These have been unprecedented times due to the pandemic. We
typically do our annual headphone shootout around the time of March Madness. We
figured with basketball teams duking it out…let’s have headphones duke it out.
But last year, March Madness was completely cancelled. Not knowing how it would
play out this year, we thought we would start early. It appears that March
Madness will still be held this year, so we will go ahead and publish the over
the ear part of our shootout now, the second part of the shootout, the in-ear models,
will be published before the end of March Madness.
This year, we have some great over the ear models, from some
quality manufacturers. With an increase in popularity in wireless models, we
are focusing on them this year. Only one of the models is not wireless. Some of them also have noise cancellation.
One of them is also for gaming. They start with the Creative SXFI Gamer for
$129 MSRP, followed by JBL Club 950NC $249 MSRP, Master and Dynamic MH40
Wireless $249 MSRP, Beyerdynamic Lagoon Traveler $299 MSRP, Audio Technica
ATH-ANC900BT $299 MSRP, and Focal Listen $499 MSRP. Let the shootout begin!
We will start out with the Creative SXFI Gamer. It is a
gamer headphone with a big bang for the buck. The prized award winning feature
of these headphones is the SXFI chip, which after programing it to you, most
will concur that it sounds as good as if magic was employed. Being able to get
this sound in a gaming headphones is really cool!
Features and specs:
SPECIFICATIONS
Interface: USB, 3.5 mm Stereo Input
Product Type: Wired Headset
Weight: With Mic 349g (12.31 oz), Without Mic 336g (11.85
oz)
Color: Black
Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz
Driver: 50 mm (1.97 inches) Neodymium magnet
Wearing Style: Over-ear
Microphone: Frequency Response: 100–16,000 Hz
Sensitivity: - 42 dBV / Pa: Controls
Mic mute, Super X-Fi, Volume, RGB lighting On/Off
RGB Ear-Cup Rings: Choose from 16 million colors
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Windows® OS
Intel® Core™ i3 or AMD® equivalent processor
Intel, AMD, or 100% compatible motherboard
Microsoft® Windows 10 32 / 64-bit
1 GB RAM
>600 MB of free hard disk space
USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port
Mac® OS
Mac OS X® 10.9 or higher
1 GB RAM
USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port
PS4
Firmware Ver 5.0 or later
Available USB port
Nintendo Switch
Switch OS 5.0 or later
Available 3.5 mm headphone port on console
Available USB port
Voice communications supported when connected via 3.5 mm
port and with Bluetooth to Android and iOS Nintendo Switch Online app or VOIP
client
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Creative SXFI GAMER
CommanderMic
USB Cable
Analog 4-pole 3.5 mm Cable
USB-C to USB-A Converter
Quick Start Guide
Warranty Leaflet
WARRANTY
1-year Limited Hardware Warranty
The Creative SXFI Gamer came in a nice looking color printed
box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a well
protected product held in place by custom molded plastic. Materials used in the
construction was mostly plastic with a little bit of metal. Quality of
materials used as well as the fit and finish was good. Also included was the
detachable mic, audio cable, USB-C charging cable, USB to USB-C adapter and
owners manual.
I really liked the design of the Creative SXFI Gamer. The
leatherette earcups are soft with thick foam for good comfort. All of the
connections are on one earcup, and the touch controls are very nice. I also
like the way the earcups light up, and that you can change the color. And of
course there’s also SXFI chip so you can set up your own profile for your own
head and ear-mapping. It’s easy to think it’s gimmicky, but it’s not. I’ll
never forget the demo I participated in at CES last year. They demo’d creating
surround sound through the SXFI chip and a sound profile for the user. To tell
you how well it sounded, I’ll use an analogy. Remember the scene in the movie
Antman, when Antman puts on the suit, and shows his guys that he can shrink? The
reaction of his guys was a lot like the reaction of everyone in the demo. Let’s
see how they actually sound.
Toto: Africa- Kick drum had very good, tight, impact and depth.
The congas also had very nice resolution of the pad. Cowbell had nice tone.
Vocals were very smooth with very nice texture of the timbre. Drums had very
good dynamics and extension. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Recorder had very
good air. Piano sounded natural.
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- Huge soundstage that makes you
feel like you were right there with the artists in the studio. Harmonics of the
vocals was very good, and provided very good resolution to really make Freddy
shine. Piano sounded very natural. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Drums were
very dynamic and played with very good impact.
The HU: Sugaan
Essana- The thunder at the beginning sounded startlingly lifelike! Soundstage
was as good as multiple times their price point. There was enough resolution to
hear the bow slide across the strings of the lute. Vocals were nice and raw
with very good resolution of the texture. Bass played with very good authority.
Next up is the JBL Club 950NC. You may not know a lot about
headphones. If that’s the case, buying a
JBL headphone is a safe bet, getting you that JBL sound. Up for review is their
JBL Club 950NC. Not only is it a quality wireless headphone, but you also get
active noise cancelling. There’s even a cool app to control it.
Features and Specs:
Frequency response (Passive): 16 Hz - 40 kHz
Frequency response (Active): 16 Hz - 22 kHz
Sensitivity: 91 dB SPL @ 1 kHz / 1 mW
Maximum SPL: 105 dB
Maximum input power (Passive): 2000 mW
Microphone sensitivity: -24 dBV @ 1 kHz / Pa
Impedance: 32 ohm
Driver size: 40 mm dynamic driver
Weight: 372 g
Bluetooth transmitted power: <6 dBm
Bluetooth transmitted modulation: GFSK, _x001F_/4 DQPSK,
8DPSK
Bluetooth frequency: 2.402 GHz - 2.480 GHz
Bluetooth profile version: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6
Bluetooth version: V5.0
Battery type: LITHIUM ION POLYMER BATTERY (3.7 V / 730 mAh)
Power supply: 5 V 1 A
Charging time: <2 hrs
Music play time with BT on: Up to 55 hrs
Music play time with BT & ANC on: Up to 22 hrs
Music play time with Aux-in & ANC on: Up to 30 hrs
The JBL Club 950NC came in a nice looking color printed box
with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a well-protected
headphone held in place by custom molded plastic. And they were secured in a
quality hard zipper case. Opening the zipper case revealed a quality headphone
made mostly of plastic, but with some metal in places it mattered most, like on
the hinges. Quality of materials used was very good, as was the fit and finish.
Also included was the charging cord, audio cord, and manual.
I liked the design of the JBL Club 950 NC. Like DJ
headphones, the earcups flip up for monitoring like a DJ. But it also works
great for easier storage in the zipper case. And as stated before, I also like
the metal hinges for increased durability. The app is also really cool,
allowing you to control not only the active noise cancelling modes, but to also
control the EQ settings and DSP, for your personal preference. Now let’s see
how they sound.
Toto: Africa- Kick drum had very good tight clean impact
with very good low-end extension. Congas also had a nice full sound with good
resolution of the pad. Cowbell had very nice crisp metallic tone. Vocals were
very smooth with very good resolution and texture of the timbre. Drums had very
good dynamics and extension. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Recorder had very
good air. Piano also sounded pleasantly natural. Soundstage was very wide.
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- the soundstage was huge, making
you feel like you are right in the studio. Vocals were very smooth with very
good harmonics of the texture of the timbre. The piano sounded very natural.
Cymbals were really crisp and clean. Drums were very dynamic with a full deep
sound.
The HU: Sugaan Essana- The thunder at the beginning was very
lifelike, showing a huge soundstage. There was enough resolution to be able to
hear the bows slide across the strings of the lute. Vocals were pleasantly raw
and portrayed very well. The bass played very deep and with good authority.
Fairly new to the headphone scene is a company called Master
& Dynamic. They may not have the decades of experience that some
manufacturers have. But they are making up ground quickly with their premium
sound, and the use of premium materials. Being made mostly of aluminum, you
know they will last for years. Up for review today is one of their wireless
over the ear models the MH40 Wireless.
Features and Specs:
MODEL: MH40 Wireless
DIMENSIONS: 205mm x 202mm x 71mm
DRIVERS: 40mm Neodymium
IMPEDANCE: 32 Ohms
WEIGHT: 276g
HEADPHONE MATERIALS: Coated Canvas, Anodized Aluminum,
Lambskin Leather
HEADPHONE CONNECTION: Bluetooth 5.0 Supporting AptX and SBC
CABLES: USB-C to 3.5mm & USB-C to USB-A for charging
EAR COUPLING: Over-Ear
MICROPHONE TYPE: Beamforming Noise Reduction Mic Array
ANTENNA: Internal Antenna
EAR PADS: Replaceable Lambskin-Wrapped Memory Foam
BLUETOOTH PROFILE: Bluetooth 5.0 Supporting AptX and SBC
CHARGING: 100% in 80 minutes, 50% in 30 minutes
The Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless came in a great
looking color box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box
revealed a well protected headphone, held securely in place by a custom plastic
molding. Materials used in the construction was mostly aluminum, with some
leather and canvas. Quality of materials used was excellent, as was the fit and
finish. Also included was a high quality braided charging cord and audio cable,
as well as manual and soft carry bag. It’s a premium product and it shows.
I love the design of the Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless.
It has a simple design with just volume buttons, as well as one for on/off and
Bluetooth pairing and one for answering/ending calls, song playback and voice
assistant. There’s and LED indicator for pairing and charge level. And I
especially love the high-quality build. The aluminum construction provides a
huge level of durability, and the leather earcups will provide comfort for even
long listening periods. Now let’s see how they sound.
Toto: Africa- Kick drum had very good low-end extension that
tight, played with lots of impact and authority. The congas had a full sound
with very good harmonics and resolution of the impact on the pad. Cowbell had
nice dynamics and detail of the impact. Vocals were very smooth like honey and
with pleasant harmonics of the timbre. Drums had very good dynamics and
extension. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Recorder had very good air. Piano
sounded very natural.
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- Vocals were extremely smooth like
honey with excellent resolution of the texture of the timbre, that gave
harmonics that were audibly delicious. Soundstage was huge. Piano sounded much
more natural than it should at this price point. Drums were dynamic with a deep
full sound that played with great authority. Cymbals were crisp and clean.
The HU: Sugaan Essana- Thunder at the beginning was
extremely lifelike with dynamic highs and deep bass, that revealed a huge
soundstage. The resolution came in layers and revealed a bow that could be
heard across the strings of the lute. Vocals were pleasantly raw, with tons of
detail of the texture of the timbre. Drums were very dynamic, playing deep with
lots of authority.
Now it’s time for the Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC. Designed in
Germany by Beyerdynamic’s, it’s a premium wireless headphone, that also
includes active noise cancelling. The goodies do not end there however. They
also include Beyerdynamic’s MOSAYC sound personalization software. Thanks to
the truly special software, the Lagoon ANC can be transformed to provide for
the personal listening needs of the user.
Features and specs:
OPERATING PRINCIPLE: Closed
TRANSMISSION TYPE: Wireless via Bluetooth®
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE HEADPHONES: 20 ohms
WEIGHT HEADPHONES WITHOUT CABLE: 283 g
BATTERY RUNTIME: Up to 45 hours
BATTERY RUNTIME WITH ANC: Up to 24.5 hours
HEADPHONE FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10 - 30.000 Hz
SUPPORTED BLUETOOTH PROFILES: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, SPP
CODECS: aptX™ LL, aptX™, AAC, SBC
SOUND COUPLING TO THE EAR: Circumaural (around the ear)
ARTICLE NO.: LAGOON ANC
The Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC came in a great looking color
printed box, with phots and specs of the headphones. Opening the box showed a
well-protected headphone held in place in the hard zipper case. Materials used
in the construction was mostly plastic, with some metal. The earcups are
wrapped in ultra soft leatherette with what feels like memory foam behind it.
Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, are all excellent. Also
included was the charging cable, audio cable and quick start guide.
I really enjoy the awesome design of the Beyerdynamic Lagoon
ANC. One earcup has all the connections, as well as Bluetooth and ANC controls.
The earcups are super soft for long listening sessions, and they fold in for
more compact storage in the hard case. The light guide system is a cool way to
show their status. And of course the MOSAYC software helps to tailor the sound
by adjusting the output of the different frequencies based on your hearing
needs, thanks to the hearing test that the app does. Now let’s hear how they
sound.
Toto: Africa- Kick drum had very good tight clean impact
with low end extension. Congos had very good full sound with very good
resolution of the pad. Cowbell had very good resolution and metallic sound.
Vocals were silky smooth with very good texture of the timbre. Soundstage was
both deep and wide. Drums had excellent dynamics and tight deep impact. Cymbals
were crisp and clean. Gong had clear decay. Recorder had good air. Piano
sounded natural.
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- Soundstage was absolutely huge,
both wide and deep, giving the impression that you were actually in the
recording studio. Harmonics of the vocals were excellent and really revealed
the layers of texture of the timbre, in silky smoothness. Piano sounded more
natural than it should at this price point. Cymbals were crisp and clean. Drums
were dynamic with excellent impact, fullness and low-end extension. Guitar was
nice and raw.
The HU: Sugaan Essana- The thunder at the very beginning
sounded extremely lifelike it surprised me! There was very good resolution so
you could hear the bow slide across the strings of the lute. Drums were very
dynamic, played with great depth and tons of authority and did so cleanly! The
vocals were amazingly raw with tons of resolution of the timbre and texture.
The next in line is the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT. If
you’re looking for a manufacturer with a long history of providing quality
products, Audio-Technica is one of them. They have been around for decades. Buy
an Audio-Technica headphones, and it’s a safe bet that they are going to be a
great sounding product. Up for review today is their ATH-ANC900BT. They are a
wireless over the ear headphone, that also includes ANC.
Features and specs:
Digital hybrid noise-cancelling technology provides the
highest degree of ambient noise reduction of any QuietPoint® model
Bluetooth 5 wireless technology with touch and swipe
controls built into the earcup for convenient handling of calls, music playback
and volume adjustment
40 mm drivers feature diaphragms with a diamond-like carbon
(DLC) coating to deliver exceptional full-range audio reproduction
Switchable quick hear-through function allows voices
(conversations, announcements at airports and transit stations, etc.) to be
heard through the headphones
Fold-flat design for easy portability
Exclusive memory-foam earpads provide increased isolation
Up to 35 hours of continuous Bluetooth and ANC use on a full
charge
Supports the Audio-Technica Connect app for convenient
control of headphone settings, including the adjustment of noise cancellation
and hear-through function
1.2 m (3.9') cable provides a wired connection for times
when wireless operation is not available, when battery power is low, or when
Hi-Res Audio is desired
Includes 30 cm (1.0') USB charging cable, airline adapter,
and carrying case
Frequency Response 5
– 40,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power 1,000
mW
Sensitivity 103 dB/mW
(when noise-cancellation used)*
100 dB/mW (when noise-cancellation not used)*
The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT came in a nice looking color
printed box, with images and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a well-protected
headphone held in place in a hard zipper case. Materials used in the
construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Earcups are soft leatherette
with memory foam. Quality of materials used was excellent, as was the fit and
finish. Also included was the charging cable, audio cable, manuals, as well as
the hard zipper case.
I love the design of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT. All of
the connectors and hard buttons are on the left earcup. The touch controls are
on the right earcup. The earcups also swivel and fold in for more compact
storage in the hard zipper case. They are designed for the Hi-Res Audio. And
not only are they wireless using Bluetooth, they also have a digital hybrid
active-noise cancelling, to really keep the noise out of your ears. The memory
foam gave a very comfortable fit. And while I like the soft feel of the
leatherette, they do get warm over long listening periods. Now let’s see how
they sound.
Toto: Africa- Kick drum was extremely deep with tight and
punch in the chest impact with lots of authority. The congas were full with
very good resolution of the hands across the pad. Cowbell was crisp with great
tone. Vocals were silky smooth with excellent resolution of the texture from
the timbre. Drums were extremely dynamic with good extension. Recorder had very
good air, with sufficient resolution to show some tonguing technique. Cymbals
were really crisp and clean. Piano sounded very natural. Soundstage was wide
and deep.
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- Soundstage was not only huge, but
extremely lifelike, with a perception of being right there in the studio with
the band. Harmonics were stellar, due to a resolution that really brought out
the texture of the timbre. Freddy sounded brought back to life, with silky
smooth vocals that we have loved for decades. Piano sounded extremely natural
beyond what it should be at this price point. Cymbals were really crisp and clean.
Drums were very dynamic with a full deep sound.
The HU: Sugaan Essana- The thunder at the intro was
extremely deep with authority and highs were crisp, revealing a huge soundstage
that was wide and deep. Drums were also very dynamic with a full deep sound
that was clean and played with authority. Vocals while providing great harmonics,
were also very raw, revealed by the layers of resolution of the texture of the
timbre as well as the bow as it slid across the strings of the lute.
The Focal Listen came to us from a French manufacturer who
knows a thing or two about high-quality sound. When you hear the brand Focal,
you may think of their high-end car audio and home audio components. But they
also do headphones as well. Tapping into their heritage of over 40 years in the
audio industry, they are able to use their expertise in their headphones.
Features and specs:
Type: Circumaural closed-back ear-cup headphones
Bluetooth® wireless technology: 4.1
Range: > 15m
Battery: Up to 20h
Impedance (passive mode): 32Ω
Sensitivity (passive mode): 122dB SPL @ 1kHz – / 1Vrms
THD @ 1kHz / 100dB SPL: < 0.4%
Frequency response: 15Hz -22kHz
Driver: 40mm Electrodynamic (137/64“) Mylar Titanium
Microphones: 2 Omnidirectionals (Clear Voice Capture)
Net weight: 300g
The Focal Listen came in a great looking color printed box
with images and specs of the headphones. Opening the box showed a well-protected
headphone held in place in custom molded plastic. The materials used in the
construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Quality of materials used was
excellent, as well as fit and finish. Also included was the charging cable,
audio cable, manual and soft zipper case.
I really enjoyed the elegant looking design of the Focal
Listen. The plastic being both a gloss as well as a matte finish, look
extremely elegant together. The look gives a more high-end impression. This is
a good thing, as some of the specs are a little dated, such as using Bluetooth
4.1 and not being Hi-Res Audio ready. I would have hoped to have real leather
at this price point, but it is Focal. The fold in design of the earcups for
more compact storage is a nice touch, as is the raised metal Focal logo on the
earcups. The large memory foam earcups enclose your ears for nice sound
isolation. Now let’s see how they sound.
Toto: Africa- Kick drums had really good tight clean impact
with good low-end extension that played with very good authority. Congas had a
really good full sound with great dynamics. Cow bell had excellent resolution
of the metallic tone. Vocals were smoother than honey with loads of resolution
of the timbre that yielded excellent harmonics. Soundstage was huge, not just
wide but also deep, providing the realism as if you were in the recording
studio. Drums had excellent dynamics and impact. Cymbals were really crisp and
clean. Gong had excellent resolution of the mallet and decay. Recorder had
excellent air. Piano sounded natural. Marimba’s woody texture shown through excellently.
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- Soundstage had to be heard to fully
grasp just how good a soundstage can sound. Harmonics of the vocals were off
the charts, with phenomenal resolution of texture of Freddy’s timbre. Piano
sounded extremely natural, much more than it should at this price point.
Cymbals were crisp and clean. Drums were extremely dynamic with great
authority. Guitar sounded nice and raw. Gong had nice decay.
The HU: Sugaan Essana- The thunder sounded extremely
natural. There was sufficient resolution to hear the bow slide across the
strings of the lute. Drums were extremely lifelike with all of the dynamics
that their being played in fury provided. The raw texture of the vocals came out
in layers upon layers. There’s no way that blasting this would not get you
psyched up to bring your A game.
Overall sound
The Creative SXFI Gamer had a more neutral sound, that was
maybe just a hair on the bright side for a pair of headphones more marketed
towards gaming. They held their own very well for music. Yet they also had the
full deep bass that sounds great with all the explosions on gaming. Giving the
sound quality I would expect to hear at almost twice their price, they are a
huge bargain!
JBL with their Club 950NC, you get a stellar sound that JBL
is known for delivering. Sound signature is more neutral, maybe just a hair on
the warm side, not only do you get a bit more resolution, you get active noise
cancelling, as well as a handy app. Thanks to the app you get a ton of body
control, not just for ANC, but also with EQ and sound personalization. Bang for
the buck is huge. They’re also super comfy to wear.
The Master and Dynamic have a neutral sound signature that’s
maybe a hair on the bright side. They are doing things right with the MH40
wireless you don’t get fancy extras like an app. But what you do get is a well
made product made entirely with premium materials aluminum and leather. You
know it’s built to last. And they also sound great!
Beyerdynamics Lagoon Traveler provided another sound
signature that was neutral, leaning just a hair on the warm side. Resolution
was raised a tad as well. That’s in part to their tesla driver. Vocals were
silky smooth. The bang for the buck continues, thanks in part to their sound
app. You get your own little hearing test, thanks to which you get a sound
tailored to your own hearing need. Can you say bespoke headphones? Your mind will
be blown!
Next is the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT. They have a more neutral
sound signature, that’s just a hair on the bright side. They are designed with
a traveler in mind. They are light weight, yet also very well made. And they’re
taken over a decade of experience and improvements, and put it all in the
headphones. Sound quality is also excellent, with increased resolution over the
previous listed models. Soundstage is also huge.
Last but not least is the Focal Listen. Known world-wide for
their high-end home and car audio speakers. They have new put that experience in
their headphones. The resolution is taken to another level, with excellent huge
soundstage and precision imaging. Sound signature is neutral, leaning just hair
on the bright side. Their specs may not look the best on paper, maybe a little
aged. But shhh…don’t tell their drivers, because they sound like absolute
champs! They have to be heard to be believed.
Bluetooth performance and ANC performance
Before we get into the Bluetooth performance, let us tell
you about the testing. It’s a torture
test, designed to be too much for just about any headphone. Few go unscathed. But that’s ok, because I know of no
manufacturer who has headphones designed to go this distance. Most are rated
somewhere between 50 – 100ft. For indoor
testing, using my LG V40 Thinq smartphone, I place my phone in one corner of
the basement, walk all around and to the other end of the basement which is
about 50ft away. I then walk up to the
main floor and walk all around the main floor. I then walk up to the second floor
and walk all around the second floor. And
for outside testing, I set my smartphone on our front porch, and walk out to
the corner of the street, which is around 250 ft. It’s a test designed to get the phone to
fail, but see just how far it’ll go before it does.
JBL - Good for 50 feet same floor through multiple walls
with no glitches. Got occasionally glitchy in-between floors, but made it from
basement to 2nd floor with only occasional glitches. Outside it was
a little glitchy at around 200 feet, but made it to 250 feet. ANC worked very well, removing about 90%.
Beyerdynamic – Good for 50 ft same floor through multiple
walls with no glitches. Got just barely glitchy upstairs, but made it to the 2nd
floor no problems. And it also got a tad glitchy at around 200 ft outside, but
made it no problems to 250 feet. These
had the best Bluetooth performance. ANC worked extremely well, removing about
95%. It was also the best performance of ANC.
Master and Dynamics – good for 50 ft same floor though
multiple walls, no glitches, a little glitchy going upstairs, but no problems
playing on the 2nd floor. A little glitchy outside at 200 feet, but
made it to 250 feet.
Audio-Technica – No problems on same floor up to 50 ft
through multiple walls. Was more glitchy at around 100 feet again at 150 and
175 feet. Made it to around 200 feet before signal disconnected. ANC worked
well, removing about 90%.
Focal – No problems on the same floor up to 50 feet through
multiple walls. It was more glitchy on the main floor and 2nd floor,
although it did work on the 2nd floor. Outside it got glitchy at
around 100 feet, again at 175 feet, but did make it to around 250 feet.
In the end, all of these headphones performed very
well. The surprise for me was just how
well the Creative SXFI Gamer sounded. It
did not have wireless functionality, but it still performed like twice their
price. The JBL Club 950NC provided great
performance and great build quality including some metal and even an app, while
the Master & Dynamic provided great sound and the best build quality of the
group. Beyerdynamic took the app to a whole
new level, providing an actual hearing test, to get the sound just to where you
need it. Audio-Technica provided some of
the best resolution as well as ANC that performed in spades. The Focal Listen Wireless wasn’t ANC, and was
a little dated in their specs, yet they still had the best sound overall. The good news, is depending on your budget,
you couldn’t go wrong with any of these.
Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, the Creative
SXFI Gamer, JBL Club 950NC, and Master & Dynamic earned out Highly
Recommended Award, and the Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC, Audio-Technica
ATH-ANC900BT, and Focal Listen Wireless earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out
their website at www.us.creative.com, www.jbl.com, www.masterdynamic.com, www.beyerdynamic.com, www.audio-technica.com, www.focal.com,
