Headphone News

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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CNET have become the latest to review the Etymotic ety.8 Bluetooth earphones and have awarded them an excellent 8 out of 10.

Praising them for their excellent sound quality and noise-isolation, CNET certainly rate these headphones. However, in common with earlier reviews, CNET have problems with the looks of these distinctive headphones. It’s a shame that it keeps coming down the cosmetic nature of the ‘phones but considering these earbuds are most likely to be worn in public, it’s certainly a complaint I can appreciate.

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The guys over at iLounge.com have been quick to review the newly released Etymotic ety.8 headphones and it doesn’t seem things are up to Etymotic’s usual high standards.

Awarding the headphones a B rating, iLounge are impressed by the overall sound quality of these in-ear ‘phones but do note a problem with audible pops in bass-heavy songs.

However, the reviewer does praise Etymotic for being the first to introduce true wireless earbuds and managing to make them comfortable at same time. As is to be expected, the reviewer does have issues with the looks of the ety.8 - here’s hoping Etymotic can make them a little less ugly next time.

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When I first saw the FCC pre-release details of the Etymotic ety.8 Bluetooth headphones I was amazed such a respected company could create such an ugly pair of headphones - now I’m shocked that they’re going to actually release them with the same design.

Assuming you can get over the Uhura stylings, the ety.8 headphones support both A2DP and AVRC Bluetooth profiles allowing them to pair with most Bluetooth enabled devices. There’s also a special iPod version (isn’t there always?) that comes with a adaptor to allow you to control your iPod from the buttons on the earpiece. Uniquely, the supplied adaptor (dubbed the Etymotic 8.Mate) allows you to control the volume of the iPod using the headphones while still keeping the volume display on the iPod in sync. I’ve got a feeling I should be more impressed by that…

Rather nicely, Etymotic are also including a leather carry case and an assortment of replacement earbuds for your money.

Available in early December, the Etymotic ety.8 will cost $199 for the standard model or $299 with the iPod adaptor included.

[Found via Engadget]

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CNET have got a great list of 4 earbuds that are available for under $100. For me, $100 is pretty much the maximum price most people will stretch to for a pair of earbuds so the article is really interesting.

First up is the bass heavy V-Moda Bass Freq headphones. Living up to their name, these headphones can output 122dB at 20Hz - enough to make any head explode. These have been rated at 8 out of 10 by CNET and at $50 represent a great buy.

Next up is the $100 Etymotic ER-6 Isolator. These were also awarded an 8 out of 10 by CNET and you get excellent sound and noise-isolation for your extra money.

Thirdly they have the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 Studio which although not quite as highly rated as the V-Moda and Etymotic ‘phones they do offer good sound quality for your $100.

Finally, CNET recommend the Shure E2c. Again costing $100 these are the lowest rated headphones in the round-up but were still awarded a very good 7.5 out of 10. Although the sound is excellent, the fit of these unusally shaped earphones seem to lose them marks.

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There have been some pretty ugly headphones released lately, but it looks like Etymotic could trump them all with the design of their new ety8 Wireless headphones.

Looking like a cross between a 1970 games console controller and the thing Uhura sticks in her ear, the ety8 certainly wont win any design competitions - which is a shame since the Bluetooth earphones will probably sound great.

At the moment these headphones are currently with the FCC for approval so it’s possible the final design might (hopefully) be different.

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CNET have given a glowing review to the Etymotic ER6i iPod headphones.

These noise-isolating headphones have been designed especially for use with an iPod and give “fantastic audio quality even in loud environments”. But it gets even better.

“The sound hits you like a herd of buffalo. The bass sounds like bass, not like a flea punching the inside of your ear, and the treble is clear and doesn’t remind you of a dying cat.”

The earphones are available now for around £100/$150. Sounds like a good buy to me…

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