The SoundMAGIC S20BT use a neckband bluetooth design, this is favoured by some users, whilst others prefer the more premium true wireless style. Either way, the neckband on the S20BT is soft and very lightweight which means it’s barely noticeable in use. The length of cable to the earphones is perfect, giving you freedom to move your head without constraint, yet not too long so as to snag on things or get in the way. The earphones have an angled nozzle with specifically shaped tips for optimal comfort and fit in the ear, and it works wonders. They S20BT sit securely in your ears once you find the right size tips and they are secure and work well for more active use.
Sound
The S20BT are full and warm, which makes them an easy recommendation and also an earphone that will please a lot of users. Coming from cheaper models you will definitely notice an increase in clarity and control, but they are not tuned to be clinical or critical of what tracks you play through them. What they might lack in refinement they make up for in easy listening and an overall enjoyable sound signature.
Starting down low they have enough body to make them a warm and full sounding earphone, there is moderate punch but overall they are more full than overly punchy. Luckily the warmth down low only moderately affects the midrange, and you still have relatively clean and clear vocals with a little added body to them. This is great, as you can clearly hear vocals and guitars without them being pushed to the back of the mix, yet they are delivered in a very smooth way to not cause fatigue. The same goes for the treble, which is probably where they fall behind slightly, there isn’t a lot of presence or bite in the upper region which means high-hats and cymbals do come across very muted.
These are not designed for the critical listener, they are a budget wireless earphone that just wants you to enjoy the music. They work well with most genres you throw at them, but do sound better with more modern pop music.
Conclusion
For just under £40 you get a warm and enjoyable wireless set of earphones that sound fun and fit securely for any kind of active use. These are specifically designed for out and about use, and for that purpose they tick all the right boxes.
Competition in the wireless headphones market is always bringing prices lower. The £39.99 price of the SoundMAGIC P22BT is certainly attractive but are there any compromises in the design to achieve this suspiciously low price? We’ll take a look..
Pros:
Light and comfortable
Low cost
Decent isolation
Travel pouch included
Cons:
Considering the price, nothing!
Design and Appearance
If you’re familiar with similar wired SoundMAGIC models (such as the P21), the P22BT is constructed in much the same way with a light, small headband and foldable earcups. When adjusted, the headband gives a nice clicky feel and maintains its position quite securely. Numbered marks on the steel part within the headband allow the user to easily find the right size before putting the headphones on, if taking out of the travel case.
Durability and Build Quality
This is where some compromises are expected, but the P22BT is actually quite decent. Granted, it doesn’t have the feel of a premium set of bluetooth headphones, but some of those cost ten times the price of course. Build quality is not as spartan as we might expect for the asking price, but care should be taken as they are not indestructible. Don’t put them anywhere where you might accidentally sit on them!
Comfort
The 70mm earpads are soft and do a good job of keeping the ears comfortable; glasses wearers may feel the pinch after a while, but the arms of the glasses can be worn resting on top of the earpads when in position.
Suitability for intended application
The SoundMAGIC P22BT can be worn around the neck when not in use, but those with a Tyson neck might find it a bit tight. No matter, as the included travel pouch will also keep them safe between uses. Isolation with those soft pads is pretty good for an on-ear, so a good option for roving around in town.
Sound Characteristics
Those familiar with previous SoundMAGIC models will not be surprised to hear that the sound is fairly typical of this brand. The P22BT has a warm tilt, with enough bass emphasis to give those basslines a lift without going overboard. As with all on-ear and over-ear headphones, be aware that the position of the drivers over the ears can alter the sound but the P22BT appears to be more fussy than most and bad positioning can affect the sound quite drastically.
Bass
Bass is full and well-rounded, with a decent amount of sub bass coming through too. There is a little bit of flabbiness where it meets the midrange, but it’s well within the realms of acceptability. Generally however, it’s punchy and with good width.
Mids
Despite the slight intrusion of the bass into the midrange, the P22BT is really enjoyable! Midrange has an engaging quality about it which gets the listener moving. It’s comfortable, with no piercing qualities when it comes to female vocals for example. Harmonics are good too, bringing out the characters of the instruments nicely.
Treble
Fine details are perhaps a bit of a stretch for an entry-level priced bluetooth model; however the P22BT gives a decent impression of what’s going on at the top end of the spectrum. Granted, things can get a bit splashy but not to the detriment of the presentation as a whole. Taken with the rest of the sound, the treble gets away with it.
Soundstage and Separation
There is a nice bit of width and depth going on here; the feeling of immersion is not going to transport anyone to a musical paradise, but it gets close. Separation is decent too, with different elements standing well on their own.
Music genres good for and why
The P22BT is a good all-rounder, but is particularly suited to commercial genres such as pop and rock/ dance music etc.
Summary
The SoundMAGIC P22BT is suspiciously low-priced for a bluetooth model, but exceeds all expectations. Watch out this summer however, as wearing these constantly may affect your suntan.
It appears that the relative price of wireless gadgets such as Bluetooth headphones is coming down and quality is going ever up, now that manufacturers have spotted the potential of this technology and are implementing it so well. Among them is SoundMAGIC, who have experience making wireless headphones with the full-size WP10, but now have the BT20 Bluetooth on-ear headphone in their repertoire. Now we can block out the world and make calls just as if we were talking to ourselves too.
Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel)
The SoundMAGIC BT20 is a light and very portable headphone; not a million miles away from previous wired on-ears this company made, but given the technology and battery required to sit in this model and work its magic, there’s no noticeable increase in weight. Also, if your battery is getting a little low then you can use the supplied cable and carry enjoying your music, bypassing the Bluetooth features.
Build quality is what we’d expect for a portable headphone. Just as robust as it needs to be, without going overweight and giving us neck ache. Materials are typical for a decent quality headphone of this type; plastic with a slightly rubberised feel, metal elements in the headband, and a leatherette covering on the headband cushion and earpads.
Comfort
The lightness of the SoundMAGIC BT20 combined with freedom from cable worries makes these headphones particularly fun to wear; there’s a bit of pressure on the ears but no more than is required to keep them in place.
Suitability for intended application
The BT20 boasts Bluetooth version 4.0 for greater battery life, there’s NFC for easy pairing, CVC for clearer calls. Also, the apt-x standard is present, so you’re all set should your handset have this. If not, then the headphones can still use the SBC standard, so will still work.
The mic-equipped arm pokes out along the cheekbone for clearer calls; in fact there are two mics which enable a noise cancelling process which gets rid of a lot of extraneous noise. Perfect – those personal words to your nearest and dearest need not be shouted!
Being wireless, these headphones are perfect for many activities and sporting pursuits; their light yet strong construction means they’ll avoid any loneliness for the long distance runner.
Sound isolation
Isolation is fair; the SoundMAGIC BT20 is not the most isolating of headphones with nothing playing but most of the outside world is very well masked by any music playing. The relative lack of isolation is more than made up for by the comfort aspect; the clamping force applied by most portable headphones can lead to a little discomfort during longer sessions. For others around you however, any music you’re enjoying is reduced to a faint murmur so you needn’t feel self conscious about your more questionable favourites.
Portability (if applicable)
As hinted at above, they offer no trouble when worn on the head and also around the neck. They can be packed away in the semi-circular case they come with, along with a stereo audio cable for those longer trips. It won’t be possible to use the headphones for calls without battery power so the handset’s mic will have to come into play. The Bluetooth 4.0 standard ensures the battery will last longer but it won’t last indefinitely of course!
Sound characteristics:
(Used with a Huawei Ascend handset)
The BT20 has a sound signature which SoundMAGIC is perhaps best known for. They are certainly tuned for a fun sound.
Bass (e.g. punch, low extension):
Bass reaches low and is voluminous when required; it stays put and provides a good solid foundation. It’s well controlled and fairly tight. With sub bass or with a double bass on older tracks it can certainly make its presence felt; quite surprising considering the BT20 is an on-ear model with 40mm drivers.
Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):
There’s a great sense of space and despite the elevated levels of bass and treble, the mid-range stands up to be counted. Harmonics are enjoyable and there’s a good sense of balance with the bass level. The two complement each other very well.
Treble (e.g. high hats):
The top end is smooth but there’s plenty of detail to be enjoyed. The SoundMAGIC BT20 is a good time headphone and gives a nice level of representation here without getting fatiguing.
Soundstage & Separation
Soundstage is excellent for a little closed back such as this, and is very well enhanced by the separation of instruments and voices. It’s a very immersive experience.
Music genres good for and why
First of course, the BT20 is great with dance genres, hip-hop, R&B and pop; but that’s not all – older music types are not lost on these headphones. 60s pop, jazz and classical come across very nicely too.
Pros:
Worry-free wireless connection
Cable to conserve power or for when battery is flat
Good no-nonsense styling
Track/Call answer controls on headphones
Good Bluetooth range
Noise cancelling microphone
