What’s inside the box

There are a silver colored headphones and two cables inside the Sennheiser HD 598 Headphones box. A 2.5 millimeter to 3.5 millimeter 1-meter cable attached with a 2.5 millimeter to a quota of an inch plug and a quota of an inch to a 3.5-millimeter adapter. That is all.

Features

Build and design

Many of the classic Sennheiser HD headphones come with a distinctive design. Their headband wrap behind an oval-shaped ear-cups. That is also with the HD 598 headphones.

Each of the ear cups in this HD 598 headphones is branded with a Sennheiser logo below the headphone’s grille. The brand name is also stamped on the inner and outside of the headband. The headphones have an open-back. These means that the headphone’s grille only protects the drivers on its ear cups.

The open-back feature allows you to hear everything happening around you pretty well. Compatibility of the headphone is perfect. The headphones are compatible with almost all mobile phones. The headphones are not portable as they do not have any hinges on the headband and also the ear cups do not rotate. Around the headband, there is padding which gives them comfortable when worn for an extended period. The filling is also fitted to the ear cup. They hold on to the ears making it tight preventing them from slipping off, thus, creating comfort. The cable is thick so that it can last longer.

Connection

Beneath the left ear cup, there is a 2.5-millimeter input where the input plug is plugged into. It stays put once the cable is connected to the source and also the connection is simple. It has a quota of an inch jack for plugging into the audio interface or the audio source. The cable is thick making it easy for the user to have movements. The detachable cable connected to the Sennheiser HD 598 is a three-meter-long cable. Its length allows users’ movement when commuting. All you need to do for you to start listening to your audio is to connect the cable to the headphone and on the source.

Sound Quality

Often open headphones are assumed to suffer from lack of bass. But, the Sennheiser HD 598 does not suffer from it. The low headphone end has a lighter touch making it meet the most incorrigible bass head. When a high bass device powers the Sennheiser HD 598, it can adjust a bass-heavy music.

When the HD 598 is plugged into a full-size headphone amplifier and a DAC, the sound quality improved. Also, the bass extension and presence improved. This feature shows, the Sennheiser HD 598 do not need a headphone amplifier so that it can shine through.

The open-back feature allows ambient noise for an extra natural sound experience. Sennheiser’s innovative E.A.R. technology is integrated into this Sennheiser HD 598 headphones. It positions the transducers inside the headphone’s ear cup to channel audio signal into your ears. The positioning produces a more realistic and spatial listening experience. The transducer provides a unique diaphragm geometry. This reduces intermodulation and harmonic distortion. Also, it delivers high audio output and efficient frequency response.

Sennheiser isn’t always known for their hard-hitting bass. A few would assume they’re uninteresting or soulless. But, the ones searching out a steady, predictable, and balanced performance get what they want out of them. They are designed to provide the identical output stages throughout their whole practical range. Bass heads should make appearance someplace else.

Benefits

1. Broad “open-back” sound
2. Powerful bass
3. Good with Games and Movies
4. Earcup padding for complete comfort

Cons

1. Not loud enough

Conclusion

The general design of the Sennheiser HD 598SR headphones is outstanding. Starting with its color, headband, ear cups, and the durable cover material, they all make it great. In case there is something that a Sennheiser HD 598SR headphones users would love, it is the comfort and sound produced. Sennheiser HD 598SR headphone has no hinges. It means that you cannot fold the headphone and also the ear cups cannot be folded either.The Sennheiser HD h598 is a top pick for value and for classical music.

The post Sennheiser HD 598 Over-Ear Headphones Review appeared first on ✔ The Rate Inc.

Key Features

1. Semi-Open Construction

DT-880-PRO is designed to provide users with all the benefits of both open, transparent headsets and more powerful, closed earphones, thanks to its semi-open construction. The design offers unique spaciousness, which ensures an excellent and wide stereo image. When tracking instruments, you’ll have just enough “air” space, and still have the isolation you need when using open headphones.

2. Neutral Sound with No Tonal Coloration

DT 880 PRO’s sound is slightly more three dimensional compared to that of DT770 PRO, and can be described as neutral, relatively spacious, relaxed, deep but clean, and transparent. You’ll love the headset’s finely graduated tonal depth, which is excellent even at low volumes. It reproduces soundtracks without changing their tonal color, allowing for optimum vocal positioning in mixing. This also helps ensure that every slightest nuance is distinguished.

3. Perfect for Mixing & Mastering in the Studio

Neutral sound, wide stereo image and the extremely high resolution makes Beyerdynamic DT 880 a reliable reference headset for use in the studio. The headphones allow you to identify mixing errors immediately, and this makes it an ideal companion for mixing and mastering. Overall, the pair of Semi-Open Studio Reference Monitor Headphones is a reliable tool for sound enthusiasts and producers in the studio.

4. Exceptional Frequency Response & Stereo Separation

The headphones reproduce an excellent 5Hz- 35Hz sound spectrum with clean & clear detail from the deepest bass to the highest highs. You’ll be impressed by the highs, which are crystal-clear without being unpleasant and impressive even at low levels. The neutral-balanced mids are also analytical and strong, without being predominant. Moreover, the bass is voluminous without being too obtrusive. These qualities of DT-880-PRO will definitely inspire you.

5. Comfortable Fit Single-Sided Cable

DT 880 Pro Professional Studio Headphones features robust spring steel headband that ensures a comfortable & secure fit for the user. Also the adjustable, soft padded ear cups & headband provide added comfort, especially when wearing the headphones for extended periods. Moreover, the single-sided coiled cable, fitted with gold vaporized, 1/8” stereo jack & 1/4” adapter, allows the wearer to put the headsets ON and take it OFF frequently, without the cables getting in the way.

Check Price and Reviews

Specifications

• Design / Operating Principle: Semi-Open
• Fit Style: Circumaural (Around the Ear)
• Driver Size: 45mm
• Net Weight Without Packaging: 295g
• Transmission Type: Wired
• Impedance: 250 ohms
• Frequency Response: 5- 35.000 Hz
• Nominal Sound Pressure Level: 96Db
• Cable Length & Type: 3m/ Coiled Cable
• Plug Size: 1/8” (1/4” Adapter included)

Accessories

• Stereo 6.35mm jack adapter.
• Drawstring bag
• Warranty booklet
• Operating instructions

Pros

• The semi-open design ensures low attenuation of ambient noise.
• All parts are replaceable, thanks to the headphone’s robust, easy serviceable construction.
• The headset comes with a slightly tight, but comfortable fit, and will not move when in use.
• DT-880-PRO is offered at a reasonable price compared to other alternatives.
• The Pro Professional Studio Headphones are supplied in a nylon carrying case that keeps it safe from dust and dirt.
• Highly regarded for use with classical music

Cons

• Not detachable from its cable.

Customer Opinions

The user and expert reviews available on the web shows that a high percentage of customers are happy with DT-880-PRO’s performance. One of the users has shared his thoughts by outlining that the headphones are absolutely incredible. He likes the semi-open design, super tight, but not overpowering bass, as well as the headphone’s clear & balanced spectrum.

Another customer has claimed that she’s never put on anything as comfortable as DT-880-PRO. She also says that it features a specially constructed housing as well as improved system equalization, which makes it perfect for monitoring while she records drums or amplified instruments. Negative reviews have mentioned the non-removable cable, and some customers have complained that they didn’t get the nylon carriage case.

Final Verdict

The New Beyerdynamic DT-880-PRO-250 is perfect for home and professional use. It can be an outstanding choice for anyone looking for headsets designed for extended listening sessions, general purpose stereo listening, and monitoring while recording drums or amplified instruments.

Check Price and Reviews

The post Beyerdynamic DT-880-PRO-250 Semi-Open Studio Reference Monitor Headphones Review appeared first on ✔ The Rate Inc.

The Parrot Zik 3.0 is the successor to the tail-waggingly successful Zik 2. It improves on many of the shortcomings of its predecessor, making it soundly superior to the Zik 2.
The Zik 3.0 is designed very similarly to the Zik 2, with parts of the headband being made out of elegantly curved metal and the rest of the headband and earphones being made of fake leather. It is also available in new colors, including black, ivory, red, emerald green, and brown. The faux leather comes in a few different styles, such as “croc”, which resembles crocodile leather, “overstitched”, which has a diamond motif, and “grain”, which has no particularly visible designs in the fake leather, leaving it plain and smooth. Let’s get the rest of this Parrot Zik 3.0 Review.

The headband of these headphones has been enlarged from the Zik 2’s, making it easier to wear for those of you who have larger heads. This makes it far more comfortable than either the Zik 2 or the original Zik for people who need a little extra headroom.
However, these headphones aren’t quite as comfortable overall as the latest around-ear models of Bose. They’re still very comfortable, something that you can curl up to with your tail against your nose in front of a crackling fire and just relax.

The Parrot Zik 3.0s weigh 9.5 ounces, making them lighter than the original Zik and thus more comfortable. You can wear them for longer without your head or ears feeling sore.

Parrot Zik 3.0 Review: SEVEN HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE

The Zik 3.0 retains the touch controls of the Zik 2. On the right earcup is a touch panel that lets you change the volume, answer calls, change tracks, or pause with simple swipes of your finger. They also have a removeable and replaceable battery that gives you seven hours of battery life when you have both the wireless and active noise cancelling functions enabled. On airplane mode, they give you up to 18 hours of battery life. This is a slight improvement on the battery life of the Zik 2, but it still isn’t all that great. A good way to conserve battery life is to play your music at a moderate volume or turn off noise cancelling. If you’re ever worried about something happening to your battery, you can also buy a second one as a backup.

OPTION TO USE WIRED-USB FOR BEST QUALITY

These headphones also have a wireless charging option, but you have to buy a compatible accessory to use it. It’s pretty useful, however. All you have to do is set the headphones on top of the charger without plugging anything in or fiddling with any cords or switches.
The Zik 3.0 also have a fantastic noise cancelling feature that adapts to the noise level of your environment. We found in this Parrot Zik 3.0 Review that there’s also a “hi-fi quality” wired USB mode that not only gives you better sound quality than Bluetooth streaming, but also lets you use the headphones when they’re out of battery. They also share a bone-conduction sensor with the previous Ziks, which helps them pick up the low frequencies of your voice to improve the quality of calls. These headphones also feature NFC tap-to-pair and a sensor in the right earpiece that detects when you aren’t wearing the headphones and automatically pauses your music.

Do you love the Parrot Zik 3.0s? We think you’ll love our Bose Freestyle review too!

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The [easyazon_link identifier=”B013HKRSL8″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Beats Studio Wireless on-ear headphones[/easyazon_link] and 2013’s Beats Studio are very easy to confuse due to how they’re nearly identical. Two things differentiate them- Beats Studio Wireless’ Bluetooth option and the price. It’s $80 more expensive than the 2013 wired model. Let’s get to the Beats Studio Wireless Review.

Beats headphones are known for their design. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B013HKRSL8″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Beats Studio Wireless on-ear headphones[/easyazon_link] come in six different color options, with the most beautiful being their matte black version. However, the glossy parts attract pawprints. They have a very simple design which is both professional and unremarkable, making them a good choice for people who don’t want flamboyant headphones.

Beats’ headbands were known for having their screws come loose and eventually falling apart because of it, so Beats took care of this problem with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B013HKRSL8″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Beats Studio Wireless on-ear headphones[/easyazon_link] by having only two screws in its headband in a secure location. You can only see them when you fold the headband, where they join the headband to its earpieces.

Beats Studio Wireless Review: IMPROVED BASS WITH AN IMPROVED DSP

The earcups are spongy and foamy and covered in leatherette. It’s very pleasant to feel, like a nap on a soft bed on a sunny day. The left ear-cup has a 3-in-1 button that allows you to answer calls, pause, and skip tracks. Below this button is a volume button. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B013HKRSL8″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Beats Studio Wireless on-ear headphones[/easyazon_link] use Beats’ new software, “Beats Acoustic Engine”, which uses an improved DSP to improve bass.

Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B013HKRSL8″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Beats Studio Wireless on-ear headphones[/easyazon_link] also have two modes of active noise cancellation- one for balanced cancellation while the other completely cuts you off from the world.

BEDISDES THE BASS, THE BALANCE IS GOOD

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B013HKRSL8″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Beats Studio Wireless on-ear headphones[/easyazon_link] have an automatic power button that, oddly, is only automatic when it’s plugged in. In Bluetooth mode, forgetting to shut off the headphones drains your battery. Being a Beats headphone, these headphones have a high emphasis on bass. Besides bass, it is very well balanced. Increasing the volume increases the prominence of treble and high tones. The battery life is 12 hours in wireless mode and 20 hours in wired mode.

Don’t forget to check out our homepage to discover more about headphones! And we recommend reading our Best Headphones for Classical Music post too!

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Here at Headphones Hound we are very excited to have received our review set of the brand new Bose QC35s. And these babies are Bluetooth! So let’s get straight into this [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] review.

How do the QC35s compare with their wired brother the QC25s?

The answer is simple on the whole – they are almost identical as the best noise cancellation headphones in the world apart from that they are wireless. How cool is that? There are some small differences though that we will talk about here. There is a slight difference in the color – gone is the two-tone color of the 25s. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] come in either a slick plain black or silver. Slight changes to the cups are the three button controls on the right cup and the addition of a micro USB slot and an LED.

Wired is still an option

There is still the option to use the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] as wired headphones by using the 2.5mm headphones port which is on the left ear cup. When using them in wired mode you can choose to keep the noise cancelation on or off.

Comfort Factor

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] are very comfortable headphones overall. Weighing in at 10.9 ounces, compared with 6.9 ounces of the QC25s they are a bit heavier due to the wireless Bluetooth technology / battery. But the good news is they really don’t feel too heavy. They stay fitted on your head even with a brisk walk. Remember these are over-the-ear headphones which are usually large and cumbersome, but not these beauties – They are about as compact as I can ever imagine they can get a pair of over-the-ear wireless noise cancelling headphones to be. The designers at Bose have really got it right here with this set. The QC35s do fold up and come with a bag which makes them a little bit easier to carry around. They’re not exactly small when folded up but it does help with commuting around with them.

A closer look at the Controls of the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link]

So the controls are located at the right ear cup. There are a couple of volume buttons and a pause / play button. No skip track button is supplied as they have gone for a more minimalistic approach, so the functionality of the double or triple press on the pause button will skip to your next or previous track. There’s also a power button which you can use to switch the device into pairing mode for your mobile iphone or android device.

Bose have not built a low quality set of phones here. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] feel solid in your hands, with good, strong durable bands including the top, pleather-covered headband. There’s also a pad on the top headband that’s rests on your head for more comfort.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Bluetooth connectivity to mobile devices and PCs was easy to pair with and had a very solid connection during testing. The range of these bad boys is 33 feet (10m) and the Bluetooth technology is Bluetooth version 4.1. When we tested the call quality of the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] and we found it be clear and crackle free, a great improvement on some other wireless headphones in this department.

Battery Life

When in Bluetooth battery mode, expect to get around 20 hours of playtime before you’ll need to recharge. So that covers most long-haul flights and most certainly the average day’s activity. Another cute addition to this set of headphones is the auto-sleep/standby mode. You can actually set this time to suit you. I like to have it set to around 10 minutes of inactivity. Does it take a while to come back to life? No, it’s almost instantaneously back to life at the push of any control button. A full change takes around a couple hours, and if you’re a fan of wired headphones this can be an annoyance. But overall, the battery life of the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] for a noise cancelling over-the-ear headphone is very impressive. Another great set of over-the-ear headphones are the Beats Studio Wireless.

Noise Cancelling Technology

As expected with being the follow-up to the awesome noise cancellation technology of the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] – The cancellation quality of the QC35s does not disappoint. In fact, despite these being wireless Bluetooth headphones, in terms of noise cancellation they are the best in the business! And it’s not just the active noise cancellation technology that keeps the ambient noise away, the physical design of the cups also features noise isolation technology. This is what makes these Bose headphones top of the noise cancellation Best list – Its genius fusion of the 2 technologies to wonderful effect. So basically, the QC25s and QC35s are leading the way in the best noise cancelling headphones today.

Sound Quality

With such great active noise cancellation technology on show here, one would expect the overall sound to take a slight hit. But no, this is what makes these so great. The sound quality is still fantastic. Bose have got it right here again, with great treble, mid-tones and a deep, powerful bass. When compared with, let’s say the top of the range wired audiophile Sennheiser HD 800s, in terms of sound quality – the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01E3SNO3E” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones[/easyazon_link] are not quite as good, simple. And the bass is not as heavy as some Beats phones, but for a wireless set of noise cancelling headphones that cost around $349 dollars – These sound as good as I’ve heard for this kind of headphones.

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The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01F5S4BEC” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]BÖHM Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with ANC (B76)[/easyazon_link] was first released in May 2016 on Amazon after BHM’s B-66. The headphones are now compatible with Bluetooth enabled devices and just like their predecessor; the BHM B76 headphones come with noise cancellation feature. Though slightly on the higher end, they deliver rich and powerful sound with extra bass. B76 boasts an advanced Bluetooth feature of up to 4.0 that allows users to connect their devices ten meters and maintain an impressive sound clarity. Their cushioned ear pads provide extra comfort when listening to music for extended periods. Here are other superb features of BÖHM’s B76:

Design and construction

Whether you are playing video games, engaged in long conversations or just listening to music you need headphones that fit over the ears perfectly. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01F5S4BEC” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]BÖHM Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (B76)[/easyazon_link] feature well-cushioned ear cups that cover the ears completely letting users enjoy up to 16 hours of relaxing audio; however, when the noise-cancellation feature is activated the battery life only lasts 8 hours. The headphones feature a lightweight aluminum housing made of zinc alloy metal while the earcups are wrapped in beautiful protein leather. The ANC function disconnects users from their surrounding completely and eliminates any disruption caused by tangled wires. The distinctive feature of the B76 headphones compared to other models is that its ANC function isolates ambient noise for a more focused listening. It has a built-in volume function that provides hands-free convenience; thus if you are turning on the music, receiving or taking a call or adjusting the volume you just have to click the button. The folding mechanism lets users carry the headphones to the gym, school or other places. B76 come in two attractive colors: tan-silver and tan-brown. The package comes with a premium aux cable that allows users to connect the headphones manually. The microphone and an inline remote create convenience when taking hands-free calls such that users can quickly resume listening to music without disruptions.

Compatibility

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01F5S4BEC” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]BÖHM Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (B76)[/easyazon_link] are designed to allow users to enjoy their favorite music, movies, television programs and all kinds of new video games consoles in the market. As such, users who enjoy playing the Sony PlayStation 4 or Xbox One gaming console the B76 headphones are compatible. It also delivers an epic listening experience whether you are listening to rock, Hip-Hop, Country or Pop music. B76 headphones sync with the iPhone 7, MacBook Pro and the iPad Air 2. Other smartphone gadgets like LG and Samsung also work well with the pair.

performance

Premium stereo drivers require great bass headphones, and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01F5S4BEC” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]BÖHM Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (B76)[/easyazon_link] delivers just that. The two premium drivers produce powerful bass with crisp highs and prominent mids. They measure 40mm and have a remarkable frequency range of 20 Hz to 20khz. The built-in 290mAh lithium-ion (rechargeable) battery charges within three hours providing up to 16 hours of continuous playback or 18 hours of uninterrupted talk time (on a single charge).

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With the improvement in the level of technology and innovation, finding the best over the ear headphones can be a daunting task. You have to conduct your own research, go through user & expert opinions and consider a lot of factors, before you can place your order. If you would like to own high quality, budget friendly over the ear headphones, we recommend the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ENMK1DW” locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-ear Headphones[/easyazon_link]. Let’s take a closer look at everything that these amazing headphones have to offer so that you can make an informed purchase decision.

Key Features

1) Excellent Over the Ear Design

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ENMK1DW” locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-ear Headphones[/easyazon_link] comes with an acoustic open-back, over the ear architecture which provides proper ventilation by eliminating air pressure build-up behind the driver, giving the diaphragm a greater freedom of movement. This helps provide authentic sound by enhancing sound transparency and smoothening extended high frequencies. Generally, the headphones feature quality heavy-duty metal and plastic construction that makes them durable.

Great Head Cushion and Ear Cushion

When you put on the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ENMK1DW” locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-ear Headphones[/easyazon_link], you will immediately feel the comfort offered by the double layered headband cushion as well as the Deluxe breathable ear pads. The pads improve breathability and dissipate pressure & heat, providing longer wearing comfort. Since the headphones are also lightweight, you are likely to forget that you have them on.

Angled Drivers Are Perfectly Aligned With User’s Ear

The ear shells of the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ENMK1DW” locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-ear Headphones[/easyazon_link] are engineered to fit your ear’s natural geometry, providing precise and accurate sound. The audio signals are channeled directly into the ears, resulting in a great and dynamic listening experience. Whether you are looking for your first over-the-ear headphones or you would like to upgrade, Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-ear Headphones are all you need to start enjoying an authentic listening experience in style.

Pros

• The headband and ear pads fit almost every sized head/ears.
• Detents on both sides lock in perfectly and with pretty much equal tension.
• The included cable can be easily replaceable with other compatible brands
• If you are an audiophile, you can be sure that the highs/mids/ low all sound great, and you’ll never experience any unwanted sounds, resonance, etc.
• The headphones are offered at an affordable price yet offer the same audio quality as some of the most expensive brands.

Cons

• The ear pads are not replaceable.

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HiFiMan stirred lots of headphone fanatics when it launched its flagship the HE-400 several years ago. It was an authentic planar magnetic headphone priced a little more than standard closed-back headphones. Though a bit chunky it turned out to be the best-selling model in HiFiMan’s history outperforming name brands like Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins. HiFiMan later designed the HE-560 a more refined industrial version and decided to upgrade the HE-400 which resulted in the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00MULH672″ locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]HiFiMan HE-400i[/easyazon_link]. It delivers a crisp, dynamic sound and features HiFiMAN’s planar magnetic technology not present typical headphone drivers (often work like dome speaker drivers). The new model is lighter by 30% (weighs 370 grams) instead of HE-400’s 440 grams. It also features a new headband redesigned to deliver consistent clamping force (without applying too much pressure) and introduced a new set of ear cups that blend velour and pleather material. The ear pads improve not only the sound quality but also comfort.

Design and construction

The headphones come wrapped in a lovely presentation box making users feel special. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00MULH672″ locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]HiFiMan HE-400i[/easyazon_link] takes to HiFiMAN’s new headband design that suspends it under the main support band to allow uniform distribution of weight. It also allows a wider range of adjustments for different user sizes than the previous model. The new FocusPads adopt a beveled shape with more padding behind the ear to improve performance and comfort. They are soft and breathable which lets users wear the earphones for extended periods. The ear cups are polished using high gloss paint instead of HE-560’s wood. Essentially the polish is in a black color, but some lights show a hint of color. And just like the HE-560, HE-400i fits snugly without clamping lots of pressure. It comes with a five-foot cable that boasts an excellent fabric sheathing which resists tangling and a 3.5mm mini plug for use on portable devices. The space between the base of the ear cup and the screw (allows twisting) makes connecting the cable to the new model a tad easier. Additionally, the port is located towards the front compared to previous models that had the connector positioned at the bottom center which allows the cable to lie naturally on the chest.

Performance

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00MULH672″ locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]HiFiMan HE-400i[/easyazon_link] boasts a sensitivity of 93 dB and impedance of 35Ohms which is 0.5 dB more than HiFiMAN’s HE-400 thus producing subtle nuances of amplification. For example, when listening to Patrick Doyle’s Wedding Night track, HE-400i delivers clarity and a clearer bass compared to HE-560. It captures the double bass, and low-sounding bowed string instruments with a sense of authority and detail. The headphones bring out a clear, vibrant sound on acoustic genres on high volumes. When using the headphones to listen to heavily compressed tracks, they produce detailed drums, vocals, and guitars though the midrange and trebles are relatively mild.

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Today home-theater wireless headphones have become a popular niche compared to their predecessors; Bluetooth headphones. Sennheiser continues to bring quality offerings now introducing the RS 175 Digital Wireless Headphone System. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00SLUI5SA” locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ popups=”n”]Sennheiser’s RS 175 RF Wireless Headphones[/easyazon_link] boast a transmitter that accepts both analogue and digital inputs from the user’s home theatre equipment as well as a dedicated recharging station for the headphones. Thus users can connect two headphones to the RS 175 using an extra set of HDR headphones (not included in the package). The sound signature is trimmed, with crisp highs and lows while letting you add bass. It also features a surround effect for TVs and movies. Simply put the RS 175 is biased to users who love rumbling bass with music and movies; not conformists looking for flat response audio. Below are the most striking features of the RS 175 Digital Wireless Headphone System.

Design and construction

The RS 175 has a closed-back compact design that consists of two components: the headphones and a base (or charging) station. The base station is lightweight and doesn’t exude a high-end construction, but it’s designed to be kept out of view. At the back, there is a digital optical connection and a 3.5 mm analogue mini-jack input that allows users to connect it to a television or other audio component with corresponding outputs. The external side of the right ear cup has volume (Up/Down) functions and controls for fine-tuning the Surround Settings and the Bass mode. It also has a power button and LED indicator on the side of the ear cup. It signals when the headphone is switched on.The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00SLUI5SA” locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ popups=”n”]Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphones[/easyazon_link] run on two rechargeable batteries (AAA). The structure of the RS 175 is designed to recharge the batteries automatically via contacts located beneath the headband while resting on top of the charging dock. Sennheiser estimates a battery life of up to 18 hours, but high volumes reduce the stipulated period significantly.

Digital processing

The RS 175 features two settings: a Surround mode (with high/low/off functions) and Bass (Off and On) setting. The sound feels a little thin and crisp, but when the bass mode is activated, the sound becomes richer and livelier. The Surround setting, however, only simulates the surround effect on stereo audio which you can do without. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00SLUI5SA” locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ popups=”n”]Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphones[/easyazon_link] also boast a flawless digital transmission with a frequency modulation ranging from 2.4-2.8 GHz that transfers the audio feed to the charging base. Sennheiser estimates a transmission range of 330 feet which provides a rock-solid transmission.

Performance

When used on powerful sub-bass tracks, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00SLUI5SA” locale=”US” nw=”n” nf=”y” tag=”sound51-20″ popups=”n”]Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphones[/easyazon_link] bass mode needs occasional tweaks. But on bass-heavy mixes, disable the Bass mode for a more balanced sound. With the bass setting off, the mix sounds more crisp with clearer mids and highs.

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Audio Technica’s ATH-M50x has long been the best sounding headphone with a price tag of $150 only. For a while, the company hadn’t made a killer model to go up against its popular premium over-ear headphones ranging $250-$300 until it introduced the ATH-MSR7GM. The headphones come in different colors, are well-built and deliver high-quality sound. Simply put it’s an upgraded version of the ATH-M50x. The ATH-MSR7GM fits most users comfortably and comes with three detachable cables.

Design and construction

The ATH-MSR7GM shares some familiar resemblance with its predecessor ATH-M50x, but it’s sleeker, comes with plushy padded ear cups and features a gunmetal color. Its headband is narrow but firmer, the cups less vulgar with a shape that takes on Sony’s headphones. The ear cups also rotate along the metallic brackets so as to lay flat and sport adequate memory foam padding covered in leather. However, the MSRT headphones do not fold up like the others, but the cups turn 90 degrees and are adjustable along the metal band. The headphones come with three 1/8 inch (3.5mm) stereo L-shape detachable cables that comprise: a 3.9″ or 1.2m standard cable, another 3.9″ cable with in-line omnidirectional microphone control for switching between media and calls and a 9.8″ standard cable. One of the 1.2m long cables features a one-button remote compatible with Android and iPhone devices. The cables come in a protective case.

Performance

The ATH-MSR7GM use a 45mm True Motion Driver with light voice coils, a tailor-made printed circuit boards, and uniquely designed diaphragms to improve transient response and reduce distortion to deliver a frequency of 5-40,000 Hz. Its sound signature is well sculpted to provide balance, precision, and clarity in make-up vocals. Where the M50x registered a treble, the ATH-MSR7 brings greater cohesion. It is also livelier and has more energy as it projects wider, more over the head stereo imaging. However, its bass is unashamedly understated in different genres, a highly welcome and pleasant surprise in today’s heavy-handed market. What’s more the 45mm drivers are larger and have lots of potency when used to dig up musical pulses out of classic hip-hop tracks. Further scrutiny of the ATH-MSR7GM shows the upper midrange exposes little extra polish that produces synthetic quality to some tracks. The touch of color leans into electronic tunes but leaves out the authentic wood warmth expected from mandolins, acoustic guitars and cello found in acoustic tracks. As such, acoustic tones and textures are more realistic but slightly blurred and softened.

Pros

• Attractive design
• Robust construction
• A balanced and clear sound across the board
• Excellent clarity

Cons

• The upper midrange sound a little synthetic
• The tight clamping may be uncomfortable to some users
• The headbands could use a bit more padding

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