What happens when you pit headphones that cost under $23 against premium headphones costing 7 times more? More specifically, can Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Pro Headphones hold their own against Scosche’s $150 RH1056mds or $200 HR1060s? Are the Monoprice headphones a bargain, or do you get what you pay for? Here’s our first in-depth Monoprice Challenge.
The JBL Synchros S400BT Bluetooth wireless headphones are the latest addition to the Synchros lineup. Packed with Bluetooth, touch controls and JBL’s sound expertise the headphones are an impressive new offering. They are available for pre-order for $299.95 and ship next month. We have a pair in hand. Here’s a first video look.
The JBL Synchros S400BT are one of the upcoming JBL by Harman offerings Judie and I checked out during CES 2014. The newest in the JBL Synchros lineup, the Synchros S400BT headphones pack Bluetooth 3.0 with advanced aptX digital encoding technology in order to “stream the richest wireless audio experience available”. That’s just the beginning.
If you saw the post-game coverage, or read a newspaper this morning, then you most likely saw Marshawn Lynch celebrating his team’s Super Bowl win by dancing in a pair of brightly blinged out Monster 24K headphones. These headphones, first announced at CES 2014, are $279.95 on Monster Headphone’s site. Missed Marshawn’s dance?
Dan likes to tease me that when we’re together working, he never sees me wearing headphones; he says he just doesn’t see me as the type person to wear them. Well Dan, I may use them differently than you do, but I most definitely do wear headphones. These days the Harman Kardon Soho headphones are my favorites; here’s why …
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100s stand out as one of the best pair of headphone I had the opportunity to review last year. I absolutely love the way they look, feel and, most importantly, sound. For those who prefer on-ear headphones, I recommend checking out their smaller siblings — the V-Moda M-80 on-ear headphones; they are bound to impress.
The teasers were compelling. “Mo-Fi is coming” they said. The video look didn’t reveal much more. And the early release? It got us interested without revealing anything new. One thing became clear- Blue Microphone, a company whose products we love, was getting into the headphone business. That could only be good for those of us who love our music.
I’m the first to throw down for a bit of every day luxury, but I was still taken aback by the $14,500 hand-crafted Happy Plugs 18K gold deluxe edition earbuds. Granted, earphones can last much longer than the average mobile phone, but how long and how often would you have to keep using these to justify the price?
SteelSeries, the leading gaming headphone manufacturer, recently introduced a set of headphones that will really turn heads. The SteelSeries Siberia Elite pack some serious specs including Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound and Dolby ProLogic IIx for an even more immersive soundscape. The Siberia Elite cans also feature a retractable noise-cancelling microphone; they retail for $199.99.
There are a number of decent options for listening to music while working out. However, the choice quickly becomes limited if you want wireless sport headphones. Similarly, on-ear headphones are few and far between. Fortunately, Monster’s iSport Freedom on-ear Bluetooth headphones are good enough that you won’t want to go hunting for other options.
Travis recently reviewed the $89.99 RHA MA600i in-ear headphones. He liked them a lot and called them “a good value for the money.” The company has also released the MA750i headphones. These are their top of the line in-ear headphones and the build-quality reflects that position. At $129.95 their price does too. They are available at Apple and Apple.com.
The Jabra Revo Wireless headphones continue to impress me and have a place in my gear bag most days. Now Jabra is rolling out the Jabra Rox Wireless in-ear wireless headphones. They let you “Go wireless and give up the wires without giving up great sound”. With simple NFC pairing, a rugged design and more they look great. Coming soon.
When I look for headphones, sound quality is important, but more and more I choose due to durability and comfort. What use are a great sounding pair of headphones if they fail after a short time on the go? I have been checking out the RHA MA600i headphones to see if quality audio can meet durability at the $89.99 price point.
I didn’t know what to expect from a pair of headphones coming from Griffin. After all, we love their great accessories but never really thought of them as a source for headphones or speakers. Add in the fact that the Griffin WoodTones headphones are under $100 and you can understand my initial skepticism. Thankfully, I was delightfully surprised.
If you are looking for a pair of headphones with active noise cancellation, and you don’t want to be a Bose-wearing lemming, then you’ll want to check out the Velodyne vQuiet Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones. The vQuiet headphones have a unique look; they offer good sound, and they do an excellent job of blocking out noise. Available now for $299.
Monster’s on-ear Monster DNA headphones impressed us. Now the company has expanded the line. The new Monster DNA PRO on-ear headphones have the DNA line’s distinctive triangular-shaped ear cups and include Monster’s next generation Pure Monster Sound. Monster DNA PRO on-ear headphones are available only at Best Buy in “White Tuxedo” and “Matte Black” for $299.95.
Phiaton has been on a roll and expanding their headphone line-up at a rapid pace. We recently reviewed their CHORD MS 530 headphones. Now we’re taking a look at Phiaton’s Fusion MS 430 wired headphones. These retail for under $180 and are on Amazon for under $150. If you are in the market, these are a great on-ear headphone option.
The Phiaton Chord MS 530 Bluetooth headphones combine premium materials, Bluetooth 4.0 and Active Noise Cancellation in a single pair of high-end, stylish headphones you’ll want to wear for hours at a time. Comfortable and great-sounding, the Chord MS 530 headphones are also well-made and great-looking. At an MSRP of $349 they should impress. And, in a word, they do!
We recently brought word that Phiaton was releasing two new pair of headphones. Phiaton’s $349 Chord MS 530 Headphones cut the cords thank to Bluetooth AND have active noise cancellation. The $180 Fusion MS430 headphones use carbon fiber to keep weight down without comprising on build-quality. Reviews are on the way. For now, check out these two first look videos.
I have a pair of Sennheiser on-ear noise-cancelling headphones I purchased years ago. They are well-loved, and most recently went to France with my mother-in-law. The headphones still look and sound fantastic. That’s why the Sennheiser MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones intrigued me. These $229.95 headphones come in great colors, offer exceptional comfort and, best of all, sound great. Check them out. The MOMENTUM on-ear headphones impressed me the minute I pulled them from the box. They are light but surprisingly solid, the color is rich but not overly punchy, and the metal frame, ear cups, and rivets connecting the metal frame…
Zagg offers excellent guarantees on their products, but do they actually live up to it? Yes! The cable on my awesome ZR-SIX headphones recently split at one of the junction points. I got on the company website, arranged a replacement, and had one on the way in minutes. I sent back the originals and … That’s great customer service!