and just makes the Holocene a little more fun and engaging without sounding overly full.
Midrange:
Due to the lack of bleed from the low end, the midrange is incredibly clean and crisp. Male vocals don’t get any added body which helps them cut through with great tonality. I would say the Holocene has a very mild U-shaped signature. The midrange isn’t up-front and intimate and it sits ever so slightly behind the bass and treble, but it isn’t overly recessed. There is excellent detail and layering in the midrange. Things never get muddled and it is always easy to pick apart the different layers within the mix. Contrary to many earphones, the Holocene don’t boost the upper mids. This means female vocals are not pushed to the front. In fact they actually have a slight recession to prevent sibilance. Personally this slight recession in the upper midrange robs them of a little energy but it does prevent them from being peaky and sibilant.
Treble:
The lower treble is slightly muted, which does take away from the sound a little bit of energy. But there is good presence higher up which does add good air and extension. These are not as exciting as the Andromeda and are definitely lacking a little bit of the treble energy of that particular model. However, those looking for a good all rounder that is a little easier on the ears and more forgiving of certain recordings will do well with the Holocene.
Soundstaging and Genres
The soundstaging on the Holocene is good. There is a good sense of air and space around instruments. The layering and instrument separation on the other hand is excellent. The sound is well controlled and this allows you to pick apart the mix with ease, even during complex tracks.
Genre wise these are an excellent all rounder. They won’t appeal to those looking for lots of bass so EDM and the likes are not their main focus. But for metal, jazz, acoustic, alternative rock, indie etc… they all sound excellent through the Holocene.
Who is it for?
Those looking for a detailed and clean sound signature
Those wanting a good all rounder that isn’t fatiguing
Westone Audio release their new MACH series, a comprehensive range starting with an entry level single BA driver, right up to an 8-driver model. MACH is the latest in sound engineering that is bridging the gap between professional performance products and a product for the truest of music lovers. With its unique ergonomic fit, MACH is a product for everyday use and enjoyment.
All the new MACH models come with the T2 connector from Linum, and all of them come with Linum cables too. These are substantially better than older MMCX connectors and are more durable in a wide range of environments.
The MACH10 is a single BA model with a focus on detail, the sound signature is flat and accurate and using them with foam tips will make the sound a little more “natural”. This is the entry level model and is suited to those who don’t want an overly coloured sound.
The MACH20 is more balanced sounding with more neutral bass than Mach10, however they do have a slightly mid-forward sound that brings vocals and guitars into focus. Again they have aimed for a clear and detailed sound with the first two models.
The MACH30 changes this a little, with a more energetic sound signature – they have a subtle lift in the bass and some upper midrange forwardness. This leads to a slightly more fun, yet still well balanced sound signature.
The MACH40 goes for a warmer sound, one for those who enjoy full bodied and organic sound, the mid-bass has added punch whilst the mids and treble take a step back. They also have a slightly more direct sound, the soundstage is more focussed and less open than some other models in the series.
The MACH50 goes for a smooth, open and natural sound – it doesn’t have any fatigue inducing traits and focuses on an organic presentation that is the perfect “everyday” earphone. It has a slightly forgiving sound that doesn’t make poor recordings sound bad, this could be quite the hit for many people.
MACH60 has reference-like characteristics but with ever so slightly elevated bass and treble, the soundstaging is very holographic and these offer up a wide and balanced sound. The treble is crisp, the midrange is smooth and natural and the bass has great punch, a superb all-rounder.
MACH70 has been made with a mild W-shaped signature, with great mid-bass punch, well presented midrange and effortless treble, these are punchy and fun yet well controlled and resolving. The soundstaging again being a highlight with their open sound and excellent separation.
MACH80 is the flagship model in this range, and it’s tuned to be an audio tool. Westone state the Mach80 has no obvious colouration, it is designed to be a flat sounding reference model.
This range looks quite interesting with plenty of different sound signatures to suit different tastes – we can also expect excellent comfort, as this is one area where Westone always do well. We have all of these ready to demo, so book an appointment to be one of the first to hear this new range of earphones.
We often show off high end equipment, but here are our top 5 sub £100 bargains!
Periodic Audio Rhodium – £49
To begin with our top 5 sub £100 bargains we have the Periodic Audio Rhodium. It’s a compact USB-C DAC/Amp perfect for getting better quality audio from your phone. It undeniably increases the clarity and separation. While it has not been designed to drive some of the more demanding over-ear headphones, for earphone users this is an excellent choice to improve your portable setup.
Final E500 – £19.99
The Final E500 show that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get good clarity and a controlled sound. These are not designed to impress you with massive bass, or an exaggerated v-shaped sound. Instead opting for balance and detail. This means that the sound provided is very refined for the price and while these small earphones might not look like much, they sure do kick out a lot for the money.
SoundMAGIC E11c – £52.99
SoundMAGIC are kings at making affordable earphones and headphones. Furthermore, their products consistently win awards and they really do know how to make an excellent sounding product. The E11c is no exception. Originally designed an upgrade to the E10c, it has delivered in every single way. Coupled with more modern looks and a sound that is more controlled yet still punchy and fun: It is a fantastic earphone for everyday use.
Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 – £99
Another fantatic product and the only wireless model in this list, there is simply no better option for under £100. Overall, these earphones offer up a very fun and enjoyable sound. The PurePlay Z3 2.0 has a 70 hour battery life and an extremely stable bluetooth connection. In addtion to this they’re comfortable and look great, without compromising at all on audio quality.
SoundMAGIC P23BT – £49
Finally, it is SoundMAGIC once again that have made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable. In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. On top of that it has an incredibly impressive battery life and is super easy to use. The sound is full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and can easily take on the big brands should they wish to.
Enjoyed our Top 5 Sub £100 list? Check out more from our Best Of Series HERE
Bonus round: Other great products that deserve their own Top 5 Sub £100 list!
The Oriveti OV800 brings the incredible sound of O800 but adds switches to allow users to tailor the sound to their liking.
The OV800 are handmade, this means there is a high level of attention to detail and each set are a masterpiece. The driver setup consists of 2x BA woofers, 4x BA midrange drivers and 2x BA tweeters. The woofers are from Knowles while the mid and high BA drivers have been produced in-house to Oriveti’s desired specifications. This is impressive, and has allowed Oriveti to really tune the sound of the OV800 to their specification.
The OV800 come with all-new stained wood faceplates, these look incredible in person and are sure to stand out in your collection. The new 8-wire SPC cable is supple and comfortable in use and elevates the sound too. The port on the earphones alleviates listening fatigue along with improving the soundstage, with out impacting the excellent isolation these provide.
The sound is tuned to be smooth and resolving, much like the O800, but this time Oriveti have incorporated tuning switches. These allow you to add a little more sub-bass presence for a warmer sound, or a little added treble brightness for increased presence and clarity. You can also turn both of these on for a slightly more v-shaped sound signature – so you can choose what you personally prefer.
Head on over to Headfonics and read their reviews on the Final ZE3000 and Lypertek Z5 – you’ll find out why the ZE3000 sits at the top of their recommended list, with the Z5 closely behind in 2nd place!
We review the Final ZE3000 True Wireless earphones from Final, they have a clear focus on sound quality over gimmicks, all wrapped up in a comfortable yet stylish shell.
The Final ZE3000 true wireless has an angular design that looks stylish and stands out. The overall look eschews quality. They also come with an interesting finish on the buds and case known as “Shibo”. “Shibo” means crease on paper or leather in Japanese and is used on many cameras. This textured finish is also a great deterrent against fingerprints and other marks.
As expected from final, the build quality is fantastic. The hinges of the case and the USB-C connector are rigid and durable. you can even open and close the lid on the case singlehandedly. The case is very compact, therefore easy to carry around or keep in your pocket. Overall, the ZE3000 feels as unique as it looks and clearly sets itself apart from other earphones in the £120 price range.
Fit and Comfort: 9/10
Final has designed the earphone not to fully enter the canal, but to sit comfortably at the entrance. The comfort is excellent, you really do forget you have them in sometimes, they might not be the smallest earphone out there but the shape and weight does mean they are comfortable to wear for hours on end. They are also good to use for the gym and manage to stay firmly in place and comfortable in your ear, even during intense workouts.
Final E eartips are some of the best in class and widely used by other brands for their earphones. Their TWS E-tips are no exception to this rule of thumb.
Features: 7/10
The ZE3000 do not have ANC or any other the other bells and whistles that come with wireless earphones these days. Instead Final have decided to focus on the audio quality and should be praised for this. Battery life is fairly normal at 7hrs continuous playback, along with an extra 28hrs from the case. More than enough to not be constantly charging them.
The ZE3000 use Bluetooth 5.2 (QCC3040 chip) and support ABC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive. This means you will get the best sound out of these if your device is aptX Adaptive compatible. But even normal aptX is still a step above AAC. The microphone quality is excellent and is perfect for taking calls at home or on the go.
Sound 10/10
Final have focussed on the sound aspect of the ZE3000, giving them a natural yet fatigue free sound signature. The bass is great. It is tight and digs deep when called for but it never sounds like the main focus of the sound. It isn’t bloated or up-front, instead it is happy to just do its thing without drawing attention to itself.
The midrange is also really impressive. It sounds realistic and natural without being pushed forwards. There is loads of detail on offer. Vocals are crisp and well presented, with both male and female sounding excellent. Electric guitars have plenty of crunch, yet acoustics sound subtle and full. They also never sound congested with great layering and space between instruments.
These won’t suit the bassheads out there, but for average everyday listening these are brilliant.
The treble is smooth with that signature Final airiness that brings out a sense of space in recordings that many earphones fail to capture. They are very resolving for such a budget earphone. They extract tons of detail and are very well placed within the soundstage.
Instrument Separation and Soundstaging
The ZE3000 manage to remain well separated and airy throughout. This means they can handle anything you throw at them and still remain open sounding with excellent separation and layering. It is easy to pick out single parts in mixes whilst sounding completely coherent overall.
The soundstaging is really impressive for the price and throws out a broad image that is accurate and realistic. It is wider than many of the more consumer models out there and the airiness in the treble range really helps to add a sense of air to the sound.
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Enjoyed our review of the final ZE3000 True Wireless? Check out all things Final throughout our blog here.
We have had some fantastic products this year, including the new Audeze LCD-5 which are some of the best headphones on the market. The 64 Audio U6t which brings their most popular custom IEM to the masses for a very reasonable price and the SoundMAGIC P23BT proving that you really can get excellent sound from a budget pair of headphones. We want to hear your questions about audio and headphones, so leave them in the comments and we will try and do a Q&A in the near future.
The Oriveti O400 have a similar shell design as all the newer O and OH series from Oriveti – a hand crafted resin shell that is smooth and very well finished that has a fairly short nozzle which allows for a shallow to medium insertion depth. They fit well in the ear, but the housings are not the smallest and will stick out a little for those with smaller/odd shaped ears like me.
Comfort is good, the housing shape really helps with this as there are no sharp edges that dig in to your ears, also the nozzle is a good angle and lenght to fit most people securely without the insertion depth being too intrusive. The cable has a pre-moulded section of memory wire which is very comfortable, and the cable is soft and comfortable in use.
Compatibility
The O400 uses 4 Balanced Armature drivers, they are Knowles drivers and split between ultra-low/low-mid/mid-high/high frequencies. The O400 have an impedance of 15Ohms and a sensitivity rating of 110+-3dB/mW @1000Hz – this means they are very easy to drive however being an all BA based model it is best to pair them with a source that has less than 1Ohm output impedance to get the best out of them.
Sound
Bass: The O400 have 2 drivers covering the low end, they split up the sub and mid-bass and allow for a subtle sub-bass lift that doesn’t bleed through and affect the midrange or cause any unwanted resonance and bloat. Oriveti have managed to pull off a really impressive tuning down low, one that has a full and deep sub-bass response yet a tight and impactful mid-bass that always sounds controlled. There is never any warming to the lower midrange, allowing vocals and guitars to shine through with ease, these don’t have a high level of bass and it is well aligned with the rest of the frequency response – so they wouldn’t be my pick for bass-heads – however they do handle bass very well without any discernible roll-off.
Midrange: Due to the exceptional control of the low end, the midrange just cuts through with ease and clarity on the O400 – offering up a revealing yet easy to listen to midrange experience without harshness. For the price these extract an impressive amount of detail from the midrange, you won’t miss a thing yet they are very well balanced too. Male vocals don’t sound dull, female vocals are devoid of sibilance or excess presence, the transition into the treble is handled very well and nothing stands out. These have an effortless and clean midrange that seems to handle anything you throw at them without sounding congested.
Treble: The treble rounds off a really great presentation allowing for plenty of air and ambience, along with detail and sparkle without overdoing it and becoming thin/bright sounding. You won’t miss any cymbal taps or crashes, snares are incredibly snappy and violins are presented with finesse and grace. There is no early roll-off, they aren’t muted or splashy, they have great control and this really does help to make the O400 sound refined, open and clean.
Genres and Soundstaging
The O400 work well with pretty much anything you throw at them, they have a controlled and clean sound with a mild sub-bass boost that adds body and reinforces the low end without affecting other frequencies. However these are not bass heavy and would not be my first pick for more bass oriented genres (the OH500 does a better job with those).
Soundstaging isn’t huge, there is great air though and whilst it may be lacking in absolute width and heigh there is good depth to the sound and positional accuracy is a definite strong point of the O400.
Who are they for?
Those wanting a clean and transparent sound without the more typical analytical tuning
People who want a comfortable and enjoyable daily IEM
Conclusion
Oriveti have created a unique tuning with the O400, they have a clear and open sound that has a slight sub-bass lift that helps give the sound a solid foundation and adds a bit of body without adding bloat or overall warmth. This works really well and the O400 are a comfortable and easy to listen to daily IEM that offer up a lot of detail for their relatively low price, yet another excellent value for money model from Oriveti and one that I can easily recommend you try if you enjoy a more detail oriented earphone.
