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In in the present day’s overview, we hearken to the Westone Audio MACH 50 which is a brand new common in-ear monitor designed with 5 balanced armature drivers. It’s priced at £799.
Disclaimer: This can be a pattern despatched in trade for our sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site that doesn’t have any affiliate hyperlinks. We thank each HiFi Headphones UK and Westone Audio for his or her assist.
To be taught extra about Westone Audio IEMs we’ve beforehand coated on Headfonics you may click here.
Word, that this text follows our newest scoring steerage which you’ll learn up on here.
The MACH 50 is the sub-flagship mannequin for Westone Audio’s newest “Premium Bass” line with its mannequin quantity depicting the 5 Balanced Armature drivers inside.
The extraordinarily compact design appears to be like virtually equivalent to the MACH 70 and there are additionally some similarities in its crossover know-how. 5 BA has all the time been a magical mixture to me and searching on the price ticket which is roughly half of MACH 70, there’s a lot to anticipate.
Tech Highlights
The MACH 50 homes 5 balanced armature drivers in a proprietary 3-way configuration that includes a pair of tweeters, twin mids, and 1 single bass driver, in line with all of the “Premium Bass” line gadgets that use just one BA for bass copy.
The design is rated 110dB in sensitivity and 32Ω in impedance, which makes it extra aware of energy than the MACH 70 which is rated 100dB and 42Ω in impedance.
The rugged T2 connector system is used for interchangeable cables with the inventory Linum SuperBax cable from Denmark measured at simply 0.6Ω in impedance.
Design
Westone Audio has employed a really modern and compact design for all its MACH sequence fashions. With the Sci-fi coloration scheme and metallic cowl in entrance labeling the mannequin quantity, the MACH 50 appears to be like completely future-proof.
Westone Audio performs effectively with supplies utilizing polycarbonate for the housing to attain an excessive mild profile. Even when the faceplate is metallic, the satin end offers it higher resistance to scratches and put on.
Although the nozzle will not be metallic it does really feel sturdy. Along with the stealthy Linum cable that has glorious power on all joints, this is among the hardest and coolest stage screens constructed.
Consolation & Isolation
Our expertise with the MACH 80, 70, and 60 have confirmed that the aesthetics of the MACH sequence matches extraordinarily effectively on the ears with its barely tilted extrusion angle, which shall match effectively on all ears with out the necessity for adjustment on a regular basis.
The slim design factoring within the virtually weightless cable has contributed to enhanced consolation, particularly when listening constantly for hours. With out compromising constancy or urgent down the dynamic vary as a result of skinny gauge, this mix could be very effectively executed.
Suggestions
Each MACH sequence merchandise comes with a lavish choice of ideas that perfects the becoming expertise. When inspected intently, the guidelines are barely extra protruded than frequent ear ideas however this appears to assist improve passive noise isolation and bass supply. It additionally spreads the burden of the IEM evenly on supporting areas.
You get 5 pairs of silicone flanges and 5 pairs of Westone Audio’s True-fit foams so customers may simply discover the precise proper match and cut back ambient noise to close silence. With foam ideas, it’s virtually as quiet as customized screens and shapes the bass barely deeper and extra elaboratively.
Inventory Cable
The MACH 50 comes with Linum Estron SuperBaX as its inventory cable and it has a low resistance ranking measured at simply 0.75Ω. As such, it can assist cut back the coloration of the earphones. The cable could be very comfortable so there isn’t a want to fret about reminiscence results and it doesn’t get tangled simply.
We have now been praising the slider on the Linum cable a number of occasions in different MACH sequence opinions, the place the slider permits an immediate, safe lock. That helps suppress microphonics and permits the earphones to remain securely, particularly whenever you tie the cable behind the neck.
Packaging & Equipment
The packaging has a clear and futuristic design. Not solely does it embody 10 units of froth ideas, however there may be additionally an Affect Resistant Pelican carrying case appropriate for on a regular basis carry. You additionally get a cleaner instrument and a cable binder with an extra material bag for further safety.
Sound Impressions
Taking a look at how related the specs are to the MACH 70, particularly within the bass division, the MACH 50’s extra reasonably priced price ticket appears too good to be true. The MACH 50 response is extra linear, barely tilted to the bass with a candy and delicate roll-off within the treble.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t immediately wow me just like the MACH 70’s extra prolonged treble however the signature does slowly develop and sound immersive so, even after hours of listening, as it isn’t fatiguing in any respect.
The soothing vibes make up of punchy mid-lows and managed treble helps to spice up the dynamics of streaming content material or with thinner outputs on Bluetooth receivers. When powered by weaker sources, the MACH 50 can nonetheless picture fairly effectively and sound quite lush and agile.
Bass
The MACH 50 will not be shy of bass rumble. The standard as a substitute of depth is emphasised, and it sounds expansive and impactful on highly effective sources just like the Shanling M9.
With glorious sealing properties on Westone Audio’s ideas, the bass is swiftly delivered and sounds deep, intense, and dense, additionally effectively beneath management.
On the MACH 50, there may be adequate vitality within the 300-400Hz vary in order that darker voices and decrease strings of acoustic devices have good presence, It doesn’t punch in your face however is swiftly articulated from the very low finish, with only a light carry within the mid lows that enables deeper frequencies to be heard.
The bass tuning has some resemblance to the MACH 70 and 80, however the physique and dynamics aren’t as sturdy as on the 70 which pushes the mid-lows ahead, or the 80 which lifts the vocal overtones for larger definition.
I might describe the bass on the MACH 50 as correct and resolving. One which is ready to deal with huge blows with out flattening the output, whereas the pace on the MACH 50 permits it to take care of a reasonably tight tempo and to sound swift and energetic with completely different bass components.
Mids
The midrange could be very easily rendered on the MACH 50 and that’s holding the output clear albeit the bass punch with fairly a little bit of fullness and weight. Midrange devices and vocal stands out greater than the Premium Reference fashions because the bass vitality empowers decrease strings and darkish voices to sound lusher and stronger in presence.
The element retrieval energy within the midrange is respectable regardless of having sturdy mid-lows depth, and it impacts reasonably quick to maintain the output clear and managed.
The transient response is nice too with bass guitar strings, acoustic guitars, and flutes sounding intense and articulate. Accordions additionally work rather well on the MACH 50 with its smoothness.
The upper mids are utterly freed from sibilance with out killing the air, and the harmonics and openness are effectively preserved to enhance the extra weighted mid-lows.
The intimate, barely heat tone with nice depth within the mid-range in addition to the rounded therapy makes it an excellent match for vocal works. If solely it sounded barely airier you would possibly assume you might be listening to a dynamic driver.
Treble
The upper register on the MACH 50 is easily offered with sibilance round 6-7kHz dimmed. It isn’t a pointy roll-off that takes away the air and definition within the higher finish, and you may nonetheless clearly hear the shimmer and shines of cymbals and hi-hats.
The highest finish of guitars and pianos are sounding rounded and polished. On this sense, it isn’t MACH 50’s forte to help in mixing however the tuning helps it to sound rather more partaking and enjoyable for light-hearted and enjoyable music, particularly with gradual jazz and synthesized devices.
Soundstage
The MACH 50 sounds pretty expansive and correct in imaging. The vocal picture or the place of strings being struck might be clearly outlined within the soundstage rendered.
The deep and fast-paced low finish will not be exaggerated and helps stretch the width and depth within the perceived headroom. Whereas the fullness within the mid-lows can refill the house and convey devices and voices up-front.
Darker voices are drawn fairly close to as in case you are within the entrance few rows of a corridor. Glass-shattering sharp voices are effectively managed on the MACH 50 so they won’t get scorching or mess up the dynamics however it does restrict the headroom a bit.
All components are well-defined, and clearly positioned with good dynamic vary maintained.
Synergy
Effectivity
At 32Ω impedance and 110dB SPL, the MACH 50 might be pushed to sound fairly dynamic on a dongle and sounds much more resolving and agency on DAPs with stronger voltage swings.
The background is darkish on most gadgets and with larger acquire, you could hear some hissing being picked up, however usually, it’s fairly darkish with a good dynamic vary current.
I discover the MACH 50 comparatively straightforward to drive resulting from its full balanced armature configuration and its sensitivity, additionally due to its weighted mid-lows. It may well scale effectively with larger energy and is ready to coup with larger acquire with out getting scorching.
Pairings
Powered by my MacBook professional and my telephones, the bass is cleanly outlined and the mids components are effectively separated. On the Luxury and Precision W2 dongle, each ends sound extra outlined and the midrange is printed cleaner and sounds extra elaborative and layered
If you’d like a easy presentation the newest HiBy RS2 is a enjoyable pairing that offers dense, creamy mids. Amping the MACH 50 or powering it with a extra highly effective DAP just like the Shanling M7 will additional stretch its dynamic vary and transients efficiency, permitting the bass to be much more managed and attain deeper.
I’ve been listening to the MACH 50 on the FiiO M11 Plus ESS and the Shanling M6 Pro which works fairly effectively too sounding agency, resolving, and dynamic in addition to balanced in tone.
Choose Comparisons
Westone Audio MACH 70
$1399
Technical
The MACH 70, the flagship mannequin for the “Premium Bass” line, has two extra drivers that includes a 1 bass, 2 mids, quad treble configuration. Meaning the distinction between the MACH 70 and the MACH 50 is by 2 treble tweeters. The MACH 70 has the identical 110dB sensitivity because the MACH 50, however it has a 42Ω ranking that makes it barely extra power-demanding.
Design
It’s onerous to identify the visible distinction apart from the lighter gray coloration theme on the MACH 50 and the completely different cables provided. The MACH 70 comes with the extra premium ULTRABaX cable and the MACH 50 is filled with the stealthy SuperBaX Linum cable that appears extra skilled and is lighter in profile.
Efficiency
The MACH 50 is extra delicate to energy and it’s fairly noticeable whenever you take a look at it with a laptop computer or a dongle. That makes it very best for pro-use placing it on a receiver or a mixing interface that will not output as a lot energy as on a DAP or amplifier.
Whereas the bass response feels related presumably as a result of similar parts getting used, the MACH 70 displays a stronger V-shape signature and doesn’t lean as a lot to the low mids.
It sounds brighter, and extra outlined particularly within the high-frequency response. Hello-hats assault snappier and vocal overtones are extra clearly heard, on the similar time the vocal feels extra polished.
In distinction to the MACH 70, the MACH 50 is much less dynamic with out lifting mids-treble vary frequencies for readability, whereas there’s a related degree of bass layering and an earlier roll-off within the larger register.
The extra linear tuning additionally permits tweaks to be simply heard, for instance when utilizing the MSEB tuning perform on the HIBY RS2 to spice up readability within the treble.
Westone Audio MACH 60
$1099
Technical
The MACH 60 has a twin low, twin mids, twin treble config and is paired with the identical cable as seen on the MACH 50. The frequency response is acknowledged as 8Hz to 20kHz, which is identical because the MACH 50, whereas the sensitivity on MACH 60 is 100dB @1kHz with a 35Ω impedance ranking, which is kind of a bit much less responsive than the MACH 50.
In observe, the MACH 60 sounds extra constant on completely different gadgets and the MACH 50 does reply to extra energy and is extra loyal to the tuning of the sources.
Design
The 2 IEMs look practically equivalent with the identical cable and the identical coloration theme. The one manner you may inform them aside is by the mannequin quantity marked on the faceplates.
Efficiency
Testing each models on the Cayin RU6, it’s noticeably the MACH 50 is extra aware of energy to be simpler pushed to sounding extra dynamic.
Nevertheless, the MACH 60 has its treble extra lifted within the 5kHz area and past, so the additional readability and treble forwardness makes it sound extra impartial and open, additionally extra resolving within the higher register.
On the FiiO M11 Plus ESS, the MACH 50 has a stronger tilt to the low finish with the mid-lows being fuller. Whereas it isn’t as energetic within the treble because the MACH 60, extra consideration is shifted to the low mids whereas the treble feels extra rounded and sibilance free.
When given the next acquire the MACH 50 can sound sharper within the higher vocal vary, however it isn’t as airily prolonged and expansive as heard on the MACH 60.
Westone Audio MACH 40
$599
Technical
Essentially the most reasonably priced merchandise in our comparisons is the MACH 40 that includes a 4 BA driver with a twin low, 1 midrange, and 1 treble configuration. That setup is in distinction to the MACH 50 the place the MACH 40 has a bigger bass driver ratio on paper.
Just like the MACH 60, the MACH 40 is much less delicate at 100dB @1kHz and 30Ω @1kHz in impedance. That’s once more fairly a bit much less delicate than the MACH 50.
Design
The design is constant all through the MACH sequence and the MACH 40 and MACH 50 look just about the identical, with the identical cable getting used.
Efficiency
On comparatively decrease output energy the MACH 40 is as bassy because the MACH 50, and it sounds extra confined in staging having the higher mids and sibilance zone additional suppressed.
In one other phrase, it’s much more rounded than on the MACH 50 with the upper mids being boosted adopted by a sharper roll-off. That empowers the vocal with extra vitality to chop via the combo and sound extra outlined. Nevertheless, it isn’t as pure nor as easy within the treble zone as heard on the MACH 50.
The MACH 40 displays a darker signature with completely different gears which permit it to pair higher with sharper-sounding gears, or to make use of larger acquire on varied DAPs. It really works higher with pop and slow-paced tracks which are extra elaborate on the decrease finish.
The MACH 50 is ready to deal with extra genres of music relaxed with its extra even vitality distribution and extra pure response. It’s extra expansive headroom permits extra devices within the combine to be imaged distinctively.
Our Verdict
The Westone Audio MACH 50 delivers a dense and vibrant vocal expertise that additionally sounds very immersive with devices throughout the midrange. This can be a well-balanced, pure response over its 3-way, 5-BA configuration which I all the time consider it as a magical quantity for IEM design.
The sibilance-free, extremely cohesive tuning is enjoyable with varied genres of music, on the similar time the versatile, delicate design permits the MACH 50 to sound dynamic with strong bass efficiency on a variety of gadgets.
Westone Audio MACH 50 Specs
- Connectivity: 3.5mm Single-ended
- Drivers: 5 x Balanced Armature
- Impedance: 32 ohms @ 1kHz.
- Frequency Response: 8Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 110dB @ 1kHz
- Crossover 3-way Passive
