Jays S-Jays
The first thing you notice about the s-Jays earphones is the extensive set of accessories packed into the box. To ensure a comfortable fit and good sound-isolation, Jays include no less than six different sets of earpieces in different sizes, as well as a one-size-fits-all set of foam earpieces. You also get a carrying case, airline adaptor and a ‘splitter’ that lets you connect two sets of ‘phones to your music player. There are even four sets of filters to keep the earphones from getting clogged with waxy bits. After all that, we were pleased to dsicover that the sound quality wasn’t a disappointment – the ‘phones provide clear definition across the entire frequency range, and a full, strong bass sound that rivals the more expensive Shure and Sennheiser models.
Reg Rating 90%
Suggested Price £65
More Info Jays' S-Jays page
Klipsch Image X5
They may be the most expensive set of earphones in this group, but Klipsch’s X5 set ertainly serves up a treat for your ears. The first thing we noticed is that the tapered, bullet-shaped earpieces were more comfortable than any of their rivals, and also helped to maintain a good noise-isolating seal that blocks out background noise very effectively. Actually, the first thing we noticed was the ridiculous ‘russian doll’ packaging consisting of layer upon layer of plastic and cardboard, but we forgave Klipsch for this when we heard the quality of the sound produced by the X5. Shure’s SE310 may punch out slightly stronger bass, but the vibrant mid and high frequencies of the X5 were unmatched in their clarity and brightness.
Reg Rating 90%
Suggested Price £180 Find the best online price here
More Info Klipsch's Image X5 page
Ten of the best... noise-isolating earphones
COMMENTS
+1 for koss plugs
Cheap as chips, and don't sound bad, but the falling out is a bit of a pain. Also I am prone to wax buildup and these end up looking moderately unpleasant. I also like the CX200s (as my phone has a 2.5mm jack). Am buying some CX300s right this second to try 'em out. £14 seems like you can't go too far wrong.
But no one has followed up on someone's point above about rustling noise from cords. On my CX200s, if they rub against my zip, it's very loud.
Another one to check out
What about Koss Plugs?
My review would be: Less than £15 and incredible bass and they come with a lifetime warranty. You need to work out how to insert them properly. As soon as you do, you get the booming bass and you understand why they're good.
Negative: They fall out quite easily.
A few times I've sent them off to the UK distributor (Hama), included three or four quid, and I've got a shiny new pair back in the post. Sweet!
Anyone that spends over £50 for a pair of earphones is either very very rich, or very very idiotic.
And on a related note, very few people care how good Shure SE310s are, £170 is not affordable for a sodding pair of earphones!
Really worth spending more than £50? CX300 suit me!
Most people listen to ropey compressed MP3s through less than perfect systems like iPods and cheaper kit, so most people would be hard pushed to notice anything good after about the £50 mark. I listen to a lot of MP3 metal, a lot of old live bootleg stuff so I tend to stick to CX300s, the music source quality is dodgy at it's best anyway! Unless you are lucky enough to carry your CDs or own a very, very good FLAC player, don't bother!
CX300s are dirt cheap and reasonable quality, have scoot around eBay or Amazon new/used section, usually get a new pair for about a tenner plus postage.
Verbatim headphones
On your recommendation I bought the Verbatim headphones a couple of days ago - but seriously guys, they are just dreadful!
No treble and much too much bass, almost to the point of being muffled. For the first time ever I had to use the equalizer on my machine in order to get decent sound. Did any of you try these headphones with classical music?
@ James Halliday and anybody on the fence
"I killed my Shures (2 and 4s) on a regular basis by damaging the cable"
Surely you're joking!
I've had Shure e2's for about 2 years now, same pair and they're still pumping away nicely!
I'm very surprised by your comment that the cord breaks because they use such a thick quality cord that i am confident I could strangle someone with them and not have to worry about breakage.
For any of you still on the fence and looking for a pair of in-ear canal-phones, Shures are the way to go.
They were making canal-phones for musicians and live music engineers before anyone knew what a "noise-isolating headphone" was. They are Personal "Studio Monitors" and were made for Musicians!
a) For hearing the subtleties of the music at a very LOUD live concert
b) For hearing instructions and communications at a very LOUD live concert
c) For protecting their most valuable asset (their ears) at a ........
d) For hearing the adjusted levels of your bandmates' riffs while standing next to a very LOUD acoustic drumset which can almost deafen you even without amplification.
So before most of these other manufacturers even existed, Shure was making professional studio audio equipment including the noise-isolating headphones.
I use the Shure e2 which i bought 2 years ago for $100 USD.
But if price is no limitation, there are the E5's which have TWO drivers in each ear-bud and you can go to an ear-doctor to get a mold made of your ear-canal and a silicone plug will be made unique to your ears!!! imagine having a 2-way speaker in your ear.......
oh if I only had the $$$$
