Headphones Best Buys

Choosing from among the best Bluetooth headsets.

2009-12-28T22:28:00Z

There are two distinct categories here.

First, there are the Bluetooth headsets which are generally attached to one ear and are primarily used for making and receiving phone calls – although many can be used for listening to music as well.

Second, there are traditional headphones used for gaming and listening to music, but which use Bluetooth technology to avoid the hassle of a wired connection.

This guide will focus primarily on the first group.

Bluetooth headsets have been around for a while now. Your first encounter with them was probably seeing someone apparently talking to himself in a mall, at an airport or lining up for a movie.

With a Bluetooth headset you can keep your phone in your pocket or purse, and still make and receive calls through your headset.

For the people around you, it might just appear odd. For you it can be a major productivity boost, allowing you to make calls and listen to music hands-free.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a Bluetooth headset.

1. Consider sound quality and noise-reduction.

Unless you want to struggle with hearing or being heard while on the phone, it’s important that you choose a headset with good audio quality. This is particularly true if you are going to be making calls in public places, or even outside on a windy day.

As an example, consider the Jawbone Prime. The Jawbone's Voice Activity Sensor (VAS) enables the headset to identify the sound of your voice, while filtering out all the other sounds around you. It’s pretty incredible technology and works really well.

Other headsets, like the Plantronics Discovery 975, have wind-noise resistance that make them particularly helpful with wind noise, and the Motorola HX1 claims to block out ambient sound altogether.

2. Design and comfort.

While you will want a headset that looks good, your first consideration should probably be to make sure it is comfortable. This is particularly true if you plan on wearing it for hours at a time.

There are two main design styles – with over-the-ear loop support and the earbud style.

While Bluetooth headsets which just push into your ear canal are usually lighter and less obtrusive, not everyone is comfortable having a foreign object stuck in their ear for long periods of time.

The alternative is to get a headset with an over-the-ear support. Much more secure, even if a little heavier and bulkier.

Also, when you consider the size of your headset, keep in mind that apart from those headsets which support voice commands, there are some buttons to push. The smaller the headset, the trickier it is to find the right button at the exact moment you need it.

3. Don’t forget the features and functionality.

If you want to use a single headset with more than one device, make sure the one you choose includes multipoint technology. And if you want to listen to music, either get yourself a stereo headset, or a mono headset that that is compatible with A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), like the Jabra Stone.

If you want a headset that responds to speech commands, consider the BlueAnt Q1.

4. Price -- Pay for the quality and features you want.

As with most electronics, you pretty much get what you pay for. You can pick up a Bluetooth headset at your local pharmacy for as little at $30. But if you want quality, and some of the more advanced features available, be prepared to pay up somewhere between $75 and $100.

Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones - the best of the best.

2009-12-07T14:27:00Z

Whether for yourself, or someone you love, these noise-canceling headphones would make the perfect gift this holiday.

They are not cheap, but they are the best of the best.

Bose has been at the forefront of noise-canceling technology from the start. Of course, they also have a lot of imitators.

You can buy noise-canceling headphones from a number of manufacturers now. How does Bose stay in the game? They keep innovating and staying one step ahead of the competition. The QuietComfort 15 headphones are a case in point. They not only leapfrog all the competitors out there, but also Bose’s own range of models.

Put simply, the QuietComfort 15 headphones are the best there are, cutting out ambient noise far more effectively than any of the alternatives.

As with all noise-canceling headphones, they do the best job at blocking noise at the lower end of the spectrum. In other words, they will cut back the noise of an airplane engine or train to almost zero, but won’t do quite as well with the sound of a baby screaming.

The only complaint about these headphones, from a small number of buyers, is the feeling of pressure they create on your eardrum when flying. But don’t worry, as with all Bose headphones, you get a 30-day trial period. If you don’t like them, just send them back.

Here’s what you get in the box:

* QuietComfort 15 headphones

* Detachable audio cable

* AAA battery

* Airline adapter

* Carrying case

Get your QuietComfort 15 headphones from Amazon for just $299.95.

Grado Prestige Series SR325is Headphones - better than your home hi-fi speakers.

2009-11-21T02:57:00Z

These are not inexpensive headphones. So if you are looking for something modest, keep scrolling down the page.

But if you truly love your music, and wish headphones could deliver the kind of clarity you get from your home speaker system, keep reading.

How good are the Grado Prestige Series SR325is Headphones?

Here is what one professional reviewer wrote:

“I've been listening to these headphones for a few weeks now for at least a couple of hours a day, and I can safely tell you that they are, by a distance the best value item of hi-fi equipment I have ever bought, borrowed or built. These headphones are so good that even connected to a humble MP3 player they sound almost as good as my four grand hi-fi set-up. That's something I'm still having trouble coming to terms with.”

Maybe this isn’t the kind of expense you can afford too often. But hey, holiday season is coming and maybe it’s worth treating yourself.

You are unlikely to find the Grado Prestige Series SR325is Headphones in your local electronics store, but you might find them at a specialty hi-fi store.

Or you can buy them at Amazon.com for $295.

Sennheiser 810 Personal Infrared TV Listening System – hugely popular with TV viewers.

2009-10-02T12:40:00Z

The Sennheiser 810 is perfect for watching TV when you want to watch alone, without disturbing others.

It’s also great for when you are not watching alone, but one of you wants or needs a different volume level.

These are not designed for listening to music or game playing. But for watching TV they are perfect, and have received a big thumbs up even from people who are hard of hearing and generally have trouble hearing the sound from their TV sets.

There are two parts to the system. You plug the transmitter into the headphone socket on your TV, and then wear the “stethoset”. They don’t call these headphones. They call them a stethoset because they hang from your ears like the earpieces of a stethoscope.

The transmitter and the stethoset communicate by infrared, so there are no wires to tangle or trip over.

When you are not watching TV, simple set the stethoset into its recharging cradle, so you’ll be ready for next time.

If you want to watch TV without disturbing others around you, or if you need a different volume level, these are a great buy.

They’re not inexpensive, but they do the job they were design to do really, really well,

The Deal: Get your Sennheiser 810 Personal Infrared TV Listening System from Amazon for $343.99.

JVC Marshmallow Headphones – a better pair of headphones for under $20.

2009-09-25T20:39:00Z

You’re not going to get an outstanding pair of headphones for under $20. But you can get a pair that are a whole lot better than the earbuds which came included with your MP3 player or phone.

The JVC Marshmallow Headphones are pretty much exactly as you would expect. The earpieces come in one size, but are one-size-fits-all, because they are made from memory foam (the marshmallowy stuff) and make for a snug fit, whatever the size of your ear canal.

Regardless of the price, the soft earpieces are a good idea. Although more expensive in-ear headphones come with sleeves in several sizes, they are often quite hard, and harsh on the skin inside your ear canal.

As for the sound quality, don’t expect the moon from these headphones. But they are plenty good enough for casual listening with your portable player.

You can see them in red in the photo above, but they also come in four other colors, all of them quite bright.

Bottom line? They are very comfortable and the sound is better than you get with the freebie earbuds that come with players and phones.

But they are under $20, so don’t expect amazing highs and lows in the sound quality.

The Deal: Get your JVC Marshmallow Headphones from Amazon for just 6.70.

Koss KSC22 Sportclip Headphones – super-comfortable sports headphones, and good looking too.

2009-09-06T19:01:00Z

Aesthetically pleasing, the Koss KSC22 wired sport headphones have a terrific price that matches their sleek design, making them a must-have for athletic types who want to listen to music as they exercise.

With a one-of-a-kind Sportclip design that slips easily and snuggly over the ears, the Koss KSC22 headphones are lightweight, comfortable and not prone to slipping off. Best of all, they do deliver the goods in regards to sound quality for their price range.

Another positive aspect of these sport headphones is that they have a noise filter that eradicates street and commute ambiance when wearing them outdoors. They are also compact and fit easily into a purse or carrying case.

The only real complaint is that those expecting the kind of sound you get with more expensive sport headphones will be disappointed. Customers who loved the comfort were willing to waive sound quality for their easy wearability.

Others may find that they are giving up too much, as there is degradation in sound the higher the volume goes. Some consumers even noted static and a mid range tinny sound that could be aggravating.

In regards to Koss KSCC22 sport headphones, the appeal could very well be their comfort, portability, affordability and decent audio quality.

Technical specs:

-Product dimensions: 4 x 8 x 1 inches

-Product weight: 0.12 lbs

-Frequency response: 60-20,000 Hz

-Connector: 3.5 L Plug

-Sound output: Stereo

- Impedance: 16 Ohm

The Deal: Get your Koss KSC22 Sportclip Headphones from Amazon for just $39.95.

Back to school headphones picks.

2009-08-20T21:44:00Z

It’s time to do some serious shopping before the new term starts. Among other things, it’s time to replace those headphones you treated so shabbily over the summer break.

What are you going to get? This can be a tough question, because no single pair is going to suit every situation.

We have come up with a list of three types of headphones that might interest you. Your job is to decide which to buy.

1. Earbud or in-ear headphones for when you’re on the move.

Whether you walking from class to class, relaxing out on the grass or taking some exercise, you’re going to need some portable earphones. You need to be able to stuff them in your pocket, purse or backpack.

And you for sure need something a bit better than those earbuds that came free with your player. The sound is poor and they have a habit of falling out when you’re running.

We have reviewed plenty of earbuds and in-ear headphones, and there are some good ones in every price range.

Find our earbud headphones picks here...

2. Get yourself some good gaming headphones.

If you like to play video games in between long stretches of studying (or the other way around), you should get yourself a good gaming headset. This is particularly true if you are rooming with other people who are trying to study or sleep.

We have reviewed a number of different gaming headphones over the years, some of them wireless and some of them not.

Find our gaming headphones picks here...

3. Block out the noise with noise cancelling headphones.

It can be tough focusing on your work when there is a lot of chatter and other noise around you.

Noise cancelling headphones do a great job of blocking ambient noise and are available as over-the-ear headphones and ear canal headphones.

BTW, you shouldn’t wear noise cancelling ear canal headphones when you are out on the street. They block out too much noise and put you at risk from cyclists and cars. Put simply, you don’t hear what’s happening around you.

Find our noise cancelling headphones picks here...

Monster iFreePlay cordless headphones for the iPod Shuffle 2G.

2009-08-01T12:42:00Z

If you have an iPod Shuffle, now you can plug it directly into these wrap-around headphones. No cords, no hassle.

Granted, this isn’t the most attractive looking device, but it certainly wins points for convenience when you start exercising. No cords to get tangled, and no wireless receiver to stash in your pocket. Both the player and the headphones plug into one another.

You don’t have to sacrifice sound quality either, since Monster iFreePlay cordless headphones offer clear, hiss-free tonality and thumping low bass that isn’t too "muddy."

Not everyone loves these headphones. The unit is rather unattractive and can feel a little heavy after long-term use. However, other people are totally devoted to them. My guess is that the biggest fans of the Monster iFreePlay are those people who use them when jogging, running or working out in the gym.

Product Specs:

- Product weight: 1.6 ounces

- Product dimensions: 2.1x 4.8x 9.3 inches

- Sound output: stereo

- Connection spec: wireless

- iPod compatibility: iPod shuffle

- iPod connector: 1 x IPod docking

The Deal: Get your Monster iFreePlay cordless headphones for the iPod Shuffle from Amazon for just $37.46.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones – high-end for planes, trains and other noisy environments.

2009-07-22T19:42:00Z

Ultra lightweight and compact noise cancelling headphones such as these by Audio-Technica are perfect for the frequent flier, train traveler, or just about anybody that would like to drown out background noise from traffic, engines, nearby conversations, or even household noises.

The noise-cancelling feature on the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Active Noisecancelling headphones is described by most as “superb.”

Even when your iPod’s volume is turned down considerably, you’ll be hard-pressed to hear any background noise at all.

This set is also known to have excellent sound quality, especially when it comes to the high and mid-range tones.

The noise-cancelling feature requires one AAA battery, which lasts about 40 hours. Luckily, the headphones still work when noise cancelling is turned off, which is convenient if you’re stuck with dead batteries mid-flight.

According to most reviewers, the comfort and quality construction of these headphones can’t be beat.

Technical specs include:

- ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint active noise cancelling headphones effectively reduces environmental noise by up to 85% with or without audio.

- Ideal for travel and use with MP3, CD, DVD, and in-flight entertainment systems.

- Provides superior audio quality with 40mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems in each earpiece for deeper bass, extended treble, and higher fidelity.

- Fully integrated active noise-cancelling technology - no external modules needed.

- Includes a detachable cable with 3.5 mm mini-plugs and a full-size adapter.

They also included specialized airline adapter and carrying case make these the perfect headphones for travel. No more tangled cords in your carry-on luggage.

Of course, you can buy less expensive noise-canceling headphones. These are not cheap. But my own experience is that every time I try to save a few bucks I end up with headphones that disappoint. This is particularly true of noise-canceling headphones.

The Deal: Get your Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones at Amazon for just $208.95.

Altec Lansing UHP336 Snugfit In-ear headphones – a great upgrade for better sound quality and a secure, comfortable fit.

2009-07-01T20:09:00Z

Music lovers know that the earbud-style earphones that come with most MP3 players, smart phones, and portable DVD players are not designed for optimal sound. In a nutshell, they’re cheap and they sound cheap.

To enjoy rich, stereo-quality sound from your portable digital devices, you need to upgrade.

Fortunately, the Altec Lansing UHP336 Snugfit In-ear headphones fit the bill in terms of improved sound quality and a comfortable, secure fit.

Most users rate the comfort and sound quality of the Altec Lansing UHP336 Snugfit in-ear earphones as superb.

And the fit of the double-flanged ear tips provides a seal between the unit and your ear canal. This not only prevents the ear tips from falling out even during strenuous activity, but also provides a pathway for exceptional sound. The earphones protrude from one’s ears enough to make them easy to put on and take off, while always achieving a good seal.

Reviewers rave about the incredibly natural sounding bass, highs, instruments, and vocals. Bass response is described as amazingly rich and full, while mid and high frequencies are crisp and clear. Many are happy to achieve true sound isolation, which isn’t typical of your run-of-the-mill in-ear earphones.

Product Specs:

* Snug Fit design delivers passive noise reduction and high fidelity at lower listening levels

* Silicone tips rest comfortably in-ear

* Neoprene Carry Case

* Gold-plated Plug

* Crisp highs and bass you can feel

Overall, these in-ear earphones are a great earbud upgrade at an outstanding value.

The Deal: Get your Altec Lansing UHP336 Snugfit In-ear headphones at Amazon for just $80.37.

ULTRASONE iCans-Okta S-Logic Surround Sound Headphones - excellent audio headphones, both for home and when you are traveling.

2009-06-28T21:10:00Z

Unlike conventional headphones where sound enters your ears from two distinct points, ULTRASONE iCans use S-Logic™ Natural Surround Sound. They distribute sound around the ear to immediately envelope you in a 3D environment.

Directions and distances can be heard and perceived. Low-end bass sounds tight and punchy, high-end trebles are detailed without being too bright and mid-range notes are full and solid.

The iCans are also designed for safer listening, decreasing pressure on the eardrum by around 40 percent. They have MU metal shielding to reduce radiation by up to 98 percent.

The risk of hearing damage is significantly reduced with the ULTRASONE iCans. This makes them ideal for those who use headsets regularly, such as those listening to MP3 players or iPods.

Customers who have purchased the ULTRASONE iCans-Okta surround sound headphones indicate that they are extremely comfortable when worn. Sound accuracy is another benefit of these headsets, with bass, treble, and mid-tones all clear and presented without distortion.

Frequent travelers appreciate the hinged arms that allow them to fold safely for transport, and they come with a stylish metal case to add further protection.

The product features the following technical specs:

- Cord: 115 cm

- Item Weight: 82 g

- S-Logic Natural Surround Sound System

- ULE (Ultra Low Emission) technology using MU metal shielding

- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz

- Impedance: 35 Ohm

- Sound Pressure: 101 dB

The Deal: Get your ULTRASONE iCans-Okta S-Logic Surround Sound headphones from Amazon for just $107.69.

Motorola S805 Bluetooth Stereo Headset - wireless audio headphones, for your MP3 player and phone.

2009-06-25T22:46:00Z

The Motorola S805 is a Bluetooth enabled headset. This means that you can listen to your music and audio files completely wire-free.

It has a built in noise-reducing and wind-resistant microphone, so it can also double as a Bluetooth device to use with your cell phone, allowing you to take calls.

These Bluetooth headphones are ideal for those who have MP3 enabled phones, because they allow the user to both communicate via the phone and also listen to music.

The wireless headphones can also stream music from an iPod or other Bluetooth enabled portable electronic device.

The Motorola S805 is rated well by customers for its battery life. In typical use the headsets handle around 15 hours of use on one battery charge.

The noise canceling headphones have large ear cup earpieces that are quite effective at blocking out ambient sounds, but some feel that this design is a bit too bulky.

For Bluetooth headphones, this model has excellent sound quality with clear bass, but most users do admit that there is some loss in sound quality simply because it is a Bluetooth device.

There is a slight delay in the audio with these headphones, a common problem with Bluetooth headsets, so they are not the best option for viewing videos.

Technical specs:

- Run Time: Up to 20 hours

- Stereo Sound Output Mode

- Stereo Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP

- Bluetooth HF Profiles: HS 1.0, HF 1.2

- Item Weight: 5.5 ounces

- Microphone Operation Mode: Mono

- Speakers: 40 mm diameter Neodymium

The Deal: Buy your Motorola S805 Bluetooth Stereo Headset at Amazon for just $37.24.

iGrado Headphones for your iPod - very high quality audio headphones for the active lifestyle.

2009-06-22T16:45:00Z

The iGrado Headphones were designed specifically for portable music players, like the iPod.

These street style headphones are designed to fall in the lower price range without sacrificing sound quality, making them great for the buyer who is on a budget. The lightweight design works well with portable electronics, because these headphones can slip easily into a backpack or purse.

They have a behind-the-neck headband, rather than a traditional over-the-head design. This feature combined with the tight fit make them good for use in active situations, such as when running or working out at the gym. Also, cyclists can put a bike helmet on while wearing these headphones. (You don’t have to worry about your helmet rubbing on a regular headband.)

While the behind-the-neck design does make the iGrado headphones sleek and modern looking, some customers who purchased them found the fit less than perfect. The iGrado headphones are not adjustable, and some customers struggled to get a comfortable fit.

However, the sound quality is considered excellent, with bass being exceptional. The sound does leak out of these headphones, and some customers commented that the music could be clearly heard by those around them, even when listening to music at a low or moderate volume.

Overall, customers felt that as long as the headphones fit them properly, they offered amazing sound quality for the price, far outdoing most earbuds that come with portable electronic devices.

Technical specs for the iGrado Headphones:

- Product Weight: 3 ounces

- Sound Pressure 1mV: 98

- Length of Cord: 40 inches

- Frequency: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

- Impedance: 32 Ohms

- Stereo sound output mode

- Response Bandwidth: -19980.0 Hz

The Deal: Get your iGrado headphones from Amazon for just $49.00.

Able Planet Clear Harmony Active Noise-Canceling Headphones - great audio, even when the batteries die.

2009-06-18T22:00:00Z

Noise-canceling headphones such as this set by Able Planet are great for tuning out distractions and focusing on your music or in-flight entertainment.

Frequent fliers love noise-canceling headphones because they allow you to immerse yourself in entertainment without background noise such as engine noise and other passengers’ conversations etc.

This particular model by Able Planet is getting some excellent reviews from users. Both the audio and the noise-canceling features are excellent.

These are high-end headphones - great for your ipod or computer when on planes, trains or buses, and good enough to use as your main audio headphones for when you get home.

The headset requires two AAA batteries in order to operate with noise canceling.

The noise-canceling feature can be turned off when you need to preserve battery life, or if your batteries have died. Unlike with many other noise-canceling headphones, you can still listen to your audio, without the batteries. Very nice feature.

Technical specs include:

- Patented LINX AUDIOTM technology provides award winning sound quality

- State-of-the-art active noise cancellation (ANC), to reduce undesirable sounds and background noise

- Hard shell protective carrying case with storage area

- Lightweight adjustable headband provides superior fit

- Full-size ear cups with soft cushions swivel for maximum comfort

- In-line volume control enables easy adjustment to safe listening levels

Finally, that hard-shell case is a great bonus for frequently travelers who have mangled headphones in the past by stuffing them into briefcases and carry-on luggage.

The Deal: Get your Able Planet Clear Harmony Active Noise-Canceling Headphones at Amazon for just $217.29.

H2O Audio Surge Waterproof Headphones - in-ear headphones for anyone getting wet this summer.

2009-06-12T22:03:00Z

If you are going to be in or close to the water this summer, you’ll want some weatherproof headphones.

Most headphones are described as “water resistant”. In other words, they’ll be OK so long as they just get a little sweaty or get a few drops of rain on them.

Being totally waterproof is something different. With the H2O Audio Surge Waterproof Headphones you can go down as deep at 12 feet in a pool or in the ocean.

(Use them for kayaking as well, in case you fall in.)

Of course, if you are going to be swimming or surfing with these headphones, you’ll need to keep your media player waterproof as well. So when you get the H2O Audio Surge Waterproof Headphones, get the H2O Audio Amphibx Waterproof Armband as well, or an equivalent.

Once the summer is over, you’ll be grateful for both the earphones and armband when you are out running or cycling in the rain.

Best of all, you won’t be compromising on sound quality. People who own these H2O Audio in-ear headphones are generally pleased with the audio quality.

Not everyone raves about the sound, but most owners do. Besides which, whether you’re in the pool or out on a surf board, you probably won’t be stressing too much over the finer points of the audio.

It’s just great to listen to your favorite tunes when you’re out on the water.

The Deal: Get the H2O Audio Surge Waterproof Headphones at Amazon for just $79.99.

Audio Technica ATH-EM7GM clip-on headphones - outstanding ipod headphones for an excellent price.

2009-06-02T23:31:00Z

Clip-on headphones are a great choice for anyone who doesn’t much like earbuds or in-ear headphones.

The Audio Technica ATH-EM7GM earpieces simply clip over your ears. They may not be as small as earbuds, but they are still compact and light enough to fit in your pocket.

The clip-on design has soft rubber support loops and ear hangers, so you can wear them comfortably for extended periods. The earpieces can also be adjusted on a vertical axis for a good custom fit.

In other words, these headphones are well made and can be adjusted to fit your ears just right.

(One or two people who wear glasses have mentioned that they have to fiddle a bit to get the clip-ons over their ears without catching on the arms of their glasses.)

They are solidly built too. Not much plastic here. The earpiece housing is made from milled alloy. It’s light, but tough as well.

Perhaps surprisingly, joggers love these headphones. They really are super-light and, once adjusted, stay firmly in place.

Here are the technical specs:

* Driver Diameter - 28 mm

* Magnet - Neodymium

* Frequency Response - 14 – 24,000 Hz

* Maximum Input Power - 100 mW

* Sensitivity - 109 dB/mW at 1 kHz

* Impedance - 32 ohms

* Weight - 30 g

* Cable - 0.5 m cloth sheath (asymmetrical)

* Connector - 1/8" (3.5 mm) gold-plated

* Accessories included - 1.0 m extension cord, pouch

The price seems to be moving up and down a bit, depending on where you buy. But right now the price at Amazon is outstanding.

The Deal: Buy your Audio Technica ATH-EM7GM clip-on headphones from Amazon from as little as $47.00.

Denon AHD1001K On-Ear Headphones - high quality audio headphones for serious music lovers.

2009-05-31T14:14:00Z

Denon may not be a name you come across as often as Sony or Sennheiser, but the company has a long history of invention and quality in the world of audio.

And while the Denon AHD1001K headphones are not the most expensive model they offer, but they do hit the sweet spot when it comes to quality and price.

Here are some of the things users have been saying about the AHD1001K...

* Supremely comfortable, soft in the ear cup, well padded on the headband.

* The sound is extremely clear, the bass is tight and punchy, and the trebles sparkle.

* You'd need to spend double or more to get any significant gain in sound quality.

* I don't think you'll find a better rounded headphone for the price.

The general opinion out there seems to be that these are super-comfortable headphones that deliver very high quality audio.

These are great for use with your hi-fi, computer or iPod. That said, if you want to get the very best from these headphones with your iPod or other mp3 player, you may want to get yourself a small, portable headphones amp.

And now for the technical specs:

* Neodymium magnets

* 40mm Microfiber diaphragms

* Acoustic Optimizer

* High quality OFC cabling

* Input impedance 32 ohms

* Sensitivity 103dB/mW

* Frequency range 8 Hz ~ 37 kHz

* 3.5mm Gold plated aluminum connector with ¼” adapter

* Lightweight frame construction

Finally, although these are described as on-ear headphones - meaning they rest ON the ear and not around it - some users say that they actually fit around their ears. I guess it all depends on the size of your ears.

The Deal: Get the Denon AHD1001K On-Ear Headphones at Amazon for just $149.99.

Do you already own these headphones? If so, please leave a comment and let us know what you think...

Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series Headphones - studio-quality sound, and they last for years.

2009-05-27T23:47:00Z

Isn’t that nice to hear? Imagine, a pair of headphones designed to last for years.

If you dig through enough user reviews, you’ll find people who have owned the Sony MDR-V6 headphones for over ten years, and still love them.

Which kind of makes you wonder whether it’s really worth considering newer headphones at all.

Anyway, here are some of the nice things people have said about their own MDR-V6 headphones.

- Light weight, very comfortable, great sound, folds up, CAW Voice Coil.

- The best sound outside a studio. Frequency response 5-30,000. Terrific sound.

- Best sounding headphones out of the 20+ pairs I've owned.

- I have owned these headphones for over 10 years. They have a clean, balanced sound, comfortable feel, and exceptional price for the quality.

- Strong Bass, Crisp sound, comfortable feel, carrying case included, all metal inputs.... it sounds AWESOME!!!

If you want a great pair of audio headphones for a reasonable price, and you want them to last a long, long time, the Sony MDR-V6 headphones are an unbeatable classic.

The Deal: Buy your Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series Headphones at Amazon for just $71.78.

Do you already own these headphones? If you do, please leave a comment and let us know what you think...

The Klipsch Image S4 in-ear noise-isolating headphones - exceptional sound, very cool and not too expensive.

2009-05-23T13:43:00Z

The Klipsch Image S4 is getting rave reviews from both ends. That is to say, professional reviewers and regular music lovers are giving these headphones from Klipsch a serious thumbs up.

These are the most reasonably priced of the Klipsch headphones, but it seems they include many of the same features you get with their more expensive models.

The Image S4 are less skinny than the more expensive Klipsch in-ear headphone, the Image X5. The S4 casings are larger because they contain dual-magnet micro-speakers.

By giving these micro-speakers larger diaphragms, the S4 headphones deliver more output as well as musical accuracy and bass response.

Here are some technical specs for the Image S4:

* Frequency response 10Hz – 19KHz

* Sensitivity 110db SPL/mW

* Nominal impedance 1-ohm

* Input connections 3.5mm

In addition to the quality of the sound, these headphones are also super-comfortable. This is, in large part, because the ear gels are oval-shaped instead of round.

It seems that the designers at Klipsch have been the first to figure out what the rest of us already know - the entrance to our ear canals are not round at all, they are oval.

It’s the close fit of the ear gels that contributes to the great sound quality, and also provides the sound-isolation.

All in all, these are excellent in-ear headphones and an amazing deal for the price.

The Deal: Get these Klipsch Image S4 in-ear noise-isolating headphones from Amazon for just $79.99.

Do you already own these headphones? If you do, please leave a comment and let us know what you think...

Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket Earbuds - great sound for under $50.

2009-05-21T20:16:00Z

While the Skullcandy brand is immensely popular among their core group of boarding and skating fans, their headphones are not known as being a top choice among audiophiles.

Well, these 11mm Full Metal Jacket Earbuds could change that.

See the wide part of the earbud’s body? That’s the 11mm part. Inside you’ll find the 11 millimetre drivers. Those big drivers deliver an amazing bass and a wonderfully clean sound.

As a result, these earbuds deliver a sound quality and range that is right up there with earbuds that go for twice the price and more.

Here is some of the technical information you might want to know:

* Speaker Diameter: 11mm

* Magnet Type: NdFeB

* Frequency range: 16 -20K Hz

* Impedance: 16 ohms

* Max Input Power: 500mw

* Cable Type: Aluminum Braided

* Cable Length: 1.2m

* Plug Type: 3.5mm Gold Plated

Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket Earbuds also come with a choice of noise-reduction foam sleeves, so you can choose the fit that works best for you.

Now for the Full Metal Jacket part. It’s not just a name. These earbuds are made with a solid alloy casing. That makes a change from the cheap plastic you get with most earbuds and also means you can expect these to last a lot longer than your last pair.

In any event, you'll never have to worry if they do break, because all Skullcandy products come with a limited lifetime warranty.

A great choice for a very good price.

The Deal: Get these Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket Earbuds from Amazon for just $47.44.

Do you already own these headphones? If you do, please leave a comment and let us know what you think...