Westone Adventure Alpha In Ear Monitor Review

Do you enjoy your music and want to take it outdoors, such as camping, but don’t want to take it outdoors, such as camping, but don’t want to get them damaged. Westone has you covered with their Adventure Series. Westone’s Alpha model comes with a single dynamic driver in a magnesium unibody, so it can take a beating. The cables are cloth covered for extra durability. And if the case ever arises, the cables are detachable so they can be replaced if damaged. They are even IPX-3 water resistance rated. All of this comes at an MSRP of only $249.

Features and Specs:

·         Sensitivity: 97 dB @ 1mW

·         Frequency Response: 20Hz - 18kHz

·         Impedance; 21 Omhs

·         Driver: 6.5mm Dynamic Driver

·         Active Fit System - Up & Over cable routing and patented Star TipTM ensure superior fit, comfort, and retention

·         Audiophile Fidelity - Proprietary Extended Range 6.5mm Micro Driver with PSTTM (Precision Surface Tuning). Delivers sonic accuracy with extended bass

·         IPX-3 Weather Resistant - Protection against spraying water and adverse conditions. Perfect for every- day use, rain or shine

·         Magnesium Unibody - Low-profile lightweight magnesium unibody and aluminum faceplate for strength, durability and style.

·         AWACS Reflective - Adventure Warning and Control System: better visibility in low-light and adverse conditions with a reflective, replaceable cable featuring 3-button control system for iPhone, iPod and iPad.

The Westone Adventure Alpha came shipped in a really nice printed box with pics of the product and it’s specs. At the top of the packaging is a hard clear plastic box that actually holds the IEM, so you can clearly see it. Materials used in construction were metal, plastic and some cloth used to wrap around the cable. They were high quality, and fit and finish was also very good. They felt like a very well made product in hand. Also included were the owner's manual, hard case, multiple sized ear tips in various styles. I really liked the hard plastic storage case that also appears water resistant, maybe even waterproof.

Listening provided a very good sound, and a lot of low end for those that like a lot of bass.  Fresh Aire II:  Going To Another Place, strings were crisp and clean with good dynamics and resolution. Piano was very natural sounding. Flute was very smooth with good air. Kick drum played very deep with kick and authority.  Steve Miller Band: Swingtown, percussion was crisp and clean with good detail and resolution. Bass guitar had nice low end extension and played with very nice authority. Vocals were very smooth and natural with some texture.  No Doubt: Hella Good, percussion was very crisp with nice dynamics. Bass was very deep and played with tons of authority. Vocals were very natural with good smoothness.  Eric Bibb: Don’t Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down, guitar had nice detail and resolution, although just a tad warm. Piano sounded natural. Vocals were smooth with good texture.

The Westone Adventure Alpha is a unique product in that it is designed for the outdoors.  Not only does it deliver the exceptional Westone sound, it does so in a package that lets you enjoy your music in settings you may not have felt safe doing before.  If you are an outdoorsman, the Westone Adventure Alpha should be on yout short list.  Based on their design, features, quality and performance, the Westone Adventure Alpha have earned our Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, checkout their website at www.westone.com.