Review: RHA MA750i

RHA MA750i.  What is there to say about the MA750i from British company RHA, well, I think they are the best IEM (in-ear monitors) for under $130.  I would go as far to say these will be the only IEMs I will recommend.  An honorable mention is deserving to the Shure SE-215 which can be found for $99 and do offer a detachable cable (which is not present on the MA750’s).  I believe the SE 215s are the cheapest IEM to offer that feature.  The importance of a detachable cable, especially for IEMs is that they are generally the first portion of the headphone to break (assuming you are listening at a comfortable volumes).  However the MA750’s trump the SE215’s in sound quality as well having a 3-year warranty.   But enough about the comparisons, let’s get to the main attraction, what is it about the RHA MA750?

Firstly, the accessories.  For IEMs it is especially important that a good carrying case is provided, and I highly recommend you use it at all times when the IEMs are not in use.  Avoid the temptation to stuff them into your pocket that will shorten its life cycle.  The case provided with the MA750i is of nice leather that has a rubberized feel to it.  The zipper is sturdy, and the case was large enough to put portable music player inside (an iPod Classic).  On the inside of the carrying case there are small felt pockets to store the IEMs as well as addition ear tips.  There are also a wide arrange of ear tips of both a silicon and memory foam variety.  There are 10 different tips in total, 2 of which are large foam tips.  If your ears don’t find a perfect fit… you might need surgery, I don’t know what to tell you.  Personally, I found the foam tips to be completely useless, but a small double flanged tip fit snug in my left ear while the small rounded tip fit my right ear perfectly.

Onto build quality.  For around $130 you get a well-constructed pair of IEMs.  Starting with the cable, the MA750i model includes a three-button in-line microphone control, which works with iOS devices, however the “play” and “pause” buttons will function on an Android device.  There is a MA750 model (note, no “i”) which does not have the microphone add-on and is subsequently slightly cheaper.  The headphone jack is a straight, but slim 3.5mm connector and will likely fit in most phone or portable players’ case.  Slightly further up from the jack the IEM’s have a coiled spring to relief tension which ads some protection and longevity to the headphone jack.  The ear buds themselves are an around the ear design which helps with reducing cable noise when walking around.  The drivers for this headphone are encased in an aluminum shell where minor scratches and fingerprints are exceptionally noticeable.

Lastly, the sound quality.  For the price these sound amazing.  They sound so good I am reluctant to recommend anything else in the IEM department.  The sound signature is slightly warm, meaning an increased bass response, however the mid range is wonderfully detailed and the treble, while present rolls off a little early.  The aluminum casing for the drivers does not negatively alter the sound.  It is common for metal bodies to result in a ‘tinny’ sound, often present in other, more inexpensive solutions (the JVC HA-FX300 come to mind).  Generally, when I listen to a good pair of headphones I will say any genre of music will sound good on them and that is the case with the RHA MA750i.  However, I found synth pop music such as Depeche Mode as well as country rock artist, Alison Krauss to sound exceptionally good on these IEMs. 

One final note, with whatever pair of IEMs you are looking to buy, or currently own, I highly recommend an accompanying pair of Comply memory foam ear tips.  They make various sizes, styles, and colours which fit a high majority of IEMs on the market.