The sheer number of options for headphones these days can easily overwhelm a person looking to try out their very first pair. With such headphone lines as Beats making over-ear headphones a fashionable option, many companies have hopped on board and produced similar products. Pairs usually range from $100 to $500, and each line comes with its own set of key characteristics.
JBL is no stranger to making sound equipment and products, but their newest line of headphones marks the company’s most significant entry into the business yet. The Everest line in particular holds a definite prestige, and the company’s latest installment of that series really sets the bar for future headphones from not only JBL, but every headphone manufacturer. The Everest Elite 700 headphones are over-the-ear beauties, and they pack in one key feature: wireless connectivity.
Sound
First and foremost, headphones should sound good. The music coming out of the speakers should ideally wash the listener away to a far-away place, and it’s safe to say the Everest Elite 700 series does this wonderfully. JBL went all the way in packing the speakers with immaculate sound design, fitting for pretty much every genre. Electronic music transported me to a club, indie rock took me to a music festival, and hip-hop launched me toward a hyped arena show. Every note, every melody, and every fluctuation in a voice could be heard, and the highs, mids, and lows equally share sonic space.
The bass, while not as punchy as in DJing headphones, gave a subtle kick to many electronic tracks, and the treble complemented the bass instead of being unpowered or overtaking any other aspects. The headphones come equipped with sound isolation thanks to NXTGEN Active Noise Canceling, and this works well in quiet and nosiy locations alike. It’s not the greatest noise cancelling ever, as medium to loud noises do penetrate the cushions at times, but it does the job well for people working in an office, working out at the gym, studying at home, and more. For a retail price of $300, the Everest Elite 700 series’ sound quality is worth the price for admission alone.
Features
The other huge benefit to this line can actually be broken down to its numerous features. Wireless connectivity, the line’s key selling point, runs like a charm. Enable bluetooth on your device, turn on the bluetooth on the headphones, and connect almost instantly. A bluetooth adapter will be needed for devices without bluetooth support (such as many computers), but anyone with a smart device can enjoy the wireless feature. The wireless range is also a huge plus, with the headphones able to go up to 12 feet without losing signal. Gone are the days of fighting cords, as these should follow you on any short distance trek from your device. 15-hour battery life ensures you’ll get a lengthy use each time with these headphones, and the battery turns off after a few minutes of going idle.
Speaking of smart features, an accompanying JBL app pairs with the device to satisfy specific details like volume, noise cancellation, and fade in and out. Buttons on the side of the headphones allow one to raise and lower volume, skip tracks, rewind, and much more. One really unique feature called TruNote automatically calibrates sound upon listening. When having it off and on, I didn’t notice a huge different in playback, but small details did come to life when I enabled the feature. A built-in microphone also makes these headphones ready for communication, a welcome feature for people looking to cut down on having their phone next to their face for phone calls. Overall the Everest Elite 700 packs in a number of excellent features, all which make the headphones even more enticing.
Design
While not as physically attractive as other headphone lines, the Everest Elite 700 line does possess a sleek look, albeit with some over-sized headphone pads. The pads themselves may look a bit big, but they offer plenty of space for the ears to sit comfortably even for long listening experiences. The only downside to the physical comfort from these headphones is the headband, which aches the head over a few hours of listening. The band contains great build quality and a cushion, but ultimately the headband still sits tightly on the head to the point of aching after an extended session.
The headphones are very portable, however, folding up to fit snugly in a carrying case that comes with each purchase. When sitting on the head, the headphones stay perfectly in place. This was tested after using them for some workouts at the gym, and never did I fight with them like I constantly do with corded headphones. Speaking of cords, a cord does come with the headphones as well, offering a optional wired listening experience for people without bluetooth access.
Final Verdict
Despite a few hiccups, the JBL Everest Elite 700 headphone line takes music fans into the future with amazing bluetooth support, a myriad of essential features, and sleek, durable design. The price tag is a bit heavy, but rest assured knowing that this purchase would be one of the best investments you can make for headphones. Two thumbs up from us.
