This Package Includes
Audiolab M-Ear 2D In-Ear Monitors (Black)
Collaborate to innovate
Audiolab is best known for its DACs (digital-to-analogue converters), CD players and amplifiers, so the development of in-ear monitors (IEMs) is something of a departure for the brand. To meet the challenge, Audiolab approached ACS – a world-leader in the design and manufacture of in-ear monitors.
Founded more than 20 years ago by musician Andy Shiach, ACS has a huge reputation in the ‘pro’ world that stretches across live music, broadcasting, motorsports and more. The company’s custom-made in-ear comms and hearing protection equipment is used by a host of big names, from Little Mix to U2, The X Factor to Formula 1.
10 years ago, ACS extended its offering with a range of high-end in-ear monitors for consumers, garnering rave reviews across the board. The Audiolab M-EAR range represents the latest generation of ACS’s class-leading technologies, developed in collaboration with Audiolab’s design team to create universal-fit IEMs delivering true high-end performance at competitive price points.
A feast for your ears
Both M-EAR models feature ACS’s patent-pending IRIS (Intelligent Resonance In Silicone) technology, created to maximise the musical potential of balanced armature drivers. IRIS construction methods allow precise acoustic tuning, fusing the crisp, open detail that characterises high-performance balanced armature IEMs with a musical warmth and fluidity that other manufacturers fail to match. Additionally, the M-EAR 4D incorporates a ported balanced armature design for the bass drivers, with a cavity in the silicone that is precisely balanced to the driver – this is unique to ACS.
Another ACS feature integrated in both M-EAR models is SSI (Sound Stage Imaging) – a tuning technique derived from ACS’s purpose-designed manifold technology. This widens the soundstage and creates more space around individual instruments and voices, enhancing sonic definition and the feeling of being present at a live musical performance.
The result, in the case of the M-EAR 2D, is a pair of discrete IEMs delivering taut, punchy bass, captivating midrange clarity and crisp, clean high-frequency detail, with no harmonic interference. Invest in the M-EAR 4D and the sonic return is even greater space, scale and dynamic expression.
An in-line microphone is included for hands-free convenience when making calls, but this is no ordinary miniature mic – it is a Knowles SiSonic MEMS-based microphone, selected as a result of ACS’s pro-audio experience for excellent wide-band voice reproduction in noisy environments.
To ensure a snug fit and superb noise isolation, the M-EARs come with six pairs of ear tips in three different sizes. Developed by ACS and made from memory foam, they slowly form to the shape of the ear canal to separate the listener from outside noise whilst providing excellent comfort. Thanks to the reduction in ambient noise, musical detail remains crystal clear even at lower volume levels
McIntosh MHA50 Portable Decoding Headphone Amplifier
Listen to your music with McIntosh sound quality no matter where you go. Your headphones will thank you.
Nearly everyone walks around with most (if not all) of their music library in their pocket or bag, where it's readily accessibly via a pair of headphones. While convenient, it likely doesn't sound as good as it could. The handheld MHA50 Portable Decoding Amplifier can make your music sound its best - and likely better than you've ever heard it before - through your headphones.
The MHA50 includes wired inputs for Apple iOS devices as well as Android devices that are compatible with USB on-the-go technology, plus Mac and Windows computers. It can also wirelessly connect to these devices via Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX technology (Android devices that aren't compatible with USB on-the-go can still connect via Bluetooth). It features a high-performance 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and supports 32-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio and DXD384 files, as well as asynchronous USB audio. Its 3,000 mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge when connected via Bluetooth; playback can last even longer when using the wired connections.
Comparably sized to smartphones, the MHA50 is compact and lightweight for easy portability, with a beloved case that fits comfortably in your hand or pocket. Its sleek design features a glass front panel with a touch-sensitive volume control knob inspired by the classic knobs found on countless McIntosh products. It's built primarily from durable extruded aluminum which also has some inherent noise-shielding properties to help block external interference.
Two gain settings allow the MHA50 to work with all types of headphones from small in-ear models to large over-ear studio type designs like the McIntosh MHP1000 headphones (sold separately); it can drive headphones with impedances ranging from 8 - 600 ohms. Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) brings added dimension to your music in a naturaly sounding way and can be easily turned on and off depending on your preferences. All audio is output via a gold-plated 3.5mm jack. This jack can also connect to a pair of powered desktop speakers, allowing the MHA50 to serve as a desktop DAC.
The MHA50 comes complete with four USB adapter cables to connect various devices, a leather carrying case, and a wall-mount charger with USA plug and adapters for Europe and Japan.
