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headphone

Headphone Zone partners with Oriveti

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The latest collaboration between Headphone Zone and Oriveti presents the Blackbird, an IEM designed from scratch for the Indian audiophile community. Building upon their successful partnership that produced the OD200, this new premium IEM is positioned competitively under ₹5,000.

The Blackbird implements a ground-breaking new hybrid driver configuration, combining a 10mm dynamic driver for powerful bass reproduction with two custom balanced armature drivers for precise mids and treble delivery. This IEM is specifically designed for enthusiasts looking to advance from entry-level IEMs in the ₹2,000-3,000 range, offering a kick-ass bass, with a rich dynamic, engaging sound signature but without any treble fatigue.

Featuring a lightweight acrylic shell construction that prioritizes comfort, the Blackbird comes complete with six sets of ear tips, a detachable cable, and a premium carrying case. The IEM demonstrates versatile compatibility across various audio sources, making it an amazing choice for audiophiles looking for an upgrade.

“When designing the Blackbird – we first started with the price. It had to be under Rs. 5000. Then we fixed the sound signature. It had to be something bass focussed and fun. Oriveti took that brief and ran with it to create something we can all be proud of.” says Raghav Somani, Founder and CEO of Headphone Zone.

The Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird has been launched and is now available for purchase exclusively on Headphone Zone at a price of ₹4,999/- (MRP: ₹5,999/-).

Everything You Need To Know About the Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird In-Ears With 1DD + 2BA Drivers.

  • Powerful 10mm Dynamic Driver for Deep Impactful Bass

The Blackbird features a specially-designed 10mm composite dynamic driver that delivers deep, natural bass with rich lower midrange presence. The large driver size enables excellent air displacement, resulting in powerful low frequencies while maintaining warmth and balance throughout the sound spectrum. This custom-tuned driver ensures that bass notes hit with authority while preserving the natural timbre of instruments.

  • Precision-Tuned Dual Balanced Armature Drivers

Supporting the dynamic driver are two custom balanced armature drivers dedicated to mids and highs. These precision-engineered drivers provide exceptional detail and clarity while maintaining a smooth, fatigue-free listening experience – perfect for extended listening sessions. The balanced armature configuration ensures accurate reproduction of vocals and instruments with pristine resolution.

  • Bass-Forward Signature with Audiophile Precision

The Blackbird’s tuning strikes an ideal balance between energetic bass response and high-end clarity. With distortion levels below 0.08%, it delivers punchy lows while maintaining crystal clear mids and natural, well-controlled treble that never becomes harsh or fatiguing. This careful tuning ensures that while bass is prominent, it never overshadows the overall musical presentation.

  • Advanced 3D Printed Design for Superior Acoustics

The precisely engineered 3D printed shell creates an optimal acoustic chamber that minimises unwanted resonance. This construction enhances sound isolation and ensures durability. The ergonomic design has been refined through multiple iterations to achieve acoustic performance.

  • Ergonomically Crafted To Fit Like A Dream

The Blackbird is ergonomically designed for a snug, secure fit. Its lightweight construction ensures exceptional comfort, even during extended listening sessions. The Blackbird strikes a perfect harmony between comfort and outstanding audio performance.

  • Premium Cable with Versatile Connectivity

Each Blackbird comes with an audiophile-grade cable featuring a standard 3.5mm termination for universal device compatibility. The detachable design with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors allows for easy cable upgrades to suit your preferences. The high-quality braided cable ensures minimal microphonics and excellent durability for daily use.

  • Comes With Exquisite Accessories To Get You Started

The package includes six pairs of ear tips (three bullet-shaped and three bowl-shaped) in different sizes for optimal fit and comfort. Each tip style offers unique sound characteristics, allowing users to fine-tune their listening experience. A premium carrying case keeps your IEMs protected while on the go, completing this thoughtfully curated set of accessories. The case features a robust construction with ample space for the IEMs and additional tips.

In The Box:

1. Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird

2. Detachable Cable

3. Carrying Case

4. Bullet Shape Eartips 3 Pairs (S,M,L)

5. Bowl Shape Eartips 3 Pairs (S,M,L)

Specifications and Technical Information:

DriverHybrid Drivers
Driver Configuration1DD + 2BA Hybrid Drivers
Impedance16 Ohms
Plug3.5mm (Single-Ended)
Connector0.78mm 2-Pin
MicrophoneWithout Mic
Frequency Response5-20kHz
Sensitivity107±3dB/mW, 1kHz
Distortion<0.08%
Shell Material3D Printed Shell For Optimized Acoustic Structure
Wearing TypeIn-Ear
Detachable CableYes

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 – Review

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Bowers & Wilkins latest true-wireless in-ears, the Pi8,represent a big investment. Mind you, it wouldn’t be the first time a pair of its headphones has turned out to be worth every penny. The Pi8 have an extensive feature set, with Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity. As well as the usual SBC and AAC codecs,
there’s compatibility with Qualcomm’s aptX, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs too – which means that lossy 24bit/96kHz content and lossless 16bit/44.1kHz content can be received. So the Pi8
are ready to serve you lossless CD-standard audio quality wirelessly, just as soon as you acquire the device that can send it. Multipoint connectivity means the Pi8 can connect to two devices at once. And the charging case can also retransmit – so you can attach a source to the case’s USB-C slot using either of the USB-C or 3.5mm-to-USB-C cables provided and the case will send the content to the earbuds. You can, say, use your Pi8 to listen, wirelessly, to an in-flight entertainment system using the aptX Adaptive codec at a lossy 24bit/96kHz standard. The charging case, which is slim and compact, supports wireless
charging as well via its USB-C slot. Battery life is a reasonable 6.5 hours from the earbuds (with ANC switched on) with an additional 13.5 hours in the case, for a total of 20 hours. It’s good, but it’s not
amazing.
The earbuds themselves are ergonomic, and easy to wear for extended periods – four pairs of differently sized silicone eartips helps. There’s a capacitive touch surface on the top of each earbud, and from here it’s easy to control the broad playback and telephony functions. Voice-assistant interaction is swift and reliable. No matter which of the four available finishes you choose – Anthracite (black), Dove (white), Jade (green), or Midnight (blue) are your options – the combination of smooth design, premium
materials and impeccable build quality make for a satisfying ownership experience. At every turn, the Pi8 are a deft, informative and thoroughly entertaining listen. The DAC, amplification and DSD are all derived
from renowned specialist ADI. Sound itself is delivered via a couple of 12mm versions of the full-range Carbon Cone dynamic drivers originally developed for the high-end Px8 wireless over-ear headphones.
They’re able to organise even the most complicated recordings confidently, and lay them out on a big, coherent soundstage with plenty of breathing space for every individual element. Even if you’re
not delivering the best quality audio files, the Pi8 will always make the best of it. And their best is very good indeed.
At the opposite end they dig deep and hit hard, but have the control and insight to keep rhythmic expression convincing and offer plenty of variation to bass sounds. Noise cancellation is a hybrid system with a pass-through option, and there are three mics per earcup taking care of ANC, cVc
telephony and voice-assistant interaction. And the earbuds are IP54-rated, which means they should be perfectly fine in any realistic environment. Other earbuds feature more mics, but there’s no better call quality than the Pi8. By contrast, ‘a pretty good job’ just about covers the active noise-cancellation (ANC). Like every other pair of true wireless in-ears, the Pi8 cannot match the blanket of silence delivered by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, but they’re a strong second-tier performer. Great sound, thorough specification, and unexpectedly swish design make the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 the most competitive true
wireless in-ear headphones from the brand so far.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹34,900
  • bowerswilkins.com


Marshall Major V: Your own private auditorium – Review

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WORDS-KHAMIR BHATIA

 To begin with, the sound, is simply excellent. It’s like being in your own private auditorium. Once you tuck yourself into the headset and the music starts playing, you’re pretty much transported to another world. The clarity and precision of the sound even at low volumes is such that one is able to identify different layers in the music. Almost like being in the recording studio as the music was being created. The structure of the headset itself is of the highest quality materials with a combination of a smooth and rugged finish. The headband has sufficient cushioning to not feel like a weight on one’s head and the ear cups, while small and square in shape, too have sufficient padding to get a snug fit on the ears. That said, if one walks barefoot with the headset on and the music playing then one does hear the echoing effects of ones footsteps. And with the kind of cupping provided, the vibrations from ones own movement are captured within the ear cup compromising the experience of the music itself. These are best enjoyed when stationary.

Connecting via bluetooth to the MacBook wasn’t seamless as was the case with android devices. It required several bluetooth on/off attempts to finally connect. Takes some amount of ‘practice’ / getting used to realise which is the power button vs the volume vs the pause/play one. Folding it into a compact form to store when not in use wasn’t the easiest to figure out as some part of it would jut out making one adjust continuously. The battery life on this is tremendous though and it literally goes on and on. Some kind of timer or indicator to suggest taking a break would be very handy. Ears do start sweating and there is a feeling of exhaustion when one listens to it for extended periods of time. It’s a great substitute for tv or any other speakers especially if one wants the privacy. Makes for a fantastic travel companion given the compactness and battery life.

Specifications

  • DRIVERS 40 mm, dynamic
  • DRIVER SENSITIVITY 106 dB SPL (100 mV @ 1 kHz)
  • DRIVER IMPEDANCE 32 Ω
  • FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • WEIGHT 186 g / 6.56 oz PLAYTIME 100+ hours of wireless playtime
  • TIME TO FULL RECHARGE 3 hours with USB-C

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹14,999
  • marshall.com

Astell&Kern Teams Up with Headphone Zone

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Headphone Zone collaborate with the revered audio brand Astell&Kern to introduce the AK UW100MKII True Wireless Earbuds at an exceptional value for this year’s Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) sale. Astell&Kern seamlessly blends cutting-edge innovation with artistic craftsmanship, and the AK UW100MKII is a testament to their expertise. Astell&Kern continues to deliver uncompromising sound quality to audiophiles worldwide. With the AK UW100MKII, audiophiles can experience an exquisite balance of pristine sound, state-of-the-art technology, and iconic design, making it a must-have addition to any audiophile’s collection.

The AK UW100MKII exemplifies Astell&Kern’s dedication to crafting unparalleled audio experiences. It features advanced Balanced Armature drivers, an integrated 32-bit AKM DAC for pristine sound, and support for aptX Adaptive for high-fidelity wireless audio transmission. With seamless Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, hybrid noise isolation, and up to 29 hours of playback time, these earbuds offer both luxury and performance. This exclusive collaboration between Headphone Zone and Astell&Kern ensures that Indian audiophiles can now access this masterpiece at an incredible, limited-time price for the BFCM sale – a rare opportunity for music enthusiasts to elevate their listening experience.


“The Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII true wireless earbuds was already a best seller across different markets. Bringing it to India at a price point of less than 5000 rupees makes it a once-in-a-lifetime deal for anyone looking for a budget TWS that sounds great,” says Raghav Somani, Founder and CEO of Headphone Zone.

The Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII is announced today on the eve of Headphone Zone’s Black Friday sale and is available to order exclusively on Headphone Zone (www.headphonezone.in) at a promotional price of ₹4,999/- (MRP: ₹ 24,999/-)

Specifications and Technical Information:

Driver ConfigurationKnowles Balanced Armature
Bluetooth ChipsetQualcomm 5141
Bluetooth VersionV5.2
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive
DACAKM AK4332ECB
Microphone2-mic / Per Earbud
Frequency Response20Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity94dB (1m@1kHz)
Earbud ControlCapacitive Touch
Wearing StyleIn-Ear
Playback TimeUp to 9.5 Hours (Maximum 29 Hours)
ChargingType-C for Charging + Supports Wireless Charging
Control APPAndroid and iOS Version
IPX RatingIPX4

 Rapture Unveils Sonic Lamb Headphones

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Rapture announces the official launch of Sonic Lamb Headphones.

Sonic Lamb with its patented Hybrid Driver Technology, combines traditional sound wave transmission for mid and high frequencies (vocals and instruments) with their proprietary Impulse driver for low frequency that translates audio signals into mechanical impulse. These impulses are transferred from the specially designed ear pads, called Wooferpads. It emulates a full-range driver and a subwoofer akin to a hi-fi system by harnessing a combination of air, bone, and skin conduction to deliver a new dimension to experiencing music and entertainment on headphones. 

 On the occasion, Jagath Biddappa, Co-Founder and CTO of Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt. Ltd., said, “Sonic Lamb’s launch is a dream realized. Our Hybrid Driver Acoustics is a game-changing breakthrough, blending hearing and feeling music, adding a new dimension to personal audio experience. It’s a homegrown product that will transform how music and headphone lover experience sound across the world.”

Functions & Features

Sonic Lamb is designed to be perfect audio companion for all of one’s home entertainment and audio activities without compromise, delivering what they call ‘An Eargasmic Experience’ – the ultimate listening experience and pleasure to the ears.

Sonic Lamb headphones come with Multimode dial which offers four distinct modes for audio personalization: 

HEAR – For balanced sound signature with the full range driver is in action while the subwoofer just purrs. Ideal for soft music like instrumental and classical along with use cases like audio books, podcasts as well as calls and meetings.

FEEL – A mode great for wide genre of music where the subwoofer kicks in to allow users to feel every beat in the music

IMMERSE – A mode where the sub-woofer makes a strong presence for bass heads and great for bass heavy genres like EDM, Trance, Hip hop, Rap and the likes

BEAST – A mode to experience rumble and gunshots that otherwise is not reproduced by headphones for an ultimate cinematic and gaming experience.

Sonic Lamb Headphones feature: 

Digital Audio Interface that simultaneously allows charging and a high-resolution wired audio connection for studio-grade audio streaming at 24-bit, 96kHz. Playback quality remains consistent across all devices, delivering an uncompromised audio experience

Multipoint connectivity, allowing users to connect Sonic Lamb to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

Two internal microphones for clear communication

Detachable boom microphone for gaming enthusiasts and professionals for improved voice communication.

Sonic Lamb App further personalizes the headphones for an optimized listening experience. A unique two-minute hearing test enables custom-tuned sound profiles based on individual’s hearing sensitivity.

Navajith Karkera, Co-Founder and CEO of Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt Ltd., said, “We’re excited to present Sonic Lamb Headphones, a culmination of innovation, passion and perseverance of 4 years reshaping personal audio experience. I’m proud of my team’s dedication and grateful of everyone who supported us towards building world class product in India, putting our nation on the map for premium audio devices. Sonic Lamb is set to revolutionize music and entertainment globally, offering a new way of experiencing sound on headphones like never before. “

Sonic Lamb will be available for purchase on www.soniclamb.com in three appealing colors: Obsidian Black, Ember Gray, Moonstone White, priced at ₹ 19,999/- the first 1000 customers can buy it at the inaugural price of ₹ 15,999.