Headphones: Reviews

The Grado SR60i headphones score points in reviews where it counts -- sound quality, including bass reproduction. Overall sound is described as lively and open, though some reviewers say the high ranges don't quite match… up to the quality of the midranges. Also be aware that these are open-style headphones, meaning sound leaks in and out. Some don't like the retro styling of the Grado SR60i headphones, and others warn you might need to bend the headband to get a comfortable fit. However, reviewers are unanimous on the Brooklyn-made headphones' value.

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Reviewers say the 2-ounce Sennheiser PX 100-II folding headphones outperform other models in their price range, with rich, full sound and accurate sound reproduction. Review sources seem to disagree about whether they… sound better than the PX 100 model that they replace, but the newer version is more durable than the older version, with a better, single-sided cord and thicker headband. User feedback is more uniformly positive. These Sennheiser headphones fold up, making them a great choice for portable players if you don't like earbud-style headphones.

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Many reviewers are impressed with the detail and richness of the clip-on Koss KSC75 headphones, which hook individually over the backs of your ears rather than being attached to a headband. Bass is strong, though some… feel higher frequencies suffer from lack of refinement. Sound will leak in and out, so these aren't a good choice for a library. In spite of the unusual design, most reviewers find them comfortable. In particular, users say the ear clips tend to fall off, but if you lose one, Koss will replace it under its lifetime warranty.

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The Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones currently get the most attention among noise-canceling models, even among their brandmates. This type of headphone uses special technology to eliminate ambient noise so you can hear… music better. Reviewers say the QuietComfort 15 (also known as the QC 15) headphones do a great job of filtering out ambient noise, especially low tones like the drone of airplane engines. Bose has improved and enhanced its noise-cancellation technology, making the QC 15, reviewers say, even better than the formerly top-rated QuietComfort 3 headphones (*Est. $350) at active and passive noise cancellation. However, these newer Bose headphones are not as light or portable as their brandmates. The Bose sound tends to be muted and laid-back, so the QuietComfort series may not be best for those seeking the highest audio accuracy.

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Experts say the Austrian-engineered AKG K702 headphones offer the most detailed sound and are unmatched by many headphones that cost twice as much. The AKG K702 has exceptional build quality and a detachable cord. Some… reviewers find the low end lacking, but sound is otherwise very well balanced. These full-size headphones aren't very portable, but reviews do say they're comfortable and work surprisingly well with iPods and other mobile players. However, the AKG K702 doesn't come with a carrying case, an extra common even to significantly cheaper headphones.

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