Headphone News

Sennheiser’s already huge range of headphones has just got that bit bigger with the announcement of five new ear canal headphones. Based on the successful CX 300 design the headphones promise to block external sound without the need for high volume - lets hope the guy that likes to sit behind me on the bus invests in a set.

First up is the CX 400, part of the Sennheiser’s Classic range. The fairly basic design is aimed at cell phone users and comes with an extension cable, a carry pouch and a cable clip.

Next is the CXL 450, another in the Classic range, but this time featuring a lanyard for those who like the whole world to know that they have an iPod. Like the CX 400, these headphones are available in black, white, silver, red and aqua and come with a carry pouch.

Finally in the Classic range is the high-end CX 500. Featuring a similar design to the CX 400 but promising better build quality and sound. One extra feature is an in-line volume adjuster and again they come with a pouch and cable clip.

Next up is the CX 55, a new addition to the Sennheiser Street range. Again these are similar to the CX 400 but this time with added bass.

Finally, Sennheiser have added the CX 95 to their Style line. As is normal for the Style range, these headphones have a metallic look and again have been designed with cell phone use in mind.

All five headphones will be available in September. Prices have yet to be confirmed.

Thanks to Matthew at HeadphoneDeals.com for the tip-off.

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The ever critical CNET have reviewed the Cardo S-2 Bluetooth Stereo headphones and given them an unusually good 8 out of 10. For most sites this wouldn’t be that impressive, but an 8 from CNET suggests these headphones might be something special.

The headphones use the A2DP Bluetooth profile to allow streaming direct from a compatible device and the review found the pairing process to be very straightforward, something that has been problematic with some competing headsets. CNET also have praise for the sound quality of the headset and the comfort of the behind-the-neck design.

The only real negative picked up in the review is some background noise picked up when using the Cardo S-2 as a handsfree headset for a cell phone, but even that is fairly minor.

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Here’s a video for anyone with a new iPhone (you lucky person) who’s already annoyed by Apple’s bundled earbuds and fancies replacing them with something a bit better. All you need is another pair or earbuds, a soldering iron and a steady hand and you can have some better fitting headphones in minutes.

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V-MODA have added a microphone to their popular Vibe series of headphones and created the new Vibe Duo, a set of earphones aimed squarely at the new iPhone market.

By including the same well received sound technology as the original Vibe earphones the Vibe Duo should sound great. The in-line microphone allows the headphones to be used as a hands-free kit with an iPhone when not listening to music.

Included in the package is a leather carry pouch and 8 pairs of silicon ear tips in a variety of sizes.

The Vibe Duo are available now priced at $101.

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Altec Lansing have hugely expanded their headphone range with the introduction of their new Upgrader series. Designed to appeal to those upgrading their MP3 and cell phone headphones (with an obvious eye on the emerging iPhone market), the Upgrader series will come in 13 different configurations to cover just about every base.

First up are the UHP306 and UHP336 in-ear headphones encompassing technology from headphones specialist Ultimate Ears. The UHP307 are a further pair of earphones in the new range with earclips for better fit during sports. Next is the UHP101 and UHP301 earbuds with silicone ear pads for additional comfort. Also related is the UHS306 and UHS307 earphones with a built in microphone for making calls.

The range also includes four on-ear designs. The UHP302, UHP303 and UHP304 are similar in design and the UHS302 again includes a microphone.

Finally, Altec Lansing are introducing two new over ear headphones. First up is the UHP405 which will incorporate surround sound technology. Last of all is the UHP805 which will use noise-cancelation technology to block out background noise.

So there you have it, 13 headphones with a variety of designs and technologies. In fact, just about the only thing I can think of that is missing is a set of Bluetooth ‘phones, but I’m sure they’ll come later.

The entire range will be available to purchase some time in August.

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I have to admit to being fairly doubtful about surround sound headphones and CB Tech’s review of the Otto Surround Sound Headset hasn’t really cleared things up for me.

The headphones receive a decent 3 out of 5 and although the reviewer clearly appreciates the sound quality, some problems with it all sounding a bit “over-produced” are noted. However, little else is found of fault with the headset and at under $40 you can’t go far wrong.

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I4U News have a review of the Genius HS-04U gaming headphones and rate them as a pretty good 7 out of 10. Designed to connect to a spare USB port for use without a sound card, the Genius headphones are a budget choice at $39.99.

The review mentions some nice features like the back-lit volume control and they are described as being comfortable to wear. The sound is also rated as decent but a bit lacking in the bass department. Overall they seem a reasonable purchase for those short on money but there are better options for those willing to pay a bit more.

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New York Times writer David Pogue has an interesting round-up of 9 noise-canceling headphones. The article compares headphones like the JVC HA-NC100, the Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones and the Sennheiser PXC 450 against the market leading Quiet Comfort 2 and Quiet Comfort 3 from Bose.

As expected, Pogue has the Bose models as his favorite but does rate the Panasonic RP-HC500 and Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 as being right up there. It’s an interesting read and shows that you can get almost match the Bose Quiet Comforts and for a lot less money.

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MP3.com have the third review I’ve seen of the Logitech FreePulse headphones and, once again, they get top marks.

As with the CNET review, it’s the design rather than sound of these headphones that get all of the credit. MP3.com rate them as comfortable and light although, contrary to CNET, they love the basic controls.

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The Travel-Ease noise canceling headphones from Targus have interested me quite a bit lately, especially after seeing the $70 headphones compared favorably to Bose’s much more expensive QuietComfort headphones.

Now MP3.com have reviewed the headphones and they reiterate the conclusions of the CNET review - decent headphones but you get what you pay for.

As expected the review comments on how they look and feel like the Bose ‘phones, but just a bit cheaper. Again, the decent but not brilliant sound is noted. However, they do mention one handy extra that Bose have missed, the push-to-hear feature as seen on the Shure E500PTH.

Based on the reviews I’ve seen of these headphones they seem a fairly decent buy for the price, but don’t expect to be blown away.

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