V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless

The V-Moda crossfade 2 Wireless has a really good design considering its many joints and modifiable parts, making it suitable for anyone no matter their head size or shape. The V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless has an amazing battery life, which can last up to roughly 13 hours of continuous use with a reasonable recharge time of 2.5 hours (2 hours 30 minutes).

Its battery has a power of 430 mAh which is pretty impressive especially for a headphone. The V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless has a width of 5.8 inches, depth of 3.3 inches, height of 7.8 inches, and a weight of 0.309 kilograms (309 grams). One of the best features of this headphone is that its bass is accompanied with a sub-bass of great quality. Also, this headphone has a really detailed and clear bass, thanks to its predecessor. Its General Bluetooth profiles are : Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Headset Profile (HSP)

The V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless has a sensitivity of -42 decibels (microphone) and a sensitivity of 107 decibels (headphones). Its impedance is 32 Ohm and its frequency response is 5 Hz. This new model is really well built, feels very sturdy, and has a highly bendable “Steelflex” headband that conforms to your head nicely. But it is heavy. Also, the headphone is nicely balanced and sounds relatively open for a closed-back headphone.

The headphones fold up to fit into the smartly designed carrying case which is provided upon purchase of this headphone. Overall, this headphone is really good, with an exception of its hefty price ($300+) and its heavy weight.

Jaybird Run

photo credits to https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61OXcEEeuyL.SY355.jpg

Ever since the release of AirPods, Android users have been finding for something similar but so far, none has been as appealing as the Jaybird Run. Out of nowhere, Jaybird decided to start working on a true wireless earbud called the Jaybird Run. These earbuds are completely wireless, come with a charging case, and also comes from a well known brand too.

Jaybird has been one of the most well known brands when it comes to making earpieces, especially wireless ones. But since their headphones are quite expensive, it may be hard to get one of these if you have a budget to limit yourself to.

photo credits to https://assets.pcmag.com/media/images/554947-jaybird-run.jpg?thumb=y&width=980&height=494

After unboxing the Jaybird Run for the first time, you will notice that it can be quite heavy. Despite it being heavy, the included battery for this is really efficient and also will not take away the thought of how good these headphones look.

Inside the packaging, you will receive 2 earbuds, which are for both your left and right ears. Jaybird even included ‘fins’ that will fit in the user’s ears which makes it convenient for some users too. In addition, it also comes with a charging cable/case which is useful for powering the box so that is able to charge the headphones when you are outside of home.

photo credits to https://majorhifi.com/depth-jaybird-run-review-truly-wireless-earbuds/

On the outside of the each headphone, there will be a Jaybird logo with a small LED placed at the top of it. From that, you can estimate how much battery life there is left, together with pairing statuses and more. On the inside of the headphones, you will be able to find the charging pins that is usable for the charging case when you are outside of home. There will also be labeling to let users know which headphones goes where.

Before starting the Jaybird Run, do make sure to download the Jaybird MySound app from the App store as it comes together with some rewards and it also helps during pairing too. As soon as the Run is charged up and ready to go, you can remove them for the case and power on the earpiece.

The earpiece is also great for workout as it is both sweat-proof and water resistant. So you do not have to worry so much about it being damaged when running in the rain or working out in the gym. The battery life of the earpiece is 4 hours when fully charged but the battery case includes an extra 8 hours of battery.

In conclusion, I would buy the Jaybird Run as it has great battery life and specifications. Not only that, but it is a truly wireless earbuds as well. Even though it is priced at $180, I still think it is worth getting these types of high quality headphones.

JBL Endurance Sprint

About

The JBL Endurance Sprint is one of the most affordable Bluetooth ear phones, a year ago, you couldn’t get much of a Bluetooth sports headphone for $50. Sure, there were the usual generic brands on Amazon, but anything from a name brand tended to cost a minimum of $90 — or more.

The JBL Endurance Sprint fits securely and comfortably and sounds very good for a modestly priced Bluetooth sports headphone. It’s also fully waterproof and has touch controls. That is why i really recommend it to sportsmen, those who cannot survive without the music vibes while working out.

Image result for jbl endurance sprint

Why buy it?

Though normal non-sport Bluetooth ear phones are priced at around S$90, JBL is serving up its new Endurance Sprint for 50 bucks (£45 in the UK, not yet available in Australia, but that’s around S$70 converted). They have touch controls, fit comfortably and sound very good so long as you can get a tight seal. And also having a full waterproofed with IPX7 certification where they can be submerged in 3 feet (1 meter) of water for up to 30 minutes. This has also shown how you can sweat on it however you want and you would not spoil your precious ear phones.

Image result for jbl endurance sprint

Why is it so comfortable?

Well it is because these wireless earphones have a different design than a lot of the in-ear Bluetooth sports headphones. Those feature wings or stabilizers that hook into the inner part of your ear to lock the buds in place. This design is similar and probably a modified version of Beats’ popular Powerbeats 3, which have a hook that wraps over the top of your ear. But, the Powerbeats 3 cost more than three times as much as these guys. JBL calls it “Twistlock” technology where the ear phones never falls out as it will maintain a tight seal and thus maximizing sound quality with these headphones.

Photo courtesy:
https://www.androidheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AH-JBL-Endurance-SPRINT-4.jpg

https://cnet4.cbsistatic.com/img/8-i0N-xAaPXSVvwNZ6U-r1qEqtg=/830×467/2018/05/16/3e0e5897-c67c-43a4-a425-fbe7e9208309/04-jbl-endurance-sprint.jpg

By:
Jay Chong

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II, a comfortable and wireless noise-cancelling headphone, can be said as the best headphones ever created. Its features are just like Bose Quiet Comfort 35, but this time with a twist. The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is the first headphone to integrate Google Assistant.

Image result for qc 35 II

Instead of talking to your phone to access Google Assistant , you can just press and hold the Action button on the Quiet Comfort 35 II and issue commands such as “Tell me what is the weather today,” “call Troy” and “What are some good Korea restaurants nearby?” You can also use your voice to control your music playback and compatible smart devices in your home. There is also a app “Bose Connect app”, choosing noise-cancellation levels, toggling between Low, High and Off with each button press. It is an important feature for those who may be sensitive to the feeling of light pressure that can be the by-product of active noise-cancellation.

Image result for qc 35 II cup

This awesome headphone is also comfy fit and top-notch noise cancelling. For iPhone users, you can access Siri on iPhones and having long lasting battery life at up to 20 hours in wireless mode with noise cancelling on.

I think that Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is the best product for 2017 because of its dedicated button for Google Assistant, but it can be programmed for other functions. Retains its predecessor’s top-of-the-line active-noise canceling, excellent wireless Bluetooth sound and extra-comfortable design. Works in wired mode with included cord if battery dies. Which makes me say that the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is worth its price and a need for music lovers to have it.

Image result for qc 35 II cup

Now lets talk about the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II disadvantages, its battery isn’t replaceable and has same apparent design and performance as previous model, Bose Quiet Comfort 35. These disadvantages is not much compared to Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II design and advantages.

Overall, i think that Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is worth its price, but Quiet Comfort 35 owners don’t need to upgrade,as the addition is only a dedicated Google Assistant button, which gives the already excellent wireless noise-cancelling headphone an extra bit of personality.

Source:

https://9to5google.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/bose-qc35-ii-2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all

JBL Link 20

Image result for jbl link 20

This speaker model can be linked to other models and high definition sound, is waterproof and is wifi/bluetooth connected. But it takes a long time to start up and there are some interruptions when the volume is too high. It is considered the best wifi speaker at such a price. Google Assistant is very open, making almost all devices to work very well with it. Companies also make their own speakers to compete with other major companies like Google and Amazon.

Anyways, there are a lot of apps that can control Chromecast with just a single touch of a button. The speaker is even better, with bluetooth, offering more apps/devices to connect to the speaker. Link 20, as compared to link 10 is much better. It has twice the battery life of Link 10 and has higher definition sound for an extra $50 only. The Link 20 has buttons on top and 2 microphones. But it takes 10-2o seconds to connect to wifi / bluetooth. You also have to open the cover of the speaker’s charging port, which is very troublesome, especially for people that uses the speaker very often. Microphones also help and lets you command it with your mouth only.

Image result for jbl link 20

It reacts by lighting up and showing you its battery life.But when music is loud, you will have to speak a bit louder to let it hear you. Google Assistant does a lot of functions like telling you the weather. It is also good at answering questions as it is connected to the search engine of Google. Google Assistant will grow bigger and bigger in time.

I feel that the JBL Link 20 is a cheap and good speaker which does many different functions. Though, it takes a long time to start up, it produces high defintion sounds and are effective in doing commands deployed. Hence, I think that people should buy it.

Credits:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/jbl-link-20-smart-portable-bluetooth-speaker-with-the-google-assistant-built-in-black/6086202.p?skuId=6086202

https://www.wired.com/review/review-jbl-link-speakers-with-google-assistant/

AirPods : Wireless earphones by Apple

AirPods : wireless earphones

Product made by Apple

Photo Courtesy: https://www.macworld.com/article/3150771/headphones/airpods-features-specification-pricing-faq.html

The AirPods is Apple’s latest wireless earphones that are very convenient. They contain apple’s latest own custom designed chip called the W1 that helps optimize battery use and processes the Bluetooth connection as well as audio. It has up to 5 hours of usage time while the box to contain the AirPods has up to 24 hours worth of battery to charge the AirPods, 15 minutes of charging is equivalent to 3 hours of use. The Air Pods are immediately connected to your devices when it is taken out of the box and can be used straight a way with the box charging the AirPods the moment they are kept. The AirPods also have sensors to sense if it is in your ear or not so that it can play and stop when it is in or out of the ear respectively with the ability to use one or both of the AirPods at any one moment. The Airpods also has a voice accelerometer that recognizes when you’re speaking and works with a pair of beamforming microphones to filter out external noise and focus on the sound of your voice. AirPods provide rich, high-quality AAC audio and wireless charging. It also has sensors to detect your touch so that it can activate Siri with just a double tap, of which can be changed in settings so that the AirPods can do what you what when you double tap.

There are also some complains about the AirPods like the battery’s idle discharge being too high, people thinking that the AirPods can fall out and go missing when in use and the high price of SGD$238. The battery problem has been solve when Apple upgraded the AirPods’ firmware to 3.5.1 while the Airpods falling out is almost impossible as it is made to fit perfectly and for the high price, it is very worth the price that it cost.

For more info of AirPods, Apple’s latest wireless earphones, click here to go to Apple’s website.

Written by : Chua Josef Dayan

Sony MDR-1A

The Sony MDR-1A is the successor of the discontinued MDR-1R, a so-called “premium” version of this product. People liked the previous model as it is known for being extremely comfortable. The MDR-1A is better, thanks to some improvements.

The design of the earcup is different but, it’s still keeping that exquisite design, adding on softer padding and cushions that are slightly angled to fit your head better. The design on the MDR-1A is a bit more textured compared to the MDR-1A.

One of the biggest design changes is the earcups rotation, the way that its facing in the opposite direction. Why would I mention that ? Its because the headphones can rest with their pads down. Which is more convenient when its resting on your neck. Means that it feels more comfortable we are wearing it around our neck and not listening to them.

Without any cables attached to the headphones, the mass of the headphones would be 225 grams which is slightly lighter compared to MDR-1R which is 240 grams, which doesn’t matter as it is still considered lightweight for an over-ear model. There is also another small design change to the cable connector on the headphones. On the MDR-1A, the connector is replaced with a gold ring.

When you get the headphones, the company also provides you two standard 1.2 meter cables, one of them has a button inline remote and microphone. It adapts towards Android and Iphones. But if you are using Android, you can use the SmartKey app to customize the button controls.

The MDR-1A is for audiophiles-those people who wants to hear the sound as accurately as possible, so there’s no jacked-up bass. It’s also one of the most comfortable headphones around, so you can listen to it without weariness. If you coincidentally have the older version of this product, the MDR-1R, you can try to compare both products to see which is better in audio. If you switch back to the MDR-1R, you will tend to find out that the bass is thicker, muddier and less clear.

So, all of these so-called premium headphones, that you like really comes down to your own choices. Like I said before, the clarity of the audio can beat down so many other types of headphones not only that but its very useful headphone that is well-worth considering if you’re looking for headphones “worthy” for you. The price of the headphone is roughly S$250-S$300 range.

Honestly, I would buy this headphone as not many type of headphones are around in the world. Given that it has so much more advantages compared to other products in the world, that would convince so many people to buy this product. Even though it is expensive, I would still recommend to buy this product as it is worth it to me and hopefully, many other people as well.

Plantronics BackBeat 500

What you see on top is the Plantronics BackBeat 500. This headphones are one of a kind, something that everyone needs.

Lets talk about why this headphone is a need-to-have. Plantronics BackBeat 500 is a bluetooth headphone, this allows people who easily forget about bringing the cables a solution ! It cost around $75-80 only! Plantronics BackBeat 500 headphone sounds great even for its affordable pricing. Plantronics BackBeat 500 has a long battery life, lasting for 18 hours after you charge it ! By buying this product, you can get a free carrying pouch allowing it to be more portable. There is even a DeepSleep mode which helps your headphone to conserve power when you are not using it.

There are also some disadvantages about this headphone. Since it is dark coloured, the headphone will show some scratches over time, making it look old. It is also not as comfortable as the step-up BackBeat Sense(another product by Plantronics)

To me this headphone is a really good one, it is affordable with lots of advantages about it like : DeepSleep mode and it being bluetooth. Also the product has cushions on it makes it more comfortable when wearing the headphones. The design is also solidly built with mostly thick matte plastic, soft faux-leather which also allows it to look slick despite its cheap price.

From the pictures above , you can see the inner and outer parts of the headphones . These ear cups are just right for your ears and smaller ear cups makes it less bulky, allowing it to be portable. Its cushion and ear cups allows Plantronics BackBeat 500 to be comfortable though its cheap price.

The battery life is the best ! Able to survive for such a long time (18 hours) and even having a DeepSleep mode which would not allow Plantronics BackBeat 500 to lose any significant amount of battery.

This product is the best out of all the affordable products, sounds great, light, portable and even feel great when you wear it.

photo courtesy of : http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/04/14/plantronics-backbeat-500-review-budget-headphones-new-challenger/

https://www.cnet.com/products/plantronics-backbeat-500/review/

Corsair Void Surround

Corsair’s products have been ergonomic and eye catching. The Corsair Void Surround is no different. One of the 5 Void headsets on sale, the Void Surround has a few things the other Voids don’t.

To start off, imagine a peripheral device that can be used on pretty much anything that is up to date. That is the Void Surround. It is able to be used on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC and even on mobile devices, if they have a 3.5 mm audio jack. The versatility of this headphone is one of its strengths. However it is still able to be used on older platforms, some however might require an adapter.

Another feature is a Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, by using the USB Dolby Headphone adapter. What does this mean? You can have surround sound while playing your favourite games on console. So if you want to experience The Last of Us or Uncharted with surround sound to have the best experience possible, this is also a good pick.

The microphone and the frame is not to be underestimated. Corsair teamed up with a few designing experts from BMW to make an ultra-iconic and ultra-comfortable design. The ear cups are ear-shaped and fit around your ear instead of rubbing against them. This itself allows a long lasting gaming marathon without fatigue kicking in very quickly. The icing on the cake for comfort is that the ear cups have memory foam microfibre wrapped around it.

The microphone itself has a program called InfoMic. On the tip of the mic, there are two lights, one to notify you about battery life, microphone mute condition and some settings. Unlike most other headphones, the buttons to toggle mute, adjust volume or swapping presets are not on the cords. Instead of making the cords look slightly weird, with that little bulge, the buttons are on the ear cup to make it more comfortable and efficient to use and there is no need to fumble about to find that bulge.

Sound quality wise, it is still something to look up to. With 50mm neodymium drives and the aforementioned Surround Sound, listening experience are both gaming and music are equally good. Due to its strong drivers, the bass is strong and its pirmary focus. It also has a very wide dynamic range. The mid-range and high-end might not be on par with the bass’ quality, they are regardless still very good and decently clear.

So, if you want a gaming headset that looks nice, have quite a good sound quality and have a microphone that updates you about its status. This is one of the best choices. The surround sound is an ad-on that quite some people will like, giving more immersion to those epic singleplayer games and campaigns. With a price of 115SGD, this headphone is a good deal for its price.

Photo Link

Monstercat Best of 2016

The annual mix for Monstercat is out, with 2 and a half hours of songs altogether, this album has a good number of songs. Out of the 40 songs, I will only review 10 of them. They are in no order.

Noisestorm – Antihero

Using the same formula as Heist last year, the trap song has a catchy start with Arabic-sounding buildups and using horns for a good portion of the starting melody. The drop is somewhat good, but it can surely be better.

Marshmello – Alone

A big hit in the electronic charts, undoubtedly Alone will be in the Best of 2016. With additional vocals, the song is generally good. A good buildup and melody helps it very well. The drop is also well produced. The vocals are quite good and fits the theme of the song.

Muzzy – Crescendo (featuring MYLK)

Part of the 5 Year Anniversary songs, Muzzy has shown what he has been doing. With one of the best vocals in the album, this is further complimented with a good mix of styles by Muzzy. The drop is somewhat bouncy and the buildup is intense. This is one of the best song produced by Muzzy.
Vicetone – Nevada (Featuring Cozi Zuehlsdorff)

Vicetone has made on of the best songs this year. With simple, slick and catchy synths and melody, with out any vocals, this will already be a well produced song. Ever since her inception last year in The Girl, the songs that she is starred in has beautiful vocals. Undoubtedly, this is one of the hottest songs on Monstercat this year.

Feint – Words (Featuring Laura Brehm)

The same formula is used twice, and it worked twice. In Words, Feint has produced a song with intense beats and still sound very melodic. Laura’s vocals are unbelievably good this time round, even though it is more intense than last year’s We Won’t Be Alone.

Pegboard Nerds and Grabbitz – All Alone

What could be considered a ‘dream collaboration’, when you have two of the most recognised artists to collaborate. With good vocals by Grabbitz and both artists producing the melody, it is a masterpiece by default.

Dirty Audio – Gorilla Glue
With an ominous start and a good drop, this is one of the better trap songs this year. Both parts are well produced and catchy. As compared to the ‘legendary’ trap songs on Monstercat, this is on the better end of the stick.

Rogue – Nemesis

To put simply this is Rattlesnake VIP. With the ‘pots and pans’ in the drop and reusing some sounds from Rattlesnake, this is a catchy song. A worth successor of Rattlesnake, this song is no doubt Rattlensnake 2.0, but better than a reskin or remake.

Hellberg – Synchronize (Featuring Aaron Richards)

An underrated song, but nevertheless a very good one. It is very well made, smooth and melodious. Aaron Richards’ vocals are well done and the lyrics are well thought-out. The well choreographed and touching music video is just the icing on the cake.

Richard Caddock, WRLD, Nitro Fun, Slips & Slurs & Subtact – Break The Silence

More is better in this scenario. With Richard Caddock doing the lyrics and vocals, WRLD and Nitro Fun doing melody and synths. Slips & Slurs and Subtact should be doing the bass and adding some of their signature sounds into the mix. This is very diverse and able to fit the styles of everyone in the track.