STACK #201 Jul 2021

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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Audio-Technica ATH-ANC500BT

HEADPHONES

Audio-Technica are the go-to when you want quality build and features at an attractive price point, and this over-ear unit fits the bill. Decent 40mm drivers deliver outstanding bass, with Active Noise Cancellation processed via Audio-Technica’s own proprietary technology. The memory foam earpads add another layer of sound insulation. Intuitive controls for calls, playback and volume are on the earcup. WHAT WE LOVE: If you’re looking for your first pair of over-ear wireless, the ATH-ANC500BT will do the trick, thanks to the rich sound and feature set that includes Active Noise Cancellation. AT A GLANCE: Colour: Black Type: Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1 Style: Over-Ear – Ideal for travelling Noise-Cancelling: ANC Battery life: Up to 20 hours Wired option: Yes Charging: USB-C

Marley Positive Vibration XL Marley products epitomise thoughtful material use with a focus on sustainability. The Positive Vibration XL is no exception. It incorporates certified sustainable wood, recyclable aluminium, and fabric. While you can find these in the budget range of headphones, you’re getting good quality balanced sound here that belies the cost. The ear cups are fashioned from memory foam that not only gives a comfy fit, but they will also block out the noise. Well-built and reliable,

and featuring a quick charge function, the Positive Vibration XLs are a good buy at this price point.

WHAT WE LOVE: Make an environmental statement with these eye-catching headphones, without sacrificing on sound quality. AT A GLANCE: Colour: Black Type: Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Style: Over-Ear Battery life: 24 hours Wired option: Yes Charging: USB-C

CANS FOR KIDS If home-schooling taught us anything, it was the need for a decent pair of headphones for the kids, to keep them – and anyone working around them – focused. While there is an abundance of cheap and cheerfuls on the market, as a parent, you’ll understand the importance of reliability. A trusted name in headphones, JBL have a couple of quality options worth considering. The wireless JBL Jr310BT is lightweight with comfortable cushioned ear cups good for long periods of use. Audio levels are set to 85dB for safe listening, with button controls situated on the right cup, and battery life comes in at an impressive 30 hours. For a cheaper alternative, the wired JBL Jr310 has the same comfortable earcups and 85dB safety level and features an in-built mic for easy communication. Both pairs of headphones have impressive sound quality and will fold down to fit easily in a bag. Oh, they also come with a sheet of stickers for ultimate customisation!

Jlab Studio ANC Long battery life and comfort are at the forefront of the light Studio ANCs,

headphones with a price tag that you won’t have to lie about. With ANC deactivated, you’re looking at an impressive 34 hours of battery life (which will still extend to 28 hours with ANC on). The ANC features one setting, activated with a single button, that will sufficiently dampen traffic sounds or noisy households. WHAT WE LOVE: The battery life is seriously impressive for budget headphones. AT A GLANCE: Colour: Black Type: Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5 Style: On-Ear Noise Cancelling: Active Noise Cancelation Battery life: 34 hours

56 JULY 2021

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