JBL Announces Synchros Line Of On-Ear, Over-Ear Headphones

JBL has really stepped up is game today with the introduction of its new Synchros line of on-ear and over-ear headphones that consists of two powered over-ear headphones - the S700 (right), S500 as well as an on-ear pair called the S300 (left). Notably however, is JBL's flagship S700 headphones which are said to offer professional sound performance, robust build quality and comfort with a $350 price tag. The S700 feature a die-cast aluminum frame, acoustic ear cup design with leather cushions and woven cordura accents, LiveStage DSP for a life-like soundstage, 50mm drivers with JBL's proprietary PureBass technology that deliver deep, rich lows, detachable audio cable with an in-line 3-button remote and mic, and a built-in rechargeable battery to power all that hardware and technology. Surprisingly though, none of JBL's new headphones have active noise-cancellation. Jump past the break for the full details on each pair. 

Read More

Harman Kardon Outs Soho Headphones Dipped In Chic European Design, Quality Sound

Harman Kardon has unveiled its latest headphones today, the $200 Soho on-ear headphones. The Soho are a more portable version of the company's outstanding CL on-ear headphones that can fold down flat to save space, and feature smaller 30mm drivers compared to the 40mm drivers housed inside the now discounted $160 CL headphones. Even though the Soho have smaller drivers in them, Harman Kardon promises they'll deliver the company's pedigree rich sounding bass and crystal clear highs that audiophiles will approve of. Designed with Harman Kardon's signature premium sophistication, the Soho are built with a stainless steel and stitched genuine leather headband while their rectangular ear cups have soft on-ear cushions for prolonged comfortable wearability.

Harman Kardon SOHO stereo headphones featuring a distinctive new look. Combining premium style in black, white or camel with a heritage of high-frequency clarity and stunning bass, Harman Kardon SOHO headphones are designed to appeal to the designer, as well as the audiophile, in everyone. 

Harman Kardon's Soho headphones are available in a choice of detachable audio cables: a universal remote/mic for Android users, or an Apple iOS- compatible remote/mic for iPhone users. They're offered in a choice of black, white and camel flavors for $200, are now available for pre-order and will ship in early November. 

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

Marshall Monitor Headphones Taunt Studio-Quality Sound For $200

In rock n' roll spirit that is Marshall, the company announced its second pair of speaker-inspired cans today since the first debut of the Major on-ear headphones back in 2010. Marshall's new Monitor are an over-ear designed headphones that deliver superior noise isolation with supple black vinyl leather cushions. Equipped with low-distortion 40mm drivers, the Monitor also feature a dual-sided detachable coiled audio cable with a one-button remote and mic, as well as a compact collapsible construction so you can take them on the road with you.

Here's what Marshall has to say about the Monitor's studio-quality sound performance:

Resonating with the power of live performance, Monitor produces deep bass with extended highs and natural, well-balanced mids. Its custom-made low distortion 40mm drivers cover the entire frequency range. Even at high playback levels, the sound is punchy and dynamic. With the Monitor’s F.T.F. system, you can choose your own sound experience ¬– a warmer, laid back sound, or a brighter and clearer sound.

The magnetic detachable ear cushions let you easily adjust the unique F.T.S filter insert to create a more customized sound output by controlling the amount of treble to better fit your liking or a specific genre of music. Marshall's Monitor headphones will sell for $200 when they hit store shelves in early May.

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

Nixon Releases ‘The Stylus’, Headphones For The Traveling Audiophile

If you’re not completely overwhelmed by all the headphones on the market already, take a look at the newest offering from Nixon. Beginning with watches, Nixon slowly began to branch out in their lineups with apparel, bags, and headphones. The Stylus is a brand new headphone that is built for the user who is on the go with its folding headband design. It still packs a punch with a powerful, low-distortion driver that can handle any preference of music smoothly. It uses memory foam ear cushions for easy comfort and a removable mini-coil cable for when you need the extra extension. Using a 3-button remote and being mic compatible makes sure it works with your smartphone perfectly. It all comes together in a protective travel pouch and can be picked up now for $130 at participating retailers.

Skullcandy Crusher Headphones Vibrate Deep Bass

Skullcandy was once known for its outlandish, affordable, mediocre sounding headphones. But that was then. These days, Skullcandy's higher-end headphones actually do sound good for the price. And we wouldn't be surprised to hear Skullcandy's latest and greatest, comfortable-looking over-ear headphones pack a solid punch of audio for the price. The Crusher are Skullcandy's new mainstream designed $100 pair of plastic constructed, closed back cans. But these aren't just another pair of headphones, because the Crusher features an independent vibrating driver which is supposed to deliver that extra bit of THUMP right beside the 40mm speaker driver in both ear cups. Much like a tweeter and woofer setup, but not quite. Users will be able to adjust the intensity of the vibration using the on-board control. This interesting setup should help the Crusher pump out satisfying bass that vibrates into your skull while retaining the necessary clarity in the sound. Or so they say.

Skullcandy's Crusher headphones will be battery powered of course. Because after all, there's a lot of sound that needs pushing. They can fold up for portable carry or storage, and also feature a dethable audio cable with an in-line remote and mic. You'll be able to pick up a pair in red, white and black this March. You can bet these will be awesome for dubstep.

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

Sol Republic Master Tracks Over-Ear Headphones Announced

Sol Republic is kicking it at CES 2013 with its latest pair of cans, the new $200 Master Tracks. These are Sol Republics first pair of over-ear headphones to come out since the debut of the $100 - $150 Tracks and Tracks HD on-ear offerings which we had the pleasure of reviewing last year. The Master Tracks stay true to the unique Sol Republic concept of having the superior durability as well as the ability to completely dissemble into three individual parts for portability. Sonically, the Master Tracks feature Sol Republic's newly developed X3 "Sound Engines" promise true sound that's balanced with powerful bass, clear highs and vocal accuracy. The articulating over-ear cups are padded with SonicSoft cushions for optimized noise isolation and comfort.

Like the Tracks and Tracks HD headphones, the Master Tracks have an interchangeable headband which you could swap for a different colored one if you wish to customize a personal look for your Masters. The detachable tangle-free audio cable includes an in-line 3-button remote with mic that lets you control your music playback, take and make calls on the go. You can pre-order yours starting today for $200 in a gunmetal color. The Master Tracks will start to ship on February 25.

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

French Designed Aedle VK-1 Headphones Up The Ante

These headphones make us bite our fist they're so beautiful. The VK-1 headphones by the French brand Aedle, are a masterpiece of elegance and passion for design. So much so that they will be offered for a limited pre-order run of just 400 pairs. After two years of development, the Parisian conceived VK-1 headphones are a finished pair of audiophile bliss. They feature a stunning aluminum body with a manganese steel headband that is covered with hand-sewn lambskin leather which is internally padded using liquid silicone. The protein foam ear cushions are too covered with rustic and supple animal skin.

Under the hood, the VK-1 run off of high-performance, custom made 40mm titanium-neodymium audio drivers. But that's not all the glamour of what makes the VK-1 an intriguing pair of cans. They also feature a high-end detachable 3.5mm Aramid fiber coated audio cable with an in-line remote and mic and passive bass enhancement vents. And the price isn't too pushy either for a pair of headphones which are assembled in France and make no compromise in quality at just $325. Think about it, that's about what you would pay for a pair of cheaply mass produced, plasticky Beats. You can also pre-order the VK-1 in a black carbon edition which features an all-black anodized matte finish for $360. See the makinf of Video after the jump!

Read More