A kinder, gentler headphone
(Credit:
Ultrasone)
When earbuds just aren't enough to keep the distracting masses from interrupting whatever it is you're preoccupied with at the time, portable headphones are the next step.
On Thursday, Ultrasone announced the HFI-15G headphones. Deemed the smallest headphones in Ultrasone's line--although exactly how small is unclear--the HFI-15G features Ultrasone's patented S-Logic Natural Surround Sound technology. What exactly is the big deal about that?
Well, according to the company, the technology reduces sound pressure on the eardrum by up to 40 percent. It's supposed to result in a safer listening experience for the user. The S-logic technology purportedly directs sound to the listener's outer ear as opposed to directing sound into the inner ear.
The company adds: "The human ear relies on the outer ear for three-dimensional understanding or defining the direction and distance where a sound comes from."
Cool. I didn't realize other headphones directed sound to the inner ear, but according to this Web site, the technology can be verified. Also check put this video for more information on the technology.
The HFI-15G costs about $109 and is available at Guitar Centers, Moog Music, Audio Midi.com, Bayview Pro Audio, and Northern Sound and Light.
Eric Franklin refused to write a bio, saying, "Why are you bothering me about this bio business again? If I wanted people to know more about me, I'd send them to the Inside CNET Labs Podcast" (shameless plug). E-mail Eric. 
These have been around for quite a while. Maybe as far back as 2003 or 2004.
See thread below for some thoughts posted in 2006. These are generally well thought of.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/just-got-ultrasone-hfi-15g-183472/