Headphones Head To International CES

By Lisa Johnston On Jan 10 2012 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — It certainly is getting crowded out there, which is a fitting theme for this time of year in Las Vegas.

Dozens of headphones and earphones manufacturers will come to the 2012 International CES to show off their latest introductions and try to stand out in this competitive market.

 

PSB Speakers Enters Headphones Market With ANC

By Lisa Johnston On Jan 10 2012 - 6:01am

SHARON, MASS. — Speaker manufacturer PSB Speakers has launched its first headphones, an over-ear model with active noise cancellation and a built-in amplifier.

The PSB M4U 2, which ships this month for $400, can operate for 60 hours on two AAA batteries, the company said, and it will also work in passive mode when the batteries die. It has 40mm neodymium drivers and comes with a three-position switch that lets users listen with active noise cancellation, with active noise cancellation and amplification, and in a passive mode.

Sony Steps Up Headphones With BA Technology

By Lisa Johnston On Jan 10 2012 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Sony is coming to International CES to show off its new line of balanced armature (BA) in-ear headphones, a technology that until recently was typically reserved for hearing aids and monitors.

Using balanced armature technology results in much smaller drivers when they’re compared with dynamic drivers. Sony’s models also feature a specialized construction that’s designed to create a wider sound path between the diaphragm and the eardrum, said to result in high-quality playback over a broader sound range.

House Of Marley Expands Headphones Lines

By Lisa Johnston On Jan 23 2012 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — House of Marley returned to International CES with a variety of new headphones in its Jammin’ and Freedom lines.

In the Jammin’ line are three new models. The Riff in-ear headphones ($19.99) feature a one-size-fits-all foam tip that will be Earthfriendly, the company said, made out from either recycled materials or a sustainable source. A variety of colors are offered.

The Marley Lively Up model ($29.99) is a pair of sport in-ear headphones constructed with a recycled plastic body.

Headphones Headline International CES

By Lisa Johnston On Jan 30 2012 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — It was headphones in the news and on the minds of many at the 2012 International CES, with dozens of manufacturers introducing new models and updating their lines.

TWICE has rounded up just some of the companies that were there. More can be seen online at www.twice.com and in the Jan. 10 print issue.

AfterShokz launched its “ear-free” headphones during the show, which are designed to rest outside of the wearer’s ears to prevent hearing damage.

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.

Signeo Partners With Ludacris For Headphones

By Lisa Johnston On Jan 17 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Signeo marked its entry into headphones in a big way earlier this month, using International CES as a backdrop for its announced partnership with rap star Ludacris.

TWICE sat down with Len Davi, Signeo executive director, and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges to discuss and preview the five-model Soul lineup.