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Headphones Roundup

Creative Launches Sound Blaster Headphones Line

MILPITAS, CALIF. — Creative Technology announced its Sound Blaster line, consisting of the Evo ZxR and Evo Zx models. Both wireless headsets feature a built-in multi-core Sound Blaster SB-Axx1 processor for audio enhancement and customization.

The headsets employ the company’s proprietary SBX Dialog Plus and SBX Pro Studio sound technologies, as well as AptX and AAC Bluetooth audio codecs. Other features include nearfield communication (NFC) technology, a wired option via USB or 3.5mm jack, integrated mic with voice-enhancement features, and the ability to customize audio through an Android or iPhone app,

The ZxR, with 50mm drivers, can fold flat while the Zx, with 40mm drivers, is fully collapsible. Suggested retails are $299 and $229, respectively.

Urbanears Debuts ‘Recycled’ Headphones

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — Urbanears launched its four headphone in its Editions line. The Re:Plattan model, which has an $80 suggested retail, is designed with unused parts from previous collections, the company said.

Each model also comes with the GPS coordinates of 5 square meters of rainforest in Costa Rica that’s protected with purchase. Features include a folding design and the company’s Zound plug, which enables a second user to plug in to listen.

Acoustic Research Intros Amazon-Exclusive Ear Buds

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. — Acoustic Research announced a line of ear buds sold exclusively through Amazon.

The Performance series, which consists of three models, will never be sold through another retailer, a spokesman told TWICE. They were designed with all consumers in mind and not for any one specific demographic.

All three have 10mm drivers with metal housings. The HP1000 has a gold-plated connector and ships with a zip-up carrying case and three sets of ear buds. Suggested retail is $39.99.

The HP1020 adds a metallic-coated, tangle-free cable ($79.99) and six sets of ear buds, while the HP1030 steps up further with in-line mic and controls ($99.99). They are currently available.

Acoustic Research is a division of Voxx International.

Westone Debuts ‘Crossover’ Adventure Headphones

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — Westone has begun shipping its first earphones with dynamic drivers, marking the company’s deepening expansion into the consumer headphone market.

John Lowrey, audio division VP at Westone, told TWICE that the company plans to use its more than 50 years of experience making the ear molds used in monitors for musicians and in hearing protection as its approach for perfect-fitting consumer headphones.

While all of its other consumer headphones used balanced armature headphones, the Adventure series use dynamic drivers and are also the company’s first to feature Made for iPod/iPad/iPhone certification for in-line mic and controls.

Lowrey called them “crossover headphones,” and said Westone designed them for consumers who had previously been buying one model to exercise with and a second for everyday use.

The first model in the line, the Adventure Alpha, features 6.5mm drivers, a magnesium unibody construction, IPX3 water resistance, a replaceable clothwrapped cable with reflective material, and silicone and foam tips. Suggested retail is $199.

Frequency response is listed at 20Hz to 18kHz, with impedance of 21 ohms.

A weather-resistant carry case is included.

Lowrey said the company plans to accompany the Adventure series with online and social-media promotion, including giveaways.

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