Califone Switchable Stereo and Mono Wired Headphones (3068AV)

by Califone

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 7 x 3.5 inches ; 9.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000MUXVYK
• Item model number: 3068AV
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

The 3068 delivers performance at an economical price for 1:1 instruction in listening centers and library uses. One advantage of the 3068 is its ability to switch between typical monaural functions such as in English Language Learning / English Language Development, language labs, speech pathology applications and the stereo mode for use in computer workstations and music appreciation classes. Califone designed this headphone with the stereo/mono user switch for optimal sound quality. The use of an internal processor (seen on a competitive product) to attempt this function has been shown to create quality issues which can include but are not limited to: decreased frequency response, increased distortion and diminished volume levels for students.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars stereo-mono headphones, September 6, 2008

By 

Duane Seymour - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Califone Switchable Stereo and Mono Wired Headphones (3068AV) (Electronics)

I have lost my hearing in one ear. Turning the volume up more on my tv was not an option as it would be too high for others. With regular stereo headphones I would loose part of the conversations, but with the switchable to mono I can hear everything well enough to once again enjoy my tv. I am 68yrs. old and have little else.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good value, Durable Design, and Satisfying Sound, March 5, 2011

By 

M. Warren ""Say what you are. Not what yo... (Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Califone Switchable Stereo and Mono Wired Headphones (3068AV) (Electronics)

I have to admit, I am surprised I am giving these a good score, but it seems that some obscure education company called Califone has made something good! These headphones are good, especially considering the price. For it's budget and price, I was very impressed with them. They have some shortcomings that I will address, but I have to say that these headphones are highly worth purchasing for the very low price. Somewhat short review, but for headphoens like this, you get what you pay for. Luckily, you get something halfway decent for what you pay for.

Califone has long been a company that deals with educational learning, and personally, I think these headphones are designed extremely well for this purpose, meaning their durability is rather excellent. The cord is thick and coiling (which makes it less intrusive but still has length). The headphones are made with extremely durable but quite comfortable earpads, and the earpieces themselves are made with heavy, extremely durable plastic. The headband is also thick enough that it would take quite a bit of strength and a lot of effort to break.

As for the sound, I was pleasantly surprised and how full it sounded for the price. They have a good amount of bass, decent midrange, and the highs themselves were a bit harsh but still there. I felt that there were some drawbacks to the sound. The highs, in particular, are sort of harsh, and it is sort of true that the sound can be a tad muddy at times. On the plus side, they don't lack depth, and they don't have the extremely tinny sound that plagues bargain basement budget headphones from mass market companies such as Memorex. So, on the plus side, you will get satisfying sound for personal cheap listening, and kids themselves won't complain.

Other features include being able to switch mono and stereo. This doesn't mean that it makes one ear work, some musick tracks sound better on mono because they were recorded as such. You can also adjust the volume for each earpiece. It also comes with a stereo jack adapter.

Anyway, yeah, they are worth purchasing if you want durable budget headphones, and they are good for personal listening as well. Especially at the low price.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Universal Headset, January 9, 2012

By 

Alexis Imhoff - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Califone Switchable Stereo and Mono Wired Headphones (3068AV) (Electronics)

Works well either in Stereo or Mono mode. Permits user to compensate for weakness in either ear with separate volume adjusters. Works well with iPod Shuffle without drawing down battery prematurely.