Headset and Headphone Holiday Roundup
We haven’t tried every set or pair on the market- but we’ve spent the last couple of months running down various models, manufacturers, and makes of audio equipment and comparing them using our secret testing methods. Our tests begin with listening to a variety of music, from classical to metal to hiphop, but don’t stop there- we also treat our headphones badly in real-world tests that involve bending, curling, tangling, pulling, and every form of torture they can endure.
At the lower end of the market, we suggest taking a closer look at Purebuds. For only $50, they offered decent sound, and a selection of different earbud “tips”- one for bass, one for surround, one for full range- that actually did make a difference in tone. It’s a cute idea, but they didn’t work in all ears that we tested them on- some folks found only one of the styles to be comfortable or stay snug, and it can be a hassle to change them for different music types. The styling and cable won’t win any awards, but they are neutral white and packaged well. We still aren’t sure about the “reverse sound technology” they proffer, but the Purebuds are are a good value if you are looking to upgrade from your iPod headphones.
A bit higher up the spectrum, we liked the Sennheiser MM50 IP’s. Perfect as a replacement headset for the original iPhone or iPhone 3G, they are super-light and extremely comfortable. Three different bud tip sizes are included, and should allow most anyone to find the appropriate fit. Sounds are clear and distinct, and bass is booming, even if we weren’t blown away on the upper registers. Calls are easy to answer, and mic quality is decent- though the cord is a bit short and feels a little flimsy. For $100, these are perfect for anyone on your Christmas list looking for an extremely light headset.
Finally, you can’t go wrong with Shure. In the $150 range, Shure’s SE110MPA’s offer full-bodied, elegant sound, extremely durable and solid cabling, and both foam and silicone bud tips in a couple of sizes. Also included is a case to hold the separate pieces- at first confusing, the headset is divided into three separate cables. This threw a few people off, and added a bit of weight as well. We also had some trouble with the mic- picking up too much surrounding noise- but the sound-isolation was pretty good. Also compatible with the iPhone and Blackberry Curve, these are best given to a pretty discerning fan who wants a sturdy, capable headset.
Finally, tune in for our review of a gaming headset, for those who want 5.1 surround sound.
