Ultrasone, the high-end German audio guys, are putting out a new set of high-end headphones with a few tweaks to their formula. The Pro 2900 is the first Pro series set to be open-backed, a style I prefer, and they’re also offering two cable choices: balanced and single. → Read More
We’ve been fans of Klipsch’s Image line of headphones for some time now, so we welcome the latest updates with open ears.
The ones I’m most excited about are the Image S5i Rugged. When you live in Seattle, you spend a lot of time worrying about whether you’re going to get rained on, and it’s nice not to have to worry about your electronics. → Read More
Sony in Japan introduced [JP] two high-end headphones today, the MDR-Z1000 and the MDR-EX1000 (an in-ear model). And both models boast some pretty good specs. The MDR-Z1000, which is pictured on the left, features 5Hz – 80kHz frequency response, 24Ω impedance, and 108dB/mW sensitivity. → Read More
It’s not clear to me exactly what exactly people like Quincy Jones and Dr Dre do to make their particular brands of audio gear better. I mean, they put their name on them, probably because they are satisfied with how they sound, but is that the extent of their involvement?
Well, whatever the case, Quincy Jones (a Garfield High School alumni like myself) has seen fit to put his stamp on a new set of AKG headphones. → Read More
How many of you out there have the scratch to pay a grand for your headphones? Raise your hands. None! But let’s be honest here. Look at your headphones. Now look at the picture to the right. Now back to your headphones — now back to the picture. Sadly (if you’re as poor as yours truly) your headphones probably will never be the Reference Monitors pictured. But you can dream. And of course Ultimate Ears has less expensive models. → Read More
Short version: SteelSeries makes great keyboards and mice, but headphones have always been a weakness of theirs. The 7H isn’t bad, really, but considering what’s out there for the same price or less, it’s a hard set to recommend. → Read More
No, that picture is not Kratos’ new weapon in God of War 3, though you could be forgiven for thinking so.
Note to PR people: when your product goes in someone’s ears, try not to make it look like a weapon. The reflections aren’t helping. → Read More
Aiaiai’s TMA-1 is, theoretically, my favorite pair of headphones. I say theoretically because they only just started shipping out of Denmark this week and I’m not sure if I’ll ever actually have a pair of them wrapped around my head. But the next best thing is seeing them in this Cool Hunting video, with their designers talking about what went into creating these lovely things. [via The Awesomer] → Read More
I’m no audiophile, but it’d be silly to deny that there’s a wide range of quality in the audio devices out there, and material and construction can be the difference between a perfectly good speaker and a buzzy piece of trash. I was delighted with the ceramic and cork construction of the speakers I reviewed a few months back, but I have to say I’m a bit skeptical of the effect of wood construction in an in-ear headphone. I mean, isn’t the whole point to avoid resonation by channeling the sound directly into the ear canal? But I haven’t yet tried these headphones (the Rain from Thinkingsound), so I’ll hold off on the trash talk until I’ve got something to back it up. I do like their eco-packaging, though. → Read More
Short version: What do you get when you cram 7.1 Dolby sound, gaming-grade wireless, a few buttons, and a noise-canceling microphone into one headset? Sweaty ears. Seriously → Read More
Short Version: V-Moda’s Crossfade LP headphones are designed for versatility, with the idea of taking them anywhere and providing you with a rich listening experience. I found a mixed bag full of excellent sounds, somewhat awkward hardware, and a confusing compatibility list. → Read More
These headphones, made by Kilo Design for Aiaiai, are pretty normal except for a few little details. There’s a built-in kink at the end of the cords that lets you hook it over the back of your ear, instead of having it hang from the front. And there’s that little coil on one cord, which I couldn’t figure out until… oh yeah, it’s just so you know which is left and which is right? You can also just tie a knot in one. Also note the 120° Y-separator. Practical? Can’t be sure, but it looks cool. [via NotCot] → Read More
ZEM headphones are a new product created by an audio researcher, who claims to have come up with a noise cancellation technique that doesn’t require specialized electronics in order to work. This makes the headphones lighter and cheaper, but sometimes products like this oversell and under deliver. → Read More
Fresh off the boat from Sweden are a-JAYS’ new pair of affordable ear buds — the a-JAYS Three. The set is priced at $60, which is somewhat of a tough price point as it’s just above the cheap, impulse-buy mark and high-end ‘phones traditionally start north of $100. But we’re not here to discuse market pricing schemes. Nope, we’re here to find out how these headphones sound and feel because that’s what really matters. → Read More
Oh look, a random pair of UK-only, Bluetooth headphones! They’re the Beewi BBH100, and I will readily admit that they look fairly spiffy. Not too expensive either, at £32.90, or around $50. → Read More
Deaf people may not be able to hear music, but soon they might be able to feel it, even on the go. A concept device from German designer Frederik Podzuweit promises to make hearing music a reality for the deaf community based on synesthesia — a type of sensory stimulus evokes the perception of an entirely different sense. → Read More
Skullcandy has officially announced the availability of their Roc Nation Aviator headphones, the only headphones officially sanction by Jay Z. Jay Z is a rapper who raps about, among other things, his 99 problems, New York, and detritus under your ear. → Read More
Need a quick and easy place to store your headphones? I’ve been unplugging mine and putting them in a drawer, but I think I like this idea better. → Read More
