glove4
100+ Head-Fier
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- Jun 26, 2011
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I took advantage of MEElectronics's Cyber Monday deal on their brand new second generation A151, and what a bargain it was. I've had the original A151, at least two sets, one with the old MEE logo, since they were introduced maybe four years ago (not sure how long it was). I've been a big fan since and had reached a point of never expecting anything new from MEE. They discontinued the A161, which I also own, and nothing new seemed to be coming down the pipe as far as budget audiophile sets are concerned. So this second generation A151 took me by surprise when I saw the Cyber Monday email in my inbox. Anyway, moving on to my impressions:
I'll say that I wasn't always a fan of the warm signature of the original A151. I listen to a lot of metal, and while I prefer balanced armatures over dynamic drivers, the original A151 didn't always have the "treble energy" that adds to the pop and excitement of modern rock/metal music (and many more genres) that I wanted. It doesn't have the deep sub bass thump that more expensive dual BA sets tend to have. I tried others like the "brighter" UE 700 and Brainwavz B2. The problem with those is that the "treble energy" was almost too much. I also tried the cheaper Apple dual BA set but came away unimpressed with the mids. They had the feeling of being too "soft" or laid back for my tastes. Perhaps too polished over describes it. I also have the Sony XBA-1, which I still listen to on occasion but which often sounds a bit harsh to me, not excelling in anything. I tried the Klipsch single BA set they released last year and returned them, not being overly impressed with them either. I do also own the Hifiman re-400, which I do like a lot. But long story short, I've tried a bunch of different BA sets and have never come across anything I truly loved for the asking price. I think the second generation A151 changes this.
I got them for $32.99 as a Cyber Monday deal, but would gladly pay for $50 asking price. MEE did a great thing by offering them at the same price as the first model and including a mic with it as well.
The sound quality of course is excellent, as any review of the original can attest, but MEE used a newer Knowles driver which adds that "treble energy," as they say, that the original A151 seriously lacked. Granted, the sub bass extension hasn't really changed, but that doesn't bother me at all as I don't require thumping sub bass like you get from good quality dynamic drivers. In short, the second generation does not change the already good quality/cost ratio of the original, but makes them so much more worth the asking price. The sometimes overly "warm" signature has been upgraded with just the right amount of top end energy that doesn't go overboard making them sound overly bright. I think for the asking price, these are truly a stellar buy for audiophiles on a budget. I couldn't have asked for a better upgrade to the already great original. And I would take these over the A161 as well. I hope MEElectronics still has plans for a dual BA set, but who knows. The second generation A151 is a winner in my book.
http://www.meelec.com/A151P_Balanced_Armature_In_Ear_Headphone_2nd_Gene_p/ep-a151p-bk-mee.htm
I'll say that I wasn't always a fan of the warm signature of the original A151. I listen to a lot of metal, and while I prefer balanced armatures over dynamic drivers, the original A151 didn't always have the "treble energy" that adds to the pop and excitement of modern rock/metal music (and many more genres) that I wanted. It doesn't have the deep sub bass thump that more expensive dual BA sets tend to have. I tried others like the "brighter" UE 700 and Brainwavz B2. The problem with those is that the "treble energy" was almost too much. I also tried the cheaper Apple dual BA set but came away unimpressed with the mids. They had the feeling of being too "soft" or laid back for my tastes. Perhaps too polished over describes it. I also have the Sony XBA-1, which I still listen to on occasion but which often sounds a bit harsh to me, not excelling in anything. I tried the Klipsch single BA set they released last year and returned them, not being overly impressed with them either. I do also own the Hifiman re-400, which I do like a lot. But long story short, I've tried a bunch of different BA sets and have never come across anything I truly loved for the asking price. I think the second generation A151 changes this.
I got them for $32.99 as a Cyber Monday deal, but would gladly pay for $50 asking price. MEE did a great thing by offering them at the same price as the first model and including a mic with it as well.
The sound quality of course is excellent, as any review of the original can attest, but MEE used a newer Knowles driver which adds that "treble energy," as they say, that the original A151 seriously lacked. Granted, the sub bass extension hasn't really changed, but that doesn't bother me at all as I don't require thumping sub bass like you get from good quality dynamic drivers. In short, the second generation does not change the already good quality/cost ratio of the original, but makes them so much more worth the asking price. The sometimes overly "warm" signature has been upgraded with just the right amount of top end energy that doesn't go overboard making them sound overly bright. I think for the asking price, these are truly a stellar buy for audiophiles on a budget. I couldn't have asked for a better upgrade to the already great original. And I would take these over the A161 as well. I hope MEElectronics still has plans for a dual BA set, but who knows. The second generation A151 is a winner in my book.
http://www.meelec.com/A151P_Balanced_Armature_In_Ear_Headphone_2nd_Gene_p/ep-a151p-bk-mee.htm
