Blue Ella Recensie | 93 Gegevens vergelijking

The Blue Ella is a premium $700 flagship headphone that marks the company's first venture into planar magnetic drivers, paired with a built-in, battery-powered analog amplifier. It shares the distinctive, multi-link headband mechanism and cup layout found on previous Blue models like the Sadie and Lola, but elevates the aesthetics with luxury car-inspired silver, black, and brown styling. On the positive side, the Ella delivers excellent audio quality characterized by low-extending bass, high detail reproduction, and a warm sound profile that pairs well across multiple genres. It also introduces a more comfortable fit using higher-grade, softer leather pads, features fabric-sleeved cables, and completely eliminates the background hum or interference present in earlier powered models. However, the headphones suffer from notable design flaws that detract from their premium positioning. The primary drawback is the loose, plastic amplifier control switch, which jiggles easily and occasionally fails to engage the "off" position correctly, causing the left audio channel to scratch or fade out completely. Performance-wise, the planar magnetic drivers are highly power-hungry, meaning the headphones only sound their best when the internal amplifier...

The Blue Ella Premium Planar Magnetic Headphones Review by Performer Magazine highlights Blue Microphones' attempt to elevate audiophile and studio monitoring standards. Sharing a structural framework with the brand's Sadie model, these over-ear headphones boast substantial padding across both the ear cups and the head strap to maintain long-term comfort. Their core technological differentiator is the integration of planar magnetic drivers, which utilize a series of magnets surrounding conductors to evenly move the diaphragm. Furthermore, they feature an internal, USB-rechargeable onboard amplifier tucked inside the ear cup to deliver highly efficient power.

The Blue Ella headphones ($699 USD) are an innovative, closed-back design featuring 50-by-50mm planar-magnetic drivers and a built-in 250mW amplifier. This internal amp ensures consistent frequency response across different source devices and includes a helpful three-mode barrel switch for passive, amplified, or amplified bass-boost playback. On the upside, the Ellas deliver an exceptionally vivid, neutral, and detailed soundstage, separating individual instruments cleanly without altering their natural tonality. They also feature a precise, gentle clamping force via cantilevered, spring-loaded arms that keep the headphones stable and highly comfortable during long listening sessions. However, the headphones have notable drawbacks. Weighing 480 grams, they are heavy, bulky, and do not fold, making them impractical for standard travel or portable use. Additionally, they offer less-than-average acoustic isolation from outside noises. The amplifier requires periodic recharging via Micro-USB, providing about 12 hours of battery life. Sonically, they do not play exceptionally loud from portable smartphones, and technical measurements revealed minor anomalies like high distortion below 50Hz and a slight left-to-right channel mismatch. Despite these structural and technical quirks, the Ellas remain a unique and highly...

The Blue Ella is a premium pair of closed-back, planar-magnetic over-ear headphones priced at $700, notable for featuring a built-in headphone amplifier. The design is highly distinct, featuring an "alien" metal frame modeled after a Formula 1 race car, backed by exceptional attention to detail in its accessories, which include braided nylon cables. On the technical side, the left earcup hosts a microUSB port used exclusively to charge the 1000mAh amp battery, alongside a physical power switch. This switch allows users to toggle between three distinct listening states: "off" (passive), "on" (active), and "on+", which engages a secondary circuit to naturally boost the bass presence without becoming overwhelming.

The Blue Ella headphones offer a powerful, luxurious sound with exceptional vertical soundstage height and immense detail, delivering a warm, thick audio profile. While the unique, robust design provides excellent comfort and sound isolation, the £700 headphones lack ultimate transparency and feature a slightly muted treble, performing more like premium consumer gear than strict audiophile equipment. Ultimately, these headphones serve as a niche, fatigue-free luxury option that prioritizes musical enjoyment over flat, clinical accuracy, making them a tough sell for value-focused listeners.

The Blue Ella headphones ($699 MSRP) are a premium pair of closed-back, planar magnetic over-ear monitors designed to deliver high-fidelity audio on the go. A standout feature is their built-in 250mW amplifier powered by a 1,000mAh battery, which resolves a common issue with planar headphones by allowing them to be adequately driven by standard smartphones (like the Pixel XL) without stressing the phone's internal amp or causing audio distortion. The review praises their exceptional sound quality, noting a balanced, detailed, and clear audio reproduction with tight bass and warm mids that mimic the experience of listening to high-end studio reference monitors. Additionally, they provide a secure fit with comfortable ear pads and offer excellent passive sound isolation during music playback. However, the headphones have notable drawbacks, primarily their high $700 price tag, which makes them a niche product that is difficult for most everyday consumers to justify. Because of their planar magnetic technology and complex construction, they are also bulky and heavy compared to standard dynamic driver headphones. The headband fit may feel restrictive or overly tight on individuals with...

The Blue Microphones Ella is a high-end, closed-back set of planar magnetic headphones that stands out by including a built-in 250mW Class AB amplifier, effectively removing the need for external gear. It features dual 50mm x 50mm diaphragms that provide a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, capturing the full range of human hearing. While the headphones can run in a passive mode, activating the onboard amp significantly boosts volume and transforms a "thin" soundstage into one that is warmer, fuller, and more three-dimensional, particularly when used with mobile devices. The review highlights several pros, most notably the sweet, balanced sound and the comfort provided by the multi-jointed headband, which manages the device’s 17-ounce weight well. However, there are notable cons: the headphones are heavy and bulky, making them less portable than competitors. Additionally, the inline remote's buttons are difficult to distinguish by touch, and the included carrying pouch offers minimal protection for the $699 investment. Despite these physical drawbacks, the Ella is praised for making planar magnetic technology accessible to mobile users without requiring additional amplification.

The Blue Ella is a distinctively styled pair of closed-back, planar magnetic headphones that features a bold "retro-cyberpunk" design reminiscent of an intricate metallic skeleton. Priced at an MSRP of $699.99, these headphones deliver pristine, vivid, and highly accurate sound reproduction with an expansive soundstage and a remarkably fluid, detailed upper register. To combat the power limitations often faced by mobile devices driving planar magnetic components, Blue integrated a custom 250mW amplifier directly into the earcups. This rechargeable onboard amp features an nearly invisible control switch that toggles between an "On" mode for added presence and an "On+" mode for an extra bass boost. Despite the stellar audio fidelity, the Blue Ella comes with notable ergonomic drawbacks. The headphones are exceptionally heavy, weighing just over one pound, and utilize an aggressive, intrusive clamping force that can make long listening sessions feel tightly gripped. However, the thick foam padding cloaked in supple leather-like material helps keep outright discomfort at bay. While alternative options like the Audeze EL-8 offer a warmer, more organic tone and a more comfortable fit, the Ella's closed-back...

The Blue Ella headphones deliver a highly energetic, versatile, and dynamic performance by combining planar magnetic drivers with a built-in 250mW amplifier. Researched and tested by the team at What Hi-Fi?, these closed-back headphones feature a distinct, mechanically complex, six-jointed all-metal headband inspired by F1 design that provides a comfortable, fatigue-free fit around the ears. The integrated amp provides a substantial 12-hour battery life and includes a three-stage control switch (off, on, and 'on+' for bass boost), which successfully helps low-power sources like smartphones drive the traditionally demanding planar drivers. This configuration helps counter typical planar issues, creating a soundstage with impressive perceived height, an exceptionally alive delivery, and admirable sonic weight and forcefulness. What Hi-Fi? Despite these strong qualities, the headphones fail to match the overall finesse, rhythmic drive, and absolute transparency expected at their steep £680 price point. On the downside, the midrange frequencies are overly warm and filled-in, which limits vocal separation and blurs the presentation. They also lack composure and calm when tackling complex, dense musical arrangements with chaotic bass. Furthermore, while the built-in amp helps...

The Blue Microphone Ella headphones deliver top-tier audio quality with exceptional 3D spacing, depth, and clarity for a closed-back, planar magnetic design, according to the SoundGuys review. The headphones feature a built-in amplifier, which provides impressive sound performance, making them ideal for high-end listening sessions. However, the headphones are hindered by a heavy, bulky design that severely limits portability and comfort, making them ill-suited for on-the-go use. While the sound is impressive, the review notes the headphones do not reach high volume levels. SoundGuysPriced at $699, the Ella headphones are a significant financial investment, although they feature premium, durable materials. The review concludes that while they offer stellar performance for a stationary desk or studio setup, the high cost makes them a niche option.

The Blue Ella headphones, priced at $699.99, feature planar magnetic drivers and a built-in 250mW amplifier, delivering impeccable, accurate audio with high-mid clarity across three listening modes. The design is marked by a striking, robust, retro-industrial look with dense padding, which, despite the heavy weight, is comfortable for stationary use. However, the high cost and heavy, 481-gram frame make them poorly suited for portable use, while tight clamping force may cause fatigue.

The Blue Ella headphones deliver a phenomenal, purely analog sonic experience by pairing high-precision 50mm-by-50mm planar magnetic drivers with a built-in 250mW amplifier. Designed with a striking, heavy metallic frame modeled after Formula One race car suspension, they feature comfortable leather-padded, massive circumaural earcups and a circular control switch for three distinct listening modes: On (powered), On+ (powered with enhanced bass), and Off (passive). Testing across multiple musical genres reveals impeccable frequency balance, crystal-clear highs, and a highly responsive, sharp percussive attack. The headphones include three cloth-covered, shoelace-style cables (one micro USB for a 12-hour battery charge, one with a three-button inline iOS remote/mic, and one standard audio cable) alongside a quarter-inch adapter and a drawstring carrying bag. The primary advantages of the Blue Ella are its superb audio precision, the integrated internal amplifier that takes the powering burden off mobile devices, and its unique, eye-catching design. Additionally, the option for passive listening ensures the headphones remain usable even when the battery is completely flat. However, these benefits are countered by significant drawbacks, most notably an insanely expensive $699.99 (£644.57)...

The Blue Microphones Ella is a closed-back, audiophile headphone featuring 50mm planar magnetic drivers and a built-in 250mW Class AB amplifier, creating a unique hybrid listening experience. Reviewers highlight its pure, balanced tuning with excellent 3D depth and clean instrument placement. An "On+" mode for the internal amplifier offers a sub-bass lift designed to simulate the warmth of vinyl. Pros include highly detailed sound with a forward, smooth mid-range that offers a fatigue-free, engaging performance. The onboard amp enables easy driving from mobile sources, while the complex, multi-jointed headband provides good long-term comfort. It is noted for delivering top-tier sound quality in a closed-back form factor. Cons center on the bulky, heavy design which is considered visually polarizing and less portable for commuting. The earcups lack tight folding, and the bass response, while accurate, may be too lean for dedicated bassheads. Additionally, the physical amp switch has a somewhat "sloppy" feel.

The MusicTech review evaluates the Blue Ella closed-back planar magnetic headphones as a highly capable tool for audio production and premium listening. Priced at a premium £699, the Ellas retain the distinctive, multi-jointed skeletal structure of their predecessors but scale up performance by integrating thin-surface planar magnetic drivers alongside a built-in amplifier. The reviewer finds that the headphones deliver a spacious, tight, and exceptionally detailed audio response that can stand toe-to-toe with established industry reference units from brands like Beyerdynamic. Rather than producing a cold or clinical reference sound that causes ear fatigue during long studio sessions, the Ellas provide a balanced combination of precision, sonic "vibe," and comfort that actively encourages extended mixing and mastering work. The primary pros highlighted in the review include their outstanding, detailed audio reproduction, their unique six-joint "unfurling" design that provides a very snug fit and excellent noise isolation, and their fatigue-free listening experience. Additionally, the built-in amplifier features a versatile bass-boost mode that proves useful for tracking or arranging music. On the downside, the major cons center around the steep £699 price tag,...