Audeze iSine10 In-Ear Headphone Review

The future of in-ear headphones came early this year. The iSine10 in-ear headphone from Audeze is a unique combination. Mixing planar magnetic drivers with an open-back design into an in-ear headphone, the iSine10 is designed for audiophiles on-the-go. This all new headphone seems like technology from a sci-fi movie but it’s real. But how comfortable is an in-ear planar magnetic headphone? And how does it sound? Could this be the earphone to stir up audiophiles worldwide this year? Let’s find out with a full headphone review of the Audeze iSine 10.

Audeze iSine In-Ear Headphone Review

In The Box

Opening up the box for the iSine10 you get the feeling this is a serious headphone. Everything is packaged up separately from eartips to ear-clips inside the handsome carrying case. The earphones themselves however come in a thick foam casing that you can also use in the carrying case for transport. As with most in-ear headphones you get several sizes in eartips. The iSine10 also comes with several options in ear-clips which you’ll definitely need to keep this fine piece of technology steady and stable in the ear.

• iSine10 Earphones
• Eartips
• Ear-Clips
• 1.5m stereo audio cable (3.5mm or Lightning connection)
• Certificate of Authenticity Card
• User Guide and Warranty

Design and Comfort

After wiring them up and putting them in for the first time they do feel quite different from anything else I’ve ever tried in an in-ear headphone. They’re certainly as big as they look in the picture but surprisingly light. The ear-clips are something to get used to but I found after a few minutes I didn’t notice them as much. Overall I think it’s a thoughtful ergonomic design that works well considering your wearing an in-ear planar magnetic earphone with 30mm drivers.  Audeze even has a comfort guide video on their website to let you know exactly how to get the best fit using the iSine10.

Sound and Frequency Response

Sound Signature
This 16 Ohm earphone has a whopping 30mm driver for each ear and promises a frequency response of 10Hz – 50kHz. I listened to several different genres of music and used several different sources and I was definitely impressed with the sound of the iSine10. As you would expect, this in-ear headphone has a sound signature of a very expensive IEM but at a fraction of the price. From pop to electronic and even rock genres I found the iSine10 even had an impressive amount of bass for an in ear. Fans of jazz and classical music will be ecstatic too. Listening to my Miles Davis FLAC files I can hear every detail from the original recording.

Soundstage
The soundstage on this semi-open in-ear headphone is definitely there. I can sense more depth and space in my music and it’s pretty amazing. It’s not quite like an over-ear open-back headphone though which is no surprise.

Low, Mid and High Frequencies
Overall, the iSine 10 has a balanced sound. I would have liked a little more bass in the 50Hz to 250Hz range but it wasn’t disappointing. The mid-range is where this headphone shines. I discovered (as with IEM’s) you’ll hear elements of the mix in all genres that you don’t normally hear with most earbuds. The high-frequencies (5kHz and up) were great. I got a lot of presence and felt like the music just had more depth all around.

Sound Pressure Level
The volume of the earphone directly from a mobile device without an amp is great. You definitely don’t need an amplifier but you can get a little more depth and dynamics if you decide to use one. Of course as with all headphones you’ll get the maximum sound quality from lossless files like FLAC and WAV.

Overview

The Audeze iSine10 is this world’s first in-ear planar magnetic headphone and it’s impressive. From the sturdy feel of the earphones themselves to the sound they push out, I’m pleased with what Audeze has come up with in creating the iSine. You’d be well advised if you’re an audiophile looking for that new headphone experience that makes you smile when you first listen to your favorite tracks I highly recommend getting to an authorized online dealer or store and picking up a pair. It’s certainly going to be a game changing experience worth the money.

iSine 10 Specifications

Style: In-ear, universal fit
Transducer type: Planar magnetic, semi-open
Magnetic structure: Fluxor
Magnet type: High-grade neodymium
Diaphragm type: Ultra-thin Uniforce
Transducer size: 30mm
Maximum power handling: 3W
Maximum SPL: >120dB
Frequency response: 10Hz – 50kHz
THD: <0.1% @ 100dB
Impedance: 16 ohms
Cable type: non-microphonic
Weight: 20g without cable