HiFiheadphones

Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphone Review

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Oscar

Lypertek PurePlay Z3

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The PurePlay Z3 (formerly known as TEVI) are a smooth and discreet, nothing really stands out on them with a small logo and silver trim ring on the faceplate. They smooth black finish looks great, there is a slight difference in colour between the 2 sections of the body but it doesn’t detract from the overall look.

Build quality is excellent, the joins in the housings are very smooth and they are finished to a high standard. The charging case is fabric coated and solid, and the buttons on the faceplates have a very positive click. Overall everything feels very well put together and durable for long term use. They are also IPX7 rated which means they are fine for your daily run and gym use.

Features:

The PurePlay Z3 use the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology along with support for aptX, AAC and SBC codecs. Pair them with an aptX compatible device and you’ll get slightly better sound quality of course, but AAC also sounds very good.

The controls are easy to learn and intuitive, two click on the right to increase volume, two on the left to decrease. Three clicks on the right to skip track forward, three on the left to skip backwards. Single tap on either will pause the music, and a 2s press on the left will bring up Siri/Google assistant. You can also pick up calls and there are built in microphones that work very well.

Battery is rated at 10hrs per charge (SBC 50% volume), and I would say that figure is quite accurate from testing, using aptX will decrease this slightly but the increase in sound quality is worth the trade-off. The charging case supports another 6 whole charges, making these very impressive compared to the current competition.

Connectivity and signal stability are excellent, they pair easily and only cut out if you go out of range or add objects within the transmitting path (walls etc..). Overall, they work as advertised and don’t cut out if your phone is in your pocket or within a reasonable distance.

Comfort and Isolation:

The shape of the PurePlay Z3 is ergonomic with soft rounded edges and the perfect angle nozzle to provide a comfortable and secure fit without sticking out too far. The housings are a little on the larger size, but they never feel cumbersome when in use.

Isolation is pretty good; they do a very reasonable job at muting outside noises and are perfect for daily use and commuting.

Sound:

Bass: The bass on the PurePlay Z3 is full yet well controlled, it has a way of adding body without becoming the centre of attention. In terms of presence they are slightly north of neutral but they always sound very well balanced. There is good extension and kicks are backed up with body. The lows really are impressive, preventing the PurePlay Z3 from sounding thin but without making them sound bloated. They handle most genres with ease and have good articulation, lacking only a little speed during complex mixes.

Midrange: The lows are slightly north of neutral in terms of presence, but this does not mask the midrange and make vocals sound pushed back or congested. The midrange is well separated, lower male vocals do have a tiny bit of added body, and female vocals cut through with a little more detail but the overall midrange performance is very well balanced. Most consumer true wireless models have a habit of boosting the bass and treble, whereas the PurePlay Z3 comes across a lot more even handed and more suitable for a wide range of genres. There is great separation and layering, yet the coherency between frequencies is also excellent.

Treble: The treble is slightly laid back but luckily there is enough presence to prevent the PurePlay Z3 from sounding overly dark. The thing about the treble is that the tonality is just right, they don’t sound splashy or metallic and have great extension and detail. They have good accuracy when it comes to imaging too and they fit well into the frequency range. I would never call these bright though, and the treble is smooth enough that even the most treble sensitive users won’t have any issues with fatigue.

Soundstaging is good, not huge but very acceptable as most TW earphones sound very closed in. The detail present here is excellent and the separation between instruments is great.

Conclusion:

The PurePlay Z3 are very impressive, especially considering their sub £100 price point. Offering up a smooth and detailed sound signature that is well balanced yet slightly full. Add to that great stability and functionality and you have a TW earphone that is so easy to recommend, go out and grab one now as they are a game changer in the TW market.

Sound: 5/5

Comfort:5/5

Features: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Cyrus Soundkey Review – You Won’t be Fobbed Off

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Steve

Cyrus Soundkey Portable USB DAC / Amp Review

Initially developed thanks to an ultra-successful kickstarter campaign, the Soundkey by Cyrus promises to upgrade the audio quality of mobile handsets and anything else able to feed it audio data, such as tablets and desktop computers.

Pros:

Huge audio upgrade for handsets and tablets
Excellent value
Tiny!

Cons:

Camera kit required for use with iPhones

Design and Appearance

This little device is sleek, light and simple; there is nothing much to remark on other than the micro-B USB input and the 3.5mm output. The device is the size of a small cigarette lighter and is available in various colours. Included are two cables (one for micro USB-B and another for USB-A connections); these appear to be decent enough, but are each composed of differing materials. The micro USB-B cable is a fabric covered affair, whilst the USB-A cable is white and plastic coated. Given that this is to be used by Apple users in connection with the often required camera kit, it kind of makes sense.

The Soundkey is powered by the internal battery of the connected device; it does not have its own battery, but its low power consumption will not tax the device’s battery very much.

Durability and Build Quality

The device itself is solid and well constructed; it’s surprising that it only weighs 18 grams. The included cables are robust, and should stand up to a fair bit of use.

Suitability for intended application

The Cyrus Soundkey is designed mainly to be used on the go, and the tiny size reflects this. It used to be that any external DAC would need to be strapped to the handset to keep things simple, but the Soundkey can sit on, and just be treated as part of a slightly extended cable given its diminutive presence.

It provides a boost to volume, so ensure your volume level is low on your handset when initially plugging in your earphones. The Soundkey is designed for portable headphones between 16 and 64 ohms which is a great majority of portable headphone/earphone models.

Sound

The Cyrus Soundkey provides a much cleaner signal than many in-built DACs; many of which prove to be sound quality bottlenecks in any portable audio chain. This will be more apparent on higher quality earphones and headphones, and of course will open the way for anyone wanting to upgrade their earphones as these will no longer be limited by the internal DAC quality of portable devices.

Tighter, better audio control results in more noticeable harmonics to give music more texture, improved imaging and greater impact. It’s a good alternative to a separate, dedicated audio player if you are happier keeping all your tunes in one place, on your phone.

Summary

If you are wanting to upgrade your portable audio but don’t have bottomless pockets, the Cyrus Soundkey is a clear winner.

Optoma Nuforce BE6i – Trendy Transmission

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Steve

Optoma Nuforce BE6i – Trendy Transmission

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.

Etymotic ER3-SE and ER3-XR Earphone Review

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Steve

Etymotic ER3-SE and ER3-XR Review

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.

Whizzer A15 Earphone Review

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Oscar

Whizzer A15 Earphone Review

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.

Best On Ear Headphones To Buy in 2017 – Expert Reviews

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Oscar

Best On Ear Headphones 2017

Looking for a new pair of on-ear headphones? We’ve collected the best on ear, open back, closed back and portable headphones to buy in 2017 and reviewed them to help you choose.

Shop: Visit our on-ear headphones store

Read More: Best In Ear Headphone Buying Guide

Best On Ear Headphones under £50

SoundMAGIC P22C

SoundMAGIC takes a lot of beating in this price category – the brand is a natural at making low cost headphones which sound much pricier.

The P22C model is a lightweight portable with a flat tangle-free cable and good isolation. Ideal for travel and holidays, these will fit right in to any bag or backpack when stored in their low profile travel case. The P22C included a microphone for phone usage and the remote is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.

Sound is impressive for this price point, with plenty of detail and a good kick to the bass without overpowering the mid range.

Engaging and fun-sounding, the P22C will make the absolute most of the output from any portable player.

Edifier P650

The Edifier P650 is a smartphone friendly, easy to carry portable headphone that punch above their weight and price.

Offering a well balanced sound with a little added kick down low, the midrange is clean and detailed and the treble isn’t far behind. The bass does not have the most sub-bass rumble but for a quick and easy to use, on the go headphone they offer great sound.

What impresses most is their ability to portray the whole frequency range in a well controlled and balanced manner, too many budget headphones overload you with muddy bass, yet these offer plenty of detail but are also easy to listen to; a no brainer at this price point.

Koss PortaPro

The simple design and great sound keeps them viable while the open-back design, whilst not being the best for isolation of course, is perfect for those who wish to be aware of what’s going on around them such as joggers, and muggers.

The sound is generally well balanced between bass and treble, although the midrange can seem a bit distant and mushy. Bass is perhaps a bit on the heavy side, but it will definitely satisfy those who want a bassy sound. The Koss Porta Pro Classics offer a warmish sound overall.

Be aware though that their open-back nature means that they will be of limited use in noisy environments.

READ MORE: Koss PortaPro Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones under £150

B&W P3 Series 2

B&W have a long history of making excellent hifi products, and this has trickled down into their headphones.

The P3 are superbly built with an elegant and sophisticated look, the P3 really do impress. Lucikly they are not all about the look either, as the P3 offer a smooth and effortless sound that is akin to their house speaker sound. Offering excellent full bodied bass response with a non fatiguing and slightly sweet midrange and treble.

Comfortable, well built with a smooth and pleasing sound signature, the P3 are perfect for on-the-go use.

Sennheiser HD25-1 II

The HD25-1 II are one of the most well known on-ear headphones, this is partly due to their popularity as a DJ headphone. Used by DJ’s and sound engineers globally the HD25-1 II are a rugged portable headphone that will last for years.

Offering an immediate and aggressive sound they won’t give you a wide soundstage but will give you an engaging and detailed signature. The bass is tight and digs deep with excellent control and presence, the midrange is smooth yet very detailed and the treble has good extension and is very well placed in the mix.

If you are looking for a smooth laid back sound, the B&W are probably a better choice, but if you want a fun, upfront and engaging listen the HD25-1 II is for you. All parts are easily replaceable too, should anything ever break.

Grado SR80e

The Grado SR80e are a definite improvement over the SR80i, with a slightly warmer, more balanced sound. Their retro styling may not appeal to all, but underneath the looks is a fine sounding open-back headphone. The undisputed king of headphones for rock music, these are sure to get you toe tapping and head banging in no time.

These will not appeal to bass heads, they fair better with music that is played on real instruments. They have long been favourites for people that enjoy rock music due to the speed and control of the sound.

At the price point I still think Grado hold their own with a well balanced, aggressive and detailed sound, there is nothing quite like them.

READ MORE: Grado SR80e Full Review

Best On Ear Headphones under £250

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2.0i

The Momentum series are hugely popular with on the go commuters, and for good reason. Offering stylish looks, a comfortable fit and a smooth easy to listen to sound.

Built to last with replaceable parts, the Momentum has slightly retro looks and comes in an array of colours. With playback controls on the cable you no longer have to take your phone out of your pocket. The sound is dynamic and punchy, offrering a slightly bass driven sound without sacrificing the midrange and treble. Engaging and fun are the best word to sum up the Momentum 2.0i.

Good looks and great sound, it is easy to see why the Momentum 2.0i is so popular with commuters. For Android users there is also the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0G.

Beyerdynamic T51i

The T51i have been around for a while now and are still excellent on-the-go headphones. They have a sturdy and sophisticated look, and offer a well balanced and detailed sound.

The T51i again tilts towards an easier to listen to sound, with a slight bass boost that gives the whole sound a little added body. There is sufficient detail across the range to keep them from sounding boring and what comes to mind when you put the T51i on is refinement.

With excellent build, comfy fit and refined sound the T51i has a lot to offer.

READ MORE: Beyerdynamic T51i Full Review

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2

Leather earpads and a metal headband, the P5 Series 2 screams quality and luxury. The earpads are soft lambskin leather with memory foam inside, like cushions against your ears.

Like the P3 the P5 Series 2 has the typical B&W house sound, which is smooth and effortless. Offering a well balanced but slightly rich sound with superb separation and articulation, from highs to lows these sound very refined and grown up.

The P5 Series 1 look stunning, have replaceable cables and a smooth effortless sound, what is not to like?

Best On Ear Headphones Over £250

Audeze Sine

Built from leather and metal, the Audeze Sine are built to last and also come with detachable cables. Using planar magnetic drivers they take a little more power than most phones can output, so they are best used with a high quality music player.

Give them a good source and the Sine in return give you excellent audio with snappy dynamics that can keep up with the most demanding of music. The bass is full yet superbly controlled, the midrange is where these excel not allowing the lows to affect them. Guitars have excellent power, and vocals come across with plenty of detail. The highs are present and well defined, but never become too hot and harsh.

The Sine are a mighty fine sounding on-ear headphone when driven well, and give you a full and detailed sound all

SoundMAGIC E50S In-Ear Headphones – Review

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Tony

SoundMAGIC E50S In-Ear Headphones – Review

Intro

Escaping the shadow of a famous parent or sibling may be a challenge for some, and the SoundMAGIC E50S is in a similar situation. Given the extraordinary success of the E10 model in recent years and the similarities between these two designs, what can the E50S offer to convince us that it both deserves as much attention and can bring something different to the table?

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

The SoundMAGIC E50S conforms to the same basic design as the E10, with the small barrel-like capsules and glossy braided cable but now instead of the straight connection where the cable meets the jack, the E50S sports a 60 degree angle between them, to cut down on stresses which both straight and 90 degree connections can be susceptible to.

The metal capsules, button enclosure and jack casing are covered by a matt powder coating which gives an attractive impression without being too flashy. The capsules can be worn with the cable going up and over the ear, or down from the ear.

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

The best thing about this design is its simplicity and its tried and tested ruggedness. The cable is coated with a strong rubber material which is neither sticky or too stiff, allowing the cable to move and flex whilst avoiding tangles.

Everything about the E50S is solid but light, a perfect combination for the purpose these earphones will no doubt be put to. The included carry case will ensure they are safe and dust-free when stored between uses.

Comfort

As with the E10, the SoundMAGIC E50S will offer no limitations for those with non-standard ears who may have run into problems with other designs. The generous selection of eartips included with the E50S should have something to suit anyone, and help them achieve a good fit for as good a sound as the E50S can provide. This includes a pair of Complyfoam tips, consisting of memory foam for an almost custom fit.

The diminutive and stylish design makes the E50S an ideal companion in all scenarios and weathers, with little to worry about in terms of susceptibility to particular conditions and temperatures. the single button and microphone can be used with both Android-based handsets and Apple products – the switch on the cable’s yoke (where left and right cables meet) can be operated for perfect compatibility.

The E50S, like most IEMs sold in Europe now, are subject to regulations limiting the maximum volume from portable devices such as phone handsets. Therefore the E50S (like the more recent E10) has an impedance of around 46 ohms. Most handsets will still offer enough volume with a majority of music, and if more volume is required (some classical music can be very quiet) then there is always the option to get a separate portable amplifier.

Sound isolation:

Being dependent on the fit achievable with the ear, experiences may differ as far as isolation is concerned (as with all in-ear models). But with the wealth of eartips options included, a good level of isolation can be achieved.

Sound characteristics:

Bass (e.g. punch, low extension):

As regards bass, the SoundMAGIC E50S gives as good as it gets and remains faithful to the original music. Where the E10 increased the bass a bit for more volume in the bass region, the E50S gives more impact and provides a richer, mnore immediate impression of basslines, drums and the like.

Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):

Being a relatively neutral earphone, the E50S provides a little more of the midrange without any peaks. Harmonics are clear and vocals are pristine and backing vocals are distinct. Atmospheric effects such as reverb can be easily picked out and followed, giving a clear sense of space.

Treble (e.g. high hats):

There is as much detail at the top end as most of us require; it’s never an easy job balancing between a sound which some might think is an overly bright and uncomfortable one, and a sound which others might describe as muddy and dull. However the SoundMAGIC E50S hits the right note and makes a great complement to the midrange for clear and comfortable retreival of detail.

Soundstage & Separation

The increased midrange response makes harmonics shine, bringing instruments to life and giving greater definition. For earphones at this price point, separation is fantastic and with it, soundstage is very good for an in-ear model.

Being good all-rounders, there is ample scope for the SoundMAGIC E50S to be enjoyed with all genres but the relatively flat response or neutrality of the E50S makes it a perfect earphone for vocals; particularly when accompanied by backing vocals. Percussion gets a nice lift also, as does any distortion effect.

Pros:

Simple, modest design
Superb clarity and neutrality
Good range of tips
Sturdy carry case
Angled jack
Switch for greater compatibility with a wider range of smartphones

Cons:

Single button control only, no volume control functionality

Please take a look at our video review below for more details.

Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Review – Shrunk Down Chic

Posted on December 12, 2014 by John

Verdict

For the asking price, the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear is incredible value; giving great sound as well as swish styling and all in a very rugged and classy looking case. They are available in versions compatible with Apple devices as well as Android, so you needn’t be cutting down your choice of handsets with the Momentum In-Ear.

Pros

Very nice looking

Decent well thought-out case

Versions for Apple and Android

Right Angle Jack

Cons

Bundled accessories are high quality but low in number

Designed to be worn down from the ear only

Hot off the press at Sennheiser, the Momentum In-Ear promises to give music fans a taste of what this esteemed company is capable of in its 70th year. This particular old man is not doddery in the least however; the old CX300 and similar models have been updated, the new Urbanite is impressing young music fans all over the place and now we have the Momentum In-Ear.

Key Features

The first thing which is noticeable is the case, since the Momentum In-Ears are tucked away in the case when bought. Fishing them out gives a very good impression however – the case is semi-rigid with an internal caddy around which the cable can be wound. This will certainly protect the Momentum In-Ears well when not in use. The nozzles have been updated from previous similar Sennheiser in-ears, with the Momentum In-Ear these are now ‘custom machined stainless steel sound tunnels’ – they give a nice impression of build qulaity. Then there’s the buttons, either for Apple or Android, depending on which version you buy.

First Impressions

In terms of styling, it’s more reminiscent of the Urbanite model. The flat two-tone cable and understated shiny design is attractive but not showy, much like the Momentum In-Ear‘s sound. The case is new too, and is an excellent design as it affords protection against the contents being squashed or stressed. A separate ‘caddy’ comes out, around which the cable can be gently wrapped and it goes back into the case to be zipped up. Very neat.

The capsules themselves remind me somewhat of the Brainwavs S5, with their off-centre nozzles. They fit very well indeed when worn like this, but it may make the ‘up and over’ wearing style a little awkward. It can be done though!

Sound Quality

When it comes to the sound, the Momentum In-Ear compares well with its full-size Momentum sibling. Detail is high without sibilance or discomfort; harmonics are brought out for a very real sense of musicality. Soundstage is surprisingly broad for an in-ear model and imaging is coherent and sharp. Overall, the sound is fairly typical of Sennheiser’s recent offerings; in terms of full size headphones at least. When compared to older lines such as the now axed CX300, the sound is drastically improved and shows that this old dog still has some new tricks!

Summary

A very good in-ear from this venerable old timer. Despite all the in-ear competition coming from young companies keen to impress, Sennheiser can still pull a rabbit from the headphone hat; the Momentum In-Ear is a real treat!

Score – 9/10

The Big Apple Rig Shootout – Which DAC and Amp is the Champ?

Posted on December 11, 2014 by John

Here at HiFiHeadphones we’re asked regularly about what amp/DAC combo might make the best job of converting and amplifying your Apple binary music collections. Would it be best to get an all in one solution like the Cypherlabs Theorem or Fostex HP-P1, or get a DAC such as the Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo with a separate amp?

Further, how does the DAC in the Fostex compare with the DAC in the Theorem if both are connected to the same amp?

The proof of the audio pudding is in shoving the thing into your ears, so here’s our thoughts about how each solution compares!

Firstly, why even bother? The Apple iPod/iPhone has a headphone socket (just) so let’s plug straight in right? There’s nothing wrong with this, and most people find the internal DAC/Amp to be quite satisfactory when used along with their stock white earpods, or any low impedance headphone designed for portable use.

However there are those awkward types who require more power for their chosen headphones; more than the iThingy can put out. Others include those with high value in-ear headphones who will not compromise on audio quality when it comes to the digital to analogue conversion.

The wonderful full size Beyerdynamic T5p and in-ear Sennheiser IE800 were used to ascertain what might comprise the best sound and value for the average portable audiophile.

Fostex HP-P1

The original combined dac/amp for Apple; how does it fare with the new available equipment? When tried with both the Beyerdynamic T5p and Sennheiser IE800 the Fostex HP-P1 does a splendid job. Certainly better than the on-board Apple kit, but other makers have been doing their best in the intervening years of course. With this setup, the HP-P1 filter was slightly more natural sounding so assume the filter is in postion one throughout this test. Being the first up in a comparison, there’s not much to be written now but read on..

Cypher Labs Theorem 720

With the Sennheiser IE800, the Theorem gave a much better impression of control and there seemed to be more space within the midrange region. In comparison, the HP-P1 just got a bit cluttered there and the result was a loss of detail and imaging.

The Theorem compared favourably using the Beyerdynamic T5p too – the soundstage was wider and deeper with better imaging leading to a more immersive 3D sound. The detail level appeared to be the same, but with the Theorem this was smoother and more lush sounding; the Fostex HP-P1 was a little brittle next to this.

Cypher Labs Algorythm Solo with Just Audio AHA-120

I’ve compared this Class A amplifier with the Theorem before; I put it as the Theorem’s spandex versus Just Audio’s silk. Not to say the Theorem is a slouch, but when compared to a Class A amp it sounds slightly less good! And that’s the tradeoff – if you want no compromise in sound quality and wish to pick every component you will pay for it, and you will have to carry it around as well!

DACs Compared Only

For this test I decided to get a decent portable amp (Fiio E12) and compare the Line-Out features of the HP-P1 and Theorem. Things were not all that different in comparitive terms.

The HP-P1 had good detail but the presentation was flat with a limited soundstage; a bit on the dry side.

The Theorem had a wider soundstage but was still a little dry sounding. Detail was similar to the HP-P1 but again with more control.

The Algorythm Solo was a slight let down used in combination with the E12; soundstage was decidedly average with a flat feel to proceedings. Detail was comparitively muddy sounding.

And compared with the E12 amp (with no bass boost), the internal amp of the HP-P1 was slightly darker and more laid back, while the Theorem amp was much fuller and lusher sounding than the Theorem DAC + E12 combo.

Conclusion

The best solution in terms of sound only is the Algorythm Solo/AHA-120 pairing, but this scores lowest in terms of cost, bulk and convenience. Having to keep 3 separate battery operated devices charged is worth considering, and then there’s the interconnects which add cost and lengthen the audio chain. The sound is rich and effortless – a real treat which is earned by those having to carry all that gear!

The Cypher Labs Theorem 720 is the best all-rounder in my opinion – there’s an engaging, exciting energy about the sound from the Theorem which is close to the Solo/AHA-120 combo but it swaps the silky smoothness of the AHA-120 for a more in-your-face powerful sound. Also the amp in the Theorem gives a lushness which is really attractive.

The Fostex HP-P1 is the least impressive of the three; given that it was the first to be introduced this is no surprise. It is still a very competent and fine-sounding unit but has been surpassed since its introduction.