Phiaton

Phiaton PS200

Even if Phiaton are a newcomer on the high-end earphone market they are part of Cresyn Company, a very well renowned name on the audio scene. Their new Phiaton PS200 dual balanced armature IEM is ready to take a share of the market.

Specs.
Dual balanced armature, one for low and one for mid/high frequencies
Frequency range: 8 Hz – 30 KHz
Impedance: 39 Ohm
Sensitivity: 95dB/mW
RRP: $249 / £150

Build quality and accessories.
The housing is all aluminium as well as the splitter, the build quality is very impressive, to say the least. The cable is 120cm/47in with a straight jack, the cable itself is quite stiff with what appears to be a plastic coating. The included accessories are, three pairs of different sized silicone sleeves (S, M and L), a airline jack/adapter and a excellent case with cable management and accessory storage.

Comfort and fit.
The PS200’s are quite large but the shape of them makes the fit perfect, they are light and thanks to the design they are very comfortable. The PS200’s can be worn with the cable running over the ear as well as straight down. Isolation from ambient noise is very good and the cable has minimal microphonic noise.

Sound quality.
The purpose built dual armatures, that are specifically designed for handling the lower and upper frequencies with the help of a passive crossover, produce a full bodied sound. The PS200’s have a nice rumble and attack down low and smoothly involving mids as well as clean and sparkling highs. The high quality bass is tight and fast but even so, the amount may not be enough for the bass lovers. The detail in mids and highs is good, but the most impressive feature of the PS200’s sound is the soundstage. The soundstage is very wide and has good positioning with a nice presentation and a clear instrument separation. One could say that they sound more like full-sized headphones instead of IEM’s. My favourite tracks, and any other music that I tried with the PS200’s sound crisp and full of energy, and big so to speak. As an added bonus they respond very well to the use of EQ and DSP.
Overall the sound they produce is highly enjoyable and has a great combination of detail and energy wrapped into a big soundstage.

To sum up.
The good: sound quality and soundstage, build quality, comfort and noise isolation are all top class and the excellent case deserves a special mention.
The bad: they are not cheap, the bass response may not be enough for bassheads, they are not easily available to purchase in store.

The Phiaton PS200 are rather expensive, but at the $250/£150 pricepoint they offer a combination of sound quality, build quality, comfort/isolation and accessory pack that very few, if any, other IEM’s can match.

Phonak

Phonak Audeo PFE 02x (Perfect Bass)

The real name is Audéo, but for some reason the parsing will not work with the é.



Specs.
Single balanced armature with sound tuning filter
Frequency range: 5Hz – 17KHz
Impedance: 32Ohm
Sensitivity: 107dB/mW
RRP: £99 (with mic) £89.90 (without mic)


Build quality and accessories.
Build quality is excellent. The housing is made of plastic, the cable is 120cm and it terminates in a straight jack. The cable is rubber coated, thick and quite stiff, and it feels very solid.
The included accessories are, three pairs of different sized silicone sleeves (S, M and L). Not the most generous amount, a pouch would have been nice.



Comfort and fit.
The PFE 02x’s are about average both weightwise and sizewise. They are to be worn with the cable running over the ear, but can be used straight down as well. They are one of the most comfortable IEM’s I have used. Isolation from ambient noise is very good and wearing the cable over the ear can minimize the microphonic noise.

Sound quality.
The PFE 02x’s uses audio filters for different sound characteristics, green for a full bass sound, black for a more natural sound and grey for a more analytical sound. The PFE 02x’s come fitted with the green filters and this review is done with them. The other filters can be purchased separately.

As a single balanced armature IEM the PFE 02x’s could sound a bit flat and lifeless, but they do nothing of the like. In fact if I had not known, I would have guessed them to be dynamic IEM’s or multi armature ones for their wonderful bass presence and full sound.
As already said, they have a warm and powerful analogue sound, without sacrificing the detail and speed that a balanced armature can deliver.
The bass is both high in quality and large in quantity, the mids have great detail and sound very smooth, the highs are very nice and clear if a little in the background. The soundstage is open and nicely layered, if not that big.
My test tracks sound wonderful in every single aspect, involving, fun and simply irresistible.
The warm and bass heavy sound is very relaxed and laid back, the finer detail is all there from the lowest bass note to the highest pitch. Simply amazing sound, especially when it can be had from just one armature and at this price.
I still cannot believe how good they sound, not to mention the fullness of the bass, Phonak have just got a new fan in me.


Pictured the microphone and call/media management pod on the right earpiece cable.

To sum up.
The good: superb sound, superb comfort, price/performance, headset model available, different sound filters can be installed.
The bad: somewhat plasticky cable, few accessories.

Verdict: in one word, excellent! Highly recommended!

Phonak Audeo PFE 232

The real name is Audéo, but for some reason the parsing will not work with the é.



Specs.
Dual balanced armatures with sound tuning filter
Frequency range: 5Hz – 17KHz
Impedance: 47 Ohm
Sensitivity: Grey filter 109 dB/mW, Black filter 107 dB/mW, Green filter 104 dB/mW
RRP: £399

Build quality and accessories.
Build quality is excellent. The housing is made of plastic, the cable is 120cm and it terminates in a 90 degree jack. The detachable cable has a mic and a music/call remote built in.
The included accessories are, three pairs of different sized silicone and foam sleeves (S, M and L), a set of sound tuning filters (grey, black and green) and a tool to change them with, a cleaning tool, a soft pouch, a set of earhooks and finally an extra cable (without mic). Impressive.



Comfort and fit.
The PFE 232s are about average both weightwise and sizewise. They are to be worn with the cable running over the ear. They are one of the most comfortable IEM’s I have used. Isolation from ambient noise is very good and wearing the cable over the ear minimizes the microphonic noise.



Sound quality.
The PFE 232s, just like their smaller siblings uses audio filters for different sound characteristics, green for a full bass sound, black for enhanced bass and treble, and grey for enhanced mids. The PFE 232s come fitted with the grey filters and additional grey, black and green ones in a box.

Remembering how much I liked the previous Phonaks, I was really looking forward to the 232s,nearly to the point that I wasn't sure if they could live up to my expectations.
I shouldn't have worried about that, the 232s are probably the best universal IEMs on the market today, they certainly are the best ones I have used.



With the grey filter they have a warm sound signature, but still provide the best treble of the IEMs I have heard, not shrill or bright but very natural and with excellent detail. The mids are warm and full, very smooth with great detail, and the low end is full of energy, it can provide both deep base as well as punchy and hard hitting “club base”. The low end is truly remarkable for a balanced armature IEM, quality and quantity in abundance, very impressive. The soundstage is on the larger side and instrument separation and imaging is excellent.

With the black filter the sound becomes more V shaped, the mids take a step back while the low and high end take a step forward. The sound signature is still warm, but there is a significant cool breeze in the treble. The highs are more aggressive, while still not being overly bright or becoming sibilant, while the detail remains very high. The low end gets more energetic, and with this a small amount of the excellent detail is lost in the sheer thumping power. The soundstage is large, maybe even a bit larger than with the grey filters , separation and imaging is excellent.

With the green filter the sound becomes very warm, the low end takes a step forward while the mids take one, and the highs take two steps back. The sound signature is warm, dark and soothing.
The highs are dampened and mellow but still well detailed and clearly audible, the mids are thick and toned down yet very well presented even if the micro detail is lost in the warm and lush sound. The low end is pumped up, but it comes across as more more chill out than attack if you know what I mean, and the detail is way behind that of the other filters. The soundstage is smaller than with the black or grey filters, separation and imaging is excellent, even if a bit harder to pinpoint.

To have three so different sound signatures in one IEM is of course brilliant, everyone will find their own favourite filter, and mine is the grey one.

My test tracks sound fantastic, full stop. As I have already said, the 232s are the best IEMs I have heard.



To sum up.
The good: superb sound, superb comfort, superb accessories, headset, different sound filters.
The bad: the price, but you know the saying “you get what you pay for”.

Verdict: Possibly and probably the best universal IEM on the market today. Highly recommended!

RHA

RHA CL1

First of all, thank you to Kamilla and Marina at RHA for making this review possible.



Specs.
Two way driver, dynamic and ceramic plate, 8 Khz cut off frequency.
Frequency range: 16Hz – 45KHz
Impedance: 150 Ohm
Sensitivity: 89 dB/mW
RRP: £349.95

Build quality and accessories.
The build quality is excellent, the housing is made in a seven stage ceramic injection moulding, and the braided cable is the most heavy-duty cable I have seen (I’m sure you could use it to tow your car with, if needed).
The cable is detachable and comes with a locking sMMCX connector in the housing, and terminates in a straight jack. There is also a built in earguide on the cable, normally I don’t really approve of these sorts, but here they actually work very well. The second cable is for balanced use and terminates in a mini XLR 4 pin jack..
The included accessories are, six pairs of different sized dual density silicone eartips, two pairs of dual flange silicone tips and three pairs of Comply foam tips in different sizes, two cables (normal and balanced), a 6.3mm adapter, a shirt clip, a nice case and a cleaning cloth.
Excellent accessory kit, and a very premium look and feel on the retail packaging.



Comfort and fit.
The CL1s are slightly bigger than average and quite heavy, yet they are very discreet and comfortable to wear. Thanks to the multitude of eartips provided, everyone is guaranteed to find a perfect fit. They are to be worn with the cable running over your ears. Isolation from ambient noise is very good and the thickness of the cable eliminates any microphonic noise, even without using the shirt clip.



Sound quality.
“For use with amplifiers” is what you will read on the retail box, and in part this is true, a smartphone or a low power player won’t be able to push the CL1 to sound their best. For this review I have used them with an iBasso DX50 and a Teac UD-H01 DAC/Amp.



The CL1s are a dual driver configuration IEM, a dynamic driver for the low end (blue in image) and a ceramic plate (red in image) that handles frequencies over 8 Khz. They are also Hi Res Audio certified with a top end of a whopping 45 Khz. As I already mentioned, you have the option of using them in normal unbalanced mode with a 3.5/6.3mm jack, and more interestingly you can use them in balanced mode with the mini XLR jack, but that requires a balanced output on your source.
In short, the balanced output offers a cleaner signal due to totally separated signal paths, and as an effect of the separation you also get a wider and better defined soundstage.

The sound signature would be best described as very slightly V shaped, with a stunning presentation of the higher frequencies. the clarity and detail is unrivalled in the world of IEMs!
The bass is all about quality over quantity, fast, accurate and very much a part of the overall sound, without any hint of bleeding over, or colouring the rest of the spectrum. The mids are clear, neutral and analytical in a good sense, and then we have the glorious treble that really steals the show, the extension and detail on offer is magnificent!
The soundstage and separation, especially in balanced mode, is almost too good to be true. I noticed micro details in music that I have been listening to for years, and never noticed before, that, to me, is nothing short of a perfect score.

Listening to Johnny Cash singing Highway Patrolman is just musical bliss, you can hear all the details, even Johnny moistening his lips just before starting to sing. Acoustic, folk and classical music has never sounded as life like and superb as with the CL1.
Having said that, they are not only for more scaled down music, listening to Nazareth covering Piece Of My Heart nearly stops my own, every little nuance, every feeling is brought to you in a way that just knocks you off your feet.
Not to forget my test tracks, the outro of Hotel California, the guitar solo on Comfortably Numb, absolutely sublime, the spaciousness, the attack, the neutral yet energetic presentation is something I haven’t experienced with any other IEM.

Just a little word of warning though, the resolving sound comes with a slight drawback, the CL1s highlight all flaws in a poor recording or low bitrate file, but feed them with high quality lossless files, plenty of oomph, and if possible a balanced signal and they will make the hairs on your neck stand up.



To sum up.
The good: superb sound, superb comfort, superb build, everything about the CL1 is top notch.
The bad: needs plenty of power, not for low quality files (but then, who listens to them anyway?)



Verdict: The best IEM I have heard and my personal favourite of all time. I cannot recommend the CL1 highly enough!

Rock Jaw

Rock Jaw Alfa Genus

Specs.
Dynamic driver, 8 mm, with interchangeable sound tuning filters
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 KHz
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW
Price: £49.99



Build quality and accessories.
Let me start by saying the Alfa Genus look exquisite. The build quality is very good, with the housing made of aluminium and ebony, and the braided 120 cm long cable with its 90 degree jack has a very nice feel to it.
The included accessories are; two pairs of sound filters (black for natural sound and silver for enhanced bass), three pairs of silicone sleeves (S, M and L), a shirt clip and finally a very nice hard case.
Not bad at all, especially considering their price.

Comfort and fit.
The Alfa Genus are average both in size and weight. The comfort is very good as is the isolation, for a dynamic IEM. They can be worn with the cable up or down, and as usual that means that the microphonic noise is well under control, and if securing it with the shirt clip all noise is gone.

Sound quality.
As with all dynamic speakers the Alfa Genus need to settle or burn in, to sound their best.

They have two different soundtubes or tuning filters, a black one and a silver one, which alters the sound like night and day.
The silver one offers a fullbodied dynamic sound with plenty of bass, a slightly recessed midrange and a sparkling top. In other words a warm V shaped sound, the essence of fun and musicality. The soundstage is big, with very good imaging and instrument separation.



The black one offers a colder and more detailed sound. The bass is tamed down, the mids are detailed and natural and the highs are sparkly. A quite natural and linear sound with good detail across the spectrum. The soundstage is slightly smaller than the silver one, but still bigger than average, and with better imaging and separation.

My test tracks sound marvellous, and the best part is that you can alter the way they sound. Either go for the warm and dynamic sound with a great bass reproduction and overall lush sound, or then go for the natural, flat and detailed sound that lets you hear micro details in the music. Whichever you choose, the Alfa Genus will sound very good, or to put it simply, they are sensational for the asking price.



To sum up.
The good: two IEMs in one, astonishing sound (times two), very hard to beat sound per pound, great build quality.
The bad: better L/R marking would be great, and there could be a chin slider on the cable.

Verdict: Britain has a solid place in the history of high end audio, Rock Jaw is the latest addition to it. Excellent value for money. Highly recommended!

Sennheiser

Sennheiser CX400

Specs.
Single dynamic driver
Frequency range: 17 Hz – 21 KHz
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Sensitivity: 113dB/mW
Price: can be found for <£20
Colours: Silver/black

Build quality and accessories.
Build quality is very good. The housing is made of metal with a modular cable, 60cm/24in and an 100cm/40in extension, that has a straight jack on the short cable and a 90 degree jack on the extension. The cable is quite soft and smooth with a good quality feel to it. The included accessories are, three pairs of different sized silicone sleeves (S, M, L), a pouch, the extension cable, a shirtclip and a cable manager. A generous amount of accessories in all, but I would like to see a pair of dual flanged sleeves included as well.

Comfort and fit.
The CX400’s are light and small. They can be worn both with the cable running over the ear as well as straight down. Unfortunately I could not get a good seal with any of the provided sleeves, this review was made with a pair of dual flanged silicone sleeves which make them fit perfectly and give great isolation from ambient noise. There are some microphonic noises, but they can be reduced by running the cable over the ears and fixing it with the clip.

Sound quality.
Being a dynamic IEM the CX400’s require time to settle (burn in) to sound their best. Once settled they offer a powerful and clear sound. The bass is tight and punchy without interfering on the rest of the soundspectrum, the mids are slightly in the background but still fully audible, the highs are crisp and more forward, and the soundstage will not disappoint. The detail in the sound reproduction is very good considering the CX400’s are a low cost dynamic IEM. The CX400’s are really enjoyable once a good seal is accomplished. Thanks to their powerful dynamic sound, you feel the music as well as hear it. Their sound sig makes them very well suited for guitar and bass driven music. One thing worth noting is that due to the low impedance and relatively high sensitivity they can be very loud

To sum up.
The good: powerful and detailed sound (with dual flanged sleeves), build quality.
The bad: the provided sleeves do not fit my ears, lack of dual flanged sleeves.

Verdict: for the price they offer a very good overall sound and a feeling of being ”built to last”. With dual flanges and the prices they can be found for, I would highly recommend them.

Sennheiser IE6

Specs.
Single dynamic driver
Frequency range: 10 Hz – 18 KHz
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Sensitivity: 115 dB/mW
Price: 1200 DKK
Colours: Silver/black

Build quality and accessories.
Build quality is excellent. The housing is made of high quality plastic and the cable is excellent, thick yet very flexible and very light. The length of the cable is 120cm and it has a 90 degree jack at the end. It can be noted that the cable is the same on the entire IE series. The included accessories are, six pairs of silicone sleeves (single and double flange, S, M, L size), a pair of earhooks, a cleaning tool, a hardcase with built in cable and accessory management and a shirtclip. A generous amount of accessories.


Comfort and fit.
The IE6’s are light and average sized. They are to be worn with the cable running over the ear. The vast amount of included sleeves ensures that anyone can find a perfect fit. Once they are fitted, they are very comfortable and offer a fairly good isolation. Microphonic noises are nearly non-existent, thanks to the excellent cable and the clip.

Sound quality.
Being a dynamic IEM the IE6’s require time to settle (burn in) to sound their best. Once settled they offer a powerful and clear sound, with a tight and punchy bass, mids that are slightly in the background but still fully audible, and highs that are crisp and clear, and finally a soundstage that will not disappoint. The IE6 sounds like the little brother to the IE8, a little less of everything, yet very good in their own right. They have a “V” shaped frequency curve, which works very well for rock and generally bass driven music. Even if the detail is very good, the IE6’s are not suited for monitoring and critical listening, but they are very, very fun and involving to listen to.

To sum up.
The good: powerful and fun sound, build quality, excellent cable.
The bad: isolation could be better.

Verdict: a fun and overall good sound, excellent build quality plus a generous accessory pack. Recommended.

Sennheiser IE7

Specs.
Single dynamic driver
Frequency range: 17 Hz – 21 KHz
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Sensitivity: 113dB/mW
Price: 1640 DKK
Colours: Black

Build quality and accessories.
Build quality is excellent. The housing is made of high quality plastic and the cable is excellent, thick yet very flexible and very light. The length of the cable is 120cm and it has a 90 degree jack at the end. The included accessories are, six pairs of silicone sleeves (single and double flange, S, M, L size), two pairs of foam sleeves (S, L), a pair of earhooks, a cleaning tool, a hardcase with built in cable and accessory management and a shirtclip. A generous amount of accessories in all.

Comfort and fit.
The IE7’s are light and slightly bigger than average. They are to be worn with the cable running over the ear and thanks to the generous amount of sleeves everyone should be able to get a perfect fit. They are very comfortable and fairly well isolating, and thanks to the excellent cable and the clip there are “no” microphonic noises.

Sound quality.
Being a dynamic IEM the IE7’s require time to settle (burn in) to sound their best. Once settled they offer a more neutral sound than the rest of the IE series. The bass is tight and punchy without interfering on the rest of the soundspectrum, the mids are smooth and more upfront, the highs are crisp and expansive, and the soundstage is very big and well layered. The detail in the sound reproduction is very good and the overall focus on the mids make them well suited for acoustic and folk music, but they can of course be used for all sorts of music.

To sum up.
The good: neutral and detailed sound, build quality, excellent cable.
The bad: isolation could be better.

Verdict: the IE7’s offer a great and neutral sound quality, excellent build quality and a generous accessory pack. Highly recommended.

Sennheiser IE8

Specs.
Single dynamic driver, with bass adjustment
Frequency range: 10 Hz – 20 KHz
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Sensitivity: 125 dB/mW
Price: 2460 DKK
Colours: Black

Build quality and accessories.
Build quality is excellent. The housing is made of high quality plastic and the detachable cable is the best I have seen in any IEM, it is the same cable as the rest of the IE series, only this one is detachable. The length of the cable is 120cm and it has a 90 degree jack at the end. The included accessories are, eight pairs of silicone sleeves (single and double flange, S, M, L size, double half-flange, S, L size), two pairs of foam sleeves (S, L size), a pair of earhooks, a cleaning/bass adjust tool, a hardcase with built in cable and accessory management as well as a built in silica gel compartment and a shirtclip. A very generous amount of accessories.

Comfort and fit.
The IE8’s are light even if they are fairly large. They are to be worn with the cable running over the ear. They are very comfortable to use for hours and hours, but due to the size they may not suit everyone as perfectly. The isolation is not the strongest point, even if it is acceptable for normal use. Microphonic noise is nearly non-existent due to the excellent cable and the option of fixing it with the clip.

Sound quality.
Being a dynamic IEM the IE8’s require time to settle (burn in) to sound their best. Once settled they offer a sound that can rival full size headphones, with bass that is simply stunning and a soundstage that is larger than life. The bass response can be tailored to each and everyones personal taste, with the bass adjustment, the mids are very smooth and detailed, even if they are ever so slightly in the background, highs are very expansive and clear as a mountain lake, without ever getting harsh. The soundstage is by far the largest and best layered I have ever heard in an IEM. The strongest points of the IE8’s is the stunningly detailed bass reproduction and the soundstage, that does not mean that the rest is not also very good, but the bass and soundstage are class leading.
I could go on and on about the qualities of the IE8’s, but no amount of rambling on my part could describe these in a accurate and fair way, they must be experienced in person. After I have published this review I will lock myself in, and truly enjoy my music collection with these absolutely stunning sounding IE8’s, see you all in a few months time.

To sum up.
The good: excellent sound quality with a sound signature of full sized headphones, bass adjustment, build quality, excellent user exchangeable cable, plenty of accessories.

The bad: size may be a concern for some, isolation could be better.

Verdict: the IE8’s are rightly seen as one of the absolutely best IEM’s on the market. Very highly recommended !!!

Sensaphonics

Sensaphonics J-Phonic K2 SP

A custom built universal IEM.
The K2’s are custom made for order. The customer can freely specify them by choosing from three different cables, two connectors and eight colours, and last but not least two different sound signatures.



Specs.
Dual balanced armature drivers
Frequency range: 20Hz – 16KHz
Impedance: 27Ohm
Sensitivity: 109dB/mW
Colour: Eight colours to choose from
RRP: $399 inc shipping


Build quality and accessories.
The build quality is perfect, no other way of describing it, just perfect.
The housing is made of plastic and the cable is 120cm long with a 90degree jack. The cable has a memory loop around the ear that secures a good fit, from the housing down to the splitter the cable is a normal straight design and from there on to the jack a braided design. There is a choice between an overall cable length of 120cm, 95cm or 75cm as well as a straight or 90 degree connector type. The cable is one of the nicest I have seen and very soft and easy in use.
The included accessories are; six pairs of Comply soft foam tips (S, M and L), a cleaning tool, a shirt clip and a Pelican hard case. For the case there are two sizes to choose from.



Comfort and fit.
The K2’s are about average sized and very light. There is a secret to the perfect fit, J-Phonic have designed the K2’s after studying the ear impressions of 1200 people. That is true devotion. Thanks to this, and the soft Comply tips, the K2’s are just as comfortable to wear as my custom moulded IEMs. They are made for cable over ear use. Isolation from ambient noise is, again, just as excellent as my custom IEMs. The cable is very low on microphonic noise, and there is the clip to further reduce it as well.
The comfort, fit and isolation is perfect!

Sound quality.
As already hinted the K2’s can be tuned in two different ways, a very linear response in the SP model or slightly altered one in the MX model. SP stands for stage performer and is tuned to be a professional monitoring IEM, while the MX stands for music extreme and is tuned more for consumer listeners, with a warmer more analogue sound.

As the K2’s are dual balanced armature IEMs, they do not really need time to burn in, so I plugged the K2’s into my player and hit play.
I was expecting them to be good, not only did they deliver on my expectation but they sound fantastically and absolutely great.

The sound signature of the K2 SP is neutral, the frequency graph of them would probably be ruler straight.
The low end is controlled, very tight and full of detail, and in no means lacking or overly represented. The mids are detailed and very smooth, the highs are well extended and very detailed, without sounding shrill or sibilant. None of the frequencies are emphasised, and the level of detail across the spectrum is extraordinary. The soundstage is very nicely layered and again, very detailed, even if it is not one of the largest ones I have heard.

The entire sound spectrum is fully audible, and reproduced in a true-to-life way. This is as close to the raw and unaltered sound that you can get, what you hear out of the K2’s is what the artist and sound engineers wanted, nothing more, nothing less. To say I am overwhelmed and deeply impressed would be an understatement, I cannot praise the J-Phonic K2’s enough.

My favourite tracks sound absolutely brilliant, nothing more to add really, the musicality and exceptional detail they deliver is nothing short of brilliant.

I had to dig out the phrase used for my previous number one ranking IEMs, which now the K2’s have earned:
“Let me just round up by saying that the level of detail and sheer musical enjoyment on offer has set a new standard for me.”



To sum up.
The good: the magnificent sound, perfect fit and comfort, highly customisable
The bad: they are not cheap, but they are worth every penny

Verdict: Definitely! Highly recommended!