Headphone Reviews

When Sony introduced its Altus MDR-777LP headphones, the company touted the “80KHz frequency response” along with a couple of other unique features. First off, that number doesn’t mean a single thing without some sort of qualifier like “plus or minus N decibels.” But marketing speak aside, the Altus is a pretty good set of full-size cans for $150. These headphones compete squarely with other closed-back circumaural headphones like the Bose TriPort. The Altus trumps the TriPort in some ways, while the TriPort wins out in others, so it comes down to personal preference. Read full Sony MDR D777LP Altus Headphones Review »

Think about it–there’s something like 42 plus million iPods and who knows how many other MP3 players out there–and they all come with crappy headphones. Clearly, it’s a heady time for aftermarket headphone manufacturers. Denon Electronics, a name we normally associate with high-quality home theater components, apparently took note of the burgeoning sales opportunities and recently introduced five headphones, including two in-ear models, the AH-C350 ($50) and the model we’re reviewing here, the AH-C700 ($200). The latter is available in either a silver or black finish. Read full Denon AH-C700 In-Ear Headphones Review »

When a company creates a product that’s sufficiently remarkable to garner a spot among CNET’s testing equipment, chances are that’s a good direction to look for further quality products. Such is the case with Shure, whose E4c earbuds quickly become our headphone of choice for MP3 player audio testing. In fact, the entire E series is impressive, which is why the company didn’t stray far from that blueprint when it created its new Sound Isolating line, the SE series. Shure’s latest earphone collection, which offers new sound signatures and an improved design, includes the SE210, SE310, SE420, and SE530 (just a renamed E500). The $249.99 SE310 is the subject of this review. Read full Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones Review »

If you’re looking for noise-isolating earbuds, the Bose TriPort In-Ear Headphones ($99) are not for you. Although they have silicone tips that protrude slightly into your ear canal, they are not meant to protect your ears from screaming children on airplanes–nor from the drone of the engine. They provide far better bass than your MP3 player’s stock headphones, but the overall sound isn’t a match for similarly priced in-ear ‘phones. If you have a tough time sticking things deep into your ear canal or are paranoid about walking around without hearing much of what’s going on around you, these are worth a listen, despite some physical design flaws. Read full Bose TriPort In-Ear Headphones Review »

As indicated by the Microsoft Zune, wireless is the next big thing in portable audio. However, we mostly find this technology in headphones, and there’s no denying the convenience of avoiding a tangled mess of wires every time you pull your MP3 player out. One of the many companies offering a solution is Wi-Gear, which offers one product and one product only: the iMuffs Wireless Headphones for iPod ($179.99). Of course, you’ll need said ubiquitous player (or a Bluetooth phone) to use the iMuffs, but those who do will be rewarded with warm audio and freedom from messy cord clumps. Read full Wi-Gear iMuffs MB210 Wireless Headphones Review »