With the SoundMagic E80D, the headphone manufacturer has released yet another budget pair of earbuds capable of serving up hi-res audio. That’s partly because the new E80D come with a built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) – a common inclusion for SoundMagic products, and something that sets its products apart from a lot of other budget wired earbud creators. So, just how good do the E80D buds sound, and are they worth their asking price? Let’s find out…
The E80D’s built-in DAC is capable of handling audio up to 24bit / 96kHz, and was a key difference-maker on quality when I compared them to the DAC-less (and admittedly cheaper) Skullcandy Set USB-C. Added quality was apparent when listening to Adagio Per Archi E Organo In Sol Minore by the London Philharmonic Orchestra; the track’s organ and string elements were easily distinguishable, something that other budget buds can struggle with. When I listened to the same track on the Set USB-C, they melded the instruments together more, restricting the expressive nature of the composition.
Similarly, when I listened to Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes by Paul Simon, vocals in the mid-range felt more natural on the E80D to me. Percussion also felt a bit more weighty and impactful in the transition out from the intro than it did with the Skullcandy model.
SoundMagic claims that the E80D have a “defined bass” – and I’d agree. With Black Eye by Allie X, I was pleased by the level of depth the E80D could achieve. And although the kicks didn’t have the same sharpness that you’d expect from a more premium pair of wired headphones, they still packed a punch.
The biggest drawback when it comes to sound is the fact that the E80D just don’t get loud enough. At first, I wondered if all the years of high-volume listening were catching up on me, but after checking my experience against that of others online, I realized I wasn’t alone here. I checked loudness across a Windows laptop, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fiio M11S music player, but couldn’t always quite get the power I craved. I found myself typically playing songs at the 80-90% volume mark, which is significantly higher than when using the SoundMagic E11D, for instance.
Still, most people will likely be satisfied with the E80D’s sound levels if they keep them cranked high enough – it might just take a bit of getting used to. All in all, this is a bit of a shame though, given one of the reasons that their sibling, the SoundMagic E11C, got onto our list of the best wired headphones, was due to their impressive power.
Beyond sound, the E80D listening experience is relatively free of discomfort thanks to a comfortable fit – I gladly kept these in for hours across multiple days in the office and when walking home. They’re also pretty lightweight at 0.56oz / 16g, which adds a touch of elegance.
Additionally, they offer passive noise isolation, which helps to reduce the rumble of passing traffic, surrounding chatter and similar. In all honesty, I was surprised at how good the E80D’s noise isolation was given their price tag of $44 / £39.98 / AU$66. When I was playing music in the office, I could barely make out the sound of typing or colleagues speaking. Of course, you’re not going to get the near-silence that you may get from active noise canceling, but for what they set out to do in the isolation department, the E80D deliver.
One area of minor frustration during listening sessions was with cable noise, which, although not severe, is still a slight distraction. This was more prominent when I was on the move, although this is pretty common for earbuds that hang down, rather than wrap around the ear. If you want to tune in to music or podcasts while on the go and you’re not hellbent on purchasing wired buds specifically, it might be a better move to select a pair of the best wireless earbuds instead.
If you need to find the perfect fit or get the most out of the E80D’s noise isolation, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are additional ear gels included in small and large sizes, as well as a double-layered option (the default ear tips are standard, medium-sized gels). On the topic of extras, the E80D also come with a hard carry case for transporting your buds around.
The SoundMagic E80D look pretty similar to their predecessor, the SoundMagic E11D. They aren’t particularly stunning, although their silver-colored wire has a twisted look, which I’m a fan of. However, it’s worth noting that I also tested an older version of the E11D in Black, which had a much chunkier USB-C connector and didn’t have the coiled visual effect of the Silver model, so the E80D make for a significant improvement over this variant appearance-wise. My largest gripe with the E80D’s build is that the remote – which includes controls for volume and play/pause – is similar to that of the E11D, and still has buttons that are too small and close together. However, the controller’s inbuilt mic performs well, and recorded relatively clear audio when I created a voice recording – though I could make out a little static in the background.
Overall, you get a lot for your money with the SoundMagic E80D without having to sacrifice on quality across audio, design, or comfort – as a result, I would recommend these.
(Image credit: Future)
SoundMagic E80D review: Price and release date
$44 / £39.98 / AU$66
Launched on April 17, 2024
The SoundMagic E80D are still quite fresh, having only been released in April 2024, around six years after the E11D. One of the most attractive aspects of the E80D is their affordability, with the model holding a list price of $44 / £39.98 / AU$66.
If you’re working with a slightly smaller budget though, you can still find quality options, such as the stylish Skullcandy Set USB-C, which come in at $31.99 / £29.99 (about AU$50). You will, however, miss out on the inbuilt DAC, with the Skullcandy supplying decent audio, but not to the same standard you get with the E80D.
SoundMagic E80D review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the SoundMagic E80D?
Buy them if…
Don't buy them if...
SoundMagic E80D: Also consider
SoundMagic E80D review: How I tested
(Image credit: Future)
Tested across the span of multiple weeks
Used in the office and whilst on walks
Predominantly tested using Tidal on FiiO M11S music player
When judging the SoundMagic E80D’s audio quality, I usually connected them to the FiiO M11S hi-res music player and listened to music via Tidal. However, I also tried tuning into some tracks on Spotify using my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and watched some YouTube videos with them on my Windows laptop.
As always, I selected tunes from the TechRadar testing playlist when conducting this review, which includes records from a whole host of different genres. I used the E80D in the office, on walks, and at home over the course of multiple weeks.
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 got audiophiles excited in a way few things ever could when news of the xMEMS-driver-toting earbuds were first announced. So, do they deliver on their undoubted potential? Well... yes and no.
The headline feature of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 – at least according to these pumped up audiophiles – is the use of solid-state drivers created by tech manufacturers xMEMS. To boil down a PowerPoint presentation's worth of tech jargon, these audio drivers are created using the same processes as chips (computer ones, not the fried foodstuff) to improve phase consistency and maintain dynamic audio while keeping earbuds small. And if you want us to skip any form of buzzword, then the point is this: the drivers are meant to revolutionize audio in earbuds.
And, frankly, it works: the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 sound great. They provide a lovely neutral sound with fantastic detail across the board and a dramatic sound stage. They’re some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds I’ve used at this price... if all you care about is sound. Perhaps the color design, too, which is also worthy of praise as I'm loving the Creative Aurvana Ace 2's black-and-copper aesthetic.
Unfortunately, while sound is (obviously) quite important for earbuds, it’s not the only factor to consider, and Creative flubs the landing in a few other key areas.
The battery life isn’t great. The noise cancellation is fine at best and bonkers at worst. The Creative app doesn’t have enough features to justify itself. The equalizer doesn't seem to work. The touch controls are basically impossible to reliably use. And, worst of all, there’s the screaming, which you can read more about in the design section.
If every rose has its thorn, then, this one is attached to an entire, overgrown bush.
Some have been calling the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 the first earbuds to use this xMEMS tech but, as you may have discerned from the use of the number ‘2’ in the name, they’re not alone. They were released alongside the ‘standard’ Aurvana Ace which also features this technology.
What upgrades does the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 have over its near-namesake, then? The higher-end buds cost a touch more, introduce adaptive ANC, add support for the AptX Lossless codec, and are decked out in that smoldering copper finish. And that's, er, it.
In short, you might find the ‘cheaper’ Creative Aurvana Ace versions provide better value for money.
Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Announced January 2024
Cost $149.99 / £164.99 / AU$229.95
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 were announced at the beginning of 2024, alongside the more affordable Creative Aurvana Ace – both sets of earbuds marked the first use of the xMEMS drivers, though at the time of writing they’re not the only ones.
The buds will set you back $149.99 / £164.99 / AU$229.95, so they’re pretty much mid-range earbuds, though that market segment is very large and the Ace 2 sit toward the low end of it. For some context the Aurvana Ace cost $129.99 / £134.99 / AU$169.95, and in both the US and Australia I’ve already seen small discounts on both products.
There’s not actually that much competition in the low-triple-digit price band, and you’ll be able to see a few select competitors below, but perhaps the closest contemporary rival is the new Nothing Ear which came out around the same time, for the same price, and which I reviewed immediately prior to the Ace 2.
Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review: Specs
Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
4-hour buds battery, 16-hour with case
App doesn't really add anything
Buds keep screaming at me
In the introduction to this review, I ominously mentioned the screaming, and your mind might now be picturing some atmospheric horror film. You’d be better off thinking of that mandrake scene from the movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. When noise cancellation is turned on, and the buds are totally enclosed (ie, clenched in your hand) they sometimes make a weird, high-pitched screaming sound.
Why would you grip the buds in your hand like that? Well, that’s not the only reason you’d have them enclosed – the noise sometimes happened when I was trying to use the buds' touch controls, when they were sandwiched between my hands and my face. Having a high-pitch squealing beamed straight into your shell-like isn’t nice.
I can’t say for sure what causes this noise, but my guess is that the noise cancellation creates a feedback issue into the buds when they’re in a small space. I also heard the buds pumping out an odd sound when I was in enclosed spaces such as an elevator or small connecting rooms in gyms or theaters. Whatever the reason, the screaming and the strange helicopter-blade-sounding ANC sound were both disconcerting and annoying.
Although it's possible I have a faulty review sample, I still feel compelled to write this review honestly, and (while we're happy to test another set in future) this was a genuine issue and one that surprised the TechRadar team.
(Image credit: Future)
These issues didn’t occur when ANC was deactivated, and they’re not the only reason that I’d advise you not to turn the Aurvana Ace 2’s noise cancellation on – the main one is that it simply isn’t very good. It takes the edge off background sound but struggles to eliminates louder noises, as well as low-level wind or louder talking.
That's not to mention the transparency mode, which ostensibly beams in background noise so you can still hear what's going on around you. Most buds have this feature, but the Aurvana Ace 2's was unique in that it seemed to amplify these sounds buzzed in. Passing busses, nearby weights dropped in gyms, me coughing, all were blared into my ear like a klaxon from hell. Too loud!
ANC can be toggled using Creative’s smartphone app, creatively called… Creative. This has a few features like ANC control, button customization and an equalizer (which I’ll get into in the Sound quality section, given this one increasingly resembles War and Peace) but as far as headphone tie-in apps go, it’s a little sparse.
Creative’s official estimate for the Ace 2’s battery life is four hours, and in testing I’d roughly concur – if you follow my advice and turn ANC off, that goes up to six hours. The case battery bumps that up to 16 hours of listening, or 24 without ANC.
I don't think I've ever tested a pair of earbuds with a battery life this short: even the worst rivals sit around six hours. I’m writing this journey on a coach journey that’ll last longer than four hours – life (general) necessitates extended listening periods!
Features score: 2/5
Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Small, comfortable earbuds
Alluring black-and-tan look
IPX5 certification
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 come in a pretty appealing hue. They're black with a bronze trim, and both the case and the buds take this theme. It’s pretty zingy, I like it.
The buds weigh 4.7 each, and I have no complaints about the fit – they felt snug in the ear and only once or twice did they become a little loose. I used them at the gym a few times, too, so that's not unheard of by any means!
They’re lightweight so I never felt earache from wearing them, and the IPX5 protection meant I felt safe using them in drizzle. I couldn't find an IP rating for the case, so leave that poolside when you're going for a dip.
(Image credit: Future)
Apparently the buds have touch controls but I think you need magical powers to use them, because I could never work out how to toggle the haptic button. Not even the app tells you how. Only once did I use it successfully, and that was when I didn’t even mean to – I somehow turned the volume up to full when putting the buds in my ear. Helpful.
Then there’s the case, which looks pretty standard as wireless earbuds go: a small pebble, which weighs 46.6g. That’s nice and light, and the Aurvana Ace 2’s case (the cAse 2?) often disappeared into my pockets.
The case has a USB-C port for charging and also supports wireless charging, and its only other feature of note is a small intent loop through which you could put a lanyard or wrist mount string. You don’t see these often enough in earbuds.
Design score: 3.5/5
Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review: Sound quality
xMEMS drivers really bring it
Equalizer doesn't bring anything
Lots of supported audio codecs
(Image credit: Future)
I can finally say some good things about the Aurvana Ace 2! They sound pretty great compared with same-price rivals. I’ve just come off of testing some similarly priced earbuds and the Ace 2 sound better.
The sound is totally, white-flag-waving neutral, which is something you don’t see enough of in the warm world of mid-range earbuds. This means that the sound doesn’t lean by default too far towards the higher or lower pitches.
Something I loved about the buds is the palpable sound stage, more so than on any buds I’ve tested in ages – you can really sense the different instruments around you, helping you to enjoy your songs on a different level.
These boons are all, presumably, thanks to the use of the xMEMS driver, as well as an extra 10mm dynamic driver on each bud. Perhaps the xMEMS revolution really is here, though I don't see the Aurvana Ace 2 being the product to deliver it.
(Image credit: Future)
The buds also support a nice big range of audio codecs, for people who know what that means. Enjoy high-fidelity audio from AptX standard as well as Adaptive and Lossless as well as AAC, LC3 and SBC. Good luck finding LC3 files to listen if you're not an avid audio fan though.
By default the sound is a little too low, and there’s no way in the app to turn it up. That's apart from the aforementioned accident of turning up the volume on the bud’s stem, which unlocked never-before-heard levels.
Since every positive comment I make about the Ace 2 comes with a qualifier, here's your sound quality caveat – the equalizer. I used it when listening to the buds. I used it quite thoroughly. I slid the various dials up and down. And the differences in sound were so minute that I'm not convinced I wasn't imagining them, like some audio placebo. If you want to add some extra treble to your music, or pull out the bass, these aren't the buds you're looking for.
Sound quality: 4/5
Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
Audio quality is better than most same-price rivals...
...but most other features are worse
If you'd let me test the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 without revealing the price, I’d probably be able to tell you exactly how much they cost to the penny – they’re basically bang average for earbuds in this bracket. But that’s a game of averages.
In terms of audio quality, the Ace 2 punch above their weight – you could pay a fair bit more and expect sound quality like this.
However that’s balanced out by a dearth of features, and some major issues that display the trappings of cheaper buds than the Ace 2. These are corners cut to keep the price considerate.
Value: 3.5/5
Should I buy the Creative Aurvana Ace 2?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review: Also consider
How I tested the Creative Aurvana Ace 2
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for 10 days
Tested at home, in the office and on walks
I used the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 for just over two weeks prior to writing this review, and used them paired alongside both my Android phone, Windows computer and briefly my Apple iPad.
The testing time co-incided with a trip I took so the Ace 2 got tested to the max in terms of environments: I listened to music, conducted calls and watched Netflix in cafes, on buses, in a hotel room, in busy streets, in the rain and shine and even in packed pubs (it was only a trip to Sheffield, England, so I wasn't missing anything).
I have over five years' experience testing tech gadgets for TechRadar, which includes loads of earbuds, especially at this lower- and mid-range price levels. Seriously, the Ace 2 weren't the only pair of earbuds I was using during the testing, so I can accurately compare them to rivals.
SoundMagic makes some bold claims about the SoundMagic E11D, stating that they deliver “superior sound”, “enhanced accuracy and detail”, and are made from “high-quality aluminum components” – but how good are they really? Pretty good, actually.
Let’s start with what matters the most – audio quality. I was very pleased with the clarity offered by these buds, and when listening to Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes by Paul Simon, they skilfully weighted the various instrumental elements – from the groovy bassline to the recurring guitar riff and layered vocals. However, I did find that clarity was hampered somewhat at louder volumes. On that point, these buds can get very loud if you want them to; there’s no way that you’ll be left wanting more on the amplification front.
When tuning into Black Eye by Allie X, I was impressed by the E11D’s ability to supply controlled bass. The deepest tones weren’t astonishingly impactful, but they certainly demonstrated a bit more depth than the Skullcandy Set USB-C buds on comparing the two. Similarly, Rains Again by Solji was delivered clearly and without any tinniness at 50% volume. However, high-pitched vocals fell short of being perfectly crisp. All in all, though, audio will satisfy the vast majority of listeners – something that also rings true of the E11D’s sibling, the SoundMagic E11C, which appear on our list of the best wired headphones.
The E11D’s effectiveness in the sound department is, in part, thanks to their built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), which can handle up to 24bit/96kHz audio. This alone earns the E11D kudos, especially given that even some of the best wired earbuds still require one of the best portable DACs to truly showcase their skills. That’s not to say that you’ll transcend to a new plane of consciousness by using the E11D, but for the very decent list price of $44 / £39.99 / AU$65, you’ll most certainly get your money’s worth.
On the topic of cost, it’s important to consider that the E11D arrive with a few extras to sweeten the deal. Alongside some silicone ear tips, in small, medium, and large sizes, you also get a sturdy black and gray carry case, which is a decent-looking, convenient addition to the mix.
Another area in which the E11D score positively is comfort. I kept them in my ears for multiple full work days and while on walks, and they never once fell out of my ears or felt irritating after longer listening periods. In addition, the E11D enable you to enjoy music, podcasts or videos without being overly distracted by external noise, thanks to their noise isolation.
Imagine this: you’re sitting in the office with colleagues around you typing away. A plethora of sounds surround you, whether it's occasional chatter or the roar of an engine as a car zooms past – but even that’s overridden by an electric guitar blaring from the next room over. Well, let’s just say I didn’t have to do much imagining last Thursday – but, thanks to the E11D, all of this wasn’t too much of a distraction. Noise isolation here is pretty good, and although some sounds will still creep through, these buds do a nice job of keeping you zoned into whatever you’re listening to – especially considering they don’t come with specialized foam ear tips.
One more factor that can disrupt a wired listening experience is the sound of wires moving during use. SoundMagic has done a decent job of keeping cable noise relatively dulled compared to other more budget models. You can still hear these sounds if you touch the wires, for instance, but the noise is far less imposing than I’ve heard with the Skullcandy Set USB-Cs, for example.
So far you might be thinking that me and the E11D have an unbreakable bond that could last a lifetime. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to burst that bubble. You see, these earbuds may offer solid sound and considerable comfort, but they don’t hit all the right notes, especially on the design front.
First, the E11D’s controller is pretty disappointing. While equipped with the classic volume up, down, and play/pause buttons (the latter can also be used to take or hang up calls and skip songs), the buttons themselves are so small and positioned so close together, that they can prove a challenge to use. Even my colleague with fingers smaller than mine struggled with the button controls. This is pretty frustrating if you’re trying to adjust the volume while on the go, for instance. When it comes to the E11D’s built-in mic, though, I’m pleased to report that it works very well, and I could hear myself clearly – with only a little background static – when listening back to a voice recording.
Looks-wise, the E11D aren’t stone cold stunners, but they’re also far from ugly. The rounded appearance of the actual buds lacks the sharpness of models such as the Skullcandy Set USB-C, for instance, but they're still classy in their way. Available in either black or silver, I did test a seemingly older variant of the E11D in black, which had a larger connector, plus they did have some issues working with my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. However, when using the newer, silver version of the E11D, I experienced no such issues, and in fact I’d argue that their cable’s twisted design makes them the better choice.
Overall, the E11D deliver plenty of bang for their buck. The combination of hi-res audio and impressive noise isolation means that you’ll almost definitely be satisfied with what they offer.
(Image credit: Future)
SoundMagic E11D review: Price and release date
$44 / £39.99 / AU$65
Launched in November 2018
SoundMagic’s E11D earbuds are available for $44 / £39.99 / AU$65 and first launched in November 2018.
These are a budget option, but there are USB-C earbuds on the market that are cheaper still, such as the aforementioned Skullcandy Set buds, which come in at just $31.99 / £29.99 (about AU$50), but also Apple’s USB-C EarPods (list price currently $19 / £19 / AU$29). More on the Skullcandy alternative later – but be warned that in our opinion, Apple’s USB-C EarPods don’t deliver particularly great sound quality. If you want access to a higher caliber of audio, shelling out a little more on the E11D could be well worth it.
SoundMagic E11D review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the SoundMagic E11D?
Buy them if...
Don't buy them if...
SoundMagic E11D review: Also consider
SoundMagic E11D review: How I tested
(Image credit: Future)
Tested across two weeks
Used in the office, at home, and while walking
Predominantly tested using Tidal on FiiO M11S hi-res music player
I tested the SoundMagic E11D earbuds in a range of environments, including the office, at home, and while out and about. When listening to music, I played tracks from the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains tracks from a vast variety of genres, in order to measure sound quality.
I also listened to hours of songs via Tidal on the FiiO M11S hi-res music player, and watched YouTube videos on my windows laptop. When appropriate, I used the Skullcandy Set USB-C buds to compare the E11D on audio quality, comfort, and ease of use.
The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T is just the latest demonstration of the South Korean manufacturer's best-in-class philosophy in action. Astell & Kern makes no apologies where the pricing of its digital audio players is concerned and, more often than not, its products turn out to be well worth their considerable asking price.
Fortunately, the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T looks and feels like a premium product should and it’s specified to do the audio business in style, too. There are numerous technical highlights to its extremely thorough specification, but the real stand-out is Astell & Kern’s use of your actual, genuine vacuum tubes in the amplification stage. Thought valve amplification was just for massive, and massively expensive, old-school hi-fi separates? Think again.
On top of its technical credentials, the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T is a lovely item in a fairly substantial way. It’s made from silver-plated stainless steel, for instance. Its controls are beautifully implemented. And its operating system is as stable and logical as they come.
But the best thing about the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T is the sound it makes. Truly, it is one of the best MP3 players around and then some. Listening to hi-res audio through decent headphones and it just sings – it expertly handles every technical aspect of music reproduction, but without losing sight of the fact that it’s supposed to be entertaining. So it’s a delight in pretty much every respect.
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Priced at $2,999 / £3,199 / AU$5,299
The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T is on sale now, and in the United Kingdom it will set you back £3,199. In America it goes for a marginally more reasonable $2,999, while in Australia it will cost you AU$5,299.
That’s a lot, isn’t it, for something that (on the face of it) doesn’t do anything your smartphone can’t do?
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T review: Features
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Bluetooth 5.0; SBC, AAC, aptX HD and LDAC codec compatibility
32bit/768kHz and DSD512
Vacuum tube amplifications
Well, it doesn’t take long to show that ‘it doesn’t do anything your smartphone can’t do’ nonsense for what it is, does it? Yes, this is a digital audio player and so is your smartphone – but by this rationale a rowing-boat is the same as a yacht.
Perhaps the obvious sign that this is a device specified without compromise to make your portable music experience as enjoyable as possible is the Astell & Kern's three-mode amplification. The A&ultima SP3000T uses a pair of Raytheon JAN6418 miniature vacuum tubes – actually military-valves – in its amplification stage. Each pair is carefully matched, and then equally carefully suspended in a full-on silicone PCB arrangement to guard against noise derived from vibration or minor shocks to the player's chassis. And then you can select ‘Tube Amp’ mode to enjoy what Astell & Kern calls ‘the natural warmth of a vacuum tube amplifier’. Of course, you could go with the more usual ‘OP Amp’ mode (for ‘expansive soundstage and crystal-clear resolution’) or a mix of the two with ‘Hybrid Amp’ mode (‘the richness of analogue blended with high-resolution clarity’).
Obviously, you’ll investigate the sonic characteristics of each of these options, but it’s worth pointing out here that if you select ‘Tube’ or ‘Hybrid’ mode, the vacuum tubes themselves glow redly through a little window on the rear of the player. Which is disproportionately satisfying.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Elsewhere, Astell & Kern has been just as thorough. The audio circuit configuration, for example, calls for two AKM 4191EQ DACs to act as digital delta-sigma modulators to reduce noise from the input stage on the left and right channels independently before a couple of AKM AK4499EX DAC chipsets process the analogue signals. After all this complicated work has been done, the SP3000T offers a choice of six DAC filters to further finesse the eventual sound.
A Snapdragon 6125 octa-core processor with 8GB of DDR4 memory takes care of user interaction. It promises fast system operation and a stable, smooth user interface and the CPU, memory and wireless communication components are all grouped as a single system-on-chip for optimum efficiency as well as minimal heat and digital noise.
The SP3000T uses Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity and is compatible with SBC, AAC, aptX HD and LDAC codecs. Dual-band Wi-Fi means the player can be Roon Ready (and also means it’s simplicity itself to install your favourite music streaming service apps). It can support digital audio files of every type, and is compatible with file sizes of up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD512. By using Astell & Kern’s DAR (digital audio remaster) technology, sample rates can be increased in an effort to maximise sound quality – 44.1kHz content, for instance, can be upscaled to 352.8kHz and anything below 96kHz can be converted to DSD128.
The 5050mAh battery is good for around 10 hours of playback - although it’s worth bearing in mind that that figure applies to 16bit/44.1kHz content heard at moderate volume. The figure when listening to properly high-resolution stuff at bigger levels is considerably less. Charging the SP3000T from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes a leisurely 3.5 hours or thereabouts.
Internal memory is a useful-but-hardly-spectacular 256GB. Happily, there’s a microSD card slot on the bottom of the player that can accept cards of up to 1TB.
End-user options don’t impact performance all that radically
It almost goes without saying that the bigger the digital audio file you listen to the better, and the more accomplished the headphones you use the better, too. But unlike quite a few digital audio players at quite a few price-points, the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T doesn’t hold you to ransom. It just makes the best of the situation in which it finds itself.
And what’s equally noteworthy is just how consistent the SP3000T sounds, no matter how you might try to influence it with your amplification and/or DAC filter choices. There are differences to be heard, of course, but they’re far from fundamental. At its heart, and in pretty much every circumstance, the Astell & Kern is an eloquent, entertaining and absolutely wide-open performer.
A listen to a 24bit/96kHz file of Chick Corea’s Return to Forever using ‘Hybrid’ amplification and ‘short delay slow roll-off’ DAC filtering allows the SP3000T to really show what it’s made of. It’s a spacious, rigorously defined listen, with a huge amount of dynamic headroom available in order to track the numerous changes in volume and intensity the recording indulges in. It allows even the most complex recordings the space in which to operate and manages to tie every individual element of a recording together in order to present it as a whole.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
The tonal balance – naturalistic and convincing, whether you’re listening to processed, electronic music or analogue recordings of analogue instruments – is beautifully judged, too. Low frequency information is deep and textured, straight-edged at the moment of attack and rhythmically positive as a result. The midrange is similarly detailed, which allows vocalists of all kinds the opportunity to describe their character and attitude as well as their technique. The top of the frequency range has shine and substance in more-or-less equal measure and, just as with every other area of the frequency range, is absolutely loaded with detail. It seems unlikely in the extreme that the Astell & Kern is overlooking any information in your favourite recordings, no matter how fleeting or minor – and it puts them into appropriate context with real positivity, too.
Some alternative players that get all this sort of technical stuff right can overlook the simple fact that music = entertainment, though, and indulge in the sort of analysis that makes them sound more like lab equipment. The SP3000T is having none of that. It’s an energetic, entertaining listen that prioritizes the enjoyment of music over the minutiae of how it’s been recorded. Which is why you’ll find yourself listening for longer than you expected, time after time.
Sound quality score: 5 / 5
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T review: Design
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Silver-plated stainless steel
142 x 85 x 18mm (HxWxD)
483g
As is standard Astell & Kern operating practice, the A&ultima SP3000T is pointily angular, and is the sort of weight (483g) and size (142 x 85 x 18mm, HxWxD) that manages to feel expensive without ruining its portability. As long as you’ve a nice strong pocket to put it in, anyway.
The frame of the player is made from 316L stainless steel, plated with 99.9 per cent pure silver, which looks and feels about as luxe as you might imagine. The bottom edge features a USB-C socket alongside that microSD card slot, and the left side has four little playback control buttons. The right side, meanwhile, features the company’s trademark knurled volume control in a deep, interestingly shaped recess. There’s a light behind the control – its colour depends on the type and size of the digital audio file that’s playing.
On the player’s top edge there’s a power on/off button and all the outputs. There are 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced headphone sockets and a 3.5mm unbalanced alternative which also doubles as a digital optical output.
The front of the machine is almost entirely touchscreen. It’s a big (5.5in) number of 1080 x 1920 resolution, it’s bright and crisp, and it’s responsive, too. Navigating menus, investigation playback options, loading apps and what-have-you can all be done easily and quickly.
It's also worth nothing that – for reasons best left to Astell & Kern itself – the case is made from calfskin. Vegans, and anyone opposed to using animal products in general, should look away now.
Design score: 5 / 5
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T review: Value
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Obviously this is a madly expensive device by prevailing standards ($2,999 / £3,199 / AU$5,299). And obviously it’s not easy to make a product that is, by necessity, small enough to be realistically portable. But the SP3000T is beautifully made, from premium materials, is specified like there’s no tomorrow and is able to deal with each and every file type and size you might consider listening to.
And, most significantly of all, it’s an uncomplicatedly delightful listen. Does it represent ‘value’? To those who want the best around and are able to pay for it, the answer has to be ‘yes’.
Should I buy the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T?
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T review: Also consider
How I tested the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Tested for over a week
Tested with streamed and downloaded content
Tested with wired and wireless headphones
I installed my Qobuz and TIDAL accounts and I loaded the player with a lot of high-resolution content, too, from 24bit/96kHz stuff up to DSD128. I used expensive over-ear and in-ear headphones via the 4.4mm and 2.5mm outputs, as well as considerably less expensive true wireless earbuds connected via Bluetooth.
I investigated amplification, DAC filter and EQ options. And then I listened to a variety of music, for several hours a day for well over a week. And then, rather tragically, I had to return the SP3000T to its owners…
The recently released Motorola Moto Buds+ claim to offer excellent audio tuning and impressive active noise cancelling. Which perhaps isn't surprising given their sound was certified by Bose, whose earbuds are celebrated for their cutting-edge audio features. The price tag of $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$249 sounds enticing; however, there are some frustrating limitations. There’s a lack of app support for some devices, and it’s not possible to use the Dolby Atmos or Dolby Head Tracking features without a compatible Motorola smartphone. This seems like an odd choice, alienating a large portion of the market, especially as many iPhone models are capable of handling Dolby Atmos, but here we are.
As a result, a lot of the features that I’m going to mention in the full review are only accessible via the Moto Buds app, which, unfortunately, is only available on Google Play. It is not available on all Android devices either, as the app was incompatible with our FiiO M11S music player, which also uses Google Play. This means that some users won’t be able to make use of all of the features. The earbuds can pair with an iPhone, so you can still enjoy the impressive sound quality and most of the noise control modes via the touch controls, but that’s about it, sadly.
The Motorola Moto Buds+ are equipped with a range of features that you’d find on offer from some of the best wireless earbuds, including wireless charging and multipoint connectivity. The noise control capabilities are mixed, but one mode in particular stood out. The modes available are Transparency, Noise Cancellation, and Adaptive. Adaptive mode can only be activated through the app, but you can cycle through the other two modes or turn noise control off by holding your finger on the earbud's touch control area for three seconds.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of the Noise Cancellation mode, these earbuds could give some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds a run for their money. I tested this feature out on a flight to the Canary Islands without the app, and this particular mode was very impressive. When I took the earbuds out after listening to music for a while, I couldn’t believe how noisy the airplane cabin was; the Moto Buds+ cut that ambient noise out completely.
Another useful feature that is on by default is wear detection. Nine times out of ten, this feature worked well, pausing within a second of an earbud being removed and resuming playing almost instantly after putting the earbud back in.
The design of these earbuds is pretty unobtrusive. I can’t speak for the Forest Gray color, but the Beach Sand color option is giving me pebble vibes. Despite photos on the Motorola website making the earbuds look slightly metallic, in reality, they have a rough matte finish. I wasn’t a fan of this texture at first, but it grew on me slowly. The touch controls worked well most of the time, but there were a few occasions where they misregistered gestures or there was no response at all.
Finally, but most importantly, I can confirm that you certainly get the sound quality you expect from these Bose-certified earbuds. With dynamic basslines, and delicate details from both vocals and instruments, they make for a wonderful listening experience.
(Image credit: Future)
Motorola Moto Buds+ review: Price & release date
$129.99 / £129.99 / AU$249
Available since April 2024
Released in April 2024, the Motorola Moto Buds+ earbuds are available to purchase directly from the Motorola website in the UK and the US, and the Australian website will redirect you to Lenovo (who happen to own the brand).
Given they’re packed with features such as Sound by Bose, Dolby Head Tracking, Active Noise Cancellation, and wireless charging for just $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$249, you could be forgiven for thinking these earbuds sound too good to be true.
Admittedly, they do have their pitfalls, such as the lack of app support for some devices, and the inability to use the Dolby Atmos or Dolby Head Tracking features without a compatible Motorola smartphone. This is disappointing, especially as many iPhone models are capable of handling Dolby Atmos. Nevertheless, if you have a compatible device, the Moto Buds+ are great value for the price, and, to be honest, even without the bells and whistles that the app has to offer, they’re pretty darn good as they are.
(Image credit: Future)
Motorola Moto Buds+ review: Specs
Motorola Moto Buds+ review: Features
Customizable EQ and touch control settings
Active Noise Cancellation up to 46 dB
3 microphones per earbud with Environmental Noise Cancellation
The Moto Buds app is attractive and intuitive. However, I was disappointed to discover that it is only available to download on Google Play. It isn’t available on Apple’s App Store or some Android devices, such as older smartphones and the FiiO M11S music player, for example, despite them having Google Play. The Motorola Moto Buds+ can connect to these devices via Bluetooth, but you won’t be able to access all of the features as most are only available on the app.
The app has a lot of common features that you’d expect from earbuds in this price range. The in-ear detection feature is on by default, and it works well. It paused within a second of taking an earbud out and started playing nearly instantly when I put the earbud back in. The app shows you the battery level of each earbud and the case, which is always useful. There is also a Find My Earbuds feature, which plays a sound out of the left or right earbud to help you locate it if you’ve misplaced it.
You are given the option to change the gestures of each earbud. As default, double tap is play/pause, triple tap on the right bud and you’ll skip to the next track, while tapping the left takes you back a track, and tapping and holding for three seconds switches between noise control modes. You can rearrange these gestures to suit, or change a gesture to control volume or activate your device's voice assistant instead. You can also select None if you do not want a particular gesture to toggle an action.
(Image credit: Future)
There are also four equalizer presets available to fine-tune your listening experience – Brilliant Treble, Bass Boost, Vocal Boost, and Flat, which is the default. If you wish to set the levels yourself, you can customize the equalization settings manually, too.
An interesting feature on the app that I hadn’t encountered before was the Fit Test, designed to ensure excellent audio quality and noise control by ensuring you’re wearing your earbuds correctly. When I had the earbuds in, they played a tune to determine if either bud needed adjusting. In my case the right side was fine, but it recommended adjusting the left or changing to another ear tip size.
The active noise cancellation in these earbuds is pretty good. You can set the level of noise cancellation on the app or by holding your finger on the touch area for three seconds. The only noise cancellation mode you can’t activate without the app is the Adaptive mode, but you can cycle between Transparency, Noise Cancellation, and Off modes via the touch controls.
Adaptive mode was adequate, but I found myself choosing the Noise Cancellation mode every time as this offered the best noise cancelling by far. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of the Moto Buds+ Transparency mode. While I could hear the sounds from the environment around me, every time I tried it out it sounded over-amplified, and there was audible hissing in the background, which was off-putting.
(Image credit: Future)
I tested Noise Cancellation out on a four-hour plane journey and it cut out cabin noise efficiently. So much so that it was a shock every time I turned it off or took an earbud out, as the ambient noise was so loud. I also tested it out while taking a train, walking along busy roads and through a bustling city center, and it worked a treat.
The Moto Buds+ have a triple microphone system and Environmental Noise Cancellation to aid the various noise control features. The talk microphone proved reliable during testing, and my voice sounded crisp and clear when played back.
The Moto Buds+ are advertised as providing up to eight hours of continuous playtime. Upon testing with ANC switched off, the left bud lasted for six hours exactly, while the right bud soldiered on until a few minutes past seven hours. Motorola hasn’t given a figure for the battery life with ANC switched on, but I found that the earbuds' battery dropped by 20% in just under an hour while playing music at 50% volume.
On the subject of batteries, an additional feature I appreciate is that, along with the standard option of charging via USB-C, the Moto Buds+ case can be charged wirelessly. This is a feature that even the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Earbuds don’t have unless you want to spend an additional $50 on a case, despite those earbuds costing just shy of $300 in the first place. I’m pleased to report that the Moto Buds+ case charged quickly on my Anker 3-in-1 Cube charger.
Features score: 3/5
Motorola Moto Buds+ review: Sound quality
Great all-round performance
Generous volume levels
Delivers detailed sound
The Motorola Moto Buds+ are fantastic all-rounders, even when left on the default Flat EQ profile. They delivered an enjoyable listening experience for every track on our testing playlist, plus all the other music and podcasts I listen to regularly. The sound quality is both impressive and immersive, making these a new favorite for me.
The Moto Buds+ had impressive treble clarity when playing the song Young Blood by The Naked and Famous. As this song breaks down around the three-minute mark, it’s also clear that these earbuds had good control over lower-frequency sound too.
The track Clair de Lune by Kamasi Washington gave the Moto Buds+ another opportunity to showcase their ability to handle different levels. The bassline was clear but not overpowering. As a multitude of instruments build and layer over each other, these earbuds delivered a dynamic sound with loads of detail. Another song that confirms the Moto Buds+ abilities is I Want You by Moloko. The hit of percussion feels sudden and exciting. Once again, the earbuds deftly handle the many layers of instruments, synths, and vocals with precision, providing yet more intricate detail.
(Image credit: Future)
The vocal clarity in Rains Again by Solji was fantastic. I could hear wonderful detail in the vocals, and the high notes were handled well. Despite being in a similar range, the vocals, strings, and guitar complemented each other well. One slight disappointment with this track, however, is that the sound of rain at the beginning and end of the song sounded more like static, which is surprising considering the Moto Buds+’s ability to pick up so many other details.
Black Eye by Allie X gives further proof of how dynamic these earbuds are. The song starts with an explosion of electric energy, sinking into the deep bass of the drum machine effortlessly. Despite the Moto Buds+ focus on low frequencies, they were still able to pick out the delicate electronica in the background.
The volume level on offer is generous – when testing the battery life by playing our tracklist continuously at 50% volume I could easily hear the music when the buds were on my desk. Even when working in the office with noise cancellation switched off, I found I could listen to a podcast at 25% volume and not miss anything.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
Motorola Moto Buds+ review: Design
Comfortable and secure fit
Touch controls not always very responsive
No IP rating
The Moto Buds+ are available in two different colors in the UK and Australia, Forest Gray and Beach Sand, while currently only Forest Gray is available in the US. I was provided with the Beach Sand color option. The case has a rough matte textured finish, with a shiny silver-colored hinge at the back above the USB-C charging port. There’s an indentation at the front of the base allowing you to get some purchase when opening the lid, and both the case and hinge feel sturdy and reliable.
There’s a circular button toward the front of the inside of the case that puts the earbuds into pairing mode; the small indicator light on the front of the case will flash blue when it’s activated. The case’s interior has a softer matte finish, as do the inner-ear sections of the earbuds. Conversely, the exterior sections and the posts have the same rough matte texture as the outside of the case. Admittedly, I wasn’t fond of this texture at first, but it has grown on me.
(Image credit: Future)
The earbuds themselves, including the silicone tips – which come in small, medium, and large – are the same color as the case, apart from the black feedforward microphone at the top of each post. There are three mics in each bud: the feedforward microphones I just mentioned; the feedback microphones, which sit in with the speaker and are used for the noise control modes; and the talk microphones that are located within the silver base of each earbud post. The touch controls, which sit towards the top of the outside of each earbud post, below the feedforward microphone, were somewhat responsive. But there were multiple occasions when they did not register my gestures correctly, if at all.
The earbuds were lightweight and comfortable to wear straight out of the case. I usually need to change to a smaller tip size, but the medium size that was already on them fit perfectly well. As I have long hair that has a tendency to misbehave, I often find myself accidentally pulling earbuds out when trying to get it out of the way, but the Moto Buds+ stayed firmly in place.
(Image credit: Future)
As for durability, I had some initial concerns regarding the rough texture on the outside of the case, as it looked like it could be prone to showing scratches or dirt. However, it fared quite well after a few weeks of use, despite being transferred between bags and pockets and left out on desks, the case had only suffered a few minor scuffs that were barely visible unless caught in the right light.
Motorola states that the Moto Buds+ have a water-repellent design, protecting against moderate water exposure such as accidental spills or light rain. There is no evidence of an IP rating though, which is disappointing – and unusual, as even budget earbuds such as the Speck Gemtones Play have an IPX5 rating.
Design score: 3.5/5
Motorola Moto Buds+ review: Value
Great quality sound and noise cancellation
App and some features only compatible with certain devices
No official water resistance rating
Unfortunately, the elephant in the room with these earbuds is the lack of app support for iOS users. Not all Android devices are a sure bet either, as the app wasn't available to install on our FiiO M11S music player or older devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S9. There is a workaround if your main device isn’t compatible with the Moto Buds app, but it would involve you having access to a compatible Android device to update your settings, which obviously wouldn’t work if you like to change EQ settings often.
However, if you have a compatible device then, all in all, these feel like a bit of a bargain considering the fantastic Bose-certified sound quality and noise cancelling on offer. Especially given they cost around $70 less than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, which don’t have wireless charging or the ability to connect to a second device, as the Moto Buds+ do.
That being said, do you want to spend $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$249 on a pair of earbuds that don’t have an official water resistance rating? Motorola’s use of the vague marketing term “water-repellent design” does raise some questions, especially considering many of the best budget earbuds on the market have IP ratings. If you’re a particularly careful person then this may not pose a problem. However, if you’re a little on the clumsy side, like myself, or you plan to wear them rain or shine on your commute, this lack of official rating is worth considering before purchasing.
(Image credit: Future)
Value score: 4/5
Should I buy the Motorola Moto Buds+?
Buy them if...
Don't buy them if...
Motorola Moto Buds+ review: Also consider
How I tested the Motorola Moto Buds+
Tested the earbuds for a month
Used them when commuting, at work, and at home
Listened to music and podcasts on Tidal, Apple Music and Spotify
I wore the Moto Buds+ on weekdays, listening to music or podcasts on my walk to the train station, on the train, and when walking through a busy city center. I wore them in the office, for work calls and to listen to music while I tapped away on my keyboard. I also wore them on the weekends and during my time off, including on a four-hour plane journey.
I followed our usual testing protocols and tested the battery life of the earbuds with ANC switched off. Normally I would repeat the full test with ANC switched off, but these earbuds automatically turn off the ANC when they aren’t being worn, even with wear detection switched off. I can confirm, however, that the battery level decreased by 20% after just under an hour.
I used the Moto Buds+ with the following devices: Google Pixel 7a, Samsung Galaxy S22+, OnePlus Pad Go, iPhone 12 Pro, and a MacBook Air. I listened to a bunch of different music genres, from country to rock to indie pop to classical instrumentals, as well as the TechRadar testing playlist, of course.
The Bose SoundLink Max has delivered the biggest, burliest model in the company's already well-stocked and well-reviewed SoundLink concept that has served it pretty well lately. The Bose SoundLink Max has a rugged, go-anywhere design with the stamina to keep you entertained right around the clock. Well, very nearly…
It’s robust, as the IP67 rating indicates, and the liberal use of silicone means it’s happy to withstand the odd knock or bump. The carry-handle can be swapped out for a shoulder-strap (it’s a cost option, mind you), and overall the Bose SoundLink Max is as outdoors-y as they come.
And when you’re out and about, the Bose SoundLink Max is a very enjoyable companion. The sound it makes is as big and heavy as the speaker it comes from, but it’s by no means a blunt instrument. It’s quite a deft and agile listen for something with as much out-and-out punch as this, and can gesture, albeit only slightly, towards a truly stereo presentation, too.
In fact, if it were able to retrieve and reveal a little more of the fine detail in a recording, it would be approaching ‘ideal’ and one of the best Bluetooth speakers out there.
Bose Soundlink Max review: Price and release date
Released June 4, 2024
Officially priced at $399 / £399 / AU$599
The Bose SoundLink Max was released in early June, 2024, and sells for $399 / £399 / AU$599.
That’s proper money for a wireless speaker with no smarts and no Wi-Fi connectivity, no two ways about it. But, as will become apparent, the Bose SoundLink Max has compensations for its relative lack of functionality…
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Bose SoundLink Max review: Specs
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Bose SoundLink Max review: Features
2 x 89mm transducers, 1 x 23mm transducer, 2 x 104x79mm ‘racetrack’ passive radiators
Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codec compatibility
Class D amplification
It’s possible, of course, to use the 3.5mm analogue input to get audio information on board the Bose SoundLink Max – but obviously this is first-and-foremost a Bluetooth speaker. It uses Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, and is compatible with SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs.
No matter how you get it there, though, once the audio information is on board it’s amplified by Class D power – Bose, as per usual, is not saying how much. Then it’s served to a speaker driver array that consists of a couple of 89mm transducers and a 23mm partner arranged across the front of the chassis, supported by a couple of 104 x 79mm ‘racetrack’ passive balanced mode radiators – there’s one at either end, behind the perforated aluminium grilles.
Thanks to Bose’s ‘SimpleSync’ technology, the SoundLink Max can quickly and easily become part of a rudimentary multiroom system, provided you’re using other compatible Bose speakers, naturally. Got a Bose soundbar or smart speaker? It’ll connect to the SoundLink Max without fuss.
There’s a USB-C on the rear of the speaker. It’s used for charging the battery, obviously, but if you’ve plenty of power on board your speaker and your phone is running low, it can also be used as a power output.
Features score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Bose SoundLink Max review: Design
IP67 rating against dust and moisture
20 hours of battery life
Available in two finishes
At 120 x 265 x 105mm (HxWxD) and 2.13kg, the SoundLink Max is relatively big and heavy by prevailing ‘portable wireless speaker’ standards. But thanks to a particularly judicious combination of materials – mostly aluminium and silicone and an extremely tactile, and easily swapped, rope-and-silicone carry-handle – the Bose is easy to shift from place to place. Differently coloured versions of the ‘twist-to-fit’ handle are available (for £25, roughly $31/ AU$47), and an over-the-shoulder alternative can be yours (for £45, about $58 / AU$85).
The silicone element of the design is certainly tactile, and it helps the Bose absorb bumps and shocks. But it’s very willing to collect dust and greasy fingerprints, and an absolute bugger to keep clean.
The quoted 20 hours of battery life is eminently achievable (unless you’re absolutely caning the volume), which is just as well, because to go from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes a leisurely five hours via the USB-C socket on the rear. On the plus side, you can be pretty sure those 20 hours can be spent in any realistic environment, thanks to a chunky IP67 rating against moisture and dust.
There are some nicely positive controls on the top of the speaker – power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause and volume up/down are all available, and there’s also a ‘shortcut’ button. In the (exemplary) Bose control app you’re able to choose between two functions for this control – either switch to the 3.5mm analogue input that’s positioned next to the USB-C, or resume Spotify playback (provided your Spotify app is up-to-date).
The app also includes some EQ adjustment along with a few presets, a volume control, connection management (the SoundLink Max can connect to two sources at a time) and a volume control. Plus, of course, access to software and firmware upgrades, voice-prompt adjustments and what have you.
Design score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Bose SoundLink Max review: Sound quality
Punchy, full-scale sound
Agile rather than musclebound, though
Could conceivably sound more detailed
Bose, it seems fairly safe to say, has given low-frequency grunt and presence a proper think where the SoundLink Max is concerned. ‘It’s going to be used outdoors,’ is how I imagine the thinking going, ‘and so it needs as much punch as it’s possible to extract.’ And there’s no two ways about it, this speaker is about as robustly assertive with low-end stuff as seems possible.
It’s far from being a blunt instrument, though. Given a reasonably big file of Aphex Twin’s Isoprophlex (Slow) to deal with, the Bose hits good and hard, without question, but it controls the low end well, attacking with straight-edged positivity and ensuring bass sounds stay strictly in their lane rather than bleeding all over the midrange. This speaker hits with determination, but with accuracy, and as a consequence there’s far more to its presentation than simple muscle.
It offers quite an open, distinct midrange that’s more than capable of holding its own against all the ructions beneath it. At the top of the frequency range there’s authentic bite and shine, and just as much attack as the speaker exhibits at the opposite end – but, again, control is such that even if you listen at considerable volume (and be in no doubt, the Bose SoundLink Max is capable of considerable volume) treble sounds are never hard or in-your-face.
The Bose is tonally consistent from the top of the frequency range to the bottom, and it unites the entire range smoothly. Focus is good, too, and the SoundLink Max creates a reasonably convincing soundstage – although the notion that it’s capable of creating anything other than the tiniest hint of stereo separation is fanciful. It’s quite dynamic where the broad quiet/LOUD aspects of recordings are concerned, too, although the distance it puts between the two states could be wider. That’s almost certainly a consequence of the fact that the Bose gives every impression of playing quite loudly even when it’s playing quietly.
The most significant area where the Bose might conceivably up its game concerns detail retrieval. The SoundLink Max has no problem retaining and revealing the most significant details in a recording, but when it’s playing something like The Spark That Bled by The Flaming Lips it lets a lot of the finer details (of which this recording has plenty) go astray. It doesn’t impact on the enjoyably forceful nature of the overall presentation, of course – and if you’re listening to content for the first time it seems likely you wouldn’t even twig that anything is missing. But when you listen to stuff you’re properly familiar with, there’s no denying the Bose struggles to extract the finer detail that you know is there.
Sound quality: 4/5
Bose SoundLink Max review: Value
Yes, pennies short of £400 / $400 / AU$600 is a lot of money for a wireless Bluetooth speaker without a hint of smart functionality. But the Bose SoundLink Max makes a very strong case for itself if you take it on its own terms – it’s properly built and finished, from materials that look good, feel good and suggest longevity.
It’s specified to perform in pretty much any realistic environment. It’s capable of big, burly and convincing sound – and can churn it out for hour after hour. So, as long as you accept its restricted functionality, the SoundLink MAx represents very good value indeed.
Value score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Should I buy the Bose SoundLink Max?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Bose SoundLink Max review: Also consider
How I tested the Bose SoundLink Max
Tested for about a week, mainly indoors but also in a back garden
Played a variety of music types
Listened the TIDAL app on iPhone and Android smartphones
I listened to the Bose SoundLink Max indoors and out. I listened to it via an iPhone and an Android smartphone, each running the TIDAL app. I listened to it at discreet volumes (while indoors) and thoroughly indiscreet volumes (while in my garden, before I became concerned about upsetting my neighbours).
And I listened to it with a variety of music types and a variety of digital audio file sizes. This all went on for about a week – mostly indoors because, the weather was bloody awful in the U.K., and while the Bose is happy to work outdoors in the rain, I am not. Not sorry.
The Sennheiser HD 620S are something of a departure for the existing HD range, which largely consists of open-backed headphones – the preserve of audiophiles who don’t want anything, even the headphones themselves, getting in the way of expansive soundstages and high-fidelity audio.
The Sennheiser HD 620S hope to achieve the large, dramatic soundstage of open-backed headphones with a closed-back construction that keeps some of the environment around you shut out – the sonic quality of one design, with the sound isolation of the other. According to Sennheiser, its aim is to produce “the most open-sounding closed-back headphones currently in the market”. Most people don’t have the luxury of listening to music in a soundproof room, after all, and some noise isolation can be helpful – but is this halfway house strategy successful?
The HD 620S do sound brilliant, with detail, dynamism and a wide-ranging frequency response. Like many of the best wired headphones out there, they lack some of the modern comforts of everyday consumer headphones, like touch controls or Bluetooth, but they excel in the one area that really matters: the sound.
The closed-back design does inevitably impact the soundstage, preventing the truly ‘open’ feel of backless headphones, but not hugely and those jumping over from most consumer headphones will only feel a benefit on this front. And at 150 Ohms impedance, these headphones are suitable for those getting into hi-fi for the first time, rather than seasoned audio professionals.
Just be warned that the closed back is also limited in what it can achieve. You might block out the tapping of your keyboard as you type or muffle conversation in the living room, but loud sounds still push through – you won’t fare too well with commutes, offices or particularly rowdy housemates. ANC headphones these are not, but for a particular brand of home listener who only needs a partial noise reduction, the Sennheiser HD 620S could be ideal.
Sennheiser HD 620S review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future / Henry St Leger)
Released on June, 6, 2024
Price: $349.95 / £299.99 / AU$599
The Sennheiser HD 620S headphones went on sale on 6th June this year and retail for $349.95 / £299.99 / AU$599.
That’s a good sight cheaper than the open-backed Sennheiser HD 660S2 model (£499.99 / AU$799) or Sennheiser HD 800S (£1,499 / $1,799 / AU$3,099).
Sennheiser HD 620S review: Specs
Sennheiser HD 620S review: Features
(Image credit: Future / Henry St Leger)
Consistent wired connection
Effective data transfer
No Bluetooth, Sennheiser Control app connectivity or touch controls
Features are few and far between with the Sennheiser HD 620S, which lack a lot of common modern conveniences found elsewhere. You’ll find no built-in buttons or touch controls, neither is there Bluetooth connectivity. They rely on the consistent connection and effective data transfer of a wired connection.
As a wired model, the HD 620S don’t work in tandem with the Sennheiser Control mobile app either – as it focuses on wireless headphones – though we’re told you can run third-party EQ software to adjust the sound if you want.
Features score: 3 / 5
Sennheiser HD 620S review: Design
(Image credit: Future / Henry St Leger)
Sleek look, closed-back design
Stiff metal headband designed for home listening
Soft cloth bag
The Sennheiser HD 620S headphones are certainly sleek to look at. As with the HD 600 or HD660S2, the earcups are far more expansive than most consumer headphones, aiding the size of the soundstage.
At 9cm wide and 12cm tall, they cover quite a large portion of the side of your head, though with a rigid construction and choice cushioning to keep the headphones firmly in place with a modicum of comfort. The backing to the earcups also prevents the HD 620S from feeling flimsy, or exposed, as some open-backed models can.
The headband is reinforced with metal, despite a largely plastic black exterior, and is a little stiff to adjust. Once you’ve picked the right configuration, though, you’ll be unlikely to want it moving around accidentally, so this feels intentional.
There are no in-line buttons or touch-sensitive interfaces with these headphones, meaning every part of the construction is geared towards the audio recreation and your own comfort, without other parts getting in the way. Those who are used to sliding their hands across an earcup to skip tracks may have to get used to their absence, but it’s likely worth it.
At the end of the 1.8m cable is a standard 3.5mm connector, with a large 6.3mm adaptor over the top of it – useful if you’re plugging these headphones into professional audio equipment that uses the latter jack, though there’s no qualitative difference with either connector.
There’s a simple, soft cloth bag to stop the headphones accumulating dust, though nothing more substantial to protect it from hard knocks in a rucksack. These are, despite the closed-back design, still headphones designed for home listening, and you likely won’t get much use out of them on your daily commute.
Design score: 4 / 5
Sennheiser HD 620S review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future / Henry St Leger)
Expansive soundstage with excellent separation
Incredible detail scales with volume
Padded earcups block out quiet noises
The Sennheiser HD 620S reference headphones are designed for high-fidelity sound reproduction, despite their closed-back limitations. And the HD 620S are very successful on that front, with incredible detail across pop, rock, and classical music.
It feels strongest with the last of the three, with an expansive soundstage that really allows instruments to swell in and out of hearing, and excellent separation between them even as an entire orchestra surges together. But modern pop also excels, with the space for vocals to expand in a controlled way – the multitude of vocals overlapping at the end of Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever build wonderfully without muddying the sound.
These are stereo headphones, mind, so there’s no formal support for spatial audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, but the size of the 42mm transducers, the roomy earcups themselves and the angled baffle (which Sennheiser says “recreates the triangular imaging of a great loudspeaker setup”) allow for a spatial quality for anything you listen to.
Watching 2022 film All Quiet on the Western Front, I was struck by the accumulation of clanking metal canteens, boots into muddy water and bullets flying at all angles, as soldiers marched across churned-up land. Even plugging the HD 620S into my Nintendo Switch was a thrilling experience, with a clear separation between vivid, thumping soundtracks and in-game effects in the foreground.
Compared with muddier consumer headphones – often focused more on a punchy bass response or soft, low-fatigue listening – the HD 620S manage to make every note pull its weight. The audio detail scales incredibly with the volume, too, gradually drawing out more of the track as you ramp up the output. Sennheiser cites the “speedy transients” (the initial impact of a new sound) made possible by its 150 Ohm aluminum voice coil, and it’s thrilling to hear the full oscillation of a note as it swings into the audible range. (There’s a notable step up in impact from the still-quite-good $230 Sennheiser Accentum Plus, for example.)
The bass can feel a little restrained, especially at lower volumes, though it rises in a controlled fashion as the sound gets louder and eventually packs a good punch. Sennheiser’s own measurements show a more prominent low frequency response than the older, open-back HD600, too.
These headphones lack full-on ANC, meaning you’re reliant on the passive sound isolation of these padded earcups, which is enough to block out quiet sounds and muffle conversation, but still allows a shout to come through quite clearly. That’s very convenient for a certain kind of listener, one who wants to remove low-level distractions but is happy for louder sounds to cut through, who wants ‘open’ audio but is happy to fence in the soundstage a little to hear more clearly.
Sound quality score: 5 / 5
Sennheiser HD 620S review: Value
(Image credit: Future / Henry St Leger)
Reasonable price point
Lack of features reflected in price
Suited to home use
The Sennheiser HD 620S come in at an interesting price point. They’re not high-end audiophile headphones, but are still billed as ‘reference’ headphones with a driver design that apes open-back relatives such as the HD 660S2.
As entry-level reference headphones, their $349.95 / £299.99 / AU$599.00 price tag seems eminently reasonable. You are trading the smart features, touch controls and ANC of similarly priced headphones (Sony WH-100MX5, etc) for an audio experience more suited to hi-fi sessions at home, but $350 feels right for what you get.
Value score: 5 / 5
Should I buy the Sennheiser HD 620S?
Buy them if…
Don’t buy them if…
Sennheiser HD 620S review: Also consider
How I tested Sennheiser HD 620S
Tested for two weeks
Listened in home office and in public workspaces
Listened to Spotify on MacBook Air
The Sennheiser HD 620S headphones were bound to my desk for a good couple of weeks during on-and-off testing, accompanying me for work, study and listening sessions in my home office. The backdrop was the everyday environmental noise of an open-plan home – can you cook a little quieter, please, Dave? – and occasional building work on the street outside.
I also tested the headphones in public cafes and workspaces, against the din of dogs, families, chattering friends and passersby.
To check the audio quality across different frequencies, I listened to a mix of musical styles, from modern pop to classical music, alongside a selection of podcasts and video games, testing on both my MacBook Air and Nintendo Switch.
I’ve been testing audio products for six years, and was previously the Home Cinema Editor for TechRadar, where I reported on TV/AV hardware around the world.
The Sony XB100 was first made available in mid-2023 and is currently priced at a reasonable $49.99 / £44.99 / AU$66. It would appear that Sony made a few sacrifices to lower the cost, but that doesn’t mean this speaker isn’t good value for money.
The small print on the Sony website states that the XB100 has up to 16 hours of battery life when the volume is set to 36. Whether that’s the volume level (the volume gauge on the app isn’t numbered), or volume percentage, there’s no easy, if any, way to accurately determine. So instead, I tested the speaker at 50% volume and it reduced by 20% in just under three and a half hours, suggesting that the speaker could last up to the stated 16 hours of playtime.
As well as using this Bluetooth speaker to listen to music and podcasts, you can also use the XB100 for hands-free phone calls. To vie for a spot in our best Bluetooth speakers buying guide, it has a feature called Echo Cancelling that is designed to allow two people to speak at once without muting either of them.
(Image credit: Future)
If you read my Sony ULT Field 7 review, you’ll already know I’m not a fan of the unintuitive and laggy Sony Music Center app. While you can sync the XB100 to the app and view the speaker’s battery level, other than that, it only gives shortcuts to open your installed music apps on your device. There are no adjustable EQ settings or additional features. Although the XB100 delivers a fairly well-rounded listening experience, it definitely would have been an advantage to have the ability to make adjustments to the treble and bass levels at times.
This lack of features is a shame considering another similarly priced speaker, the JBL Go 4, does have app-based customizable settings. Despite this, overall the XB100 still came out on top in my comparison of the Sony XB100 and JBL Go 4 Bluetooth speakers thanks to the sound quality. Elsewhere, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3, although devoid of companion app, does tote an effective outdoor boost button on the underside, for tweaking the sound to your surroundings.
If your priority is premium sound quality, this probably isn’t the speaker for you. While it does deliver adequate bass and nice-sounding vocals, the highs are lacking somewhat. This is partly down to the full-range driver facing upwards, as the speaker is situated on the top of the XB100. This upward trajectory muddies the sound, although there is a noticeable improvement if you angle the speaker to face you directly.
(Image credit: Future)
This inability to successfully provide higher-range frequencies in its upright position is particularly obvious when listening to Rains Again by Solji. The delicate rain sounds at the beginning of the track are practically inaudible when playing at 50% volume, and that isn’t because this little speaker is quiet – it can reach a good level of volume. At 50% the XB100 fills an average-sized living room with plenty of sound to dance around to.
Treble trouble aside, mid-frequency vocals were delivered well, so listening to podcasts was enjoyable. The speaker's ability to handle low frequencies was particularly apparent when listening to Angel by Massive Attack, providing a bassline that was deep and ominous. The XB100 continued to impress when pounding out the bass in I Believe in a Thing Called Love by the Darkness, and Black Eye by Allie X. When the speaker was placed on the floor, I could feel the vibrations through the floor from about a meter away.
The amount of mid-range details that the XB100 could convey was notable, too. When listening to Algorithm by Muse, Matt Bellamy’s voice comes through with plenty of depth and detail; however, the bass does overshadow the vocals at times. This is where different EQ profiles would have come in handy.
(Image credit: Future)
The purpose of this speaker is to deliver 360-degree omnidirectional sound (if you placed it in the middle of a picnic, say), which it certainly does, making it a good choice for small gatherings or if you just fancy some background music while you potter about.
This speaker was designed to be easy to carry and durable, with a soft plastic outer and a waterproof and dustproof rating of IP67; however, it looks utilitarian, and shows fingerprints easily, at least in the case of the Black sample I was given. Sony has attempted to jazz things up a little by offering some brightly colored orange and blue options, which do look a bit more interesting than the Black or Light Grey, but the overall design is still on the bland side. Although if that’s the cost to get an IP67 rating, it’s worth it.
(Image credit: Future)
With the XB100, Sony has taken a welcomed sustainable approach, avoiding plastic in their packaging and utilizing recycled plastics in parts of the body and multiway strap. The versatile strap looks like it’d be easy to attach to your backpack or hang inside a tent if you want to listen to some tunes on your adventures.
All things considered, the XB100 provides a satisfyingly well-rounded listening experience for the price. For only $49.99 / £44.99 / AU$66, we can’t expect the world from this speaker, but if you’re looking for a compact and portable Bluetooth speaker to take your tunes wherever you go, or one of the best waterproof speakers for pool-side gatherings, the Sony XB100 has got you covered – and for not much money.
(Image credit: Future)
Sony XB100 review: Price and availability
$49.99 (usual price $59.99)/ £44.99 / AU$66
Available now
The Sony XB100 was first released in the US in May 2023, Australia in June 2023, and the UK in August 2023. It is currently retailing at £44.99 / AU$66, and is on sale in the US for $49.99, with a non-sale price of $59.99.
As one would expect from this low price, it can’t compete with the amazing sound quality and features available from other Bluetooth speakers such as the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 or the Sonos Roam. No, it doesn't sound as good as its twice-the-price JBL Flip 6 rival, but that doesn’t mean the Sony XB100 isn’t good value for money, if this is where your budget maxes out…
(Image credit: Future)
Sony XB100 review: Specs
Should I buy the Sony XB100?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
(Image credit: Future)
Sony XB100 review: Also consider
How I tested the Sony XB100
Tested the speaker for two weeks
Listened to a variety of music genres and podcasts
Played music continuously to determine battery usage
I tested the Sony XB100 for two weeks. I listened to a variety of music genres, as well as the TechRadar testing playlist that includes tracks ranging from complex and layered instrumentals, deep bass, and delicate vocals to enable me to determine the speaker's ability to handle different frequencies.
While I am fully committed and would have listened for the full 16 hours, I’m not sure the other folks on my commute would have been too amused. Instead, I observed the time it took for the battery level to reduce by 20% when playing continuously at 50% volume to get the best idea of how long it would take for the battery to run out of juice.
I used it to listen to music and podcasts in the TechRadar office, our music testing room, and at home, using Spotify and Tidal from an iPhone 12 Pro and a OnePlus Pad Go.
The Sennheiser IE 200 are USB-C wired earphones that aim to deliver high-fidelity sound at a relatively low price. And my expectations were high. The company is one of the biggest names in the sound world and has an excellent reputation for crafting top-class wired headphones. So, you can imagine my delight upon discovering that these earphones live up to the hype, serving up bold, meaty audio, a sleek design, and plenty of comfort.
Let’s delve into what matters most: sound quality. The Sennheiser IE 200 stoke up excitement with weighty, immersive audio that instantly captures your attention. Sound is excellently balanced, and when tuning in to St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, the characteristics of the smooth double bass, playful percussion, and flowing saxophone were all faithfully captured to create a fantastically well-rounded listening experience. Furthermore, tracks never sound muddied or convoluted when using the IE 200, even with the volume cranked up all the way. The high caliber of separation will be of great use to musicians involved in the mixing process or listeners looking for a step up from an average pair of wired buds.
When listening to I Want You by Moloko, low frequencies came through with strong levels of control and clarity – exactly what I’d expect from a set of the best wired headphones. Bass doesn’t get super deep, but it still hits with a strong level of intensity on tracks centered around low-frequency sounds. If you really want booming bass, it may be best to go for something on our best wireless earbuds guide that’s compatible with an EQ adjustment app.
I Want You was a particularly useful track for measuring the IE 200’s audio quality overall. As the track develops, instrument after instrument is woven into the piece, though the energetic percussion, layered synths and strings all keep their individuality in the mix. The intro – focused around powerful, yet controlled vocals – sounded natural and instantly gripped me. In general, vocals feel prominent when using these IEMs, especially those in the mid-range. However, they never disrupt the balance – it's more that if they’re meant to steal the show, they’re given license to do so. Higher-frequency vocals, such as those in Rains again by Solji were also delivered with crisp precision expertly capturing the expressive nature of the song. All in all, you’re getting fantastic quality across all frequencies in a balanced package, and the IE 200 left me with no sense of disappointment sonically.
These IEMs are also dual-tunable, meaning you can place the ear tips all the way onto the earphone or have them on ‘outer’ position – each setting serves up a significantly different sound signature. When setting the tips to the ‘outer’ position, the treble gets a bit more limelight, especially at the highest of frequencies, whereas the bass, especially at the lowest level, is dialed down compared to the standard position. Of course, the better option will depend on your personal preference and the sort of audio you’re consuming, but I almost always stuck with the standard setup in order to get more low-end power.
All right, so far so good on sound, but how do they fare comfort-wise? The Sennheiser IE 200 have what I’d describe as a very minimalistic feel, perhaps thanks to the fact that they tip the scales at just 0.14oz / 4g (per bud). The IE 200 create a tight seal in the ear canal and are attached to bendy, adjustable wires that curl behind the ears – I found that it was quick and easy to find a great fit, and at no point did I feel irritated by the earphones throughout multiple full days of listening. Comfort levels are also enhanced by noise isolation, which helps to dull harsh sounds, particularly higher-pitched ones. Passive noise isolation is solid if you use the foam ear tips, but not so good with the silicone ones – so make sure to choose wisely if you’re on the go or generally keen to block out external sounds.
The IE 200 don’t just feel good, they look good too. Well, actually, Sennheiser has gone one step further, claiming that “wires have never been this sexy” – and I’m here to say that I’m in full agreement. Even the silver wire’s braided, chain-like design looks classy and feels quite satisfying to handle (is that weird to say?). The adjustable ear hooks further enhance the earphones’ discreet, stylish appearance, ensuring that the IE 200 hit the right notes in the looks department. The earphones themselves are curved and clean, but their plastic housing doesn’t quite have the luxury feel or durability of the metallic Sennheiser IE 600, for instance.
One gripe I have with the IE 200 model’s design is the lack of an onboard controller. Not being able to adjust volume, skip tracks, or pause music unless I reached for the device playing audio was a tad inconvenient, especially when on the go. This sort of issue would be borderline unforgivable for earbuds designed for workouts or runs, for instance, but here it’s less of a deal-breaker. The IE 200 aren’t exactly pitched as wired headphones to wear while you sweat it out at the gym, but bear this in mind if you’re looking for a wired option for when you’re out and about or getting active.
Back to the positives though – the IE 200’s wire is detachable, so you can attach the earphones themselves to a replacement MMCX cable. Another great thing about the included wire is that it doesn’t cause too much cable noise when you move around – you can hear a little bit of this, but it's pretty constrained and never felt overly distracting. Perhaps the best aspect of the wire though is that it seamlessly untangled any time I took it out of the included carry pouch, earning it extra points in the convenience department. Alongside the carry pouch, additional foam and gel ear tips in small, medium, and large sizes are included in the IE 200’s box.
So, despite setting a very high bar for itself, Sennheiser has easily cleared it with the IE 200 model. They offer awesome all-round sound and manage to look pretty cool while doing it. And considering they won’t leave your pockets feeling all too empty, I simply have to recommend these.
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser IE 200 review: Price and release date
$149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95
Launched on January 31, 2023
Sennheiser’s IE 200 don’t cost that much considering the quality, and many competitors charge a fair bit more for products of a similar ilk. For instance, the Shure AONIC 3 earphones, which are very similar in quality, come in at $199 / £209 (about AU$300) – more on these later.
The IE 200 certainly sit on the lower end of Sennheiser’s IE range given that the Sennheiser IE 900 command a far loftier list price of $1,499.95 / £1,299 / AU$2,399.95. Though you may not get the supreme quality on offer there, the IE 200 still deliver stellar sound and make for an excellent pick for audiophiles on a budget.
Sennheiser IE 200 review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Sennheiser IE 200?
Buy them if...
Don't buy them if...
Sennheiser IE 200 review: Also consider
Sennheiser IE 200 review: How I tested
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for one week
Used in the office and while on walks
Predominantly tested using Tidal on Fiio M11S
I used the Sennheiser IE 200 over the course of a week. I predominantly tested them while working in our office, but also on walks near busy roads in order to trial their noise-isolation capabilities.
To test musical output, I used the Tidal app on the FiiO M11S hi-res music player. When listening to tunes I played tracks from the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains tracks from a variety of genres. I also tried the IE 200 on my Windows laptop and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 while watching YouTube videos or tuning into the latest news on the BBC website.
The Shure AONIC 3 earbuds claim they supply “striking full-range sound” – and spoiler alert, Shure isn't lying. When listening to various tracks, every individual sonic element feels like a uniquely scented flower, coming together to create an immersive garden of sound.
Tuning into St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, I found that the percussion features dotted throughout the track sounded detailed and the record’s drum solo came through with sharpness. I was delighted by the wonderful separation on offer, too, with the rhythmic guitar loop in Young Blood by The Naked and Famous maintaining its distinct position in the track without becoming lumped in with the bass – and even at very loud volume levels, I could still appreciate each individual component of the song.
Not only do the AONIC 3 do well at delivering sound in a distinct manner, but audio is presented with wonderful clarity across all frequencies that sees them stack up well against even some of the best wired headphones. Rich mid-range tones are the real star of the show, with powerful vocals, blaring electric guitars, and percussion feeling particularly impactful. Highs aren’t totally flawless, but they certainly have an air of delicacy and sweetness that will please the majority of listeners.
I’d argue that, sonically, the only downside is with the transmission of deep bass and ultra-low frequency audio. When listening to I Want You by Moloko, the pumping bass sounded defined, but didn’t have the weight that I hoped to feel. It’s important to caveat this by saying that the deep bass still sounded very clear and wasn’t muddied with other elements of the song, which is a pretty layered piece – it just didn’t hit as hard as I’d like. Ultimately, there’s still great balance here, but those looking for an earth-shaking deep bass might be better served by a set of the best wireless earbuds with EQ controls instead.
An excellent wired listening experience wouldn’t be complete without a strong level of passive noise isolation. Thankfully, the AONIC 3 deliver on this front and then some. While in the office, I heard little to nothing other than the music playing from these buds (at 50% volume), and was massively impressed by their ability to keep unwanted distractions at bay. At one stage, someone was hammering away building a shelving unit, but the AONIC 3 severely dampened the coarse noise of clanging metal.
If you’re listening to music at a slightly quieter volume, you may still hear some external sounds filter through. In light of this, if you want near-silence then you may be better off with Bluetooth buds capable of great active noise cancelling. As you can see from our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review, Bose's buds might be a better option as they perform very well in this department, and still sit among the best wireless earbuds.
Should you go on a longer walk, you may well be using the AONIC 3 for hours on end and, for that, you want comfort. These buds have a bendy cable that wraps around your ears rather than just hanging straight down. Since it’s adjustable, you can tailor the fit perfectly to your ear shape – although it’s worth mentioning that it took me a while to find the right fit. Sometimes if I took the buds out, I felt the wire took a few seconds to readjust, but it wasn’t too much of a bother.
On finding the right fit, the AONIC 3 were pleasant to keep in for multiple hours, and I only had to adjust them a couple of times through the multiple full days of use. The wrap-around design also helps to keep cable noise to a minimum, which is particularly important if you want to maintain a clean listening experience while on a run or doing other physical activities.
To boost enjoyment, you can also select between a range of different ear tips to find a feel that suits you best. There are small, medium and large foam and gel tips included, but there are also yellow foam and white triple-layered gel alternatives in the box. After rotating through the entire roster of ear tips, I felt that the default medium-sized Comply tips provided the best comfort and sound quality overall. If you hold the Comply tips in place for 15-30 seconds, they expand to fit your ear canal, providing an optimal seal. The AONIC 3 buds also come with a neat-looking circular carry case, in which you can store your comprehensive collection of ear tips.
That’s not all on the customizability front, though. The AONIC 3 can be inserted into an included adapter for use in 0.25 inch (6.3mm) jacks. Additionally, the buds themselves are detachable, and you can add them to an over-ear wireless adapter (sold separately) and listen to audio via a Bluetooth connection – although detaching them is a little tougher than I’d have liked.
The AONIC 3 are most certainly designed to deliver super sound, but do they look cool while doing it? Sort of. They’re not exactly stunning, mainly due to the model’s chunky Y-cable and controller. The angled earbuds are quite sleek, though, and the way they slip behind the ear makes for a discreet, clean look. You can choose to purchase the AONIC 3 in either Black or White, and both colorways lend themselves to the minimalistic vibe.
Although the controller may appear to be slightly oversized, it works great and has appropriately sized buttons. The play/pause button enables users to skip songs and take or hang up calls on the go. There’s also a switch on the controller that can be set to “A” or “i” mode, depending on whether you’re using an Android- or iOS-powered device. The built-in microphone works well, and I heard only a bit of static when recording and listening back to a voice note.
The Shure AONIC 3 bring fantastic sound, solid comfort, and very good noise isolation – a set of qualities that these buds share with some of the best wired headphones. However, this comes at a price – and not a particularly low one. Coming in at $199 / £209 (about AU$300), the AONIC 3 are a little steep; but if you can stomach the cost, I would certainly recommend them.
(Image credit: Future)
Shure AONIC 3 review: Price and release date
$199 / £209 (about AU$300)
Launched on October 1, 2020
The Shure AONIC 3 earbuds released on October 1, 2020, and are directly available via Shure’s digital store in the UK and the US, but not Australia.
Their list price at the time of writing is $199 / £209 (about AU$300), which certainly isn’t cheap, but nowhere near the dizzy heights you’ll see from premium models such as the Sennheiser IE 900s, or even Shure’s very own AONIC 5.
Shure AONIC 3 review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Shure AONIC 3?
Buy them if...
Don't buy them if...
Shure AONIC 3 review: Also consider
Shure AONIC 3 review: How I tested
(Image credit: Future)
Tested over the course of a week
Used in the office and while on walks
Predominantly tested using Tidal via the FiiO M11S
I used the Shure AONIC 3 buds over the course of a week, predominantly putting them to the test in an office environment and while out on walks near busy roads to trial their noise isolation capabilities.
To test musical output, I used the Tidal app on the FiiO M11S hi-res music player. When listening to tunes I played tracks from the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains tracks from a variety of genres. I also tried the AONIC 3 on my Windows laptop while watching videos on YouTube or tuning into the latest news on the BBC website.
