The MW200 is a neckband Bluetooth cable that allows you to convert your MMCX earphones into a Bluetooth set. It’s a flexible rubber neckband with solid plastic end parts that house the electronics and controls, these are finished with a tempered glass faceplate. It’s a well built, and good looking neckband that is also comfortable in use. The cable sections I feel are a little too long though, and could have about 3-4cm cut off without hindering the fit. The cable section has moulded ear hooks so it is for use with earphones that fit over-ear rather than straight down.
Feature wise you get full controls on the left side of the MW200, with volume controls (these are separate from the sources volume), play/pause and on/off. You can also use the play/pause to skip tracks, and there is a microphone on the unit for calls. The MW200 supports all the latest Bluetooth codecs for the highest quality Bluetooth playback (Aptx and LDAC etc…). The MW200 paired easily and the range seems very good, battery life is also great at up to 11hrs in LDAC mode and 14 in SBC. There is plenty of volume to power most IEM’s currently on the market too.
Sound
I’ve mainly been using the MW200 with Final’s flagship IEM the A8000, because they really are ruthlessly revealing of the source material and also enjoy a bit of power behind them. I’m glad to report that the MW200 doesn’t have any problems with noise, and there isn’t any noticeable hiss when using it. I will mention that I have also been using it with LDAC from my Pixel 3a using Qobuz streaming.
The MW200 has good power and volume, there is plenty of detail and an overall crisp and clean sound. Of course, Bluetooth is still limited and there was a drop in resolution over playing the A8000 out of a high-end DAP. However when out and about this drop is not as noticeable as when critically listening, and the MW200 does a truly great job at decoding and amplifying the signal. I was really testing the limits of the MW200 by using it with the A8000, but pair it with something a bit more affordable like the Oriveti OH300 and you get a superb sounding wireless setup for under £500. Much better than any current wireless offering on the market at least.
The MW200 really doesn’t impart much of it’s own sound on to the IEM’s of choice, which is great in my opinion, you can get the Shanling app though which includes an EQ. This EQ does not work when using LDAC codec though. If you are used to using your IEM’s with an excellent source, please remember there will be slightly lower resolution, mostly in the treble region, again this is more a limitation of Bluetooth and not necessarily the MW200’s fault.
Conclusion
There are not a lot of good solutions for making wired IEM’s wireless, at least not with good quality anyway. The MW200 is excellent when it comes to the sound and functionality, it is also comfortable. The only drawback I see if the length of cable that goes to your ear, it is just a little too long. If you have good IEM’s and want a convenient solution for portable use, the MW200 comes highly recommended, with only a slight dip in sound quality over wired use.
The Conductor 3X Reference stands out, its aluminium chassis has rounded edges and acts as a heatsink meaning your unit will run cool too. It’s a unique design but the display on the front is clear and easy to read, the remote is easy to use and the volume knob is a good size. On the back you get digital and analogue inputs along with analogue outputs as it can be used as a pre-amp too. On the front you have a 4-pin XLR balanced output and a 6.3mm single ended output, most power comes from the balanced output as you would imagine.
The 3X Reference is a DAC/Headphone amp that works as a pre-amp too, it’s designed to be the centre of any system and fit in seamlessly. It has USB/Coax/Optical and Bluetooth digital inputs, along with balanced analogue inputs. It also has balanced outputs to use the pre-amp stage for external amplifiers, one fixed voltage and one variable voltage. On the front you also have a microphone input which gets converted by an ADC to be picked up by the PC the unit is plugged in to. The unit runs warm as it is pure class A with fully discrete components, and there are 2 gain settings along with various digital filter settings.
The 3X Reference features a true Class A amp section for driving headphones, couple this with a DAC for each channel and you get truly stellar sound quality. The 3XR is smooth and refined backed by plenty of power to bring out impact and punch even when using hard to driver planars. The amp section has a firm hold over the headphones driver, with excellent articulation and snappy dynamics. At the same time the DAC section is well balanced and detailed allowing plenty of micro-detail to shine through.
Burson have put a lot of thought into pairing the correct DAC section with a complimentary amp section, and it really does pay off. You don’t get a perfectly neutral reference style sound, instead I would describe it as mildly warm and sweet. It pairs well with a lot of headphones, but really shines when you pair it with a good pair of planar headphones, that power on tap really does wonders with them.
The Conductor 3XR is designed to allow you to not worry about power output, and whether you are driving your headphones to their fullest, instead it allows you to focus more on the listening. It lets you sit back and enjoy, knowing that you are feeding your headphones with plenty of clean power. It really is a fun and enjoyable listen that is never fatiguing or boring.
Ok, so the Conductor 3XR is not cheap and it’s only really justified if you have a good collection of headphones. But if you do want a DAC/Amp that will power your collection and let you enjoy the music, the 3XR does a stellar job and is well worth an audition.
The LCD-1 are a small, portable sized headphone with a mainly plastic build to help keep the weight down. The earpads do go around your ears and are quite snug, the clamping force is moderate to retain a secure fit. There is plenty of adjustment in the headband sliders to fit most head shapes and sizes. They fit well and have an understated look compared to higher end Audeze models.
Comfort wise the moderate clamping force is noticeable during longer listening sessions, and the small-ish earpads are plush and soft but not the most spacious. Being open back they don’t heat up as quickly as a closed back model though. The headband has fairly good padding, but it is a little narrow and does create a small pressure point on the top of my head.
The LCD-1 might look like a portable headphone, but it’s open back nature mean it is better used in environments where you won’t disturb others with sound leakage. Also they are a planar magnetic headphone, and in my opinion fare much better when a powerful source is used. Something like the JDS Labs Element II or Burson Audio Conductor range would be perfect with them. They don’t sound all too good out of a mobile phone, they definitely benefit from a bit more power to get the best out of them.
Sound Quality:
Bass: Whilst Audeze cut their teeth with the LCD-2 and its famous bass, the LCD-1 does not follow in its footsteps. Instead Audeze have created a tool for the sound engineer on the go, or for the travelling audiophile who wants a more reference sound when away from home. The bass hits fast and clean with minimal boost in terms of quantity, there is a tightness to the sound yet with body that is subtle yet pleasant. It is in the bass region where a good amplifier will make or break the LCD-1, don’t give them enough power and they do sound thin and a little anaemic, but when you have a good source behind them the articulation and slam is excellent whilst retaining clarity and control at all times. Full bodied, but not overblown, musicality and technicality mixing in perfect harmony down low.
Midrange: Here is where the LCD-1 really got me, such a clean cut and alluring midrange that has all the detail you could want at this price range. It is natural, with realistic tone and yet it is always crisp and kept clear of any bloom from the bass. In my opinion the midrange is pretty flawless on the LCD-1, it has excellent timing, tonality and overall just sounds accurate and right. No matter the genre, give them a good source and recording and you will hear all the nuances you could want but never in a harsh or annoying way. Much like the bass they manage to mix technical ability with a slight smooth musicality to great effect.
Treble: Here is possible where the smoothness slightly outweighs the technical abilities and they have a bit of that typical Audeze lushness. Not as extended or present as some of the competition, the treble region is where I personally would have preferred a little more energy. Those who are a little more treble sensitive though will welcome the natural and smooth treble, with enough presence to keep the LCD-1 sounding well balanced, but without any fatigue inducing peaks. Luckily the resolution up top is excellent with plenty of detail to be heard in the treble region.
Genres and Soundstaging
Due to their fairly balanced sound signature, the LCD-1 seem to handle most music you throw at them with relative ease. Their presentation is a little more on the engaging side of things so they fare well with more upbeat music than classical for example.
The LCD-1 soundstaging is good, there is plenty of width and good height too, but the layering also stands out. They are an agile headphone and expertly pick apart even the most complex of mixes.
The LCD-1 is an instant classic in my opinion, from the moment you put them on you hear that a lot of work has gone in to making them balanced, technically proficient, yet always slightly musical and enjoyable. The midrange stood out to me, being excellent in terms of clarity and tonality, backed up with by full bodied yet controlled bass and sweet yet detailed treble. All packaged in a small, comfortable and well built package, and for an affordable price. The LCD-1 are a truly excellent headphone.
What is the difference between Open and Closed headphones?
Looking for a new pair of headphones can be very confusing, there are so many to choose from – how do you know you are getting the best for your money?
There are lots of things you can look at when deciding, and the main place to start is whether you will benefit from Open or Closed Back headphones. It’s easy for some people to say that one is better then the other, but this isn’t the case – it really depends on how you will use them. If you are looking for a pair of headphones to commute to work with then an open back design won’t be ideal, unless you want the whole carriage to listen to your guilty pleasures. So here is a quick run down on the differences between Open and Closed back headphones.
Closed back headphones
The main benefit you get from a closed back headphone is sound isolation, this reduces the amount of sound that leaks out for others to hear and it also helps block outside noises so they won’t interfere with your listening. This is something that is very important when using headphones in public e.g. commute to work, travelling or even at home with other people in the room. Generally closed back headphones have a narrower soundstage (compared to open back) but you tend to get a punchier sound with heavier bass from a closed back headphone. One downside of closed back headphones is that your ears can get warm very easily, especially compared to open backed headphones – using velour earpads instead of leather can reduce this but this will reduce the amount of sound that is isolated.
These headphones certainly don’t isolate sound, being open back the sounds comes out from them like mini speakers – some more than others. They will also allow you to hear what’s going on around you, so this won’t be ideal for noisy environments. The benefit from this is that you get a very natural sound, your ears will keep cool due to the air flow and they give a wide soundstage – this is particularly good for live recordings as you really feel like you’re right there. Being open backed you will sometimes notice a loss of bass compared to a closed back alternative, however the bass has a more natural feel to it because the driver housing is vented so the sound can breathe.
The best question to ask yourself first is “how will I use these headphones?” and from there you will know whether to go for open or closed back. So if you’re using them at home and there won’t be anyone else around then open back will be a good place to look, but if there is a chance that you will also want to use them on the odd commute to work – then overall a closed back will be the most suitable.
The Atom Amp is simple, with both RCA and 3.5mm inputs on the back, RCA outputs for use as a pre-amp and a volume knob, headphone jack and gain/input selectors on the front. The Atom DAC on the other hand has USB input and RCA output on the back, with a white ring on the front that illuminates when it is on. They look clean and simple, yet inside they have been engineered to provide a clean and clear sound.
The Atom amp has 2 gain settings (1x and 4.5x), if you are pairing it with the Atom DAC you likely won’t need more than 1x for most headphones. The volume know turns the amp on, and there is a white ring around it to indicate the power is on. The Atom DAC on the other hand does not have a power switch, instead JDS Labs have shipped an inline switch you attach to the power supply cable, simple yet efficient. Turn them on, set up the input and hit play, it couldn’t be much simpler. If you want a neat and clean desktop setup the JDS Labs Stack RCA cables really help keep the units together. The Atom DAC supports up to 32/384kHz PCM
Well JDS Labs are one of those companies who strive to provide products that don’t flavour the sound, they want you to have a neutral and transparent source so you can use the headphones as the standard tuning point. This rings true of the new Atom DAC, take a look at the specs and measurements, have a listen with your own ears, and all it does is masterfully convert your digital audio into an analogue signal for the amp to amplify. It doesn’t try to add anything, nor does it try to take anything away. Distortion levels are astonishingly low, the Atom DAC is effortlessly clean and clear sounding, allowing you to hear all the finer details with ease. JDS Labs are purists if you like, and the Atom DAC is a no-frills, pure DAC that gets out of the way of what is important – the music.
I reviewed the Atom Amp on it’s own a while back, and adding a high quality DAC to it obviously helps get the most out of it. It purely amplifies what you feed it, and the Atom DAC provides a really good base sound for the amp to amplify. As I have said earlier on in this review, this setup aims to provide a clean and neutral sound, allowing you to pick the headphones that suit your needs rather than finding an amp/DAC to compliment your headphones. The pre-amp outputs are really handy if you have an active speaker system too. The great thing about this combo is that is ultimately gives you a very good base system for a desktop headphone setup, and is one that will work with a great range of headphones, from IEM’s to full size planars.
The Atom DAC has come along and completes the Atom stack, a small, neat system that will power most headphones on the market. It offers plenty of detail and a reference sound signature many will enjoy. It is not designed to alter the sound of your headphones, or add a flavour of it’s own, instead it provides a clean and crisp sound that gets out of the way of the music. All for a very modest price too.
A guide on how to buy the right headphones for you
We get to try out more headphones than most, so this article is where we at Hifiheadphones share some of that experience with you. In a simple world you could buy a set of ‘known brand’ headphones at a certain price point and expect to receive a product that you can be happy with. In other words, you may think that spending a certain amount on headphones will guarantee that you get a product you will like. Unfortunately with headphones it can be a little more complex.
In this headphone buying guide is a quick summary of some of the major factors when purchasing a pair of new headphones or earphones.
Audio Quality
The first question asked by many people when buying headphones and earphones is “Do they sound good?”. It’s also often the most difficult question to answer. We human beings are very subjective creatures. What is described by one person as “precise and detailed” will be “lacking in bass and clinical” by another. What one listener likes another will find irritating.
The best advice we can give is to do plenty of research and try to understand what you are purchasing. Search the Internet for reviews of the headphones you like the look of – we have plenty of product reviews in our Blog as well as on our Youtube Channel. Ask for advice on forums where people discuss headphones such as Head-Fi or AVForums. You will likely find plenty of information and opinions, often from different points of view. If you make your headphone or earphone purchase with good knowledge of what to expect it’s less likely you will be disappointed.
Design and Aesthetics
High up the list for many people is the looks and aesthetics of the headphones. After all you will have to be wearing the headphones you choose on your head for all to see! Unless you plan to use your new headphones alone at home then it’s likely you will be interested in how they look. Of course the quality of sound is also near the top of most lists, but with such a wide selection of good headphones to choose from it’s also likely that you will want your headphones to reflect your style.
Manufacturers such as Audeze and Campfire Audio have really gone to town with the styling of their headphones and earphones. These brands have a unique look with a wide selection of stunning designs.
If you are looking for headphones that look a little more sophisticated and refined then Bowers & Wilkins‘ range of headphones are a good choice. While only relatively new to the headphone market in the UK, it’s not without reason that B&W are quickly becoming market leaders. B&W’s selection of headphones look stunning and perform equally well. The B&W PX5 headphones are a highly recommended set of stylish portable wireless headphones with a rich, clear sound.
Ease of Portability
If you are going to be travelling or moving around with your headphones or earphones then the size, weight and ability to pack away (fold or collapse) may be important to you. There will also be the choice of going wired or wireless, and with the rise of True Wireless earphones – convenience has become a very popular feature.
Many travellers and commuters like the in-ear earphone type as wired ones can easily be wound up and put into a pouch or pocket, and wireless models tend to come with their own cases that make them easy to carry around. Sound isolating earphones have the added benefit that they can cut down outside noise by up to -20dB, which can be a godsend when travelling on a train, bus or underground. The SoundMAGIC range of sound isolating earphones is a good place to start. Also worthy of mention is Final, Shure and Etymotic who all have a good range of the in ear sound isolating variety.
If wireless is your thing, then True Wireless earphones are the way to go for portable use. These earphones have ditched the wires so there’s no risk of tangled cables getting in the way. We highly recommend Lypertek True Wireless earphones, and the award-winning PurePlay Z3 is a great place to start for under £100.
You will also find a good selection of headband headphones that collapse or fold for stowing away when needed. The SoundMAGIC P22 for a great budget wired option or the B&W PX5 wireless headphones are a superb example of quality lightweight travelling headphones that fold away for transporting.
Sound Isolation vs Noise Cancelling
When listening to your headphones will you need to block out external noise, or do you need to prevent your music from annoying others around you? Ask yourself where, when and how you will be using your headphones.
If you will be listening to your headphones in an office or on public transport you will probably want to keep your music to yourself. In this case you will want to avoid open-back ear cup designs. Although open back headphones are often sonically superior to closed back headphones the sound leaks out and people around you will be listening to a tinny version of what you are listening to – very annoying indeed.
If you travel on buses, trains or planes you might be thinking about noise cancelling headphones, but you may also want to consider in-ear sound isolating earphones instead as they are often able to reproduce a clearer more accurate sound. The extra electronics between your audio source and your ears means that noise cancelling headphones often colour the sound and reduce the clarity.
Closed back headphones tend to passively isolate sound very well without the need for batteries and the noise cancelling technology, and the Dan Clark Aeon 2 Closed Back would be a good audiophile option. If you travel a lot, then active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones like the B&W PX7 would be worth considering as they do a very good job of blocking out the sound of low frequency engine hum.
DJs and studio engineers also have a unique set of requirements when it comes to selecting headphones. A good set of DJ headphones should normally provide maximum isolation from outside sounds, so that you can concentrate on the mix you are putting together. Whereas a studio engineer may be more interested in being able to reproduce a good stereo sound image with sonic clarity and may not be so interested in sound isolation.
Summary
When it comes to purchasing headphones there are so many options and possibilities, but at the end of the day your choice will be down to a few key factors. Factors such as budget, design and whether or not you want sound isolation may be more significant than trying to find headphones with the best audio quality possible.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions on 01903 768 910 or you can email us on support@hifiheadphones.co.uk
People don’t tend to buy Etymotic for comfort, they get them for their isolation and sound quality. The best sound, in my opinion, comes from using the triple-flange tips. These take some getting used to, due to their deep insertion fit, but once you get used to them I don’t find them to cause any discomfort over long listening sessions. Their deep insertion also means they fit narrow canals quite well, and the fit is more flush and low key.
The ER2XR have an impedance of 15Ohms, but with a sensitivity of 96dB (@1kHz – 0.1v) they are not the most sensitive IEM’s around and should pair well with most low output impedance sources. They should not suffer from hiss from most devices, but their low impedance does mean you should try and stick with a source that has lower than 1.8Ohm output impedance.
The single dynamic micro-driver can be powered by most portable sources to loud enough levels, couple that with the excellent isolation and these are truly excellent for loud environments.
Sound Quality
Bass: The bass has a slight lift in the sub-bass region allowing you to really hear the rumble, but without bloating the mid-bass area. The mid-bass has plenty of punch, but it is a tight and controlled response. For those who find the ER2SR to sound a little bass light, the XR should suit your needs, Etymotic have managed to add some presence and body down low without throwing off the balanced overall sound. They have added bass without taking away detail, or control. They are now just a little easier to listen to on a day to day basis, being a little more fun yet retaining that essential Etymotic character. Being a micro-dynamic driver, the bass has a little more texture than the drier sounding balanced armature based ER3 and ER4 series.
Midrange: Here again we witness how well controlled the low end is, if you look at the graph you will see that the bass tapers off and the lower midrange is left with space to shine through with unwanted additional body or bloat. You don’t have to listen for long to figure out that Etymotic carefully tuned these to have a fun and engaging sound but without sacrificing the essentials. The tonality in the midrange is pretty spot on, with good timbre and definition, whilst details are easy to pick out. They don’t favour male, nor female vocals, allowing both to cut through the mix with authority.
Treble: Not lacking here, the ER2XR don’t seem to put a lot of focus on the treble, instead they just let it do its thing and that is just fine. Due to the increased bass of the XR version, the do sound less treble happy than the SE, however that doesn’t mean they are absent. There is a very smooth treble response that doesn’t have and added emphasis to grab your attention, instead it is there to add some air and ambience without sounding grating or fatiguing. Whilst a bit more energy would not go amiss, these are very enjoyable and there is a little lift in the upper treble so as not to sound too rolled off in the upper regions. Give them some well recorded music and you will be surprised how real they get the timbre up top too, clean and clear without any unwanted edginess or unnatural tones.
Genres and Soundstaging
The ER2XR would not necessarily be my first pick for any bass heavy genres like hip-hop or rap, where they tend to shine is faster paced rock music due to their controlled sound along with jazz and acoustic where their accuracy yet warm overall sound is thoroughly enjoyable. Vocals really do sound hauntingly good, whilst they have enough power behind the low end to kick hard when listening to rock music.
The soundstaging on the ER2XR isn’t excellent, their diffuse field tuning limits this slightly. However the stereo imaging more than makes up for this, with pinpoint accuracy as to instrument placement, along with great coherency across the frequency range.
The ER2XR are an impressive earphone, and definitely one of the more interesting releases from Etymotic over the last couple of years. They are low priced yet give you that signature Etymotic controlled and detailed sound backed up with a helping of extra bass to keep things fun and enjoyable.
They have the typical diffuse field target response you come to expect from Etymotic, but with an added bit of low end power and impact. These are by no means a bass oriented earphone, but they will probably appeal to more people than the ER2SE Studio Edition version.
Below we have the frequency graph, which shows a slight emphasis on the sub-bass leaning into a largely neutral midrange, a slightly tapered off treble response but with a lift around 10kHz to give them some air.
Our pick of the 10 best digital audio players for all budgets and uses
We know how important it is to find the right player; whether it is for your mp3 collection, hi-res music or streaming apps such as Tidal or Spotify.
Whether you call them DAPs, players, music players, portable players, mp3 players or anything else, this is the post for you. We’ve gathered our picks for the best digital audio players that you can buy!
If you fancy getting better sound on the move, but don’t want to add a large device to your setup – the Shanling M0 could be just what you’re looking for. This tiny player delivers top quality Hi-Res audio and can be used in two different ways. The SD card slot allows you to store your own library of tunes, from mp3 to DSD – it can handle it all. The M0 can also act as a Bluetooth amp and DAC for your headphones. So, if you prefer using Spotify or Tidal on your phone, then wirelessly connect to the M0 to boost the audio quality while using an interface you are comfortable with.
Stepping up the game, Shanling UP4 builds on its acclaimed predecessor Bluetooth headphone amp UP2 with balanced output for better sound and more power. All the features of UP2 have been retained and improved upon in the UP4 extracting the best possible sound and listening experience from your pocket. Powerful, wireless high-resolution audio that supports all major codecs in a fully portable design.
Shanling Q1 packs abundant audio performance into pocket-sized magnitude with this newest addition to their portable audio player range. Compelling features of the Q1 include aptX Bluetooth, lossless file playback and headphone amplifier and DAC functionality. Shanling Q1 is a highly advanced digital audio player with a multitude of features to make portable listening in high-fidelity effortless.
Shanling’s impressive M2x is our choice for under £200. The impressive build quality and easy to use software makes the M2x an enjoyable experience. Sound quality is well balanced and clean, with superb detail retrieval. Then the addition of Tidal streaming via the app, opens up the listening possibilities.
Once again FiiO have taken the hailed X5 to the drawing board and upgraded key elements and design features to create the X5 3rd Gen digital audio player. Now equipped with two top-tier DAC chips, one for each channel. Part of a new generation of high-quality 32-bit DACs, they are able to supports all PCM and DSD audio formats with stunning accuracy and detail.
New realms of high-resolution portable listening are within reach with the iBasso Audio DX150 digital audio player. Armed with advanced dual USB chipset and driver, the DX150 audio player is a talented device that can act as a stand-alone high-performance USB DAC. Running on Android OS optimised for audio, the DX150 avoids the usual sample rate limitation and allows for installation of third-party applications.
Shanling has long flexed its muscles in the portable audio player scene, and M6, the latest digital audio player offering takes its place at the top of Shanling’s Hi-Res audio player line-up. M6 is the first Shanling audio player to run Android OS and is armed with Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Wireless Audio certification taking your audio to the next level.
A&norma sets the standard of Hi-Fi audio for novice listeners. The SR15, the first model of A&norma, is the beginning point of the Hi-Fi Audio experience that allows you to enjoy the philosophy and technologies of Astell&Kern, which is accoladed by audiophiles around the world. The A&norma SR15 uses two audio DAC chips for a Dual-DAC setup. These chips are known for their use in Home Hi-Fi systems which offer greater presence compared to the inferior DAC chips designed for mobile devices.
A step up from the successful M6 digital audio player, Shanling introduces the upgraded M6 Pro with improved design and audio elements. This new version has more power, more connections and more sleek design. Armed with Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Wireless Audio certification the M6 Pro audio player takes its place at the top of Shanling’s Hi-Res audio player line-up.
KANN CUBE is the second model of the KANN line, which focuses on high fidelity with powerful output and low noise. The newly designed powerful amplifier and audio circuitry have been strategically implemented to offer a very low noise floor, even with its massive power output, making it an Audio Powerhouse capable of driving the most power-hungry headphones.
Refreshed for 2020 the classic Campfire Audio Solaris have been reshaped to be 20% smaller along with a new Solid-Body internal acoustic chamber. Don’t worry though, that famously energetic sound is here to stay.
The new 2020 Solaris now sport a more understated colour scheme, but don’t worry they are finished in a lovely glossy black that is incredibly reflective. They will still catch your eye, but now don’t stand out quite so much which in my opinion is a bonus. They come with the newer smoky jacket super litz cable which is more ergonomic over the previous design. Personally I like the new colours, but I feel some will still prefer the previous gold colour scheme.
Build quality is like every other Campfire Audio model, superb. They know how to pull off some impressive designs, with incredible CNC skills and an impeccable finish. You cannot faulty the all metal build quality, and the cable is well relieved, all this leads to an IEM that should see you through for a long time.
Comfort
With the old Solaris, the most common comment and complaint was about their size and fit. The new 2020 edition slims down their shell size by 20% whilst keeping the same driver configuration. Now I personally suffer from small ears and narrow canals, and the original never fit me too well. The new 2020 edition fit better, they don’t quite fit flush and that will be reserved for those with bigger ears; however they do fit securely and comfortably so this is a big bonus.
Sound
Bass: That hard hitting, all powerful Solaris bass is here to stay, for all but the most hardcore bassheads there will be more than enough low end grunt. They are however still very well controlled, there is always going to be a sense of warmth and body to the sound thanks to the generous low end, however it manages to not interfere with the rest of the sound too much. Sub-bass is easily audible, the mid-bass hits with authority when asked to, however they are articulate and handle most genres with ease. The Solaris 2020 are tuned for fun, not for reference listening like the Andromeda, and they sure do deliver a very engaging and enjoyable sound.
Midrange: As previously stated the low end might be full bodied, but it does stay well controlled with minimal impact on the rest of the sound. The transition into the midrange is very well handled, there is a little bleed but the midrange still manages to cut through with great clarity and separation. The midrange might not be up front and centre stage, however it is well placed, slightly behind the lows, and has good tonality. It is impressive how layered and detailed the midrange manages to be, and yet at the same time it is always smooth, the transition into the treble is very well handled with no harsh sibilance. The midrange comes across as natural and real, and the layering really helps place instruments and vocal tracks within the soundstage.
Treble: These are not a bright earphone, they are also not incredibly v-shaped which tends to be a trend with a more bass oriented tuning. The top end is smooth, organic and refined, there is enough presence to keep things from sounding dull but they never overstep the line to becoming fatiguing. Cymbals are just where they need to be and come crashing in around the midrange with great precision and tonality and they extend with ease. They always maintain expert control without any peaks, there is a great sense of air up top and overall I really enjoy how real they sound.
Whilst reviewing these, I had Override by Slipknot come on, and this track really highlights what the Solaris 2020 can do. A heavy wall of drums and guitars, all perfectly layered but with such a powerful presentation. Corey’s vocals are perfectly isolated and hauntingly realistic, they handle every bit of the mix with ease yet it all comes together in a powerful and coherent sound.
The soundstaging and imaging of the Solaris 2020 are a strong point, with great accuracy when it comes to width, height and placement, yet they remain coherent throughout.
Conclusion
The Solaris 2020 are more comfortable and ergonomic, they are also a little more refined in their sound delivery with a slightly wider soundstage and more focused midrange. They are most definitely still a Solaris, but are now a little more refined, yet still manage to produce an impressively hard hitting sound. Definitely an IEM to demo in the sub £1500 price range.
It probably won’t take many people long to figure out where the LCD-4’s come from, with their big bold look and chrome grills, you guessed it the USA. They are not subtle, they are not low key, they have lovely dark wooden housings, shiny chrome grills and a carbon fibre headband. Big leather pads and a silver/black braided cable, the LCD-4 look stunning if not a little OTT.
Build quality is superb, as would be expected at this price range. They are solid and well put together, with good materials and not a blemish in sight. The included cable is also excellent with great strain relief and thickness. They also come with an excellent case to store them in when not in use, the LCD-4 sure feel like they are built to last.
Comfort
The LCD-4 are heavy, there is no doubting that. But the headband is well made to distribute the pressure well, and the pads are soft and well cushioned. Depending on your resilience to the weight of headphones, the LCD-4 are surprisingly comfortable for relatively long listening sessions. This all comes down to personal thresholds though.
Sound
Bass: Audeze are usually known for making headphones that have a warmer, more bass oriented sound signature, and that is true for a few of their models. The LCD-4 and LCD-X however follow a more reference style tuning, these handle the low end with effortless extension and punch without any bleeding or bloat. The low end is tight and controlled, and very accurate to the source. Every bit of the recording can be heard, the layering down low is expertly handled and they never step out of line. There is always a slight underlying warmth to the LCD-4, but they are not a dark sounding headphone.
Midrange: The LCD-4 don’t tend to accentuate any part of the midrange, allowing them to portray it in an open and natural way. Again the layering really stands out, allowing every instrument and vocal track sit in it’s own space whilst always sounding coherent. Guitars sound exceptionally good, you can hear each finger pick of an acoustic guitar, yet throw on something heavier and they have good crunch and energy. The same goes for vocals, every little detail is present and can be heard without much effort, this does mean they pair best with well recorded material as they do show up compression artefacts.
Treble: Snares snap, cymbals crash, violins sing, the top end is open and extended yet they have an incredibly smooth and fatigue free delivery. They are not exaggerated to sound more detailed or energetic, instead they offer up a refined and open sounding top end that is not distracting yet offers up plenty of insight into the recording. Tonality up top is spot on, they have great control and an excellent sense of space, helping open up the soundstage.
The soundstage is very holographic with good width, depth and height, it also has pinpoint precision.
Conclusion
The LCD-4 are a very impressive high-end headphone, with pinpoint accuracy and overall excellent sound quality. They have a slight warmth overall which is enjoyable, yet they also offer plenty of insight into the recording with excellent detail retrieval. If only they were a bit lighter.
The Aeon II come in a new colour in my opinion they look great, the finish on the cups is perfect with a similar leather headband strap and headband as the original. The grills are also very similar to the original, but the arms now allow the Aeon II to fold up into a more compact size, although being open back I’m not sure how handy it’ll be for this model. It’s certainly a good feature for their closed back sibling.
Build quality is excellent as always, the supplied cable is soft and the connectors are solid. The headband is flexible and it all feels very well put together. Nothing here feels cheap, Dan Clark Audio have thought carefully about the materials used, and it shows.
Comfort:
The Aeon II are lightweight with a suspension strap and deep earpads, this all leads to a super comfortable headphone that is a pleasure to wear for extended periods. The earpads are however made of leather, so you may find your ears getting a little hot during extended listening sessions.
Sound:
Bass: For an open back headphone the Aeon II really do deliver down low, with plenty of body and adequate punch. They have a slightly full bodied sound to them but with better extension over their predecessor, they are also very well controlled as is the case with most planar headphones. The body comes out when called for and lends a lovely tone to acoustic recording, yet throw on something heavier and they can easily keep up. There is good layering down low and nuances are easily picked out, these are not bass heavy but they are a slightly warm and full bodied headphone.
Midrange: The midrange now has better detail retrieval and spaciousness, there is more air around vocals, yet everything is delivered with a pleasant smoothness. The midrange is effortless and natural, instruments sound real and sibilance is very well controlled. For those who want a little more bite, the Aeon II might be a little too safe sounding, but for those who enjoy a relaxed listen these are great to kick back and listen with.
Treble: The treble has good extension and air, but it is quite safe with regards to quantity, they have enough bite to bring out good detail however they do not jump out at you. They do however hit the mark with their tonality, reproducing the top end with a fairly realistic tone that is sure to please a lot of people. Placement within the soundstage is very accurate in the treble region, and the transition from midrange to treble is smooth, if not a little subdued.
The soundstaging on the Aeon II is good, with plenty of width and good height, the positioning of instruments is what stands out the best though with excellent layering.
Conclusion:
The new Aeon II are a technically excellent headphone with a warm, refined and smooth sound and plenty of detail to boot. Great build quality and comfort add to the overall package, but those who want a more punchy and exciting sound may want to look elsewhere.
Final have always known how to make a luxury item, and the A8000 is no different. From the careful packaging, to the flawless finish of the stainless housings, everything feels very solid and made with care. Inside of the A8000 you have a pure beryllium dynamic driver along with 4 main internal chambers. These have been meticulously tuned and built, and it shows.
In the box you get the earphones paired with Finals silver plated cable (made by Junkosha corportation) terminating in a normal 3.5mm jack, a carry case that is half aluminium and half rubber along with a pack of Final Type-E tips. The tips are key to getting the right sound out of the A8000, and I really do recommend you stick with the Final tips for the best sound quality. Also included are spare mesh grills in case the stock ones get dirty/blocked over time and an MMCX Assist removal tool which massively helps when detaching the cables.
Comfort and Isolation:
The outer shell is angled like the B series, and the inner side is smooth. However these are made out of stainless steel and feel heavy in your hand, when you have the right fit though they are superbly comfortable and do not fall out.
The A8000 are vented by design, but I have not found the isolation to suffer greatly from this. They block out plenty of outside noise, and should be fine for most daily tasks.
Sound:
Bass: The A8000 is accurate and tight down low, you have excellent extension with good punch when required. They aim to stay faithful to the recording, and are not exaggerated in any part of the low end. If the recording has a sub-bass lift you will hear it, the same goes for mid-bass punch. Where these really impress is their transient response and layering, the beryllium driver is so responsive yet intricately layered to the point they can handle the most complex mix you can throw at them with ease. If you appreciate quality and dexterity over quantity you will really enjoy what the A8000 have to offer down low.
Midrange: Due to the responsive nature of the low end on the A8000, the midrange is left clean of any added warmth or detail robbing distortion. This allows both male and female vocals to cut through with excellent clarity with a slight tilt to the upper midrange. Again the transient response, and low distortion levels of the beryllium shine through allowing you to hear each intricate detail and layer of the recording. Quantity wise the midrange sits perfectly for my tastes, and never sounds too forward or attention grabbing. Sibilance wise, if the recording has it, the A8000 will not hold back, but they are not overly fatiguing in the upper midrange.
Treble: There is a bit of a peak in the lower treble that brings out a bit of energy in cymbal crashes, but they back it up with effortless extension that reaches way up into the upper treble region without any noticeable roll-off. The great thing about the treble on the A8000 is that if you feed them good quality source material they will reward you with a very enjoyable sound that is effortlessly detailed yet never harsh. However the level of detail they extract can make some recordings sound particularly bad, as these really are ruthlessly revealing.
There is a very wide and convincing soundstage from the A8000, pair that with impeccable timing and control and you can easily pick apart recordings. These are one of those earphones that make you realise you don’t have to have full-size headphones for a convincing and wide soundstage.
Conclusion:
The A8000 are a very special earphone, overall they have a very clean, complete and revealing sound signature that will have you noticing every intricate detail of your music without presenting it in an aggressive and upfront way. They sound engaging, effortless and airy. They won’t be for everyone, but for those who appreciate an honest sound they are quite addictive and I am a big fan of them for that.
The original Element was always a great looking DAC/Amp with plenty of people loving it’s look and functionality. A well machined aluminium chassis with a large central volume knob with light illuminating the ring, it’s classy.
On the back you have RCA inputs and outputs so it can be used as a DAC/Pre-amp for speakers, or as an amp only when paired with a different external DAC. You also have the gain button and power button (which also switches between headamp and pre-amp). On the front you have the headphone output socket, that is it. JDS Labs have packed in plenty of functionality into an attractive package, it really does look great when sat on a desk.
The new Element II has a better DAC section which now supports higher resolution bitrates, along with other enhanced specs. The amp section is based on the one in the Atom, which we all know is super clean with low output impedance. Gain is set at 1x and 4.73x, which should fit most peoples needs.
Sound:
Well the Element II, just like the original, is designed to power your headphones to their maximum potential without colouring the sound. It can be used with sensitive IEM’s, right up to most planar headphones without missing a beat, it is clean and exceptionally well controlled. The Element II is not a bright sounding DAC/Amp, instead it will let you hear the true signature of the headphones you are plugging in to it. Having such low output impedance means even the most sensitive IEM’s won’t have their sound signature altered.
The Element II perfectly demonstrates that neutral is not boring, and it allows you to pick the headphones to suit your needs rather than picking the amp for your headphones. The Element II also looks superb when on a simple desk, it is clean and minimalist and is all the DAC/Amp you really need for most headphones. I for one, appreciate that the Element II is not trying to wow you with colouration, nor is it analytical to the point of sounding cold and artificial.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a clean and neat setup, that also sounds clean and detailed, you cannot go wrong with the Element II. Just don’t expect it to flatter you with a warm and analogue sound, it will reveal the true sound signature of your headphones instead.
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 M2x follows in the footsteps of most other Shanling products, a curved body with tempered glass on the back and the touchscreen on the front. The buttons on the side control FF/REW/Play-Pause and the wheel on the other side functions as a volume control and power button. On the bottom you have the 3.5mm output, 2.5mm balanced output and USB-C connector. Overall the M2x is a small, solid and well-designed player that feels great in the hand.
The mix of tempered glass and aluminium make the M2x feel solid and well build, although with all that glass it is advisable to get a case for it. All the sockets are tight and I cannot find a single issue with the build quality.
Features:
The M2x is first and foremost a portable player that supports high-res audio, PCM up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256. The M2x like its siblings, relies on external storage in the form of a single MicroSD card slot.
The M2x has Bluetooth with all the latest high-quality codecs including AptX and LDAC, along with AAC and SBC, it can also be used as a Bluetooth receiver should you wish to use it as a DAC/Amp between your phone and your wired earphones.
It can be used as an external DAC when plugged into a computer, it can also output digital audio via its USB-C port allowing it to be used as a digital transport.
You have WiFi for OTA updates along with Tidal online support, sadly there is no Tidal Offline support like on the M5s.
The touchscreen is easy to use and responsive, with all the usual options like customisable EQ, High/Low gain, shuffle/repeat mode. You also have line-out mode when you want to connect it to an external amplifier. Battery life is around 8-10.5 hours depending on the volume and output you are using.
One of the best things about the UI is the fact you can select what icons you want, and which you want to hide. This makes it easy to customise to your tastes, and makes it easy to find Album/Artist/Tracks etc…
Sound:
The M2x is exceptionally clean with virtually no hiss even with sensitive in-ears like the Andromeda. The low gain setting should be more than enough for most in-ears and sensitive over ears, yet in high gain the M2x does a very respectable job at driving harder to drive loads like the Sennheiser HD6XX series. Shanling have done an excellent job at implementing the AK4490 with a complementary amp circuit to bring out a natural and clean sound that really does sound better than its price would suggest.
Shanling may have packed the M2x full of features, but plug a pair of headphones in and you can hear that they have not forgotten about the sound quality, with excellent extension on both ends, plenty of resolution and layering and a neutral sound stage. It doesn’t have the hyper revealing nature of some top end players, yet it does not sound veiled or congested like some of the lower priced models can.
The M2x is honest, it presents the music in a neutral, detailed yet ultimately fairly neutral way that is enjoyable without becoming fatiguing. You can change the EQ if you wish to alter the sound, along with changing the digital filter which will bring about very subtle changes in the sound.
Conclusion:
For £199 the M2x is pretty much the perfect portable player for general daily use, it lacks the streaming capabilities of more expensive devices but it has a neutral and detailed sound backed up by a powerful internal amplifier and clean background. There is a lot of functionality, yet the sound quality has not been forgotten, it really is an impressive little DAP.
