headphones

Although the headphone market continues to burgeon with new models, it can be surprisingly tough to find a decent, fitness-friendly pair. A few companies, such as Sennheiser, have stepped up to the plate with sport-branded earphones, which feature design attributes meant to keep them secured on the head during activity. Now, we can add Sony to the list. The company has released an impressive array of Active Headphones, the $100 MDR-AS100W among them. These mostly well-designed earphones are a good option for the gym, with an adjustable over-the-head band that should work for just about any person looking for a … Read more

It's too bad that Michael Kanellos has given up his masochistic hobbies because this item would be right up his alley. It's one thing to have joysticks, keyboards, and other game gear that make you feel the action, but earphones?

A Korean company that goes by the amusing moniker of iFeelU is peddling a pair of "body-sonic" buds that will make your aural canals feel like they've been assaulted by heavy artillery. The rumbling EX2 earphones supposedly will create a "home theater in your ears," Gizmodo says, though we suspect it might be … Read more

A question about a free digital music player download makes me miss the days when JetAudio would have sufficed for all of my digital music needs. Also, what's with iPods and Zunes trying to take over your entire music library? One family needs a way for its many computers and music players to all get along.

Q: Which free digital music player would you recommend? I know it can't have all the bell and whistles, but I would like one that has all the features that a person normally uses. -- Carmen, via e-mail

A: If you're … Read more

Denon AH-D5000, meet your latest nemesis: Audio Technica's W5000. Dammit, even the name's almost identical. We're utterly in love with Denon's wooden headphone beauties, but are AT's latest and greatest going to beat them down to a bloody pulp? At 700 pounds ($1,373)--a sharp-intake-of-breath $392 more than the Denons--they could well.

Inside each can is a 53-millimeter Neodymium driver, responding to an incredible 5Hz-45kHz frequency range, smack-bang identical to the AH-D5000's (although the D5000s have 50-millimeter drivers). We're also promised that AT's "Double Air Damping System" will provide … Read more

Usually it's phone headsets that feature switches that toggle between calls and music, but these headphones cater to the multi-tasking DJ instead.

The new series of oversized 'phones made by Boosted include in-line microphones and answer buttons for easy switching to answer calls, compatible with all MP3-playing handsets and media players while boasting of a "wide dynamic range with rumbling bass and low distortion," according to the company. Far more original, however, are their designs: The "Grande Headphones in Sashimi" look more like toddler toys than audio gear.

Regardless of all that, who could resist … Read more

Believe it or not, there are iPod owners out there who don't like to use iTunes. Luckily, you're not stuck with Apple's own software if you have the player. Read on for some alternatives. Also this week, MP3 Insider fans from Europe need new MP3 players.

Q: Do you have any recommendations for alternative programs to iTunes to use with the iPod? I have a iPod Classic after using the Creative software (which wasn't great by any stretch of imagination) and cannot stand the fact that iTunes tries to do everything for me.--John, via e-mail… Read more

Interoperability between stereo headphones and music cell phones is a popular concern, but how about using your cell phone headset with other, standard audio sources? At least one person wonders how to make this happen with no sound issues. Also on deck today: a sports fan wants an MP3 player with AM radio built in, and a discerning listener is curious about file quality and compatibility.

Q: I found your address on CNET and was hoping you can help me with a question that seems to be hard to get answered. I have the LG VX8350 phone from Verizon. I … Read more

I really wanted to love my 80GB Zune. I'd heard good things about its Wi-Fi and its FM radio, its software, the Zune Marketplace, its easy navigation, and its non-iPod-ness. But then I got it, and now I hate it. Here's why, in ascending order of annoyance.

5. The software and music categorization

The Zune software (its equivalent of iTunes) is slow and super-unintuitive. When I first started using it, I literally could not figure out how to start adding songs. I had to look it up, and discovered it's a common bug when you use the … Read more

Sony is certainly no stranger to the headphone market. The company's portable line may very well be the most popular aftermarket earphones. It has quite an array of full-size "cans" as well as a decent selection of noise-canceling models. The latest high-end set to hit virtual retail shelves combines the two. The MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones offer solid sound, high-quality construction, plentiful features, and a luxury price tag ($400) to match. These 'phones aren't without their flaws, but they're still a great option for frequent fliers who have cash to spare and a distaste … Read more