Helm Audio True Wireless 5.0 Review: Diamonds in the Rough

True wireless earbuds are getting really good. Beyond simple convenience, now we’re finally starting to hear different premium solutions. Different features, and different tuning to better fit consumers with different tastes. Audio kit should never be a simple “good” or “bad” review. A healthy ecosystem of products depends on having a variety of solutions.

Helm has been one of my most requested brands to review. The recently refreshed TW5 seem like a perfect place to start! Continue reading “Helm Audio True Wireless 5.0 Review: Diamonds in the Rough”

Sennheiser GSP 670 Wireless Gaming Headset Review: PREMIUM Audio! Fast and Sturdy! NO Cable!

I try not to gush, but there are few companies I’ve worked with in my professional career as long as Sennheiser. A huge reputation for high quality recording solutions, so it’s exciting seeing them not only take gaming more seriously, but delivering some killer wireless tech for fans of high quality audio. The GSP 670 aren’t cheap, but they should go the distance! Continue reading “Sennheiser GSP 670 Wireless Gaming Headset Review: PREMIUM Audio! Fast and Sturdy! NO Cable!”

1MORE Stylish True Wireless Earbuds: Changing my opinion on losing the cables…

I’ve had poor experiences trying out “budget” truly wireless earbuds. $99 isn’t exactly “cheap”, but we’re in better territory to balance performance and compromises. 1More is a fantastic brand to tackle that challenge, and the “Stylish” truly wireless earbuds don’t disappoint. Are they the right fit for you? Let’s take a listen! Continue reading “1MORE Stylish True Wireless Earbuds: Changing my opinion on losing the cables…”

Creative’s Super X-Fi Air Headset and Nerding Out on Fun Audio Tech

Ryan Schlieper from Creative Labs is one of my favorite PR folks to nerd out with. A dude who really knows his audio tech, and we’ve spent HOURS just chatting headphones and vinyl. The team at Newegg let us loose on Creative’s new Super X-Fi Headset, and cut down our MUCH longer conversation.

Let’s chat wireless and audio holography. Enjoy!

AirPods 2: Better tech, but still going to wreck your hearing…

Better Siri support! Better audio quality! An optional wireless charging case for $40!

But, I’m sad to see the same “open ear” design, which does nothing to block or reduce surrounding noise.

As rates of hearing loss continue to rise in all age demographics (but fastest in kids in young adults), it’s always worth pushing back against a fashion trend, and sharing good data with people you care about.

Even though they look ridiculous, and will make you go deaf sooner, it’s pretty likely that the AirPods2 will be one of the most popular wireless headphone solutions of the year. If that’s the case, we can at least share tips and tricks on how to use these earbuds (and Apple’s wired EarPods, and Google’s lame PixelBuds) as safely as possible. I made a video on setting volume limits in iOS, to show where those volume and normalizing settings live on your iPhone.

And for more information on hearing loss, please check out my interview with Dr. Alison Grimes, head of Audiology at UCLA.

Remember, once you damage your ears, they never really fully heal or recover. Even if your hearing is already damaged, it can always get worse. And, while BT headsets are relatively cheap and convenient, hearing aids often cost around $5000 a pair, and usually aren’t covered by insurance.

Listen healthier. Listen happier.

1MORE Bluetooth Headphone Showdown: Triple Driver + LDAC vs Dual Driver + ANC!

FIGHT! I haven’t done a proper showdown in a while, and 1MORE is the most requested headphone brand I see in my comments to review. They sell two different Bluetooth headsets for $149.99, so which one should get YOUR money? Triple Driver + LDAC or Dual

Continue reading “1MORE Bluetooth Headphone Showdown: Triple Driver + LDAC vs Dual Driver + ANC!”

Audeze Mobius Wireless Gaming Headphones – The Evolution of Audio

Working with Newegg to shoot something a little different.

I spent some time breaking in the Audeze Mobius Wireless Gaming Headset, and we decided on a more casual conversation, instead of a punchy review. I like companies that show a grown up philosophy on accessories and peripherals. It’s all too easy to crank out disposable junk, and slap a “GAMERZ” label on the box. Audeze approached this market with a little nuance, so our video needed a little nuance. Enjoy!

LG Tone Platinum SE Review: Wrecking Pixel Buds and AirPods (HBS-1120)

LG Tone Platinum SE Review! LG is refreshing their Platinum line, adding some cool tech tricks like Google Assistant and Google Translate support. When compared against Pixel Buds and AirPods, we’ve got a solid daily driver audio competitor.

However, things get a bit sticky when we examine the relationship between hardware and software. When balanced against a premium price tag, do the Tone Platinum SE have the goods to part you from your cash? Let’s take a listen! Continue reading “LG Tone Platinum SE Review: Wrecking Pixel Buds and AirPods (HBS-1120)”