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Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£310
Avg. price in US: ~$350
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 16 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.3

Very good

7.4

Very good

7.0

Very good

6.7
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
5.3
Audio latency
25.0%
10
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
2.4
Battery life
6.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
2.4
Battery life
18.0%
1.2
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
Ambient sound mode
6.3
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
2.4
Battery life
14.0%
10
Companion app
3.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.2
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
2.4
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#213 in Best Wireless Headphones for TV for Seniors
#213 in Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
#216 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#216 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#236 in Best Wireless Headphones
#248 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#249 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Meters OV-1-B-Connect is a closed-back, dynamic over-ear headphone featuring iconic, real-time VU meters on each earcup and active noise cancellation (ANC) that reduces background noise by up to 83%. It utilizes 40mm dome drivers with a 32-ohm impedance and supports high-definition Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for superior wireless audio quality. Key pros include its unique aesthetic with customizable RGB LED lighting, a warm sound profile with punchy bass, and app integration for 5-band parametric EQ tuning. However, notable cons include a relatively short 16-hour battery life, a heavy 380g build that can cause high clamping force, and the use of an outdated micro-USB charging port.

Technical Specifications of Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth

Overall score

7.3

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

8.6

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

6.8

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity

5.7

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

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Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Features

6.6

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

5.5

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

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Design

5.5

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Meters

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth vs the average headphone

Why is Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth better than the average headphone?

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Active noise cancellation
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
EQ customization
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
More flexible connectivity
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.
Importance: HIGH
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
0.8 hours shorter charging time
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.2 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=2 hours
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.2 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.1.2 hours vs 2 hours
Wind noise reduction
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Foldable design
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Active noise cancellation
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10x higher input power handling
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
0.8 hours shorter charging time
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.2 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
Rechargeable battery
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
EQ customization
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth worse than the average headphone?

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74.3% higher weight
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth is heavier than the average headphone (380 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
14 hours shorter ANC battery life
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
14 hours shorter battery life
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
22.5 ms higher audio latency
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (150 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
74.3% higher weight
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth is heavier than the average headphone (380 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth is heavier than the average headphone (380 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.380 g vs 218 g
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
14 hours shorter ANC battery life
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >40 hours
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.16 hours vs 30 hours
14 hours shorter battery life
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >45 hours
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.16 hours vs 30 hours
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
3.44x more expensive
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).£310 vs £90
14.3% lower user score
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.00 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.00 vs 8.000).7 vs 8
22.5 ms higher audio latency
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (150 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <60 ms
Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (150 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.150 ms vs 127.5 ms

Graphic comparison of Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth?

Unique and stylish design featuring functional, backlit analog VU meters on the earcups
Premium build quality using durable materials like aluminum and protein leather
Rich, warm sound signature with powerful, controlled bass that is particularly well-suited for rock and metal
Support for high-quality wireless audio via aptX HD Bluetooth 5.0
Effective passive noise isolation due to a secure seal and thick padding
Includes a high-quality hardshell carry case and both wired/wireless connection options

What customers dislike about Meters Ov 1 Bluetooth?

High clamping force can lead to discomfort, 'hot spots,' or headaches during long listening sessions
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance is considered subpar compared to rivals like Sony or Bose
Noticeable background hiss or white noise when ANC is activated
Bass-heavy tuning may feel 'boomy' or 'muddy' for genres that require a more balanced sound
Physical controls and button layout can be difficult to locate by feel
Limited battery life (approx. 16 hours) compared to newer competitors
Outdated micro-USB charging port on older models instead of USB-C

Expert reviews

audiograde.uk

01/03/2022

Meters OV-1-B Connect wireless headphones review

The Audiograde review highlights the Meters OV-1-B ConnectGo (£249) as an exceptionally stylish, premium-feeling pair of closed-back wireless headphones that successfully stand out in a crowded market. Leveraged by the rock-and-roll pedigree of parent company Ashdown Engineering, their most defining physical feature is the functional, illuminated VU meters built into each ear cup,...Read more

hifitrends.com

01/02/2022

METERS OV-1-B-Connect Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones Review

The Meters OV-1-B-Connect wireless headphones ($269.99) feature a unique, Steampunk-inspired design highlighted by functional, customizable VU meters on the earcups that can be controlled via a companion app. Built with a sturdy mix of metal and protein leather, the headphones offer decent detail, depth, and instrument separation, alongside solid passive noise isolation and active...Read more

subcode.club

22/06/2021

Meters OV-1-B-Connect Headphones Review – Magnetic Magazine

The Meters OV-1-B-Connect headphonesGo by Ashdown Engineering are reviewed as an eye-catching, statement-piece audio investment retailing at $350. Their most distinctive feature is a retro, functioning analog VU needle display built into the sides of the earcups. While this vintage layout provides a highly unique aesthetic, it serves limited practical purpose because users cannot...Read more

techhive.com

19/05/2021

Meters OV-1-B Connect review: Off-the-hook design, lousy performance

The Meters OV-1-B Connect headphones reviewed by TechHive deliver a stunning, retro industrial design highlighted by real, RGB-backlit analog VU meters built into each earcup, alongside a solid aluminum and padded faux-leather construction. The pros include this bold design, high-quality aptX HD Bluetooth streaming support, and a punchy sound signature with crisp mids and sparkling...Read more

lowbeats.de

30/11/2018

Headphones as an Eye-Catcher: BT Over-Ear Meters Music OV-1B", "Statement Headphones: BT Over-Ear Meters Music OV-1B

The Meters Music OV-1B, reviewed by LowBeats, are Bluetooth over-ear headphones featuring distinct, functional illuminated VU meters on the earcups designed by Ashdown Engineering. Priced at €349, these headphones offer durable construction with comfortable, sweat-resistant synthetic leather, supporting up to 10 hours of wireless playback with active noise cancellation. Pros...Read more

hifitest.de

13/10/2021

Meters OV-1-B-Connect headphones reviewed | hifitest.de

Direct Answer First: The Meters OV-1-B-Connect headphones by Ashdown Engineering are stylish, rock-oriented wireless over-ear headphones priced around €360 that blend classic aesthetics with robust modern audio performance. Prominently featuring fully functioning, illuminated VU-meters on the ear cups, these headphones visually display live audio levels, serving as both a unique...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

02/05/2018

Meters OV-1 Bluetooth review on kopfhoerer.de

The Meters OV-1 Bluetooth headphonesGo by Ashdown Engineering are a distinct lifestyle product rooted heavily in rock 'n' roll culture, famously featuring fully functional, illuminated analog VU meters on the earcups. Weighing 380 grams, these over-ears provide high comfort and excellent passive acoustic isolation despite their weight, though they do trap some heat during long...Read more

qobuz.com

09/03/2018

Meters OV-1-B: Wireless headphones designed by bass amp specialist Ashdown

The Meters OV-1-B wireless ANC headphones stand out immediately for their retro-industrial style, highlighted by fully functional, backlit analog VU meters embedded on the exterior of the earcups. Reviewers from publications like Qobuz Magazine note that the build quality is exceptionally robust, utilizing solid metal brackets, a premium finish, and plush synthetic leather padding...Read more

on-mag.fr

04/12/2018

Meters OV-1 Bluetooth Review: A flashy VU meter headphone that loves bass", "Meters OV-1 Bluetooth Review: A showy headphone with VU meters that loves...

The ON-mag.fr review of the Meters OV-1 Bluetooth (OV-1B) headphonesGo highlights them as a bold, bass-forward alternative to standard market options, designed directly by the British bass amplifier specialist Ashdown Engineering. The reviewer notes that this wireless, active noise-cancelling (ANC) version is a major improvement over its strictly wired predecessor, which was...Read more

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