Unboxing and Setup

The unboxing experience of the Cleer ARC 3 speaks volumes about its attention to detail. The outer packaging, wrapped in eco-friendly plastic, houses a beautifully designed inner carton that greets you with the words “OWN THE MOMENT.” As you slide open the carton, you’ll find the sleek charging case, a cleaning cloth embossed with the Cleer logo, and clear instructions for setup. The process is straightforward: pair via Bluetooth, connect to the Cleer+ App, and follow simple on-screen prompts. The case screen is responsive and bright, making it easy to navigate through language settings and Bluetooth pairing, ensuring an effortless setup.

The case itself feels incredibly premium. With its high-quality plastic materials, smooth finish, and sturdy hinges, it exudes sophistication and durability. The mirror-like interior is both functional and aesthetic, giving you a magnified view while showcasing the earbuds in all their glory. The earbuds themselves are well-built and secure in the case, making them easy to take on the go.

These earbuds stay in place, even during intense movement, offering a comfortable yet secure fit.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is key when it comes to wearable tech, and Cleer has excelled here. The adjustable earhooks ensure a secure and customizable fit, while the lightweight design makes wearing them for hours a breeze. They sit comfortably even with glasses on, making them ideal for everyday wear, workouts, or outdoor activities. The earbuds stay in place, even during intense movement, offering a comfortable yet secure fit. Whether you’re running, cycling, or just relaxing, the Cleer ARC 3 ensures that the fit remains perfect throughout.

Sound Quality and Dolby Atmos

When it comes to sound, the Cleer ARC 3 doesn’t just meet expectations – it exceeds them. The sound is rich and immersive while maintaining the open-ear design that lets you stay aware of your surroundings. The bass is deep and impactful, something often lacking in open-ear headphones, while the midrange is clear, and the treble sparkles with detailed clarity. The overall sound profile leans slightly brighter, providing great detail without being harsh.

Changing sound profiles is incredibly easy – either through the case or the Cleer+ App

The real magic comes with the Dolby Atmos optimization. This feature enhances your listening experience, particularly for videos and gaming, by offering a wider soundstage and more immersive audio. The difference is clear when switching between Music Mode and Movie Mode. Music Mode offers a vibrant, dynamic sound, while Movie Mode provides a more cinematic, immersive experience. The Sport EQ profile slightly tames the frequencies, offering a more controlled experience during exercise.

Changing sound profiles is incredibly easy – either through the case or the Cleer+ App – with presets like Rock, Pop, Jazz, and Classical available at your fingertips. You can also create your own Custom profile, fine-tuning the sound to your exact preferences.

Additional Features

The Cleer ARC 3 comes packed with intuitive features that make it stand out in the crowded earbuds market:

• Head Gesture Control: You can control volume and playback using simple head gestures, making it easy to adjust your listening experience without ever touching the earbuds.
• Step Tracker: The built-in step tracker monitors your daily activity, adding a touch of fitness functionality to the ARC 3. Whether you’re out for a walk or hitting the gym, it’s a nice bonus feature for fitness enthusiasts.
• Touch Controls: The earbuds feature easy-to-use touch controls, allowing you to play/pause music, skip tracks, and manage volume with a simple tap.
• Long Battery Life: With up to 50 hours of total battery life (10 hours on a single charge and an additional 40 hours with the case), you can enjoy your music or video content for long periods without needing to recharge. A quick 5-minute charge gives you an extra 1.5 hours of playback.

The post Cleer ARC 3 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

BEST AUDIOPHILE WIRELESS HEADPHONES

Final ZE8000 MK2 – ANC TWS Earphones £199.00

Finals flagship TWS earphone combines striking aesthetics with top-tier performance. They deliver sound quality that rivals the best wired earphones as well as providing all the modern features you’d expect from TWS earphones. The distinctive shape of the buds also provides insane levels of comfort and the app is a treat to use. All the bells and whistles are there, a great overall package.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR GAMING

Audeze Maxwell Playstation/Xbox Wireless Gaming Headphones – £319.00/£349.00

The Audeze Maxwell is quite literally a masterpiece. After years of relentless innovation building first class gaming headsets, Audeze has finally released the successor to the Penrose, The Maxwell. This is a serious piece of kit for serious gamers (and us casuals too!). An upgrade to the Penrose in every conceivable way, the Maxwells sound quality, wireless performance & battery life (80 Hours!!!) have all been pushed to the limits of possibility. After 1.5 years being on the market it is still easily sthe best wireless gaming headset out there today.

What Our Customers Say:

I loved my Penrose headset and have had the Maxwell for just over a week. It is an upgrade in every single way. I am so happy I pre-ordered it back in December and it really does live up to the hype. The new chassis is really sturdy and has a premium feel to it. The sound is even better than the Penrose, no issue whatsoever with the wireless connections. I am so chuffed and will be using this for years to come. Great job Audeze

Josh Adams 5* Review www.Hifiheadphones.co.uk

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR BATTERY LIFE & ANC

1More SonoFlow HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

BEST TWS FOR AUDIOBOOKS AND TV

final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – £70.00

Final Audio have collaborated with Dragonball Z to produce 3 iconic and unique models based on main characters. The Frieza model is specifically designed for ASMR content. But it is also perfect for watching movies, animations and videos In general. Absolutely one to consider, if you use your earphones more for Audiobooks/ Movies over music (although they are great at that too!). They are also really small and light, so perfect for those with smaller ears or those who find it difficult to find a pair of buds that are comfortable. Read our review here: final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – Review

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS HEADPHONES

1MORE SonoFlow SE HQ30 Portable Wireless Headphones – £55.00

The SonoFlow SE HQ30 offers powerful ANC, exceptional call quality, and a staggering battery life that outlasts pricier models like Bose. For its price, it delivers unbeatable value with premium features where it counts.

BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR SPORT / RUNNING

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – Open-Ear True Wireless Sports Earphones- £229

Following the runaway success of Cleer Audio‘s open ear Arc earphones, the Cleer Arc 3 has taken the concept of an open wireless earphone to a whole new level. The Cleer ARC 3 surpasses the ARC II with cutting-edge enhancements in sound quality, including Dolby Atmos and head tracking technology, delivering immersive 360-degree surround sound. Under the hood is an advanced Qualcomm S5 platform, upgraded dynamic drivers, and a refined bass technology that redfines open-ear audio standards. Enhanced AI features like two-way noise reduction, adaptive sound balancing, and voice control bring a more intelligent earphone and allows for a seamless experience in terms of usability, especially while on a run. The redesigned, stretchable ear hook allows for a better, customized fit and the charging case has had a complete overhaul.

BEST BUDGET WIRELESS EARPHONES FOR SOUND QUALITY

1MORE Aero ANC TWS Earphones – £70.00

The 1MORE Aero offers a solid mix of great audio quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit for an exceptional price. The Aero stands out by bringing the premium head-tracked spatial audio to the table—something usually only found in much pricier models. If immersive audio for movies and TV is your thing, the Aero is a fantastic value choice.

BEST TWS FOR USING AS A SLEEP AID

1MORE SleepBuds Z30 – £89.99

The 1MORE Sleepbuds Z30 are designed specifically for restful sleep, with their feather-light 2.7g build and compact size making them perfect for side sleepers. Their snug fit ensures comfort throughout the night without causing discomfort, even when lying on your side.

BEST TWS FOR BRAND MERCH

Final x Ultra Seven ZE3000 Ultra Guard TWS – £139.00

Final Audio’s Ultra Seven inspired earphones look and sound the part! They are essentially a re-skinned ZE3000 with a motif of Ultra guard from Ultra Seven. Part of the Ultraman umbrella, this series was first released as a live action television series in 1967! As you can see, the earphone body, charging case, and packaging of these earbuds are designed in the image of the uniform and helmet of the Ultra Guard paying homage and celebrating the 55th anniversary of Ultra Seven. A perfect piece of kit if you are into Japanese culture and want to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

BONUS ROUND – BEST WIRELESS SPEAKER FOR YOUR DESKTOP

GravaStar Mars Pro V2 Bluetooth Speaker– £199.00-£280.00

Not technically a headphone but this is one for those who love Sci-fi. The Mars Pro V2 is a Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair two together to create surround sound!

Have We Missed Anything Out?

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

The post Best Wireless Headphones 2024: On-Ear, ANC, Earbuds, Audiophile appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Audeze Maxwell – £319.00 / £349.00

The Audeze Maxwell is still the best gaming headset currently on the market, It offers uncompromising audio quality with its planar magnetic drivers, delivering deep bass and clear mids, all in a comfortable, wireless design. With ultra-low latency and an exceptional 80 hour battery life, it’s perfect for gamers and those seeking a pair of high-performance wireless headphones for immersive listening. – Full Review

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51– £89.99

If earphones aren’t your thing, then the SonoFlow HQ51 makes a perfect upgrade choice under £100. With its extended 70 to 100-hour battery life, advanced ANC, The SonoFlow HQ51 also features an all new DLC 40mm dynamic driver. Comfortable to wear, it is equiped with Bluetooth 5.4 and has 12 EQ modes, it’s ideal for immersive listening at an affordable price. The SonoFlow is a great alternative challenger to the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

iFi Audio GO Link MAX – £79.00

The all new iFi GO link Max delivers studio-quality sound with up to 241mW of output power—nearly five times that of a MacBook Pro—driving demanding headphones with ease. Compact, portable and versatile, it’s the perfect upgrade for immersive, high-fidelity audio anywhere. An upgrade over the original in every way, this is sure to be a big hit this Xmas (and a perfect size for a Christmas stocking too!).

Etymotic ER20 / ER20XS High Fidelity Earplugs– £19.99

The Etymotic ER20 range of earplugs are perfect for musicians and concertgoers, preserving clear music and speech while protecting your hearing. With a secure fit, attachable string and compact case they’re a reliable choice for any live event.

Cleer Audio Arc 3 – £229.00

The Cleer Arc 3 open-ear earbuds are the perfect running companion. They now deliver a fantastic sound with Dolby Atmos optimization for an immersive audio experience. Their secure fit means they will stay put, and the open sound means you can hear your surroundings while on the move. Also featuring a 10-hour battery life and an all smart charging case with a touch screen and a mirror, they’re perfect for life on the go.

64 Audio U4s-£1,099.00

The 64 Audio U4s delivers powerful sub-bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs, making it perfect for EDM out of the Box. The beauty of its hybrid design and the inclusion of various apex filters offer flexibility, letting you fine-tune them for a dynamic or neutral sound. A jack of all trades with an added kick.

Final A5000– £259.00

The Final A5000 IEM delivers exceptional sound quality with powerful, tight bass and stunning mids and highs, all at an affordable price of £259. A perfect choice for those looking to upgrade their gear without breaking the bank.

Etymotic MP9-15 Music-PRO High-Fidelity Electronic Earplugs – £340.00

If you’re a lifetime rock & roller, either on the stage or in the crowd then we have the perfect gift idea for you! These dynamic, electronic earplugs will keep your ears damage-free without forcing you to give up the natural quality of the music around you.

iFi Audio Zen DAC 3 – £229.00

The iFi Zen DAC 3 is the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers, offering incredible sound quality with its advanced Burr-Brown DAC for rich, detailed audio. Its sleek design and versatile connectivity make it ideal for upgrading any desktop or home audio setup.

Final ZE3000– £119.00

The Final ZE3000 are designed for ultimate sound quality and in that they succeed, They also look awesome and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119? – Full Review

SoundMAGIC E11C Silver – £39.98

A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £40 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review

iFi Audio hip-dac 3– £199.00

The iFi Hip DAC 3 is an excellent choice of gift to those who are often on the go. It offers excellent power, versatile features, and seamless portability, making it a top choice for consumers at £199.00. With improvements over previous models, including the new IEMatch feature and USB-A connectivity, it set a new standard in portable DAC/amps.

Final VR500– £29.00

A perfect companion to all those virtual reality headsets that will be under the tree this year. The VR500 is a testament to Finals commitment of delivering premium sound at an unbeatable price. TheVR500 is not just an pair of earphones; they are a gateway into a new dimension of gaming audio.

GravaStar Mars Pro V2 Bluetooth Speaker– £199.00-£280.00

For those who love Sci-fi. A Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair two together to create surround sound!

Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £799.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

iFi Audio Zen Blue 3– £299.00

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers, offering stunning wireless audio with lossless Bluetooth streaming and support for all major codecs. Its sleek design and versatile connectivity makes it a futureproof easy upgrade for any home audio setup.

Audeze LCD-5– £3,999.00

The Pinnacle of performance. This is a gift for someone who only wants the best of the best. Audeze’s new flagship planar magnetic headphone is a phenomenal piece of kit. It offers a brand new Audeze sound, way more than just a simple evolution from the LCD-4. With a natural yet almost reference style tuning they hit all the right marks. They are also lighter and significantly more comfortable than previous models. Full Review

SoundMAGIC E80D– £39.98

The E80D ideal gift for somebody who would like a pair SoundMAGIC earphones but has a modern smartphone without an audio jack. With its comfortable fit, impressive passive noise isolation, and rich, balanced sound, it’s perfect for enjoying music or podcasts for hours on end. Modernising SoundMAGIC’s iconic earphone design, The USB-C terminated E80D is a practical yet thoughtful choice for gifting this Christmas.

Audeze LCD-X– £1,149.00

If you want to give yourself or someone you know a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself/them with the Audeze LCD-X. The Audeze LCD-X is 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 do take the plunge, A very, Merry Christmas is all but guaranteed.

Anything we have missed? Let us know what would be in your Christmas gift guide 2024 in the comments below!

The post Christmas Gift Guide 2024 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The new budget offering from Lypertek offer up an engaging and fun listening experience. Without forgetting the finer details.

Fit and Comfort

The SoundFree S20 have a smooth inner housing and slightly elongated nozzle, which allows for a great fit with the right eartips. They are not heavy and sit securely. Excellent if you want to use them for active sports use.

Comfort is excellent due to the lightweight design and smooth edges. They also sit fairly flush in your ears and allow for long listening sessions with ease. The angle of the nozzle really does help when it comes to the comfort of these.

Features

The SoundFree S20 has a claimed battery life of 8hrs, with an extra 40hrs from the charging case. I have found this claim to be quite accurate during listening sessions but it is of course volume dependent. The case supports wireless charging and has a USB-C port too. They use Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC and AAC codecs. The S20 is IPX5 rated, this means you can use them in light rain showers. I would not advise taking them swimming or in the shower.

There is a small button on them, placed at the top so you don’t press them into your canals when using it. This button has multiple functions (play/pause/skip tracks/volume up and down), and also allows you to activate ambient mode which allows you to hear external noises. This mean you no longer need to take them out to listen to the outside world. There is a microphone on each earpiece for calls, I found call quality to be acceptable but not a stand-out feature of the S20.

Sound

Bass

Full bodied, punchy and fun is how I would first describe the bass on the S20. However they never become muddy or overblown. There is a subtle lift in the sub-bass and you can easily hear the rumble. Bass is well balanced with good punch and control. Those who found the PurePlay Z3 a little too neutral, will enjoy the extra warmth down low on the S20. Whilst the bass is certainly present and boosted, the S20 don’t sound overly bass heavy or dark.

Midrange

The bass is well controlled, which allows the midrange to cut through with authority and power. Male vocals sound clean without any added body, the detail inherent means you can hear all the emotion present in the vocals without much veil. Female vocals fare equally as well. Without any real peaks in the upper midrange, guitars and vocals are well separated and each have their own space within the soundstage. Overall excellent performance in the midrange, that gives real insight into the recording.

Treble

Clean, precise and ever present the treble thankfully isn’t just an afterthought. Carefully tuned to be there, but without causing fatigue, often the most tricky part of a frequency response yet Lypertek have pulled it off. Yes, for this price you cannot expect the most faithful tonality but thankfully you can cleanly hear cymbal crashes and violins. They are not dull or veiled, instead they are exciting and add a bit of air to the sound, however they are not the most detailed in the treble region (partly due to bluetooth compression).

Genres and Soundstage

The S20 lend their hand to most modern genres, bringing out the best in Rap and Hip-Hop whilst handling heavier rock with ease too. They wouldn’t necessarily be my first pick for classical and jazz, but these are aimed at the active general user and the sound works well for that.

Soundstaging is actually rather impressive for the price and design, whilst not overly wide there is accurate placement of instruments and good layering between them too.

Enjoy all things Lypertek? Check out more News and Reviews on our Blog here!

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Having been recently shortlisted for the reader nominated best Audio Brand of 2021, Lypertek have really come out with their guns blazing in their most recent iteration of the Pureplay series. Packed to the brim with features and tech, the PurePlay Z7 are well suited for long listening sessions. Harnessing their 1 dynamic and 2 Balanced Armature drivers a piece, they last up to a superb 10hrs per charge (+70 additional hours from the charging case). They even have a quick charge function that will give you 2hrs of play time from just 15 minutes.

Lyperteks Pureplay Z7 has got the ball rolling by obtaining a “Recommended” award from Headfonia.

In their detailed review, Headfonia pours through the Pureplay Z7’s features and goes into warranted detial about their technical performance and unique Sound Signature. Read their review in full here: Lypertek Pureplay Z7 Review

If videos are more your thing then don’t forget to watch our in depth analysis of the Pureplay Z7 here. Also, our very own in-house guru Oscar has also given his verdict on the Pureplay Z7 here

The Lypertek Pureplay Z7 is also compatible with wireless charging and Lypertek even offer a super slim high speed wireless charging pad to match.

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Tech Radar awards the Pureplay Z3 2.0 their Editor Choice Award ; “Lypertek continues to punch above its weight and outside of its pricing bracket with the PurePlay Z3 2.0 true wireless earbuds, a stellar-sounding and well-priced package.

Trusted Reviews offers Lypertek’s Pureplay Z3 2.0 its very own Highly Recommended Award: “The PurePlay Z3 2.0 are another excellent pair of affordable true wireless from Lypertek, with the new app and features extending its lifespan and adding more value than before.”

Soundphile’s Review puts it bluntly: “If you are in the market for all-round solid earphones with a “mainstream” tuning, these are the ones to get, period.“

This is still only the beginging for Lypertek and their wonderful creations. With their recently released Z7 adding into their ever growing pool of products, we are certain that we will see even more innovation and newer arrivals in the months to come.

For a full features breakdown please watch our video review here or you can read all about them here.

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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

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Fit and Comfort

The Ally Plus II fit well enough in my ears, they do have quite a large inner housing that houses the driver and a short stem which makes them not as sleek as some other models. Personally I prefer a model with a longer stem as I find they fit better, but these still sit securely in my ears once I settled on the right eartips.

Comfort is good, I do get a bit of pressure on my concha – due to the odd shape of my ears, but for 95% of people out there this design is perfect and provides a secure fit. Once you find the right tips the Ally Plus II are comfortable for long listening sessions and stay put for active usage such as running.

Features

The main feature on the Ally Plus II is ANC – you can switch between a very effective ANC mode and Ambient mode. The ANC is very effective with lower frequency noises, helping drown out traffic and transport noise, making them ideal for commuters that travel by bus, train or plane. Need to hear your surroundings? Just double tap the right side to activate ambient mode allowing you to hear external noise.

The Cleer+ app is really handy too, the app allows you to fine tune the mix between ANC and Ambient sound, by using a simple slider bar. There is a 5-band EQ which lets you tailor the sound to your tastes and you can update the firmware easily too. There is a user manual within the app, along with touch pad controls (you can change what double/triple tap does on the L or R earphone). Overall the app adds an extra layer of functionality, best of all the user interface of the app is super user friendly and easy to navigate.

You can easily control playback via the earphones themselves, double tap the L side to skip track forwards, triple to skip backwards. Double tap the right to switch between Ambient and ANC mode (there is no “off” mode though), volume is done via double tap but on the second tap you press and hold for 1s (Left for volume down, Right for volume up). Play/Pause/Answer calls is done by a single tap on either side.

Codec wise you get SBC and aptX Adaptive – sadly it doesn’t look like there is AAC for Apple users so they will be limited to SBC. Battery life is up to 10hrs with ANC on, and 11hrs with it off. The case provides an extra 20/22hrs playback and a 5 minute charge provides up to an hours playback. Whilst this is far from the class-leaders such as the Lypertek Z3 2.0, it is still more than enough for the average user. The case charges via USB-C but also supports wireless charging which is quickly becoming the norm.

The earphones are IPX4 rated, this means they are good for your average daily use and can survive gym use and rain showers – but you don’t want to submerge them or accidentally take them in to the shower with you.

Mic quality is good when used for calls, again not neccessarily the best in class but a lot better than quite a few true wireless models on the market.

Sound

Bass: The bass on the Ally Plus II is very good for day to day usage, they are a little warm overall with a pleasant amount of body and low-end emphasis. They are not boosted to the point they drown out the rest of the frequency range, however they do have a slight lift which makes them easy yet fun and engaging to listen to. This also helps with outside noise, and when you turn ANC mode on you do notice they increase the low end a little more than with Ambient mode active. The bass is not overly snappy or controlled and is a little slow to react when listening to complex tracks, however modern pop, hip-hop and more mainstream genres are where these shine offering up a bold and punchy sound signature.

Midrange: There is a bit of a dip in the midrange and the bass bleeds in a little, causing male vocals to sound a little too thick and slightly dull. Female vocals lack a bit of bite too, not quite grabbing your attention, there is a veil over the midrange and it is lacking in clarity. Luckily there isn’t anything missing as such, they are just a little too laid back and smooth for my personal tastes, this does however lead to a fatigue free sound. The in-app EQ is quite helpful though, and with a bit of tweaking you can get a bit more from the midrange.

Treble: There is a bit of a dip in the lower treble to ease any sibilance, then there is a bit of a boost immediately afterwards which brings out cymbals quite nicely. There is enough energy but again these lack a certain precision and are not particularly linear in the treble region. They sound quite closed in and lacking air and extension, with a relatively early roll-off.

Genres and Soundstaging

These are tuned to do well with more mainstream genres, so anything pop, hip/hop and slower alternative rock tends to sound fairly good, but they lack the tonal accuracy to bring out the best in acoustic tracks, and lack the speed and control needed for complex metal.

Soundstaging is fairly average, the relatively early roll-off in the treble doesn’t help as this robs the Ally Plus II of some air and space. Whilst they don’t sound overly closed in, they don’t excel in this area either.

Who is it for?

• Frequent commuters who need excellent ANC
• Active users looking for comfort and a secure fit

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Ally Plus II Announcement – Based around custom-tuned 10mm dynamic drivers, Cleer Audio’s latest true wireless stereo earphone, the Ally Plus II, delivers a level of what the company describes as ‘industry leading hybrid noise cancellation’ along with features and performance normally associated with products at double the price.

The Ally Plus II’s Adaptive Noise Cancellation is especially tuned for optimal effect and uses Feed Forward and Feed Back mics to monitor a listener’s surroundings in order to provide the most appropriate suppression of environmental sounds. 

Cleer has also updated its Cleer+ control app which provides further options to customise the ambient noise levels. The app also allows changes to EQ levels plus a custom option to personalise the listening experience even further. 

Moreover, the audio quality is enhanced by Cleer’s custom filters which are applied alongside ergonomic features such as the sound pipe angling the eartip to provide an improved listening experience. Specialised silicon ear tips reduce pressure in the ear canal to make wearing the Ally Plus II for extended periods more comfortable.

Those extended periods of listening are supported by a battery life of up to 11 hours which can be boosted by a further 22 hours of playback which is supplied by the small jewel-box style charging case which offers both USB-C and Qi wireless charging options. There’s also a transparent window in the lid so you can check that your Ally Plus II earbuds are connected and charging correctly.

Call quality comes courtesy of strong wireless connectivity, dual microphones and Qualcomm’s cVc (Clear Voice Capture) 8th generation noise reduction technology which makes chatting on the go clear and easy. 

Available in Midnight Blue and Stone

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Design and Functionality

The Etymotion cable is simple in design, with a basic cable, 3-button remote and battery pack. It uses MMCX connectors for the ER2/3/4 series but it will also work with most MMCX equipped IEM’s, the angled connectors however are not always ergonomic with all earphones (I would have preferred them to use more universal straight MMCX connectors). The battery pack isn’t small but if you wear it with the cable behind your neck it sits well, there are 2 included clips to help support it too which is good. Overall it’s not too clunky, and it has to house more electronics than most for optimal sound quality, one thing to note is the use of the outdated micro-USB for charging, most devices have now moved on to USB-C.

Functionality is good, it’s simple and easy to use with the middle button acting as the power button as well as play/pause/skip tracks, paired with volume up/down buttons too. There are not really any special features to the Etymotion cable, its a basic Bluetooth cable that focusses on sound quality over gimmicks. Battery life is around 8-10hrs depending on the volume, and it supports Aptx, Aptx HD and Aptx LL which is welcome.

Interestingly Etymotic have taken the approach of having a Qualcomm Bluetooth receiver chip, which passes the incoming digital signal to an AKM4331 which then decodes and amplifies it. This is usually a much better approach to bluetooth implementation and should result in better audio quality along with higher volume output.

Sound

I mainly used the Etymotion cable with the ER2SE as the neutrality of these should bring out any weaknesses of the cable. Firstly the Etymotion doesn’t take away that classic Ety sound you would expect from the ER2SE, instead it really compliments them. You get the same controlled low end, open and honest midrange and great treble presentation and extension. It doesn’t really take anything away from the sound and the usual “Bluetooth compressed” sound is gone, it’s open, spacious and articulate. The Etymotion cable knows how to deliver the sound to your earphones as it was intended, with help from that little AKM chip.

I don’t find myself wanting to plug the cable back in and go wired when using with a mobile phone, arguably when paired with a device that uses Aptx HD you likely get better quality than if you were to plug them in to the phone directly. Initially I was sceptical, as we have great Bluetooth cables from Shanling in the form of the MW200, but I prefer the cable of the Etymotic over the neckband of the Shanling and the sound of the Etymotic cable is a little more neutral to my ears. If you are already an Etymotic fan but want something that is wireless, this really is the answer, I personally love the ER2SE and with this option to go wireless it is something that is really enjoyable and convenient when out and about.

The post Etymotic Etymotion Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Hey everyone, John here. Lypertek are new on the scene, and they have arrived with a bang! Their latest model is the PurePlay Z3: True Wireless earphones that look and feel as good as some of the pricier models out there. These are going for £99 so could be quite the steal! Let’s find out.

BUILD

On opening the Lypertek PurePlay Z3, the first thing that strikes me is the supplied charging case; it doesn’t look like your usual £99 product. The case actually reminds me of Sennheiser’s £250 True Wireless model… just saying. The material outer coating feels great to touch and shows that they mean business. There’s nothing cheap about the build here! The case opens and closes with a solid feel, and the battery level lights add to the sleek design. Then there’s the earphones themselves. Lypertek has gone for a simple design that looks attractive and very well built; they have a minimal look that’s been finished nicely.

COMFORT

The PurePlay Z3 sits very comfortably in my ear, they have managed to angle the sound tube perfectly to give a secure and solid fit. Supplied with the earphones are a selection of eartips, including Lypertek’s own Flexifit foam tips. For me, the foam tips provided the best fit in terms of comfort and sound. When trying the PurePlay Z3 yourself make sure to try all of the supplied tips in order to achieve the best fit for you.

FEATURES (size, isolation, accessories)

Lots of features have been packed into the PurePlay Z3. In terms of controls, you can play/pause, skip tracks, increase/decrease volume, take calls and enable your voice assistant all from the buttons on the side of the earphones. I really like the way the buttons have been placed, they are easy to press and do not cause any discomfort when used. Pairing is very easy with the PurePlay Z3. The earphones turn on as soon as they are removed from the case, then with two button presses on either earpiece, the PurePlay Z3 goes into pairing mode, then you can find them on your device. Whether you pair to the right or left earpiece doesn’t matter: once you connect to one of them, the earphones are ready to use.

SPECS

The PurePlay Z3 uses the latest wireless technology, supporting Bluetooth 5.0 as well as aptX and AAC audio codecs. Battery life is very impressive. You get up to 10 hours of use when the earphones are fully charged, and then with a fully charged case you can get a total of up to 70 hours while out and about! This is one of the highest ratings I have come across. You also get an IPX7 waterproof rating which will protect the PurePlay Z3 from sweat and rain, ideal for those long gym sessions or a run in the rain.

SOUND QUALITY

Listening to the PurePlay Z3, I would never have associated this level of sound quality with a sub £100 True Wireless earphone. These instantly grabbed my attention with their crisp and dynamic sound. Lypertek have tuned the Graphene coated 6mm driver extremely well.

Bass Response

Bass comes across well controlled and punchy. There’s power here without getting bloated and I never get the feeling of too much bass. The PurePlay Z3 goes low and provides weight while allowing the mids to breathe.

Midrange (Instrumental/Vocals)

Midrange is crisp and cuts through without being too forward for my tastes. Vocals and snares sit nicely in the mix without getting lost, and whether listening to intricate jazz rock, pop or ambient electronic, the PurePlay Z3 handles different genres well without ever sounding muddled.

Treble (Extension)

Up top, the PurePlay Z3 provides definition and space without harshness or the risk of fatigue. Treble has a smooth edge, which delivers a focused and engaging sound. While they don’t have the widest sound, soundstage provides depth and the level of separation will allow you to pick out where sounds are coming from.

Microphone

Call quality is very impressive with the PurePlay Z3. The microphone does a great job of picking out speech, providing clear call quality.

CONCLUSION

In terms of build and sound quality, I’d say that the PurePlay Z3 definitely competes with the big (and pricier) brands such as Sennheiser, RHA, Samsung, Apple and Jabra. Then when you factor in the £99 price tag, the PurePlay Z3 becomes serious True Wireless competition. In my opinion, the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 is a no brainer for those looking for a new True Wireless earphone.

The post Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphones Review & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Hey everyone, John here. We’re all moving into a wire free world. You can get a wireless version of most gadgets now, and to make things confusing, you can even choose whether you want wireless or true wireless. What’ll be next… really true wireless? Or the truest wireless? Anyway, we’re going to explain the differences between wireless and true wireless.

The term wireless, when it comes to headphones, has been around since the late 60’s. Back then, wireless headphones needed their own transmitter in order to get a wire free signal to them. These transmitters used radio frequencies and were mainly used to watch TV with. Earphones were also used in this way but were not very common. The early wireless earphones had a stethoscope design and were mainly used for those who were hard of hearing and needed some assistance, again mainly to watch TV with or listen to the radio.

Then something amazing happened. Bluetooth. This technology named after the 10^th century king of Denmark (King Harald Bluetooth) changed the world of wireless listening, and opened it up to everyone to be used anywhere.

With the help of Bluetooth, wireless earphones have become extremely popular. Now the name would suggest that there are no wires, but this is not the case. Wireless earphones can connect to your device wirelessly, however there is always a wire that connects the two ear pieces together.

Wireless Earphones

There are three main design choices for wireless earphones. Possibly the most common type is where the wire is designed to fall behind the back of the head, with a cable tightener used to fit the wire as tight as you like. This design is very good for active users, as the tight fit means there is less chance of the wire moving around while in use, and helps provide a secure fit of the earphones.

Another style of wireless earphone is where the cable is designed to rest along the back of the neck, using a longer wire with a looser fit. This design is potentially more comfortable as you don’t have a wire tight behind your head, it does however move around more as there is nothing securing it in place.

Lastly and recently gaining popularity is the neckband design. Similar to the previous, but these earphones have a solid neck band which holds the wire in place, achieving the best of both worlds. Having the wire secure around the neck is also useful when not in use, as you can just let the earphones dangle without the risk of losing them.

Having a wire between the earphones not only allows them to connect to each other, it also provides space for a microphone, controls and batteries to be placed. This means that the ear pieces can be smaller, controls are easy to use, call quality is very good due to the microphone being placed close to your mouth and battery life is very impressive, with some models achieving up to 30 hours from a single charge.

Now, how do you get more wireless than wireless? You go true wireless.

True Wireless

With true wireless earphones, not only do they connect wirelessly to your device, the ear pieces themselves connect wirelessly to each other. So, no wires at all.

It’s obvious why true wireless earphones have become so popular, as there are many benefits. The main one being: no wires. You get complete freedom. This makes true wireless earphones ideal for active use, as much as general portable use; they can do it all. Having no wires makes them extremely comfortable, so much so that sometimes it’s easy to forget they’re in your ears. No wires also means that there is nothing to get tangled. Hurrah!

True wireless earphones are supplied with their own carry case, which also acts as a portable charger. So when you’re done using them, not only will the case keep them safe, it will also charge the batteries up for when you next need them.

True wireless earphones aren’t all perfect though, there are a few compromises to be made for all of the practical benefits.

As there are no wires, everything needs to be packed into the ear pieces. Speaker driver, amp, DAC, battery, controls, microphone and all the other techy bits needed for them to work. This means that the ear pieces are bigger than normal wireless earphones and there isn’t much space. Batteries are smaller giving less usage time, with around 10 hours being the maximum on a single charge. The microphone is further away from your mouth, which effects call speech quality. Sound quality is compromised, as the drivers need to share space with everything else and there is less power to work with. They are also a lot easier to lose, being so small means they can easily be dropped or misplaced without being careful.

True wireless earphones are still new, and the quality, performance and value for money is constantly improving. So even though it is easy for me to pick at the problems. I can see why the benefits of convenience, comfort, functionality and style outweigh the negatives. Me personally, I’m still a wired earphone kinda guy. But with the rate at which the true wireless technology is advancing, that could one day change.

The post Video Review: The Difference Between Wireless and True Wireless appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

iFi Audio xCAN Portable Wireless Headphone Amplifier

Perfect for those travelers looking to get the best audio while on the move. The iFi Audio xCAN can wirelessly connect to your audio device via Bluetooth, whether you listen to music on your phone, laptop or tablet. The xCAN adds iFi Audio’s high quality amplifier expertise to your setup, able to power some of the more difficult to drive cans with no extra wires. Just plug your favourite earphones or headphones into the xCAN to get the very best out of them.

SoundMAGIC E11BT Wireless In Ear Isolating Earphones

Widely considered to be this year’s best wireless earphones for under £100, the SoundMAGIC E11BT brings years of budget perfection to a Bluetooth neckband design. We’re certain that the E11BT delivers the best sound quality at this price point, with top features like Bluetooth v5.0 technology, AAC audio compatibility and IPX4 water resistance. Then to top it all off, the E11BT has the most impressive battery life going. We’ve experienced over 30 hours of continuous playback from one full charge, which should cover most of your travel needs there and back.

Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless Full Size Noise Cancelling Headphones

B&W’s PX Bluetooth headphone is still our favourite sounding wireless noise canceler out there. The classic design is tasteful and attractive, showing off the B&W heritage with a modern edge. The earpads are soft and comfortable. They fully enclose the ears and isolation is impressive, blocking out a lot of background noise passively. Then, when you need complete silence, the built-in noise cancelling does wonders. When used with the dedicated app, the PX can be customised to suit most environments. They do it all!

Shanling M0 Portable Wireless Hi Res Audio Player

If you fancy getting better sound on the move, but don’t want to add a large device to your setup, the Shanling M0 could be just what you’re looking for. This tiny player delivers top quality Hi-Res audio and can be used in two different ways. The SD card slot allows you to store your own library of tunes, from MP3 to DSD. It can handle it all. The M0 can also act as a Bluetooth amp and DAC for your headphones. So, if you prefer using Spotify or Tidal on your phone, then wirelessly connect to the M0 to boost the audio quality while using an interface you are comfortable with.

Sennheiser Momentum TW True Wireless In Ear Isolating Earphones

For those that value design and build quality along with great sound, then the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless earphones are worth checking out. Relatively expensive for a true wireless earphone, considering there are plenty of cheaper options available, we believe that the Momentum True Wireless is worth the money. From the supplied charging case, with its fabric outer coating, to the earphones themselves: attractive, stylish and extremely comfortable. Sennheiser have put a lot of work into their True Wireless flagship, and it has truly paid off.

Remember to subscribe to our channel for more weekly content and click the links for information on all of the products mentioned. Thanks for watching and happy sunny listening.

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SoundMAGIC are on a roll right now with their releases. First the E11 and E11C – already gaining numerous 5 star reviews. Then the E11D – their first USB-C dedicated earphone; and now the E11BT Bluetooth earphones. How do they hold up against the rest of the range?

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The packaging is pretty standard for SoundMAGIC, with the addition of a front window flap – showing off the earphones along with a nice close up picture of the housing. Inside you get a selection of silicone eartips, USB charging cable and a carry pouch.

SoundMAGIC has gone for a neckband design with the E11BT. The design is neat and feels very well built. The batteries are placed either side of the neckband and there is an inline 3 button control and microphone for playing music and taking calls. The cables are the right length so they don’t flap around, and call quality is also very good as the microphone height is ideal.

Features and Comfort:

The specs for the E11BT are pretty impressive. You get the latest Bluetooth 5 technology which helps towards the sound quality, a transmission distance of up to 13 meters and improved battery life. The SoundMAGIC E11BT will give you up to around 20 hours of continuous talk time. I have also found out that with general use, battery life lasts and lasts. The manual states that you can expect between 48 and 60 hours of continuous playback and from my experience with the E11BT – this seems to be pretty accurate.

These earphones are AAC compatible which is great news for both Apple and Android users. There is no aptX compatibility. However, like aptX – the AAC codec will transmit your music in CD-like 16bit audio quality.

Connecting the earphones is easy. Once powered on, the E11BT automatically goes into pairing mode, with red and blue lights flashing. Then when the model appears on your device you can connect. I really like the battery level that’s shown on the home screen of my phone – very handy. When you’re not using them, the magnetic housings hang nicely around your neck.

Good news for sporty users. The E11BT has a high water resistance rating of IPX4 – this means that they will be able to withstand water splashes from any direction.

The E11BT is very comfortable to wear. The neckband has a smooth finish and is flexible, sitting nicely behind the neck, and the housings are a good size so no-one should have an issue with fit.

Sound:

Unlike other earphones at this price point – instrument separation is superb. Every sound comes through clearly and crisp.

• Bass: There is bass weight and punch coming from the low end – enough to keep the bassheads happy while keeping it controlled so it doesn’t bleed into the higher frequencies.

• Midrange: Mids pop, and cut through effortlessly with an engaging tone. There is a real crispness that is not what you’d normally expect from a lower priced Bluetooth earphone.

• Treble: The treble provides space and clarity and the soundstage is huge. You get a real sense of depth and width from the E11BT.

Conclusion:

Overall, I can confidently say that these are the best Bluetooth earphones going at this price and possibly even under £100. Their sound quality, technology, design and comfort are normally associated with more expensive models – the SoundMAGIC E11BT should be top of your list when looking for a new Bluetooth earphone.

Sound:  5/5

Features: 5/5

Comfort: 4/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 5/5

The post SoundMAGIC E11BT Wireless Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Since the invention of Bluetooth, it’s gone through many versions (well, 5 to be exact). But what do they all mean? Before a new version comes out and makes this video old news, here’s a rundown of what makes Bluetooth 5.0 so special.

To fully understand how far the technology has come, here’s a bit of a Bluetooth history lesson.

The History

Bluetooth 1.0

Bluetooth 1.0 was released back in 1999, and as you can imagine, it was pretty limited compared to what we are used to now. Back then, though, it was quite groundbreaking. The technology made it possible for compatible devices to transmit data wirelessly over short distances and using minimal power. It was first used in mobile phones and PC cards, allowing mobiles to connect to Bluetooth headsets for hands-free talking, and for PCs to communicate with wireless mice, keyboards, digital cameras and printers.

Bluetooth 2.0

For all its achievements, Bluetooth 1.0 was limited when it came to audio. Low data speeds meant that speech was just about the limit: transferring music required a higher data transfer speed. Skip to 2004, and we say hello to Bluetooth 2.0 and EDR, or Enhanced Data Rate. The big change here is increased data speeds, from 0.7Mbps to a whopping 3Mbps thanks to the EDR technology. Another improvement was to the maximum wireless range – this was increased from 10m to 30m. To this day, 3Mbps is the maximum connection speed. There have been other improvements over time, though.

Bluetooth 4.0

The next big jump was in 2010 with the release of Bluetooth 4.0, increasing the max range to 60m and introducing the use of Low Energy. This allowed for quick bursts of data transfers to be done with the use of even less power with relatively high data speeds of 1Mbps, opening the doors to Apple and Microsoft: bringing Bluetooth to the big leagues. Version 4.0 went through a few of its own updates, improving security, speed and efficiency until 2016 and the release of Bluetooth 5.0.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.0 shows how quickly this technology is advancing, with the max range being quadrupled to 240m and Low Energy data speeds doubling to 2Mbps. Boosting the range and reducing power usage has meant that Bluetooth can be used on a larger number of different devices, allowing them to transmit large amounts of data at high speeds with little power being used – and it’s only going to get better. Bluetooth 5.0 also enabled a new dual audio feature – allowing users to stream audio to two different devices at the same time from one source.

Backwards Compatibility

It’s amazing to see how much Bluetooth has improved in just 20 years, and even more impressive is that the smart brains behind it has managed to keep the technology backwards compatible. This means that no matter what version of Bluetooth your devices have – they will be able to communicate with each other. Just remember that being backwards compatible means that you will be getting the benefits of the lowest Bluetooth version – so it’s always worth making sure your devices have the most current version of Bluetooth to get the most out of the technology.

Summary

To summarise, the main improvements gained from Bluetooth 5.0 are:

• Longer transmission range – Increased to 240m from 60m.

• Higher data transfer speed – Bluetooth Low Energy speed doubled to 2Mbps, allowing all audio devices to communicate with reduced power usage.

• Dual Audio – Allowing you to play audio on two devices at the same time from one source.

The post Bluetooth 5.0 Explanation & Video appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

So the bluetooth fairy has delivered yet again, and Optoma Nuforce now has a truly wireless product in the BE Free8. When shoved in the ears, Optoma Nuforce promise us ‘True wireless earphones with superior sound quality with deep explosive bass’. Perhaps they should have called it the ‘Deton8’?

Pros:

• Completely Wireless
• One capsule can be worn only, like a bluetooth hands-free
• Charging can be done in portable case

Cons:

• Supplied tips are a bit slender
• Not good if you have butterfingers

Design and Appearance

The capsules are small and they’re sleek; the shiny plastic looks the part, but be careful when handling them. If you have dry fingers like this reviewer, they can be a bit slippy between the fingers. It would be nice to have a textured panel or a bit of piping around the edge for better grip.

Spinfit tips are included in two sizes; they look like medium and small sizes so if your ear canals are of a large size, you may be looking for some aftermarket tips. Also included is a case or caddy for storing the earphones between uses, and recharging them. The caddy can itself be recharged, so you needn’t be stuck if you’re away from a power socket.

Durability and Build Quality

Naturally, there’s not much to these earbuds, only the capsules and the caddy. The capsules are light but solid enough; were these to fall on the floor and be trodden on, the show should go on. The caddy is much the same in terms of how solid it feels, so there are no immediate concerns here.

Comfort

Depending on how well you can get on with the supplied silicone tips, comfort is not an issue. The capsules sit in place with no trouble, and they can be largely forgotten, but for the music. Should the silicone tips give any issues, aftermarket foam tips such as Blackbird’s S20 tips should offer an improvement.

Sound Characteristics

The sound of the BE Free8 is generally on the bassy side, but with a decent amount of midrange and treble presence for a warm but fairly detailed presentation.

• Bass

There’s a decent amount of subbass here; although as mentioned above, the supplied tips are quite small and thin. Without a good seal, bass frequencies can be affected so bear this in mind. Bass control is pretty good for a design of this type although it could be a bit tighter.

• Mids

Midrange is clear and quite detailed for a bluetooth earphone; it does not appear recessed unless there is a lot of bass and sub bass going on, so if you’re a fan of oldies or acoustic music then do not be put off. Having said that, the BE Free8 is not too tolerant of low-bitrate music files which can come across as a bit mushy.

• Treble (e.g. high hats):

Treble is gentle and goes very well with the midrange; there’s no noticeable throughs or peaks in the sound up here. If you’re keen on a bright or sparkly sound then the BE Free8 may not be for you, although it’s certainly not rolled off or veiled. Fine details are not particlarly well rendered, but this is par for the course for this type of wireless earphone these days.

• Soundstage and Separation

Effects such as soundstage and imaging/separation etc. do rely on those fine details, and these are insufficient to get a good impression of space and the positions of sounds within that space. The BE Free8 is not the best at this, but does present a cohesive and enjoyable sound nonetheless.

Music genres good for and why

The Optoma Nuforce BE Free8 is probably best with modern pop and dance etc. but will cope well with all genres, so long as your digital music files are of good quality. 128kbps MP3 files from 2004 will probably make themselves known!

Summary

Optoma Nuforce’s new BE Free8 is a truly wireless model, with two capsules to put in your ears and that’s it – no cable even runs between them. For music, they are quite adequate for using whilst exercising or on the move but may not cut it for fans of subtle details.

The post Optoma Nuforce BE Free8 Bluetooth Earphone Review – Wireless without the wire appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Earphone Review

The SoundMAGIC ST80 is the perfect companion for sports enthusiasts, with a big helping of bass, yet crisp and detailed mids and non-fatiguing highs they are sure to keep you motivated on the move.

Pros:

• Overall sound quality
• Fit
• Build quality

Cons:

• Possibly a bit too much bass for some

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The SoundMAGIC ST80 looks like most other earhook sports headphones, with a rotation behind the ear hook to securely hold them in place, and a small housing that goes into your ear. There is a battery pack on the cable, with a clip to clip it to your clothing, and a small remote. I think they look great for a sports headphone and do not stick out too much, I also like the black and red cable linking the headphones to the battery pack.

The build quality feels sturdy and these should hold up fine to daily sports activities very well, the cabling feels good, the headphones themselves are a mixture of metal and plastic. There is good strain relief on the connections and being Bluetooth means less cabling to fail, the cable is detachable though (screw on) and also included is a regular audio cable with controls.

Accessory wise you are spoilt for choice, with a nice clamshell carry case, 2 cables (one Bluetooth, one regular with mic and controls), an adaptor that splits the audio and microphone cable for use with computers, USB charging cable, phono adaptor that changes the pinout for apple/android, cable clip, S/M/L Comply foam tips, XS/S/M/L sports silicone tips, S/M/L regular silicone tips and also a pair of bi-flange tips. This amount of accessories and tips means you are guaranteed to find a secure fit, but also have something to store them in when not in use.

Comfort, Isolation, Cable noise and Ease of use:

The ST80 take a while to get used to fitting, once you get the hook behind your hear it is quite easy to get a good fit. The fit is nice and secure due to the earhooks keeping them in place, but the earhooks are soft enough to not cause discomfort. I find them to be very comfortable once you get a good fit and would not have problems wearing them for extended periods of time.

Isolation is good, not as good as fuly sealed units, but enough to block out most of the world around you when you are out jogging, just be careful when crossing the road or are around cycle paths. The good isolation also means they won’t leak sound outwards and annoy people near you.

Cable noise is very low on these, which is important for a sports headphone.

I found the ST80 paired over Bluetooth quickly and easily, I had no transmission issues and the remote was easy to use, if you long hold the volume up it changes track, instead of the usual double tap of the middle button. Something you will need to get used to, but nothing problematic; They charge easily via a microUSB port on the battery pack.

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READ MORE: SoundMAGIC E10BT Bluetooth Earphone Review

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Sound

• Bass

The low end is slightly boosted on the ST80, keeping an upbeat and always present bass line keeping you motivated when out at the gym. Luckily the bass is not a bloated mess, it can extend low and you can feel it as well as hear it, but it does not veil the mid range too much. I find the impact of kick drums to be very impressive, and bass guitars are also very articulate, the only thing they don’t do so well is fast paced heavy metal.

• Mids

The mids are slightly behind the bass in overall quantity, but they are still easily heard, female vocals sound a little better than male vocals. Overall though, the crunch from guitars is aggressive when called for, and there is a good amount of crisp detail. What is very good in the mid-range is the spacial cues and separation, being quite open and expansive.

• Treble

The treble is very well reproduced here, again it takes a slight back seat in the overall sound but it still retains good clarity and air. It does not sound up front, leaning towards a darker, bassier sound. These won’t be for those who want the clearest sound, but for those looking for a fun sound whilst out and about they are perfect.

The soundstage is intimate, but the separation is good.

Conclusion

The SoundMAGIC ST80 can compete with the big boys, like the Sennheiser HD1 in-ear wireless, the ST80 have a bass oriented sound signature but with good clarity overall. The bass is the driving force behind these, but the mids cut though the mix very well offering excellent detail retrieval. The highs are slightly dull which leads to an easier listening experience but not the best overall balance.

The design lends itself to sports use, and the sound for that use is perfect, a nice big bass beat to keep you motivated, but without masking the rest of the sound.

The post SoundMAGIC ST80 Bluetooth Sports Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

SoundMAGIC E10BT Wireless Earphone Review

For some years now the fine E10 from SoundMAGIC has assaulted our shores and needs no introduction; it has remained a firm favourite everywhere and shows no signs of losing that favour despite being in its 6th year since its release. But given that the SoundMAGIC E10 is now no longer an infant, it’s time to cut the apron strings and allow our little earphone to make its own way in the world, with a knapsack on its back.

So will the SoundMAGIC E10BT become the Mayor of London, or a missing person on milk cartons?

Full video review at the bottom of the page

Pros:

• Now the E10 is wireless!
• Plenty of eartips
• Carry case

Cons:

• Battery takes some getting used to

Design and Appearance

SoundMAGIC has gone to the dark side with the colours here; the E10BT is black all over and even the left/right markers from previous models are black now. The mic/controls are on the right with this one, and a battery pack sits in the middle of the cable.

Accessories are plentiful with various eartip types and sizes, along with a carry case for between uses.

Durability and Build quality

The E10BT seems durable enough, with a rubberised coating on the cable and strain reliefs which are small but seem up to the job. The cable seems a bit thinner than the E10, but this is because the lower section of cable (thicker on the E10) is not present on the bluetooth version of course.

Individual pairings can vary of course, but this reviewer gets a very strong connection with a cheap 4 year old Huawei handset, allowing a fair distance of travel from the source before connection problems arise.

Comfort

This can depend on the manner in which the E10BT is worn, and can require a bit of experimentation. Personally, this reviewer likes to wear the E10 with the cable going over the backs of the ears, with the cable and battery pack hanging loose down at the front like a medallion. Others prefer to clip the battery pack on at the front, or the back of the neck.

With the cable hanging down direct from the ears, the clip is probably required as the battery pack/cable tends to tug a bit more on the earholes.

Suitability for intended application

SoundMAGIC have though about this; with the types of uses the E10BT is likely to be put to, they have included a new type of tip with this model which are vented. These have little notches in them on the outside which allows a certain amount of exterior sound to penetrate, so if you’re out jogging then you’re more aware of the environment.

The battery pack on the SoundMAGIC E10BT sits in the middle of the cable; this can be clipped to a collar if worn at the back of the head, or worn at the front. This reviewer found a good fit with the cable going over the back of the ears, and the battery pack tucked in to clothing at the front. Battery life is good with a 10+ hour playing time which should be alright for a couple of marathons if you’re jogging!

Pairing is easy too; once the earphones are paired with your device initially, the two will connect automatically when turned on. Be aware that this may be tricky if your friend wants to try the E10BT on their own handset – you will have to turn yours off to prevent the automatic pairing from taking place. The connection is strong – at least with my 4 year old Huawei handset

Sound isolation

With the standard supplied silicone tips, isolation is average; exterior sounds are reduced by a few decibels, but of course if music is playing then they can be virtually ignored. Total isolation is not ideal though if you wish to remain aware of your environment, so there are some ‘vented’ eartips included which will reduce the isolation a bit further if needed.

Also, for fans of the previous models, the eartips are the same size so any custom, or aftermarket E10 tips need not be disposed of!

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READ MORE: RHA S500 Earphone Review – Ore Inspiring

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Sound characteristics

So, does the SoundMAGIC E10BT have that classic E10 sound? With a wired E10 in one ear and the E10BT in the other, this reviewer has the same track synched up on his phone and DAP, listening to both at once. It’s hardly scientific, but there are no great departures from the E10 sound but for a slightly warmer-sounding midrange and possibly a smoother treble.

If anything, bass tends to come through more at lower on the E10BT but not by much.

• Bass

There’s a slight emphasis on bass to give some nice added heft to drums and basslines, without going overboard. It goes low too, with a little added sub where called for. It’s a good level for a wide variety of music styles if you like to mix it up!

• Mids

The midrange is clean, clear and relatively crisp; reverb trails can be followed right to their disappearance and little seems to get in the way. Vocals are detailed and backing vocals have a nice breadth. Strings sit nicely in the background; harmonics are fairly easy to pick out which makes for some nice imaging too.

• Treble

The top end is slightly smooth; it’s similar to the E80 model which provides great detail without pushing it at the listener. It’s not a warm or dark-sounding earphone overall, there’s just a little bit of edge taken off which can greatly reduce problems with fatigue over longer listening sessions.

• Soundstage and Separation

Soundstage is about average for an in-ear model, not really creeping out far beyond the confines of the E10BT’s hardware. It makes for an intimate and pleasant presentation but you won’t be swept off your feet.

Separation is pretty good with many instruments vying for attention; pick one out and it’s easy to follow. There’s not much chance of complicated pieces getting cluttered with the E10BT.

Music genres good for and why

As with the original wired E10, the E10BT is a great all-rounder but may be more at home with commercial music such as pop, dance and hip hop. Having said that though, jazz classical and acoustic recordings are still very nice and if you enjoy a wide variety of music genres but just want one earphone, the E10BT is a strong runner.

The post SoundMAGIC E10BT Bluetooth Earphone Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The long awaited Sleek Audio SA6 and W-1 Wireless Bundle Pack is now available from HiFi Headphones.  The W-1 wireless adapter enables you to listen to your audio source at full lossless, CD quality within a range of 18 metres (without obstructions).

The W-1 either comes bundled with a Sleek Audio SA6 earphone, or alternatively comes as a standalone W-1 Wireless Adapter if you already own the Sleek Audio SA6 earphone.

Below are a few product highlights:

• Lossless CD quality sound, using Kleer wireless technology.
• SA6 earphone is sound isolating design rather than earbud style (as used on the Sennheiser MX W1), meaning earphones seal in the ear correctly to reduce low frequency (bass) leakage and for best noise isolation.
• Revert back to wired operation when batteries run out.
• Sleek Audio W1 Wireless pendant sits behind neck and can be secured under clothing.  User reviews suggest it stays secure while exercising.
• User reviews at Head-Fi.org suggests slight improvement in bass response over wired SA6 (from iPod without headphone amp).

CD Quality, Lossless Digital Audio

The Sleek Audio’s W-1 Wireless uses a completely new technology called ‘Kleer’, which provides a CD quality, lossless digital audio link between the audio source and your earphones.

If you have tried RF wireless headphones or earphones in the past it’s likely you were disappointed by the limitations of the technology.  Even the highly regarded Sennheiser wireless headphone range introduce noise to the audio signal, which is audible when listening to quiet passages of music.  The audible hissing sound and occasional crackly interference really get in the way of enjoying your tunes.

With the Sleek Audio W-1 wireless there is no longer any compromise over audio quality if you want to get rid of the wires.

Compatible with Sleek Audio SA6 and Future Models

The highly regarded Sleek Audio SA6 made waves in the earphone World at the end of last year when it introduced the idea of customisation to an earphone.  With the SA6 treble and bass response can be custom tuned to suit your equipment, ears and the style of music you are listening too.

According to Sleek Audio they intend to make the W-1 Wireless Adapter compatible with future earphones in their line-up.  There are rumours of a lower end Sleek Audio earphone in early 2009 (an SA3?) and possibly a very high end earphone after that (can they really dramatically improve the audio quality of the SA6?).

More Information

The Sleek Audio SA6 and W-1 Wireless bundle pack is available in the UK from the HiFi Headphones store.

The post Sleek Audio SA6 Wireless Earphones – now in stock! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.