Tag Archives: earbuds

Bose has recently announced that they would be releasing four new headphones and it is big news for the geeks at headphone.com. Bose is the biggest brand name in the headphone industry and they also sell the most devices compared to other brands. They have also started their research and development in the past 10 years to deliver better sound to their customers. Their full sized QuietComfort flagship headphones have been the leader in the market for the past few years because of excellent music and detailed sound which was unimaginable during the early years of noise cancellation. There are enough reasons why Bose manufactures the best noise cancellation headphones.

Bose has introduced wireless Bluetooth connectivity in the new released models of 2016 top of the line headphones. This would be very helpful for those apple fans who are bound to lose the 3.5 mm jack in the new iPhone according to market rumors.

Bluetooth headphones photo from Bose.com

According to the engineers at Bose, the QuietComfort 35 has updated miniaturized microphone arrays which are inside and outside of the ear cups, thus helping in detecting and removing unwanted noise. The headphone series also has automatic volume optimization EQ curve which has been provided to present best tone and sharp music clarity at any volume. It also has a huge 20 hours of battery life which will make long hour journeys or flight easy. It is available in both black and silver grey color.

The other release which is due in September 2016 would be the company’s first in ear wireless earphones with neckband construction, Quiet comfort 30. The earphones sensors allow the listeners to control how much noise cancellation is required according to the surrounding conditions. If you want to listen to your surroundings, then you have the option to turn off the noise cancellation feature. This would be good if you are in traffic or doing some activity jointly.

You can connect all the new 2016 headphones to the BoseConnect app for more functions. The app will help you in managing more Bluetooth devices by just dragging the device you wish to use and the app will connect it automatically. You can also switch between other devices from one music player to another seamlessly. You can change language, set a timer for automatic off and can give your headphone a personalized name. The app downloads the hardware software and will install it whenever want it to be done. The Bose app works with few products i.e. QC35, Sound sport wireless headphones and SoundLink wireless II.

Seeing the boom in fitness category, Bose announced that they would release two new in ear wireless headphones which will be available in the market in black or aqua blue color. These headphones would be lightweight and one model will be fitted with device which monitors heart rate within each ear bud to give you accurate information just as a chest mounted monitor. They would be called SoundSport and an advanced model called SoundSport rule which will have the heart rate measuring feature. These modes would be resistant to sweat and water. The cable has also been designed in a way to keep the water off. The headphones have a battery life of 6 hours and are price at 149.95$. The pulse version is priced at 199.95 and has a shorter battery life of 5 hours.

Jackless Headphones

July 9, 2017

Jared Ferguson

Blogging earbuds Music No Comments

The current Apple iPhone 7 and the Moto Z Droid cell phones have expelled the earphone jack from their gadgets.

Different producers are probably going to take after given the business dash for unheard of wealth to make ever-slimmer telephones impermeable by dampness and tidy. The thin Moto Z measures a little more than 5 mm thick, so shoehorning a 3.5 mm earphone jack in there is a physical difficulty.

So what does that mean for the survival of conveniently wired earphones with the up and coming era of Jack-less cell phones? Would it be advisable for us to all toss our wired versatile earphones into the smoking refuse store of history? Who needs yesterday’s papers? As Jimi once considered, is it tomorrow or quite recently the finish of time?

Indeed, not to get excessively hallucinogenic, but rather both and neither truly. Cherish it or less, its only the following trans-formative stride of the earphone business. Our figure is wired convenient earphones will presumably dependably exist in some shape. However, the group will probably end up plainly more slender with less top notch compact wired earphones being discharged later on.

Apple lightning and Android-ready headphones

In spite of the fact that they’re hard to come by today with only a modest bunch of good models accessible, we speculate Apple Lightning attachment and Android-perfect (USB-C) wired earphones would be progressively basic as the business moves to fulfill expected a request from new Android and Apple cell phone proprietors.

Its likewise more than exceptionally likely the push towards remote earphones from tech goliaths like Apple and Motorola will accelerate the advancement of enhanced remote sound quality. In any event, we beyond any doubt trust so.

Be that as it may, evidently the move far from simple earphone jacks in cell phones and other cell phones imply remote is the flood without bounds, particularly in the realm of versatile and travel earphones.

The Bluetooth Dilema

Obviously, the glaring pink issue at hand is that Bluetooth and different remote sound transmission plans fail to impress anyone regarding the imaging profundity, dynamic speed and detail determination of the music for audiophiles. Also the very incessant snaps and pops innate with a remote network.

The approach of Bluetooth 4.0 (with 5.0 updates that will be twofold the speed and fourfold information limit supposedly around the bend) and enhanced AptX lossless codec calculations has empowered Bluetooth sound execution to relentlessly enhance in the course of recent years, however it is as yet not really equivalent to wired earphones in general sound quality. Also, as with past iPhone emphasises, the iPhone 7 does not bolster the AptX codec, leaving a sticky wicket for the remote iPhone/iPad audience who should utilise Apple’s own lossy AAC Bluetooth Codec.

Here comes the dongle

It turns out the knight in the sparkling defensive layer for the great wired earphone client is the unassuming USB-C – to-3.5mm female attachment connectors included with the Moto Z and iPhone 7. Its a basic short dongle that interfaces wired earphones into the stick port of the telephone. Obviously, it likewise takes out the capacity to tune into music and charge your gadget at the same time. So its an appallingly ungainly arrangement and simply one more impacted thingamabob to lose or lose, yet in any event, there’s a usable alternative for your upscale jars.

With idealise timing for this article, one of our Headphone.com commentators as of late acquired a Moto Z Droid cell phone after his old iPhone 5 all of a sudden got languid, at that point bafflingly smashed the day the iPhone 7 was reported. A crisis trek to the neighbourhood telephone store and a little spasm of Apple arouse discovered him running home with the skinny and brazenly cool-looking Moto Z. Whats the well-known axiom, there are no fortuitous events in affection and sound?

Earphone: Jack versus dongle

Utilising UE 11Pro in-ears as a wired earphone reference with the gave Moto Z dongle connector, the sound turned out to be distinguishably more grainy on occasion with an indication of coarseness capable of being heard at the edges of the recurrence run and a somewhat more restricted feeling of elements. Tuning into the same uncompressed [.WAV] record on the old iPhone 5 through the 3.5 mm earphone jack uncovered more inside profundity and smoother tonal edges to the melodic introduction. The sound quality drop-off – while unquestionably disturbing – was not as horrendous not surprisingly was still appraised as a superior point by point and connecting with sound than listening through remote Bluetooth. I figure we can score one small little triumph for the dongle.

The audeze Sine/Apple lightning axis of domination

We are entirely sure the people at Audeze earphones have paid Apple keeps an eye on staff – the best decision as of now found in wired Lightning-prepared earphones originates from Audeze. The Audeze Sine on-ear versatile earphone and their expected line in-ear earphones are altogether furnished with Lightning plug links that can interface straightforwardly to the iPhone 7 and other Lightning-prepared iOS gadgets. The Sine/line Audeze models highlight an incorporated 24-bit DAC/amp incorporated with their ropes with a tone-molding EQ application accessible through download.

So in case you’re searching for iPhone 7 or Moto Z Droid no-earphone jack items, check our short rundown here for some ebb and flow amps and embellishments (notwithstanding the Audeze Sine/iSine earphones) that will enable you to utilize standard wired earphones with your sweet new Apple or Motorola gadget by means of attachment connectors. There will without a doubt be more stuff coming soon in this class!

Also, obviously, if you have any inquiries, our Montana-based group of Headphone.com specialists thoroughly understand this new stuff and how to utilise it. So don’t hesitate to call our agreeable staff or give us an email. We would be satisfied to enable you to explore the indeterminate earphone waters ahead.

How to Choose Headphones – Part 2 Cost and Sound Isolation

May 28, 2017

Jared Ferguson

Blogging headphones vs earbuds Music No Comments

After you have decided between earbuds and headphones the next step should be fairly obvious, decide what is in your price range.

1. Evaluating the sound isolation feature of the headphone: Isolating the sound means how much music can be heard without any exterior noise. It is very irritating to increase the volume just to override the sound of traffic. This feature also helps in saving battery life by preventing useless increase in sound just to hear properly.

The best types of earphones which block sound are in ear headphones and earbuds. The huge headphones worn by DJs also provide the same effect by creating a sealed cover around the ear.

While buying the huge DJ type headphones, make sure to see whether they have a closed or open back. The open ones sound more natural, but people will hear the music and you will also hear exterior noise. These kind of headphones work well in home where you have a quiet atmosphere. On the other had closed headphones are better at isolating noise and make the music sound better. The bad point is that they are a bit uncomfortable. Many people like the closed ones because of a strong bass effect and their ability to isolate sound, while some prefer the open backed one for their natural sound.

What a local LA man carries with him. — What style fits you?

2. Check the frequency range. The wider the frequency range, the more you can hear. Usually 10Hz to 25,000 Hz will be recommended.

Also it’s important to see the sound curve, response curve of frequency, sound signature or whatever it is called. The higher the lower end on the graph, the more bass you will experience. This is not an indication that the bass will be precise or good. Example: Beats headphones are known to have a very strong bass but the bass is considered to be very heavy and boomy without any precision.

Most headphones which fall under $100 will have a U shaped curve, which means their mid range is cut. They will sound very good to the ears in the beginning but you won’t be able to distinguish between other layers of music. One the other hand flat response headphones don’t have any range and all layers can be equally heard. If a person is used to U curves, then they won’t enjoy flat response headphones and consider them quite boring.

3. Only if you are willing to pay a good amount of money, consider noise cancellation feature. This will cost you above 250$ if you want a good one. Noise cancellation is not considered value for money as lot of times the music also gets cancelled, and thus you will be forced to turn up the volume. There are few brands which provide noise reduction. They are Etymotic or Bose. These brands have spongy earplugs which fill the ear canal and prevent exterior sound leaks inside. You can use cheap over-ear protectors over the ear buds to cancel most ambient noise. If you are very choosy and fussy about it, then you can even consider low costing noise cancellation earphones from brands like Panasonic. They cost about 50$.

4. Do not ever forget to test them before buying. The best way to know the features and sound of the headphones is to test them out. If your friend owns one, try them out or go to a store which will allow you to try them. Keep some money in hand, about 200$ and walk into an electronic store which has a 30 day return policy. Before trying on any headphone, make sure you remove the earwax from the headphones or earbuds.

5. An important thing to check is the impedance of the headphones. If you want to listen to the best sound, match the impedance of your headphone to your audio device. Measured in ohms, if it does not match, then you will have to turn up the volumes more that the one of a matched pair.

6. The last step is to use your own ears to analyze. You are the one who is going to use the headphones everyday and it is very important to be comfortable with it. There might be cheap earphones which sound similar to a costly one. Go for the cheap one in that case. The sound quality does not change with the price. Remember to keep in mind the build quality of the headphones. Are they going to last for long? Is price really a concern if they are much cheaper?

How to Choose Headphones – Part 1 Headphones or Earbuds

May 24, 2017

Jared Ferguson

Blogging headphones vs earbuds No Comments

Before we begin, the first thing you have to do is toss whatever pair of headphones or earbuds came with your phone or MP3 player. I am not sure why they even come with those now a days because the quality provided is nonexistent. The complimentary headphones sound like you are listening to music down the hallway! Whether you choose headphones or ear buds, consider investing in a medium to high quality pair, trust us it is well worth it.

Star your struggle by deciding which product path you are going to travel down.

Earbuds:

Earbuds are the top choice for people who have minimal space, but still listen to music. The advantage is you don’t have a bulky pair of headphones laying around in your prime real estate. The high-quality earbuds, like SoundMAGIC E10 or Brainwavz S0 come with a case to store the earbuds and to keep the cord untangled. This prevents them from getting ruined or from dirt entering the ear pod. Earbuds are excellent on a smaller budget primarily due to the fact that there is stiff competition in the $50 to $100 dollar price range for this type of product.

Every cheap earbud I have purchased (I’m looking at you Apple), has had significant failure points always starting with the the earbud not fitting properly into my ear. This leads to my ears hurting or me breaking the cheap plastic casing on the earbud. You get what you pay for.

Headphones:

Headphones are great for enjoying music while you in a static place, or out for a leisure walk. Many people think these would be difficult outdoors, but they can be very comfortable when you wrap them around your neck. I have noticed that with headphones I am always able to enjoy the deeper bass noises as well as the higher treble noises. The main pinching point I find with headphones is that I always over spend on a quality pair. A $100 pair of headphones easily outperforms Sony’s $200 earbuds. That being said, the headphones can be bulky, take up a ridiculous amount of space in a gym bag, and are not the best for working out or running.

Conclusion:

Whenever I go out to purchase a quality pair of headphones I am always drawn to the headphones with noise canceling technology, until I see the price. Coming back into reality I will always look for Sony MRD-1000X or the Razer Kraken headphones. These both have spongy earmuffs to block out any external sound and also insulate your music from other people around you.

If earbuds are more your style, which is the case for me when I workout definitely search for the Brainwavz S0 earbuds. Both of these brands fit comfortably in my ear and will not come out when I am out for a run or dancing by myself in the kitchen.

Noise canceling headphones

May 19, 2017

Jared Ferguson

Blogging Music Sound Insulation 1 Comment

What kinds of noise do noise-canceling headphones cancel?

If you find it difficult to concentrate during work or even during school due to ambient noises, we highly recommend taking a look at some of our recommended noise canceling headphones.

How do they work?

Noise canceling is different from noise isolation headphones, which only prevent outside noises from reaching your ear by creating a seal around your ears. Noise canceling headphones utilize a different type of technology called destructive interference. In this method, an equal and opposite, noise described as the ‘anti-noise’ is generated by your headphones that cancel out the original and distracting noise.

The technology behind this is created by allowing an external microphone that monitors and creates the equal and completely opposite noise that it detected. This opposite noise will cancel out the sound distraction and the result is complete and utter silence. An info-graphic of this process is included below:

The external noise source is combined with the anti noise to remove the resulting noise. — Cancellation of an external noise by utilizing an anti noise.

What noises are canceled by this technology?

This technology has existed since the 70’s, and was originally designed by the engineers working at the speaker company Bose. Rumor has it that during a flight to Europe an engineer found the engines to be so disturbingly loud that he set off on a cruse to create a headphone that would remove or subdue the noise of a plane engine. As a result these are effective against both high and low frequency noises.

The operating range of this technology can work as high as 80 decibels. It should be noted that these respond to the noises outside of the headphone the ideal scenario for these is for a constant sound because a sudden sound may not be detected in time to completely cancel it out. Therefore, sounds such as slammed doors or a cry in the middle of the night for dad will generally be heard through this technology. With that being said, the best case to use these is for a constant humming or a constant noise distraction in the background.

Combining this noise canceling technology along with the sound insulating technology can and does provide high quality headphones that will allow you to concentrate on your music by removing those pesky distractions.

Benefits of white noise

May 19, 2017

Jared Ferguson

Blogging Music White Noise No Comments

Many people discuss the benefits of white noise for a massive array of reasons. The benefits of white noise have been discussed by health care professionals and hearing doctors as a way to temporarily reduce anxiety or to increase focus and concentration.

In the interest of dispelling some myths about white noise, this article proves to show where it comes from, what it is, and how it can be useful.

What is white noise?

To start off, lets say what it’s not. It is more than just the sound you hear every day. It is much more calming, and essentially a signal of equal intensity across a wide span of different frequencies.

When hearing a white noise, sound at all frequencies are being flooded into your ear drum, the same way white light represents all the wavelengths of light. While variation may be present, the concept still stands. Essentially, a white noise creates a blanket of sound that overlays all the existing sound, giving you a calm, cool, and collected focus.

White noise for the home

The most popular use for white noise is for aiding people who need help sleeping due to hearing disabilities, health conditions, or to add a calming sensation. It is excellent for sleeping for numerous reasons, the first and most importantly, is by providing a distraction to the brain. To remove stress, your mind will focus on the noise instead of floating your thoughts through your mind while you are trying to sleep.

Standard phone with headphones and a white noise playlist.

White noise for studying or working

White noise is proven to increase concentration in the workplace. By playing white noise through your speakers or over a radio, workers are not frustrated to talk or make their own noises to fill the deadly silence that can exist in some work places. Additionally, workers are more free to ignore sounds others make such as shuffling of feet, adjusting of chairs, hum of fans, or even others phone calls. White noise is a great alternative to music, because the lyrics cannot be a distraction to the listener.

White noise for vacationing

Bringing a white noise playlist on the road is a great way to focus on the road, reduce stress associated with travel, and not to be distracted by music while driving at high speeds. Many people claim that it’s not possible for them to sleep on a plane, however we have found that through the use of white noise playlists, many people find that this allows them to better fall asleep on planes. It proves to dampen the engine noise, the crying, the chatting passengers, and gives the listener something to focus on as they doze off.