We review the latest local releases from Sonos, JBL, EarFun and Moonki, with over-ear headphones, in-ear options and a Wi-Fi speaker
In recent weeks, four companies have announced new wireless headphones and speakers for the Argentine market, adding to the extensive offering already existing in the country.
Sonos Ace
On the one hand, the Sonos firm put on sale in the country its brand new Sonos Ace, the company’s first wireless headband headphones, with high definition audio thanks to its Bluetooth 5.4 connection, active and passive audio cancellation (thanks to the eight integrated microphones, and the circumaural pads it offers), and support for spatial audio, lossless audio (if linked to a device compatible with LDAC and AptX formats) and the possibility of linking it via Bluetooth to two devices simultaneously; one of them can be the Arc sound bar that the company manufactures, and that allows you to derive the audio from the TV to the headphones to have a similar sound panorama. It comes with its case, 30 hours of autonomy, and the option of charging it quickly via USB-C and plugging it in with a miniplug cable to an analog system to use it that way. The headphones are priced at 1,100,000 pesos locally or $449 internationally.
Moonki MV-S21BT
A more modest option is the Moonki MV-S21BT, wireless headphones with a foldable headband, with active noise cancellation; the company says they filter up to 22 dB of sound; they have 40 mm drivers, allow up to 10 hours of continuous playback, and a miniUSB charging port that allows them to be used connected, along with a miniplug connector for an analog connection if we are not using the built-in Bluetooth 5.0. It has a local price of 97,499 pesos.
Earfun Air Mini and more
Those looking for TWS-type in-ear headphones (the smallest, with each speaker-independent and a charging case) have an alternative to the traditional ones with a newcomer to the country: the firm Earfun, born in 2018 and since then dedicated to the design and manufacture of headphones. In particular, the Earfun Air Mini are pipe-type TWS headphones, with a 5-hour autonomy, plus another 25 provided by the charging case; they use Bluetooth 5.2 connection and are resistant to humidity and perspiration (with IPX7 certification) and a touch panel on the temple to control playback or answer a call. They have a local price of 62,999 pesos; there is also a version with a button-type design (the Free Mini), which can be used independently in one or the other ear, have titanium dynamic drivers to reinforce the bass and a price of 65,999 pesos. The company also has models with active noise cancellation (the Free Pro 2 and Air Pro 2), priced at 166,999 and 155,999 pesos, respectively. The Earfun Air, on the other hand, have a temple design and wireless charging, and are priced at 114,999 pesos.
JBL Authentics 500
As a different, but also wireless option, there is the JBL Authentics 500, a Bluetooth speaker that also has Wi-Fi and a retro design inspired by the 70s. Wi-Fi makes it compatible with Chromecast, AirPlay, Alexa and Spotify; it is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. In addition, it is compatible with Dolby Atmos Music and has 270 watts of power for its three tweeters and three bass speakers, in addition to the integrated subwoofer. The speaker has a local price of 1,349,999 pesos; it has an international price of 699 dollars.
In other countries, the company sells the Authentics 300 and 200, which are more compact and portable but have similar features (Wi-Fi connectivity, integration with digital assistants, multiple speakers) to the 500 model that JBL announced for the local market.
