Klipsch Image X10i iPhone-friendly earbud impressions

We let you in on one of Klipsch’s little secrets when we revealed the Image X10i to the world back in December, and now that the company’s highest-end iPhone-friendly earbuds will be shipping en masse within a month, we figured we’d grab a set and let you know if they were indeed worth their weight in gold (or just $349.99, really). The X10 has sat atop the company’s most recent lineup of earbuds for awhile now, and with the raging success of the S4i came a stellar idea: add the same iPod / iPhone remote to the flagship set of ‘buds. The X10i is just that — a set of X10 earbuds with the iPhone remote that we highlighted in our S4i review. Needless to say, the X10i isn’t aimed at the budget-minded listener, but we were most curious to see if these really were worth the $250 leap from the aforementioned S4i. Read on to peek our conclusion.

Continue reading Klipsch Image X10i iPhone-friendly earbud impressions

Klipsch Image X10i iPhone-friendly earbud impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultimate Ears 18 Pro headphones feature six drivers per ear

We’ve always had a soft spot for Ultimate Ears, but things are getting crazy now that it’s flush with all that Logitech money: the headphone makers just introduced the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro custom monitors, which feature six drivers in each earbud. That’s right, six drivers: two each for bass, mids, and treble, along with a four-way crossover and a three-channel design that keeps each low, mid, and high frequencies isolated until they reach your ears. Yeah, we want them — too bad they cost $1,350. We’ll stick with our Super.fi 5 Pros for now then, thanks.

Ultimate Ears 18 Pro headphones feature six drivers per ear originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony’s noise-canceling earphones US-bound in February

You didn’t have to wait until now to pick up Sony’s MDR-NC300D noise-canceling earphones — after all, they’ve been imported from Japan since their June debut. Still, now that the ‘buds are hitting official status US routes in February, it’ll be a heck of a lot easier to make that impulse buy. No price mentioned, but expect at least a few Benjamins to automatically eject from your wallet.

Sony’s noise-canceling earphones US-bound in February originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modder merges Bose headphones with inline Apple remote, shows you how (video)

[Thanks, Freddy]

Continue reading Modder merges Bose headphones with inline Apple remote, shows you how (video)

Modder merges Bose headphones with inline Apple remote, shows you how (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Klipsch introduces iPhone-friendly Image X10i and black / white S4i earbuds

We recently had the opportunity to tour Klipsch’s headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, and while we’re currently working up a walk-through showing off gobs of behind the scenes footage from the design lab and quality assurance facilities, we gathered two particularly juicy tidbits that simply couldn’t wait. The outfit informed us that since the Image S4i earbuds have been such a success, it will soon be adding its three-button iPhone microphone / remote to the top-of-the-line Image X10, and as you may expect, the resulting product will go by the name Image X10i. They’ll officially debut in the same gold and black motif at CES, and they should ship to consumers in early 2010 for $349 (while the original X10 falls to $299). The other discovery was that the hot-selling S4i earbuds (which we tested out a few months ago) will soon be shipping in a fresh color scheme (black and white, as seen above) and with the same metal tin that the S4 currently ships with. This is actually the first third-party headphone set with an integrated Made for iPhone remote / microphone that Cupertino has agreed to sell in white, and we can safely say that this two-tone look will probably have the Apple zealots drooling. Everything else about the $99 set remains the same as the standard S4i (including the cable material, electronics and price), and while we couldn’t confirm, we’d say that chances are high for future color options to sneak out in the S4 / S4i range. Check out the new wares in the gallery below.

Exclusive: Klipsch introduces iPhone-friendly Image X10i and black / white S4i earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ears-on with Sony Ericsson MH907 Motion Activated Headphones

What we have here today isn’t just another pair of ordinary headphones: Sony Ericsson’s MH907s are button-free, minimalistic headphones that activate upon the magical touch of your skin. Well, your ears to be precise. You must bear in mind that the MH907s are exclusive to Fast port-equipped Sony Ericsson phones thus excluding the forthcoming XPERIA X10 — so chances are you’re already not interested. That said, we shall see if Sony Ericsson is really going to change things forever with these gleaming buds featuring SE’s SensMe Control technology, or by just stopping everyone from using their 3.5mm headphone jacks. Read on to find out how these €39 ($57) headphones fared.

Gallery: Ears-on with Sony Ericsson MH907 Motion Activated Headphones

Continue reading Ears-on with Sony Ericsson MH907 Motion Activated Headphones

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Wearables

Ears-on with Sony Ericsson MH907 Motion Activated Headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solid Alliance’s new earbuds are ‘crazy,’ ugly

So, you broke the bank (and several credit cards) picking up that uber-stylish Acronym GT-J14 earbud-friendly jacket only to find that no one even noticed? Or perhaps your Lady GaGa-approved beats couldn’t endure the Paris Is Burning-style bad craziness you put ‘em through? Well, it looks like it’s time to sell a pint of plasma and use the cash for some psychedelic (and highly unfortunate) Crazy Earphones from Solid Alliance. Featuring a banana, a kitty paw print, sushi, or a Frankenstein’s monster-esque bolt affectation, we promise you that a pair of these will get you noticed. But not in the good way. Pre-order now for $22, shipping in December.

[Via Akihabara]

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Solid Alliance’s new earbuds are ‘crazy,’ ugly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultrasone goes ‘airy’ with $329 HFI-2400 headphones

They’re no Edition 8s, but Ultrasone’s newest cans are still aiming to make a believer out of you. The mid-range (by its standards, anyway) HFI-2400 headphones are collapsible, over-the-head cans that promise an “airy tone” from the 40 millimeter drivers. Encased in black and silver, these definitely look the part, and the bundled velvet case and demo CD certainly go a long way towards making you feel like a real epicurean. The pain? Just $329, and they should be up for order as we speak.

Filed under: Portable Audio

Ultrasone goes ‘airy’ with $329 HFI-2400 headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson’s motion activated MH907 headset could change things forever (update: or not)

See that? That’s the device that will forever change the way you to listen to music. At least that was the promise made in the teaser running up to today’s press event. The buttonless MH907 buds are the world’s first “Motion Activated” headphones with Sony Ericsson’s “SensMe Control” tech: bung them into your ears to automatically start listening to music, remove one bud to pause. The buds are activated by body contact and mimick the way we control sound now. What’s cool is that the headphones seem to use your body as an electrical conduit (a Body Area Network) based on this quote from the webinar:

“Requires conductive surface to activate the controls – i.e. your ears, hence it won’t turn things on in your pocket by just squeezing the ear buds”

If so, this is a first consumer application of this technology that we can recall. Available globally this week for any Fast Port equipped phone for just €39. Video fun after the break.

Update: SE has further clarified that the technology is capacitive in nature. In other words, removing an ear bud isn’t breaking the flow of current between buds (and across your noodle) — it’s destroying the dynamic capacitor formed by the touch of human skin. Right, this is technology we’ve seen before in capacitive touchscreens and trackpads.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson’s motion activated MH907 headset could change things forever (update: or not)

Filed under: Portable Audio

Sony Ericsson’s motion activated MH907 headset could change things forever (update: or not) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Griffin’s volume-limiting MyPhones can’t crank to 11… or 8

Griffin Technology’s MyPhones are far from being the first cans on the market with volume limiting tech built-in, but unlike some parent-friendly options, these can never, ever be cranked to levels appropriate for ear bashing. You see, rather than giving adults (you know, those Earthlings that are already hard of hearing) the chance to set the limit too high for their offspring, Griffin has implemented an “always-on sound-control circuit to cap peak volume levels at 85 decibels.” That’s the maximum level recommended by many auditory health organizations, and if you don’t like it, tough noogies. But we mean, just look at those two kiddos above — don’t they just look elated? Kidz Bop 14 at barely-audible levels tends to have that effect, or so we hear.

[Via Macworld]

Filed under: Portable Audio

Griffin’s volume-limiting MyPhones can’t crank to 11… or 8 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds

Even those with everything probably wish their high-end earbuds had a bit more personality, and if you’re reclined in your Victorian-era sofa in a robe befitting one Chuck Bass nodding in agreement, we’d encourage you to have a gander at Sleek Audio’s latest. Essentially, these are the same Kleer-enabled CT6 ‘buds that the affluent among us have grown to love, but with an obvious twist. Thanks to the inclusion of phosphorescent particles within the shell and top plate, the $374.99 CT6 Aura can actually glow in a variety of colors, giving DJs around the globe one more reason to ditch the cans and go small. Currently, the CT6 Aura can be ordered in green, blue, orange, yellow and white, with pricing set at $25 more than the standard CT6. Gnarly, right?

Continue reading Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds

Filed under: Portable Audio

Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: Best headphones for the extreme sports enthusiast?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Ryan, who’s trying to be all humble about his ability to stick a kickflip 1080 while gnawing on a burrito.

“I’m looking for a pair of quality headphones that aren’t seemingly made of glass. The issue is I’m an avid BMXer which causes me to frequently bash on any type of technology that joins me for my daily riding. I’ve been through the higher quality headsets in the Skullcandy line as these are supposed to be built for “abuse,” which is disgustingly laughable. I cant wear earbuds or canal buds, as my large ears seem to have a repelling property upon anything that sits in them. Wired or Bluetooth doesn’t really matter, but I need something that can hold up to taking a few hits every now and again. I’m trying to keep ‘em under $150. Thanks!”

We have all ideas at least a few readers get out of the house every now and then (don’t let us down here, okay?) and jump on the bike / board / etc., so hopefully those who abuse their cans in a similar fashion can explain which ones hold up. And… go!

Filed under: Ask Engadget

Ask Engadget: Best headphones for the extreme sports enthusiast? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Earlier this year, we had the chance to take a listen at Klipsch’s Image S4 in-ear headphones. Even earlier this year, we heard that the same company was looking to push out a set of VoiceOver-compatible ‘buds that were significantly easier to listen to than Apple’s stock alternative. That very device is the Klipsch Image S4i, which is nothing more than an Image S4 with an in-line microphone and 3-button remote. As of now, there still aren’t a smorgasbord of options for those on the hunt for a VoiceOver-friendly set of headphones that actually sound decent, so head on past the break for a mostly predictable take on the little guys shown above (and below, for that matter).

Continue reading Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Headphone shocker! Lady Gaga, Beats by Dr. Dre and Monster Cable join forces

Filed under: Portable Audio

Headphone shocker! Lady Gaga, Beats by Dr. Dre and Monster Cable join forces originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget German at IFA 2009: early morning roundup

Just in case you haven’t heard, we’re letting you in on a little secret here: Engadget German is the official blog of IFA 2009, so we figured we’d give you a small taste of what’s going down in Deutschland in case you’ve yet to make it over. Our well-traveled compatriots have already dug up a few gems at the show, with the most notable being the Dension Wi Drive. Put simply, this system enables users with HDD-based entertainment systems in their vehicles to access files and playlists whilst at home. ‘Course, it seems as if this would be all the more helpful done in reverse, but hey, you’ve got to start somewhere. There’s also a few new headphones from the good folks at Sennheiser, and a new take on the old range booster from Wi-Ex. Have a look through the read links below, and just in case you’re wondering — yes, you can expect English translations directly on their site for the best IFA has to offer going forward.

Read – Dension Wi Drive
Read – New Sennheiser headphones
Read – Wi-Ex zBoost

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Home Entertainment

Engadget German at IFA 2009: early morning roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grado takes on the earbud with the GR8

After years of shunning that most common of headphone styles, the earbud, Grado has at last taken a break from its over-the-ear, vented diaphragm purism (if you don’t count the China-built iGrado) and created an in-ear pair for the kiddies. The GR8 doesn’t really look like anything special, but the couple of reviews that have trickled in sound promising. The headphones are being built in Japan, but have some proprietary Grado magic in there to at least make them interesting — and it certainly should, at $300 a pop.

Read – Grado GR8 unboxing
Read – Grado GR8 product page

Filed under: Portable Audio

Grado takes on the earbud with the GR8 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bose recruits QuietComfort 15 headphones into war on noise

What is it with headphones and extra wordy product names? The Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling (still with us?) cans are out today, accompanied by an official press release loaded with an impressive array of vague improvements. There’s a new “proprietary acoustic design” for passive noise cancellation, “more sophisticated proprietary electronics” for the active stuff and a “new proprietary ear cushion.” Clearly, Bose wants you to know its stuff is uniquely awesome, but of course the one way to know for sure is to go test them out for yourself. Your nearest purveyor of audiophile equipment should have them already, and he should let you have a pair for $299.

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Bose recruits QuietComfort 15 headphones into war on noise originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iHome’s iHMP5 headphones double as lackluster portable speaker system

It’s a dilemma that even your mother has likely faced. You’d like a new set of headphones, but you’d also like to fill your dorm room with sound should a few friends stop by. In a beautiful effort to solve said quandary, iHome has introduced a 2-in-1 stereo speaker / headphone system dubbed the iHMP5. For those unaware, these are the first over-the-ear cans produced by the company, and unlike most other alternatives, these boast an inline pre-amp that flip ‘em “from private to party” mode on a moment’s notice. In other words, these headphones double as a portable speaker system, and they’re available in a trio of colors right now for $59.99. Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?

Continue reading iHome’s iHMP5 headphones double as lackluster portable speaker system

Filed under: Home Entertainment

iHome’s iHMP5 headphones double as lackluster portable speaker system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia’s world-beating BH-905 Bluetooth cans slip into the photo booth

Nokia’s BH-905 made some serious waves when it debuted back in early June, but what else would you expect from a product that calls itself “the best headset ever made?” The Bluetooth-equipped cans, along with its ten microphones, supple ear cups and A2DP / AVCRP support, are expected to launch globally next month for around three hundred bones, and the fine folks over at NokNok have already managed to score a pre-release model. Aside from visibly gushing all over themselves, they also note that the cans are far smaller than the original press shots made them seem, giving cautious travelers reason to breath a sigh of relief. Hit the read link for a luxurious hands-on look.

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

Nokia’s world-beating BH-905 Bluetooth cans slip into the photo booth originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turtle Beach keeps tweens boasting with Ear Force X41 Xbox 360 headset

Just over a year after Turtle Beach gave whining teenyboppers a decent Xbox 360 headset to annoy mature gamers with, the outfit is hitting back with the third-generation. We should caution you that these are far from a major upgrade, but those just now looking to take the plunge into cord-free bragging should find plenty to appreciate. The Ear Force X41 cans claim to handle Dolby 7.1 channel surround sound, but given that there are precisely two ear cups here, we’re somewhat (read: tremendously) skeptical of said claims. At any rate, the RF-based headphones now sport a dedicated Digital Signal Processor along with a feature that will likely entice young brats and frighten those with actual jobs: Chat Boost. As you can imagine, this enables users to automatically jack the volume of the Xbox Live chat as the game gets louder, which — in our experience — is probably not a good thing. Those with the patience of Job can buy in anyway for a nickle under $200.

[Via TG Daily]

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Turtle Beach keeps tweens boasting with Ear Force X41 Xbox 360 headset originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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