The OneOdio Focus A6 is the second pair of headphones I’ve examined from this Chinese language audio model, after attempting out (and really a lot approving of) the OneOdio A10 slightly below two years in the past. (My esteemed colleague Beth tried out their wired studio Monitor 60 headphones and favored these too, beeteedubs.)Fortunately, the world of audio would not transfer alongside fairly as dizzyingly quick because the AI-powered increase in laptop computer tech has, for instance, so it has been a bit of simpler for my caffeine-addled Twentieth-century mind to maintain up on the audio entrance.And whereas my internal audiophile isn’t happier than when he is bought a pair of status Sennheisers on, the equally prestigious price ticket for these types of cans means I’ve made a life out of attempting to find worth for cash. And I can fortunately say the OneOdio Focus A6 provide precisely that, and in abundance. In reality, I believe I would take these over any of one of the best Apple headphones round, they usually even arise fairly nicely towards probably the most lovely headphones on this planet.
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They give the impression of being fairly good, do not they?
(Picture credit score: Future/Erlingur Einarsson)Sure, sure they do. Whereas they do not have fairly the premium sensation of a £300 pair of Bose or Sennheiser over-ear audio havens, and there may be extra primary plastic seen within the exterior building right here than within the A10 or Monitor 60 pairs, the faux-leather-padded cups are properly formed and cozy to put on. I’ve been capable of put on them for 3-4 hours at a time with out my ears feeling too scorching or clammy, which in all probability comes all the way down to the general light-weight building.Whereas the A10 pair weighed slightly below 290 grams, the A6 are available at simply 230 grams, and the extendable however firm-enough headband by no means feels too constricting consequently.The cups are properly designed too, with the identical vinyl-record-evoking etching across the OneOdio brand on the surface, and a giant, useful ‘R’ and ‘L’ on the within of every corresponding cup. The management buttons are all specified by a line alongside the right-ear cup, with a distinct tactile floor on each that can assist you distinguish between the facility, ANC and quantity controls with out having to take them off.And talking of the ANC…Every day design information, opinions, how-tos and extra, as picked by the editors.What concerning the ANC?Picture 1 of three(Picture credit score: Future/Erlingur Einarsson)(Picture credit score: Future/Erlingur Einarsson)(Picture credit score: Future/Erlingur Einarsson)The ANC is nice, y’all. In reality, the sound high quality usually I really feel is at the very least equal to and even higher than within the costlier A10 pair. The bass is good and spherical (however may fill a bit extra dynamically, particularly when listening to rock music, however hey, it is a £60 pair of headphones) and the highs are sharp with out being distorted or jarring. The 40mm dynamic driver, lined by an elastic PET diaphragm, is clearly put to good use right here.With regards to evaluating noise-cancellation in actual life, I make use of two key assessments. One I name the Household Interruption Take a look at, which measures whether or not my son can shout from downstairs to ask me to get him some snacks whereas I am attempting to concentrate on work. These move with flying colors, requiring stated youngster to need to trundle up the steps and really come speak to me if he actually needs one thing from me.The opposite one I name the Fossie Bear Benchmark. In a extremely scientific course of, I placed on music I actually, actually like, one thing that invariably makes me sing enthusiastically alongside to it, and see how nicely I can choose simply how unhealthy a singer I’m. This take a look at is finest carried out when alone in a home or workplace.
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On this case, the OneOdio’s ~48db ANC is simply overwhelmed by the sensational (and sensationally costly) Technics AZ-80 earbuds. I used to be nearly fully oblivious of my very own quantity, for higher or worse.Sudden sounds from me, similar to a sneeze or cough, did trigger some disturbance within the ANC, however nothing lasting.The ambient mode, contrastingly, is rather less helpful for staying conscious of goings-on across the workplace/home than many different pairs I’ve examined (I struggled to make out the sound of our doorbell, for instance), however that’s in all probability all the way down to the enveloping nature of the faux-leather earcups.The quantity is plentiful, with good, head-filling music most comfy at a quantity of 35-45% in my expertise.So, how a lot then?
(Picture credit score: Future/Erlingur Einarsson)The OneOdio Focus A6 retail for £65.99 within the UK and $69.99 within the US, which is already deal, contemplating they sound pretty much as good or higher than many £/$100+ headphones I’ve examined in the previous few years. And to make issues even higher, I’ve discovered two low cost codes to knock an additional 15% off the value, bringing the associated fee all the way down to £56.09 and $59.49, respectively. That makes this a little bit of a discount, really.