Headphones
Ongoing coverage on Headphones.
Latest coverage
Fender Mix review: Well-designed headphones that just fall short of greatness
The Fender Mix headphones offer a well-designed, modular build with swappable parts and impressive battery life, aiming for a premium experience at a lower price point. While the lossless Bluetooth mode provides detailed sound, the overpowering bass tuning and lack of advanced features like an app or wear detection prevent them from reaching greatness, placing them firmly in the mid-range category despite the $299 price.
San Sound Hardwire Preview
San Sound is offering an invite-only preview of their new $99 Hardwire headphones, which are designed to be shaped by customer feedback. Despite being an early iteration, the headphones deliver impressive sound quality comparable to more expensive models, with deep bass and clear mids. While minor improvements like cable length and LED functionality are desired, the Hardwire shows promise as a top-tier hardwired earbud option.
Morning Audio Files
Apple has launched the new AirPods Max 2 headphones for $549, featuring updated capabilities. Additionally, Creative has refreshed its Sound Blaster PCIe line with the new Audigy FX model priced at $79.99.
Apple announces the AirPods Max 2 with improved noise cancelation and H2 chip
Apple has announced the AirPods Max 2, featuring the H2 chip for improved noise cancellation and new features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation. The headphones maintain the original design and $549 price point, with pre-orders starting March 25 and shipping in early April.
SIVGA SV021 PRO Review - Audio Identity Crisis
The SIVGA SV021 PRO headphones offer premium materials like real wood and metal, along with strong vocal clarity, but suffer from a significant lack of bass and sharp treble that can cause listening fatigue. Issues with fit, including a bottom-heavy design and an overly large minimum headband size, further detract from the overall experience, making them a niche product primarily suited for studio work rather than general listening or gaming.
Hardware Reviews
Reviews for the aune SR7000 Closed Back Hi-Res Headphones by Nikk Tech and the Keychron Q16 HE 8K keyboard by Tom's Hardware are presented. The keyboard review notes that while it features an all-ceramic build, it has some drawbacks.
JBL's two new Live headphones offer 80 hours of battery each
JBL has launched two new headphones, the over-ear Live 780NC and the on-ear Live 680NC. Both models boast an impressive 80 hours of battery life with regular use, or 50 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC). The Live 780NC features six microphones for ANC and costs $250, while the Live 680NC has four microphones and is priced at $160.