The good:The Rockford Fosgate PP15mm Punch Plug earphones have a stylish design and durable cable; a nice case is included; have plenty of bass.
The bad:The earphones' sound quality isn't the best for the price; the earphones have to be inserted very deep into the ear, which will cause discomfort for some users.
The bottom line:The Rockford Fosgate PP15mm Punch Plug earphones are easy on the eyes and seem durable, but the so-so fit and sound quality make them fall flat in this price range.
If you're in the market for a new pair of headphones, Rockford Fosgate is probably not a company that springs to mind, what with the fact that it is almost exclusively a manufacturer of car audio. Indeed, aside from a few boat-friendly products and a set of DJ-friendly speakers, the only nonautomobile gadget Rockford Fosgate makes is a new pair of in-ear headphones, the PP15mm Punch Plugs. This $99 pair of earphones features a stylish design and plenty of low-end oomph, though the sound distortions present during some tracks will likely scare away audio purists.
The style of the Punch Plugs earphones is a bit different from most others we've come across. Namely, the earpieces are composed of round, plastic discs with an extra-long aperture arm extending off of each one. As such, these will definitely not be the most comfortable option for those who don't want to stick something deep into the ear. Though we were able to get a secure fit, thanks in no small part to the variety of single- and double-flange silicone tips, it wasn't the most comfy setup. However, the red and silver logo stamp on the outer disc of each piece does add a touch of style.
Since 2003, Jasmine France has worked at CNET covering everything from scanners to keyboards to GPS devices to MP3 players. She currently cohosts the Crave podcast and spends the majority of her time testing headphones, music software, and mobile apps. Full Bio
