SoundPEATS Wireless A1 Bluetooth Review
SoundPeats has carved a name for itself primarily with its in-ear sport headphones, but the company also has a few excellent over-the-ear products, such as the A1Bluetooth Headphones. Basic and affordable, these circumaural wireless headphones are perfect for everyday use. Despite their cheap price, they offer loads of features – making them a great value for money buy.
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Audio Performance
Gone are the days when wireless headphones were considered expensive novelties with bad signal pickup and scratchy audio. Wireless technology is improving year by year, and some Bluetooth headphones today have audio quality that is comparable with wired headphones. The A1 runs on the latest Bluetooth version 4.1, which is backwards compatible with older devices. The headphones use CSR Bluetooth technology, which is energy saving and consumes less power.
Featuring large 40mm drivers on each side, there is little to fault with the audio quality, which has deep bass, clear mids and precise trebles. With a frequency response between 20Hz to 20,000 Hz, the headphones are able to handle audio across all ranges well.
An exceptional thing about the A1 is how well it plays across different genres, which is quite a feat, considering their price point. In fact, the quality is comparable to some mid-range headphones. Acoustic music is nicely reproduced with clear and well-detailed mids and highs. Meanwhile, a weighty and dynamic bass works best with modern genres such as pop and rock. The overall response is balanced rather than bass-oriented, so don’t expect the same level of thump as the Beats or other beat-heavy headphones.
The headphones also feature lossless compression technology, which allows them to stream high quality stereo with a CD-like sound quality. There is little to no distortion, even at high volumes. The smooth and well-rounded sound is less fatiguing to the ears, so users can enjoy music and audio for hours on end.
Their solid performance means that beyond listening to music, the headphones are also suitable for a variety of applications such as listening to podcasts, audiobooks or watching TV or Internet shows.
Design and Build
Designed for use on the go, the A1 headphones weigh just five ounces and can be worn comfortably for long periods of time. They have a closed-back design which minimizes sound leakage so that users can have a private listening experience without bothering others around them. Whether you’re in bed watching TV with a sleeping spouse, or just using them on the commute, this feature ensures that you won’t have to worry about disturbing the person next to you with loud music. Further providing noise isolation is the circumaural ear cups, which envelop the ears completely and block out noise well. On a plane, simply slip the headphones on to drown out cabin chatter and the sound of crying babies.
Unlike brands like the Beats or the V-Moda Crossfade, which are showy and easily distinguishable, the A1 headphones have a pretty basic look, with a rounded headband and large circular ear cups. They are not too large and look modern and sophisticated: nothing that might make you go ‘Wow!’, but will certainly get compliments for being a ‘nice-looking’ pair of headphones.
Taking a cue from their popular in-ear sport headphones, the A1 trumps more expensive brands when it comes to comfort. Made from plastic, the headband is thin and features a rounded curve, while a sliding mechanism allows it to fit different head shapes and sizes. It is padded at the point of contact between the user’s head and the top of the headphones.
The swivelling ear cups can be rotated to 45 degrees and are covered in plush, soft cushions for added comfort.Their only drawback is that they build up heat over time, especially in warm environments. On each side of the cup are flashing red and blue LED lights that indicate battery levels and other factors.
Available in black, the matte surface ensures there are no patchy fingerprints, which is a common problem with headphones that have a shiny, glossy finish.
Additional Features
If you’re tired of your headphones running out of juice while outdoors, then go for the A1s. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide up to 12 hours of battery life. They can also be used while charging without compromising on sound quality and performance.
With an operational range of 33ft, the headphones give users more freedom and flexibility to move around. Unlike brands that quote a wide range but rarely work beyond a few feet, the A1 works as advertised and can reach their maximum distance without losing connectivity.
Controls are conveniently located on the ear cups, so users will not have to reach for their devices or remotes. On the right earpiece is the power button and volume knob, while the left earpiece houses the pause, play and skip buttons.
Pairing is easy and takes only a few seconds, with no need for passwords or complicated setups. For non-Bluetooth devices, the A1 headphones can be used just like a regular set of wired headphones, by simply plugging them in with the included 3.5mm stereo cord.
Pros
- Wireless Bluetooth headphones
- Good sound, plays well across all genres
- Comfortable
- Decent noise isolation and noise blocking
- Operational range of up to 33ft
- Includes cord for use with non-Bluetooth devices
- Long battery life
Cons
- Ear cups build up heat
- Tight clamp
Verdict
The pros definitely outweigh the cons with the A1 headphones and, they offer superb value-for-money. For those looking for a good pair of Bluetooth wireless headphones at an inexpensive price, then these are the ones to go for.
