IFA 2012: Headphones

[Eric5676]

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http://www.twice.com...a-and-us/103030

New York — Several companies announced new headphones this week, with some using the IFA show in Berlin as a platform for their launches.

Sennheiser launched at the show its Momentum headphones as part of the company’s Style Selection line. These have what the company described as a “minimalist design,” with leather ear pads and a leather and stainless-steel headband. They also have circumaural ear cups and come with a second cable with in-line mic and controls for use with iOS devices.

Frequency range for the Momentum is listed at 16Hz to 22kHz, with impedance of 18 ohms. Suggested retail is $349.

For in-ear models, Sennheiser launched the CX 890i ($149) and CX 985 ($159).

The CX 890i are engineered with a black glassy finish, Sennheiser said, and an in-line mic and controls for Apple devices. The CX 985, meanwhile, have a slimmed-down volume slider and a metal clip to attach to clothing. The ear adapters are silicon and foam, with a choice of seven sizes.

For athletes, Sennhesier unveiled new headphones as part of its partnership with Adidas. The PX 685i ($79.95) features an adjustable neckband, reinforced cable and a choice of black or white. They are designed to be water-, sweat- and cold-resistant, and can be rinsed beneath the tap after a workout.

All of Sennheiser’s headphones are scheduled to be available in the fall.

TDK Life on Record also went to IFA to unveil two headphones that will be offered in the U.S. The ST750 over-ear headphones feature 40mm drivers, a built-in amplifier that’s said to increase volume by 6dB, oval-shaped ear cushions, and a $249 suggested retail.

For in-ear headphones, TDK unveiled the IE800 ($199) with a dual-driver design: one is dedicated to bass and the other to mid/high frequencies. They come with Comply foam tips.

SOL Republic announced its latest model this week, the Tracks Ultra, which feature the company’s V12 detachable “sound engines.” With a suggested retail of $179, they have the highest price point of the company’s headphones.

The Tracks Ultra feature SOL’s FlexTech Sound Track headbands that can be swapped out. They also have an in-line mic and controls.

Logitech launched several new models in its UE line, all scheduled to be available in September. The 900 earphones ($399) are the company’s top-of-the-line model, with a four balanced-armature design. They come with both silicon and Comply tips, and two detachable braided cords: one with in-line mic and controls and one without.

The 9000 Bluetooth headphones ($399) can fold flat and feature active noise canceling technology and 40mm drivers. The around-the-ear model has a wireless range of 50 feet, a rechargeable battery pack with up to 10 hours of battery life, asymmetrical memory-foam ear cushions and articulating joints, meant to conform to the user’s head.

The 6000 headphones ($199) have a fold-flat design and come with a splitter that lets users share music with another listener. They also feature active noise-canceling technology, but these use two AA batteries instead of a rechargeable pack.

The 4000 headphones ($99.99) are billed as being a more compact model, and they also come with the sharing splitter. They have 40mm drivers, in-line mic and controls, memory-foam ear cushions, a travel pouch and a choice of three colors.