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.

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.

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.

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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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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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.

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.

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.

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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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).

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

The Plantronics Voyager 855 is a mono Bluetooth headset that converts into stereo Bluetooth earphones. Its compact face-hugging enclosure features a removable earhook and an in-canal earpiece with a mic boom that slides out with a push. Extending the mic automatically connects the call. On the side of the enclosure are buttons for call, mute and volume, which serve double-duty for play/pause and track navigation functions in stereo mode. Plantronics' AudioIQ technology automatically reduces background noise and intelligently adjusts audio levels to increase clarity on both ends of a conversation. When the 18-inch stereo cable (terminated with the other earphone) is attached, the 855 changes into a Bluetooth stereo headphone that decodes A2DP stereo streaming and supports the AVRCP remote control profile. In stereo mode, users are alerted to incoming calls and can easily switch between conversations and music. The internal Li-Ion battery charges in 3 hours. Operates up to 7 hours talk or 6 hours listening on a single charge. Range is 10m. Measures 2.3 x 0.6 x 0.5 inches and weighs 15gr. with stereo cable. Comes with 3 sizes of silicone cushions, earhook, stereo cable and AC adapter/charger.

Specs: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR.
Price: $150 US.

The Sennheiser PC350 is a high-end gaming headphone. The PC350 was designed and built with the same attention to details and quality materials given to its premium headphones. Because many games have 3D sound, Sennheiser has given the PC350 a frequency response optimized for binaural perception, so that gamers feel immersed in the environment and can locate events and opponents in the soundfield with high accuracy. The 38mm transducers use diaphragms cut from Duofoil film, which dampens unwanted vibrations. They are mounted in baffles with adaptive damping. Closed earcups with large circumaural cushions block external noise by up to 32dB. The large, boom-mounted microphone with noise-canceling technology maximizes intelligibility. An inline volume control on the 3m cord includes a mic mute button.

Specs: 150 ohms, 108dB/?, -38 dBV/94 dBSPL (mic).
Price: $250 US (from sennheiserusa.com).

Two models from Beyerdynamics' Trendline series: the DTX900 and DT235 headphones. At the top of the series, the DTX900 is an open headphone. It's said to have the most balanced sound and highest sensitivity of the full-size Trendline models with an extended frequency response and airy quality. The 40mm transducers are housed in large earcups, double-hinged to the headband. The earcups can swivel up to 90 degrees, so the headphones can fold flat for storage. The DTX900 is lightweight for its size (180gr) and very comfortable thanks to the thickly padded, adjustable headband and plush, circumaural ear cushions. The single-sided cord measures 2.5m. Comes with TRS adapter.

Specs: 32 ohms, 108dB/?.
Price: $100 US.

The lighweight DT235 is a closed headphone and an update of the classic DT231. The two appear virtually identical, with minor cosmetic differences. The DT235's transducers have been given an extended frequency response (18Hz to 22kHz) and more transparent highs, but the sensitivity has not changed and both headphones weigh the same (130gr). The closed-back acoustic coupling guarantees a private acoustical environment. The single-sided cord measures 2.5m. Available in black or white. Comes with TRS adapter.

Specs: 32 ohms, 95dB/?.
Price: 60 Euros.

Ultimate Ear's super.fi 4vi is a mobile in-canal earphone, styled to complement Apple's iPhone. The compact, machined aluminum enclosure is a distinct departure from the elongated plastic housings of UE's other models. Inside the enclosure is UE's balanced armature driver, vented for increased bass response and a tuning filter that shapes the response for maximum detail. The microphone and a call/answer button are located on a small control integrated in the 46" cord, which is terminated with an iPhone-compatible plug. One click of the button answers/ends a call or puts the media player in play/pause mode. Two clicks of the button advances to the next track. The 4vi provides up to 26dB of noise reduction.

Comes with a carry case, 3 sizes of silicone cushions and 1 set of double flange eartips, a cleaning tool and a sound level attenuator, that prevents bursts of loud sounds.

Specs: 29 ohms, 105dB/mW.
Price: $150 US.

Etymotic's hf2 is a mobile earphone, that is, both an earphone for listening to music and a headset for mobile phones (including the iPhone). The earphones are in-canal types, each containing a balanced armature driver and user-replaceable filter, which shapes the frequency response and prevents ear wax and dirt from entering the enclosure. While they resemble the ER4 series, the earphones do not have specs identical to any of the ER4 models (lower impedance and higher sensitivity than the ER4P). However, the noise isolation specs are the same. The hf2 can reduce external noise by up to 42dB.

An inline module on the hf2's 4-foot cord houses a microphone and a SEND/END button to handle mobile phone functions. The single SEND/END button not only answers and terminates calls, but also controls the phone's music player (play/pause/next track). A slider on the Y portion of the cable draws up any slack so the earphones can be worn with the cord in front or back behind the head. Comes with storage pouch, an assortment of eartips, a filter tool and 2 replacement filters.

Specs: 16 ohms, 105 dB/0.1 VRMS.
Price: $180 US.

Sennheiser's MX W1 digital wireless earbud system is a fascinating product, fabricated from cutting edge technology and packaged with thought to style and practicality. The system is capable of 16-bit CD quality stereo because the digital stream is encoded with Kleer lossless compression and can be transmitted over 2.4GHz RF carrier. Kleer isn't the only option for lossless compression, but it has the advantage of being optimized for long battery life in a portable player. Kleer claims that wireless systems encoded with its technology have a battery life that's 10x longer than a comparable Bluetooth solution.

The extended battery life allowed Sennheiser to power each MX W1 earpiece with a tiny rechargeable Li-Ion button cell. The fingertip-sized earpiece is a marvel of miniaturization, containing the transducer, a wireless receiver/amplifier and battery. For a stable, secure fit, the enclosure is designed with Sennheiser's twist-to-fit feature that locks the earpiece in the folds of the outer ear. Operating time is approximately 3-4 hours per charge.

The transmitter is about the size of an iPod Shuffle and runs off an internal, rechargeable Li-Ion battery (10 hours per charge). It connects via a short integrated cable to the headphone jack of any portable player and has a wireless range of less than 10m. The transmitter can broadcast to two sets of MX W1 earphones simultaneously. In f....

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Two noise cancellation models from Sony: MDR-NC500D and MDR-NC22. The MDR-NC500D is a full-size headphone and incorporates a digital system for optimal noise reduction and audio fidelity. Sony claims that the MDR-NC500D can reduce up to 99% of ambient noise at 160Hz, the peak frequency of a jet engine. An ADC first converts the audio signal and environmental sounds (sampled by tiny microphones) into digital streams. Before the noise is filtered out of the audio signal stream, a digital equalizer compensates for changes in the bass and midrange due to the noise cancellation process. The NC500D offers 3 noise reduction setting: office, airplane and train/bus. When turned on, the AI feature can intelligently choose the most effective noise reduction setting by analyzing the noise signal.

The 40mm transducers, electronics and Li-Ion battery are housed inside the closed, circumaural earcups, which are padded with thick, urethane foam cushions to reduce pressure and pinching on the outer ear and which swivel flat for storage. The right earcup has buttons for power, monitor and noise cancellation mode. The monitor button mutes the audio playback for listening to environmental sounds, such as in-flight announcements. The 1.5m cord attaches to the left earcup. The internal Li-Ion battery powers the headphones for up to 16 hours per charge or plug in the external battery pack (2 AA batteries) for u....

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TEAC's inCore Audio ZE-1000 in-canal earphones offer life-like audio reproduction, comfort and noise reduction in a product that can go from mobile casual, when paired with a portable player, to high-end monitor on stage. Each earpiece contains dual balanced armature drivers tuned with an acoustic filter for high definition audio. The patented 5-layer silicone cushions form an airtight seal in the ear canal and can reduce external noise by up to 30dB for a quiet background, even onstage. TEAC has reinforced the 1.2m cord with kevlar for extra durability. Comes with carry case, TRS and airline adapters and 3 sizes of cushions.

Specs: 15 ohms, 109dB/mW.
Price: $350 US.

The iQube, the world's first portable class D headphone amplifier for audiophiles, is made by Qables in The Netherlands. Prized for their efficient use of power, class D amps in portable players are becoming more commonplace, thanks to recent single chip solutions from such semiconductor houses as Texas Instruments, Cirrus Logic and Rohm. Most audio amps have an efficiency rating of 75% or less. Class D amps achieve efficiencies of over 90%, because their output stages operate in fast switching mode and waste very little energy.

The iQube is a proprietary design, constructed with audiophile-quality parts and encased in a retro-styled aluminum enclosure, accented with painted black rubber grips. The front panel has two switches for power and gain (2x and 7x), two LEDs and the volume knob. The power LED blinks when the batteries run low and the other LED indicates charging status. The iQube will recharge NiMH batteries if the amp is being powered by the optional AC adapter or USB adapter/charger. On the back panel are found the 3.5mm stereo input and output jacks.

Qables claims that the iQube will operate for up to 80 hours on 4 AAA alkaline batteries or 60 hours on NiMH rechargeables. Measures 23 x 63 x 107mm. Comes with a mini plug-to-mini plug cable and a rubber wristband, which can be used to hold the amp and an audio player together as shown in the picture above.

Specs: 80mW @ 32 ohms/12mW @ 200 ohms.
Price: 400 Euros.