We've done the IEM and over the ear parts 1 and 2 of the Headphone
shootout. Now it's time for the last, part 3 of the shootout. The wireless
models. We have some great models, from Audio Technica, JBL, Massive Audio, and
Monster. The models include Monster ClarityHD for $80, Massive Audio Flex for $120, Audio-Technica
ATH-S700BT for $130, JBL UA Wireless Headphones for $180, JBL Everest Elite 700 for $300, and Monster
Elements Black Slate Over The Ear for $400.
Features and specs:
- Advanced construction with
reinforcement at critical stress points
- Ergonomically designed, with
multiple ear tips for a better fit
- Won't fall out of your ears
like other earbuds
- Premium wireless Bluetooth
sound quality at an incredible value
- Superior noise isolation
- In-line mic for clearer phone
calls and music control
- Extremely lightweight
- Innovative battery design for
5+ hours of listening
The Monster ClarityHD came shipped in a standard colored box with its specs
listed. There was also a clear plastic window on the front, so you can see the
IEM. Materials used in the construction is mostly plastic. Quality of materials
used as well as build quality was good. Also included was the manual, charging
cable, extra eartips, and carry bag. They looked better than a $80 product,
that's for sure.
Using them was very simple. After
charging them, it was time to get them linked to my HTC One M9 phone. The owners manual was easy to follow on
instructions for getting them charged, and paired. Getting them to pair with my
phone was easier than expected. Next it
was time to see how well they held a connection, and I was equally
impressed. I was able to go over 50 feet
away with multiple walls between me and my phone and still able to hear clean
sound. I was still amazed at the $80 price tag, and could not wait to test them
with this years sound tracks.
David Bowie: Let's Dance, had nice deep bass in the kick drum that had
really nice authority. Nice resolution in the wood knocker that showed a big
soundstage. Vocals were very natural sounding.
Journey: Don't Stop Believing , piano sounded very natural, vocals
sounded very natural with good resolution. Kick drum had nice depth and impact. Also Sprach Zarathustra, ultra low bass
rumble had really nice depth and authority, trumpets sounded smooth and
natural. Tympani had nice dynamics and resolution. Junior Wells: Why Are People Like That, vocals
were impressively natural with lots of resolution and texture, bass had nice
depth and impact. Piano was very natural sounding, cymbal and percussion was
crisp. Harmonica was very dynamic, with nice harmonics. Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue, clarinet sounded
very natural with great woodiness. Horns sounded smooth, piano was very
natural. Bass had nice depth, texture and low level harmonics. Flutes had nice
air. They throw a larger soundstage and had better imaging than expected.
Massive Audio is known for high quality car audio that is, well, MASSIVE!
They have started to do headphones, and the Flex is their wireless model. They
are a large over the ear design. They have multiple colors to choose from, and
come with a Super Bass feature. Given their car audio heritage, having super
bass makes sense.
Features and specs:
Features:
• Bluetooth enabled for
wireless connection
• Carrying bag with MASSVE logo
• Noise rejection
circuitry
• Built-in
Omni-directional microphone for phone calls and gaming
• Glossy piano finish
with leather ear pads
• Auxiliary in/out for
linking for music sharing
• 3.5mm Flat AUX cable
included
• SUPER BASS button for
powerful low frequency or enhanced sound quality
• Multi-Function
interface for Volume / Play / Pause / >> / << / Phone / Power /
Mute
• Dual oversized speakers
for high performance sound quality
• Mil spec PCB with SMD
parts for amplification
• Battery status LED with
low battery audio indicator
• USB Rechargeable
lithium-ion battery with 30 hours music / 35 hours talk & 1200 hours
standby
• Micro USB to USB flat
charging cable included
• Battery indicator
display / voice battery low indicator
Specifications:
Connectivity Wireless
Bluetooth
Wireless Range: 33 Feet /
10 meters
Accessories: 3.5mm Flat Wire
Auxiliary Cable / Micro-USB Charging Cable / Doctor Who Carrying Bag
Dimensions Open:
7.3"H x 7.3”W x 3.1”D
Dimensions Folded:
4.7"H x 6.8”W x 3.1”D
Battery Life: 30 hours
music / 35 hours talk & 1200 hours standby
Battery: Rechargeable
Lithium-ion via Micro USB
Speakers: 2-Way
Dual Oversized High Powered Drivers
Finish: Glossy
Piano Finish with Leather Ear and Head Pads
Direct Connect / Linking:
3.5mm Auxiliary In/Out
Microphone:
Omni-directional -43db, SNR>60dB
USB Port: Micro-USB,
DC5V, 350-400mA
Frequency Response: 20Hz
- 20KHz
Tuning: Bass Boost Button
For Optional Low Frequency Enhancement
Sensitivity: 110dB
Magnet: Neodymium
The Massive Audio Flex came in a nice box that held it securely and allowed
you to see them through the clear plastic window, and the molded plastic that held
them firmly in place. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic. Quality
of materials used was good, and the same can be said for the fit and finish.
They felt in hand to be a well made product. Also included in the box was the
manual, charging cable, audio cable and soft carry bag.
The instructions were easy to follow, on getting them charged, and the same
for getting them to pair with my HTC One M9.
There is built-in Super Bass.
And there is a audio in cable to you can listen to them wired for
non-wireless devices. There is also an
audio out connection. This allows a
friend to connect up and enjoy the same tunes you are. The Flex charged easily, and the connections
worked well. I was a bit surprised
though to see that power had to be on, even if you were listening to them
wired. So you will want to make sure
they have a good charge. The Bluetooth
worked well as well, with me being able to go over 40 feet away and thru
multiple walls between me and my HTC One M9.
But how do they sound?
David Bowie: Let's Dance, bass from the kick drum was nice and deep with
excellent authority. Wood knockers sounded fairly natural with some resolution
and they threw a nice sized soundstage. Percussion was nicely dynamic. Vocals
were natural with some smoothness. Journey: Don't Stop Believing, piano had
nice tone. Vocals were fairly smooth and natural. Kick drum had very good
impact, depth, and played with lots of authority. Also Sprach Zarathustra,
showed excellent low end rumble with excellent depth and played with lots of
authority, being only a tad boomy. Trumpets sounded very smooth with good
resolution. Tympani had nice dynamics, depth and impact. Junior Wells: Why Are
People Like That, vocals were natural sounding with very good timbre. Bass had
nice low end extension and output. Kick drum had excellent impact. Harmonica
was really clean with really good dynamics. Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue, clarinet
had sufficient resolution and sounded natural. Piano sounded natural. Trumpets
were smooth and fairly clean and just a touch brassy. Bassoon had good depth
and texture. Soundstage was better than expected as was the imaging.
Audio-Technica is known for providing very good bang for your buck. And
that appears to hold true for the Audio-Technica ATH-S700BT. They are an over the
ear style headphone. The ear cups also rotate for easier storage. Their
lightweight design also helps make them comfortable for long listening periods.
Features and specs:
·
Bluetooth wireless technology with mic and music & volume
controls built into the earcup for answering/ending calls, controlling music
& video playback and controlling volume on Bluetooth wireless devices
·
Remembers up to eight devices and automatically connects with
the last paired device
·
Housings contain an acoustic chamber that’s separate from the
electronics and helps to maximize driver performance
·
40 mm drivers for outstanding sound quality
·
Built-in headphone amplifier ensures clear and accurate sound
reproduction from the wireless signal
·
Soft, memory foam earpads provide a comfortable fit with
outstanding sound isolation
·
Smooth, easily adjustable headband slider ensures a comfortable
fit
·
Headphones fold flat for easy transport
·
Internal battery provides six hours of continuous use (200 hours
on standby) on a full charge
·
1.2 m (3.9') cable with mic/controls provides a wired connection
for when wireless operation is prohibited (e.g., in airplanes or hospitals) or
when battery power is low
·
Includes 1.0 m (3.3') USB charging cable
The Audio-Technica ATH-S700BT came in a nice looking box with colored
photos and specs for the product. They were well protected in a custom fitted
box. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic. Quality of
materials used was good. The fit and finish was also good. They are also very
light. And while they are light, they are not cheap or cheaply made. Also
included were the owners' manual, charging cable, audio cable and soft carry
bag.
The instructions were very easy to follow, and walked you thru how to get
them charged and paired with my HTC One M9.
I also liked the ability to be able to use the included audio cable,
incase either the battery dies, or you have a non-wireless device. The earcups were very comfortable and gave a
very good seal. And the Bluetooth radio
worked very well. I was able to go over
50 feet away from my smartphone, and thru multiple walls with having great
perfectly clear sound. They seemed to be
a great bang for the buck, and couldn't wait to hear how they sound!
David Bowie: Let's Dance, kick drum played deep and with a lot of
authority. Wood knocker showed good resolution and a wide soundstage. Vocals
were very natural with good texture with nice smoothness. Journey: Don't Stop
Believing, piano was impressively natural sounding. Vocals were nice and smooth
with great timber and texture. Kick drum had very nice depth, impact, and
played with authority. Also Sprach Zarathustra, revealed excellent low end
extension and depth, with very good authority. Trumpets sounded very smooth and
clean and a nice wide soundstage. Tympani had very nice dynamics, impact, and
resolution. Junior Wells: Why Are People Like That, vocals were very natural
sounding with excellent resolution and texture. Bass had very good depth and
output. Harmonica had really nice clean harmonics with excellent dynamics.
Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue, clarinet was really natural with good tone and
woodiness. Trumpet was really clean and smooth without being brassy. Bassoon
had nice depth and texture. Timpani had nice impact. They threw a really wide
soundstage and imaging was very good.
JBL partnered with Under Armour for their UA Wireless Headphones Wireless.
If you have an active lifestyle, these could be for you. Whether it is just
running, or playing basketball, they are designed to stay in your ears. They
are wireless IEM with built-in controls, so you can also use them with your
smart phone, and link to it with Bluetooth.
Features and specs:
With a
proven ergonomic ear tip designed specifically for athletes, twist and lock
them into place – they’re guaranteed never to hurt or fall out.
Internal
and external strain reliefs along with IPX5 sweat proof construction provide
the ultimate durability.
Premium
5.8mm dynamic drivers deliver big sound in a compact size. JBL’s legendary Pure
Bass Performance will keep you driven to finish strong.
Bluetooth
connectivity to iOS and Android devices allows for a wire free, distraction
free workout
Control
tracks, volume and calls easily with a inline 3-button mic.
Get a
week’s worth of workouts with 8 hours of battery life per charge.
With a
membership to to MapMyFitness Premium you can precisely monitor your health and
track progress.
Frequency Response
10Hz–22kHz
Driver
Premium 5.8mm Dynamic Driver
Connector
Micro USB cable for charging
The JBL UA Headphones came in a nice red box, and were well protected being
held in foam molding. Construction was mostly plastic and soft plastic rubber.
And I can see by their design how they would give a solid fit and not fall out.
Quality of materials used was good, as was the fit and finish. Also included
was the owners' manual, additional set of ear tips, charging cable and soft
carry case.
The manual was easy to follow, with how to charge them and get them to pair
with my HTC One M9 smartphone. Charging
them was very easy. Getting them paired with my smartphone was very simple as
well. And their Bluetooth performance
was good. I was able to have good
quality crystal clear sound up to 40 feet away from my phone, and with a wall
between me and the phone. The design of
the IEM's definitely made for a secure fit.
I tried shaking my head and they held a firm fit. They were not going to fall out! I was able to get a great fit with one of the tips as well. SO while they were not going to fall out, I also had a good seal for the tunes as well. Now it was time to test their sound
performance.
David Bowie: Let's Dance, bass from kick drum had good depth with authority. The wood knockers revealed a fairly wide soundstage.
Percussion had good dynamics, vocals were natural sounding. Journey: Don't Stop Believing, piano sounded
very natural. Vocals were very natural with good resolution. Kick drum had nice
impact and depth. Imaging was good for their price point. Also Sprach Zarathustra, low end rumble had
good depth and played with authority. Trumpets were smooth and not too
brassy. Tympani had nice dynamics and impact.
Junior Wells: Why Are People Like That, vocals were very natural with
really good resolution. Bass had nice low end extension and output. Piano sounded very
natural. Harmonica had nice harmonics with very good dynamics. Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue, clarinet sounded
very natural and clean with some woodiness. Horns were really smooth. Piano
sounded more natural than expected. Bassoon had good depth and texture.
Next up are the JBL Everest Elite 700.
They are JBL's top of the line wireless headphone, and it shows. Not only
are they wireless, they are also active noise cancelling. JBL also includes
some top shelf technology in them. Their NextGen Technology allows them to
control the level of outside noise. And TruNote is an Auto sound calibration so
you can calibrate it to your personal sound preference. There's even a JBL
Headphones App.
Features and specs:
Rated power input
30mW
Music play time with ANC
and BT on
up to 15 hours
Battery type
(3.7V, 850mAh)
Music play time with ANC on
and Bluetooth off
up to 19 hours
Music play time with BT on
up to 19 hours
Maximum SPL
114dB
Microphone sensitivity
-42dBV/Pa
Dynamic frequency response
range (kHz)
10 - 22k Hz
Driver sensitivity
99dB@1kHz, 1mW
Driver size (mm)
40
Weight (g)
305
Bluetooth spec
4.0
Bluetooth profiles
A2DP V1.2, AVRCP V1.4, HFP
V1.6
Bluetooth transmitted power
<4dbm o:p="">
The JBL Everest Elite 700 came in a great looking foil colored box with
photos of the headphones and it's specs. They were well protected, sitting in a
molded plastic insert. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic,
with some metal, such as in the hinges. The quality of materials used was very
good, as was the fit and finish. They felt well made in hand. This is JBL's top
of the line headphones, and it shows.
There are some great features in the JBL Everest Elite 700, so you will
want to reference the user manual for them.
Following the manual was very easy, and was able to get them charged and
paired rather quickly. I liked the included audio cable, so they
could be used when the battery dies or you want to listed to a non-wireless
source. The Active Noise Cancellation
worked out very well, blocking out most of the low frequency noise. And the TruNote Auto Calibration also worked
very well, giving a better sound for me. Following the instructions I had them
charged and paired in short order. The
Bluetooth performance was amazing, the best of all the devices, being able to
go well over 50 feet and thru multiple walls.
I had my HTC One M9 in one corner of the first floor of my house, and
was able to go all over downstairs as well as all over upstairs without even a
hickup! I was anxious to hear how they
sounded!
David Bowie: Let's Dance, the kick drum had really nice low end extension
and played with very good authority and impact. Wood knockers showed really
nice woodiness, and a wide soundstage. Vocals were pleasantly natural with very
good timbre and texture. Journey: Don't Stop Believing, piano sounded extremely
natural, vocals were silky smooth with very good texture. Soundstage was nice
and wide. Kick drum had depth and impact. Also Sprach Zarathustra, had nice
depth of the rumble and good output. Trumpets were silky smooth and really
clean with excellent harmonics, throwing a wide soundstage. Tympani had really
nice impact and dynamics. Junior Wells: Why Are People Like That, vocals were
silky smooth with very good, timbre and texture. Bass had good low end extension
and output. Piano sounded natural. Percussion had excellent resolution with
crisp cymbals and snare. Harmonica was really clean and very good dynamics.
Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue, cymbals had very good dynamics. Horns were warm and
smooth yet not brassy. Bassoon had nice harmonics with good depth and texture.
Soundstage was big with depth and imaging also very good.
Last but not least are the Monster Elements Black Slate Over The Ear headphones.
They already have the 24K, but Monster has expanded on that concept. Now they created the Elements Series, which is a completely wireless line that comes in three versions - over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. Colors, available are namely the Black Slate, and Rose Gold for now, with more finishes to come soon.
They are scheduled to be available in June, but wanting to be included in our
annual shootout, Monster sent over a pair of the Black Slate over the ear, with
a MSRP of $400.
Features and specs:
Not yet on their website, but will be soon.
In Monster fashion, the Black Slate came shipped in a great looking color
box with photos of the headphones and their specs. They were well protected,
being shipped in their soft zippered carry case, that was held in a molded
plastic insert. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with some
metal and were excellent. The fit and finish are also excellent. The monster
Elements are a top of the line series for Monster and it shows! They felt very
well made in hand. I LOVE the metallic sparkle look of the Black Slate! And the
memory foam earcups make them comfortable to wear.
Following the instructions was easy, and in no time at all I had the
Monster Elements Black Slate charged and paired to my HTC One M9. And as usual they also came with a separate
audio cable. So if the batteries die or
you are wanting to listen to a non-wireless device, Monster has you
covered. The wireless performance was
also very good. I was able to go over 50
feet away with multiple walls between me and my HTC One M9, and the sound was
perfectly clear. I also really liked the
touch sensitive Swipe Control, being able to control the music by moving my
finger across the top of the earcup! Of course being able to listen to high res
audio thru the USB Audio connection is also very cool. But how did they sound?
David Bowie: Let's Dance, kick drum was deep and played with very good
authority and impact. Wood knocker was very woody and revealed a very wide
soundstage. Percussion was nice and crisp. Vocals were the way Bowie should
sound with excellent resolution in the timbre. Journey:Don't Stop Believing, piano
sounded very natural, vocals were smooth like honey, with excellent resolution
and texture. Kick drum had great depth, impact, and played with authority. Also
Sprach Zarathustra: revealed a very nice rumble that was really deep and with really
nice authority. Trumpets were really clean and silky smooth throwing a really
wide soundstage. Imaging was excellent. Tympani played with excellent dynamics,
impact and detail from the pad of the drum. Junior Wells: Why Are People Like
That, the vocals had excellent resolution and texture. Bass had excellent depth and authority. Piano
sounded natural. Percussion was crisp, with nice dynamics and impact. Harmonica
had excellent dynamics and harmonics. Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue, the clarinet
had excellent resolution, woodiness and air. You could hear the breathing technique.
Piano sounded very natural. Cymbals were very dynamic and crisp. Horns were
smooth like honey and not brassy, with excellent harmonics. Bassoon had
excellent texture and low end extension. Soundstage was wide with depth.
Imaging was also very good.
The wireless section in this year's Headphone Shootout revealed some
excellent products. I could see why
Monster was adamant about wanting their Wireless ClarityHD included. I could easily see them competing with
products twice their price. If you are
on a tight budget, the Wireless ClarityHD should be on your short list. If you are not a Monster fan, after buying
the ClarityHD...you will be! Massive
Audio while being new to the headphone industry, put forth a good product. If you are someone who like a lot of bass,
these could be just what the doctor ordered.
And being able to share your tunes with a buddy is icing on the cake. Audio-Technica is known for giving a very good
bang for your buck with their products.
In terms of the ATH-S700BT, they hit it out of the park! They had a very neutral sound with very good
resolution, and bass. And they too would
give other models twice their price a run for their money! JBL is known for their high quality audio
products. And if you
like to listen to your jams while you play basketball or some other sport...you
will know they won't fall out! And they did provide a very good sound. The JBL
Everest Elite 700 provides an amazing sound, and a very good seal. They provide a great sound in JBL fashion,
and have some awesome extra features, such as the Active Noise Cancellation, NextGen,
and TruNote. Last but not least is the
Monster Elements Black Slate. They are
very well made, very durable, and in true Monster fashion, provide an excellent
sound with excellent performance of its other features. Monster continues to
solidify its place in the headphone industry.
If you don't know headphones, with a purchase of a Monster product, you
will get a great sounding product. Based
on their design, features, quality, and performance, and price, the Massive
Audio Flex and JBL UA Wireless Headphones has earned our Recommended Award. The Monster ClarityHD Wireless and
Audio-Technica ATH-S700BT have earned our Highly Recommended Award. And the JBL Everest Elite 700 and Monster
Elements Black Slate Over The Ear have earned our Editor's Choice Award! For more info and complete specs, check out
their website at www.audio-technica.com, www.jbl.com, www.massiveaudio.com, and www.monstercable.com.
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