Clear sound and good noise isolation; low-profile design; handy accessories
Won't fit all users; the large aperture can cause discomfort during wear
The Ultimate Ears super.fi 4 earphones offer a stylish design, great audio quality and some useful extras. But the largish aperture will cause some fit and comfort issues for certain users, so they're certainly not universally appealing. Still, they live up to the company's reputation in providing very high-quality sound, so they're worth a close look
7 Very good
Reviewed by Jasmine France
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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