Earbuds -- Engadget

earbuds posts

Sleek Audio's SA1 earbuds bring Kleer wireless, custom tuning for $80

by Darren Murph posted Oct 30th 2009 at 1:06PM

Sleek Audio earbuds have always had a certain allure, but for most, the sticker shock alone was enough to turn 'em away. Now, however, the boutique audio shop has punched out its very first set that's tailor made for the budget-minded, and at $79.99, the SA1 offers an awful lot of value (on paper, anyway). Much like the pricier SA6 and CT6 models, the SA1 also ships with Kleer wireless technology, enabling it to go from wired to wireless and back again. It also boasts a modified VQ Tuning system that allows the user to acoustically alter the sound signature of their music, a siam rosewood body, detachable cable and single / dual-flange ear tips. The real kicker? The $79.99 price point, which is darn near unheard of for something with these kind of specs. It's up for pre-order right now in the read link, with initial shipments expected to head out in November.

Solid Alliance's new earbuds are 'crazy,' ugly

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Oct 21st 2009 at 9:36AM

So, you broke the bank (and several credit cards) picking up that uber-stylish Acronym GT-J14 earbud-friendly jacket only to find that no one even noticed? Or perhaps your Lady GaGa-approved beats couldn't endure the Paris Is Burning-style bad craziness you put 'em through? Well, it looks like it's time to sell a pint of plasma and use the cash for some psychedelic (and highly unfortunate) Crazy Earphones from Solid Alliance. Featuring a banana, a kitty paw print, sushi, or a Frankenstein's monster-esque bolt affectation, we promise you that a pair of these will get you noticed. But not in the good way. Pre-order now for $22, shipping in December.

Gallery: Solid Alliance's new earbuds are 'crazy,' ugly

[Via Akihabara]

NTT DoCoMo's eye-controlled music interface evolves at CEATEC (video)

by Darren Murph posted Oct 6th 2009 at 4:08AM

NTT DoCoMo's R&D labs are amongst the busiest in the world, and here at CEATEC the company is showing off a development that it has had in the oven for quite some time. The difference now? Elegance. The eye-controlled music interface that we first spotted in mid-2008 is being showcased yet again here at the Makuhari Messe, but instead of having a short straw-drawing employee stand around with an absurd amount of headgear on, this year's demonstrator was equipped with little more than a special set of earbuds, a few cables and a swank polo. Put simply, the contraption watched subtle changes in eye movements and altered the music accordingly. A look to the right moved the track forward, while a glance to the left went back a track. The demo seemed buttery smooth, but there's still no telling when this stuff will go commercial. Still, progress is progress, and there's a video after the break showing as much.

Gallery: NTT DoCoMo's eye-controlled music interface evolves at CEATEC

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo's eye-controlled music interface evolves at CEATEC (video)

Acronym's PMP-loving jacket keeps your earbuds safe, murders your bank account

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Oct 2nd 2009 at 3:13PM

Sure, the Acronym GT-J14 won't even charge your iPhone, but at first glance we loved the idea: take a stylish GORE-TEX jacket and throw in a couple slick features aimed at the eager urban technophile, including a so-called Gravity Pocket (accessible by a zipper on your forearm, contents can be dropped directly into your hand using a draw string -- demonstrated about 2:25 into the video after the break) and our personal favorite, a magnet that holds your headphones in place while you take that important phone call. We were feeling pretty good about this one, that is, until we finally tracked it down: azitastore.com lists it for €735 (yes, that's around $1,068). This is clearly only for those of you who put the word "disposable" in "income." Looks like we're going to have to find another way to keep our Lady Gaga headphones safe and secure, after all...

[Via Gadget Review]

Continue reading Acronym's PMP-loving jacket keeps your earbuds safe, murders your bank account

Sony Ericsson's motion activated MH907 headset could change things forever (update: or not)

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 21st 2009 at 6:12AM

See that? That's the device that will forever change the way you to listen to music. At least that was the promise made in the teaser running up to today's press event. The buttonless MH907 buds are the world's first "Motion Activated" headphones with Sony Ericsson's "SensMe Control" tech: bung them into your ears to automatically start listening to music, remove one bud to pause. The buds are activated by body contact and mimick the way we control sound now. What's cool is that the headphones seem to use your body as an electrical conduit (a Body Area Network) based on this quote from the webinar:

"Requires conductive surface to activate the controls - i.e. your ears, hence it won't turn things on in your pocket by just squeezing the ear buds"

If so, this is a first consumer application of this technology that we can recall. Available globally this week for any Fast Port equipped phone for just €39. Video fun after the break.

Update: SE has further clarified that the technology is capacitive in nature. In other words, removing an ear bud isn't breaking the flow of current between buds (and across your noodle) -- it's destroying the dynamic capacitor formed by the touch of human skin. Right, this is technology we've seen before in capacitive touchscreens and trackpads.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson's motion activated MH907 headset could change things forever

Continue reading Sony Ericsson's motion activated MH907 headset could change things forever (update: or not)

Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds

by Darren Murph posted Sep 16th 2009 at 11:56AM

Even those with everything probably wish their high-end earbuds had a bit more personality, and if you're reclined in your Victorian-era sofa in a robe befitting one Chuck Bass nodding in agreement, we'd encourage you to have a gander at Sleek Audio's latest. Essentially, these are the same Kleer-enabled CT6 'buds that the affluent among us have grown to love, but with an obvious twist. Thanks to the inclusion of phosphorescent particles within the shell and top plate, the $374.99 CT6 Aura can actually glow in a variety of colors, giving DJs around the globe one more reason to ditch the cans and go small. Currently, the CT6 Aura can be ordered in green, blue, orange, yellow and white, with pricing set at $25 more than the standard CT6. Gnarly, right?

Gallery: Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds

Continue reading Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds

Ask Engadget: Best headphones for the extreme sports enthusiast?

by Darren Murph posted Sep 10th 2009 at 9:41PM

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Ryan, who's trying to be all humble about his ability to stick a kickflip 1080 while gnawing on a burrito.

"I'm looking for a pair of quality headphones that aren't seemingly made of glass. The issue is I'm an avid BMXer which causes me to frequently bash on any type of technology that joins me for my daily riding. I've been through the higher quality headsets in the Skullcandy line as these are supposed to be built for "abuse," which is disgustingly laughable. I cant wear earbuds or canal buds, as my large ears seem to have a repelling property upon anything that sits in them. Wired or Bluetooth doesn't really matter, but I need something that can hold up to taking a few hits every now and again. I'm trying to keep 'em under $150. Thanks!"

We have all ideas at least a few readers get out of the house every now and then (don't let us down here, okay?) and jump on the bike / board / etc., so hopefully those who abuse their cans in a similar fashion can explain which ones hold up. And... go!

Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

by Darren Murph posted Sep 10th 2009 at 10:04AM

Earlier this year, we had the chance to take a listen at Klipsch's Image S4 in-ear headphones. Even earlier this year, we heard that the same company was looking to push out a set of VoiceOver-compatible 'buds that were significantly easier to listen to than Apple's stock alternative. That very device is the Klipsch Image S4i, which is nothing more than an Image S4 with an in-line microphone and 3-button remote. As of now, there still aren't a smorgasbord of options for those on the hunt for a VoiceOver-friendly set of headphones that actually sound decent, so head on past the break for a mostly predictable take on the little guys shown above (and below, for that matter).

Gallery: Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Continue reading Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Headphone shocker! Lady Gaga, Beats by Dr. Dre and Monster Cable join forces

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 7th 2009 at 2:37PM

We really can't think of a trinity unholier than that of Dr. Dre, Lady Gaga, and Monster Cable, who (protestations to the contrary) is not the only entity legally entitled to use the word "monster." Or "cable," for that matter. That said, our fair Lady has been going for broke with the elaborate costumes and set designs -- at least that's what we hear during our regular slogs through the Gaga fansites and forums -- so perhaps it's no surprise that she seems to be shilling extra hard lately. And for the fruit of this evil menage we need look no further than Heartbeats, her very own signature line of headphones. First, some product details: these bad boys feature a jewel-shaped earpiece that "literally doubles as a high-tech fashion accessory or attractive piece of jewelry," and they're available in October for prices ranging from $99.95 to $149.95. But the best part? Well, for that you'll have to dip into the PR:

In the deepest hour of the night, I confess to myself three things; I would die if I was forbidden to write, forbidden to love, or forbidden to fashion. Heartbeats embody the trinity of my human-being, with one additional vow: that SOUND matters. Wear Heartbeats, love each other, and celebrate the art and lifestyle of music.

Right. If you're morbidly curious, please feel free to hop on down to the ga-ga-gallery below.

Gallery: Lady Gaga, Beats by Dr. Dre and Monster Cable join forces

Update: Yes, we're still convinced that Monster Cable is pure evil -- but as always we reserve the right to stick our two cents in whenever we feel that something is too upsetting / hilarious to pass up. And we're sure you agree that this product is nothing if not upsetting / hilarious!

Grado takes on the earbud with the GR8

by Paul Miller posted Aug 30th 2009 at 4:21AM

After years of shunning that most common of headphone styles, the earbud, Grado has at last taken a break from its over-the-ear, vented diaphragm purism (if you don't count the China-built iGrado) and created an in-ear pair for the kiddies. The GR8 doesn't really look like anything special, but the couple of reviews that have trickled in sound promising. The headphones are being built in Japan, but have some proprietary Grado magic in there to at least make them interesting -- and it certainly should, at $300 a pop.

Read - Grado GR8 unboxing
Read - Grado GR8 product page

Video: Sony's MDR-NC300D noise-canceling canal earbuds

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jun 17th 2009 at 11:00AM

We know you haven't slept in the week since we first got wind of Sony's MDR-NC300D heaphones and while, sadly, there is (as of yet) still no domestic street date, we do have some more details and a fun little video to tide you over. Billed as the "world's first" digital noise canceling canal earphones (and we're inclined to agree) these guys boast 98.4% noise reduction, an integrated S-Master amplifier, 16mm diameter drivers for each bud, and three separate noise canceling modes. For those of you with a more technical bent, you'll be pleased to know that the 'phones sport a playback frequency of 6Hz ~ 24kHz, a sensitivity of 103dB/mW, and a 16Ω impedence. And it runs on AAA batteries -- meaning these aren't the iPod killers that we've seen in similar devices. This bad boy will hit the streets and shelves of Japan on June 21st for ¥30,975 (around $315).Video after the break.

[Via Sony Insider]

Continue reading Video: Sony's MDR-NC300D noise-canceling canal earbuds

Engadget's recession antidote: win Radius earphones for iPhone 3G!

by Darren Murph posted Jun 11th 2009 at 12:00PM

This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff / companies stop sending things. Today we've got a set of Radius Atomic Bass Silver Aluminum Earphones for iPhone W/ Built-in Mic ready to rock your skull and let you chat it up. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff! Oh, and for those who miss out, coupon code 'engadget' will net you 20 percent through Google Checkout at Radius' site.

Major thanks to Radius for providing the gear!

The rules:

Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
Winner will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive one (1) set of Radius Atomic Bass Silver Aluminum Earphones for iPhone W/ Built-in Mic. Approximate retail value is $49.99.
If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
Entries can be submitted until Thursday, June 11th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Full rules can be found here.

Sleek Audio adds Kleer to custom tuned CT6 earphones

by Darren Murph posted Jun 11th 2009 at 10:26AM

It's been quite some time since Sleek Audio introduced its first set of custom tuned earphones, but now that folks are growing anxious for a true SA6 followup, it has gone and done the right thing by introducing the CT6. If you'll recall, Sleek decided to add Kleer's wireless technology to its original SA6 buds back in October of last year, and evidently that went over extraordinarily well. To that end, the CT6 packs Kleer's tech right from the factory, and they can even go back to wired mode thanks to the removable swivel cables. Improving upon the prior model, these boast up to 35dB of noise reduction as well as a custom tuning option that tweaks 'em to your preferences before you buy. Just think -- you can take that whole "equalizing" thing into your own hands today for just $350 (sans wireless) or $450 (with Kleer).

Sony introduces MDR-NC300D noise-canceling headphones

by Darren Murph posted Jun 8th 2009 at 2:04AM

Tired of listening to more than just your music? Not down with handing over any of your hard-earned cash to the specification-hiding folks at Bose? Have a look at Sony's latest, the MDR-NC300D. These flashy earbuds boast an in-line noise-canceling module with three separate modes: a general mode, airplane mode and one for trains / buses / cars. Granted, we get the idea that those selections are a bit of marketing hype, but whatever the case, Sony asserts that these buds will eliminate up to 99 percent of undesired jibber jabber. All that's required is a single AA cell, which should provide right around 20 hours of noise suppression. Interested? Pony up ¥40,900 ($415) and prove it.

[Thanks, Waroxy]

Engadget's recession antidote: win Radius earphones for iPhone 3G!

by Darren Murph posted May 25th 2009 at 12:31PM

This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff / companies stop sending things. Today we've got three sets of Radius Atomic Bass Silver Aluminum Earphones for iPhone W/ Built-in Mic ready to rock your skull and let you chat it up. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff! Oh, and for those who miss out, coupon code 'engadget' will net you 20 percent through Google Checkout at Radius' site.

Huge thanks to Radius for providing the gear!

The rules:

Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
Winner will be chosen randomly. Three (3) winners will receive one (1) set of Radius Atomic Bass Silver Aluminum Earphones for iPhone W/ Built-in Mic. Approximate retail value is $49.99.
If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
Entries can be submitted until Monday, May 25th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Full rules can be found here.