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You are here: Home / Archives for Over-Ear 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

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset Review

07/06/2019 By Hakan Can

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review

Two months ago, the upstart brand SHIVR introduced their first 3D wireless noise-cancelling headset to a select number of audio reviewers. We were most fortunate to receive a pair. The NC18 boasts active noise-cancelling, spatial audio technology, and a built-in gyroscope. Engineered with closed-back dynamic 40 mm drivers, these over-ear headphones are designed to deliver varying types of audio reproduction. Want to know if they hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review.

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review

Pros:
• Comfortable fit & sharp design
• Solid construction yet flexible
• ANC & spatial audio
• Battery life of up to 20 hours
• Wear detection
• 40 mm drivers

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• Missing airline adapter
• No audio alerts when switching ANC or 3D sound on/off
• Currently only one style available

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset Review

Per the press release, “A next-generation, noise canceling 3D audio headphone had been created by us, with the idea of reinventing how sound is experienced. One will be able to savor the stunning feeling that he has never had before. We really think you don’t want to miss this. It will be a WOW, we promise.”

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review

Here’s What You Need To Know for Operation

  1. To pair the headphone to your mobile device, slide the power switch to the ON position. The time this takes varies based on your device. A blue light will flash in a particular order. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair to NC18.
  2. Volume up and down is controlled by pressing the volume control to the + or – position.
  3. The Play/Pause Button controls all music such as playing, pausing, forward and previous track, and telephone operations such as answering, ending, and rejecting calls.
  4. When receiving or ending a call, a quick tap handles this; a 2-3 seconds tap rejects it. One tap also controls playing and pausing of music. A quick (and I do mean quick) double tap forwards one track. A quick triple tap goes to the previous track.
  5. Playtime lasts for 20 hours. Charging the headset takes approximately 2 hours. A blinking red light will show when the battery is low, as will a voice prompt. Charging the battery will prompt a red light while a fully charged battery will light green.
Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT Headphones Review

Design and Features

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from a “skin-friendly protein leather.” Regardless, they’re very soft and comfortable. The quality of the workmanship is quite good.

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.

Determining which side is left or right is straight-forward. Unlike some headsets, the “L” & “R” designations on the inside are large enough to read. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out, plus there are hinges to reduce the space need to fit into the hard carrying case.

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review
SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review

The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its nine adjustable positions. My head fits well within three open notches. Button and switch placement is handled very well; never did I forget the location of anything. As it stands, the tap controller, the volume controller, and the USB-C charging port are on the right, while the ON/OFF switch, the MFC button, and the audio cable port are on the right. Overall, the construction is well done and assures high quality.

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

Included in the packaging is a hard carrying case which is fabric-lined. There’s also a charging cable, an audio cable, a user manual, stickers, and a button.

The SHIVR 3D Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headset is currently available in one color. Should an additional color be introduced, this post will be updated.

Read:   Moshi Costa Travel Bag Review

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 115 ±3 S.P.L. at 1 kHz
• Driver Type: 40 mm Closed-Back Dynamic
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Headphone Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Noise-Cancelling Width: 50 Hz – 1 kHz
• Microphone Type: Omni-Directional
• Bluetooth Codecs: aptX™, aptX™ low latency, AAC, SBC

• Battery: 720 mAh Lithium-Polymer
• Music Play Time: 20 Hours
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Weight:
• Range: 48 Feet (15 Meters) direct line of sight
• Operating Temperature: -10°C – 50°C
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review
SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Emile Sande – Our Version of Events
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

• Zedd – Clarity
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• The Black Keys – El Camino

Audio Performance

I repeat this time after time again when reviewing speakers and headphones; the most critical factor is the quality of sound. These over-ear SHIVR headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. When you’re testing headphones with 40 mm drivers, you expect them to deliver detailed audio reproduction.

The quality of vocal and instrumental reproduction (guitars, keyboards, drums, etc.) was impressive up to the 70-75% volume level. Once the volume got beyond this point, the audio reproduction wasn’t to my liking. I don’t like blistering audio regardless as I have tinnitus and value my ears.

Bass audio reproduction is the strong point of the SHIVR NC18. I’m amazed at how well I can hear the bass drum every time it’s struck.

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review
SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review

Vocals come out smooth and full of life. The vocal reproduction of Ellie Goulding and Emily Sande sounded terrific. After having played albums from the artists listed above, I can report that this headset met my expectations.

When it came to the active noise cancelling, I wasn’t blown away or disappointed. The ANC on the NC18 was par for the course. After using the Libratone Q Adapt on-ear headphones (specifically for its ANC) for 2+ years, I find it difficult to switch.

The motion tracker/spatial audio technology is a most interesting feature within the SHIVR NC18 headset. For those that haven’t tried this technology before imagine moving your head left to right or from up to down. One doesn’t need to be sitting either; most of us wear headphones on the go. So as we walk and turn our heads, the audio shifts to reflect our head movement.

I enjoyed this feature much of the time when it came to the playing of music, but not always. Paradise from Lana Del Rey and The Black Parade from My Chemical Romance were a trip to listen to. Jazz from the likes of John Coltrane are well suited to this technology. On the flip side, El Camino from indie rock band The Black Keys wasn’t an improvement for me.

Each listener will take away a slightly different experience with this tech.

A Few Things I Noticed

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find a fault or two with SHIVR headset. The feature I disliked the most and needs improvement is the microphone. On the few occasions when I took a wireless call while wearing the headset, the recipient I was speaking with stated that I sounded like I was talking with a cloth over my mouth; a bit muffled. The words were clear enough to comprehend, but the lower frequencies in my voice were a bit too high. On my end, I could hear the people I was speaking with quite well. When the call was completed, the music I had been listening to kicked back on.

Another unusual thing occurred when I was unable to forward or go to a previous track on a particular track from one of the albums listed above. It was bizarre, and this never occurred with any other album. I think it’s safe to say that this is an issue with the MP3 audio, not the headset.

Extended use does create some perspiration on the earpads, but this should be expected in hot and humid conditions. So long as leather or leather-like materials are used for the earpads, this issue will persist.

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review

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Conclusion

The feature-rich SHIVR 3D wireless NC18 headphones performed quite well. The production of vocals and solid bass up to the 70-75% volume setting was music to my ears.

These headphones are amazingly comfortable after many hours of continuous use. At $169.99, the NC18 headset is well priced in the marketplace. If you have the opportunity to demo this headset, I believe you’ll enjoy it as much as I have, and continue to do so.

What do you think of this SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 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 SHIVR on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the SHIVR website to see their latest announcements. The NC18 3D wireless over-ear headset comes with a one-year limited warranty. “SHIVR products are warranted against defects in materials and craftsmanship for a period of one year from the date of original retail purchase.”

FTC Disclosure: SHIVR provided Beantown with one (1) NC18 headset 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.

SHIVR 3D Wireless NC18 Headset review

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

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: 3D Wireless, NC18, Over-Ear Headphones, SHIVR 07/15/2019

Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

10/24/2017 By Hakan Can

Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT review

A few months back, Audio-Technica introduced their latest Sound Reality High-Resolution Audio headphones to the world. “Digital Sound Reality” headphones are intended for those who want and expect the best in sound realism. Engineered with closed-back dynamic 45 mm “True Motion Drivers,” these over-ear headphones are designed to deliver highly detailed audio reproduction. Want to know if they hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT review.

Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT review

Pros:
• Exceptionally comfortable fit & sharp design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Battery life of up to 15 hours
• Hi-Res Audio when wired
• 45 mm True Motion drivers
• Siri compatible with iOS devices

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• Only one color pattern available
• Lacks wear detection
• Minor issue with computer settings setup

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

Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Per the press release, “The ATH-DSR9BT and ATH-DSR7BT are the first wireless headphones to employ Audio-Technica’s new Pure Digital Drive system, which keeps the audio signal completely digital from the source directly to the headphones’ drivers, without the need for D/A conversion stages that typically degrade the sound quality.”

“The rechargeable ATH-DSR9BT and ATH-DSR7BT support aptX™ HD, aptX™ and AAC codecs (as well as the SBC format) at up to 24-bit/48kHz signals in Bluetooth mode and deliver Hi-Res Audio playback at up to 24-bit/96kHz when connected to a digital source with the included USB cable.”

[envira-gallery id=”9594″]

Here’s What You Need To Know for Operation

  1. To pair the headphone to your mobile device, slide the power switch to the ON position The time this takes varies based on your device. Three white lights will flash in a particular order. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair to ATH-DSR7BT.
  2. Volume up and down is controlled by sliding the volume control to the + or – position. A double beep will let you know once the minimum or maximum volume has been reached.
  3. Sliding the volume controller to the + or – position with a 2-second hold will forward or reverse a music track.
  4. The tap controller controls telephone operations such as answering, ending, and rejecting calls. When receiving a call, a quick tap answers the call; a 2-second tap rejects it. To end a call, double tap the controller. A quick tap also controls playing and pausing of music.
  5. Playtime lasts for 15 hours with a 1,000 hour (estimated) standby time. Charging the headphones takes approximately 4 hours. The number of white lights that will flash depends on the current charge level. A blinking red light will show when the battery is low. Charging can be done with the power switch turned to ON or OFF.
Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT Headphones Review

Sound Reality Design and Features

At first glance, the ATH-DSR7BT looks very similar to the ATH-SR5BT we reviewed one year ago. After all, they’re both part of the Sound Reality lineup.

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from leather or vegan leather. I couldn’t determine which, but I highly suspect it’s the latter. Regardless, they’re very soft and comfortable. The quality of the workmanship is very high.

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.

Determining which side is left or right is a bit confusing. The “L” & “R” designations on the outside are small and hard to read, especially when light hits it at a particular angle. The markings should have been a more visible color like that on the ear cup, maybe even larger. All you need to know is that the left ear cup is the one with the NFC marker on the headband. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out.

[envira-gallery id=”9593″]

The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its eleven adjustable positions. Button and switch placement appears to be handled well, but as a former design engineer, I would have argued for a change or two. As it stands, NFC, the tap controller, the volume controller, and the charging port are on the left, while the power switch is on the right. I would have preferred the tap controller on the outer center of the right ear cup. I’ve seen this design before on a Libratone model, and I rather liked it. Overall, construction is well executed and assures high quality.

The headphones come with four Bluetooth Codecs: aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC. Each playback codec yields a different light on the left ear cup. For instance, a purple light in the 3rd position designates aptX™ HD. Refer to Page 10 of the user manual for more information on this topic.

Included in the packaging is a carrying bag which has soft protective lining. There’s also a 2-meter audio/charging cable.

The ATH-DSR7BT (and ATH-DSR9BT) wireless headphones are currently available in one color. Should an additional color be introduced, this post will be updated.

Read:   Moshi Costa Travel Bag Review

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 100 db/mW
• Driver Type: 45 mm Closed-Back Dynamic
• Impedance: 35 Ω
• Headphone Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
• Microphone Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 4 kHz
• Bluetooth Sample/Bit Rates: 44.1, 48 kHz / 16, 24
• Bluetooth Codecs: aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

• Battery: DC 3.7 V Lithium-Polymer
• Music Play Time: 15 Hours
• Standby Time: 1000 Hours
• Charging Time: 4 Hours
• Weight: 300 Grams (10.6 oz)
• Range: 33 Feet (10 Meters) direct line of sight
• Wired Sample/Bit Rates: 44.1, 48, 96 kHz / 16, 24
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2

What’s In The Box?

• DSR7BT Headphones
• Soft Carrying Bag
• User Manual

• 6’5″ Audio/Charging Cable, USB Type A, µUSB Type B

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 important factor is the quality of sound. These over-ear digital drive headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. Each album was sampled against comparable current model $200-$300 headphones, and results were noted. When you’re testing headphones with 45 mm drivers and a frequency response of 5 Hz – 40 kHz, you expect high-quality sound. It’s a good thing the ATH-DSR7BT headphones delivered the goods.

The quality of vocal and instrumental reproduction (guitars, keyboards, drums, etc.) was most impressive and didn’t falter even up to the highest volume setting. I expected bass to sound good partly because of the headphones list price, but boy was it properly balanced. 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 group like The Prodigy or a rock band like Shinedown and put the headphones through its paces. (Feel free to insert your choice of artist or group who happens to play instrument-rich music.)

[envira-gallery id=”9592″]

After having played albums from the rock acts listed above, I can report that this headset met and exceeded my expectations. Bass sounds were deep, rich, and even layered throughout the volume range. Take a listen to Zedd’s Lost At Sea or Codec or Lana Del Rey’s Gods & Monsters. You can distinctly hear layered bass sounds one on top of another. I’ve only heard bass like this from one other set of headphones in this price range.

Vocals come out smooth and full of life. The vocal reproduction of Ellie Goulding and the 3 L’s (Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Lorde) sounded terrific. The vocals of all the female artists were amazingly vivid.

These over-ear headphones are engineered with 45 mm True Motion drivers designed to deliver detailed audio reproduction. After using these headphones extensively around my home, I can wholeheartedly say that they’re the best sub-$300-priced headphones I’ve listened to date.

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A Few Things I Noticed

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with these Audio-Technica Sound Reality headphones. The feature I disliked the most and is in need of improvement is the microphone. Whenever I took a call while wearing the headset, the person I was speaking with couldn’t hear me too well. I’m not certain what the issue is, but I’ve read a similar account with the more expensive ATH-DSR9BT headphones. Suffice to say, the headphones came off, and I spoke on my mobile phone the old-fashioned way.

Extended use does create some perspiration on the earpads, but this should be expected. So long as leather or leather-like materials are used for the earpads, this issue will persist.

Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT review

Read:   The Strain Complete Series DVD Release Date Announced

Conclusion

Minus one issue, the feature-rich Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT wireless headphones performed phenomenally. The production of strong vocals and clear bass at the highest volume setting was truly music to my ears. But still, I needed to turn that volume down to save my hearing for another day.

These Sound Reality headphones are very comfortable after many hours of continuous use. At $299, the ATH-DSR7BT are the best headphones I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing in 2017, and not just from Audio-Technica. I don’t say this lightly. From an audio standpoint, whether it’s an in-ear, on-ear, or over-ear model, this pure digitally driven pair of headphones is the best sub-$300 headset around. We highly recommend you look into these. Our sample unit is staying right here.

If you have a loved one and are considering getting this person headphones for a birthday or holiday, put the ATH-DSR7BT on your wishlist. You’ll need to get a sizeable red stocking to fit it in.

At $299, the ATH-DSR7BT are the best headphones I've had the pleasure of reviewing in 2017, and not just from Audio-Technica. Click To Tweet

What do you think of this Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT 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 Audio-Technica on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the News page to see their latest announcements. The ATH-DSR7BT wireless over-ear headphones come with a two-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Audio-Technica provided Beantown with one (1) ATH-DSR7BT pure digital drive 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: ATH-DSR7BT, Audio-Technica, Audio-Technica CES2017, Digital Drive, Hi-Res Audio, Over-Ear Headphones, Sound Reality 10/25/2017

Gaming: Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

07/26/2017 By Zach Can

Plantronics RIG 600 headset review

Plantronics is back at it again with their series of RIG gaming headsets. They’ve been on a roll the past couple of years releasing gaming headsets in this successful and ever-expanding series. Released late last year, the RIG 600 is cross-platform compatible with the big three: Xbox, PS4, and PC. Is the RIG 600 an improvement over their RIG 400 and Flex LX headphones? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics RIG 600 headset review.

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Pros:
• Classic, all-black design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Soft memory foam earcups
• Very comfortable fit
• 40mm dynamic drivers

Cons:
• Only one color pattern is available
• No wireless capability (which is okay)

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

RIG 600 Design and Fit

Upon unboxing the item, the first thing I noticed was how lightweight the headset was at 247 grams. The design is very clean with markings in gold and black. This created a look of luxury. This look is further reinforced by the (gold-stitched) cushioned headband and earcups. The headband is adjustable and can fit a broad range of head frames with its 16 adjustment settings. This comes to roughly 2″ on each side, thus yielding a more comfortable fit. The inside headband is made from a deep black colored, perforated and breathable fabric.

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from a deep black colored vegan leather. These ear pads appear to contain some form of memory foam. You don’t need to worry about which headphone is left or right. A rather large “R” is visible on the inside of its respective ear pad. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out. Included in the box are two interchangeable 3.5 mm cables and a splitter which I will go into further detail later.

Plantronics RIG 600 headset review

The Plantronics RIG 600 headset is definitely a step up from the Turtle Beach Call of Duty AW headset that I’ve been using. The former’s pillow–like earcups and headband provide such a comfortable experience that it feels like it isn’t even there. These are a pair of headphones which you can keep on for hours without that feeling of having your temples pinched due to the hard plastic feel of lower-quality gaming headphones.

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

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 111 dB SPL/V
• Driver Diameter: Dynamic 40 mm
• Input Power: 40mW
• Cable Length: 1.3 meters
• Cable Connector: 3.5 mm dual 3.5 mm Y-adapter
• Sound-isolating earcups

• Headphone Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Microphone Frequency Response: 100Hz – 10kHz
• Microphone Pick Up Pattern: Unidirectional
• Microphone Signal to Noise: >42 dB
• Microphone Sensitivity: -45 dB SPL/Pa
• Microphone Impedance: 32 Ω
• Weight: 247 grams

Read:   Lexar JumpDrive C25i Review for iPhone or iPad

RIG 600 Features

The RIG 600 is designed with 40mm dynamic drivers to provide a balanced listening experience. I decided to test the headset first on the Sony PS4, and the RIG 600 did an excellent job producing the sounds in Resident Evil 7 Biohazard. With every footstep, I could hear the puddles I stepped in, as well as the blades of grass, and the creaking floorboards. This made an already scary game more terrifying.

Next, I tested the headset on my Xbox One S opting for Final Fantasy XV, a game which offers a beautifully crafted soundtrack, cut scenes, and battle sequences. The headphones did a great job replaying the music with some of the finer details such as sailing on the water and hearing the satisfying sound of a blade striking the enemy. The soundtrack is never loud enough to overwhelm the dialogue which is perfect for this game.

Plantronics RIG 600 headset reviewThe only issue I had with this headset was that there wasn’t an adjustable controller for volume on the 3.5 mm lines. On the Xbox One S, I had to get into the settings to adjust the sound which wasn’t all that difficult, yet might not be obvious to most.

The overall construction is well executed and shows a quality build. The headphones include a port for wired audio.

Read:   Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Audio Performance

While it doesn’t have the deep lows of a pair of Beats headphones, I was surprised at how good this headset was at providing a balance experience throughout the different genres of music. I found rocking out to the sound of an acoustic guitar for country music to waiting for the beat to drop on an EDM song. It was a very satisfying experience.

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

Conclusion

Versatility is probably the most attractive feature of the RIG 600. It was incredibly easy to switch and use the different 3.5mm cables between devices. One 3.5mm cable has a mic attached used for gaming, the other music listening purposes. Set up is very easy, no software needs to be installed and is plug-and-play. There isn’t a long mess of cables like with some other gaming headsets.

The RIG 600 gaming headset is quite comfortable even after a handful of hours of continuous gaming. This headset is available for purchase at Amazon (see link below) and the Plantronics website for $99.99. They seem like a good pickup for those who value great sound, comfort, and versatility. If you can find it for less than list, it’s a steal. You won’t be disappointed.

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What do you think of this Plantronics RIG 600 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 RIG 600 gaming headset comes with a one-year limited warranty.

This review was co-written with Gamer Jesse Lin who put the RIG 600 through its paces.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) RIG 600 gaming headset sample for review purposes. These writers opinions are 100% their own and neither are paid product ambassadors.

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: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: gaming headphones, gaming headset, Over-Ear Headphones, Plantronics, RIG 600 08/14/2017

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

06/26/2017 By Hakan Can

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

With so many brands and models out there, selecting a pair of over-ear headphones is a challenge. Priced just under $200, the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro is an affordable pair of headphones at producing quality audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with 40mm drivers designed to deliver up to 35 kHz of audio reproduction. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus review.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Review

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Headphones

Pros:
• Creative, modular design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Very comfortable fit
• Cancels noise very well w/o advertising it

Cons:
• No wireless capabilities
• Only two color patterns available: Black & White
• Price of $200 may be too high against current competition

Read:   Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

Custom One Pro Plus Design and Features

The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro headset has a modular design. By this I mean the vegan leather headband and ear pads, as well as the PVC covers and rings, are removable and replaceable. In the event of an accident where the headband gets torn or a plastic ring cracks, the headset can be salvaged with replacement parts. And if you know anything about 3-D printing and painting, I bet you could make replacement covers of your design. This creative task may be something worth trying.

The vegan leather headband and ear pads are very comfortable, the former so much so that I usually don’t feel that it’s there. The headband pressure of 3.5 Newtons and the use of some form of memory foam have something to do with this high level of comfort. It feels rather nice and holds firm on my semi-bald head.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

You don’t need to worry about which headphone is left or right even though they’re labeled. Feel free to wear the headset backward; I often do depending on which pocket my mobile phone is in. There’s nothing unique about the yoke design, and that’s okay. I’ve seen this tried-and-true design on a number of headsets, with more likely to come. The yokes can twist roughly 10° with the cups rotating up and down approximately 45°.

The Custom One Pro can fit a wide range of head frames with its nine adjustable positions. Placement of the “variable bass reflex system” is spot on and easy to adjust with your thumb. Each adjustment adds an extra level of bass for a customizable listening experience.

Before I forget, the “Plus” in Custom One Pro Plus refers to the 16 sets of PVC covers included in the packaging. Keep the shipped covers on or replace them with another pair of your liking. An Allen Wrench is provided, so you don’t have to go looking for one. The overall construction is well executed and assures high quality. The left earphone includes a port for the audio cable.

The Custom One Pro Plus headphones are available in two colors: black and white. Should additional colors be introduced down the road, this post will be updated.

Read:   Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

What’s In The Box?

• Custom One Pro Over-Ear Headphones
• 16 Design Covers
• User Manual

• 1/4″ (6.35 mm) Jack Adapter
• 3.5 mm, 1.5 Meter Audio Cable
• 3.5 mm, 1.3 Meter Audio Cable w/1-Button Control & Microphone

Specifications

• Nominal Sound Pressure Level: 96 dB
• Maximum Sound Pressure Level: 116 dB
• Headphone Frequency Response: 5 – 35,000 Hz
• Power Handling Capacity: 100 mW
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Transducer Type: Dynamic
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.2%

• Operating Principle: Closed
• Ambient Noise Attenuation: ~ 18 dBA
• Headband Pressure: 3.5 N
• Size: 5″ x 10″ x 6″
• Weight: 290 Grams w/o Cable
• Connectors: 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm included

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Born This Way, Joanne
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• John Coltrane – The Ultimate Blue Train

• Imagine Dragons – Night Visions
• Zedd – Clarity
• Mumford & Sons – Babel, Sigh No More
• 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 again when reviewing headphones; the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro over-ear headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. Songs within each album were sampled on comparable $150-$250 headphones selected from the collection, and results were noted. When you’re testing headphones with 40mm drivers and a frequency response of 5 Hz – 35 kHz, you expect quality sound.

When you’ve got headphones with a “variable bass reflex system,” you expect terrific bass. After all, it’s arguably the main selling feature. Well, I’m here to report that you won’t be disappointed with the low-frequency spectrum; I certainly wasn’t.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

Bass was impressive up to the highest volume setting and distortion-free throughout the high majority of the playlist above. There’s one exception, and I’ve heard it with numerous headphones. The large marching band drum sound on Night Visions lead track Radioactive is tricky. While these sounds were reproduced better on the Custom One Pro than my other $200 headphones, it’s not quite where I believe it should be.

Jazz instrumental, as well as lead and rhythm rock guitar sounds came out quite well. I enjoyed listening to John Coltrane, Mumford & Sons, and The Black Keys the most with the Custom One Pro.

Vocals were clear, but when compared to the bass, a bit on the soft side for my taste. The vocal reproduction of the 3 L’s (Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Lorde) sounded good but could have used more oomph.

The overall audio from the Custom One Pro was decent. If you ever see these headphones at a listening station, give them a 10-15 minute try out.

Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Other Things I Noticed

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with the Custom One Pro. The feature I disliked the most is the one the headphones are missing, and that’s wireless capability. Oh, how I wish these headphones were Bluetooth capable. Had they been so, then there would be more on-headphone controls. Here’s to hoping for an updated headphone, maybe something called Custom Two Pro.

These headphones have excellent external noise isolation better known as active noise cancellation. The odd thing is that Beyerdynamic doesn’t market this product with this feature. Let’s say you want a quieter home, then put on these headphones and ignore your surroundings and everyone who lives within.

With a frequency response up to 35,000 Hz, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Custom One Pro was capable of playing high-resolution audio. If you’ve got this headphone and a Hi-Res audio player, it’s time for an experiment.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Headphones with Customized Covers

This headset is well suited for use on an airplane, more so on those long-haul flights. Plug it into the infotainment system, recline, and enjoy the ride.

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.

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

Conclusion

In my testing, the Custom One Pro Plus headphones performed well, but I would have liked more bang for the buck. It delivers clear vocals and strong bass at the highest volume setting. The adjustable bass feature is a big plus for those of us who listen to bass-heavy music. Also, the headset blocks external noise quite well, and it’s not even advertised as active noise canceling.

This sound isolation from your surroundings is excellent. I couldn’t hear a computer speaker that was directly in front of me while listening to music. The same goes for television in an adjacent room.

The headphones are exceedingly comfortable even after a handful of hours of continuous listening. At a few years old, the Custom One Pro Plus are still among the best wired headphones of 2017. Unfortunately, they are priced a bit high against the current competition. With wireless choices and newer models available, I feel this headset is better suited at a list price of $150.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

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, but this means you would need your phone beside you at all times. Ears do feel a little warm and sweaty when worn for an extended duration, especially under sunny, outdoor conditions.

What do you think of this Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus 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 Custom One Pro Plus headphones come with a two-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Beyerdynamic provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Custom One Pro Plus 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:   The Ultimate LG G6 Review on Verizon

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Beyerdynamic, Custom One Pro, headphones, Over-Ear Headphones 04/02/2018

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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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