Skullcandy's Crusher 1080: A Bold Move Towards Premium Audio
Skullcandy, a brand once synonymous with bass-heavy headphones, is making a bold move towards the premium audio space with its new flagship Crusher 1080. This review explores whether this move is a game-changer or just a step too far.
A Bose-Inspired Audio Upgrade
The Crusher 1080's standout feature is its deep integration with Bose's audio technology. The result is a clear sonic upgrade, with a more well-rounded and open sound stage. The haptic bass, while still present, has been rebooted to provide a more controlled and enjoyable experience. The overall sound is higher energy than the pricier Sennheiser HDB 630, but it feels much closer to what you'd expect from a premium pair of wireless headphones.
Impressive Noise Cancellation
Perhaps the biggest improvement over previous Skullcandy headphones is the Active Noise Cancellation. This is leagues ahead of earlier efforts and even outperforms some competitors in this category. Constant background noise is handled impressively well, making commuting or working in busy environments much more pleasant.
A Unique Approach to Bass
What would a pair of Skullcandy headphones be without Crusher Bass? This feature is as iconic as it is divisive. Personally, I enjoy it at the right moments, but older Crusher models got comically over the top when the haptic effect was dialed up too much. The 1080's reboot is a welcome improvement, providing a more controlled and enjoyable experience.
A Pricey Move
At $270, the Crusher 1080 is in an awkward spot. It's priced around $100 cheaper than the likes of Sony's WH-1000XM6, Bose's QuietComfort lineup, and the Sennheiser Momentum 5. But if you're okay with a Momentum 4 or an XM5, suddenly the Crushers look more expensive. The question is, are these a more affordable entry point to Bose-level audio?
A More Complete Package
The Crusher 1080 is the most complete and mature pair of Skullcandy headphones I've used. It delivers the fundamentals expected from a premium wireless headphone, including enjoyable sound, capable ANC, good battery life, and a feature set that feels relevant in 2023. While it's not perfect, the design, controls, and weight could be improved, but it's a significant step forward for the brand.
In conclusion, the Crusher 1080 is a bold move towards premium audio, offering a unique blend of sound, noise cancellation, and bass. It's a strong contender in a fiercely competitive market, and Skullcandy deserves to be taken seriously in this area.
