Page 3 - Subjective Audio Analysis
Reviewing audio devices require extensively trained ears, lots of experience, and sufficient technical knowledge. Even for the experienced auditioner, it may prove challenging at times to obtain an accurate evaluation of a product without a thoroughly familiar product to use as a simultaneous reference. Furthermore, many self-proclaimed audiophiles are susceptible to biased write-ups due to placebo effects from false advertising. While I am not going to even try to claim that I am the only trustworthy or best evaluator for sound, it is fact that most computer review sites have editors who are insufficiently trained in reviewing audio equipment. Give them practically anything and all you will read about goes along the line of "good bass, nice midrange, awesome treble, really clear sound, 10/10". While there are many knowledgeable audio reviewers at various respected online media outlets, they are by far the minority.
As I have mentioned in my past audio reviews, there are really no true objective measurements for sound quality. As the evaluator, however, I will put it through a series of subjective tests to try to come up with the most objective rating possible. Yes, it sounds like a paradox. For all tests, I used an Apple iPhone 15 Pro over Bluetooth 5.3 with support for SBC and AAC. After over 120 hours of break-in time -- well above typical required time -- I put the SOUNDPEATS Space to the tests. All test tracks are high-quality CD-equivalent files. I tested everything with active noise cancellation turned off, but I have also included my insights with ANC on.
Starting at the lower end, the SOUNDPEATS Space performs admirably in this region. It boasts a strong emphasis on the sub-bass and lower frequencies, tapering slightly into the low-midrange. This results in deep bass guitar lines and punchy bass drum kicks, providing a solid foundation for the music. Transitions between the different ranges feel smooth and well-defined, maintaining a good balance of power. There was impressive definition in the low-end instruments without the sound becoming muddy. However, I did notice a slight reduction in bass presence when ANC was active, although the difference was not particularly noticeable.
Moving to the midrange, the SOUNDPEATS Space exhibits a warm-toned sound profile with a noticeable thickness. Instruments like pianos and acoustic guitars, while resonant, lacked a balanced brightness that might be expected. However, vocalists sounded warm without any hint of raspiness or muffled tones. There was a slightly recessed quality to this region, likely influenced by the more pronounced bass. Despite this, the midrange remained generally well-balanced with no unnatural or missing portions. Overall, the midrange delivered a pleasant listening experience.
In terms of treble response, the SOUNDPEATS Space demonstrated a noticeable roll-off, starting from the low trebles and accelerating as it reached the higher frequencies. Consequently, elements such as cymbal crashes, high hats, and violins felt muted and lacking the sharpness or sparkle one might expect. This lead to a further recessed and dark sensation in the treble range. Overall, the sound signature appeared somewhat flat with a downward slant as we ascended to the upper regions and marked by a notable drop-off in the upper midrange and highest trebles. While this characteristic meant the listening experience was without any harshness, it may not appeal to those seeking a more energetic sound with pronounced treble presence. Listeners who enjoy bass-heavy music are more likely to appreciate the default sound signature of the Space. However, individuals who prioritize energy and sparkle in the trebles may find the Space lacking in these aspects.
In terms of soundstaging, the SOUNDPEATS Space headphones deviated from its name. Despite being equipped with 40mm drivers and being closed-back headphones, they failed to provide an expansive soundstage. Instead, the sound felt cramped in both width and depth. The audio image seemed confined to inside the listener's head rather than extending to their surroundings, resulting in an underwhelming overall experience. This limited sense of space might also be attributed to the subdued energy in the trebles, which diminishes the contrast and balance of the sound. Additionally, when ANC was active, the already modest soundstage further diminished, as expected but nevertheless disappointing.
In terms of layering, the SOUNDPEATS Space performed admirably, successfully reproducing multiple audio layers with good detail. These frequencies remained audible with commendable resolution despite the prominent bass occasionally overshadowing midrange and treble voices. While the dip in the upper frequency region slightly separated the frequencies, overall, it was still easy to discern each region. Transitions between layers were generally smooth, contributing to a cohesive listening experience. However, there is room for improvement in terms of clarity and cleanliness of the sound. While not muffled, there seemed to be a slight veil over the sound, likely due to the lacking spark of energy. This subdued quality, even if not detracting significantly from the overall performance, could have been enhanced to provide a more vibrant listening experience.
In terms of sound isolation, the SOUNDPEATS Space performed admirably, effectively keeping sound in when worn and blocking out external noise, primarily due to the seal it creates around the wearer's ears. In louder environments, such as public transport, the Space was quite effective in keeping external noise at bay. Moreover, the implementation of active noise cancellation further enhanced the isolation capability, effectively removing background noises. In my personal experience, I found the effectiveness of the ANC to be average. Louder noises would still be heard through the headphones even though it successfully eliminated quieter background sounds in environments like my office or while driving. On the other hand, if environmental awareness is needed, the pass-through mode provides a decent solution by feeding sound into the output. It remains usable for its intended purpose even if it was not sounding the most natural.
In my microphone testing, I recorded myself twice with one indoors and a second outside. This way I can assess performance in both ideal and less-than-ideal environments. During the indoor test, the audio captured by the SOUNDPEATS Space was noticeably muffled. The overall sound was messy and unnatural. That said, the Space should still suffice for most phone calls, as you can still discern my words albeit with a lesser sound quality. In the outdoor test, the microphones struggled even more, particularly when contending with external noises like wind. The same muffled characteristics persisted in this setting as well, even if it was capable of picking up my voice.
One area where the SOUNDPEATS Space truly excels is in its wireless capabilities. Firstly, its battery life is outstanding. While most over-the-ear headphones offer a longevity of around 30 to 60 hours before requiring a recharge, the Space's 1000mAh battery allowed me to achieve near 120 hours of use at 50% volume and ANC off. This performance impressed me greatly, as I only needed to charge the Space once during my testing period, and I was able to fully break in the headphones on a single charge. The results were remarkable even though recharging the Space takes approximately two hours.
Secondly, its range was also noteworthy, as I was able to maintain a consistent connection up to 30m away with direct line of sight before experiencing any skips in music. When it came to latency, I noticed minimal delay when watching videos, but observed some lag when playing games. Unfortunately, the reduced latency game mode did not appear to differ from regular operation, leaving uncertainty regarding its effectiveness.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware and Software
3. Subjective Audio Analysis
4. Conclusion
