When it comes to earbuds, we go way back. I don’t even know where to start. Maybe it’s two summers ago when a licensed doctor literally asked me to stop wearing them…for my own health. Please follow your smartphone’s audio exposure limits! iPhone users, learn about safe listening habits in the Health app. I won’t get into the waxy details, but as a New Yorker, daily Subway commutes are frankly unbearable without an embodied listening experience. Brownie points if your high-end buds can pull off a V-shaped sound signature with a near-holographic effect.
I know I’m not alone. It’s a rare soul that rides the train bud-less these days. I even overheard a young man on the F train the other day say, “Reading a book on a busy subway car is performative masculinity.” Either way, a ride on the MTA at rush hour surely conjures the dystopian landscape of Fahrenheit 451. Did you read it? The science fiction novel published in 1953 that prophetically depicted the perils of today’s technology-obsessed digital age? Before we even had cell phones, iPods, or ear buds, certainly before digital detox was de rigeur, characters in the now cult classic Fahrenheit 451 wore “Seashells” (or seashell radios) – wireless earplug devices that delivered constant, personalized audio to the wearer. Online synopsis of the book states that seashells symbolize the dystopian society’s reliance on technology to block out reality, foster antisocial behavior, and maintain a shallow, constant distraction. If the bud fits, wear it.
Denon PerL True Wireless Earbuds with Personalized Sound
I know you caught my comment above about the dystopian roots of ‘personalized sound.’ Not to play Devil’s Advocate or anything, but if personalized sound means my listening ears can distinguish deep and powerful bass from crystal clear high notes while also hearing the train conductor (distant but clear), well, that’s not a distraction, that’s a spiritual experience. As for me, when I turn up the volume, it’s like going to church. On that note, if you’re looking for a rich sound that is crisp, clear and immersive – Denon PerL is for you! After downloading the Denon PerL app and creating my personalized sound profile via Adaptive Acoustic Technology™ (AAT™), I was shocked to discover how vivid and spacious my listening experience had become. With active noise cancellation, I felt transported out of public transportation’s dank, trash and homelessness-ridden environment in seconds.
Fully weather and sweat-resistant, Denon PerL earbuds are a bit bigger than usual, with a nice round body similar to a button face. In addition to Denon’s signature sound, you get an impressive 6 hours of battery life. Setup was rather simple, although I recommend sitting perfectly still while you create your (up to three) personalized sound profiles in the app. I had to try this several times because, apparently, I was moving my head slightly. Essentially, AAT™ is custom-designed to measure how you hear music, and the app displays a visual graph as it conducts the test. Taking the already rather impressive sound quality of the buds up several notches, particularly if you’re not used to high-end tech, be prepared to have your mind blown. While I haven’t tried Denon PerL Pro (which retails for $299), positive reviews online suggest they’re also worth it.
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SoundPEATS Air5 Pro+
While these earbuds were designated Pro+, I like that they are still rather affordable. Looking for your sonic sanctuary amidst all the noise and distractions? With AI Adaptive ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), SoundPEATS Air5 Pro+ buds deliver intelligent, real-time audio that automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your environment. With the world’s first true hybrid driver system, Air5 Pro+ combines a MEMS silicon speaker with the dedicated Aptos Class-H amplifier chip XAA-2000.
Imagine hearing details in music you‘ve only dreamed about; the subtle details once hidden by the noise floor are now clearly distinguishable. In layman’s terms, it literally feels like you’re front row at a concert, dodging rockstar sweat. Hailed as ‘wireless that feels wired,’ the custom 10mm dual copper-coil composite diaphragm driver, working in harmony with the MEMS unit, delivers crisp yet smooth highs and full, never-muddy mid-lows. True lossless ensures no perceptible wireless limitation. Transmitting over three times more data than standard Bluetooth, Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable connection with unwavering reliability, even on the go. And if you’re like me, you not only wear your buds on the go, but you literally rely on them to put your body in motion sometimes. Nothing gets me out of the house like thumping base.
If you’re looking to give your listening experience an affordable upgrade, the Air5 Pro+ is sure to bring out the budding audiophile in you. Battery life was impressive, and you can’t beat the SoundPEATS comfort. The only thing that’s missing might be a ‘find my buds’ feature. Because believe me, once you take these Air5 Pro+ for a whirl, your eardrums will never let go.
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