Skip to main content

Headphones

110 'Headphones' stories May 2012 - August 2013
See All Stories
Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: Slingbox Solo (refurb) $60, MacBook 1.83GHz 1GB RAM 60GB HD (refurb), MLB.TV, Synology NAS, games, more

Avatar for Aug 22 2013 - 3:00 pm PT
0 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to round up the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+.

Today’s Featured deals:

slingbox-solo-deal

Slingbox Solo TV Internet re-broadcaster(recert): $59 shipped ($40 off)

apple-macbook-deal-ebay

Apple MacBook 13.3″ Laptop 1.83GHz Core Duo 60GB, 1GB RAM, OS 10.6, Refurb. $240 shipped

Other great deals we love:

Freebies:
Site default logo image

Review: RHA M350 noise-isolating aluminum headphones + exclusive 20% discount code

Avatar for Jul 27 2013 - 7:45 am PT
0 Comments

IMG_2807
RHA designs and engineers their audio products in Britain and prides themselves on honing in on the small details of a product and making them great. Prior to testing their headphones, I had never heard of RHA (they’re a division of Reid Heath Ltd.), but the fact that Apple retail carries their products coupled with their sharp industrial design made me want to check them out.

As quick as Apple can give me new set of headphones with each iDevice, I somehow find a way to misplace, break, or water (OK, sweat) damage them. I am assuming many of you are just like me in that regard and, as such, prefer a pair of solid earbuds under the $50 mark. At first glance, it seemed that the RHA M350 noise-isolating aluminum headphones would the fit the bill, so I decided to give them a test drive.

Packaging/Design

The MA350 earphones come in a compact box broadcasting a few key features (dynamic speaker, fabric cable, etc) and even their 5 star score from What-HiFi. On the back, RHA continues with a full list of specs and features – nothing out of the ordinary here. The earbuds themselves are a different story. The first thing you will notice is the machined aluminum housing, which really stands out against the rest of the black body. Apple fans are sure to love how the MA350 ‘buds look next to a Mac or iDevice.

The next most striking element on these earphones is the fabric braided cable. It feels terrific in between your fingertips and more importantly it doesn’t easily tangle like rubber (Hello, Apple earbuds!). But this luxury comes at a cost – more on that later.

It may be a bit nitpicky, but the ‘L’ and ‘R’ signifiers on the buds are a bit tough to discern at a quick-glance. I would probably put a touch of nail polish or a quick Sharpie dot to make them more easily identifiable. Again, not a big deal but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Fit/Sound

IMG_2811
Each pair of earphones includes three different sized silicone tips so you can find the perfect fit for your ears. I recommend taking your time when swapping out the tips. It took me a couple tries to fit a new tip on the ‘buds as they are super tight. Once I worked the opening of the tip a bit to loosen the silicon they slid on pretty easily. After finding the correct size tip, the MA350s fit well and were very comfortable.

Now on to how these stylish ‘buds sound. Keep in mind, sound quality is extremely subjective and is heavily influenced by the music you listen to. In my opinion, the RHA M350 earphones sound great. Especially when you consider that they retail for only $40. I tested them with several genres of music and found that they are extremely balanced. Don’t expect overbearing bass (Monster Beats) or overly high acoustics. They are a nice mix of both. I was impressed that I was actually able to decipher new sounds and instruments in songs I’ve been listening to for years. As mentioned above, the fabric braided cable proved to be a double-edged sword. It’s great aesthetically and for avoiding tangles, but creates some unexpected feedback (microphony) if jostled or rubbed during audio playback.  Not a big deal, but something you should be aware of if you plan to use these for running or working out.

Wrap up and 20% discount code

The RHA M350 earphones look and sound great for a pair of $40 headphones. The only major feature I wish these headphones included is a remote and mic for better smartphone compatibility. Other than that, I think they are perfect for people looking to upgrade to better sounding earphones at a reasonable price. RHA even includes a 3-year warranty on every pair sold.

For the next week, 9to5Mac readers can take 20% off a pair of these headphones when purchased at Amazon (must select RHA as the seller) with coupon code 9TO5MAC2.

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: 14% off $50 iTunes Gift Card, Incipio/OtterBox iPhone cases from $5, smartphone car mount $8, more

Avatar for Jul 1 2013 - 3:03 pm PT
0 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to round up the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

itunesgiftcard-apps-deals-itunes
As one of their Daily Deals, eBay is offering a $50 iTunes gift card for just $43 with free shipping, a total savings of 14%. Each card can be redeemed for music, movies, apps, books and more from the iTunes Store, App Store, iBook Store and all other Apple digital distribution stores.  This is a perfect way to save on expensive Apps like the iWork / iLife suite or even OS X Mavericks when it is released.

incipio-stowaway-iphone5-deal-case

iPhone Case Deals: Incipio Stowaway (iP5) $5 Shipped, OtterBox Impact Series (iP4/4S) $10 + $3 Shipping, more

*The Incipio Stowaway case is now sold out, but you can still grab an Incipio Textured Impact Resistant case or one of several iLuv (Snoopy design) cases for $5 and $4.50 respectively.

42413-1

Universal Car Mount with 360-Degree Rotation and Adjustable Fit $8 Shipped

onkyo-tx-nr616-receiver-3d-deal

ONKYO TX-NR616 7.2-Channel THX Certified Network A/V Receiver $300 Shipped (Reg. $350)

  • Apple TV integration, streaming services (Pandora, Slacker, SiriusXM), USB port for iPod/iPhone/iPad


Other great deals we love:

Site default logo image

Giveaway: Sol Republic Master Tracks headphones

Avatar for Mike Beasley Jun 29 2013 - 9:00 am PT
0 Comments

3600x2700_MasterTracks_GunMetal

Update: We have contacted the winner. Thanks to all who entered!

Looking for some over-the-ear headphones for your iPhone or Mac? Sol Republic’s Master Track headphones recently appeared in Apple’s online store as well as brick-and-mortar Apple Stores across the country, and we’ve got a pair to give to one lucky 9to5Mac reader. The Master Tracks retail for $199.95.

To enter, just comment on this post. We’ll randomly select one winner from the comments in 24 hours.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: Free Klipsch Earbuds (After rebate), Budget Office Toys, $60 Toshiba 1TB USB 3.0 Portable HD

Avatar for Jun 25 2013 - 2:39 pm PT
0 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to roundup the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

Screen Shot 2013-06-25 at 5.22.35 PM

Klipsch E1 In-Ear Headphones: FREE after $25 rebate

Screen Shot 2013-06-25 at 5.14.19 PM

Budget office ‘productivity-killing’ gadgets:

toshiba-canvio-harddrive-usb3-0-amazon

Toshiba Canvio 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive $60 Shipped (Reg. $120)


Other great deals we love:

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: App deals/ freebies galore, Pioneer Noise-Cancelling headphones $35, more

Avatar for Jun 20 2013 - 3:00 pm PT
0 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to roundup the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

Screen Shot 2013-05-23 at 2.01.10 PM

Lots of great App / Game deals and freebies today:

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: Free $50 gift card w/ Bose headphones, Free iOS app Calendars+, games, more

Avatar for Jun 19 2013 - 3:03 pm PT
0 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours.  We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to roundup the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

bose-ae2-amazon-deal

Bose AE2 Audio Headphones + free $50 Dell Gift Card $150 Shipped ($200 Value)

readdle-apple-ios-apps-calendarReaddle’s Calendars+ for iOS goes free for the first time ever (Reg. $7)

Some great Specials.9to5toys.com happening currently including half off Nuance PDF maker/editor ($49) and Dragon Dictate for Mac 3 ($100)

Other great deals we love:

Site default logo image

Black Friday week daily deal roundup – Thanksgiving Edition

Avatar for Nov 22 2012 - 6:27 am PT
0 Comments

From 9to5Toys.com:

All Black Friday week long, the 9to5 team is going to share with our readers our handpicked best deals of the day from 9to5toys.com. Many of these deals are temporary and go fast, so be sure to check 9to5toys early and often all week long.

Thanksgiving Day deal roundup:


Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Touchpad Keyboard: $23

Apple iPad 4th Generation w/ Retina display starting at $439 & iPad 2 starting at $339

Apple iTunes $100 gift card for only $80

Free $50 Gift Card with Apple 32GB iPod touch (5th Generation)

Black Friday Apple iOS game & app deal fiesta (discounts up to 90%)

Beats by Dr. Dre headphones discounts up to $30 off at Walmart

At iHelicopters.net get $10USD off with coupon code “9TO5MAC”. Valid on all items, no strings attached. That’s 10-25% off!

Roku HD Streaming Player $40 (Reg. $60)

Griffin Powerjolt SE – Lightning cable car charger for iPhone 5, iPad mini, iPod $19 + free shipping

Black Friday Apple iOS game & app deal fiesta (discounts up to 90%)

Apple Magic Mouse (Refurbished) $35 + free shipping

Gamefly $12 off the purchase of 2 used games + free shipping

AyeGear clothing that holds your technology products: 10% off with promo code “9TO5Mac”

Thanksgiving week DVD & Blu-ray deal bonanza (Star Wars, Ocean’s Trilogy, Sons of Anarchy, Walking Dead, Prometheus, Breaking Bad) & a buy one get one free Blu-ray promo

Seller states this deal is “almost gone” Monster Beats by Dr. Dre iBeats Earbuds $45 + free shipping

Apple AirPort Extreme 802.11 Wireless N Router Base Station MD031LL/A $138

Valid until 11/30 MacX DVD Ripper Pro free download

More will be added all day at…

Site default logo image

iFixit delves inside the new Apple EarPods [Gallery]

Avatar for Élyse Betters Sep 18 2012 - 12:06 pm PT
0 Comments

iFixit is hardcore when it comes to breaking open our favorite electronics to see what’s inside, and the website did it again today with the new Apple EarPods that just unveiled last week.

There is no repairability score for the EarPods, because they are “the throw-away kind.” Due to their glue blinding, iFixit warned the EarPods would never be the same if taken apart. In fact, an X-Acto blade was needed to cut the headphones open.

The notable tidbits from inside:

  • The EarPod speakers house a diaphragm/ paper cone, a voice coil, a permanent magnet, and a cabinet. Previous Apple headphones used plastic cones rather than paper.
  • The new design includes “larger cable wrapping on both ends” to sustain durability and minimize strain on the wires, and Apple removed the external microphone grate to make the EarPods more resilient to moisture damage.
As for the EarPod remote microphone:
The microphone in the EarPods’ remote bears the markings 2F17 045; we also uncovered another IC with the markings TI25ASGVI, which Chipworks believes to be an ADC, or a device used for volume-control duty.

Oh, and click here to see a size comparison of the remote’s circuit board alongside a U.S. dime.

Something to consider: Perhaps the new EarPods are so “mediocre'” because Apple wants to protect ears from the type of sound that only plug earphones produce. Apple sells many headphones, so producing a good sound that protects ears is probably a high priority for the oft-sued Apple.

Go to iFixit for the entire teardown.  


Expand
Expanding
Close

Jony Ive explains design process of Apple’s new EarPods [Video]

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Sep 12 2012 - 2:53 pm PT
0 Comments
Site default logo image

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rme3uZ_abc&feature=plcp]

We told you they were coming: Apple officially unveiled its new “EarPods” earlier today. The company explained during this morning’s media event that the EarPods are three years in the making. Apple has yet to post the video of the full iPhone 5/iPod event, but now we get a look at a video played during the presentation. It features Jony Ive explaining the process of creating the new earbuds. In addition to the engineering process described by Ives above, Apple explained on its website that it tested over 100 prototypes to make the EarPods more durable and stable than its previous-generation earphones:

Apple engineers asked more than 600 people to test over 100 iterations of the Apple EarPods. Testers ran on treadmills in extreme heat and extreme cold. They performed various cardio workouts. They were even asked to shake their heads side to side, up and down. The result: Apple EarPods provide stronger protection from sweat and water, and they’re remarkably stable in the ear. Which means they stay in, even when you’re on the go.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Totally redesigned Apple headphones spotted in Asia, morph current and in-ear

Avatar for 9to5 Staff Sep 1 2012 - 4:03 pm PT
0 Comments
Site default logo image

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Gx5MA1tBfKY

Vietnamese website Tinhte, which has a solid record of procuring pre-release Apple products, has headphones that it claimed  the new iPhone will come with next month. The current iOS device headphones have remained largely unchanged since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007, and many complain they fit poorly or fall out often (guilty!). Apple also makes in-ear headphones that many consider over-priced and under-performing (also guilty!).

These headphones appear to be a hybrid of the two current versions that Apple offers. It is not certain if they will be offered with the product or as a new add-on accessory.

Some stills from the website are below, including the comparison to current iPhone headsets, and the telltale “Designed in California, Made in Viet Nam” written along the cable:

If the accessory in the video above turns out to be legit, it would certainly indicate Apple is making some improvements to its headset…or at least trying.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Next-gen iPhone schematic shows 4-inch display, repositioned FaceTime camera

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 30 2012 - 7:46 am PT
0 Comments
Site default logo image

We posted high-resolution images of both the black and white versions of the next-generation iPhone back plate yesterday. Although we could determine many new features of the device, such as the redesigned speaker grills, repositioned earphone jack, and FaceTime camera, the exact display dimensions are still unknown. We noted one of our images depicted what appears to be the next-generation iPhone front glass with enough room for the much-rumored, roughly 4-inch display, but new schematics surfaced today (via Cydia Blog) that show a diagonal opening of just slightly over 4-inches. The designs also shows the repositioned FaceTime camera above the earpiece.

Although calculations of the display show an opening less than 0.1-inch over 4-inches, the display could likely measure a flat 4-inches diagonally as the front panel is typically slightly larger than the display. We noted yesterday that our sources informed us that the next-generation iPhone front glass images we posted feature the same width of the current iPhones, which would comfortably allow for an approximate 16:9 aspect ratio. We cannot confirm the schematic is 100 percent legit, or not just a past prototype, but also all the recent evidence points to a 4-inch next-generation iPhone that we expect to see this October.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Review: Tenqa REMXD $39 over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones — Cans this good should cost more

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 19 2012 - 7:18 pm PT
0 Comments
Site default logo image

Photos by Veronica Oggy

For a pair of headphones under the $50 mark, we often find ourselves recommending something like the standard $35 Apple earphones. You typically cannot beat the sound quality (build quality up for debate) for the price, but if you want to go Bluetooth, pickings are slim in the under $200 category.

If you are looking for DJ-style, over-ear Bluetooth headphones, your options are even fewer before hitting the $250+ price point for a wireless pair of Beats by Dr.Dre.

However, at just $39, Tenqa’s Remxd Bluetooth Headphones are clearly not for the pros, but looking at the Bluetooth alternatives from Rocketfish, Sony, and Sennheiser, they definitely impress at a fraction of the competition’s prices. They were also built with iPhone in mind, which means they pack a microphone and controls for hands-free calls—just like Apple’s stock iPhone earphones…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications