San Francisco - SOL Republic launched two product guarantees for its line of headphones.
The company's modular headphones feature speakers, headbands and cables that can be interchanged. Now SOL said that its Sound Track headbands, which are made of FlexTech, will last at least 1,000 days from the date of purchase, or consumers will receive a free replacement headband.
Consumers must first register their headphones at SOLRepublic.com.
The company is also offering what it called Ear Tips for Life.
"Anyone who purchases SOL Republic Amps ($59.99) or Amps HD ($99.99) in-ear headphones gets a lifetime of free ear tip replacements," it said. They also must be registered on the website.
When writing about and reviewing earphones, I always include two points that are important to each model: the seal from the eartips and whether the earphone uses a warmer sounding dynamic or the more accurate, but bass deficient armature based speaker. Scosche is a maker of a seemingly endless array of affordable iPhone/iPod accessories with headphones and earphones among their more popular products. They have now released a new high-end line of audio gear under the Realm name, and one of the first products is the IEM856m in-ear monitor. There are a couple of things that make the IEM856m unique and we will discuss those in this review.
As I said, Scosche is going upmarket with the Realm line and so, let’s look at whether they succeeded. The design of the IEM856m (couldn’t they come up with a better name?) certainly looks good. They come in black (IEM856md) or bright Apple white (IEM856m) with subtle chrome accents. Both have a good selection of silicone eartips to choose from. Also included is a very sturdy zippered case with a net pocket for holding tips, supplied carabiner and shirt clip.
2011年12月30日星期五
Dr.Dre Studio Limited Edition Headphones
At first glance, it looks like Scosche is gunning for the Monster Earphone crowd with its design, but I think they look a bit more toned down than Monster’s more aggressive look. One definite similarity the IEM856m has with some Monster earphones is a tangle-free flat cable design that really works. I have never been all that bothered having to untangle cables, but I know it drives others crazy, so these flat cables could be a deciding factor in choosing Scosche over other brands.
The IEM856m also includes what Scosche calls the TapLine III remote control and microphone system. It allows you to play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume and answer calls. This setup is becoming the norm as smart headphones become a prime source for personal music.
Beyond these specs, the main attraction of the Scosche IEM856m is a fairly unique speaker combination. Scosche could have decided to use the highly accurate armature speaker or the less clinical, bass heavy dynamic speaker. But they figured why not use both and hopefully, benefit from the strengths of both approaches? After all, it makes sense on paper: Combine the highs of armature with the powerful bottom end of dynamic to achieve a perfect balance. But, will this approach work in the real world?
Let’s first deal with the negatives. The IEM856ms are kinda big. While armatures are extremely small, dynamics aren’t and adding another speaker – no matter how small – only increases the bulk. And these do look and feel bigger than most other earphones. However, Scosche has managed to keep them very light and, despite their size, quite comfortable. That had to have been a primary goal, because this combo-speaker setup just begs for compromises and Scosche seems to have wisely avoided them.
The IEM856m also includes what Scosche calls the TapLine III remote control and microphone system. It allows you to play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume and answer calls. This setup is becoming the norm as smart headphones become a prime source for personal music.
Beyond these specs, the main attraction of the Scosche IEM856m is a fairly unique speaker combination. Scosche could have decided to use the highly accurate armature speaker or the less clinical, bass heavy dynamic speaker. But they figured why not use both and hopefully, benefit from the strengths of both approaches? After all, it makes sense on paper: Combine the highs of armature with the powerful bottom end of dynamic to achieve a perfect balance. But, will this approach work in the real world?
Let’s first deal with the negatives. The IEM856ms are kinda big. While armatures are extremely small, dynamics aren’t and adding another speaker – no matter how small – only increases the bulk. And these do look and feel bigger than most other earphones. However, Scosche has managed to keep them very light and, despite their size, quite comfortable. That had to have been a primary goal, because this combo-speaker setup just begs for compromises and Scosche seems to have wisely avoided them.
Dr.Dre
I listened to many kinds of music ripped or downloaded in various levels of quality.
I noticed that while this combo does manage to capitalize on each speaker design’s strengths – when pushed, the disadvantages of each speaker design sometimes becomes apparent. For instance, on some (not all) R.E.M. songs, their trademark, jangly guitar sound could border on brittle in the higher frequencies. I wouldn’t say it’s irritating, but it is noticeable. I’m half-certain that it’s the recording and not the earphones, because it was rare when I heard it. Most of the time, the balance between the armature and dynamic speakers was spot-on. Their scatological song, “It’s the End Of the World As We Know It,” has an obscure bottom end when the group sings “… And I Feel Fine. With better earphones, you can feel the drum kick and on the IEM856m, I can feel it.
Sigur Ros is a group I have only recently discovered after becoming a fan of Jónsi and Alex. Their avant garde album, (), is a mixture of lead singer Jónsi Birgisson’s falsetto vocals combined with various electronic noises and instruments, making it a perfect test for the IEM856ms. You really have to like this kind of music or you will run from the room screaming. The song, Untitled #6 (E-Bow), is a good example of covering the frequency spectrum in a song without veering too far towards the low or high ends. With the IEM856ms headphone, I never got fatigued listening to this album.
“Actor Out Of Work” from the nom de guerre St. Vincent (Annie Clark) is an in-your-face, distortion-fest with vocals pushed so far up front that you can hear and almost feel every breath Clark takes as she sings into your head. Clark’s siren singing is both discomforting and inviting at the same time and the IEM856ms let you hear it all.
I noticed that while this combo does manage to capitalize on each speaker design’s strengths – when pushed, the disadvantages of each speaker design sometimes becomes apparent. For instance, on some (not all) R.E.M. songs, their trademark, jangly guitar sound could border on brittle in the higher frequencies. I wouldn’t say it’s irritating, but it is noticeable. I’m half-certain that it’s the recording and not the earphones, because it was rare when I heard it. Most of the time, the balance between the armature and dynamic speakers was spot-on. Their scatological song, “It’s the End Of the World As We Know It,” has an obscure bottom end when the group sings “… And I Feel Fine. With better earphones, you can feel the drum kick and on the IEM856m, I can feel it.
Sigur Ros is a group I have only recently discovered after becoming a fan of Jónsi and Alex. Their avant garde album, (), is a mixture of lead singer Jónsi Birgisson’s falsetto vocals combined with various electronic noises and instruments, making it a perfect test for the IEM856ms. You really have to like this kind of music or you will run from the room screaming. The song, Untitled #6 (E-Bow), is a good example of covering the frequency spectrum in a song without veering too far towards the low or high ends. With the IEM856ms headphone, I never got fatigued listening to this album.
“Actor Out Of Work” from the nom de guerre St. Vincent (Annie Clark) is an in-your-face, distortion-fest with vocals pushed so far up front that you can hear and almost feel every breath Clark takes as she sings into your head. Clark’s siren singing is both discomforting and inviting at the same time and the IEM856ms let you hear it all.
2011年12月29日星期四
Beats By Dr. Dre Studio
But first, let's talk about Spotify. Jackson has invested mainly in physical products so far--vitamin drinks, fashion headphones. But he's looking to invest in tech startups. "I have some ideas now," he says. "I don't want to discuss the deal until the papers get signed because everyone else will get excited--and then we get scattered."
When pressed, Jackson flashes a knowing grin. I ask him whether he's investing in a small music-related startup. "Well, they're really well established companies that I'll end up being involved in," he says. Like Spotify? "Those are the kinds of guys I want to hang out with, down there in Silicon Valley," Jackson answers coyly. He says he knows Parker but declines to go into any more detail. But clearly he's impressed by streaming services like Spotify, which he says, "are the future of music--the experience with Napster gave them the insight--all the information [they needed]."
Jackson ticks off characteristics that he learned from finding new talent and producers in the music industry. It's not so different looking for successful entrepreneurs, he says. It boils down to four traits: quality of material, performance, appearance, and personality. It was those qualities that led him to Brian Nohe, founder of KonoAudio, which SMS Audio acquired in August to support its sound technology. "Ultimately the vision is not just a headphone company," says Nohe, now SMS's president. "I mean, 50 wants to create an audio company. You will see us move into laptops, speakers, and home entertainment."
When pressed, Jackson flashes a knowing grin. I ask him whether he's investing in a small music-related startup. "Well, they're really well established companies that I'll end up being involved in," he says. Like Spotify? "Those are the kinds of guys I want to hang out with, down there in Silicon Valley," Jackson answers coyly. He says he knows Parker but declines to go into any more detail. But clearly he's impressed by streaming services like Spotify, which he says, "are the future of music--the experience with Napster gave them the insight--all the information [they needed]."
Jackson ticks off characteristics that he learned from finding new talent and producers in the music industry. It's not so different looking for successful entrepreneurs, he says. It boils down to four traits: quality of material, performance, appearance, and personality. It was those qualities that led him to Brian Nohe, founder of KonoAudio, which SMS Audio acquired in August to support its sound technology. "Ultimately the vision is not just a headphone company," says Nohe, now SMS's president. "I mean, 50 wants to create an audio company. You will see us move into laptops, speakers, and home entertainment."
Nate Robinson On-ear Headphones - Apple green
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson Promotes New Headphones By Way Of Sean Parker
BY Austin CarrMon Dec 5, 2011
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is in a mixing room in Lower Manhattan--but instead of hawking headphones like he's scheduled to do, the Jamaica, Queens-bred rapper is hinting about investing in Spotify and all sorts of other Silicon Valley startups. Looks like G-Unit's getting a VC division.
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson should be hawking headphones. That's why he's sitting in a mixing booth at Engine Room Audio in Lower Manhattan at 9:40 a.m. Instead, though, the Jamaica, Queens-bred rapper is talking about his next Silicon Valley investments--and Sean Parker.
"I think Sean Parker damaged the music business with Napster," Jackson says. "Now he's trying to fix it."
In a charcoal gray suit with a wine-red handkerchief, Jackson looks more Gordon Gekko than chart-topping rock star. Then again, what's a modern rock star if not a branding machine. For 50's part, he's moved on from hit singles to hit investments. Jackson runs his own label under Interscope Records; he's built successful sneaker and clothing lines; he's starred in movies and video games; and he's injected capital in everything from 3-D glasses startups to energy drink companies. In 2007, an early investment in Vitamin Water-maker Glacéau proved prescient when Coca-Cola bought the company for $4.1 billion, an acquisition that earned 50 Cent a reported $100 million. Today, he's technically here to promote his next business venture, SMS Audio, makers of high-end headphones. "The category is huge," he says. "These headphones are definitely going to be the biggest stocking stuffer."
BY Austin CarrMon Dec 5, 2011
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is in a mixing room in Lower Manhattan--but instead of hawking headphones like he's scheduled to do, the Jamaica, Queens-bred rapper is hinting about investing in Spotify and all sorts of other Silicon Valley startups. Looks like G-Unit's getting a VC division.
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson should be hawking headphones. That's why he's sitting in a mixing booth at Engine Room Audio in Lower Manhattan at 9:40 a.m. Instead, though, the Jamaica, Queens-bred rapper is talking about his next Silicon Valley investments--and Sean Parker.
"I think Sean Parker damaged the music business with Napster," Jackson says. "Now he's trying to fix it."
In a charcoal gray suit with a wine-red handkerchief, Jackson looks more Gordon Gekko than chart-topping rock star. Then again, what's a modern rock star if not a branding machine. For 50's part, he's moved on from hit singles to hit investments. Jackson runs his own label under Interscope Records; he's built successful sneaker and clothing lines; he's starred in movies and video games; and he's injected capital in everything from 3-D glasses startups to energy drink companies. In 2007, an early investment in Vitamin Water-maker Glacéau proved prescient when Coca-Cola bought the company for $4.1 billion, an acquisition that earned 50 Cent a reported $100 million. Today, he's technically here to promote his next business venture, SMS Audio, makers of high-end headphones. "The category is huge," he says. "These headphones are definitely going to be the biggest stocking stuffer."
Beats By Dr.Dre On-ear Headphones - orange
Along with getting sweaty and icky each workout, I have run with the iSports earbuds several times in the dumping rain (something you cannot avoid if you are a runner in Western Washington). They definitely got wet and continued to work just fine. I have not washed my iSports to see if they live up to Monster’s claim of their rugged ability to survive immersion in water. I like them too much. Although, there may come a time, by accident or needing to be cleaned, when it may become a necessity. Thankfully, they should survive.
I have used the Monster iSport Immersion In-Ear Headphones a dozen times over the past month or so. They are definitely the best sounding and most durable sports/workout earbuds I have every used. Monster calls them ‘The Athelete’s Headphones‘ and I have to agree. That said, this great sound and rugged survivability comes at a (relatively) premium cost. The iSports’ MSRP is $180 but can be found on the Net for $150. I consider this price point to be in the moderately priced (middle-end) earbuds these days, akin to the Etymotic hf-5s. Considering the iSports sound quality and added toughness, worth the price for a set of headphones that can stand the pounding (& ickiness) of hard-core working out.
I have used the Monster iSport Immersion In-Ear Headphones a dozen times over the past month or so. They are definitely the best sounding and most durable sports/workout earbuds I have every used. Monster calls them ‘The Athelete’s Headphones‘ and I have to agree. That said, this great sound and rugged survivability comes at a (relatively) premium cost. The iSports’ MSRP is $180 but can be found on the Net for $150. I consider this price point to be in the moderately priced (middle-end) earbuds these days, akin to the Etymotic hf-5s. Considering the iSports sound quality and added toughness, worth the price for a set of headphones that can stand the pounding (& ickiness) of hard-core working out.
2011年12月28日星期三
Beats By Dr.Dre Miles Davis Tribute High Performance In-Ear Spea
Made for Enjoying Miles and All That Jazz
From the groundbreaking sonorities of Birth of the Cool through the rich orchestral textures of Sketches of Spain
and the contemplative intimacy of Kind of Blue youa€?ve never heard your favorite jazz the way you will through
miles davis tributeJazz Headphones. Monster has designed these special edition in-ear monitors to be just as
masterful and musically arresting as the genius that inspired them.
Frontmen And Sidemen Take Center Stage
Jazz is about musicianship and so are these tribute headphones which have been designed to showcase your favorite
musicians in every way. From Mingusa€?s upright to Jacoa€?s electric bass players finally get their due. Whether it
a€?s the delicacy of Paul Motian or the explosiveness of Tony Williams drummers sound remarkably present. Pianists
like Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock float through the soundstage with incredible immediacy. And of course the sax
men from Bird to Trane to Cannonball -- ita€?s like theya€?re playing right there in front of you.
"i put on the ear buds" and see the band"....
Great Bassist Mr. Ron Carter
Miles Davis Tribute HeadphonesGreat for All Music
Miles Davis Tribute Jazz Headphones are designed and precision tuned to accurately reproduce the unique acoustic
tones of jazz. This faithfulness to a broad spectrum of sonic colors lets you re-discover all of your favorite
music even beyond jazz in exciting new detail. Youa€?ll hear subtleties that youa€?ve never heard before and find
new things to appreciate with every listen.
From the groundbreaking sonorities of Birth of the Cool through the rich orchestral textures of Sketches of Spain
and the contemplative intimacy of Kind of Blue youa€?ve never heard your favorite jazz the way you will through
miles davis tributeJazz Headphones. Monster has designed these special edition in-ear monitors to be just as
masterful and musically arresting as the genius that inspired them.
Frontmen And Sidemen Take Center Stage
Jazz is about musicianship and so are these tribute headphones which have been designed to showcase your favorite
musicians in every way. From Mingusa€?s upright to Jacoa€?s electric bass players finally get their due. Whether it
a€?s the delicacy of Paul Motian or the explosiveness of Tony Williams drummers sound remarkably present. Pianists
like Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock float through the soundstage with incredible immediacy. And of course the sax
men from Bird to Trane to Cannonball -- ita€?s like theya€?re playing right there in front of you.
"i put on the ear buds" and see the band"....
Great Bassist Mr. Ron Carter
Miles Davis Tribute HeadphonesGreat for All Music
Miles Davis Tribute Jazz Headphones are designed and precision tuned to accurately reproduce the unique acoustic
tones of jazz. This faithfulness to a broad spectrum of sonic colors lets you re-discover all of your favorite
music even beyond jazz in exciting new detail. Youa€?ll hear subtleties that youa€?ve never heard before and find
new things to appreciate with every listen.
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