B&W C5 Hi-Fi In-Ear Review: The IPhone Headset Is Hard To Handle

First a look at the dust-dry facts. With an impedance of 32 ohms, the C5 is particularly well suited for portable multimedia players because it requires little power from the device. In other words, the C5 offers absolutely sufficient volume on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and can also become louder if necessary.

Inside, particularly strong neodymium magnets are used and the drivers are surrounded by a tungsten shell. This is intended to increase comfort, but more on that later. The cable length of 1.2 meters is completely sufficient for use on the iOS device. The 3.5 mm stereo plug ensures the transmission of the audio signals - in both directions, because there is also a microphone with remote control on the left handset cable (Mfi - "Made for iPhone"). In addition, it can be used on a Mac without any problems; in many Macs, the microphone even works via the 4th pin of the jack plug and iTunes playback can be controlled via the button on the cable.

According to the manufacturer, the C5 weighs 20 grams, which at first glance doesn't seem like much. However, compared to other models, that's a lot, which in turn has to do with the use of tungsten inside. The material has almost the same density as gold. Incidentally, the frequency range is specified with 10 Hz to 20 kHz, but as we have already noted in our comprehensive purchase advice for headphones in general, this value is usually irrelevant.

The eye looks: processing and optics

As expected, the B&W C5 is very well made and makes a solid impression visually and haptically. The slightly matt-silver tungsten cover, in which the driver is hidden, forms a nice color contrast to the shiny black aluminum body. Each of the two plugs is framed by a cable end covered with solid plastic, which also serves as a holder and fixes the handset in the ear (see: "Comfort").

The remaining cable clutter is also surrounded by transparent plastic, which in turn is broken through by black plastic elements, namely the Y-connector and the iPhone remote control with microphone. All in all, a coherent, elegant overall picture, as you are used to from other B&W products. Nothing unusual, nothing that shouts at the other passers-by and literally burns their own taste onto their retinas, but rather restraint - if it weren't for the slight glitter on the outer end of an already powerful casing.

The so-called "Micro Porous Filter System", whose name already created a series of obscure sound creations at the IFA, sparkles towards the viewer. But it is by no means a purely optical extravagance. No, the filter made of tiny pores has several functions, which should improve both sound quality and comfort.

However, there is some criticism of the processing of the enclosed bag. The black cover with quilted seams is pretty, but doesn't really want to fulfill the task assigned to it. A perforated disc protrudes from the inside, which is supposed to fix the plugs - far too cumbersome. It is much easier to carefully wind up the headphones and cables and stow them in your pocket, although the disc mentioned gets in the way regularly.

In addition, we noticed after just a few days how stubborn the zipper is. This not only means that the slider handle is constantly jammed to one side. When straightening the stubborn piece, it is always a little affected, as can be seen in the photo.

Also somewhat unfortunate: the design of the control element with microphone on the left handset cable is a little too streamlined (see picture below) The quick grip in the direction of the left collarbone does not always strike immediately, because the slight depression in the middle does not provide the fingers with enough clues as to where the button is for answering calls or playback control. It would be better to have a clearly raised spot, a relief point or something similar.