WHAT: V-MODA Vibe II
PRICE: $128
COMPARE TO: Shure SCL4, Sony MDR-EX500LP, Klipsch Image S4
FUN FACT: The Vibe II’s were awarded Design & Engineering Showcase Honors at 2009 Consumer Electronic Show (CES).
WHY COMPLEX IS CO-SIGNING IT: We understand non-audiophiles don’t put too much thought into their headphones. Not only do most of them sound the same, headphones are just one of those accessories you expect to misplace, so why bother? Plus who would bother paying over a c-note for some plastic and rubber? All good points. But what if a pair of headphones were priced a tick over $100, sounded as good as headphones double its price and forwent plastic and rubber for cloth and steel? Well, that’s where the new V-MODA Vibe II’s come in…
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WHAT: Klipsch Image S4 Headphones
COMPARE TO: Shure SE110, Sony MDR-EX300
PRICE: $80
FUN FACT: Company founder Paul Klipsch (1904-2002) started the company in 1946 out of a tin shed in Hope, Arkansas.
WHY COMPLEX IS CO-SIGNING IT: We’re accustomed to seeing demand outpace supply when it comes to limited-edition toys, or Air Yeezys, or even Palm Pres—but mass-produced headphones? That’s a first. But ever since we tested the Klipsch Image S4 Headphones a couple of months ago, we’ve been waiting to tout these excellent earbuds to the masses—waiting, that is, for the product to go back in stock at online retailers. Well, the S4s are still completely sold out at most stores, but our friends at Klipsch assure us that they will become available in the next week or two. In the meantime, here are four reasons why you need to get your back-order on…
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Putting the power of design in the hands of the consumer has its strengths and weaknesses. It’s an opportunity for unknown designers to get some shine, but sadly sub-par concepts and uninspired execution usually overshadow the real talent. But damn, we can’t hate on the left-field designs that have come out of Nokia’s Music Almighty Headset Competition this week.
The Finnish company called on consumers to put a music-inspired spin on their line of Bluetooth earphones, using tools provided on the website like beaming lights, interchangable colors, and decorative characters. The five winners will actually be manufactured as one-of-ones and will be displayed in select retail locations. Check out designs inspired by Jay-Z, MGMT and Santogold below…
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When it comes to streetwear brands throwing parties, WeSC knows how to do it. This coming Thursday, to celebrate its new partnership with Bloomingdales, the Swedish company will be throwing an in-store event at the midtown NYC store where guests will receive these LTD headphones, made in a run of 500 (not for sale) pieces. Following the cocktails at the in-store, the event will move on to Home in NYC where DJ Stretch Armstrong and the band Awesome Color will perform. Get up in there and get yourself some free shit!
Headphones will be a big push for the brand in the next year, when they will release special designs by We activists like Stretch, Ray Barbee, Amy Gunther, Jason Lee, Jussi Oksanen, Marok, and others. See closeups of the Bloomingdales ‘phones below…
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About every six months we look to switch up our cell phones, and there are always a ton to choose from. Free is often an X factor, a few cool features to satisfy our ADD are essential, too. At the bottom of that list is Bluetooth. The innovative technology that allows you to use your phone remotely through the use of an earpiece is certainly convenient, but it's just another accessory we can do without. We get enough weird stares from the all-over print hoodies, so looking like we're talking to ourselves would be a little over the top.
Either way, Plantronics, the communications company that owns Altec/Lansing (arguably the best speakers on the market) gave us some samples of their new Bluetooth products'headsets that weigh as much as a nickel bag, and wireless headphones that stream songs from your mp3-capable cell phone. First off, we have iPods. Second, we just spent a grip on our latest phone, so we're gonna show it off like it's our girl. If these Plantronics pieces don't make the giveaway rounds in our office, our stockbroker uncle will get a few early Christmas gifts.
The lightest and most expensive of the batch. Probably the coolest and least annoying, that’s if you don’t mind looking like Captain Kirk.
Our earbuds break all the time. Hopefully we’ll have better luck with these wireless ones.
