AIAIAI TMA-2 HD Preset
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According to our headphones expert
With the AIAIAI TMA-2 HD Preset, you can enjoy high sound quality when listening wired. The cable is robust and provides a high quality wired signal. You won't be bothered by signal loss, so you can listen to music undisturbed. Thanks to the replaceable parts, you can upgrade the headphones the way you want. This makes it last longer and you can personalize your listening experience.
Type of ear cushions | Over-ear | |
|---|---|---|
Bluetooth | ||
Noise canceling | ||
Built-in microphone |
5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
magical sound experience!
Katrien Rooseleer
2 April 2021
Automatically translated from Dutch
The price of these headphones was a bit above what I was willing to spend on a new one, but the fact that they are modular and designed with repair in mind, using as many responsible sustainable materials as possible (such as recycled vinyl records ), something Fairphone also strives to do, has made me decide to purchase these somewhat pricey headphones.
The Box and Content
The set comes in a simply designed stylish black box with white sleeve with the image of the headphones. The box does not contain a meticulously designed filling, but only a set of airtight bags, which resemble astronaut food, and one A4 sheet with a thank you letter for the purchase on the front and behind the manual that is also available on Coolblue for download. .
Exact contents of the box: 1 bag with 2 ear cushions 1 bag with 2 speaker units 1 bag with the headband 1 bag with the 1.5 meter long mains cable (3.5mm jack with 6.3mm unscrewable adapter) 1 A4 sheet with thank you letter and manual
Use and experiences
Assembling the whole is easy without tools and feels solid. The only thing to pay attention to is to place the speakers on the correct side, as indicated in the manual. Although the cords of the headband should be 'locked', after a lot of effort I managed to tighten only one of the two plugs a quarter turn in the speaker unit. But there's no threat that it could ever be pulled out, so that's not a problem per se. Basically it doesn't matter which speaker unit the mains cable is plugged into, but in my case I found that when I plugged it in on the left side the sound was not evenly distributed (more on the left side) and when I turned volume all the way down to one side, there was still sound on the other side. I was almost tempted to return it, until I plugged in the cord on the right. I have no immediate need to want to connect the cord on both sides, so can keep it to the right, but thought it was weird. When I emailed AIAIAI they couldn't give a (clear) answer unfortunately.
I am not an audiophile and so cannot give a refined experience. But as far as I can judge the sound is very good and suitable for all music and sound types. Classic, pop, EDM, movies and games. The only thing I personally noticed was that the basses were a bit more prominent, but now that I've used it for a few weeks, I'm not used to it. The volume can also be raised to almost hearing damage when connecting to the smartphone. So loud enough in my opinion.
Due to the size of the ear pads and the shape of the headband, it fits securely around the ears. As a result, the wearing comfort can depend a bit on how you place it. Sometimes it presses a little more firmly on top or if it presses a bit on the earcups it can hurt a bit. This can be solved by placing it a little better, but it can still take some getting used to compared to headphones that are looser around the head. And I base this on wearing often at least 6 to 8 hours in a row.
Durability
How long the headphones will continue to work and remain intact remains to be seen. But the signs are positive: AIAIAI has a video on their youtube channel where they bend the headband enormously several times, but it still keeps its shape. Due to the modular approach, each individual part can be replaced with new ones. In addition, if you have multiple requirements for your headphones, the modular design means that you don't have to purchase separate headphones for each function, but only exchange the parts.
Do you want to go from analog 3.5mm jack to USB? You can just connect a separate other cord for that. Also longer and curled, or a cord with a small microphone and control for calling. Would you like a wireless variant for travel? The headband is simply interchangeable with a Bluetooth version. It is also easy to adjust from over-ear to on-ear or to faux-leather cushions. Or other speaker units with different sound reproduction, such as more emphasis on bass. It's all possible.
If this TMA-2 HD Preset does not exactly meet your requirements, CoolBlue also offers the DJ and Wireless preset (at the time of this review) in addition to this preset. But if you want a different configuration and don't have to order extra parts next to it, you can go to the AIAIAI website and put together your perfect headphones.
Last, but not least, their website provides manuals (at the time of this review only for the speaker units) for repairing your headphones yourself, provided you have the skills and the tools available. Not many brands do that.
Conclusion
It gives good all-round sound for all kinds of sound and music, but can take some getting used to wearing as the large cushions make it a bit snug around the head. For the price of these headphones you may be able to buy two or more headphones of comparable quality in sound and/or wearing comfort and options, but what makes them stand out is the modular design and use of durable materials that don't make me fail only partially. don't have to throw the whole thing away because it's so hard to repair. That's what got it over with for me.
I. van Overbeek
30 June 2021
Automatically translated from Dutch
Product number | 858908 |
|---|---|
Manufacturer code | 10-90105 |
Brand | AIAIAI |
Warranty | 2 years |
Processing of your defect | Carry-in warranty |
Weight in grams | 240 g | |
|---|---|---|
Color | Black | |
Material | Fabric, Leather, Metal, Plastic | |
Built-in microphone | ||
Intended for | DJs |
Tested by expert |
|---|
Sound reproduction | Stereo | |
|---|---|---|
Impedance | 32 O | |
Hi-Res audio | ||
Volume limit | ||
Active headphones | ||
Noise canceling |
Bluetooth |
|---|
Detachable cable | ||
|---|---|---|
Ribbon cable | ||
Coil cable | ||
Braided sleeve | ||
Remote in cable |
Water-resistant |
|---|
Type of ear cushions | Over-ear | |
|---|---|---|
Types of design | Closed | |
Foldable | ||
Rotatable ear cups | ||
Ear cushion material | Foam, Imitation leather, Leather (skai) | |
Remote control on ear cups |
Best tested |
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