The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Premium In-Ear Sound Isolating Earphone from RHA, the RHA-MA750 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Using RHA’s aerophonic design, the MA750 is constructed from individually machined stainless steel components. The handmade drivers and over-ear design ensures remarkable sound reproduction and a comfortable, noise isolating fit.
Precise, balanced and articulate sound reproduction with a great depth of soundstage. The RHA MA750 drivers have been designed to deliver a clear and natural sound. With high levels of spatial separation and distance, the MA750s are capable of reproducing audio with exceptional power and precision. The 303F grade stainless steel construction together with the right silicone eartip ensures extended wearing comfort with excellent sound isolating properties.
The aerophonic design used by the RHA MA750 earphones was inspired by the airflow system and acoustic properties of a trumpet’s bell. The RHA team inverted the traditional shape to create headphones capable of channelling the sound naturally, allowing air to progress unobstructed and unforced from the driver to the ear.
RHA are confident with the superior standard of build and audio quality of the MA750 and offer a full 3-year warranty on all parts.
Handmade steel drivers for precise, balanced and articulate sound
Extended wearing comfort with excellent sound isolation
Selection of dual density silicone, double flange silicone and memory foam eartips
Premium carry case and stainless steel eartip holder
It is tempting to think nowadays that smaller is better, cheaper and easier to carry around; but when it comes to headphones there are differences between large and small which are not all that obvious.
One of the relatively new developments in portable audio is the in-ear headphone, as opposed to the ‘earbud’ which goes back 25 years or so. The earbud sits in the ear’s concha and rests up against the ear canal (sort of), whereas the in-ear headphone sits in the ear canal itself and ideally creates a seal, for far better isolation and bass response when compared to the earbud.
In-ear (Intraaural)
This coupling method between speaker and ear gives a much more intimate presentation – indeed, more intimate than the producer or mastering engineer perhaps intended. This brings a danger of fatigue with certain recordings, and the soundstage is typically narrower making any spatial effects less pronounced.
One of the important parts of getting the most out of the in-ear headphone is the seal created when the right eartips are used. Everybody’s ears differ, and it is likely that some experimentation is necessary with the tips before the right effect is achieved.
Not everyone can comfortably wear in-ear headphones; some also prefer to keep the presentation as close to the intended ‘2 speakers in a room’ sound as possible. Full-size headphones replicate this better.
On-ear (Circumaural and Supraaural)
This is the style everyone surely thinks of when they hear the word ‘headphone’ – speakers sitting on or over the ears, connected by a headband.
The Circum-aural style encloses the ear and is the most likely to give the ‘2 speakers in a room’ effect; the entire ear is subject to sound coming from the headphone driver, and this gives the outside ear or ‘pinna’ a chance to bounce the sound around a bit before it enters, much like natural environmental sounds.
Also, headphone designers have much better opportunity to treat the headphones, or make minor adjustments to ensure that they have the required frequency response. For example, holes or ‘ports’ can be created to reduce bass frequencies, and bumps in any frequency response graph can be dealt with by membranes which block certain frequencies and allow others to penetrate. There are fewer opportunities to tinker with in-ears before the design has to go back to the drawing board.
To a lesser extent, there’s a better chance of the left ear picking up sounds from the right speaker and vice-versa; mirroring what happens in real life. Sound passes through the head and is also filtered by it; the resulting sound is therefore attenuated and with a lot of high-mid frequency detail lost. Together with a slight delay (the time taken for sound to cross from one ear to another is around 3 thousandths of a second), the brain converts these subtle details into information on sound placement.
This is why binaural recordings are so lifelike; given that the technique involves small microphones placed in the ears of a real human head or dummy, any recorded audio has the artefacts lent to it by the head on which it is recorded.
The circumaural style is considered to be the most comfortable generally; the intended use for circumaural headphones is that the wearer stays relatively still, perhaps seated, and so the headphones rest gently on the head and ears.
Supraaural headphones are a little smaller and are designed to sit on the ears, against the pinna. This often makes them more practical for the purpose of portability, but often at the expense of comfort when it comes to extended listening sessions. This design tends to press harder on the ears, both to increase the chances of a good seal and to prevent the headphones’ headband from slipping as the head moves. Supraaural headphones are generally designed for outdoors with more active uses in mind, and so tend to be closed-back to offer better isolation.
It is perhaps easy to choose between circumaural and supraaural headphones; do you wish to remain at home and listen, or go out, for instance? In-ear headphones are less clear-cut. They are being designed now for all scenarios it seems. Our habits may have yet to catch up, but in-ear headphones such as the sumptuous Final Audio Piano Forte range are now being designed for the armchair listener, so the choice from now on may be less clear, but it will have increased, which is no bad thing.
Designed by musicians for music lovers would be one way to describe what Audiofly are doing in the headphone world. Audiofly’s founder Dave Thompson started his career building guitars and now he’s turned his attention to headphones with impressive results.
The AF45 earphone (like the rest of the Audiofly headphone range) exhibits brilliant attention to detail, with a very high quality finish. The earphone housing is a single piece design, making it acoustically stable and mechanically strong. Internally the shape of the sound tube has been made bevelled to reduce internal sound reflections.
The AF45 has a sound signature that is powerful and accurate, something that appears hard to achieve with mid-range in-ears. Many in-ears at this price point have overly bloated bass, or are painfully accurate (mostly the former). Audiofly have done well with the AF45 to get the balance right.
Externally the finish is equally high quality. Cabling is covered in a tough CORDURA outer sheath (as used in outdoor clothing) to keep the cable safe and the jack plug is reinforced for strength. In our experience the cabling is the first component to fail on earphones, so it’s reassuring to see Audiofly designing this to last.
We found that the fit in the ear had a large effect on the sound signature of the AF45 and that the tips do not fit everyone’s ears well, so we highly recommend Comply foam tips to ensure the best sound (either S-500 or T-500 size will fit).
HiFi Headphones Verdict
An earphone with a level of finish that you would expect to pay more for with a sound signature that is well balanced. Bass is powerful, with slightly recessed mids and highs are clear. A quality earphone that is built to last.
The HiFiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new In-Ear Isolating Earphone from Ultrasone, the Ultrasone Pyco In-Ear Headphones is now available to be purchased on our website.
Ultrasone Pyco Aluminium In-Ear Sound Isolating Earphones with Smartphone Mic and Controls. When it comes to the best portable listening experience with true high fidelity you can count on Ultrasone. Immerse yourself in your own personal live concert wherever you go. Fitted with one of the smallest dynamic transducers available, as well as vital power-transfer, Ultrasone’s Pyco is your ticket to a true superior listening experience.
Equipped with a microphone and remote control, the Pyco enables convenient operation for both music and telephone calls. Outstanding insulation against background noise allows you to concentrate completely on the music – providing you with a fantastic audio experience, whether travelling by plane or train or exercising.
SoundMAGIC have pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the SoundMAGIC ES20 Headphones, which makes this model a strong candidate for the title of best budget headphone. The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.
While you might expect a cheap earphone to be badly made, the ES20 is a part aluminium construction and comes fitted with good quality braided cabling (normally reserved for high end in-ear monitor earphones) with strain relief that is built to last. The quality of the product is truly commendable. The ES20 is like the baby brother of the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 which adds a full metal body and even higher sound quality – for a little more money.
Supplied with a neat carry pouch that is very usable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC ES20 is a very well thought out package.
HiFi Headphones Verdict
In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the ES20 has just stolen that spot. Sound quality compares with earphones costing two or three times the price.
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Triple Balanced Armature Universal Monitor from EarSonics, the SM64 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Technology taken from EarSonics’ EM series achieves audio quality never reached before with universal IEM earphones. The research and development department of EarSonics worked hard to match sound quality of their custom EM4 and EM6. The result brought forward EarSonics’ Flagship SM64, a new professional audio quality reference model.
With new HQ crossover technology with impedance corrector, the SM64 provide a balanced sound spectrum making it very musical and accurate. Earsonics’ SM64 in-ear monitor earphones were made to handle music of all intensities and all volumes on any device, absolute control of the audio spectrum. Pairing the SM64 with a headphone amplifier unleashes incredible stereo imaging and maximum headroom.
Designed and built in France
Universal fit in-ear monitors for professional studio and stage use
Technology inherited from EarSonics EM series
Triple balanced armature drivers with 3-way crossover
The Audiofly AF78 is the top model in the Audiofly Premium earphone line. Featuring custom Articulated Dual Drivers in a hybrid system (Dynamic and Balanced Armature technology), these are advanced IEMS!
Beautifully constructed with machined anodised alloy outer housing, they won a CES Design and Engineering Award in 2013.Cabling is an Audioflex braided, kevlar reinforced conductors and a CORDURA fabric outer sheath for outstanding durability. Audiofly’s AF78 is your ticket to truly sophisticated sound.
Noise isolation is also great with up to 23 dB noise attenuation. 4 pairs of silicon eartips and 2 pairs of Comply foam eartips provide a tailored fit for the best fit possible. Ergonomically designed driver housings shaped for a streamlined fit are comfortable for extended listening.
Also included in the box is an airline adapter, a signal-splitter (enabling a second set of headphones to share the music) and cleaning tool.
HiFi Headphones Verdict
The hybrid configuration draws on the strengths of the two different driver types to produce truly sophisticated sound across the entire frequency spectrum. Excellent instrument separation, strong bottom end, crisp detail and warm mids add up to a sonically impressive earphone. With excellent accessories and superb build quality, the AF78 comes highly recommended!
Final Audio Design are a well known high end HiFi manufacturer from Japan. Theybegan developing magnetic cartridges and step-up transformers in 1974. It wasn’t long before they were manufacturing turntables and speakers, which were well ahead of the curve at the time. When Final Audio Design started manufacturing headphones, they wanted to relay the musicians passion for music, as well as their own passion for engineering.
The Adagio III uses a special BAM (Balancing Air Movement) Mechanism, which optimises air movement inside the housing, solving sound leakage and leading to a simpler structure and slimmer body.
The Adagio III have a remarkably clear sound – open, transparent and lively. There’s plenty of bottom end power but it’s measured, this and the amazing instrument separation stop any muddiness from occurring.
The bodies are constructed from a tough ABS material, the 120cm cable is superb quality at this price point and small medium and large tips are included for comfort. We also love the clear differentiation between left and right on the earphone bodies
HiFi Headphones Verdict
Contemporary music fans who want a bit of HiFi legacy, a clean clear audio and change from £100, look no further. The Adagio III unleashes a powerful sound which is vibrant and spatial with impressive width and separation in the stereo image.
The HiFiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Sound Isolating In-Ear Monitor Earphone from HifiMAN, the RE-400 Waterline is now available to be purchased on our website.
The RE-400 Waterline by HiFiMAN is a premium quality, high-performance in-ear monitor (IEM) that sets the standard for others to follow. Featuring advanced ergonomics for superb fit, and premium materials, the RE-400 represents best-in-class performance and comfort. The RE-400 has extremely wide frequency response with superb dynamics and features an incredible 102dB sensitivity thanks to its 8.5mm driver with Neodymium magnet and can be powered with virtually any type of amplifier. The drivers have been designed and manufactured exclusively by HiFiMAN.
The HifiHeadphones team are happy to announce that EarSonics have released a new universal In Ear Monitor (IEM) called the SM64, and it will be available to buy from us very soon.
The EarSonics SM64 earphones were made to handle music of all intensities on any device. Absolute control of the audio spectrum, incredible stereo image and maximum headroom will let you crank it up without distorting the sound.
With the new HQ crossover process, impedance corrector and triple driver combination; the SM64 provide a perfectly balanced sound at high volumes, this makes it very musical and accurate.
Final Audio Design‘s new mid-price range is topped with the Final Audio Design Adagio V, a sleek looking and robust in-ear monitor which is designed to be worn down (perhaps earoded?) as opposed to worn over the ear. The driver housings themselves are relatively weighty and feel as though they are likely to fall out of the ears, but when in position this fear is short lived.
I always considered that a shiny barrel of metal going into my ear would lead to trouble, but maybe I’ve watched too many Mafia films. The Italian name Adagio certainly helps to conjure up the picture of a whacking, but the price doesn’t look too much like extortion.
The cable feels like a bit of a mismatch; as while it would not look out of place on other IEMs, the extra weight of the driver housings make it seem a little weedy. The lack of strain relif is a concern too, but I’m thinking that there’s likely some form of reinforcement within the housing. The weight of the Adagio V’s drivers would make it very tempting to use as a bola; fortunately there’s no shortage of people running away from me so I’ll be trying this soon.
When I had figured out the correct sized tip for my ears (which are smaller than average) the drivers sat in the ears happily enough, but I did look a little like my mother had an affair with a soda syphon.
Sound-wise, the Adagio V is forward in the midrange and I find myself tempted to lose a couple of dB in the 2-5k region; this is more a reflection of my own tastes and I feel that a lot of equipment aimed at the audiophile has a similar sound signature. The bass is there and extends very low, but there is no accentuation or bloating, if anything it is understated (again, my tastes are speaking here).
The soundstage is impressive, and it can sometimes really feel as if the sound is emanating from without, with some good instrument separation.
There is plenty of air, and a little play with an EQ shows a lot of response in the 14kHz region where a lot of earphones give very little difference. This is definitely an earphone for those who like detail over bass.
Audiofly’s AF56 earphones celebrate style and amazing talent. Boasting with incredible bass presence perfectly balanced with top end chime and style that will make you feel as authentic as the artist you’re listening to. With custom voiced 13mm dynamic drivers the AF56 delivers superb detail across the dynamic range. The noise isolating in-ear design of the AF56 earphones achieves up to 23db noise attenuation. The Cordura braided cable’s conductivity have been made as a twisted set, which enhances the cables resistance to electromagnetic interference.
Custom voiced 13mm dynamic driver for amazing detail in the upper mids and highs, with a well balanced punchy bass
Noise isolating in-ear design, for up to 23db noise attenuation
4 sets of Silicon eartips mould to your ears for better isolation and better sound
High spec Audioflex round braided cable with Kevlar reinforced conductors
CORDURA brand nylon outer sheath for exceptional strength and amazing durability
Storage tin with plush velvet lining for roadworthy protection
Verdict – An invaluable tool for professionals and a must-hear option for fans of a neutral sound at a very competitive price point. Their place amongst the best in-ear headphones is well deserved.
Pro’s – Earsonics has seemingly found a way to make an earphone with a presentation that whilst being very accurate and full of detail, offers enough pleasantness so that consumers can enjoy its sound as much as the professional craving for an honest reproduction.
Cons – Despite not being the most aggressive sounding option on the universal IEM market, the level of forwardness, especially when it comes to the midrange might not be well received by those who seem to appreciate a more laid-back presentation. Bass-heads may also need to look elsewhere.
In-Depth Review
Introduction – Earsonics is a professional audio company from France that specialises in universal and custom in-ear monitors. They have been relevant players on the French market for quite a while now as it can be seen on their website. The SM3 v2 is their universal flagship model that aims to compete with the likes of the Westone UM3X and the Shure SE535.
Description – The SM3 v2’s feature three tiny balanced armature drivers per ear. They are only available in black despite the fact that the first release was in clear. However, compared to the v1, these now have an ergonomic shell which definitely helps in finding the optimal fit with its roundness. Their detachable cable with a gold plated 3.5mm jack plug is braided, feels very durable and is not only tangle-free but also eliminates microphonics – this cable is one of the – if not the – best on the universal IEM scene at the moment.
Included peripherals – After opening the subtle, not too flashy packaging, we’ll find a very practical soft travel case along with a cleaning tool and clothing wipe. They also come with four different types of eartips – two pairs of Comply memory foams (a standard and a P-version for improved isolation) and two pairs of differently sized double-flange silicone tips.
Describe the sound – It is hard to find any flaws in the sound of the SM3’s – it is very coherent and balanced. The bottom end is quick, textured and extends deep really well. Although they lack a bit in impact compared to the high-end dynamic driver earphones, they should satisfy all but the true bassheads. The midrange is definitely the cream of the sound – they are forward but not too “in-your-face” to the extent that some IEM’s are known for. The highs are quite smooth despite having great extension; Earsonics have found great balance here as the treble is detailed and crisp enough but has a nice, laid-back feel to it which accounts for an unfatiguing sound. The presentation is lovely with a good sized soundstage and fantastic instrument separation. Detail retrieval is also above average. These earphones really deserve a good enough source so it is just best to honor them with lossless files for the optimal sonic experience – 128 kbps mp3’s will not suddenly sound good with these!
Comparisons – As mentioned earlier, the SM3’s go up against the Shure SE535’s and the Westone UM3X’s on the market. Fans of a more forward sounding midrange may enjoy the 535’s a bit more whilst the UM3x’s are a good option for those who aim at a bit more clinical sound. Bassheads can find joy in Sennheiser’s lovely IE80 model. And for those who appreciate the accuracy of SM3’s but still crave for a bit more musicality and warmth, go ahead and try the Phonak Audeo PFE 232’s.
Product Information
Product – Earsonics SM3 v2 Product Type – Universal fit in-ear monitor headphones Price – £274.99
The HiFi Headphones team is pleased to announce that the new noise cancelling in-ear model from Blackbox, the C20 is now available to be purchased on our website.
If the noise created by an aircraft engine ruins the experience of flying for you, active noise cancelling headphones can really help. Blackbox C20 ergonomically designed earphones fit comfortably in the ear, delivering accurate sound reproduction from the audio source. The active noise-cancellation and intelligent electronics of the C20 deliver sound as you expect to hear it, eliminating most typical background noise found in environments such as transit vehicles, trains and aircraft cabins – even some of the distraction of busy office environments. Blackbox smart engineering also eliminates the discomfort of mobile phone signal interference to your music.
Stunning sound quality for the price with well thought out mic features and admirable design.
Cons
The cable could be a little sturdier but it would be a bit unrealistic to expect one at this price point.
In-Depth Review
Introduction
Audiofly are based in Australia. Founded by musicians, they design and build headphones striving to bring a detailed sound to their audience. Having released their first set in 2011, Audiofly are constantly pushing the boundaries to create something unique by merging modern, cutting edge technology with the longevity of vintage gear. Their aim is to replicate music in an honest way; to achieve that, they use custom voiced drivers in all of their models, so you never miss a beat!
Description
Audiofly always make sure that their headphones not only sound good, but look great as well. The AF33s are no exception – they appear stylish without being too flashy and as such, they can appeal to the younger and more mature audience alike. The AF33Ms are available in six different colours (Corset White, HiRise Purple, IshGreen, Lounge Yellow, Selvage Blue, Slycat Black) satisfying even the choosiest headphone lovers out there. Even though they do not come in the box, the 400 series of Comply Foam tips do fit the earphones so if you’re looking for the best combination of comfort and isolation, we recommend trying them out.
Included peripherals
Inside the box there is a nice microfibre storage pouch to keep the ‘phones safe and some additional Silicone eartips (4 sizes in total) for improved isolation.
Application
The Audiofly AF33M is the perfect companion for your smartphone. Driving these headphones is very easy so the standard headphone-out of most smartphones should be able to handle them with ease and drive them to sufficient volume levels. This model comes with an in-line mic, but unlike most headphone models, where the control and the mic are connected, they are kept separate for more practical use. This is called ClearTalk™ – the control button is located on the yoke (where the main cable separates into the individual earpieces), and the actual mic is located closer to the mouth on the left hand side.
Describe the sound
As with most budget earphones, the first thing that strikes the listener is the bass. However, it is usually because the amount is so big that it overshadows the whole scope – not with this model, though! The thing that struck us about the bass is that it is nothing like your average budget dynamic driver bass. It is tighter and more balanced; it still hits hard but no sign of the common, overpowering, muddy bottom end that most budget sets can offer. The midrange is clear and clean, albeit a bit recessed and as such it is definitely not the centre of the presentation. Vocals are still great, though you should not expect the forwardness of in-ear monitors. The treble is surprisingly lively especially for a budget set. Nice and sparkly but not fatiguing at all. Overall, it is hard to find a fault with the set considering the price point, deserves its place amongst the best in-ear headphones on the market.
