March Madness is here, which means it’s time for our annual
Headphone Shootout. It’s in two parts: the in-the-ear, and over-the-ear models.
We will be doing the over the ear models first. They include the Audio-Technica
ATH-M50xBT2 MSRP $199, JBL Quantum 810 Wireless MSRP $199, Urbanista Los
Angeles $199 MSRP, Garmin dēzl Headset 200 $399 MSRP, and Master & Dynamic
MW75 $599 MSRP.
We’ll start with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2.
They are designed after the classic studio monitor M50, only is wireless. So,
you get the great studio monitor sound of the M50, only in the convenient
wireless design. They come in classic black, but they also have an optional
blue as well.
-Wireless, on-the-go design delivers the same critically
acclaimed sonic performance as the original ATH-M50x professional studio
headphones
-Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers and dedicated
amplifier deliver exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range,
with deep, accurate bass response
-Low latency mode improves synchronicity between audio and
video for smooth streaming and gaming
-Premium audio-grade components, including an AK4331
advanced audio DAC and dedicated internal headphone amp, deliver pure, natural
sound
-Dual mics and beamforming technology ensure crystal-clear
call quality
-Microphone can be muted with a simple press of a button
-Multipoint pairing function allows you to stay connected to
two Bluetooth devices at once
-Buttons built into the earcup provide easy control of
volume/mute, music, and calls, and give you access to voice assistant (Amazon
Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant, Siri)
-Google Fast Pair lets you quickly pair headphones with an
Android smartphone or other device
-Up to 50 hours of continuous use on a full charge and up to
3 hours of use on a 10-minute rapid charge (via USB-C connection)
-Compatible with high-quality LDAC and AAC codecs
-Over-ear design for excellent sound isolation in loud
environments
-Professional-grade earpad and headband material for
long-lasting durability and comfort
-Includes 1.2 m (3.9") cable for optional wired
connection
Type: Closed-back
dynamic
Driver Diameter: 45 mm
Frequency Response: 15
- 28,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 99
dB/mW
Impedance: 38
ohms
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 came in a great 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 paper. Materials used
in the construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Quality of materials
used as well as the fit and finish, was very good. Also included was an audio
cable, charging cable, soft carry bag, and manual.
But that’s just the beginning of the features. They feature
the AK4331 DAC and internal amp to not only give the drivers the power to
really make them sing, the DAC make them sound great doing so. You get dual mics
and beam forming technology. So those calls you have to answer in between jam
sessions sound great too! Thanks to multipoint pairing you can stay connected
to two devices for multitasking. And the app allows you to customize the sound
to your liking. Now let’s see how it sounds.
Katy Perry: Dark Horse – vocals were silky smooth, snaps
were extremely dynamic. Bass beats were nice and tight with really good punch.
The deep sustained beats were really deep, and hit really hard with a ton of
authority and was really clean.
Next up is the JBL Quantum 810 Wireless. JBL has a long
history of great sound, and this has been incorporated into their JBL Quantum
810 Wireless. Not only can you get that
legendary JBL sound with your tunes, you can also now get it when you are
getting your game on. For you gamers, it’s your one stop for all your sound
needs.
Features and specs:
General Specifications
Driver size (mm): 50
Audio Specifications
Passive Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Active Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW (dB): 95
Dynamic frequency response range (Hz): 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance (ohms): 32
Dimensions
Weight (g): 418
Weight (oz): 14.7
Charging Cable Length (m): 1.5
Charging Cable Length (ft): 4.9
Ear Cup External Height (in): 3.8
Ear Cup External Width (in): 3.4
Ear Cup Internal Height (in): 2.4
Ear Cup Internal Width (in): 1.7
Ear Cup Depth (in): 1.1
Ear Cup External Height (cm): 9.7
Ear Cup External Width (cm): 8.7
Ear Cup Internal Height (cm): 6.2
Ear Cup Internal Width (cm): 4.2
Ear Cup Depth (cm): 2.7
Audio Cable Length (ft): 3.9
Audio Cable Length (m): 1.2
Control and Connection Specifications
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP 1.3, HFP 1.8
Bluetooth frequency: 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth transmitted modulation: GFSK, /4π DQPSK, 8DPSK
Bluetooth transmitter power: <12 dBm
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Battery
Charging time (hours from empty): 3.5
Maximum play time (hours): 43
Features
Charging cable: Yes
Audio cable: Yes
Built-in Microphone: Yes
Wireless: Yes
Active Noise Cancelling: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
The JBL Quantum 810 Wireless came in a great 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 paperboard. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, was very good. They also included an audio cable and charging cable, both were cloth branded, and a soft carry bag, Wi-Fi dongle, and owner’s manual.
I like the design of the JBL Quantum 810 Wireless. It’s a
little flashy with the mirror like silver finish on the earcups. The cloth
braided orange cables that came out from the earcups to under the headband,
give it some JBL styling as well. The headband feels a little on the cheap
side, and they used plastic in the adjustable headband, but I can see the need
to cut some corners for what you are getting to stay at this price point.
The JBL Quantum 810 has some great features. The earcups are
leather wrapped memory foam. So when you have those long gaming sessions,
you’ll be comfortable. The attached boom mic also rotates up. That way when you
aren’t gaming, but are listening to your tunes, it’s out of the way. You get
both wireless and Bluetooth, to ensure you get a good connection. While you get
Quantum Surround for compatible games, the Active Noise Canceling also helps
get rid of background noise, to help you focus on your gaming. And the Hi-Res
50mm drivers ensure you get that stellar JBL sound. We also can’t forget the
JBL App, so you can even customize the sound to your liking. Now let’s see how
they sound.
Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – vocals were silky smooth with very
good texture. Very good resolution of the strings on the acoustic guitar. Bass
had very good low-end extension with very good authority. Hi hat was crisp and
clean. Strings were also really smooth with very good resolution of the bow on
the strings. Trombone and trumpet were so dynamic with very good harmonics
without being too brassy. Drums also had great dynamics and depth. Soundstage
was really wide.
Now it’s time for the Urbanista Los Angeles. They are fairly
new to headphones, starting in 2010. They use a more modern design, and use
cities for their model names. The modern design for the looks, has also found its
way in features as well. The Los Angeles model has built-in solar charging.
Features and specs:
KEY FEATURES
Virtually infinite playtime
Always charging when exposed to light
80 h battery reserve
Hybrid active noise cancelling
On-ear detection
USB Type-C charging
Bluetooth 5.0
Siri and Google Voice Assistant
Compatible with iOS & Android
SPECIFICATIONS
Drivers: 40 mm dynamic, moving coil
Microphone: electret condenser
Echo cancelling: built-in DSP
Battery capacity: 750 mAh
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Bluetooth class: 2
Profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6
Codecs: SBC and AAC
Range: ≤10 m
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 107±3dB @ 1 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ohm ±15 %
The Urbanista Los Angeles came in a great looking color
printed box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box showed a well-protected
headphone, held in a semi-hard case. Materials used in the construction was
mostly plastic with some metal. Quality of materials used, as well as the fit
and finish, is excellent. Also included is the carry case, audio and charging cables,
and manual.
I love the design of Urbanista Los Angeles. The earcups have
a soft plastic feel, in a good way. The piece from the earcups to the headband,
that is used to adjust the size, is very durable metal. The earcups use memory
foam covered in leatherette. And the really special feature is the headband,
which incorporates a solar panel on the top and sides. So using any light
source…they are always charging the battery. I love the look and design, now
let’s see how they sound.
Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – vocals were silky smooth very good
texture. Excellent resolution of the strings of the acoustic guitar. Bass was
very smooth with great low-end extension and played with authority. Hi hat was
really crisp and clean. Strings were also pleasantly smooth. Trombone and
trumpet were also dynamic with good harmonics, not too brassy. Drums also had
good depth and dynamics. They also had a nice wide soundstage.
Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – the
violins were nice and smooth. The percussion was extremely dynamic with
excellent resolution of the shaker, cow bell and wood block texture. The guitar
was nice and funky and raw. Michael’s vocals were also smooth and dynamic.
Trumpets were also very dynamic and smooth with excellent harmonics.
Katy Perry: Dark Horse – vocals were silky smooth, with
snaps that were dynamic. Bass beats were nice and tight with good punch. The
deep sustained bass beats were really deep, hit really hard, and was really
clean.
Next up is the Garmin dēzl Headset 200. And kudos to Garmin
for this design. Garmin has a long history of providing us with products to use
with our vehicles, such as GPS receivers, and dashcams. They saw another need,
for drives, and designed a product for that need: the dēzl Headset 200. It’s a
headset with a removable earcup. It’s made for long haul truck drivers in mind.
Features and specs:
General
CHARGING TIME: Full
charge: 2.5 hours
Quick charge: 15 minutes of charge for 8 hours of use
DIMENSION 7.9"
x 8.3" x 3.3" (20.0 x 21.0 x 8.5 cm)
WEIGHT: 12.0 oz (340
g)
BATTERY TYPE rechargeable
820 mAh battery
Connectivity
SMARTPHONE PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY
iPhone®, Android™
WORKS WITH GARMIN APP ON A COMPATIBLE SMARTPHONE yes (via the Garmin dēzl™ app)
RANGE (VIA SMARTPHONE OR OTHER BLUETOOTH® SOURCE) 300 ft
AUDIO INPUT Wireless:
BLUETOOTH
Wired: 3.5 mm
NUMBER OF BLUETOOTH® CONNECTIONS Pair to and switch between up to 8 BLUETOOTH devices
REQUIRES BLUETOOTH®-ENABLED SMARTPHONE
Electrical Features
POWER SOURCE USB-C
The Garmin dēzl Headset 200 came in a nice-looking printed
box, with photos and specs of the headphone. Opening the box revealed a well-protected
headphone, held in place by custom molded paperboard. Materials used in the
construction was mostly plastic, with some metal. Quality of materials used, as
well as fit and finish, was very good. Also included was charging and audio
cables, stow holder, and user manual.
I really loved the design of the Garmin dēzl Headset 200. Truck drivers will rejoice. It’s like a traditional headset with just 1 earcup. That way you can hear your call in the earcup, yet also hear what’s going on around you. Only it also has a detachable 2nd earcup. That way when you aren’t driving, they convert to standard headphones to listen to your music. The leatherette earcups feature memory foam, so they are comfortable for the long drives. There’s and attached boom mic, that swivels up to get out of the way when not in use. Active Noise Canceling helps your calls or music sound great. And there’s even a storage hook, to mount in your truck. So when they are not in use, they are stored out of the way. Now let’s see how they sound.
Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – vocals were silky smooth with
excellent resolution of the texture of the timbre. Resolution of the strings of
the acoustic guitar was excellent. Bass had very good low-end extension and
played with good authority. Strings were also very smooth with good authority.
Strings were also very smooth with excellent resolution of the bow across the
strings. Trombone and trumpet had excellent dynamics and harmonics and was only
a touch brassy. Hi hat was really crisp and clean. Drums had good dynamics and
depth. Soundstage was nice and wide with good depth.
Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – violins
were nice and smooth. The percussion was extremely dynamic with excellent
resolution of the shaker, cow bell, very good texture of the wood blocks. The
guitar was pleasantly funky and raw. Michael’s vocals were smooth with good
dynamics as well, with good texture. Trumpets were also extremely dynamic with
excellent harmonics.
Katy Perry: Dark Horse – vocals were silky smooth with
really good texture. Snaps were extremely dynamic. Bass beats were nice and
tight with really good punch. The deep sustained bass was really deep, and hit
really hard with really good authority, and was really clean.
Last but not least is the Master & Dynamic MW75. They
are coming up on their 10-year anniversary. While relatively new, they have
developed a reputation for high-quality well-made headphones. Their MW75 is
their top of the line wireless over the ear headphones. MSRP is a very fair
$599.
Features and specs:
MODEL: MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones
DIMENSIONS: 160.75mm x 197.83mm x 83.57mm
DRIVERS: 40mm Beryllium
IMPEDANCE: 32 Ohms
WEIGHT: 338g
BATTERY LIFE: Up to 32 hours of battery life or up to 28
hours with ANC enabled
MATERIALS: Lambskin leather headband and ear pads / aluminum
and tempered glass ear cups / anodized aluminum controls
ANALOG HEADPHONE CONNECTION: USB-C to 3.5mm cable for
optional analog audio connection
CABLES: USB-C to 3.5mm input cable, USB-C to USB-C charging
cable
EAR COUPLING: Over-Ear
TALK MICROPHONES: 4 Microphone talk solution with wind
protection
ANC MICROPHONES: 4 Microphone ANC solution
ANTENNA: Internal Antenna
EAR PADS: Replaceable Magnetic Lambskin-Wrapped Memory Foam
BLUETOOTH PROFILE: Bluetooth® 5.1 range of 100ft/30m with
AAC, aptX™ Adaptive up to 24 bit/ 48kHz, and SBC. Hi-res requires a compatible
source device and streaming service.
VOICE ASSISTANT: Compatible with native voice assistants
The Master & Dynamics MW75 came in a great looking color
printed box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a
well-protected headphone, held in place in its cloth wrapped hard zippered case.
And this is one area where Master & Dynamics bucks the trend. Materials
used in the construction was all metal, except for the soft genuine leather
wrapped headband and earcups, which also uses memory foam in the earcups.
Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, was excellent! Also
included was the hard case, braided cloth covered audio and charger cables,
USB, ¼”, and airline adapters, as well as manual.
I absolutely love the design of the Master & Dynamic MW75.
The cloth wrapped hard case has an elegant look to it. In the middle of the
case is a well-placed holder for all the adapters and cords. The headphones are
built like a tank! They feature all metal for the housing. The swivel arms are
also thick yet are polished and beautiful looking metal, which protruded into
the headband. The headband is leather wrapped foam. The earcups are leather
wrapped memory foam. And the leather is so, so soft! Another bonus is the
leather wrapped earcups are held on magnetically. So, if they need to be
replaced, it's extremely easy to do. Buttons for controls, as well as built-in
mics, are found on both earcups. They are a very premium product, designed to
last a very long time! Now let’s see how they sound.
Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – vocals were smooth like honey with
excellent texture of the timbre. Acoustic guitar had excellent resolution of
the strings. Bass had excellent low-end extension, was really full, with great
authority. Hi hat was so crisp and clean with excellent resolution of the stick
on the metal. Violins also had excellent resolution of the bow sliding across
the strings. Trombone and trumpet was so very dynamic without being brassy,
with excellent harmonics. Drums also had great dynamics and depth. Soundstage
was huge with great width and even had some depth to it.
Katy Perry: Sark Horse – vocals were silky smooth with
excellent texture of the timbre and harmonics. Snaps were extremely dynamic.
Bass beats were really tight with really good punch. The deep sustained beats
were really deep, hit really, really hard, was really clean with a ton of
authority.
When it came to the overall sound, I was really surprised
with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. They were just a hair on the bright side
as far as sound signature. But the quality of sound and resolution has them
sounding significantly better than their price point. The JBL Quantum 810
Wireless has a sound signature that’s just a hair on the warm side. The sound
quality and resolution is not quite as good as Audio-Technica’s. But for the
same price you do get some really cool gaming features, and earcups with
built-in RGB lights. The Urbanista Los Angeles had a pretty neutral sound
signature. And it did not play nearly as loud as the other headphones. It also
didn’t quite have the resolution and sound quality as the Audio-Technica’s. But
the built-in Solar charging is a really cool upsell. The Garmin dēzl Headset
200 has a sound signature a bit on the bright side with similar resolution and
sound quality as the Audio-Technica’s. And the design for the truckers is
really cool! Last, but not least, the Master & Dynamic MW75 has a more
neutral sound signature. And the sound quality and resolution is also a step up
from the others. Add to that the superior build quality, and you have a premium
product.
Next is our Bluetooth and ANC testing. Just a heads up on our Bluetooth testing: it is meant to be a torture test, and see
just what it can handle. This goes way
above and beyond the manufacturer’s specs. Paired with my smartphone, I leave
my phone in the basement, wander around the basement and move to the main floor
and wander around, and then move up to the 2nd floor and wander
around. Can it handle staying connected as I wander up the floors. Then I take it outside and see how far I can go
with no walls between the headphones and my smartphone, walking out to a
maximum of 200ft. The performance will
also vary based on your phone, but this will at least give you an idea of how
good the Bluetooth performance is. And
then lastly we test the ANC performance to see the rough percentage of sound
around me that was removed.
For the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, there was no problems in
the basement, a little glitchy on main floor, too glitchy on the 2nd
floor to be usable. Walking outside it was a little glitchy at 100 ft, useable
to 150 ft.
JBL Quantum 810 Wireless, no problems in the basement. A
little glitchy on main floor, and 2nd floor was almost useable but
too glitchy. Outside it was a little glitchy at 100 ft., usable to 125 ft. For ANC it took out around 80%.
Garmin dēzl Headset 200, no problems in the basement. A couple glitches on the main floor but usable,
too glitchy on the 2nd floor to be usable. Outside it was a little
glitchy at 100 ft, made it to 125 ft before it was not usable. ANC took out around 85%.
Master & Dynamic MW75, no problems in the basement. A
little glitchy but usable on the main floor. And surprisingly similar
performance on the 2nd floor: a little glitchy but usable. Outside, it was a little glitchy at 125ft,
and usable all the way out to 200ft. And
for ANC it performed great, removing around 90%.
We have some great products in this year’s over the ear
models. They all sounded great. But just as we had surprises at the beginning
of this year’s March Madness, we also had a surprise in this years over the ear
part of our annual Headphone Shootout. That came from the Audio-Technica
ATH-M50xBT2. There’s no fancy features like ANC, gaming, leather earpads, or
metal construction. But they still sounded much much better than their $199
price point! The JBL Quantum 810 Wireless also gave an excellent sound, as well
as providing advanced gaming features. The Urbanista Los Angeles also provided
great sound and game changing solar charging. Truck drivers will be ecstatic
with the Garmin dēzl Headset 200. And Master & Dynamic does what they do
best with their whole package premium Master & Dynamic MW75. No matter your
budget, these all provide great sound. Based on their design, features, quality
and per performance, the JBL Quantum 810 Wireless and Urbanista Los Angeles
have earned our Highly Recommended Award, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2,
Garmin dēzl Headset 200, and Master and Dynamic MW75 have earned our Editor’s
Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their websites at www.audio-technica.com, www.jbl.com, www.urbanista.com,
www.Garmin.com, www.masterdynamic.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment