earphones

For traveling, the Klipsch Image earphones are still a Crave favorite, and we're not exactly short of earphones and headphones for every occasion. We're pretty thrilled to hear the American hi-fi audio company is bringing out a slightly more affordable variation of the original Images, the Image X5s.

Although they're 2 millimeters larger in diameter than the flagship model, the exclosures of the X5s are ludicrously small. The dual armature q-Jays from Jays are still tinier, but Klipsch have them beat in terms of build quality.

Inside the X5s are single full-range drivers (Klipsch refuses to give … Read more

Colorful earbuds have become increasingly popular with headphone manufacturers, possibly because of consumer demand for something a little more stylish than plain white or black. It's no wonder: Earphones are basically accessories that serve to pipe music to your ears, so they might as well be fashionable. Radius, a new Tennessee-based company pushing out Japanese-designed earbuds, is the latest entry into the burgeoning market of fashion-forward electronics. The company has three product lines, one of which is the $30 TruTune ultralight aluminum earphones. Read the review.

After enjoying a brief hiatus, MP3 Mailbox Monday is back--and back to basics. Perhaps one of the most confusing things about portable music devices is audio format compatibility, and yet this is an elemental feature of any player. So which format works best? It all depends on the user, but one of the answers below will help you sort it out. Also, learn how to burn MP3 CDs in iTunes and find out possible reasons for your MP3 player only playing tracks in alphabetical order.

Q: I'm sure that you've answered this question many times, but I'll … Read more

Philips is no stranger to the headphone market, mostly turning out a line of inexpensive earbuds in the $5 to $25 range. Now, the company is stepping up its game with the SHE-9850 In-Ear Headphones, a $100 pair with a sleek and comfy design and good audio quality. We're hard-pressed to find anything not to like about these earphones; although bass response seems mushy for certain tracks, the SHE-9850 can certainly hold its own against other sets in its price range. Read the review.

Zirconia isn't just for ring-shopping fiances on a budget anymore. The diamond imposter is now being used to make earphones, of all things.

Panasonic's latest buds have been made with the material because it's apparently good at reducing distortion, according to Akihabara News. Another unusual feature of the RP-HJE900 earphones--one that will undoubtedly be more noticeable--is their removable cables. It's not entirely clear why one might want those, unless you habitually bury your buds deep into the aural canal and want a breakaway safety feature.

Radius isn't exactly a household name on the U.S. market, but apparently it's well known in Japan for its fashionable earphones. They won't be competing for bragging rights where quality is concerned against Bose or Klipsch anytime soon, but that's not the point: These buds are made for style and durability.

Radius earphones are made of ultra-light aluminum and rubberized plastic cords for protection, according to I4U News, and come in a variety of fashion-conscious colors and finishes. They're also headed to the States, with prices starting at $30.

We've complained before about the plight of our misshapen ears and the resultant problems with headsets that fit, and if we were a decent lot we'd stop whining. But we're not, and we won't.

At least, not until we find a pair of headphones that solves the problem, which is why we're intrigued by a new pair offered by Klipsch. A line of three models known simply as Custom 1, 2, and 3 feature buds with gel cushions intended to snuggle up to even the most aberrantly configured aural canals. The high-end Custom 3 also … Read more

Although the headphone market continues to burgeon with new models, it can be surprisingly tough to find a decent, fitness-friendly pair. A few companies, such as Sennheiser, have stepped up to the plate with sport-branded earphones, which feature design attributes meant to keep them secured on the head during activity. Now, we can add Sony to the list. The company has released an impressive array of Active Headphones, the $100 MDR-AS100W among them. These mostly well-designed earphones are a good option for the gym, with an adjustable over-the-head band that should work for just about any person looking for a … Read more

It's too bad that Michael Kanellos has given up his masochistic hobbies because this item would be right up his alley. It's one thing to have joysticks, keyboards, and other game gear that make you feel the action, but earphones?

A Korean company that goes by the amusing moniker of iFeelU is peddling a pair of "body-sonic" buds that will make your aural canals feel like they've been assaulted by heavy artillery. The rumbling EX2 earphones supposedly will create a "home theater in your ears," Gizmodo says, though we suspect it might be … Read more