Skullcandy: A Blast from the Past with the Method 360 ANC Earbuds
Skullcandy has long been a favorite among budget-conscious audio enthusiasts, celebrated for its affordable wired earbuds that were popular during the earlier days of portable audio. Their vibrant colors and satisfactory sound quality made them an appealing choice for younger audiences. However, as the audio landscape evolved and more premium brands like Sennheiser and Bose emerged, many left Skullcandy behind. Recently, however, the brand made waves again with the release of the Method 360 ANC earbuds, which were designed in collaboration with Bose. This rekindling of interest raises the question: Can Skullcandy reclaim its spot in the competitive audio market?
### Sound Quality and Active Noise Cancellation
One of the standout features of the Method 360 ANC earbuds is their sound performance and active noise cancellation (ANC), achieved through the expertise of Bose. Renowned for producing some of the best noise-cancelling headphones in the industry, Bose’s influence is evident in the performance of these earbuds. Upon trying them, I noticed an immediate reduction in ambient noise. Conversations nearby and even the music playing in the background were all but muted when the earbuds were in use.
Comparatively, my previous go-to, the LG ToneFree T90S, also offers similar noise-cancelling capabilities but requires a higher volume for effective sound isolation. In contrast, the Skullcandy earbuds excelled in minimizing external sounds even when the volume was lower.
Formulating an opinion on sound quality took some time, influenced by both design factors and my familiarity with the LG model. After multiple insertions and removals, it became clear that the Skullcandy earbuds produce a more enjoyable sound, characterized by clearer vocals and an engaging listening experience. Take, for example, the first moments of Massive Attack’s “Unfinished Sympathy,” where the dynamic range of the violins showcases the earbuds’ capabilities. Furthermore, they handle upbeat tracks like Sofi Tukker’s “Bread” with impressive rhythmic accuracy.
Though the earbuds do not support spatial audio — a feature many enthusiasts desire — they still provide a sense of spatial awareness in music, allowing for a pleasant listening experience. Given their price point of $129.99 / £99 / AU$189.99, the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds deliver surprisingly high-quality sound that exceeds typical expectations for that price range.
### The Conundrum of the Charging Case
Despite the impressive auditory performance, there’s a fly in the ointment: the charging case. The size of the case initially caught my attention; unlike most wireless earbuds that are easily pocketable, the Method 360 ANC’s case is notably large. While it’s lightweight, the design choices appear to make it cumbersome.
Accessing the earbuds requires sliding out the internal section of the case, which brings its own set of challenges. The ergonomic choice of holding the case horizontally for better balance complicates the retrieval of the right earbud when using your left hand. This necessitates an awkward flip to access the left earbud. Compounding this inconvenience is the orientation in which the earbuds fit into their charging slots, creating an unnecessarily complex process.
Interestingly, Skullcandy has introduced a more affordable alternative, the Dime Evo, which adopts a similar sliding case design but places both earbuds on one side for easier access. This may simplify the process considerably and potentially reach a broader audience.
### Target Audience and Lifestyle Fit
The new Method 360 ANC earbuds appear aimed at a younger, trend-conscious crowd, as indicated by the implementation of a carabiner clip on the case. This design choice suggests a lifestyle that embraces a casual, on-the-go aesthetic. However, not everyone identifies with this demographic, and for some, including myself, the carrying methods do not resonate as well. While nostalgic, the appeal of such a design may limit its overall market reach.
### An Intriguing Design Element
Another design feature that echoes Bose’s influence is the Stability Bands found in the earbuds. They are intended to improve fit and security but can lead to a feeling of uncertainty during use. Initially, I felt the need to adjust them frequently, which disrupted my listening experience. Eventually, after experimenting with different sizes, I found a better fit, leading to improved stability and passive noise cancellation. However, I generally prefer designs that sit deeper in the ear canal.
### Conclusion
Overall, the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds impressed me, particularly in terms of sound quality. While the design of the charging case and the use of Stability Bands present challenges, the auditory experience remains the primary selling point. For someone who spends time in an office environment, these earbuds could serve as a reliable option, especially given the nostalgic value they hold. The Skullcandy brand aims to connect with new listeners while maintaining its legacy among its original fan base.
