John P. Falcone,
Senior Editor
April 8, 2008
Headphones are fairly straightforward products--one earpiece on the left, one on the right, and a headband or cable to connect them together. But there are a handful of headphones that transcend the standard designs found on most models. We've rounded up six of the most unusual headphone designs we've seen to date. Among them: earlobe clip-ons (the Zelco Outis); wireless Bluetooth headphones that can convert to desktop speakers (the Jabra BT803s); and zigzag wraparounds (the Arriva Sports Headphones). Also included: the "cordless" Monster iFreePlay and Arriva In-Ear Headphones, both of which are specifically designed to be used only with the iPod Shuffle.
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| Price | $139.99 to $329.00 | $49.00 | Check Prices | Check Prices | $68.99 to $135.99 | Check Prices |
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| Review date | February 02, 2006 | February 07, 2008 | February 14, 2008 | March 30, 2007 | February 08, 2008 | March 18, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | Audio-Technica's ATH-EW9 clip-on headphones combine graceful looks and sonics, but they won't rock your world. | If you have an iPod Shuffle and like the idea of cutting the cord on your headphones--and don't mind looking like a bit of a dork--Monster's iFreePlay headphones are worth a hard look. | If you get the right model to fit your ears--and head--Arriva's "wireless" iPod Shuffle headphones are one of the best (and most liberating) solutions to listening to music while you work out. | If you're looking for a great fitting pair of sports headphones, Arriva's uniquely designed earbud-style 'phones are certainly worth a look. However, those who demand better sound quality should wait for this fledgling company to put out a high-end model. | The Jabra BT8030 is great for those who want a Bluetooth speaker and headphones all in one device, but beware of certain design pitfalls. | The Zelco Outi earphones are best suited to early adopter types who have cash to spare and desire a little extra zing with their music. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Response Bandwidth |
14 - 24000 Hz |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
20 - 20000 Hz |
Info unavailable |
| Headphones Form Factor |
Clip-on |
Behind-the-neck |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Convertible |
Info unavailable |
| Sound Output Mode |
Stereo |
Stereo |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Stereo |
Info unavailable |
| Microphones Included | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
2 |
Info unavailable |
| Microphone Operation Mode | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Mono |
Info unavailable |
| Microphone Technology | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Electret condenser |
Info unavailable |
| Connectivity Technology |
Wired |
Wired |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 |
Info unavailable |
| Headphones Type |
Headphones - Binaural |
Headphones - Binaural |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Headphones - Binaural |
Info unavailable |
| Product Type |
Headphones - Wired |
Headphones - Wired |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Headset - Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 |
Info unavailable |
| Microphone | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Built-in |
Info unavailable |
| Recommended Use | Info unavailable |
Portable audio system |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Portable audio system Cellular phone PC multimedia |
Info unavailable |
| Product Description |
Audio-Technica Import Series ATH-EW9 - Headphones |
Monster iFreePlay Cordless Headphones for iPod Shuffle - Headphones |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
JABRA BT8030 - Headset |
Info unavailable |
| Remote Control |
None |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
None |
Info unavailable |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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