STACK #201 Jul 2021

FEATURE LIFE TECH

Listen up! Are you looking for a pair of over- ear headphones? Perhaps a set of earbuds to soundtrack your daily workout? Whatever you’re in the market for, we’ve handpicked and tested a selection of quality headphones and earbuds, from top tier titans to wallet-friendly winners.

HEADPHONES

Yamaha YH-E700A This is the first pair of Yamaha headphones we've had in our hands-on (and on our heads) and we're not disappointed. The larger than usual ear cups lead to a comfortable fit; we had these on for the best part of six hours without any fatigue at all. Eschewing touch control for a more traditional button configuration, the controls on either cup include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), power, play/pause and volume. Where the E700As excel is on the audio front with warm, spacious sound that hits the mark across multiple genres of music; these compete with some of the best headphones we've tested. The ANC here is good, too, offering options for both full cancellation and ambient noise. As an all-rounder sitting in the top-tier category of headphones, the E700As are scoring runs for fun. WHAT WE LOVE: A great build, excellent sound and comfort. The E700As are the industry's best kept secret. AT A GLANCE: Colour: Black Type: Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Style: Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling? Active Noise Cancelation Battery life: 30 hours + Wired option: Yes Charging: USB-C

Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700

These state-of-the-art over-ear headphones employ a range of Bose advancements to astonishing effect. A microphone array inside and outside the earcups monitor ambient sound and process an opposite signal for noise cancellation. It’s sophisticated enough to deliver 11 levels of sound control, from full transparency though to full noise cancellation. To build a sound stage for the ears, proprietary TriPort acoustic headphone structure vents the earcups, creating an acoustic space for maximum depth and clarity. If the audio credentials aren’t enough, the Bose 700 voice pickup system uses four microphones that work in tandem with noise cancellation, for clear calls and talk even in busy surroundings. All these impressive features are housed in a stylish form factor; an artfully contoured steel headband fits securely, while an underside of generously portioned foam-covered silicone provides comfort. The right earcup features capacitive touch for volume, calls and music, with voice assistant accessed via a push button. WHAT WE LOVE: This is a seriously advanced headset, with an expansive audio field that makes listening anywhere an absolute pleasure. AT A GLANCE: Colour: Black, Triple Midnight Type: Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Style: Over-ear Noise-Cancelling: Active Noise Cancelation Battery life: Up to 20 hours Wired option? Yes Charging: USB-C

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