[blazer78]

 

The RE300h is a recent product by HiFiMAN in the canalphone form factor. Priced at $49USD, the canalphones can be categorised in the entry-level segment. Whilst I only have a limited selection of earphones at this price range, I certainly do have high expectations of products even at the entry level (always hopeful that they can raise the bar and exceed expectations).

 

I would like to thank Chen from HiFiMAN, who contacted me to evaluate some of their earphones. Below are some pictures of the packaging and the RE300h’s.

 

Back of the box
 

The RE300h manual and canalphones
 

Included acessories: replacement filters, shirt clip and a pair of large silicone tips
 

The mesh filter of the nozzle
 

The RE300h profile
 

The RE300h dynamic driver housing
 

The Y-junction split
 

The RE300h does indeed have advanced ergonomics.
 

 

Packaging and Accessories

The packaging is simple and straightforward for the RE300h. A plastic box with a plastic mold for the earpieces (fitted with bi-flange silicone tips), L-plug and some accessories. The included accessories are limited, with an extra pair of large, single flange silicone tips, a few sets of filters for the nozzle and a shirt clip. I don’t foresee any significant problems with earwax clogging the filters, so these appear to be an unusual inclusion that is a deviation from the norm.

 

 

Build Quality

The canalphone housing is constructed entirely of a smooth high density plastic and are small in size considering that they house a dynamic driver. The earpieces themselves feel very solid and do not appear to have any problems or weaknesses. The mesh covering the nozzle appears to be a thin plastic mesh.

 

The strain relief at the earpieces are very well designed. They are of sufficient length and moderately rigid, without affecting the small form of the earpieces. There is no strain relief present for the Y-junction split, though none is required due to the thickness of the cable. The L-shaped plug is made of solid plastic and is also well strain relieved.

 

The cable itself feels high quality because of the high thickness, and is fairly soft and flexible. However, the cable has a glossy and plasticky texture to it (more of an aesthetic concern).

 

 

Isolation & Microphonics

The supplied bi-flange tips allow the RE300h to isolate ambient noise very well. Due to the small and light design of the earpieces, they can be inserted deep enough to achieve a good seal. With the cable worn “over-the-ear”, there are very minimal microphonics that can be heard. However, when the canalphones are worn straight down, the cable emits a significant amount of microphonics even when lightly touching clothing (necessitating the need for the included shirt clip).

 

 

Comfort and Ergonomics

Owing to their small size and lightness, the comfort of the RE300h is excellent and you do not notice them much in your ears after extended periods of listening. Ergonomics are also excellent as the RE300h can be worn both ways (cable over the ear, or straight down). The Y-split and the cable are not heavy and do not drag down on the earpieces. Unfortunately, as aforementioned, cable microphonics are a significant annoyance when the canalphones are worn with the cable straight down (this can be reduced by changing the texture of the cable to something softer like rubber or lower density coated plastic).

 

 

Aesthetics

The design of the RE300h is simple and functional. The glossy plastic and unique shape give it some elegance and class.

 

 

Sound Quality

Test Setup:

Apple iPhone 5S > HiFiMAN RE300h (with stock bi-flange tips)

 

Listening in a quiet room ( < 25dB)

Sitting in an upright position

Combination of 320kbps MP3 and ALAC

 

Overall

The sound of the RE300h is warm, with an elevated bass response. The midrange is slightly forward and the treble is recessed. Treble presentation leads to an impression of below average detail retrieval.

 

Bass

With consideration of the midrange and treble (quantity), the RE300h can be considered as a bassy canalphone. Bass extension is good, and appears to have no problems reaching very low frequencies in electronic music. The entire bass region is fairly balanced, with sub-bass having an almost equal amount of volume as the mid-bass. Bass texture is loose, giving the RE300h somewhat of a boomy sound. Low end attack is moderate. Due to the texture of the bass, there is some bleeding into the midrange frequencies.

 

Midrange

Midrange is slightly forward with vocals having a warm tonality due to the bass tilt. There is a perceived veil over the midrange due to the treble presentation. This causes vocals to lack dynamics and texture.

 

Treble

The treble is overly smooth and restricted in extension causing a perceived veil over the midrange and treble regions. There is a slightly heightened mid treble response, saving some instruments from sounding muddy and dull. However, the overall recessed presentation of the treble leads to inaccurate and unrealistic timbre of instruments.

 

Soundstage

Fairly intimate and closed. This is exacerbated by the warm sound signature and limited air in the treble region.

 

 

Concluding Remarks

Whilst the HiFiMAN RE300h isn’t bad for $49USD, there are some shortcomings that need to be addressed before they can punch above their weight. Specifically, there needs to be some significant improvement in the treble presentation in order to remove the veil over the sound. Ultimately, the RE300h enters a highly competitive market where there are many alternatives vying for the budget conscious consumer's dollar.

 

[blazer78]

Reserved.