Skullcandy’s Crusher ears-on at CES: rumbling headphones that you’ll actually want

Skullcandy's Crusher earson at CES rumbling headphones that you'll actually want

Over the years, our ears have been treated (or tormented, depending on perspective) to a variety of rumbles from a multitude of wub-wub headphones. Typically, it's the gaming headphone sector that gets first dibs, but Skullcandy's Crusher is aiming to hit a few more targets. We had a chance to listen to a production version of the impending cans -- slated to ship in March for $99 in black, white and red hues -- and we were pleasantly surprised with what we heard. Er, felt. Actually, both. It's battery powered, but it'll continue to deliver tunes even if the cell powering the thumps goes dead. Moreover, it automatically disables when the music stops, preventing you from blowing through too many extra batteries.

There's a slider on the rear that raises and lowers the sensitivity of the rumble, and we preferred it at about half-cranked. Amazingly, the sensation was actually enjoyable -- and moreover, accurate. We probably wouldn't listen to an entire album with the vibration on, but for movies and games? Yeah, that's clearly the sweet spot. Better still, the conventional 3.5mm headphone jack means that it's as universal as these things get, and the overall audio quality was very much on par with what we'd expect for a Benjamin. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look.

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Skullcandy’s Crusher headphones teased, soon to vibrate wubs into your head for $100

DNP Skullcandy's Crusher headphones teased, soon to vibrate wubs into your head for $100

Skullcandy hasn't made any official headphone-related announcements at CES -- but that doesn't mean there isn't news to share. We've just been tipped about a bass-pumping followup to its non-defunct Skullcrusher headphones, set to release as the Crusher. The circumaural cans are said to be designed and engineered in-house, though they do look similar to Logitech UE's over-ears. As we understand it, the "crushing sensation" is handled by a vibrating unit inside of each earcup that's independent from its actual 40mm speaker drivers. Impressively, we're told that the lowend will still pump out if the battery dies unlike similar offerings, such as Sony's Pulse gaming headset. An on-earcup control lets you dial in your preferred level of wub, and the earcups can collapse for storage. Naturally, a detachable 3.5mm cable with an inline remote / mic is also included. Expect these to hit shelves during March clad in your choice of black, white or red for a cool 100 bones. That's all we've got for now, so keep it locked to our coverage of the show while we try to spot 'em ourselves.

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Skullcandy launches $130 PLYR2 headset for wire-hating gamers

Skullcandy is making sure gamers have yet another item to put on the holiday wishlist with the official debut of the PLYR2, which is not only the company's latest gaming headset but also its first effort at a wireless model. It boasts 2.4GHz wireless audio, Skullcandy's "Supreme Sound" technology, a GMX stereo transmitter for balancing game and voice audio, three different EQ sound modes and an adjustable boom mic that can be flipped up to mute. The PLYR2 is available in black, white and teal for $129.99 and follows the earlier release of a budget-friendly $79.99 SLYR wired headset, while a fancier Dolby Surround Sound-equipped PLYR1 is set to debut in early 2013. Now you can shout expletives in style as you get pwned in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 -- just what you needed, right?

Continue reading Skullcandy launches $130 PLYR2 headset for wire-hating gamers

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Skullcandy Navigator On-ear Headphones

Skullcandy Navigator On-ear Headphones

Skullcandy has rolled out the Navigator on-ear headphones. These headphones feature the brand’s custom styled drivers and highest grade materials. The Skullcandy Navigator on-ear headphones have an ergonomic design to fit the shape of the users head and ears, soft leather touch ear pillows for optimal comfort and detachable cable input to eliminate tangled cords. What’s more, these high-quality headphones also provide Apple’s Mic3 functionality. The Skullcandy Navigator on-ear headphones are currently available at Apple Store. [techPowerUp]

Skullcandy unveils Navigator on-ear headphones, we take a first listen to the Aviator’s petite ‘sibling’

Skullcandy's Navigator headphone brings the Roc Nation Aviator vibe in a petite package, we take a first listen

Believe it or not, what you're looking at above is a set of headphones -- let's explain. It's no secret that Skullcandy has been working to improve its tattered repertoire with headphone junkies for the past two years. Nowadays, it's not uncommon to hear generally favorable opinions about its Jay-Z-endorsed Roc Nation Aviators ($150), and the company has apparently taken notice. Aiming to build on the success it's had blending sunglasses with headphones, it's now ready to let loose a "smaller sibling" into the lineup -- and we've been able to get an exclusive first look and listen.

Without further ado, say hello to the Navigator. Priced at $99, it features a similar aviator-esque style to Jay-Z's model, albeit in a petite on-ear package -- we'd say the design direction this time is even better looking, too. The cans have collapsible earcups with flat earpads and metal construction (just like you'd find on sunglasses), with a faux leather-wrapped headband and a flat tangle-resistant cable (detachable) which houses an iDevice-compatible three-button remote and microphone. Skullcandy is being light on technical details at the moment, but we do know that the headphones will come in a choice of black or black with blue lenses earcups. Interests piqued? The Navigator will officially land at Apple stores tomorrow, where they'll be an exclusive offering until the end of the month -- in the meantime, join us past the break for our initial impressions.

Continue reading Skullcandy unveils Navigator on-ear headphones, we take a first listen to the Aviator's petite 'sibling'

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Skullcandy unveils Navigator on-ear headphones, we take a first listen to the Aviator's petite 'sibling' originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skullcandy takes another shot at gaming headsets, quietly reveals SLYR, PLYR 2 and PLYR 1

SkullCandy takes another shot at gaming headsets, quietly reveals SLYR, PLYR 2 and PLYR 1

Giving you the option to Edit your own Aviator headphones isn't the only news the fashionable folks at Skullcandy had up their sleeve for the end of 2012; with a bit of help from Astro Gaming (a recently acquired asset), it's also taking another stab at gaming headsets. The company's touting three new models: SLYR, PLYR 1 and PLYR 2, all of which were quietly detailed on its site within the last week. While Astro caters its full-on gaming audio systems (A30, A40 and A50) above the $200 mark, these Skullcandy-branded headsets essentially bring the ethos of those models to more wallet-friendly prices point of $80 to $180 -- not to mention in closer competition with the likes of Turtle Beach and Tritton. Most notably, Astro was quick to highlight to us that Skullcandy's new batch of gaming-focused earblasters have been created from the ground-up, unlike its models passed which were just tweaks to its existing -- and less than well-received -- headsets. Curious for the initial details on these latest gaming audio aids? Lucky for you, we've got it all listed just past the break.

Continue reading Skullcandy takes another shot at gaming headsets, quietly reveals SLYR, PLYR 2 and PLYR 1

Skullcandy takes another shot at gaming headsets, quietly reveals SLYR, PLYR 2 and PLYR 1 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skullcandy launches Edit headphone customization service, personalized cans from $199 (video)

Skullcandy launches Edit headphone customization service, personalized cans from $199

One charge you could never level at Skullcandy is that its headphones are drab. But, if you were still thinking that the designs just aren't, well, jazzy enough, perhaps the new Edit service is for you. Taking a page out of Fanny Wang's book, the headphone maker has handed the painter's palette over to you. An online tool presents you with a stock pair of Aviators, letting you choose the color of the headband, frame, cord and ear caps -- all for $199. If you're even more fussy specific, an extra $20 will open up extra cap options. The creatively challenged among you needn't worry either, as there is a randomize button, and once you've conjured up something to your taste, naturally you can share it with your social world. Already set on your team's colors? Wave a brush over the source link to get started.

Continue reading Skullcandy launches Edit headphone customization service, personalized cans from $199 (video)

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Skullcandy launches Edit headphone customization service, personalized cans from $199 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 06:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Astro Gaming’s A50 wireless headset: the A40 and Mixamp 5.8 become one for $300

Astro announces A50 wireless headset,

Turtle Beach may have acquired the MLG-endorsement crown that Astro Gaming used to solely hold for its headsets, but it's no matter as Astro has something else up its sleeve: the A50 wireless headset. Announced here at E3, the A50 is essentially the result of embedding the Mixamp 5.8's wireless chops into its flagship A40, finally sparing users of any pesky wiring and external beltpacks. Naturally, the stereo headset is compatible with Xbox 360, PS3 and computers, and it features Dolby virtual 7.1 surround sound -- not to mention Astro's signature game and voice chat mixing control (built into the earcup) so you can dial your game audio in the way you want. The A50 sports an internal battery that recharges over USB and a stand is included for storage that also houses its Mixamp 5.8 TX-esque wireless transmitter. That transmitter can also send sound to multiple A50s, although there is currently no word on exactly how many. Notably, the headset uses Kleer lossless audio technology and you'll have a choice between three EQ presets to shape overall voicing of the sound -- both firsts for Astro. The A50 is slated to hit shelves soon priced at $300, and we'll be sure to bring you our impressions as once we check it out here on the show floor. For now, you'll find a closeup of the headset itself after the break.

Continue reading Astro Gaming's A50 wireless headset: the A40 and Mixamp 5.8 become one for $300

Astro Gaming's A50 wireless headset: the A40 and Mixamp 5.8 become one for $300 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Giveaway: win one of five pairs of Skullcandy Hesh on-ear headphones!

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We're not going to lie: we sometimes wish our giveaways could extend out to us as employees. Skullcandy just released its latest lineup of new gear, and the Supreme Sound Hesh -- billed as a mid-tier on-ear headphone that has the sound of sets twice its cost -- looks pretty tempting. The Hesh aims to enhance the bass, natural voice and precision highs, regardless of what you're listening to (we know you enjoy the occasional Air Supply, no need to be ashamed). As always, just read the rules and hook us up with a comment below to enter. There's five sets of headphones to be won this time around!

Update: due to some technical difficulties, we're extending the deadline for submitting your comment to 11:59AM on May 9th. Thanks!

Continue reading Engadget Giveaway: win one of five pairs of Skullcandy Hesh on-ear headphones!

Engadget Giveaway: win one of five pairs of Skullcandy Hesh on-ear headphones! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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