Posts Tagged headphones
Able Planet Clear Harmony NC1050 Noise-Canceling Headphones
Able Planet has long had a reputation for providing superior noise-reducing and canceling headphones for a more affordable price than competitors like Bose. Some of its critics say that the quality is not as good, but my experience with them has proven the opposite. I have found that when comparing them with my Bose headphones that they provide similar noise-reducing qualities. Even my more expensive Bose pair does not eliminate sound so I often wonder why people are willing to pay so much for them.
I was quite excited to try out the Able Planet’s newest high-end Clear Harmony NC1050 noise canceling headphones simply because I knew of the competitive nature between advocates of both brands. First off, the Clear Harmony pair provides exceptional “white noise” sound that eliminates the chatter around you. I found it to be superior to Able Planet’s cheaper pairs, which is understandable and expected. Even when the battery is not switched on, the sound reduction is respectable.
When used to plug into audio channels or for watching videos on an airplane or with my laptop, the sound quality is impeccable; in fact, it is much better than a Bose pair when listening to audio content or music. Able Planet touts its Linx Audio sound quality, which is certainly recognizable, and it recognizes when the perception of noises and sound should seem louder without increasing the volume on the headset. This means that you can enjoy the high notes, low notes, loud sounds, and base noises in music without adjusting the volume to uncomfortable levels.
Often times, headsets can move around on your head when reclining or when dozing off. This pair maintained the sound quality even when it shifted on my head over the period of a few hours on a long plane flight after I fell asleep for a few hours.
It is also extremely lightweight, which is very important to me when traveling internationally since airlines can be quite strict with carryon baggage weight. Like its other models (and those of competing brands), the cord can be removed from the headset so you do not trip on it or break it when exiting an airplane seat or when storing it in your bag. I admit to sometimes not carrying it in the boxy case because it adds weight to my bag! Able Planet also makes a “made for iPhone” cord that can be purchased separately for playback control features.
It comes with its own sturdy case, airplane adaptor, and battery. The pair of headphones features a simple black color, and I am often asked about the brand by people who think they are Bose or want to find a pair that is cheaper than Bose’s headphones. While Clear Harmony is not necessarily cheap, it is certainly on par with its competitors in the high-quality, noise-canceling headphone department and scores highly in my book. It can be purchased at Able Planet’s website for $350. While it is pricey, I consider it to be a sound (forgive the pun) investment in my travel experience.
Search prices on all Able Planet headphones at Amazon.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear on April 23rd, 2012
DJ Sport Headphones by chicBuds
My kids like to listen to a pop radio station in the car — one that plays the same Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga songs over and over and over. Thankfully, our minivan has an audio system that allows me to listen to my music (or none at all) in the front seat, and they can listen to their radio station in the back. But it requires headphones. Unfortunately, my kids (not me!) have a problem with keeping track of headphones, or more specifically earbuds. They lose them, step on them or complain about them: “They keep falling out of my ears!” or “They’re too big!” or “They hurt!”
Enter DJ Sport Headphones by chicBuds. Since receiving a pair of the hot-pink style last week for review, they’ve become a staple in the car and no one’s complained about them. In fact, my kids – ages 9 and 11 – have fought over who gets to wear them vs. the white earbuds that came with their iPod touches. Even my son doesn’t have issues with wearing the girly pink color – though I’m sure if he got wind there’s a red-green-yellow (Rasta!) version, he’d prefer those.
My daughter reports the padded ear cups are very soft and comfortable; the adjustable headband sizes small enough to fit the kids’ tween-size heads. I’ve plugged in and put them on to listen to the sound quality, and I think it’s great.
I like that these headphones fold up to fit in a seat pocket in our minivan, but they’re travel-friendly for carry-on bags or purses, too. The stereo plug fits into our car’s audio system, as well as iPhones, iPods and other mp3 players,plus portable video-game players and video players.
Purchase the chicBuds DJ Sport Headphones on the chicBuds website for $34.99. The company chicBuds makes many other products, including these retractable earphones with Swarovski crystals $24.95 on Amazon.com.
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Posted by Kara in Kids and Family on November 1st, 2011
Nu-Force Bluetooth Headphones
I’m on my third pair of Sennheiser earbuds. I really like them, at least I want to like them, but they keep breaking at the mini-jack. The first pair gave out when they were so very new that I was convinced there was something wrong with my phone. The warranty has proven good, and this third pair seems to be less willing to fail. It’s the connection wire that’s failing so the clear solution? Try wireless.
The husband really likes the BT-860 headset that came from Nu-Force. His new laptop has built in Bluetooth, so the wireless headset (with a built in mic) is great for things like watching back episodes of Eureka or doing Skype calls with the far away in-laws. Pairing the headphones with your device is simple — I tried it with my phone and my iPad, no problems there. The range is pretty good, I left my phone on a chair in the backyard and wandered around on the lawn, the signal started to get a little muddy at about 20 feet away from the source, but it was still connected.
The controls for the headphones are on the ear piece — skip forward and back, the volume controls, and the call overrides. I didn’t find them particularly intuitive and I wish the little relief buttons were a bit more prominent, making it easier to know what’s what. This probably becomes second nature with more use. Don’t be trying these things for the first time while driving, okay, hands free or no.
As for comfort, I’d say they’re okay. The headband is adjustable for fit, the ear pads are your classic foam pads. Weirdly, they’re square, a design choice, but they do cover my ears. These aren’t isolation or noise blocking, they’re more for use at your hotel room desk than they are for making the noise of the airplane or bus go away. The sound quality was totally acceptable and I appreciate the fact that they’re rechargeable.
In fact, I’m not convinced that they’re for travel use. They don’t have a carrying case and they don’t collapse to a particularly small size. If I’m going to sacrifice luggage space, I want active noise cancellation. I’m going to pass on including these in my carry-on. though if you’re looking for day and/or office use, they’re totally fine.
I’m still on the hunt for those affordable, compact, active noise cancelling headphones, but if you’re looking for an affordable set to pair with your laptop, these aren’t a bad choice. Like I said, the husband rather likes them, but he’s using them on the couch.They’re 79.00 on Amazon.
More headphone reviews? Try these:
Posted by Pam in Business Gear, General Gear on September 9th, 2011
Urbanears Bagis Earbud Headphones
These sleek new Bagis earbuds from the Swedish company Urbanears will certainly turn heads. This compact device is designed to provide the most direct sound to the ear while creating efficient noise reduction simultaneously. Its most striking feature, however, are the 18 different color choices available setting them apart from any other headphone out there.
Unlike other headphones that can get their cords easily twisted whether in use or in storage, this pair features a fabric cord that reduces distortions from friction that can alter the sound quality. Others also can disappear into your jacket when running with them on, but this pair snaps together so they are always easy to find.
The stereo plug hooks up with most music players, iPhones, iPods, Blackberries, or even airplane jacks making them ideal for travel instead of using the cheap airline versions that cost a few dollars each.
The sound quality is crisp and constant, and the lightweight nature of the earbuds is not uncomfortable in the ear they way some headphones can be. It fits snugly in your ear canal with a feather-like snugness. The affordability of these headphones makes them perfect for frequent travel as they are both durable and easy to replace if lost.
Another great feature is that the cable has a microphone built into it so that it can be used for voice calls when plugged into a smart phone. The 3.5mm headphone plug and an inline remote also allow you to control tracks on your iPhone or other smart phone. It is the perfect way to make hands-free calls while driving on the highway or walking through an airport terminal.
There are even three different sleeve lengths so you can find the perfect one that meets your needs whether you need a long cord to reach your phone sitting in the passenger seat or just a short one to keep tucked into your jacket pocket while jogging.
Urbanears makes some great products, and these stylish headphones are no different. It seems the whole world is filled with zombies walking through the airport these days with headphones in their ears or talking on a hands-free call. Add some pizzazz with these fun colors and stand out from the pack!
Get the Urbanears Bagis earbuds at Amazon.
See other earbuds reviews on Practical Travel Gear.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, General Gear, Travel Light on June 27th, 2011
Able Planet True Fidelity NC200B Noise-Canceling Headsets
Able Planet NC200B Noise-Canceling Headphones
Open the briefcase of any seasoned road warrior, and you are guaranteed to find a few things: a smart phone, laptop or iPad, and noise-reducing headphones. As a frequent traveler myself, I have always resisted the urge to carry bulky headphones that do not completely mask sound and take up significant room in my carry-on.
My curiosity finally got the best of me after watching person after person don large headphones on flights. My concern is that headphones rarely cancel out noise such as loud talkers, gum smackers, or newspaper rustlers. We have all been seated around these people before, those frustrating travelers who take little concern for those seated around them. But, there is no eliminating them so I sought out the next best solution.
Able Planet offers a line of affordable headphones making them the perfect entry-level product for someone wanting to try them out. The True Fidelity NC200B headphones come in a convenient carrying case with a strap to secure them. They fold up easily and feature numerous jacks to plug them into any device or airplane audio system.
The first time I wore them, I did not know what to expect. As I had predicted, the noise was not eliminated rather reduced. But, even the most expensive Bose headphones do not eliminate noise. They simply muffle it. My assumption that noise would be completely gone was unfounded, but I slowly began to appreciate the white noise bubble that the Able Planet headphones create.
To make a fair comparison, I tested out a friend’s Bose headphones. They offered little uptick in sound reduction making me excited about the affordability, durability, and sound quality of the Able Planet pair.
Once I got over my misunderstanding that every single sound would be eliminated, I quickly fell in love with the peace and quiet that has befallen me on my flights. It makes it ten times easier to fall and stay asleep with these on, and I appreciate that I can connect them to the audio jack on the plane (there’s a two-prong converter as well since aircraft jacks vary) to listen to music or watch a movie as I doze off.
It requires only one AAA battery (comes with the headphones), and the headphones themselves are lightweight. They wrap around my ear sealing off loud noises without being uncomfortable. I now understand why people love their noise-canceling headphones, but this impressive pair of Able Planet equipment does a remarkable job of creating a calm oasis in a noisy atmosphere performing just as well as many Bose products but at half the price.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on May 30th, 2011
