russian

Phone Search:

RSS

Samsung Galaxy Note. First Look

Today, large companies, especially corporate giants like Samsung, do not surprise users with extraordinary products...

First look. Sony ST21i Tapioca Microsoft Windows Phone 7: Reasons for Failure First Look at Samsung Galaxy S3 as a 2012 Flagship

Reviews Editorials

Mobile Phones Editorials MP3 Forum

Made for iPhone/iPod: Monster PowerBeats by Dr.Dre

In the box:

Headphones
Case
Converter
Tips
Clip

It happened that on our website you can find the info about almost all products from Monster created together with Dr.Dre. Among the lineup there are some models I like very much and Diddy Beats is still my personal favorite.

	Review of Monster Cable Beats by Dr.Dre Pro
	Review of Monster Cable Beats by Dr. Dre Solo
	Made for iPod, iPhone, iPad: Monster DiddyBeats headset and Butterfly
	Review of Monster Cable Turbine with ControlTalk

I would like to emphasize that Monster is doing well by turning headphones into a stylish and almost cult gadget. It took years of hard work and investment, but now the manufacturer can reap the reward. All companies selling Apple products and accessories can easily order any Monster model, because the clients are eager to snap everything they offer. Don't think that people find the price of $280 too high for headphones. There are more than enough customers to wait for Monster products impatiently. In this case I wanted to check how this headphones will work in the gym, where I am trying to spend at least 4 hours a week. I belong to the target audience due to my sports interests, ownership of iPhone and several iPods. In other words I like impressive gadgets.

Design

The headphones are shipped in a beautiful box with the poetic text at the back: "Music is a powerful motivator. As a kid, it was my escape. Now, it`s the driving force that takes my training to a whole other level. No matter if i`m on the court or off the court, music is instilled into my soul and keeps me going. PowerBeats represents everything that music means to me". It was written by LeBron James aka King James. Professional trainers suggest that it is not a good idea to wear headphones while lifting weights. Running with the phones in is possible, but you may lose the concentration.

Nevertheless, in the box you can find a case and a smaller number of tips in comparison with the other models from Monster. The cord is standard and can be easily twisted. The headphones have sports looks. Appropriate selection of tips ensure effective use and the headbands are extra. To ensure the stylistic consistence PowerBeats received a red cord and headbands. PowerBeats are convenient in use, while rubber headbands can be easily set the way you need. The main part of the body is made of red glossy plastic with the B logo and is coupled with the chrome like plastic. Cord sections are symmetrical and the joint is decorated with the Monster logo. In the gym your gear will be immediately appreciated, especially if you go to some glamorous place. The clientele of stylish sports centres often concentrates not on sports, but on clothes and accessories people boast there. The only thing I want to say that PowerBeats is a good model for such an occasion.

There are no complaints about the build. The plug is straight, which is another peculiar feature of PowerBeats in comparison with the rest of the Monster portfolio. I think it is more convenient this way. If you need to fix the cord to the clothes you can use the holder from the box. The length can be customized with special rings.

The model looks sporty and aggressive. Apart from the red version there are white and black ones. I find the white model the most aesthetically appealing.

Convenience of Use

The model can be easily and firmly fixed. The headband does not irritate and the tips are appropriate as well. Sound insulation deserves compliments too. We have large earbuds here. The cord is long enough as there is nothing redundant in this model.

Remote

As far as we have a headset on our hands and not the headphones (though the difference is not crucial) there is a remote. Luckily, three buttons were added. Two are responsible for the volume and the last one is multifunctional. It helps you start and pause the playback, move between tracks and use fast forward option. With iPhone 4 the controls worked excellently.

Sound

There are some issues here. I found the sound too high and if Diddy Beats is ideal for the fans of gloomy techno and house then Power Beats is too transparent and clear. The result depends upon the track you play and the sound source, but this model is definitely not ideal for iPhone 4. On the other hand the equalizer can help a lot, but adjustments will be required for every track, which is way too complicated. Details are not ideal, so this model is good enough for the gym and can be tolerated by unassuming listeners, but true audiophiles will definitely revolt against it.

Conclusions

PowerBeats cost around $250 at the moment, which is a bit questionable. The same applies to other models in the lineup though. As I said there will always be people willing to pay for this product. As I am about to return the model to the shop they already have a customer on the waiting list. The customer can be calm as I used my own tips anyway.

Advantages:

Excellent looks (slightly tarnished by a standard cord)
Case
Good remote and impressive microphone
Decent sound insulation
Monster label

Sound complaints are not relevant for the model as it is an image solution to be used in sports centers. If you want to impress others the product will fit the bill perfectly. If you are a serious sports person it can be used as well. Monster are correct to cater for different market segments. A compact cordless model will be welcomed. Monster by Dr.Dre can be recommended for purchase to all sports enthusiasts.

Do you want to talk about this? Please, go to our Forum and let your opinion to be known to the author and everybody else.

Sergei Kuzmin ([email protected])
Twitter Livejournal
Translated by Maxim Antonenko ([email protected])