Spider PowerForce Headphones

I’ve always been impressed with Spider’s products in the past, so I was especially excited to get my hands on their latest over-ear model, the PowerForce over-ear Headphones..

There are many pieces to the design of these headphones. Between the glossy plastic, reflective signature Spider logo on each ear cup, and leather stitching, the PowerForce’s are not your grandma’s pair of headphones.

The first noticeable aspect of the design is the ear cups, which swivel in every possible way. The mechanism used for the ear cups reminds me of that carnival game where you sit in a chair and are spun in every possible direction. Like the game, the swivel takes some time to get used to. After you figure out how to use it, it works pretty well, but it is still a little fidgety.

The plastic construction is durable but creaks a little when moved.
Comfort-wise, they are about middle of the road. The ear cups are on the small side, but there’s just enough padding to make up for it. They aren’t exactly over-ear or on-ear, more of a combination of both.  My biggest gripe is that the headphones flare out too much. Like other similar CelebHeadphones, the Powerforce’s ear cups are too large, making them look ridiculous when worn by someone with a smaller head. However, having large ear cups does have its benefits…

By far, the best part of the PowerForce’s is the sound quality. Props to Spider for creating great sounding headphones at under $150. While they are bass heavy, I’m guessing those who are looking to buy big, glossy, Spider headphones, aren’t too worried about a little extra bass in their music. They even sound better than most headphones twice its price.

Bottom-line is if you’re under the age of 25, don’t mind the outrageous design, and are looking for great sound quality, the Spider Cable PowerForce Headphones are for you.

Price: $110
Available Now

Pros

• Sound Quality
• Affordable
• Travel Friendly

Cons

• Swivel Mechanism
• Design is Not For Everyone
• Ear Cups Flare Out

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

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I-Mego Throne Gold Headphones

I-Mego is a new headphone company known for having unique-looking products. Today, I will be reviewing their Gold Throne Headphones.

First off, these headphones are definitely not for shy folk as their bold design will surely attract a couple second glances. The Throne’s blend a classic throwback 50’s retro look with a modern feel. The ear cups resemble those iconic old-school mic’s that we all remember. Even though the headphones are made nearly entirely of plastic, they look more like metal. On the upper portion of the headphones, the I-Mego logo is stamped in the leather.

The Thrones have the perfect amount of pressure when worn. Besides causing a little ear sweat after prolonged use, they are extremely comfortable and measure up well against similarly priced headphones. The Throne’s come with a built in in-line mic which I found worked well. Unfortunately, the headphone cord is not detachable, which means you’re going to want to make sure to not yank on it.  Also, the Throne’s don’t fold up, which means they aren’t great for travel.

The sound quality of the I-Mego Throne’s is about what you would expect from a $100 dollar headphone. If you’re looking for the best sounding -$100 headphone, these aren’t for you. However, if you’re willing to compromise on sound quality for bold unique styling, then the I-Mego Throne’s aren’t a bad option.

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones which will attract a lot of attention, the I-Mego Throne’s are about as good as it’s going to get.

Price: $130
Available Now

Pros

• Retro Design
• Comfortable
• Square Ear cups

Cons

• Cord Not Detachable
• Cloth Carrying Case
• Average Sound Quality

Overall Rating: 7/10

 

Wale signed to Skullcandy Supreme Sound Team

In the last year we've seen Skullcandy start to alter the company image by signing a number of NBA players and supermodels. Today, they have announced the signing of Wale, one of hip-hop's biggest starts. I like the choice because Skullcandy needed to add a big artist to it's endorsement lineup, and Wale's fun and quirky style fits the company well. For more information about Wale and Skullcandy, Click Here.

 

SkullCandy ARTSPROJEKT Collection

ARTSPROJEKT is a platform that showcases emerging and established artists by allowing them to collaborate and connect with fans and each other. The founder, Andy Howell, is an artist who uses influences of skate, surf and music as influences.

SkullCandy has launched the ARTSPROJEKT collection which will offer new editions of different art-inspired Skullcandy Headphones. As of now, the collection has special edition Hesh 2 and Mix Master Mike Headphones. For more information of the project, Click Here.

Skullcandy ARTSPROJEKT Collection
Available Now

Suggestions for Holiday Season "Extras"

The holiday season is almost here, and headphones are expected to be a top seller. With more options than ever, headphone companies are going to have to start offering various deals to make their products stand out. Since most headphones can be found at discounted prices on secondary sites like Amazon or Buy.com, headphone companies need to start offering some sort of "extra bonus" for purchasing their products on their official websites. Instead of offering a discount on prices which would limit profit, companies could offer an "extra" gift which is more beneficial and could be the difference between a great 4th quarter and an average one. Below are a few suggestions for some of the newer CelebHeadphone companies.

Sol Republic: While I appreciate the interchangeability of Sol Republic Tracks Headphones, let’s face it, hardly anyone actually uses this feature.  To jumpstart interest in this feature, Sol Republic should provide a free extra headband with new purchases.  Not many people are willing to spend $30 on a headband, but, once they have two, interest in customization could grow.  

House of Marley: Before any of their products were released to the public, the company said that each headphone would come with a "1love" bracelet. Well two years later there's still no included bracelet, but, luckily for them, it’s the perfect time of year to include one with every purchase for the holidays.

SMS Audio:  Everyone knows that 50 Cent has proven himself as the king of gorilla marketing, but his audio company, SMS Audio, hasn't excelled in this category.  One way to boost brand recognition is with extra merchandise. Although they currently offer some SMS Audio branded products on their site, all of it is extremely overpriced. Anyone who buys one of their t-shirts for $35, or a 50 Cent iPhone case for $40 is Ludacris (pun intended). If I were SMS Audio, I would offer free SMS t-shirt or hat with each headphone purchased. Not only would it be a cheap form of advertising, consumers would feel more inclined to spend the $300+ on one of their headphones if they knew they were getting a gift as well.

Soul by Ludacris: The California-based headphone company, V-Moda, has recently announced they would be offering a free pair of their Faders VIP earbuds with any purchase. While Soul doesn't have to go to this extent, they could offer a serious discount on their earbuds with each purchase of their over-ear headphones. Depending on the amount spent, each customer could receive a percentage off one of their earbuds.

What do you think of these suggestions?

JBL's New Headphone Lineup

While JBL had always been known for their superior audio products, they had never really entered the headphone market. Back in May, JBL announced it's entrance entrance into the crowded headphone market by creating a Tim McGraw Headphone line. Not surprisingly, this line hasn't flown off the shelves due to lack and marketing and general buzz. You know it's bad when I couldn't even find a picture of Tim McGraw wearing his own headphones! Hopefully, JBL has ditched the celeb endorsement shtick for more quality products.

Last week, they unveiled their new J Series line of headphones, which consist of a new over-ear J88i and in-ear J33i Headphone. The entire line consists of 8 separate models, but 6 of them are just variants of the main 2 designs.

The J88i uses a DJ pivot system which lets you rotate the leather ear cups 180 degrees. They are available in 2 color schemes - black/silver & while/silver/copper. The J33i's have a new technology that JBL calls an angled strain relief buckle. It is basically a brace that is built to avoid wire-wearing stress on the cord.

In-Ear J33i
Available: December
Price: $80

Over-Ear J88i
Available: December
Price: $150

Melanie Iglesias x Tiesto AKG Video

I don't usually do posts with only YouTube videos, but this is an exception. Check out the video below of Melanie Iglesias' new flipbook which incorporates Tiesto's new line of Headphones by AKG. Its got all the characteristics of a viral video, so don't be surprised if this video blows up. Bravo AKG, bravo!

DuneTunes Headphones by HandCandy

While other headphone companies say they blend fashion and technology, they aren't doing anything close to what HandCandy has done. HandCandy is a headphone company that has created a necklace headphone. Yes, you read correctly, a necklace headphone! They have two lines of products, DuneTones for guys and LadyBuds for chicks. The four styles in the DuneTones line have a casual surf look to them, while the six LadyBuds styles range from yoga comfort to cocktail dress cool. 

How do the DuneTones work?  At first, it definitely takes some getting used to because it's hard to tell what goes where and in what direction each piece is supposed to be. The DuneTones are made up of two equally long beaded cords that have earbuds at one end, are attached at the other and connect to a detachable cable for the MP3 player. Half way down the each cord, there is a magnetic clasp that holds the necklace together. Once the necklace is on, the earbuds can either rest on your back or chest. Whenever you want to use the headphones, you just pop each earbud in and your all set. My biggest problem with the design is that, when the earbuds are in use, it looks strange because the cord hangs because of the slack. 

The overall construction of the DuneTones is good, but the sound quality is very average. Because the headphones are on the heavy side, these wouldn't be good for running or the gym. Since these are more of a fashion accessory than anything else, don't expect these to replace your current earbuds.

Much like with most fashion accessories, the HandyCandy DuneTones' design isn't functional on a day-to-day level, which make it hard to endorse.

Price: $40
Available Now

Pros

• Quality Construction
• A Number of Designs
• Unique Look

Cons

• Heavy
• Sound Quality
• Design Not For Everyone

Overall Rating: 6/10

 

MotorHeadphones Trigger Earbuds

In the past, we've seen rappers, country music stars, even reality tv stars with their own headphones. Now, we can finally add a rock band to the list. MotorHead is an English rock band that was wildly popular in the UK during the 1980's. The band has released its own headphones with their slogan being, "For rockers, by rockers," and today, I will be reviewing their Trigger In-Ear Headphones.

The earbuds are made of Swedish metal, and have a design very similar to the Munitio 9mm SITi Earbuds. The shape of the earbuds resembles a bullet, and on the outer portion, the MotorHeadphones logo is imprinted. The only recognizable between these and the Munitio's is the medal piece, which hold the headphone wires togeather and can be adjusted to make the cord sit tighter or looser to the earbuds. The Trigger Earbuds also do come in 3 color options: Silver, Brass and Black.

In terms of sound quality, the MotorHeadphones are, surprisingly, pretty good. While these earbuds aren't fully noise canceling, when in use, you basically cannot hear anything but whatever your listening to. The earbuds themselves are loud, really loud, meaning there's really no reason your ever going to need to have your MP3 player volume setting on anything louder than medium. The problem with the volume is that, over time, it could damage your hearing, but hey, rockers don't care about hearing problems, right? That being said, the sound quality is pretty darn good for the price.

Overall, the MotorHeadphones Trigger Earbuds are a decent option for any classic rock fans in the market for a new pair of earbuds.

Price: $50
Available Now

Pros

• Affordable
• Comfortable
• Color Options
  

Cons

• Extremely Loud
• Heavy
• Cord Tangles Easily

Overall Rating: 7/10

illest Boutique x Beats by Dre Studio Headphones

illest is an urban clothing brand which incorporates influences from hip-hop, rap, and the worldwide car culture. The illest brand has collaborated with Beats by Dre to develop a special limited edition headphone just for them.  These limited edition headphones come in a black, grey, and safari colorway and have grey and gold accents.

The illest x Beats by Dre Studio Headphones will be released on November 17th, but make sure you get 'em early as they are limited to just 200 pieces. They will be exclusively sold at illest flagship stores (Los Angeles, San Francisco), the Beats flagship store in NYC, and at IllestBrand.com. For a full review of the Beats by Dre Studio Headphones, click here.

Price: $350
Available: November 17 (Pre-Order Available)

Monster & Spike TV Collaborate on Camouflage DNA Headphones

Back in September, Viacom and Monster Cable announced a global alliance over Monster's latest product, the DNA Headphones. Today, Monster and Spike TV have unveiled a special edition of their DNA Headphones for Veteran's Day. The camouflage headphones will be exclusively sold at Best Buy beginning November 12. A portion of the proceeds will go to the "Hire A Vet" campaign which includes The Wounded Warrior Project, IAVA, and Got Your 6.

Price: $230
Available: November 12

Kicker Audio Cush Over-Ear Headphones

Today, I will be reviewing the Cush Headphones by Kicker Audio. These are the second Kicker Headphones I will have reviewed, the first being the TJ Lavin HP541 Headphones. Now, let’s get into the review.

When you put the headphones on you will notice right away just how comfortable these headphones are. Kicker made the perfect choice in calling them Cush, as they have a ridiculous amount of cushion and padding, making them one of the most comfortable headphones on the market. Although they are made entirely of plastic, they feel sturdy and durable.  They are also extremely light for their size. The cord is similar to a Beats by Dre cord: flat, thick and non-tangling. For the most part, Kicker has done a great job with the design, however I did fine a few negative aspects.

First, the headphones do not include an in-line mic, something I wish they would have include it as a feature in a premium model.  Second, the headphones don’t collapse or come with a carrying case, making them difficult for traveling. Finally, the large amount of padding on the earcups makes them look especially large when worn, especially on those with smaller heads.

Without getting into too much detail, the Cush Headphones have great sound quality, especially for their affordable price.  The bass is strong, yet not overpowering. There are many headphones double the price that don’t sound nearly as good as the Cush, and, unless you’re willing to spend over $150 to get yourself a V-Moda Crossfade or a Skullcandy Aviator, the Kicker’s are about as good as your going to get in terms of sound quality.

After reviewing Kicker’s first products, the TJ Lavin Headphones, I wasn’t expecting much, but the Cush Headphones are a pleasant surprise, and at only $70, are a bargain. If you are looking for an affordable headphone that combines style, comfort and good sound quality, the Kicker Cush Headphones are for you.

Price: $70
Available Now

Pros

• Extremely Comfortable
• Affordable
• Sound Quality

Cons

• Not Travel-Friendly
• No In-Line Mic
• White Leather Gets Dirty Easily

Overall Rating: 8/10

DJ Tiesto Headphones by AKG Are Now Available

The much anticipated "AKG by Tiesto" Headphone line has finally hit stores. Well, for the most part. The line consists of three headphones, an on-ear model and two over-ear models.  The on-ear K67's and the more affordable over-ear K167's are available for purchase, but the more expensive K267's will not be available 'til the end of the month. The AKG crew and Tiesto are touting their new line of headphones as "designed to take club sound wherever you go." As always, I will produce a full review of each model. In the meantime, check out the video below which gives a little background to the collaboration between AKG and Tiesto.

AKG by Tiesto
Available Now

Beats by Dre Launches Two New Products

Beats by Dre has announced two new products for the upcoming holiday season: the Executive Noise-Canceling Headphones and a new portable Bluetooth speaker called the Pill. These two new products are their first since splitting up with Monster over 9 months ago.

The aptly named Pill Portable Speaker system is Beats by Dre's answer to Jawborne's ultra popular Jambox. The Pill weighs less than .75 founds and can be synced to Bluetooth smartphones, or connected to computers via an auxiliary cable.

The new Executive Headphones are Beats by Dre's first product intended for the business traveler. The standard plastic finish has been replaced by a brushed aluminum; the inner portion features hand-stitched leather. Everything about the headphones is more upscale and higher class. No word yet on whether the sound quality is any different from their Studio's or Pro's, but I'll have a full review up soon. Even with the new more "professional" look, my biggest question is whether actual "executives" are really going to buy Beats by Dre Headphones? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Beats by Dre Pill Speakers
Price: $200
Available Now

Beats by Dre Executive Headphones
Price: $300
Available Now

 

New Sol Republic Tracks Collegiate Series

Sol Republic is constantly releasing new editions of its Tracks headphones and now, they have unveiled a collegiate series. At this point, their current line up of collegiate headphones include: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Boise State, UC Berkeley, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, LSU, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Arkansas State, and Oregon State. For a full review of the Sol Republic Tracks Headphones, Click Here.

Price: $129.99
Available Online & at Major Campus Bookstores

SOUL by Ludacris SL300 Headphones

Today, we will be taking a look at the flagship model of the SOUL by Ludacris line, the SL300’s. Die to their styling and price tag, the SL300's are direct competitors with the Beats by Dre Studio Headphones and SMS Audio's STREET by 50 Headphones.

To start, the SL300’s stylish packaging makes you feel better about dropping hundreds of dollars on a pair of headphones. As for their design, there are several aspects that I love, one in particular being SOUL's signature argyle stitching on the nner portion of the headband. The second pertains to the new color options. There are now three colors to choose from, as opposed to the outrageous gold color promoted during the company's launch. Also, if you don't dig any of the colors, you now have the option of getting a Usain Bolt or Cesc Fabregas limited edition SL300 Headphone! I personallly love the design of both, but if pressed, would probably go with the silver Fabregas ones.

With regards to comfort, the SL300's are superior to the Studio's and comparable to the STREET's, and, while they are rather large in size, the left and right ear-cup arms fold into the headband, making them extremely portable. As noise-cancelling headphones, they do require 2 AA batteries, but there are included and are hidden behind the SOUL logo on the left ear-cup. The SL300's can also be used without batteries, something the Studio's cant. Although the noise-cancelling feature isn't perfect, the strong bass and overall loud volume will help you eliminate any ambient noise.

 

As with most CelebHeadphones, sound quality is primarily focused on music genres like hip-hop, R&B, pop, and electronic music. Chances are, if you're thinking of buying a Ludacris headphone, you're not so much into jazz or classical music. Like with Beats by Dre Studio’s, the bass is predominant, however after testing each side by side, I enjoyed the bass more in the SL300’s. Despite its many positive features, Ludacris' flagship headphone is not perfect. My biggest problem is that the SL300's leak a good amount of sound, and isn’t the whole point of using headphones to be the only one listening to your music? It’s not terrible by any means. It’s just something I had to point out.

All in all, the SOUL by Ludacris SL300’s outperform its competitors, making them the undisputed champ of the celebrity hip-hop premium headphone market.

Price: $300

Available Now

Pros

• Travel-friendly
• Comfortable
• Bass

Cons

• Pricey
• Glossy Finish Attracts Fingerprints
• Leaks Sound

Overall Rating: 8/10

SMS Audio Unveils New On-Ear STREET by 50 Headphones

SMS Audio continues its week of announcements with i'ts third news story of the week! First, they announced that for a limited time, their STREET by 50 Headphones would be available in a number of new colors. Next, in collaboration with the world's seventh highest paid DJ, Pauly D, they unveiled their much anticipated DJ Headphones. Now, they have released an on-ear version of their STREET by 50 Headphones. They are available for pre-order and will begin shipping October 7th.

Price: $180
Available: October 7 (Pre-Order Here)