Cleer ALPHA

What Hi-Fi highlights a snappy bassline that helps the presentation feel lively and informative. There is little further commentary on extension, weight or texture, however.

Vocals are described as arriving clearly at centre-stage, giving the sound useful presence. However, the tenor saxophone in Fela Kuti's "Zombie" is said to become harsh, overemphasised and unnaturally detached from the mix.

Extra high-frequency energy contributes to openness and perceived space, but it is the ALPHA's most consistent sonic caveat. What Hi-Fi finds the lower treble overemphasised and fatiguing after a short listen, with occasional harshness.

The headphones pick out musical strands clearly and impress with details such as a snappy bassline and clearly presented vocal. That sense of separation can sound somewhat artificially spotlighted rather than naturally integrated.

What Hi-Fi hears a spacious, immersive effect, with distinct cues such as a trainer's shout appearing behind the listener and skis moving alternately between channels. The same elevated upper frequencies that create this spaciousness can make individual elements feel too isolated.

The overall sound is described as fun and powerful, but complex, fast-moving jazz loses some rhythmic direction. This suggests that punch is present without consistently convincing timing and drive.

Soft, removable earpads receive positive comment from Major HiFi, while Head-Fi calls the ALPHA comfortable. What Hi-Fi finds the 330g weight noticeable and reports that the headband can dig into the crown after several hours.

Head-Fi describes the ALPHA as well made, and the removable earpads are a welcome ownership practicalities touch. The available reviews say little about long-term durability, hinges or the robustness of the adjustment mechanism.

This is a well-equipped wireless ANC model, with adaptive noise cancellation, ambient mode, multipoint connection, spatial audio, aptX Adaptive, passive wired use and a hard carrying case. What Hi-Fi finds the ANC very effective outdoors, substantially reducing passing buses and calming traffic noise.

At roughly $149 to $250, the ALPHA brings a notably broad feature set including effective ANC, multipoint and aptX Adaptive. None of the supplied reviews directly assess whether it represents especially strong or poor value against competing wireless noise-cancellers.