Westone UM2 Dual Driver True Fit Earphones (Clear)

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
  Detailed editors' rating
  Design : 8.0
  Features : 7.0
  Performance : 9.0
  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Jasmine France
• Edited by:
  James Kim
• Reviewed on: 02/03/2006

Westone Laboratories has been making custom ear products for more than 40 years, so it comes as no surprise that one of its divisions, Westone Music Products, provides the in-ear monitors used by many professional musicians. But you don't have to form a band to take advantage of the company's expertise. Westone offers a line called the Universal Series that's meant to be used with personal audio devices such as the iPod. Included in that series are the UM2 Dual Driver True Fit Earphones ($299), wonderful-sounding high-end earbuds worthy of their high price tag.

The design of the Westone UM2 earphones is excellent overall, so we'll start with our one gripe: The earpieces are at least double the size (about 0.75 by 0.75 inch) of any other earbud we've used, so if your outer ear is small, expect them to stick out a bit. It's not uncomfortable, but it can look a bit silly. We're quite fond of the clear casing of the pieces, though, as it gives a neat look into the inner workings of the UM2s. Plus, the cord, which is thin and twisted, seems sturdy and offered no feedback from rubbing against our clothes. Also, at 48 inches, it proves the perfect length for our tastes, and it's black, a minor detail but a refreshing change from iPod white. Finally, the foam ear fittings, of which Westone provides two pairs of two different sizes, are comfortable and fit securely--we just wish there were more in the package, as they get worn and dirty quickly.

Along with the ear fittings, you'll find two other accessories in the Westone UM2's box: a cleaning pick and a semihard case. The latter is quite nice, and it includes a wrist loop and a special netted slot inside for the earpieces. Conspicuously absent are a quarter-inch adapter and a volume attenuator, two add-ons we've come to expect from earbuds in this price range.

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Where to buy

Westone UM2 Dual Driver True Fit Earphones (Clear): $299.00

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Recent user reviews

• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 12 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 12 user reviews

• 3.0 stars

  "The earphones are a little pricey for the quality......"

  by gordoneh on September 2, 2009

• 4.5 stars

  "Sonically, one of the best in-ear headphones!"

  by dirkph on January 8, 2009

• 4.0 stars

  1 out of 1 people found this helpful

  "Expensive but worth it"

  by bob.mcclenahan on October 8, 2008

• See all 12 user reviews Write review

Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest

• alaTest.com

  Editors' rating: 86

  Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 27 reviews of Westone UM2 Dual Driver True Fit Earphones from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 83/100 and users 81/100. Comparing these reviews to 158038 other Headphones reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 86/100 = Very Good.

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• techpowerup.com

  Editors' rating: 90

  Summary: The Westone UM2s strike me as being a good and thoroughly thought out design. Considering the price of nearly $300 these earphones are only suited for audiophiles and perhaps musicians that crave high quality. I think that the Westone UM2s are worth ...

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• goodgearguide.com.au

  Editors' rating: 80

  Summary: As far as rich, fun IEMs go, you cannot go past the Westone UM2

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