Headphone News

That’s right, waterproof headphones. No matter how pointless they seem to me, iLounge seem to like them enough to give them a B rating in their recent review.

Apparently they actually sound quite good, both above and below water. They also come with a buoy which, I have to admit, almost makes me want to buy a pair.

Much more info at the Aquapac site.

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With the Travel-Ease headphones, Targus have continued the trend towards cheaper noise-canceling headphones. However, noise-canceling can be a very hard technology for manufacturers to get right but according to a review in Notebook Review it looks like Targus have succeeded.

Coming in for the most praise is the effective noise-canceling system. According to the review it performed well during a flight, probably the environment where the technology will be most useful. The comfort of these cans is also noted although the reviewer did find them a bit bulky for travel use.

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Thanks to the very generous people over at HeadCandi, Headphone News have two great pairs of Sennheiser headphones to give away to our readers.

First up is the wireless RS110 (pictured). Worth £44.99, these headphones have a 100 metre range making them great for watching movies or listening to music in the house or (my favorite) out in the garden.

Second up is a set of black Sennheiser CX300 in-ear headphones. These earphones make ideal replacements for the rubbish set bundled with iPod’s and, as well as sounding great, look good too.

Since this is our first competition at Headphone News, we’re going to make it very simple. To enter send an email with your full name, email address and answer to this easy question to [competition now closed].

In which European country was headphone manufacturer Sennheiser founded?

Told you it was easy. Now get entering.

Competition Rules

• Entries will be accepted until Saturday the 14th of April.
• Winners will be selected at random after this date and will be notified by email within 5 days.
• Winner’s will agree to their names being posted on this website.
• Your email address will not be used for anything other than notifying the lucky winners. We hate spam too.
• All prizes are provided by HeadCandi.
• The selection of winners is final. No moaning if you don’t win!

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CrunchGear have posed a detailed hands on of the Etymotic ety.8 Bluetooth earphones and the verdict is the same as previous reviews - good earphones but hella ugly.

The sound quality is noted as a positive in the review, with the caveat that this quality can sometimes expose limitations in the Bluetooth signal bandwidth. In addition, the comfort and ease of use also come in for praise.

Shame they’re so completely hideous.

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PC Magazine have the third review of the JVC HA-NC80 noise-canceling headphones that I’ve seen and it’s got more in common with the modest CNET review than the gushing blog critics review.

Again, it’s the discomfort that is the main problem found with these headphones. However, there is praise for the audio quality and price. For $40, there’s not much too lose if you fancy trying them out.

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Japanese manufacturer Thanko are quickly becoming a favorite at Headphone News with their ever growing range of crazy headphones. Just last month they released a set of on-head bone conducting headphones but they’ve really outdone themselves with the VONIA Bone Conducting Sports Headband.

Designed to be used with an iPod Shuffle, the headband vibrates against your skull so you can “hear” the music without sending sound through your outer ear. It’s not entirely clear why you’d want t actually do that but it’s certainly different than the Bluetooth headphones that most companies are focusing on right now.

Available in Japan for around $84, I wouldn’t expect to see this in your local shop soon (unless you live in Japan, of course).

[Found via The Unofficial Apple Weblog]

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Yup, it’s another set of Bluetooth headphones. How exciting. The GEAR4 BluPhone headphones do slightly distinguish themselves by looking quite good and by being nice and compact.

Weighing in at a neck relieving 26g, they match their low weight with a low cost, only £50.

As is the standard, they support the Bluetooth A2DP protocol allowing stereo connections to most modern mobile phones and digital audio players. They even have a built in mic to allow handsfree mobile phone use. How nice.

[Found via Gadget Centre]

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Looks like Bose have done the right thing after numerous complaints about the fit of their IE earphones and will send all existing owners an upgrade.

The upgrade consists of a new set of ear tips, an around the ear lanyard and a spring clip on the wire which should prevent the headphones falling out during active use (walking, breathing, etc.). After the 16th of March, existing users can order their free upgrade by calling 800-819-7032 with the replacement ear tips being sent straight away and the other goodies to follow in June.

In addition, the new headphones will appear in the shops from the 15th of March.

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JVC have rapidly expanded their noise-cancelling headphones range lately, with the in-ear HA-NCX77 being the latest model.

Claiming an 80% reduction in external noise, the headphones will also reduce sound bleed with their tight fitting ear canal placement. Powered by a single AAA battery, the noise-cancelling circuitry is contained in a slightly unwieldy looking in-cable control unit. Apparently you can get around 70 hours of use from one battery, that’s pretty good going if true.

Available now for $79.95.

[Found via Twice.com]

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More money than sense? Then these $2500 Swarovski diamond encrusted headphones are ideal for you.

Designed by celebrity DJ Donna D’Cruz (no, I’ve never heard of her either), they’re apparently available in a variety of colors to match your outfit (presumably also diamond encrusted).

[Found via Portalino]

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