Ultrasone iCans Headphones

Reviews: Multimedia

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Mark Korff
Kurtis
Ultrasone
Dec. 17, 2006

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Conclusion

Let's go back and take a look at each of the design objectives identified earlier and see how well the iCans performed in each category. In terms of portability the iCans are mediocre. If you transport them in the supplied carrying case you'll get good protection, but sacrifice ease of portability due to the relatively large size of the case. If you were to wear the iCans at all times while out and about, you'd probably get a few looks, but I doubt most would be in admiration, and that's probably not what you're looking for if you're at all concerned with style. You'd get decent sound, but nothing to warrant the relatively steep price tag, and any background noise would diminish your listening enjoyment substantially since the iCans don't supply any form of active or passive noise reduction.

Considering what the iCans seem to try to achieve got me thinking about what changes could've been made to the product to meet the design objectives. Why not use a simpler, more comfortable, behind-the-head solution instead of the over-the-head approach? No one wants to get their hair pressed down, or have a headband resting at a single point on the top of their head. Why not use a closed headphone design to passively reduce background noise and make better use of the S-Logic™ technology? No one wants to have to turn up their volume to unbearable levels just to escape annoying background noises when out in public. Why use an adjustable headband design that makes it so easy to break the product that you're forced to put multiple warnings on the device that if ignored could cause your customers to break their $120 headphones and not be covered under your warranty? No one wants to headphones that are easy to break, especially portable ones that are bound to see a lot of wear and tear.

While the iCans have some nice features that are unique to Ultrasone headphones, the product as a whole simply doesn't measure up very well. For each of the design objectives we looked at, the iCans failed to impress or were truly disappointing. Considering the price of these headphones, even if you really wanted the unique Ultrasone features that are offered in this portable form, I'd suggest saving your money and looking elsewhere. Either that, or cross your fingers and hope that Ultrasone goes back to the drawing board and comes up with a more compelling portable headphone solution in the future.

Pros

S-Logic™ technology is still nice, just not as potent as in higher end Ultrasone models
Includes a nice durable case (albeit rather large)
Metallic shielding reduces electromagnetic radiation up to 98%

Cons

Overall value is less than desirable
Less than impressive overall sound quality considering the price
Looks pretty silly when worn
Headband is unnecessarily uncomfortable
Relatively easy to break and not have it covered under warranty
No active or passive noise reduction

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Testing
Page 4: Conclusion

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