STACK #196 Feb 2021

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1 Keep them clean. We’ve all discovered the rather unpleasant experience of finding an earbud grill clogged with earwax. Recruit an old toothbrush to help you get right into the metal grill. Ear Gear Hacks

There is nothing better than embarking on a run or gym workout, train or bus ride, or just some solitary moments at home, with music in your ears. However, choosing the right ear gear can indeed be a daunting process: over-ear; on-ear; buds... the list goes on. And a bloated ticket price doesn’t automatically guarantee a quality product. But if you look hard, good alternatives for a fraction of the price can be found. What should I look for? What are you using the headphones for? If you’re looking for a pair to accompany you to the gym, ideally, you’ll need earbuds that fit securely and with an IP rating to ensure they’re resistant to sweat. Are you a vinyl enthusiast? Then a pair of over-ear headphones are likely to be a better choice. Want to close the world off while you work in peace? Noise-cancellation is a feature worth considering, although it’s a rare find in the budget range. Ear Gear For Less

2 Ideally, you don’t want anyone else using your gear. But on the off chance this is unpreventable, use a cotton bud dipped in hand sanitiser to gently clean them. It’s a pretty good practice to do this regularly, anyway.

Feature-up User-friendly features are incorporated in ear gear at all levels, but obviously the premium models are more feature-packed. At the budget end of the scale you can expect to be able to control volume, skip a track, or take a call from the headphones or earbuds.

Wired or wireless? Wireless headphones and earbuds are far more popular than their wired siblings these days, and significant advances in technology mean that the quality is good now too; no one has the time for tangles or inadvertently ripping a bud out of the ear when the wire gets caught.

Audio- Technica ATH- AN500BT Audio-Technica is name you can trust in audio, and this solid sounding budget pair of over-ear headphones even comes with a noise cancellation feature. Battery life on this smart looking pair is 20 hours.

Sony WF-XB700 Quality performing, truly wireless earbuds with all the functionality you need including voice assistant and hands-free calling. But for the price, the real star here is the excellent overall sound – that extra bass is simply superb.

3 Every ear is different, so make sure you choose the right sized tips. Finish with a good twist to seal the bud in place for the perfect fit.

Jam True Wireless In-Ear Sports The motivation to work out is often driven through music, and this budget sports pair boasts a snug fit, good overall sound and a solid battery life. Now there’s no excuse not to get moving!

JBL Tune 500BT Cheap doesn’t always mean nasty, and that’s certainly the case here. Comfortable on-ear headphones with enhanced bass, this pair is perfectly suited to the casual listener looking for a good performer without the heavy price.

4 Store them well. If your earbuds or headphones come in a case, put them back in after use – you’ll extend the life of your gear.

36 FEBRUARY 2021

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