Review Rock Jaw Kommand Hybrid IEM: a clever mix of balanced armature and dynamic drivers in one earbud

We’re big fans of Rock Jaw’s sub-£50 headphones, especially the Alfa Genus with its interchangeable filters. Here’s our review of the enthusiast-level Kommand Hybrid IEM.  Anyone who knows anything about headphones can tell you the difference between balanced armature and dynamic drivers. Typically headphones use one or the other but not both. Each has its pros and cons, with balanced armature delivering excellent detail and clarity for high frequencies and dynamic drivers offering better bass and warmth for mid-tones.

Rock Jaw Kommand Hybrid IEM

That’s why Rock Jaw has gone for an 8mm dynamic driver as well balanced armature in its flagship Kommand IEM. IEM is another headphone acronym, which stands for in-ear monitor. They’re just ear buds to everyone else.  As well as their hybrid nature, they also have interchangeable filters just like the Alfa Genus. You get three sets of screw-in components which change the characteristics of the sound.

Rock Jaw Kommand Hybrid IEM

By default the silver ‘bass’ filters are installed. These enhance low frequencies but, unlike with the Alfa Genus, not at the expense of treble clarity. If you prefer a neutral sound which doesn’t favour low or highs, the champagne coloured filters might be the ones you use most of the time.

Meizu EP51 Bluetooth Stereo Headset Launched

Meizu on Wednesday, as expected, unveiled its new m3 note smartphone at an event in China. The Chinese company at the same event also unveiled a Bluetooth Stereo headset dubbed EP51. Priced at CNY 269 (approximately Rs. 2,800), the Meizu EP51 will go on sale from Monday in China. Meizu stressed that the new Bluetooth-enabled stereo headset is ideal for usage during fitness or sports activities.

The Meizu EP51 features a built-in microphone while also packs call and volume control buttons. The company touts that the cable is made of durable Kevlar material. The device is rated to deliver up to 6 hours of continuous music playback while can fully charge in up to 2 hours. It supports Bluetooth 4.0, measures 16x23x25mm, and weighs 15.3 grams.

Meizu EP51

As we mentioned, the Chinese company on Wednesday also unveiled its new m3 note. The smartphone has been launched in two variants, with the 2GB of RAM/ 16GB of inbuilt storage version priced at CNY 799 (roughly Rs. 8,200), and the 3GB of RAM/ 32GB storage version priced at CNY 999.

Running Flyme OS based on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the dual-SIM Meizu m3 note sports a 5.5-inch full-HD LTPS display with a pixel density of 403ppi. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio P10 SoC, coupled with either 2GB or 3GB of LPDDR3 RAM. Inbuilt storage can be supplemented by microSD storage expansion, but Meizu has not detailed the maximum supported capacity.

Meizu EP51

The Meizu m3 note sports a 13-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture and PDAF autofocus, apart from a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture. The smartphone also boasts of a fingerprint sensor with mTouch 2.1 technology, said to recognise fingerprints in 0.2 seconds. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the smartphone is its 4100mAh battery.

In Depth Sennheiser’s Urbanite XL Goes Wireless Headphone

Audio specialist Sennheiser introduced a new wireless version of its Urbanite headphone range at the Consumer Electronics Show 2015. Sennheiser’s new Urbanite XL Wireless headphones add Bluetooth and NFC to the winning Urbanite formula of cool urban style and uncompromised sound, with massive bass and crystal clear trebles.

Sennheiser’s Urbanite XL Goes Wireless Headphone

“With the Sennheiser Urbanite series, we’ve created a range of headphones that deliver an emotional, powerful club sound on the move. But the generation of Millennials knows more and demands more. Now we can offer the Urbanite design including wireless freedom,” said Dr. Christian Ern, Director Product Management Consumer, Sennheiser Communications A/S. “With the new Urbanite XL Wireless, they can take their bass-driven sound easily anywhere, with effortless wireless connectivity, incredible battery life, and touch control for supreme ease of use. There are no more compromises between style and sound: Anyone who wants to show their ears some love will choose the Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless.”

The Urbanite XL Wireless deploys the latest cutting-edge wireless technologies for great sound and the ultimate ease of use. The latest apt-X® codec is used to deliver clear, CD-quality sound. And set up is effortless thanks to NFC, which allows easy Bluetooth pairing to NFC-compatible devices or by bringing the headset into close proximity. Use of the latest Bluetooth 4.0 standard enables multi-connectivity – pairing with up to eight different devices as well as simultaneous connections to two devices, which makes it possible to link the Urbanite XL Wireless to – for example – a smartphone and computer at the same time.

Sennheiser’s Urbanite XL Goes Wireless Headphone

The cool urban styling of the Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless also comes with the durability and intelligence needed for a life on the streets. Built to last in every sense, they can deliver an impressive 25 hours of playback, and are constructed with durable materials including strong metal components, so they can keep pace with you day in and day out. The clever collapsible design makes it easy to fold and store it in the supplied soft pouch.

The Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless includes an intuitive, state-of-the-art touch control panel on the right ear cup that makes it possible to adjust the volume and skip to the next track by sliding a finger across the panel or tapping it. Touch controls can also be used to receive and make calls on a connected phone. Touch control is enhanced by voice prompts that provide all necessary information about the status of the headphones. Crystal clear sound quality is ensured by dual microphones within the ear cups that continuously monitor ambient noise to dynamically cancel out external interference for clearer speech. A universal detachable cable is also supplied with an integrated remote and microphone for controlling the music and taking calls on the move.

The Best Wired Exercise Headphones : Sony’s MDR-AS800AP

If I wanted a wired pair of headphones for working out, I’d choose Sony’s MDR-AS800AP.  After extensive research—we considered a total of 145 sport-specific headphones and tested the 82 best reviewed and newest options—our panel of experts agreed that if they wanted a wired headphone, they’d want to take Sony along on their next trip to the gym. The sweatproof AS800AP fit our panelists’ ears more comfortably than the competition and also sounded much better than many other models we tested. With a universal single-button remote and mic, these Sony headphones will control your playlist and take a call. And their sealed design will block out that annoying dude-bro yell-lifting for attention in the free-weights section.

Different workout styles demand different kinds of sport headphones, however, so if you need something a little different, we’ve got your bases covered.  More on those below.  We totally get it; not everyone wants or needs a Bluetooth workout headphone. Wired headphones don’t need to be charged, and they offer the maximum sound quality for the dollar. So if you are among the many who prefer a wired and sealed option, a pair of the Sony MDR-AS800AP is the way to go.

Sony’s MDR-AS800AP

While they generally hover around $70, we’ve seen them available for as low as $45, which is a steal. Even our panelists that don’t care for in-ear headphones with stability wings found the pliable yet sturdy material used in the AS800AP’s wings to be comfy. The AS800AP has a single-button universal remote that plays, pauses, skips tracks, and takes calls.

Can’t commit to $70 exercise headphones? Then, go for the uber-affordable Koss Fitclips; they won the budget option for a second year in a row. Why? The hook design is flexible and comfortable, and the sound is way better than the price tag—around $15—would lead you to believe. There’s no remote, but at this price you can devote a pair to workout-only use. So unless you’re accustomed to phoning your trainer as you’re getting your sweat on, you can’t do better for the price.

Exercise headphones are for people who want to run, hike, bike, or hit the gym while listening to music, podcasts, or other media. These headphones should be able to withstand a variety of stressors like sweat, rain, strain from dropping media players, and abuse from being thrown in a bag with other potentially dirty and damp equipment.

Sony’s MDR-AS800AP

Headphones with wires are for people who don’t want the hassle of remembering to charge their wireless headphones, want the best sound for their dollar, and participate in activities—low-impact fitness pursuits like walking, or you don’t mind running a wire under your jersey—where a cable won’t be a bother or in the way.

Headphones should sound decent. But headphones that sound fantastic and win a group listening panel are functionally useless if they don’t feel good, stay put, and stay out of the way when you’re being active. That means you have to make sure they fit your ears well and have a long or short enough cord to accommodate the exercise routines you prefer.

If you’re currently using a pair of earbuds that aren’t specifically designed for working out, like Apple’s OEM EarPods, or are using a nicer pair of earbuds for working out, you will have a better experience with one of our picks. Workout headphones will take more abuse than EarPods and are designed to stay in your ears while performing activities. And unlike expensive headphones designed only for casual use, sport headphones are made to handle sweat.

A Closed Back Denon AH-D600 Headphone With A Very ide soundstage

The AH-D600 is a new headphone out this year from the well known company Denon. It is part of their Music Maniac line of headphones.  Its a closed back headphone that can be powered by portable players (25 ohms).  It even comes with a cable to be used with idevices to take and make calls.  While still large the new line of Music Maniac headphones is designed to be more slim-lined and more widely accepted by a mainstream audience while maintaining audiophile sound.

Denon AH-D600 Headphone

Sound

While the D600 is a closed back headphone it has a very wide soundstage.  Don’t get me wrong you won’t mistake it for an open back but you will be pleased with how spacious this headphone sounds.  It also provides a great deal of isolation, partly because it is closed back, but also because of the dense padding around the ears.  The highs are a bit rolled off but clear, and the bass is resounding.  Minor bass bleed does occur.  This is a vocal forward headphone with a great sense of depth overall. I like the sound of this headphone a great deal and especially enjoy that it sets me appart in my own little world.

Denon AH-D600 Headphone

Comfort/Fit

The D600 is a large headphone.  Normally this would not be the first thing that I would notice as I have a large head but these can go well past where I need them and may be to large on the smallest setting for many people.  Besides that fact and that they will get  warm these are incredibly comfortable.  They have enough padding on the band and fully around the ear thick earpads.  The pads are thicker at the back to give them some added fit. The cups themselves swivel and the band and earpads are leathery.  These aren’t a light headphone in the hand but the weight is hardly noticeable when on.

Versatility

These headphones are some of the most versatile I own.  They are easily driven, closed back and come with the accessories to take them places.  They can also be used to take and make calls as well as a headset for a computer with an adapter(not included).  There only drawback is there size which makes them hard to pack and cumbersome to wear around the neck when not listening.  Musically these headphones are great for all types of music but best suited for things with heavy bass tones such as dubstep, hiphop and some world music.

Denon AH-D600 Headphone

Value

While not inexpensive at $500 these headphones sound the part and can be used anywhere you’re willing to take them.  They also include a bag for storage and two cables, one meant for home use and one on the go.  Because they can be driven by portable devices there is also no need for an amp so no added cost. The build quality on these headphones is good but includes a majority of plastic components. In all I’d say these are a great value and a great buy for the starting headphile.

Conclusion

At 500 dollars this headphone is not inexpensive but it does have great sound and versatility to back up that price.  Add to that that these are incredibly comfortable and have the ability to serve multiple functions and you have a real winner of a headphone. Out of all the headphones I own if I had to choose just one to hold onto it would be these, due to their sound quality and phenomenal versatility.

Perfect music headphone brands Shure KSE1500 features soundproof

First soundproof headphones music good headphone brands Shure KSE1500 with integrated electrostatic technology, provide unmatched correlation, able to convey the detail and clarity of the sound picture. Electrostatic soundproof headphones have on the driver output, united with a powerful amplifier portable DAC, digital signal processing portable systems via USB (MAC, PC, iOS, Android); and analog audio source via the standard 3.5 mm connector. Strengthening the drivers of electrostatic technology provided an opportunity for the fastest possible response to the input signal, which will expand the frequency range (10 Hz – 50 kHz). KSE1500 system optimizes sound quality media players, smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Shure KSE1500 Earphones

The music good headphone brands Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System was provided to test Japan Audio Society (JAS), which received a rating of «Hi-Resolution Audio» for the high rate of resolution up to 24 bit/ 96 kHz. Five parameters D4-band (flat, low boost, local boost, loudness, de-ess) and 4-band parametric EQ KSE1500 will make it possible to customize the frequency response of the individual preferences of the user. The user interface of the system will provide intuitive navigation through the menu to quickly select the necessary functions.

Housing and headphone amplifier is made of anodized aluminum in black, the technology which involves the creation of a special metal cover that protects the body from external factors. The total weight of the system KSE1500 be only 226 grams (44 g headphone-amplifier 182 grams), allowing its use with portable systems without discomfort. The ergonomic shape of the headphones in conjunction with the Sound Isolating technology blocks up to 37 dB of ambient noise.

Shure KSE1500 Earphones

Matt Engstrom is a director of products Shure Corporation, at the presentation of the model said: “Our aim was to bring together the experience gained while working with soundproof headphones to create music good headphone brands Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System. For 8 years, we have researched and developed the technology necessary for this system, and today are proud to present it ready.”

Introduction Design, Features And Comfort Of Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless

Compared to the previous Jabra sports headphones we’ve tried, the Pulse are definitely a more minimal affair. The short, tangle-free cord is long enough to lie behind your neck, and has a small clip included to keep the cord raised so it doesn’t swing around. In calmer, non-blustery conditions, the Pulse won’t wave about too much, but when the wind picks up the cable has a habit of repositioning itself on your shoulder. It’s not enough to want to take them off during a workout, though.

There’s an inline remote built into the cord, up near to the right earphone. It handles most of the standard functions you’d expect, such as adjusting volume, activating Siri if you’re using an iPhone, and also skips tracks via a number of different button presses. It’s well positioned and easy to reach.

Jabra sports headphones

The water-resistant earbuds themselves look fairly normal, but you’ll soon notice these aren’t quite your standard in-ears. On the left side is where all the heart-rate monitoring happens. If it’s not properly positioned inside your inner ear then you won’t find a connection.

Jabra includes three sets of earhooks to keep it securely in place, and while it won’t offer the kind of satisfying security as Yurbud and Monster’s iSport range, it does a very good job and it was only in really torrid, rainy conditions where we had any problems with the buds moving about slightly.

Jabra sports headphones

Built into the outside of the left earbud is the really handy Sport button. When the accompanying app is running, a quick press on the Sport button will give you an update on progress, including distance, time, heart rate and other useful tracking metrics. It’s a really useful feature for when you’re out running and don’t want to reach into your pocket or look over at your armband.

Over on the right earbud is where the micro USB charging port is neatly concealed beneath a Silicone rubber hook that seems like it might not stay in place. Thankfully it doesn’t budge and it was only on rare occasions that he had to fiddle about with it.

Jabra sports headphones

The biggest feature here, of course, is the heart-rate monitoring. As mentioned, all the important technology is packed into the left earbud. Jabra manages to pack an optomechanical sensor that shines light against the skin inside your ear to detect your pulse and oxygen consumption and generate a reading. The ear is the part of the body packed with small blood vessels, which should help ensure the information is reliable. Jabra reckons it’s almost as accurate as the ECG machines used in hospitals, which is a bold claim.

Unlike LG’s heart-rate-monitoring earphones, there’s no processing hub to wear around your arm, as data is sent directly to your connected Android phone or an iPhone running Bluetooth Smart 4.0. If you want to map your workouts, you’ll need to harness the phone’s GPS signal.

Headphone Brands AKG N40: What’s The Main Specs ?

Among the recently released hybrid headphones, which are generally formed the sense of standardization, a new model of the good headphone brands AKG N40 is no exception. In the creation of headphones AKG designers use only premium materials. The whole body, except for the outer aluminum inserts with engraved brand name, is covered with a rubberized compound, capable of delivering a nice tactile feel to the user.

AKG N40

For extra comfort and eliminate microphone effect, structure cable N40 assumes BTE landing. In addition, it is removable, it will be an additional advantage in transportation and clean model. AKG supplemented supplied 4 pairs of plugs (XS, S, M, L), airplane adapter, carrying case, cleaning tool, two cables (normal and with a remote control) and three interchangeable sound filters, which will be discussed later.

AKG N40

The good headphone brands AKG N40, due to the use of hybrid acoustic structure consisting of 8 mm reinforcing dynamic and balanced driver, re-acquaint the user with the entire advantages format Hi-Res Audio. AKG adoption of a decision on joining two sounder will create stunningly balanced headphones with minimal distortion. For individual adjustment of sound, a user will be available three replaceable filter sounds, which are connected to the emitter. Each filter is responsible for the elaboration of their own frequency band: bass extension, natural medium and high increase.

EarPods headphones special edition with lightning connector for iPhone 7

Earlier, we heard that new iPhone 7 will not have a standard 3.5-mm audio jack, instead of which Apple decided to use Lightning connector. Active users of Apple smartphones is very opposed to the idea, they even created a special petition, which brought together tens of thousands of signatures.

iPhone-7-EarPods headphones

After that there were not rumors about a new innovation that was not accepted by the people. It seems that Apple decided to keep quiet about their plans so as not to annoy users. Customers thought that Apple executives listen to their opinion. However, today Chinese journalists from CNBeta published photos EarPods headphone with connector Lightning.  At first it may seem that these fake pictures.  But a little later, another source published another picture, which inspires more confidence.

If you look at the pictures, you will see that headphone design has not changed. The main change is the replacement of 3.5-mm audio jack on Lightning connector. Journalists argue that updated EarPods with Lighting connector will supplied to iPhone 7. We would like to note that yesterday Apple introduced 4-inch smartphone iPhone SE that has a standard 3.5-mm audio jack. Thus, we exclude the possibility that the headphones are designed for a small smartphone.

iPhone-7-EarPods headphones

Recall that, according to information from various sources, Apple plans to abandon the use of 3.5-mm connector in future iPhone models. It is expected that smartphones will have more space inside the body, which can be used for higher capacity battery. Also, it was suggested that Apple wants to add additional speaker instead audio jack. Skeptical experts, however, believe that Apple just want to increase profits through the sale of additional accessories, especially headphones EarPods with Lightning connector.

New Sennheiser Orpheus flagship headphones With The Luxury And Premium Factors

The German audio specialists Sennheiser have revealed that they’re making an updated version of their Orpheus, a set of flagship headphones that were first released in the ’90s for $16,000, with only 300 sets produced. The electrostatic headphones were paired with an external tube amplifier, and designed to be the best headphones ever made. Now Sennheiser wants to do it again, this time going crazy with the luxury and premium factors, resulting in a pair of $55,000 cans.

Sennheiser Orpheus flagship headphones

The amp has eight vacuum tubes placed atop a pedestal of Italian marble, with each tube encased in quartz bulbs. The sound is actually produced by 2.4-micron thick diaphragms made from vaporized titanium, held between two ceramic electrodes made of vaporized gold. Starting to understand where that asking price stems from?

The cables use silver-plated oxygen-free copper, and a ESS SABRE ES9018 chip manages digital audio input, converting data with 32-bit resolution and a 384 kHz sampling rate. Sennheiser says the new Orpheus can reach a frequency response as low as 8Hz.

Sennheiser Orpheus flagship headphones

If this still isn’t enough to believe that these headphones cost as much as a car, consider the fact that when the power button is pressed, the tubes and controls rise out of the marble, and the glass cover over the headset opens up automatically. It’s hard to understand what type of person would drop $55,000 on a pair of headphones, as it isn’t a typical consumer, but surely they’ll be out there when the new Orpheus goes on sale in mid-2016.