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
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SpiderJon 7 January 2011
Good: Good sound quality.
Bad: Cable is rather microphonic.
Comment: The sound quality when properly inserted - but the various silicon/memory foam tips supplied mean that you should be able to achieve a good "ear fit".
On the downside, the cable is rather 'microphonic', and there's no quick/easy way to differentiate left and right - the only markings are very small and faint - which is really annoying if you're in poor light and/or have poor eyesight.
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