lazered - Magnat LZR

09/15
lazered
« Wireless listening pleasure
for less than EUR 130 »
Magnat Audio-Produkte GmbH · Lise-Meitner-Str. 9 · 50259 Pulheim · Germany · www.magnat-LZR.com
Magnat Bluetooth headphones LZR 588 BT
At this year‘s IFA, Magnat presented its Bluetooth overear headset LZR 588 with Bluetooth 4.0 plus aptX BT at
a price of EUR 129. We had already had the opportunity
to try out the headphones with 21 (!) hours of battery life
extensively at the Funkausstellung consumer electronics
fair in Berlin. Our test device has now arrived at the
editorial office, enabling us to finalise the impressions
gained in a test.
The headset with the laser technology typical for Magnat
is only available in black. On the LZR 588 BT, Magnat‘s LZR
technology is combined with Bluetooth for the first time, so
it is clear that the energy-saving, modern 4.0 standard is
employed, together with aptX. The LZR technology concept
includes equalisation of the frequency response according
to current research findings. Based on diffuse field
equalisation, a special technology is used here with the
addition of location-dependent and location-independent
sound information being separated mathematically. This
ensures a precisely balanced frequency response and high
impulse fidelity. Thanks to the optimisation also carried
out via the Klippel Analizer analytical development tool,
distortions originating from the drive system are reduced
considerably. A particularly powerful magnet system is
also an important feature of the Magnat LZR headphones.
The careful coordination is aimed at providing a powerful
bass range that also displays huge precision. Particularly
authentic three-dimensionality with a clearly defined
virtual space was also a requirement in the development
of the LZR headphone range.
We find the finish and material quality convincing on most
points. The headband is also slightly rubberised outside,
which gives it a good feel. It is padded effectively inside,
which means it is comfortable to wear even for longer
periods of time. The very elegantly shaped ear cups are
also covered with a thin rubber coating on the outside.
Incorporated between this material and the soft and not
too sweaty ear cushions is a narrow aluminium-look ring giving it a very dignified, yet stylish appearance. (...)
When we put the LZR 588 BT on, we like the way the
headset fits on the head so well. Nor does any excessive
pressure build up when wearing the headset for a longer
period of time. In addition, noise from outside is shielded
in a relatively effective way, with the result that external
noise sources do not interfere that much with listening
despite the absence of active noise cancelling.
How good is the speakerphone feature? We put it to
the test. Although both parties to the conversation can
understand each other, the sound is relatively ‚dull‘. There
is only minimal signal noise, which is very positive.
However, the voice sound is somewhat lacking in brilliance
and clarity, with voice quality perceived as a bit „muffled“
at both ends of the call.
Sound
Now let‘s look at the sound impressions by starting with
the current club hit, „San Francisco“ from Darius&Finlay
and Tom Borijn. We are impressed by the Magnat LZR 588
BT in the way it provides an intensive listening environment
characterised by a a strong bass. The build-up of the
tracks is presented in an efficient way with high impulse
fidelity. The LRZ 588 BT reproduces the voice excellently in
a clearly defined virtual space. This really is a successful
interpretation of the musical style we are listening to - the
sound is also vibrant and vivid and not dull or monotonous.
The best conditions for also scoring well with „Wake The
Giant“ by Tommy Trash. This track can likewise be found
on Future Trance 73.
The very melodious start comes across well, with the
definition offered by the Magnat Bluetooth headset very
convincing across the entire frequency range. When the
song really gets going at 1 minute10 seconds, the LZR
588 BT then produces a new dynamic bass experience –
though without the qualities of the wireless headphones
being exhausted by the solid bass power. Rather, the LZR
588 BT also scores well by offering transparent structures
and good precision.
The most outstanding hard trance/trance compilation by
Gary D „D-Trance“ has been around for 20 years now. A
good reason for us to listen to to the anniversary edition
again: „Adventure“ from NoMosk & Ansia Orchestra
develops a hard kick bass with a brisk build-up of the
electronic effects in the background at the same time.
Happily, the LZR 588 BT does not forget smaller acoustic
elements either – with the bass displaying exactly the
right degree of dominance that the drive and intensity
imply, and which fans of music appreciate so much. The
Magnat headset tackles the reproduction with vigour and
good three-dimensionality and does not fail in the slower
parts either with piano contributions and a solid bass
structure in the background. Instead, it also highlights
smaller dynamic differences excellently.
Now we turn to „Wastelands“ by Linkin Park. Here there is
a slight lack of ability to differentiate in the reproduction
of the electric guitar. There is also pressure there, with
the drums presented very well with precise timing. The
vocal reproduction of the LZR 588 BT is also excellent.
Three-dimensionality is perceived as intensive, with only
the lower mid-ranges minimally underrepresented in this
song. We now check out „A Line In The Sand“, again from
Linkin Park. The introduction generating the excitement is
reproduced in good detail. The Magnat headset succeeds
in building up all the sound elements perfectly. The
listener is delighted with the abundance of atmosphere
and a high degree of acoustic realism. The vocals are
minimally underrepresented, though very well defined in
terms of contours. Then, when things really get going, the
LZR 588 BT makes it clear that the Linkin Park style of
music is also right up its street.
The LZR 588 also shows its great strength with „I Wish
I Had An Angel“ from Nightwish, with very good broad
dynamics combining with really good representation of
the female vocals. The electric guitar riffs are really good
here - vibrant and powerful.
The quite aggressive male voice also comes across
excellently. Now let‘s go to the middle of the „wild 80‘s“:
There are no reservations about „Celebrate Youth“ by Rick
Springfield either, with the hard bass, presented practically
without any distortions, reproduced in an outstanding
manner. The rhythm is crisp and clear and here too the
LZR 588 incorporates the vocals in an excellent way.
And with the one hit wonder „You Spin Me Round (Like A
Record)“ from Dead Or Alive, LZR 588 once again shows
off its extremely good bass, with the rousing rhythm also
coming across immaculately. The „New York Mix“ from
the Frankie Goes To Hollywood classic „Relax“ is the next
title in the programme. Right from the beginning of this
over 7 minute long version, the LZR 588 BT creates a very
superior overall impression, with an unerring bass once
again as well as a transparent build-up and structure of
the song at all times. Every new effect is incorporated
carefully and promptly at the same time. It really is a
pleasure to listen to music with the LZR 588 BT – and its
performance is particularly convincing when playing back
energetic songs of this type. And what about pure Italian
passion? We then put on „Perfidia“ by Andrea Bocelli and
note that this music genre is not necessarily the best
strength of the LZR 588 BT. Andrea‘s voice is not rendered
with that much charisma and sounds minimally synthetic.
It is noticeable that „running with the hand brake on“
does not really suit the LZR 588 BT that much. Although
it does provide a solid foundation, the separation of the
voice from the instruments could be somewhat better. We
give the LZR a second chance with the duet „I Belong To
You“ by Eros Ramazzotti and Anastacia – and the headset
copes much better with this title. Here we really like the
reproduction of Anastacia‘s vice in particular. And the
piano also comes across very well. Another advantage
of the LZR 588 BT is that, although the bass range has
impact and power, it does not overpower the rest of the
acoustics. (...)
Conclusion
The Magnat LZR 588 BT offers an attractive look, good
material quality, impeccable wear comfort and vibrant,
powerful acoustics at an economical purchase price.
Other advantages include the long battery life and stable
Bluetooth connection. (...)
+ Stable Bluetooth signal transmission
+ Very good wear comfort
+ Powerful, vibrant sound
+ Good finish
+ Economical purchase price
Magnat Audio-Produkte GmbH · Lise-Meitner-Str. 9 · 50259 Pulheim · Germany · www.magnat-LZR.com