Now it's time for the 2nd half of our annual Headphone Shootout. This is for the in-ear
monitors. We have some great models again this year from some excellent
manufacturers. They included 1More, Audio-Technica, Master & Dynamic,
Jabra, Nuheara, and Westone. Most of them are true wireless models, but a
couple are ultra premium models from Westone. MSRP’s range from $149 to $1599.
First up is the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW. Audio-Technica has several decades of experience in designing headphones. They have taken this experience into the designing of the ATH-CKS5TW. It’s a true wireless headphone, which based on its modern design provides great sound as well as long battery life, MSRP is a low $149.
Features and specs:
Type: Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 10 mm
Frequency Response: 5 – 40,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW
Impedance: 16 ohms
Battery: Headphones: DC 3.7V lithium-ion battery
Charging case: DC 3.7V lithium polymer battery
Battery Life
Max. approx. 15 hours* (headphones); max. approx. 45 hours* (with charging case)
Charging time: approx. 2 hours* (headphones); approx. 3.5 hours* (charging case)
Weight
Headphones: Approx. 8 g (0.28 oz) (L side), approx. 8 g (0.28 oz) (R side)
Charging case: Approx. 60 g (2.1 oz)
Accessories Included
30 cm (12") USB-A/USB-C charging cable, eartips (XS, S, M, L), 3D loop supports, silicone rings
Type (Microphone)
MEMS
Sensitivity (Microphone): -40 dB (1 V/Pa, at 1 kHz)
Frequency Response (Microphone): 50 – 4,000 Hz
Polar Pattern (Microphone): Omnidirectional
Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)
Communication system: Bluetooth version 5.0
Maximum RF output: 10 mW EIRP
Maximum communication range: Line of sight - approx. 10 m (33')
Frequency band: 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz
Modulation method: FHSS
Compatible Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Support codec: Qualcomm® aptXTM audio, AAC, SBC
Supported content protection method: SCMS-T
Transmission band: 20 to 20,000 Hz
The Audio-Technica came in a printed box with photos and specs of the headphone. Opening the box revealed a well made headphone held in place by custom plastic. Materials used in making the headphone were mostly plastic. Quality of materials used, as well as the fit and finish was good. They felt well made in hand. Also included was the charging cable, different sized ear tips and charging case.
I liked the design of the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW. It uses their newly designed Solid Bass HD 10 mm driver with dual diaphragms for clear full-range audio. It incorporates a 3D loop support to provide a better secure fit. Playback time is up to 15 hours (45 hours including the base.) Gesture controls are built-in. There’s even a microphone for answering calls. Add to that all they are even water resistant. Now let’s see how they sound.
Mulan: Reflections – strings were very smooth, flute was also smooth with a good amount of air and nice harmonics. Vocals had good texture, timbre, and harmonics. Keyboard sounded natural. Bass had good depth and authority.
Earth Wind and Fire: September – Shaker and cow bell was crisp and clean. Cymbals were nice and dynamic. Trumpets were nice and smooth with good resolution of the texture and timbre.
Journey: Don’t Stop Believing – Piano sounded sufficiently natural. Guitar was nice and raw. Cymbals were crisp and clean and dynamic. Kick drum had nice depth and played with really good authority. Vocals were nice and natural with good resolution of the texture.
Lady Gaga: Star Struck – The snaps were crisp and clean and really dynamic. Bass was very deep and played with a lot of authority without being boomy. Vocals were also natural sounding with good resolution.
Next up is the Jabra. Jabra has been making excellent headsets for decades. They used to focus on business headsets, but now they have some excellent consumer products. Up for review today is their top of the line True Wireless, the Jabra Elite Active 75t. MSRP is $199.
Features and specs:
Audio
Passive noise cancellation (PNC) : Yes
Noise reduction on outgoing voice audio : Yes, 4-microphone call technology
Wind noise protection : Yes
Audio codecs supported : SBC, AAC
Speaker size : 6mm
Speaker bandwidth : 20Hz to 20kHz (music playback), 100Hz to 8kHz (calls)
Microphone type : 4 x MEMS
Microphone bandwidth : 100Hz to 10kHz
The Jabra Elite Active 75t came in a great looking color printed box, with photos and specs of the product. Opening the box revealed a well protected product held in place by custom molded plastic. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic. The quality of the materials used was excellent, as was the fit and finish. It is a well made product that feels well made in hand. Also included was the charging case, and multiple sized ear tips.
I really like the design of the Jabra Elite Active 75t. They are designed to fit well in ear. The multiple ear tips help to make sure you get a great fit in ear. The 4 built-in microphones ensure great quality conversation with whoever you talk to. They even work for a hear through mode, so you can hear your surroundings better. The built in battery provides 7.5 hrs on a single charge, or 28 hours with the charging case.
The features don’t stop there. Being part of their active series, they are dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter. So not only are they great for your business calls, they are great for the active person as well, even for music while you’re taking a swim. They even came with an app that you can download on your phone, to customize the sound for you. And there’s also Alexa and Google Assistant built in. We know they are loaded with features, now let’s see how they sound.
Mulan: Reflections – Strings were crisp and clean and also nice and smooth. The flute was also very smooth with very good air. Bass had really good low end extension and played with good authority. Keyboard sounded really natural. Vocals also sounded very natural with good texture, timbre and harmonics. Resolution was better than expected.
Earth, Wind, and Fire: September – Shaker and cow bell were crisp and clean. Cymbals were also crisp and very dynamic. Trumpets were also very smooth without being brassy. Bass had really good depth and played with authority. Vocals were also very smooth and had nice harmonics of the texture and timbre.
Journey: Don’t Stop Believing – Piano sounded natural, guitar was nice and raw. Cymbals were really crisp, clean and dynamic. Kick drum had good depth and played with very good authority. Vocals were very natural, smooth, and nice texture and timbre.
Lady Gaga: Star Struck – Snaps were really crisp and clean and really dynamic. Bass was really deep, played with tons of authority, and did so really cleanly. Vocals were also natural with good resolution.
Now it’s time for 1More. Since starting up in 2013, they are taking the headphone world by storm. They are doing so by providing a high quality great sounding product for an even better price. All of this provides a bang for the buck that is off the charts. The model included from them is their 1More True Wireless ANC, which is a perfect example of off the charts bang for the buck. It is a hybrid design dual driver ANC IEM for only $199.
Features and specs:
HYBRID ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION- Dual ANC microphones plus the dedicated DSP (Digital Signal Processor) effectively analyze and block out environmental and in-ear noises respectively. Choose between two levels of active noise cancellation and pass-through (ambient mode) with a simple tap of the finger.
DUAL DRIVERS- Our meticulously crafted hybrid dual driver design with one balanced armature and a separate dynamic driver deliver unrivaled sound quality even with ANC turned on.
SEAMLESS CONNECTION- An optimized Qualcomm® chip with Bluetooth® 5 provides a fast and stable connection with low power consumption. Compatibility with aptX™/AAC ensures you are receiving the best wireless audio quality.
CONVENIENT CONTROLS- Buttons on each earbud give you control over volume, song selection, phone calls, and voice assistance. Touch control enables you to filter through different ANC levels and pass-through.
WIRED + WIRELESS CHARGING- Choose between wired (Type-C) and wireless (Qi) charging options. Fast charge functionality gives you an additional 2 hours of use on only 10 minutes of charge time.
The 1More True Wireless ANC came in a great looking color printed box, with photos and specs of the IEM. Opening the box revealed a well-protected product held in place by custom foam. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic. Quality of materials used was very good, as well as the fit and finish. They felt well made in hand. The back of the IEM appeared to be soft silicon, to help give a secure fit. Also included was a black metal charging case, several different sized ear tips, charging cable, carry bag and owner’s manual.
The 1More true Wireless ANC comes with a great design with a balanced armature and dynamic deriver. The ANC/ENC system uses triple mics to quiet the surroundings around you. And there are multiple settings so you can choose the amount of noise cancellation or allow the sound of your surroundings completely in. There’s even a sensor built-in, so when you take out one IEM from your ear, your music automatically gets paused. Siri and android assistant are also built-in.
The metal travel case also adds to the convenience. And it’s not only about the extra charges they provide, which is over 2 times the charge. It’s magnetic to hold your IEM’s securely in place. The charging case is also wireless charging capable. So you can charge the case with the included charging cable, or wirelessly or with a Q’s wirelessly charging pad. The case is also linked to your phone. So once you have them initially paired to your phone, all you have to do is open the lid to the case and they are paired again to your phone. Now let’s see how they sound.
Mulan: Reflections –strings were really crisp and clean, having good resolution hearing the plucking of the strings. Strings were also really smooth. Bass had really good depth and lots of authority. Flute had very good air and harmonics. Keyboard sounded very natural. Vocals were also very smooth and very good texture, timbre, resolution and harmonics.
Earth, Wind, and Fire: September – shaker and cow bell were really crisp and clean with better resolution than expected. Cymbals were really crisp and dynamic. Trumpets were smooth and not brassy. Bass had very good low-end extension and played with tons of authority. Vocals were also very natural, smooth, with very good texture.
Lady Gaga: Star Struck – snaps were extremely crisp, clean and dynamic with depth. Bass was very deep, played with a ton of authority and was really clean doing so. Vocals were also very natural with excellent resolution.
Next up is Nuheara with their unique approach to hearing products. They have only been around for a few years, but have some products that are really amazing. The best of them is their IQBuds2 Max. They not only work for listening to your music, they also help to enhance your hearing. MSRP is $299.
Features and specs:
True Personalization
Nuheara’s EarID™ technology uses a convenient mobile app to assess a wearer’s hearing and automatically calibrate the buds to their personal hearing profile. EarID uses the clinically-validated NAL-NL2 hearing test—a neural network-driven system that optimizes the hearing augmentation engine to the user’s personal preferences. This provides research-grade hearing customization without the need to visit audiology specialists.
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
With the most advanced form of ANC, IQbuds2 MAX uses three microphones to analyze and process sounds both inside and outside the ear. Advanced filtering circuitry creates cancellation waves in the ear to reduce distracting sounds and in-ear occlusion. With the tap of a finger, users can block external noises. Working in combination with SINC, this feature delivers a premium dual noise-isolation experience for unparalleled noise mitigation and control.
Situational Sound
Nuheara’s proprietary Speech in Noise Control
(SINC) adds unique sound controls for each situation. With SINC, wearers can quickly toggle their earbuds to the most comfortable noise settings for their location—muting background noise and enhancing focus on their direct conversations in a noisy environment.
Advanced Digital Signal Processing
IQbuds2 MAX triple-core DSP system delivers optimal hearing fidelity and reduces occlusion to deliver the most natural enhanced sound ever in a hearing bud. IQbuds2 MAX have a 450MIPS signal processing engine in each earbud, offering an optimal natural sound experience.
Sonic Accuracy
A large 9.2mm dynamic driver with vented acoustical design provides pitch-perfect sound fidelity. This improves sound quality, especially bass, which can be an issue with smaller earbuds.
App Syncing with iPhone and Android Nuheara’s user-friendly apps allow full control of the listening environment, including noise reduction and hearing processing. Users can adjust hearing preferences from the app and receive future developments and upgrades for the IQbuds2 MAX.
Intelligent controls
Nuheara’s smart sensors provide intuitive tap-touch and gesture control for seamless user experience.
Water and sweat-resistant
All of Nuheara’s products are designed to maximize compatibility for an active lifestyle.
The Nuheara IQBuds2 Max came in a nice looking color printed box with photos and specs of the IEM. Opening the box revealed a well protected case held in a custom molded paper sleeve. Opening the case showed a well secured pair of IEM’s. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, was very good. Also included was a cloth bag and charging cables.
I loved the design of the Nuheara IQ buds2 Max. The foundation of them is a true wireless IEM. They even have active noise cancelling, and custom listening settings.
But even better is the EarID feature, to enhance your hearing. They work a lot like hearing aids. EarID measures your hearing levels. Based on your hearing levels, it amplified frequencies that need to be amplified, to deliver a personalized profile. So if you are hard of hearing, you can get a two for one with the Nuheara IQBuds2 Max. It improves your hearing, and does so with your music, as well as everything around you. And with an MSRP of only $299, it is a huge bang for the buck! Now let’s hear how they sound.
Mulan: Reflections – strings were crisp and clean and smooth. Flute was also smooth with good amount of air. Keyboard sounded natural. Bass had good low-end extension, and played with good authority. Vocals were also nice and smooth with good harmonics, texture and timbre.
Earth, Wind, and Fire: September – Shaker and cow bell were crisp and clean, cymbals were crisp and clean and very dynamic. Trumpets were smooth and not too brassy. Bass had very good depth extension, and played with very good authority. Vocals were very smooth, natural, with very good texture and timbre.
Journey: Don’t Stop Believing – Piano sounded natural, guitar was nice and raw. Cymbals were crisp and clean and dynamic. Kick drum had really good depth and played with a lot of authority. Vocals were very natural, smooth with good texture and timbre.
Lady Gaga: Star Struck – Claps were crisp and clean and dynamic. Bass had really good extension, add depth, played with really good authority, without being too boomy. Vocals sounded natural with good resolution.
As I mentioned in part one of our annual headphone shoutout, Master and Dynamic is a fairly new comer. But they have been making a name for themselves by providing premium quality products. This trend continues with their Master and Dynamic MW07 Plus. Everything about them seems to scream quality. And at $299 they are a great value.
Features and specs:
MODEL: MW07 PLUS
DIMENSIONS: Earphones: 22.5mm x 19mm x 25mm , Case: 64mm x 45mm x 26mm
DRIVERS: 10mm Beryllium
WEIGHT: Earphones: 9.0g each, Charging Case: 84.0g
MATERIALS: Handcrafted acetate, stainless steel
EARPHONE CHARGE TIME: 5 hours playtime after 15 minute charge, 10 hours playtime after 40 minute charge
BATTERY LIFE: 10 hours
CHARGING CASE: 3 additional charges, 40 hours total playtime
CASE CHARGE TIME: 50% charge in 15 minutes, 100% charge in 40 minutes
MICROPHONE TYPE: Two beamforming mic arrays
Connectivity: Between Earphones - Bluetooth 5.0
BLUETOOTH PROFILE: 5.0 With aptX and SBC
CONNECTIVITY DISTANCE: 100ft/30m
WATERPROOF LEVEL: IPX5 water resistance
The Master and Dynamic MW07 Plus came in a nice looking color printed box with photos and specs of the IEM. Opening the box showed a well protected product held in place by custom molded sleeve. The IEM’s were held in a gorgeous polished stainless steel case. Opening the case revealed a polished IEM’s in custom plastic moldings. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic and handcrafted acetate. Quality of materials used is excellent, as is the fit and finish. They are definitely a premium top of the line product, and it shows. Also included was the owner’s manual, charging cable, several different sized ear tips, USB adapter, and carry pouch.
I love the design of the Master and Dynamic MW07 Plus. They are premium IEM’s with Beryllium drivers and gorgeous looking Acetate housing in tortoise shell. They have 4 built in mics for the best talk performance. They feature Bluetooth 5 for reliable connectivity, and are waterproof. It also has active noise cancelling with multiple noise cancelling modes which including ambient listening. You can even use just one of the two IEM’s for listening or talk. Now let’s see how they sound.
Mulan: Reflections – Strings were really crisp and clean with very good resolution of the plucking of the strings. Violin was really smooth. Flute was also really smooth with very good air. Bass had really good low-end extension and played with very strong authority. Vocals had very good resolution and harmonics of the timbre and texture.
Earth, Wind, and Fire: September – Shaker and cow bell were very crisp and clean with good resolution. Cymbals were crisp and very dynamic. Trumpets were very smooth and not brassy. Bass had very good depth and played with very good authority. Vocals were very natural, silky smooth with very good resolution of the texture and timbre.
Journey: Don’t Stop Believing – Piano sounded very natural, guitar was nice and raw. Cymbals were very crisp, clean and dynamic. Kick drums had very good low-end extension and played with very good authority. Vocals were very natural very smooth and very good texture and timbre.
Now it’s time for Westone’s B50 in-ear-monitor. Westone has been in the audio business for decades, starting as a hearing aid manufacturer. They grew with that experience into custom IEM’s as well as universal IEM’s. The Westone B50’s are a new model of universal IEM’s. They are a new model using a newly designed larger balanced armature for bass, and 4 other balanced armatures for the mids and highs. MSRP is $699.
Features and specs:
Details: The Westone B50 features five balanced-armature drivers and is designed for the music lover who just can’t get enough low-end. By combining our largest low-end balanced-armature driver, with two mid-range, and two high-frequency drivers the B50 creates a sound that is totally immersive, with sonic detail and clarity that has to be heard to be believed.
TRUE-FIT® TECHNOLOGY: 60 years of experience designing products for the ear, has resulted in a universal-fit earpiece that is compact, low-profile, lightweight, and extremely comfortable. Our proprietary eartips enhance the performance of the B50 by ensuring a great fit and seal, right out of the box.
BALANCED-ARMATURE DRIVERS: Westone’s proprietary balanced-armature drivers provide enhanced sonic detail and frequency range that extends well beyond other in-ear solutions.
WESTONE BLUETOOTH CABLE: Full-resolution Bluetooth Cable uses aptX® technology to deliver extraordinary detail, clarity, and a dynamic soundstage that has to be heard to be appreciated. The Westone Bluetooth Cable features; 8 hours of battery life, a 10 meter/ 32 foot range, has a water and dust resistant IPX-4 rating, and features our exclusive MMCX Audio® connectors, which allows the Bluetooth Cable to be used with any custom-fit or universal-fit earpiece
HIGH-DEFINITION SILVER MMCX® CABLE: Westone’s High-Definition Silver MMCX® Cable features four strands of low-resistance, pure-silver plated copper alloy, braided around a center strengthening core. Low resistance silver-plated copper wire improves electrical conductivity, providing extraordinary clarity and detailed sound reproduction.
TECHNICAL SPECS: The Westone B50 features a full-range, five balanced-armature driver with 118 dB SPL @ 1mW sensitivity, 10Hz - 20kHz frequency response, and an impedance of 35 ohms @ 1kHz, 25dB passive noise attenuation
IN THE BOX + WARRANTY: Purchase includes: B50 Universal-Fit Earphones, High Definition Silver MMCX cable, Westone Bluetooth Cable, 5 Pair Patented STAR™ Silicone Tips, 5 Pair True-Fit™ Foam Tips, Exchangeable Metal Faceplates, Deluxe Zippered Carrying Case, 2 Year Limited Warranty.
The Westone B50’s came in a really nice looking color printed box, with photos and specs of the IEM. Opening the box revealed a well protected product held in place by custom molded foam. Pulling out the IEM’s revealed a premium product. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic. But the quality of materials as well as the fit and finish was excellent and premium quality. Included as well was an excellent hard zipper case, additional metal faceplate, multiple sized ear tips and in different styles, as well as earwax tool, and small screwdriver for the faceplates and user manual. Also included, which is new for a Westone IEM, is a Bluetooth adapter.
I like the design of the Westone B50. It’s a 5 driver IEM. There are two balanced armatures for the highs, two balanced armatures for the mids and a new design large balanced armature for the lows. They came with the standard high quality hi-def silver MMCX audio cable. But also included is a new Bluetooth cable. So now you can listen to your music corded or cordless! And I love the hard zipper case. It has compartments for your ear tips, faceplates and has plenty of room to also hold the Bluetooth adapter, charger cord, and IEM. Now let’s hear how they sound.
Earth, Wind, and Fire: September – excellent resolution of the shaker and cow bell. Cymbals were really crisp and clean and dynamic. Trumpets were silky smooth and not brassy . Bass had very good depth and authority. Vocals were very forward, but also silky smooth, with excellent resolution of the texture and timbre with excellent harmonics.
Journey: Don’t Stop Believing – Piano sounded very natural, guitar was nice and raw. Cymbals were crisp, clean and dynamic. Kick drum had really good depth and played with very good authority. Vocals were very natural, forward, but excellent resolution of the texture and timbre.
Lady Gaga: Star Struck – Snaps were extremely crisp, clean and extremely dynamic. Bass was extremely deep, played with tons of authority, and did it really cleanly without being boomy. Vocals were also really smooth, natural and tons of resolution.
Last but not least is the Westone ES70. The best sound comes when you have the best fit. The best fit comes from custom IEMs. Enter the Westone ES70 IEM’s. They are a new model using a newly designed large balanced armature for the bass. They aren’t cheap at $1599 before customizations. But you do get what you pay for. Endorsed by many bands, you can listen like a rock star!
Features and specs:
Details: The ES70 is a combination of our largest low-frequency driver used in the ES50 along with the masterfully tuned high frequency and mid-range drivers in our flagship ES80. This combination features a new crossover, designed to deliver reference level audio, shimmering detailed highs and harmonic content, while delivering the low-frequency information required by todays most demanding music. Equally at home on the world’s largest stages, or in the most intimate listening situations, the ES70 delivers extraordinary sound that has to be heard!
Westone Custom-Fit Technology
Fully custom earpieces are cast, sculpted, and polished by hand from actual impressions of your ears, resulting in the best fit and acoustic seal possible.
Balanced Armature
Westone’s balanced armature driver is significantly more compact and efficient than a traditional dynamic driver. Westone monitors provide enhanced sonic detail and frequency range that extends well beyond typical in-ear solutions.
Flex Canal
A body temperature-reactive, semisoft earpiece canal additive that stays firm at room temperature for ease of insertion and then softens at body temperature, allowing increased comfort and acoustic seal for incredible noise isolation.
Cold Pour Acrylic
Earpiece housings are cold-poured in acrylic for a thicker, more resilient acoustic enclosure. Expect increased durability, a more controlled response, and a lustrous appearance from this Westone technology.
Dual Bore
With Westone’s Dual Bore technology, high and low frequency sound components are channeled through separate passages in the sound port and sum within your ear canal instead of the earpiece. The result is audibly more natural and provides a more convincing transition between frequency ranges.
EPIC Replaceable Cable
Westone’s robust EPIC cable is constructed of bifurcated, high-flex, ultra-low resistance tinsel wire, reinforced with a special aramid fiber, and braided for ultimate durability, acoustic transparency, and isolation from mechanical cable noise. The MMCX Audio™ connector makes this solution conveniently user replaceable.
Handcrafted in the USA
Meticulously built by a staff of dedicated artisans and lab techs, Westone’s USA products exhibit a level of craftsmanship that truly embodies America’s rich history of handmade artistry.
Sensitivity: 115 dB SPL @ 1 mW
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 22kHz
Impedance: 39 ohms @ 1kHz
Passive Noise Attenuation: Up to 25dB
Driver:Seven balanced armature drivers with passive three-way crossover
Cable: EPIC MMCX replaceable cable
In the Box: ES70 Custom-Fit In-Ear Monitors, MMCX Audio® Twisted Cable, Water-Proof, Watertight crush-resistant Pelican case, Cleaning Tool, Reusable Desiccant, Cleaning/Polishing Cloth, Oto-Ease Lubricant, User Manual, and 2-year warranty
The Westone Audio ES70 came shipped in a plain brown box, shipped from their factory in Colorado. Opening the box revealed a black plastic waterproof case. Opening the case revealed a well protected IEM. They were held in place in custom cut-outs in foam. Materials used in the construction were what appears to be a hard acrylic at the top, and the end that goes into your inner ear feels like a silicone. In the middle there was a transition from the hard acrylic to the softer material. Quality of materials used was excellent, as was the fit and finish. With the clear acrylic, you can see into the IEM, to see all of the individual drivers. Really cool. Also included was an ear wax and brush, small tube of lube, microfiber cloth and owner’s manual.
I loved the design of the ES70. If you want the best of the best, you can’t beat custom in-ear monitors. You get the absolute best fit, as they are custom molded to your ears. It is however a process. Westone has a network of audiologists that they use. You make an appointment with an audiologist. The Audiologist will inject silicon into your ears to make a molding. A couple minutes later the silicon has hardened and the moldings can be pulled out. Then it’s just a matter of sending your moldings to Westone, and going onto their website to select the model you want, and the customization. We went with a translucent aqua marine body with the pacifica faceplate. Total cost with these customizations was $1720. And an added accessory provided was their Westone Android cable to use with your smartphone, as well as Bluetooth cable V2, which converts them to wireless using aptX-HD for Hi-Res Audio capability. The whole process took around 3 weeks, but they were well worth the wait. Now let’s see how they sound.
Mulan: Reflections – Strings are so crisp and clean, hearing the contact on the strings as they are plucked, level of resolution is surreal, having to be heard to comprehend. Flute was as smooth as honey with tons of air. Keyboard was extremely natural. Bass had excellent low-end extension and authority. Vocals were also smooth as honey with excellent resolution of the texture and timbre.
Earth, Wind, and Fire: September – Excellent resolution of the shaker and cow bell. Cymbals were crisp, clean and very dynamic. Trumpets were silky smooth and not brassy. Bass had very good depth and played with tons of authority. Vocals were smooth like honey, harmonics to die for, with excellent texture and timbre. I felt like I was right there in the recording studio with the band!
Journey: Don’t Stop Believing – Piano sounded very natural, guitar was nice and raw. Cymbals were crisp and clean and very dynamic. Kick drum had very good depth, and played with tons of authority. Vocals were extremely natural, with excellent resolution for the texture and timbre.
Lady Gaga: Star Struck – The snaps were extremely crisp and clean and extremely dynamic. Bass was extremely deep and played with tons of authority. And the bass hit really clean without being boomy. Vocals sounded extremely natural with excellent resolution and smooth like honey timbre.
I was impressed with the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW, especially for their price point. At $149, their fairly entry level for quality true wireless. They had a sound signature that was a tad on the bright side, yet provided good resolution and bang for the buck. Their Bluetooth performance was also excellent. No problems going from my basement up to the 2nd floor. And outside it went for the 200 feet.
The Jabra Elite Active 75t was a pure pleasure and performed better than expected. They aren’t just for office workers or conference calls. They performed better than their price point, and even better then the IQBuds2 Max. Overall sound was a tad on the warm side, but with very good resolution and their Bluetooth performance was good. They did not do well in between floors. But it didn’t have any problems on the same floor with multiple rooms in between. And outside it had only a couple of hiccups and worked to 200 feet.
Made in China has gotten a bad rep. But sometimes there are products made in China that are actually very good quality. 1More is trying really hard to buck that trend, and they are succeeding, at least with the 1More True Wireless ANC.
They performed better than expected, and better then their price point. They are a bit on the bulky side, however their hybrid dual driver design really did sing! Sound signature was a bit on the bright side, and provided great resolution, coming closer than they should have to the Master and Dynamic. And for $199 you even get ANC and a metal charging case.
Bluetooth performance was ok. It was a little glitchy between floors. But stayed connected to the 2nd floor. Outside it was just fine to 200 feet. They also have active noise cancelling, and do so with a couple different levels. The highest removed about 80% and the low level around 60%. And also had a pass through mode to let your environment in.
Next is the Nuheara IQBuds2 Max. They are a more unique product. Sure they are designed to be in ear monitors but they are much more than that. They are designed for the hearing impaired as well, so they perform similarly to hearing aids. So while they didn’t perform up to their price point of $299 when compared to just IEM’s, that’s mostly because a large part of the cost went into the hearing assist part of the design. Yet they still performed very well as an IEM. Sound signature was a bit on the bright side, yet they still provided powerful bass, and very good resolution. Those who have suffered from some form of hearing loss can now rejoice, as there is a low cost solution for you!
Bluetooth performance was ok. It was too glitch between floors. But it did fine on the same floor. And it got a little glitchy at 100 feet but made it to 200 feet outside. They also have active noise cancelling, which proved extremely effective, removing around 90-95%. The ANC performance actually beat the others in our test group! They also had additional environment settings, to allow more of your environment in, at different percentages. That way you can hear more of what’s going on around you.
Master and Dynamic continues their line of quality products with the MW07 Plus. They scream quality with the gorgeous polished stainless steel case, and the beautiful hand polished tortoise shell finish. The eye candy transfers over to ear candy as well, as they sound as good as they look. Going with Beryllium drivers yielded a dynamic and masterful sound that had tons of resolution and a more neutral sound signature. They are a perfect example that you get what you pay for. Bluetooth performance was ok. It was glitchy between floors, but did ok on the same floor. Outside it did great and made it to 200 feet. They also have active noise cancelling. The noise cancelling worked well, removing around 80%. There’s also an ambient mode, where it lets your surroundings in.
I know it can be easy to say that you get what you pay for, but it’s definitely true when you look at Westone. They have been providing aural bliss for decades, and it continues in their B50 IEM. The $599 price tag may seem high for some, but unlike many of their previous generations, they now come with a Bluetooth adapter. They have more of a warm sound signature, but with 5 balanced armatures, you get tons of resolution. That level of resolution will allow you to listen to that song you have heard over a thousand times, yet will allow you to hear nuances in the song that you have never heard before. Bluetooth performance was good. It was a little glitch between floors, but stayed connected and worked on the 2nd floor. Outside it was a little glitch at 100 feet, but stayed connected and made it to 200 feet.
Last but not least, it’s now time for the Westone ES70. Sliding the custom molded IEM’s into my ears, I’m trying to think of the best way to describe it. Remember in the movie Ferris Beuller’s Day Off….the expression of Ferris’s face when he first opens the door to the Ferrari and slides into the leather driver’s seat? Well, it’s a lot like that. The B50’s sounded great. But the ES70’s with their 7 drivers and custom moldings, it just takes that aural bliss to even a whole new level. And I’m glad they have tips that are a softer silicon, because once they are in, you’ll want to leave them in for hours!
Now while the ES70’s aren’t wireless, Westone does have a Bluetooth adapter as an available accessory that they provided. And the Bluetooth adaptor proved to also be a good performer. It was a tad glitch in between floors, but stayed connected to the 2nd floor. Outside it was good to 200 feet, no problem.
This years IEM’s didn’t really have any surprises. They all performed at least to the level of their price point. The only exception would be the Nuheara IQ Buds2 Max, but that’s only because they are more than just IEM’s. And that’s not to say that they didn’t sound great, because they did sound great. They just didn’t sound as good as a $299 price point when it came to just using them to listen to music. But in reality they are a whole lot more than just an IEM. Truth be told, you really can’t go wrong with any of these models. They all sound great at their given price points. And if you happen to have the means, I can’t recommend enough the Westone ES70’s. You’ll feel like you’re right there in the recording studio! Based on their design, features quality and performance, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW and Nuheara IQBuds2 Max have earned our Recommended Award, the Jabra Elite Active 75t and 1More True Wireless ANC have earned our Highly Recommended award. And Master and Dynamic MW07 Plus, Westone B50, and Westone ES70 has earned our Editor’s Choice award. For more info and complete specs, check out their websites at www.audio-technica.com, www.1more.com, www.jabra.com, www.masterdynamic.com, www.nuheara.com, www.westone.com.
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