Top 10 Headphones
01 Phonak Audeo PFE 012
Stuff says
The PFE 012s do about as good a job of satisfying disparate tastes as any in-ears we've tried
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02
Sony MDR-570LP
If you're after a pair of great sounding on-ears at a bargain price, look no further
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03
Klipsch Image X10i
Built in iPod/iPhone controls are useful, but it's their sound and size that really impresses
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04
Soundmagic E10
These brilliant earbuds pack an awesome punch, excellent balance from treble to bass and loads of detail
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05
Ultimate Ears 300
Engineered for pavement pounding and dumbell wielding, the 300s stay secure and block out anything that could get between you and your increased might
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06
Skullcandy Lowrider
Crisp, clear and detailed. Well worth the price
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07
Bose Quietcomfort 15
Banish the outside world completely – the QC15s are just as much substance as style
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08
Shure SE535
Unbelievably detailed, utterly uncompromising.
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09
Grado iGrado
You don’t have to spend the earth for impressive portable sounds; you just have to get some iGrados
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10
AKG K702
These reference quality, open-backed headphones create a sound to rival hi-fi speakers ten times the price
Instant Expert
Many manufacturers have laid claim to the much-coveted title of ‘world’s smallest headphones’. The latest is Monster, with its Miles Davis Trumpets (US$350, monstercable.com). So impressive we awarded them a CES Hot Stuff accolade, the Trumpets achieve their minuscule frames by using a smaller driver, which sits at the front of the casing as opposed to the rear. Hardly sounds like rocket science, does it? In any case, they are seriously tiny, and with their shiny trumpet styling, sound isolation, tangle-free ribbon cables and ControlTalk in-line iPhone remote, they have us intrigued. Can they take on the microscopic might of Klipsch’s diminutive X10is? We’ll have a test soon.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
1. Anti-noise Headphones dampen background kerfuffle in two ways: noise-cancelling and sound-isolating. The former uses powered electronics to monitor the outside world and generate a neutralising sound wave. It’s normally integrated into comfy over-ear cans, great for long-haul travel. The latter creates a physical barrier, often in the form of tiny but invasive ‘in-ear monitors’ (IEMs), jammed into your lugs.
2. Open day? Open-backed cans let noise in (and out). The plus side is, they’re less claustrophobic and have a pleasing, airy sound.
3. Drivers/armatures These create the music. Most headphones have one per ear, but IEMs have up to three. The main benefit of extra drivers is usually increased frequency response.
4. At the gym Avoid in-line volume controls if you’re working out, as they bounce around. Look for lightweight, water-resistant designs.
