Jeremy Toeman's blog

I'm a big fan of Shure, Inc.  They make the best audio equipment, which started with products for the DJ and performer market.  Over the past few years they've brought the professional level equipment to the masses.  Well, not the masses who buy $9.95 Sony headphones at Target, but anyone willing to spend $99 or more.

This year they introduced the E500PTH headphones, and added what they call "push-to-hear" functionality.  By including a simple microphone, the E500's are able to intentionally amplify the outside world to the listener.  Why would you want to do this?  Two words: flight attendants. 

I'm a big Sonos fan.  BIG.  Now granted, I don't really have the $ in the bank to truly afford it, but if I could pick any one home music system to buy, no holds barred, Sonos is it.  If you've never tried it, there's just something 'good' about the way it works.  It's super-easy to use, but it's more than that - it's actually pleasant to use.  For example, when you pick up the Controller (the remote control with LCD screen that lets you select music to play), it has a motion sensor inside to automatically turn on the screen.  Nice touch.