New Monster headphones connect listeners together

By
by Mike Snider, USA TODAY
September 15, 2012, 9:12 AM ET
2 min read

— -- Electronics company Monster is building out its headphone line with a new entry that has a unique shape and music sharing feature.

New Monster DNA on-ear headphone models (priced starting at $199.95) forgo the standard circular or square-shaped external speaker housing for a stylish triangle. And each has a Music Link plug that lets you connect another set of headphones to share a listening source â?? or up to four more sets of Monster DNA headphones.

Monster has been expanding its headphone roster since the announcement earlier this year that its five-year production deal for Beats By Dr. Dre headphones was expiring. The company, which has grown beyond its initial home audio/video accessory offerings, promises similar high-end acoustics in these new models. "It truly breaks new ground on what can be achieved in a small, lightweight headphone," says Monster founder and engineer Noel Lee in a note inside the headphones' packaging.

MORE:Read an in-depth review of the Monster DNA headphones at HeadphoneInfo.com

For the Monster DNA on-ear headphones, designers also aimed for an improvement in comfort over competing products. Recent testing of the on-ear Monster DNA models found the ear cushions provided a comfortable but secure fit that delivered a solid soundscape whether riding on a train or running on a treadmill.

And the headphones also fold into a very portable size that fits within an accompanying pouch. Like the on-ear models, upcoming in-ear versions have handy cellphone control features. (Yet to be tested, the $119.95 in-ear models, which come in black and white, are expected to be available Oct. 17 on www.monsterproducts.com.)

The on-ear models (available for pre-order at monsterproducts.com for an introductory price before rising to a suggested $229.95) will begin shipping Sept. 26 and will arrive in Apple stores Oct. 4. Other outlets will include Best Buy and HMV Europe. Colors include black, white, cobalt blue and perfect teal and you can customize your headphones with one of several skins (for a $30 premium) to augment the basic looks.

Monster founded the Monster DNA line with media company Viacom and the two companies plan to cross-promote the headphones across networks such as Comedy Central, CMT, MTV, Spike and VH1. That promotion included reveals during the recent MTV Video Music Awards.