MEElectronics HT-21 Portable Headphone..$24.00 USD Delivered to Aus

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  silentkiller87 on 16/06/2012 - 08:51

  +1

  Good find

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  Hero on 16/06/2012 - 09:21

  I already have a KOSS portapro, is it worth getting one of these as well?

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  A Banana4scale on 16/06/2012 - 09:41

  +9

  Head Fi Review by ljokerl

  ---

  Build Quality (6.5/10): The HT-21 is a compact supraaural headphone similar in size to the Panasonic RP-DJ120 and related models. One thing that sets it apart is the single-sided attachment of the cable – something rarely seen in small budget headphones. The cord itself is slightly thicker than average, putting the much-pricier AKG K430 and similarly-priced Sennheiser PX100 and Soundmagic P20 to shame. The hockey stick-shaped 3.5mm plug is similar to those found on some of Meelec’s IEMs and provides a good compromise between the more durable L-plug and the more convenient (at least for some devices) I-plug. The construction of the headphone itself is mostly plastic, with stainless steel used for the headband. The glossy finish of the cups does retain fingerprints but they are hardly visible on black. The folding mechanism is reminiscent of the AKG K430 and provides plenty of adjustment axes. I wouldn’t expect the thinner plastics of the HT-21 to be as durable as the much-beefier $100 DJ sets but for the price the build feels like it should last and, as many of us in the IEM game know, Meelec has a reputation for standing behind their products.

  Comfort (9/10): The pleather used on the pads and headband is of the thicker variety similar to that used by Audio-Technica headphones – namely the ATH-ES7 and ATH-FC700. The headband padding is quite thin but the headphones are light enough that it isn’t a problem. Clamping force is quite low and the multi-axis folding system allows the HT-21 to conform to the wearer’s ears comfortably at all times. Being supraaural the HT-21 never quite disappears completely but remains inoffensive for as long as I wear it. An additional plus is the 1.3m cable length, which feels much less constrictive than the 1.1m cord on the similarly-sized AKG K430 even with my (average) height.

  Isolation (5/10): Being a medium-sized supraaural headphone, the HT-21 is hardly noise-isolating despite the closed design. Much of the isolation is traded off for comfort with these, though they are still far ahead of open sets in isolation and especially leakage.

  Sound (6.5/10): Like Meelec’s multitude of reasonably-priced in-ear models, the HT-21 makes no attempt to hide the fact that it’s a budget headphone when it comes to technical capability. The drivers are not the most resolving and lack a bit of detail and dynamic range compared to sets like the AKG K430, which shares the HT-21’s form factor, albeit at 2.5x the price. What the HT-21 does is make the absolute best of how it’s equipped, and that puts it head-and-shoulders above direct competitors such as the Soundmagic P20 and Audio-Technica ATH-FC700. On the whole the HT-21 is an aggressive headphone with impactful bass (for a small supraaural can) and slightly forward mids. The low end is controlled and quite accurate. The bass isn’t the most extended but there’s a fair amount of punch and good texture throughout. Impact is well ahead of that provided by the Soundmagic P20 and the HT-21 can take far more bas boost on the equalizer before distorting. Amazingly, the HT-21 can accommodate more equalization in the <150Hz region than the $100 K430, as well. Compared to the Audio-Technica FC700 the tables are turned – the FC700 has better depth and a touch more impact but sounds significantly muddier, boomier, and slower than the HT-21. In addition, the FC700 has its midrange, especially vocals, obscured by the low end on bass-heavy tracks while the slightly forward mids of the HT-21 work to prevent such obtrusions. The balance and overall sound quality of the HT-21 is much closer to the higher-end ATH-SQ5 than the entry-level FC700.

  The midrange of the HT-21 is crisp and clear. There a small amount of warmth imparted by the bass (more pre-burn-in) but the headphones lean very slightly towards the cool side of the spectrum on the whole. The Soundmagic P20 is cooler and brighter still, boasting slightly better detail than the HT-21 but giving up some smoothness in return. Clarity is similar between the two – very impressive for a pair of <$40 portable sets. The slightly aggressive presentation and good clarity of the Meelecs mean that there is no veil over the midrange, making the softer-sounding Maxell DHP-II seem ‘blanketed’ in comparison. As presented by the HT-21, vocals lack the thickness of fuller-sounding sets such as the DHP-II but guitars have plenty of presence and natural-sounding ‘bite’. The HT-21 is quite energetic on the whole so those looking for a laid-back listening experience should be looking elsewhere.

  The treble of the HT-21 is similar to the midrange but a bit less forward. It is crisp, clear, and reasonably detailed. Extension is decent – better than with the Koss KSC75 or Sennheiser PX100 but not as good as with the K430. The HT-21 is a fairly well-balanced headphone on the whole and the sparkly treble works to balance out what would otherwise be a slightly warm signature with boosted mid-bass. There is a bit of unevenness in the lower treble that results in the HT-21 accentuating the harshness and sibilance in some recordings, especially at high volumes. Properly-mastered tracks usually sound fine but the HT-21 isn’t one that will work to smooth out an audio track. Things like mp3 compression artifacts, on the other hand, are easily forgiven by the moderate detail level and average dynamic range of the HT-21.

  The soundstage of the HT-21 has surprising air for a closed set but layering is mediocre and depth is lacking compared to open sets. The overall sense of space, however, is still quite decent, especially next to similarly-priced closed sets. The Soundmagic P20, for example, is made to sound distant in comparison and its 3-dimensionality is far less convincing. The HT-21 does a better of job of differentiating between a track’s background and foreground and sounds neither closed-in nor tubular. On the whole the HT-21 is not something one would purchase for the soundstage alone – its true strengths lie in clarity and control – but as a secondary characteristic the spacious and airy presentation is quite enjoyable.

  Value (8.5/10). (MSRP: $39.99, Street Price: $40) Yet another reasonably-priced piece of portable audio equipment from Meelectronics, the HT-21 is a set that places as much emphasis on convenience as it does on sound. Lightweight and comfortable, it will easily fit into a laptop bag or simply rest unobtrusively around the wearer’s neck. Clamping force is fairly low, resulting in average isolation, but the HT-21 stays in place securely enough to be usable while running. Meelec’s usual attention to detail is seen in the design, with the sturdy angled plug at the end of the single-sided cable and grips on the headband for easy adjustment. The construction of the headphone itself is solid too, with above-average quality of plastics and a simple folding mechanism. The sound quality won’t land them in direct competition with any high-end portables any time soon but puts up a good fight against budget-minded competitors from mainstream brands. The balance is skewed very slightly towards the bass and midrange, with punchy, controlled notes down low and energetic guitars and vocals. The treble is bright and sparkly but usually inoffensive (granted, I have a relatively high tolerance for prominent (but not harsh) treble). All in all the HT-21 is a great headphone for those who can enjoy a prominent upper midrange or who listen at moderate volumes like I do. In my opinion the HT-21 is another budget set done right by Meelec but, as always, be mindful of the signature before buying.

  My full review for the HT-21 can be found here.

  Manufacturer Specs:
  Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
  Impedance: 32 Ω
  Sensitivity: 114 dB SPL/1mW
  Cord: 4ft (1.2m), single-sided; 45º plug
  Space-Saving Mechanism: Flat-folding, collapsible

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  ShortyX on 16/06/2012 - 09:57

  +1

  Great value! Thanks OP

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  BraSerk on 16/06/2012 - 11:13

  Nice find! Thanks OP, just ordered one.

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  xfiledavid on 16/06/2012 - 11:38

  $29.99 and code not working for me

  • 

    01011010 on 16/06/2012 - 11:45

    works for me, there is two individual codes there, use them one at a time.

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  bizi on 16/06/2012 - 11:46

  +2

  I posted this a while ago when Meelec has a similar offer; I had some links to reviews, in case anyone is interested. Review above in Head-fi may be all you need to read!

  http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/70689

  Link to the cnet review and a summary of the review:

  http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/meelectronics-ht-21-black…

  The good:
  The MEElectronics HT-21 over-ear headphones harmoniously blend comfort, durability, and balanced sound for a bargain price.

  The bad:
  Noise isolation is nearly nonexistent despite their closed-backed design.

  The bottom line:
  You may be fooled by their featherweight design, but the MEElectronics HT-21s earn our recommendation for their ample soundstage, subtle aesthetic, and portable convenience.

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  JepunK on 16/06/2012 - 14:54

  Perfect!…thanks Op…getting one for use in the office…

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  robjan02 on 16/06/2012 - 16:39

  Just wanted to say I have a pair of MEElectronics SP51…which I bought for $USD 29.00 a few weeks ago when they had another sale on .For the price they are GREAT ! I LOVE my music and could not fault these in ear phones.As stated they aren't high end Bose type headphones but for what you are paying for, I don't know another brand as good as them ? They arrived within a week from the States…GREAT SERVICE from the company.

  • 

    Certified Angus on 16/06/2012 - 23:14

    +2

    I agree, and great headphones at great prices with great service = another purchase. This takes my headphone/IEM collection to 5 sets, and I only have one set of ears. Damn you OzBargain!

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  FourSquareMan2 on 17/06/2012 - 12:17

  Thanks [robjan02 ] for taking the time to post.
  I've been looking for a nice set of on/over ear compact headphones and these seem to fit the bill.
  The two coupon codes worked OK and when paid by PayPal, US$24.00 works out to be A$24.60
  so not a bad deal. Cheers.

  • 

    robjan02 on 17/06/2012 - 12:27

    You're Welcome…As mentioned before I have a pair of MEElectronics SP51 and they are FANTASTIC for what I paid for a few weeks ago.You will probably be on the mailing list once you have purchased , so keep an eye out for specials that come through…! I was only listening to them last night and compared with other in ear sets I have from other makers, they are RIGHT UP THERE …I don't know how they do it for the price including postage and handling…The ones I got came in a great case too.I think you only get a soft bag to carry these new ones around - but who cares ! ENJOY and Regards :)

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  hotwinter on 17/06/2012 - 18:00

  Great deal, thanks!

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  j4ck on 17/06/2012 - 20:23

  Sweet!

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  stilted on 17/06/2012 - 20:33

  nice … deal!

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  loveagooddeal on 18/06/2012 - 10:11

  Great timing! Just when I've stepped on my Creative Aurvana Live headphones yesterday ='( It made my ears too warm tho - uncomfortable during the summer! Just ordered a set of HT-21s, and I hope this one isn't like an ear-muff!