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September 19, 2008 3:17 PM PDT

Two new headphones from Acoustic Research hit this fall

by Jeff Bakalar
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(Credit: Acoustic Research)

Acoustic Research announced two new specialty headphones models on Friday: a 5.1 USB solution and wireless headphones that offer uncompressed sound quality up to 100 feet.

The ARW200 5.1 Dolby Digital headphones connect to any PC or Mac via an open USB port and provide you with three separate speakers in each ear. The headphones also fold up in an included travel bag for 5.1 on the go. Also included is optional software should you want to save your personal treble and bass settings. Retailing for $100, the ARW200 are available now. We recently took a look at the Turtle Beach Ear Force AK-R8 and will put these two head-to-head for our review.

The AWD209 Wireless Headphone System complements the AWD510 that we recently reviewed, except the 209s do not offer true 5.1 surround. Instead, these headphones have two speakers in each ear cup, one of which is completely dedicated to bass output. Acoustic Research claims the phones will work up to 100 feet via the 2.4GHz transmitter and will provide uncompressed sound for up to eight hours. The AWD209 will be available in October for $150.

Look for reviews of both these headphones in coming weeks.

Before covering games and gear for CNET Reviews, Jeff Bakalar dabbled in film and video production. An avid writer, reader, and gamer, Jeff is also an obsessive New Jersey Devils hockey fan. Catch him live every day as the co-host of CNET's infamous podcast, The 404.
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by joshlasser September 21, 2008 11:01 AM PDT
I've never been someone to go out and spend tons of money on computer speakers or headphones. I mean, I have both and wouldn't want a computer without them, but I can't imagine buying expensive ones, I've just never seen the point. However, I might be the only person to feel that way as more than one type of speaker system definitely appear at <a href=http://unspun.amazon.com?rff=jl_c_tech>UnSpun by Amazon</a> in their new <a href=http://unspun.amazon.com?list=21376&rff=jl_c_tech>Most Essential Computer Accessory list</a>.
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by alien_brain September 21, 2008 4:16 PM PDT
Impressive!
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