PRODUCT REVIEWS
MAS Audio Science On-Ear X5h
Reviewed by Sue Verran
08 May 2019
Design and Comfort
Simple, elegant design, light and comfortable, even after long periods of usage I did not experience the fatigue often associated with intense usage. The anti-fingerprint technology works really well, no sticky fingers so far, and the simple slide design to adjust headphone size is neat.
Specifications
I was positively surprised with the clever balance of Dynamic and Armature Drivers, it’s a tricky balance to get right, a mix of natural sound and crisp digital arena, MAS Audio Science headphones deliver this in abundance with stunning clarity, warmth and detail. The engineers have clearly spent loving time on the full range of frequencies. Impedance is kept low at 32ohms, this is great as you don’t necessarily need to amp up to experience high-quality sound. A headphone amp would be a bonus if you’re looking for a more powerful source to drive the headphones to enhance your listening experience, that said, they performed well when yanking the volume up high and maintained their balance and clarity without distortion.
Connectivity and Mobility
My work takes me to a wide range of places, and the choice to have a range of connection is really handy and buttons to sync with my mobile devices and operations. They have well crafted, clever interlocking connections that make a satisfying click into place. MAS Audio Science has updated the previous version Bluetooth cables, which were a bit temperamental, and the Bluetooth option now works seamlessly. The headphones are light and fold into a hard carrier.
Listening Experience
Hearing artists and music that I am so familiar with suddenly take on a freshness and new perspective, I was gobsmacked and I do not mind admitting that it actually brought tears to my eyes! I was genuinely taken aback by the spaciousness and immersive soundscape delivered by the MAS Audio Science On-ear headphones. It does feel almost like surround sound, their engineers have created a wide frequency spread and soundstage that really does take your breath away. They are closed back headphones, so are not noise cancelling, and they provide a great balance of high-quality personal audio experience whilst blending with your natural ambient surrounding.
Good Stuff
Exceptionally good all-rounders. Excellent for Audiophiles who enjoy a personal immersive experience without losing connection with their environment. If you’re looking to reconnect with your favourite artists or playlists in an entirely fresh and expansive soundstage, the X5h is perfect.
Challenges
The biggest problem you’ll have with these headphones is trying to go back to your old ones. High-quality sound, light and durable and for the price tag, I personally haven’t heard anything as good as MAS Audio Science.
MAS Audio Science In-Ear X5i
(c) Sue Verran
Design and Comfort
It takes a bit of time to acclimatise to the design as they look like they might be weighty. In fact, the opposite is true and once they’re in you can forget about them. MAS Audio Science supply 6 spare sets of earbud sizes to ensure there is one to fit your ear size. The magnetic coupling of the buds is genius, it prevents the cables from getting so tangled up and makes it easier to carry around and find in bags and wallets. They look and feel the part. They are satisfying both in sound and in design.
Specifications
As with the On-Ear, I was positively surprised with the clever balance of Dynamic and Armature Drivers, it’s a tricky balance to get right, a mix of natural sound and a crisp digital arena - these headphones deliver in abundance with stunning clarity, warmth and a detailed soundstage. The engineers have clearly spent loving time on each range of band frequencies, no lacking here. There are lots of other techy details and designs that all add up to an amazing aural experience.
Connectivity and Mobility
As with the On-Ear, the variety of connectivity could be a big attraction. Personally, my work means I am often in different environments, and the choice to have a range of connection is handy. The connections are well made, sturdy and make a pleasing click into place.
Listening Experience
My preference between the 2 sets of headphones is the on-ear X5h, perhaps because it’s a more relaxed way of hearing music in general, but when out and about the in-ear X5i are more convenient and equally amazing quality sound. With the X5i, the technology and design mean that as an end user, you’re in for a great journey. As with the On-Ear, the high level of crisp detail, warmth and spacial soundstage means that hearing songs and music that I am so familiar with suddenly take on a freshness and new perspective is breathtaking.
Good Stuff
These little beauties are perfect for travel, they do a great job at limiting external sound, whilst delivering a crisp, detailed and rich sound. They look the part, versatile connectivity and are light and durable for the amount of clever technology packed into them. Ticked all the high end, travel-lite boxes for me.
Challenges
The connected cables do pick up a small amount of ‘rumbling’ when touched, so may not be ideal for joggers, saying that, the Bluetooth cable was fine.
Final Say on MAS Audio Science Headphones X5h and X5i
X5h and X5i are equally impressive. MAS Audio Science has done itself proud, engineering and designing beautiful, breathtaking, high-end quality headphones at an affordable, mid-range price. It was a pleasure to review these amazing game changers!
(C) (P) Sue Verran 08052019
Link to MAS AUDIO SCIENCE
Reviewed by Sue Verran
08 May 2019
