PCR’s guide to the latest headphones, headsets and earphones

Whether you’re selling to gamers, fitness fans or audio professionals, a decent pair of headphones or earphones can be a great add-on or bundled item.

Disties and vendors showcase their best audio offerings.

Audeze Mobius 3D Audio Headphones

Specs: Planar magnetic drivers, audiophile-grade cinematic sound, full 3D emulation with support for popular surround soundmodes, Integrated head tracking, pin point sound localisation, anatomy calibration to tailor the sound to the user, Waves Nx technology for real- time 3D processing.

“The perfect set of headphones if you like music, movies and, above all, gaming. The 3D audio has to be experienced, and never fails to impress.” – Steve Old, Commercial Brand Manager, Premium Audio, Exertis.

Contact: Exertis Unlimited

Sudio Nivå Earphones

Specs: True wireless earbuds, Bluetooth 4.2, Android and iOS compatible, built-in microphone, 3.5h battery, charging case.

“With its remarkably compact construction and 10m range, Nivå lets you

free the sound. This true wireless model features Bluetooth 4.2 technology and 3.5 hours of battery life, all without overlooking Sudio’s distinct, minimalist Scandinavian style. And while we’re on the topic of style, Nivå’s charging case doubles as a contemporary design piece that

can go anywhere you do for an additional four charges – bringing total play time to a whopping 17.5 hours.”

Contact: Hama UK

Hër On-Ear Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

Specs: 23 hours talk time, 21 hours playback time, 840 hours stand-by, built-in microphone, Bluetooth 4.1, lightweight, flexible ear cushions.

“Hër headphones are stylish, comfortable and have a razor-sharp sound. Designed in elegant nude and beige colours, they complement both current trends and any outfit – ideal for fashion conscious women or for that perfect Instagram picture! The matte metal and soft leather are high- quality and the flexible ear cushions and lightweight style (just 200g) are a comfortable fit for long periods of time. Universally applicable and with full freedom of movement with Bluetooth 4.1, they can be used anywhere – at home, the gym or a busy train on the morning commute.”

Contact: GO10

Sharkoon Skiller SGH3 Headphones

Specs: 53mm speaker diameter, 20Hz – 20,000Hz frequency response, 100mw max power, inline volume controller.

“With a straightforward design in matte black, the Skiller SGH3 from Sharkoon emphasizes casual and discreet. Thanks to its professional

53mm drivers, the Skiller SGH3 doesn’t just cover the wearer in a stylish look, but also provides a concise sound environment with clear voice transmission and strongly emphasized bass. Thanks to the included, external Sharkoon SB1 Sound Card and hardware equalizer, the perfect sound is only a couple of clicks away.”

Contact: VIP UK

Asus ROG DELTA RGB Gaming Headset

Specs: Over-ear, USB-C connector, USB 2.0 adapter included, 1.5m cable, noise cancelling, 20Hz–40kHz frequency response, detachable microphone.

“Four Hi-Fi-grade ESS 9018 DACs (in one ESS 9218 DAC) provide lossless audio processing with each DAC devoting its processing power to a subset of the audible frequency range, from lows, mids, highs to ultra-highs. The four signals are then combined, which produces clearer sound with an impressive 127-dB SNR that’s much higher than any device in the market. As a result, you can hear and place in-game sounds with pin-point accuracy, letting you precisely judge enemy distance, direction of footsteps, gunshot locations and more. Hear every detail and enjoy crisp, clear sound for a true-to-life audio experience.”

Contact: Spire Technology

WASDKEYS H200 Multi- Platform Stereo Gaming Headset

Specs: Compact and lightweight, integrated microphone, built-in inline controls, 2m cable length, 200g weight.

“As a gamer do you endlessly need to switch your gaming headset as you move from PC to PS4 console? Well, WASDkeys who are brand new into the UK bring you the H200 Gaming Headset; the answer to all your gaming desires. This astounding gaming headset has been

built for gamers with superior technology and elegant style, plus it is fully compatible and ready for both PC and Sony PS4. Its integrated high-sensitivity microphone supports in-game communication, as well as online chat, plus, in-line controls provide you with maximum command of your audio.”

Contact: Meroncourt Europe Limited

Hama Connect Balance Headset

Specs: Bluetooth 4.2, integrated microphone, volume and remote, 6h battery talk time, sweat-resistant, flat cable, S/M/L silicone earbuds, balanced neckband, 100Hz – 10kHz frequency response.

“Hama Connect Balance headphones have Bluetooth and battery units uniformly positioned on either side of the neckband, evening out in-line weight distribution and preventing earpieces pulling to one side and becoming dislodged during use. Active or at home use, battery powered convenience in addition to in-line microphone, playback and volume controls allow easy hands-free operation and calls, whilst a flat, tangle-resistant band provides optimal comfort.”

Contact: Hama UK

Razer Nari Essential 7.1 Wireless Headset

Specs: THX Spatial Audio, enhanced comfort, lag-free wireless performance, 16-hour battery life, flip mic with quick mute function, 12m wireless range, 2.4GHz wireless frequency.

“Immerse yourself in superior sound technology and ergonomic comfort. With next- generation surround sound, senses will be heightened when exploring vast worlds with lifelike fidelity. Say hello to the Razer Nari Essential. Tipped to be Razer’s best selling wireless headset. Built for wireless gaming audio, the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency delivers gaming immersion with incredible lag-free performance for up to 16 hours

with its long battery life. Featuring THX Spatial Audio and enhanced comfort from the cooling gel infused ear cushions, high-density foam, plush leatherette covering and auto adjusting headband.”

Contact: VIP UK

JLab Epic Air Elite True Wireless Earphones

Specs: 8x silicone gel tips, Bluetooth, remote microphone, noise reduction, playback controls, rechargeable battery.

“The Epic Air Elite true wireless earphones from JLab provide a great sound with the liberating freedom of true wireless via Bluetooth making them ideal for exercise lovers. Sweat-proof and customisable for a secure and comfortable fit, they can be worn with no discomfort or worries about the work out getting a bit intense! Switching songs and taking calls can be done easily through a smartphone with simple touch-and-tap controls. Featuring a battery life of six hours in each earbud and 32 hours in the charging case, they have the best battery in the true wireless category and also have a unique design with the over- ear hook. The Be Aware audio allows users to be safe whilst on an outside run as it passes through ambient noise. Also having three EQ settings: Signature, Balance and Bass Boost, there is a setting to suit everyone and their listening tastes.”

Contact: Exertis Unlimited

Asus TUF Gaming H5 7.1 Headset

Specs: 3.5mm jack, USB adapter, boom mic, virtual surround, stainless-steel, Aura sync, 1.2m cable, 50mm driver.

“The new TUF Gaming H5 headset is designed to provide incredible sound quality and tough durability. With on-board 7.1 virtual surround sound, exclusive ASUS Essence drivers and an airtight chamber design, TUF Gaming H5 upgrades your in-game audio experience with rich, immersive sound. Its lightweight design provides great comfort for extended gaming sessions, and a stainless-steel headband ensures the headset will stand up to the rigors of frequent gaming and travel. TUF Gaming H5 comes with a 3.5mm connector, enabling the headset to be used with multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and mobile phones.”

Contact: Spire Technology

Apple AirPods

Specs: Designed by Apple, automatically on, automatically connected, one-tap setup for all your Apple devices, Quick access to Siri with a double tap, more than 24-hour battery life with charging case.

“AirPods will forever change the way you use headphones. Whenever you pull your AirPods out of the charging case, they instantly turn on and connect to your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac. Audio automatically plays as soon as you put them in your ears and pauses when you take them out. To adjust the volume, change the song, make a call or even get directions, just double-tap to activate Siri. Driven by the custom Apple W1 chip, AirPods use optical sensors and a motion accelerometer to detect when they’re in your ears. Whether you’re using both AirPods or just one, the W1 chip automatically routes the audio and engages the microphone.”

Contact: Target Components

Razer Nari Chroma 7.1 Wireless Headset

Specs: THX Spatial Audio, cooling gel- infused cushions, game/chat balance, lag-free wireless performance, powered by Razer Chroma, 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response, 12m wireless range, 2.4GHz wireless frequency, up to 14 hours battery life with Razer Chroma lighting/24 hours without.

“When it comes to gaming immersion, sound plays a critical role. It engages your sense of hearing to determine the atmosphere and mood, creating a lifelike experience that lets you truly embody your game character. Standing by this philosophy, we’ve built a headset with THX Spatial Audio to bring you 360° positional sound, giving you greater spatial awareness. We’ve also added ergonomic design features to make this one of the most comfortable daily drivers for gaming. This is the Razer Nari.”

Contact: VIP UK

White Shark Gaming GH-1841 Lion Headset

Specs: Suspension style headband, memory foam ear cups, blue LED lighting, built-in soundcard, USB 2.0, plug and play 220cm cable length.

“Hear the roar of the apex predator as White Shark Gaming step into the UK with their brand new, range of products. The stylish, graceful and powerful GH-1841 Lion USB Stereo Gaming Headset features a suspension style headband, and has excellent comfort. Powerfully built, the Lion delivers boundless stereo sound thanks to the superb integrated soundcard that produces breathtaking audio. With state-of-the-art design, which includes blue LED lighting, this headset will add dazzling atmosphere to your gaming sessions; plus, the Lion also includes a high sensitivity microphone for in-game and online chat.”

Contact: Meroncourt Europe Limited

Koss BT540i Headset

Specs: Precision-tuned Koss PLX40 dynamic elements, Bluetooth with aptX, dual microphones, Li-Ion battery, 10Hz – 25kHz frequency response, premium leather memory foam cushions, travel case, USB cable, Koss limited lifetime warranty.

“Featuring state of the art Bluetooth hardware and software integrated with aptX codec technology, the Koss BT540i is the most advanced Bluetooth headphone designed and engineered by the wireless

headphone pioneer, Koss. The built-in lithium-ion battery delivers more than 12 hours of listening time on a single charge, with detachable audio cable included should the battery run out. The BT540i folds flat and comes complete with travel case for easy portability.”

Contact: Hama UK

Alfa Genus V2 Earphones

Specs: 8mm dynamic drivers, 3x interchangeable tuning filters, compatible with iOS/Android/Windows smartphones, 108+/-3db sensitivity, 20 – 20000Hz frequency response, 1.2m cord length, gold-plated 3.5mm right angle jack, mic with universal pause/play button, silicone, memory foam and double flange eartips.

“The Alfa Genus V2 has been multi-award winning ever since we launched this product two years ago. Furthermore, a great aspect of the earphones is the ability to tune the sound with intertangeable tuning filters.”

Contact: Rock Jaw Audio

Asus ROG STRIX Fusion 500 RGB Gaming Headset

Specs: 50mm driver, 7.1 surround sound, boom mic, Aura sync, on-ear, 2m braided cable, USB connection, 50mm driver, uni-directional mic, ROG Hybrid ear cushion, 20 – 20000Hz frequency response.

“ROG Strix Fusion 500 turns your gaming up a notch, with exclusive headset-to-headset RGB light synchronisation technology so your MOBA or esports team can crush the competition in perfect sync. ROG Strix Fusion 500 features a Hi-Fi ESS 9018 digital- to-analogue converter and a 9601 amplifier for more realistic audio, as well as a 50mm ASUS Essence driver, exclusive airtight chamber technology and 7.1 virtual surround sound. Get ready to shine on the battlefield!”

Contact: Spire Technology

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