These headphones blow me away. I’m not a crazy audiophile, but I know what I like in terms of beautiful design, ease-of-use and what sounds to me like great sound.
Phiaton’s Chord MS 530 – $349 at Amazon
Phiaton’s Chord MS 530 headphones are in a new class of headphones that are not only Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless use, but also noise-cancelling. I’ve been using them around the house all week and I’m amazed at how they cancel out ambient noise, like my son’s piano practice, even at lower volumes. Press materials put the noise cancellation at 98%. And because they have the noise-canceling microphone already built-in, that means you have a microphone for Bluetooth-enabled calls at the touch of a button. What is particularly fun on the iPhone is when you touch the “call” button on the side of the headphone, SIRI comes on the phone to silently request what you want. No need to dial, just say who you are calling and the headphones and iPhone do the rest.
Sound quality is guaranteed with Phiaton’s “40mm Titanium Driver Technology.” I have no idea what that means, but listening to Miles Davis, I enjoyed the full immersive sound they provide.
Additionally, I found the pairing to be super-simple. The headphones actually talk to you to tell you they are powered on or Bluetooth-enabled. I wish the power on/off was a switch rather than button you hold in, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to turn them on or off, especially since you hear an audio confirmation.
Even if you leave the headphones on, each full charge gives 18-30 hours of talk or listening time, and even if the battery runs out, you can use an old-fashioned wired connection to continue use with the bright red cord provided.
Also included is a storage bag. I only wish I had a long plane ride coming up to test them further.
“We’re effectively eliminating the need for more than one pair of headphones” said James Baik, President of Phiaton “with the Chord MS 530, you get incredible sound quality, active noise-cancellation, the flexibility of wireless Bluetooth technology and an unrivaled design that stands apart from competitors.”
The Chord MS 530 Headphones employ active noise-cancelling technology, allowing users to listen without outside disturbances, eliminating 98% of ambient background noise. Paired up with Bluetooth 4.0 technology, users are able to listen wirelessly, experiencing improved sound quality, increased range and extended battery life. Additionally the apt-X technology increases digital streaming efficiency and improves the overall dynamic range.
GreatDad.com Review Policy: The featured product for this review was provided to us, at no cost, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. We do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. We only review products that we have personally tested and used in our own homes, and all opinions expressed are our own.