There are really two options available from Apple and ATT for upgraded in-ear headphones for the iPhone. The Shure I2C-m-in-ear headphones and the V-Moda vibe iPhone headphones. I haven't been able to find reviews that were helpful on the internet so I decided to review them myself.
I am looking for a pair of headphones that will:
I purchased a the shure set from the ATT store. I have been using the Shure E2C headphones with my ipod for about six months. From a technical standpoint the headphones on the I2C are identical, Shure has updated the jack to fit the iPhone and they have added a microphone to the right side cable.
Because I have owned the E2C I expected the I2C to be identical. Unfortunately the I2C felt cheaper, and less solid than the E2C. The cable that they used between the headphones and the splitter is thinner and more stiff, and the microphone felt bulky and awkward. Additionally when you make calls with an in-ear headphone design your own voice sounds like it is echoing.
The headphones fit well, but I still have an issue maintaining a seal in the ear canal. This is based more on the size of my ear canal than their design.
As always the sound quality of the Shure was superb. The notes were crisp and clear, and my music sounded great!
In the end I returned the Shure I2C headphones, because I was so disappointed in the quality difference from the other set of Shure headphones that I own.
V-Moda Vibe iPhone
I purchased the V-Modas from the Apple store. My first impression was that I was holding a beautiful piece of hardware. The aluminum housing and knurled finish feel weighty and refined in your hand. The fabric covered cables add a level of sophistication that turns the headphones into a borderline fashion accessory.
These features are great, but they aren't really why i purchase headphones. The first thing that I noticed when using the Vibes is that the level of bass seems to be higher than the Shure model. Unfortunately I feel that the overall sound quality suffers because of this increased level of bass. The clarity and definition just isn't there, and the bass can overpower at times.
The earpiece is smaller than that of the Shure, and I found it difficult to find a comfortable fit, once again may just be the shape of my head. I was disappointed that they would fall out on occasion, and I can recall a time when I felt like they were truly sealed in my ear canal. The last thing that I want is to be sitting on a plane listening to the engines roar over the sound of my music.
The Vibes were easier to wear in one ear while conducting calls, this is the only way that my voice sounded right to me, and the call quality on the other end was always crisp.
In the end I returned the Vibes to the Apple store, because of their poor fit, and less than stellar sound quality.
Overview
I would not recommend either of these headphones. I don't feel that either of them met the criteria that I look for in a set of headphones. Most importantly I don't feel that either set lives up to it's $110 price tag. I think that Apple did a fantastic job on the iPhone, and it would be a shame to take away from that with headphones that make you wish for a little bit more. The stock ear buds aren't that great when it comes to sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation. The fact remains that they came with the iPhone the sound isn't the worst thing that I have experienced and I don't feel like I have a really bad cold when someone calls me and I speak to them through the headphones.
I will be waiting until Shure and V-Moda have had time to create a headphone that is as beautiful to use as the iPhone.
I am looking for a pair of headphones that will:
- provide me with sound isolation on airplanes
- Provide better sound quality than the stock Apple headphones
- function as a "hands-free" device when calls come in
- avoid adding difficulty to the use of my iPhone
I purchased a the shure set from the ATT store. I have been using the Shure E2C headphones with my ipod for about six months. From a technical standpoint the headphones on the I2C are identical, Shure has updated the jack to fit the iPhone and they have added a microphone to the right side cable.
Because I have owned the E2C I expected the I2C to be identical. Unfortunately the I2C felt cheaper, and less solid than the E2C. The cable that they used between the headphones and the splitter is thinner and more stiff, and the microphone felt bulky and awkward. Additionally when you make calls with an in-ear headphone design your own voice sounds like it is echoing.
The headphones fit well, but I still have an issue maintaining a seal in the ear canal. This is based more on the size of my ear canal than their design.
As always the sound quality of the Shure was superb. The notes were crisp and clear, and my music sounded great!
In the end I returned the Shure I2C headphones, because I was so disappointed in the quality difference from the other set of Shure headphones that I own.
V-Moda Vibe iPhone
I purchased the V-Modas from the Apple store. My first impression was that I was holding a beautiful piece of hardware. The aluminum housing and knurled finish feel weighty and refined in your hand. The fabric covered cables add a level of sophistication that turns the headphones into a borderline fashion accessory.
These features are great, but they aren't really why i purchase headphones. The first thing that I noticed when using the Vibes is that the level of bass seems to be higher than the Shure model. Unfortunately I feel that the overall sound quality suffers because of this increased level of bass. The clarity and definition just isn't there, and the bass can overpower at times.
The earpiece is smaller than that of the Shure, and I found it difficult to find a comfortable fit, once again may just be the shape of my head. I was disappointed that they would fall out on occasion, and I can recall a time when I felt like they were truly sealed in my ear canal. The last thing that I want is to be sitting on a plane listening to the engines roar over the sound of my music.
The Vibes were easier to wear in one ear while conducting calls, this is the only way that my voice sounded right to me, and the call quality on the other end was always crisp.
In the end I returned the Vibes to the Apple store, because of their poor fit, and less than stellar sound quality.
Overview
I would not recommend either of these headphones. I don't feel that either of them met the criteria that I look for in a set of headphones. Most importantly I don't feel that either set lives up to it's $110 price tag. I think that Apple did a fantastic job on the iPhone, and it would be a shame to take away from that with headphones that make you wish for a little bit more. The stock ear buds aren't that great when it comes to sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation. The fact remains that they came with the iPhone the sound isn't the worst thing that I have experienced and I don't feel like I have a really bad cold when someone calls me and I speak to them through the headphones.
I will be waiting until Shure and V-Moda have had time to create a headphone that is as beautiful to use as the iPhone.
