RHA Product Reviews October 2015 - SalasHeadphones
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RHA Product Reviews October 2015
The following pages contain a selection of the reviews of RHA products that were published during October 2015. Additional reviews can be found on the RHA website; be sure to follow RHA's social media profiles for the latest news, information and reviews of RHA products. /rhaaudio @rha www.rha.co.uk
RHA has made a name for itself by offering quality primarily, we notice how bright and crisp things sound—
headphones and earphones at budget prices. Eventually Callahan's vocals have plenty of treble edge, and the
the company expanded its lineup to include some pricier percussive hits and guitar strums that populate the mix are
options, like the RHA T20, but is returning to its roots particularly bright. At times, this can make things seem a bit
with the S500i. The in-ear S500i, at $49.95, offers more sibilant, but the sound signature is never harsh or brittle.
accessories than plenty of earphones twice the price, with a
On Jay-Z and Kanye West's "No Church in the Wild," the
design that also seems imported from a pricier tier. Beyond
kick drum loop's attack gets a generous helping of treble,
the accessories and design, the actual audio performance is
allowing it to stay sharp and easily slice through the mix's
powerful, with solid bass response and noticeably sculpted
many layers. The vinyl crackle of the loop seems elevated
highs that result in some extra brightness. There simply
here, another example of the S500i's noticeable brightness.
aren't many options like this in the $50 price range, and so
The sub-bass synth hits and sustain of the drum loop still
the S500i earns our Editors' Choice award.
get plenty of low-end boosting and presence, however.
Design Again, the vocals can sound a bit sibilant, but things aren't
overboard in this regard.
The S500i flaunts a sleek, stylish look, with earpieces that
view online > are tiny and execptionally lightweight. Metallic accents on On orchestral tracks, like the opening scene in John Adams'
the earpieces, the inline remote control, and the 3.5mm The Gospel According to the Other Mary, the earphones
connection are paired with a black cable that includes a definitely favor the already-prominent higher register
section covered in Kevlar. strings, brass, and vocals. The sound here is bright and
well-defined, and there's enough low frequency boosting
Situated along the right ear's cable at chin-height, the inline
to make sure things never sound brittle. The lower register
remote has three buttons: a multi-function button that
instrumentation can sometimes sound powerful, but mostly
controls playback, track navigation, and call management,
plays a supporting role on tracks like this.
and + and - buttons for volume control. The volume buttons
work in conjunction with your mobile device's levels. Even with the super-sculpted sound signature, the RHA
“
For those who
S500i earphones sound excellent for $50. Most of the
A whopping seven eartip pairs are included with the S500i,
similarly priced models also have very sculpted sound
including a single set of flange-style eartips. The in-ear fit
signatures and tend to be exercise-focused, like the JBL
is secure, and blocks out a significant amount of ambient
enjoy some added
Synchros Reflect, the Skullcandy Method, and the SOL
room noise. It's important to use the right size eartip from
Republic Relays Sport. If your budget allows, we truly enjoy
an audio standpoint—the smallest tips still stayed securely
the Marshall Mode EQ, which has a button that allows you to
brightness with
in my ears, but the bass response was seriously diminished
boost the bass response. But clean audio performance and
unless I had larger eartips in. This is true with all eartips
an abundance of accessories make the RHA S500i a solid
and earphones to some degree, but the variation in bass
deal in this price range. For those who enjoy some added
their bass, this response, despite a secure fit, was quite noticeable with the
S500i. RHA also includes a shirt clip and a padded mesh
drawstring protective pouch.
brightness with their bass, this is an excellent budget wired
earphone option, earning it our Editors' Choice award.
is an excellent Performance and Conclusions
PC Mag
budget wired
On tracks with powerful sub-bass content, like The Knife's
"Silent Shout," the RHA S500i delivers thunderous low end,
and at top, unwise listening levels, the drivers do not distort.
earphone option,
At more moderate volumes, the deep bass is still prominent
in the mix—but because the S500i also boosts and sculpts
the higher frequencies quite a bit, there's a decent sense of
earning it our balance between the lows and highs. On other tracks, the
high-mids and highs can seem more prominent
Editors' Choice Bill Callahan's "Drover," a track with little in the way of deep
bass, gets some added low frequency presence through
”
the S500i, but not so much that it overpowers things.
award. The drums receive a little extra deep low-end power, but
Up until around six months ago, my everyday headphones cost The bigger problem, other than my needing a haircut, was that
a tenner – that’s not because I’m tight, but rather because the none of the supplied silicone tips provided a good seal – which
£10 RHA MA150 were the finest budget headphones I’d ever is essential to stop in-ear ‘phones from sounding tinny and
heard. With a warm, cuddly sound that flattered every kind of lightweight. The silicone tips were too loose, and the memory
music from hip hop to musique concrète, and a price that meant foam tips just didn’t agree with my ears, proving itchy and
you didn’t need to fret about leaving them on the night bus, the irritating. They might be fine for other people, as everyone’s
MA150’s were an almost perfect package. You can imagine then, ears are different, but my solution was to splash out on a pair of
how distraught I was when I lost my pair and found out that they Comply memory foam tips. These are about £10 and are, in my
were – shock horror – discontinued. Then I came across the RHA opinion, well worth the extra outlay.
view online > MA750i, and I was tempted to spend more – a lot more.
That done, the MA750i started to show what they’re capable
RHA MA750i review: Features and design of. It’s the bass that hits you first – it’s not as voluminous as that
The MA750i are several rungs up the ladder from my trusty of the Sennheiser Momentum In-ear, but it goes seriously deep
old MA150 – and nine times the price – but by the standards of and there’s enough of it to underpin anything from the swell
audiophile offerings with three-digit price tags, the £90 MA750i of orchestral works to the low-end pressure of the most brutal
are still firmly in the “sensibly priced” camp. Compared to the drum and bass tracks.
plain, plasticky likes of the £249 Etymotic ER-4PT MicroPro,
Thankfully, the MA750i’s bass response isn’t at the detriment
though, the MA750i feel like they should cost twice as much
of the rest of the frequency range. Voices come through crisp
again. The earpieces are encased in solid, nicely moulded metal,
and clear, and the highs unearth enough presence and detail to
and the build quality feels vastly more expensive than you’d
sound good across a wide range of musical tastes, and without
expect for the money.
veering into the harshness that I’ve encountered with other
It’s the little details that really set the MA750i apart. A little metal in-ear headphones. Cue up a low-quality recording or MP3 and
spring prevents the cable from bending excessively where it the MA750i aren’t as ruthlessly revealing as some – the solid,
meets with the 3.5mm jack, and the jack, in-line remote and firm lower registers and slight warmth to the mid-range are
cable joins are cast from classy, textured metal. For £90, you’re pleasingly forgiving.
getting a very respectable-looking pair of headphones.
In fact, the only area where the MA750i lose ground to (much)
RHA are unusually generous with the accessories, too. You get a pricier models is detail. Play a well-recorded classical piece,
padded, zip-up case for storing the headphones on your travels, and whether it’s a large-scale orchestral work or a small choral
as well as a choice of eighteen ear-tips ranging from soft silicone group, there isn’t the sense of space that you get from the most
buds in three sizes, two sizes of memory foam tips and another expensive headphones. Instruments and voices are positioned
two choices of dual-flange silicone tip. A small spring clip stops accurately, all nicely separated and spread across a reasonably
the cable from swinging around and getting caught on clothing, wide soundstage – and it sounds good tonally, too – but there’s
“
but it’s not essential as the MA750i don’t suffer terribly from little feeling of actually being there. The MA750i’s lack the
If you’re after cable “microphony” – a trait that manifests itself as distracting
thumping and rustling noises that are transmitted along the
airy, delicate sound that you get from the very best (and most
expensive) headphones.
a balanced,
cable and through the earphones.
RHA MA750i review: Verdict
The “i” in the title denotes that the MA750i come with an in-line At this price, though, these kinds of complaints are mere
weighty sound
microphone and a remote control. This allows you to accept nitpicking. After spending several months with the MA750i, I
and decline calls, skip tracks, activate Siri and adjust the volume have nothing but praise for them.
– if you have an iPhone, that is. Some functions may work on
It’s also well worth mentioning the three-year RHA warranty:
without spending
Android phones, but it’s entirely dependent on what’s in your
I managed to rip off one of the headphones after getting it
pocket. The microphone quality is really very good, and the
caught in a car door and RHA replaced it without quibbling – you
remote handy, but bear in mind that you can save yourself £10
a fortune, the
can’t say fairer than that.
by opting for the standard MA750.
Pricier headphones may pip the MA750i in terms of detail and
RHA MA750i review: Sound quality
delicacy, and bass fiends may prefer the Sennheiser Momentum
MA750i are simply So, how do the MA750i sound? At first, I wasn’t too impressed
– mainly because they were so finicky to fit correctly. The RHA’s
In-ear’s more forceful low-end, but if you’re after a balanced,
weighty sound without spending a fortune, the MA750i are
”
have a pre-curved loop of cable that hooks over the ear, and it
outstanding
simply outstanding. Just try not to leave them on the night bus.
does take a little getting used to – especially if, like me, you have
floppy hair that gets in the way. Alphr
RHA is a name that fans of high-end in-ear headphones From the ground up the T20 and T20i are very special
RHA, again one of my favourite companies in portable earphone and the feature attention to detail that even
audio, brought out a new earphone this year and they $1000 earphones can be jealous of. In its price point,
didn't have to reinvent the wheel to make the Best its unmatched. Custom made jack connectors; an
Earphones 2015 list. The RHA T10i was my favourite excellent long & tangle free cable; the best ear guide
view online > earphone of last year with outstanding design, build & fit
combined with a huge sound. The T20 kept everything
system on the market; robust injection moulded housing;
interchangeable sound filters and a plethora of ear tips so
great about the RHA T10i's external design and combined you can find your perfect fit. Everything you need is there
it with a new dynamic driver offering up a more refined and that makes the RHA T20 the absolute champion of
“
The RHA T10i
sound. It isn't a replacement for the T10i think of the RHA bang for buck earphones 2015.
T20i as the 10's more civilised sibling.
AudiphileON
was my favourite
earphone of
last year with
outstanding
design, build & fit
combined with a
huge sound. The
T20 kept everything
great about
the RHA T10i's
external design and
combined it with a
new dynamic driver
offering up a more
refined sound
”
Music has the power to move us emotionally, but bass driver laps it up. Basslines reach down right down deep; the
does so in an entirely literal sense. Anyone who has T10is pump out clean, powerful bass right down to around
witnessed Jah Shaka’s sound system in full dub reggae 15Hz. It’s overwhelming at first, and clean by the standards
flow or experienced the sheer brutality of Dillinja’s Valve PA of any other headphones I’ve heard, but the impressive
armoury can testify to the chest-crushing power of sub-bass thing is how much detail and excitement the T10is unearth
frequencies; vibrations that grip eardrums and shak e the across the rest of the frequency spectrum. A few minutes in
very foundations of the earth. the company of these leaves you in no doubt you’re in the
presence of a class act.
If that sounds like your bag (and it certainly is mine), then
the RHA T10i in-ear headphones hit all the right notes – they Compared to the £90 RHA MA750i, the T10i’s are a
view online > revel in unearthing the very depths in music. significant step up in clarity. The bass is far more prominent,
and lower too, but voices and instruments spread far wider,
RHA T10i review: All about the bass
seemingly reaching out either side of your head. Where the
Feed the T10is the finest dub reggae, drum and bass, MA750is place a thin muffling veil over their performance, a
dubstep or electronica, and RHA’s handmade dynamic trait that leaves classical movements lacking presence and
“
How would I
describe the T10i’s
build quality? In a
word, gorgeous.
Put the RHA T10is
side by side with
any other pair of
headphones up
to £150 and they
stand apart
”
airiness, the T10is pull out details that RHA’s cheaper in-ear the MA750i’s with a sheathed metal spring that bends
headphones simply can’t muster. and holds in place. Again, I’m not a huge fan, probably
because of my excessively floppy hair, but I did find they
RHA T10i review: Have it your way
had a tendency to creep upwards and slip out of place.
It’s not all sub-bass perfection, though. At first, the RHA’s Those with more Spock-like ears or a less ridiculous barnet
bass-heavy lilt is thrilling, exciting, and it urges you to delve probably won't have such problems, though.
through your music collection to find the most subterranean
Just like the MA750i, the “i” in the T10i's title indicates that
basslines possible. Unless you’re a real bass fan, however,
they come with an in-line microphone and a remote control.
that feeling may not last – and to my mind the RHA T10is
This allows you to accept and decline calls, skip tracks,
deliver too much of a good thing.
activate Siri and adjust the volume on an iPhone, and some
Thankfully, though, they allow you to tailor their sound with of the functions may work on select Android phones. If you
three replaceable filters. These are simple to swap and don't need the luxury, however, then save yourself £10 by
install: simply remove the eartips, unscrew the filters and opting for the standard T10.
screw the replacement filters in their place.
RHA is pretty generous with the extras. The padded zip-up
Three filters are included in the box: “reference”, “bass” and carry case is a nice touch – these are headphones that you’ll
“treble”. It’s fair to say, though, that the “reference” filters definitely want to keep safe and sound – and there are a
that come preinstalled don’t offer the most even-handed smorgasbord of different eartips.
presentation. Swap to the bass filters and it’s like someone
You get six pairs of dual-density silicone tips in three sizes,
has cranked up the subwoofer, perfect for grinding dubstep
two pairs of double flange tips and a further two pairs
and reggae, especially if you love an exaggerated low-
of memory foam tips. As ever, though, I reached for my
end – but totally unsuitable for more delicate pieces, where
trusty after-market Comply memory foam tips: for some
the bass leaps up and takes centre stage, shoving vocals,
reason, my ears just don’t get along with the eartips that are
guitars and drums off to the side.
bundled with most in-ear headphones. I’ve always found
Fit the “treble” filters, however, and the RHA T10i emerge them wanting for comfort, or simply not capable of creating
transformed. Driving bass still underpins everything with the firm, air-tight seal that guarantees in-ear headphones
ground-shaking solidity, but the extra top-end presence perform at their best.
brings out the very best in RHA’s headphones. This ekes
RHA T10i: Verdict
out more clarity and space in delicate choral works and
large-scale orchestral pieces, and gives a touch more Given their love of the lower half of the frequency spectrum,
snap and excitement across every corner of the frequency the RHA T10i may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But, thanks
range. Fire up a track such as Massive Attack’s Angel, and to the fact that you can tune the sound signature, this
everything is as it should be: thick waves of bass crested by shouldn't prove a significant barrier to purchase – you can
Horace Andy’s vocals and a sharp snap of percussion. It’s tweak the T10i to suit your ears and your tastes.
phenomenally entertaining.
All told, they give a big, weighty sound from a tiny in-ear
As ever, though, that extra detail comes at a cost. Feed package, and if you can forgive the niggles with fit – or don’t
these a low-quality MP3, or a scratchy old hardcore vinyl, suffer from them in the first place – they offer a refined, truly
and they’re ruthlessly, viciously revealing. The snap in the high-end performance for £150. Throw in RHA’s three-year
mid-range often ends up veering into harshness, something warranty, and the T10is are destined to keep on dubbing for
that had me reaching for the volume control on occasion. many, many years.
RHA T10i review: Build quality and accessories
How would I describe the T10i’s build quality? In a word,
gorgeous. Put the RHA T10is side by side with any other
pair of headphones up to £150 and they stand apart. The
metal housings look and feel expensive, and the thick grey
cabling is terminated with a solid-feeling 3.5mm jack and
metal strain-relief sleeves.
As with the MA750i, the T10i’s ear cables loop up and over
the ear, but RHA has replaced the pre-shaped rubber of
Reid Heath Acoustics, better known as RHA Audio, makes to tilt toward either the higher registers or the lower. There’s
in-ear headphones … but then, you probably know that. also quite a bit on the craftsmanship.
These in-ear headphones, specifically the T10 ($189,
I’ve had a set of these in my jacket pocket for almost a
$199 for the ones with the inline microphone and volume
year — they’re my go-to for my on-the-go audio needs. I
controls), earned all manner of respect from the personal
view online > audio crowd — and a boatload of reviews (a Google search
take them everywhere and they’re great. That’s probably
where a review should end, but allow me to unpack just a
returns something like 90k pages for “RHA T10i review”).
tad. The comments I’ve randomly culled from the Interenet
Those reviews — mostly raves — were interesting. There’s a love-fest about the build are, perhaps remarkably, spot-on
lot of focus on the “filters”, which allow users to adjust the — the T10 actually feel like they’re worth something. Odd to
sonic signature from what I thought of as full and balanced, say it that way, perhaps, but all-too-often, the construction
“
They’re my go-to
for my on-the-go
audio needs. I take
them everywhere
and they’re great...
The [T20] sonic
signature is very
smooth, even, and
— dare I say it —
refined
”
of portable audio gear (especially gear pitched at the the T10, the T20 can be modded to taste by swapping out this unit is likely to be a couple of hundred bucks ($500 or
Apple Store shopper) is forgettable. Not with RHA. There’s the filters for one that de-emphasizes bass, or one that de- so), I do have to wonder if RHA won’t be coming out with
nothing cheap here. The in-ear shell is crafted from metal emphasizes the treble. Me, I still like “reference”. And the an in-ear that will match it! Yes, that’s full-on speculation-
— and it looks and feels like it. Yes, again, that may be odd construction, like the only marginally less expensive, is just mode, there. Anyway, the DACAMP includes charging for
to say but take my word for it. This particular device has as bullet-proof: the same chunky metal housing, and the your player, with a full-size USB-A port for your IOS devices
some weight to it. Heft. On quick reflection, this might not same thick-but-flexible cable (which is now black). As much and a separate USB-Mini, for you Android luddites; as
be the kind of thing you’d actually want in your IEM, but as I like the T10, the T20 just outclasses it. It’s a 20% uplift, well as optical input, line out, and separate outputs for
trust me, it’s not a big deal. Except when you’re fiddling with true, but this is a $40 that’s particularly well-spent. Get it headphones that include a mini-jack and 1/4″ phono plug.
them, taking them out, or putting them away. That’s when and don’t sweat it. Availability is still TBA, but I’m betting we’ll have something
they feel expensive. The cable is extremely flexible but a to talk about very shortly.
Two noobies also hit the table here at RMAF, the $49
little thicker than average, and has enough spring to make
S500i in-ear “buds” and the new (and still forthcoming) Part-time audiophile
tangles unusual. There are also, oddly, about 500 different
RHA headphone amplifier. The S500i are, like the T10 and
included ear pads, so you can customize the fit to your
T20, metal. Again, it makes a difference in both look and
personal preferences.
hand-feel! Given the price point, the competition is almost
The sonic signature is very smooth, even, and — dare I guaranteed to be plastic and disposable — not these.
say it — refined. I don’t like either of the two extra filters Another single-driver approach, more similar to the T10
that are included; given the number of ear pads, this all than T20, the little buds are about as “entry-level” as entry-
feels a bit like a product that’s just trying too hard. My level gets. I haven’t had nearly enough time with these to
recommendation is to skip them both — the bass-heavy one offer up an opinion, but they look the berries.
muddies the mids and the treble one thins out the bass.
Set for launch in Autumn 2015, the RHA DACAMP is a
Not much in either case, but it’s enough to tell you that the
compact, integrated portable DAC and amplifier designed
“reference” one is the one to stick with; I did, and have been
to make reference grade, hi-fi sound possible anywhere.
extremely satisfied.
Through two asynchronous USB inputs, the DACAMP
They’re not exactly neutral, no. Even with the “reference”, pairs with computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones
the sound is a little more bass-heavy than an Ultimate including Apple and Android devices to offer portable,
Ears Reference Monitor, but still, it’s not like it’s Beats or high resolution audio reproduction. The RHA DACAMP is
anything. I think the sound is engaging, and a nice counter the only device in its class to feature dedicated channel
especially when your source sounds a little thin — like, say, processors. Each audio channel has a dedicated DAC and
an iPhone. specially tuned amplifier for efficient signal processing
and unparalleled playback performance. This unique
To be honest, this was not what I expected. I mean, it’s
arrangement ensures the DACAMP comfortably outputs
maybe not all that weird for an audiophile IEM (you’d kind
to a wide range of headphones, from demanding full
of hope that this would be the baseline), but I hadn’t really
size models to sensitive multi-driver in-ear monitors.
grasped that this was what the T10 was attempting to be.
Included with the DACAMP are a range of linking cables
Again, being honest, I was thinking “audio jewelry” not
and accessories. As with RHA’s range of award-winning
“audiophile jewelry”. Who knew? I think the T10 is not only
in-ear headphones, the DACAMP features a full, three
easy to recommend, but a product that even an enthusiast
year international manufacturer’s warranty. Full product
can get behind.
information coming soon.
Then, there’s the T20 ($239 on Amazon; add $10 for the
The look and feel of the DACAMP is top-shelf, and totally
audio mic and volume controls for your phone). This
in keeping with the aesthetic of their headphone products.
is a new approach from RHA and sports a whole new
Metal casework, chunky knobs with a handy and beefy
driver, this one featuring two voice coils, each operating
knob-protector means “put-it-in-your-pocket” — someone
independently and manipulating a different part of the
was actually thinking about the use-case for this sucker,
diaphragm, in effect, creating two drivers out of one. I think
clearly.
this is a wacky way to get a dual-driver mechanism, but the
net effect is undeniable — the T20 is both clearer and more Unlike the blank I saw at Munich, the DACAMP here at
engaging than it’s “simpler” sibling. It’s also a bit more RMAF was a functioning prototype — playing with the
neutral, sonically — more air, less congestion, and a bit less T20, I heard a warm and inviting sound that reminded me
boosted down low. Bass is more balanced, more “even”, immediately of the Calyx player. Good news, as this will
but also more articulate — punch with less muddle. Like mean a wide variety of device compatibility. Also, given that
Up until around six months ago, my everyday headphones DualCoil™ Technology (for the tech readers)
cost I quite like RHA. Not only have they been putting great
The majority of in-ear headphone dynamic drivers
new products on the market but they all are really nice
feature a solid magnet surrounded by a single copper-
people. I have met several of them during shows and even
clad aluminium voice coil. The voice coil is attached to a
the ones I have only emailed with are always very helpful
diaphragm, a thin, stiff membrane that covers the surface
view online > and friendly. I get the feeling they all sincerely stand behind
their products and that just shows in everything they do.
of the driver, at an apex. An electric audio signal is sent to
the voice coil, generating an electromagnetic field; this
I was a bit surprised to see RHA release the T20 so soon magnetic field reacts with the constant magnetic field
after the T10 so the T20 must be something special, right? of the magnet to move the voicecoil back and forth. The
movement of the voice coil manipulates the diaphragm to
T20
generate sound waves at different frequencies.
Before reading this T20 review I really suggest you check
The DualCoil™ dynamic driver technology in the T20
out our T10 review first so you get a better idea where RHA
and T20i features a micro annular, or ring magnet. The
is coming from, it will make everything a lot clearer reading
central void in the magnet allows the addition of a second
this T20 article. The new T20 goes for $239.95USD so we’re
copper-clad aluminium voice coil. The two coils are
no longer in a budget territory.
positioned in concentric formation with the magnet, one
If I remember well I had mixed feelings about the T10 back internally and one externally. Both coils are attached to a
when I reviewed it. While build quality and fit were perfectly specially engineered diaphragm that features an additional
“
fine the T10s were always on the bass heavier side. I have apex. The audio signal is separated when it reaches the
I am convinced to say I haven’t used them since the review, which mostly is
a good indicator if I really like a product or not. That being
driver housing, splitting it into two sets of frequencies
– bass/lower midtones and upper midtones and treble
the T20 is an
said, the T10 –to me– was the best IEM in their line-up even frequencies. Each signal is directed to one of the voice
if bass was always a bit on the leaner side. Some loved it, coils, the upper half of the frequency range to the outer
some hated it. But isn’t that always the case? coil and lower half to the inner coil. The coils operate
earphone that The T20, just like the T10 has a metal injection moulded,
stainless steel construction and it uses interchangeable
independently, each with their own electromagnetic field
reacting to the magnet’s static magnetic field. Due to the
additional apex, the voice coils are able to manipulate the
pleases a whole
tuning filters to EQ the sound to your liking. The T20’s non
different areas of the diaphragm to generate sound waves.
removable cable is a multicore, reinforced, oxygen-free
copper cable with gold plated connection. I quite like the Build quality & Comfort
lot of listeners, cable: it’s “friction noise free” and the patent pending,
mouldable over-ear hooks make it stay perfectly over and
in your ears. I have a fairly small head and ears and the
This is where RHA scores big in my book, especially with the
T-Series. The metal injection moulded units look gorgeous
this is about as “hooks” could have been a bit smaller but they do work
great. I was also pleasantly surprised to see RHA gives you a
and their finish is superb. All the accessories from the
carrying case to the filters and the filter holder have top
notch build quality. And I just love the metal 3.5 plug with
good as it gets in
three year warranty.
the spring strain relief system, everyone should do that.
The T20 also is High-Res Audio certified as it conforms
The latest RHA’s are tiny and extremely comfortable,
this price range
to Hi-Res Audio standards as defined by Japan Audio
probably because of the moulding process. 85% of all
Society. When you buy the T20 it will come in a very
universal monitors do not fit me and that sucks. Lately
pretty box which will contain the T20 in-ear headphone,
however I have been feeling quite lucky as the Rockjaw Alfa
without going to
the tuning filters with their holder, a whole bunch of tips,
Genus V1 & V2, LMUE AD01, RHA T10 and Trinity Delta – all
a carry case and a clothing clip. Not bad at all but they
smaller designs – fit perfectly. I can easily listen to the RHA
do are $239,95 so that explains a lot. The 39g weighing
custom monitors.
IEMs for several hours without my ears getting itchy or
T20’s sensitivity is 90dB and they have an impedance of
before they start hurting. Great job!
16Ohm. That makes them fairly easy to drive. The “old” T10
uses a regular dynamic driver while the new T20 switched Headfonia
You won’t regret to a new DualCoil™ dynamic driver. According to RHA
the DualCoil™ dynamic driver technology is capable of
buying it.
”
outperforming conventional drivers in levels of resolution,
clarity and detail.A SNUG EMphBRonAesCEthat
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CHNOLOGY
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tenacious sp aks – a choices of Avoid if ... nd quality is
va ri a b ly m akes – or bre m ic and seven rranty is testament to our a p p e tit e for high sou
what in w a Y
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ractive,
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ear headphones brand. s fro m R H A , the ild q u alit y. C o c
e a d p h o n e th e b u hin e d pie
The latest h e trend of erfectly mac Score
i, p ro m is e to continue th style looking like p ics, the headphones are 9/10.
shatter
S50 0 alist etr
so u n d, cool minim affordable futuristic biom ee from pretentiousness. 5 (rha-
exc e lle n t
m p o n en ts at an fu nc tio n al and fr m ain tain s the i in -ear hea d phones, £39.9
and robust c o rformance RHA S50 0
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perceptions. e re a so n s fo r . Q ualit y c sean .dim m
Th ically ro
between soft w at the S500i was dealt
can vary drast n are itter: @seandim
mock
headphones d d esi g th in g I th re Tw
terials an every laints.
of sound, ma c o n sid e rations and w ith w ith out any comp
la st
typically the uses. These
n e ra lly p e rc eived as bon
geRHA has developed a reputation for sleek, stylish previous release, the T20 in-ears, which employ steel
headphones with models like its T10 and T20 in-ears, both housing. However, the S500i should still be far sturdier than
of which feature swappable filters allowing the listener to your average cheapo earbuds forged from plastic. The
subtly sculpt their sound. The newest member of the family same minimalist appearance from the T20s is evident, but
takes things in a different direction, but the style remains here the design is sharper and more angular. RHA clearly
view online > distinctly RHA. has confidence in the build, as the S500i ship with a three-
year warranty.
Announced today, the RHA S500i are an ultra-compact pair
of in-ears that are both more affordable than the company’s The S500i model comes with a built-in mic and remote
previous products, and easier to tuck away. Boasting an compatible with iOS devices, but the company will also
impressive frequency range of 16Hz-22kHz, the newly- release an S500 model later this year that eschews the
designed “micro dynamic driver” aims to keep up with remote. In true RHA style, seven pairs of silicon tips are
the standards set by the company’s other efforts, just in a included, as well as a clothing clip and a carrying pouch to
smaller profile. keep the S500i protected while you’re on the go.
“
“The S500i is for those seeking an affordable, compact The RHA S500i will be officially unveiled next month at
The S500i are in-ear headphone that doesn’t sacrifice sound or build
quality,” RHA product director Lewis Heath said in a press
IFA in Berlin from September 4 to September 9. They’ll be
shown again at CanJam London on September 29 and 30.
a definite step
release.“By developing a micro dynamic driver that can
To actually purchase a pair, though, you’ll need to wait until
offer exciting, full range sound reproduction and using
October when the S500i will be available through the Apple
aluminium alloy housings, we’ve been able to make the
Store Network for just $50. For more information, see the
up from the product incredibly small and lightweight and therefore
comfortable for any size or shape of ear.”
RHA website.
Digital Trends
earbuds that likely
The aluminium (that’s aluminum to those of us in the U.S.)
build means that these are lighter than the company’s
came with your
smartphone, and
they outperform
plenty of other
offerings in their
price range...
offering clarity
and balance along
with impressive
stereo imaging.
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resolution au
refined, high SwaAus Schottland kommen guter Whisky, der beste Bond- Für jeden den richtigen Klang
Darsteller und jetzt auch Kopfhörer der Oberklasse – wie
Klanglich spielt der T20 in einer eigenen Klasse. Hier
unser Test des T20 von RHA zeigt.
bekommen die oben erwähnten „vier Teile“ eine tragende
Wie oft habe ich mir bei teuren Kopfhören schon gedacht: Rolle. Es handelt sich dabei um austauschbare Tuning-
Für das Geld hätten sie es aber auch etwas aufwendiger, Filter, die dem Kopfhörer einen jeweils unterschiedlichen
edler verpacken und präsentieren können. Nicht so beim Klang verleihen. Und das merklich. Zusammen mit dem
T20 der britischen Audio-Schmiede RHA. bereits aufgesteckten Satz ergeben sich drei Filterpaare mit
folgenden Klangauspägungen:
Wow-Effekt beim Auspacken
• Treble: Fokus auf die Höhen
Noch bevor die Verpackung geöffnet wird, ist der erste
Eindruck: Hier scheint viel Liebe und Sorgfalt in das Produkt • Reference: ausgeglichen
view online > geflossen zu sein. Eine Klappe offenbart ein Sichtfenster,
das bereits in die gesamte Ausstattung des In-Ear-
• Bass: Fokus auf Tiefen
Kopfhörers Einblick gewährt. Die Filter sind dank Schraubgewinde leicht und schnell
gewechselt.
Ich sehe die größte Auswahl an unterschiedlichen
Ohrpassstücken (in einer Edelstahlhalterung!), die ich bis Damit bekommen Musikfreunde im Grunde drei
dato bei einem In-Ear vorgefunden habe. Zudem vermitteln verschiedenen Kopfhörer in einem. Denn der Austausch
bereits die Hörer und Anschlüsse in Edelstahloptik und der Filter liefert jeweils einen komplett neuen Sound.
Goldummantelung einen sehr hochwertigen Eindruck.
Meine Favoriten sind die Bass-Filter. Keine Sorge, hier wird
Dann ist noch eine kleine Platte zu sehen, in der vier Teile
nicht plötzlich der Mega-Wumms ausgepackt. Vielmehr
integriert sind, die sich als austauschbare Filter erweisen.
bekommt der Klang eine angenehm weiche Basis in den
Dazu später mehr.
Tiefen ohne in den Ohren zu wummern.
Erster Schritt Ohrpassstücke auswählen
Tipp: Wer ein Abspielgerät mit Equalizer hat, kann hierüber
Häufig nutze ich die vom Werk bereits aufgesetzten die mittleren Frequenzbereiche etwas anheben. Dadurch
Ohrstücke zum Testen, versuche vielleicht noch mal bekommt der Sound zusätzliche Tiefe.
“
eine andere Größe. Aber bei solch einer Auswahl an
Die Reference-Filter wussten prinzipiell bei allen Genres
With every filter Größen UND unterschiedlichen Formen bin ich neugierig.
Schließlich rät sogar die Anleitung dazu, mit dieser Auswahl
etwas zu experimentieren – und es lohnt sich. Während die
zu gefallen. Am stärksten kommen hier Songs zur
Geltung, bei denen der Gesang im Fokus steht und die
the T20 sounds
Instrumentalisierung minimal ist.
klassischen Silikon-Aufsätze einen neutralen Sitz im Ohr
ermöglichen, ergeben die Varianten mit Memory-Schaum, Für meinem Geschmack dreht der Treble-Filter die
outstanding...for a
der sich etwas an das Ohr anpasst, einen angenehmen Sitz. Höhen etwas zu sehr auf. Das machte sich allerdings bei
Hörbüchern positiv bemerkbar, die dadurch, vor allem in
Gut tragbar und geräuschreduziert
lauter Umgebung, merklich besser zu verstehen sind.
price of 230 euros Die T20 sind so designed, dass das Kabel einmal ums Ohr
herum geführt wird. Wer das generell nicht mag, könnte
auch hier ein Problem haben. Im Gegensatz zu vielen
Fazit: Meine Kritik beim Klang findet auf hohem Niveau
statt. Der T20 klingt mit jedem Filter überdurchschnittlich
the quality of the
gut. Für einen Preis von 230 Euro sind die Kopfhörer
anderen Hörern mit diesem Prinzip ist das Kabel hier dick
in Qualität (Klang und Verarbeitung) und Ausstattung
und biegbar genug, um einen festen Sitz zu gewährleisten.
konkurrenzlos. Da müssen die Platzhirsche von Beats, Bose
headphones in
Das Kabel klappt nicht bei jeder zweiten Bewegung über
oder Sennheiser nachlegen.
das Ohr. Laut RHA ist diese Ohrbügel-Konstruktion eine
eigene Entwicklung, die bereits zum Patent angemeldet ist. Für einen kleinen Aufpreis gibt es die Kopfhörer auch mit
terms of sound, Die Kombination aus ergonomisch geformten
Hörern und der Kabelführung soll zudem für eine
Fernbedienung und Mikrofon (T20i).
Bild
build and features gute Geräuschisolation sorgen. Auch hier bestätigt
der Test diese Aussage. Obwohl keine aktive
”
Geräuschunterdrückung vorliegt, verschwinden die
is unrivalled. Alltagsgeräusche (bei passendem Ohrstück) extrem stark in
den Hintergrund.Ein paar Kopfhörermodelle von RHA habe ich hier bereits ist das Wummern ganz gut hörbar. Die Isolierung vor
vorgestellt. Ein häufiger Kritikpunkt war gleichzeitig das Außengeräuschen ist durchschnittlich.
Markenzeichen von RHA: Das etwas Klobige Design und die
Klang
etwas grobschlächtige Optik, die an die Verstärker von vor
vielen Jahren erinnert. Klar ist das Nostalgie, jedoch ist es Zugegeben: ich teste seltener Kopfhörer Modelle um den
etwas unpraktisch im Alltag. 50€ Preispunkt. Meist ist die Klangqualität einfach nicht gut
view online > Es scheint allerdings, als habe man meine Gebete nach
genug und ich empfehle eher noch 30€ drauf zu legen. Die
S500i können aber klanglich einiges!
einem kleineren, praktischeren und dezenter designedten
Modell erhört. Darf ich vorstellen: Der RHA S500i. Der ultra- Der Klangcharakter ist hell und wie bei RHA gewohnt in den
kompakte, geräuschisolierende In-Ear Kopfhörer von RHA. Mitten etwas dumpflich gemischt.
Übersicht Die Höhen sind einigermaßen klar, stehen außerdem im
Klangbild recht präsent Vorne an. Vor allem im übergang zu
Das Gehäuse der S500i und die Verarbeitung stehen
den Mitten klatschen einige Frequenzen aber ganz schön
den großen Brüdern um nichts nach. Statt Stahl wurde
rein. Das gilt vor allem für Claps und Snare Drum. Das ist
leichteres Aluminium verwendet. Das sieht sehr gut aus,
dann schon stellenweise ein bisschen unausgewogen.
glänzt zudem weniger und ist sehr robust und leicht.
Die Mitten sind wie bei RHA üblich etwas dumpf gemischt.
Die Ohrstöpsel des S500i sind außerdem so klein, dass sie
Es hängt ein leichter, nasaler Schleier über den Frequenzen.
auch in die kleinen Ohren mancher Frauen einfacher rein
Das mag mancher mögen, ich persönlich bin kein Fan
“
passen sollten. Zudem stehen die Ohrstöpsel nun kaum
davon, da ich eher ausgeglichene Klangbilder mag. Sonst
The RHA S500i mehr aus dem Ohr heraus, was sie sehr dezent macht.
Die Kabel sind weeeesentlich dünner als die, der anderen
haben die Mitten aber viel Detail und spielen gut auf.
Überraschend sind die Tiefen. Die haben ordentlichen
and likewise
RHA Modelle und damit entsprechend handlich und leicht
Tiefgang und nehmen selbst sehr tiefe Frequenzen noch
zu versteken. Auch wenn die Fernbedienung beim T20i
voluminös mit. Außerdem sind sie ganz gut balanciert.
schon ein großes Stück verbessert und verschmälert wurde,
the S500 have
Überfett klingen sie nicht.
ist die des S500i noch mal einen Tick kleiner und leichter.
Die Bedienung ist trotzdem noch gut möglich, auch wenn Media Mixture
der Druckpunkt der Knöpfe ein bisschen hart ausgefallen ist.
become very good Nach dem Kabelteiler führt ein Stoffummanteltes Kabel
zum 3,5mm Klinkenstecker. Der ist einer der dünnsten,
in-ear headphones den es aktuell gibt. Auch hier wertiges Aluminium und
griffige Rasterung. Dem Stil treu geblieben, trotzdem
within their price
verbessert. Die große Feder der anderen Modelle ist
ebenfalls verschwunden. Dadurch nimmt der Anschluss nun
wesentlich weniger Platz in der Tasche weg. Sehr gut!
range. For 50 An Verarbeitung und Design habe ich absolut nichts
auszusetzen und alles zu loben. Hier wurde alles richtig
euros you get a
gemacht. Hinzufügen muss man, dass es sich hier eher
um einen Budget Kopfhörer handelt. Der S500i ist zum
Zeitpunkt dieses Tests mit knappen 50€ UVP angekündigt.
whole lot of sound Das ist günstig für diese Verarbeitungsqualität! Übrigens:
wer die Fernbedienung nicht braucht kann zur 10€
and superbly
günstigeren Version greifen.
Die Ausstattung ist vollständig. Drei Paar Silikonaufsätze in
verschiedenen Größen und doppelter Ausführung liegen
manufactured in- bei. Ebenfalls gibt es ein Paar Doppellippen Silikonaufsätze.
Auch dabei ist eine kleine Stofftasche.
ear headphones.
”
Ein Wort noch zum Thema Kabelgeräusche: Die sind
recht laut. Das bedeutet bei Reibung an der KleidungNachdem ich erst vor wenigen Wochen meinen Testbericht bei dem ich der Frage nachgehe, ob die T20 den höheren
zu den RHA T10i veröffentlichte, hat der schottische Anschaffungspreis denn wert sind.
Entwickler bereits den Nachfolger präsentiert, der sich
• Technische Ausstattung und Lieferumfang
„RHA T20“ nennt. Auch diese In-Ear-Kopfhörer habe
ich zum Testen bekommen und während sich äußerlich • Treiber: DualCoil dynamisch
relativ wenig getan hat, gab es vor allem im Inneren einige
• Frequenzbereich: 16-40,000Hz
Neuerungen, die den (ohnehin schon hervorragenden)
Klang noch weiter verbessern sollen. • Impedanz: 16 Ohm
Während mein Testbericht zu den T10i als Alltagstest • Empfindlichkeit: 90dB
view online > über einen längeren Zeitraum ausgelegt war, werde ich
dieses Mal darauf verzichten, da ich beispielsweise davon
• Nennleistung/Hochstleistung: 2/5mW
ausgehe, dass sich Wertigkeit, Materialien und Haltbarkeit • Gewicht: 39g
der Komponenten im Großen und Ganzen weder positiv
• Kabel: 1,35m, multicore OFC
noch negativ verändert haben. Für sinnvoller halte ich in
diesem Fall also eine Art Vergleich zum Vorgängermodell, • Anschlüsse: 3,5mm
“
All in all, the sound
is better, punchier,
but very distinctive
and dedicated, so
that these in-ear
headphones reflect
the best sound that
I’ve heard in this
class.
”Lieferumfang: T20 In-Ear-Kopfhörer, Tuning-Filter mit Kopfhörer sind hohe Töne beim T20 mit den Reference- ich von den Kopfhörern an sich bis aufs Mark überzeugt
Halter, 6 x Dual-Density-Ohrstöpsel (2 x S, 2 x M, 2 x L), 2 x Filtern tatsächlich noch ein bisschen präsenter. Becken worden während meiner Testphase und ich bin gespannt,
Doppelflansch-Ohrstöpsel (1 x S, 1 x L), 2 x Schaumstoff- und Co. drücken aber nicht in den Mitteltonbereich hinein. wie weit RHA das Spiel bei den früher oder später
Ohrstöpsel, Edelstahl Ohrstöpsel Halter, 1 x Kabel-Clip, Stimmen und Gitarren verlieren also nicht an Präsenz anstehenden Nachfolgern treiben wird. RHA ist kein Audio-
Transporttasche, Schnellanleitung und bleiben einwandfrei. Genauso verhält es sich bei Unternehmen, dass auf den heutigen Mainstream-Hörer
Basstönen: Diese kommen ausgesprochen knackig rüber geeicht ist, sondern eines, das auf seine Soundstruktur Acht
Design, Hardware und Zubehör
und beeinträchtigen nicht den mittleren Tonbereich. gibt und darauf aus ist, es stetig zu verbessern – die T20
Das grundlegende Design ist im Vergleich zum Vorgänger sind der beste Beweis dafür!
Unterschiede sind insgesamt also vor allem in höheren
fast unverändert geblieben. Lediglich das Kabel ist nun
Tonbereichen zu identifizieren. Diese bemerkt man im MobiFlip
in schwarzer, statt grauer, Farbe gehalten und auch die
direkten Vergleich auf jeden Fall, allerdings sprechen
Ohrbügel sind beim neuen RHA-Vorzeigemodell komplett
wir hier nicht von weltverändernden Unterschieden.
schwarz und auch etwas schlanker. Letzteres ist übrigens
Wer die Songs, die man präferiert hört, gut kennt, wird
mein einziger Kritikpunkt im Vergleich zu den T10i, denn
Unterschiede jedoch definitiv feststellen können. Die neuen
hier könnte es natürlich sein, dass diese auf längere Zeit hin
DualCoil-Filter, auf die RHA nun setzt, scheinen also ganze
nicht ganz so widerstandsfähig sind, als die der Vorgänger.
Arbeit zu leisten. Insgesamt hört man ein ausgeglicheneres
In meiner bisherigen Testzeit konnte ich jedoch keine
Klangbild bei den T20 heraus, was mir persönlich doch sehr
solchen Ergebnisse nachvollziehen.
zusagt.
RHA T20 02
Auch die austauschbaren Klangfilter erledigen ihren Job
Weiterhin sind die Treibergehäuse, der Splitter sowie der wieder zuverlässig. Im Direktvergleich zu den Filtern der
Klinkenstecker sind aus rostfreiem Edelstahl gefertigt, auch T10i fällt mir hierbei allerdings auf, dass diese das Klangbild
das Design blieb in diesen Aspekten unverändert. Das ist etwas stärker verändern. Mit dem Bass-Filter drücken
aber bei weitem nichts schlimmes, denn zum einen finde Tieftöne also deutlich stärker und der Treble-Filter betont
ich diese noch immer unheimlich schick und zum anderen Hochtöniges mehr, als beim „alten“ Modell. Allerdings kann
wird da sehr wahrscheinlich nichts kaputt gehen. Das ich auch dieses Mal sagen, dass die Klangbilder mit beiden
nun schwarze Kabel hat ebenfalls die gleiche Dicke und Filtern nicht zu sehr in eine Richtung gezogen werden. Der
vermittelt so ein sehr sicheres Gefühl bei der alltäglichen Hörer bleibt also von dröhnigem und matschigem Bass
Nutzung. Bei den RHA T20 fehlt im Vergleich zu den T10i verschohnt und auch zerrende Hochtöne treten nicht auf.
die Mediensteuerung, die ich sehr zu schätzen lernte. Hier
Fazit
gehe ich zwar davon aus, dass in nächster Zeit noch eine
i-Version folgen wird, allerdings ist es natürlich trotzdem Nachdem mich die RHA T10i bereits sehr stark
etwas schade, dass man bei diesen Earbuds gar keine beeindruckten, schaffen es die T20, mir sogar noch ein
Möglichkeiten zur Steuerung an die Hand bekommt. Stück besser zu gefallen. Das wiederum sollte aber auch
nicht überraschen, schließlich handelt es sich hier um einen
Beim Zubehör ist es im Grunde die gleiche (ausgezeichnete)
direkten Nachfolger, bei dem man das grundlegende
Geschichte: Weiterhin gibt es einen Klip, acht Paar
Konzept beibehielt und dieses weitergehend optimierte.
zusätzliche Aufsätze aus verschiedenen Materialien und
Der Sound ist alles in allem besser, druckvoller, aber sehr
in jeweils zwei Größenausführungen, damit möglichst
distinktiv und dediziert, sodass diese In-Ear-Kopfhörer
jeder den idealen Tragekomfort für sich finden kann, was
den besten Sound wiedergeben, den ich bisher aus dieser
natürlich auch dem Sound weiter auf die Sprünge hilt.
Geräteklasse gehört habe.
Darüber hinaus sind auch die austauschbaren Filter wieder
mit dabei, mit denen sich das Klangbild verländern lässt. Das will aber natürlich auch bezahlt werden. Bei Amazon
Insgesamt kann ich hier also nur sehr wenig potentiell liegen die T20 bei aktuell 230 Euro und somit 50 Euro über
beanstanden, denn es ist eben im Großen und Ganzen den T10i. Wie gesagt: Der Sound ist insgesamt besser,
das Gleiche, wie zuvor, wobei RHA äußerlich vor allem an allerdings würde ich einen Mehrpreis von 30 Euro im
Design-Details schraubte. Vergleich zum Vorgänger für angebrachter halten – 50 Euro
sind für meinen Geschmack eine Spur zu viel. Wer den
Klangbild und -filter
preislichen Unterschied aber nicht scheut, bekommt das
Selbstredend ist das austauschbare Filtersystem auch wohl momentan beste Gesamtpaket, das mir im Bereich
dieses Mal wieder mit an Bord. RHA gibt das Klangbild rund um 200 Euro bekannt ist.
ausgeglichener an, als das der T10i und im Vergleich beider
Das sind alles in allem wahrlich starke Worte, allerdings binYou can also read
