Boomphones Phantom Headphones

The Boomphones Phantom Headphones are definitely not your average pair of headphones. They are the first headphones with a built in boom-box. The Phantoms, which are Boomphones' second-generation headphones, are a complete upgrade in every way.

First off, the packaging is excellent from top to bottom. From the hard stylish case to even the two enclosed Boomphones stickers, the packaging resembles a pair of headphones worthy of being twice the price. The logo, a bomb wearing headphones, is fun and stylish without being over the top.

The Phantoms have a black matte finish, meaning fingerprints are never a problem. The size of these headphones is about the same as Beats Studio's, however they have much more padding around the ear and especially in the headband. As with most CelebHeadphones, they are made of plastic, yet they feel extremely durable and can definitely take a beating.  Considering the size, I'm very impressed with how light they are. Comfort wise, they are much more comfortable than similarly priced headphones. 

Of course, no matter how great the packaging or construction is, the big selling point of the BoomPhones Phantom is its speaker capabilities. Your probably reading this answer to find out if the speaker works well, and the short answer is Yes. While these obviously aren't on par with a full speaker system, they definitely get the job done and are actually pretty loud. You can even hook up instruments to the headphones as a little amp whenever your ready for a jam session. The speaker's sound quality is average, but c'mon, they are Headphones! There is a small switch under the left ear-cup which is used to turn on the speaker feature. Once on, LED lights appear around the Boomphones logo. A white LED light indicates that they are in headphone mode, and a red lights indicates speaker mode. Switching between the 2 modes couldn't be easier. All you have to do is press the logo on the left ear-cup. The one thing to remember is that the Phantom's need to be charged for the speakers to work, and they come with a USB cord, which makes charging easy.

As for the headphones themselves, sound quality is pretty darn good. Though not at the level of say a V-Moda CrossFade, or a Beats by Dre Studio, you need to remember that not only double as a speaker but are also half the price. Genres such as house, hip-hop, pop and reggae sound much better than classical and jazz, but that's ok, since frankly, I don't think many jazz-heads are going to be lining up to get BoomPhones.

If you want to be the envy of all your friends, the Phantom's are sure to do it. Everything about the Phantom Boomphones is top quality, and for only $150, these are a steal. They are available in Matte Black & White. 

Price: $150

Available Now

Pros

• LED Lighting
• Comfortable/Lightweight
• Speaker Works Well

Cons

• Sound Quality Isn't Excellent
• Large for Some

Overall Rating: 9/10

Velodyne vPulse In-Ear Headphones

Velodyne Acoustics made its mark in the audio industry through the creation of its superb subwoofers. After the success of the company's subwoofers, Velodyne Acoustics preceded to enter the headphone market. At the 2012 CES showcase, Velodyne introduced a new in-ear headphone: the vPulse.

Velodyne's vPulse headphones separate itself from others on the market because of its incredibly stylish design. The headphones are available in two color options: Black and Electric Blue. While the black is subtler, the electric blue is bold and sleek. Velodyne has given the vPulse an aluminum driver housing, along with a flat tangle-free rubber cord. One of the best characteristics of the vPulse is that the earbuds themselves are curved, which prevents you from having to jam the earbuds down your ear canal to get that snug fit. Velodyne provides a wide array of ear-tips in order to make sure you can customize the fit to your liking. While it did take a while to find the best fit, once I did, the headphones were very comfortable. At the end of the day, the only minor problem that I have with the design of the headphones is that they are heavier than I would like them to be.

With Velodyne's reputation as one of the best subwoofer manufacturers, I had high expectations for vPulse's bass. Velodyne definitely lived up to its name because I was extremely impressed. I would say they they have one of the best bass qualities of any in-ear headphone that I have reviewed. So if your someone who likes strong bass, these are a great option, especially for the low price. The sound quality doesn't disappoint either--every song I listened to sounded crisp and accurate, with little to no distortion.

As I was reviewing Velodyne's first headphones, they reminded me a ton of the Beats by Dre In-Ear Tour Headphones. Although the vPulse Headphones don't have the same name recognition as the Beats, they are better in every category--including build quality, price, and comfort. Overall, the Velodyne vPulse In-Ear Headphones are one of the best in-ear headphones that I have reviewed.

Price: $89.99
Available Now
Pros

• Bass Quality
• Affordable
• Better than Beats by Dre Tour's

Cons

• Heavy
• Hard to Find Right Ear-Tip

Overall Rating: 9/10

V-Moda Revamp Headphones

The Revamp Headphones are the in-ear model of the V-Moda True Blood Headphone line. The earbuds are made from aluminum which gives them the extremely durable quality. I really like that these earbuds are on rather small and discreet. Nothing irritates me more than seeing people with what seems like poles sticking out of each ear. V-Moda includes 2 detachable rubber hooks that helps them stay secure no matter what activity your doing.

Sound quality on the Revamp Headphones is excellent. If you can get a tight fit without losing comfort, then your going to have no complaints with sound or bass quality. The only problem I found was that when the Kevlar coated cord rubs against your clothes, it causes some static. However, V-Moda has tried to combat this problem by including a clip which helps you secure the cord to your body. While the AKG Q350's have been my favorite in-ear headphones for a while now, I might have to reconsider after checking out the V-Moda Revamp Headphones.

Price: $100
Available Now

Pros

• Extremely Durable & Lightweight
• Includes 2 Sport Hooks
• 2 Year Warranty

Cons

• Included Carrying Pouch
• Sound Interference with Cord

Overall Rating: 9/10

Sennheiser HD800 Headphones

While there are usually two categories that headphones fit into; Ones that sound great and ones that have stylish designs. The Sennheiser HD800 are one of few that fit both. These headphones cost more than most people's rent. With that said, everything about these headphones is top notch. The build quality is excellent and these are probably the most comfortable headphones on the market. Not much can be said about the sound quality of these HD800's since they are so good. The sound quality is worth every penny, and thats a lot of pennies! For the very very luck few who have $1.500 to blow on a headphone, then go ahead and get these and enjoy listening to what some consider the best headphones in the world.

Price: $1,500
Available Now

Pros

• Best Sound Quality
• Ultra Comfortable
• Included Carrying Case

Cons

• Extremely Expensive
• Heavy

Overall Rating: 9/10

Quincy Jones AKG Q350 In-Ear Headphones

The AKG Q350 In-Ear Headphones are the cheapest in the Quincy Jones line. While the design of the headphones isn't flashy like most V-Modas, the neon green looks great and is modern and stylish without being too much. Each colored earbud comes with the Quincy Jones signature neon green cord. The earbuds feel extremely durable while being light as well. The earbuds themselves are much more comfortable than any other in-ear headphone that I have tried on. They also block out most sounds without being completely noise-canceling. The audio quality doesn't disappoint either. Sound is perfectly balanced between highs and lows. In my opinion, there is just enough bass without being overpowering. For the price, these are the best in-ear headphones that I have reviewed. If you are looking for a sub-$100 pair of premium in-ear stylish headphones, the AKG Q350's are your best option. They come in 3 colors: White, Black and Neon Green

Price: $99
Available Now

Pros

• Build Quality
• Balanced Sound
• Lime Green Cord

Cons

• Expensive

Overall Rating: 9/10

Val Kolton V-Moda Crossfade LP Headphones

V-Moda is a relatively new Los Angeles based company that combines fashion clothing and high end headphones. The CEO and founder of the company is Val Kolton. He is a famous DJ and music producer who specializes in combining house beats with rock and electronic music. Besides spinning at some of the worlds best nightclubs, Val Kolton has designed a full lineup of designer headphones.

The Crossfade LP Headphones by V-Moda were designed with DJ's in mind because they are the largest in the V-Moda lineup. The style fits the company's profile in that these headphones are very hip due to the urban industrial design.  On the outside of the ear cups, there are magnesium accent plates in different colors depending on which ones you buy. The cable is thicker than most because the outside is coated in cloth and the inside is reinforced with kevlar for maximum durability.  The ear cups are extremely well padded for maximum comfort but they do tend to make the ears slightly sweaty after prolonged use. Since the headphones were made by a techno and house DJ, the sound quality is not consistent across all genres of music. All those who listen to electronic, bass thumping music will love these headphones. However, those who don't listen to club and dance tracks sound look elsewhere. The Crossfade LP headphones come in 6 colors: White Pearl, Phantom Chrome, Gunmetal Black, Nero (purple accents), Rouge (red accents) and Pink (more purplish).

Price: $199.95
Available Now
Pros

• Well Built
• Electronic & House Music Sound Quality
• Color Options

Cons

• Leak Sound
• Sound Quality of Some Genres
• Large for Travel  (don't fold or collapse)

Overall Rating: 9/10