Bassy, ​​cable noise, muffled - not the expected value for Hit

For the first time the Logitech logo adorns the In Ear Headphones by Ultimate Ears. What does the change was an interesting question. On the UE 400vi I was particularly excited because they promised a real Value for Trump to be. Ultimate Ears is has always been very good, neutral and quality In Ears.
On some models, however, one fought with broken cable and problems on the plug. So, unfortunately, in the belonged to me already super.fi 5 and UE 700th
Also already in my ears were the super.fi 3 STD and super.fi 4. So far all models with balanced armature drivers (BA). The UE 700 even with two speakers per channel.

The one-way BAs (hereinafter called single BAs) sick in my view often too little substance and depth. This is hardly surprising, since BA drivers have a relatively limited frequency space in which they can act. The UE 700 made it better thanks to the two-way technology, but also cost the same very significantly more money.

It was strengthened on my last reviews, to which I invite you cordially with me the bottom line is better to put on a limited budget to dynamic models. Should there be something better, single BA models are suitable to provide little satisfaction to the high demands. Then we have to turn much deeper into the wallets. As an exception I see the UE super.fi 3 and the Philips SHE9900. However, these crack again the three-digit Euro mark. Particularly successful alternative to the Apple MA 850 G / A set inzw out., But which again use two ways BA driver.

Logitech seems to have understood this and similar replaced the single BA models without replacement by new dynamic models. Numbered by price range, there are now the UE 100, 200, 300, 400. The first driven with BA in art Ears are consequently the two-way models UE 700th

Since the UE 400vi therefore aim for the top bar of the dynamic models, the expectation is high ... and will be disappointed. Unfortunately.

First, there is the processing, haptics and quality:

Logitech has the round cable in the UE 400vi replaced by a ribbon cable. Good idea - bad result.
The cables produce dramatically many cable noise with every movement. The Y-piece is huge compared to the rest.
Who does not pay attention kinks when rewinding the cable quickly, which is probably again lead to many failures.
There is also the problem that the rolled UE 400vi not really fit well with the huge Y-piece and the remote control in the supplied storage case. A Joke.
The cable attachment on angled plug I think a guaranteed breaking point.

Praiseworthy is the selection of silicone cushion - there are 5 sizes: XXS-XS-SML and a pair of Comply foam foam pad.
On the other hand would be 6 sets of Comply foam pads have been a better idea because they always fit and provide a reasonable seal (seal).

The remote control works well, the pressure points of loud and soft, however, are a bit soft.
The built-in microphone sounds thin, is operating satisfactorily, as long as one does not fall below the decency of 15cm, so it can dangle where it hangs.

Although the UE 400vi act stylish at first glance, if you look closer reaps disillusionment and recognizes the seams of the molds.

Now we come to my personal sound impression of the UE 400vi:

Very bassy. So much so that a clear reproduction of the upper bass and lower mids is successfully prevented.
The whole coupled with a slight dullness. One has to feel some cotton in your ears.
Cymbals sound tinny and lack clarity.

No, because the expectations of a damper is placed. When advertised and in particular the packaging with musicians like Seal or R. Vannucci Jr. (Killers).
Then you expected, at least initially a correspondingly neutral vote and no bass monster for mass.
Joy of music do not want to come up with the UE 400vi. Whether neo-progressive rock, electronic or neoclassical / World music. Too much bass boost, distorting upper bass and the slight dullness press the fun enormous.

My Conclusion:

Cable noise disturb the music genus during each movement. The ribbon cable is stoic and impractical. The plug-approach should be urgently reconsidered. Sonically Plated Bass tends to roll over and lack of clarity. There is also a carrying box which is on the small side.
The whole for an MSRP in the top angesiedeltem agent checkout area of ​​the In Ear entry segment.

I can now express really no recommendation and advise them alternatively with Sony, for example, the DR-EX300iP or Philips to look. They can also deal with raised bass, but to provide a sounding, which should better fallen and sick usually. not to such a massive cable noise.

Afterword:

Headphone reviews are always very difficult because listening is taken very subjectively true. What John Doe is good, John Doe does not have commitments. To my review comprehend, you should be brief information about my hearing and taste in music. The aim of my review should it indeed be let you know whether these in-ear headphones can also meet your taste and whether they are worth the price compared to the competition.
I like listening to Jean Michel Jarre, so electronic music that comes mainly from analog synthesizers, also "Dead Can Dance", which use many unusual musical instruments and onomatopoeia. Furthermore, neo-prog rock, such as IQ. Also Supertramp, Amy McDonald, Muse and Lily Allen have a permanent place on my player. I prefer to enjoy music in a quiet environment, such as a room, on the couch, in bed ...

I like dynamic sound, a clear sound, the clean separation of instruments and a precise location.
The best headphones should pleasantly tired to reproduce low notes, the bass do not dominate the band. The centers are displayed neutral, do not occur in the background or foreground. Heights are clearly and cleanly exposed. S-sounds are not prone to hiss and a basin should also listen to this and not like a piece of sheet metal that is thrown into a corner. The whole thing please even at low volumes, I must not ruin my hearing by force. ;) That would be the optimum, which is of course not to be found in the entry-level segment, but starting from this picture I think my explanation about the perceived sound.