iOS 7 + iPhone 5 talk digital to ALO Audio's International DAC/amp. No, ALO Audio’s International isn’t new and no it hasn’t seen any updates. It’s still a handheld DAC and headphone amplifying combo unit. It still promises 8-10 hours of the on-the-go DAC+amp action between charges. It still handles both single-ended and balanced connections. Its internal DAC still deals up to 24bit/96kHz. It’s still available in black or silver and it still sells for US$599. However, a fluke (?) “Prior to iOS 7, the International was unable to take the digital stream from an iPhone, and you had to use things like this $699 Cypher Labs Solo.
“Pretty cool”? You can see more on how this all cables together in ALO Audio’s rough and ready video. This trick looks set to work with the iPad Mini and later generations of the iPad, essentially any model with the Lightning connector. Further Information: ALO Audio Financial interests: DAR is funded by the banner advertising you see around you. About Author John H. John likes words. Sony PHA-1 USB Headphone Amp/DAC | High End Headphones. Presence by People Power for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad on the iTunes App Store. AtHome Video Streamer - IP Camera for home security. Ultimate Ears 700 (Dark Silver) review. Logitech purchased the California-based Ultimate Ears back in 2008 and set to work on repackaging its entire line of headphones, including the UE 700 Noise-Isolation Earphones.
The updated model features new packaging adorned with Logitech branding, a more protective hardcover box for storage, and a combination of foam and silicone ear tips. What hasn't changed, however, is the 700's dual armature driver design that puts two speakers in each earbud--one to accent high- and midlevel frequencies, and another that delivers thumping, natural bass. The result is a headphone that can reproduce the sparkling high notes and smooth bass tones of your music with a three-dimensional soundstage that practically commands you to relisten to your music library, note by note. If it's not clear already, the $150 Ultimate Ears 700 headphones deserve a listen if you're an attentive music listener who demands brilliant sound at an affordable price. Ultimate Ears 700 (Dark Silver) review - Page 2. We feel shortchanged by the lack of a remote control and microphone on the 46-inch long cord, and it's a surprising oversight by Logitech given the number of users who listen to music on Android and iOS smartphones.
Since neither of those devices has a tactile button that lets you change tracks manually, the omission of an in-line remote may dissuade potential owners of these earbuds looking for hands-free music navigation. Performance Music lovers shopping for a headphone to highlight the instrumental nuances of their collection will appreciate the Ultimate Ears 700's balanced dual-armature drivers that combine two separate speakers into each earbud. This design effectively creates a wider frequency of sound, giving your ears access to more aural detail and brings out the natural bass and treble characters of your music. Ultrasone Signature Pro review - Page 2. The Signature Pro is manufactured in Germany, and the generous warranty coverage runs to five years, the longest warranty I've seen for any set of headphones.
To activate the warranty the headphone's owner must register the Signature Pro's serial number with Ultrasone. The warranty covers manufacturer defects and normal use, but not what the company judges to be abuse. Performance The Signature Pros are very precise, accurate headphones. Listening at home over a receiver or headphone amplifier strengthens its vivid clarity, producing remarkable sound even compared with other high-end headphones. The transparency is addictive, since most headphones sound veiled and cloudy by comparison. As a closed-back design, the Signature Pro provides more isolation from environmental noise than open-back headphones. The S-Logic Plus design feature really opened up recordings with spatial effects, like Brian Eno's ambient "On Land" album, which projected a vast soundstage outside my head. TripMate HT-TM01 Wireless 802.11B/G/N Portable Router with Internal Battery & Network Attached Storage Function (Streaming Media on Smartphone and Tablet), Double As a Power Bank (5200mAh)
A dozen capacious juice packs to consider before your next trip. I've never met anyone who is completely satisfied with the battery life of his or her mobile device. And now that the FAA has given the green light to using electronics during takeoff and landing, and uncharged mobile devices are banned from certain flights, you definitely need more juice for your devices. And you need it fast. The good news is there's a plethora of battery packs (that is, juice packs) which offer many ways to conveniently carry extra power with you. The following are my favorite juice packs (yes, I have a lot of favorites) which when paired with a mobile device, are great not only for long flights, but also when you're out and about camping or hiking in rough environments.
And it's always great to have one or two of them in your car, just in case. Note that I haven't officially tested and reviewed all of these devices, but through my personal experiences and those of others, I consider these among the best on the market. UNU Enerpack Plus Bracketron: SmartLantern. Sennheiser HD 558 Review. In the modern era of headphones, the focus is often on compatibility with mobile devices and computers, not to mention booming bass or wireless use. Thus, it's truly refreshing to see a no-frills headphone pair like the Sennheiser HD 558 .
At $179.95 (direct), its primary competitors—in terms of price—are designed for use with iPhones, but the HD 558 lacks a remote or microphone. It's intended for use with home stereo systems and has no extra features, but its lush bass and an expanded spatial presence make this one of the best-sounding headphone pairs in this price range, netting it our Editors' Choice award. Design With velour padding on the earcups and the underside of the headband, the black matte design of the HD 558 puts comfort before visual appeal.
The HD 558 ships with no carrying case or even protective pouch—its lone accessory is a 3.5mm adapter for use with smaller headphone jacks. Loading... Sennheiser MM 100 Review. Wireless audio has drastically improved over the last couple of years, and the astounding number of Bluetooth headsets is now being augmented with an influx of Bluetooth stereo headphones—intended not just for wireless phone calls, but high-quality, wireless music enjoyment. Sennheiser's MM 100, a $149.95 (direct) pair of Bluetooth headphones, is lightweight and comfortable, with built-in, on-ear controls that are very easy to master quickly. You also get solid audio performance, with articulate, rich bass and crisp highs, although some unfortunate distortion on deep bass tracks at high volumes keeps the rating down a bit.
Still, if you don't listen to too much music with deep bass, or you listen to everything at moderate volumes, the MM 100 is worth your consideration—particularly if you're looking for a comfortable, exercise-friendly pair of headphones. The MM 100's behind-the-head design is not for everyone, but I encourage the skeptics to give it a try. Seagate Wireless Plus External Hard Drive. Currently available in a 1-Terabyte capacity—as much storage as the hard disks inside current iMacs—Wireless Plus is roughly the same size as G-Connect: at 3.5” wide, 5” deep and 0.7” tall, it’s actually a bit smaller in two dimensions and less than 0.1” wider. Seagate achieves this feat with a smart trick; while G-Technology built an Ethernet port and micro-USB connector directly into G-Connect, Seagate ends Wireless Plus’s back with a black plastic cap that pops open to reveal a wide proprietary connector.
Included in the package is a USB adapter that attaches to the connector, extending the unit’s depth by just under 1/2” while adding a USB 3.0 port. A USB 3.0 cable is in the box, as are a separate “power only” cable and wall adapter that can be connected to Wireless Plus when you’re not using USB or the integrated rechargeable battery. Wireless Plus isn’t just small; it’s also quite handsome. Mophie Space Pack for iPhone 5/5s. Space Pack’s dimensions are almost exactly the same as Juice Pack Air’s. It’s actually an indistinguishable 0.01” narrower, and a slightly more noticeable 0.11” taller; both are 0.63” deep. The top four-fifths of the case are one piece, while the Lightning connector, power switch, and four nice white battery level indicator lights are all found on the detachable last fifth. This slider-style concept enables Space Pack to enjoy some compatibility with Lightning docking accessories, though the accessory’s battery can’t be charged or its storage space accessed without the bottom piece in place.
Once that’s installed, you’ll also need to connect an included micro-USB cable for charging, or connect to a computer to transfer data. Should you need to access the iPhone’s bottom headphone port while Air is in use, a headphone extension cable is in the package, as well. We tested the matte black version of the case, and found the soft touch finish to be quite pleasant to hold. The Audiophiliac picks 10 better-than-Beats headphones (pictures) CES 2014: LG's SoundPlate is simple home audio solution. LAS VEGAS -- International CES is a crowded place, but it's infinitely more claustrophobic when you're at one of the larger booths.
LG's CES booth, as you can imagine, is one of those. Even though the company's audio room was partially closed off, it was still jarringly loud in there. Imagine our surprise when we saw LG's flagship SoundPlate, the LAB540W, and could hear a movie played on it in remarkable clarity. What a treat! Let's back up for a second, though. The LAB540W also comes with a wireless subwoofer, effectively making it a 4.1-channel setup. COMPLETE COVERAGE: Read more news from CES 2014 As far as the sound quality is concerned, I mentioned that I had no trouble hearing a movie on the CES show floor. LG hasn't released a firm price or release date for the LAB540W, although we know that it's going to ship in 2014.