Sony X-Factor Headphones

Back in September, we heard that Simon Cowell had announced his own X-Factor signature Headphones. Over the past few weeks, I have finally been able to test them out and I found some great features and some definite drawbacks.

First and foremost, I am not a fan of the overall design of the X-Factor Headphones. From the shiny metallic earcups to the "X-Factor" branding, these are too over-the-top for my taste. I especially don't like the headband which looks a little too futuristic for me. I asked myself, "would I wear these headphones in public?" I can't say that I would. They draw too much attention and I feel like people would judge me for wearing Simon Cowell Headphones. 

However, I loved the actual headphones. Although I am usually not a fan of on-ear headphones, the Sony X Headphones are easily one of the most comfortable headphones I have ever tried on. Without question, they can be worn all day without any ear fatigue. They still might cause your ears to sweat, but that happens with all large headphones. Sony has also done a great job making these headphones portable by making them easily collapsible.

The best part of the headphones is its sound quality. Every music genre sounded fantastic and I had absolutely no complaints. With a similar price, these headphones sound much better than Beats by Dre Studio's or Soul by Ludacris SL300's. If it wasn't for the gaudy design and high price tag, the Sony X-Factor Headphones fantastic sound quality and supreme comfort would have made them a top choice.

Price: $199.99

Available Now

Pros

• Sound Quality
• Extremely Comfortable
• Lightweight

Cons

• Metallic Finish
• "X-Factor" Theme
• Carrying Case

Overall Rating: 7/10

 

Sony PiiQ Marqii Premium Headphones

I have been impressed with the Sony PiiQ Headphones that I have previously reviewed, so I was especially excited to check out their top of the line headphones. All PiiQ headphones feature an eye-popping design, and the Marqii's are no exception. I like most of the design features like the square ear-cups, flat cord and the speaker-like fabric that lines the outer portion of the ear-cups. The biggest problem I have with these headphones is with the color combinations, or lack there of. Sony decided to only come out with one color for there premium headphones. Every other headphones in the PiiQ line, besides the Marqii's, comes in a number of colors. The vibrant pink color is not for everyone and I wish Sony would come out with these headphones in red, blue or another more universal color.

The Sony PiiQ Premium Headphones are extremely light at only 9 oz. There is a good amount of leather padding on the earcups to make comfort a non-issue.  Bass is plenty enough to satisfy most people. The amount of bass in the Marqii's is not at the level of Beats by Dre headphones, but not very far behind.  For the price, sound quality is above average. Most songs sound accurate enough for most listeners. If you can get over the pink accent, the Sony Marqii Premium Headphones are a great option due to their unique young design, comfort, bass, and reasonable price tag.

Price: $64
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Pros

• Square Ear-Cups
• Overall Design
• Good Bass

Cons

• No Color Options
• Don't Collapse

Overall Rating: 7/10

Sony PIIQ Smooth Headphones

The Sony PIIQ Smooth's are over-the-ear headphones that are the second most expensive in the PIIQ line. I really like the unique and fun design of all the PIIQ headphones and this one is no exception. The lime green color can be used by both genders and is stylish without being too much. One unique feature is that the headstrap is soft and squishy. The feeling is similar to a gel pad that is used with computer keypads. The great feature about these is that they are extremely lightweight.

Sony gave these headphones the popular flat cord, but the problem I have with it is that it is way too long. The cord is so long that it seems like it was made for DJ's, despite the fact that no DJ would ever be found using these headphones. The sound quality is what you can expect of a relatively inexpensive product. With it's low price point and young demographic, Sony is definitely not targeting audiophiles. However, because of the stylish look and modest price tag, the Sony PIIQ Smooth headphones are a great option. They come in 3 colors: Lime Green, Grey and Brown/Yellow.

Price: $37
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Pros

• Price
• Color Options
• Design

Cons

• Long Cord
• Mediocre Sound Quality

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

Sony PIIQ Impact Resistant Headphones

The Impact Resistant headphones are the lowest priced on-ear headphones in the Sony PIIQ line. Like the title states, these headphones are impact resistant so its durability is excellent. They are made of a hard rubberry plastic material that is similar to the same material that you can find on most Ipod shells or cases. The earpads are soft and well-cushioned which help eliminates most ear fatigue. The flat cord is extremely similar to the one that is used in the the Beats by Dre line. If they had great sound quality, then these headphones would considered a steal at $30. Unfortunately, many genres of music tend to sound muddy and at times, the bass is overwhelming. Like with most inexpensive headphones, sound leaks easily from the earcups. Overall, the Sony PIIQ Impact Resistant Headphone are a good option due to their versatility, design and relatively low price.

Price: $29.95
Available Now
Pros

• Versatility
• Extremely Durable
• Cushion on Earpads

Cons

• Overpowering Bass
• Muddy Sound
• No Accessories Included

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

Sony PIIQ Qlasp Headphones

Since Sony has always been a top seller in the headphone market, it comes as no surprise that they have come out with an urban and street friendly lineup of headphones. Thee PIIQ headphones draw inspiration from artists, street culture and athletes. Sony is trying to attract some of SkullCandy's clients by using similar designs. With the PIIQ headphones, Sony has promised quality sound quality with high style. Sony has hired professional skateboarders, Chris Cole and Tom Asta. The PIIQ line has 5 different styles with each having a variety of color options. The prices range from $15 to $100. Today, I will review the Sony Qlasps.

The design of these in-ear headphones are very unique. Instead of most clip-on earphones which go around the back of the ear, these earphones clip on around the earlobe. When put on correctly, the earphones appear that you have earrings on. Sony has developed these headphones for those who need a secure fit whether that be skating down a ramp or shredding down a mountain. Since the Qlasp's are made for the extremely physical activities, these headphones are not for everybody. The clips are uncomfortable for some and look kind of strange for everyday use. However, the sound quality is surprisingly good and the price won't break the bank. The Sony PIIQ Qlasp headphones are made for the young, hip and active person who doesn't mind the odd earlobe clip.

Price: $19.99
Available Now


Pros

• Price
• Wont Fall out
• Color Options

Cons

• Not for Everyday Use
• Uncomfortable for Some
• Strange Design

Overall Rating: 5/10