Headroom MS19

ø9mm Dynamic Driver

$5~$10
4.0/5.0

The MS19 model has proved to be the brand's most well-balanced earphones to date. However, when it comes to the quality of the sound, there is much more to be desired, especially when there are better sounding earphones in this price range, even though they can't compete with MS19 when it comes to build quality.

The MS19 highly resamble Remax RM-610D a lot when it comes to sound signature (the frequency response is very similar), but MS19 are louder and a bit harsher, while RM-610D has a cleaner sound but also a bit darker timbre, so it all depends on your taste and budget.

As compared to the previous MS18, the MS18 have more precise and airy mids, along with beefier bass response, thus MS18 would be my pick.

Pros

  • Well-balanced sound, when it comes to sound signature. Might satisfy listeners who like a relatively flat sound.
  • Excellent build quality at such a low price. Thick and durable cable with a spring strain relief.
  • Very comfortable to wear for prolonged listening sessions.

Cons

  • The sound is a bit too flat and dry for my taste. The bass doesn't have a lot of impact.
  • Instrument separation and clarity isn't on par with several offerings with a similar price tag.

Package & Accessories

Package:

Hard plastic + soft paperboard

Ear Tips - Single-Flange:

S+M+L, grey (translucent), ø5mm red bores

Extra:

Ear wings, silicone, black

Build & Materials

Housings:

Metal + plastic (matte), ø5.5mm nozzles, no strain reliefs

Remote:

Plastic (matte), triple-button*

Y-Split:

Metal, no strain reliefs

Cable:

Silicone-coated (grippy), 122cm, semi-soft, mildly bent

Plug:

Metal, straight, short, soft strain relief (spring)

Comfort & Fit

Using the angled shape of the housings and extremely lightweight materials, Headroom has made them very comfortable and easy to wear. I had no comfort issues whatsoever and could wear these earphones for many hours straight.

Lows / Bass

The bass is quite clean and would probably satisfy those who like rather flat-sounding bass response. Even though there's just enough mid-bass to not sound muddy, the bass still sounds a bit dry and unexciting, and that probably has more to do with the relatively weak sub-bass.

Mids / Vocals

There's generally nothing wrong with how these earphones sound. They are not the most precise, nor the most detailed, but I can definitely see myself using these while outdoors. The mids are present and non-intrusive. Can't pin-point any significant recession, it's rather flat-sounding. For analytical listening, these definitely won't do the trick. But for casual listening, these are fine. Still, if you can handle a bit more warmth (more mid-bass and sub-bass), I would still go for MS18, as I think they have quite more precise and airy mids.

Highs / Treble

The highs are mild and flat-sounding as well. The amount of detail isn't that great, but at the very least these earphones are not dark-sounding. The treble isn't highly detailed and not entirely tonally precise, and even has some hints of harshness, but that's not very noticeable. Overall, nothing fatally wrong with that treble.

Frequency Response

Published on 2018-09-11 12:29:28 (GMT)
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