Skullcandy Crusher Evo Review: Bass That Will Literally Shake Your World
In a world where music is often defined by its bass, headphones that can satisfy the cravings of bass lovers are in high demand. While many brands offer bass-boosted options, Skullcandy has always stood out with its Crusher series— headphones designed to deliver a unique kind of "sensory bass" that’s adjustable to your liking. Their newest iteration, the Crusher Evo, promises the same exhilarating experience, but at a significantly more affordable price point. Is the Crusher Evo truly the champion of bass-driven headphones in the mid-range market? Let’s delve into this review to find out.
Bold Design, Familiar Skullcandy Style
The Crusher Evo embodies the signature aesthetic that Skullcandy fans have come to expect. Though predominantly crafted from plastic, the headphones offer a surprisingly stylish appeal. Elements like the soft velvet cloth lining the headband, spongy padding, and large, round buttons contribute to a distinct and almost luxurious feel. While perhaps not as universally appealing as something like the Sony WH-XB900N, the Crusher Evo has a youthful and adventurous spirit that will resonate with many.
However, there’s a trade-off in the name of affordability. Compared to older Crusher models, the Evo feels slightly more snug and heavier at 312g. For those who wear glasses, the fit might not be as comfortable, potentially affecting the noise-isolating seal. Despite the snugness, the padding remains soft and comfortable for listening sessions of up to an hour or so. Thankfully, the headphones are folding and compact for easy storage.
The Star Of The Show: The Sensory Bass Slider
The key element distinguishing the Crusher Evo is the bass slider. Located conveniently on the left side of the headphones, this freely sliding control grants users unparalleled power over the intensity of the "sensory bass". This means you can adjust how much punch and aggressive thump you want, without relying on equalisers or software-based controls. This is where the true magic happens.
Even at 20 percent bass level, the Crusher Evo produces a remarkable amount of bass, enough to create a noticeable vibration on your head. This sensation isn’t merely a gimmick; it enhances the immersive experience, making the music truly feel like it’s physically resonating within you.
Performance That Speaks Volumes
The Crusher Evo is powered by 40mm dynamic drivers and boasts a frequency response range of 20-20,000Hz. While it lacks the high-resolution audio prowess of some dedicated audiophile headphones, it excels in its niche. It’s important to note that the highest bass level is truly excessive, even for the most hardcore bass lovers. It’s a level best suited for special moments rather than prolonged listening.
However, at moderate levels, the bass remains tight, aggressive, and surprisingly precise, avoiding muddiness or over-bloating. The sub-bass rumble doesn’t encroach upon the mids or highs, maintaining a clear and well-defined sonic landscape.
Music like "Arambol" by Astropilot transforms into a full-fledged concert experience. It’s as if you’re standing front and center, feeling the pulse of the music throb through your body. The "Du Hast" by Rammstein is another excellent test track, revealing the nuanced power of the bass slider.
With the slider at zero, the track feels a bit lacking, but as you increase the bass, the track comes alive, capturing the raw power and aggression that defines Rammstein. The most impressive aspect is that the bass control doesn’t overshadow the vocals or instruments, maintain a balanced and dynamic soundscape.
Beyond Bass: A Multifaceted Experience
While the bass is the most distinct feature of the Crusher Evo, it’s not the only aspect worth highlighting. Battery life is truly impressive, exceeding expectations with a claimed 40 hours of continuous playback.
The Crusher Evo is compatible with the Skullcandy app available on both Android and iOS for some customisation options. Though limited, it allows you to create personal sound profiles using Audiodo and choose between Music, Podcast, and Movie modes for basic equaliser adjustments.
The integration with Tile, a separate tracking app, enables you to find your headphones easily if they go missing. While these apps are useful, they aren’t essential due to the dedicated bass slider and the overall simplicity of the controls.
Verdict: A Triumph for Bass Lovers
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo is not a pair of headphones for audiophiles seeking pristine clarity and detail. It’s a bold statement for those who prioritize a powerful and unique bass experience.
If you love that powerful, immersive bass that makes your music feel like a physical sensation, the Crusher Evo delivers in spades. The adjustable bass slider is an innovative feature that lets you control the intensity of the bass to your liking.
For those seeking a more balanced and detailed sound, the Sony WH-CH710N offers a competitive alternative at a lower price point, and even includes active noise cancellation, a feature absent in the Crusher Evo. However, if your heart truly yearns for that electrifying, body-shaking bass experience, the Crusher Evo is a worthy contender for your consideration.
