Crafted from milled aluminum and available
in black, the X11i is Klipsch's new flagship earphone. Like the other X-series
earphone products, the X11i also uses balanced-armature type drivers to provide
audio. The small stature of the BA units means that the overall size and weight
of the earphone is quite small.
The ear-buds for the X11i are small and
have an aerodynamic profile. They are extremely easy to position in the
ear-canal and provide an excellent seal. Their low weight also makes them quite
comfortable to wear for long durations. The only problem stems from the symmetrical
design of the earphones; there are no obvious design elements that distinguish
the left ear- bud from the right ear-bud. We found ourselves double-checking
the L and R symbols on the earphones quite a lot to ensure we got the
orientation right.
Klipsch
X11i
Previous X-series earphones, such as the
X10, have been known to have problems with the cables breaking. To ensure that
this does not happen with the X11i, Klipsch has reinforced its cabled with
kevlar for extra robustness. Klipsch also states that the cable for the X11i is
tangle-free even though it does not have a flat design. A three button control
pod with a built in microphone is included and provides control over volume and
music navigation (the control pod is only compatible with Apple products such
as the iPhone and the iPod). Klipsch also handily provides a hard case for
carrying the X11i as well as an airline adapter.
When it comes to audio performance the X11i
impresses with its versatility and dedication to staying neutral. The trebles
are drenched with Klipsch's signature warmth when it comes to tracks such as
Adele's Melt My Heart to Stone. But the earphones are equally adept at
rendering the clear, chiming guitar lines in Buckethead’s Sail On Soothsayer.
Underpinning the neutral tone of the X11i
earphones are balanced mids. The mid-range frequencies do not bleed over or
subdues the highs, but still have a weighty presence in the mix. Adding to the
realism of the audio, the X11i also does a great job of preserving the unique
timbre of the instruments on the track. It also has good imaging and a decent
soundstage. Listening to orchestral tracks with the X11i was a joy.
Klipsch
provides a hard carrying case with a magnetic closing mechanism for the X11i
Bass frequencies for the X11i are up to
par. Good transient response makes the percussion instruments sound good. But
the low frequencies lack impact for certain tracks. If you are a fan of bass
heavy music genres, such as RnB for example, you may find the X11i to sound
somewhat thin in the lower registers.
On the whole the X11i is a great pair of
headphones that showcase balanced armature units to the full. Great balanced
sound with a good soundstage and attention to detail should make extremely
attractive to audiophiles who love classical or orchestral music. The $569
price-tag however may put off some buyers.
The
$569 price-tag however may put off some buyers
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Specs and price
·
Price: $569
·
Driver Type: Balanced Armature
·
Wearing Style: In-ear
·
Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 19,000 Hz
·
Sensitivity: 110 dB
·
Impedance: 50 Ohms
·
Features: 3-button In-line Control Pod for Apple devices,
Microphone
·
Connector: 3.5 mm
·
Weight: 10g
Verdict
·
Physique: 8.5
·
Features: 8.0
·
User-friendliness: 8.0
·
Performance: 8.5
·
Value: 7.5
·
Overall: 8.0
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