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Fnatic Game On

May 29, 2012 in Accessories, Computers, Gaming, Main Blog, PC, Product, Slideshow, Travel

PRESS START. When you read that on your video game, whats then next thing you reach for? Your gaming headphones? Me too. Some great people at Steel Series recently sent me a pair of 7H Fnatic PC Gaming Headphones, and I took them for a spin.

The Design

Steel Series did a great job on the design for the 7H Fnatics. The partnered with Fnatic, one of the most accomplished gaming teams, for the entire design. First of all I love the color, the tri-color black, orange, and white combo really work well together. The orange says I’m fun, while the black still says I’m a serious gamer.

Structurally the headphones are great too. The ear cups and head band are super padded and comfortable, which is good for you all night and day gamers. Each side is adjustable so they can accommodate most head sizes.Another great thing Steel Series added to these headphones is the ability to be disassembled into four pieces, if you count the cable. Which is nice if you want to put them in a backpack or suitcase for travel. I also enjoy the hidden microphone. When you need it, simply pull it out; and since it is uni-directional it can be bent in any direction. The cable is braided, so it should last a good while. It also is split-channel, meaning you have to plug in audio output and microphone input separately, which can be taken either way. Personally I was a little disappointed because that means I can’t use them with my iPod for FaceTime or the like; but hey, they are gaming headphones after all.

The Sound

The Fnatic features a 50mm driver, providing clear crisp sound that is full of detail. I especially enjoyed that when playing a game I really got the true 360 3D experience. Again I did notice that these headphones did not hold up against others in listening to music, but yes I know, they are for gaming. The microphone quality is suburb as expected. So make sure you use the mute switch on the cord if you decide to ask you mother for a sandwich.

The sound cancellation is passive, so don’t expect perfect isolation, but still unless you live in a construction zone all you will hear is you video game.

What You Get

When you buy the 7H Fnatics you get the headphones of course, as well as the the braided cable with volume and mic control; but they also throw in a 2 meter extender cable, which is very convenient. Overall, these are a great pair of headphones for gaming. The superb sound and comfort definitely move these headphones into the next tier. Just PRESS START to head over to Steel Series to buy a pair for $139.99, which isn’t bad for such a great pair of headphones. I give them 4.8 stars, just because personally I would like to have a single channel cable option/adapter for an iPod.

 

Did you get it? Have an app or product you want me to review? Let me know in the comments below.

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SMS Audio STREET By 50 Headphones Rock My World

April 16, 2012 in Accessories, Android, Entertainment, Entertainment, iPad, iPhone, Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Main Blog, Music, Music, Music, Product, Slideshow

Music is one of the main reasons I purchased my iPod Touch in the first place, yet Apple’s headphones, while iconic, are severely lacking in quality. Enter STREET by 50 Headphones. These super stylish headphones are incredible, not only are they super comfortable but they also look great wearing around your neck, meaning you can embrace your inner hipster and walk the boulevard in fashion.

The Presentation:

I have to hand it to SMS Audio, their packaging is quite stunning. I could tell just by looking at the box, that they spared no expense for these headphones. Inside you’ll find the STREET by 50 Headphones of course, a convenient carrying bag, cleaning cloth, owners manual, and also as an added bonus, an airplane adapter which is great if you travel a lot.

The Design:

The STREET by 50 Headphones are a pair of over-the-ear headphones, they come in blue with black or black with blue and feature leather padded ear cups and head band. The headphones are gorgeous with a matte trim and elegant logo. The 3.5mm cable is decent in length, and is completely detachable from the headphones like other high end pairs. The cable also has mic/music controls, great for playing or pausing music, changing the track, or calling up Siri. The microphone is well positioned and will capture every word you speak.

      

Durability:

SMS Audio prides themselves on the durability of their headphones, the Street by 50 are no exception. SMS Audio uses a custom polymer plastic that is stronger and more flexible than alternative headphones. In fact, they are so confident on the durability that they dared me to try and break them, I passed them up on that offer; but 50 Cent himself didn’t, so check that out below. The only downside to this construction is the headphones do not fold up for travel, but SMS Audio claims that they purposely did this to create a more secure product.

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Another plus of the STREET Headphones is the design of the ear cups. SMS Audio uses sound absorption gaskets, fancy for overlapping seams and lots of padding materials, which provide very minimal sound leakage; meaning no matter what you may be listening to,  I won’t judge, no sound will be heard by others. The Street headphones also include Passive Noise Cancellation, this means that instead of canceling outside noise by producing an opposite frequency SMS  Audio chose to keep your music pure, and engineered the acoustics and mechanical construction to produce 95% Total Harmonic Distortion sound, which means when your music is playing, that is all you’ll hear.

The Sound:

Okay, by now you are probably wondering, “when is he gonna get to how these sound?” Well reader the time is now; the STREET by 50 produce stunning sound. Like melted butter, your music will flow into your ears, warming your soul. On a serious note, the sound is astounding. Every note is crystal clear, each melody is literally music to my ears. The bass is freaking awesome; each WHOMP WHOMP WHOMP can pound your brain in to mush, if your so inclined. The volume range is great as well. I generally keep my volume slide just past the play/pause button in the music app, yet with the STREET Headphones  I can place it about half as far and still hear just as well.

The Overall:

So there you have it, my take on the SMS Audio STREET by 50 Headphones. In case you’ve decided to skim my article, and merely look at the pictures, let me break it down for you.

 Good: Audio Quality, Comfort, Style, Packaging, Music Control

 Bad: Not Collapsible, A Little Large

With a $249.00 price tag, they are a little on the pricey side, but still they are right along line with the other top of the line headphones. I definitely think they are worth it, 4.7 stars for sure. I mean I do wish they could collapse, but SMS Audio knows best, so I take comfort in the fact that my headphones will outlast my friend’s Beats.

Did you get a pair? Have an app or product you want me to review? Let me know in the comments below.

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