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.

Bookmark to:

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.

Bookmark to:

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.

Bookmark to:

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.

Bookmark to:

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]

Bookmark to:

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.

Bookmark to:

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]

Bookmark to:

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.

Bookmark to:

Anyone interested in winning a pair of Sennheiser PX100 headphones might want to check the competition over at Headphonedeals right now.

It’s a fairly simple competition to enter, all you have to do is suggest a pair of headphones for Matthew to review. My choice? The Targus Travel-Ease noise canceling headphones simply because I struggle to believe the positive reviews this seemingly cheap pair of headphones have received.

Bookmark to:

On first seeing Arriva’s new headphone design I had one of those “I can’t believe no-one thought of this before” moments. The idea of strapping an iPod Shuffle straight to your headphones seems obvious but I don’t think I’ve seen it done before. I assume if these prototypes ever see release they’ll be similar in construction to the previous Arriva Active Wear headphones.

Of course, there are potential problems with the design, not least the fact it makes it possible to relieve someone of both their iPod and headphones in one fell swoop.

[Found via Engadget]

Bookmark to: