Tag Archives: on-ear headphone

SoundMAGIC Vento P55 v3.0 Review & Video

Posted on by
Reply

SoundMAGIC P55 V3.0

The SoundMAGIC P55 v3.0 are helping SoundMAGIC blaze a trail in the world of portable on-ear headphones, looking to build on their success from the award winning E10 and E11 range of in-ears.

BUILD

The P55 v3.0, as the name suggests, is the third update to this model. The build and design have stayed the same, the big change is to the drivers used. SoundMAGIC has developed a brand new dynamic driver for the P55 v3 – using improved materials to increase performance. Starting with the build quality, SoundMAGIC has done a great job here. The steel headband is tough, and is finished in a way to match the look of the brushed aluminum earcups – materials not normally associated with headphones costing under £100. These headphones can fold flat, which is not only useful for storage – it also makes them comfortable to hang around the neck while not in use… if that’s your thing. Plastic is used around the earcups and on the underside of the headband – the matt black finish adds to the high-quality feel.

COMFORT

To provide comfort, there is soft padding used on the headband and the earcups – all covered with a leatherette finish. The soft foam makes the P55 v3 very comfortable to wear and along with the gentle clamping force on the head – these can be worn for long periods without the risk of fatigue.

FEATURES

Like most portable headphones, these are on-ear – so they’ll sit on the ear as opposed to enclosing the ears completely. Isolation is decent and sound leakage is very low, so others nearby won’t be judging you on your choice of music. The headphones are supplied with two replaceable cables, one standard audio cable and one with inline 3 button controls and microphone – compatible with both Apple and Android devices. Both cables are 1.2m and you also get a hard carry case to keep them safe.

Vento P55 On Case

SPECS

These headphones are designed for portable use, with a low impedance of 35ohms and fairly high sensitivity of 110dB. This makes them well suited to devices with less power output such as phones, laptops and tablets. Saying that – plug them into a high-quality portable player or headphone amp and hear the headphones really come alive.

SOUND QUALITY

  • Bass response
  • Midrange (instrumental/vocals)
  • Treble (extension)
  • Soundstage
  • Imaging (L/R)
  • Microphone

Now for the sound quality, and for me this is where the P55 v3 really shines. Bass is not what you’d normally expect from a sub £100 portable headphone. There’s a maturity here which delivers weight and punch without any boomyness – bass is tight and doesn’t bleed into the midrange. The midrange is superb on the P55 v3. It’s extremely clear and engaging, and thanks to the controlled bass – it doesn’t get lost in the mix. Thanks to the midrange, male and female vocals both shine and the P55 v3 can also handle intricate instrumental music. The treble provides a good amount of space and gives the whole experience a crispness without sibilance or fatigue that can normally come across. Imaging is very impressive, with a very clear sense of left and right with good width. Soundstage is good, instruments all have their place with well-defined separation.

CONCLUSION

  • Alternatives
  • Best uses
  • Recommendation

At £90 there is a fair bit of competition out there, especially from the likes of Sennheiser, AKG and Sony – with a lot of brands offering Bluetooth at this price point. With the P55 v3.0, SoundMAGIC are doing something different to the ret of them. This headphone provides a high-end experience at a very competitive price, something SoundMAGIC has become very well-known and respected for. Suited to those not wanting to sacrifice sound quality for Bluetooth, who appreciate fine build quality and a hi-fi listening experience without breaking the bank. For me, SoundMAGIC have nailed it, and I would recommend these headphones for anyone looking for a new set of wired portable cans.

Bloc and Roc Galvanize S2 Headphone – Review

Posted on by
Reply

Bloc & Roc are relatively new arrivals in the headphones world; hailing from London, they may have just been delayed in traffic – but they’re here now with models such as the Galvanize S2. Aerospace-grade aluminium and 40mm drivers promise a well-built and impactful experience; so does the Bloc and Roc Galvanize S2 soar like a bird, or blow up during launch?

Pros:

Solid, yet light construction
Fabric cable
Decent quality jack
Sturdy carry case

Cons:

Cable is not detachable
Some may prefer more brightness

Design and appearance

Like those planes and rockets, the Galvanize S2 is designed to be light and functional with a no-nonsense approach and spartan design ethic. Everything within its payload has been justified and the design whittled down, making an incredibly light and comfortable pair of headphones. However for those not intent on staying within their baggage limit, a 24 carat version is available – we have the ‘plane’ black version here for this review.

Durability & build quality

Despite the lightweight construction and materials, the Galvanize S2 gives a strong impression of ruggedness. The fabric cable again gives a nod towards hardiness and the jack has a strong metal construction, much like the best jack plugs out there.

Comfort

A lot of portables either suffer from poor isolation or too much in terms of clamping force, but the Galvanize S2 gets it just right. These headphones can be worn for extended periods without any problem. Those with glasses may have issues much like with any on-ear model, but glasses can be readjusted once the headphones are in position, to avoid any discomfort.

Sound isolation

Very good for an on-ear model – the Galvanize S2 attenuates rather than blocking everything out; but particularly with music playing, the outside world is effectively sealed off. People nearby will not be disturbed by your music. There’s not much sound escaping the earcups even at higher volumes.

Portability

The Galvanize S2 can go wherever you go – Hifiheadphones will stock the version with a strong outer case included, so the headphones are very well protected in a bag or case.

Sound characteristics:

The Bloc and Roc Galvanize S2 is a warm-sounding headphone, but mid-range detail is definitely present with a decent amount of control.

  • Bass

Bass is plentiful but tight and well textured; it doesn’t get on the wrong side of the music and puts in more of an appearance when the music calls for it. It can go down very low too; dance music and similar bass-driven genres will be well enhanced.

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

The relatively smooth top end opens up the midrange for harmonics and vocals; acoustic tracks are a treat along with those featuring wind instruments and strings.

  • Treble (e.g. high hats):

Although the treble end of things is toned down a little, details are not sacrificed. Bells still jingle, and cymbal crashes still smash, but without impinging on the excellent midrange and lower frequencies.

  • Soundstage & Separation

As well as the clear midrange on the Galvanize S2, there’s a tremendous sense of space which goes along with it; reverbs make us almost agoraphobic. Soundstage is very good for a closed-back headphone, and separation is excellent.

Music genres good for and why

As mentioned above, the Bloc & Roc Galvanize S2 is well suited to many genres; dance and rap music both benefit from the midrange and bass emphesis, while acoustic tracks are enhanced by the excellent sense of space and harmonics reproduction within the midrange. Rock music too. Right now I’m trying the Galvanize S2 with some classic Italian cinema music – Armando Trovaioli’s theme to L’Arcidiavolo – and there’s woodwind jumping right out at me. It’s as good as I’ve heard.

Summary

The Bloc and Roc Galvanize S2 is one of those headphones which gets better the longer it’s worn. The way it brings instruments and performances to life is quite something for an on ear portable – quite uplifting! With this sort of power and finesse, the Galvanize S2 can certainly rocket.