Hi-Fi: Logitech-Ultimate Ears – Review – 76

If someone had told me I was going to go nuts over earbuds worth $749 (which is more than my iPod cost), my reaction would’ve been, “Seven-hundred-and-fifty bucks? You what?” Several weeks later, however, I’m completely and utterly sold. After extensive testing with Logitech’s Triple.Fi 10 earbuds, I’m willing to wager that they’ll be life changing for many red-blooded Tone readers seeking high-vitamin audio on the go.

Having purchased high-end headphone manufacturer Ultimate Ears, Logitech seems set to make the most of what looks to be a promising marriage. By flexing its marketing muscle and combining it Ultimate Ears’ amazing designs, Logitech is hoping to make a serious land grab in the upper end of earbudville.

So what is the secret sauce that makes the Triple.Fi 10s rock utterly? The Triple.Fi 10s work their magic via a particularly clever three-driver design that allows them to deliver impressively accurate audio that other ear buds can only dream of aspiring to.

Plugging the Triple.Fi 10′s into my ears was a revelation. These puppies definitely delivered, cranking out some of the most impressive audio I’ve ever heard from earbuds. Where cheaper buds are usually a shrill and distortion laden, audio the Triple.Fi 10s were rich, detailed and accurate.

Thanks to the three dedicated drivers, the sound emanating from the Triple.Fi 10s was easily on a par with what you’d expect from a pair of good monitors. Where lesser earbuds hint at bass, the Triple.Fi 10s oozed oonst in all its velvety glory. Separate tweeters also meant highs were crisp but didn’t scream, while independent mids contributed to accurate audio. In a nutshell, Ultimate Ears’ clever design has managed to create a transparent yet incredibly involving soundstage.

Looks-wise, their glossy blue metallic finish made for a pleasant change from the white-on-white buds worn by the hoi polloi. The Triple.Fi 10s also won me over thanks to their sensible ergonomics, which made them a particularly comfy fit (which was further improved by ear tips supplied in different sizes to suit all ear canals). Delicious audio made for long listening periods, and after some extended in-ear bonding, the Triple.Fi 10s were so comfy that I frequently forgot they were bunged into my Britney Spears.

On the accessories front, the Triple.Fi 10s came with a stack of bits, starting with the obligatory jack adapter, an extension cord, a level attenuator (to prevent hearing damage), a cleaning tool and an aluminium carry case to store the lot in. An extra $50 will get you an iPhone-compatible version (Triple.Fi 10Vi) with a built-in mic so you can take or make calls.

Sure, Logitech’s Triple.Fi 10s won’t be snapped up by budget-conscious buyers, but audiophiles wanting to wring some extra sonic sweetness out of their iPods (and other audio players) will struggle to match the audio quality offered by these little stunners. Besides, what price can you put on good audio?

PAT PILCHER

Tech Specs

Ultimate Ears
Earphones
Triple.Fi 10 $699.90
Triple.Fi 10Vi $749.90

Input Sensitivity: 117dB/mW
Frequency Response: 10-17,000Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Noise Isolation: – 26dB
Input connector: 3.5mm gold plated
Weight With cable assembly: 170g

Pros

• Stunning Audio

• Incredibly comfy

• Not coloured white!

Cons

• Nada

Verdict

• Must-have in-ear goodies

Contact

www.logitech.co.nz

This Review is from Tone Issue #76.