Headphones Hit IFA And U.S.

Lisa Johnston On Aug 31 2012 - 11:45am

New York — Several companies announced new headphones this week, with some using the IFA show in Berlin as a platform for their launches.

Sennheiser launched at the show its Momentum headphones as part of the company’s Style Selection line. These have what the company described as a “minimalist design,” with leather ear pads and a leather and stainless-steel headband. They also have circumaural ear cups and come with a second cable with in-line mic and controls for use with iOS devices.

 

Yamaha Intros Pro Headphones

Lisa Johnston On Aug 27 2012 - 3:22pm

Buena Park, Calif. — Yamaha’s A/V division introduced the three-model Pro line of headphones, scheduled to be available next month.

The Pro 300 on-ear headphones have 40mm drivers with impedance listed at 53 ohms at 1kHz and max power of 300mW. They come black, white or blue for a $199 suggested retail. The 4-foot flat cable features an in-line mic and controls.  

Mozaex Unveils Home-Theater Headphones

TWICE Staff On Aug 17 2012 - 2:05pm

Salt Lake City — Mozaex, a manufacturer of multi-room Blu-ray entertainment servers and peripherals, launched a line home-theater headphones.

The 7.1 BluWavs include a BluWav Blender audio console and feature the company’s Personally Leveled Ultimate Surround Headphones (PLUSH) technology, designed to let users fine-tune the volume and EQ of 10 discrete speakers.

Klipsch Updates Image Headphones Line

On Aug 13 2012 - 9:30am

The Image X7i in-ear headphones feature the company’s proprietary balanced armature drivers and signature oval ear tips, as well as flat cables with in-line mic and controls. Frequency range is listed at 10Hz to 19kHz. A carry case and clothing clip are included. They will be available in September, in black or white, for a $199 suggested retail.

Pioneer Expands Headphones Offering

By Lisa Johnston On Apr 23 2012 - 4:01am

LONG BEACH, CALIF. — Pioneer Electronics went heavy on the headphones in April, launching a multitude of models. The new products included a model that lets users adjust bass on the fly.

The Steez line of headphones is said to be inspired by the DJ and dance scene. Three models make up the line: 808 (SE-MJ7511), Effects (SEMJ7211) and Dubstep (SE-D10MT).

Headphones Category Buzzes In The Spring

By Lisa Johnston On May 21 2012 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — The headphones category was alive and buzzing in May, with near-daily product introductions and announcements. TWICE has rounded up some of the most recent news, which includes noise-canceling models and new athlete partnerships.

Soul Electronics announced a branding partnership with track and field Olympian Usain Bolt.

Headphones Makers Battle For Piece Of $1B Turf

By Lisa Johnston On Feb 13 2012 - 6:01am

NEW YORK — In an economic environment where nearly every CE category has gone through its own perilous time, headphones have risen above the fray with healthy sales and growth.

The category sees so many new product introductions — from both new companies and already-established audio players — that it could fill its own section of TWICE. As a result, the market is getting crowded, said Ben Arnold, industry analyst at The NPD Group, and consumers are having a difficult time discerning the little guys from the big ones.

Creative Debuts Two ANC Headphones

By Lisa Johnston On Feb 13 2012 - 6:01am

MILPITAS, CALIF. — Creative Technology unveiled two active noise-canceling headphones earlier this month.

The HN-900 ($99.99) feature 40mm neodymium drivers, in-line omnidirectional mic and the ability to work in passive mode. They operate for up to 40 hours on a AAA battery, according to the company. Frequency response is listed at 20Hz to 20kHz.

The second model, the Aurvana X-Fi 2 ($199), also has 40mm drivers. This model features three technologies meant to improve sound.

Ingram Micro Launches V7 Headphones Line

By TWICE Staff On Feb 28 2012 - 11:41pm

SANTA ANA, CALIF. – V7 unveiled a line of headphones last week, including models designed for office use.

V7 is distributor Ingram Micro’s private brand. Rainer Kozlik, VP and and general manager of Ingram Micro’s global V7 private label group, said, “V7 is launching this suite of headphones to provide customers a more price sensitive, customized experience in matching their personal style with performance and comfort.”

TWICE's First Virtual Headphones Roundtable

By Lisa Johnston On Mar 12 2012 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — What a crowded market indeed.

In TWICE’s first virtual headphones roundtable, a whopping 32 manufacturers responded to several questions either via email or on through a telephone interview. What follows are the edited responses, which display a unanimous thought: It sure is busy out there.