Phonak Audeo PFE 022 review

There's a lot to like about these Phonak cans, and despite the lack of some dynamics we'd recommend them Tested at £100

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

There's much to like here, and these cans are worth an audition

Pros

  • +

    Insightful, pacey feel to sound, wide soundstage

Cons

  • -

    Some dynamics are lacking

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

It’s a bold move to print the word ‘perfect’ on the box of any audio product, so it’s testament to Phonak’s confidence in its PFE 022 model that it’s printed it three times.

Let’s be honest, though: they don’t look or feel like they’re worth £100, and a single-button control is a bit disappointing at this price, but the PFE 022s make up for all that with impressive sound quality.

They’re pacey and detailed, but not to the degree that they ruthlessly expose poor recordings. Instead, everything you play will sound smooth and insightful – a rare balance from a pair of in-ears.

There’s a wide soundstage with precisely placed instruments, too, but while low-level dynamics are decent, bigger crescendos sound somewhat stifled.

That’s a shame, because a greater ability to thrill could have led to a ‘perfect’ score.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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