Magnat Audio-Produkte GmbH · Lise-Meitner-Str. 9 · 50259 Pulheim · Germany · www.magnat-LZR.com

09/15

« Wireless listening pleasure for less than eur 130 »

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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 over-ear 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.

SoundNow 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. (...)ConclusionThe 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