Canon Puts Efficiency On Press
In a space dominated by the likes of Bose, Sennheiser, and Shure, Phiaton is a relative newcomer to the headphone game. The company made its initial grab for attention with some eye-catching models that were stylish without being over the top. Phiaton continues this strategy with its latest earphones, the in-ear PS 210 sound-isolating earbuds. This $99 set isn't the best option for blocking out environmental noise, but it does offer clear, mostly balanced audio and a relatively comfortable fit. Anyone who prefers a heavier low end should steer clear, though.
The Phiaton PS 210 earphones have unusually shaped earpieces, which may or may not bode well, depending on who is wearing them. A disc-shaped earbud is attached to a tapered outer piece that looks somewhat similar to the Monster Turbine earpieces, with etched-in lines that make the buds resemble an airplane propeller. An angled arm coming off the inside of the disc is sheathed in a silicone tip that you insert into the ear. Although we found that this design fit comfortably, it did not provide a good seal with the ear, and we could definitely see how the shape might not work for all users. On the plus side, Phiaton includes four sizes of silicone tips to help with that.
