Category: Audio

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3 Lowest Price Ever on Amazon

    Apple AirPods Pro 3 Lowest Price Ever on Amazon

    Key Takeaway

    – 28% discount ($70 off) brings AirPods Pro 3 down to $179 from $249 MSRP
    – Features include Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, and Dynamic Head Tracking
    – Active noise cancellation is up to 2x quieter than the prior model
    – Battery life up to 8 hours with ANC on, or 6.5 hours with heart rate monitoring
    – IP57 rated but not fully submersible; heart rate and hearing aid functions not as accurate as dedicated medical devices

    28% off Apple AirPods Pro 3

    Amazon has dropped the price of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds by 28%, for a $70 savings off the MSRP of $249. The top-notch earbuds deliver spatial audio customized for each wearer and active noise cancellation designed to provide a listening environment up to 2x quieter than the prior model, according to Apple.

    Personalized audio features

    The AirPods Pro 3 come with Adaptive EQ to enhance music reproduction based on ear fit, with Dynamic Head Tracking to place speakers in an virtual sound environment during FaceTime and other calls. Apple iPhones can take TrueDepth photos of the ear to further customize the sound reproduction for Personalized Spatial Audio, enabling virtual soundstages to be even more immersive.

    Durability and health limitations

    Although it does have an IP57 rating, this top-end model is not fully submersible, unlike other headphones that can be used while swimming (such as this bone conduction model on Amazon). And while the AirPods Pro 3 does have heart rate monitoring and the ability to be used as hearing aids, they are not as accurate as a proper EKG for monitoring the condition of the heart or as good as hearing aids fitted by an audiologist after extensive tests.

    Battery life specifics

    The earbuds have runtimes up to 8 hours between charges with ANC on, or up to 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing on.

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  • Apple WWDC reveal: interesting but not typical Apple

    Apple WWDC reveal: interesting but not typical Apple

    Key Takeaway

    – Apple cut specific audio frequencies (3kHz-6kHz) during WWDC when “Siri” was mentioned to prevent device activations
    – The tactic was largely ineffective, as many viewers reported their Apple devices still woke up during the livestream
    – This frequency-muting approach is not unique; Amazon used a similar method for “Alexa” in 2017, and other brands do it too

    Apple’s WWDC Tweak: Keeping Siri at Bay

    Apple made some interesting tweaks so that you could have an uninterrupted WWDC livestream. To avoid countless Apple device activations, the Cupertino giant tweaked frequencies when ‘Siri’ or ‘Siri AI’ was mentioned. How efficient those tweaks were is questionable at best, as pointed out by viewers.

    The Frequency Cutting Technique

    A user named ‘luuk de leest’ shared on X that during the keynote, Apple cut out 3kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, and 6kHz frequencies every time the phrase ‘Siri’ was mentioned. This was done to avoid unnecessary activations on the viewers’ devices. The user shared a spectrogram screenshot showing blank spots in the claimed frequencies when ‘Siri’ was mentioned. Furthermore, they mention HomePods in particular, but the tweak should have affected all devices in the ecosystem.

    It Didn’t Quite Work Out

    Unfortunately, it didn’t really work as intended, and several commenters mentioned that their iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and even HomePods were woken up several times during the keynote. It is possible that without the tweak, the activations may have been even worse.

    Not a New Trick in the Book

    As interesting as it is, this tweaking is not new. Apple isn’t the first or the only one doing this, as back in 2017, it was found that Amazon did the same with its commercials when ‘Alexa’ was mentioned. Other brands do it as well, to prevent unnecessary smart speaker activations.

     

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  • Marshall Stockwell III Returns After 7-Year Hiatus

    Marshall Stockwell III Returns After 7-Year Hiatus

    Key Takeaway

    – The Marshall Stockwell III is a long-awaited successor to the 2019 model, featuring True 360° omnidirectional sound for flexible placement.
    – Battery life has doubled to over 40 hours of playback.
    – It now includes IP55 dust and water resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use.
    – The speaker can charge a smartphone via USB-C using its own battery.
    – Audio is powered by dedicated Class D amplifiers (65W woofer, dual 31W full-range drivers).

    The Long-Awaited Arrival

    The Marshall Stockwell II dates back to 2019, making a refresh long overdue. With the Stockwell III, Marshall is introducing the successor to its 1.3 kg upright Bluetooth speaker in the iconic amp-style design just after a seven-year gap. Since the launch of its predecessor, a lot has really changed on the technical side, and the series is definately now being brought up to current standards.

    Flexible and Powerful Audio

    Similar to its larger Bromley lineup, the more compact Stockwell III can now be positioned more flexibly, enabled by true 360-degree omnidirectional sound. It also plays for twice as long, with battery life rated at over 40 hours of playback. On the audio side, the Stockwell pretty much features a 3-inch woofer and two 1.75-inch full-range drivers, each powered by dedicated Class D amplifiers. The woofer is driven by a 65 W amp, while the full-range drivers are powered by two 31 W amplifiers. Frequency response is rated at 54 Hz – 20 kHz, with a maximum sound pressure level of 86 dB at 1 meter.

    Weather Resistance and Charging

    One of the key upgrades is the IP55 certification, giving the Bluetooth speaker much stronger resistance against dust and water, making it far more suitable for outdoor use. And when your smartphone starts running low while streaming, it can be charged via USB-C using the speaker’s own battery. As expected from Marshall, tactile controls remain a major highlight no matter what. While competitors rely on flat push buttons, the new Stockwell features larger brass dials that can be rotated.

    • A likely configurable M button provides quick access to presets
    • A dedicated media control button allows users to skip tracks
    • Navigate playback with ease just using the dials

    Pricing and Availability

    Despite being announced on June 9, buyers will need to wait a bit longer to get there hands on it. The Stockwell III will be available starting August 18 for €229 on marshall.com, followed by availability at selected retailers from August 25. This speaker really brings the classic look with modern tech, making it a solid choice for audiophiles on the go.


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    • Xiaomi SonicBass 2 Headphones Now Available in Europe

      Xiaomi SonicBass 2 Headphones Now Available in Europe

      Key Takeaway

      – Xiaomi Redmi SonicBass 2 available in Germany for €34.90, with limited availability and no official local launch.
      – Specs include 9.2mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.2, neckband-style cable, USB-C port, and 16-hour battery life.
      – IPX5 water resistance protects against sweat, but lacks active noise cancellation (ANC).
      – Cable design prevents earbud loss during sports but may be bothersome; ear hooks are an alternative.
      – Best for non-ANC-tolerant users; traffic noise may be an issue during outdoor use.

      It’s been almost six years since we reported on the Xiaomi Redmi SonicBass

      Back then, hardware was a little cheaper and our hair a little less gray. Now, the successor headphones are available from a retailer based in Germany for €34,90, but immediate availability isn’t guaranteed. The headphones are expected to arrive no later than Saturday, July 4. This puts the SonicBass 2 on the list of Xiaomi products that apparently aren’t officially launching or are rather trickling into the local market.

      The product specifications are already known

      Featuring 9.2-millimeter drivers, the SonicBass 2 are rather unusual headphones that connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth 5.2, but are connected to each other by a cable. The center section apparently houses not only the USB-C port but also the battery, which is said to allow for approximately 16 hours of music playback. According to Xiaomi, the headphones are protected against dust and water damage in accordance with IPX5 and so should not be damaged by sweat.

      Whether the SonicBass 2 are suitable for sports likely depends on personal preference

      I used headphones like these with an extension cable for a while years ago, even during intense running workouts. One thing is clear: if a earbud falls out of your ear, the earbud itself usually doesn’t fall to the ground thanks to the cable. However, such a cable can definately be bothersome. For athletes, (open-back) headphones with ear hooks, such as the Belkin SoundForm Clear Fit, may be an alternative. Traffic noise may also be a problem with the SonicBass 2, as active noise cancellation (ANC) is not supported.

      • Price: €34,90 from a German retailer
      • Drivers: 9.2-millimeter
      • Bluetooth: 5.2
      • Battery life: Up to 16 hours music playback
      • Water/dust resistance: IPX5
      • No ANC support
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    • RedMagic Wired Gaming Earphones with USB-C & 3.5mm

      RedMagic Wired Gaming Earphones with USB-C & 3.5mm

      Key Takeaway

      – 14.2mm dynamic drivers with composite diaphragm for enhanced spatial sound and detail.
      – Semi-in-ear design with in-line remote, microphone, and tangle-resistant cable.
      – Available in 3.5mm and USB-C (China); international version is USB-C only.
      – Priced at $21.90 internationally, nearly double the Chinese retail price.
      – Compatible with Android, Windows, and iOS devices.

      These new earphones are officialy launched by RedMagic in China. They call it the RedMagic Wired Earphones (thats a machine translation) and you can pick either a USB-C connector or the classic 3.5mm connector. This company aint new to sound stuff, they droped some gaming earbuds earlier in 2023.

      Specs and Design Details

      The earphones hold 14.2mm dynamic drivers inside a metallic gray casing thats shaped with a angle. According to RedMagic, these drivers come with a special composite diaphragm that makes things like space, sound, and layered details feel more bigger. They also say background noises, like gunshots in games, are boosted so you hear them clearer.

      Semi-In-Ear Fit and Cable Features

      This product uses a semi-in-ear style, so you can still hear what going on around you which is good for public use. It includes a in-line remote that got playback and volume buttons plus a microphone, letting you answer calls easy. RedMagic claims the cable wont get tangled up easily.

      If you wondering about a worldwide release, it already happend but the timing seems shady. They sell as the RedMagic Magic Sound Earphones elsewhere. But the global version only comes with USB-C, not both like in China, so thats a difference.

      Pricing Info

      • Price: $21.90 (international)
      • Original China price: CNY 89 (~$13/€11)
      • Compatible: Android, Windows, iOS
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    • Yamaha SR-B40A Sound Bar at Lowest Price on Amazon

      Yamaha SR-B40A Sound Bar at Lowest Price on Amazon

      Key Takeaway

      – 43% discount saves $170.04 off $399.99 MSRP
      – Dolby Atmos surround sound with a wireless subwoofer
      – Clear Voice technology for enhanced speech clarity
      – Separate remote controls for subwoofer and soundbar volume
      – Connects via optical audio, HDMI, or Bluetooth

      Amazon has slashed the price of the Yamaha SR-B40A sound bar by 43%, which is a $170.04 saving off the MSRP of $399.99. This mid-range sound bar delivers audio with Dolby Atmos surround sound plus a wireless subwoofer that aims to create rich, warm bass, according to Yamaha.

      Features and Audio Modes

      The Yamaha SR-B40A includes Clear Voice technology too enhance the clarity of spoken speech, while the remote control lets you quickly access Stereo, Standard, Movie, and Game EQ modes. The subwoofer and main soundbar volume controls are separate on the remote, allowing you to fine tune the sound balance between the two speaker components.

      Comparison with Higher-End Models

      Even though it does have a subwoofer, this mid-range model does not include rear satellite speakers for advanced surround sound reproduction, which you get with the $699 Yamaha True X Bar 50A sound bar. If your wanting a more immersive soundstage, you might want to look at that more expensive option insted.

      Connecting Your Devices

      The soundbar can be connected to any source that has a optical audio or HDMI output. It also lets you stream music and podcasts over Bluetooth from any smartphone or computer without any complicated setup procedurs.

      Dimensions and Physical Specs

      The Yamaha SR-B40A main speaker unit measures 35-7/8 × 2-5/8 × 5-1/4 in. (91.1 × 6.7 × 13.3 cm) and weighing 6.4 lbs. (2.9 kg). The subwoofer measures 7-5/8 × 16-1/2 × 16 in. (19.4 × 41.9 × 40.6 cm) and its weight is 17.9 lbs. (8.1 kg). This subwoofer connects wirelessly, allowing the main speaker unit to fit comfortably in front of smaller TVs without taking up to much space.

      Buy the Yamaha SR-B40A sound bar on Amazon today. Yamaha SR-B40A sound bar on Amazon.

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    • Shokz OpenDots Air: Affordable OpenDots 2 Alternative

      Shokz OpenDots Air: Affordable OpenDots 2 Alternative

      Key Takeaway

      – Priced at $129.95, the OpenDots Air are the most affordable Shokz open-ear clip-on earbuds.
      – They feature an IP55 rating (higher than the OpenDots One) but the charging case lacks ingress protection.
      – Battery life is 9 hours (36 hours with case) with fast charging, but no Qi wireless charging.
      – They use Bassphere technology (not Bassphere 2.0) with custom 11.8mm dual drivers and 6 EQ modes.
      – Controls include touch and force pinch sensors, with AI-powered noise reduction for calls and Dynamic Ear Detection.

      New Shokz OpenDots Air launched along side the OpenDots 2

      Shokz also released a second pair of earbuds called the OpenDots Air alongside the OpenDots 2. Like the OpenDots 2 and the OpenDots One, they are open-ear clip-on earbuds, but cost less than the other two OpenDots models. The pricing is set at a lower point for budget-conscious users.

      Design differences and protection ratings

      The design of the OpenDots Air earbuds differs a bit from that of the OpenDots One and OpenDots 2, but they still feature the nickel-titanium plate called Shokz JointArc, which lets them adapt to different ear shapes. Nevertheless, they are still light at 6.3 grams. Shokz says the OpenDots Air earbuds have an IP55 rating; this is higher than the IP54 rating of the OpenDots One’s. However, the charging case has no ingress protection.

      Audio technology and drivers

      The OpenDots Air feature Shokz’ Bassphere technology like the OpenDots One, and not the more advanced Bassphere 2.0 available on the OpenDots 2. The earbuds are equipped with custom 11.8 mm dual drivers and have 4 preset EQ modes. They also have two customizable EQ modes. This makes them versatile for different listening preferences.

      Smart features and ear detection

      Like the other OpenDots earbuds, the Air earbuds have support for Dynamic Ear Detection Technology, so users don’t have to worry about which of the earbuds is for the left or right ear. They will also automatically pause playback when you take them off and resume playback when you put them back on. This is a convienient feature for daily use.

      Microphone and control system

      The OpenDots Air features dual microphones on each earbud and uses AI-powered noise reduction to make your voice clear during calls. Like the OpenDots 2, the OpenDots Air earbuds have touch controls and a force pinch sensor. You tap to control playback and answer/reject calls while pinching adjusts the volume, skips tracks, or rejects calls. The controls are intuitive.

      Battery life and charging details

      Battery life is slightly lower than that of its siblings at 9 hours (36 hours with the case) due to having a smaller battery; and the charging case lacks Qi wireless charging support. You do get fast charging – 10 minutes of charging for 2 hours of use. The OpenDots Air also have Bluetooth 6.1, Bluetooth Multipoint, and work with the Shokz app.

      Pricing and color options

      Priced at $129.95, the OpenDots Air can be purchased in Daybreak Purple and Black on the manufacturers website. Unfortunately, there are no free gifts with the purchase. These earbuds offer good value for the price point.

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    • Shokz OpenDots 2 Earbuds: Bluetooth 6.1 & Bone-Conduction Mics

      Shokz OpenDots 2 Earbuds: Bluetooth 6.1 & Bone-Conduction Mics

      Key Takeaway

      – IP54 case and IP57 earbud ratings
      – Bassphere 2.0 with dual 11.8mm drivers and 70% less distortion
      – 6 microphones (including bone-conduction) for clearer calls
      – 10-hour playback per charge, 40 total with case; 5-minute charge gives 2 hours
      – Bluetooth 6.1, MultiPoint, Dolby Audio, and app support

      Shokz has finally updatd the OpenDots, bringing changes

      It has been more than a year since Shokz released the OpenDots One clip-on earbuds. It has now followed them up with the OpenDots 2, and while they bring significant upgrades over the previous generation, the price tag has remained unchanged. The design is practically identical, so don’t expect a visual overhaul here.

      Design and durability got a serious boost

      The Shokz OpenDots 2 don’t look different from the OpenDots One, and the same goes for the charging case. However, a major change is that the case is now rated IP54 for dust and water resistance while the earbuds haev an IP57 rating. Like their predecessors, the OpenDots 2 will also automatically identify your left and right ears. They also have touch controls for playback, volume, and answering/rejecting calls.

      Audio tech recieves a massive overhaul

      The OpenDots 2 earbuds now feature Shokz Bassphere 2.0 which allows the dual 11.8mm drivers to work as one 16mm driver. The diaphragm has also been redesigned, and Shokz says it cuts distortion by 70%. It also says the open-ear clip-on earbuds have upgraded Dolby Audio, so your music should sound much fuller and richer than before.

      Microphone count trippled for better calls

      The OpenDots 2 also feature 6 microphones (3 per earbud), 3 times more than the OpenDots One. They are not just more but better as two of them are bone-conduction mics which work with the air-conduction mics and AI noise reduction for precision voice pickup for crystal-clear calls. This is a huge leap forward in call quality over the previous model.

      Battery life and charging specifics

      The battery life hasn’t changed, so expect up to 10 hours of playback time on a single charge and a total of 40 hours with the charging case. The case also supports USB-C wired charging and Qi wireless charging, and a 5-minute charge will provide up to 2 hours of usage. You wont be left stranded with these.

      Connectivity and software features

      Other features of the Shokz OpenDots 2 are Bluetooth 6.1, support for Bluetooth MultiPoint, and EQ customization. The earbuds work with the Shokz app which can be used to locate them when lost and to update the firmware. Its a very complete package for the price point.

      Pricing and availability details

      The Shokz OpenDots 2 are available to buy now in Pearl White, Grey, and Black for $199.95 directly from Shokz or on Amazon. Shokz is also offering buyers a limited edition gift when they purchase from its website — they will be able to choose between a Mother-of-pearl earbuds accessory and a signature earbud carrying case.

      Shokz has delivered a solid sequel here, focusing on the features that actually matter.

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    • B&W 805 D5 Flagship Speakers Diamond Tweeter $15,000

      B&W 805 D5 Flagship Speakers Diamond Tweeter $15,000

      Key Takeaway

      – New 805 D5 features aluminum reinforcement and top plate for reduced resonance and more spacious sound.
      – Price has nearly doubled to $15,000 per pair, up from $8,500 for the D4.
      – Maintains same signature diamond tweeter and Continuum Cone driver technology.
      – Speakers are slightly heavier (16.4 kg) but dimensions remain almost unchanged.
      – Frequency response and sensitivity (34 Hz–35 kHz, 88 dB) are unchanged from D4.

      After nearly half a decade

      The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 is getting a replacement. At first glance, the design has hardly been revised, but the British hi-fi specialists is continuing a trend that began with the D4. While the 805 D3s were still made almost entirely of wood, Bowers & Wilkins has reinforced the D4’s cabinet with aluminum. This sets the stage for the new model.

      New Aluminium Top and Matrix Wood

      In addition to the aluminum frame reinforcement, the 805 D5s also have a completely newly developed aluminum top, which, in conjunction with the improved matrix wood construction, should lead to even less resonance, which, according to B&W, enables a more spacious sound. The dimensions hardly change at 43.9 x 24.1 x 32.2 centimetres, but the speakers are almost a kilogram heavier at 16.4 kilograms. The weight increase is notable for a bookshelf speaker of this class.

      Diamond Tweeter and Continuum Driver

      The highlight of the speakers remains the 25 millimeter tweeter, whose driver is made from a synthetic diamond. The tweeter is mounted in a robust aluminum chassis at the top of the cabinet and thus decoupled from the bass-midrange driver. As with the previous model, B&W uses a 165 millimeter Continuum Cone bass-midrange driver. B&W again advertises a frequency range of 34 Hz to 35 kHz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. These are the core specifications.

      Pricing and Availability

      The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D5 compact loudspeakers are available for $15,000 per pair, with deliveries due to start in the next few months. This represents a significant price increase, as the B&W 805 D4 were launched in 2021 for $8,500. The price jump is substantial, reflecting the new materials and engineering.

      • Price: $15,000 per pair
      • Dimensions: 43.9 x 24.1 x 32.2 cm
      • Weight: 16.4 kg
      • Frequency Range: 34 Hz – 35 kHz
      • Sensitivity: 88 dB
      • Tweeter: 25 mm synthetic diamond
      • Driver: 165 mm Continuum Cone


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    • Audeze MM-520 Planar Headphones for Music Producers

      Audeze MM-520 Planar Headphones for Music Producers

      Key Takeaway

      – Flagship open-ear monitoring headphones with planar driver technology for reduced distortion
      – SLAM technology enhances low bass reproduction
      – Frequency response from 5 Hz to 50 kHz with less than 0.1% THD
      – User-replaceable memory foam earpads with magnetic mounts
      – Priced at $1,699, available from Audeze website and Amazon

      New Flagship Headphone from Audeze

      Audeze has released the MM-520, its latest flagship monitoring headphone. It is designed for accurate sound reproduction in an open-ear design that provides a wide soundstage. The headphones utilize the company’s latest planar driver technologies to handle the latest high resolution music mixes.

      How Planar Technology Works

      Planar headphones vibrate an ultra-thin, flat transducer rather than convenional cone drivers, with the goal of reducing distortion. They incorporate the company’s Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) technology to enhance low bass reproduction.

      Extreme Frequency Range and Power Handling

      The MM-520 are able to cover a frequency range of 5 Hz to 50 kHz with a total harmonic distortion less than 0.1% (at 100dB SPL, 1 kHz) as a result. They handle a maximum input of 5-watts to produce sounds as loud as 130 dB SPL.

      Physical Specifications and Accessories

      The 555 g (19.6 oz.) headphones come with memory foam earpads that can be replaced by the user thanks to their magnetic mounts. They come with a 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) headphone cable, 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adaptor, a travel case, and a soft carry bag.

      Pricing and Availibility

      The MM-520 monitoring headphones are priced at $1,699 and can be purchased from the Audeze website. Readers can also look for them to arrive.

      • Frequency range: 5 Hz – 50 kHz
      • Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.1% at 100dB SPL, 1 kHz
      • Maximum input: 5 watts for 130 dB SPL
      • Weight: 555 g (19.6 oz.)
      • Included: memory foam earpads with magnetic mounts, 2.5 m cable, 3.5 to 6.3 mm adapter, travel case, soft carry bag
      • Price: $1,699 USD


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