Ultimate Ears super.fi 4 Headphones review

Ultimate Ears super.fi 4 Headphones Review

Reviewed by: Jasmine France

Reviewed on: 29 September 2008

Ultimate Ears has been a familiar name to musicians and other audio professionals for a decade, but the company has gained quite a following with its consumer line as well. The company's three lines of earphones, metro.fi, super.fi and triple.fi, range in affordability and scale from discerning listeners to audiophiles. The super.fi 4 earphones come in at the lower end and are available for around £75.

Design
There's no doubt that these super.fi 4 earphones are stylish yet low-profile -- upon first laying eyes on them, we were immediately smitten with the sleek and compact design. The earpieces are admirably small and are encased in a blue-tinged metallic housing.

They come with a reasonable array of accessories and offer some of the clearest audio we've come across, though getting a secure and comfortable fit is a challenge for some users. The apertures are relatively large and cause some discomfort for the small-eared among us.

Features
Ultimate Ears includes a variety of silicone ear tips, but achieving a proper seal with the ear can be a challenge -- we would welcome a foam option. It would also be great if the earpieces were detachable from the cord, as with other super.fi models. The cable measures just over 1 metre long and is all black. A slider where the Y meets helps to prevent tangles when the headphones aren't in use.

Performance
The Ultimate Ears super.fi 4 earphones are capable of delivering excellent audio quality -- if you can get a proper fit. If not, music has a distinctly anaemic quality. But anyone who can get a seal with the ear will be rewarded with impressively clear and even sound. Bass is understated, but still present and tight, and mids are warm and encompassing. High-end response is particularly good, with shimmery acoustics and sparkling details.

Conclusion
Even given the potential fit and comfort issues, the super.fi 4 earphones live up to the company's reputation of providing high-quality products. These buds are a worthwhile consideration in the £75 range.

Edited by Marian Smith