April 22, 2013 at 03:34Inexpensive IEMs with great sound from SoundMAGIC (E10 and PL30 models)
A week ago, I told you about headphones manufactured by SoundMAGIC, which belong to the price range up to $ 20 . We raise the bar to $ 40 and consider, by the standards of the company, mid-range headphones, namely the E10 and PL30 models.
* IEM - In-ear monitors (in-ear headphones)
All kinds of design options for the headphones are indicated on the right side.
From the rear are the characteristics of the headphones and a list of accessories that come with the kit. It is also worth noting a sticker with a hologram and scratch coating under which there is an eighteen-digit verification code. In order to verify the authenticity of your headphones, go to the official website of the company and enter the previously received code in the Security check section .
Complete with SoundMAGIC E10 headphones you will find: a large black bag for transporting headphones, a clip on the cable and an impressive scattering of nozzles. The last 7 pairs in total, among which there are two pairs of single-leaf silicone nozzles (the differences are in the size of the sound guide) of large, small and medium size, as well as two-leaf nozzles for those who want better insulation.
Options SoundMAGIC PL30 is no less extensive. In addition to the headphones themselves, the kit also contains a bag of leatherette, a clip for wire, an ear hook and two pairs of silicone / foam nozzles in three standard sizes. The latter, by the way, are not so often found in budget headphones.
More than worthy equipment for the price that the manufacturer requests. Add stylish packaging here and you can put a solid five!
There are 4 colors for the design of the case. Personally, I liked the most spectacular mixture of black and red.
The sound guide and the grid covering it are also metal, by the way, metal is everywhere here. On the other hand is the company logo and headphone model.
You can distinguish the left earphone from the right one by the marking engraved on the case, or by the color of the cambric, where the right one is red and the left one is blue.
The length of the wire is 1.2 meters, Y-shaped, additionally reinforced from the inside, which increases its strength. It does not harden in the cold (tested at -15 ° C). The branching block is metallic, as is the plug itself. The latter has a direct form, which will be convenient for most owners of modern smartphones / players.
SoundMAGIC PL30 looks no less stylish, albeit without metal at the base of the case. A feature of this model is the behind-the-ear landing, which is why the headphones have a non-standard shape somewhat reminiscent of snails.
There are three color options, namely: black, white and silver gray.
The mesh covering the sound guide is not removable, so if it is dirty it will have to be cleaned. On the back there are low-frequency controls. There is no marking of L and R, headphones can be distinguished only by the color of cambric, which is not very convenient.
The wire in this model has a simpler design, its main part is in a rubber braid, a splitter is made of the same material. The cable length is 1.2 meters, the branching is symmetrical. The microphone effect is minimal. Plug L-shaped, gilded.
A completely different story with the SoundMAGIC PL30 headphones. What is the truth - these are my first headphones with behind-the-ear wearing. After a couple of days of operation, it spontaneously erupted: "I need them!" Such a fit, combined with the small dimensions of the headphones themselves, is just damn convenient for both sports and everyday use. Unfortunately, this did not work out with the latter, but more on that in the chapter below. By the way, the noise insulation of this model in combination with foam nozzles is an order of magnitude higher than that of the E10, but in the subway, noise still makes its way.
A couple of extra chips:
Looking ahead, I will say that the E10 in sound quality is significantly ahead of the PL30, and indeed any other headphones that I heard in this price range. Moreover, this is confirmed by many reputable publications specializing in audio technology. The attack and dynamics are simply exciting. Headphones are characterized by detail and purity of sound throughout the frequency range. There is a bias in the bass, but without prejudice to the overall balance. The scene (or panorama - as you prefer) is also on the level. As a result - for lovers of energetic and exciting music - Must have!
The model PL30 is far from being so rosy. These headphones also have a bias in bass, and reproduce it well, but with high frequencies they definitely fail! Same thing with panorama and attack. Energetic compositions with a large amount of instrument are contraindicated for these headphones. Therefore, for simple compositions, podcasts, films - an excellent choice, taking into account the convenience of wearing. By the way, I almost forgot, for this model I managed to find the frequency response graph (for the E10 model I could not be found), which confirms my words.
Due to the high sensitivity and low resistance, both copies will play without problems even with a very weak source. Owners of Apple devices will also not be left behind, for them SoundMAGIC launches a modified version of the E10 headphone model, namely the E10M with a remote control and a microphone.
SoundMAGIC PL30 on the manufacturer’s website
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* IEM - In-ear monitors (in-ear headphones)
Declared Specifications
| SoundMAGIC E10 | SoundMAGIC PL30 | |
| Electro-acoustic transducer | Dynamic, diameter 10 mm, based on neodymium magnet | Dynamic, diameter 9 mm, based on neodymium magnet |
| frequency range | 15 Hz - 22 kHz | 20 Hz - 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 ± 10% Ohm | 12 ohm |
| Sensitivity | 100 ± 2 dB at 1 kHz / mW | 100 dB at 1 kHz / mW |
| Cable | 1.2 m (reinforced) | 1.2 m |
| Plug | 3.5 mm straight gold plated | 3.5 mm, "G" -shaped, gold-plated |
| Body material | Aluminum | Plastic |
| Weight | 11 g | 10 g |
Packaging and equipment
A simple but attractive box made of thick white cardboard is de facto standard for SoundMAGIC products. In its upper part there is a transparent window through which we can see the headphones themselves, and in the lower part there is a compartment with accessories, of which there are many.All kinds of design options for the headphones are indicated on the right side.
From the rear are the characteristics of the headphones and a list of accessories that come with the kit. It is also worth noting a sticker with a hologram and scratch coating under which there is an eighteen-digit verification code. In order to verify the authenticity of your headphones, go to the official website of the company and enter the previously received code in the Security check section .
Complete with SoundMAGIC E10 headphones you will find: a large black bag for transporting headphones, a clip on the cable and an impressive scattering of nozzles. The last 7 pairs in total, among which there are two pairs of single-leaf silicone nozzles (the differences are in the size of the sound guide) of large, small and medium size, as well as two-leaf nozzles for those who want better insulation.
Options SoundMAGIC PL30 is no less extensive. In addition to the headphones themselves, the kit also contains a bag of leatherette, a clip for wire, an ear hook and two pairs of silicone / foam nozzles in three standard sizes. The latter, by the way, are not so often found in budget headphones.
More than worthy equipment for the price that the manufacturer requests. Add stylish packaging here and you can put a solid five!
Appearance
Let's start with the model E10 . A stylish metal case is one of the characteristic features of these headphones, on which the manufacturer so often concentrates our attention. Moreover - it is unique and protected by patent law! The patent itself and its contents can be seen here .There are 4 colors for the design of the case. Personally, I liked the most spectacular mixture of black and red.
The sound guide and the grid covering it are also metal, by the way, metal is everywhere here. On the other hand is the company logo and headphone model.
You can distinguish the left earphone from the right one by the marking engraved on the case, or by the color of the cambric, where the right one is red and the left one is blue.
The length of the wire is 1.2 meters, Y-shaped, additionally reinforced from the inside, which increases its strength. It does not harden in the cold (tested at -15 ° C). The branching block is metallic, as is the plug itself. The latter has a direct form, which will be convenient for most owners of modern smartphones / players.
SoundMAGIC PL30 looks no less stylish, albeit without metal at the base of the case. A feature of this model is the behind-the-ear landing, which is why the headphones have a non-standard shape somewhat reminiscent of snails.
There are three color options, namely: black, white and silver gray.
The mesh covering the sound guide is not removable, so if it is dirty it will have to be cleaned. On the back there are low-frequency controls. There is no marking of L and R, headphones can be distinguished only by the color of cambric, which is not very convenient.
The wire in this model has a simpler design, its main part is in a rubber braid, a splitter is made of the same material. The cable length is 1.2 meters, the branching is symmetrical. The microphone effect is minimal. Plug L-shaped, gilded.
Wearing comfort
The E10 model has a standard barrel shape, so you should not expect any features regarding wearing comfort. For comfortable listening to music, first of all, you need to choose the right tips. Noise isolation is at an average level and if it is enough for a street or public transport, then these headphones are definitely not suitable for the metro.A completely different story with the SoundMAGIC PL30 headphones. What is the truth - these are my first headphones with behind-the-ear wearing. After a couple of days of operation, it spontaneously erupted: "I need them!" Such a fit, combined with the small dimensions of the headphones themselves, is just damn convenient for both sports and everyday use. Unfortunately, this did not work out with the latter, but more on that in the chapter below. By the way, the noise insulation of this model in combination with foam nozzles is an order of magnitude higher than that of the E10, but in the subway, noise still makes its way.
A couple of extra chips:
- The clip that comes with the headphones, in addition to its standard functions, can act as a cable tie, as a result of which the headphones are not confused during transportation.
- Due to their compact size and deep behind-the-ear fit, the SoundMAGIC PL30 headphones can be comfortably worn under the cap, which is unattainable with the E10.
Sound
To evaluate the sound quality, I used the following equipment: SanDisk Sansa Clip + and Cowon D20 MP3 players, FiiO E10 DAC / amplifier , Jiayu G2 smartphone and lossless recordings. There was no deliberate warming up of the headphones, but both of them have 100+ hours of listening to music at a volume higher than average.Looking ahead, I will say that the E10 in sound quality is significantly ahead of the PL30, and indeed any other headphones that I heard in this price range. Moreover, this is confirmed by many reputable publications specializing in audio technology. The attack and dynamics are simply exciting. Headphones are characterized by detail and purity of sound throughout the frequency range. There is a bias in the bass, but without prejudice to the overall balance. The scene (or panorama - as you prefer) is also on the level. As a result - for lovers of energetic and exciting music - Must have!
The model PL30 is far from being so rosy. These headphones also have a bias in bass, and reproduce it well, but with high frequencies they definitely fail! Same thing with panorama and attack. Energetic compositions with a large amount of instrument are contraindicated for these headphones. Therefore, for simple compositions, podcasts, films - an excellent choice, taking into account the convenience of wearing. By the way, I almost forgot, for this model I managed to find the frequency response graph (for the E10 model I could not be found), which confirms my words.
Due to the high sensitivity and low resistance, both copies will play without problems even with a very weak source. Owners of Apple devices will also not be left behind, for them SoundMAGIC launches a modified version of the E10 headphone model, namely the E10M with a remote control and a microphone.
Summary
SoundMAGIC E10 and PL30 are low-cost in-ear headphones with excellent workmanship and excellent sound in the case of E10. Model PL30 is perfect for listening to calm compositions during sports, thanks to a comfortable fit and small size. But the E10 is the perfect way to invest money, for which you get a quality build, great design and excellent sound.Cost
In Ukraine, you can buy headphones from the official distributor of SoundMAGIC company Era in ear . The E10 model will cost you $ 37 ( Apple version for devices at $ 52), and the PL30 is $ 5 cheaper. Where to buy in Russia - I won’t tell, but nobody has canceled Ebay or Aliexpress yet.Related Links
SoundMAGIC E10 on the manufacturer’s websiteSoundMAGIC PL30 on the manufacturer’s website
If you do not have an account on Habrahabr, you can read and comment on our articles on BoxOverview.com