The Tritton AX Pro surround sound headphones ship with their own Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder module and employ a quartet of devoted channel drivers in each and every ear cup.

Peel away one of the felt pads and you’ll uncover a pair of 30mm drivers, one for the front left/correct and the other for a surround channel, plus a 23mm driver for the centre and a huge 40mm driver to deal with the .1 LFE.

The method is compatible with any surround sound source. Run an optical lead from your chosen component into the AX pro DD5.1 decoder this then feeds the speaker drivers via a 4m cable.

The AX Pro headphones are nicely built and substantial, with firm padded cups and head rail.

The resulting surround experience is undeniably authentic. Dialogue is anchored mid-forehead whilst panned effects encircle your skull. Aggressive surround mixes are surprisingly intense. You can also adjust the volume level of every individual channel, controlled by a lit in-line adjuster.

The Tritton AX Pro are at their best with games. In-game Dolby Digital processing dynamically steers audio effects based on what you are performing in the game.

The AX Pro headphones supply immersive multichannel sound. There’s a sense of objective to their sound steerage which replicates a multi-speaker sound method. The cans can also be utilised with a Blu-ray/DVD player, Sky box etc or games console (Xbox 360, PS3).

Even though steerage is convincing, the sonic high quality of the headphones is less so. Their timbre is much more brutal than musical. Not for late-night classical listening.

Also worth contemplating is while they are well built, the weight of the headphones becomes onerous right after a while.

Related Links

• TechRadar Reviews Guarantee
• Read a lot more headphone critiques

TechRadar: All PC & Mac feeds

Sennheiser showed some classic headphones at CES, but the most impressive was the new gaming headphone series, particularly PC 333D.

View full post on Macworld

We always joke about how Android can and will be used for any and every thing – who doesn’t want to look forward to rooting toasters and microwaves for whatever reason? This year more than ever, we’re seeing more of these whacky combinations. This time, Nox Audio has introduced an Android-based set of headphones – dubbed the Admiral Touch. The display is small, naturally, and the software is limited to allowing users to change the unit’s mode. We can’t think of anything anyone would want to do on a pair of headphones outside of streaming radio and VoIP calls, and that’s exactly what these will be able to do once they’re shipped. Read on for full press details. [via Android Police]

NOX LEADS AUDIO UPRISING AT 2011 INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW WITH UNVEILING OF THE “ADMIRAL TOUCH”

City of Industry, Calif.- Jan. 4, 2011 – NOX Audio is set to unleash an audio revolution with its Admiral and Admiral Touch, the first TruWireless (trademark pending) headsets, scheduled to debut in late 2011. Featuring 7.1-channel surround sound with mobile Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Admiral and Admiral Touch enable full wireless audio and communication on game consoles for the first time. In addition to these features, the Admiral Touch also will include a 2.4-inch LCD touch screen with gesture control, powered by Google’s Android™ operating system – a never-before-seen feature in a headset. A functional prototype of the Admiral Touch will be unveiled at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nev., from Jan. 6-9, 2011.

Powered by the Android OS, the Admiral Touch takes full advantage of available streaming music including Pandora, and VoIP applications such as MSN chat and Skype, thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. With 7.1-channel digital surround sound, the Admiral and Admiral Touch create an immersive experience for playing video games, listening to music and watching movies, as well as crisp, clear audio for phone calls, making it the only truly wireless headset available on the market. Featuring rotating ear-cups that double as a loudspeaker, both headsets will offer maximum versatility and compatibility with PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PCs, personal music players such as the iPod, home theaters and cell phones and all other electronic devices with a standard 3.5 mm jack and/or any devices with built-in bluetooth. A removable and rechargeable Li-Ion battery provides more than five hours of battery life for optimal usage with any compatible product.

“When NOX was developing the Admiral, we considered all available technology to create a truly revolutionary – yet easy-to-use – product that pushes the limits and takes headset listening to a new level, for an attainable price,” said Julie Ma, president of NOX Audio. “In addition to giving the Admiral high-quality audio reproduction and 7.1-channel surround sound, we included a ‘Touch’ version with the functionality of the Android OS to make the headset truly versatile. The Admiral is a product like no other, and CES is the perfect venue for us to introduce it to the public.”

NOX will unveil a functional prototype of the Admiral Touch at CES 2011 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #5438. The Admiral Touch will be shown by appointment only, in addition to NOX’s other products, the Specialist, Negotiator and Scout, which will be available in listening stations on the show floor. NOX also will be hosting DJ Envy, the “Mixtape Master,” at CES on Friday, Jan. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PST in the NOX booth. DJ Envy is available for interviews on a first-come, first-serve basis before and after his performances at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

View full post on Android Phone Fans

Follow CrackBerry in December for a Chance to Win These Awesome Prizes…

You gotta love the Ongoing Follow CrackBerry Contest… you get a chance to win great prizes each month just for following CrackBerry on youtube, twitter and facebook!

With just a day and a few hours left before the end of 2010, you still can get in our on contest this month for some great prizes. If you aren’t already, you’ll want to make sure you’re following us on all of YouTube, Twitter and Facebook so you get a shot of winning all three. We have some great prizes again this month so make sure you get in on the action before it’s too late. We’ll be announcing this months winners in just a few days, so stay tuned. Visit the follow crackberry contest page for full details.

CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Last chance to get in on December's Follow CrackBerry Contest: Win a BlackBerry HS-700, Overboard headphones or USB power plug

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

Harman AKG has released 3 new headphone models under its new Quincy Jones Signature Line.

View full post on Macworld

Product: Mobile ‘Phones

Manufacturer: Roundup:

Wired Rating: 0

Are your neighbors screaming at you to turn down Gladiator … again?! Plug into a pair of wireless home-theater headphones. They let you crank up the Roman blood sport without getting the thumbs-down from anybody.

1. Pioneer SE-DIR800C

These Pioneer ‘phones have Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround effects to make you think there are five speakers inside your head. Not as painful as you might imagine: It really does sound like there are five separate sound sources, and tripping out on that was enough to keep us engaged. These are better suited to movies than music, though: If you stray more than 26 feet from the transmitter — like if you dance into a different room — the normally sharp sound loses its edge.

WIRED Great sound reproduction is perfect for action flicks. Super-comfy headband.

TIRED NSFW (or anywhere but your house) — these giant cans look ridiculous. You have to remove the batteries and put them into the transmitter dock to recharge. Priciest of the bunch. $399, pioneerelectronics.com

2. Sony MDR-DS3000

These sleek earmuffs are like a hug for your head — by far the most comfortable pair here. Alas, the DS3000s also have the worst range: Infrared signal requires line of sight and makes it only about 20 feet before degrading. The surround sound was good but no aural nirvana. The fit was so comfortable, though, we didn’t mind.

WIRED Headset recharges in its cradle. Did we mention how wearable these are? Even after a marathon session, we had zero fatigue or swamp-ear. Included optical audio cable enables the best possible sound.

TIRED Bulkiest base station in the test. Hissing during quiet scenes or when you amble too far from the base. $230, sony.com

3. Acoustic Research AWD210

At 200 bucks retail, the AWD210s are a serious bargain (and we found ‘em for just over $100 on Amazon). Sound quality is nothing to w00t about — great bass, but range is lacking. The leather-covered headband and supple ear pads are comfy, but they don’t sit on your head as naturally as the others, making them feel heavy after a while. The poor fit also let outside noise leak in.

WIRED Cheap! Volume and power controls on the left earpiece. Headphones charge with an AC adapter (no batteries required).

TIRED Plastic earphone casing feels flimsy. Some electronic interference; probably a good idea to keep your cell phone in a different room. Random dead zones when you move away from the transmitter. $199, acoustic-research.com

4. TDK WR700

Road trip? Take the WR700s with you. Their compact size and the choice of 3.5- or 6.3-mm jacks means you can make any audio source wireless. Buy another pair, switch on Multi-User mode, and share sound with a friend. With Kleer transmission technology, they’ll beam CD-quality streams. But even with a lossless source, the sound was tinny. And because the ear pads are smallish, noise isolation was only so-so — you shouldn’t have to tell roommates to keep it down when you’re the one blasting a movie.

WIRED Mini and standard stereo jacks. Volume buttons on right earpiece. Best range in test.

TIRED Transmitter just a box with a plug — a few inches of cord would make it infinitely easier to hook up. BYO batteries — two AAAs for the headphones, two for the dongle. $249, tdk.com

View full post on Wired Product Reviews

Product: Mobile ‘Phones

Manufacturer: Roundup:

Wired Rating: 0

Are your neighbors screaming at you to turn down Gladiator … again?! Plug into a pair of wireless home-theater headphones. They let you crank up the Roman blood sport without getting the thumbs-down from anybody.

1. Pioneer SE-DIR800C

These Pioneer ‘phones have Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround effects to make you think there are five speakers inside your head. Not as painful as you might imagine: It really does sound like there are five separate sound sources, and tripping out on that was enough to keep us engaged. These are better suited to movies than music, though: If you stray more than 26 feet from the transmitter — like if you dance into a different room — the normally sharp sound loses its edge.

WIRED Great sound reproduction is perfect for action flicks. Super-comfy headband.

TIRED NSFW (or anywhere but your house) — these giant cans look ridiculous. You have to remove the batteries and put them into the transmitter dock to recharge. Priciest of the bunch. $399, pioneerelectronics.com

2. Sony MDR-DS3000

These sleek earmuffs are like a hug for your head — by far the most comfortable pair here. Alas, the DS3000s also have the worst range: Infrared signal requires line of sight and makes it only about 20 feet before degrading. The surround sound was good but no aural nirvana. The fit was so comfortable, though, we didn’t mind.

WIRED Headset recharges in its cradle. Did we mention how wearable these are? Even after a marathon session, we had zero fatigue or swamp-ear. Included optical audio cable enables the best possible sound.

TIRED Bulkiest base station in the test. Hissing during quiet scenes or when you amble too far from the base. $230, sony.com

3. Acoustic Research AWD210

At 200 bucks retail, the AWD210s are a serious bargain (and we found ‘em for just over $100 on Amazon). Sound quality is nothing to w00t about — great bass, but range is lacking. The leather-covered headband and supple ear pads are comfy, but they don’t sit on your head as naturally as the others, making them feel heavy after a while. The poor fit also let outside noise leak in.

WIRED Cheap! Volume and power controls on the left earpiece. Headphones charge with an AC adapter (no batteries required).

TIRED Plastic earphone casing feels flimsy. Some electronic interference; probably a good idea to keep your cell phone in a different room. Random dead zones when you move away from the transmitter. $199, acoustic-research.com

4. TDK WR700

Road trip? Take the WR700s with you. Their compact size and the choice of 3.5- or 6.3-mm jacks means you can make any audio source wireless. Buy another pair, switch on Multi-User mode, and share sound with a friend. With Kleer transmission technology, they’ll beam CD-quality streams. But even with a lossless source, the sound was tinny. And because the ear pads are smallish, noise isolation was only so-so — you shouldn’t have to tell roommates to keep it down when you’re the one blasting a movie.

WIRED Mini and standard stereo jacks. Volume buttons on right earpiece. Best range in test.

TIRED Transmitter just a box with a plug — a few inches of cord would make it infinitely easier to hook up. BYO batteries — two AAAs for the headphones, two for the dongle. $249, tdk.com

View full post on Wired Product Reviews

Product: /Adidas PMX 680

Manufacturer: Sennheiser

Wired Rating: 9

Like many dedicated long-distance runners, I have been on a perpetual hunt for the perfect set of headphones. Every time a new pair arrives, it’s like a first date ringing the doorbell. The anticipation! The promise of a new (running) partner! But eventually the sound quality disappoints and I’m inevitably left alone.

Thus, the arrival of the Sennheiser/Adidas 680 Sports Headphones was like a 13-year-old finding Edward Cullen ringing her doorbell. These are some of the best runner-friendly headphones we’ve yet strapped on.

The first sign that these headphones were a cut above was the carrying case. Yes, some headphones — very, very special ones — come in a heavy, water-resistant drawstring sack.

The sack contains more than the usual extra set of foam earpads and cable clip. The headphones also come with an extension cable that has integrated volume control, which is a thoughtful idea but more useful while sitting at your computer than running. It’s already as easy as it could possibly be to adjust the volume on an iPod. Still, the extension cable is useful, great for hooking onto or through extra layers of clothing.

The sound quality is exceptionally clean and crisp, with particularly deep bass. Playing “In da Club” is a peculiarly satisfying experience, as I’d never been so able to thoroughly replicate the head-pounding experience of being in a club in the streets of my decidedly suburban neighborhood. The headset’s large earbuds do let in some ambient noise. However, this is more advantage than inconvenience, as nothing ruins a good run faster than being hit by a car.

I tested the headphones’ touted water resistance, first in Portland’s 62-percent humidity and rain, then in sweaty ears and finally by soaking the headphones in wet hand towels. After each soaking, the phones suffered no ill effects in performance.

Kevlar-reinforced cables even survived the slobbery mouthings of my dog (that one was an accident, not a test). And the behind-the-neck design stayed put, even through the most strenuous circumstances — doing yoga while watching The Discovery Channel. I’ve always preferred a behind-the-neck design over in-ear buds, whose security depends on the size of the user’s ears. They do make wearing sunglasses or hats a little more difficult, though. And the PMX 680s are no exception. Trying to wear a baseball cap or Ray-Bans with these suckers is virtually impossible.

In sum, these headphones are everything you’d ever want in a pair of running headphones. And at a mere 60 bucks, they’re just a little easier to obtain than a sparkling 100-year-old vampire with fantastic hair.

WIRED Exceptional sound quality. Marvelous bass. Stays put securely. Water resistant and dog-proof.

TIRED Ambient noise leaks in. Large earbuds might be uncomfortable for some users.

View full post on Wired Product Reviews

Product: Mix Master Headphones

Manufacturer: Skullcandy

Wired Rating: 6

Skullcandy’s newest set of headphones allow you to put your favorite NBA team on your head, provided your squad of choice is the Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, Heat, Cavaliers or Bulls.

The NBA Mix Master DJ Headphones come in six different styles sporting each team’s signature colors and the jersey number of its best player: The Lakers model is festooned with Kobe’s number 24, Cavs get Lebron’s 23, natch. Memory-foam pillows line both the headband and the earpads for a snug, comfortable fit, and separate jacks allow you to connect a straight or coiled cable to the left or right side.

The ‘phones use passive noise cancellation to effectively dampen unwanted racket, while a one-touch on-ear mute button silences your jams and lets you hear what’s happening in the outside world. Unfortunately, when music is cranked at high volume, we heard slight hissing and muffled tunes. Bass? Let’s just say we’ve read hallmark cards with more impact.

The sound emitted from these pretty kids isn’t revolutionary, but you buy these for style. And exclusivity — there are only 100 pairs for each team. When you’re done mixing the latest beats or streaming the NBA playoffs on your computer, the Mix Masters fold comfortably into a padded travel pouch. Try getting your fave NBA baller to do that.

WIRED Connect the cord to whichever ear you fancy. High-gloss finish is quite the head-turner.

TIRED Look way better than they sound — audio quality isn’t stellar. Snug fit can feel a bit too tight after long use. What no Pistons? No Jazz!?

View full post on Wired Product Reviews

Sennheiser delivers with its PX 210 BT Bluetooth headphone set.

View full post on Macworld

Product: P5 Headphones

Manufacturer: Bowers & Wilkins

Wired Rating: 9

You can get a great set of over-the ear headphones for $100 or less — pick up Grado’s SR60i or Shure’s SRH440, and you’d need a keen ear and a petrified ass to muster any sonic gripes. So spending three times that much would seem downright stupid.

That said, we suggest you skip meals for a couple weeks and divert the money you would’ve spent eating on a pair of Bowers & Wilkins P5s.

These are the first headphones Bowers & Wilkins has ever sold, and it’s clear from the moment you remove them from their suede-lined, quilted-nylon pouch that England’s audio alchemists are interested in sending a message: “We are not screwing around.”

Though the cans are constructed mainly of metal and leather, they are comprised of 100-percent attention to detail. These are simply the best-made headphones you’ve ever seen. From the memory-foam-padded, sheepskin-swaddled earcups to a subtle biomimetic cant that evokes the placement of ears on a head, evidence of careful consideration is front and center.

The interchangeable cables don’t just plug into an exposed port — you lift an earpad off a magnetic coupling and push down to expose a swiveling modular jack. The in-line microphone and remote adds volume adjustment to the familiar iPhone-friendly multifunction button without added bulk.

And, oh yeah, the sound.

There is a technical term for this level of audio performance: DOPE. You don’t expect bass from a company that recommends you download lossless versions of Peter Gabriel and the Creole Choir of Cuba from its website, but hook the P5s up to some nasty hip hop and their 40mm Mylar drivers will rattle the gold off your grille. Hook up something sweeter, and the phones will tug at the heart you never thought you had with their dulcet high notes and cut-crystal midrange.

Think we’re over-enthusiastic? Go to the store and have a listen — but bring cash. You don’t want that $300 impulse buy compiling interest on your credit card statement.

WIRED Sounds so sweet, you’ll want to re-rip your entire music library into lossless files. Memory foam earpads block a ton of ambient noise. Go ahead and wear ‘em in public — the low-profile headphones won’t make you look like a ham radio operator. Interchangeable cables: one with an inline mic, one without. Included pouch is so swank, you’ll probably see a knock-off for sale on Canal Street within the month.

TIRED One small gripe: The tiny sub-earpad tab that holds the cable in its routing channel is poorly machined and sharp enough to cut the rubber cord jacket. Pricey? Yep. Worth it? No doubt.

View full post on Wired Product Reviews

Product: RS 180 Wireless Headphones

Manufacturer: Sennheiser

Wired Rating: 7

Wireless headphones used to be perfect for head-bangers: The constant static and dropouts made you want to bang your head against the wall. But it’s a different ballgame now, and cruising around the house sans wires doesn’t have to cause any audio-induced migraines.

Sennheiser’s RS 180 is part of a new line of wireless headphones that use Kleer technology, a 2.4-GHz-band wireless system that transmits CD-quality audio over (reasonably) long distances without interference. The RS 180 setup is pretty simple: You plug the docking station/charger into an audio source (laptop, stereo, iPod, etc.), flip the power switch, and the audio starts streaming to the headphones.

Lined with soft fabric, the cans remain consistently comfortable, which make a difference during long listening sessions and movies. And since they are fairly light and open-air, you don’t feel like your head is in a giant suction cup. Several small buttons on the side of the headphone let you control volume and balance, although it takes a while to get the hang of it.

Unlike wireless headphones we’ve tested in the past, we never heard any hissing, static, dropouts or other interference with the RS 180. It has decent range — about 100 feet or so, depending on how many walls are present — but nowhere near the 300 feet that Sennheiser claims.

With an open-air design, similar to Grado headphones, the RS 180 has a natural and lively sound that complements most any style of music. The bass response is somewhat limited on the low end, but is otherwise clean and tight. And after a few weeks of listening, these headphones really open up and show off some great balance, clarity and frequency response. The RS 180′s price tag is a touch steep, but if you want wireless freedom and good sound quality, the alternatives are slim and few.

WIRED Superb sound quality. AAA rechargeable batteries keep you bumpin’ for 15 hours. Well-cushioned ear pads have a more delicate touch than a safe cracker.

TIRED Power/volume buttons require a deft touch. No digital inputs. $300 and no noise canceling?

View full post on Wired Product Reviews

Although it works for listening to music wirelessly, the Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth JB-200 provides tinny sound and an awkward design.

View full post on Macworld