Seven new audio products announced from Logitech UE, we tried out two
The best headphones I have ever owned were the Ultimate Ears (UE) Super-Fi 5 Pro so I was disappointed when the wires wore out just over a year ago. I was recently contacted by the folks at Logitech, they purchased UE back in August 2008, and told that seven new music products under the new Logitech UE brand were going to be announced today and released in early September. They also sent along the two Bluetooth speaker units for me to test and I have to say they both live up to the audio expertise of Ultimate Ears.
You can check out a few photos of the Logitech UE Boombox and Mobile Boombox products in my image gallery.
The seven new products include the following:
- Logitech UE Boombox: $249.99
- Logitech UE Mobile Boombox: $99.99
- Logitech UE Smart Radio: $179.99
- Logitech UE 9000 Headphones (Bluetooth, active noise canceling): $399.99
- Logitech UE 6000 Headphones (corded, active noise canceling): $199.99
- Logitech UE 4000 Headphones (on the ear): $99.99
- Logitech UE 900 Noise-Isolating Earphones
Logitech UE Boombox
The Boombox takes you back to the days of holding a large speaker on your shoulder as you walked down the street. It is fairly heavy at 4.37 pounds, but unlike the old days of having to install six or more size D batteries you get rechargeable ones installed. The smooth aluminum handle runs the full length of the speaker, the speaker grill wraps around the top and down most of both sides, and the bottom is rubberized up to just over an inch on each side to give you that extra grip when you set it on the table.
On the left side you will find the Bluetooth button/status light, power switch/battery light, audio jack, and power port backed in blue rubberized material. On the right side you will find large volume up and down buttons on the blue rubberized material. The specifications state you can connect to the Boombox up to 50 feet away and in my tests it worked in just about every room in my house with the phone sitting in one room.
You can pair up to eight Bluetooth devices (three simultaneously) and it is very quick and easy to pair up the speaker. Inside the speaker unit you will find two 0.5-inch tweeters, two 3-inch woofers, and four 2.75-inch pass radiators to cover the full spectrum of sound. The rechargeable battery is stated to last up to ten hours. I haven't had it long enough to test out the battery capacity. The Logitech UE Boombox compares well with the Big Jambox.
Logitech UE Mobile Boombox
The Mobile Boombox fits into the portable Bluetooth speaker market with devices like the Jambox and Braven 650. I thought the Braven 650 was the best I have heard, but the new Logitech UE Mobile Boombox may have just passed that up. It packs some SERIOUS sound in a very portable form factor and is definitely a speaker you should consider.
The Mobile Boombox has rounded edges and is wrapped all the way around by a rubber bumper material. Sound comes out the front black grill that also has a small blue Bluetooth indicator light centered on the front. On the back you will find the power button, microUSB port, and audio jack. There is a Bluetooth button along with volume up and down buttons on the top. These buttons are large and easily accessible. Behind the Bluetooth button on the top you will see an opening for the microphone. Yes, this speaker also servers as a wireless speakerphone to facilitate calls.
You can connect two devices at the same time with up to eight paired devices in the memory. You can use the speaker for up to 10 hours and it is even more portable than the Jambox and Braven 650. It weighs in at just 10.5 ounces and really feels great in the hand. I checked out the black model, but there are four other color schemes available to choose from.
Logitech UE Smart Radio
The following was in the Logitech UE press release:
The Logitech UE™ Smart Radio is a dedicated music device that can play Internet radio, online music services and the music on your PC or Mac® – all through one simple, unified interface. The color screen displays album art, track and station information. And you can save your favorite stations and playlists for one-touch access to the music you listen to most. What’s more, the Logitech UE Smart Radio Controller app for iPhone®, iPad® and Android devices transforms your smartphone or tablet into a master music controller, giving you seamless navigation of your music services, radio stations and personal music collection. The rechargeable battery lets you take your music with you around the home, with up to six hours of continuous playback depending on use, settings and conditions. The Logitech UE Smart Radio will be available for a suggested retail price of U.S. $179.99.
Logitech UE 9000 Headphones
The following was in the Logitech UE press release:
With the Logitech UE™ 9000 Headphones, there are no wires and no distractions. They connect wirelessly to your favorite Bluetooth® devices, but also include an optional cable should you want to go wired or run out of power – plus, they fold flat when you’re on the go. The high-resolution drivers of the Logitech UE 9000 Headphones deliver pure, undiluted audio that’s distinctly UE – rich, clear and perfectly tuned – for a spacious soundstage and a remarkable level of power, punch and clarity. Powered by a long-life battery, our proprietary Bluetooth implementation provides freedom from cords without sound-quality compromises. Listen wired or wirelessly – so the music never has to stop. Active noise canceling technology filters out ambient noise for a more immersive experience. With asymmetrical memory foam cushions, articulating joints and an around-the-ear design the Logitech UE 9000 Headphones conform to the contours of your head, so you’ll be comfortable for those extended listening sessions. Logitech UE 9000 Headphones also feature intuitively, and discreetly placed controls that respond to the touch of your fingertips, so you can select songs, turn up the volume, or answer a call – naturally and easily. The Logitech UE 9000 Headphones will be available for a suggested retail price of U.S. $399.99.
Logitech UE 6000 Headphones
The following was in the Logitech UE press release:
Tune in to the music and tune out everything else with your Logitech UE™ 6000 Headphones. They connect to your favorite devices, fold up like sunglasses when you’re on the go and come with a splitter to make sharing simple. The distinct UE sound signature provides pure, undiluted audio with a wide-open soundstage and a remarkable level of detail in all your music. Active noise canceling technology filters out ambient noise for an immersive listening experience. The Logitech UE 6000 Headphones feature plush memory foam cushions; breathable, soft-as-leather surfaces; and an around-the-ear design. The Logitech UE 6000 Headphones will be available for a suggested retail price of $199.99.
Logitech UE 4000 Headphones
The following was in the Logitech UE press release:
The powerful, high-sensitivity drivers in the Logitech UE™ 4000 Headphones make your music come alive with depth, authenticity and emotion. You can immerse yourself in your music with these compact on-ear headphones that come with a zippered, microfiber-lined travel pouch. On-cord mic and controls let you answer calls, change tracks and adjust volume – all without taking your phone or device out of your pocket. The Logitech UE 4000 Headphones also feature plush memory foam cushions; breathable, soft-as-leather surfaces; and an on--the-ear design. The Logitech UE 4000 Headphones will be available for a suggested retail price of $99.99.
Logitech UE 900 Noise-Isolating Earphones
The following was in the Logitech UE press release:
Logitech UE™ 900 Noise-Isolating Earphones deliver sound that is surpassed only by Logitech UE’s professional custom in-ear monitors. Thanks to four-armature speakers and a three-way crossover in a universal fit, you’ll hear a wide soundstage with soul-satisfying bass, heavenly highs and a crisp, piano-like timbre. The unique UE sound signature faithfully recreates the original recording – and adds a low-end kick. Five silicon and three Comply® Foam tips, each designed with a large-bore opening, ensure audio is delivered cleanly. Two detachable, braided cables – one with a mic and controls, and one without – let you swap out the standard cable for a cable with mic and controls. And ear loops offer a secure, comfortable fit no matter what you’re doing. The Logitech UE 900 Noise-Isolating Earphones will be available for a suggested retail price of U.S. $399.99.