Is it hip to be square? Or do Harman Kardon just desperately hope that it is in a hope that hipster audio geeks will buy their first batch? Whatever it is, they’re coming and they’re not badly priced, either.
There are five new models coming from the audio maker that range from different over-ear, in-ear and Bluetooth-enabled over-ear designs.
They all have the same sand blasted steel headband trimmed with a leather interior (which isn’t going to look great after a few uses by those with greasy hair), leather ear pads and some folding designs.
The cheapest you’ll be able to get away with one of these is with the in-ear model NI for $129.95. It features the three-button remote for use with smartphones and is actually meant to be shaped like an iPhone 3GS with its rounded back. The “acoustically-enhanced” in-ear AE model will set you back $199.95 and are designed for listening to music at low volume. The $259.95 on-ear model CL are designed to produce better bass.
The price kicks up even higher when you get to the over ear models. The aptly named BT is designed as a set of Bluetooth-connected headphones complete with the relevant buttons to help control your music and take calls without fishing around your pocket. The most expensive model is the NC at $399.95 which feature active noise-cancellation and a rechargeable battery that boasts 30-hours worth of charge. Good for those sick of carrying batteries around.
They’re all set to arrive in stores in July.
When you think about it, $399.95 for a decent set of headphones isn’t all that bonkers when there are people prepared to pay more for Beats headphones that they have no intention on connecting to anything. What do they look like for you? Would you drop the coin on these?