HeadphonesCom
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[size=22.0pt]WHEN NOTHING BUT THE BEST WILL DO[/size]
The Audeo PFE-232 are among the very best earphones I have ever come across. While other brands manage to cram more drivers into each earpiece, none have surpassed the PFE-232’s ability to render detail. Notably, Audeo has continued to implement their magnificent user-replaceable acoustic filter design. The PFE-232 are among the most customizable high-end earphones on the planet and as such, have quickly earned Audeo a place at the top of a crowded field of IEM manufacturers.
[size=14.0pt]THE FIT & THE FINISH[/size]
As far as I am concerned, there is no significant feature lacking in the design of the PFE-232. Meanwhile there are some truly excellent unique features offered.
Please see below how we graded the performance of the design and features.
GRADE KEY
A+ - The best in its class
A – Top flight performance
B – Good performance, but could be bettered
C – Fair performance
D – Below-average performance
F – Poor performance
n/a – Feature not included
R – Feature is extremely rare and cannot be weighed against other brands
Like Audeo’s previous models, the PFE-232 is extremely pleasing ergonomically as it fits in the ear with ease. The comfort level achieved is easily the best in the business. Part of this may have to do with the fact that Audeo’s parent company, Phonak, has long played a significant role in the development and manufacturing of hearing aids. The cable is intended to tuck behind the ear, removing the majority of microphonics. Furthermore, Audeo generously includes a pair of silicone ear guides, should you prefer extra reinforcement. I usually opt to not use ear guides since I feel the cable stays in place perfectly fine without reinforcing them.
The PFE-232 comes with 3 differently-sized pairs of silicone and 3 differently-sized comply foam ear tips. I preferred the foam tips as I was able to get a better seal while using them. As is one of the standard benefits of using IEMs, the sound isolation is excellent once fitted properly within your ear canal.
The PFE-232 employs a dual balanced armature driver design. While several companies presently offer earphones with a greater number of balanced armature drivers than the Audeo, the PFE-232’s two driver combination does not leave me wishing for more drivers. To accommodate the listener’s unique preferences, Audeo includes three distinct user-replaceable acoustic filters. These acoustic filters are easy to install, remove, reuse, replace and allow the user to vary the frequency response of the earphone.
The smart-phone remote/microphone is embedded at just below the chin on the right side of the y-split cable. The microphone and remote are compatible with most smart-phones, including the iPhone. The call quality is exceptional on both ends; better than average in my opinion. The PFE-232 also ships with an extra cable without remote / microphone for those who do not intend to use their earphones with a smart-phone. Should the user wish to swap cables or should the cable ever need to be replaced due to damage, the cable is easy to remove and reinstall.
The soft carrying pouch offers a cushiony interior and a zipper to seal. I do prefer a hard-shell carrying case – my only criticism of the included abundance of features, however small.
[size=14.0pt]ALL ABOUT THE SOUND…[/size]
Where to begin!? The PFE-232 is ultra-customizable so describing the sound in one fell swoop is simply impossible. Let’s start by discussing the three acoustic filters included. The PFE-232 ship with the grey filter pre-installed. There is an extra pair of grey filters included. The grey filter allows for the brightest, most detailed sound. It is my preference in most instances. The green filter allows for the warmest sound with greatest bass presence. I do however feel there is a sense of air lost when using the green filter and because of this it is not my preference of the three. The black filter is very much the middle ground between the aforementioned filters. The black filter has a more full sound than the grey, but more air and treble extension than the green. I could see this filter being preferred by many. I prefer the grey for its ability to create the most detailed in-ear experience I have ever heard. While the grey filter creates a slightly bright sound, it is the overtones and harmonics achieved with the grey filter that simply makes for one of the most revealing in-ear listening experiences around.
THE GOOD
THE GREY FILTER: This acoustic filter is those seeking to obtain the most detail from their earphones. Listening to classical music and acoustic instruments in general with the grey filter installed is simply sublime, even directly out of the iPhone/iPod.
While listening to Julia Fischer’s performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto for Pentatone Classics, I was astounded by the PFE-232’s ability to render depth and space. In this regard, the PFE-232 sounded more like full-size headphones than any other in-ear I’ve tried. I even picked up on something I’ve never heard with full-size headphones. In the right channel at about 4 minutes into the final movement, you can hear several time one of the cellists bows slap against the strings close to the bridge. It’s amazing to hear such details right out of an iPod, let alone with an in-ear headphone.
While listening to Dave Holland’s “Prime Directive”, On this recording, instruments are panned a bit hard, and listening in earphones can emphasize this. Fortunately the PFE-232 provides this recording with a well-defined center, similar to full-size headphones. The percussion has so much detail that usually gets lost. Flipping between other earphones, the PFE-232 sounds as if you’re taken out of the darkness and given the opportunity to spotlight any instrument you choose.
While listening to Nick Drake’s “Bryter Layter”, I was disturbed a bit by the amount of tape hiss that was present. While the mix sounded well-balanced, the grey filter certainly made it known right then and there that it may not be the ideal acoustic filter for older recordings or recordings extracted from analog source tapes in general. A bit disappointed in this regard, except that wait a minute….I can switch to…
THE BLACK FILTER: Ah, that’s better. Still a bit more tape hiss than I’m used to in fact, but not enough to detract from the listening experience. Because the treble is reduced, the midrange and bass feel more present here. Listening to Flaming Lips’ Embryonic album, I was pleased to hear overtones in the distortion of the guitars that are usually not audible. Even with the black filter, the earphones are still very detailed. It takes roughly 2 minutes to switch filters properly, though it’s not a simple enough procedure that one would want to do it while in commute. It is likely, that for listening sessions or workouts, one will choose the filter they like best for their music and listening preferences. For the discerning audiophile who is seeking a variety of sound similar to tube rolling, it is reassuring to have 3 distinct acoustic filters on standby at all times.
THE GREEN FILTER: For people who prefer a warmer tone, the green filter will likely be the preferred one. While listening to Kanye West’s “All of the Lights”, I was pleased to see that the bass, while raised for impact, did not feel any less tight. There was still plenty of detail coming through. I heard elements in the tracks, including entire vocal tracks, which I’d never heard before. The percussion was rendered with appropriate punch. I was surprised, yet happy that the earphones did not shift sonic character too drastically. If you are looking for the bassiest earphones around, the Green Filter may still not provide enough bass for you. The Green filter doesn’t turn the PFE-232 into a dance clubJ
HOW DO THESE COMPARE?
Compared with other top-choice balanced armature IEMs, namely Westone’s top offerings (Westone 4, Westone 3 & UM3X) and Shure’s top offering (SE-535), the PFE-232 are clearly the most versatile as well as detailed. The Shures and Westones have less treble emphasis and being as such can often sound a bit smoother in overall tone. The Westone 4 have long been my favorite universal-fit IEM, but the feature-filled PFE-232 is perhaps a bit more recommendable since it is just so customizable to one’s preference. The Sennheiser IE8 employs a dynamic transducer and features a stepped bass contour control which alters the low frequency response depending on the listener’s preference. I prefer the alterations of Audeo’s filters over Sennheiser’s bass contour feature. I also prefer the overall sound of the PFE-232 over the IE8.
Compared with Jerry Harvey Audio’s top-flight custom-molded IEMs, the JH13 and JH16, the PFE-232 performs quite well. While JH Audio’s offerings are fuller and more transparent, the PFE-232 are no less detailed. Considering the price difference, the PFE-232 is a success. Compared with Westone’s custom-molded ES5, the PFE-232 has less body but more far more detail. These two wonderful earphones almost sound like polar opposites of one another. The PFE-232 boasts more harmonics and spatial information, while the ES5 is far more robust and smooth, but in comparison, sounds a bit distant. It is fascinating to hear a universal-fit IEM compete so well against much pricier custom-fitted options. Keep in mind that I am comparing a universal-fit / dual balanced armature design against a custom-fitted design with up to 8 balanced armature drivers. With regard to classical music in particular, the PFE-232 was not bested by any of the respective IEMs when using the grey filters.
[size=14.0pt]LAST WORD[/size]
The PFE-232 is currently one of the most pricy options in universal-fit in ear monitors. With this in mind, it should be among the best sounding and most feature-filled choices. It most certainly is. It is the most feature-filled IEM I’ve ever come across and certainly among the very best sounding. I can have little doubt that with the various filters, ear tips and smart-phone compatibility, just about anyone would be more than pleased. If you are looking for – the perfect travel companion; the most comfortable earphones available; the most versatile sound to satisfy your discerning ears - then the PFE-232 is my top recommendation for you.
RATING CHART @ PRICEPOINT
Sound: 9.5
Design & Features: 10
Value: 9.5
The Audeo PFE-232 are among the very best earphones I have ever come across. While other brands manage to cram more drivers into each earpiece, none have surpassed the PFE-232’s ability to render detail. Notably, Audeo has continued to implement their magnificent user-replaceable acoustic filter design. The PFE-232 are among the most customizable high-end earphones on the planet and as such, have quickly earned Audeo a place at the top of a crowded field of IEM manufacturers.
[size=14.0pt]THE FIT & THE FINISH[/size]
As far as I am concerned, there is no significant feature lacking in the design of the PFE-232. Meanwhile there are some truly excellent unique features offered.
Please see below how we graded the performance of the design and features.
GRADE KEY
A+ - The best in its class
A – Top flight performance
B – Good performance, but could be bettered
C – Fair performance
D – Below-average performance
F – Poor performance
n/a – Feature not included
R – Feature is extremely rare and cannot be weighed against other brands
FEATURE / DESIGN | GRADE |
Comfortable | A+ |
Compact | A |
Durable | A |
Isolation | A |
Attractive Design | A |
A Variety of ear tips (foam prefered) | A |
Carrying Case (hard preferred) | B |
iPhone compatible (remote/mic) | A |
Smart-Phone compatible (remote/mic) *[size=8.0pt]some exceptions apply[/size] | A |
Call quality / clarity | A+ |
Removable Cable | A |
Handling of Microphonics / Worn behind ears | A |
Sturdy/Stylish Packaging | A |
Cleaning Tool | A |
Right-angle Plug (reduces strain) | A |
¼ “ adapter | n/a |
Extension cable | n/a |
Airplane adapter | n/a |
User removable and replaceable Acoustic Filters | R |
Extra cable included (without remote) | R |
Like Audeo’s previous models, the PFE-232 is extremely pleasing ergonomically as it fits in the ear with ease. The comfort level achieved is easily the best in the business. Part of this may have to do with the fact that Audeo’s parent company, Phonak, has long played a significant role in the development and manufacturing of hearing aids. The cable is intended to tuck behind the ear, removing the majority of microphonics. Furthermore, Audeo generously includes a pair of silicone ear guides, should you prefer extra reinforcement. I usually opt to not use ear guides since I feel the cable stays in place perfectly fine without reinforcing them.
The PFE-232 comes with 3 differently-sized pairs of silicone and 3 differently-sized comply foam ear tips. I preferred the foam tips as I was able to get a better seal while using them. As is one of the standard benefits of using IEMs, the sound isolation is excellent once fitted properly within your ear canal.
The PFE-232 employs a dual balanced armature driver design. While several companies presently offer earphones with a greater number of balanced armature drivers than the Audeo, the PFE-232’s two driver combination does not leave me wishing for more drivers. To accommodate the listener’s unique preferences, Audeo includes three distinct user-replaceable acoustic filters. These acoustic filters are easy to install, remove, reuse, replace and allow the user to vary the frequency response of the earphone.
The smart-phone remote/microphone is embedded at just below the chin on the right side of the y-split cable. The microphone and remote are compatible with most smart-phones, including the iPhone. The call quality is exceptional on both ends; better than average in my opinion. The PFE-232 also ships with an extra cable without remote / microphone for those who do not intend to use their earphones with a smart-phone. Should the user wish to swap cables or should the cable ever need to be replaced due to damage, the cable is easy to remove and reinstall.
The soft carrying pouch offers a cushiony interior and a zipper to seal. I do prefer a hard-shell carrying case – my only criticism of the included abundance of features, however small.
[size=14.0pt]ALL ABOUT THE SOUND…[/size]
Where to begin!? The PFE-232 is ultra-customizable so describing the sound in one fell swoop is simply impossible. Let’s start by discussing the three acoustic filters included. The PFE-232 ship with the grey filter pre-installed. There is an extra pair of grey filters included. The grey filter allows for the brightest, most detailed sound. It is my preference in most instances. The green filter allows for the warmest sound with greatest bass presence. I do however feel there is a sense of air lost when using the green filter and because of this it is not my preference of the three. The black filter is very much the middle ground between the aforementioned filters. The black filter has a more full sound than the grey, but more air and treble extension than the green. I could see this filter being preferred by many. I prefer the grey for its ability to create the most detailed in-ear experience I have ever heard. While the grey filter creates a slightly bright sound, it is the overtones and harmonics achieved with the grey filter that simply makes for one of the most revealing in-ear listening experiences around.
THE GOOD
- The Frequency response is customizable (more bass / less bass / more treble)
- Detail and more detail, not to mention detail!
- Very good instrument separation when using the grey and black filters
- Larger soundstage than average
- With grey filter, sound leans towards bright, but is extremely transparent
- With black filter, sound leans towards neutral, but loses a hint of transparency
- With green filter, sound is a bit warm, but very enticing
- There is a degree of sibilance, especially with the grey filter
- Other brands such as Westone & Shure offer earphones with a smoother sound
THE GREY FILTER: This acoustic filter is those seeking to obtain the most detail from their earphones. Listening to classical music and acoustic instruments in general with the grey filter installed is simply sublime, even directly out of the iPhone/iPod.
While listening to Julia Fischer’s performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto for Pentatone Classics, I was astounded by the PFE-232’s ability to render depth and space. In this regard, the PFE-232 sounded more like full-size headphones than any other in-ear I’ve tried. I even picked up on something I’ve never heard with full-size headphones. In the right channel at about 4 minutes into the final movement, you can hear several time one of the cellists bows slap against the strings close to the bridge. It’s amazing to hear such details right out of an iPod, let alone with an in-ear headphone.
While listening to Dave Holland’s “Prime Directive”, On this recording, instruments are panned a bit hard, and listening in earphones can emphasize this. Fortunately the PFE-232 provides this recording with a well-defined center, similar to full-size headphones. The percussion has so much detail that usually gets lost. Flipping between other earphones, the PFE-232 sounds as if you’re taken out of the darkness and given the opportunity to spotlight any instrument you choose.
While listening to Nick Drake’s “Bryter Layter”, I was disturbed a bit by the amount of tape hiss that was present. While the mix sounded well-balanced, the grey filter certainly made it known right then and there that it may not be the ideal acoustic filter for older recordings or recordings extracted from analog source tapes in general. A bit disappointed in this regard, except that wait a minute….I can switch to…
THE BLACK FILTER: Ah, that’s better. Still a bit more tape hiss than I’m used to in fact, but not enough to detract from the listening experience. Because the treble is reduced, the midrange and bass feel more present here. Listening to Flaming Lips’ Embryonic album, I was pleased to hear overtones in the distortion of the guitars that are usually not audible. Even with the black filter, the earphones are still very detailed. It takes roughly 2 minutes to switch filters properly, though it’s not a simple enough procedure that one would want to do it while in commute. It is likely, that for listening sessions or workouts, one will choose the filter they like best for their music and listening preferences. For the discerning audiophile who is seeking a variety of sound similar to tube rolling, it is reassuring to have 3 distinct acoustic filters on standby at all times.
THE GREEN FILTER: For people who prefer a warmer tone, the green filter will likely be the preferred one. While listening to Kanye West’s “All of the Lights”, I was pleased to see that the bass, while raised for impact, did not feel any less tight. There was still plenty of detail coming through. I heard elements in the tracks, including entire vocal tracks, which I’d never heard before. The percussion was rendered with appropriate punch. I was surprised, yet happy that the earphones did not shift sonic character too drastically. If you are looking for the bassiest earphones around, the Green Filter may still not provide enough bass for you. The Green filter doesn’t turn the PFE-232 into a dance clubJ
HOW DO THESE COMPARE?
Compared with other top-choice balanced armature IEMs, namely Westone’s top offerings (Westone 4, Westone 3 & UM3X) and Shure’s top offering (SE-535), the PFE-232 are clearly the most versatile as well as detailed. The Shures and Westones have less treble emphasis and being as such can often sound a bit smoother in overall tone. The Westone 4 have long been my favorite universal-fit IEM, but the feature-filled PFE-232 is perhaps a bit more recommendable since it is just so customizable to one’s preference. The Sennheiser IE8 employs a dynamic transducer and features a stepped bass contour control which alters the low frequency response depending on the listener’s preference. I prefer the alterations of Audeo’s filters over Sennheiser’s bass contour feature. I also prefer the overall sound of the PFE-232 over the IE8.
Compared with Jerry Harvey Audio’s top-flight custom-molded IEMs, the JH13 and JH16, the PFE-232 performs quite well. While JH Audio’s offerings are fuller and more transparent, the PFE-232 are no less detailed. Considering the price difference, the PFE-232 is a success. Compared with Westone’s custom-molded ES5, the PFE-232 has less body but more far more detail. These two wonderful earphones almost sound like polar opposites of one another. The PFE-232 boasts more harmonics and spatial information, while the ES5 is far more robust and smooth, but in comparison, sounds a bit distant. It is fascinating to hear a universal-fit IEM compete so well against much pricier custom-fitted options. Keep in mind that I am comparing a universal-fit / dual balanced armature design against a custom-fitted design with up to 8 balanced armature drivers. With regard to classical music in particular, the PFE-232 was not bested by any of the respective IEMs when using the grey filters.
[size=14.0pt]LAST WORD[/size]
The PFE-232 is currently one of the most pricy options in universal-fit in ear monitors. With this in mind, it should be among the best sounding and most feature-filled choices. It most certainly is. It is the most feature-filled IEM I’ve ever come across and certainly among the very best sounding. I can have little doubt that with the various filters, ear tips and smart-phone compatibility, just about anyone would be more than pleased. If you are looking for – the perfect travel companion; the most comfortable earphones available; the most versatile sound to satisfy your discerning ears - then the PFE-232 is my top recommendation for you.
RATING CHART @ PRICEPOINT
Sound: 9.5
Design & Features: 10
Value: 9.5