Category Archives: Headphone

Apple iPhone 7 – Hot of the Press – New Lightning Headphones / DACs / Apple’s new MFI Audio Specifications

Apple, Audio, Headphone, Tech News,

The next iPhone, the iPhone 7 will remove the 3.5mm headphone jack. Instead it will rely on either bluetooth audio or routing the sound out via the lightning connector. Any headphone utilising the lightning connector will need a DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) to convert the digital sound outputted via the lightning connection.

So what is Apple asking manufacturers behind the scenes? What ground rules are Apple requesting or expecting? And what are the pros and cons?

In a thread on Head-Fi, the founder of Fiio audio products created a thread to let everyone know that the company finally after many years of applying for Apple’s MFI Certification got approved. This then revealed some interesting extra bits of information:-

– Each and every potential product has to have the manufacturing and technical information sent across to Apple, thereby revealing any company secrets as to how they made a product sound so good. Chord Audio decided not to get their awarding winning DAC, the Chord Mojo MFI approved for this reason.

– Apple have not even decided what type of product Fiio can manufacture yet.

– Apple are courting headphone manufacturers to make headphones with a lightning connector. Apple are not asking these manufacturers to make an external DAC to connect traditional headphones with a 3.5mm jack.

– Whilst DACS sold by Fiio are at the budget pricing end of the market. Fiio have confirmed that going forward their pricing will increase as they will be forced to purchase lightning connectors and related chips from Apple.

– Fiio are hoping the can work with Apple creating a Lightning DAC as per photo above. This is a slimline DAC with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

– Apple are stipulating the type of product they would like to see. Apple have now asked that all MFi products must includes a LAM ( lightning audio module ) , remote control keys and microphone if the product has headphone out jack. This means that there will not be similar products like the SONY PHA-1/2/3 in the future. This is sad news.

What is frustrating here is Apple have only approved Fiio once they needed them due to the removal of the headphone jack in the next iPhone. Then there are stipulation the type of DAC that is allowed to be manufactured. Next is the higher costs created due to Apple’s MFI program.

So whilst the sound quality should sound better via the lightning port, I am not sure people will be too impressed if the costs of a lightning audio adapter or module becomes at a too higher a price point.

But as they say, better to be in the team than relegated to the side lines.

More at Head-Fi

B&O launches Beoplay H5, wireless in-ear headphones aimed at fitness fans

Audio, Headphone, Tech News

“B&O launches Beoplay H5, wireless in-ear headphones aimed at fitness fans.

If you care about audio quality even while you run or work out, Bang & Olufsen‘s latest wireless in-ear headphones may tick the box. The Beoplay H5 have a number of features aimed directly at fitness fans. First, the cable is moulded directly into the rubber, which B&O says keeps the sweat out, to avoid corrosion in the electronics, while the earpiece housings are also moisture-resistant. Second, the shape has been ‘meticulously tested and improved’ to provide a snug fit no matter what shape your ear canal, so they shouldn’t fall out. Third, when you’re done listening, the two earpieces snap magnetically together, keeping the headphones locked safely around your neck.”

On paper these look promising so I hope they sound as good as they look. Many fitness type headphones compromise top not audio quality over fitness and fitment features. 

More at 9 to 5 Mac

Bose Quietcomfort 35 Bluetooth Headphones – The New Flagship from Bose – Review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews

Bose QC35 v2

Bose have just released their new Bose Quietcomfort 35 Bluetooth and Noise Cancelling headphones. They feature –

– World-class noise cancellation
– Volume-optimised EQ for balanced audio performance at any volume
– Wireless, with easy Bluetooth® and NFC pairing aided by voice prompts
– 20-hour battery life per charge; up to 40 hours in wired mode
– Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear calls even in windy environments
– Firmware updates via Bose Connect app for iOS & android or via PC or Mac
– APT-X is not included

These are without a doubt the best noise cancelling headphones available, super lightweight and a great sound. But what’s missing?

All is revealed in my video review of the Bose Quietcomfort 35 Headphones.

Update – a new firmware arrived today via the Bose Connect app, firmware v1.05

If you’re interested in buying these, and want the latest pricing on Amazon UK – Click HERE.

Apple Powerbeats Wireless Headphones – by Harry

Headphone, Reviews, Tech News, ,

Yesterday Ian provided a review of his current Bluetooth headphone, the TechElec SP-X versus the Powerbeats Wireless. Harry replied to Ian’s post with his experience if the Powerbeats 2 headphones.

By Harry –

I bought some Jaybird bluetooth earbuds at the Apple store a few years ago. I tried them for a few days, but they had an odd effect that I didn’t like. When walking outside, the wind blowing over the wires transmitted into the earbuds and interfered with what I was listening to. Also, anything that touched the wires also interfered with music / podcasts.

So – I took them back to the Apple store. I was really disappointed, because I had wanted some decent A2DP bluetooth earbuds for a long time. But there’s no “demo units” to try out , for obvious reasons.

After arranging for the return with the Apple store sales buy, I went over and looked at the Powerbeats 2.  I think they had just been released. The price knocked my socks off.

I asked the sales guy “If I don’t like these, can I return them?” 
He replied “of course you can”.

So I forked over the 200 maracas and enjoyed those powerbeats for a long time. I wore them out I used them so much. They eventually started to fall apart.  I walked back to the Apple store at lunch one day and bought my second pair.

The powerbeats ship with a large egg shaped zippered semi hard pouch.  If you buy them – always store the earbuds in that pouch. The zipper on the pouch of my first beats broke.  I then took to wrapping two rubber bands around the pouch to hold it shut,  Rubber bands only last a few days,

The second pair I bought are a little more sturdy than the first. Just a little better build quality, They ship with the same egg shaped semi hard pouch.

More info and current deal on Amazon UK – CLICK HERE.

HTC 10, Xiaomi Mi Max, LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, MS Lumia 950 and more – check out the latest on these phones

Android, Apple, Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Wearables, Windows

There have been many review recently published and many more coming soon. Below is a highlight of the reviews of all the smartphones recently published.

Apple iPhone 6S Plus – review

HTC 10 review

LG G5 – And All The Modules – review

LG V10 review

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Review

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – The Experience

Xiaomi Mi Max review

Xiaomi Mi Max with MIUI v8

Phone Accessory Reviews

Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic review

Samsung Lens Cover – Closer Look at the Telephoto Lens

Samsung Lens Cover for S7 and S7 Edge review

Audio Reviews

iBasso DX80 with Chord Mojo – review

Pioneer XDP-100R – review

Chord Mojo – Review

Dragonfly Red – review

Fiio Q1 review

Oppo PM-3 Headphones – review

Security

Miguard A105 Security System

Netatmo Welcome – review

Piper NV HD Security System

TechElec SP-X Bluetooth V4.1 Stereo Headset vs Apple Powerbeats 2 Wireless by Ian

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News,

Today, we have an article from reader Ian Bundey in response to my post on Saturday asking if anybody would like to volunteer and write a few articles for Gavin’s Gadgets.

From Ian –

I thought I would put a quick comparison together, bought my Beats about a year ago, to match my Apple Watch. I am currently on my second pair as the first pair had to be replaced after going in the wash
with my muddy MTB gear (not that waterproof).

TechElec SP-X headset

I use them mainly for the Gym, Running and Mountain Biking. Heard some really good things about TechElec SP-X Bluetooth V4.1 Stereo Headsets from Amazon, pretty much identical to my Beats, the main difference is the controls are on the right earbud, they also come in a soft plastic finish compared to the Beats. Firstly, the fit is much better, I often find there’s a great deal of audio leakage from the Beats as they don’t give enough, but the SP-Xs fit really snug and also look a lot more streamlined on.

Now I am no audiophile, but I do the like the sound better than the Beats, definitely don’t have to turn them up as loud as the Beats, this maybe down to the fit, but at under £20 compared to £170 seems a bit of a no brainer to me.

Will keep me going until Samsung release the Icon X or if Bragi ever fix the Dash.

More info and latest pricing on Amazon UK for the Powerbeats 2 – Click HERE.

More info and the latest pricing on Amazon for the TechElec SP-X – Click HERE.

LG G5 Friends – LG B&O HiFi Plus module review + reviewed with the Samsung Galaxy S7

Android, Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News, , ,

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Welcome to my review of the LG HiFi Plus with B&O Play. This is one of the LG G5 Friend modules. The LG HiFi plus costs £149 and is available from Clove Technology.

Key Specifications

– USB 2.0 Type-C
– Voltage 5 V ± 10%
– Current Consumption 220 mA (with earphone jack), 3 mA (without earphone jack)
– Headphone Jack 3.5mm
– Audio 32bit HiFi DAC(Digital to Audio Converter) and Amplifier
– Sound Pressure 1 m sound pressure 60 dB ↑ (100%) *based on a full charge
– Antenna GSM/CDMA, WCDMA, LTE™
– Operating Temperature -20 °C – 40 °C
– Dimensions/Weight 73.9 mm x 43.9 mm x 7.4 mm / 23.6 g
– Compatibility – other Android OS, iOS, Mac OS and Windows OS devices
– Model number – AFD-1200

In the Box

In the box you get the LG HiFi plus with a protective cover, shown below connected to the original bottom section of my LG G5. You also get a leather looking slip case and a short sized 10cm USB Type C cable to micro USB to allow you to connect it to various other phones, computers, iPhones and such like. That’s right it can be used in standalone mode with android, iOS, Mac Os and Windows devices.

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The pictures above show the module connected to my LG G5 which is gold in colour. The module adds about double the length of the original bottom section. The other aspect worth noting is that with this module connected, none of your cases will fit. However, I have ordered a silicone case on eBay that is made to fit with this module. When it arrives I will update this post regarding its quality and fit.

First Set-up Procedure

First connect the HiFi module to your G5. Power on. Head over to the LG Friends Manager app. Download the extra software as shown. Now when you connect headphones to the HiFi module, a message pops up on screen saying “HiFi Dac Starting up”. This takes a second. And that is it.

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Now head over to the sounds and notification and you will see an extra menu has appeared as shown below.

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You also get a HiFi symbol in the status bar.

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The neat part is the original bottom section of your G5 can be clipped into the cover of the HiFi Dac as shown below.

The module also contains all the cellular antennas and mic. I also noticed that the loudspeaker was louder too. So much so I wouldn’t bother with a Bluetooth speaker.

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The Sound Quality

For this test I used the following headphones – Audio Technica m50x, Sennheiser HD598se, Dunu Titan 5, Sony XBA-1 and Oppo PM-3. A complete mix of headphones from open and closed back, planar magnetic, in ear dynamic and in ear balanced armature headphones.

I used a mixture of music genres from dance, pop, jazz, classical, opera and more. I streamed from Google Play Music and Amazon Prime Music. I listened to music on my micro SD card using USB Audio Player Pro app which instantly recognised the HiFi module as a USB DAC.

Quite simply, EVERY headphone played through the LG HiFi module sounded the BEST it ever had. Incredible and such a pleasure to re-experience all my music again.

I was asked how does the HiFi DAC compare to the APT-X HD codec with the other LG Friend, the LG Tone Platinum. Well the HiFI DAC sounds better although the LG Tone Platinum is still very good. To read my review of the LG Tone Platinum, click HERE.

But of course the HiFi DAC can be used standalone with anything practically and in my tests with my Macbook, iPad Air and other android phones it worked a treat too.

Using the LG HiFi DAC with the Samsung Galaxy S7

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I downloaded the LG HiFi Manager app from the Google Play store. This app is only used to updated the firmware. You don’t need this app installed for the LG HiFi DAC to work. Anyway, connected to my Samsung Galaxy S7 the LG HiFi DAC sounded really good too. Streaming Google Play Music whilst the output volume was loud it was not as loud as that from the LG G5. Using USB Audio Player Pro app the output volume is considerably louder. Or as loud as you can manage! I also have the new Audioquest Dragonfly Red DAC. This suffers from really poor headphone volume when using apps like Google Play Music on the S7. USB Audio Player app works fine with the Red.

This does illustrate the LG have manufactured a great little DAC that works fantastically as a module for the LG G5 but also works just as well in its standalone mode.

Conclusion

This module makes the LG G5 an audio nirvana. It is staying permanently connected to my G5.Highly recommended. In stock and available from Clove Technology.

Items in the Review Process – Plus Special Offer

Android, Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Security, Tech News, , ,

There are a number of devices/gadgets currently undergoing the review process. These include the following –

LG G5 BCK-5100 Hybrid Battery Charger & Portable Battery – Now available from Clove Technology

LG 360 VR – Now available from Clove Technology

LG 360 Cam – Now available from Clove Technology

Piper NV Smart Security System – Details and available from Amazon

Other items expected soon which will be reviewed include the remaining LG G5 Friends – LG Cam Plus, HiFi DAC, LG Rolling Bot and the LG Tone Platinum. – Full details – LG G5 Friends

Special Offer – I bought yesterday a 4 pack of USB Type C cables with different sizes. (1 x 10cm cable,2 x 100cm cable, 1 x 200cm cable) Tested and certified to USB Type-C standards and with the 56k ohm resistor. Available at Clove

None of the Clove Technology links are affiliate referral links. I just like using them and have done for many years. It is really good to see that they have stock of the latest devices and gadgets, so do have a look at all their other items 🙂

There are a few other items/phones/audio/gadgets undergoing the review process too 🙂

And don’t forget if you’re buying anything on Amazon, use the link below. Helps Gavin’s Gadgets towards the site running costs and at no extra cost to yourself!

AMAZON LINK

Samsung Level One Pro Headphone review – Bluetooth Hi-Res Headphones

Android, Audio, Headphone, Reviews, ,

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Welcome to my review of the Samsung Level One Pro Headphones.

The Level One Pro headphones are available in 2 colours, black and white and cost £230.

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The Key Specifications

– Bluetooth 4.1
– A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
– Multipoint
– Bluetooth Smart Touch Control (Play/Pause, Song Movement, Volume Up/Down, Talk-In Mode(Listening ambient sound with music), Call Receiving, Call Rejection)
– 40mm Speakers with Dual-Layered Diaphragm(UHQ Audio Support)
– In the Box – Carrying Pouch, Audio Cable, micro USB Cable
– Up to 10 Hrs (Bluetooth Mode with ANC), Up to 20 Hrs (Bluetooth Mode without ANC), Up to 18 Hrs (Wired Mode with ANC), Unlimited Listening Time (Wired Mode without ANC)
– 161.9 x 184.6 x 74.1 mm
– 236 g
– UHQ-BT is compatible with selected devices starting from Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy Note5
– Sharing – The Level On Wireless Pro lets you stream your tunes to a friend via the unique Sound With Me function.

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The Basics

The Level On Wireless Pro provide studio-quality sound, Active Noise Cancellation using 4 built-in microphones, two on each earpiece and offer Hi-Res Bluetooth and Wired Hi-Res sound using Samsung’s UHQ codec. For this you need these headphones and a compatible Samsung phone. At the moment this includes the S6 Edge+, Note 5 and S7 and S7 Edge.

UHQ works at 96 khz/24 bit. CD quality is 44.1 kHz / 24 bit. If you have MP3’s at a lower bitrate the UHQ will upsample the tracks.

Operation is using the touchpad on the right headphone. Slide up and down for volume, left or right to skip tracks, tap to play/pause, press and hold middle for talk through. It really is a breeze to use.

Comfort. The Level One Pro are very comfortable to wear and for extended periods too. They fit on the ears.

The Sound Quality

The first thing that will strike you about these headphones is that they are not bass boom boxes. Samsung state these are studio headphones and they really are! These are the first bluetooth headphones I have used that provide Hi-Res Bluetooth sound. Does it make a difference. Yes it does. Does it beat a high quality wired setup. No. Does it get close. 85% close.

So as these are studio based headphones, they are rather flat in sound reproduction. They only reproduce what is available and accurately. So crap in, crap out.

Then Samsung add their Ultra High Quality audio codec that works at 96 kHz /24 bit. The Samsung Music app also upscales non hi-res tracks. You can switch this option on or off. With UHQ on you also gain the benefit of all the other sound alive features. This includes the equaliser, surround sound, tube amp pro (this simulates the soft timbre of a tube amplifier which I quite like) and concert hall. Samsung also feature adapt sound that performs a hearing test on each ear, which then in turn provides a custom music profile. This is really effective.

So what’s my verdict on the sound quality. These are good quality music headphones. I didn’t suffer fatigue. However, they are not always exciting to listen too. The other consideration is the extra bandwidth UHQ requires. If you start doing other activities on your phone, drop outs and glitches will occur occasionally using the UHQ. With UHQ turned off this doesn’t happen. This may mean a software update is required on the S7 to fix this but at the moment it is a consideration.

Another consideration is that as soon as you want to watch a YouTube video or something similar , you need to turn off UHQ, due to the fact peoples voices are out of sync.

My long term set of bluetooth headphones is the Plantronics BackBeat Pro. They have tons more bass and subwoofer type bass but with great mid and treble. At times you might think there is an earthquake happening whilst listening to these. They Plantronics are a lot heavier and larger. They don’t fold like the Level One Pro. However, if I gave both headphones to you to compare, most would choose the Plantronics. Far more fun and engaging. However, over an extended listening period, the Level One Pro would win as ear fatigue is minimal. Plus the sound is more accurately reproduced.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, as good as the Level One Pro headphones are, I just cannot enjoy listening to them, so sadly I cannot recommend them wholeheartedly. In addition the music drop outs and glitches are frustrating. For some people, the studio type sound will be perfect!

Audio Technica ATH-M50x Headphones – review 

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the Audio Technica ATH-M50x headphones. 

   
 

The Key Specifications 

– Type – Closed-back dynamic

– Driver Diameter 45 mm

– Magnet Neodymium

– Voice Coil CCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire)

– Frequency Response 15 – 28,000 Hz

– Maximum Input Power 1,600 mW at 1 kHz

– Sensitivity 99 dB

– Impedance 38 ohms

– Weight 285 g (10 oz), without cable and connector

– Cable Interchangeable cables: detachable 1.2 m – 3.0 m (3.9′ – 9.8′) coiled cable, detachable 3.0 m (9.8′) straight cable and detachable 1.2 m (3.9′) straight cable

– Accessories Included – Protective carrying pouch, 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter

The Hardware

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x have over 900 5 star reviews on Amazon UK. That should leave you in no doubt these are fantastic headphones for £120. They are also critically acclaimed for their sonic performance by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers. They feature a proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, professional-grade earpad and headband material for more durability and comfort. Circumaural design contours around the ears for good sound isolation in loud environments. They come with 3 detachable cables too and fold as shown in the photos. The three cables include a 3m long straight cable , a short 1.2m straight cable (ideal for connecting to a smartphone, and a medium-length coiled cable. The cables insert-and-turn locking system secures the cable to the left cup. The ear cups rotate flat as well. Surely there must be a catch if they only cost £120. And there is. The overall construction feel a little plasticly. But that is the only negative.

The Sound Quality and Audio Experience

Audio Technica claim these headphones have an exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response. When I first listened to these headphones I did not agree with that statement. But after 50 hours burn in, make no mistake these headphones are superb and really come alive. They can be powered directly from your smartphone, but I would recommend using them with a portable amp/dac to being out the best from these headphones. Highs are crisp, but not overly bright, mids are pleasant and precise and the bass is punchy, fast and tight. Also as these are a closed back design, music listening is private. In terms of genres, these headphones work well across everything I have thrown at them.

Conclusion

For the money these are exceptionally sounding headphones. They do need over 50 hours burn in before they sound near their true potential. My M50x’s have had circa 400 hours of music played through them and really sound fantastic now. Highly recommended.

More info and deal on Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Studio Monitor Professional Headphones

More info and deals at Amazon US – Click HERE