The best MP3 player for every budget
There’s much to say about Bragi’s Dash Pro, but the first is simply that wireless headphones probably aren’t what you think of when you call to mind an MP3 player. Years of iPods in pockets have conditioned us to think of MP3 players as small boxes that connect to our ears via headphones – but Bragi change all that in an instant, by embedding the audio technology into the headphone itself.
And it works well. Very well. Uploading music is a doddle – just stick the buds in the accompanying charging pod, connect it to your computer via the USB cable (supplied), and get drag and dropping. Music can go into one of four playlists, and the system can handle around 1,000 songs in total (Bragi suggest spreading these across all four playlists, so the tiny onboard computer doesn’t get overloaded).
Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to go. You select a playlist by holding the right headphone. From there, the gadget is controlled through a system of swipes (forwards to go forward in the playlist, backwards to go back), taps (once to start playing, twice to move to the next song) and holds (functional things like entering or exiting a menu). It sounds complicated, and it certainly needs learning, but it’s intuitive and the system doesn’t take too long to grasp.
Alternatively, you can use the 4D menu, which you have to activate manually. This uses the movement of your head rather than the touch of your fingertips to take direction. So, shake your head to move along a playlist, nod to start playing a song, look to the right to pause, etc. It’s an interesting invention with useful application for those without the full use of their hands/arms. Personally, though, I found it fiddly as hell. One for the development board.
The music quality is good. Really good. Listening to the Hamilton soundtrack, I heard musical elements that I hadn’t picked up on inferior headphones and speakers. Everything feels deliciously crisp and clear – a real treat. Partly, that’s thanks to the noise cancelling function, which is good quality and prevents distraction. The headphones also offer a helpful thing called Audio Transparency, which allows you to still hear the outside world over your music, and also hear yourself speak. Handy while crossing the road, or speaking to someone in passing.
And, of course, the buds are good for working out. No wires means no tangles, and no box in your pocket means no fuss. If you’re looking for an MP3 to exercise with, you’ll also be pleased to note that the Dash Pro headphones are waterproof up to one metre so you can use them while swimming or in the rain. Oh, and they include an easy-to-use fitness tracker, but that’s for another article.
On a full charge, Bragi say you’ll get five hours of playtime – I managed around four hours and 40 minutes on average. Handily, the case they come in also acts as a charger with up to five charges in it, so you could conceivably get thirty hours out of the headphones before you need to plug them in again.
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3. Astell&Kern SR15
Why we like it: Premium audio quality for well trained ears
Price: £549, Amazon
