BackGadget review: Headphones
Three pairs that combine comfort and high-quality sound, and block out noise
Premium
Since most people use headphones while travelling or at work, it is important to be able to shut out the surrounding noise. An increasing number of headphones offer a noise-cancellation feature. Even if yours don’t, a good fit can make all the difference.
Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H2
₹ 14,999
The H2 packs in 40mm audio drivers, which create the illusion that you are listening to much bigger headphones. There is vibrancy across the equalizer—the vocals are crisp and the mids are bright, making for a warm sound. The bass is quite powerful, but it doesn’t sound unnatural. On some tracks, you can hear the sound shift from the right speaker to the left, an effect few headphones can produce. Listen to Armin van Buuren’s Intense from 1:10 minutes onwards for an example of detailing, with each element receiving an adequate share of the limelight.
It is disappointing, however, that despite its high price, the BeoPlay H2 does not come with a case.
It is competing with the Bose SoundTrue On-Ear ( ₹ 13,388). It is a close call between the two, but our pick would be the H2 because its sound is more natural.
Plantronics BackBeat Pro
₹ 14,990
The controls are designed so you can operate them without having to look—a ring around the right earcup works as volume control, while one on the left earcup is for changing tracks. The moment you take the Pro off your ears, your music or movie stops playing. It resumes when you put them back on. There is a microphone for phone calls and NFC for pairing with newer-generation smartphones.
Every time you switch on the Pro, a voice prompt tells you the battery level. A fully charged battery will last through 21 hours of music. Noise cancellation doesn’t degrade the sound quality or change the volume level, and the isolation it provides is adequate for office and home use.
There is a decent balance between vocals and bass, and the Pro does well with movies and music because of its neutral sound, though the vocals could be slightly crisper. It pumps out just enough bass to make the audio sound rich.
A nifty set of features, a long battery life and solid build quality make the Plantronics BackBeat Pro hard to ignore.
Bose QuietComfort 25
₹ 21,263
The QuietComfort 25, or QC25, uses one AAA battery that will get you through 30 hours of music. The 3.5mm headphone jack comes in handy when the battery runs down—simply plug it in to your phone, laptop or iPod, and the music continues.
One major difference between the QC25 and its predecessor, the QC15, is that the new version does not have a noise-cancellation button. The QC25 adjusts automatically. If you are in a plane, it can block out sounds as loud as a roaring CFM56 turbofan aircraft engine. Automatic regulation of noise cancellation to just below 100% protects the ears from pressure and discomfort, and the user doesn’t feel unsettled.
The treble has been boosted slightly. The bass is powerful enough, but the sculpting is audible to the discerning ear. The QC25 should work well for low-frequency heavy music, such as trance. Bose loyalists may not immediately adapt to the new sound, but it should appeal to others.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
