The Best Headphone Features for a Long Commute

We’ve all been there. At the end of a long day, you climb into your transportation mode of choice, ready to be done with the world and everyone in it until you have to wake up and face the daily grind all over again the next day. The time you spend going to and from work can be just as stressful as being at work itself, which is why it can be so important to have reliable methods of escaping the commotion around you. Choosing the right set of headphones can make all of the difference between a blissful ride back and a ride that leaves you wanting to tear your hair out.

Read the rest of this entry »

  

You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook for content updates. Also, sign up for our email list for weekly updates and check us out on Google+ as well.

Phiaton Wireless Earphones

Phiaton wireless

Headphones and earphones keep improving with advances in technology, and the new wireless earphones from Phiaton offer some great features and sound quality. The BT 220 NC is a versatile headphone option that features Bluetooth 4.0 and active noise-cancellation. They also feature NFC Technology that enables users to simply tap their phone to the BT 220 NC dongle to connect. We were also impressed with the sound quality, battery life and range as well. The Phiaton BT 220 NC makes it easy and convenient to enjoy your music, and with the holidays approaching can offer a great gift option as well. Check out the video below and get more information here.

  

NuForce HP-800 headphones

NuForce HP-800

We’ve reviewed many headphones over the past several years as the popularity of mobile music continues to explode and more consumers look at their headphones as a fashion statement along with being a necessary gadget. We’ve seen many fashionable designs and impressive-sounding headphones, but the NuForce HP-800 headphones stand out for sound quality. That shouldn’t be surprising, as these headphones were designed for the audio enthusiasts. The sound quality was incredibly clear but never harsh. You can pick up various all of the nuances while really feeling the full base. The goal was to capture the “natural warmth, realistic highs and visceral bass” of the recordings and we feel that has been achieved.

These over-ear headphones are very large and comfortable, with ear cups made with a “human-protein” leatherette covering that is super-soft. It comes with a handy clothe carrying case along with one cord for you portable electronics and another for studio use. Yes, audiophiles can use this with premium audio or studio equipment and be very impressed with the sound quality.

Specifications include:

Driver Size: 40mm
Impedance: 32 +/- 15% Ohm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Rated Power: 20 mW
Max. Input Power: 30 mW
Sensitivity: 91 +/- 4 dB
Included Accessories: One carrying bag, one 3.5mm plug cable, one 6.3mm plug cable

The bar was set high for these headphones, and the goal was met while keeping the MSRP at a very affordable $149. If you love music that sounds great then you have to check these out, and they make the perfect gift for Father’s Day as well.

  

ReF over ear headphones from iLuv

We tried out these stylish new ReF headphones from iLuv and were very impressed. We love the styling and the white stitching, and along with the black version picture above the headphones also come in red, white and blue. Check out their website for a look at the other colors. If you’re looking for a last-minute holiday gift you can’t go wrong with these headphones. The styling make these headphones a great option for anyone, as they’ll fit into an urban setting or even a more professional setting with the slick but classy design.

While styling is important, we’re happy to report that the sound quality is excellent and the headphones are very comfortable. Other impressive features include the braided fabric 1.2 meter cord, Titanium diaphragm for mega-bass and precise treble, in-line remote with play/pause, volume, and track change controls and built-in mic with hands-free. The earphones are also collapsible for ultra-portability.

  

Urbanears Zinken DJ Headphones

Image ALT text goes here.

We review a lot of headphones, but the latest model from Urbanears stands out as one of the coolest we’ve sampled in a while.

The Zinken was developed with the professional DJ in mind but with an affordable price. The most unique feature involves the double-duty TurnCable that has a 3.5mm stereo plug on one end and a 6.3mm plug on the other. Basically you can easily plug into your phone and other devices but then flip the cable around and plug it into an amp.

The ZoundPlug is another great feature as it allows you to share music with a friend using a headphone jack in the right ear cup. So if you buy a set for your girlfriend and one for yourself you can easily listen to music together!

Like other Urbanears headphones we tested, the Zinken model produces excellent sound with superior comfort. The headphones fit snugly around your ears with just the right amount of padding. The Zinken features swivel ear caps and an adjustable headband so you can adjust them for maximum comfort. The collapse design also makes them easy to pack and store.

The Zinken also comes in a wide variety of cool colors as you can see in the promotional video below. With the holiday season upon, the Zinken headphones make for an excellent gift and you can choose a color that fits the person you’re buying for.