Denon is getting a little headphone happy. The company just announced plans to unleash 11 pairs of headphones, in four different styles -- or "lifestyles," as the company puts it.
For the audiophile, Denon will debut the Music Maniac line with three different models. Each one also pairs nicely with the Denon Audio app, which allows listeners to create and store custom listening settings, tune into web radio, and/or create and store playlists.
Kicking things off is the $349 AH-C400 Music Maniac In-Ear Headphones. This one has in-ear housing with two Balanced Armature drivers in zinc die-cast housing. It also has a teflon-coated, non-tangle cable that has an in-line remote and mic for use with an iPod, iPhone or iPad. Of course, expect a variety of eartips to customize that fit.
Next up is the AH-D6000 Music Maniac Over-Ear model. With an MSRP of $499, this model has Denon's 50mm Free Edge Nano Fiber driver, which promises to perform as nicely as a box loudspeaker. Two cables are included, which are detachable. Denon says you can even make your own custom cable, for a truly personalized listening experience. Other features include patent-pending pentagonally-shaped memory foam earpads and an adjustable headband.
Last in this line, we have the AH-D7100 Music Maniac Artisan Headphones. The $1199 MSRP restricts this model to serious audiophiles only. It also has the 50mm Free Edge Nano Fiber, as well as real African Mahogany Wood Ear Cups, detachable cables, and the pentagonally-shaped memory foam earpads. This model also comes packing a desktop display stand for showing off that purchase.
The next line is Denon's Urban Raver, which is targeted towards the younger enthusiast with varying musical tastes -- and maybe love for a little extra bass. Denon recommends pairing one of these models with the Denon Club app, which has web radio and the option to create and share custom EQ curves. One extremely fun, unique feature also provides listeners with one-touch access to song lyrics. That's right, you never have to sing the wrong words again! (You're on your own with the key, though.)
At $249, the AH-C300 is the least expensive model in this line. It's an in-ear model, featuring the company's patent-pending Double Air Compression Driver technology. Each ear piece has two 11mm drivers with a patented nozzle profile for long, comfortable listening sessions. This one also has a mini control wheel that can be paired with any iOS device, as well as an integrated microphone on the ear piece.
The AH-D400 Urban Raver Over-Ear Headphones have a 50mm driver, an integrated power amplifier, and a $399 MSRP. The rechargeable battery promises 12 hours of listening time, with the passive mode providing a little extra juice when plugged in. It's also pretty fashionable, with a blue LED light on the control wheel. Other features include a mic on the ear cup, the pentagonally-shaped memory foam ear pads, and a 2-Axis ear cup design.
If you travel often, you may want to take a peek at Denon's Globe Cruiser line. Designed with the frequent traveler in mind, this model also has its own app, Denon Travel. This is similar to the other ones mentioned above, but adds in the ability to launch travel-related apps from one main portal.
This line features the AH-W200 Globe Cruiser In-Ear model, which has an MSRP of $179. Featuring integrated controls and a microphone, this model has Bluetooth support and noise isolation. Other features include an integrated amplifier and aptX decoding for CD-quality audio. This model also has the passive mode, but a rechargeable battery can provide 5 hours of playtime.
The other model in this line is the AH-NCW500 Globe Cruiser On-Ear. Available in black or silver for $499 (MSRP), this model has the noise cancelling and Bluetooth, as well as a 40mm driver, an integrated amplifier, and AAC and aptX decoding. With the cable connected, passive power is an option. Otherwise, roam free for up to 10 hours with the rechargeable battery. Designed to fold flat into a case the size of an iPad, the AH-NCW500 also has Denon's control wheel and dual integrated microphones on the earcups.
Finally, there's the Denon Exercise Freak. As you may have guessed, this line is geared towards people that are into exercise. This one also has its own app, Denon Sport. What sets this app apart from the others is that it features GPS to track outdoor workouts, can log indoor workouts, and even allows the users to compare an exercise regime with friends.
At $149, the AH-W150 Exercise Freak In-Ear Headphones are lightweight, sweat-proof and have integrated controls and microphones. Another nice feature is Bluetooth, making them wireless for up to 7 hours of playback. This one can be had in black, blue or yellow.
There's An App for That
As noted above, Denon is releasing iPhone and Android apps, which are intended to enrich the lives of their headphone users. Although they categorize them by headphone line, any of these apps (which are planned to sell for 99 cents each) will work with any of the Denon headphones. A Denon spokesperson says that each app may also work with competing brands, but don't be surprised if some of the features aren't readily available.
The Denon Audio app is geared towards Music Maniac users and features an integrated audio player for playback of all of the music stored on your smartphone. Users can create playlists directly inside the app or access one of the 60,000 web radio stations available through TuneIn. This one also allow users to customize EQ & EQ Presets to set music levels for the best possible performance.
Urban Raver users may be more interested in the Club app. This one also offers customized EQ & EQ Presets, but adds more of an overall social element. Club app users can update Facebook and Twitter through the app on music they like from the Urban Raver Community, discover new artists or share artist info. Another huge perk is the aforementioned lyrics feature, which can display lyrics to what's playing at the touch of a button.
For the Globe Cruiser, Denon has a compatible Travel app. This compiles a list of frequently used travel applications into one portal. Other perks include TuneIn web radio access, custom EQ & EQ Presets, and the option to create in-app music playlists.
The Exercise Freak will also find something special in the Denon Sport app. Created in conjunction with MapMyFITNESS, this one includes GPS tracking for outdoor activities, as well as Facebook and Twitter integration for those wanting to show off exercise accomplishments. Users can also share and track fitness goals in the app's workout journal, map locations, keep pace times, and show target pace info.
Where to Buy:
