PCR’s guide to headphones and speakers

Headphones and speakers are one of the largest areas of the consumer tech market. With millions being spent on marketing it’s difficult to pick out the best choices. PCR takes a look at some of those options available to consumers

HyperX Revolver

Distributor: Entatech

HyperX Cloud Revolver boasts a durable steel frame for long-lasting durability and stability. Its detachable noise-cancelling microphone offers clearer voice quality and reduced background noise for better in-game chatting. 

Specs: 50mm driver,12Hz – 28kHz, 376g

SRP: £99.98

HyperX Cloud Stinger

Distributor: Entatech

The Cloud Stinger boasts a whole range of features to make it a great choice for gaming. 50mm directional drivers, flip up mute microphone, volume slider control on headset, 90 degree earcup swivel and more.

Specs: 50mm driver, 18Hz – 23kHz, 275g

SRP: £49.99

Sennheiser MB 660

Distributor: Corporate Telecom, Duplex, Nimans, Tech Data, Westcoast, Westcon

Certified for Skype for Business and optimised for all major UC and softphone brands, the MB 660’s lightweight, sleek design integrates state-of-the-art microphone and noise filtering for superior sound and comfort.

Specs: Bluetooth, 30 hour battery wired, 20 hour battery wireless, NFC

SRP: £385.00

Approx 2.1 Multimedia Mini Speakers

Distributor: Spire

The APPSP21M is a compact speaker set with subwoofer. Designed for those who want to enjoy their music with style, its sleek, slim design offer a modern touch to your computer and is ideal for both PCs and laptops.

Specs: 20Hz – 18KHz, 0.4920 kg, 10W RMS

SRP: £12.99

Sandberg Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones

Distributor: Spire

True wireless sound directly to your ears, entirely without cables, not even between the two ear plugs. They are charged in the included dock, doubling as a powerbank, which can charge a smartphone on the go.

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, 150g, 20 x 10 x 3 cm

SRP: £72.99

Sandberg Derecho Gaming Headset

Distributor: Spire

Sandberg Derecho Headset is a solidly constructed headset that will sonically bowl you completely over with its virtual 7.1 surround sound.

Specs: 40mm driver, -46 dB ± 3dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz

SRP: £45.99

Creative Outlier Sports

Distributor: Exertis

The Creative Outlier Sports are a pair of high-performance lightweight wireless in-ear headphones that stay secure and comfortable in your ears even when your workout gets tough. 

Specs: 20Hz – 20kHz, 15g, 11 hour battery

SRP: £59.99

Creative Sound BlasterX Katana

Distributor: Exertis

The Katana is the world’s first under monitor audio system and can be effortlessly tucked right under a monitor or TV. It delivers ultra-precise audio and comes with Aurora Reactive Lighting System.

Specs: Bluetooth 4.2, Soundbar: 1.5kg, Sub: 4kg, Soundbar: 60.0 x 600.0 x 79.0 mm, Sub: 333 x 130 x 299 mm

SRP: £279.99

Hama Insomnia VR Headset for PS4/PS VR

Distributor: Hama

Connecting directly to the 3.5mm port of a Dualshock 4 controller, large circumaural ear cushions and a removable microphone allow you to comfortably immerse yourself in long gaming and chat sessions on the PS4 and PS VR. Premium audio quality with high frequency response brings the VR world to life around as you experience the sound of your environment in crystal clear definition and deep bass.

Specs: 20 Hz – 22 kHz, 112 dB +/- 3 dB

SRP: £39.99

Fresh ‘n Rebel Rockbox Slice Fabriq Edition

Distributor: Hama

Using Bluetooth 4.0 technology to connect wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet or notebook, the contemporary, super-slim design of the new Rockbox Slice slips perfectly into your pocket or bag for on-the-go portability. Fashionably dressed in woven fabric and embellished by a signature leather label, the Slice comes in a choice of 8 eye-catching colours, each packed with a1400mAh battery.

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, 10 hours playtime, 140 x 75 x 29 mm, 380g

SRP: £34.99

Audio Pro Addon T3

Distributor: Hama

The award-winning Addon is designed by a team of top audio engineers and has a long-lasting 30hrs of portable battery powered playback. Using Bluetooth 4.0 to connect instantly to your smartphone or mobile device, the T3 is finished with high quality leather and aluminium materials to complement and enhance the acoustic dynamics and deep bass, ensuring your music is felt as well as heard.

Specs: 11.5 X 21.5 X 13.5 cm, 60 Hz – 20 kHz, 25 W

SRP: £199.99

Marshall Mid Bluetooth

Distributor: Hama

Carrying on the Marshall legacy, the Marshall Mid is a robust, premium Bluetooth headphone equipped with the latest aptX technology, a relentless 30-hour battery life and stacks of iconic Marshall Rock n’ Roll charm. Custom 40mm dynamic drivers provide a hearty sound with just the right amount of bass to provide a clear, well-balanced sound whilst a padded headband ergonomic fit.

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, 30 hours playtime, 40mm driver, 95 dB 

SRP: £170.00

MasterPulse in-ear Gaming Headset

Distributor: Entatech, Exertis

The MasterPulse in-ear headphones are forged for those who demand portability and exceptional sound quality. Featuring exclusive 8mm drivers with patented Bass FX technology, high-grade aluminum housing and passive noise isolation, MasterPulse also includes an in-line microphone with a precise sensor for clearer audio and less background noise. 

Specs: 8mm driver, 119 dB ± 3 dB, 20mW

SRP: £44.99

MasterPulse Over-ear with Bass FX

Distributor: Entatech, Exertis

On top of a full suite of advanced components, 2.0 channel audio and 44mm drivers, MasterPulse Over-ear headset features Bass FX – removable magnetic side panels that allow you to customize your audio experience. Close the panels to increase the treble and passive noise isolation or remove them to open up sound and enhance bass.

Specs: 44mm driver, 118 dB ±3 dB, 100mW

SRP: £64.99

MasterPulse Pro Over-ear with Bass FX

Distributor: Entatech, Exertis

MasterPulse is a stylish over-ear headset, equipped with virtual 7.1 channel surround sound and Cooler Master patented Bass FX technology for two easy-to-switch sound modes. It has a comfortable lightweight design, includes an in-line dedicated sound card, RGB illuminated ear cups and 3+1 equalizer profiles.

Specs: 44mm driver, 118 dB ±3 dB, 100mW

SRP: £84.99

BE Sport3 Wireless in-ear headphones

Distributor: Exertis, Nunu

The BE Sport3 earphones are a great fitness accessory with superior sound and a rock solid fit no matter how vigorous the workout. Crafted from metal and polycarbonate, these are tough, lightweight and resistant to rain, sweat and dust (IP55-rated) so the perfect training partner for the gym, running or any other workout.

Specs: 6mm driver, 102dB +/-3dB at 1kHz, 15g

SRP: £79.99

BE6i Wireless in-ear headphones

Distributor: Exertis, Nunu

The BE6i earphones feature Bluetooth with aptX and AAC for exceptional CD-quality audio streaming and compatibility with iPhone, Android and Windows. 

Specs: 10mm driver, 95dB +/-3dB at 1KHz, 19g

SRP: £99.99

NE750M in-ear headphones

Distributor: Exertis

Precision machined from aircraft grade aluminium, the NE750M earphones serve remarkably detailed and acoustically neutral sound by eliminating unwanted vibrations. 

Specs: 8.6mm driver, 113dB +/-3dB, 14g

SRP: £79.99

NE800M in-ear headphones

Distributor: Exertis

The Optoma NuForce NE800M earphones have a carbon fibre shell and a sound nozzle meticulously machined from solid brass, resulting in outstanding sound quality, free from micro-dynamic vibrations. 

Specs: 10Hz – 40kHz, 113dB+/-3dB, 18g

SRP: £129.99

HEM high resolution in-ear headphones

Distributor: Exertis

Optoma NuForce’s range of Hi-Res certified in-ear headphones HEM8, HEM6, HEM4 and HEM2. feature balanced armature drivers – setting a new standard for accuracy, speed and comfort.

Specs: Varies

SRP: £199.99 – £449.99

Edifier Prisma Encore

Distributor: Digitek

The Edifier Prisma Encore is a Stylish Bluetooth speaker that complements any space. This speaker is armed with a professional amplifier system with Digital Signal Processing and Dynamic Range Control technologies.

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, Satellites: 110mm x 247mm x 103mm, Subwoofer: 283mm x 216mm x 301mm

SRP: £129.99

Veho ZB-1

Distributor: Exertis

Small, lightweight and wireless low energy Bluetooth connectivity designed for taking your workouts to the next level. Ideal for gym workouts, cycling, running, skiing and any other sports activity. 

Specs: Bluetooth 4.1, 8 hours music playback, 3 hours talk time, 4.7cm X 2.5cm X 77cm, 30g

SRP: £39.95

Veho M8 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

Distributor: Exertis

The M8 is an easy to pair speaker that connects with smartphones, tablets, MP3 players or any other Bluetooth device. Rich sound with dual passive subwoofers from the built-in 2 x 10W speakers. 

Specs: Bluetooth CRS 4.0, 2 x 10W, 15 hours music playback, 17cm X 17cm X 93cm, 550g

SRP: £139.95

Veho M10 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

Distributor: Exertis

The M10 works with any Bluetooth device and includes smart NFC Android pairing. 2 x 20W bass drivers and 2 x 10W treble drivers delivering clean, crisp and powerful sound quality.

Specs: Bluetooth CRS 4.0, NFC, 2 x 20W base + 2 x 10W tweeters, 9 hours music playback, 28cm X 29cm X 17cm, 2.9kg

SRP: £199.95

CONTACT

Entatech – 0333 101 1000

Exertis – 0208 200 8282

Corporate Telecom – 0194 226 2526

Digitek – 0125 470 3000

Duplex – 0203 411 8210

Hama – 0333 123 4262

Nimans – 0161 925 1980

NuNu – 0203 544 2338

Spire – 0120 282 8444

Tech Data – 0125 678 8134

Westcoast – 0118 912 6000

Westcon – 0129 380 6004