New portable audio products prove that they havent lost their groove even in the age of smartphones With the advent of smartphones,the portable music industry is facing a new kind of challenge. But the high quality of sound of portable audio products keeps them relevant. Moreover,companies like Cowon and Sandisk have launched products,which can be customised and have great audio quality challenging smartphones. Audio Technica Cube (C101) Rs 600 at www.pristinenote.com At such a low price,one doesnt have high expectations. But the sound quality of C101 earphones is a pleasant surprise. It is several notches superior to smartphone accessories,which produce a nasty mix of different instruments. The C101 clears its first test by reproducing each instrument distinctly,while not making it too harsh on the ears. For lovers of bass-heavy music,C101 may be disappointing,since it doesnt do justice to the bass. The C101 is available in numerous colours from traditional black to yellow with blue. Its sound quality to price ratio is excellent. For those who like earbuds over in-ear-monitors (IEMs),this is a good buy. Audio Technica Dip (CKL 200) Rs 770 Going a step higher are the Dip earphones,which,like the Cube,is a favourite with colour-conscious users. However,when it comes to sound quality,the two are poles apart. If the Cube went out of its way to keep things simple,the Dip does just the opposite though,and produces a bassy thud sound. Hip-hop lovers will be pleased. A key feature of IEM is noise isolation and the Dip does justice to it by reducing outside noise quite a bit. However,some might find the tips a little uncomfortable. Other than that,the Dip is light and well-built. The cord looks weak,so handle it with care. Cowon iAudio 10 Rs 6,750 (4GB) Cowons iAudio 10 combines beauty with utility. It starts with a nice front bezel and finishes with a neatly curved back. Its almost feather-weight at 73g and slips cosily into pockets. A protective case is recommended as even a scratch can ruin that swanky look. The 3-inch TFT screen is accompanied by a capacitive touchpad for input. The colours on the screen can be tweaked using colour therapy modes. It supports video,though the i10 doesnt have the best viewing angle and the screen could seem too small. However,the primary function,playing music,is what it does best. The sound quality is top-class. For the audiophile,this player is a piece of joy,given its customisable equaliser. Want the bass just a little heavier? Are the vocals a little too recessed for your taste? Just tune it to suit your mood. The touchpad is a little confusing,at first,because the function of each button is displayed at the corresponding corner of the screen. But one soon gets used to this. The inbuilt speaker,however,does not pass muster. The battery life of i10 is around 20 hours. However,unlike most Cowon players,it doesnt have an SD card slot. So 32GB is the largest available storage space. Audio Technica Player Series (CKP 300) Rs 1,800 The Player series of earphones is targeted at sportspeople as the company claims they are moisture-resistant. The package comprises the usual accessories different tips,a shirt clip and a cable extension. To get the best fit,try wearing it over the ears. If the Cube was flat-sounding,the Players sound quality can best be described as bright. The sound quality is better than the Dip and Cube,which is expected as it costs over twice as much,though CKP 300 is a little biased towards bass and vocals. It also has the best noise isolation among the three,attributed to its snug fit. The rubbery tips are of good quality and the Player series is sturdy. A slider on the cable,which can be adjusted to prevent tangling,is ideal for joggers.
