05/09, 8:16am
Shure SE846 make Asia debut, set for US launch in June
Shure has quietly slipped out its latest in-ear headphones, the SE846 with quad-drivers, through an official launch in Asia. The see-through plastic enclosure also allows users to get a close look at some of the 10 laser cut stainless steel plates that help comprise its internal design. It also incorporates 4 balanced micro drivers with two low frequency, one mid and one high frequency on a 3-way crossover configuration.
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05/08, 7:44am
Bose AE2w Bluetooth headphones retailing for $250
Bose has revealed its new AE2w Bluetooth headphones featuring the company’s well-regarded TriPort audio technology. Interestingly although compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth devices, the Bose website seems to be targeting the headphones at Apple users, and iPad users in particular. The design of the AE2w is also notable for a control module that protrudes from the left side ear cup that incorporates the remote control functions, as well as a microphone for making and receiving phone calls.
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05/07, 6:04pm
Rhapsody adds 'liner notes,' technical info to music files
Music service Rhapsody has implemented a new "liner notes" feature, implementing the RIAA's "Give Fans the Credit" plan for including detailed production information with each digital song, including songwriters, background performers, producers and engineers involved in the production. The rollout, scheduled to take place over the next few months, would allow fans to search for music in new ways, such as tracking songs a specific producer was involved in, or for example finding out which songs featured a specific group of sidemen. The service has already started curating collections of tunes grouped by notable names of either producers, engineers or composers.
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04/26, 6:23am
Marshall aims for high-end casual market with new Monitor headphones
Marshall has released its latest branded headphones dubbed the Monitor. The headphones are the first from Marshall that utilize an over-ear design, but is also relatively compact and features a collapsible design. Designed with studio listening in mind, the Monitor also incorporates an F.T.F insert that can be removed to allow a user to tailor their listening experience.
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04/02, 2:57pm
Apple owns US trademark on 'EarPod,' plaintiff owns 'HearPod'
A company that makes digital hearing aids with the trademark name "HearPod" is suing Apple over its "EarPods" trademark, claiming infringement. Filed in Hawaii, the "HearPod" trademark was originally issued in 2007, five years before Apple introduced its EarPods headphones. Oddly, Randolph Divisions is suing for infringement rather than claiming any harm from consumer confusion between the two similar-sounding brands. Apple owns the US trademarks for both "EarPods" and "Apple EarPods," but Randolph Divisions owns the "earpods.com" domain name.
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01/11, 6:54pm
Win a pair of CordCruncher tangle free headphones!
Anyone who listens to music with headphones can agree that tangled cords are a nuisance. Some developers out in Las Vegas, Nevada, thought the same thing, and they decided to do something about it, inventing the CordCruncher tangle-free headphones. Electronista has teamed up with Cord Cruncher to give away two sets of these innovative headphones to our readers.
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12/29, 5:10am
Sony delivers style and substance with the MDR-1RBT
Sony has a long and distinguished history when it comes to making quality headphones to suit the majority of listeners. In recent years, however, their headphone business has shown signs of becoming commoditized, targeting mainstream users at the expense of audiophiles. Over the past twelve months, though, this has started to change for the better. Sony has come to the party, first with its new line of XBA balanced armature in-ear headphones, and now with its MDR-1R range of over-the-ear premium headphones. Read on in our full review of the Sony MDR-1RBT Bluetooth headphones.
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12/18, 7:05pm
V-Moda collaborative effort implements three refined technologies
Specialty headphone maker V-Moda has announced the availability of the highly-anticipated Crossfade M-100 headphones, designed by and for music aficionados. V-Moda says it tapped artists, editors and audiophiles to develop and vote on the first units to go into mass production. The M-100 discussion boasts some 10,000 posts and 700 pages on the world’s largest headphone-specific enthusiast site, Head-Fi.
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12/06, 3:45pm
Aims for high-quality audio at mid-range price
Recently MacNN had a chance to test the RHA MA450i, a pair of earbuds aimed at owners of Apple iOS devices. The difference is an inline remote, which can be used to take calls, change tracks or volume, and issue Siri commands. In general, this works just as you'd expect. The remote is located near the right earbud, which might be awkward for some, but is relatively easy to get used to. It can also be used to answer calls and play/pause music on other smartphones, including Android devices, but people wanting real control over a non-Apple device should probably look elsewhere. The remote's position seems to be good for ensuring clear voice reception from the mic.
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11/28, 10:22am
Platform-agnostic PLYR2 boasts high audio performance
Skullcandy has launched its first wireless gaming headset, one that the headphone manufacturer announced at the release of the SLYR. The PLYR2 is a platform-agnostic pair of headphones with microphone that will work with the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Mac, PC, and mobile gaming platforms, and claims to offer a "high quality audio performance" to match its styling.
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10/30, 3:45pm
Marshall release Major 50 FX headphones
Marshall Headphones has released the Major 50 FX headphones. Claimed to have a sound quality that pays homage to the Marshall legacy, the physical design attempts to match the audio. Inner ear caps borrow the fret detailing used in the 50th anniversary line of amplifiers, the outer has gold accents and the same vinyl coating used for the Marshal amp line. Complete with an Apple-certified microphone and remote, the Marshall Headphones Major 50 FX are on sale for $170.
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10/26, 2:02am
TiVo fall update includes changes to My Shows page
TiVo's fall update will feature updates for the To Do List and the My Shows page. A post on Twitter by vice president Margret Schmidt confirmed the update and also included screenshots showcasing some of the changes. While an official rollout date has not been set, TiVo is allowing some users to preview it early, via sign-ups to the Priority List.
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10/03, 7:15am
Sony delivers all-new Extra Bass headphone range
Sony has updated its headphone range in the US to include several new models, all tuned to deliver extra bass response. Three new models, the MDR-XB400, MDR-XB600 and MDR-XB80 are all on-ear types. It has also added a new in-ear earphone model, the MDR-XB60EX that also delivers extra bass response.
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10/02, 5:42pm
Phiaton tries to balance cost and performance
Audio gear maker Phiaton recently put out the PS 210 BTNC, a set of noise-cancelling Bluetooth 3.0 headphones; Electronista had an opportunity to put them through their paces. In practice they seem to strike a nice balance between cost and performance. They won't set the world on fire in terms of audio quality, either in clarity or bass response, but neither will anyone be disappointed. The noise cancellation feature works as advertised, for the most part -- it won't completely eliminate any surrounding noise, and produces a faint hiss, but it seems well-tuned to cut out most of the roar of nearby traffic or a jet engine.
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09/15, 2:05pm
Win a set of Fanny Wang earbuds
Fanny Wang's new Wang Buds claim to give the same great sound (and bass) of standard size headphones in a sleek and stylish earbud body. MacNN recently reviewed these earbuds and gave them a 4/5 rating. We have also teamed up with Fanny Wang to give away three pairs, read on to find out how you could win.
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09/13, 3:00am
Mini-documentary reveals design process in headphones
Two of the videos shown during the two-hour iPhone 5 and iPod rollout on Wednesday have found their way to YouTube through unofficial channels. In addition to a new ad for the iPod line -- the first in years -- there is also a mini-documentary around the making of the new EarPod headphones, narrated by Apple's SVP of Design, Sir Jonathan Ive. In it, Ive details the process that went into making what he calls the "impossible" task of creating a single set of headphones that would fit nearly anybody.
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09/10, 8:49am
Sony collaborates on new MDR-1 lineup with Katy B, Magnetic Man
Sony has added the MDR-1s, a new premium over-ear headphones series to its lineup. Sony designed the new headphones in collaboration with Katy B, Magnetic Man and audio engineer Naweed Ahmed, in a hat-tip to the success of the Beats by Dre Dre range. The MDR-1 range comprises three models, a standard version, a noise-cancelling model and one with Bluetooth connectivity.
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09/03, 8:22am
Nokia and Monster team up again for Purity Pro wireless headphones
Nokia has continued its partnership with Monster to deliver the new Purity Pro lineup of Bluetooth and NFC equipped headphones. The advantage of including NFC means that users can quickly pair the device over Bluetooth with a simple one-touch connection. The choice of colors also happens to align with the yet-to-be-formally-announced Nokia Lumia 820 Windows 8 smartphone.
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08/31, 1:48pm
Razer-branded version of Battlefield 3 headset released earlier
Razer is bringing out another gaming headset, this time inspired by aviation. A stark contrast from the Kraken Pro Gaming Headset launched two weeks ago, the BlackShark Stereo Gaming Headset is designed to look like headphones worn by military helicopter pilots. A version of the headset designed from the ground up for Battlefield 3 was released during E3, with this edition losing the game-related branding.
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08/29, 12:02pm
Active noise cancellation features across most of range
Logitech is bolstering its new Ultimate Ears range with four different headphones: one in-ear option and three headsets. Of the three can-style headphones, the UE 9000 boasts the highest price tag. Able to be folded flat like a pair of sunglasses, the headphones can take advantage of being both wireless through Bluetooth connectivity and its 10-hour battery, and through an optional cable connection.
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08/28, 6:50pm
Simplified flat cable, remote enhances new Image ONE
Global speaker manufacturer Klipsch announced the launch of the new Image ONE Bluetooth and upgraded Image ONE on-ear headsets. For the first time on any Klipsch product, the new models have improved flat cabling as well as a flat-folding collapsible design. Both new headphones will be available in September.
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08/12, 12:41am
Beats Solo or Harman Kardon headphones, which is best?
Music is one of the more popular forms of entertainment, and in recent times there has been a renewed emphasis on audio quality. A number of recording artists have been vocal in criticizing the compression of modern music with the advent of the iPod age in particular. Worse, the default headphones sold with many devices hardly makes matters any better and greater numbers of listeners are looking to get the best sound that they can afford. Beats by Dr Dre have become the dominant headphone brand on the market, while Harman Kardon have only just entered the lucrative headphone space. So which is the better choice?
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07/12, 7:51am
Klipsch reveals rugged variant of S4i line of in-ear headphones
Klipsch has revealed a rugged variant of its popular S4i line of in-ear headphones. The new S4i Rugged shares a lot in common with the S5i Rugged and offers outdoor enthusiasts an option for listening to music on the go. It is weather resistant, with an extra-large remote control, all with a non-slip grip coating that will help to ensure users can enjoy high-quality audio without worrying about damaging them.
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06/13, 7:49am
New Harman Kardon headphones only available through Apple
Harman Kardon has introduced a new range of headphones designed for iPhone users. The new premium range includes the NI, AE, CL, BT and NC models that range in price from $100 topping out at $299 some of which blend leather and steel. Although they are compatible with all types of audio devices and smartphones, they will only be sold through Apple’s online and retail outlets.
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06/04, 3:15pm
Griffin launches WoodTones earbuds
MakeMusic has launched a free new music app that allows iPad users to view, play, and print electronic sheet music. In addition to viewing PDF music files, Finale Songbook also supports files created with the Finale family of notation software. When viewing Finale MUS files users also gain the ability to hear the music played back with options for controlling tempo. Other features includes set lists, gesture controls, and support for AirTurn page turners.
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05/08, 7:08am
Marshall adds new all-black Major headphones
Marshall amplification has introduced a new version of its Major-series of headphones with an all-black model it calls the Major Pitch Black. In addition to a namesake all-black color scheme, the new headset picks up a denim headband designed to appeal to the muso crowd. To celebrate the launch, the company is also giving users who post a picture or video of themselves in corpse paint on their Facebook page the oppounity to win a custom-built Pitch Black Marshall amp.
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02/08, 6:25am
We get a feel for Sony's new music oriented range
Electronista has had the opportunity to go hands-on with the forthcoming Sony Walkman Z
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) media player and its core range of high-end Balanced Armature in-ear headphones. Although both product lines were announced late last year, due to the natural disasters in Japan and Thailand, Sony are only now in a position to bring them to the US and other markets. We came away impressed, but particularly with the new Balanced Armature earphones, which are the best in-ear headphones Sony has released.
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02/03, 6:00pm
HN-900 & Aurvana X-Fi 2 cancel noise by 85 percent
Creative has introduced a pair of noise-canceling headphones. The HN-900 integrates an in-line microphone with the over-the-ear headset. The Aurvana X-Fi 2 is a pure headphone, but supports a multi-dimensional surround-sound effect.
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12/28, 10:30pm
Features 'DJ switch,' new packaging design
Empire Brands, the parent company of Wicked Audio and its line of fashion headphones, will debut a new line dubbed "Solus" (which, contrary to the company's claims, is Latin for "alone" or "solitary") at CES 2012 in Las Vegas next month. The new headphones feature a thick braided cable for durability and a special "DJ switch" that mixes the stereo signal into one ear for DJ queuing and controls volume.
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12/19, 10:10pm
First interested parties to get t-shirt and flask
Razer has announced that its Tiamat 7.1 surround-sound gaming headset, which was first unveiled in August, will not arrive before the holidays. The company suggests it is still working on "final touches," pushing the expected launch date back to late January.
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12/14, 7:30pm
Hidden microphone allows doubling as headset
Computer accessory case and bag maker BBP Industries has opted to expand its offerings and include the Mobiband Bluetooth headphone set as a complementary extension of its product line. A hidden microphone with automatic echo-reduction allows the headphones to double as a phone headset, essentially an improved version of the Jaybird Sportsband. The design is foldable and offers up to 11 hours of music or talk time.
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11/24, 1:00am
Wireless, wired and earbud models to be offered
Following in the footsteps of successful rappers-turned-headphone-designers such as Dr. Dre and Ludacris, performer 50 Cent has formally launched his own brand of designer headphones in conjunction with his SMS Audio company, which bought KonoAudio last summer to aid in the manufacturing process. Select retailers are now taking pre-orders for the headphones, which come in wireless and wired varieties with an earbud model to follow soon.
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11/22, 11:45am
Deals on headphones, HDTVs, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted headphones, HDTVs and more. With Black Friday right around the corner a lot of places are starting to offer Pre-Black-Friday deals, one of which is the JBuds J4 Rugged Metal In-Ear Earbuds Style Headphones with Travel Case that's now on sale at Amazon.com. Currently featured at DealNN, this set of headphones come with seven sizes of soft silicone earbuds, iPhone/iPod compatibility, and a sale price of only $39.95; up to $50 in savings are also included.
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11/16, 2:05am
More sophisticated style aims at upscale market
The Monster Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, widely popular with hip-hop, urban and top 40 music listeners but sometimes derided as overly bass-heavy by critics, are expanding the lineup beyond other celebrity-designed earphones to an entire new line aimed at an older and more business-oriented demographic with the new, brushed-metal-finish Executive line. The new headphones offer a brushed-metal styling and auto-shutoff when idle.
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09/29, 8:10pm
Cans built by SMS Audio
SMS Audio's Sync by 50 wireless headphones have been detailed and pictured ahead of the official launch. Images and a spec sheet posted on TechCrunch show the 50 Cent-branded headphones, which include their own wireless transmitter that plugs into a 3.5mm headphone jack. The system is claimed to transmit 16-bit lossless audio with a range of 50 feet and support for four users connected to a single source.
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09/28, 7:45pm
Design maintains tangle-resistant cable
Swedish headphone maker Jays has updated its a-Jays One earphones. The new One+ model maintains the same basic design, but adds a single-button inline remote and microphone that enables users to switch between music and phone calls when the earphones are connected to smartphones. The remote/mic combo is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry.
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09/13, 10:00pm
Performance line-up with or without mic
Polk Audio has launched a national campaign for its new line of performance-designed UltraFit headphones aimed at users involved in sports or active lifestyles. Featuring contrast-colored tangle free cords, water-resistant materials and athletics-specific design -- along with its reputation for high-quality audio -- the UltraFit line offers sports headphones that will stand up to the rigors of training and everyday use with a fit that doesn't slip.
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09/06, 7:25pm
Headphones integrate playback controls, mic
Beats by Dr. Dre appears to be readying yet another set of headphones, a wireless model that has surfaced in FCC documents. Images from the Commission suggest the Beats Wireless headphones will offer an appearance that fits between the company's Solo- and Pro-series over-ear models, but with an integrated battery and Bluetooth radio for wireless operation.
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08/26, 7:00pm
Offers in-ear, ear bud or ear-hook designs
Of the five new models added to Harman's AKG K300 series of lightweight headphones intended for smartphones and other mobile devices, four of them feature iPhone-compatible in-line microphones so users can place or receive calls as well as control volume, play/pause and skip using the buttons on the cord. The models all feature above-average frequency and sensitivity response while keeping prices at the low end of the headphone spectrum.
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08/02, 11:30am
Vendors start clearing stock ahead of refresh
Retail chains are beginning to discount the iPhone 4, reports note. Radio Shack has a sale running through Saturday, in which 16 and 32GB models are priced at $170 and $270 on contract instead of their regular $199 and $299. A $100 trade-in credit for previous iPhones applies, potentially lowering the cost of an iPhone 4 to just $70.
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08/02, 11:15am
Canadian hint emerges of iPhone 5 release
Purportedly leaked documents from Canadian carrier Telus suggest the iPhone 5 might ship on October 1. The release date comes along with several, presumably for other products, that are all cast as concrete and not fillers. The choice would be a Saturday but isn't "unrealistic" given how busy phone stores are those days, BGR's tipster said.
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06/22, 3:25pm
Models slated for fall 2011 launch
Incase is set to expand its headphone lineup with four new models that fit into the Soundesign series. The products feature minimalist design with hidden joints, low-profile ear cups, and a combination of black matte and gloss finishes. Users can also take advantage of inline microphones and remote controls for use with Apple devices and other supported products.
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06/21, 8:30am
Deals on headphones, iPad cases, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on headphones, iPad cases, and more. Macmall.com is currently offering seven different items as deals of the day, one of which is the refurbished Sony Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Stereo Headphones with integrated neodymium drivers, compact design ideal for travel, built-in monitor, noise-cancelling technology that reduces ambient noise by up to 90%, and the ability to run up to 100 hours on a single AAA battery. This particular set of headphones is currently featured at DealNN, and priced at only $31.99 after the $68 price break.
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06/20, 11:15pm
No compromise between music and calls
Music fans who listen to music for long periods of time often demand the full-cup, ear-surrounding "cans" of traditional headphones for additional comfort, more noise isolation and better fidelity. Mobile device users often want to listen to music but also have the ability to receive and make phone calls with an inline mic. Marshall's "Major" on-ear headphones now come with an inline remote and mic, trying to bridge the best of both worlds.
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05/05, 6:50pm
Series includes WP-450, WP-350, and WP-250
Creative has expanded its audio products with several new headphones that focus on wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. The WP-450, WP-350 and WP-250 models integrate "invisible" microphones, enabling users to place and answer phone calls when the headphones are paired with a smartphone or other handset with Bluetooth capabilities.
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04/19, 11:40am
Deals on headphones, digital cameras, and more
Today’s deals from DealNN include discounts on headphones, digital cameras, and more. Buy.com today is offering the Able Planet Sound Clarity Active Noise Canceling Headphones with in-line volume control, LINUX audio, full-size ear cups, and a lightweight adjustable headband, as its deal of the day. Currently featured at DealNN, the Able Planet headphones have dropped $100 off the $249.99 regular price, and can now be purchased for $149.99 with free shipping included.
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04/01, 9:30pm
Each offers serious sound with different options
Two different companies have announced new high-end earbud-style headphones that offer excellent sound at reasonable prices. Audio-Technica are now shipping their in-ear ATH-ANC23 active noise-cancelling headphones that claim to offer 90% noise-cancelling performance while preserving 20-20,000 Hz performance, while Brainwavz have brought out dual-balanced armature earphones they call their highest-end yet, the Brainwavz B2 which will be shipping in late April.
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01/08, 2:40am
Earbud-style get high marks internationally
Swedish headphones company Jays has announced that its headphones will soon be available in the US, leading off with its latest creation, the a-Jays Four for iPhones and other smartphones. The in-ear earphone boasts a "fully" compatible keypad, high-quality microphone and tangle-free flat cord.
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12/28, 9:50am
Warns that lesser headphones may suffer damage
Schiit Audio has announced its Lyr headphone amplifier, capable of 6W, 32 ohm output. The Lyr uses a hybrid tube/MOSFET design that the company claims will drive virtually any headphone, although the unit's high output and 0.1 percent THD (total harmonic distortion) are aimed at low-impedance and low-efficiency orthodynamic models. The company warned that the power is uncharacteristically high and capable of damaging some headphone designs.
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12/03, 5:15am
Three models including the HD 25, HD 220, CX 310
Sennheiser has teamed with Adidas to release a new Adidas Originals line of headphones. The range includes the HD 25, the HD 220 and the CX 310. The HD 25 is a premium headphone set aimed at DJs, while the HD 220 adopt a street style. The CX 310 are an in-ear type earphone.
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