Altec Lansing BackBeat Titanium 326 headphones
Manufacturer: Altec Lansing Part number: UHP326
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- About $40, the Altec Lansing BackBeat Titanium 326 earbuds offer impressive sound for the buck.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Altec Lansing BackBeat Titanium 326 headphones price range: $44.99 - $54.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 03/18/2009
The good: The Altec Lansing BackBeat Titanium 326 earphones offer a comfortable fit and excellent sound for the money. The cloth-covered cord seems durable and a carrying case is included.
The bad: When the BackBeat Titanium 326 cord rubs against your clothing, you may be able to hear it if your MP3 player is set to low volumes or if it's during the silence between songs.
The bottom line: About $40, the Altec Lansing BackBeat Titanium 326 earbuds offer impressive sound for the buck.
Altec Lansing is a long-standing competitor in the iPod speaker market, so it makes sense that the company now produces a variety of headphones, as well. It currently makes three sets of BackBeat earphones: the Titanium 326, Plus 206, and Classic 106. About $10 separates each in price, and while the headphones here list for $79.99, they can be found for $40 online. They're well worth the money.
Aside from a reasonable price tag, the 326s have a few other things going for them. With one of the four sets of included silicon tips, you'll find a snug, comfortable fit that helps block out a good amount of noise. We also liked that Altec Lansing went with cloth mesh instead of rubber/plastic to cover the 46-inch long headphone wire. We've found that rubberized covering can end up cracking, particularly if you wear your headphones for prolonged periods outside in freezing temperatures. The one drawback to the mesh covering is that it does make some sound if it rubs against your clothing (you only notice it when you have the volume at a lower level or during the silence between songs). However, that's a minor gripe.
We also liked that the plug is small and will fit in any recessed headphone jack you might encounter (sorry, there's no built-in mic for making calls on your cell phone). At the same time, it's worth noting that the plug is a straight plug; we prefer the elbow variety of plugs, which is likely to hold up better over time and not short out if you accidentally bang it too many times (or drop your audio device). Again, this is a relatively small knock. On the plus side, the Titanium 326 earphones are currently the only model in the BackBeat line that includes a case--a gray neoprene one, to be specific.
Most importantly, the BackBeat 326 earphones sound very good, particularly for the money. They have a lot of bass and offer good detail and clarity (according to the specifications, they have a frequency response of 10Hz-20KHz, which is solid). The bass isn't as tight as what you'd get from more expensive Shure or Etymotic earphones, but you can't expect everything for $40.
Songs like the Kings of Leon's "Sex on Fire" and "Be Somebody" from the band's "Only by Night" album didn't come across with quite the same clarity as they would out of a pair of $150 Shure SE210s, but there was plenty of oomph to the tracks and the Altec Lansing earphones easily best the $99 Bose's TriPort In-ear headphones--both in terms of sound and fit.
In the final analysis, the BackBeat 326 earphones play in a nice spot between more expensive options like Apple's $75 In-Ear headphones and the stylish Philips SHE-9850 'buds and sub-$25 earbuds that don't deliver as much bass. At $40, the Titanium 326s are a solid value and good choice for those looking for a nice upgrade over the earbuds that ship with Apple's iPods and most other MP3 players. We have no problem recommending them.
User reviews
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Great all-around headphones, but lacking in bass.
by DMBFan41 on April 3, 2009
Pros: Cloth cord seems very durable and tangle-resistant; tips fasten tightly and fit ear good; very nice sound.
Cons: Not nearly enough bass.
Summary: I just got these in yesterday, so this is a "first-impression" review, but I'm so far incredibly pleased with these. I upgraded to these after my Sony MDR-EX71SL/WK ...
Summary: I just got these in yesterday, so this is a "first-impression" review, but I'm so far incredibly pleased with these. I upgraded to these after my Sony MDR-EX71SL/WK started shorting out after over two years. The first thing I noticed is how much thicker the tips are than the flimsy rubber ones on my Sony's (aside: this was a MAJOR consideration for me, as the 2 different sets of Sony earphones I've had BOTH had a problem with the tips staying on the earphone when I'd put them in my pocket or something. I was constantly losing tips.) The AL326s have a much thicker tip, but are also designed a lot better to stay on the earphone. I like that I have to actually wiggle and work them onto and off of the earphone. Plus, with the way they're designed, it looks like it keeps more of the sound in the channel so that it reaches your ear. It comes with 3 tips, plus a set of dual-flange tips which are currently spoiling me. I love the dual-flange design. I do support work for a call center, to blocking out external noise is a huge factor, and the dual-flange tips do a phenomenal job of that. I tried one of the regular tips in one ear, and a dual in the other, and I could tell a difference. However, the regular tips have a really great fit and sound, too. I also like the cloth cord. I love that I can pull my headphones out of my pocket after class and not have to untangle a knot. The included case is also really great. It's not too small for the phones, nor too big to carry in your pocket, and holds both the phones and the extra tips without a problem (although a pocket for the extra tips would be nice, but now I'm just being picky.) The AL326s definitely have a better sound than the Sony's, but BEWARE that they're very bass-light. I noticed it immediately listening to Jack Johnson's "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing", where the bass line absolutely (and unexpectedly) booms in my car (06 Accord factory speakers), but is lacking through the headphones. Currently listening to the studio version of "Crush" by Dave Matthews Band, which is very bass-driven, and I could use a lot more. In fact, I'm taking away half a star from 4 stars because of this alone. I suppose it's a personal preference as to how much bass you like, but also think people who are gonna go through the trouble of researching earphones before they buy them are gonna want more than this. Overall, though, the sound is very nice. I can pick out all the different layers and lines in the song, and nothing is particularly overwhelming. All the instruments/vocals are crisp and clear and the harmonies come across very nicely.
I think my problem with the bass may have been mostly user error. I got fed up with the lack of bass on Kanye's "Late Registration", so I tried some tricks to get a better fit (thanks to a CNET article) and it made a pretty noticable difference. It's still not that thumping bass that some people might want, but it's a LOT better. If I could, I'd add a star to my review.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend these to anyone who wants a great sound for an affordable price, with the caveat emptor that you may not be satisfied with the bass. For me, it's not a dealbreaker, but if everything else about these weren't so good, it would be.
Updated on Apr 6, 20094 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent value..highly recommend this product..
Pros: The sound is very very good...the bass, which I feared would be inadequate, was great...really a fine product and couldn't be happier
Cons: The only draw back is the sound in your ear of the cable as it rubs along your clothes..can be annoying especially if you are moving about and the music is soft...would I buy these again knowing this..YES
Summary: I just bought these headphones and I am really glad I did...they perform far above my expectations....great value...would I recommend them?...absolutely
I give 4 1/2 ...Summary: I just bought these headphones and I am really glad I did...they perform far above my expectations....great value...would I recommend them?...absolutely
I give 4 1/2 stars and not 5 because of the sound of the cable as it touches something..really an outstanding product for the money2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great bang for the buck -- you won't go wrong.
by bjg158 on November 19, 2009
Pros: Great sound, from solid bass and warm mid-range to wonderful treble.
Love the fabric cord.Cons: Even smallest rubber buds were too big.
After ~6 months (and much abuse) sound is a bit uneven, stronger in left than in the right.Summary: These are great headphones, significantly better than any others I've tried in the <$50 range (I paid $29 at amazon). The sound is terrific, with solid bass, accurate ...
Summary: These are great headphones, significantly better than any others I've tried in the <$50 range (I paid $29 at amazon). The sound is terrific, with solid bass, accurate mid-range and treble that is strong but not tinny. I really like the fabric cord, which seems much sturdier than plastic/rubber cords. My main complaint is that even the smallest of the rubber earbuds provided were too large for my ears -- I could get them in, but they were uncomfortable -- so I had to replace them with buds from other headphones I have. Also, after ~6 months of heavy use (and a bit of abuse), the sound seems a bit uneven, in that it's stronger in the left ear than in the right (I've put them in another iPod to confirm that it's the headphones). That said, these sound so good and were such a good buy that I just purchased another pair.
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Superb Sound for the price, but....
by ketnehn on November 7, 2009
Pros: -great sound for its price
Cons: -the cord is not as durable as it looks
Summary: I used those headphones everywhere and all the time, and i absolutely loved them. however, be sure to take very good care of them. the internal wires wore out in ...
Summary: I used those headphones everywhere and all the time, and i absolutely loved them. however, be sure to take very good care of them. the internal wires wore out in about 4 months from extensive use. even with the cloth cover, it does not protect the wire as well as it looks
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Durable earphones, great sound
by fendel on October 20, 2009
Pros: Cheap, clear, good sound, durable
Cons: Earpieces don't fit well
Summary: I was using V-Moda Bass Freq before I bought these for $25 on Amazon, and in comparison the sound from the Backbeat is a lot clearer, less bass and also ...
Summary: I was using V-Moda Bass Freq before I bought these for $25 on Amazon, and in comparison the sound from the Backbeat is a lot clearer, less bass and also quieter. (But I think the v-moda earphones are above average in loudness and bass). It's also a lot more durable. I bought these cause my bass freqs were falling apart. The cloth covering that some people complained about don't bother me, but I don't use these while running or doing any physical activity, mostly for commutes.
I didn't like any of the earpieces that came with it, and I had a hard time getting the earphones to stay in. I'm not using any of them and am currently using tips from Comply Foam (T-400 fits). If you dont like the fittings that come with the earphones, I recommend buying those. -
Durable, quality headphones for the price.
by arcticsledzguy on October 20, 2009
Pros: Good quality sound that is consistent. Durable, woven cable sheath protects the cord and connections to the earbuds and jack, making the (usually) weakest part of the headphones much much much more durable.
Cons: Exacty what CNET says. When that woven cable sheath touches nearly anything, you hear it like a stethoscope (doctor's listening tool), but only if your music is quiet or off.
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Best ear buds I have ever tried
by ckthecerealkiller on September 28, 2009
Pros: Amazing sound, especially for the price. Cord reaches around my back and to my ears with slack and I'm 6' 4". Good selection of earpieces, wore them for 8 hours today and still comfortable. Carrying case included. Cord stays untangled and is durable
Cons: Cord does make a little noise, the selection of earpieces isn't perfect, (right ear occasionally falls out during activity), and treble gets a little raspy on some bands. But they were under $30!
Summary: The cord does make a minute amount of noise but only noticeable if you have a lot of slack hanging and your moving around a lot. I ran with these ...
Summary: The cord does make a minute amount of noise but only noticeable if you have a lot of slack hanging and your moving around a lot. I ran with these and got minimal noise in between songs if I put the cord around the back of my head. Also the selection of earpieces are good they won't compare to high end models but are way above par at this price point. With some equalizer adjustments these play as well as my $100 headphones and I can stuff them in my pocket without worry.
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Great headphones if they, fit your ears!
by jpocho on September 7, 2009
Pros: Decent sound when paired with the right tips that can fit your ears.
Cons: Unfortunately for me the tips that provided the best sound did not fit my ears, They kept popping out after a few minutes of walking and also were quite uncomfortable.
Summary: If you have the right ears where these headphones won't pop out and find the right match of comfort and sound these are quite good. Or maybe it's ...
Summary: If you have the right ears where these headphones won't pop out and find the right match of comfort and sound these are quite good. Or maybe it's just me. I've never had luck with in ear headphones since apparently my ear canals are too small and when I tried the smallest tips the sound wasn't that great. So if your ears have average size entries and you're not too picky about sound these should do the job, and the price is right.
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Pretty good...
by DMJeff243 on August 27, 2009
Pros: Sound quality
Cons: Durability, Cord
Summary: I have had these headphones for about three months, and they were the third different bud i have tried. Immediately i was impressed with the sound quality, not lacking in ...
Summary: I have had these headphones for about three months, and they were the third different bud i have tried. Immediately i was impressed with the sound quality, not lacking in any area. Highs are detailed and crisp, not muddy at all. Mids are clear, and there was plenty of bass to satisfy most users. The cord tends to rub against itself, and since it is a fabric, you can hear that vibration in the bud. The other day the left bud started malfunctioning. Depending on how you held the cord was in the iPod, the sound would be about half the volume of the other bud. After a while the bud wouldn't work at all, depending on how you held the cord. Overall, i wish they would have lasted longer, because they were a joy to listen to.
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Just bought these AMAZING! Clear, round sound! GET IT!!
by HostHabu on July 17, 2009
Pros: -Everything is very clear and detailed.
-Bass tight and not mushy
-Great Mids and Highs
-Nice durable wire (WILL LAST LONG!)
-Comes in nice case, small but big enough for my friends shuffle
-No range overpowers another one.Cons: -Maybe not the best for Audiophiles (but very close)
-Annoying cord sounds when moves
-Bass is good but not thumping (personally i don't miss that too much, but i know lots of people love overly strong base)Summary: Everything sounds great on these headphones. I have very minor perks about it but i found that i could ignore them enough from a perfect score.
The Cord was loud ...Summary: Everything sounds great on these headphones. I have very minor perks about it but i found that i could ignore them enough from a perfect score.
The Cord was loud but not as loud as one of my friends headphones (they had like a toxic logo on it. They where so loud, they gave me headaches after the first 5 minutes). I could over look this because the cord was so durable and almost never tangled. I am sadly really rough on my stuff and i know when something is badly made. These however are very strong and i hope to use these for years (most of my good headphones broke because the wires broke.
It may not be for audiophiles because the range isn't has wide as the $150 headphones. It's very close though, and because I'm not a hardcore audiophile, I was able to overlook it for the detail it had for the range it dose have. Great range for price.
The price is pretty high if you don't search correctly. $80 for this on bestbuy would be a pretty big stretch (i would buy it for the price, but i was on a budget when i got this so something that high of a price range was out of the question.) I got it at amazon marketplace for $30 and you can buy it from amazon directly for $45. These are great prices and made me want to buy them.
The bass was very good and tight but it wasn't thumping enough for your head to rumble. I like bass but not as much as most people because i don't listen to that much R&B and Rap music so the bass sounded fine on my music. This might be a slight turn off for some people but i didn't really care much. Get a tight seal and it will produce close to head rumbling bass.
These headphones are just wow! LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!! They are have quality sound and very durable and won't break like most high end headphones. They fit nice and snug but don't feel as great as the ultra expensive Shure headphones but you will be able to use them for long periods without too much adjusting or complaints. They have great nose canceling also. You will hear almost nothing when music is playing at a average noise level
Hands down, the best overall headphones i ever owned!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Altec Lansing
- Part number: UHP326
- Description: The BackBeat Titanium noise-isolating earphones are designed for the discerning music enthusiast with titanium-enhanced micro-speakers that deliver vivid, full-spectrum sound with exceptional clarity and realism.
General
- Product Type Headphones
- Weight 0.8 oz
- Additional Features Gold plated connectors
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor In-ear ear-bud
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Response Bandwidth 10 - 20000 Hz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 16 dB
- Sensitivity 104 dB/mW
- Impedance 16 Ohm
- Diaphragm 0.4 in
- Magnet Material Titanium silver
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Headphones cable - Integrated - 4 ft
- Included Accessories 8 ear tips
Power
- Power Device None
Manufacturer info
- Altec Lansing
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Altec Lansing products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.alteclansing.com/
- Address:
535 Route 6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337-0277 - Phone: 1-866-570-5702
- Fax: 1-570-296-6887
