Denon AH-C551 In-Ear Headphones

MP3 players are practically as prolific as cell phones now--heck, some of them are cell phones. Regardless of what portable device provides the music, one thing is a given: the stock earbuds that come in the package aren't doing ears any favors. Clearly, the landscape is ripe for aftermarket headphone manufacturers, which explains why companies such as Denon, which is normally associated with home audio, continue to expand its portable product lines. The latest midrange model from Denon is the AH-C551 In-Ear Headphones, a $100 pair that offers solid sound quality and a low-profile design. These earbuds certainly stack up against competition from Creative and V-moda.

We're pretty pleased with the design of the Denon AH-C551 earphones. The 'buds are very small and low profile, and the overall style is understated. Unlike Denon's lower-end model, the AH-C351, the AH-C551 only come in one color option: black. The earpieces are aluminum and don't feel cheap--a thin silver ring around each end gives them just a hint of class. Also, since they are so small and feature slightly rounded edges, they're quite comfortable, even during extended wear. Denon includes three sizes of silicone ear tips to help users get a proper fit--you'll need that to achieve the best sound isolation and bass response. We had no issues achieving a good seal with our ears.