"Great sound quality", "balanced frequency", and "comfortable listening" are all common words I use to describe a quality set of headphones - "beautiful" typically isn't one of them. However, there's been a growing trend of audio products where audiophile expectations are met by an aesthete's eye. From headphones crafted out of wood to leather encased ones, here are five very attractive, high performing headphones. More

Despite what preconceived notions you may have of 50 Cent from his music, you can't argue his success. He's been behind multi-platinum selling records, made a smart investment in Vitamin Water (that paid off when it was later purchased by Coca-Cola), and most recently launched his own line of celebrity headphones (SMS headphones). Being successful in one market is tough and doesn't necessarily guarantee success in another. But repeated success, however, is never by accident. I sat down recently with 50 at this year's CES — not just to discuss the latest SMS headphones, but to learn what it takes to be successful, and what encouraged him to recently take up photography. More

Our earbud world isn't so kind to our eardrums. In fact, according to a study by Audiologists Children's Hospital Boston, 80 percent of Americans listen to music too loudly when using earphones. In the vast majority of listeners, people overcompensated for anticipated or perceived background noise. More

Personal audio listening has become so popular that this year's CES had more headphone displays than I could keep track of. Everywhere I looked, some celebrity, musician, or surf company was sporting colorful headphones. More audiophile companies have gotten the picture that clean design and hi-fidelity don't have to be mutually exclusive, and I was pleased to find an array of high-end headphones that looked as good as they sounded. More

Product: HandCandy Headphones
Price: $40
Rating: Recommend*

The New Year is a perfect time to explore new things, and that's exactly what I did with HandCandy Headphones. They're headphones designed to look like a necklace. You wear the beads like a long necklace and plug the headphones in your ears when you're listening to music, or leave them hanging if you aren't. For those interested in something new for their next set of headphones, here's my review on testing out two pairs of HandCandy Headphones: DuneTunes and LadyBuds.

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Aëdle VK-1 Classic Edition Headphones
• $325.00
• Aëdle

High on my list to check out in person at CES 2013 next week: these absolutely stunning looking Aëdle VK-1 Headphones. The Paris based audio startup made quite an impression with tech, design, and fashion blogs upon previewing these ultra-premium looking cans, and now they're on the brink of being released into the wild. I'm hoping they sound as good as they look. With just 400 units shipping with their first batch in February 2013, expect the VK-1 Headphones to be high on the wishlist of aesthetes everywhere. More

Commuting this time of year can be tough — you have to haul stuff, stay warm and dry, be entertained, and keep your sanity. Over the last eight years I've tried all modes of transportation to my 14-mile-away office, and whether it's walking, biking, or riding the bus or train, I've picked up on a few key elements for making the trip a little more enjoyable. Here are my gifting tips for those commuters in your life. More

Product: CI Audio VHP-2 Headphone Amplifier
Price: $399 (direct)
Rating: Strong Recommend*

Headphones and earbuds have made a big comeback in the last few years thanks to the MP3 generation, including higher end models. Just like audiophile speakers, hi-fidelity headphones require quality amplification with low noise and enough power to drive a variety of models. Cue in a headphone amplifier. With small casework and a clean industrial design, the CI Audio VHP-2 provides enough juice for even the most demanding headphones. More

Products: House Of Marley Chant (Bluetooth speaker), and the Rise Up headphones
Price: $59.99, $159.99 (coming soon)
Rating: Strong Recommend*

This week I had a chance to take a look at (and have a listen to) a unique line of audio accessories from the Bob Marley branded House of Marley. I must admit, I'm not much of a reggae fan, let alone a fan of Bob Marley. That said, it just so happens I am a huge audiophile, so headphones and audio gear in general is definitely something I take seriously. More

Are you thinking about upgrading your Apple Earphones, a notoriously so-so audio performer? Before upgrading the hardware, maybe you should consider downloading an app which claims to improve the sound of Apple Earphones or EarPods. Swedish firm, Dirac, has worked with signal prosessing for a variety of environments like cars, home hi-fi systems, and now Apple earphones. Can this free app truly enhance your listening experience?

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