Total AirHead - Much better!
Written: Sep 11 '02 (Updated Sep 08 '03)
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Pros: Build quality, battery life, portability, increases volume, power, and enhances spatial sound quality
Cons: Not enough of an improvement to warrant the $150 investment.
The Bottom Line: Only recommended for serious music lovers. And even then, you should probably invest more for a better amp.
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| FargoUT's Full Review: HeadRoom AirHead |
After my review of the cheaper "Airhead," I ordered the upgrade--the "Total Airhead". I received the Total Airhead (minus the mini-to-mini connector which HeadRoom says they will ship to me, though why bother? I just went out and bought a mini-to-mini for cheap).
The construction is much more durable. The first thing I noticed was the more attractive appearance. The second thing I noticed was the lack of a mini-to-mini connector. No problem, since they are relatively cheap. I installed the three AAA batteries (not included) and away I went.
SOUND QUALITY: Was the Total Airhead worth $150? No. My Archos Multimedia 20GB MP3 player powered my Sennheiser HD-600s extremely well (I had to turn the volume up very loud to get good power, but it still powered them well). My computer at work powered them very well also. So why buy a Total Airhead amplifier? In all reality, there is no reason. I hear about people saying that the 600ohm impedance of the HD600s can't be powered by portable devices, and yet I have not had a portable device that hasn't powered them well.
That said, the Total Airhead does add something to the music quality. Not quite sure how to explain it. It is extremely subtle, and most listeners probably won't discern the difference. It adds warmth and clarity, yet also adds a sense of "being there." However, played through Windows Media Player, with the WOW! audio feature applied, it is virtually impossible to tell the difference between the amp and the computer.
So why buy the amp? For portable use, of course!!! Unfortunately, nobody is going to be wearing a pair of Sennheiser HD-600s while they take the bus to work. Most portable headphone systems are easily powered by portable units. It is strange, then, that anyone would need a portable headphone amplifier. I use it with my MP3 player, and it adds depth to the music. And since I listen to my MP3 player at work for about 8 hours a day (I leave my CD collection at home), the Total Airhead was worth the $150. Would I recommend it to other people? Only on a rare occasion, when they truly want an improved sound.
BATTERY POWER: HeadRoom states that the Total Airhead will be powered for 40 hours with three AAA batteries. Since I am using NiMH batteries, it should apparently last even longer. Even so, this is a very long battery life.
PORTABILITY: Without the mini-to-mini, it was rather useless. I wonder why HeadRoom even bothered sending it to me. A quick trip to Best Buy, and I had a 6-foot mini-to-mini adapter. This does limit it's portability a bit, but I still am able to use it for my bike rides or trips to the gym. I also have to mention that with the 6-foot cord, some signal degradation may be lost, so the sound quality may be affected. I doubt too much, though, so it doesn't affect my review.
In the end, while it is not an incredible change in music quality, it does add a bit that improves the listening experience. Particularly with well-recorded music, where you can hear the spatial effects. And in spite of what many people have said, HD600s make high-sampled MP3s sound extremely good--sometimes even better than the CD recording!
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 150
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Epinions.com ID:
FargoUT
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Member: Boyd Petrie
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 0 members
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