Tag: Adaptive ANC

  • Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC Headphones: Retro Style at $299

    Key Takeaways

    1. Affordable Pricing: Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC headphones are priced at $299, making them cheaper than competitors like Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sonos Ace.

    2. Retro Design and Controls: The headphones feature a retro design, a joystick for playback, a small LED screen for battery and volume info, and customizable controls on the earcups.

    3. Heavy Yet Portable: Weighing 332 grams, they are heavier than some competitors; however, they come with a crossbody bag instead of a traditional case for portability.

    4. Advanced Features: The headphones include 40mm drivers, six microphones for adaptive ANC, THX Spatial Audio, ear detection, and support for Bluetooth 5.3 and Google Fast Pair.

    5. Long Battery Life: With up to 60 hours of playtime (50 hours with ANC), they feature a quick charge option that provides 4 hours of playtime after just 10 minutes of charging.

    Skullcandy has been in the audio market for a long time, but their latest Aviator 900 ANC is their best headphones yet. Priced at $299, these headphones are cheaper than competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Sonos Ace.

    Design and Features

    These headphones come in only one color—True Black—and feature a retro design that is evident in their overall appearance and control layout. On the right earcup, you’ll find a power button that stays in place until you press it again. Below this button is a small joystick for playback control, and atop it, a tiny LED screen shows information like battery life and volume level. The left earcup includes a custom button and a recessed dial for volume adjustment.

    The earcups are made with memory foam and are covered in leatherette, while the bottom of the headband is fabric, and the top matches the leatherette of the earcups. As stated in the specifications, the headphones have a nano-coating that protects against sweat and water.

    Weight and Portability

    Although Skullcandy claims the headphones have a foldable and collapsible design, they come with a crossbody bag instead of a case, which is a unique touch. Weighing in at 332 grams, they are heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM6, which is 254 grams and available on Amazon for $448.

    The Aviator 900 ANC features 40mm drivers, six microphones for adaptive ANC, and THX Spatial Audio with head tracking. It also includes ear detection, Bluetooth 5.3 with Low Energy Audio, and an aux port for wired use. Additionally, these headphones support Google Fast Pair with Find My support and Bluetooth Multipoint. There’s also a low-latency mode for gamers and for watching movies and TV shows.

    Battery Life and App Integration

    Skullcandy claims that the Aviator 900 ANC can last up to 60 hours on a single charge, but this drops to 50 hours when ANC is active. A quick 10-minute charge via USB-C can give you up to 4 hours of playtime. The headphones are compatible with the Skullcandy app, allowing users to customize preset EQ modes or create their own.

    You can now pre-order the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC on their website, with shipping expected to begin in mid-June.

    Tags: , ,
  • QCY MeloBuds Pro: 46dB Noise Canceling, Hi-Res Audio Earbuds

    QCY MeloBuds Pro: 46dB Noise Canceling, Hi-Res Audio Earbuds

    QCY has introduced its newest true wireless earbuds, the MeloBuds Pro, which feature adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC). Priced at 199 yuan ($27), these earbuds are now available for pre-order on JD.com. Let’s delve into their main specifications.

    Key Specifications of QCY MeloBuds Pro

    The QCY MeloBuds Pro is equipped with adaptive ANC capable of reducing noise by up to 46dB. This technology smartly adjusts the noise cancellation level according to your environment, ensuring top-notch performance in different settings.

    These earbuds also come with Hi-Res audio certification and the LDAC audio transmission protocol. LDAC can support bitrates up to 990kbps and a high sampling rate of 96kHz/24bit, promising a rich and immersive audio experience. However, it’s essential to note that for LDAC to function, both the earbuds and the playback device must support the technology. Additionally, using LDAC may lead to increased power consumption and shorter battery life.

    Transparency Mode and Call Quality

    For those who need to stay aware of their surroundings, the MeloBuds Pro features a transparency mode with adjustable levels. This mode allows you to hear ambient sounds without removing the earbuds. Moreover, the earbuds are fitted with six microphones that come with call noise reduction technology, ensuring clear voice calls even in noisy environments.

    The earbuds also deliver 360° spatial surround sound, creating a theater-like listening experience. They use a self-developed spatial sound algorithm to generate a sense of direction and depth in the audio.

    Battery Life and Additional Features

    The QCY MeloBuds Pro offers a respectable battery life of up to 8.5 hours per charge with ANC turned off, extending to 34 hours with the charging case. When ANC is enabled, the playtime drops to 7.5 hours per charge, with a total duration of 30 hours using the case. These TWS earbuds also support fast charging, providing an extra hour of playback with just a 10-minute charge.

    Additionally, the MeloBuds Pro supports multi-point connection for easy switching between two devices, in-ear detection for automatic music playback control, an 80ms low-latency mode ideal for gaming, and an IPX5 water resistance rating. The earbuds are available in three colors: black, white, and gold.

    QCY MeloBuds Pro: 46dB Noise Canceling, Hi-Res Audio Earbuds
    QCY MeloBuds Pro: 46dB Noise Canceling, Hi-Res Audio Earbuds
    Tags: , ,
  • Introducing Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Headphones: Extended Battery Life of 50 Hours and Adaptive ANC

    Introducing Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Headphones: Extended Battery Life of 50 Hours and Adaptive ANC

    Sennheiser Introduces ACCENTUM Plus Headphones at CES 2024

    Sennheiser has unveiled its latest offering, the ACCENTUM Plus headphones, at CES 2024. These headphones are designed to provide a top-notch audio experience at an affordable price point. With the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.2 technology, the ACCENTUM Plus prioritizes exceptional sound quality, extended battery life, and versatile connectivity. It supports popular codecs like aptX Adaptive, ensuring optimal audio performance in various scenarios. Users can enjoy up to 50 hours of listening time per charge.

    Touch-Enabled Earcup and Intuitive Control

    The ACCENTUM Plus headphones feature a touch-enabled earcup, inspired by Sennheiser's flagship MOMENTUM series. This innovative design allows for intuitive control without the need for buttons or menu navigation. Power users will appreciate the convenience of multipoint connectivity, wind-reduction, and adjustable side-tone features. These headphones seamlessly adapt to their surroundings, providing a customizable listening experience.

    Adaptive ANC for Enhanced Listening

    The ACCENTUM Plus headphones are equipped with Adaptive ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology. This advanced feature dynamically adjusts to changes in ambient noise, minimizing distractions and enhancing the overall listening experience. Additionally, for situations when wireless connectivity is not possible, the headphones come with an included audio cable. This makes them suitable for in-flight entertainment or other devices with headphone outputs. The entire package conveniently fits into the provided travel case, making it ideal for on-the-go use.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus headphones will be available in black and white color options. They are set to hit the market on February 20th, with a price tag of $229.95 USD / $329.95 CAD. With their impressive features and affordable pricing, these headphones are sure to attract audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

    Tags: , ,