Choosing between headphone types--Ask the Editors
Q: Recently I have been considering a new pair of headphones because I am getting quite tired of the standard Apple earphones that the iPods come with. I have three products in mind, and I am having trouble deciding which one is the best choice. They include the Bose QuietComfort 3, the Beats by Dr. Dre, and the Shure SE530. As you can tell, they aren't the cheapest ones out there, but price at this point really isn't an issue. Which one out of the three is the most comfortable, has the best audio quality, and is the most durable; again, price really isn't a factor. Thank you very much for your help. -- John, via e-mail.
A: Comfort is a very personal thing, especially when you are comparing such different styles of headphones--in this case, an in-ear canalphone, an on-ear (supra-aural) set, and a full-size (circumaural) pair. Personally, I think they all offer excellent sound quality, although my personal preference probably pushes the Shure to the top with the Bose very slightly under that and then the Monster Beats very slightly beneath those. In any case, you are going to get great audio quality, so narrowing it down will probably come to comfort.
The safest bets in terms of comfort are probably the on-ear style (Bose) and the full-size set (Beats), but here I would eliminate the Beats because I noticed a slight rattle in the right earcup (where the noise-cancellation module is) whenever I walked around with the headphones on. Although it's only a minor annoyance, this leads me to think that Monster needs to fine-tune the design of those headphones before they are a sure-fire winner. Also, some people find that full-size cans make their ears sweat, which can lead to discomfort.
By process of elimination, that leaves us with the Bose, though if you have average-to-large size ears and are looking for something very compact, you would probably be quite satisfied with the Shures as well. However, the large earpieces will not fit all listeners comfortably.
MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature in which I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)
For more than five years, Jasmine France has covered a variety of tech products for CNET--from scanners to keyboards to GPS devices--but she's happiest where she is now: sitting atop a pile of MP3 players, "testing" every music service known to man, and jamming a variety of earbuds in every shape and color into her absurdly small ears. E-mail Jasmine.
Donald Bell is an electronic musician, a veteran record store employee, and a fearless hardware hacker. He's also CNET's Senior Editor for MP3 and digital audio.
Jasmine France is CNET's resident digital audio doyenne, writing and editing product reviews, crave blogs, and feature stories on all things MP3. And if you need advice on headphones, she's your girl.
Just jealous, Jasmine . .
And lol for going from stock earbuds all the way to the top in one jump
-
by JoshT1983
June 23, 2009 9:57 AM PDT
- Etymotic HF2's! Alas a pair of head phones that really dont break the bank like the common shure headphones. I have been on the market for headphones for quite sometime and trust me when I say I have had my fair share of trial runs. Sorry for anyone has received a pair of headphones that have been used one time, I know ear wax is gross, but Im clean. ANYWAY, my HF2's have been fantastic for 175 I can listen to music like never before. all of my tunes come in at 220kbps not this 192kbps crapola and I can tell a difference. Take it from anyone who is a music buff they can definitely hear the difference between a 192 and 220. These beasts bring in some excellent highs and great mids, I'm not anyone who can really appreciate bass but they are of what I would consider good quality.
-
Like this
Reply to this comment
-
(7 Comments)these are made for a phone that uses a mic so they makes ones that don't have a mic attached, but 175 bucks your on your way to some great listening. They are in ear headphones which I prefer but someone like earmuffs. just my piece! Don't skimp on headphone costs otherwise you will end up spending more money in the long run because you are not satisfied. Reading reviews will send you all across the board. Take your i-pod or MP3 Device over to an apple store and listen to YOUR music with their headphones because that is your best bet rather than reading on here about peoples opinions. Go work those ear drums boys and girls!!!