Nixon The Wire review

A lot of thought has clearly gone into the design and build. If only there was a bit more substance under all that style Tested at £30

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If style is your thing, go for it. If music matters, though, these are best avoided

Pros

  • +

    Well-designed

  • +

    tons of different finishes

  • +

    great detail in upper frequencies

Cons

  • -

    Bass is almost completely absent

  • -

    no richness or warmth

  • -

    lacking in drama

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There’s always a risk when it comes to making stylish products like these. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how good they sound – people will always put the boot in and say they’re lacking substance just because time and money has been spent on the design, rather than the sound. That, sadly, is not the case here.

The Nixon Wires are all midrange and treble, with no meaningful bass to speak of. At first, we thought we hadn’t got them seated correctly in our ears, but alas, all was snug and sealed. There just isn’t any warmth to the Nixons; no richness or sense of musicality – just thin, brittle tinniness.

Nixon The Wire: Lack of bass
That said, that lack of bass does have one advantage: it’s allowed these headphones to offer a creditable amount of detail. There’s definitely a lot going on – instruments are easy to pick out in the stereo field, and individual parts can be distinguished and followed even if they’re low in the mix.

Vocals, likewise, are articulate and there’s plenty of finesse when it comes to fine inflection… but we just can’t get past that lack of punch or bass. Music needs to flow freely to be enjoyable, and The Wires make it feel as though it’s been chopped off at the neck.

Nixon The Wire: Verdict
As with the AiAiAi Pipes, it’s a real shame – a lot of thought has clearly gone into the design and build (which are both exemplary at this price). If only there was a bit more substance under all that style.

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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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