INTRODUCTION
Although the trend of our times demands from pretty much every electronic device to be connected wirelessly to others i doubt we will see the end of wires any time soon since as we all know they do allow data (regardless of type) to be transferred better and faster. This is even more important to audiophiles since audio streaming using both Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connections is indeed inferior to that of regular wired connections and thus i don't think the day when they will choose to replace that is near. Needless to say the same applies for earphones but with the current number of available models in the market from low and up to enthusiast grade ones choosing the right one for you is not an easy task even if you know what you want. Naturally high and enthusiast level audio products always tend to cost many times more than low/mid-end ones but fortunately Nuforce with their latest NE-700M earset aims to change that for the best.
NuForce was founded with a singular vision: to provide consumers, audiophiles, and audio pros stunning sound with classic and elegant design. Since then NuForce products have earned the loyalty and passion of consumers while getting top marks from the most prominent publications and press in the world. NuForce is more than just products - it's about making highest-quality sound part of an everyday lifestyle. Our growing array of home and portable products bring music and movie sound to life while providing inspiration, transporting you to another place, and making you feel more connected to your recordings and soundtracks, wherever you are. As music is a universal language everyone can appreciate and enjoy, NuForce products are sold around the world. We remain firmly committed to providing the highest-performance consumer electronics adhering to the most stringent quality standards, and ensuring integrity and value in every product.
It just takes a look at the NE-700M earset to know that it's not your average product but since looks may deceive let's check its specifications sheet. So the aluminum chassis NE-700M feature two 8mm titanium coated drivers each with a frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz, 16Ohms impedance and a sensitivity of 105dB (+-5). That's not all however and so the NE-700M also come ready with an in-line Omni-directional microphone featuring a sensitivity of -38dB (+-3) allowing you to make calls with a compatible device such as an iPhone (however just like every other similar earset in the market it's not compatible with every smartphone out there even if it does have an 3.5mm plug). Personally i just got back from my very short vacation period but I’ve been using the NE-700M earphones with mic for almost 12 days in total so let's take a close look and see how they did.
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
PACKAGING AND CONTENTS
The NE-700M is shipped inside a small white box which has two small clear plastic windows at the front from where you can take a look at both the earphones and the in-line microphone.
At the rear we see both the specifications and features lists along with a few words about the product.
Inside the box NuForce has placed the earset along with a very nice quality (soft fabric) carrying pouch, user's guide and 5 sets of silicone ear-tips (seems they haven’t updated their specifications page to include this).
THE NE-700M
The NE-700M that we are testing is actually the 2nd revision of that specific product and unlike the first that came with 3 different sets of tips this one comes with 5 to cover literally every ear by providing the best seal/insulation possible.
Nuforce has also changed the surface of the exterior into bronze matte (was almost glossy in the first release) that looks and feels better. Obviously some people will like wood more than aluminum but i think aluminum fits the younger generations better.
Both the company logo and Left/Right markings are available at the rear of each earphone.
Each earphone comes with 8mm titanium coated dynamic drivers and although not be as impressive as high end armature ones (high-end equals very expensive) they are well suited for the job.
A button placed on the opposite side of the in-line Omni-directional microphone can be used to pause/resume/skip tracks and also answer/end calls.
The 3.5mm jack is gold plated and is not straight up (90° angle) for use when your device is in tight places.
CONCLUSION
With the new and improved NE-700M earphones with microphone NuForce has made an attempt to launch a product that can go up against more expensive ones in the market and not fall short something which i can say they have successfully accomplished (and then some). Now we can't really claim that the NE-700M is the best earset out there (naturally) but it offers very good/crisp mid/highs with exceptional warm and balanced bass (not lots, but just enough) something which i haven't seen with earsets worth twice as much so if you enjoy classic music, rock or heavy metal then you will be pleased. We did notice some slight audio distortion when using the NE-700M at full volume with some devices but that's quite normal and happens with every earset out there (with some less while others even more). The in-line microphone as already mentioned does not work with most smartphones out there but we did test it with an iPhone 3GS and it worked flawlessly so no problems there either. Noise isolation is of course not the best as with most earphones out there in the market but it's no secret that unless you use a closed type headset you will not find excellence in that area.
NuForce prices their products competitively to allow people to have high-quality at relatively low prices and so the new and improved NE-700M earphones with microphone currently retail for just USD75 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 88Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which lands them right between many mid and high-end earsets from other manufacturers. Now we all know performance and price are not the only decisive factors when choosing an earset (or even a headset) so some people may not like the fact that the NE-700M have an aluminum exterior since wood may appeal to them more. However aside the fact that we all did like the aluminum exterior the NE-700M earphones with microphone by NuForce offer audio detail found only in earphones that worth at least twice as much (the ones with really good armature drivers) and i can't speak for all of you but that's more than enough for us to give them our Golden Award.
PROS
- Build Quality (Aluminum Housing/Titanium Coated Drivers)
- Audio Quality (Deep/Warm Bass & Crisp Mids/Highs)
- 5 Sets Of Ear-Tips (6 In Total)
- 90° 3.5mm Plug (Space-Saving)
- High Quality Carrying Pouch (Soft Fabric)
- Price (For Some)
CONS
- None