earphones
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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]
Klipsch's IMAGE earphones deemed "world's smallest"
While JAYS' q-JAYS claimed to be the "smallest earphones on the market" just days ago, we doubt Klipsch would be willing to agree. Turns out, the firm's IMAGE earbuds are also proclaiming that they are the "world's smallest and lightest in-ear earphones," and while we haven't seen the ruler busted out just yet, we fear it may be needed to settle this obvious conflict. Regardless, these 'buds utilize patent-pending Contour Ear Gels, KG926 balanced micro-armatures, aluminum bodies that are finished in anodized copper, and come with 50-inch long vinyl cables. Ready for a November release, the IMAGE earphones will ring up at $349 and will arrive with a carrying case and pouch, a 1/4-inch / airline adapter, five sets of ear gels, and a cleaning tool to boot. Click on for a literal hands-on shot.
Ultimate Buds Apple-Etymotic ER-6i iPhone Earphones
I'm pleased to report that I am no longer the odd man out at TUAW. That's right, I finally got around to buying an iPhone. Overall my iPhone experience has been fairly good, but I've been spoiled in the earphone department. Some might recall that I sat down with iLounge's Jeremy Horwitz I asked him the question that he gets asked over, and over again: what are the best headphones for the money? He quickly replied Etymotic ER6i's (which lead me to interview the president of Etymotic later at the show). I took Jeremy's advise and fell in love with the clear sound that the ER6i's produced.What does this have to do with the iPhone? The iPhone comes with a pair of very cool headphones that have a built in remote for the iPod functionality, as well as a built in microphone so you can chat on the phone and listen to music with the same headphones. Brilliant, and one of the best features of the iPhone. Sadly, after using the ER6i's for months, the Apple headphones just aren't up to snuff. That's why I was delighted to read about the Ultimate Buds Apple-Etymotic ER-6i iPhone Earphones.Ultimate Buds has combined the best of both worlds, the remote/microphone of Apple's supplied headphones, and the stellar sound of the ER6i's (the company actually splices a pair of ER6i earbuds to the Apple headphones). This brilliant little contraption will set you back $145.99, $119.99 if you provide the Apple headphones to them, or $40 if you send them both ER6i's and Apple headphones. I'll be ordering a set for myself, until Etymotic comes out with a solution themselves, and you can expect a review as soon as I get my ears on a set.[via iLounge]
Cheap headphone adapter for iPhone
The iPhone headphone jack with its super narrow opening is so recessed that most people simply can't use their personal headphones. The jack is too narrow, their plugs won't fit. Fortunately, Derek K. Miller has found a solution. The iPod Shuffle Sports Case ships with an adapter cable with an extra-thin plug. If you pop over to ebay and search for iPod shuffle sports case. If you're willing to wait for the right auction, you can likely pick up an adapter for just a few dollars. Thanks Miaz
Casuh's Joyfon headset enables multichannel wireless audio
Those tired of buying a proprietary adapter for each and every audio source they'd like to make wireless need look no further than Casuh, who has apparently conjured up an end-all solution to multiple audio sources funneling into a single wireless headset. The Joyfon headphones utilize the firm's Retaw-1 chip to communicate with transceivers that can plug into any audio source with an auxiliary output, giving users the ability to toggle between sources sans the fuss. Additionally, it looks like you can take a listen at multiple audio streams (hey, nothing wrong with a little Yeah Yeah Yeahs to drown out a recorded lecture), and it can even be used to hold conversations with other Joyfon users. Check it out in a bit more detail after the jump.
LTB's Q-Bean creates wireless headphone / microphone link
LTB Audio Systems has been doing this wireless headphone gig for quite some time, and while its products don't exactly appear as the most prestigious in the world, all's fair if it gets the job done. The firm's latest contraption, dubbed the Q-Bean, consists of a wired transceiver that plugs into your computer via USB and a wireless key fob-sized device that pumps out tunes to the connected headphones or earbuds sans wires. The system operates on the 2.4GHz band and LTB promises that the stream is completely uncompressed, and if the idea of cordless headphones weren't enough to sell you on it, it also includes a built-in microphone for Windows Live communication or other VoIP duties. Reportedly, users of Windows, OS X, and Linux won't be bothered to install any fancy drivers for this here apparatus to function as advertised, but it still seems a bit lackluster considering the $119.95 asking price.
Monster's iFreePlay cordless headphones for 2G Shuffle
Monster Cable has been known to dabble in the world of iPod accessories before, and while it's easy to give the company notorious for over marketing its flashy cabling knocks on just about anything, the iFreePlay contraption doesn't look half bad. The cordless wraparound headphones don't deviate too far from similar alternatives, but rather than communicating with your DAP via Bluetooth or RF, you can snap your 2G Shuffle right into the left earpiece and run along. The collapsible headphones weigh just 1.6-ounces, and while you do sacrifice some style for utility here, we've most certainly seen worse. So for runners looking to ditch that awful iSoundCap and avoid getting tangled all the while, Monster's iFreePlay apparatus can be picked up now for $49.95. Click through for a few more angles.
iArtifact earrings mimic Apple iPod earbuds
Don't count on Ashley Gehman's rendition of Apple's stock earbuds to come bundled in with a special edition iPod anytime soon, but if you're looking to permanently affix such icons to your lobes as a tribute to your fangirlism, these are for you. The iArtifact iPod earbud earrings look to be made from sterling silver, sport the tell-tale dimples across the top, and on top of all that, they're wireless. All jesting aside, these completely non-musical body adornments should light up the eyes of your favorite lady, and while these haven't gone commercial just yet (probably some papers left to sign regarding that whole Made for iPod agenda), we could definitely see these things selling like hotcakes in Apple stores worldwide.
Takara Tomy's Transformers earphones
The same folks that brought you the Optimus Prime iPod speaker dock are lobbying for your head-earned dollars once more, as Takara Tomy is betting that you just can't resist yet another Transformers gizmo to stack in your collection. This time it's throwing down a nifty set of morphing earphones, dubbed the Music Label Frenzy & Rumble, which boast a clip-on design coupled with a fold-out robot. Of course, we have sincere doubts about the sheer sound quality of these things, but let's be honest, you'll be listening a lot more intently to geeky comments as you stroll by than the LCD Soundsystem track quietly playing in the background. Start saving those pennies, fanboys and girls, as this treasure should land in the July timeframe for just ¥3,950 ($33).[Via TokyoMango]
TEAC's bone conducting HP-F100 headphones
TEAC's latest headphones may not sport the sexiest of designs, but the HP-F100s do tout the always-fun bone conducting abilities. Aside from delivering frequencies from 25Hz to 25kHz, the phones also come with a "personal amplifier" (shown after the break) that cranks out .76-watts to each channel, and will reportedly last around 10-hours without needing another cell. Additionally, the foldable earphones weigh in at about 120-grams, and while the "aerial vibration" won't exactly rattle your skull, it could make your listening a bit more full nonetheless. Of course, we don't expect these to land on US shores without a little help from your favorite importer, but you can reportedly snag these later this month in Japan for a stiff ¥52,500 ($440).[Via Impress]
Homegrown Sockphones make for comfy listening
Hasn't everyone suffered through a pair of cans that caused unbearable pain to your ears regardless of their orientation on your dome? Sure we have, and while headphone makers have gone out of their way to provide all the noise cancelling, bass thumping, and style hindering abilities that we adore so dearly (or not), comfort isn't always first priority. Enter the DIY Sockphones, a creation so incredulous that its brilliance is only rivaled by how immensely simple these things are to concoct. Sure, we may be overreacting a bit on the supremacy of this here headphone mod, but it does add a level of listening pleasure not often found on those partially-padded renditions. It was noted that sound quality takes a noticeable hit when being piped through layers of slightly rank cotton, but if you've got a painful set of headphones and an unused pair of socks, we'll leave the rest of the process for you figure out.[Via MAKE]
Sony's high-end DR-BT50 Bluetooth cans love your cellphone
Just in case Sony's compact DR-BT21G headset didn't exactly float your boat, or you just like having the best of the best when given the option, the high-end DR-BT50s should fit the bill. Rather than taking the wraparound approach, these cans feature the typical over the head styling, an adjustable headband, 17-hour battery life (200 in standby), and a sleek black / silver motif. As with its little brother, you can answer and end calls with the press of button, and while not conversing via its handsfree profile, you can tune in to your mobile's music as it supports A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP. As expected, you'll find all the playback controls right on the earcup, and those interested can snag this Bluetooth headset / headphone hybrid for $230 when it lands in April.[Via AkiharabaNews]
Denon busts out headphones aplenty
Denon isn't exactly the first name that comes to mind when you think of headphones, so you can be forgiven for mistaking this group here for the company's first ever when they're in fact only the latest, albeit the most consumery the company has yet offered. The most affordable of the lot is the $150 AH-D1000 set, available in your choice of black or silver and designed to be equally at home hooked up to your MP3 player or home stereo, also packing Denon's trademark "microfiber diaphragm technology," which supposedly boosts sound quality and reduces distortion. Taking things up a notch, the $350 AH-D2000 cuts down on the portability but presumably ups the aural enjoyment, while the $700 AH-D5000 tops things off with a genuine mahogany covering on the cans, which Denon says will improve acoustics, not to mention fit in nicely with your collection wood-paneled electronics. Look for all three of 'em to be available later this month. Also now hitting our shores but announced in Japan a few months back are a pair of earbud models, including the $50 AH-C350, offering just about the lowest entry-point for any Denon product, and the $200 AH-C700, which should provide that little extra something for the more discerning listener.[Via Crave]
Double-sided headphones, Popular Mobile software keeps you cool
Sure, there's a bevy of ways to effectively conceal the real you while out and about in public places, but Alice Wang's new lineup of Peer Pressure conquerors let you utilize surrounding technologies to boost your self-esteem (and your image). If you're not already rockin' the iPod suit to work, and don't want your cubicle buddies to overhear faint whispers of "Everybody Hurts" in the background, the two-sided headphones are for you. They play that sad, sad song into your ears, but emit a (presumably positive) song of your choice outwardly, giving everyone around you good vibes while you're down on your luck. Next up, the Popular Mobile software sporadically and continuously sends you fake text messages in order to show off just how popular you are whilst in a group of higher-ups, and while we're not sure if each message come pre-programmed with fortune cookie taglines, it's a surefire way to flaunt your appeal. Additionally, Alice has designed the Fast Typing Keyboard in order to make your office mates think you can crank out 120 words per minute, and the Positive Printer helps printer snoopers discover awfully amazing things about you that the upbeat software spits out. Of course, we're not expecting these admittedly handy creations to make their way into Office Depot anytime soon, but we'd love to be proven wrong.[Via NOTCOT]
Macworld 2007 Show Floor Showoff: Etymotics
During my interview with Jeremy Horwitz, Editor of iLounge, I asked him what headphones he would recommend to replace the Apple supplied earbuds that come with an iPod. Without missing a beat he said the Er6is from Etymoic Research. I had to find out what made these headphones so good, so I headed over to the Etymotic booth on the showfloor and managed to get some time to talk with Mead Killion, Etymotic's President and founder. This man knows his sounds, and he knows how to make an awesome headphone.We chat about the Er6i and the ety8 (the Bluetooth earphones). As always, if you like to enjoy these in Quicktime point your browser here.
JVC's HP-NCX77 noise canceling buds
Like to take your lossless tunes on the road do ya? Problem is, even if you're living like a unabomber, you've still got plenty of ambient noise ready to spoil your audiophileatio, eh? Not so brother. That is, not if you pick up JVC's HP-NCX77 noise canceling headphones. These in-ear buds will cancel unwanted frequencies -- dropping the noise by about 20% according to JVC -- for about 70-hours on a single Alkaline battery. Switch to "monitor" and listen-in to the paranoid footsteps of the modern industrial society closing in. Hitting dystopian shacks in Japan next month for a price of about ¥8,000 / $66. [Via Impress]
Shure shows off its new SE210, SE310, SE420 and SE530 earphones
Those audio crazies over at Shure have some new ear candy for you, of the in-the-ear variety. The four new SE headphones weigh about an ounce apiece, and should all do a plenty good job at sound isolation. In the "low end" are the SE210 cans, which retail for $150 and feature a single (read: boring) Hi-Definition MicroSpeaker for kicking out the highs and lows. Next up are the SE310 rockers, which feature a "Tuned BassPort" for enhancing the lows, but'll cost you $250 for the privilege. The SE420 headphones bump it up to the next level, with dedicated tweeter and woofers for a more accurate and a hefty $350 pricetag, while the SE530 crank it to 11 with dual woofers and an internal crossover to keep those highs and lows for bumping into each other. Of course, the $450 pricetag is rather x-treem, and you'll probably need ears of gold to discern some of the differences, but you audiophiles know who you are. An optional push-to-hear accessory is available for all four headphones to let you tune into the outside world when it suites you. You can pick one of these up in February, start saving those pennies.
Bluetrek unveils twistable ST1 Bluetooth headphones
It looks like Bluetrek is hopping into the Bluetooth headphone game, and while it faces some stiff competition, the ST1 sports a design entirely more pleasing to the eye than Etymotic's ety8 or Koss' Cobalt. Expected to make a showing at CES, these Korean-bound headphones feature a slim, bendable frame made to fit the heads of runners / commuters without gangly adornments cramping your style. It also boasts a trendy black / snow white color motif, Bluetooth v1.2 support, USB connectivity, operates "about nine hours" before its Li-ion needs recharging, and can supposedly last 400 hours in standby mode. Additionally, the play / pause, track direction, and volume controls are handily included on the earpieces, so you can control your playlists (on supported devices) without ever looking down. While we're not sure how much Bluetrek plans on charging for these snazzy wraparounds, we'll hopefully be getting a listen of our own before too long.[Via Engadget Chinese]
Etymotic's boxy ety8 Bluetooth earbuds get reviewed
There just isn't anything like throwing trendy to the wind and kickin' it box style, and Etymotic's ety8 Bluetooth earbuds not only deliver "surprisingly good" sound quality, but a comfort not often realized when wearing atypically sized cans. The folks at iLounge got their hands on a set of these perplexing headphones, and did their testing with the 8-Mate iPod adapter that comes bundled in the $299 package. Reviewers were quite pleased at the functionality presented in the track / volume controls on the right, um, sound box, and noted that the "8 to 10 hours" of battery life was more than respectable. As was expected, Etymotic clearly took its time in developing the system, as it even takes advantage of the "volume mirroring" feature on the 5G (and later) iPods. Moreover, the 'buds were (amazingly) said to be the "least fatiguing Bluetooth headphones" they had ever tested. However, the firm's "first endeavor" in the wireless realm came up a bit short in a few crucial departments; testers noticed annoying "clicking interferences" in the bass notes of some songs, and stated that the overall audio quality didn't quite live up the wired ER-4Ps. Overall, however, these digs aren't likely to bother those who aren't self-proclaimed audiophiles, but the $299 pricetag ($199 without the iPod adapter) is likely to send consumers darting for Logitech's $99 FreePulse solution nonetheless.
Evergreen's blinking headphones: 'cause you hate daddy
If you're eight, own a DAP, and sometimes wear a skirt then check it princess, Evergreen's got a set of illuminated headphones just achin' for the crankin'. The cables sport organic EL technology like that seen in your daddy's DAP display and blink along with the beat of the music. No, that 1G iPod shufflesque slab is not the DAP, that's the battery pack; audio source sold separately. Also available in sea mist green and colonoscopy blue, your ¥4,980 (about 43 dollars) worth of pastel att!Tude ships from Japan starting today. [Via Impress]
