noise-isolating-headphones

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  • Test-driving AIRBudz, the sensible antidote to "earbud zombies"

    You've seen earbud zombies before -- they're the people who are walking or riding around with noise-isolating earphones plugged into their ears, totally oblivious to traffic noise, people talking or yelling at them, or the sound of screeching tires just before they get hit by a car. A few weeks ago, I wrote about AIRBudz, a Kickstarter project that is the one-woman campaign of Tammy Erdel to reduce the number of earbud zombies on our streets. I've had a chance to test the AIRBudz in prototype form, and I'm glad to say that they work well. I had every intention of trying the AIRBudz out with two pairs of high-end noise-isolating earbuds I'd received for review, but had to settle for testing them with another Kickstarter project -- CordCruncher earphones -- since the high-end earbuds mysteriously disappeared into the black hole in my office. My test was rather simple. I played music on my iMac at a tolerably loud volume, then cranked up some tunes on my iPhone and listened through the CordCrunchers with the normal silicone tips. I couldn't hear anything but the music from the iPhones. With the AIRBudz tips installed, I could hear the music from the iMac as well as that coming from the iPhone. Well, that certainly helps out the earbud zombie problem, as it makes it possible to hear ambient noises as well as your music. But I also noticed that the AIRBudz distorted the low end of the music I was listening to and overall made the sound somewhat "tinny". I have a suggestion for people who are concerned about their personal safety while wearing earphones -- back the AIRBudz project on Kickstarter (it's only about halfway funded with nine days to go) and get a set to use with your favorite earphones when you're doing outdoor activities. Keep your existing earbuds to switch back to you when you're safely out of danger.

    Steve Sande
    05.30.2012

  • Klipsch intros Image S4A in-ears, lets Android users feel the in-line remote love

    There's no question Klipsch's S4 in-ear headphone line has some of the best to be had for under $100, yet aside from its iPhone-compatible S4i variant, mobile phone users wanting an in-line remote's benefits were outta luck. Well, it looks like times are a-changin' as an Android-oriented version of the noise-isolating buds, appropriately dubbed S4A, has popped up for pre-order on Klipsch's site. The remote's compatible down to Android 2.1 and appears to be slightly tweaked from the S4i with less buttons, but the specs say it'll work for phone calls, music control and volume adjustment. To make this cake's icing even richer, a Klipsch Control App will also allow for "customized functionality." They're priced at a cool Benjamin with no word on a ship date just yet, but you'll find some robot-clad closeups in the gallery below. %Gallery-131960% [Thanks, Bjorn and Jason]

    Joe Pollicino
    08.30.2011

  • Bowers & Wilkins C5 in-ear headset review

    Bowers & Wilkins has seriously been ramping up its consumer audio game in the past few years -- notably, with products like its Zeppelin speaker systems for iDevices and its MM-1 desktop speakers. While speakers seem like an obvious choice for a company famous for HiFi systems, you probably wouldn't have thought of B&W for your next set of iPhone-compatible headphones -- that is, until its $300 P5 mobile HiFi supra-aural 'phones released last year. This year, the company has taken a second step into the game with its C5 in-ear headset. Priced at $180, they're a possible contender for those who'd prefer earbuds to on-ears, or maybe want some B&W headgear at a less expensive price point. We've grown fond of our leather-clad P5s for chit-chatting on the phone and rocking out during the commute, so we were curious to see, hear, and feel what the C5s could bring to the table. Luckily, B&W dropped off a pair of the in-ears on our doorstep, and we got to give them a healthy amount of use while commuting in and out of NYC to find out if they'd also win us over. It's all detailed just past the break. %Gallery-129412%

    Joe Pollicino
    08.08.2011

  • Bowers & Wilkins C5 headphones ooze luxury into your ear canals for $180

    Maybe you've wanted to step up your iPhone listening-game with Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones Maybe its $300 price tag or supra-aural fit just weren't appealing. Well then, maybe you'll be pleased hear about the company's new and extra-mobile $180 C5 noise-isolating in-ear headset. Crafted mostly from aluminum, its bullet-shaped earbuds look like a posh blend of the Zeppelin Air and Mini geared for mobile. The 'buds come equipped with an iDevice compatible inline remote / mic to get a handle on phone calls or swap though playlists, and have a few unique features to boot. To ensure a proper fit on-the-move, you'll find Secure Loops that can be adjusted to hug the inner cartilage of your ear, along with added heft (Tungsten Weighting) near the inner-ear side for a tight seal. Internally, there's a Micro Porous Filter to widen the perceived soundstage, while also preventing any leakage to folks around you. We'll be checking these out in due time, but for now, audio lovers will find full specs at B&W's website linked below.

    Joe Pollicino
    07.12.2011