Future Sonics Atrio M5 / M8 Canalphones Review

Recently I reviewed the Able Planet Clear Harmony With Linx Audio Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (what a mouthful). Today we have the Future Sonics Atrio M5 / M8 Canalphones. Thanks for Future Sonics for the unit I have for review today.

The M5 and M8 are identical except for color. While the M5 is black with a blue band around the earpiece, the M8 is the opposite: blue with a black band.

Specifications from the Future Sonics website:

• Proprietary Future Sonics dynamic drivers
• 20Hz - 20kHz response
• 32 Ohm impedance
• Up to -26dB ambient noise rejection
• 1.3m cable, low microphonics
• Angled 3.5mm gold plated stereo plug
  

Included in the box are:

• 1 Pair Future Sonics m5 / m8 Professional Earphones
• 2 Pair ea. ComfortFit Foam Sleeves (Large and Small)
• 2 Pair ea. EarFills Silicon Sleeves (Large, Medium, and Small)
• 1 Atrio Series Carrying Case
• 1 Loop Cleaning Tool

First impressions: I really didn't like the color of the blue model. Yes, I know, very superficial of me. However, the black model, which I didn't have the opportunity to see firsthand - that might be better. I also prefer an in-line volume control, which these do not have, but that's just a personal preference.

One feature that's not aesthetic, but functional, are the clear cable-sheaths that extend down the cables about an inch from the earphones. This obviously reinforces the earphone / cable connection, but definitely doesn't add to the appearance.

Appearances, while important in this fashion-crazy world, isn't as important as performance. After all, that's what your ears want, right? If you are coming from the stock iPod earbuds, you're in for a treat. Of course, for $199 vs. free, you'd better get a good experience.

Comfort and Fit

As indicated above, there are a variety of different ear pieces. The foam sleeves, the silicon sleeves, and if you really want to go custom: custom-made SofterWear sleeves. These require an audiologist or other professional to make an impression of your ear - so that adds still more cost to the $149 for the sleeves themselves. I think I'll stick to the standard ones, thank you. Even without custom fit, the choices are so many, I doubt you'll have an issue finding a comfortable fit.

One thing though: the foam sleeves are very similar to those disposable foam earplugs you can buy for concerts or sleeping. What this means, and what's obvious from the accessories part of the Future Sonics site: you'll need to replace them relatively often.

Performance

I'm no audiophile, but I can tell the difference between the stock earbuds from my wife's iPod and these. Richer, deeper bass is a strong point in these canalphones. Although they do not have a noise-cancelling feature, they fit so well (once you find the right fit, that is), this wasn't an issue.

They held up well in all varieties of music, whether jazz, rock, easy listening, or classical. I then turned to watching a DVD on my PC to see how they handled, oh say, a few explosions from "The Matrix" or - as my wife would put it - the sometimes squeaky voices on some anime ("Inuyasha"). I was not disappointed here either.

Conclusion:

In terms of performance, while not perfect, the Atrio M5 / M8 Canalphones are definitely worth the money. If there is a con, it's the appearance, especially with the blue ones. Aside from that, I always prefer an in-line volume control, as I said previously. Still, what I'd say is - either get a black set, or get over the appearance - these are worth a try. In this case, function conquers form.