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Sep 02, 2023

A Guide to High

Today we’re looking at outfitting the original smart home—your head. Headphones

Today we’re looking at outfitting the original smart home—your head.

Headphones have come a long way from the hulking, stereo-tethered ear muffs of the mid-20th century.

Today's headphones are wireless and feature-full—Bluetooth-enabled receivers that are outfitted with microphones, allowing users to control their phone—or smart home—in an entirely hands-free fashion.

We’re taking a look at some of the finest, high-tech headphones currently available.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd Gen AW19 Limited Edition

Innovators in the audio conveyance, Bang & Olufsen have done it again with the Beoplay H9 3rd Gen AW19 Limited Edition. These wireless, noise-canceling, over-the-ear headphones feature Google Assistant built in and a dedicated button to access the automated intelligence. Expertly crafted by sound engineers, the AW19—which features 25 hours of playtime between charges—is no slouch when it comes to design either. The AW19 offers soft lambskin and memory foam ear cushions, while its frame is made of polished aluminium and genuine cowhide leather. Best of all, the headphones are equipped with a Transparency Mode, allowing users to easily switch between noise canceling and noise permeable.

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd Gen AW19 Limited Edition is available in Chestnut or Peony for $500.

AKG N5005

If in-ear headphones are more your style, then check out the N5005 from the audiophiles at AKG. Featuring a pioneering pairing of dynamic and quad balanced armature drivers in each headphone, the N5005 brings studio-quality sound to your ear canal. Sporting eight hours of battery life; four filters that account for bass, mid, mid-high, and high frequencies as well as a high-performing Bluetooth cable, the N5005 will be more than suitable for all your wireless audio needs, be they music, podcasts, engineering or phone calls.

The AKG N5005 typically retails at $999, but is available for $499 at the time of this writing.

Beats Studio3 24ct Gold Plated by Crystal Rocked

Beats Studio3, the headphones that are half studio quality and half status symbol, haved up their status with this transformation by Crystal Rocked. Using the Beats Studio3 as a base—Apple's wireless, over-the-ear headphones with 22-hour battery life and ANC (Adaptive Noise Canceling) technology designed by Beats by Dre—Crystal Rocked expertly dismantles the device and reassembles it with 24-carat-gold plating throughout. The end result is a highly polished set of headphones that are both high performing and high fashion.

Beats Studio3 24ct Gold Plated by Crystal Rocked, which come with their own Certificate Of Authenticity, are available for $1,184.

V Moda Crossfade Wireless

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of posh styling and sound performance, you’re not going to do better than the V Moda Crossfade Wireless—the multi-award-winning headphones trusted by DJs and performers the world over. Covering up to 33 feet via Bluetooth tethering, 12 hours of wireless music and the ability to switch from wireless to wired, V Moda is able to adapt easily to the user's lifestyle. Patent pending dual-diaphragm drivers, consistent driver quality and Moda's much-lauded micro vamp means the headset provides professional sound quality, form fitting ergosoft foam cushions, as well as a SteelFlex headband.

But it's in customization that the V Moda really separates itself from the competition. While the base model typically retails for $200—currently available for $90—owners have the option to custom 3-D print its V Moda ear shields in a variety of precious metals and designs, which significantly ups the style…and price. For example, simple platinum ear shields will raise the price to $27,000, while platinum ear shields in a dragonscale pattern will boost the cost to $43,000. It's a small price to pay for the most stylish headphones in your social circle.

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