Stereo Earbud Headphone for Apple iPod nano/ iPod mini/ iPod video/ iPod shuffle Reviews

• Must replace these with aftermarket unless you're deaf

  
  By AKPM258TNQKAQ on 2007-04-30
  I replaced these earbuds because they are weak-sounding. These OEM Apple earbuds came with the 60gb video iPod I purchased in the summer of 2006. The OEM earbud wire actually broke physically (I like to wrap the headphone wire vertically around the iPod, with the plug in the jack, when I'm not using it) and I decided to upgrade to an aftermarket pair both for physical durability and enhanced sonic quality. Let's be clear from the start: If you're listening to music on an iPod, we're NOT talking Hi-Fi to begin with, which I'm sure all you audiophiles out there already know but I just want to clarify this from the outset. That said, for the quality of reproduction you should expect from an iPod, you don't want your earphones to detract even further!
  
  I recorded just about all (more than 95%) of my music into iTunes from my CD collection rather than buying it online from the iTunes store. Mostly I listen to rock, but also classical, jazz, opera and country, and I keep my iPod equalizer setting on "Rock" almost all the time. Usually I listen sitting on a train on my 2-hour commute to and from work weekdays. I reviewed all of the earbuds in this review on that setting. Also, I purchased all of these at the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, which is a pretty cool place to go in and join the "buzz" [and which I have no affiliation with].
  
  Apple OEM earbuds: I purchased these with the iPod in July 2006, replacement price $29 from Apple's website; Sound quality: 4 out of 10 [with 0 being "does not reproduce sound" and 10 being the "best" I think one could expect from earbuds with an iPod] -- poor bass response in real-life. In-ear fit: 4 out of 10 -- hard plastic discs stay in the outer ear canal generally but are not "snug", this lack of direct ear canal pressure detracts from lower-frequency reproduction ability. Durability: 3 out of 10 -- OK, maybe I shouldn't wrap the wire around the iPod, but I do... the stress that induced on the main wire at the jack caused the wire to break off after 5 months.
  
  Senheisser Style OMX 90 earbuds: I purchased these in December 2006 for $89.95; sound quality: 5 out of 10 -- part of the reason I bought these is they were the only pair I could find with performance specifications listed on or in the package, I think they were claiming 19Hz-22kHz and 115dB, which looks pretty darn good on paper. Unfortunately, these, like the Apple OEM buds, are not snug in the ear canal so suffer from poor low-frequency response in real-life. In-ear fit: 2 out of 10 -- Jeez these looked cool, with their over-ear "eyeglasses" style clips I thought they'd be great, like the B&O A8s which I'd never tried but look so cool and cost twice as much and after all, they ARE Sennheisers, which I've had real cans by for my home stereo for decades and sound great... but when I actually used them they basically hung on my ears and flopped around in my ear canals more than the Apple OEM buds ever did. Durability: I can't really say because after a week I replaced them with the Bose Triports. These were the only buds with a volume control built in to the wire; I guess I liked this but in retrospect it just seems like a marketing gimmick -- I can just as easily adjust the volume on the iPod, so why bother with additional hardware (and weight) on my wires?
  
  Bose Triport in-ear Headphones: I purchased these in December 2006 for $99.95; sound quality: 7 out of 10 -- I bought these to replace the Sennheisers and they were a HUGE improvement mainly (as far as I can tell) because of the anatomically-molded silicone ear canal inserts. These provide a snug in-ear fit which leads to vastly improved frequency response across the spectrum but most noticably in the bass frequencies. Unfortunately the bass response is actually muddy! I could improve this somewhat by switching from "Rock" to "Bass Reducer" on my iPod equalizer settings, but even so these always sounded muddy to me in the low frequencies... that said, MUCH better overall than the Apples and the Sennheisers. In-ear fit: 9 out of 10 -- these are fantastic, with 3 pairs of silicone inserts, large medium and small, should fit 99% of all listeners better than just about anything else available. Durability: 5 out of 10 -- Unfortunately, the wonderful silicone inserts do not stay attached to the plastic earbuds so I'd recommend if you like these that you purchase a case of the size you like; if you're like me, you'll lose a pair a month, on average.
  
  Sure E3C-N (black) Headphones: I purchased these in April 2007 for $179.95, to replace the Bose Triports; this is a bit unfair since on a dollar basis I should be reviewing the Sure E2Cs, which cost $99.95 (similar to my other aftermarket buds), but in the end I decided perhaps you get what you pay for with earbuds and decided to double my budget for this set. Sound quality: 9 out of 10 -- much more even frequency distribution than the others, and smooth bass response unlike the Bose Triports. Also these are more efficient than any of the others, with iPod volume settings around 50% giving similar dBs in my ear as when I used the Triports on 85% and the Sennheisers on 100%. Crisp, clear sound all the way up to 100% on my iPod volume settings. In-ear fit: 7 out of 10 -- These buds come with a variety of size and composition inserts -- I use the small silicone symmetric hemispherical buds, which fit best for me, though they are less perfect than the ergonomic silicone inserts that come with the Triports. If you don't select the right size for your ear canal, the Sure inserts can begin to work loose (not as bad as the OEM Apples or the shaky Sennheisers) if you start to, say, walk; or chew. This is fairly irritating since when they're snug in-ear they sound really great (and you should insert them pretty far into your ear canal, pulling back on the ear as you insert them). Durability: I've only had them about a month, so hard to say, but the rubber inserts don't fall off the plastic part of the buds easily the way the Triports suffer; also the wires are about twice the diameter of the others in this review (which might also account for some of the better sonic efficiency), so I expect them to last longer physically than any of the others.
  
  
  

• Do not buy from BrilliantStore

  
  By A1IH9D4IINKH2M on 2007-05-30
  When you order this item from BrilliantStore you get a different headphone then in the pictures.
  
  The version they send comes with a cable saver in the middle. The cord is really short so you always have this heavy piece of plastic hanging between your ears and the ipod. Also when you receive the headphone the left and right ear cable are still attached to each other. When you want to wear it you have to pull the 2 cables apart. After you have done this the cable saver will no longer properly retract.
  
  I know it is cheap but I can guarantee you that after a few days you will end up buying another headphone.
  
  
  

• These ear phones?

  
  By A2DYQ64AW3XL42 on 2007-07-06
  Delivery.
  -I ordered this three days ago. I just got it today. I'm using them now. It doesn't take long for it to be shipped to your address. The delivery is well. It came in a brown well patted envelope. In my opinion, the delivery varies in areas. It depends on where you order from.
  
  Product.
  -The picture shown above does not look like the one I got. When you look at it, it looks like an ipod product. The wire length is about 3-3 half feet long. It has an ipod feel to it. The product it's self is great. It looks original. It doesn't stand out, as if you would care ^__^
  
  Quality.
  -I'm listening to them right now. The quality is bad if you want to know. Well, its not too bad for people who really want it without a care of bass. The bass is a problem for this earbud. Its has stereo, not like those really cheap earbud(I have had those before). The sound quality is great but bass really lags in this one.
  
  Bottom line.
  -If you need ear phones and do not care about the sound quality, this ones for you. This product isn't bad but great for those who need earphones badly at a price that is low. I'm going to put this product to good use till I buy a new one.
  
  

• Hands down, the worst thing Ive bought off the internet

  
  By A3HBHC497G5NA on 2008-02-14
  They not only fell apart after 3 days, but the metal part on the inside of the bud which is supposed to protect your eardrum, actually came off and cut the inside of my ear! I should really sue, Amazon you should be ashamed of yourselves letting shady dealers such as BrilliantStore sell on your site.
  
  Only buy if you want to flush your $6 down the toilet, or you could just give it to me, either way you arent going to be happy you bought this completely useless product. I tried to give this no stars but it wont let me.
  
  

• the length of the cable is way too short

  
  By A1UPN15WY0QNA3 on 2007-06-02
  okay sound, really short cable, cool cable expander which keeps the cable from tangling, it's definitely not the picture shown, if you plan on playing sports with these headphones just forget it because the cable is so short that it wont even reach your pocket.
  
  
• Very good price. Works as well
  By A18GTVBBFGYSA1 on 2007-03-31
  Well, for $2.99, this headphone certainly get the job done. No complainBlue Giant - Apple iPod video 30GB/ 60GB/ 80GB Skin Decals - Faceplate Stickers
  
  
• Seller MyGift is doing a good job
  By A1C5PFJBA2ELJA on 2007-06-05
  Good quality. Fast shipping. Can't ask for more
  
  
• Stereo earbud is perfect for my iPod!
  By A3K4ROUVRSBJ5R on 2007-04-02
  I love my new white stereo headset for my iPod. The earbuds are comfortable and the sound is fantastic. Everybody should get one of these for their iPod. The price was great, too!
  
  
• What were they thinking?
  By A225JFDQ3E56H1 on 2008-03-25
  These headphones are absolutely horrible and I totally hate them. They are the most uncomfortable things in the world
  
  
• Misleading
  By A13JZU5TMX35FM on 2008-04-18
  The item that is given to you is not at all what the picture is. You expect the quality iPod earphones, but what you get are cheap imitations. For $5, it's definitely worth it, but with the shipping, it costs nearly $10. I never used the earphones because they were terrible and fell apart the next day. I never bothered returning them because they aren't worth my time.
  
  If you want cheap, temporary earphones, I don't even suggest this. There are much better earphones that cost about the same for a better quality.
  
  
• Terrible
  By A3G3W9B3NFVBIQ on 2008-05-27
  These are NOT the original apple earbuds but rather a cheap Imitation with high noise levels. What's more if 4.99 shipping, and if you buy several sets they will charge you shipping for EACH and then package it together. Nothing but a bad ripoff, be warned!
  
  
• I don't like it...
  By A2XGQMI4QNVC32 on 2007-11-09
  well, for earphones at $0.01 + $4.99 shipping fee, these earphones are useable, but only useable. When i opened the package, the first word popped out of my head was "plastic", yea, plastic. And the earbuds are a size bigger than the REAL ipod earphones. So when I put them on, it's not very comfortable. I haven't been wearing them for a long time, but i predict that my ears will hurt after wearing them for a while.
  
  my suggestion is that if you are just looking for cheap + not too good quality earphones, these are good for you. Otherwise, don't get it, you will be very disappointed...
  
  
• Not the Apple Headphones.
  By AV0FOAJM0L79L on 2008-03-04
  Similar looking, but not the actual Apple brand. Though in retrospect, it never claimed to be.
  
  
• poor
  By A35MRMV2VXVVQM on 2008-03-06
  expected these headphones to replace my original ipod ones. poor quality. nowhere closeb to the quality and comfort of the original ipod headphones
  
  
• Don't own but....
  By A1D5SJAOYKUK5O on 2008-04-14
  I can't imagine why anyone would buy headphones that even look like the ones that come with an iPod. The iPod ones SUCK. Probably the crappiest headphones I've ever used... I'm just saying...
  
  
• not real ipod headphones
  By A3JCMP2MMXTH94 on 2007-10-18
  these are not real ipod headphones, they only look like it and the product page tries to trick you into thinking you are buying real ipod headphones. the sound quality is horrible compared to real ipod headphones and you will realize this immediately once you use them. don't bother buying them because you will replace them immediately.
  
  
• COMFORTABLE, DO NOT TANGLE UP--GOOD SOUND FOR THE MONEY! PLEASED!!!
  By ABDR6IJ93HFIO on 2008-04-22
  I bought this set of headphones for 6 reasons:
  1) To replace several older sets of headphones.
  2) Because the DO NOT TANGLE UP.
  4) To replace headphones on my MP3 players and also on my CD/MP3 players.
  5) Great price.
  6) To have on hand extra replacement headphones for my players.
  Now that I have listened to this set here is my review:
  PROS:
  1) For the money a GOOD QUALITY SOUND on treble and bass.
  2) This set produces a 90% loud sound upon use. I have my own system that I use to determine the LOUDNESS quality of a headphone set. What I mean it that when I use this set, I place my volume on my player at about 45% and then multiplied this by 2 and this is how I got my 90%. A PERFECTLY LOUD sounding headphones would be a 100% LOUD SOUND by the volume being at 33% divided multiplied by 3, then it would equal 100% LOUD.
  3) A perfect set to use as AN EXTRA SET for kids, or when you travel, etc.
  4) The price is the biggest reason to buy this set.
  CONS:
  1) Not as good as the SONY Headphones on Amazon a 100% LOUDNESS and more because it reason, I gave this set an overall 4 in my score.
  2) Fairly well made for the money, however, I do not feel that these will last as long as the SONY Headphones will over time. This is why I suggest using this set as an EXTRA set, not your BEST SET.
  *If price is your main motivation, buy these for the sound is good and better than I expected.
  **If price in NOT your main motivation, I suggest you buy the Sony Headphones similar to these as on Amazon, they are just 9.99!
  
  
• Wish I never purchased
  By A2WY8IFNOFAUHG on 2008-01-10
  Cheap, purchased 2 pair(s) for Christmas, they both broken, ear piece broke, wire on the other pulled away from plug
  
  
• Not your Apple ear buds
  By A1ZELFSP5MR4K2 on 2008-01-10
  Bought them, wore them, they fell apart. Unless my ears have some kind of special nasty wax that makes glue melt, these buds were worth the price I paid for them...
  
  
• Ok for the price
  By A1Y1VZ1R7RDAZM on 2008-01-18
  I bought these headphones for .60 cents, and when I got them, they were cutting in and out. I believe it was caused by a bent end. I dont know if I would buy again.
  
  
• Awful
  By A1Z0LL29MCW6TQ on 2008-02-13
  Any other headphones would be an upgrade. These came with my iPod, and I used them for about three days until I threw them out and bought a pair of Skullcandy Smokin' Buds. If you can afford an iPod, you can afford better headphones than this.
  
  
• Poor Quality
  By A2MXXHY9B4C2K8 on 2008-03-17
  This item lasted about a week before the screen over one earbud fell off. A couple weeks after that, most of the paint marking the left and right earbuds had already flaked off. These are what you pay for - cheap headphones, cheap quality. Steer clear.
  
  
• Not iPod earphones
  By AF344ILR6WPQ5 on 2008-08-13
  These headphones are a cheap knock off of the real ipod earphones and are made to look like them. They have an uncomfortable plastic ring on them instead of the nice comfortable rubber ones. DONT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• Do Not Buy From GadgetDweeb!
  By AW6DW3S0P9O4N on 2008-09-16
  Earbuds were NOT Apple products as shown, but cheap knockoffs. This seller is purposely deceitful. Do not buy from them.
  
  
• Ummmm...
  By A1J8FP82FEW0TI on 2008-09-19
  I really like the style of these earbuds, but.... one side is louder than the other. I am not trying to go deaf in one ear, major disappointment. DO NOT BUY!!!!
  
  

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