Top 10 in-ear headphones

Expect crystal clear and deep sound detail from budget headphones would be too optimistic, however, the playback quality of the model MX 170 is at a very decent level. The amplitude-frequency response, which is expected, is shifted towards high frequencies, but some basses are also observed. That's just at maximum volume, headphones are better not to use - the bass begin to noticeably lock. The main claims to these liners arise in respect of the details of the design. There are ear pads in the kit, but there is practically no sound insulation. The cord is thin and becomes hard in the cold. At the same time, the manufacturer decided to save on such trifles as rubber casings at the point where the wire exited the housing.

Undoubtedly, the design of these headphones is largely successful: with a sensitivity of 108 dB, they have a resistance of 16 ohms, so they are able to give a decent volume even on obviously weak devices that would not cope with 32-ohm headphones. The special design of the “seashell”, the sound from which is transmitted to the ear, not otherwise, with the help of some “cunning witch”, significantly increases the density of the bass, so that music lovers of dubstep cannon from Saints Row will have nothing special to pick on .

However, the same design was reflected in the tops of the sound, and if their muffledness can be partially compensated for by the equalizer settings, then music lovers will not complain about a noticeable degree of dullness. So, we have rather good headphones in front of us, but headphones are quite narrow in terms of music, and this should be borne in mind when choosing.

To purchase them you need to meet two requirements - to distinguish WUBWUBWUB from WOBWOBWOB and have big ears. The second requirement is even more important: the shells of the inserts are rubber-coated with a thin layer, they don't seem comfortable to everyone.

Made in the classic form factor inserts - one of the most popular models in the Panasonic lineup. Indeed, this inexpensive model of in-ear headphones is quite successful: the manufacturer was able to achieve an acceptable width of the “digestible” part of the amplitude-frequency characteristic with a not record, but decent sensitivity of 104 dB / mW. Bass does not shake with power, but to demand it from cheap inserts with a diffuser diameter of 14.8 mm and not worth it. The middle and top are well detailed - the small inertia of the diffuser affects. The highest part of the HF spectrum is an amateur here, and the matter is not even in musical preferences, but in features of hearing: for example, if you have an ear that quietly distinguishes sounds with a frequency of up to 19-20 kHz, then the headphones will seem unnecessarily plastic and “hopping. On the other hand, for many people, the hearing is purely physically limited to frequencies of the order of 16 kHz, and only then nothing will be found wrong against the Panasonic.

The main miscalculation of the designers here is in an unnecessarily thin wire, which, as befits wired headphones, is immediately confused and hardly unraveled, and it is not so difficult to tear it off. However, at such a price, even this can be ignored: many RP-HV094 owners are not the first pair to wear, buying the next one in exchange for the broken one.

On the run, any headphones will tend to fall out of the ears, so that the design of the silicone "frame" inserts JVC approached with all the care, achieving a reliable, but at the same time non-straining fixation. For ergonomics, we give the headphones a solid top five, especially considering the presence of a second pair of ear cushions in the kit.

We will dwell on their form in detail: in fact, in this model they combined the design of inserts and in-ear headphones, because the characteristic “horns” of ear cushions are peculiar sound guides, which are included when putting the headphones into the ear canal and “locking” it. That is why bundled and go ear cushions of different sizes to choose for themselves the most comfortable option. As a result, we get excellent moisture protection of the emitters (and the main enemy of sports headphones is not atmospheric moisture, but sweat), dense and powerful bass, with which most headphones-inserts have obvious problems.

Then why are we limited to this rating point? The fact is that, alas, JVC developed exactly comfortable sports headphones, and that is what dominates the design. But they have the sound ... No, the headphones do not cause a desire to rip them off and then throw them out, but, nevertheless, it is as characterless as it can be accepted, and the listener will express this opinion regardless of their musical preferences. The main task of JVC is to create a background during training, it’s not worth demanding them to enjoy music.

If there is a need for inserts that hold well in the ears even with sudden movements, and the headband design for some reason does not suit the headset - pay attention to sports models with clips. For example, on the SE-E511 from the company Pioneer. A reliable fit here is ensured by repeating the anatomical shape of the ear, and wearing comfort is achieved by using a special elastomer in the manufacture of the arches. The manufacturer positions this model as headphones for sports fans, but for some reason does not mention such a mandatory condition for them, as protection from moisture. In addition, the frequency range of the liners is not limited to the bottom, although they can not boast a special bass. These are just good headphones for active people.

In the lineup, ActionFit is the “youngest” model, which affects both the frequency band and sensitivity. However, with 16 ohms, the impedance and 100 dB will not cause problems with most devices. But the equipment turns them into a real transformer: by changing the lining, you can mount the headphones outside the auricle, and use compact tails-stops, and turn them into ordinary inserts. All pads are made of elastic material and comfortable to wear, and it is in terms of ergonomics that the ears are optimal. Alas, with them the sound is the most indistinct of all the options. When installing the "tails" the sound improves, but a not very pleasant feeling of the presence of a foreign object in the ear can begin to pursue. The optimum for sound is the lining of classic inserts ... but in their ears, of course, they hold the worst.

That is why “Phillips”, although it attracts attention in the window, due to the combination of characteristics, they cannot claim high scores in the ratings of sports headphones.After all, we want them to sound and hold in their ears at the same time, not separately, isn’t it?

Headphones have a recognizable ergonomic shape, which provides them with a comfortable fit in the ear canal. Anyway, Apple says so. In fact, it is worthwhile to personally verify this before purchasing, since all of the auricles are individual both in shape and size. With the exception of this point, the headphones represent a sample of quality among the designs of an open type. Powerful surround sound with excellent detail, well-balanced frequency response and rich bass will not leave indifferent music fans. The undoubted advantage of this headset is a control panel that is compatible not only with all Apple devices, but also with many devices from other manufacturers.

From the "Sennheiser" involuntarily expect close to the ideal sound, especially since the price of these in-ear headphones is not the lowest. In addition, the sensitivity declared by the manufacturer, can be considered a record among the headphones of this type - 117 dB!

But in fact, the model came out quite controversial. The fact that headphones were developed for the sport is immediately noticeable, but due to the low moisture protection, we will leave this statement on the manufacturer’s conscience and agree to consider the PMX 684i a regular headset, from which we expect first of all a good sound. Unfortunately, the ear stubbornly refuses to understand what more than three thousand will have to be paid for here: with all the desire, it cannot receive leadership in the Sennheiser rating, in terms of price / quality / sound there are more attractive models.But for fans of the brand or lovers of high-profile brands, the model is undoubtedly interesting.