Skullcandy FMJ iPhone earbuds/microphone


[url=www.skullcandy.com]Skullcandy[/url]'s iPhone FMJ headphones (shown above) are the best I've tried since V-Moda's VIBE Duo (see my Dec. 26, 2007 review [url=http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/review_vibe_duo_headset_looks_as_good_as_it_sounds]here[/url]). They don't quiet match the pristine quality of the Duo (still my favorite headphones) but they're 10 bucks less (US$89.99 compared to $99.95 for the V-Moda earphones).

Despite its name, the iPhone FMJ works with iPods and the Blackberry Curve phone, as well as the iPhone. However, when it comes to the Apple communications device, the Skullcandy headphones are very handy. The iPhone requires the purchase of a special extender to listen to tunes through standard headphones. Not so with the iPhone FMJ ear buds; they're ready for use with the iPhone right out of the box.

Audio is one of those things that I find to be an especially personal choice. That said, the iPhone FMJ sounds great, almost as good as the sound from the VIBE Duo. The quality of the inline microphone was in the iPhone FMJ was equal to that of the V-Moda microphone, however.

The iPhone FMJ has aluminum housing and high quality and noise canceling ear buds, and are loaded with high-end micro switch connect/disconnect features. Skullcandy ships the FMJ with COMPLY foam ear tips that I find extremely comfortable. Give 'em about 15-30 seconds to conform to your ear canal as the foam expands and conforms to the shape of your ear canal.

Macsimum rating: 8.5 out of 10

Future Sonics' Atrio

[url=http://www.futuresonics.com]Future Sonics[/url]'s Atrio (pronounced AY-tree-oh) Series earphones are good, but didn't quite match up to the audio quality of the iPhone FMJ.

Unlike two-way, three-way or so-called "hybrid" armature-based earphones, there are no electronic or comb filtering artifacts, no phase issues, and no crossover dropouts in Atrio Series earphones. That said, they just didn't quite please my ears the way the iPhone FMJ did. However, you may feel differently.

The universal fit of the Atrio Series also offers multiple options to meet individual preferences and ear sizes. Included with the device are three interchangeable pairs of Future Sonics designed EarFills dual-flange silicon sleeves (small, medium and large) that allow the earpiece to fit in any size ear canal. As another option, the Atrio Series comes with two pairs of Future Sonics designed ComfortFit foam sleeves (large and small); these sleeves can replace the EarFills for wearers who prefer a more complete seal of the ear canal. Basically, you get a comfy high tech foam earpiece with a memory that closes the canal to stop any sound from leaking out.

The Atrio Series earphones are available in two models -- the m5 edition in black, and the m8 edition in cobalt blue (I tested the m8). Both models are priced at $199 and come in a protective carrying case.

Macsimum rating: 8 out of 10

NewerTech Bass Response Earbuds

The [url=http://www.newertech.com]NewerTech Bass Response Earbuds[/url] don't sound as good as either of the above earbuds. But they're only a fraction of the price ($19.99) are offer a fine value for the money. If you don't have the moolah or the need for top-of-the-line headphones, give these a listen. And they did win an [url=http://www.iprong.com/article.php?id=3103]iProng Best of Show Awards[/url] for Macworld 2008.

iProng summed it up perfectly: "This is clearly a value proposition, allowing you to replace your iPhone's bundled earbuds with ones that sound better for a budget-oriented twenty bucks. We expect the product to be popular among iPhone users who either wear out or lose their iPhone's original earbuds, especially considering the fact that Apple's own replacement buds sell for ten dollars more. Let's be clear here: this is a product that you buy because you're on a tight budget and can't afford something better...but what's wrong with that?"

The NewerTech Bass Response Earbuds utilize insert-passive noise reduction engineering to reduce noise an average of 42dB while boosting audio soundtracks up to 10dB at higher frequencies. They have a frequency response of 10-20,000 Hz, sensitivity of 105dB (+/- 3dB).

Macsimum rating: 7 out of 10