When Dr. Dre brought his expertise to the stereo headphones industry and started his company Beats Electronics with Interscope-Geffen’s Jimmy Lovine, he wanted to offer music lovers a chance to hear the pure sounds of bass as it interacts with the other instruments to push the music and create the best quality that can be heard. His noise-canceling, over the ear headphones, with swivel cups, bluetooth technology and other headphone styles and features let you hear minute sounds that you’ve never experienced before with listening devices.  Dr. Dre also saw an opportunity to manufacture an upscale can, ear buds and other audio devices that were fashionable, and the “B”, now seen on these high-end headphones devices, was born, along with more colors, sizes, embellishments and even diamond studs.

How Beat’s Grew

These technological innovations and fashion forward designs gave Beats Electronics a healthy $500 million in sales, as they began, by popular demand, to license their specialized audio technologies to HP for their pc’s and laptops, and their10 speaker Beats by Dr. Dre devise to Chrysler for its luxury 300 S cars. As the profits kept coming, the speculation kept growing about where Dr. Dre and Jimmy would take the company next?

Beat’s Gets a Mobil Phone Partner

HTC mobile phones offered Beat’s about $300 million for 51% of the companies shares along with the right to put the Beats audio technology into their phones exclusively.  The bottom line swelled again and this too fueled word on the streets, online and now in the New York Times and other media sources that there would be a big step forward taking place soon.

What Jimmie Wanted

Jimmie Lovine has always wanted to be able to offer music aficionados the ability to hear the best sounds through their mobile devices, and with the sale of shares to HTC this idea was about to be realized.  However there is a missing piece, and this fueled the most recent activity.

Wanna Buy an Online Music Subscription Service?

The latest headlines state that Dr. Dre and his partners at Beat Electronics are in negotiations to purchase MOG the online subscription music service.  MOG was begun in 2005.  David Hymen, the CEO,  wanted to pull all the music blogs together and make a social network where users inter-act.  He had added an ad network to it, and partnered with Rhapsody to grow the numbers.  He also upgraded MOG by creating an application that was compatible with iPhone and Android,  allowing their subscribers to  access their music catalogs from these devices. To date MOG now has about 500,000 subscribers, streams music faster than their competition, and has excellent contracts with many of the key music publishers and record companies, which take years of negotiation to secure. The online advertising half of MOG continues to add to their revenues too. David has said that they are not looking for a buyer.

Street Says – It’s a Done Deal

Rumors continue to persist, even though HTC has had no comment, and Beats too, did not wish to address any of the inquiries.   Insiders insist, that the only thing missing in this deal, is the signatures on the dotted-line.  The purchase of MOG would create the kind of “circle” that Jimmy Lovine and Dr. Dre had wanted, making Beats Electronic the supreme source for ultra-music-listening, with sound quality never achieved before, through your headphone, in your ride, online and via your mobile device.  In short, they’d be everywhere and you’d get the best music everywhere.  Winning!

Have you been reading, or perhaps dreaming about, owning your own Beats by Dr. Dre headphones?  Yes they are $300 plus, and they are everywhere.  They have become the new “cool” fashion accessory for some musicologists whose need for self-expression is only tamed by the dollars in his or her wallet.  How much is too much to spend on headphones and what are people really looking for, a good musical sound or a fashionable accessory that screams “status symbol” and swallows most of what you thought was your infinite disposable income?

Headphones – About too Much?

Your headphones are your own subjective choice of course.  This means that you have your own personal mental or written wish list which is inextricably linked to your prejudices, comfort level and expectations of your own head music.  Some listeners do want their headphones to be travel-ready, lightweight, stylish looking, heavy or light on the base with the purest quality of sound, and of course a design and price point that says affluence and star quality.  This is somewhat music/love and the rest is ego driven, of course, but is that a bad thing?

Status Symbols

Beauty in form and function is probably what a musicologists wants from his/her headphones.  Grado GS1000i is made by that little Brooklyn, New York company that manufactures what they call handcrafted headphones and they look as if they were made by your own personal stylist.  They have big mahogany ear-pieces that are comfortable and lightweight. They manage to have great sound quality without killing your ear drums with too much bass.  They are a thing of beauty and will relieve you of $1000 big ones. They do have the open headphone design which leaks some sound for more clarity, so anyone around you gets to hear what you’re listening too, if you care and are into headphone etiquette. Seems like you would have to use them in the privacy of your own personal spaces, just to be polite.

From the Land of the Rising Sun

Muramasa VIII headphones

Japanese technology is always superior. It’s what they do very well, and Final Audio Design headphones, for example, is offering, in about three weeks, their latest headphones Muramasa VIII.  Not much is know from this company other than the little blurb they’ve offered the media which hints that their newest headphone design/technology  includes a headphone which is cut stainless steel and weighs about two pounds , a little on the heavy side for such a sleek look.  These headphones have no padding that is visible and offer 8mm tweeters with built-in constructed 40mm  speakers. Not only do they look like a modern sculpture, (if they don’t slice into your cranium), the technology is cutting edge and the price is an astronomical $8000.   Surprisingly, many bloggers were responding as if they would be receptive to coming up with that amount, to have warp 3 sound (a fake label for a sound) which exists in the mind and heart of all music lovers.

The Bottom Line

Do you want to be so trendy, so manipulated (if that’s what this is) that you spend thousands of dollars for just a bit more clarity and richness of tone?  Doesn’t urban and suburban noise factor in here somewhere, or can it truly be canceled out with just the right noise canceling, or noise isolating headphones?  Many people follow a handy check list when considering a purchase of headhphones which will affect the quality of the experience they have in listening to music:

1. Test the headphones for sound quality.  Go to an electronics store to personally test the headphones, Crank up the Volume and really test them.  Become familiar with the stores return policy in case it’s not the right choice.

2. Set limits for spending, and determine your needs.  If you purchase good quality headphones you should get your moneys worth.  $300 is an above average limit, and the headphones in this price range will allow you to have excellent sound qualities, as well as an excellent listening instrument. For example Bose, Sony, and so many other proven brands all sell well constructed headphones in that price range and even below.  Pick headphones that let you hear your preference whether its base or other qualities which give you the most enjoyment.

3. Determine the headphone style that fits your needs.  If you are never home and always moving because of a hectic lifestyle or athleticism, or job demands, factor in your activities and decide which style of headset meets your needs.  If you select ear buds, make sure to spend an amount of no less than $20 if you don’t want to be replacing them constantly.

Being trendy and fashionable is fun, and it feeds your ego, which isn’t all bad because you work very hard and deserve to spend a bit of your discretionary income on pleasurable pursuits.  However, in these hard economically challenging times, every dollar you spend wisely, stretch and or manage to save, is a winning situation for you and the ones who count on you.  Defining your headphone needs and meeting them with a frugal and informed mind-set will get you the look you seek and the sounds you desire for far less than one million, $8,000, $1000, or even the $400 you were thinking of spending.

Skullcandy’s Mitch Edwards Resigns April 1, to Pursue New  Opportunities & Charitable Interests.  President and C.E.O Jeremy Andrus announced  the resignation of  his Chief Financial Office and General Counsel, Mitch Edwards, effective as of April 1.  Mr. Edwards has been with Skullcandy since May, 2010, and stated that he was leaving to explore other opportunities as well as charity and humanitarian projects.

Mitch Edward’s Contributions

Mitch Edwards brought his significant expertise to Skullcandy, having two Business Administration Degrees, one from Brigham Young, and one from Oxford, a Masters Degree from Oxford, and  a law degree from Stanford.  His previous experience as C.F.O for other high tech  and entertainment companies was an excellent fit with Skullcandy’s  targeted markets in sports and music.

Jeremy Andrus said, when making this announcement, that Mitch was instrumental in taking the company public through the IPO process, and two other projects. He also shared his feelings of gratitude to Mitch for helping to take the company global with two years of very hard work.  He also mentioned that Mitch is willing to be available for supportive consulting work until his replacement is found.

In response to these remarks, Mitch Edwards said that he was proud of the companies accomplishments as they transitioned their infrastructure from a private to public.  He said that thanks to new partnerships the potential for reaching out to global markets was now in place. He praised the employees as “family” and said that he will continue to be a supportive shareholder for Skullcandy.

Skullcandy’s Beginnings

Skullcandy from its beginnings  focused on the Generation Y moving and motivated, music loving young consumers who wanted to sport trendy headphones and enjoy their favorite songs while skate boarding, skiing, surfing, running, biking, and everything in between.  Skullcandy, under Rick Alden’s leadership, started with their innovative  patents for the technology, linking music playing equipment and cell phones, and saw the potential for the untapped market, ‘tweeners. The earbuds they created: colorful, well functioning, with cutting edge appeal,  in varying price points, were very successful and the life-time warranty the company offered, pushed sales through the roof.

Growing and Growing

Then a contract was negotiated with Jay Z and his company Roc Nation to produce new Roc Nation Aviator headphones that are stylish, and  give great sound quality. These cans are designed to appeal to  different group of audiophiles who take their music with them to work and play.  Needless to say, these headphones sold very well.  Rick Alden saw other untapped markets and moved ahead.  He offered the National Basketball Association a sponsorship deal, and they agreed.  He did the same for  Rockstar- Suzuki Motorcycle racing teams and  by the time Mitch Edwards came on Board in 2010, Skullcandy had the numbers to take the company public.  They made a deal with the Hard Rock Cafe to create stages with their audio technology at their casinos in Vegas, and then went public.

As Mitchel Edwards leaves to lend his hand to new experiences, he leaves a grateful group of peers, innovators, techies, family and friends to the daily tasks at hand.  However, having helped them reshape the infrastructure and put in place the building blocks for a successful global future, and owning stock in Skullcandy, his loyalties and interest will not cease.

Ah, yes! This week we are facing a nearly endless list of new releases, interesting headphone news, and best of all, loads of fresh items to make fun of: At least you know where our priorities lay. Either way, though, if you’ve been itching for a spot of the latest headphone news and brand new releases, then stick around. Will be covering the full load in spades, including a bit about the new Dr. Dre Beatbox, Russian Doll style shared headphones, AERIAL7’s new Tank deejaying headphones, and much, much more. If that sounds like a pleasant ride to you, then stick around, Soldier: The rounds start firing now.

Dr. Dre, HTC, Beatbox, and AT&T—Hoedown Edition

Dr. Dre Beatbox

Fresh out of the chute this week, we have some interesting news arriving fresh from the newlywed HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre camp. However, our first snippet doesn’t actually involve the famous Android and Windows Phone manufacturer, but instead the mega-giant cellular company AT&T.

As it would seem, AT&T will be receiving on March 11th their own, signature edition and totally exclusive Beatbox by Dr. Dre. This comes as a bit of a surprise, as we haven’t previously seen any sort of partnership between Dr. Dre and the famous infamous cellular company. Still, if you’ve been itching to get your hands on one of these devices, it looks as though you’ll be in luck.

The $399 device, which was first released a few years back under the same name to less-than appealing sales, will feature all the trappings you’d expect of a Dr. Dre production. You’ll get full iPod and iPhone docking support, allowing you to pump your iTunes tracks directly through the massive (in a relative sense) subwoofers with ease. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity in case you’re pining for a bit of wireless freedom for your easy listening experience. And, of course, we expect there to be much, much more bass with these guys than with a fairly comparable model from another manufacturer.

We’re also hearing news that AT&T will be receiving a few other Dr. Dre models as the year progresses, including a set of HD Stereo Bluetooth headphones (which we’re expecting many great things from) as well as a set of the ever-popular Beats Solo HD cans for around $200. On top of that, you can also expect to see the UR Beats in-ear models arriving on AT&T’s shelves within the coming months, too.

One more thing, and then we’ll move on: If you were previously unaware, Monster and Beats by Dr. Dre split up at the beginning of the year. Since then, we’ve seen both companies posturing wildly in an attempt to found new partnerships. Both appear to be fairing well, though—as evidenced by today’s break—Beats has gone in a much more audio-focused direction, while Monster continues to produce headphones by the thousands.

Split-able Headphones

Split Headphones, Double the Pleasure

Have you ever wanted to share your music with a friend while on a long commute? Or, have you just been sitting around the pad, only to discover your friend has never heard of that band? If so, then you’re in luck. These on-ear cans are jut a concept now, but if they’re picked up—as we very sincerely hope they will be—you can expect a lot of great listening experiences in the future.

A student at the Design Academy in Eindhoven by name of Roel Deden has built an ingenious way of sharing your music with others. The design is relatively simple, though no less brilliant for it. The headphones split at the earcaps, where they seamlessly fit together. The idea is that, when you want to split the listening two ways, you simply pull the inner portion of the headphones out, and hand them to a mate. The plushier pair of headphones fits around in the ear in a surrounding sort of way, and you both can enjoy the same tracks at the same time. It’s really quite a brilliant thought, and as stated, we sincerely hope some of the larger manufacturers are watching. Or, at the very lest, we hope he got full marks on this assignment, whatever it happened to be.

AERIAL7 Tank Headphones

AERIAL7 isn’t a brand we typically cover, but we felt we just had to break the news of their latest release, the Tank deejaying headphones. In the company’s own words, they’ve paid particular attention to what the world DJ audience has been saying they want in a solid pair of gigging headphones. The end result are these gorgeous looking on-ears, and though we can’t yet say how they sound, we certainly appreciate the effort that’s been put into these.

First off the bat, the company has beefed up the padding on the earcaps to a truly mammoth proportion. We would have no problem gigging with these, and we don’t think any of our other house musician mates would either. In addition, they’ve also reinforced the metal headband, increasing its resistance to drunken club goers, accidental knocks, and other assorted beatings. Again, no real word yet on how these improvements fair in the non-Matrix world.

Lastly, and this is really the kicker (no pun intended) for these headphones, the Tanks come with a more finely tuned set of drivers than in their previous iteration. The massive 57mm drivers have been modified for even more robustness, and though we haven’t yet got our hands on a pair to give them a test drive, we’re expecting more bass than a freshwater pond in June—if you’ll pardon the Southern-ism. There’s no word yet on pricing either, but we have a feeling it will be comparable, if not competitive, with other headphones of a similar nature already on the market. And, as always, we’ll keep you posted when we finally snag a set.

If you are an audiofile who is more than a little bit interested and enthusiastic about sound quality when you’re listening to the music that moves you, or really any music, and you can’t contain your fondness for top quality audio components that reproduce sound;  then this information will make you smile.

Sennheiser,  a company who is known as a leading developer of quality and awe inspiring headphones, as well as wireless and infrared sound transmission, headphone technology and active noise-cancellation, has just announced that they are now offering consumers something brand new. At the Mobile World Congress 2012 this week, they introduced two cutting edge brand new Travel Headphone Sets with innovative new technology that has not been “heard” until today.

Sennheiser MM 450

The new Travel Headphones, the MM 450-X and the MM-550 have new technology called CSR-AptX file compression technology.  When you streamline music using Bluetooth the bandwidth is reduced. With the new CSR-Apt X system, the bandwith is restored to its normal size.  The result is that the listener gets the full spectrum of sound quality that was never available until now.

The MM 450-X is a great small  travel size headset and the MM-550 is the bigger, more substantial version.  Both of these headphones have all of the best amenities you’ve come to expect from Senn- heiser such as:

1. Built-in NoiseGard 2.0 which is created with noise consolation technology that this company specializes in which cuts out over 90% of all background noise in your listening area.
2. TalkThrough which lets you push a button (to stop the music) have a conversation and then return to music again without having to remove your headphones to hear the person.
3. Imbedded push-to-talk Invisible Microphones let you make/receive Phone Calls
4. Increase/Decrease Sound Control
5. Pause/Play/Change Track Ability
6. Stereo Bluetooth Wireless

Sennheiser MM-550

The larger Travel Headphone Sennheiser MM-550 offers SRS High Definition Surround Sound Technology.  This is “techie-speak” for kicked-up bass and even richer movie quality sound.

These wireless Travel (Road Ready) Headphones let you talk with other people without having to remove your headset, as well as, hearing the richest sound available which is what Sennheiser strives to achieve.  The Sennheiser MM 550 folds up to fit in your carry on luggage, which is very convenient. If you are in a location where Bluetooth isn’t available, an audio cable is provide that can give you a connection. You’ll get a carrying case and an adapter that lets your headphones work well if you need to plug them in when traveling to other countries.  The technology is not cheap and therefore the price won’t be either, but the amenities and the sound quality will be priceless.

As Spring is about to descend with all of its hopeful new beginnings, Sony provides its own sweet bouquet of brand new ear buds which are aptly names Bumpin Buds. The new Sony headphones, model MDR-Ex35, come in seven poppin’ colors, Red, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Pink, White and Black.

If you’ve tried  a lot of in-ear headphones because you’re  always  exercising, walking, running, and biking, and want to have your favorite music accompany you, then you’ll like what you hear with Sony’s newest technology.  What you’ll notice immediately by listening is that these buds are excellent.  They offer good solid, clear sound reproduction quality.  The bass is there and strong yes, but it’s not overpowering, or hard to hear.  Bass needs to be easily discerned and with these ear buds, it is.

Bumbs but Does’nt Grind

Bumpin Buds stay in place when you move around unlike some of the other brands. They are comfortable to wear and need very little adjustment even if your work out is strenuous and your body and heart rate are jumping.  The price is about $22 dollars and they come with a 90-Day Guarantee and are available right now.

Sony is prolific in their Spring offerings and also brings to the marketplace  in a few weeks, their newest over-the-ear headphones for your listening pleasure.  Model # MDR-MA900 has their special “open construction” which lets more sound travel around the ear for an almost natural listening experience not unlike having no hearing device at all, but with the clarity of being up close to the music source.  Other headphones force the sound down into the center of the auditory canal for a much more restricted auditory experience.   How does Sony do this?  Their technology is incredible and their attention to detail is of the highest standards.

They also announced two headphones, models MDR-V55 and MDR-ZX600 which they describe as being  developed for Dj’s.  These headphones offer swivel folding style features that allows for more comfort as you have more placement options over the ear. These headphones have improved comfy ear pads too and offer  the  40mm driver,  an integral component to achieve the purest sound.

Color and trim has been added for your visual pleasure too.  The MDR- V55 models come in black with red trim or white with gray trim. TheZX600 Sony Headphones are gray with orange trim to give it that “fresh appeal”. New colors give these headphones “function/fashion-Esq” qualities for more tech-candy appeal.

In fact, other models in this series of updated, and innovated headphones such as MDR-EX210, MDR-EX40, MDR-EX 35 and 37 have been kicked up a notch in appearance with the addition of trendy hues like, pink, red , yellow and purple.

Sony continues to seek consumer confidence and happiness by putting the purity of sound, numerous varieties of headphone options for comfort and a good lifestyle fit, and noise reduced clarity for the music  listening afficianodos.

Bravo to Sony, to Spring and to all the music makers who give so much joy to everyone wherever they are via their headphones.

Whether you wear your headphones for work, recreation, or both, there is a proper etiquette for listening to your favorite music, whenever you listen in public spaces.  When you’re fully engaged in hearing every note the  rhythm, texture, bass and  melody within the composition, or your trying to tune out the sound of elevator music or someones conversation, your headphones function to provide the best possible sound quality, that can be achieved.  However, your personal music preferences are your own, and in public spaces, such as restaurants, standing in line at the post office or bank, or taking up chair space in your doctors waiting room, no one else should have hear your idea of good sound as it roams into their own personal air space.

Sounds so Good to You – To Others Not So Much

If you purchased on-ear headphones or open-back headphones with padded cups that are made to lay over your ears, creating fewer pressure points (for comfort,) then it’s a “no-brainer” that some sound is going to be transmitted to your surrounds, if you work in a fairly open environment such as a cubicle and you love to bump up the music.  Closed-back headphones are made to encase your ears in soft padding and make sealed areas where the sound is contained and it’s quality is enhanced. No sound transmits to others but you can easily get so distracted that if someone needs to speak with you, it won’t be easy for them to get your attention.

Your good intentions towards having a positive listening experience show already because you purchased your headphones to use mostly in public spaces, and of course, at home. However, it’s important that you create positive social interaction for yourself at work in other public venues, and in social situations with your family, friends and significant other too.  Therefore, these simple guidelines of headphone etiquette are a great tool for keeping the music playing and the happiness factor of others unaffected as well.

Here are some Dos & Don’t of Headphone Etiquette

In the Work Place:

If you need to speak to someone who is wearing headphones and working, get their attention by standing in their line of peripheral vision and gesturing, text them, or send them an e-mail.

If you get the greatest enjoyment from listening to your music loudly, choose the kind of headphones that are closed backed, or the buds that fit snugly in your ear canals so that others won’t be exposed to your personal music choices as they try to work.

Be aware of your environment, and if you engage in conversation while wearing your headphones, don’t talk loudly. It’s not only annoying, it’s obnoxious for everyone.

In Other Public Places:

Headphones Etiquette

At school, the bank, on a bus or on an airplane,  the etiquette you use depends upon the situation you find yourself in.  You made the right choice to listen to your favorite jams by using headphones, and it is very considerate of you as long as:

You always stay aware of what is going on around you in case someone needs to communicate with you, or you need to move or interact because a change has taken place in your immediate environment.

When you are engaged in conversations, be in-the-moment and talk to the person.  Don’t let music be your first consideration when people are trying to communicate with you.

Walking down the street, keep safety as a factor for yourself and others.  Zoning out can be careless you and others around you.

In Waiting Rooms or confined areas like the Post Office, Restaurants, DMV , focus on the business you need to get done, and remember to listen for your name or number to be called, or any problem your headphone may be making for others if you have it pumped up, and people can hear it.  Turn it down a bit.  This is good for others, and your ears will thank you in years to come.

When someone speaks to you, take your earphones out of your ears. This applies to people on the street, the person you are paying at your favorite In and Out, or anyone who engages you in conversation.  It’s the polite way to show respect for others, and your own personal respect for yourself.

On the bus, try to sit away from the most crowded areas, if possible.  The bus makes a lot of noise already and anything else is just adds to that like of ear-chaos.

On an airplane, try to keep the sound level down.  Conversations of every kind are already polluting airspace, and your consideration will be greatly appreciated.

At Home with the People You Care About:

Never make the people you care about less important than the music in your ears and headspace.  Make the time to engage with them, and let your recreational listening be done when it does not take away from quality time with family, friends and that special someone who thinks you “rock”.

Be available to listen to the people you’ve chosen to be socially interactive with on every level.  Really hearing them, is a win win for both of you and when it’s your turn to vent, they’ll be there for you in return.

Making good headphone etiquette a positive part of your everyday persona and enjoying the music that brings joy to your life via your headset, is mutually inclusive and beneficial for you and the other inhabitants of the planet whom you share space with everyday.

“Being aware of the feelings of other people is the necessary component needed to enact proper etiquette in every social situation.”  E. Post

In a previous gamer headphones related post we talked at length about the value and ever-present development of growing demand and evolution of gamer headphones. That is, headphones aimed almost exclusively at the modern day gamer. It’s a solid concept, and we’re more than stoked to see that one of the most popular headphone makers around has jumped on board. Yes, Monsters Game T1 Championship is one solid offering, arriving with smooth looks and incredible surround sound. It may not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for an in-depth review of these bad boys, look no further! Jump on down below the break to thunk our whole thought.

Design and Comfort

Monster Game T1 Championship

First and foremost, we have to hand it to Monster for finally designing a pair of headphones that looks incredible without resorting to being a Beats rip-off: Or some other variant thereof. These guys look like they walked straight out of Tron, complete with blue lining, arcing lines, and heaps of plush padding. They’re over-ears, which is great for surround sound gaming, and they also come with full ControlTalk support. This is especially important with the Game T1 Championships, as it allows you to change the volume of your games on-the-fly, saving your ears from particularly nasty frag-fests. The cord is nice and thick, and we have no doubts these puppies will hold up well overtime. Granted, they are somewhat bulky, but as we think it unlikely you’ll be taking them for strolls often, this probably won’t be a problem. However, if you’re looking to simply kick back at the pad with a controller in hand, you’re ace to go.

Sound Quality and Performance 

Alright, so before we go any further, we feel we should mention that these headphones are not intended to be your ultimate musical listening experience. Rather, their aim is clarity, high-definition sound, and mind-blowing surround experiences. So on that note, these guys tend to knock our socks off. If you’re into video gaming, you’ll love the incredible detail in the sound these bad boys are capable of. The tones are clear, crisp, and the surround element works like a charm. They come stock with some impressively large drivers, and the end result is a listening experience that’s perfect for movies, too. Granted, it’s not the best listen for music, as the sound is a bit too boomy and perhaps not as authentic in reproduction as audiophiles may like. But for games, it’s spot on.

Overall Value

All of that being said, these headphones will knock you back a pretty penny. Expect to spend around $300 on the Game T1 Championship headphones. If you’ve been looking for the perfect XBOX compliment, here they are. For everyone else, the price of entry may be a bit too high for what amounts to a beyond solid movie-watching experience.

Chapstick Trick

Don’t worry, we completely understand. Headphone cables are messy, tangle-prone, and just about the biggest pain around. Sure, a couple of manufacturers are starting to sport the tangle-less model of flat cables, but for the most part, dealing with knots worthy of any Eagle Scout is just part of the territory. However, just because you’re sick and tired of the hassle doesn’t mean your without options for dealing with it. In fact, with a few of our handy headphone tips below, you may find that killer set of in-ear headphones bothers you much less than you ever thought possible. So without further ado, use our solid options below to reduce the clutter, getting you closer to the perfect listening experience with your favorite pair of cans.

1. Buy Carrying Pouches: Alright, for the bigger, over-ear headphones, we’ve just got one question to put to you: Have you ever considered springing for a set that comes with one of those handy carrying pouches the high-end models tend to tout so much? If you’ve never cared about these before, it might be about time you started. You see, buying a pair of cans that comes with a portability accessory may be just the thing you need to reduce cable clutter. These pouches are usually custom-tailored for the headphones, and offer some sort of pouch for storing those messy lengths. Not to mention the physically chic appeal of a leather bundle to house your high-end model of Bose on-ears. Just saying—turning heads on the subway has to start somewhere.
2. Use a Chapstick Cap: If you found that subheading a little confusing, stick with us for just a second. No, we aren’t kidding about this. See that chapstick tube you’ve got sitting around? Take the cap off it, and then throw the rest right into the rubbish bin. Why do we say this? Because that cap will ensure you never again have to fight to untangle your headphone cables. First step: Wrap the cable like you normally would, so that it ends up looking like an oblong football. Then, take one closed end of the bundle and shove it directly into that cap. You should now have a lot of extra cable dangling out the front like spaghetti noodles. Because the cable is tied off at one end, there’s no chance of it coming undone and getting tangled. Voila! It’s an instant solution to a world of hurt.
3. Use a Paper Clip: A similar method is to use a paper clip to get the job done. First, clamp the jack end of your headphones down within the clip’s clamps. Then, extend the little metal arms and start wrapping. By wrapping the headphones around in this way, you’ve created a closed loop that cannot come undone, and will never get messy. Again, we’re betting you never would have thought of that on your own. In other words, you’re welcome, and happy listening!

At the beginning of the year we covered the news that Beats would be parting ways with Monster—we’re just about certain they were the ones to break off the relationship, so to speak. But just because Dr. Dre’s taken his furniture out of the collective Monster apartment does not mean the company has been resting on its laurels. We’ve been seeing the manufacturer found partnerships with an entire new bevy of celebrities and other audio professionals. It’s a beautiful thing to behold (minus those garish Lance Armstrong in-ears) and as of this month, we can add yet another partnership to the already full Monster headphones lineup.

Nokia and Monster Team-Up

At Nokia World in London, the Finnish handset manufacturer announced they’ll be partnering with Monster to produce two unique sets of headphones for their next round of mobile phones. As far as we know, this looks to be a long-standing agreement, and we fully expect to see a lot more headphone announcements arriving in the next year, as well as those to come after. But enough of us talking! Let’s dive right into the headphones that’ve been unleashed upon the masses. Starting with:

First out of the gate, we’ve got the Nokia Purity HD on-ear set of headphones that look to be a solidly pastel offering for the coming year. We’re questioning the on-ear design, but we can hardly quibble about the inclusion of two unique ControlTalk cables. Firstly, there’s one for all the Windows phones out there—all three of them—and another for Nokia specific headsets. These cables, of course, offer full control over music playback (including volume) as well as call answering and ending.

Next up we’ve got the Purity Stereo Headset, a unique looking pair of in-ears aimed at the more commuter-enabled crowd. Nokia promises the headphones will arrive on shelves with “low bass, clear mids and crisp highs.” We feel like we’ve heard that marketing pitch before, but either way, we’ll be stoked to lay our hands on a pair of these. Both models will hit our radar in a variety of colors, including black, white, and pink. The Purity Stereo Headset will also come in a smooth blue, or at least that’s what we can assume from the promo shots.

All of this comes on the heels of Nokia’s announcement of the Lumia 800 and 710 line of phones, as well as the Asha family of devices. It looks to be a promising year for the Finns, and with the potential for many more, Nokia-specific headgear in the future, we have high hopes for this partnership. At least it’s not a celebrity-branded model, and if they play their cards right, these guys might actually produce some incredible sounding, smartphone-enabled headphones. Then again, the higher we get our hopes, the lower they usually fall.