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Beats Solo HD

Beats · Solo

Solo HD

Released February 2010

Folding wired on-ear headphones with a detachable cable and an in-line microphone remote.

Model history · 2 models, 2009–2010
  1. 2009Solo (2009)Compare
  2. 2010Solo HD
Type
On-ear
Noise cancelling
No
Battery
–
With case
–
Best codec
Wired
Weight
–

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the robust portable design and passive isolation, but find the strong bass short on definition and liable to overwhelm other sounds. What Hi-Fi? finds the padded fit comfortable; AVForums experiences pressure after longer use, while valuing the folding hinges, detachable cables and useful phone remote.

From whathifi.com and avforums.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type
On-ear
Noise cancelling
No
Bluetooth codecs
None (wired)
Drivers
Original maker announcement describes redesigned drivers; no diameter is published in the sources read.
Noise cancelling detail
Passive isolation from the ear pads, described by What Hi-Fi? and AVForums; no active noise cancelling.

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim)
No battery (wired)

Design

Headphone cable
Yes
Controls
In-line remote supports playback, track skipping and scanning, calls, voice commands and volume; functionality varies by device.
Microphones
Microphone built into the detachable remote cable.
Fit and ear tips
On-ear design with folding hinges; AVForums describes metal hinges, pivoting ear pads and a padded headband.
Works with
Analogue audio through a detachable 3.5 mm cable. The original Monster manual lists remote and microphone support for specific iPod, iPhone and iPad models; the later Beats guide also lists HTC, BlackBerry and Android with device-dependent functions.
Colours
AVForums' reviewed range includes black, white and red. The maker confirmed the PRODUCT(RED) edition was already available on 5 February 2010; its general launch announcement had stated March 2010.
In the box
Maker announcement lists a carrying case. AVForums' reviewed bundle includes two detachable cables, one with an in-line microphone remote; bundles may differ.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Folding hinges for compact storage
  • Detachable headphone cable
  • Remote microphone cable for compatible devices

Cons

  • No Bluetooth or active noise cancelling
  • Remote functions depend on the connected device

Closest rivals

Model
TypeNoise cancellingBatteryWith caseBest codecWeightReleased
BeatsMixr
On-earNo––Wired–2011
BeatsSolo (2009)
On-earNo––Wired–2009
AudezeLCD-2
Over-earNo––Wired595 g2009

Previous model: Solo (2009). Newer model: Solo2.

Sources

  1. beatsbydre.com/content/dam/beats-support/apac/solo-hd-quick-start-guide-apac.pdf
  2. ecoustics.com/products/monster-beats-solo-hd-headphones
  3. corporate.hsn.com/newsroom/pressrelease/new-beats-8482-by-dr-dre-8482-solo-8482…
  4. manualzz.com/doc/17769549/beats-by-dr.-dre-solo-hd-headphones-manual
  5. whathifi.com/monster/beats-dr-dre-solo-hd/review
  6. avforums.com/reviews/beats-by-dre-solo-hd-on-ear-headphones-review.312

Photo: Original 300 × 411 px Solo HD maker press image reproduced by eCoustics; retained at its available resolution.

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