Pros: Comfort, style, quality build, bass, enjoyable on ear
Cons: Slight treble peak. Slight midrange recession
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Introduction
Meizu is one of my favorite smartphone companies out of China. They are equal in quality to Xiaomi in their smartphone offerings, and I was genuinely intrigued to see just how their HD 50 performed, as it seemed very promising. George at Gearbest was kind enough to provide me a review sample for my unbiased opinion.
About me
I’m a price/performance value shopper in everything I purchase. I spend an extensive amount of time researching purchases and always look for a good value.
I have also spent many years as an A/V and music enthusiast. I have owned some high end audio equipment, from amps, speakers, subs, to just about anything audio related you can think of. I eventually moved on into building my own DIY custom speakers, as I felt the value and performance of most commercial speakers were lacking. I found out through this process that you could create high end setups from equipment costing thousands less than most branded commercial setups.
Since I cannot play music at 100+db all day and night in an apartment complex, I started looking for similar values in the Headphone/Earphone/IEM world. In a Beats dominated world, I was very disappointed.
I then found out about some excellent headphones/IEMs at great prices being made by Asian companies that are not known of here in the US. It renewed my interest in headphones and became the basis of the Asian audio thread.
REVIEW
Specifications
Connectivity : Wired
Connecting interface : 3.5mm
Application : Portable Media Player, Aviation, Computer, DJ, Mobile Phone
Plug Type: Full-sized
Cable length : 1.2m
Frequency response : 20~20KHz
Impedance : 32ohms
Sensitivity : 103dB + / - 3dB
Microphone sensitivity: -42±3dB
Accessories
Package contents: 1 x Original Meizu HD50 Hi-Fi Headphones, 1 x 1.2m Cable, Case
Housing
The HD50 is a sexy looking headphone which looks far better than its asking price. Available in both White or Black leatherette padding, everything about this headphone screams of quality… from the comfort level and stitching of the headband, to the “apple like” quality of the metal housing. Meizu claims the housing itself has gone through a “high end rugged manufacturing process” along with CNC engraving, and I fully believe them. Meizu also talks of a front and rear “dual chamber” design which claims to enhance the soundstage, which will be talked about later in the review.
One unique feature I liked is that “L” and “R” are clearly marked inside each of the earcups, making it incredibly easy to decide on how to wear the headphone. Some may find it cheesy or cheap looking, but I dig it.
Cable
Meizu’s cable is simple, yet highly effective. The main features are the better than average mic and the 99.99% high purity OFC cable encased in Kevlar. The cable itself is TPE with the Kevlar encasing the copper inside. Microphonics are non existant.
Functionality
The mic was able to provide crystal clear voice while in use, and the volume/play buttons functioned as they should on my Moto X Pure (Marshmallow). The buttons themselves are clearly marked and easily accessible. I was able to play through my Xbox One and PS4 controllers with no issues. Unless there is a need for simulated 7.1, headphones like these make most dedicated video game headphone sets obsolete. If better dac/amps can be added to the controllers, it would make the sound quality noticeably better through these. It will happen eventually.
Fit and Isolation
I have no reservations in mentioning that I am not a fan of on-ear headphones in the slightest. Normally on-ears are very uncomfortable for my ears, which aren’t very large to begin with. I am pleased to say that not only do the HD50 fit pretty well on my ears, but they are also extremely comfortable. The soft leatherette feels like a mix between leather and memory foam (upon checking with Meizu, it does use Memory Foam, well done Meizu). Meizu really nailed it comfort wise on these. They remind me of how much I like my Takstar Pro 80 (Hyper X Cloud).
Isolation is excellent. My testing area is my daily commute to New York City. The city that never sleeps is also a city with very prominent noises at every corner. I cannot hear my fellow train commuters or the streets, and they cannot hear my music.
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity + Moto X Pure
Moto X Pure
MSI Gaming 7 amped onboard DAC
Testing Songs
Random Metal, Rock, EDM, Rap, Top 40, Hip Hop, Blues, and anything else that comes along. I focus on songs I know well to spot differences in frequency amongst a/b comparisons.
Amplifier Needed?
No. Any smartphone can drive the HD50 with ease. More power doesn’t increase the sound quality by any significance.
Sound Signature
Consumer oriented V signature, yet clearer than most consumer oriented bass lifted signatures. Bass is strong but cohesive and not overdone. Minimal bass bleed. Recessed mids, but slightly recessed. Strong peak in the mid-highs region, but nothing ear piercing. Overall the signature is enjoyable, but could induce fatigue during long sessions. Always keep a safe volume when listening.
Resolution
Average to above average for the price range, leaning more towards above average. The HD50 can’t compete with the resolution of most $200+ sets, but at its low price, it doesn’t need to. If the mids were a bit more prominent, the resolution would be strikingly good, as the rest of the frequency range is well represented.
Bass
Beefy, satisfying, thumping, clear. The subbass and midbass levels are surprising for an on-ear, not only in quantity, but also in its control. Most on-ear sets in the HD50’s price range have overly bloated, uncontrolled bass which bleeds into the rest of the music. The HD50 exhibits control similar to many sets in the $100 range, which is excellent. EDM lovers will fall in love with this.
Midrange
The midrange is the only average quality of this otherwise excellent headphone. The detail simply doesn’t match up with high end sets and is somewhat recessed at times. It isn’t bad by any means, nor is it overly recessed. You’ll get the full frequency range of your music and most people won’t notice it, but headphone enthusiasts will be able to hear it. Compared to my AKG 7XX, the midrange just can’t keep up. The 7XX is also 4x the price.
Treble
Engaging. There is a lift in the mid-highs which can get peaky and distracting at times, but the headphone does not distort, even at high volumes. Meizu claims distortion of less than 0.5%, and I agree with their claims yet again. .5% is actually high for a speaker and amp enthusiast when you hear this number, but the HD50 seems to fare well when I sent a high gain signal through them. Vocals, cymbals, and the rest of the highs maintain a nice clarity at all times.
Soundstage and Imaging
As noted before, Meizu’s soundstage claims are true. While the HD50 doesn’t match the soundstage of most open back headphones, they do a very good job and could be considered very much above average to excellent. The HD50 has a live, wide sound which is most noticeable through EDM tracks.
Imaging is somewhat forward in presence, with instruments able to be placed in each ear, yet they seem to be heard in front of the listener instead of all around.
Comparisons
There really aren’t many notable headphones in the $50-60 price range. The only other headphones that compare to me are the Xiaomi Headphone (More expensive), or the Takstar Pro 80. I haven’t head the Mi Headphone so I cannot comment on it, but the HD50 easily equals the Pro 80 and has become one of my favorites to recommend at $50-60.
Conclusion
I had a feeling going into this review that Meizu was going to have a winner on their hands with the HD50. Is it going to surpass most $120+ sets? No. It does easily compare with sets well over double its price though, and it looks beautiful. Highly recommended budget buy
The Meizu HD50 can be bought here at Gearbest:
http://www.gearbest.com/headsets/pp_265038.html
Cons: Slight treble peak. Slight midrange recession
[size=11.0pt]
Introduction
Meizu is one of my favorite smartphone companies out of China. They are equal in quality to Xiaomi in their smartphone offerings, and I was genuinely intrigued to see just how their HD 50 performed, as it seemed very promising. George at Gearbest was kind enough to provide me a review sample for my unbiased opinion.
About me
I’m a price/performance value shopper in everything I purchase. I spend an extensive amount of time researching purchases and always look for a good value.
I have also spent many years as an A/V and music enthusiast. I have owned some high end audio equipment, from amps, speakers, subs, to just about anything audio related you can think of. I eventually moved on into building my own DIY custom speakers, as I felt the value and performance of most commercial speakers were lacking. I found out through this process that you could create high end setups from equipment costing thousands less than most branded commercial setups.
Since I cannot play music at 100+db all day and night in an apartment complex, I started looking for similar values in the Headphone/Earphone/IEM world. In a Beats dominated world, I was very disappointed.
I then found out about some excellent headphones/IEMs at great prices being made by Asian companies that are not known of here in the US. It renewed my interest in headphones and became the basis of the Asian audio thread.
REVIEW
Specifications
Connectivity : Wired
Connecting interface : 3.5mm
Application : Portable Media Player, Aviation, Computer, DJ, Mobile Phone
Plug Type: Full-sized
Cable length : 1.2m
Frequency response : 20~20KHz
Impedance : 32ohms
Sensitivity : 103dB + / - 3dB
Microphone sensitivity: -42±3dB
Accessories
Package contents: 1 x Original Meizu HD50 Hi-Fi Headphones, 1 x 1.2m Cable, Case
Housing
The HD50 is a sexy looking headphone which looks far better than its asking price. Available in both White or Black leatherette padding, everything about this headphone screams of quality… from the comfort level and stitching of the headband, to the “apple like” quality of the metal housing. Meizu claims the housing itself has gone through a “high end rugged manufacturing process” along with CNC engraving, and I fully believe them. Meizu also talks of a front and rear “dual chamber” design which claims to enhance the soundstage, which will be talked about later in the review.
One unique feature I liked is that “L” and “R” are clearly marked inside each of the earcups, making it incredibly easy to decide on how to wear the headphone. Some may find it cheesy or cheap looking, but I dig it.
Cable
Meizu’s cable is simple, yet highly effective. The main features are the better than average mic and the 99.99% high purity OFC cable encased in Kevlar. The cable itself is TPE with the Kevlar encasing the copper inside. Microphonics are non existant.
Functionality
The mic was able to provide crystal clear voice while in use, and the volume/play buttons functioned as they should on my Moto X Pure (Marshmallow). The buttons themselves are clearly marked and easily accessible. I was able to play through my Xbox One and PS4 controllers with no issues. Unless there is a need for simulated 7.1, headphones like these make most dedicated video game headphone sets obsolete. If better dac/amps can be added to the controllers, it would make the sound quality noticeably better through these. It will happen eventually.
Fit and Isolation
I have no reservations in mentioning that I am not a fan of on-ear headphones in the slightest. Normally on-ears are very uncomfortable for my ears, which aren’t very large to begin with. I am pleased to say that not only do the HD50 fit pretty well on my ears, but they are also extremely comfortable. The soft leatherette feels like a mix between leather and memory foam (upon checking with Meizu, it does use Memory Foam, well done Meizu). Meizu really nailed it comfort wise on these. They remind me of how much I like my Takstar Pro 80 (Hyper X Cloud).
Isolation is excellent. My testing area is my daily commute to New York City. The city that never sleeps is also a city with very prominent noises at every corner. I cannot hear my fellow train commuters or the streets, and they cannot hear my music.
Sound Review
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity + Moto X Pure
Moto X Pure
MSI Gaming 7 amped onboard DAC
Testing Songs
Random Metal, Rock, EDM, Rap, Top 40, Hip Hop, Blues, and anything else that comes along. I focus on songs I know well to spot differences in frequency amongst a/b comparisons.
Amplifier Needed?
No. Any smartphone can drive the HD50 with ease. More power doesn’t increase the sound quality by any significance.
Sound Signature
Consumer oriented V signature, yet clearer than most consumer oriented bass lifted signatures. Bass is strong but cohesive and not overdone. Minimal bass bleed. Recessed mids, but slightly recessed. Strong peak in the mid-highs region, but nothing ear piercing. Overall the signature is enjoyable, but could induce fatigue during long sessions. Always keep a safe volume when listening.
Resolution
Average to above average for the price range, leaning more towards above average. The HD50 can’t compete with the resolution of most $200+ sets, but at its low price, it doesn’t need to. If the mids were a bit more prominent, the resolution would be strikingly good, as the rest of the frequency range is well represented.
Bass
Beefy, satisfying, thumping, clear. The subbass and midbass levels are surprising for an on-ear, not only in quantity, but also in its control. Most on-ear sets in the HD50’s price range have overly bloated, uncontrolled bass which bleeds into the rest of the music. The HD50 exhibits control similar to many sets in the $100 range, which is excellent. EDM lovers will fall in love with this.
Midrange
The midrange is the only average quality of this otherwise excellent headphone. The detail simply doesn’t match up with high end sets and is somewhat recessed at times. It isn’t bad by any means, nor is it overly recessed. You’ll get the full frequency range of your music and most people won’t notice it, but headphone enthusiasts will be able to hear it. Compared to my AKG 7XX, the midrange just can’t keep up. The 7XX is also 4x the price.
Treble
Engaging. There is a lift in the mid-highs which can get peaky and distracting at times, but the headphone does not distort, even at high volumes. Meizu claims distortion of less than 0.5%, and I agree with their claims yet again. .5% is actually high for a speaker and amp enthusiast when you hear this number, but the HD50 seems to fare well when I sent a high gain signal through them. Vocals, cymbals, and the rest of the highs maintain a nice clarity at all times.
Soundstage and Imaging
As noted before, Meizu’s soundstage claims are true. While the HD50 doesn’t match the soundstage of most open back headphones, they do a very good job and could be considered very much above average to excellent. The HD50 has a live, wide sound which is most noticeable through EDM tracks.
Imaging is somewhat forward in presence, with instruments able to be placed in each ear, yet they seem to be heard in front of the listener instead of all around.
Comparisons
There really aren’t many notable headphones in the $50-60 price range. The only other headphones that compare to me are the Xiaomi Headphone (More expensive), or the Takstar Pro 80. I haven’t head the Mi Headphone so I cannot comment on it, but the HD50 easily equals the Pro 80 and has become one of my favorites to recommend at $50-60.
Conclusion
I had a feeling going into this review that Meizu was going to have a winner on their hands with the HD50. Is it going to surpass most $120+ sets? No. It does easily compare with sets well over double its price though, and it looks beautiful. Highly recommended budget buy
The Meizu HD50 can be bought here at Gearbest:
http://www.gearbest.com/headsets/pp_265038.html