The A320S from Archeer is a handsomely designed Bluetooth speaker featuring rounded bamboo panels on both the front and back. Rubberized control buttons are on the top center along with an LED power/Bluetooth indicator and mic.

Aux, charging port, battery indicator, and reset button are located on the back. There is a cloth like material that covers the sides, top and bottom of the unit.



Build quality in general seems to be good. The bamboo panels give the A320S an earthy look and robust feel with some heft.

I would have liked to have some kind of protection over the speaker drivers as they are bare. Too easy to damage the drivers by accident.



Despite the overall build quality seeming solid, Archeer really dropped the ball in the design of the bass port on the back of the unit. It is made out of plastic and is prone to rattling with certain types of music and possibly movies as well. This will be discussed in more depth in the sound section.


The overall sound of the A320S is pleasant and very warm sounding. It's a veiled sound lacking a bit of detail, but there is enough detail to enjoy many types of content. Volume level is good for the size. Will definitely be able to fill an average room in a home with sound.

Mid bass tones are the focal point of the sound which are undoubtedly enhanced by the bamboo paneling giving an extra bit of resonance and oomph in that area. The bass is a bit slow and flabby, but still pleasant. There is no real sub bass response as the A320S only reaches down to around 80hz, but the bass still comes across fairly strong. There is a faux sub bass like response due to the resonance.

***There is an issue present when listening to music with resonant bass, strong kick drums, and especially hard hitting solo drums. Those who listen to genres such as Hip Hop/Rap, modern R&B, EDM, etc. may often deal with a persistent rattle coming from the bass port. It happens frequently and annoyingly enough, even with relatively low volumes (25% volume, EQ off on an iPhone, and with absolutely no obstructions to the bass port), that I would suggest to anyone who listens to these or similar genres to just not bother with this model. It's a major oversight and a complete deal breaker for me, and one of the main reasons for docking points. It's imperative that audio companies make products that are suitable for all genres and do thorough testing before releasing a product to the masses.***

Mids and highs are veiled, and can be a bit obscured by the forwardness and resonance of the bass. I don't mind this too much with music as it makes the feel of the music more the focus rather than the detail. However, dialogue in videos and movies might be difficult to make out at times.

The A320S has the ability to sync up with a second A320S unit for a true stereo experience. I enjoyed using this feature. One can really get a nice loud volume if they wished with two of the A320S synced. Just be aware that the sound emitting out of these speakers can be very directional making it difficult to maintain a good sweet spot between the left and right channels. I'm guessing the very directional aspect of the sound is due to the speaker drivers being quite recessed into the bamboo panel.

Just as a final comment on the sound, the overall sound of the A320S is quite resonant. If one is prone to headaches from certain resonant frequencies and/or dislikes boomy cardboard like sound, I would suggest staying away from this unit.


Bluetooth performance in the A320S is very good. Syncing to phones, computers, etc. is quick with no issues. However, automatic re-sync with last paired device doesn't always seem to take. I experienced no audio dropouts, and the wireless range is fairly close to as advertised at around 10m.

The wireless sync between a pair of A320S for true stereo sound is very good. Once they are initially paired to each other, automatic re-sync (when in range) works flawlessly. The range between two synced A320S apart from each other is about the same as the general Bluetooth range of around 10m. One may have to put the second speaker into Bluetooth pairing mode before attempting the initial sync operation.

One thing I especially liked is that the dual speaker mode can also be used when in Aux mode. This is a definite plus if you have two of these units and want to enjoy content from a non-Bluetooth device.

When two A320S speakers are paired to each other, all the controls on one speaker has the exact same effect on the other. Volume, track skipping (Bluetooth mode only), power, etc. only need be adjusted on one unit to effect both. Quite a handy feature.

Audio sync with video content while in Bluetooth mode is good providing one is only using a single A320S. When using two A320S in wireless stereo mode, there is an additional delay in the audio leaving sound and video a bit out of sync. A bit of sync issues may arise even in Aux mode when two A320S are paired to each other.

When taking calls on the speaker, I stood a few feet away from the A320S and was told I could be heard pretty well on the other end. When it came to hearing calls on the A320S, audio quality was sufficient, but not ideal. Voices heard in calls lack clarity in a similar way as voices heard in movie content.

The A320S comes with an Aux cord, USB charging cable and a nylon carry bag.




The A320S is an audio product with a lot going for it and a lot against it. It has a great feature set and a nice design. It also has a major flaw with the poorly designed and implemented bass port.

For those who listen to music like Hip Hop/Rap, modern R&B, EDM, or anything with strong resonant bass and strong kick drums, just do yourself a favor and don't even consider this product at all.

For those wanting the A320S as a dual speaker system for watching movies, this is not ideal as there is additional audio/video sync delay in that mode, as well as some possible speech intelligibility issues due to the lack of clarity.

For those who listen to more melodic, less bass and drum heavy genres, the A320S may be a good purchase for you as you may not have any issue at all with the bass port.

***Disclaimer: This is a review aimed at discussing the overall quality of the device. There will be no instructions on how to operate the device. Instructions are included, and are easy to follow.***



The A225 Bluetooth speaker seems to be built of good quality materials. Robust soft to the touch plastic is used throughout the design. Burlap cloth covers much of the surface area, which serves the purpose of protecting the speakers, providing a non slip texture for handling, and a handsome design element. There is a rubber flap that protects the charging & aux ports.



The bottom of the unit features the Power/Bluetooth Pairing/Call Answer button, and a soft rubber ring to minimize vibration, slipping, and sliding.




The top of the unit features a touch screen interface that is used for the purpose of skipping tracks, as well as an indicator for power/charging. For skipping tracks, I found the interface to be quite responsive after getting used to the sliding motion needed to perform the operation.

Around the touchscreen there is a dial that is used to adjust volume. The volume dial is functional in both Bluetooth & Aux mode! I would have liked the volume adjustments to be more sensitive. It takes quite a bit of turning to adjust volume.




Lastly, the diameter of the unit is about the size of a regular soda can, which means that this unit will fit nicely in a car cup holder. Perfect for older and vintage vehicles equipped with stereos with no Bluetooth or Aux, or just convenient storage when driving any vehicle equipped with a cup holder.

Furniture equipped with cup holders might also provide convenient placement for the speaker.

1) The usage of burlap cloth, even though it's a nice looking build and design element, I foresee issues with long term durability & cleanliness. Cloth can tend to fray with usage/handling, etc. over time. It will retain environmental smells, hand oils, etc. Any type of spills on the cloth that could occur may be difficult to clean.

2) The Power/Pairing/Call Answer button is inconveniently located on the bottom of the unit. I would have preferred this button to be located on the top of the unit.


The A225 produces a good amount of volume for the size. One should have no problem filling an average sized room with sound. The sound of the unit is on par with similar sized/priced Bluetooth speakers. There is a bit of distortion at the highest volumes.

The sound overall is very midrange focused, and a bit harsh. I didn't find the sound overall to be too pleasing, but it was acceptable when you keep in mind the sound of similarly designed and priced Bluetooth speakers.

The Burlap cloth I feel wasn't the best choice in terms of acoustics, as I feel it drowns out detail in the sound overall.

Highs are rolled off quite a bit, bass comes across a bit muted, but bass is present in mid bass regions. If you pick up the A225 while it is playing music, you can certainly feel that there is quite a punch coming from the speakers, but that punch isn't translated into the sound very well or very much.

The box of the unit advertises that there is a bass port for "superior bass sound," but it's difficult to tell if there is any kind of porting due to the burlap cloth covering most of the unit. There are no visible ports. The burlap cloth could be impeding any porting that's going on.

Overall, I would have preferred a more "V shaped" response in the sound. More bass. More clarity but also more warmth in the midrange. More highs for a more open and clear sound overall.

Archeer is advertising the A225 with a claim of surround or 360 degree emanating sound. I do find that the speaker does a good job of filling an average room with sound, but this claim isn't altogether accurate.

There is basically regular left and right speakers in the unit and they are positioned to project audio out sideways. It does do the job of filling a space with audio a bit better than front firing speakers, but the sound doesn't emanate from all around the speaker. The front and back of the speaker have a noticeable zone where audio is more quiet, flat sounding, and the imaging just seems off.

The sound of the unit is better enjoyed from a bit of a distance due to this. Having this unit right in front of you on a desk or table might have you hearing and feeling some spacial oddness with the sound. It takes some getting used to.


When in Bluetooth mode, if there is silence or very low passages, the audio cuts out, and cuts back in abruptly when sound starts or is elevated again cutting off the first little bit of audio that comes back in. I'm guessing this may be the result of an ill implemented power saving feature.

This is most noticeable when switching tracks, or after the silent spaces between songs right when a song ends and the next one begins. The beginning of the forthcoming audio will be cut off. It happens every time, so having a smooth album listening experience is impossible if there is silence anywhere in the album.

If one listens to something like audio books this might become quite irritating as when the voice talent takes a natural pause in speech, audio cuts, and the beginning of the next word is slightly cut off and audio is abruptly back on. It's a jarring experience.

This issue may happen with other content such as movies and youtube vids. Basically anything with silence or barely audible passages.

This issue also happens when on calls. Since I'm mentioning this in the general audio section of the review, I will not be mentioning it in the Bluetooth section, but it's something to keep in mind.

Archeer really needs to fix this issue. It's a major oversight from my perspective.

With that being said, if you primarily listen to pop music or other sources of audio without many or any silent passages, or are not really bothered by a bit of abrupt audio, it might not be that big of a deal to you if you are satisfied with the general quality and the price you spent on the unit.

This issue is not applicable in Aux mode.


Overall, I found Bluetooth quality to be very good. The range is as good as most other quality Bluetooth devices. I experienced no random audio drop outs when in the proper range. Pairing went smooth and fast. Automatic reconnecting with the last paired device worked quickly and flawlessly. Switching music tracks with the touch interface worked fairly well and smoothly.

When using the speaker in Bluetooth mode to hear the audio in video content, I found the sync of audio and images to be quite good.

Bluetooth calls were suitable in terms of hearing the speech on the other end. Audio could have been a bit clearer, but I had no trouble understanding what was being said.

Mic quality is average. The general consensus on being able to hear my voice was that I was clear enough, but even if I spoke very close to the A225 it still sounded like I was a distance away. Less than ideal speaking situations may be a challenge.



I found the advertised battery life of 6 hours playback to be probably fairly accurate. I did not accurately time my usage between charges, but it was certainly around that time frame.

I do think that compared with current Bluetooth speakers that battery life is a bit on the short side. I would have liked the A225 to have at least a few more hours of battery life. Twice the amount of play time would have been ideal.


The A225 is a nicely designed and fairly well performing speaker in it's price range. It certainly isn't perfect by any means. There are definite flaws. However, I see this as being a good purchase if a good deal is available, if one is willing to overlook some of the flaws, or is needing a cheap speaker for certain situations.

Overview: Mixcder HD601 wireless headphone with Bluetooth V.4.2, apt-X, NFC, and Extra Bass mode.

Specifications from the packaging:


Design: This is a very nice looking headphone! Black with circular red accents on the back of the ear cups. Mixcder branding is in silver/grey on the ear cups in an unobtrusive font size. There is also Mixcder branding on top of the headband.There is plenty of cushion on the headband. This is a very comfortable headphone! Mixcder excels in designing headphones that are comfortable, and it's great to see they have continued that tradition with the HD601!

For storage, the cups rotate so the headphones lay flat. I would have preferred a collapsible design for storage. When rotating the cups there is quite a bit of friction between the plastic pieces on the headband and arms that stretch out of the cups. When rotating the cups there is a hollow cheap grinding sound, which I didn't quite like.

The cups themselves do swivel up & down, very slightly, to secure a better fit. Overall adjusting for fit is rather stiff, but once the HD601 is situated, it's a very comfortable headphone!

The stiffness that you may notice initially, and the above mentioned grinding when rotating the cups, are things that may relax and loosen up over time and with repeated use. I'm already finding this is the case with my HD601!




There is numbered sizing on the headphone adjustments with a satisfying click for each notch. The numbers don't correspond exactly with the notches, but it still gives a visual point of reference to remember your sizing.



The ear cushions are nicely padded, made of a very soft synthetic leather, and are very comfortable. They are over-ear, but snugly so. Those with large ears may find them too snug. They were just right in size for me. I have average to slightly smaller than average sized ears.



Overall build seems pretty durable! No obvious weak points where I can see things potentially breaking easy. The plastics used seem cheap, but still seem reasonably durable.

Sound:

***I tested the HD601 with just an iPhone, both wired and wirelessly, as I believe these headphones will mostly be used in a similar fashion by the general public.***

Highs are a bit rolled off. There is enough detail to hear what's going on in your music and media. Slightly veiled, but very pleasant. Good for long listening stretches.

Mids are good as well, and pretty much the focus of the sound of the HD601 when wired and when the Extra Bass feature is off when in Bluetooth mode. Voices and instruments in music come through with good clarity and separation. I do find the mids to be slightly veiled or "closed in" sounding, but in general the mids are pleasant. Voices in video content come across reasonably well.

The presentation of the highs and mids are pretty much what is to be expected of a headphone in this price range and in a headphone marketed more as a "lifestyle" product. I would say that these aspects of the sound out performs or is at least on par with the competition.

Bass is where I was a little disappointed. The HD601 is marketed as a bass forward headphone, and even has an Extra Bass feature that can be activated only in Bluetooth mode by pressing the power button twice. When that feature is off, or the HD601 is being used in wired mode, the overall sound presentation is mid forward, lacks bass, punch, and sub bass is almost non-existent.

When the Extra Bass feature is turned on, it does warm up the overall sound and provide more punch, but it does not add much or even any sub bass. If I were to guess, the Extra Bass feature adds just a few decibels (not much at all) in the mid bass range, maybe from 50-60+hz to somewhere in the low mids. Basically the bass boost is right in the kick drum range, so the HD601 will be knocking about, but not provide much satisfying sub "boom" and "feel."

Anyone listening to electronic or urban music, as an example, will have the kicks hit pretty hard in their music with the Extra Bass on, but any of that 808 sub bass, or basslines with really low sub frequencies, you won't hear/feel as much of that as you'd like. Anyone wanting these for action movies or games won't hear/feel much of that low rumble of explosions and similar impacts. There is some rumble going on, but it's just not that deep sub rumble you'd expect from an Extra Bass feature.

Sound stage is narrow, but there is good separation. I would still say the HD601 out performs most similar offerings in this price range by a slight margin in this particular category.

Sound leakage and isolation are pretty much par for the course. Some sound will leak, some sound will get in.

***Despite some disappointments with the sound (would have liked more sub bass and an overall more expansive sound), overall the HD601 is a very pleasant headphone to listen to. There is nothing off-putting or obnoxious about the sound. As a casual budget headphone, the overall sound definitely fits the bill and then some. These should please most people looking for a wireless headphone packed with features, and who are looking in this particular price range.***

Bluetooth: The Bluetooth performance and range of the HD601 is fantastic, and probably the strongest aspect/feature of the headphone, besides overall value & comfort! Pairing went very smooth, and automatic reconnecting afterwards is very fast!

While having the HD601 paired to a device I left in a bedroom in my home, I didn't experience any drop outs or crackle until I was out my front door! By comparison, most Bluetooth headphones I have tried crackle and have audio drop outs a few feet away from my front door while I'm still inside my house. Forget about even making it outside with those. Signal is usually completely lost by that point. Not with the HD601.

I tried watching some Netflix and YouTube while the HD601 was paired to my iPhone. No video/audio sync issues at all. Audio matched up with on-screen action pretty well!

I'm very pleased with the Bluetooth performance on this device.

Bluetooth control buttons all work fine and as expected. I just wish the buttons were raised a little more for a more tactile feel.

Call quality is decent. I could hear the other end fine. However, I had reports that my voice was a little low in volume. Still was able to have conversations with no real issue.

***I don't own an NFC compatible device, so was unable to test that functionality.***

Accessories: Pretty basic offering. Just a micro USB cable for charging and a basic 3.5mm headphone cable with no microphone or control box.



Warranty Bonus: Mixcder includes a welcome pamphlet with instructions on how to obtain an extra year of warranty by registering the device on their website or contacting them through e-mail.



Conclusion: Despite some *criticism, the Mixcder HD601 is a solid purchase! When considering the price, there really isn't much to complain about. I would personally be happy with the purchase if I was in the market for something like this!

The sound is good even if not all I hoped for. The extra features, and extra warranty are good to have. The design and overall looks of the headphone are visually pleasing. Mixcder makes some of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn and the HD601 is no exception!

*The criticism is for the sake of being thorough, setting proper expectations for the product, letting the manufacturer know how their product is coming across, and for prospective customers of all types to see and evaluate. Please place the criticism in proper perspective and consider the point of view is meant to bridge both audiophile types and the general public just looking for some information on a product.

Thanks to Mixcder for giving me a free sample to test and review!

Overview: TR008 Mixcder Bluetooth audio transmitter and receiver.

Main functions are connecting to a non-Bluetooth audio source (analog & digital) in order to transmit the audio to Bluetooth devices such as headphones or speakers.

Will also allow receiving of Bluetooth audio from a source such as a smartphone or tablet, and connecting to and sending the audio to a non-Bluetooth device such as non-Bluetooth headphones, speakers, receivers.

All accessories/cables needed for connection are included: RCA, TOSLINK, 3.5mm cable and adapter. Micro USB cable for charging. The TR008 can be used while charging!



Secondary Function: The ability to pair 2 Bluetooth devices simultaneously in transmitting mode.

Specifications outlined on the packaging:


I really enjoyed using the TR008 and thank Mixcder for sending me a review sample!


Design: Very lightweight, and compact. Black matte finish on top with classy Mixcder branding in grey lettering. Glossy black finish on the sides. Would have preferred an all matte finish to reduce fingerprints, especially since the sides are where all the function buttons/switches and connections are, but this design choice does look nice! Overall boxy straightforward design with rounded edges. Looks modern and classy. The bottom of the unit is rubberized so it won't be slipping and sliding when placed on a surface. Very thoughtful design with that touch!






Performance: I will be discussing how the unit performs, and not give instructions on how to use it. It's simple and straight forward. An instruction manual is included!

Transmitting Mode:

I used the TR008 to transmit audio from an old laptop without Bluetooth that I refreshed by installing Linux on. I also used the included TOSLINK cable to send the digital audio from my television to my Bluetooth devices.

The TR008 performed extremely well. I had no issues with analog or digital audio via TOSLINK. Bluetooth range was exceptional, and outperformed the Bluetooth range on my new Windows 10 laptop as well as my iPhone/iPad.

Just to give you an idea of the range capabilities: If my laptop and iPhone/iPad are in a bedroom of my home I can connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones to them and walk away to the front door. Just before I get to the front door, I start experiencing crackle and drop outs in audio. With the TR008, I can make it outside, close the door behind me and step away a foot or two before I experience any audio drop outs! Really exceptional range!

Receiving Mode:

I also used the TR008 to receive Bluetooth signal from my iPad & iPhone and plugged in my pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones directly into the TR008. Same great Bluetooth range as transmitting. I also switched back and forth plugging in the M50's into the TR008 and then directly in the headphone jacks of my iDevices and noticed that the audio output on the TR008 was actually a few DB louder than the headphone jacks on my iDevices! I was impressed with that!

Simultaneous Pairing and Sending of Bluetooth Audio to 2 Devices:

For the most part, this performed well! I did run across some issues with getting a 2nd device to pair and work here and there, but overall it's a good feature. When 2 devices are paired, Bluetooth range is slightly less. It's not drastically less by any means. In my case it was just a few feet difference. Overall range in this mode was still very good!

Overall, performance wise, the TR008 is a solid device. Only other issue I found is that the function buttons can be sluggish to respond.

Added warranty bonus: I noticed Mixcder has a welcome pamphlet with the purchase of the TR008 that includes instructions on how to get a year of extra warranty by registering the device on their website or through e-mail.



Conclusion: Overall, the TR008 is a great package! It performs well! Lots of features and capabilities! Has all the necessary accessories you need included! Has the option for free extra warranty! It's a great buy!

 
 
 
 
 
 
The X5 In-Ear Wired Sport Earphone is a product that is designed to be compatible with an active lifestyle, and is also satisfactory for anyone looking for a fun sounding bass forward earphone.
 
Since this is an earphone that is primarily designed to be used on the go, and the price point suggests it's intended market is the average consumer, I used these headphones in the manner of what a non-hardcore audiophile would. Plugged directly into an iPhone (no additional amp), listening to Apple iTunes m4a files, 320 kbps mp3 files, and Spotify as a streaming service.
 
 
The X5 are made with an aluminum alloy body which makes the earphones both durable and lightweight. The Y splitter and jack are made of the same material. The overall design is somewhat industrial looking due to the materials used and the diamond style etching on the Y splitter and jack. 
 
The design elements come across as basic with a touch of class. Maybe a bit too basic. The cylindrical design of the earphones themselves, while giving a somewhat pleasing appearance, tends to make the body of the earphones a bit too bulky and big. I would have liked these to be a bit smaller. 
 
Branding is done with class as well with just the Mixcder logo on the back of the microphone control box. No over the top branding, which I like.
 
I would have preferred an L shaped jack instead of a straight one.
 
Overall, I find the build quality to be superb for the price. No issues here. Cables seem strong, and are about as thick as one can go before becoming too bulky and heavy. The rubber strain relief on the jack and earphones seems sufficient. The microphone control box seems sturdy and the function button feels durable, is easy to locate/feel, and has a satisfying "click" when pressed.
 
 
This is where the unmatched value of the whole X5 package starts to come into play. Mixcder provides a generous amount of accessories with the X5.The accessories are well made and are of a higher quality than one would expect given the price.
 
There is 3 pairs of single flanged ear tips included in sizes small, medium (X5 is shipped with the medium installed), and large. There is also a single pair of bi-flanged tips included as well. The medium sized single flange tips is what I decided to stick with even though I found the bi-flange pair to be the most comfortable. I found the bi-flange tips changed the sound signature subduing the bass slightly. I prefer the more pronounced bass that the single flange tips provide.
 
2 pairs of sport ear hooks are included as well. Sized small and large. They are made of a thick soft rubber. Size small worked perfectly for me. This is my first time actually trying ear hooks and it took me a little while to figure out what angle I need to have them on the earphones so when I put them in my ears the strain relief was facing straight down and the hooks would be right where I needed them to be. They were comfortable, and did the job of keeping the earphones in place in my ears.
 
The included zipper case is made of what I think is neoprene, a very durable material. What I really like about this case is that it has a mesh pocket inside to store the other accessories in. The zipper itself has a nice sized handle. No fumbling around to find that. The case also has a carabiner installed.
 
Lastly, there is a plastic shirt clip with a swiveling hook that you can attach to the cable to make sure the cable stays in place and is out of your way. This is the only piece of the package where I think durability may be a concern, but it's made well enough for what it is.
 
 
The X5 are a very efficient earphone, and sound great plugged directly into my phone. The loudest I ever needed them to be is maybe two clicks past 50% volume on an iPhone. They are sealed very well, don't leak much sound, and are good at blocking out external noise.
 
Bass is powerful, punchy, and warms up the sound considerably. I can feel the X5 rumble in my ears. Good extension to the bass. I found the bass to be very musical. No one note bass thumps. I get a sense of detail in the bass and can distinguish different layers within the tones. The bass is my favorite aspect of the sound.
 
Midrange is forward as well, and gives the sound a sense of clarity that I wasn't expecting. Usually headphones in this league tend to have the mids scooped much more. Not the case here. I'm not altogether pleased with the midrange, although. I find the midrange to be just a tad harsh, a little muddled, and cold sounding. This somewhat clashes with the warmth of the bass. It makes the overall sound signature slightly odd, because the sound can be both warm and cold at the same time. It's not a deal breaker, which should be obvious by my ratings. Just something I notice. I am midrange sensitive and therefore prefer a warmer midrange.
 
The highs are present and clear, but a bit subdued. I would have liked more sparkle in this area.
 
Sound separation is good. I can clearly identify the different instruments, vocals, and tones.
 
Soundstage is average. Not too narrow. Not wide.
 
Call quality is good. No issues with hearing the conversation. No issues being heard.
 
Despite some criticism when it comes to the sound I am still very pleased with the sound over all. The X5 is musical, fun, and provides more clarity than I was expecting at this price point. Throughout the years I have tried quite a few IEM's in this league and the sound of the X5 is much more satisfying than any other earphone I have listened to in this price range.
 
 
Mixcder put together a great package at a bargain price. Definitely unmatched value as far as I'm concerned. Taking into consideration the included accessories, build quality, sound that punches above it's weight, and a price that can't be beat, I recommend this earphone wholeheartedly.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
I'd like to start off this review by thanking forum member @Gracesheng for providing an opportunity to receive these headphones free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I received 2 sets of these headphones in order to try Mixcder's novel and well implemented ShareMe feature, which allows 2 headphones with the same capability to connect wirelessly and share the same Bluetooth source.  
 


 
In The Box: Mixcder ShareMe 5 Headphones, USB charging cable, audio cable (no call functionality, just a basic cable), instruction booklet in many languages
 
Design: Fairly nice looking headphone with design elements borrowed from Beats By Dre (similar looking headband and foldable hinges), and a touch of Bose styling as well. Black, Grey, and Chrome give it a classic and conservative look while other design elements like it's curves give it a stylish and modern feel.
 
Build Quality: Cheap lightweight plastics are used for most of the construction. Although, I do think these will hold up and last a good while if taken care of.
 
The ear cups scrape a bit against the connecting arms of the headphone when you tilt the cups up and down. Thankfully that scraping doesn't happen when they are on head, but it's something you will notice when handling them. The joints that connect the ear cups to the connecting arms seem fairly weak.
 
 

 
 
The foldable hinges also seem to be another potential weak spot. They just don't seem very strong. The hinges themselves are plastic on the inside and metal on the outer side.  
 

 
 
 
 
 
Comfort: I find these headphones comfortable. I can wear these for hours with no issues. They are more lightweight than expected due to the materials used in construction. There is enough padding on the headband and ear pads for a comfortable fit.
 
I do wonder how those with smaller heads will fair when it comes to fit. I have an average sized head and I wear these on the smallest size setting.
 
I also wonder how those with big ears will fair because even though the ear pads are over ear, the openings are just big enough to fit around my ears with a bit of touching on the inner parts of the ear pads. Not enough touching to really bother me, and I forget about it, but this might really be a problem for others. I have average to slightly smaller than average ears.
 
Sound:  Overall sound signature is warm and bass heavy. There is just enough detail to the sound that they do remain musical. These are not "audiophile" quality headphones. The extreme detail, imaging, and soundstage that audiophiles crave and pay top dollar for isn't here and shouldn't be expected at this price point. These are casual, and "fun" sounding cans. 
 
My wife, whom I shared these headphones with in order to try the ShareMe functionality, is not an audiophile. Just an average music lover, and she loves the sound of these. There is nothing about the sound that bothers her.
 
I actually do really enjoy listening to these myself. They are relatively fatigue free since the mids and highs are veiled. I can listen to these for hours. At the price point of what these headphones are sold for, I feel the sound quality is adequate. 
 
Just as an added note, my audiophile side did notice some resonance issues, and some mucked up frequencies here and there, but after a few days of listening, either I relaxed into the sound, or the drivers broke in, or a bit of both, but I hardly notice it anymore. I also noticed these issues were much less apparent when using the headphones wired. Which brings me to my next point.
 
The difference in sound when using these wired compared to Bluetooth
 
Wired: Less bass, vocals and instrumentation come out a bit more, more overall detail
 
Bluetooth: Strong bass, vocals and details more recessed, a bit more of a muddy presentation overall
 
 
 
Other Functionality
 
Bluetooth: Pairing to devices was seemless. No issues there. I did find the Bluetooth connection inconsistent at times. Sometimes connection would drop at a certain distance, sometimes it didn't, but for the most part, Bluetooth functionality was fine when paired to things like phones and computers with good specs.
 
I also paired to an older computer and found that the headphones struggled to maintain connection when the computer itself was struggling. I have another pair of Bluetooth headphones that faired much better with that computer and maintained connection.  
 
ShareMe: Now onto the coolest aspect of these headphones and what makes them stand out amongst competitors. The ShareMe function allows 2 headphones with the ShareMe functionality to pair wirelessly and share the audio of a single Bluetooth source.
 
This worked flawlessly. All you have to do is put one headphone into the ShareMe pairing mode (hold the power button down till you see alternating red and blue lights from the led indicator), then do the same with the other pair, and they just automatically sync up.
 
The first headphone that you put into pairing mode is the one that connects to the Bluetooth source and the other is the satellite. After they are synced up the first time they will just sync up automatically when they are powered on and near each other. It doesn't matter what order you turn them on or anything like that. You could already be using a pair via Bluetooth and turn the other one on, and it will just connect and play the same audio.
 
Volume is controlled independently on each headphone by it's own volume buttons. Also, tracks can be changed by the same buttons, by either headphone, with a long press. Both headphones have control over the content.
 
When it comes to taking calls while using ShareMe, only the main headphone, not the satellite, can answer or hear the call, so there is no eavesdropping going on. The satellite headphone just goes silent.
 
Calls: When connecting via bluetooth to a phone, call quality is decent. Voices are clear enough to understand and have a proper conversation, but as outlined in the sound quality section, these are bass centric headphones, so voices will lack detail. Mic quality is decent as well. I was told I sound like I'm on "speaker" but could still be heard clear enough. I was also told there was a little bit of static when there was silence, but it wasn't noticeable while talking.
 
The included cable does not have any call taking functionality, so taking calls can only be done via Bluetooth.
 
Last Odds & Ends
 
These are some other things I noticed about the ShareMe 5, and are basically just copy and pasted from my initial impressions.
 
I checked out some reviews on the ShareMe 5 from around the web and remember someone saying that adjusting volume on the headphones in wireless mode won't work. Only changing tracks works. I had the same problem initially, but I figured out that changing the volume still requires somewhat of a long press. Really quick short clicks won't change the volume. After practicing a bit with how long you need to press the buttons for volume and track changes, it works fine.

There is a battery indicator in IOS letting you know how much charge there is in the headphones.
 
Ear pads are removable. I don't recommend removing the pads unless you have to. The pads are on a plastic disc that snaps in around the driver. The disc can be difficult to snap back in, and from what I can tell, the clips seem like they may be easy to break.

I liked that these have voice prompts. Wasn't expecting that. Nice touch!
 
Netflix and Youtube audio is good. No major audio/video sync issues. There's just the typical wireless lag of a few milliseconds that's common with Bluetooth audio.
 
Charging time is quick. Between an hour or two. Only been using them for about 4 days, but I've been using them constantly. IOS battery indicator is still showing a mostly full battery.
 
Conclusion:
 
After reading this review, it's apparent there is many pros and cons when it comes to these headphones. They aren't perfect. They definitely have their flaws. What I will say is that I do enjoy using them despite their short comings.
 
I like the added ShareMe functionality and can think of many future scenarios where that will come in handy especially when travelling with the wife and sharing content on our phones and tablets.
 
I also think you get a lot of bang for your buck considering the price. These headphones simply have functionality that is difficult to find in this price range, and the sound quality is good enough to do the job.  

I'd like to start this review off by thanking http://audio46.com for the opportunity to win this headset from their Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/OrbHeadphones and providing me with my first pair of Beyerdynamic headphones. It was an exciting experience winning something like this!  
 
In this review, I'm just going to concentrate on the elements that most people are really wondering about. This headphone has so much going for it that I could spend all day writing about it.
 
Sound:
 
***(2nd Custom Sound Slider setting, and probably most peoples preferred setting) Clean and punchy. Bass is nice and full giving a slight subwoofer type sound. Vocals, no matter the setting of the Custom Sound Sliders, are slightly tinny, lack body, and become more withdrawn in the mix as you open the sliders to reveal more bass. It's not really too much of an issue though. They still sound very good overall, but it's definitely of note. 2nd or middle setting provides the best balance of sound. One could probably just set it there and leave it, but it is fun to play with the sliders and take note how the sound changes from song to song.
 
The other settings are as follows: 
 
(1st) Very little bass, bright, thin sounding. I don't really find any use for this setting besides closing up the ports to make your experience more isolated. I don't find music enjoyable on this setting, but could prove useful if listening to primarily vocals in content such as podcasts. 
 
(3rd) Bass isn't much more than the 2nd setting, but it's certainly less controlled and tends to get fluttery on some songs. There is also a sense that the other musical elements withdraw into the foreground and there is a loss of overall detail. I found this setting useful to warm up songs with very little bass.
 
Soundstage is average for a closed on ear. Not much to say about this aspect. It's not bad, but not great either. I don't see much people having too much an issue with this aspect of the sound.
 
*I want to make it clear that despite the critical comments in relation to the sound, I find this headphone to be very enjoyable to listen to. It's very forgiving and will still sound good with lesser quality files and streaming. I just want to be honest about all the little nit picky things many of us audiophiles notice. For the price, these headphones perform VERY well and are actually quite impressive!
 
*I think some people would be wondering if the audio pass through feature degrades the sound quality when in use. I'm happy to report that it does not! Anyone looking to use this feature need not fret.
 
Build:
 
Mixture of plastic and metal elements makes this headphone seem very robust. Hinges seem strong. Replaceable headband cushion is a very nice detail that I wish more headphones had. I haven't seen this aspect of the headphone mentioned anywhere else so I wanted to make note of it.
 
Comfort:
 
Initially, I found these headphones to be uncomfortable. It was a combination of a stronger than normal clamping force and the flattened top of the headband making it uncomfortable on my ears and the top of my head. As time goes on I'm getting used to it, but these are not lengthy session use headphones. If I could compare the fit of these to any other headphone, I'd say they have a similar fit to the Beats Mixr. It's an overly tight DJ fit. I don't suggest stretching the headband out manually or attempting to bend the headband. The headband isn't very flexible, and I could see it breaking with too much force.
 
Conclusion:
 
No headphone is perfect and without it's particular flaws. Those in the hobby definitely know this, or soon will. Despite a few issues, the Custom Street is a great buy. It's got a very enjoyable, forgiving sound. The customizability makes it interactive and fun. It comes with a lot of accessories including a hard zippered case (wish there was a pocket of some sort in there to store the cable nicely). This model is pretty much a Beats By Dre competitor, and honestly, I think it's a much better buy than Beats. They have more clarity than Beats, and still provide a nice low end thump. If you want to buy something in the Beats lane of portable fun headphones definitely consider these!

I want to start off this review by stating what I was looking for in a headphone when I purchased the Audio Technica ATH-PRO5MK3. I was looking for something over-ear, closed back, and something that would be a good all rounder for everything from casual portable use, to occasional monitoring and mixing. I found it very difficult to narrow down a set that took care of both lifestyles or uses and this set looked great on "paper," so to speak. I also wanted something with average impedance and sensitivity so as to not need an amp. I decided to purchase these and give them a chance. I found little information about them and figured the only way I'll really know if I like them is to go ahead and order them.
 
For the most part, the PRO5MK3 fit the bill for everything except sound quality. So lets just get to it!
 
Sound:
 
Very midrange boosted sound that pierces the ear at moderate to higher volumes, but somehow still doesn't provide enough detail in that area (or any other area) of focus. What happens is that voices and sounds such as snares are boosted in a range that gives annoyance rather than any kind of real clarity. I often found vocals somewhat unintelligible at times due to this as well. I also found myself listening at lower volumes to avoid the grating mids. Overall the sound lacks definition and clarity. Bass is decent but lacks extension and impact. Highs are obfuscated by the midrange boost and may also be rolled off. Overall, it's a kind of cardboard and honky sound that sucks much of the emotion out of the music. There is very little soundstage. I'm making these headphones seem absolutely terrible and they are not. It's just that the sound quality IMHO is suitable for a can that is cheaper than this set. I am also highly critical.
 
*Added Update:* I noticed that with using the 1.2m cable w mic that there is slight sound quality degradation (less detail and separation, narrowing of soundstage) as opposed to the 3m coiled cable. I also want to add that these headphones have a slight cavernous and hollow sound that I just can't get over. Lastly, even though bass is present and is felt in terms of vibration, it's not always heard that well which is another annoyance.
 
As a side note I find these headphones to be very unforgiving. In that sense, you can quickly pick up when something is wrong with your mix, but the headphones lack the clarity and proper tone to really get into the nitty gritty of mixing and doing finer more subtle work. These headphones are more for spot checking glaring issues and as another reference. The midrange boost may come in handy when DJing and needing to line up snares of different tracks in a loud club or similar environment. 
 
Design/Build Quality:
 
The headphones feel a little cheaper in hand than they look in pics, and the plastic seems a little too light weight, cheap, and hollow. However, they strike me as having a build that will last a very long time if properly cared for. They are overall a very nice looking set of cans though. Cables are very nice, but hold memory. The 1.2 m cable with the mic and controls (single button for answering calls/pausing/skipping and a volume slider) is a nice addition along with the longer coiled cable. The ear pads are similar to the ATH-M50 pads but with about half the padding in them. The pads are also very loose. I find I often have to reposition them on the cup. Overall comfort is good.
 
*Added Update:* The ear pads do not breathe at all, and I find they accumulate heat and sweat much more than any headphone I've ever used. Much more than the ATH-M50 which is odd since the ear pads are fairly similar.
 
Conclusion:
 
If you are looking for a cheaper DJ and/or mixing can, this set could work for you, but for a little more money you could get something substantially better. Also, take into consideration that this model is currently ONLY available in places such as Japan, Europe, and Russia. If you live outside these regions you will have to special order as I have, and that inflates the cost to the point where these headphones are not really worth it. I could have picked up something for a little more money locally and been happier. I've seen these retail for up to $150 and they are worth maybe $60-80 Canadian all in (Shipping + Taxes) in my subjective valuing of them. I paid around $112 Canadian and I felt that was just a bit too much. I would only recommend these if you found a great deal on them, and you need something to allow you to focus on sound for a DJ or Producing hobby rather than pure enjoyment. These are not the headphones to get lost in the music with. Would not recommend for serious and/or professional use. I realize that "monitor" headphones aren't meant to sound "Hi-Fi" but the PRO5MK3 really does lack the detail and tonality to be a great monitor as well as lacking any characteristics that would make them "audiophile" grade.
 
***Update after using this headphone for about 3 months***
 
The sound of the headphone does improve slightly after a lengthy burn in process. I also added some damping material inside the cups and that has seemed to improve things a little further. The sound isn't as hollow now and there is a little more clarity and definition in the sound. Please pay attention to my language. This is still an extremely poor headphone in terms of accurate sound quality. Interestingly though, this is really the only pair of headphones where I did actually notice some improvement with burn in.
 
I have put some time into mixing with these cans in my home project studio and the results were terrible and completely off. I haven't had mixes translate as bad as this in my life. I'm not even joking or resorting to over dramatizing or hyperbole. There is definitely something extremely off about the sound balance in this model. It's very difficult and nearly impossible to "learn" these and the fact that this is marketed and branded as a monitoring headphone of any kind baffles me as any regular consumer grade headphone will perform better and result in better mixes. Just stay clear away from this model. The only thing good about this model is it's looks, and relative comfort. Audio Technica really failed with these. Shame on them for even allowing these to be sold in the limited markets that they are available!