Headphone News

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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Here’s another variation on iPod Shuffle-headphones hybrid design, the Monster’s iFreePlay.

Designed to accept 2G iPod Shuffle’s only, the iFreePlay gives you wireless music without the need for Bluetooth or any other technology. They do look a bit clunky, but are probably around the most attractive of the similar headset’s I’ve seen.

Assuming they fit snugly, then these could be an ideal choice for joggers, but remember to watch out for traffic.

Available now for $49.95.

[Found via Engadget]

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I’ve seen some very strange headphones here at Headphone News, but I think the TubeSurround Sound Headphones stands a pretty good chance of being the weirdest.

Looking like some sort of personal halo, the TubeSurround headphones incorporate six individuals speakers positioned around the head designed to give full 5.1 surround sound. Understand the unusual shape now?

However, that’s not it. Just to add that extra level of craziness, the headphones use bone conduction and direct sound at the same time. Told you they were strange.

Being a natural cynic, I’m a bit unconvinced but Jasmine France at Crave has had a go and reckons they work pretty decently. Well. better than those virtual surround sound headphones that were all the rage about five years ago.

Available now for $99, but don’t blame me if you get laughed at for using them.

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I have to admit to not really understanding the Bluetooth headphones craze (I’ll take 2 foot of cable over having to recharge batteries any day) and to be honest, InforSync World’s review of the Plantronics Pulsar 260 Bluetooth headphones hasn’t changed my mind any.

As usual, it’s the sound quality that lets these headphones down. I’m guessing the poor quality headphones plus the limited bandwidth provided by Bluetooth are the culprits here. Unfortunately, the review rates the set as even worse for making calls, which you would hope would be the saving grace.

However, if you can ignore the sound problems (though why would you?), InfoSync World do praise the usability and comfort of this headset. Still, for $110, I’d hope for something rated better than 62%.

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CrunchGear must’ve being bulk buying headphones lately cause they’ve got another review up, this time of the Sony MDR-NC22 noise canceling earphones.

Unfortunately, despite some good features, CrunchGear have reported big problems with hiss, something that can affect noise-cancellation systems. They also note the fit isn’t perfect but this will of course vary from ear to ear. Despite these problems they do note some positives with the sound and build quality which might make them worth checking out.

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HeadphonesRock have a in-depth review of JVC’s bargain basement Marshmallow earphones (aka the HA-FX33) and have rated them as amongst the best in their price band.

Comparing them mainly against the standard iPod earbuds, HeadphonesRock have lots of praise for the sound produced by the noise-isolating earphones. They also love the comfort of the “marshmallow” ear pieces which they rate as “extremely comfortable to wear for extended use”.

If you’re looking for a replacement set of earbuds for your iPod or just a cheap set of back-up earphones then it appears you could do worse than to spend your $15 on the JVC Marshmallows.

Full review.

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Here’s another in-depth headphones review from CrunchGear, this time of the Ultimate Ears metro.fi 2.

It’s obvious from the review that CrunchGear really like these earphones, rating them as “some of the best-sounding in-ear headphones you can get in this price range”. They also have praise for the noise-isolation provided and the fit. In fact, the only criticisms they make are so minor as to not matter.

Judging by the CrunchGear review, Ultimate Ears have came out with a great set of earphones at a great price of only $70.

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In these days of climate change, global warming and soaring electricity bills there’s never been more reasons to save power. And what better way than with a Soltronix solar powered FM radio?

Looking rather like a headphone radio I had in the 80’s (and suspiciosly like last years WIN23 solar powered headphones) the Soltronix set provide 19 hours of AM/FM radio when fully charged. Presumably on a sunny enough day they’ll go on for ever (an arctic summer, for example).

Available now for $49.95.

[Found via Coolest Gadgets]

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It’s been a while since I featured a pair of gaming headphones on Headphone News but I couldn’t resist Genius’ new pair of vibrating headphones, the HS-04V.

The full size headphones are, unsurprisingly, designed to vibrate with any bass giving extra realism to bass heavy sounds like explosions, gunshots and engine sounds. The vibration obviously needs power and the ability to power it from either a AAA battery or a USB port is a nice touch.

Priced at a bargain $24.90, the HS-04V also feature nice touches like an in-built microphone and in-line volume control. Available now direct from Genius.

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