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Edifier D32 review: a retro-look wireless speaker that supplies detailed audio

5:30 pm | September 12, 2024

Edifier D32: Two-minute review

Looking for a fresh wireless speaker, which combines old-school charm with hi-res audio capabilities? Thought so. Well, you’re in luck, because the Edifier D32 is just that and at a very reasonable price too.

This amp-like tabletop speaker is a very solid entry from the Chinese audio specialists Edifier and delivers clean, balanced, delicate sound. The Edifier D32 is compatible with both the LDAC and ALAC (when using AirPlay) audio codecs, meaning you’ll get access to hi-res audio regardless of whether you’re an Android or iPhone lover. As well as Bluetooth 5.3 or the 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi module, there’s also AUX and USB-C wired options if you’d prefer, making the Edifier D32 a very versatile option.

Whether you’re a rocker, folk fan or classical connoisseur, the Edifier D32 will deliver talented sound that’s sure to impress you or your esteemed guests. It handles treble frequencies most competently, delivering more delicate sounds with accuracy and precision. Mid-range sounds are also well-weighted with imperfect, yet respectable levels of detail on offer. Even bass comes through with a degree of impact and depth, making for a good all-round listening experience. OK, drum and bass lovers may feel that sub-bass is a bit lacking; audiophiles may even sense that separation doesn’t match up to some of the best wireless speakers. But the vast majority of listeners are sure to like what they hear.

Sound is customizable too, thanks to the Edifier ConneX app. This free companion app allows you to adjust the EQ via a number of presets or a custom option. However, that’s pretty much it as far as in-app features go, so don’t expect anything super fancy here.

Another decent, but non-standout factor is the Edifier D32’s battery life of 11 hours. Some competitors, like the JBL Authentics 300, for instance, can only manage eight in fairness – although a lot of competitors, like Marshall's Stanmore, can give you 15 hours with its retro-style multi-room speaker. This should still be enough for the average gathering, of course, but if you want a speaker for parties or similar events, there are a lot of other low-cost options that offer far superior playtimes.

Potentially the biggest draw of the Edifier D32 is its design. Sure, the JBL Authentics and Marshall Stanmore products have done similar things, but this is considerably cheaper than most options in these lines. The Edifier D32 does a lot right aesthetically, with an attractive, textured outer casing and golden speaker grille. However, some of the gold detail on the White model (which I tested) makes for a slightly less-than premium appearance due to its plasticky look. If you’re looking for the classiest option on the market, this is likely not going to cut it, but it does still keep that old school vibe alive – as long as you don't look too closely.

It’s looking pretty positive for the Edifier D32 here. For what it sets out to do, it succeeds on almost every metric. It may not be a perfect 10 looks-wise or particularly feature-rich, but these things aren’t going to be a number one priority for most. After all, when it comes to audio quality, the Edifier D32 offers plenty of bang for your buck. It’s not the top performing speaker on the market, sure, but with hi-res output using your home's Wi-Fi network,, talented all-round sound and EQ customizability, you’re almost certain to be satisfied with what’s on offer.

So if you’re the nostalgic type and want adept audio at a not-so daunting price, I would recommend the Edifier D32. For lovers of big bass, party vibes and the great outdoors, though, this is probably not for you and I’d recommend checking out our guide to the best party speakers instead.

Edifier D32 on wooden surface — (Image credit: Future)

Edifier D32 review: price and release date

$199.99 / £179.99 (about AU$300)
Launched on March 2024

The Edifier D32 is available for a reasonable price, given you get hi-res audio, a decent amount of bulk and several good connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. It has a list price of $199.99 / £179.99 (about AU$300), which is considerably cheaper than a lot of the speakers in JBL’s Authentics line, for instance, a model that attracts those looking for a similarly retro vibe.

The D32 also launched in March 2024, so it still has that fresh feeling about it. Sure, its build quality isn’t quite as high as alternatives from Marshall or JBL, but the savings you recoup even things out nicely.

Edifier logo on the Edifier D32

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier D32 review: Specs

Reverse side of the Edifier D32 with AUX, USB-C and AC adapter ports — (Image credit: Future)

Edifier D32: Features

Apple AirPlay2, Bluetooth 5.3 and wired connectivity options
Companion app compatibility
Average battery life

Features-wise, the Edifier D32 does a lot more than its looks suggest. Firstly, it’s worth noting that it has a good set of connectivity options, which include: Bluetooth 5.3, 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi (and Apple AirPlay), USB-C and AUX for wired listening. Specifically, the Edifier D32 supports Apple AirPlay 2, meaning that you can Wi-Fi stream music using iOS devices, Apple TV, and computers with iTunes installed.

When harnessing Bluetooth connectivity (except when streaming using LDAC), you get access to multipoint connectivity. If you’re hosting a gathering and both you and a friend want to queue up some tracks, it's best to stick to Bluetooth.

If you download the Edifier ConneX app, you can access a few more features, but things are admittedly pretty limited. The only real feature available is what Edifier calls ‘Sound Effects’, which is just an EQ calibration tool. You can select from one of five options: Classic; Monitor; Dynamic; Vocal; or Customized. Although all of these have distinctive sound profiles, I only really found myself using either the well-balanced Classic mode, which enabled me to pick out more sonic details, or Dynamic, whichdiminishes highs in favor of more booming bass.

The app doesn’t have much more going for it really. You can check battery life (although it annoyingly only shows percentages as a multiple of 20), toggle multipoint, turn speaker prompt sounds on or off and view the user manual. That’s basically it – and I’m not really complaining. After all, there’s not a whole lot more I’d expect from a wireless speaker at this price point.

When it comes to battery life, the Edifier D32 is pretty average. Edifier claims that this speaker has a playtime of 11 hours, which I found to be relatively accurate. After playing music at 30% volume for eight hours, the speaker still had 40% of its charge remaining, but of course, if you play at higher volumes using hi-res quality it will die far sooner. Although the Edifier D32’s playtime can’t rival retro-looking competitors like the Marshall Emberton 2, with its 30-hour battery, 11 hours will almost definitely be enough for playing tunes at a party or gathering.

It would be nice to have something akin to a battery saver mode, like JBL’s Playtime Boost, or a setting to calibrate the speaker’s sound to its surroundings, like Marshall’s Placement Compensation. But, all in all, the Edifier D32’s feature-set is decent.

Features score: 3.5/5

Button controls of the Edifier D32 — (Image credit: Future)

Edifier D32: Sound quality

Well-balanced hi-res audio
Crisp highs and clean bass
Impressive levels of detail for price

OK, so you’re not going to lose your mind over how good the Edifier’s D32 audio sounds, but it’s undeniably strong for its price. Firstly, it’s worth noting that I mainly used the D32’s more balanced EQ preset, Classic, when listening to tracks, although I did dip into Dynamic mode for more bass-heavy bangers.

Something I was delighted to find, straight off the bat, is that the Edifier D32 supports the LDAC codec, which processes audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. This is wonderful news for anyone with a modern Android phone, as almost all of these support the codec. The D32 also supports Apple’s ALAC ‘lossless’ audio codec, but only if you’re using AirPlay mode – ie over Wi-Fi. Even some of 2024’s more expensive Bluetooth speakers – like the JBL Xtreme 4 – don’t support any lossless codecs, (because remember, Bluetooth streaming by its very nature incurs loss) so this is a big win for a speaker costing less than $200 / £200 / AU$300.

OK, so the Edifier is compatible with some levelled-up Bluetooth codecs and AirPlay support using Wi-Fi, but how does it actually sound? Well, I whipped out my trusty FiiO M11S and opened up Tidal to give it a whirl and was pleasantly surprised by the quality on offer. I tuned into Black Eye by Allie X and the Edifier effectively captured the dynamism of the intro’s bass bouncing up to the mid-range, resulting in a controlled yet energetic sound. The Edifier can achieve respectable bass depth; for instance, deep synths placed throughout the song 635 South by FORQ sounded very clear, maintained their boom and didn’t distort, even at higher volumes.

It’s not an entirely perfect picture when it comes to low-frequencies, though. If you’re looking to hear imposing bass, you might want to look elsewhere. For instance, when listening to Diva Bonita by bbno$, the sub-bass was a little lacking for clout and impact in the mix. I tried the (admittedly more expensive) JBL Xtreme 4 and it was able to perform better in this department, so if you’re really into ultra low-frequency rubbles and feels, weigh up other options.

However, it’s not about bass with the Edifier D32. With its retro aesthetic, it’s clearly not trying to be a party speaker with intense low-end capabilities, even though it’s still very much competent in this area. And the positive news is the D32 sounds very good overall, with both rich mids and elegant highs.

I listened to Rains again by Solji and the rain sound effects in the intro sounded pretty natural, with the vocalist’s delicate, high-pitched vocals coming through in a crisp manner and retaining their atmospheric edge. There wasn’t any noticeable warping or distortion when listening to this track and even when flicking through the TechRadar testing playlist, I constantly felt that songs relying on treble performance sounded neat.

The Edifier D32 isn’t always the best with more subtle details. For instance, the electric guitar throughout Young Blood by The Naked and Famous was a bit more muted in the overall mix than I would’ve liked. When returning to Black Eye by Allie X, I similarly sensed that light electronica in the middle of the track was a bit lacking – noticeable, sure – but just not as clear-cut as it could be. This is nitpicking I accept, especially given the price you pay, but it is my job to do so.

All in all, the Edifier D32 may not be the boldest-sounding speaker on the market and it may not possess the ability to paint perfectly accurate sonic pictures – but that doesn’t prevent it from being a great-sounding wireless speaker. You’re still getting super-clean, on-beat, hi-res audio certain to impress. If you’re looking for a more party-ready speaker with the most hard-hitting bass, this isn’t the optimal choice, but if you want high-quality audio for laid-back listening, the Edifier D32 is a strong option.

Sound quality score: 4/5

'Hi-Res Audio' label on the front of the Edifier D32 — (Image credit: Future)

Edifier D32: Design

Retro aesthetic
Gold details a bit cheap-looking
Designed for tabletop play but has decent portability

Whether you’re a guitarist, rock fan, or just one of those people that claims to be ‘born in the wrong generation’, the Edifier D32’s design is likely to appeal to you. That’s because it has a retro, amp-like look that is fitting for those hoping to add a splash of vintage flair to their living space. I tested the White color variant and found that the bronze speaker grille and outer casing were stylish and satisfying on the eye.

However, I’m not gonna lie: the overall look of the Edifier D32 is slightly ruined by the golden finish on the protruding button controls, feet and outer rim. The plasticky, gold finish looks a bit cheap; tacky even. This prevents it from exuding the classy vibe of Marshall’s Emberton or Stanmore lines for instance, and it damages the retro look Edifier was going with here. This speaker is by no means bad to look at, but the inconsistent quality did stop me from falling head over heels, design-wise.

Although I wasn’t a massive fan of the look of the buttons, they’re fairly easy to use. There are power, Bluetooth, play/pause and volume controls, all of which are super-straightforward with the exception of one. That exception is the power button, which has a light panel that can flash in nine different ways, including different colors and flashes. You’ll need to consult the user manual to understand what each of these means, because at first, I found myself baffled by whether the speaker was on, off, or somewhere in between.

Otherwise, this is a pretty practical device. It’s only a little bit heavy at 6.7lbs / 3kg and has a handle on the back of the speaker for easier transportation. Really, though, this isn’t the best option if portability is crucial for you. But for a tabletop wireless speaker, I’d argue that it’s the perfect size – not huge and overbearing, but not too small to deliver quality, room-filling audio.

In order to deliver that room-filling audio, the D32 holds two 15W silk dome tweeters as well as what Edifier calls a "long-throw, mid-low" driver. They’re encased in an MDF cabinet, designed to reduce resonance and distortion. This setup definitely helps to deliver a strong balance of loudness and clarity, making the Edifier D32 very pleasant to listen to.

Overall, this isn’t the most elegant retro-style Wi-Fi speaker on the market, but it’s considerably cheaper than comparable alternatives from JBL and Marshall. It may be the case that you, reader, think I’m terribly mistaken about the gold looking tacky! However, one thing that can’t be disputed is that this is a nicely weighted and sized tabletop speaker that still offers adequate portability – combine that with the strong audio quality on offer and you’re onto a winner with the Edifier D32.

Design score: 3.5/5

Handle on the reverse side of the Edifier D32 — (Image credit: Future)

Edifier D32: Value

Much cheaper than similar competitors
Great sound quality for the price
There are still cheaper alternatives out there

Let’s be clear: if you’re looking for a super low-price Bluetooth speaker, the Edifier D32 is probably not your best option. Sure, it’s inexpensive compared to a lot of its rivals, but there are plenty of good Bluetooth speakers out there closer to the $100 / £100 / AU$200 mark.

However, if you’re specifically on the hunt for a tabletop speaker with an old school vibe, this is really strong in the value department. You get both wired and wireless (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) higher-resolution audio, strong connectivity options and companion app compatibility all for $199.99 / £179.99 (about AU$300). That’s not bad at all, especially considering that the cheapest in JBL’s Authentics line, the JBL Authentics 200 has a list price of $349.99 / £249.99 / AU$499.95.

What matters the most with a wireless speaker is sound – and the Edifier D32 performs very nicely in this category. When you couple that with the appeal of its design and consider the high cost of competitors, the Edifier D32 is a very solid value pick.

Value score: 4/5

Corner of the Edifier D32 — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Edifier D32?

Buy it if...

You’re looking for a retro-style speaker
If you’re the nostalgic type, this could be the perfect wireless speaker for you. With its amp-like grille, textured outer casing and tabletop design, the Edifier D32 is a solid-looking speaker. It may not have the build quality that you’ll see from the likes of Marshall, though, so bear that in mind if you want a more premium look.

You’re craving hi-res audio quality
The Edifier D32 offers wired and wireless hi-res audio at a very reasonable price, so if you’re an audiophile on a budget it's a strong option. With both LDAC and ALAC compatibility, it doesn't matter if you have an Android or Apple device, you’ll have access to hi-res quality regardless.

Don't buy it if...

You need a party speaker
If you want a booming, party-ready speaker, this shouldn’t be your go-to. The D32 handles low frequency sounds nicely, but it's not exactly optimized for bass-heavy bangers and, when it comes to sub-bass, you’re not going to be blown away. It’s totally capable of playing music to a high standard, sure, but it has no waterproof or dustproof rating for outdoor parties and can only be paired with more speakers via Airplay – not so practical if you have limited or no Wi-Fi.

A broad feature-list is a priority for you
There’s not a lot to play with on the Edifier ConneX app, so if you’re someone that’s big on customizability, you’ll likely be a bit disappointed. You can adjust EQ settings, but in terms of actual features, that’s basically it.

Edifier D32: Also consider

JBL Authentics 300
The JBL Authentics 300 is a tabletop speaker that is slightly reminiscent of a (very chunky) vintage handbag, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This beast of a speaker boasts bold audio, Wi-Fi connectivity and fantastic portability. You can often find the Authentics 300 for much less than its list price (I’m talking $100/£100 less), so the price difference isn’t quite so drastic. This won’t be the perfect alternative for everyone though, especially given its slightly underwhelming battery life and lack of support for any fancy audio codecs, so you’ll have to weigh up whether the extra spend is worth it. We’re yet to get our hands on the JBL Authentics 300, but we have tested its more expensive sibling the JBL Authentics 500, which earned plenty of praise.

Marshall Emberton 2
OK, a bit of a curveball coming your way. Is this thing a like-for-like comparison with the Edifier D32? Well, not exactly. It’s way smaller and lighter, it's Bluetooth only, and won’t offer quite as imposing audio. But it does rock a similar retro design and is perfect for tabletop play. It isn’t going to set you back as much as the D32 and it also offers an incredible battery life of 30+ hours and an IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating. If value is what you care about most, this might not beat out the Edifier D32 entirely, but if you want more portability and longevity, this could be a better pick for you. Read our full Marshall Emberton 2 review.

Edifier D32 review: How I tested

Reverse side of the Edifier D32 — (Image credit: Future)

Tested for two weeks
Used in the office and music testing studio
Tested using Tidal on Fiio M11S and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

I spent hours listening to music on the Edifier D32, testing it across its various sound modes and at differing volume levels. I predominantly used the speaker in our music testing room for assessing audio quality and battery testing.

I used Spotify on my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Tidal on the Fiio M11S hi-res music player to stream tracks from our carefully curated TechRadar reference playlist. This included songs with pumping deep bass, delicate vocals, and complex mixes, enabling me to test a speaker’s full range and dynamism across different frequencies. I also used the JBL Xtreme 4 as a point of comparison, when appropriate.

First reviewed: September 2024
Read more about how we test

AirPods 4 review – Seriously impressive noise cancellation for no ear tip earbuds

8:05 pm | September 10, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Hands-on AirPods 4 review: Two-minute preview

AirPods fans take notice: You no longer need to go Pro to get active noise cancellation. Furthermore, Apple has answered the call if you have a distaste for ear tips or simply don’t want your ears sealed off.

AirPods 4 are now official and come in two flavors: just AirPods 4 at $129 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation at $179. After spending some time with the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series X, I dashed over to the AirPods 4 on display. I got the chance to briefly test the higher-end option – including putting the noise cancelation to the test in a noisy, loud, and crowded hands-on area.

For one, the case is very compact and tiny, appearing smaller than the AirPods Pro or even the third-generation AirPods. In fact, it’s kind of like a shorter AirPods second-generation carrying case in terms of width across. You should have no issue bringing these with you and fitting them within most pockets.

Apple AirPods 4, bottom of case. — (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation also trickles down some of my favorite features of the AirPods Pro case. Bluetooth Low-Energy is inside and a speaker, making the case here findable within Find My. So, if you lose it, you can ping it from another Apple device to help you find it. There is also a USB-C port for charging, and a cable comes in the box, but the rear here also supports recharging with an Apple Watch charger or a standard Qi charger.

Flip open the lid, and you’ll find the left and right AirPods 4, which Apple dubs the “best-fitting AirPods ever.” I’ll need to spend more time with them, but they’re very compact, with short stems containing the force sensor for intuitive controls. However, the overall look is similar to that of AirPods' third generation.

Apple has redesigned the fit here to better stay in the ear, be comfortable for an extended period, and for the best acoustic performance. I found them comfortable during my brief demo, and even with a few headshakes, I couldn’t get them to fall out. However, I haven’t had that issue with previous open-ear style AirPods like the first-, second-, or third-generation models.

With their lack of silicone ear tips, AirPods 4 rest in your ear and won’t fully seal it off from the world around you. With no audio playing and no listening mode on, you will still hear a good bit of the world around you. With the H2 onboard here and the higher price, these feature listening modes, though.

These seriously impressed me in my brief demo – I started with Transparency mode engaged and 1901 by Phoenix playing in the background at a low volume. I could hear the track playing and the noisy crowd of folks demoing other gadgets around me, albeit at a slightly lower volume. The overall audio mix was vibrant and crisp. I couldn't test out "Personalized Spatial Audio" in this space, but AirPods 4 does support it.

AirPods 4 in hand — (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

When I engaged the AirPods 4's Active Noise Cancellation feature and had the track playing, it pretty much lowered the volume of the crowd completely – this was with audio at about 60-70%. At a lower volume, that crowd roar can still be there a bit, but considering the open style of AirPods 4, these performed way better than I had initially anticipated. I’m curious how these might perform with blocking out noise in other situations, be it a plane or a place with a roaring HVAC system. I didn’t get the chance to try Adaptive Audio here, but I look forward to testing that and seeing how it handles blending transparency and active noise cancellation together.

That about sums up my first impressions of AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. For one, they make noise cancellation more affordable within the AirPods lineup – though $179 is still not the cheapest – and also deliver a potentially more comfortable fit for folks who don’t like ear tips. I especially like that it ushers in some of the nicer-to-have features of AirPods Pro, like Find My for the case and the H2 chip, which should deliver great sound playback. AirPods 4 will also feature gesture controls like nodding your head up or down to answer a call or left and right to ignore it.

AirPods 4 tour in case — (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

You can also use “Hey Siri” hands-free for things like sending a message or asking a topical question. Apple promises five hours of playback on a full charge and 30 hours with recharges in the case. If you engage Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, or Adaptive Audio, that will drop to 20 hours with recharges.

Of course, if you don’t need noise cancellation and can live without wirelessly charging the AirPods case, the $129 AirPods 4 might be a better fit – pun intended – and won’t be as big of a hit on your wallet. These have the same fit from the redesign and have the H2 chip inside.

@techradar
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Hidizs S8 Pro Robin review: the tiny DAC/headphone amp that almost could

1:00 pm | September 8, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi | Comments: Off

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin: Two-minute review

The idea of taking the crucial business of digital-to-analogue conversion duties away from your smartphone (which has plenty of other stuff to be getting on with) and doing it properly using a dedicated USB dongle is not a new one – our guide to the best portable and desktop DACs is proof. And the idea of making the price of this USB dongle as aggressive as possible is not especially new, either. But Chinese specialist Hidizs thinks that with the S8 Pro Robin, it has perfected the balance between ‘price’ and ‘performance’.

Certainly this little device looks more expensive than it is, both on paper and in the palm. Specification that includes a balanced architecture DAC arrangement from Cirrus Logic, proper hi-res audio 32bit/384kHz and DSD256 compatibility, and balanced and unbalanced outputs all bode well, as do low weight, tidy dimensions and build quality that makes good use of glass and aluminium.

And up to a point, the Hidizs S8 Pro Robin makes good on its promises. The sound it delivers via a pair of Sennheiser IE900 IEMs when compared to that handed over by an Android smartphone and an Apple laptop is altogether bigger, more detailed, better organised and more dynamic. Where all of these things are concerned, it’s an unarguable step forward.

It doesn’t take long to reveal one or two shortcomings, though. The S8 Pro Robin is no fan of the sort of squashed MP3 files that are Spotify’s stock in trade – it makes the compression they have undergone obvious, and compared to the work it does when given something of 16bit/44.1kHz resolution or above to deal with, they sound rather flat and undemonstrative.

And no matter the quality of the digital audio file you ask the Hidizs to deal with, it renders the top of the frequency range thin and hard. Treble sounds are edgy and splashy, and only get edgier and splashier the louder you listen. This skewing of the frequency range makes the S8 Pro Robin sound rather lopsided, and its top-end characteristics are tiring.

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin on a white table, with a smartphone — (Image credit: Future)

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin review: Price and release date

Released in May 2024
Priced $79 / £59 / AU$119

The Hidizs S8 Pro Robin USB DAC/headphone amp is available now, having hit shelves (in most regions, at least) in May 2024, and in the United Kingdom it sells for £59. In the United States it goes for $79, while in Australia it costs AU$119.

This is not a lot of money for a USB DAC/headphone amp, it hardly needs saying – our favourites from the likes of Astell & Kern and Helm Audio cost well into three figures. But then again, a bargain is only a bargain if it’s fit for purpose…

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin review: Features

32bit Cirrus Logic DACs
3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs
Supports up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256 resolutions

Yes, the S8 Pro Robin is small and affordable. But that hasn’t prevented Hidizs from including quite a number of highlights where features are concerned.

For example, the S8 Pro Robin is compatible with pretty much any operating system – attach it to a source of music using the USB-C slot on the bottom and it can play nicely with Windows, every Apple OS, Android and Harmony. And at the opposite end of its little chassis there are both 3.5mm and 4.4mm output sockets - so headphones with balanced or unbalanced terminations can be connected.

It’s in between, though, that the real action is. The Hidizs uses balanced DAC architecture via a couple of 32bit Cirrus Logic CS43131 chipsets, and this allows it to support PCM up to 32bit/384kHz resolution and DSD256. Which means it has its Hi-Res Audio certification and the badge to prove it.

Six digital filters offer a small degree of input into the eventual sound of the S8 Pro Robin – these can be accessed by simultaneously pressing the ‘volume up’ and ‘volume down’ buttons on the side of the chassis. The indicator light on the glass front panel briefly flashes in one of six different colours to let you know which particular filter you’ve selected, before it reverts to a colour that indicates the type and size of digital audio file you’re listening to.

Features score: 5 / 5

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin review: Design

Aluminium frame
58 x 23 x 11mm (HxWxD)
17g

Hidizs has done the sensible thing, and made the S8 Pro Robin as small and light as realistically possible. At just 17g you won’t even notice it in your pocket, and at 58 x 23 x 11mm (HxWxD) it’s about as unobtrusive as these things ever get.

It’s nicely built and finished, too. The frame is aluminium, and the front and back panels are of glass - it’s quite a tactile little thing. On the front there’s an illuminated company logo, and on one side three little control buttons. The bigger button in the centre is ‘play/pause’, and it has a volume control on either side. Press both ‘volume up’ and ‘volume down’ together and you can cycle through your filter options.

Design score: 5 / 5

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin review: Sound quality

Enough power to drive even quite tricky headphones
Open and detailed presentation
Insubstantial top end can get tiring

The most important job the S8 Pro Robin has to do is make your headphones (and we truly hope you've chosen something from our best wired earbuds or best wired headphones buying guides here) sound better than when they’re plugged directly into your laptop or smartphone – and it can most certainly do this. Plugged into an Apple MacBook Pro or a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra at one end and a pair of Sennheiser IE600 at the other, the difference the Hidizs can make to your experience is significant.

A 16bit/44.1kHz FLAC file of Mary Lattimore’s We Wave From Our Boats sounds fuller, more open and quite a lot more detailed in every department. There’s greater heft to low frequencies, a more spacious rendering of the midrange and a whole lot more bite and attack at the top of the frequency range (which, as I’ll get to, is not an entirely positive trait). Dynamic headroom is improved, soundstaging is more convincing, and there’s greater positivity to the way rhythms are expressed.

Move upwards in resolution from there and all of these positives continue to apply. Go in the other direction, though, with a listen to a 320kbps MP3 file of Idles’ Never Fight a Man with a Perm and the S8 Pro Robin can’t hide its dissatisfaction. Its dynamic response is underwhelming, and the overall presentation is, when compared to what it’s capable of with bigger files, flat and undemonstrative. To say that it doesn’t sound like much of an improvement on the unassisted sound of the source players tells you all you need to know.

Still, it’s simple enough to avoid this just by avoiding listening to horribly compressed content from Spotify’s free tier. What’s impossible to avoid is the hard, unyielding nature of the Hidizs’ high-frequency reproduction. The character of the treble sound is at odds with the rest of the frequency range, and the thin, insubstantial top end is tiring and ultimately not especially pleasant to listen to. And don’t, whatever you do, turn the volume up too far – the relentless nature of the high-end reproduction here is just compounded by loudness.

And it’s also worth noting that this top-end unpleasantness is exacerbated by the majority of the filter options that are available here. In fact, there’s only one filter (called ‘deem phasis filter’ on the Hidizs website – I suspect it’s actually a de-emphasis filter, and its corresponding colour on the fascia is blue) that gets anywhere close to calming the DAC’s treble response – and consequently that’s the one I selected when conducting this test.

Sound quality score: 3 / 5

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin review: Value

In some ways, the Hidizs S8 Pro Robin represents unarguable value. For not very much money at all, it can turn your smartphone or laptop into a much more viable source of music, and as such is a gift for your wireless headphones.

Sonically, though, it’s not quite the finished article – and anyone who’s especially sensitive to high-frequency sound is unlikely to enjoy the way it goes about things. All of which means it probably only offers middling value for money.

Value score: 3 / 5

Should you buy Hidizs S8 Pro Robin?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Hidizs S8 Pro Robin review: Also consider

How I tested the Hidizs S8 Pro Robin

With an Apple laptop and a Samsung smartphone
With content from Spotify and Tidal
Connected to Sennheiser IE600 headphones via the balanced output

As a process, there’s really not much to describe here. For the best part of a week I listened to the S8 Pro Robin while it was connected to either an Apple MacBook Pro or a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra using the USB-C input – Sennheiser IE600 wired in-ear headphones were connected to the 4.4mm balanced output. And then I listened to a variety of music, of a variety of genre and a variety of file types and sizes, from the Spotify and Tidal apps loaded on to both devices.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

Morel Biggie review: a small yet mighty wireless speaker that’s minimal to a fault

2:30 pm | September 7, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Comments: Off

Morel Biggie: Two-minute review

The Morel Biggie is the smaller sibling of Morel’s Högtalare (Swedish for speaker) – and is ironically named, given its compact size. But don’t let that fool you, because sonically it packs a punch.

It oozes class thanks to its superb engineering, evident from the perfectly planned surfaces on every side. It’s hard to imagine it looking out of place in any home, especially given the myriad colorways available. But home is where you’ll want to keep the Biggie, because even though Morel describes it as a portable speaker, it’s still too big and heavy to be carried around easily.

True to form, the Biggie’s feature set is similarly spartan, even for a Bluetooth-only speaker. One for our best Bluetooth speakers buying guide? Well, there’s no app to control or alter its settings, which is a pretty big omission and one the bulk of the competition (even at much lower price-points) does offer in 2024. There are five buttons for operation, but the only additional interface feature is the battery level indicator. And this is poorly implemented, requiring you to hold both volume buttons to reveal the level via the LEDs of all five buttons, which is far from precise.

As for audio features, the biggie (sorry) is Auracast compatibility, which allows you to join Auracast audio streams, designed for broadcasting to an unlimited number of playback devices. You can also use two Biggies in unison for stereo playback, although I was unable to test this feature as I was only given one unit to review.

The Biggie makes a strong impression on first listen, bellowing out the bass notes and creating a sense of space that rivals some of the best Bluetooth speakers out there. Mids and highs are mostly clear and detailed, but there are too many occasions when that low-end dominates the sonic space, masking the subtleties of other frequencies.

Morel’s dynamic EQ also fails to achieve its goal of optimizing the listening experience depending on volume, and the lack of hi-res codec support means there’s no way to improve the audio further.

Battery life is also average, and during my tests it failed to live up to its claimed 20 hours, ending up closer to 16. Fast charging is available, though, which means going from empty to full takes just two hours and only 20 minutes to get four hours of playback.

As for price, the Biggie is undeniably costly, and it seems most of your money is going towards the superlative build quality. The lack of features could be forgiven if the sound was truly exceptional, but it fails to deliver on that front too.

If it’s features you’re after, Sonos’s range of speakers, including the Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Era 100, offer a ton of options and customizations plus wi-fi support, and cost less than the Biggie. If you want a standout sonic performer, the Audio Pro C20 is one of the best in that department.

Morel Biggie close up of handle clasp — (Image credit: Future)

Morel Biggie review: Price & release date

$299 / £299 / $AU499
Multiple colorways
Available worldwide

The Morel Biggie is available now for $299 / £299 / $AU499. It comes in several colorways, ranging from monotones and oak to shades of blue, green, and red. The faux leather strap is either black or brown, depending on the colorway.

It sits towards the higher end of the market, making it more expensive than the Sonos Era 100, our current pick as the best wireless speaker. It is considerably cheaper than the Era 300, though, which is slightly bigger than the Biggie, and features Dolby Atmos support plus multi-room audio using your home wi-fi network, among other technologies.

There are also cheaper alternatives that offer better portability, such as the Sonos Roam 2, our number one pick overall for Bluetooth speakers, and the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2, which we think is the best for sound quality.

Morel Biggie review: specs

close up of Morel Biggie speaker grill tag — (Image credit: Future)

Morel Biggie review: Features

Bluetooth and 3.5mm AUX playback
Stereo playback possible
No app

In terms of functionality, the Biggie is about as simple as wireless speakers get. There are only five buttons on the Biggie: one for power, two for volume, one for pairing, and one for switching between wired or wireless connections. On the back is a single USB-C port for charging the speaker, which can also be used for charging a phone (although this didn’t work with my Google Pixel 7a). The port doesn’t allow for wired playback, though – there’s a 3.5mm AUX input for that.

There’s also very little in the way of audio enhancements, with no support for Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio, and hi-res codecs like aptX. It is Auracast compatible, which lets you join audio broadcasts that can potentially reach an unlimited number of playback devices. You can use two units together in stereo, but as I only had one test unit, I couldn’t try this out.

There’s only one way to use the Biggie wirelessly and that’s via Bluetooth. While it paired instantly with a FiiO M11S music player, it struggled to connect to my Pixel 7a. It remained stuck in pairing on the first attempt, and on the second it paired but failed to establish a connection, with the Biggie’s pairing button flashing interminably. After pressing the mode select button twice it connected successfully. Of course, minor glitches like this can occur when pairing devices, but I’ve never had an issue pairing the latest audio devices with my phone before, and it’s a blemish on a speaker of this price.

To check the battery level, you have to hold both volume buttons for two seconds. The lights of all five buttons indicate the battery's remaining charge, making for an imprecise measurement – and since there’s no app, it’s the only option. Again, it’s an oversight on a modern-day premium wireless speaker to have no mobile app of any kind.

close up of Morel Biggie handle — (Image credit: Future)

There are other issues with the battery indicator too. When I tried checking the level on a full charge, all five buttons flashed very quickly and faintly, which seemed like a glitch of some kind. Also, when holding the two volume buttons together they’re obscured, so when the battery is between 21-40% or 10-20% – which is when only the volume buttons will light – you can’t see the readout until you’ve taken your fingers away. Suffice to say, it’s not the most elegant solution – ironic given it’s designed to preserve the Biggie’s minimalist design.

Morel claims the battery will last up to 20 hours, which is reasonable for a wireless speaker. Things didn’t get off to a good start during my tests, though: after only one hour of continuous playback, it dropped to four lights, indicating a level of between 61-80% (I believe it was closer to the latter figure).

However, for the next five and a half hours of playback, it remained at this level before dropping to about 60%, so thankfully the battery’s rate of depletion didn’t follow its initial trajectory. Extrapolating beyond this figure, though, the Biggie still falls short of its purported lifespan: realistically, it’s closer to 16 hours.

Features score: 2/5

rear of Morel Biggie — (Image credit: Future)

Morel Biggie review: Sound quality

Full and rich sound
Excessive boom
No hi-res codec support

Given the compact size of the Biggie, the bass sounds are surprisingly full and powerful, with plenty of punch. Highs are crisp and mids are clear for the most part. What’s most impressive is the sense of space the Biggie imparts, doing an admirable job of rendering the kind of experience you’d expect from a much larger speaker.

However, the Biggie is all too prone to excessive amounts of boom, even with the volume low; the so-called dynamic EQ fails to keep the sound in check at all levels as is claimed, and it’s unable to rein in mild distortion at higher levels. The speaker is definitely best experienced at a distance, but even then, that boominess all too often masks the finer details, especially in classical and other string-heavy music.

It’s also a shame that a speaker aiming for the premium end of the market only supports lossy SBC and ACC codecs, losing out on the higher fidelity offered by LDAC, aptX (which the larger Högtalare supports), and others. Using a wired connection via the 3.5mm AUX input doesn’t improve matters either, sounding near-identical to its wireless counterpart.

The volume controls don’t offer enough increments, with the lowest possible setting still too loud and boomy for more discreet listening. They also frequently clash with the volume controls on playback devices, with one overriding the other. A dedicated app could’ve kept volume levels consistent between speaker and source. It could’ve also offered an adjustable EQ for those who like to dial in their preferred settings.

Sound quality score: 3/5

Morel Biggie review: Design

speaker grill opened on Morel Biggie — (Image credit: Future)

Brilliant build quality
Ultra-minimalist
Weight compromises portability

It’s clear the Biggie is going for the sleek, ultra-minimalist look, with a hint of tradition courtesy of the large faux leather handle – which, together with the strap locks, serves to imitate a pair of headphones, a design choice I have to believe was intentional.

The overall engineering of the Biggie is impeccable, even down to the included USB-C cable. Every edge and fixture is solid and seamless, although the fitting of the back panel in my test model wasn’t quite perfect. Still, it was more than acceptable and barely a cause for complaint.

Every side of the Biggie is completely flat, making it easy to fit anywhere in your home. The four rubber feet are thick and sturdy, keeping the Biggie firmly planted. However, despite Morel claiming it to be a portable speaker, it’s too cumbersome and heavy to take on your travels. Really, this is an indoor speaker meant to be kept in place.

The aforementioned strap can be removed if you want to streamline the Biggie even more, simply by unscrewing the side clamps. There’s an optional wall mount available from Morel, should you wish to declutter your space even more.

The magnetic cloth grill is incredibly slick and, again, feels engineered to the highest standards. A small yet sturdy leather tab can be used to pull the panel off, although it's a little surplus to requirements, more of a style accessory than anything else. The fit and finish of the panel are faultless, and it's an incredibly elegant solution to masking the buttons that sit behind, invisible until the LEDs shine through once powered on.

But despite the quality of the grill, I do worry that the thin cloth will degrade after repeated button presses through it. After only a few days with the Biggie, I began to notice a crease running up the cloth from repeated compressions against the large button panel.

Another issue is that you can’t see the power button when it’s off. Muscle memory will take hold quite quickly, but it’s still a quirky design choice to hide it from view completely and illustrates just how committed Morel is to the Biggie’s minimal aesthetic.

True to the rest of the speaker, the Biggie’s buttons are solid yet light to the touch, with a pleasing clack to the presses. Their fit isn’t quite as perfect as other aspects of the Biggie’s overall construction, but I’m nitpicking here; they’re certainly up to the standards you would expect from a speaker of this price.

Design score: 3.5/5

Morel Biggie review: Value

At $299 / £299 / AU$499, there’s no denying the Biggie is an expensive wireless speaker. It’s more expensive than the Sonos Era 100, our number one pick for the best wireless speaker, which has more features and the brand’s unique ability to create a network of speakers for a complete home setup.

If you’re looking for a more portable experience, then our current pick for the best Bluetooth speaker, the Sonos Roam 2, is cheaper than the Biggie and fits in your luggage nicely thanks to its pill-like shape. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating, making it ideal for travel. Overall, it’s a more versatile performer than the Biggie.

Other similarly premium speakers include the Bose SoundLink Max, which is sturdy and portable but $100 more than the Biggie. Being a hardy, go-anywhere speaker, though, it’s also got an IP67 rating, and a battery life that actually lasts the 20 hours it claims, according to our tests.

Should I buy the Morel Biggie?

Morel Biggie with speaker grill removed — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You adore minimalism
If you want zero fuss in your speaker, then look no further than the Biggie. It’s as clean as they come and fits in virtually any space in any home.

You want a sense of space
For such a small unit, the Biggie impresses with its all-encompassing soundscapes. The low-end response is also powerful.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best sound
The Biggie gets boomy all too easily, and the lack of any hi-res codec support is a real shame on a speaker this premium.

You want plenty of features
There are no extras on the Biggie: you get Bluetooth and wired playback, and a few buttons for control. There’s no app or settings to adjust.

You want portability
Despite what Morel says, you’ll struggle to carry the Biggie around comfortably. There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers out there that are much better suited for this purpose.

Morel Biggie review: Also consider

Sonos Era 100
The Sonos Era 100 is at the top of our wireless speaker list for a reason – and that is stellar sound that’s improved even over its sibling, the Sonos One, including better bass tones and a wider broadcast for optimal listening across a larger area. It also undercuts the Biggie on price.
Find out more in our Sonos Era 100 review

Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
If you’re after something more budget-friendly, the Tribit is one of the best Bluetooth speakers around. The sound quality belies its tiny size and it comes packed with features, including a power bank function, a built-in strap that can fit on your bike, and a microphone.
Read our full Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 review

How I tested the Morel Biggie

I tested the Morel Biggie for about a week and tried it with a variety of playback sources, including my phone, a laptop and a music player. I tested both its Bluetooth and wired capabilities.

I mainly listened to music via Tidal, a streaming service that allows for hi-res playback, although this wasn’t applicable in the Biggie’s case, reverting to the SBC/ AAC formats instead. I used TechRadar’s specialized playlist, designed to put audio devices through their paces with a comprehensive mix of genres and sonic styles, ranging from pop and electronic dance, to jazz and classical across multiple eras.

I tested the battery by letting the Biggie run continuously for six hours and took readings about every hour. Since there’s no volume readout, I can’t say exactly what levels I had set but suffice to say, I would describe my sessions as being comfortably loud.

First reviewed: September 2024

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: affordable, superb-sounding wireless headphones crammed with features

12:52 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: Australia | Comments: Off

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro: Two-minute review

The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are the most expensive headphones Anker has ever released. Sure, they're still a lot cheaper than the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5, but it does pile on a bit of pressure for these headphones to deliver, especially considering top-rated headphones like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus come in at nearly the same price. Happily, though, the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are a great-sounding pair of wireless headphones that kept me listening for hours on end, day in, day out.

Thanks to LDAC codec compatibility, you’re getting hi-res audio, which helps the Soundcore Space One Pro to deliver rich, well-weighted all-round sound. If you appreciate some depth, these will likely pique your interest, thanks to the impressively weighty bass and sub-bass on offer. More generally, audio is to a high standard – it's not always as sharp as it could be or as clean-sounding as some top-of-the-range headphones, but it'll satisfy the vast majority of listeners.

Thanks to the Soundcore app, you can also find the perfect sound for you. There are classic EQ settings, which include a huge array of presets and a custom option too. But what’s really exciting is the HearID setting which assesses your personal tastes and hearing capabilities to suggest the perfect calibration – something that even some of the best headphones don’t offer. Not only that, but there’s a Dolby Audio mode available for those looking for a more expansive soundstage when watching movies or TV shows on the go.

More broadly, you’re getting a strong feature-set here. There’s Easy Chat for having conversations without needing to pause your tunes, multi-point connectivity and adjustable active noise cancellation settings. Speaking of ANC, you’re getting cancellation that’s a cut above some of the best cheap headphones. Some high-pitched sounds will still creep through, even when listening at higher volumes, but overall, you’re not going to get too distracted by the outside world when using the Space One Pro.

You’ll also be able to listen pretty much unbroken thanks to two key factors: battery life and comfort. Firstly, you’re getting plenty of playtime with the Space One Pro, which can go for 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours with ANC off – although beware, with hi-res audio switched on, this number will be significantly cut. In terms of comfort, it really doesn’t get much better. Wearing the Space One Pro is never grating, even after listening for multiple hours consecutively – a fantastic plus given a lot of over-ear headphones fall at this hurdle.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. One of the Space One Pro’s biggest flaws for me is their looks. Although when folded they’re ultra-compact, in use they appear chunky and a little bit disappointing quality-wise – especially the button controls. This might not be a deal breaker for many, but Soundcore has increased its asking price for these headphones. Don’t get me wrong, these are good quality cans, but with this amount of cash, there are some outstanding alternatives from the likes of Sony and Sennheiser available to you – are the Space One Pro better than these? I’m not too sure.

Still, they sound great and you’ll happily keep playing your favorite tracks for hours on end. The main issue is the strength of the competition. For example, in our Sennheiser Accentum Plus review, we gave these similarly priced headphones 4.5 stars, thanks to their impeccable sound quality – although their fit isn’t suited to every head. Some people may find the Soundcore more comfortable, and prefer them for that reason, but most people will probably want to go for the better sound quality.

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Price & release date

$199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$300)
Launched on September 5 2024 in UK/US
Launching in Australia in October 2024

With the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro headphones, the brand has ventured into slightly more premium territory. These cans will set you back $199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$300) – that puts them in the same ballpark as the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, which retail for $‌179.95 / £169.99 / AU$299, and the Sony ULT Wear, which go for $199.99 / £149 / AU$348.

It’s a significant price jump on the classic Soundcore Space One, which were just $99 / £99 at launch. Of course, the newer model is more compact, has more mics and higher-quality audio, but that’s still a big jump considering the Space One still has ANC, a very similar battery life and hi-res audio capabilities.

The headband of the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro resting on a concrete pillar in front of a pink wall — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Specs

A closeup of the earcups of the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro resting on a marble surface — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Features

Solid active noise cancellation
Hi-res audio capability
Feature-rich companion app

Something I love about the Space One Pro is that they boast a pretty expansive feature-set. You get the classic options you’d expect from modern wireless headphones, including multi-point connectivity and EQ settings, but there’s a good amount more to uncover.

One of my favorite features was Easy Chat, which lowers the music volume playing and makes voices clearer. This was incredibly useful in an office setting, especially when I had to respond to questions or chat with colleagues briefly, making for a seamless transition from listening to talking. You can easily adjust the time it takes for music to fade back in after using Easy Chat in the Soundcore app, with 5, 10 and 15 second wait times available, although I found the default 5 was ideal. Sensitivity here was just right too; for instance, the sound of typing wouldn’t set off Easy Chat, making for a near-flawless user experience. You will have to resist singing along to the music, though…

Another neat little feature is Safe Volume. When I listen to music, I like to listen at loud volumes – maybe a bit too loud sometimes. However, the Soundcore app has a decibel reading meter that displays whether your volume level is normal, acceptable (ie, a bit on the loud side but probably okay), or too high. This is useful for keeping yourself in check, and you can set a high volume limit too, if you want to be on the cautious side, or to keep kids' hearing safe if you give the headphones to them.

As I mentioned, there are classic EQ settings here, including a bunch of neat presets for various genres and the option to make a totally custom sound. However, one of the coolest settings available is HearID Sound, which assesses your hearing capabilities at various frequencies and asks you to pick your preferred sound through a small handful of multi-choice questions to find your perfect sound. This worked fantastically well and gave me some added depth in the bass department, a little bit of additional height in the treble, with a dip in the mid-range – a calibration that suited my taste very nicely.

One more feature that enables you to customize sound is Dolby Audio. This is useful if you want a more immersive, expansive sound from your headphones, but is likely better suited towards people watching videos. I found that this did add a bit of width to the soundstage, but I rarely used it when listening to tunes. When you are blasting your favorite songs, though, you can activate the LDAC audio codec (compatible with most Android phones), which delivers richer, more detailed hi-res audio – something I kept turned on throughout most of the testing process.

The earcups Anker Soundcore Space One Pro resting on a concrete pillar in front of a pink wall — (Image credit: Future)

Another part of the Space One Pro that’s decently customizable is ANC. You can toggle on Wind Noise Reduction when out and about and switch between full, normal, and transparent levels of noise cancellation. But how is the ANC itself? Pretty good actually.

In a café, I could still hear a conversation on my table with music at half volume, but at a more realistic listening level of 65-70%, I could barely hear any words at all. When listening to more mellow classical music, however, sounds like plates being placed down crept through sometimes, even at high volumes.

At around 60% with Wind Noise Reduction on, traffic was barely audible, although some higher pitched noises did seep through from time to time. Similarly, when using a hairdryer, the screech-like noise it emitted was still audible when listening to a bass-heavy track.

With the lower-frequency tones of a microwave, I heard almost nothing at 50-55% volume, although this didn’t surprise me a lot as the Space One Pro seemed to be very competent at blocking out lower-frequency sounds, as is common with the best noise cancelling headphones.

I compared this to the more budget 1More Sonoflow and Sony WH-CH720N in the same environments, and the Space One Pro were a clear upgrade over them both.

To top everything off, the Space One Pro have a very respectable battery life of 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours with ANC off. This is, of course, reduced if you’re using hi-res audio. When testing battery life with ANC on, I found the 40-hour claim to be accurate.

Sure, there are some headphones out there, such as the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100, that can go for up to 60 hours with ANC on, but they’re about $80 / £80 more expensive. And this battery life is 10 hours longer with ANC on (and 20 hours with ANC off) than the considerably pricier Sony WH-1000XM5. So, all in all, it's fair to say the Space One Pro are a top choice if longevity matters a lot to you.

Features score: 4.5/5

A closeup of a man wearing the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro in front of a pink wall — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Sound quality

Full-sounding hi-res audio
Satisfying bass
Audio isn’t perfectly sharp

Overall, we were pretty positive about the original Anker Soundcore Space One’s audio, particularly because of its ability to offer strong bass, clear vocals and LDAC support. Thankfully, all of this holds true for the Pro model, which more generally delivers great audio quality.

Let’s start with bass: if like me you’re someone that appreciates lots of depth, these are gonna hit the spot. Sub-bass in Backseat Freestyle by Kendrick Lamar was perfectly weighted, never feeling overly dominant in the mix – a lot of cheaper headphones struggle to handle this level of depth, but not the Space One Pro. When listening to Black Eye by Allie X, the dynamism of the bass connecting up to the mid-range was impressive too, although the kick of the drum machine was slightly lethargic.

Mid-range sounds come through clearly and with solid levels of detail. When comparing these to the cheaper Sony WH-CH720N, the Space One Pro achieved a fuller sound, helping to expose a few more sonic intricacies. This is, of course, helped further if you activate the LDAC codec for hi-res audio.

Like the ‘non-Pro’ edition, these produce a pleasingly wide soundstage experience, which is ideal for atmospheric tracks like Rains again by Solji. This track sounded a little bit constrained with the CH720N, but when using the Space One Pro, the intro’s rain sound effects were natural and quieter vocal segments were more controlled. The soft vocals maintained their intended levels of delicacy too and highs often sounded sweet when using these headphones. From time to time, vocals could be a little harsh at top volumes, something I discovered when listening to the opening of SICKO MODE by Travis Scott, but this wasn’t too common.

All in all, I found the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro to be very good in the audio department. They’re not going to deliver the incredible accuracy, intricate detail and flawlessly clean audio that super-premium competitors can offer, but for some headphones below the $200 / £150 / AU$300 mark they perform well. Bass is the star of the show here, but there’s excellent customizability if you’re more of an avid podcast fan looking for an emphasis on clear vocals, for example.

Sound quality score: 4/5

The folded up Anker Soundcore Space One Pro resting on a marble surface — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Design

Ultra-compact foldable design
May be a little chunky looking for some
Super comfortable fit

When I first unboxed the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro, I got more of an earmuff than headphone vibe. Initially, I was struck by how chunky they were – even the headband is pretty thick and padded. Don’t get me wrong: the Space One Pro aren’t horrible looking, but I don’t think there’s gonna be a rush to hang them in the Louvre.

Even in terms of build quality, I wasn’t massively impressed. That’s mainly because the buttons and silver detail on the headphones look and feel a bit cheap. I did, however, quite like the Cream White color that these cans came in, though a Jet Black alternative is also available.

It’s not all about the looks, of course, and thankfully these headphones are incredibly comfortable. Every day I’ve tested the Space One Pro, I’ve used them for at least five hours and have not once felt a smidge of discomfort, so if coziness is the number one thing for you, these are absolutely perfect.

Another smart aspect of these headphones is their compact nature. Thanks to what Anker calls a FlexiCurve Structure, these can halve in size when fully folded, perfect if you’re a bit limited for space in your backpack or tote bag.

A case is available for them (added free for initial order, but that may not be the case if you buy in the future) that's also waterproof, unlike the headphones themselves, which don’t have a dust or waterproof rating.

Something these do lack is touch controls – which may be pleasing to some, but I would’ve personally appreciated them. Instead, you’re stuck with plain old button controls and unfortunately they’re a bit lacking. I already mentioned they’re not the prettiest, but I also found the volume controls to be quite unresponsive and I had to hold down the power button for quite a while to switch the headphones on or off. You can customize which button controls do a little bit in the Soundcore app, but options are pretty limited.

Overall, I don’t love the Space One Pro’s button controls and I’m not an enthusiast when it comes to their looks either. However, what I can’t deny is that they’re massively comfortable and super-compact, making them totally user-friendly. Fashionistas – you’re probably best served elsewhere I’m afraid, but otherwise I’d urge you not to rule these out on looks alone.

Design score: 3.5/5

The earpads and headband of the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro in front of a pink wall — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Value

Anker’s most expensive headphones ever
Stack up to similarly-priced competitors on features and sound
Still a tad too costly at launch

I’ll be real, reader, I’m conflicted here. I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro; they’re a great-sounding, ultra-comfortable pair of wireless headphones that have kept me listening for hours on end. But there’s a massive amount of competition in this price range from some of the most well-respected tech companies in the game.

For example, the aforementioned Sennheiser Accentum Plus offer confident, punchy sound, a longer battery life and a more attractive design for a similar price. And the Sony ULT Wear are also super comfortable and offer the LDAC codec – although in our Sony ULT Wear review we had a mixed response to its bass-boosting ULT button. Good options abound at this price point, making any one choice harder to justify.

And there are often bargains available on more premium options: for instance, the legendary Sony WH-1000XM4 are regularly available at a similar price to these these headphones, and they are going to offer almost everything you get here, but with even better audio and a classic design. However, it is worth noting that this only applies to when the Sonys have their price cut, and the Space One Pro will inevitably also see strong discounts, probably as soon as Black Friday, shortly after launch.

What I’m more confident in stating, though, is that these outperform the stronger budget wireless headphones, such as the Sony WH-CH720N and 1More Sonoflow, both of which we’ve spoken about highly on numerous occasions. These have considerably better ANC, audio quality and features. So, although I wouldn’t expect these to be listed at a way lower price, I think these will be extremely attractive on sale, when they’re closer to the $150 / £120 mark.

Value score: 3.5/5

A man putting on the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro in front of a pink wall — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro?

Buy them if…

Comfort is a priority for you
A lot of over-ear headphones tend to get uncomfortable after a while, but not these. The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are a delight to wear, even for hours on end, thanks to their soft ear cushions and well-padded headband. Say goodbye to headphone fatigue, and hello to hours of back-to-back bangers.

You want highly customizable audio
If you have specific tastes when it comes to audio, these headphones are a good pick. That’s mainly because of the HearID feature, which provides a custom EQ configuration suited to your ears. There’s also Dolby Audio for a more expansive sound and LDAC compatibility for hi-res output.

Don’t buy them if…

You’re on a budget
These aren’t ultra-premium headphones or anything, but they’re not the most affordable cans out there either. If you’re on a budget there are so many fantastic cheap options out there for under $100 / £100 / AU$200, check out our guide to the best cheap headphones for some recommendations.

Style is your main concern
Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, but I think many will agree with me here – the Space One Pro aren’t the most attractive cans out there. If you want some sleeker headphones, the likes of Sony and Bose have plenty of excellent options that avoid the chunky look that Anker has adopted here.

The earcups of the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro resting on a concrete pillar in front of a pink wall — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: Also consider

Sennheiser Accentum Plus
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus are a fantastic pair of mid-range over-ear headphones. They offer beautiful sound quality, a clean design, decent ANC and an epic battery life. And once you factor in their price, which is scarcely any higher than the Space One Pro, they become a very attractive option indeed – as you can see from the fact we granted them 4.5 stars in our Sennheiser Accentum Plus review.

Sony WH-CH720N
I’ve owned these headphones myself for about one year and can say they’re very good if you want a cheaper option than the Space One Pro. Sure, they don’t support LDAC or produce a super-expansive audio overall, but you still get a nicely balanced sound with solid detail. Not only that, but they have awesome battery life, 360 Reality Audio support, competent ANC and a lightweight design. Given they’ve gone on sale for less than $90 / £80 in the past, they’re an incredible option if you’re working with a tighter budget. Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review.

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review: How I tested

Tested for one week
Used in the office, in a café and while on walks
Predominantly tested using Tidal on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

I tested the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro over the course of a week. During this time, I took to a number of environments including a café, built-up roads, the office and my apartment. I typically connected the headphones to Tidal on my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 with the LDAC codec active in order to access the best quality audio. I also tested the headphones with the FiiO M11S hi-res music player, my Windows laptop, and an iPhone 13 Pro. When listening to music, I went through the TechRadar testing playlist, which includes tracks from a number of genres, before expanding to a wider music selection. When appropriate, I also compared the Soundcore Space One Pro directly to the Sony WH-CH720N and 1More Sonoflow.

First reviewed: September 2024
Read more about how we test

LG XBoom XO2T review: a groovy Bluetooth speaker that does the business

2:38 pm | September 3, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: Las Vegas, LG | Comments: Off

LG XBoom XTO2: Two-minute review

The LG XBOOM XO2T is not the company’s first attempt at a stylish portable speaker – the slightly larger XO3C is still available, for instance – but it is, in LG’s own estimation, the best iteration. At least, that is how it was presented to me when LG gave a demonstration on this speaker.

While I can’t confirm how it stacks up against LG’s previous iterations (since those weren't made available to me), I’ve spent plenty of time with the XO2T reviewed here and I have to say that I’m impressed. Is it among the best Bluetooth speakers out there? I think so, though it does depend on your needs.

To start with, there’s plenty of volume on tap that stays surprisingly clear at higher volumes, plus it sounds very good for its size. It might not be audiophile-grade, sonically speaking, but most people will be impressed with the amount of low-end it musters up, not to mention the detail-rich sound. The high-end is ever-so-slightly dull and is the main difference, audio-wise at least, that keeps it from rivalling a truly premium, Bang-and-Olufsen-style product. But it gets close.

Due to its form factor, you’ll miss out on stereo audio, unfortunately, though you can always pair it with a second one for that. But there are plenty of features available, mostly through the app, to make up for it. Also, this is a portable speaker meant to deliver quality audio no matter where you’re located in relation to it.

Just as striking as its audio performance is the way it looks. Not many portable speakers make me want to upgrade my furniture to something from Ethan Allen or grab a bourbon on the rocks. This one does. It has a sleek, almost teardrop shape, but also mood lighting for an experience you just don’t get from most portable speakers. The only real issue is that its fabric covering does tend to attract hair, so if you have a pet, you might end up with a somewhat fluffier LG XBoom XO2T.

LG XBoom XO2T speaker, illuminated, in a listening room — Groovy baby! (Image credit: Future)

LG XBoom XTO2 review: Price and release date

$199.99 / £199.99 (about AU$300)
Launched March 2024

Since the LG XBoom XO2T is a relatively new speaker, having been released in March of 2024, it is not a model you’re going to see a whole lot of offers for – yet. While you can certainly wait to hopefully get a discount, the asking price of $199.99 / £199.99 (about AU$300) is really not a bad figure for what you get – although it's true that you can buy myriad rugged, outdoorsy barrel-shaped Bluetooth speaker options for a lot less.

It’s currently only available in one color, unlike the XO3, which is available in black and beige. More importantly, it seems to not be available in Australia at the moment. Whether that will change in the near future remains to be seen since it’s relatively new. However, this review is coming out five months (August 2024) after the speaker’s initial release.

LG XBoom XTO2 review: Specs

LG XBoom XTO2 review: Features

Customization for both sound and lighting
Can link with other LG speakers
Multipoint connectivity

When it comes to features, the LG XBoom XO2T has a good assortment. Just about all the features discussed here are available through the app including the ability to adjust the sound and lighting. As far as adjusting the sound goes, it might seem light at first glance as there’s a Standard, Soundboost for listening to music, and Custom selection available. However, when choosing custom, you can pull up a six band EQ tab with up to 6 dB of boost per band. That’s pretty significant.

There’s actually much more in the way of customization when it comes to the light at the top of the speaker. There are three different types of mood lighting available: Ambient, Nature, and Party, with each type having three presets and a My Pick selection where you can customize the hue and saturation. Plus, the Ambient and Party modes have a Candle Effect and Party Strobe effect to add some movement to the lighting. My particular favorite is the “Comfort of a cozy night” setting under the Ambient selection. You can also adjust the lighting’s brightness.

There are some other features on hand as well, such as the Wireless Party Link mode that lets you use multiple LG speakers at one time. This is where you can pair two XO2Ts together for a stereo experience. There’s also an XBoom Lab selection, where you can play with new features. Currently, there’s a "Healing Therapy" section listed, where you can download and play healing sounds that are pre-paired with specific mood lighting settings. Also worthy of mention is a One Touch Mode that gives you the ability to hold the Lighting button on the speaker for two seconds to bring up a specific playlist and lighting setting. However, it only works with the Apple Music Library or Apple Music (at least on my iPhone). At least multipoint connectivity is available.

Features score: 4.5/5

LG XBoom XTO2 review: Design

Chic lamp-like design
Bluetooth-only connectivity
Good battery life

The LG XBoom XO2T resembles a fancy 1960s lamp more than a portable speaker, and it’s a design choice that I truly appreciate. I’ve tested and used quite a few different Bluetooth speakers and very few inspired me from a design perspective. This one is one of the few.

Of course, it probably resembles a lamp because it is. Sure, you have the bulk of the body covered by a fabric as well as an upward-facing silver grill to emanate audio in all directions. But, it also has an overhang that houses a downward-facing LED light.

The light can get pretty bright, though I wouldn’t use it to replace anything but a nightlight. It’s better for use as mood lighting (which is what it’s advertised as anyway) via the app’s customization mentioned above.

While a lot of the features are available just via the app, the capacitive controls on top are good enough for general usage. The Bluetooth icon is the only one that stays lit, but a quick tap will light up all the available controls including Volume Up, Play / Pause, Volume Down, and Lighting.

The port selection is pretty minimal as there’s no Aux or 3.5mm input, just a USB-C port for charging. The LG XBOOM XO2T is a purely bluetooth experience. Plus, the USB-C port has a covering that’s difficult to pull out, though this is most likely to maintain the speaker’s IP55 rating, making it a little safer to use outside.

A little more impressive is the battery life. It’s rated as offering up to 15 hours of use. While there are some other speakers that offer more, this is not the type of speaker I imagine someone would take on a hike, so 15 hours is more than adequate. In fact, I actually appreciated running it over night for ambient music and a night light and only using 40% of the battery after 8 hours.

Design score: 4.5/5

LG XBoom XTO2 review: Sound quality

Goes nice and loud
Great performance in the lows and mids
High-end can come off a tad dull

First things first, this thing can get loud! Though LG doesn’t offer a specific dB rating for the LG XBoom XO2T, I was able to get it up to 90 dB. Pretty impressive for something this size with what appears to be a one-inch tweeter, a three-inch driver and passive radiator handling the sound. On top of that, it stays fairly clear at higher volumes except for loud, aggressive bass sounds.

More importantly, the XO2T sounds very good. Whether I was listening to Kavinsky’s Nightcall, Jidenna’s Long Live the Chief, or The Weeknd’s I Feel It Coming, the low-end is punchy and full. There’s not much in the way of sub-bass, but that’s to be expected.

Often smaller speakers – and I would consider the LG XBOOM XO2T to be in this category – you end up with something where the low-end and high-end (or bass and treble) are boosted while the mids suffer, offering a somewhat hollow sounding listening experience. Or, the mids are a bit too full so that you feel like you’re getting a good listening experience, but the audio isn’t exactly clear.

Higher quality speakers thread the needle and the LG does so well, as the mids are full but balanced. Voices and guitars (as well as other upper midrange instruments) have body to them without sounding distorted as I experienced with Paramore’s Now and Cocteau Twin’s Heaven or Las Vegas. Another example is Chris Stapleton’s version of Tennessee Whiskey, where I felt the full range of his voice – rich and full without sounding compressed or distorted.

The only place where the sound quality leaves something to be desired is in the high notes. While you can surely boost treble frequencies through the app’s EQ, there’s a slight shortfall in terms of detail here, as if there’s a very thin blanket over the audio. Considering the speaker’s construction – again there’s a 3-inch driver, a one-inch upward firing tweeter and a passive radiator – it’s not a huge surprise.

Sound quality: 4.5/5

LG XBoom XTO2 review: Value

The LG XBOOM XO2T’s price tag of $199.99 / £199.99 (about AU$300) may seem to be in the premium bracket for portable speakers, it’s actually more in the midrange. Offerings from premium brands such as Bose, with the Bose SoundLink Max, will certainly put this speaker’s price tag into perspective, especially when you consider all that the LG XBoom XO2T has to offer.

The Ultimate Ears Everboom, for instance, also delivers 360-degree with plenty of oomph and comes with a nice aesthetic and build. It does have a little more battery life and a slightly better IP67 rating. But it will also set you back $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$349.

The Sonos Roam 2 is another portable speaker in this range with its slightly lower $179 / £179 / AU$299 price tag. While you have access to the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room setup, you could do the same with the LG via the Wireless Party Link feature (more on that later). Plus, the LG XBOOM XO2T has better battery life and at least a more unique look, not to mention that mood lighting.

Value score: 4/5

LG XBoom XO2T app, three screen grabs — (Image credit: LG)

Should I buy the LG XBoom XTO2?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

LG XBoom XTO2 review: Also consider

How I tested the LG XBoom XTO2

Tested for 2 weeks
Listened to all sorts of genres of music as well as podcast and streaming video
Predominantly tested using high fidelity streaming through Deezer and Podcast app on an iPhone 13

I spent two weeks testing the LG XBoom XO2T, having listened to all sorts of genres of music through the HiFi tier of the Deezer streaming app as well as watching some YouTube videos and listening to some podcasts through the iOS Podcast app. I also played around with the LG XBOOM app, to test all the features including customizing the lights and audio.

The LG XBoom XO2T, after all is said and done, seems to made for those that don’t want to pay quite the premium prices of Bang & Olufsen or Bose, but still want a quality speaker that looks as good as it sounds.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing tech gear including audio equipment, where I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation.

Final D7000: Two-minute review

It goes without saying that $3499 / £2999 / AU$5899 is an awful lot of money to consider spending on a pair of wired over-ear headphones – and yet you’re almost spoiled for choice here, as our best wired headphones guide proves. What sets the D7000 apart, though, is that Final Audio has gone to town where the technology of planar magnetic headphones is concerned, and consequently has a pretty compelling story to tell.

It’s developed something it calls an ‘air film damping system’ to overcome the low-frequency limitations of the planar magnetic driver technology. It’s created a ‘pinna-aligned diffuser’ to overcome the variations in the shape of the human ear. It’s gone so far as to build its own manufacturing and assembly jigs in order to keep the entire construction process in-house and under its control. It's not a stretch to say that Final's need to get the science of bringing sound to your ears just right borders on obsessive.

The D7000 is far from the most cooperative headphone this sort of money can buy, so you’ll need to spend more – on a headphone amplifier with a fair bit of grunt. But if you’re able to drive the D7000 effectively, there’s a lot to enjoy about the sound.

Final D7000 headphones outside, on a sunny day — Yes, the case is huge (Image credit: Future)

Final D7000 review: Price & release date

Released February 27, 2024
Priced $3499 / £2999 / AU$5899

The Final Audio D7000 are available to buy now, and have been since the end of February 2024. A price of $3499 / £2999 / AU$5899 lets you know the company is not messing around with this model, and it also lets you know that alternatives from the likes of Focal (see the May-launch Azurys), Grado (see our Grado Hemp review) and Meze Audio (that would be the Meze Audio Liric) are firmly in Final Audio’s sights.

Final D7000 review: Specs

Final D7000 review: Features

‘Pinna-Aligned Diffuser’
‘Air Film Damping System’
Not the easiest headphones to drive

Wired headphones seldom bristle with features – and the Final Audio D7000 are no different in that they have what they need to get the job done and nothing else. But it’s fair to say that Final Audio has applied itself to these features rigorously.

For instance, the company has addressed the inherent problems planar magnetic drivers have in producing properly low frequencies by developing something it calls an ‘Air Film Damping System’. If you play at significant volume, the movement of the diaphragm when it’s delivering bass information can be exaggerated to the point that it contacts the magnets that are driving it – which obviously is undesirable. Final Audio suggests that a) every other planar magnetic design consequently doesn’t dig as deep into the frequency range as is ideal, and b) it has solved the issue.

A necessarily complicated system involving perforated metal shields suspended on either side of the diaphragm creates a layer of air between the diaphragm and its magnets - it acts as a braking system and allows the diaphragm to generate the desired low frequencies without the danger of contact with the magnets around it. The diaphragm itself is thin and light even by prevailing standards, and has a super-thin spiral-pattern aluminum coil etched onto it.

The other major feature here is the ‘Pinna-Aligned Diffuser’. The concept of acoustic adjustment via diffusion has been gaining traction for some time – but Final Audio feels it has identified, and subsequently solved, an important issue: the shape of the wearer’s pinna. The pinna (the shape of the outer ear) obviously varies widely from person to person, and it can significantly affect a headphone listening experience. Final Audio’s listening tests, using both real live ears and simulations, have resulted in a diffuser shape that is, according to the company, optimal for every listener regardless of the shape of their pinna.

The driver arrangement has resulted in a headphone with an impedance of 50Ω and sensitivity of 89dB/mW – this translates to ‘quite difficult to drive’. It seems likely that anyone spending the thick end of three grand on a pair of headphones is not going to connect them directly to a laptop headphone socket or something like that – but equally, these numbers suggest a sturdy headphone amp will be a necessity.

The amount of oomph that’s likely to be required to drive the D7000 makes the supplied cable seem slightly odd. It’s three meters long, for starters, which is far from the most practical length, and is terminated in an unbalanced 6.3mm jack – which is not the most helpful (or premium) option. At this sort of money it’s not unreasonable to expect a variety of cables, in a variety of lengths, with a variety of terminations – a 4.4mm balanced jack, for instance, would help the headphone amp into which it’s plugged deal with the rather tricky load the D7000 present.

Features score: 4.5/5

Final D7000 review: Sound quality

Tremendous powers of insight and analysis
Open, organized and utterly believable sound
Could quite easily be more dynamic

In many ways, the sound the Final Audio D7000 make is approaching ideal – or, at least, it is for someone with similar sonic priorities to mine. If you admire high detail levels, nicely neutral tonality, a beautifully balanced frequency response and a big, well-organized soundstage, then we have something in common. And you’ll no doubt enjoy the D7000 as much as I do.

A big 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of Weyes Blood’s Grapevine is exactly the sort of thing the Final Audio excel at dealing with. Their carefully judged tonality gives a touch of warmth to the acoustic instruments and the staggeringly direct and informative midrange, and their response from the bottom of the frequency range to the top is impressively even. The hard work Final Audio has done in an effort to liberate dynamic driver-type levels of bass extension and substance from the planar magnetic arrangement has without doubt paid off; the D7000 dig respectably deep and hit with determination. They may not be the punchiest headphones this sort of money can buy, but they’re certainly no slouches.

The top of the frequency range is open and airy, but more than enough substance to avoid sounding in any way thin or hard. And with the impeccable vocal, they demonstrate real midrange fidelity and positivity – there’s an enormous amount of detail, both broad and fine, extracted and contextualized. The D7000 communicate through the midrange in the most eloquent and expressive manner, and singers sound direct and characterful as a result.

The soundstage these headphones can generate is extremely wide and respectively deep, so even a recording as relatively complex as Stevie Wonder’s He’s Misstra Know-It-All (as a DSD64 file) sounds organized and coherent – even the layout of the drum kit is absolutely explicit. And this recording demonstrates that what the D7000 lack in outright low-frequency impact, they make up for in control – rhythmic expression is always convincing.

Up to this point, the Final Audio combine analysis with entertainment in a most agreeable manner. They’re fun to listen to, musical in their approach, and have so many pertinent observations to make about the minutiae of recordings that each listen is a little voyage of discovery.

The only significant drawback is a relative lack of dynamism. While they’re very attentive to the low-key dynamics of harmonic variation, the D7000 aren’t all that inclined to really lean in when the going gets intense or big shifts in volume occur. That’s not much of an issue with the recordings I’ve mentioned so far, because they both offer very polite increases in attack – but when you ask the Final Audio to deliver something along the lines of My Bloody Valentine’s Feed Me With Your Kiss as a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file, they can sound slightly undemonstrative. The D7000 are either unwilling or unable to properly track the variations in intensity with proper determination, and they are slightly short of the sort of headroom that allow significant distance between the quietest and loudest moments in the recording.

Sound quality score: 4/5

Final D7000 review: Design

437g
Washi’ fabric for headband and earpads
Aluminum/magnesium alloy housing

‘Big’ seems as good a word as any to start with. The Final Audio D7000 aren’t outrageously heavy at 437g, they stay comfortable through long listening sessions thanks to the materials used in their construction and their careful hanger arrangement… but they nevertheless feel big because, well, they are. Or, at least, their earcups and earpads are. If you’re blessed with a smaller-than-average head, there’s a good chance the D7000 will prove to be rather more headphone than you’re comfortable with.

Final Audio has designed the D7000 to be as repairable and serviceable as possible and that is to be commended. Those tiny exposed screw-heads tell their own story – almost every part of these headphones can be removed if required. So hardware upgrades are possible, as is replacement or repair. In other words, the D7000 should last you a very long time. This is just one advantage derived from Final Audio’s insistence on conducting the entire manufacturing process in-house – even to the point that it’s designed and built its own assembly jigs and measurement jigs in order to ensure the quality of build and finish is exactly how it wants it to be.

The earcup housings are made from machined aluminum/magnesium alloy, which helps keep weight down, and they feel just as good as they look (as long as you’re fine with black – it’s the only option where finish is concerned). They adjust on the headband using a fairly rudimentary ‘friction pole’ arrangement, but that does at least mean the arms don’t flare out from the side of the weather’s head all that far.

Final Audio has used a light, breathable fabric for the covering of the headband and earpads. It’s derived from ‘washi’, a traditional Japanese paper – and as well as offering good moisture control, lightness of build and excellent durability, we will all be pleased to learn it also has excellent anti-bacterial and odor eliminating properties.

Design score: 4/5

Final D7000 review: Value

Well built; exceptional attention to materials used
Requires good amplification – and expensive regardless

If you’ve read this far then you know the D7000 are very well built and finished, using high-quality materials. You’ll know they use some quite innovative technologies in order to do their thing, and you’ll know their modular construction should mean they last for years. You’ll know that in pretty much every respect except dynamic response, they’re a profoundly enjoyable listen – as long as you have amplification capable of driving them efficiently. And you’ll also know they’re by no means your only choice if you want to spend big on some new headphones…

Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Final D7000?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

Final D7000 review: Also consider

Focal Stellia
Focal's stunning – and we mean that visually as well as aurally – over-ears have been sitting pretty among the audiophile-grade elite for a few years now. Think high-quality craftsmanship with a stunning open presentation that leads to mind-blowingly good sound. Yes, that $3,000 price tag could be a tad excessive, but if you've got Final Audio money, you've got Focal money…
See our Focal Stellia review for the full story

How I tested the Final D7000

Connected to an iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amplifier
With a variety of digital audio file types and sizes
For well over a working week

My reference amplifier (a Naim Uniti Star) has a 3.5mm headphone socket – and so all my testing was done using a (hugely capable) iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amplifier connected via UBS-C to an Apple MacBook Pro loaded with Colibri software in order to play proper high-resolution content. I listened to less information-rich stuff too, of course, and to music of every style and genre. And I did this for well over a working week, because frankly it was no kind of hardship at all…

First reviewed: August 2024
Read more about how we test

Dyson OnTrac review: a valiant second attempt that’s blown away by the competition

8:54 am |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Dyson OnTrac: Two-minute review

Well, the Dyson Zone wasn’t an April Fool’s joke and the company best known for its vacuums was indeed dead serious about entering the audio market – because, lo and behold, we now have Dyson’s second pair of headphones. This time around, they go without the Bane-like air purification mask and, instead, focus solely on what’s important to a pair of headphones: sound quality. It also introduces a more accessible aesthetic in the process.

Called the OnTrac, Dyson is now unequivocally aiming for a share of a crowded market currently occupied by some of the best headphones and best noise-cancelling headphones from more well-established brands.

The OnTrac’s spec sheet certainly implies Dyson is in with a fair shout. Music is delivered via custom 40mm neodymium drivers that are tilted 13˚ towards the ear, which allows your ear canal to suck up the waves as confidently as the maker’s iconic vacuums. ANC is onboard, which utlizes a custom algorithm to cancel up to 40dB worth of unwanted ambient noise and, in practice, it works very well indeed, with office chatter all but silenced and screaming babies on trains dulled to a whisper. It doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of the best-in-class sets (Bose, I’m looking at you), but you can also do an awful lot worse.

Comfort is subjective. I have to agree that, despite the size and 451g weight of the OnTrac, it doesn’t feel like it when worn, thanks in no small part to Dyson’s rather clever move of attaching two small battery units to the headband (rather than the ear cups) for more even weight distribution. But the weight does become a little uncomfortable over prolonged periods (something I don’t experience with my daily pair of Sonos Ace cans). I do appreciate the fact that the OnTrac can be customized to a great degree thanks to interchangeable ear cushions and ear cups, plus the headband is available in four color finishes. It makes an already unique-looking set of headphones even more so.

On the sound quality front, the Dyson OnTrac delivers an overall presentation that is cleaner than I was initially expecting. Vocals, in particular are handled with poise and there is a discernible soundstage within which instruments are placed. While detail is also good, the OnTrac lacks dynamic punch and music can sound a little flat. It’s not an offensive or ‘bad’ listen by any means, but when competitors do sound better and for less money, it becomes tricky to recommend.

How much is the Dyson OnTrac I hear you ask? At $499 / £449.99 / AU$799, the OnTrac enters right near the top of the premium headphone market, and immediately gains the Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra as natural competitors. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 also gets a deserving mention here. These three pairs all represent some of the best wireless headphones currently available and all come from established brands. In the OnTrac, Dyson has to be rather optimistic, expecting potential customers to part with a big chunk of cash despite not having a lot of audio experience.

If you value having the option to customize your headphones, though, and you want something that is genuinely unique, the OnTrac should be at the top of your wishlist. And if Dyson can release a future firmware update that allows for greater customization of the EQ, it could be onto a genuine winner.

Dyson OnTrac headphones in Ceramic Cinnabar colour — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

Dyson OnTrac review: Price and release date

Announced July 18, 2024
List price of $499 / £449.99 / AU$799
Additional cost for customizing ear cushions and ear cups

The Dyson OnTrac headphones were announced on July 18, 2024 and are now available to purchase outright directly from Dyson and select authorized retailers for $499 / £449.99 / AU$799. At this price, they sit at the upper end of the premium headphones market. The Apple AirPods Max are officially priced higher at $549 / £499/ AU$899 but can be picked up at a discounted price during big sale events, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra – comfortably the best noise-cancelling headphones available right now – retail for $429 / £449 / AU$649 and, again, are often discounted.

If you want to customize your OnTrac headphones, ear cushions and outer caps are available for $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$79.99 a pair, although, at the time of writing, these are only available directly from Dyson.

For anyone else wanting to personalize their headphones, adding one pair of each soon adds up, so you’ll need deep pockets if you want to unleash the full potential of Dyson’s latest headphone effort.

Pricing the OnTrac so high definitely doesn’t work in its favor. It’s fair to say Dyson isn’t a ‘market leader’ when it comes to audio products, so to price its second pair of headphones much higher than five-star pairs from established audio brands is a bit delusional. Even if the OnTrac were brandished with a Sony or Bose logo, it would still be a tough sell. If the headphones were brought down to around the $400 / £400 / AU$600 mark, I think it would be a bit easier to be a little more positive about them.

Dyson OnTrac review: Specs

Dyson OnTrac review: Features

Up to 55 hours battery life
Good, not ‘best-in-class’, noise cancellation
No wired listening or hi-res audio

One of the headline features of the Dyson OnTrac is its 55-hour battery life. It’s quite exceptional and eclipses much of its closest competition. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (60 hours) and Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 (60 hours ANC on / 100 hours off) are similarly-priced pairs that do better, but nothing from Sony or Bose comes even close. Dyson includes a 1.2m braided USB-C cable in the box for the moment you do eventually run out of juice.

Alongside the exceptional battery life, Dyson is also keen to emphasise the capabilities of its noise-cancellation system. Eight mics are deployed in total across both ear cups to constantly listen to the world around you – 384,000 times a second, Dyson stresses – and cancel out external sound up to 40dB. This isn’t an adaptive noise-cancellation system, meaning it’s either ‘on’ or ‘off’, although there is a Transparency mode that lets in ambient sounds. This can be activated with a strong double tap on either ear cup. If you want to turn it off entirely, you’ll need to use the MyDyson app.

In real-world testing, the noise cancellation works incredibly well. Office chatter was canceled out entirely and screaming babies on public transport were reduced to near-silence. It’s certainly one of the better iterations of noise cancellation I’ve personally come across, although I would say the Bose QC Ultras do still claim the title of truly best in class.

Alongside being able to adjust noise cancellation, the MyDyson app is where you can (sort of) tailor the sound. There are three EQ presets to choose from: Enhanced (on by default), Bass Boost and Neutral. It would have been nice to be given the opportunity to fully personalize the EQ settings in a similar vein to what Bowers & Wilkins or Bang & Olufsen offer through their respective apps.

Screenshots taken from the MyDyson app when connected to Dyson OnTrac headphones — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

The MyDyson app also displays a live sound exposure graph that constantly monitors noise levels both inside and outside the ear cups, clearly showing you whenever the levels become potentially harmful. It turns out I prefer to listen at a volume level that borders on ‘not recommended’. It doesn’t send you notifications when the audio you’re listening to encroaches into harmful territory, but you can toggle a setting that will ensure the volume doesn’t go above 80dB.

The Dyson OnTrac also features wear detection, meaning they’ll automatically play and pause when you put them on or off respectively, and it works with pinpoint accuracy. The headphones will also turn themselves off after 30 minutes of inactivity.

Elsewhere in regard to the feature set, the OnTrac falls a little short in comparison to the best at this level. Firstly, the Bluetooth 5.0 standard is used which is pushing seven years old and now lags behind Bluetooth 5.3. We’re also starting to see Bluetooth 5.4 show up in equally premium models. While it still serves up a reliable connection to source devices – I did experience the very occasional issue where the app didn’t immediately recognize the headphones were connected – it means some important features are missing, including multipoint connectivity for simultaneously connecting to two devices.

As far as audio codec support goes, the list is pretty short with just the basic SBC and AAC codecs alongside the rather niche LHDC. It’s a bit disappointing that a pair of headphones that cost as much as the Dyson OnTrac doesn’t support aptX in one form or another, or true high-resolution audio. There’s also no support for spatial audio or wired listening.

Features score: 3.5/5

Dyson OnTrac review: Sound quality

Clean and detailed
Bass Boost increases the low end but delivers a pleasant soundstage
Not the most dynamically adept

Despite their rather ‘in ya face’ looks, the Dyson OnTrac is a lot more delicate in its audio presentation. To earn its pay, Dyson places emphasis on the OnTrac’s ability to cater to a broad frequency range of 6Hz to 21kHz. That’s much lower – and a bit higher – than the human ear can hear, but Dyson says it made the decision to ensure the OnTrac could comfortably handle all sounds within the ear’s range of detection and to minimize distortion at higher volumes.

With the Neutral EQ preset selected, Dua Lipa’s Training Season bops along nicely in its opening verse with a decent helping of bass, and her vocal comes through crisp and cleanly. There is a good sense of space, with instruments and various other aspects of a track being clearly placed. But when compared to other pairs such as the Sonos Ace or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the sound delivered by the OnTrac feels more constrained with less room to breathe. It’s feels more like how on-ear headphones sound rather than over-ears, which the OnTrac technically is in the way they fit (I discuss this in the design section below).

It certainly pays to play around with the EQ presets as I found what worked for one song didn’t necessarily work for the other. Training Season sounded fine on the Neutral preset, but Miley Cyrus’ Flowers was given an extra pop of energy when selecting Enhanced. On several occasions, Neutral flattens things to the point where it wasn’t all that engaging or fun.

And while the OnTrac could certainly keep up with the boogie rhythm of AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie (I am reviewing these in Australia, after all), their lack of dynamic clout is exposed. It’s not to say there isn’t a change between the quieter intro vocal and louder burst of up tempo guitar, it just lacks a little bit of punch compared to some competitors. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, for example, are just way more keen to rock out playing the same track. It’s as if they’re saying “alright, let’s do this!” compared to OnTrac's more reserved, “are you sure? You might damage your hearing” mentality.

It’s a similar story with Rammstein’s Los. Comparing the performance of the OnTrac against the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and there’s a noticeable difference in clarity. Till Lindeman’s vocal is far more pronounced when played through the Bose and, when the full band comes in at around 30 seconds, there’s greater depth. The OnTrac sounds more two dimensional in comparison. It’s good in the sense there’s decent drive behind the sound, but there are more competent performers that cost less money.

Bass heads will enjoy the Bass Boost EQ preset as it does certainly ramp up the low end, but it does muffle the overall sound somewhat. The pulsing bass rhythm throughout Planetary Assault System’s Desert Races benefitted far greater from the Enhanced preset instead.

Overall it’s not exactly a bad sound produced by the Dyson OnTrac. It’s clean and can unearth some detail, but their more neutral sound profile won’t be to everyone’s taste. An adjustable EQ could potentially help to some degree, and I hope this can be made available with a future firmware update, but with such a high-end price tag, it would be fair to expect a high-end sound straight out of the box.

Sound quality score: 3.5/5

Dyson OnTrac review: Design

Up to 2,000 color combinations
Large ear cushions for noise isolation
Can run hot

Dyson’s first foray into headphones was shockingly different to say the least, and while the OnTrac are far more headphone-y, they still deviate from the headphone norms of black, white and the occasional green or blue if a manufacturer is feeling adventurous.

The headband, which employs a modular-like design, is available in four different colors, and each comes with a default set of ear cushions and outer ear cups. Copper features navy-blue headband panels and copper ear cups; Black/Nickel has a black headband and shiny grey ear cups; Aluminum has a black headband, silver ear cups and yellow ear cushions; finally, Ceramic Cinnabar (the color of my review unit) features a coral-like orange headband and matching ear cups.

The headband colorway you choose is what you’ll live with, but the ear cushions and outer ear cups can be swapped out to any of seven choices for each, with a claimed total of 2,000 variations possible, paving the way for complete headphone personalization unlike anything I’ve seen before.

Changing the cushions and cups isn’t difficult, as both come off with a slight twist. When you take the removable ear cups off, Dyson has added a nice little touch on the main ear cup by showing where each component can be found by way of a blueprint-style design.

The ear cups, despite being physically large, are actually incredibly slim and don't protrude much from the head. I previously thought the Sonos Ace were among the more aesthetically pleasing pairs of headphones in this sense, and so I have to give Dyson credit here.

The ear cushions are made from a microfiber material as opposed to the often used memory foam with a PU leather coating. It’s soft to touch and, indeed, soft when they’re on your head. But they’re not exactly what you would call breathable. Dyson has opted for the large cups and cushions to aid with passive noise isolation if you switch noise cancellation off, but also to increase the effectiveness when it’s turned on. But the size of the cushions and the material, combined with the fact they clamp onto your head tightly (which I do ultimately like as it instills confidence they won’t slip off) means things can get real hot real quick. I carried out most of my testing with the season coming into Australian spring and, after wearing them for a couple of hours, my ears were sweating despite the milder temperatures.

I also found I needed to wiggle the OnTrac around more than normal to get a comfortable fit so that the cutouts fully enveloped my ears. By comparison, the Sonos Ace, which I wear on a daily basis, slides right into place with no adjustments needed, making me think I was wearing headphones that felt more like on-ears than over-ears.

The ear cups themselves rotate so that they can be slid into the case and, in theory, you can wear them around your neck. But because they’re so large, it’s incredibly uncomfortable to do the latter.

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Close up image of the physical buttons on the Dyson OnTrac headphones — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

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The Dyson OnTrac headphones viewed when worn on the head, from the front and side — (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

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There are two physical buttons on the OnTrac – one button for power and initiating Bluetooth pairing mode on the left ear cup and a small joystick on the right ear cup is used to adjust volume, skip tracks and play/pause. During my testing I found the joystick was responsive for the most part, although I occasionally had issues with adjusting the volume – it didn’t register me thumbing it up or down and I found you may have to give it a really good push. As mentioned earlier, a solid double tap on either ear cup will switch between noise cancellation and transparency modes and you'll get an audible feedback letting you know your command has been received.

The Dyson OnTrac comes supplied with a case (expectedly so, given the price) that has seemingly been inspired by the minimalist slip-case aesthetic employed for the AirPods Max, but offers a little bit more protection than Apple does. Think of a conventional headphone travel case, but remove the zipper sides so you’re left with just the front and back pieces. That’s what Dyson has done here, and attached them with a piece of elastic so when the OnTrac is out of its case it compresses down flat.

The headphones slip back in without any trouble, but they’re exposed at both the top and the bottom, meaning they’re susceptible to dust ingress at the very least and the headband is left exposed for keys to scratch up against it when the case is in your bag. I love the intention of the fold-flat case, but the execution doesn’t quite nail it, and when you’re spending this much on a set of cans, you’re going to want to protect them as much as you can.

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Design score: 3/5

Dyson OnTrac review: Value

Cheaper competitors offer better sound and more features
Customization can get expensive

As I’ve already mentioned, the Dyson OnTrac costs an eye-watering $499 / £449.99 / AU$799. While that seems on brand for Dyson (everything the company makes is expensive), it would be easier to recommend the headphones if they cost a little less. After all, competing pairs of premium headphones have to be considered and, ultimately, the OnTrac falls short of what is now expected in this space. Battery life is fantastic and is a big gold star for Dyson, and the sound is certainly passable, but the fact is you can find greater sonic insight from others.

Hi-res audio support, or at the very least support for wired listening would have been nice to see, too. And, while I do think the ability to customize the headphones is an interesting and unique one, the added cost makes it much less of an impulse decision and I feel Dyson should throw in a bonus set of cushions and/or ear cups with the purchase of a pair of OnTrac headphones to justify the high price tag.

Value score: 2/5

Should I buy the Dyson OnTrac?

Buy it if...

You want a unique-looking pair of headphones

The ability to personalize the OnTrac headphones is a unique proposition and there’s no denying that they’re solidly built.

You need long battery life

While it’s not quite the class leader, the OnTrac’s 55 hours of battery life trumps much of the competition.

Don't buy it if...

You want best-in-class ANC

Noise cancellation is really very good, but if you want to block out everything from the world around you, Bose is still the option to go for.

You want an in-depth app

There’s no ability to fully adjust the EQ settings, and you’re instead given just three fixed presets. Some people may also miss the option to tailor the level of noise cancellation.

You listen in spatial audio

It might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but given many other pairs in this space support some form of spatial audio, its omittance here is more noticeable.

Dyson OnTrac review: Also consider

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

It's going to take a lot to topple Bose from the top of the noise-cancellation headphone pack, although the Dyson OnTrac does come agonisingly close. These also add spatial audio and a more engaging sound, although the 24-hour battery life falls well short of Dyson's effort.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100

Class-leading 100 hours of battery life make Cambridge Audio's first pair of headphones the ones to get for frequent flyers. They deliver a glorious sound, too.

Read our in-depth Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

A more lively and detailed sound is what you'll get from these Sennheisers, along with slightly better battery life, improved connectivity and a more impressive feature set.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

How I tested the Dyson OnTrac

Using iOS and Mac devices
Using a variety of music genres
In a variety of real-world scenarios

I used the Dyson OnTrac for a couple of weeks, listening to them at home, in the office and when commuting to work on loud, busy trains. I connected them to an iPhone 15 Pro and a MacBook Pro, and listened to a variety of music genres to determine if and how the EQ presets would affect them. During my two-week listening period, I never had to reach for the charging cable, owing to the OnTrac's incredible battery life.

Tannoy Autograph Mini: Two-minute review

Take a quick look at the Tannoy Autograph Miniature and it’s easy to find yourself asking some brief but pointed questions such as “what is that?” and “why does it look like an antique?” The Tannoy doesn’t look like most other speakers because Tannoy has been making speakers for a very long time and when it has a product range called ‘Heritage,’ you’d better believe that there is a considerable amount of heritage involved – some of these products can trace their lineage back over fifty years.

The catch is that some of them are also on the large side. They can clock in at the best part of a metre wide, which means you’ll need a fair amount of room to accommodate them. The Autograph Mini is designed to embody the styling and engineering of these larger speakers but at a size that allows them to fit in smaller rooms without overwhelming them. While each Autograph Mini speaker is a great deal more manageable than its bigger brothers, the engineering and technology (yes, despite the looks, there is technology in there) is exactly the same. Tannoy feels that certain aspects of how a speaker behaves and interacts with a room require very specific engineering solutions which shape the design of the speaker.

The result looks and feels like nothing else on the market. But does that result in a set of the best stereo speakers – ie. is this a speaker proposition you actually want to own? $2,200 buys some extremely talented offerings, so is this timewarp Tannoy good enough to vie for your attention?

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Price and release date

The Tannoy Autograph Mini pictured in a room next to a wooden sideboard and a record player — (Image credit: Future)

Released in 2020
£2,200 / $2,200 / AU$3,599

The current version of the Autograph Mini has been on sale for a few years now (TechRadar's audio editor actually held it in on her knee at High End Munich 2023) and it replaced a very similar version that debuted in 2008. If this sounds like it has been on sale for a while and might be in danger of replacement, you need to start thinking more in terms of ‘Tannoy time.’ The full size Autograph on which this speaker is based first went on sale in 1954 and recently had a 70th Anniversary edition launch. If it ain’t broke, Tannoy will not be rushing to fix it.

In the UK, a pair of Autograph Minis will set you back £2,200 for a pair. In the US, this seems to be a dollar equivalent $2,200 and in Australia they cost AU$3,599. This can feel a little on the steep side for a speaker as dinky as this one but it reflects that some of the techniques required to build it are rather labour intensive and the materials used are not cheap either.

This price does not include stands of any description (and neither is one offered as an accessory) and the Tannoy is a passive speaker that will need amplification and source equipment to work. I used a study but… functional… looking pair of Custom Design stands for testing but the following comments should be applicable to any respectably solid pair of stands that are 50-60cm tall.

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Specs

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Features

120mm Dual Concentric driver
Bespoke Crossover in a ply cabinet
60Hz- 20kHz frequency response

As the Tannoy is a passive set of stereo speakers, it isn’t overburdened with functionality but some of the reasons it looks the way it does are down to the hardware it uses. The full size Heritage models use drivers that vary between 8 inches (203mm) and 15 inches (380mm) in size. The Autograph Mini uses a rather smaller 4inch (120mm) driver, but the principles on which it works are the same as the larger models.

Where you see a single driver on the front of the Tannoy, there are in fact two. A four-inch midbass driver is made of treated paper (and a friendly reminder that however unsophisticated it sounds, paper is a brilliant material for speaker drivers) and attached to a rolled rubber surround. In the centre of driver, where you would usually find a dust cap or phase plug is the tweeter. This is a 25mm unit made of titanium. It is sunk inside a cylindrical housing that improves its sensitivity and there is an assembly that Tannoy calls a ‘Tulip’ waveguide that helps to radiate the energy from the tweeter out in a manner that works with the mid bass.

Tannoy calls this arrangement 'Dual Concentric' and it’s been an element of the company's speakers for decades. This latest iteration includes a system that Tannoy calls Omnimagnet. This manages to place the drive magnets for the mid bass driver and the tweeter in the same place without them interfering with one another, which further improves their relationship. The internal wiring is all silver and the crossover makes use of proprietary Tannoy capacitors and low loss laminated core inductors in the pursuit of the best possible performance. Connection to an amplifier is via a single set of binding posts.

We’ll cover the Tannoy’s looks in a little while, but it’s important to stress that the means by which it is built is genuinely different to most rivals. Where most speakers at the price are made a variation of MDF, the Autograph Mini is made from sections of ply that use actual carpentry to fit together. Rather than making this as thick and inert as they can, Tannoy uses internal sections that are designed to act as resonance and damping control by being less inert than the main sections of the cabinets and bleeding energy off.

Just above the speaker terminals on the rear of the cabinet you’ll find a small bass port to help the mid bass driver in its excursions. Even with this present, any purchasing decision regarding the Tannoy needs to be made in the knowledge this is not a bass monster. A small driver in a small cabinet (not only is the Mini only 35cm tall, its sharply tapered sides mean that its internal volume is limited) is not a recipe for seismic bass and Tannoy quotes a lower roll off of 60Hz but at a whopping -10dB (or only in a very limited sense for those of you not too invested in numbers). On the plus side though, sensitivity is very good at a consistent 8 ohms.

Features score: 4/5

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Sound quality

Exceptional three dimensionality and imaging
Superb tonality with good recordings
Limited bass… but more grunt than you might expect

It is hard not to judge how the Tannoy is going to sound based on those vintage looks but it’s very important that you do because some aspects of the Tannoy’s performance are beyond more modern looking rivals. Tannoy hasn’t been diligently working away at dual concentric drivers for decades for the hell of it. The two drivers have a relationship that is so seamless that there isn’t the first clue where they are handing over information to one another. The effect is incredibly cohesive.

The attention that has gone into making the drivers radiate energy in a consistent way also means that the Tannoy produces a beautiful stereo image. Paint the Roses, a live concert recording of Larkin Poe and the Nu Deco Ensemble, is recreated in a manner that really gives you a sense of the venue and the performers relative to the audience. Having created this effect, if you close your eyes, it’s incredibly hard to actually place where the Tannoy’s cabinets really are. It’s an extremely impressive disappearing act.

What’s more, voices and instruments are recreated in a way that is astonishingly convincing. An aged but lovely vinyl pressing of Joan Armatrading’s Me, Myself I, is packed full of guitars both electric and acoustic, bass, piano and strings, all supporting Armatrading’s sublime vocals. The manner in which the Tannoy gets stuck into All the way from America is more than a simple reproduction. It’s a performance that encourages to you stop fussing with phones (or indeed trying to write a review) and give it your full and undivided attention.

The caveat to this positivity is that the recordings mentioned so far are very good ones. The Tannoy is not a truly merciless speaker; you can put something like To Lose My Life by White Lies on and not start grimacing, but the Autograph Mini will tell you what the limitations of this recording actually are. This is not a set of speakers that will take a music collection and gloss over the rough edges – and the Autograph Mini will also show up limitations in your partnering equipment while it does so. Even though each Tannoy isn’t hard to drive, I still found these speakers did their best work on the end of a potent Naim Audio integrated amplifier. This isn’t a cheap speaker pair, and it can’t really be driven on the cheap either.

Where the Tannoy springs more of a surprise is the bass extension. So there is no confusion at this point, if your musical leanings tend towards dub and drum and bass, this is realistically not the speaker for you – but there is a lot more actual grunt on offer here than you might expect. The manner in which the Tannoy makes its limited reserves of low end available does an impressive amount to convince your brain that there is enough bass. It blasts its way though the ‘not quite jazz, not quite electronica’ of Kessencoda’s Outerstate in a way that never feels thin or light. There is a speed and cohesion to the Tannoy that the Antiques Roadshow aesthetic never really hints at.

Sound quality score: 5/5

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Design

Oiled Walnut finish
Oatmeal cloth grilles
209 x 356 x 155 mm and 4.4kg each

In some ways, it doesn’t really matter what I type here or what my thoughts on the Autograph Mini’s styling are because I’m pretty sure most people reading this made up their mind shortly after they started reading. Let’s put something in context though, because I do think it matters. The Tannoy looks the way it does mostly for the engineering reasons already mentioned. It’s not a mock-Tudor speaker but instead the logical result of decades of engineering work.

This doesn’t mean that the Autograph Mini isn’t going to look a bit odd in some situations. If your living space is sleek, modern and minimalist, the Tannoy is going to sit in that space in a way that is largely at odds with it. Don’t go thinking that fitting the grilles will make much of a difference ether. There are grilles, and they have nice magnetic trim tabs too, but they use the classic ‘oatmeal’ cloth the company has used for decades which means that the Autograph Mini speakers look just as determinedly old fashioned with them on as they do off.

The thing is though… if you have a space that’s remotely sympathetic to how the Tannoy is styled, it’s hard not to fall for just how exquisite an object it is. In a world where even speakers that cost quite a bit more than this still feel like tools, the Tannoy sits at the intersection of art and furniture in a way that will win many people over to their charms. This is helped by the standard of build being immaculate, even judged at the price.

Design score: 4/5

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Value

This is not a cheap speaker and it is unlikely you’ll save any money choosing suitable equipment for them. You can see where the money has gone though. The standard of build and finish is truly excellent, even judged at $2,200 / £2,200 and you are also paying for a level of engineering knowhow and pedigree that makes most other speaker brands look like the young upstarts that they are. Then, when it’s actually time to listen to them, used within their surprisingly wide performance envelope, they can delight.

Value score: 4/5

Should you buy the Tannoy Autograph Mini?

Buy it if...

You live for tonal detail and realism

From 100Hz and up, there are very few speakers at the price that can live with how vivid and real the Tannoy sounds. They do an incredible job of bringing music to life

You like a bit of history

The Autograph mini is a reflection of seventy years of ongoing development and the result has attributes that simply don’t appear in much of the competition. Tannoy knows what it wants and delivers it perfectly.

You live in a listed building

If your furniture is old and you appreciate a bit of vintage, there are few speakers that carry off retro as well as this one does.

Don't buy it if...

You need serious bass

It hits harder than you might expect but the Tannoy is not a bass monster and seriously weighty tracks will sound a bit lacking

Your music library is compressed or lacking in quality

This is not a speaker that ignores limitations in quality and mastering. Poor quality material simply isn’t going to sound great on them.

You want something modern looking

It goes without saying really that if you want cutting edge material science and clean cut modern styling, you have come to the wrong place.

Tannoy Autograph Mini: Also consider

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 is a different sort of nostalgia and is modern in ways that the Tannoy will never be and delivers bass it has no answer to. Bowers & Wilkins’ talented 705 S3 is a formidable all rounder with a different (but in some ways, no less lovely) take on a wood finish too. Finally, a more niche but fascinating device is the Neat Petite Classic. This is another compact retro speaker offering, but while it’s nowhere near as pretty as the Tannoy, it combines plenty of low end clout and an impressively forgiving nature to make it a formidable all rounder.

How I tested the Tannoy Autograph Mini

I used the Tannoy with a combination of Chord Electronics Qutest DAC taking a USB feed from a Roon Nucleus and a Naim Supernait 3 integrated amplifier; a brilliant sounding device that seems to coax good results out of most speakers but that will also highlight what they are doing wrong. A Rega Planar 10 turntable using the new Nd7 moving magnet cartridge was connected to the Naim’s phono stage to allow for a bit of vinyl testing too.

Testing was carried out in my relatively normal living room which I use as a listening space. As well as the listed recordings, a host of other material was streamed from my local music library and Qobuz and interspersed with vinyl as well.

First tested: August 2024
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CMF Buds Pro 2 review: super-cheap earbuds with a literal twist

4:30 pm | August 28, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

CMF Buds Pro 2: Two-minute review

British tech brand Nothing has, in just a few short years, become a popular name for tech fans with its smartphones and earbuds proving you don’t need to spend a lot to get decent quality. It’s recent CMF by Nothing sub-brand pushes that idea to its extreme, but it doesn’t always work.

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are a good example of that: if you’re used to getting a lot more than you pay for with Nothing products, you’ll be surprised to find that these CMF earbuds give you exactly what you pay for. Nothing more, nothing less.

These are really budget earbuds too; you won’t find worthwhile products for less, and they’re among the cream of the bargain bin… if not the crop. At $59 / £59 / AU$99, your wallet will thank you.

Your ears might thank you too, because the CMF Buds Pro 2 sound good compared to same-price rivals, likely thanks to the union of a bass driver and a tweeter. Bass is the focus of music for sure but treble isn't lost, and the equaliser gives you some customization over your sound. I've certainly tested worse earbuds, including some that cost more.

The noise cancellation is a feature that doesn’t really impress, sadly. I found that it didn’t really compare to most of the CMF Buds’ rivals, even similarly-priced ones, and the Transparency mode was particularly poor. Still, any level of ANC is nothing to get snobby about, given that many rivals in this super-affordable category lack it.

What could have been the redeeming feature of the Buds Pro 2 is a returning feature from other CMF earbuds: the case has a swivel dial which you can use to control your music, rotating it to alter volume or pressing it for play/pause, and this partly replaces on-bud controls that most headphones have.

In practice, though, the implementation of this feature is poor. The dial is prone to accidental turns or presses in your pocket, the notification sound to tell you that a function has been triggered is startlingly loud, and there’s a significant delay between using the dial and hearing its result.

Lots of these issues can be overlooked if you consider the low price, but I’d recommend putting a little extra aside beyond the Buds 2 Pro’s asking price: the in-box ear tips are made from a material that isn’t very grippy, and they didn’t reliably stick in my ears. I’d recommend you look to third-party ear tips if you’re considering the CMFs.

There are some parts of the CMF Buds that I liked. The case-buds combo comes in four colors, including a distinctive orange (pictured) and a suave navy blue, so you have more options than for many other buds you may be considering. Plus a few Nothing-exclusive features like its bass boost mode and ChatGPT integration (as long as you’re using a Nothing phone) return, even if the overall feature set is nothing impressive.

It’s easy to look at any super-cheap earbuds and hand-wave any issues as being a symptom of the price, and that’s true with the CMF Buds Pro 2 as well – they’re basically what you’d expect for buds costing this much. However the budget bud market is competitive and a few rivals get you better value for money – more on them in the 'Also consider' section below.

CMF Buds Pro 2 review: Price and release date

The CMF Buds Pro 2 on a white-and-orange background. — (Image credit: Future)

Unveiled in July 2024
Costs you $59 / £59 / AU$99

The CMF Buds Pro 2 were but on sale in July 2024, just a short time after two other pairs of earbuds from Nothing: the Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a). This won’t be the last time you hear about these rivals in this review.

You can pick up the Buds Pro 2 for $59 / £59 / AU$99, so they’re not just cheap earbuds, but they’re cheap earbuds. That’s a $10 / £10 / AU$10 price increase over the original Buds Pro, and I can’t compare the price to a non-Pro CMF Buds 2 because, at the time of writing, no such model exists.

This area of the market is incredibly competitive, with Nothing itself offering some tempting entries into the sub-$100 / £100 / AU$200 price bracket, and so a low price alone isn’t enough for the CMFs to get winning grades.

CMF Buds Pro 2 review: Specs

CMF Buds Pro 2 review: Features

11-hour buds battery, 43-hour with case
Limited features in app, including spatial audio
Mediocre ANC

The CMF Buds Pro 2 uses Nothing’s smartphone tie-in app, called Nothing X, and as a result it borrows a few Nothing features.

Using Nothing X you can fiddle with an equalizer, change the case control scheme, toggle Spatial Audio, change between a few ANC modes and turn on ‘Ultra Bass’ which does what it says on the tin. Hidden in a menu are toggles for wear detection, high-latency mode, a default to LDAC audio, a find-my-buds feature, and an ear tip fit test. Good for the money, eh? Well, on paper, yes.

I'm going to get into the equaliser in the sound section, so stay tuned for that. The noise cancellation in the app is similar, in theory, to other Nothing earbuds: you can change between it being off, in Transparency mode (which belts surrounding sounds into your ears so loud that you can barely hear your music) and between four ANC intensities: low, mid, high and adaptive.

I’d recommend sticking with high ANC mode; the Buds Pro 2’s noise cancellation isn’t very strong, and you’ll want to make the most of it when you can. In testing it struggled to do anything about surrounding chatter, air conditioning unit hums, microwaves and other similar noises. Saying that, ANC is far from a given in buds this cheap and so knocking what there is here, rudimentary though it is, feels a little churlish.

Features like Spatial Audio, in-ear detection and an ear tip fit test are useful, but there are a few far more basic features lacking, that many of similar-priced rivals have. The lack of touch controls is something I’ve mentioned before, but many rivals have a full equalizer experience, not truncated ones like this. I also miss Nothing’s much more effective custom listening profile detector from the Nothing Ear.

In terms of battery life, the CMF Buds Pro 2 hit that ‘bang-average’ button: the buds will get you roughly six and a half hours of listening if you’ve got ANC turned on, and 11 if you’ve got it turned off. Those figures are pretty standard for wireless earbuds.

By using the case you can dial those figures up to 26 or 43 hours respectively, the latter of which is actually rather respectable, but remember, the ANC isn't amazing.

Features score: 3/5

CMF Buds Pro 2 review: Design

Novel dial-toting case has issues
Earbuds don't stick in ear well
Buds and case are light and protected

Perhaps the most unique part of the CMF Buds Pro 2 is the case design.

It starts with the color: no boring black or white here but dark gray, light gray (okay, those two are a bit boring), navy blue and bright orange. You can tell which one I tested – ‘bright’ is an understatement – and it’s nice to see earbuds with a range of colors.

The next special feature is the dial, which can be turned left or right or pressed in. This lets you change the volume or pause/play songs easily.

In theory this is a novel concept, and I did find it really easy to pause music when the case was within reach, but changing volume definitely wasn’t as convenient as bud touch controls tend to be, and I found a range of inconveniences with the buds over the testing period. In fact, I ended up turning off the controls by the latter half of my testing time.

Firstly, rotating the dial resulted in a deafening beep to indicate that the volume was changing. I can see what Nothing was going for here, but the beep didn’t correspond with the new volume; the noise could be painfully loud at times. That became especially annoying bearing in mind that the dial didn’t adjust music much, and I’d need to turn it through endless resolutions to get the same effect as one simple press on my phone’s volume rocker. Oh, and there was a delay between using the dial and seeing an effect which effectively ruled out swiveling the dial loads to bump up the sound, as I’d only find out too late if I’d turned it far too loud.

However, the most annoying aspect for me was that the dial could be quite sensitive in my pocket; I was subjected to endless accidental presses. On one journey in a closely-packed bus, people walking past me would nudge the case in my jacket pocket, pausing my music. When I wore certain pairs of trousers, the constricting and flexing of my pockets when I walked would sometimes press the pause button. And sometimes when I put the case loose in my bad, its companion items would jostle against it and press the button. In the end these everyday annoyances pushed me to turn off the controls, despite my best attempts to like the controls.

Looking at the case itself, it measures 53.4 x 53.4 x 23mm and weighs 46g (not including the buds). Beyond the dial it only has a small button to enable pairing, and a USB-C port for charging.

The earbuds themselves match whichever color of case you opt for. They’re lightweight stem-toting buds weighing 4.9g each. Despite what you'd think given the presence of the dial, the buds also do have touch controls, but I found them quite sensitive and would often accidentally press them when trying to re-align the buds in my ear every time they slipped (for reasons you'll learn in just a moment). As a result I turned them off pretty quickly.

The buds have an IP55 rating against dust ingress and showers of water, though the case has no official rating.

While these buds are light enough to sit comfortably in your ear, they’re also light enough that you might not notice if they fall out of your ear (well, other than your music stopping). And fall they will: Nothing has seemingly opted to use soap for its ear tip material given how slippery they are, and during testing they just wouldn’t stay in my ears reliably, even when I tried different tip sizes. I put this down to the material, which doesn’t seem to have as much friction as the usual silicon tips you see in earbuds.

It’s fairly easy to remove the Buds 2 Pro ear tips and I’d recommend you try out some third-party ones if you can, because the in-box ones just weren’t reliable for me. Worst of all, they kept sliding just far enough out of my ear for wear detection to think I wasn’t wearing them any more, so it kept pausing my music, and as a result I had to turn that feature off too.

Side-note: if you turn off wear detection, the buds don't even pause your music when you return them to the case, unlike basically every other earbud I've tested. Remember to turn your tunes off yourself!

Design score: 2.5/5

CMF Buds Pro 2 review: Sound quality

Heavy bass focus, but treble isn't lost
Limited sound stage
Equaliser brings some benefits

As in many other Nothing-built earbuds, bass is the focus of the CMF Buds Pro 2. Whatever genre of music I listened to, the bass was the most palpable part of any song.

That might put some people off, but it's a staple feature of cheap and cheery earbuds like this. Treble and especially upper mids do suffer a little, but much less than in some other buds I've tested at this price.

That's possibly thanks to the fact that the 11mm bass driver is joined by a 6mm tweeter to carry the flag for higher-pitched lines.

I did miss the sense of soundstage that some other buds offer: the CMF seem to present all elements of a song in one solid block rather than spread out, and it meant that some instruments disappeared behind the omnipresent bass.

The Nothing X app offers the ability to add even more bass to its buds, and I've enjoyed this feature in other propositions from the company. However I couldn't hear much of a bass boost in the CMF Buds Pro 2, even when ratcheting it up to full power.

The equalizer in the app also lets you tweak your music, to a degree. For those of you who’ve cut your teeth on earbud app equalizers, this isn’t quite as in-depth; you can change the prominence of bass, mid and treble, to +/- 6 points. There are also six presets: pop, rock, classic, electronic, vocal enhancement or something called Dirac Opteo which apparently changes the EQ based on your music, but to my ears had little effect.

This EQ isn't hugely powerful, but it's a lot simpler to use than some others, and I did manage to rescue the treble somewhat from songs.

Sound quality: 4/5

CMF Buds Pro 2 review: Value

The incredibly low price means they offer value for money
Definitely consider buying extra eartips though

I've been quite critical of the CMF Buds Pro 2 throughout this review, and that's because the design and feature set don't quite work for me. That said, the price makes the setbacks all-too-easy to overlook.

For just $59 / £59 / AU$99, these are some of the cheapest buds you can find from a reputable company, and while it's a very low benchmark, these buds do offer you reasonable value for money.

That's because you can de-activate the annoying features, leaving a case with an ornamental wheel, earbuds that sound decent for your price, and maybe a slight extra bill for when you buy third-party ear tips.

Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the CMF Buds Pro 2?

Buy it if…

You're on a budget
It's easy to overlook many issues when buds are so gentle on the bank account, and so if you want super-cheap buds the CMF could be a safe bet.

Don’t buy it if…

CMF Buds Pro 2 review: Also consider

How I tested the CMF Buds Pro 2

Tested for 3 weeks
Tested at home, in the office and on walks

I tested the CMF Buds Pro 2 for over three weeks, and that review time saw them paired with both my Android smartphone and Windows laptop. I didn't test them alongside a Nothing phone.

To test the buds I listened to music on Spotify, watched TV shows on Netflix and Prime Video, partook in voice and video calls and played games on my phone. Most of this was done at home or in the office but I used the buds on several long journeys on trains and buses.

I've been testing gadgets for TechRadar for over five years, and in that time I've reviewed many budget headphones, as well as phones, tablets, watches and electric scooters.

First reviewed in August 2024

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