Tag Archives: Noise Cancelling

Best Headphones 2023: Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Wireless, Premium

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BEST HEADPHONES 2023

We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop, console or hi fi system. Here you can see the best of the best earphones, on ear, full size, Bluetooth, wireless and audiophile headphones to buy right now.

BEST EARPHONES

READ MORE: Best Earphones 2023

1. 64 Audio Volür – £2369.05

What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal must have IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of this new creation is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a true isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away, not that the highs or the mids are ignored whatsoever. This new hybrid UIEM from 64 Audio is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature in existence today. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous. A must have in 2023.

READ MORE: 64 Audio Volür

64 Audio Volür
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BEST WIRELESS EARBUDS

READ MORE: Best Wireless Headphones 2022

2. Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC True Wireless Earbuds – £99.00

Coming hot off the heels of Lyperteks now world famous PurePlay Z3, The Pureplay Z5 has changed the game completely. This is probably the best TWS ANC earphone you can buy for under £100. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying PUREPLAY ANC app with LDX Audio, sound customisation profiles and more. Add to that a fanstastc sound quality and brilliant mics and you can instantly see why the Z5 has made the cut.

READ MORE: Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC TWS Review

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BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Best Wireless Headphones 2022

3. final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones – £119

Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone and you will only see smiles on their faces.

READ MORE: Final UX3000 ANC Wireless Headphones Review

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BEST ON EAR HEADPHONES

4. SoundMAGIC P23BT Portable Wireless Headphones – £49.99

How do they do it? SoundMAGIC have once again made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable and boom mic (great for home office or even gaming). In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. Add into the mixer an incredibly impressive battery life and a simple ease of use and you have got yourself a bargain. They sound full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and for a Wireless on ear headphone what more could you want?

WATCH VIDEO: SoundMAGIC P23BT Wireless On Ear Headphone Review

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BEST OVER EAR HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Best Over Ear Headphones 2023

5. Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Full Size Headphones – £1149

The Audeze LCD-X are a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you want to give yourself a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself with the Audeze LCD-X.

READ MORE: Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Headphones

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BEST STUDIO HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Best Over Ear Headphones 2020

6. Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Full Size Studio Headphones – £1699

Audeze MM-500 is designed to suit the requirements of long daily listening sessions under almost any condition. World-class studio monitor? Check. Quick reference on-the-go? No problem. Deep late-night listening? Done. With its ease of drive, comfortable fit and trustworthy sound, you can count on the MM-500 to deliver in every situation. The MM-500’s planar magnetic drivers provide realism that audio professionals like Manny “can’t live without.” With lightning-fast transients, accurate frequency response and trusted mix translation.

READ MORE: Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Studio Headphones

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BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Best Wireless Headphones 2023

7. Cleer Audio Arc II Sport – Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones- £199

Following the runaway success of the Cleer Audio‘s open ear Arc earphones, the Cleer Arc II SPORT has taken the concept of an open wireless earphone to a whole new level. The new Arc II Sport is superior to its predecessor in every single way. It has a longer battery life, a better, even more secure fit with an improved earhook design and supports wireless hands free and head gesture controls for answering calls and the like. This earphone has been designed from the bottom up for those who want to listen on the move while being simultaneously aware of their surroundings. One of the most stand out changes to the case is the addition of UV-C light that sanitises the earbuds while not in use. How great is that!?

READ MORE: Cleer Audio ARC II Sport – Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones

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BEST GAMING HEADPHONES

READ MORE: Christmas Gift Guide 2023

8. Audeze Maxwell Ps5/Xbox – £319.00/£349.00

With the advent of the PS5 and Xbox X consoles, gamers will want some headphones to maximise their experience. The Audeze Maxwell is a supercharged, reimagined Penrose. Now with 80hr+ battery life, Ultra-Low Latency Wireless with 3X range of traditional 2.4Ghz. As well as first-in-class Bluetooth 5.3. Including an Improved build with an all-new reinforced chassis from aluminium and steel. As well as The adoption of Audeze’s FILTER™ noise reduction technology for clear communications on top of their Award-winning Audeze 90mm planar magnetic drivers. This is the must have gaming headset of 2023.

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Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC TWS Review

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The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 was released in the first half of 2022. This is their first ANC model and what an absolute treat they are. Feature packed & with impressive sound quality to boot. How do they do it for such a competitive price?

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Fit and Comfort 9/10

The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 have quite a different design to previous Lypertek models. They have a rounded body and a stem which greatly improves ANC effectiveness along with mic placement for calls. This design also works really well in terms of fit. Even for smaller ears they are easy to put in and get a solid, secure fit for everyday use.

These are really comfortable & super easy to wear for long listening sessions

Comfort wise, once you find the right eartips (and there are plenty included to choose from) they are easy to wear for long listening sessions. This is not only due to the smooth housings but the light weight of the earpieces as well. There are no issues wearing these for a few hours at a time. The Z5 is also an optionl for light sports use due to their comfy and secure fit.

ANC 9/10

The ANC is a huge new feature for Lypertek, and one that works very well. When using these in areas with a constant stream of noise (such as sitting on a train) they do a great job to drown it out. It is easy to toggle on and off with the touch controls or via the app. Lypertek have absolutely nailed it with the Z5.

Purecontrol ANC App 10/10

The app is fantastic and easy to use. It allows the user to also fine tune the earphones to their tastes. With EQ curves (including custom ones), ANC on/off and also an Ambient mode which allows outside noise to be heard. LDX (Lypertek Definition eXpander) mode is also supported on the Z5. It has a dedicated button within the app to turn it on and it works well to enhance the space, depth and clarity of the sound. An absolute must try!

Mic 9/10

The stem is perfect for better microphone placement than normal true wireless designs. Resulting with the call quality on the Z5 being truly excellent. At home or out and about, the other person will hear your voice with great tone and clarity. It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.

It goes without saying these are some of the best we have tried when it comes to call quality.

Auto Ambient Mode 10/10

Simply one of the best features from the App. This turns ambient mode on automatically when you pause music & is such a handy feature to have. It means you don’t have to take the Z5’s out of your ears to hear people or announcements.

Sound 10/10

The below assessment is with all sound enhancements turned off. You can easily tune the PurePlay Z5 to your tastes with EQ. Not forgetting that the LDX mode is a great one click boost for those wanting and more spacious and engaging sound.

Bass: The perfect amount for out and about listeners in my opinion. These are punchy and fun whilst retaining good body and control. The bass is well controlled and keeps up with complex mixes with ease

Midrange: Open, spacious and natural, the midrange is portrayed in excellent fashion on the Z5’s never sounding drowned out or pushed too far back in the mix. Vocals manage to cut through the mix with great clarity and presence without sounding peaky or harsh.

Treble: Well extended yet not overly hot or in your face. The transition from the upper midrange in to the lower treble is well controlled without any unwanted sibilance. Yet there is still good energy in the lower treble to stop them from sounding dull or dark.

Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model.

Soundstaging and Instrument Separation

There is a good amount of air around instruments and good layering overall. They might not throw out the widest of soundstages but they manage to sound quite airy and open. Instrument separation is really impressive, especially for a true wireless model. these sound very controlled and well separated even when listening to complex music tracks.

Other Notable Features:

  • IPX4 rating means they’ll be fine for most sports use, but they are not ideal for use in areas of high moisture or heavier rain.
  • The case has the usual USB-C charging port & also supports wireless charging.
  • Touch controls – you can modify the touch controls in the app to your liking. But of the box they are fool-proof (2 taps on the right to skip track forwards. 2 taps on the left to skip backwards. 3 on the right for volume up. 3 on the left for volume down. 2s press on either to turn ANC on/off. 1 tap then long press on either to activate voice assistant. 2 taps then long press to manually turn them off).
  • Safe mode! a touch control configuaration that helps you not to accidently do something you didn’t want to.
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • All the main codecs (AAC, aptX Adaptive, SBC).
  • Battery life is 7hrs (+28 from the case) with ANC off, and 4hrs (+16 from the case)

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Enjoy all things Lypertek? Check out more News and Reviews here

Latest Final UX3000 Reviews & Awards are in!

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Check out the latest Final UX3000 awards and reviews below. Arguably this is the best ANC Wireless headphone of 2022!

The Awards (so far) !

TECHRADAR HONOURS UX3000: EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARD

“The Final UX3000 wireless over-ear headphones are either under-priced or over-achievers – either way, they demand a listen, thanks to their articulate sound and excellent specs.” – Full Review

T3 MAGAZINE CELEBRATES UX3000: PLATINUM AWARD

“The Final Audio UX3000 aren’t made for the ‘big bass at all costs’ brigade, but the rest of us can revel in serious, properly realised performance at a very agreeable price indeed.” – Full Review

HI-FI CHOICE REVIEWS UX3000: RECOMMENDED AWARD

“Noise-cancelling performance is excellent yet simply implemented. The soundstage is pretty special, and long-term wearability vies for top honours.”

Reviews and more praise below:

Trusted Reivews: “Final has delivered a splendid pair of affordable ANC headphones in the UX3000. Their rich, musical performance is easily one of the best at this price point, and noise cancellation is effective to keep everyday sounds out to hear your music without interruption. They’re short of smarts and features; but if all you want is a simple, unfussy pair of great-sounding headphones, then these come highly recommended” –Final UX3000 Review

Pocket Lint: ” you’ll struggle to do better without doubling your budget if superb noise cancellation and audio fidelity are at the top of your wish list.” – Full Review

Tech Power Up: “Compared to the few others I did check out to finish this review, the final UX3000 ends up having the best balance throughout.” – Full Review

Impressive Features

  • Dynamic drivers deliver clear and accurate details with rich and vast soundstage
  • Works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices
  • Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling System
  • High-performance microphones for crystal clear call quality
  • Bluetooth with Low Latency provides perfect wireless sound and stable connection
  • Multi-fit housing mechanism achieves perfect fit
  • Soft-textured coating with beautiful Shibo finish
  • Up to 35 hours of music playback
  • Foldable design for compact storage

Check out our review – Here’s what we had to say

We said:

The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. On top of a solid build quality, they are paired with great sound and effective ANC. With all this for under £120, it is simply remarkable. In addition to this, you also get fantastic mic quality, making this an absolute bargain. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a reliable, great sounding portable over-ear headphone.

Oscar from Hifiheadphones

Still Interested? Read more and Buy your UX3000 directly from Hifiheadphones here

Cleer Enduro ANC Wireless Headphone Review

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The Cleer Enduro ANC are a brilliant portable headphone. They are extremely stylish and comfortable. In addition to a fun and engaging sound, they are a perfect partner for daily use.

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Compact and Comfortable for listening all day

The Cleer Enduro ANC has enough clamp force to sit tightly on your head without being uncomfortable. they would stay on during moderate exercise which is good too.

Cleer’s Enduro ANC is a compact headphone, and they don’t sacrifice the comfort. Whilst wearing the Enduro ANC, I noticed that the earpads are deep enough that my ears are were pressed against the driver. They are soft enough to be comfortable over long periods of time. I really liked the headband, as it is well padded and the weight distributed evenly.

How good are the features?

The Cleer Enduro ANC is a wireless headphone that is compatible with most Bluetooth devices. Cleer has made an app for them too which allows you to fine tune the ANC and Ambient noise control. There is also an EQ in the app along with a battery percentage indicator. The app is available from Google Play and the App Store so both Android and Apple devices are supported.

Call quality is a standout feature here, whether it’s a zoom call whilst working from home, or a phone call when out and about. The microphone quality is superb. I tested it a few times, and the other person could always hear every word with clarity. Another impressive feature for the price.

Huge battery life!

They have a stated battery life of 60hrs with noise cancelling on. This will vary depending on the volume you listen at, but you can expect excellent battery life from them. They have Active Noise Cancelling which works well in environments where you have a constant background noise (like public transport).

They are also closed back, so the passive isolation is already very impressive. Unlike many ANC headphones, the ANC on these doesn’t seem to affect the sound quality. This is quite surprising and very impressive.

The Enduro ANC also has Ambient Noise Control. This allows you to hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off. This works really well if you need to listen out for announcements on public transport or planes, and don’t want to take the headphones off. It could also come in handy for active use where you want to be semi-aware of what’s around you.

The Cleer Enduro ANC come with an Aux to USB-C cable for when you need to use them with a wired device, which is really handy. Overall Cleer have packed a lot in to these headphones. Do they impress when it comes to the actual sound quality?

How do they sound? (the important bit)

Bass

Plenty of punch and extension. There is a definite lift in the bass compared to a neutral tuned headphone, which is ideal for a portable headphone. These are engaging and fun to listen to. You will never lose track of the beat. Yet at the same time it’s not overly emphasised so as to drown out the mids and highs. I really enjoy how full and punchy the low end is, without being bloated. Not something that’s easy to get right in my opinion.

Midrange

Vocals and guitars still cut through the mix. They are slightly recessed overall, with a mild U shaped sound signature. There is enough detail to keep you focussed on the music, and they don’t have a single hint of harshness or peaks in the midrange that could cause fatigue. They are energetic and smooth at the same time, with fun being the best way to describe their presentation. The Enduro ANC has been tuned for you to enjoy the music.

Treble

These don’t do the typical lower treble boost to introduce a false sense of sparkle and energy. They are smooth in their transition from the upper midrange into the treble region. They instead boost it a little farther up the frequency range, which means there is still a great sense of air. Cymbals have good presence, without any fatigue inducing properties. They might roll off slightly early, but the treble presentation is very well done with without any harshness.

Genres and Soundstaging

The Cleer Enduro ANC handles most genres well. Engaging enough for rock, yet punchy and full enough for modern pop and hip-hop. They sound best with genres that are more up-beat.

Soundstaging is average, which is not a problem. They have a more direct and punchy delivery, you don’t need concert hall width for that.

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Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones Review

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Hot off the release of the ZE3000, Final have gone one step further and released their first ever wireless headphone, and it comes with ANC. The Final UX3000 ANC offers a universal user friendly sound whilst retaining that Final magic we love.

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Design 10/10:

These Headphones are simply stunning. The Shibo coating provides the UX3000 with a beautifully textured finish that acts as a finger print deterrent. The use of physical buttons over touch controls to play/pause, power on/off control the volume as well as turning the ANC on/off is reassuring and nicely implemented. The included 3.5mm audio cable that allows them to be used as a wired headphone without any battery is a marvel. They also fold up for easy storage and come with a soft carry pouch.

Fit and Comfort: 9/10

These are a very comfortable headphones. The earcups surround my ears with room to spare and the padding is soft yet dense enough to provide really good passive isolation and a very secure fit. The clamping force is moderate at most and the padding does a great job at alleviating any pressure. They  feel very secure when on the move.

Sound: 8/10

The Headphone essentially has two unique sound signatures. ANC on and ANC off. I find the UX3000 with ANC off to be an engaging and fun headphone, that handles most genres with ease. Sure it can be said that the UX3000 lacks a tiny bitof finesse and clarity overall, but for everything else offered its price point, I am not one to argue.

Fun, dynamic, engaging and full sounding

And here comes the ANC: 9/10

Turn the ANC on and the bass gets an extra helping of that sub-bass boost, with more focus on the bass and treble overall. When using these in high noise environments and with the ANC on – the sound is really enjoyable and upbeat.

So with ANC on you have a really fun, dynamic, engaging and full sounding headphone for on the go use. When you want a bit more clarity and detail you can turn ANC off and have a more linear yet fun and enjoyable sounding headphone.

Incredible microphone for an over-ear headphone

Mic: 10/10

The built in mic for taking calls is incredible for an over-ear headphone. The quality of the voice is outstanding. I even tested them out in strong wind and managed to have a full call with no major issues. They do a fantastic job at suppressing noise on your end so the other party can hear you loud and clear, with great tone too. Noise cancelling can also be activated while on calls, which will allow you to hear voices even more clearly without the fear of outside noise creeping in.

These are also perfect for working from home with very accurate and faithful voice reproduction, it doesn’t sound like you are using the mic from the headphones, they are that good.

Notable other Feautures:

  • ANC on its own mode. You can have the ANC turned on but the headphone turned off. Really good for scenarios such as being in a Library and wanting that extra silence.
  • Support AptX, AptX LL, SBC & AAC Codecs which is great for the audio quality side of thing.
  • 35 hour Battery life with ANC off or 25 hours with it on – More than enough for most of us out in the world.
  • Multipoint connection – You can stream music from once device and take calls from another
  • Wired mode – as mentioned above very useful if you run out of battery, or just what to try something different.

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Interested in what else final has to offer? Check out our other reviews and news of their products here.

Cleer Audio Roam NC True Wireless Release

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Cleer Audio introduce the Roam NC their latest True Wireless Headphones with noise cancellation – certain to shake the competition with impressive features, lightweight design and the most affordable True Wireless pricing yet.  

The Roam NC True Wireless Headphone hits the market at a low £59.99, offering consumers a new way to experience, afford and own True Wireless with Active Noise Cancelling technology. Roam NC delivers superior sound for music with 5.8mm custom tuned dynamic drivers by Cleer’s acoustic lab and aptX compatibility, featuring noise cancelling that blocks low frequency noise up to 25dB for distraction free listening.

Users can control noise cancelation and ambient aware levels, set custom EQ levels or choose a preset and customize control with the Cleer+ APP. Roam NC gives users complete control from the earbuds; Play/Pause, control track or volume, or access your voice assistant with simple touch commands.

The new lightweight earbud ergonomic design is sweat resistant (IPX4 rated), fits secure and is built for all-day comfort. Roam NC’s long battery life delivers up to 15 hours of total battery life, 5 hours for earbuds and extra 10 hours charge with the small, pocket friendly charging case. (Case size reduced by 20% compared to Ally).

Available Now

Cleer Flow II Review

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Offering a fun yet controlled sound, solid connectivity and effective noise cancellation the Flow II are somewhat of a steal for the price.

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Fit and Comfort

The Flow II are a portable headphone, designed for on-the-go use and the design reflects that. They are well shaped and have an attractive design that fits well without looking too bulky. They are mainly made of plastic to keep the weight down, but have metal reinforcement at key parts. The earpads are just big enough to be considered over the ear, which helps with comfort.

They are fairly comfortable with good padding on the top of the headband, lightweight build and big enough cups to accommodate most ears. The clamping force is a little tight at first, the same with the earpads, but overtime the pads will soften and the clamping force usually loosens a little.

Compatibility

The Flow II are primarily a bluetooth headphone, and they connect easily to all devices. They do however lean towards Android over iOS due to the built in google assistant button and prompts when you pair them with an Android device. You can use them in wired mode with the included cable too. They have noise cancellation and ambient mode, charge via USB-C, have great battery life (up to 20hrs) and include a built in microphone for taking calls.

They have a few neat features too, one being the dedicated Google Assistant button to hear notifications and all the other things you can use the assistant for (calendar events, calling, sending texts etc…). They also have sensors that automatically pause the music when the headphones are removed, and play when they are put back on. The volume and playback controls are done via a touch panel on the L earcup, swiping up/down to increase/decrease volume and swiping forward/back to skip tracks. A double tap pauses the music, holding you hand on the L cup lowers the volume and allows outside noise in for train/plane announcements etc…

Noise cancelling on these is really impressive, what is most impressive is the fact that it barely makes a negative impact on the overall sound quality. Perfect for planes and trains, the Flow II make a worthy travelling headphone.

Overall the Flow II is a well thought out headphone with very useful features for everyday use and commuting use.

Sound

Bass: Normally I would expect a headphone in this price range, and of this particular design, to have overblown beats-style bass but the pedigree behind the folks at Cleer shines through. No they haven’t made these a boring studio sounding headphone, but they have decided to make the bass hit with authority and depth, but also with control and composure. There is a nice sub-bass presence that backs up the initial impact and they lend their hand to all genres. The Flow II have an element of fun to their sound, without introducing any real imbalance to the overall well balanced sound signature.

Midrange: Here the Flow II have such a smooth yet honest presentation, whilst they might not have the clinical accuracy of a studio headphone the midrange is nonetheless very well presented. Most consumer focussed headphones lack real presence in the midrange, luckily here you get all that wonderful vocal presence and guitars sound true to the source but without being pushed in your face. I’m really impressed by the presentation of the midrange, it is clean and clear without any audible distortion or uneven dips/peaks.

Treble: There’s no hint of boosted treble or sharp fatigue inducing peaks up top either, most of the time I’d find a headphone like this a little subdued in the treble but once you are using there out and about you forget about that. They have all the treble presence most would ever want, and with good tonal accuracy too, they might lack a bit of initial treble energy but cymbal hits are delivered with impressive accuracy and are well placed within the soundstage.

Genres and Soundstaging

The Flow II have a fairly balanced sound overall, which means they can handle pretty much anything you throw at them. They do however handle modern pop and alternative rock very well being both controlled yet fun and enjoyable.

The soundstaging on the Flow II isn’t that great, they don’t have the most spacious sound but the controlled nature of the sound allows for great layering and instrument separation. This allows you to easily pinpoint instruments and offers an immersive stereo experience.

Conclusion

The Flow II are a great example of not judging a book by its cover, they might look like your average portable headphone but when you put them on you realise they are serious about sound. Packing in excellent functionality for the everyday user, whilst having a detailed and controlled sound for the discerning listener. A true all rounder in every sense, and brilliant value for money.

 

Audio Gear For Your Home Office – Headphones, Earphones, DACs and more

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WFH Headphones, Earphones, Speakers and more

People deciding to work from home is on the rise – and why not? There are lots of perks to be had when working from home, and along with being able to stay in your PJ’s – you can listen to music all day without disturbing the office. Here’s our pick of some the best audio tech that every home office could benefit from.

Lypertek PurePlay Z3

There are many reasons why the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 is a solid favourite for true wireless earbuds under £100, and many of the PurePlay Z3’s features are well suited for use in your home office. The 70 hour battery life means they’re unlikely to die during an important call, and the microphone quality is impressive. The PurePlay Z3 is IPX7 waterproof rated, so they’ll survive if you spill your morning coffee on them and you can give them a full wash if needed – you can even take them into the shower with you! Most importantly, they sound superb with people even describing them as audiophile worthy – so they must be good!

B&W PX7

For the ultimate package, then the B&W PX7 is a complete solution for your audio and isolation needs. These full sized, noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones will give you freedom from wires, able to connect wirelessly to devices supporting Bluetooth. Being B&W, you can expect the sound quality to be up there with the best. The PX7 is energetic and clear, with deep and well controlled bass and a great sense of space. Then the features give you 30 hours of listening, Bluetooth 5, AAC, aptX and aptX-HD codecs and B&W’s leading noise cancelling technology for uninterrupted listening.

JDS Element II

If it’s a desktop option you need, then the JDS Labs Element II will not only bring an audio upgrade – it will look great too. Beautifully designed with a simple yet striking look – the Element II headphone amplifier and DAC will fit into any setup. Historically, JDS Labs has been known for their functional design and great sound – now with the Element II, they have shown that they can make great looking equipment too.

Flare Isolate 2

There will be some of you out there that prefer complete silence when working from home – don’t worry, we have you covered. Flare are leading the way when it comes to hearing protection, and their newest model – the Isolate 2 – is going to be the one we recommend. These are made of aluminium and not only do they do a great job of blocking out unwanted noise – they look stunning too. The Isolate 2 is CE certified and has a high sound protection rating of SNR32, so you can be confident they’ll do a good job.

Campfire Audio Cascade

If you’re not ready to ditch the wires, and you want to listen comfortably with maximum isolation, the Campfire Audio Cascade closed back headphones will do just that. The Cascade is extremely comfortable, which is ideal for wearing for long periods of time while getting your work done. These are closed back headphones, so they will also do a great job of blocking out external noise – allowing you to enjoy your music in peace. Then the sound is what you’d expect from Campfire Audio – engaging, punchy and very enjoyable. The Cascade uses filters which can be changed to suit your taste in sound – allowing you to customise your listening.

Audeze LCD-GX

Those of you who want the very best headphones that can double up as communication headsets may be interested in the Audeze LCD-GX. This is a high end gaming headphone aimed at audiophiles. The attachable microphone will give you superb voice quality and can be used for those all important business calls. Then, when you’re done with work – fire up your favourite game and enjoy the real to life spatial awareness and clarity provided by these all purpose open backed cans.

Final E500

The Final E500 is the ideal earphone for those wanting to upgrade from the ones supplied from your device – without breaking the bank. At £20, these are the best value performers we’ve come across. Sound quality is the E500’s main focus, and their level of detail, separation and imaging challenges models twice the price and more. The earphones themselves are small so they are very comfortable, and the supplied Final eartips will ensure you get a good seal which really helps isolation – blocking out background noise to help you focus.

B&W PI3

If you want some wireless earphones, and true wireless doesn’t appeal to you – then B&W has you covered with the PI3. These hybrid dual driver wireless earphones use a neckband design, and come with all of the latest features including Bluetooth 5, AAC, aptX and aptX-HD codecs, 8 hours of playtime, and very impressive microphone call quality – perfect for those video conferences. The dual hybrid driver setup means you get a 9.2mm dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver inside each housing. This driver combination delivers sound that’s packed with detail and space – with an almost 3D quality.

Kanto YU4

While you’re going to be at home a lot more, you may want to improve your audio setup. The Kanto YU4 is an ideal speaker for desktop use. They are powered speakers, so don’t require a separate amplifier, and they have Bluetooth functionality – so you can connect them to other Bluetooth devices wirelessly. Their compact and stylish design means they’ll fit into most setups and their sound will really impress you. They pack a lot of punch for their size, and deliver a tight and detailed sound. A great all-rounder for those days working from home, and to enjoy once the work is done.

Shanling UP2

Want to go wireless but are not ready to stop using your favourite wired headphones? Fear not. The Shanling UP2 is a Bluetooth headphone amplifier and DAC, meaning that you can plug your headphones in and then connect wirelessly to your Bluetooth compatible device. This is perfect for use with PC’s, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. The UP2 also has a built in microphone, so you can take calls even if your headphones do not have a built in mic. Fully charged you can expect up to 11 hours of playback and the UP2 will support all popular audio codecs including LDAC, aptX, aptX-HD and AAC.

Bowers & Wilkins Roundup

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Bowers & Wilkins Roundup

 

We start off with the P3 Series 2 from Bowers & Wilkins, this is their entry level model but don’t be fooled by the price. These headphones come in a stylish and durable design that is perfect for everyday use. The lightweight build along with leather earpads means they are very comfortable, and the replaceable cable means you’ll get years of use out of them.

 

But the main thing that stands out is the big sound they produce from such a small headphone. Offering up a warm velvety sound that is effortless and enjoyable. They may not have the last word in detail, but what they do offer is pure pleasure, they immerse you in the music. Definitely a headphone to consider if you are looking for something low priced, lightweight and easy going.

 

 

Next up we have the P5 wireless, keeping the sound quality of the original P5 Series 2 but with the added bonus of no wires. The P5 Wireless are still the perfect size for everyday portable use, they just don’t fold up like the P3 Series 2. All their headphones share a similar mainly metal build, with leather earpads meaning the P5 wireless are still an extremely comfortable headphone. The Bluetooth is easy to pair and the button layout is intuitive, they also come with a cable in case you run out of battery.

 

The sound is big and bold, this used to be the house sound for Bowers & Wilkins before the Px was released. Plenty of punch and warmth down low, but with good detail throughout. The dynamics really standout and these will grab your attention and draw you in to the music. There is also greater depth with regards to sound staging over their smaller siblings, a worthy contender for your go to headphone of choice.

 

 

If you are looking for the ultimate travelling headphone, look no further than the Px. Released last year, Bowers & Wilkins packed a ton of tech into this stylish over-ear headphone. Active noise cancelling with the ability to tune what you want to cancel out via an App on your phone, sensors to automatically pause and play the music along with an excellent power saving feature. The Px really are quite impressive when it comes to features, but all of that means nothing if the sound quality isn’t there.

 

Luckily, they didn’t cut corners here, these are possibly the most detailed and clean headphones Bowers & Wilkins have made. Gone is the full-bodied sound of the P5/P7, and in comes the audiophile grade sound that a headphone of this calibre should have. Offering up plenty of detail with precision, but without a sense of fatigue, these really do bring out everything in the recording without skipping a beat.

 

Lindy BNX-60 Review – Noise Cancelling Wirelessness for under £90!

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Lindy BNX-60 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone Review

Lindy’s talent for providing low-cost alternatives for items which sometimes run into hundreds of pounds is perhaps a well kept secret, given that they don’t advertise as prominently. Maybe they’re hoping to capitalise on the Lindy Hop phenomenon, but there’s no sign of any ‘jitter bug’ here.

Pros:

  • Low price for all these features
  • Rugged and sensible design
  • Good all-round sound
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • Hard to drive (quiet) in passive mode
  • Volume control wheel placement

Design and Appearance

The Lindy BNX-60 has a utilitarian look; there’s no fashion statement to be made with these other than ‘I’m pragmatic’. They don’t have a premium feel such as more expensive models have, but the coating is of a grippy type of rubber which is better than bare plastic.

Volume is controlled in two ways; there is a button control on the left earcup for interacting with the volume controls within a smartphone, and a wheel on the right earcup for operating the BNX-60’s internal amp. It’s sensible to have this latter control at close to maximum, as there’s a small chance of touching the wheel when it comes to removing the headphones and inadvertently increasing the volume to maximum.

There are also some call handling features built in; so as well as the obvious call answer and hang up functions here, the BNX-60 supports voice dialling and last number redial among other features.

Durability and Build Quality

These headphones are well constructed and don’t feel cheap like budget headphones might; a little care is required of course, but the headband is quite twisty and forgiving should any passing lummox wish to try them out.

The cable is optional of course, but should you wish to eschew the wireless feature and go wired, the included cable is sturdy and quite adequate with good strain reliefs and a 90 degree jack.

The price also includes a semi-rigid carry case for when you’re on the move and don’t feel the need to have the Lindy BNX-60 on your head, the ubiquitous 6.35mm and flight adapters, and of course a USB cable for recharging the internal battery.

Comfort

The earpads and headband padding are dense but springy, giving comfort which is quite good considering the BNX-60’s low weight of 200 grams (or just over 7 ounces). If you’re a glasses wearer, the earpads give decent enough comfort for short sessions but this may get to be a problem if worn for hours on end. However the smallish earpads will allow most to just rest the arms of the glasses on them without altering the angle of the lenses too much.

The internal dimensions of the earcups are large enough for most ears at 6cm (from top to bottom) but as with any closed-backed design with leatherette earpads, it might get a bit sweaty in there if worn for long periods.

Suitability for intended application

The noise-cancelling feature is reasonably good; the all-pervading rumble of the lithographic printers next door is a feature of life here and the BNX-60 does a fair job of cutting it out. With no music on it can still be heard, but one needn’t turn up the music volume very much for it to be blotted out completely.

Sound Characteristics

There are four different ways the BNX-60 can sound, depending on whether it is fully wireless or wired/with ANC enabled, or off. With ANC off, the sound seems comparatively indistinct and foggy whether the cable is used or not. with the ANC enabled, the midrange is more present and the overall volume rises significantly so watch out if you’re listening at a high volume and wish to turn on the ANC feature.

For this review, we’re sticking to the intended method of the design which is using both the bluetooth and ANC features.

  • Bass

Bass extension gives a fairly good hint of that sub bass, but if you like a lot of sub bass then look elsewhere. Mid bass and upper bass is fully present and provides a good bit of warmth here but is a bit flabby with some tracks.

  • Mids

The midrange is not affected by the bass very much, and provides a decent amount of detail. It’s quite a hard-sounding and dry midrange with some good detail there; decays give a nice idea of space in the recording and vocals are well textured and convincing. Those who have a sensitivity to midrange frequencies needn’t fear; the BNX-60 is a comfortable listen.

  • Treble

Up at the top, treble gives a little bit of glitter but not too much; it serves as an even extension to the midrange and doesn’t draw much attention to itself. In terms of detail it could be bettered; but given that we’re reviewing a wireless, noise-cancelling set of headphones at this price, we won’t expect the moon on a stick!

  • Soundstage and Separation

Depending on the recording, the Lindy BNX-60 gives some nice surprises in terms of the width of a presentation. Sounds can appear to be emanating from outside of the closed-back earcups, giving a feeling of being enclosed by the music rather than the headphones themselves. Separation is decent; individual instruments can easily be picked out, yet they tend to meld together if the listener wants to just enjoy a presentation as a whole.

Music genres good for and why

This reviewer has caught himself enjoying a good range of tracks on the Lindy BNX-60; dance music and similar commercial genres such as pop and rock come across with a good amount of power, and live or acoustic recordings benefit from the midrange presence.

Summary

Lindy’s BNX-60 is pretty top-notch for under £100. If you want better, you’ll be looking at spending a lot more for such a fully featured noise cancelling headphone.

Noise Cancelling vs Sound Isolation

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It’s easy to confuse the benefits of noise cancelling with sound isolating headphones. This is easily done as essentially they are both doing something similar but in very different ways. Because of this  you want to make sure you choose the right headphones for your situation – this article will clear things up for you.

Noise Cancelling

Noise cancelling headphones can reduce the amount of low frequency hum or ambient sounds reaching your ear drums. This can make it possible to listen to your music without having to raise the volume excessively or even help you get some good sleep on a long journey – they don’t cancel out all noise. They are useful for people who travel a lot, especially by plane as the engine noise can become a nuisance. These headphones use active noise control to cancel out low frequency noise so they will need power; usually using batteries or USB power.

Depending on the model of headphone, if the power runs out one of three things will happen:

  • The noise cancelling function will stop running but you will still get sound from the headphones.
  • The sound will completely cut off, you will need to change batteries/recharge to use the headphones.
  • The noise cancelling will stop running and if the speakers have high impedance (require more power) then the sound you get will be faint.

A good example here is the Sennheiser PXC550, they are a Bluetooth wireless headphone that feature active noise cancelling, these do however stop playing when the battery runs out.

Sound Isolation

Sound isolation is a term used for headphones that block out external noise and reduce the amount of sound leaking for others to hear passively (without power), this is achieved by their build quality and materials used. Most closed back headphones or in-ear isolating earphones do this, but some will do it better than others. Lots of things can improve isolation such as leather ear pads, a good in-ear seal, heavy clamping force (tight fit on the head), acoustic treatment (dampening) in the ear cups and even the shape and material of the driver housing.

A prime example being the Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless, these have no noise cancelling but for everyday use they block out enough outside noise, and when the battery runs out you can plug the audio cable in and continue listening

Summary

Noise cancelling is great in theory, and for long journeys on planes it can be very effective, however it does have its drawbacks. In solving one problem, it creates another, and this is noise and lack of dynamic range in some senses. The other thing to note about noise cancelling is it is only effective against constant background noise, and does not help with sudden loud noises.

So it has its uses, but for most people, especially those wanting the best sound, noise isolating headphones are the only logical choice. The company will have put time into tuning the housing to reduce resonance, along with experimenting with different pad materials, to bring you the best sound and isolate unwanted noise.

Denon AH-NCW500 Noise-Cancelling Headphones – New Product Announcement

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The HiFi Headphones team is pleased to announce that the new noise cancelling on-ear model from Denon, the AH-NCW500 is now available to be purchased on our website.

Denon’s AH-NCW500 Globe Cruiser on-ear headphones feature a 40mm driver, an integrated amplifier and AAC and aptX decoding for CD quality audio over a wireless connection. The design’s control wheel also allows you to effortlessly control Apple iPhone, iPad or other Bluetooth devices. Incorporating advanced noise cancellation circuitry via Bluetooth 3.0 wireless or a wired connection, Denon’s Globe Cruiser AH-NCW500 headphones actively eliminate unwanted ambient noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music, wherever you are. They are available in silver and black.

  • Denon AH-NCW500 Globe Cruiser – Your Perfect Travel Partner
  • Noise Cancelling Circuitry Blocks Ambient Noise
  • CD Quality Wireless Sound (Bluetooth aptX)
  • Full Control of Apple Devices & Smartphones
  • Pentagonal-Shaped Earpads with Memory Foam
  • Flat Folding Design for Convenient Packing
  • Two-Axis Earcup Connection for Perfect Fit

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Denon AH-NCW500 Headphones

PSB release luxury noise-cancelling headphone – PSB M4U 2

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PSB has launched its first pair of headphones, the noise-cancelling PSB M4U 2 over-ear cans.

Better known for their speaker designs, the Canadian manufacturer says the headphones result from a “multi-year research program” at the Acoustics Laboratory at Canada’s National Research Council.

The headphones are sturdy with a solid feel but don’t feel any heavier than the avrage passive headphone. Comfort is great, well chosen pads isolate properly and PSB have not let the slick design get in the way of functionality anywhere else either. Nice touches a foldable frame for portability and the cord’s ability to plug into either earcup.

The PSB M4U 2’s are powered headphones, with built-in amplification. The closed-back design uses a four-microphone active noise cancelling system to help remove a broad spectrum of noise. The drop is over 18dB of reduction in ambient sound, plenty enough to keep a long flight relaxing.

The PSB M4U 2 headphones also promise to reduce distortion from portable devices and extend the battery life, they should give around 55 hours of music and will also work in passive mode should you run out of juice. They also feature a monitor button allowing you to rejoin the outside world without taking them off.

PSB M4U 2 Headphones

The place where they really shine is the sound quality. These are one of the best noise cancellers we have ever tried! They have a relaxed sound without feeling boring, gaining a natural timbre from their solid yet precise feeling bass and pretty mids. Detail is articulated well, there is just something a bit more Hifi in the presentation over other active noise cancellers which are often bass heavy and un-natural.

The PSB M4U 2 comes with a protective travel case, two cables and stereo and in flight adapters. Now available in black with a white model is due by September.

More Information

For more information on the PSB Headphones range please visit the HiFi Headphones store.