News
XtremeMac intros high definition earphones
By LC Angell
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, September 20, 2005
News Category: iPod Accessories
XtremeMac today introduced its FS1 high definition earphones, which use proprietary drivers and technologies recently developed by Future Sonics to “produce a natural tone and rich, deep bass—even at the lowest volume levels—that surpass the performance of any other earphones on the market.” The earphones are priced at $149.95 and are expected to begin shipping in November.
“The FS1 High Definition Earphones deliver richer sound than you’ve ever heard before,” says XtremeMac. “Featuring a professional-grade audio driver designed by Future Sonics, they utilize technology developed exclusively for live music performances. The technology includes a dynamic transducer that provides smoother and more consistent low frequency response, as well as a more natural overall tone.”
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1
These look promising. I can’t wait for you guys to review them. One question for anyone who’s seen them: can they be worn straight in the ear with the cords dangling, or do they only fit nicely with the cable wrapped up and over the ear?
Posted by Jeremy Kanter on September 20, 2005 at 7:52 AM (PDT)
2
“produce a natural tone and rich, deep bass”
Read “sounds like bass boost is on all the time”.
Posted by stadidas on September 20, 2005 at 11:31 AM (PDT)
3
That’s a big claim from a company with no track record for producing headphones. I hope these sound as good as they look. I want to see a review real soon also, as I am in the market for either a pair of Shure’s or Etymotics.
Posted by clifford on September 20, 2005 at 12:45 PM (PDT)
4
the blurbs don’t address at all the name “high definition” sure they probably have great bass but that’s not what I think of when I think of “high definition” sound. for instance in hdtv the whole picture is all high definition, not just, say, the red color range.
Posted by jm on September 20, 2005 at 3:22 PM (PDT)
5
Future Sonics has large track record with many top musicians…
Posted by boom on September 20, 2005 at 11:52 PM (PDT)
6
As a happy EM3 owner, and recipient of pre-sale email blast, I called Future Sonics for the skinny on these new headphones, i.e. “is it worth switching.” I was told that the FS1s “are flatter, better at the high end, and more suitable for listening to music” than the EM3s.” They’re certainly better looking… but I don’t really care. Can somebody explain to me how an earphone can be “flatter” but “better at the high end”? Thanks.
Posted by topcatsf on September 21, 2005 at 10:41 AM (PDT)
7
“Flatter but better at the high end” probably means that while the highs are still crisp and clear, they aren’t as prominent as in other high end earbuds. Sounds like these earbuds are made for people who want to enjoy their music, while Shure and others produce earbuds geared more towards people who use them as in-ear monitors in live performances and care more about accuracy, not enjoyment.
Posted by JD on October 7, 2005 at 5:53 PM (PDT)