Hasta La Gadget!

These iPod headphones from Onkyo, the $270 MHP-UW2, probably sound amazing with their 30mm drivers and 50Hz-20kHz frequency response range. But — and you just knew there was a “but," right? — they’re wireless, and we really wonder why.

We understand that certain people want Bluetooth sound — snowboarders, for instance, may have helmets with built-in cans. But to buy a set of actual wireless headphones seems a little strange. Are we really so hateful of wires that running a cable a few feet from head to hip is impossible?

And in the case of these Onkyos, the Bluetooth component is even less compelling. The over-the-head style means that cable weight is not an issue, but take a look at that Bluetooth dongle. It’s huge, almost as big as the iPod itself (and if you use it with a Nano, it will seem even bigger).

Thankfully, the size means the battery life stretches to a decent eight hours (on a three-hour charge) and Onkyo has thoughtfully included both a USB charging cable and a couple of mini-jack cables so you can, presumably, keep listening via wire when the juice runs out. Also, they have remote controls on the headset itself and – most importantly – they look awesome. Available in Japan.

Product page [Audiocubes via Uncrate]