Shure, a renowned name in audio, has upgraded its Aonic 50 headphones with the release of the Aonic 50 Gen 2. The original Aonic 50, while appreciated for its audio quality, faced criticism for its mediocre noise cancellation. This new iteration directly addresses this concern, boasting significantly improved noise-canceling capabilities that bring it into competition with top-tier noise-canceling headphones. Shure has also amplified the battery life, now offering an impressive 45 hours of playback on a single charge and incorporating a quick-charge feature for added convenience. The carrying case, while still somewhat bulky, has been reduced in size compared to its predecessor. Despite a substantial weight of 334 grams, the Aonic 50 Gen 2 maintains a comfortable fit with well-padded earcups, ensuring long listening sessions remain enjoyable. True to Shure’s “studio headphone” designation, the Aonic 50 Gen 2 delivers a neutral sound profile, emphasizing clarity and well-defined bass. However, for those seeking a more bass-heavy experience, the Shure companion app provides EQ adjustments and a Spatializer setting for a slightly wider soundstage.
Bang & Olufsen (B&O) enters the premium headphone arena with the Beoplay HX, succeeding the H9 series. Priced similarly to Apple’s AirPods Max, the Beoplay HX offers a lighter alternative at 285 grams, while maintaining comparable comfort during extended use. The luxurious lambskin-covered memory foam earpads contribute to this comfortable feel. Sonically, the Beoplay HX rivals the AirPods Max, delivering a well-balanced sound signature characterized by deep, articulate bass, natural midrange frequencies crucial for vocal clarity, and nuanced detail in the treble. This makes it a strong contender in the high-end headphone market.
V-Moda, now under the Roland umbrella, offers the M-200, a wired over-ear headphone notable for its clean, detailed sound and impactful bass response. Released in 2019, the M-200 differentiates itself from other bass-forward V-Moda headphones with a neutral sound profile, reminiscent of studio monitor headphones. Equipped with 50mm drivers featuring neodymium magnets and CCAW voice coils, and benefiting from Roland’s engineering expertise, the M-200 has earned Hi-Res Audio certification from the Japan Audio Society. Included are two cables, one with an integrated microphone for calls. While the M-200 excels in its wired configuration, users may find the lack of Lightning or USB-C cable options inconvenient for devices without headphone jacks. V-Moda also offers a wireless version, the M-200 ANC, with active noise cancellation, though its overall performance falls short of the AirPods Max.
Mark Levinson, a brand synonymous with high-fidelity audio, has ventured into the headphone market with the No. 5909. These premium headphones, while carrying a hefty price tag, deliver a commensurate level of performance. Despite their substantial build, they remain comfortable for extended wear thanks to well-padded, replaceable leather-covered earcups and headband. This combination of robust construction and comfort makes the No. 5909 a compelling option for discerning audiophiles willing to invest in top-tier sound quality.
OneOdio presents a budget-friendly option with the A10, offering surprising value for its price point. Boasting a robust build, comfortable fit, and dual-hinge design, the A10 is surprisingly durable for its price range. Weighing 395 grams, they offer a substantial feel, suitable for workouts. While the sound quality and noise cancellation are not on par with premium models from Bose or Sony, they exceed expectations for their price, particularly in terms of battery life. The inclusion of a transparency mode, albeit with a slight hiss, adds to their functionality. The carrying case, while functional, is somewhat marred by a prominent OneOdio logo.
Technics, revived by Panasonic, has introduced the EAH-A800, a headphone with a retro aesthetic. Despite its throwback design, the EAH-A800 provides comfortable wear and offers both folding and flat-folding capabilities for portability. Sonically, they deliver a big, energetic sound with powerful bass and good detail. However, it’s worth noting that a break-in period of a day or two is required for the headphones to reach their full sonic potential. This combination of classic design and modern features makes the EAH-A800 a unique offering in the headphone market.
