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Here at Audio46, we often receive requests to compare specific headphones.  While some models clearly out-class others, gaming headphones provide a very competitive landscape for casual consumers and discerning listeners alike.  This dilemma readily surfaces in the case of the Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X vs the Sennheiser Game Zero.  Priced at $299 and $279, respectively, these two models offer remarkably similar listening experiences.  So which one is right for you?

Audio Technica ATH -ADG1X vs Sennheiser Game Zero Comparison Review

Both the Audio Technica ADG1X and the Sennheiser Game Zero utilize a decent amount of plastic in their respective builds.  While the Audio Technica opts for a goose-neck microphone, the Sennheiser features a more rigid boom-mic.  The Game Zero offers a more common fit with a traditional headband, and uses plenty of pleather padding on the headband and earcups for extended comfort.  The ADG1X, by comparison, features a wing-type headband with velour padding on the earcups – offering a similar level of comfort, but perhaps less bass impact.

Both headphones employ an open-back design for greater depth and a more realistic sound, at the expense of isolation.  While the resultant sound will seem more lifelike with either headphone, ambient noise may distract from the overall experience.  As such, both models are better suited to quieter gaming environments.

While the Sennheiser’s boom mic works as an automatic switch for turning the mic on and off, the Audio Technica sports a more traditional control built into the cable.

Sennheiser’s Game Zero offers interchangeable cables designed for multiple systems – with a 4 ft (1.2 m) cable for consoles, and a 6.6 ft (2 m) cable for PC applications.  The Audio Technica ADG1X features a fixed 4 ft cable that terminates in a standard 3.5 stereo jack, but offers a second 6.6 ft extension terminating in separate plugs for audio and microphone ports on a computer.

Specs

Sennheiser Game Zero Specs
Frequency Range:  15-28000 Hz
Impedance:  50 ohms
Sound Pressure Level (SPL):  108 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):  <0.1%

Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X Specs
Frequency Range:  5-35000 Hz
Impedance:  48 ohms
Sound Pressure Level (SPL):  99 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):  NA

As you can see from these specifications, both models offer similar numbers, though the frequency range on the ADG1X does seem a good deal wider.  Nominal impedance remains fairly neck-and-neck.  While both models might benefit from some amplification, neither requires it.  Sound Pressure and volume are decent on both models, though the Game Zero may offer a bit higher volume in general.  Finally, though Audio Technica doesn’t give a rating for Total Harmonic Distortion on the ADG1X, the level of clarity is still on par with that of the Game Zero.

Low End

In the low end, the Audio Technica offers a bit more detail, but at the expense of greater bass impact.  That distinction easily goes to the Sennheiser, making up for a lack of detail with plenty of “oomph” in the low end.  Here the Sennheiser is further helped along by the pleather-padded earcups, which help to extend that bass response.

Mids

Both headphones offer decent performance in the midrange, though the ADG1X may have a slight edge in terms of sheer detail.  The Game Zero, while offering a similar level of clarity, just doesn’t seem as rich or articulate.

Highs

While the Sennheiser Game Zero offers a smoother high end, the bright sound of the Audio Technica ADG1X can verge on piercing at times.  Not a deal breaker by any means, the divergent sounds clearly mark some limitations in use, but may appeal to different listeners in their own right, as well.

Soundstage

Either headphone will supply a much-appreciated level of depth and placement to any music (or sound affect), but the extra detail present in the ADG1X may offer a more grandiose listening experience.  On the other hand, the rich bass response in the Game Zero may give the impression of greater dynamic range, while simultaneously adding some extra depth to the soundstage.

Recommendations

For those gamers seeking a headphone for gaming as well as casual listening, the Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X offers a smarter choice.  While adequately suited for either endeavor, this particular headphone will excel at games relying on impressive musical scores.

Not to be dismissed entirely, the Sennheiser Game Zero still offers some mighty-impressive bass.  This particular strength makes the Zero an optimal choice for games using plenty of explosions, gunfire, and other sound effects.  Pairing that booming bass with an immersive soundstage, you’re bound to get sucked into whatever world you’re exploring.

Final Analysis

Sporting similar prices around $300, the Sennheiser Game Zero and Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X offer very different listening experiences.  The Game Zero offers clear benefit to those who play games with more emphasis on combat effects or dramatic musical cues.  However, the ADG1X seems more apt for grand musical scores and epic overture.

Check out the Sennheiser Store at Audio46!

View more models in the Audio Technica Store at Audio46!

The highly anticipated Sony MDR-1000X is here and has already been touted as one the best in sound and active noise cancelling technology. We’ve got our hands on the sought after travel companion and are ready to give you the dish in our Sony MDR-1000X review.

Sony MDR-1000X Review

Sony MDR-1000X Review – Packaging

I can not even begin to tell you (but obviously I still am) how impressed I am by the compact design of the Sony MD-1000X – box and carry case included. The carry case is way thinner than I was expecting. It could easily slide into a backpack, messenger bag, or an average-size purse. The inside of the hard grade carry case is lined with a soft fabric to protect the headphones. There’s also a small pocket for safely storing the included in-flight adapter, headphone cable, and micro USB cable.

Sony MDR-1000X Review – Build & Design

The headphones feel durable and comfortable. The frame is a bit heavier than I’d prefer, but overall it is still light enough to wear for extended periods of time on your head. The ear cups have a smooth layer of leather over them and are sealed around the edges by hard-grade material. The headband/extender situation features a metal slider and a small patch of padding directly under the top portion of the headband.

The ear cushions are padded, but shallow. There’s enough padding to wear the headphones for a long time, but probably not as long as the wear time with Sony H.ear On or Sennheiser PXC 550. Also, even with the sliders in a fully closed position the headphones come a little too far down on my head. The ear cups end up resting on the location where my neck meets my jaw. I also have a pretty tiny head. If you’re head is average size then this probably won’t be a problem.

Sony MDR-1000X Review – Features

A few extremely cool and notable features include the ability to easily hear and talk through your audio by cupping your palm over the right ear cup. This is what Sony calls Sense Engine. This feature tailors the amount of noise-cancelling specifically for you and your ear. It works by placing microphones on the outside and inside of the ear cups. The exterior microphones gauge the noise level of your surrounding environment while the interior microphones analyze your personal characteristics and wearing style (glasses or nah?), then optimizes the sound for you. Activating this feature is quite easy. You simply hold down the noise cancelling button which initializes the optimizer. You’ll know because the voice activated assistant tells you so. Then you’ll hear a few different notes and pitches that calibrate your ear’s response. The headphones then say optimizer finished. The noise cancelling is then better tailored for your ear. Users can further adjust the settings to ambient or voice modes which allow more of your environment in through the ear cups or just voices, respectively. The right ear cup is also built with touch controls. The smart gestures are pretty standard, with a double tap to pause/play, a swipe forward to skip forward a track and backwards to skip back.

Noise Cancelling Ability & Comparison to Competitors

The noise cancelling ability on these headphones are really good. I listened to these headphones with the door open while street construction was going on and the sound of the drill was significantly reduced. For those of you who are a bit sensitive to noise-cancelling the ANC may be too strong. If the ANC is too much you can activate the NC optimizer for a more suitable amount of ANC fit for you. But if you’re all about ANC, you’ll love these headphones. MDR-1000X definitely edges out the defending champion of ANC, Bose QC 35. It’s much more powerful and allows for customization. The QC 35 doesn’t calibrate and adjust ANC to your liking, nor are you able to turn it off when the headphones are paired to your smart device. In addition, there’s the current legal sitch in which Bose allegedly sold customer information without consent and the fact that their firmware is reportedly rendering some QC 35s useless. If the ANC is too much you can activate the NC optimizer for a more suitable amount of ANC fit for you.

As for connectivity, the headphones use Bluetooth and Qualcomm aptX technology to ensure a solid connection and clean transmission from your device to your ears.

Sony MDR-1000X Review – Sound

These cans are certified Hi-Res and Hi-Res they do deliver. Working in conjunction with LDAC technology, the headphone provides stellar audio even when connected wirelessly. LDAC is able to do so by streaming your high resolution audio over at the maximum transfer rate of 990 kbps which is approximately three times more data than conventional Bluetooth audio.

The bass line is rich and a bit punchy, yet controlled. There isn’t any sloppy spilling of your bass all over your lush mids and glittering highs. The mid-range is relaxed and full. The highs are detailed and salient – floating above the rest of your audio without sounding too far away. It’s all a pretty sweet and smooth blend. The headphone has a pretty open soundstage, especially for being a wireless headset. That being said, tracks heavy in instrumentation or even vocals sound beautiful and realistic.

In comparison to the Bose QC 35, the bass is more accurate and the overall audio quality more refined.

You can also use the headset to make and take calls. The microphone is a bit sensitive and picks up some of the ambient noise around you. But for the most part, the MDR-1000X sounds like any other wireless headphone in this category when making calls so, I wouldn’t call this any sort of deal breaker.

Sony MDR-1000X Review – Overview

Sony MDR-1000X is a great headphone for tuning out the world around you. The active noise cancellation is strong, but if too much ANC makes you sick, you may want to opt for a headphone with less impressive ANC capability. The build is durable and comfortable. Though, if you have a small head the bottom of the ear cups end up applying a little bit of pressure on your jaw line. But if none of the aforementioned are issues for you, the Sony MDR-1000X is well worth the investment. The sound quality is pristine offering a rich low end as well as accuracy and detail across lows, mids, and highs. If you’d like a cheaper alternative there’s the Sony H.ear On which is also high resolution, but a step down from the MDR-1000X.

The Sony MDR-1000X is listed for the best available price at Audio 46’s Sony Shop for $399.99.

The Sony H.ear On is also available at the Audio 46 Sony Shop for $349.99.

Another viable contender is the Sennheiser PXC 550. It’s available for at the Audio 46 Sennheiser Shop for $399.99.

Sony MDR-1000X Review – Specs

*with unit turned on

Driver: 70 mm, Dynamic

Impedance: 46 ohm

Frequency Response Range: 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz

Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW

Battery: 3.7V Lithium-Ion

Run Time: 20 Hours

Charge Time: 4 Hours

Weight: 0.60 lbs

With its headquarters in Japan, Final Audio is quickly making their reputation known in the US market with several high-end headphones and earphones. They have a wide range of excellent sounding products and one of their latest in-ear headphones is the E3000 priced around $55. When listening to Final Audio headphones, audiophiles tend to notice a unique sound signature for the models in each series. So the big question regarding the Final Audio E3000 is.. what does it sound like? And is it worth the money. Let’s find out with a full review.

Final Audio E3000 Earphone Review

In The Box

In the package with the Final Audio E3000 you get 5 sets of eartips, optional ear hooks and a carry bag. A simple set of necessities for listening on the go.

Design / Style / Durability

The E3000 earphones have the signature look of the Final Audio in-ear lines. A very simple and elegant looking cylinder. The polished stainless steel housing exudes class and simplicity. When I first saw some of the Final Audio earphones like Heaven V and F7100 I thought they looked extremely strange but I’ve really warmed up to this iconic design.

The cable is a bit thin but I don’t have experience with these long term so it would be unfair to say anything negative. I’d be curious to see how these cables stand up to wear and tear over 6-months to 1-year. For now I have no complaints. I do like the 3.5mm L-connector which is better for keeping the wires from getting stressed inside near the audio jack. I’ve lost too many earphones to the old-school straight connectors and Final Audio has the right idea with connector the E3000 earphone.

The Final Audio E3000 is a nice fit. This low profile earphone has all the eartips you need to get a nice fit and solid seal due to the swing-fitting ear mechanism. This is essential to getting the best sound and the engineers at Final Audio clearly know this.

Features

Aside from the swing-fit tips and L-connector the Final Audio E3000 has 1 main featured which is shared by its’ sibling the E2000. There’s apertures or ports on the back side of the E3000 earphone that serve to help shape the low frequencies. It may sound like an open-back earphone like the Audeze iSine but according to Final Audio there is also a filter inside this tiny earphone housing designed to prevent sound leakage. I tested this by covering up the output port and giving the back a listen. The sound leakage was nominal. Not much more than the average amount you’d get from any earphone in fact.

Aging or Burn-In

The E3000 uses dynamic drivers and has an impedance of 16 Ohms which is pretty normal. One interesting note however regarding the Final Audio E3000 is that they recommend 150 to 200 hours of use to get the intended signal output. Final Audio actually goes into detail about this and calls it “Aging”. Most audiophiles know this as “burn in” and it can get pretty controversial. But the research done by the developers at Final Audio have found there to be some truth to it. The main thing to remember here is to just listen to your music in the same way you always listen to it. The “burn-in” will happen naturally. There’s no need to run hundreds of hours of white noise or any other type of test frequencies through it.

Sound

The Final Audio E3000 and E2000 earphones have a similar look and design but have very different sound signatures. You can see my in-depth review on the Final Audio E2000 to get a better idea of what it’s like. The E3000 however has turned out to be my favorite of the two.

Frequency Response

The frequency response of the E3000 is quite incredible. If full “Final Audio style” the E3000 earphone has amazingly crisp high-end and mid-range frequencies that bring the music alive. I’ve noticed lately my favorite earphones tend to have metal housings for the drivers and I’m betting this is why the Final Audio E3000 earphone is so good. But on top of all that crystal clear high-end is the magical part of the E3000… the balanced bass. The reason I say balanced bass is because it’s not huge or overwhelming. It’s a very precise balanced sound that doesn’t take over, yet it’s still punchy when you get a good seal.

Sound Signature

The overall sound signature of the Final Audio E3000 can be best described as “balanced and crisp with a touch of bass”. This is why I personally prefer it over the E2000. I mainly listen to rock and electronic music genres and I love to hear the bass. But don’t discount this earphone for other genres either. Almost all music has some amount of low end and this earphone is very true to the original mix.

Volume Output Levels

One other interesting thing about the Final Audio E3000 earphone is the volume. I found myself turning it almost all the way up. It wasn’t bad at all but it’s unusual that I would need to do this. Maybe some of the sound does escape a bit from the back of the housing. One thing I did try however was a Audioquest Dragonfly Black DAC/Amp. That seemed to do the trick. Normally I wouldn’t recommend something like this and it really is all this earphone could take. Use your best judgement but under no circumstances would you use the Dragonfly Red. The 2.1 volts of power way too much and not a good mix.

Pros

The pros of the E3000 earphone are simple. It’s light, totally portable, and sounds incredible. I like the 3.5mm L-connector and relatively discreet size. The optional ear hooks are a nice touch and I found myself using them because they kept the earphone in the ear and resisted any slight tugs that might otherwise pull them out.

Cons

There’s only one thing that I would change about this earphone. I prefer detachable cables with earphones but this isn’t a total deal breaker.

In Review

In review, the Final Audio E3000 is a winning earphone. I found the frequency response to be light years beyond that of similar priced in-ear headphones at only $55. The earphone fit was great and the optional ear hooks made it even better. I really enjoyed the crisp, clear sound of the E3000 and my favorite part was the true bass response. I could even see myself mixing with this kind of earphone. Overall, the Final Audio E3000 is an excellent earphone with premium audiophile quality sound.

Specifications

Housing Stainless Steel
Driver Dynamic
Impedance 16 Ohms
Sensitivity 100dB-mW
Cable length 1.2m
Accessories Earpieces, Earhooks, Pouch

The Sennheiser HD 1 Wireless Over-Ear headphone has taken the place of the Sennheiser Momentum 2 earlier this year. I bet you’re wondering what’s new, what’s different, and how does it sound? Get all the details on the new over-ear HD 1 in our Sennheiser HD 1 Wireless review.

Sennheiser HD 1 Wireless Review Over-Ear

P.S. Our Sennheiser HD 1 Wireless Review will also serve as a comparison between the HD 1 and the Momentum M2.

Build

The HD 1 Wireless shares the same aesthetics as the Momentum 2 with creamy-colored (or charcoal-colored) ear cups that sit over the ear featuring lambskin leather ear cushions stuffed with memory foam. Oh, the comfort is supreme. The headband is comprised of a durable, sturdy leather – like the type used to make belts. The extenders are made of stainless steel and allow the ear cups to slide smoothly along the sides of the headband. Above each ear cup and extender is a small stainless steel face plate with the brand name and model embossed into it. The left side reads “Sennheiser” and the right side reads “HD 1” instead of “Momentum.” There’s also a wire that is strung from each ear cup to the headband. It is just a tad bit bigger (and thicker) than the M2 which means a tad more durability. The headband is also slightly wider than the Momentum. Enough so, that it leads me to believe this is to establish better comfort and assuage any pressure applied to the head. Taking into account the entire frame, its safe to say that these headphones are super comfortable and a superb travel companion. I forgot to mention, the HD 1, like the M2, is collapsible. The HD 1 is even shipped inside a silky soft carry bag that’s nestled within a sturdy, yet just as soft carry case inside of a box lined with foam. Totally travel ready!

Set-Up

The HD 1 is also made to be incredible easy-to-use while on-the go. A single multifunction button on the right side of the headphone also acts as a slider providing a seemingly easy set-up for adjusting the volume, switching back and forth between tracks, and answering/ending calls. This same button allows you to check the amount of battery left in your cans. Near this button is the power button and a LED light that indicates when the headphone is on, pairing, connected, and disconnected. There’s also a pleasant female voice that guides you through each of these steps. To note, powering on, pairing, and the other steps are exactly the same as in the M2. Another identical feature is that this wireless headset is equipped with active noise cancellation called NoiseGard. It automatically turns on when the headphone is turned on. Pair this with the super soft and insulating lambskin leather ear cups and you’re looking at an impressive seal to isolate your music and keep your noisy environment at bay. According to the instruction guide, HD 1 attenuates noise up to 25 dB.

Sound Signature

As for the sound, it’s everything I know I’d want in a headphone. Talk about pristine music playback across the frequency range of 16 Hz – 22,000 Hz. The bass is so rich, yet controlled. It’s not given extra weight, but rather a depth and clarity that provides a truly enriching listening experience. Even the most subtle or bombastic of bass lines thud and thump with just the right amount of oomph – never bleeding over your lush mids or oozing a lackluster beat onto those glittering highs. Truly, the HD 1 does not disappoint. The rechargeable battery built into the ear cup requires only 3 hours to reach full capacity which will keep you running for up to 22 hours.

Like I mentioned before, the headphones are travel-friendly and subsequently driven at an impedance of 28 ohms, perfect for mobile devices.

Specs:

Impedance: 28 ohms

Frequency Response Range: 16 Hz to 22,000 Hertz

Battery Life: 22 hours

Charging Time: 3 hours

Sound Pressure Level: 113 dB

Noise Attenuation: up to 25 dB

Weight: 265g

The Sennheiser HD 1 is available at Audio 46 Sennheiser Store for $499.95.

If you liked this Sennheiser HD 1 Wireless Review or have any questions, feel free to let us know.

When it comes to buying new headphones we all want to find the best deal. But finding the best price can sometimes get you in trouble. Online sellers are not always authorized to sell new headphones from certain manufacturers but they do it anyway. On top of that, the small print might reveal a used or refurbished headphone when you think you’re buying new. But the most disappointing purchase of all is when buyers take a chance with unknown sellers and end up getting counterfeit headphones.

We recently encountered one of these items purchased online via Ebay and wanted to share an “authentic looking” knock-off so you don’t get burned. Our customer was originally in the store but wanted to shop around online to find a better price. They ended up getting one from a seller on Ebay. When the customer came into the store with the earphone we confirmed their worst fears. The Sennheiser IE-800 they bought was a fake. The sound was not the same even though the earphone looked real. Let’s take a look at this fake item we’ll give you a few tips on how to avoid making the same mistake.

Counterfeit Sennheiser Headphones on Ebay

The Sennheiser IE-800 is one of the most sought after in-ear headphones for it’s sound quality and build. The ergonomic design and distortion free bass response of this incredible IEM makes it one of the best in-ear headphones in the world. The MSRP for this high-quality IEM is $799 and audiophiles understandably want to get the best price possible when putting down this kind of money for a headphone. But buying the IE-800 “the cheapest” price online can get you a fake item like this one we encountered with a recent customer who purchased a Sennheiser IE-800 from Ebay.

You’ll notice it looks just like the real thing. After further examination we determined that it was likely an original box and case but the earphone itself was definitely a fake. Although it looks very close to the actual Sennheiser IE-800 the logo isn’t as clear as an original and the sound totally gave it away. The fake wasn’t nearly as good sounding as the original Sennheiser IE-800. And that’s the whole reason to buy a nice headphone in the first place!

How To Avoid Buying Counterfeit Headphones

There’s some simple steps you can take to make sure you don’t get burned buying any new headphones. Finding great deals is still possible if you follow these simple guidelines.

• Buy from an authorized dealer (you’ll get a manufacturer warranty)
• Don’t buy used or refurbished headphones (look for the fine print)
• If the price is too good to be true… it is
• Look for the serial number

From Ebay to Amazon, there are tons of fake, grey market, used and refurbished headphones from unscrupulous sellers. Going directly to an authorized dealer’s store or website is always the best option. Most high-end headphones have a serial number which is hidden from plain view. For example, some manufacturers like Focal have it underneath the earcup of their over-ear headphones. And if the price is too good to be true, something’s wrong.

Most headphone stores price match against other authorized dealers and are happy to give the best price possible. Audio46 is one of those stores. We’re authorized dealers for Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Grado, Beyerdynamic and dozens of other popular manufacturers. We literally have hundreds of headphone models in-stock every day. In fact we have the largest headphone selection in New York. And the best thing about Audio46 is you can try almost any headphone before you buy. We personally guide you to find the perfect headphone for your needs. All our headphones are new and come with a full manufacturer’s warranty. You’ll never have to worry about buying counterfeit items and we have the best prices.

Whichever outlet you choose, do your homework and look out for sketchy online sellers with no reputation or feedback. Follow our simple tips and you’ll have a better headphone shopping experience.

Shop the Sennheiser headphone store at AUDIO46

 

Many manufacturers will have detailed guides to spotting counterfeit goods on their website, Sennheiser is one of them.

HERE IS A LINK TO SENNHEISER’S PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION PAGE 

If you believe that you have received counterfeit goods, it is best to contact the manufacture of the goods as well as the hosting platform that you purchased them from. This will ensure that if they are fake, the companies indirectly involved can take immediate action against the counterfeiters.

Wireless speakers are all the rage now that the sun is peaking over the horizon. Barbecue season is fast approaching and with the release of a new addition to the JBL wireless speaker pack. So, let’s get to the point. Should you upgrade? Find out in our JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 review.

JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 Review

JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 – Packaging

The Charge 3 and Flip 4 are essentially shipped in the exact same packaging consisting of a box displaying the typical JBL orange and white aesthetic. The Charge 3’s box is obviously larger than that of the Flip 4 in that the Charge 3 is bigger in stature. Maybe for that reason the Charge 3 includes a micro USB charging cable and a wall adapter while the Flip 4 only provides the micro USB cable.

 

 

 

 

JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 – Build & Design

As I previously stated, the Charge 3 is larger in stature measuring up at 8.38 x 3.42 x 3.48 in (213 x 87 x 88.5 mm) and weighing in at 1.76 lbs (800 g) while the Flip 4, which is actually slightly taller than the Flip 3, stands at 6.89 x 2.68 x 2.76 in (175 x 68 x 70 mm and weighs) 1.13 lbs (515 g).

The Charge 3 is built with a rubber base for the speaker to rest securely on its side. The Flip 4, modified from the Flip 3, also features a rubber strip, not as pronounced as the Charge 3, but a base that is wide enough so that it sits still while the radiators bang out your tunes. The controls are identical on both portable speakers, with power, Bluetooth, Connect, Pause/Play, and volume buttons. Under the protective rubber flap on the Flip 4 there is an 3.5 mm jack port and micro USB port for charging with the included micro USB cable while the Charge 3 features both of those ports with an additional USB port that can “charge” another smart device while in use.

The Charge 3 and Flip 4 both feature dual front-facing passive radiators to increases the low frequency response meaning a whole lot of bass in both speakers. The radiators on the Flip 4 now feature a shiny new face that matches the color of the speaker and now has a dashed design across the entire plate. One side showcases the JBL logo while the other has an exclamation point. The Charge 3 features a solid black logo (regardless of the speaker color) on both ends with JBL embossed into it. This is the same design on the Flip 3 and Xtreme.

JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 – Features

Both speakers are waterproof with an IPX7 meaning they can be submerged under water for up to 30 minutes. If you’d like a better understanding of water resistance ratings, check out an article on water resistance grades here. The same cannot be said for the previous Flip model (Flip 3) which was only splash proof. A little rain here and there is A-OK, but anything more than that and you’ll be s.o.l. Both the Flip 4 and Charge 3 are built with durable fabric material and rubber enclosures to keep the water out. In addition, both speakers possess JBL Connect which allows multiple speakers to link to one another and play simultaneously. However, the Flip 4 features the updated Connect+ (allows up to 100 speakers to sync together) which only syncs other Connect+ devices together. Until the Charge 3 is updated to with firmware, these two speakers are not able to pair to one another. Regardless, this feature sounds ideal for big house and pool parties.

The Flip 4 has a run time of 12 hours (Flip 3 was 10 hours) while taking 3.5 hours to fully recharge. The Charge 3, which is built with a larger battery, is able to provide tunes for up to 20 hours while taking 4.5 hours to charge. The Flip 4 operates using Bluetooth 4.2 and the charge 3 uses Bluetooth 4.1.

JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 – Sound

“Baby, this is what you came for…” chimes in my head as I write the line sound knowing in fact this is probably the most important part of this review. So, let’s get to it. The Flip 4 has a really nice present yet relaxed bass line than its predecessor the Flip 3, which came off much boomier in comparison. The Flip 4 does a really good job of allowing the mids and highs to breathe and float over the bass with accuracy and detail. Subsequently, the Flip 4 has a brighter sound signature than the Charge 3, which is more bass heavy. As a result, the Charge 3 isn’t as detailed as the Flip 4 in the mids and highs.

If you’re looking for louder volume with good bass the JBL Charge 3 is available for $149.95 at Audio 46’s JBL Store. If you’d like a smaller speaker with a brighter sound, the JBL Flip 4 may be for you. It’s also available at Audio 46’s JBL Store for $99.95.

Hope our “JBL Flip 4 vs Charge 3 Review” was helpful.

Affordability and durability are at the core of MEE Audio’s Bluetooth headphones series called the Matrix. Their latest release increased by $30 leading us to question whether the Matrix 3 is worth $119.99. Find out for sure in our MEE Matrix3 vs Matrix2 Review.

MEE Matrix3 vs Matrix2 Review

MEE Matrix3 vs Matrix2 Packaging

The boxes of the Matrix3 and Matrix2 are practically identical, at first glance. Though a longer look at the Matrix3 box showcases a headphone that seems larger in stature featuring a new design. When laid flat, side-by-side the box of the Matrix3 is also larger. While the outside of the box is similar, the inside contents are actually quite different. The Matrix3 is clearly an upgrade. A matte black divider embossed with the MEE audio “M” rests over the hard-grade carry case covered in a denim-like fabric. This material is also on the Matrix3 ear cups and headband. While the Matrix 3 case is smaller in terms of length and height, it is larger than the Matrix2 in terms of width. That hard-grade carry case is covered in a nylon-ish fabric and much flatter. That’s because Matrix2 headphones are not collapsible while the Matrix3 are. Inside of both boxes you’ll find a USB charging cord and a detachable cable for wired use.

MEE Matrix3 vs Matrix2 Build & Design

In terms of build, the Matrix3 and Matrix2 actually bare a strong resemblance despite the third iteration becoming a collapsible model. The ear cups are still oval and ergonomically-shaped. Though, the cushions are much softer on the Matrix3. Both models feature leather-like ear cushions, but the leather on the Matrix3 is softer to the touch. That’s because it stuffed with memory foam while its predecessor may be fit with something a tad more stiff. P.S. The memory foam cups make for an audible difference between the Matrix3 and 2, in that the memory foam ear cups provide better passive noise cancelling. When I put on each headphone, one after the other, without playing any music, I could hear a bigger degree of silence between the two.

The ear cups swivel on both the Matrix 3 and Matrix 2, but the Matrix3 swivels smoother and faster. As I mentioned before, the Matrix3 is collapsible. The Matrix2 on the other hand seems to be made of a hard grade material of some sort of rubber or silicone blend. Subsequently, the extenders and the headband are more flexible than the Matrix3.

When it comes to style, the Matrix3 showcases a denim-like material on the ear cups and headband (it is padded) This is the same material on the hard-grade carry case. The Matrix2 has a carbon-fiber design also featured along the headband and ear cups and coordinating carry case. It is also padded.

MEE Matrix3 vs Matrix2 Features

Both of these wireless headphones operate over Bluetooth 4.0. They both feature buttons for controlling your music, adjusting the volume, and answering calls, but the buttons that were dispersed along the left and right ear cup in the Matrix2 are now all on the right ear cup in the Matrix3. The aux port and micro USB charging port are on the left ear cup on the Matrix3. The Matrix 3 boasts 24 hour playtime, 28 hour talk time, and 1000 hours standby while the Matrix2 yields a talk and playtime of 22 hours with mere standby time of 350 hours.

Specs-wise, both headphones are fit with 40 mm drivers and hit a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX technology your audio should be skip free. Honestly, my music was skip free on both devices. However, with an iPhone users are able to pair up to 2 Bluetooth devices at a time. I found when I switched back and forth between the two there was a small buzz for a millisecond before it switched over. The buzz isn’t really annoying or a deal breaker. But I still think it should be mentioned.

MEE Matrix3 vs Matrix2 Sound

When it comes to audio quality there is a noticeable difference between the two headsets. The Matrix3 is said to provide unprecedented balance, clarity, and accuracy. That much is true. The Matrix3 is more of a reference headphone that is neutral in tone. It is clear and accurate, but lacking in depth. The Matrix2 on the other hand delivers more bass. The audio has more depth and feels full. There is detail across the lows, mids, and highs, but not as much as the Matrix3. If you’re looking for warm sound with a nice low end Matrix2 is probably the better option for you.

If you want clarity and accuracy -and you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, the Matrix3 is your best bet. Both headphones are available at Audio 46 MEE Audio Store. The Matrix3 is $119.99 and the Matrix2 is $89.99.

JBL’s latest addition to consumer goods are their E Series headphones “inspired by you.” In doing so, the California based company launched 3 new colorful, wireless headphones in an in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear design with many wondering whether the on-ear or over-ear model is the better option. Find out in our “JBL E45BT vs E55BT” article.

JBL E45BT vs E55BT Review

JBL E45BT vs E55BT Packaging

These boxes are alike. There’s a good chance you could buy the wrong one if you weren’t paying very close attention to the model number. From the orange and white packaging to the basic build of each headset, the E45BT and E55BT and their respective boxes are made quite similarly.

JBL E45BT vs E55BT Build

Both headphones are “inspired by you,” touts JBL’s E Series promo. This means the headphones were built with the must-have essentials for commuters – being lightweight and good on battery life. Both headsets are very lightweight, but the E55BT over-ear headphone is slightly heavier thanks to full size ear cups. The headbands on both headphones are comprised of durable comfort-fit fabric that provide a small amount of padding. The ear cups on both headphones are made of hard-grade material (possibly plastic) that help to maintain the lightweight frame of both headsets. In respect to the ear cushions, both headsets feature soft, pleather cushions. On the smaller E45BT (on-ear) there is just enough pleather to provide a comfortable and well-sealed fit against the ear while the larger E55BT (over-ear) is fit to sit right around the ear. I have small ears and was able to nestle my ears quite easily inside the ear cups. But, the seal was not as tight near the bottom of the cup. In addition, the inside of the E55BT ear cup is shallow and my ears were directly up against the drivers. That’s not a total deal breaker for me, but I thought it should be mentioned here.

JBL E45BT vs E55BT Features

The right ear cup on both the E45BT and E55BT features the Bluetooth on switch, controls to adjust the volume, answer calls, and switch tracks, as well as a Bluetooth button for pairing each headset with up to 2 devices simultaneously. There’s also an aux jack port for days you feel you’d rather go wired. The left ear cup on both the E45BT and the E55BT has a micro USB port to recharge the Bluetooth headphones. The E55BT provides up to 20 hours of wireless use and takes about 2 hours to fully rejuice. The E45BT is a smaller headphone and subsequently has a smaller battery and battery life, providing up to 16 hours of wireless use while taking 2 hours to recharge. Both headphones are shipped with micro USB charging cables and detachable fabric cables with an in-line remote and mic for wired usage.

JBL E45BT vs E55BT Sound

As of yet, there are two major differing factors between the E45BT and E55BT, being the size of the ear cups and hours of play time. The third and final major factor has got to be the sound. The E45BT provides a brighter sound. The lows are present, but not pronounced. They lack in comparison to the E55BT. The mids and highs are more forward and quite shimmery. Vocals and treble claps have a nice bit of detail without sounding too sharp. Overall, a pleasant listening experience for just about everyone – except bass heads. If you’re looking for some bass, you’ll prefer the over-ear E55BT which has a heavier low end. The lows and low-mids are more forward providing a nice bit of warmth to songs with thumping bass lines or 808s. The mids and highs are full, but can sometimes become a tad buried under richer bass lines. However, the E55BT is still a great sounding headphone, but the better catch for those who are connoisseurs of bass.

Specs

E45BT: The E45BT is built with 40mm dynamic drivers and reaches a frequency response between 20 – 20,000 Hertz on an impedance of 32 ohms.

E55BT: The E55BT holds 50mm dynamic drivers and reaches a frequency response of 20 – 20,000 Hertz on an impedance of 32 ohms.

The JBL E45BT is $99.95 and the JBL E55BT is $149.95 at Audio 46’s JBL Store.

Lately we’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding the Sennheiser HD 579 and HD 599.  While word has spread that both headphones offer a truly impressive listening experience, many folks are at a loss as to which one they should buy.  Well, Audio46 is not going to push either one on you, but we will give you the pros and cons of both models.  Then you can decide for yourself:  which one really tickles your fancy?

Sennheiser HD 579 vs HD 599 Comparison Review

For most of us, the HD 579 and HD 599 will appear remarkably similar.  While the higher end 599 does sport a color scheme more akin to it’s direct predecessor, the HD 598, both the 599 and the 579 utilize similar materials.  With a mostly plastic build, weight stays low, reducing fatigue.  Meanwhile, velour earpads and leatherette headbands offer plenty of comfort.

Both headphones wear like a dream, and in a blind test with no music playing, you’d be hard-pressed to tell one from the other.  However, in terms of accessories, the higher-end 599 does come with a second detachable cable – one that ends in a 1/4” stereo plug.

Obviously, then, we should admit that the HD 599 is probably the more serious of the two headphones, but we’ll have to go “under the hood” to see where these two contenders truly start to diverge.

Specs

HD 579 Specs
Frequency Range:  15-28,500 Hz
Impedance:  50 ohms
Sound Pressure Level (SPL):  106 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):  < 0.2%

HD 599 Specs
Frequency Range:  12-38,500 Hz
Impedance:  50 ohms
Sound Pressure Level (SPL):  106 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):  < 0.1%

Both the 579 and 599 offer a decent frequency range, but the specs reveal greater coverage with the HD 599.  Likewise, while nominal impedance and sound pressure level remain the same for both models, the HD 599 sports lower distortion (and thus a cleaner sound).  Both headphones could potentially work with a portable music player, but both would also benefit from some amplification.

Low End

The HD 579 really shines where lows are concerned, offering a clean and articulate sound with plenty of detail and well-controlled bass.  By comparison, the HD 599 offers a bit more detail and more intense bass.  Unfortunately, that same intense bass has a tendency to overwhelm other parts of the frequency range.

Mids

Midrange on the HD 579 is overshadowed by a slight amount of compression in the upper mids.  Despite this, it still offers a cleaner sound than the HD 599.  While the 599 might offer tiny bit more detail, the increased compression tends to pinch and drag down vocals in the mids.

High End

Here we see the lower-end HD 579 lose to the over-engineered HD 599.  While the 579 offers a decent (if somewhat subdued) listening experience, the high end on the 599 is practically perfection.  The HD 579 tends to smooth out the high end, leading to a loss of some finer details.  In contrast, the HD 599 offers all of those details – without ever becoming piercing or uncomfortable.

Soundstage

Soundstage on both headphones is almost too close to call.  While both sport amazing placement, depth remains wanting.  The resultant sound from either headphone will allow you to hear each instrument occupying a sense of space.  However, the lack of depth on either pair of cans can result in an almost-oppressive listening experience, with the music seemingly bearing down upon you from just a few feet away.

Other Observations

The longer I switch between the two models, the more I prefer the comfort of the HD 599.  It may offer a slightly wider fit (thus better accommodating my giant head).  Or maybe my mind is playing tricks on me…

Critical listeners will love the HD 579.  Really, this is one of the better Sennheiser headphones released in the past couple years.  I know people love the HD 800s and the Momentum hype, but the HD 579 is truly and impressive headphone.

Still, there’s something about the HD 599, too.  The dynamic sound is going to be a home-run for the younger crowd who comprise a good part of the Sennheiser customer base.

Recommendations

All right – let’s get down to brass tacks.  The Sennehesier HD 579 retails for $199, while the HD 599 retails for $249.  Despite this relatively small difference in price, these two headphones offer wildly different listening experiences.

For those seeking a more critical and even-keeled sound with decent lows and highs, but a beefed-up midrange, the HD 579 is a Sure Thing.

Fans of rock and hip-hop – or anyone who prefers a more dynamic sound in a headphone – would be better off opting for the more expensive (but more intense) HD 599.  Here, the intense lows and highs offer a somewhat less exacting sound, but one that is infinitely more emotive.

Final Analysis

Despite a small price difference, the Sennheiser HD 579 and HD 599 offer two completely different sounds.  While the cheaper HD 579 will astound critical listeners, casual music buffs and headphone junkies alike will appreciate the more dynamic chops of the HD 599.

Check out more headphones like these in the Sennheiser Store at Audio46!

Recently, Audio46 gotten a lot of questions regarding the new FiiO X5 III portable player and how it stacks up against its predecessor, the FiiO X5 II.  At a price of $399, the X5 III is only marginally more expensive than the older version.  But are the improvements worth the extra cash?

FiiO X5 II vs X5 III Comparison Review

 

 

The FiiO X5 II and X5 III offer almost identical proportions, though the X5 III offers slightly less weight.   While the X5 II offers an older iPod-esque scroll wheel and screen, the entire front plate of the newer version is dominated by a large touchscreen.

Where the older X5 II utilized dual microSD card slots, the new X5 III offers 32 GB of internal storage, the same two dual microSD slots, and built-in wifi for streaming.  There’s also bluetooth connectivity with the newer model, opening up further wireless functions.

Controls, though switched around on the newer model, are much the same as they were on the FiiO X5 II.  Even without reading a manual, it was still quite easy for me to pick up the new controls.

Sound

Perhaps the most obvious difference at first listen, the X5 III sounds more exacting in terms of detail.  If there are imperfections in any recording the X5 III will draw attention to them.  While this won’t be an issue for high-quality tracks, the X5 II is decidedly more forgiving when it comes to these lo-fi tunes.

Compatibility

Compatibility between the two models remains relatively neck-and-neck.  Although the older FiiO X5 II could handle DSD files with ease, its replacement offers even more compatibility with this type of file – and with richer variants, too.

As far as headphones go, the older X5 can handle any impedance up to 300 ohms (purportedly), while the newer X5 III maxes out at 150 ohms.  In our tests, though, we found using that any headphone over 100 ohms pretty much required an amp to keep sound quality up to snuff.

Other Observations

The newer X5 III packs dual processors for a richer sound.  And that sound is nothing short of miraculous – for higher quality recordings.  More lo-fi tracks really start to show their faults when played through the hyper-detailed X5 III.

I’d  still recommend the X5 II for people who listen to older recordings.  I have a TON of Dinah Washington material in my music library, but due to these songs being older recordings, playing them on the X5 III is a pretty lousy experience.

Bluetooth and Wifi on the new X5 III are a dream to use.  This will probably be the biggest reason for most FiiO fans to upgrade, and they should know that the process is easy and straightforward, without the run-around you get from some devices.

Final Analysis

At $399, the new FiiO X5 III offers more connectivity, more storage, and more detail than it’s predecessor.  Those preferring older lo-fi tunes may wish to hold onto their older FiiO X5 II, but for everyone else, the X5 III is the smarter, faster, and more detailed choice.

See more in the FiiO Store at Audio46!