Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700

MSRP $100.00 Released December, 2005

Pros

quality build
affordable price
comfortable design

Cons

not the best for small-sized heads
potential lack of bass for some listeners
open circum-aural design - poor for use on the go, best used stationary in a quiet location

ProSCORE
5 reviews

88

Astro A40 Audio System

MSRP $249.95 Released August, 2008

Pros

Very comfortable to wear
Built in 5.1 decoding
Adjustable mixing of voice chat and game sounds

Cons

Pricey
no equalizer
They're wired

ProSCORE
5 reviews

75

Grado SR60i

MSRP $69.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

best headphone for the price
can be used with basic sources/amplification such as portable media players
very fun sound signature - clear highs, powerful bass and lively midrange

Cons

not good for use outside or on the go - thick cable, open design
can be sibilant - especially if driven poorly, by a bad source, or too loudly
pads are considered by some to be inferior than the bowls when it comes to audio quality

ProSCORE
5 reviews

74

Logitech G35

MSRP $129.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

doesn't require a user to have a sound card (just a USB port)
quality construction
unidirectional, noise canceling microphone make it easy to communicate in game - even in loud environments

Cons

cannot implement EAX 4/5
cord is stiff and can be annoying
software functionality is extremely limited

ProSCORE
9 reviews

86

Sennheiser LX 90 Style

MSRP $100.00 Released April, 2007

Pros

Good for treble based music classical, opera.
Good Package comes with a carrying case & 2 different style ear cushions
good clarity

Cons

Absurd Way to get them on
Too Expensive.
Poor Bass.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

45

Audio Technica ATH-M50

MSRP $200.00 Released --

Pros

A lot of Details in Sound.
Good price - 100$ on eBay.
Superb highs, mids & lows. Accurate.
sealed, blocks out ambient noise fairly well

Cons

The Cable isn't replaceable.
Sounds too good for -MONITOR- Headphones. Not giving a FLAT Response.

ProSCORE
3 reviews

83

Klipsch Image S4

MSRP $79.99 Released April, 2009

Pros

2-year limited warranty
affordable for the majority of consumers
canalphone design eliminates outside noise without need for batteries or manipulation of the sound output
include carrying case and cleaning tool

Cons

uses very glossy and reflective materials - much like other Klipsch models
not all that upgraded from the cheaper Klipsch Image S2

ProSCORE
3 reviews

83

Sennheiser HD 600

MSRP $450.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

Detailed sound
Fantastic mid range response
Bass response is perfect for casual or analytical listening

Cons

The looks
The Price is only an option when your going for this kind of sound quality
The quality of the standard cable, it tends to break just under the ear-parts.

ProSCORE
1 review

64

JVC HA-NC250

MSRP $199.95 Released July, 2007

Pros

affordable price compared to the competition
50 hours of use on a single battery
Noise cancelling feature integrated into earpad, audio cable can be unplugged and noise cancelling be on.

Cons

JVC is not generally known for their headphones
active noise canceling isn't as effective as passive IEMs
active noise canceling introduces noise and artifacts (high noise floor) into music

ProSCORE
3 reviews

62

Sennheiser MX 60 Street II

MSRP $45.00 Released May, 2008

Pros

Affordable Price.
Symmetrical cable
2 year warranty

Cons

Choice off only 1 color.
Earphone housing made off metal instead off plastic. Can cause rashes to some if used without cushions.
Fall out of the ears easily

ProSCORE
3 reviews

77

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro

MSRP $249.99 Released --

Pros

Above average sound quality, but can be muddy in comparison with other headphones of similar price range.
Very good sound isolation, nearly everything from the outside world is muted with these headphones in your ears.
Hard carrying case is sleek and very stylish. In addition, it is very durable and has good build quality. Serves its purpose well, but can be a pain to carry around due to its size.

Cons

Annoying shape and size, can be a pain to put in and out.
Wire, although relatively decent in strength, is made of odd material that has a strong chemical odor, and contorts to annoying forms very easily.
Bound for breakage and potential defective soldering in the left earbud. As with what happened with my pair, and with the pairs of others on the web, the left earbud becomes detached completely, and parts of the insides (including the soldering) are ripped out. Left earbud, by itself, is not sold as a replacement; this type of damage is extremely easy to encounter, not necessarily due to rough handling or misuse.

ProSCORE
1 review

44

Sennheiser HD 800

MSRP $1,399.95 Released January, 2009

Pros

a further improvement of one of the worlds most popular high end headphone series
largest dynamic driver - extended frequency response
cable is detachable and easy to replace

Cons

extremely expensive
requires high end sources and amplification to sound its best
Does in fact have some high-frequency resonances.

ProSCORE
6 reviews

63

Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket

MSRP $69.95 Released July, 2008

Pros

come with three different sizes of rubber covers
Comes with travel bag
affordable

Cons

Skullcandy is mostly marketing and distribution - poor headphones
many similarly priced alternatives will sound better
expensive for what they sound like

ProSCORE
7 reviews

41

Psyko Audio Labs Psyko 5.1

MSRP $299.99 Released January, 2009

Pros

can use all of the superior options / technologies afforded by a full sound card
can be used open or closed - open for communication and air or closed sound isolation
the best headphone 5.1 surround implementation to date

Cons

expensive
only available from the manufacturer's website - expensive shipping
microphone falls off the headset and swivels uncontrollably as your head tilts

ProSCORE
4 reviews

44

Sony MDR-EX500SL

MSRP $115.00 Released October, 2008

Pros

dynamic driver adds punch to lower frequencies
combines MDR's superior bass with much-needed midrange & treble
Comes with 3 sizes of ear adapters

Cons

dynamic driver requires body to have irregular, unattractive shape
no isolation; effects the sound negatively
Sony is not known for their earphones

ProSCORE
4 reviews

60

Sony MDR-V6

MSRP $109.99 Released April, 2004

Pros

Affordable per the great quality.
Extremely long cord that doesn't tangle.
Extremely powerful bass.

Cons

The foam padding on the speakers comes off after extended use, and are a pain to wrap back around.
Get warm with prolonged use
You need a really good sound card to fully enjoy the bass these headphones can deliver.

ProSCORE
3 reviews

80

Stax SRS-2050A

MSRP $750.00 Released --

Pros

Unmatched electrostatic speed and dynamic range
Comparable to more expensive headphone/amp combinations

Cons

Not compatible with the vast majority of headphone amplifiers
High initial cost
Not as punchy as some dynamic headphones

ProSCORE
2 reviews

43

Grado SR80

MSRP $95.00 Released --

Pros

best sound for your buck
improves with amplification and better sources
essential for a Grado lover's mobile/travel kit

Cons

potential comfort issues
poor for use on the go - thick cable, open design and the fact that you can't throw it in your bag
will have you upgrading in no time

ProSCORE
3 reviews

78

Nuforce NE-8

MSRP $70.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

Excellent sound quality for the price
Included ear tips will support a variety of ears
Included carrying case is nice for helping them stay in good condition

Cons

Actual earphones can be damaged easily if they're hit against something
Difficult to fit inside of carrying case without it feeling like you will break the headphone wire
Eartips come off easily if they're too tight for your ears

ProSCORE
2 reviews

67

Koss PortaPro

MSRP $49.99 Released January, 1984

Pros

no-questions-asked lifetime warranty
crystal clear sound compared to other phones in it's price segment
Comfortable

Cons

snags hair
somewhat odd looking
The bass could be overpowering for many

ProSCORE
5 reviews

64

AKG K 272 HD

MSRP $250.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

Amazing for listening to ultra-high-quality audio
Comfortable
Balanced and even sound, transparency exposes every hidden instrument

Cons

Transparency exposes every hidden flaw
Will show up every flaw in your compressed MP3s.
Bulky and not portable

ProSCORE
2 reviews

54

Sony MDR-ED12LP

MSRP $14.99 Released May, 2006

Pros

fit in good
It certainly offers excellent quality sound..for a small price..
It uses the same driver(16mm-the largest for any closed type headfone)as in $299 sony MDR-EX700LP
have the best sound

Cons

C'mmon at d price..u cant get better than this..no cons

ProSCORE
4 reviews

83

Sennheiser HD 202

MSRP $39.95 Released May, 2002

Pros

Modest price-point
Good sound quality for the price point
Closed/sealed design provides decent isolation from environment

Cons

Not fully collapsible
Honkiness in the mids, rolled-off upper treble
Boomy bass

ProSCORE
3 reviews

65

Ultimate Ears Triple.Fi 10vi

MSRP $419.99 Released December, 2008

Pros

superior sound quality to stock buds and the majority of buds found on the market
fair amount of isolation - perfect for use in louder places without completely being taken out of your surroundings
can be used with any range of sources and amplification - including every day personal media players such as iPods

Cons

very expensive
not as comfortable or as isolating as a custom fitted IEM (such as the much more expensive UE-10, or a similarly priced Freq)
Hard to insert into the ears, requires both hands to insert. Fit is not comfortable even with different buds.

ProSCORE
9 reviews

51

Shure SE530

MSRP $549.00 Released December, 2007

Pros

Very good build quality
Stellar SQ overall
Good soundstage

Cons

Fragile and fixed cable
They are only headphones and the price of a small car!
"l" and "r" hard to see

ProSCORE
6 reviews

81

Sennheiser CX 300 - II Precision

MSRP $75.00 Released February, 2009

Pros

solid construction
3 sets of earbud covers (S/M/L)
high power handling

Cons

noise when jostling the cord
slightly rolled off high frequency response
cord is too short

ProSCORE
3 reviews

89

Sony MDR-EX300SL

MSRP $60.00 Released October, 2008

Pros

affordable price
dynamic driver adds a balanced sound with good bass
silicone, rather than rubber earplugs

Cons

no isolation
dynamic driver adds weird bulk
to get satisfactory bass, the earphones need to be jammed firmly in your ears

ProSCORE
3 reviews

63

Razer Barracuda HP-1

MSRP $129.00 Released September, 2006

Pros

Actually includes 8 discrete drivers to create surround sound
Ear pads are very comfortable
5.1 audio without breaking the bank

Cons

Cord from adapter is too short
Surround sound can't compare to a real speaker system
Pricey

ProSCORE
6 reviews

55

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5

MSRP $169.99 Released June, 2005

Pros

extremely light
good for a wide range of music genres
reasonable price considering the sound quality

Cons

not as full sounding as the SuperFi 5 Pro
quite expensive
isolation can be potentially dangerous in some environments

ProSCORE
2 reviews

67

Alessandro MS1i

MSRP $99.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

actually quite comfortable if you get used to them (takes several months!)
open design lets your ears breath, not as stuffy as closed headphones
simple build is easy to fix yourself, won't break in weird ways

Cons

not commercially available
not as 'fun' as Grados
potential comfort issues

ProSCORE
2 reviews

62

Creative Labs EP-630

MSRP $39.99 Released --

Pros

affordable price
good amount of isolation - improves sound quality and allows users to listen at lower volume levels
can sometimes be found at amazing prices ($12-20)

Cons

beware that EP-630 with amazing prices are duds, cheap rip-offs!
Cable noise when worn.
Uncomfortable after continuous extended period of usage.

ProSCORE
5 reviews

65

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

MSRP $99.99 Released January, 2002

Pros

Great audio clarity (can be used as reference headphones)
Very good, natural environmental noise suppression
Outstanding price for the sound quality

Cons

Can be slightly uncomfortable
Large, heavy
Your ears can get hot over time

ProSCORE
3 reviews

72

Sennheiser CX 380 Sport II

MSRP $100.00 Released October, 2008

Pros

2-year warranty
sweat/water resistant
three sizes of ear adapter included for best fit and comfort

Cons

the wire material is tacky and does tangle
noise cancellation is dangerous when exercising outside - ideal for working out on loud equipment such as treadmills
slips out a lot; requires a bunch of adjustments

ProSCORE
5 reviews

52

Sennheiser HD 555

MSRP $130.00 Released --

Pros

Fantastic audio clarity.
Velour ear and over-the-head pads are very comfortable.
Good bass response, and balanced all around. No need for equalizers.
Nice, long cord (good for home, not that good for portable music players).

Cons

Open design, leaks sound both to and from your environment (not suitable for public places)
Needs power (i.e. an amplifier). They don't sound as good on portable music players.

ProSCORE
6 reviews

68

Able Planet NC200

MSRP $99.99 Released January, 2008

Pros

Affordable compared to other noise-canceling headphones
Noise canceling technology actually works
Decent sound isolation from environmental noise

Cons

Sound quality probably won't satisfy audiophiles
An audible hiss is introduced when using the noise cancelling
Compared to non-noise canceling headphones build quality isn't as good

ProSCORE
3 reviews

67

Panasonic RP-HC500

MSRP $199.99 Released March, 2008

Noise-cancelling headphones work by creating "anti-noise" that exactly counterbalances external sounds at the ear. While unable to cope with non-repetitive sounds, they do a good job of reducing the constant drone in an airliner cabin or the hum of a room air conditioner or computer fan. Noise-cancelling headphones began as an expensive, bulky laboratory...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Sennheiser IE 6

MSRP $249.95 Released March, 2008

Pros

good isolation - will allow you to enjoy your music in loud environments without entirely removing you from your surroundings
dynamic driver provides punchier low end compared to balanced armature

Cons

expensive
dynamic driver requires a large and irregularly shaped body
strange looking

ProSCORE
2 reviews

38

Grado SR80i

MSRP $95.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

best sound for your buck
very fun sound signature - clear highs, powerful bass and lively midrange
open design lets your ears breath, not as stuffy as closed headphones

Cons

poor for use on the go - thick cable, open design and the fact that you can't throw it in your bag
can be sibilant - especially if driven poorly, by a bad source, or too loudly
potential comfort issues

ProSCORE
5 reviews

71

Sennheiser CX300-B

MSRP $50.00 Released May, 2006

Pros

Ear adapters in 3 different sizes
Cheap - Less than 20$ on eBay

Cons

Lots of FAKES in the market
Can be quite expensive in retail. Performance is not worth the money you pay for it.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

50

Sennheiser PMX 80 Sport II

MSRP $70.00 Released October, 2008

Pros

great for use while exercising
comfortable
lightweight

Cons

bad colors
instructions are hidden in the packaging
sound quality is still lacking for discerning listeners

ProSCORE
4 reviews

71

Sennheiser HD 201

MSRP $35.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

Extremely low priced for the sound quality
durable build quality
Good dynamic range means it is suitable for a variety of listening applications
paired with an amp or high-quality source the sound quality is excellent

Cons

you need to crank the volume up on your mp3 player or laptop to get a good volume level
Bass response is neutral, almost lacking. Not for bassheads, but good for balanced sound.

ProSCORE
4 reviews

80

Audio-Technica ATH-M20

MSRP $69.00 Released --

Pros

Good build quality, comfortable, good isolation.
Very good budget monitor phones. Clear detailed sound without heavy bassy interference. Good general monitoring cans.
Has been with me for at least 3 years now;

Cons

The foam padding degraded fairly quickly in the tropical Singaporean climate but replacements were obtainable for $10SG
Awful sound! Huge bass boost that swamps the minimal mid and non descript treble frequencies
somewhat low volume

ProSCORE
3 reviews

71

Tritton Audio Xtreme 360 (TRI-GA600)

MSRP $129.00 Released June, 2006

Pros

Good sound quality
Long cables

Cons

not the best looking
mic wire gets easily broken

ProSCORE
1 review

50

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint

MSRP $220.00 Released --

Pros

circumaural design, more comfort
Good price for the quality ($220)
Effective active noise cancelling up to 20 db

Cons

Could use more bass
requires AAA batteries for noise canceling operation
doesn't sound half as good with noise canceling off

ProSCORE
5 reviews

85

Bose QuietComfort 15

MSRP $299.95 Released August, 2009

Pros

noticeable upgrade in almost all respects from previous generation QuietComfort offerings - better battery life, lower background hiss, tighter bass, better noise cancellation
offered 'exchange program' makes upgrading cheaper
very comfortable

Cons

BOSE is mostly marketing - better options are often available for less money
active noise canceling introduces additional noise into music - can often be heard
require a AAA battery for active noise canceling

ProSCORE
2 reviews

33

Plantronics Gamecom 777

MSRP $99.99 Released August, 2008

Pros

appears very comfortable and made of quality materials
features in line volume and microphone controls
does not have to be used as a USB headset (comes with 3.5mm stereo headphone and microphone jacks)
good isolation for playing in louder environments like LAN parties

Cons

as a USB headset it cannot implement EAX (requires advanced audio devices)
impossible to find

ProSCORE
3 reviews

75

Sennheiser MX 460

MSRP $25.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

Affordable Price.
Excellent Bass.
Good Audio Clarity at peak volumes.

Cons

Asymmetrical Cable.
Left Ear Plug keeps popping out off ear if your the fussy type.
Cable length from Left Ear piece to the plug is only 1m instead off the usual 1.2m on most earphones.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

62

Audio Technica ATH-EM9r

MSRP $179.95 Released November, 2007

Pros

Gorgeous design
High quality construction
Awesome highs and warm mids

Cons

Very expensive
More bass than last model, but still not enough

ProSCORE
2 reviews

62

Sennheiser PX 100

MSRP $40.00 Released --

Pros

Near audiophile quality mids and highs
easy to fold up and store in a carrying pouch for use on the go
Compared with price, is't a pretty good deal. Clear sound with powerful bass.

Cons

open design is not ideal for use in public - quite a lot of noise leakage in and out
powerful bass but bloted at times

ProSCORE
5 reviews

64

Denon AH-D7000

MSRP $999.00 Released August, 2008

Pros

closed style helps isolate the listener from their world - where external noise may ruin the listening experience
like the D-5000 can be found much cheaper than official MSRP
more refined than the AH-D5000 - possible candidate to challenge the best of the best?

Cons

much more expensive than the D-5000! Almost double!
may still be poorly put together much like the AH-D5000
Still non-suiteble for classical and acoustic music. Despite of having more tremble and providing larger stage, than AH-D5000, it's still lack of it in comparison with Audio-Technica ATH-W5000.

ProSCORE
3 reviews

56

Shure SE115

MSRP $119.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

available in 4 colours
utilizes a dynamic driver for added bass/punch
affordable price

Cons

not as neutral as the SE110 or SE210
requires extension for normal use
larger headphone body than most

ProSCORE
2 reviews

72

AKG K 701

MSRP $400.00 Released January, 2001

Pros

was the top-of-the-line AKG headphone until the recent addition of the K702
some of the best highs of any headphone
Very detailed sound.

Cons

Needs a dedicated headphone amp to shine.
1000+ hours of break-in time.
The auto adjusting headband is great but has a plastic strip which threatins to break.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

69

Audio Technica ATH-ON3

MSRP $34.95 Released January, 2007

Pros

attractive low-profile design
includes a little isolation
quality, well built, well known headphone manufacturer

Cons

strictly a mid-fi headphone, missing low end due to their size
expensive to import - a lot cheaper to buy in Japan
supra-aural pads put pressure on the ear, bass is lost due to a poor seal

ProSCORE
2 reviews

57

Panasonic Technics RP-DH1200

MSRP $169.95 Released May, 2004

Pros

Frequency response is one of the best in the industry

Cons

Can be heavy on the ears

ProSCORE
1 review

50

Nixon Master Blaster

MSRP $230.00 Released December, 2008

Pros

Like wearing a big comfy leather couch on your head
Cool style...a different look than most headphoens
Leather details (head band and muffs)

Cons

The ball and socket system on the earpad had became suspiciously loose within one month of pruchase. (Probably a manufacturing default)

ProSCORE
1 review

100

AKG K 480 NC

MSRP $199.99 Released August, 2005

Pros

Fold and Go Design
Traveling Case Included
Can be used for hands-free calls.

Cons

Pricey
active noise canceling introduces noise and artifacts
active noise canceling requires a separate power supply

ProSCORE
2 reviews

79

Skullcandy INK'D

MSRP $19.99 Released March, 2008

Pros

Excellent sound quality
Great price
Comes with 3 different sized foam ear piece attachments to ensure comfort and fit

Cons

require you insert them into a facial orifice which can be uncomfortable for some
tangle easily
Bad build quality

ProSCORE
2 reviews

25

Skullcandy TiTan

MSRP $49.95 Released January, 2008

Pros

long cable
affordable price
durable, high quality build

Cons

only includes a single size ear tip pair
poor microphonics (wire movement noise)
a little heavy due to metal construction

ProSCORE
2 reviews

64

Audio Technica ATH-EM7 GM

MSRP $69.95 Released November, 2007

Pros

High quality construction
Ridiculously comfortable
Highs and mids shine more than in some full-size phones
Small and lightweight

Cons

Bass can be heard, but can't be felt
They leak A LOT of sound

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Sennheiser HD 650

MSRP $549.00 Released --

Pros

Detailed sound.
Bass response is perfect for casual or analytical listening.
Fantastic mid range response.
No too bright so as to make them fatiguing in long sessions.
Needs an amp to shine but does not a must.

Cons

Not the best looking headphones out there.

ProSCORE
1 review

86

AKG K 430

MSRP $79.99 Released August, 2005

Pros

affordable price
includes carrying case
foldable design

Cons

poor availability
integrated volume control
cheap looking build

ProSCORE
3 reviews

75

Sony Q010-MDR1 Qualia 010

MSRP $2,400.00 Released January, 2004

Pros

Electrostatic levels of detail and resolution.
Good bass quality and quantity.
Great for electronic genre of music.

Cons

Proper fitting required to get the best sound quality.
become harsh and sibilant if not listened to at low volume
extremely expensive

ProSCORE
3 reviews

62

Able Planet TL300

MSRP $59.99 Released December, 2008

Pros

microphone works well for voice chat
microphone is very flexible
sound quality is surprisingly good when listening to music

Cons

height adjustment mechanism isn't smooth and difficult to get into the right position
supra-aural cup design is extremely uncomfortable
microphone is fixed to the left side

ProSCORE
2 reviews

54

Sennheiser HE90

MSRP $14,900.00 Released January, 2002

Pros

extremely durable and long-lasting
A milestone in the art of headphone manufacture.
Considered among the best sounding headphones to date.

Cons

Most expensive headphones ever produced.
like all electrostatic headphones, bass punch is lacking
quite heavy

ProSCORE
3 reviews

59

Meier-Audio Corda 2Move

MSRP $240.00 Released --

Pros

Stunning SQ
Good quality DAC
Very good price/performance ratio
Good battery life

Cons

No rechargeable battery
Aux in/out do not secure the cable plugs quite as good as they should

ProSCORE
1 review

67

Shure E3

MSRP $179.00 Released --

Pros

Passive noise cancelling with fitted sleeves
Good value for the price. Less expensive than competitors
Comfortable foam inserts

Cons

Wires near the ear tend to wear down over time and become exposed

ProSCORE
2 reviews

100

Sennheiser RS 140

MSRP $200.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

comfortable
wireless
good sound
auto frequency search

Cons

"acoustic signals" such as low battery are an incredibly annoying high pitched beep

ProSCORE
1 review

80

Logitech Extreme PC Gaming Headset

MSRP $24.99 Released January, 2001

Pros

comfortable
volume control
analog (3.5 mm) TRS connectors

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Beats by Dr. Dre

MSRP $350.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

Integrated iPhone answer button and microphone
Deep bass while still maintaining vocals and highs
Comfortable

Cons

Expensive
Made by Monster Cable
Chinsy 3.5mm cable

ProSCORE
8 reviews

35

Etymotic ER4P

MSRP $200.00 Released January, 1991

Pros

audiophile quality sound
neutral and balanced frequency response
many quality accessories

Cons

potential for comfort issues
potential lack of bass
potential for high maintenance

ProSCORE
3 reviews

61

Sennheiser CX 200 Street II

MSRP $65.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

symmetrical cable
affordable
2 year warranty
passive noise canceling - makes it easier to enjoy your music at a safe volume without induced noise, artifacts or the need for batteries
interchangeable tips for finding the best fit

Cons

No Carrying Pouch Included.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

100

Sony Ericsson MH907

MSRP $55.00 Released September, 2009

Pros

3 sizes of silicon tips for best comfort and isolation
affordable price
intelligent motion detection controls - eg/ pauses music or ends call when one ear piece is removed, resumes when replaced
slick aesthetic

Cons

uses a proprietary Fast Port connection - compatible with certain Sony headphones only
false positives abound

ProSCORE
1 review

71

iBasso D2 Viper

MSRP $200.00 Released --

Pros

customizable sound with interchangeable opamps
great price:performance ratio compared to more expensive devices
smaller than it looks in images

Cons

power LED is sporadic and a bit too bright
cheaper construction/parts, noisy pot
cheap interconnect cable shipped with unit

ProSCORE
2 reviews

63

Sony EX-500LP

MSRP $129.99 Released October, 2008

Pros

large 13.5mm dynamic drivers
comfortable silicon ear buds
sound good for a variety of music

Cons

oddly shaped to make room for drivers
more expensive than the Shure SE210s
wiring isn't very durable

ProSCORE
1 review

78

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 vi

MSRP $189.99 Released --

Pros

superior sound quality to stock buds and the majority of buds found on the market
fair amount of isolation - perfect for use in louder places without completely being taken out of your surroundings
built in microphone is perfect for dual listen/talk use on cellphones

Cons

quite pricey for a technically inferior IEM
highest level IEM/Mic combo is still far behind what UE produces - unlike the Etymotic offering

ProSCORE
1 review

60

AKG K 530

MSRP $100.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

very distinct aesthetic - similar but more streamlined/futuristic than the K701
highly accurate - an AKG characteristic
good entry point into high fidelity headphones

Cons

open style lets all outside sound in - good for air but poor for when listening in a high noise environment
slightly cheap build
not the most refined headphone money can buy

ProSCORE
3 reviews

75

Sennheiser CX 550 Style II

MSRP $115.00 Released September, 2008

Pros

three ear tip sizes
2 year warranty
short 2 foot cable with 2.5 foot extender

Cons

expensive
plain basic aesthetic
no case included

ProSCORE
2 reviews

79

Pioneer SE-E22-J1

MSRP $19.00 Released August, 2008

The Pioneer SE-E22-J1 consists of a pair of open-air, dynamic stereo designed specifically for working out—regardless the weather or sport. First and foremost, these headphones are water-proof, giving them immutable protection against sweat, rain, and snow. Included also are rubber clips that wrap around the ear for a snug and comfortable fit even. The...

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0 reviews

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Sennheiser HD 435

MSRP $70.00 Released May, 2006

Pros

Extremely comfortable
Awesome Bass response for an open set
Detachable cable with in-line volume control

Cons

Distorted highs
Plastic design sounds when moving
bass tightens after burn in - but remains somewhat flabby

ProSCORE
2 reviews

73

NuForce NE-7M

MSRP $49.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

Phenomenally full sound, smooth controlled bass
More comfortable than full IEMs
Incredible value

Cons

Incompatible with Creative Zen
Mic button takes practice to locate and press

ProSCORE
1 review

75

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