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You are here: Home / Archives for Bluetooth Headphones

Philips PH802 Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

03/30/2020 By Hakan Can

Philips PH805 Wordmark

With CES2020 in the rearview window, headphones that we saw, heard, or read about are now becoming available. One of these models is the Philips TAPH802 Hi-Res Audio wireless over-ear headphones. Priced under $150, the Philips PH802 headphones boast passive noise isolation, Bluetooth 4.2, Hi-Res Audio when wired, and closed-back 40 mm diameter speakers. These over-ear headphones are designed to deliver detailed audio reproduction. Want to know if they hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Philips PH802 headphones review.

Philips PH805 Unfolded

Pros:
• Superb sound
• Very comfortable fit
• Rapid/Quick charge capable
• Battery life of up to 30 hours

Cons:
• No storage bag included
• No USB-C charging port
• Lacks wear detection
• Only one color available

Read:   Moshi Vacanza Weekend Travel Bag Review

Philips PH802 Headphones Review

What You Need To Know for Operation of the PH802

  1. To power on or off in wireless mode, press and hold the power button for three seconds. You’ll hear “Power On” or “Power Off” depending on the operation.
  2. To pair the headset to your mobile device, press and hold the power switch fully until you hear “Connected.” Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the headphones.
  3. To play and pause audio, press the button once for either action. Taking or ending a phone call is handled in the same manner.
  4. To forward or reverse a music track, press down or up, respectively, while holding for one second to complete the action.
  5. To increase or decrease the volume, push up or down the slider button, respectively.
  6. Playtime lasts for a whopping 30 hours. Charging the headphones takes approximately 1.5 hours. You’ll notice a red blinking light while charging.
  7. Note: these functions only work in wireless mode.

You’ve got to appreciate a pair of headphones where one switch controls every function. It couldn’t be any simpler.

Philips PH805 Folded Compact

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

PH802 Design and Features

Although the Philips PH802 headphones come in an all-plastic, black color scheme, the design of the headset is a fascinating one with its use of curvature and non-uniform padding.

If you haven’t already noticed, the padding on the headband and ear cuffs is not the same thickness throughout; in other words, it’s uneven, and this is a good thing. If you examine it closely, you’ll notice the headband is thickest up top, and the ear cuffs have a bit of an s-curve shape with more padding in the lower half. This allows for a softer fit up top and better-enclosed fit on the sides.

In fact, the PH802 may be the only headphones in my arsenal where the ear cuffs fully encompass my ears. I went back and looked through my collection of on-ear and over-ear headphones only to realize that all but one model had uniformity in the shape of their headbands and ear cuffs. So, I’m not surprised by its excellent fit.

The headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from polyvinyl or leather, I can’t tell which. Regardless, they’re very soft and amazingly comfortable. Both the headband and ear pads contain memory foam, so every time you remove the headset, they’ll return to their designed state rather quickly. As someone who wears glasses, you shouldn’t worry about discomfort. The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its twelve adjustable positions.

Philips PH805 Folded Flat

Determining which side is left or right is a bit confusing. Sadly, the “L” & “R” designations aren’t large enough to read.

The ear cups of the PH802 rotate 90° degrees in; thus, they lay flat when placed on a surface and approximately 10° out. Additionally, they bend inwards for better storage.

With only one button/slider and two inputs on the headset, the PH802 couldn’t be easier to operate. Placement is handled very well; never did I forget the location of anything. See the previous section for operation.

The headphones include a port for wired audio and another for charging.

Throughout hours of use, the button/slider work as advertised. One thing to remember, the button/slider doesn’t function when the headphones are wired to a mobile device.

Overall, the construction is well done and assures high quality.

Philips PH805 Button

As of today, the PH802 is available in one color–black. Should additional colors be introduced, this post will be updated.

Read:   Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 90 db
• Headphone Frequency Response: 7 Hz – 40 kHz
• Driver Diameter: 40 mm
• Range: 10 meters
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2

• Battery Type: Lithium-Polymer
• Max Power Input: 30 mW
• Music Play Time: 30 Hours w/o ANC
• Standby Time: 200 Hours
• Charging Time: 1.5 Hours
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

What’s In The Box?

• PH802 Over-Ear Headphones
• Safety Sheet
• Quick Start Guide

• 48″ 2.5 mm Audio Cable
• 9″ μ-USB Charging Cable

Philips PH805 Headband

Read:   Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless High-Fidelity Gaming Headset Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Tove Lo – Sunshine Kitty
• Lana Del Rey – Ultraviolence, Born To Die

• Halsey – Hopeless Fountain
• Rush – Clockwork Angels

Audio Performance

I repeat this all the time when reviewing headphones; the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. The Philips PH802 over-ear headphones were tested using the playlist listed above. Each album was sampled against a comparable well-rated $200 headset selected from my collection. When you’re testing headphones with 40 mm drivers and a frequency response of 7 Hz – 40 kHz, you expect very high-quality sound.

I didn’t need to listen to anything beyond the first album, Sunshine Kitty from Tove Lo, to know that I loved these headphones. Nonetheless, in order to provide a thorough review, I listened to all five albums.

Vocals, keyboards, drums and percussion, and electric and bass guitar across all the albums were very much to my liking. Be careful not to go beyond the 85-90% volume setting. The high volume could negatively impact your hearing ability.

Philips PH805 Ear Cup

Whether you’re listening to Geddy Lee or any of the three female singers, vocals were exceedingly clear and vivid. And it wasn’t just vocals that shined. Keyboards, drums, and guitars all sounded the way I hoped it would before hitting the play button. The beauty of sampling Sunshine Kitty first is that you get plenty of bass, keyboard, and drums in droves. Take a listen to Sweettalk my Heart or Mateo. Bass and percussion sounds were deep, rich, and layered throughout the album. None of the $200 (or less) on-ear or over-headphones in my collection produced this high-quality level of audio. Normally, I’d have to jump up to a $250 (or higher) pair of headphones to hear bass like this. With the Philips PH802, less is more.

With the ambient noise of the city being a lot lower than normal thanks to COVID19, I wasn’t able to give the passive noise isolation a thorough workout. With that said, I had no issues with it in my home. I couldn’t hear my cat’s meows while she was beside me or the audio from the television in the adjoining room.

Read:   Fenix TK22 V2.0 TAC Flashlight Review

Conclusion

In my testing, whether it be via wireless or wired connectivity, the Philips PH802 headphones performed without a hitch, in other words, phenomenally.

Vocals, keyboards, drums and percussion, and electric and bass guitar production was very much to my liking.

While these aren’t categorized as sports headphones, I have no issue with the PH802 being worn on the gym floor or treadmill, provided your gym is open for business. Sure, you’ll sweat, but they’ll hug your head in the process.

After using these headphones extensively in my home, I can confidently say that they’re among the best sub-$150 headphones I’ve listened to in quite some time.

The headphones are quite comfortable after many hours of continuous listening, barely leaving a mark once you remove them. At a list price of $109.99, the Philips PH802 are the best over-ear wireless headphones I’ve tried this year. I’ll be listening to my Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 a lot less going forward, maybe even retiring them. And you’re worried about the price, head over to Amazon where you’ll see them for $89.99. See the link below.

I’ll be keeping this headset and adding to my reference list when comparing to future similarly-priced pairs of headphones.

Philips PH805 Wordmark

What do you think of this Philips PH802 review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Philips Support Page to see their latest on software and driver updates, registration, and warranties.

FTC Disclosure: Philips provided Beantown LLC with one (1) PH802 Hi-Res Audio headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Philips or Beantown LLC © 2020.

Read:   Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Bluetooth Headphones, Hi-Res Audio, Over-Ear Headphones, PH802, Philips, TAPH802, Wireless Headphones 04/01/2020

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC100BT Headphones Review

09/12/2019 By Hakan Can

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

Back at CES 2019, Audio-Technica introduced its latest QuietPoint ANC wireless headphones lineup. Within the three new models, ATH-ANC900BT, ATH-ANC500CT, and ATH-ANC100BT, only the latter is of the in-ear variety. Engineered with dynamic 12 mm drivers and in-line mic and controls, these in-ear headphones are designed to deliver detailed audio reproduction. Want to know if they hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Audio-Technica ANC100BT review.

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

Pros:
• Exceptionally comfortable fit
• Battery life of 10-20 hours*
• Active Noise Cancellation
• Control clip
• Price of $99

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• Lacks wear detection
• Bass audio is a bit soft

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review - SonicPro Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC100BT Review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. Slide the power switch to ON. The green light beside NC lights up as well as the blue light beside the Bluetooth symbol.
  2. On your mobile device, select the ATH-ANC100BT within the Bluetooth list, and your headset is now paired.
  3. To power down, slide the power switch to OFF.
  4. To charge the headset, place the supplied USB cord into a power source. Charging of the headphones takes up to 3 hours, and playtime lasts for 10-20 hours depending on how you use the ANC100BT.
  5. Play and Pause are controlled by the pressing the large round button in the center of the clip. (If you’re like me, you may forget that it’s there.)
  6. Volume adjustment is controlled via the “+” and “-” buttons located on the side of the clip.
  7. To advance or return to a previous track, press and hold the “+” and “-” buttons for two seconds, respectively.
  8. Regarding phone calls, press the Play/Pause button once to answer and disconnect calls.
Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

Per the Audio-Technica website, “The ATH-ANC100BT QuietPoint® wireless in-ear headphones combine Audio-Technica’s proprietary active noise-cancelling technology with Bluetooth® wireless technology to give you greater freedom and listening pleasure in areas of high ambient noise.”

The in-ear portion of the ANC100BT comes with a hard plastic outer shell in a somewhat glossy black finish. The earbuds are angled and noticeably so to fit your ears better. They’re fixed in position which is preferred by this reviewer.

The controller is located approximately two feet down from each earbud. The controller is intriguing as it’s an alligator clip design. On one end is the audio cable before it branches out to each ear. On the other is the USB connection for charging and to go wired to an audio player.

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

On the wide-sided top are the mic, the circular logo, and the Play/Pause button. If you’re like me, you’ll forget that the button is even there and use Play/Pause directly from the audio source. I’m not saying it’s bad placement. I simply forget it’s there.

The opposite wide side has the alligator-mouthed clip with another AT logo. From my testing, the clip holds very well onto a shirt or jacket.

On the long, thinner side with the controls, there are the On/Off slider, noise-cancelling and Bluetooth light indicators, and volume push buttons.

Silicone tips come in four sizes: XS, S, M & L, plus there’s a Medium-sized Comply™ foam set.

One downside is the headset cannot be used while charging.

The quality of workmanship from Audio-Technica is high. In testing, the buttons worked flawlessly during music and phone calls. I was never worried about the cord being pulled out the controller as there’s plenty of slack.

“An internal lithium polymer rechargeable battery powers the headphones, giving you approximately 10 hours of continuous Bluetooth and ANC use on a full charge. The headphones come with a 30 cm (1′) USB charging cable, a 0.6 m (2.0′) audio cable with 3.5 mm (1/8″) stereo mini-plug, and a protective carrying pouch.”

Read:   Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

Specifications

• List pricing of $99.99
• Driver Type: 12mm Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 24 kHz
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Impedance: 16 Ω w/ANC
• Sensitivity: 102-103 dB

• Cable Length: 2 Ft Detachable
• Battery Life w/ANC & Bluetooth: 20 Hours
• Battery Life w/ANC only: 10 Hours
• Range: 10 Meters
• Charging Time: 3 Hours
• Weight: 30 grams w/o cable
• Available in Black

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of Headphones
• Carry Pouch
• Quick Start and Caution Guides

• 1′ USB Charging Cable
• 2′ Audio cable w/L-shaped 3.5 mm plug
• 4 Pairs of Ear Tips + Comply Foam

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Meg Myers – Make A Shadow
• Tove Lo – Queen Of The Clouds
• The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
• Rush – Clockwork Angels

• Bassnectar – Cozza Frenzy
• Shinedown – Amaryllis
• Halsey – BADLANDS
• Play List – Krewella and More

Audio Performance

As I often state, the most critical factor regarding headphones is sound quality, followed by fit and feel. The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC100BT in-ear wireless headphones were tested across music from the artists and playlists listed above using my Amazon Music account.

This time around, I didn’t test the headphones in the gym. Even though they’re lightweight and held firmly in my ears, I was worried about the control module bouncing off my shirt.

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review
Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

The first test on how well these earbuds sounded was with hard rock music from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Shinedown, and Rush.

When it came to percussion instruments like drums and cymbals, the ANC100BT produced bright sounds. Percussion on these albums was by far my favorite to listen to, followed by acoustic guitar. The detailed drum work across the three rock albums was crazy good. Please take a listen to Today or Rocket from Siamese Dream. You won’t be disappointed. Who doesn’t like to hear Neil Peart or Jimmy Chamberlin hammer away on the drums?

Bass audio was a bit soft, and pretty much expected as the ANC100BT isn’t labeled a bass-heavy pair of headphones. I couldn’t enjoy Geddy Lee’s base work to its fullest. It took second fiddle to vocals, guitar, and drums.

Pop music from female artists such as Halsey’s hopeless fountain kingdom and BADLANDS and Tove Lo’s Queen Of The Clouds sounded well. The vocals across these albums shined, but like their rock band brothers, bass audio wasn’t quite where I would have liked it. If you take a listen to The Way That I Am or Thousand Miles by Tove Lo, you know bass should be more pronounced with a bit more clarity.

Overall I was very pleased with the audio emanating from this sub-$100 pair of headphones.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found these earbuds to be very comfortable in my ears and very portable whether clasped onto a shirt or coat.

Audio life of 10-20 hours (depending on its use) is more than enough to cover one week’s worth of commutes to work plus every lunch break. The audio quality is quite good with its 20 Hz – 24 kHz range. The ATH-ANC100BT headphones are staying put in my collection with a lot more use coming.

• Design – 4.50
• Features – 4.50

• Sound – 4.25
• Value – 4.50

What do you think of this Audio-Technica ANC100BT headphones review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the News page to see their latest announcements. The ATH-ANC100BT wireless in-ear headphones come with a two-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Audio-Technica provided Beantown with one (1) ATH-ANC100BT sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: ANC100BT, Audio-Technica, bluetooth earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, noise-cancelling headphones 09/12/2019

Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

08/30/2019 By Hakan Can

Edifier TWS2 earbuds review

Best Wireless Earbuds Under $50?

It seems like every month there’s a new wireless Bluetooth headset on the market. A few months back, the folks at Edifier, the speaker and headset brand, joined the never-ending party and introduced their TWS2 truly wireless earbuds. With features such as 12 hours of battery, Bluetooth 5.0, and a sub-$50 list price, these earphones offer much to the consumer. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Edifier TWS2 earbuds review.

Edifier TWS2 earbuds review

Pros:
• High-quality audio
• Dual touch control design
• Price under $50
• IPX4 splash-proof rating
• 12 hours of total battery life

Cons:
• Charging case does not have a USB-C connection
• No volume control

Read:   Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. To power on the TWS2, remove both earbuds from the charging case and gently place them in your ears. If you don’t have the case, press the multi-function button down for 5 seconds.
  2. When powering down the TWS2, place them back into the case, and they will turn off. Without the case, press and hold the multi-function button down for 5 seconds, and they will turn off.
  3. To charge the headphones, place them into the charging case. There are three white lights on the front of the case indicating the percentage level of charge for the case. The earbuds themselves have charging lights. A red light indicates charging while a blue light indicates a full charge.
  4. Playtime lasts for 3 hours. Charging of the headphones takes up to 1.5 hours.
  5. On the backside of the case is the USB-A charging port. The case provides 9 hours of battery.
  6. For Bluetooth pairing to your mobile device, go into your Bluetooth Settings, locate “Edifier TWS2” and pair them. You can use one or both earbuds.
  7. To control music, press the multi-function button on the right earbud to play/pause, and twice to advance a track. To go to the previous track, press the multi-function button on the left earbud twice. Advance and previous track do not work
  8. To control phone calls, press the multi-function button to answer and disconnect calls, thrice to go to a voice assistant. To reject a call, press and hold the button.

Edifier TWS2 earbuds review

Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

Per the Edifier website, “enjoy all the benefits that come with the newest in Bluetooth 5.0 streaming technology. That means up to twice the speed, 4 times the range, and 8 times the capacity of older Bluetooth devices.”

The Edifier TWS2 earbuds come with a hard plastic outer shell with a multi-function push-button on each side. In testing, the buttons worked well and as designed. The charging case appears to be the same hard plastic as the earbuds. The earbud holders have magnetic catches so as you place them into the case; they snap into place. If you were to hold the case upside down and try to shake the earbuds loose, you would likely fail. You would need a fast motion with a sudden stop to jar them loose.

The TWS2 is complemented with three pairs of ear tips (Edifier calls them earmuffs) and a charging cable. The product is currently available in three colors: black, red, and white.

Edifier TWS2 earbuds review

The comfort level of the earbuds is rather good, but they don’t fit as snug into my ears as I would like, so I don’t recommend them for use during exercise. I would suggest the TWS3 earbuds as it offers a sweat-proof design. The outer portion of the earbuds do protrude a bit from your ears, but then again, whose pair doesn’t.

If you’ve not worn this type of earphone before, there’s little-to-no learning curve with respect to the multi-function buttons.

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Specifications

• List pricing of $49.99
• Driver Type: Dynamic 8 mm per ear
• Waterproof Rating: IPX4 Splash-Proof
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Bluetooth Version: 5.0
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 94 dB

• Operating Temp: 0 – 40°C
• Battery Life: Up to 3 Hours
• Battery type: Rechargeable Polymer Li-ion
• Charging Case Battery: 9 Hours
• Charging Case Charge Time: 1.5 Hours
• Charging Case Battery: Rechargeable
• Available in Black, White, Red

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of Headphones
• Charging Case
• Quick Start Guide

• USB Charging Cable
• 3 Pairs of Ear Tips

Edifier TWS2 earbuds review
Edifier TWS2 earbuds review

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Meg Myers – Make A Shadow
• Tove Lo – Queen Of The Clouds
• Halsey – hopeless fountain kingdom
• Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody Soundtrack

• Bassnectar – Cozza Frenzy
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• Play List – Dark Pop
• Play List – Krewella and More

Audio Performance

As I often state, the most critical factor regarding headphones is sound quality. The Edifier TWS2 earbuds were tested across music from the artists and playlists listed above. Minus two changes, it’s the same play list we used for the JBL Endurance PEAK in-ear sports headphones.

Over the past month, I’ve been testing these wireless earbuds listening to all sorts of songs with my Amazon Music account.

Additionally, I gave them a go around the gym during weights and cardio workouts. While I greatly enjoyed the former, I don’t recommend the latter. Even though they’re sweat-proof garnering an IPX4 rating, I don’t believe the TWS2 is best designed for use during exercise, particularly cardio.

The first test was on how well could these earbuds handle (keyboard, drum, and guitar) bass from the like of Krewella and Bassnectar. The bass clarity even at the highest volume with the Samsung Galaxy S9 was impressive. Songs like Promises by Skrillex, and Boombox and Rabbit’s Revenge by Bassnectar delivered big time! If I didn’t have to complete the review, I would have kept listening to more from Cozza Frenzy.

Edifier TWS2 earbuds review

For a $50 product, I was blown away! The TWS2 packs plenty of oomph. The audio was high-quality and distortion-free.

Take a listen to Halsey’s album hopeless fountain kingdom or Queen Of The Clouds from Tove Lo, the latter being my favorite artist. I believe you’ll be equally impressed with the vocal reproduction of the TWS2.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found these earbuds to be comfortable in and around the ear and very portable in its small charging case.

Audio life of three hours is more than enough to cover one day’s worth of bus or subway commutes plus a lunch break. The charging case increases its life by another nine hours without the need to recharge. The audio quality is quite good with its 20 Hz – 20 kHz range.

As I often state, you get what you pay for. The $50 list price is more than fair. I’m surprised these earbuds don’t list at a higher price.

• Design – 4
• Features – 4.25

• Sound – 4.5
• Value – 4.75

What do you think of this Edifier TWS2 earbuds review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Edifier’s social media pages to see their latest announcements. To learn more about warranties, click this Warranty Terms link for information. These headphones come with a two-year limited warranty. To learn about returns, click this Returns Policy link for more details.

FTC Disclosure: Edifier provided Beantown with one (1) TWS2 Bluetooth Earbuds sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Bluetooth Headphones, Edifier, TWS2, Wireless Headphones 09/11/2019

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

02/28/2019 By Hakan Can

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Best Neckband Headphones Under $150?

For the longest time, I’ve been wanting to review wireless headphones in a neckband design. Then at CES 2019, the opportunity presented itself, which leads us to the Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones from 1MORE USA. This style of headphone is becoming more commonplace as the mobile phone makers have jumped into the audio accessories market. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this 1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC headphones review.

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Pros:
• High-quality audio
• Solid construction & design
• Sharp control layout
• Ample ear tips and secures
• USB-C connection

Cons:
• Battery life of seven hours
• No wall charger included
• $150 price may be an issue to some

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. To pair the headphone to your mobile device, press and hold the power button for two seconds. You should hear “1MORE” shortly afterward. Head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair to 1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC. See the user guide for unpairing.
  2. Controls are on the left-hand side of the headphone. On the wider portion is the volume rocker switch and the play/pause button. Press the button once to play pause, twice to advance a track, and three times for the previous track.
  3. You can also adjust the volume via your mobile device. These headphones can produce thunderous audio so be aware before you go damaging your eardrums.
  4. The play/pause button controls phone calls too. Press once to answer a call, once more to hang up, and press and hold to decline a call.
  5. On the thinner portion of the controls are the power on/off button. Pressing for two seconds will turn on the device, while four seconds will turn it off.
  6. Next to the power on/off button is the noise cancellation switch. Within this control, there’s a low-frequency reduction and an environmental sound enhancement feature.
  7. Finally at the end of the left headphone is the hidden USB-C charging port.
  8. Playtime lasts for seven hours. Charging of the headphones takes approximately one hour. A solid red light indicates when the battery is charging, while no light indicates when the charge is full. A 10-minute charge will lead to three hours of additional battery life.
Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

Nowadays there are a lot of brands who manufacture neckband headphones. From a design perspective, they’re far from equal. With regard to pricing, I’ve learned that neckband headphones range from a low of $30 all the way up to $400.

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

The 1MORE Dual Driver ANC BT headphones come with a soft, flexible, and rubbery neckband and hard metallic-looking end pieces. As described above, all controls and ports are on the left-hand side leaving the right side smooth and clean. In comparison, neckbands like the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR5BT and the Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear Wireless don’t have metallic ends, thus making them appear less attractive. (They also come at a higher price.) The quality of workmanship from 1MORE is high, with button and switch placement handled quite well.

Unlike similar models, the earbuds are angled and noticeably so to better fit your ears. Ear tips come in 10.5, 12.5, and 15.5 mm while ear secures come in 18, 19.5, 21.5, and 23 mm. There’s a fourth pair of ear tips included which arrive on the headphones. Unfortunately, I cannot determine its size, but I suspect it’s either 12.5 or 14 mm. Sadly there are no Comply foam ear tips included.

Going for a run? Then insert a pair of ear secures onto the headphones. When used on a treadmill, I didn’t feel the need for ear secures as the headphones held in place. I’d say it’s a personal choice whether or not to use them.

When not in use, there’s the magnetic locking feature, which you don’t see often enough.

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review
1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Now, these headphones do lack wear detection, and that’s fine. One shouldn’t expect every available feature. What they do have is an automatic shutoff for when the headphones are away from the source for more than 5 minutes. This way the battery won’t drain.

Auto noise canceling (ANC) worked well, but in my testing, this feature wasn’t even needed. When wearing this headset in my gym without ANC, I could barely hear those around me or the background music. I did hear (and feel) the dumbbells hitting the ground though. ANC added a bit more closure from my surroundings.

There’s a low-frequency reduction feature which removes a bit more bass, plus there’s an environmental sound enhancement feature to bring in some ambient background audio.

The 1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC headphones are currently available in one color: black and silver.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

1MOREAssistant App

There’s an accompanying 1MOREAssistant App for use with the Dual Driver BT ANC headphones. There doesn’t appear to be much here within the app other than a Smart Burn-In feature. According to the main screen, you’ll need to connect the headphones to your mobile phone with the provided cable for the burn-in function to work.

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 105 dB
• Driver Type: Dynamic 13.6 mm + balanced armature
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Headphone Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP

• Operating Temp: 0 – 40°C
• Music Play Time: 7 Hours
• Charging Time: 1 Hour
• Weight: 43.9 Grams
• Range: 33 Feet (10 Meters) direct line of sight
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2

What’s In The Box?

• Neckband Headphones
• Airline Plug
• Soft Carry Pouch
• User Guide
• Product Booklet

• Sticker + QR Code for 1MORE App
• Audio Cable, USB-C to RJ45
• Charging Cable, USB C to USB
• 4 Pairs of Ear Tips and Ear Secures

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Meg Myers – Make A Shadow
• Tove Lo – Queen Of The Clouds
• Halsey – hopeless fountain kingdom
• Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody Soundtrack

• Play List – Dark Pop
• Play List – EDM Favorites
• Play List – Caffeine For Your Ears
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise

Audio Performance

In my opinion, the most critical factor regarding headphones is sound quality. The 1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC in-ear headphones were tested across music from the artists and playlists listed above.

Now, I would have been remiss if I didn’t test these headphones against two of the hotter albums of the day. Halsey’s album hopeless fountain kingdom was a joy to listen to. I don’t say this because she’s the hottest female (or male) solo artist out there today. I say it because the album is a great listen and sounds even better with the Dual Driver BT ANC. Oddly enough, Halsey’s album is two years old while Queen’s album has music going back 30-40 years. You can thank the blockbuster film Bohemian Rhapsody for bringing Queen back to the limelight.

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

The first thing I noticed was the depth of the bass and percussion reproduction. I’ve never heard bass this clear from an in-ear headphone before. Most impressive. It’s what you get with a 13.6 mm dynamic driver and proprietary balanced armature. And this didn’t short change the quality of her vocals or the keyboards in any way. I found myself going back to the previous tracks and listening to them over and over again.

The Bohemian Rhapsody Soundtrack from Queen was a gem to listen to. On this album, we get a combination of studio and live tracks offering much diversity. Sit back for an hour and be transported back to the 1980s and their Live Aid performance. You won’t regret it.

After having listened to Dark Pop, EDM Favorites, and Caffeine for Your Ears Amazon Music playlists, I can report that this headset has wholeheartedly exceeded my expectations. Overall, the audio was high-quality and distortion free.

All of my testing was done via Bluetooth. I didn’t feel the need to test via cable, even though this method produces better audio.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Sport Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, the 1MORE neckband headphones are about as good as they get, especially when compared against their competitors.

With the available variety of ear tips and secures, the comfortable fit you seek is within reach. Even after a couple hours of continuous use, which is plenty for most of us, you won’t be complaining. Features like the magnetic catch, quick charge, and automatic disconnect when out of range for 5 minutes, add to the appeal of the Dual Driver BT ANC.

Audio out of the 1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC was a home run with its highly detailed sound quality. I doubt you’ll find Bluetooth audio this rich with or without dual drivers. You definitely won’t want to power them off after returning from lunch.

To some, the value proposition is the most important consideration. If you’re paying $50 for neckband headphones, then they’re anything but the best sounding neckband headphones available. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Fortunately for these headphones, you get far more than what you pay for. I have no issue with the $150 price, and neither should you. Heck, even the packaging is top notch.

• Design – 9.5
• Features – 9

• Sound – 9
• Value – 9

1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

What do you think of this 1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to 1MORE USA’s Blog and Review Pages to read the latest announcements. These headphones come with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: 1MORE provided Beantown with one (1) Dual Driver BT ANC headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.

Read:   JBL Unveils New Wireless Headphones and Speakers at CES 2019

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: 1MORE, Bluetooth Headphones, Dual Driver, Headphones Review, In-Ear Headphones, Neckband Headphones 03/02/2019

JBL Unveils New Wireless Headphones and Speakers at CES 2019

01/11/2019 By Hakan Can

JBL Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

What does JBL have in store for us in 2019? Through their presence at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES 2019, and more than a handful of press releases, JBL has unveiled about half a dozen headphones and more-or-less an equal number of speakers on the public. You can’t help but be impressed with the diversity of product being introduced year after year. Without further ado, let’s take a more in-depth look into the JBL wireless headphones and speakers introduced at CES 2019.

JBL Unveils New Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

Introducing the JBL LIVE Headphone Series

Did JBL ever drop a goody bag on us? Answer: ‘Yes they did.’

The downside, and there is one, is that we’ll have to wait until mid-March to demo (and purchase) these three on- and over-ear models: LIVE400BT, LIVE500BT, and LIVE650BTNC.

Per Michael Mauser, President, Lifestyle Audio Division at HARMAN, “The JBL LIVE Series will disrupt the headphones market. With a massive line of different devices that carry the best features we have to offer, this new generation of headphones still maintain an affordable price point across the board. We can’t wait to introduce this series to our customers and watch their one-of-a-kind music experience with JBL Signature Sound.”

JBL Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

Also included in the lineup are the JBL LIVE 100 and JBL LIVE 200BT in-ear headphones, both of which are already available.

JBL LIVE650BTNC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Topping the list of the JBL LIVE Series is the LIVE650BTNC. This pair of headphones sports JBL Signature Sound, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa capability, and active noise-cancelling technology. Priced at just under $200 and with 30 hours of continuous battery capacity with ANC disabled¹. This is the headphone to be on the lookout for when it hits the market this spring.

• List pricing of $199.95
• Weight: 9.14 Ounces (249 Grams)
• Headphone cable length: 3.93 Feet
• Driver size: 40 mm
• Frequency response: 16 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Charge time: 2 Hours
• 700 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Up to 30/20 hours of continuous playtime¹

• Available March 11, 2019 (Estimate)
• Noise-cancelling
• Bluetooth 4.2
• A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6 support
• Colors: Black, Blue, White
• Contents: Headphones, auxiliary cable, charging cable, carry pouch, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

Read:   Sennheiser AMBEO AR One Headphones

JBL LIVE500BT Over-Ear Headphones

Next in the JBL LIVE Series comes the LIVE500BT. These headphones lose the active noise-cancelling but gain Ambient Aware and TalkThru technology. “With TalkThru, music temporarily pauses at the touch of a button, lowering speech and amplifying sound to make it easy to chat with a friend without removing the headphones. In Ambient Aware mode, listeners can control the amount of background noise they want to let in, to stay keyed into their surroundings when it’s needed most.” These headphones also boast 50 mm dynamic drivers with a range of 18 Hz – 20 kHz.

• List pricing of $149.95
• Weight: 8.51 Ounces (231.6 Grams)
• Headphone cable length: 4.38 Feet
• Driver size: 50 mm
• Frequency response: 18 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Charge time: 2 Hours
• 700 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Up to 33 hours of continuous playtime

• Available March 16, 2019 (Estimate)
• Multi-point connection
• Bluetooth 4.2
• A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2 support
• Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Red, White
• Contents: Headphones, auxiliary cable, charging cable, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

Read:   Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review

JBL LIVE400BT On-Ear Headphones

The LIVE400BT is the little sibling to the LIVE500BT. It has the same features as its big brother but in an on-the-ear headphone design. The driver size is also reduced to 40 mm.

• List pricing of $99.95
• Weight: 6.83 Ounces (185.8 Grams)
• Headphone cable length: 4.38 Feet
• Driver size: 40 mm
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Charge time: 2 Hours
• 700 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Up to 24 hours of continuous playtime

• Available March 22, 2019 (Estimate)
• Multi-point connection
• Bluetooth 4.2
• A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2 support
• Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Red, White
• Contents: Headphones, auxiliary cable, charging cable, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

JBL Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

JBL LIVE200BT In-Ear Headphones

The JBL LIVE200BT headphones come in that in-ear with neckband designs that are all the rage nowadays from tens of brands. It sports 10 hours of continuous life with JBL Signature Sound.

• List pricing of $69.95
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Charge time: 2 Hours
• Up to 10 hours of continuous playtime
• Multi-point connection

• Bluetooth 4.2
• Available now in Black, Blue, Green, Red, White
• Contents: Headphones, charging cable, 3x pairs of ear tips, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

Read:   First Man 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD Release Date Announced

JBL LIVE100 In-Ear Headphones

Rounding out the JBL LIVE Series is the JBL LIVE100. These headphones also come with JBL Signature Sound but wired via tangle-free fabric cords.

• List pricing of $39.95
• Weight: 3.17 Ounces (90 Grams)
• Headphone cable length: 3.94 Feet
• Driver size: 8 mm
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 31 Ohms

• Available now
• Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW (dB): 104dB /1mW @1kHz
• Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Red, White
• Contents: Headphones, carry pouch, 3x pairs of ear tips, warranty card

JBL Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

JBL Goes Truly Wireless with Four New In-Ear Headphones for 2019

The future of headphones is wireless. I didn’t come up with this phrase, but it sure rings true.

In addition to the exciting JBL LIVE Series, the brand is introducing four more wireless in-ear headphones for 2019. Correction, the truth is one of these four models, the JBL Endurance PEAK, has been available for a few months since its debut around the time of IFA 2018.

JBL TUNE120TWS In-Ear Headphones

The JBL TUNE120TWS headphones appear to be a continuation of the JBL Free X model but with much better battery life and a lower initial list price. The TUNE120TWS is available come Spring.

• List pricing of $99.95
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Est.
• Charge time: 2 Hours
• Up to 16 hours of combined playtime
• Charging case battery life: Up to 12 Hours

• Available Spring 2019
• Bluetooth 4.2
• IPX7 waterproof
• Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink, White
• Contents: Headphones, charging case, charging cable, 3x pairs of ear tips, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

JBL Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

JBL REFLECT FLOW In-Ear Headphones

The JBL REFLECT FLOW headphones are similar in style to the new TUNE120TWS but with a more rounded design. Like the LIVE400BT and LIVE500BT, this in-ear model has TalkThru and Ambient Aware technologies. I for one look forward to trying these out in my noisy and crowded gym as well as during the subway commute into Boston.

• List pricing of $149.95
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Est.
• Charge time: 2 Hours
• Up to 30 hours of combined playtime
• Charging case battery life: Up to 20 Hours

• Bluetooth 4.2
• IPX7 waterproof
• Available Summer 2019
• Colors: Black, Blue, Lime, Teal
• Contents: Headphones, charging case, charging cable, 3x pairs of ear tips, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

JBL Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

JBL ENDURANCE PEAK In-Ear Headphones

The latest in-ear outdoor sports IPX7 rated waterproof headphones from JBL is their ENDURANCE PEAK. This is the 5th model in JBL’s ENDURANCE line, and it’s already received rave reviews since its introduction. At the time of this writing, the ENDURANCE PEAK has received a 4.5 out of 5 rating from the 34 respondents on JBL’s website, so feel free to read their testimonials.

JBL Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

Per the JBL website, “The flexible and secure ear hook design automatically turns the power on/off when putting on or taking off the earphones. These headphones can switch on and off without the need to replace them back in their case every time.”

Should you wish to purchase the JBL ENDURANCE PEAK on Amazon, you can do so here.

• List pricing of $119.95
• Frequency response: 16 Hz – 22 kHz
• Driver size: 10 mm
• Bluetooth 4.2
• A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6 support
• Available now in Black, Blue, Red

• Battery life with BT on: Up to 4 Hours
• Battery charge time: 2 Hours
• Battery type: Rechargeable Polymer Li-ion
Battery (3.7 V, 75 mAh)
• Charging case battery life: Up to 24 Hours
• Charging case charge time: 2 Hours
• Charging case battery: Rechargeable
Polymer Li-ion battery (1500 mA est.)

What’s In The Box?

• Headphones
• Charging case
• Charging cable
• 3 Sizes of ear tips

• Enhancer
• Quick start guide
• Safety sheet
• Warranty/warning card

Read:   Moshi Vacanza Weekend Travel Bag Review

UA TRUE Wireless FLASH In-Ear Sport Workout Headphones

The UA TRUE Wireless FLASH headphones close out this category. This joint effort from Under Armour and JBL is designed to take on the most punishing or workouts in stride. Features included are UA STORMPROOF waterproof technology and Bionic Hearing incorporating TalkThru & Ambient Aware.

Per Pascal Van Laer, VP & GM, Headphones and Wearables Business Unit at HARMAN, “We’re excited to introduce Under Armour’s first-ever truly wireless headphone into the sport headphones market. The powerful sound quality from JBL, paired with innovative TalkThru and AmbientAware technologies, creates the perfect headphone for every workout experience.”

JBL Wireless Headphones at CES 2019

Per Brian Pitstick, Director of BD & Strategic Partnerships, UA Digital, “Under Armour’s mission is to make athletes better. To meet the demands of peak performers, we partnered with JBL, a leading sound expert, to develop a cutting edge, truly wireless sport headphone that removes all distractions. This ultra-lightweight, ultra-comfortable cord-free headphone provides the sound experience, locked in fit and water proof design to allow runners to stay focused on the road.”

• List pricing of $169.95
• Weight: 0.56 Ounces (16 Grams)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
• Driver size: 5.8 mm
• Driver Sensitivity: 95 dB @ 1 kHz/1 mW
• Impedance: 14 Ohms
• Maximum SPL: 113 dB
• Bluetooth 4.2
• A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6 support

• Available now in Black
• Battery life with BT on: Up to 5 Hours
• Battery charge time: 2 Hours
• Battery type: Rechargeable Polymer Li-ion
Battery (3.7 V, 110 mAh)
• Charging case battery life: Up to 20 Hours
• Charging case charge time: 2 Hours
• Charging case battery: Rechargeable
Polymer Li-ion battery (1500 mA est.)

What’s In The Box?

• Headphones
• Protective sport charging case
• 3 Sizes of ear tips
• 3 Sizes of Winged ear tip enhancers

• µUSB charge cable
• Quick start guide
• Safety sheet
• Warranty card
• 12-Month MapMyRun Premium membership

Read:   One Stylish Mini Backpack for Women - Moshi Helios Mini

“The purchase of UA True Wireless FLASH includes a complimentary 12-month MapMyRun® Premium membership, valued at $29.99. MapMyRun is a part of the Under Armour Connected Fitness suite of apps.”

JBL Introduces New Wireless Speakers at CES 2019

Headphones weren’t the only consumer products JBL announced at CES 2019. They unveiled a handful of speakers too, the most important of which are covered below.

Coming Spring 2019: The JBL LINK BAR Soundbar

JBL has had soundbars for some time now. Feel free to check out their JBL BAR lineup. What’s new here is that they’ve added a soundbar to their LINK voice-activated line of speakers. We wrote about the LINK series last year, and we’re glad it continues to grow.

Just say the words “OK Google,” and the soundbar behaves like any other Google Assistant device. With built-in Android TV, Chromecast and Wi-Fi, you could cast audio and video to another Chromecast-compatible device.

Specifications haven’t been fully released, but when they become available, we’ll update this post accordingly so that you’ll have a more complete picture.

We look forward to reading reviews on the LINK BAR when it becomes available this Spring at a price of $399.95.

JBL Wireless Speakers at CES 2019
JBL Wireless Speakers at CES 2019

Per Michael Mauser, President, Lifestyle Audio at HARMAN, “The JBL LINK BAR gives consumers an intuitive way to enjoy an amazing viewing experience, along with powerful, rich sound. We believe in having technology seamlessly integrate with your life, and the LINK BAR is a natural progression of that philosophy.”

Coming Spring 2019: The JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Portable Speaker

JBL has taken their award-winning and well-rated Flip 4 speaker, re-engineered it with a new acoustic design (which leads to increased highs and deeper bass,) and turned it into the Flip 5 speaker. Like its predecessor the Flip 4, this new speaker continues to have a waterproof design with an IPX7 rating.

Features that continue to grace the Flip line are Siri and Google Now voice assistant integration, the use of durable fabrics, and the echo- and noise-cancelling speakerphone. The JBL Flip 5 is available Spring 2019 for $99.

Per Michael Mauser, President of the Lifestyle Audio Division, HARMAN, “Thanks to its amazing sound, enhanced features and approachable price point, the Flip Series has always been a popular option for consumers, so we’re excited to bring them the next generation with the JBL Flip 5. Similar to some of our other recently announced portable Bluetooth speakers, the Flip 5 will be offered in an on-trend and eye-catching color pallet, including fan favorites such as Dusty Pink, River Teal, and Fiesta Red.”

JBL Wireless Speakers at CES 2019

• List pricing of $99
• Weight: TBA
• Dimensions: TBA
• Bluetooth 4.2 enabled
• Output power: TBA
• Frequency response: TBA
• Up to 12-hours of continuous playtime
• Charge time: TBA
• 4800 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
• USB-C cable for easy recharging

• Available Spring 2019
• JBL Connect+ enabled
• IPX7 waterproof
• A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2 support
• Noise- and echo-cancelling speakerphone
• Durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing
• Colors: Desert Sand, Mustard Yellow, Dusty Pink, Grey Stone, River Teal, Fiesta Red, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, Steel White, Forest Green, and Squad

JBL Wireless Speakers at CES 2019

Read:   JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers - What's New For 2018

Available Now: The JBL JR POP Bluetooth Speaker

JBL has introduced a kid-friendly speaker to their ever-expanding product lineup.

Features that grace the JBL JR POP are its use of durable fabrics and completely waterproof design, 5 hours of playtime, a kid-sized hand strap, and a built-in light mode that goes along with the music. Your child can even personalize their JR POP with the included two sticker sets. The JBL JR POP is available now for $29.99. If you’re a parent, this speaker is irresistible.

JBL Wireless Speakers at CES 2019

Per Michael Mauser, President of the Lifestyle Audio Division, HARMAN, “Kids are inspired by music just as much as adults, which is why we wanted to create a portable speaker just for them. The JBL JR POP gives parents’ peace of mind as it is durable and waterproof.”

• List pricing of $29.95
• Weight: 0.26 lb (121.2 grams)
• Dimensions: 1.56 x 3.45 x 2.97″
• Output power: 3 Watts
• Frequency response: 190 Hz – 20 kHz
• Up to 5-hours of continuous playtime
• Charge time: 2 Hours
• Charging Input: 5 V/0.5 A
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery (3.7 V/600 mAh)
• µUSB cable for easy recharging

• Transducer: 1.5″
• Signal to noise ratio: ≥ 80 dB
• Bluetooth 4.2 enabled
• IPX7 waterproof
• A2DP V1.2, AVRCP V1.5 support
• Durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing
• Available now in Aqua Teal, Iris Purple, Rose Pink, Spider Red, Cool Blue and Froggy Green
• Contents: speaker, µUSB charging cable, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card, and 2x sticker papers

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JBL at CES 2019 Summary

As you can see with these new models, JBL brings a whole lot more Bluetooth technology to both the wireless headphones and wireless speakers markets in 2019.

Do you have any thoughts or comments on either the JBL Bluetooth headphones or speakers 2019 line-up? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media.

When more information becomes available on the products mentioned above, we’ll update this post.

• Follow JBL on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the JBL Latest Products Page to see their newest products. To learn more about warranties, click this link for JBL Help information.

FTC Disclosure: This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a product ambassador for Harman or JBL.

All charts and photographs are the copyrighted property of Harman and JBL © 2019. These were all made available in their CES 2019 press releases.

Filed Under: Headphones, Hear This, Speakers Tagged With: Bluetooth Headphones, CES2019, JBL, JBL JR POP, JBL LINK BAR, JBL LIVE Series, JBL portable bluetooth speakers 01/26/2019

Headphones: Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless Review

04/03/2018 By Hakan Can

Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review

Back in November of 2017, Beyerdynamic introduced their latest high-end, portable high-resolution audio headphones to the world–the Aventho Wireless. These headphones looked a lot different than what we’re used to from the folks at Beyerdynamic. For one thing, they’re of the on-ear variety, which you don’t see too often from the brand. They’re also designed for the mobile lifestyle. Want to know if this headset hit its intended mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless review.

Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review

Pros:
• Exceptionally comfortable fit & sharp design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Battery life of up to 30 hours
• Hi-Res Audio when wired
• USB-C connection
• Touch controls

Cons:
• MIY App issues with some mobile phones
• No wall charger included
• Lacks wear detection
• Price will be an issue to some
• Would have preferred a hard carrying case to the soft canvas one

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless Review

Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. To pair the headphone to your mobile device, press and hold the somewhat stiff power button until you hear “Power On” as well as a battery charge percentage. You should hear something in about 5 seconds. Don’t worry about accidentally touching the power button as it doesn’t activate so easily. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair to Aventho Wireless.
  2. Volume is controlled by sliding a finger up and down the outer right headphone. It’ll take more than one stroke of a finger before the minimum, or maximum volume is reached. Adjusting the volume on your mobile device works independently. You can truly get the audio levels quite high using both methods so be mindful before you go damaging your ears.
  3. Track selection, forwarding, and rewinding are done with a similar finger swipe action as in Step 2. This time, the finger moves either to the left or right. If you swipe and hold the finger, this will fast forward or rewind the song. Pause and Play are as simple as tapping the right headset twice.
  4. The right headset also controls telephone operations such as answering, ending, rejecting, and switching calls. When accepting (or ending) a call, a quick tap is all it takes; a 2-second tap rejects it. To use Siri or Google Assistant, touch and hold the right headphone for two seconds.
  5. Playtime lasts an extraordinary 30 hours. Charging the headphones takes approximately 2 hours. A blinking red light indicates when the battery is charging, while a solid red light indicates the charge is full.
Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

As I stated above, the Aventho Wireless looks a lot different than the over-the-ear “DT” models we’re used to seeing from Beyerdynamic.

Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from real or vegan leather. I couldn’t determine which, but I highly suspect it’s the latter just like on the Custom One Pro Plus. They’re soft and very comfortable, so much so that you’ll enjoy wearing this headset for hours. The quality of the workmanship is high as well.

Both the headband and ear pads contain some form of memory foam, so every time you remove the headset, they’ll return to their designed state.

Unlike some headsets, determining which side is left or right is not at all confusing. The “L” & “R” designations on the inside are quite legible and easy read. In addition to this, the left ear cup has the Beyerdynamic marker on the outer surface, with the right ear cup loaded with controls and ports. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and out, which makes storage a breeze.

The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its dozen or so adjustable positions. As a former design engineer, I can say that button, and port placement is handled well. All except for the mic are on the right headphones. I’ve seen similar touch control designs like on the Libratone Q Adapt, and I rather liked it. Overall, construction of the Aventho Wireless is well executed and assures high quality.

Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review

The headphones come with four Bluetooth Codecs: aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC.

Included in the packaging is a canvas carrying bag which has a protective lining. There’s also a 1.2-meter audio cable with 3.5 mm ends and a 30″ USB-A to USB-C charging cable. Both cables could have have been of higher quality considering the price tag of the headset.

The Aventho wireless headphones are currently available in two colors: black and brown. Should an additional color be introduced, this post will be updated.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

MIY App for Personalized Sound

The accompanying MIY App adds plenty of personalized sound to the Aventho Wireless. Our ability to hear is unique and differ from individual to individual. Because of this fact, we see some headphones allow for individualized sound.

[envira-gallery id=”10228″]

When the Aventho Wireless was first introduced, the MIY App was available for iOS only, and it wasn’t ready for prime time. I’ll give you one guess as to which platform I use. You’re correct–Android. After a few months, the version I needed became available.

So…what does MIY App do? In short, it profiles you by asking your age, your weight, your income, your political beliefs, and much more. I’m kidding with everything beyond one’s age. It tests each ear with a variety of high-to-low frequency sounds. You press and hold the button when you hear something. The trick in getting this right is that you need to be in a quiet space.

Unfortunately, MIY App doesn’t work on all smartphones. I had to switch my LG G6 for the LG V30 to get it to work. Many of you will notice similar issues. I do hope Beyerdynamic puts out a list of functioning mobile devices.

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 105 db/mW
• Driver Type: Closed-Back Dynamic Tesla
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Headphone Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
• Bluetooth Codecs: aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, GAVDP, HFP, HSP

• Operating Temp: 0 – 40°C
• Music Play Time: 30 Hours
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Weight: 238 Grams
• Range: 33 Feet (10 Meters) direct line of sight
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2

What’s In The Box?

• Aventho Headphones
• Guarantee Booklet
• User Manual

• Soft Carrying Pouch
• 1.2 Meter Audio Cable
• 30″ Charging Cable

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review

Music Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Born This Way, Joanne
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

• Muse – Absolution
• Zedd – Clarity
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars

Audio Performance

I repeat this time after time when conducting headphone reviews; the most critical factor is the quality of sound. These on-ear headphones were tested across a broad range of music using no less than the playlist listed above. In this case, the sound was compared to my current favorite headset, the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT.

When you’re testing headphones with aptX™ HD or a frequency response of 5 Hz – 40 kHz, you expect high-quality sound. It’s a good thing that for the most part, the headphones delivered.The high-majority of my test listening was done via Bluetooth.

The quality of vocals and most instrumental reproduction (keyboards, horns, etc.) was impressive and didn’t falter even up to the highest volume setting. I expected the bass to sound very good because of the lowest frequency value, but there were moments where it could have been better. The overall audio was high-quality and free of distortion. I know this because I conducted something called ‘The Electronic Music Test.’ I take an album from electronic artists like Zedd or The Prodigy and put the headphones through its paces. (Feel free to insert your choice of artist or group who happens to play instrument-rich music.)

When you take a listen to Zedd’s Lost At Sea or Codec, you can distinctly hear layered bass sounds one on top of another. I’ve only heard bass like this from two other set of headphones, albeit both less expensive than the Aventho Wireless. And it wasn’t just bass that sounded terrific with this album.

Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review

After having played albums from the rock acts such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Rush, and Shinedown, I can report that this headset has wholeheartedly exceeded my expectations when it comes to these bands. There was very little that disappointed throughout the volume range. These headphones were built for well-recorded rock music. On the flip side, sound from poorly recorded albums from The Smashing Pumpkins and Rage Against The Machine weren’t to my liking.

Vocals come out smooth and full of life. The vocal reproduction of all the female artists was amazingly vivid. Some instrumental and guitar sounds could have been better balanced though.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Sport Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, the Aventho Wireless headphones are about as good as it gets. They’re incredibly comfortable from the moment you place them onto your ears and continue to be so after hours of continuous use. And without any doubt, they’re the most comfortable on-ear headphones we’ve tested to date. It applies the right amount of pressure on the head, which is a rare event. All the necessary features minus one, wear detection, are present in this headset. This missing feature should have been included.

Regarding sound, with some music, the Aventho Wireless hit it out of the park. The highly detailed audio quality was impressive and a pleasure to listen to. With others, it hit a double or triple. When it came short, sometimes it was the fault of the headphones; other times it was the fault of the artist’s recording.

Noise isolation from your surroundings is excellent even though the headphones aren’t advertised as such. I couldn’t hear the television in an adjacent room.

The MIY App is continually improving and now available for use on both Android and iOS platforms. We look forward to seeing further refinements.

Although these headphones tested well, we take issue with the price. At $449, they’re expensive in our opinion. We feel that the Aventho Wireless would be better priced in the $329-349 range, maybe even as low as $299. This last price is where Audio-Technica’s ATH-DSR7BT resides.

If you’re in a setting where you can sample sound from the Aventho Wireless, we highly recommend you do so. These are one pair of headphones we wish we didn’t have to send back to Beyerdynamic.

Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review

What do you think of this Beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Beyerdynamic on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Beyerdynamic’s News Page to see their latest announcements. The Aventho wireless headphones come with a two-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Beyerdynamic temporarily provided Beantown with one (1) Aventho wireless headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2018.

Read:   Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Aventho, Beyerdynamic, Bluetooth Headphones, Hi-Res Audio, On-Ear Headphones 08/05/2018

Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Sport Headphones Review

12/14/2017 By Hakan Can

Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones review

Roughly one year ago, we were introduced to the Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones at CES2017. Since that day, we had been hoping to get our hands on these Bluetooth headphones to review. A couple of months ago we hit pay dirt. The word on the street (and in the land of reviews) was that these headphones were the perfect choice to wear during a workout. We had to determine this for ourselves. Want to know if this headset hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones review. Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Pros:
• Very good sound quality
• Well constructed, flexible design
• Many color patterns available
• Stable, comfortable fit
• IP57 waterproof rated
• IPX5 rated charging pouch

Cons:
• Uses micro-USB port instead of USB-C
• Lacks Hi-Res Audio capability
• Lacks wear detection

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Sport Headphones Review

Per Greg Miller, Director, Portfolio Business Management at Plantronics, “The BackBeat FIT Family provides a variety of styles and features designed with sport in mind. There’s a sweat-protected, stable and comfortable pair of BackBeat FIT headphones that’s right for any level of fitness – whether you’re looking for a dedicated sport headphone with on-demand coaching, or just want something comfortable and stylish to wear throughout the day.”

BackBeat FIT Design

Many of you who are familiar with the BackBeat FIT probably don’t know that since September 20, 2017, there has been a refresh of the product line. On that date, two new editions were introduced: BackBeat FIT Training and BackBeat FIT Boost editions. With the Training Edition, you get unlimited access to a dozen pre-selected workouts from the PEAR Personal Fitness Coach app (available on Google Play and iTunes) plus a six-month membership to PEAR+.

The Boost Edition includes everything with the Training Edition along with an IPX5 rated water-resistant, quick-drying, sport mesh fabric charging pouch. This pouch adds up to 10 hours of listening time. There’s even a touch-sensitive battery meter which displays the status of the headphones and pouch.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

So…what do you need to know before operating these wireless sport headphones? Simply stated, next to nothing. The beauty of this headset is that it requires but a few steps to operate.

  1. Touch the power button located on the right side.
  2. Pair the headphones to a mobile phone.
  3. Hit the audio (play/pause) button located on the left side.

Button features like play, pause, skip to next track, play previous track are all controlled via the audio button, and reliably work as advertised. The same goes for muting a telephone call.

Firmware and voice alert language updates are handled without the need of a cable via the BackBeat FIT Companion app available on Android and iOS platforms.

The headphones fit well around the ears and don’t fall off while running. This is true when sweating a lot. The wire doesn’t get in the way either.

Overall, the headset’s construction is well executed and assures high quality. The Boost Edition headphones are currently available in three colors: Sport Grey, Black Core, and Power Blue. The Training Edition comes in Fit Fuchsia and Stealth Green in addition to the same three colors. Should an additional color be introduced, this post will be updated. And each color of the BackBeat FIT has a reflective finish.

Read:   Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 105 db/mW
• Speaker Size: 13 mm Neodymium
• Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
• Waterproof Rating: IP57
• TDH: < 3%

• Listening/Talk Time: Up to 8/6 hours
• Charging Time: Up to 2 Hours
• Standby Time: Up to 14 Days
• Operating Distance: Up to 33 Feet
• Weight: 24 grams/0.85 oz

What’s In The Box?

• Headphones
• Wireless Charging Pouch

• USB Charge Cable
• User Manual

Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Audio Performance

I repeat this with every audio review, but when reviewing speakers and headphones, the most critical factor is the quality of sound.

When covering audio performance, we usually put forth a music playlist we tested the headphones with.

For this review, we decided to break from tradition and have our sports physio friend Smiley test a broad range of music on-the-fly. Never working out to a set list, Smiley tends to listen to a variety of genres depending on her workout. After two weeks of some hardcore training, her feedback was that all genres sounded as they should. The sound quality was high, and you could truly hear each song.

According to Smiley, the fully charged battery lasted 7-8 hours getting her through five 1.5-hour workouts. The recharging of the battery took approximately two hours.

Read:   Moshi Helios Lite Designer Backpack Review

One Thing Worth Mentioning

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with the BackBeat FIT. The feature I disliked the most is the old style micro USB charging port. It’s late in 2017, and many mobile device makers have been eliminating this port in favor of the newer, more versatile USB-C style connector.Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT Headphones Review

Conclusion

In our testing, the feature-rich BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones with the water-resistant charging pouch performed quite well. The audio reproduction of vocals and instruments was high.

From first- and second-hand experience, we recommend the BackBeat FIT for any-and-all workout activities. We tested them on long runs, as well as during cross-fit and weight training. The headphones were quite comfortable throughout each workout. Depending on the length of your length, you could see one charge lasting 4-6 workouts. And if the battery life is near its end, you need not worry as a 15-minute charge produces an hour of listening time. Plus, there’s the water-resistant charging pouch that can hold an additional 10 hours of power.

Available in five colors, the stand-alone BackBeat FIT Training Edition lists for $129.99. The Boost Edition, available in three colors, includes the PEAR app, six months membership to PEAR+, and the charging pouch for $159.99. See the links to Amazon at the bottom of this post if you’re interested in purchasing either edition.

Since its introduction, the BackBeat FIT headphones have been and continue to be among the best in-ear wireless sport headphones in the marketplace, and are well-priced against their often more expensive competition. We highly recommend you consider this item before purchasing your next pair.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Plantronics BackBeat Fit In-Ear Wireless Sport Headphones

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

What do you think of this Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Plantronics on Twitter
• Follow Plantronics on Facebook
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• Follow Beantown on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones come with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) BackBeat FIT sport headphones Boost Edition sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Headphones: Sennheiser IE 80 S Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: BackBeat Fit, Bluetooth Headphones, Boost Edition, In-Ear Headphones, Plantronics, Sport Headphones, Wireless Headphones 12/24/2017

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

06/21/2017 By Hakan Can

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

With so many models available, selecting a pair of over-ear headphones has never been easy. Priced at $200, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is an affordable pair of headphones at producing high-quality audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with 40mm drivers designed to deliver detailed audio reproduction. After using these headphones extensively in and outside my home, I can confidently say that they’re among the best $200-priced headphones I’ve listened to yet, maybe even the best from Plantronics. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

Pros:
• Creative, modern design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Feature rich with superb sound
• Very comfortable fit
• Great battery life of up to 24 hours

Cons:
• Active noise canceling is not up to par
• No wall outlet plug included
• Only two color patterns available
• Plantronics Hub App is lacking

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review

The 6 Things You Need To Know for Operating the BackBeat Pro 2

  1. To power on the BBP2, slide the power switch on. You’ll hear “Pairing” or “Battery High” or “Phone 1 Connected.” It will only take a few seconds for it to occur.
  2. To power off the BBP2, slide the power switch off. You’ll hear “Power Off.” It will only take a few seconds for it to occur.
  3. To pair the BBP2 to your mobile device, slide the power switch fully until you hear “Pairing.” The time this takes varies based on your device. Red and Blue LED lights will flash. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the headphones.
  4. Volume up and down is controlled by pressing and holding the bumpy black retractable dial on the outer left cup. A voice will activate to let you know if you’ve achieved maximum or minimum volume. The center button controls answering and rejecting calls, or playing and pausing the track. To mute the mic, press the button on the lower right cup.
  5. To forward or reverse a music track, press the (>) or (<) buttons for one second. Note: this only works in wireless mode.
  6. Play time lasts for a whopping 24 hours with a 6-month deep sleep standby time. Charging the headphones takes approximately 3 hours. You’ll notice a red light while charging and a red blinking light when the battery is low. I’ve never seen the latter as it’s yet to occur.

You’ve got to appreciate a pair of headphones where there’s little that you need to know for proper operation. It couldn’t be much simpler.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

BackBeat PRO2 Black Case and Cords

Read:   Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

BackBeat Pro 2 Design and Features

At first glance, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 has a fascinating design with an unusual choice of colors. Although dark, the browns and blacks do blend.

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from a dark brown colored vegan leather. These ear pads appear to contain some form of memory foam. Every time I removed the headset, the ear pads return to their designed state. You don’t need to worry about which headphone is left or right. A rather large “L” and “R” on the inside of their respective ear pad gives it away. The inside headband is made from a medium brown colored, perforated and breathable fabric. I got to say, it feels rather nice and holds firm on my semi-bald head.

The outer portion of the ear cups (or pads, whatever you want to to call them is fine) has five different hard plastic material looks. One looks like laminated fiber while another has a wood grain appearance and yet another looks like tiny glittering gemstones. As I stated, it’s an intriguing look which in full disclosure took some time for me to accept. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out.

The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its dozen adjustable positions. Button and switch placement appears to be handled well. Had I been one of the product designers, I would have used one less switch and button and blended them into the faux wood grain portion of the ear cups. As an engineer, I know it can be done.Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset reviewThe overall construction is well executed and assures high quality. The headphones include a port for wired audio and another for charging.

Also included is a cloth carrying bag containing two zippered pockets, both with incredibly soft protective lining. Oddly enough, the top zipper is longer than it needs to be and led to some tearing off from the pouch.

As of today, the BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones are available in two colors, one of which includes the special edition version. Should additional colors be introduced down the road, this post will be updated.

Read:   The Ultimate LG G6 Review on Verizon

Specifications

• Nominal Sound Pressure Level: 93db
• Headphone Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Driver Diameter: 40 mm
• Range: 330 Feet (100 Meters)
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Codec: aptX™
• Bluetooth 4.0 Profile: HSP 1.2, HFP 1.6

• Size: 8.1″ x 7.8″ x 9″
• Battery: 680 mAh Lithium-Polymer
• Music Play Time: 24 Hours
• Standby Time: 6 Months
• Charging Time: 3 Hours
• Weight: 289 Grams (0.64 lb)
• Audio Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, AAC

What’s In The Box?

• BackBeat Pro 2 Over-Ear Headphones
• Soft Carrying Bag
• Quick Guide

• 60″ 3.5 mm Audio Cable
• 19″ μ-USB Charging Cable

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

Read:   Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Born This Way, Joanne
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

• Muse – Absolution
• Zedd – Clarity
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Audio Performance

I repeat this time and time when reviewing speakers and headphones; the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 over-ear headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. Songs within each album were sampled on comparable $200-$250 headphones selected from the collection, and results were noted. When you’re testing headphones with 40mm drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, you expect high-quality sound.

Vocals and bass were most impressive on the BackBeat Pro 2 and didn’t falter even up to the highest volume setting. Frankly, I didn’t expect bass to sound this good. The overall audio was high-quality and free of distortion. I know this because I conducted something called ‘The Electronic Music Test.’ I take an album from an electronic artist like Zedd or The Prodigy and put the headphones through its paces. (Feel free to insert your choice of artist who happens to play complex music using a variety of instruments and sounds.)

After having played albums from rock acts like 30 Seconds To Mars, Muse, My Chemical Romance, and The Black Keys, in addition to Electronica’s Zedd and The Prodigy, I can report that the BackBeat Pro 2 exceeded expectations and then some. Bass sounds were deep, rich, and even layered throughout the volume range. For instance, listen to Zedd’s Lost At Sea or Codec or Lana Del Rey’s Gods & Monsters. You can clearly hear layered bass sounds one on top of another. I have not heard bass like this from any other headphones in this price range.

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Vocals come out smooth and full of life. The vocal reproduction of the 3 L’s (Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Lorde) plus Ellie Goulding sounded terrific. The vocals of all the female artists were more vivid than anticipated and an improvement on the more expensive Libratone Q Adapt.

Rhythm guitar while evident could have been a bit more pronounced. I would have liked a bit more here, matching what I heard from the vocals and bass. Edge Of The Earth from 30 Seconds To Mars didn’t quite have the strong rhythm guitar sounds I’ve become accustomed to with some other headsets.

On the flip side, you hear great guitar sound on Sister from The Black Keys, on top of terrific vocals, bass guitar and drum sounds.

The headphones took a balanced approach to sound quality with outstanding bass and vocal reproduction.

Read:   Here are the Audio-Technica Headphones set for release in 2017

The Plantronics Hub App and Other Things I Noticed

Plantronics takes the headphones market with a level of seriousness, so much so that they offer an app that provides the user some basic information on their products. The app called Plantronics Hub is available via Apple’s iTunes and Google Play Store. I use an LG G6 mobile phone which uses the Android OS and had no issue with the app.

While it’s not as in-depth as some other headset apps, you’re able to see the headset status and battery level, among a few other things. The best features are within the Find MyHeadset section. If you’ve misplaced your headphones, you can send it an audible tone and backtrack to where it’s been. Now that’s pretty neat.

Answering, ending, or returning the most recent telephone call is a cinch for the BBP2. All these controls are on the outer right ear cup. Like many top brands, there’s even the ability to pair two (Plantronics) headphones to one audio source. This feature is becoming standard within the industry.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

If you haven’t noticed by now, the BBP2 uses smart sensor technology. Whenever you put on or remove the headphones, different things occur such as the playing and pausing of music, and more. This too is becoming standard within the industry.

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with the BBP2. The feature I disliked the most and is in need of improvement is the active noise canceling. Also known as ANC, this feature reduces unwanted noise external to your ears. In the case of the BBP2, the ANC didn’t reduce enough unwanted noise. By my estimate, it appears that noise cancellation is around 25% when compared to other headsets. If you’re outdoors walking around the yard like I do every day, you’ll hear my direct neighbor’s dog barking or the loud sound of Dennis’s lawn tractor (a neighbor from across the street) with hardly any reduction. This is disappointing.

When I mow my lawn, I wear another brands headset, not the BBP2, to crush out the external noise. And more often that not, that headset isn’t even turned on. My recommendation to Plantronics is that they incorporate varying noise cancellation settings on any future model. With this headset, ANC is best suited on an airplane, even more so on those long-haul flights. This way, you won’t have to worry about battery life.

While you may want more volume, and many of us do, listening to music at the highest settings is counterproductive and can lead to hearing problems, so be mindful. When switching on ANC, bass levels increase so much so that I prefer not to use ANC. Bass already sounds great without ANC; I don’t need more.

Read:   Here are the JBL Bluetooth Headphones set for release in early 2017

Conclusion

In my testing, the feature-rich BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones performed phenomenally. The production of strong vocals and clear bass at the highest volume setting was a breeze. Turn on the ANC, and you get even more bass.

These aren’t sport headphones, so I don’t recommend them for any aerobic activity beyond walking. From first-hand experience, there’s no issue when used during weight training.

The headphones are quite comfortable even after a handful of hours of continuous listening. At $199, the BackBeat Pro 2 are among the best wireless headphones of 2017 and are priced well against their often more expensive competition. We recommend you try them out.

[envira-gallery id=”8499″]

What do you think of this Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Plantronics on Twitter
• Follow Plantronics on Facebook
• Follow Plantronics on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones come with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) BackBeat Pro 2 headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Plantronics and Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Here are the AKG Headphones set for release in 2017

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: BackBeat Pro 2, Bluetooth Headphones, headphones, Over-Ear Headphones, Plantronics, Wireless Headphones 10/24/2017

Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

05/26/2017 By Hakan Can

Beyerdynamic Byron BT wireless headphones review

Selecting a pair of headphones has never been easy. With dozens of brands out there and even more models introduced year after year, the buyer’s journey becomes more and more difficult. Hopefully, we can ease your mind by putting forth honest, in-depth reviews from well-regarded brands. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Beyerdynamic Byron BT wireless headphones review.

Beyerdynamic Byron BT wireless headphones review

Pros:
• Modern, industrial look
• Lightweight design
• Superb sound reproduction
• Affordably priced ~ $99

Cons:
• Ear hooks could use a more secure design
• No smart foam ear tips included
• No wall outlet plug included

Read:   Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

The minimalist design of the headphones is one which is lightweight (under 0.5 oz) and easy to operate.

Upon examining these headphones, you’ll notice the solid construction of the Byron BT. Also, this may be the lightest wireless in-ear headphones you’ll ever wear. You’ll barely feel them around your neck and ears when listening to music. I know this to be true as I’ve typed much of this review while listening to my Amazon Music.

As of today, the Byron BT wireless headphones are available in one color: Anthracite. Should additional colors be introduced down the road, this post will be updated.

Beyerdynamic Byron BT wireless headphones review

The 5 Things You Need To Know for Operating the Byron BT Wireless

  1. To power on the Byron BT, press and hold the main function button (MFB) until you hear “Power On.” It will only take a few seconds for it to occur.
  2. To power off the Byron BT, press and hold the MFB until you hear “Power Off.” It will only take five seconds for it to occur.
  3. To pair the Byron BT to your mobile device, press and hold the MFB until you hear “Device is connected.” It will take about six seconds for it to occur. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the headphones.
  4. Volume up and down is controlled by pressing the upper (+) and lower (-) buttons. The center tab controls answering and rejecting calls, and playing or pausing the track. To mute the mic, or forward and reverse the track, press the upper (+) and lower (-) buttons for one second.
  5. Play time lasts for 7.5 hours with a five-day standby time. Charging the headphones takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll notice a red light while charging and a red blinking light when the battery is low.

You’ve got to appreciate a pair of headphones when there’s little that you need to know for proper operation. It couldn’t be simpler.

There’s even the ability to pair two Byron BT headphones to one audio source under multi-point settings.

Beyerdynamic Byron BT wireless headphones review

Read:   Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

Specifications

• Nominal Sound Pressure Level: 90db (1 mW /500Hz)
• Headphone Frequency Response: 10Hz – 23kHz
• Driver Diameter: 9mm w/Neodymium Magnet
• Ambient Noise Attenuation: 10db @ 1 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.7% (1 mW / 500 Hz)
• Range: 30 Feet
• In-Line Control: 3-Button Universal Control w/Mic
• Codec: aptX™, SBC

• Maximum Sound Pressure Level: 100db (200 mW /500Hz)
• Size: 9.8 x 58 x 6.2 mm
• Battery: 110mAh Lithium-Polymer
• Music Play Time: 7.5 Hours
• Standby Time: 5 Days
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Weight: 13 Grams (< 0.5 Ounce)
• Profile: HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP, SPP

Package
• Bluetooth 4.1 Headphones
• 4 Pair Silicone Ear Tips (S, 2x M, L)
• 1 Pair Ear Hooks

Contents
• Magnetically-Closed Carrying Case
• 19″ Micro USB Charging Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Amazon 
• Lady Gaga – Born This Way
• Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Paradise
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

Music Playlist
• Muse – Absolution
• Zedd – Clarity
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Audio Performance

As we often state when reviewing headphones, the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. The Byron BT wireless headphones were tested with a broad range of music per the list above.

When you’re testing headphones with 9mm drivers and a frequency response of 10Hz – 23kHz, you expect high-quality sound. Suffice to say, the Byron BT wireless met expectations and then some.

Vocals and bass were most impressive and didn’t falter even up to the highest volume setting. The sounds were high-quality and free of distortion. I know this because I conducted something we call “The Prodigy Test.” I take an album from an electronic group like The Prodigy and put the headphones through its paces. (Feel free to insert your choice of artist who happens to play complex music using a variety of instruments and sounds.)

After having played albums from rock acts like 30 Seconds To Mars and My Chemical Romance, in addition to The Prodigy, I can report that the Byron BT wireless headphones passed the test. Bass sounds were deep and rich throughout the volume range. Vocals come out smooth and full of life.

On artists like Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga, vocals again sounded terrific. The vocals of all the female artists were more vivid than anticipated and a slight improvement on the more expensive Moshi Vortex Air. Keyboards, violins, and certain percussion instruments (ex. cymbals) while pronounced, could have sounded a bit more so. I would have liked a little more here, matching what I heard from the vocals and bass.

Beyerdynamic Byron BT wireless headphones review

I nearly forgot to mention that switching back and forth between music and incoming calls worked like a charm.

Read:   Here are the Audio-Technica Headphones set for release in 2017

Competition

Comparisons were made between our best-rated wireless in-ear headphones, the Mythro and Vortex Air, both by Moshi. (We have other wireless in-ear headphones in our arsenal, but they weren’t worth comparing as these others performed below expectations.)

In the Moshi reviews, I noted that “the sound across the 15Hz – 20kHz spectrum was rather good.” With the Byron BT, you get 10Hz – 23kHz of frequency response, so the vocals and bass (guitar and drum) sound took it up a notch.

As expected, the Byron BT outperformed the $70 Mythro Air, and in a couple of areas, beat the $120 Vortex Air headphones. From price and quality perspectives, the $99 Byron BT wireless headphones fit perfectly in the middle of these two. One noticeable difference between the Vortex Air and the Byron BT was the volume. Going back and forth between headphones on the LG G6, I noticed the Vortex Air able to get two notches higher in volume. In other words, you’re paying $10 per increase in volume for the $20 more expensive headphones. While you may want more volume, and many of us do, listening to music at the highest settings is counterproductive and can lead to hearing problems, so be mindful.

The statement on expected battery life of 7.5 hours was true to its word, as was the one regarding a 2-hour charging time.

There was one con in the review. I happened to tear one medium-sized silicone ear tip during my first attempt to remove it. Outside of this issue, there were only pros concerning the physical construction of the headphones.

Beyerdynamic Byron BT wireless headphones review

Read:   Preview: JAM Voice Portable Speaker featuring Amazon Alexa

Conclusion

In my testing, these Byron BT wireless headphones performed phenomenally. The production of strong, clear vocals and bass at the highest volume setting was a breeze for the Byron BT. And I love the fixing magnet feature which keeps the headphones locked around your head.

These aren’t sport headphones, so I don’t recommend them for any aerobic activity beyond walking. From first-hand experience, there’s no issue when used during weight training. Sound isolation from your surroundings is fair.

I would like to add that these headphones survived a 12-minute run on high heat setting in my GE Dryer. I forgot they were in the left-side pocket of one of my shorts.

The silicone-tipped headphones are quite comfortable even after a few hours of continuous listening. You can thank a minimalist design approach for this. At $99, the Byron BT wireless headphones are priced well against their competition in the marketplace.

What do you think of this Beyerdynamic Byron BT wireless headphones review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Beyerdynamic’s Press Page to see their latest announcements. The Byron BT wireless headphones come with a one-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Beyerdynamic provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Byron BT Wireless headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Libratone One Click Speaker Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Beyerdynamic, Bluetooth Headphones, Byron BT Wireless, headphones, In-Ear Headphones 06/21/2017

Here are the JBL Bluetooth Headphones set for release in early 2017

04/13/2017 By Hakan Can

JBL Bluetooth headphones 2017

Back in late-February, we published a piece on the 2017 Bluetooth speaker line-up from JBL. For some reason, they decided to release their portable speaker line-up 1-2 months in advance of their 2017 headphones. It’s now April and what does JBL have in store for us this spring? They’re set to introduce no less than four pairs of headphones, all part of a brand-new series. So without further adieu, let’s take a closer look at the JBL Bluetooth headphones 2017 line-up.

[envira-gallery id=”7951″]
Read:   Here are the JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers set for release in early 2017

JBL has Four E-Series Bluetooth Headphones Set for Release in 2017

JBL Set to Release Two On-Ear Headphones in April 2017

Beginning in April, JBL is expanding their E-Series headphones with the introduction of these three models. These new colorful E-Series headphones offer 20-20K Hz frequency range at an incredible low pricing.

Per the CES2017 press release, “The new line of four versatile wireless and wired lifestyle headphones includes in-ear, on-ear and around-ear styles. A complement to music lovers’ everyday lifestyle, the JBL E-Series offers great convenience whether on-the-go, in the office or at home. ”

Of the four headphones set for release this spring, the new JBL Duet BT has us most excited.

[envira-gallery id=”7975″]

Per the brand, “JBL Duet BT on-ear wireless headphones bring the signature sound of JBL right to your ears. The Duet BT is one of our most versatile products ever, featuring up to 16 hours of battery life. Aluminum finishes and ergonomic leather ear pads give your entertainment a stylish touch, no matter what you’re doing…”

JBL Duet BT On-Ear Headphones

• Dynamic drivers: 40 mm
• List pricing of $149.95
• Weight: 183.3 grams
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth-enabled Type 4.0
• Up to 16-hour continuous use battery life, 2-hour recharge
• Detachable cable w/in-line control/microphone
• Folding design for convenient storage
• Carrying pouch
• Available in three colors: grey/tan, silver/tan, and black/black

Read:   Here are the AKG Headphones set for release in 2017

JBL E45BT On-Ear Headphones

[envira-gallery id=”7978″]

Per the brand, “JBL E45BT on-ear wireless headphones bring the signature sound of JBL right to your ears. The E45BT is one of our most versatile products ever, featuring up to 16 hours of battery life, an innovative, stylish fabric headband and ergonomic on-ear design. This means that your entertainment continues and your fun factor gets amped up no matter what you’re doing…”

• Dynamic drivers: 40 mm
• List pricing of $99
• Weight: N/A grams
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth-enabled Type 4.0
• Up to 16-hour continuous use battery life, 2-hour recharge
• Detachable cable w/in-line control/microphone
• Folding design for convenient storage
• Carrying pouch
• Available in five colors: black, white, red, blue, and teal

Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

JBL Set to Release E55BT Over-Ear Headphones in April 2017

[envira-gallery id=”7979″]

Per the brand, “JBL E55BT wireless over-ear headphones bring the signature sound of JBL right to your ears. The E55BT is one of our most versatile packages ever, featuring up to 20 hours of battery life and an innovative, stylish fabric headband that emphasizes your fashion quotient. The ergonomic around-ear design means that your entertainment continues and your fun factor gets amped up no matter what you’re doing…”

JBL E55BT Over-Ear Headphones

• True Motion dynamic drivers: 50 mm
• List pricing of $149.95
• Weight: N/A grams
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth-enabled Type 4.0
• Up to 20-hour continuous use battery life, 2-hour recharge
• Detachable cable w/in-line control/microphone
• Built-in microphone and volume/control switch
• Carrying pouch
• Available in five colors: black, white, red, blue, and teal

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO Amplifier Review

JBL Set to Release E25BT In-Ear Headphones in April 2017

[envira-gallery id=”7977″]

Per the press release, “JBL E25BT in-ear wireless headphones deliver the signature sound of JBL with up to
8 hours of battery life and a convenient neck clip to keep them in place comfortably even over extended periods of use.”

JBL E25BT In-Ear Headphones

• Dynamic drivers: 8.6 mm
• List pricing of $59.95
• Weight: 16.5 grams
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• In-line condenser microphone with 3-button volume/call/playback controller
• 3 Pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
• Up to 8 hours battery
• Carrying pouch and neck clip
• Available in five colors: black, white, red, blue, and teal

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSP 350 Headset Review

JBL Bluetooth Headphones 2017 in Summary

As you can see with these four new models, JBL is bringing more Bluetooth to the headphones market in Spring 2017.

Do you have any thoughts or comments on the JBL Bluetooth Headphones 2017 line-up? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media.

When more information becomes available on the products mentioned above, we’ll update this post.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the JBL Latest Products Page to see their newest products. To learn more about warranties, click this link for JBL Help information.

FTC Disclosure: This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a product ambassador for JBL.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of © 2017 Beantown LLC and JBL.

Read:   Here are the Audio-Technica Headphones set for release in 2017

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Bluetooth Headphones, JBL, JBL Duet BT, JBL E25BT, JBL E45BT, JBL E55BT, On-Ear Headphones, Over-Ear Headphones 07/07/2017

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