Headphone News

Those attempting to get fit as part of their new year resolutions (I’ve taken up jogging!) might be interested in Jensen’s new JPM-3005 SportFones.

This fairly sleak looking pair of behind-the-head headphones incorporates a 512MB capacity MP3 player for on the go, wire-free sound. As well as being cord free, the SportFones are also incredibly light, weighing in at only 2.2 ounces.

The player has an internal battery which is charged using USB. However, Jensen don’t appear to be advertising any battery life so this could be the players downfall. Still, at only $69.99 you can’t go that wrong.

[Found via Engadget]

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If surround sound is your thing but you don’t have the space (or the money) for a full home-cinema set-up then Novac’s two new Dolby Digital 5.1 headphones could be the thing for you.

First up is the Champion (HP-850XB) which comes complete with a Dolby decoder and accepts 3.5mm and coaxial / optical digital inputs. Expect to pay around ¥24,800 ($214).

Second is the gaming friendly Tsnami (HP-850U) which features an internal decoder with USB inputs. The Tsunami also includes a build in mic for in-game chatter. Priced around ¥12,800 ($110).

[Found via Engadget]

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Going almost unnoticed amongst all of the iPhone excitement, Apple have also announced an updated set of iPod earphones plus a new Bluetooth headset.

First up is a refresh to the now classic earphones that come bundled with iPods. The new models will feature a small in-cable box (in white, obviously) with a microphone and squeeze switch for use with the new iPhone cellular capabilities.

Secondly, the announcement of an amazingly small looiking Bluetooth headset, again for use with the iPhone. Details on it’s capabilities are sketchy at the moment with the only real info being that it will have a single button for controlling phone functions. No matter what the spec, it’s size (assuming the pictured model doesn’t have an enormous head) is sure to gain it a lot of attention.

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Andrea Electronics have decided what the world really needs is a pair of flashing headphones so have introduced the new Blinx headphones which flash in time to your music.

This isn’t the first pair of headphones to do this (e.g. the Evergreen !tude) and once again I have to question the point of it all.

Available now for around $30 (batteries included).

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Most of the headphones I see at Headphone News are variations on the same basic theme (the current themes being noise-reduction and Bluetooth) but Sleek Audio have introduced something truly different. The Sleek Audio SA6 is a modular design that will allow you to mix and match components to create the sound you want.

The SA6 comes with 3 interchangeable Bass Ports and 3 Treble Tips that you can switch out to match the music you are listening to. If it works as billed, this would allow you to increase the bass for your favorite dance tunes and then whack up the highs for rock music.

In addition, the cables are also modular allowing you to choose your cable length. There are even plans for a Bluetooth attachment in the future. Assuming the implementation is as good as the concept, these headphones could be an audiophiles dream.

The SA6 will be available to preorder from March with the shipping date set for the second quarter of 2007. Early orderers will get them for $230 while those who wait for release can expect to pay $20 more.

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Last month, Pocket-lint reviewed Bose’s new TriPort IE headphones and awarded them an excellent 9 out of 10.

The great rating is mainly due to the sound quality of these in-ear headphones which the review describes as “perfect and even better than the eShure’s we’ve got. Sound was crisp and clear if not a little bassy”. In fact, a slightly heavy bass is about the only criticism they can come up with.

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Shure have added to their ear-canal earphone range by introducing four new earphones in the SE series at this years Consumer Electronics Show. These earphones are aimed as a more consumer oriented version of Shure’s successful E-series and will hopefully fix some of the niggles users had with the sleeves of the E-series.

First up is the $150 SE210 which feature a single Hi-Definition MicroSpeaker. Next up is $250 SE310 which adds a “Tuned BassPort” for a better range of bass. Third in the range is the SE420 which features a dedicated tweeter and woofer for your $350. Finally, the top of the range SE530 has a tweeter plus dual woofers and an internal crossover which claims to aid in the separation of the highs and lows. As I’m sure you’ve guessed it’s an extra $100 for these features making it a rather expensive $450.

The entire range will be available in February.

[Found via Engadget]

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Jeff Martin has reviewed the JVC HA-NC80 noise canceling headphones for BlogCritics and seems blown away by these $40 headphones.

This appears to be the first time Jeff has tested ‘phones other than the standard Apple iPod earbuds and the noise-cancelation of the JVC headphones is enough to get him to switch. He’s also impressed by the sound of the JVC headphones although does feel they are a bit too bulky for day-to-day use.

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iLounge have reviewed the JBL Reference 220 earphones and awarded them a creditable B+ rating.

The $80 in-ear iPod replacement ‘phones are fairly standard apart from the inclusion of clip-on accessories that allow the earbuds to also be worn in clip-on and under the chin configurations. This is a feature that iLounge appreciate though they do feel the execution slightly lets the earphones down.

However, iLounge were impressed by the sound quality of the JBL earphones, especially considering their price band.

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Another year, another new set of Bluetooth headphones, this time from Bluetooth specialists Bluetrek.

The (unintentionally?) stethoscope-styled headphones incorporate Bluetooth 1.2 support with Bluetrek claiming 9 hours of continuous use on one charge plus an impressive 400 hours standy-by time. The bendable headset also includes play/pause, track direction, and volume controls directly on the headset for controlling your music player.

No word on release date or price yet but you’ll be able to see them at this years CES in Las Vegas.

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