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SoundMAGIC PL30 Review
SoundMAGIC PL30 Review
Source: REVIEW: SoundMAGIC PL30 @ HiFi Headphones Blog
The SoundMAGIC PL30 is an In Ear Monitor (IEM) style earphone secure fit system and bass boost control switch. Going head to head with well regarded earphones like the Sennheiser CX300-II, Denon AH-C351 and Ultimate Ears Metro.fi 220, the SoundMAGIC PL30 has plenty of good competition.
Interestingly the PL30 has an innovative over ear cable design that seems aimed at the running and gym market.
We have only just started to stock SoundMAGIC earphones at the HiFi Headphones Store. Initially we were sceptical of the SoundMAGIC brand, but our scepticism soon turned into surprise as we discovered the superb sound and high quality construction of their earphones. The PL11 and PL30 models were the firs that caught our attention while testing the samples we received from SoundMAGIC.
The PL30 is the earphone that got SoundMAGIC recognised on the Head-fi.org forums some time ago. The reports on the forums have been overwelmingly positive since the PL30 was launced.
This is a review of the some of the attributes of the SoundMAGIC PL30 in ear sound isolating earphone.
What You Get
The first pleasant surprise after taking the SoundMAGIC PL30 out of it's box is that there are lots of accessories included. The following items are included:
SoundMAGIC PL30 Package
Comfort and Fit
Featuring pro-style over ear cabling (to reduce cable transmission noise and to provide a secure fit), the PL30 is squarely aimed at the owners who plan to be active while listening, e.g. running or in the gym.
The SoundMAGIC PL30's over ear cabling design can take some practice to get the hang of at first. The cable is designed to run up over the ear and secure at the back of the neck with the sliding cable tensioner. It sounds complicated, but it's really easy after a bit of practice.
If you've every tried fitting a pair of Ultimate Ears earphones before you will be pleased to know that the PL30 is easier than these to fit. The PL30's earphone body is much smaller than the the Ultimate Ears designs and I found it easy to fit the earphone snug in the entrance to the ear canal.
The PL30 is very comfortable - partly due to the small design. For me the factory fitted medium sized eartips worked fine straight out of the box, but the dual flange ear tips gave an improved seal in the ear. I found that Comply T-400 tips (normally used on my Sennheiser IE8) fitted the PL30 and this gave the best seal and fit.
As with any sound isolating earphones the fit is critical to getting the best sound (especially bass response). If you take the time to fit the PL30 correctly in the ear then the bass response should be plentiful.
Sound Quality
Well balanced sound is not something you would expect from an entry level IEM, but the PL30 delivers just that. The bass response is punchy, with the midrange very prominent (maybe a little too much) and the highs sounding very crisp and clear.
Bass response is very enjoyable with the PL30 and is well defined. The PL30 presents bass that is dramatically better than the bloated, muddy bass that is often all you get with entry level earphones (the Sennheiser CX300 is a classic example).
The PL30 isn't a bass monster, but lower frequency sounds are nicely defined and very solid. Dig out some tracks with good bass guitars and the PL30's will put a big smile on your face. The PL30's bass response can be changed by rotating the bass control switch. The flat bass setting was my preference as it keeps the bass tighter and better defined.
The PL30 has a striking soundstage and instrument separation when you first listen. It's easy to locate sounds and instruments in a track, without the earphone sounding cold and analytical.
Overall the PL30 is very enjoyable to listen with and has a musical delivery that will please most people's ears.
Sound quality is way better than you would expect from a sub £40 earphone.
Review Summary
For:
For more SoundMAGIC earphones and a selection of other earphones please visit HiFi Headphones.
Source: REVIEW: SoundMAGIC PL30 @ HiFi Headphones Blog
The SoundMAGIC PL30 is an In Ear Monitor (IEM) style earphone secure fit system and bass boost control switch. Going head to head with well regarded earphones like the Sennheiser CX300-II, Denon AH-C351 and Ultimate Ears Metro.fi 220, the SoundMAGIC PL30 has plenty of good competition.
Interestingly the PL30 has an innovative over ear cable design that seems aimed at the running and gym market.
We have only just started to stock SoundMAGIC earphones at the HiFi Headphones Store. Initially we were sceptical of the SoundMAGIC brand, but our scepticism soon turned into surprise as we discovered the superb sound and high quality construction of their earphones. The PL11 and PL30 models were the firs that caught our attention while testing the samples we received from SoundMAGIC.
The PL30 is the earphone that got SoundMAGIC recognised on the Head-fi.org forums some time ago. The reports on the forums have been overwelmingly positive since the PL30 was launced.
This is a review of the some of the attributes of the SoundMAGIC PL30 in ear sound isolating earphone.
What You Get
The first pleasant surprise after taking the SoundMAGIC PL30 out of it's box is that there are lots of accessories included. The following items are included:
- High quality travel case made from high impact fibre material (very similar to Shure supplied earphone cases).
- Many different types of ear tips, including small/medium/large silicone tips, double flange tips and foam tips (harder than Comply Foam, but worth a try).
- 1x pair of silicone over the ear cable guides (for keeping the cable on your ear while running)
- Soft silicone cable wrap for safe storage of the earphone cabling.
SoundMAGIC PL30 Package
Comfort and Fit
Featuring pro-style over ear cabling (to reduce cable transmission noise and to provide a secure fit), the PL30 is squarely aimed at the owners who plan to be active while listening, e.g. running or in the gym.
The SoundMAGIC PL30's over ear cabling design can take some practice to get the hang of at first. The cable is designed to run up over the ear and secure at the back of the neck with the sliding cable tensioner. It sounds complicated, but it's really easy after a bit of practice.
If you've every tried fitting a pair of Ultimate Ears earphones before you will be pleased to know that the PL30 is easier than these to fit. The PL30's earphone body is much smaller than the the Ultimate Ears designs and I found it easy to fit the earphone snug in the entrance to the ear canal.
The PL30 is very comfortable - partly due to the small design. For me the factory fitted medium sized eartips worked fine straight out of the box, but the dual flange ear tips gave an improved seal in the ear. I found that Comply T-400 tips (normally used on my Sennheiser IE8) fitted the PL30 and this gave the best seal and fit.
As with any sound isolating earphones the fit is critical to getting the best sound (especially bass response). If you take the time to fit the PL30 correctly in the ear then the bass response should be plentiful.
Sound Quality
Well balanced sound is not something you would expect from an entry level IEM, but the PL30 delivers just that. The bass response is punchy, with the midrange very prominent (maybe a little too much) and the highs sounding very crisp and clear.
Bass response is very enjoyable with the PL30 and is well defined. The PL30 presents bass that is dramatically better than the bloated, muddy bass that is often all you get with entry level earphones (the Sennheiser CX300 is a classic example).
The PL30 isn't a bass monster, but lower frequency sounds are nicely defined and very solid. Dig out some tracks with good bass guitars and the PL30's will put a big smile on your face. The PL30's bass response can be changed by rotating the bass control switch. The flat bass setting was my preference as it keeps the bass tighter and better defined.
The PL30 has a striking soundstage and instrument separation when you first listen. It's easy to locate sounds and instruments in a track, without the earphone sounding cold and analytical.
Overall the PL30 is very enjoyable to listen with and has a musical delivery that will please most people's ears.
Sound quality is way better than you would expect from a sub £40 earphone.
Review Summary
For:
- Brilliant sound quality for the price - possibly the best in-ear sound isolating earphone for the money.
- Very little transmission noise and secure over ear fit system make the PL30 ideal for running and gym.
- Well made cables with good strain relief.
- Rubberized cable coating seems to cause tangles easily.
For more SoundMAGIC earphones and a selection of other earphones please visit HiFi Headphones.
Total Comments 2
Comments
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SoundMAGIC PL30 review
Just spotted that LFC_SL has just written his own SoundMAGIC PL30 review in the Headphone forum area.
Lots of photos and plenty of impressions of the PL30 in his review.Posted 10-08-2009 at 11:09 AM by HiFi Headphones 
Updated 09-10-2009 at 2:18 PM by HiFi Headphones -
Review of SoundMAGIC PL30
There's another review of the SoundMAGIC PL30 on our forum area that makes interesting reading.
The comparison with other much higher end earphones is praise indeed. They are good!Posted 09-10-2009 at 2:17 PM by HiFi Headphones
E. & O.E.