The over-ear stuff eventually makes my ears hurt, whereas using the headphones without anything holding them in place is an unstable proposition that leads to them falling out of my ears. With the plastic stabilizers, the iSine 20s rest lightly and easily inside the ear, and they can be worn for hours at a time, provided you don’t need to move around too much. Audeze’s own on-ear Sines and over-ear EL-8s are also surpassed, in my judgment, by their weird-looking younger sibling: the 20s are that extra bit purer and more realistic, and their bass feels fuller, warmer, and more satisfying that the $699 EL-8s can produce. He specializes in reviewing audio products, and is obsessed with headphones, speakers, and recording gear. I only paid the import fees, VAT and customs. And these headphones are just as spectacular at high volume levels, where every note is full, convincing, and distortion-free. Two sets of over-ear hooks are provided, but I find myself most comfortable with the alternative plastic inserts that fit inside the ear cavity to stabilize each headphone. Projektanci zastosowali dłuższą cewkę Uniforce, która w jeszcze większym zakresie wypełnia ultracienką membranę, co pozwala uzyskać lepszy bas, czystszy dźwięk i doskonalsze obrazowanie. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The iSINE LX is supposed to be an entry-level option for those looking for the Audeze experience at a significantly reduced price point. If you want soundstage — the sensation of music and sound surrounding you; the feeling of distance, depth, and separation between the various instruments and sound sources — the iSines have it in abundance. Review: Audeze iSine 20. Both the Audeze iSine 20 and the Sennheiser HD660S are wonderful products, and although they are obviously very different from each other, they also have a lot of similarities. Audeze iSINE20 Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones The superiority of Planar Magnetic drivers Unlike conventional headphones, Audeze’s planar drivers use a very, very thin film (much thinner than Saran Wrap for example) to move the air that produces sound. But based on audio performance alone, it's hard to find much fault here. For those on a smaller budget, Audeze also has the $399 iSine 10, which aren't quite as life-altering as the 20s, but still deliver an expansive and satisfying sound that is light years ahead of most things you can plug into your ears. Recall the scene in The Matrix where Cypher cuts into a fine steak, masticates thoughtfully, and decides to betray all of humanity for what he knows is the synthetic illusion of a "juicy and delicious" meal. The Audeze iSine 20 are expensive and unwieldy by the standards of in-ear headphones, but they’re exactly the opposite when judged against other, truly high-fidelity headphones. The ear cups fold down flat, but they don’t swivel inwards like AKG or B&Wh… Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. It first started with the EL-8 series ($699), an open-back and closed headphone design that featured many of Audeze’s planar magnetic technologies all wrapped in a snazzy German designed package. Skip the struggle, expense, and time investment of learning all about audio and just buy the headphones that you know have nailed it. I think the iSine 20s are in the latter category. At CES this year, Audeze also introduced the iSine VR, which is the 10, but with cabling specifically tailored for virtual reality headsets. For this price, though, you can also opt for a custom molded in-ear option, like the, How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, Read Ultimate Ears UE 5 Pro Custom In-Ear Monitors Review, Ultimate Ears UE 5 Pro Custom In-Ear Monitors, AirPod Alternatives: The Best True Wireless Earbuds for 2021, The Best True Wireless Earbuds for Running, The Best Bluetooth Headphones for Running. By Wired on May 29, 2017 70 . Personally, we are not fans of the look, nor the ear hooks. The iSines are technically brilliant and emotionally engaging. Magical Warmth - Audeze iSine 20 Planar IEMs Review Audeze iSine 20 is a truly amazing headphone, because it is the first planar magnetic IEM (In-Ear Monitor), which is also open back, made by Audeze, that I am reviewing. Audeze ships the earphones with two flat, linguini-esque detachable cables—one with an inline remote control, and one without. Disclaimer: The Audeze iSINE LX sent to us for the purposes of this review is a sample and does not have to be returned. Their sound is faultless. The external facing shape of the IEM is larger than your typical in-ear. Audeze Reveal+ Virtual Studio Plugin The process of getting set up with the iSines is... well, it’s a process. Silnie zrytmizowane przebiegi wymagające dużej szybkości i precyzji zostały przetworzone sprawnie, ekspresyjnie i dynamicznie, nie zabrakło szczegółów w wysokich tonach – krótko mówiąc, Audeze po raz kolejny świeciły przykładem. The drums on this track can often sound overly thunderous on earphones that push the bass too far forward in the mix. According to Audeze, they're also responsible for improved dynamics and a wider frequency range. We have to apologize to Audeze for not having published this double review sooner. Hooks that grip the ear for stability are included. At $450 it's one of the least expensive headphones that use planar magnetic drivers, which tend to … The design is one that massively unique to Audeze, and from end-to-end across the listener’s experience. Planar magnetic drivers are responsible for the large size of the earpieces. Magical Warmth – Audeze iSine 20 Planar IEMs Review Audeze iSine 20 is a truly amazing headphone, because it is the first planar magnetic IEM (In-Ear Monitor), which is also open back, made by Audeze, that I am reviewing. The Audeze iSine20 earphones deliver a balanced, truly impressive audio experience, but their look and price might scare off some potential listeners. It has a midrange price, but … For this price, though, you can also opt for a custom molded in-ear option, like the Ultimate Ears UE 5 Pro Custom In-Ear Monitors ($499.00 at Ultimate Ears) . As we mentioned, the iSine20 has a sort of sci-fi look that won't necessarily appeal to everyone. The Producer Bundle includes: Audeze LCD-1 Planar-Magnetic Headphones • 2m 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm cable with reversible connectors • 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter • Zippered travel case. The Audeze iSine20 deliver a wonderful audio experience—the dynamics are more lively than you typically hear from in-canal earphones, and the overall sound signature is rich, bright, and balanced. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Audeze. Perhaps even more importantly though, the EL-8 also became the launching pad for the CIPHER, a 24-bit DAC with DSP Lightning cable that provides an end-to-end audiophile class solution for any iDevice. But really, any instrument with a percussive element seems to benefit from the fast, thick sound (like Andy McKee… They’re capable of incredible subtlety, projecting sounds so quiet and far away as to make me question where they were coming from. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: Which Pair Is Better? Audeze also includes a shirt clip and an earwax cleaning tool, as well as a thumb drive containing the manual, and a handsome carrying pouch for all of the included items. © 1996-2020 Ziff Davis, LLC. Dampen the Din: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 vs. QuietComfort 35 II. Two models are currently available for music applications: the iSine 10 and iSine 20. "The only issue I have with Audeze products is that they have made listening on pretty much any … Over the last few years, Audezehas gotten a lot traction in the prosumer marketplace. AUDEZE ISINE IN-EAR HEADPHONE REVIEW SPECIFICATIONS While we did not review that version, audio performance should be comparable, as the drivers are identical but the audio comes from a 3.5mm headphone jack versus a Lightning port. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. The Audeze Sine is a special headphone. It's a wonderful delivery—we get a true sense of the the deep bass response on this track, but the vocals are always front and center, and it never feels like the various elements of the mix are doing battle with each other—everything has its own space. The Audeze iSine20 deliver a wonderful audio experience—the dynamics are more lively than you typically hear from in-canal earphones, and the overall sound signature is … AirPods 2 vs. As far as human (or at least my) hearing is concerned, Audeze’s claim of "zero distortion" with the iSine 20 is a fully legitimate one. Przetworniki: magnetostatyczne o Å›rednicy 30 mm, Fluxor + magnesy neodymowe N50 The Audeze iSINE LX is a new style full-range planar driver entry-level open back IEM priced at a very competitive $199. The Audeze iSine 20 are expensive and unwieldy by the standards of in-ear headphones, but they’re exactly the opposite when judged against other, truly high-fidelity headphones. Orchestral tracks, like the opening scene in John Adams' The Gospel According to the Other Mary, sound magnificent through the iSine20. And using the new rubber ear fins that are included in the box with the LCD-i3, I found that the LCD-i3 offered a more secure fit. It has a midrange price, but it really needs the cipher cable, as I'll explain in the review. “Audeze's iSine 20 will woo you with massive, immersive sound and unrivaled detail” Incredibly expansive and immersive soundstage Brilliantly precise detail from top to bottom The audio itself, however, is truly fantastic. Z iSine20 utwór ten zabrzmiał żywo, z właściwym rozmachem. My review is based on the experience of listening to them without the extra Lightning jazz, because that’s the fairest way to judge the performance of the headphones themselves. The earphones aren't heavy like they appear to be, but using the hooks and/or the included shirt clip is advised—they'll likely fall out without the added support. Every audiophile will tell you that headphones are a deep and dark rabbit hole — one where every step is an accelerating descent into a mad obsession with minimizing distortion, perfecting frequency response, and realizing the most faithful sound possible. Audeze iSine 20 - Reviews. There’s no getting around the bulk of such a large sound driver, and Audeze hasn’t really figured out a design that makes the iSines easy to strap to the sides of your face. Personally, we are not fans of the look, nor the ear hooks. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Audeze collaborated with BMW DesignWorks on the three-deep iSine line: the iSine 10 reviewed here ($399), iSine VR for virtual reality ($399), and the step-up iSine 20 ($599). In all the hubbub over Apple eliminating the headphone jack from the iPhone 7, one fact seems to get overlooked often: You can use the Lightning port for audio, so you can, in fact, use wired headphones. Smooth, pure, lacking harsh impact and a pleasure to listen to at all times. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Contributing Editor Tim Gideon has been writing for PCMag since 2006. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Audeze iSINE20 in-Ear | Semi-Open Headphone | at Amazon.com. The iSine 20 that I’m reviewing today are ostensibly in-ear headphones, but they also use planar magnetic technology from over-ear cans, and they’re roughly the size of on-ear models. The remote is of the three-button variety, with two dedicated volume buttons (that work in conjunction with your mobile device's master volume) and a central multifunction button that handles playback, call management, and track navigation. Given that the shells are so large, I found the seal less than secure unless I wore the clunky ear hooks. But Audeze has finally solved this problem by introducing optional rubber ear fins that fit nicely in the contours of the outer ear. Disclaimer: Audeze provided the LCD-i3 at no cost. The product line starts with the 10 for $399 ($349 w/o Cipher lighting cable), but also includes the step up iSine 20 for $599 ($549 w/o Cipher lighting cable). Then of course c… The Audeze iSine20 deliver a wonderful audio experience—the dynamics are more lively than you typically hear from in-canal earphones, and the overall sound signature is … Audeze has produces a remarkable pair of in-ear planar magnetic headphones with the iSine 20. It also has a more drastic left-to-right image. Audeze provides a nice and rugged nylon case for these, but it’s quite bulky and doesn’t provide the same sort of impact or water ingress protection that a hard shell case would have done. Through the iSine20, the drums sound strong, with a natural roundness and depth, but they are not overly boosted. Bill Callahan's "Drover," a track that lacks intense, deep bass, gives us a better idea of the sound signature. Both cables terminate in a Lightning connector. It has a midrange price, but it really needs the cipher cable, as I'll explain in the review. There are many technically impressive headphones out there that are guilty of sounding, frankly, boring. The latest release from Audeze, the iSine 20, takes technology typically found only in over-ear headphones and squeezes it into a pair of ultra-portable earbuds. The Audeze iSine 20 has more of a U-shaped sound signature with a beautiful and musical sound. Your subscription has been confirmed. Introduction About Audeze: The $400 Audeze iSine 10 is a bit strange-looking for an in-ear headphone and its large, open design has its drawbacks, but it sounds fantastic. But it’s a nominal difference. It just didn’t feel snug or comfortable to wear, especially on the go. The earpieces are large and somewhat hexagonal, but also flat and almost discus-like, and they cover a significant portion of your ear. The first thing to notice about these headphones is their design, and boy is it an interesting one. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Audeze iSINE20 In Ear | Semi Open Headphone | Cipher cable at Amazon.com. On Jay-Z and Kanye West's "No Church in the Wild," the kick drum loop gets an ideal amount of high-mid presence, rendering its attack with the right amount of sharpness for it to slice through the layered mix. The lows are full and rich, but not overly boosted. Beats Powerbeats Pro: Which True Wireless Earbuds Are the Best? If you want deep subterranean bass for artists like Aphex Twin or Feed Me, the iSines have it. Steve Reich’s orchestral and instrumental works also sound amazing. The larger ear hooks are made of what feels like slightly flexible plastic, and the feeling you get is not uncomfortable, but a bit awkward, like you have a paper clip on your ear. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Featuring heavy lows with ample weight, the i3 delivers the kind of robust and organic sound one would expect from a planar magnetic. Słuchawki dokanałowe Audeze iSine 20 Model iSINE 20 to jeszcze doskonalsze słuchawki douszne niż iSINE 10. You’ve never seen or heard headphones like these before. You have to discard all your usual expectations of easily portable in-ear headphones, because that’s not what these are. A semi-open planar-magnetic IEM, and the spiritual successor of the iSine 20. Rage Against the Machine’s eponymous album is revealed in all its detail and splendor. Instead, these open-back in-ear headphones represent a new genre. We can attest that they aren’t a parlor trick or even a signal that Audeze is a one-trick pony, after spending some time with the iSine 20. These are better. Apple's AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones Are Here, and They're Expensive, Getting Static or Crackling in Your AirPods Pro? The lower register instrumentation is delivered with a natural depth and you get a solid sense of the space the track was recorded in, while the higher register brass, strings, and vocals have an excellent brightness and treble edge without seeming too sculpted or boosted. PCMag Digital Group. Without the Cipher cable, you also don’t get an in-line mic. Audeze’s newest headphones balance all those spinning plates in a way that pleases both the critical listener and the casual music lover in me. Disclaimer: The Audeze iSine10 and iSine20 were sent to us directly from Audeze in exchange for this review. Many thanks for the generosity and opportunity to review the LCD-i3! 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