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February 21, 2008 at 03:09:00 PM | more stories by this author
Six deserving contenders that will set you back just $50 or less. There's a style here for every taste and comfort requirement, and each and every one of these selections will offer some noticeable improvement over stock earbuds.
New headphones are my number one recommendation to anyone who wants to get the most out of their new MP3 player. (Except, of course, for those who decided to go with the Sony NWZ-A810 series.) Straight up: those janky, plastic earbuds that came with your player aren't doing you any favors. First off, they're not terribly comfortable, and they don't fit most users securely. For me, there are few things more annoying than having to constantly shove a hard piece of plastic into my ear. Then, of course, there's the sound quality issue...hollow, tiny, bassless, muffled, hissy. I've heard it all. If you really want to hear what your MP3 player has to offer, replacing those 'buds is a must. Of course, I understand that not everyone can afford to throw down $450 on a pair of Shure SE530s, or even close to $100 on the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 Studio (though I can assure you that they are both worth it if you've got the dough). To that end, I've rounded up six deserving contenders that will set you back just $50 or less. There's a style here for every taste and comfort requirement, and each and every one of these selections will offer some noticeable improvement over stock earbuds.
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 8.0 Excellent |
1. V-Moda Bass Freq earphones
V-Moda's Bass Freq earphones are the perfect accessory for bass-loving Creative Zen Micro owners who are on a budget. If you prefer less low end, look elsewhere.
Read user review of the V-Moda Bass Freq earphones.
Price: $30-41 (check latest prices)
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 6.3 Good |
2. Griffin TuneBuds
The Griffin TuneBuds Color are well-suited for iPod-owners on a budget who want ultraportable earphones to match their player. Bass addicts only need apply.
Read user review of the Griffin TuneBuds.
Price: $14-18 (check latest prices)
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 7.3 Very Good |
3. Sennheiser MX 75 Sport
Workout enthusiasts with a penchant for bright green will be happy with these highly stable, excellent-sounding in-ear headphones.
Read user review of the Sennheiser MX 75 Sport.
Price: $27-50 (check latest prices)
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| 7.0 Very Good |
3. Sony MDR-710LP
Bass addicts on tight budgets will appreciate Sony's MDR-710LP portable, collapsible headphones, but audiophiles should consider a warmer-sounding set.
Read user review of the Sony MDR-710LP.
Price: $40-64 (check latest prices)
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| 7.0 Very Good |
3. Sony MDR D777LP Altus Headphones
The new Sony Altus MDR-D777LP headphones aren't quite up to audiophile standards, but they do have some interesting features and offer good sound quality for the price. Frequent fliers who find in-ear 'buds uncomfortable should take heed.
Read user review of the Sony MDR D777LP Altus Headphones.
Price: $30-54 (check latest prices)
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| 7.3 Very Good |
3. Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones
The Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones are a fine choice for frequent fliers who want to be enveloped in their music rather than the drone of outside noise. However, earring-wearers should steer clear.
Read user review of the Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones.
