Wicked Audio WI-8500 Evac Final Verdict
I was expecting the RHA SA950i headphones to crush the Wicked Audio WI-8500 Evac headphones on every level. That certainly wasn't the case. Sonically, the RHAs sound a touch better in the midrange but, if you owned both, I bet you wouldn't think it was much of a difference. Obviously, the RHAs have a lot more technology. They have a removable cable, in-line controls and mic, a carry pouch, and more current stylings. But, sonically, they sound a lot alike.
If you bought the Wicked Audio WI-8500 Evac headphones at full price, you'd get a set of headphones that sound about right for $60. What you wouldn't get was everything else. That makes them not such a hot deal for $60 (hence the value rating). But you probably won't spend $60 on the Evacs. Instead, you would spend half that for $60 worth of sound without all the extra bells and whistles. To me, that is a worthy trade.
Wicked Audio WI-8500 Evac On-Ear Headphones
$59.99
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale
— Excellent
- — Very Good
- — Good
- — Fair
- — Poor
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | |
| Appearance | |
| Treble Extension | |
| Treble Smoothness | |
| Midrange Accuracy | |
| Bass Extension | |
| Bass Accuracy | |
| Imaging | |
| Soundstage | |
| Dynamic Range | |
| Fit and Finish | |
| Performance | |
| Value |  |
About the author:
As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.
View full profileConfused about what AV Gear to buy or how to set it up? Join our Exclusive Audioholics E-Book Membership Program!
Subscribe to our newsletter