In our second outing with Attitude One, we inspect their latest bold and stylish on-ear headphones to see how they perform. Enter the Almaz.
Product on review: Almaz
Manufacturer & Sponsor: Attitude One
MSRP: €110 + VAT (approx £110 GBP)
The development of audio fashion was an inevitability and is synonymous with those popular on-ear headphones stylised with a lower case B… Moving on from that, it is an understandable move, where audio products are concerned, to hit that huge market with a stylish and sleek product that has function and value to stand out against competitors.
Attitude One have taken that formula and produced the Almaz headphones. They are available in Orange, Green, White, Blue, Black, Pink, so there is a good selection to pick your favourite from. Aside from coloured glossy plastic, these closed back on-ear headphones are armed with high performance 40mm drivers, supplied with various cables for different situations and are backed by a 2 year warranty.
Overview by Attitude One
Attitude One is launching their first line of lifestyle audio products. First out is the stylish and comfortable street headphones, Almaz with premium sound and design which separates you from the rest. The Almaz headphones are bundled with a voice communication adapter which turns it into a headset and a large pack of premium cables for easy connection to cellphones, stereo and pc.
Specifications & Features
Loudhailer diameter: 40mm
Frequency range: 20~20.000Hz
Sensitivity: 111±3dB at 1 khz
Distortion: ≤4% THD
Magnet size: Φ12.5 × 2.0mm
Impedance: 16 Ohm at 1khz
Maximum power input: 20mW
Omnidirectional microphone: 4*1.5mm
Phone Cable 1 length: Approx.0.9m
Phone Cable 2 length: Approx.1.2m
Mic adapter cable length: Approx.2.4m (incl. adapter)
Hi-Fi Cable length: Approx.7.0m (incl. 6.3mm adapter)
Plug(mm): 3.5mm Gold-plated plug
Sensitivity Mic: -42dB
Frequency range: 20~20.000Hz
Sensitivity: 111±3dB at 1 khz
Distortion: ≤4% THD
Magnet size: Φ12.5 × 2.0mm
Impedance: 16 Ohm at 1khz
Maximum power input: 20mW
Omnidirectional microphone: 4*1.5mm
Phone Cable 1 length: Approx.0.9m
Phone Cable 2 length: Approx.1.2m
Mic adapter cable length: Approx.2.4m (incl. adapter)
Hi-Fi Cable length: Approx.7.0m (incl. 6.3mm adapter)
Plug(mm): 3.5mm Gold-plated plug
Sensitivity Mic: -42dB
Features
– High Performance 40mm drivers with deep bass and great clarity.
– Foldable design for easy storage and compact carrying.
– Adjustable headband and soft cusion ear-pads for comfortable fitting.
– Canvas carry pouch included.
– Voice communication adapter with microphone mute and volume control included.
– 1.2 and 0.9m cord with inline remote control for iDevices included.
– 1.2 and 0.9m cord with inline remote control for Android Devices included.
– 7.0m HiFi cable with 3.5mm plugs included.
– 3.5mm stereo jack socket to 6.3mm plug included.
Packaging & Accessories
The Almaz Packaging
The packaging quality is very high and takes a minimalistic approach with a large image of the product against a white background while the product name and company branding is present in opposing corners.
The Almaz revealed through the top
The top is a large magnetic flap that opens to reveal a window inside showing the product. On the inside of the flap there is a list of features written in English.
Lots of protection inside
Once the top part of the box has been removed, we find a lot of protective packaging, with the headphones prominently surrounding the headset microphone adaptor.
The bottom tray removed
Under all the packaging we find a manual that instructs on the differences in commands between the iDevices and Android Devices as well as general setup and information.
Inside the card tray
Spaghetti hell, wait… cables! Inside the card tray we find a lot of accessories, including a carry case, seperate 0.9m and 1.2m cables specifically for Android and iDevices as well as an immense 7m HiFi cable with 6.3mm adaptor.
Communication adaptor converts headphones into headset.
This flexible microphone plugs into the headphones with built-in in-line remote enabling the headphones to be used with a PC or various other devices as a headset.
Mobile in-line remote
Functions between iDevices and Android differ slightly but all have the expected basic features you would expect, as well as having an in-line microphone for phone calls too, which is a big plus against many competing products.
Custom jack ends
A neat feature to finish off the product are the inscribed jack ends with the A1 and Almaz logos.
Closer Look
Candyfloss action
First impressions are of a sleek streamlined product that should catch the attention of those looking for this type of product.
Aesthetic quality reflected in the various colours
Also available in Orange, Green, Blue and Black, the white and pink variations certainly show off the attractive Almaz design. The pink hue is a medium pale magenta, a small touch towards the violet side of things and certainly looks pretty, a lot more attractive than the ‘pale-red but kinda looks like orange but we will call it ‘baby pink’ ‘pink’. Extra-spectral colours aside, things are looking good.
Paired together
Standing solo
The headband
The headband is lined with a thin, soft strip of cushioning that feels non-slip.
The adjustable strap
We find that the adjustable strap is lined with aluminium, though it appears it could be for show, it may also add provide strength and longevity.
The Ear-cups
As with all on-ear designs, the ear-cups are small as to sit on your ears but have padding coated with what seems to be PU leather to aid with comfort. The inside is covered by a mesh lining.
Underside of the ear-cups
It is good to see the Almaz is completely modular, with a single 3.5mm jack port, simple and convenient.
Folded up
The Almaz is a foldable design for easy transport and storage. It is worth noting that the internal wires connecting the ear-cups look like they are braided, this will add strength and support to the wiring.
Performance Testing
Setup, Design & Observations
The glossy plastic look may be enjoyed or loathed by some, regardless, it is hard to deny that the Almaz looks good. There is metal where it counts, at the folding joint, and on the headband. PU leather is a good choice to use on ear cups because it feels soft and cool while remaining breathable. Trying to fold at first was relatively stiff, it actually got me a little worried, but it could be a first time thing, once folded you can see that the internal wiring is braided which is a neat touch.
Using the Almaz was fairly simple, you could just use a jack to jack and control via whatever equipment you are using it with, the beauty of modular design is transferability. While wireless headphones have a clear advantage, having various cables supplied to which you can leave plugged into the relevant devices, I.E. PC headphone and mic cable left plugged into a PC, while Mobile device cable left with mobile, means that you can use it where ever you go simply by changing jacks.
Comfort is an interesting point and potentially subjective. As with earphones or in-ear headsets, on-ear headphones take a little getting used to. At first, for several hours, the Almaz deceived me into believing they are fairly comfortable, however, eventually my ears started fatigue and get a dull ache. I do not believe that this is because the Almaz’ clamping force is too tight but merely because I am not used to using on-ear headphones. Regardless, for use over short periods of time, the Almaz did remain fairly comfortable which is good for their intended mobile use. As previously discovered, I generally would not recommend on-ear solutions to those who wear glasses.
The included communications adaptor is a neat design and is simple to use, it has a volume dial at the back and mic mute switch on the side. The iDevice and Android cables included seems over the top, however, logically it makes sense when you consider that the Almaz would make a perfect gift for many children. Including a shorter 0.9m cable for them means less cable slack swinging around. Visually there is little difference between the Android and iDevice cables, however, there may be internal differences which enable certain expanded commands and features for Apple devices, so if you are a proud owner of an Apple product, you may be happy to know that A1 have taken this into consideration.
Multi-Media
Playing through my music library on random some Avenged Sevenfold gets thrown up, there is pleasant separation between the mid and high tones while the bass seems strong and smooth allowing for good awareness of guitar solos, vocals and bass notes. This is a repeating pattern heard on various following tracks. Putting the Almaz against some stable reference tracks, it is clear that the Almaz has intentionally coloured sound. The bass is certainly warm and pleasant, it does however lack in definition, preferring a more boomy approach. To take a more objective approach, I listened through Little Boots album ‘Hands’ followed by Tinie Tempah’s ‘Disc-Overy’ to give a more mainstream experience, the Almaz responded by giving thumping beats and clear lyrics to which was enjoyable and easy to listen to.
World of WarPlanes gave an immense experience, the smooth booming bass made engines roar and added punch to the guns and cannon sound effects, while DOTA 2 showed competent performance so that the bass doesn’t muddy the mid tones to completely block the sound of a salve or clarity being used just off screen.
Microphone
The Android in-line microphone was capable and sounded ‘normal’ when used in a phone call and it would be safe to assume that the iDevice microphone quality would be similar. However, these do not hold a candle to the ‘communication adaptor’ with a dedicated flexible mic, the microphone quality was described as very good. The microphone arm is a little short and doesn’t quite reach your mouth but didn’t make for any major issue.
Conclusion
Supra-aural fashion headphones have become very popular in recent years and the A1 Almaz should definitely turn a few heads. The bundle contains a variety of cables that allow it to be used in practically any situation, combined with its modularity, the Almaz represents a lot of value in the competing market. The sleek design and quality package along with the choice of colour will please many, as will the knowledge that they sound reasonably good, even though the audio output has been ‘coloured’ towards the bass being more prominent.
In testing, the comfort seemed somewhat questionable, though it appears subjective. It could simply be that I am not used to the stress applied by on-ear headphones, this subjectivity is backed up by the fact I found them comfortable for periods of 1-2 hours at a time.
Compared to other audio products, these will not be ones to please the hardcore gamer nor the audiophile, however, the Almaz is not there to appeal to this market, instead its appeal is for everyday out and about use with mobile devices so it can be seen and make a statement, on the side it can be used with your PC as a competent headset. Our listening tests found that the sound quality slightly lacked a little precision but the overall impression is pleasing, fun and enjoyable so I would not hesitate to recommend people to take a look at the Attitude One Almaz. For these reasons listed we proudly award our Silver.
Attitude One have done a great job with the Almaz, quality presentation, sleek aesthetics and good quality sound all supported by an impressive modular bundle.
Pros.
+ Smooth, prominent bass
+ Appealing aesthetics
+ Available in various colours
+ Fully modular
+ Extensive bundle with various cables and carry case
+ Foldable
+ Quality microphone with the communication adaptor
Mediocre
+- Comfort
Cons.
– Lacking in overall audio definition
+ Smooth, prominent bass
+ Appealing aesthetics
+ Available in various colours
+ Fully modular
+ Extensive bundle with various cables and carry case
+ Foldable
+ Quality microphone with the communication adaptor
Mediocre
+- Comfort
Cons.
– Lacking in overall audio definition
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net. Thanks to Attitude One for providing today’s review sample.
