In recent years, Sennheiser has introduced some wildly popular headphones for more portable uses; from the almost ubiquitous PX100 series to the larger closed back Momentum and Urbanite models, both full-size and on-ear.
And never one to sit still, Sennheiser has introduced another flavour for the similarly restless – the Urbanite XL Wireless.
Pros
Wireless operation and track/volume control
Amazing sound
Foldable for easy storage
Comfortable for long periods
Cable can be used to save battery power
Cons
Non-removeable battery
Supplied pouch could be more protective
Verdict
Overall, a very good quality headphone with versatility to match. Perfect for travel and for relaxing at home alike, the Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless presents the great Sennheiser sound which anyone can enjoy. A good all-rounder, with which any genre can be enjoyed.
Key Features
The main point of note is the wireless bluetooth feature of course, and there is an intuitive touch-sensitive panel on the right side by which the user can select tracks, alter volume and answer calls. There are no buttons, a more ‘swipey’ approach has been employed, so a tap pauses, a double tap skips to the next track and a swipe up or down changes the volume.
Should the battery become depleted, a universal cable is included with similar functionality so the music needn’t stop.
The battery can be recharged via the supplied Micro-B USB cable, and like its wired forebears the Urbanite XL Bluetooth can be folded up for easy storage.
An audio cable is also supplied to save on battery power or if it is exhausted, and a soft cloth pouch for storage.
First Impressions
Given that we’re no strangers to the previously released Urbanite XL model, the design and extras are no surprise. The stylish looks, solid build and comfortable fit are never a problem to experience again but even so, the extra Bluetooth functionality has stolen the show! With an Android handset playing on one side of the office here, the headphones made it all the way to the other side of the building (some 15 metres) and no drop-outs were encountered.
The control panel on the right side is a very slick feature; however there’s always a chance that a quick touch to adjust the position of the headphones might result in an unintentional track skip but with practice this can be avoided.
Sound Quality
It should go without saying that a certain amount of quality is lost within the Bluetooth transfer method, but the result is still very pleasing; also with the MP3 still being the king of formats for many, this is not a major concern.
The bass is very well controlled and clear with plenty of punch; the micro-velour type earpads may soak up a little of the lower sub-bass region but overall the bass impact is very impressive.
Midrange gives a wonderful sense of space and both male and female vocal are well complimented, with reverb/echo easily cutting through. There’s next to no clutter here and harmonics shine.
Treble is rolled off slightly; the Urbanite XL Wireless does not hold it back, but there are brighter-sounding headphones. As it is, there is enough treble to enhance details such as percussion, but without much chance of fatigue – it’s a good comfortable sound.
Separation and soundstage are excellent; individual instruments can be picked out with the soundstage extending beyond the physical confines of the headphones themselves.
Using the cable, maximum volume was lower although this of course depends on the maximum amplification of the smartphone being used. The Urbanite XL Wireless has an internal amp which only comes into play when used along with its wireless capability.
Isolation is fair, but you may be inadvertantly sharing your music with those nearby if listening at high volume levels.
Summary
It’s a time of year when we are all looking forward to the longer days and warmer temperatures promised by summer (at least in the northern hemisphere!) and we’re to be found making plans and dreaming about lazy days in the sunshine. Snag-free music seems like a great way to enhance that feeling of freedom and those carefree (cable-free?) moments out there. With the Urbanite XL Bluetooth being worn with it’s XL earpads, our ears might be in the dark but at the same time most enlightened!
Looking for wireless headphones? Our headphone experts have collected the best performing wireless headphones available and reviewed them. Whether you are looking for headphones for watching TV, movies or gaming check out our reviews below.
Scroll down for in depth reviews of our favourite wireless headphones.
We’re often asked for a sensibly priced pair of wireless headphones and until the Lindy WHF-45 came along we had trouble giving a satisfactory answer. Many of the cheaper wireless headphones on the market from the big brands like Philips and Sony are cheaply made and of low quality. The Lindy WHF-45 breaks the mould and brings high quality at an affordable price.
The headset is well made and sound quality is impressive for the price. The audio signal can be fed into the transmitter either via 3.5mm stereo connection or by plugging to a computer USB socket (the transmitter will appear as a soundcard audio output on the computer). Combined with a device like the FiiO D3K these headphones can be plugged into modern TVs with digital audio outputs.
Volume can be controlled from the headset, meaning you can stay in your seat.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
Better quality than many of the big name brands, the Lindy WHF-45 is a budget wireless headphone that we can highly recommend. Perfect for watching TV without disturbing others in the room.
The Sennheiser RS120-II is high quality open back analogue wireless headphone, although it leaks very little noise into the environment. This is a great product for those watching TV in a noisy environment or who want to keep the audio level down for others.
Typical Sennheiser levels of build quality and readily available spare parts make this a headphone you can invest in for the long term.
A built-in volume control on the side of the headphones allows control anywhere in your house, while a control on the transmitter lets you fine-tune the wireless reception.
Supplied with rechargeable batteries, the RS120s innovative “easy recharge” function offers the ultimate in convenience when it comes to charging and storing your wireless headphones.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
With a range of up to 100m, through thin walls and ceilings, you can even listen whilst sitting in the garden. making the RS120 an ideal choice for all types of media and TV applications in the household.
Sennheiser RS170 closed back and Sennheiser RS180 open back headphones are Kleer Digital Wireless Systems designed for home listening. These cable-free headsets provide an audiophile quality music or home cinema experience without cluttering your living room floor. These wireless systems are comprised of a single pair of wire free headphones and a multi-purpose transmitter which also functions as an ‘easy-charge’ storage cradle.
Sennheiser’s RS170 and RS180 utilise Kleer’s uncompressed digital wireless audio transmission, the transmitters have an effective range of 80m and can serve up to four pairs of headphones. The leatherette ear pads and headband cushions provide for outstanding comfort even during long listening sessions.
The Sennheiser RS170 closed back headphone offers a weighty, full-bodied and detailed sound, sporting a couple of switchable listening modes – Dynamic Bass and Surround Sound. It will let you enjoy pure thundering bass, a virtual surround sound, or both audio treatments for your music or movies. The leatherette earpads and headband cushions provide great isolation; the circumaural design also prevents sound leakage.
Sennheiser RS180 Sennheiser’s RS180 open back headphone is comparable to some similarly priced wired headphones, making the RS 180 the choice for audiophiles seeking to cut the cord. The sound is big and spacious, fully reproducing a movie’s room filling surround effects. The RS 180 has Automatic Level Control (ALC), which maintains a consistent volume level for movies and TV shows. ALC is very useful when the quieter scenes of a movie are difficult to hear.
Both RS170 and RS180 come equipped with volume controls and include a 3.5mm-male-to-3.5mm-male analogue cable, a female-3.5mm-to-stereo-male RCA connector cable, and a 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter plug.
When it comes to wireless headphones, one of the best solutions for those with difficulties understanding speech on TV is the Sennheiser SET 840, a headphone set that can reveal extra detail of what is said.
With selectable options to for optimised speech intelligibility the SET 840 is a headphone that makes technology work for you.
The stethoscope-style fit makes it perfect for use while watching with others; the headset can be easily removed from the ears and a volume wheel on the unit ensures full control.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
If you are finding the television needs to be turned up loud but you still cannot clearly understand the dialogue, the SET 840 will definitely help. You will more clearly hear the elements of the voice that make words distinct.
From Sennheiser’s latest generation of digital wireless headphones comes the RS175. The closed back design ensures external noise from the room is kept out and also that only a little sound leaks from the headphones.
With a theoretical range of 100m (compared with just 30m from the RS165) the RS175 is practical for walking between rooms (depending on the density of wall materials) while enjoying your audio.
Sound quality is very good for a wireless headphone and will put many of the cheaper wireless offerings from Sony and Philips to shame.
Connectivity is good as the RS175 includes both analogue and digital optical input. The digital input is particularly useful for the latest generation of TVs, which often no longer include analogue outs.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
A well thought out wireless headphone with digital signal inputs and high quality audio.
The RS220 is part of a big refresh of Sennheiser higher-end models. Not only is this the top Sennheiser wireless headphone but almost certainly the best and most fully featured wireless headphone anyone has made to date. Rather than the Kleer technology used in previous Sennheiser digital wireless systems, the RS 220 uses DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum). The difference is that DSSS transmits using an uncompressed audio signal over 2.4 GHz. Features include an onboard DAC with both optical and coax input and output as well as analogue (RCA) input and output. All functions including source, volume, left and right balance and On/Off can be controlled from the headphone. The design looks great and should be acceptable in even the grandest of living rooms
The Sennheiser RS220 is supplied with the wireless headphone unit, transmitter/ DAC/ charging unit, 6ft RCA cable, RCA to 3.5mm adaptor, coaxial cable, CD and physical instruction manual. The wireless range is good for wandering around the house, perfect for avoiding cabling on the living room or bedroom floor.
Sound quality is really impressive, plenty of well behaved bottom end that never becomes overbearing. From the mids up it is very clear, the EQ seems sensibly placed to work for a whole host of music and watching HD films. Very clean sound which avoids any harshness feels quick and defined. Definitely the most detailed wireless headphones we have heard; the sound stage is wide which helps live recordings feel natural and realistic.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
This is the best and most fully featured wireless headphone on the market at present. Digital and analogue inputs and outputs make this unit very easy to integrate into an existing set up. Not only are the Sennheiser RS220 very serious sonically but they are also well made and extremely well thought out, the controls on the cups work well and the whole unit has a luxurious feel.
Audiophile quality full-size wireless headphones needn’t stay indoors; the WP10 can go wherever you wish with a pocket-sized transmitter (connected via USB to your computer), which is just as home in your hotel room as on your coffee table.
A generously padded headphone provides superb isolation and comfort while the combined transmitter and DAC can do justice to any audio, sourced either from a 3.5mm jack cable or a computer USB socket. The WP10 uses a 2.4GHz CD quality transfer standard so no detail need be lost.
Suitable for watching TV, radio listening, Youtube and a multitude of other uses, you needn’t be tethered again!
Hifiheadphones verdict:
SoundMAGIC once again offers good value with exceptional quality with this wireless model – the fun, engaging sound for which this maker is known is now literally unleashed!
For all their diminutive size these really pack a punch! These days wirelessness and compactness needn’t mean a compromise in the sound, the PX210 BT can testify to that.
They have impactful bass with good midrange presence and sparkly highs which don’t overbear. Great for travel and staying home alike.
Can be used with the included cable should battery life need to be preserved.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
Attitudes towards the sound quality possible from wireless Bluetooth headphones have changed, thanks to models such as this. If you liked the Sennheiser HD-25 and its variations, this is the next logical step.
The Bluebuds X is great for more active pursuits, where wires may otherwise get caught or might just be distracting.
The sound signature is warm and engaging with a slight roll-off on the treble end so that listener fatigue will not set in as you exercise, even if physical fatigue does!
Isolation can be improved still further by using TX-500 Comply tips; these feature a ‘waxguard’ to help increase protection from dirt, wax and sweat.
If you do not have this technology already built into your phone, or if you would like to use these headphones with non-bluetooth enabled devices such as your TV, the Jaybird uSport Universal Bluetooth adapter is available.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
There’s no snags when it comes to sporting these earphones; the earfin design ensures they stay in securely, allowing the wearer full concentration.
The Parrot Zik , designed by Philippe Starck, is a wireless headphone with gesture control, noise cancelling technology and its very own app. Surely designed to be a gadget fan’s dream audio accessory, it has a host of host of features including a sensor that pauses the music when you take the headphones off.
The aesthetics are really impressive, the ear cups are covered with smooth matte rubber, the metal frame is in matte steel finish. Pairing the headphones up using Bluetooth is simple and gives a decent range but the Ziks also feature Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick pairing – a first for headphones – although your music player will need this technology too.The Ziks have their own custom-made Parrot Audio Suite app which is available on iTunes. You can use it to monitor battery life, control noise-cancelling and add a “Concert Hall” effect, which can give the impression of listening in a variety of settings. There’s also EQ so you can fiddle until the sound is just right.
Sound quality is impressive for a Bluetooth wireless set. As mentioned you have a lot of control, so it is hard to describe a distinct sound signature. They are warm with a quite quickly rolled off top end, they have a comfortable and fun sound and in wireless mode have really nice stereo characteristics. They do not retain their character when used with the included cable however, in this passive mode without their technology they are unimpressive.
The Parrot Zik will also enable you to make and receive calls when paired to your phone. They use several microphones along with a bone conduction system to enable your voice to cut through surrounding noise
World Cup 2014 is on its way and now that FIFA have banned branded headphones, we have come up with a list of headphones to help you keep up with all of the matches. Whether you listen to the radio on the go, stream the games on your iPad or just want to watch the football at home without disturbing anyone.
Here is our pick of headphones that will help you enjoy the World Cup and sound great!
Portable Streaming
Ideal for listening on the go with portable devices. These headphones are small, lightweight, they have good isolation and will reduce the amount of sound leaking out.. You can follow the World Cup in style.
If you like using in-ears but want something wireless these are perfect! They use Bluetooth so will be able to connect to most mobile phones and modern portable devices.
If you’re after a bit more luxury then the Momentum On-Ear is for you. They are the portable sized version of the popular full sized Momentum. They have a lush sound with great clarity and soundstage. They are also extremely comfortable and they look great too!
The AF78 uses hybrid technology, so you get a dynamic driver (for rich bass) and a balanced armature driver (for clarity and detail). This combination gives you great punchy sound with clear detail. The M version comes with a universal in-line microphone and one button control.
To fully immerse yourself you can go for the ultimate portable headphone. The MM450-X not only sounds great, they have noise cancelling – this will help block out background noise so you can listen in peace.
Home Streaming
Full size, comfortable and easily driven. Perfect for private listening at home with any source device.
One of the best sub £200 closed back headphones we do. Very good sound isolation and adjustable bass ports lets you customise the sound for your taste. Very comfortable and has a replaceable cable.
This closed back headphone gives you the best of both – a balanced armature driver for crisp top end detail and a dynamic driver for rich, punchy lows. Once burned in these headphones sound amazing – you’ll want to wear them all day long!
The T70p has great clarity and top end detail with tight bass and an overall neutral sound. The P version is designed for portable devices, if you use a headphone amplifier then I would recommend the T70 (non P version).
Watching TV
If you’re going to be watching the games live on TV then you will be doing some late night viewing. These headphones will be able to connect to your TV and get you fully immersed in the World Cup without disturbing anyone else in the house.
The ultimate in TV quiet listening. Both the RS160 and RS170 are closed back and will isolate sound extremely well. The RS160 comes with a portable transmitter which can be powered by batteries whereas the RS170 has a more powerful transmitter that also acts a holder and charging station for the headphones.
Most portable devices can transmit a Bluetooth signal, especially the most recent ones. Whether you use a smart phone or DAP (Digital Audio Player), Bluetooth will allow you listen to your music and answer calls wirelessly. Thanks to this technology you won’t be sacrificing audio quality for convenience, being a digital signal you will get an extremely clear connection and with the standard of Bluetooth headphones out there (especially those that are apt-X compatible) the result can be as good as wired headphones. Here are my picks for the best Bluetooth wireless headphones available in our store.
Sennheisers flagship Bluetooth headphone does it all, they are full size so they are very comfortable and they isolate sound very well, they have built in active noise cancelling, they have a microphone so you can answer your calls – and they do all of this wirelessly! The sound is as you’d expect from a Sennheiser headphone – warm and smooth with great detail and an overall enjoyable sound. They also have apt-X compatibility so the audio quality will be even clearer when paired with an apt-X compatible device.
These headphones are Denons answer to the high end Bluetooth headphone. They have noise cancelling, device controls on the ear cups, apt-X compatibility and they are very comfortable. They are perfect for travelling as they are smaller than a your average full size headphone and they can fold flat, this works very well with the carry case supplied. The Denon sound has great bass and sparkly highs with a smooth midrange – Very fun to listen to.
For those of you who like your gadgets, the Parrot Zik is the ultimate Bluetooth headphone. As well as having noise cancelling and a very refined sound, they can control your device with the use of their touch sensitive ear cups. The headphones are also sensitive to movement and when you remove them from your head the music will pause automatically! They also come with a free smartphone application suite – here you can adjust the EQ, check battery life and make the most of their Concert Hall Effects. FUN FUN FUN!
The PX210 BT is perfect for those of you that don’t need noise cancelling or apt-X, but still want a great sounding Bluetooth headphone. They are great value for money as you still get the typical Sennheiser sound without all of the extra features.
In-ear headphones are becoming more and more popular, so it makes sense to have an in-ear Bluetooth headphone. Jay Bird have done this very well with a great sounding earphone that has a fairly balanced yet warm sound. They are also very comfortable and come with a number of different ear tips. Another great feature is that they are very secure in the ear, so they are popular amongst the more active user too.
Volume have come up with an extremely versatile portable headphone that is not only wireless, but has a built in microphone so you can also take calls. These headphones will connect to your device using the built in Bluetooth technology and hey presto! You have a great sounding wireless headphone that can control your smart device, take calls and is very comfortable… All for under £60!
Cabling is a reliable, efficient and inexpensive way to get audio from one place to another. Since we live in an age of wireless technology many people would like to break free from electronic chains as they go about their daily business. Our best wireless portable headphones selection provides plenty of options to choose from, let’s have a look at five of the best wireless sets for commuting, travelling and general use.
This is the Sennheiser portable that does it all and at £300 most people would be expecting that. Build quality is excellent, they are more a model of German Efficiency than a statement of urban sophistication. The Sennheiser MM550X are circumaural with soft pleather earpads for long listening sessions in comfort. Despite the generous cups the unit is small sized, easily transportable. The right earcup is laden with controls, not surprising given the list of available functionality – CD quality apt-X, NoiseGard sound cancelling technology, TalkThrough (a button turns on the external microphone so you can talk without removing the headset), Invisible microphone, cable option when power runs out, neodymium drivers, SRS WOW HD technology, integrated track and volume controls. Extremely flexible headphones with impressive technology, of course as with all wireless headphones, not all of the money goes into sound quality. The MM550Xs pair with a phone easily, charge over USB, and they fold into a portable carry case.
Denon’s AH-NCW500 Globe Cruiser on-ear headphones feature a 40mm driver, an integrated amplifier and AAC and aptX decoding for CD quality audio over a wireless connection. Much smaller than a full size set of cans, you shouldn’t feel self conscious as the aesthetics are more gentlemans club than superstar DJ. The design’s control wheel also allows you to effortlessly control Apple iPhone, iPad or other Bluetooth devices. The AH-NCW500 has advanced noise cancellation circuitry via Bluetooth 3.0 wireless or a wired connection, actively eliminating unwanted ambient noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music, wherever you travel. They are available in silver and black and come with a hard-shell carry case with a soft fabric finish. Since the headphones themselves do fold flat, the case remains reasonably thin.
Beautifully designed and filled with technology, with plenty of opportunity to adjust the sound to taste. The Parrot Zik, designed by Philippe Starck, is a wireless headphone with gesture control, noise canceling technology and their very own app. Designed to be a gadget fan’s dream audio accessory, they have a host of featuresincluding a sensor that pauses the music when you take them off. Pairing the headphones up using Bluetooth is simple and gives a decent range but the Ziks also feature Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick pairing – a first for headphones – although your music player will need this technology too. With your Parrot Zik headphones you get a Micro USB cable and a Protective pouch. The Parrot Zik will also enable you to make and receive calls when paired to your phone, they use several microphones along with a bone conduction to enable your voice to cut through surrounding noise.
The SoundMAGIC WP10 is a full size digital wireless headphone, supplied with a very small transmitter for use on the move or to transport the unit easily. There are a large selection of supplied accessories including a mains charger, the tiny transmitter unit, a USB cable, a mini jack 3.5mm to RCA cable, a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a long 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable. You can keep all this in the excellent rigid carry case also included. This is a very clever set of headphones, the transmitter also contains a USB DAC for superior sound from your PC or Mac, connection cables for pocket sized media players and RCA for home Hifi connection. Should you run out of battery power while out and about it is possible to use the included cable to carry on listening. The headphone itself has the same incredibly comfortable pads as the excellent HP100 and HP200 wired Full size headphones, is reasonably lightweight and has a well thought out set of controls on the left ear cup. Sound quality is well above any RF headphone and superior to that of Bluetooth headphones as the WP10 uses a 2.4G 16 bit CD quality connection. The sound signature is generally bright and clean with deep but restrained bottom end.
Bluetooth headphones for under £100 often seem a bit bargain basement, the Volumes tick all the boxes for functionality, do not compromise on quality and still come in at a cheap price. A small yet comfortable on-ear, lightweight and durable. The big surprise is that they sound great with impressive stereo imaging for an on-ear. This high-spec, low price philosophy underpins the Volume collection of Bluetooth headphones with mic and on board controls. The headphones themselves are very light and do not clamp making them pretty comfortable for on-ears, the soft leatherette ear cushions are shaped well. Features include a high quality omni-directional mic, Class 1 Bluetooth – giving up to 100m range and the ability to fold flat for storage. Listen to music, answer and end calls without having to touch your phone and they should easily fit into an already cramped bag too. Because of their longer than average range they would also work well for listening around the house or getting out in the garden. Low weight and comfy fit means they also work very well in the Gym. A typically warm feel, punchy smile curve EQ with much more detail than you would expect. The bass will handle everything from chart pop to huge electro bass lines, Classical and Acoustic don’t sound bad either as there is some sparkle here too. The sound is fun and involving but not too aggressive for everyday use or long journeys.
Verdict – Portable headphones with built-in noise cancellation, bluetooth connectivity and mic/remote features.
Pro’s – The MM 550-X sound good enough that you’ll feel like it’s money well spent, especially when using it wirelessly. Its active noise cancellation, while not class leading, is still fairly effective; if you want the best and don’t need a wireless pair, the PSB M4U2 is a great alternative.
Con’s – There is huge choice in the world of portable headphones, if you do not require all of the features on offer here you can save yourself money without experiencing a big drop in sound quality.
In-Depth Review
Introduction – This is Sennheiser’s portable that does it all, and at £300 most people would be expecting that. Although they are not the most beautiful cans we have ever seen the build quality is excellent, they are more a model of German Efficiency than a statement of urban sophistication. The Sennheiser MM550X are circumaural with soft pleather earpads for long listening sessions in comfort. Despite the generous cups they are a small size, easily transportable. The right earcup is laden with controls, not surprising given the list of available functionality. Extremely flexible headphones, impressive technology, of course as with all wireless headphones, not all of the money goes into sound quality. The MM550Xs pair with a phone easily, charge over USB, and they fold easily into a portable carry case.
Included peripherals –As well as a lovely pair of foldable travel headphones, you get – USB mains charger, USB charging cable, in-flight adapters, an audio cable, a neat carry case and the user manual.
Application – Headphones don’t come much more feature-packed than the Sennheiser MM550X. CD quality apt-X, NoiseGard sound cancelling technology, TalkThrough (a button turns on the external microphone so you can talk without removing the headset), Invisible microphone, cable option when power runs out, neodymium drivers, SRS WOW HD technology, integrated track and volume controls. To save on weight, most of the unit is plastic, Steel runs through the headband to give flexibility and strength.
Description – Sennheiser say the battery should provide 8 hours of listening with Bluetooth and NoiseGuard enabled, 10 hours Bluetooth without NoiseGuard and 20 hours using the cable with NoiseGuard activated. If you are looking for all the features on offer here then the MM550X are a good bet, however if you want the best sound quality then a well isolated closed back cabled headphone may be a better fit. If the NoiseGuard is the most appealing feature there are similar quality alternatives which have excellent noise canceling abilities for less.
Describe the sound – The sound quality is pretty impressive in standard mode although maybe a tiny bit Mid shy. On most occasions Bluetooth headphones still don’t match up to their cabled cousins but here the sound is nearly identical in cabled or Bluetooth mode, feeling much better than most traveling wireless headphones. Sennheiser’s NoiseGard canceling technology is a different matter though, audibly degrading the great sound from standard mode. The SRS WOW HD button is in our opinion a pointless addition. It seems to add an aggressive smile curve EQ simultaneously making the top end a little scratchy and the bass muddy and over emphasized.
Verdict – Perfect portable choice for those looking for innovative features and a lovely design.
Pro’s – Beautifully designed and filled with technology, plenty of opportunity to adjust sound to taste.
Con’s – The high sound quality is not retained when using the cable in passive mode.
Introduction – The Parrot Zik, designed by Philippe Starck, is a wireless headphone with gesture control, noise cancelling technology and their very own app. Surely designed to be a gadget fan’s dream audio accessory, they have a host of features including a sensor that pauses the music when you take them off.
Description – The aesthetics are really impressive, the ear cups are covered with smooth matte rubber, the metal frame is in matte steel finish. Pairing the headphones up using Bluetooth is simple and gives a decent range but the Ziks also feature Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick pairing – a first for headphones – although your music player will need this technology too. The Ziks have their own custom-made Parrot Audio Suite app which is available on iTunes. You can use it to monitor battery life, control noise-cancelling, add a “Concert Hall” effect, which can give the impression of listening in a variety of settings. There’s also EQ so you can fiddle until the sound is just right.
Included peripherals – With your Parrot Zik headphones you will get a Micro USB cable, Line in cable (3.5mm), a Li-ion battery (800mAh), a Protective pouch and a helpful Quick-start guide.
Application – The Parrot Zik will also enable you to make and receive calls when paired to your phone. They use several microphones along with a bone conduction to enable your voice to cut through surrounding noise.
Describe the sound – Sound quality is impressive for a Bluetooth wireless set, as mentioned you have a lot of control so it is hard to describe a distinct sound signature. They are warm with a quite quickly rolled off top end, they have a comfortable and fun sound and in wireless mode have really nice stereo characteristics, they do not retain their character when used with the included cable however, in this passive mode without their technology they are unimpressive.
Verdict – A very impressive sound at an affordable price, great option for those looking for a cord free set below £100. No wires. No worries.
Pro’s – Small yet comfortable on-ear, lightweight and durable. The big surprise is that they sound great, impressive stereo imaging for an on ear. Bluetooth headphones for under £100 often seem a bit bargain basement, the Volumes tick all the boxes for functionality, do not compromise on quality and still come in at a cheap price!
Con’s – None if you have under £100 to spend! AptX CD quality sound would be a great addition but at this price that just seems greedy.
Introduction – Volume is a new audio company proudly making headphones in Taiwan, the brainchild of the son of a British family owned components manufacturing company. After finishing his education in London and becoming disillusioned working in the city he decided to return to Taiwan to make high quality portable audio products at a sensible price. This high-spec, low price philosophy underpins the current collection of Bluetooth headphones with mic and on board controls.
Description –Available in a range of attractive colour ways the Volume DH-B38 has controls for volume, changing track, pause and play. Special features include a high quality omni-directional mic, Class 1 Bluetooth – giving up to 100m range and the ability to fold flat for storage. The headphones themselves are very light and do not clamp making them pretty comfortable for on-ears, the soft leatherette ear cushions are shaped well. Build quality is impressive, no corners have been visibly cut.
Included peripherals – Volume DH-B38 are supplied with a soft carry bag.
Application – If you are looking for some portable headphones for commuting or being mobile in general these have all the features you could need. Listen to music, answer and end calls without having to touch your phone and they should easily fit into an already cramped bag too. Because of their longer than average range they would also work well for listening around the house or getting out in the garden. Low weight and comfy fit means they also work very well in the Gym.
Describe the sound – A typically warm feel for consumer headphones, punchy smile curve EQ with much more detail than you would expect. The bass will handle everything from chart pop to huge electro basslines. Classical and Acoustic don’t sound bad either as they have a bit of sparkle to them, the fact they do sound good does mean you can hear small Bluetooth sonic problems which less capable headphones might mask. The sound is fun and involving but not too aggressive for everyday use or long journeys.
