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Holiday Buying Guide: Earphones
Mic'd up for the iPhone
If you want to get more bass like the Sony in-ears but you need an iPhone mic/control, I’d check out the Radius Atomic Bass for iPhone. They’re identical to the Atomic Bass mentioned previously with the addition of a mic / button combo that is identical to the one on the included iPhone buds. I have been using this exclusively as my iPhone headset for a month or so, and short of jumping up to the Ultimate Ears super.fi 4 vi earphones, I wouldn’t have it any other way. For around $50, you can’t go wrong. The new Apple dual driver, in-ear headphones are finally out, and they seem to be making positive impressions so far. They’re styled for folks who like to keep it in the family, clad in white and chrome to match whatever iWidget you’ll be plugging them into. The mic and track control work with the Brothers iPhone but, sadly, the volume controls are currently non-functional, and there’s no word as to whether or not this will change. The super.fi 4 vis are the microphone-clad version of the Ultimate Ears (http://www.ultimateears.com/) phones I reviewed a few months ago. They are still in my headphone rotation, and I still think they are fantastic. The integrated mic controller makes them a great option, and they give you a non-white option if you are scared of getting profiled by street criminals. Great all-around sound, solid build quality, and a great fit kit / carrying case put these headphones at the top of my list. At the high end of this category rest the Etymotic HF2s (http://www.etymotic.com). They’re very similar to the ER-4Ps sonically but with a little more style (available in black and red) and they include a microphone / track control button. Wearing these headphones is a more intense affair than most of the other headphones mentioned in this list since they use the triple flange tip design from the 4P's, but Etymotic sent me a few newly designed tips that should make these much more comfortable for any set of ears out there. Really Nice In-ears The venerable Etymotic ER-4P is great if you want a badass package and great sounding, insanely detailed headphones. They list at $300 officially (but come in just south of $200 from almost any retailer), so they're a more substantial investment, but you get what you pay for. The display case makes me want to buy a gun or a mini nuke. Just don't buy based on style because they're utilitarian (read: kinda strange) looking. Ultimate Ears has recently upgraded their super.fi 5's (list $169.99), and the talk from the interwebs is that they are better all around than the previous generation. The folks at head-fi (http://www.head-fi.org) even say that they might outclass the super.fi 5 pros (list $249.99) I just finished reviewing. That's a pretty impressive claim, since they come in a bit cheaper, and the Pros are pretty fantastic. They don’t have detachable cables, but that's about the only difference in features. I’d recommend the Pros from experience, and the regular 5s from the great things I have been reading. Either pair is definitely worth a look, but be cautious when looking to Amazon for the regular 5s, because the older version is still out there. If you want to get a little crazy, you've got two top-end options that I'd look towards. Ultimate Ears’ Triple.fi 10s ($399.99 list) and Shure’s SE530s (list $499.99) go back and forth as the top dogs in the universal fit market, according to those in the know. In either case, you're getting three drivers per ear and what ends up being the best listening experience this side of custom made monitors. The Shures seem to please bass-heads a little more, and the triple.fis have been called more balanced. According to every review I’ve read, though, they are both completely breath-taking sonically. Just be prepared to budget at least $300 for a pair of either, no matter where you are looking.
Page 1: Earphones for the Holidays Makes a Happy Boy or Girl, Basic Upgrades
Page 2: Mic'd up for the iPhone, Really Nice In-Ears Page 3: Fantasy Land, Conclusion 
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Add Comment
1 User Comment 1 - Posted by
Stacie A.
on December 17, 2008 - 10:53 am Great suggestions! Talking about headphones being the ultimate expression of affection. I will like to add to your list,the new ShareBuds MX Twin Stereo Earphones. It allows you to share your favorite tunes with a loved one without having to purchase an extra adapter of some sort. ShareBuds MX twin stereo earphones provides a very convenient way for us to share our favorite love songs. I absolutely recommend it if you want share music you love with someone you love, go for it — it’s cool and easy to use. My boyfriend and I recently bought one online (http://www.sharebuds.com).We we're definitely impressed. It will also make great Valentine’s day present! :) Add Comment To add a comment without being a member, you may omit the password field, but you must enter your name (or nickname) along with your comment. * Denotes required fields. |
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