gulf badinage: Klipsch revamps Image One series headphones, intros first Bluetooth variant

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Klipsch revamps Image One series headphones, intros first Bluetooth variant

As if updating and expanding its in-ear headphone lineup wasn't enough, Klipsch has gone ahead and unveiled its revamped Image One on-ear set here at Irving Plaza in NYC. As we're told, the new Image One is acoustically similar to its predecessor, but now it has a more stylish and robust design that should hold up better over time. Notably, the headphones only have a single cable leading into the left earcup (rather than splitting into both cups like the original), and the leather earpads are now of the flat variety. Beyond that, the earcups can still fold flat and into the headband for storage in a stuffed bag, and an Apple-certified inline remote / mic will help you control your music and calls on the go. Best of all, pricing still remains set at 150 bones.

Rather than just tweaking the original, however, Klipsch has decided to finally enter the wireless headphone game by offering a $250 Bluetooth-equipped variant for those who hate cords. This version looks nearly identical, with the subtle tweak of having the playback controls positioned as buttons on the outside of the right earcup. The cans sport a built-in rechargeable battery, yet the set only gains 10 grams of weight (180 grams total) on top of its wired sibling -- should the battery die, a detachable cable allows for passive functionality. What's more, audiophiles will pleased to know that aptX and A2DP support is baked-in for high-quality lossless audio streaming. If your ears are already tingling with excitement, the updated Image One and Image One Bluetooth are set to hit shelves by the end of the month. We're already putting both sets of cans through their paces here at the event, so check back soon as we'll be updating this post with our initial impressions.

Continue reading Klipsch revamps Image One series headphones, intros first Bluetooth variant

Filed under: Wearables