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These Polk headphones look as good as your wardrobe

By Ryan Waniata March 23, 2014

Polk audio hero — Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you haven’t already noticed, nearly every company in consumer electronics makes a headphone now, whether they have audio chops or not. From our experience, it’s best to stick with a company known for its audio gear. But when it comes to headphones, we know you need something with some swagger, too. You want something that’s both rugged and comfortable. And of course, it’d be nice to find a pair with understated style that won’t make you look like some wannabe DJ in a Miley Cyrus video. Luckily, Polk Audio’s latest leather-bound creation, the Buckle, has you covered.

Part of Polk’s Heritage collection, the Buckle offers a heady blend of classic style and modern innovation at a very manageable $200 online. The stout headband is carved from thick cuts of matte-finished metal and cloaked in strips of worn leather in either black, or chocolate brown. The plush ear pads wear a smooth coat of leather as well, encircling turtle-shell ear cups with a jaw-forward lean for an ergonomic fit. And adding a clever touch of innovation, the Buckle leave their iOS compatible control mic off of the removable cable, incorporating it into the headband instead for convenient control and crystal-clear call performance.

The Buckle’s sound is as smooth as its style, offering brooding bass lines, and a warm and ruddy color to the midrange that still manages to expose plenty of detail. The treble is a little more laid back than most, so it doesn’t sparkle as bright, rounding down the snap of percussion like snare drums and cymbals just a notch. But the headphones still bring a deep level of dimension and balance to their task, especially for their price range, capping off an extremely valuable overall package in a genre that’s as competitive as they come.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Waniata is an audio engineer, musician, composer, and all-around lover of all things tech, audio, and cinema. Hailing…

Outdoors

Apple just gave hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders a great reason to use Apple Maps and ditch Google Maps

Go anywhere and never get lost

Apple Maps update press release photo

Google Maps has long been a dominant player in navigation, known for its comprehensive data and ease of use. However, with the release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that's set to make Apple Maps the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Apple is finally introducing offline maps, and it's a feature that will revolutionize the way hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders navigate the great outdoors.
iOS 17 unveils offline maps for Apple Maps
Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial launch, and it's continually striving to offer users a more robust and feature-rich experience. With the launch of iOS 17 on September 18, 2023, Apple is introducing offline maps, a feature that will be a game-changer for those who love outdoor activities.

Offline maps allow users to select specific areas to download to their phones. Once downloaded, these maps can be accessed and used without an internet connection. This makes it possible to enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and conduct searches even in remote areas where internet connectivity may be unreliable or nonexistent. It works similarly to Google Maps in the sense that you do need a WiFi connection to download the maps, but after that, you're good to go off the grid.
The perfect companion for outdoor adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, this feature is a dream come true. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, camping in a remote location, skiing down the slopes, or snowboarding in the mountains, having access to offline maps can be a lifesaver. Here's how this feature can benefit different adventure seekers:

Culture

Ultimate relaxation: This massage chair is $3,700 off until tomorrow

A woman sitting in the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair.

Relaxing at home is a much-underrated activity for many of us. That's why we had to highlight one of Best Buy's deals of the day which has a Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair down to $1,799. It usually costs $5,499 so you're saving a spectacular $3,700 off the regular price. Whether you've had a long day at work or you've just got back from a hectic session at the gym, you need a great massage chair to relax into. Here's what we know about it while you decide whether to hit the buy button or not. Remember -- you've only got until the end of today to do so.

Why you should buy the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Arriving with no assembly required, the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair is far better than any of the best massage guns you may have been considering for your post-workout recovery. It offers the most beneficial position for you to sit with the least amount of pressure on your spine.

Culture

These are the 13 best Brad Pitt movies, ranked

Does your favorite Brad Pitt movie make the list?

Brad Pitt staring across the table

If you were to look up the word "superstar" in the dictionary, it wouldn't be surprising if Brad Pitt's visage was strewn across the page. When you hear his name, it’s hard not to think of his chiseled abs, effortless charm, and distinctively beautiful face. Many may even immediately think of all the media surrounding his romantic entanglements with Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, but we’re definitely not here to talk about that.

Today, we are here to talk about the many strides Brad Pitt has made in his film career; from war movies to heist comedies, he's taken his physical beauty and made the most of it. While he may not have the reputation of Tom Hanks or Al Pacino, Pitt has become a great performer in his own right. In addition to his prolific acting career, Pitt is also a producer with more than 60 credits to his name. Clearly, there is much more to him than just what meets the eye, which is part of what makes him such a compelling screen presence.