Introduction (revised 08/09):
I started writing this around the same time I joined head-fi and saw how useful multi-headphone comparisons could be for a newcomer. There really weren’t any multi-comparos of portables, so I decided to put the collection I’d assembled to good use and test them against each other. This was originally planned as a 4-way shootout but turned into a 6-way by the time it was first posted (coincidentally my 500th post). This revision brings five more headphones to the table and shortens some long passages to stay under the 10,000 word limit on Head-Fi posts. Hopefully this review will add to the wealth of knowledge that is head-fi and help out a few people in finding the right headphone on a tight budget.
It can be a bit tedious to navigate through, but I have put a navigation marker in front of each section so that you can use your browser’s search function to navigate to the desired section.
Edit: 11/02/09: 13th headphone added (Philips SHL9500)
Featured:
(
##1)
Koss KSC75 (stock) ($15) – long-time bang-for-the-buck recommended phone of choice on head-fi and other audio forums
(
##2)
Koss KSC75 (modded) ($50) – Kramer mod, Sennheiser PX200 leatherette pads, Mogami recable, 68 Ohm impedance adapter
(
##3)
Sennheiser PX100 ($35) – well-known portable headphone from Sennheiser. Often recommended as the best portable phones in their price range
(
##4)
JVC HA-S150 ($9) – entry-level phones from JVC. Fall in line with JVC’s tradition of offering incredible audio at budget prices
(
##5)
Audio-Technica ATH-ON3 (a.k.a. ONTO) ($35) – somewhat obscure portable entry from Audio-Technica. These score high on style points, not so much on substance.
(
##6)
Soundmagic P10 ($27) – Soundmagic’s first on-ear headphones. A previous budget headphone of theirs, the PL30 IEMs, made a splash here on head-fi and is still often recommended as the best IEM for the price.
(
##7)
Parts-Express Mini Headphones ($2) – Very cheap airline-type headphone ordered from parts-express solely for the headband (which can be fitted with KSC75 cups).
(
##8)
Panasonic RP-HX50 “Slimz” ($30) – Handsome and portable, this surprisingly competitive entry from Panasonic can warrant a second glance for the sound quality alone, but just in case you forget, the Slimz will still command your attention with their mini-ES7 styling and innovative packaging.
(
##9)
Yuin G2A ($49) – After taking the earbud market by storm with the PK line, the G1/G2 clip-ons seem to be Yuin’s way of making their way into the portable headphone market by targeting the relatively small hi-fi clip-on segment.
(
##10)
Grado iGrado ($49) – The first mass-market china-produced headphones by Grado Labs, the street-style iGrados utilize the same drivers as the renowned SR60 full-size headphones in a more ipod-friendly package.
(
##11)
Koss PortaPro ($30) – Introduced half a decade before I was even born, the PortaPros have since become a mainstay in the portable headphone market. Unlike many other things from the 1980s, though, the hi-fi portable of choice remains unchanged and highly competitive a quarter of a century later.
(
##12)
Philips SBC HS430 ($22) – I got the idea to test a regular-folks headphone against the audiophile top picks in this lineup. I was planning to stop by a drug store and pick up a random big-brand headphone. Luckily, I decided to look through my electronics junk box first. Enter my Philips SBC HS430 Clip-Ons, purchased three years ago at a Kiosk in Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris for €15 and only used once.
(
##13)
Philips SHL9500 ($22) – Yet another foldable, big-brand headphone with a sub-$25 price tag.
(
##14)
Summary & Conclusions
Testing:
Disclaimer: All of these tests are subjective. I am basing the outcomes of these tests purely on what I hear, using my ears and my setups. Also, I am trying to scale all the ratings to the best of the bunch as much as possible. That is, I am trying to give the 10/10 rating in each category to the best headphone out of the ones I’ve tested. Therefore the ratings are relative, not absolute, so I am in no way saying that a headphone I have given 10/10 to is the be all - end all of portable audio.
Home Setup (used most):
-Creative Labs Audigy 4 Pro -> (Optical) -> iBasso D10
On-the-go Setup:
-Sandisk Sansa Clip/Fuze; Fiio E5 and mini3 used to check amping requirements of the headphones
Particular albums & songs I used for testing (just a few of the many):
-The Slip by NIN in 24/96 WAVE
-Inbetween Dreams by Jack Johnson in FLAC
-Metallica (Black Album) by Metallica in FLAC
-The Delicate Sound of Thunder by Pink Floyd in 320 kbps mp3 (positioning test)
-Shoot2Kill by Oxide & Neutrino in 320kbps mp3 (bass speed & impact test)
-Angeles by Elliot Smith in 256 kbps mp3 (balance test)
-Windowlicker by Aphex Twin in 256 kbps mp3 (speed test)
-Twised Transistor by Korn in 320 kbps mp3 (low bass test)
-Army of Me by Bjork in 320 kbps mp3 (female vocals test)
-On an Island by David Gilmour in 320 kbps mp3 (clarity+headstage test)
All of the headphones together:
Clockwise from far left: Ultramodded KSC75, Sennheiser PX100, JVC Flats, Stock KSC75, Soundmagic P10. Audio-Technica ATH-ON3
One by one (The long version):
(
##1)
Koss KSC75 (stock): I’ve had these for quite a while as my go-to headphone for home use. They sound great with pretty much all types of music, are very forgiving of a poor source, and can be comfortable for hours with a bit of adjustment.
Build Quality: (6/10). Though they may seem flimsy at first, I can attest to the fact that the KSC75s can stand *a lot* of abuse. When I took my first pair out of the sealed plastic packaging years ago, the clips immediately came off. Uh-oh, I thought, that’s not a good sign. I’m happy to say that I was wrong though. The clips have come off accidentally a number of times over the years, but not enough to be bothersome. I have gotten these phones and their cords jammed in desk drawers, under the wheels of my desk chair, and even under my 30lb computer tower. I’ve sat on them, dropped them on asphalt, and dipped them in hot tea (though they weren’t submerged – turns out the foam pads float quite well). A little rubbing alcohol and some new pads and they look and sound good as new. Koss’s excellent lifetime warranty deserves a nod here as well.
Comfort: (8/10). Initially, they do feel a little awkward and not very well secured. The clips can be bent to fit your ears, however, and they do stay on very well. My ears eventually get sore from the clips, but only from ungodly stretches of wearing these. Overall, they are very easy to wear for a long time – the clip-on design prevents headband pressure and the open, foam-padded earcups do not invoke ear sweat.
Isolation: (2/10). These are very much open headphones. Koss did not design these to isolate you from your surroundings or vice versa. At medium-high volume, in a quiet place, people can tell what you’re listening to. At the same volume in a moderately noisy place (bus, subway, busy street) you cannot hear your own music. Therefore these are less than ideal (read: useless) on loud busses, trains, airplanes, etc. They are perfect when you actually want to hear outside hazards though, such as while jogging, and also in reasonably quiet places (e.g. home, coffee shop, park, etc).
Sound: (6/10). In this motley group of test subjects, the KSC-75s definitely shine in openness and fullness of sound. They do almost everything right – all of the notes are present. Instrument separation is surprising for a phone of this price. The mids and highs are present in quantity. The bass is unfortunately slightly muddy and unrefined. It doesn’t extend particularly deep and low, instead creeping up on the lower midrange. The soundstage is slightly lacking as well. On the upside, the 60 Ohm impedance means that these are very forgiving and can be used straight out of virtually any source without hiss. The overall sound can be described as fast, forward, and aggressive – very much to my liking.
Value: (10/10). (MSRP: $19.99; Street Price: ~$14) At their usual retail price, they are the cheapest of the bunch on paper (the JVC Flats can be had for less in reality). Combine this with the fact that they are practical, durable, comfortable, and truly great-sounding headphones and you’ve got a winner. They can also serve many other purposes, such as a (disposable) bridge into headphone modding, backup or gym pair, or decent-sounding loaner phone. Every head-fier should own a pair (or two).
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 15-25,000 Hz
Impedance: 60 ohms
Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: Straight, Dual Entry, 4ft (1.2m); Angled Plug
(
##2)
Koss KSC75 (modded): Besides adding some style points to the plasticky KSCs, the common KSC75 mods do improve the already-great KSC75s, but at a price.
List of parts used: Mogami-recabled KSC75 ($30 from head-fi FS forums). 68 Ohm impedance adaptor ($18, ebay). Sennheiser PX200 leatherette earpads ($6.99+shipping, Sennheiser USA). Kramer-modded grilles (10 mins with a drill).
Better view of the pads:
Build Quality: (6/10). Of course, this depends on how good the recabling job is. Mine is flawless, so the only build issues are the same ones as the stock KSCs – the damn clips still come off on occasion. I think the next mod may be to get my hands on some KSC35 clips to see if they offer a better fit or are less likely to come off.
Comfort: (8/10). Not much difference in comfort between these and the stock KSC’s. If your ears are prone to sweating, the leatherette earpads may cause some discomfort. I personally find the PX200 pads a bit more pleasant than the original foam ones. The earhooks may need to be reshaped to accommodate the thicker pads. Still, like the stock KSCs, these can be worn comfortably for several hours, even while exercising. It should be noted, though, that my new cable is prone to microphonics (which is suprising for a supra-aural phone). This is easily taken care of with a shirt clip to fix the cord in place.
Isolation: (2.5/10). Though the leatherette pads may help sound leakage around the ear, these are still open headphones, so the difference is minute. Everything said above for the stock KSCs still applies for leakage out of the phone. They do seem to isolate you from your surroundings slightly better because the earcups are sealed around your ear, but take them on a busy street and expect to have to crank the volume way up.
Sound: (6.5/10). This is where it gets interesting. The sound definitely changes with modding. Whether the changes are for the better is entirely a matter of personal preference. Most of the change comes from the Kramer mod alone. The sound varies widely with the way the holes are drilled. The more grille is missing from closer to the center, the more treble you get. Similarly, the outer edges of the grille are responsible for masking bass, so removing them adds bass quantity. Compared side-by-side to the stock 75’s, my modded ones have better mids and highs. They are even more forward and aggressive than the stock phones. The bass becomes less muddy with the addition of the 68 ohm adapter, but also less impactful. Another big addition is to the incredible airiness of the Koss phones with the Kramer mod and the PX200 pads. The stock KSC’s sound anything but boxed in, but the modded ones sound like a small concert hall. The sound signature may not be perfect, but there is nothing in this lineup (and, I dare say, nothing in my collection) that matches the feel of these when listening to some performances. And that is exactly why these are my supra-aurals of choice for critical listening. (Update 08/09: These have since been replaced by the Yuin G2A as my critical-listening phones).
Value: (7/10). Even though I prefer the sound of these to my stock KSC75s, I cannot say that for the average listener the price tag and time investment would be worth it. I estimate that an enterprising head-fier not adverse to DIY could end up with a pair like mine for ~$50. Mine ended up costing a bit more ($62 to be exact) because I couldn’t find a soldering iron. Still, they are definitely a fun project if you have any desire to play around with different sounds and configurations.
(
##3)
Sennheiser PX100: These were the second decent headphone I tried after the KSC75s. The Sennheisers are a completely different animal. If I had to describe the way they sound with one word, I would say “silky”.
Folded up:
Build Quality: (7.5/10). Designed to be portable, these fold beautifully into a tiny package and fit into the included plastic carrying case. Despite being folding portables, they feel very solid and sturdy. The metal headband is tough and flexible all at the same time. There’s a feel of quality to the whole construction even though they aren’t any heavier than the others. Every motion they make feels like the right one as the joints click smoothly into place. I expected them to be quite fragile at first, but there are no creaks or rattles after a solid year of use.
Comfort: (10/10). Yes, they are that comfortable. The rotating earcups adjust perfectly to the shape of your head, preventing uneven pressure on your ears, which can be a problem with the other over-the-head phones. The foam pads are a little thicker than the stock KSC75 pads and feel a bit smoother to me. The padding on the headband looks miniscule, but it gets the job done without making your head sweat. I’ve worn these for 6-8 hour stretches on several occasions, with no adverse symptoms.
Isolation: (3/10). Again, these are open phones. They let outside noise in and leak sound out. They are not as drastically open as KSC75s but still are pretty useless as far as isolation goes.
Sound: (7/10). Here’s where I am torn. I really like the sound of these. They are dark, warm, laid back, and very, very smooth. However, I realize that these are not necessarily positive traits with most of the music I listen to, so they lose out to the modded KSC75s in that respect. The vocals are nowhere near as forthcoming as the KSC75s. They do, however, have bass that is tighter and better controlled than even my modded KSC’s. They have approximately the same quantity, but especially in tracks such as Oxide & Neutrino’s Shoot2Kill, the timing of the bass impact is just better with the PX100s. To be quite honest I still reach for these very often over the KSC75s for critical listening, though I prefer the Koss sound signature in general.
Value: (9/10). (MSRP: $59.99, Street Price: ~$35) The PX100s are very good headphones. I would recommend them at the $35 price point any day. It is a matter of preference, however, whether these are better than KSC75’s and PortaPros, On a tight budget, I would go with the KSC75’s. However, with price out of consideration, I would probably take these even over the PortaPros as relaxed and balanced all-rounders. It should be noted that fake PX100s have popped up on ebay on occasion, so I’d be wary of anything that doesn’t come in retail packaging and with the carrying case.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 15-27,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 114 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: Straight, 4.6ft (1.4m); Straight Plug
(
##4)
JVC HA-S150 “Flats”: I got curious about these when the appreciation thread popped up. I paid $5.59 including shipping for an open-box pair - possibly the best $5 I ever spent on ebay. Don’t let the miniscule price tag deceive you though: they are good headphones in their own right.
Folded flat:
Build Quality: (5.5/10). Upon receiving my open-box pair I immediately noticed that the structure rattles quite a bit. The plastic bits do not feel precision machined like those on the Sennheisers, but that is perfectly justified by the price difference. Another place where the budget nature of these is noticeable is small details such as the lack of strain reliefs where the cables enter the earcups. On the upside, the plastic is quite thick and sturdy. The headband is metal, and very similar to that of the Sennheisers, but wrapped in plasticky rubber instead of padding. Unfortunately, my first pair of these had a rattling driver in the left earcup. This was only noticeable on tracks with really heavy bass, but annoying nonetheless. The replacement pair I received is perfectly fine and holding up well so far (over 300 hours on them now). If not for the little snafu with my first pair, these could easily be ranked up with the KSC75s in build quality.
Comfort: (6/10). The earcups swivel nicely about the vertical axis, and can provide a good fit. The range of motion of the earcups is nowhere near as wide as that of the PX100s, though, and they clamp down harder despite weighing about the same as the PX100s. Overall, with a bit of fidgeting, I find them very comfortable for some time, but not as suited for prolonged use as many of the others. At least for me, the Flats need to be adjusted from time to time to get them sitting exactly right, but that’s nothing I couldn’t live with for the extra $$ left in my wallet.
Isolation: (5/10). These are marketed as semi-closed phones. They leak less than the px100s and isolate just a bit more. The pleather on the earpads is much thicker than that of the other pleather-padded headphones here. As such, it does not conform as well to the shape of one’s ears and does not seal as well. It’s also less pleasant to the touch. I think that with softer pads these could potentially seal much better.
Sound: (5.5/10). On a scale set by budget heavyweights like the KSC75s and the PX100s, the flats lose points to both, which is really quite a shame because they are wonderful-sounding phones in their own right. They are nowhere near as smooth as the PX100s, nor are they as airy and rich as the KSC75s. They are, however, well-balanced, punchy, and fun. They go surprisingly high at the upper end and provide a decent punch at the lower end. The bass is not as full as the stock KSC75’s, but it is better controlled. They can be described as somewhat bright and harsh. Still, they do not fail to impress right out of the box, especially with the price tag still in sight, and become less harsh with burn-in.
Value: (8.5/10). (MSRP: $19.99, Street Price: $9) This is where it gets a little tricky. At the MSRP these lose out to the KSC75s in nearly every way, at least on paper. Hit up ebay, however, and you should be able to pick an open-box pair up for <$5 and brand new ones for ~$9. The slight improvement in isolation, combined with the dimestore pricetag, makes these headphones great everyday beaters. I take mine to work, where there are a dozen potential ways they could get damaged. I like the fact that they can be put on and pulled off much quicker than the KSC75s while at the same time staying on securely as I move around (note: the $1.99 headband mod for the KSC75’s really fails in this respect). All in all, these are great headphones if you want some disposable backups, cheap everyday beaters, or something to toss in the box at the office gift raffle. And if you’re still using stock earphones, there is *no* excuse for not spending $5 on a pair of these.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 12-23,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: Straight, 4ft (1.2m); Straight Plug
(
##5)
Audio-Technica ATH-ON3 “ONTO”: These were one of my first purchases after joining head-fi. At that point I only owned the KSC75s and PX100s and was looking for something with a bit more isolation and style to wear to class. I couldn’t find too much info on these particular headphones, but found a lot of positive sentiments towards Audio-Technica in general, so I decided to go for it. A point to note is that there are dozens of Chinese fakes of these floating around. The ones at focalprice, most of the ones on ebay, as well as anything in OEM packaging are definitely fake. I decided not to risk it and purchased mine from AccessorySeek for $35.
Folded Flat:
Build Quality: (4/10). The marketing materials for these don’t lie. They really are lighter than air. They also look pretty darn nice. They feel pretty solid, more so than they look. I had my first pair exchanged, though, because I could see naked wire through the cracked strain relief on the 3.5mm jack as soon as I got them. The second pair that I got is much better, though I must note that the strain relief seems to be the weak point because it is not molded. The cable is nice and rubbery, the earpads are very soft, and the earcups themselves are really tiny – about 2/3 the size of those on the PX100s and P10s and almost half the size of the JVCs. These are very easy to wear in public, though I personally had no problems with the others in that respect.
The biggest problem that I have with them is the folding mechanism. In order to rotate the earcups to make these flat for storage, the headband must first be retracted as far as possible into the phone. This is annoying for several reasons: 1. You have to readjust the headband again when you take them out. 2. The headband is smooth, thin, and slippery. It is not always easy to grip. 3. The headband is not notched and provides little resistance once you get it moving. Therefore I always feel like I’m going to break it off inside the earcup by retracting it too quickly. Same goes for pulling it back out. As for the rotation, it is easy to accidentally start rotating the earcups in the wrong direction for folding as the headphones are symmetrical and the left/right markings are very hard to see (I couldn’t even find them at first – they are stamped in the plastic on the inside of the headband near the earcups). When you do rotate the earcups the wrong way, they make a horrible snapping/cracking noise that could only be the sound of a headphone screaming in agony. A smoother, more solid folding mechanism would go a huge way towards making these actually feel like $100 headphones as suggested by the MSRP.
Comfort: (3.5/10). These are shockingly uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. The problem is that the earcups pivot neither vertically nor horizontally when the headband is extended. To compound the problem, the round headband flexes very little compared to the flat ones on the rest of the lineup and clamps quite hard. It is as if Audio-Technica assumed that everyone’s ears were exactly parallel to each other when they designed these. The result is that after about an hour the back of my ears hurts so badly that I have to move the phones forward off my ears. After two hours of wearing them I want to dip my head in an ice bucket and toss these in the trash. I would like to add that it is not just me. I made my girlfriend wear these for a 1-hour TV show in the interests of (sound) science. Halfway through, she made me give her back the KSC75s. Of course your mileage may vary, but the design does not seem to be very forgiving of being… well… human.
Isolation: (6/10): Again, the design of the earcups screws these headphones. The pads are quite soft and these are essentially closed-back headphones, but because the cups don’t pivot, they cannot be flush against my ear and thus cannot seal properly. To be fair, since I already took points off for the design and because someone *may* actually have parallel ears, I decided to split the difference between what the isolation *could* be if they seal properly and the isolation that I actually get.
Sound: (5/10): This is where the little Audio-Technicas shine. I decided to split the difference again because the poor seal created by the cups does not help with the sound either. Giving an allowance for these being closed headphones, they sound quite rich and full in the midrange. They are on the warm side, but unlike the equally-warm PX100s, these also slightly muddy and somewhat more aggressive. When a proper seal is achieved bass can have a very nice punch. Soundstage is rather small compared to the others, but they can still be quite enjoyable – certainly miles ahead of your average stock earbud or $20 drugstore headphone.
Value: (4/10). (MSRP: $99.99; Street Price: $35) Though I admit that I may be biased by my comfort issues with these, the only way I can see Audio-Technica justifying that MSRP is by charging double for the style points. While I do admit to liking the look of these (which is why I bought them in the first place), I can’t help but think that even for the average iPod user concerned with style first and sound second, less sacrifices are to be made by purchasing the white PX100s or one of the myriad of available colors for the JVC flats (the latest revision is color-matched to the new iPod Nanos) instead of these. While these do isolate the most of the bunch, the Soundmagics and Panasonics actually leak less, and the JVC flats aren’t too far behind.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 12-23,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 102 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: Straight, 4ft (1.2m); Straight Plug
(
##6)
Soundmagic P10: The latest addition to my collection. I waited for two months for these to arrive. I have great respect for Soundmagic’s ability to craft budget headphones, so I really wanted to give these a chance and resisted the daily temptation to cancel my order for a staggering 45 days.
Edit: These seem to use housings identical to the Sony MDR-710LP. I would not be surprised if Soundmagic is the OEM for those as well.
Folded Up:
Build Quality: (5/10). Just removed these from the packaging and I have to admit that it took me a good 20 minutes to figure out how to unfold them. Even with practice, they cannot be unfolded with one hand or by a child the way the PX100s can. Folded, they are amazingly small, surpassed only by the KSC75’s. Unfolded they are about the same size as the others but noticeably lighter than even the Audio-Technicas. The aluminum headband and plastic bits are thinner than those on the Sennheisers and the JVC’s. The hinges are nice and smooth, though they lack the solidity and don’t glide gently into place like those on the PX100s. I can see them becoming loose over time. I can also see the silver paint flaking over time, especially if they are folded/unfolded often. One area where these trump the competition is the cord. It is very short (40cm, straight plug) and comes with an extension (1m, angled plug). It is quite thick but flexible, and rubberized to prevent tangling. However, there are no strain reliefs where the cord enters the cups.
Comfort: (7.5/10). Comfort is definitely a strong suite of these phones. The headband provides the optimum amount of clamping – they fit securely but do not hurt for quite a while. The cushions are nice and soft – easily on par with the Audio-Technicas. The numerous hinges also provide adjustability in the fit. In fact, if such a desire exists, they can be worn as behind-the-neck headphones quite easily. I would rate these (10/10) but the flexion of the headband sometimes makes putting them on a hassle as they tend to fold themselves back up. They are also not very easy to wear around the neck, which is something I do quite often with portables.
Update (08/09): It has been brought to my attention that while they look absolutely tiny, the P10’s are not ideal for people with very small heads. For me, the headband makes contact with my head along its entire length. I can see, however, that for someone with a small head the only point of contact will be at the earcups, which does not make for a very secure fit.
Isolation: (5/10). The P10s are semi-closed headphones. They provide minimal isolation – slightly less than the JVC flats. On the upside, they leak much less than the flats – on par with the closed Audio-Technicas. The thick, soft pads help the P10s here.
Sound: (5/10). To be honest, I quite like the particular sound signature of these. These are very laid back and smooth-sounding little phones. I would say that they are the astral opposites of the KSC75’s. The soundstage is incredible for something semi-closed and costing under $30. Everything is well-placed, if somewhat recessed. The highs are subdued and natural. The mids are full but not overly forward. The bass is medium-low in quantity, but fairly punchy and very well-controlled. They are definitely closer to the PX100s in sound signature, but I can almost say that they are less fatiguing because of the wider soundstage and subdued presentation.
Value: (7/10). (MSRP: $32.50; Street Price: $27). I think that Soundmagic once again has a strong competitor for the big-name companies with the P10 portables. They’re reasonably priced (though not outright cheap like Koss’s and JVC’s entries), cleverly designed, and not completely useless out in public. The sound is colored, wide, and, most importantly, lots of fun, though they are neither as visceral as the KSC75s nor as smooth as the PX100s. The comfort deserves a second (or third) mention – the only reason they lose points there is that opening and getting them on can be a hassle.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 20-22,000 Hz
Impedance: 35 ohms
Sensitivity: 118 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: Straight, 40cm (straight plug); 1m extension (angled plug)
Part 2. Uploaded 09/01/09. Five new headphones, five new microreviews.
All of the (new) headphones together:
Clockwise from far left: Yuin G2A, Koss PortaPro, iGrado, Parts-Express Mini, Panasonics Slimz
(
##7)
Parts-Express Mini Headphones: I’ve had these lying around for months after giving up on using their headband with my KSC75 drivers, so one day I asked myself the fatal question: “how bad could they be?”. That was my first mistake (the second was actually going through with the review past initial listening). I don’t expect anyone to actually buy these for their sonic qualities, but I was originally interested in seeing how they compare to the JVC Flats, for example, which can be had for around the same price after shipping.
Build Quality: (2/10). As you might expect from disposable headphones, the build quality doesn’t exactly shine on these. The headband is thin and pliable, the plastic is hard and cheap-feeling, and the fit and finish… well… there isn’t any. On the upside, the plastic bits that clip onto the earcups are made of the same hard plastic as the rest of the assembly and don’t release the earcups as easily as those on the KSC75s. I actually had trouble getting the headband to let go of the stock cups the first time around. Also, due to their low weight (or rather lack thereof), these can be dropped with no damage onto any surface.
Comfort: (4/10). Nothing stellar here either. They do their job of staying on your head, but will not cope with any headbanging (which may be a good thing since the only headbanging you’ll want to do in these is the head-against-wall kind). The lighter native cups actually work better as the KSC75 cups are just too heavy for the weak headband (bending the headband only helps for a few minutes). The foam pads are quite rough and irritate my ears after a while, but work great as donor foam for various mods (such as the JVC marshmallows Kramer mod).
Isolation: (2/10). I have no idea whether these are supposed to be open or closed phones as the cups don’t actually cover my ears and there are no specs available. Isolation is obviously non-existent, but I don’t mind because I’d rather listen to any other noise (train, airplane, busy street, nails on a chalkboard…) than the sound that comes out of these. I grant them two points for giving me that option.
Sound: (0/10). Seriously. I have never heard anything that sounds worse. I very much prefer both the stock sansa buds (the thin-stem ones that came with the older players) and the so-called ‘speakers’ on my netbook to these. They manage to be bassy, flat, veiled, distant, and muddy all at the same time. There are no highs, no lows, and no mids to speak of. There is no detail and no extension on either end. I put quite a few hours on these (in the name of head-fi) and not a single moment was enjoyable. Even the songs that usually make me close my eyes, lie back, and grin uncontrollably sounded like pure unadulterated agony in these. Furthermore, all sources sound exactly the same with these. My theory is that my tolerance for poor sound has a threshold that these fail to reach and I simply cannot differentiate levels of awfulness that far down the scale. Or maybe my ears are just refusing to listen critically to these (not blaming them). As appealing as this may sound, I sincerely recommend
not trying them even if you already have a pair lying around..
Value: (2/10). (Price: $1.99+shipping) The only value these possess is a donor headband for the KSC75/35 or Yuin G2A/G1A (albeit not a very good one). Also, to my great surprise, these actually came with some accessories – spare foam pads and a cheap 1/8” -> 1/4" adapter. If you are curious to try the KSC75s on a headband and want to have some foam, an adapter, and a pair of the worst drivers in the world left over, then by all means give these a shot. Otherwise, any stock earbuds sound better than these, and comparing them to the JVC Flats, as was my original intent, is simply blasphemy.
(
##8)
Panasonic RP-HX50 “Slimz”: Although Panasonic is not well-known for their headphones, I thought these looked pretty cool and deserved a shot here, if only on the off-chance that they could match the Audio-Technicas on style and provide more substance.
Folded up in their case:
Build Quality (5.5/10). I happen to be a believer in the old maxim of “first impressions last the longest”. If your first encounter with these is finding them on a shelf in a store, you will likely develop a long-lasting fondness for them. They are beautifully packaged in a translucent plastic double-wide DVD-style case, which doubles as both the retail box and a travel case. Though less portable volume-wise than the PortaPros, Sennheisers, and Soundmagics, when tucked away in their case these are secure enough to be checked in with the baggage. The headphones themselves deserve some style points as well – the cups are quite small and have a nice “sandblasted” plastic finish and soft pleather pads. The Slimz definitely don’t look or feel cheap, but the whole construction feels miniature and fragile. The plastic isn’t as nice as that on the PX100s and the assembly isn’t as solid as that of the Flats. I’m not sure how long these would last as my daily beaters, but they are sturdy enough for casual listening.
Comfort (9/10): The fitting mechanism of these is somewhat similar to the Sennheiser PX100s – the cups have some freedom to rotate about the vertical axis and a lot of freedom about the horizontal. The headband doesn’t clamp very hard, relying instead on the cup joints to provide a secure fit. I find these about as comfortable as the Soundmagic P10s for long periods of time, but nowhere near as frustrating to put on/take off. They can also be worn around-the-neck very comfortably while some of the others (notably the Soundmagics and Audio-Technicas) have the tendency to choke.
Isolation (4.5/10): The Slimz are very similar to the Soundmagics in isolation. Though they are supposed to be closed headphones, the earcups aren’t quite big enough to provide serious isolation. Leakage is very minimal though, possibly the best of the bunch. Again, none of these portables are designed for use on airplanes and trains, but they will cut out minimal noise with music playing.
Sound (4.5/10): The most striking thing about these for me was the presence of a soundstage. After the Audio-Technicas, I expected these similarly closed portables to have an identical lack thereof. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that they actually sound pretty open – nay, more than that – airy. They can’t quite match open phones, but they do better far than expected. The sound itself is pretty interesting. They are about average in the group on detail and slightly above average in the upper reaches. The bass is in short supply and somewhat flat. Nearly all of the others have more impact. However, they are still pretty fun to listen to and the clarity sometimes shows itself very nicely. The good top-end extension, combined with the relatively flat bass, gives a sound signature biased towards the upper end; I could almost call them the RE2’s of this group. Sadly, the off-balance sound can be tiring after a while and I found myself going back to using the JVC Flats again pretty quickly.
Value (7.5/10): (MSRP: $49.99, Street Price: $20). With their sharp looks and innovative case these phones provide more than enough utility to warrant a purchase as travel headphones that can be conveniently stored and don’t bother those around you. However, if sound quality is the primary consideration, the style points won’t bridge gap in audio quality between these and the leaders of this market segment.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 12-24,000 Hz
Impedance: 36 ohms
Sensitivity: 108 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: 3.9ft (1.2m); Angled Plug
(
##9)
Yuin G2A: A few years ago a little-known Chinese company called Yuin entered the market of “conventional” earbuds with the PK line, becoming an instant hit among audiophiles for delivering sound not normally attributed to earbuds and developing a large head-fi following. Their more recent G2A and G1A clip-ons directly target the budget hi-fi Koss clip-ons and the stylish upmarket Audio-Technica offerings, respectively.
Build Quality (7/10): The biggest annoyance of the Koss clip-ons for me is ear clips detaching themselves too easily. The G2As use better-quality plastics that reduce the occurrence of this problem. However, the clips themselves are completely plastic, unlike the wire-and-rubber solution in the Koss’s, which means that if handled improperly there is a chance of breaking the clips themselves – something that will never happen with the KSC75’s. The clips notwithstanding, the rest of the build is very good. The handsome brushed aluminum on the cups, for example, provides a solution that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. The cord could be nicer, but it is sturdy enough and gets the job done.
Comfort (8/10): Initially, the Yuins are even more pleasing to the ear than they are to the eye. The pads are soft and the headphones themselves are very light. The only downside again is that the clips are actually completely plastic whereas the Koss KSC75 clips are rubbery with a thick metal wire running through the center. The Koss clips can be bent and shaped for the best possible fit. The Yuin clips can only be broken. I personally find them very comfortable for 2-3 hours of use.
Isolation (4/10): Despite being closed headphones the Yuins are not particularly suited for use outside. While they don’t leak sound out, they do let plenty in. The flat foam pads and lack of a clamping headband provide no seal whatsoever, so expect to have to turn the volume up on a busy street.
Sound (8/10): Balance, balance, balance. That was Yuin’s design prerogative when engineering the sound of the G2As, and it shows. They are easily the most balanced and neutral headphones of the bunch. The presentation is very natural, with an expansive soundstage and good instrument separation. They are also fast. The low-end extension could be better and it is not helped by the lack of a seal, but the highs are presented clearly and confidently (and they sound oh-so-sweet). The balanced and transparent nature of these phones showed through all of my tests. They can be called neither forward nor recessed, cold nor warm, bright nor dark. They are relatively laid-back and great for relaxed listening. I would not recommend them for hard rock or metal over the iGrados, but they do great with nearly everything else in my collection, from classical to electronica.
Value (9.5/10): (MSRP: $49, Street Price: $49). While they are the most expensive stock headphones in this lineup (along with the iGrados), I cannot help feeling that they offer oh-so-much more for your hard-earned cash than most of the competition. Being a big fan of the Yuin PK line and their no-frills substance-over-style approach to design, I wanted to like these but feared that Yuin sacrificed some of that philosophy for the brushed aluminum housings. Luckily, I don’t have to like these out of respect for the PK line. The G2A is a great headphone in its own right and worth every penny.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
Impedance: 60 ohms
Sensitivity: 110 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: 3.6ft (1.1m); Straight Plug
(
##10)
Grado iGrado: On paper, the iGrados seem to be a formula for success – take the drivers from an established product almost unanimously praised in the hi-fi community, put them in a plastic enclosure that is cheap to manufacture and of a popular form factor, and drop the price below $50. In reality, though, the sub-$50 portables market is a crowded one, dominated by long-time heavyweight entries from the likes of Koss and Sennheiser, so I was very curious to see how the “baby Grados” stack up.
Build Quality (5.5/10): Except for the metal Grado plaque on the back of the headband, there is nothing to suggest that the iGrados are the brainchild of one of the world’s premier headphone makers. The plastic is thick and sturdy, but with visible seams and other molding artifacts. The grilles and faux-bolts in the headband are also plastic. Overall, the iGrados have none of the precision-machined feel of the Sennheiser PX100s and Panasonic Slimz, but compensate by using brawny plastics and no moving parts to ensure longevity. The major letdown here is the cabling – the cable is one of the thinnest and most plasticky ones I’ve seen on a headphone and the plug can only be described as “wimpy”. Sadly, even the cable on the $1.99 Parts-Express phones inspires more confidence.
Comfort (5/10): The abovementioned lack of moving parts makes the fit of these pretty rigid. While Grado did a decent job of shaping the headphones to fit all head and ear sizes, they will definitely not be comfortable for everyone. I can wear them for about an hour before feeling the pressure on my ears, and just over two before the bone behind my ears starts to feel genuinely pained. Comfort-wise, then, I can tolerate these for about as long as I can stand the Audio-Technica ATH-ON3. On the upside, the fit is very secure and I feel that these would work better for exercising/running than any of the others.
Isolation (2/10): In case the external grilles weren’t revealing of the fact, I will state this clearly: these are completely open. Anyone who’s ever been in a room with a person wearing grados will understand exactly how open these are. When burning them in at slightly-above-listening volume I could hear them from the other room while wearing another pair of headphones. So please, don’t take these on a plane.
Sound (7.5/10): Yes, they are just that good. Despite the dollar-store packaging and peasant build, the iGrados still deliver that famous Grado magic. While I don’t own the SR60’s, I can still perceive a house sound similarity between these and both my SR125s and SR325is. They are, of course, nowhere near as refined as the two others (costing 3x and 6x the price of the iGrados, respectively), but they still make you feel like you’re in the front row of a rock concert. The overall sound is forward and edgy. The bass is not as tightly controlled as the Yuins and a bit boomy, but still very full and enjoyable. It does not extend particularly deep but still has a nice warmth to it. The highs are slightly recessed, but they still sparkle on occasion. The soundstage is fairly wide – on par with the other open phones in this group. All things considered, I think this is the best sound of the group for Rock/Metal-type genres.
Value (9/10): (MSRP: $49, Street Price: $49). There are two ways to think of the iGrados. The first way is as what is probably best the Chinese-made street-style sports headphone for the iPod crowd. The second is to think of them as a portable little brother of the renowned Grado SR60 with a $30 discount. Either way, they come out to be pretty darn good value for money. The only reasons for them to lose points are the comfort and build quality. Both could’ve been better thought out and leave you wanting more. However, build quality and comfort issues can be conceded for sound this good. If you listen to Rock and Metal and are willing to sacrifice comfort (or keep your listening sessions short), these will not disappoint.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: 4ft (1.2m); Straight Plug
(
##11)
Koss PortaPro: First introduced in 1984, the Koss PortaPros have been a definitive staple of the portable headphones market for 25 years. They have survived through multiple model-line changes and their drivers became the basis of the SportaPro and KSC55 street-style headphones and the KSC35/KSC50 clip-ons. A titanium-coated version of the PortaPro driver is used by the KSC75s, UR40s, and KTXPro1s. Ok, so the pedigree is impressive, you may think, but how do they compete today? Well, I am happy to report that this old dog doesn’t need new tricks – the PortaPros are just as competitive today as they were two and a half decades ago.
Folded up:
Build Quality (6.5/10): For 25-year old headphones, the design and build of these is very impressive. The folding mechanism is simple yet practical – there is only one hinge per side and it glides smoothly to lock into place. While not as solid-feeling as that of the PX100s, I have no problems with this setup. The headband is made of several strips of aluminum and the whole structure doesn’t seem cheap or flimsy. They also look much better in person than they do on photos. The blue driver housings, for example, are barely visible from the side, and the metal accents on the cups look very contemporary. I personally prefer the look of these to the understated (read: boring) PX100s. The only area where more could be asked of Koss is the cheap feel of the plastics and the flimsy comfort zone switch. On the upside, these phones are covered by Koss’s no-questions-asked lifetime warranty just like the KSC75’s.
Comfort (9/10): While I personally prefer the fit of the PX100s, I can in all honesty call it a draw between the two. The PortaPros differentiate themselves by having a ComfortZone switch on each side of the headband. The three comfort settings (that’s two more than any of the other headphones here) transfer clamping force between the earpads and the soft pads on the headband right above your ears. At the firmest setting, most of the headphones’ weight is supported by the earpads. At the softest setting, the PortaPros are supported almost entirely by the headband and the comfort pads. In addition, the PortaPros’ earcups are attached to the construction using ball joints, which gives them a good amount of rotational freedom, similar to the PX100s. The headband is also adjustable in a unique way – the PortaPros are best put on with the headband at its longest and then adjusted to the perfect length. The reason I am taking a point off here is because the sliding headband length adjuster can (on rare occasion) latch onto one’s hair, which is both painful and annoying.
Isolation (3/10): Not very much different from the PX100s here, either – the Portas are completely open and very susceptible to outside noise.
Sound (7/10): Those previously familiar with the KSC75’s will instantly note a familial resemblance between the two headphones. The high-end sparkle of the KSC75’s is gone since it is caused by the Titanium coating of the drivers, which the PortaPros lack, but the bass is better-controlled and deeper. It’s still somewhat muddy compared to higher-end headphones, but it gives the sound a warm fullness that none of the other headphones I’ve tried here can match. The mids are very similar to those of the KSC75s – fun, forward, and aggressive. The bass occasionally creeps up on the lower mids a bit. The highs are slightly rolled off, which makes the PortaPros less tiring than the KSC75s for prolonged exposure. They are also very forgiving of a poor source and mediocre recordings. Overall, the PortaPros are second only to the iGrados in providing that front-row-at-the-rock-show feeling.
When compared head-to-head with their arch-nemesis, the Sennheiser PX100s, the PortaPros sound more exciting, forward an aggressive. They have deeper and more copious bass. The PX100s are darker-sounding, have tighter bass, and are smoother overall. I find them to be more natural/neutral than the Koss phones. They have better clarity and better treble. Overall, I always reach for the PortaPros for casual listening, as they are just more fun, and for the PX100s when I want to listen seriously.
Value (9/10): (MSRP: $49.99, Street Price: $30). Not surprisingly, these are in the same boat as the PX100’s value-wise as well. Similarly priced, they are easily worth the asking price and are sure the feed the bass-loving demons in all of us. As for the eternal rivalry between these and the young Sennheisers, it comes down to personal preference between the two in the end. I will admit that I prefer the Sennheisers, but I love the PortaPros for the uncompromising retro-throwback design and sound that just somehow feels like it would have been right at home in the 80s. However, in today’s warzone of a sub-$50 portables market, the PortaPros are not the no-brainer they once were.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 15-25,000 Hz
Impedance: 60 ohms
Sensitivity: 101 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: 4ft (1.2m); Angled Plug
(
##12)
Philips SBC HS430: I only own one other Philips headphone – the full-size SHP8500 – and like it quite a bit. However, similarly to Panasonic, Philips is not generally considered an audiophile brand. It is a household name, though, so it is something a person who knows nothing about audio is more likely to buy than Koss or Grado. The idea with this review was to see if a random big-brand headphone can stack up to the stuff we (head-fiers) are likely to buy.
Build Quality (5/10). As you may expect from a big-name electronics brand, the build is competent. They are smaller and lighter than the other clip-ons I’ve tried. The silver metallic shells are offset nicely by the white clips and cabling, but the clips are plastic and not exactly flexible. The cable is thin, and for some reason Philips went with a dreadful J-cord setup. Regardless, they are solidly built and I don’t expect them to fall apart anytime soon.
Comfort (4/10): First the good news: these are very light and small and the pads are the softest foam I’ve seen on a portable headphone (it almost feels cloth-like). Now the bad news: the earclips are too hard, too sharp around the edges, and way too close to the cups. They are made of a hard plastic and are not adjustable. Putting these headphones on brings a new meaning to the term ‘clip-ons’. I can tolerate them for short listening sessions, but after a while the clips dig painfully into the back of my ears. That said, I can see how someone with very small/thin ears might find these more comfortable.
Isolation (3/10): While these are technically semi-closed headphones, they are far too small on the ear to provide any isolation.
Sound (2/10): The packaging that I pulled these out of claimed that these were “ported for EXTRA BASS”. While I was immediately thankful to Philips for actually spelling “extra” with an ‘e’, I was also immediately wary of the repercussions usually carried by such statements. I expected fart-cannon, ill-defined bass, but I heard no such thing. The bass, which did not open up with burn-in, is rather flat and lifeless. It has a good amount of punch but little note and texture. Flat and lifeless are good descriptors for the rest of the sound signature as well. The HS430’s do a fair job of reproducing sound, but they excel at nothing. The overall sound signature reminds me very much of the Skullcandy Ink’d buds with poorer bass quality.
Value (4/10): (MSRP: £14 ($22), Street Price: $15). While this sound signature may be good for a $15 IEM, in the world of portable headphones, the sub-$20 performance bar is set by the Koss KSC75 and JVC flats, and the Philips SBC HS430 do not compete at that level. They lose points not only on sound, but build quality and design – the cheap-feeling asymmetrical cable and asinine ear clip design do the headphones no favors. So, while these may be competitive in the market at large, in the audiophile world they are merely below-average.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 12-22,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: 3.9ft (1.2m); Angled Plug
(
##13)
Philips SHL9500: After the SBC-HS430 clip-ons, I was not actively seeking another experience with Philips portables. However, an opportunity came up to put this set of SHL9500s through its paces. Naturally, I did not decline.
Folded up:
Build Quality (5.5/10). The SHL9500 is handsomely designed headphone finished in a matte black plastic with chromed metal accents. It utilizes a folding structure similar to the Sennheiser PX100s. Philips definitely chose the right design to copy, as the mechanism of the PX100s is a personal favorite of mine. However, somewhere in the design process something went horribly wrong. The end result is an overly rigid structure in which the cups and arms all fold in different directions in what is (to me) a confusing mess. Even though the cups should theoretically rotate flat, there is not enough room in the folded structure for them to do so. The build itself is solid, utilizing metal joints and sturdy plastics. The only real danger to the durability of these is the (very real) chance of damage done by the user while folding them. On the upside, the 2” long strain reliefs on cable entry inspire confidence in the longevity of the cord, which is also worth notable for its length – a wholesome 5 feet, the longest of the bunch.
Comfort (5.5/10): Again following in the footsteps of the Sennheiser, Philips utilized a padded headband and soft pleather cups similar to those found on the Sennheiser PX200s. On paper, it is a formula for success. Unfortunately, this is the first time I can honestly say that a pair of headphones is less comfortable than it looks. Not unlike the Audio-Technica ATH-ON3, the earcups of the SHL9500 have no rotational freedom about the vertical axis. As a result, they press hard on the back of my ears when worn regularly and have to be pushed forward to attain any comfort at all. Still, at least the headband doesn’t clamp as hard as the ungodly piece of wire in the Audio-Technicas. The Philips lose points mostly for wasted potential.
Isolation (5/10): The SHL9500s are very similar to the Panasonic Slimz and Soundmagics P10s in isolation. Most of the sound leakage is the result of poor fit rather than poor isolation by design. The same caveats as with all of the other closed portable phones still apply.
Sound (5/10): After experiencing the folding mechanism and fit of the SHL9500s, my expectations for their sound were set quite low. I expected another failed attempt to match a Sennheiser model, but the little Philips left me pleasantly surprised. The sound is well-balanced, smooth, and warm. Bass impact and tightness are both surprisingly good when these are made to fit properly. They do lose out to the similarly-priced Panasonic Slimz and Soundmagic P10s in high-end extension, detail, and soundstage - their signature is more fun and intimate. They are also noticeably less harsh and fatiguing than the Slimz. There is also a Sennheiser-like veil resulting in a slightly muffled mid-range. Still, they are very pleasant-sounding portables overall, especially for Jazz/Blues/Lounge-type music.
Value (7/10): (MSRP: $24.99, Street Price: $20). Despite the questionable folding mechanism and my fit issues with them, I think the sound of the Philips SHL9500 justifies the rather modest price tag. They easily fit on the second price/performance tier of my ranking, right alongside the Soundmagic P10s and Panasonic Slimz, providing a slightly different sound signature to both and are certainly a notch or two above the average headphone to be found for the price on store shelves.
Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response: 10-28,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL/1mW
Cord: 4.9ft (1.5m); Straight Plug
Some Number Crunching: All of the ratings above are subjective. They reflect my personal evaluation of each headphone. To be (marginally) more objective I have decided to tabulate the data and calculate numerical averages. Take the final numbers with a grain of salt. The ranking is more important than the numerical values. The best/worst score in each category is highlighted accordingly.
The table is arranged in order of my personal preference, top to bottom.
(Update: 08/09) I have decided to give sound double weight in my calculations of the average. Also, please note that the new “final score” category is a price-weighted average, so take it (and the ranking that stems from it) with a grain of salt if price is not a top consideration. Keep in mind that the prices listed (and the subsequent price-weighted scores) are for the US at the moment of this writing. Please readjust the scores accordingly if the relative prices of the headphones are different for you. I realize that head-fi is a worldwide community, but I don't have the ability nor the resources to take worldwide pricing into account.
(*) denotes two-way tie
If anyone is interested, the formula I used for the Final Score. is: (6*Average+(10-(Street Price/50)*10))*(10/7)
Approximate rating breakdown:
9.5-10/10 : Outstanding/best in class
8 - 9/10 : Very good
6 - 7.5/10 : Good
4 - 5.5/10 : Average/tolerable
2 - 3.5/10 : Poor
0 - 1.5/10 : Pathetic
(
##14)
Summary (The short version)
My final “objective” rankings for the headphones are in the chart above. Keep in mind that the weight of the relative merits of each headphone will change depending on your priorities. If isolation is of no consequence to you, for example, the open headphones on this list will do comparatively better, and the closed ones – worse.
The
Yuin G2As are a true audiophile portable, offering a balanced, neutral, and very complete sound signature in a convenient and rugged package well-suited for daily use. Their pricetag is perfectly justified by above-average fit and finish combined with sonic qualities that put many full-size headphones to shame.
The
iGrados are excellent-sounding headphones let down by comfort, design, and build issues. While the sound remains true to the Grado Labs house signature, the fit is very unforgiving and the rugged shell is ruined by the wimpiest cable ever used on a headphone. Still, if Rock and Metal are your genres of choice, these issues can be sacrificed for having your very own portable and affordable Grado headphone. After all,
someone must find them comfortable…
The
Sennheiser PX100s are great headphones at their price point. They are a very well-rounded package, with comfort and quality to match their silky-smooth sound signature. The PX100s work great as a headphone to use both at home and on the go for those on a budget. They fold easily and smoothly into a compact package and come with a carrying case. They work well with portable sources and scale up quite well with amping. The more sophisticated sound signature works well with all types of music,but especially for laid-back jazz, blues, and acoustic performances.
The
Koss KSC75s are still the best value around when price is of importance. They provide an amazing listening experience for a bargain price. They are the ideal headphone to be taken to the gym or running if you don’t like the isolation of in-ear phones. They make great backup and/or loaner phones. They are also the ideal starter headphone to get your friends/relatives to ditch their ibuds or if you want to experiment with headphone modding without risking your primary cans. They work with all sources and are wonderful for rock, metal, and anything else that is fast and/or aggressive, features forward vocals, or benefits from an airy presentation.
The
Koss PortaPros, despite being a quarter of a century old, are still a solid contender for the portable headphone crown. They do nearly everything right and have a warm and bassy sound signature sure to be a hit with the younger ipod crowd. They are also better-looking in person than in photos. Similarly to the KSC75s they are fun and aggressive and have great tolerance for poor sources. I can honestly say that the PortaPros have aged very, very well.
The
Soundmagic P10 is a fun and balanced choice from a Chinese manufacturer best known for the PL line of IEMs. They are similar to the PX100s in audio presentation, but lag behind in build quality and feel. They are ideal if you are looking for a non-fatiguing, fun headphone that folds small enough to be taken anywhere and can be worn for hours at a time.
The
JVC Flats are an incredible headphone in their own right. With these costing as little as $5 on ebay, there is no way anyone should be able to justify still using stock earbuds, especially at home. And with all the color options available, especially those that were designed to match the new ipod Nanos, many people shouldn’t have a problem wearing these outside, either. Sure, they may sound harsh and unsophisticated compared to the heavyweights in this lineup, but they are also fun, punchy, and surprisingly detailed, and all this for the price of one lunch at McDonalds. The solidity and price also makes these a great daily beater phone.
Again, hopefully this review will help someone decide on a pair of portable headphones. Please feel free to comment with any questions or suggestions, either by posting or via PM.
Shootout: 13 Portable Headphones Compared - Update 11/02/09 (!56K Murder!)
. 
