CES treasures continue to trickle in, and I wish I had stumbled across these X2 Hybrid Headphones from ZUMREED while I was at the show because I would have really liked to hear how they sounded. What makes them unique is that they actually double as either a pair of headphones, or a pair of desktop speakers. As you can see in the photo the outside of the earcups feature an exposed speaker cone, so it’s not like the 40mm drivers on the inside have to do double duty which is good. They only output about 0.5 watts which obviously isn’t booming, but for use at your desk when listening to music they’re probably more than adequate.
In speaker mode the headphones run off a built-in rechargeable battery that’s good for about 4 hours of use on a 1 hour charge, which means the X2’s are probably a little heavier than your standard over-the-ear headphones. But apparently the sound isn’t too shabby so it might be worth the tradeoff for the added functionality. The X2 Hybrid Headphones are expected to be available closer to May for around $165.
Back at CES rapper 50 Cent unveiled a new headphone brand that he was part of that carried the rappers name. This is nothing new, the headphone market is flooded with headphones that have the name of various artists and Monster with its Beats by Dre line is one for the most prolific.
I am not a fan of the style of the Monster offerings but the Sleek by 50 Cent headphones are cool with a design that uses a carbon fiber look and black. The things also promise to sound good. Apparently, while at CES promoting the headphones 50 Cent tweeted something about the headphones and urged followers to buy stock in the company.
Enough of the rappers followers actually did buy stock in the company that it set off a wave of comments because 50 Cent didn’t notify the users in the Tweet that he owned a part in the company as well. Considering his name is on the product, I would think most folks understand the rapper is part of the company. Apparently, the ruckus is because the FTC has stated already that when people associated with company advertise for it they have to disclose their ties.
According to Tom Chernaik, CEO of CMP.LY, “This is a classic example of a shrewd entrepreneur using social media to get the word out about something that they believe in; and in this case, have a personal financial stake in. Unfortunately, without knowing it, by virtue of those Tweets, 50 Cent is now in the crosshairs of a great online debate. The use of social media promotion to raise the share price of a fledgling company is certainly a concern, not necessarily from SEC regulations but, rather, under the FTC Guidelines for Testimonials and Endorsements. The guidelines, updated in late 2009 require endorsers to disclose when they have material connections to the brands and products that they promote. In this example, there certainly seems to be a connection that might come as a surprise to the average reader.”
For those who find themselves in certain regions of Japan, Mix-Style headphones are something of a normal occurrence. But they may not be everywhere else. For the United Kingdom, they’re about to get a big boost of the headphones hanks to audio retailer HiFi Headphones. The outlet will be selling a wide assortment of the headphones beginning at the end of the month, and they’ve got styles for everyone.
The Mix-Style headphones are meant to express the same styles that you’d find in Tokyo, and express the same street style as Harajuku. They may not be the best sounding headphones out there, especially compared to some of the high-end models from major companies, but they certainly stand out in their aesthetic appeal, as they blend design and fashion in a unique manner.
Mix-Style headphones, and other styles like them, are certainly popular in Japan, so their appearance in other markets around the world is not surprising. HiFi Headphones will be selling 16 different color schemes of the headphones, and customers will be able to choose from over-the-ear designs, in-ear buds, or clip-on ‘phones. Exact pricing hasn’t been made available for the headphones in the United Kingdom, but in Europe they cost €55 for the over-the-ear design, €39 for the clip-on design, and €38 for the in-ear buds. They’ll go on sale on January 31st.
While we were impressed with the S3 Compact Bluetooth speakerphone, it was the over-the-ear headphones that got all of our attention pretty quickly. We managed to get some time with the headphones, testing them against the noise of the entire showroom floor at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and we walked away both surprised, and pleased.
The Bluetooth stereo headphones feature technology that, when we asked, went nameless that brings some pretty amazing “true to life” audio. The headphones are remarkably lightweight, thanks to the aluminum hardware. The ear-pads are made from leather, which helps with the comfort. The connectors inside the headphones are gold-plated, making sure that you always get high-fidelity sound.
The stereo headphones are designed specifically for Apple’s iPod line-up, as well as the iPhone. They feature a folding design as well, making it easy to carry. The two year replacement warranty is in full swing as well.
Sleek Audio has been known for both their high end over-ear and custom molding earphones, and we have gotten an up close and personal look with their new 50 Cent Platinum Headphones. Although they had no working units for us to demo, the only working set was with 50 Cent himself, we were provided with further details of the product as well as captured a few shots.
The headphones will be both wireless and wired when you need them to be and will feature the company’s Kleer technology. Being a “Wireless Hybrid” the headphones will come with a wireless jack for cordless streaming, but will also feature a wired cable with microphone if you run out of power.
Music controls are done on the headpieces themselves with one controlling volume while the other controls play/pause features. No word was said on when we can expect these to be available but there was hints at the pair being priced around $350-$400.
Take a look with your humble narrator at this lovely little pair of earbuds in the super bright white, orange, red, and black box. They say this set, the AUDEO PFE 022 + Mic Earbuds, have perfect bass, a perfect fit, and “perfect protection for maximum sound quality even at the lowest volumes.” Inside the box there’s a load of little instruction books, the earbuds, and three sets of rubber covers (for the insides of your ears.) Take a listen with us to the smooth sounds of these earbuds, a pair of earbuds that finally, finally fit in my ears and sound great without giving my lobes and drums a ringing out. Preview: for what they are, they rock. See the Unboxing and Hands-On post also!
Sound Quality
Jam them into your ears, and you will hear everything you’d like. For bass, take the song “Black Smoke” by The Prodigy off their EP by the name of Lost Beats. As I write this review I’m in one of the most terrible places for sound quality on the whole, a window seat on a 757 airplane flight (from Orlando to Minneapolis, if you’d like to know,) and I’m still jamming out pretty hard. I can hear the THOOM of the bass, the knocking of the steel drums, the flip-flopping of the DJ’s ripped-up records, and yes, even the tiny beeps in the background.
Next up is the song “Honey” aka “Bonus Track – special ingredient” by Erykah Badu from the album New Amerykah Part One. In this track I’m able to hear a little bit more sharpness than I’d like – this wasn’t as noticeable on the Prodigy track since, well, that music is wacky sharp in the ears no matter what you do because that’s the idea with that type of music. Here where I’m expecting a softer end of each smack, there’s, again, a little more sharpness than I know I hear under ideal conditions. The bass is still superior to most buds I’ve tested.
Finally, an older track by the name of “Dope Hat” by everyone’s favorite 90′s weirdo Marylin Manson from his classic Portrait of an American Family. The buds perform very well with this stereo track, each bud clearly delivering the doinks and cracks and jams and even the back-and-forths (more than one of these made to make you dizzy when you’re listening to headphones)
*A back-and-forth is when the producer has taken an audio element and has moved it back and forth along the two speaker receptors where usually a single sound goes in one or both since moving sounds back and forth like this produces an uncomfortable barf-inducing effect. If you’ve got at least a high-middle quality set of earbuds like these, this effect sounds nice, reminding you that you’d be throwing up if you didn’t have as nice a set as these.
As each of these tracks is played, the fact that these are earbuds and not ear-covering headphones is quite apparent – why? Because, again, these buds are right now being tested in the heck-hole – about 10 feet away from a jet engine. That said, these are the NICEST pair of earbuds I’ve ever had the pleasure of being jammed in my ears. I can hear the jet, but I can ignore it and enjoy the music (or the movie, or whatever else I happen to be grabbing audio from here on this airplane.)
Mic
Works great, sounds clear. placed at exactly the right place along the cord that it’s at the mouth with both buds in the ears. Single button turns on/off reception, minimalistic approach allows you to know it’s there while a layman might not ever notice it. No complaints here.
Comfort and Feel
Feels good, man. This set of buds comes with three sets of rubbery plugs for what I at first thought were people who treated them harshly and needed replacements – nay! They are three different size sets of buds for different sized lobes. Well played, Audeo. Each set doesn’t have a gigantic amount of size difference from the next, but if you’ve got smaller holes in your ears, you shouldn’t have to worry, as all sizes will jam into smaller ears. If you’ve got problems often with earbuds because you’re just a gigantic person to begin with, probably just go ahead and steer clear of earbuds altogether – that’s my advice. These three sizes are for comfort more than they are to accommodate for large ranges in lobes.
I’ve got fickle ears, lobes and drums. Earbuds do not agree with me on a regular basis, and for the first few hundred years after earbuds were first thought up and sold commercially, I swore off of them because they gave me a major headache almost no matter what. Audeo proves here that the new age in comfort for haters like me has arrived. I brought these buds along on a weeklong trip here instead of a larger pair of headphones because I found them to be both comfortable and small enough to fit in my pocket – imagine that!
Wrap-Up
Good buds, man. The package is gorgeous and for the quality they promise, these are the buds to suggest to buds. Comfortable for headache havers, sound good next to a jet engine, and look and act well physically. Bottom line is that these are the buds I bring with me places. They’re no sound-canceling several-hundred-dollar headphones, but they don’t promise to be – great earbuds is what’s going on here.
SteelSeries has unveiled a new set of headphones that are called the SteelSeries Siberia Neckband headset. The headphones are made to work with the iPod, iPhone, and iPad devices and have a 3.5mm headphone plug. They should work with any 3.5mm plug device on the market.
The inline control has a mic and controls for volume and calls. The design of the headphones has a neckband that sits behind the user’s neck for comfort that is covered with a cloth foam pad. The mic is retractable and works for the iPhone when pulled out.
The headphones are going to sell for $79.99. It will ship soon and the retail locations and exact ship date are unannounced at this time.
For any company, winning a major award is something to take pride in. For Yurbuds, winning the 2010 International Award for New Product Design means that they must be doing something right. The company’s Iron Man Series of headphones were designed by by a 23-time marathoner and an Ironman triathlete, and feature what the company calls Ear-Lock Technology.
The headphones are designed to not only never fall out, but also remain comfortable in your ears despite wearing them for hours. Additionally, they are rain proof and sweat proof. The company is happy to say that the headphones are designed to work with individual ears, and designed to match them. The result is that the headphones don’t push against natural stress or pain points, making the headphones painless even after long periods of time.
The full press release is below, and the company is present at ShowStoppers 2011, where we’ll be sure to grab some time with them, so stay tuned.
Press Release
YURBUDS® Wins The 2010 International Award for New Product Design
Design leads to agreement with World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) & nationwide launch in Best Buy.
ST. LOUIS (January 3, 2011) Yurbuds is the only company to create an earphone that is guaranteed not to fall out. Their patented design has just been honored by the 2010 International Awards, which are frequently referred to as “The World’s Most Prestigious Global Awards for New Product Design.” The award committee includes The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design AND The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. “These earphones look different because they were developed to match the human ear without creating pain points. Our patented Ear-lock Technology is so powerful we guarantee it. Yurbuds will not fall out, are comfortable for hours and are sweat and rain proof for working out in all weather conditions. Our products are a natural fit for Best Buy’s Health and Fitness consumer and have proven to be a successful combination. It is our goal to exceed the expectations of our consumers, on every purchase, with an award winning product,” noted Seth Burgett, CEO of Yurbuds and Ironman® triathlete.
The product was developed by a 23-time marathoner and an Ironman triathlete who were driven by their mission to transform the athletes’ experience. Its ability to remain exceptional during rigorous physical activity captured the attention of WTC, which led to a licensing agreement between the companies and the release of the Yurbuds Ironman Series Earphones. “The Yurbuds Ironman Series Earphones are the only earphone worthy of the Ironman name. We are proud to be partnering with the team at Yurbuds on a product that works so well,” said Bill Potts, VP of Marketing & Business Development at World Triathlon Corporation. The Company has attracted the endorsement of athletes including a top 10 triathlete of all time and the 2010 Ironman World Champion Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack. “I fell in love with Yurbuds immediately. There simply isn’t a better product out there! The comfort is amazing and the sound is spectacular. And they simply don’t move, it’s fantastic!”, said Macca.
These award-winning earphones were launched in Best Buy’s new Health and Fitness departments on Labor Day, 2010. By mid-November, the Yurbuds Ironman Series Earphones were featured in almost 600 of the top Best Buy stores. “The Yurbuds Ironman Series Earphones are one of the top selling items in Best Buy’s new Health and Fitness category, and have exceeded our expectations for 2010.” Said Sr. Buyer, Alan Smith of Best Buy. Come see this year’s product lineup at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV.
About World Triathlon Corporation: World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognized for athletic excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC’s portfolio includes the Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, which have a combined total of more than 100 events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Ford, Timex, Foster Grant and PowerBar, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception in 1978.
About Yurbuds: The Company’s mission is to transform the athletes experience through personalized service and exceptional audio products that integrate ergonomics and emotive design. Burgett conceived his award-winning idea while training for a half-Ironman triathlon in 2007. He found that his earphones were uncomfortable and prone to falling out of his ears during training. Using his background in medical devices, he and his team have developed ergonomic products that provide athletes with the ability to be active for hours, focusing on their workout and not their equipment. Yurbuds can be found at Best Buy, Amazon.com, Yurbuds.com and premium retailers nationwide.
Panasonic has unveiled a new set of earphones for the music fan that likes some tunes with exercise. The new headphones use a clip-type connection method to the user’s ears to keep them in place no matter how hard you work out or how much you sweat. The headphones are called the RP-HSC200.
They have clips that go over the ears with a soft elastomer hanger for comfort. The earphones are sweat and water-resistant and the hangers are designed to help eliminate cord noise. The earpieces are offered in small, medium, and large sizes.
The headphones have 12.4mm speakers and a frequency response of 10Hz to 22 kHz. They will ship in March with a MSRP of $59.99. The color of the headphones is black with silver accents.
If 50 Cent reckons he can have the whole CES 2011 celebrity rapper headphone endorsement market to himself, he needs to think again. The Sleek Audio “Sleek by 50 Cent” cans have some competition from Ludacris, who has lent his name to Signeo USA for them to slap on the SOUL by Ludacris headphones.
SOUL won’t just consist of a single pair, either, but five different models: the High Definition Professional SL300 Powered Noise Cancelling headphone, High Definition On-Ear models SL150 and SL100, and the SE99 and SE49 High Definition In-Ear headphones. Each gets noise cancellation technology and “ultra precise audio mix balancing.”
No word on pricing, but the new headphones are expected to arrive early this year.
Press Release:
Signeo USA Officially Unveils SOUL by Ludacris®
Company to Launch Full Suite of High Performance Audio Line with World Renowned Artist Ludacris at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show
January 5, 2011 – Signeo USA, a global leader in pro and consumer audio manufacturing, announces the worldwide launch of a superior new line of personal audio products – SOUL by Ludacris®. In a highly collaborative effort with the Grammy winning and globally renowned artist Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, the SOUL® brand kicks off with an initial 5-model line-up of high definition headphones that offer the elite sound caliber of a professional headphone with a distinct flair for self expression and style. Driven by his famously artistic vision, and supported by an award-winning design team with resume credits spanning from luxury automotive to world-class electronics, the line dons a sleek form factor and presents an array of eye-catching colors and uniquely designed styles.
“It was important to our team to create a collection of audio concepts that not only delivers a powerful and precise listening experience, but also embodies the kind of style people look for in a nice pair of sunglasses or even a sports car”, said Bob Bonefant, Executive Director of Signeo USA. “Ludacris is a perfect partner for us as he is the consummate individualist and has such a talent for infusing a distinct style into everything he does.”
The SOUL by Ludacris line debuts with the High Definition Professional SL300 Powered Noise Cancelling headphone, High Definition On-Ear models SL150 and SL100, and the SE99 and SE49 High Definition In-Ear headphones. The entire line contains professionally voiced sound technology with advanced circuitry and drivers designed by a team of engineers who have developed some of the most notable acoustic breakthroughs in the audio industry. Elements such as world-class noise cancellation technology and ultra precise audio mix balancing deliver deep bass without sacrificing clarity of mids and highs to provide a listening experience fit for a wide audience that reaches the business traveler or casual music lover to the pro musician or audiophile.
Signeo USA Executive Director Len Davi commented,“ Delivering an impactful sound experience is an art form. Music is a passionate expression, and when you hear a great performance it’s a very powerful thing. The SOUL name and concept is founded on the idea that you should be able to experience that feeling with each listen.”
The SOUL by Ludacris® product line will be exclusively distributed by Ingram Micro, Inc. (NYSE: IM) through its Consumer Electronics Division. The new line is scheduled to hit retail shelves nationwide in early 2011.
For More Information, please visit www.SOULbyLudacris.com
About SOUL by Ludacris®
Expression, Passion and Superior Sound are at the core of the SOUL by Ludacris ®experience. Here to prove that style and sound quality can coexist, the SOUL line offers an array of personal audio products that masterfully balance elements such as world-class noise cancellation technology with superior sound quality, allowing you experience the full range of your music. Pair that with an award winning design team and the expressive vision of world renowned artist Ludacris, and you get the first headphone that effectively merges style with professional acoustics.
About Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
Boasting a collection of hits that spans over a decade, Ludacris has sold more than 12 million albums domestically thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Number One Spot” and “Money Maker.” 2010’s acclaimed “Battle of the Sexes” album release brought more chart topping hits, including “How Low” and “My Chick Bad.” With an unrivaled match of lyrical acumen, wit and imagery, Ludacris has solidified himself as one of music’s premier entertainers. Although he’s best known for his infectious tunes, Ludacris has shown that he’s equally adept at writing powerful songs with serious subject matter, including runaways on “Runaway Love.” This versatility and artistic complexity enabled Ludacris to make a seamless transition to acting. His global popularity soared with his work on the Fast & the Furious motion picture series, and his acclaimed performances in films such as Crash and Hustle & Flow plus noteworthy television roles (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) have Hollywood and critics alike buzzing about his increasingly impressive screen resume. The SOUL by Ludacris audio line joins Ludacris’ Conjure Cognac and Disturbing Tha Peace Records as yet another successful venture of the business mogul.
If 