SNOWSKY Wind Headphone Review (1) – Teenage Kicks
The SNOWSKY Wind was provided by Fiio for my review – and I thank them for that. It retails for $17 USD and DHL charged me >$20 CAD import fees. And why not.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Back in 1979, the original Sony Walkman came with a small headphone that excelled less in sound quality but in looks. Many of us still have these orange earpads in our memories when thinking of small, portable headsets that were light as a feather.
During the current retro wave, FiiO and We Are Rewind released personal cassette players, the CP13 and WE-001, respectively. These new players don’t have all the features of the original Sonys and Panasonics, simply because the know-how had been lost after a 30-year hiatus. And they don’t come with headphones. You’ll have to find your own.
Recently, Roseselsa released their Distant Mountain model that comes optically close to a set to go with a cassette player, however, it needs way more power than such a device can offer. Remains the Koss Porta Pro, a standard staple since 1984, and its younger sibling, the Koss KSC75.
FiiO is coming to the rescue of us orange-earpad deprived oldies by issueing the $17 Wind model through their SNOWSKY sub-brand. The Wind is a copycat of the early Sonys in its design and handling. Yes, I remember those well. And it is a lifestyle model with emphasis on looks, but, spoiler alert, it is actually quite good sounding, too.
Specifications SNOWSKY Wind
| Type | on ear |
| Transducer | dynamic, 40 mm |
| Frequency Range | ? |
| Impedance: | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101dB/mW (@ 1kHz); 116dB/Vrms(@1kHz ） |
| Tested At | $17 USD |
| Product Page | FiiO |
| Purchase Link | FiiO Audio Store |
Physical Things and Usability
In the box are the earphones with orange pads, a set of spare black pads, and the paperwork. The headband is made of stainless steel, the faceplates are also metal, and the rest of the assembly (in my case in “rose gold”, urghhh…the dispatcher must be colourblind as I had asked for silver…you can also get it in black) is made of polycarbonate. The cable’s jacket is made of textile and it holds a three-button inline remote with a microphone that works well with my ancient iPhone: start/stop/next (but not back), volume up-down.
The earpieces swivel thanks to a ballpoint joint, which makes for a perfect fit. This was sadly not the case for the aforementioned Distant Mountain headphones. The Wind is light as a feather in the…pardon…wind, and you can extend the headband to fit the largest pumpkinhead. Seriously big. Caliper pressure is next to zero. All this makes for excellent comfort and fit.
Haptically, it feels as flimsy as the original Sony headphones, though it is reasonably robust. But, hey, SNOWSKY…FiiO …you really ripped Sony off with your punctured faceplates.
The headphone is very easy to drive with your phone and portable tape player. Also works well with my MacBook Air while I am writing this.
Tonality and Technicalities
First, here’s a sound sample of the inline remote’s microphone:
I’d say it is ok, perhaps a bit muffled. And it appears to add a German accent to your voice. As to the sound of music: it is what you expect and a bit more. First, nothing extreme or shouty, it is a very mainstream tuning with an agreeable sound.
Don’t even ask whether it beats the Porta Pro/KSC75 or the Roseselsa Distant Mountain in terms of audiophile grade: it does not, it plays in a lighter category (see also price differences), but it plays well.
OK, timbre wise, the Wind is just as natural as any of these because of its (Japanese) dynamic drivers. And it digs surprisingly deep into the sub-bass, with emphasis on the higher bass frequencies: it offers a decent punch and heft at the low end, more than you’d expect from such a small headphone.
Treble extension is also quite surprising: cymbals are somewhat tizzy, which adds some brightness to the overall sensation (but of the non-fatiguing type).
Voices are a bit back…ahhh, the ole V-shape, but it was not any different with the original Sonys. Resolution and separation are actually quite decent, and there is some good, pardon again, “air” and lightness to the sound. Stage is wider than deep, to add this cliché, too. In terms of dynamics, the Wind are quite vivid.
When it comes to usability, this lightweight headphone is a pleasant, pardon, lightweight: you can use it for long periods of time. I started my listening tests immediately after 2 dental implants, and am still wearing these as the painkillers wear off.
Concluding Remarks
The SNOWSKY Wind is kinda what you expect: a decent, pleasant sounding $17 headphone that works well with your phone or analog player, it offers nothing offensive. On the other hand, it is a lifestyle product that does not even need a frequency range in its specs. You get what you pay for, but it is well worth it. And it also looks good on you.
As to the old guys: don’t forget…everything is better at Nostalgia University.
Until next time…keep on listening!
Disclaimer
Our generic standard disclaimer.
Very good analysis! What impressed me most is that you are both a geologist and an audiophile. This is the first time I’ve read an analysis written by an audiophile geologist – very unique! I’m starting my degree in geology and geography at the University of Brasília in Brazil, which I’m really excited about. Your resume is truly impressive. When you began your career as a geologist, I wasn’t even born, and I hope to one day gain that level of experience in the field.
Here in Brazil, most geologists dream of working with oil, particularly at Petrobras. From what I can see, you’ve had a lot of fascinating experiences in your career – very inspiring!
Hey, check the bottom of these two reviews if you want to see some pictures of Rio de Janeiro:
https://www.audioreviews.org/nicehck-db3-review/
https://www.audioreviews.org/bqeyz-spring-1-review-jk/
Erm…I was there for oil reasons.