SoundMAGIC have released the PL50 IEM earphone in Asia this week.  The PL50 is an in-ear sound isolating design and looks like it will be competing with higher end IEMs, such as the Shure and Ultimate Ears range.

This is SoundMAGIC’s first step into a balanced armature technology earphone and we’re really keen to give a proper listen.  We are expecting stock here in the UK within the next couple of weeks.

SoundMAGIC has taken the earphone World by surprise over this last year with a stream of new high quality products, including the highly regarded PL30 and PL11.  The PL30 has had plenty of recognition on the Head-fi.org forums since it’s launch and has been getting some excellent reviews.  The PL11 has also rapidly gained acceptance as an entry level earphone to rival the Sennheiser CX300-II, with excellent bass response and robust build quality.  Stuff Magazine recently reviewed the PL11 and seemed to like it a lot.

SoundMAGIC PL50 Photos

See below for photos of the new SoundMAGIC PL50:

SoundMAGIC PL50 IEM Earphones

SoundMAGIC PL50 in Box

More Information

For the full range of SoundMAGIC earphones and many other high quality earphones and headphones, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

We were recently asked to review a selection of headphones suitable for home Hi-Fi listening by Shortlist (a popular mens lifestyle magazine).

Below is the selection of headphones we offered with the review we gave:

High End Headphones

Grado SR325is Review

Open back on-ear headphones. Retro design.  Excellent sound with brilliant detail and clarity.  SR325is has won many awards.  Very efficient headphone voice coils (low impedance) means it can be driven by pretty much any device (even the humble iPod) and does not need a dedicated headphone amplifier.  Hi-Fi speakers of similar quality would cost thousands.  Hand made by Grado in Brooklyn New York.  Grado has been in business since 1953, making turntable cartridges.

Mid Range Headphones

Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Review

Open back over ear headphones.  Very comfortable over ear design perfect for long listening sessions.  Midrange and high end treble clarity is exceptional.  Japanese brand with pro-audio pedigree (also make studio headphones and microphones).

Beyerdynamic DT770

Closed back over ear headphones.  Very powerful bass response (ideal for gaming and movies).  Replaceable parts (cable and ear pads) make it possible to service the headphone.  Beyerdynamic headphones are used throughout the BBC (look at photos on Radio 1 website).  Made in Germany.

Entry Level Headphones

Shure SRH240 Review

Closed back over ear headphones.  Closed back design ensures good isolation from noise and also means you don’t annoy people sitting nearby.  Good bass response and high degree of accuracy.  Coiled, detachable cable (can be replaced).  Shure is a pro-audio manufacturer of monitoring earphones and microphones.

More Information

For a full range of home listening headphones and many other high quality headphones and earphones, please visit us at HiFi Headphones.

WeSC have just launched some new models in time for the summer holiday season.  The new headphone models are the WeSC Pickup and the WeSC Maraca.

The WeSC Maraca headphone is has a distincly retro design, not that far away from the highly sought after Alp Horn, but is a much smaller headphone and has a headband similar to the Bongo and Oboe models

WeSC Pick-up Headphones

The WeSC Pickup headphone is the coolest looking (in our opinion) of the new models, with circular ear pieces and funky earpads.  The headband is a metallic band with adjustment to allow for all sizes of head.

As ever WeSC have really pushed the boat out and come up with some of the funkiest looking headphones available.  You can be sure you’re wearing the coolest headphones with these new models.

WeSC Maraca Headphones

More Information

For the full range of WeSC headphones and many other cool retro headphones, check out the HiFi Headphones store.

The SoundMAGIC PL11 has pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level in-ear isolating earphone.  For less than the cost of a Playstation game the PL11 offers high end audio clarity, with enough low end power to satisfy the biggest bass-head.

Looking and feeling like an earphone that comes from one of the established brands, the SoundMAGIC PL11 is a newcomer that deserves a second look.

Sceptical At First

Before we received samples of the SoundMAGIC range to try out we were sceptical about the way they would sound and even more doubtful about build quality.

How wrong we were!  Like the rest of the SoundMAGIC range, the PL11 is very well made and sounds like an earphone with a much higher price tag.  Holding the earphones in your hand you would be mistaken for thinking they are manufactured by one of the well established earphone brands.

SoundMAGIC PL11 with included accessories

Built To Last

With cabling and strain relief that has obviously been thought about by someone who understands how earphones are going to be used, the PL11 is built to a similar specification as high quality brands like Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic.

Here at the HiFi Headphones store we have a pretty good idea how well a headphone or earphone is going to last by looking at the strain relief on the cabling.  Over 90% of faulty returns we receive are caused by cabling faults.  In our opinion the PL11 is an earphone we are not going to see returned often.

The SoundMAGIC PL11 has high quality cabling with a rubberized finish for extra durability.  The strain relief is also well thought through, with highly flexible support where the cable enters the earphone body and at the jack plug.

How Do They Sound?

Most importantly, does the SoundMAGIC PL11 sound any good?  Yes, the PL11 sounds superb!  When we first received samples I spent a week listening to the PL11 on my walk to and from the office.   The sound is immediately appealing as there is plenty of warmth at the bottom end and the trebles are well balanced and clear.

The obvious comparison that is going to be made is with the Sennheiser CX300-II.  In many ways the SoundMAGIC PL11 is very similar to the CX300-II, with plenty of bass and a clear high end.  Just like the CX300-II, the PL11 has a slightly recessed midrange, which actually helps reduce long term listening fatigue.

Many headphone brands, including high end headphone manufacturer Grado, are known to drop the midrange frequency response slightly to provide a more enjoyable listening experience.  The reason for this is that the human ear resonates at 2.9Khz, making it particularly sensitive to mid-range treble notes.  If the headphone or earphone is less responsive around this frequency then the ear tires less quickly and you can enjoy your music for longer.

Summary

The SoundMAGIC PL11 is an earphone that is a very enjoyable listen.  Good bass response and a superb degree of resolution at higher freqencies make the PL11 an earphone to be reckoned with.

The sound is similar in some respects to the highly regarded Sennheiser CX300-II and beats the Sennheiser hands down on price.

Good build quality rounds off a well thought out earphone package that we are happy to recommend.

More Information

For the full range of SoundMAGIC Earphones and many other high quality brands please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

Full size headphones is a new departure for Shure, as they are known best for their in-ear sound isolating earphones.  Initial user reviews suggest that the Shure SRH840 sound like a ‘Shure SE530 with sparklier treble’, which can only be a good thing.

Those lucky enough to get their hands on review samples of the Shure SRH840 have commented on the huge soundstage considering that this headphone is a closed back design.  Read one Head-fi members review of the Shure SRH840.

We’re really excited about this range of headphones and itching to get out hands on initial stock to give them a proper review.

Shure SRH750 DJ Headphones

More Information

For more information on the Shure SRH range of closed back headphones and many other reference quality studio headphones please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

Shure SRH440 Headphones

The new speaker website will be very familiar to HiFi Headphones visitors and we aim to offer the same excellent service and product range.

Please visit the Speaker Station website and check out our range.

More Information

For a large range of  speakers, iPod docking stations and more traditional Hi-Fi speakers, such as 2.1 speaker systems, please visit the Speaker Station online store.

If you are looking for the perfect in-ear fit for optimum comfort, then custom fitted earphones or sleeves are the answer.  Made from ultra soft silicone material and made specifically for your ears, custom mould earphone gels also offer the best possible isolation from external noise.  With custom earphones fitted it’s possible to totally immerse yourself in the sound of your music without interruption from noisy surroundings.

Custom Sleeves for Earphones

Custom made earphone sleeves are the ultimate upgrade for an existing pair of high quality in-ear sound isolating earphones.  The sleeves are manufactured specifically for your existing earphones your ears.

Custom Earphone Sleeve fitted to Etymotic ER-6i

Custom Earphones

Custom earphones are custom made ear gels with miniature earphone speakers fitted inside at the time of manufacture.  Just like regular earphones, custom earphones come with varying numbers of drivers, with entry level models having a single driver and higher end models having upto three balanced armature drivers.

ACS T2 Custom Earphones with Twin balanced armature drivers

A benefit of opting for a custom earphone with built in drivers is that you only have a single device to think about - no need to worry about the custom ear gels getting split up from your earphones.  The all-in-one design also offers advantages over custom made sleeves by being more compact - the drivers are embedded deep within the ear mould - and therefore providing a neater solution.  Interestingly, it can actually also work out cheaper to purchase a complete custom earphone with drivers built in, rather than a high end standard earphone and then an additional custom sleeve.

More Information

For information on the full range of custom fitted earphones and custom fitted earphone gels for standard earphones please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

The launch party was also attended by celebrity investor Debora Meadon from the UK TV series Dragons Den as well as the founder of WeSC, Greger Hagelin.  Shaun and Kristina from HiFi Headphones took the opportunity to have a few beers and meet some of the team.

WeSC Alp Horn - First Photos & Test

The WeSC store launch party gave us the chance to have our first listen of the WeSC Alp Horn headphone.  The Alp Horn has been in the pipeline for some time (we were expecting initial stock in August 2008), so it is great to finally see the Alp Horn in production.

Annalise from LateralCorp kindly let us demo an Alp Horn and we were suitably impressed.  The design of the Alp Horn is like no other headphone we have ever seen and we love it.  It’s great to see a headphone manufacturer doing something completely different and unique with headphone design.

I had a bit of trouble with the fit of the headband over my head and ended up wearing it with the headband resting towards the back of the top of my head.  Mind you I have a particularly large head and have problems finding hats and caps that fit me!

WeSC Alp Horn Headphones

Sound quality is excellent, with plenty of clarity and detail.  I found bass response a little lacking initially, but this improved substantially once I got the fit right and therefore got a good  seal over the ears.

Overall we think this headphone is a winner.

More Information

For a full range of WeSC Headphones and many other brands of high quality headphones and earphones please visit the HiFi Headphones online store.

At HiFi Headphones we’ve just taken delivery of our first batch of FiiO headphone amplifiers.  The brand new FiiO E5 and FiiO E3 are ultra small headphone amplifiers with a price tag that makes them affordable for anyone with an iPod, MP3 player, laptop or mobile phone.

The FiiO headphone amps promise increased output power (to power hard to drive headphones), added bass response and even better clarity of treble notes.

FiiO E3

The FiiO E3 headphone amp is the perfect introduction to improving your portable audio setup - look out, it’s a slippery slope! :)  At a price point that makes it possible to try without risking to much cash, the E3 has taken the headphone amp World by storm.

Just connect the FiiO E3 between your portable audio device (iPod, iPhone, laptop, mobile phone, etc) and enjoy the improvement in volume and sound quality.

FiiO E5

The next step up from the E3 in the FiiO line-up is the all new FiiO E5.  With an exterior casing that has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in the pocket, and internals completely revised to improve noise figures, the FiiO E5 is a force to be reckoned with.

When compared with higher end headphone amplifiers, such as the iBasso T4 or Graham Slee Voyager, the FiiO E5 does colour the sound to some degree (it definitely warms up the bass response), but with the FiiO E5’s price tag of less than £25 I shouldn’t really be comparing.

More Information

For more information on FiiO Headphone Amps, a range of other Headphone Amplifiers & DACs and iPod Line Out Docks (LODs) please visit the HiFi Headphones shop.

If you’ve been following the world of headphones you may have noticed that headphone amplifiers seem to be cropping up more often than ever, but what’s the point?  Do they just increase volume, or is there more to it?

Below are a few good reasons to upgrade your audio setup with a headphone amp.

Ability To Power ‘hard to drive’ Headphones

Some headphones are notoriously hard to power.  A headphone amplifier gives your audio source a boost in output power, which gives the headphones a more full sound, improves bass kick and often makes trebles more defined.

For example the Sennheiser HD650, HD600, HD595 and many Beyerdynamic headphones have relatively high impedance ratings, which mean they need more power than most to drive the headphone speakers.

Interestingly, many lower impedance headphones and earphones (normally the high end models) also appear to benefit from the use of a headphone amplifier.  For example the low impedance Grado GS1000 or Grado RS1 can be easily be driven by a humble iPod, but add a headphone amplifier such as the Grado Slee Solo to the equation and the improvement in sound can be very satisfying.

Avoiding Cheap Headphone Outputs

The headphone output on many portable audio sources, such as iPods, iPhones and laptops, can be very poor indeed.  The electronics used often leave much to be desired and are obviously designed with budget, rather than sound quality, as the major design factor.  A headphone amplifier offers ways to avoid the noisy headphone output completely.

The iPod and iPhone headphone socket can be avoided completely by using a Line Out Dock (LOD) cable.  These cables take the un-amplified line out signal from the 30 pin dock connector provide a way to drive a headphone amplifier with this better quality signal.

Laptop and computer owners can avoid the often breathtakingly bad headphone output with the addition of a Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier.  The DAC is connected to the computer’s USB port and the conversion to analogue audio signal is done well away from the noisy electronics inside the computer.  Some products, such as the iBasso D2, combine a DAC and headphone amp into a single unit.

More Information

For a full range of headphone amplifiers & DACs and iPod & iPhone line out dock cables (LODs), please visit the HiFi Headphones online shop.

FiiO and KS Distribution today announced a partnership for distribution of FiiO’s audio electronics products in the UK.  Based near Brighton on the South Coast of England, KS Distribution is a specialist distributor of headphone and earphone related audio products.

KS Distribution is to be distributing FiiO audio electronics products to independent specialist retailers in the UK and Ireland.

FiiO headphone amplifiers provide a way to get the best audio performance from portable audio sources, such as MP3 players (Apple iPod, iPhone, etc) and laptop computers.

The FiiO E5 has taken the headphone amp market by storm, with a high specification and entry level price making it accessable for anyone looking to upgrade their portable audio system.

About KS Distribution

A leading audio electronics distributor, KS Distribution specialises in bringing innovative products to the UK market and providing a World class service to their customers. Offering a carefully selected range of products for home and mobile listening, KS Distribution are a highly focused team whose primary aim is to develop strong partnerships with retailers and manufacturers.

For more information visit www.ksdistribution.co.uk

About FiiO

FiiO Electronic Technology is a personal audio consumer electronics manufacturer with a product line-up that includes headphone amplifiers and speaker systems.  Leading the field in affordable personal audio products, FiiO is constantly innovating to stay ahead of the competition.

For more information visit http://www.fiio.com.cn

There are other models in the range, including an ultra portable headphone amp called the iBasso T4 (it is VERY small and weighs just 29 grams) and a high end model that comes with various types of Op-Amp to swap over to alter the sound signature (one for the perfectionists).

The iBasso D2 works especially well with higher impedance earphones such as the Sleek Audio SA6 and Klipsch Image X10, where there is good improvement in depth of bass, as well as high frequency detail and soundstage. I’ve yet to test with lower impedance earphones (Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10’s, etc), but I would guess the effect is similar, but maybe not so pronounced.

Below is a photo of the iBasso D2 with my Sleek Audio SA6’s and an old iPod Nano:

In my opinion the most interesting application for the iBasso D2 is using the DAC with a laptop. With my IBM ThinkPad T62 laptop feeding the D2’s DAC and a pair of Sennheiser HD650’s the difference in overall sound quality is significant compared with the laptop’s standard headphone output. I would say this is the application where the biggest improvement in sound quality is seen.

More Information

For the range of iBasso headphone amps, including the iBasso D2 and iBasso T4, please visit the HiFi Headphones shop.

KS Distribution is to be distributing iBasso electronics products to independent audio retailers in the UK and Ireland.

iBasso headphone amplifiers provide a way to get the best audio performance from portable audio sources, such as MP3 players (Apple iPod, etc) and laptop computers.

About KS Distribution

A leading audio electronics distributor, KS Distribution specialises in bringing innovative products to the UK market and providing a World class service to their customers. Offering a carefully selected range of products for home and mobile listening, KS Distribution are a highly focused team whose primary aim is to develop strong partnerships with retailers and manufacturers.

For more information visit www.ksdistribution.co.uk

About iBasso Audio

iBasso is a personal audio electronics manufacturer dedicated to getting the best from portable audio listening via headphones.  iBasso’s range of headphone amplifiers feature high specification design and outstanding audio quality at an affordable price.  With flexibiliy in mind iBasso headphones amps have been developed for high quality headphone listening via direct connection to portable digital audio players, such as the Apple iPod, as well as listening to music stored on laptops and netbooks via USB.

Our headphone sale includes a broad range of high quality models, including wireless headphones, in-ear sound isolating earphones and even professional DJ headphones.

The sale is strictly on a first come, first served basis, so don’t let anyone else beat you to that bargain deal!

More Information

For a large range of headphones on sale please check out headphone sale category on the HiFi Headphones online shop for a huge range of headphones and earphones.

Spares for Sennheiser headphones are now available at the HiFi Headphones store.  You’ll find a big selection of replacement cables for Sennheiser headphones, as well as earpads, headbands and capsules (the speaker or earpiece).

One of the great things about buying headphones or earphones from an established manufacturer like Sennheiser is that it’s possible to service your headphones when components wear out or break.  There’s no need to throw you pride and joy in the bin, just replace the part.

Our selection of spare parts includes a full range of spares for popular consumer models such as the Sennheiser HD600, PX100, and HD595 as well as professional studio models such as the Sennheiser HD25, HD280 and HD250.

Replacement Cables, Earpads and more

If you’ve broken the lead on your Sennheiser headphones, or just worn out the ear pads then browse through our Sennheiser spares section and track down the replacement part.  If your headphones are in need of more serious repair then you will also find spare headbands and even replacement drivers for many popular models.

We were hoping to get the product pages for more Sennheiser spares online before the New Year, but due to the huge workload we’ll be working on filling out this section in January.  Please check back soon or Contact Us if you have a particular requirement.

More Information

For more details on the full range of Sennheiser replacement parts and many other accessories and spares for a range of headphones, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

Linking to the Klipsch Image X5 product page at HiFi Headphones, Claudine Beaumont of the Telegraph newspaper featured the Klipsch X5 earphone in a 12 Best Gadgets roundup.

Claudine’s review offered enthusiastic comments such as, “incredibly comfortable and lightweight”, “providing a rich music-listening experience, with lovely, crisp tones even when listening at low volumes” and “these headphones are pricey, but worth every penny”.  It seems Claudine likes the Klipsch X5 very much!

For those outside the UK the Telegraph is a national newspaper with just under 1 million daily readers.

Cheaper Alternative to Klipsch X10

The Klipsch X5 has a recommended retail price of £129.99 and is therefore somewhat cheaper than the superb sounding Klipsch X10 (RRP £179.99).  According to Klipsch, the main difference between the X5 and X10 is the size of the earphone casing, which they say reduces their manufacturing costs.

In our tests the X5 does have a slightly less powerful bass response than the X10, but both earphones do have a very similar sound signature.  If £180 seems way to much cash to spend on earphones, then the Klipsch X5 may well convince you to give high end in-ear sound isolating earphones a try.

More Information

For more information on the Klipsch Image X5 or Klipsch Image X10 and a full range of in-ear headphones, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

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.

These very well made units from Pro-Ject Audio, an Austrian high end audio manufacturer, really do sound superb. Pro-Ject’s headphone amps are ideal for driving high quality dynamic Hi-Fi headphones.

With RCA phono inputs these headphone amps are ideal for connecting to TV’s or home cinema amplifiers, where a line level output is available.

Pro-Ject Head Box SE II

The dual output headphone amp from Pro-Ject is perfect for setups where you need to drive two pairs of headphones with independent volume controls.

The Head Box SE II is the second generation in this model from Pro-Ject. Featuring a completely revised internal circuit board, this revision offers a fuller sound, with plenty of bass kick and high end detail. The build quality has also improved, making this a very robustly built little box.

Featuring two independent high resolution volume controls, the Head Box SE II is an ideal headphone amplifier for good quality Hi-Fi setups, home cinemas and computer based audio systems.

Pro-Ject Head Box SE II in Silver

The Head Box SE II is available in Silver or Black.

A typical configuration for the Head Box SE II is a home cinema setup where the output from the DVD player is routed across the room to the Head Box amp (via high quality interconnect cables). The Head Box SE II can be located near the seating with each listener having their own independent volume control. This setup is great for late evening film viewing where you don’t want to annoy the neighbours or wake the children!

Pro-Ject Head Box II

The Head Box MK II is a single output headphone amplifier with the same high quality construction and superb audio quality that the Head Box SE II offers.

The Pro-Ject Head Box II is a very nice little unit and has been award 5 Stars by What HiFi? Sound & Vision - see Pro-Ject Head Box II Review.

The Head Box II is ideal for computer audio setups, or where only a single headphone output is required in a Hi-Fi or home cinema setup.

Project Head Box MK II in Silver

The Head Box II is available in Silver or Black.

More Information

For more information on Pro-Ject headphone amps or headphone amplifiers from other brands such as Graham Slee, please visit the HiFi Headphones store.

Klipsch Image X10

This earphone review is based on a long term listening test, involving over a month wearing the Klipsch Image X10 and Sleek Audio SA6 earphones on my walk to/from the office (a journey of half an hour each way).

During the review I listened to a good variety of music, from heavy rock, such as System Of A Down and Queens Of The Stone Age, to electronic beats, such as LCD Sound System and and Underworld, with some more easy going vocal and guitar music, such as Beth Orton and José González.

Earphone fit and comfort

Both the Klipsch Image X10 and Sleek Audio SA6 are far more comfortable than the older dual driver design earphones, such as the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro and Shure SE420, due to their much smaller size. The ultra-small single driver designs mean that it’s far less fiddly to get the earphones in your ear and once they are in you can forget about them.

The Klipsch X10 earphone body is particularly miniature and is very unobtrusive once fitted in the ear. The Klipsch earphones are so lightweight and comfortable that I found no discomfort when wearing them for an hour or more listening sessions. I did find the Klipsch silicone ear gels caused a very ‘full’ sensation in the ear that was a little disconcerting at first, but I soon became accustomed to the feel of the earphone in my ear.

Sleek Audio SA6

The Sleek Audio SA6 has a slightly taller earphone body than the Klipsch X10, but the SA6’s tapered design means that the fit is excellent in my ears and the flanged silicone ear gels provided an excellent seal. The fact that the SA6 ear gels are flanged mean that the SA6 seal in my ears a little more comfortably and securely than the Klipsch Image X10’s.

Both earphones benefited from using Comply Foam ear tips. The Sleek Audio SA6 in particular benefited from an increase in bass response and long term wearing comfort when fitted with Comply Foam ear tips.

Sound Quality

The Klipsch Image X10’s sound amazing when you first try them. The bass response is very strong and accurate and the high trebles are very present. This makes for an overall very pleasing sound that instantly sounds good with most styles of music.

The Klipsch Image X10 does seem to emphasise the bass and high treble notes, leaving the mid trebles quite lacking. The Klipsch sounds great with many rock and electronic music tracks, but strings, guitars and female vocals are especially disappointing. For example, listening to Beth Orton “She Cries Your Name” the strings and guitars were severely lacking in presence. Beth’s voice came through loud and clear (her voice is quite deep), as well as the bassline, but the beautiful drifting strings and delicate acoustic guitar notes were very recessed.

The Sleek Audio SA6 is a very involving and lively earphone with a sound that reminds me in some respects of Grado full size Hi-Fi headphones. The SA6’s sound stage is excellent and it’s very easy to pick out detail in good quality recordings. The fact that the bass and treble can be tuned to suit your equipment and listening tastes is such a great feature. I opted for the bass+ and treble++ tuning, which gives a very big sound.

While the SA6’s bass is not as clearly defined as the Klipsch Image, with the bass+ port fitted to the SA6 and ensuring the earphones were well sealed meant there is plenty of bass to keep me satisfied.

Summary

Choosing between these two earphones is difficult. They both sound superb and fit easily and comfortably. The Klipsch Image X10’s excellent low frequency reproduction makes it a very enjoyable earphone for listening to bass heavy rock and electronic music. The Sleek Audio SA6’s mid-range detail and clarity makes it extremely satisfying to listen to vocals, acoustic guitar and electronica.

Overall the Sleek Audio SA6 has a more balanced and satisfying sound than the Klipsch Image X10. The immediate wow factor of the Klipsch Image bass response soon wears off and over the long term I chose the SA6 more often for daily listening. This combined with the fact that the SA6 can be tuned to suit your listening tastes makes the SA6 a great choice for the portable audio perfectionist.

The in-ear fit is excellent with both the Klipsch Image X10 and Sleek Audio SA6 due to the miniature single driver designs. Both can be worn for long listening sessions without discomfort.

While the Klipsch Image X10 sounds great when you first try them out, the SA6 is the definite winner when you listen for extended periods. The recessed mid trebles of the Klipsch Image X10 become really frustrating when listening to female vocals and acoustic guitar. I love the energetic delivery of the Sleek Audio SA6.

More Information

For more information on the Klipsch Image X10, the Sleek Audio SA6 and many more earphones and headphones visit the HiFi Headphones store.

The simplicity of design with these earphones means that it’s easy to integrate making mobile phone calls and listening to your favourite tunes.

All of the iPhone compatible earphones we offer work with the recessed iPhone headphone socket (on the 1st Gen iPhone) and have a multi-function control button that lets you take/drop calls, pause/resume audio and skip music tracks (you just double click the button to skip a track).

One of our favourite iPhone earphones so far is the very nicely finished Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi iPhone Earphone, which offers good quality audio and smart styling to match the gorgeous iPhone.

More Information

At the HiFi Headphones store we stock the full range of Ultimate Ears iPhone compatible earphones, as well as the ultra high noise reduction Comply iPhone earphones, which come in single and double earpiece models.