earphones
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Klipsch debuts sub-$100 Image S2, S4 in-ear headphones
Klipsch hasn't exactly been catering to more budget-minded customers with its earphones as of late, but that looks to be changing with its new Image S2 and S4 models, which come in at a reasonable $49 and $79, respectively. That'll still get you the same proprietary, oval-shaped ear tips as Klipsch's pricier earphones though, along with a so-called moving coil design with controlled dampening, and a "hot rod" dual magnet motor structure on the S4. The S4 set also comes bundled with a few bonuses like a cleaning tool and a "crush-resistant" aluminum case, while the S2s get stuck with a basic cloth case and a slightly less flashy solid black finish. Look for the S4s to roll out first in April, with the S2s set to follow sometime In July.[Via SlashGear]
S1 Audio debuts litany of earbuds / mobile headphones at CES
S1 Audio has shown up in Las Vegas with a plethora of new items to share, so share we will. Right out of the gate, we've got the neck-friendly NxSET Music 1 and NxSET Music 2 models, which are joined by the similar Mobile 1 and Mobile 2 models add Bluetooth for handsfree calling and the like. Moving on, we've got the SuperBudz 1 and Hypnos 1, both of which take the more traditional in-ear approach and include in-line volume controls and a completely stellar Turbo Boost for instant volume increases. Lastly, S1's wrapping things up with its dual purpose BudBud line, which is comprised of the Solo (a mono communications headset that converts to stereo earbuds), the MP3 (morphs from a single pair of 'buds to two complete pairs via the piggy-back design) and the Mobile, which includes a microphone for yelling at that guy who just yesterday was considered your best friend.
Shure debuts colorful new $99 SE115 earphones
It's not exactly the first time Shure has dipped into sub-$100 territory with its earphones, but it looks like its new SE115 earphones could well attract a bit more attention than the company's other budget offerings, and not just because they're available in four snazzy colors. According to Shure, these sound-isolating phones make use of a new "breakthrough" dynamic driver that promises to deliver better sound than was previously possible in such a small form factor, with the usual Shure fit kit ensuring that the earphones fit just right. It seems that you'll have to wait a bit longer to actually judge 'em for yourselves, however, as they'll only be available at some unspecified point this spring.
Kleer now offering DigiFi Opera wireless earphones in the US
Well, it's been a bit of a long time coming, but it looks like the Kleer-based DigiFi Opera wireless earphones are now finally available in the US, and directly from Kleer itself, no less. From the looks of it, these are the exact same phones that folks in Korea have had at their disposal for quite a few months now, with them still promising to provide CD quality sound over a 2.4GHz wireless link, and let up to three other folks listen to a single source. According to the company, you can also expect to get up to ten hours of playtime, with a USB cable provided to handle the charging duties. If that sounds like the wireless fix you've been looking for, you can snag the earphones right now in your choice of black or white for just under $100 by hitting up the link below.[Via iPodNN]
Ask Engadget: Best noise-canceling headphones?
Over at the Engadget household today, we staffers have gathered around a cornucopia of good eats, good gadgets, and most importantly, good times. When it came time to list all the things we were thankful for, our readers were undoubtedly the top choice. And with Ask Engadget questions like this one, can you really blame us? "I've been listening to your podcast since the day you reintroduced it and I really like it, but I have a hard time understanding what you're saying when I'm in the subway. So I'd like to know what are the best noise-suppressing headphones I could get for around $150. Either that, or you could just ask Nilay to speak louder... thanks a lot!"We'll be sure to pass the word to Nilay (he's a bit busy with the pumpkin pie at the moment), but for all of you overstuffed individuals out there, how's about giving Gabriel an answer he'll appreciate? Afterwards, send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com.
Sony unveils five new audio accessories: headphones, speakers and remote
Rather than just introducing these five items individually, Sony reckoned the world at large may pay more attention if they were unveiled in one fell swoop. To that end, we're left staring at a new pair of noise canceling headphones (MDR-NC7; $50), travel speakers (SRS-M50; $50), a universal remote (RM-VL610; $30), EX Series earbuds (MDR-EX36V; $30) and stereo Bluetooth headphones (DR-BT160AS; $160). While the first two are pretty self-explanatory, color lovers will appreciate the three swappable back plates for the remote, and the water-resistant BT 'phones pack a built-in microphone, rechargeable Li-ion cells and A2DP support. Everything should be available now if you look hard enough, and the full release with all the gory details is waiting just after the break.%Gallery-37129%
Gilded, diamond-encrusted earphones go for £3,499
We've definitely seen more expensive earphone covers in our day, but these are certainly amongst the most pricey 'buds out there. A single set of these Casa Gi-designed earbuds are currently being sold in Bristol for £3,499 ($5,253), and all that money goes towards 59 diamonds (per bud) and an 18-carat gold coating. Quite frankly, we tend to feel that these are pretty garish, but we've no doubt whatsoever that someone, somewhere will make the trip over and snatch 'em up. 'Course, we can't say how long they'll remain safely lodged in the owners ears given the gadget crime rate in Britain, but we get the feeling these won't really be used for casual listening, anyway.[Via Pocket-lint]
Angel and Devil earbuds may be a little too cute for Swedish death metal fans
Something about the image above makes it seem that the folks over at Greenhouse are up to more than manufacturing electronics. The Angel & Devil earbuds (1,279 yen or $12.65) follow on the heels of the company's Pigbuds (which now that we mention it, may also have some sort of occult significance). What can we say about these things? They fit in your ear, they're available in one of five colors (the angel is always white, just like the Tom & Jerry cartoons -- the devil can be summoned in red, purple, pink, magenta or death-dealing black), they ship with a display stand and they're only available in Japan. And the struggle for your immortal soul continues...[Via Impress]
Onkyo introduces wireless MHP-UW2 headphones, iPod adapter
Onkyo's latest aren't the most stylish headphones we've ever seen -- far from it, actually -- but those more concerned with audio fidelity and iPod compatibility may be able to overlook the pedestrian design. The wireless MHP-UW2 headphones transmit tunes over the 2.4GHz frequency and come bundled with a handy-dandy iPod adapter that should work with practically any dock-connecting unit out there. We're told it can last around 8 hours before needing a recharge via USB (or AC adapter, should you choose), though it's hard to say when it'll ever ship to any market outside of Japan. Nevertheless, those in and around Tokyo can find the kit next month for ?20,000 ($201).[Via UberGizmo]
DEOS offers up $60,000 diamond-encrusted iPod earphone covers
Yes, you read that right, covers. As in, $60,000 of diamonds that clip onto a standard issue pair of iPod earphones. If the economic hard times are really hitting you hard, you can also opt for a $4,500 set encrusted with black or white diamonds, or even a set covered with the ever-popular multi-colored Swarovski crystals -- a veritable bargain at just $110.[Via musicradar.com]
Ask Engadget: What are the best waterproof headphones?
It's true -- hunting down a waterproof MP3 player is a cinch, but finding a decent pair of waterproof headphones to accompany said player can prove challenging. Have a look at Melinda's question, and after you're done providing your best advice, send over an inquiry of your own to ask at engadget dawt com. "I am an almost-daily lap swimmer, but lately I have been suffering from "lap boredom." I've been looking into the latest ways to take my MP3 player into the pool with me, and I need a set of waterproof headphones in order to do so. I've found waterproof earphones like H2O Audio and Aquatunes priced between $30 and $100, but I've also read many negative reviews. Before I spend this much money on waterproof 'phones, I want to know what I am getting. What brand / model do you recommend?" Climb on out of the kiddie pool and toss in your advice, swimmers. What 'buds do you use to listen to music while submerged?
Conceptual question mark earbuds: can you say "production?"
Ah, concepts. They make us laugh, they make us weep. And in this instance, they make us proud of the human imagination. Designer Yoonsang Kim has provided an oh-so-subtle tweak to the common earbud, leaving each earpiece in the shape of a question mark. Besides looking fairly attractive in-ear, they can also loop together to make carrying them much simpler. For the clean freaks, the design also keeps bacterial growth to a minimum by removing those dark, damp corners so prevalent in traditional 'buds. Seriously, how can these not see mass commercialization?
JVC's HP-FXC50 earphones promise to get closer to your eardrum
They may not conduct sound through your bones, but JVC's new HP-FXC50 earphones at least promise to pump sound deeper into your ears than your usual earbuds. That's apparently done simply by using a longer and thinner sound driver than usual (measuring 5.8mm in diameter), which can be "installed in the sound channel" of your ear. According to JVC, that not only cuts down on sound leakage, but makes the earphones more comfortable to wear as well (assuming you can get them back out). If that's got you sold on 'em, or at least hasn't scared you off, you can look forward to them being available in Japan in early August for just ¥4,000 (or about $38).
Turtle Beach keeps series alive with Ear Force X4 wireless headphones
Be honest, you were terrified that Turtle Beach would leave the awesomely titled Ear Force series sitting in lurk at X3, weren't you? Thankfully, that's not the case at all, as the Ear Force X4 wireless headphones have just been revealed. Designed with Xbox 360 gamers in mind, this headset / headphone combo promises to provide Dolby 5.1 surround sound out of just two earcups (we're still checking on the velvet-lined part), and more importantly, the Chat Boost Dynamic Talkback Expander "automatically adjusts incoming XBOX Live chat levels during loud game moments" to keep you from going deaf when NewbX1337 gets all whiny on you. Can't say we're thrilled by the $199.95 price tag, but these are available now for those who are.[Via IGN]
Pigbuds: 'cause your ears are purty too
Sound quality? Who cares. Thanks to Green House, pigs can finally stuff themselves into human orifices like a reverse-Appalachia. Just be prepared to kiss your ¥1,280 (about $12) goodbye with that pretty mouth of yours after the novelty of this quaint little adventure turns vile.[Via Impress]
The Etymotic etyBlu: a less ridiculous looking successor to the ety8?
If you want a pair of true, in-ear buds without the muss and fuss of wires, your options are limited and you need to be prepared to make some sacrifices. One such sacrifice that needs to be heavily weighed into the equation, for example, is your desire to appear as though there is a pair of black Duplo blocks hanging out of your ears. That's exactly the curse of Etymotic's ety8, a decent set of stereo Bluetooth 'phones (we've tried them, they're comfortable and sound great) that were irreparably damaged by the ugly stick somewhere during the course of their development. The high-end headphone outfit has another Bluetooth product in the works, though -- the ER-89 "etyBlu" just hit the FCC's wires, giving us hope that they heard our complaints loud and clear and have worked to make their kit just a little less embarrassing to wear in public. We couldn't find conclusive evidence in the documentation that we're looking at a stereo headset here; theoretically, it could just be a mono product for calls, but we're encouraged by a brief mention of listening to music (who wants to blast tunes into one ear?) and the fact that the ety8's model number is ER-88. Can anyone make out what's going on in this FCC label diagram here?
Tiny q-Jays earphones hit your neighborhood
Like small things? Really small things? Things that are so small you might lose them easily? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, then we've got the totally ill-riffic earphones for you. Those tiny (but not tinny, apparently) q-Jays earbuds we told you about back in August have officially hit the scene -- so all that money saving you've been doing can be put to good use. The buds may be small, but apparently their sound is anything but, touting dual micro armatures, JAYS Sound Isolating System, a sensitivity of 95 dB @ 1 kHz, impedance of 39 Ohms @ 1 kHz, and a frequency response from 20Hz to 20,000 Hz. The earbuds come with a slew of accessories, including an I- and L-shaped connector, seven silicon ear sleeves, four canal filters, an airline adapter, a stereo splitter (for two-person use), and a carrying case. The tiny wonders can be yours in black or white right now, for the low, low price of $179.
Sennheiser rolls out four new CX earbuds
Not satisfied with simply unveiling a single set of new earbuds today, Sennheiser decided to roll out four new flavors for your ears' enjoyment. Up first is the CX 400 ($99.95), which touts a short cord ideal for arm-worn MP3 players, but does include a three-foot extension cable for other applications. Upping the ante is the CX 500 ($129.95), which enters as the flagship unit in the Classic lineup and arrives in a trio of colors. The CX 55 Street ($79.95) boasts a bit more bass than the other guys, and the CX 95 Style ($139.95) places its emphasis on lookin' good whilst parked in your ear. The whole lot is slated to be available starting this month, and you can take a peek at photos of the rest after the break.
Sony rolls out headphones aplenty, including wireless 7.1 cans
Sony's showing off a whole range of headphones at its dealer convention in Japan this week, covering everything from earbuds to Bluetooth headsets to full-size cans. On the latter front, and likely of most note, are the company's new MDR-DS7000 headphones, which promise 7.1 channel audio (or some approximation thereof) and Dolby Digital, DTS, and AAC decoding. What's more, the headphones are also wireless, relying on the oft-used 2.4GHz to throw all that sound across the room. Look for those to hit Japan in November for ¥30,000 ($260). Also on display are a the DR-BT25NX and DR-BT30QA Bluetooth headphones, the former consisting of some earphones and a neckstrap contraption, and the later opting for headphones of the clip-on variety (check 'em out after the break). Rounding out the lot are some noise-canceling earphones, a couple of low-cost earbuds, and Sony's previously announced PFR-V1 "personal field speaker" headset. Look for all that to trickle out in Japan over the course of October and November.
Shure busts out $99 SE110 earphones
Those put off by the high prices of Shure's earphones now have a slightly lower barrier of entry, with the company's new SE110 buds coming in just under the $100 mark, apparently making them the cheapest Shure phones to date. Of course, you'll have to put up with a few comprises -- namely, one driver instead of the usual two or three -- but you will get Shure's trademark "Balanced MicroSpeaker" technology, as well as an accessory package of sleeves, a cleaning tool, and a carrying case. According to IGN, the jack on the earphones is also small enough to use with an iPhone without an adapter, in case that's a top concern for you. Look for these to be available from all the usual sources on September 17th.
