Design and features:Although this Bluetooth wireless portable ear-insert model lacks active noise reduction, the ear plug-like design helps to reduce both outside noise and sound leaking out into your environment. The Exercise Freak AH-W150 has a volume control plus an integrated microphone, player function controls, and call connect/disconnect controls for use with Bluetooth audio players and cellphones. Additional features of this sports oriented model include an optional free downloadable Denon Sport workout app (for Apple and Android devices) and claimed moisture resistance. This model comes with four pairs of earpieces of various sizes, a built-in rechargeable battery, a microUSB charging cable, and a carrying case.
Sound quality: We found the Exercise Freak AH-W150 delivers good overall sound, with a warm character. The thuddy, very pronounced bass has lots of impact, but only so-so definition. As the program material gets more complex, the midrange changes from fairly smooth but recessed to washed out, congested, and a bit grainy. Treble is a bit hard and peaky, and the upper treble is rolled off. Overall sound is closed in, with good dynamics.
Comfort: We found that these earphones produce a sense of pressure in the ear opening that might be uncomfortable for some. The ear hooks, which secure the earphones to the ears and house the electronics, are bulky and a bit heavy--they can shift a bit with vigorous head movements. The earpieces stay in place fairly well, but it takes a lot of maneuvering to insert them properly to get the most stable fit. The articulating earpieces rotate on the ear hooks, but it's hard to get the same placement twice, which is important as sound quality is very dependent on earpiece placement, and the position for best stability might not correspond to the position for obtaining the best sound quality.
