Audio HeadRoom

Headphones for Running

2014-07-10T21:03:00.001-07:00

Saw this nice summary of the Top 5 headphones for running and the 3 criteria making up a good running headphone.

Check out the link over here
Earphone for Running

Headphones for Running

2014-06-12T04:54:00.001-07:00

Shure SE215-K Live Sound Monitor, Black

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31AzualGvjL._SL160_.jpg

Featuring Dynamic MicroDriver, the SE215 delivers detailed sound with enhanced bass. A detachable cable with formable wire enables easy replacement and a secure, comfortable fit on-stage or on-the-go. Sound Isolating sleeves in multiple sizes provide up to 37 dB of isolation and a customized fit. Available in translucent black or clear. Comfortable sound isolating sleeves block up to 37 dB of ambient noise. Sound isolation technology prevents outside noise from interfering with your listening experience, whether on-stage or on-the-go. Shure Sound Isolating Earphones require a proper fit to achieve the best sound.The role of the included sound isolating sleeves is twofold: blocking ambient noise and ensuring a comfortable customized fit. Because every ear is different, the Fit Kit includes three sizes (S, M, L) of the flex and black foam sleeves. Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you. A good seal is key to optimizing sound isolation and bass response as well as maximizing comfort during extended wear.

SOUND
I bought these ear-buds along with one of the Dr. Dre Beats headsets to compare the sound. They were both exactly the same price but the Shure earbuds busted a righteous cap in Dr. Dre's pretentious creation.
The rich, creamy sound coming out of these Shure puppies is amazing. It allows for the correct balance between the bass, the mids, and the highs without any distortion at various volume levels. I couldn't believe it! The Beats earbuds had an ounce of more bass to them but the mids and high's had that cheap tin-can sound. People's voices came off flat and isolated in relation to the other sounds and it didn't take long for the off-pitch ringing to hurt my ears. Even when I tested the prescribed bass-heavy Hip-Hop/Rap songs on both earbuds, the Shure's stomped-stomped-stomped the Beats out of the competition. Shure's bass, which is a fraction less than the Beats, was still excellent and provided for the sound that felt truly SURROUND.

After I found that Shure's were the one for me, I submitted the Shure earbuds to other tests.

NOISE-CANCELLATION
Technically, these are "sound isolating" earphones and I don't know how that's different from "noise cancellation" but the one thing is true: these earbuds keep the outside noise out and music in. I drove over to my half-deaf grandmother's house just to test this. She likes to get up close and shout all holy-hell about if you'd like to eat. Cue Shure earbuds and stand in shock as grandmother is transformed into David Bowie singing "Ziggy Stardust" and holding a spatula. Crazy. I could only hear the music.

You can check out Amazon for more reviews!

Harman Kardon CL Headphones at 60% off

2014-06-04T05:04:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for this headphone to arrive! I just purchase it at 60% OFF! It competes with the likes of B&W P7 but it is now selling at the price of the 1st version of Creative Aurvana Live!
Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ear Headphones with Extended Bass

Update (Received 15th June) : After trying on the set, I think this is only for people who have either extremely small head or have a IRON Head and Ears. The clamping force is terrible ! Your ears feels like they're being deprived of blood and your skull seems to be collapsing after prolong usage(>1hrs). I wouldn't pay more than what I had paid(under $100) for the design and quality of the headphones though. Also, there is a thing to note, the wire comes with a apple vol control. However, if you use the cable on a laptop, you will hear distant sound. You have to press the SPEAK button on the control for the sound to become the intended sound. So the only way you get to enjoy the headphones is to TAP DOWN the "Speak" Button. Yes.. They should have an alternative set of cable for the laptop users.

Enjoy high-performance sound quality with a sophisticated, modern design

Control your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with the CL’s streamlined remote

Engineered to Outperform.

Harman Kardon CL headphones feature an exclusive acoustic system that integrates superb mechanical design, materials, and electronics. User-exchangeable bows, self-adjusting housings, soft leather cups, and slow-retention ear-cup foam ensure a comfortable fit and an optimal acoustic seal on the ear. Uniquely baffled 1-5/8" (40 mm) drivers enable the CL to outperform other headphones in extended bass response. Sandblasted steel frames and black matte housings create an iconic, modern aesthetic. A blend of sophistication and simplicity, the lightweight, comfortable CL headphones are part of the first-ever line of Harman Kardon headphones. Now you can take beautiful sound with you wherever you go.

Sophisticated, Modern Design

Harman Kardon CL headphones offer high-tech performance wrapped in an elegant package and interface. With its blend of sandblasted steel and black matte housings, the CLs’ design and function complement Apple products while reinforcing the sophisticated elegance of the Harman Kardon brand.

Optimized Sound Quality

High-performance 1-5/8" (40 mm) drivers produce an excellent frequency response (16Hz – 20kHz) for a natural tone. The wide dynamic range reproduces music with realism. A unique baffle creates air flow that extends low frequencies. The CL headphones also incorporate a bass tube that functions like a tuned bass port. It boosts bass performance and helps the headphones produce exceptional bass response at any volume level. As a result, CL headphones provide better bass response than other headphones in their class.

What I like:-Aesthetics: presentation, packaging, beautiful and unique sophisticated design, nice pleather carrying case-Option of 2 sizes (small vs large) of metallic headbands-Magnetic leather earpads are easily removable and thus replaced-Balanced sound, more than capable (though not booming) bass. Suitable for movie-watching and all sorts of music (instrumental soundtracks, vocals, hip-hop, pop, haven't tried rock yet)-Easily driven by Galaxy Nexus using PowerAmp app with slight boosting of the treble, no amp necessary-On-ear design makes music more vivid than around-the-ear design of other headphones. It also does a fair job of passively isolating noise (good enough to drown out 70% of engine noise during air travel)-Minimal sound leakage-More premium sound and design than direct competitor B&W P3. $100 cheaper than B&W P5, and after a quick test I could not tell the difference, probably only a very discerning audiophile could
What I don't like:-Unlocking mechanism for earpieces may disengage them from the headband if you rotate them 360 degrees inadvertently-Comfortable for half an hour but then clamping pressure on ears causes them to start throbbing-Cable is proprietary. It also has a straight end rather than an L-shape to connect to device-A little bit of noise when you move around, whether from squeaky leather or rubbing the metal headband
Sound and comfort when compared to Klipsch Image One, Harman Kardon CL, B&W P5, Bose QC15, Sennheiser Momentum:-Klipsch Image One is too bass-heavy. Comfort is merely OK because the cushions are so small they straddle the line between circum-aural and on-ear-UE6000 will have more prominent bass with active noise cancellation function turned on with better clarity in the mids and highs with noise cancellation turned off. It is very comfortable, superior to CL due to plush memory foam. However the UE6000's earpads cannot be replaced at all, and it is somewhat heavy/bulky especially with 2 AAA batteries installed. Plus you may noticed a "hiss" due to the noise cancellation-B&W P5: Although this was by far the best-looking out of all the headphones, I found it to have a somewhat hollow sound especially when compared to the Harman Kardon CL. A very tight (and unadjustable) clamping force made listening very uncomfortable even for brief periods. That, plus the questionable durability (just go into any apple store and see how beat up the leather pads get over time), made me feel this was overpriced at $300-Bose QC15 have best active noise-cancelling effect (and does not generate any hiss/white noise). In terms of sound quality, however, it is the worst of the bunch as bass is one-tone and highs sound shrill and hurt my ears. Its plush ear cushions make it the most comfortable around-ear headphones I have ever used-Sennheiser Momentum has crisper highs and has less bass. Comfort is superior as long as your ears fit into the plush cushions, and overall weight is a barely-there 190g
For sound quality I would rank Sennheiser Momentum>Logitech UE6000=Harman Kardon CL>B&W P5>Klipsch One=Bose QC15For comfort Bose QC15>Sennheiser Momentum>Logitech UE6000>Harman Kardon CL=Klipsch One=B&W P5For noise isolation Bose QC15>Logitech UE6000 (active mode)>Harman Kardon CL>Sennheiser Momentum>B&W P5=Klipsch One

Racing Steering Wheelstand for Logitech G27 / G25 Wheels, V2 -Deluxe, Original Wheel Stand Pro Stand

2014-06-03T23:33:00.001-07:00

A Perfeeeect Father's Day Gift!

Wow! This stand is the kind of thing I would have built in engineering school if we had the G27 in the early 90's. It's incredible. I'll go over all the great things first and then the very few minor irritations that don't detract from the product at all.

Pros: Build quality - It's 18lbs of tubular steel and while that doesn't sound like much, I doubt anyone could make this shift on the floor while using it. Since the frame connects the steering and the pedals, you actually make it more solid with your feet on the pedal floor and your hands on the steering wheel. It is like a rock even playing more spirited games like the Need for Speed series. Mounts - I was worried about limiting each component to two mounting screws, but that has proven to be plenty. The components don't shift on the plates even with heavy use.

Foldability - I've attached pictures, but you can fold the unit down easily because of the quick clamps. If you don't want to press your brake pedal down, you can clamp it shut just before it hits. If you don't mind holding the pedal down, you can use a piece of foam to protect the pedal. Ease of use - the quick clamps were a great touch. It really makes getting the whole thing "closet ready" a snap. I can set it up in less than a minute and take it down in the same time.

Cons: The power brick solution - The "solution" to hold the power brick isn't great since it's just a friction hold on the underside of the pedal unit. Can't really fault WSP for that, though. Height - I'm not tall but my desk is, so while this is the perfect height if you're sitting on the couch, it's a little low for high desks like mine (32"). An extra four inches on the center tube would have been great, but it's still perfectly usable.

One missing quick clamp - the top plate that holds the steering wheel and shifter needs two wrenches to set the angle. While this isn't something you would adjust as much as the height or folding axis, it's still a pain. A quick clamp for that plate would have been nice. However, since the tube is so thick and the contact area between the plate mount and tube is so small, this probably wasn't a viable option.

Overall, I would almost consider this a required purchase if you buy a G27 and don't want to build your own stand for it. Sure, it's expensive, but it's worth every single penny. It is put together well enough to survive the next 50 years, and if I ever get another wheel it will be relatively easy to just drill new holes wherever required. This stand is that solid.

Xbox One - Loving iT!

2014-06-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

It arrived on Titanfall's launch. It has a $500 console(Which runs you about $530+ if you buy in a store), comes with a $60 game($65 if you buy in a store), and ships it to you for $499, with no tax, in two days.

Edit: After having the console for a few days, I'd figure I'd update. First off, Titanfall is the most fun I've had in a FPS since maybe Halo 3. Love that it's an exclusive. Microsoft is packing a punch the old fashioned way, having games that only IT'S hardware has.(Like Nintendo and Sega in the 90's) It took me a longggggggg time to download it, but I have 2 mbps internet, so that's on me.

As for the console, except for a few little gripes, it's exceeded my expectations in all ways. It runs quiet, looks very sleek and glossy, and the Kinect is a very nice piece of technology. Not only is the video chat quality pretty good for when you're skyping, but it does stuff I didn't even know it could, like sign you into your gamertag when you walk into the room(Awesome)

I didn't really use the Kinect on 360, but it's a lot more of a viable product now. Voice command this time is not only more accurate, but it's more practical since this system was designed with Kinect in mind. Being able to just say "Xbox, go to Titanfall" at any moment(Since it's a digital copy) to go to your game is awesome. It's very much like using a Windows 8 computer, while you're switching between apps/desktop browser/etc. And it's dope how you can do something like watch Netflix or use Internet Explorer, while your game is loading or matchmaking, and you can go back to your game like you never left it after a few minutes.

Very happy with the One.

Kindle Fire HDX Review

2013-12-27T21:54:00.003-08:00

Kindle Fire HDX vs. iPad Air

Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" is lighter than Air—literally. In fact, the new Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" tablet is

a full 20% lighter than iPad Air. The Kindle Fire HDX display also has nearly one million more

pixels than iPad Air, giving it a best-in-class pixel density of 339 ppi (vs. 264 ppi on the new iPad).

"...the HDX 8.9 is light. Absurdly light. Dumb light. It makes the already featherweight

one-pound iPad Air feel like it's made out of lead by comparison." — Gizmodo

The reviews are in: higher resolution, lighter weight, on-device tech support with the new "Mayday" button,
Dolby Audio, and more—all for $120 less than iPad Air.

Startlingly light large-screen tablet, with stunning HDX display, ultra-fast performance, and front and rear cameras

Exclusive 8.9" HDX display (2560x1600) with unsurpassed pixel density (339 PPI) and perfect color accuracy (100% sRGB) for vivid, lifelike images that go beyond standard HD
Breakthrough ultra-light design—weighing just 13.2oz, it's 34% lighter than the previous generation
Ultra-fast 2.2GHz quad-core processor—3x more powerful than previous generation—with 2GB of RAM and Adreno 330 GPU for fast, fluid gaming and video
Introducing the "Mayday" button—revolutionary, on-device tech support, exclusive to Kindle Fire HDX tablets. Connect for free to an Amazon expert 24x7, 365 days a year
8MP rear-facing camera with LED flash for high-resolution photos and 1080p HD video, plus a front-facing 720p HD camera for Skype video calls and more
Stay productive on the go with ultra-fast web browsing, built-in OfficeSuite, plus e-mail and calendar support for Gmail, Outlook, and more
Over 100,000 apps and games available in the Amazon Appstore, including a new paid app for free every day

Philips Fidelio X1

2012-10-11T19:51:00.001-07:00

Amazon.com Widgets

I'm so excited! I just got the X1 in Singapore for sgd$329.

But the strange thing is ... M1 and L1 are priced at sgd$430-490...

GO FIGURE!!! ..LOL... CATCH Of the Year for me!

Philips Fidelio X1

Build quality : EXCELLENT. Comparable to HE-400.

Sound Quality : Very heavy Bass... More than HE-400. If I had to choose.. HE-400 is the BEST! This X1 I think it's more for bass heads.. it's really flabby bass instead of the tight controlled bass I hear from HE-400. The clarity loses definitely to HE-400, AKG Q701, Fostex, Creative Aurvana.

My current headphones in order of preference :_

1) HE-400

2) AKG Q701

3) Fostex T50RP

4) Creative Aurvana Live!

5) Fidelio X1 (VERY GOOD FOR MOVIES! If you listen carefully, the bass actually makes you feel like you are sitting in teh middle and listening to a real hi-fi system)

6) Sennheiser hd518

Come to think of it, Fidelio X1 is like a little less veiled version of Sennheiser HD518 with more flappy bass. It also does not sound open and airy. I reckon it is semi-opened at best which explains why it has more bass than a typical open-backed design. How I judge? Well, my AKG and HE-400, I can hear clearly ambient noise, but the X1 is less clear as it seems enclosed..

P/S : Using an Audinst HD-Mini DAC to a Bravo Audio V2 Tube amp.

Updated 12/10/2012 :- I've finally understood this is a separate category from the rest of the headphones. X1 is indeed very very accurate in representing what you hear in a hi-fi system or cinema. The bass i hear when watching movie is actually very deep and SUB-WOOFER like sound you get from the cinema. The depth and layering of details added to the immersive soundscape. So if buyng for music, this might not be it. But for Watching Movies.. Oh boy! This is a MUST HAVE!

However, you need to consider this if you are interested in re-creating the ambience sound of a home theater system or that of a cinema. Mainly the deep flabby bass that subwoofer pumps out in volume. The noise from the environment that seeps in partially like in a cinema. You are in the center of the cinema and noise is not totally isolated, it blends in with the cinema soundtrack. Yesterday night I watch Prometheus and my god.. It sounds like I was sitting right in the middle of a cinema. No dolby headphone technology needded but I think it would be even more impressive if that was turned on. Today, I asked my wife to try it and she had similar remarks.

But I have to agree if you are listening to music, you will find HE-400 to be heavenly ! Details and seperation are there and still musical but not to the extent of the AKG Q701 which dissects everything. The Fidelio X1 overpowering bass makes it hard to hear the level of details and seperation like the rest. Someone mentioned turning down the bass will make this $300 phone becomes a worthy $600ish phones. I haven't tried that 'coz I liked it RAW.. I don't add +/- treble/bass eq to my phones. hehe

P/S : After trying out so many phones, I have developed a definite preference for OPEN-Backed airy phones. I am not a basshead though, I find AKG Q701 bass good enough for me when people were complaining of its lack of bass.

Great Guide to Op-Amps

2012-08-18T05:23:00.001-07:00

Wow! This guide is quite comprehensive for starters on the commonly used Op-Amps out there.

For you to understand my subjective evaluations, here are the definitions of the terms I will use in the description.
Resolution is the ability of the sound card to reproduce clearly all the sound sources in a sound scene. A high-resolution card can “draw” the sounding objects against a dark background so that the objects do not get fuzzy or intermingle. The resolution is lacking if you don’t feel the distance to the sounding objects.
Lack of depth versus flat scene. In the former case, all the objects are too close to the listener but the resolution is not poor since you can tell that the objects are at a different distance from you. In the latter case, the objects all merge into a solid wall of sounds and there is no resolution at all.
Transparency is one more constituent of high resolution. Sounds and echoes do not merge together. There is always a perceivable layer of air between sound sources.
Coloring, particularly of vocals, is the addition of unnatural or irritating intonations to the timbre. Coloring often provokes a desire to switch the sound off but never to make it louder.
Tonal balance is the perception of the total volume of all the objects sounding at different frequencies. Comparing the tonal balance by quickly switching sound sources allows to easily discover a coloring as it makes a certain range of frequencies stand out above the rest.
Micro-dynamics is the sound card’s ability to reproduce the quietest sounds and reverberations in all detail. For example, a struck string is going to get quieter and quieter, but its timbre must remain the same until its sound goes out completely.
Detailedness, as opposed to micro-dynamics, does not tell anything about how natural the quiet sounds are. Some sounds can be heard but you won’t know their origin.

In any case, if you are interested in a value for money DAC/Amplifier series, I would personally recommend FIIO. They have a range of DAC/Amplifier to suit your needs and I have a Fiio E7 for portability and Fiio E11 for the desktop. You will definitely notice a different in sound quality along the lines of the above described article.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/auzen-xfi-home-theater-hd_6.html#sect0

How to Listen to Music Critically!

2012-08-10T22:10:00.002-07:00

This is a good blog on how to listen to music critically using your headphones and amps and dacs.

With all the reviews by headphones and IEM gurus about what they spot in the sound signature and details of the music thru' their headgears and accessories, wouldn't you want to be able to identity what the gurus picked up. This is important training for your ears as it helps to open them up to a whole new dimensions and make your EXPENSIVE headphones worth its price.

For untrained ears, we actually do not need anything above $200 because we will not notice a big difference between a $100 and >$200 headphones nowadays. It is simply because we do not know what to details to catch or spot.

So, just try this simple app and then try your sub$100 headphone and <$200 headphone and be marvelled at your EARS kung-fu!

How to Listen is a desktop software application developed by the Harman International R&D group for the purpose of training and selecting listeners used in audio product research, development, and testing. The software consists of a number of training exercises where different kinds of timbral, spatial and dynamic distortions commonly found within the recording and audio chains are simulated and added to music.

The listener’s task is to identify, classify or rate these distortions according to a number of well-defined perceptual attributes and scales. The software automatically adjusts the difficulty of each training task based on the listener’s performance.

We are happy to offer a free beta version of this software to audio enthusiasts in the hope that they will use it to improve their critical listening skills and appreciation for high quality sound reproduction. Enjoy!

http://harmanhowtolisten.blogspot.sg/

AKG Q701

2012-08-05T05:42:00.002-07:00

The flat-out perfection that you would expect from Quincy Jones.

Why not choose the only brand of headphones that GRAMMY® award winning producer Quincy Jones swears by? Click here to View Larger

Music producers depend on studio headphones for their success, and with an unprecedented 79 GRAMMY® nominations, no music producer has achieved greater success than Quincy Jones. Here at the home of AKG® audio technology, we are proud to honor Quincy's long association with our brand by creating Signature Edition Q701 headphones, the most accurate and responsive headphones we've ever produced. Featuring the revolutionary flat-wire voice coils and patented two-layer diaphragms of their studio counterparts, Q701s deliver pinpoint imaging in an endless soundscape of unequaled realism. And they do it with all the style and élan of the man himself.

"These are the only headphones I've heard that bring out the true sound we were striving for on records like "Billie Jean," "Thriller" and "Give Me the Night." It's the best quality sound I've heard, ever." -Quincy Jones

Click here to see what others are saying!

Listen Closer.

AKG® Acoustics was founded in 1947 in Vienna, Austria. The company quickly established a reputation for superior microphones and other audio equipment in radio stations, theaters and jazz clubs around Europe.

More than 60 years and 1,500 patents later, the AKG® brand is one of the most famous in professional audio-producing microphones, headphones and wireless technology for recording studios, radio and TV stations and opera houses. AKG equipment has gone on tour with Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Kanye West. In 2010, AKG engineers received a GRAMMY® award for their technological innovations and contributions to the music industry.

Highlights

The AKG Q 701's flat-wire voice coils increase efficiency for a stronger more uniformm magnetic field than found in the typical round voice coil design

Revolutionary flat-wire voice-coil technology.

Once upon a time, the airy, immersive soundstages of true dramatic sound were the exclusive domain of high-end speakers and microphones - that is, until AKG® became the first to engineer flat-wire technology into the headset's voice coil. Flat, aluminum wire creates a stronger, more uniform magnetic field in the voice coil, enabling the Q701s' diaphragm to track audio signals with unprecedented accuracy. It also allows for a lighter, smaller coil that increases motor efficiency and significantly lowers impedance, resulting in a soundstage of unequaled realism you'll notice, especially in the lower frequencies.

The Q 701's patented Varimotion diaphragms deliver unparalled detail and transient reponse, much like a high-end loudspeaker. Click here to View Larger

Patented AKG® Varimotion ultra precision two-layered diaphragm.

The Q701s generate accurate sound and exceptional transient response by optimizing the diaphragm to prevent unwanted vibration modes. Its stiff 80-µm center acts as the tweeter, providing a pistonic, undistorted HF response while the more pliant 40-µm perimeter handles the increased excursion required to generate perfect vibration performance in the mid- and low-frequency ranges.

Even the Q 701's cable is engineered to deliver the highest possible audio signal from what ever you may be listening to.

Bi-wiring, high-performance cable with a 1/4-inch jack plug.

We never compromise at AKG®, and to ensure you get the best possible audio signal from amplifier to eardrum, we have engineered the same level of quality and revolutionary technology in the Q701s' cable assembly as we have in the headset itself. It begins with true bi-wiring. Independent grounds for each motor assembly rather than a common ground result in a balanced design for maximum possible stereo separation. Then we utilize detachable, oxygen-free (99.99% OFC) copper cables, terminated with a 1/4-inch jack plug. Two cable lengths are included: 10 feet for hi-fi and 20 feet for TVs or large rooms. Also included is a stylish machined-metal 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch minijack converter.

The Q 701's 3-D form ear pads along with an open-back design. Click here to View Larger

Comfortable, specially shaped 3-D-form ear pads.

The Q701s have been designed in collaboration with the award-winning Austrian design firm Kiska to embody AKG's signature styling aesthetic without compromising functionality or comfort. Foams of different densities combine to create the Q701s' huge, ear-enveloping, velvet 3-D-form ear pads, ergonomically shaped for a precise, repeatable fit. This shape combines with their open-back design, allowing the drivers to be aimed at the ears to produce the ideal acoustical transmission.

The padded headband fits comfortably and stays comfortable over extended use. Click here to View Larger

Padded, leather headband with gimbal suspension system.

We've designed the Q701s to be comfortable and durable by wrapping the unbreakable metal arches of the Q701s'gimbal suspension system in a stylish, padded genuine leather sling. The result is a truly a luxurious fit that is never warm nor tight, allowing you to enjoy the pinpoint imaging and immersive soundscape of the Q701s for hours at a time.

Individually tested and numbered.

The Q701s are hand-crafted in Vienna by our most experienced engineers and are individually tested, calibrated and numbered. They are backed by a two-year parts-and-labor warranty.

Click here to see what others are saying!

Key Features

Evolutionary flat-wire technology

Patented Varimotion diaphragms

High-performance neodymium magnets

99.99% oxygen-free, single sided cable

Individually tested and numbered; made in Austria

"3-D Form" earpads

Professional jack plug

Padded, genuine leather headband

Unbreakable metal arches

3M/6M cables included

Key Features

Evolutionary flat-wire technology

Patented Varimotion diaphragms

High-performance neodymium magnets

99.99% oxygen-free, single sided cable

Individually tested and numbered; made in Austria

"3-D Form" earpads

Professional jack plug

Padded, genuine leather headband

Unbreakable metal arches

3M/6M cables included

Click here to see what others are saying!

Philips Citiscape Uptown Headphone

2012-08-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

Philips introduced a few series of headphones targeted at different segment of the market and i got myself the Philips Citiscape Uptown headphone. The segment of market as defined by Philips

The Philips CitiScape Uptown over-ear headset combines premium sound quality and street-savvy style with a comfortable, durable design to deliver a truly immersive sound experience. Inspired by vintage motorcycle gear, these stylish headphones feature noise-isolating memory foam ear cushions and MusicSeal technology to provide complete musical privacy. A quilted leather headband adds to your comfort.

Glossary

Warm:

Concerning the tonal balance, lowend, midrange emphasis and neutral to dark sounding highs which leads to a more thick/fullier/meaty or "fun" sound.

Cold:

Concerning the tonal balance, highs emphasis and neutral to dark / recessed lowend (doesn't necessarily have to be) and midrange, especially recession in the upper-bass to lower-midrange. Thin/edgy/sharp analytical sound.

Forward:

Up-front/in-your-face/powerful/engaging sound. Often results in smaller soundstage and more smeared instrument separation (instruments flows into each other creating a more united sound).

Laid-back:

Relaxed/distant sound. Often results in bigger soundstage and clearer instrument separation.

(Tonal) balance:

The relevance/emphasis of the different frequencies compared to each other across the whole sonic spectrum. Results in various amount of clarity or detail and brightness or darkness in the sound etc.

To give a gauge of what I have been listening, my current collection of headphones are :-
1) Ultrasone HFI-780 (closed-backed) - Forward and Cold
2) Sennheiser HD518 (open-backed) - Laid back and Warm
3) Superlux 668B (open-backed) - Forward and Cold
4) Creative Aurvana Live! (closed-backed) - Laid back and Warm
5) AKG Q701 (open-backed) - Forward and Cold

Below comparison will be with respect to all my 5 headphones.

Design
i) Sound Isolation :- 9/10
Ambient noise is not as audible as compared to the closed-backed headphones I have, let alone the open-backed ones.

ii) Build quality :- 10/10
I would say at the given price point, it has excellent build quality with a very psuedo-luxurious look and feel to it. All my other headphones look cheap in comparison to this one. The headband is supposedly air-filled. I would forsee in the near feature a problem with these as air might leak out. In any case, we can always buy a Downtown headband wrapper for our Uptown. The feel I get is akin to getting an iPad instead of an Android Tablet.

iii) Comfort :- 9/10
Comparable to the Creative Aurvana Live! in comfort as it has very soft and plush pleather pads(looks like pleather similar to those on the Creative). The pads cover your ear without problem unlike the HFI-780 and Creative, which has some parts of the pads touching the tip of my ears. Clamping force is a little bit more than the Creative, but not as excessive as any of the other phones.

Sound Signature
i) Soundstage :- 6/10
Very similar in width to the other closed-backed phones. Definitely the open-backed ones has more width to it. Depth-wise, the Citiscape Uptown actually is not very good. I cannot hear the layering of instruments, it is very congested on a straight line. The Creatives has a better depth and width than Citiscape Uptown.

ii) Tonal Balance :- 9/10
I must say everything just blends in together nicely. The tonal balance is so soothing and laidback with enough bass, forward mids and rolled-off trebles. Everything just gels and you are listening to music, not analyzing it. So, like the niche market targeted by philips for the uptown, this is more for casual listener who want to upgrade to mid-fi (I would say very entry-level mid-fi quality). For critical listener, the Philips Uptown just does not cut it. The clarity and details are actually not as good as any of the headphones I owned. If you think Sennheiser's are like listening to music from behind a veil, this one sounds like you are listening to it from behind a curtain. lol. BUT, I still loved it. It's just so soothing and less fatiguing.

Conclusion
I have bought the Citiscape Uptown and I think I will hold on to this headphones. A value-for-money purchase based on the overall package. I got it for usd$120, but that's the max I would pay as the sound feels like a $90 phones but luxurious feel of it is like a $400-500 phones. This would be a SELLOUT if it was priced below usd$90. They are very comfortable and it sound just right for those lazy days and casual listening. No ear fatigue for this one when compared to my Forward and Cold sets of headphones. I guess I like warm and laid-back most days and only the forward and cold when i'm in the mood for some critical listening.

You can get more reviews from Amazon.

Bugbears that might deter you from buying :-
1) Headphone cable that looks filmsy and cannot be unplugged.
2) Ear pads that are GLUED to the headset itself. No option to change again.
3) The air-quilted headband. If air leaks out, how do you change the headband.
4) No 1/4 inch jack.
It seems either Philips are very confident of their quality or they intend to get you to change headphones frequently. In which case, why would I buy a Philips again if i know it will get damaged and I have no option to swop the minor accessories on it.

Fake AKG Q701 Quincy Jones Signature Reference-Class Premium Headphones

2012-07-29T03:56:00.005-07:00

FAKE AKG Q701
Beware of fake AKG Q701. There is no serial number on the headphone nor the box. Or there is a "Serial number" text on the box but it's empty underneath the headphone. Or there is a mismatch in serial number.

My AKG Q701 have a serial number on the headphone, inside the headband on the left side and it matches the serial number on the box. I bought the product on Amazon. Again, not all products are created equal. It is best to buy products with the label "Sold and fulfilled by Amazon". I have heard of fake products sold by some retailers who shipped thru' Amazon.

With that out of the way, let me introduce you to the AUTHENTIC AKG Q701.

The AKG Q701 Quincy Jones Premium Class Reference Headphones music has never sounded better, or closer. Sparkling harmonics, incredibly low distortion and unequalled realism in the lower frequencies - it's the huge, airy, three-dimensional sound that been available only in the finest high-end speaker systems and microphones.

AKG Q701 Quincy Jones Features
- Revolutionary flat-wire voice coil
- Patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm
- High-performance neodymium magnets
- Totally open-back design
- High-performance, 99.99% oxygen-free cable
- Professional 6.3mm stereo plug
- Unique "3D-Form" ear pads for perfect fit
- Cushioned, genuine-leather headband
- Individually tested and serialized
- MADE IN AUSTRIA

The Frequency Response Graph as shown.

For more reviews by PEOPLE who actually BOUGHT and OWNED a AKG Q701, please visit Amazon below. You will see honest reviews by people , not promoters of the product. Of course,
there is an AMAZING DISCOUNT of 50% off the retail price right now on Amazon.
AKG Q 701 Quincy Jones Signature Reference-Class Premium Headphones, Black