Interesting news/reviews/deals from the portable audio market
Another entry in the category of cheap in-ear-monitors, a market dominated by Sony’s MDR EX-71SL (white: $30—silver: $40), this time from JVC. What stands out when reading the press release (in Japanese) [via] about the HP-FX77 is the frequency range they’re claiming for it; an amazing but let’s-get-real 5Hz-25kHz. (The EX-71SL falls into the same [...]
An impressive release in the high-end department from Shure, the E500 canalphones feature triple drivers for ultimate audio bliss and and a “Push-To-Hear” accessory that mutes the music and activates an external microphone to let you hear outside sounds. I know more than a few canalphone users (heck, all of them) who will appreciate this [...]
Sennheiser presented [via] their first consumer canalphone model, the CX 300. Available this month in two colors (silver/black), with a MSRP of $50.
We’ll stay tuned for feedback on this one. Sennheiser is known for making quality phones, so if the CX 300 gets positive reviews, these may well be a worthy introduction to the world [...]
Apple didn’t present new Shuffles at the MacWorld Expo (like we, along with others, had guessed) but did hav e a treat or two for the iPod users.
The iPod Radio Remote lets you enjoy you favorite radio stations via the built-in FM receiver, accompanied by a nice visualisation on the iPod’s screen. Favorite stations can [...]
Review: Shure E3G gaming canalphones: they’re a bit tought to fit properly, but accurate bass and sonic clarity is apparently rewarding enough to get these phones a 9/10 rating. The reviewer thinks they’re best when used with gaming consoles, not for desktop gaming. Available for $179.
From the public service department—Who leader warns of hearing loss dangers induced by heavy earphone listening: “Hearing loss is a terrible thing because it cannot be repaired. If you use an iPod or anything like it, or your child uses one, you MAY be okay … But my intuition tells me there is terrible trouble [...]
Audio-Technica, makers of some fine headphones (among other audio equipment) announced they’ll be presenting their Import Series to the U.S. market in next month’s Consumer Electronics Show (Las Vegas—Jan. 5th, 2006).
The Import Series consists of 15 headphone models, previously available only in Japan. They can be classified in the following categories:
[Note: for the links that [...]
PodFitKit: specially shaped moldable silicon material that you put in your ears, let it take the shape of’em and—tada!—your earbuds (not just iPod buds) are now positioned properly, background noises are decreased, etc. Sweet, I might check it out. $10, plus a ridiculously high 5 bucks for shipping rate, if you’re in the US (for [...]
Shure E4c vs Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5pro: and the winner is… Ultimate Ears’ offering, which present a “solid picture, offering much greater bass and midrange presence, which will make for better long term listening.” And hey, they’re cheaper too—the E4cs go for $300 while the Super.fi 5pros go for $250. [via]