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)