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Best headphones under £50 to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews

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Top 10 Best Headphones Under £50

SoundMAGIC ES18 / ES18S

SoundMAGIC have made a fantastic name for themselves within the budget in-ear market, no wonder they get on the list of top 10 best headphones under £50. The E18 is a great example of just how they do it – designing products which offer exceptional sound quality for the prices asked.

The ES18 has bass which is warm but not overblown, mids which are fluid and engaging, and highs which are slightly recessed. Suitable for those who find percussion and cymbals generally strident and fatiguing.

Also available as the ES18S with a microphone and button for answering/hanging up calls.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

For the asking price these are difficult to beat; try the famous SoundMAGIC sound for under £20!

 

DUNU DN-12 

The DN-12 is a sturdily built IEM with solid metallic housings and a good solid sound also.

Bass is deep and punchy without being boomy, midrange is slightly recessed with high frequencies well balanced; there’s a slight roll-off for those who like a warmer sound signature; normal for IEMs of this price.

A very well put together earphone with a sound signature that is sure to please.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A great IEM for the price, the DN-12 gives great weight to music and will suit those who like a fun sound.

 

FIDUE A31

Another entrant in the IEM market is FIDUE, and their range starts with the fantastic FIDUE 31 – the capsules are tiny and the sound is big!

Good warm bass and good mid-range detail – there is a slight roll off in the treble region for those who like a warmer presentation.

The earphones are lightweight and tough, perfect for running or in the gym.  Ear tips are designed to keep the earphones in the ear and cables can be worn over the ear for a more secure fit.

Also fitted with a lightweight microphone in case you need to take calls.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A great budget choice – narrower nozzles may make this a good choice for those with fit issues with other IEMs.  Perfect for sports use.

 

 

Audiofly AF33M

The entry-level AF33 from Audiofly gives a fantastic sound, and the AF33M version gives added functionality with smartphones, offering an answer button for those calls.

Good bass which is tight and well controlled, midrange with a slight recess and treble which has liveliness and sparkle without being fatiguing. When we first tried these we thought that there was a mistake – these sound like IEMs which cost more than £50.

A very capable earphone with a grown up sound signature without the boom, boom of some other budget earphones. Very musical.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Many are getting a kick out of Australian firm Audiofly’s range in more than one way. The engaging and involving sound of these IEMs will certainly get you waltzing.

 

Sennheiser HD201

Sennheiser’s entry-level full size, the HD201, is incredibly cheap for what you get – anyone looking for a good sound without wanting to part with much cash must be tempted by the HD201.

Good but not bloaty bass, a clear midrange and a slightly forward treble make these superb all rounders. Fantastic for detail, you might hear things with these which are missed on pricier headphones.

This are a ideal everyday headphone that won’t break the bank.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Probably the best full-size headphone you’ll find for under £20, hands down.

 

Koss PortaPro

The Koss Porta Pro may not be an obvious choice for the top 10 best portable headphones, it is likely older than most of its current users; introduced in the early 1980s, it pre-dates most other lightweight designs and has a real retro charm.

The sound is still very current however, as the PortaPro’s sound signature suits dance music, rap and anything the user can throw at them.

A good level of bass and midrange gives a good grunt with realistic body. The highs are a little rolled off but not to the point where it’s a problem, indeed the roll-off makes them less likely to fatigue the wearer if dance music is played.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

For the money this is amazing value – get yourself a design classic which has stood the test of time.

 

SoundMAGIC P21 / P21S

This portable is certainly a fun-sounding headphone – it also looks fun and feels it too!

They are very light and are a perfect travelling companion when folded into the semi-rigid case.Bass is present but not overblown, midrange is clear and involving, and highs are revealing but not overbearing.The flat cable does not tangle and the 90 degree jack is perfect for placing your music source in a pocket or bag.

If you need mobile phone compatibility try the P21S fitted with microphone and call control button for taking phone calls.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Look no further if you’re planning to explore! This is the perfect travelling companion for the journey to another continent, or the local park!

 

Grado iGrado

Grado are well known for their trademark wide open and airy sound, and the iGrado follows in this theme. Designed to sit over the ear with a neckband keeping things in place, the iGrado gives a wonderfully natural sound.

They are wide open in design, meaning that there is no isolation. Others will hear your music, and you will be aware of the environment around you. This makes the sound much more realistic in terms of soundstage and imaging, but you may get some odd looks if these are worn on the train, for example.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

The iGrado is very popular with joggers and those who prefer to be aware of the sounds around them, also they are a great low-cost upgrade for anyone wanting a headphone specifically for use in the home.

 

Fostex TH7-BB

For its price, this versatile Fostex model is great value and is great for enjoying music as well as a whole host of professional applications.

Imaging and soundstage are impressive thanks to the semi-open design, but isolation is not lost.

Bass goes low but remains tight, mids are clear and natural, highs are detailed and not rolled off, but not too bright.

The impendence and sensitivity may require a headphone amp for portable uses.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A good rugged all-rounder for both in and out of doors, the TH7-BB is a great choice for those on a budget.

 

Grado SR60i

Another of Grado’s great value headphones, the SR60i is much like its elder sibling the SR80i, but may be more appropriate for enjoying older recordings or music with less than perfect sound quality. As the SR60i is not as bright sounding as the SR80i, they may be better or you if you find that you get fatigued after listening for a while.

The SR60 has been around for 20 years, which in the fast-moving world of electronic gadgets seems like a lifetime. Apart from the odd tweak, why change something which works so well?

Hifiheadphones verdict:

The look, feel and quality of the SR60i is magnificent for the asking price; why not get yourself a slice of a headphone legend? If you like details and a more forward or bright presentation, consider the SR80i.

 

SoundMAGIC WP10 Digital Wireless Headphones with DAC – Product Review

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SoundMAGIC WP10 Digital Wireless Headphones with DAC

 

Product Type – Full size Digital Wireless Headphones with built in DAC

Price at the time of review – £239

Product Link – Buy SoundMAGIC WP10

Verdict – A well thought-out wireless set with innovative features at a great price point

Pro’s – The list of features and uses for this wireless headphone with a USB DAC make it a superb all rounder. The headphone itself has the same incredibly comfortable pads as the SoundMAGIC HP100 and HP200 wired Full size headphones, is reasonably lightweight and has a well thought out set of controls placed thoughtfully on the left ear cup.

Cons – It isn’t the most expensive wireless headphone on the market, but not too far off. To make up for the price just about every accessory you could need has been included.

Introduction – SoundMAGIC have been an up and coming headphone brand for the past few years. With a few awards and a lot of recommendations from magazines and gadget blogs, SoundMAGIC have been expanding beyond the low budget – high performance IEMs they are already well known for. Perhaps looking to demonstrate their clear technological know how by producing these advanced wireless headphones. Because of the features, sound quality and comfort the WP10 must be taken seriously, particularly if you have a range of uses in mind for your cable free cans.

Description – Features of the Transmitter include an onboard USB DAC as well as an analogue input – it is tiny and so incredibly portable. The WP10s have a functional look – they look like headphones! – But are by no means un-attractive. Controls are simple and well placed.

Included peripherals – SoundMAGIC WP10 package comes with the wireless headphones themselves, an excellent carry case, the transmitter/DAC unit, USB mains Charger and cable, 3.5mm to RCA cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a physical instruction manual.

Application – This is a very clever set of headphones, the transmitter also contains the USB DAC for superior sound from your PC or Mac, connection cables for pocket sized media players and RCA for home HiFi connectivity. Should you run out of battery power while out and about it is possible to use the included cable to keep on listening! SoundMAGIC have really tried to cover every eventuality.

Describe the sound – Sound quality is well above that of any RF headphone and superior to that of Bluetooth headphones as the WP10 uses a 2.4G 16 bit CD quality connection. The sound signature is bright and clean with punchy bottom end. It’s not really fair to compare the sound to a similarly priced cabled headphone; the DAC technology in the transmitter obviously costs a pretty penny. The WP10 gives clean audio with decent sound stage which helps live recordings and film sound and feel realistic.

Comparisons – Similar features to the king of wireless headphones, the Sennheiser RS220, but less luxury oriented and more application rich. Very usable for portable applications they have the edge over the Sennheiser RS160 as the SoundMAGIC transmitter is smaller and more advanced.

Top 5 Best Wireless Headphones For The TV – Buying Guides

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A great application for wireless headphones is using them for watching TV. Whether it’s a matter of not bothering anyone around you or helping someone who has hearing problems, they can be incredibly useful. Our wireless headphones selection provides plenty of options to choose from, let’s have a look at five of the best for watching the telly.

Sennheiser RS120-II Wireless Open-Back Headphones

The RS120-II is a supra-aural wireless headphone system that uses FM (frequency modulation) to transmit the audio signal. The unit consists of a FM-transmitter and a receiver – the transmitter also acts as a charger for the headset, which uses two rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries included in the box. This set connects to devices through Analogue inputs, which can either be a headphone socket, SCART or phono RCA – thankfully, these connections can be found on most TV’s apart from the most recent.

The RS120-II provides great value for money as the sound quality is surprisingly good for an FM set, spacious and smooth with plenty of bass power. Due to the use of FM, the range is up to 100 metres and the signal can even go through walls. The volume level and other control elements are conveniently located on the side of the headset for easy use. As a plus, the transmitter is also wall-mountable.

TV Ears 2.3 Voice Clarifying Wireless System

The TV Ears 2.3 wireless set uses infrared technology to transmit the signal to the receiver, which in this case is a stethoscope-like headset. The receiver goes into the ear providing the user with good isolation and despite the relatively deep insertion, it is surprisingly comfortable thanks to foam ear tips. Due to the infrared transmission, the sound is clean with no background humming. As with all infrared units, the transmitter and the receiver do have to be in line of sight otherwise the signal can cut out.

As with the Sennheiser RS120, the transmitter also acts a charger for the headsets but in this case it can charge up to two at the same time. The set is highly recommended for the hearing impaired because of built-in “Voice Clarifying Circuitry” that elevates speech above background noise. The TV Ears 2.3 connects to Analogue audio outputs, in case you would like to have the TV speakers turned up whilst using the headset, make sure either the TV SCART or RCA/phono outputs are used. This will allow you to set the volume of the speakers separately from the headset.

Sennheiser RS170 Wireless Headphones

The Sennheiser RS170 is a Kleer Digital Wireless System designed for home listening. This closed back headset provides an audiophile quality music or home cinema experience with the added benefit of not having cabling in the way. As with most Sennheiser wireless systems, the multi-purpose transmitter also functions as an ‘easy-charge’ storage cradle and can transmit a signal to up to four headsets. The base unit also has an effective range of 80 metres.

The sound is smooth, well-rounded and detailed. Thanks to the switchable listening modes – Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound – it can be fine tuned for the intended purpose, be it music or TV listening. The leatherette ear pads do a fine job in providing a comfortable fit and due to the circumaural design nobody will be bothered by sound leakage. If you are not concerned about the leakage and would prefer a more airy and open sound have a look at the RS180 as this headset has open back construction.

SoundMAGIC WP10 Digital Wireless Headphones

The SoundMAGIC WP10 is a full size digital wireless headphone, supplied with a very small transmitter for use on the move or to transport the unit easily. There is a large selection of accessories including a mains charger, the transmitter unit, a USB cable, a mini jack 3.5mm to RCA cable, a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a long 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable. You can keep these accesories in the excellent rigid carry case, also included. The WP10 is a very clever set of headphones, the transmitter also contains a USB DAC for superior sound from your PC or Mac, connection cables for pocket sized media players and an RCA lead for home Hifi connection. Should you run out of battery power while out and about it is possible to use the included cable to keep on listening! SoundMAGIC have really tried to cover every eventuality

The headphone itself has the same incredibly comfortable pads as the SoundMAGIC HP100 and HP200 wired Full size headphones, is reasonably lightweight and has a well thought out set of controls on the left ear cup. Sound quality is well above any RF headphone and superior to that of Bluetooth headphones as the WP10 uses a 2.4G 16 bit CD quality connection. The sound signature is generally bright and clean with deep but restrained bottom end.

Sennheiser RS220 Wireless Audiophile Headphone System

Sennheiser RS220 is the wireless headphone we have all been waiting for. Ever since their appearance on the audio market there have always been complaints from audio enthusiasts as the sound of wireless headphones has never compared favourably to their cabled counterparts. The Rolls-Royce of the wireless scene is set to change this perception as it delivers sound performance that matches some of the better wired models. Be it digital (optical or coaxial) or analogue, the RS220 has been designed to merge with any audio setup.

The set uses what Sennheiser call Direct Sequenced Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology to provide the user with uncompressed, CD quality sound. The open back design enables the set to deliver an airy and transparent presentation. The entire system has been crafted using premium quality materials; the luxurious velour earpads deserve a special mention as they provide exceptional wearing comfort for longer listening sessions. Would you like audiophile sound with the benefit of cable free usage? Look no further, the RS220 will satisfy all your listening needs.