Play 2006: Summer Gadget Reviews
It’s an iPod world, and we are only living in it. In order to navigate through the plethora of iPod add-on choices, we’ve taken the daunting task of “test driving” some of them. We hope to arouse your curiosity, perhaps your anger, but at least your eyes and scroll buttons. Let us know what you think. Perhaps you’ve had one of these MX 55V Street headphones ripped outta yer ears…?! Comment.
(01) The iMic II USB Audio Adapter ($39) with optional Turntable Grounding Cable ($12) allows easy recording/digitizing of vinyl to mp3; which vinyl collections have been begging for. That grounding cable has been the elusive missing link for a lot of audiophiles wanting to go digital. The wait is over…
(02) The iFM Radio and Remote ($39) turns your iPod into a radio, and this thing acts as a small remote control and memo recorder that’ll reach 2’ away with its cord. I recorded some music off the radio with this, but the quality’s a bit lacking and unless you know when to start recording, your intro will be abrupt.
(03) The new iTrip LCD FM Transmitter ($39) is a vast improvement over the last generation, with its control knob and LCD frequency display. There’s no CD required to rip all the radio frequencies onto your iPod this time. All the necessary information is embedded into the device, which also works overseas. This one has already been upgraded for a ($49) model with a wheel on the side and that mounts on the bottom connection of the iPod instead of the top, allowing for easier access to the lock button.
(04) The EarJams come in 3 sizes and clip on to the iPod EarBuds, allowing for a better fit and a little deeper bass. I’ve found that one of my ears (the right one) has a slightly larger canal than the other, so I use a medium for the right and a small for the left. It’s a custom, secure fit. The little zippered pouch that they come in is a handy carry for the EarBuds.
(05) The EarThumps ($19) adjust to fit 3 sizes of ear and offer a snugger fit. I prefer these over the jams, because they’re smaller and easier to insert and/or stow away, yet deliver a nice bass sound. They come with a nice zipped pouch, too.
(06) The MX 55V Street ($39) headphones package is one of those that should be opened with more care than usual, as several pieces, optional parts are in abundance. This ain't no "rip it out of the package and plug 'n' play" gadget. The grand news about this device is that it finally shows some finally show some advancement in ear fitting, with extra snug and stability due to its secondary stabilizing (soft rubber) pad that fits into the upper, outer ear. The only thing (sadly) lacking was detailed descriptions and instructions about all this (including the mysterious folding/Velcro pouch they keep in. The double dimple design allows it to fit snugly in the ear, after a slight twist to direct the sound sideways of the ear canal, and it's not likely to fall out -- a design advantage of even the soft, form-fitting models. I noticed that a smaller fitting on the right earpiece fit better than the one installed. It’ll stay in for a good bike ride, but expect a rude awakening if/when they get snagged and ripped out of your ears!
(07) The OMX 52 Street ($39) ‘phones are the light cup clipped over the ear style, and are supremely comfortable and will stay on during a vigorous workout, but won’t block out the noise of a lawnmower, for example – which also makes it ideal for situations where you still want to hear your surroundings.
Reviews by Doug Van Pelt
For more production information, visit griffintechnology.com and sennheiserusa.com
© 2006 HM Magazine. All rights reserved.
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Comments
I think that as far as headphones go there is a company that makes what they call headbanger sub headphones. They make them for psp and iPod, they have the best sound and aggressive bass sound. I thought I would let you know...if you have not tried them you should I love mine.
