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Klipsch Image S4

*Est. $70

Reviewed

August 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Best-value earphones

Pros

Superb sound quality
Comfortable
Good value

Cons

Construction concerns
Slightly dominant bass

Where to Buy

for $69.99

Our Analysis
Specs
2,541 Amazon Reviews

Most reviewers and users say the Klipsch Image S4 earphones -- and their iPod/iPhone compatible version, the Klipsch Image S4i (*Est. $100) -- deliver great sound quality for the price. Clarity is a strength, though reviewers say bass might be on the aggressive side for some. They're also lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. The S4/S4i are more expensive than some earphones, such as the Woodees Classic IESW101B (*Est. $40) , however the step up in sound quality is more than worth the extra cost for those that can budget for it, experts and users say. We did see some user complaints regarding durability, but that's a common issue with less-expensive earphones. The Klipsch Image S4i adds an in-line microphone and remote, but is otherwise identical; however, it's only compatible with some Apple products.

CNET and PCMag.com provide detailed write-ups on sound quality, fit, design and comfort of the Klipsch Image S4/S4i. Which? magazine, a British consumer magazine similar to ConsumerReports.org, has a less detailed review but still some useful information. User reviews can be found at Amazon.com and Newegg.com.

Klipsch Image S4i Premium Noise-Isolating Headset with 3-Button Apple Control

from Amazon.com

New: $99.99 $46.99

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Woodees IESW101B Inner Earphone - 1 Pack - Retail Packaging - Black

from Amazon.com

New: $69.99 $28.34

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Klipsch IMAGE S4 In-Ear Enhanced Bass Noise-Isolating Headphones (Black)

(2,541 reviews)
Buy new: $79.99 $69.99 41 Used from $34.79

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. CNET

Jasmine France compares Klipsch Image S4 earphones to Shure SE310 audiophile-grade earphones and admits she can tell little difference in quality. Bass is a bit aggressive, but otherwise sound is amazingly clear and detailed for earphones in this price range, she says.

Review: Klipsch Image S4 Earphones, Jasmine France, May 19, 2009

2. PCMag.com

Though he doesn't compare the iPod/iPhone compatible Klipsch Image S4i with any other earphones, which is unusual, Tim Gideon gives a detailed rundown of sound quality (excellent), fit and comfort (great), and design (impressive), all at a great price. Those positives combine to earn the S4i an Editors' Choice award.

Review: Klipsch Image S4i, Tim Gideon, Aug. 7, 2009

3. Which? magazine

British consumer magazine Which? gives the Klipsch Image S4i a Best Buy award for sound quality and comfort at a great price. Editors aren't happy, though, that the microphone and remote work only with some Apple devices.

Review: Headphones, Editors of Which? magazine

4. Amazon.com

More than 800 customers weigh in on the Klipsch Image S4. While most users give these earphones top grades -- 5 stars or 4 stars -- a significant minority are not satisfied with durability. Those who like the earphones praise sound quality, comfort and value. Elsewhere on the site, more than 400 owners weigh in on the iPod/iPhone/iPad compatible Klipsch Image S4i, registering similar likes, dislikes and overall satisfaction.

Review: Klipsch Image S4 In-Ear Enhanced Bass Noise-Isolating Headphones, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. NewEgg.com

Though there are far fewer reviews of the Klipsch Image S4 here than at Amazon.com, the viewpoints of this site's technically oriented users are worth reading. Some concerns about durability are expressed, but most users are impressed by the overall performance of these earphones. They earn 4 eggs overall.

Review: Klipsch -- Image S4 Headphones (Black), Contributors to NewEgg.com

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