Hörluchs HL1010

Everything on Offer

Should you opt for the HL1010, you’ll get something extra for the investment with the accessory line-up. The most notable of the included accessories are the so-called Smart Caps. These can be clipped onto the in-ears, instantly giving the headphones a new feel and look. The Smart Caps included come in a striking red tone and are adorned with a Hörluchs logo. Caps are also available in various other colours and alternative printed details. A denim pouch with drawstring closure is also included, while a cleaning cloth is also part of the package. No less than six pairs of ear inserts are included to ensure an optimum fit in the auditory canal. For under 130 euros, there’s certainly plenty on offer here.

Finish & Build

When designing their headphones, this is one brand that has a clear focus. The design of the earphones is simple and largely functional. A matt black finish has been used for the HL1010 headphones and cables, giving things a slick and contemporary aesthetic. When it comes to form, ergonomic is the keyword. The headphone cable is routed over the ear, with a sheathed outer casing providing reinforcement. The interchangeable cable is semi-transparent and is less prone to tangles than straight cables due to its design. There are gold-plated pins on both the cable connection and the mini jack, keeping rust at bay while staving off corrosion. Subtle but effective bend protectors can be found in all the necessary places. Something that is not immediately visible are the small protective grilles built into the speaker openings. These are meant to protect the interior of the in-ears from dust or earwax build-up.

Stats

Due to a low impedance of just 11 Ohms, the HL1010 is well suited for use on smartphones and tablets. The cable length is around 1.60 metres, making it short enough to tuck under garments while on the move, without leaving too much excess cable hanging free. The manufacturer claims these headphones can achieve a sound level of up to 128 dB SPL, as well as a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The HL1010 are therefore not only capable of loud volume levels, but should also leave no sound inaudible, at least on paper.

Fit for Purpose

These in-ears weigh just 5 grams when not counting the weight of the cable. This is just one reason behind the first-rate fit of the HL1010. Its ergonomically angled earmolds extend into the ear canal just as perfectly as the main housing lies securely in the outer ear without exerting any pressure. No matter whether you’re relaxing, listening to music on the move or exercising, you’ll find the fit of these in-ears to your liking.

Less Bass than Expected

The sound check of the Hörluchs HL1010 reveals a mid-range performance that offers less bass than anticipated. However, if you turn on bass boost or utilise an equalizer, the HL1010 delivers. If you don’t hear the promised bass emphasis immediately, you can easily turn to an app with your smartphone for assistance. These in-ears offer reserves that reach down to the sub-bass range, yet the situation is different with the highs. Here the HL1010 comes across a little subdued and can’t be improved upon as with the bass range. That’s a sure sign that the low open treble here is a technical issue. Due to the frequency response range, these are especially suitable for anyone seeking strong mids and good speech intelligibility. Fans of radio plays and audio books should certainly get their money’s worth here. If you choose the right earmolds, you can also look forward to respectable enough isolation from outside noise. Similarly, the Hörluchs HL1010 can be used by musicians as monitoring in-ears, as well as by singers, speakers and presenters.