Plantronics Voyager Pro Bluetooth Headset:The Right Choice To Suit Your Needs?

In case you are searching for a quality hands free headset for your smartphone, then you may possibly like the Plantronics Voyager Pro Bluetooth Headset. Maybe you are in settings where you need to talk while not being able to make use of your hands. Perhaps you devote a lot of time driving, and have to have a hands-free cell phone. It's incredible the number of Bluetooth headsets which are out on the market today. The very best, nevertheless, is definitely the Plantronics Voyager PRO.

It is always nice to buy a product, and have the first impression, or first use to be a fantastic one. Just cracking open the package revealed the instruction manual, therefore there was no need to look around. Reading the instructions was trouble-free as the language was clear and featured excellent illustrations. The headset needed to be powered for at least thirty minutes before it could be used. The headset does indeed look a bit bulky when compared with other headsets because it has a substantial battery inside.

After you get the first charge, it is a great time to pair up your cellular phone. Yet another one of those things that is nice whenever they pair up on the initial try. That is precisely what occurs very often with the Plantronics Voyager PRO. There are several different ear tips, so you ought to find one that fits your ear spot on. You can easily adjust the microphone depending on which ear you insert it. Once you have everything set up, it is advised to charge the headset for an extra 1.5 hours.

Once it's fully charged, you should go for a bit of a 'test drive'. A good place for a test is outside where there is an expected noise level, such as at a flea market. Make several calls to people you normally call to see if there is any difference from before. The sound quality was rated extremely high in many of the techie reviews. Besides sound quality, you will really need to see if it fits adequately in your ear. It would be pointless to own the headset if it is hard to wear. This is especially key if you decide to put on eyeglasses. It's essential to make sure that this bluetooth headset fits you well regardless of the great reviews.

There are number of great reasons why you need to give some thought to the Plantronics Voyager Pro Bluetooth Headset. The headset is surprisingly comfortable with hardly any adjustment required. The sound quality is excellent even in really distracting situations. It features an excellent instruction handbook and a micro Usb port. It likewise features programmed voice prompts and superior quality power controls. You can converse continuously for around six hours, and even go 5 days with no a charge.

It goes without saying if you want a pair of headphones for your personal work outs you'll need some thing which offers a reliable fit. A large number of bluetooth headphones that happen to be meant for use during workouts appear to lack sound quality nevertheless there are numerous available to buy including the Plantronics Voyager Pros, that provides excellent sound quality, coupled with a great stable fit in conjunction with a modest price.

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What are the Best Bluetooth Headphones in 2013?

Why get tangled up in wires when you can enjoy your music wirelessly. Bluetooth headphones are rapidly rising in popularity due to the number of people using their smartphones as music players and the vast improvement in bluetooth headphones technology. Whether it's for listening to headphones while jogging, being able to walk around the home listening to the hifi while spring cleaning or watching movies without having to sit too close to the TV, there are many benefits to bluetooth

what are the best bluetooth headphones

Review Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones – The Frequent Flyer’s Friend

The corkscrew. The sparkplug. The light bulb. All are designed to perform a specific task, which they all do diligently without any need for fanfare. This is much like the Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones. To coin a cliché, they ‘do exactly what it says on the tin’. In this case it’s enabling the wearer to enjoy their music or to sit in silence without being disturbed by the ambient noise around them.

The Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling

Review Bose QuietComfort 15 noise cancelling headphones

Best Bluetooth Headsets in 2013 for Crystal Clear Calls, Superb Sound Reduction and HD Audio Performance

Bluetooth headsets have improved dramatically in recent years. No longer do you have to worry about calls cutting out, the wind stopping people from hearing what you have to say or tinny sound. Today’s best Bluetooth headsets provide the same level of noise reduction, call quality and audio performance you’d expect from a full sized pair of Bluetooth cans.

However, the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is particularly apt when assessing the Bluetooth headset market. There are

Best Bluetooth Headsets in 2013

What are the best noise cancelling headphones in 2013 for frequent flyers, commuters and audiophiles?

We’ve all been on those nightmare flights where you just want to drown out the people around you. Flights when you just want to get lost in your own little world and escape the cacophony of people coughing, chattering and the ear splitting noise of screaming babies. A chunky pair of closed back headphones will do a decent job of blocking out much of the noise. But you will probably have to pump up the volume to a headache inducing level, distorting the music you’re listening to in the

Reviews of the best noise cancelling headphones

Sennheiser HD 598 - If you want great treble, cool styling and deep clear bass, then Sennheiser HD 598 is for you.

The Dr. Dre Beats is clearly a head-turner but more than its good looks and style a huge number of people today feel like they have this sort of “edge” compared to others when using the headphones, especially in public. This means that they are not merely users of a great headphone, but they are persons who can afford to buy a Dr. Bre Beats headphone. Owners of this type of toy always seems to differ from the pack and perhaps that is because owning one speaks a lot about the person’s status symbol, or whatever that’s called. While the Dre Beats headphone has its own unique allure, there is also another headphone that is attracting a big number of followers: the HD 598 from Sennheiser. The Sennheiser, as we all know, is also a force to reckon with. Let’s check out what this baby can do…

Audio quality

Since the comfort level allows us to listen for as long as we want, it would be unfortunate if the sound quality didn’t deliver, yet the 598s fulfill such a high demand. Sennheiser offers a “mid-centric” or vocal-forward presentation coupled with a wide soundstage to put listeners in the middle of the music, starting from the center out. Treble is present, but in line with the bass. Combined with the strong mids, the overall signature is warm and laid back, especially in comparison to Grado models. The 598s are both engaging and relaxing, depending on what the recording calls for.

Durability

As the Sennheiser HD 598s are open-backed, there are certain precautions that you need to take in order to preserve your high-priced cans. Because the electronics are essentially bare to the elements, you should not take the Sennheiser HD 598s outside, nor should you let them come into contact with humid air, as this may over time damage your cans. The good news? Even though cables are often the first things to break on headphones, the Sennheiser HD 598s allow you to re-cable your cans easily should they break or suffer unacceptable internal wear and tear. This is a great feature to have, as we can tell you from horrible, horrible experience.

Great treble

At the opposite end, treble sounds shine benevolently. There's plenty of breathing space in the midrange for vocalists to express themselves, and the HD598s integrate and organise every element confidently. A switch to the considerably more demanding Beethoven – The Symphoniesby Gewandhausorchester Leipzig under Riccardo Chailly rather exposes the Sennheisers as paper tigers, however. These are, at times, explosive recordings, brimming with drama and tension; the HD598s simply don't have the dynamic brawn to deal effectively with them. For all their insight, refinement and easygoing nature, they're short of the deep-breathing attack required to do the music justice.

Eye-catching

The open-backed Sennheiser HD 598 headphones offer a jazzed-up take on the HD 558, which have been part of Sennheiser's over-the-ears range for more than five years. They're more visually striking than their predecessors, but anyone spending around £160 on headphones is probably going to care more about sound quality than a flash wood-texture veneer. Few Sennheiser headphones look as eye-catching as the HD 598s. With a cream and brown colour scheme, they stand out clearly from the hundreds of black and grey cans that the market's stuffed full of - including the new, slightly cheaper HD 558.

Summary

The Sennheiser HD 598s are a decent pair of headphones. They offer good quality realistic sounds inside a nice luxurious package. However these are not ideal for anything other than using in the home. The lack of noise cancellation and the fact that everyone will be able to hear what you are listening to means that these are more suited to people with a preference for using their headphones indoors. As a pair of indoor headphones though, there are very few others on the market to rival the Sennhesier HD 598s, especially at a price of less than $500.

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Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro - Great if you like beats and boom, and a cool set for fans of jazz and R&B.

When you are looking to buy a “kick-ass” piece of headphone, look no further. Beyerdynamic – a brand synonymous with quality and perfection – is constantly inching to the top of the stack and making its presence felt. There are lots of professional headphones being marketed and sold nowadays giving the average consumer a tough time choosing which among them is the best. But, Beyerdynamics is never worried about the growing rivalry as it rolls out the DT770 Pro for its meticulous clients who want only the finest in their audio listening experience.
But, can the Beyerdynamic keep the pace and dominate the competition? Let’s check out the reviews…

The basics

The DT 770 Pro 80s are surprisingly lightweight (about 9 ounces) full sized headphones intended mainly for studio use. But they’ve also found a loyal following among some home listeners. The rated impedance is 80 ohms and they have an “SPL” rating of 96 dB SPL. Those two numbers mean they’re a bit marginal for use with most portable players. There is a better DT770 version for portable use. More on that later. Full size circumaural cans come in two distinct flavors—open and closed. Most of the best sounding headphones are open to varying degrees. This allows the driver to be less affected by whatever is behind it.

Comfort

With each headphone enclosure being mostly plastic, and the band being quite a thin and light substance, the overall weight of these headphones is fairly negligible considering they are very much a full sized circumaural headphone. I do find after a while my neck tends to lightly cramp, though I suppose this depends per person. Ear cups are not valour but are still very soft and comfortable. I find occasionally they can become a bit itchy (especially with facial hair or in hot climates) but in almost every case this isn't noticeable. The headphone cable is on the left earcup and is not removable, which can be frustrating depending on the placement of your amplifier or source.

Appearance

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones are a bit big to wear out in public but, unless you’re willing to splash out some serious cash, big earphones are generally the way to get the best sound. Are the DT770 PRO headphones worth enduring the slings and arrows of public ridicule for though? We find out in this Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO review. Using a closed back design, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones are great at keeping the outside world at bay. Get those ultra-comfortable velour pads clamped around your head and not only will you hardly be able to hear anything but your tunes, people around you won’t be able to hear anything either.

Sound

The low end is perfect despite what some might say about it being too "bassy". I use these to play drums on my Roland TD3 kit as well for watching movies on my laptop and for casual music listening. They are phenomenal. I use these over my on-ear BOSE headphones when portability is not a factor (they are fairly bulky to travel with). One thing I would recommend is getting a headphone amplifier; I have the FiiO E7 and am very happy with it. The reason is that these 80 ohm headphones make for a somewhat lower volume than the casual listener is probably used to.

Summary

The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro may not look very fun on the outside but inside it can certainly provide endless audio pleasure with the right music. It is a headphone for lovers of bass and those that need something for professional studio work. They are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and the snug fit around the ear provides good noise cancellation.

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AKG Q701 Quincy Jones - Classy Celebrity Endorsed Cans

Headphones by Dr. Dre Beats are arguably the brand that has set the tone in top-brass Hollywood figures promoting what many audiophiles these days claim as the finest pair of cans ever made in recent history. In this particular scenario, the AKG Q701 headphones have been endorsed by no less than Quincy Jones himself, the multi-awarded Grammy musical guru. With a man of his caliber and repute, having collaborated with the “who’s who” in the musical and entertainment industry, a product is already a sure winner with the legend’s endorsement. “These are the only headphones I’ve heard that bring out the true sound we were striving for on records like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller” and “Give Me the Night”. It’s the best-quality sound I’ve heard, ever.” Great review coming from a great man. But, can the product really deliver?

Innovation

AKG has a good track record and we've fond memories of models going back decades. With the new Q701, features that stand out in the specification include flat-wire voice coils and two-layer diaphragms. Both of these are relatively common in loudspeakers, but the smaller dimensions of headphone drive units make them harder to implement and AKG must have spent some time over the microscope working these out. Flat wire allows voice coils to be wound more efficiently, with less wasted space, than the usual round wire, while diaphragms using two-layer construction can be quite less resonant and, therefore, more accurate-sounding than most single-layer techniques will allow.

Ergonomics

At 235 grams, the Q701 is quite light for a headphone of this size. The large circular velour earpads are very comfortable, and are easily removed with a quick counter-clockwise twist for replacement when needed. Just remember that the pads are thicker towards the rear so orientation is important during replacement. Unlike most headphones, the headband automatically adjusted with small elastic bands connected between the earcup and headband. I've always been somewhat leery of this arrangement, but found in practice that it works quite well. The elastic bands have been known to wear out over a number of years; hobbyists have discovered they can be replaced with a properly sized elastic band used by women to tie up their pony tails.

Design and Features

We were starting to think that a musician's endorsement was something of a death knell for audio equipment, but the Q701's - the flagship product in AKG's Quicy Jones-sponsored line-up - proves that theory conclusively wrong. Where Jay-Z and Dr Dre's names on the packaging of the Skullcandy Aviators and Monster Beats respectively counts for no more than the assurance that you'll be paying over the odds for what lies within, even if they weren't available for a decent chunk under their £499 recommended price is the Q701s would be worthy of recommendation. At the sub-£360 they can be found for they are, if not a bargain, certainly a safe investment.

Sounds like love

The 701s claim to be premium reference headphones, so we expected some serious audio delights to ripple through our brains. Thankfully, we weren't disappointed. Vanessa Carlton's beautiful Home was reproduced with such excellent clarity that we came over all romantic and proposed marriage to her via email. She hasn't replied yet. Similarly, we were delighted by the details we could pick out in Sigur Ros' Staralfur. Closing our peepers, we almost felt we were listening to the string sections being played live in a concert hall. Even at high volumes, there was minimal distortion.

Summary

Reviewers are universally agreed that the sound quality of the AKG Q701 Quincy Jones headphones is simply superb. They cover a phenomenal frequency range and give you a real sense of ‘space’. As with everything in life, quality comes with a price tag, but if you love to hear music with clarity and depth then these are money well spent. It’s worth bearing in mind that these headphones are open backed, and consequently leak sound and wont mask background noise. So not ideal for the commute to work, but then that’s not what these headphones are for. They’re for becoming immersed in music at home where you can take pleasure in every note and stanza, just as the artist intended.

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Monster Launches £20,000 gold plated headphones!

This week Monster has launched a pair of gold plated headphones costing a staggering £20gs! Wow! Now thats what I call a price tag! Whether you get a similar jump in performance is another matter, but if you're a rich rapper, celebrity or sports star looking for some bling then look no further.

Below I've added some links from Google news feed for more information on these Monster Headphones with a Monster price tag!

Monster's gold-plated £20000 headphones come to Harrods
Digital Spy UK
Costing a cool £20,000, the one-of-a-kind Monster Diamond Tears Sally Sohn Edition headphones are plated in 18 carat gold and feature a spider encrusted with 5.56 carats of black diamonds crawling over the ear cover. Korean artist and jewellery ...
See all stories on this topic »Logitech UE 9000
TrustedReviews
The basic premise behind wireless headphones is great – no wires, no cable noise and no real ties to your music player beyond the range of whatever wireless standard your headphones happen to use. The reality, however, is often quite different.
See all stories on this topic »Duobuds Stack Multiple Headphones Into A Single Socket
Cult of Mac
The db on these headphones stands not for douche-bag but for Duobuds. And now you'll have no excuse not to share your music when somebody asks — unless you're the d-bag, that is. The Duobuds look like any other pair of low-rent earbuds, the kind ...
See all stories on this topic »NYC Initiative Targets Earbud Headphones and Hearing Loss
The New American
There apparently is no limit to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Nanny State. In his latest public health initiative, Bloomberg is targeting earbud headphones. Bloomberg and NYC public health officials are planning a social media campaign to ...
See all stories on this topic »
Bloomberg Launches Social Media Campaign Targeting Earbud Headphones
The Inquisitr
As it stands, the campaign is just a health education program, and despite the mayor's reputation, there's no indication that Michael Bloomberg will go after headphones in the same way he cracked down on large sodas or pursued other public health ...

1 new result for headphones
Monster Diamond Tears Sally Sohn Edition headphones now ...
By Rik Henderson
Since Monster and Beats parted company a while back, the former has been exploring other interesting ways to enhance the headphone experience, including.

2 new results for headphones
Monster unveils new £20,000 headphones - Yahoo! News UK
'Monster unveils new £20000 headphones' on Yahoo! News UK. The company behind the Beats by Dre range has unveiled a pair of headphones which cost ...
uk.news.yahoo.com/monster-unveils-new-£20-000-headphon...
Monster Headphones | Style & Tech
Nokia Purity Monster Headphones have been in the news a lot recently with the release of their exciting products, Swizz Beats becoming co-owner and ...
blog.hellomagazine.com/style-and-tech/.../monster-headphone...

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Which Headphones Are Best For Flights And Commuting To Work?

The demand for noise cancelling headphones has increased rapidly in the last 10 years. Utilizing technology used in military aircraft by airplane and helicopter pilots, noise cancelling headphones can not only lessen exterior noise but can almost eliminate it entirely from what the wearer of the headphones hears, enabling them to hear their music and audio books and watch movies in peace.

HOW DO NOISE REDUCTION HEADPHONES WORK?

Noise cancellation technology uses a little microphone contained in the headphones that picks up surrounding ambient sounds. The microphone then instructs the headphones to add a pitch to mask that of the pitch encircling the headphones wearer. When a sound pitch is precisely the reverse of surroduning noise, or polarized, the two frequencies clash and cancel one another out, hence noise canceling headphones.

SITUATIONS WHEN YOU'D USE NOISE REDUCTION HEADPHONES

If you've ever tried hearing headphones on a plane or on the commute to work, you know how intrusive the exterior sounds can be. When you aren't able to hear your music or the soundtrack in the film you're watching, the normal reaction is to turn up the volume level, which is not healthy for your ears or the sound quality.

But if you dont pump up the volume then you are not able to hear your music as you would at home, and just a have a boring journey to look forward to. With this in mind, there is a large market for sound cancelling headphones which enable you to hear your music at a sensible level of volume.

There are many situations when noise reducing technology is useful. This includes to escape the noise created by other family members at home, on planes to block out jet engine noise and so you dont have to listen to the conversations of fellow commuters. An additional great thing about noise cancelling headphones is that sound cancellation works in two ways. Not only is it a benefit to the owner of the headphones but it also insulates the sound from irritating people sat in proximity, enabling both the surrounding passengers and the headphones wearer to enjoy their journey in tranquility.

FOUR HEADPHONES WITH NOISE CANCELLING ABILITIES

Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones - The frequent flyer's friend, these headphones are deemed the greatest noise reducing headphones about. They are regarded as the best headphones for long distance travellers. Their noise reducing technology allows you to listen to music and watch movies in peace without the noise of people talking or the deep rumbling noise of engines. These headphones are also very good for listening to jazz, classical and music that lives in the mid-range.

Panasonic RP-HC700 Noise Cancelling Headphones - The Panasonic RP-HC700 headphones are extremely comfy to wear for long periods and they also have excellent noise cancellation capabilities. Their cable is also detachable, which allows them to be worn purely for eliminating the surrounding sounds even when you arent listening to music. The style is a tiny retro but still quite smart and the blue LED on light is very refined.

Sennheiser MM550-X Travel Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - These headphones are perfect for regular travellers, featuring Bluetooth technology for pairing with a mobile phone. Additionally you can control the music from the headphones, thanks to controls fitted on one of the earcups. There are different modes of sound to listen to music with, including CD quality sound, aptX and SRS WOW HD for bigger bass and wider sound stage. Being over the ear types, these headphones reduce a lot of sound on their own, but with the Noiseguard turned on you really are in your own private world of music.

AKG K495 Premium Active Noise Cancelling Headphones - Along with Sennheiser, AKG is one of the most respected headphones brands. They can be charged via a USB port which lasts up to thirty-four hours . Unlike other noise reducing headphones, these work without the mode switched on, although at a cost of losing some bass . As you'd expect of headphones made by AKG, the AKG K495 Premium Active Noise Cancelling Headphones have superb sound , with a punchy bass along with smooth highs and detailed midrange.

In addition to these, there are lots of other noise cancelling headphones available, due to the number of people that want to listen to their music on planes or on the commute to work in peace. So check out the best reviews of headphones so you can hear your music and movies on long journeys without being annoyed by the people around you.

Sennheiser HD650 - The Pearl in Sennheiser's Crown

For more than half a century, Sennheiser has stamped its class in the headphone business and has always been busy creating top-of-the-line headphones. The German-made Sennheiser is renowned for its great design and excellent audio engineering that gives its celebrity-endorsed headphone rivals a run for their money. For instance, the HD650 reference range has been making quite a noise in the mainstream headphone landscape, proof of the brand’s strong marketing strategies and effective promotions. Here are some reviews to give you an idea:

Appearance

The Sennheiser HD 650s are intended for home rather than portable listening--they're too big and bulky for on-the-go use. The headphones are also rather power hungry, so puny iPods and MP3 players won't supply enough juice to produce much volume. With that in mind, we conducted all of our auditions on a home-theater system. We first popped on the Master and Commander DVD to explore the limits of the HD 650s' home-theater prowess. The naval battles' cannon fire exchanges never came close to fazing the Sennheisers. Bass was fuller than that of any other headphone we've ever used, and the sound appeared to come from the other side of the room.

Inside and out

The HD650s are understated and elegant with a glossy dark titanium finish. They aren’t flashy or particularly impressive in appearance and don’t give off a “look at my $500 headphones” kind of vibe. I quite like this as I don’t always want my tools to be shiny. They feature felt ear cups in line with the tradition of Sennheiser headphones, which were a little stiff when new. I realized, however, that I was used to my 6 or 7 year-old HD580s which have been ridden hard and put away wet. If these are a little tight on your head at first, keep in mind that they will soften up with wear.

Low distortion

Peering through the open-back of the HD650, there's a fine metal mesh, which is Sennheiser's way of damping the movement of the drivers and reducing resonance. Distortion is also claimed to be particularly low, thanks to improvements in the magnet structure, while high-frequency extension is aided by the use of aluminium voice-coil windings. Pair matching is claimed to be very good at ±1dB, a more plausible figure than some we've seen – bearing in mind that the smallest degree of misalignment on the head (or indeed on a test fixture) can easily contribute a few tenths of a dB of mismatch.

Awesome bass

I won't make any sweeping claims here, but the HD650 is a very good headphone for its current price. The first thing you'll notice is the darker, lush tone. This darker nature is interpreted by some as a veil, but I do not notice one with my current setup. However, if I substitute a less powerful amp (Matrix CUBE) in place of the Matrix m-stage, I do hear a veil of sorts, though it is not obtrusive. The bass on this headphones is awesome. Has great impact and PRAT, especially in comparison to the AKG K702. However, it does lack a little of the bass extension that the K702 has.

Summary

These headphones offer amazing treble and mid range sounds, but where the Sennheiser HD650s really score highly with reviewers is the awesome bass and accurate soundstage that surpasses most headphones in the high end market.

On the downside, being open backed these leak sound like a sieve. So it’s not advisable to take these on the train or bus, unless you want to get looks for all the wrong reasons. But that’s not what they’re for. The Sennheiser HD650 headphones are for enjoying music as though you are there in the studio, to be savoured and submerged in without background noise to disturb you.

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Grado SR325is Prestige - Classy Headphones for True Audiophiles

There are two reasons why many audio experts today look up to the Grado SR325is Prestige: 1) the man who created it was renowned for his genius in headphone design, and 2) that man – Joseph Grado – was elevated to the Audio Hall of Fame in 1982 for his innovation and ingenuity. Since then, his nephew – John Grado – took command of the business and came up with the Statement, Reference and Prestige lineup that kept the brand’s state of the art audio innovation and retro styling.

Can Grado still keep up with the current trend and stiff competition in the market today? Or, did the brand lose its appeal with the retirement of its founder?  Let’s examine some of the features of the Grado SR325is Prestige to know the answers.

Overview

What does the i stand for in the new SR325is from Grado? Improved, that`s what! Yes, Grado has taken one of the world`s most acclaimed headphones and taken it a few steps further. The new SR325is has an upgraded driver design, and they have enlarged and improved the mass distribution in the metal housing. The way the SR325is new driver and metal housing move air and react to sound vibrations are now less affected by transient distortions. With the SR325is you will notice improved control of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum with both better supporting Grado`s world renowned midrange.

Sound quality

The SR325is, and Grados in general, are a strange balancing act of brightness and warmth with a small-ish soundstage which put you ‘on stage’ with the band.  The certainly aren’t closed in sounding as typical of ‘phones with smaller soundstages but they put everything relatively close together and put you in the middle of the action in a small and intimate setting.  Instruments are well separated but not as sharply imaged as some other ‘phones like my Sennheiser HD650s or Beyerdynamic DT770/600 ohm. The treble is very emphasized and relatively clear, making these bright headphones.  It’s well extended and fairly detailed, but not the most accurate in its price bracket.

Excellent Transparency at a Sensible Price

Most audiophiles who’ve been around for a while retain fond memories of at least one Grado product. Over the years, the Brooklyn-based company has carved out a niche in phono cartridges and headphones that marries value with musical excellence. At the same time, that musicality often gets associated with a certain “Grado sound.” That sound sets Grado apart from other companies, and is held in reverence by Grado fans. The SR325is is the top of Grado’s entry-level Prestige line. While that almost sounds contradictory (tall short people?), it helps to remember that Grado’s reputation is built on delivering high performance products at entry-level prices. The Prestige line starts with the $49 iGrado, but really hits its stride with the justly famous SR60i at $79.

Design and Ergonomics

The SR325i headphones leave an odd impression. On one hand, this model has a simple, even primitive, design: a flat head-band, round foam-rubber ear-pads (not even trimmed with fabric). The height adjustment is implemented with simple steel rods that move up and down in the plastic casing. The association provoked by this design is that of a radio operator from the times of World War 2. But on the other hand, the quality of manufacturing cannot be unnoticed: the head-band is trimmed with natural leather (as opposed to the Grado SR80 with its plastic imitation). The casings are milled out of aluminum and anodized to a golden color.

Summary

People who buy Grado headphones know their cans. So, as you’d expect, they are a tough audience to please. No Dr Dre Beats headphones newbies here. The Grado SR325is Prestige headphones earn a lot of praise for the brightness and warmth of the sound stage, which puts you on stage among the band or orchestra.

One reviewer felt the instruments were well separated but not as sharply as imagined on the Sennheiser HD650s, so you might want to check these out before putting any money down.



 

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Which Headphones Are Best for You? It depends...

 There is a bewildering range of headphones available and deciding upon merely one set of headphones can certainly be a daunting decision to make. One of several ways you are able to narrow the list and help make your selection of headphones much easier would be to think of the way you intend to use your headphones. Different types of headphones are more suited for use in different situations, so here there is presented several of the more common situations when you'd use them accompanied by a couple of ideas to help you select the best headphones for you.

 Traveling 

 If you ever travel a whole lot you might require a set of headphones that will help you offset most of the out side racket as well as pump some of your favorite tracks into your ears. While looking for a pair of headphones for travel comfort and ease is usually a key concern in conjunction with noise cancellation features. Some thing just like the PSB M4U two Sound Cancelling Headphone can be perfect. These give a great combination of ease and comfort alongside excellent sound canceling.

 USING WITHIN HOME 

 For headphones that might be being used in your house it's best to largely be checking out full sized headphones along with a full sized phono jacks which will fit your home stereo. Most use at home headphones out there at the moment such as Audio-Technica ATH-M50, have a regular 3.5mm connector combined with an adapter to change them to full-sized for your home music system. Which means they may be utilized with various other gadgets such as MP3s as a result.

 FASHION STATEMENT 

 Every so often you just need some headphones which will match up with your lifestyle along with reveal that you are a stylish individual. In the event that sound quality, levels of comfort not to mention price aren't matters that bother you then the Beats by Dre choice of headphones could be an excellent option for you. Dre Beats headphones are unquestionably leading the prevailing headphone style phenomena and trendy headsets like the Monster Beats by Dre Solo are great for the style knowledgeable personal audio listener. With respect to music reproduction they may not be the perfect headsets in existence, however they are well put together, eye-catching together with innovative. 

EXERCISE 

 Needless to say that when you are looking for some headphones for your training routines you'll need something that supplies a secure and safe fit. Various headphones that happen to be intended for use during workouts appear to be lacking audio quality however , there are several on the market today similar to the Polk Audio UltraFit 2000, which presents extremely good sound quality, along with a decent comfortable fit and also a sensible price. It is easy to become overloaded with all the current options of headphones available today, nevertheless with a bit of invested time it's possible to uncover something that might be appropriately worthy of your individual personal taste. It is probably better not to jump on the hype train which unfortunately often go along with optionsBeats by Dre headphones rather take a little time to check out alternative headphones that could in fact be superior.

AKG K550 Closed-back reference class - Masterful balance between noise-isolating and spacious

AKG is well-respected for creating some of the most sought-after headphones in the market today, with the brand’s high-performance AKG K701s getting the nod of music addicts as well as regular music lovers alike. If the K701s are too heavy for your pocket, then the K550s just might suit you, the premier headphones in the mid-range class. What makes the AKG lineup very competitive is that these headphones offer the most ideal balance between the noise-isolating capability of closed-back headphones coupled with the finest sound of those with an open-design. A good number of headphone critics were awed by the performance of the AKG K550, giving it a perfect 5/5 rating. But, what do other critics think about the gadget? Read on…

Minimizing noise

The AKG K550 is a set of over-the-head headphones that is designed to keep ambient noise out, while delivering realistic sound. These AKG headphones weigh 8.3 oz, and feature a closed back design on the ear-cups, allowing for a truly private listening experience. It includes large cushioned ear-cups and a padded headband for long term listening comfort. The AKG K550 is equipped with 50-mm drivers that help to deliver powerful, clear sound from nearly any audio source. These over-the-head headphones have a frequency response range of 12 Hz to 28 kHz and an impedance of 32 Ohms. The AKG headphones have a sensitivity of 114 dB.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AKG-K550-Closed-Back-Reference-Class-Headphones-BRAND-NEW-BOX-FREE-SHIP-USA-/180995764517

Appearance

There’s no question that one of the AKG 550s most distinctive features are their appearance. The ear pads are the size of dinner plates, sending the message that the wearer takes their music seriously and they want to be able to hear every cymbal and piano cord in distinct clarity. Big and bold, the AKG 550s are exceptionally comfy to wear without being as heavy as they may look. This means you can wear them for hours without needing a neck brace, although there have been comments that the closed design and large earpads can cause your ears to feel hot after a while. So I think the ‘audiophiles earmuffs’ would be a worthy nickname.

http://bestheadphonesreviews.us/review-akg-k550-closed-back-reference-class-headphones-big-bold-and-beefy-but-light-on-the-bass/

Customer Reviews

The K550s have an entirely new headband design. Unlike my K702s and my K271s this one does not self-adjust for different head sizes. You have to adjust it yourself. Fortunately this is very simple and the advantage with this headband is that it is much neater and closer to the head all round, so you look less like a cyberman. Another advantage with the K550 design is that the headphones will fold flat-ish. This is very useful for putting them in a briefcase (which is what I do), along with your laptop or what-have-you. However these are pretty large headphones so even flat they are quite a big object, but much easier to deal with in their flattened state.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AKG-Closed-Back-Reference-Class-Headphones-Black/dp/B005CNR7B0%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJQS3NPFXQ3JWKVNA%26tag%3Daaaslle-21%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB005CNR7B0

Clarity and power

Lightweight, comfortable and stylish: perfect at home and on-the-go Real Image Engineering for accurate definition and impression of width, distance and depth Closed-back design for a fully personal listening experience 50mm drivers for outstanding sound from any deviceLarger drivers, richer soundThe AKG® K550 reference-class headphones' 50-millimeter (2-inch) drivers are the largest of any AKG headphones in their product class. They deliver rich, lifelike sound across a frequency range of 12Hz to 28kHz, with the full dynamics and 3-D spatial imaging of a live performance. Their closed-back design ensures that you'll hear your music exactly as its creators intended you to hear it, with little ambient sound to distract you.
http://ipod12.vv-shopping.com/ap1-shop-for-akg-k550-closed-back-reference-class-headphones-black-save-now/

Masterful balance between noise-isolating and spacious

With the K 550s, AKG® engineers have struck a masterful balance between the noise-isolating qualities of closed-back headphones and the spacious, dimensional sound of an open-back design - creating reference-class headphones ideal for private listening both at home and on the go. 50mm drivers, the largest in the AKG product line, deliver great sound from your hi-fi system or virtually any portable device. The large ear cups and new headband design ensure an amazingly comfortable fit, and the 2D-axis mechanism folds flat to stow or go. Lightweight, comfortable and stylish: perfect at home and on-the-go
http://akg-k550.blogspot.com/2012/12/buy-akg-k550-closed-back-reference.html

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Review Ultrasone Edition 8 - The Royal Crown of Headphones (and about the same price)

If you can afford to pay $1,500 for a pair of headphones then good for you! If not, and you are drooling over those pair of cans being displayed at your favorite audio shop and you call your boss to beg for a cash advance, then good luck. For those who don’t care how expensive a piece of headphone is for as long as they can satisfy their material desires, these are people you want to hang out with! And, for those who call you to borrow money just to buy a one-grand piece of can, these are people you want steer clear of! I wouldn’t mind paying for a one-thousand dollar headphone if I have extra moolah on my pocket. But paying more for what I can afford is another issue.

I can be obsessed with my music anytime, but I always use my head first. Now, is the Ultrasone Edition 8 worth its price? Let’s find out…

Ultrasone Edition 8 review

With a list price of $1,500, the Ultrasone Edition 8s compete with a select group of luxury full-size headphones, most of which are targeted specifically for in-home use. But unlike the 6.3-millimeter phono plugs found on equivalent Grado and Sennheiser models, the Edition 8s sport a 3.5-millimeter plug that works with portable audio players without the need for an adapter. Indeed, the Edition 8s were a perfect match for our iPod. The headphones are equipped with a thin, 4-foot "Y" cable (one that goes to both earcups), and a 13-foot headphone extension cord is also included for home use.

http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/ultrasone-edition-8/4505-7877_7-33632133.html

Ultrasone Edition 8 Review and Discussion

The Ultrasone Editions 8s have incredible sound. It has a strong bass that is tight and controlled and sound across the board is incredibly clear and defined. The mid and treble range is bright and warm with the absence of harshness or tinny noises. However, the midrange and treble lack the same oomph, power and clarity of the bass which the headphones produce. This applies mainly to the midrange, with the treble suffering less. This improves with the addition of amplification (in my case the addition of the Meier Audio Stepdance). With amplification, the bass, midrange and treble all receive more substance and power in the sound.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/538496/ultrasone-edition-8-review-and-discussion

Balance

The Edition 8 sound great. Everything is well balanced, and the stereo effect gets out of your head much better than other headphones. Unlike lesser headphones that need dedicated amplifiers along with their own problems, just plug these in, and you'll immediately be so enthralled with the sound that you won't take them off for a long time. The Edition 8 sound great even at soft levels. Most headphones are deficient in bass, which cause people to have to play them too loud. The Edition 8 have great bass, so even at low levels, you can hear it all.

http://kenrockwell.com/audio/ultrasone/edition-8.htm

Performance

The Ultrasone 8s are closed back headphones. Ordinarily, this means you can listen to your music without it being broadcast to the people around you with the payoff of a loss in transient sound. Not so with these headphones. The Edition 8s are on a par, if not better, than many top open-back headphones, which is incredible for their closed back design.

As you’d expect for the price, the sound does, indeed, dazzle, putting the majority of other high end headphones in the shade. Cymbal crashes will never get boring and the Ultrasone Edition 8s handle kick drums and bass like a concerto grandmaster (do they exist?). Vocal and live recordings, in particular, have never sounded better, with crystal clear imaging and a warm ambience.

http://bestheadphonesreviews.us/review-ultrasone-edition-8-high-end-headphones-sturdy-enough-for-the-commute-to-work-but-at-a-price/

World’s Best Headphone Review: The Ultrasone Edition 8

The Ultrasone Edition 8 has been designed from the ground up to be the world’s best full-size portable headphone, and it does a darn good job of it. Being compact is a good thing for portable headphones, and the Edition 8 is small for a full-sized can.  The quality of construction hasn’t gone by the wayside in the effort to minimize; while the earpieces are small and you have to tuck your ears into them, they’re extremely luxuriant and comfortable. Ethiopian Goatskin leather earpads form a very good seal around your ears while not feeling artificial or sticky.

http://www.headphone.com/rightbetweenyourears/?p=1266

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Denon AH-D7100 Headphones Review - Superb Audio Capability, Cool Styling And … A Rather Heavy Price Tag, This Baby Can Really Deliver

At a thousand bucks-plus per piece, the Denon AH-D7100 is not your ordinary toy. It’s never easy sorting through the highly-stacked array of headphones out there in the market today, and if you’re looking for a great-quality piece look no further but be prepared for the price tag. Much like the Ultrasone Edition 8s, the Grado Statement, and the Sennheiser HD800s - which all offer superb audio performance - the Denon AH-D7100 is packed with the same audio power which should give you a tough time deciding which one to buy. Can the Denon AH-D7100 go head to head with the bigwigs in the top-dollar division? Let’s see…

At first glance

In general, the D7100 is bass-heavy, fun-sounding with a typical V-shaped frequency responsesomewhere in between “fun” and “HiFi”. The V-shape however isn’t too pronounced, the mids are clearly present and do not get drowned out by the bass. Treble is pronounced only in certain areas, particularly at about 8-10 kHz (not having seen the frequency response graph at this point, this is merely an estimate). This peak is not unlike the one found in many Beyerdynamic headphones. Another peculiarity is a severe drop in the lower mids at about 500 Hz. The bass is very strong in general, both mid- and lower bass are clearly pronounced. http://www.head-fi.org/products/denon-ah-d7100-music-maniac/reviews

Sports car like looks

As you’d expect with the eye watering price tag, the build quality of the Denon AH-D7100 Music Maniac Artisan headphones is superb. You get them displayed on a satin bad in a custom designed wooden box, like you’re receiving some sort of reward. In this case, a reward for your ears. As you’d expect, these are among the best headphones out there for build quality, reassuringly solid and with a frosted silver finish. The ear cups are made from a reassuringly luxuriant African mahogany with leather covering the memory foam ear cups and headband. From a distance these look similar to Beats by Dr Dre headphones (reviewed here), a comparison even its makers have acknowledged. But that’s where the comparison ends.

More about the Denon AH-D7100 headphones reviewed

Denon AH-D7000 vs. Denon AH-D7100 Comparative Review

The Denon AH-D7100 marks the evolution of the great Reference Line of headphones developed by a company we know as Denon. The new design has already created a rather speculative and rather controversial series of comments stating that the new design cheapens the original elegance afforded by the previous flagship Reference headphone, the AH-D7000. The newMusic Maniac line represents newer use of materials coupled with a completely new design that is suppose to be better than the older, single pivot design of the previous D-series Reference Line. There is a certain elegance that the old has that the new doesn't exude whatsoever. http://yklee118.blogspot.com/2012/10/denon-ah-d7000-vs-denon-ah-d7100.html

Traces of Beats

Heading up the new contenders, the 1200 Euro Denon AH-D7100 is a mix of the familiar and the new. Design-wise, they're a little similar to the Beats by Dr. Dre Studio, the top-end range from the famous (and infamous) Beats range. These are closed-back headphones that have a core two-part make up. The outer part is the plastic composite that makes up the headband and outer cup. Inside is the high-gloss finish mahogany earcup shell, topped with some seriously chunky leather pads. Although the Dr. Dre comparison was one Denon's headphone guru was not afraid to make, these come across as a whole lot classier than the Beats bunch. http://www.trustedreviews.com/denon-ah-d7100_Headphones_review Cool features The headphones are equipped with powerful 50mm Free Edge Nano Fiber drivers. The hand-carved African Mahogany Wood Ear Cups not only look great, but their rich resonance plays an important role in the headphones' excellent sound. Denon tuned the AH-D7100s to a flat EQ to provide accurate frequency response without coloration. No matter what type of music you're listening to, you'll get ultimate quality and accuracy. Ergonomic features include Denon's patent-pending pentagonally-shaped memory foam ear pads, which provide an ultra-comfortable fit. The ear cups have a ball-and-socket design that provides 360-degree articulation. An adjustable headband lets you further customize the fit. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/882291-REG/Denon_ah_d7100_Music_Maniac_Artisan_Headphones.html Superb audio capability, cool styling and … a rather heavy price tag, this baby can really deliver.

Dr Dre Studio headphones review - Do you desire bass above all else?

The Beats by Dr. Dre Studio HD headphones have given headphones a whole new aura. It has transformed them into a fashion statement over the past few years. Showcasing top-of-the-line driver technology, these audio gadgets are the flagship headphones of the highly-acclaimed Dr. Dre lineup that it now looks like every other pair of headphones you see on the streets bears the ubiquitous “B” on the side. Dr. Dre has an ambitious goal: to change the way its customers relish their music. So, the question is: Does Dr. Dre have what it takes to sustain their momentum and keep their name above the competition? Or, is the Dr. Dre Studio just a pair of overrated cans that is overpriced? You be the judge.

The price tag

It's not always easy to get excited about a pair of headphones at first glance. Generally, the listening experience, which is gathered only after putting a set on and sitting down with some favorite music, is what draws people in. Not so with the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones, a sweet-looking set that will relieve you of $350 (or closer to $300 if you shop around). Though their sound quality is nothing to scoff at, their appeal as eye-candy is undeniable. For audio enthusiasts who are tired of the same old look, the Beats Studio headphones are a must.

http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/beats-by-dre-studio/4505-7877_7-33205806.html

The collaboration

You know the Beats Studio. They're the headphones that kicked off the rest of the Beats by Dre product line, the ones you've seen on every other head on the street for the past couple of years now. The Beats Studio are the fruit of a long collaboration between the well-known cable and accessory maker, Monster, and the most well-known hip-hop producer, Dr. Dre. Advertised as the perfect mix between style, active noise cancellation and sound quality, are these really the ultimate cans for the discerning hip-hop fan?

http://www.digitalversus.com/headphones/beats-by-dr-dre-studio-p3981/test.html

The Sound

So what sold me on these? It comes down to the sound. I've read some of the techno folks negative comments but to my untrained ear the sound is mind blowing -- to me worth every penny. The high def sound is rich and deep. One reviewer wrote "the sound quality is awesome while listening to music, even watching regular TV on the treadmill is an enhanced experience." I agree with these comments and do feel that my overall listening experience has increased because of the rich sound quality. The noise cancellation is a great feature too.

http://carlsimmons35.hubpages.com/hub/Beats-Studio-by-Dr-Dre-Hi-Def-Noise-Canceling-Over-Ear-Headphones-Review

Monster Bass Above All Else

For people with experience using studio headphones and those in the upper range, a lot of people have been disappointed. Many complain of the bass drowning out the rest of the sound, and another common complaint is the noise leakage. Wear Beats by Dr Dre Studio headphones on the train or bus and you might as well play your tunes through a small loud speaker.

So definitely try these before you buy, and compare them with other headphones in the price range which might lack the distinctive ‘b’ but could well deliver a more rounded audio experience. But if you’re desperate for the fashion statement these headphones make, take a look at the Beats by Dr Dre Pro headphones, which offer a step up in the sound for putting down a little extra cash.

http://bestheadphonesreviews.us/beats-by-dr-dre-studio-high-definition-headphones-review-monster-bass-above-all-else/

Review: The Beats and Monster (Noise Canceling Headphones)

The Beats Studio box was a little larger and heavier than I expected. The box sleeve slides off to uncover a nice unfolding box displaying the Beats already folded inside of their own cheap carrying case. Glancing at the other side of the box reveals cables, adapters, batteries and promotional material. There are two adapters provided — one for converting the 3.5mm mini-jack to a 1/4-inch TRS connector as well as a dual-prong airplane audio adapter. Two male-to-male mini-jack cables (a red and black one) are included; both 4.26 feet (1.3m) long. The Beats Studio headphones do not have any audio cables permanently attached and have a female mini-jack port built-in.

http://paulstamatiou.com/review-beats-studio-by-dr-dre-and-monster-noise-canceling-headphones



The Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones deliver the trifecta of comfy, and cool styling, coupled with top-notch sound output. If you can afford them, they are a worthy investment toward a great listening experience.

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