Audio “quality” is a very subjective subject. There are so many variables at play to simply say that a higher bitrate audio file “sounds better” than a lower bitrate one. What sounds good to me may not sound good to you, even if it is played back through the same player, in the same room, and through the same speakers for both you and I. To some extent you can reduce some aspects that influence the sound, such as the size of and furnishings in a room and the resultant …

While writing my previous headphone-related article, I started thinking about the variety of artists who have collaborated with manufacturers of audio equipment to produce branded products with which their fans could display allegiance while – of course – rocking out to their music. From Metallica to Lady GaGa to J-rockers Beat Crusaders, here’s a list of some of the most memorable.

Copenhagen’s AIAIAI, which emerged from the city’s Studio 54-esque club The A-House, is a relatively new entry into the audio equipment scene, having manufactured headphones and earphones since 2005 [it also designs and sells laptop accessories and t-shirts.]

Generally, for as long as I’ve had mp3 players, I’ve had iPods. Which may be a questionable decision in itself [the only non-iPod I’ve owned was a 2GB Samsung model to tide me over when my second-gen Mini experienced an alarming software error which caused its contents to be replaced by Aerosmith’s back catalogue], but it’s always been fun replacing the stock earphones with more exciting models. As much as I live and breathe music, I really only use my iPod while walking and as a result, headphones for it …