The Help and FAQs files have been converted to a blog format. I've updated sections in FAQs and the Help pages have been completely revised. You can bookmark and search FAQs and Help just as you would the News and Directory blogs. Let me know if you encounter any bugs.

The Library will be converted next to the blog format.

Posted by cmoy on 11-20-2007 03:17 AM. Comments (0)

It's been years since the original "links" database was taken offline. The new Directory consolidates the old "commercial links" and "educational links" listings and organizes them into new categories and in a blog format. Registered users will be able to post comments about an entry.

Because the HeadWize site overhaul is not finished yet, the Directory database has only a few entries. More will be added later. Let me know if you encounter bugs.

Posted by cmoy on 10-09-2007 08:09 PM. Comments (0)

DigiFi, a company based in Seoul, Korea, has launched its Opera line of wireless in-canal earphones. The Operas transmit a digital stream over 2.4GHz RF carrier for reception that is less sensitive to dropouts and noise. DigiFi employs Kleer lossless compression on the digital stream to maintain CD quality audio. To date, the Operas are the least expensive wireless earphones on the market employing Kleer technology.

There are 2 Opera models: the S1, which is available now, and an ear-hook style (shown in the inset) which is scheduled for release in the fall of 2008, but does not have a designation yet. The S1 earphones have 13mm drivers and are connected to a small receiver pack that is worn behind the neck. The transmitter's casing is styled to match the Apple iPod. It has a small mini-plug that will fit any portable player's headphone mini jack. The transmitter can broadcast to a maximum of 4 earphone receivers. There's no information on whether DigiFi will sell the earphones separately. The transmitter and earphones have internal rechargeable batteries that function for up to 10 hours per charge.

Comes in black or white, with a USB charging cable and AC adapter.

Available in Korea and Japan now; worldwide availability in June 2008.

Price: $100 US.

Posted by cmoy on 05-07-2008 05:41 PM. Comments (0)

Altec Lansing's MUZX series are in-canal earphones that stand out for their be-dazzled styling. Shown above are the MHP106 and MHP206. Both use 9mm transducers. The MHP106 has black enclosures presenting a golden, jeweled butterfly design on the back. The "jewels" are 4 round, clear Swarovski crystals embedded in the wings. The MHP206 comes in white enclosures, accented with a flower on the back, outlined in silver and filled in with a mosaic of yellow and clear Swarovski crystals. The 206 also has a silver butterfly-shaped cable adjuster, encrusted with 6 clear, round Swarovski crystals in the wings. The Y cord length on both models measures 1.2m. Comes with 3 sizes of silicone ear cushions.

Specs: 16 ohms, 105dB/?.
Price: $30 for the MHP106, $60 for the MHP206.

Posted by cmoy on 05-04-2008 01:48 AM. Comments (0)

Three new active lifestyle headphones from Sony and one new model for children. The main design innovations in the active lifestyle series are related to stability and a secure fit during periods of exercise or other vigorous activity.

The most expensive is the MDR-AS100W, which are in-canal earphones mounted on a headband. The enclosures, which house large 13.3mm drivers, are attached to the headband with shock absorbers that prevent noise transfer. The "noise" is from the bouncing cord and shifting headband during strenuous activity. Single sided cord measures 2 feet and includes a clip to anchor the cord to clothing. Comes with 2-foot extension, 3 sizes of ear cushions and carry case.

Specs: 16 ohms, 105dB/mW.
Price: $100 US.

The MDR-AS20J are vertical earbuds (13.3mm drivers) mounted in a full ear frame made of soft rubber. The standard ear hook fits over the top of the ear, but the AS20J's ear frames slip over the entire ear for a secure fit that won't budge. Y cord measures 2 feet and has a clip to anchor the cord to clothing. Comes with 2-foot extension.

Specs: 16 ohms, 105dB/mW.
Price: $20 US.

The MDR-AS50G are in-canal earphones (9mm drivers) mounted on a neckband. Sony describes the neckband as a "soft and flexible spiral" that fits over the ears. An integrated cord adjuster can position the cord along the neckband for sports use. There is a clip to secure the co....

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Posted by cmoy on 04-29-2008 02:16 PM. Comments (0)

The SE-DRS3000C now leads Pioneer's line of wireless surround headphones. The 3D surround imaging is generated electronically from from a Dolby Headphone processor. The wireless medium is a digital stream over 2.4GHz RF carrier. To minimize dropouts from interference in the reception, the stream is simultaneously broadcast over 3 channels, so that the headphone's receiver can choose the cleanest signal. Pioneer calls this technology "3x3" transmission.

The open-back headphones utilize 50mm drivers for high quality cinematic imaging. Built into the enclosure are a power button and a volume control. The relatively low weight (350 gr) along with an adjustable headband and buckskin covered cushions offer long-wearing comfort. An internal Li-Ion battery powers the headphone receiver for up to 7 hours per 3-hour charge. An auto-shut-off function powers down the receiver if no signal is received. Additional headphones (model SE-DHP3000) can be purchased separately.

The vertically oriented transmitter also functions as a headphone stand and recharger. A 48-bit DSP is at the heart of the high performance digital engine that can decode several surround formats including Dolby Digital EX, DTS and AAC. A Dolby ProLogic II encoder converts 2-channel sources. The transmitter's operating status is displayed on the illuminated front panel. Located on the rear panel are two digital inputs (coax and opt....

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Posted by cmoy on 04-25-2008 05:28 PM. Comments (0)

These high-tech and stylish Vibe Body Sound earphones from Outi employ bone conducting transducers, which transmit vibrations through skin, along cartilage and bone to the inner ear. They are worn by clipping the earpiece behind the earlobe as shown in the inset image. Music is loud and clear on lower volumes, but environmental sounds like traffic and conversation remain audible. Audio playback is both heard and felt, especially in the bass frequencies.

The Outi earphones have their own amplifier, which plugs into any audio player with a standard mini headphone jack. It has a small clip for attaching to a backpack or clothing. The amp's volume control is a 4-position switch (off, low, medium and high). The internal Li-Ion battery can be recharged via a USB port or AC adapter and will operate up to 8 hours per 90-minute charge. The Y cord measures about 1.2m.

Available in black, white and pink. Comes with carry pouch, USB cable and AC adapter.

Price: $100 US.

Posted by cmoy on 04-16-2008 03:15 AM. Comments (0)

Two portable headphones from Philips: the SHL9600 and SHE9850. The SHL9600 is a midsize closed headphone with DJ style elements. The 40mm drivers are housed in vented enclosures to deliver "booming sound". The earcups can swivel 90 degrees. For storage, the headphone can fold "extremely flat" or into a compact round shape that fits in a pocket. For long-wearing comfort, the circumaural cushions and headband are padded with ultra soft fabric. The headphone has a Y cord measuring 1.2m. Comes with 1.8m extension cord and TRS adapter.

Specs: 32 ohms, 106dB/mW.
Price: 45 UKP.

The SHE9850 is Philips' most advanced in-canal earphone. The precision sound is projected from a balanced armature driver which is tuned for a sound profile that is transparent, crisp and detailed. To achieve a natural fit and greater comfort, the acoustic tube that seats the cushions is angled inward about 15 degrees. A hi-tech housing shields the driver from unwanted vibrations. It consists of a metal inner chamber that holds the armature transducer and a transparent plastic outer shell. The Y cord measures 1.2m. Comes with 3 sizes of silicone cushions, 1 set of foam cushions.

Specs: 12 ohms, 115dB/mW.
Price: $100 US.

Posted by cmoy on 04-13-2008 01:29 PM. Comments (0)

Kenwood's new headphone line starts off with 2 models: the KH-K1000 and the KH-C711. The KH-K1000 (Sound Meister edition) is a full-size closed headphone with circumaural cushions. Each aluminum enclosure has a 53mm transducer held in rigid frame to minimize unwanted vibrations. It's not clear from the press release, but each earcup may have a reflex port for extended bass (frequency response is rated down to 10Hz). Kenwood has tuned this model for a natural sound profile with some depth imaging. The self-adjusting headband holds the earcups gently on the head for long-term listening comfort. The Y cord measures 3m. Comes with TRS adapter.

Specs: 42 ohms, 98dB/mW.
Price: 37000 Yen or $365 US.

The KH-C711 is an in-canal earphone. It has 11.5mm transducers mounted in aluminum enclosures to minimize unwanted vibrations. The Y cord measures 1.2m. Comes with 3 sizes of silicone cushions.

Specs: 18 ohms, 100dB/mW.
Price: $140 US.

Posted by cmoy on 04-05-2008 07:47 PM. Comments (0)

The Stax SRS-727 system combines two new products: the SR-007 Mk II electrostatic headphones and the SRM-727 Mk II electrostatic amplifier. Both can be purchased separately. The SR-007 Mk II is the third iteration of the Stax "Omega" earspeakers. The original Omega I debuted back in 1993. Stax released the Omega II in 1998 with the designation SR-007. With the SR-007 Mk II, the update brings improved reliability, wiring and changes to appearance. The specs for the SR-007 and SR-007 Mk II are identical otherwise.

The SR-007 Mk II has the same open-back transducer as its predecessor, featuring gold-plated electrodes without any holes in the outer ring to increase the drive force over the diaphragm. The result is greater linearity and dynamic range, deeper bass and finer detail. The transducer is housed in a thick resin and metal enclosure to dampen unwanted vibrations. The SR-007 Mk II has upgraded the connection between the transducer and headphone cord for higher transmission capability and reliability. Also new are the comfy sheep-skin ear cushions and leather-covered headband. Available in black or silver. Comes with padded carry case.

The SRM-727 Mk II electrostatic amplifier is an update to the SRM-717 amplifier, which was released back in 2000. Despite the "Mk II" designation, there never was a SRM-727 Mk I. The SRM-727 Mk II is a class A, DC-coupled solid state amp with a dual FE....

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Posted by cmoy on 04-03-2008 03:04 PM. Comments (0)

AKG has changed the model numbers for its lightweight headphones. The "new" K440NC, K412P and K414P are virtually identical in terms of cosmetics and specs to the discontinued K28NC, K24P and K26P. All have supra-aural earpieces and all have the self-adjusting "3D Axis" headband that folds the headphone into a compact shape. The K440NC is a noise cancellation headphone with closed earcups and a small electronics pack that operates up to 40 hours on a single AAA battery. The K440NC will work with noise reduction turned off, but the electronics pack is not detachable. The K412P is a semi-open headphone, which AKG has tuned for "high energy bass". The K414P is a closed headphone with "fabulous sound" and attenuation of ambient noise.

The K412P and K414P have 5-foot cords. The K440NC has a 6-foot cord with the electronics pack in the middle. All models come with a carry bag. The K440NC adds airline and TRS adapters.

Not shown above is the K416P, which is the re-numbered K27i.

Specs: 32 ohms, 125dB/V (K412, K414 and K440NC w/ANR off).
Price: 22 UKP (K412), 30UKP (K414) and 90UKP (K440NC).

Posted by cmoy on 03-31-2008 12:51 PM. Comments (0)

Shown above are the JVC HP-S900 and HP-S700, both featuring a new patent-pending device called a "sound stabilizer" behind each driver that is supposed to improve the sound quality by acoustically loading the driver. The stabilizer does not appear to vent outside the enclosure, so both models would qualify as closed headphones. The HP-S900 has mid-size enclosures with supra-aural cushions. The diaphragms on the 40mm transducers are made from film impregnated with carbon particles to dampen unwanted vibrations. The earcups swivel flat for storage. The single-sided cord measures 0.8m. Comes with carry pouch and 0.7m extension cord.

Specs: 105dB/mW.
Price: $180 US

The S700 is a larger, circumaural model. It has the same sound stabilizer, but the diaphragms are formed from regular film. The S700 can be stored by swiveling the earcups to the flat position or by collapsing the headband to form a compact shape. The Y cord measures 0.8m. Available in 3 colors: white, silver and blue. Comes with carry pouch and 0.7m extension cord.

Specs: 101dB/mW.
Price: $105 US

Posted by cmoy on 03-26-2008 10:00 AM. Comments (0)