17
May
2011
Übergizmo: We are quite sure that you have come across a range of earbuds in the past that touted they fit the natural contours of your ear comfortably, with a range of sizes to choose from as well. Sure those claims might be true to a certain extent, but there is still some room for improvement, which is why Stephen Ambrose came up with a new invention that intends to solve the custom fit dilemma – with the ADEL inflatable balloon earbuds. (more…)
21
Apr
2011
Engadget: Behold Final Audio Design’s latest high-end earphones: the Piano Forte X-VII Series. Each of the four models that comprise the series features a large neodymium magnet driver, nestled inside a rigid metal housing made of alloy powder and natural resin, designed to minimize bad vibrations. The driver is a hefty 16 mm in diameter, and boasts roughly three times the surface area of your garden variety earphones, resulting in enhanced low frequency soundscapes. Final Audio Design also added a proprietary pressure ring to each model’s diaphragm (to ward off sound artifacts), as well as special pressure vents (to optimize air pressure around the diaphragm). Internal air pressure, on the other hand, is kept in check thanks to the X-VIII Series’ metallic earpads, which allegedly allow your ear to naturally adjust to any barometric shifts. Each of the four models comes in a unique metallic housing, reportedly capable of delivering different audio blends. But they all share one important characteristic — they’re really expensive. At the high end of the price spectrum are the X-G and X-CC models, which will put you back some ¥220,000 ($2,668). Bargain hunters, meanwhile, will have to settle for the VIII, priced at a slightly less obscene ¥80,000 ($970). Granted, these earphones may very well warrant that kind of cash and scientific hyperbole, though it’s certainly difficult to gauge their value without taking them out for a spin ourselves.
25
Mar
2011
Gizmag: While the sound quality of over-the-ear headphones is generally much better than a set of earbuds, the convenience of using earbuds while on the go can’t be denied. Many earbuds are fairly similar feature-wise, so the deciding factors for most people will usually be sound quality and price. But if you’re the sort that likes to share with friends of questionable personal hygiene, a feature of iSkin’s new earTones earbuds might also enter into the equation – they’re the first to boast Microban antimicrobial protection.
Microban provides antimicrobial protection to a wide range of products, including HVAC systems, cleaning supplies, footwear, deli slicers, paint and toys, and with earTones has now made its way into earbuds. It is embedded on both earbuds as well as the microphone control surfaces to inhibit the growth of odor-, fungus- and stain-causing bacteria on these surfaces. And before you start getting excited about how spic-and-span your ears will be, you should know that Microban won’t actually protect the user by inhibiting the spread of bacteria, but will only protect the earbuds and microphone controls from degradation, stains and odors caused by bacteria.
Another first for the earTones is a flexible earbud feature called “FlexFit” that sees the business end of the earbuds sitting upon a flexible neck that iSkin claims allows the earbuds to be inserted in to the ear more easily and results in greater overall comfort.
Other features include a built-in remote with integrated microphone, choice of colors, optimization for iOS devices and BlackBerry smartphones and the ability to control iTunes when plugged into a late 2009 or later Mac.
The earTones earphones are available from iSkin for US$39.99.
14
Jan
2011
Pioneer.eu: In February 2011, Pioneer introduces its SE-NC31C noise cancelling in-ear closed type headphones that reduce ambient noise by 90%.
The new headphones are ideal to enjoy your music on the move without having to raise the volume in noisy places such as trains and airplanes. They shut out up to 90% of ambient noise and due to their power-saving design, the earphones offer up to 120 hours of continuous playback. With the noise cancelling feature turned off, they can be used as regular headphones.
They are equipped with a cleverly designed nozzle for a comfortable and secure fit, and provide excellent sealing through three sizes of ear tips. The design houses large 14.2 mm drivers that feature a wide frequency response (5-16,000 Hz) and deliver high clarity and powerful bass, ideal for all types of music.
In addition, a gold-plated 3.5 mm stereo mini-plug and a silver-plated OFC wire ensure excellent electrical contact and better audio transmission. A cord clip reduces the tension of the cord on the ears, prevents the earphones from falling out and removes noise that occurs when an earphone cable rubs against clothing.
Accessories include a storage pouch, an in-flight plug adapter and an alkaline size AAA battery.
07
Jan
2011
22
Oct
2010
iPodNN: V-MODA today unveiled its Vibrato in-ear earphones, die-cast using a patented technology in zinc-alloy. The technique helps to give the earphones a unique appearance while also making them more robust. Tuned in conjunction with pro musicians, the earphones incorporate an 8mm dynamic neodymium driver to deliver high-quality sound that minimizes background noise through the application of hybrid silicone to form the ear tips.
The Vibrato also includes an inline 3.5mm microphone and remote control for use with smartphones. The remote can be used to manage music, calls, volume control and voice memo recording. The cord is reinforced with Kevlar for added durability, while the 45-degree angled jack is plated in 24k gold plating. The earphones also ship with four ear tip sizes and with V-MODA’s sport earhooks.
V-MODA also offers users a two-year warranty on the Vibrato and it is eligible for the company’s Replay Replacement Program, which gives users a 50 percent discount to replace any damaged earphones.
The V-MODA Vibrator is available through Apple’s retail stores and Apple.com for $130.
01
Oct
2010
02
Jul
2009
NewLaunches: JVC Japan has announced the Urban sweet range of chic earphones. Targeting 20 – 30 year old females the ear plug earphones will come in two versions HP-FXP3 (pictured) and HP-FXP5 which has a floral design and is encrusted with a Swarovski crystal.
Both the earphones come with a gold plated stereo mini plug, deliver an output of 200mW and have frequency zone of 10Hz – 23kHz. The JVC Urban sweet earphones go on sale in Japan by late July.
12
Jan
2009
ipodnn: One of the final components of Sony’s CES 2009 launches includes sweeping changes to its digital audio offerings, starting with its headphones.
The MDR-XB series is the company’s first to stress bass and contain drivers skewed towards dance and urban music.
Three earcup models, the XB300, XB500 and XB700, have drivers between 30mm and 50mm in size and are cushioned for long listening sessions.
The XB20EX and XB40EX are in-ear models and contain drivers between 9mm and 13.5mm.
02
Jun
2008
I4U: On Friday we were checking out the Atomic Bass earphones from Radius. These earphones promise deep bass from your iPod and iPhone. The earphones are available in several colors and are well built.
If you like music with lots of bass and are tired of missing out on that bass from your current earphones, the Atomic Bass earphones are just what you need.
Review excerpt: “The Atomic Bass are certainly one of the best sounding sets of earphones that I have tried and give my iPhone music some serious bass, which I like. I would like to see a set of these with a mic built-in for use with the iPhone for making and receiving calls.”
27
Dec
2007
Akihabaranews: Looking for a fancy yet very high quality earphone? Take a look at this wooden version from JVC dubbed the HP-FX500.
JVC says that the use of wood offers enhanced audio quality and the weight of 7.5 grams is pretty nice too.
Specs wise: 100dB/1mW, from 8Hz to 25kHz @ 16Ω and a price of 100€ more or less.
15
Aug
2007
Absolute Gadget: Sennheiser has always had a good reputation when it comes to headphones, now the company want iPod and mp3 users to have the same aural experience as the rest of their customers.
The company claimed that its new CX 300 2.5mm is the first quality in-ear headphone to be made available with a 2.5mm headphone jack. It said the CX 300 series is based on technology from professional in-ear stage monitors and its very high efficiency helps prolong battery life in portable devices.
The CX 300 uses an advanced, miniaturised driver, designed by the company for smooth sounds and has an extended response of 18 Hz- 21 kHz, so you should get good detail as well as thumping bass.
