If wi-fi earbuds frustrate then a wired in-ear such because the AF100 MK2 would possibly simply suit your necessities. Their efficiency is a easy and musical one, and whereas that comes with its drawbacks, these are an enthralling pair of IEMs
Professionals
- Balanced, musical presentation
- Good match (when you get used to it)
- A number of ear-tip choices
Cons
- Design seems to be disposable
- A bit of brief on midrange element and readability
Key Specs
- Evaluate Value: £TBC
- Single 9mm dual-diaphragm dynamic microdriver
- IPX-4
- 20Hz – 20kHz frequency vary
- 1.2m double-braided cable
The Audiofly AF100 Mk2 are in-ear screens from the Australian model’s newest vary of headphones.
Is there nonetheless room within the headphone marketplace for the as soon as fashionable in-ear? The true wi-fi market is booming, with audio manufacturers launching wi-fi earbuds each which approach you look. Nowadays you’re fortunate to get a smartphone that has a headphone jack. If the tip just isn’t nigh, it’s definitely being ushered in.
However the wonderful thing about in-ears is that you just don’t must fuss about compatibility, and uneven wi-fi connections are banished in favour of uninterrupted efficiency.
And Audiofly definitely nonetheless sees life in wired in-ears. Their new PRO MK2 vary of headphones is made up of wired and wi-fi choices for musicians and audio professionals in thoughts. The AF100 MK2 is the most affordable IEM within the vary, and with it, Audiofly hopes to convey its musical experience to everybody else.
Audiofly AF100 Mk2 worth and availability
The AF100 Mk2 went on sale within the UK in early 2020 for £58. They are often present in different markets for $80/€60/CAD$100/AUD$129, although worth will fluctuate as in most markets they’re accessible from third-party sellers.
Design — Moderately disposable-looking design, however snug match
- Is available in a semi-transparent case
- Vary of ear-tips for greatest match
- Over-ear hook design and water/sweat resistance
The look of the AF100 MK2 is not like any in-ear we’ve lately examined. The 9mm dual-diaphragm dynamic microdriver (attempt saying that rapidly 5 occasions) are housed in a semi-transparent plastic casing so you possibly can nearly see the tiny magnet and wires inside. It provides these IEMs a little bit of character {that a} boring-old black or white end wouldn’t.
The plastic materials that home makes the AF100 MK2 really feel low cost and disposable and the usage of plastic provides them a rugged really feel on the subject of match. It’s not the sleek, slick impression you’d need when placing in an in-earphone in for the primary time. They show to be snug when you get used to them.
The AF100 MK2 makes use of an over-ear hook design, which implies as an alternative of simply planting them straight into the ear, the cable is supposed to journey up your again and thru to the again of the ear. The over-ear hook design is a standard method for IEMs of all costs and permits for a greater and safer match within the ear.
And as such, the seal is measurably improved over some true wi-fi choices. They’ll bat away most noises if you’re exterior, although you’ll must take care in busy areas as there’s, in fact, no passthrough mode except you take away them.
The headphones include tri-flange eartips
Should you’re discovering the match difficult, the IEM comes with a spread of ear tip choices. There are three silicone domes (S, M, L), three silicon Tri-Flange (S, M, L) and one foam earphone tip, which is the default alternative. Switching between them aids the match for even higher noise isolation, though this does change the character of the audio too.
The IEM is rated at IPX4 resistance, which protects it from splashing water. If you wish to hold them additional protected, the AF100 MK2 comes with a small storage case. The 1.2m double braided cable is quite a bit simpler to untangle than another in-ears I’ve examined.
Audio high quality — Balanced, expressive and musical in its presentation
- Price running-in earlier than use
- Balanced presentation
- Assured dynamics
It’s value observing the handbook refers to burn-in. Loads of overview websites and boards have debunked it having an impact, arguing headphones ought to sound nice out of the field.
That must be true however isn’t all the time our expertise. It could appear Audiofly agrees to an extent. They counsel working the headphones in at reasonable quantity for round 40 hours to interrupt within the mechanical elements. With that in thoughts, we give the AF100 the time they want, and whereas the results aren’t too pronounced, it provides us a stable basis to evaluate them.
Firstly they’re a likeable pair of IEMs. Altering the ear suggestions impacts the presentation, so for those who don’t initially like points of what the AF100 MK2 do, it’s value trialling different ear tip choices.
We begin with Janelle Monae’s Can’t Dwell With out Your Love from The Electrical Girl album, and the AF100 MK2 makes a constructive impression with its easy, barely heat however nonetheless balanced sound. The presentation can really feel a bit thick at occasions, a trait that appears to be frequent with the opposite Audiofly headphones examined on Trusted Evaluations, and it does appear to get in the best way of the AF100 MK2 dredging up element. The brass devices in Can’t Dwell With out… aren’t described with as a lot element, getting barely misplaced within the observe.
However its easy-going musical high quality is charming and infectious. Vocals are clear and well-expressed, and the soundstage of no matter was performed was fairly broad, granting tracks house to play in. It’s not the sharpest or most detailed of performances, however it’s enjoyable.
Dynamically they’re assured, with transitions dealt with easily, although they may conceivably be extra impactful. Treble frequencies ring true and bass is measured and never over-zealous in its dealing with.
One thing that doesn’t fairly sound as organised is the midrange. Altering to a foam ear tip helped elevate the thin-sounding midrange, however it nonetheless lacked a little bit of element and fullness. The strings in I Was Made For This from the Avengers: Endgame observe sound a bit hole in comparison with the extra energetic Shanling ME100.
Even so, these are a profitable pair of in-ears with a presentation that not often fails to attract you in.
You can purchase the Audiofly AF100 MK2 if…
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You need uninterrupted sound
Not like wi-fi, wired headphones aren’t susceptible to connection drops, so that you’ll get one of the best sound in any circumstance.
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You desire a balanced sound
The AF100 MK2 are pretty impartial and balanced, however aren’t essentially the most element oriented.
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You need an in-earphone for twin functions
Their IPX4 score brings water and sweat resistance, to allow them to be used for train, too.
You shouldn’t purchase the Audiofly AF100 MK2 if…
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You need extra bells and whistles
These are wired in-earphones and there’s not a lot else to them apart from that. If you’d like precise options you get from wi-fi earbuds, look elsewhere.
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Your cellular gadget doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack
It ought to be apparent, however for those who can’t plug these headphones into your cellular gadget then they’re of no use. They’re of extra use with private music gamers.
