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You are here: Home / Archives for In-Ear Headphones

JBL Endurance PEAK Waterproof Sports Headphones Review

03/04/2019 By Hakan Can

JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review

Best Sports Headphones Under $120?

True wireless in a sports headphone is a goal of many of today’s top headphone brands. The latest in-ear waterproof-rated sports headphones are the ENDURANCE PEAK from JBL. PEAK is the 5th model in the JBL ENDURANCE line. At the time of this writing, the ENDURANCE PEAK has received rave reviews earning a 4.4 out of 5 rating from respondents on JBL’s website, feel free to read their testimonials. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review.

JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review

Pros:
• High-quality audio
• Touch control design
• Secure wrap around design
• IPX7 waterproof rating
• 28 hours of total battery life

Cons:
• Changing case does not have USB-C connection
• $120 price may be an issue to some

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

JBL Endurance PEAK Headphones Review

JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. To power on the headphone, remove the right ear headphone and unhook the POWERHOOK™. You’ll hear an engine startup noise. Do the same with the left headphone so that it pairs with the right. A red light will appear when they power on.
  2. For Bluetooth pairing of the headphones to your mobile device, go into your Bluetooth Settings within your mobile device and pair them. You’ll hear a few guitar sounds, and it’ll be complete.
  3. For Bluetooth pairing to a new device, tap the control panel on the right headphone, then tap and hold for five seconds. Now you’re all set. When both headphones are in use, a solid blue light will appear.
  4. All controls are on the right headphone.
  5. To control music, tap the control panel once to play/pause, twice to advance a track, and three times for the previous track.
  6. To adjust volume, brush your finger up or down the control panel to increase or decrease it. You should see the volume adjusted live on your mobile device too.
  7. To control phone calls, tap once to answer a call or to hang up, double tap to decline a call.
  8. To charge the headphones, simply place them into the charging case. There are four lights on the front of the case indicating the percentage level of charge.
  9. Playtime lasts for 3-4 hours. Charging of the headphones takes up to two hours. A 10-minute charge will lead to one hour of additional battery life.
  10. On the right side of the case is the USB charging port. The case provides 24 hours of battery.

JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review

Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

For the past week, I’ve been testing the JBL Endurance PEAK headphones at my gym Lifetime Fitness. The first thing I noticed is how eye-catching they were to other gym members. I was approached by no less than a handful inquiring about them. It turned out that no one had ever seen this JBL model before.

During that week, the Endurance PEAK headphones were put through their paces during numerous workouts including plenty of time on a treadmill. Surprisingly, they never once budged from my ears.

The headphones allow for passive audio to come through rather than blocking it all via auto noise cancellation (ANC.) In my opinion, when exercising you need a little bit of external noise to prevent from being startled. On the flip side, so much passive audio was blocked making it difficult to participate in a conversation. Every now and then, I found myself removing the left earpiece to hear those attempting to speak with me.

To counter this issue, there’s a mono mode should you decide to forgo the left headphone altogether. This takes some time to get used to as each ear hears something different.

JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review
JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review

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.” In other words, there’s a wear detection feature. Automatic shutoff occurs after five minutes when no audio is played. Standby mode is good up to three hours, then it’s time to recharge.

If you’ve not worn this type of headphone before, there’s a slight learning curve with respect to its control panel. But don’t worry, it should only take a couple of workouts to master the tapping sequence. See Items 5-7 in the list above. I encountered no issues with anything related to playing music or taking calls. However, I was unable to pause a live stream webinar or the CNBC player.

The (black, blue, or red) outer shell is rubbery and flexible, yet sturdy, particularly the POWERHOOK™ portion of it. The (white or gray) inner shell is of hard plastic. Both shells are sweat and waterproof garnering an IPX7 rating. Per the literature, you can go swimming with these headphones. Just remember to dry them before placing them back into the charging case.

The Endurance PEAK headphones come with three pairs of ear tips and one pair of enhancers. Earbuds are angled and noticeably so to fit your ears better. It is currently available in three colors: black with gray, red with gray, and blue with white.

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

Specifications

• List pricing of $119.95
• Driver Type: Dynamic 10 mm per ear
• Waterproof Rating: IPX7:
• Frequency Response: 16 Hz – 22 kHz
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2
• Available in Black, Blue, Red

• Operating Temp: 0 – 40°C
• Battery Life: Up to 4 Hours
• Battery type: Rechargeable Polymer Li-ion
Battery (3.7 V, 75 mAh)
• Charging Case Battery: 24 Hours
• Charging Case Charge Time: 2 Hours
• Charging Case Battery: Rechargeable
Polymer Li-ion battery (1500 mA est.)

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of Headphones
• Charging Case
• USB Charging Cable
• Quick Start Guide

• Safety Booklet
• Warranty Booklet
• 3 Pairs of Ear Tips
• 1 Pair of Ear Enhancers/Secures

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

• Mumford & Sons – Babel
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• Play List – Dark Pop
• Play List – Caffeine For Your Ears

Audio Performance

As I often state, in my opinion, the most critical factor regarding headphones is sound quality. The JBL Endurance PEAK in-ear sports headphones were tested across music from the artists and playlists listed above.

Two changes were made to the music playlist I used from my previous headphones review. You can see a link to that review at the bottom of this section. I added a couple of rock albums to mix things up a bit from the electronica and female-heavy pop music.

The first thing I noticed was how low and deep the bass could get. After having listened to Caffeine for Your Ears and Dark Pop Amazon Music playlists, I can state that these in-ear headphones have not only met but exceeded my expectations. Overall, the audio was high-quality and distortion free.

Take a listen to Ping Pong from Bassnectar and Pure Grinding from Avicii. You’ll be most impressed with the bass and percussion of these audio tracks in less than 15 seconds. I played these songs repeatedly to focus on whatever sounds (instrumentals) I may have missed the previous times around. Hearing the ping pong ball set to the audio track was terrific.

For a great test of keyboards including sounds that appear to be from other instruments, but you know they’re actually produced by a keyboard, then listen to Mantra from Timmy Trumpet. Listening to what seems to be a xylophone is a trip in an electronic track.

JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review

I would have been remiss if I didn’t listen to Halsey’s album hopeless fountain kingdom. While the Endurance PEAK reproduced its audio well, and the album is a joy to listen to, she’s not the ideal artist to listen to while working out. When I need to get my pump on, my go-to choice is electronic and rock music. Halsey was more of a test of the headphones capabilities.

As mentioned earlier, these headphones can be used underwater. While that opportunity has yet to present itself, I was able to test the Endurance PEAK during heavy snowfall. Not only did they get wet and perform as advertised, but the headphones also blocked out a substantial portion of the high-decibel noise generated by my Toro snow thrower.

If you live in New England as I do, I suggest you wear a pair of headphones while your machine tosses the snow. Your ears will thank you for the better listening experience. Mine were happier for having listened to Babel from Mumford & Sons.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, the JBL Endurance PEAK headphones look very similar to earlier models within the Endurance family, minus the neckband. When compared to their competition, JBL definitely stands out, and in a good way.

I found these sports headphones to be very comfortable in and around the ear, more so the latter. After wearing for a short while, I didn’t notice the ear hooks at all. I’ve come to like this design very much and see myself using them for the foreseeable future. Why some choose to wear those bulky over-the-ear sports models is beyond me. They’re not practical for cardio workouts.

Audio life of 3-4 hours is good enough to cover two days of workouts. The charging case increases its life to about two weeks without the need to recharge. A 10-minute charge will lead to an hour of playback. The audio quality is quite good with an extensive range of 16 Hz – 22 kHz.

As I often state, you get what you pay for. The $120 list price is quite fair. In fact, I’m surprised these sports headphones don’t list for more. Those I spoke with in my gym were surprised that the JBL Endurance PEAK was only $120. If you time a sale right, you might grab them for an even $100.

JBL Endurance PEAK headphones review

• Design – 4.5
• Features – 4.0

• Sound – 4.25
• Value – 4.25

What do you think of this JBL Endurance PEAK 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 JBL Latest Products Page to see their newest products. To learn more about warranties, click this link for JBL Help information. These headphones come with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: JBL provided Beantown with one (1) Endurance PEAK 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:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Endurance PEAK, In-Ear Headphones, JBL, Sports Headphones, waterproof headphones 03/25/2019

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.

• Follow 1MORE on Twitter
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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

Sennheiser AMBEO AR One Headphones

10/12/2018 By Hakan Can

Sennheiser AMBEO AR One Headphones

First came the Magic Leap One, the augmented reality glasses from the folks at Magic Leap. This week, the global audio brand Sennheiser brought spatial listening to the Magic Leap’s ‘Lightwear’ with the introduction of its Sennheiser AMBEO AR One in-ear headphones. Moreover, Sennheiser also introduced its accompanying AMBEO Augmented Audio Lab app.

Sennheiser AMBEO AR One Headphones

Sennheiser teams up with Magic Leap

This product announcement shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone paying attention to the augmented reality space. Back on September 21, Sennheiser entered into a partnership with Magic Leap when the former joined the “Works with Magic Leap” certification program.

Per the Sennheiser September press release, Veronique Larcher Co-Director of AMBEO states “As we enter a new era of spatial computing, and the technology gains traction with leading content creators, we are thrilled to bring our AMBEO spatial audio expertise to help drive forward this emerging field, while working closely with the creative community.”

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO Amplifier Review

Sennheiser launches AMBEO AR One in-ears for Magic Leap One glasses

In their current press release, Veronique Larcher of AMBEO states “It is exciting to be able to offer the first spatial listening accessory certified under the ‘Works with Magic Leap’ program, along with a completely new way to create spatial soundscapes with the AMBEO Augmented Audio Lab. Now with control over how much their audio composition is overheard by those around, and how much they wish to stay connected to the outside world, developers can create spatial audio worlds with Magic Leap One according to their own sound rules.”

Sennheiser AMBEO AR One Headphones
Sennheiser AMBEO AR One Headphones

Features of the AMBEO AR One Headphones

  • At the touch of a button, developers and creators can choose how much of the outside world’s sound, captured by the headset’s built-in microphones, blends into their spatial audio experience. By mixing the right level of external acoustic environment with the virtual audio world, developers can create truly immersive and social experiences.
  • The AMBEO AR One provides effective sealing through its Comply™ ear tips, which expand to perfectly fit the ear canal. They enable creators to shut out external noise to focus on the audio content undisturbed, and also ensure optimum bass reproduction.
  • Lightweight and discreet, the AMBEO AR One is also ideal for enjoying music after work, with their ear hook design and range of silicon adapters that keep the earphones secure and comfortable.

Pricing has been set at $250 for the in-ear headphones. Come November, they can be purchased directly from the Magic Leap website.

Read:   Headphones: Sennheiser IE 80 S Review

Features of the AMBEO Augmented Audio Lab App

  • The Transparent Hearing function of the AMBEO AR One earphones allows users to discover interesting sounds in the world around them. They can record them in the app as loops and mix them with loop banks. Several loop banks will be provided for users to get started.
  • Leveraging the 3D audio capabilities of Magic Leap Soundfield Audio (MSA), the AMBEO Augmented Audio Lab app visualizes the sound loops as a constellation of pulsing spheres and swirls of energy. Users can grab them, position them anywhere in the virtual world, interact with them, and physically wander inside their 3D audio composition. These unique experiences can be captured and shared on YouTube and Twitter.

Sennheiser AMBEO AR One Headphones

The AMBEO Augmented Audio Lab is free and will be available for download as “AMBEO Lab” from the Magic Leap app store.

Final Thoughts

With the annual Consumer Electronics Show approaching, it’ll be great to see and hear firsthand how much farther along the two brands have come. I look forward to an extended demonstration of these augmented reality and spatial listening products at the big show.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Sennheiser Headphones page to see their newest products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click here for their Service-Support page. The AMBEO AR One in-ear headphones come with a 2-year warranty.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Sennheiser © 2018

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSP 350 Headset Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: AMBEO AR One, Augmented Reality, headphones, In-Ear Headphones, Magic Leap One, Sennheiser 10/15/2018

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.

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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

Headphones: Sennheiser IE 80 S Review

11/15/2017 By Hakan Can

Sennheiser IE 80 S review

Three months ago at IFA 2017, Sennheiser introduced a trio of new headphone products to the world. According to the press releases, each of these three headsets (CX 7.00BT, HD1 Free, and IE 80 S) are aimed at different areas of a broad consumer market. The IE 80 S, in particular, is aimed at audiophiles–those who expect the accuracy and details within sounds. Want to know if this headset hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Sennheiser IE 80 S review.

Sennheiser IE 80 S review

Pros:
• Incredibly detailed sound quality
• Solid construction w/sharp design
• Aimed at audiophiles
• Bass setting customization
• Very comfortable fit
• Nine sets of ear tips, plus ear clips

Cons:
• Only one color pattern available
• Uses 3.5mm jack instead of USB-C
• Lacks Hi-Res Audio capability
• Lacks wireless capability
• Lacks wear detection

Read:   Sennheiser GSP 301 Gaming Headset Review

Sennheiser IE 80 S Review

Per Marcel Salzmann, Product Manager Audiophile at Sennheiser, “The IE 80 S brings together professional sound quality and high-end aesthetics – the best of both worlds for those seeking to upgrade their portable audio experience.”

Design and Accessories

So…what do you need to know before operating these new Sennheiser in-ear headphones? Simply stated, next to nothing. The beauty of this audiophile-level headset is that it requires only two steps to operate. 1) plug in the 3.5 mm jack, and 2) hit Play.

If you wish to take it one step further, the IE 80 S (like its IE 80 predecessor) offers bass customization through the setting dial. And before you ask does it work, the answer is Yes. I made adjustments to a handful of albums (see list below,) and it worked as advertised. Be careful though. The first time I used the adjustment tool, I turned the dial in the wrong direction, past the point of no return and the plastic tool twisted.

Sennheiser IE 80 S review

The IE 80 S are stripped down to their bare essential components. There are no buttons for features like Forward, Reverse, Pause, Skip, End Call, etc. They’re just not needed.

There will be haters who will complain that the IE 80 S should have these features. Sennheiser has you folks covered too. Per the product’s press release, “an optional smart remote cable with one-button control and an in-line microphone will be available at the Sennheiser webshop and participating retail partners.” It’s as easy as swapping out the detachable cable.

Determining which side is left and right is simple. The “L” & “R” designations are visibly marked on the inside and easy to read. Furthermore, a red band is added to the right side. If you associate Right with Red, you’re all set. There’s the Sennheiser logo on the exterior. This way all will know what brand you’re wearing.

The headphones come with a pair of ear hooks and three sets of each type of ear tips: standard silicone, lamella silicone, and ComplyTM. If you haven’t worn the latter, your ears are in for a treat.

Overall, the headset’s construction is well executed and assures high quality. Included in the packaging is a hard carrying case to protect your $350 investment.

The IE 80 S in-ear headphones are currently available in one color. Should an additional color be introduced, this post will be updated.

Sennheiser IE 80 S review

Read:   Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 116 db/mW
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
• TDH: < 0.1%

• Connector Plug: 3.5 mm
• Cable Length: 1.2 Meters
• Attenuation: -26 dB
• Weight: Approx 5 Grams

What’s In The Box?

• IE 80 S w/1.2 Meter Cable
• Hard Carrying Case
• User Manual

• 9 Sets of Ear Tips
• Ear Hooks
• Sound Adjustment/Cleaning Tool

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones 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

Audio Performance

I repeat this time after time again when reviewing speakers and headphones; the most critical factor is the quality of sound. These in-ear headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. When you’re a brand that states “brilliant authentic sound with outstanding sonic accuracy and clarity,” you expect them to deliver on their words. It’s a good thing then for Sennheiser that their IE 80 S headphones delivered the goods.

The IE 80 S produced so much high-quality sound that the volume needed to be turned down to prevent any hearing loss. This is precisely what I had to do with Zedd’s Clarity. Songs like Codec, Stache, and Fall Into The Sky required a lower volume because the audio was so loud and clear. The quality of vocal and instrumental reproduction (guitars, keyboards, drums, etc.) was ridiculously impressive.

Sennheiser IE 80 S review

On a couple of occasions, one in particular with My Chemical Romance, vocals became a bit drowned out at the highest volume setting. Even clarity has its limits.

Bass settings were adjustable, and we often took advantage of this feature. Since all music isn’t produced equally, it’s a good thing that bass tuning was available.

Overall, audio truly came out at a music enthusiast’s level, and free of distortion. After having played much of each of the albums listed above, I can report that this headset met and exceeded my expectations. These are exactly the type of in-ear headphones you wish you were wearing when sitting back in a chair or couch.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

A Few Things Worth Mentioning

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with these headphones. The feature I disliked the most is the old style 3.5 mm jack. It’s late into 2017, and many mobile device makers have been eliminating the 3.5 mm jack and replacing it with the newer USB-C style connector. I have two mobile phones, the LG G6 and the new Google Pixel2 XL. I couldn’t use the IE 80 S with the Pixel2 XL, and from my perspective, this was a disappointment.

The other main issue is that this headphone is not High-Resolution Audio capable. I would have loved for these wired in-ear headphones to be rated so. For the price you’re asked to pay, they should have been rated so. Fortunately for Sennheiser, the IE 80 S produces incredible audio quality.

The non-present Bluetooth and wear detection capabilities are minor issues and only barely worth mentioning. I can do without either.

Sennheiser IE 80 S review

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT Headphones Review

Conclusion

From the moment you place them into your ears, the IE 80 S headphones are very comfortable and continue to be so after hours of continuous use. This is a statement we can make regarding the majority of in-ear headphones we’ve tested.

Regardless of the two main issues mentioned above, the Sennheiser IE 80 S headphones tested amazingly well. It’s genuinely an audiophile-level product. The highly detailed audio quality was impressive and a pleasure to listen to.

These are one pair of headphones we wish we didn’t have to send back to the manufacturer. It’ll be difficult to go back to listening to the typical $100-150 in-ear headphones and their inferior sound quality.

Sennheiser IE 80 S review

At a price of $349, the IE 80 S is easily the best in-ear headphones we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing in 2017.

The price will undoubtedly scare some, but if noticed ‘Price’ was never marked in the Cons up top. If you believe in listening to detailed audio, it’s an item highly worth considering. Maybe you know someone, possibly a loved one, who’s an audiophile and would love such a gift during the upcoming holiday season. It can comfortably fit in their red stocking over the fireplace.

the Sennheiser IE 80 S headphones tested amazingly well. It's genuinely an audiophile-level product. Click To Tweet

What do you think of this Sennheiser IE 80 S 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 Press page to see their latest announcements. The IE 80 S wired in-ear headphones come with a two-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Sennheiser provided Beantown with one (1) IE 80 S ear-canal 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:   Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review - SonicPro Headphones

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Audiophile, IE 80 S, In-Ear Headphones, Sennheiser 11/16/2017

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.

• Follow Beyerdynamic on Twitter
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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

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

03/04/2017 By Hakan Can

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Moshi Vortex Air–Solid, Premium, and Bluetooth

Let me tell you a brief story. Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending my very first Toy Fair NY at the Jacob Javits Center. As great an experience as this was, my trip didn’t end there. I still had a multi-hour Megabus ride back to Boston to endure. Lucky for me, I remembered to bring along Moshi’s new Vortex Air Bluetooth in-ear headphones to demo on the return leg. This 4½-hour stretch of time did not go to waste. So without further adieu, let’s take a closer look in this Moshi Vortex Air headphones review.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Pros:
• Modern look and midweight design
• Highly comfortable fit
• Terrific sound reproduction
• Well priced ~ $120

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• No carry pouch included

Read:   Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

For once, I was able to ignore the bumps, the braking, the acceleration and deceleration of the bus’s journey and focus on the music.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review – Solid Design

The design of the Vortex Air headphones is one which is mid-weight (0.98 ounce) and easy to operate.

Upon examining these headphones, you’ll notice the solid construction of the Vortex Air. Even though the headphones are made of RigidBody™ steel alloy construction, they weigh in at just under 1 ounce. While this may or may not be lighter than what you’re currently using for wireless in-ear headphones, still, you’ll barely feel them in your ears. You’ll only notice the music. I know this to be true as I’ve typed much of this review while wearing the headphones listening to The Black Keys.

As of today, the Vortex Air headphones are available in one color: Dark Steel. Should additional colors be introduced down the road, this post will be updated.

(If more than one color were available, your mobile device would recognize the color of the headphones. This is how pairing operates with the Mythro Air. Your mobile device would list all colors and recognize them as individual devices.)

The 5 Things You Need To Know for Operating the Vortex Air

  1. To power on the Vortex Air, press and hold the (single) button until the blue light appears. It will only take a few seconds for it to appear.
  2. To power off the Vortex Air, press and hold the (single) button until the red light appears. Again, it will only take a few seconds for it to appear.
  3. To pair the Vortex Air to your mobile device, hold the (single) button until the blinking blue light appears. It will take about 5 seconds for it to appear. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the earphones.
  4. On the volume controls, volume up and down is controlled by pressing the upper and lower silver tabs. The center tab controls answering calls, playing or pausing the track, and forwarding and reversing the track. To forward and reverse the track, be prepared to press 2x or 3x quickly or the desired result won’t be achieved.
  5. Play time lasts for 8 hours at 50% volume with a 100 hour standby time. Charging the headphones takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll notice a pulsing red light while charging.

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.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Specifications

• Sound Pressure Level: 100 ± 3db @ 1kHz
• Driver Diameter: High-Definition HR8 (8mm) w/Neodymium Magnet
• Noise Isolation: Up to 23db
• Impedance: 18 Ω
• Range: 30 feet
• In-Line Control: 3-Button Controls w/Mic
• Codec: AAC, SBC, Modified SBC

• Headphone Frequency Response: 15Hz – 20kHz
• Microphone Sensitivity: -39db
• Battery: 100mAh Lithium-Polymer
• Play Time: 8 Hours @ 50% Volume
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Weight: 28 Grams (0.98 Ounce)
• Profile: HSP 1.2, HFP 1.6, A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5

Package
• Bluetooth 4.1 Headphones
• 3 Pair Silicone Ear Tips (S, M, L)
• 1 Pair Memory Foam Ear Tips

Contents
• Magnetic Clip
• 19″ Micro USB Charging Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Audio Performance

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:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Per Michael Leonhard, President of Moshi, “Mythro Air and Vortex Air are designed to deliver the ideal Bluetooth audio experience for the everyday commuter and traveler. Compact and light, our new Bluetooth audio lines are built with sound quality, ergonomics and battery life in mind to provide a pristine audio experience.”

As we often state when reviewing headphones, the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. I tested the Vortex Air with a broad range of music per the list above. In my review of Moshi’s Mythro Air, I made comparisons against the Monster iSport SuperSlim Bluetooth wireless in-ear sport headphones and the Decibullz Custom-Fit Bluetooth wireless earphones. Since the Mythro Air outperformed both competitors, there was no point to review against them again. Rather, I reviewed the Vortex Air against the Mythro Air.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones ReviewIn the Moshi Avanti and Mythro Air reviews, I noted that “the sound across the 15Hz – 20kHz spectrum was rather good.” With the Vortex Air, the gaps (particularly with the bass) I noticed with the Mythro Air have been closed.

Having reviewed the Mythro Air, I already knew rock music would perform well. I was not disappointed. The playback of both Muse and 30 Seconds To Mars was incredible and performed per my expectations. So I needed to kick it up a notch.

Remember the Megabus ride I wrote about in the opening paragraph? This drive was the perfect opportunity to test the Vortex Air with My Chemical Romance and The Prodigy. Say what you want about these two groups, they are talented artists and have millions of fans worldwide. And having seen both groups live in concert, those memories are ingrained in me.

If I were in a less public space, I would have totally rocked out and started my own mosh pit. There aren’t many wireless in-ear headphones that can transport me back to a concert to relive it between my ears. While the driver would have objected, I so wanted to get up and mosh with the other passengers on tracks like The Prodigy’s Thunder and Take Me To The Hospital. The same can be said with tracks from The Black Parade.

The vocals of Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga were sharp and vivid, just like with the Mythro Air. Throughout all the listed albums, keyboards and lower frequency bass and percussion sounds were pronounced and defined. The Vortex Air headphones blew me away.

There aren't many wireless in-ear headphones that can transport me back to a concert to relive it between my ears. Click To Tweet

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

Moshi Apps

Burn-In Tool App

Moshi takes the earphones/headphones market with a high level of seriousness, so much so that they offer an app which assists with the burn in of their products. The app called Burn-in Tool is available via Apple’s iTunes and Google Play Store. We’ve sampled dozens of earphones and have never seen any of these established brands offer such a tool. The closest app that comes to mind is Captune by Sennheiser, but it’s quite different than Moshi’s Burn-in Tool.

I used Android-based Motorola Moto X Pure and Google Pixel mobile phones and had no issue with the app. The one thing I will say about Burn-in Tool is the sound pattern is quite annoying and not meant for your ears. If you plan to use Burn-in Tool, I highly recommend you place your mobile phone and earphones in some other room, close the door, and let them do their thing for at least four hours. If you need your phone at some point, you can always pause the sound pattern and complete the task later.

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Read:   Moto Z Droid Review - A Verizon Exclusive

Bluetooth Audio App

Currently available only on Apple’s iTunes, Moshi offers its Bluetooth Audio app. This app provides customized support for Moshi’s Vortex Air headphones. According to Moshi, this app allows for the following:

  • Use their proprietary DJ4two™ functionality that lets your friend listen to the same music you’re listening to so you can enjoy your commuting and traveling together.
  • Lets you adjust and save your preferred equalizer settings for a truly customized listening experience.
  • It provides battery level status, so you know how much power is left in your Bluetooth headset.
  • Lets you set the alarm when the battery life is low, lets you change your headset’s device name, enables auto power-off, and shows a list of accessories that are currently paired.

Conclusion

In my testing, the Vortex Air earphones from Moshi performed phenomenally. The production of strong, clear vocals, guitar, and bass was a breeze for the Vortex Air.

It’s easy to say that the Vortex Air are now my go-to Bluetooth headphones. I can only imagine how much better they would sound if I had accessed an equalizer. Finally, I had a pair of Bluetooth in-ear headphones that could play my music library the way I expected it to sound.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones ReviewWhile these aren’t dedicated sport headphones, I still needed to test them during a cardio workout. The result was they performed quite well, holding in place when used with the memory foam ear tips. On the same workout, the silicone ear tips are likely to fall out from the constant movement, even with the use of the magnetic clip.

There was no issue when used during weight training or cycling. And the sound isolation from your surroundings is excellent.

Just like the Mythro Air, these headphones are quite comfortable even after many hours of continuous listening. As mentioned above, you won’t notice they’re in your ears after a short while. You can thank a minimalist design approach for this. At $120, the Vortex Air headphones are well-priced in the marketplace while outperforming much of its categories competition.

Have you tried Moshi’s Vortex Air headphones? Do you agree or disagree with our analysis? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Moshi on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi’s Press Page to see their latest announcements. The Vortex Air headphones come with a one-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Mythro Air Dark Steel Bluetooth 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: bluetooth, headphones, In-Ear Headphones, Moshi, Vortex Air 03/06/2017

Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

01/27/2017 By Hakan Can

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

Lightweight, Modern, and Bluetooth–Moshi Mythro Air

Selecting a pair of headphones or earphones has never been easy. With dozens of brands out there and even more models introduced year after year, the buyer’s journey has become most difficult as of late. Hopefully, we at Beantown can ease your journey by putting forth quality reviews from respected brands. So without further adieu, let’s take a closer look in this Moshi Mythro Air earphones review.

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

Pros:
• Modern look and lightweight design
• Highly comfortable fit
• Very good sound reproduction
• Affordably priced ~ $70

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• No carry pouch included

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review – Modern Design

The design of the Mythro Air earphones is one which is lightweight, compact, and easy to operate.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to hold the Mythro Air, you’ll immediately notice how light the earphones are. They weigh in at a minuscule 0.59 ounce. This light weight is due in part to its aluminum housing. Not only is this lighter than what you’re currently using, but soon after wearing them, you won’t even feel them in your ears. You’ll only notice the music.

These earphones come in three attractive colors: Jet Silver, Gunmetal Gray, and Burgundy Red. We had the pleasure of receiving a Burgundy Red sample for this review. When you pair the Mythro Air to your mobile device, the latter recognizes the color of the earphones. Let’s say you have two pairs of Mythro Air earphones; one is Burgundy Red, the other is Jet Silver. Your mobile device will list both colors and recognize them as individual devices.

The 5 Things You Need To Know for Operating the Mythro Air

  1. To power on the Mythro Air, press and hold the (single) button until the blue light appears. It will only take a few seconds for it to appear.
  2. To power off the Mythro Air, press and hold the (single) button until the red light appears. Again, it will only take a few seconds for it to appear.
  3. To pair the Mythro Air to your mobile device, hold the (single) button until the blinking blue light appears. It will take about 5 seconds for it to appear. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the earphones.
  4. On the volume controls, volume up and down is controlled by pressing the upper and lower silver tabs. The center tab controls answering calls, playing or pausing the track, and forwarding and reversing the track.
  5. Play time lasts for 8 hours at 50% volume with a 100 hour standby time. Charging the earphones takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll notice a pulsing red light while charging.

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

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

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Specifications

• Sound Pressure Level: 100 ± 3db @ 1kHz
• Driver Diameter: 8mm w/neodymium magnet
• Noise Isolation: Up to 23db
• Impedance: 18 Ω
• In-Line Control: 3-button controls w/mic
• Range: 30 feet

• Earphone Frequency Response: 15Hz – 20kHz
• Microphone Sensitivity: -39db
• Battery: 100mAh lithium-polymer
• Play Time: 8 Hours
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Weight: 17 grams (0.59 ounce)

Package Contents:
• Bluetooth 4.1 Earphones
• 3 Pair Silicone Ear tips (S, M, L)

• Magnetic Clip
• 19″ Micro USB Charging Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Audio Performance

Amazon Music Playlist:
• Lady Gaga – Born This Way
• Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Paradise
• Emeli Sandé – Our Version of Events

• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• John Coltrane – The Ultimate Blue Train
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars
• Muse – Absolution

Per Michael Leonhard, President of Moshi, “Mythro Air and Vortex Air are designed to deliver the ideal Bluetooth audio experience for the everyday commuter and traveler. Compact and light, our new Bluetooth audio lines are built with sound quality, ergonomics and battery life in mind to provide a pristine audio experience.”

As we often state when reviewing earphones, the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. I tested the Mythro Air with a broad range of music per the list above. I also tested it against a two other Bluetooth earphones selected from my collection. It should be noted these earphones are not rated for high-resolution audio.

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

Like the Moshi Avanti headphones, the sound across the 15Hz – 20kHz spectrum was rather good. The earphones were more impressive when I factored the $70 retail price into consideration.

Before I began testing the earphones against the playlist, I would never have guessed that the rock music would perform best. The playback of both Muse and 30 Seconds To Mars was incredible and far outperformed my expectations. The guitar work and vocals kept me fully engaged. I now know what my go-to Bluetooth earphones are when listening to these artists. I can only imagine how much better they would sound if I had accessed an equalizer.

The vocals of all the female artists were sharp and vivid. It’s fair to say the vocals of Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga were more vivid than anticipated. Bass guitar and lower frequency percussion reproduction, i.e. bass drum, while quite evident, was not as pronounced or defined as I would have liked. The bass sounds appeared to have been stretched out and lessened a bit across the low-frequency range. String work throughout a song like LDR’s Blue Velvet was spot on. Instrument sounds such as trumpet and John Coltrane’s saxophone were good but needed more punch.

Competition

The Mythro Air outperformed the twice more expensive Monster iSport SuperSlim Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Sport Headphones by a wide margin in terms of sound quality and battery life. Comfort level was about even. Against the $50 more expensive Decibullz Custom-Fit Bluetooth Wireless Earphones, the story is a bit different. Decibullz are custom molded earphones, so the fit should be perfect for all users. With regard to sound, I performed a head-to-head / song-by-song comparison with Ellie Goulding’s Halcyon. While the music sounded good with Decibullz, when compared to the Mythro Air, the former appeared muted. It’s as if there was a physical impediment placed on the music by the sound engineers.

Overall, the pros far outweighed the cons in the audio quality portion of my tests. The Mythro Air outperformed more expensive Bluetooth earphones from Monster and Decibullz.

Read:   Preview: JAM Voice Portable Speaker featuring Amazon Alexa

Moshi Apps

Burn-In Tool App

Moshi takes the earphones/headphones market with a high level of seriousness, so much so that they offer an app which assists with the burn in of their products. The app simply called Burn-in Tool is available via Apple’s iTunes and Google Play Store. We’ve sampled dozens of earphones and have never seen any of these established brands offer such a tool. The closest app that comes to mind is Captune by Sennheiser, but it’s quite different than Moshi’s Burn-in Tool.

I used an Android-based Motorola Moto X Pure mobile phone and had no issue with the app. The one thing I will say about Burn-in Tool is the sound pattern is quite annoying and not meant for your ears. If you plan to use Burn-in Tool, I highly recommend you place your mobile phone and earphones in some other room, close the door, and let them do their thing for at least four hours. If you need your phone at some point, you can always pause the sound pattern and complete the task later.

[soliloquy id=”6518″]
[soliloquy id=”7185″]

Bluetooth Audio App

Currently available only on Apple’s iTunes, Moshi offers its Bluetooth Audio app. This app provides customized support for Moshi’s Mythro Air and Vortex Air earphones. According to Moshi, this app allows for the following:

  • Use their proprietary DJ4two™ functionality that lets your friend listen to the same music you’re listening to so you can enjoy your commuting and traveling together.
  • Lets you adjust and save your preferred equalizer settings for a truly customized listening experience.
  • It provides battery level status so know how much power is left in your Bluetooth headset.
  • Lets you set the alarm when the battery life is low, lets you change your headset’s device name, enables auto power-off, and shows a list of accessories that are currently paired.
Read:   Moto Z Droid Review - A Verizon Exclusive

Conclusion

In my testing, the Mythro Air earphones from Moshi performed admirably. The production of strong, clear vocals was a breeze for the Mythro Air, while bass fell a bit short of expectations. Other sounds held their own.

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

These aren’t sport earphones, so I don’t recommend them while jogging. Even with the handy magnetic clip, the ear tips are likely to fall out your ears from the constant movement. From first-hand experience, there’s no issue when used during weight training. And sound isolation from your surroundings is excellent.

The earphones are quite comfortable even after a few hours of continuous listening. As mentioned above, you won’t notice they’re in your ears after a short while. You can thank a minimalist design approach for this. At $70, the Mythro Air earphones are well-priced in the marketplace.

Have you tried Moshi’s Mythro Air earphones? Do you agree or disagree with our analysis? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Moshi on Twitter
• Follow Moshi on Facebook
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi’s Press Page to see their latest announcements. The Mythro Air earphones come with a one-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Mythro Air Burgundy Red earphones 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: bluetooth, headphones, In-Ear Headphones, Moshi, Mythro Air 01/30/2017

Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel Headphones Review

05/17/2016 By Elliott Hall

Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS review

Review: Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel® In-Ear Headphones

For active audio listeners who need in-ear headphones that provide reliable stability, Audio-Technica may have the solution for you. The SonicFuel® ATH-CKX9iS is a near perfect pair of daily in-ear headphones for people who live active lives and need headphones that can keep up. We present our Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS review.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS review

Pros:

  • Well-constructed exterior design
  • Comfortable, lightweight fit at 5.1 ounces
  • 3 Sizes of ear stabilizers & 5 pairs of in-ear tips make for a perfect fit
  • 3.5mm L-shaped audio jack prevents wire fray
  • 13.5mm drivers
  • The flat 1.2-meter cable is tangle resistant
  • In-line control featuring microphone, volume slider, multi-function button

Cons:

  • In-line microphone positioned too low for optimal vocal pickup
  • Sensitive volume slider
  • Not waterproof or sweat-resistant
  • Upper-mids lack clarity
  • Earphones are large and protrude from ear
[envira-gallery id=”4529″]

Read:   Review: Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Headphones

The SonicFuel® Design and Features

The ATH-CKX9iS earbuds are very large, but their comprehensive design reveals why. The most prominent features of the ATH-CKX9iS are the C-shaped silicone rubber grips that serve to secure the earphone when you are on the move. They stay put, and you can be confident that they will stand up to any accidental pulls that might occur during activity. With three different sizes of rubber in-ear grips, four pairs of rubber tips and one pair of Comply™ foam tips; you can find the perfect combination for your ear shape and activity level.

For those who prefer to store their headphones after use, you’re in luck. The SonicFuel ATH-CKX9iS headphones come with a hard carrying case.

[envira-gallery id=”4531″]

The ATH-CKX9iS features an in-line control for audio adjustments and phone calls on the go. The in-line control includes a microphone, volume slider and a single control button, which operates the play/pause, skip and call functions. Additionally, holding the button activates Siri and GooglePlay on an Apple iPhone and Google Android devices, respectively. While the in-line control handles most functions well; the volume slider only adjusts the sound level of the speakers themselves and not of your phone. This particular slider makes for less smooth volume adjustments and the absence of a true zero. Minor issues aside, these earphones are incredibly stable and stand up to all the bouncing and other movements that would cause standard ear buds to fall out.

Read:   SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds Review

The SonicFuel® Sound

The ATH-CKX9iS headphones sound superb! The 13.5mm dynamic drivers produce premium quality sound performance that is sure to compliment any of your favorite tunes. The clarity of these earphones is a notable factor, and the output mix features a strong bass presence. Overall, they sound great. The highs and lows present a solid mix that proves perfect for pop, hip-hop or other high-energy genres. While useful for exercising and casual listening, these earphones are not ideal for those seeking a flat mix. Additionally, the upper-mids are not very pronounced in the mix resulting in subtle presence for sounds such as brass horns.

[envira-gallery id=”4534″]

ATH-CKX9iS Overall Performance and Final Thoughts

Overall, these ATH-CKX9iS are fantastic headphones for their price and purpose! With excellent sound, high-performance design and an Amazon price of $60; the Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS in-ear headphones deserve to be heard. Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS reviewThese are some of the best daily use headphones on the market, and for less than $100 provide an excellent alternative to many of the other manufacturer’s current traditional designs. You will love the sound these Audio-Technica’s produce.

Have you tried the Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS headphones? Do you agree (or disagree) with any part of this review? Let us know on social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages. And don’t hesitate to head over to the Audio-Technica website. Feel free to check out their 2016 product lineup, recently introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV.

FTC Disclosure: Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one ATH-CKX9iS 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 and/or Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.

[Tweet “Overall, these ATH-CKX9iS are fantastic headphones for their price and purpose! @USAudioTechnica”]
Read:   Review: Adidas Sport Supernova In-Ear Headphones by Monster

 

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: ATH-CKX9iS, Audio-Technica, headphones, In-Ear Headphones, SonicFuel 06/09/2016

Review: Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Headphones

01/15/2016 By Tom McLaughlin

The 4 Color Patterns of the Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Review

Introducing The Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS In-Ear Headphones

Athletes and fit freaks should rejoice when they hear about the Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS in-ear headphones. This feature-rich model comes with IPX5 waterproof certification (more on this later), U-type cables, an in-ear/behind-the-ear lightweight design, all for a price at under $40. Sounds like a dream, right?

So I thought I would give them their own workout while at the gym doing my workout. Are they the ideal sports headphones? Here’s what I learned.

Design

I’m not usually one for wearing in-ear/behind-the-ear headphones. Suffice to say, this was a bit of an adjustment and a learning experience. Not to mention the unfamiliar design of these headphones from the wires to the pivoting hinge.

We at Beantown received a pair of the SonicSport ATH-SPORT1iS headphones in Navy-Yellow to sample. In my opinion, this particular color scheme is the least attractive. So it’s a good thing there are three more color schemes available.[envira-gallery id="3794"]

Color patterns shown above are in order from left to right. They are the following: Navy-Yellow, Pink-Gray, Red-Black, and Black.

Read:   Review: Antec's SugarCube Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

The Earbuds

So let’s begin with the positives. These headphones are customizable for just the right fit. Now, whether that fit is comfortable or not is still, at this moment, up in the air.

The ATH-SPORTS1iS headphones ear tips come in two varieties and they are all interchangeable. The first is your typical, standard silicone ear tip which comes in 4 sizes: XS, S, M, & L. The second is of a more rigid design and it comes in 3 sizes: S, M, & L. It’s this rigidity that would lead you to wear this variety outdoors. You see, this rigidity allows for some ambient noise to make its way to your brain. So, if you want to hear that approaching car when you’re jogging alongside a road, then the rigid ear tip is the wiser choice.

When you’re in a controlled environment like the gym and don’t want to hear the surrounding noise, wear the softer design. This choice will isolate noise better allowing for you to focus on the task at hand.

The headphones plastic frames loop around your ears and secures the ear tips in place. It performs this function quite well. This frame also has a hinge that opens for better placement over your ears. Then you close it to a point that keeps the frame from maneuvering.

Simply put, the ATH-SPORT1iS covers all shapes and sizes of ears.

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The Wiring

There’s more to headphones than just the ear tips, so let’s talk wires.

I have to admit, upon first use, the wires on the ATH-SPORT1iS headphones baffled me. I removed them from the case before leaving for the gym and then, fiddled with them in the locker room. I still couldn’t figure out the cord set-up. What followed was three adjustments over the course of my workout, before I got it right, or so I thought. But even after that, I noticed how they were supposed to work and came to the realization that I had actually adjusted them incorrectly all along.

The 1.2-meter long cable for these wires is called a U-type. This means that it’s supposed to loop around your neck like a wireless headphone, except there are a lot of wires. The gold-plated 3.5mm jack plugs into your mobile device with the wire going up the right side of your head. This is where you use the supplied clip to secure the wire to your clothing, to prevent any tugging. This wire splits into two around your neck to the headphones, with one side longer than the other. They wrap behind your neck to the ears.

To put it plainly, it was confusing for this first time user. But it’s undeniable that once you figure it out, it’s quite convenient. I loved being able to pull an earbud out when taking a break and just hanging it over my neck. It’s something I don’t usually get with wired earbuds, but this fits the pattern of the ATH-SPORT1iS thus far.

Aside from this feature, the wires are thin in order to be as lightweight as possible. On the flip side, the wires can easily tangle if you don’t take care to avoid it.

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The Microphone

The (condenser) mic is on one side, with the universal button on the other. This button is to answer/end calls, control music, pause, skip, rewind, etc. What’s different is the slider between the two. I haven’t seen one like this since an old pair of headphones my parents purchased for me as a kid.

With it, you can adjust the sound on your smartphone (and other compatible devices) to make it as loud as possible. Then, slide the mic up or down to change the volume coming through the headphones. This change is independent of the volume on the phone for easy access to a wide range of volume.

Sound

Audio-Technica is a well-known name in the music and sound industry since 1962. From what my research tells me, the ATH-SPORT1iS headphones follow with the sound quality you would find in any other headphones produced by them. “Crisp/clear audio” is what the case says. The sound is crisp, sometimes too crisp. And a bit light when compared to Monster’s Adidas Sport Response earbuds.

The ATH-SPORT1iS in-ear headphones are equipped with 8.5 mm drivers so they can definitely push out some pretty good sound.

Functionality and Verdict

The ATH-SPORT1iS headphones are designed for athletic use, indoors and out. They’ll withstand water and sweat with their IPX5 waterproof certification. (I told you there would be more on this ingress protection later.) This means that you can wash them off after use, but don’t toss them in with the laundry. And with their lightweight and sturdy build, they won’t fall off or out of your ears.

In my opinion, this design comes with two sides. On one side, you’re getting a fantastic workout headphone. On the other, and this is just my opinion, I would feel a little embarrassed wearing these on a walk around say Boston Common or the Back Bay. It’s not designed for the street walk. In this situation, I would feel more comfortable with either the ATH-CKX5iS or ATH-CKX7iS models. These Audio-Technica SonicFuel models have a less complex wire setup but come with a $10-40 higher list price.

As stated above, a good fit can be found by anyone using these earbuds. The problem I encountered was that they weren’t ideally comfortable beyond the 30-40 minute run time. There was some minor irritation behind my ears. It wasn’t much of a surprise as my ears weren’t used to a behind-the-ear design.

If you’re planning on getting a lower-priced, good pair of wired sports headphones, these are worth looking into. The sound quality is good. It isn’t anything to go crazy over, but it isn’t weak either. The waterproof design is great, and the secure fit is one of the best I’ve found. The ATH-SPORT1iS is only $40 and for that price, you’re getting a decent product. If you’re looking for a higher level of sports headphones, Audio-Technica offers 3 more models as seen here ranging from $45-60.[Tweet “The ATH-SPORT1iS is only $40 and for that price, you’re getting a decent product.”]

Have you tried the Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS headphones? Do you agree or disagree with any part of this review? Let us know over on the Beantown Review Twitter or Facebook pages. And don’t hesitate to head over to their website. Feel free to check out their 2016 product lineup, which was introduced last week at the CES.

FTC Disclosure: Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one ATH-SPORT1iS headphones sample for review purposes. We’re not paid ambassadors. Our writers opinions are 100% their own.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. and/or Beantown LLC.

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: ATH-SPORT1iS, Audio-Technica, headphones, In-Ear Headphones, SonicSport, Sport Headphones 01/15/2016

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