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Holiday Buying Guide: Earphones
 
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Cameron Baker
Kurtis
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Dec. 16, 2008
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Earphones for the Holidays = Happy Boy or Girl

If you are me, or you know someone like me, headphones are the ultimate expression of affection. I love good music. Or at least what I consider to be good music. And I want it to sound amazing when I listen. I don't have the money for really nice speakers, so I have gone the headphone route. If this sounds like someone you know, you've got it easy this Christmas season, because no matter the price range, there's a great gift out there that will make ears happy.

Having a budget in mind is a really good idea when shopping for some headphones because the pricing is all over the map. Here's my official[ly arbitrary] pricing structure that may or may not be reflected in the guide below. Honestly, it was more fun to come up with categories than it was to try to use them.

  • You think the person is tolerable or you have to buy them something: under $100
  • You want to impress them or you've got some extra jack. Or you actually care: up to $180
  • You want to get in their pants or they're the love of your life. And you have a really fat wallet: up to $350
  • You either: a) have been the recipient of a golden parachute this recession season b) played sports professionally and you haven't gotten caught doing something really stupid (like shooting yourself) c) bathe in Cristal and wipe your butt with G-Notes: $350 and above

Follow this guide closely, and you'll succeed. I promise there's something good — or great — available no matter what you have to spend. And that special someone will be really excited on the morning of the 25th — or whenever you celebrate your heathen holiday. Sinners.

Basic upgrades

Sony ex75 buds (http://www.sonystyle.com/) are great for the price ($49.99 list); if you order online you can get them significantly cheaper. I started with this series back with the ex70s and they have gotten a little bit better with every revision. I’d describe them as iPod headphones with bass and a bit more isolation. They’re also a lot more comfortable because of the soft silicon tips.

Radius (http://www.radiusearphones.com) sells a pair of Atomic Bass phones in that same price range ($39.99 list), and if you are a Nano owner, they have a pair designed just for you. They'll send you a set of the aluminum buds in any of the iPod colors, and they do look sharp. They do get a little distorted at really high volume levels, but [Mom says] you shouldn't listen that loud anyway. The bass is a stellar upgrade from any included headphones out there and they are very comfortable, even if the seal in your ear canal is a little weak.

If you want to go all out in this category, I'd check out the V-Moda Vibes (http://www.v-moda.com/) if you're down with rock or rap (or anything else that needs a little bump). They're built for bass and they have a few nicer touches, like the fabric-wrapped cable, solid build, and possibly over-the-top style. Technically, their list price ($101.00) puts them one dollar out of the low-end category, but they can be had for around $70 new on Amazon or other online purveyors.

 
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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! :)

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