Sol Republic Tracks Headphones, The New Beats By Dr. Dre Hype?

We absolutely love new and innovative headphone companies that aren't afraid to place themselves in between the major players in the audio market. Sol Republic are the perfect example of a new emerging audio company with a set of headphones that aren't just well designed, but extremely well priced too. Monster is without a doubt the market leader when it comes to trendy headphones, but the Tracks headphones by Sol Republic look like they have just enough to offer as their competitors and at a more affordable price tag. Best Buy is already selling the Sol Republic Tracks headphones as of today for $99.99 and $129.99 for the Tracks HD model.

The Tracks feature what Sol Republic calls the V-8 Audio Engine and an on-ear designed ear cups which can also be totally removed off the flexible headband for ultra portableness and easier user replaceable drivers. Early adopters have already reported that the Tracks headphones sound very similar to the Beats By Dr. Dre Solo HD headphones which are double in price. Sol Republic's Tracks HD headphones are priced at $129.99 and supposedly have a slightly better audio driver called the V-10 and a brushed metal finish. Sol Republic isn't very specific about their specs, but from what we understand, they call the sound drivers of the Tracks headphones "Audio Engines" instead. Sounds better already right? The Tracks come with detachable audio cables including one with a 3-button remote and mic for headset use and music controlling.

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

NuForce Icon iDo Amp Adds Audiophile Grade Audio To iPod, iPhone & iPad

NuForce has released a new amp called the Icon iDo that promises to improve your iPod, iPad and iPhone's compressed audio quality to CD quality sound by bypassing Apple's own built-in DAC (digital-to-analog-converter) by connecting to your Dock Connector port via USB to deliver audiophile grade audio playback with low-jitter. All that sounds great until you find out that you need to plug the Icon iDo to an external power supply to power it up. Not so portable now is it? But with that extra power, the Icon iDo amp can power up those juice-hungry headphones of yours without a sweat. It can also be plugged into your home stereo system with its RCA and digital Coaxial outputs. NuForce's Icon iDo amp features an LED volume indicator gauge on the front with a smooth volume knob and an aluminum enclosure. Available in 4 colors for $249.

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief