Westone UM2 Dual Driver True Fit Earphones (Clear)

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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