MARCH 2020 MACWORLD 127mmmh
Audeara A-01
PROS- Unique app-based hearing
test is used to program the
headphones with EQ
tailored to your hearing
profile. - Sound quality is quite good
at 50-percent strength and
ANC on. - Slim case is easy to pack in
carry-on luggage.
CONS - Sound is very dull without
EQ. - With EQ and no ANC, bass
is a bit loose and tubby. - Not all that comfortable for
extended wear.
PRICE
$349
COMPANY
Audeara
this condition, though the difference is
much smaller than with ANC off in both
headphones. As far as noise cancellation
is concerned, I thought the two models
were roughly equal in lowering the level
of low-frequency noise.
I found the M4U 8 more comfortable
to wear, especially for long periods. As I
mentioned earlier, the A-01 is pretty tight
on my head, which is not a problem with
the PSB.
BOTTOM LINE
The idea behind the Audeara A-01 is
excellent—measure the user’s hearing
profile and adjust the
headphone’s EQ to compensate
for any deficits. In its current
iteration, however, it falls a little
short. In particular, the audiogram
I obtained did not match my
professionally administered
audiogram in some areas,
though it did follow a roughly
similar curve.
Still, the sound quality was
certainly better with the results
applied to the headphone, but
that is partly due to how dull it
sounds with no EQ. I found
myself wondering if Audeara
voiced the headphone’s native
response to be so deficient in
the highs. I don’t know, but in
any case, I would much prefer having a
more neutral response if no EQ is applied.
Setting the strength to 100 percent
resulted in a buzz saw with screeching
highs, while 50 percent with ANC on
provided the best sound. Of course, that
will drain the battery the fastest, but
Audeara rates the battery life at up to 35
hours with all electronics on, which is
much more than needed to last an
intercontinental flight.
By comparison, the PSB M4U 8 sounded
better, with tighter bass and a more natural
balance. Plus, it’s more comfortable to wear
for long listening sessions. On the other
hand, the M4U 8 carries a list price
of $399, which is $100 more than
the A-01. And the Audeara sounds
pretty darn good at 50-percent
strength with ANC on.
I applaud Audeara for coming
up with an ingenious product,
which I hope will get more people
interested in learning about their
hearing profile. The A-01 has great
potential to help those with
hearing deficits to more fully enjoy
music, and it goes a long way
toward fulfilling that potential. If the
company can refine the app to
produce a more accurate
audiogram and reduce the
slight tubbiness of the bass, it will
be a slam dunk. ■