Phiaton Fusion MS 430 Wired Headphones

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Phiaton has been on a roll and expanding their headphone line-up at a rapid pace. We recently reviewed their CHORD MS 530 headphones. Now we’re taking a look at Phiaton’s Fusion MS 430 wired headphones. These retail for under $180 and are on Amazon for under $150. If you are in the market, these are a great on-ear headphone option.

Here’s our first look video.

Having just watched the video again, it is clear that I wasn’t nearly as “wowed” by the Fusion MS 430 headphones initially as I have been with other Phiaton offerings. I have to say that has changed over the past weeks I have been using them, and my perspective on these headphones has changed in significant ways. And while I still prefer Phiaton’s CHORD MS 530 and Bridge MS 500 headphones these certainly hold their own. It is also important to keep in mind that, at under $180 with a current available price of under $150, they are significantly less than the others.

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Here’s what Phiaton has to say about the FUSION MS 430s:

Phiaton Headphones, known for their eye-catching design, high-quality materials, and authentic sound reproduction has set a new precedent with the latest addition to the M-Series. Exquisite genuine carbon fiber, intricate detail with titanium anodized aluminum and red accents, and richly padded earcups are fused together with newly developed 40mm drivers to create powerful, sonic-sounding headphones unlike any other. Every detail in the Fusion MS 430 Headphones was skillfully combined from the perforated headband design to the hidden red accents behind the carbon fiber enclosure. The Phiaton driver technology completes the synthesis, providing rich bass, full-bodied midrange, and sparkling high notes. This mechanical beauty was constructed by fusing together brilliant materials along with the sound technology to deliver a powerful, aesthetically resilient headphone. Become fused with your music with the Fusion MS 430.

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In the box you get:

  • The FUSION MS 430 Headphones
  • A Soft Pouch
  • A 6.3 mm Adaptor
  • A microphone cable
  • A warranty card

Specifications:

  • High Quality Dynamic Speakers: 40 mm Neodymium Magnet
  • Frequency Range: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
  • Impedance: 16 Ohm
  • THD: Less than 1% at 1 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 99 dB at 1 kHz
  • Maximum Input Power: 1,000 mW
  • Weight: 230 g (without cord) / 0.5 lb (without cord)
  • Cord Length: 3.6 ft / 1.2 m

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There’s no question the Fusion MS 430 headphones are a serious pair of on-ear headphones. Made from aluminum, they have red accents that add interest and a bit of “Wow!” to an otherwise understated pair of headphones. The Carbon fiber on the ear cups gives the Fusion MS 430 strength while keeping them surprisingly light. But the carbon fiber does more than simply add strength and visual interest. As Phiaton explains, “The carbon graphite material is encased in a high polymer enclosure that delivers improved resonance, with deep rich bass, a full-bodied midrange, and sparkling high notes”.

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In addition, the Fusion MS 430 Headphones have a thick, tangle-free cable that includes an in-line microphone and volume controls. Paired with the ambidextrous input that allows you to attach the cord to either ear cup, the cable adds to the comfort, ease-of-use and quality look and feel the belies its sub $180 price tag.

The headphones fold up and slip into the included soft pouch so you can take them wherever you want. And, thanks to the solid construction, you won’t feel the need to baby them when you do take them with you.

As previously noted, from a comfort and sound perspective the Phiaton Fusion MS 430 have grown on me. For on-ear headphones they are quite comfortable. From a sound perspective they offer well-defined, lows that didn’t distort even when I pushed them. Bass was decent but not overly done and mids more than held their own. In other words, despite my initial apprehensions the Phiaton Fusion MS 430 sound quite good… Especially for the price. And while I do prefer the Phiaton CHORD MS 530 and Bridge MS 500 headphones, if you want to pay under $180 these should be on your list!

The Phiaton Fusion MS 430 retail for $179.99 but are just $149.99 through our amazon Affiliate Store.

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MSRP: $179.99

What I Like: Light yet solidly built; Comfortable; Ambidextrous cord input; Sound quite good without being overly bassy; Currently available for under $150

What Needs Improvement: Only a soft pouch included when a hard case would have been nice

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.