Player Archives - Reactual

The Best iPad Speaker Docks Of 2017

Justin Thomas — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 18:50:54 +0000

During my research for the best speaker dock, I discovered that there are that many iPad docks available. The new trend to produce devices that only allow bluetooth connections, and thus lack a real docking feature.

Here are some reliable speaker dock that still allow you to dock your iPad and immediately play your music:

Sony RDPXF300IPN Lightning iPad Dock

The Sony RDPXF300IPN Lightning iPad Dock is the best sounding speaker dock I’ve tested. The two speakers output 20 watts each, and have a rich and bright sound. In fact, this dock sounds better than the Bose SoundDock Series III (which also lacks bluetooth connectivity and a remote control).

This dock has an internal lithium-ion battery so it can be used as a portable player, it also features a radio and a remote control.

The Sony RDPXF300IPN Lightning iPad Dock is available from Amazon for about $300.

iHome iDL48BC Dual Charging Portable Rechargeable Speaker

The iHome iDL48BC speaker dock is a good budget choice for a speaker dock. It delivers resasonably good sound, but it lacks some of the clarity and bass of the Sony RDPXF300IPN.

The iHome iDL48BC is available from Amazon for about $80.

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The Best Soundbars of 2016

Justin Thomas — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 22:45:06 +0000

All audiophiles dream of owning a 7.1 channel surround system, with speakers optimally positioned for perfect acoustics. But many of us are trapped in small apartments and can’t install wall mounted speakers or even a receiver. If you still want an immersive listening experience, then a soundbar might be your best option. At the very least they offer a huge upgrade over TV speakers.

A soundbar is a thin bar with multiple drivers. They point the speakers directly at your couch, with different tweeters and woofers replicating highs and lows. Newer soundbars include wireless connectivity options, making them hassle free compared to a full surround sound system. No soundbar will ever compete with the fidelity of traditional speakers, the drivers are just not large enough, but they can fill a small room with lush noise. These are the best soundbars available right now.

Best Overall Soundbar of 2016: Samsung HW-K950

The Samsung HW-K950 is the biggest leap forward in soundbar technology of the year. Released in summer 2016, the soundbar boasts Dolby Atmos, 4k/HDR, and 5.1.4 channel surround sound. One big drawback: it does not offer DTS-HD. So if you want the best possible sound quality out of a soundbar and don’t plan on playing Blu-rays on an older player, this is the soundbar for you.

Most soundbars simply can’t replicate the immersive multi-directional sound of a proper home theater system. Samsung shortens the gap with one of two soundbars released this year that features Dolby Atmos (the other is the Yamaha YSP-5600, which has DTS:X support but suffers from poor design). For those who don’t know, Dolby Atmos is an audio format designed to deliver three-dimensional sound. It’s what makes makes you think a helicopter is actually whirling overhead, or what clues you in to the sound of footsteps approaching from a distance.

The HW-K950 delivers Atmos sound from 15 built-in speakers. Most of those drivers come from the main soundbar itself, a minimalist 47 inch unit with metal grills and brushed metal dim plates. It has 3 forward firing channels, with twin mid-range drivers and a wide-range tweeter engineered just for the soundbar. Atop the wide bar are two upward firing full-range drivers that provide front overhead effects. The rest of the sound comes from two wireless rear speakers with front and upward firing speakers and a wireless 160W sub-woofer. All drivers come with their own amplifier.

The sound is extremely crisp and expansive on Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 5.1 compatible files. It is extremely clean and captures everything from dialogue to bass-heavy music in a way you thought a soundbar could not. The set up is easy and, unlike many previous-generation high end soundbars, it comes with 2 HDMI plugs. So unlike the popular SONOS soundbar, your audio isn’t rerouted through a optical port.

There are two big drawbacks to this soundbar. The first is the price. It’s an expensive package, but it includes the sub-woofer and rear speakers. You can definitely find better quality used home theater equipment for the same price range, but you lose all the convenience and connectivity the soundbar offers. So it depends on your needs. If you’re building a home theater, look elsewhere. If you want three-dimensional Dolby Atmos sound in your apartment without a receiver and a bunch of speakers, this wireless setup can’t be beat.

The main drawback, and this is a huge one, is that it does not support DTS-HD Master Audio, the most common format for many Blu-Ray movies. Newer Blu-Ray players do support Atmos, so you will have to check your player.

Best Value Soundbar: Vizio SB3851-C0

If you don’t want to spend a grand on a soundbar but still want a powerful upgrade from your TV speakers, check out Vizio’s SB3851-C0. For less than $300 you get 5.1 sound with a wireless sub-woofer and 2 rear satellite speakers.

This model captures engrossing Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, faithfully replicating highs and lows. The 6″ driver on the sub delivers a serviceable bass, definitely the best you will experience at this price range. It has an impress 100dB sound with less than 1% total harmonic distortion. Connect music directly with a Bluetooth. The setup is easy, and the 38 inch aluminum accented soundbar looks nice in the living room.

Unfortunately the unit lacks an HDMI connection. It also lacks EQ options to satisfy an audiophile.

The post The Best Soundbars of 2016 appeared first on Reactual.

Convert Vinyl Records To HiFi Digital Recordings

Justin Thomas — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 19:46:55 +0000

Digitization isn’t anything new in the audio world. Since vinyl’s surprise resurgence in popularity began half a decade or so ago, a host of USB vinyl players appeared on the market claiming to digitize your record. Marketed for a generation who had grown up without ever playing a vinyl record, these players were simple to use and inexpensive compared to analog turntables. The problem is that they are also cheap, most of them insultingly so.

The reputation that USB tables are junk doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that they are USB. It has everything to do with the cheap materials that they are made from. A turntable consists of many precision parts, including the arm, the platter, the plinth, the motor and the cartridge. Most USB turntables are all about style (or budget) over substance. So long as it looks good in a sepia-filtered Tumblr photo, does it really matter how the thing sounds? The problem isn’t just that they look and sound cheap (many play music at an abysmal 128Kbs). But some of these players, like the Crosleys you see at Urban Outfitters, use non-changeable ceramic cartridges that have a heavy tracking force that damages records. Why even spend the extra money?

In other words, most USB turntables are not made with the audiophile in mind.

Best USB Turntable For Digitizing Vinyl: Sony PSHX500

So what happens if you are sitting on boxes of vinyl that need to be converted to digital for posterity’s sake? That’s where the Sony PSHX500 Hi Res USB Turntable comes in. Its cartridge isn’t the best on the market and it isn’t packed with a ton of features, but this is the first device that converts to digital in high resolution. The PSHX500 is also almost completely customizeable, a fact that sets it apart from most other USB turntables.

So how good are the recordings? Sony uses a patented circuit that the takes the record’s signal and converts it into a digital audio data stream using a Burr-Brown PCM4202 analog to digital converter. You can record files in everything from WAV to double DSD (although good look finding a vinyl that will rip at 5.8MHz). After you rip a track, the file appears on Sony software, which lets you choose the file format. It also lets you do some basic manipulation, like rearranging the tracks.

Now, you don’t always get a perfect recording. Some reviewers noted a faint humming in the background. But this is bar-none the best commercial option available for getting those rare options off wax and onto silicon. The process is also incredibly streamlined. You just plug the USB from the device into the computer, drag the needle, and hit play. Finally, you can digitize your records.

I like the minimalist matte black design for home use. It’s modern and goes well with polished dark wood cabinets and exposed brick and all the other staples of 2o10s interior decorating. The bare-bones approach means you are forgoing DJ staples like reverse function and pitch range. You get two speeds: 33 and 45 rpm(78 is missing, so don’t plan on converting those).

The Sony PSHX500 is outfitted with a moving magnet cartridge that is fit at the top of the arm. It is a fine cartridge, but audiophiles will want to switch in their preferred one. It also has a built-in phono preamplifier with RIAA curve, which is a nice feature for a turntable in this range. If you would rather play through your own phono EQ, just switch off the built-in one. It also has a removable lid and and integrated shell for solid stabilization.

All in all it is a durable piece of equipment, with a belt system that uses spindle-bearing construction. The platter is aluminum die cast and the mat is rubber, so that’s good. The spindle hinges are worrisome. I don’t recommend this unit for DJs who are going to be transporting their equipment around, but it will hold up in a stationary environment for a long time.

Best USB Turntable For DJs: Audio Technica AT-LP1240

Hauling a turntable around to parties and shows necessitates a device that can withstand wear and tear. The Audio Technica AT-LP1240 is a professional quality DJ turntable that is equipped with an internal stereo phono pre-amp and a high-torque motor. The thing is built to last and weighs like it.

If you are drawn to turntables for their retro aesthetic, then the blue LED lights and the slick pitcher and controls on the LP1240 won’t appeal to you. The turntable platter is made with die-cast aluminum, an S-shaped tone arm with counterweight, and anti-skate adjustment. These quality components are held together in a futuristic black and silver design. The LP1240 is a 3-speed fully manual and comes with plenty of ways to keep your speed accurate. It also has a a high quality brake. DJs also get a target light for dark clubs, two start/stop buttons, a reverse function, and a pitch change that goes to 50 percent over or under record speed.

You can plug right in to your laptop via USB and record using Audacity software. It doesn’t come with a cartridge so you will have to supply your own. You won’t find a better turntable in this pricerange, USB or otherwise.

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The Best Subwoofers Under $500

Justin Thomas — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 20:40:15 +0000

The best subwoofers produce deep, punchy, distortion-free bass, and are powerful enough to reach every corner of the room. In this article, we have rounded up the best subwoofers under $500. All of our recommendations are powered subwoofers — internally-amplified subs preserve your receiver’s or amplifier’s power for the rest of your speakers. In our search for solidly-constructed subwoofers, we reviewed review sites such as AudioEnz, CNET, Crutchfield, Home Theater Magazine, Amazon, Newegg.com and HomeTheaterReview.com.

Update September 2016: The SVS SB-1000 is now our top recommended subwoofer under $500.

Polk Audio PSW505 ($200)

Polk Audio PSW505

Pros:

Powerful enough to fill a large room
Flexible input options
Impeccable build quality

Cons:

Too much bass for small spaces

Top Review Sources:

Amazon 5.0/5.0 (200+ reviews)
Newegg.com: 5.0/5.0 (225+ reviews)
AudioEnz: “A fine sense of extension, tactile impact and all round bass weight and authority”

The Polk Audio PSW505 is an established and respected player in the large-room subwoofer game. Its performance is class-leading, with deep reserves of thundering bass and incredible precision. The PSW505 is a 12-inch woofer with a frequency range of 23 to 160Hz. It is solidly-built, measures 16-1/8″ H x 15-1/8″ W x 18-3/16″ D, weights 43 pounds, and is wrapped in black, real wood veneer. Features include an adjustable low-pass crossover, volume control, and a phase switch. This sub is magnetically shielded against interference and has an auto on/off switch to conserve power. Inputs are 5-way binding posts, line level (filtered), and LFE (unfiltered); output is a pair of 5-way binding posts. The PSW505’s 300 watts of power and big volume potential make it best suited for large spaces.

Amazon sells the Polk Audio PSW505.

Polk Audio PSW10 ($94)

Polk Audio PSW10

Pros:

Solid construction
High value
Clean and clear sound

Cons:

No LFE input
Might be insufficient for large rooms

Top Review Sources:

Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (375+ reviews)
CNET: 3.5/5.0 “It pounds out home-theater thrills and musical bass with equal prowess”
Newegg.com: 5.0/5.0 (225+ reviews)

The low-price, high-performance Polk PSW10 makes it difficult to justify building a home theater without a powered sub. For $100, this subwoofer delivers 50 watts of continuous power through a 10-inch composite polymer speaker, producing rich bass with plenty of punch. Equally skilled at enhancing music, movies, or television, the PSW10 does its job without becoming boomy or muddled at high volumes. Its solid construction contributes to its great sound: 26 pounds of medium-density fiberboard measuring 14-3/8″ H x 14″ W x 16-1/8″ D. Included are speaker-level and line-level inputs, plus a speaker-level output. Frequency response is 35 to 200Hz. You also get on-speaker volume, crossover, and phase controls as well as an auto on/off switch. The PSW10 is built for small- to medium-size spaces. It is available in black or cherry finishes.

The Polk Audio PSW10 is currently available on Amazon.

Definitive Technology SuperCube III ($379)

Definitive Technology SuperCube III

Pros:

Small package; huge bass
Great range
Solidly built

Cons:

Will distort at extreme volume

Top Review Sources:

Crutchfield: Staff Pick “True, accurate, and extremely deep bass in any room”
Best Buy Customer Reviews: 4.5/5.0 (15+ reviews)
Home Theater Magazine: “other SuperCube subs…have had amazingly low but very musical bass output—and lots of it. The SuperCube III is no exception”

Definitive Technology’s SuperCube III produces unbelievable bass despite its compact footprint. Its sound profile is defined by its extreme depth—all the way down to 16Hz. The SuperCube III produces an authoritative 650 watts of power, capable of handling the bass duties in small or large rooms. Listeners appreciate the SuperCube III’s versatility; it performs as well when asked to provide a steady, undistorted rumble as it does when the soundtrack demands rapid, staccato bursts of bass. Though this gloss black cube weights a substantial 25 pounds, it only measures 10-1/4 inches in any dimension. It has a signal-sensing auto on/off switch, low-pass crossover, volume control, 5-way binding post outputs, and line level, LFE, and 5-way binding post inputs. Its woofer is 7-1/2 inches in diameter.

You can buy the Definitive Technology SuperCube III on Amazon

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How To Set-Up A Wireless Projector System For Your Home

Justin Thomas — Wed, 04 May 2016 16:53:53 +0000

Projectors often need to be placed in the most inconvenient locations to connect your laptop or computer to – they are often hanging from a ceiling or sitting across the other side of the room. Thankfully, instead of trying to perform the trapeze each time you need to connect your laptop, tablet or phone to the projector, you are now offered a number of wireless solutions that allow you to stream content to a projector without wires. This makes life much more comfortable, whether you’re taking a portable Pico laptop to the boardroom with you or simply relaxing in the den using your projector as a home theater.

Using Apple Airplay to Stream Content Wirelessly to your Projector

If you’re lucky enough to be using a projector that supports Apple AirPlay, such as the excellent iDea Pico Projector or EUG 760+(A), you should be able to use its wireless streaming capabilities without buying additional hardware. You’ll need a device that supports AirPlay – Apple products running iOS 7.0 (or later) or OSX Mountain Lion 10.8 (or later) are your best bet, but you can also use software like 5KPlayer to stream from computers running Windows.

To use AirPlay on an iOS device, swipe from the bottom of the screen and open the Control Center. Choose AirPlay. Here you’ll see a list of the devices on the network set up to receive AirPlay content. Choose your projector from the list, and the content on your iOS device will be mirrored on the projector. Simple!

Using a Proprietary Wireless Adaptor to Connect to your Projector

If you already have an expensive projector, but it doesn’t have wireless capabilities, you’ll need to take another route. Projector manufacturers, recognizing the growing demand for wireless connectivity in projectors, often offer wireless dongles as an optional extra. Big names like Sony, Epson and BenQ offer wireless dongles for their popular projectors. USB wireless adapters are common on newer models, but wireless adapters with a VGA output are also available for many older projectors without USB ports. Check your projector manufacturer’s website to see if you can buy a wireless adapter for your projector from them or on Amazon.com.

Using a Full Wireless Kit to Turn a Non-Wireless Projector into a Wireless Projector

Proprietary wireless adapters are not available for every projector model, so a more versatile option is choosing a full wireless projector kit such as the BenQ Wireless FHD Kit. This wireless kit and others like it, works on any projector with an HDMI input. Wireless kits like this work somewhat like a virtual HDMI cable, and come with two digital boxes – one you plug into the HDMI output on your laptop or cable box and the other you plug into the receiving projector. This allows you to transmit up to a 1080p 3D picture.

Both the sending device and receiving device are powered by USB, so you should be able to keep wires to a minimum. This system works through line-of-sight, so the receiving box should be within 20 meters of the sending box.

While a wireless kit is particularly versatile, it’s important to consider their cost, which is about $100 to $350 depending on the brand and special features. Since an excellent new wireless projector can be purchased for less than $800, it might be sensible to consider replacing an old projector with a new wireless one instead of using a wireless kit.

Using a Projector-Connected Computer to Make your Projector Wireless

One of the simplest ways to get the functionality of a wireless printer is to connect a computer to the projector and use the projector as this computer’s output screen. Then, use software that allows you to mirror your content across the network on the projector-connected computer.

Such devices are now available in tiny sizes no bigger than a USB drive with a single HDMI output that you plug into your projector.

A version of this method is to use an Apple TV device connected to the projector, and then use Apple Airplay to stream content to the Apple TV. If you use a Windows PC or laptop connected to the projector, you can use software like AirServer to stream content in a similar fashion.

Alternatively, if your projector-connected device supports Windows, like the tiny Intel Compute Stick, you have a wealth of software options to help you stream content over the network to your projector. A simple option is the use of VNC (Virtual Network Computing), which allows you to mirror screens across computers and remotely control the computer as if you were operating it with a connected mouse and keyboard. Free VNC software clients and servers are available for a host of operating systems, including Windows and Android.

If you are planning to stream movies, TV and music to a home projector, consider installing Plex Media Server on your desktop computer and Plex client software on your projector-connected device. This allows you to send your media to the projector with consummate ease. Plex client software is available for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, OSX, ChromeOS and Android.

The post How To Set-Up A Wireless Projector System For Your Home appeared first on Reactual.

The Best Wireless HDMI of 2016

Justin Thomas — Mon, 02 May 2016 22:21:58 +0000

The IOGEAR Wireless 3D Digital Kit enables you to enjoy top-shelf video and surround sound audio by way of an uncompressed HDMI signal without unsightly tangles of wires or loss of signal quality.

The Details

The IOGEAR Wireless 3D Digital Kit provides you with cutting edge HDMI power, letting you do away with messy tangles of wires for your home entertainment theater or auxiliary TVs. Among its excellent qualities is its full compatibility with the latest 5.1 surround sound, 3D video, and 1080p hi-def movies. The signal that it puts out is not compressed, meaning for you that the signal can be delivered to different rooms without losing any of its original source quality. This technology enables the IOGEAR kit to support video resolutions of 480p, 720p, 1080i, or 1080p (24, 30, or 60 FPS) without frustrating diminishment of visual quality. Most users are delighted with the quality of the video (and audio), and many say that it exceeds their expectations.

The IOGEAR HDMI kit’s ability to cast the signal to multiple rooms means that you can create a “floating HDTV” in just about any room in your home where you might want to view television, be it a kitchen, a bedroom, a living room, a den, etc. The signal transmission power of the kit (see below) means that you can keep device components (such as a Blu-ray disc player) tucked away and out of sight if you want to (although the components of the kit are attractive).

Initially setting up the IOGEAR is simplicity itself. It doesn’t require you to install or download any software or drivers. For most users, setup takes only a few minutes.

The IOGEAR is said to be able to transmit a signal up to 100 feet, even through hard surfaces such as brick and metal as well as wood. However, a few users have experienced some frustration with getting the picture to show up at transmission distances of 80 feet or greater if there are any barriers in the way. At closer distances, however, there seem to be no issues at all with the signal passing through brick, concrete, metal, or multiple walls and reaching the device with no loss of original source quality.

The IOGEAR HDMI system is available on Amazon for about $190.

The post The Best Wireless HDMI of 2016 appeared first on Reactual.

The Toughest Electronics

Justin Thomas — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 16:58:45 +0000

We’ve reviewed many durable products on Reactual — electronics built to be waterproof, shockproof and dustproof — but this list features the best of the best, the toughest and most technologically advanced products on the market. Take notice, because these devices can take abuse. Here’s a round-up of the toughest electronics we’ve found:

The Toughest Camera: Olympus TG-4

The Olympus TG-4 is a shockproof and freeze-resistant camera that will capture beautiful images in extreme environmental conditions. It works underwater, and can snap pictures in RAW with a wide-angle lens. See our full review.

The Toughest Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 8.0

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active 8.0 is a rugged water and dust resistant tablet that can survive in rough-and-tumble workplaces. Enjoy the vibrant colors and ultra-high resolution of Samsung’s flagship line of portable electronic secured in a MIL STD 810G rated anti-shock case. See our full review.

The Toughest Laptop: Panasonic Toughbook 31

The Toughbook 31 combines military quality drop-shock protection and best-in-class performance to create the world’s best ruggedized Windows notebook. A full magnesium alloy case safe-guards a powerful touch-screen notebook from hazardous environmental conditions and accidental drops and blows. See our full review.

The Toughest Smart Phone: Droid Turbo 2

Frequent phone droppers rejoice — Motorola has created the world’s first truly shatterproof smartphone, the Droid Turbo 2. An innovative five layer plastic AMOLED screen and aluminum chassis keep the Droid Turbo functioning even after drops of over 900 feet. See our full review.

The Toughest Audio Player: Cowon Plenue 1

Audiophiles in search of a portable audio player with high-fidelity sound and durable construction need to check out the Cowon Plenue 1. This tough device forgoes cheap plastics for a diamond-cut aluminum chassis. The solid-metal frame makes this MP3 player the toughest in the field, and a Burr-Brown DAC gifts the discerning listener with great sound quality and diverse file support. See our full review.

The Toughest Headphones: V-MODA XS

Listen to music with the peace-of-mind that your headphones can survive the use and abuse of daily transit. The V-MODA XS offer hi-fi sound in a solidly constructed shell. It has a steel frame, detachable cloth braided cords and a headband that bends but doesn’t break. See our full review.

The Toughest Portable Charger: Unifun Waterproof Battery

Keep your portable electronics fully charged in harsh environments with this dustproof and waterproof external battery by Unifun. The lithium-polymer battery is water-resistant and protected by a hard plastic case and shock-absorbing rubber edges. Plastic cover seals the Unifun’s two micro-USB charging ports from water. See our full review.

The Toughest USB Drive: Survivor Stealth USB 3.0

Transport your files in aircraft-grade aluminum with the Survivor Stealth USB 3.0, a military-style data transport that can endure extreme environments. An EPDM waterproof seal keeps water out and a molded shock damping collar protects this USB drive from drops and crushing. See our full review.

The Toughest External Hard Drive: U32 Shadow

Edit HD video and store your files on the U32 Shadow, a compact Solid State Drive housed in a stylish and durable aluminum case. Store up to 256 GB of files and run them through USB 3.0 at a speed of up to 400 MB/s. See our full review.

The Toughest Keyboard: Topre Type Heaven

Discover the joy of typing on this luxurious Japanese keyboard, the Topre Type Heaven. The solid, heavy design features electrostatic capacitive key switches at an affordable price point. The Topre Type Heaven will win over any typist with its satisfying tactile feedback and silent stroke. See our full review.

The Toughest Mouse: G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse

Get over 20 million clicks with the G602, a wireless mouse with 11 programmable buttons and a crazy long battery life. The G602 is outfitted with mechanical switches to increase lifespan and uses Delta Zero Sensor Technology for ultra-accurate cursor control. See our full review.

The Toughest Compact Flashlight: Titan Plus

The brightest and strongest ultra-compact flashlight is the SureFire Titan Plus. This flashlight that shines with 300 lumens at its highest setting — more than enough light to illuminate a forest trail. A nickel-plated brass body gives rugged protection that brushes off scratches and prevents corrosion. See our full review.

The post The Toughest Electronics appeared first on Reactual.

The Best Waterproof Earphones of 2016

Justin Thomas — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:20:43 +0000

In A Nutshell

Swimbud’s redesigned Sport Waterproof Headphones are the best waterproof earphones of 2016. The new model comes with 4 different style of earbuds to adapt to environment and ear type. They are made with a rugged waterproof design and come with a 1 year warranty.

The Details

The Sport Waterproof Headphones‘ secure fit and tight seal separate them from their competition. In order for sound to transmit underwater, earbuds must form a completely secure waterproof seal inside your ear. If this seal is broken, the sound does not transmit under water and the earphones are useless. On a lot of other underwater earphones, it is common for the seal to break in mid-lap. When that happens it is frustrating to reseal in the middle of an aquatic workout.

Equipped with four different types of IPX8-rated waterproof earbuds, the Sport Waterproof is designed to hold a comfortable seal while submerged in water. They come with the Ergos for biking and running, Trees for lap swimming, Fins for watersports, and Mushroom for everyday activities.

The earphones sport third generation Hydrobeat audio technology which has audio fidelity that is clear enough to listen to music and audiobooks underwater. The audio fidelity does not stand up to the quality of standard earphones, and music will sound a little flat to audiophiles. Do not expect great bass quality from these things.

Unfortunately, they do not have Bluetooth capability. Instead they use a short 40 m cord with a 1m of waterproof extension.

The Sport Waterproof Headphones are available on Amazon for about $70.

Another Option

If you need waterproof headphones with Bluetooth capability, go for Plantronics BackBeat Fit Bluetooth Headphones. Although these aren’t the best for swimming, they have an IP57 rating, which means they can withstand fresh water up to 1 m for 30 minutes. They can go in the lap lane, but the seal will break. That said, they will work great on a rafting or boating excursion or in the weight room. An invisible nano-coating technology protects the earbuds against water and sweat during workouts and water related activities.

The earbuds have a flexible design so they remain stable throughout your workout. A set of built-in controls allows for easy pause, play, and skipping access, without having to pull out the phone or MP3 player. Their charge lasts for about 8 hours.

The Plantronics BackBeat Fit Bluetooth Headphones are available on Amazon for about $80.

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