Edifier P180 Stereo Earbuds with Mic and Remote

Let me first say that I received the P180 Edifier earbuds after I agreed to provide a review of one of the Edifier earphones; and I would like to thank Edifier for giving me the opportunity to review these new earbuds.  I did not request to receive the P180s specifically, and I am not sure how the company randomized delivery to volunteer reviewers.  I do have to admit that I am not a huge fan of earbuds; historically, I have not liked the fit, the lack of isolation and the absence of some detail in the music when I have compared them to my IEMs.  However, I will do the best I can to review these earbuds, while comparing them to 2 other earbuds (Philips and Hisoundaudio PAA-1) I have in my collection.  One of our Head fi.org colleagues, Bloody Penguin, is an admitted fan of earbuds and has also reviewed the P180 earbuds, so please read his review to get his perspective.
 
The P180s arrived in a nice package with a user's guide, a pair of foam earpads, and a cable adapter.  The P180s have a microphone/remote that is compatible with iPhones and most Android phones. I have tested the mic/remote with my iPhone and I can say it functions well. 

 
The build of the P180s is fairly standard for earbuds in this price range.  In fact, the shells for the P180s are exactly the same as the shells for the Philips earbuds (DIY) I received as a freebie from Dasetn.  I must say that the cable for the P180s is nicer than the cables on the Philips earbuds.  The cable of the P180s has a supple, rubbery texture, similar to the cable on the Hisoundaudio PAA-1s; whereas the cable on the Philips earbuds has a stiff, cheaper plastic feel.  In my opinion, the plug for the P180s is more attractive than the plug for either the Philips or PAA-1.
 

Left, Edifier P180;  Middle, Philips; Right, Hisoundaudio PAA-1.
 
 

Edifier P180 has the same shells as the Philips earbuds.
 

Left, Edifier P180;  Right, Philips.
 

Left, Edifier P180;  Middle, Philips;  Right, Hisoundaudio PAA-1
 
The specifications for the P180 and PAA-1 are somewhat similar:  
P180: Driver 16 mm; Impedance 32 ohms; Sensitivity 100 dB; Frequency response, 20Hz-20KHz; cable length 130 cm; connector  3.5 mm stereo
PAA-1: Driver 16 mm; Impedance 32 ohms; Sensitivity105 dB; Frequency response 20Hz-21KHz; cable length  119 cm (but unequal cable lengths for R and L sides); connector  3.5 mm stereo
(I am unable to find the exact specs for the Philips earbuds).  The P180s have a mic/remote that can be used with iPhones and most Android phones, neither the PAA-1 nor the Philips has a mic/remote.
 
The sound quality of all the earbuds depends on whether you use them with the foam earpads or not.  The earpads tend to increase the bass and take some of the treble away from all 3 earbuds.  I used the earbuds on my Xuelin iHiFi 800, which has a fairly neutral sound signature.  I tested them all with a variety of songs by artists such as A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Adele, Jeff Beck and Aynsley Lister.  I personally prefer using the earbuds with the foam pads, because I can get a better, more comfortable fit this way.  Under these circumstances, I found that the PAA-1 had too much bass, with incomplete separation between bass and mids.  The bass had a tendency to overwhelm the vocals and the highs were muddied.  In comparison, both the P180s and Philips earbuds fared better with the foam pads.  There was much better separation of bass from mids, and treble was better preserved.  I enjoyed the PAA-1 sound quality more when the foam pads were removed, but I had a hard time getting a good, comfortable fit.  With further comparison between the P180s and the Philips earbuds, I found that the P180s provided more natural sounding vocals, and bass and mids came across as more "powerful" in the P180s.  In comparison, the overall sound of the Philips was a bit more recessed.  The P180s had a similar sound stage to the PAA-1s, and both had broader sound stages than the Philips earbuds. Even though I am still not a huge fan of earbuds, I do feel that the overall sound quality of the P180s (based on my preferences) is better than the sound quality of the PAA-1 or the Philips.  In fact, the detail and clarity that I get with the P180s (compared to the other 2 earbuds) come closer to what I experience with IEMs, and this is a big plus for me. To be honest, I don't know how much I will use these earbuds in the future due to my preference for IEMs, but my 16 year old son has already asked me if he could have them...  so, one way or another, I think the P180s will experience extensive play time in our family...  Although the P180s are a bit generic in their appearance, the cable that Edifier has used is a step up and the sound quality is quite good; at their price point, I feel they deserve 4 stars.  (For comparison, I would rate the PAA-1s 3.5 stars and the Philips 3 stars).
 
In terms of cost, searching Amazon tonite (11/24/15) I found the Hisoundaudio PAA-1 earbuds for ~$14 (US) and the Edifier P180 earbuds for ~$17.  I was unable to find an exact match of the Philips earbuds on Amazon, and it appears the Dasetn website is no longer active.
 
Finally, I want to thank Edifier again for the opportunity to review the P180s and wish them the best of luck with their business.

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**Disclaimer - I would like to thank Edifier for providing me this P180 for my unbiased review. **

Though, I’m biased towards earbuds, as I love them.  So I’ll try and be as subjective in this review as I can.  Earbuds are awesome.  I mean, let’s see how the Edifier P180 stacks up.  Earbuds are the best!  Ok, not sure how subjective I can be. 
 


~All photos taken by me~
 
 
 
 
 
*Packaging*

At this price point, one would not expect much, but the P180 is very nicely displayed in a well-designed clear box.


 


*Accessories*

Comes with a pair of foam covers and a compatible audio adapter.  Short and sweet.


 
 
 
*Build*
 
Though the earbuds are made of mostly plastic, there is still a nice touch and thought to the design.  They look good.  I did not notice any flaws on my unit and it seemed to be well put together.
 
The cable is a little on the thin side, but is quiet with no signs of microphonics. 


 

 

 
 
 
*Fit*

One of the reasons I love earbuds so much is how comfortable they are and how well that fit.  This Edifier is no exception.  The P180 has a slightly thinner housing which allows for a close, light placement.  For most earbuds however, I have to use the foams for them to work best.  With the P180 I found that I could wear them just fine with, or without the foam covers and still have good comfort and sound.
 

 
 

*Function*
 
The Edifier P180 has a simple but effective button/microphone on the left side of the cord.  Easy to use and works quite well.  There is a premium little snap as you click the start/stop/answer/end button. 

I tested the microphone calling my wife to ask what is for dinner.  She must have not heard me well because nothing was waiting for me when I got home.  Though with all other callers, they were able to hear me with no issues at all, my voice came through loud and clear.


 
 
 
*Sound*
 
Isolation – These are earbuds, so not much isolation going either way.

Soundstage – One of the reasons I love earbuds so much is their bigger soundstage.  The Edifier P180 is one of the best at this.  Separation of instruments is fantastic and sounds amazing.
 
 
As for overall sound signature, I’m going to do two break downs.  One without the foam covers and one with the foam covers:
 
 
-Without Foam Covers-
 
Bass – Is controlled and neutral.  A slight amount of sub-bass can be heard in the distance, with mid-bass more present.

Mids – Vocals are angel like in their clarity and presentation. 
 
Highs – Are slightly rolled off, but with no loss of detail or energy.  Very clear tone.
 
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-With Foam Covers-

Bass –Sub-bass is deep and thick with a slight blend into the mid-bass.  When pushed hard, there is no distortion, but a slight wobble can be felt.  Not as controlled with bass heavy music.

Mids – Are almost forward and come through with great demonstration.   Vocals are clear and very musical.

High – Are rolled off quite a bit early, but that helps to give these such a fun sound signature.
 

 
 
 
*Overall Thoughts*

 I really enjoy the clarity of the mids (when the bass is turned down a tad).  I like the smooth rolled off highs and the overall fun sound they produce.  I’ve used them for the last two days straight on my walks to work and from work.  I love that the cable is quiet and does not produce any microphonics, makes it great for on the go.  The bass can be a little unwieldy at times, but a can be toned down by removing the foam covers or just a slight eq adjustment.
 
I really enjoy the clarity that the mids and highs (even rolled off) have to offer.  It really is a quite pleasing experience. 
 
The Edifier P180 is a great little earbud that I very much enjoy using, I am sure others will as well.  
 
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