Are you looking to upgrade your audio setup? Consider the power of ceiling speakers. These discreet devices pack a punch, delivering high-quality sound without cluttering your space. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite shows or hosting a party, the best ceiling speakers can enhance your listening experience.

Imagine crisp, clear sound filling your room from above. Ceiling speakers offer immersive audio that envelops you in every beat and lyric. Easy to install and sleek in design, they seamlessly integrate into any environment, making them a must-have for any audio enthusiast. In this guide, we will tell you the top ceiling speakers. So, let’s get started.

The Best Ceiling Speakers

When choosing the best ceiling speakers, think beyond technical details. Look for ones that blend in with your room effortlessly and are built to last. Make sure they match your existing audio system, too. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy great sound without any hassle for years to come. Here, we have picked some ceiling speakers that you can check.

1. Polk Audio RC80i

Best Overall Choice

Pros

• Moisture Resistance
• Wide Dispersion
• Adjustable Tweeters
• Sleek Design

Cons

• Non-Magnetic Grilles
• Limited Outdoor Use

Power Handling: 100W per speaker | Frequency Response: 35Hz - 20kHz | Sensitivity: 90 dB | Dimensions: 9.375 inch diameter, 3.5 inch depth | Weight: 4.3 lbs | Cut-out Size: 8.625 inch diameter | Warranty: 1 year

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Our top pick for ceiling speakers, the Polk Audio RC80i, stands out for its quality and affordability. Built with moisture-resistant materials, they’re perfect for indoor use, including saunas or porch areas (but not outdoors).

We found the RC80i’s sound quality exceptional, even compared to other models. With a warm, room-filling sound and adjustable tweeters for precise direction, they deliver an immersive listening experience.

The RC80i speakers feature a sleek white design that blends well with most ceilings, and users can paint them to match their ceiling color. Plus, they come as a pair, providing great value for your money.

Pros

1. Moisture Resistance: Constructed from moisture-resistant materials, they are suitable for indoor use in saunas or porches, offering versatility and durability.
2. Wide Dispersion: This feature elevates the listening experience with clear, immersive sound, ideal for optimal coverage in any room.
3. Adjustable Tweeters: The RC80i speakers feature adjustable tweeters mounted on a 15-degree swivel, allowing users to customize the sound direction for optimal listening enjoyment.
4. Sleek Design: Designed in a sleek white finish, they blend with most ceilings, offering a discreet appearance.

Cons

1. Non-Magnetic Grilles: Unlike some competing models, the RC80i speaker grilles lack magnetic attachment, which may affect ease of installation and grille stability.
2. Limited Outdoor Use: While suitable for indoor environments, these speakers are not recommended for outdoor use.

In summary, the Polk Audio RC80i speakers offer a compelling combination of affordability, durability, and sound quality. They are an excellent choice for indoor users seeking high-performance ceiling speakers. However, potential buyers should consider the limitations of non-magnetic grilles and restricted outdoor usage when making their purchasing decisions.

READ MORE: 5 Best Computer Speakers Under $50 ➜

2. Pyle PIC8E 8

Best Budget

Pros

• Affordable Price
• Directional Design
• High-Quality Audio
• Adjustable Treble Control
• Easy Installation

Cons

• Limited Brand Recognition
• Subjective Audio Preference

Power Handling: 150W RMS, 300W peak | Frequency Response: 35Hz - 20kHz | Sensitivity: 88 dB | Dimensions: 10.6 inch diameter, 3.9 inch depth | Weight: 5 lbs per speaker | Cut-out Size: 9.4 inch diameter | Warranty: 1 year

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The Pyle PIC8E is a pair of in-ceiling speakers designed to deliver high-quality audio performance in your living space. Each speaker features a directional design, allowing you to direct audio towards specific areas of your room for optimal sound coverage.

These speakers produce crisp, clear audio with a wide frequency response with an 8″ polypropylene full-range driver and a pivoting 1″ silk dome tweeter. They are an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers, as they won’t break the bank.

Pros

1. Directional Design: The directional design of the speakers ensures that audio is directed toward specific areas of the room, enhancing overall sound coverage and clarity.
2. Affordable Price: While offering high-quality performance, these speakers are more budget-friendly, catering to a broader range of users.
3. High-Quality Audio: The PIC8E speakers feature an 8″ polypropylene full-range driver and a pivoting 1″ silk dome tweeter. They deliver sharp, clear audio with a wide frequency response, catering to diverse preferences.
4. Adjustable Treble Control: Users can fine-tune the speaker’s tone with the adjustable treble control. It offers flexibility in audio customization, catering to individual preferences.
5. Easy Installation: The built-in mounting hardware simplifies the installation process. Users can set up the speakers conveniently without additional tools or accessories.

Cons

1. Limited Brand Recognition: Pyle may lack the brand recognition of established speaker manufacturers. This factor might affect some buyers’ purchasing decisions.
2. Subjective Audio Preference: While the adjustable treble control offers customization, some users may prefer a more neutral sound profile. This might not be achievable with the PIC8E’s tone adjustment feature.

So, the Pyle PIC8E in-ceiling speaker system offers an affordable and versatile audio solution for residential spaces. With its directional design, high-quality audio performance, and convenient features, the PIC8E speakers are worth considering for those seeking an effective and budget-friendly audio upgrade.

READ MORE: Multi-Channel Home Theater – Everything You Need to Know ➜

3. Klipsch CDT-5650-C II

Best Sound Quality

Pros

• High-Performance Audio
• Innovative Design
• Controlled Dispersion Technology
• Customizable Sound
• Sleek Aesthetic

Cons

• Warranty Limitations
• Price Concerns
• Performance Parity with Lower-Priced Alternatives
• Limited Replacement Options

Power Handling: 50W RMS, 200W Peak | Frequency Response: 63Hz - 23kHz | Sensitivity: 94 dB | Dimensions: 8.2 inch diameter, 4.5 inch mounting depth | Weight: 0.5 KG | Cut-out Size: 8.2 inch diameter | Warranty: Limited lifetime

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The Klipsch CDT-5650-C II stands out for its exceptional sound quality, boasting crisp and accurate audio reproduction with impressive mids, lows, and unexpected bass for in-ceiling speakers. It features phenomenal sound, along with its gorgeous design and quality build.\

Pros

1. High-Performance Audio: They offer outstanding sound quality, delivering clear and detailed audio reproduction across various frequencies.
2. Innovative Design: With features like a 1″ titanium tweeter, 6.5″ pinning ceramic woofer, and horn-loaded technology, these speakers are engineered for optimal performance and efficiency.
3. Controlled Dispersion Technology (CDT): The CDT technology ensures precise sound dispersion, directing audio where needed for immersive listening experiences.
4. Customizable Sound: Users can customize treble and midbass levels using the attenuation switches. This allows for personalized sound profiles based on individual preferences and room acoustics.
5. Sleek Aesthetic: The low-profile SlimTrim magnetic grille offers a sleek and discreet design, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the speakers.

Cons:

1. Warranty Limitations: Klipsch’s warranty policy might not extend to purchases from unauthorized sellers. This could result in buyers lacking warranty coverage despite initial assurances.
2. Price Concerns: Some users may find the price higher, especially when compared to similar-performing speakers available at lower price points.
3. Performance Parity with Lower-Priced Alternatives: Despite its superior sound quality, some users have experienced comparable performance from lower-priced speakers. This raises questions about the value proposition of the Klipsch CDT-5650-C.
4. Limited Replacement Options: Finding direct replacements for specific speaker units may pose challenges, leading users to opt for the Klipsch CDT-5650-C as an upgrade, albeit with potential inconvenience and compatibility concerns.

In summary, while the Klipsch CDT-5650-C offers impressive audio performance and innovative design features, potential issues related to warranty coverage, pricing, performance parity, and replacement options may influence buyers’ decisions.

READ MORE: Center Channel Speakers – Everything You Need To Know Before Buying Them ➜

4. Sonance MAG6R

Best for Easy Installation

Pros

• Wide Frequency Response
• Easy Installation
• Robust Construction
• Versatile Connectivity

Cons

• Incorrect RMS Listing
• Limited Bass Response
• Overpriced for Performance
• Mixed Reviews and Performance

Power Handling: 125W per speaker | Frequency Response: 45Hz - 20kHz | Sensitivity: 89 dB | Dimensions: 9 inch diameter, 4 inch depth | Weight: 4.5 lbs per speaker | Cut-out Size: 8.25 inch diameter | Warranty: Limited Lifetime

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Immerse yourself in a richer audio environment with the Sonance MAG6R speakers, adding depth to your listening experience. With a combination of a polyurethane dome tweeter and a sturdy glass fiber woofer in each unit, these speakers deliver a broad spectrum of frequencies, ensuring clear and dynamic sound reproduction.

Thanks to their user-friendly mounting process, installation is a breeze, and the included pair of round perforated steel grilles can be customized with paint to blend with your home decor seamlessly.

Pros

1. Wide Frequency Response: The Sonance MAG6R speakers feature silk tweeters and robust glass fiber woofers, providing a broad frequency response for immersive audio experiences.
2. Easy Installation: With a simple mounting process and paintable perforated steel grilles, these speakers seamlessly integrate into your decor, enhancing the aesthetics of your space.
3. Robust Construction: Designed to handle up to 125W maximum input power, the MAG6R speakers deliver controlled and crisp audio, ensuring a high-quality listening experience.
4. Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with RCA connectivity technology, these speakers are compatible with various audio systems, making them suitable for surround sound setups.

Cons

1. Incorrect RMS Listing: Some users have reported that the RMS listed for these speakers was incorrect at the time of purchase, leading to discrepancies in performance expectations.
2. Limited Bass Response: Despite their 6.5″ drivers, the MAG6R speakers may lack significant bass depth, resulting in a less dynamic sound profile, which may not satisfy true sound enthusiasts.
3. Overpriced for Performance: While marketed as budget-friendly options, these speakers may be considered overpriced, especially when compared to higher-quality alternatives available in the market.
4. Mixed Reviews and Performance: Despite positive reviews, some users have found the sound quality to be uninspiring, with muddy highs and lacking bass, leading to concerns about the speakers’ overall performance and value.

In conclusion, the Sonance MAG6R in-ceiling speakers offer a convenient audio solution with wide frequency response and easy installation. However, potential issues should be carefully considered before making a purchase decision.

READ MORE: Best Speaker Wire – Audiophiles Picks ➜

5. Focal 100ICW8

Best for Sound Quality

Pros

• Superior Sound Quality
• Space-Saving Design
• Versatile Audio Experience
• Aesthetic Enhancement

Cons

• Comparable Pricing
• Potential Sound Depth Limitation

Power Handling: 25-150W | Frequency Response: 53Hz - 23kHz | Sensitivity: 90 dB | Dimensions: 9.8-inch diameter, 4.4 inch depth | Weight: 3.9 lbs | Cut-out Diameter: 8.75 inches | Warranty: 5 years

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Focal, a well-known brand for its premium speakers, extends its product range to include mid-range options like the 100ICW8. These speakers combine the qualities of home theater and audiophile sound, offering impressive performance.

Despite its mid-range classification, the 100ICW8 is designed to fit into a 5-inch space above your ceiling, making it versatile for various setups. Its frameless grille enhances the speaker’s aesthetic appeal, adding a touch of sophistication to your audio setup.

Pros

1. Superior Sound Quality: Experience clear and precise audio reproduction, ideal for immersive listening.
2. Space-Saving Design: The compact form factor fits seamlessly into 5-inch ceiling spaces, optimizing room aesthetics.
3. Versatile Audio Experience: Blurs the lines between home theater and audiophile sound, catering to diverse preferences.
4. Aesthetic Enhancement: The frameless grille not only complements modern decor but also adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Cons

1. Comparable Pricing: While offering excellent performance, the speakers may be priced similarly to high-quality bookshelf alternatives.
2. Potential Sound Depth Limitation: Users may find that the speakers lack the depth of larger, floor-standing models, particularly in low-frequency response.

READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a 6.5 Speaker for Your Car ➜

What to Look For in Ceiling Speakers

When considering ceiling speakers, here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Sound Quality: Look for speakers with high-quality components such as tweeters, woofers, and crossovers for clear and balanced sound reproduction.
• Installation Ease: Opt for speakers with simple mounting systems and clear installation instructions to ensure hassle-free setup.
• Size and Design: Choose speakers that fit your ceiling dimensions and aesthetic preferences well. Consider whether you want visible or discreet speakers.
• Durability and Build Quality: Select speakers made from durable materials that can withstand humidity and temperature changes, especially for installation in bathrooms or outdoor areas.
• Frequency Response: Check the frequency response range of the speakers to ensure they cover a wide spectrum of sound frequencies for accurate audio reproduction.
• Power Handling: Consider the power handling capacity of the speakers to ensure compatibility with your amplifier or receiver for optimal performance.
• Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research reputable brands known for producing high-quality ceiling speakers and read customer reviews to gauge performance and reliability.
• Additional Features: Look for features such as pivoting tweeters, adjustable volume controls, and paintable grilles for customization and versatility.

READ MORE: What is Audio Gain? Detailed Guide With Step-by-Step Explanation ➜

Final Words

In this guide, we’ve covered the best ceiling speakers available in the market. Also, consider key factors for choosing ceiling speakers, from sound quality to installation ease. Finding the right fit is crucial for immersive home theater or background music.

By researching reputable brands and understanding your needs, you can discover speakers seamlessly blend into your home while delivering exceptional performance. With the right choice, any room can become an immersive audio haven, enhancing your enjoyment of music, movies, and more.

The post The 5 Best Ceiling Speakers to Buy in 2024 [All Budgets] appeared first on Appuals.

Fortunately, you do not need all of that to enjoy a good listening experience today. A great pair of speakers or headphones and a stereo amplifier is all most people will ever want. Modern home stereo amplifiers replace the purpose of all of the things we mentioned in the previous paragraph. However, these products can get expensive, as is common in the realm of high-quality audio gear.

A stereo amplifier adds detail and loudness to low power sources. This is a must-have if you are using headphones or speakers with your blu-ray player, turntable, desktop setup, etc. It allows you to drive headphones and speakers with better and louder sound.

Our Picks For The Best Budget Stereo Amplifiers

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		Yamaha Audio A-S301BL	Best Budget Stereo Amplifier For Audiophiles	Check Price
2		Pyle Bluetooth Home Audio Amplifier	Best Overall Budget Stereo Amplifier	Check Price
3		Sony STRDH190 Home Stereo Receiver	Best Design Budget Stereo Amplifier	Check Price
4		Kaynell 298A Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier	Best Ultra-Affordable Stereo Amplifier	Check Price
5		Fosi Audio BT30D Stereo Amplifier	Best Compact Budget Stereo Amplifier	Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	Yamaha Audio A-S301BL
Award	Best Budget Stereo Amplifier For Audiophiles
Details	Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Pyle Bluetooth Home Audio Amplifier
Award	Best Overall Budget Stereo Amplifier
Details	Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	Sony STRDH190 Home Stereo Receiver
Award	Best Design Budget Stereo Amplifier
Details	Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	Kaynell 298A Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier
Award	Best Ultra-Affordable Stereo Amplifier
Details	Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	Fosi Audio BT30D Stereo Amplifier
Award	Best Compact Budget Stereo Amplifier
Details	Check Price

Last Update on 2024-04-25 at 17:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The market for stereo amplifiers has certainly come of age, and we can see several offerings that target different price categories. There are enough options for both audiophiles and casual listeners so there shouldn’t be any problem in the buying process pertaining to lack of choices. So, while buying a stereo amplifier isn’t exactly easy (especially on a budget), we’ve tried to make the process easier for you. After a lot of extensive research, below are some of the best budget stereo amplifiers worth buying.

1. Yamaha Audio A-S301BL

Best Budget Stereo Amplifier For Audiophiles

Pros

• Understated yet sophisticated design
• Excellent buttons and volume knob
• Impressive build quality
• Smooth and pleasing audio

Cons

• No Bluetooth support

Weight: 21lbs | Power: 60W x2 RMS at 8Ω | Integrated DAC: Yes

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It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone that Yamaha managed to find their way on to this list. The company is well known for their mid-range and high-end audio products, but the Yamaha A-S301BL is cheap enough to be included on this list. While there are cheaper options out there, this is the bang for your buck and the best budget stereo amplifier out there. More budget-oriented speakers can be found in our best budget computer speakers roundup.

One look at this stereo amplifier and you know that it means business. It has that sort of all-business and no-nonsense look to it. The company took a pragmatic approach to the design, and we know a lot of folks are going to love it. The industrial look means that this amplifier is sleek and stealthy. It’s also quite slim, which is unlike other stereo amplifiers. There is no display here either, so it’s really going for a minimal approach.

The latest version also includes a phono preamp built inside as well as a Digital Coax and optical input. You can connect two sets of speakers, a CD player, a subwoofer, and a vinyl record player as well. The front of the amplifier has controls for bass, treble, balance, and volume. There’s even a neat indicator at the front that shows you what devices are connected and currently playing audio. 

You also get a remote with this entire package too. This happens to be one of the best-sounding amps under $500. It can drive any speakers or headphones with ease and really brings them to life in the process. Don’t let the RMS power confuse you, this thing can get quite loud if need be. In fact, it outperforms other amps that are louder on paper. It also sounds cleaner than some of those options.

Overall, this is a great choice to go for if you don’t want to break the bank. The best part is that you might not even need to upgrade for a good period of time. We also safely say that this is the best budget stereo amplifier for audiophiles on our list. The only thing missing here is Bluetooth, but Yamaha does sell an optional YBA-11 wireless adapter if you need it. 

2. Pyle Bluetooth Home Audio Amplifier

Best Overall Budget Stereo Amplifier

Pros

• Pleasing Audio Output
• Solid and Robust Construction
• Multitude of Connectivity Options
• Bluetooth Support

Cons

• No AM Radio

Weight: 8.34lbs | Power: 300-watt power output (RMS Power N/A) | Integrated DAC: Yes

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The Pyle Bluetooth Home Audio Amplifier is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable audio amplifier that can deliver good sound output without breaking the bank. This device offers Bluetooth support, which allows for easy wireless streaming of audio content from your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

One of the standout features of this amplifier is its audio output quality when compared to its price. The device can deliver clear, crisp audio with good detail and definition, making it suitable for a range of audio applications, from listening to music to watching movies or playing games. Of course, the sound quality will vary depending on what headphones/speakers you use with it. 

The lightweight construction of the device also means it can be easily carried around, making it a convenient option for outdoor events or gatherings. 

Another major advantage of this amplifier is its low price point. Compared to several other audio amplifiers on the market, the Pyle Bluetooth Home Audio Amplifier is relatively cheap, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. The price-to-performance ratio offered by this product is one of the main reasons why it is ranked so high on our list.

However, one potential drawback of this amplifier is that it does not have AM radio support. This may be a disadvantage for some users who prefer to listen to AM radio stations or live in areas where AM radio is the only option. Moreover, some audiophiles may not be completely satisfied with the sound output from this amplifier, which may be expected at this price point.

Overall, the Pyle Bluetooth Home Audio Amplifier is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable, reliable audio amplifier that delivers pleasing sound quality and comes with Bluetooth support. While it may not have all the features that are present in more premium options, its overall performance and affordability make it a good value for money.

3. Sony STRDH190 Home Stereo Receiver

Best Design Budget Stereo Amplifier

Pros

• Compelling price
• Appealing modern design
• Great build quality

Cons

• Lacks a few features
• No digital inputs

Weight: 17.1 lbs | Power: 100W x2 RMS at 8Ω | Integrated DAC: Yes

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Sony has sold a lot of units of this solid stereo receiver. The STRDH190 is a great example of what happens when you nail the basics. While it lacks a lot of the bells and whistles of the pricier competitors, it just so happens that it’s more appealing to someone who just needs a solid unit all-around. It also helps that the unit comes in at a very appealing price point.

It needs to be said that this stereo amplifier is not aimed at or marketed to audiophiles. That’s not who this product is for. It’s more so for families that want a decent audio setup in their living room. The STRDH190 is perfect for that purpose. The sound quality is rich and warm, with plenty of bass and treble. For average living rooms, it’s quite powerful. Not to mention, the design is excellent which earns this stereo the title of the best design budget stereo amplifier on our list.

Just don’t go expecting this unit to pair well with extremely high-end speakers might be worth taking a look at). It will get the job done, but won’t be able to really bring them to life. It’s for the person that wants to pair their iPhone with Bluetooth and wireless stream music from their devices. Needless to say, that person isn’t exactly a raging audio enthusiast.

Other than that, it is a solid unit for the price. If you are looking for subwoofer outputs, DTS processing, or digital inputs, then you’re looking at the wrong product. If all you want is a decent-sounding stereo amplifier that won’t break the bank and is reliable, this is one most people should go for.

4. Kaynell 298A Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier

Best Value Budget Stereo Amplifier

Pros

• Small Unit
• Very Affordable
• Bluetooth Support

Cons

• No Dedicated Subwoofer Connection
• Mediocre Audio Quality

Weight: 2.4lbs | Power: Power: 300-watt power output (RMS Power N/A) | Integrated DAC: Yes

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The Kaynell 298A Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier is another small and affordable audio amplifier that offers Bluetooth support for easy wireless streaming of audio content from your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This device is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it a great option for those with limited space or who need a portable amplifier for use in different locations or rooms.

It’s worth noting that the audio quality of the Kaynell 298A Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier is considered to be petty down the road, which is to be expected at its low price point. While the audio output may not be as clear or detailed as some higher-end amplifiers, it still offers good sound quality for the price. Of course, the audio output largely depends on the speakers or headphones that you plan to use with this device.

Another potential disadvantage of the Kaynell 298A Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier is that it does not have a dedicated subwoofer output. This may be an annoyance for users who want to enhance the bass response of their audio system or who prefer to use a separate subwoofer for their audio setup.

Despite these limitations, the Kaynell 298A Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier is still a good option for those who need an affordable, compact audio amplifier with Bluetooth support. Its small size and lightweight construction make it a convenient option for use in a variety of settings, and its affordability makes it accessible to a wider range of consumers.

5. Fosi Audio BT20A Stereo Amplifier

Best Compact Budget Stereo Amplifier

Pros

• Bluetooth 5.0 support
• Extremely small footprint
• Clear sound considering the price

Cons

• Slight distortion at high volume
• Limited inputs

Weight: 1.94lbs | Power: 200W x2 RMS at 8Ω | Integrated DAC: Yes

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Our last pick is for the folks who want to spend the least amount of money they can, while still getting a clean signal from their source. Fortunately, Fosi Audio comes to the rescue in this situation. The tiny BT30D Stereo Amplifier doesn’t look like all that much, but it packs clean and pleasant audio inside. For this price, that’s more than what we could ask for.

Fosi Audio is really trying to appeal to the masses with this product. They know most people will prefer the convenience of Bluetooth over a wired connection. This is why this tiny amplifier supports Bluetooth 5.0 and has a rock-solid connection as well. It also packs quite the punch for such a tiny stereo amplifier. It’s great for a small living room or even for a desktop setup, which is why we have labeled it as the best compact budget stereo amplifier out there.

You might want to take a look at our selection of the best bass headphones for this one.

With all of that said, just remember to adjust your expectations accordingly with the price. This is quite a cheap stereo amplifier after all. Drawbacks include the lack of extra inputs and the fact that there is a bit of distortion at higher volumes. If you don’t max out volume all the time, this should not be too much of an issue.

The post Best Budget Stereo Amplifiers: Top 5 Audiophile Picks appeared first on Appuals.

PRODUCT INFO
Kraken X Lite Ultralight
Manufacture	Razer
Available at	View at Amazon

With all of that said, these headsets always represent great performance with great value. The latest iteration, the Kraken X Lite focuses purely on both of those things. This headset is designed as a cheaper alternative to everything else out there. For the average gamer, the Kraken X Lite looks like one of the best Razer headphones we’ve seen yet.

However, don’t let the price fool you. This affordable headset punches well above its weight. Let’s have a look at what makes this headset such a strong contender in the world of budget headsets in our Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight Gaming Headset review. More competing headsets can be seen in our Logitech G Pro X review and the HyperX Cloud Orbit S review.

Unboxing Experience

Razer has stuck with the black and green color scheme for a long time now. Recently, the iconic green is starting to fade away in the product themselves. However, the packaging still shows off the colors proudly. The front of the box is all black and happens to have a Razer logo at the top right corner. This is quite a contrast to other high-end headsets, such as what we saw in our HyperX Cloud II Wireless Review.

We have a picture of the headset itself, some of the main features, and a platform compatibility list at the bottom. As usual, the sides of the box list all of the features in detail, and the backside of the box breaks them down even further. After opening the box, we’re first greeted by the “For Gamers, By Gamers” branding on the tab itself.

More Razer Products: Razer Viper Ultimate Review

Finally, the headset sits inside of a brown cardboard box within plastic packaging. The box contents are as follows:

• Razer Kraken X Lite headset
• A 3.5mm splitter cable
• User Manual
• Download code for 7.1 surround sound software

Design and Build Quality

The Razer Kraken X Lite takes everything great about the original Kraken headsets and brings it down in size and weight. Similar to previous entries in the Kraken lineup, this headset is sleek and stylish. To put it simply, what we have here is a slight redesign of the classic Kraken headset. It is also quite similar to the design we saw in our Corsair HS60 Pro Review.

It is compatible with anything that has a headphone jack. This includes PCs, phones, tablets, all consoles, and even the Nintendo Switch. We mention this because it’s an important distinction from the previous headset. This one uses a 3.5mm four-pole connector, which means you can use this for communication as well. If you want to use the mic on a PC, you’ll have to use the included splitter cable.

As for the aesthetics, the whole matte black sleek look is always a win for us. Surprisingly, this headset has no Chroma or RGB effects. Everything from the grills, to the hinges, and even the logo are the same color. It is also impressively lightweight, as this thing comes in at about 230g. The Kraken X Lite achieves this feat thanks to the all-plastic frame.

Related Review: Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition Review

When we say all-plastic, we do mean it. The frame inside is plastic as well, and this includes the adjustable hinge. There are adjustment markings on the hinge, which is always a neat bonus to have. The reason for the all-plastic build is likely to cut costs and weight. While they could have added an aluminum headband, we’re not too bothered as long as the comfort holds up to the claims.

Related Razer Products: Razer Viper Mini Review

On the standard Razer Kraken X, you can find onboard volume controls like a dial and a mic mute button on the left earcup. The Kraken X Lite is the smaller sibling, and it gets rid of those controls. The mic is not removable, and the cable is rubberized and also permanently attached. That’s quite standard for this price range.

Comfort

The all-plastic frame is one of the very few issues we have with this headset. However, the fact that the Kraken X Lite is so comfortable almost outweighs that problem. We have to give credit where credit is due, the Kraken X Lite feels excellent on the head, and it is one of the most comfortable gaming headsets we have tried.

More Razer Products: Razer Opto-mechanical Switches vs. Cherry MX

There is no swivel on the cups here, but you get a lot of range in terms of the tilting motion. As mentioned before, this headset has an adjustable hinge, and it can fit larger head sizes with no problem. Honestly, this is one of the few headsets out that can do this without creaking. The earcups use a light memory foam padding, while the headband uses artificial leather.

On a related note, you should also check out our HyperX Cloud II Review if you are interested in more gaming headphones.

These headphones even have channels for eyeglasses, so these should be comfortable for you folks with glasses out there. The outer diameter is 90 x 97mm, while the internal is 40 x 68mm. The padding covers the ear, but depending on head size, your ears may or may not fit inside the earcups completely.

However, that doesn’t take away from the comfort at all. The clamping force is just right as well. It’s tight enough to create a seal, but not tight enough to fatigue your ears. All of these things like the lightweight design, earpads, and minor clamping force make this one of the comfortable headsets out there. We can’t complain at all considering the price.

Related Review: Razer Huntsman Gaming Keyboard Review

Microphone Quality

The Razer Kraken X Lite uses a unidirectional cardioid microphone that is permanently attached. This approach is unlike the one we saw in our HyperX Cloud Alpha S review. As the main focus for Kraken headsets is obviously gaming, these headsets have always had decent microphones. However, the Kraken X Lite doesn’t just have a decent microphone, it has a great one.

The mic here is excellent, and it makes a couple of improvements coming from the previous versions. You are going to be limited to what you get out of the box, as you can’t adjust anything inside Razer’s software. This is because the microphone doesn’t use USB, so you’ll have to adjust everything in your PC settings or audio interface.

With that said, this is one of the better-sounding microphones we’ve heard. Sure, it has some compression going on, and it’s not the richest sound out there. However, it gets more than the job done for the price. Vocals sound crystal clear with this mic, and you can’t clip it even if you get extremely loud.

More Razer Products: Razer Deathadder v2 Review

You miss out on some of the higher-end features like chat mix and side-tone, but we were expecting that for the price. Overall, this microphone is great for communicating with your teammates, talking on discord, etc.

Performance and Sound Quality

Moving on to sound quality, it is surprisingly very good. If you set the volume wheel to the max, you can drive these at quite a loud volume without any distortion. If you are someone who listens to their music loud or likes to game with a loud volume, you’ll be happy with this one. They can get powerfully loud, even with onboard audio.

You’ll get plenty of loud volume using this on anything you want. Phones and PCs work perfectly, and so will a Nintendo Switch. As for a PS4 controller, well, it’s the usual story. You’ll get decent loudness here, but not a lot of headroom. That’s an issue with the PS4 controller, and not with the headset itself. It works much better on an Xbox Controller.

We have 40mm drivers inside of here, and the sound is impressive for the price point. Surprisingly, it sounds relatively more balanced than any other Razer headset we’ve tried before. This is a gaming headset, so you’ll get some emphasis on the bass, and a lot of emphasis on the treble.

The highs are very detailed and emphasized. Despite the excellent detail, they can get harsh at times. However, you’ll only notice that if you’re looking for it. Unlike previous headsets, the bass does not storm in and make everything sound muddy. It’s powerful, sure, but it sounds a bit more mature and subdued compared to previous Razer headsets. All of this carries over to music listening as well. While these aren’t audiophile-grade headphones, they’ll sound great to most people, especially gamers.

Imaging is also very good, but the soundstage can take a back seat. It does a got job in left, right, and center positions. It backs up the rear positioning quite well too. However, there’s is not much verticality here, meaning you can’t accurately tell when someone is under you or over you.

Related Review: Razer Huntsman Elite Keyboard Review

The soundstage sounds tight and it’s honestly not quite wide. We doubt anyone is going to mind since if you’re looking for that sort of sound, you shouldn’t be looking at a gaming headset in the first place.

7.1 Virtual Surround Sound

To help out with the soundstage and surround sound experience, Razer includes a digital download code for simulated 7.1 surround software. This is a new designation to adjust the spaciousness and surround sound experience for the headset. Apparently, it’s gotten better than Razer’s previous solutions.

Note that simulated 7.1 surround sound will only work on PC through the software. This feature does not carry over to consoles or phones. It impacts the audio interface on the PC, not the actual headset itself. This means you can use this software with other headphones as well if you want to.

On a related note, you should also check out the Razer Tiamat v2 2.2 Review if you want to take a look at more Razer headsets.

The quality and benefits of virtual 7.1 surround sound are debatable. It might expand the sound stage a bit, and make everything sound more spacious, yet positional audio isn’t that better. On some headsets, you’ll get better positional audio but it might mess with the quality of the sound. A perfect solution would be one that widens the soundstage, having great positional audio and no impact on the actual quality.

So, the Kraken X Lite lands somewhere in the middle. It works quite well in some games, and not as well in others. It helps with positioning sure, but depending on the audio engine in the game, it can mess with the quality and mix of the audio. But, when it works, it does the job quite well. We say that it’s passable for the price.

Value and Conclusion

Overall, this headset makes a lot of sense for gamers who are on a budget. This headset offers a better audio representation than what you might expect at this price point. There is a bit of competition within this budget. Headsets like the HyperX Cloud Stinger which we reviewed, Corsair HS50, and other lesser-known headsets give some competition to the Kraken X Lite.

However, the Kraken X Lite can firmly hold its ground. It is comfortable, sounds great, and has a decent microphone too. Razer is giving gamers a lightweight and affordable headset, that is a very capable and sensible option for many people. This is by far our favorite budget headset available right now.

Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight Gaming Headset

Well-Rounded Budget Headset

Pros

• Impressive lightweight design
• Superb comfort for the price
• Incredible overall value
• Good audio quality
• Decent 7.1 surround

Cons

• Plastic build quality

Design: Over-Ear / Closed-Back | Drivers: 40 mm Dynamic drivers | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Active Noise Cancellation: No | Frequency Response: 12 Hz - 28 kHz | Connectivity: 3.5mm Wired | Weight: 230 g

VERDICT:The Kraken X Lite performs well above its price point. The sleek aesthetics, superb comfort, and good sonic performance make this one of the best budget headsets around. If you want to save some money on a headset, this is a worthy consideration.

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The post Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight Gaming Headset Review appeared first on Appuals.

PRODUCT INFO
Cloud Orbit S
Manufacture	HyperX
Available at	View at Amazon

If you make the right choice, you end up getting a great experience for both music and gaming, and you also get a great mic for voice chat. The question is, how much should you spend?

HyperX has partnered with Audeze to create a rendition of the excellent Audeze Mobius with a “cheaper” price tag.

If you’re considering buying the Cloud Orbit S, then you are someone who appreciates premium sound quality, high-end build quality, and a plethora of features. Well, HyperX just took that question and almost made it meaningless. While the HyperX Cloud Orbit S is certainly expensive, it brings a surprising amount of value to the table.

More HyperX Headphones: HyperX Cloud Alpha S Review

So, the Cloud Orbit S looks and sounds premium. If we were to define this headset in one word, it would be versatile. Let’s have a look at how that versatility justifies the premium price tag.

The Unboxing Experience

I’ve had a fair share of experience with HyperX products in the past. It’s important to say this because the unboxing feels quite similar to other HyperX devices. The Cloud Orbit S arrives in a cardboard box with the iconic red and white theme that is carried throughout. The front of the box has a picture of the headset and lists some of the features. On the back, we have a brief breakdown of all of the features.

One side of the box lists the compatibility while the other side shows another side profile of the headset. The box can be cracked open from the top, and you can pull out the packaging in which the Cloud Orbit S sits inside. In the box, we get a quick start guide, a welcome card, and the headset itself.

Apart from that, we get three different cables for connecting to our audio source. There is a USB-C to USB-C cable, a regular 3.5mm audio cable, and a Type-C to Type-A USB cable. Finally, we have the detachable microphone. All of these accessories are tucked away nicely in a HyperX branded cloth pouch. This is quite similar to the stuff you find with other HyperX headphones, as seen in our HyperX Cloud Stinger Review.

HyperX and Audeze

Before we get into the design, here’s a bit of background for the audiophiles out there. Many of you are likely familiar with Audeze, a California-based company that was started in 2008. They use high-quality internals and design premium headphones for enthusiasts.

The Audeze Mobius was the first gaming headset to use planar magnetic drivers. Since HyperX has partnered with Audeze, the Cloud Orbit S shares much of the same design, and even the same excellent drivers.

Design and Build Quality

The Cloud Orbit has the appearance and feel of a gaming headset but in a more toned-down and sophisticated way. If you are someone who prefers their devices to be sleek and stylish, then you’ll love the HyperX Cloud Orbit S. It has a clean design but doesn’t end up being boring either.

The outside of the cloud orbit has a matte black finish over the plastic, and it feels quite good in the hand. Both earcups have the HyperX logo in a silver/grey color. This provides a nice contrast to the overall black color scheme.

Related Review: HyperX Cloud II Review

Moving on, the left side of the earcup appears to be quite busy. It has all of the controls, dials, and buttons. This looks a bit daunting at first, but there’s a reason behind it.

If you’re playing on PC, you never need to take your right hand off the mouse as all of your controls are on the left earcup. It’s a minor thing that most won’t care about, but it goes to show the lengths they are willing to go to create a great experience.

On the outside of the earcup, we have the power button and mute button for the microphone. The power button almost sits flush with the HyperX logo. The right earcup is completely clean and does not house any controls. Overall, the design of the Cloud Orbit is executed quite well, and all of the controls are easy to access. Quite similar cues to the ones we discovered in our HyperX Cloud II Wireless Review.

It is built quite sturdily as well. While the exterior of the headset is plastic, it still ends up feeling premium. Due to the planar magnetic drivers, the headset has quite a bit of heft to it. However, thanks to the weight distribution, it does not feel uncomfortable.

Comfort

In terms of comfort, the padding and feel of the earcups happen to be similar to the Cloud Alpha headset. The earcups and the headband both have faux leather padding on the exterior, cushioned by memory foam underneath. There are no adjustment markings on the sliders, but they are easy to get used to. This headset can also fit comfortably on larger heads, so size should not be an issue.

The weight of the headset comes in at around 362g. It is slightly heavier than the HyperX Cloud Alpha and the Astro A50 headset. The memory foam padding is dense, but not to the point that it ends up feeling firm. If you are used to gaming headsets in general, the Cloud Orbit S should feel quite familiar.

It does require a bit of breaking in, but after a couple of days, you won’t notice the pads around your ears. The clamping force is finely tuned as well, it is a bit firm, but unless you are super sensitive to that, it won’t be too much of an annoyance. Other than that, the Cloud Orbit S gets a thumbs up from us in terms of comfort.

Sound Quality

Going into this review, I knew the Cloud Orbit S was going to sound great. How could they not? This is another rendition of the excellent Audeze Mobius headset. Combine planar magnetic drivers, excellent soundstage, and Audeze’s fine-tuning, and we have ourselves a winner. What I did not know going into this review was just how many aspects to sound quality there would be with this headset.

Also Check Out: HyperX Cloud Earbuds Review

To sum it up, the Orbit S sounds phenomenal. But to truly understand that, we need to go over all of the modes and features. Let’s dive into that.

3D Audio – Head Tracking Tech + Immersive Surround

Usually, when I hear the words 3D stamped onto most devices, the knee-jerk reaction is to think that it’s nothing more than a gimmick. I was not expecting the Cloud Orbit S to be anything different. Keeping that in mind, I am very glad to report that the 3D audio functionality here is quite impressive. Allow me to explain how it works.

Think of it this way, you are sitting in front of desktop speakers. When you move your head to the left, the sound is louder on your left. The same happens when you look in any other direction. This is what the Waves Nx head tracking technology is trying to imitate. Combine that with the 7.1 surround sound mode, and the sensation becomes unreal.

If you find the right movies or games to test it out with, you are in for a wild ride. The first time around it almost feels bizarre, as you are not used to this type of audio. While not everyone will use it all the time, it’s a great bonus feature to play around with. When paired with the right game, you will start hearing everything. Imagine vividly hearing the sound of your boots scratching against rocks when you’re crawling on the terrain in Battlefield V.

3D mode only works when you are connected via USB and have 7.1 surround sound turned on. It has three modes that you can play around with, the standard 3D mode, 3D automatic, and 3D manual. You can adjust the center point when in manual mode.

7.1 Surround Sound

7.1 surround sound is one of the three modes present on the headset. You can switch between these three modes by pressing and holding the mic volume wheel. A female voice will point out whatever mode you are using at that time. The standard two-channel stereo mode is 16 bit at 48kHz, and the 7.1 mode is 24 bit at 48kHz. Finally, the last mode is High-res, which will be discussed in-depth in the next section.

So, there’s not much to say here about the 7.1 surround sound. Coming from other HyperX headsets such as the Cloud Revolver and Cloud Alpha, the experience is still great here. Enemy footprints are easy to pinpoint, and explosions feel punchy and loud. It works especially great when combined with stereo mode.

Helpful Guide: Wireless Headphones – Decision

It’s just that some people don’t always get great use of simulated surround sound, because it sort of ruins the audio in some games, especially single-player experiences. Still, part of the blame goes to a few game developers who don’t care about surround sound. When it does work, it works really well.

High-Res Mode

As someone who cares about their audio quality a lot, this is something I was very interested in testing out. If you are the type of person who has lossless files for their music, and you won’t listen to anything but the very best version of your favorite tracks, this mode is for you. High-Res mode is 24 bit at 96kHz.

When you combine it with the right type of music (I personally tested it out with Pink Floyd’s – Another Brick In The Wall), the experience is sublime. The planar magnetic drivers really shine through here. The isolation is excellent, and the soundstage is surprisingly wide. You can even play around with a room ambiance setting in the software. Usually, when the soundstage is this wide, you tend to give up that punchy bass.

That’s not the case here. The bass is quite powerful and detailed. Thanks to the 100mm planar magnetic drivers, this headset gets plenty loud. Finally, the best part is that you do not need an amplifier to power these beastly drivers. That’s why we mentioned this headset being so versatile in the beginning of this review.

Microphone Quality

For the price, you’d expect the HyperX Cloud Orbit S to have a pretty decent mic. Thankfully, you will not be disappointed here. The mic does have background noise suppression, so when you’re typing away the clicking of your keys will be a bit faint. It works more than enough for voice chat in games.

In all honesty, the quality is good enough that you can use it to record videos or even use it while streaming. The only problem is that it does not tend to get as loud as proper standalone microphones. While that’s normally not an issue, maybe some would expect even better performance for the price.

In our opinion, the quality suffices. It’s crystal clear and does the job very well if you are using it for in-game voice chat.

Battery Life

For some people, this section might come straight out of left-field. It certainly was a bit surprising when I became aware of the details. While the Orbit S is a completely wired headset, it will need to run off batteries when connected via the 3.5mm cable. This is because the headset uses digital signal processing or DSP. We won’t go into the details here but a simple explanation is that the phone can’t handle the drivers on its own.

This is why the headset needs to operate via battery power so that the drivers can work as intended. Fortunately, this is not a problem when connected to a PC via USB, as the battery gets topped off when you are plugged in. However, the battery will easily get you 6+ hours of music if you’re using the analog 3.5mm jack connection.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the Cloud Orbit S is quite the overall package. Versatility is the name of the game here. It is impressive just how much this headset can get done. If you care about a surround sound experience, turn on the 3D audio and pair it with virtual 7.1 for a great experience. If you’re an audiophile, the planar magnetic drives paired with High-Res mode will leave you satisfied.

The build quality is phenomenal, the comfort is quite good, and the extra features sprinkled in make up for the high price tag. Sure, it’s not an affordable headset by any means, but to the right buyer, it more than justifies its price tag. Especially considering that this pricing is quite decent when it comes to most planar magnetic headphones, which can cost twice or triple the price of this headset.

HyperX Cloud Orbit S

The King Of Versatility

Pros

• Flawless planar magnetic drivers
• Surprisingly impressive 3D audio
• Sleek and sophisticated design
• Lots of connectivity options
• Robust build quality

Cons

• Needs to run off batteries when connecting to phones
• Microphone quality could be better

Microphone: Detachable condenser microphone | Frequency Response: 10Hz-50kHz | Weight: 362g | Connectivity Type: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, and 3.5mm cable | Bluetooth: N/A | Battery Life: Around 10-15 hours

VERDICT:Very rarely do gaming headsets end up justifying their high price tags. This is why the Cloud Orbit S is so special. Thanks to its plethora of features, it is going to appeal to a wide audience. If you can afford the price, this might be the end-game headset for you.

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The post HyperX Cloud Orbit S Review appeared first on Appuals.

There are several concert earplugs available on the market but it is hard to differentiate the best concert earplugs from the rest. Earplugs are built for the specific purpose of blocking out harmful noise and protecting your ears, and this is not achievable using traditional gaming earbuds. There is a fine line between enjoying loud music with a group of friends and blasting a lot of excess noise into your ear canals. Unfortunately, a lot of the times concerts can fall into the latter category. This is especially true if the concert is of a certain genre that has a lot of crowd participation, and if the artist playing has loud music.

But you might be asking yourself what’s the point of earplugs at a concert? Can’t you just take the waterproof headphones that you bought? Well, not everyone has perfect hearing, and for those with sensitive ears earplugs can be important. The concert earplugs can enhance your listening experience while protecting your hearing. Regular foam earplugs can be good for this, but some can muffle sound way too much.

Best Concert Earplugs: Our Top 5 Recommendations

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		Loop Earplugs	Best Overall Concert Earplugs	392 Reviews Check Price
2		Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs	Best Looking Concert Earplugs	Check Price
3		Fender Musician Series Earplugs	Best Budget Concert Earplugs	704 Reviews Check Price
4		Muted Designer Hearing Protection For Kids	Best Concert Earplugs For Kids	Check Price
5		Etymotic Research Concert Earplugs	Best Generic Concert Earplugs	Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	Loop Earplugs
Award	Best Overall Concert Earplugs
Details	392 Reviews Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs
Award	Best Looking Concert Earplugs
Details	Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	Fender Musician Series Earplugs
Award	Best Budget Concert Earplugs
Details	704 Reviews Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	Muted Designer Hearing Protection For Kids
Award	Best Concert Earplugs For Kids
Details	Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	Etymotic Research Concert Earplugs
Award	Best Generic Concert Earplugs
Details	Check Price

Last Update on 2024-04-26 at 04:36 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you find the right earplugs they can be enough for concerts, so you can still enjoy the music and not hurt your ears. But how do you even find the perfect earplugs for you? While our headphone buying guide might help you pick out the perfect earbuds, you would want earplugs rather than earbuds for this purpose. With size, materials, cost, and all of that to consider it can get confusing very quickly. We’ve got you covered, here are 5 of the best concert earplugs.

1. Loop Earplugs

Best Overall

Pros

• Discrete Yet Elegant Design
• Reusable Silicone And Foam Tips
• Retains Sound Clarity
• Good Build Quality

Cons

• Relatively Lower Sound Reduction

392 Reviews

Material: Silicone And Foam | Noise Reduction: 20dB

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In a world where earplugs aren’t an exciting or impressive thing to own, the Loop Earplugs definitely stand out. That’s not because they fit well or because of their comfort, that’s all great. But these Earplugs rival something you’d get out of custom-made earplugs while looking much better.

They also look very fashionable. The main tips are available in either silicone or foam, and different sizes are provided in the box. The actual plug has a 20dB noise filter inside, and the outside has a ring shape to it. Hence, the name Loop. They are available in a variety of colors, such as black, gold, rose gold, silver, and red.

Related Review: HyperX Cloud Earbuds Review

A small leather pouch is included in the packaging so you can take them wherever you want. They fit most ears perfectly, so it doesn’t matter if you have a larger or smaller ear canal. The best part is that they stay in your ear without having to readjust them, and they never cause fatigue.

As for sound isolation, they filter out a lot of excess noise yet still make listening to concerts enjoyable. Having conversations with others is easier too as you don’t have to lean in to listen properly. The only con is that they don’t feel like they have the highest quality construction. But then again earplugs like those can cost considerably more.

2. Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs

Nearly Invisible

Pros

• Extremely Discrete
• Solid Build Quality
• Comfortable Silicone Tips
• Helps Aid Sensitive Hearing

Cons

• Easy To Lose Carrying Case

Material: Silicone | Noise Reduction: 22dB

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Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs do a great job of reducing the volume by using a special filter to tune out harmful frequencies. They do all of this without muffling the sound in any way. They also look appealing and the design is quite discrete.

The ear tips are white and when you plug them in the only thing visible is the small transparent stem. Even then, you’d really have to look for them to notice that. As I said before, these are quite discrete and look much better than any regular pair of earplugs.

A portable hard carrying case is also included. This is of good build quality but a bit too small. I feel like this can be lost easily, so I’d invest in a small case you can clip onto your keychain. These are a major step up from your usual foam earplugs as they never muffle sounds.

Silicone tips are included inside, and you have various sizes to pick from. They never fall out of the ear and you won’t need to adjust them. Highly recommended.

3. Fender Musician Series Earplugs

Budget Choice

Pros

• Easily Reusable
• Undercuts The Competition
• Great For Loud EDM Concerts

Cons

• Not The Most Comfortable
• Unremarkable Looks

704 Reviews

Material: Silicone | Noise Reduction: 27dB

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Our next pick is Fender Musician Series Earplugs. If you frequently attend extremely loud concerts like EDM festivals or metal concerts, these are a must-buy. They are a bit more aggressive in terms of canceling out noise, so if you are a musician yourself, look elsewhere.

However, for people who love getting close to the stage, these will let you enjoy the concert without damaging your hearing in any way. They use silicone tips so they don’t cause muffling like those cheaper foam options out there. They are reusable too, so you don’t have to buy them as often.

The best part about these earplugs is quite possibly the price. They are among the best budget concert earplugs if you are on a budget. They undercut the competition by a fair bit, and while they are more expensive than the foam options, they do sound much better live.

4. Muted Designer Hearing Protection For Kids

Best For Kids

Pros

• Great Build Quality
• Endearing Design For Kids
• Good Sound Reduction

Cons

• A Bit Expensive
• Large Size

Material: Silicone | Noise Reduction: 27dB

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If you have a kid and frequently take them to large events where there is a lot of noise, these are a must-have. Kids have much more sensitive ears than adults, and it’s good to take precautions early on to help avoid any health issues down the line.

Related Review: MPOW M9 True Wireless Earbuds Review

With that being said, a lot of kids don’t like wearing earplugs or anything that is heavy in the ear. That’s why these Muted Designer Earmuffs are perfect for kids. They have a great build quality and have look to them that kids of all ages will like. They are rated at 27dB so they block out noise without muffling.

They are also quite adjustable so they can fit infants or toddlers with ease. For kids who are sensory challenged, these are also a good option for school. The build quality is great and that helps if your child will be frequently dropping these on the floor.

5. Etymotic Research Concert Earplugs

The Traditional Option

Pros

• Good For Buying In Bulk
• Comfortable

Cons

• Muffled Sound
• Don't Stay In The Ear As Others
• No Unique Features

Material: Foam | Noise Reduction: 24dB

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These are the type of earplugs you have probably seen a thousand times before. They are the same type that is provided by airlines on flights to avoid fatigue in the ear. Beware though, as they are made out of foam and are known to muffle the sound quality.

Other than that, there is not much to say about these earplugs that has not been said before. The foam material might muffle sound, but at least it’s more comfortable. More people are used to these earplugs anyway so kids and adults will both like them. But they can fall out easier than others on this list.

Helpful Guide: Are Wireless Earbuds Worth It?

This package includes a carrying case so you can carry a few of these around with you. The only problem is that people tend to throw these away anywhere they like, so please try to avoid that. Still, these can be considered among the top-rated concert earplugs on the market due to their widespread generic use.

Factors To Consider Before Buying

There are many options in the market for earplugs. Earplugs come in different shapes and sizes. They are equally made for both adults and children. Most companies try to come up with the concert earplugs that provide a balance between sound waves blockage and comfort. Let us present to you viable factors before buying best concert earplugs.

Type

There are mainly two types of concert earplugs. There is a rubberized and silicone as well as an overhead noise cancellation muffler. Both are sufficient enough for basic sound protection. Some in-ear noise plugs can be painful especially for small children hence an over-the-ear plug can be better. However, they have flaws too. It is not portable due to its large shape and weight. Silicon earplugs are usually only made for one-time use. So you have to throw them away otherwise resuing it may cause ear infections since bacteria and fungi can grow pretty quickly on them over the day.

Price

Price is also an important factor. Please check the number of earplugs for what you will be paying for per article. Most earplugs are for one-time use only so if you buy expensive ones, you will soon rack up debts on your credit card. Ok, that might be too far! If you love earplugs due to their comfort, then buying expensive earplugs is completely justified.

The post Best Concert Earplugs For Music Enthusiasts appeared first on Appuals.

Well, why not both? While most aficionados will hate the thought of it, you can add a Bluetooth receiver to your stereo system for added convenience. You can make your stereo amplifier equipped home theater system into a Bluetooth system by this method and control it from your phone. This is helpful if you’re feeling lazy, or want to save yourself the hassle after a long day’s work. However, if you want maximum performance, these things can cost a considerable amount.

Our Picks For The Best Bluetooth Receivers

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		Denon Professional DN-200BR	Best Overall Bluetooth Receiver	Check Price
2		Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver	Best Bluetooth Receiver For Stereo	Check Price
3		Etekcity Unify Bluetooth Receiver	Best Budget Bluetooth Receiver	Check Price
4		Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter	Best Small Bluetooth Receiver	Check Price
5		Mpow Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver	Best Bluetooth Receiver For Car	Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	Denon Professional DN-200BR
Award	Best Overall Bluetooth Receiver
Details	Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver
Award	Best Bluetooth Receiver For Stereo
Details	Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	Etekcity Unify Bluetooth Receiver
Award	Best Budget Bluetooth Receiver
Details	Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter
Award	Best Small Bluetooth Receiver
Details	Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	Mpow Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver
Award	Best Bluetooth Receiver For Car
Details	Check Price

Last Update on 2024-04-25 at 16:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bluetooth receiver market is huge. There are hundreds of options out there with many features and come in different shapes and sizes. Pairing a Bluetooth receiver with a nice pair of budget computer speakers is a surefire recipe for a seamless listening experience. Hence it is a good practice to properly research in this regard to avoid any confusion and end up in a buyer remorse scenario. Without further ado, let’s get straight into our top 5 picks for the best Bluetooth receivers for the stereo systems.

1. Denon Professional DN-200BR

Best Overall

Pros

• High-quality Audio
• Remarkable Build Quality
• Balanced XLR Outputs
• Mounting Option

Cons

• Minor Loss In Audio

Outputs: 1 XLR, 1 RCA (both stereo) | Range: 100 feet | Weight: 600g

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Denon is a household name in home theater technology, so it is no surprise that it makes the list. For our top pick, we wanted to include a receiver that could form a reliable Bluetooth connection and have great audio performance. Along with that, good value for money is also very important. Thankfully, the Denon Professional DN-200BR excels in all of that and more. The “Professional” part of the name is definitely justified here.

The most striking thing about this Bluetooth receiver is its build quality. It is constructed out of metal and feels incredibly solid. There is some heft to it as well, which means it won’t break apart any time soon. Denon has engineered this in a manner so that it can be installed near or on your system. It has built-in eyelets for mounting screws.

At the front, we have a status indicator, a level adjustment, a proprietary port for the Bluetooth module, and a 5V 2A DC input for power. At the back, we have two unbalanced quarter-inch outputs and two balanced XLR outputs. This is great if you want to use high-end gear with it. If you want to use it with a traditional 3.5mm jack, you’ll need an adapter.

As you would expect from Denon, the sonic performance is absolutely exceptional. Unless you are using a very high-quality Dac/Amp combo, you most likely won’t notice a major dip in audio. Of course, there is a bit of loss in audio, but it is barely noticeable. It is priced just a bit higher than what most people would be comfortable with, but it is worth it as it is best overall Bluetooth receiver out there.

2. Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver

Premium Pick

Pros

• Premium Fit And Finish
• Great Range
• Small Footprint
• Amazing Audio Performance

Cons

• Pricey

Outputs: 1 RCA (stereo), 1 Optical| Range: 100 feet | Weight: 450g

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Next up, we have a Bluetooth receiver that is from a very recognizable company. Audioengine has been long known for making great high-quality equipment. The Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver is no different. It looks very similar to their 24-bit D1 DAC and sounds exceptionally good.

As I just mentioned, this Bluetooth Receiver looks very similar to the popular D1 DAC. They have implemented a minimal aluminum design here, with a very small footprint. The Bluetooth antenna extends upward from the back. The back panel houses the outputs and connectivity.

It has an RCA stereo output, a 24-bit optical output, and a micro-USB port for power. Pairing this receiver with a phone is incredibly easy, and takes a matter of seconds. If your phone supports the aptX codec you’ll benefit from even better performance along with Bluetooth 5.0. Since it is so portable, it even comes with a carrying pouch.

This receiver really does bring modern convenience to an older sound system. It performs exceptionally well, and it is a bit ridiculous just how near-perfect reproduction it has. It has a 100ft of extended Bluetooth range, and if you don’t have routers in the way, it can form an even better connection.  You also get Audioengine’s excellent customer service.

The major downside is the price. You can actually find a good pair of powered Bluetooth speakers for a bit more money. Nontheless, decent option as Bluetooth Receiver For Stereo.

3. Etekcity Unify Bluetooth Receiver

Budget Option

Pros

• Great Budget Option
• Small And Compact
• Easy Setup

Cons

• Not The Best Performance
• Short Range

Outputs: 3.5mm auxiliary | Range: 33 feet | Weight: 158g

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If you are on a budget and just need to get that old audio system to work with your phone, this is an excellent option. The Etekcity Unify Roverbeats is a simplistic Bluetooth receiver. It’s not going to replace your high-end audio equipment, but for general purposes, it’s actually quite the bargain.

Helpful Guide: How To Check Bluetooth Support In Windows 10

The design is nothing much to write home about, but it does happen to be super compact. It just so happens to be one of the smallest Bluetooth receivers out there. This could be a major plus if you are short on space.  The build quality is mostly glossy plastic, but you wouldn’t expect much at this price.

It is also very lightweight, weighing about 28g. You could carry this around with you if you wanted to use it in a car. It is fairly simple to get it up and running. A seamless connection once entered in pairing mode keeps things nice and simple. It uses Bluetooth 4.0, so you get about 33ft of range.

There is only one 3.5mm output, while a micro-USB port is used for charging. The battery holds up for about 10 hours. Sound quality gets the job done if you just want to do casual listening. It depends on how good your speakers are, but there is a considerable amount of lossy compression. However, it’s perfect for the car or if you want to bring back those old speakers to life. All in all, one of the best budget Bluetooth receiver.

4. Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter

Compelling Value

Pros

• Extremely Small Size
• Included 3.5mm To RCA cable
• Good Audio Performance

Cons

• Inconsistent Connection
• Makes Annoying Noise Beeps Disconnected

Outputs: 3.5mm auxiliary, RCA (stereo) | Range: 50 feet | Weight: 100g

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Moving on, we have an extremely small and compact Bluetooth receiver from Logitech. Seriously, you could put this thing in your pocket and barely notice it. This Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter definitely looks and feels the part, and it sounds great too. However, it’s not without its quirks.

The small size makes it incredibly easy to hide in your entertainment setup. You could even add double-sided tape on it and hide it underneath a table. It draws power from a power adapter that can be plugged into the back of the device. It has a 3.5mm auxiliary output, along with RCA. Logitech even includes a 3.5mm to RCA cable for added flexibility.

The giant Bluetooth button on the top is what activates the pairing process. From there on, you simply pair the device with your phone, and you’re good to go in a matter of seconds. It has a range of about 50ft. Sound quality is actually quite good, considering the small size. There is a little bit of lossy compression, but nothing to make it unenjoyable. At the end of the day, this is the Best Small Bluetooth Receiver

The real issue, however, is the connection. It does form a strong connection but tends to jump around a lot. If you pair two devices with this receiver, it will often switch to the one with the stronger signal, even while playing audio. You could say it’s inconsistent. Apart from that, it makes a very loud noise when connected, which is frustrating in the middle of the night.

5. Mpow Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver

Best For Car Stereos

Pros

• Perfect For Cars
• Surprsingly Solid Construction

Cons

• A Bit Pricy
• Short Battery Life
• Unexceptional Sound Quality

Outputs: 3.5mm | Range: 33 feet | Weight: 92g

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Mpow has been a well-known name in the Bluetooth audio space for a while now. As more smartphones keep on removing the headphone jack, using the aux cable in your car isn’t exactly easy anymore. If you happen to have a car stereo system without Bluetooth, you absolutely need an adapter to play your favorite songs while on the go. The Mpow Bluetooth Receiver is the best option for that.

It is a bit pricey for such a small adapter, but considering the overall quality, it’s not a bad deal. It is quite compact, so you can plug it into your car’s stereo system and forget about it. There is a prominent power button at the front and volume buttons at the side.

There is also a button at the top to switch between devices. It even has a microphone built-in to take calls, although the quality is pretty bad. It automatically reconnects to the last paired device, so you never have to mess around with it. The sound quality is acceptable for the size and it’s actually quite decent if you want to use the car stereo.

The only downside is the price and battery life. Battery life is good enough with about 10 hours of use, but if you want to use it in the car, you’ll need a car charger with you. You’ll need to frequently unplug it to charge otherwise. Still, it can be considered one of the best Bluetooth receivers for car use.

Things You Must Know While Buying Bluetooth Reciever

Bluetooth is a technology that is simple yet convenient for everyday lives. It is a wireless data transfer technology developed with the reduction of cluttered wires from electronic devices in mind. From laptops, mobile phones, audio equipment, and even most smart electronics are Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth is no longer a luxury or cool to have, rather it is a necessity for communication between everyday electronic devices. Like every technology, Bluetooth has its flaws despite its benefits which shouldn’t be ignored. Moreover, understanding how Bluetooth works, its versions, latencies, and quality of data exchange is necessary while dealing with audio equipment.

After years of improvement, you’d think that every Bluetooth receiver for stereo speakers or party speakers performs the same way as the other with price being the only difference. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Despite concluding the top rated Bluetooth receivers for studio speakers list, some of us might not make the right choice. Either we spend too much or too little on features we need. Not to worry folks, and let us go through some crucial factors to consider before buying a Bluetooth receiver for our stereo system.

Audio Quality

It is evident from our top choices, there could be some discrepancies when deciding for which Bluetooth receiver to go for. Although we have reviewed Bluetooth receivers that are the best of the best, there is one important detail to hunt for before forking out any money. Audio quality is the only feature an average audiophile looks for before buying audio equipment. Due to the nature of data signals, interferences caused by natural or human factors seriously deteriorate the quality of data that reaches the end-user. And Bluetooth stereo receivers aren’t new to this problem.

Whether it’s a cheap or expensive Bluetooth receiver, both have tendencies of losing audio quality in the air. So in response to this, we have seen companies strive harder and harder to maintain audio quality and low latency such that you can enjoy your music with zero lag and distortion. It is similarly important to know which Bluetooth module each receiver ships with. Currently, Bluetooth 5.1 is the latest Bluetooth technology but many retailers tend to hide this in a bid to clear stock shelves. It is very perplexing to find the best Bluetooth receiver for stereo systems. So in this case we emphasize you to check out reviews on Amazon and Youtube to see what others have in mind.

Portability

Bluetooth receivers come in all packages with each having its distinctive features. Some people need that extra portability so that they can travel with their receivers without feeling its weight or perhaps want to play music in the car. Hence, portability is another aspect to look for before getting your hands on a receiver that is totally against your needs. Some of the Bluetooth receivers can fit into your pockets, weigh significantly less, and may even have wide compatibility. The only con of portable receivers is that they may lack ports, battery life, and audio quality.

If you work with audio that you know you will be featured in, it’s perhaps best to just get a normal beefy receiver instead with more ports, features, and long-lasting battery life. Otherwise, go for any convenient choice for backyard party music or listening in the car.

The post Best Bluetooth Receivers For Your Sound System appeared first on Appuals.

However, we have seen a rather uninspiring trend in the headphone market over the past few years, wherein manufacturers are just boosting the bass profile of the headphones in order to get a better sound impression. Our studio headphone buying guide also touches on this in a bit more detail. This is certainly not the way to go, as everything has to be in balanced proportions in order to get the best listening experience. So, whether you are fond of dynamic headphones or planar magnetic headphones, there are still some factors to consider while looking for the top bass headphones in order to maximize the return of your purchase.

Our Picks For The Best Bass Headphones

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		HIFIMAN HE-400i	Best Sounding Bass Headphones	Check Price
2		Audio-Technica ATH-WS1100iS	Best Over Ear Bass Headphones	Check Price
3		SONY WH1000XM3	Best Wireless Bass Headphones	Check Price
4		SONY MDR-XB950N1	Best Budget Bass Headphones	Check Price
5		Skullcandy Crusher	Best Mid Range Bass Headphones	9,080 Reviews Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	HIFIMAN HE-400i
Award	Best Sounding Bass Headphones
Details	Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Audio-Technica ATH-WS1100iS
Award	Best Over Ear Bass Headphones
Details	Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	SONY WH1000XM3
Award	Best Wireless Bass Headphones
Details	Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	SONY MDR-XB950N1
Award	Best Budget Bass Headphones
Details	Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	Skullcandy Crusher
Award	Best Mid Range Bass Headphones
Details	9,080 Reviews Check Price

Last Update on 2024-04-25 at 23:05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As mentioned before, the inclusion of powerful bass is not the only thing we are looking at in this roundup. Sure, it would make a nice listening experience for the user if they were only fond of bass and nothing else, but that sort of appreciation does not normally exist in the consumer and enthusiast space. Our gaming headphones buying guide is also clear on this aspect since this is a common point of concern in headphones. The very best bass headphones offer a balanced listening experience, wherein the headset does not solely focus on one facet of the sound. Keeping that in mind, here are our picks for the bass headphones that you should consider buying.

1. Best Sounding Bass Headphones - HIFIMAN HE-400i

Supreme Bass

Pros

• Premium And Attractive Design
•   Powerful Bass
• Very Comfortable
• Wide Soundstage
• Ideal For Long Listening Sessions

Cons

• High Price
• Unremarkable Build Quality

Design: Over-Ear / Open-back | Impedance: 35 Ohms | Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 35 kHz | Weight: 370 g

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HIFIMAN is the pioneer of planar magnetic headphones and their headphones are greatly appreciated for their high sound quality and low price. The HE-400i is one of the most popular headphones by the company and it is the most beautiful pair of headphones we have ever seen.

The design of the headset looks very pleasant and it feels quite premium. The earpads are very thick, providing a comfortable experience while the headband is pretty wide so that you don’t get the poking feeling. The build quality of the headset is not as good as you would expect from a headset at this price but still, getting good-quality planar magnetic headphones at this price is a fine deal.

The highlight of the HE-400i is their deep and detailed bass, which provides you with an amazing experience, as it feels so clear-cut and dominant. The low-bass is a bit underwhelming but the mid and high-bass feel great. The mid-tones seem very clear and the vocals seem very enlightening. There is slight brightness in the headphones which is why you might feel slight sibilance but overall the effect is not that significant. The soundstage of the headphones feels amazing and matches some of the high-end audiophile headphones in the market.

Overall, HIFIMAN HE-400i is one of the best bass headphones under $500 and since the product is often available under sale, you might be able to get them under $200.

2. Best Over Ear Bass Headphones - Audio-Technica ATH-WS1100iS

Accurate Presentation Of Bass

Pros

• Detachable Wire
• Thick Padding
• Comfortable Headband And Earcups
• Great Value
• Solid Build Quality

Cons

• Slightly Pricy
• Mediocre Noise Isolation

Design: Over-Ear / Closed-back | Impedance: 38 Ohms | Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz | Weight: 281 g

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Audio-Technica designs some of the best headphones in the market, especially for a specified price and their headphones are greatly considered for their high value. The ATH-WS1100iS is one of the most under-rated headphones by the company and it provided us with unexpected results.

The ear cups of the headphones are quite big, so as to accommodate the large 53 mm drivers. First of all, the padding on the earpads and the headband is pretty thick so you get a very comfortable experience. They come with a detachable wire so in case you damage it, you can easily replace them.

The sound signature of the headphones is very interesting, as there is a good amount of emphasis on the lows while these headphones do not give that bloated feeling you would get from cheap headphones. The bass feels accurate, precise, and yet very powerful. The mids and the highs are well-balanced so even to the audiophiles, these closed-back headphones provide a unique experience. This experience is quite comparable to the best Sennheiser headphones from our roundup.

Comparison: Audio-Technica vs Sennheiser Headphones

The noise isolation of the headphones is although not that good, which means that these won’t be the best headphones for commuting. However, for music listening at home, these headphones provide great value. Many people use these headphones as studio headphones as well, due to their balanced sound signature. If the lows would be balanced as well, these headphones would feel quite dull.

All in all, Audio-Technica ATH-WS1100iS is one of the best pairs of bass headphones under $300 and is a great choice for you even if you are an audiophile.

3. Best Wireless Bass Headphones - SONY WH1000XM3

Wireless Noise Cancellation

Pros

• Industry-leading Noise Cancellation
• Detailed Sound Signature
• Premium Earpads
• Impressive Battery Timing

Cons

• Relatively Expensive
• Build Quality Is Not Extraordinary
• Disadvantages Of Wireless Connection

Design: Over-Ear / Closed-back | Impedance: 47 Ohms | Frequency Response: 4 Hz - 40 kHz | Weight: 255 g

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SONY WH1000XM3 is one of the most popular wireless bass headphones in the market, greatly used for commuting, as they provide you with active noise cancellation. The design of the headphones is, although, not as premium as the ATH-WS1100iS, the build quality is still better and these headphones will last you a couple of years before you feel the need to change them.

Wireless headphones do come with their quirks that are different from typical USB-C headphones, and those are present here as well. These are wireless headphones and with the 30 hours of battery timing, you can use them a couple of days before you need to charge them. These are among the best Sony headphones that you can buy right now, hands down.

The biggest advantage of these headphones is that they provide you with active noise cancellation and Sony’s technology is one of the best in the market. You can use the headphones in a fairly noisy environment without getting affected by them. The sound quality of the headphones is quite amazing as well, especially considering the fact that most of the noise-canceling headphones are not that good when it comes to sound detail. There is a slight emphasis on the bass, which enhances the effect of rumble and thump, providing you with an awesome experience.

Conclusively, if you want one of the best bass headphones that provides a lot of bass as well as good noise cancellation, this product should be the first on your list, although they feel quite pricey compared to the performance you would get from HE-400i or even the ATH-WS1100iS.

4. Best Budget Bass Headphones - SONY MDR-XB950N1

Completely Bass-Oriented

Pros

• Low Price
• Digital Noise Cancellation
• Thick Earpads
• Excellent Value

Cons

• Heavy Use Of Plastic
• Thin Headband
• Questionable Comfort

Design: Over-Ear / Closed-Back | Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Impedance: N/A | Weight: 290 g | Battery: Up to 22 hours

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SONY is a company which makes a lot of innovative headphones and that is why we have included another pair of headphones by SONY. The MDR-XB950N1 is one of those headphones that come with the “extra bass” tag on their boxes and this headset will be quite interesting for those people who always feel that there could be more bass in their music. Coincidentally, you might want to read our opinion piece on the viability of wireless headphones.

The design of the headphones is nothing special and it looks fairly cheap, although the earpads of the headphones are quite good and they provide you with good enough comfort. The padding on the headband is very minimal though and the company could have provided better padding there.

These headphones greatly emphasize the lows which is why you get that overly powerful bass, although there is not much accuracy there. There is a slight emphasis on the highs as well, which is why you get a V-shaped sound signature. This feels good for various kinds of music although it is not particularly liked by audiophiles. The battery timing of these headphones is around 22 hours. There is active noise cancellation in these headphones as well and it is better than many of the headphones in the market, although the WH1000XM3 is miles better in noise cancellation.

Hereby, if you feel that you could use every bit of bass and provide yourself with a powerful and mind-blowing experience, then these are one of the best wireless bass headphones for you.

5. Best Mid Range Bass Headphones - Skullcandy Crusher

Long Battery Life

Pros

• Provides Long Battery Timing
• Solid Build Quality
• Wireless Connectivity

Cons

• High Clamping Force
• Over-emphasis On The Bass
• Unremarkable Noise Isolation
• General Sound Quality Deficiencies

9,080 Reviews

Design: Over-Ear / Closed-Back | Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Impedance: 33 Ohms | Weight: 275 g | Battery: Up to 40 hours

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Skullcandy Crusher is yet another headset that provides you with overwhelming bass. The overall design of the headphones is quite comparable to the MDR-XB950N1, although these headphones do not use circular earpads. The build quality of these headphones is quite good for the price, although still, most of the material is plastic. A great advantage of these headphones is that you get long battery timing of 40 hours. These headphones are quite comfortable when it comes to padding.

Related Review: Phillips TAPH805BK Hi-Res ANC Wireless Headphone Review

The sound signature of these headphones is quite similar to the XB950N1 and you can notice the extra emphasis on the bass, however, the bass does feel quite bloated. The noise isolation of these headphones is not as good as the SONY ones and that is why these might not be the perfect choice for commuting, although you can enjoy them greatly in isolated environments.

Helpful Read: Wireless Headphones: Decision

Overall, Skullcandy Crusher is one of the best bass headphones when it comes to raw power and it is a great alternative to the SONY MDR-XB950N1.

Factors To Consider While Buying

Choosing the high bass headphones has never been much easier without our advice. In our roundup, we have concluded a list of premium bass-rich headphones that you can buy. Differences such as build quality, portability, audio quality, and price so that you are unable to make a perfect choice. There are many characteristics that make the best bass headphones different from the others, such as driver size, portability, connectivity, and battery life. We need you to be knowledgeable about basic headphone features. So let’s jump right into our factors to consider before confirming your purchase.

Audio Drivers

The larger the audio drivers are, the more audible sound that it can produce. Although driver size isn’t important for overall crisp and clear audio, it is essential for rich bass boosts. The best bass headphones come with large audio drivers with low resistance and high power consumption and may require special sound cards or amplifiers for best results.

Popular Comparison: HyperX Cloud vs Corsair Void Pro Headphones

Bass is produced by low-frequency ranges. The driver diaphragm moves air at such high pressure with vibration which introduces the bass effect. The size of audio drivers is also subjective as some prefer lightweight headphones while others will prefer listening to loud and bass-heavy audio at the cost of portability and battery life. On-ear headphones tend to be the loudest and most bass-heavy compared to in-head headphones due to their much larger audio footprint. You may be interested in the Skullcandy Crusher as it has the heaviest bass on our list with a scroll adjusted to tune the bass to your style.

Battery Life

If you are a fan of clutterless setups, you might be willing to look into options for wireless bass headphones. Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz USB dongles are two common media for wireless connectivity. Obviously, they need a power source which is the battery. This is an important factor to consider so that you can listen to the beats non-stop. If a headphone has a conveniently long-lasting battery life, most of its cons can be taken for granted. A good bass headphone can last at least 16 hours of use. We recommend all Sony over-ear headphones and the Skullcandy Crusher if you are away from power sources most of the time. Fast charging is also extremely important. If you’re in a hurry, you need to juice them ASAP. With that said, both the Skullcrusher and most Sony headphones implement USB C for fast charging and can be used with any charger if we assume you own a USB C smartphone.

The post Best Bass Headphones: Complete Guide appeared first on Appuals.

HyperX Cloud II Wireless Review

PRODUCT INFO
Cloud II Wireless
Manufacture	HyperX
Available at	View at Amazon

With that said, a lot of brands are offering great quality these days. The tides have shifted as gaming headsets are better in 2021 than ever before. Now, all of the focus is on wireless headsets. It’s only natural, as cutting the cord is the next step to making gaming headsets better. HyperX has a major advantage as they already have a very successful wired headset, so why not make it wireless?

This is exactly the intention of HyperX with the HyperX Cloud II Wireless. It builds upon the foundation laid down by its wired predecessor. You can check out our HyperX Cloud II Review as well. The Cloud II Wireless is something a lot of fans have been waiting for, and fortunately, it lives up to the hype. We’ll be covering everything in detail in this in-depth HyperX Cloud II Wireless review.

Unboxing Experience

From the get-go, the HyperX Cloud II wireless arrives in a familiar yet exciting package. The box has an appealing look to it thanks to the white and red color schemes. There are a few black accents here and there. This is one of those boxes that you put up on a shelf near your gaming setup.

The front of the box has a picture of the headset, along with a description of some features. Other than that, the back of the box lists all the specifications in detail, and the side of the box has a similar text to the features on the front.

After cracking open the box, you’ll see a welcome pamphlet and a quick start guide. Inside the box, we have the headset itself, the detachable microphone, and a USB dongle for the wireless connection. There’s also a USB type C cable to charge up the device.

An Iconic Design

The original HyperX Cloud II came out in February of 2015. Now, six years later, the Wireless version carries the torch with a recognizable and iconic design. We shall now look into the design in our HyperX Cloud II wireless review.

This is a design that has been quite refined up to this point. Of course, this means that it looks and feels nearly identical to the original. As the saying goes: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The HyperX Cloud II Wireless has thick oval-shaped earcups. These connect to the headband with the Y-shaped metal structure. The design features a lot of red accents that are seen on the yoke, logo, and even with the stitching on the headband. HyperX’s design language extends throughout their entire lineup of products helps in brand recognition such as their HyperX Alloy Origins Keyboard and gaming mice.

Both sides of the earcups have the HyperX logo in red. Other than that, the earpads use the familiar memory foam interior covered by faux leather. The same material is present in the headband padding.

Apart from that, there are two buttons on the left earcup. One of these is a power button, and the other is a mute button for the microphone.

There’s also a port here for plugging in the detachable mic. The ride side features an incredibly smooth volume dial. It does not have any physical stops and scrolls continuously. An audible beep alerts you when you’re at 100% volume.

The included USB dongle is a bit on the bigger side, similar to an old flash drive. However, once you plug it inside your PC, the headset immediately connects after powering it on. It also works with the PS4 and PS5.

What About The Comfort?

HyperX has always been excellent when it comes to comfort. With the name being Cloud II, what else can you really expect? Needless to say, this headset is one of the most comfortable ones out there in 2021. They are nice and flexible as well, so they can fit some of the folks with larger heads out there without a problem.

More HyperX Headphones: HyperX Cloud Stinger Review

The faux leather padding feels supple and provides good cushioning. Since these are over-the-ear headphones, they don’t necessarily interfere with the ears. There is ample padding on the headband, and there really aren’t any pressure points present here. The clamping force is quite light as well.

Even with glasses, this headset doesn’t cause pressure on the head, so it still feels excellent. They look great on the head as well, since they’re not big and obnoxious. As usual, great stuff from HyperX in terms of comfort just like their HyperX Pulsefire gaming mice.

Gaming/Sound Performance

Of course, sound quality in a wireless headset is quite crucial. Some would even say that it is the most important factor. Before we continue further in our HyperX Cloud II review, we want you to know a few key points. Wireless headphones and headsets weren’t all that great not too long ago. This is why people are still anxious about buying wireless audio gear. Fortunately, the Cloud II Wireless skirts around that issue.

The drivers here are the same 53mm neodymium seen in the original. These are fine-tuned a bit differently, because of the wireless functionality. Sound quality is where things get interesting. In all honesty, the performance is here is fantastic. There’s a solid low-end throughout the sound from this headset, and the closed-back design helps that out. Imaging and positional audio are also excellent.

Overall these are excellent when it comes to gaming performance. However, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty. These aren’t exactly the warmest sounded headphones out there, which is a good thing. The bass is present and powerful, but it doesn’t mess with the treble and the mids. At max volume, the vocals can get a bit bright, which is par for the course for most gaming headsets. It never gets too harsh, but it’s something audiophiles might notice.

Of course, this depends on the type of games you are playing. The bright vocals won’t bother you all too much, as they’re not noticeable enough. Fortunately, it never overshadows the mids and it doesn’t take away from the experience. All around, the sound quality is dynamic and full. The wireless connection does not mess with the audio in any way. These still stand out as one of the best in that regard.

Surround Sound

You can’t have a gaming headset in 2021 without some form of emulated surround sound. Personally, I prefer stereo audio, but HyperX does a decent job here. The Ngenuity software provides emulated 7.1 surround sound. It has a slight effect where it sort of stretches the frequencies in certain games. This provides a wider soundstage, and it depends on what you’re planning.

For example, the feature works great in games such as Battlefield V, Call Of Duty: Warzone, and Resident Evil Village. It doesn’t quite provide an advantage, but again, it depends on the game you are playing. At the very least, we encourage you to try it out with different games and see if it does the trick. Overall, the emulated 7.1 surround sound is better than a few headsets out there.

Microphone Quality

The main competitor of the HyperX Cloud II Wireless is the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro. There is a very slight price difference, but they’re nearly identical in terms of sound quality. This means that the Cloud II is cheaper and sounds just as good. The microphone is also good for communication in games or just chatting with your friends on discord.

The Hyper X Cloud II wireless has a detachable microphone that lights up in red while muted. Are there better microphones out there? Sure. Does that matter when a gaming headset like this provides excellent value all around? Well, that depends. Of course, if you are a streamer, you’ll want to go for a dedicated microphone. Other than that, the Cloud II Wireless performs well in the mic department.

Related Review: HyperX Cloud Alpha S Review

We brought up the Blackshark V2 Pro earlier because it has a slightly better microphone. However, the details are not that noticeable, even in a side-by-side comparison. This goes to show just how great of a value the Cloud II Wireless really is.

Battery Life

Battery life is also quite pivotal when it comes to the success of a wireless gaming headset. HyperX claims that this headset can last up to 30 hours at 50 percent volume. Of course, the metrics will be different at 100 percent volume. However, we didn’t have any major issues here, and even at max volume, the headset can last around 24-25 hours. That’s a rough estimate, of course, but should give you a good idea of what to expect.

In comparison, 25-30 hours of battery life (depending on the volume) is quite good. Sure, it’s nothing groundbreaking but it is on par with or better than some other headsets. There is an indicator on the left earcup that tells you about the battery status. At 90 to 100 percent, it stays green, from 90 to 50 percent it starts flashing, and when the battery is low it turns red.

Of course, you can still use the headset while charging. After plugging in the USB cable, it acts just like a regular wired headset. Unfortunately, you’ll need to pick up a longer USB cable, as the one in the box is only 18-inches.

The Ngenuity Software

Before we wrap up this review, let us quickly go over the software for the sake of keeping this an in-depth review. There’s not a whole lot to talk about here, as the Ngenuity software is simplistic. Still, let’s quickly run through it. You can go in and manually adjust volume and microphone levels. There’s a toggle for the 7.1 surround sound, as well as mic monitoring.

Also Check Out: HyperX Cloud Earbuds Review

Mic monitoring allows you to hear your voice so you can check if it is functioning properly. It’s a popular feature and works well here. There are no EQs and preset tabs here, which is a bit surprising. You can set your own presets, however. Overall, while the software experience is basic, it’s something I personally prefer. This is because the headset works perfectly even without the software. It doesn’t get in the way and does not put unnecessary strain on the PC.

HyperX Cloud II (Wired) vs Cloud II Wireless: What’s The Difference?

We are not done with our HyperX Cloud II review yet. When it comes to the age-old debate of wired vs wireless peripherals, most people always go with wired. This is because wired peripherals are more reliable in terms of connection, and you don’t need to worry about battery life. Both of those are fair points, but what if the difference between wired and wireless is so negligible that you might as well go wireless?

Well, that is definitely the case here with the Cloud II Wired and Cloud II Wireless. Wireless headphones tend to be worse than their wired counterparts. However, the Cloud II Wireless can easily keep up with its wired version. First off, let’s talk about the differences (there aren’t many). The design is a bit different on the wireless version. For the most part, they look the same.

However, the Wireless version has a more aggressive oval shape on the earcups, while the wired version looks a bit more circular. The yoke on the wireless is a bit different compared to the original, but the padding and stitching are of the same quality. The microphone on the wired version looks a bit different than the wireless version as well.

Another difference is the 7.1 dongle you get with the wired version. On the wireless version, 7.1 surround sound works via software. Both sound great in their own regards, but this will come down to personal preference. You can hear footsteps and pinpoint enemy positions quite well with both headsets.

Other than that, sound quality is quite similar unless you’re really looking for a difference. Both have the same drivers, it’s just that the Wireless version is tuned a bit differently. The difference in sound quality is quite small, to the point that it doesn’t matter. What does matter is the fact there is zero latency or loss in the overall experience.

The microphone is one of the bigger differences. You’ll notice better quality on the wired version, while the wireless one is not bad either. We don’t think it is a dealbreaker, but something worth mentioning. In short, there’s not much of a difference with the Wireless version, which is ultimately a good thing.

Conclusion

Going into this review, I knew that this was going to be an easy one. This is because HyperX always focuses on pure quality, and the Cloud II Wireless is no different. The Cloud II has made quite a name for itself, and HyperX wasn’t going to screw that up with the wireless version. The overall build quality and comfort are phenomenal. It’s lightweight and feels great on the head.

Connection and pairing are seamless because it works right away by plugging in the dongle. The sound quality, as usual, is excellent and sounds full plus immersive. Battery life is also a plus-point. Really, the only con is the short USB cable and the fact that it doesn’t exactly work with Xbox. On the other hand, it works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, and the Nintendo Switch.

HyperX Cloud II Wireless

Unbeatable Wireless Value

Pros

• Flawless pairing process
• Surprisingly great sound quality
• Comfortable as ever
• 7.1 Surround works well in some games
• Strong battery life

Cons

• Short USB cable
• No Xbox support yet

Microphone: Detachable electret condenser microphone | Frequency Response: 50Hz-6.8kHz | Weight: 301g | Connectivity Type: PC, PS4, PS5 and Switch 2.4 GHz Up to 20 meters | Bluetooth: N/A | Battery Life: Around 30 hours

VERDICT:The Cloud II wireless is a stellar iteration of the cloud series, not because of extra bells and whistles, but because of the laser focus on pure quality. There is no wireless gaming headset out there that delivers on all the fundamentals at such a great price. If you're a previous HyperX headset owner, this is the perfect upgrade for you.

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Ever since Apple released its AirPods, the world has seen a massive change in trends and direction towards the tech industry. Almost every tech manufacturer has taken to the fact that the Airpod route is the way to go now. So, we have seen a massive influx in wireless earbud kind of products, similar to the AirPods flood the markets worldwide. Now the Apple AirPods have proven to be a very unique and sought after product not only due to the fantastic brand image and the quality they possess but even more so due to the fact that they have been difficult to replicate in the same way. Today we look at the Mpow X3 ANC earbuds, which have been made to satisfy the demand for earbuds but make it in an affordable range. We try to look at why this product exists and whether or not it can hold its own vs. some of the big boys in the earbud department.

Unboxing

The Mpow X3 ANC headphones come with a medium-sized box that has all the logos and advertisements of the product and the company printed on it. The packaging and the box itself holds nothing out of the ordinary and there are no real surprises, nothing extra or nothing worse than what you might have expected. You do get some extra earbud caps to ensure you have control over what kind of ear grip you get. This makes for good comfort for the user and allows for better use of the ANC feature.

The contents of the package are as follows:

• • The Mpow X3 ANC earbuds
  • The earbud case
  • A USB-Type C cable
  • Extra earbud caps
  • User manual and warranty cards

Design and Build

Naturally one of the most important and main factors of a product such as this is their looks. The Mpow X3 earbuds feature one of the most common and identifiable shapes and form there is for this kind of product. You can actually say that they bear an uncanny resemblance to the Apple AirPods. This is kind of good and bad in simple ways. Good in basic ways such as the fact that they keep a shape that is familiar and successful. But, the similarity in their design makes them appear as a mock copy AirPod.

The Mpow X3 ANC earbuds come in only the black or stealth black color. This might also be seen as a negative as most people would like to have the option of choosing a color of their preference instead of the standard black color. The Mpow X3 earbuds feature a very compact design; compact in a way that there is no standout or flamboyant aesthetic feature in its design. No extra chrome or silver padding, except for on the logo which is on the side of the product. The earbuds themselves are made from good quality silicon and depending on the kind of earbud you use; you may find them extremely comfy. Having multiple kinds of earbud choices within the package makes for a much more user-friendly product. The product is especially suited for long hours of use or even use during workouts. Portability, lack of wires, and the very important waterproof rating of IPX7 make them ideal for such purposes.

The earbuds are made from ABS plastic, so as far as the build materials and quality goes there is nothing out of the ordinary. The product itself feels great but it still does not properly replicate the feel that some of the higher quality products of this kind. The product has some of the best sound and audio controls that we have seen. The audio controls are smart controls that are controlled via fingertips and they are placed on the side of the left and right earbud. Simply put, just tap the control once for volume, and twice tap for play/pause, and a triple tap for changing songs or tracks. An extended push on the control will activate the Google assistant. The right earbuds increase volume and return to songs.

Lastly, we also need to discuss the box/ case of the earbuds as well. The box is built with a similar kind of plastic as we normally see in most mid-range earbud products. In many ways, the box appears to feel very average in terms of its build quality. You just don’t feel like the box is very top quality, this does set it quite far from some of the higher ranking products. The box can be used to charge the earbuds twice, and the box itself can be charged via the USB Type-C cable. This is although very common in most cases, it still operates well enough.

Overall, the Mpow X3 earbuds are a very good choice for people with not the highest requirement for quality or design. They do their job perfectly in many ways in terms of aesthetics but they offer nothing special or extremely outstanding.

Features

The Mpox X3 ANC earbuds boast some of the most coveted and important features that a product of this kind needs to have. People buy this product to not only keep in tune with the change in times but also to make better use of wireless earphone connectivity. Headphones are too big to allow for proper portability for most users, so wireless earbuds provide a much more realistic option in terms of practical use in everyday life. The only issue might be that their size allows them to be really taken care of so they don’t get misplaced.

First things first, the Mpow X3 earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation or ANC as it’s more commonly known. This means that they offer a fantastic ability to lessen or ignore background noise so you can enjoy better music and have more clear calls. The earbuds also are built with 4 mics in them, this allows for better capture of your sound for calls. You have Google assistant and Siri to be able to make use of some of those good assistant smart apps.

Bluetooth compatibility makes for much better wireless ability, so now you can enjoy your videos, audio, and even calls on the go with little to no lag behind the audio to video. The battery life is stated to be close to 7 hrs for calls without ANC on, and 5.5 hrs with ANC on. Battery life for music playback is much higher, at least on paper.

Lastly, we have IPX7 level waterproofing which enables the earbuds to have very high resistance to water and sweat. Rough use or spillage will no longer affect the product in adverse ways as regularly. The earbuds also feature a two sound style. This is quite unique and it is not seen a lot in most sound devices. You can wear them loose for clearer sound and push them in deeper for more effective and deeper bass results.

The features in this Mpow X3 earbuds contain all the features which are needed in wireless sound devices. You get everything you can wish for, for a much more efficient price but at the cost of some quality which the more premium products do have.

Performance & Microphones

The performance of the Mpox X3 ANC is very good, especially in the price range that it comes in. Having said that, the product does not really give the big boy products in the earbuds department a run for their money. You can say you get most of the best features at a much more affordable price, but with the trade-off of some quality. All of this is quite natural and expected.

As far as the battery life and the battery time of the earbuds are concerned it appears to be of a substantial amount. The battery life takes a hit if you use the ANC feature, with the overall time being reduced quite a bit. The overall standard base battery time of this headphone is not one of the highest we have ever seen but it is good enough to get through your day for most cases.

Secondly, the ANC of these wireless earbuds was the main area of concern for most tech reviewers and purchasers. The most amazing part is that the ANC actually works quite well. We did not expect it to be as good as it was. Although this is also due to the fact that you get extra earbud choices to further make sure that the product fits your ear absolutely perfectly and does not leak any gap. However, the noise reduction rating of -28 dBa appears to be quite good. Practically speaking the earbuds noise cancellation even works if you’re not really using the product for any audio or music, you can wear them in travels or when you sleep to avoid any disturbances as far as this product can do it. The sound mitigation of this product is not the highest but it will do wonders in lessening the background noise for everyday life. In very noisy environments, you might find its noise cancellation not doing as much though. So keep a very level head regarding the expectation you can have about its ANC feature.

We also loved the sound quality the product is able to give. The sound is very clear and the bass that the 10mm drivers are able to create is also very cool and satisfying. There are no real shortcomings or shortfalls of this earbud model as far as the sound quality itself goes. The 4 mic system allows for much better transfer of your voice when you are calling someone and combining that with the ANC feature makes for crisp calls. You can even say that in terms of sound quality and bass, the Mpox X3 ANC gives Airpods pro a proper run for their money.

Conclusion

All in all, the Mpow X3 ANC can easily be described as a very good choice for anyone who wants to have an alternative for some of the more expensive models. You get a very good product at a price you don’t have to reach too far down in your pocket to meet. The model has exceptional sound quality, fantastic deep bass effects combined with acceptable battery life. The model also comes with Noise cancellation but its ANC feature is probably not the best we have ever seen and it is average at best. The two sound styles also enables you to use the product in the way you want to.

The Mpow X3 earbuds are a solid choice for your earbud needs, they have all the required features and you cannot go too wrong when you select them. You might feel that these are not the best, as the Airpods pro still easily take that rank for themselves.

Mpow X3 ANC

Inexpensive and Comfortable to Use

Pros

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
• Portable and comfortable
• Great sound
• Effective controls

Cons

• Average battery life

Bluetooth: Version 5.0 | Battery life: Roughly 5.5 – 6.5 hrs for calls (ANC on/off and usage) and about 30 hrs for playback | Charging via case: 2 times | Earbuds: 6 kinds included | Weight: 2.15 ounces | Box Size: 4.13 x 4.13 x 2.2 inches

VERDICT:The Mpow X3 earbuds are a solid choice for your earbud needs, they have all the required features and you cannot go too wrong when you select them. You might feel that these are not the best, as the AirPods pro still easily take that rank for themselves. However, there is value to be savored from the Mpow X3 ANC and they do that with a cheaper price than some of the alternatives

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PRODUCT INFO
Cloud 2
Manufacture	HyperX
Available at	View at Amazon

Although, it is safe to say the biggest reason for their fame is headphones. HyperX has been the prime manufacturer of gaming headphones for some time now. HyperX was one of the first companies to get into the Esports realm as well. Nowadays, we see HyperX headphones being used by professional gamers in tournaments and on streams all the time.

HyperX released the Cloud headphone and got an overwhelming response from the community. The HyperX Cloud II is the newer version of the Cloud headphone. HyperX has managed to maintain all the positive features of the Cloud in this version.

All the while taking care of any drawbacks that the Cloud gaming headphones had. What we get with that is one of the best low-price gaming headphones available today. We’re revisiting the much loved Cloud II headphones by HyperX and will be taking a closer and in-depth look at what they have to offer.

Unboxing

The headphones are placed securely in a generous packing of plastic. A black matte box with built-in compartments for the various things you get along with the headphones. You get a variety of different things with the Cloud II. There are the detachable microphone and a USB extension cable that can be attached via 3.5mm jack of the headphone. There are a couple of extra ear cups inside the box as well as the standard user’s manual. You also get a carrying bag or pouch that is of a mesh-like material. All in all, the contents of the box are:

• Headphone
• Microphone
• Extra ear cup
• Extension cable with USB adapter
• User manual
• Carrying pouch

Most of the time customers want more out of the product packaging than just the main item and its required components. HyperX certainly took care of that issue and more. First off, the packaging itself is very sweet. The contents of the box are packed extremely safely to prevent any possible damage. Then you get a couple of ear cups that you can use for when your headphone’s ear cups start showing wear and tear. The extension cable allows you more than one mode of connectivity. This is because of the audio jack wire with the headphone as well as the USB extension cable. The packing as well as the intuitive things included with Cloud II are a bonus to this gaming headset.

Design

The HyperX Cloud II gaming headphone is a very good-looking piece of hardware. The subtle designing makes sure it is not too flashy or flamboyant while maintaining the aesthetic value. Since the design is not bold these headphones can be used in almost any sort of computer or gaming setup and even in an office.

These headphones come in two different color schemes. There is the red color of the HyperX logo on the ear cups and the red stripe that goes across on the headband. Apart from that, it is all black. In the red color scheme, the metal slider part of the headphone that connects the headband with the ear cups is red. The rest is the same as the gun-metal color.

Starting off with the headband, you immediately notice it is thickly padded. The thick foam padding of the headband is a big plus for comfort. The metal slider allows Cloud II to be suitable for people of all head sizes. Just extend or retract the metal slider to either increase or decrease the headspace.

The metal slider itself is also used as a connector between the headband and the headphone. While this connector is made of solid metal, the parts it connects into are plastic. Due to this, the part where the actual pressure will be is plastic and not metal.

This metal portion of the headphone is not under any real pressure. It would have made the Cloud II more durable if the metal portion was the part where there was more pressure. That being said, these headphones are still very sturdy. It is very unlikely that they will break. The build quality is very solid. The ear cups are available in two types of covers. You can go with the leather or the velvet cover on the foam padding of the ear cups. The leather cover is generally better for keeping sound in. You get a pair of each of the leather and velvet covers with the Cloud II package.

Choose the one which you like best and keep the other for future use. The microphone comes detached from the headphones. This is because it is easier and safer to pack detached rather than connected to the headphones. You can detach the microphone anytime you want and reattach it when needed.

The Cloud II has a connected wire of about 1m that has a 3.5 mm audio jack connector. You can use it to connect the Cloud II to a computer, cell phone, an Xbox or a PlayStation, etc. While the USB extension cable can be used to connect it to a computer when you want to use the button controls. Button controls are generally more durable than a roller. Rollers tend to go out of order in sound controls much sooner than buttons do.

Features

Let’s start off with one of the foremost features of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headphone, its comfortability. These gaming headphones are one of the most comfortable headsets you will ever get your hands on. The generous foam padding on the headband as well as the ear cups give a lot of ease to the parts of your head that will be upholding the weight of the headphones. These headphones are 350 grams in weight. This is not the lightest piece of hardware in the market.

As such, you need a very good build and padding to be sufficiently comfortable under the weight of these headphones. HyperX has succeeded in this endeavor admirably. Once you put these headphones on, all your fears of the weight go out the window. You can literally wear these headphones for hours on end and not feel any discomfort. The metal slider allows you to adjust these headphones to your liking as well. If you feel more pressure at a certain level, you can just adjust the metal slider. The pressure will not be shifted to a different region.

The build of the Cloud II is very solid and of good material. It is very well made as a whole. There is very little to zero chance of this headphone breaking or losing functionality in a short time. The aluminum frame of the headphones gives it a lot of sturdiness. Even after getting knocked around as hardware tend to do, the Cloud II will be perfectly fine. The included airplane plug and the carrying pouch also give the Cloud II a certain level of portability.

The closed cup headphone design is optimal for receiving as little outside noise as possible. This is a big plus for gamers who want to be fully immersed in their gaming experience. This is also great for communication with your teammates in online games. You are not distracted by sounds from outside and can listen easily to what your teammates are saying. This is thanks to the clear and unimpeded sound due to the closed cup design.

There are two ways you can connect the Cloud II. Both of these are wired connections. There are no wireless connectivity options in the Cloud II gaming headphones. This is a slight drawback as wired headphones often tend to show wear and tear in their wire sooner than expected. When there is no wire you will not have to face any such issue.

The headphones come connected with a 3.5 mm audio jack connector wire. This wire can be used to connect your headphones to a vast range of different gadgets. You can connect the audio jack to the extension cable that is a USB connector cable when you want to use your computer. The audio box controller is available with the USB connector cable.

The good part in the audio box controller is the buttons. Buttons are way more durable than a roller. The audio jack connector has an in-line standard roller for sound control. The buttons give you controls for the volume on both your headset and your microphone. They also give you the controls for turning on surround sound.

The slight drawback of this headphone is the lack of software for sound configuration. You can not freely adjust the sound levels via software. Due to this, there is a lack of customization ability in the headphones. However, for the price, these headphones just are the best available today. Their extreme comfortability makes them one of the best gaming headphones in this low-end price range. HyperX has given the Cloud II a two-year warranty. Having a warranty is always a good plus for any product. A two-year long warranty makes you more at ease with buying a product knowing you have that backup in case of a malfunction. Such a warranty also increases your faith in the product knowing that the company is confident about it.

Performance

HyperX Cloud II is not an expensive headphone. That is why you are in for a treat with the sound quality of these headphones. For a modestly priced headphone, the sound they give is absolutely brilliant. In games, these headphones give the clarity between the sounds you want. You are able to distinguish between different sounds in an intense online FPS game or an RPG both. The surround sound 7.1 feature helps to make sounds even clearer and their direction more obvious. It is not too big of a difference from the standard stereo sound though.

You might experience some shortcomings when it comes to extreme frequency range sounds. It is not that big of an issue as the sound quality is still very crisp and neat. When it comes to music, the audio quality is much the same. You will enjoy most of the music with no discrepancy in the sound. There may only be some issues at a high or low frequency. There is no software for the Cloud II. This is one of its major drawbacks. The software will allow you to customize and configure your headphones and their sounds to exactly how you want it to be. All the gaming-related products coming nowadays have software for customization. It has become a rather standard-issue feature.

The microphone gives a very steady and neat voice quality. Your teammates will be able to hear you loud and clear. The easy to access microphone audio levels on the dongle is also a nice addition. You can change your mic volume levels very effortlessly. Overall, the mic is very acceptable and should not give you cause for concern.

Who can use such a headphone?

HyperX Cloud II is a headphone that is mainly focused on the gaming community. That much is clear from its extreme comfortability as well as the ease of use that the controls give you. Such easy to access controls will come in handy when you are in a game and have to change your volume level or mic audio level in a jiffy. Gaming sessions tend to go on for a long time and a headphone that gives such a comfort level as Cloud II is quite indispensable.

Although this is gaming-oriented, the quite aesthetics of the Cloud II make it something that can be used in an office as well. There is no flashy lighting or RGB and there is no extremely aerodynamic design employed in this headphone. As such, this can be used in an office especially if you have to wear headphones regularly. These are the most comfortable headphones in their price range. Comfort is a priority for all people.

Conclusion

HyperX is one of the most trusted and renowned companies when it comes to gaming headphones. Any headphone of HyperX is sure to be an eye-catcher. Cloud II is no different. It is beautiful without being flashy. That is something which has become quite underrated nowadays. As always, the comfort level and build quality of a HyperX headphone are impeccable. The sound and audio for both the headset and the mic are also very nice for the price range. You get a ton of other intuitive features that many headphones lack. As such, it is quite safe to say that the HyperX Cloud II is one of the best gaming headphones in this price range. It is definitely, the most comfortable.

HyperX Cloud II

Crowds' Favorite

Pros

• Solid build
• Audio control buttons
• Detachable microphone
• Very comfortable
• Impressive packaging
• Impressive Sound Quality

Cons

• Low Customizability due to lack of software

Headphone Type: Closed-back | Driver Type: 53 mm neodymium magnets | Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 25,000 Hz | Connectivity Type: Wired | Sound Coupling: Circumaural | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Driver Type: Electret Condenser| Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 18,000 Hz | Length: 150 mm

VERDICT: HyperX Cloud II have stayed the fan-favorite headphones ever since they came out. Despite being somewhat old, the HyperX Cloud II can easily hold their ground even among the more latest gaming headphones that have hit the market. While getting very little wrong, HyperX delivers headphones that offer great sound quality, strong and robust build, and an overall comfortable to use experience.

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