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The back of the box reads "
Mega Surround + Deep Bass"
I'm going to admit, after reading that, I had my doubts. I'm not a basshead and I was scared to ask what Mega Surround is. Not to mention that Frequency Curve looks a little scary.
Within minutes of my first use, my fears quickly dissipated. These are just a tamed lion, scary at first, but oh so cuddly.
Let me break down the
I-MEGO MAZE.
~(All photos below were taken by me)~
*Packaging*
Box is pretty and packed well. These look even better in real life than printed.
*Accessories*
- Detachable 4ft (1.2m) audio cable with microphone controller
- Compatible audio adaptor (apply to Samsung, Nokia and Song-Ericsson smartphone)
- 1/4” (6.3mm) Hi-Fi adaptor
- Soft Travel Pouch
The travel pouch is a tad small and flat, takes some getting used to when putting in the headphones.
The detachable cable is also a little on the thin side, though seems to be tough enough.
Nice that you substitute the stock cable for any high end version you might desire.
I-MEGO does carry upgraded cables here: http://www.i-mego.com/shop/c-1-headphones.aspx
*Build*
The I-MEGO MAZE is well built, using high quality materials that feel premium in the hand.
Design is classic, sophisticated and smart. You can tell a lot of thought went into the making of the MAZE.
The headband is flexible, yet tough enough to take a beating. All around great build.
*Functions*
The MAZE is a portable headphone that easily folds up to provide a smaller footprint, for on the go.
It also comes with a microphone that works well, callers can hear you loud and clear.
*Fit*
For an on-ear headphone, the MAZE is surprisingly comfortable. The pads are lush with soft leather.
The headband is light and does not apply much pressure to the ears. This makes the MAZE easy to wear for extended periods.
The pads also provide a decent amount of noise isolation. You don't have to worry about others around you hearing your music, nor do you have to hear them if you don't want to.
*Sound*
"Deep Bass", it says right on the box. Yes, these have deep bass. Deep, Controlled Bass. That said, I would not classify these as Basehead headphones. The MAZE does a wonderful job of keeping the bass down low, where it belongs. If you crank the volume up, the lows can creep slightly into the mids, but never takes away from any vocals. Nor does it ever become muddy.
Speaking of the mids, they are shockingly not recessed. These also do not have a V shaped sound signature. I-MEGO did a spectacular job tuning the MAZE. Vocals, while not the most crystal clear I have ever heard, are very much present and accounted for. This is where the MAZE really impressed me, in the middle. Keeping frequencies neat and tidy, this is why this headphone is so fun to use. A lot of big bass headphones loose mids, completely ignoring them. Not the MAZE.
The upper range might not sparkle, it might not impress, but it goes far enough to give you what you need. I would use the words, rolled off. This is also what gives the MAZE the power of extended use as they never become harsh or fatiguing.
"Mega Surround", more words written right on the back of the box. These words both confused and intrigued me. Though once in use, it is easy to understand what it means, space. Often, most closed headphones suffer from a condensed Soundstage, but with some kind of trick up their sleeve, I-MEGO managed to eek out some distance. Not open-headphone distance, but enough to make the MAZE a very playful breath that stretches farther than it should. I would not go as far as to say it is a Big Soundstage, no, but it is very flirtatious and fun.
*Overall Thoughts*
The MAZE is not quite on an Audiophile level and is not quite a true Basshead Headphone either. The MAZE is a headphone that just sounds deliciously fun. Big bass, controlled mids and a decent soundstage all lead to a decisively good all around sound. It is easy to like the MAZE, it does a lot well. Even those not prone to big bass might still want to give these a chance. Great for on the go and blocking the world around you. Sound signature is cheery and easy going, but does have enough detail to keep you interested. I think I-MEGO has a great little headphone on their hands. My wife also seems to think so, as I now have to pry them away from her. Note to self, never leave the MAZE laying around, someone else might like it.
*Technical Specifications*
- Driver Diameter: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000Hz
- Sensitivity: 121 +/- 3dB
- Impedance: 32ohms
- Cable: Detachable 1.2m cable
- Connector: 3.5mm gold-plated stereo plug
- Controller: In-line microphone
