HiFiheadphones

Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS Review – Combined Earbud and In-Ear Headphones

Posted on November 21, 2014 by John

Verdict

Great for those relaxing at home and in the office, the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is a slight departure from the usual style of in-ears and earbuds. Audio-Technica have mashed the two styles in a way that reminds us of the Final Audio Piano Forte Series. These are not designed for all scenarios; on a motorbike journey for instance, enjoyment is reduced to knowing only when cymbals are being used in a recording. Of course, open-back headphones do not receive low scores for leaking sound and so the snappily named Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is being viewed with a similarly open mind.

Pros

Very comfortable

Feel secure whilst worn

Great open wide sound

Cons

Case very small

Not for noisy places

Being big in Japan, Audio-Technica have been satisfying the Japanese fetish for personal audio products for some years now and have a huge number of different models. This allows for a little experimentation in the boardroom and some interesting items for us to try.

Key Features

The Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS comes with a handy button for smartphone functionality, and a volume control. The volume control does not communicate with the phone, it is a variable resistor only but works very well. The carry case is very small indeed; being hard it will afford some protection but the cable would need to be wound more tightly than perhaps it should. The relatively large size of the driver units doesn’t help either.

First Impressions

We all like something a bit different and the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is certainly that. Given that portable audio is all about blocking out the outside world, these earphones are a departure from the norm. Perhaps taking a leaf out of Final Audio’s book (their Piano Forte range is similar), Audio-Technica have seen a potential for small, open-backed models for those quieter moments out there, or for casual listening at home.

Sound Quality

As with anything open, the surroundings make a crucial difference and with a design worn like this, people are going to expect to use them outside. Great if it’s quiet, but a bit of road noise will reduce the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS to a tinny irritant by contrast.

At home though, the presentation is as comfortable as the fit and I have the impression of a halfway house between headphones and speakers; it’s like a very cheap alternative to the AKG K1000 speakerphones. Soundstage is the best feature of the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS, along with the natural feel they have.

The sound is very well balanced despite the loss of bass due to the open fit – perfect for lounging around the house while still remaining alert of the surroundings. The sound is on the bright side but this may just be the added soundstage making certain details stand out more, and also the fit. By pushing the capsules gently against my ears the bass is heightened; perhaps it is the design of our ears which might lead to subtle differences here in what we each perceive.

Summary

It would be good to see more models like the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS coming through; we’re in danger of becoming too conventional in the headphones world and being set in our ways. It seems that companies like Audio-Technica and Final Audio don’t want us to get too comfy and are happy to prod us towards a more inclusive attitude. And why not? The headphones concept might be 100 years old, but things are far from predictable; particularly with new technologies being developed and many new ways of using and relating to music to look forward to.

Score – 8.5/10

Shure SRH1840 Review – Yes We Shure Can!

Posted on October 31, 2014 by John

Verdict

Totally immersive – don’t forget your life jacket and emergency flares for when you inevitably get lost in there. It’s unusual for a highly esteemed brand’s flagship headphone such as the Shure SRH1840 to be going for under £500 (particularly headphones as good as this), so take advantage of Shure’s generosity!

Pros

Sound Superb

Comfort

Spares included

Removable cable

Cons

Some may find headband underpadded

Despite the recent growth of the headphones market and the high standards attained by makers generally, it’s easy to recognise products Shure puts out; always nice to the touch as well as the ear, solidly built and sounding great. So with heavy hearts we find another predictably fantastic pair of headphones for review!

Key Features

Shure has seen fit to include some spare earpads and a spare cable with this model, as it has with the SRH1540. Spending this kind of money on headphones probably gets people searching for extra value and they won’t be disappointed here. Also a storage case is included.

First Impressions

Having not long put down the SRH1540, it was surprising how light the SRH1840 still felt. These headphones are almost not even there, particularly when worn. Some would prefer more padding on the headband, but the negligible weight is borne mostly by the earpads.

Sound Quality

Warm without being bassy, crisp without being strident – Shure has really done a good job here. Things can get a little harsh with a raft of flutes playing, but that’s the nature of the sound which the SRH1840 brings out faithfully. Also an amp will be an advantage – the impedance and sensitivity of the SRH1840 is not suited to being used straight out of a portable player or phone. My Fiio X3 can power them but seem as if it is straining a bit. An E12 gave a more relaxed presentation, and the bass boost was not lost on the SRH1840, giving some added weight to proceedings. There may be a bit of a bump on the SRH1840 at the top and bottom ends of the range, but midrange is still fully represented.

Summary

Close to perfect. For those who want just a little more detail without spilling over into strident territory the Shure SRH1840 is certainly worth considering. Together with the modest price and incredible comfort, the SRH1840 is a flagship model indeed!

Score 9.5/10

Shure SRH1540 Review – Light Luxury

Posted on October 31, 2014 by John

Verdict

As I come to appreciate slightly brighter headphones and presentations, the Shure SRH1540 is one of the guiding lights along the way. The balance of lightness and impactful bass makes for a wonderful sense of space, realism and.. fun! Even the heaviest rock can be made to prance, skip and gambol yet retain its innate power.

Pros

Great comfort

Light

Solid Build

Cons

No carry case as such

Shure’s recently released SRH1540 follows some very good quality headphones and experiences in general with Shure’s products. Does this top notch closed-back deserve to be at the top of this pleasant pile?

Key Features

The Shure SRH1540 comes with a removable cable of good quality, and porous earpads – this may improve soundstage over the more traditional style but it does leak sound a little. Also Shure has provided a spare cable and a further pair of earpads which is always a good touch. A great quality case brings up the rear; this is more of a storage case than a carry case however.

First Impressions

As with most of Shure’s range, the feel of quality is apparent; but not at the expense of weight. It’s a little like a sports car; the available power is hidden away in preference of styling but it’s obviously under the hood, and in spades.

Sound Quality

Straight away, the sports car analogy comes back. The presentation is one of speed, agility and lightness. The Shure SRH1840 is not what I would call top heavy, but the upper frequencies are well represented in relation to the bass. Snares give a good realistic crack, but this doesn’t spill over into anything too bright. The rubber still meets the road in terms of bass however – it’s well controlled, impactful, and goes low if called for. Midrange doesn’t take a backseat exactly, but there is a slight recess in that range. Soundstage and separation are very good, with plenty of space left in the presentation for subtler parts such as reverb tails.

Summary

The Shure SRH1540 has its work cut out when it comes to outshining its esteemed siblings. But for me, the SRH1540 is a current favourite. It gives good weight and rich harmonics are brought out adding realism and depth to vocals and the like. It’s a full-size headphone which thinks it’s a portable, and it’s just as at home in either scenario.

Score 9.5/10

Dunu DN-2000 Review – High Quality Hybrid

Posted on October 16, 2014 by John

Verdict

It’s easy to get a bit weighed down amongst all the extra bits and attachments that are included with the Dunu DN-2000, but they are all worth trying for greater comfort and a more ‘bespoke’ sound. The hybrid driver arrangement really works to deliver a very engaging and detailed presentation which never strays into harsh territory, and the case is certainly something we’d like to see included with premium IEMs more in the future.

Pros

Exceptionally sweet sound

Plenty of accessories

Options to tailor the frequency response

Options to alter fit

Good solid case

Cons

Tuning rings can be lost

Casing can cause discomfort if earfins not used

If you’ve heard some of Dunu’s entry-level earphones such as the DN-12 Trident you might be curious about how the in-ear Dunu flagship, the DN-2000 measures up. Dunu’s in-ear offerings are as numerous as they are interesting, but the current cherry on the top, the DN-2000, takes the cake.

Key Features

Like its stablemate the DN-1000, the DN-2000 has a hybrid driver format but packs two balanced armatures and one dynamic driver in per side giving the best of both sonic worlds, like the similarly priced Audiofly AF140.

Accessories are bountiful, with both tuning rings and tips to alter the frequency response, and rubber attachments for improved comfort and fit in the ears. Also included is a pair of earhooks to try and the usual 6.35mm/flight adapters.

First Impressions

Expectations have certainly been raised by the quality of Dunu’s other products, namely the excellent budget model the DN-12 ‘Trident’ and DN-1000; the other hybrid design. For the asking price these have been nothing short of stunning, so the DN-2000 has its work cut out.

Once a preferred combination of tuning rings and tips was found (silver ring, and tip for ‘detail and resolution’), I felt it necessary to try the rubber attachments. These are secured by a small ridge of metal much like a penclip, which ironically can cause a little discomfort if the rubber parts are not used. The rubber parts help to keep the capsules steady in the ear, and certainly make for a comfortable and trouble-free listening session. A down side is the tendancy of the tuning rings to try and escape back to China when the eartips are removed. Just take care and don’t fiddle with the DN-2000 when using ski-lifts for example.

The hard case is also a nice feature. It reminds me of a travelling case for a bar of very valuable soap; it’s very solid and will protect the DN-2000 very well when in transit.

Sound Quality

Bass is fully present and in good proportion to the rest of the presentation with good punch and definition; it stays in place and leaves the midrange and high frequencies free to be the stars of the show for me. Decays are very realistic in terms of perceived space, and the DN-2000 leaves plenty of room in the presentation for these to be followed around by hungry ears! Treble is fairly bright albeit still smooth; mostly the DN-2000 stops short of being too bright but on some tracks there may be a touch of sibilance with female vocals, for instance.

Summary

For the asking price the DN-2000 is a worthy competitor; it will certainly hold its own amongst the other models in that price range and gives a bit more colour to it, given that a majority of alternatives are full balanced-armature models. I welcome the DN-2000 as much as I welcome a further example of a hybrid driver design being implemented so well; loving as I do the different strengths of the different transducer types, it’s a real treat to have both at once. Like a baked Alaska or a sweet and sour stir-fry, there’s a real synergy going on here.

Score: 9/10

Audeze LCD-XC Review – Take a Shine to Closed Backs!

Posted on October 16, 2014 by John

Verdict

The Audeze LCD-XC is definitely one of the top-tier headphones available now, and is a worthy stablemate to the similarly closed-back but smoother Fostex TH900.

Pros

Exceptionally comfortable

Sumptuous build quality

Amazing detail

Well balanced

Separation and imaging fully immersive

Sturdy travel case

Cons

May be too heavy for some

In the world of headphones we get the odd celebrity now and again; the flagships sail in and are esteemed due to their value if nothing else. But as with everything, a high price needn’t necessarily equate with a good product. Is this particualr celebrity just famous for being famous, or do they actually have some talent?

Key Features

Those shiny wooden earcups are a treat for the eyes, and the build quality is exceptional. Solid is definitely the word, but this may count against the Audeze LCD-XC as some necks may suffer under the 650g/1.4lb weight; those with the fortitude to ‘press a head’ should be well rewarded though. The tough carry case protects them in transit, and the supplied ribbon-type cable is ‘tangle free’. Also in the case is a little bottle of wax for keeping the shine on the earcups.

First Impressions

Having tried Audeze’s offerings before, my appetite was suitably whetted and it was not disappointed. By now the obvious build quality and good looks are meeting with blasé reactions – we all know what to expect from Audeze! The weight issue was in my mind, but since I’ve been enjoying the HifiMAN HE-400 for some time now with no issues I was not worried, and indeed the LDC-XC’s weight did not bother me.

Sound Quality

I first tried the Audeze LCD-XC with a Chord Hugo; both to feed as good a signal in as possible, and to try the Hugo’s resolution with the LCD-XC. The presentation was very accurate and crisp; I found it just a little too far into bright territory for my tastes. Then I tried the LCD-XC with my humble Fiio X3; the X3’s output is a little warmer than that of the Chord Hugo, and this was reflected within the sound of the headphones. Where before it was a little cold and uncompromising with the K120, it came to life and into colour for me with the X3. The LCD-XC is like a mirror for the amp; it brings out the best traits of the available equipment.

The closed-back nature of this model is possibly a down side, if only because so many great headphones in this price range are open and so have an advantage in terms of soundstage. As we all know however, isolation is often necessary if we aren’t to be distracted (and don’t want to disturb others), and the LCD-XC does not sound like a closed headphone. The soundstage is appreciably wider than the physical limits of the headphones, and the closed nature of them does not remain so obvious when in use.

Summary

With the asking price in mind, it’s no surprise to learn that this is an exceptionally competent headphone which can hold its own among some cutting-edge competition. If you are considering a highend closed-back model and you find the Fostex TH900 a little smooth, the Audeze LCD-XC may be just for you.

Score: 9.5/10

Xiaomi Pistons 2 Review and Competition Offer!

Posted on September 25, 2014 by John

This inevitable creep towards better and better sound from a budget IEM is no surprise, but the quality which the Xiaomi Pistons exude is nothing short of stunning. We’ve come to expect some rough edges from cheaper models along with features we have to lump rather than like; however this new IEM changes (yet again) our view of what’s on offer for our little bit of money.

Thanks to the guys at Merimobiles for sending us this sample for review – they will also supply the Pistons to the four lucky competition winners (details at the bottom of this page).

The packaging and presentation is understated; once past the simple cardboard outer box, the earphones are displayed in a good quality plastic case, nestled in a piece of rubber which acts as a cable winder, although this might be a bit tiring to use every day. The chocolate-coloured rubber, together with the bronzed look of the Pistons makes for a real visual treat; perhaps a gentle lift for the expectations before the Pistons are listened to. It reminds me of novelty erasers which seemed to proliferate when I was at school – it smells like chocolate too!

There are 3 pairs of spare eartips along with those on the Pistons themselves, and a separate clip for the cable which takes a departure from the traditional ‘peg’ design. It’s more like a money clip; to remind us of the money we saved, perhaps?

The earphones themselves have a solid feel about them; this is not painted plastic but real metal. There’s no weight issue however, the Pistons sit still whether the cable is worn over the back of the ear, or straight down.

And the sound? It’s just bright and detailed enough without being harsh, and also smooth and mellow enough without sounding veiled. It’s a perfect balance. Having said that, with this version Xiaomi have elected to go for a vented design which cuts out a lot of internal reflections. It’s not an open design though, very little audible sound leaks out, or in.

Bass is very nicely balanced, it puts weight under kick drums and bass guitar without pumping them up unnecessarily. It stays in its place and leaves the midrange clear to impress with details and decays, while the high frequencies pick up details such as hi-hats and harmonics beautifully.

There is also a mic/control for Android handsets, but be careful not to be rude to whoever interrupts your listening pleasure!

Competition Details

To be in with the chance of winning one of four Xiaomi Pistons all you need to do is send a picture to either our Facebook or Twitter page of your current setup/headphones and explain why you should win a new pair of Pistons – on October 29th we will choose the four people who we feel deserve some new headphones. Be as creative as you want – we will put our favourite pics in our blog!

For more information on the Xiaomi Pistons you can visit the Merimobiles website HERE.

FiiO E18 Kunlun Portable Smartphone Amp/DAC Review

Posted on September 25, 2014 by John

Verdict

We are impressed with the sound quality and power which the Fiio E18 provides; together with the mobile DAC functinality and everything else, nothing gives better value for money. However, it would have been much better (and safer) to have that gain switch recessed, or indeed buried into the side of the unit, rather like the E12. There’s no way we would chance using the E18 with an IEM whilst out and about. Either that prominent gain button should be ripped off or the switch covered up with tape, to save our ears from a possible bashing. Similar with the track/play/pause controls on the side of the unit – these can be swithed and operated all too easily.

Pros

Great Value

Oodles of power

Extra functionality with smartphones

Cons

Gain switch and track select buttons too prominent

The Swiss have enjoyed enormous success with their pocket knives, they are handy and can do a variety of jobs. However if wishing to hack your way through the jungle, a 3-inch blade is going to keep you busy.

Up until recently, portable headphone amps appear to have been aimed at providing a good level of power, or a lot of features. The Fiio E18 changes this, as it can accept a digital signal from a multitude of handsets as well as PC, and amplify enough to power any less-sensitive headphones up to 600 Ohms! Please check the E18 Kunlun page on Fiio’s site (http://www.fiio.cn) for exact details on compatibility.

Key Features

The E18 is a no-nonsense design like the E12, but with a few more tricks up its sleeve. DAC functionality combined with track select controls make this a versatile and useful addition to any portable set-up. Gain and bass boost controls will help get your preferred sound from a vast array of headphone models.

First Impressions

The track skip/back buttons on the side along with play and pause are handy, but it would have been preferable to have seen these recessed – unrequested track skips are an annoyance. Bass boost and gain switches are placed near the volume pot on the top end, and there’s little to prevent accidental operation of the gain switch. Accidental operation of the gain switch could potentially be quite damaging if wearing sensitive IEMs.

There’s a switch on the opposite end to select the source for the DAC (PC or phone) and also there’s the option of using the E18 as a power source itself; this was tried with Fiio X3 and smartphone – they both started accepting a charge, although this smartphone is not compatible with the DAC.

The outward design is not dissimilar to that of the E12 which is an amplifier only. It has been mentioned that the E12 is a little better in terms of amplifier quality, as well as more powerful. But the question everyone wants to know the answer to is ‘will it power my headphones?’ and the answer is very likely to be yes.

The E18 was tried with the AKG K240 DF (600 ohms, 88dB sensitivity) and the dial wasn’t turned all the way up – it was ear splittingly loud with room to spare! The E18 should be able to drive anything the modern world has to offer, within reason. The manuafacturer states an impedance range of 16 – 150 ohms, but there’s nothing like trying these things. So long as your recording is done well (and not extremely quiet), the E18 is enough to really blast it out.

Sound quality

The Fiio E18 was run from a PC to test DAC functionality and quality. It was up against an X3 and E12 together, which seemed like a fair match. A 600 ohm Sennhieser HD540 was used.

The E18 appeared to give better resolution; sounds were relatively flat and dull on the X3/E12 combination. I decoupled the X3/E12 rig and plugged into the X3 alone; predictably, things improved in terms of details due to fewer connections in the chain, but the relative lack of power took some of the wind out of my X3’s sails. Bass and hats were pushed back a little.

Summary

With the wants and needs of the average portable audio fan growing all the time (in part helped along by just this sort of product!) the Fiio E18 tries to tick as many boxes and cover as may bases as it can, and it does a great job of all of them.

Score: 8/10

Beyerdynamic T51i Review – Premium Portable Perfection

Posted on September 25, 2014 by John

Verdict

High quality needn’t be a feature only of high-end, open-backed headphones, as we’ve recently seen with the likes of the KEF M500 and the Musical Fidelity MF100. With their solid but light aluminium construction, yielding earpads and flawless sound, the Beyerdynamic T51i allows you to take true Hi-Fi sound wherever you go.

Pros

Solid build quality

Very comfortable for an on-ear

Exceptional Sound quality

Ideal carry case included

Good isolation

Cons

Fixed cable

Buttons a little small and recessed, may be tricky with gloves on

German headphone company Beyerdynamic’s latest offering, the T51i, features iDevice compatibility for trouble-free calls as well as superior sound quality. The overall impression is that these will last for years; there is simply nothing to fall apart or get loose.

Key Features

Obviously the iControls are what marks this headphone out as different to the T51p; other than that it’s the usual package from Beyerdynamic. Just solid and dependable construction and sound, along with a soft but sturdy case and the usual 6.3mm/flight adaptors. Also included is an adaptor to convert Apple’s preferred CTIA jack terminal spec to OMTP for older handsets. In this market it’s tempting to add a gimmick or two, but Beyerdynamic know that these headphones can easily stand on their own merits.

First Impressions

The build quality is a fine introduction to the general theme here, just pure enjoyment. The Beyerdynamic T51i headphones are lovely to touch; the strong cool metal and leathery earpads definitely give the idea that there’s nothing to worry about and it’s all under control. The cable is more akin to their IEM cables; more suitable for the portable crowd, but non-removeable. Conceivably, they could have had a removeable cable and introduced alternative cables with controls for specific handset types, but that’s just nit-picking.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is about what can be expected from Beyerdynamic’s full size headphones; well represented bass without bloat or bad definition, clean midrange and detailed highs. Some models such as the DT880 can lean toward the bright side, but the T51i has the detail along with smoothness. I’ve been listening at a fair volume for an hour and am quite comfortable.

Summary

Highly esteemed makers with long pedigrees like Beyerdynamic raise one’s expectations accordingly. Nevertheless the Beyerdynamic T51i is still a surprise, and an absolute pleasure to use. The build, feel and sound of them all scream quality; the way they are put together comes from 50 years ago, but the sound is definitely 21st century.

Score: 9/10

Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors and Snugs Ear Docks

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Tony

How do the Audiofly performance series with Snugs sleeves sound? As you would expect, the whole range has superb detail retrieval and very impressive instrument separation, calm but with crisp highs. Bass is deep and textured but sits accurately in the mix. A great combination of beautifully designed products. – See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/reviews/?p=3109&preview=true#sthash.HJBdHl8v.dpuf

Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors

Australian earphone manufacturer Audiofly, have recently released thier range of four beautifully designed Professional In Ear Monitors. Taking on Shure and Westone in this growing Professional monitoring corner of the market is a big job, but the Performance Series IEMs are more than up to the task. The Performance series have been designed to be used by touring musicians or music lovers who demand the very best sound in a tiny package. They all feature multi driver arrangements, with the top two models also sporting a super tough replaceable version of the cable and leather carry case.

Snugs Ear Docks

The Snugs story began like a lot of product innovations, out of dissatisfaction with what was available on the market and a feeling that there must be a better way to do this. Snugs wanted earphones to fit perfectly and never fall out, ever! To shut the noisy modern world and feel like wearing a soft pair of gloves. By creating soft silicone custom fitted sleeves for their favourite brands, as used by musicians and TV presenters, they’ve really nailed it!

Snugs Sound Revolution featuring The New Union

Audiofly Performance Series In-Ear Monitors and Snugs Ear Docks

Aedle VK-1 Portable Closed Back Headphone Review

Posted on September 24, 2014 by John

Verdict

A great newcomer to the Portable Headphone range – The Aedle VK-1 has real punch with weighty bass and cracking midrange. Not only do they sound exciting, they look it too! They are easy enough to drive off a portable device and are very comfortable. So if your looking for a portable on ear headphone with an exciting sound, great bass and stylish looks then look no further.

Pros

Great bass quality
Stylish and well built
Replaceable cable

Cons

Don’t isolate as well as other portable headphones
No headband padding

Key Features

Driver diameter – 40mm
Impedance – 32 Ohms
Weight – 216 g
Replaceable cable (optional smartphone cable – not included)
Aluminium driver housing
Cable length – 1.3m and 2.4m (both included)

First Impressions

Everything about these headphones – including the packaging – oozes style. The VK-1’s come very well packaged, they even have that ‘new shoe’ smell. In the box you get a very smart carry bag, two cables (1.3m and 2.4m), a 3.5 to 6.3mm jack adapter, an airline adapter and an Aedle ID card which allows you to ‘discover surprises’ on their website.

The headphones look great! The aluminium housing and brown leather really compliment each other and they are a perfect portable size – it’s obvious that lots of work has gone into designing the Aedle VK-1. The cables supplied are coated and even though they are a little thicker than some other headphones, they are very flexible.

The headband uses a spring steel structure so it’s very flexible and tough. To adjust it you just bend it into shape – this gives a very secure fit that will perfectly fit your head.

Sound Quality

Straight away you pick up on the quality of bass that comes out of the VK-1 – it’s punchy without being bloated or overkill. The midrange also stands out, especially snare drum crack. There is probably a slight top end roll off, but with such great quality mids you forget about this very quickly. Overall the sound is exciting and edgy and thanks to the venting on the driver housing there is a great sense of space in the sound.

Listening to Dire Straits – Your Latest Trick, the opening trumpet sounds rich and the cymbal comes in effortlessly in the far left. Once the track gets going there is a snare rim shot that really cuts through and the keyboards add the right amount of emotion, then the vocals come in sitting perfectly on top of the instruments. Once the song is in full swing you can pick out every instrument with ease and enjoy every one of them.

Next up was Slipknot’s Duality (obviously). These headphones are made for this track! When the stereo guitars kick in they completely surround you and then the drums… WOW. The snare and kick have real impact and the bat on beer keg sounds as though its being hit right next to you. Metal can sometimes be a tough test for headphones, but these seem to handle it with ease.

Lastly is Break by Jurassic 5 – this one really tests the bass. From the off there’s a massive kick drum and snare sample, the kick drum resonates very naturally and the snare has a great ring to it that comes across perfectly on the VK-1. The vocals come in and there is no confusion, everything has its place.

The Aedle VK-1 is rhythmic, edgy and punchy. They have a wide sound for a closed portable headphone and there is no harshness or sibilance.

Summary

The Aedle VK-1 comes into Sennheiser Momentum territory and it definitely gives you something different. They’re not as relaxed or controlled – they have more oomph and punch without having a harsh top end. The midrange cuts through more and as they are on ear they won’t have the same fit issues that the Momentum has. I would recommend these to anyone who wants a pair of headphones that look great, sound exciting with weighty bass and crisp mids and don’t completely cut you off from your surroundings. If you prefer a more neutral sound with top end detail then I would consider the KEF M500 as an alternative.

Score – 9/10

KEF M500 Portable Closed Back Headphone Review

Posted on September 24, 2014 by John

Verdict

KEFs addition to the portable range of headphones is sleek, comfortable and most importantly sounds great! Clear detail with tight bass and crisp mids – They also fold up for easy storage and come with a spare cable for iDevices. The KEF M500 is extremely well built and feels solid, the pads are soft and they isolate very well.

Pros

Foldable
Solidly built
Extra cable with in-line mic and controls for iDevices

Cons

Earpads are fully on the ear so can get warm

Key Features

Driver diameter – 40mm

Impedance – 32 Ohms

Weight – 208 g

Replaceable cable (iDevice cable included)

Foldable headband

Cable length – 1.3m

First Impressions

From the start you can see that KEF have gone for an elegant design. The packaging is simple, and follows the M500s colour pallet of silver and black. Inside you get a hard case – again very simple and well designed, 2 1.3m tangle-free flat cables (one with 3 button remote and microphone for iDevices), a flight adapter and a 6.3mm jack converter.

The M500 is very well built, and thanks to the aluminium frame not only are they light weight but they look great too! The headband padding is very soft and the earpads are made from breathable memory foam – this provides great isolation. KEF has not only designed a headphone that feels good – they also look great and they’re extremely comfortable.

Sound Quality

The KEF M500‘s are well balanced without being boring – clean, clear and crisp with tight bass, well defined mids and lots of top end detail. Having a well balanced sound makes them sound great with all genres and the top end detail works really well with acoustic music or any songs with plenty going on. The separation is superb – you can hear the edge of every instrument, and considering these are fully closed back they have great soundstage.

Summary

For a portable headphone the KEF M500 is gives you everything – stylish, compact, well built, iPhone compatible, comfortable and it sounds great. The sound will suit anyone looking for a clean, balanced and detailed sound – especially in the higher frequencies. For a warmer sound I would suggest the Sennheiser Momentum or for something with more bass impact the Aedle VK-1 would be a good choice.

Score – 9.5/10

Sennheiser Momentum Full Size Portable Headphone Review

Posted on September 24, 2014 by John

Verdict

The Full-size Sennheiser Momentum is the big brother to the smaller on-ear Momentum; the last word in luxurious, portable listening with sumptuous earpads made from real leather. These headphones are fantastic for separation, and they have a very wide soundstage which belies their closed back design. Sound isolation is high; the leather pads excel in keeping unwanted noises out, while social isolation is low due to the handy Apple mic and controls.

Pros

Comfy Earpads

Smart/Stylish

Rich Bass

5 year warranty

Cons

Top end detail

Relatively unforgiving headband

Key Features

Coupling: Over Ear

Transducer principle: Dynamic, closed

Frequency response: 16Hz – 22kHz

Impedance: 18?

Weight: 190g

Cables: (no mic) 1.4m, (Apple mic) 1.3m

First Impressions

The Momentum headphones have a solid feel with a steel and leather construction. At the same time they are quite light to wear; I don’t imagine being fatigued with these during extended periods of use. They have a style reminiscent of Aviator sunglasses; rounded, tinted and very cool with a touch of 80s chic.

As well as the 1.3m Apple-compatible cable, there’s a spare 1.4m cable (without mic) and a semi-solid case for keeping them in good condition whilst on the go. The headband pad could do with plumping up a little, but the earpads are very comfy indeed. For an ‘over-ear’ design however, the spaces in the earpads are limited so comfort may be dependent on an individual’s own ear shape and size.

Sound Quality

The Sennheiser Momentum excels at bass warmth without being bloated, and the soundstage appeared to be shoulder-wide; the ‘breadth’ of the music far exceeds the physical size of the headphones. Separation is very good also with each instrument in its own space. Mid range is involving and enjoyable, but there is a slight lack of high-end detail which some may prefer to keep. I’d summarise the frequency response as akin to the design; very comfortable indeed but not likely to send you to sleep in a hurry!

Dance music is particularly suitable, and although the Momentum can be used straight from a portable device they respond really well to amplification. Sub bass is plentiful, indeed awesome with the Fiio E12‘s bass boost. The Momentums really respond well to EQing.

Summary

If you like to relax in the bath with a box of chocolates, these are the headphones for you! This is not to say that these headphones are suitable for relaxing music only of course. Dance, rap and R&B all come across really well; acoustic music will be good due to the midrange but may lose a little something at the top end. Soundstage and separation will make up for this however; any performance will not feel any less real.

Score – 9/10

HIDIZS AP100 Digital Audio Player (DAP) – HifiHeadphones Mini Review

Posted on September 10, 2014 by John

RRP – £230-£250

If you like your brand names to look like the first line of an optician’s eye chart, the Hidizs AP100 is certainly worth considering – the name might take some getting used to, but it’s plain to see that this player is getting some covetous glances!

The AP100 has some stiff competition in the low-cost DAP (Digital Audio Player) market, not least from Fiio’s ‘X’ range. The AP100 appears to be a halfway house between the X3 and X5 in terms of size and cost, but how about sound quality?

The same can easily be said – compared to the Fiio X3, the AP100 is a little more accurate and coolish but this is not to say that the Hidizs AP100 is harsh. Listening to unyielding and brittle-sounding early 80s pop such as Duran Duran is fine on the AP100 but the X3 just gives it a bit more warmth and roundness to a presentation – the AP100 wins in terms of detail.

With the default firmware, tracks stood a good chance of having the first second chopped off if selected from the track list on the device, but this was fixed after upgrading to V1.31067. One problem I had after upgrading was that the unit reverted to its native Chinese language – there was no clue how to get it back to English again. Luckily I found the option in the menu as the only item with 2 Chinese characters. Select this and you’ll see ‘English’ in the sub menu.

The buttons on the Hidizs AP100 are lovely to press; there’s a great chunky feel to them and they are good solid buttons which will last. The only problem is that Hidizs saw fit to add separate buttons for ‘fast forward/rewind’ – I’m so used to using the same buttons for track skip and forward/rewind that I keep skipping tracks by accident. Also the ‘back’ button is on the right of the other navigation controls, which makes it feel like a forward/select button; this may lead to a few wrong turns for the uninitiated but it’s easy to get used to.

There’s a little flap in the case which is held shut by velcro. It took a while to figure out but this is for spare micro SD cards; just be aware that you may need tweezers to remove them again. SD cards can be changed simply in the device, however a tool or long fingernail is required to ‘click’ it into place and retrieve it.

I did also notice a problem with the track list on the player – select ‘track 1’ for instance on the track list and skip forward a couple of tracks via the play screen. Then on going back to the track list, ‘track 1’ is still highlighted as if it is still playing. Perhaps this will be addressed in future firmware updates.

Summary

A good little player; I look forward to future firmware updates but in the meantime the UI is quite useable, and the unit gives a clear uncluttered sound with a good amount of power. A great first effort which begs the question: whatever next from Hidizs?

Chord Cable Interconnects – To The Test

Posted on September 9, 2014 by John

The overriding opinion of those who stick with their free RCA interconnects (often provided with Hi-Fi seperates) is that any money spent on upgrading them is wasted. Quality cabling is a slightly alien concept to be fair; the signal passes from A to B anyway, why spend money on cables which will achieve the same end?

Speaking as someone who has thought exactly this in their time, I was interested to know the actual difference between some of Chord’s offerings, and the skinflint equivalent. Is any improvement noticeable at all, how is it better, and is it worthwhile?

To determine this, my colleague John set up a blind test between a studio grade RME audio interface taking a signal from a computer, and a Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear. These great amplifiers can switch between two inputs using a control on the front of the unit so is perfect for A/B tests. The inputs of the Slee amp came from the same source but using either the high end Chord Anthem Reference cable, or the entry-level Crimson cable.

Being an informal and quick test, rigorous procedures were not followed; I was aware of the cables being compared and it was just me doing the test. I operated the switch myself to select the cables, but I did not know which cable was feeding which input.

Feeling a little nervous, I noted down some of the impressions I got from listening to Level 42’s ‘Something About You’ through a Fostex TH900, with a Grado PS1000 ready for another listen later. I was encouraged to find that perceived differences were quite easy to spot.

Bell sounds which are pure and stand clear of the mix sound flatter and harder to pick out.

A synth with a bit of distortion on it (starts on beat 3 of the song) sounds as if it is going through a bit-depth reduction effect or ‘bitcrusher’.

The bass is slightly muddier with less definition.

Backing vocals are blended together and less distinct; voices are cleanly separated with the Anthem Reference cables.

Hi-Hats are more splashy and ill-defined.

Not surprisingly I guessed the correct channel for the cheaper Crimson cable; the blind test showed very clearly the differences between the cables.

I then swapped headphones to the Grado PS1000 – an open headphone of similar quality to the TH900. I found that the PS1000 made it more of a challenge to spot differences but they were still there. Another thing I noticed was a loss of soundstage height with the PS1000 when listening to audio through the cheaper Crimson cable.

In the spirit of further thorough experimentation, the “free with hifi separates” cable was tried. Predictably, the differences were more marked.

The bells sounds are flat and dull.

The distorted synth sound requires focused attention to hear through the mix.

Bass is flatter and flabbier.

Backing vocals are more blended; both blended together and with the rest of the music.

Hi-Hats sound more like brief bursts of white noise than cymbals.

The overall impression was of an old cassette recording, relatively speaking. The soundstage was practically limited to the width of the headphones , and high frequencies are messy and splashy. There was a large portion of distortion throughout.

Verdict

Although premium cables like the ‘Anthem Reference’ cables may be out of immediate reach for the average listener, I found that the entry-level ‘Crimson’ model is certainly a worthwhile improvement over the generic black/grey RCA cables. At £55, it is clear to see that this represents great value considering the sonic improvements it offers.

Fidue A31s In Ear Isolating Earphones with Mic

Posted on September 9, 2014 by John

Our Verdict

At this price point, you’ll find it very difficult to find an earphone with mic as good as the Fidue A31s. These earphones are extremely light weight, the build quality is superb and most of all the sound is excellent!

Summary

Experience portable high fidelity sound in an affordable package. Fidue A31s embody everything a modern earphone should: superior sound, smartphone compatibility, external noise isolation and long term comfort. High fidelity sound is provided with a balance of strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs.

With small housing design and long sound tube the A31s differs from conventional earphones in creating big sound in a small space. Micro-dynamic 8mm drivers funnel superior sound directly into the earcanal. Double flange eartips provide excellent noise isolation and offer unparalleled comfort for long-term listening.

Integrated with call answering button compatible with most smartphones, the Fidue A31s will work with iPhone, Android, Window and Symbian devices. The integrated remote control allows the user to have full control of music. Calls can also be answered and ended by using the single button remote.

Experience portable high fidelity sound in an affordable package. Fidue A31s embody everything a modern earphone should: superior sound, smartphone compatibility, external noise isolation and long term comfort. High fidelity sound is provided with a balance of strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs.

With small housing design and long sound tube the A31s differs from conventional earphones in creating big sound in a small space. Micro-dynamic 8mm drivers funnel superior sound directly into the earcanal. Double flange eartips provide excellent noise isolation and offer unparalleled comfort for long-term listening.

Integrated with call answering button compatible with most smartphones, the Fidue A31s will work with iPhone, Android, Window and Symbian devices. The integrated remote control allows the user to have full control of music. Calls can also be answered and ended by using the single button remote.

– See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/fidue-a31s-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-mic-red.html#sthash.xn9fLWK6.dpuf

Please click the image below to select the colour you would like;-

Price – £19.99 all Models with free Shipping in th UK until Christmas.

Features

Call answering button compatible with most smartphones (iOS, Android)
Small and lightweight housing and sound tube design
Double flange silicone eartips offer high noise isolation
Unparalleled comfort for long-term listening
Suitable for portable media players with standard 3.5mm connection
Balanced sound with strong bass, smooth mids and well defined highs
Durable twisted PU coated cable built to last

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