Reviews by mark2410 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

Accutone Gemini HD Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Accutone for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/828710/accutone-gemini-hd-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Mids to die for.

Price: US$129 which is about £102

Specifications: Err, an 8mm Beryllium driver and impedance is 20 Ohms.

Accessories: So you get 2 pairs of Comply’s and no silicone tips. 3 pairs of tuning filters and a case that is too thin to fit the things without shoving them in.

Isolation: Alright, not super great but fine for out and about and just enough for bus use. Flight and Tube not so much. Still you’ll need to remember and use your eyes near traffic or get yourself killed.

Comfort/Fit: Good, absolutely zero issues on either front, wearing up or down despite their angular edged outer. Happy to wear them for hours and hours at a time. Nice.

Sound: Well prior to this my experiences with Accutone had not be stellar. Then these came in with the red filters. Sigh. They were not great. Then I changed to the bile coloured filters and suddenly they were a completely different product. Not just did they no longer suck, they were actually good, very good, damn fine good in fact. The mids in particular become outstanding. I don’t know where they were hiding, maybe I’m having a stroke, god knows. The bass is super clean for a dynamic and really shines when amped, its death isn’t super linear but in the more typical bass things its sooo clean and sculpted. No mid bass hump, though not it’ll be bass light for more mainstream folks but try to resist using the red filter, EQ or bass boosting amp it instead. Then the treble is nicely refined, little bit more inclined to the shimmer and it doesn’t really ever give a hard edgy bight which is super fine with me. Though if you want brutality or details hurled at you this won’t do that. It’s got a sublime tonality and the mid-range being slightly prominent are so sumptuously flowing. Top marks for the vocals, I don’t know what they did but they are so beautifully rendered, rich and yet not creamed and thickened, such grace to them. Just fantastically good and ear pleasing vocals on these. Love them.

Value: Well they aren’t unbeatable but the mids are just so gorgeous that I’d have not a seconds hesitation in slapping down a hundred quid for them.

Pro’s: Mids to die for. So graceful and clean. Delicately beautiful.

Con’s: The “green” filter is more bile coloured. The red filter sounds sucky.

1MORE Dual-Driver In-Ear Headphones (E0323) Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to 1MORE UK for the review sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/828671/1more-dual-driver-in-ear-headphones-e0323-review-by-mark2410

Brief: 1MORE for the ladies.

Price: £79.99

Specifications: Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz / Plug: 3.5 mm Gold Plated Color: White With Brushed Gold

Accessories: 6 sets of silicone ear tips of various sizes, Magnetic clasping traveling case, Attractive storage case, Quality dual prong airline adapter, Matching shirt clip.

Build Quality: Flawless, I can’t spot any imperfections. The cable is a little bit kinky but that’s it.

Isolation: Pretty good for a hybrid and thus with a dynamic. Easily fine for on a bus or out and about use. Even the odd Tube or flight should be fine. As always you will then need to use your eyes for noticing traffic, or get run over.

Comfort/Fit: They were perfectly comfy for me to wear up, for hours at a time. The fit was a bit shallow so I need the big foam tips but then was fine in use.

Aesthetic: Well there are kinda pretty, the white with the almost rose gold is pretty but…… yeah its super girly. Now that doesn’t really bother me enough to not use but they are certainly not the most masculine of looking earphones. One for the ladies I think.

Sound: Excellent. These are stupid good, really they are seriously stupidly good. They really do show that you don’t need 50 drivers to sound good, these are really super seriously good. However……. They are just so closely priced to the Triple and while there isn’t very much in it acoustically between them, why wouldn’t you pick the Triple over these? The only real reason I can find is because you like how these look more. In terms of the audio these are stunning, the bass is every bit as great as the triple, large but so well controlled and articulated. It’s impeccably behaved yet well scaled for those who like their bass. Sure it’s a bit more than there ought to be but so what. The mids too are sublime, really approaching perfection, maybe a tiny sliver over warmed and creamy. The treble too could be said to be a little forgiving and polite but at the price, so what, these are amazeballs crazy good. Their balance and tuning is so brilliantly done, so incredibly good, really these are amazing sounding. They walk the line of mainstream and audiophile yet are so good that both will love them to bits, seriously good audio and with a bass that will please mainstream listeners too.

However, they are just 20 quid less than the Triple and while they are only a tiny bit better and they need driven well for you to really notice it I just don’t see any circumstances other than looks for me to say get these not the Triple instead.

Value: Super-duper excellent…… but seriously buy the Triple’s instead.

Pro’s: Sound incredibly good. Astoundingly good value.

Con’s: The Triple is better and only a tiny bit more money.

Accutone Taurus Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Accutone for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/828106/accutone-taurus-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Pricing discrepancy extraordinaire.

Price: PPR is US$90, Amazon US says US$23

Specifications: Erm 9mm driver. I’m not copying the manual from the Pisces out by hand.

Accessories: You get a nice tip selection and the cable is removable which is nice. The case though, well it doesn’t really fit so, yeah maybe go buy one that does.

Isolation: Not big isolators, probably okay for on a bus or out and about near traffic. You’ll still have to remember keep an eye out for traffic with music playing though, so please, do remember to keep your eyes open.

Comfort/Fit: Great for both. Their shape and the removable swirling cables meant I could wear them up or down and they were perfectly comfortable. Then it was just a shove in and done. Simples.

Sound: Yeah they may say there are by default set to make the bass and they are very heavy. You can however turn it down and when you do the get much less bad. The bass behaves a bit more and stops flabbing up all over the place. With it at min they are not too bed. They aren’t exactly great though but enough that in can say they have been pretty enjoyable to play with. They are bassy, reasonable in the mids and forgiving and mild in the treble. So for my treble sensitive ears they were pretty easy going. Still, if I said I loved these I’d be lying. Looking at their RRP of $90 I’m sorry but no. Then they appear on Amazon US at $23 which is vast difference. At that then they rocket up the value charts and their audio, their removable cable, their everything takes on a completely different tone. At that price they are cracking little things that I could absolutely give a huge thumbs up to, hand on heart at $23 they are super-duper nice. At $90 I cannot say the same.

Value: Yeah at US$23 awesome. At US$90 not so much.

Pro’s: Variable bass output. Removable cables. Good mic.

Cons: Mediocre sound quality.

Accutone Pisces Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Accutone for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/828002/accutone-pisces-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Hipster cool.

Price US$80

Specifications: See the manual.

Accessories: I think 5 pairs of tips, including some foam ones and a pair of Comply’s, a cable tie thing and a case. They don’t fit in the case.

Isolation: So so at best. They didn’t isolate enough for me to even use walking about near traffic. However when you have music playing it would be very easy to not notice traffic so do remember you must use your eyes if you want to stay safe.

Comfort/Fit: Great for both, they have an unusual shape but I could wear them up or down with no issues at all.

Sound: Their website goes on about their clarity and their micro detail retrieval which I don’t understand why. They are not, they are bassy, big bass heavy, weighty, potent thumbing beasts. Which is great if you want some big bass monsters and want it in a hipster fashionable look. They look super visually eye-catching. Plus bass heavy is popular mainstream appealing sound so why so the opposite on the website description of them? It’s confusing, what’s also confusing is the number of products they all call Pisces. I think someone put the wrong description on them. These things were made to go on a shelf in an Apple store and I think they both visually and acoustic are the perfect match for each other.

Value: Stunning looks and massive bass, great if those are what you want.

Pro’s: Visually attention grabbing. Huge bass.

Con’s: Clarity? Yeah not so much.

1MORE

Capsule

Dual-Driver In-Ear Headphones Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to

1MORE UK for the review sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/827769/1more-capsual-dual-driver-in-ear-headphones-review-by-mark2410

Brief: The really pretty sister, of Claudia Schiffer.

Price: £89.99

Specifications: Type: In-Ear, Color: Black, Nominal Impedance: 16 Ω, Sensitivity: 100±3 dB /1mW, Driver Unit: Balanced Armature Driver+ Dynamic Driver, Weight: 14g, Frequency Range: 20-40,000Hz, Plug: 3.5 mm, Rated Power: 5mW, Length: 1.25m, Wire Material: Enameled Copper Wire.

Accessories: 4 pairs of tips, “silicone extension sleeve for larger ear sizes,” pleather baggy thing.

Build Quality: I can’t fault anything they appear to be great. Cable seems nice.

Isolation: Very good. It may be a hybrid but they isolate almost as well as an all BA design. Easily fine for on a bus or out and about. Tube and flights should be okay too probably. That does mean that you won’t hear traffic even with no music playing so do remember to use your eyes near traffic.

Comfort/Fit: Great on both counts, tiny things and they fit me just great. Happy to wear all day.

Aesthetics: Rather nice. Ignoring my brief these are actually the best looking 1More. So diminutive and they just melt away, like them lots.

Sound: Now this is where the brief comes into play. The capsules are great, really they are really good. Their problem is that while they are great, the only a tiny fraction more expensive Triples are better. Not just a tiny bit better but they are noticeably better. Hands down better. Unless you really care about their looks and the size differences I just can’t see any occasion where I’d tell someone to buy the Capsules over the Triples. Not that I think anyone would be upset to receive a pair on Christmas morning, the Capsules on the own are really good. I myself very much like them and have enjoyed every minute I’ve spent with them. But I enjoyed the Triples more. Flavoured to be a relatively flavour lacking IEM, the bass is almost BA in its attributes and style. Lithe and agile and diminishing in depth. The mids are grand and the treble is good, accurate but can be a tiny bit gritty before going into its decline. All things I’d forgive at its price no problem yet….. Its siblings I just can’t quite keep out of my mind. It’s a nice overall acoustic balance being rather naturalistic and easy going. All in all a very pleasant affair that I’d be fine with using every day.

Value: Very good. However the Triples are better.

Pro’s: Sound great. Great balance. Super small.

Con’s: Its Siblings exist.

Massdrop x Noble X Universal IEM Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Massdrop for the loaner.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/827755/massdrop-x-noble-x-universal-iem-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Massdrop and Noble make a baby.

Price: US$250 or about £197

Specifications: Faceplates: Anodized aluminum in midnight blue, Drivers: 2 proprietary balanced armature drivers per side, Impedance: 30 ohms, Frequency response: 15 Hz – 20 kHz, Cable: 50 in (127 cm), detachable, with 2-pin configuration, Plug: ⅛ in (3.5 mm), gold-plated, Weight: 0.69 oz (19.5 g)

Accessories: Detachable cable with 2-pin connector & 3.5mm TRS plug, 2 pairs of single-flange silicone ear tips (M, L), 2 pairs of Noble foam ear tips (M, L), 1 pair of double-flange silicone ear tips (M), Cleaning tool, Carrying case, Noble Audio warranty.

Build Quality: It all seemed decently put together, the bits are of a good quality and the cable and such were all rather nice too.

Isolation: For a BA IEM they are rather shallow sitting and that means that they are relatively not so isolating. However these are still BA and thus they have no dynamic in them like with hybrids which require a vent. These are properly sealed and thus they beat pretty much every dynamic out there for isolation. Not just fine for bus or about and about but fine for flights or the Tube. Naturally that means even with no music playing you’ll need to use your eyes near traffic or get yourself killed.

Comfort/Fit: Aside from being rather shallow sitting with is a little peculiar if you’re used to normal BA things. That was it though, issue wise, a touch shallow but they fit me great and easily. I was also happy wearing them all day long, no comfort issues at all despite them being a little bit big.

Aesthetics: Nice. Tbh I’m not exactly drooling over them but they look nice enough, I like that blue and the Noble design is pleasant. So they look fine, nothing amazing but nice enough.

Sound: Good. They are a touch middy compared with most may be used to, what with their being all BA which seems like it’s been ages singe I’ve seen a multi driver that’s not a hybrid. BA bass is light, accurate, detailed and more inclined to punch than to bloom. Its depth is fine but can’t get all the way down. Same with the treble, it tails off as you go upward. Plenty detail but its subtle in its presentation. The mids though are where they are at their best. The mids are a little plain, not the most flavoured but highly naturalistic and realistic. Effortless and easy going. I kept going back to fantastically simple tracks with stellar vocals. Something so simple, easy and delicate to them if you amp them well. Oh and they do like all the power you can provide, particularly if from a cool amp. Not just benefit from but border line need, yet they were super easy to make loud out of anything. Contradictory a bit but oh well.

Value: Not the cheapest but certainly the cheapest Noble you can get.

Pro’s: Superb mid-range. Highly naturalistic presentation.

Con’s: Minimal drama and bombast. Will be too polite for some.

Bluedio Victory Bluetooth and Optical Headphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Bluedio for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/827745/bluedio-victory-bluetooth-and-optical-headphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Churchill’s headphones. (V for Victory, get it?)

Price: £200 or US$300 N.B. Black Friday sale makes them £130 or US$180

Specifications: Transducer type, Dynamic. Bluetooth version, 4.1. Frequency Response 10Hz to 22KHz. Impedance, 42 ohms x 2 32 ohms x 2 32 ohms x 8. Bluetooth Profiles aptX, A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP, ampX-LL. Digital audio support 24bit 48KHz. SPL 112dB. THD <0.1%. Drivers 50mm x 2 30mm x 2 20mm x 8. Bluetooth music time 25 hours. Optical Music time 40 hours. Standby time 1000 hours.

Accessories: 3.5mm audio cable, 6.3mm patch plug, User manual, Carrying case with a buckle, USB charging cable, Pouch for cables, Optical audio cable with adapter.

Build Quality: They visually and to the touch feel flawless and they are weighty, things that feel built like tanks.

Isolation: Actually rather good. They clamp reasonably well and they have thick squishy pads that got a good seal and thus isolated quite well for a headphone. Fine for most uses and maybe even a little flying. Naturally way more than enough to mean you don’t notice traffic out and about so please do use your eyes near traffic.

Comfort/Fit: Well fit was good but they did impinge my ears a little, so while the pads are nice and soft they do get a little tiring on the ear after a few hours. So for me it was mostly fine but I’d like a little break every few hours.

Aesthetics: Nice. Not super great as they are all just mostly matte black tank like monsters. They are kinda nice but hmm, there is something I dunno. Though what is cool is the buttons being a touch sensitive gesture pad rather than buttons, that does look kinda cool in use especially. Seriously, touch sensitive headphones, that’s some fancy stuff.

Sound: First off these are very much all about the bass. Whoa baby are these things all about the bass or what!!! You might think with all those drivers that the treble would be the star of the show but actually the treble is rather light, don’t ask why all those drivers then but they do have a curiously diffuse quality to them. Strange it is for sure but while I would have liked more it was interesting. Delicate and flighty that I couldn’t quite place its location it created an almost open like effect yet the bass is so obviously closed and walled, viscous power too. It just is a strange combination. That something with such a massive bass response and the things being so solidly constructed, heavy beasts. Then you get this diffuse delicate treble. It’s like an elephant performing ballet and performing it well. Something in your brain just says no no no, this is all wrong, yet there it is. The mids are a bit similar yet they are more heavy, rather over buttery. I’d like them to be more forward but it’s not. That might steal attention from the bass and trust me these are all about the bass. Fabulous epic crazy insane bass that will rip your face off. It’s crazy but it’s fun and I can’t quite make up my mind about them. Madness incarnate.

Value: Usually going for US$300 or £200 they are not bad, with all those inputs they have, its own DAC and amp in one its good. However the black Friday sale has them hacked down to £130 or US$180. Wooo basstastic value.

Pro’s: Soooo many inputs. Built like tanks. Mental bass response.

Con’s: Bass is subtle as a howitzer. Could do with a smidge more treble.

Yamaha MusicCast WX-010 Wireless Speaker Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Yamaha UK for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/827742/yamaha-musiccast-wx-010-wireless-speaker-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Yamaha’s mini Sonos.

Price: £150 each or in the US US$180

Specifications: Wi-Fi Yes, AirPlay Yes, Bluetooth Version/Profile Ver. 2.1 + EDR / A2DP, AVRCP, Audio Codec SBC, AAC* (*Receiving Only), Maximum Communication Range 10 m / 32.8 ft. 10 in. (without interference), File Format MP3, WMA, MPEG4-AAC, WAV(*2), FLAC(*2), AIFF(*2), ALAC(*1) --- (*1) up to 96 kHz (*2) up to 192 kHz, Ethernet Yes, Speaker Unit 9 cm (3-1/2”) Woofer x 1, 2.5 cm (1”) Tweeter x 1, Passive radiator x 2, Maximum Output Power 25 W (Woofer 15 W + Tweeter 10 W), Power Supply AC, Power Consumption 8 W, Standby Power Consumption 2 W (Network Standby ON, Bluetooth Standby ON, Wireless connection), 0.2 W (Network and Bluetooth Standby OFF), Dimensions (W x H x D) 120 x 160 x 130 mm; 4-3/4” x 6-1/4” x 5-1/8”, Weight 1.7 kg; 3.7 lbs, Colours Black, White

Accessories: Well the power cable for them is all you get. Though the Apps to control them are available and free.

Build Quality: Like everything else I’ve seen from Yamaha, the build quality appears to be flawless. It is heavy, solid and I can see no issues with any aspect of it.

Aesthetics. The while one, with the more grey mesh outer is nice looking but I think the black looks much nicer in pics. Though if I had that I may think the other way round. They are mostly diminutive, easy to barely even notice them.

Sound: The bass is considerably more even than you’d expect. The driver isn’t big at all but with two bass radiators it increases the surface area and thus the bass is more controlled and linear as it descends. It’s not flawless, it still does decline but its better behaved than tiny speakers would be otherwise while keeping the output quantity up. It’s unusual to have two bass radiators but it does work well. The mids are good, rather accomplished and probably what they do best. Then the treble, well that is strangely abundant. Not just that it’s a bit abundant but that it’s got a rather hard edge to it. That makes them feel rather enhanced in terms of their detail retrieval. It’s edgy and noticeably present which is unexpected. They do however do well with two of them together, the bass is competent and the mids are nice yet that treble is over edgy and with that edge it makes it sound more abundant than it really is. Yet there is an overall grown up balance, accomplished and treble aside, pretty evenly balanced. At low volumes and on their own they make for a great little background music speaker. Yet I couldn’t help but want them to be more use as a stereo pair. They coped with music so well that I wanted them to be usable for all audio not just the streaming supported kind.

Value: As a stereo pair very nice, on their own they are expensive for a background speaker. Surely one by itself you’ll only use for background stuff right?

Pro’s: Good audio quality. High quality bass output.

Con’s: Treble too edgy. No aux input.

UMI BTA6 Magnetic Bluetooth Earphones Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to UMI for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/826540/umi-bta6-magnetic-bluetooth-earphones-review-by-mark2410

Brief: More earphones for Uhura.

Price £19 or US$27

Specifications: I couldn’t find a nice list so I’ve pieced the bits a saw, sorry if I miss something. Bluetooth 4.1, 120mAh battery, 8hours listening time, 8hours talk time, 240 hours standby time. IPX6 water / sweat resistance, 2 hours charging time, can pair to 2 things at one time.

Accessories: Ear Tips(S,M,L)x3 pairs, Ear Hookx3 pairs, USB Charging Cablex1, User Manualx1

Build Quality: They would appear to be rather good. Visually I can detect no imperfections and they come with a rather decent 18month warranty. Plus they are rain / sweat resistant. Though I’d still want to keep them in a little case.

Isolation: Pretty good. Fine for out and about and on a bus. Not really Tube or flight levels but easily sufficient for getting run over if you don’t remember you need to use your eyes near traffic.

Comfort/Fit: Very good. No issues in comfort though I did have a slight issue with the left channel being slightly more fussy. Don’t know why but when wearing up especially it was little sensitive. Still comfort wise I was fine wearing them for hours and hours at a time.

Aesthetics: I love the gunmetal beside matte black. Its attractive while visually subdued and that appeals a lot to me. I think they look great.

Sound: Slightly less flavoured than what you’d or at least what I expected. While they are bass dialled up and treble a little dialled down they aren’t as greatly tonally flavoured. They aren’t abounding in richness nor warmth. Darkened a presentation for sure but its slightly more grey rather than brown. They are all warm and soft, floured and gooey. They therefor are a bit cleaner, more clear sounding than other things of this nature. For a cheap Bluetooth earphone it’s a bit more generalised a sound that is more versatile than how others tend to be. There isn’t the same degree of oppressive warmth smothering things to same extent as some others do. These are more balanced, less encumbering and less obscuring. It’s a curious position to take. Going for a bit of a more grown up flavour or rather a lack of flavour for what that is a cheap end Bluetooth product. Going for a maybe a more, erm, experienced musical style. This isn’t quite so chavvy and thumping as many others are. While this appeals greatly more to me I’m not entirely sure it’s going to offer up the sort of colouring that mainstream buyers may be after or expect. This is that bit more mature acoustically.

Value: Well for under 20 quid you get a pretty fine offering. It got lots of competition but you really can’t go wrong with this for the price it’s currently sitting at.

Pro’s: Slight more a mature tonality. Looks good. Good Value.

Con’s: Perhaps not as flavoured as some may wish.

UMI-BTS3 Portable Wireless Speaker Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to UMI for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/826335/umi-bts3-portable-wireless-speaker-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Pretty black sleekness.

Price: £26 or US$35

Specifications: Output Power: 10W (5W*2) S/N: 75dB Frequency Response: 80Hz-20 KHz Power Supply: Lithium battery or USB cable Audio Source: iPhone, iPad, Smartphone, PC, Notebook, MP3, MP4, etc Function Spec.: Wireless, Microphone, Line-in Size: 180mm x 56mm x 69mm

Accessories: 1 x Micro USB Charging Cable, 1 x 3.5 mm Stereo Audio Cable, 1 x User Manual

Build Quality: It would appear to be excellent. The top and bottom are all rubber clad and the mesh grill is all metal. Of course that rubber could be hiding things but if feels excellent in the hand.

Aesthetics: Not that I’m suggesting looks should really matter that much but…. it is damned good looking. All that matte black rubber coating, looks fantastic. The thing just looks sleek as all get out. I very much like it.

Battery Life: The state 24 hours at 50% volume. There was no way I was going to test that but that seems extremely a high figure to me so I have a certain scepticism but in use it lasted ages so maybe its accurate.

Sound: Good: They pleasingly quote the lower limit at 80Hz which seems more realistic than some claiming 20Hz. Now the bass is not very low, the drivers are tiny and there is no way though could produce a real low end so it doesn’t try to dial up the mid bass levels. It’s a bit boosted but nothing silly. Thus I’m quite pleased with the quality of its output. However it does make it a bit better suited to things that aren’t filled with bombastic thumping bass. The mids are rather pleasing particularly in nicely simple melodies. Clean and pleasing in its simplicity. The treble is fine, a little dampened on the whole bit it does rise up if on axis. Though again you probably don’t want to throw on a super heavy treble track any more than a bassy one. Where drivers of this nature are at their best in in mid-range, nice, clean and simple. It’s a good little effort too for what it is. Something you could happily have gently and mildly playing away. Then should a call come in it’ll act as a decent little speaker phone for you too.

Value: Great. Filled with lots of little attention to detail things, the NFC, the hardware on off switch, the rubber cladding, it all adds up to a great little gizmo and at just £26 you really can’t fault anything. Not to mention it looks great and feels great in the hand.

Pro’s: Great looks. Super easy to use. Sounds good.

Con’s: It doesn’t really have any.

AudioMX EM-S4 Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to AudioMX for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/826314/audiomx-em-s4-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Pretty, bargain priced dual driver.

Price: £25 or US$35 in Trumpland.

Specifications: Advanced high resolution coaxial dual dynamic drivers, Engineered with advanced dual coils (10 mm and 6 mm in diameter), produce thumping bass, lush mid-range notes, and crystal clear highs. Broad compatibility and convenient control system, Compatible with all 3.5 mm audio jack smartphones and devices. Built-in MIC allows for hands-free calling. Multi-functional control button enables PLAY / PAUSE / FW / REV functionality.

Accessories: 4 pairs of silicone tips and a very nice little hard case.

Build Quality: While they are plastic rather than metal the buds are very nice, no imperfections I can detect. The cable is nice and the jack, mic and Y splitter are all metal. Given their bargain price its very nice build quality.

Isolation: If there is one area there fall down on it’s the isolation. They are shallow fitting and rather well vented. Thus they dost isolate very well so while fine for out and about, maybe fine for on a bus too. Tube and flights I’d say don’t even think about. However with music playing still enough to obscure traffic to the point you need to remember and use your eyes.

Comfort/Fit: Great. I was a little sceptical about the built in ear guides but they actually worked great on my ears. They are a little shallow fitting but they fit very nicely and I was very happy wearing them for several hours at a time with no problems.

Aesthetics: While they would look nicer if the beds were metal, they still look really nice. Clean, minimalist and its just works visually. I very much like.

Sound: Well these may be dual drivered but they haven’t gone for the expected V shaped dramatic sound signature. The bass is abundant but not crazily so, it’s a little gentle, smooth and easy on the ear. The mids are much the same, mids do a very nice layering harmony. The treble, you’d expect a lot, brash and vibrant wouldn’t you? Well nope, not here. They have gone for a smooth, delicate treble and it’s really rather subdued. Actually I’d say it’s a little over subdued. It’s super polite, laid back, refined and gently shimmering. If you listen hard there is detail but it’s so unobvious. These are softly melodic, they like to do a pleasingly harmonious layering to the music. Brash brutal stuff they just don’t do. It’s a highly relaxed, delicately diffuse sound that I find most pleasing and forgiving. However it’s not going to have the bight and grrrr that some consumers will be looking for. Always nice to listen to but they just can’t pull off aggressive.

Pro’s: Look lovely. Sound lovely. Nicely build.

Con’s: Too polite and reticent for vibrant party time.

Mixcder ShareMe 5 Bluetooth Headphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Mixcder for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/826224/mixcder-shareme-5-bluetooth-headphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Pretty, warm and sharing.

Price: £46 or in Trumpland US$56

Specifications: Type: Over-the-ear headphones, Colour: Gloss black, Driver Size: 40 mm, Transducer Type: Dynamic, Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz, Impedance: 32 Ohms, Senstivity:95±3db, Charging takes 1.5 hours, Playing Time: 16 Hours, Talking Time:14 Hours, Bluetooth Profiles Supported:HSP,HFP,A2DP,AVRCP, Operating Range:33 feet (10 m)

Accessories: ·1 x 3.5 mm audio cable, ·1 x Universal USB charging cable, ·1 x User's manual

Build Quality: Perfectly fine, neat and tidy though they are very lightweight, good for wearing but some equate light with not sturdy. They feel fine to me in the hand.

Isolation: they were not bad, they just almost made it all round my ears so the isolation wasn’t the highest possible but good enough for out and about, on a bus. Flights and Tube id skip. With music more than enough to drown out traffic so use your eyes.

Comfort/Fit: Very good. With them being so light they don’t have to clamp hard. I was happy wearing for hours at a time with no issues.

Aesthetics: They are visually subtle but I like them. They look pretty and that sweeping, twisting curve and how it extends all the way round them to me, shows some real attention to detail. Pretty.

Sound: A highly flavoured offering, warm and rich in abundance. The bass is rather elevated too and is more expansive in the way it like to bloom more than to be impactful. Warmly sumptuous, enveloping, creamy, heavy sounding etc etc, you know the drill. Bass is elevated quite a bit, mids are next then the treble taking up the rear. Mids are heavy and creamy too as is the treble. Soft and gentle, it all likes to create a bit of a soft focus, warmly smooth picture for you. It sands down any sharp edges, mellows things and covers up any poor mastering or poor bit rates. It’s all a bit warm for me but it creates a pleasing picture, focusing on the whole rather than any specific details. Warm, smooth, rich, heavy are the words of the day. While these do great for soft jazz and for mainstream pop alike I might have alike a little less warmth to them but hey, they are what they are and I don’t doubt that typical consumers will highly appreciate them doing their best to lowlight the imperfections in their favourite chart topping pop hits.

Value: They are a great price, highly flavoured but with their warm crowd pleasing sound signature that can run wired or Bluetooth for a rather competitive price, that they are very light and thus very comfortable to wear is just gravy.

Pro’s: Highly flavoured warm sound. Thick and sumptuous presentation.

Con’s: Too highly warmed for me. Richness and thickness obscures fine details.

ADVANCED M4 Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to ADVANCED for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/826131/advanced-m4-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: Bargain middy monitor.

Price: US$40 which is about £32

Specifications: Driver Unit Custom Tuned Single Dynamic Drivers, Impedance 16 Ohm+/-15%, Sensitivity 92dB+/-3dB at 1kHz, Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz, Rated Power Input 1mW, Max. Input Power 5mW, Cord length 1.36M, Plug 3.5mm Gold Plated.

Accessories: 1 pair of Comply Foam tips (TX-400 medium), 3 pairs of black dual-flange tips (s/m/l), 3 pairs of black silicone tips (s/m/l), 3 pairs of white silicone tips (s/m/l), 1 premium carrying pouch, 1 cord shirt clip.

Build Quality: The buds are metal and seem great. The cable is an uber braided awesome thing, tré fancy.

Isolation: For a dynamic rather good. Fine for out and about, on a bus too. Tube and flights I’d skip but way more than sufficient with mesic to get run over if you forget what your eyes are for.

Comfort/Fit: Great. In and done, comfy to wear them all day for me.

Aesthetics: The buds look nice, not super pretty but then you hit that cable, that braiding looks pretty awesome if you ask me, I mean just look at it.

Sound: Ever the heart of the matter and while the M4 may not be the most heart stirring earphone I’ve ever come across, it’s got a lovely balance to it. A really mature and grown up sound signature. It claims natural something and I’d go with that, is a very naturalistic balancing. Not quite neutral, erring to the more natural, a little bit warmed, a little touch softened, a tiny bit enhanced bass. Most notably though with this balance its mids are rather more prominent than many more consumer orientated products are. These are perfectly suited to any one that needs to monitor vocals or other instruments found in the key, mid-range band. Clear, articulate, easy to pay attention to and really focus on. Great on the ear, nice and pleasantly easy for the most part. They can get a little harder up top, the treble can on occasion be a touch brittle especially if well amped and with a cooler source. Still on more mainstream sources, i.e. weaker ones that round off nicely and they become really excellent priced, little bit middy monitor that while being cleanly present has just a smidgen of warmth and smoothening. Making it something that you can wear and hear all day without any issues. A really very pleasing first introduction for me to the ADVANCED brand. A cracking little bargain monitor.

Pro’s: Great balance. Great value price. Love that cable.

Con’s: These are for grownups, bass heads look elsewhere.

MEE audio M9B Bluetooth Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to hifiheadphones for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/825943/mee-audio-m9b-bluetooth-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: The M9 went wireless.

Price £30

Specifications: Driver size: 9mm, Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz, Impedance: 32Ω, Sensitivity: 105dB, Talk time: 4.5 hours, Music playback time: 4 hours, Standby time: 180 hours, Bluetooth version: 4.0, Operating range: 10m, Bluetooth profiles supported: A2DP, HSP, HFP, AVRCP, Bluetooth audio codecs supported: SBC, AAC, aptX

Accessories: Micro-USB charging cable, 4 sets of ear tips, User manual

Build Quality: It would seem fine, the mic things feels especially nice.

Isolation: Fine. They are dynamics so not the most isolating things ever but out and about is fine, on a bus is okay too. Not for Tube nor flights really though yet do remember to use your eyes when near traffic, or get killed.

Comfort/Fit: On both counts they were great. The biflange tips suited me perfectly and once in I could wear them for hours quite happily. No uses worn up or down, whatever you want.

Aesthetics: The buds are fine, I guess nothing special. I like the matte black mic bit thought with its button markers I looked quality.

Sound: A bit of a change from how I remember the old M9, it was a big old bassy beast but there were more evenly handed. Still bassy but not stupid bassy, mids were in a bit of a valley but only slightly and the treble, that was more reduced and refined that what I recall too. Did they acoustically mature over the years? Still it meant that for me they had a very middling sound. Happy to do anything you asked of it, with equal happiness, no issues regardless of what I threw at them. Seriously from one extreme to the other they handled it all pretty well. They are a bit bassy sure but that’s not exactly a problem and I really found them being a great little generalist. The down side to that is it’s not a master of anything but come on, its 30 quid you weren’t expecting them to be. These would be a great wireless pair for someone that want some earphones, doesn’t really know what sound signature is best suited to them, or what a bunch of random audio terms mean. They just want something that music sounds good on and they don’t care about the rest. That is what these do, they do everything pretty good and I really wouldn’t expect anyone to pick up a set and have a problem with any acoustic attributes of them. A good, solid sounding generalist that should be a big crowd pleaser. Great for a little Christmas stocking filler, you don’t have to know what music they listen to or what sound signature is them, these do everything well enough to please just about everyone.

Pro’s: Great little generalist crowd pleaser. Even handed capability. Jack of all trades.

Con’s: Master of none. Bland looks.

Syllable D900 Mini Bluetooth Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Syllable UK link US link for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/825710/syllable-d900-mini-bluetooth-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: If ever there were Uhura earphones, it is these.

Price: £40 or US$50

Specifications: Brand: Syllable, Model: D900MINI, Color: Black, Bluetooth version: V4.1, Impedance: 16 ohms, Power level: CLASS II, Working Voltage: 3.2V - 4.2V, Sensitivity: -42dB±2dB, Frequency Range: 2.4-2.48Ghz, Talk/Listening time: Up to 120 minutes listen or talk, Standby time: Up to 8 days, Auto Power-Off technology: Power off when no connectivity for 5 minutes., Operating distance(range): Up to 10m/33 feet, Headphones weight: 5 grams per earbud, Noise reduction: Full duplex echo cancellation; Real time noise reduction; Voice clarity, Moisture protection: Design for sweat and moisture protection, Charge connector: Micro USB charging, Battery type: Rechargeable, non-replaceable lithium-ion polymer, Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), Hands-free Profile (HFP) and Headset Profile (HSP)

Accessories: 3 x Eartips, 1 x Charging Station, 1 x Micro USB charge cable, 1 x User Manual

Build Quality: Sweat resistant and seem mostly fine, though the mesh filter disappeared on one of mine.

Isolation: Not very much. They are rather open backed so they don’t isolate a lot. So not one I’d want for noisy commutes, Tube or flights and I’m not sure I’d love for bus use either. Still if you’re out for a run with music playing you won’t hear traffic so please do use your eyes, or get a donor card.

Comfort/Fit: Well it’s a little odd at first, nothing to go over the ear at all, was strange. However once they are in and in a few minutes you pretty much forget they are there at all. They are a bit bass heavy tiring on the ear but physically, even shaking my head about to the point I had to sit down on the floor, they never moved or needed tweaking. Cool.

Aesthetics: Hmm not sure they are the best lookers ever but the whole, zero wire thing, anywhere that does certainly look cool. I like them.

Sound: All about that bass. Yep these are big old bass cannons. No ifs no buts, bass, seriously big bass, heavy thumping, powerful, grrrrrrr, crushing bass. So I wasn’t super pleased as it was too much for me but for you, well many people like tons of bass. It’s very big, weighty stuff. The mids are fine, a bit over thick and warmed but fine. The treble, its over thick and warmed too. Still if you’re playing mainstream pop, rhythmic thumping tunes then it’s not like you need revealing nuanced treble to point out that you’re listening to badly mastered stuff. These are really bass heavy, thumping party, energy cannons that is meant to power you through a gym session, huge, vast power driving the music and you ever onward.

Value: Good, you pay for having zero wires anywhere but many more for a month of gym membership so it’s not exactly bank breaking.

Pro’s: Massive bass energy. Not a wire in sight. Potent bass.

Con’s: No wires at all costs. Very bass heavy, flavoured sound.

Huawei AM185 Noise Cancelling Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to GearBest for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/825516/huawei-am185-noise-cancelling-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: A second belter from Huawei

Price: £61 or US$77

Specifications: Brand: HUAWEI, Model: AM185, Color: Gold, Wearing type: In-Ear, Function: Answering Phone,Microphone,Noise Cancelling,Song Switching,Voice control, Connectivity : Wired, Application: Mobile phone,Portable Media Player, Plug Type: 3.5mm, Cable Length (m): 1.2m, Frequency response: 20-20000Hz, Impedance: 24ohms, Sensitivity: 86dB, Working Time: 8 hours for noise cancelling, Battery Types: Li-polymer Battery, Battery Capacity(mAh): 33mAh, Product weight: 0.022 kg, Package weight: 0.220 kg, Package size (L x W x H): 7.00 x 7.00 x 11.00 cm / 2.76 x 2.76 x 4.33 inches

Accessories: 3 pairs of tips, a soft pouch thing and a USB to 3.5mm charging do dah.

Build Quality: Lovely, really can’t fault anything about them physically.

Isolation: Practically none.

Noise Cancelling: These have ANC built in and for certain things ANC works great, for constant noise like that of a computer fan or a jet engine. For more random sounds, rather less well. Still their being otherwise so open means they are non-sealing and super easy on the ear if you can’t deal with that cut off feeling. Would be highly useful for a long flight but for bus rides, considerably less so.

Comfort/Fit: Great. Pulling the wire through a little bit they could even be worn up perfectly in my ears and I way happy wearing for hours with no issues.

Aesthetics: Well they look okay for the most part but, well, that “gold” colour I really cannot say I’m wild about. It’s not ugly or anything but silver would have been much nicer I think.

Sound: With their being open they make all sort of acoustic benefits. Not least of which the bass, it can rise up and beg huge and with excellent follow through yet isn’t wearing on the ears. You can let it go wild and it never moves to oppressive from super fun like sealed things can. A potential fun machine. Then you ask it to go away and the openness means the bass can stay lithe and subtle. The mids and treble may decline in quantitate prowess but are of a highly pleasing quality. Really they are both very nice and even handed. The highs are a little lacking in quantity for some letting them have an overall easy, forgiving sound but their quality is lovey for the money. Lots of delicate detail and shimmer at work while never being harsh. Adapt at poptastic junk as it is some soft acoustic jazz, very versatile and pleasing to the ear.

Value: Rather great. I’m not wild about ANC but you get it cheap here and you get audio quality that is on its own completely warranted for the price. So even if you never touch the ANC you still easily get your pennies worth, the ANC is gravy so long as you’re happy with their being open which can be a boon or a curse depending on your stance on the matter.

Pro’s: ANC tech at a great price. Actually has great audio quality too. Bassy fun time.

Con’s: ANC Tech isn’t a perfect thing. Can get a little too bass happy.

Etymotic ER-4SR Studio Reference Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to hifiheadphones for the loaner.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/825426/etymotic-er-4sr-studio-reference-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: The king is dead, long live the king!!!

Price: £330 or in the US US$350

Specifications: Frequency Response 20 Hz-16 kHz, Accuracy Score 4SR (92%), Transducers High performance balanced armature micro-drivers, Noise Isolation 35-42 dB, Impedance (@1 kHz) 4XR (45 Ohms), Sensitivity (@1 kHz), SPL at 0.1V 4XR (98 dB), Maximum Output (SPL) 122 dB, Cable 5 ft. Detachable, Warranty 2 years

Accessories: A bunch of tips and huge that case are mostly useless. Order a usable case and either some small olives or Comply’s when you buy them.

Build Quality: Ety’s had a stellar build quality reputation when they were plastic, these are now metal and will likely out live you.

Isolation: Ety’s are the kings of isolation, they are rated at up-to 42dB reduction. No other earphone or headphone can match them nor can any earplugs. The things you hear are because the sounds have travelled through your jaw rather than in your ears.

Microphonics: If you wear them up nothing but they are angled so you probably will want to wear down and the chin slider and shirt clip will help there.

Comfort/Fit: A contentious issue. The included tips all suck, pick up some small olives or Comply’s and then with a little lick for lubrication you can insert them. You will feel violated the first time you do this. However once you get used to the strangeness of it they are actually comfortable. I can wear them for hours and hours with no issues so long as I don’t have to repeatedly take them out. That is very wearing on the ear.

Aesthetics: They look not bad, though they sit entirely internally in use so who cares, no one can see them.

Sound: Well the old ER4 was the reference king. A paragon of neutrality and these are the same. They are slightly more easy to make sound their best as with the lower impedance over the ER-4S you can get a sound quality improvement if you insist on using an inadequate source. Yet I really wonder how many people did that? Were there many ER-4P users out there clamouring for the refinement of the S but weren’t willing to add in the impedance? Still if we ignore that then this is the same sound, in a slightly nicer housing. The old ER4 did look a bit naff and these look much more sleek. Of course since they are brain implants no one can actually see them in use sooooo, yeah who cares? Their audio is as it always has been, largely perfect. They are massively detailed, insanely detailed compared to the likes of most earphones. These are less devices to listen to music than they are an acoustic microscope made to analyse it. If you want all of the details, yey, you have found pretty much the perfect IEM with which to do so.

Note that they will expose all flaws so feed them crap at your own peril, they can ruin formerly loved tracks by exposing its flaws you hadn’t noticed before.

Value: Wallet ouchy but they are paragons. They are as reference grade as the old ER4 has been for decades and these will be for decades going forward. You want that, and something with a build that means you could do it with one pair, your wallets taking a short term pounding.

Pro’s: They are the ultimate in reference quality perfection. Ultimate isolation.

Con’s: The XR can do all these can but with a smidge more bass.

I had the SR and returned them. When I searched on Head-FI what most people own it's was not an Etymotic. If they did own them, I asked what they like to use to listen to for hours, it was not the Etymotic. When I researched what's the top selling IEM it again was not Etymotic, hype or no hype. When I researched what people recommend the most for an IEM price under $400.00 or more if they had to chose a top 5 IEM again it was not Etymotic. After reading over the year how people raved they are so wonderful etc, I had to try the new series as they were acclaimed as better than the old series that have been around for years. So I still bought into it all and tried them.

Well, they were WAY WAY too flat to really be considered "reference" for me on a Cowon P1 with FLAC conversion directly off original CD. I see why all the above is what I found in researching. They also have to be so deep in your ear to get a proper ear seal, that alone was a huge deal breaker as they are anything but comfortable. Actually they were the most uncomfortable I've ever tried. It feels like two pencils are stuck deep in your ear, eraser side in. I had to try them and ended up returning them.

If they were $50.00 maybe would of kept them but for being over $300.00 they just were not for me. I also didn't feel like they bested my RE-600s either which are way more comfortable and have amazing clarity and detail retrieval and are very neutral also, but what the RE-600's had what the Etymotic didn't was "body" and a "fullness" which the Etymotic just didn't.

Just my stupid opinion.

~Cheers.

Did it hurt to stick it in your ear? Was it worth it/

Etymotic ER-4XR Extended Response Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to hifiheadphones for the loaner.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/825419/etymotic-er-4xr-extended-response-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: An Ety with a more shapely bottom.

Price: £330 or in Americaland US$350.

Specifications: Frequency Response 20 Hz-16 kHz, Accuracy Score 4SR (92%), Transducers High performance balanced armature micro-drivers, Noise Isolation 35-42 dB, Impedance (@1 kHz) 4XR (45 Ohms), Sensitivity (@1 kHz), SPL at 0.1V 4XR (98 dB), Maximum Output (SPL) 122 dB, Cable 5 ft. Detachable, Warranty 2 years

Accessories: You get an assortment of tips and a gigantic case. Both of which I think should remain in the box. Expect to order a usable case and comfortable tips yourself.

Build Quality: Etys had a stellar build quality reputation when they were plastic, these are now metal and will likely out live you.

Isolation: Etys are the kings of isolation, they are rated at up to 42dB reduction. No other earphone or headphone can match them nor can any earplugs. The things you hear are because the sounds have travelled through your jaw rather than in your ears.

Microphonics: If you wear them up nothing but they are angled so you probably will want to wear down where the chin slider and shirt clip will help there.

Comfort/Fit: A contentious issue. The included tips all suck, pick up some small olives or Comply’s and then with a little lick for lubrication you can insert them. You will feel violated the first time you do this. However once you get used to the strangeness of it they are actually comfortable. I can wear them for hours and hours with no issues so long as I don’t have to repeatedly take them out. That is very wearing on the ear.

Aesthetics: They look not bad, though they sit entirely internally in use so who cares, no one can see them.

Sound: They are the ultimate in benchmark, reference setting, proper In Ear Monitors. They are reference flat acoustically while many wont love it as you cannot feel the lows with your whole ear and whole body. If you like Beats, these are not for you. These are massively isolating, acoustic analytical tools more than they are what people think of as earphones. They aren’t listening devices but tools of acoustic examination. Outstanding detail levels, everything deadpan presented before you is a coolly detached manner. Feed them stunning, flawless, beautifully recorded and produced music and you will be highly rewarded. Feed them crap and they expose every shortcoming, it will be extremely apparent too and this can ruin a well-loved old track. You can’t not hear the imperfections with them. While they are the more bassy version, don’t think for one second that these are bassy IEM’s. They are comparatively bassy for an Ety but will not offer the scale of bass enhancement that many might look for. The bump is there and if you A/B them with the SR you can hear it noticeably but they are still far more light in the bass than most things out there.

Value: Well, you want true reference grade stuff that’ll be around in 30 years’ time probably, your wallet will be just as violated as your ears will be by it.

Pro’s: If the world could only have 1 IEM in existence, this should be the one.

Con’s: Wallet ouchy. Still won’t have enough bass to please many. Wallet ouchy.

"An ety with a more shapely bottom"

Quite accurate...can't have a chalkboard flat backside, gotta have zome luscious curves...no badonkadonk though, thats when it gets crazy

AudioMX HB-S3 Bluetooth Headphones Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to AudioMX for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/825409/audiomx-hb-s3-bluetooth-headphones-review-by-mark2410

Brief: A shining Blue(tooth) Star.

Price: £45 or US$65

Specifications: Since I couldn’t find a list I could copy, you’re getting the highlights from the manual. Battery is 420mAh, Impedance is 32 ohms, charging time is 3 hours, music playback time is 24 hours, talk time is 18 hours, standby time is 900 hours, driver is 40mm. Bluetooth version is 4.1, supported profiles are A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP, weight is 255g and lastly, the chip is a CSR 8645 with aptX.

Accessories: You get a micro USB cable, a 3.5 to 3.5mm male to male audio cable and you get a rather nice nylon baggy to keep them in.

Build Quality: Very nice, the majority of them are plastic but that big grey, cup to head band attaching thing is one big lump of metal. They look not bad but they feel even better. For the price they are nicely sturdy.

Isolation: Well, it’s a bit meh to be honest. I’d be okay walking about outside with them but even on a bus, na I’d probably not never mind the Tube or a flight. Though as ever with music playing you want hear traffic so do remember to use your eyes, or get run over.

Comfort/Fit: Very good actually. They may not have the biggest cups ever but they just, only just mind, made it fully around my ears. I was fine to wear them for hours at a time with no bother. Your ears may not however as they only just barely made it fully round mine.

Aesthetics: They are not bad, alright looking. Actually they did grow on me too, they are visually a bit conservative but the matte metallic bits with the rubberised matte black cups too, it’s nice. Nicer in person that it comes across in pics.

Sound: Excellent. While only a tiny bit more expensive than things like the T3 or AH07 but the tuning on these, the acoustic balance is waaaaay better. Okay so it’s not other planet stuff but for a couple of quid there is very noticeable difference. These are hands down better. They may not please all though as their balance is less super bass heavy. Don’t get me wrong they are still bass heavy but not massively bass heavy, bass heads will like the T3 better I’d expect. These however are tuned to be bassy yet as a crazy audio person I was really enjoying them. They won’t replace an HD600 or anything but for a cheap headphone, cabled and Bluetooth that looks pretty good these are great. Bit bassy but with a good dip to separate the bass from mids and highs. They are mostly slanted towards the low end and a hint treble shy at times depending on where the peak is in the music. They are something that would make for a great transitional step from bass head toward a more HiFi signature. Detail levels too are really nice for a product of this nature. In short their audio is excellent stuff for a cheap wireless headphone.

Value: Excellent. For a tiny bit more than some others these are a very clear step about them in acoustic quality.

Pro’s: Great audio quality. Great audio balance. Great price. Good looks and build.

Con’s: Hard-core bass heads may be disappointed.

J&L Real J&L-103 Bluetooth Earphone Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to J&L Real for the sample.

Full review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/824420/j-l-real-j-l-103-bluetooth-earphone-review-by-mark2410

Brief: A pretty, pretty generalist Bluetooth earphone.

Price: £30 or US$36

Specifications: Bluetooth Version: V4.1, Noise Reduction: CVC 6.0, Operation Range: 33 feet, Dimensions: L540*W32*H20mm, Battery Capacity: 80mAh, Playtime:6~8 hrs, Charge time: 1-2 hrs, Standby time: 175 hrs

Accessories: 3 * Ear tips ( S, M, L), 3 * Ear hooks(S,M,L), 1 * USB Cable, 1 * User Manual, 1 * Carry Pouch

Build Quality: Seem rather good though the right bud on mine had a small rattle when they went magnetically clasped. Visually they look nice though.

Isolation: Perry reasonable. Towards the better for a dynamic so fine for out and about, on a bus, less so for Tube commutes or flights. Easily sufficient that if you don’t remember to use your eyes near traffic you’ll need a donor card.

Comfort/Fit: Great. While they were rather big I could wear them up or down with no issues. Well once I pulled of the inner ear guide things, I never like those.

Aesthetics: I love gunmetal earphones and so I think these look rather good. A little big but attractive.

Sound: Middle of the road. As Bluetooth earphones go these are bang in the centre. A highly generalist crowd pleaser. Deftly turning their hand to anything acoustically that you can throw at it. From thumping bass lines to melodic pieces it’s all pretty good. Nothing does it do exceptionally well, it’s just so even handed and fair to everything. So while it’s not perfect for any one thing in particular there is nothing it has problems with. It can do everything rather well. If you’re not going to have a huge earphone collection then this is one you could get away with having just one or if you want it as a gift. You may not know exactly the tastes of someone else but with these you don’t have to as I’d wager any mainstream user will like them. They are just so even handed and capable of everything, in equal measure. The balance too is bang on generalist crowd pleaser. The bass is a bit elevated and the mids and treble roughly in line with each other. Their tonality too, bang in the middle. Neither worm nor cold, not rich nor dry, seriously they really are just in the middle for everything. Well except maybe their price for Bluetooth and being so generally capable there is little I can fault with these. They are capable of being able to anything and everything, very much an IEM’ for all seasons.

Value: Great value for money. A bang on mainstream crowd pleaser. Great for if your going to have one Bluetooth pair for general use or you are buying for someone else. You can pretty much bet that any normal person will like their balance and abilities.

Pro’s: Highly versatile sound signature. Great value. Looks good.

Con’s: Generalist signature means they don’t excel any in particular.