Campfire Audio Comet In-Ear Headphone Video Review
Campfire Audio Comet
Hailing from the other side of the Atlantic – Campfire Audio don’t just create great sounding earphones; they create works of art. Based in Portland Oregon, Campfire design their models in house and for me, they are one of the more exciting brands around right now. The Comet is one of their more recent releases and is their entry level model as just over £200.
Like all of the models in Campfire Audio’s range – the Comet comes packaged in a very cool box covered with colourful artwork. This is a Campfire signature and each model has its own colour combination. Included with the earphones you get a large selection of eartips including Final silicone, standard silicone and foam tips. Individual soft pouches for each driver, a cleaning tool, a lapel pin and a hard carry case – again each model has its own style.
Entry level price – High-end quality
The Comet is Campfire Audio’s newest addition and entry level earphone – a very impressive one at that. Inside the polished stainless steel housing is a single balanced armature driver with acoustic venting – providing a more full and punchier sound than you would normally expect from a single balanced armature earphone. Campfire have also developed their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber or TAEC – this helps improve treble extension when compared to traditionally used filters.
Campfire Audio Comet IEM
These earphones are full of fine craftsmanship and creativity – from the packaging all the way down to the speaker grills. The size of the housings make them very comfortable, they sit in the ear naturally and there’s no irritation when worn for long periods. The Comet is supplied with a replaceable copper Litz cable and is connected using MMCX connectors. The cable also has an in line microphone with universal 3 button controls – making the Comet a superb all rounder.
Fun and energetic sound quality
The Comet is a great introduction into Campfire Audio. It gives a clear idea of the experience and sound expected from the brand. What I find most refreshing is that they don’t take themselves too seriously – and this comes across in the sound. On initial listing the Comet is fun and energetic with plenty of bass punch and a very enjoyable richness – qualities that are lost on a lot of higher end IEM brands.Listen more and the finer details start to come through. The bass manages to have power without overshadowing the mids, which are rich and clear, cutting through the mix effortlessly. Then up top the treble provides space and extends far without ever becoming fatiguing or harsh. The sound has plenty of width and soundstage is impressive – close your eyes and you can picture where each sound is coming from.
Overall these earphones are made to enjoy music on. I think anybody can enjoy these – whether you’re after bass, fun, dynamics, style, comfort or detail, these will do it. Just stick them in your ears and enjoy them – that’s what I did.
If you are having a hard time trying to decide between the Ares II and the Eros II, we have written up a little comparison between the two. You cannot go wrong with either cable.
Aesthetics and Build:
These cables look superb, they finish is perfect and the braid is even, they are an excellent accessory for every on the go audiophile. They are not all about the looks though, the sound offered by both the Eros II and the Ares II is truly excellent for the price.
Both Effect Audio cables are built the same, with excellent quality jacks, a lightweight and slim y-split and soft over ear moulds that are much more comfortable than regular memory wire. The 2-pin connectors are sturdy, and the braid is tight and even, overall an expertly finished product.
Sound:
The Ares II is a lively and fun cable, the lows are still impactful and full but well controlled and not over the top. The midrange retains clarity and is not overshadowed by the slight increase in bass fullness. Where the Ares II goes against the typical copper sound is in the upper midrange/lower treble section, where it injects a little extra spakle and presence.
This makes this cable well detailed, but also fun and engaging to listen to. It pairs well with multiple IEM’s and if you are looking to get into the world of custom cables, the Ares II is the perfect place to start.
The Eros II paints quite a different picture, it leans towards the neutral side of sound and doesn’t go in to change anything drastic about the sound signature. What the Eros II does is increase the air between instruments, adding an extra layer of separation and allows the finer detail to shine through. The Eros II does add a tiny bit of presence in the treble, but it is not what I would consider a brighter sounding cable. The Eros II is clear, transparent and refined with excellent soundstaging.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, two beautiful cables both with different sound signatures. Which will be for you depends on synergy and what differences you want out of your current IEM’s. If you are in need of any cable pairing advice, give us a call!
Wireless earphones are commonplace now; so much so, it’s not necessary to draw undue attention to the fact these days. However, it’s nice to see differing styles coming along and the Optoma Nuforce BE6i is a smart addition to this earphone category.
Pros:
Nice case included
Many eartips and fitting accessories
Well tuned for many genres
Good build
Cons:
Charging port is a bit fiddly
Design and appearance
First impressions last, and in this case, the impression is definitely of a well-heeled smartness; these are the sort of earphones you can listen to during a job interview. The backs of the capsules are magnetic, so the earphones can be worn securely around the neck between uses.
The design lends itself to the ‘down from the ear’ wearing style so anyone wanting to have the cable going up, over the ear will need to consider an alternative model.
The case is a very practical, semi-rigid affair which is perfect for use with the BE6i.
Durability & build quality
Cable and control/battery construction is good with no obvious weak points. The capsules feel quite solid as well, without being too heavy.
Comfort
There’s not much to say here; once in, the earphones can more or less be forgotten about provided you have a good fit with the supplied eartips and accessories. There’s plenty to play around with, including some ‘fins’ which sit in one of the various folds of the ear and help keep the earphones in place.
Sound characteristics:
The Optoma Nuforce BE6i has a warm sound with a bit of non-intrusive treble presence, good as an all-rounder.
Bass
Bass has some emphasis, but the BE6i isn’t a bassy model per se. It extends well with good sub-bass at a realistic level and perhaps a bit more of a boost in the mid-bass region.
Mids
Mids on the BE6i are very clear and unaffected by the bass. Harmonics and other directional cues are well rendered and vocals are sweet and well textured.
Treble
There is a bit of sparkle about the BE6i; it’s not likely to cause any discomfort though. Cymbals are shimmery without straying into strident territory, and muted trumpets are just raspy enough. Detail here is very good for a wireless model.
Soundstage & Separation
Lower frequencies benefit from very good separation and give a good impression of bass width; this continues up the frequency spectrum making an impressive presentation for a wireless model. Harmonics are largely preserved, making for an engaging and enjoyable time with the BE6i!
Music genres good for and why
As noted above, the Optoma Nuforce BE6i is a good all-rounder. Some may prefer more bass than the BE6i has to offer, but this depends on previous earphones and expectations. The BE6i is great with current studio music such as pop and rock, with more refined genres such as classical doing very well also since the midrange is so clear.
Summary
The new wireless BE6i from Optoma Nuforce is as smart as it is nice-sounding, giving a good impression of your music and complementing your outfit a treat. With a large range of accessories to get a perfect fit, the BE6i is a superb wireless choice.
Not content with the splash it’s made with its updated ER4 designs of late, Etymotic is back with more! Or is it less? The ER3 models cost a good chunk less than their ER4 counterparts, so what does this mean in terms of value?
Pros:
Classic Etys for the price
Removable cable
Crystal clarity
Carry case
Cons:
Basic selection of tips
Etymotic deep fit not for everyone
Design and appearance
The ER3 versions are slightly more sensitive than the ER4 versions, with half the impedance too. This may have been done with an eye on the portable market, where some handsets may have struggled to get up to a good volume with the ER4 type.
Accessories are minimal with the ER3-SE and ER3-XR; along with the earphones themselves, we get a case and three pairs of tips. The two sizes of Etymotic triple flange, and a pair of ER38-14F type foam eartips.
Durability & build quality
The capsules are the most obvious change, with plastic-coated aluminium being used instead of the glossy metal look of the ER4. The cable has a good strong, but pliable feel to it, but it is a bit thinner and is not braided at the top. Apart from the slightly lighter weight and less glossy look of the ER3-version capsules, things are much as we’d expect from the ER4-XR and ER4-SR.
Comfort
No change here; Etymotics need to be inserted deeply to be at their best, and people either love the isolation they bring or hate the deep insertion of the eartips. Fortunately we love the isolation enough to ignore any initial discomfort, and the eartips seem to settle into place after a few seconds.
Sound characteristics:
Like the ER4 designs, there are two flavours of ER3. The Etymotic ER3-SE is the more strait-laced and neutral of the two, with the ER3-XR giving a little more bass warmth. Both however sound a little more gentle in terms of the midrange than their ER4 brethren. Where we sometimes get the feeling of jeopardy with the ER4 models, with an errant xylophone or female vocalist threatening to poke us in the ear, the ER3 versions are a little more laid back. Etymotic’s clarity has not been sacrificed though; the midrange presence is just a little more humane.
Bass
Sub bass on the ER3-SE gives a nice bit of wobble which is low in the mix, but there alright. The rest of the bass is as well controlled as expected, but understated; bass junkies need not apply. There’s some great control here though. Meanwhile, the ER3-XR has more of that skull-rattling sub bass and more slam generally. We’re still not in basshead territory, but if you like your sound a little warmer with more weight given to cellos and drums then the ER3-XR may be for you.
Mids
Mids are always a treat as far as Etymotic’s offerings are concerned, and the ER3-SE does not disappoint. While the midrange level is slightly lowered when compared to the ER4-SR, all the other attractive features are there along with a wonderful sense of spaciousness. Details are well rendered, though not with the sharp relief of the ER4-SR. Many will feel the ER3-SE has more comfortable sound when compared to the ER4-SR in terms of the sound, but with all its harmonic and spatial treats largely intact.
With the ER3-XR the extra bass presence vies for attention along with the midrange, so the midrange seems to lose its power slightly. The spaciousness of the ER3-SE is tempered, and the extra bass warmth takes its place. The ER3-XR is still excellent when it comes to midrange action and detail, but is arguably the better all-rounder of the two as the tuning works well with genres such as modern dance music.
Treble
The ER3-SE does not sound treble-heavy but there is some nice extension up top. If your recordings were made on analogue tape, you’ll probably know about it from the tape hiss coming through. Treble is at around the same level as the midrange after a smooth transition, and consequently does its job well whilst keeping the midrange in the spotlight.
The ER3-XR has the same treble presence as the ER3-SE, but the fatter low end gives the tuning a warmer feel.
Soundstage & Separation
With the detail and midrange clarity on offer from both these models, we can say that both soundstage and separation are a treat. The sound has a nice ‘out of the head’ feel without seeming unnatural and with good depth too. Separation and imaging are near perfect, if a bit toned down when compared to the dazzling ER4 designs.
Music genres good for and why
The ER3-SE is a great choice for acoustic music, classical and opera. With modern pop and dance genres, it can depend on your sensitivity to the upper midrange frequencies as to whether they work or not, along with your taste for bass. The ER3-XR is good for any genre you can throw at it, and we went through many!
Summary
Etymotic’s ER4 models are now available for cheap (albeit under the ER3 moniker), but their character is largely intact. Those who like to hear the smallest thing within their music needn’t study the fine print of credit card agreements in order to afford the ER3-SE and ER3-XR.
The Whizzer A15 are well worth considering for their £69.99 price; detailed and fun sounding, with great build quality make them a winner.
Pros:
Well balanced
Detailed
Separation
Soundstage
Cons
Highs are not the most refined
Cable is a little thin (replaceable)
Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories
The Whizzer A15 is an interesting IEM, with a brushed metal outer shell and the company logo stamped in black on it. They look and feel excellent for the price and have a nice slim profile.
Build quality is very good, especially considering the price. The outer housing is metal, the cable has a soft and flexible section of memory wire and is sheathed in fabric below the y-split. The cable is detachable and uses the popular MMCX connection, so you can use aftermarket cables should you wish. The cable has good strain relief, my only concern is it is a little on the thin side where it enters the section of memory wire.
Accessory wise you get plenty of added extras, first off you get a nice faux leather carry pouch which is small and perfect for storing the IEM’s in. Next you get a metal tip holder with a variety of ear-tips. You get S, M and L in 2 different types of single flange tips, and also a pair of S and L foam tips. The A15 have removable dust filters, and come with a pair of tweezers to remove the old foam, and 5 pairs of new foam filters. Overall everything you need is included, along with some bonus extras.
Comfort, Isolation, Cable noise and Driver flex
The A15 are really comfy, the housing has no sharp edges and the memory wire is supple and easy to shape. Once in they are secure and comfortable for all round usage. I do find the angle of the cable does slightly push them out of your ear and foam tips offer a more secure fit.
Isolation is quite average on the A15, due to the large vent on the inside of the housing. They would be fine for most general usage, but if you are looking to block out loud noises, a fully sealed IEM would be better.
Cable noise is not an issue due to the behind the ear cable routing.
Driver flex is not an issue, I believe this is due to the venting of the housing.
Sound
Bass
The A15 are tuned for fun listening, with a strong and punchy low end but without excess or bloat. The bass will satisfy most people and lends its hand to all genres well. The bass is well controlled; during rock tracks bass guitars are easy to follow, and kick drums hit with authority and good body. Acoustic has excellent body and warmth with good tonality, and EDM is just fun and energetic. The bass does not bleed into the midrange, and extends right down to the sub-bass regions with ease.
Midrange
The midrange has excellent bite and clarity, as stated the bass does not cause excessive warmth to the midrange adding only a hint of warmth to the lower midrange. The midrange is also not pushed back in the mix which can happen with some of the more fun sounding headphones out there. A highlight of the midrange is the air and separation, allowing everything to shine through with delicacy and detail. Luckily there isn’t an upper midrange peak, allowing them to be fatigue free with no sibilance.
Treble
The treble is well presented in the mix, not being subdued or left behind. There is a slight peak which gives greater presence to the lower treble region and they don’t quite extend as effortlessly as some more expensive models. But putting them up against similarly priced models, you will find these sound more complete than the usual warm bassy sound of others. Initial cymbal hits have excellent energy but are not sharp, and do not become too bright and fatiguing.
Instrument separation is excellent, the A15 never becomes congested through faster more complex tracks, and the soundstage is above average with great width. Imaging is convincing with good spatial cues and directionality.
Conclusion
The Whizzer A15 lends its hand to all music, and does a great job at being a good all rounder. Stick on some rock and they are energetic and fun, well recorded acoutstic and you can hear subtle detail and warmth. Presenting a well balanced sound across the frequency range, the A15 is a well built IEM for the price with excellent sound to boot.
Sennheiser is a company which seems to have painted itself into a corner in recent years; how do they improve on the models they’ve had on sale for the past few years? It’s either a testament to their design teams of years past, or a damning indictment of the design team they have now. They’re recycling old designs, and adding an ‘S’ so we can’t pluralise without causing confusion. What trickery is this?
Pros:
Nice warm sound
Good assortment of tips and accessories
Carry case
Cons:
Could have more midrange clarity
Straight jack on cable
Design and appearance
A new version of an old classic is simple enough to achieve; round off the corners a bit more and you’re done! There’s probably more to it than that, but this new IE80S bears more than a passing resemblance to the original IE80. However it’s a good look, and Sennheiser obviously knows that it’s not necessary to have flashy designs or gimmicks to impress their fans.
The supplied case is sturdy and sleek, with a non-removeable foam insert which houses the earphones when not in use. Also there are plenty of eartips and accessories, such as a pair of earhooks if your cable keeps popping over your ears.
Durability & build quality
There’s nothing bad to write here, the Sennheiser IE80S is as expected with excellent build quality. The jack on the cable is a straight one which may be a problem for some; if you want a right-angle jack then spare cables for the IE80 will fit just as well.
Sound characteristics:
The tuning is what we expect from Sennheiser; there’s no drastic departure from the typical Sennheiser sound which is warm, with a smattering of treble to keep things interesting but staying comfortable.
Bass
Bass is fairly plentiful and should please lightweight bassheads; however the dials on the sides of the capsules can be adjusted to give a bit more grunt. Control is pretty good, but where it’s loose it feels as if that’s the way it should be. It’s loose with a touch of panache! Subbass is quite powerful if it’s in the music, and you’ll be in no doubt
Mids
The level of the midrange is lower than the bass, but pretty clear and enjoyable nonetheless. Harmonics are clear enough and there is no congestion here, but there is the feeling that the IE80S could do better; at least with the supplied eartips. Aftermarket eartips (such as Blackbird) seem to improve things in this regard.
Treble
Treble is gentle; we’re fond of a warmer sound but the IE80S still takes some getting used to. If you’re a fan of an airy, shimmery sort of presentation then the IE80S is not for you. If however you’re a fan of laid-back music then the IE80S is a contender. Plenty of detail is present though; it comes across as an extension of the midrange with a smooth transition.
Soundstage & Separation
Soundstage on the IE80S is pretty good for an IEM but there’s a lack of depth to the sound, apart from the bass which appears to spread out in front of the listener. Separation is good, but limited with the supplied tips. If you’re splashing out on the IE80S, then try some tips such as Blackbird or Spinfit.
Music genres good for and why
Due to the bass presence, the IE80S is best suited to dance music, pop and rap. Fans of classical, jazz and opera may still enjoy those genres with the IE80S but they will likely miss the airiness and the reverb ‘feel’ of the space the recording was made in.
Summary
Sennheiser’s souped-up IE80 design is here, and it’s an enjoyable listen for many modern genres but some may find the sound lacking air and space for genres such as classical.
The Effect Audio Horus definitely deserves its TOTL status, bringing added dynamics, layering and detail to your IEM’s.
Pros:
Holographic
Natural
Organic
Detailed
Cons:
It costs a lot
Aesthetics and Build quality:
To start with the Horus comes in a leather presentation box, fitting of it’s price and big enough to store your IEM’s in too. First impressions are excellent, then you look at the cable and it is simply beautiful. An even braid with a slight gold tint to the cable, with a rose gold splitter and chin slider.
The 2-pin connectors are standard and the jack plug is the usual carbon fibre Effect audio one, I would have liked to seen the jack in rose gold like the splitter. Everything feels very well built, with good strain relief and this is a beautiful cable that is built to last.
The Horus has a pitch black and deep background, sounds emerge from thin air to immerse you in a richly textured and expertly layered sound.
Bass notes have an effortless quality to them being full in nature but not bloated, they extend with ease bringing out the quality of the bass tones of your IEM’s. The main thing about the bass that stands out is the natural and organic texture that doesn’t bleed into the midrange.
The midrange is well separated from the lows but also has a slightly smoother tonality, without losing out on the finer detail. The midrange has excellent micro detail retrieval, yet still retains a more organic and non fatiguing sound. Air and separation is superb, vocals come across with superb clarity and layering.
The highs gain a little presence over most stock cables, but here the quality is outstanding. They take the highs of your IEM’s of choice, take away the harshness and add extension and detail without hard edges. The Horus is not a bright cable, it is open sounding but at the same time engaging and dynamic. Cymbal taps and crashes are better defined within their own space, fading effortlessly into the black background.
The Horus is a deep sounding cable, adding a real sense of air and space to the sound both depth and height wise. During Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon different instruments swirl around the stage creating a holographic soundstage with excellent imaging and accurate placement.
This is a cable for those who want to get every last bit out of their favourite IEM’s, you have to come in and demo this to believe it.
Conclusion:
Horus is a cable that is incredibly dynamic sounding, it is full and impactful, yet at the same time it is open, airy and detailed. It may sound contradictory, but that is really how I hear this cable. The tone is natural and organic and is never fatiguing, bringing out every subtle detail in the recording without throwing it at your face.
Sleek sporty look with a perfect fit, the P281 Sport are some new budget kings on the block. Coming in at £24.99 they are a huge step up to any headphones that come with a phone.
Offering a well balanced sound with good kick down low, they offer an engaging and fun listening experience when out and about, yet still allow plenty of detail to be heard. From top to bottom there are not real peaks or dips, they have a smooth and easy to listen to sound. What is also great is the inclusion of a microphone and button for taking calls or skipping tracks.
What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £50? The E10C has the same superb build quality and sound signature as the E10 but with the added function of a universal smartphone in-line microphone – need we say more?
The E10C has tight bass with plenty of weight – the mids are well defined and the top end sparkles. These earphones are perfect for listening on the go as the sound is fun and they will sound great with whatever you throw at them.
If you have £40 to spend on some new earphones then go for the SoundMAGIC E10 – if you need an in-line microphone then go for the E10C. Easy.
If you are looking for a more detailed and neutral sound than the E10C, take a look at the MEE Audio M6 Pro. With it’s monitor like sound and styling, detachable cable and great looks, it is a steal for under £50.
Well the M6 Pro with Blackbird S20 foam tips may have become a new favourite for under £50. These really managed to have everything and sound very engaging, the highs do not disappoint with their presence and tone, the midrange is slightly up front and the mid bass has a mild boost, as a stage monitor I can see these being good and the sound would be easily tuneable with EQ.
For under £50 you won’t find this level of detail, clarity or separation from another in-ear headphone. Add to that brilliant build quality and you have a winner.
Looking for a more bass oriented in-ear headphone with an upfront and engaging sound, yet without losing out on the finer details and comfort, you need the Oriveti Basic.
A 10mm titanium coated driver supplies an impressive amount of bass. Now I am not much of a bass head but after listening to these for a while I found myself really enjoying them.
They’re not audiophile and they won’t give you a reference sound but if you like your earphones to be fun and enjoyable with plenty of punch then these could be for you. The isolation and comfort is also really impressive and along with replaceable cables they are a great buy!
Oriveti are new on the scene and they certainly know how to make an entrance. The new Oriveti Basic earphone packs a punch and gives you plenty of features for its modest price tag.
Looking for a in-ear headphone with quick snappy transients, whilst retaining a well balanced sound signature? Take a look at the New Westone UM Pro10, revised in 2017 to be even better and more comfortable.
Predictably, the balanced armature makes short work of replicating higher frequencies accurately, but the real interest is at the low end where single BA IEMs are concerned. Provided a decent seal can be achieved, the bass is in good balance with the rest of the presentation, although bassheads will be wanting more.
If you fancy the idea of a single balanced armature earphone, but don’t fancy the protruding capsules of the Etymotic designs then the UM Pro 10 is worth a close look. Sometimes the best designs are the simplest and I really think there is something to be said for single-driver IEMs. Makers may be able to tune the sound signature a little more with multiple drivers, but this risks muddying the sound with possible phase/imaging issues as the audio from these different drivers reaches our ears at different times.
In short – choose the simple life and get the UM Pro 10!
One of our best sellers, the New Primacy has a well balanced sound signature with class leading separation and clarity.
The Oriveti New Primacy has a bit of a mid forward sound signature, with excellent clarity and air throughout the range, the bass digs deep and is very articulate, the mids have a habit of bringing out all the detail in recordings but not in an unpleasant way. The highs are airy and well extended, without fatiguing properties, overall a very comfortable and enjoyable listen. The New primacy manages to be a very coherent sounding hybrid design, with a very well textured and layered sound.
Our top pick for under £500 is the Dunu DK-3001, with impressive technical capabilities that are really enjoyable to listen to as well. Punchy and clear sound with a wide soundstage, these are truly excellent.
The Dunu DK-3001 is a very well done hybrid IEM, the bass is dynamic and punchy, with excellent and realistic body. The midrange is well layered and very detailed, with a hint of smoothness to it. The highs are always present, yet not fatiguing. These work well with all genres, the bass is fun and energetic in EDM, and rock comes across with detail and layering. Jazz has a very natural tone, and they just take all genres in their stride, however their ability to control heavy metal is truly impressive.
If you don’t mind the open back design, the Audeze iSine20 will offer a listening experience more like a full size headphone than an in-ear model.
Offering an open sound with excellent punch the iSine20 offers a relaxing listening experience with slightly polite treble. Keeping in tone with their house sound the iSine20 offers good bass quantity with non-fatiguing treble and a natural tone. This is a very unique IEM that is well worth looking into if you want a more traditional headphone sound. The sound is slightly v-shaped; it’s a warmish, ‘fun’ tuning yet still retains excellent detail retrieval.
The W80 are an incredible performer, with a very detailed, spacious yet smooth sound plus an added Alo Audio cable you are sure to be impressed. Fitting 8 BA drivers into this tiny housing is no easy task, yet Westone have done it without sacrificing anything at all.
Some of the most comfortable IEM’s available; the Westone W80 is a pleasure to use for long periods of time, especially with their non fatiguing sound. The bass has body and impact adding a little warmth to the overall sound, the midrange is smooth and non fatiguing, yet the finer details still shine thought. The treble is slightly relaxed but still retains a certain level of sparkle and extension; they are not analytical but still extract the finer details with ease. A very well balanced IEM, that is comfortable and easy to listen to.
The FI-BA-SST35 is one for the detail lovers, being very unforgiving of the source material you will want to listen to well recorded music to get the most out of these.
Final are kings at squeezing the most out of one single BA driver, and the FI-BA-SST35 is no different. Using their proprietary BAM design they move more air, and dig deeper than most conventional single BA driver designs. The bass is always well controlled but offers good impact and articulation without becoming overwhelming or adding much body to the overall sound. The midrange changes depending on the track you are listening to, yet is always very detailed and very transparent. The treble is not fatiguing yet offers incredible insight into the recording, again play well recorded tracks and you will be rewarded with great sound. The soundstage and separation are both excellent, and the timbre is very good for a single BA driver.
Pioneer’s a big player in the audio field, and their new full size headphones certainly went down well at London’s recent Canjam event. They’ve other smaller offerings too, such as the in-ear SE-CH9T; we take a listen.
Pros:
Removable cable
Mic/control for answering calls
Well controlled bass
Pouch included
Cons:
Relative lack of accessories
Sound lacks refinement/detail
Design and Appearance
The outward appearance of the cosily-named SE-CH9T is fairly standard, although on closer inspection the capsules look like they’re half Shure SE215 and half SoundMAGIC E10. There’s a fairly small Shure-like capsule which looks to give some space behind the driver; this works in conjunction with the ‘air-flow control port’ to usher out all those unwanted reflections within. Leading to the actual sound nozzle, there’s a striking copper-coloured aluminium protrusion which itself houses an inner nozzle made of brass. This ‘enables tight and punchy bass’ according to the packaging.
There is a mic/control on the cable; this is of the single button type, so no volume controls. The SE-CH9T is suitable for use with both Android and Apple handsets though, and is removable with MMCX connectors.
It’s generally a sensible, understated design but for the copper-coloured nozzles which give a splash of flamboyance.
Durability and Build Quality
The SE-CH9T is a very well constructed earphone. The twisted cable is strong and pliable; the 90 degree jack is small and stylish and strain reliefs look as if they get the job done. As with a few other similar designs however, no such strain reliefs are on the mic/control unit, perhaps they are not so crucial in the middle of a cable.
Accessories are minimal; a pouch is provided along with a selection of eartips and two ‘connector shields’ which we think go over the ends of the cable where they meet the capsules. We’re not sure why though.
Once a comfortable fit is achieved, the earphones can be as good as forgotten. For this reviewer, a shallow fit works best as the sound nozzles are relatively wide at around 7mm in diameter. A deep insertion is not an option here, but may be for you.
The cable is supple and doesn’t offer any resistance to movement, but there is a chin slider to prevent any unruly cable behaviour, if needed.
Sound Characteristics
The Pioneer SE-CH9T is a bit of a break from recent bass-heavy models such as the SE-CX8, release a couple of years back. Overall the presentation is on the warm side of neutral, with a bit of bass emphasis and upper midrange presence too. The sound has a certain ‘ungarnished’ quality about it.
Bass
Extension is low with the bass; it’s wide and deep, but there’s no more of it than necessary to add a touch of rumble if called upon. Bass is well controlled and tight; there seems to be a bit of a gap where it gives way to higher frequencies though; this isn’t a deal breaker but makes the midrange appear slightly detached from the bass.
Mids
The slightly forward upper-midrange gives an impression of a clean and accurate sound; it tends to pick up instruments like brass, percussion and electric piano rather than male vocals, although female vocals do get a bit of ‘centre stage’ treatment. There’s a decent amount of detail here, but there is also a touch of graininess, or lack of detail which carries on up into the treble.
Treble
The balance of the SE-CH9T’s treble with the other frequencies makes it almost understated and relaxed; it’s a pretty smooth transtion from the upper midrange but the treble prefers sitting in the shade. The treble does lack refinement, but Pioneer decided not to make up for this by emphasising these frequencies, and that’s pretty welcome.
Soundstage and Separation
There is a good breadth to the sound, but instruments are less distinct than they could be. The harmonics which help to give instruments their character and form are not clear enough, and we’re left with a slightly smeary presentation with the instruments overlapping and bleeding into each other. It’s not unpleasant, but there are earphones at this price which do this better.
Music genres good for and why
The strengths of the SE-CH9T lie in the bass and midrange regions, but the tight bass wins out. Modern dance, R&B and pop will do well, with acoustic and classical taking second place. There’s a danger of the sound seeming a bit lean if there is not a fair level of bass warmth in the recording.
Summary
Pioneer’s new SE-CH9T earphones are pretty straight-laced if compared to some previous models such as the ‘Club Sound’ SE-CX8, and we’re tempted to suggest that Pioneer is growing up. However since Pioneer turns 80 next year, we won’t.
The Dita Dream are a dream to listen to with well recorded lossless files, transparent and effortless, with an excellent soundstage to boot, a true TOTL IEM.
Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories
The Dita dream come in a very high quality white card box, lift off the top and the Dita Dream are held in a velvet coated foam insert. Lift this up and you will find another compartment with the accessories underneath.
The Dream themselves are metal bodied, matte black IEM’s which look great and feel like the premium product they are. The cable is very well built and comes with the Awesome plug, and interchangeable plug system that really is nifty. The overall look and feel of these is excellent and they ooze quality as well as being rather understated.
The build quality of the Dita Dream is superb, the metal housing is sturdy yet relatively lightweight, the cable is thick and detachable, the Awesome plug is a system that allows you to change the plug from 3.5mm single ended to 2.5mm balanced, or many others that you can purchase separately. There is good strain relief throughout, and I see not issues arising from the build quality.
Accessory wise you get a very nice leather pouch to store them in, and a plethora of tips. You get S, M and L in 3 types of silicone tips, one is wide bore soft stem, one is wide bore stiffer stem, and the last one has a blue stem and slightly stiffer outer silicone. Also included is a flight adaptor, so you get everything you need to get started.
Comfort, Isolation, Cable Noise and Driver Flex
The Dita Dream are a dream to wear, the shape of the housing is perfect and fits my small ears well, the angle of the nozzle means they don’t protrude at and odd angle and you can achieve quite a deep fit with them. The cable to begin with is a little unruly and stiff, but I am sure it will soften up with some use.
Isolation is very good, blocking out a large amount of outside noise, they are vented but this doesn’t seem to affect the isolation much.
Cable noise is minimal as it is routed behind your ear.
Driver flex is present upon initial insertion, but is not a big problem.
The bass is incredibly punchy and the sub-bass response is truly impressive, extending right down into the sub-bass without any early roll-off. Listen to some rock and you can feel the kick drums, listen to some EDM and the lows are equally as happy being full and vibrant, yet never sounding out of control. I have not heard rumble like this, from any other IEM, yet it isn’t over the top, the rumble only comes out when called for. The lows also do a good job at staying separate from the lower mids, not warming them up. I will also add the the layering and resolution down low is excellent.
Mids
The midrange is delicate, and wonderfully detailed, you can really pick apart the recording with these, hearing every nuance. The midrange is very clean, having the tendency to be a little more on the analytical side. Here you can hear every pick of a guitar string, every breath a singer takes, very insightful but not fatiguing. There is no sibilance up top either, and during harmonies you can clearly tell where each singer is positioned.
Treble
Not lacking in any way up top yet also not fatiguing, the highs are as good as the recording allows them to be. With well recorded music you will be presented with effortlessly extended highs that have excellent transparency and also air. Never fading to the back even during faster tracks, you can always hear the energy and detail up top.
Soundstage
The soundstage is both deep and wide, with excellent imaging and they give you a real sense of the space in ambient and live recordings.
Conclusion
The Dita Dream are a fun sounding IEM where everything is on a level playing field, nothing sticks out and nothing is missing. They are incredibly detailed, yet not analytical, however they do allow great insight into the recording should you want to analyse it. The space and air around each instrument is a highlight, and the transparency means you will definitely want to listen to better recorded lossless files on these. These have dynamics that mulitple BA designs cannot hope to match, they are a true TOTL dynamic driver IEM.
Final’s a funny name for a company which keeps bringing out great earphones; there’s nothing Final here as there’s always more to look forward to! Although the Final E3000 and E2000 are budget models when compared to some of their offerings, they are very interesting specimens; dynamically driven and with a hint of openness about them.
Pros:
Simple, small designs
Cables round (not ribbon-style)
Earhooks included
lovely soundstage and imaging
Cons:
Not as isolating as some
Design and Appearance
If you’re familiar with Final’s earphones then you’ll see that there’s no real departure from a lot of their in-ears. They’re a cross between the newer F7200 and the Heaven series, with a sleek and sensible appearance. The capsules are small; again, about halfway between the F7200 and the Heaven series. The capsules for each model differ, as the E2000 has black plastic and the E3000 has shiny stainless steel.
Unlike Final’s Heaven series, the cable is not of a flat ribbon type but has a pretty standard round design which behaves itself and is quite soft and slinky. The E3000 and E2000 can be worn either with the cable hanging down from the ear or with the cable going over the top of the ear; this can be facilitated by use of the included earhooks.
The back ends of the capsules feature a vent each; this allows a little of the sonic ‘backwash’ to escape from those dynamic drivers, improving the soundstage but also compromising isolation slightly. Very little leaks out though so there’s no need to be self-conscious.
And if you’re keen on wearing earphones with the cable over the ear, Final have thrown in a pair of earhooks with each model.
Durability and Build Quality
There is a decent strain relief on the jack end of the cable but it’s minimal where it meets the earphones and the ‘joiner’ in the middle. This shouldn’t be a problem unless the earphones are habitually yanked out of the ears (if you do this then you are asking for problems)!
As we’ve come to expect from Final, the build quality is excellent with no flaws.
Comfort
The capsule size of the E3000 and E2000 is small, so there should be no issues with fit, and the supplied silicone tips are comfortable enough. Not everyone can get on with silicone tips however, so if aftermarket tips are preferred then the Comply ‘200’ sized tips are suitable, or the newer Blackbird ‘S20’ tips are available from our outlet.
Sound Characteristics
As with many of Final’s earphones (both the dynamically driven and balanced armature designs), the sound has lovely clarity, and this dynamic design gives a little bit of extra bass presence when compared to the Heaven II model, for example).
These impressions are for the E3000 model. For the E2000, there is a slight shift in the balance between the bass and midrange; there is a little more in the way of midrange when compared to the lower frequencies. Also the E2000 has less refinement with details at the treble end, but this is not obvious without comparing the two models closely.
Bass
These little things offer a surprising bass quality; the 6.4mm drivers can really dish it out! The E3000 is not bassy per se but the bass starts really low, gives a good thump with those kick drums, and is enough to please anyone. It’s fairly tight and doesn’t interfere with the midrange frequencies at all.
Mids
There’s a good deal of clarity and detail here; it’s clear when flautists inhale and woodwind keys click. Vocals are nicely textured too. The midrange is not emphasised too much, nor recessed too much. The overall impression is of a smooth sound but there’s no feeling that anything is being missed; it’s all here.
Treble
The theme continues up the frequency range, with bright and tinkly sounds coming across as just that; these never stray into strident or fatiguing territory. In fact, the opposite may be true as Duran Duran always struck me as a bit cold-sounding (classic 1980s production here) but the E3000 gives them a more natural feel.
Soundstage and Separation
The vented design comes into play here; when compared to most ‘sealed’ designs the soundstage of the E3000 is impressive with some nice width and depth too; the E2000 is a little behind with its slightly grainer treble but still strikes the right note. Both models give a decent impression of the instruments’ placement as well; recordings such as those done by ‘The Mint Julep Jazz Band’ have us surrounded by some very convincing brass instruments, and it’s very enjoyable!
Overall, the slight loss of isolation in the design is more than made up for with the soundstage on offer here.
Music genres good for and why
As above, anything live or recorded in a big room is a treat, but studio produced tracks are equally as impactful, making both the E3000 and E2000 good candidates for those who like to mix it up.
Summary
Final’s new dynamic offerings, the E3000 and E2000, are amazing value and stay faithful to Final’s house sound of a pure and natural presentation with a touch of warmth. These earphones are certainly recommended for the asking price.
It’s always nice to see a brand bringing out a new flagship model, and Fidue are certainly looking at the stars with the Sirius. Boasting a driver configuration consisting of 4 custom-made balanced armatures and one dynamic driver for the bass frequencies, Sirius promises to illuminate us; but is it a magnitude better than the competition?
Pros:
Lovely presentation
Strong carry case
2.5mm balanced cable as standard
Adaptors for use with 3.5mm sockets
removable cable locks into place
Cons:
Carry case is a bit bulky – that’s all!
Design and appearance
This is certainly one of the best presented IEMs; the capsules themselves are very strong and the cable is a fabric coated effort which is quite reminiscent of a full size flagship cable. This is terminated with a 2.5mm balanced jack as standard, for use with Astell&Kern palyers or the Lotoo PAW 5000 for example; more are sure to follow. However if you are still languishing in the world of 3.5mm sockets then adaptors are included; one for a standard 3-pole stereo socket and another 4-pole for better compatibility with some 4-pole sockets.
The case is similarly made well but it’s quite chunky; it’s probably designed to go into a bag rather than a pocket.
Durability & build quality
It appears that no expense has been spared in terms of materials used; it’s all very sturdy and gives the impression that it’ll go on for years. Strain reliefs are good and as mentioned above, the cable is thick and luxurious without being cumbersome. It behaves itself nicely.
The cable is removable and the MMCX connectors are kept in place using locking rings, which also take the strain. It’s still possible to rotate the capsules with the cable locked into position, so a good fit is always easy to achieve.
Comfort
Like the case, the capsules are on the chunky side but they sit in place quite comfortably without sticking out. The fabric cable also helps to fool us into thinking we aren’t wearing earphones at all, and the sound of the Sirius enhances this feeling (more on the sound below)!
Sound isolation
Isolation is decent enough; this is of course dependent on the sort of seal which can be achieved with the supplied eartips. This may be improved with the Comply eartips which are also included. Exterior noise tends to vanish when the play button is pressed, especially when music sounds as it does from the Sirius!
Sound characteristics
The sound of the Fidue Sirius sits together so nicely, it’s a challenge to pick out the features of the bass, midrange and treble. It’s a tangible and cohesive presentation which lets us know that this earphone is not playing around. Other flagship IEMs might emphasise detail which makes them a touch bright, or there may be a smoothness there in which something seems to be lacking. The Sirius sits perfectly between the two camps, giving up details effortlessly with an ease which cajoles the brain into accepting what it’s hearing as real.
Bass
Bass is tight and authoritative with a rich creamyness which really appeals. Definition is very good, with shaking drumskins and similar low-frequency details nicely rendered. Sub bass is there in quantity when needed, and it’s nicely balanced with the rest of the presentation so it never threatens to take over.
Mids
Midrange frequencies are about as present as they can be without risk of fatigue; they’re clear and vibrant with no hard edges. Older recordings get a new lease of life as if they’re brought up to date. It’s a bit odd, but a very nice type of odd. Steppenwolf’s ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ could have been produced last week, and the Temperance Seven’s renditions of 1920s dance music are so fresh, it seems a real possibility that a flying champagne cork might assault us. Newer, well produced/mastered music needs to be heard to be believed!
There’s a good amount of space and things never seem to get bogged down with a lot going on in the music. Reverbs and harmonics are clear and give a tremendous sense of being there and directly involved with the music.
Treble
Up top, higher-frequency detail is similarly treated with a bright-sounding presence which knows just when to back off. It has a natural and organic quality to it, with a shimmery lushness which gives another touch of realism to the presentation. The Sirius is exceptionally revealing but never strays beyond the bounds of believability.
Soundstage & Separation
Soundstage is very impressive; the head is surrounded by music, helped along by the Sirius’ very open sound. Instruments are easy to pick out and have great definition, but at the same time everything sits together very well should you just wish to relax and take it all in.
Music Genres Good For and Why
What genres is the Sirius not good for? We haven’t heard anything which the Sirius cannot do justice to. It shines with everything.
Summary
If you are looking to upgrade, you could do a lot worse than giving the Fidue Sirius a try. It is utterly deserving of its flagship status and it’s been a real pleasure to review. It’s one of those earphones which will have you tearing through your music collection in order to hear everything for the first time, again!
Fit can be one of the biggest problems for several simple reasons. If your earphones don’t sit firmly in your ear canals, or do not seal, you may experience a significant drop in audio quality, particularly from the bass frequencies which can often make you think that your earphones are broken or are just poor quality. This is down to a lack of isolation which means the sound is leaking out rather than staying in your ears and unwanted noise is being let in.
Another common problem is that your earphones just keep falling out or do not stay in properly which means you’re constantly adjusting them or pushing them back in. However, this can usually be solved by something as simple as using a different sized ear tip. Every ear is different meaning you may not get the perfect fit with the ear tips that are on your earphones straight out of the box – this earphone fitting guide will explain a number of options available.
How to get the best fit
Typically, most earphones will come with silicone eartips in three sizes, small medium and large. Sometimes you will also get flange ear tips, and less commonly some earphones will come with comply foam tips, but we’ll talk about that later.
In order to get the best fit the key is to get a seal between the ear tip and your ear canal, this provides the isolation and creates a friction that keeps the earphones in your ears. Experiment with different size ear tips until you find a size that blocks out external noise and fits your ear firmly and comfortably. It’s also not uncommon to have a different size ear tip for each ear. You should be able to hear a clear difference if the ear tip is properly sealed. If the earphone is fully isolated you will hear a much richer sound, particularly in the bass with minimal external noise. You should also feel a slight suction of air in the ear canal where the ear tip is successfully sealed.
One other thing to consider is how the cable is worn. Most commonly cables are worn down from the ear but many models are now designed with an over ear fit and some can even be worn up and down – check your manufacturer instructions for further information on how your particular earphone should be worn. The best way to find the most comfortable fit for you is to experiment with using your earphones under and over the ear, also try having the cable hanging over your front or back, which can free up space and avoid tangles. Typically when the earphones are worn correctly the manufacturers logo should display the right way up.
Other options
There are many options available from different ear tip designs to full custom moulds but here are a few we would recommend for different budgets.
Comply
The first and most affordable ear tip solution is Comply. Comply is made from a heat activated memory foam that when heated in the ear conforms to the shape of your ear canal for a dynamic custom fit. Comply changes with the movement and temperature of your ear canal whilst using your earphones. This true fit seals in low frequency energy and provides optimal friction, so the tips stay put. Comply is also available with built in filters that give added protection against wax, debris and even sweat. As an affordable alternative to standard silicone tips Comply gives you a much more natural and comfortable fit as well as sustained isolation, even when active. Comply make ear tips for a huge number of earphone manufacturers, to find out if Comply make tips for your headphone head over to their website and use their easy pairing system to find what fit you need. The size of the standard silicone tips that you currently use with your earphones will be the same as the Comply size you will require.
Fitting comply
Firstly remove the current tips on your earphones and then add the Comply. To do this put a third of the earphone nozzle just inside the lip of the plastic Comply cylinder and then firmly push the rest of the earphone into the cylinder until the Comply sits firmly on the earphone nozzle. Sometimes this can be a very tight fit.
To fit Comply simply squeeze the eartips and then insert them comfortably into you ear. Once the memory foam expands and heats up the tip will conform to the shape of your ear to create a comfortable fit and completely seal your earphones.
Earcandi
Earcandi is for those that want a custom moulding system for their current earphones that won’t break the bank. Earcandi is made from a medical grade silicone polymer that produces a soft, flexible and durable custom moulded ear tip, which you can leave in your ears for hours without noticing. Noise isolation is greatly improved due to the exact fit you get with Earcandi, allowing you to play your music at lower volumes without being able to hear less, which reduces the chance of damaging your hearing by having to blast the volume. The process of fitting Earcandi is very easy and only takes about 10 minutes. The unique Earcandi moulding polymer comes in two parts. When the two parts are combined the silicone begins to set and will be fixed to its permanent shape in only 10 minutes.
Fitting Earcandi
Remove both portions of Earcandi material and knead together until you have an even colour. Split the material into 2 equal portions and roll into a cylinder approx. 5cm long. Loop around the stem of the earphone, bringing the Earcandi together on the outside and insert the earphone into your ear.
Mould the Earcandi over and around your earphones until you achieve a good seal and the desired finish. Wait 10-15 minutes for the Earcandi material to set and carefully remove from your ears. And that’s it.
Snugs
Snugs are fully custom moulded eartips that can be made for any earphone. Snugs use state of the art 3D scanning and manufacturing based on your exact ear, which means you get a perfect seal and a comfortable fit. No matter how active you get your Snugs will stay put, fit like a glove and will never fall out even when exercising. Unlike other custom mould manufacturers Snugs are made from soft silicone which means even after long periods of wear they are still comfortable. This great fit ensures external sound is kept out even in noisy places and your music doesn’t disturb others.
How it works
A Snugs scanologist will pay you a visit with a state of the art 3D ear scanner to quickly and painlessly scan your ears. Once you’ve chosen from a wide range of colours and optional unique twists like glitter, your Snugs impressions will be manufactured in a lab which usually takes a few weeks. Snugs come in both half and full shell options which can be made to fit any earphone.
Our audio gurus have collected the best in0-ear headphones from under £50 to over £500 in 2016 and reviewed them all to help you choose. From established brands like Shure, RHA and Sennheiser, to new kids on the block like DUNU and FIDUE and DITA, below you can check out our best rated headphones from the year so far.
Scroll down for reviews of our favourite in-ear headphones this year so far.
— Scroll to the bottom of this page to watch the video
Best In Ear Headphones Under £50
First in this year’s line-up is the Dunu Detonator, perhaps to reflect the explosion of interest in earphones..
They’re bassy, with a clear midrange and warm treble where perhaps some detail is exchanged for a vibrant sound and a low price. They come with a microphone for taking those important calls, and will suit anyone who is new to earphones other than the generic ones you receive with your new phone.
Being good all-rounders, there is ample scope for the SoundMAGIC E50 to be enjoyed with all genres but the relatively flat response or neutrality of the E50 makes it a perfect earphone for vocals; particularly when accompanied by backing vocals. Percussion gets a nice lift also, as does any distortion effect.
The A65 gives the impression of a long-lasting earphone which will be a solid performer for a good long while. As for their sound, rock music should be mentioned first as the exceptional midrange is perfect for guitars and vocals. Pop, dance and hip-hop are also well served, with an expansive bass and good detail without any danger of sibilance to get in the way.
Shure’s SE215 is the oldest design in our line-up, being released in early 2011. However it’s still popular, which means it hits the spot with a great many earphones fans. Styled for on-stage performers, the cable goes over the top, and down the back of the ears. Bass is plentiful and powerful, with midrange and treble more laid back; but still a very fun-sounding model.
Fidue’s new A73 shows that IEMs under £100 are facing challenges unthought of until recent times – there’s fierce competition within the fertile £50 – £100 section of the market and it’s getting better all the time.
The Fidue A73 can do it all, however dance genres can be enhanced very well with the tremendous bass response. Also rap music and pop for the same reasons. Older pop also does very well on the A73 with the clear midrange offering a crisp presentation of tracks which are 50 years old, further enhanced by the clear reproduction of reverb equipment and compressors which were used back in the day.
These great Bluetooth in-ears will give wire-free piece of mind for those with boundless energy. Designed to stay in the ear with the help of supplied ear fins, they should remain in place during the most strenuous workouts. The sound is well implemented with a well controlled impactful bass, a midrange which is present and clear and a treble which is detailed but smooth so your ears don’t get fatigued along with you!
If you fancy a glint in your ear as well as your eye, the T20 from Glasgow-based RHA has a lot to offer. Both the build quality and the sound are solid. The T20 was tried with a varied range of genres and does well with them all. They are as good with dance as they are with rock music with a good balance between bass presence and midrange action. Soundstage and separation prowess also lets genres such as jazz and classical shine. The T20 is a worthy successor to the T10, with several sonic improvements.
Soundstage and separation are as good as I’ve heard from a BA in-ear model, and the added clarity in the AF180 makes the space portrayed in the music very lifelike. Bass is just right in terms of power and placement – sub bass is present and gives just enough without threatening to take over. Mids are sharp and edgy but not breaking into a sweat, there is an air of effortlessness here. Detail is brought out and reverb decays can be followed right to the end, clearly heard within the mix.
Another of our favourite models, Dita’s ‘The Answer’ doesn’t wait for any questions, and gets straight on with providing some truly immersive sounds. Bass is rich and weighty, with an astonishing midrange. Treble is smooth but with clear and crisp detail, making for a wide soundstage with fantastic imaging.
Unlike the more neutral Final Audio Heaven VII, the Heaven VIII is tuned with a richer and more vibrant frequency response for a lusher sound. Like all of the Heaven range, there’s virtually no stridence or discomfort for sensitive ears, but detail is reproduced with no compromise. Bass is fully represented (thanks to Final Audio’s ‘BAM’ technology) without getting too big for its boots, midrange is crystal clear and uncluttered, with treble as smooth as silk, yet superbly detailed.
Fidue A65 In Ear Headphone Review – A Load of Fun for Half a Ton
These days, you could almost pick a number and it would coincide with the model of a Fidue earphone’s name. But along with quantity there remains quality; something that Fidue is obviously keen to preserve in its lineup. The Fidue A65 is certainly in the midst of the budget price category, but stands tall in terms of sound quality.
Pros:
Decent cable with mic included
Well rounded, weighty sound
Good soundstage
Cons:
Lack of cinch on cable
Design and Appearance
The A65 has sturdy feeling and attractive metal capsules with a brushed copper texture, which looks like someone’s wound some copper wire tightly around them. Not inappropriate, since the A65 is driven by a copper winding-powered dynamic driver for a decent bass sound which starts low! The button/mic cable and jack is much the same as the higher-priced Fidue A73; a good quality rubber coated affair with decent strain reliefs.
As with most of Fidue’s models, there’s a small mic/button remote on the cable but nothing too intrusive for those who do not require it.
Durability and Build quality
The A65 gives the impression of a long-lasting earphone which will be a solid performer for a good long while. Despite its relatively entry-level pricing, the A65 looks as if it can withstand a fair amount of use and abuse; there’s no exterior plastic to be found other than the rubber-like material making up the strain reliefs, making it pleasing in a tactile way too.
Comfort
Comfort shouldn’t be an issue; the Fidue A65 can be worn with the cable down or over the ears depending on the wearer’s preference, and these particular pearls are light and small enough to nestle well in anyone’s shell-like. The cable does lack a cinch (slidey bit) as do many Fidue IEMs, not a deal breaker but some may miss this feature.
Sound isolation
Isolation is fair, this depends of course on how well they fit the individual but isolation is good enough to take the wearer’s mind off of anything which might spoil the fun.
Sound characteristics
Using the Chord Hugo DAC/Amp standard, the Fidue A65 belies its sub £50 position in terms of sound as well as build. The overall impression is one of a fun sound, but not at the expense of refinement.
Bass
Bass is great on the A65, and that’s great in the older sense of the word too; the quality is punchy and quantity is perfectly balanced. It starts low and provides a solid foundation, but never loses control.
Mids
Midrange is slightly laid back, but this is not really noticeable since the bass is so nicely controlled. There’s a very nice impression of space in the presentation. Vocals and harmonics seem larger than life in terms of definition and presence without being forced.
Treble
There is a certain amount of graininess here in terms of clarity, but this doesn’t mean that there’s any roughness or noise. Things are smoothed off slightly so the Fidue A65’s talents are made the most of whilst still keeping a good balance between bass and treble. The overall impression is of an earphone at at least twice the price which this earphone is offered at.
Soundstage and Separation
Another excellent feature is the depth and width of presentation, with the clarity of the midrange stepping in to do its part. Harmonics and their accompanying instruments/parts take a step forward and vie for attention where the listener may not expect them, and it all feels completely natural.
Music genres good for and why
Rock music is one which should be mentioned first as the exceptional midrange is perfect for guitars and vocals. Pop, dance and hip-hop are also well served, with an expansive bass and good detail without any danger of sibilance to get in the way.
Classical fans may miss a little top-end resolution and detail, but the width and harmonics which come through make up for this.
Summary
Fidue’s no stranger to introductions, and they’re certainly presenting a challenge to this reviewer; there’s only so many ways of stating that something is good. If only it was as easy to trawl the English language for original words as Fidue finds talent and fine sound to put in its earphones!
