Apple Earbuds (White with Gray Earbuds) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)(EDIT: While I stand by my five-star rating of these headphones and still love them, they are NOT good for use while exercising. Energetic jostling like that will probably dislodge them, and if not, the subtle feedback from the cable bouncing around will affect the quality of the sound. If your intent is to find something for the gym or running, I'd advise you to look elsewhere. I use the standard earbuds that came with the iPod for exercise.)
First off... let's address those one-star reviews: you folks either haven't inserted them properly, have irregularly shaped ear canals, or got a faulty product. Let me be clear: THESE HEADPHONES ARE AMAZING.
My old pair had been damaged and I needed a replacement set. After reading through the reviews, I was compelled to give these new headphones a try. Especially helpful was Steve from NJ's description of how to fit them correctly. So I took his advice and gently tugged up on the top of my ear with one hand while inserting the phone with the other (very much like putting in earplugs) and... was blown away. The sound quality just doesn't compare. They're better than the originals that came with the iPod. They're better than the Grundigs I was using as a temporary replacement. They're as good or better than over-the-ear models I've used. I fell in love with my iPod all over again.
Reasons to buy:
1. The sound quality (when worn correctly) is fantastic. I'm noticing bass and subtle highs that I missed with the old phones.
2. The headphones are very comfortable. The soft plastic is really easy on the ears and I've worn mine for over an hour so far. (One caveat: if you don't like wearing earplugs, DON'T BUY THEM. But why are you even reading this review if you don't want an in-ear product?) Which leads me to...
3. They act as great sound reduction. They're basically earplugs, so they significantly cut down on ambient noise. They help cut down the racket on the train when I'm commuting to and from work. Adds to the quality of music as well as peace of mind.
4. They (might) protect your ears. Because there isn't as much noise to compete with, you can turn down the volume and still get better sound quality. That means you're exposing your ear to less volume over the long run.
5. They (might) save battery time. Less volume = less energy output.
These last two items I say "might" because I have no way of proving them, but they seem so common sense, I'm including them anyway.
Reasons not to buy:
1. You don't like earplugs/in-ear headphones. 'Nuff said.
2. You have irregularly shaped ear canals. Not sure what percentage of the population you're in, but try a friend's pair if you're wondering.
3. You don't like the price tag. Can't help you there... the modest investment was totally worth every penny to me.
(EDIT: 4. You need headphones for when you exercise. I don't think any in-ear design will stand up to vigorous motion but your mileage may vary.)
So there's my $.02. If you're still undecided, go ahead and buy them. Be sure to wear them properly. Aside from a bit of cash, what have you got to lose? If you hate them, well... at least you can write a review here on Amazon and share your opinion with the rest of us. And if you don't hate them, come on back and post a 5-star review like this one to even the odds!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple Earbuds (White with Gray Earbuds)

The Apple M9394G/A iPod Earbud Headphones have great sound quality and bass response, and come with three different sized caps to ensure the headphones fit comfortably and securely in your ear. The earbud-style headphones are powered up by Neodymium transducers, made of a rare earth magnet that significantly enhances frequency response and overall sound quality for a performance five times as powerful as headphones with aluminum, cobalt or ceramic drivers. The headphones block out outside noise well and are compatible with all iPod models.
iPod Compatibility iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video, iPod Shuffle 1G, iPod Shuffle 2G

Click here for more information about Apple Earbuds (White with Gray Earbuds)

Read More...

Sennheiser MX500 Lightweight In-Ear Headphone (Blue) with Carrying Case Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read several reviews on the MX-500's and thought not to buy them initially. I'm using them with the Sangean DT-210V radio, which a great unit, with great selectivity and PLL tuning. Not to mention it also has a built in speaker that sounds great for "in bed" listening. In any event, I purchased the Sennheisers for the notable name, and am very happy that I did. I will say that without any "bass boost" they tend to be too flat initially, but not at all with acoustical string instruments or Classical music. I think some of the negative reviews previously are due to the fact that so many people now adays think that if your sound doesn't go "boom", that there's something missing. Well there isn't. Many audiophiles will tell you, that in order to properly test any speaker "objectively", that it's best to hear a jazz or string quartet on a quality recording only. This way, their instruments will either sound "natural" or not, and there is no room for "colorization" and the ambiguity in sound created by electronic sounds. Suite yourself, but for $17, these are much cleaner that the stock headphones with the Sangean DT-210V, and also any cheap Sony models. For a good, albeit "unusual" reference recording, I recommend "Book of Roses" by Andreas Vollenweider. He's a harp player from Switzerland, and this album sounds like something out of the Hobbit. But it's chock full of acoustic instruments and very involved natural "sound stages". I've used it as my reference for years. To summarize, if you have a "mature" ear, love natural strings, and classical music. I think you'll be very happy with the MX-500's. Not to mention, that talk radio never sounded so good as well. I say go for it.
It's quite a fair shake, and easy to wear for "pillow" listening at night. I also very highly recommend the Sangean DT-210V, as a great "headset" radio, that just happens to have a handy build in speaker, that's clean. P.S. I also have a Drake R-8. Nice to see another "radio head" out here. I'm also into amateur radio, so I speak from a slightly advantaged experience. So.. "humbly" I recommend the MX-500's, yet specifically for the above mentioned listening preferences to be most accurate of my review. Enjoy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sennheiser MX500 Lightweight In-Ear Headphone (Blue) with Carrying Case

The Sennheiser MX-500 In-Ear Headphones are a simple, lightweight solution for your portable music needs. The metallic blue color gives these headphones a stylish look. Volume control is provided right on the cable, and a wind-up case makes it easy to wrap up the MX-500 for storage.

Click here for more information about Sennheiser MX500 Lightweight In-Ear Headphone (Blue) with Carrying Case

Read More...

Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi Noise Isolating Earphones w/ Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These Buds come with the full arsenal for a great listening experience. They come with four types of buds, one type a foam kind that fits to your ear perfectly, so they are what I use. And when you put them in, you can't hear anything outside or around you. Airplanes with crying babies are no match; the buds cancel ambient noise by design.
The main selling point for me was the iPhone compatibility, with the mic and play button. Works great, and the only complain from a realllly picky perspective would be that the button be right below the mic, instead of on the main chord, as the mic and button are separate on the chord. But it makes no difference.
Another thing I like is the wire that comes out of the bud end. There is a wire about 2 inches long inside the cord that you can bend so when you put them over your ear they stay in place, which is great when I run and move around. They are large, due to the three drivers in each bud, but are worth it. From low to high frequency, they play music back as accurately as possible.
I record my music in lossless formats on my computer, so playback comes at CD quality. After a couple weeks of listening, this is what I found: Bass is strong. Now I wouldn't use these phones for a DJ or anyone whose only concern is bass, but every low chord or beat comes out as if you were right there playing it yourself. But this is what got me. The best sound quality for these speakers comes in the mid-high to high frequencies. It doesn't matter how high the sound is, be it a trumpet blaring, guitar at high E with cymbal crashes, or a female soprano hitting the highs, the speakers won't crack or fuzz like cheap headphones, and when comparing them to the generic iPhone ones I regretfully was using before, the difference is extremely pleasant and refreshing. This is quite something, since the first thing I listen to is Bass quality, so for the crisp highs to take away my attention from Bass is saying something.
One last thing for the listening experience that is a great joy to listen to is their reproduction of the sound itself. Some speakers make you feel like you're in the studio, others make you feel like you're listening by the studio, and each headphone is different. This is called sound stage, and the UE's reproduce it very well. Unamped, they can put you there
The case is great (practical) and I use it all the time, as well as the extender when I need to. For Audiophiles such as me, pictures and specs are on their website at [...]. They show you how to wrap the cord around your ear like i explained earlier, which is nice.
I have many headphones, including AKG 701's, Sennheiser HD 650's, Sony MDR-F1's, Shure and those V-moda's, among mannnnyyy others. For an earbud, these rank among the top of the list, and I would reccommend them to anyone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi Noise Isolating Earphones w/ Microphone

The TRIPLE.Fi is a high-end consumer earphone with integrated voice functionality that is based on the same technology and sound signature used in our custom monitors. The TRIPLE.Fi 10vi features integrated voice functionality and is specifically designed for use with the iPhone. A miniature high performance microphone allows for hands free phone calls. An in-line multi-function button answers and ends calls and controls music/video on iPhone.Inside the TRIPLE.Fi 10vi are three individually proprietary armature speakers that produce a full spectrum audio experience. The proprietary armature speakers are tuned forfull and detailedbasswhile delivering crisp andcleanhighs. In addition, the noise isolating design reduces ambient interference and sound quality.The armatureis embedded inan anodizedaluminum housing that isboth small and lightweight and is an aesthetic complement to the iPhone.

Get 26% OFF

Click here for more information about Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi Noise Isolating Earphones w/ Microphone

Read More...

KOSS PRO DJ100 Professional Stereo Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you check my other reviews you will find that i've been using the Triple Fi 10 for the past 3 years. I eventually wanted to switch to a regular headphone due to getting sick of putting foam in my ears. I basically tried dozens of headphones and stuck with the Sennheiser HD-600, Shure SRH-840 and Audio Technica ATH-M50. The later two had their issues and were not perfect. Just as I thought I was done with headphones I went into a local store and found this headphone. I took it home and was really impressed with it. It's very neutral and does not seem to do too much of any one thing. There is a lot of detail, but it's not excessive in any way. Everything is crystal clear. There is bass, but many many be disappointed in it's bass. It has a decent amount of bass, but it's not a bass heavy phone. If you want a headphone with lots of bass, look elsewhere. It has much more bass then say the Audio Technica ATH-AD700, but not as much as the Shure SRH-840.
Another thing about it's sound signature I like is that the highs are never fatiguing. They may be slightly rolled off a bit, but this makes it so that I can listen to these for hours. I absolutely cannot stand any sort of harsh highs in a headphone. The absolute best thing about these headphones is the vocals. They do female vocals better then many other headphones I've tried. The overall sound signature is so natural and just like i'd expect instruments to sound like in real life. Basically it's best to find a sound signature you like and try to find a headphone that matches it. All of our ears are different, so something I may like, another person may hate. These just have everything I want in my sound signature. They could use maybe a bit more bass. 5-10% more and i'd be happy. I will admit that my Ipod Touch's EQ is worthless, but the equalizer in itunes seems OK. Another thing I like about these is that the soundstage is very, very good for a closed headphone. The instrument separation is also very good. I sometimes get this sort of surround sound effect like I had with my old Beyer DT-880. It's a bit hard to describe. It's so easy to pinpoint specific instruments compared to some other headphones i've tried.
The design on these is almost perfect. They are extremely light. The earpads are of the cheaper variety to keep costs down, but that's OK. It'd be nice if Koss offered some soft, velour pads to buy, but that'd probably never happen. Hopefully someday I can find some that fit these headphones. The only negative is that I hate the coiled cable, but it's not a big deal.
One thing I have to mention is that I don't think these are a good match for straight out of an ipod. These lower ohm rated headphones benefit more from an amp then any other cheap headphone i've tried. I thought it was just my imagination at first, but after doing lots of testing, I know this is the case. A good portable amp seems to bring out the bass a lot more. I use the "Airhead" and a "NuForce Mobile" DAC/AMP.
These headphones seemed to have turned me into a Koss "fanboy". I seriously like these that much. It's just too bad I often feel as if i'm the only one who has tried them. Hopefully these will be easier to find in the future so more people can try them out.
UPDATE:
My original pair died due to a mistake on my part. It's a long story. I bought a replacement pair and they sounded pretty bad right out of the box. I burned them in for about 24-48 hours and the problems went away. Overall these have the best mids (especially female vocals) out of any headphone i've tried yet. I've also found that Pearstone Velour pads work with them. Those are oval, but can be stretched to fit these! It looks a bit strange, but the pads now give me a better fit and there is even a bit more mid-bass. Yes, pads CAN change the sound of a headphone slightly!
I also found that the Maxell DHP-II has a VERY similar sound signature but it has more bass, more mid-bass and there is a lot more treble, but that's not good for me. Overall these sound a lot better and are more neutral, which is what I like. If you like more bass, check into the Maxell DHP-II. These also have far better build quality. I find these do not lack bass at all, but strangely they have more bass out of the box and gets reduced slightly after burn-in.
12-9-2010 UPDATE:
I still use these all the time. I've even found they're a great gaming headphone. I do prefer the k601 for gaming, but this headphone often feels as if it has slightly more forward sounding detail. I don't always want that in games, but I don't play online. I've also come to the conclusion that the included pads are not deep enough to get a good seal for many and that's required for good bass. I've found the velour pads I used get a bit hot so I prefer the Audio Technica M30 pads. They actually improve the sound and keep my ears cool. The cups on these are round and the pads are oval, but they still work and don't degrade the sound. Still, they may look a bit awkward for some.
I can't say it enough, but these absolutely must have an amp. My Shiit Asgard and Total Airhead are a good match. I think this is one of the first 38 ohm headphones that sounds bad right out of a portable player. Even my Ipod Touch 2G can't drive it properly. Some pairs also need a lot of burn-in.
BTW for those that like the slightly forward upper mids on the k601, you may also like these. I actually prefer the k601 over the k701. People who like the SRH-840 may also like this.
UPDATE 2-11-2011:
I still use these almost every day. I've also obtained the Audio Technica ATH-AD2000 and HD-598. I think I like the HD-598 almost as much as the DJ100, but not quite. The HD-598 are just more comfortable and better for movies and games due to the soundstage. Level of detail on the DJ100 is much higher though. I've now found out that the best pads for these are the official Sony MDR-V6 pads. They give you the most room and are the most comfortable. The M30 pads are good, but seem to tame the treble slightly. The Shure SRH-240 pads fit and offer the best treble and isolation. They're just not comfortable. For a good budget closed gaming headphone under $100, this might be a good one. Of course I'd always suggest an open headphone instead.
BTW I now prefer these to the M50, HFI-680, ESW9, SRH-440/840, K240 Studio AND Sextett, HD-555 and even my new KRK KNS-8400. Strangely, if I EQ the bass on the DJ100 it sounds similar to my K240 Sextett! The mids on the AKG are a bit less forward though. Soundstage and Imaging is far better on the DJ100 though.

Click Here to see more reviews about: KOSS PRO DJ100 Professional Stereo Headphones

The Koss Pro DJ100 is ideal for professional disc jockey use. The Pro DJ100's stylish spun metal earcups swivel 180. Swiveling earcups allow for single or double ear listening, a stereo/mono switch is located on the right earcup. Soft closed cushions provide a perfect seal, extreme bass response, noise isolation and long lasting comfort. The Pro DJ100 folds flat for safe storage. The Pro DJ 100 has an eight foot coiled cord and comes with a 6.5 mm adapter and a 3.5mm standard plug. It employs a dynamic element for an extended frequency response of 10-25,000 Hz and has oxygen-free copper voice coils for signal clarity.FeaturesPressure sealed vinyl leatherette cushions for extreme bass and isolation Oxygen-free copper voice coils for signal clarity Coiled, single entry 4 ft cord / 3.5mm plug / 6.3 mm adapter

Click here for more information about KOSS PRO DJ100 Professional Stereo Headphones

Read More...

Sennheiser Remanufactured RS 110 OpenAire Supraural RF Wireless Headphones with Enhanced Bass Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First, a note on buying these remanufactured (I'm not taking off a star since this is lumped with the NEW RS-110 reviews):
They say here 'remanufactured to like-new condition'--a bit of an overstatement...I can see noticable scratches on the phones and a fairly small chip of plastic is missing from the corner of the transmitter (but I'm pretty fussy and notice that stuff).
Still, condition is good and earpads look new (thank goodness). Comes with all accessories and panasonic AAA's. Still, for the savings (1/2 price) I can deal with some surface marks. I'm satisfied with my choice to buy remanufactured, but next time I might opt to buy new. If scratches will bother you, buy new.
Now about the phones:
Reviews that say they are plug and listen are true. I first had to find the battery compartment (well disguised behind one of the earpads)...just turn the pads sideways (eitherside) to reveal what's behind them.
The reception is good, note I'm using these in a residential neighborhood....when I get back to college I'll update. I walked outside and to opposite sides of my house and to the basement...still soundin' good. Once in a while I do get some static, but (for me) it isn't constant or common enough to make this an annoyance....living in a city area or apt might cause more interference (more wireless phones etc).
The sound: Nice base, not too heavy, just right. The sound is really crisp and clear. I use these to listen to my music (CDs and LPs) and DVD's wirelessly. They seem pretty comfortable despite size, the padding on the top and the earpads is very soft. They do look hilarious on me (according to my sister I look like I should be DJing). As with most wireless phones these are big cans, but they aren't ugly...just BIG. And since I'm wearing them mostly indoors, I'm not worried about the size.
Recommended for a good priced and good sounding wireless headphone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sennheiser Remanufactured RS 110 OpenAire Supraural RF Wireless Headphones with Enhanced Bass

RS110 Wireless Headphones Sennheiser wireless headphone system. Open-Aire, supraural wireless stereo-RF headphone system. Detailed warm sound reproduction with strong bass response Supports the use of multiple headphones receiving the RF signal from one transmitter. Delivery includes transmitter, power cable, audio cable and headphones. Connects to RCA jacks (red and white outputs), 1/8" and 1/4" headphone sockets (anything with a headphone jack including laptop and desktop computers!). Compatible with LCD and plasma televisions. Wireless freedom of sound with maximum comfort. Features: Open-Aire, supraural wireless stereo-RF headphone system Detailed warm sound reproduction with strong bass response Wireless freedom of sound (reception through walls and ceilings) Very lightweight headphones are extremely comfortable to wear Replaceable parts for long service life AAA batteries included 2-year warranty

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Sennheiser Remanufactured RS 110 OpenAire Supraural RF Wireless Headphones with Enhanced Bass

Read More...

Sennheiser HD-280 PRO Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)the folks at Sennheiser must not have large heads. As with about every pair of headphones that I try on, I had to extend these all the way to fit. After a few months of daily use, the plastic headband began to develop small cracks. Now the cracks are growing and I fear that the whole thing will just snap one day. Unfortunately, that is one of the parts that isn't listed as replaceable.
That said, people who look at this headphone are looking for: a) quality sound synonymous with the name Sennheiser b) excellent noise reduction.
a) The sound from these phones is excellent. The standard criteria are there. The signal is very clean, thanks in part to the oxygen free copper cabling used. Bass is controlled and precise so a timpani doesn't sound muffled. Higher frequencies do not hiss and the phones are able to drive high frequency sounds and pull out details lost by consumer grade headphones. Soundstage is fairly narrow as some have said, but much better than consumer sets that sound like the sound source is inside your head. Of course, a DSP solution for soundstage expansion could help if someone didn't like the soundstage.
What people should realise is that most music is optimised for listening on a stereo system and not headphones. A search for "binaural music" will yield samples that show how music should be sampled for headphones. Anyways, the HD-280 Pros also have 64 Ohms of resistance so an amplifier isn't needed.
b) The biggest impression I got from these phones is silence. Not total silence, since with the headphones on I could still hear outside noise. Once the music starts playing, however, music is much clearer because background noises have been attenuated so effectively.
That was the biggest attraction of these headphones. For my sound processing work, ambient noise from my computer and the outside world are suppressed admirably. 32 decibels is a lot of sound attenuation, far more than the Active Noise Reduction sets from Bose or even Sennheiser. The HD-280 Pros use passive noise attenuation. This means that for the phones to supress outside noise effectively, they have to be tight. They are very tight in fact. Four Newtons of force are applied, a number significantly larger than most headphones. If it weren't for the thoughtful padding, they would feel as uncomfortable as firing range headsets. Passive noise attenuation also means there is no artifacting from electronic noise that is usually the case in Active Noise Reduction sets.
If you have a very large head, a solution is to find in-ear phones (the expensive Etymotics sets have even better sound quality and noise reduction). If you are sensitive to tight headphones, a solution might be the Active Noise Reduction sets (although they aren't as good sonically). If you listen to sound in a very very quiet environment, Grados or some other Sennheisers would probably get you that better soundstage for the money.
If none of these situations applies to you, then these phones will provide better sound through their native excellent quality and their superior noise attenuation. After all, the listening experience with Sennheiser 600's on an Audigy 2 card or a tube amplifier is diminished with that noisy computer fan in the background.
All in all, these phones are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
*** UPDATE, October 20, 2009 ***
Wow, well these headphones are still ticking after over six years and I'm pretty rough with my equipment! Cheap headphones break after six weeks for me because the cable gets pulled or I mess up the speaker so these Sennheisers are pretty solid.
Just as I feared though, the plastic HAS cracked and you can see the thin wires (covered in plastic or rubber) exposed. Now that most of the plastic on the headband has broken off, the fit is quite a bit looser though the headband is still held together by a wide piece of metal. I just wish they would just make a nice metal headband to avoid the plastic cracking issue.
While I like the fact that they aren't so tight, I don't like the fact that richness (low-end midrange and bass) suffers because of it. You can simulate this when listening by pulling the headphones slightly apart. It isn't noticeable on light music though and might not be an issue with newer versions of the HD-280 Pro.
The ear cushions on my 6+ year headphones are worn past the leatherette, past the foam and to the foam backing layer. The top is looking ratty as well. Replacement ear cushions are around $20.00 which isn't cheap. I'll probably skip that in favor of a new pair of HD-280s - especially if they've been redesigned for larger heads as some people are indicating. I'll keep this pair around as beaters until they quit on me. However, now that I've quieted my working area, sound isolation isn't as critical to me as it was before so I might take a look at other Sennheisers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sennheiser HD-280 PRO Headphones

Sennheiser HD280 Professional Headphones are Sennheiser's Best The HD280 Professional is Sennheiser's most significant closed, circumaural headphone to be introduced in years. Designed to exceed the demands of the professional environment, the HD280Pro boasts extremely robust construction combined with replaceable parts, low impedance (64 ohms), high SPL (113dB - 1kHz/1Vrms), and ultra-wide frequency response of 8Hz to 25kHz. The unique, space-saving, collapsible design combined with swiveling ear cups, and accurate, linear sound reproduction offers maximum flexibility in any application. The HD280Pro also provides a 1/8-inch cable connector with locking 1/4-inch adapter and a 2-year warranty. Click Here to read reviews by HD280 owners! Sennheiser HD280 Professional Features & Benefits Closed, dynamic stereo headphones Accurate, linear sound reproduction for critical monitoring applications Optimum impedance ensures universal compatability Space saving design features collapsible, rotating earcups Up to 32 dB of ambient noise attenuation Neodymium magnets for high maximum SPL Single-sided, coiled cable with 3.5 mm mini jack with locking 1/4 inch adapter Very comfortable, even if used for long periods of time Rugged construction with user-replaceable parts 2 year warranty Sennheiser At A Glance For 60 years, the name Sennheiser has been synonymous with top-quality products and tailor-made complete solutions for every aspect of the recording, transmission and reproduction of sound. In 1945, Dr. Fritz Sennheiser

Get 37% OFF

Click here for more information about Sennheiser HD-280 PRO Headphones

Read More...

Audio Technica ATH-FC700A Portable Headphones with 40mm Neodymium Drivers, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Very musical with a linear frequency response to my ears. Sound is full with excellent bottom end (though could be a tad bit tighter). Silky smooth mid - range. Inner detail and soundstaging are decent though could be better. It really can't be faulted though at this price point. Overall sound is non - fatiguing for long listening sessions (the ear pads sit on the ear and do become annoying after awhile), although I did notice some bottom end clipping at higher volume levels on my ipod. I ended up purchasing a pair of Denon AH-D 1001's (and gave my 18y.o. son the A.T.'s who feels that they devour his Sennheiser PX 100's) because aside from a being more comfortable fit (goes around rather than on the ear) the inner detail, imaging and bottom end are far superior. But the Denons are also twice the price. I have to give the A.T.'s the edge in the mid range and could have easily lived with the ATH-FC700ABK's if the Denons weren't an option.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Audio Technica ATH-FC700A Portable Headphones with 40mm Neodymium Drivers, Black

Designed for pristine sound quality, long-wearing comfort & aesthetic design— these headphones deliver a real sense of depth to the sonic image. Newly developed 40 mm neodymium drivers ensure high quality sound with popular portable players. The headphones fold for extremely compact portability. With a lightweight body and soft ear-pads, Audio-Technica's ATH-FC700A fits comfortably around the ears for long listening.

Get 71% OFF

Click here for more information about Audio Technica ATH-FC700A Portable Headphones with 40mm Neodymium Drivers, Black

Read More...

Sennheiser HD218 Closed Back Headphone Optimized for iPod/iPhone/MP3/ and Music Players Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After struggling for a while with the average quality of a few models of closed headphones and the piercing pain in my earlobes when using them for more than an hour, I believe I've found what I wanted: A good quality, good sound, reasonable priced earphones that won't hurt my humanity. But beware audiophiles: The sound coming from these guys even if rich and clear, with realistic deep bass and sharp high notes will never match those you can get from professional headphones, nor is their intention nor their price. These are nice mid-level workhorses that do their job pretty good, so keep your expectations on that level. If you want professional sound get ready to pay three or four times more. Just be realistic
After the "disclaimer" above, I bumped into these headphones while looking to replace a pair of Sony's, my third pair of closed headphones that not only sounded average but made me ended up with swollen, red earlobes after a little more than an hour of use. I tried everything, from forcing the top bridge to open and release the pressure to using the cup in different areas of my earlobes with no success. I even tried stuffing some cotton yarn on the cups and the only result was me looking ridiculous. Then I read a review on this pair from a reputable source attending the latest CES in Vegas and I gave them a try
They are good, really good. I use them mostly for PC gaming and the sound effects as well as the music and dialogue is very clear and deep. I also tried them a couple of times on my iPod listening to classical music and they behave decently, not as good as I wanted but at this price I doubt there are any headphones that can deliver classical music with the needed fidelity. They also provide good isolation from external noises with a thick layer of foam and synthetic fiber that to my surprise doesn't make you feel that you put your ears on the kitchen range. They do warm your ears a bit, but noting you can't stand or even notice after you get accustomed to them
But the best part for me is the fit. No pain, no discomfort whatsoever. The combination of a good layer of soft material with a multiple point adjusting cups provides a very close fit yet mimic the shape of your earlobes good enough to avoid the pain other earphones can get you. If you add I use them while wearing glasses, then the result is astounding: No pressure on your head from the glasses or any ache or soreness from the cups. Overall the best pair of closed headphones I owned in a while. Five stars considering they last for at least three years at my heavy use, but that's too early to tell


Click Here to see more reviews about: Sennheiser HD218 Closed Back Headphone Optimized for iPod/iPhone/MP3/ and Music Players

Versatile closed-back headphones

Get 55% OFF

Click here for more information about Sennheiser HD218 Closed Back Headphone Optimized for iPod/iPhone/MP3/ and Music Players

Read More...

Koss KSC75 Portable Stereophone Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The KSC-75 is the latest edition of the popular and good-performing Koss KSC series. All of these models, the 35, 50, 55 and now 75 are based on the same 60-ohm drivers (also used in the Porta-Pro and KTX-Pro phones). The original model, the 35, is regarded as the standard by which all cheap, portable headphones are compared. The original 35 was a black, clip-on model, built to be very shallow and to fit closely on the ears. It was a fairly nasty-looking, uncomfortable piece, and frequently had problems with its thin foam padding tearing. It was updated to the 50 and 55 models, more "modern" looking silver clip-ons and behind-the-head models. The problem with these was they were significantly heavier, and didn't fit so snugly to the ears. Thus, even though the drivers were the same, the sound suffered a bit because of the loose fit.
The 75 moves a bit closer to the original 35. It is a shallower phone, although still not quite as much so as the 35. It does tend to fit snugly to the ear, which helps make the sound a bit fuller. They are nice and light and are very comfortable. The clip is a different design, it doesn't snap into place like the orignal 35 or hinge like the 50. It simply bends around the ear, leading to two problems with this design. The durability of the thin guage wire could be a problem. Secondly, the headphone cup tends to snap off of the clip when fitting the headphone to the ear. It simply snaps back into place again, but its a nuisance. Once properly placed, which takes a little practice, the sound is typical Koss KSC. The sound is pleasant and full, reasonably detailed and transparent. There is roll-off at both frequency extremes, although this can easily be corrected if your player has an equalizer. Even without equalization, though, the sound is quite good. Despite the 60-ohm rating, the 75's are reasonably easy for low power portables to drive. On an absolute scale or compared to the better $50 phones, such as the Sennheiser HD-497, the Koss KSC-75's don't stand out, but for a price of less than $15, these are outstanding. They easily trump any of the included phones or buds with portable players and are easy to transport, due to their light weight and small size. Another excellent, cheap Koss phone.
Update: With more use, I've become more favorably impressed with this phone. Its sound seems to have opened up with more break in. It now is very transparent with a rich, deailed sound - unbelievable for this price range. After a few uses, one gets the earclips adjusted properly to where they go on almost instantly and stay put and are very comforatble. This should minimize the amount of adjustment needed and prolong the life of the clip. Still, the headphone cups occasionally snap off of the clips even during normal handling. But in all, these are an incredible bargain. I would now rate these a five star phone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Koss KSC75 Portable Stereophone Headphones


Always a popular model in the Koss Stereophone lineup, Koss' KSC75 Titanium Headphones deliver serious sound reproduction while clipped comfortably over your ear. Enjoy your music to the fullest, whether you're at home or on-the-move.
Serious sound reproduction wth an ear-clip design. Click here for a larger image

Get 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Koss KSC75 Portable Stereophone Headphones

Read More...

Grado Prestige Series SR-60i Padded Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently bought these cans for my daughter to use with her iPod mini...I had read good things about these headphones even with the criticism(?) of antiquated styling, uncomfortable headband and open headphone style...Wow! I am so impressed with these headphones that I offered to swap my Bose Quiet Comfort 2 for these. She said NO! The response is so smooth with a dynamic range that allows you to hear every nuance recorded onto the track. Bass is true...not artificially enhanced or boosted...highs are razor crisp and midrange is full and "round." Don't look any further for your headphones...these are worth 4X the price...I know!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grado Prestige Series SR-60i Padded Headphones

The Grado SR60 Headphones produce brilliant sound and offer outstanding listening comfort for a low cost. The SR60s have a flexible, soft vinyl headband. The headband and earpieces are connected by metal height adjusters, which adjust the height of your head with the center of your ear. These nifty adjusters also allow the earpiece to rotate a full 360 degrees, permitting them to lie flat on a surface perfect when packing in a suitcase. The SR60s come with earpads made of soft, porous, open-cell foam that covers the driver much more comfortably than standard foam earpads.

Click here for more information about Grado Prestige Series SR-60i Padded Headphones

Read More...

Sennheiser HD515 Dynamic Stereo Sound Audiophile 500 Series Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have had these for about a year now. I love them. They were $70 at the time and provide great quality audio. I use them in an office environement setup to a standard PC audio card. The sound is clean and crisp, while also providing good bass.
They are very comfortable to wear - I often find myself unknowningly wearing them after I've shut my music off.
I use these everyday.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sennheiser HD515 Dynamic Stereo Sound Audiophile 500 Series Headphones

The HD 515 is a classic headphone and an affordable entry into the audiophile 500 series.It's perfect for listening with virtually any source. It is fitted with Sennheiser's innovative E.A.R. technology, plus special Duofol diaphragms that reduce unwanted resonances to an absolute minimum. Overall listening pleasure is combined with outstanding comfort.

Get 59% OFF

Click here for more information about Sennheiser HD515 Dynamic Stereo Sound Audiophile 500 Series Headphones

Read More...

Denon AHD2000 High Performance Over-Ear Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Denon AH-D2000 is their second best model below the D5000 in this relatively new series of headphones from Denon, which isn't usually the first brand you think of when you mention "best headphones". But I think that is going to change now. This headphone is fantastic. As you may have noted in my other reviews, I'm not a stranger to nice headphones, spending thousands over many years trying different models (my version of my wife collecting shoes). My previous favorite, the AKG K701 (another $300 headphone) was my previous reference quality headphone but this headphone supercedes it. Whereas the AKG sounded more analytical and exacting, this Denon sounds more fluid and dynamic.
This headphone is a sealed design, so it doesn't leak or let in as much sound as open design headphones (which are most common type among the higher quality designs). It is SUPREMELY comfortable due to the well padded earcups and soft headband with a very light clamping pressure. Big-eggheads rejoice! It may feel a bit loose on those with smaller heads though, so you may want to try before you buy.
The sound:
Holy moly. This is the DO-IT-ALL headphone. Bass is deep and punchy, there is no mistaking that the bass is there, but not in a overbearing way. I compared the tonal balance of the bass to my home theater system which is flat (+/-3dB) down to a low bass limit of 23Hz. And these headphones present the bass in an accurate manner down to the lowest frequencies. It beats out the AKG K701 in that respect which always seemed to lack some impact in the bass. The highs are sparkly, clean and present. The crash of the cymbals are present, the sizzle of the high hats are there. As far as tonal balance, these would definitely rank up any of the other headphones short of the multi-thousand dollar sets. To me, this headphones gets the balance better than the Sennheiser HD650, AKG K701, any Grado, Beyerdynamic DT880 or 990, all the other contenders in this price range that are considered the top players. Soundstage (the positioning and sense of space of the sound) is very good too, expansive but with the sense that you are in a mid-sized venue, sitting about mid-way back. It's not as expansive as the AKG K701 in that respect but far better than a lot of other headphones. The mids are still well balanced with the highs and lows and never sounds disjoint. The highs are quite sparkly, but less sparkly and edgy than most Grado headphones, and nice detail without overdoing it. If you have recordings that sound bright, you may find this headphone does nothing to tame those recordings. But on reference audiophile quality recordings, you should find that these headphones are quite revealing. There are other headphones that might be better if you listen primarily to vocals, this headphone does justice to Dido, Diana Krall, the Carpenters very well. It worked well for jazz, trance, electronic, pop, rock, and orchestral music that I've tried. The sound is rich but yet detailed....the old cliche that you will hear things you never heard are applicable....I was literally pulling out my old recordings to hear stuff that I didn't notice in my previous AKG and Sennheiser models. Some people think the bass is a bit too loose and overpresent, but I think this is often a case of the music mastered as such. Heavy bass music such as trance will come across very strong, but this is no different than if you had a very deeply resolving subwoofer in a real speaker system. Compared to many other headphones, this headphone resolves way down to the lowest frequencies, and you are hearing what you can't hear at all with other headphones. The objective graphs show this, there is strong response down to 20Hz.
The only issue I have with the headphone is that the cord has a "TechFlex" type sheath which makes it very stiff, but it does increase its durability. Not a deal breaker in my opinion.
All in all, a solid FIVE star rating, no questions ifs or buts. You might be wondering if the more expensive D5000 at double the price is worth it. If you like the look of the wood cups and a tiny bit of refinement in the sound, and money is no object, you MIGHT want to consider the D5000, but it's a great example of diminishing returns. The D5000 cable isn't as annoyingly unruly as the D2000 cable, and is of higher quality though. If you want the best $300 headphone around, and are even willing to spend more, you should not overlook this choice. It's little brother model, the D1001 also takes top honors so you might want to check that one out if this one is too spendy.
This headphone is really meant for use for a home stereo, and if you use it with an iPod, the volume level is definitely weaker and may lack some punch. So I'd definitely recommend a separate headphone amplifier for that application. But otherwise, I was very happy with the sound of this headphone plugged into anything I could throw at it. If you have a first class system with high quality recordings, this headphone will really let you hear what you put into your system...it's revealing of bad sources, but yet somehow even lower quality MP3 recordings are still enjoyable due to its do-it-all versatility.
Sound quality: 9.5 out of 10
Comfort: 9.5 out of 10 (does get hot as all closed cup headphones do)
Value: 10 out of 10. Can't be beat in its price range
Build quality: 8 out of 10, some people report that the pivot screw comes loose after while....we'll see if this is still an issue. The headphone does look fragile due to the pivots, so I would be afraid to drop these.
These headphones ended my quest for the "one headphone" that I could happily live with for a long long time
Edit: after a couple of years, I ended up selling my D2000. I upgraded to the new D7000 model. You can read my review of that one. As well, I also have a Shure SRH840 which is a better headphone for monitoring because it blocked outside noise better than the Denons


Click Here to see more reviews about: Denon AHD2000 High Performance Over-Ear Headphones

Denon's AH-D2000 High-Performance Headphones offer two signature sound-enhancing technologies.First is the latest microfiber diaphragm technology.Microfiber's smaller size results in a denser diaphragmatic material which increases transmission rates for better sound and higher detail, affording maximum presence of acoustic sounds with low distortion.In addition, a special acoustic optimizer adjusts sound pressure balance on both sides of the diaphragm to deliver dynamic bass sound.The AH-D2000 includes a lightweight magnesium frame for maximum comfort during extended listening sessions, as well as aluminum connector covers, gold-plated connectors, and high-purity OFC cables.

Click here for more information about Denon AHD2000 High Performance Over-Ear Headphones

Read More...

JVC HA-FX35-B Soft Marshmallow Stereo Headphones (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"WOW!" says it all! I'm a bit of an audiophile, but I must say, these little JVC "marshmallows" may not have a catchy name, but holy COW the sound is great! Great highs, wonderful lows, good bass, but not overwhelming. The Ear bud padding is a type of memory foam coated in a very comfortable silicone-like exterior lining...making it fit your ear PERFECTLY, sealing out exterior noise, and just feeling wonderful.
They come with a medium and small earbud covers, and the small size will work great for medium/small lobed individuals, and the medium great for both medium/large lobed individuals. I have very large ear lobes, and usually have difficulty finding earbuds that fit right...but the medium pads on these are THE best I've ever worn (I've worn earbuds from the $220 range down to $3 range, and these are above-and-beyond any kind of comfort and sound quality I've experienced). Also, for those of you with small lobes: My wife is Japanese and has VERY tiny earlobes, and the small pads that came with these fit her ears PERFECTLY. In fact, we're ordering another pair of earbuds just for her, because she'll be getting rid of her $70 ones!
I can't say enough about these. In fact, in addition to my wife ordering another pair for herself, I'm ordering two additional pairs: one for my gym mp3 player, and one for my work computer at the office....these beat everything I have, hands down!
FYI: I use these for extensive music listening, gaming (online and offline) and video chatting on my laptop. The stereo is wonderful, and in games you get a real around-the-head surround-sound feel (which I never thought I'd say with earbuds). In music, you get all the ranges you can imagine at great quality. And for any other purposes, you WON'T be disappointed. I've been wearing these for a couple of days now, and just last night used them for a 5 hour video gaming session, and this morning at work for so far 4-hours of listening, and I have had NO discomfort, pain or issues with them in my ears...comfortable the whole time!
Also, the earbuds have an adjustable synch on the cord that you can either leave at the junction of the left/right wires with the main body wire, or synch up a bit to help keep your earbuds secure to your head (which is exactly why I'm ordering, among other extras, a pair for the gym!).
It should also be noted: These are WONDERFUL noise-canceling earphones. Even with no music at work, and these not plugged in (and the corded just tucked into my shirt pocket) I can't hear anything in the office around me...perfect!
Anyway, I need to buy a few more pairs, so enough with this review. All I can recommend is BUY THEM, you will NOT be disappointed!
Cheers!


Click Here to see more reviews about: JVC HA-FX35-B Soft Marshmallow Stereo Headphones (Black)

Soft Marshmallow headphone

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about JVC HA-FX35-B Soft Marshmallow Stereo Headphones (Black)

Read More...

Koss Pro4AAT Titanium Pro Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)O.K. my dad, who was in broadcasting over 20 years ago owned a pair of these, they broke finally, he called Koss, they said send them in, we have a Lifetime Guarantee on all our headphones. They told him they didn't have the exact model he owned since they were so old, but would send him the updated version.(Pro4AA Titanium) While he was a little skeptical of the quality, (I got the story about how they just don't make things like they used to.) and sad to have to send them in, he acted like a good friend died, we finally boxed them up and sent them off. (Cost us $7.00 at USPS) About a week later these arrived, no charge. He took them out of the box and was complaining about how they just weren't the same, then he put them on, and started listening to music, he has had a smile on his face ear to ear ever since, and told me how much lighter and more comfortable they were, he also mentioned that he hated to admit it but they also sounded beter. Needless to say while there was some sentimental value with the old pair he is very happy with the new pair and the improvements that have been made over the years. I also found out from the Koss web site that they invented headphones over 50 years ago, and it is thanks to them that all of our products today have a headphone jack on them. If you want a Headphone that you can pass along to your great grand kids get a pair of Koss Headphones.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Koss Pro4AAT Titanium Pro Headphones

Koss Pro4AAT Titanium Pro Headphones are rugged, closed-ear headphones built tough enough for broadcast use but at a price even the smallest studios can afford. Built for extreme durability and with a closed ear design for maximum bass and isolation, these headphones have a wide frequency response of 10 Hz-25 kHz and feature titanium-coated high polymer diaphragms for crisp, accurate sound and oxygen-free copper voice coils for signal clarity.

Get 36% OFF

Click here for more information about Koss Pro4AAT Titanium Pro Headphones

Read More...