Multi-purpose
ear buds & headphones.…
© 2015 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
In this age of mobile and game devices some form of
earpiece almost always becomes a necessity. There’s the ear bud that slips over
your ear with a
boom microphone and in-line control capsule. I’ve
tested two inexpensive models, the Audio-Technica
ATH-SPORT1iS ear bud and the KIDZ GEAR
headset.
Audio Technica is a highly respected manufacturer of
audio reproductive devices.
The ATH-SPORT1is
is their entry into a low-priced consumer product geared towards the ever-expanding
mobile market. It’s lightweight with a non-typical pivoting hinge for
adjustable comfort. The sound transducer is angled and designed to supposedly provide
a better in-ear fit. It’s IXP5 waterproof certified which allows it to be
washed after use, but is not submersible. It comes in several active colors
making it easy to locate. Flexible plastic ear tips are used with several
spares being included. A clothing clip is provided to minimize cable movement
in adverse conditions. It comes attached with a 3.5mm, 4 pole, phone plug. My
general impression was disappointing, especially considering this is an Audio-Technica product. The ear
placement process leaves much to be desired. The angled transducer seems to be
more of a hindrance than a feature and the sound quality reproduced is tinny
with no low end. The volume level needs to be limited to minimize distortion.
However, the microphone produced a very acceptable quality. I would have to say
there are better sounding devices out there at a similar or lower price point
if the user intends to listen to music.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★
MSRP: $39.95
KIDZ GEAR offers a traditional style headset with boom microphone in three
colors. These headphones appear to be extremely durable as they are designed
for the kids game market.
The earpieces are fully adjustable as is the boom
microphone. The sound quality is excellent. The phone plug is also a 4-pole
3.5mm style, typical of what’s required for the smartphone and game market. Two
optional adapters are available. One is a splitter allowing two headphones to
be used together for music listening purposes as it features a 3.5mm 3 pole
plug and two identical jacks. This however does not accommodate the microphone.
The second is a 3.5mm, 4 pole adapter, which limits the sound volume level thus
preventing hearing loss caused by exposure to constant high sound levels a very
thoughtful and useful accessory especially for the youth market. An optional
carry pouch is also available.
If you’re using the KIDZ GEAR
with gaming devices for audio/visual purposes, this is a perfect fit and hard to
beat for the money. For smartphone use this may be bulky when on the move, but
fine for home or office use.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: $29.95
(TIP: Both these earpieces would be suitable for your home wireless
phone if it has a jack provided for this purpose. The problem would be that
such phones typically use a 2.5mm, 3-pole jack therefore requiring an adapter
or replacement of the existing plug. Caution, the wire strands are very fine
making soldering of a new plug difficult. The use of headsets or ear buds can
be very useful in this type of application. It certainly gives you freedom to
move around and eliminates the hollow and annoying sound quality of a speakerphone.)
Graphic
credits: Audio-Technica; KIDZ GEAR; Picgifs
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
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