Monster Diddy Beats

As with all previous Beats we've looked at, these personal ghetto blasters are badboys in every sense of the word. More so here, perhaps, because they were co-created by Bad Boy Records founder Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The Diddy Beats are some serious in-ear bling, with a shiny trim design and durable feel. Only thing they're missing now is the Swarovsky crystals – really. They are quite heavy, with the cable and heavier-than usual in-line attachments adding to the problem. Indeed, joggers and regular gym-attendees could find them somewhat burdensome. Even so, they stayed in the lugs comfortably – the flat cable does a good job keeping things tangle-free – and the microphone is well placed too.
The Diddys can go incredibly loud and handle it well without noticeable distortion – not that you'd need them too high as noise isolation is at a premium. Be careful when crossing the road.
The thumping powerful bass frequencies rule the show here, but a prominent mid-range invigorates vocals and the top-end is crisp enough to set the spine tingling with snappy snares and hissing hi-hats. They're pretty pricey, but joining the cool crowd tends to be that way and these are for iPhone too – go figure. Still, there's a lot of bang for your buck and, as much as I may not favour the man's music, Mr Diddy has some quality headgear here.

Reg Rating 85%
Price £120
More info Beats by Dre
Phonak Audéo 112

Swiss hearing-aid company Phonak enters the UK market with its respectable range of in-ear monitors and impresses from the get-go.
With this smartphone model, there's an abundance of earpiece tips, including the desirable comply-foam type for an even better mould. While the over-the-ear style of fitting is highlighted, both methods of insertion keep the pieces firmly in place and comfortable for the long haul. The top half of the cable is thin and tangles a lot, but there is a slider-system to adjust the point at which it splits and there's no noticeable contact noise.

Two coloured filters deliver different tonal characteristics – black for 'warm' and grey for 'bright' – but fitting can be quite a fiddle. With either option, the audio is pleasant with excellent clarity and powerful bass. Noise isolation is good too and the built-in microphone performs well – there's a multifunction control button for smartphones too.
Unfortunately, the 112s are on the pricey side and hardly have a standout design, but definitely take some beating when it comes to sound delivery and are a worthy consideration for those willing to splash out on a decent, all-round smartphone headset.

Reg Rating 90%
Price £110
More info Advanced MP3 Players
Next page: Sennheiser MM30i
COMMENTS
I've had enough of this.
We step up to the crease, not the plate. Cricket's our national game, not rounders. Got that? Good.
Can I have the Sennheisers when you've finished with them please? Thanks
suspect criteria
So, of the highest rated product, you say:
"The buds boom instantly with a thumping dominant bass, thick and punchy. Crisp high ends are powerful enough to balance it out, but the middle can get lost in the storm created. Still, the output is impressive as it can belt it out at damaging levels with only slight distortion."
"The thumping powerful bass frequencies rule the show here, but a prominent mid-range invigorates vocals and the top-end is crisp enough to set the spine tingling with snappy snares and hissing hi-hats."
So...your criteria are that Bass Is Everything, followed by the ability to play painfully and unnecessarily loud, _followed_ by any kind of actual balanced sound quality?
Okay, we're done here. I think I'll go read someone else's review.
No longer trust Sennheiser
Sure, their earphones are great... while they still work. I've gone through several pairs of sennheiser earphones where one of the buds just stops working, and every time within the warranty period. 90% of the time I use them while at my desk in work (there's no noise leakage whatsoever). It took about 6 months for Sennheiser to replace one set.
If you go Sennheiser keep your receipt safe.
@The Jon
I seem pretty certain that I'll turn my head at least just slightly before stepping out on the road, it's call "looking before you cross the road". But then again, I'm not an imbecile.
Noise Isolation + Public road != Good thing
You really REALLY want to hear that car/bus/truck coming as you step into the road!
Loudhailer so that you can hear me over your dubstep mix.
