What Hi Fi Sound and Vision 10 MAY 2009

JVC HA-FX1000

£ 250 4

* * * *

Unique, and great-sounding, these premium JVC's are well-worth trying

For
Detailed, open sound; very comfortable
Against
Delivery not as textured as class-leaders at this price-point

Surely JVC using its wooden cone technology in an in-ear headphone is a step too far, isn't it? On this evidence: not at all.

Here a stylish wooden casing hides a bi-metal structure that controls the movement of the wooden diaphragm. The sound is detailed and neutral, with great rhythm and bass weight, which lends Bat for Lashes' Daniel the openness and solidity it deserves.

Delivery's not quite as textured or nuanced as the elite at this high price, but these are undeniably competent and unique in-ears.