TechRadar Verdict
SoundMagic’s E11D USB-C earbuds are a great option for those seeking solid sound quality at a bearable cost. Thanks to a built-in DAC, the E11D emit clear audio that’s a cut above similarly priced rivals. While the sound isn’t perfect, and their built-in button controls are frustratingly small, with the E11D you’re still getting tech that’s well worth the money.
Strong sound quality for the price
Built-in DAC
Come with neat carry-case
Overly small buttons on controller
Design not going to wow
Cable noise on-the-go isn’t ideal
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SoundMagic E11D: Review
SoundMagic makes some bold claims about the SoundMagic E11D, stating that they deliver “superior sound”, “enhanced accuracy and detail”, and are made from “high-quality aluminum components” – but how good are they really? Pretty good, actually.
Let’s start with what matters the most – audio quality. I was very pleased with the clarity offered by these buds, and when listening toDiamonds on the Soles of Her Shoesby Paul Simon, they skilfully weighted the various instrumental elements – from the groovy bassline to the recurring guitar riff and layered vocals. However, I did find that clarity was hampered somewhat at louder volumes. On that point, these buds can get very loud if you want them to; there’s no way that you’ll be left wanting more on the amplification front.
When tuning intoBlack Eyeby Allie X, I was impressed by the E11D’s ability to supply controlled bass. The deepest tones weren’t astonishingly impactful, but they certainly demonstrated a bit more depth than theSkullcandy Set USB-Cbuds on comparing the two. Similarly,Rains Againby Solji was delivered clearly and without any tinniness at 50% volume. However, high-pitched vocals fell short of being perfectly crisp. All in all, though, audio will satisfy the vast majority of listeners – something that also rings true of the E11D’s sibling, the SoundMagic E11C, which appear on our list of thebest wired headphones.
The E11D’s effectiveness in the sound department is, in part, thanks to their built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), which can handle up to 24bit/96kHz audio. This alone earns the E11D kudos, especially given that even some of the best wired earbuds still require one of thebest portable DACsto truly showcase their skills. That’s not to say that you’ll transcend to a new plane of consciousness by using the E11D, but for the very decent list price of $44 / £39.99 / AU$65, you’ll most certainly get your money’s worth.
On the topic of cost, it’s important to consider that the E11D arrive with a few extras to sweeten the deal. Alongside some silicone ear tips, in small, medium, and large sizes, you also get a sturdy black and gray carry case, which is a decent-looking, convenient addition to the mix.
Another area in which the E11D score positively is comfort. I kept them in my ears for multiple full work days and while on walks, and they never once fell out of my ears or felt irritating after longer listening periods. In addition, the E11D enable you to enjoy music, podcasts or videos without being overly distracted by external noise, thanks to their noise isolation.
Imagine this: you’re sitting in the office with colleagues around you typing away. A plethora of sounds surround you, whether it’s occasional chatter or the roar of an engine as a car zooms past – but even that’s overridden by an electric guitar blaring from the next room over. Well, let’s just say I didn’t have to do much imagining last Thursday – but, thanks to the E11D, all of this wasn’t too much of a distraction. Noise isolation here is pretty good, and although some sounds will still creep through, these buds do a nice job of keeping you zoned into whatever you’re listening to – especially considering they don’t come with specialized foam ear tips.
One more factor that can disrupt a wired listening experience is the sound of wires moving during use. SoundMagic has done a decent job of keeping cable noise relatively dulled compared to other more budget models. You can still hear these sounds if you touch the wires, for instance, but the noise is far less imposing than I’ve heard with the Skullcandy Set USB-Cs, for example.
So far you might be thinking that me and the E11D have an unbreakable bond that could last a lifetime. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to burst that bubble. You see, these earbuds may offer solid sound and considerable comfort, but they don’t hitallthe right notes, especially on the design front.
First, the E11D’s controller is pretty disappointing. While equipped with the classic volume up, down, and play/pause buttons (the latter can also be used to take or hang up calls and skip songs), the buttons themselves are so small and positioned so close together, that they can prove a challenge to use. Even my colleague with fingers smaller than mine struggled with the button controls. This is pretty frustrating if you’re trying to adjust the volume while on the go, for instance. When it comes to the E11D’s built-in mic, though, I’m pleased to report that it works very well, and I could hear myself clearly – with only a little background static – when listening back to a voice recording.
Looks-wise, the E11D aren’t stone cold stunners, but they’re also far from ugly. The rounded appearance of the actual buds lacks the sharpness of models such as the Skullcandy Set USB-C, for instance, but they’re still classy in their way. Available in either black or silver, I did test a seemingly older variant of the E11D in black, which had a larger connector, plus they did have some issues working with mySamsungGalaxy Z Flip 4. However, when using the newer, silver version of the E11D, I experienced no such issues, and in fact I’d argue that their cable’s twisted design makes them the better choice.
Overall, the E11D deliver plenty of bang for their buck. The combination of hi-res audio and impressive noise isolation means that you’ll almost definitely be satisfied with what they offer.
SoundMagic E11D review: Price and release date
SoundMagic’s E11D earbuds are available for $44 / £39.99 / AU$65 and first launched in November 2018.
These are a budget option, but there are USB-C earbuds on the market that are cheaper still, such as the aforementioned Skullcandy Set buds, which come in at just $31.99 / £29.99 (about AU$50), but alsoApple’s USB-C EarPods (list price currently $19 / £19 / AU$29). More on the Skullcandy alternative later – but be warned that in our opinion,Apple’s USB-C EarPodsdon’t deliver particularly great sound quality. If you want access to a higher caliber of audio, shelling out a little more on the E11D could be well worth it.
SoundMagic E11D review: Specs
Should you buy the SoundMagic E11D?
Buy them if…
You want good quality audio on a budgetThanks to the E11D’s built-in DAC, music comes through clearly, and is considerably more full-sounding than many budget rivals in the USB-C wired earbud space.
You want effective passive noise isolationThe noise isolation available here is pretty impressive, even if it doesn’t fully block out all sounds from your surroundings. For a step up on this front, consider theEarFun Air Pro 3, which have been seen with a price as low as $55.99 / £49.99 (about AU$80).
Don’t buy them if…
You want ‘em for when you’re on the goUnfortunately, the diminutive nature of the E11D’s controls make them difficult to use when you’re on the move – something to consider if they will mainly be used for active scenarios.
You want something stylishThey’re not ugly, but the E11D aren’t the most bold-looking wired earbuds either. The Silver colorway certainly shows them in their best light, but the rounded look of the buds themselves lacks the sharpness of a model such as the Skullcandy Set USB-C.
SoundMagic E11D review: Also consider
Skullcandy Set USB-CThe Skullcandy Set USB-C’s audio may not be as full-sounding as the SoundMAGIC E11D, but it’s still strong for the list price of $31.99 / £29.99 (about AU$50). The best part of these buds is their design, however; their curved, sleek looks make them a nice choice for those on a budget – and they’re waterproof, too. Be warned, though: the Set buds don’t come with volume controls built-in. Read our fullSkullcandy Set USB-C review.
SoundMagic E11CIf you’ll predominantly be listening on a device with a headphone jack, but like what you’ve heard in this review, the SoundMagic E11C could be for you. If your device charges via USB-C, you’ll be able to top up the battery and use wired earbuds simultaneously. You’ll also get the same pleasing audio quality and impressive noise isolation that you’d get with the E11D. Read our fullSoundMagic E11C review.
SoundMagic E11D review: How I tested
I tested the SoundMagic E11D earbuds in a range of environments, including the office, at home, and while out and about. When listening to music, I played tracks from the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains tracks from a vast variety of genres, in order to measure sound quality.
I also listened to hours of songs via Tidal on theFiiO M11Shi-res music player, and watchedYouTubevideos on my windows laptop. When appropriate, I used the Skullcandy Set USB-C buds to compare the E11D on audio quality, comfort, and ease of use.
Read more abouthow we test.
Harry is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. He reviews everything from party speakers to portable battery packs, but has a particular interest in the worlds of gaming and smartphones. Harry has a background in business tech journalism, particularly around the telecoms industry.
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