Let’s Dive into AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control
The AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control offer a simple, budget-friendly solution for personal audio needs. Manufactured by AmpliVox, these headphones feature swivel ear pieces, foam cushions, an adjustable headband, and a volume control, all wired with a 6-foot cord. The promise of comfort and basic functionality at an accessible price point definitely piqued my interest.
I needed a reliable, no-frills set of headphones for monitoring audio recordings in the field, away from my usual studio setup. I needed something lightweight and easy to pack, so I was looking for a decent price point. The listed features of the AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
Upon unboxing, the headphones felt surprisingly light. The molded plastic headband, while adjustable, didn’t exude premium quality, but seemed sturdy enough for light use. The foam ear cushions were soft to the touch, and the 90-degree swivel of the ear pieces suggested a comfortable fit.
I considered the Sony MDR-ZX110 and the Koss UR20, both popular budget options. I ultimately chose the AmpliVox due to its built-in volume control and seemingly more robust headband design compared to the Sony. Plus, the AmpliVox name suggested it might be designed for clear voice reproduction.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. These headphones aren’t going to win any design awards, but at this price, I wasn’t expecting luxury. I was hoping for reliable performance and decent comfort, and my initial assessment indicated they might just deliver.
Real-World Testing: Putting AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control to the Test
First Use Experience
I primarily tested these headphones during field recordings for a documentary project in the Appalachian mountains. I used them for monitoring audio levels from my Zoom H6 recorder in varying weather conditions. The humidity was surprisingly high, and there were a few light rain showers.
The headphones performed adequately in dry conditions, allowing me to clearly monitor audio input. The foam ear cushions became noticeably damp in the humid air, which was a bit unpleasant. I was worried they would deteriorate.
The volume control was easy to use and adjust on the fly. No time was needed to get used to the controls or the fit.
The immediate surprise was the limited frequency response. The bass frequencies were almost non-existent, and the upper frequencies sounded slightly muffled, so I was not getting an accurate representation of the audio I was recording.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of intermittent use, the AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control are showing some signs of wear. The foam ear cushions are starting to compress and lose their shape. The plastic headband has developed some minor scuff marks, despite being stored carefully.
The durability is questionable long-term. The foam ear cups are starting to show a bit of wear.
Maintenance is simple. They’re easy to wipe down with a damp cloth.
Compared to my usual studio headphones (Sennheiser HD 280 Pro), the AmpliVox headphones fall far short in audio quality and comfort. However, considering the price difference, that was expected; these are adequate, but not great.
Breaking Down the Features of AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control
Specifications
- Manufacturer: AmpliVox
- Color: Black
- Swivel (90) ear pieces
- Foam ear cushions
- Adjustable headband
- Volume control
- 6 ft. cord
- 1/8″ (3.5mm) connection
- gold plated -in. screw-in stereo adapter
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Freq. Response: 20-25 Hz
The limited frequency response of 20-25 Hz is a significant limitation, severely impacting the audio fidelity. This specification means that the headphones will struggle to reproduce bass frequencies accurately, resulting in a very thin sound. The 32-ohm impedance makes them easy to drive with most devices, a positive point.
Performance & Functionality
The AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control function adequately for basic audio monitoring, but the sound quality is far from impressive. The volume control works reliably, and the swivel ear pieces offer some flexibility in fit. The main weaknesses are the poor frequency response and questionable long-term durability.
The headphones meet the bare minimum expectations for basic audio playback, but fall short in terms of sound quality and comfort. I would not use these for listening to music or any critical listening application.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price point, with molded plastic and foam cushions. The lightweight design is comfortable for short listening sessions, but the cheap materials become noticeable after extended use. The design is simple and functional, without any unnecessary frills.
There is virtually no learning curve. The headphones are plug-and-play, and the volume control is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the materials used, the long-term durability is questionable. The foam ear cushions are likely to wear out quickly, and the plastic headband could crack under stress. Maintenance is simple. They can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control come with a gold-plated -in. screw-in stereo adapter. There are no other included accessories and no customization options. These are basic, no-frills headphones.
Pros and Cons of AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Built-in volume control
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use (plug-and-play)
- Swivel ear pieces for comfortable fit
Cons
- Extremely limited frequency response (20-25 Hz)
- Questionable long-term durability
- Cheap materials and build quality
Who Should Buy AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control?
The AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control are perfect for individuals needing a cheap and basic set of headphones for simple audio monitoring. Good for students, language learners, or anyone who needs a backup set of headphones. Those who need accurate sound reproduction or prioritize long-term durability should skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be replacement ear cushions since those are likely to wear out quickly.
Conclusion on AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control
The AmpliVox Personal Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/Volume Control offer a basic, budget-friendly audio solution. The price is definitely justified for what you get, but expectations should be set accordingly.
I would cautiously recommend these headphones to someone who understands their limitations and needs a very cheap and basic set of headphones. I think these are fine as long as users know these are not high quality.
If you’re on a tight budget and need functional headphones, give these a shot. But be prepared to replace them sooner rather than later.