Back in August, we took a look at $35 MA350 Noise Isolating Aluminium Earphones. I liked them, but I didn’t LOVE them. My conclusion read,

What I Like: Good build-quality; Decent sounding; Fabric cord; Surprisingly low price for what they offer

What Needs Improvement: Lacks in-line microphone and controls

Recently the company was kind enough to send a pair of their RHA 450i Noise isolating aluminium earphones. Why are these different? Simple, they bring everything I liked about the MA350 and added in a remote and microphone. Even better, they managed to keep the price below $50. Let’s take a closer look.

From RHA:

The MA450i is a high spec earphone that combines RHA’s renowned sound quality with an inline remote and microphone for seamless control of your music library and calls.

Features:

Dynamic speaker for high-definition sound with full bass

Machined from solid aluminium

A choice of seven pairs of soft silicone ear-tip for a secure, comfortable fit

Fabric braided cable for reduced tangling and prolonged cable life

iPhone/iPod/iPad remote and microphone

3.5mm gold plated connections

Carry case and ear-tip storage box

Machined from solid aluminium and housing a 10mm driver, the MA450i offers music-lovers effortless control without compromising on acoustics. RHA’s signature aerophonic design delivers an impressively detailed, well-balanced sound experience.

The inline remote and mic controls calls, music and volume on your Apple device.

The dual density ear-tips are constructed for optimum noise isolation; soft silicone on the outside provides a comfortable secure fit and keeps external noise out, while firmer silicone on the inside produces a tighter seal to prevent sound leakage. A 1.5m shielded fabric braided cable produces less friction than a normal rubber cable which helps reduce tangling, prolonging product life.

The actual earbuds appear and sound the same as the 350s. That’s not a bad thing, since they sound good (not great, but good), and they seal into the ear quite comfortably. The company notes that the 350s and 450s offer noise isolation, and they do a decent job of it. The inclusion of six additional eartips – making a total of seven — certainly helps guarantee the best comfort and isolation. As the company explains,

a high specification earphone machined from solid, aircraft-grade aluminium. 10mm drivers are housed within unique, aerophonically designed earphones engineered to produce outstanding audio.

I do, however, find it amusing that the company refers to a “carry case and ear-tip storage box”. The carry case is a cheap cloth bag. The ear-tip storage box is a… cardboard box. Neither is really worth using to advertise the earphones.

Like the MA350s, the MA450i have a 5′ fabric braided cable. I love the heft of it and the fact that the cable is tangle free. I did, however, notice a bit of noise coming into the line that traveled up to my ears when I moved (presumably caused by friction). In my experience this is not all too uncommon when dealing with earbuds that have a heavy cord. It is, in my opinion, worth the trade-off.

As noted, the MA450i come equipped with an Apple specified three button in-line remote. It works well, is positioned at a proper distance from the actual earbud, and it has a nice curve that allows you to easily control your music by touch. That means there is no need to look down at the controls when controlling your music. And the nice curvature, in addition to the black and silver color, looks rather classy.

The fact that these sub-$50 headphones come with a three-year international warranty simply impress me to no end. The MA450i are a solid pair of earbuds that, considering the price, should be on your short list if you are in the market for new earbuds to use with your iOS device. You can learn more or order yours here.

MSRP: $49.95

What I Like: Seven different ear tips included; Inline controller and microphone; Tangle-free cloth cord

What Needs Improvement: These won’t blow you away with their sound but for under $50 it is hard to find fault with anything about them

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

I’m into a period of time that will see me on planes rather frequently, and while I’ve tried various noise canceling headphones over the years, I’ve never found a pair I loved to use. For example, I was impressed with the Sennhauser MM 450s when I reviewed them, but when I bought a pair on sale a few months ago I found myself disappointed with the buzz created by the noise cancellation system. It wasn’t bad, but it was noticeable, and I just couldn’t see myself using them longterm.

Most recently I had purchased a pair of inexpensive Sony in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation. They worked well enough, but I’ve been spoiled by some of the higher-end headphones I’ve been reviewing lately, and I longed for something better. I mentioned this to one of out contacts, and a package arrived a few days later with a pair of Phiaton PS 300 NC Premium Noise Canceling Headphones. I had been pleasantly surprised by the prior two pair of Phiaton earbuds I’d reviewed, so I was excited to try these out. Our trip to Aruba presented the perfect opportunity to give them a try, and try them I have.

So I sit on United’s flight to Newark at the end of our week away, listening to Phantom Planet and writing this review. Let’s take a look at the headphones and whether they stand up in the crowded world of noise-canceling headphones.

From Phiaton:

The Phiaton PS 300 NC headphones are masterfully made and matched to exacting standards. With powerful noise canceling technology that minimizes distortion while allowing authentic production values to come through, the PS300 NC allows you to listen to your music with up to a 90% reduction of most unwanted noise in your surroundings. This unit has a comfortable, compact on-ear fit with a flexible ‘fold and go’ design that fits headphones conveniently into a compact carrying case for easy travel. When on the move, the Custom lithium-polymer rechargeable battery offers up to 20 hours of reliable run time while the set of four adaptors allows you to recharge anywhere. The standard 3.5mm plug and the 6.3mm adaptor make this earphone perfect for any portable or home theater electronics.

In creating the premium quality “Primal Series” PS 300 Noise-Canceling headphones, Phiaton’s engineers and sound designers utilized all their expertise to exceed expectations. Featuring the luxurious look and feel of supple leather and leather-grade trim, as well as some of the world’s most advanced sonic technologies; the Phiaton PS 300 NC noise-canceling headphones offer music lovers a superb listening experience with unprecedented comfort, audio quality, style, and musicality.

I was immediately impressed by the packaging. There is no question that Phiaton was going after the premium market when designing these headphones and their box. The experience of opening the box and exploring everything inside was more than a bit pleasant. And speaking of everything inside, the PS 300 NCs are a good example of a company actually adding extras into the package rather than increasingly skimping on what is included — the way we have seen with smartphone companies who are now increasingly leaving out the headphones AND wall adapters. Sure, regardless of the company, the included headphones were crap; but leaving them out while keeping the price the same is just obnoxious.

So what IS in the box?

Phiaton PS 300 NC Headphones

2 rechargeable lithium-polymer batteries

6.3 mm stereo gold-plated plug adapter

Two 5-ft. detachable audio cables (one with inline mic)

Dual-plug adapter for airplane

International power plug adapters

Cradle charger with USB cable

AC/DC adapter

Carrying case

Owner’s Guide (Including 1-year warranty)

Product registration card.

We’ll get back to the headphones, but first let’s run down the extras.

The case is large and formfitting, and it is specifically designed to hold these headphones and accessories. The material used is rigid enough to hold its shape even when the headphones aren’t inside. That translates to them offering decent crush protection; I like that. One side is designed for the headphones and the other has a series of mesh pockets that hold all the accessories.

Next up is the inclusion of two cables and adapters. One is a straight cable for simply listening to your music; the other includes an inline microphone. We’ve seen this on other high-end headphones, and I always appreciate it. Unfortunately the material used for the cables is thinner and more tangle prone than some we have seen and, as a result, feels like it is a bit on the cheap side. Regardless, both cables work well; since they are removable they can be replaced fairly easily if need be.

From Phiaton:

Two Separate Audio Cables Allow for Phone Access: For total on-the-go convenience and flexibility, the PS 300 NCs comes with two separate single-sided cables, including one standard cable and another that features a remote microphone function that lets you access phone calls while listening to music.

I totally love the charging system.

The wall adapter comes with both US and European plug adapters, so you can use these headphones just about anywhere you might go.

The company includes not one but two batteries with the headphones — that’s unheard of in today’s money-grab electronics environment.

From Phiaton:

The PS 300 NC comes with two rechargeable batteries, a cradle charger with USB cable, and universal AC/DC adapters. One battery offers 18 hours of noise canceling function. Unlike most other noise-canceling headphone products on the market today, the unique PS 300 NCs still play music even if the noise-canceling battery is out of power.

To charge the batteries, you use the included USB adapter.

A neat feature is the fact that the adapter into which the battery slips looks very much like the ear cups on the headphones.

For those of you interested in specifications the company lists the following:

Studio Grade 40 mm Electrodynamic Drivers

Impedance: 32 Ohm

Frequency Range : 15 Hz ~ 22,000 Hz

Sensitivity: 98 dB

Max input power: 1000 Mw

Cord length: 5.2 ft / 1.6 m

Weight: 5 oz /140g without cord

The headphones themselves are fairly compact and, no doubt, are modeled after Bose’s smaller noise canceling offerings. The near headphones have a soft padded cushion that sits on your ear and, thanks to its ability to mold to them, creates a fairly effective noise barrier on their own even before the noise cancellation is turned on.

Buttons are kept to a minimum, and they are limited to the noise cancellation on/off control and a toggle that claims to offer extra bass but didn’t have much of any impact in my experience with the headphones. The plug for the audio cable is on the right ear cup, and it is offset about half way up on the side. This is notable since these headphones to an effective job of canceling noise whether you have music playing or not. Also notable is the fact that if you turn the noise cancellation off and remove the battery, the music plays through as if these were an ordinary pair of headphones. That’s a great feature, which means you can take these headphones on a trip and have them serve as your only headphones whether you have them charged or not.

The headphones fold up into a fairly compact package that can then be stowed in the included case. I do worry about what might happen if you didn’t stow the headphones carefully, since the build quality does feel a tad on the chintzy side. That is especially so after having reviewed the Harman Kardon headphones this past summer; now THOSE were headphones that were built like a truck!!

I found the headphones to be comfortable, but I did notice some ear fatigue after a few hours; I suppose that a certain degree of this can be attributed to their on-ear style. With that said, sund quality was excellent, and I really enjoy listening to music while wearing these.

The exceptional noise-canceling capabilities of the ultra-lightweight PS 300 NC headphones literally shut out the unwanted noises of the world so you can enjoy your own music in peaceful solitude. Phiaton’s powerful noise canceling technology minimizes distortion while allowing the authentic production values to come through. It’s the ideal lifestyle solution for hearing all your favorite music, including subtleties and nuances, even while traveling on an airplane or listening in noisy surroundings, like a train or subway car.

The exceptional noise-canceling capabilities of the ultra-lightweight PS 300 NC headphones literally shut out the unwanted noises of the world so you can enjoy your own music in peaceful solitude. Phiaton’s powerful noise canceling technology minimizes distortion while allowing the authentic production values to come through. It’s the ideal lifestyle solution for hearing all your favorite music, including subtleties and nuances, even while traveling on an airplane or listening in noisy surroundings, like a train or subway car.

Adjustable headband and a soft ear cushions seal in the sound for superior audio quality VHST for noise cancellation creates an occlusive effect for better noise reduction.

Phiaton’s patented VHST (Valves of the Heart Sound Technology) for noise canceling was inspired by the valves that enable flow of vital blood supply in and out of the heart. Translated to the audio paradigm, the technology makes use of check valves that expertly control airflow in and out of the headphone speakers. Rear enclosure and closed-ear design combine to create an occlusive effect for better noise reduction.

While the headphones are worn, the ear pads contract, exerting pressure on the front of the speakers. Normally, this would ‘rumple’ the speaker diaphragm and create a buzzing effect. But VHST Valves of the Heart sound Technology is designed to prevent rumpling of the diaphragm, thereby reducing air pressure and transforming incoming noise into reversed phase signals, or reproduced sound, which interferes with or cancels the unwanted noise. This allows real production values to come through with greater clarity.

I’m three hours into my flight while I write this, and I am paying critical attention to the noise canceling’s effectiveness. I was prepared to write that the NC was not all that great, but then I took headphones off and heard what things around me really sounded like. Boy are planes loud! Or, more accurately, boy are planes loud without NC headphones!

So I’ll access the cancellation of the PS 300 NCs by writing that the on-ear noise cancellation is good, but I suspect that a set of good over-the-ear cans would do a better job.

I like the Phiaton PS 300 NC Premium Noise Canceling Headphones more than any other on-ear noise canceling headphones I have tried. I’m still anxious to try the company’s in-ear solution, since I am increasingly convinced that I prefer in-ear headphones a bit more than the on-ear or over-the-ear design. That, of course, is a matter of my personal preference.

Suffice it to say I think anyone purchasing these headphones will be quite happy with them. I’ll be headed to Vegas, Florida and a few more destinations in the coming months, and the only reason I wouldn’t be bringing these along would be if the company’s in-ear offering shows up for review.

MSRP: $299 (You can currently purchase them through our Amazon Affiliate Store for just $253.75. Buy them now.)

What I Like: Complete package with lots of extras; Quite comfortable, especially for the first few hours; A number of special technologies that allow for both passive and active noise cancellation; Work as regular wired headphones even when there is no more power

What Needs Improvement: After a few hours the on-ear design introduced some fatigue; They are made of plastic, and while I have had no issues I have read of some parts failures

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

So you’ve got a pair of big, beautiful, great sounding headphones like the SMS STREET by 50 DJ over-the-ear headphones I reviewed last month. Sure, you could store them in the included football-shaped case,heretofore referred to as the “fbcase”, but that quickly becomes pain if you use them on a regular basis. I mean, do you really want to have to unzip the “fbcase”, remove the headphones and attach the cord each and every time you want to listen to music without disturbing the other people in the house? And that doesn’t take into account having to disconnect the cord, fold the headphones, stuff both the headphones and the cord back into the fbcase and zip the whole thing up when you are done listening. I mean, seriously, this is one huge “1st World Problem”.

Thankfully Just Mobile has a solution. The Just Mobile HeadStand is an elegant home for your headphones that guarantees they will always be within reach. Let’s take a look.

From Just Mobile:

The high-design headphone hanger: Just Mobile HeadStand is the perfect place to hang your high-design headphones. Precision engineered from aluminium, this desktop stand keeps your prized headphones on display – and within easy reach. HeadStand’s dual-layered aluminium base even features a storage space for your headphone cable – keeping your desk tidy, and your music only a moment away.

Features:

High-quality aluminium construction

Simple assembly

Integrated cable tidy

Compatible with all headphones with headband

The HeadStand is a simple proposition that has one single job. It does the job quite well. The HeadStand comes in four parts; there is a base which is basically two circles of aluminum separated by a small gap, there are two aluminum legs and there is the aluminum hanger. And while it comes only partially assembled, you can have the HeadStand set up and ready for use in a matter of seconds using the four included screws.

Note: If you think it looks a bit like the contraptions that are used for hanging bananas you are not alone. That what Elana thought the second I put the HeadStand together. Fortunately, this stand is far more elegant and finely crafted than the banana hooks you’ll find at the Dollar Store, although I guess you could use it for that as well.

The headphones hang from the top of the HeadStand and, if you so choose, the cord can be safely wrapped between the two bottom plates. This not only helps keep your desk nice and neat but it also prevents the cord from getting snagged and potentially damaged amidst the mess of papers and other assorted goodies.

And while the cord-wrap technique does make for a cleaner package, I find it slows down the process of grabbing the headphones and putting them on. Simply throwing the cord of the SMS STREET by 50 DJs over the hanger works just fine for me

As you can see, this is a simple but effective way to safely hang your headphones and keep them accessible at all times.

And the HeadStand works equally well with the Phiaton PS 300 NC Premium Noise Canceling Headphones I reviewed last week. In fact, I tried them with a host of different headphones and it worked fine and looked great with each.

Do you NEED an accessory like the HeadStand? Certainly not. Do I recommend the HeadStand for anyone who listens to a large pair of over-the-ear or on-the-ear headphones on a regular basis? Absolutely. The HeadStand has the same minimalist design we have come to appreciate from Just Mobile. It is attractive in its own right and does exactly what it promises. And while you may not think you want or need the HeadStand, once you start using it I bet it will have an official place on your desk or nightstand.

You can learn more and order yours here on the Just Mobile website.

MSRP: $49.95

What I Like: Simple and elegant; Nicely crafted from aluminum; Does exactly what it promises

What Needs Improvement: You don’t really need this accessory but it is kind of cool and sort of useful

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

Billy Crystal famously said “It’s better to look good than to feel good”, and it was a terrific SNL bit that still makes me smile. Of course the statement is simply wrong. Looks are important, but they are secondary to feeling and functioning well. As my grandmother famously NEVER said, “So long as you have your health, everything will be fine.” (She never said it because she was far too negative a person to have made such a positive comment. That, however is an entirely different story.) This also applies to such items as headphones, which have now become fashion statements with each company trying to make their offering as stylish and attention-grabbing as possible. No one, however, would argue that it is “Better to look good than to sound good.” Headphones that are stylish but sound crappy simply won’t do.

With the ReF Deep Base On-Ear Headphone line, iLuv has joined the “headphones as fashion” movement. But at $129.99 numerous questions emerge. Questions like, “Do they actually look like $130 headphones?”, “How do they sound?” and “Are they worth the price of admission?”

Let’s take a look.

From iLuv:

The ReF™ headphones were specifically designed to fulfill the growing consumer demand for accessories that look as good as they perform. These headphones meet that demand by combining fashionable elements and premium technology to produce a product that wins wholehearted approval from fashionistas and techies alike. Plug these headphones into your iPad, iPhone, or iPod to enjoy hands-free conversation or play your favorite track and immerse yourself in the rich, deep bass and precise treble.

The Ref headphones feature:

A canvas exterior with contrast stitching that suits your urban lifestyle

A titanium diaphragm for mega-bass and precise treble

Premium ear cups made of Korean protein leather

In-line remote with Play/Pause, Volume, and Track Change controls

A built-in mic with hands-free

And are collapsible earphones for ultra-portability

The headphones fold up for easy portability. Unfortunately, when they fold the metal frames that connect the ear cups to the headband still stick out. This makes them a bit less portable than they would otherwise be. Even when the ear cups are pushed in as far as possible the frames stick out a bit.

When unfolded the headphones have a unique look that stands out from a crowded field.

Cloth with contrasting seams pop, while the iLuv name actually adds to the interest. The headphones are stylized enough that I suspect you will either love or hate the design; I really like the way they look.

Come on, admit it, these have a different look that is understated but stands out, don’t you think? And to round out the appearance of the headphones, you’ll find the thick, tangle free cable to match perfectly. The right angle of the 3.5mm jack is also a nice detail.

It is also worth noting that the cable does NOT transfer a crackling sound to the ear cups when you move around, as some of the other earphones I’ve reviewed did.

And because this version of the ReF headphones is designed to work with Apple’s devices, there is a three button, in-line controller that also includes a microphone. I tested the microphone and found it to fall somewhere between functional and good. When I moved it closer to my mouth the recordings were far clearer than when it simply hung naturally from the ear cup. These won’t win any awards for their recording prowess, but they certainly are good enough for casual use.

So in the appearance department, I think the iLuv ReF on-ear headphones are terrific; and there’s more good news. I’ve used them extensively and found them to not only be comfortable during extended periods of use, but I also have been impressed by the sound they put out. It is full, has decent base and the overall experience of listening to music or watching a movie while wearing them is fantastic.

In addition, the soft ear cups mold to your ears and create a seal that is surprisingly effective in blocking out surrounding sound. That not only means you get to enjoy quiet but it also means you don’t need to crank up the volume to hear the music. Your ears will thank you in the future.

Specifications:

Speaker driver: Supra aural, sealed; deep bass

Titanium speaker

Diameter: 40mm

Magnet: NdFeB

Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 KHz

Impedance: 32ohm

Maximum input: 200mW

Sensitivity: 114dB

Plug: 3.5mm/Gold-plated ‘L’

Cord: Braided fabric 1.2 meter cord

I didn’t go into this review expecting to be all that impressed. I mean, I like iLuv’s products, but they certainly aren’t known for high-end audio, especially not in the headphone department. The ReF headphones are a departure for the company, and they come in at an MSRP that puts them in the same ballpark as some of the big names in high-end headphones. Much to my surprise, they more than held their own.

These headphones look good, they sound good, and they are a pleasure to wear. In fact the only issue I have with the ReF headphones is the lack of a carrying case. How can iLuv make a point of making the ReF headphones foldable for “ultra-portability” but not include a way to carry and protect them is beyond me. It is a misstep in an otherwise impressive foray into the land of fashionable and high-quality audio headphones. You can learn more and order yours here.

MSRP: $129.99

What I Like: Look good; Sound good; Feel good (as in, they are comfortable); In-line microphone and controller; Tangle-free cord; Cool unusual look

What Needs Improvement: No carrying case; When folded, the metal frames that connect the ear cups to the headband still stick out

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

Back in 2010, I had the opportunity to have a custom pair of JH5 earphones created for me. (Read the review.) It was an amazing experience since JH Audio’s custom IEMs (In Ear Monitors) are handmade based upon individual ear impressions. The process required me to get molds of my ears made and then, from those molds, a pair of JH5s were created. The result was an earphone that fit each ear perfectly. Almost three years later, I continue to love using them.

Now JH Audio has upped their game even further, by announcing an industry-first implementation of its new Freqphase™ Time|Phase Waveguide. Freqphase delivers all frequencies to the ear within .01 of a millisecond, thereby enhancing the audio experience even further.

The Freqphase™ Time|Phase waveguide will first appear in the company’s JH16Pro and JH13Pro Custom In-Ear Monitors. The JH16Pro “is the world’s first three-way, eight driver IEM. It features dual high, dual mid and quad low-frequency drivers for greater accuracy and lower distortion”. The JH13Pro Custom In-Ear Monitor “has the distinction of being the world’s first three-way, six driver IEM. It features dual high, mid and low-frequency drivers”.

Three years after first using the JH5s, I continue to be blown away by the sound they deliver. With the JH13 and JH16 already sitting well above the JH5s in audio quality, I cannot begin to imagine how good they must sound. If you love your music and are looking to splurge on an amazing pair of earphones, then they are worth a look. Check out the entire line of JH Audio IEMs here, on the company website.

Jabra has just announced a new suite of corded and wireless stereo headphones said to “elevate music and multimedia experiences to a new dimension of sound performance”. The headphones, new Jabra Revo Wireless, Jabra Revo corded and Jabra Vox in-ear earphones, are designed for “hard-wearing, every day use and portability”.

Jabra’s headphones aren’t designed to be eye-candy. Rather, they are intended for real wear, real use and, in the process, real abuse. To achieve this, the Jabra Revo Wireless and Jabra Revo headphones are constructed using an aluminium frame, steel hinges and a shatter-proof, flexible headband. Similarly, the Jabra Vox has tangle-free, reinforced cables and is tested for ultimate durability and performance.

The new offerings from Jabra will launch Q2 2013 here in the US. You can learn more at Jabra.com. We look forward to getting our hands on all the new line in the near future.

It is always exciting to see what new gear is on the horizon during CES. One of my favorite categories is audio accessories. Whether it is new ways to create audio and music or new ways to consume it, there is always something fun and interesting being released. Griffin always has a fresh lineup of interesting devices that promise to spice up anyone’s audio gear bag. Their latest releases include a way to create music on the go and some awesome new headphones.

With StudioConnect the audio in and out is simple:

We’ve been fans of yurbuds earbuds since first seeing them at CES 2011. The earbuds have a special design that lets you wear them comfortably for extended periods and, thanks to their unusual design, the earbuds stay in place even when you are doing flips off the wall. Case in point…

The company has once again upped their game. The Focus Limited Edition ($99.99) and Inspire Limited Edition ($99.99) step up the fashion aspect of the earbuds by switching to a sharp black/red color.

The result is a line that looks sleeker than ever. Yes, sport earphones can now be fashionable.

The line continues to offer the same great design. One is Ambient-Aware (translation, if you are working out with the earbuds on you can still hear the world around you). The other is noise isolating (translation: they let you hear the world but also block out enough noise that you won’t have to pump up the music to hear it. Both styles offer Triple Magnet Sound™ technology, the company’s twist-lock technology, are sweat and water-resistant and have kevlar-wrapped tangle resistant oval flat cords. They even come with a premium case.

And if that wasn’t enough, the company will also be releasing two different styles of wireless Bluetooth headphones. They bring the same great, yurbud sports-friendly design to wireless headphones. The Bluetooth headphones will be available this spring.

It is impressive to see yurbuds go from nothing to one of the top ten best-selling headphones in America. Then again, Elana still uses the original pair of yurbuds which I got on the show floor at CES in 2009. Yes, they’ve been used almost every day for the past two years and she still love them. If they can win her over you know they are a quality product!

You can see the entire yurbud line here on the company website.

I’m always impressed by Plantronics headphone offerings. Time and again they are able to combine excellent functionality with comfort; they even mix in a bit of style in the process. The Plantronics Voyager Legend is an amazing headset, and you can read our review here. We have a review of the UC (Unified Communications) version coming soon.

Plantronics doesn’t just do Bluetooth headsets of course. They have a long history of offering wired headsets for use with phone systems and computers. Their new Blackwire C720 headset falls into that category but takes things to an entirely new level by combining a wired and a wireless headset into a single unit that can serve both purposes. Best of all, in the case of the Blackwire C720, both functions, the wired and the wireless, are up to Plantronics usual level of quality. Let’s take a look.

At first glance the Blackwire 700 Series Headset looks like any other high-quality USB headset. It has two ear cushions with a cable and noise-canceling boom microphone attached to one of them. The boom microphone comes as a straight boom, but it is flexible enough that you can bend and position it for maximum comfort and most-effective voice capture.

And while the headset it lightweight in its look and feel it is also heavy enough to feel substantial. That’s important since it is far too easy for a headset like this to be so light that it feels cheap or, in its attempt to feel substantial, is too heavy to be comfortable. In this case the headset is comfortable even for long periods of use. But because the ear cushions sit on your ears and mold to them enough to shut out a good deal of outside sound, I often found myself moving the right one off my ear and allowing it to simply rest on my head.

As Plantronics explains, the headset has special technology built into the ear cushions. This includes

• Smart Sensor technology lets you answer a call by simply putting on the headset

• Smart Call Transfer automatically routes audio from the mobile phone to the headset whenever it’s put on—and vice versa

• Built-in sensors provide contextual information, creating a long-lasting, adaptable platform

That means the headset knows when you put it on your head and when you take it off. It is impressive. And that is just the beginning.

You see, while the cable include “intuitive inline controls to answer/end PC and mobile calls, control volume, and mute” it also includes a unique ability to double as a wireless headset.

The extender cable that runs from the controls to the USB connection is detachable. From there you can use the headset as a wireless headset that connects to your phone or computer. That’s why Plantronics describes this headset with

Corded reliability meets wireless flexibility. The Blackwire 700 Series is the versatile UC headset that offers high-quality PC audio and seamless Bluetooth connectivity to mobile phones and tablets. Enjoy unmatched audio quality, industry-first Smart Sensor technology that automatically answers a call when you put on the headset, and a detachable cable for taking your mobile calls throughout the office.

The Blackwire 700 Series headsets connect to your PC and mobile phone – combining the comfort and durability of corded with the freedom and flexibility of wireless. Ideal for knowledge workers who need a seamless solution for managing calls on their PC, mobile phone or tablet, the Blackwire 700 Series is the most integrated, premium headset for UC.

It is a neat “extra” that really takes the idea of UC, unified communications, to an entirely new, and convenient, level.

The C720 gets up to 10 hours of talk time and up to 10 days standby time. If you are using the headset to listen to music over Bluetooth on a device offering A2DP you can expect up to 6 hours listening time. And if you were wondering, the headset has Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, offers enhanced digital signal processing (DSP), has a noise-canceling microphone and includes hearing protective SoundGuard sound leveling for listening comfort.

I’m impressed by the Blackwire 700. As a USB headset for calls and voice recording it works remarkably well. I have been using it with Dragon Dictate for Mac and it gives an incredibly accurate recognition even when I’m speaking quickly.

As a Bluetooth headset for a phone or tablet works quite well too. That sort of flexibility is quite welcome and means that carrying one headset is enough for a wide variety of functions. In fact there is one additional function that I have not mentioned. When the headset is connected to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth it serves as a pair of audio headphones for listening to music. And while I won’t get on top of the roof and scream about these being the very best headphones I’ve ever used, they are actually quite good and the in-line remote control works quite well.

So in one headset you have a computer headset for calls, dictation and audio and you have a Bluetooth headset for calls, dictation and audio. And all of it comes with a nice carrying case for under $150. If you switch off between using a computer and a tablet or phone and have been looking for a good headset to use in a home office or work environment this is definitely worth checking out.

You can learn more and order yours here.

MSRP: $149.95

What I Like: Well-built; Comes with a good carrying case; Microphone boom flexible enough to stay tapped to the shape you want for best comfort and accuracy; Works as a wired USB headset or as a Bluetooth headset; Gets decent battery life; Comfortable

What Needs Improvement: When using this headset as a Bluetooth headset you still have a relatively significant length of cable that ends with the controller. Some may find this to be a bit awkward although the built-in clip can help. Requires you to learn a different approach to headset usage so you can switch between the mobile and wired connections; Only has Bluetooth 2.1

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

My apologies for the rather sexist title of this post. I tried to find something more “PC” but could not come up with anything that was even close in its accuracy when trying to describe the situation we ran into time and time again during CES 2013.

As is so often the case at trade shows, there were numerous attractive women in scantily clad outfits showing off the latest gear. In fact, in some cases, referring to them as “scantily clad” would be an overstatement. For example, on the first morning the show floor was open, I happened to pass by a petite woman with long black hair, a thong bikini and … not much else. Her hair was taped in place in order to cover her breasts and another woman was painting her entire body with black body paint. What this had to do with consumer electronics was beyond me but so be it.

Later that day, Judie and I passed by the California Headphone Booth. Judie’s husband Kevin has a pair and, in fact, was using them the night before in our suite. The California Headphone Company started life as a Kickstarter project. Judie and Kevin backed the project, and, for $65, Kev got a pair of the Laredo edition California Headphones. We stopped by because I had admired Kev’s, and Judie wanted to show them to me.

An attractive woman was working the booth and walked up to us. Wondering what the post-Kickstarter price was I asked her, “What’s the MSRP?”.

She replied, “I don’t know, I would have to get someone from the company to find out.”

Judie said, “Okay, we just wanted to know what the post-Kickstarter price was.”

She looked at Judie like a deer in headlights. “What’s Kickstarter?” she asked.

Then she went on to say, “I do know that these sell for $99, and the other ones are $199.”

Apparently she had no idea that the company she was representing had used Kickstarter to launch their product, and she didn’t need to ask a company rep in order to find out what the post-Kickstarter MSRP was. What she needed to do was consult a dictionary and find out what MSRP stands for in the first place, and in that moment we realized we didn’t need to waste another second with this Booth Bimbo.

So there she was at the Consumer Electronics Show working the California Headphone Booth without knowing the history of the product or what MSRP stood for. I have no issue if companies want to grab attention by having attractive people show off their goods, but the least they can do it give them a few minutes of training before they turn them loose.

It is just common sense… and good business.

If earphones don’t sound good, I’m not interested. If earphones sound good but aren’t comfortable, I’m not interested. And if earphones sound good and are comfortable but don’t offer any style, I’m not interested either. Yes, my time here at Gear Diary has turned me into a bit of an earphone and headphone snob. I want it all and, thanks to the exploding headphone market, I can have it.

When Judie and I passed by the Munitio table during CES their current and upcoming earphone and headphone offerings caught our eye. The Munitio Nines look like 9mm shells. They really catch your attention, especially when the shells are sticking out of someone’s ears. (Travis will be reviewing them shortly.) The upcoming PRO40 High Performance Headphones look fantastic and we are hoping to have a pair for review when they are released this spring.

In the meantime, sometime in the next few weeks Munitio will be shipping their new SV Mobile Performance Earphones. The SV Mobile Performance Earphones “represent an entirely new aesthetic for MUNITIO, but the look is driven entirely by a design focused on durability and sonic benefits.”

The company was kind enough to provide a pre-release pair of the SV Mobiles, and I have been using them since CES. Let’s take a look.

Munitio’s Nines look really cool, but I could never see using them. Bullet-shaped earphones just aren’t my thing. These, however, are. They look cool, fit great and don’t stick out of the ear much. That means I can have them in and, for example, rest my head on a pillow without uncomfortably pushing the earphone further into my head.

In keeping with their “Munitio” name and the Nine’s 9mm design the company calls the ear cups “Silicon Hollow Points”. They include two additional sizes in order to help you find the best, most comfortable fit. I’m impressed by the design. Not only are they comfortable, but they do as good a job of sealing inside my ear and shutting out outside noise as any earphone I have ever used.

I also like the fact that the headphones have a “right-angle 24k gold-plated 3.5mm stereo plug for exceptional audio signal transfer”. I always appreciate the right-angle plugs as they help keep the cord from sticking out too much and potentially getting bumped or stressing the connection point. In this case, the point at which the cable meets the 3.5mm plug is extra thick and reinforced. It is that attention to detail that stands out. That’s important in headphones that cost north of $125.

Speaking of the cable, the cable on the Munitio SV’s is a “wide ribbon cable” that stays tangle-free even when you throw the headphones in a bag and it gets wrapped around itself. It is thick, flat and substantial. The look and feel of the cable is first-class. Again, that makes sense considering these are premium earphones.

A “slim 3-button [M]ic Control™ with full music and call functionality on supporting Apple® devices, and music functionality on Android® devices” sits on one of the earphone cables just a few inches down. The position is perfect in that it allows the [M]ic Control to sit close to your mouth. That’s great when you want to use the earphones for a call and it is perfect when you need to reach up and control the music. The controller also provides a god degree of tactile feel so you can control your music- raise or lower the volume, pause, start or skip tracks- by feel and feel alone. In-line controllers are often the weak point on a headphone. In this case the controller feels substantial; I’m impressed.

The point at which the two earphone cables meet to create the single cable that runs down to the 3.5mm plug is strengthened by a plastic and metal reinforcement point. It is thick, sturdy and has the company name embossed into it. Once again the word that occurs to me is “substantial”.

The company describes the earphones by noting,

As its name implies the SV Mobile Performance Earphones deliver a number of design touches engineered for premium audio, mobility, comfort and hands-free communication…

They do just that. They are well-constructed, fit tightly into my ears, and are easy to use simply by touch. They also sound great. The sound they pump out is full, rich and has a good bit of bass. I compared them to the Phiaton Moderna MS200 Earphones we reviewed recently. Both sound good, but the Munitio’s definitely had a fuller, all-encompassing sound. If you don’t like bass or don’t want the experience of being completely submerged in your music, then these won’t be the earphones for you.

In all, I really like and am impressed with the Munitio SV Mobile Performance Earphones. I did find that, after long periods of use, the point at which the cable meets the earphone rubbed my ear a bit, but it isn’t enough to make me not want to use them regularly. I expect Munitio to have a hit on their hands when these are released next month.

The MUNITIO SV Mobile Performance Earphones will be available in three anodized metallic finishes—grey, black and bronze and cost $129.99. They include the earphones, a tactical carrying case and MUNITIO’s interchangeable small, medium and large Silicone Hollow Points. You can learn more here.

MSRP: $129.99

What I Like: Well-constructed; Flat, tangle-free cable; In-line controller for complete music control; Right-angled, gold-plated 3.5mm jack for convenience and best-quality sound; three sizes of ear cups; Comfortable; Sound grey with deep bass

What Needs Improvement: May be too much bass for some; Cables can rub on the ear after long periods of time

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

Last summer I had the opportunity to review a pair of over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones from Harman Kardon. (Read the review.) I came away incredibly impressed by the sound, the build quality and the comfort. Judie read my review and was also impressed. She asked if she could try them out; I sent them to Texas, and they haven’t been seen since.

We were both impressed by just about every aspect of Harman Kardon’s Bluetooth (BT) over-ear stereo headphones. It turns out that Harmon Kardon is just one of the brands under which Harman offers headphones and other audio accessories. Each brand has its own distinct style and approach, but all are bound together by excellent audio and a commitment to creating the best user experience possible.

That’s why I jumped at the chance to review the AKG K551 large over the ear studio headphones. Once again I came away impressed. Let’s dig into the details and specs before returning to that broad general statement.

There are no two ways about it, these headphones are big. They come in a big box and inside that box are headphones that are big and round. I mean, they are really, really big. They are so big and round that, quite frankly, the first time I put them on all I could think about was Princess Leah’s funky coffee-roll hairdo in the original Star Wars movie. I don’t mean for that to come off as negative or sarcastic as it doe,s but I do think it gives a sense of just how large and how round these headphones are.

And as it turns out, being so big is not a bad thing. Because these headphones are as large as they are, and because they go over the ear rather than sitting on the ear, and because they have humongous drivers (more on that in a moment) these headphones all but disappear. I know that is counter intuitive – huge headphones that disappear — but they actually do offer the closest approximation to listening to music without headphones at all that I have encountered.

Let me explain that last statement.

The headphones are large enough that they comfortably surround my ears. At no point do they put any pressure directly on them. That means that, unlike in-ear or on-ear headphones, your entire ear is surrounded by the sound– just the way they are when listening to speakers. And the sound that surrounds your ears is big and rich. Sure, when you are wearing the K551s you are still wearing headphones, but the experience is substantially different from any headphones I have used — in a good way.

Much of the excellent sound pumped out by the K551s is the result of each earphone having a 1-31/32-inch (50-millimeter) driver. This is the largest driver in any AKG product offering, and the result is immediately obvious. Big excellent drivers offer big, excellent sound.

I know that some of you love specifications and numbers, so let’s run them down a bit more, and then do a walk around the actual accessory itself.

The AKG 551 feature:

1-31/32″ (50mm) drivers

Real Image Engineering

Outstanding passive noise reduction

Closed-back design

In-line microphone and remote control

Classic-meets-contemporary design

2D-axis fold-flat mechanism

Okay, so I started this review with the experience of actually using the headphones. Now let’s turn to the actual physical product. These are premium headphones that come at a premium price. The build quality is impressive. The head band is thick and strong. It is constructed from metal and other premium materials. The hinges are also made from metal. They are rugged without being unrefined. The look and feel of these headphones is uncompromised, just as you would expect from premium headphones.

The cushions that surround the ear are substantial, thick and provide plenty of padding. The result is that, while these headphones do not offer active noise cancellation, they do physically block out a good bit of ambient sound. That was another surprise that added to my positive thoughts on these headphones.

These headphones are terrific, but let me be clear — these are not travel headphones. These headphones are designed for use at home or in the studio, and the company reinforces this fact in a number of different ways. First, the headphones don’t fold up into a small, relatively compact, unit. Sure, you can rotate the ear cups so they are flat, but the don’t actually fold up. As a result, if you take these on the trip be sure to have room to spare in your carry-on.

If you do take them with you when you head out, you will encounter the second way the company makes clear that these aren’t travel headphones. You see, you’ll have to find your own bag in which to carry them in. That’s right, the company doesn’t include a travel bag or pouch. That is especially odd since the company description of the headphones includes such statements as “take AKG studio-quality sound with you wherever you go”, and a reference to the folding design making them “easy to store or transport” — it’s quite odd when they don’t give you a case in which to ACTUALLY transport or store them.

I find that lack of inclusion to be problematic in such expensive headphones. Even if these aren’t intended for travel, there should at least be some sort of storage bag included to keep them protected from bumps and scratches when you are not using them.

There is another small disappointing surprise I discovered along the way; unlike most of the premium headphones I have reviewed, the cable on the K551 headphones is permanently attached. This is not a huge deal, but I do like those headphones that give you the option to connect the cable on either side. It is a small convenience I have come to appreciate.

The other night I was watching a movie and I discovered that having the cord attached to the right ear-cup would have been preferable, but I got no joy. And it is not just the lack of convenience that is at issue — I like to know that, were the cable to wear out, I would be able to replace it for relatively little money. That is not an option here; and while I do not expect the cable to wear out, I am still a bit bummed by this.

Fortunately the cable is thick and quite strong; it is thick enough that it won’t tangle easily. The in-line controls and a microphone are the only thing that disrupts the cable as it runs from the headphones to 3 .5mm jack. Speaking of the controls, they are easy to use and are designed to offer a nice tactile feel and feedback.

Put this all together and you get the following assessment — AKG made some choices that are not ideal, but they still ended up creating a terrific pair of high-end headphones. The AKG K551s are comfortable, sound good, block a good bit of ambient noise, and can be used for extended periods of time without causing ear and head fatigue. I have used the K551s to listen to music, to listen to audio book, and to watch television and movies on my iPad. Every experience with them has been positive.

The company is charging a premium price for these headphones, and that is exactly what they have delivered. That is why these headphones are the ones that are hung on my Just Mobile HeadStand waiting for the next time I want to use them.

The AKG K551 Headphones are available directly from AKG or from other retailers including Amazon. 

MSRP: $329.99

What I Like: Big, well-built and comfortable; Sound great; Inline control is easy to find by feel and works well; Comfortable enough not to cause ear or head fatigue

What Needs Improvement: AKG does not include a travel bag or case; Cord is permanently attached; Headphones do not fold up for travel

Munitio Nines Earphones

Earphones, headphones, buds…it seems like I am in a constant search to find a great audio option to be used with my devices. I love trying them all out and experiencing the slight detail differences in the bass, highs and mids. Earphones come in all different shapes and colors, but rarely would I call them truly unique.

I recently had the opportunity to try out some Nines by Munitio, and can now say I have some unique earphones. Will the sound quality match the cool design? Let’s take a look.

Munitio Nines are definitely unique in that they look like a 9mm pistol round. They are machined from a single piece of copper alloy and covered in a gold titanium finish. The look and finish of the earphones was much better than I expected; they look exactly like a 9mm round with a silicone ear piece instead of a bullet. I was blown away by the weight of the earphones. They are not too heavy to wear by any means, but they do feel solid and well-built. I can tell much care and pride went in designing and producing the Nines.

Three sizes of Silicone Hollow Points replacement tips are included. The tips are soft and comfortable, and I found them to create a good seal keeping out most ambient noise. The earphones are definitely comfortable, and I experienced no ear fatigue. These could be used casually as well as running or biking with no worry of them falling out.

Munitio Nines Earphones

I have learned that the first piece to fail on earphones is usually the cables. I do not care how good they sound, if the plug and cables are of poor quality, they will not last long and destined to fail. The Nines sports Kevlar reinforced cloth-covered cables. This is great for protection and longevity, and it also looks and feels great. The plug is well designed and made from metal. All of these features add style and they look great, but most of all ensure the Nines can survive a truly mobile lifestyle.

Munitio Nines Earphones

To keep users connected while on the go, a suppressor mic complete with volume buttons is included. The mic is heavy-duty and works flawlessly on both my iPhone 5 and iPad. Calls sound great on the earphones and my wife could hear me loud and clear and actually could not tell we were talking through a microphone.

So, the Munitio Nines Earphones look great, and they are built with high quality, rugged materials. What about their sound quality?

The 9mm speaker drivers promise to bring a full range of audio quality. I have tried many earphones that sounded great, but it seems that they were always a bit lacking in highs, mids or bass response. For the most part, getting distortion-free bass along with crisp highs seems to be difficult.

I ran the Nines through my usual tests of spoken word, rock, hip-hop and Texas Country tracks and was impressed by the accurate sound quality of everything I listened to. The highs are crisp and clear but not overwhelming, while the mids are smooth. The Silicone Hollow Points help create what Munitio calls the Bass Enhancing Chamber, which provides thunderous bass free from distortion. While the bass is big and deep, it is still balanced with the other frequencies to give users a realistic, complete audio experience; I think I had forgotten just how much bass can round out a song.

Munitio Nines Earphones

I love the sound of the Munitio Nines, and I have made them my primary carry earphones. The design is cool, and the build quality ensures they will last for a long time. The audio quality is second to none with balanced frequencies and awesome bass. If you are looking for a pair of high quality earphones with a unique style, the Nines are perfect.

Munitio Nines Earphones

MSRP: $169.00

What I Like: The Nines are built to last and sound amazing. I love the unique 9mm ammo design.

What Needs Improvement: Nothing so far. These things are great!

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

If they’re not the best sounding earbuds you’ve experienced… we’ll give you your money back. That’s what  Zagg says on the product page for theIR ZR-SIX earbuds. It is a bold claim to make under any conditions, but considering the ZR-SIX earbuds are under $60 it is actually a remarkable claim; I am left wondering if the claim can hold up in real-world use.

Are Zagg’s new ZR-SIX earbuds “the best sounding earbuds I’ve experienced? Read on to find out.

Inside the box you’ll find the ZR-SIX earbuds, two additional sets of ear cups, and a nice zippered protective case. I like the fact that on sub-$100 earbuds the company still didn’t cheap out on the carrying case!

The Zagg ZR-SIX Earbuds earbuds have a flat 1.2-meter tangle free cord. The cord is not as thick as the one on the Munitio SV Mobile Performance Earphones I reviewed last month (read the review), but they are certainly thick enough to stay tangle free and to endure a fair bit of use and abuse.

The right angle 3.5mm plug on the ZR-SIX earbuds is great at keeping the everything neat, tidy and flat when the Zagg ZR-SIX Earbuds are plugged into your smartphone. Honestly I don’t know why anyone would make a straight connector, since it is more likely to get bumped and put stress on the 3.5mm plug.

ZR-SIX earbuds have an inline microphone and remote. The remote offers play, pause and skip functionality but does not include volume up/down control. I found this odd at first, but then realized that any time I have had an inline remote feel cheap and delicate it has been the result of one small piece of plastic having to toggle in three directions. This inline remote feels solid, and it is likely simply because there is one button rather than three.

The Zagg ZR-SIX Earbuds are bright! Personally I’m not really a fan of the colored accents, and I would have much preferred the ZR-SIX earbuds in solid black or white. Here’s hoping Zagg is successful enough with these earbuds that they decide to come out with other color options!

This is all good and well, but the real question about the ZR-SIX earbuds is… are they “the best sounding earbuds you’ve experienced…”? The short answer is — I won’t go so far as to say they are the BEST earbuds I have ever experienced (I would need to line up every single pair I’ve ever used and compare them all before making such a claim), but they are damn good at any price … and downright amazing for earbuds that cost less than $60.

The ZR-SIX earbuds offer a sound that is bright, lively, and full. I compared them to the $120 Munitio earbuds, and found that the ZR-SIX earbuds were more “alive”. Music coming from the Munitio earbuds (which I happen to love) seemed further away, while the music coming off the ZR-SIX earbuds was brighter and seemed closer. No, these aren’t the earbuds for people who crave mucho bass (the Munitios do a much better job in that department), but for casual listening the ZR-SIX earbuds are pretty amazing; this is especially true when you take the price into consideration.

The reason the ZR-SIX earbuds sound so good us the fact that, according to Zagg, they are engineered with “Reflective Acoustics, an advanced audio technology that formulates sound based on the fundamentals of human hearing”. That means the 11mm drivers reflect sound off a “micro acoustic panel to magnify sound waves”. The result is sound with “accurate tonal balance, even dispersion, natural clarity, and a rich, dynamic range”.

All I know is that the Zagg ZR-SIX earbuds sound great. Add in the fact that they are comfortable, promise to be quite durable, and they come with a good carrying case, and you have an excellent new earbud offering from Zagg. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that they are the “best sounding earbuds I have ever experienced”, but I can pretty safely say they are the “best sounding sub-$60 earbuds I have ever experienced”. Seriously, they are that good.

The Zagg ZR-SIX Earbuds are available directly from Zagg and other retailers.

MSRP: $59.99

What I Like: Sound great; Comfortable; Tangle-free cable; Inline microphone and remote; Right-angle 3.5mm plug; Under $60

What Needs Improvement: No volume controls on the inline remote; Light on the bass

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

I offered a first look at the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones last week. We now have a firm price and shipping date- they will be available starting March 25th and will cost $249- so I wanted to offer up a more complete look at these rather pricey headphones. I covered a good bit of the initial ground in my ‘First Look’ post (read it) so I’ll try not to be redundant.

As I noted, the headphones are being positioned, in part, as wireless headphones designed for use in the real world. As such Jabra tested them to make sure the cable can hold up to 33 pounds, the band can be bent 10,000 times and the hinges will hold up for 3,500 uses. And yes, the headphones can be dropped from 6 1/2′ and survive. All of that is good and well but if $250 headphones aren’t comfortable and don’t sound good what’s the point. So are the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones comfortable? Do the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones sound good? In a word- yes.

Lets dig in a bit deeper.

The headphones fold up into a fairly small package. Honestly I don’t see how they could have made them any smaller and kept the plentiful ear cups and strong build-quality. Obviously the bag won’t protect the headphones from being crushed but it does make a convenient way to stow the headphones and cables and keep them dust free. Still, I would have preferred to have a form-fitting zippered hard case. After all these are headphones you’ll want to keep with you pretty much all the time. As such, a case would have been a nice addition.

Two cables are included with the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones. Both are strong, bright, no-tangle fabric cords. They are hard to miss and go well with the subtle highlights on the outer ring of the earcup. I have used and reviewed a lot of headphones and I really appreciate companies using thick, heavy fabric cords. They not only look and feel good but also tend to hold up especially well. They also make clear a company’s commitment to offering a quality product.

The audio cable plugs into the left ear cup. The 3.5mm plug that goes into the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones is straight but the 3.5mm plug that goes into the media device is at a 45 degree angle. That’s always good as it ultimately results in less stress being placed on the 3.5mm plug.

The cable has an inline multi-function button that allows you to control your music and calls when using the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones in wired mode. I appreciate having the option to use the headphones as wired or unwired since I can see certain circumstances where wired mode will be easier or, in the case of flying, required. Another great feature is that the Bluetooth and headset connections are automatically disabled when the 3.5mm cable is connected.

On the corded model of the Jabra Revo Headphones the 3.5mm cable can plug into either the left earcup or the right one. That’s a convenience I hadn’t expected to appreciate as much as I do. Unfortunately that is not the case on the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones. The 3.5mm plug is on the left earcup and the USB to microUSB cable plugs into the right earcup for charging the headphones.

The left ear cup houses NFC connectivity. To use it you simply turn the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones on and hold an NFC-enabled device up to the left earcup. If you do not have an NFC-enabled device you simply turn on the power button and hold it for three seconds. From there you can pair the headphones as usual. The Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones offer voice-guided pairing which is a nice touch.

The right earcup is touch-enabled and takes a bit of time to learn. Tapping the middle button will play or pause music. Swiping a finger along the outer ring of the earcup in a clockwise direction will increase the volume. Swiping in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease it. Double tapping the left side of the same outer ring (toward the back of your head) will skip back. Tapping the right side of the same ring (toward the front of your head) will skip forward. I do like the touch-enabled feature of the headphones but found myself fumbling a bit at times. I also found the music blasting in my ears once when I accidentally swiped forward and went toward maximum volume.

The middle button also functions as a call button when you are using the headphones wirelessly. Tapping the multifunction button once will answer or end a call. Pressing and holding the button will reject a call and double tapping it will redial the last number dialed. And if you are using the Jabra sound app (a free download with a unique unlock code included with the purchase of the headset) tapping the button on the left earcup will launch it.

Since the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones come from a company that made its mark with Bluetooth headsets (my very first headset was a Jabra) it comes as no surprise that these headphones come with the ability to handle two calls at once. To put a current call on hold and answer an incoming call (“Hi Jon, nice to speak to you but the person calling is more important, please hold for a bit…”) simply press and hold the multi-function button for two seconds.

Here’s a look at all of these various functions. As I noted previously, there is a small learning curve when first using the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones.

The Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones takes two hours to charge, offers 12 hours of music and talk time and up to eight days of standby charge. Its wireless range is 33 feet and up to eight different devices can be paired at any one time. They weigh 8.47 ounces,  have 40mm dynamic speakers and have a frequency range of 20Hz – 20 kHz..

All that is good and well but what about comfort and sound? Well there is good news on both fronts.

Comfort:

I have been using the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones non-stop since they arrived last week and am finding them to be among the more comfortable on-ear headphones I have used. I could’t sleep yesterday and was on the computer by 4am. I didn’t want to wake Elana so I used the headphones non-stop until she came into the kitchen some 3 1/2 hours later. At one or two points the pressure form the headphones became a tiny bit uncomfortable but a slight shift in their position immediately fixed the issue. Even Elana, who doesn’t like on-ear headphones, commented that they are quite comfortable. Will you want to wear these for eight hours straight without giving your ears a break every now and then? Probably not but that holds true with any on-ear headphones.

It is also worth noting that while these are not noise-canceling headphones they do an excellent job of blocking out sound. They are so good that I pretty much jumped through the roof when I didn’t hear Elana come in behind me and she tapped on my shoulder.

Sound:

Simply put, I’m impressed with the sound. It is as full and rich as you are going to find with headphones that are streaming music over Bluetooth 3.0. The sounds gets even better when you use the Jabra music app and select one of the preset equalizer option. I should, however, warn you that on iOS devices the app takes time to load all your music each time you launch it. The time lag is an annoyance that may well result in me not using the app. I suspect this is an issue with Apple’s implementation of 3rd party apps accessing your music collection since I have found something similar with most other 3rd party music apps that access your iTunes library. It is also worth noting that, when using the app, the music stops briefly when a new email alert comes in. That means you’ll want to disable email alerts or not use the app. Even without the app however the sound coming from the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones is terrific and I am enjoying the headphones tremendously. I can recommend these without hesitation!The Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones also include a Dual Microphone with the company’s “Noise Blackout”.

As Jabra explains, microphones with Noise Blackout have “an aggressive noise filter” that is coupled with two microphones. Together they use Digital Signal Processing (DSP) software to remove noise and offer clearer conversations. In my testing I found the microphones to be decent but not great. It isn’t really a surprise considering the fact that the microphones are on the ear cups and, as a result, are rather far from your mouth. There is, after all, a reason Jabra’s high-end Bluetooth headsets use a boom that brings the microphones closer to your mouth.

The Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones combine cutting edge wireless technology with good aesthetics and sound in a package that has been shown to easily put up with the use and abuse that comes from using and carrying headphones in a wide range of settings. You can learn more here on the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphone product page. We’ll update with purchase links when the headphones go on sale. The Jabra Revo Wireless headphones are now on sale. You can buy them here through our Amazon Affiliate Store.

MSRP: $249

What I Like: Tough; Attractive; Feature-packed including NFC pairing; Strong cloth cables for charging and wired mode; Touch-enabled controls; Sound very good; Block out a good amount of ambient sound

What Needs Improvement: Soft carrying bag rather than a protective hard case; Cause a bit of ear fatigue after extended periods of use

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

Last week we reviewed Jabra’s new Revo Wireless Headphones. (Read the review.) These on-the-ear headphones are comfortable, durable and sound terrific. Jabra is also releasing a corded version of the Revo headphones as well as the upcoming Jabra Vox in-ear corded earphones. For those who prefer headphones that sit in your ear rather than on or around them, the Jabra Vox earbuds may be a terrific option. Let’s take a closer look.

The Jabra Vox earbuds come in a yellow and black box, which presents the Jabra Vox earbuds in a nice, albeit not terribly high-end, manner. Inside the box you will find the earbuds, a protective bag, a quick start guide, and three different colorcore ear gels- so you can get the right fit. This is rather important since in-ear headphones sound best and cause the least amount of ear-fatigue when you use an insert of the proper size for your individual ear.

The 47″ cable on the Jabra Vox earbuds is impressive. The reinforced, square, tangle free cable have has tested and shown to endure over 33 pounds of “pull pressure”. The company opted not to use the woven cloth cords you’ll find on the Jabra Revo. Instead, they went for a smooth rubber cord. It’s a good choice since the fabric cables would have been heavy and would likely have put downward pressure on the earbuds while wearing them. The square cable is thick enough that it won’t get tangled, but flexible enough to be comfortable.

The Jabra Vox earbuds have an in-line microphone and remote that works quite well. The in-line remote and microphone are relatively unobtrusive, but they are easy to grab and control by feel. The upper portion of the controller increases in volume while the lower portion decreases the volume. In the middle of the controller there is a small raised multifunction button. It allows you to play or pause music or answer or reject a call. Quickly double tapping the multifunction button will redial your last number called or skip to the next track. A terrific feature I have rarely seen on in-line remotes is how when you triple tap the multifunction button the music will skip backwards and play the previous track. I love this and often find myself frustrated when using a multifunction button that only plays, pauses or skips tracks forward.

The company saw fit to include what they are referring to as “SnagIt Magnets”. These let you keep the ear buds next to one another when storing them. That means the thinner single cables that runs to each ear bug won’t easily become tangled. It also means you can safely and easily wind and unwind the cable. It’s a great feature, but I can’t help but wish they had put the magnets a bit further down away from the Jabra Vox earbuds. That way the magnets would not only help you keep the earbuds from getting tangled when storing them, but it would also mean you could use them to hold the individual cables behind your ears and out of the way. This is something I love on other earbuds. For example…

ZAGG SMARTbudds

ZAGG uses a mechanical means to accomplish this on their SMARTbuds, and I find it quite useful when you want to keep the cables away from your face.

Finally, like the Jabra Vox headphones, the 3.5 mm plug on the Jabra Vox earbuds is at a right angle to the cable so that it sits closer to flush with whichever device into which it is plugged.

Last but not least there are, of course, the earbuds themselves. I saved them for last because the earbuds on the Jabra Vox stand out on many different levels. First off, they are unusually large. The bulk of the earbuds remains outside your ear, while the ear gel sits inside your ear. Jabra describes this design as “sculpted” and notes that it is based on the professional in-ear monitors used by many musicians. This, in turn, allows for “maximum space for powerful sound and strong bass” coming from the 8.6 mm speakers. The design is similar to the Phiaton MODERNA MS 200, which are among the most comfortable earbuds I have used. The same holds true here, although I find the Jabra Vox earbuds actually more comfortable.

Yes, the design may serve the earbuds well in the audio department, but it also offers a huge comfort benefit. The curve of the body of the earbud sits comfortably in the curve of my ear. The design lets the Jabra Vox earbuds go in, stay in and cause minimal ear fatigue– even after hours and hours of use. My earbud-hating wife Elana even found them comfortable.

The company is proud to have partnered with Dolby to bring high-definition sound enhanced by Dolby Digital Plus to the Jabra Vox earbuds. This is accomplished through the Jabra Sound App. The app is a free download and a code to activate it is included with the earbuds. The app does enhance the sound and offers numerous preset audio configurations for whichever style of music you are enjoying. Unfortunately, as I noted in my review of the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones, the fact that the app appears to initially hesitate while it loads all of the songs from an iDevice’s music library each time you fire it up is more than a bit frustrating. It is worth noting that I do not find a similar lag when using the Jabra Sound App on my HTC One X Android handset! In addition, thanks to Apple’s myopic limitations, the app cannot access music from streaming services. This holds true even if you have downloaded the music to your device. Honestly, as much as I like the added delay, it isn’t worth it to me. (Read more about my issues with it the app here.)

The Jabra Vox Earbuds are among the most comfortable earbuds I have ever used– and I have used a lot of earbuds! The unusual design of each earpiece results in incredible comfort. Add in excellent sound that is, as the company says, “massive” and you have a pair of sub-$100 earbuds that are at the top of the pack in an ever-more crowded market. With or without the Jabra Sound app, I’m impressed by the Jabra Vox earbuds; for me these are a winner. And yes, these are the earbuds that will be coming on vacation with me next month (along with the Jabra Revo Wireless headphones). You can learn more and order yours here on the product page.

MSRP: $99

What I Like: Great build quality; Earbuds are quite comfortable; Inline control adjusts volume and lets you play/pause and skip both forward and back; Magnets keep the tangle free cable even more tangle free; Very good audio quality

What Needs Improvement: Jabra Sound App and iOS do not play well together; Magnets keep cable tangle free but would be better if they also held cables behind your ear during use

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

Jabra has finally released their Jabra Music line of headphones. As the company explains, the headphones combine “state-of-the-art design with excellence in sound quality and ultimate durability”. I am loving the $249.99 Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones, and they have been going everywhere with me. The sound, durability, comfort and overall execution of the wireless headphones is a home run. Now, however, the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones have some competition in the form of the Jabra Revo Wired Headphones. The Jabra Revo Wired Headphones are the corded version of the line, and they come in at $50 less. Is the savings of $50 worth giving up the flexibility of going wireless? Are there aspects in which the Jabra Revo Headphones beat their wireless siblings? Let’s look more closely.

The Jabra Revo Headphones and the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones share the same DNA. Other than the color, the Jabra Revo headphones look quite similar to the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones. That, of course, makes perfect sense since they are both part of the new Jabra Music Revo line. The headphones sound the same as well. In fact, when swapping the headphones but using the same cord with both the Jabra Revo and the Jabra Revo Wireless headphones, I could not hear a difference.

There is, of course, a difference since one pair of headphones packs all kinds of wireless goodness into the ear cups while the other… well, while the other does not. That is the reason the Jabra Revo Wireless headphones weigh in at 7.8 oz while the Jabra Revo Wired Headphones come in .4 oz less at 7.4 oz. I thought I could tell the difference in weight, but I also wondered if it was simply my imagination. I placed both in Elana’s hands and asked which was heavier. She picked the Jabra Revo Wireless headphones each and every time. So yes, the .4 oz does make a difference. It is not huge, but it is there and, as a result, you might find a tiny bit less ear fatigue if you use them for an extended period of time. (By comparison, the Beats Studio are almost 8.5 oz, and the Beats Wireless are 7.4 oz.)

There is difference between the two headphones – the cables. While the cable included with the Jabra Revo Headphones has three different buttons the one included with the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones have just one.

That makes sense since the cable on the wireless version is a backup to the wireless functionality while the cable on the Jabra Revo Headphones is a necessary if the headphones are to be anything more than a paperweight. The difference between the three buttons on the wired headphones and the single button on the wireless version is huge. It means you have much more control over your music on the go. With the inline control you can play or pause music, skip tracks and take calls. In addition, it has a microphone so you can take calls and carry on conversations on the go.

Another difference can be found when you look at the point at which the cable attaches to the headphones. On the Jabra Revo Wireless headphones (top), the audio cable only connects to one earpiece since the other is a microUSB connector for charging the headphones. The Jabra Revo Headphones (bottom) don’t need to be charged. As a result, both ear cups have a 3.5mm port for connecting the cable.

That means you can choose which side you want the cable to come from. It is a small convenience that makes a difference. You can also see that the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones have an on/off switch while the wired headphones do not.

Other than the differences I’ve noted above, the wired and wireless versions of the headphones are not all that different. Like the wireless version the Jabra Revo Headphones come with a code that provide access to the Jabra-Sound app. As noted in the review of the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones, the app is a mixed bag — but that is more Apple’s fault than Jabra’s.

And like the wireless version, the Jabra Revo Wired Headphones come with a carry bag that lets you take the headphones on the go. They fold up into a fairly small package and, thanks to their build-quality, can simply be thrown into your gear bag once in the carry bag. Still, I do wish the headphones came with a hard case that was more protective.

I’m a fan of the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones and, as a result, it only makes sense that I like the Jabra Revo Headphones as well. I prefer the inline control of this pair and I do find that the small difference in weight is actually quite welcome. Are either deal breakers? Not in the least. Bother are, however, worth considering when trying to determine which headphones to buy.

So which headphones SHOULD you buy? If saving $50 is important to you go for these wired headphones. If having the option to connect the cord to either ear cup go for these wired headphones. If a small weight difference matters to you, go for these wired headphones. Otherwise go for the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones since they provide the most flexibility and let you go wired or wireless. Either way you really cannot go wrong.

Get them here in white for $199.99, or purchase them here in gray for $199.99.

MSRP: $199.99

What I Like: Tough; Attractive; Strong cloth cable; Sound very good; Block out a good amount of ambient sound

What Needs Improvement: Soft carrying bag rather than a protective hard case; Cause a bit of ear fatigue after extended periods of use

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

Hey everyone, listen up!  See what I did there?  Anyway, corny jokes aside, these headphones pump some serious tunes.  The $60 RHA SA950i is a set of wired on-ear headphones that also include an in-line remote and microphone on the fabric braided cable.  The Glasgow-based company has found a great balance between price point and sound quality with this set.  The RHA SA950i wired headphones boast professional grade 40mm titanium coated mylar drivers, adjustable headband with padding, along with a detachable cable with in-line remote and microphone.

These headphones deliver excellent sound quality through the 40mm titanium coated mylar speakers.  There is very little distortion even at high volumes with the low-end bass booming.  While listening to Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack,” the vocals are clean and crisp, while the bass line is as thick as it’s meant to be.  The hi-hat comes through clearly and it sounds fantastic.  These headphones are a little heavy on bass, but in this price range, nothing is going to be perfect for audiophiles.  I’ve read that mid-range vocals can get a little muddy with these phones, but I have not experienced this with the RHA SA950i Wired Headphones.

The RHA SA950i Wired Headphones are comfortable to an extent, although it’s tough to expect the highest level of comfort at this price.  The padded headband and ears feel fine against the head and ears, however the on-ear design always tends to lead to ear fatigue when worn for long periods of time which is why I’ve always preferred over-the-ear or in-ear headphones.

The headphones include a great fabric-braided cable with an in-line remote and microphone.  The best thing about this cable is that it’s detachable, meaning that it has a 3.5mm on each end of the cable.  The cable can be removed from the headphones for storage or if the cable gets pulled too hard and, as a result, damaged. The detachable cable means that if something happens to the cable you can just replace the cable rather than the entire set of headphones.  The fabric braiding helps prolong the life of the cable as well as prevent tangling.  The cable only connects to the left side of the headphones, however, which seemed odd to me being right-handed.  The in-line remote and microphone is compatible with iPods, iPhones, iPads, and most Android devices.  The remote works well and you feel a satisfying click to let you know you’ve fully depressed the button.  There are three buttons on the remote; volume up, volume down, and a center button.  This center button appears to pause and play your music as well as accept and hang up on voice calls.  During voice call testing, the remote performed well and my friend on the other end of the line had no problem hearing and understanding me.

The headphones do not come with any sort of carrying case and do not fold up for easy storage.  However, they are light and since they are an on-ear design, the earcups are not too big.  The lack of a protective case means they might not be protected in your luggage but at least they won’t take up too much space!

Overall, I’m a big fan of these headphones and they’ll be sticking around for every day use.  They almost make me wish I commuted to work by train or bus so that I could use them everyday to and from work, switching between music and phone calls.  Although there is some downside to these phones, they can be easily overlooked when taking the price into consideration.  For $60, these headphones deliver premium sound quality that should grab the attention of any budget-conscious music lover.

Judie and Dan, have recently reviewed numerous other headphone offerings.  For example, Judie reviewed the Monster Inspiration Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Dan reviewed the AKG K551 Over-the-Ear Headphones and, just recently we had early reviews of the just-released Jabra Revo Wired Headphones and Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones. It is worth noting that the least expensive among them come in at… $200. Compare that the sub-$60 RHA SA950i Wired Headphones and there is a compelling case to be made for these headphones from Glasgow.

The RHA SA950i wired headphones can be purchased at Amazon for $59.95.

MSRP: $59.95

What I Like: Excellent sound quality, great price, detachable fabric-braided cable, in-line remote compatible with iDevices as well as Android.

What Needs Improvement: The on-ear design can lead to eat fatigue over long listening periods, no carrying case or ability to fold.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

In an ever-more crowded market filled with noise cancelling headphones, it can be a challenge to find the right balance of noise cancellation, comfort and audio quality. I was so impressed with the sound and comfort of the AKG K551 over-the-Ear headphones I reviewed recently (read the review), that I wanted to check out a pair of their noise cancelling offerings. They were kind enough to send a pair of the AKG K391 Noise Cancelling Headphones for review, and my first impressions are excellent.

The AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones have an MSRP of $249.99, but they are widely available for under $200; in fact the AKG site now shows the K391′s price to be $199.95. At that price you would expect a decent unboxing experience, and that is exactly what you get. Here’s a look.

The packaging isn’t fancy, but it does make it clear that you are dealing with a quality product from the minute you slide the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones out of the box.

The main part of the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones is the noise-cancellation package. A sleek silver and black colored rectangle, it features the AKG initials prominently and in a way that looks quite attractive. The earbuds are permanently connected to the main portion of the unit; an in-line microphone and remote is the only other feature that draws any attention.

Best as I can tell, while the silver portion of the main portion of the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones is metal, the remote is silver-colored plastic. That isn’t a knock on the product but a simple observation. What is a knock is the fact that the remote is a single-button deal that will play, pause or skip your tunes, but it doesn’t allow for volume control. Interestingly, the product page lists the AKG K391s as having a three button remote that DOES allow you to control the volume. I’m not sure if this is a website error or something that was planned in early designing of the product, but did not make it into the final product. Either way I missed the volume controls.

The microphone works well enough on the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones. I don’t think I would want to rely on it for all my calls, but it is nice to have the microphone there if a call comes in or if you want to make a voice note.

As noted in the introduction, the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones’ noise cancellation is built into this small rectangular unit that is at the bottom of the cable once it merges the two individual cords making their way to the earbuds. It has a classy look and feels quite solid. It also offers nothing by the way of controls other than an on/off toggle, and there is an indicator light to let you know when the noise cancellation is active. That’s a good thing, since it means you don’t have to think too much when you go to use the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones. Flip the toggle on, and the world all but disappears into a far-more quiet setting. Flip the toggle off, and you are back in the thick of things. It is simple and effective.

The fact that the noise cancelling unit is at the end of this first piece of cable also means you can use the AKG K391 NCs to ONLY block out sound. If you want music, you need to plug one of the included 3.5mm cords into the bottom of the unit. More on that in a moment.

The headphones are well made. That’s something I have come to expect from AKG. The actual earbuds are made of aluminum, and the “closed-back” design means when you are listening to music sound won’t bleed out and disturb those around you.

It also means you’ll get a good seal inside your ear when you use the correct insert for your ear’s size and shape. That physical barrier combines with the active noise cancellation to do a good job of isolating you and creating a peaceful environment. I write “good” rather than “excellent”, because when flying down to Jamaica I used the headphones for a while, and they did a decent job of blocking out the noise. I also used a pair of the Harman Kardon NC over-the-ear headphones (review coming shortly) which, by comparison, did a far better job.

In fairness, the over-the-ear design was at an immediate advantage over these small, light in-ear offerings. Had I not had the Harman Kardon NC headphones with me for direct comparison I suspect I would not be offering this many qualifiers. It is also worth noting that the noise cancellation on the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones is not accompanied by the buzz or pressure that is sometimes associated with noise-zapping headphones; to me that is a huge plus in their favor.

I really love the fact that you can use the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones to simply cut out noise or, using one of the two included 3.5mm to 3.5mm cables, you can connect the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones to your favorite audio source and enjoy music, audio books or podcasts. And when doing the latter activity you’ll enjoy excellent sound — so long as the noise-cancellation is turned on. As is often the case with NC headphones, the quality of the audio is vastly different depending upon whether the noise cancellation is turned on or not. With noise cancellation turned on, the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones sound fantastic. The sound is rich and full. The bass is heavy, but the highs are clear. The experience of listening to music using the headphones is as good as I have heard from small in-ear headphones. When you turn the noise cancellation off however, it is quite a different story.

It’s not so much that the audio coming through the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones is bad when the NC is turned off, but rather the fact that the sound is thin. There is very little bass, a lack of fullness, and the overall experience just isn’t particularly good. Then again, if I want to listen to music without noise cancellation, why would I want to deal with the added weight and bulk of the noise cancellation module? In other words, while you CAN use these without the noise cancellation being active, they are really designed for noise cancellation.

In all, I really like the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones. They are comfortable, easy to use, they do a good job of shutting out the outside world, and they sound excellent when the noise cancellation is turned on. As I mentioned, it is quite a different story when the noise cancellation is turned off. That, combined with the lack of a clip and volume controls on the device itself, keeps me from giving the headphones my unqualified recommendation. Don’t get me wrong, I like the AKG K391 NC Noise Cancelling Headphones a lot, and I will enjoy using them in the future. I just wish there were a few things the company had done differently.

If you like in-ear headphones and are in the market for a pair that offers noise cancellation, then you’ll want to check them out. You can learn more here on the AKG website. You can order here, through our Amazon portal.

MSRP: $199.95

What I Like: Sound excellent when the noise cancellation is turned on; Simple to use; Comfortable; Good noise cancellation without the buzz or pressure some NC headphones have

What Needs Improvement: No in-line volume control; No shirt clip on the NC unit; Sound just okay when the noise cancellation is turned off

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

In the realm of headphones the quip, “It’s better to look good than to feel good” might well be rendered as “It’s better to look good than to sound good.”. In both cases, the statement is obviously nonsense. Just ask anyone with chronic inflammatory arthritis…  it doesn’t matter a bit what you look like if you feel awful. Similarly if headphones looks great but don’t sound good, then they really aren’t worth a thing. That was, honestly, my concern when we were asked to review and then give away a pair of the White Tuxedo Monster DNA headphones that were officially introduced last Sunday at the MTV Movie Awards. Both in shape and color, the White Tuxedo Monster DNA Headphones are designed to draw attention, and there is no doubt the headphones are designed to make a fashion statement. I was concerned that the sound coming from the White Tuxedo Monster DNA Headphones would not live up to the good looks, but I’m happy to report that was not the case; these headphones look good and sound quite good as well. Let’s take a look.

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