Jan 12 2004
Apple In-Ear Headphones
Before I get started, let me answer a question that’s always being asked. “What’s the deal with these “In-Ear” headphones?” Believe it or not, that’s actually easy to answer. Bass frequencies are rather loose, which makes them the least directional of all sound frequencies. Therefore, in typical “Ear-Bud” headphones, the bass frequencies tend to travel out the sides of the headphones, making “bass boost” necessary. The solution would be the new design of these “In-Ear” headphones. These headphones slide into your ear canal, directing sound straight into your ear drum. This prevents the bass (and some mid-range) frequencies from escaping, providing rich and full bass, and also blocks out some outside noise. Most sets ship with three sizes of earbuds, as a tight seal is necessary to hear full sound quality. And, as a warning, never use “bass boost” with these headphones.
Now this is nice. Working in a retail store, I’m always subject to the occasional “Which headphones are comparable to my iPod’s?” question. Apparently, people like their iPod headphones. So, how would it be possible for Apple to improve on the design? Well, they did. Enter the Apple In-Ear Headphones. These are very similar to the Sony model, featuring a similar in-ear design. However, these better Sony in a number of aspects, particularly sound. Apple’s design features less bass than Sony’s. While diminishing from the overall fullness of orchestral works, you’re less likely to receive brain damage from the occasional techno track (It still remains to be proven if Techno music actually causes brain damage.). This gives the Apple design a sort of “happy medium” for sound quality and bass use. What about the physical aspects of the headphones?
The structure of the earbud is slightly different. The seal doesn’t feel as tight as in the Sony model, but is far more comfortable. Apple’s headphones ship with a cord that is much larger than Sony’s. The pocket size case is also, in my opinion, another one of Apple’s “Why didn’t I think of that?” innovations. This case is basically a plastic box in which the headphones and other earbud sizes (2 extra, 3 total) fit, the cord wraps around the sides of the case, and a plastic “lid” holds it all together. Now, isn’t that innovative. I wonder where Sony was when that light bulb turned on. These headphones run for $39, and at $10 less than Sony’s, they’re worth it.
Pros: Great sound quality, long cord, case is well thought out, comparable price tag.
Cons: Bass is lacking in orchestral pieces.
Product Info
Continue to either the Bose review or Sony review.
