In the CR Test Labs: New headphones
Things are once again cranking up in our audio testing labs, where CR’s engineering team is already testing a new series of headphones, and KEMAR—CR’s test mannequin—has been called back from summer vacation.
We’re currently reviewing nine new headphone models, ranging from portable insert-style earphones to over-the-ear headsets designed to be used at home, with designs that run the gamut from staid to stylish. When completed, the results will be published in our Headphones Ratings (available to subscribers).
Here’s a list of the models currently being tested:
- Auvio, portable insert-style earphones. Auvio is RadioShack’s new brand for cables and headphones. Comes with three pairs of foam ear cushions and a black leather case.
- Skullcandy TI, home/studio-style over-the-ear headphones with headband. Comes in several color schemes (a few of them quite striking).
- Koss MV1, home/studio style over-the-ear headphones with headband. Ear cups fold flat for storage.
[Photo courtesy of Harman Audio]
- Bose Around-Ear Headphones, home/studio-style over-the-ear headphones with headband. These use the company’s TriPort ear cup structure.
- Sony MDR-V600, home/studio-style over-the-ear headphones with headband. Has a folding design and a carrying case.
- Sennheiser HD 202, home/studio-style on-ear headphones with headband. Has replaceable leatherette ear pads.
- Sennheiser CX 300-II, portable insert-style earphones with ear-adapter set and carrying case.
- Sennheiser CX 400-II, portable insert-style earphones with ear-adapter set and carrying case. Has claimed wider frequency response than less expensive sibling, plus an inline volume control.
- JBL Roxy Reference 430 portable on-ear models with headband. JBL teamed with women’s surf company Roxy for a line of boldly colored headphones and earbuds. Comes with stylish carrying case.
We’ll post a blog letting you know when the new headphone Ratings are posted. If you’d like to find out more about our headphone testing and KEMAR, watch the headphones buying-guide video on Consumer Reports Online. —James K. Willcox
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