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SteelSeries trots out Spectrum 7xb headset, Siberia Neckband for iPod, iPhone and iPad
SteelSeries is on hand here at CES, and as with Sleek Audio, Turtle Beach and hordes of others, it's also introducing new cans at the show. First up is the Spectrum 7xb wireless headset for Xbox 360, which touts a retractable microphone, four-piece breakdown for travel and interchangeable cloth and leather earcups. You'll also get in-game volume controls along the right earcup, LiveMix technology -- which balances in-game audio with voice communication -- and the new ExactSND feature, a quick-button option that allows users to switch between three settings that have been preconfigured for different sounds. It'll ship in Q2 for $149.99. Moving on, the Siberia Neckband is making a triumphant return, this time with innate support for the iPod, iPhone and iPad via an inline three-button remote. More details on specifics are embedded after the break, with a ship date of today and a price tag of $79.99.
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%
Razer Chimaera emerges at CES 2011, starts shipping to consumers
Talk about a long wait. Razer's Chimaera -- which first popped onto our radar in prototype form here in Vegas a year ago -- is finally shipping to end users. That's according to staff at the company's booth today at CES, who seemed quite pleased that they could change their answer when asked about it from eager (read: impatient) customers. The website still hasn't been updated, but the 5.1 channel surround sound headset ($199.99) should be more widely available to purchase soon. Also, a 2.1 version will be on sale for $129.99, rocking a fairly similar design and charging station. For those needing a refresher, this is a wireless Xbox 360 headset, complete with an equalizer, audio out jacks (on the station) and a flip-down microphone. Have a peek at the gallery below, and feel free to start checking your doorstep at an unhealthy clip. %Gallery-113103%
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.
Sennheiser's sophisticated CXC 700 earbuds tout three levels of noise cancellation, TalkThrough functionality
Sennheiser has a thing for trotting out titillating new wares at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, and this year is proving to be no different in that regard. The audio specialist has just introduced one of the most fully-featured headsets we've seen in quite awhile, with the CXC 700 boasting not one, not two, but three levels of noise cancellation. The newfangled NoiseGard /digital technology gives owners a trifecta of noise-cancelling profiles, with each one optimized for something different. In fact, we'll let Senn do the explaining here: "Mode 1 absorbs low-frequency noise in particular (100 to 400 Hertz), such as engine noise from trains, buses or small passenger planes. Mode 2 focuses on cancelling noise in the medium frequency range (400 to 3,000 Hertz), which is caused above all by air-conditioning systems in large passenger aircraft or office buildings. Mode 3 has a particularly wide frequency range (100 to 3,000 Hertz), and combines the noise-cancelling effect in the medium and low-frequency ranges. As a result, background noise with different noise components, such as that which occurs at airports, railway stations or underground stations, can be effectively suppressed, although with a slightly lower noise-cancelling performance than in the first two modes." In case that's not enough to convince ya, these offer a frequency response of 20Hz to 21,000Hz, and they'll function just fine (albeit sans noise cancellation) even if your AAA battery keels over. Controls are embedded in the cabling, and users are able to activate the TalkThrough function if they'd prefer to conduct a conversation with someone without actually removing their earphones. Furthermore, changing between the NoiseGard profiles and activation of the TalkThrough function are indicated by both an acoustic and a visual signal. The company will be shipping these with a 4.5-foot long cable, an in-flight adapter, 6.35mm jack plug adapter, a small carrying case and a diaphragm protector, with sales to start later this month for around $320. %Gallery-112244%
Signeo reveals 'Soul by Ludacris' headphone series at CES
Here's an idea: start a headphone company, and then consult any 'ole musician for sponsorship. It's bound to work out well for you. HP has locked arms with Dr. Dre (and The Biebs!), Sleek Audio has done likewise with 50 Cent, Harman AKG has teamed with Quincy Jones, and now, Signeo is looking to Ludacris for a boost in the marketing department. Here at CES, the aforesaid outfit has just launched the cans you see above, aptly titled Soul by Ludacris. As you'd expect, they look mildly similar to the Beats headphone range that has seemingly taken the world by storm, and according to the release after the break, Luda was tightly involved in the construction of them. The Soul brand is debuting with five models in the line: the SL300 noise-cancelling headphones, on-ear SL150 / SL100 models and the SE99 / SE48 earbuds. The whole crew is tweaked to emit fairly intense bass ("without sacrificing the clarity of mids and highs," mind you), and while no pricing details are being shared just yet, we are told that you can find your own Soul when they hit shelves in "early 2011." One more look and the full release are after the break.
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%
Turtle Beach adds dual radios, customizable presets and voice morphing to 7.1 Ear Force PX5 gaming headset
Hear that? That's the sound of a million new products being introduced here in Vegas... in glistening 7.1 Dolby surround sound, no less. Turtle Beach has just ushered out its new flagship device, the Ear Force PX5. Designed for use with Sony's PlayStation 3 (but perfectly usable with the Xbox 360 or any other audio source), this here gaming headset is wireless in nature and is the company's first to incorporate dual radios -- one for surround sound, and another for chatting on the PlayStation Network via Bluetooth. This is also the first of its kind to incorporate customizable presets; there's a DSP chip that lives inside, and the bundled software interface allows you to program voice prompts, custom EQ, compressors, Bass Boost, etc. Then, those settings are saved right on the headset, enabling your CPU to take a breather while the cans themselves handle the math. Moreover, the BT feature can be used to accept mobile phone calls or listen to audio streams, and if you needed any more reason to invest, it also supports voice morphing. You heard right -- it can be programmed to disguise a gamer's voice, which is partially awesome, and partially the worst thing ever to happen to online chat. Hop on past the break for the full feature list, and look for this one to land in the Spring for $249.95.
Wicked Audio's 3D headphones aren't what you think, border on unsightly
Okay, so maybe "border" is being generous. Wicked Audio is well known for its -- shall we say, vivacious -- line of earbuds and headphones, but none compare to the outfit's new 3D series of cans. Set to officially debut at CES next week, this line actually has embossed logos on each ear cup, enabling you to "feel" the graphics on the side. Hard to say who exactly this benefits, but for those who love raised artwork upside their noggins, we suppose it's perfect. As for specs? Keep dreaming -- all we know is that you'll be choosing the least offensive design from the three above next month when they go on sale for $29.99 at FYE.
Schiit Audio reveals gorgeous six-watt Lyr headphone amplifier, dares you to touch 11
Just kidding. In fact, Schiit Audio won't be responsible if you do wind it to 11 and blow the ear tips right off of your favorite canalphones. The drop-dead sexy box that you're peering at above is the Lyr, a hybrid (tube-MOSFET) headphone amplifier that claims to have zero feedback and more power than most headphones will ever have use for. This guy's pumping out six solid watts into 32 ohms, while loads of rivals are dabbling in milliwatts. It's relying on JJ ECC88 tubes for the input stage and touts less than 0.1 percent THD, and it'll be produced in the US of A using components that were also primarily sourced from American suppliers. It's expected to start shipping in March of 2011, but those already sold on it can commit $449 to a pre-order. And before you ask -- yes, the company name is hilarious. Ha. Ha.
EOps Noisezero i+ Eco earbuds get cornstarch construction, finger-friendly design (video)
Hard to say when (or if) these beauts will ever hit the market, but we've all ideas they'd move quite briskly if positioned in a nondescript kind of store that tends to sell fruit, peripherals and things heavily prefixed with "i." Designed Michael Young has teamed up with EOps to create the Noisezero i+ Eco Edition earbuds, which are constructed with cornstarch (you know, in honor of Ma Earth), equipped with an iPod / iPhone-friendly inline remote and outfitted with a unique design that purportedly makes it easier for these to be inserted into one's ear canal. We're told that they'll eventually be available in charcoal, rustic brown, midnight blue and sage green, and yes, a carrying case would be included. Too bad there's nary a hint as to where you can actually buy 'em, but the video just below the break will give you a better idea of what to hunt for.
Westone 4 earphones boast four drivers, on sale soon for $449
We've always had pleasant aural experiences with Westone earphones, and it's not hard to hazard a guess that the outfit's latest will also impress. The W4 is being hailed as the planet's first four-driver universal fit earphone, boasting a foursome of balanced armature drivers, a three-way crossover and a self-proclaimed EPIC cable, which is supposedly able to "guard against microphones." Further details are expected to be spilled at CES in just a couple of weeks, and they'll be loosed on the public in early Q1 2011 for $449. Yeah, not exactly cheap, but nothing fit for an audiophile ever is.
Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra MZX606 earbuds review
We've always had a soft spot for Altec Lansing's wide array of speaker docks -- these guys have been embedded in that space for an awfully long time, and the quality has always seemed up to snuff in our eyes. Er, ears. For whatever reason, it looks as if Altec is trying to replicate that success in the earbud market -- a market that's been growing increasingly crowded over the past couple of years as the portable media player and smartphone sectors have exploded. These days, a set of third-party headphones are nearly a requirement to fully enjoy whatever media player you've ended up with, and thus, hordes of companies have flocked to cater to the demand. The Ultra MZX606 earbuds ($99.95) popped onto the scene just two months ago, and now we've had a solid weekend to push the latest Underoath, Happy Body Slow Brain, Kanye West and Otis Redding jams through here. Hop on past the break for our impressions. %Gallery-107874%
Shure's SE210m+ sound isolating earbuds include iPhone remote, $170 price tag
The mid-range earbud wars are raging harder than ever these days, with high-end stalwarts and newfangled boutiques all striving for your hard-earned cheddar in the $100 to $200 range. Take Shure, for example, who is better known industry-wide for upper-end headphones and in-ear monitor systems than consumer-level 'buds. That said, none of those truths are keeping the company from pushing out a new set today in the SE210m+, which arrive with an obligatory three-button iDevice remote to control playback on your iPod, iPad or iPhone. For all intents and purposes, these are just a set of SE210s with an inline remote thrown in, but that's probably enough to catch the eye of quite a few consumers who would otherwise flock to any competing model that was doused in white. You'll find these guys at your local Apple store right now and online starting November 19th, but you'll need to bring $169.99 (or a really bodacious ski mask) to take 'em home.
Sennheiser expands gaming headset line, brings the top-shelf PC 360 Stateside
Sennheiser is well known in the slightly more budget-conscious wing of the audiophile community for selling great headsets at prices that won't drop your credit rating by more than a few points. Of late the company has been making waves in the gaming community as well by throwing microphones onto those cans, and now four new models are shaking the pool even more. First and biggest is the $299 PC 360, available overseas for a few months but finally hitting the US and building upon the success of the PC 350. It looks to borrow the open design of the company's well regarded HD555 headset, adding a mic on the left that mutes itself when you pivot it up and a volume dial on the right. The $239 PC 333D model offers a similar design but with more isolating closed cups, mixing in pseudo 7.1 Dolby Headphone, while the $169 PC 330 looks much the same minus the faux surround. Finally, and smallest of the bunch, is the $209 PC 163D, which again offers pretends at 7.1 but in a design that might be a little more... flattering for gamers with smallish heads. None is exactly affordable, but all should rock your world, and all are available now. %Gallery-106082%
V-Moda's metallic Vibrato earbuds get Kevlar cable, in-line iPhone remote
It's been a hot minute since we've caught wind of a new set of V-Moda earbuds that weren't exactly like the last pair of V-Moda earbuds, but the Vibrato does a fairly decent job of differentiating itself. How so, you ask? By boasting zinc alloy construction, a Kevlar cable and an in-line, three-button iPhone remote. Obviously catering to those who need a set of metallic earbuds to match their loud-and-proud iPhone 4 antenna band, these guys also rely on 8mm neodymium drivers and ship with four sizes of ear tips. You know, in case you need to let your best bud borrow 'em for the evening. They're available now through Apple's retail shops and online at the company's e-store (see source link below) for $129.99.
Motorola's wraparound S10-HD Bluetooth headphones: for the Usain Bolt in all of us
Clearly, introducing one Bluetooth headset in a single day just isn't enough for Motorola. In addition to the Oasis, the outfit has also let loose the new S10-HD, a wraparound set that is marketed as Bluetooth headphones rather than a BT headset (though it's fully capable of acting as either / both). As expected, these guys are designed to withstand all sorts of sweat beads, enabling fitness junkies to keep on rockin' in the free world regardless of how steamy the conditions may be. We're also told that the speakers are recessed in their housing with a new ear cushion interface and hydrophobic acoustic mesh (fancy!), and silicon seals are in place around all of the electrical components. Should you receive a call while streaming tunes, it'll gently pause the music until your call is done, and afterwards it'll resume automatically. The S9-HD's proper successor will be landing in Best Buy locations starting October 24th for $79.99.
Altec Lansing intros Octiv Duo iPod speaker dock and Muzx earbuds
Altec Lansing's Octiv Mini just a wee bit too bantam for your needs? Fret not, as the same company has just issued a jumbo-sized version by the name of Octiv Duo ($99.95; ships in October). As the title implies, this iPod / iPhone speaker dock is capable of holding (and charging) a pair of iDevices, and a third unit can be juiced as well through the integrated USB port. If your pal's Sansa Fuze+ somehow ends up over at your place, the model-agnostic auxiliary port should suffice. Oddly enough, it's a free accompanying app that really sells this thing -- the Music Mix application shuffles songs from both players and allows users to set the percentage of music played from each iPhone or iPod while docked, ensuring that you and your SO never stop bickering about who has the better playlist. In related news, the outfit has also introduced a trio of Muzx headphones, with the Core, Extra and Ultra editions shipping between now and next month for $29.99, $49.95 and $99.95 in order of mention. More details on each, along with a video of Music Mix in action, await you just beyond the break. %Gallery-102351%
Turtle Beach crams 7.1 channels into Ear Force DX11 gaming headset
5.1 channels of faux surround sound not enough for your two ears? Fret not, dear gamers, as Turtle Beach has outdone itself once more. The Ear Force DX11 gaming headset launched today for Xbox 360 and PC gamers, providing a pair of 40mm drivers, a fold-down microphone (with accompanying 'fro, naturally), a breakout Dolby 7.1 processor, bass boost, S/PDIF-to-analog converter, front panel USB pass-through port and independent volume controls for game and voice signals. It's available to pre-order right now exclusively from Best Buy, with a rather lofty $129.99 price standing between you and multi-channel nirvana.
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.
