Tag: Earphones

Strauss & Wagner EM205 Wired Earbuds with 3.5mm Connection and Mic+Remote

The Strauss & Wagner  EM205 Wired Earbuds with a 3.5mm connection are designed for use with portable devices and HiFi systems, ( Albeit will connect to laptops with a suitable 3.5mm connection) The 3.5mm connection is the only feature difference from the Strauss & Wagner EM8C USB-C earbuds previously reviewed at TechBuzz in which we went into more details on the specifications on the EM8C USB-C review

Features:

Standard 3.5mm plug for use with desktop and mobile devices

Three-button remote with volume and playback adjustment, as well as a microphone for calls and voice commands

The integrated microphone allows for clearer audio quality thanks to a sensitivity of -43 dB

Includes: three sizes of silicone ear tips for personalized comfort plus a carry pouch

 

  •       Frequency Response   20Hz-20kHz
  •       Impedance      32Ω
  •       Sensitivity        108dB
  •       Microphone    -43dB
  •       Driver 9mm
  •       Cable Length  43″
  •       Warranty         1 year

Setup and use:

The setup for mobile devices being connected with a cable required no software updates ensuring e.g., Bluetooth turned on or the need to download a specific app for the earphones. When connected to a standard windows laptop, windows drivers picked up the device and audio worked,

Note: when connected to the laptop the audio worked as expected, with excellent quality while the Volume Up / Down etc did not work, (this may have been down to the divers on the laptop requiring updating) while this product is expected to connect, without any intervention.  When connected to a mobile device the volume etc worked as expected.

Controls:

 

 

Overall.

The Strauss & Wagner EM205 Wired Earbuds differ from the EM8C as comes with a 3.5 mm connection vs the USB C on the EM8C. Both have excellent call quality while do not filter out background noises to the level of more specialised earphones when on calls. The EM8C appears geared towards laptop use with the functionally working seamlessly when used on e.g., MS teams calls vs the EM205 which did not adjust the audio by default.  The wired earphones do not come with all the bells and whistles of ANC, hear through, apps tailored to specific-tailed music rather an uncomplicated approach of plug-in, listen to your audio and it works. Should the earphones be used for a work laptop, typically company security policy blocks many ports or Bluetooth devices, the use of the 3.5 mm plug can bypass this without the risks.

The wired approach removes the complications of battery life, software updates, latency, compatibility etc of Bluetooth earphones. The earphones are designed to last with the option to reasonably purchase replacement ear tips should the need be required.

As with the EM8C review, an impressive audio experience from wired earbuds that are fractionally cheaper than the EM8C but provide the same uncomplicated audio quality without breaking the bank.

BUY

Video Link

SHURE Announces a Second-Generation Upgrade to its AONIC 215 True Wireless Sound Isolating Earphones

Following the debut of Shure’s AONIC 215 True Wireless Sound Isolating™ Earphones last year, the Company is unveiling the next iteration of the iconic listening product. With significant product feature upgrades and the same low-profile design musicians use for in-ear monitoring on-stage, the second generation AONIC 215 True Wireless Earphones provide unmatched sound, secure fit, and enhanced performance. Built for music lovers, commuters, and for working out, the true wireless earphones enhance Shure’s existing line of premium listening products and offer new and improved capabilities.

This next evolution of AONIC 215 provides the same high-fidelity audio with clear sound and deep bass as the original—engineered from decades of experience supporting music legends.

“Today’s consumers want a listening experience that offers a low-profile design and secure fit – without sacrificing sound,” said Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing for Pro and Consumer Audio at Shure. “When it comes to AONIC 215, we listened to what consumers needed: stereo calls, volume control, sweat and water resistance, and flexibility. These feature upgrades complement the legendary audio reliability and award-winning modular design that Shure earphones are known for—listeners can quickly go from wired to wireless with the proper accessories.”

Shure Aonic 215 in fitness case

Engineered from decades of experience supporting legendary performers, the second generation of AONIC 215 features the same studio quality sound—all while blocking up to 37 dB of outside noise. Equipped with a premium headphone amplifier, AONIC 215 supports multiple codecs, including Qualcomm aptX, AAC, and SBC, and offers Bluetooth5 wireless technology for enhanced stability and a range of up to 30 feet. For listeners returning to an office or heading back to the gym for high-intensity workouts, the earphones provide optimal comfort and a secure, over-ear fit to ensure they stay in place. Sound Isolating technology blocks unwanted noise, and with the press of a button, the Environment Mode feature lets listeners hear the outside world when needed.

AONIC 215 Gen 2 also incorporates these new features and benefits:

Sweat and Water Resistant—AONIC 215 Gen 2 is built to perform in all conditions. Regardless of the environment—a drizzly commute to the office, or a sweaty spin ride at home—the earphones are IPX4-rated for optimal performance. Eight hours of battery life with three additional full charges from the included rugged, hardcover case means listeners can expect up to 32 hours of battery life.

Hardware EQ—Users can choose from multiple presets, or create their own custom EQ and load it to their earphones using the ShurePlus PLAY app.

Crystal Clear Phone Calls—Whether listeners are on the train, rushing to the subway, or taking an important call between meetings, AONIC 215 Gen 2 makes it easy to navigate calls. Call audio can now be heard in both ears, and role switching enables use of either right or left independently. Four beam-forming microphones work together to improve voice intelligibility for video conferencing and phone calls.

Auto Power On—Listeners no longer have to fumble with an on-button, AONIC 215 Gen 2 earphones power on automatically out of the case.

Onboard Button Control—Convenience and ease-of-use are key when users are on-the-go. AONIC 215 Gen 2 now offers volume control directly on the earphones themselves as well as easy mute control. Customisable button configuration available in the app enables personalisation of volume, playback, and call controls on either the left or right side.

AONIC 215 Gen 2 features the same modular design that Shure Sound Isolating Earphones are known for. Listeners can quickly go from wired to wireless with optional accessories. The Secure Fit Adapter can also be purchased on its own to easily transform any existing detachable Shure Sound Isolating Earphones to wireless. This means consumers can go from listening wirelessly on a phone to connecting to in-flight entertainment systems in a simple switch.

AONIC 215 True Wireless Sound Isolating Earphones (Gen 2) are available in black and blue colour options and retail for £209 GBP. The True Wireless Secure Fit Adapter (Gen 2) can be purchased separately for £169 GBP.

The second generation of the AONIC 215 True Wireless Sound Isolating Earphones and the True Wireless Secure Fit Adapter are now available at select retailers and at www.shure.com/aonic215.

Sennheiser’s new IE 900 flagship audiophile earphones set a new benchmark for portable audio fidelity

 With the new IE 900 audiophile earphones, Sennheiser has brought together technical innovation, portability, meticulous attention to detail, and an uncompromising demand for perfection to deliver a listening experience without compromise. With high-res audio one step closer to hitting the mainstream, and 5G leading to higher quality streaming, audiophiles can enjoy the best of their music collection on the IE 900, wherever they are.

The IE 900 are designed for a decade – striking the perfect balance of form and function. Manufactured at the audio specialist’s headquarters in Germany, every aspect of the in-ear headphones has been engineered to work in harmony to achieve the desired acoustic tuning and to reduce resonances and masking effects. The new IE 900 boasts Sennheiser’s proprietary X3R transducer, a refined version of the audio specialist’s 7mm audiophile Extra Wide Band transducer featuring a unique triple-chamber absorber system. This ensures brilliant, natural high-end sound reproduction and reveals even the finest details in the music.

Sennheiser’s IE 900 flagship audiophile earphones set a new benchmark for portable audio fidelity

A unique triple-chamber absorber system
Sennheiser’s quest for delivering highest-fidelity sound begins with the housings of the
IE 900’s earpieces. They are milled from a single block of aluminium to create the earphones’ unique triple-chamber absorber (T3CA) system. Originally developed for the audio specialist’s acclaimed IE 800, the IE 900 features the next generation of the patented absorber system, which uses three chambers and an acoustic vortex milled into the nozzle to counter the masking effect. This acoustic phenomenon arises as the human ear cannot perceive high frequency sounds at a low volume if louder sounds in a lower frequency range occur at the same time. By removing the energy from masking resonances, the absorber system prevents undesired peaks, making even the subtlest nuances of sound audible.

“No detail is too small when you’re striving to set a new benchmark in portable audio fidelity. We designed every component of the IE 900 to work together to deliver extraordinary audio performance,” said Jermo Köhnke, Product Manager at Sennheiser. “Whether in long listening sessions at home or on the go, listeners will never have to compromise on their music experience.”

Sonic expertise and manufacturing precision
Compared to traditional multi-driver concepts, single-driver technology promises greater fidelity for listeners. The IE 900 therefore features Sennheiser’s new X3R transducer, a refined version of the audio specialist’s 7mm audiophile Extra Wide Band transducer, engineered for tighter tolerances and expertly tuned to achieve even greater fidelity. The IE 900 transducer is coupled with the acoustic back volume in the fully automated transducer manufacturing facility at the audio specialist’s headquarters in Germany, resulting in the lowest unit-to-unit variations in miniature, dynamic drivers.

A specialist team in Wedemark, Germany designs, engineers, and manufactures the IE 900 to the highest production standards in the audio industry. Its unique housings are precision milled from high-performance aluminum alloy to retain its pristine appearance for years to come. Precision cameras examine the transducer components closely during production, and completed transducers are tested before and after pairing. For optimal performance, the assembled left and right-side earphones are paired by hand to work together.

Extremely light and pliable, the audio specialist’s broadband transducers prevent distortion, deliver natural, balanced sound, and ensure audio transparency, regardless of listening volume. A newly developed membrane foil provides a high degree of inner dampening, ensuring minimized natural resonances and distortion (THD: 0.05% at 94 dB, 1 kHz). With a frequency response of 5 Hz – 48,000 Hz, the IE 900 reveals even the finest details in the music.

Supreme convenience and comfort
Thanks to the high-performance Fidelity Plus MMCX connector, audiophiles have the freedom of cable choice with the IE 900. Deeper integration into the housing provides better stability for the gold-plated connector. The earphones come with an unbalanced cable with a 3.5mm connector and balanced cables with 2.5mm and 4.4mm connectors. Tested and improved for robustness and longevity, the para-aramid-reinforced cables can withstand thousands of bending cycles. For a comfortable and secure fit, the IE 900 offers ergonomic features, including individually adjustable ear hooks as well as silicone and memory foam ear adaptors in three sizes, perfect for extended periods of personal music enjoyment.

The Sennheiser IE 900 will be available from June for £1,099 in the UK and for 1,299 EUR in Ireland (MSRP).

House of Marley moves to 100% recyclable packaging with launch of Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 in-ear headphones.

House of Marley today announces the launch of the redesigned Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 in-ear headphones, a stylized refinement to the timeless classic at a new lower price with sustainability improvements in both the cable and packaging. The product release includes the debut of House of Marley’s new 100% recyclable plastic-free packaging constructed entirely from paper fibres.

The Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 feature a fresh and tailored redesign of the best-selling everyday in-ear headphones, but with familiar eco-conscious materials. As with the original model, the FSC™ certified wood and recyclable aluminium housings in the earbuds deliver not only an earthy, stylish look but a warm, acoustic component to the signature Marley sound performance.

 

The new braided cable used in the Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 is designed using fibres from 99% post-consumer plastic waste from recycled water bottles, bringing sustainable elements to durable construction. As the leader in eco-conscious audio products while contributing to environmental give-back, House of Marley has also expanded their innovative design to address the need for a simpler, fully-recyclable packaging for consumer electronics.

“It was important for us to make it easier for the consumer to make a conscious decision toward recycling the packaging and one that did not compromise our commitment to sustainable design,” explains House of Marley Director of Product Development Josh Poulsen. “Our packaging has always positioned us to stand out within the consumer electronics industry as we have made a conscious effort to use FSC™ certified materials, recycled paper, recycled PET casing and paper fibre ties instead of the plastic standard. Our move to 100% paper fibre packaging means that the entire package contents can now be put into the single mixed-paper recycle bin without a hassle to separate inserts of different materials, a common issue when it comes to the recycling process.”

In addition to 100% recyclable packaging, House of Marley is continuing their support for environmental give-back, celebrating their 10th Anniversary as an eco-conscious audio maker and honouring the legendary Bob Marley and his respect for the earth and people.  The Project Marley Global Giving Initiative has expanded to support global reforestation through One Tree Planted and ocean preservation through the Surfrider Foundation.

SMILE JAMAICA WIRELESS 2

Coming out just in time for summer, the Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 is a reinvention of the original Smile Jamaica Wireless, following in the tradition of timeless design using FSC™ certified wood and recyclable aluminium housings. Delivering a seamless wireless experience with extended playtime and all-day comfort, the Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 features a sleeker, lighter neckband design than its predecessor at a more affordable price within the under £30 category. Constructed for stability and convenience, the new tangle free cable made from 99% post-consumer recycled polyester and earbud construction provide strain relief with the simplicity of a single, inline 3 button control, all within a sustainably-minded design.

 

PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Materials: FSC certified wood and recyclable aluminium
  • 9-hour battery life with USB-C quick charge technology (15 minutes = 2 hours playtime)
  • IPX4 rating for sweat-proof and weather-resistant design.
  • Microphone with 3-button control offers remote functionality for calls and music
  • Tangle-resistant, durable braided cable made of 99% post-consumer plastic fibres.
  • Bluetooth® 5.0
  • Two size ear gels (S, M)
  • Available in three colourways; Copper, Signature Black and Rasta
  • SKU: EM-JE113
  • RRP: £29.99

Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 are available now on www.thehouseofmarley.co.uk, Amazon, HMV and select retailers nationwide.

Creative SXFI TRIO: USB-C In-ears with the Super X-Fi Difference. #Creative #SFXITRIO

Creative Technology today announced the launch of the Creative SXFI TRIO, triple-driver USB-C in-ear headphones, designed to deliver high-quality holographic audio with all-day comfort on Android phones, PCs and laptops.

 

Implemented with the latest Super X-Fi Gen2 technology, users can expect greater accuracy in personalisation and a better all-round audio experience. Powered by the same triple-driver system as the well-received Aurvana Trio and fitted with a custom-designed Kevlar USB-C cable, SXFI TRIO sets to exceed expectations with balanced, accurate, and natural-sounding digital audio for users on the go.

Wired for Pristine Digital Audio

SXFI TRIO delivers pristine digital audio and great performance powered by an in-house tuned, hybrid triple-driver system. Each of the three drivers (two precision balanced armature drivers for detailed mids and highs, and a bio-cellulose driver for powerful yet clean bass) plays an important part to achieve maximum audio fidelity. Yielding up to 100 dB SNR and 0.008% IMD, SXFI TRIO offers users exceptional audio clarity with balanced and accurate audio that is natural sounding.

 

Intricately designed and engineered, SXFI TRIO is also fitted with a custom-designed, Kevlar-reinforced cable for exceptional tensile strength, and wrapped in an aluminium and copper shield for higher durability. Its all-round superior quality makes it perfect for use on mobile devices while on the go.

 

The cream of the features crop is the critically-acclaimed Super X-Fi technology, which is incorporated through an attached in-line SXFI WIRE, which is a 40% smaller version of the already finger-sized SXFI AMP, the first-ever Super X-Fi product and an icon in its own right. Users can enjoy holographic audio which is personalized for an all-natural surround audio experience, that can rival a high-end 7.1 surround sound system.

Work-Learn-Play from Home All Day

SXFI TRIO truly sets itself apart with a new level of audio realism for calls, and makes video calls with family and friends more intimate. It’s also excellent for long calls, where the spatialisation of Super X-Fi eliminates the fatigue associated with conventional headphones.

As such, SXFI TRIO is the perfect companion to Work-Learn-Play from home with, instead of bulky headphones.

SXFI TRIO’s angled earbuds are intricately designed and fine-tuned for long-lasting comfort, and it comes with 6 pairs of different silicone ear tip sizes, so it will be a breeze to find the perfect fit.

Creative’s CEO Sim Wong Hoo said, “The SXFI TRIO is an all-rounder, ideal for all day in all places. It’s a miniaturised wonder. The triple-driver performance can rival high-end, bulky headphones; with Super X-Fi integrated, I believe it will be very hard to match. Moreover, you are getting two products for the price of one, because it basically integrates the SXFI AMP and the Aurvana Trio into one – their combined price is twice that of SXFI TRIO.”

Pricing and Availability

SXFI TRIO is priced at £124.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/sxfitrio.

Sades Announce New Gaming Products Into The UK Market. #Sades #Gaming #Tech

Sades, manufacturer of high quality gaming peripherals is pleased to announce the release of 2 new products – the Wings 10 gaming earbud and the Hailstorm gaming mousepad. 

Both new products are available in the UK now. 

Wings 10 is the new gaming earbud from Sades. Weighing only 14g, the Wings 10 delivers impressive and balanced sound thanks to the 10mm dynamic driver units. Designed for console and mobile gaming, the Wings 10 are compatible with any device that has a 3.5mm audio jack. They are wired meaning there will be no lag in the sound delivered to your ears. The stylish design ensures they look good wherever you choose to game, and the magnetic backs will keep the earbuds attached together when they are stored meaning less tangled wires.  

The multifunction in line remote control is equipped with a microphone which allows you to pick up or hang up on calls, play/pause music and skip through tracks at the press of a button. The protective carrying box will make sure the buds are kept in top condition when you are not using them. 

Features:

Lightweight (only 14g)

10mm dynamic drivers produce impressive and balanced sound

Stylish design

Multifunction in line remote control 

Carry case

Wings 10 are available from www.amazon.co.uk for £21.99.

 

The SADES Hailstorm is a durable mousepad which features the signature SADES wolf pattern in a unique camouflage design. The high-quality materials, waterproof surface and large control area will match your mouse handling on any game you are playing. The soft fabric enables your wrist to move comfortably during your gameplay, and the 3mm natural rubber base will prevent the pad from sliding by keeping it in place. 

Level up your everyday gameplay with the SADES Hailstorm. 

Features:

Optimized soft textile surface 

Waterproof surface

Gaming exclusive flat stitched edge

Non-slip natural rubber base

The SADES Hailstorm is available now from www.amazon.co.uk for £16.99.

 

Review – The Edifier TWS1 True Wireless Minty Green #TrueWireless #Tech #Edifier

Recently Edifier launched a new range of colours to their TWS1 range which is great to see as it is something I felt they needed to do and they come in a pastel type colour of Navy, Minty Green and there is some improvements in the technology used here too, For the price these come in at you simply cant go wrong end of story and an easy to recommend purchase from me and the same Edifier sound signature remains here too.

Controls are all as before so nothing has changed there,the looks the same too the only other difference is in the audio and colours available, The sound is great as expected and loud with a good deep bass thrown in for good measure and from my testing on the usual platforms I was again impressed with how these deliver and better than before with no lag latency and no break up on connection around my house which does be an issue sometime here in the house due to materials used. These are also made from LG scratch proof material so you need not worry about colour fade here either so they will last and the white pair I have are still white and have not gone off colour either. Battery life is good and on par with the specs given which is something often over exaggerated and pairing is simple with no issues repairing the product and you get the extra IPX5 rating thrown in here.

Check out the video below for more and if you are looking for a very good pair of true wireless these are what you need to look at.

Main Features:

  • TrueWireless ™ Stereo Plus for easier pairing and better connectivity
  • Up to 32 hours of playback with Charging Case
  • IPX5 splash and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth v5.0 aptX for a strong connection with lower latency
  • Up to 10m (30ft) connection distance (with walls)
  • Low-profile, ergonomic in-ear design with touch controls
  • cVc noise reduction for crystal clear calling

BUY HERE for 32.99

Review – The Ludos ULTRA earphones. #Tech #Ludos #earphones

The Ludos Ultra earphones are their next product after the Clamor that comes with much improvement in looks style and sound too and at a price that is super affordable if you are in the market for a new pair of earphones, These are a simple plug and play with an inline control that offers call control, Volume and play and pause and that is it. Keeping it simple as you do with most wired headphones there is a market out there for them still and the headphone jack is not done yet by any means.

These have got magnetic ends too so they will not dance all over the place when not in use and you can also avail of the carry bag included in the nice case they come in which is a nice presentation for the price,there is no pairing or any of that malarkey going on here either you just pop them in your headphone jack if you have one and if not they work perfectly fine with an adaptor too.

Sound is where it matters though and these really sound good with a bright crisp clean punchy performance with a perfect balance across the board, They do have an element of bass however nothing overlaps with sound nothing stands out over the other with all genres of music and good highs lows and mids and separation like I said these are a simple plug and play with better materials this time around and give decent passive isolation too when plugged in the the sponge memory foam similar to comply foam tips so this overall gives a good feel and sound to your music experience.

You often see earphones in local euro shops and petrol stations now costing up to 20 euros and more and you may skip them as they are total rubbish it is a safe bet to check these out rather than take a risk on a shoddy pair you will find in the mentioned outlets above they are a common scene along with true wireless and generally trash.

BUY – LUDOS ULTRA Earphones: ★US: https://amzn.to/2VuCMX4 ★UK: https://amzn.to/2wwij9T ★DE: https://amzn.to/2vVMRBV

 

 

Get 25% off new earphones and headphones with Urbanista this Easter. #tech #Urbanista

Fancy some new cans or earphones, Urbanista are now offering customers a tidy discount for the Easter period, We have an extensive range of prodcuts reviewed from Urbanista which you can find HERE

 

The offer is valid until Tuesday 3rd April 2018 and you will need to enter the code URBANEASTER at the checkout. Urbanista also offer FREE SHIPPING worldwide,Stay tuned for more reviews coming soon from the great prodcuts Urbanista have to offer.

Head over to their website HERE