Distinguish the Inexpensive In-Ear Earphones

January 24th, 2012

If you’ve ever shopped around for a pair of (earphone|in-ear earphone|headphones}, you’ve probably observed a pattern: there is an apparently infinite array of choices in the ultracheap, sub-$50 range; plenty of options in the $80 to $110 range; and many luxury selections that run for $200 or more. There are surprisingly few models that list around $150, which might just be the sweet spot between “nice” and “ultra high-end.” Etymotic seems to have recognized this lack thereof and answered it with the hf5 High-Fidelity Noise-Isolating Earphones. These sleekly up-to-date in-ear earphones establish a terrific balance between price and sound quality, offering audio on par with some pairs priced well above them.

The design of the Etymotic hf5 earphones is strikingly similar to that of the hf2 excluding the microphone. Like the Etymotic hf2, the hf5 earpieces are long and thin, which means they go farther into the ear than many other noise-isolating sets, such as the Shure SE320. Even the sleeves that come in the package–two sizes of triple flange silicone fittings and one set of foam tips–are extra long, so if you’re uncomfortable sticking things into your ears (or have shallow canals), it’s best to look elsewhere. That being said, we found the earphones to be quite comfortable and liked that there wasn’t a bulging ‘bud sticking out of our ears, thanks to the sleek, skinny shape. We’re also buy the understated, slightly shimmery color options (black, cobalt, and ruby).