Page 4: Testing Protocol, Ergonomics, Sound, Conclusion
Testing Protocol
Remember that testing sound devices is a very subjective thing. Make sure you read reviews from many different sites to really gauge how something that deals with sound actually is. A sample size of one site is not enough to make an intelligent decision on which product to buy since there is no 'standard' way of testing something like audio equipment.
Ergonomics
As ergonomics are such an important factor when choosing earbuds, having ones that don't quite fit can be a deal breaker regardless of anything else. In that regard, the Icon Series slots well in line with most premium earbuds on the market by including three sets of silicone caps for differing ear sizes. One thing we were rather disappointed with was that there isn't really any way to determine which earbud goes in which ear without actually looking. This is obviously not a problem exclusive to the Icon Series, but for whatever reason it seemed to stick out more with the Icon Series than with other models that we have tested in the past.
One thing we are happy to report is that the Icon Series did not have a problem with ear comfort after extended use, though this is something that may vary from person to person.
Sound
So, we were pleased with the design of the earbuds in regards to both style and ergonomics, but how do they measure up in regards to sound? Quite good, actually. "Hard to tell they are earbuds" may sound like a cliche, but for our purposes the staement was spot on. We tested the Icon Series in a variety of different situations, and in each one we were surprised at how well they performed. Using the Icon Series we were able to pick up sounds that we usually weren't able to catch unless we were listening through a dedicated audio receiver. Everything we fed into them came out rich, crisp and clear.
One particularly notable example of the testing that we did involved a specific track from the game Final Fight CD. What our testing usually finds is that anything short of dedicated equipment tends to have trouble discerning the opening bass line, particularly as the song goes on and the bass line is supplemented by other instruments. With the Icon Series though, we were pleasantly surprised to find that throughout the track we were able to easily identify individual instruments whenever we stopped to specifically listen for them. Another nice surprise we discovered was that not only did the Icon Series have a pretty acceptable amount of bass, but the bass never really became overpowering (not even for few songs where we thought that it would).
All told, after our testing was complete we really couldn't find much of anything we didn't like about how the Icon Series performed. Everything is rich and crisp (highs, mediums, lows, everything), and they also have what is basically the perfect amount of bass. They even do a pretty good job at keeping outside noises from bleeding in.
Conclusion
The Lift-Audio Icon Series are a very impressive package. They have fantastic audio quality and a strong, durable design. The $80 MSRP may seem a bit high for the typical music listener, but the quality that you get for your money easily offsets the price. Furthermore, as we go to press they are currently available for only $35 (Amazon Link). A price that low is practically theft for something this good. We at ASE Labs can easily recommend the Lift-Audio Icon Series Premium Earphones. The quality is great and the performance they bring to the table is outstanding.
ASE Publishing would like to thank Lift-Audio for making this review possible.
Remember that testing sound devices is a very subjective thing. Make sure you read reviews from many different sites to really gauge how something that deals with sound actually is. A sample size of one site is not enough to make an intelligent decision on which product to buy since there is no 'standard' way of testing something like audio equipment.
Ergonomics
As ergonomics are such an important factor when choosing earbuds, having ones that don't quite fit can be a deal breaker regardless of anything else. In that regard, the Icon Series slots well in line with most premium earbuds on the market by including three sets of silicone caps for differing ear sizes. One thing we were rather disappointed with was that there isn't really any way to determine which earbud goes in which ear without actually looking. This is obviously not a problem exclusive to the Icon Series, but for whatever reason it seemed to stick out more with the Icon Series than with other models that we have tested in the past.
One thing we are happy to report is that the Icon Series did not have a problem with ear comfort after extended use, though this is something that may vary from person to person.
Sound
So, we were pleased with the design of the earbuds in regards to both style and ergonomics, but how do they measure up in regards to sound? Quite good, actually. "Hard to tell they are earbuds" may sound like a cliche, but for our purposes the staement was spot on. We tested the Icon Series in a variety of different situations, and in each one we were surprised at how well they performed. Using the Icon Series we were able to pick up sounds that we usually weren't able to catch unless we were listening through a dedicated audio receiver. Everything we fed into them came out rich, crisp and clear.
One particularly notable example of the testing that we did involved a specific track from the game Final Fight CD. What our testing usually finds is that anything short of dedicated equipment tends to have trouble discerning the opening bass line, particularly as the song goes on and the bass line is supplemented by other instruments. With the Icon Series though, we were pleasantly surprised to find that throughout the track we were able to easily identify individual instruments whenever we stopped to specifically listen for them. Another nice surprise we discovered was that not only did the Icon Series have a pretty acceptable amount of bass, but the bass never really became overpowering (not even for few songs where we thought that it would).
All told, after our testing was complete we really couldn't find much of anything we didn't like about how the Icon Series performed. Everything is rich and crisp (highs, mediums, lows, everything), and they also have what is basically the perfect amount of bass. They even do a pretty good job at keeping outside noises from bleeding in.
Conclusion
The Lift-Audio Icon Series are a very impressive package. They have fantastic audio quality and a strong, durable design. The $80 MSRP may seem a bit high for the typical music listener, but the quality that you get for your money easily offsets the price. Furthermore, as we go to press they are currently available for only $35 (Amazon Link). A price that low is practically theft for something this good. We at ASE Labs can easily recommend the Lift-Audio Icon Series Premium Earphones. The quality is great and the performance they bring to the table is outstanding.
ASE Publishing would like to thank Lift-Audio for making this review possible.