Tag Archives: in-ear monitors

64 Audio Universal Model Overview

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U12t:

One of the most popular models, the U12t is in the sweet spot for price/performance. The U12t are a superb all-rounder that have enough bass to satisfy most but have plenty of technical prowess too. Almost like a baby U18t, the U12t are very well balanced and even handed with punchy yet dynamic lows, detailed and open midrange and effortless highs. The lows can be tuned with the apex module, the M20 giving a subtle lift in the sub-bass over the default M15. The bass is fast and articulate yet has body and punch too.

The midrange is crisp and clean, expertly separated from the low end it cuts through the mix with excellent detail retrieval. Layering in the midrange is a highlight, it is very easy to separate different layers in the mix. The highs here are perfectly in line with the rest of the sound, with impact, shimmer and extension all with the signature openness of the tia driver.

The U12t are very well balanced overall and handle anything you throw at them. They have a bit more of an up-front sound stage but with great layering. It’s easy to hear why they are so popular.

 

tia Trió:

This model is probably the one that is most forgotten in the 64 Audio lineup, yet they deserve some recognition. Here we have a very accomplished hybrid design, one that is all about engagement and enjoyment. There is a healthy dose of sub-bass extension helped with great articulation in the mid-bass. This low end gives the Trio a bit of fun factor but without overstepping the line to become fatiguing.

The midrange is present, up front and clean, never masked by the more powerful low end.  The highs come from the signature tia driver, which allows effortless extension but they are by no means up front and bright. The highs take a backseat overall, yet they don’t sound dark, with great detail and impact when called for.

The Trio are made for enjoyment, the lows have real dynamic punch to them yet they don’t drown out the midrange or highs. Perfect for those who listen to music with a good bassline to follow. Sound staging is great too, with a good sense of space and perfect imaging.

U18t:

The U18t are for those who love technicalities, cramming a whole 18 balanced armatures per side, the U18t are somewhat of a statement product. If you listen to the U18t for a while, anything else is going to sound veiled and muddy in comparison. They have such a clean and controlled sound signature that is perfect for those who want neutrality. Everything is cranked up to 11, these have headroom to spare and don’t put a foot wrong, whatever you play through them.

This level of detail does have its downfalls, one being they are very unforgiving so be sure to pair them with a good source and good music files. Once you do this, you will be able to pick apart every recording down to the finest detail, all this information is however delivered in an enjoyable package and the U18t are not fatiguing to listen to.

They don’t have the incredibly wide soundstage of the Fourte, but these are designed as more of a monitor like IEM, whereas the Fourte are geared more towards the audiophile market. If you love a detailed and neutral sound signature, the U18t are incredible and definitely worth a listen.

 

tia Fourté:

This model pushes the boundaries and shows what’s possible with only 4 drivers. This is a hybrid design with an intricate inner shell with chambers that help shape the sound. Nothing sounds overly boosted on the Fourte, but they do have a healthy dose of impact down low. The Fourte are very revealing and will throw up flaws in recordings, but the clarity in the midrange is truly astonishing. What’s even more impressive is how the top end just extends without rolling off at all.

The soundstage is one of the standout qualities of the Fourte, you can pick out the mixing techniques as vocals can be dead centre then shift to the sides a little.

Everything sounds very cleanly separated, yet the width and height of the soundstage are unlike any other IEM I have heard.

If you are looking for a true hi-fi experience, the Fourte deliver; with a more musical yet well balanced sound signature, effortless, crystal clear highs and impeccable soundstaging qualities, they truly are TOTL. Just try to stick to high quality recordings to hear the best these can deliver.

 

Fourté Noir:

These are a limited edition of the original Fourte, and sound very similar so I won’t go into as much detail. They do however come with a more premium 8-core cable that terminates in a 2.5mm balanced plug and has a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adaptor with it too. The Fourte Noir are a bit more refined when compared to the Fourte with a slightly smoother upper midrange and a little extra body in the sub-bass.

These differences are small but noticeable when you A/B them side by side. If you enjoy the original Fourte then the Fourte Noir may sound a little less exciting upon first listen but over time their smoother sound might be to your liking. If you’ve never heard either, both models are excellent. I would say that the Noir have a slight edge when it comes to the soundstaging too, but only slight.

Top 10 Audio Best Buys for 2018

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Top 10 Best Buys for 2018

 

It’s that time of year again. So here’s our pick of the best audio gadgets available – with something for everyone.

 

Audeze Mobius

Audeze have created a superb all rounder in the Mobius. Whether music, films or gaming is your thing – the Audeze Mobius does it all extremely well. Inside the housings are planar magnetic drivers, providing sound quality that even the audiophiles out there will appreciate. Then the 3D emulation technology delivers a superb surround sound experience, perfect for watching films or playing Fortnite and thanks to the integrated head tracking – you’ll hear sound effects as if they’re really there.

 

Bower & Wilkins PX

The B&W PX is the ultimate portable headphone. With the latest aptX HD Bluetooth technology, wireless sound quality is of the highest level. Providing a very well balanced sound with tight bass – bass heads may want to look elsewhere – crystal clear clarity and superb soundstage. The PX also has adaptive noise cancelling and uses six microphones to help block out external sounds – allowing you to focus on the music. Along with the advanced technology – the PX has superb build quality and comfort – making them our go to recommendation for wireless headphones.

 

SoundMAGIC P22BT

At under £40 – the SoundMAGIC P22BT Bluetooth headphone provides high quality at a low price. The design is sturdy and comfortable, with a lightweight foldable headband which is great for portable use. These headphones are easy to use with controls conveniently placed on the left earcup. The most impressive feature is the sound quality – audio is crisp and punchy with plenty of energy, making them a lot of fun to listen to.

 

SoundMAGIC E11C

SoundMAGIC seems to have nailed the under £50 earphone. If you’re looking for a wired earphone and want to keep the price down, then we believe that the E11C is the one. SoundMAGIC have gone for a mature design, and used a silver plated copper cable to deliver superb sound quality which will compete with earphones over £100. The E11C has plenty of energy and punch with a dynamic and well detailed sound. There is also a 3 button inline control and mic, which is fully compatible with Apple and Android smartphones.

 

Flare Audio Flares Jet 2

Now, if you’re looking for an earphone with a more aggressive sound then the Flares Jet 2 could be the one. These earphones go loud, and they provide thumping bass and sharp clarity. The housings are made of aluminium and are built to last. There is also an in line single button remote to take calls and the cable itself is strong and tough. The design of the Jet 2 definitely stands out and the shape makes them very comfortable.

 

Final E4000

For those that appreciate their music a bit more and are happy to up their budget,  Final’s E4000 is a superb place to start. Final have been in the audio game for a long time, and their E series shows us what they can do. The E4000 is the sweet spot for me – musical and well balanced sound quality that draws you in, great comfort and design and a nicely made replaceable cable – all for just over £100.

 

Shanling M0

For something so small, the Shanling M0 manages to pack in a load of features. Starting with the design, the M0 looks and feels great. The display is made by LG and is very crisp – and thanks to Shanling’s own MTouch software, the player is extremely easy to use. The sound from the M0 is clear with good bass-weight, punch and fine detail. Thanks to the on board EQ settings, you can add some warmth or sharpness to suit your taste. The M0 can pair with Bluetooth headphones, and the 2-way Bluetooth feature will allow you to connect to your phone to use the player as an external DAC/amp – very clever.

 

Optoma NuForce BE Sport4

The NuForce BE Sport4 is widely regarded as the go to Bluetooth earphone – and we would agree. At just under £90, they combine good value with superb sound quality – the Graphene coated drivers deliver a crisp and punchy sound with plenty of clarity. The BE Sport4 is IPX5 water resistant and can provide up to 10 hours or battery life. And to top it off, you get 2 hours of charge in just 15 minutes thanks to their Fast Charge feature.

 

JDS Labs Element DAC

Whether you like to listen to your headphones at home using your computer, laptop or hifi system – the JDS Labs Element will breathe life into your setup. For a long time now, JDS Labs have been making high quality headphone amplifiers and DACs with a simple design and superb value. The Element shows that not only do they have the technical knowhow – they have a great eye for design too. With analogue RCA inputs and digital USB – the Element is extremely versatile and as expected, provides a clean, expressive and powerful sound.

 

iFi Audio XDSD

Ever wondered if you could have a high quality headphone amplifier connect to your phone or laptop wirelessly? Well wonder no more. The iFi Audio xDSD is the perfect way for you to get the most from your headphones and chosen device – without adding more wires. Use your phone to listen to Spotify, your favourite podcast or play PUBG and let the xDSD wirelessly drive your headphones, giving them all the power they would need to deliver a balanced and dynamic sound.

Introducing: Periodic Audio!

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The Periodic Audio Rundown

The family is getting bigger- we’re expecting a new bundle of joy to our homestead in the coming weeks, and to celebrate, we thought we’d do a brief overview of the impressive in-ears on offer from these chemically-conscious can constructors.

 

What is the deal with Periodic Audio, anyway?

 

 

 

 

 

As the name might imply, Periodic Audio deal in high-end equipment with a twist- they specialize in highlighting the performance of elements on the periodic table as facets of their design technology.  For example, their earphone range features diaphragms hewn from varying materials.

Periodic‘s motto is ‘Portable audio excellence’, which gives some insight into the brand’s style. You won’t find flashy cases or an abundance of accessories- they prefer to focus all their attention on the IEMs and let the sound speak for itself.

 

What will we be offering?

  1. The Mg IEM

These bad boys feature a majority-magnesium content alloy in the diaphragm and Periodic advise they feature a bright, clear top end that would help cut through the noise in loud and busy settings.

 

  1. The Ti IEM

You may have guessed, if you paid attention in chem class- these IEMs feature a 100% titanium foil for the diaphragm. Periodic figure this is their best model for aggressive, fun music- it’s got great responsiveness and strong bass and treble- but perhaps not the most reference-style.

 

  1. The Be IEM

Anyone get the last one? Well done at home if you guessed beryllium- they boast a 100% pure beryllium foil diaphragm to produce a sound with fun, strong bass and an impressive array of sonic detail.

 

Get Nerdy

Want a closer look into the science of  Periodic‘s range? Luckily, they’ve got you covered. Each IEM has a full guide to what makes it tick, complete with measurements, readouts, and charts to show impedance and other factors. If you want to know specifically, down to the molecule what you can expect from each IEM, you ought to have a field day here.

 

So, that’s our glimpse into the future for the day. We’ll be shouting at the top of our lungs about it when these are available, so be sure to keep an ear out. And, as always, feel free to get in touch if you’d like to come visit us for a demo. And bring your chemistry set!

 

BONUS:

Q: Which genre sounds best on Periodic Audio‘s unique IEMs?

A: Precious Metal. 

 

 

 

Aurisonics Bravo Series – Kicker, Forte and Harmony In-Ear Headphones

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Hifiheadphones are pleased to announce that we will soon have stock of the new Aurisonics Bravo series of 3D printed in-ear monitor headphones – the Kicker, Forte and Harmony. Each model has their own sound signature – the series has something for every taste. We have covered each of these models in detail for you.

Aurisonics Kicker – RRP £249

As the name suggests, the accent with the Kicker is on bass with midrange delivering some nice textures too. Perfect for those wanting to live the low life without compromising bass quality. The 9.25mm dynamic driver in the Kicker can also deliver a nice amount of detail at the treble end of things but it is smooth enough to give the low and midrange frequencies centre stage. There is a good amount of space on that stage too, with separation enhanced by some very nice harmonics.

Aurisonics Forte – RRP £379

Moving through the range, the Forte features both a 9.25mm dynamic driver and a balanced armature which has been designed especially for use with within a hybrid IEM. Bass is every bit as present as with the Kicker, but with enhanced midrange for greater presence with vocals, transients on drums and decays for a clear sense of space. Treble is gentle and sits very well with the rest of the presentation; it works seamlessly with midrange frequencies to complement and not overshadow them.

Aurisonics Harmony – RRP £489

Sitting on top of the Bravo Series is the Harmony model. The addition of a second balanced armature to work with the 9.25mm dynamic driver creates more presence near the top of the frequency range, but it still has a smooth edge. As with the previous models, the Harmony gives a warm, bassy presentation with good control. The overall sound is a little more neutral from midrange up, with no peaks or bumps in the frequency response and no danger of fatigue. Perfect for professionals and end-users alike.

All models are available to Pre-Order from us at Hifiheadphones

Call for more information – 01903 768910

Or email us – sales@hifiheadphones.co.uk

Fidue A73 Hybrid IEM Earphone – Expert Review

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Fidue A73 Hybrid IEM Earphones – Hybrid Hijinks

Intro:

Just when the heat of summer starts to loosen an Englishman’s resolve to keep a upper lip stiff, along comes something to turn it completely to mush, and give the thermostat a good twist to boot.

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.

Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel)

The A73 is silver to the A83’s gold – literally. Well we’re talking about aluminium in this case, but the A73 bears a striking resemblance to its more expensive stablemate. Designed to fit in the ear ‘monitor style’ with cable trailing down the back of the ear, the A73 is relatively petite with one balanced armature rather than the A83’s two, along with a dynamic driver of course. Both ‘left and ‘right’ capsules are composed of the same translucent red plastic.

The cable is rubber coated with braided or twisted cable within. It has the feel of rubber at least, but does not stick to itself. It’s very well behaved.

Durability & build quality (e.g. cabling, connectors, materials)

Strain reliefs are composed of stout rubber sheaths which match the colour of the ear capsules. The straight jack may not be favoured by some but one gets the feeling that the build is sturdy enough to last very well. The jack, mic/button casing and cable join/Y-split are composed of a ridged cylinder which, along with the rest of the design, puts one in mind of the 1950s; in build quality as well as style. The cable is not of the detachable variety which isn’t unusual for an IEM under £100 but some users prefer them.

Comfort

Everyone’s different of course, but this design should suit everyone except those who really must have the cable dangling straight down from the ears. The small capsule size should be a good fit for all but the tiniest of ears.

Sound isolation

There’s a few eartips to try included in the box, and it is recommended that they be experimented with. I found the change in frequency response can be quite dramatic depending on whether the eartips are right for the ears or not. When a suitable fit is found, sound isolation is fair but not dramatic. Using Comply tips a little bit, and the sound is further enhanced (The Comply 200 range is correct for this model).

Portability

In the box, there’s a a decent case for the Fidue A73, with a near-rigid construstion which will protect the earphones in most scenarios. There is webbing within it so a few alternative tips may be carried without jumping out once the case is opened.

Sound characteristics:

Bass:

Bass is both tight and slightly elevated in volume compared to the midrange; there’s a real power to it which underpins kick drums and bass guitars, for example. It extends low so sub bass is not lost on the listener. There’s a good width to it as well, as there is across all frequencies here. It’s further enhanced by some very clear harmonics coming through from higher up in the frequency spectrum..

Mids:

As above, mid-range is pristine with very subtle details not at all lost on the A73. There’s a wonderful sense of space from vocals with a bit of reverb treatment in the production; it’s really involving, along with the harmonics which creates a real immersive 3D effect. I’ve noticed harmonics on synth basslines that I’ve not come across before – I’d probably be able to pick them out with other IEMs if listening for them, but the Fidue A73 serves them up on a plate.

Treble:

Treble is all there, it’s perhaps a little smoother than some would like but probably hits the mark with most people, without causing the discomfort of an all-too-present brightness. Details are laid bare, but bask in a tuneful glow.

Soundstage & Separation

This is another thing the A73 does really well! As alluded to earlier, the experience is involving and riveting. Soundstage is great for a closed IEM, and is as wide as your sense of disbelief will allow you to grasp! Separation is also excellent, as details are always there to be picked out by the discerning listener. Everything hangs together but individual elements can stand up and be counted at the same time.

Music genres good for and why

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.

Pros:

Great quality at this price

Good tuning

Wide soundstage

Sturdy build quality

 

Cons:

Cable not detachable

Lack of slider on cable

 

Our video review of the Fidue A73 IEM can be found below, happy viewing.

SoundMAGIC E30 Pro-Fit In Ear Headphones

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The SoundMAGIC E30 Pro-Fit In Ear Headphones

 

What happens after Christmas and New Year, we all start to feel the need to hit the gym, but this can be such a tiresome chore, slogging away on the running machine for hour after hour, or bursting your lungs spinning away mile after mile on an exercise bike.

Well why not take you music with you to keep the spirits up and keep your ears entertained.It’s no fun listening to the sound of the pounding muscles around you when you could be listening to your favourite tracks.
The SoundMAGIC E30 offers well balanced, accurate sound at a price that is hard to beat . They have an an in-ear monitor (IEM) design, which is normally reserved for much more expensive earphones (i.e. see earphones from Shure, Sennheiser, etc).

 

The cabling is designed to run up and over the ears to the back of the neck, which means the ear buds stay very securely in your ear, and the wires stay out of your way. This fit system works very well for sports, on stage in-ear monitoring or any situation where you are active.
The SoundMAGIC E30 is robustly built, with well made cables and good strain relief to protect the cabling from being damage. They come supplied plenty of different size ear tips to ensure you get a good in-ear fit. You could even get the Comply T-400 Foam Tips which would give you the best possible comfort and noise isolation.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Sound quality with the SoundMAGIC E30 is exceptional considering the reduced price point and compares well with earphones costing two, three even four times as much. The sound is well balanced for an earphone at this price point, with well defined bass and a high level of accuracy through the mids and highs.

 

Westone UM Pro 10 Review

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Westone UM Pro 10

Since their recent introduction, the Um Pro series from Westone have proved to be an excellent balanced armature based range of IEMs, but how does the single BA design of the UM Pro 10 stand up? In its favour is the relative simplicity of the design which does not require crossovers, but some might find the frequency response a little too accurate.

Score – 8/10

Pros

  • Small and comfortable in the ear
    Isolation
    Soundstage and speed
    Accessories
  • Cons
    Requires a good seal for the best sound signature
    May be fatiguing to sensitive ears

Summary

Balanced armature drivers by their nature are accurate and fast, but some prefer the warmth of more traditional dynamic drivers. More costly models might have a multitude of balanced armature drivers to more fully represent the frequency spectrum, but crossovers are required to split audio information among these drivers which can complicate matters.

Can the single BA driver win out against the costlier and chunkier competition?

Key Features

Westone are always generous with accessories and the UM Pro 10 is no exception; a pelican style case for the IEMs themselves, 5 pairs of rubber eartips at different sizes, and 5 pairs of silicone tips. The cable is removeable and of a twisted design which is coated behind the ears for extra stability. A tool for cleaning nozzles and tips is also included.

First Impressions

Being more used to IEMs with muliple drivers, my first thought is that these are small! However thay are not fiddly and are easy to get into place; the size of the capsules is not an issue. Once in, they’re comfortable and sit nice and still.

Sound Quality

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.

The sound is simple and clear, and the presentation has a lot of space which I like. Separation and imaging are superb. Those who are more sensitive to high frequencies may wish to tread carefully, but I have a treble-shy ear and have just enjoyed the UM Pro 10 over the course of half an hour with no ill effects – I don’t listen at very high volume levels however.

Hifiheadphones Verdict

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!

 

 

Earsonics SM64 In-Ear Monitor Headphones – Coming Soon!

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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.

The SM64 comes with:

  • Wipes
  • Cleaning Tool
  • Soft Bag
  • Silicon Tips
  • Comply Tips

Earsonics SM3 v2 – Review

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Summary

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