INTRODUCTION

   For good or bad we all know that we live in an era where electronics are not only getting smaller but are also designed to do more things than ever before. Take mobile phones for example. When first introduced in the market over two decades ago they were an easier way to get in touch with people why not at home or at work whereas now they can also be used as cameras, camcorders, surf the internet and much more. The same goes for TV screens since now most models feature built-in hardware media players and android OS to make it easier for consumers to watch their favorite media files, browse the internet, listen to their favorite web-radios and more. Even gaming mice have advanced to a point where they can replace certain aspects of a keyboard (multiple buttons which can be used with macros) so this shouldn't be new to anyone. Well it seems that our friends over at LUXA2 also feel that a device can be used for more than just one thing and so today we're going to check their latest LAVI S Over-Ear Wireless Headphone with External Speaker.

   LUXA2- is a Taiwanese based designer and manufacturer of award winning portable accessories. Established in 2009, LUXA2 is committed to creating the best user-experience by consistently designing and innovating each and every product from concept to reality. LUXA2 believes that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication; and it is with this belief that our product designs are not only simplistic in nature but also incorporates functionality and premium aesthetic appeal at affordable prices. We promote not just products but total solutions. LUXA2s’ products are sold worldwide in major consumer and electronic retailers and online via www.luxa2.com and www.ttbuy.com.tw. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, the LUXA2 team possesses many talented specialists from all around the globe ranging from: sales mavericks, marketing aficionados, design wizards and R&D demons which are all lead by a top-gun management team. With offices in the USA, China, Australia and Germany, LUXA2’s presence on the global stage is ever-increasing to ultimately bring our mission of creating a simple, unique and luxury lifestyle to customers, and ultimately, a uniquely you.

   The Lavi S is a unique headset not because of its two 40mm stereo neodymium drivers that feature a frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz with 32Ohm impedance and 109dB (-+3%) sensitivity and its built-in microphone with its -42dB sensitivity but because it's also outfitted with two 2W (4W max) external 40mm drivers that feature a frequency response of 160Hz-20KHz with 4Ohm impedance and 81dB (+-3%) sensitivity. The Lavi S also feature a foldable metal frame, Bluetooth v3.0 connectivity + EDR (NFC, A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP are supported) and an built-in 1000mAh lithium-polymer rechargeable battery pack which can power the internal drivers for up to 30 hours and the external ones for up to 3 hours. So is the Lavi S the "hybrid" headset we've all been waiting for?

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

LUXA2 ships the Lavi S inside a small black box that has a product picture at the front right next to its features.

The product specifications are listed on the left side of the box.

Both the product features and bundle contents are printed at the rear.

Along with the Lavi S Headset LUXA2 also bundles a USB to micro USB charging cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable and the quick start guide.

THE LAVI S

The Lavi S is a small to medium sized headset (200mm in length, 190mm in width and 80mm in height) made out of hard plastic (polished for the most part) and metal that weighs just 225g.

Once again we used the very compact REVO Wireless by Jabra for comparison purposes.

Each earcup has a 40mm driver placed on the exterior and covered with a black grill.

Left and right markings are printed on the exterior just over the earcups.

The switch which selects the internal or external drivers (and a small activity LED) is placed at the rear top of the right earcup (remember to always first pair the device in headset mode and then switch to speaker mode).

Moving lower at the rear end of the right earcup we find the on/off button and activity LED (this is also the pairing button), volume control buttons (with some devices these work as next/previous track), micro USB charging port, 3.5mm line in and the microphone opening (this is actually placed at the lower front end).

The earpads may be rather small but are dual layered to provide improved comfort over long periods of use.

You can fold the headset for easier storage (unfortunately LUXA 2 doesn't bundle a carrying/storage case/pouch).

Both ends of the headband can extend up to 23mm (46mm total) via 7 increments (not visual ones).

CONCLUSION

   With the Lavi S LUXA2 gives consumers out there the ability to switch between the two internal stereo drivers and the two external ones whenever they feel like it and i have to admit that i liked the whole concept from the moment we heard about the Lavi S. Unfortunately the very first sample we got was an early sample so we did encounter some audio distortion with the external drivers at maximum volume something which didn't happen with the 2nd sample we got later on. Certainly you can't expect massive volume levels from the two 40mm drivers placed on the exterior of the two earcups but sound is enough to fill a room and aside the lack of serious bass audio was surprisingly clear and accurate with good mids and highs. Personally i think that the internal 40mm drivers perform even better since mids and highs remain just as good but they also offer richer bass levels. The materials used for the headset are quite good (almost on par with those of the REVO wireless) and both the ear and head cushions although relatively small are quite comfortable. As for the microphone again nothing to be excited over since it produced similar results as with 90% of the wireless headsets out there while in terms of battery life at almost maximum volume we never went over 19 hours in headset mode and 2 hours and 15 minutes in speaker mode. Also as stated earlier in the review we were unable to pair our smartphones with the headset switched to speaker mode so do remember to pair it in headset mode and then switch to speaker mode.

   As I type these lines the Lavi S Over-Ear Wireless Headphone with External Speaker by LUXA2 retails for just USD56.35 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 55.89Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de). True there are other wireless headsets in the market at around the same price point with similar audio and build quality but none of them also offers a built-in stereo speaker and that’s the strong selling point of the Lavi S and also why it receives our Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Internal & External 40mm Drivers
- Good And Accurate Mids (Internal & External Drivers)
- Good Bass Levels (Internal Drivers)
- Battery Life (Up To 30 Hours In Headset & 3 Hours in Speaker Mode)
- Wired & Wireless Use - Earcup Controls
- Design 
- Foldable Earcups
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Bass Levels (External Drivers)
- Volume Levels (External Drivers)
- Volume Control Support (Next/Previous Track On Some Devices)