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Polk Audio Launches Ultrafit Headphone Line for Athletes and Fitness Buffs

By Chris Boylan

 

At a rooftop press event in downtown Manhattan yesterday, Polk Audio officially launched its first ever headphone line. Polk's Ultrafit headphones are designed to stay in or on your ears no matter how active you are, providing high quality sound even during intense physical activity. The line currently includes three in-ear models ranging in price from $49.95 to $99.95 as well as one on-ear model priced at $69.95.

On hand to celebrate the launch were professional athletes including basketball players, Thad Young and Rudy Gay, soccer star Heather Mitts and Major League Lacrosse star MVP Paul Rabil. After a brief overview and introduction by a Polk executive, the athletes went into some detail describing what they liked most about the new headphones.  Right down the line, this diverse group touted the comfortable fit -- particularly during exercise routines -- and the sound quality.

Thad Young of the Philadelphia 76ers said that the sound quality and isolation were so good that he would sometimes lose himself with the music (Linkin Park, if you must know) forming images inside his head, while Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies admitted to listening to Rihanna as a guilty pleasure while working out.

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A panel of professional athletes discusses their own personal experiences with Polk's new headphones.

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Cool headphones and cold beer take the edge off a hot New York City evening.
Journalists also had the opportunity to check out the new ‘phones with listening stations set up in various corners of the event space. The flagship in-ear Ultrafit 3000 earphones ($99.95) offered good bass extension and midrange clarity, and a comfortable fit. Because of a flexible but semi-rigid arm that goes above each ear, the earphones stayed firmly in place even while tugging hard on the headphone cord. Similarly the Ultrafit 2000 on-ear model ($69.95) sat comfortably against my ears while its gentle but firm pressure against my head kept the headphones in place. Both models come with a variety of different sized and shaped tips or pads to fit virtually any ear and head.

All headphones in the line come with a short 14-inch cable with extension cables included that accommodate players placed ina a pocket, strapped to the arm or dangling like a pendant. The flat cable design prevents tangle and several models feature color coded earpieces and cables that make it easy to identify the left and right channels at a glance.

The two higher end in-ear models (Ultrafit 1000 and 3000) come with the three-button Apple-specific iPod/iPhone controls and integrated microphone. This allows you to control track playback and volume remotely and to take a call without touching your phone, iPod or iPad. The on-ear model (Ultrafit 2000) also includes this three-button control but it is integrated into one of the ear-pieces.

Polk UltraFit Headphones Line Details:

UltraFit 500, In-Ear Headphone ($49.95): High performance digital sound;
SecurefitTM support; two ultra-flexible tangle-free, planar audio cables;
StrainguardTM; moisture shield; 3.5mm connector. Available in black/red, black/gold, white/orange and white/gray. Zippered, vented protective case; 41-inch cable; 14-inch cable; three pair StayFitTM silicone tips.

UltraFit 1000, In-Ear Headphone ($69.95): High performance digital sound; inline 3-button remote control and microphone; SecurefitTM support; two ultra-flexible, tangle-free planar audio cables; StrainguardTM; moisture shield; 3.5mm connector. Available in black/red and white/gray. Zippered, vented protective case; 41-inch cable; 14-inch cable; three pair StayFitTM silicone tips.

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The Ultrafit 2000 features a snug fit and band that goes behind the head.

UltraFit 2000, On-Ear Headphone ($69.95): High performance digital sound;
built-in 3-button remote control and microphone; SecurefitTM support; ultra-flexible, tangle-free planar audio cable; StrainguardTM; moisture shield; airframe design; reflective wraparound headband; 3.5mm connector. Available in black/red and white/orange. Zippered protective case; one pair silicone ear pads; two pair foam ear pads; one pair cold-weather shearling ear pads.

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Polk's Ultrafit 3000 comes in three color combinations. Earpieces and cables are color-coded so it's easy to tell your right from your left.

UltraFit 3000, In-Ear Canal Headphone ($99.95): Ultra high performance digital sound: in-line 3-button remote control and microphone; SecurefitTM support; two ultra-flexible, tangle-free planar audio cables; StrainguardTM; moisture shield; 3.5mm connector. Available in black/red, white/gray and white/orange. Zippered, vented protective case; 41-inch cable with in-line Apple® control, 14" cable, three pair StayFitTM silicone tips; two pair StayFitTM 3-flange silicone tips, three pair memory foam tips.

Polk says that all four models will be available to purchase imminently at select online and brick and mortar stores. Polk also hinted at more headphone models coming soon including an ultra high-end on-ear model that they say will compete with the most expensive headphones available today.

More Information on the new line can be found at www.PolkUltrafit.com.

 

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