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Sleek Audio terminates agreement with 50 Cent, puts over-the-ear plans on hold (updated)
You may remember our brief run-in with 50 Cent back at CES, where he announced a partnership with Sleek Audio for Sleek by 50, a pair of "wireless hybrid" headphones with built-in Kleer technology. Today the company revealed that it has terminated its agreement with G-Unit Brands, 50's licensing company, and that it will be "re-evaluating our Wireless Hybrid over-the-ear headphones at a later date." There's no word on why the collboration went awry, and the company only indicates that it has decided to focus on its in-ear offerings instead. Of course, we've got way more than 21 questions about what made the relationship go sour, but hate it or love it, Sleek by 50 is no more. Disheartening PR after the break. Update: Looks like it was 50 Cent who terminated the deal, after all. According to XXL, our man told the magazine that he has "established a new company that is developing a complete line of audio accessories, including wireless headphones." Well, too bad for Sleek Audio. Thanks Matt!
50 Cent Platinum headphones by Sleek Audio hands-on
We spotted Sleek Audio's Platinum headphones when we interviewed 50 Cent yesterday, but we followed up with the company to see what more we could find out about the upcoming cans. We were bummed to learn that the only functioning pair at the show were the ones around 50's neck, but we got a full rundown of the deets from one of Sleek's reps. First off, these are 'Wireless Hybrid' headphones, which means they've got Kleer technology built in for 16-bit lossless, cordless streaming, though you can jack in a wire (with inline microphone) if you run out of juice. Each earpiece has music controls -- one handles play / pause, the other does volume -- and there's a microUSB charging port as well. We still couldn't squeeze out a release date, but we're told that they will probably be somewhere in the $350 to $400 range -- whether that includes the Kleer 3.5mm dongle is still unknown, though we'd hope it's included given that wireless is a standout feature. The company's promised us a pair as soon as they're available so we can get some real ears-on, but for now the carbon fiber eye-candy is all yours to enjoy. Bonus shot of the dongle after the break. %Gallery-113426%
Engadget interviews 50 Cent: inside the mind of a hip-hop mogul techie
50 Cent has a tendency to do things big, so it makes sense that he'd use CES as a platform to launch his new line of headphones in collaboration with Sleek Audio. Luckily for us, he's been hanging out in the back of a Gunnar Optiks RV (he's an investor) that just so happens to be parked right next to the Engadget Trailer. 50's been making the rounds with the press here shopping his latest offerings, but we still jumped at the chance to shoot the breeze with a man who's been shot nine times -- and he turns out to be a pretty nice guy. Get a look into the mind of 50 Cent in our interview after the break, including information on 50's secret "batphone" -- for the ladies only, of course.
Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones announced, invites Beats to a showdown
It's official. The cans we saw teased earlier in the week have just been made official by Sleek Audio and Curtis Jackson (otherwise known to the world as 50 Cent), with the rapper himself dishing out cash and input to make it happen. We're told that they were designed by 50 and engineered by Sleek, and are the first headphones ever to offer 'Wireless Hybrid' technology with military-grade metals. More specifically, the Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones utilize Kleer lossless wireless technology, with a 60 foot range and a micro-USB rechargeable battery. If you run out of juice, there's a detachable mic cable that can be jacked in for continued listening. The cans themselves house a pair of 50mm dynamic drivers, a customized internal amplifier and a call-out to Dr. Dre. Just kidding. Maybe. We're still waiting on a price and release date, but we'd expect 'em to ship soon for just a touch more than HP's Beats -- you know, given the wireless and all.
Sleek Audio teases wireless headphones, 50 Cent provides inspiration
What's this? Wouldn't you like to know. Now that Dr. Dre and HP have teamed up to strike gold in the consumer audio space, it looks as if Sleek Audio is doing its darnedest to replicate success. Sleek -- which tickled our ears quite pleasantly with last year's SA1 -- is apparently gearing up to unveil something special here at CES. Mum's the word on what, exactly, but judging by the image above, we're assuming it'll be a pair of high-end wireless (Kleer?) headphones with the backing of 50 Cent. You'll also notice a svelte carbon fiber exterior, which ought to flex just right as the low-lows are passing through its drivers. Head on past the break for the full image, and keep it locked right here as we dig for more. Update: An eagle-eyed tipster has spotted a gallery's worth of shots on 50's Twitter page, and lo and behold, it looks like he's already scored a pair! %Gallery-112491%
Sleek Audio's SA7 earphones briefly tested, dubbed 'stonkingly good'
We didn't get to hear them for ourselves at IFA 2010, and it sounds like we missed out -- a pair of publications are already showering Sleek Audio's nigh-bulletproof SA7 buds with praise. The tightly-woven carbon fiber casing may look stylish, but both SlashGear and TrustedReviews were even more impressed by the sound, calling the combination of dual-armature drivers and one-piece aluminum housing "more precise" and "stonkingly good" respectively. Both noted hugely powerful bass that sounded fantastic alongside the trebles and mids, rather than drowning them out, and high frequencies that remained comfortable to listen to even at higher volume -- a mark of excellence, to be sure. Of course, one typically expects quality audio when slapping four Benjamins down -- we'll have to hear how these stack up against other audiophile buds.
Sleek Audio's SA7 earphones withstand 14,000 Gs of acceleration, dent your wallet accordingly
Do you find yourself whipping about earbuds like boleadoras when you're bored? Here's a pair that can take your abuse. The long-awaited successor to Sleek Audio's famous SA6 'phones -- dubbed the SA7 -- have the same adjustable bass / treble ports and removable cords of their predecessor, but in a case machined from solid aluminum with a carbon fiber shell and titanium screws. Inside, the drivers are cushioned by shock-absorbing silicone that lets them take a 14,000 G beating, which Wikipedia tells us is roughly the same rating as a navigation chip inside an artillery round. The company told Popular Science the SA7's thin aluminum shell lets listeners hear a whole extra octave; if that tempts you, you'll only have to cough up $400 and change (plus an extra $100 for a wireless Kleer kit) for the privilege. Update: Sleek Audio pinged us to say that the SA6 is still hanging around; the SA7 is simply the new flagship. It'll be shipping at some point in 2010 -- we'll keep you posted.
Sleek Audio's SA1 earbuds bring Kleer wireless, custom tuning for $80
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.
Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds
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-73140%
Sleek Audio adds Kleer to custom tuned CT6 earphones
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).
KLEER wireless attachment comes to Sleek Audio's SA6 canalphones
Sleek Audio's SA6 canalphones generated quite a bit of buzz due to those adjustable acoustics, and if you've been wishing on your lucky stars for a wireless interpretation of said headphones, something is clearly going right for you. The outfit has just revealed that a new partnership with KLEER (yes, KLEER) has led to a wireless application for the SA6 and Sleek Customs, which, according to Sleek, is the first wireless technology that could do these drivers justice. The new adornment attaches right to the SA6 earphones to provide "CD quality sound from a wireless platform," and better still, the SA6's detachable cable ensures that you can keep on listening with a tether should your battery die in the midst of cordless jamming. The KLEER accessory should be up for pre-order shortly at $120, while a KLEER / SA6 bundle will sell for $299.99. Full release after the break.
Sleek Audio unveils adjustable SA6 earphones
Personally, we've no qualms with simply tweaking the EQ when the bass seems a bit light or the treble is making us cringe, but Sleek Audio's SA6 earphones purportedly don't need any fancy equalization to tune your tunes. Reportedly, these in-ear monitors utilize an "ultra wide band balanced armature driver with custom porting," which apparently allows the user to adjust the sound with the included treble / bass tuning ports. Additionally, the firm throws in a variety of tips and enables wearers to rock them "in three different ways." The SA6 is currently available for pre-ordering, and while these aren't slated to ship until Q3, you can save $20 off the normal $249.99 price tag by slipping your order in now.[Via Audio Junkies]
Sleek Audio's SA6 earbuds with adjustable acoustics
Possibly setting the record for most interchangeable pieces in a set of earbuds, the SA6 from Sleek Audio packs a number of features unique in the high-end headphone market. Using "treble tips" and "bass ports" that can be swapped out, Sleek claims that the single-driver SA6 rivals the performance of two- and three- driver models from competing manufacturers by offering frequency response that can be tuned to the listener's preference. Also unique is the set's cord, which disconnects right at the bud -- allegedly for a potential upgrade to A2DP down the road. Look for the SA6 in March for $250 ($230 on preorder).
