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There’s so much to consider when buying headphones

You need our Over Ear headphones buyers guide 2023 to point you in the right direction, ear buds are great, they’re small, unintrusive, easy to carry and provide a decent sound considering the size.But ever now and then you just want to immerse yourself in sound and block out the world. You need a set of headphones. Lets see what you need to consider before throwing down your hard earn cash on some new cans.

Determine Your Usage and Needs:

Consider your specific usage scenarios and needs for over-ear headphones. Are you using them for music enjoyment, gaming, professional audio work, or noise isolation during travel? Identifying your primary use case will help you narrow down the features and characteristics you require.

Sound Quality:

For me this is the deal breaker, i could find some wireless, super light tricked out headphones but if the sound quality makes me want to rip off my own ears then it’s a hard no from me. Look for headphones that deliver clear, well-balanced sound across different frequencies. Pay attention to aspects like clarity, detail, bass response, and overall tonal balance. If possible, try listening to the headphones beforehand to assess the sound signature that suits your preferences. You also need to consider what kind of music you listen to mainly, ie if you’re only listening to classical music then you don’t really need kick ass bass.

Open-back or Closed-back Design:

Determine whether you prefer open-back or closed-back headphones. Open-back headphones provide a more natural and spacious soundstage but tend to leak sound and offer minimal noise isolation. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, offer better noise isolation and can have a more impactful bass response, but their soundstage may be narrower.This also would depend on where you’re listening, if you’re fully immersed in your favourite tunes make sure you’re safe.

Comfort and Fit:

Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan on using the headphones for extended periods. Look for well-padded ear cups and headbands, adjustable sizing, and a weight that feels comfortable on your head. Consider the materials used and the overall build quality to ensure durability and long-term comfort.

Noise Isolation and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):

If you need headphones for noisy environments or travel, consider models with good passive noise isolation or active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC headphones use microphones to detect external noise and generate anti-noise to cancel it out, providing a quieter listening experience. But a word of warning, my personal experience of this is ok but i know people that don’t like the sensation of ANC, possibly the same way not everyone can use a VR headset.

Wired or Wireless:

Decide whether you prefer wired or wireless headphones. Wired headphones often provide higher audio quality and reliability, while wireless headphones offer convenience and freedom of movement. Wireless headphones use Bluetooth technology, so check for compatibility with your devices and the range and stability of the wireless connection.

Battery Life:

If you opt for wireless headphones, consider the battery life. Look for headphones with sufficient battery capacity to last through your typical usage duration. Keep in mind that battery life can vary based on usage and volume levels.

Controls and Connectivity:

Evaluate the control options available on the headphones. Look for intuitive controls that allow you to adjust volume, change tracks, and take calls without needing to reach for your device. Additionally, check if the headphones have convenient features like built-in microphones or compatibility with voice assistants.

Portability and Durability:

Consider the portability and durability of the headphones. Look for foldable or collapsible designs that are easy to carry in a bag or case. Also, assess the build quality and materials to ensure the headphones can withstand regular use and occasional impacts.

Price and Value for Money:

Determine your budget range and compare prices across different headphone models. Consider the overall value for money by assessing the combination of features, sound quality, comfort, durability, and brand reputation offered by each model.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews:

Research the reputation of the brand and read customer reviews to gauge the overall satisfaction with the headphones. Established brands often have a track record of producing quality products, but it’s important to consider individual models and user feedback as well. This for me tends to go hand in hand with sound quality, as i mainly listen hard rave music i tend to go towards bose or beats but thats just me!! Check my post on bose v sony buds here

Warranty and Customer Support:

Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer and the availability of customer support. A solid warranty and responsive customer support can provide peace of mind and assistance if any issues arise.

The post Over Ear Headphones Buyers Guide 2023 appeared first on toptech7.com.

The Best Soundbars to fill your living room with cinema like sound under £500 

Unveiling Excellence: The Best Soundbars for 2023 Under £500 for Ultimate Audio Bliss

In the realm of home entertainment, soundbars have revolutionized the way we experience audio. With advancements in technology, achieving a premium audio experience no longer requires complex setups or exorbitant budgets. In this comprehensive guide, we’re on a quest to uncover the gems of sonic excellence – the best soundbars under £500.

From crystal-clear dialogue to thunderous bass, we’ll explore the top contenders that offer impressive sound quality, immersive features, and remarkable value, all while staying within a budget-friendly range. Whether you’re a movie aficionado, a music enthusiast, or a gaming guru, get ready to embark on a journey through the auditory wonders that await in the world of soundbars under £500. You will see a reference to Dolby Atmos in this post, for a simple explanation check my post here

I love home cinema, every thing about it, the clear speech, the surround effects and the bass..oh the bass! but theres so many to choose from, and I’ve only got £500 to spend, can i get what i want, yes sir you can check out my list of the toptech7 sound bars you can get for under £500

1 Bose Soundbar 600

Bose is my go to brand, i love bose for the sound fullness if nothing else. This one comes in a penny under our limit and i love it, at has dolby atmos ( amazing when you have an atmos source). has 5 internal speakers, built in alexa and supports apple air play, spotify connect an chromecast and HDMI eARC input that’s essential to getting Dolby Atmos soundtracks on board in the first place, One major thumbs down is the fact that it dosn’t come with an external subwoofer so the bass is gutless. So that means if you want the bass for action movies or rave nights you’re gonna have to find another £300 for the sub! bit of a downer that for me.

Voice Control and Smart Features: For those who enjoy the convenience of voice control, the Soundbar 600 offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This feature allows you to adjust volume, change tracks, or even ask questions using just your voice, making your entertainment experience truly hands-free.

Simple Setup and Connectivity: Setting up the Bose Soundbar 600 is a breeze, even for those less familiar with technology. The accompanying remote control and the Bose Music app provide intuitive control options, making it easy to fine-tune settings and preferences. With HDMI ARC connectivity, you can enjoy seamless integration with your TV and other devices, ensuring a clutter-free entertainment centre.

Wireless Connectivity: The inclusion of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity further enhances the Soundbar 600’s versatility. Stream your favourite playlists from your smartphone, or enjoy a seamless connection to your home Wi-Fi network for easy access to online streaming services.

What We Love:

Dolby Atmos ✅

Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Cast support. ✅

Super clear voice and Mid range ✅

seamless app ✅

What We Don’t Like:

No separate subwoofer so the bass is pitiful ❌

The none atmos sound is ok but thats it ❌B

Bit heavy on price for no sub ❌

2.Samsung Q800A

My First ever step into home cinema was a Samsung, spent days burying wires under carpets! but i loved it and the Q800A relives some of that love. This feature packed model will not disappoint. Again, you can get your hands on one for just under £500

Sound Quality:

At the heart of the Q800A’s appeal is its sound quality. Equipped with 3.1.2 channels, this soundbar is capable of producing a three-dimensional soundstage that feels expansive and immersive. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support further enhances the audio experience, providing a sense of height and depth that traditional stereo soundbars can’t replicate.

The soundbar boasts Acoustic Beam technology, which utilizes upward-firing speakers to bounce sound off the ceiling, simulating overhead audio effects. This results in a more convincing surround sound experience without the need for additional rear speakers. The sound is clear, dynamic, and detailed, making movie explosions rumble and dialogue crisp.

Connectivity and Convenience:

The Samsung Q800A offers a range of connectivity options to ensure seamless integration with your entertainment devices. With 4K pass-through and HDR10+ support, it ensures that your video quality remains uncompromised when passing through the soundbar. Additionally, multiple HDMI inputs and an HDMI output provide flexibility for connecting various sources like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices.

For those who enjoy voice control, the Q800A supports Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control playback, adjust volume, and even ask questions using voice commands. This hands-free convenience adds an extra layer of user-friendliness to the soundbar.

Wireless Subwoofer:

The wireless subwoofer included with the Q800A is a game-changer when it comes to delivering powerful bass. Explosions in action movies and the deep notes in music tracks are felt as much as they are heard, adding a visceral element to your audio experience.

What we Love:

Sound Quality. (atmos and DTS:X) ✅

Graphic EQ and preset ✅

Power!! ✅

What We Don’t Like:

Can be complicated to set up ❌

Surround immersion could be better ❌

3. Sonos Beam Gen 2

Sonos was one of the first home audio systems that enabled you to build your own multi room system at your own pace, e.g you didnt need a hub or amps, receiver etc you could add a room at a time , but also with the quality of sound. So any sound bar made by sonus in my book has to be one this list. This one comes in nicely under budget at around £420 and has some nice features, lets take a look.

Sleek and Streamlined Design:

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 maintains the slim and sleek design that made its predecessor a hit. Its compact form allows it to seamlessly integrate into various setups, whether placed on a media console or wall-mounted beneath your TV. The minimalist aesthetic ensures it blends effortlessly with your home decor while adding a touch of modern elegance. So if style and minimalism is your priority, then this is for you.

Streaming and Smart Integration:

As expected from Sonos, the Beam Gen 2 offers seamless streaming capabilities. With support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and more, you can effortlessly play your favourite tunes from various sources. The integration of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant means you can control your entertainment using voice commands, making it a convenient addition to your smart home ecosystem. Connectivity as with all these has HDMI out (eARC), wi-fi, ethernet. Check my post on the best Sonus speakers here 

What We Love:

Good projection of Dolby atmos ✅

Easy To expand and integrate ✅

Smart integration and voice control ✅

What We Don’t Like:

No additional HDMI slots ❌

No Bluetooth ❌

No separate sub so weak bass ❌

Sony HT-ZF9

Vertical Sound Engine for Virtual Surround:

One of the standout features of the HT-ZF9 is its Vertical Sound Engine, which aims to create a virtual surround sound experience without the need for rear speakers. By utilizing its multiple speakers and unique processing algorithms, the sound bar projects audio upward, bouncing it off the ceiling to deliver a sense of height and depth. While not a true replacement for dedicated rear speakers, the result is an expanded soundstage that enhances movies, games, and music.

High Resolution audio and Dolby Atmos

DTS decoding in the soundbar creates multi-dimensional surround sound that adapts to your speaker setup in real-time. With the help of  9 speaker channels, sounds from the soundbar can be precisely positioned around you.Additionally, the soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, offering an enhanced audio experience by simulating overhead sound effects. This is particularly appealing for movie enthusiasts who want a more immersive cinematic experience at home.

Wireless Subwoofer for Deep Bass:

The included wireless subwoofer is a game-changer in delivering impactful bass. Explosions in action scenes and deep musical notes are felt as much as they’re heard, adding a tactile dimension to your audio. The subwoofer’s wireless design allows for flexible placement, ensuring optimal bass response without clutter and not having to crowbar your skirting boards off to hide the cable!!

What We Love:

Dolby Atmos and DTS ✅

Virtual Surround ✅

Up-mixes regular surround sound ✅

What We Don’t Love:

Not so good at handling Atmos content due to lack of speakers as there is only 3 upfiring drivers ❌

Can be a bit of a faff to set up, some reviews are reporting it can be quite a pain to initially set up ❌

Our Verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So I think we’ve got you covered with sound bars. If your mate has just baffled you with talk of his Qled telly check our easy to understand guide on Oled and Qled televisons here 

The post The Best Soundbars for 2023 under £500: appeared first on toptech7.com.

BOSE QuietComfort II vs. Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds Comparison

In the realm of wireless noise-cancelling earbuds, two giants stand tall: the BOSE QuietComfort II Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Earbuds – Triple Black and the Sony WF-1000XM4. Both promise an immersive audio experience and superior noise cancellation, making the choice between them a delightful challenge. who will come out top in our premium ear buds bose versus sony comparison Join us as we delve into the features and nuances that set these two powerhouses apart.

Audio Excellence

BOSE’s QuietComfort II presents a balanced soundstage with deep bass and crisp highs that cater to a variety of musical genres. Sony’s WF-1000XM4 is no slouch either, featuring a detailed sound signature that captivates audiophiles with rich instrumentals and immersive vocals. The choice between the two largely depends on your audio preferences.

Battery Life and Charging

 The QuietComfort II offers up to 6 hours of continuous playback and an additional 12 hours with the charging case, ensuring an extended listening session. Sony’s WF-1000XM4 offers a competitive battery life, with up to 8 hours on a single charge and an extra 16 hours with the charging case. If extended use without recharging is essential, the WF-1000XM4 might have a slight edge. Speaking of battery life, a power bank can help if you rely on your buds or you’re out camping off grid. Check out our buyers guide on powerbanks here 

Controls and Connectivity

Both earbuds offer intuitive touch controls for seamless navigation. The QuietComfort II boasts easy access to controls through tapping and swiping, while the WF-1000XM4 incorporates Adaptive Sound Control, adjusting noise-cancelling settings based on your activity and surroundings. Both options prioritize user-friendly interactions.

Additional Features

The QuietComfort II stands out with its impressive sweat and weather resistance, making it a great option for workouts and outdoor activities. The WF-1000XM4, on the other hand, boasts LDAC technology for high-resolution audio streaming when paired with compatible devices, appealing to audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality.

Price Point

Pricing can play a significant role in your decision-making process. The QuietComfort II generally falls in the mid-to-high range, while the WF-1000XM4 often competes at a similar price point. Consider your budget and the features that align with your priorities.

Bose: £180-£250

Sony: £198-£245

Conclusion: Choosing between the BOSE QuietComfort II Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Earbuds – Triple Black and the Sony WF-1000XM4 is a matter of personal preference. Both earbuds excel in providing exceptional audio quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. Whether you lean toward BOSE’s elegance and balanced sound or Sony’s innovative features and detailed soundstage, rest assured that either choice will immerse you in a world of audiophile delight. If you wanted a biased decision, then I would go with the Bose every time. I love Bose stuff and always have, i mean every nightclub worth its entry fee used Bose speakers, so that has to count for something. If you’re looking for a total immersive sound stage, check my buyers guide on Over ear headphones here

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