Reviewing Strauss & Wagner Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

The ANCBT501 comes with a carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and a USB-C to aux cable for wired listening.  

Featuring an over-ear fit, the cups are large and use leatherette material for an isolating and comfortable fit.  Once placed on my head, they fully cover my giant elephant ears. But they still don’t appear all that bulky – at least not compared to some other headphones out there.  

Controls on the right earcup allow users to control playback and volume, or accept or reject calls on the go.  An ANC button on the left earcup will turn the ANC function on or off. The ANC works fairly well, but only when used wirelessly; ANC mode cannot be used when using the headphones with the included aux cable.  The controls are physical buttons as opposed to a touch sensor, so there’s less likelihood of accidentally adjusting playback or volume when adjusting the headphones.  

The 501 uses Bluetooth 5.0, but there’s no mention of which codecs are supported in the product user manual.  However, if it’s anything like other Strauss and Wagner models, it should support A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP codecs.  

That being said, connection strength feels solid with no drop outs, and sound quality seems fairly decent when playing from my iPhone.  Call quality also comes across as being on-par for the price point; I can be heard without much issue, and voices coming through the headphones seem crisp and detailed.  

Charging relies on the included USB-C cable, and battery life comes in at an impressive 40 hours.

While I was kind of bummed out that the ANC function doesn’t work with the wired connection, I enjoyed the option to connect to a standard 3.5 mm output, like that of my old iPod.  

For the bulk of my listening sessions, I used the ANCBT501 paired to my iPhone 8.  I also used the headphones (briefly) with a wired connection into a modified iPod.  

Sound Quality

Low End

This headphone feels fairly heavy in the lows, with okay detail but some hefty bass, to boot.  Not a sloppy, sloshy mess of thump, beats and drums feel emphasized, but realistic. This lends emphasis to certain kinds of music – particularly rock, pop, hip hop, and some electronica.  But it’s not terribly out of place with other genres either (except maybe classical music, where this low end may be a little overboard).  

Midrange

I was expecting a more recessed or compressed midrange, but the 501 doesn’t let me down here.  Instead, the mids sound fairly decent – at least for a budget-minded wireless headphone.  Vocals sound intimate, but they also remain distinct and not gobbled up by that powerful low end.  Instrumentation features decent contrast, so you can still pick apart small details in the sound.  This characteristic, juxtaposed with the smooth, emotive vocals, leads to a fairly fun and engaging sound, and handles everything from pop to jazz with equal aplomb.

High End

Fans of treble or a brighter sound may initially balk at the SW-ANCBT501’s high end.  To be honest, it sounds like this high end has been tuned to compensate for the lows, leading to a warm, pleasantly rolled-off sound signature.  Female vocals and higher-pitched instruments sound buttery and smooth.  This leads to the impression of just a tiny, tiny amount of detail missing from the very high-high notes.  However, it also leads to a more rounded sound that will appeal to a wide array of listening tastes.  To be sure, these highs sound good with pop and classical, but they also work well with other genres where smoother highs are more welcome (like rock, hip hop, and jazz).

Soundstage

There’s some sense of depth here, and a small impression of space, too.  Listening to the 501, music gives the impression of being somewhat around you with instruments arranged in different places.  However, the sound still feels very left-or-right, leading to the impression of a somewhat stunted soundstage.  However, this is still decent for a wireless ANC headphone, and still manages to lend a touch of space to most of my test tracks.

Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros: The SW-ANCBT501 sounds fun and detailed with most genres of music, and I have a hard time putting them down.  Comfort ranks pretty high thanks to the large earcups, and the battery life comes in at a staggering 40 hours.

Cons:  Soundstage feels a little lacking.  I also wish the ANC function worked when using the cable, but I suppose this is a trade-off for the ANCBT501 being so affordable.

Final Analysis

At $129, I can’t think of any over-ear wireless, noise-cancelling model that beats out the Strauss and Wagner SW-ANCBT501.  For the price, this headphone offers plenty of sound quality, comfort, and battery life.  While it could be technically better, those improvements would probably rob this headphone of it’s biggest selling point:  a price that won’t break your bank.  Our take?  Saving money never sounded so sweet.

Treat yourself to the Strauss & Wagner SW-ANCBT501 Noise Cancelling Headphones for the best price here:

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Purity One True Wireless Review

The Purity One comes in a fairly no-frills package.  Some cardboard and plastic hold a charging case, the earphones, three pairs of eatips, and a micro-USB charging cable.

Appearing slim, the earpieces provide an okay fit.  However, the odd shape and protruding shell do feel a little uncomfortable during longer listening sessions.

Powering on and pairing are non-issues.  This earphone uses Bluetooth 5.0, and offers support for AVRCP, A2DP, HFP, and HSP codecs.  Connectivity strength seems decent, too, and I only experienced one or two drop-outs during my street tests.

Isolation could be a little better, and I would attribute this to the shape of the earpieces, which don’t sit flush with the ear and protrude a bit.  This probably allows a little bit of surrounding noise to get in, though if you’re listening in a quiet environment, you should be fine.

Battery life measures 4 hours on the earpieces, with another 14 hours available through the charging case.

A touch sensor allows users to control playback from the earpieces, but there’s no controls for adjusting volume.  These earphones do allow for one-ear listening, and the integrated microphone facilitates taking phone calls on the go.  However, due to the placement of the microphone, I did have to speak measurably louder in order for my voice to be heard on phone calls.  With that being said, the sound of other folks comes through pretty clear.

The Purity One features an IPX5 rating, and should stand up to some moisture, including sweat.  As such, these should work okay for exercise.

Purity One True Wireless Review – Sound Quality

Low End

There’s a distinct lack of bass in the low end, which gives this part of the frequency range a very love-or-hate sound.  Bassheads definitely won’t enjoy the sound here, but folks who prefer a more relaxed and less intense low end might still enjoy it.   Having listened to a lot of earphones and headphones over the years, this sound doesn’t feel abominable.  Truthfully, there’s still a slight amount of detail to bass guitars and drums.  But beats still feel woefully underpowered, leaving the sound a poor match for hip-hop, electronica, and some pop music.

Midrange

Mids come across as okay; there’s some detail here, and the presentation feels fairly forward.  As a result, vocals feel fairly clear.   I make the distinction of saying “fairly clear” because there’s still a small amount of compression in the mids.  While this may detract from the impression of clarity with some music, it’s more than to be expected on an earphone that retails for under $30.  Still, the Purity One sounds okay with rock, pop, and electronica, but I wouldn’t recommend this midrange for fans of classical, jazz, or hip-hop.

High End

The Purity One feels a little sibilant here, but otherwise solid.  Highs feel a little rolled off, preventing the sound from ever becoming too sharp or uncomfortable.  And if not for that whisper of sibilance, I would probably enjoy this high end a lot more.  To be fair, instrumentation feels fairly tight and well controlled with okay detail.  But the minute vocals make an appearance in the higher frequencies, you’re likely to get an earful of hiss.  Granted, folks who don’t listen for this quality may escape unscathed, but once heard, it can’t be un-heard.

Soundstage

True wireless in-ear headphones don’t exactly tout a bulletproof reputation when it comes to soundstage.  And to this general rule, the Purity One is no exception.  Instruments seem to overlap, occupying the same general space.  While not a total mess with simpler compositions, the slope proves slippery when moving to more intricate compositions.  As such, the sense of soundstage might feel to narrow or lax for classical and jazz, but seems to squeak by with some rock, hip hop, and pop.

Purity One True Wireless Review – Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros:  The low cost of the Purity One, coupled with the IPX5 rating offers a lot of promise.  Adding to this, the sound quality remains passable for some genres.

Cons:  Unfortunately, the uncomfortable shape of the earphones wears on me after a while.  Lackluster battery life and some issues with sound quality ma further prevent this earphone from shining.

Final Analysis

The Purity One aims to please listeners on a budget, and it might accomplish this goal.  If you’re willing to forgive the poor sound quality and uncomfortable fit, this $29 earphone can still jingle some bells.  But more discerning listeners can still be left out in the cold.  Personally, I still recommend the Strauss & Wagner SW-TW401 as my go-to budget-friendly stocking stuffer.

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Status Audio BT One Review

Status Audio refers to this headphone as the BT One, but packaging materials and the unit itself are stamped with “SAHD1-BT.”  During this review I will refer to it as the BT One.  

The BT One comes with a carrying case, as well as a USB-C charging cable and an aux cable.

Utilizing an on-ear fit and a collapsible design, this wireless headphone aims for ultra-portability.  And it largely succeeds at this, reminding me of the PMX Sennheiser models of yore.

Once situated on my ears, it actually feels pretty comfortable – or at least much more comfortable than I was expecting, for an on-ear design.  Normally small earpads fatigue my giant cartilaginous earlobes.  But the BT One doesn’t deliver too much pressure, so it sits comfortably on my ears.

Battery life measures a solid 30 hours, though this headphone can also be used wirelessly.  Charging is accomplished by way of the included USB-C charging cable.  Bluetooth pairing feels easy and painless, and connection strength ain’t too shabby, either.  During my tests, I didn’t experience a single dropout.

Volume reaches pretty high, but the detail heard (even over a wireless connection) also remains strong.

And that volume and detail definitely help with call quality.  Usually I find myself having to project my voice a little bit more with on-ear headphones.  But the mic on the Status Audio BT One easily picks up my voice.  And my friend Rich has no problem hearing my voice, crystal clear, on his end.

Isolation works well too.  While the headphones might leak a little bit of sound when sitting on my head, I can’t hear anything.  It even blocks out the sound of my coworkers arguing about the best cover of “Last Christmas”  by Wham! (it’s the Jimmy Eat World version, dammit).

Controls on the earcup allow for adjusting playback and volume – and the controls are physical buttons, so you don’t need to futz around with any hit-or-miss touch sensors.

For my review, I used these headphones wirelessly with my iPhone 8.  I also tried them out using the aux cable with a modded iPod, which provided a marginal improvement in soundstage.  Wired or wireless, the sound comes across as pretty impressive.  

Status Audio BT One Review – Sound Quality

Low End

The BT One exhibits a pretty decent low end.  Detailed enough for some critical listening, the sound handles bass guitars and drums well, giving way to a lifelike sound.  But there’s also a bit of bass on display here, punctuating tracks and scaling well with volume.  As such, this low end works well with a wide array of genres.  Rock, hip-hop, electronica, pop, and others definitely benefit from this punchy low end.   Yet, control prevents the sound from feeling too sloppy or haphazard.

Midrange

I’ve been a fan of the Status Audio sound since I demoed their IEM 2X earphone a year ago.  Since then I’ve come to swear by this earphone – a dual driver earphone that retails for less than $50.  In fact, I use it daily when playing video games, watching movies, or listening to music.  While not part of my Serious Listening Setup, it’s one of those gizmos I find myself repeatedly picking up and using.   The hallmark of this unassuming earphone?  A rich and intense midrange that overlooks no detail whatsoever.

Now I can hear the same level of midrange fidelity on the BT One.  Slightly forward in its presentation, the sound doesn’t feel oppressive or overpowered.  These mids routinely capture more subtle sounds that usually go unnoticed on cheaper earphones.  And while the mids can handle jazz and classical tracks just fine, they also work well with the lows and highs, resulting in a slightly v-shaped sound.

High End

In the highs, the BT One feels just slightly emphasized.   Instrumentation feels more rolled off, but vocals feel just a little colored.  Not bad, the sound just doesn’t feel perfectly accurate.  However there’s still enough sparkle in the highs to keep things interesting on most tracks, whether listening to pop or classical or anything in between.  Between these highs and the thick lows, the BT One feels just a little v-shaped, with a robust midrange that can come surging to life when you’re listening for it.

Soundstage

Soundstage can feel somewhat hit or miss – and this is my major misgiving when it comes to the sound of the Status Audio BT One.  Instrumentation feels pretty dynamic, with some good depth.  Their sounds rise and fall and remain relatively distinct at most times.  However, the sense of space feels slightly cramped, and this feels most evident with vocals, which seem to be poured over the instrumentation to the point of almost smothering some very fine details.  Is it a total mess?  No.  But it could be better, and really prevents this very good headphone from sounding truly phenomenal.

Status Audio BT One Review – Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros:  Lightweight and comfortable, this portable headphone allows for wired or wireless operation anywhere you go.  And you still get a very impressive sound that works well with practically any genre.

Cons:  Soundstage could be a little more spacious.

Final Analysis

At $99, the Status Audio BT One feels like a solid bargain.  Even if you tossed out the 30 hour battery life, fast USB-C charging, comfortable fit, and portable design, you’d still have fantastic audio (for the price).  While soundstage could be admittedly better, the overall impression of the BT One is a headphone that pretty much delivers above and beyond what you would expect from it’s price.  And like thought-provoking ikebana or eye-arresting kintsugi, the Status Audio BT One, despite its flaws, still delivers an experience that seems to transcend any shortcomings.

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JH Audio Roxanne AION Announced

When Jerry Harvey Audio introduced the Roxanne custom IEM in 2013, they changed the face of audio industry.  JH’s first 12 driver in-ear monitor, it also provided the company with their first earphone to use a four-pin cable design.  Incorporating a variable bass control – a novelty in its day – this cable soon morphed into the basic cable option for subsequent JH models.  In time, the Layla, Lola, Angie, JH16v2, and JH13v2 all came to utilize the same configuration.

Now, JH Audio introduces its latest offering, the Roxanne AION.  Like other models in the AION series, the Roxanne AION embodies Jerry Harvey Audio’s past, present, and future.

This new earphone combines the original Roxanne sound signature with the latest advances in manufacturing and technology.  The resultant sound elevates the Roxanne AION to a new level of audio fidelity.

Familiar Name, New Features

The Roxanne AION sports 12 drivers per side, with four proprietary BA drivers each for lows, mids, and highs.  Included Freqphase technology guarantees correct phase and time alignment across the frequency range.

Assisting in accurate music reproduction, this patented tech works in concert with the Sonic Tube Chassis.  Thanks to 3D printed chambers houding the 12 drivers and Freqphase, the Roxanne AION sports a smaller shell design.  And JH Audio accomplishes all of this without skimping on sound quality.

A recessed tube system in the Acoustic Sound Chamber keeps sweat at bay and eliminates the need for constant cleaning.  A new 7-pin cable connector also appears on the Roxanne AION.  Featuring a German-made military-grade iridium connection, the design also incorporates an O-ring to keep moisture out.

Accessories include a silver-plated OCC Litz cable – the strongest, lightest, and most durable cable JH Audio has yet conceived.  This cable features high purity OFC 4N silver-plating, in addition to a new, smaller bass tuning module.

Made to Last

Manufactured in Orlando, Florida, the Roxanne AION universal fit is fashioned by the same technicians producing JH custom earphones.  Originating as a carbon fiber block, each housing results from compressing hundreds of layers of resin-infused carbon fiber fabric.

Following the initial machining process, the earpieces are then shaped by hand.  But the hands-on work doesn’t stop there.  After precision tuning with state -of-the-art equipment, each earpiece is assembled by hand. Finally, the faceplate design of black and white pearloid, with oversized chrome logos, receives its place on the earphone.

The JH Audio Roxanne AION retails for $2299 and is available from JH Audio and select authorized dealers.

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Focal Symphonie 40th Anniversary Bundle Announced

Designed to hold two listening solutions in a convenient, vintage-inspired case, the Symphonie 40th provides a suite of sweet, sweet sound.

Paired with the included Arche DAC amp, the open-back Focal Utopia provides a mesmerizing at-home setup.   Folks who want to take their sound on the go won’t be disappointed, though.  With the closed-back Stellia and the included Questyle QPM player, the Symphonie 40th also delivers a portable listening setup.

A wealth of included cables also allow you to mix and match for the ideal setup. A 4-pin Litz XLR cable to connect Utopia and Arche; a 3/16” (4.4mm) jack adapter to link Stellia and the QPM player; a mini jack adaptor for Utopia and the player; and an XLR cable for Stellia and Arche are all included.

These cables allow either pair of headphones to work in combination with the desired setup, whether stationary or portable.

Ensconced in Macassar ebony wood veneer, the Symphonie 40th case sports a satin finish coat.  Inside, the case is lined with soft, beige microfiber.  On the outside, metal clasps and side handles present a stylish flourish.

How much will the Focal Symphonie 40th Anniversary bundle set you back?  Pricing lands at a whopping $18,000.  Folks who want to mull this purchase over are recommended to do so with haste, though.  Focal has already confirmed that the luxe Symphonie 40th Anniversary set will be limited to 40 pieces worldwide.

That being said, to own this set – the Utopia, Stellia, Arche, and Questyle QPM, as well as a slice of Focal history – seems an enticing offer.

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InEar ProPhile 8 Review

The InEar ProPhile 8 comes with 7 pairs of eatips, a 1/4” stereo adapter, cleaning cloths, and a carrying case.

Featuring a matte black shell, the ProPhile 8 feels impressively understated.  When stacked up against gold faceplates or abalone inlays, it can appear as a cheaper alternative.

But the sculpted housing still features an almost-perfect fit, thanks to the contact points that press slightly against the cavity of your ear.   As a result, even without the cable, the ProPhile 8 housing can stay put in your ear.  Add to this the over-the-ear cable and you’ve got an earphone that just won’t fall out.

As you might expect, isolation comes across as pretty impressive, thanks to that fit.  I can barely hear my fingertips slamming the keyboard as I write this review.  And the Prophile 8 conveniently blocks out my coworkers arguing about the best dog breed (it’s the Basset Hound, dammit).  Belaboring this point, using the earphone with the included foam tips blocks out almost all surrounding noise, and if you’re looking for the world’s most isolating higher-end IEM, this may be the one.

On the inside of each earpiece, two switches allow users to change the tuning of the earphones.  The upper switch controls a +2 dB treble boost, while the lower switch offers a +3 dB of bass.  Perhaps the biggest feature in the ProPhile 8, this technology gets its own dedicated section below.

Inside each housing, 8 drivers offer 4-way crossover.

The included removable cable measures a standard 4 ft and joins to the earphones via a recessed two-pin connection.

For most of my listening sessions, I used the ProPhile 8 (Standard/Large size) in the most neutral-sounding configuration.  I cover the different switch settings and corresponding sound profiles at the end of this review.  Listening sessions were done using a modded iPod and pocket amp, as well as an iPhone 8.  I highly recommend using these ultra-sensitive ‘phones with either a smartphone or a DAP, and amplification needs are very, very minimal.

InEar ProPhile 8 Review – Sound Quality

Low End

Housing some strong detail, the low end on the ProPhile 8 is no slouch.  Bass and drums feel thick enough, while beats drop emphatically.  So, if there’s bass in the track, you’re going to hear it.  However, there’s also some excellent control here, preventing the lows from every bleeding or devolving into a mess.  While pretty much on par for the sound one would expect from a monitor, it may sound a bit dry for some folks.

Midrange

Only slightly forward, the mids deliver a fairly impressive listening experience.  Instrumentation and vocals seem abreast of one another, leading to the impression of a very neutral sound.  As such, it’s a great sound for genres like classical and jazz.  Yet, those stellar vocals make this earphone work just as well with other genres like rock, pop, and hip hop.

High End

Slightly smooth (even at its most neutral), the high end on the ProPhile 8 can feel like it’s  lacking something extra at times.  However, extended listening and cycling through a wide range of listening material reveals a precise but tempered treble.  While never sparkling with detail on any track, the sound always remains clean, comfortable, and revealing.

Soundstage

The sense of soundstage here only feels slightly narrow or congested.  Truthfully, there’s actually a good sense of depth here, allowing instruments and vocals to float atop one another.  This separation does a lot for the ProPhile 8’s  sense of clarity.  And, on simpler tracks or compositions, this earphone still sounds fairly spacious.  Only on the most intricate recordings does this soundstage sound narrow or overlapping.

Switches and Sound Profiles

Neutral (both switches “off”)

I spent most of my listening sessions with this configuration.   To be honest, I usually gravitate toward the most flat or un-emphasized sound I can get.  And while the sound under this configuration still feels like the most accurate, I still like the Bass Boost setting for general music enjoyment.

Bass and Treble (both switches “on”)

This configuration proved more fun than I was expecting, and not too crazy compared to having both switches off.  Slightly more v-shaped, there’s  just a little extra emphasis on the low end here – a bit more thump or slam.  The high end benefits, too, without waxing too sharp or uncomfortable.

Bass Boost

With a greater emphasis on the bass and some rolled-off highs, this configuration provides a nice alternative to the v-shaped Bass and Treble configuration, or even the Neutral configuration.  Fans of a warmer sound will love this configuration, with the relaxed sound working well with most genres, but still retaining a wealth of detail.

Treble Boost

This configuration lends just the slightest emphasis to high frequencies.  Pop and some rock tracks sound worlds better with this configuration.  However, I still found it just a bit fatiguing for long-term use.

InEar ProPhile 8 Review – Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros:   With its malleable sound and attention to detail, the ProPhile 8 feels like a force to be reckoned with.  The ironclad comfort and low-key appearance only add to the impression of a classy earphone.

Cons:  Soundstage could be a little wider and less narrow.   The lack of flashy faceplates or other outlandish styling may discourage some audiophile dandies.

Final Analysis

The InEar ProPhile 8 offers an impressive sound, and one that can morph to suit a wide range of tastes.  Less of 4-in-1 solution, the ProPhile 8 feels like an earphone with a relatively fluid sound that can be molded to suit the users’ tastes.  At $1499, the ProPhile 8 offers a solid value.  Anyone who can accept the slightly narrow soundstage will feel rewarded by the attention to detail and tractable sound profiles.  Our take?  A great price for a truly unique earphone.

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BLZK Sky Free True Wireless Review

The BLZK Sky Free arrives in a very cheap white cardboard box that holds the earphones, a charging case, four pairs of eartips, and a micro-USB charging cable.

Holding the earpieces in my hand, I am slightly put off by the size, however, they still fit in my ears with ease.  A touch sensor on either earpiece allows for controlling playback, volume, and accepting or rejecting phone calls.  While the controls feel responsive enough, it does seem a little too easy to accidentally pause or play music when trying to remove the earphones from my ears.

Both earpieces are color coded, though a bit oddly.  In Headphone World, most brands code the earpieces or cable termination for easy identification.  Red is right, blue is left.  However, the Sky Free switches this around, so the right earpiece features a blue circle.  The left side sports a red one.  I can’t explain why, but this really, REALLY aggravates me.

Running on Bluetooth 5.0, the connection quality on the Sky Free is fairly solid.  During my street tests, I only had one drop out.  This earphone supports HFP, HSP, A2DP, and AVRCP codecs.

Battery life measures a fairly standard 4-5 hours at 70-80% volume, with an additional 90 hours available through the charging case.

When it comes to the charging case, the BLZK Sky Free offers a couple of nifty features.  In addition to a battery life/recharging meter, the case also features a USB port.  This allows the charging case to double as a 4000 mAh power bank.

However, these extra features add a bit of extra girth to the case, making it not-so-pocket-friendly.

Call quality comes across as decent, though like other earphones with a similar design, talking while using the Sky Free requires me to project my voice a little bit more.

Isolation is also fairly solid, probably owing to the bulk of the earpieces.  As a result, I find myself actually having to take them out when talking to people (as opposed to just pausing the music).  However, the upshot of this is that the earphones do a solid job of blocking out unwanted noise.

Sound Quality

Low End

The BLZK Sky Free offers a fairly bumping low end.  There’s detail here, though less than some other true wireless earphones at this price.  Instead, the show-stealer here comes in the form of large, powerful bass.  This gives the Sky Free a fairly heavy-handed low end, but one that sounds fairly impressive with rock, hip hop, and some electronica.  However, these lows may still sound a little sloppy and uncontrolled on some tracks, so this bassy sound definitely won’t be for everyone.

Midrange

There’s more detail present in the mids than in the lows, it seems.  As a result, the Sky Free feels marginally better in this part of the frequency range.  Though there’s more fidelity in the sound of vocals and instrumentation, this earphone still exhibits some compression.  While not too noticeable on some pop and electronic tracks, it feels jarringly present on well recorded rock tracks.

High End

In the high end, the BLZK Sky Free offers a fairly accurate sound.  Not too bright or shrill, the highs feel just the slightest bit relaxed.  Unfortunately, detail can seem rather hit-or-miss, working well with more compressed pop tracks but missing the mark when it comes to some high-res recordings.  I wouldn’t recommend this earphone for classical or jazz as a result, but the highs still aren’t a total misfire.

Soundstage

The Sky Free actually sports decent soundstage for what it is – a sub-$50 true wireless earphone.  While there’s some overlap and confusion between some instruments and vocal sources, there’s still enough depth here to keep simpler tracks relatively clear.  As a result, this earphone may not sound the best with classical tunes or more complicated tracks.  But for a $50 true wireless option, this soundstage does do justice to simpler recordings.

Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros:  The BLZK Free Sky delivers passable audio quality and a decent fit.  For simple, compressed audio, this earphone isn’t a bad option.  Call quality doesn’t seem too terrible either, and battery life sits right around the industry standard.

Cons:  Sound quality here could be better for more genres, and the charging case lands a bit on the larger side.  But the color coded circles sitting on the wrong sides has to be the icing on the Con Cake.

Final Analysis

Normally, when a true wireless earphone aims for the $50 price point, it usually sacrifices a lot of sound quality in the process.  But the BLZK Sky Free can actually dish out some decent audio – provided, of course, that you don’t set the bar too high.  Indeed, most of my misgivings have more to do with the cosmetics or presentation of this earphone.  With that being said, would I still recommend this earphone at the $49 price point?  Yes, but only for folks who don’t want better audio quality at the same price.

Also at $49, my new favorite true wireless earphone, the Strauss and Wagner SW-TW401, might offer better sound quality for nearly every genre.  Still, the battery life on this earphone might come in just a smidgen below that of the Sky Free.

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Erzetich Thalia Review

Crafted and matched by hand, the Erzetich Thalia features an appearance and build one would expect from such a genesis.  Each earcup, sculpted from spruce or linden wood, holds a 40 mm dynamic driver.  These attach to a sturdy metal headband with some comfortable PU leather padding.

Cabling comes in the form of a 4 ft (1.2m) braided cable terminating in a single ended 3.5 mm plug.  Detachable, the cable uses 3.5 mm connections at the housings as well.  The color coded left and right connections can work with either earpiece as they feature a 100% symmetrical design.

The supplied cable does work just fine.  My one misgiving regarding the Thalia’s design is that this cable still feels cheap.  Folks who find this hard to swallow (like me) could always opt to replace it with a third party option, though.

Padding comes in the form of removable PU leather earpads.  During my listening sessions, I did spend a short time with these default earpads swapped with Grado L Cushions, just for giggles.  This did alter the sound to an even airier one, though it also resulted in less bass response.

Despite the on-ear design, I still found the Thalia quite comfortable.  Thanks to an easily-adjusted headband, there’s minimal clamp and very little fatigue.  Even during some longer listening sessions, the Thalia never felt too tight or oppressive.

Erzetich recommends these headphones for portable use.  They run quite well with my iPhone 8, though I also used them with my iPod, hooked up to a pocket amp.

As an open-back, the Thalia won’t provide the best isolation – something I usually forget to mention in regards to newer audiophiles.  But if you’re not familiar with this design, sound can leak out from the back of the headphones and sound can also get it.

The most important facet of this headphone, design-wise, comes in the form of it’s build.  Everything appears to screw in or attach with screws, nuts, and bolts.  So adjusting or replacing parts looks like it should be a breeze.  And nothing impresses me more than rugged, simple build quality.

Erzetich Thalia Review – Sound Quality

Low End

If there’s one thing the Erzotich Thalia does unequivocally well, it’s low frequency sound.  These babies have good detail, but a solid bass response that won’t quit, too.  Drums and beats land with emphasis, while the upright bass or bass guitar on jazz and rock tracks feels thick and lifelike.  There’s also some good control at play here, too, minimizing bleed and ensuring a fairly clean, articulate sound.   To  be fair, though, this low end can feel a bit extreme at times, and if you prefer a bass-light sound, you may find the Thalia’s lows just a touch too heavy.

Midrange

In the mids, the sound feels just a tad bit recessed.  Generally, I am not a fan of this kind of sound, and I was ready to write off the Thalia during my first listening session.  However, the longer I listen to this headphone, the more apparent it becomes that the Thalia isn’t missing anything here.  Vocals still come through with fantastic contrast, standing out against surrounding instrumentation.  And even that instrumentation feels articulate and sharp in its own right.

High End

Highs feel slightly bright, but still tempered.  Female vocals sound smooth but detailed, and instrumentation never becomes too harsh or uncomfortable.  While not exactly accurate, the result still feels impressively pleasant.  But it also works wonders with that deep low end, making pop, hip-hop, and some rock work incredibly well with this headphone.  This emotive and engaging sound will wow folks who care more about getting lost in their music than nitpicking tiny nuances.

Soundstage

Thanks to the open-back design, the Thalia sports some real depth and space.  Soundstage still feels somewhat hampered by the on-ear design, resulting in a slightly narrow soundscape.  But instruments and vocalists appear isolated enough with minimal overlap.

Erzetich Thalia Review – Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros:  The Thalia’s rich and emotive sound profile work well with the soundstage to deliver a fun and lighthearted listen.  Add to this a robust, rugged build and you’ve got an impressive headphone.

Cons:  The intense low end can be a little overkill on some tracks.  A little cheap in appearance, I would replaced the stock cable with something more durable.

Final Analysis

At about $660, the Erzetich Thalia offers a fun and engaging sound.  This v-shaped sound and airy soundstage do a lot to elevate any tunes you throw at this headphone.  But the build quality also puts this headphone above some of it’s less well-made competitors.  At this price point, I would probably opt for a Grado headphone like the GH4, or one of the RS models.  However, if I were a basshead, I would absolutely go with the Thalia.  At this price point, few headphones are going to offer such a strong emphasis on bass response, while still retaining some detail in the mids and highs.

Acquire the Erzetich Thalia for the best price here:

Erzetich

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Rademax P10 True Wireless Review

The P10 comes in a fairly unsophisticated cardboard box with five pairs of eartips, a charging case, and a micro-USB charging cable.

I was first stumped by the large size of the charging case.  On closer inspection, though, the case sports a USB cable, allowing you to use the internal battery as a power bank.  Still, even this feature doesn’t exactly prove a saving grace, as the case still lands on the bulkier side.

Battery life comes in at 3.5 hours on the earpieces, but the case affords an additional 90 hours of battery life.

Once placed in the ear, this earphone feels relatively comfortable.  While the isolation could be a little better, it still does okay with blocking out all but the loudest office chatter.

Running on Bluetooth 5.0, connection strength feels decent, with only a few dropouts in the connection during my listening sessions.  These earphones support AAC, SBC, and A2DP codecs.  They also rock an IPX7 sweat- and water-resistance rating.

Call quality is okay, though my voice did come across a little muffled when making calls.  As a result, I had to project my voice a little more to get the best from the pickup pattern.  That being said, I would expect about as much from an earphone at this price.

Rademax P10 True Wireless Review – Sound Quality

Low End

In the low end , the P10 feels a little flat without the weight one would normally expect, even from a true wireless earphone.  There’s minimal detail here, but the bass itself feels deflated and weak, making this sound particularly abysmal with rock, hip hop, or electronica.  With that being said, there’s just enough sound quality here to make the sound acceptable for pop and maybe some other genres. However, on the whole, this low end feels like it misses the mark.  

Midrange

Here the P10 kind of recovers in terms of sound, delivering a midrange that doesn’t feel too shabby, considering.  Vocals sound slightly distorted and a little compressed, but that’s pretty much the usual case for budget true wireless earphones.  Instrumentation feels the same – just somewhat out of whack, but enough so to cause notice. With that being said, in terms of a consumer sound, this one isn’t too inexcusable.  Indeed, audio remains passable for rock, hip-hop, pop, and even some electronica – if you can forgive the lack of lows. I can throw some jazz tracks at this sound and not want to trash the earphones.  However, I think this earphone still struggles when it comes to classical.  

High End

Concerning highs, the P10 feels a little peaky, but a little sharp up top, too.  The result is a fairly energetic sound, and one that can prove fairly engaging. However, the P10 also has a tendency to sound harsh or grating in the highs, especially in the high highs.  While a hard fail when it comes to classical tunes, this sound can still pass muster for some pop tracks, provided vocals don’t climb too high.  

Soundstage

Astoundingly, the soundstage on the Rademax P10 doesn’t sound as horrible as I was expecting.  Given the somewhat lacking sound quality, I was half expecting a very narrow soundstage with too much overlap.  However, the P10 actually offers some decent separation (for a true wireless earphone) and a good sense of space (for an in-ear headphone).  The result is enough soundstage to lend a sense of realism to some recordings, if you can only stand the rest of the sound.  

Rademax P10 True Wireless Review – Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros:   The Rademax P10 offers passable budget-friendly audio, and the power bank feature ain’t too shabby, either.

Cons:  Sound quality could be better in almost every area.   Spending an extra $20 or so on a pair of earphones can still net you a better sound.

Final Analysis

I actually enjoyed the Rademax P10 for some pop tunes and some electronica.  However, the bass-light and somewhat compressed sound does have its limits.  While few true wireless earphones can match the P10’s $35 price point, I still feel like you’re sacrificing a good chunk of sound quality for a small amount of savings.   Personally I would recommend the Strauss and Wagner SW-TW401.  Even at twice the cost, I feel like it actually delivers a solid listening experience, with better battery life and better call quality.

Score the Rademax P10 for the best price here:

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Noble Audio M3 Review

The Noble Audio M3 comes with twelve pairs of eartips, a carrying case, a carabiner clip, a felt pouch, and a cleaning tool.

Breaking this earphone free of its cardboard prison, I’m impressed by the size.  Last week, I was amazed at the size of the new Tux 5, which felt like a boiled-down Khan.  But the M3 is even smaller, while still rocking a 10 mm dynamic driver for the lows.

The other drive in the hybrid setup?  An Active Balanced Membrane driver, or ABM.  A revolutionary new driver, Noble Audio claims this technology results in greater dynamic range than that produced by a single BA driver.

Both drivers are housed inside a lightweight and surprisingly ergonomic housing hand-crafted by Noble Audio’s wizard.  While Noble Audio claims that each piece is unique, every piece I have seen online seems to rock the same reddish/amber faceplate.  However, I have to admit that I really don’t care, as the earphone still looks wicked good to me.

All of this connects to the supplied cable via a 2-pin connection.  The cable measures a standard 4 ft (1.2 m) and features 8 cores of OCC terminating in a 3.5 mm plug.  While plenty flexible, this cable also imparts a feeling of durability.

Once placed in the ear, the M3 seems to melt away, sitting almost flush.  This earphone wears easily for longer listening sessions, and once you start concentrating on the sound you’re likely to forget you’re even wearing it.

For my listening sessions, I used the Noble M3 with a modded iPod and PA2V2 amp from Electric Avenues.  I also listened to the earphone using my iPhone 8 and my lackluster work computer.  The Noble M3 sounds fairly decent even with lower-output devices like phone and computers.  Still, it’s no slouch with hi-res players, either.

Noble Audio M3 Review – Sound Quality

Low End

In the low end, the Noble Audio M3 sounds detailed but fun, with enough bass to punctuate pop, rock, and hip hop tracks.  However, that bass response also scales well with volume.  As a result, the M3 sounds best with a little power, where it can really flex its chops.  As volume increases, drums feel snappier and sharper, while bass guitars fatten up nicely.  Tracks like Brand New’s Lit Me Up and SADEVILLAIN’s Gazzilion Grand showcase this perfectly, with a deep low end showing off excellent sub-bass extension.

Midrange

The mids are solid, with excellent detail and contrast.  Listening to Ryu Fukui’s Scenery, every note feels articulate and distinct.  But even with this decently-recorded jazz track, the Noble M3 proves almost too resolving.  Between the piano and the bass, one can hear the noise in the original recording – something I haven’t found with less expensive earphones before.  Vocals are equally distinct and moving, with a sense of intimacy that works well with pop and hip-hop, as well as rock.  On David Bazan’s Won’t Let Go, you can feel those vocals a bit closer and more finely tempered than surrounding instrumentation.  Overall, this midrange feels incredibly intimate and engrossing, and I’m a huge fan.

High End

When it comes to the highs, the Noble Audio M3 delivers a detailed but somewhat rolled-off sound.  On tracks like All The Way (Stay) by Jimmy Eat World, you can hear smooth female backing vocals juxtaposed against a wailing sax, the brassy, reedy solo splashed against velvety smooth lyrics.  But pop alone doesn’t benefit from this sound.  Even on one of favorite classical test tracks, Ludovico Einaudi’s Reverie, this highly detailed but somewhat reserved high end gives all the energy of a brighter high end.  Yet, the sound remains clean and smooth, without the kind of harshness one finds in less well-tuned earphones.

Soundstage

Soundstage feels deep enough, and a little spacious, too, despite the in-ear design.  There’s ample room here to pick apart any sound, though some overlap still persists on my most complicated classical tracks.  With that being said, the Noble M3 still feels pretty roomy with everything else, provided the original recording has the depth to show off.

Noble Audio M3 Review – Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros:  The M3 offers a relatively good sound with plenty of detail and a solid sense of soundstage.  Thanks to the comfortable, ear-melding fit, the M3 can deliver its charms for hours and hours.

Cons:  A rolled-off high end and fairly meaty low end may not be for everyone.

Final Analysis

All in all, the Noble Audio M3 offers an impressive listening experience.  There’s plenty of detail to be heard here, and if you’re looking for a warm and rich sound around $600, these IEMs deserve your attention.  Factor in a gorgeous appearance and a buttery-smooth fit, and you’ve got one hard-hitting in-ear headphone.

Grab the Noble Audio M3 for the best price here:

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