Tag: Over-Ear Headphones

  • Xiaomi Launches Affordable Hi-Res Audio Headphones Globally

    Xiaomi Launches Affordable Hi-Res Audio Headphones Globally

    Key Takeaway

    – Redmi Headphones Neo are now available internationally in Australia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
    – Available in Obsidian Black and Sand White; a Mist Blue variant may launch in September.
    – Priced around ~$61, competing with budget options like the Sony WH-CH520N.
    – Priced in specific markets: AUD 109, MYR 239, SGD 65.90, KRW 72,800, SEK 799, THB 1,990.
    – No confirmation yet on release in additional markets.

    Xiaomi has now begun selling its new pair of over-ear headphones internationally. Available a few days ago in Japan, the Redmi Headphones Neo were missing altogether from Xiaomi’s recent global launch event in Vienna. Nonetheless, the headphones are now available in Australia, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe.

    Color Options and Release Timing

    Currently, the Redmi Headphones Neo can only be purchased in Obsidian Black and Sand White finishes. Rumours indicate that Xiaomi may hold a Mist Blue variant back until September. Setting that aside, the Redmi Headphones Neo feature the following specifications:

    Pricing Breakdown Across Markets

    Xiaomi charges AUD 109, MYR 239, SGD 65.90, KRW 72,800, SEK 799 and THB 1,990 (~$61) for the Redmi Headphones Neo in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and Thailand, respectively. Hence, the headphones are closer in price to budget options like the Sony WH-CH520N (curr. $68 on Amazon) than mid-range options like the WH-CH720N. Xiaomi has not confirmed when the headphones will reach other markets.

    • Australia: AUD 109
    • Malaysia: MYR 239
    • Singapore: SGD 65.90
    • South Korea: KRW 72,800
    • Sweden: SEK 799
    • Thailand: THB 1,990

    Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand.

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  • Xiaomi Unveils Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with 72-Hour Battery Life

    Xiaomi Unveils Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with 72-Hour Battery Life

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi released the Redmi Headphones Neo in Japan with 40 mm drivers, 42 dB Adaptive ANC, up to 72-hour battery, and a wired high‑res mode.
    – Bluetooth 5.4 with 20 Hz–20 kHz (Bluetooth mode); wired mode supports 20 Hz–40 kHz.
    – 263 g weight, triple microphone setup for improved call quality; price in Japan around ¥7,980 ($50).

    Overview of the Xiaomi Launch News

    Xiaomi is expected to unleash seveal devices globally on May 28 during its Vienna-based launch event. In the meantime, the company has already released a new pair of over-ear headphones. For the time being, Xiaomi is only offering the Redmi Headphones Neo in Japan.

    Product Details and Rumors

    However, we suspect that will change within the new days or so. Incidentally, the Redmi Headphones Neo were briefly available unofficially almost a month ago. As the image below shows, the headphones boast 40 mm dynamic drivers, up to 42 dB of Adaptive ANC and an optional high-resolution wired mode. Moreover, the headphones are said to last up to 72 hours between charges thanks to their 600 mAh battery.

    Technical Spec Highlights

    On top of that, the Redmi Headphones Neo supports Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with 20 Hz-20 KHz frequency response delivered in Bluetooth mode. By contrast, the 263 g headphones provide a 20 Hz-40 kHz frequency response in wired mode. Also, Xiaomi has included a triple microphone setup to maximise audio quality during calls, too.

    Pricing and Availability

    For reference, Redmi Headphones Neo retail for JPY 7,980 (~$50), which makes them a fair bit cheaper than the Redmi Buds 8 Pro for which Xiaomi charges JPY 9,980 in Japan (~$62) (curr. $85 on Amazon). The over-ear headphones are already being sold for JPY 6,980 (~$44), though.


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  • Apple AirPods Max 2: 50% Better ANC, HDR Amplifier & New Features

    Apple AirPods Max 2: 50% Better ANC, HDR Amplifier & New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Design and Comfort: The AirPods Max 2 resemble the original design with aluminum ear cups and a mesh headband for weight distribution, weighing 386 grams.

    2. Controls and Battery Life: Features a digital crown for volume and playback control, lacks a power button, and has a battery life of 20 hours with active noise cancellation.

    3. Improved Noise Cancellation: The new version claims 50% more effective active noise cancellation compared to the original.

    4. Audio Quality Enhancements: Supports reduced Bluetooth latency, 24-bit 48 kHz high-fidelity music via USB-C, and improved sound processing with an HDR amplifier.

    5. Release Information: Pre-orders start on March 25, with deliveries in early April, available in various colors at a price of $549.

    The Apple AirPods Max 2 bear a close resemblance to the original AirPods Max ($409 on Amazon), with only slight modifications in their design. These over-ear headphones feature large aluminum ear cups, contributing to their hefty weight of 386 grams. To enhance comfort during use, the mesh headband is crafted to distribute this weight across a wider area.

    Features and Functionality

    The digital crown, utilized for managing volume and playback, remains a key feature, and notably, the headphones still lack a power button. A special energy-efficient standby mode is triggered only when the headphones are placed inside the included carrying case. Apple still promotes a rather limited battery life of 20 hours when active noise cancellation is on. However, the ANC on this new version is claimed to be 50 percent more effective than its predecessor.

    Audio Enhancements

    Apple has highlighted reduced Bluetooth latency along with support for 24-bit 48 kHz high-fidelity music when connected through a USB-C cable. An HDR amplifier is said to enhance music processing, allowing for a broader dynamic range and improved sound quality. The H2 chip introduces several new features, such as live translation and Conversation Awareness, which automatically activates transparency mode during conversations.

    Availability and Pricing

    Pre-orders for the AirPods Max 2 will begin on March 25 through the Apple Online Store, with deliveries anticipated to start in early April. These over-ear headphones will come in a variety of colors: blue, purple, starlight (beige), orange, and midnight (black), each priced at a suggested retail price of $549.

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  • Austrian Audio Launches The Arranger Over-Ear Headphones for Audiophiles

    Austrian Audio Launches The Arranger Over-Ear Headphones for Audiophiles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Austrian Audio launched The Arranger over-ear headphones for audiophiles and studio experts, focusing on precise sound and low distortion.
    2. The headphones feature 44 mm drivers, a frequency response of 5 Hz to 30 kHz, and total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.1%.
    3. Included accessories are a 3-meter 3.5 mm cable and a 3.5 mm-to-6.3 mm adapter; optional balanced cables are available separately.
    4. The design includes metal construction, soft suede earpads, and replaceable key components for durability.
    5. The Arranger headphones are priced at $1,099 and can be purchased through authorized distributors.

    Austrian Audio has launched The Arranger over-ear headphones, aimed at audiophiles and studio experts. These headphones promise precise sound and transient reproduction, featuring low distortion and an expansive soundstage. The brand was founded in 2017 by former engineers from AKG Acoustics after the company’s shutdown.

    Specifications of The Arranger

    The Arranger boasts 44 mm drivers with DLC-coated diaphragms, providing a frequency response range from 5 Hz to 30 kHz and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.1%. With an impedance of 25Ω and a sensitivity of 110 dBspl/V, these open-back headphones are suitable for use with lower-powered audio devices.

    Accessories and Connectivity

    Included with the headphones is a 3 meter (9.8 ft.) 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) cable and a 3.5 mm-to-6.3 mm adapter (1/8-inch to 1/4-inch). For professional audio connections, optional balanced Pentaconn or 5-pin XLR cables can be purchased separately.

    Design and Build Quality

    Constructed from metal, the headphones feature earpads wrapped in soft suede, weighing in at 320 g (11.3 oz.) with dimensions of 200 x 175 x 85 mm (7.9 x 6.9 x 3.3 in.). Notably, all key components can be replaced, ensuring a long-lasting product.

    The Arranger headphones are priced at an MSRP of $1,099, available through authorized distributors. Additionally, other headphone models from the company can be found in the Austrian Audio store on Amazon.

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  • Fender Launches Hi-Fi Headphones with 100-Hour Battery Life

    Fender Launches Hi-Fi Headphones with 100-Hour Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    – Fender is entering the headphone market with its Mix over-ear headphones, targeting music lovers.
    – The headphones offer excellent sound quality, comfort for long wear, and stylish color options.
    – Impressive battery life of 100 hours without ANC and 52 hours with ANC; features a USB-C transmitter for high-quality streaming.
    – Multiple connectivity options including 3.5mm AUX, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.3, along with support for various codecs.
    – Priced at $299, with replaceable ear pads and battery for increased longevity.

    Fender, a brand mainly recognized for its guitars, is making a move into the headphone market with its Mix over-ear headphones. They aim to attract more music lovers with this new product. The company highlights top-notch sound quality, great comfort for long wear, and a fashionable look available in shades like light gray, turquoise, blue, pink, or black. Users can replace both the ear pads and the battery, which helps to increase the longevity of the headphones.

    Impressive Battery Life

    The Fender Mix claims to boast an impressive battery life of 100 hours when playing music, but if you use the active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, it drops to a notable 52 hours. Another unique aspect is the USB-C transmitter that is cleverly tucked away under one of the ear pads. When connected to a computer, smartphone, or Nintendo Switch 2 (priced at $449 on Amazon), it allows music to be streamed at 24-bit quality with a sample rate of 96kHz. With a latency of under 20 milliseconds, this dongle is particularly great for gamers.

    Multiple Connectivity Options

    In addition, the Fender Mix offers various ways to connect, including a 3.5mm AUX cable, USB-C, or Bluetooth 5.3. It supports codecs like LC3, AAC, and SBC as well as Bluetooth Auracast. The headphones also feature two built-in microphones, enabling them to be used for phone calls. Fender has chosen to use 40mm graphene drivers, which provide 360-degree spatial sound for an immersive listening experience.

    The Fender Mix over-ear headphones will be available for $299, but details about their pricing and launch in Europe have yet to be confirmed by Fender.

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  • House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC Headphones

    House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC Headphones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Long Battery Life: Up to 130 hours without ANC and 75 hours with ANC activated.
    2. Sustainable Materials: Made with FSC-certified wood, aluminum, and eco-friendly fabric, enhancing durability and sustainability.
    3. Comfortable Design: Features foldable ear cups for portability and an IPX5 rating for sweat and light rain protection.
    4. Audio Features: Includes adaptive noise cancellation and supports Bluetooth 5.4, but specifics on sound quality are yet to be assessed.
    5. Pricing and Availability: Priced at $149 in beige or black, with worldwide release details still pending.

    The latest House of Marley Vibration Rebel ANC over-ear headphones are designed to lead the market with an astonishingly long battery life. Specifically, the company claims you can get up to 130 hours of listening time without ANC, or 75 hours when the noise cancellation feature is activated.

    Design and Durability

    In addition to their impressive battery life, these headphones are said to offer comfort and portability, featuring a design with foldable ear cups. The materials used, including FSC-certified wood, aluminum, and “eco-friendly” fabric, are meant to enhance the sustainability of the product. They also come with an IPX5 rating, which should protect against sweat and light rain. Plus, the headphones feature dynamic 40mm drivers for audio performance.

    Audio Quality and Features

    While House of Marley has not disclosed specific information regarding the drivers or sound quality, independent reviewers will need to assess whether the audio performance is worth the $150 price tag. Nonetheless, the headphones do offer adaptive noise cancellation and support for Bluetooth 5.4, though it’s unclear if Bluetooth Multipoint and Hi-Fi codecs are included.

    The House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel ANC headphones are available for $149 in shades of beige or black. Information regarding their worldwide release is yet to be announced, but given that the earlier Vibration XL model (priced at €229 on Amazon Germany) is accessible in Europe, it seems like just a matter of time before these new headphones are launched.

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    House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC HeadphonesHouse of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC HeadphonesHouse of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC HeadphonesHouse of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel: 130-Hour ANC Headphones

     

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  • Grado S750 Over-Ear Headphones: Wider Soundstage & Comfort

    Grado S750 Over-Ear Headphones: Wider Soundstage & Comfort

    Key Takeaways

    1. Comfort and Sound Quality: The Grado Signature S750 headphones are designed for comfort during long listening sessions with an expansive soundstage.

    2. Advanced Drivers: They feature 50 mm drivers made from S2 carbon fiber and a paper composite, ensuring high audio clarity and a frequency range of 6 Hz to 46 kHz.

    3. Innovative Earpads: The new Grado B Cushion earpads are designed with eight airflow slits and position drivers closer to the ears for an enhanced listening experience.

    4. Premium Build: Hand-assembled in New York, the headphones have an aluminum housing and a leather headband, weighing 460 g (1.0 lbs).

    5. Pricing and Availability: Priced at $1,695, the Grado Signature S750 headphones will ship in November 2025, with pre-orders available on the official website.

    The Grado Signature S750 over-ear headphones have made their debut as the starting point in the Signature series. These headphones are crafted with drivers and earpads that aim to offer comfort during extended listening times, along with an expansive soundstage.

    Design and Performance

    Featuring S2 carbon fiber and a paper composite, the 50 mm drivers are powered by aluminum voice coils that are coated in copper. Grado claims that the open-air design ensures high audio clarity and a dynamic response, providing a natural sound experience across a frequency range of 6 Hz to 46 kHz. The total harmonic distortion is reported to be below 0.2% at 100 dB.

    Innovative Earpads

    The S750 headphones introduce the Grado B Cushion earpads, which include eight airflow slits and position the drivers closer to the ears. This design aims to create a more refreshing listening experience, emphasizing a broader soundstage.

    Build Quality and Specifications

    Hand-assembled in New York, the drivers and earpads are fitted into an aluminum housing, complemented by a leather headband. The total weight stands at 460 g (1.0 lbs). The 1.8m (6 ft.) detachable cable connects to the S750 through 4-pin mini-XLR connectors and ends with a 6.3 mm plug, featuring an impedance of 38 ohms.

    Priced at $1,695, the Grado Signature S750 headphones are expected to ship in November 2025, and interested buyers can pre-order them from the official website. Meanwhile, other more affordable Grado models can be purchased right away on Amazon.

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  • Sennheiser HDB 630 Wireless Headphones with aptX Adaptive Transmitter

    Sennheiser HDB 630 Wireless Headphones with aptX Adaptive Transmitter

    Key Takeaways

    1. Design and Comfort: HDB 630 headphones feature 42 mm drivers and ear cushions made from Japanese protein leatherette, inspired by Momentum 4 design.

    2. Sound Customization: Users can use the Smart Control Plus app for sound adjustments, including a parametric equalizer and active noise cancellation.

    3. Connectivity Options: The headphones connect via wired 3.5 mm, USB-C, and wireless Bluetooth 5.2, with a BDT 700 USB Type-C transmitter for compatibility.

    4. Battery Life: HDB 630 offers an impressive 60-hour battery life, with 7 hours of playtime from just 10 minutes of quick charging.

    5. Pricing and Availability: Priced at $499.95/€499.90, the headphones can be pre-ordered starting October 8, with shipping expected on October 21, 2025.

    Sennheiser has introduced the HDB 630 over-ear headphones, specifically crafted for those who love high-resolution music.

    Design and Comfort

    The HDB 630 features 42 mm drivers and boasts ear cushions made from Japanese protein leatherette, all structured within a frame inspired by the company’s Momentum 4 headphones.

    Sound Customization and Features

    Using the Smart Control Plus app, users can adjust sound playback with a parametric equalizer, fine-tune left and right speaker blending, and even share their settings with others. The adaptive active noise cancellation effectively blocks out external sounds, while a transparency mode is available for conversations.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The HDB 630 connects to audio devices via wired 3.5 mm and USB-C cables, in addition to wireless Bluetooth 5.2. It comes with a BDT 700 USB Type-C transmitter dongle that supports the aptX Adaptive audio codec, making it compatible with phones lacking this feature. According to the company, these headphones offer a remarkable 60-hour battery life and can provide an additional 7 hours of playtime with just ten minutes of quick charging.

    Audio Quality and Pricing

    The wireless audio codec allows for dynamic modifications to sound latency and quality, achieving latencies as low as 80 msec and audio fidelity up to 24-bit, 96 kHz at 420 kbps. However, there has been no confirmation on whether the headphones support the LDAC codec, which is favored by modern Android devices.

    The Sennheiser HDB 630 headphones are priced at $499.95/€499.90. They will be open for pre-order starting October 8, with shipping expected to begin on October 21, 2025. Interested buyers can find them on the Sennheiser store on Amazon.

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  • Kali Audio Launches Project Highland Park HP-1 ANC Headphones

    Kali Audio Launches Project Highland Park HP-1 ANC Headphones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kali Audio’s Project Highland Park HP-1 headphones are designed for studio monitoring and casual listening, marking the company’s first entry into the headphone market.
    2. Equipped with 40 mm drivers, the headphones offer a frequency response of 18 Hz to 22 kHz and feature active noise cancellation.
    3. The headphones include a digital signal processor (DSP) with three audio presets: Bass Heavy, Consumer, and Studio, each catering to different listening preferences.
    4. Connectivity options include a wired 3.5 mm cable and wireless Bluetooth, with a battery life of up to 40 hours and a USB-C charging port.
    5. The HP-1 headphones are priced at a suggested retail of $199 and are available through Kali’s authorized dealers.

    Kali Audio has introduced the Project Highland Park HP-1 over-ear headphones that are designed for both studio monitoring and casual listening. Since its inception in 2018, Kali Audio has been known for its studio monitors, like those found on Amazon. The HP-1 marks the company’s initial entry into the headphone market from its base in California.

    Features and Specifications

    The Highland Park headphones are equipped with 40 mm drivers, allowing for a frequency response between 18 Hz and 22 kHz. They also feature active noise cancellation, which helps to minimize background sounds. For convenience, a built-in microphone allows users to take phone calls without hassle.

    Sound Quality and Modes

    These headphones are powered by a digital signal processor (DSP) chip, which modifies the sound reproduction with a slight delay of 17 msec. Users can switch between three audio presets by simply pressing a button: Bass Heavy, Consumer, and Studio. According to the company, the Studio mode aims to deliver the most accurate and neutral sound. The other two modes are tailored to provide a more enjoyable listening experience, with an emphasis on bass and other features that enhance musical enjoyment.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The headphones can connect to audio devices through a wired 3.5 mm cable or via wireless Bluetooth, compatible with SBC and AAC audio codecs. For charging, there is a USB-C port, and the lithium battery is said to provide up to 40 hours of playtime, as per Kali’s claims. The dimensions of the HP-1 are about 7.75 inches tall (19.7 cm) and it weighs 0.4 lbs. (181 g).

    The Project Highland Park HP-1 over-ear headphones are priced at a suggested retail of $199 and can be purchased from Kali’s authorized dealers. If you’re exploring alternatives, you might want to check out a well-rated option available on Amazon.

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  • Nothing Headphone (1) Euro Price Leak Ahead of July 1 Launch

    Nothing Headphone (1) Euro Price Leak Ahead of July 1 Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nothing is entering the over-ear headphone market with the Nothing Headphone (1) priced at €299.
    2. The headphones aim to compete with premium models like Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 while being more affordable.
    3. The Nothing Headphone (1) will be available in three colors: white, gray, and black.
    4. Official reveal is scheduled for July 1, but sales may not start until September 30.
    5. The headphones will feature a unique design and tactile controls for playback and volume, focusing on superior sound quality.

    Back in May, Nothing revealed that they would be stepping into the over-ear headphone industry. The smartphone company claimed they want to beat the Apple AirPods Max while keeping the cost much lower. A reliable source, billbil-kun, has recently disclosed what seems to be the final price in euros on Dealabs.

    Pricing and Competition

    The Nothing Headphone (1) is set to retail in Europe for €299. This pricing positions the over-ear headphones as more affordable than both the AirPods Max and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100, while also placing them in competition with slightly older premium models like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and the Sony WH-1000XM5. The Nothing Headphone (1) will come in three colors: white, gray, and black. Billbil-kun also mentioned that the headphones will be officially revealed on July 1, alongside the new Nothing Phone (3).

    Delivery Timeline

    Despite the announcement date, actual delivery might take longer. Previous speculations hinted that sales might not start until September 30. In the teaser video provided, Nothing highlights that their headphones will feature a unique design that stands apart from other options on the market. The controls for playback and volume will be tactile, which is a plus, especially when compared to some brands where all buttons look alike, leading users to memorize what each does. Ultimately, the Nothing Headphone (1) is designed to deliver superior sound quality.

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