Kilpsch has released two hot new headphone models, the S2 and S4. The oval-shaped ear tips have a moving coil design with coil dampening, and the S4 rocks a “hot rod” dual magnet motor and comes bundled with a crush-resistant aluminum case and a cleaning tool. S2 owners only get a basic cloth case with the earbuds. The S4 is expected to be released in April for $79 with the S2 following in July for $49. What are your favorite earbuds? Would you consider picking these up? [via Engadget]
If the economic downturn has left you with piles of cash you don’t know what to do with- we’ve go the headphones for you. German-based Ultrasone has released a new pair of high-end headphones that have an exterior made of ruthenium metal, gold plated plugs, and interior ear cups covered in Ethiopian sheepskin. All that luxury definitely comes at a price, with the headphones running a whopping $1500 a pair. Not just pretty to look at, the headphones do have some audio qualities making them worthy of the higher price tag. The phones are built on Ultrasone’s new S-Logic Plus technology; each pair has full-bodied surround sound, a 40mm titanium-plated driver, and a frequency range of 6Hz to 42kHz. So they’re worth it, sort of. [via Wired]
Sony’s new XB series headphones (MDR-XB700/500/300) are designed to produce rich powerful bass “that you can really feel”. Not sure if I need bass pounded relentlessly into my cranium, but extra sound at the low end is always a coveted feature. The headphones rely on a 50 mm dome driver to deliver tight, clean bass while maintaining clear, accurate mids and highs. Large synthetic leather ear cushions keep the sound exactly where you want it. In a very club-inspired press release, Sony promises that these headphones take you ”straight to the heart of the dance floor”. No word, of yet, as to whether or not you have a choice. Available in March. [Sony]
For some reason the electronics world loves covering things in wood. Wooden televisions, wooden VCRs, wooden iPhone covers….now Skullcandy has created wooden earbuds. The wood grain earphones cost a whopping $99 (pretty steep for a pair of Skullcandy’s…BUT despite their typical small price these are some fantastic earphones). The phones work with all your favorite music apparatuses. Since Skullcandy’s typically go for around $20, you’re looking at a four or five times markup for the grain exterior however….that’s pretty astronomical, even though they look pretty cool. What electronics do you own that’s wood grain? Do you think the trend is going to continue? [via BoingBoing]
Craving the luxury of JVC’s wooden housing headphones, but can’t afford the $1,110 price tag for the HP-DX1000? A solution is on the way. The HP-DX700 has a frequency range of 5Hz to 30kHz, with 64-ohm impedance and 101dB per mW. That’s all we know in terms of specs, but audiophiles say it’s the wood that makes it good, adding a richer, warmer tone. JVC hasn’t revealed a price or release date, so there’s no telling how much money you’ll save over the DX-1000 or how long you’ll have to wait. [Akihabara News]
If you’re tired of having to pull your earbuds out when someone starts talking to you, then Altec Lansing has the perfect solution for you. The BackBeat 906 and 903 earbuds come with two mics built-in. When you pause the music on one earbud a second microphone is activated allowing you to hear what they’re saying without actually taking the earbud out of your ear. Both models are Bluetooth stereo 2.0 capable with the 906 coming with a 3.5mm Bluetooth stereo dongle for use with non-Bluetooth devices such as your television or iPod. Look for the earbuds to hit store shelves in March. [via DVICE]
Usually, tech products do not resemble the name they are given. This is the exception to the rule. With these Psyko looking headphones, gamers can now enjoy 5.1 audio when they are munching on cheetos, drinking Mountain Dew and slaying a dragon in World of Warcraft (we’re not stereotyping– that’s how we spent our Monday night). Psyko Audio promises true 5.1 sound through their patented PsykoWave Technology which delivers sound to both ears with the correct direction, timing and volume difference between each ear. Each ear cup houses a built in sub-woofer and the headphones also have a built-in amplifier which lets gamers customize volume and bass levels. So, not only can you have an awesome surround sound experience while sneaking through the bushes as Solid Snake, you can possibly go deaf while doing it. [$299 at psykoaudio]
Ultimate Ears (Yes, that is actually the name of the company) has released a new pair of earbuds with a built-in microphone. The Triple.Fi 10vi phones reportedly deliver sound through three separate drivers, providing sound comparable to Ultimate Ears’s studio and concert monitors. The phones have frequency response ranges from 10Hz to 17kHz and can provide noise canceling of close to 26dB of outside sound. These high end headphones are available now for a staggering $420 a pop.[via iPodNN]
I don’t think we’ve seen a pair of headphones with a better name than “Master Blaster†in a long time. The Master Blaster headphones are designed to “bring the noise†with a custom full size volume knob, real leather headband and ear cups, patent pending ball and socket design for unlimited range of fit, a custom removable cord, and a custom molded carrying case. The Nixon Master Blasters are expected to be available for your blasting pleasure later this month with a price tag of $200. [NixonNow]
