earphones

If you're reading this, chances are you've owned at least one MP3 player in your lifetime, and anyone who has used a portable audio player knows that the earbuds that come packaged with these devices are--for the most part--far from impressive in terms of fit and sound quality. Even those who can tolerate the often thin and flat audio will readily admit that stock earbuds are severely lacking in the bass department.

In other words, find me an MP3 player owner, and I'll show you someone who's begging for boomier bass. The good news is that … Read more

V-Moda has gained quite a reputation for its stylish, low-profile earbuds. The good word has been helped along by the fact that these 'phones offer plenty of low-end thump for those who have only experienced the anemic bass offered by stock earbuds. The latest model to be pumped out of the V-Moda factory, the Vibrato Remote, is no exception.

This $129 pair offers plenty of thump, a slick and durable design with a built-in mic and remote for use with the iPhone and iPod, and a unique plug housing that's designed to withstand wear and tear. Better yet, overall … Read more

I test a lot of earphones and headphones here at CNET, and often what I'll do is try out a review sample for a while and then pass the product on to get a second or third opinion from other editors or our resident audio guru, Steve Guttenberg. I don't tell the person I'm passing the headphones on to how much they cost. In that sense, the editor's judgment isn't colored at all by pricing.

In the case of TDK's EB900 in-ear headphones, I thought they sounded good. They had a nice clean sound … Read more

We usually don't do this, but we're in the process of testing a pair of EB900 in-ear headphones and noticed they were on sale for $34.95 at J&R Music World and appear to include free shipping. The TDK900s have a list price of $122.85 but they really sell for around $70 at other online stores (see link below).

What makes them a good deal? Well, both Steve Guttenberg, our resident audio guru, and I felt they sounded as good or better than many $100 earphones. While the bass is a little boomy (too much), … Read more

Regardless of whether you elect to upgrade your iPod to one of the newest models or decide instead to purchase another MP3 player, one thing is undeniable: the earbuds that come packaged with your new device aren't going to provide the best possible listening experience. To that end, I've compiled several tips aimed at helping you ditch crappy headphones in favor of a pair that will treat your ears the way they deserve to be treated.

First things first: DO pay attention to the design of a headphone. For those who want ultimate portability, earbuds are going to … Read more

At the beginning of the year, we saw the first stirrings of an update to Shure's sound-isolating earphone line with new high-end models, the SE425 and SE535. Although those made an appearance at CES back in January, they didn't make it to retail until recently. Now, the company is wasting no time adding a new midrange offering to the lineup. Today, Shure unveiled the SE315, a $199 pair that uses a single high-def MicroDriver promising to offer balanced sound with an optimized low-end response.

Like the other earphones in the line, the SE315s come in a choice of … Read more

September products are just in time for those heading back to school and leave plenty of time to spare for the holiday buying season. It never fails: new releases always abound this time of year, and headphones are no exception. Among the many companies launching new product lines, it's easy to miss an announcement here and there. But if you're in the market for a new, inexpensive set of earphones with a low profile and sound-isolating capabilities, don't overlook Ultimate Ears' fall lineup.

The brand, which was purchased by Logitech in 2008, is offering six new sets … Read more

In response to a recent Gizmodo article that called out the scam of cheap earbuds, V-moda is launching something called the Earbud Upgrade Program. The aim is to get consumers to trade in competitors' products for a chance to try out V-moda's earphones. Music fans who send in any other brand of earbuds will receive a $35 voucher toward the purchase of any Vibe, Vibe duo, Vibe ii, Remix Audio, Remix Remote, or Crossfade LP.

V-moda backs up its headphones with either a one- or two-year warranty, and as further proof that the company stands behind the quality of … Read more

As of this morning, I had reached a point of stoic reserve about covering the whole ditching your MP3 player issue, a topic that I've been avoiding like the plague since it makes me depressed and nostalgic. Happily, I was saved at the last minute by an article about increased hearing loss in adolescents that the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) posted yesterday.

As more and more people listen to music on the go, whether through their cell phones or dedicated MP3 players, innumerable ears are exposed an assault of audio through headphones. These listening implements aren't inherently bad, but they can contribute to hearing issues over time if certain precautions aren't taken. The following advice can help to ensure that you continue to hear all sound as nature intended it.

I feel that this should be an obvious point, but it always bears repeating: DON'T listen to your music at ear-splitting levels. The quickest and easiest way to damage your hearing is to expose your ears to overly-loud sounds, music or otherwise; this is the reason that people who work at factories (and some other loud locations) are often required to wear earplugs under local health and safety laws.

So how loud is too loud? Anything over 75 decibels, according to one study. Of course, it's tough for most consumers to accurately measure this; when in doubt, DO employ the volume limiting feature on your listening device. Apple's various iPods and most of Sony's Walkman players include this functionality. Alternatively, you can even pick up a pair of earbuds that ensure safe listening levels, such as the Ultimate Ears Loud Enough earphones.… Read more