Voxx International was nice enough to send on some Acoustic Research 808 headphones for me to review; here are my impressions!

Voxx International was nice enough to send on some Acoustic Research 808 headphones for me to review.  The Acoustic Research 808 line is intended to deliver studio-quality sound but at a more affordable price point.  Do they succeed?  Let’s find out.  I’ll be comparing these to the Beats Solos that we all bought for our vacation to Hawaii in 2011, and which currently list for $199.99 on Amazon.Com and BestBuy.Com.

Product Details

Here is how Voxx describes the product:

The 808 Concept

It’s pretty simple. 808 is all about street smarts, cutting-edge audio technology, and intelligently priced products for the discerning enthusiast. Our goal is to make gear that works as good as it looks. We set out to make stuff that we’d want to use ourselves. No hype. No silly celebrity endorsements. If it says “808” on it, you can trust that it will not only enhance your listening experience – it will let you hear your music like never before.

The 808 Lineup

Our first release is the Over-The-Ear 808 Signature Series. With details like advanced audio drivers, seamless acrylic finish (your choice of three), foldable design, a great-looking carrying case, and two cable styles, these things scream “quality” – inside and out. We’ve also designed an On-Ear Series (the Drift), and an In-Ear Earbud. We’re planning to release those in 2013, so keep an eye out for more new stuff in the months ahead.

We told you about the 808 Over the Ear Headphones as part of our CES coverage here.  Just a reminder for you:

VOXX Accessories Corp. Introduces Its 808 Line of Studio-Quality Headphones

The 808 line brings studio-quality sound and high-performance personal audio to everyone, at affordable prices

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 7, 2013 – LVCC, CENTER HALL, BOOTH 10404 – VOXX Accessories Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corp. (NASDAQ: VOXX), announced today the launch of its 808 line of studio-quality, high-performance headphones. 808 headphones break down the walls separating regular consumers from high-performance personal audio by delivering studio-quality materials and engineering without the outrageous price. The 808 full-size over-ear models feature powerful 40mm drivers with outstanding response and accuracy in a foldable design and soft, comfortable earcups. 808 full-size headphones also come with multiple detachable cords and a protective travel case. The complete 808 headphone line will add the 808 Drift on-ear models and the 808 Switch in-ear models with detachable cables to the current over-ear headphone styles later this year.

“There are lots of premium headphones on the market that are high performance works of art, with designs and materials that make them more than just products. Studio-quality sound and performance doesn’t need to cost a lot,” said David Geise, President of Voxx Accessories Corporation. “The majority of high-performance headphones in the market today are walled-off from regular consumers by prohibitively high price tags. With many headphones, consumers are paying a premium that has nothing to do with performance. The 808’s have been engineered to deliver the studio-quality and high performance sound that consumers have come to expect from premium headphones, without the outrageous price.”

The 808 full-size headphones are available in three (3) colors: black matte (HPA88BKM), black high gloss (HPA88BKG), and white high gloss (HPA88WHG). Each 808 full-size headphone features 40mm drivers and a foldable design, with two (2) detachable cables (round without mic and flat with mic) as well as a high-quality soft travel case included. These full-size models will be available this month for an MSRP of $99.99. The On-Ear 808 Drifts and In-Ear 808 Switch headphones will be available in the second quarter of 2013.

And the 808 video to get you acclimated to the product: