IT was just a matter of “when” … and that time is here now. We reckon one of the most thriving segments in the audio industry is the realm of headphones, and there are clear leaders who’ve been in this business for decades. Now, given the immense popularity of iDevices and their ilk, even traditional hi-fi manufacturers are aiming for a piece of this bulging pie.
The latest on the growing roster is Musical Fidelity, which has just launched its first pair of headphones (although it appears “earphones” would be a more apt description). Okay, “in-ear monitors” then …
The EB-50, says Musical Fidelity founder Antony Michaelson, is no off-the-shelf design but wholly developed by the company.
“Our design objective was to achieve genuine studio monitor sound quality with that certain Musical Fidelity touch of lightness and musicality. This has been no easy task.
“Many other companies go to an OEM supplier and buy something off the shelf. Not so with MF. We have been developing and refining the EB-50s for more than a year.
“The result is truly excellent and we are very excited to be launching our first headphone design.”
The EB-50, claims Musical Fidelity, has “ruler-flat frequency response, excellent dynamic range and a deep, clear and fast bass.” High-fidelity cans, in a nutshell, that might even pull off drum ‘n bass!
Neodymium magnets are used on the drivers for superior definition. The drivers, encased in a “multi-layer, anti-resonant material” to eradicate any internal vibrations that can cause distortion, are housed in a non-resonant military-spec aluminium body.
The cable has an in-line mic/mute control feature for smartphones users, and is terminated with a gold-plated 3.5mm right-angled stereo mini jack plug. Musical Fidelity provides seven pairs of ear tips for perfect sealing within the ear canal. And you also get a carry pouch.
All you’ll need are some MF ancillaries and music.
