Audio Chi's W-Series headphones were a surprise hit in 2010.
The combination of high-end components, retro styling and affordable price made them my top headphone choice of the year. Now rebranded as Reid and Heath Acoustics, the Glasgow-based audio specialist is back with a full range of headphone and earphone designs. I tested two new models, the CA-200 over-ear headphones and the MA-350 in-ear buds.
Both models feature an unusual fabric braided cable which is designed to eliminate the tangled knot of wires so often associated with music on the move. It's pretty successful too – in a couple of weeks of testing the wires never tangled. They also share high-end components such as Mylar drivers and gold-plated connections – fancy features in this price range.
The MA-350 in-ear phones are an absolute joy. Featuring a sleek, trumpet-like design, their solid aluminium shell feels virtually indestructible. Lightweight, comfortable and with a secure silicon tip, there's really nothing not to love about the fit or finish of these earphones. Sonically, they're just as impressive. Listening to The Smile Sessions, the recently released box-set of a lost 1967 Beach Boys album, every last detail is revealed and enhanced. Even at higher volume levels the sound remains taught and controlled thanks, no doubt, to the solid aluminium casing.
Even subjected to tough source material, the gritty beats of Ghostpoet or the twitchy nanosecond percussion of James Blake, these earbuds remained composed, clear and expansive. Impressive stuff.
Designed by the same team as the MA-350s, I expected the CA-200 over-ear headphones to be just as impressive, but initial impressions were disappointing. The glossy plastic finish looked cheap, the ear cups were too small to be comfortable and the overall finish felt flimsy. It's a shame, because sonically the CA-200s are rather good. Although they lack the high-frequency attack and precision of their siblings they still produce a rich, engaging sound that's impressive for the price.
If you're still using the headphones that came with your phone or MP3 player I wholeheartedly recommend upgrading to the MA-350s. If the sound quality doesn't win you over then the indestructible build and tangle-free cable will. And if you still hanker after the over-ear design of the CA-200, may I give you a gentle nudge in the direction of their big brother, the SA-850 instead? Same company, different ball game.
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