The headphones industry is awash in gimmickry and corner-cutting at the cost of quality, with a new celebrity endorsement or promise of bass-blasting sound “enhancement” at every turn. So it’s with cocked eyebrows and skeptical ears that we leap once more into review territory, but thankfully LSTN headphones have calmed the seas of cynicism with a rich, clear sound.
LSTN’s unorthodox design reputation precede them, not to mention their humanitarian merits. They’ve eschewed the plastic synthetics found in the majority of competing ear-gear, angling instead for high-quality natural wood reclaimed from furniture and flooring manufacturers. And for every pair of headphones that are sold, a portion of profits are donated to the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which aims to help those with hearing difficulty around the world.
The sound is what matters most, however, and provided users aren’t hung up on the aforementioned bass warping, they’re likely to find LSTN’s offerings an ideal fit for their listening needs. The delivery is balanced, warm and smooth, with a deep bass that isn’t distorted within the considerable width of sound. The midrange is the strength here, with measured highs and lows that eliminated any chance of unwanted sharpness.
The Troubadours’ sub-bass and mid-bass are tactfully presented for a balanced low-end sound, which will aid in a hip-hop listening experience that doesn’t feel like your ears are strapped to a beehive.
The only notable hangup I found in the experience was the lack of headband padding, which was a bit inconvenient in movement on the head. Twin metal strips line the arched portion of the headband, with a tiny band of black padding. The inconvenience is balanced out by the fact that the things are surprisingly lightweight, which makes for easy long-term wearing, as well as a detachable cable to prevent the irritating need for a whole new pair should the wire get stripped.
In all, LSTN’s latest offering is a safe buy for listeners who want a reliable set of cans that sport a unique, stylish look. The Beats hysteria is overblown and misguided. If you find legitimately good headphones with well-rounded sound and strong design to be a priority over bandwagoning, you’re in good hands with LSTN.
Find out more about the LSTN Troubadors at the official site.
