Quality speakers, favorite headphones
Q. How does the JBL Flip 3 speaker sound compared to the Amazon Echo? Which is better? — P.K., Cedarburg, Wis.
A. For pure sound quality, I would say the JBL Flip 3. The Amazon speakers sound OK but are not known for class-leading sound quality. The Alexa Voice Assistant is thereason to buy them.
The $39 OontZ Angle 3 Ultra has better sound than any of the Echo speakers, despite being much less expensive. The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra is also better than the JBL Flip 3, so if sound quality is what you are after, the Angle 3 Ultra is what I would buy. If you want a speaker with Alexa, then I would go ahead and get the Echo. amazon.com and theoontz.com Headphone coverage in weeks to come: Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting some great headphonesand earphones I came across at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show. I am starting with what are now my favorite headphones in the $100-and-undercategory.
The Panasonic Retro RPHTX80B over-ear Bluetooth headphones ($99) come from a large company that serves many different product categories, yet they are good enough to have come from a specialty headphone manufacturer. Available in four colors with cool retro styling that looks straight from the 1970s, they are also among the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn. The low weight, soft earcups, and gentle, even pressure from the headband keeps them on securely, yet you never feel encumberedby them.
Though not noise canceling, the headphones do a good job of keeping out external noiseso you can enjoy the music. And enjoy it you will, because the sound quality is stellar. They have a unique sonic signature that does not resemble any other headphones I can think of, yet it is technically excellent and satisfying. They do not sound warm, but neither do they sound bright or sterile, and they have a very robust midrange with a slightlyforward sound and excellent tonal color. The treble is crisp, bass is solid and they are unfazed by complex musical passages, with everything coming through clearly and withoutcongestion.
Battery life is also at the top of the class. A 2.5-hour charge yields 24 hours of playback time, and a quick 15-minute charge yields 2.5 hours, perfect for that lastminute trip to the gym.
Not everything is perfect. They are so good I wish I had the ability to use them with a wired connection as well as Bluetooth, though the long battery life and quick charge capability means it is unlikely that a lack of power will keep you from listening.
The buttons are a little bit small, making it difficult to control playback and volume by feel, and the maximum volume is a bit lower than some competing headphones I have tried. Typically they are loud enough, but there were times I thought certain tracks could use just a touch more loudness and the volumewas maxed out.
Despite these quibbles, the comfort, sound quality, captivating looks, long battery life and low price make the Panasonic Retro RP-HTX80B headphones among the most compelling headphones you can buy for under $100. If you had planned on spending $70 or $80 on Bluetooth headphones, you would be welladvised to dig just a little deeperand get these instead.
I have a more detailed review with lots of pictures on my soundadviceheadphones. website, and when shopping online, be sure to look for the RPHTX80B model number as Panasonichas multiple Retro models available. panasonic.com