Phonon SMB-01L
Closed/semi-open high-end headphones
It was exactly seven years ago that the SMB-02 debuted from the then newly founded headphone company "Phonon". The founding trio of the company consisted of Isao Kumano, Yusuke Uchiyama and Alex Prat, all of whom are active musicians, producers, engineers and DJs – the best prerequisites for developing decent headphones. And indeed, the SMB-02 was able to win over an enthusiastic following (the author of this review is one of them) within a very short time due to its extremely detailed and linear sound. The new SMB-01L now wants to join this tradition. The "L" in the name stands for "large" because its declared aim is "big studio sounds in your ears". With a statement like that, we are, of course, immediately on the alert, and we subjected the headphones to an extensive test.
Soundcore Life Q35 by Anker
Endurance Bluetooth over-ears with multimode ANC and LDAC codec
Like Ankers Soundcore Life Q30, the Life Q35 are also equipped with a transparency mode and three noise-cancellation profiles for outdoor or indoor use as well as for travelling. Flexible sound adjustment via an app is also available, and here the Chinese manufacturer relies on LDAC technology, a particularly high-resolution audio codec, for its new flagship wireless over-ears.
Vox VGH AC30
Headphones with integrated guitar amplifier
The Vox VGH AC30 are headphones with an integrated guitar amplifier. Yes, there is such a thing! Just put on the headphones, plug the connecting cable directly into the guitar, and you're done! Rock out, no matter where and no matter when - what guitarist wouldn't want that?
Koss BT740iQZ
Bluetooth over-ears with Active Noise Cancelling
BT740iQZ - A somewhat unwieldy name for what are actually quite elegant headphones that the designers at Koss have come up with for their new Bluetooth model. With active noise-cancelling (ANC), integrated media control and hands-free function, as well as long battery life, these new over-ear headphones are designed to be a convenient audio accessory for all situations.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal
Premium Gaming Headset with ANC, Transparency Mode and Dolby Atmos
After Bang & Olufsen announced a partnership with Microsoft in mid-2020 and specifically mentioned the US software giant's Xbox gaming console, it was only a matter of time before we got the chance to wear a pair of gaming headphones from the Danish hi-fi specialist on our ears. Now the time has finally come: Beoplay Portal are here, and we shall see if they have what it takes to take the throne in the hotly contested gaming headset market. But will the result be Game Changer or Game Danger?
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
Lightweight over-ears with comfort features
Bang & Olufsen launches the HX, a successor to the H9 that is supposed to offer more in all respects - except weight. At 285 grams, it occupies a top spot in the lightweight ear-cup league, which makes them exceedingly pleasant to wear right from the first fitting.
Ready2Music Rival
Listen-worthy, closed over-ear Bluetooth headphones with various colour options
With the Rival, the Austrian manufacturer Ready2Music want to cater to every taste. Their flagship wireless headphones come in eight gaudy designs and can even be personalised for an extra charge. But they also offer comfortable listening pleasure in other ways, with a slightly pronounced bass that is warm and melodious overall.
Valco VMK20
Casual Bluetooth headphones with ANC function
The Finns are an exceptional lot: they are the world champions of coffee drinking, EU champions of sustainability and have over two million saunas. They also love the silence of their 188,000 lakes. Perfect conditions for developing noise-cancelling headphones while chilling in the far north, you would think?
Koss Porta Pro Classic
On-ear, ultra-portable headphones
It must have been around 1988 when I bought my first pair of Koss Porta Pro, on the recommendation of an audiophile friend. In fact, for many people of my generation, the Koss Porta Pro was a widely used upgrade to the bog-standard headphones that came with the first Discman (or worse, the Walkman headphones that could be found on every teenager's bedroom floor).
Sennheiser HD 300
Inexpensive over-ears with decent sound
If you're looking for uncomplicated headphones that aren't too bulky, are also extremely lightweight but have a great sound, you might have found an ideal match with the Sennheiser HD 300.
