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With over 60% of all headphones sold in Australia being of the ear-canal variety, we felt it was time we did a comparison test of some of the popular models on the market from Shure, Etymotic, Audio-Technica, Westone and the new comer Ortofon.
Thanks to our friends at Wicked Digital we were able to test all of these models side by side, so as not to be swayed by poor memory or differing listening systems etc. So, with the headphones all together and a loan of the Firestone Audio Fubar IV DAC/Headphone Amplifier, we set off on our testing!
Firstly, here is the list of which models we used throughout this test:
The retail prices of these headphones varies from $199 through to $689, we did this deliberately to see if paying the extra dollars was worth it. And let me say right now, it is, but that does not mean you have to spend that much to get good sound.
We are giving each headphone a rating out of 10 for bass, midrange and treble, plus a final total score. We connected the Fubar IV to our Mac server and using iTunes as our playback device, we connected our first headphone, and started our testing.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKM90 - $299
This headphone is a beautifully made product featuring a gorgeous polished titanium finish, and they fit easily into the ears. As our first headphone in the test, we started to compare all that followed to this headphone and as it turned out, this headphone became a favourite by days end.
OK so what did we like about it? Well comfort was good, and it was easy to fit in place which can not be said of all ear-canal headphones. From a sound point of view it reproduced good bass, but has a recessed midrange and top end, but there is something about their sound which makes them very easy to listen to, particularly over long periods.
Score Card: Bass - 7, Midrange - 6, Treble - 6, Total Score: 19/30
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Etymotic HF5 - $199
Next up we tried the Etymotic HF5, one of the newer models in their range. In terms of design it is very similar to the HF2 and ER4P models in that it is a slim plastic body and comes fitted with a triple flange sleeve. My initial problem with this headphone was that I could feel the tip of the triple flange sleeve hitting something inside my ear if I pushed it too far in, but other than that, being such a small body it fits in relatively easily.
In comparison to the ATH-CKM90 before it, there is a lack of bass output, it's there, just not in the same quantity as the Audio-Technica, but it offered a more open sounding midrange and a tad more top end detail. This is somewhat typical of ear-canal headphones in the lower end of the market...if $200 can be called lower end that is!
Score Card: Bass - 6, Midrange - 7, Treble - 7, Total Score: 20/30
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Shure SE530 - $689
The Shure SE530 has been considered the King of ear-canal headphones for some time, however since the release of the Westone 3 it's Crown has been looking somewhat shaky. So how does it fair in this test? Well, firstly these are a rather bulky device, explained away by the fact they have three drivers in each ear, but it does make them a little difficult to get fitted correctly in the ear. Once in however you are presented with a very well detailed and well balanced sound. Bass output easily out classes those which have come before it, but it does not come at the expense of midrange detail which happens far too often with lesser brands. It has been King for good reason!
Score Card: Bass - 8, Midrange - 9, Treble - 8, Total Score: 25/30
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Westone W3 - $599
The reward for your patience however is justified with good solid bass, a slightly recessed midrange when compared to the Shure, but a superior top end makes up for it in my view. If I had to compare it with only the Shure SE530, I would say that the Westone W3 has a more Hi-Fi like sound with a little bit more on top and bottom than the Shure.
Ultimately it would come down to preference as both are exceptional products.We have been very keen to get our hands on these little beauties for some time, having read so much about them already our expectations were high. Like the Shure SE530 these are triple driver ear-canal headphones and are therefore like the Shure's rather bulky. As such, they suffer the same 'fiddling' to get them seated well in the ear canal.
Score Card: Bass - 9, Midrange - 8, Treble - 9, Total Score: 26/30
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Ortofon e-Q7 - $429
We were advised to leave the Ortofon e-Q7 last, hinting that it was the surprise package of the bunch. Being that it was also the newest model here, we thought it would be good to leave it to last to see just what this new kid on the block could offer over what are some of the best on the market.
Firstly, it has to be said: The packaging of this product is simply superb. From the moment you pick it up it simply feels quality, and the final product and accessories only confirm that. The kid leather carry case included with the Ortofon is superb in not only feel and function but also that beautiful smell of the finest leather!
That case also just happens to be perfectly sized for carrying around your iPhone or iPod in as well. The e-Q7's themselves are stunning to look at having been machined out of single billets of aluminium, fit and finish is second to none.
All of this however means nothing if the product itself sounds lousy, fortunately that is not the case. The e-Q7 have the best bass here, with good midrange and top end detail , but the overall lingering thought of our time with these little beauties, is one of balance. Yes the bass output is huge, but it is well balanced against the midrange and top end detail.
Score Card: Bass - 10, Midrange - 8, Treble - 9, Total Score: 27/30
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Conclusion
The conclusion here may seem obvious and if money is no object then it is a forgone conclusion, buy the Ortofon e-Q7. It is not the most expensive headphone here, but it is certainly the best as far as I am concerned.
Your tastes may differ, but for me they are not only more easily inserted than either the Shure or the Westone, but offer a smoother sound which for long term listening is my preference. We are of course all different, and if you bought either the Shure or the Westone, you would be in audio heaven, simply on a different cloud to the Ortofon.
But let's say you simply do not have the budget for any of the big three here, then I would strongly advise you to get the Audio-Technica, regardless of it's score. While the Etymotic has a slightly more open midrange, I found it to be a little fatiguing, and the Audio-Technica easy to listen to over the longer term.
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Ear-Canal Headphone Comparison Review
