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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 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).
