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Snugs uses 3D scanners to build you bespoke earbuds
Whether in-ear 'phones cost £10 or £1000, nearly all come with the same three sizes of rubbery buds you use to wedge them in your trophy handles. UK company Snugs, however, offers a more personalised approach, measuring the unique curves of your ear canals to tailor bespoke buds that promise the best in noise isolation and comfort. Before, a Snugs fitting would entail earfuls of fast-setting paste that cured into a mold the company could use to create custom buds. Now, though, Snugs is making the jump from physical models to 3D scanning technology, in order to make the whole process quicker, better and more accessible to you and me.
Sennheiser takes aim at Beats with new Urbanite headphones
Some folks enjoy a load of bass when it comes to their headphone selection. That's fine, and you won't get any judgment here. In fact, Sennheiser has taken notice, revealing its new Urbanite on-ear and over-ear (XL) headphones designed with a healthy portion of low-end tones. Claiming to keep "bringing the bass for an intense club experience on the move," the duo does indeed pack some thump while keeping the company's trademark clarity throughout. Don't expect anything overkill here. The cans have an in-line remote, stainless steel hinges for folding down to pack away, cloth-draped headbands, soft-wrapped earpads and aluminum sliders that adjust for a comfy fit. The company says it's these "high quality materials" that set the new wares apart from what the likes of Beats and others have released. It's looking to compete in the color department too, as six different schemes across iOS and Android/Windows models (including a denim option) are sure to suit most tastes. While the $199 on-ear Urbanite model goes on sale today, the $249 over-ear Urbanite XL is set to arrive in Q4.
Beats co-founder returns with ROAM Ropes wireless in-ear headphones
Steven Lamar helped create the now iconic Beats by Dre brand back in 2006, and after a spat over royalties last spring, he's back with headphones of his very own. Touting the best in ergonomics, sound and "Noise Equalization," Lamar's ROAM brand is launching Ropes as its first portable audio offering. As the moniker suggests, the design allows for the earbuds to be worn around your neck when they're not in use. That "Noise Equalization" bit is proprietary tech that claims to deliver "the best sound quality on the market today." Unforunately, I've yet to get my hands on a pair, so I can't confirm or deny that declaration. If the stock tuning does suit your sonic sensibilities though, there's a ROAM EQ app for tweaking via smartphone. The in-ears will arrive in time for your Christmas shopping, and they'll carry a pricey $299 tag in either graphite/black or orange/gray (benefiting Stand Up to Cancer) color options. For comparison sake, that's $100 more wireless units from Jabra (a pulse-tracking model) and Beats, and $140 higher than the sport-themed pair from SMS Audio.
Jabra's pulse-tracking earbuds tout Bluetooth for fewer tangles
Heart rate-tracking in-ear headphones are starting to pop up on the regular it seems. A couple weeks ago, SMS Audio revealed its collaborative effort with Intel, and now Jabra's joining the fray, but without the tether. In an effort to limit cord tangles, the audio outfit's Sport Pulse wireless earbuds connect to your phone via Bluetooth for sorting tunes and tracking your pulse. Dolby sound handles the listening duties while an in-line remote wrangles those mid-run track changes. Inside, an optical, biometric heart rate monitor keeps tabs on your workout, beaming collected data to the Sport Life companion app and peppering your activity with personalized coaching for added motivation. And as you might expect, the software helps plan workouts and logs info from each session. The wireless set goes on sale October 1st for $200 (£200), but you can pre-order now if you're unable to contain the excitement.
Earin's tiny wireless earphones recharge while they're in your pocket
Bluetooth earbuds like Dre's new Powerbeats aren't actually "cordless." They still have a cable running from one bud to the other, which puts a limit on just how tidy and inconspicuous they can be. A group of former Sony Ericsson and Nokia engineers reckon they can go a step further: losing the connecting cable and headset mic in order to create two miniscule, music-dedicated buds with independent batteries and AptX-compatible wireless receivers.
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.
Torque Audio outs a new set of interchangeable TorqueValves for custom tuning its in-ear headphones
Fresh off the release of its t103z in-ear headphones, Torque Audio took the stage at Expand NYC to announce another color-coded customization add-on for the audio wares. In the coming months, the outfit will release three more TorqueValves for tweaking those earbuds to fit personal sensibilities and even specific genres. The $180 t103z model comes with three of the interchangeable valves in the box for reference, bass boost (Deep Valve) and crisp highs (Clear Valve) to cover a broad spectrum of listening. This new set of three includes the Balance Valve for a mix of beefy lows and punchy highs, the Smooth Valve for rhythms and the Bliss Valve for enhanced vocal reproduction. Priced at $20 per pair, the trio expands Torque's interchangeable valve collection that will be available as a full set only with the upcoming t106z model. We had a chance to briefly test all six and were pleasantly surprised that each one offered a recognizably unique sound. From one pair of valves to the next, the difference was immediately apparent and the units were quite easy to swap out when needed. Overall clarity in sound was noticeable pretty quickly as well, keeping the track from being muffled across the full gamut of TorqueValves. Truth be told, this editor preferred the Balance Valve for its nice mix of bass and treble. To improve the overall feel of the headphones, a pack of TorqueTips will soon serve up a range of sizes and softness across nine pairs of the actual buds themselves. This allows for not only replacing those pesky lost covers, but also being able to adapt to different listening situations should the need arise. For a closer look at the t103z in-ears, peek at the gallery just down below.
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
RHA announces two new premium iOS-compatible earphones
RHA, the Glasgow-based makers of high-quality earphones and over-ear headphones, has added two new, premium earphone models to their in-ear line-up, the MA600i and MA750i (pictured above). TUAW's reviewed RHA's MA150 and MA450 earphones and the SA950i on-ear headphones in the past, and the results were very impressive, especially considering the price points. The two new models RHA has announced promise even better sound quality, design and value for money. The MA600i (US$85.95) are constructed from "aircraft-grade aluminum," and combine RHA's unique aerophonic shape with custom 320.1 dynamic drivers "for highly accurate, balanced sound reproduction." The MA750i ($129.95), RHA's first to utilize 303F stainless steel, feature "handmade 560.1 dynamic drivers for precise balanced and articulate audio reproduction with an open soundstage." The MA750i offer over-ear cable support for more active users who desire a secure fit. Both earphone sets come with a three-year warranty, and are supplied with dual-density, double-flange and memory foam ear tips, ensuring effective noise isolation and a comfortable fit. Each set also comes with a carry case as well as an intriguing stainless steel ear tip holder. A three-button remote and built-in microphone allow for hands-free use with iOS devices. Versions of the earphones without the remote will be available later this year. If you live in Europe, both earphones are available from Apple Retail Stores now, and should be available in US Apple Retail Stores on August 28th. We're looking forward to trying these out, and we'll be sure to put reviews up just as soon as we can.
Westone debuts Adventure Series Alpha earphones: water-resistant, audiophile grade, $200
Some would say that a good set of earphones are a dime a dozen nowadays, but that's not stopping outfits like Westone from trying to give you more (and, perhaps, even better) options to choose from. Enter the Adventure Series Alpha. These newly introduced in-ear headphones are, as the company puts it, tailored to bring "exceptional audio performance, fit, and design for the active user." How so, you ask? Well, the ADV earphones boast an array of notable features, such as IPX-3 attributes for water resistance and in-line controls for iOS devices. Most importantly, however, is the 6.5mm micro driver found inside the Adventure Series Alpha, which Westone's suited with an audio tech dubbed Precision Fine Tuning that "delivers sonic accuracy with extended bass." If all that sounds good, then you best be ready to pony up $200, as that's the price to pay before you can call 'em your own.
B&O Play H3 and H6 bring Bang & Olufsen's newer badge to headphones
Bang & Olufsen already offers headphones, and it has the B&O Play line to serve a mobile-oriented world. Wouldn't it be nice if the two categories mixed? As of today, they do. The B&O Play H3 in-ears and H6 over-ears apply that Danish love of aluminum and leather to the kind of headphones you'd want to pack with your MP3 player or smartphone. The H3 carries 10.8mm drivers, a mini bass port and a 20Hz to 16kHz range in a unibody shape that should hold up to exercise; the slightly more stationary H6 over-ears sport 40mm drivers and a wider 20Hz to 22kHz range. Both have primarily iOS-oriented in-line mics and remotes, although the H6 alone has Monster-sourced daisy chaining support to share tunes with others. Don't expect a significant break in B&O's premium pricing just because they're B&O Play-branded headsets, however. The H3 and H6 will respectively cost €249 and €399 when they hit some retail stores in May, and US pricing isn't likely to be much cheaper.
Jabra's Revo, Revo Wireless and Vox headphones get priced, now shipping
Jabra's fresh batch of stereo headphones were first trotted out at CES, and now they've just been graced with price tags and are up for grabs. The Revo Wireless over-ear headphone rings up at $249, while the wired flavor will set folks back $199. Jabra's in-ear Vox hardware hits wallets with a little less force thanks to a $99 asking price. If you're in need a refresher, the gear was designed with durability in mind, sports Dolby Digital Plus tech and works with its manufacturer's Sound App for iOS and Android, which promises souped-up audio quality. Pining for a set of the cans? You'll have to head over to Amazon or Dell's online storefront to pick one up.
Ultimate Ears intros Vocal Reference Monitors to save singers from strain
Believe it or not, few musicians' in-ear reference monitors are tuned to emphasize voice; singers might have to compete for attention with wailing guitars and drums inside their own heads. Rather than risk artists shouting themselves hoarse, Ultimate Ears has launched its Vocal Reference Monitors. Separate versions for men and women focus on their typical vocal ranges and narrow the frequency range to between 90Hz and 8kHz, cutting out the more extreme sounds of instruments in the mix. The $999 price rules out the Vocal line for most garage bands -- it might, however, be perfect for pros whose screaming isn't part of the act.
Jabra readies Revo and Revo Wireless over-ear headphones, Vox in-ears
Jabra has been venturing further and further into headphones after years of focusing on headsets and speakerphones. CES 2013 is a perfect mirror of that shift: all three products it's launching at the show are geared towards music lovers rather than plain old conference calling. The Revo and Bluetooth-based Revo Wireless (above) both integrate Dolby Digital Plus audio processing and, along with a companion app for Android and iOS, may eke out more detail than usual from compressed songs. These and the in-ear Vox (after the break) are also designed to take a fair amount of abuse, Jabra says. The audio firm is mum on prices, but its new earpieces should grace ears sometime in the second quarter of the year. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Sony ships new Extra Bass headphone lineup to the US, delivers that Direct Vibe to your brain
If you'd like your Sony headphones to be a little less judgmental, we've got good news. The company's MDR-XB400, MDR-XB600 and MDR-XB800 Extra Bass headphones, along with the MDR-XB60EX in-ears, have arrived in the US for those who want low-end frequencies without the talent show branding. All four carry Sony's newer Advanced Direct Vibe to emphasize the sub-bass notes of "today's music styles" (read: electronic and hip-hop) as well as a serrated cord that keeps the cord tangling to a minimum. Working your way up the range mostly improves the frequency range, which starts at an already bass-heavy 5Hz to 22kHz in the XB400 and scales up to a tooth-rattling 3Hz to 28kHz for the XB800; you'll also see the sensitivity jump from 100dB/mW to 106. Provided you don't mind tweaking software to occasionally recover some treble, the entire collection is ready to wobble your head at prices that range from $60 for the starter XB400 headphones to $150 for the XB800.
Smartphones for audiophiles: is the iPhone 5 more musical than its rivals?
Related reviews Apple iPhone 5 Samsung Galaxy S III HTC Sensation XE (first phone with Beats Audio) The love of audio. It's a dangerous condition, because every minute spent obsessing over headphones or specs or conflicting opinions is a minute not spent enjoying your favorite tracks or discovering new ones. That's why a review like this, which compares the iPhone 5 with rival phones based largely on acoustic qualities, runs a high risk of time-wastage -- no one really needs a cacophony of flowery words with no concrete conclusions. How to steer clear of the technological equivalent of a wine-tasting? By trying our damnedest to focus only on the more practical pros and cons of these top handsets, specifically from the POV of someone who listens to a lot of music on their phone. We're talking about someone who likely prefers high-bitrate recordings and who is ready to spend money on something better than the earbuds (or EarPods) that come in the box. In addition to testing Apple's new flagship we'll also look at the iPhone 4S, which is now a ton cheaper than it was a few weeks ago, as well as the Galaxy S III (both the global and the Sprint US version) plus the HTC One X (global and AT&T), and run them all through an audiophile obstacle course that goes right from purely subjective observations through to slightly more scientific tests as well as storage, OS and battery comparisons. There'll also be some consideration of the iPhone 4, Nokia Lumia 800 and PureView 808, although it'll be more condensed. And yes, we'll end up with an overall winner, but the research here is about more than that. Different phones may suit different people, depending on their priorities. Moreover, new handsets are just around the corner -- the Lumia 920, the Note II, the LG Optimus G and whatever other goodies the future undoubtedly holds -- and so it makes sense to have a bed of knowledge against which new entrants can be judged. Interested? Then let's get started.
Apple EarPods review: A $29 revolution in earbuds or another set for the recycling bin?
Whether you think they're infamous or merely a signature piece of Apple design, there's no doubt most of us have been exposed the company's iconic white earbuds. Along with the latest batch of iPods and the iPhone 5, Apple announced the replacement for those dreaded earphones, a pair of 'buds called the EarPods. Given that these are bundled with new iDevices (also sold as a standalone for $29), it's hard not to think that the folks at Cupertino are drinking some sort of spiked Kool-Aid, claiming these rival headphones that cost hundreds more. While reviewing the likes of the iPhone 5, we also gave the EarPods a listen to find out whether or not they're just an over-engineered set of 'buds. You'll find our detailed verdict after the break.
Apple EarPods hands-on
By now, you're probably familiar with Apple's latest earbuds. But are they an improvement over their arguably disposable predecessor, you ask? You bet. Still, they're not going to win out over high-end or even mid-range audio options. That's to be expected, though -- the EarPods do sound better, and, well, they cost 29 bucks and ship with all of the devices Apple announced today. The attractive white 'buds are packaged in a plastic case that's quite similar to the enclosure that Apple introduced with its previous-gen step-up set. They're very lightweight, not that you had any doubts, and appear to be durable enough. The "one size fits all" design worked well in our ears -- it wasn't a snug fit by any means, but we didn't fear that they'd fall to the ground with the slightest movement. You'll net the best performance in quieter settings, considering that they don't isolate sound like some other options on the market, and if you're a frequent air traveler or often find yourself working in noisy environments, you'll probably want to consider other options. That said, folks who don't need the absolute best or want to save up for a better solution should find these to be sufficient -- we didn't have a chance to do any in-depth testing and analysis, but expect that to come after we've had a chance to digest all of today's new gadgets. For now, you can take a closer look in the hands-on gallery just below.
SteelSeries Flux and Flux In-Ear Pro headsets ears-on (video)
"This is the best sounding in-ear product below $250," SteelSeries' Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Rom, told us between songs. "I'll go on record saying that." Rom was talking about the firm's new Flux In-Ear Pro headset, and had similar words for the brand's foldable on-ear Flux cans. The earbuds and their full sized companions are part of the company's "freedom to play" campaign, and it has the utmost confidence in them. Rom even told us the foldable Flux headset lasted 90 minutes in the firm's "soccer test," a SteelSeries tradition that plays out exactly like it sounds: international football with consumer electronics. Our hands-on was decidedly less rough.
