Audez’e LCD-2
The LCD-2’s are
in a class of their own amongst high-end headphones. While your average pair features cone speakers,
the LCD-2 masters the planar magnetic technology, a system of circuit patterns etched into a lightweight
diaphragm within a magnetic field. As complicated as it sounds, it makes for some of the clearest
sounds we’ve ever heard. Durability is amongst the biggest concern with cone speakers, so the LCD-2’s tough
polymer materials put those worries to rest. And with headphones capable of exceeding 130dB, the overall
quality isn’t questioned.
Technological specs aside,
the sheer presentation of the headphones themselves are a sight to be seen. Arriving with a wooden storage
box with silk-lined interior, the headphones are held as if they were the Crown Jewels. Since the headphones
themselves are constructed with hand-selected Caribbean Rosewood, they deserve such a treatment. Plus the
added wood care kit to ensure the shine on the Rosewood never dies. The earpads, sloped for comfort, are
wrapped in premium lambskin leather and can be worn for hours without wearing down on the
ears.
At first impression, the
headphones fit snugly around the ears and wrap firmly around the head. Wearing $1,000 headphones really does
feel like wearing $1,000 headphones. The quality of the leather and Caribbean Rosewood give it a good weight
and the ultimate feeling of luxury, or as close as you can get when wearing
headphones.
With the firm pads pressed
firmly against my ears, the sound has nowhere to go except in my head, and it is beyond clear. Any ambient
noise outside the headphones is non-existent and the music can be heard concisely in its entirety, the way
the musician intends it to sound. With the overall retro styling and incredible sound, they are an
audiophile’s dream.
» audeze.com
Sennheiser HD
598
Eargonomic
Acoustic Refinement sounds like something a salesman would pitch while trying to sell you a set of expensive
headphones, but Sennheiser’s innovations make E.A.R the real deal. The technology boasts the ability to
channel audio signals directly into your ear based on the design of the headphones. Sennheiser has gone out
of its way to ensure the headphones’ materials and construction all aides in the ability to give you the best
sound possible. Everything from the specialized diaphragm geometry, harmonic distorting compressed fleece,
and velour earpads that help hold the sound where it should be, in your ears. In addition, the 112dB they can
produce, alongside the lightweight aluminum voice coils, make your favourite albums come to life in studio
quality.
Arguably the world’s most
important headset producer, Sennheiser’s range of headsets can be overwhelming, in the best way possible. But
we chose the HD 598’s because of their impressive technical features and their stylish looks. They’re soft
and are cushioned perfectly to fit on your head. The sound quality is overwhelmingly good for the price
of $379(CAD). Of all the headphones we tested, these were the most all around listener friendly, while also
being affordable. Most likely a keep-at-home pair of headphones, they work perfectly as a gaming headset for
long Call of Duty sessions, or listening to music while you relax.
» sennheiser.ca
Miles Davis
Trumpet by Monster
How does Monster
follow up to their incredibly successful Beats by Dr. Dre headphones? Well, by sculpting the tiny earbuds in
the shape of trumpets and then affiliating them with one of the most influential musicians of all time, it’s
a great start.
The Miles Davis Trumpet
line is the Rolls Royce of earbuds. In a class all their own, the ultra-near field driver provides phenomenal
clarity that puts you completely in tune with the music. With Monster’s specialized cable technology, along
with their ControlTalk incorporated for volume and track control, taking the Trumpet’s on the road with you
is a pleasure. Ruggedly built to last and to look beautiful, this set has longevity built into every aspect
of the headphones. At $349(CAD) the buds come with a gracious amount of accessories that we found unmatched
in any other set. Two luxurious carrying cases, a velvet enclosure, extra earbud sets to fit any ear shape,
and even a copy of Sketches of Spain by Davis himself.
I unboxed the buds
carefully from their velvet box, as if we were taking out a diamond engagement ring. The cord is perfectly
thin and strong to resist tangling, the most annoying occurrence in earbud style headphones. When I put them
to the test against the accompanying Sketches of Spain, Miles Davis came to life in a way I had never heard
before. I could hear everything that was intended from artist, and it shined bright. These earbuds won’t be
giving anyone the blues, Mr. Davis.
» monstercable.com
Photo by Matthew
Morgan and Jessica Olivier
