Able Planet NC1100B Headphone Review

Able Planet makes a number of noise-canceling headphones and Able Planet NC1100B make by high-end headhone company in Colorado with a retail price of $ 299.99.
Let's start with what is good about these guys. To begin with, are comfortable and seem to have a robust design and a beautiful black soft-touch finish. While the headphones are not as flexible as the Bose QuietComfort 15s, are a little 'thicker and stronger does not hurt their level of comfort and perhaps more attractive to some.

Aside from their black coloring, the NC1100Bs look similar to the QC15s (and QuietComfort 2s), with the same over-the-ear design and earcups that swivel and fold flat to fit in a simple black case. The resulting package is slightly bigger than a CD wallet, which makes it easier to tote, though it's still not terribly compact. As you'd expect from a set of headphones that are designed for frequent travelers, Able Planet throws in a two-prong in-flight adapter.

Like with Bose's active noise-canceling, the earcups' cushions effectively sealed off our ears from the noisy environment. Flipping on the noise cancellation dampened the noise even further. While the NC1100Bs aren't as effective at canceling out noise as the QC15s, they did noticeably muffle the sound of a very loud air conditioning that this reviewer has in his office (it isn't quiet as loud as the inside of an airline cabin, but not too far off).

With Bose's noise-canceling headphones, you have to engage the noise cancellation to listen to music, so the music dies with the battery life. Fortunately, this isn't the case with Able Planet's headphones; you can still listen without the noise canceling engaged, but you'll notice a distinct improvement in sound quality with it turned on (two AAA batteries that are housed in the left earcup power the noise-cancellation circuitry).

It's worth noting that like the Bose headphones, the headphone cord is detachable. Also, with the NC1100Bs, you get an inline volume control, which is nice.

On the downside, as we noted in our Bose review, the only problem is that because these are over-the-ear headphones that offer a tight seal, it can get a little steamy inside the cups, especially on hot days, though they "breathe" pretty well for over-the-ear headphones. On long plane rides, your skin will also get a little moist underneath the cushions, so expect to take them off for short periods and give your ears a little air.

But the bigger issue we had was with the sound quality. Though it's not bad, we found that the headphones overemphasized the bass--there was just too much of it, and it was far from tight (the words we like to use here are "boomy" and "muddy"). Also, we felt that the treble just wasn't all that detailed and had a tizzy edge to it.

If the average listener put these on in a store, he or she would likely feel satisfied with their fidelity, and we agree that they sound better than the smaller headphones that claim to suppress external noise. The problem is that these guys cost $300, and there's tough competition when you get into that price range, so we listen with a more critical ear than we would with a cheaper set.

We are always looking for good performance noise-canceling headphones Bose to hit from his throne. The Able Planet NC1100B able to lead a healthy and solid design OK, but not as good as the QuietComfort 15s and retail for the same price, better sound, more comfortable, and offer improved noise cancellation.

AiAiAi TMA-1 headhone Review

With the market saturated with cookie-cutter models of headphones, it is difficult to distinguish a single model, but AiAiAi TMA-1 headhone is the exception to the rule. Inspired by the design of the Sennheiser HD 25, a headphone reduces $ 200 an elegant, physically without weakening their structural strength. Their solid construction is supported by a detailed headstage makes them an excellent candidate for each purchase of a headset elegant neutral tone for the DJ and mix music.

DJs demand specific physical attributes out of their headphones, which everyday listeners never think about, and Aiaiai doesn't miss out on any of those details. The detachable rubber cable is 5.5-feet long with an extra 15-inch coiled section toward the top that allows even more free movement. The company also includes a threaded 1/4-inch adapter for plugging into mixers. One interesting section to note is that you can't fold the TMA-1s for travel, nor do they have rotating ear cups for single-sided listening. Instead, the notched headband adjuster allows the user to remove the entire earpad section for storage in the bag included in the package, and the resistant ABS material is malleable enough to allow for plenty of bending and moving without risk of snapping.

Design and features
The TMA-1 appropriately apes its name from Arthur C. Clark's "2001: A Space Odyssey," referring to a magnetic irregularity found on a crater on the Moon's surface caused by a giant monolith buried below. The monolith's long lifespan and extra-tough density are features that the Scandinavian designers at Aiaiai compare to their omni-colored black headphones.

The aesthetic of the TMA-1s appear to be a fading silhouette of other flashier headphones, and the blacked-out finish adds a distinctive touch. The nylon headband is approximately an 1.5-inches wide, with none of the springs and small metal joints that are commonly found in modern headsets. Aiaiai's idea is to minimize the amount of materials that go into the construction to reduce the risk of mechanical failure.

The audio cable is hidden underneath the band with a small visible rubber coil section, and there's no visible branding except for a small logo cut out of the underside of the headband. Our only critique here is that there's zero padding between the headband and the top of your head. We had to take frequent breaks to alleviate the pressure, which we can imagine becoming an issue for DJs over a long night.

The TMA-1's modular design extends to the ear pads, with two interchangeable cushion sets so you don't have to buy an entirely new pair of headphones when the padding wears out. Four nubs snap firmly behind a cushioned plate that protects the 40mm drivers powering the headphones, and the pads are small enough to fit comfortably on top of your ears.

Performance
The TMA-1s are closed-back headphones, so they won't leak sound to those around you if you're listening to music in a public place. Closed designs are also well-suited for mixing engineers and DJs who need the sound isolation to concentrate and compete with other loud noises surrounding the booth. The fit of the TMA-1s will vary from user to user, but the flexible headband and lightweight balance gave us very little ear fatigue. If anything, we found ourselves repositioning the headband from time to time, but it wasn't a big deal.

As mentioned earlier, the on-ear shape means you won't be as engulfed in sound as much as with circumaural (full-sized) headphones, but you won't likely notice the difference, thanks to the balanced sound signature that approaches audiophile-quality. Unlike many headphones we test, the TMA-1s sounded considerably forward right out of the box, with crisp detail and extra attention paid to bright vocals and thumping bass.

In particular, we also notice a natural, wide depth of sound while listening to music with natural music instruments like jazz and classical, and a realism that's tough for other cans to reproduce. That's not to say that electronic, hip-hop, and rock listeners are left out of the fun; The TMA-1s' rumbling low-end punch and precision balance are complimentary to any music genre, and the loud volume level gives us no reason to doubt their performance in a nightlife environment.

summary

With the same portion of the lower midrange close, high and sharp, the AiAiAi TMA-1 is complimented all styles of music we pumped through them, so do not limit our recommendation of their own DJ. Buildings difficult and effective sound insulation means that students, mixing engineers, commuters and office jockeys all benefit from their stand-out performances.

UE700 Earphones Review

The UE700 Earphones.The updated model features a brand new box adorned with Logitech, a more protective cardboard box for storage, and a combination of foam and silicone tips. What has not changed, though, is double the UE700 pilot project led to two speakers in each earpiece - a focal point for high-frequency and intermediate level, and another that offers flying, low natural. The result is a headset that lets you play the bass and sparkling notes of your music with a smooth three-dimensional sound stage that controls nearly listen to your music library, note by note. If it is not already clear, the last ear headphones $ 700 150 worth of listening, if you're a listener of music that requires his brilliant affordable.

Design and features
The UE700 headphones are smaller than most, purposefully slim for comfort and style at only 11.6 grams per earbud. The wire lacks the heavy remote control that normally adds weight to smartphone-friendly headphones, making them comfortable to wear for long periods of time, to the point where they become unnoticeable through a full day of work. The tiny earbud housing also allows you to easily push them farther into your ear canal, which is important for creating a proper noise-isolating seal.

The reflective silver earbud housing is complemented by a smoky red hook with a small circular ridge that secures the ear tips into place, and Ultimate Ears offers both silicone and foam ear cushions by Comply, a company highly regarded by the audiophile community for its softly padded material and universal fits.

The Ultimate Ears 700 headphones come with five sizes of the silicone cushions and only two variations of the foam version for comparison. Choosing between silicone or foam tips is ultimately a personal decision, but it's usually easier to create a seal with the foam by compressing it prior to insertion. We should also note that foam is more susceptible to dirt and grime, so you may find a more hygienic solution in the silicone. Logitech also includes a protective hard shell case that has ample room for the headphones and all the ear tips to go with you.

We feel shortchanged by the lack of a remote control and microphone on the 46-inch long cord, and it's a surprising oversight by Logitech given the number of users who listen to music on Android and iOS smartphones. Since neither of those devices has a tactile button that lets you change tracks manually, the omission of an in-line remote may dissuade potential owners of these earbuds looking for hands-free music navigation.

Performance Music lovers shopping for a headphone to highlight the instrumental nuances of their collection will appreciate the Ultimate Ears 700's balanced dual-armature drivers that combine two separate speakers into each earbud. This design effectively creates a wider frequency of sound, giving your ears access to more aural detail and brings out the natural bass and treble characters of your music.

The passive crossover network built into the design routes each sound to the driver best fitting of its flavor and is essentially the same technology used for premium in-ear monitors. Audiophiles will prefer the natural element of sound they provide over alternative buds that intentionally overpower the low-end to appease the younger, head-bobbing market, but that doesn't mean the Ultimate Ears 700's can't reproduce the same booming bass notes.

You'll still hear the same punchy emphasis, but the 700 headphones allow each instrument and vocal track to shine individually with more distinctive color and clarity, faithful to the original audio mix. You may react critically at first to the smooth sheen of the Ultimate Ears if you're used to the low-end impact of assisted headphones like the Monster Turbine Pro In-ear Speakers, but we're sure you'll grow to appreciate the greater headroom and wider frequency response that this set offers in comparison.

Summary

Logitech has reduced the price of UE700 to $ 150 when it acquired the company a few years ago, making these headphones some of the most convenient two earphones on the market today. You'll notice a big difference in sound if you upgrade from stock headphones that came with your music player, and as long as you do not mind the lack of a remote control cable on the UE700 earphones won 't disappoint.

Plattan Plus Headphones by Urbanears Review

The $ 60 headphones Urbanears Plattan Plus  have an Apple Store exclusive and appear almost identical to the original model Plattan, but with more control at a distance on the wire and ZoundPlug Urbanears shop 'that allows a friend to attach another pair of headphones directly to the bottom the right earpiece. The four options are tastefully decorated with a band of textured fabric, carpet ear, and a braided rope, adding the demand for stylish young crowd. Unfortunately, the lack of clarity of sound for headphones and stand in a muddy tracks with deep bass, so we could not recommend them to hard core geeks looking for the best AV on the tin ear. On the other hand, if you're simply looking for a good pair of headphones to match your wardrobe bright and do not necessarily have a high level of sound quality, more Urbanears Plattan are just a pick-up.

Design and Features
The Apple Store sells Plattan Plus in four colors: purple, swimming pool (mint), cherry (pink), and dark gray.
The color does not end with the headband and ear - the band textured fabric, deaf ear, braid, and also the connecting hardware and plastic ropes, just get the monochrome treatment that gives the headphones a unique look. If you're not a fan of Plattan four colors, Plattan regular headphones are available in 14 colors that are sure to satisfy.
Most do not show when they are marking Urbanears Plattan headphones on your head - the only visible signs are small businesses small tables just inside the rectangular blocks of tissue that connect the end pavilions. The design of Plattan us back to an era more supra-aural headphones (ear), with a rotating wire cage that allows vertical adjustments to bend the corners of the storage area for the group organized.
Ear measuring 2.5 inches in diameter and are covered with a synthetic leather that can be hot for long periods of listening, we recommend a short break every 20 minutes to relieve the fatigue commonly associated with hearing sealed boxes to marry your temples.
Perhaps the most typical appearance on Urbanears Plattan ZoundPlug called Plus, which is essentially a stereo audio jack built into the bottom right of the receiver for a friend can listen to your music on a second set of headphones. Although it seems to be a relatively simple, we are sure that students and frequent travelers are most valuable to the outside ZoundPlug Plattan replace Y-splitter plug that is too easy to get lost in the confusion of everyday transportation.

The single-sided cloth cable exits from the left earcup and descends about 45 inches, ending in a straight plug with rubber reinforced lining to prevent degradation over time. The braided cloth cord keeps it from tangling up in a bag, but you can also wrap it around the folded headphone in storage, although we're disappointed that Urbanears doesn't include a carrying case.

The top of the cord also has a microphone module with a three-button remote control on the other side that's comfortable to use and easy to distinguish thanks to the raised middle button used for navigating tracks. The other two buttons control volume up and down.

Performance
It's no surprise that brightly colored headphones that cater to a younger audience tend to emphasize the deeper end of the sonic spectrum, and the Urbanears Plattan Plus headphones have no shortage of bass. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of clarity, and you'll notice this deficiency immediately if you're playing a track with a booming drum machine or other synthetic sounds--these tracks are overrun with a muffled quality that you might not enjoy if you're used to the crisp, detailed tones of an audiophile headset like the Grado SR80.

Of course, some people prefer that extra bass push, as we've seen with the popularity of the Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones, so some of you might consider that pounding sound a bonus, especially since the Plattan Pluses run loud.

Summary

The Urbanears Plattan Plus headphones are not made for amateurs, but rather for the citizen who wants to express their individual style with a colorful banner which also happens to play music. We like to encourage ZoundPlug multiple users to simultaneously listen to, and little details like the woven wire and protected online Plattan Plattan remotely useful are a good choice, especially at such a low price.

Grado GR8 Earphone Review

I like the Grado GR8 earphone, but Grado bGR8 earphone simply not price-competitive at the moment. That may change once the Shure SE420 and SE530 are discontinued to make way for the new Shure SE425 and SE535 earphones  announced at CES. But up until then, the current cheaper or similarly-priced Shures are preferable.

The good: The In-Ear Headphones Grado GR8 use a sound signature that combines the genres most versatile, light and architecture improves comfort.
The bad: Degree typical fashion, GR8s do not have all the accessories and small-cap issues may be specific to particular users.
The bottom line: Grado headphones at GR8 has resonance and sound of audiophile quality, but are currently inaccessible to the average listener.

GR8 Grad0 headphones are the answer to the prayers of the audiophile community for the company to add a pair of headphones to its line of popular over-ear headphones. Grado Labs continues its tradition of full-bodied sound and solid build quality with GR8s, but the high price of $ 300 puts them out of reach for all music lovers, but the most devoted, especially when a music lover than Echelon to the highest sound with headphones as the best choice of award-winning editors of $ 80 earphones Klipsch Image S4.
Design and Features
Although it may be difficult to distinguish from a photo, the slot of the headset is a stylish blue finish with GR8 Glitter silver tips and a connection point of the cable that is reinforced with an angle to complete the shape of your ear.
The headphones are also incredibly light, even for headphones - and 9 grams installed with the tips, GR8s are comfortable to wear with the wire wrapped around the ear or hanging down, you prefer the method of packaging as it keeps the bud tight and prevents them from going out.
We expect a range of accessories headphones rare degree, on the basis of the ears, we have examined, and GR8s are no different. Aside from the headphones themselves, all you get is different dome sizes to work with - no case of wear or wax removal tool is included.
The silver tips are made of soft silicone and GR8 are available in three sizes so you can get a good fit, which is crucial to achieve the sound quality of the highest resolution. Ears of each are different so it is always difficult to find in the end the best solution, but the ones that come with the GR8s are exceptionally small. This editor is normally the average size with most headphones Klipsch as the S4, but only the largest of the things GR8 adjustment and I could not get a good seal. Turbines with gems combination Monster Pro in a sample pack of earphones Supertypes the manufacturer, for example, we expect to offer more flexible if we want to pay $ 300 for Grado GR8s.
We are also disappointed that the headphones have a microphone or the remote control for modern smartphones. How iPhone and Android devices will continue to evolve into the de facto standard for music outside the home, we'd like to see future versions of Grado headphones are equipped with accessories that meet this growing market.
On the other hand, we were pleased to see that the rubber coating on the 51-inch non-stick makes it almost impervious to the headphone cord tangles. The same material also protects the wire to amplify the sound of rubbing clothes, and a right pin in the end must coincide with a variety of cases.
Performance
You might be surprised that the function of a unique design GR8s mobile frame, since we are used to seeing double or even triple the drivers pumping through headphones at this price level. A good example is the Westone UM2 Dual Driver Earphones true, that cost the same, but the architecture of GR8s is limited to a single driver to avoid driver cross.
The result avoids the difficult transition between the woofers and tweeters that reproduce the notes may seem vague and different from the registration requirements. Instead, the tone GR8s generate the same level and frequency separation image on all directional audiophile grado headphones expect.
The headphones are excellent for creating a GR8 imaging experiment that seems natural and realistic in your ears. Their versatile audio profile makes it an excellent candidate for a variety of genres, but we found the bass somewhat 'lacking in bass. However, balanced sound levels produced by each speaker in each ear will certainly satisfy the most discerning audiophiles.

Conclusions
We can not imagine many consumers considering GR8 Grado headphones to their current price, despite their excellent sound quality. Unless you are absolutely dedicated to degree, you can spend less and still get a good pair of headphones Klipsch S4.

JVC Xtreme Explosives Earbud Review

The good: The structure of wearing a ring in the ear are M5X JVC HA-full-size headphones have a deep bass at a price much lower than comparable models.
The bad: The headphones also the loss of its low volume, the release of their musical tastes, the world around you.
Bottom line: You'll get a kick JVC HA-M5X headphones while the music emphasizes the bass booming, how, and its sturdy construction and adequate noise reduction at an affordable price.

While stressing the headphones for audiophiles more open, balanced precisely to increase the value artificially low, the popularity of the digital age by Dr. Dre headphones improved study shows that the attraction of the monster low average consumers. JVC hopes to steal back market share with the HA-M5X, $ 50 on a headset with a unique resonance of the aperture ring in each ear, adding bass frequencies without the use of an external equalizer. If you do not mind the bulky design and the tendency to lose the sound, the headphones JVC HA M5X a cheaper alternative to monster hits for listeners to enjoy the low, but can not spend $ 350 for cans parts.
Design and functionality
JVC HA-M5X headphones are specially designed for abuse, the mobile devices to support the natural experiment. The group, the outer ear, and even 3.5 mm connectors are reinforced with hard plastic and rubber for greater impact protection. However, JVC continues to weight more than half a pound, the same as the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio.
Although HA-M5X headphones tend to be plastic, do not suffer from cracks same breath the monsters get a sense cheap. The Monster Beats "plastic construction is subject to large tears around the small screws that hold it together.
One of the advantages of Monster Beats headphones were more than the JVC HA-M5X is configured to be bent to support transportation. However, the band connects perfectly with the JVC headphones swivel to allow easy vertical movement and little else. We give Sony the benefit of the doubt and assume that its goal was to return to the joints, but I hope the next generation of highly folded and with a suitcase.
Like most headsets, which reduces non-removable faux fur ears, fatigue and keep your ears fresh like the skin of the ear is not done, even after several hours of use. An extra layer of padding on the coast below the top of the range of equipment for additional support. Not everyone likes camouflage M5X is blue, but there is no doubt that it has a single retail drive to increase their attractiveness.
The headphones have a dark red cord, 4 meters deep in the ear and ends in a standard 3.5 mm. JVC does not include a full size adapter, you must cancel, if you want to use these headphones with a 0.25 inch stereo jack. The Y-cable and connectors are equipped with soft rubber which allows the cable tangling and adds to the thickness of the isolated structure.
Performance
JVC HA-M5X headphones are not only in appearance, two 50 mm neodymium magnet to turn the unit and extra bass boost, thanks to the ring structure of ownership of JVC brings in the ears, just below the fine network speakers covering every emotion. The rubber ring is part of a larger unit, the sound pressure at the bottom and to avoid external shocks, the controls of your sound.
However, it is convenient to adjust the volume on the music player with headphones M5X-HA in an enclosed space like a subway or bus, because a lot of sound with the outside world that interfere with listeners on the involuntary loss closely as possible.
One of the drawbacks of heavy bass headphones is that the rest of the instruments in a song from drowning if you do not listen to genres like hip-hop and techno, the artificial environment. In addition, the rock tracks that we played by the JVC for the middle and upper sections to come through a mixture of clay.
We equalizer reduces distortion levels, even though we know it can be irritating if you listen to different genres in a row. Also, keep in mind that the headphones HA-M5X only costs $ 50, you are not in the variable frequency response is heard in the headphones active noise cancellation, as the Monster Beats.
Design and functionality
JVC HA-M5X headphones without extras like a remote control line or in a clamshell design, but they are inexpensive and durable. We do not recommend it in a library, because people listen to their music, but listeners assets that grow in the low frequencies known for his bass heavy sound design and more

MEElectronics HT 21 Headphone Review

The good: Sound HT 21 MEElectronics gentle on the ears comfort, durability and balance at a special price.
The bad: The sound insulation is almost non-existent, despite its large back design.
In short: we can be fooled by its lightweight design, but leaves the HT 21 MEElectronics earns our recommendation for exceptional sound stage, aesthetics and comfort subtle phones.

MEElectronics go home with the HT-21, the first pair of supra-aural Enterprise (EAR) helmet. Priced at only $ 40, which fall into the same category of the budget laptop and set Koss PortaPro Sennheiser PX-100-III, but to provide a very balanced sound image with a focus on the company unless, of their closed design . You can learn more from other couples, ambient noise and offer extras like a remote control on the cable to pass, but you are not the best combination of price and performance that the helmet MEElectronics HT-21.
Design and functionality
MEElectronics made some adjustments to the embodiment of the headset on the ear with the HT 21. While some brands are modern and trendy colors, prints to give him the benefit of all black faux black leather and plastic pads, these headphones a timeless look, with no fashion statement.
The band of silver is completely wrapped in heavy plastic for durability, and the top is filled with the same skin covering the pavement twice. The proportion that the headset is connected to the buffer zone also offers a wider angle than most competing models, so you can feel the helmet is loose in the temples - not the kind of additional hardware, but some you may prefer, hugs tight band around the head.
The pavilions HT 21 double twist in one direction and folds easily for storage in the bow moves in the soft case to carry their equipment and make artificial skin around the cup, as it retains the comfort of reality, without Sweat darkened ears long-term use of the Mayor Marshall. We listened to the HT 21 headphones days 8 hours for a week of tests, and fatigue experienced ear attributed to zero comfort with its balanced sound architecture.
Two different functions can be configured to HT 21 competition earphones: MEElectronics, the tendency to connect the cable on one side of the helmet to reduce the size and the rubber cable ends with a 45 degree foot 4, 3, 5 mm Plug hybrid that combines the robustness of the L-connector with universal connector in a straight line.
If sound insulation a priority for you, the HT-21 is not the best option, even if technically, bleeding closed, separated from the broadband infrastructure was the front to the outside world, unfortunately, music and not much to do to the background noise in the ears to avoid. It's a simple solution is to prevent the loss of volume and tone just to lift it to cover the background noise, but this method is a simple way to get your hearing loss over time.
Performance
Note that these headphones for $ 40, so that the HT 21 are not in direct competition with high-end professional DJ or a monitor designed to expose your ears to discover the nuances of the music. However, the overall sound signature is still a big improvement on the actions of the ear well, which are packages are equipped with advanced music player, and no doubt pleased with them, although some tonal characteristics to differentiate its direct competitors Koss and Sennheiser.
Compared to the most obvious difference is the attention PortaPros submitted to the bottom. The HT 21, or issuing an incisive shot, but it looks back to the pole to a more balanced and high. Of course, you can boost the bass with the equalizer on your music device, but also lose the natural sound that is MEElectronics a good reputation with the community of mobile music fans. We also prefer the control of smooth low Sennheiser PX 100-III is the quality that depression can be dull and muddy in the hip-hop and electronica to do with the artificial drum machine.
On the other hand, the management of the helmet halftone HT 21 and crispy high response, which is adjacent to the cold end of the spectrum, sometimes the burden of a whistle songs that are unwanted hard consonants, sibilants (S and SH sounds). You can reduce these imperfections, reducing the volume of the helmet, even if the issue will be addressed separately.
Conclusions
HT-21 MEElectronics headset is ideal for those who do not want to spend much money, but still insists on its higher than average, but the retro charm of the Koss PortaPro or telephone with remote control Sennheiser PX 100 - III. With a comfortable design and a combination of the future of wire and socket, the HT 21 boxes is a good option in the sub-50 $ helmet on the market.