Upgrade Your Sound Experience for Under $100

Everyone deserves a quality personal sound experience. At Sound Lion we have products in every price range to maximize your personal sound without breaking the bank. Plus you can test our products with your own music device, and get expert advice from our staff (they're wicked smart about this stuff). On top of all that, we offer free lifetime product support with every purchase. Check out these great values below and come see us ASAP - your music will thank you.


Great Value Products Under $100

Klipsch S4i	Sennheiser MM30i	Nixon Apollo Headphone
Patented earbud shape means the S4i fits and isolates better than most earbuds.  Won the CNET editors choice award for overall best iPhone headset.  Comes with multiple earbud sizes and a carrying case.	Tremendous sound quality, great bass response, and in line 3 button mic make this earbud our top seller.  Sennheiser workmanship, the perfect introduction to quality earbuds.  Includes 3 size earbuds and a 2 year Sennheiser warranty.	Clever and clean. The Apollo's modern lines mix a mic, plush padding, adjustability, and complete control in a package that packs maximum punch.
$99.99 Retail	$62.99 Retail	$79.99 Retail
AudioTechnica ATH-ANC27	Shure SRH-240A
Our best selling active noise canceling headphone.  Cancels up to 85% of noise while giving audiophile quality sound.  Comes with a carrying case, airplane adapter, and two AAA batteries.	These headphones produce great sound reproduction while being comfortable and affordable.  Well constructed, a great set that can stand up to being jostled around in a bag without worry of harm.
$99.99 Retail	$79.99 Retail

Great Value Products Under $50

Skullcandy Smokin' Buds	Fashionation Earbuds	Skullcandy Uprock
Trendy, stylish, and built for the on-the-go lifestyle.  A one-button mic allows you to use this headset with any smartphone to answer calls.  Comes with a carrying case and multiple sized earbuds.  Available in a variety of colors.	Universal Fashion earbuds by The Macbeth Collection let you harmonize your music with style! These earbuds feature soft, flexible silicone buds, making even extended use perfectly pressure-free.	Perfect for those who are looking for a stylish and durable alternative to earbuds.  Over the ear fit, available in a varitey of colors.
$29.99 Retail	$29.99 Retail	$29.99 Retail
iLuv HDMI Adapter	Griffin Survivor Case
Extend the audio and video capability of your Mac with this iF Product Design award-winning HDMI adapter. Any Mac with a Mini DisplayPort output (including Thunderbolt) can connect with an external HDMI monitor, projector, or LCD for expanded audio and video enjoyment. The aluminum finish matches the premium look and feel of your MacBook.	Designed and tested to meet or exceed US Department of Defense Standard 810F, Griffin's Survivor Extreme-Duty Case is built from the inside out to protect your iPhone 5 from extreme conditions ... dirt, sand, rain, shock, vibration and a host of other environmental factors.
$39.99 Retail	$49.99 Retail

 

Who's on Your "Nice" List?

And we're back! Our new store was so busy over the summer, we neglected our blog and readers... so in an attempt to stay off Santa's naughty list, we had the the staff do a good deed.

Here are some great gift suggestions (or recommendations, if you follow the "one for them, one for me" shopping philosophy), put together by our own Sound Lion elves. Remember you can always stop by the store to try these products firsthand, and get expert advice about any of your personal sound needs.

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Earbuds

V-Moda Vibrato
The slick minimalistic design betrays the high quality sound in this small earbud.  Really shows that great things come in small packages. And the kevlar reinforced cable means it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. (Georgie)

Denon AH-C400 Music Maniac
An outstanding bass punch coupled with dual balanced drivers, gives you a studio quality earbud for those on the go. (Evan)

Shure SE425 
 Dual drivers in each bud broadens the sound stage significantly. Very clear, with a hint of attention to the base, perfect for someone on the go who wants premium sound in a small package. Detachable cables, a two year warrenty, Its a hard set to beat! (Kyle)

Bowers & Wilkins C5
Unique loop design and balance holds these earbuds in place, add in the supreme audio and noise isolation and you've got a perfect fit. (Mike)

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On/Over Ear Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins P5
The incredible clear sound and ultra comfortable memoryphone earpads make this my choice. (Georgie)

V-Moda LP2
Superb noise isolation, incredible craftsmanship, and a trendy look make these the ultimate in over ear enjoyment. (Evan)

Bowers & Wilkins P3 
Natural sound, slim design, and built for everyday use. (Mike)

Sennheiser Momentum takes the cake. Ultra comfortable, designed specifically for personal listening devices, with natural, flat, and clear sound. Great sound isolation too! Detachable cable + luxury carrying case seals the deal for me. (Kyle)

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Speakers

Sound Sticks 3
An incredibly lightweight and cost-effective sound system, these make it very easy to fill a room with quality sound without breaking the bank. (Georgie)

Bowers & Wilkins A7 
Best in class without a doubt - wireless hi fi and sleek, minimalist design make this the ultimate in home audio. (Mike)

Nixon TPS Speaker
A great portable music solution with a 6 hour battery life, and the ability to link more than one together make this my choice. (Evan)

Spracht Aura BluNote
It's portable or home based and works seamlessly with any Bluetooth enabled device. An included jack connects other devices, making this the ultimate connection to your audio collection. (Kyle)

Your Headphones' Greatest Enemy

Compressed Audio

by Kyle C
 
Working at Sound Lion has granted me an amazing opportunity to talk to hundreds of people about music, audio technology and of course headphones. It has also made me more aware of a problem that is becoming more and more rampant in the personal listening field. Most people aren’t aware that their music streams are compressed, and that they are degrading their experience and ultimately holding back the potential of their mobile devices.
Before I get into the specifics of the different music/media apps and their overall quality, let’s get a basis for what digital sound quality is, and what it really means to be low-fi. The most common format that you will find audio files from the web to be is MP3. This format tends to be very small in file size, and can have several different compression rates. The compression rate is measured in Kilobytes Per Second, or KBP/S. The higher the rate, the better the quality. For instance, a 256kbps track will sound significantly better than a 64kbps track. Any way you cut an MP3, the accuracy of it will never truly match the uncompressed formats, such as .wav or .flac . 

When a track is compressed, the compression algorithm chooses which data is needed and which is not. This loss of data is replaced by estimates made by the compression program, which means accuracy is lost. A low quality mp3 can be characterized by very tinny sound, cymbals and highs that sound distorted or crunchy. At a higher bit rate, such as 256kbps, this becomes much less noticeable, so try to keep your library’s average rate at a higher bit rate to improve your listening experience.


(Note that this is a very broad description, that individual tracks will sound better than others at specific compressions, and the above information is just to give you an idea of how it all works.)

When a customer walks into the store, the odds are they’ll gravitate towards the most intriguing pair they find and begin to search for music. We have iPads in the store with a library of tracks to listen to, but folks are much more inclined to play something from their own device. Being able to reference a song you know to judge the quality of the headphones can be very useful, so using your own library is always encouraged at Sound Lion.

Music & Media Apps

What I have realized from these encounters is that many music lovers aren’t giving themselves quality music! How do I know? Because the the first instinct for many customers is to open up YouTube or Pandora with the intent to judge the headphones' quality. It has become apparent that many people use music and media apps like these to get their music on the go, but if you’re investing in a quality pair of headphones it is nearly unjust to use some of these apps.
To put things into perspective: When someone uploads a song to YouTube, the odds are it will already be in compressed MP3 form. If the poster of the audio isn’t the actual record label, often the video won’t be in high definition, thus the sound quality suffers along with it. When the compressed MP3 is uploaded, it is compressed once more by YouTube (and the mobile version is the worst of it). If you are listening at home, then the following graph shows you the different selections of quality on a video and how the audio bitrate changes based on your choice.

Resolution	Audio Bit Rate	Compression
Original	152 kbps	AAC
1080p	152 kbps	AAC
720p	152 kbps	AAC
480p	128 kbps	AAC
360p	128 kbps	AAC
240p	60 kbps	MP3

(SOURCE: http://www.h3xed.com/web-and-internet/youtube-audio-quality-bitrate-240p-360p-480p-720p-1080p)

Many songs you will find were uploaded quite a while ago. If they are only available in 240p you can see (and hear) there is a serious degradation of quality as a whole. Even if you are playing the video just for the music, be sure to bump your quality up as high as it will go for the best experience. If possible though, avoid this venue all together and support your artists with a more accurate and reliable streaming service.

Another common customer interaction:
Me: “If you have your own music with you, you’re more than welcome to use that.”
Customer: “I don’t have any music on this phone, but sure, I’ll just play something on Pandora.”

Pandora can be a great service to learn new artists and tracks from the styles you love. The issue with this is that for someone who is not subscribed to the service the audio quality of each streamed track is 64kbps. As referenced before, this is much less than ideal, so if you enjoy the service and find yourself a frequent listener, you should really invest in a subscription for a higher quality sound. Spotify (another app which you can select specific tracks to listen to) streams to unsubscribed mobile devices at 96kpbs. While still a bit better than Pandora on this front, the subscription route will deliver you 320kpbs tracks which is very close to CD quality.

Home Library

If you’re backing up your CD library and you have the space to do it, compress at the highest bitrate you can to make sure you’re enjoying music the way it was intended by the artist. Personal listening can be one of the most powerful ways to experience your music, and doing your speakers or headphones justice will make your overall happiness with what you’re hearing skyrocket. Be aware that although convenient, streaming music will usually not be as accurate as the real CD, unless you pony up for the subscription plans. YouTube or Spotify can be good in a pinch, but if you’re a consistent music listener your best experience will not be found in compressed audio, period.



I don’t knock anyone for using any of these apps, of course. they are all quick and easy solutions to get music, and sometimes when you need a specific track that is the only method available to you. However, when you’re looking to make a purchase, or really just test out any type of speaker, try your best to avoid these forums. A high fidelity device needs high fidelity signal to properly perform! If you’re ever curious about the nitty-gritty of compression or want to hear the difference for yourself, come into the store and I’ll be happy to give you a demo.

We Love That Dirty Water

Boston is known for a great many things. Birthplace of The Revolution (American, not the group who played with Prince). Home of the Kennedys. Only having twenty-five letters in our alphabet. Wicked snowstorms. A Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner. But maybe above all else, our sports teams. Yes, sports are the true lifeblood of the city, the one binding and common theme that runs through all native Bostonians. Let’s face it…we’ve had it good the past 10 years. Every major professional team has won a championship! Even the Revolution (the soccer team, still not the group that played with Prince) has come close to winning the MLS Cup. I’ve come to realize during these championship runs how specific songs always make me think of a certain team or moment, and the emotions and memories that those conjure up. Here are the five songs that will forever hold a place in my heart, and a key to teleport me back to some of the best sports related moments in Boston history.

Beautiful Day U2/ Crazy Train Ozzy Osbourne

Honestly, could there be two more contradictory songs that evoke memories of triumph for me? Doubtful. Back in 2001, when the country was in turmoil following the 9/11 attacks, somehow our beloved Patriots made it to the Superbowl. Sparked by an upstart backup quarterback who would soon become the face of the franchise, The Pats made it all the way to New Orleans for the big game. The halftime show that year was U2, with Bono running around a heart shaped stage, singing “It’s a beautiful day…don’t let it get away” to the thousands in attendance. And sure it was, for all New England, when Adam “Golden Toe” Vinatieri knocked that field goal down as time expired. The underdogs were now the champs, and Boston had its first sports title in more than a decade. Chaos ensued. For the rest of my life, I’ll forever link “Beautiful Day” to the Pats first championship title, due to the amazing performance and the fact that, yes, it was a beautiful day for all of Patriots fandom. 

Fast forward 8 months. Standing in the seats of Gillette Stadium, awaiting kickoff. Bouncing up and down as the initial chords strike. The entire crowd as one screaming “ALL ABOARD!! aye aye aye!” as Golden Toe himself runs down to boot the opening kickoff at the game I was attending. From this point forward I make it a point to get to the game in time for kickoff, because this exact routine happens every home game without fail. No matter who’s kicking off, the opposing team knows where they are when its game time. Nothing like having thousands of New Englanders who’ve been tailgating since 10am screaming Ozzy lyrics at you. I’m shocked there aren’t more fumbles on the return.

Kernkraft 400 Zombie Nation

Now you may not know the name of the song, or the band, or dj, or…whatever these guys are. And you really don’t have to. Why? Because I guarantee once you hear it, you’ll know it. Doubt me? Go ahead, search for it. I’ll wait. No really. Do it.

Told you you’d know it! Nothing to me is more Bruins than this song. Well, besides the fights and bears and Marchand’s nose. Lighting the lamp for the black and gold means one thing: This song BLASTS through the speakers at the Garden and get the crowd into a tizzy. I first remember hearing this song before the Bruins became the team they were today, when they were habitually losing to, well, everyone. Watching Glen Metropolit bury the puck, this song started to pump through the arena. Hey! It’s that weird techno song that foreign kid at school always listens to! I thought to myself. But it got the crowd into the game, clapping along to the beat. And here were are some 6 years later, and it still echoes through the Garden after the lamp gets lit. Even at home, you can hear it hitting your speakers, and even at home, I bet you can’t help yourself but chant “Ohhhhh uh-oh oh ohhhhh oh oh oh oh, ohohohohohoh” I know I sure can’t. Nothing was more fitting than watching the Bruins raise Lord Stanley’s Cup on home ice to this song. Or watching Marchand climb on top of every bar he saw when it played. Forever, this song will embody a win for the good guys in my book.

Tessie Dropkick Murphys/Dirty Water The Standells

Ok, these are obvious. These are slam dunks right? 2004, the Red Sox won their first World Series in almost a hundred years, all those decades of heartache gone with one underhand lob from Keith Foulke to Doug Mientkiewicz. I know the obvious choice would have been “Sweet Caroline” but bear with me. That’s just too easy. I remember the first 3000 times I heard “Tessie” that season I hated it. Loathed it actually. But something happened during that playoff run with the Yankees. I heard the song right before Game 4, when all hope was lost. But wait…we won? Meh, they’ll blow the next one. Heard the song again right before Game 5. And they won that one too. Now, much like any other Boston fan, I am superstitious to a fault. So if hearing this song right before the game was the key to the Red Sox success, you’re damn skippy I was cranking it every day right through the World Series. When the Sox won the World Series, following the immediate emotional collapse, the bar I happened to be in played this song for about an hour straight. And you know what? I’m ok with that. I’m still ok with this song. Because in my mind, if it weren’t for hearing this every day before the game, we’d never have won a thing.

Few things truly need to be said about the city’s unofficial theme song, “Dirty Water” by The Standells. Played at the end of every Red Sox victory, Bruins victory, most weddings, some bat-mitzvahs, and the occasional funeral, no one song better holds the essence of the town in chords and vocals. Gritty, tough, kind of dirty…but wholly open to great sing alongs, upbeat, and fun. That sums us up, doesn’t it? Warm, welcoming, but always that hint of “those guys are sketchy” to outsiders (you know, my Uncle worked for Whitey…). 

A victory by any of our teams isn’t the same without “Dirty Water” accompanying the game ending high fives and hugs. Boston Sports and The Standells…forever linked. Because we love that dirty water, oh Boston you’re our home.

Ah, How Good It Feels To Unwind!

By Kyle C 

(Somewhere, 20XX): It's five o' clock. As the shift comes to a close the all-too-familiar feeling of lethargy begins to creep its way up your spine, akin to the insect which you're pretty sure was on your shirt earlier. Unfortunately, the end of your shift does not complete your day; and the remnants of what you thought would be a nice evening by the fire begin to crumble apart before you. In disappointment and despair you find the urge to escape; to free yourself from the hectic monotony of the city without having to sacrifice time. The double espresso mocha latte dark roast may keep your body going, but the real healing comes from putting your mind at ease.

With a thousand things to do and no time to do it, feeling groggy and glum, you press on. But, fear not brave city dweller! For in this society of ultimate convenience in which we live brings us the tool for the job! 

You must realize by now I'm talking about an MP3 player, right?

You didn't?

Oops.

Maybe that's because people take for granted what lies in their pockets. With smart phones stocked and upgraded as frequently as Yao Ming hurts his left foot, one can be less than wowed by being able to play Spice Girls on the go. What many might not realize are the benefits of being able to surround yourself with music at any given time! To use a pair of great headphones, to not only drone out the screaming baby on the screeching T but also envelope your mind in pleasure infused melodies can not only be relaxing, but also galvanizing.

You could be on a ten minute walk or a half hour bus ride. You could be painstakingly shopping for jusssst the right belt buckle, or caught in line at the local taxidermist. Are those possibilities too cliche? Either way, the golden opportunity unfolds before you to encompass yourself in another brilliant mind's creative export. With the bark of the outside world put to the squelch, a connection is made with you and the artist. 

What you think and envision during your favorite album can be a thing of wonder. A beautiful picture painted with the brush of the artist, but with your own hands. Every track has a message; a feeling and and underlying emotion that when brought forth can lead you to explore your thoughts in clear and concise way. Your mind follows the flow of the piece, and before you know it, you've forgotten your woes and proceed in restoring your vigor and happiness.

You are not encumbered by your music, and as such, will find personal listening can be utilized as a wonderful break from reality. With the right mindset and the right playlist anybody can arrange quiescent time to themselves even while shoulder to shoulder with every person you never wanted to meet. 

Close your eyes, allow your mind to wander, and experience for yourself the magic that sound waves can provide when used properly. Just because you're in a hurry doesn't mean you have to stress. Instead relax inside the confines of your own mind and let your burdens float away.

Rock and Roll is dead. D-E-D dead.

by Evan Z

On May 16th, the final nail was driven into the rock music scene here in Boston. It was announced that Clear Channel, who owns the popular Top 40 station, as well as the top and only hip-hop station in town, acquired the last true bastion for new rock and alternative music in the city, 101.7 WFNX. Having grown up listening to 'FNX, it was a crushing blow not only to myself, but to many others in the area, including those who have roots in Boston. Facebook groups have sprung up in support of the station, and Twitter has exploded with outrage and frustration (to wit: #OccupyWFNX). 

While the outpouring of support for the station is wonderful to see, I’m a realist. I understand that this is business, and that the radio audience size isn’t what it once was. So I want to take a few lines to express my gratitude and love for the station and personalities that became such a large part of my daily life.

Since the demise of 104.1 WBCN in 2009, WFNX became my home for all things rock in Boston. The radio personalities became friends. A little over a year ago, I was lucky enough to take part in “My Song is Better than Your Song”, a contest held on Thursday mornings where two people would choose a song, and have the listeners vote on a winner for the day. Getting to sit in the ‘FNX studios in Lynn was a dream come true. Being able to joke and hang out with former morning show host Fletcher and legendary newsman Henry “Fresh” Santoro was quite the experience. Meeting the beautiful Ms. Julie Kramer, after years and years of listening to her through my speakers, was an equally wonderful moment. These people who I’d been listening to…who had kept me entertained for hours on end, playing songs that would mark moments of my life, both good and bad…were just as incredible in person as I they were through my speakers. There were no gimmicks, just regular people who loved music, and loved sharing that with listeners - amazing people who now find themselves out of jobs due to a buyout.

When WBCN went off the air, I was heartbroken. But the loss of 'FNX cuts like a knife.   The Rock is dying in this town. We gave the world Aerosmith, The Dropkick Murphys, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Lemonheads, Letters to Cleo, Guster. The lifeblood of new music to permeate the skin, to sink into the blood of countless people and make them FEEL something…is gone. Tenacious D said that you cannot kill the Metal. Unfortunately in this instance big business has killed it dead in Boston. 

In the last few years WFNX turned me onto Passion Pit, Florence and the Machine, Mayer Hawthorne, Neon Trees, The Naked and Famous, The Temper Trap, Silversun Pickups, and countless more to mention. You know that Gotye song “Somebody that I used to know” everyone quotes on Facebook and Twitter?  Well I heard it on FNX months before everyone heard it on pop stations. Foster The Peoples “Pumped Up Kicks”?  Same story. Thanks to FNX I heard that song hundreds of times before it hit Top 40. And how about Adele?  She was being played on 'FNX before all the awards. Now new music has zero outlet in this town.  There are three rock stations left: one has no DJ’s and is automated,  one still plays Nu-Metal, and the other plays enough Pink Floyd and Zeppelin that you’d think you were an extra in “Dazed and Confused”.  Welcome to the machine indeed.

I eagerly await the final concert that will be played under WFNX’s banner, the Seaport 6, in a month or so. After the past two summers and their epic Clambakes on Lansdowne Street, it’s nice to see a change of venue for our last party. I hope to see some of my favorite FNXers there to enjoy one last collective rock out as a group. In the words of Julie Kramer, it’s going to be filled with nothing but happiness and good karma. 

I want to thank Julie, Henry, Fletcher, Adam XII, Jim Ryan, D-Tension, Paul Driscoll…all the DJ’s that made my life better, that made me feel like apart of a family.  My days aren’t the same without Henry’s news in the morning, Julies Leftover Lunch in the afternoon, XII’s Undercover at 5pm, and Jim Ryan calling his mom for no reason at night.  You will all be missed my friends. 

Finally, I leave you with these words from “I Still Believe” by Frank Turner, being played now on WFNX (soon to be picked up by a Top 40 station near you!). Thanks for reading, and long live the rock.

And I still believe in all the Saints, in Jerry Lee and Johnny and all the greats.   

And I still believe in the sound, that has the power to raise a temple and tear it down. 

And I still believe in the need, for guitars and drums and desperate poetry.

And I still believe that everyone, can find a song for every time they’ve lost and every time they’ve won.

So remember folks, we’re not just saving lives, we’re saving souls, and we’re having fun.

Now who’d have thought, that something simple as rock and roll would save us all.

Now who’d have thought that after all, something so simple, something so small, who’d have thought, that after all, it was rock n’ roll?

Inspired

35 Brattle St | March 2012

Long before our store opened, an enterprising student sparked an incredible community response with a simple question on our window - Who Inspires You? 


Hundreds of post-it note answers later, with answers ranging from friends and family to celebrities to sports to things we can't mention in public, WE were inspired. 


Because that is what our store is about - we're inspired by music and sound and technology and all the amazing ways they intersect.


We all listen to different music, but did you know we all hear music differently too? That's why we believe it's critical to find the mobile products best suited for your ear and your musical tastes. Many people tend to maximize volume on a basic pair of earbuds - we have products to maximize your sound quality. 

Come in and see us - our staff is dedicated to finding a custom sound solution for you. Whether you're a musician, commuter, athlete, gamer, student, or all of the above - we've got the best products for anyone who wants to improve the experience you have listening to music every day.


We also believe in the power of community to help support a small business. Our neighbors in Harvard Square have been awesome, stopping by to say hi, bring welcome gifts, and fill us on all the local news - thanks to the crews at Concepts, The Tannery, Flat Patties, and Goorin Bros.


By the way, if you're looking for the post-it notes, we saved them. They'll be on display soon, and we'll also be continuing the project online and in store. Right now you can enter to win a free pair of Sennheiser RS 120 wireless headphones - join us on Facebook and tell us what music inspires you on this post.

Sound Lion is more than a store - we are community members and lifestyle advocates. Watch this space for reports on local bands and clubs, events in Cambridge and Boston, in store happenings (like our Def Jam Rapstar battles this weekend), and most important - valuable tech writing on sound quality, music, hearing, and more.

Stay tuned...