Unboxing and Initial Impressions: Westone UM1

The Westone UM1 has been getting a lot of positive reviews and raves since it was launched. Due to the overwhelming positive comments, we were actually under the impression that it was an in-ear headphones that sold for over Php10,000. That’s why we were floored when I heard that the international SRP was around $100 while the local price is just a little less than Php4,000. We got our hands on one at Beyond the Box last weekend and we’d like to share with you guys our unboxing experience as well as initial impressions.

Unboxing Time!

Westone definitely thought out their packaging for their products. You know this is the case when unboxing a product is in itself a pleasurable or an interesting experience. That’s what we felt with the UM1.

The Westone UM1 box is designed like the ones we get for PC games. It’s pretty solid and the front flap actually opens up to reveal more product information, and in this case, a glimpse at the actual product. Seeing the earphones is important because they definitely went all out with the aesthetics coz it the UM1 simply looks amazing. It literally blows a lot of other earphones out of the water just in design alone.

Inside the box we found several things. The most important one was of course the in-ear monitors. By the way, the UM1 comes in black, white, and red. We decided to go with the red one since it matched the color of our Nokia Lumia 920. Below the earphones we found the hard carrying case. This is simply a must especially since earphones are delicate products.

One thing we found that really caught us by surprise though is this CD. Apparently the CD contains all the product information and other promotional materials. We appreciate it… but seriously who packages CDs in earphones? Lol.

When we opened the hard case we found the rest of the extra tips (silicone and comply variations). As always if you guys are going to get in-ear headphones make sure you try out the different tips so you get the best fit. How the in-ear is positioned will greatly impact the sound quality so never ever take this for granted. In fact getting a good fit should be one of your top priorities.

Initial Sound Check

From what we’ve read the UM1 didn’t need any external amps so we just hooked it up on our smartphone and started listening to our favorite tracks from Jason Mraz, Justin Timberlake, and Sting. Our initial impression? Jaw droppingly good, especially for the price tag!

The UM1 exceeded all of our expectations. Bass was just the right kind that we prefer — not boomy but definitely present. Noise isolation was also surprisingly good, especially if we used the short Comply tips. The details and clarity of the mids and highs were also fantastic! Fans of Jason Mraz and Sting would definitely loose themselves in their music if they have the UM1’s on.

While we’re giving it really good remarks, note that in-ear headphones that sell for thrice the price still outperform this, primarily in the mids, highs, and sound stage. However at Php4,000 this is worth every centavo and more.

Now Available at Beyond the Box, Digital Hub, and Digital Walker

If you’re looking for awesome in-ear headphones and you have a budget of Php3,000-Php5,000, get this one. As far as initial impressions go we’re very satisfied and impressed with the Westone UM1.

Thank you Digits Trading for bringing this brand to the Philippines! *cheers*