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Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – Review

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Tony

Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – See more at: http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/dita-audio-the-answer-iem-earphones-truth-edition.html#sthash.UQLlq1VS.dpuf

Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition – Review

Summary

The Answer Truth Edition is a dynamically driven IEM with a single 10mm driver; Dita Audio wanted to go for the simplest design in order to deliver the purest audio, according to their literature. Since balanced armature technology requires crossovers, multiple drivers and all the related gubbins, Dita went for the less complicated dynamic route. And why not? We’ve all been shown the power and finesse of the dynamic principle through Sennheiser’s excellent IE800s – they can be every bit as detailed and impactful as any well put together BA based driver.

Price – £599.95

HifiHeadphones rating – 9/10

Dita Audio The Answer IEM Earphones – Truth Edition

New company Dita has made a splash lately with two significant IEMs; ‘The Answer’ and ‘The Answer (Truth edition)’ – the cable being ‘The Truth’. ..and I thought telling lies could get complicated!

If you forgot what the question was, it’s something like ‘what’s the best IEM man can come up with’? I reckon this response is fitting.

A benevolent deity has bestowed a pair of each model upon us and we have dutifully had a go; for this review I have stuck to the pricier ‘Truth Edition’ but for a quick impression of the non-Truth Dita, please scroll down to the ‘verdict’ part.

Pros

Well built with solid capsules

Weighted to lean into the ear – unlikely to fall out

Stout strong cable

Good range of eartips which can fine tune frequency response

Good extras – 2 quality travel cases included

Cons

Cable can be a little stiff but not too bad

Some might prefer a removeable cable

Key Features

The cable on the ‘Truth Edition’ is what gives the IEM its name; it is a Van Den Hul cable with whom Dita cooperated in order to get the best signal to the driver. The cable covering has a little window on it so the quality can be seen – it is certainly substantial. Other than that, there are no features other than the end product – the sound. Much like record players, the less you get on them as extras and gadgets, the better the sound will generally be. This is Dita’s philosophy.

First Impressions

The build quality is the first thing to be noticed. These are not heavy or unweildy IEMs, but the impression I have is that they were designed to be used in a war of some kind, or by very careless people. The build quality is very solid.

Sound Quality

The Answer (Truth Edition) lives up to expectations for a premium IEM; detail is exceptional and there is plenty of space in the presentation whether things are busy or not; there’s an effortless quality. Harmonics are not lost on these IEMs, everything is reproduced, and faithfully.

Not to say that these Answer/Truths are neutral; they have a sound which is on the fun side but it is done with real adroitness. There’s an analogue quality which reminds me of the Sennheiser IE800.

Soundstage is generous and imaging is great; it all just hangs together and as per the marketing/literature, the strengths of the single dynamic driver design are right here.

When comparing the two, the IE800 is just a little less forward which suits me. So if you feel that the IE800 is a bit laid back for you, try and dally with the ‘Truth’!

Verdict

Given the quality of Dita’s answers, we should be upping the quality of our questions. ‘How much money have I got?’ might be one such question. The ‘Answer/Truth Edition’ is not cheap, but the best things often aren’t. Given the price, the phrase ‘to be economical with the truth’ may not be so accurate, but there are savings to be made by choosing the ‘Non-Truth’ version which is the same but for a little less detail and a slightly smoother presentation. A very close match for the IE800, and only two thirds of the price at £399.

DUNU DN-12 Earphones Review

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Tony

DUNU DN-12 Trident In-Ear Isolating Headphone Review

Summary

The DUNU DN-12 Trident is the entry level in-ear headphone from this exciting brand. DUNU is making waves in the headphone world and I can see why – if they put this amount of work into their low priced headphones then I can only imagine what their high end models are like!

Price – £34.99

HifiHeadphones Rating – 10/10

DUNU DN-12 Trident In Ear Isolating Earphones

UNU DN-12 Trident In Ear Isolating Earphone

Pros

Value for money

Tough cable

Punchy, tight bass and crisp detail

Titanium driver housing

Cons

Bassheads might want more

Key Features

Deep Bass, Clear Mids and Lucid Highs

Broad Dynamic Frequency ULTRA Driver Unit

Mirror Finished Solid Titanium Housing

Extensive Accessory Bundle

First Impressions

I had to keep reminding myself that these in-ears were under £50. The packaging is nicely finished and when you get inside you find a good quality leatherette bag, plenty of different eartips, a cable clip and even a carabina. The headphones themselves are extremely well built. The driver housing is made from titanium which feels great and has a good amount of weight. The cable feels tough and isn’t flimsy, this ends in a smartly designed angled jack connection – you even get a cable tidy designed by DUNU included.

DUNU have thought about even the finest details with their entry level earphone so you are totally impressed before you even listen to them!

Sound Quality

When I first listened to the DN-12’s I felt that there was a fair amount of bass and that there could be more treble… Then I remembered that they are £35!

Compared to other earphones in their price range they sound more refined with a good amount of bass that doesn’t bleed into the rest of the mix, the mids come through nicely with enough crack and the highs give a great sense of space. The soundstage is very impressive as you feel that you are right in the mix with a wide presentation. I really can’t think of anything negative to say about these great little in-ears!

HifiHeadphones Verdict

Not long ago I would have said that the SoundMAGIC E10 was easily the best in ear for under £40 – now they certainly have stiff competition! The DUNU DN-12 may not have as much weight in the low end as the E10, but for me this is for the best. These earphones feel and sound like something that should be worth somewhere in the £50 region, as not only can they compete with some higher priced models, they have put a lot of effort in the finer details – this for me helps put them at the top of their game

Sennheiser Spares Official Partner

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Tony

We are a World Wide Supplier of Official Sennheiser Spares.

Via our parent company K&S technology Ltd we can offer the full range of Sennheiser Consumer Headphone Spares. We can ship to virtually any destination across the world.

Since 2012 we have been the only official partner for Sennheiser consumer headphone spares in the UK, ensuring that Sennheiser headphones customers benefit from the highest service standards and can rejuvinate their much-loved headphones for more years of pleasurable listening.

We answer enquiries from all over the world, and can ship to many places on practically every continent. Also we are happy to help regarding fitting earpads and other parts, or if the part you require is discontinued we can suggest alternatives, or offer information which might help you get them elsewhere.

Popular spares requests we receive are for replacement earpads such as for the PX-100, headband padding, headbands, batteries for bluetooth headphones, cases and much more – usually dispatched to you within 24 hours.

We offer a personal service and are very responsive to questions received regarding any part or Sennheiser headphone. Just email us using the link below – or call: 01628 402 217

http://headphonespares.sennheiser.co.uk/contact.html

SoundMAGIC E10 S In Ear Headphone Review

Posted on July 8, 2014 by John

SoundMAGIC E10 S In Ear Isolating Earphones

Summary

What can be better than the award winning SoundMAGIC E10 for under £40? The E10S 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?

Price – £39.99

SoundMAGIC E10S In Ear Isolating Earphones

Pros

Amazing value for money
High quality braided cable
Weighty bass and crisp detail
Universal smartphone microphone (iPhone and Android)

Cons

Nothing to fault at this price

Key Features

Comfortable fit and distinctive design
Made for all smartphones
Integrated smart remote and microphone
Unique, all metal earphone construction
Powerful bass balanced with superb musical detail
Robust tangle-free twisted cable design
Skype/VOIP adaptor included

First Impressions

From the start it is hard to believe that the E10S is under £40. The packaging is smart and of a very high quality – once opened you find plenty of spare ear tips and an attractive hard case. Holding the earphones you can feel how well made they are and the innovative switch on the jack plug will let you set the earphones to work with any smartphone – you would not expect technology like this on such a modestly priced earphone.

Sound Quality

Once you get over the impressive built quality and actually try them out you will not be disappointed. Like the SoundMAGIC E10, The E10S 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. Soundstage is better than what you would expect from an earphone at this price – it’s engaging and natural.

Verdict

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 E10S. Easy.

Beyerdynamic DTX102iE Review

Posted on May 23, 2014 by John

Beyerdynamic DTX102iE In-Ear Isolating Earphones

Beyerdynamic’s in-ears have always proved to be a reliable and low-cost solution for those who like a detailed and well balanced sound,and the Beyerdynamic DTX102iE in ear Headphones continue in this tradition.

This is the revamped and made-over DTX101iE; there’s no great departure from the sound signature of the DTX101iE (although we have no 101s now for a direct comparison) but there are improvements to other features of the design.

The cables have been made a little thicker and more robust, with less cable noise/microphonics should the wearer prefer them worn down from the ear. They can of course also be worn with the cable over the back of the ear which eliminates a lot of this noise at a stroke.

Also the housing has been made a little more durable, although we don’t recall having many issues with the former model.

To briefly describe the sound, the low end is beefy but not woolly; the mid range is clear and uncluttered whilst the treble is very nice for a sub £100 in-ear. High-frequency roll off is less than what I’d expect for a model in this price range.

Soundstage is fair, with good separation. I found that these are very good for rock and dance music.

Accessories are basic, with the standard 3 sizes of tips and a ‘snappy jaw’ case for the earphones.

For those who like things nice and clear with no clutter, these may be the perfect companions.

New DITA Audio Answer Truth Edition

Posted on May 13, 2014 by John

DITA Audio The Answer (Truth Edition)

Now availiable, both The Dita Audio Answer, and the Answer Truth Edition are availiable to buy on Hifiheadphones. Or if you need to audition them before purchase, you can book an appointment at our demo room on the south coast near Brighton.

The Answer – Price – £399.95

The Truth Edition Price- £599.95

The Answer (Truth Edition) is a new high end in ear headphone from DITA. They have teamed up with Van Den Hul cables to create the ultimate earphone. “Ultra High Resolution”, “State-of-the-art”, and “Cost-No-Object” were just some of the ideas that went into designing these in-ears and it really shows – these are certainly ones to look out for!

Main Features

1 Ultra-wide Bandwidth 10mm Transducer
Impedance – 16 ohms
Sensitivity – 102 db
Customised cable made by Van den Hul

Earsonics S-EM6 Crystal Limited Edition – Lauri Cular Review

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Steve

What is it with the French wanting us to see the insides of things? The Pompidou Centre is all very well, but anyone wanting to fix the air conditioning needs a good head for heights. The Eiffel Tower, although a good effort, could do with a spot of rendering. Some nice Spanish arches and stone cladding would look a treat. And that glass pyramid – no self-respecting Pharaoh would be seen dead in it, I’m sure.

However, if I’d managed to squeeze 6 speakers into a package which fits into the bowl of my ear, maybe I would want to show it off too. Lauri Cular took these transparent treats home for a weekend, but do they sound as good as they look?

The Earsonics S-EM6 comes in a neat little briefcase-type box, but don’t be tempted to assume that these are for the conservative bowler-hatted commuter. These are a little more rock ‘n roll than that!

When I put the E-SM6s in, I was struck by the size compared to what I’m used to – usually 2 BAs are enough, and the housing for this half-dozen did seem relatively bulky. However once in place, they were as unobtrusive as any in-ear, apart of course from the isolation they offered. I live with a very noisy pet, and enjoyed the isolation aspect to the full. With audio coming through it’s very easy to ignore everything else.

One thing I will say is that these are not for the bass-shy. I popped them on and listened through my E12 which is relatively cool-sounding. My first thought was ‘now let’s try it with the bass boost off’ – but it was already off. Most of the time this wasn’t such a problem; the bass doesn’t get in the way of anything else in particular, and only a few tracks offered a problem when it came to bass.

I decided to capitalise on this and tried some rap and dance music. The S-EM6s gave some excellent sub-bass and seemed to suit these genres well. Separation and space is amazing. I’m sitting in the office dancing in my chair as I try to type. The midrange reminds me of the Final Audio Pianoforte X I tried a few months ago; amazingly real and engaging, with a very real sense of the space in which the presentation is contained. Detail is superb, and placement is as good as anything I’ve heard from an in-ear.

Classical music is very involving as well as more jazzy soundtracks. As I type, I’m enjoying the slowly building tension in Lalo Schifrin’s ‘Shifting Gears’ from the Bullitt soundtrack. The bass is of a very low frequency in this track (an alternative version, track 25 on the CD) – but quite voluminous. It threatens to detract from the other instruments but doesn’t quite. Bass boost is not an option here either.

I have found that tracks like this are in the minority however, most well produced music will not offer a problem. But if you hate too much bass, avoid the S-EM6!

There is a bit of a top-end roll off as well, but this is a problem for all of 10 seconds. The mids and high mids are so real-sounding, any desire to have the higher frequencies boosted just gets forgotten. I’m now listening to ‘Beat It’ by Michael Jackson – just before Van Halen’s guitar solo there’s a knocking sound. I knew it was there, but it scared the life out of me!

All in all, the S-EM6 is a very well built and solid model from Earsonics, but I would prefer to see some sort of porting option to ease the bass down a little.

Shure SE846 Quad Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitor Earphones – Announcement

Posted on February 28, 2014 by John

The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Quad Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitor Earphone from Shure, the SE846 is now available to be purchased on our website.

Shure’s SE846 represents the pinnacle of personal monitor technology. Equipped with four dedicated high-definition balanced armature drivers and innovative low-pass filter the SE846 offers unparalleled True Subwoofer bass performance whilst retaining harmonious sound across the entire frequency range.

Shure have configured the SE846 in a three way system with dedicated drivers for bass, midrange and trebles to ensure an even distribution of sound. Advanced low-pass filters enable unequalled True Subwoofer low-end without distortion. User replaceable audio filters offer fine-tuning of the frequency response for a more balanced, warmer or brighter sound stage, making the SE846 a versatile music machine.

To ensure a comfortable listening experience with high sound isolation the SE846 have been ergonomically designed to prevent external noise from tainting the sound. As every ear is different Shure has included a broad array of eartips in different variations to ensures the perfect seal in any ear canal.

With customisable sound, replaceable cables and a wide selection of accessories the Shure SE846 universal monitors are sure to enthral music enthusiasts.

Features

Quad High-Definition Balanced Armature MicroDrivers with True Subwoofer
Extended high-end clarity and unparalleled low-end performance
Removable frequency filters allow adjusting of sound signature
Sound isolating sleeves block ambient noise
Robust, ergonomic housing with sweat-resistant construction
Secure over-the-ear cable configuration
Rugged Kevlar reinforced detachable cable
MMCX connector with lock-snap mechanism
Formable wire ensures secure placement
Wide variety of accessories

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Shure SE846 Quad Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitor Earphones

Westone UM Pro 30 Triple Driver In-Ear Monitor Earphones – Announcement

Posted on February 19, 2014 by John

The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Triple Driver In-Ear Monitor Earphone from Westone, the UM Pro 30 is now available to be purchased on our website.

Westone UM Pro 30 professional reference IEM for on-stage monitoring and home or studio recording. Tuned for performing artists, the three-way crossover is matched to individual low, mid and high frequency drivers to make the mix smooth and balanced across all frequencies.

UM Pro 30 uses three balanced armature drivers that are significantly more compact and efficient than traditional dynamic drivers. This enables the UM Pro 30 to provide enhanced sonic detail and frequency range that extends well beyond dynamically driven in-ear monitors.

Individually hand-crafted in the USA, the UM Pro 30 is comfortable and secure with Up and Over cable routing that helps prevent microphonics and keeps your earphone securely in place.

Reinforced with a special braided Aramid fibre, the EPIC cable offers superior durability, acoustic transparency, and isolation from mechanical cable noise. The new audiophile connector makes this cable solution conveniently user-removable, upgradeable and replaceable.

Features

Ideal for on-stage monitoring and home or studio recording
Triple balanced armature drivers with sophisticated crossover
Sound isolating Star and True-Fit tips in multiple sizes
EPIC replaceable cable helps prevent microphonics
Universal earpiece delivers maximum comfort and ear coupling
Designed & Assembled in the USA

Package Includes

Westone UM Pro 30 IEM Earphones in Clear
Premium comfort tips
Mini-monitor vault
Cleaning tool

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Westone UM Pro 30 Triple Driver In-Ear Monitor Earphones

Also available:

Jaybird BlueBuds X Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Sports Earphones – Announcement

Posted on February 5, 2014 by John

The Hifiheadphones team is pleased to announce the new Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earphone from Jaybird, the BlueBuds X is now available to be purchased on our website.

BlueBuds X rewrites the rules of Bluetooth audio, delivering outstanding performance that rivals the very best in mainstream wired headphones. Through perfecting a custom implementation of the native Bluetooth SBC codec, which Jaybird calls Shift, the BlueBuds X deliver a level of purity and sound that rivals and challenges the very best in wired earphones.

The X-Fit option allows users to wear BlueBuds X over or under ears. Voice prompting, a microphone for calls, and integrated controls are also notable features. BlueBuds X comes with three pairs of ear tips and ear cushions, a standard micro USB cable for charging, and a carrying case. The BlueBuds X are completely sweat-proof and Jaybird give a lifetime guarantee on the BlueBuds X against sweat.

With the Jaybird‘s SignalPlus you can use your music device left/right side or above/below the waist or anywhere you like. Considerable innovation has gone into SignalPlus, the ability to run and play sports outdoors while using your music device anywhere on your body without the traditional limitations of your body getting between the devices and blocking signal.

Features

Smallest bluetooth headset available today
Works with any Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPod touch, iPod nano, iPad, iPad mini or Mac
Compatible with any A2DP Bluetooth stereo device
Control your music from your headset
Shift Premium Bluetooth Audio
PureSound white noise filters
Sweat proof with lifetime warranty against sweat
Standard micro-USB charging
Up to 8 hours of talk time / audio playback

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Jaybird BlueBuds X Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Sports Earphones

RHA MA750 Premium In-Ear Sound Isolating Earphones – Announcement

Posted on January 16, 2014 by John

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
Contoured, over-ear cable supports
Full 3-year warranty on all parts

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy RHA MA750 Premium In-Ear Sound Isolating Earphones

KEF M200 In-Ear Sound Isolating Clip-On Earphones

Posted on December 11, 2013 by John

KEF M200 In-Ear Sound Isolating Clip-On Earphones

KEF M200 Premium In-Ear Sound Isolating Clip-On HiFi Earphones. Taking on over 50 years experience in speaker design, KEF have re-created their celebrated full size speaker sound and made it portable with the M200 earphones. With KEF’s unique Dual Dynamic Driver technology the M200 offers detailed and engagingly natural sound with tight and controlled bass.

Two dedicated dynamic drivers cleverly placed in the housing combine in two separate chambers to funnel detailed, engagingly natural sound into the ear canal. With a 5.5mm driver devoted to the mid and high frequencies and a dedicated 10mm driver for the bass region, the M200 captures the natural an integrate sounds of live performances. As the drivers encased in a lightweight aluminium housing the M200 offers a tight and resonance-free bass performance.

KEF’s high performance audio cable incorporates an in-line microphone and remote for iPhone and Apple devices, smartphones, computers and other mobile devices. Included in the package of the M200 is a flight adapter, a protective case for storage and three pairs of silicone eartips.

To ensure the perfect fit, the secure arm of frame folds to the shape of the ear while the ergonomic shell the and soft silicone eartips create a tight acoustical seal for an undiluted and private listening.

Unique Dual Dynamic Driver technology
Detailed and engagingly natural sound across the frequency range
Light aluminium housing for tight, resonance-free bass
Secure Arm folds to shape of ear for secure fit
Ergonomic shell and soft silicone eartips form tight acoustic seal
High performance audio cable (1.2m) with gold plated 3.5mm jack
Compatible with smartphones, computers and other mobile devices
In-line microphone and remote for iPhone and other Apple products
Flight adapter, protective pouch and three pairs of silicone eartips

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy KEF M200 Premium In-Ear Sound Isolating Clip-On HiFi Earphones

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