Klipsch issues first on-ear headphones, Image S5i Rugged and bargain Image S3 earbuds

By Darren Murph

From: http://www.engadget.com/

It's been awhile since we sashayed through Klipsch's world headquarters back in December of last year, but the company certainly hasn't let off of the pedal. Today at IFA, it managed to introduce no fewer than three new headphones, including the outfit's very first on-ear set. The Image One was built to bring Klipsch's signature sound to folks who'd prefer cans over 'buds, and it's also amongst the first to have an Apple-centric mic and three-button remote for controlling music playback on iPods, iPads and iPhones. Travelers will be pleased to hear that the ear cups fold flat for portability, but you'll need $149.99 to call 'em yours when they ship this November. Moving on, there's the Image S5i Rugged (shown above) -- essentially, you're looking at the same sound quality we lauded last year, but with a rugged slant. These feature the aforesaid three-button remote / mic as well as a "safety case" that touts a built-in flashlight. We're expecting a demonstration of their toughness at IFA tomorrow, but in the meanwhile you can start sacking away $129.99 for their November debut. Finally, the October-bound Image S3 is the company's new low-end set, priced at just $49.99 but still shipping with a trio of oval ear tips, a carrying case and a choice of gray, red, pink or green hues. The full presser is after the break, if you're into that type of thing.

Klipsch issues first on-ear headphones, Image S5i Rugged and bargain Image S3 earbuds

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Klipsch Broadens Headphone Offerings with Three New Designs

INDIANAPOLIS (September 3, 2010) - In just three years, Klipsch has carved out a niche in the heavily saturated headphone market by manufacturing products designed to offer unequaled comfort, noise isolation and musical accuracy at any price point. Today, the company plans to build on its success with three new headphone models catering to cost-conscience consumers, athletes and people who prefer on-ear solutions.

Ranging from $49.99 to $149.99 (US MSRP), these headphones maintain the same high-quality sound signature and comfort levels as previous Klipsch headphones, but introduce enhancements in design, cabling, performance, packaging and accessories. These new models join the existing Klipsch headphone line, which includes the best-selling Image S4, Image S4i and Image X10i.

Image One

The Image One brings high-performance Klipsch sound to people who prefer an on-ear design. Not only is it the company's first on-ear headphone, it's among the first to feature an Apple-based mic and three-button remote for taking calls and controlling music on iPods, iPhones or iPads. Each lightweight, pivoting ear cup features premium leather and high-density memory foam for comfortable wear and superior passive noise-isolation, designed to block out ambient noise and provide enhanced bass. The ear cups fold flat for placement inside the included carrying case. Purchase these sleek headphones for $149.99 (US MSRP) at authorized retailers and klipsch.com in November.

Image S5i Rugged

Extremely durable and perfect for active outdoor lifestyles, the Image S5i Rugged in-ear features a mic and oversized moisture-resistant three-button remote to put music and phone call controls at your fingertips. Offering bold styling, highly intelligible phone calls and full music and/or voice control on select Apple products, these headphones retail for $129.99 (US MSRP). Available in a black finish, the Image S5i Rugged comes with three pairs of different-sized patented oval ear tips and a heavy-duty safety case with a built-in flashlight and removable belt clip. Purchase the Image S5i Rugged at select retailers and klipsch.com in November.


Image S3

These affordable in-ear headphones offer a major boost in sound and comfort over similarly priced competitor models. Available in a gun metal gray, red, pink or green finish, the Image S3 accommodates virtually any device with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. It comes with three pairs of different-sized patented oval ear tips and a carrying case. Purchase the Image S3 for $49.99 (US MSRP) at select retailers and klipsch.com in October.

In-Ear Headphones Face Off

Rob Sabin
January 2010                        

Click here for this in-depth article and review - In-Ear Headphones Face Off

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Waterproof Conductive Earbuds Vibrate Your Skull

By Dan Nosowitz (Edit, to draft, Slurp)

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Thanko's new EMP-708LITE Vonia earbuds work by actually vibrating the bones of your skull, which is then picked up by your brain and processed as recognizable music. They are, quite literally, skull-rattling 'buds.

What's remarkable (and remarkably Thanko-like) about these is the price: Similarly designed headphones, often not waterproof at all, run for well over $100, while these are only 4280 Yen (about $45). They're waterproof down to 5 meters, which makes them great for workout swimmers (or snorkelers, I guess). Unfortunately, they're Japan-only for now, so we'll have to keep making due with significantly less cool waterproof 'buds. [Thanko via New Launches]

IPod Speakers Made From Paper Cups and Sticks

By Charlie Sorrel

Next time you're down at the diner you might try out the CupSpeakers from Dmitry Zagga. His minimalist speaker design consists four paper cups, a couple of toothpicks and an iPod.

It is, as he puts it, an iPod Ghetto Accessory. There's something very right about these cheap horn speakers -- the clean white lines perfectly match the 2003 2G iPod. But we very much doubt the sound would be louder than that from the earbuds alone. On the other hand, they're likely to be a lot better than some passive speaker systems you can buy.

Product page [Zagga via Yanko via Cult of Mac]

The World's Most Expensive Earphones Go On Sale!

They're complete with 118 diamonds...

The world's most expensive earphones have gone on sale for a massive $5,200.

Made by specialist Belgian jeweller Casa Di, the blingtastic ear pieces are made from 18 carat gold and are encrusted with an impressive 118 diamonds.

Each earphone weighs a relatively heavy 18grams and come with 59 diamonds each. The limited-edition run are on sale at selected jewellers around the globe.

Earlier this week Gigwise published a blog on how the return of bling to hip-hop could rescue the globe from its financial crisis. CLICK HERE to read it in full.

The world's most expensive earphones:

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