INTRODUCTION

   Most of the times when people are out in the market looking for a brand new pair of headphones (regardless of price) the very first models they tend to check are those by popular brand names and although that's not a bad thing if there's something we've learned over the years it's that there are numerous manufacturers out there with excellent track records. Unfortunately, their marketing campaigns are not nearly as efficient as those by larger companies so many times such manufacturers (and their products) go unnoticed by most people (ourselves included sometimes). Noontec is a great example of this and since over the past year many of who have reached out to us and asked our opinion in regards to their Hammo Wireless Professional Monitor Headphones we in turn reached out to them and managed to get one in our office/lab.

   Noontec built its brand in Australia starting in March 2002 and has been dedicated to providing customers high-quality audio and video products ever since. Noontec consistently pursues creating precisely designed, high-tech products that offer customers’ wonderful experiences. In 2005, Noontec launched the word’s first all aluminum 1080p HD media player -- A6, which were sold at more than 40 countries, resulting in amazing sales of over 500,000 sets! In 2010, Noontec launched the first collapsible Hi-Fi headphones called ZORO, which became rapidly popular with its fashionable design in conveniently compact structure and Hi-Fi grade sound, receiving 5-star level acclaim from over 40 respected media outlets! Afterward, Noontec went on to release other headphones, including Hammo, Rio and has received high, widespread praise from customers worldwide. Noontec focuses on product quality and sustainable innovation and strives for perfection. Each product must live up to your expectations, so thank you for your interest.

   The Hammo Wireless model was released by Noontec just after their quite successful Hammo TV model (review here) so both share quite a few parts between them (pretty much identical, minus the headphone stand/base that is) including the same foldable frame (different colors however - black for the TV version and gold for the Wireless version), external earcup controls, Votrik HD500 High Definition 50mm stereo dynamic drivers (frequency response of 5Hz-30KHz with 105dB sensitivity and 32 Ohm impedance), Bluetooth v4.1 connectivity (with support for the aptX low-latency codec) and the same lithium-ion battery pack (once again just like with most wireless headsets and headphones this batter is fixed and can't be replaced - at least not easily) that can provide the headset with up to 50 hours of playback time. The one thing that the Hammo Wireless has that we didn't see with the Hammo TV is NFC (near field communication) and that could come in useful for some people. So, let’s move forward with today’s review and see whether or not the Noontec Hammo Wireless is just as good or even better compared to the Hammo TV model.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Most of the front if the box is taken by a partial product picture and a sticker referring to the Hammo Wireless as Professional Monitor Headphones.

All the technologies packed inside the Hammo Wireless are printed on the right side of the box.

Some words about the Hammo Wireless are printed at the rear of the box in 6 languages.

The entire bundle is placed inside a thick carrying case.

Along with the Hammo Wireless you are also getting a carrying/storage case, USB to 3.5mm charging cable, two 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cables (with gold plated plugs), gold plated 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, user manual, quick start guide and a warranty information paper.

THE HAMMO WIRELESS

Unlike the Hammo TV model and its black glossy exterior paint the just 256g heavy Hammo Wireless features a grey & gold matte exterior paint and thus looks and feels more elegant.

Size is identical to the unit used with the Hammo TV so once again we're talking about a small to medium sized pair of headphones.

Noontec has placed their logo on the exterior of both earcups (the NFC area is located just under the logo placed on the exterior of the left earcup) and the product model just over them.

At the rear of the left earcup we find the battery status LED, on/off power button (can also be used to play/pause/stop tracks and answer/end calls) and the volume up/next track and volume down/previous track buttons.

The 3.5mm port located further down is used both for wired mode and to recharge the headset.

Left and right markings are printed on the interior right over both earcups.

Just like with the Hammo TV the leatherette covered earpads may not be very large but they are quite comfortable.

The frame is foldable saving quite a bit of space and allowing the Hammo Wireless to be stored inside the bundled case.

As with the Hammo TV the headset expands on both sides by a total of 56mm total (28mm on each side) via 12 increments (visible on the interior).

Noontec has placed their logo on the exterior of the headband.

The carrying/storage case is very thick and glossy on the outside and also has a carabiner with which you can even secure it on your jeans.

Inside the case is covered with soft fabric and has enough room for both the Hammo Wireless and its bundled cables.

Worth pointing out is that all of the cables that come with the Hammo Wireless are gold plated (minus the USB plug).

CONCLUSION

   Our very first review of a Noontec product dates back to 2013 so since we've had a somewhat long history with them and their products we knew pretty much more or less what to expect from the Hammo Wireless. Build quality is in very good levels especially if we take into account the small size of the Hammo Wireless. Audio quality is also very good with crisp and detailed mids, plenty of bass and impressive volume levels. Unfortunately, although slightly better than the Hammo TV model in the highs department it also doesn't do just as well here and although that wasn't a serious problem with the Hammo TV since using it to watch movies wasn't as demanding as listening to music here things are not the same (especially for a pair of headphones marketed as Professional Monitor ones). Both the microphone and NFC features worked very well and so if you're looking for a pair of headphones which you can also use for calls the Hammo Wireless qualifies. As for battery life once again, we were hardly able to "breach" the 30 hours mark but even though that's a long way to the advertised 50 hours it's still an impressive number which we don't see often with wireless headsets.

   At the time of our review the Hammo Wireless by Noontec retails very closely to the Hammo TV for USD149.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 167Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) and that is its largest drawback. Yes, it's pretty much identical to the Hammo TV (only it looks better and features NFC) but it lacks the base station (which is a big deal to some people) and that should be reflected on its price tag. On top of that add the fact that both their prices have actually increased by almost 25% since when we reviewed the Hammo TV back in November 2017 and things are not getting any better. Bottom line we did like the Hammo Wireless quite a bit during the almost 2 months we were testing it but there are better candidates even with support for HD wireless codecs very near to the price Noontec is currently asking and that's a serious deal breaker (of course if you find them for sale at a serious discount you should really give them a shot).

PROS

- Build Quality (Steel Reinforced Hinges)
- Compact Design
- Accurate Mids
- Bass & Volume Levels
- Up To 50 Hours of Battery Life
- Comfortable
- Foldable Design (Less Space Required)
- Gold Plated 3.5mm Cables
- Bluetooth And 3.5mm Wired Use

CONS

- Current Price
- Highs Could Be Better
- Grey / Gold Matte Paint (Not For Everyone)