Bill Henderson - The Gadgeteer

Focal delivers a new closed-back headphone designed for blissful privacy

NEWS – Focal is a French acoustics company that has taken the audio community by storm with their exceptional line of high-end headphones. Clear, Elear and especially Utopia headphones have redefined how good headphones can be. However, these three headphones are open-backed, which is a deal breaker for some. Now, Focal has remedied that with […]

Focal delivers a new closed-back headphone designed for blissful privacy Read More

RHA truly connects with the new TrueConnect wireless in-ear headphones

NEWS – Does anyone at RHA ever sleep? Every time I wrap up a review or news item, they come out with something new and cool. This time, it’s their first totally wireless earphone, the TrueConnect true wireless in-ear headphone. It comes with an IPX5 rating, so they should be sweat-proof for those warm, outdoor

RHA truly connects with the new TrueConnect wireless in-ear headphones Read More

Aiwa Arc-1 Bluetooth headphones review

By Bill Henderson / September 27, 2018 / Reviews / Bluetooth headphones / 18 Comments

REVIEW – Does anyone remember Aiwa? Years ago, I installed an Aiwa car CD player in a ‘92 Acura. It was good—not great. Later, Aiwa just about disappeared after Sony bought them. Now they’re back and getting some serious (as in good) attention. First Aiwa released the Exos-9 Bluetooth speaker—a monster speaker that’s getting rave

Aiwa Arc-1 Bluetooth headphones review Read More

Brydge 12.9 Series II Bluetooth iPad Pro keyboard review

By Bill Henderson / September 22, 2018 / Reviews / iPad keyboard case / 4 Comments

REVIEW – When I got a 12.9 in. IPad pro, I had already purchased a case for it. I’m that paranoid of dropping and ruining any iDevice I buy. The case I bought was the Speck Stylefolio Pencil Case—a great case that does not include a keyboard. I’ve never been thrilled with the choice of

Brydge 12.9 Series II Bluetooth iPad Pro keyboard review Read More

Master & Dynamic go wireless again with the MW07 earphones. Totally wireless.

By Bill Henderson / September 14, 2018 / News / Bluetooth earbuds / Leave a Comment

NEWS – Premium headphone maker Master & Dynamic would never admit to being satisfied with all they have accomplished in four short years. Even if they have just about covered all the audio bases in they’re product line of headphones, earphones and Bluetooth speakers. So what’s left? Truly wireless earphones, that’s what. M&D have not

Master & Dynamic go wireless again with the MW07 earphones. Totally wireless. Read More

Etymotic ER3XR earphone review

By Bill Henderson / September 13, 2018 / Reviews / Earphones / 2 Comments

REVIEW – Etymotic is not an audio company the public knows much about. However, they’ve been around for a while and are famous among hard-core earphone fans. Part of the reason is that Etymotic has a sound signature they strive for and nothing will cause them to deviate from it. Each of their models—from the

Etymotic ER3XR earphone review Read More

Shinola Bookshelf Speakers review

By Bill Henderson / September 10, 2018 / Reviews / Bluetooth speaker / Leave a Comment

REVIEW – You gotta hand it to Shinola. This hometown Detroit company has shaken up the watch industry with their genuine American-made timepieces. They’ve also developed a slew of other products, from bicycles to leather goods. But it’s Shinola’s new Bookshelf Speakers that have attracted attention since their entrance into the extremely competitive audio arena.

Shinola Bookshelf Speakers review Read More

RHA MA750 Wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphone review

By Bill Henderson / September 7, 2018 / Reviews / Bluetooth headphones / Leave a Comment

REVIEW – Four years ago, I reviewed the RHA (Reid Heath Ltd.) MA750 in-ear headphone (earphone). I ended the review with this, “With all the innovations and improvements resulting in the MA750, where do they go from here? Stay tuned.” We now have the answer to that question. The MA750 is now available in a

RHA MA750 Wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphone review Read More

BURST Sonic Toothbrush review

By Bill Henderson / August 30, 2018 / Reviews / Electric toothbrush, Health and fitness, toothbrush / 9 Comments

REVIEW – When one thinks of a gadget, a toothbrush doesn’t immediately come to mind. But in this day of smart this and smart that, it seems everything is becoming “gadgetized.” And toothbrushes are no different. Give a toothy grin to the new BURST Sonic Toothbrush. What is it? The BURST is a sonic toothbrush

BURST Sonic Toothbrush review Read More

Where ergonomics is paramount, X marks the spot

By Bill Henderson / August 29, 2018 / News / Computer furniture / Leave a Comment

NEWS – Here’s a question for you: Have you been sitting all day? How good does your back feel right now? How are your legs doing? If you (like me) regularly have aches and pains after working all day sitting in a less-than-perfect chair while staring at a monitor, there may be hope. Sometimes, all

Where ergonomics is paramount, X marks the spot Read More

RHA has produced the CL2 … the world’s first and smallest wireless planar magnetic in-ear headphone

By Bill Henderson / August 23, 2018 / News / Earphones / Leave a Comment

NEWS – When you’re an audio company known for its affordable—and great sounding—earphones, where do you go from there? If you’re RHA (Reid Heath Audio), you don’t sit on your successes; it’s not in their DNA. RHA continues to innovate and take risks—as evidenced in their CL1 ceramic earphone and Dacamp L1 headphone amp. Now,

RHA has produced the CL2 … the world’s first and smallest wireless planar magnetic in-ear headphone Read More

Bowers & Wilkins introduces an improved line of affordable speakers

By Bill Henderson / August 20, 2018 / Articles / Audio, Trip Report / Leave a Comment

ARTICLE – In June, I was invited to Boston for a press introduction of the new Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series of speakers. The June weather was unusually cool with nights in the mid-60s—a welcome change from the humid 90s of my home in Central Florida. For those who aren’t familiar with B&W, they are

Bowers & Wilkins introduces an improved line of affordable speakers Read More

EGO Power+ 15” POWERLOAD String Trimmer review

By Bill Henderson / August 18, 2018 / Reviews / 5 Comments

REVIEWS – A couple of years ago, I reviewed the EGO Power+ 530 CFM Blower. I had never used a battery powered yard tool before and absolutely fell in love with its convenience and awesome power. I’m still using it—in fact, I got rid of my corded blower and haven’t missed it at all. I’m

EGO Power+ 15” POWERLOAD String Trimmer review Read More

CTM’s in-ear monitors are clearly tuned from the past and into the future

By Bill Henderson / August 17, 2018 / News / Earphones / Leave a Comment

NEWS – One of the fun aspects of writing reviews and news items on audio gear is discovering companies with a passion for sound. I recently stumbled across Clear Tune Monitors and their Vintage Series of in-ear monitors (IEM) that blend a 50s hot-rod look with a modern flair. The monitor shells sport a retro

CTM’s in-ear monitors are clearly tuned from the past and into the future Read More

V-MODA permanently cuts prices on award-winning products

By Bill Henderson / August 16, 2018 / News / Audio gear / Leave a Comment

NEWS – One of the frustrating parts of reviewing and recommending audio gear is that the price usually reflects the quality. With rare exceptions, that means the cost is more than many are willing to pay. However, as time passes, prices drop simply because great tech trickles down into more affordable gear or the same

V-MODA permanently cuts prices on award-winning products Read More

Fluance raises the affordable bar with their new Ai40 speakers

By Bill Henderson / August 14, 2018 / News / Speakers / Leave a Comment

NEWS – Here’s a question for you: At what point does the price of a set of speakers matter less and less? In other words, at what price do you stop hearing major differences in audio quality as the cost creeps up? It’s an interesting question that I’ve grappled with for years. Here’s my take:

Fluance raises the affordable bar with their new Ai40 speakers Read More

Thinkware F70 dash cam review

By Bill Henderson / August 7, 2018 / Reviews / Car Gear, dash cam / 7 Comments

REVIEW – I will admit this guilty pleasure up front: every now and then I watch dash cam videos from around the world. These videos make people look like the worst drivers in the world. I also know that the good ole’ USofA has its share of people who should not be on the road

Thinkware F70 dash cam review Read More

Shinola gets into your head with the Canfield Pro In-Ear Monitors

By Bill Henderson / August 6, 2018 / News / Headphones / Leave a Comment

NEWS – Okay, I’ll admit it. I have a weakness for in-ear headphones—or as I like to call them, plain ole’ earphones. It started with a pair of Future Sonics Atrio earphones I won in a contest. Not only did those earphones introduce me to the joys of personal audio, they also sparked my entry

Shinola gets into your head with the Canfield Pro In-Ear Monitors Read More

AlphaCool instant cooling towels review

By Bill Henderson / July 15, 2018 / Reviews / Health and fitness / 2 Comments

REVIEW – As an avid fan and reviewer of audio products, I got the opportunity to review … towels. Yes, towels. Unexciting, right? Well, it depends on how you look at it. What is it? AlphaCool instant cooling towels are a series of absorbent towels made of different materials that provide extra cooling during hot

AlphaCool instant cooling towels review Read More

Shinola goes Barefoot and produces a new speaker

By Bill Henderson / July 12, 2018 / News / Speakers / Leave a Comment

NEWS – Shinola as an unapologetic Detroit based lifestyle company. Their American made products are considered some of the highest quality products available and their audio line has garnered praise from the press and customers alike. For the first time, Shinola has partnered with Barefoot Sound to offer the new wireless Shinola Bookshelf Speakers. Barefoot

Shinola goes Barefoot and produces a new speaker Read More