Fool's Gold AiAiAi TMA-1 DJ Headphones

The mega-rise of Electronic Dance Music in the past few years has promoted some of the genre's best artists to a level of super stardom only previously known to the likes of Jay-Z, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber. With the recent collaboration of EDM and Hip Hop, EDM producers like David Guetta and Calvin Harris are becoming just as famous as their Hip Hop counterparts. Dre and 50 Cent have their own brands of headphones so it would make sense that EDM DJs would start creating their own headphones. The world famous DJ spinmaster A-Trak and the other DJs on his Brooklyn based Fool's Gold record label have done just that. Fool's Gold Records includes the likes of Laidback Luke, Flosstradamus, and Chromeo. They have collaborated with AIAIAI, a audio design company, to create a headphone made especially for the hardworking, traveling DJ. 

Changing some of the features of AIAIAI's standard TMA-1 design to suit the needs of a working DJ. The design has a minimalistic and urban look that can go with any DJ set up. As any DJ knows from experience, the most important thing they look for in a pair of headphones (beside the sound quality of course) is its durability. A good DJ is moving just as much as his or her audience and the headphones are constantly coming off and being thrown around, which is why AIAIAI has installed a lock feature into the headset so that they cannot be unplugged by the movements of the DJ. At the end of a show no one wants to be delicate with their equipment, they just want to throw their gear in a bag and go. The headphones flexible nylon material makes it extremely bendable and hard to break making it perfect not just for DJ's but also for any type of fast moving traveler. Check out the videos below for more information behind the special headphones.

Price: $250
Available Now

   

Able Planet Traveler's Choice NC190 Headphones

Able Planet's Traveler's Choice Headphones are a more portable version of the Extreme Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones, which I reviewed last year. Like the Extreme's, the NC190 Headphones have excellent sound quality for their affordable price tag. Since these are called the Traveler's choice, their big draw is their portability. While the headphones at first seem large, they can be collapsed into a small easy-to-carry headphone like ball.  However, I do have a few gripes with the headphones. While the headphones come in what seems like every color under the sun, I much prefer the design of the Extreme's. Since the design is based entirely on which color you choose, the NC190's could either be a little boring or outrageous depending on which color you choose. As you can see below, I chose to go with the outrageous lime green ones. Another minor gripe was with the ear cushions, as I wish they could be a little softer. Besides these minor complaints, the NC190's are an excellent option for those looking to spend under $100.

Price: $100

Available Now

Pros

• Affordable
• Sound Quality
• Portable

Cons

• Ear Cushions
• Design

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

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

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

 

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

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

HiFiMAN HE-300 Headphones

HiFiMan is a highly regarded audio company known for superior studio quality audio equipment. Today, I will take a look at their entry level headphone, the HE-300's. Unlike other CelebHeadphones, style isn't a selling point with HiFiMan. Their claim to fame is 100% premium sound quality. With that said, design-wise, these are not your average set of headphones. At first glance, it's impossible to not notice the sheer size of the ear-cups. When worn, there's almost impossible no way of looking "cool." However, the size does have its benefits.  I can say without question, the HE-300's are the most comfortable headphone I have ever reviewed. HiFiMan has been able to make them extremely light for their size. At only 270 grams, the weight of the HE-300's are more on par with headphones half their size. My biggest problem lies with its cable. Not only do you have to screw in both cables into each ear-cup, the cable itself is simply way too long. I understand that these are are studio headphones. I just wish they came with a cable that was atleast a foot or two shorter.

Since these are more of a studio headphone, premium sound quality is critical. After testing all genres of music, I found something completely different than with any other previous CelebHeadphone I have reviewed. The HE-300 sound fantastic when listening to acoustic music, jazz and most "classic" genres. The headphones make listening to classic music a pleasure since they offer clear reproduction of each individual instrument. Pop, rap and electronic genres don't sound bad, they just don't sound nearly as good compared to other similarly priced headphones.

If you're someone who is really into acoustic music or any of the "classic" music genres, someone who does not expect to travel with your headphones, and someone who is willing to spend the extra money, the HiFiMan HE-300's are for you.

Price: $250
Available Now

Pros

• Extremely Comfortable
• "Classic" Music Genre Sound Quality
• Durable

Cons

• Massive Ear-cups
• Pricey
• Cable is too long

Overall Rating: 7/10

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

Skullcandy NBA Mix Master Mike Throwback Headphones

Until recently, SkullCandy had never had an ultra premium headphone that could be considered the flagship of the brand. With a $300 price tag, the Mix Master Mike's trump the RocNation Aviator's as SkullCandy's most expensive headphones. For those of you who don't know, Mix Master Mike is a west coast DJ who is most well known for his work with the Beastie Boys. 

The Mix Master's are a full-size, over-ear headphone that are made both for DJ's and music enthusiasts. The design isn't shy as its command attention with its bold style. The best way to describe these headphones is: big, blocky, and glossy. From the large SkullCandy logo on the headband to the over sized earcups, everything about these headphones is BIG (2012 NBA Theme).

My favorite part of the headphones is that they are both comfortable, and don't flare out, unlike both the Beats by Dre Studio's and the Pro's. Because the earcups are longer as opposed to wider, the earcups on the Mix Master Mike's are much more streamlined than most. Although the headphones have a snug fit, soft foam covers nearly every part of the headphones which avoids discomfort from the overall tight fit. Another feature that I like is that either one of the two included cables can not only be detached, but can also be plugged into either earcup. Also, the included carrying case is the most stylish one I have seen to date.

Now onto the reason you're buying these headphones: Sound Quality. First off, the SkullCandy Mix Master Mike's do sound good, just not what I expected. With the bold style and target young demographic, I expected a strong bass with mediocre high's and lows. What I got was an average bass with balanced high's and lows. In my opinion, the people that would buy this headphone are more interested in punchy bass and not as concerned with proper sound quality. With this said, I was impressed with the sound quality, but by no means was I blown away.

Back in 2010, SkullCandy gave away personalized Mix Master Mike's to each NBA All-Star. Now, SkullCandy has brought them back and made them available to the public with its NBA Throwback Series. They are currently available in 5 NBA Teams: Lakers, Bulls, Knicks, Celtics and Heat. I chose to purchase my favorite team, the newly crowned world champion Miami Heat.

Overall, the SkullCandy NBA Mix Master Mike Throwback Headphones don't excel in any one feature. However, they do have several positives, making them a good choice for anyone who wants a premium headphone with bold style. 

Price: $300

Available Now

Pros

• Durable
• Carrying Case & Included Accessories
• Balanced Sound Quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Not Much Bass
• Style Not For Everyone

Overall Rating: 8/10

Ultrasone Signature Pro Headphones

Ultrasone's top of the line headphones, the Signature Pro's, are one of the most extravagant music accesories money can buy, set at $1,299, and, though not affordable, the Signature Pro's do all they can to live up to such a price.

The design is much more subtle than most headphones, as Ultrasone has focused on sound quality over flare. The majority of headphone is made of matte black plastic with some black glass trim along the ear cups. The ear cushions are covered in premium leather to avoid any ear fatigue. What might lack in flashy design, though, is more than made up in overall durability. Ultrasone has made sure to make your investment last as the headphones can withstand repeated drops to stone floor from up to 10 feet. Even if the headphones were to somehow break, don't worry. The Signature Pro's come with a 5-year warranty.

Despite these aesthetic features, let's be honest. The reason you buy these headphones isn't for the durability, style or warranty. It's to own the best sounding headphone money can buy. The Signature Pros are one of the best sounding headphone on the market, and, unlike other ultra-expensive headphones, the sound quality is still fantastic with MP3 players. Every genre of music sounds fantastic. If you have $1300 lying around, and you're a serious audiophile who won't settle for anything less than exceptional sound quality, these are definitely the ones to get.

Price: $1,299
Available Now

50 Cent STREET by 50 Headphones

It was a long road to get to this point, but 50 Cent's line of highly anticipated headphones is finally available to the public. The line is made up of 3 models at various price points. Today I will be taking a look at the Street by 50 model.

Knowing the 50 Cent persona, I knew the headphones would come in a beautiful package, and boy was I right. As soon as you open the box, the packaging itself has a sleek and expensive look that is one of the best I have seen. While this might not seem important, every little thing matters when you're dishing out hundreds of dollars and there is plenty of competition.

The design is modern and sleek (no pun intended), without being too outrageous - unlike many headphones being released these days. They feature the SMS Audio logo on the top and its logo, "S", on the outer portion of each earcup. They are available in 3 colors: Black, White and Light Blue. The first thing you will notice about the design is the overall size. They are large and bulky which makes them harder to transport, especially since there's no included hard carrying case. The headphones don't collapse, so traveling with them might be an issue. Personally, I prefer when headphones don't collapse at all because I have found that the ones that do tend to break easier and feel cheap. One of the most significant design aspects of the Street by 50's has to be its incredible flexibility. In contrast to their main competitor, Beats by Dre Solo's, Street by 50's are nearly unbreakable. It's a great feeling knowing you can twist, pull, or bend without fear.

Comfort-wise, I really enjoyed the Street by 50's size and fit. My ears are larger than average, but I had no problem with the size of the earcups. Some discomfort might be felt after prolonged use, but it's either less or about the same as nearly any other headphone. One concern I have is the sound leakage, as it's more than I would like. If your MP3 player is set at anything higher than 75% volume, the person sitting next to you will be able to recognize which song you're listening to.

Now onto the sound quality portion of my review. All expectations were completely wrong with the sound quality of these headphones. While expecting a bass heavy sound, I quickly found out that the sound is much more neutral and less like the Beats by Dre. The Street by 50's can get extremely loud, so listening to anything with more than three quarter, or even half volume is probably unnecessary for most.

With each headphone purchased from SMSAudio.com, 50 Cent and his team will donate 250 meals to Feeding America. For more information about the partnership, click here.

Overall, the Street by 50's are a solid choice for anyone who is willing to spend the extra dollar for style, long-lasting quality, and name recognition.

Price: $300
Available Now

Pros

• Stylish Design
• Extremely Durable
• Sound Quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulky
• No Hard Case

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

TJ Lavin Kicker HP541 Headphones

Whether you know him for his BMX career, music or hosting gig on MTV's reality competition show, The Challenge, TJ Lavin has joined the list of celebrities with their own headphones. Kicker Audio is an American company who is primarily known for their great quality subwoofers. With the growing demand for headphones, Kicker has developed a line with various price points and styles. The HP541's are the only ones with a celebrity endorsement.

The first thing that stands out with TJ Lavin Headphones is the design. The artistic look was designed directly by TJ Lavin himself. While I am not a fan of the design, I must say, it definitely is different to say the least. The headphones are made entirely of plastic so they do tend to feel cheap. The sliding earcups were not as easy to move as I like as they got stuck in some instances. Comfort wise, they are not exceptional nor terrible. The headphones have a tight fit which is nice at first, but after awhile, might cause some discomfort.

With a young demographic in mind, Kicker has tailored these headphones to be bass heavy. The HP541's sound much better than expected especially with the amount of bass produced. That being said, anyone who's serious about audio quality should look elsewhere. The headphones retail for over $100 but can be found at online stores like Amazon and Buy.com for around $60.

Price: $55
Available Now

Pros

• Doesn't Leak Sound
• Sound Quality For Price
• Accessories Included

Cons

• Cheap Plastic Feel
• Artistic Design
• Uncomfortable for Some

Overall Rating: 6.5/10