Review - SoundMAGIC E11BT
Website
- SoundMAGIC
Overview
Following the previous
E10 in-ear model, SoundMAGIC recently released the new E11, and now here is the
wireless version of it, the E11BT, featuring Bluetooth 5.0 with very solid
battery time, neckband design with fresh new sound.
Specifications
Price: ~€80.
The box is a
bit larger than the usual in-ear options from the company, with the neckband
design occupying most of the box area. The included accessories consist of just
3 pairs of single flange silicone ear tips, a USB cable and a large black
pouch.
Build Quality / Design
For the new wireless
earphone, SoundMAGIC opted for a neckband design in an all black color paint
finish. Whether these designs can be called wireless with the now "true
wireless" options is not something to be discussed here. They work only
on a wireless Bluetooth connection, so fair enough to classify as wireless,
right? The build quality is pretty good on specific parts, both on the
housings/shells being all aluminum and on the ends of the neckband made of
metal too. The inner band seems metal and with a rubber coating outside, and
with the flat design it is flexible yet appears to be durable enough.
The aluminum housings
follow the same compact and straight design of the E10 and E50. They are very
light in weight, easy to fit even with the standard tips included. The shape is
comfortable too, but there is just a small sharp section, right next to the R/L
markings, that can be very annoying. Isolation is around average, which is
decent for these types of straight designs. Driver flex is not present at all,
there is no vent that can be found, but there probably is one as some wind
noise is present during these winter days.
The cable is very soft
but also very uninspiring. It looks rather flimsy and has very short strain
relief on both the exit of the housings and the neckband. The standard wired
E11 already features a better cable among all the SoundMAGIC previous in-ear
models, with silver-plated wire inside and more durable and comfortable to use.
It does disappoint that it wasn't include in this BT version, but at least a
more reliable cable would have been nice.
The remote control is
placed on the left side, in the middle of the cable, made of plastic with a
rubbery material on the 3-buttons part. The center button works for power,
playback and call answering, while the + and - buttons for volume and track
skip; single press to adjust the volume and double press for back and next
track.
Battery and Bluetooth
performance
For any wireless
headphone both battery and wireless connectivity are key features, and
fortunately, the E11BT is really good here. The battery is rated to hold more
than 20hrs of playback, and the charging time is also good, less than 2hrs.
The Bluetooth tech here
is 5.0 version with AptX (not HD). However, the E11BT doesn't work with all
portable devices I tried. For instance, with the Shanling M0 it does pair and
the controls also work, but there is no sound out of the earphones, and similar
results with other portable players. On the other hand, with various Android
based devices the E11BT work very well, easy and fast pairing, excellent
Bluetooth connection with no drops or noises. Also a bit wider range and most
importantly very clear sound quality. Had used it with the new Fiio M6 player (which
uses a customized Android 7.0 platform) and the Bluetooth performance is
excellent with automatic pairing.
Sound Quality
From memory, the E11BT
is still different from the E50 and E80, but also not as v-shaped as the
original E10. Interestingly, the tuning is less meant to amaze with powerful
and energetic bass and treble response, and instead, it is a bit more balanced,
or rather, more linear with relatively good control. It is not a flat neutral
sound by any means; it has more elevation on the lows but then goes quite even
on mids and highs showing very little peaks on any certain region.
The bass is mildly
accentuated on the overall sound presentation, and typically the emphasis is presented
on the mid-bass region, but not enough to break the balance. Nothing
overwhelming, just some extra punch for a fuller response and bit warmer
tonality and thicker texture. Technically, there is good speed and extension,
though the sub-bass is more shy and soft next to the mid-bass presence.
The midrange is a bit
less forward than the bass with a more neutral nature. There is little bass
attack into lower mids and the transition is quite smooth, but still not
completely clear. On its own, the whole midrange is balanced, neither too thick
nor too lean, well weighted, though dry and cooler in tonality. Clarity is
decent; not forward in the detail but easy to perceive, especially on vocals,
with very little extra brightness on female singers, but still not sweet
texture.
Upper midrange is kept in
check, not harsh or hot, as there is not treble peak. At low to moderate volumes,
the treble sounds kind of off, though on a bit higher volumes it gains more
presence and energy. It is sparkly, yet has very good control unlike the more
mainstream tuning that gives extra elevation on the highs resulting in
harshness and sibilance issues.
The E11BT cannot reach
the E80 resolution and openness, but gives a much fuller bass response. Next to
the E50 richness and musicality the E11BT can sound lean and too dry, but keeps
a very good linearity with the midrange. Soundstage is around average, though
has decent depth. The presentation is fairly spacious with sense of air,
not for micro detailing but not missing either.