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.
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.
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.
We tested out one of 50 Cent’s new SMS Audio headphones – the STREET by 50 over-ear headphones. As you can see from the photos we posted along with the video below, these headphones look very slick and they’re also durable. 50 Cent demonstrates in the video how you can twist the headphones without worrying about breaking them. We tried the same thing and they held up nicely.
With the new styles the headphone designs are getting bigger and these are no exception. Yet they aren’t too heavy and the extra padding makes them very comfortable. The headphones are equipped to deliver crisp clean sound and enhanced bass and we were very happy with the sound quality. The STREET model comes in black and the bright blue version pictured here. You’ll definitely make a fashion statement with these headphones.
The headphones also come in wireless versions so check those out as well.
We tried the new NoiseHush NX80 3.5mm Stereo Headphones and there were plenty of features to like. First and most importantly so sound was very good, particularly when you consider the reasonable cost for these headphones.
Next, these headphones have an inline answer/end button and microphone. With so many gadgets, we all need several sets of headphones and it’s nice to have options that let you make hands-free calls as well.
This headset also sports a fettuccine style no tangle cord. After dealing with cords that tangle up you’ll appreciate this feature. The cord is also bright red, so with the black ear buds the headphones look unique as well.
These make a great stocking stuffer, particularly for someone who wants to make a style statement.
Urbanears has a new collection of stylish headphones, and I was able to test out the Plattan model. I chose Indigo as the color and as you can see above and on their site the headphones look great. The design is truly unique and the eclectic color choices offer something for everyone.
They were also very comfortable. The padding is soft and fits nicely over the ear, and the sound quality was excellent as well.
In today’s world of mobile music, you can’t have too many sets of headphones. This new line from Urbanears should be a great gift for anyone who appreciates some style with their electronics.
With the holidays behind us, many of you are enjoying the new gadget gifts you received, including iPods and iPads. One way to maximize these and other music players involves upgrading the headphones, and Denon sent us several samples to try out, including the AH-D510R Over-Ear Headphone pictured above and the AH-C560R In-Ear Headphone pictured below. Both sets are part of Denon’s exclusive Mobile Elite series.
I was impressed with both units. Naturally, the expectations on sound quality were higher for the over-ear headphones and the AH-D510R delivered excellent sound quality, particularly when you consider the $99.99 retail price. The AH-D510R features Denon’s Acoustic Optimizer system, which provides equal ambient air pressure on both sides of the diaphragm for naturally balanced sound. In addition, the earpieces feature Denon’s exclusive Hybrid Metal Housing technology, which combines machined aluminum alloy with resonance-free resin. It matched up well with a much higher-priced set of headphones I use regularly. The headphones are large as you might expect and they don’t come with a travel case, so using them for travel might be a little difficult.
The AH-C560R In-Ear Headphone was also impressive, though I’m partial to the better sound quality from over-ear headphones. I’ll take better sound over convenience any day. That said, everyone needs in-ear headphones in our portable world and this Denon set offers a solid option. For the $99.99 retail price retail price you also get a handy, compact carrying case along with a number of alternate foam tips that make it easier to find a good fit for your ears.
Both sets feature an inline three button remote on the cord that can control select iPod and iPhone models, and includes a microphone that lets you record voice memos with select iPod models and answer calls with select iPhone models. With the inline remote, you can control volume level as well as play, pause, forward and back functions. This handy feature adds nice value, particularly if you own Apple products.
You can’t go wrong with the Denon headphones, and if you really want to enjoy your new music gadgets, check out our Bullz-Eye music reviews as well for some great new music suggestions.
