Most headphones aim for a pretty similar sound signature. Include some bonus bass, smooth out the sound and tame the ultra-high frequencies to avoid sibilance and you’re onto a winner. This is the ear-charming sound that will guarantee you wide appeal. However, the SoundMagic E80 reject that formula.
These are bright-sounding earphones that push how far the treble extends, getting pretty close to territory that only dogs can appreciate. It’s rare for a £70 earphone working with a standard dynamic driver to have such high ambitions.
SoundMagic has worked wonders with a single dynamic driver, pulling out largely cohesive and information-packed treble that’s not overly prone to sibilance. However, with ill-suited content it lacks the restraint and control needed to make it easy on the ears. So unless you like your earphones as bright as they come, you should probably steer clear.