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While earbuds are getting the most attention when
it comes to wireless music, more traditional-looking
over-ear headphones have been going wire-free too
– and they offer some big advantages over earbuds
for those who want the very best in sound quality.
Because of their size, designed to completely cover
both your ears, they can come with seriously big
drivers – and those bigger speakers mean more
audio power, more accurate sound and bigger bass.
Over-ear headphones also have an advantage
when it comes to blocking outside noise that
can disrupt your listening, and many come with
additional noise cancelling tech to keep even more
of the outside world away from your ears. That’s
not ideal for all situations – if you’re listening while
cycling or running, you’ll probably want more
awareness of sound around you. But over-ears
aren’t really made for wearing while active – they’re
perfect for the plane or train, or relaxing in the
summer sun.
What to Buy:
JB’s Top Tips
Noise cancelling on over-ear headphones
is best at removing constant sounds like
airplane engine noise or traffic sounds,
with the over-ear design already blocking
a lot of unwanted sound.
Sennheiser PXC550-II
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Touchpad control and smart
pause. $299
Yamaha YH-E700A Wireless
Over-Ear Headphones
With Yamaha’s Advanced Active
Noise Cancellation, adapting to
your listening environment in
real time. $499
What The
IP Rating
Means
You’ve probably seen many
earbuds quote an “IP” rating with
a number, similar to most mobile
phones. The two digits after the
“IP” are ratings for dust and
liquid protection, the higher the
better – so for earbuds, you’ll see
something like “IPX4” – meaning
they’re not tested for resistance
to dust and dirt, but can easily
handle you getting sweaty during a
workout, run or bike ride!
Sennheiser HD458BT
30-hour battery and high-quality
AptX low-latency audio. $299
PARTY ON!
Summer means getting outdoors,
getting amongst friends and getting the
soundtrack going to the best time of the
year. And for those who love their music,
technology’s ready to help keep the party
going with some brilliant devices made
for bringing the music to any gathering.
Bluetooth, again, is the life of the party
with some amped-up speakers designed
for big bass and big crowds, making it
quick and easy to get music live and loud,
indoors or out. And you can actually DJ
that music direct from your phone now,
too, with pro-level Bluetooth portable DJ
gear that can go wherever you are.
What to Buy:
JB’s Top Tips
A party speaker needs a Bluetooth
audio source like a smartphone
nearby to keep the music going –
if you’re in charge of the playlist,
keep your phone in range!
Sony SRSXP700 Bluetooth
Party Speaker
25 hours of party-powered
music, with a quick 10-minute
charge delivering three hours of
music. $699
Stadium Disco Lite
Bring the party to your gathering
with this disco light with
multiple colours, light effects,
and different speeds. $41
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