A few weeks ago SOL REPUBLIC sent a pair of “Tracks” headphones. Given their history in the audio game (several SOL execs were responsible for Monster and Beats by Dre products) we were excited to see just what they had put together for a sub $100 price. The results are astounding.

Full review

Visual: The Tracks are pretty basic at first glance but the interchangeable pieces. Users can add flair with different ear cushions and headbands.

Functionality: The switchable cables and polymer “Sound Track” headbands with FlexTech technology are on point. You can drop, step on or sit on the headphones and they keep ticking—not that we advise you to be destructive with your purchase.

Tracks are very light and comfortable as well. On a five-plus hour flight, I wore them with no discomfort whatsoever.

The three-button remote and microphone is a good look. Granted the feature has become the norm since people started storing music on their smartphones but it is not something you expect from a $99 pair of cans.

Pros: Tracks have all the bells and whistles but they mean nothing if the sound isn’t right. Fortunately the V8 Sound Engine powered headphones produce superior sound. Highs, mids and lows come through with amazing clarity. Even at high volumes there is little to no distortion. Whether your pleasure is vintage Mobb Deep or Bach, Tracks get the job done.

Cons: The interchangeable parts that make SOL stand out can also be a downfall for the new brand. If you have a hard time keeping up with parts, the Track HD’s are not for you. Also, adjusting the removable headband is a different beast than with normal headphones, but over time users will get used to it. The 3-button remote is not Zune or Zune HD friendly.

Overall: Bottom line, you will not find a better pair of headphones for this price.

In a world where streamlined, noise-canceling headsets rule, the Soundesign Retro-style Hi-Fidelity Stereo Headphones are obvious artifacts from years past. Tearing the box open, I realized that these funny looking headphones were the exact ones I used to covet in my youth. As much as I smirked at the old-school design, I remembered that they were the ones I was never allowed to touch while my father played his music. They were the ones I never had enough money to buy for myself. More than two decades later, here they were, in my hands. Above all though, they are proof of how much the industry has changed in regard to how we listen to music.

Full review

SDi (an offshoot of iHome) held on to the black pleather and chrome design made famous by the original, with an adjustable headband and the volume control conveniently located on the earpieces. They aren’t physically appealing at all. I threw the headset on, glanced in the mirror, and thought, “Dork.” I acknowledged the ‘left’ and ‘right’ markings above the earpieces with a chuckle and an eyeroll initially, then considerable warmth. The padded cushions on the earpieces aren’t fitted to hug ears snugly, even my elfishly small ones. I plugged the coiled wire into my laptop to test the sound, which I noticed was clear and crisp, but-possibly because of the ill fit- I could still hear my obnoxious neighbor threatening her man- -again.

Clearly the company was going for nostalgic appeal in rereleasing the Soundesign Hi-Fidelity headphones. I’ll probably never wear them outside of the house, but they do make me smile and they deserve a spot next to the space I’ve cleared for whenever daddy lets me have his records. –N. Graham

SOUL by Ludacris headphones have been getting great placement (peep DJ Premier rocking them during tonight’s BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers) but not so stellar reviews. In what could be considered a financial power move, SOUL is switching the retail game up by selling their entire line in Radio Shack stores nationwide. Ranging in price from $69 to $300, the SL49, SL99, SL100 and SL150 models will be sold in nearly 4,700 convenient locations. Radio Shack doesn’t exactly scream cutting edge high end toys but considering the superior competition available, this might be the best move SOUL has made yet.

SOL (Soundtrack of Life) REPUBLIC headphones officially launched late last month with the goal of bringing quality headphones to the masses at an affordable price.

SOL Republic jumps into the game with a decided advantage over the competition courtesy of former longtime  Monster Cable executive Kevin Lee. Lee was very instrumental in the creation and success of the Beats by Dre line and has turned his experience into a product for true music fans.

The line, which ranges in price from $59.99 to $150.00 features Amps in-ear and on-ear headphones and Tracks on-ear headphones. Both models have an HD option. The higher-end Tracks feature a one-piece adjustable FlexTech polymer headband (making it nearly unbreakable), removable ear cups and detachable/replaceable cables.

We’re not sure how or why headphones would ever be a fashion accessory but just in case that’s your thing the new line will soon feature swappable headbands, speakers and cables in various colors and designs allowing you to personally stylize your music game.

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With everyone rocking expensive rapper endorsed headphones, iHome is flipping the script with a pair of cans that look like something fresh out of a 70’s flick. The SD63 Retro-Style Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones have the look of the past with the sound of today.

Two of the cooler features that we like are the rotary volume control on ear cup and the swiveling ear cups for single-sided or freestyle monitoring (perfect for DJ’s). The SD63’s are available here for $49.99.

Urbanears has been in the game for a year now and they are still hitting consumers off with unique, quality headphones at a decent price. The latest collection features colors that are definitely geared towards the warmer months. The headphones are currently available at Urbanears online store.

Hit the jump for more images.

Yesterday at CES, 50 Cent got suited and booted to announce his new wireless headphones with Sleek Audio. Given that Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre are heavily involved with Monster it is a bit of a surprise that Fif stepped out of the Shady/Aftermath family for this venture. However, you’d be hard pressed to bet against 50 when it comes to smart business ventures.

It is going to be interesting to see how the public responds to all these celebrity driven audio projects. Check out the video above.

Props: RR

The Northern California surf, snow and lifestyle brand, O’Neill has collaborated with Philips Electronics in creating one of the most comfortable headphones this writer’s ever blasted rap through. Philips is known for producing quality products here and there, and this time’s no exception.

Hit the jump for the full review

As soon as I got the package I was so excited to open it that I dropped the headphones and accidentally proved their durability. I composed myself and noted the fabric covered cable extends from one earpiece and doesn’t tangle. Awesome, it’s always been one of my pet peeves to have to stop and fuss with wires when I just want to get where I’m going without my music shorting out or the cable winding around itself.

The other thing I notice before turning the music on is the stretchy headband. I pulled it down over my head and although the headphones look huge in the box (relatively speaking, that is) they fit my ears perfectly. It’s the wetsuit-inspired material that makes the difference. I’ve never had headphones fit my tiny, elf-like ears like the Stretch’s did.

After being aesthetically pleased I couldn’t wait to turn my music up to see if Phillips X O’Neill lived up to the audio test. I chose Meek Mill’s Mr. Philadelphia, with its booming production, to serve as the tester. As “Rose Red” blasted at maximum volume, I didn’t hear anything other than the music. And I mean nothing. The accompanying booklet says that these are noise-isolating headphones and I’m wondering if they didn’t mean noise cancelling, because I walked past a group of loud, cat-calling men and I saw expressions but I didn’t hear a thing but the breakdown of each instrument in each track. Chalk that up as an unexpected plus.

The Stretch are a bit expensive at just under $100, they do live up to the hype when it comes to sound, style and durability. –N. Graham

The Snug

Phillips and O’Neill have joined forces to release a premium line of headphones geared towards those that live an active lifestyle. Tested on the O’Neill team, each pair in the collection is supposed to stand up against the toughest conditions.

Hit the jump for more images and a complete rundown.

The Stretch

The Stretch headphones are said to be the toughest in the new line-up. They are  both impact and high stress-crack
resistant while retaining flexibility and strength.

The Snug model (pictured at top)  is a set of imposing flat-folding, headphones that delivers fit and sound with bold graphics. The in-ear selection includes The Covert, a discreet bud with deceptively powerful sound impact and iPhone control, while The Specked includes a range of three striking colored in-ear buds, with tough yet stylish tangle-free cords for longer listening experiences.

The new Philips X O’Neill Headphones will be available at retail stores throughout Europe and the US from September 2010.

The Covert

The Specked

We got these when the playoffs first kicked off but somehow the release got lost in the shuffle. However, with the NBA’s three month long playoffs the limited edition Skullcandy Mix Master NBA Player Series headphones are still fly and relevant.

Each headphone is limited to 100 pieces. The Mix Master Mike designed cans are gold-plated,coming complete with twin audio inputs, mute button and dual channel cue control to custom fit. The Coil Cable provides the perfect function for any action behind the turntables; while the straight cable lets you hook up to whatever audio device you choose.

Hit the jump for more images and teams included.

The NBA Limited MM collection includes:

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

David Lee, New York Knicks (WTH??)

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Available at Apple Stores in the following markets:

Miami

Boston

Los Angeles

Chicago

New York