Headphone reviews
Detailed reviews of all the latest models, from earbuds to over-ears.
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Bragi Dash review: The smartest earbuds on the planet
Since I started at Engadget, it's been my life's mission (possible exaggeration) to reduce the number of gadgets I carry when I run. At one point, getting ready for a workout was something of a memory test. Where's my heart-rate strap? Did I charge my MP3 player overnight? Where's the foot-pod thingy? Are my headphones where I usually leave them? What about the GPS dongle and my running watch? You get the picture.
AudioFlood's waterproof iPod is a swimmer's music dream come true
Swimming in an incredible form of exercises, especially as you age, but there's one problem for people like myself who use exercise time to work through podcasts and records you'd like to check out. Namely, it's really difficult to listen to music underwater. Thankfully for the sound obsessed swimming fans of the world, AudioFlood's waterproof iPod shuffle is a nearly perfect way to experience your tunes underwater. Utilizing the latest generation of iPod shuffle, the AudioFlood iPod has 15 hours of battery life, 2GB of storage (enough space for over 500 songs), and is depth rated to 200 ft. We tried it at a depth of 6 ft at an indoor pool because it's winter, but the device worked with no problems. Even when you're underwater, iPod shuffle features like the VoiceOver button that tells you song title, playlist name or battery status work like a charm. Included with the MP3 player are wonderful short cord headphones, six earpiece options to guarantee the perfect fit, an extension cable, a USB charger/sync cable, and a swim cap. I found attaching the device to the swimcap with the iPod's clip provided a secure swimming experience without ever coming loose. The short cord headphones allow you to swim without getting tangled in a mess of cords, and we commend AudioFlood for removing this possible drowning hazard. Getting used to the earbuds takes a little getting used to but if you think of them as normal swimmers earplugs you'll be enjoying your tunes in no time. Make sure you're using the proper size of earbud, as sound quality will suffer if you don't put them in just right. Sound quality for music will largely depend on the quality of your files, but listening to 320KB MP3s brought me my favorite tunes loud and clear. In my testing spoken word audio sounded better than recorded music, but the differences were mostly negligible. The only real downside of the AudioFlood iPod is the iPod Shuffle itself. Apple's VoiceOver feature makes navigating possible, but if you're looking for a specific song or podcast episode it's going to take awhile for you to find it. That's a minor complaint though. In the grand scheme of things, it's not much of a sacrifice to give up a little bit of speed when looking for content if means you can listen to music underwater. Should you somehow lose the device while you're swimming it will keep working, even after being sunk underwater by itself. Our test unit was stored in a sink of water for hours on end, only to still work when pulled out. Here's a photo of our testing rig: You can get the main AudioFlood bundle for around $140, which gives you a case, swimming cap, headphones, different sizes of earbuds, and the device itself. It's handy for keeping track of everything and only marginally more expensive than the $125 it costs for the device itself. Ultimately, it's a small price to pay for the ability to swim while "Under the Sea" or "Beyond the Sea" blasts through your ears... whether you choose the tune to be Disney or Bobby Darin is up to you. This is the perfect gift for the swimmers in your life, whether they're practicing for the Olympics, exercising, or just blowing off some steam in the pool. Couple its wonderful functionality with AudioFlood's two-year warranty and they'll be swimming in tunes for a long time to come.
Klipsch Reference R6i headphones: A sound stocking stuffer
Your holiday gift-giving might include an iPhone or iPod touch for your favorite person, but do you really want them to listen to music through the standard Apple earbuds? Klipsch has been making speakers since 1946 - when I was in college back in the 1970s, it was a sign of pride to have a pair of Klipschorn speakers in your apartment or dorm room. The company is still making a range of speakers and headphones, and today we're taking a look at the US$99.99 Klipsch Reference R6i in-ear headphones. Specifications Weight: 15.2 grams Input connections: 3.5mm (1/8") Driver Diameter: 6.5mm Frequency response: 10 Hz - 19kHz Sensitivity: 110dB Impedence: 18 Ohms Colors available: Black, white Design There's not much you can say about the design of in-ear headphones - they pretty much all look the same. Earbuds - check. Cables - check. Button with mic for phone use - check. Well, Klipsch did things a little bit differently with the R6i 'phones. The cables are flat, which does a surprisingly good job of keeping them from tangling. The button and mic are pretty typical: they're made of shiny white plastic (black in the black model) with a silver tone button (gold on the black model). That button is used to play, pause, fast forward, or rewind music. There are also buttons in the top and bottom of the unit for volume control. I'm not sure I'm a real fan of the design here, since the white plastic (on the white model) that's used for the earbud casing and button/mic is brighter than the covering on the cables - in other words, it's two different shades of white. Steve Jobs would not approve... Like many headphones in this price range, the R6i headphones come with four different sizes of earbuds. The idea is that you try the default buds, then switch to a smaller bud if it's too tight or a larger bud if it's falling out of your ear. A small zippered carry pouch is included with the headphones. Functionality For me, functionality of headphones boils down to a few key points: comfort, usability, and sound quality. I found the in-ear earbuds to be amazingly comfortable, surprising because I'm not a big fan of in-ear headphones. How comfortable? I'm usually yanking in-ear headphones off after ten minutes; I kept these on for hours. Likewise, I like the flat cables. Not once during my testing did I have a problem with the R6i cables getting tangled. The mic/button is located in the same awkward position that it is on the Apple earbuds - roughly in line with your chin. That location is decided by the need to have the microphone near the mouth of the wearer, but I still think it would be a much better idea to have a separate bump for the mic and then have the controls further down on the cabling. The controls on the button worked well and it was easy to find them by feel. So, how about the sound quality? When testing headphones or speakers, I always play a set of tunes that cover a number of genres so that I can get an idea of the response to music that has different acoustic elements. The R6i's did a great job on midrange sounds, with very clear, sweet tones. The bass end is also surprisingly good; in fact, I'd say that the low-end response is almost some of the best I've ever heard. You'd think that would mean that Klipsch ignored the high frequencies... but you'd be wrong. Once again, the R6i does a wonderful job of reproducing the high end, with well-balanced and nuanced tones. Conclusion OK, so I didn't like the slightly different colors on the cords and the plastic elements, but the sound quality from the Klipsch R6i headphones more than made up for that design faux pas. Make someone happy this holiday season and buy them a pair of these headphones - they'll be a sterling stocking stuffer that will be appreciated for years to come. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible
RHA's T10i brings sound customization to high-fidelity headphones
The recently announced RHA T10i (US$199.95) noise-isolating, in-ear headphones take top-shelf in RHA's lineup of fantastic headphones. According to RHA, the T10i headphones take precedence over the MA750i (read my review here), which have been my everyday headphones over the last year or so. They're also the set I recommend to anyone looking for new headphones with high-quality sound, but with a modest budget. How does the T10i compare as the new top-tier RHA offering? Design According to RHA's website, the T10i takes a step forward in almost every aspect compared to the MA750i. The MA750i drivers are made from 303F Stainless Steel. The T10i drivers are made from Injected Molded Steel -- a process where steel is subjected to 1300 degrees Celsius heat for up to ten hours, ensuring the correct shape and density for superior comfort and durability. The result is a cool, brushed metal look and feel, with a sturdy confidence. I would have no problems shoving these into my back pocket or bag. The MA750i has over-ear cable supports. The T10i has "moulded" over-ear hooks that adjust to the shape of your ear. The MA750i has a steel reinforced, oxygen-free cable with gold plated connections. The T10i has a multicore, reinforced, oxygen-free copper cable with gold plated connections, and it's noticeably thinner, but still strong and hard-wearing. The list goes on. Incrementally different as they are, both headphones look fantastic, are rugged and durable, have a three button remote and mic made for iOS users and, as with all RHA headphones, have a 3-year warranty. However, the big difference here is between the MA750i 560.1 driver and the T10i 770.1 driver. For starters, the T10i's are noticeably bigger. But there's a lot more to it than just size. Aside from delivering a natural, balanced sound signature aiming to accommodate all genres of music accurately and precisely with high levels of soundstage imaging, the frequency response of the 770.1 driver is customizable with the T10i's interchangeable tuning filter system. By unscrewing the tip-ends off the drivers and replacing them with either of the two sets of additional filters, users can enhance the bass or treble response of the T10i or remain with the pre-installed, true-to-life reference filters attached. Check out RHA's details on the differences between all the drivers in their line-up here. Performance I spent the bulk of my listening time using the reference filters on the T10i. After the lengthy, but recommended burn-in period, I found the T10i's to be immediately familiar in feel and sound -- though offering a weightier, more detailed sound compared with the MA750i's more open sound -- but with a new found focus and determination that bested the MA750i. Of course, choosing the right ear tip is crucial for both noise isolation and the sound you'll get. I have some universal custom molds for my ears, but found that they didn't work well with the T10i's. Perhaps when fitted, there's a bit more travel between the driver and my ear. Either way, do try the different tips that come with the T10i's to get the best fit. Damien Rice's The Box (do listen to the album version) demonstrates how the T10i delivers fine detail and presentation as well as range and depth with life and energy. Rice's vocal is front and center, delicate and then soaring over an acoustic guitar. Subtle inflections, intonations and rhythms are beautifully presented and handled. The later piano and strings demonstrate the breadth of the T10i's soundstage, with warmth and clarity. Brass and drums join the mix, filling into the balanced depth and fullness the T10i offers. Everything culminates with a climatic end; piano harmonics linger while Rice's vocal and guitar end the song. It's a great song and a pleasure to hear through the T10i's. I spent less time with the filters, but appreciated the enhancements that each brought. If you're looking for that extra bit of sonic depth or height in your music, both will deliver subtle, but appreciated enhancements to either end of the spectrum. The filters provide a customization that is not often found in headphones of this price range, if at all. Conclusion The T10i sets a new high for RHA, pushing the boundaries of sound quality and delivery. They're a worthy upgrade to the MA750i, with incremental upgrades to an already impressive feature set, but it's those 770.1 drivers that make all the difference. There's also the custom filters for personal taste, which is a premium feature. Hitting the $200 price point starts to push beyond the realms of budget headphones, but I think the T10i offer great value for money when you could easily spend a lot more for a similar, high-quality experience. The T10i is available directly from RHA's website, Apple's Online Store or Amazon
Parrot Zik 2.0 review: still the world's most advanced headphones
If you're into drones and wireless audio, then you'll probably agree that Parrot is the best thing out of France since Daft Punk. Personally, I've been most impressed with the company's wireless headphones, the Zik. In fact, I've been a regular user since it came out about two years ago. Even today, no other brands have attempted anything as advanced as these cans. Which makes sense: These are no ordinary Bluetooth headphones. In addition to being wireless, they feature effective noise cancellation and intuitive touchpad input, all tucked inside a quirky Philippe Starck design, no less. More importantly, the audio quality has gotten better over time as Parrot improved device compatibility via firmware updates. But of course, there's always room for improvement; the original Zik is on the heavy side, and not everyone's a fan of its bulky look. Well, that's pretty much why we now have the Zik 2.0, and fortunately, it offers more than just improved portability. Read on to see if this new model is worth the $399 upgrade.
Blue Microphones breaks the headphone mold with Mo-Fi
TUAW readers know the love many of our bloggers and editors feel for products from Blue Microphones. The company has been making amazing mics for recording music and podcasts for years, but the latest Blue product isn't a microphone -- it's a pair of headphones. And not just headphones, but ones that the company promises "makes every device sound better." We're testing that promise of the new Mo-Fi powered Hi-Fi headphones (US$349.99) in this review. Design What makes Mo-Fi different from traditional headphones? An internal amplifier. From the Mo-Fi website, "Mo-Fi improves the sound of every source-from smartphones to studio gear-by reducing the audio workload on your device. The built-in amp provides tons of power so your source doesn't have to work as hard. It all adds up to vastly superior performance and jaw-dropping sound quality." The built-in amp isn't the only change. Blue looked at the entire design of the headphone to try to make the Mo-Fi set a lot more comfortable than traditional headphones as well. They did this by creating a decidedly different-looking headset that consists of a flat-looking headband with a built-in adjustable tension knob, height adjustment to account for the wide variation in distances between top of head and ears, and making some large earcups that actually do a good job of completely covering even the largest ears. Since Mo-Fi is a set of powered headphones, you will have to charge the internal battery before use. That takes about three to four hours, but you'll get about 12 hours of playback once it's charged up. The company says that Mo-Fi uses intelligent power management to extend battery life by automatically powering off the headphones when you take them off. If the battery dies, you're still able to listen to music, but the amplifier won't be performing its magic. As you'll see in the next section of this review, just because the amplifier is offline without battery power doesn't mean you won't be getting great sound anyway. The frequency response range of both the amplifier and drivers (Mo-Fi uses a pair of 50mm fiber-reinforced dynamic drivers) is from 15Hz to 20kHz, roughly matching the hearing range of most humans. Functionality The big questions that need to be answered for headphones are 1) How do they feel? and 2) How good do they sound? To test both, I did a comparison to my current headphones of choice, a pair of V-Moda Crossfade LPs. As you'd expect, these are non-powered headphones that take their "power" from the source, whether that is an iPhone, iPod touch, a Mac or any other source with a standard 3.5mm jack. While I was waiting for the battery to charge up I looked through the box to see what's included with the Mo-Fi headphones. There's a soft case with a pocket for storing the cables, a 1.2-meter (about 4 foot) audio cable with controls for iPhone/iPad/iPod touch, a 3-meter (about 10 foot) audio cable, a 1-meter USB to micro-USB charging cable, an AC charging adaptor, a 3.5mm to 1/4" TRS adapter, a two-prong airplane connector, and the usual Blue Microphones detailed user manual. After plugging in the Mo-Fi, I could see a faint yellow LED pulsing, indicating that the headphones were charging up. Once the battery was charged, the LED went out. Time to test! Before I get into the sound from the Mo-Fi headphones, let's talk about comfort. These are heavy headphones -- just over one pound (16.44 ounces, 466 grams). But the adjustability of this headset is crazy good; by adjusting a bit here and there, I was able to get the MoFi to feel pretty comfortable on my big head. There's a tension knob located on the headband and the multi-jointed design that holds the ear cups in place makes adjustment up or down very easy. I highly recommend going onto your music source device before starting to listen and adjusting sound volume down quite a bit; your ears will get blasted if you don't. The Mo-Fi unit comes with a warning label to that effect, too. Now, about sound quality. Can I just say WOW and leave it at that? The Mo-Fi headphones are incredible, both in the range and crispness of the sound. When listening to Daft Punk's "Get Lucky," for example, there was one section where I could hear a difference in the arrival time of a hand clap -- it showed up earlier in my right ear than the left. I'd never noticed that before with any other headphones, and it's probably just a tiny fraction of a second difference that I was able to pick up. I found that I was able to listen to music at a much lower volume with the Mo-Fi than what I normally adjust my iPhone to, both because of the internal amplifier and just the clarity of what I was hearing. Everything sounded better; highs were pure and sweet, bass was thumping along nicely, and the Mo-Fi headphones provided better stereo separation than I'm used to. Usually when I'm testing speakers and headphones I listen to a variety of genres to get a feel for just how good the sound reproduction is; the Mo-Fi headphones made even some old recordings sound as if I had transported myself back in time to the studio where the classics were taped. The drum solo in Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" sounded like it was happening just to the left of me in real time if I closed my eyes -- that's a recording made in 1959! Even some relatively overproduced pieces of music (i.e., "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty) sounded better with Mo-Fi than with other headphones, although they didn't produce the incredible feeling of "reality" that I got with those songs that were just laid down with a minimum of tracks. The real shocker with my test came when I turned the single switch on the headphones to Off, simulating what I'd hear if the onboard battery was drained. Although I had to turn up the volume a bit on the iPhone, the sound quality was still better than what I get from my usual set of headphones. Conclusion If I could give the Mo-Fi headphones 5 stars out of 4 possible, I would. If we had an "Editor's Choice" award at TUAW, these headphones would get it. I know I'm definitely going to campaign for these to be one of our Best of 2014 products. Blue Microphones should be commended for creating a pair of headphones that not only live up to the marketing hype, but exceed it. I cannot recommend these headphones highly enough for anyone who truly enjoys listening to or creating music, and who has the $350 to spare. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
V-Moda XS On-Ear Headphones provide comfort, incredible sound
With apologies to the folks at Apple-owned Beats, I think V-Moda makes some pretty nice headphones. I've been using a pair of custom Crossfade LPs for years, and the sound quality and comfort of the 'phones always makes me glad I've got 'em. Today I tried out a pair of the company's new XS On-Ear Headphones (US$212.00), a model that's made for the "Modern Audiophile." Are they better than the V-Moda Crossfade LPs? Let's give them a test. Specifications Driver: M-Class Dual Diaphragm 40mm Cable: 1-button SpeakEasy Mic cable, Kevlar-reinforced Warranty: 2 year + 50% "Immortal Life" warranty Dual inputs Cliq-fold design with Exoskeleton carrying case Sound character: Balanced, precision bas, vivid mids, crystal clear ultra wide highs, 3D sound stage Design Highlights One thing you can say about V-Moda's headphones is that they are durable. In the three years or so that I've had my Crossfade LPs, I've dropped them countless times, smashed them into backpacks and suitcases, and they still look brand new. Compared with the "over-ear" Crossfade LP, the XS headphones look tiny. They're made to ride on the ear, not to enclose it, so the ear cups are much smaller. The Steelflex headband is also not as wide as that on the Crossfade LP, and it's padded just as well as its bigger brother. The XS comes in two colors -- matte black and white silver -- but audiophiles can customize the 'phones with metal shields that go on the ear cups in 14 different colors, 15 different designs, or you can send in your own design. The Kevlar-reinforced cables are orange, so you probably want to find a color that compliments that tone. I love the little turtle-like Exoskeleton carrying cases that V-Moda provides, and the XS folds neatly into the case for secure carrying. Functionality Highlights Enough talk about how they look; what about the sound quality and comfort? To make the call, I compared the XS headphones to the Crossfade LPs, listening to the same music on both pairs of headphones. In terms of sound quality, I'd rank the XS headphones higher than the Crossfade LPs. The sound quality was solid across the range, with kicking bass tones and crisp highs. It didn't matter what genre of music I was listening to; the XS headphones gave me consistently better sound quality. Of course, sound is somewhat subjective, so your mileage may vary. When it came to comfort, I think the XS headphones really stood out. I wasn't initially thrilled about the idea of on-ear headphones since I find the over-ear type to be very quiet. But having less weight to carry around really made the XS 'phones more comfy in the long run. Wearing on-ear and over-ear headphones in public seems to have caught on, so if you're still stuck with your pair of earbuds, you need to stop. Spend the quid on some decent headphones like the V-Moda XS and you'll increase your listening pleasure for years. Conclusion The V-Moda XS headphone is the latest of the company's M-class series, which is aimed at modern audiophiles who appreciate what the best electronic equipment can do with sound reproduction. These headphones are incredibly comfortable and produce sound that will surprise and delight you. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
LilGadgets Untangled Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are a great option for careful kids
Headphones are a challenging purchase for parents. Most are sized for adults and don't fit children properly. Those that are styled for kids are sometimes pricey and often poorly made. This is a niche that LilGadgets hopes to address with their Untangled Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (US$49). The headphones are sized for children and offer a price tag that is competitive with other Bluetooth headphones in their class. Specifications Bluetooth wireless headphones, sized for children 4+ Compatible with Bluetooth devices that supports HSP, HFP and A2DP/AVCRP rpofiles. Range of 30 feet 40mm drivers and a range of 20Hz to 20kHz SoftTouch breathable mesh material covers the ear pads and headbands 10 hour battery life with a 180 hour standby. Includes a USB charging cable for charging and a 3.5mm cable for wired listening Available in four color options 100% LilGadgets Satisfaction Guarantee Design Highlights LilGadgets created its Untangled Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with children in mind. The over-the-ear cans feature ear pads and a headband sized appropriately for children. They are crafted with ample padding and covered with a soft, mesh material that won't scratch your child's skin. The band itself is made of metal, while the earphone pieces are plastic. The ear pads are easy to adjust with a notched slider to fit the ear pads to match your children's head size. The connection that attaches the ear pads to the headset is a plastic disc, which looks attractive but is a weak point in the design. Within the first few days of testing, one of the ear pads got caught in my daughter's long hair as she was taking it off and the ear pad broke off when she tried to tug it free. The plastic disk broke, leaving the ear pad to dangle free on that side. It's still usable as the cabling that connects the ear pad to the headphone is still very much intact. One of the ear pads has a volume control button and a power button, both of which may be difficult for younger children to control. The power button matches the finish of the device and is only slightly raised. On the volume side, kids have to be able to master motions such as slide up/down to change tracks, press and hold to pause/play and slide up/down and hold to change the volume. The same ear pad with the volume and power buttons also houses a micro USB charging port and a 3.5 mm wired headphone jack. Functionality Highlights LilGadgets' Untangled Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones were a dream to use. They fit a range of children from ages 4 to 12 and were easy to pair with a Mac mini, a MacBook Air, iPhone and iPad. Audio quality was very good for music, online videos and educational games. Sound was as good as other headphones in the under $75 price point, but it was not at an audiophile level. That is to be expected as these are kid's headphones, where the emphasis is placed on comfort and affordability and not necessarily stellar studio sound. The bluetooth connection was solid with no drops when I was actively listening to music or watching a movie. The Mac also picked up the headphone right away when I turned it on. The estimated 10 hours of battery life and 180 hours of standby time seems accurate as I only had to charge the headphones once a week with light daily usage. The package also includes a 3.5mm cable that provides a backup wired option for those times when you forget to charge. This cable comes in handy as you cannot charge and listen at the same time. As is the case with most headphones, the Untangled Pro models include controls on the side of the ear piece for power, volume and playback. While volume is adjusted universally at the system level, playback control is limited to apps such as iTunes and does not work with web browser-based players or apps such as Spotify. Also, there is no volume limiter built into the headphone, instead you must rely on the source device to keep the sound at a safe level for your kids. Conclusion Bluetooth headphones tend to be more expensive than wired options as you are paying extra for the cordless connection and everything that goes along with it. The Untangled Pro is no exception with a price tag of $49 at Amazon as compared to $15 for Sony's entry-level wired model for children. This price disparity begs the question -- does the performance and design quality of the Untangled Pro justify this extra cost? After using the headphones for the greater part of a month, I would have to say yes, but with a warning that you need to be gentle with the ear pads as they can break more easily than you may expect. The good thing, though, is that if they do break, LilGadgets has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and will work with you on getting the device repaired or replaced. According to LilGadgets, they also have an improved model that address this ear pad problem. This more durable version will be available from Amazon starting June 29th. Other than the broken ear pad, my month with the Untangled Pro was fantastic. It has lasted longer than other wired models that my children have used. I also like the cordless operation which prevents a child from dashing from the desk while they are still attached to a laptop. I've had this happen with a wired model and inevitably, either the laptop comes crashing to the floor or the cable on the headphones breaks. Sound quality in the Untangled Pro is very good, rivaling other bluetooth headphones I've owned from Knivio, Photive and Motorola. The headphones also are extremely comfortable to wear, so much so that I found myself wanting to wear the Untangled Pros, even if they were for kids, instead of my wired Sony models. Rating: 3.5 stars out of 4 stars possible
Listen to Soundgarden in DTS 11.1 sound on your headphones
A while back I talked about the new SRS system for improving audio on Macs and iOS devices. DTS has now jumped into the sound improvement fray with the first Rock album released in DTS Headphone: X format, which claims to recreate an 11.1 channel system on standard headphones and speakers. The music is the 20th anniversary release of Soundgarden's Superunknown album from 1994. You can listen to album samples by downloading the free app at the iTunes store. The idea behind the DTS Headphone: X format is to let you listen as a producer would. "Bands have been releasing albums in surround sound for years now, but no technology has been able to provide fans with a true feeling of what it was like to be in the studio with the band. That's why I find DTS' Headphone:X technology so fascinating. The experience Soundgarden's fans will hear over headphones is identical to how I heard the mix in the studio when producing the surround sound version," commented Grammy® Award-winning producer and engineer, Adam Kasper. DTS Headphone:X enables content producers to capture the acoustics of a high-quality audio production studio on consumer-end products. The technology externalizes and expands sound. That means listeners perceive the sound as coming from high quality loudspeakers located some distance around them. With benefits for both producers and consumers, the DTS Headphone:X technology presents a whole new way to enjoy entertainment content over headphones. Soundgarden is also releasing the album as a 2 CD set, including the remastered tracks from 1994, and a disc of demos, rehearsals, B-sides and more. There is also a Super Deluxe 5 CD set with additional mixes and a Blu-ray audio multichannel mix. I gave the new mix a listen via the app that is available today. I used the Beyerdynamic headphones I just completed a review of, and the sound really was terrific. The app lets you select the way you are listening; ear buds, over ear, on ear headphones, or speakers. You can hear the spatial cues move with each setting. I didn't have the plain old 2 channel mix to compare, but the sounds of the DTS 11.1 channel mix did seem to be quite different than standard headphone listening. Rather than hear the music "in my head," there were instruments in front of me, and arrayed to the sides and behind me. I also felt some instruments originated above me. I thought the DTS 11.1 mix did a good job of sounding likes I was listening to speakers with the instruments in real space. I'd love to hear more music released this way, as hard rock is not always the best way to judge sound quality. I'd prefer to hear some acoustic instruments to really judge the effect. The free app provides some demo tracks, and you can get the full Soundgarden tracks with a code that ships with the Super Deluxe 5 CD set CD. The downside is the only way to get all the tracks is to buy that CD for US$99.00. That's a pretty steep toll, and I think people who like the group should be able to just buy the digital edition through the app. The Soundgarden app album samples and the ability to get all the tracks requires iOS 7 or later. It is optimized for the iPhone 5. The app is not universal. I liked the DTS 11.1 sound very much. I'd be happy to hear a wider variety of music. If you'd like to try the DTS sound, head over to the Soundgarden website and have your headphones ready to go. The DTS sound is terrific, but having the whole album in DTS 11.1 channel sound requires the hundred dollar deluxe CD set purchase, and if this terrific technology is going to take off it's got to be less pricey and with fewer strings attached.
Beyer T 51 i headphones are a sonic treat for your iOS device
Beyer has a long engineering tradition going back to 1924. Its well-regarded headphones are used by consumer and professionals in recording studios. The German company sent a pair of its Beyerdyamic T 51 i iOS compatible headphones, and the sound was terrific. Specifications Transmission type Wired Headphone design (operating principle) Closed Headphone impedance 32 ohms Headphone frequency response 10 Hz - 23,000 Hz Nominal sound pressure level 111 dB Construction Supraaural (on-ear) Cable & plug Stereo jack plug 3.5 mm (1/8") & ¼" adapter (6.35 mm) TRRS standard CTIA (adapter cable for OMTP included) Net weight without packaging 174 g Design Highlights The T 51 i phones ( US$313.99 but lower from online merchants) have a three-button remote control for phone calls and media playback. The phones use a 1/4" jack adapter for older audio equipment, and an in-flight adapter for airplane audio systems. The ear cups swivel 90 degrees and the headphones come in a nice nylon carrying case. Using and listening I'm pretty picky about sound and comfort, and I have to say this Beyer product came out very well. Listening to classical, jazz and rock the headphones acquitted themselves well. Strings were pure and smooth, bass was deep and not artificially enhanced. Comparing them to my B&W P5 phones ($299.99) I found the Beyer model very similar, but it reached a little deeper into the bass. Comfort was very good on the Beyer phones, and the memory foam around the ears made for a nice fit. I would rate the Beyer a tad more comfortable than the B&Ws. The sonic signature of both was similar. Besides listening on my iPhone, I listened to some High Resolution tracks through my Oppo BDP-103 disc player and the sounds were even better with more extended frequency response and more precision of instrument placement, so it's clear the Beyers can be used in a mobile environment or at home with the highest quality equipment. Testing against my headphone of choice for home listening, the Sennheiser HD 600, ($399.95) I thought the Beyer had a better low end, while the Sennheiser headsets were able to squeeze a bit more out of the highest frequencies. The Sennhesiers are large, and the driver is well off the ear, while the Beyer T 51 i drivers are right against the ear, like the B&W. That alone makes for a different kind of sound, with one approach not being necessarily better than the other. My only beef is the headphone cord is not replaceable, but instead it is direct wired. The T 51 i is a sibling to the Beyer T 51 p, the former being designed for mobile. Both phones have the same drivers. Conclusions The T 51 i is a terrific headset. It sported a smooth frequency response, and comfort was high, even after wearing the phones for extended periods of time. I appreciated the lightweight nature of the headset, never feeling it was squashing my ears with undue pressure. Listening to string music from Mozart and unamplified instruments from a Jennifer Warnes CD were all clean and realistic. Beyer has a winner with the T 51 i. If you are looking for high quality headphones or wanting to step up from your Apple supplied earbuds, give this headset a try.
NuForce NE-600X earbuds improve the sound of your tunes (Updated)
With iPhones being used more frequently than iPods for listening to music, people have begun to look at ways to improve on the EarPods included in every iPhone box. NuForce is a small California company that has a rather complete line of audio equipment, from pre-amps and amplifiers for home stereo and theater to an excellent selection of earbuds and headphones. The company sent me a pair of NE-600X earbuds for an audition, and I like what I heard. Specifications Price: $24.95 The price has been reduced to $14.95 as of publication time Driver Size: 11mm Impedance: 16 Ohm Connector: 3.5 mm 4-pin iPhone compatibile plug Weight: 12.5 grams Accessories: Small and large spare tips Design Highlights For headphones that are under US$25, the NuForce 'phones pack a solid sound with some nice features you don't find everywhere. There are nice little touches like self-untangling flat OFC wire, addressing one of the nasty problems with many headphone cables. The in-ear headphones are extremely high efficiency. I had to turn the volume way down, but it was a good match for the iPhone headphone amp. Sound I wanted to get the best sound I could into the headphones, so I played some FLAC tracks downloaded from HDTracks. To do that, I played the FLAC files through the free open source audio player Songbird since iTunes doesn't handle FLAC at all. For even better fidelity, I routed the output of my MacBook Air through an AudioEngine D3 DAC. I listened to the John Williams score for Jurassic Park (192kHz/24bit), which is an exceptionally good recording. With the headphones snug in my ear canal, bass was very good, and strings and percussion instruments had a nice snap. As with any earbuds, you're going to want to adjust them to fit correctly in your ear. NuForce supplies different foam inserts to get a good fit. I also listened to some Mike Oldfield and Miles Davis in hi-res, and the sound was lively and not fatiguing. Conclusion At $15.00, the NuForce NE-600X earbuds are not a deluxe piece of hardware. There is plenty of plastic, no built-in remote mic, and no carrying case. For an extra $5.00, you can buy the NE-600M model that does have a mic. But the sound provided by these earbuds is very good. I compared the audio to the stock Apple earbuds and found that the NuForce NE-600X was the clear winner, especially in terms of bass. I also listened with my favorite headphones, the Sennheiser HD 600s. No contest there - the Sennheisers, which are far more expensive at $399.00, trounced the Apple and NuForce earbuds. But of course, you are not going to run around with those big Sennheiser 'phones on. I liked the NuForce sound. I don't think anything can touch it at the price. The in-ear design eliminates most background noise, so if you want some isolation these earbuds are the way to go.
RHA MA600i in-ear headphones offer quality finish and sound at sub $100
The MA600i (US$89.95) noise isolating in-ear headphones are Glasgow-based RHA's upper mid-range offering. The premium top-end MA750i headphones ($129.95), which I reviewed last year, have become my everyday headphones and are an absolute pleasure to use. I've been truly thrilled by them, so trying RHA's MA600i headphones meant the benchmark was already set pretty high. Of course, the MA600i are $40 cheaper. So how did they fare against the more expensive sibling? Read on to find out. Design Cosmetically, the MA600i drivers are machined from the same attractive aircraft-grade aluminum as the MA750i. They both have the same 3-button remote and mic compatible with iOS devices. Both cables are oxygen-free and the connectors are gold plated. However, the cabling on the MA600i is not steel-reinforced and it's not nearly as thick and robust as what the MA750i offers, though it's still really durable. In fact, it will appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch when it comes to cabling around the neck and ears. Also, there's a right-angle quarter-inch jack instead of the traditional straight one found on the MA750i. That's not a bad thing, just different. Finally, the MA600i don't have the contoured over-ear cable supports that the MA750i do, though they can still be used in traditional or over-ear fashion. I love the over ear fit, but that may just be because I'm really used to it. Either way, they fit really well and stay in place provided you've got the right size ear tip on each bud. Performance Of course, what counts most is the sound quality, and I was pleased with the MA600i performance, especially in comparison to the MA750i, which use RHA's 560.1 drivers. The MA600i use RHA's 320.1 custom drivers. Those 320.1 drivers provide a compelling sound that's full-bodied and detailed. I'd say the MA750i trump the MA600i dynamically in breadth and depth of sound. Sound on the MA600i seemed a bit more in your face, particularly on the higher frequencies, whereas things are more evenly presented and balanced on the MA750i. Still, I was pleasantly lost in the sonic wonders of Dennison Witmer's Born Without The Words, a newly discovered, slow-burning treasure for me. In terms of accessories, the MA600i come with a compact case to store them in as well as a selection of ear tips. Conclusion There's a quality high-end feel to the MA600i, it's just not the premium feel the MA750i offers. RHA has managed to really make that distinction without making the MA600i come across as cheap or tacky. In fact, the MA600i are quite the opposite; they look and feel like a quality set of headphones. The MA600i are light, durable and stylish. Sonically, there's plenty to please your ears with. And the remote and microphone work seamlessly with iOS devices, which is a plus. In short, if you're looking for a sub $100 set of in-ears with quality looks and sound, absolutely consider the MA600i.
The SteelSeries H Wireless headset is the jack of all trades, and the master of them, too
Wireless gaming headsets are a product category with a lot of players and very few superstars. Some headsets make syncing a simple affair only to produce subpar audio, while others trade battery life for good looks. In short, there are very few products that hit half of the high notes, much less all of them. Then there's the SteelSeries H Wireless headset, which not only claims lag-free, 7.1 surround sound, but also works for Mac, PC, Apple TV, iOS and all home consoles. That's a bold claim, and not one to be taken lightly. Specifications Weight: 0.6 lbs. (297 g) Wireless Range: 40ft (recommended) Battery Life: 20 hours per battery pack MSRP: US$299.99 (Amazon) Design Both the headset and the wireless transmitter are slick looking, drenched in black with just a few accents to be seen. The earphones are surrounded by plush cushions that feel fantastic, and the headband over the top is likewise padded with what feels like a memory foam-type of material. This is the type of headset that you can forget you're actually wearing -- they're that comfortable. The transmitter itself is very tiny, about a quarter the size of a Mac mini. The back is covered in various ports for all the systems it supports, and the front features a clickable volume knob and a single additional button. The LCD readout on the transmitter is bright and clear, but not distracting, and it automatically dims when you haven't messed with it in a while. The battery compartment is hidden underneath one of the removable covers on the earphones and the batteries (two are included in the package) can be hot-swapped in just a few seconds. The batteries are actually charged by the transmitter itself, which has a small slot on the side to dock them in. It's actually a really convenient charging system since you'll always know exactly where both of your batteries are, and at least one of them will always be fully charged. Functionality Where do I begin? These things can really do it all. You can use optical audio for your computer or game console, but for many Mac users you'll be using either the USB option or the standard analog output. You can power the transmitter via USB or a wall outlet, which is a nice option and a huge bonus for people like me who are already staring at two full power strips with no other option. Setting up the transmitter was a breeze and there's no syncing or other hassle required. You quite literally set up the tiny box through a series of intuitive menus, turn on the headset and you're ready to go. It's a very Mac-like experience in that "it just works." Controlling the headset volume via the transmitter knob or volume wheel on the headset itself is a nice touch, and the range is pretty impressive. I was able to walk all over my apartment and even out to my patio (40 to 50 feet away) with zero interruptions. There's also a built-in Sound Share port so that a nearby friend can tap into your audio. The sound these headphones put out is quite remarkable, handling deep bass and crisp notes without issue. The built-in equalizer on the transmitter is a huge bonus here, too, letting you perfect the audio without messing with in-game settings or fiddling with your Mac or iOS menus. The 7.1 surround sound is phenomenal in games that support it, and even if your favorite game is a bit behind the times in the audio department, these headphones will make the best of an imperfect situation. It just doesn't get any better than this from an audio standpoint. Conclusion The SteelSeries H Wireless gaming headset is as close to cordless perfection as I've experienced, and I can't even really think of any worthy competitors. You may find some things you don't like about them -- if you're looking for something more flashy, that's understandable -- but from a functionality and fit-and-finish standpoint, they are essentially flawless. Rating: 4 out of a possible 4 stars
The Phiaton Fusion MS 430 headphones are great for the traveling music lover
Travel headphones need to be two things: loud enough to be a stand-in for your at-home headphones, and portable. The Phiaton Fusion MS 430 on-ear headphones are one of the company's more compact offerings, but it brings the same big-time sound and high-quality components of Phiaton's over-ear headphones, making it a solid choice for the traveling audiophile. Specifications Weight: 0.5 lbs. Cord Length: 3.6 ft (1.2 m) MSRP: US$179 Design The first thing you'll notice about the MS 430s is that they're quite heavy for on-ear headphones. They feel solid and sturdy, and loose play has been eliminated on everything from the volume control to the size-adjustment slider. The unit feels very well made overall, and that same care has been paid to its looks as well. With a bold red tangle-free cord, carbon fiber inlays on the headphones and sharp aluminum and red accents everywhere you look, the petite headset manages to catch your eye from just about every angle. Functionality There are a couple of things that make this headset a joy for on-the-go audio. For starters, the completely removable tangle-free cord is great for quickly cramming into a pocket or bag, and the earphones themselves fold inward to save space. The cord can be plugged into the base of either the left or right earphone, which is a seemingly small convenience feature that ended up being one of the things I liked most about it. With loud, distortion-free sound, the headphones performed admirably through any song I threw at them. Being on-ear headphones -- as opposed to the much more bass-friendly over-ear models -- you won't get the same head-cracking thump that the larger versions offer, but that's the price you pay for portability. If there's one area I'd say the MS 430s could use some improvement, it's with overall comfort. The earpads are plush and fine for hours upon hours of listening, but the headband itself is only lightly cushioned with a rubber sleeve. As I noted above, the headset is slightly heavy, and after a while, you definitely begin to notice the pressure up top. Conclusion There's no doubt that the Fusion MS 430 headphones perform above their sub-$200 price range, and for anyone looking for a portable audio solution, they're an easy recommendation. With a bit more attention paid to user comfort, this sleek headset might approach perfection, but as it stands, it's still a great purchase. Rating: 3.5 out of a possible 4 stars Giveaway Jumping on a plane or enduring a long car ride can be hell, but the Phiaton Fusion MS 430 headphones will make it a bit less painful. If you want a chance to win a pair, be sure to follow the giveaway rules: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before January 20, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive the Phiaton Fusion MS 430 headphones valued at US$179. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
The best headphones: JBL Synchros S700
I grew up with my dad instilling in me an appreciation for sounds. Maybe it was the Iron Butterfly while in the womb, or the vinyl records or the high-end audio gear, but I wound up with perfect pitch and a golden ear. Like any audiophile, I think listening to heavily compressed music is a drag. Still, if your speakers aren't up to the task of clearly separating the frequencies, even the clearest recording can get muddy. Beats headphones are great if you want mushy music filled with thumps that have nothing to do with tonality -- they are merely a fashion accessory. The vast majority of headphones you pick up in airports and convenience stores wouldn't impress a bump on a log with their fidelity. And while I have long sported my Sony MDR-7506 headphones for all demanding audio tasks, I think I have a new favorite set of headphones. The JBL Synchros S700 are simply the most delightful set of ear goggles I've ever worn. They even have a mic and controller nub, so they are designed for mobile use. Design The Synchros are a beauty right out of the black case (included). The soft leather mounted on the metal bar that rests upon your head is soft as can be, with enough padding to sit atop your noggin for hours without discomfort. The ear pieces are similarly soft around the ears, although I did find the circular shape might be problematic for those with less-than-circular ear shapes. All of the metal on the headphones is high quality, and they have heft without too much weight to them as a result. They are sturdy, but not stiff. The cords can be removed, and there are two: one for charging (I'll explain in a bit) and one that has the audio plug on either end. The one for audio includes a small controller/mic nub, with volume and stop/start buttons. The cords are black and nondescript, much like the Synchros I tried, although the mic nub felt like the cheapest part. This is mostly because the rest of the unit is absolutely gorgeous. Functionality You'll need to charge the Synchros once in a while (the battery lasts a long time, like other JBL and Kardon products I've tested), as there's a button to engage the "LiveStage" sound. This enhances the audio to make it more like a live stage experience. In fact, I got to try the LiveStage sound while comparing to an actual live stage performance, and I can tell you the result was terribly impressive. You see, there's quite a bit of science that Kardon has poured into audio research, specifically headphone design, and the product reflects this. In double-blind tests, more people preferred the balance and overall sound of the Synchros, even to Beats. Myself, I've always loved my Sony MDR-7506 headphones for audio work. But my MDR's don't have a mic or LiveStage, so I don't see myself walking through the Atlanta airport with them. The Synchros have even cushier padding for the ears, and stow flat (in a very nice case) and do a good job of isolating sound, making them great for tuning out the world. Without going into the science of it, I'll tell you how good the sound is on the S700s: You'll never notice the headphones. That's sort of the point. Unlike a performance instrument, which you want to have "character" (tiny imperfections that give an instrument a unique sound), headphones should not be judged based on how they distort your music. Beats, again, provide an example by way of largesse. Sure, Beats have strong bass response. Do you need that listening to Mozart? Do you need that listening to bluegrass? The defining characteristic of the Synchros is not their ability to assist one particular genre of music, but the ability to enhance all music, as though they were chameleons of sound reproduction. The Synchros get out of the way and allow you the best listening experience. Conclusion OK, JBL has made a near-perfect set of headphones with the Synchros S700. The bad news is they will cost you (the best-engineered things in life are not free). A pair of S700s will cost you US$349.95 from JBL, possibly slightly less elsewhere. Also, they're on pre-order right now and should be shipping in mid-January. If you love music and can afford them, I cannot recommend these headphones enough. They are, in my opinion, perhaps the best headphones you can buy for accurate sound reproduction.
Phiaton Chord MS 530 Bluetooth headphones: A joy to wear and listen to
Bluetooth headsets are becoming much more popular for iOS and Mac users. There's no cable to get tangled around, and they're usually quite lightweight and comfortable. Phiaton has released its new Chord MS 530 Bluetooth 4.0 Noise Cancelling Headphones (US$299.99 MSRP, available online for as little as $200) to the market, and if you're in a pinch for a really special holiday gift, a pair of these would make any iOS or Mac owner a very happy person indeed. The headphones come with a nice carrying case, and they fold up into that case with little effort. Once out of the case, the Chords weigh just 10 ounces (283 grams) and adjust to just about any head size, my mammoth hat size 7-7/8 head included. Pressing the power button on the right earcup for two seconds turns the headphones on, at which time a voice prompt informs you that "Pairing mode is enabled". There are other voice prompts as well -- once pairing is completed and you connect to the headphones from a Mac or iOS device, you'll hear "Device connected" in a female voice. Disconnect the headphones using your system preferences or settings, that voice says "Device disconnected". The verbal prompts are very useful; much better than interpreting what a few flashing LEDs mean. But it's when you start playing music through the Chords that you realize just how good these headphones are. Unlike some of the other headphones I've reviewed for TUAW, the Chords do a remarkable job of handling bass, providing a more realistic lower end than I've heard before. That's not to say that treble is given short shrift -- quite the contrary. The headphones have good response throughout the usual range of music frequencies, and I found them to be amazing for listening to just about any genre of music. The Chords feature a complete set of controls. On the right side are the aforementioned power button, a call button (for use with your iPhone) and a pause/start toggle that doubles as a volume up/down switch. There's also a micro-USB port for charging on the right side covered by a small door. On the left side is another small door, this covering a port for a headphone cable if you prefer a wired connection -- or if the battery runs out on your Chords. There's also a switch for turning on noise cancellation, which seems to work better on these headphones than any other headphones I've ever tested. I was listening to my iTunes Radio Supertramp station beaming from my iPhone, and pulled up some songs on my iMac at the same time. With the iMac's volume cranked all the way up, I could actually feel the bass, but couldn't hear it through the headphones. Speaking of cables, Phiaton thoughtfully provides a set of cables with mounted controls and a microphone if you want to forgo the use of Bluetooth. For those of you who are unfamiliar with noise-canceling headphones, note that they don't block all ambient sound if you just have 'em on, but turning on noise-cancellation and listening to tunes will provide a respite from whatever low-frequency noise is around you. In that respect, they do a very good job of tuning out the rumbling background noise of an airplane or train. I was pleasantly surprised when the Chords were connected to my iOS devices that the Bluetooth indicator in the status bar actually showed a small battery icon next to it for determining the amount of charge left in the headset. I don't know if I've just been missing this with other Bluetooth devices or if it's something new, but that's very useful. Making or answering calls while listening to music was nice as well, as the headset supports Siri. Just a quick push of the Call button brought up the Siri prompt, at which point I was able to ask Apple's intelligent assistant to make a call for me -- or do anything else that Siri is able to do. Conclusion All in all, I loved the comfort, the compactness (when folded up), and the controllability of the Phiaton Chord MS 530 headphones. The sound quality -- to me, at least -- was incredibly good, and I don't think I've ever worn a more comfortable pair of headphones. These are not inexpensive headphones, but since they support the latest Bluetooth release they should be able to work for you for years to come. Pros Lightweight and comfortable for hours of wear Up to 30 hours of listening time per charge Excellent sound quality on both low and high end Noise cancellation technology blocks ambient noise well Controls are easy to find and operate Voice prompts tell you when different modes are engaged or disabled Fast and easy Bluetooth pairing with both Mac and iOS devices with no need to enter a pairing code Carrying case is a bonus Ability to use headset with a cable when the battery is dead Cons A little pricey, but you get what you pay for Who are they for? Anyone, audiophile or not, who wants a pair of lightweight and good-sounding Bluetooth headphones Giveaway These headphones sound great, and we want one lucky TUAW reader to get a chance to use 'em. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before December 18, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a set of Phiaton Chord MS 530 Bluetooth headphones valued at $299.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
TruEnergy headphones are designed for women, full of vibrance and color
It's not everyday I get sent a review request for an iOS accessory specifically for women, but TruEnergy got in touch with a range of in-ear headphones with just that in mind. The headphones come in three different models, each model in three different variety of colors. It's certainly not your typical grey, black, white or aluminum that I'm so often used to seeing in gadgets and accessories. None the less, I'm happy to push on with a review for the fairer sex! TruEnergy says the headphones are designed for "modern, active and stylish girls." Second to that, the biggest focus of the headphones is their SoundShare feature; basically a built-in extra 3.5mm quarter-inch jack input for someone else to add their headphones to, making sharing listening to music or watching a film a breeze. The headphones come in three models, Playful (US$19.99), with a "bright, colorful style." Flirty ($29.99) "style with an edge." And Inspired ($39.99), "elegant style with a feature-packed listening experience." Each model comes with the SoundShare feature. The Flirty and Inspired models come with a built-in mic and enhanced audio, whilst the Inspired model comes with a play control button and further enhanced bass response. The headphones are very colorful, and both my wife and visiting-from-abroad mother took interest in them when they first saw them on the desk. The vibrant, dual-tone coloring is particularly eye-catching. The cabling is more flat than rounded, with an elastic, rubbery quality to it. It feels durable though, and there's the impression of quality too. The earphones themselves look great and fit snugly and comfortably into your ears, with ear-buds in three sizes that fit over the earphones. With any in-ear headphone, making sure you've got a good, sealed fit is essential to the quality of the sound. I really enjoyed the sound quality of the Playful headphones. With a warm, clear tonal quality, I would happily use them for running with, or even as a set to pull out of the backpack / handbag on a commute. From there, sound quality improved in the Flirty and Inspired models. Things became more well-rounded, with a bit more depth and clarity. The same two models also have a built-in mic for calls, which is always a handy feature. The play control on the Inspired model is basic in appearance and feel, but it's good to be able to pause a track or with a double-click move on to the next track. Conclusion At the end of the day, no matter what model you go for, sound quality will be good. I think what's going to appeal more here, and what TruEnergy is encouraging, is the variety of colors (pick the colors that best express / suit you). Being able to share whatever it is your listening to is a great additional built-in feature that you don't find in many other headphones. And if you decide to splash out for the top tier Inspired model, a play control button will be the icing on the cake, though you may want to look at other in-ear options if you're going to spend $40. If you're a lady looking for a budget set of vibrantly colored headphones, then look no further than TruEnergy's line-up of in-ear headphones. Available at Target.com and select Target stores. Check out TruEnergy's website for further into. Pros Many colors to choose from Good sound quality Durable Built-in SoundShare feature Cons Higher end Inspired model feels a little over priced
Review: RHA's new MA750i in-ear, noise isolating headphones
A few weeks ago, RHA announced its new MA750i headphones (US$129.95). Last week I received a sample unit and have been testing them since. Having previously been really impressed with the MA150 and MA450i earphones and the SA950i on-ear headphones, I had high expectations for the Glasgow-based company's new premium-range hardware. And I was not disappointed. Design From the onset of receiving the MA750 I could tell RHA has taken things to the next level. Even in the packaging a great amount of thought and detail has been applied. The box's window flap opens to reveal the immaculately-presented earphones. A magnet on the inside insures that it stays shut when closed, and a small, orange flap of material that's affixed to the interior makes removal easy and elegant. The "premium" is apparent even before you use the headphones. The MA750i look and feel fantastic. The earphone heads are machined from stainless steel, with RHA subtly inscribed on the sides of each head. The cabling is reinforced with steel, oxygen-free with a gold-plated, quarter-inch connector. The cabling is thick and feels extremely durable. The connector end is covered with a protective spring connector, while the earphone ends benefit from RHA's over-ear cable supports, which offer a comfortable, secure fit. The cabling is a contrast to some other manufacturers, which try to make the cable as light as possible. While not overly bulky, the MA750 cabling brings a reassuring weight and robustness. On the MA750i model there's a built-in three-button remote control and mic, designed to work faultlessly with iOS devices. This, too, feels really sturdy and well made, allowing you to take calls, adjust the volume and play, pause and change music tracks on your iDevice. The handmade 560.1 drivers reinforce RHA's Aerophonic design, inspired by airflow and the acoustic properties of a trumpet's bell. There's a promise of "precise, balanced and articulate sound reproduction with a great depth of soundstage." The MA750i come with an attractive carrying case and a collection of various ear tips to suit every size and preferred feel. Performance Of course, what really counts is how the MA750 sound. The 560.1 drivers are "...designed to deliver a clear and natural sound. With high levels of spatial separation and distance...capable of reproducing audio with exceptional power and precision." And in my experience, that's exactly what I found. When I tested the MA450, I was really struck by the bass response and depth. And overall, the production of a full and enjoyable sound (especially for the price point). However, it's fair to say the sound was not the most nuanced or precise. With the MA750, things are much more controlled. In fact, I found the MA750 to be extremely well balanced, able to reach detailed lows that weren't exaggerated, mids that were spacious, yet present and well-rounded highs. I'm going through a Stevie Ray Vaughan phase, revisiting some of my favorite tracks of his. Using the MA750, I loved hearing things accurately represented, with a real clarity, depth and broadness. It's hard to explain, but a few examples are subtleties like a low bass note that's full, warm and deep, and yet you can hear the player slightly hit the fret. Or the very occasional guitar fumble in the heat of spine tingling solo (Check out Tin Pan Alley aka Roughest Place In Town, but get a high quality version). Practically speaking, I found the MA750 to be extremely comfortable. The over-ear system works really well, keeping the in-ears right in place. Noise isolation was really good too. The case is a nice extra, which is more than just a pouch. It offers good protection as well as doubling as a place to keep your spare ear tips, which are conveniently stored on a steel-tip holder (no more rummaging around to find matching tips). Conclusion Once more, RHA have delivered a fantastic in-ear headphone experience. This time, a truly premier (consumer) experience that lifts RHA into a new league. The MA750i sits right at the top, rightly so, as the cream of the RHA range. And they are superb value for money, too. In years gone by, I've spent more on headphones and they've not come close to what the MA750 has to offer. At this price point, everything is right about these headphones. The MA750i is priced at US$129.95 and comes with the built-in remote and mic. The MA750 (minus the remote and mic) is priced at $119.95. In the US, both will be available from Amazon today and Apple Retail Stores from November. In the UK and Europe, both versions are available now from the Apple Online Store and Amazon in the UK as well as Apple Retail Stores. Pros Balanced, nuanced sound with depth and control Durable, well made and full of attention to detail Comfortable, with plenty of ear tips in various sizes and forms 3 year warranty Cons None to speak of Who's it for? Audiophiles on a limited budget
Just Mobile's HeadStand, AluCup and AluFrame: Accessories that organize, protect
As the Northern Hemisphere of the planet wakes up from winter, accessory manufacturers are coming to life with some new or revised products. One of those companies, Just Mobile, has released a crop of accessories that can help to organize your workspace and protect your iPhone 5. There's the AluCup (a sturdy dock for your iPhone or iPad mini, US$29.95), the AluFrame iPhone 5 case ($69.95), and that place to neatly store your headphones -- the HeadStand ($49.95). You'll have an opportunity to win one of these hardy aluminum accessories, so be sure to check them out and then enter the giveaway. Design The AluCup is a delightfully simple dock for your iPhone or iPad tha's made of a machined aluminum cylinder sliced at an angle, lined with a colorful rubberized material, and sliced and diced for cable passthroughs. Just drop an iPhone into the black, yellow, red, or blue-lined cup and it is propped up for easy viewing while it charges or just "relaxes." That iPhone (or an iPad mini) can also be placed on top of the AluCup to make an attractive reclining pedestal. Moving on to the HeadStand, here's a product that was just waiting for someone to invent it. It answers the question of where to place your headphones when they're not on your head. For me, the answer was to wrap the cable around the headphones and then plant them on my Røde microphone stand, but a lot of people don't have that option. The HeadStand comes in either silver or black aluminum, requires some quick assembly, and not only has an arm on which to hang the headphones but a "cable tidy" in the circular base. It's a brilliant alternative to just laying headphones on a desktop. Finally, the third Just Mobile product we're reviewing today is the AluFrame iPhone 5 shield. Made of silver or black aerospace-grade aluminum, the AluFrame is a minimalist bumper that uses an smartly-designed catch mechanism to lock onto your iPhone 5 without the need for screws and tiny hex drivers. There's no need to worry about the AluFrame scratching your iPhone 5, as it uses a rubberized material inside to gently cradle your device. For added protection, the AluFrame includes front and back clear protectors to keep your baby from being scratched. Functionality Let's start with the AluCup. I'm impressed with this little stand, not only for its minimalist good looks, but the fact that it will happily hold my iPhone 5 that is encased in a mophie juice pack helium case. When the phone is dropped into the AluCup, the screen is perfectly angled so that you can see notifications coming in. If you need a bit more access to the iPhone screen, just lay it on top of the angled "cut" and you can tap away without having to worry about the iPhone moving. %Gallery-186833% Things weren't quite as nice with the iPad mini; it kept sliding off of the angled top of the AluCup. Only when I encased the iPad mini in a silicone sleeve from Loop Attachment did it stay in one place atop the AluCup. Still, if you're just looking for a handy stand for your iPhone or if you do have a silicone sleeve protecting your iPad mini, then you'll find the AluCup to be a winner. Moving on to the AluFrame, I found this aluminum bumper to be a cinch to install and remove. The latch mechanism keeps the frame locked on, but can be opened in a second should you decide to remove it. There's no need to search for a hex driver and no worry about dropping tiny screws. There are passthrough buttons for the volume toggle and on/off/sleep/wake button, with an open spot for the mute lock switch. The entire bottom of the AluFrame is wide open, providing unencumbered access to the speakers and Lightning port. Finally, the HeadStand assembles quickly with two regular Phillips-head screws and looks great. It works nicely, too -- my pair of V-Moda headphones sat comfortably on top and I was able to remove the headphone cable to wrap around the base of the HeadStand. It definitely looks like a lot better way to store headphones than the method I've been using. Conclusion Just Mobile has made a name for itself by creating good-looking and functional accessories for Apple products, imagined by talented European designers. With the HeadStand, AluFrame, and AluCup, the company has added three more products to a growing stable of reasonably-priced designer accessories. Pros HeadStand is a unique product that has been needed for a long time Aluminum construction of Just Mobile's accessories guarantees that they'll hold up for a while AluFrame latch mechanism makes the bumper fast and easy to install or remove AluCup takes up very little desktop space and works with many iPhone 5 cases Cons iPad mini wouldn't sit on top of the AluCup as advertised unless it was in a silicone sleeve Who are they for? Anyone who appreciates good design and solid construction in Apple accessories Giveaway We have an AluCup with a red liner, a black anodized aluminum HeadStand, and a black AluFrame to give away. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before April 29, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected. One will received a Just Mobile AluCup valued at $29.95, one will receive an AluFrame valued at $69.95, and one will receive a HeadStand valued at $49.95. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Review: RHA's SA950i headphones with remote and mic
Simply put, I'm not a fan of headphones. For me, they are bulky, unsightly and, more often than not, uncomfortable. Sonically, I've found in-ear earphones provide a much better reproduction of sound, too. You don't need to have the volume as loud and they isolate external noise much more efficiently, too. So doing a review on RHA's SA950i on-ear headphones (about US$60) was sure to be a challenge for me. However, recently I reviewed RHA's MA150 earphones and the MA350 earphones, too. I was really impressed with the quality of these earphones, especially when taking the price into consideration. So when RHA offered me the opportunity to try its SA950i on-ear headphones, I couldn't help but be tempted -- hoping to have my mind changed on headphones. Design The SA950i's have a more traditional headphone look about them, especially in comparison to the cheaper, but more modern looking CA200 headphones. And that's not a bad thing. %Gallery-183331% RHA describes the SA950i's as offering professional-grade audio, whilst being compact and lightweight. And they certainly are compact and lightweight. Weighing just 105 grams, the SA950i's fit securely on your head. It's easy to customize the fit with the adjustable chrome sliders. They don't feel unnecessarily big or bulky, either. The 40mm titanium-coated mylar drivers are encased in plastic, droplet-like enclosures with soft padding for contact on your ears. RHA's shielded, 1.5m, detachable fabric braided cable -- with gold plated connectors -- easily connects to the headphones, while, of course, the other end goes into your source of audio. The remote, which has volume up and down and a multifunction button (play / pause / answer call / end call) sits conveniently near the top of the cable, within easy reach. It has a good feel about it, and it's easy to feel for the controls as opposed to having to look down and see what button you want to press. The main function button is nicely indented -- your finger just slips into it -- so you know exactly where you are as soon as you touch it. The SM950i's look good and the build quality is nice. While they don't necessarily feel high-end, they don't feel cheap either. They are very light, but I found they were sturdy and I definitely didn't worry about putting them in my bag with everything else. Functionality I mentioned that the SA950i's fit securely, but what about comfort? After many hours of use, I found the SA950i's to be quite comfortable, once I'd adjusted them to sit on my ears correctly. I didn't get that horrible pinching feeling you can sometimes get with some other on-ear headphones. They held to my ears, but not with an unnecessary weight. If anything, I would have preferred the headphones to fit slightly more snugly to my ears to help get that noise-cancelling effect. And the speakers felt just a little far away from my ears, I wanted them to be nearer. However, once they were on, those niggles soon faded away. I did a little test wearing them while hoovering the house. They stayed on, were comfortable and decent at noise cancellation, while producing a full sound -- though I had to push the volume a fair bit, but not to harmful levels. Overall, I found the sound of the SA950i's to be satisfying. As with the MA150 and MA350 earphones, the SA950i's produced a full and warm sound that was engaging and detailed. My only complaint is that the mid-level frequencies seemed a little too emphasized, creating a slightly muffled appearance to the sound. I found it particularly noticeable if I was listening to music on speakers or other earphones and then switched to the SA950i's. The remote and built-in mic worked flawlessly. I had no problem with my voice being picked up at the other end. Everything worked as expected when making or receiving calls using the SA950i's. Conclusions While I'm not converted to headphones, the SA950i's certainly have made an impression on me. The subtle but stylish look is appealing: they feel comfortable, they're compact and lightweight and they perform well -- even if sound reproduction feels a bit confined. Considering the $60 price tag, the SM950i's really do appeal. If you're looking for a budget pair of on-ear headphones, the SM650i's are worth checking out.