FYJX
Previously known as MaoDi
Hello, My Name is Felix and I been kindly offered a sample of the New Ultimate Ears MetroFi 170 & 220 for review.
So lets get started!
The Pictures are massive for detail, but they aren't the most clear pictures as they are taken with my phone, So please don't come a shoot me for it please!
Updates will be posted after 500 hours of Burn in for both. Keep your Eyes out!
Intro:
After Logitech Acquired Ultimate Ears in August 2008. Ultimate Ears Discontinued their current MetroFi Line at the Time, Being the 100, 150, and 200 which was online around for a couple of months. The Next month, Ultimate Ears that was now under Logitech had designed a New MetroFi Series, which Included a more Stylish Look, along with New Drivers and Design, but also keeping the iPhone Alternative. So in 2009, the New MetroFi series, the 170, 170vi, 220, and 220vi went live, and was out for purchasing. The Prices were reasonably priced like before, the 170 being priced the same as the 150 in both Original and iPhone Compatible versions, at $49.99 and $59.99. While the 220 was priced the same as the 200 in both version, at $79.99 and $99.99 Respectively.
Packaging: (Both 170 & 220)
Packaging wise, Just as before. Simple Design, but appealing and attractive at the same time. May not me the strongest packaging ever, as it's made of Hard Plastic, but it's very very thin.
After opening the box, that was taped together with the Circular Clear Stickers. We are introduced to a plastic mold which has a little compartment that holds the Manual, Warranty Imformation Booklet, Sleeves, the Carrying Case, and the Cable of the Earphones. While at the top, is molded to have the earphones snap into place. This plastic molding is then put in a sleeve of Cardboard with the labels, information, and descriptions about the Metro Fi 170 and the MetroFi 220.
SOUND QUALITIO!
Highs: MF170-6.5/10 MF220-7/10
The highs on both earphones are reasonable, and decent for the price. They aren't as good as some competitors at the same price range, for example the highs on the Klipsch Image S4 are definitely better than both of the MetroFis. However if you are coming from stock buds, this is a little taste of what real High frequencies are suppose to sound like.
Mids: MF170-7.5/10 MF220-7.5/10
Smooth and Lush. Very Warm, and has a Dynamical sound to them. Seems though there's a slight bump in the Higher Midrange. If you're a person that likes a fun sound to listen to, these will definitely fit your taste. The mids are very detailed for the price that you pay for them, the mids aren't as warm as Klipsch Image S4's, but are more detailed on the 220. The Mids i would say are comparable to the Se115, but with less detail and accuracy.
Lows: MF170-7/10 MF220-7.5/10
Lows are the Best Frequency on these MetroFi's. They are punchy, low, and has a very Dynamic Feel to them. It may not be the Most accurate Lows in the world, like you would get from a pair of Phonak's, but the lows are powerful and people coming from something like skullcandies wouldn't find these disappointing at all....but of course the lows are not overpowering and muddy like they are on slkullcandies. The MF220 has punchier, and more powerful feel when compared to the MF170, but that's not to be expected as the MF220 comes at the $30 price up from the 170. The Lows are not as warm as the Image S4, but both the 170 and 220 are comparable to the Image S4 on Power and Speed wise. if you're a basshead but are on a tight budget, take a look at these and give them a try. They Shouldn't be disappointing at all.
Soundstage: MF170-6/10 MF220-6.5/10
Soundstage wise, both are that impressive. yes once again, a step up from stock buds. However, the soundstage doesn't compare to some similar price earphones like the Backbeat Titanium from Altec Lansing that has the same sort of driver as the 220, which is a Neodymium Magnet with a Titanium Coating. So if you are person that likes your music to be super wide, and "live" sounding, avoid these as these earphones won't be for you.
Accessories:
This part is the part that disappoints a bit. yes i didn't expect much from the MetroFi 170, as it is priced at 49.99. So i was right, it came with a Carrying case, the same as the one that came with the UE700, and S, M, and L Sleeve. But for the 220, i didn't expect the same packaging, I would made expect a pair of Comply's would be thrown in there for the $30 price increase, but no. It came with the Same carrying case, and the same S, M, and L Size sleeves and that's it. Nothing else. Compared to the Klipsch Image S4, BackBeat Titanium, and Jays j-Jays, these are no where close to being Accessory beasts. But, what can i say. i didn't receive much from the $229.99 dollars UE700, which only had Two Pairs of Comply, Four pairs of Silicone, and a carrying Case.
Fit:
Fit, not the Best for the Price. The old MetroFi 200 had a better fit compared to both the 170 and the 220. The only reason they were really better was because the housing was longer, and didn't push against the outside of your ear. The 170 and 220 are smaller, but the Housing and the nozzle just don't add up to be long enough, and might not reach ears that are deep before the tail of the housing that leads to the cable hits the outside of your ears. Isolation wise, if you get the proper fit. You might at -16db of Isolation from them, but that's nearly nothing when compared to Westones, and Shure's which could offer up to nearly -30db if fitted properly. In the End? Not the most comfortable or isolating earphone on the market.
Looks:
Beautiful. All i can say. The Transparent black on the 170, and the sleek silver on the 220 really are attractive. Teenagers will not find these embarrassing, or ugly to wear at all to school to show of to their friends. Compared to the 100, 150, and 200 from the previous MetroFi Series, These are LOOKERS! Definitely better looking IMO, compared to the ugly shaped Skullcandies out there.
Conclusion:
Variation: Transparent Black for MF170/ Silver for MF220
Transducer: Single Neodymium Dynamic for MF170
Single Titanium Coated Neodymium Dynamic for MF220
Impedance: (@1kHz) 18ohm for MF170 & MF220
Frequency Range: 10Hz-16.5kHz
Sensitivity (1mW): 103dB SPL/mW for MF170 & MF220
Weight: 12.4 grams
Cord Style: Y-cord
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated Straight (First Gen iPhone Adaptable)
Eartips Used: Single flange
Packaging: 7/10 good looking, but cheap
Build Quality: 8/10
Accessories: 5/10 (Even Some $20 Pair of Earphones have more accessories)
Isolation: 6.5/10 Nothing Special, Only a tad of Isolation.
Microphonics: 7/10 Straight down, 8/10 Over the Ear
Comfort: 7/10
Soundstage: 6/10 for MF170, 6.5 for MF220
Sound Quality: 6.5/10 for MF170, 7/10 for MF220
Value: 7.5/10 for MF170, 7/10 for MF220
Overall, Very nice earphones for the price you pay. However, disappointing on accessories, and many may find Problems with fitting and comfort issues due to the design of the Earphones, and the limited amount of sleeves sizes that are offered. However, if you are coming from stock earbuds or earphones, you definitely want to give these a try if you are on a budget. I would say, If you plan on buying these i would go for the MetroFi 170 first. As the $30 price increase isn't worth for the 220, as they only offer a slightly more detailed low midrange, and a tad more power and speed on the lows. You could definitely get better earphones for the $79.99 dollars on the 220. While the MetroFi170 is bang for the buck, and really is probably one of the better earphones for the price you pay for them. Infact, i find the MetroFi170 offering more detail and midrange when compared to the old top of the line 200, which is surprising. Really, on a budget? give the MetroFi 170 a try!
Have a great day to everyone that's reading this!...well to those that aren't too. =)
If you want more information on a specific part of them compared to a earphone. Feel free to ask in the thread or through messaging on headfi. Cause i'm sure everyone would appreciate that. =)
-Felix
So lets get started!
The Pictures are massive for detail, but they aren't the most clear pictures as they are taken with my phone, So please don't come a shoot me for it please!
Intro:
After Logitech Acquired Ultimate Ears in August 2008. Ultimate Ears Discontinued their current MetroFi Line at the Time, Being the 100, 150, and 200 which was online around for a couple of months. The Next month, Ultimate Ears that was now under Logitech had designed a New MetroFi Series, which Included a more Stylish Look, along with New Drivers and Design, but also keeping the iPhone Alternative. So in 2009, the New MetroFi series, the 170, 170vi, 220, and 220vi went live, and was out for purchasing. The Prices were reasonably priced like before, the 170 being priced the same as the 150 in both Original and iPhone Compatible versions, at $49.99 and $59.99. While the 220 was priced the same as the 200 in both version, at $79.99 and $99.99 Respectively.
Packaging: (Both 170 & 220)
Packaging wise, Just as before. Simple Design, but appealing and attractive at the same time. May not me the strongest packaging ever, as it's made of Hard Plastic, but it's very very thin.
After opening the box, that was taped together with the Circular Clear Stickers. We are introduced to a plastic mold which has a little compartment that holds the Manual, Warranty Imformation Booklet, Sleeves, the Carrying Case, and the Cable of the Earphones. While at the top, is molded to have the earphones snap into place. This plastic molding is then put in a sleeve of Cardboard with the labels, information, and descriptions about the Metro Fi 170 and the MetroFi 220.
SOUND QUALITIO!
Highs: MF170-6.5/10 MF220-7/10
The highs on both earphones are reasonable, and decent for the price. They aren't as good as some competitors at the same price range, for example the highs on the Klipsch Image S4 are definitely better than both of the MetroFis. However if you are coming from stock buds, this is a little taste of what real High frequencies are suppose to sound like.
Mids: MF170-7.5/10 MF220-7.5/10
Smooth and Lush. Very Warm, and has a Dynamical sound to them. Seems though there's a slight bump in the Higher Midrange. If you're a person that likes a fun sound to listen to, these will definitely fit your taste. The mids are very detailed for the price that you pay for them, the mids aren't as warm as Klipsch Image S4's, but are more detailed on the 220. The Mids i would say are comparable to the Se115, but with less detail and accuracy.
Lows: MF170-7/10 MF220-7.5/10
Lows are the Best Frequency on these MetroFi's. They are punchy, low, and has a very Dynamic Feel to them. It may not be the Most accurate Lows in the world, like you would get from a pair of Phonak's, but the lows are powerful and people coming from something like skullcandies wouldn't find these disappointing at all....but of course the lows are not overpowering and muddy like they are on slkullcandies. The MF220 has punchier, and more powerful feel when compared to the MF170, but that's not to be expected as the MF220 comes at the $30 price up from the 170. The Lows are not as warm as the Image S4, but both the 170 and 220 are comparable to the Image S4 on Power and Speed wise. if you're a basshead but are on a tight budget, take a look at these and give them a try. They Shouldn't be disappointing at all.
Soundstage: MF170-6/10 MF220-6.5/10
Soundstage wise, both are that impressive. yes once again, a step up from stock buds. However, the soundstage doesn't compare to some similar price earphones like the Backbeat Titanium from Altec Lansing that has the same sort of driver as the 220, which is a Neodymium Magnet with a Titanium Coating. So if you are person that likes your music to be super wide, and "live" sounding, avoid these as these earphones won't be for you.
Accessories:
This part is the part that disappoints a bit. yes i didn't expect much from the MetroFi 170, as it is priced at 49.99. So i was right, it came with a Carrying case, the same as the one that came with the UE700, and S, M, and L Sleeve. But for the 220, i didn't expect the same packaging, I would made expect a pair of Comply's would be thrown in there for the $30 price increase, but no. It came with the Same carrying case, and the same S, M, and L Size sleeves and that's it. Nothing else. Compared to the Klipsch Image S4, BackBeat Titanium, and Jays j-Jays, these are no where close to being Accessory beasts. But, what can i say. i didn't receive much from the $229.99 dollars UE700, which only had Two Pairs of Comply, Four pairs of Silicone, and a carrying Case.
Fit:
Fit, not the Best for the Price. The old MetroFi 200 had a better fit compared to both the 170 and the 220. The only reason they were really better was because the housing was longer, and didn't push against the outside of your ear. The 170 and 220 are smaller, but the Housing and the nozzle just don't add up to be long enough, and might not reach ears that are deep before the tail of the housing that leads to the cable hits the outside of your ears. Isolation wise, if you get the proper fit. You might at -16db of Isolation from them, but that's nearly nothing when compared to Westones, and Shure's which could offer up to nearly -30db if fitted properly. In the End? Not the most comfortable or isolating earphone on the market.
Looks:
Beautiful. All i can say. The Transparent black on the 170, and the sleek silver on the 220 really are attractive. Teenagers will not find these embarrassing, or ugly to wear at all to school to show of to their friends. Compared to the 100, 150, and 200 from the previous MetroFi Series, These are LOOKERS! Definitely better looking IMO, compared to the ugly shaped Skullcandies out there.
Conclusion:
Variation: Transparent Black for MF170/ Silver for MF220
Transducer: Single Neodymium Dynamic for MF170
Single Titanium Coated Neodymium Dynamic for MF220
Impedance: (@1kHz) 18ohm for MF170 & MF220
Frequency Range: 10Hz-16.5kHz
Sensitivity (1mW): 103dB SPL/mW for MF170 & MF220
Weight: 12.4 grams
Cord Style: Y-cord
Mini Jack Style: Gold plated Straight (First Gen iPhone Adaptable)
Eartips Used: Single flange
Packaging: 7/10 good looking, but cheap
Build Quality: 8/10
Accessories: 5/10 (Even Some $20 Pair of Earphones have more accessories)
Isolation: 6.5/10 Nothing Special, Only a tad of Isolation.
Microphonics: 7/10 Straight down, 8/10 Over the Ear
Comfort: 7/10
Soundstage: 6/10 for MF170, 6.5 for MF220
Sound Quality: 6.5/10 for MF170, 7/10 for MF220
Value: 7.5/10 for MF170, 7/10 for MF220
Overall, Very nice earphones for the price you pay. However, disappointing on accessories, and many may find Problems with fitting and comfort issues due to the design of the Earphones, and the limited amount of sleeves sizes that are offered. However, if you are coming from stock earbuds or earphones, you definitely want to give these a try if you are on a budget. I would say, If you plan on buying these i would go for the MetroFi 170 first. As the $30 price increase isn't worth for the 220, as they only offer a slightly more detailed low midrange, and a tad more power and speed on the lows. You could definitely get better earphones for the $79.99 dollars on the 220. While the MetroFi170 is bang for the buck, and really is probably one of the better earphones for the price you pay for them. Infact, i find the MetroFi170 offering more detail and midrange when compared to the old top of the line 200, which is surprising. Really, on a budget? give the MetroFi 170 a try!
Have a great day to everyone that's reading this!...well to those that aren't too. =)
If you want more information on a specific part of them compared to a earphone. Feel free to ask in the thread or through messaging on headfi. Cause i'm sure everyone would appreciate that. =)
-Felix
