A strong sonic perfomer specially geared for iPod and iPhone, the DENON AH-C560R totally ups the sound quality over most lower priced stereo headsets. As typical for DENON earphones, the sound of the 560R stereo headset remains warm-toned and smooth with little trace of edgy sibilance to the highs. The handy Apple 3-button control on the cord allows easy manipulation of your music and full call management. The AH-C560R microphone offers clear intelligibility for your voice while the comfortable in-ear stereo earphones deliver excellent musical fidelity a clear cut above many stereo headsets we've gotten our ears on near this pricepoint. The unique DENON midrange frequency enhancement engineered for extra-clear reception of your incoming phone calls also sounds quite nice with vocals and lower-to-mid bitrate MP3 files and iTunes music. But even with content-rich, demanding Lossless digital files, the sound remains resonant and undistorted, so we think these are well worth the upgrade if great-sounding music is one of your big driving factors.

Includes four pairs of proprietary DENON eartip sleeves in XS/S/M /L sizes. Try them all for best in-ear fit and isolation -- and for the best sound quality performance. The DENON AH-C560R in-ear fit design is not overly deep into the ear canal, making them easy to wear even for in-ear newcomers. Plus the modern black cosmetics with nifty grey chrome flashing sure don't hurt the looks any. A strong 1-year manufacturer's product warranty is completely free with all authorized DENON-USA dealer purchases

Etymotic Research steps up their game with a slew of great in-ear products geared for mobile music buffs wanting top sound quality performance and iPhone-ready features at prices that won't break the bank. The HF3 headset neatly fits that bill and delivers lively musical definition from 20Hz all the way up to 15,000kHz with extended dynamic range quickness and perhaps the clearest microphone system in the headset category, along with some vibrant color choices to boot. Etymotic's uncompromising ER-4P sound signature remains in place with the HF3 and presents an ultra-clear response in the highs and mids -- the frequency ranges where most voices and human speech occurs -- underpinned by a nicely textural, yet extremely clean bass response. Claiming the best possible noise-blocking (up to -42dB!) from the deep 'earplug-like' fit of the HF3 earpieces, the isolation of this headset is blissfully sublime for the ultimate listening privacy. Etymotic's high-sensitivity microphone is their own proprietary design and works wonderfully to deliver your iPhone calls with pristine speech intelligibility and voice resolution. Plus the handy 3-button Apple iPhone remote allows users to navigate their music and control calls at the flick of a switch. Great stuff and very highly recommended for music lovers rocking their iPhone 3GS, Apple iPad, and iPod Touch. Choose from 3 colors!

The Etymotic HF3 cord neatly extends about 4ft and terminates in an angled gold-plated 3.5mm mini-plug jack ideal for mobile music players and all iPhones (except 1st Generation). Four different types of 'universal fit' eartip sleeve types & sizes are included in the HF3 box; try them all for the best possible in-ear fit and sound. As a very cool extra, optional audiologist-customized in-ear molds for are easily available via Etymotic after purchase; any customer purchasing an Etymotic product can register their product at Etymotic.com. After registering, you can print a voucher from the Etymotic site, then schedule an appointment with an audiologist in the Etymotic network (which can be located through the Etymotic website by entering your zip code). You'll then take the voucher to the audiologist appointment, the audiologist will take impressions of your ears and send the impressions -- along with the voucher -- to the Ety labs. Customer pays nothing to the audiologist; the lab will contact you for credit card payment (for $100); the lab then produces the molds and ships them to the customer with the lab compensating the audiologist.

Pro musicians have known about Shure quality products for decades but it was only with Shure's huge splash into the headphone world in the late 1990s that audiophiles got wind of the incredible audio performance and product durability Shure has been famous for over 80 years. Shure's high-end 'SE' series of in-ear monitors have become the defacto standard for serious listeners and music lovers demanding galvanizing sonics, an extra-comfortable wearing experience, and accurate response at all frequencies. The SE425 is designed with discreet dual drivers -- just like many big room speakers -- with separate tweeter & woofer arrays delivering precise timbral detail, fast dynamics and smoothly rendered vocals with a rich tonal palette that synergizes well with most music genres. Expect an impactful, tasty, but tightly controlled emphasis on the bottom-end buttressing a clearly defined vocal mid-range and spacious, open-toned upper treble response. The overall sound quality differences between this SE425 and three-driver Shure SE535 design remain somewhat nuanced, making this model the obvious 'bang-for-the-buck' favorite for listeners watching the budget. And, although not required, adding a quality headphone amp to the SE425 acts as the final icing on the audio cake, bringing a razorlight focus to the sound while deepening the soundstage image and increasing dynamic range extension. The earplug-like fit of the SE425 provides thorough noise-blocking and excellent listening privacy even in the noisiest environments, like during airline flights or whilst commuting. Highly recommended product for audiophile mobile/portable listeners and music lovers on the move who demand the best in sound whereverer they travel.

Shure's proprietary 'sound isolating' eartip sleeves deliver up to a claimed -37dB of isolation, meaning almost total blocking of ambient noise intrusion. The wide array of accessories and eartip shapes & sizes included with the SE425 ensures a comfortable wearing experience without the overly fastidious fit procedures of some deeper-inserting IEM brands. Remember to try all the various SE425 tip sets for the very best fit and, thus, the best sound quality performance. You can then (eventually) purchase a pack of your favored Shure tips separately and you're good to go for years. The SE425's cool detachable cable with 'wire-flex' routing enables easy cord replacement if ever needed, extending the life of your sonic investment while also offering a comfortable fit. Another of the SE425's big design advancements is their lightweight low-profile earpiece/ergonomics with an optimized earpiece nozzle angle specially designed by Shure engineers to rest comfortably within the ear. A handy over-the-ear cord routing style keeps cables out of the way and the user-detachable cable features a unique 'wireform' flexible fit with durable Kevlar-reinforced sheathing, which allows for quick replacement or -- even better -- some serious high-end cable customization down the road. Gold-plated MMCX connector into the SE425 earpieces has a solid lock-snap mechanism for full 360 degree rotation ensuring comfortable fit and long-life product durability without worries.

We stood around slack-jawed, stunned, and staring at each other when we first heard Jerry Harvey's audiophile creation, the JH-13PRO earphones. From the initial moment it was clear the industry has a new leader in the top 'audiologist-customized' in-ear headphone category. Expect the most correct timbral / tonal detail, analytically precise musical resolution, and true rapid-fire dynamics that easily rival -- if not surpass -- the best full-size reference headphones available. The JH13PRO's soundstage imaging is nothing short of an amazing feat of in-ear engineering: deeply layered, spaciously simple, and expansive enough to recover the most nuanced room sounds and subtle instrumental cues present in any quality recording. The JH 13PRO's mids & highs sing sweetly and soar smoothly into the uppermost frequency strata underpinned by a fully authoritative yet balanced bass response that's as textural as your favorite high-end room speaker. And the JH-13 PRO's customized in-ear fit ensures a comfortable wearing and listening experience even during long transcontinental journeys at 35,000ft. Suddenly, there's no question who dominates the extreme of audiophile earphones -- big congrats to JH Audio!

Jerry Harvey's 100% proprietary precision balanced armatures in the JH 13PRO provide dual low, dual mid and dual high micro-speakers with integrated 3-way crossover arrays that are not only completely seamless but beautifully neutral across all frequencies. Expect a true response of 10 Hz in the lowest lows to 20kHz in the uppermost highs and around minus -26dB of ambient noise-blocking [isolation] ability. The JH 13PRO are amongst the most efficient models in the entire JHA line at 28 Ohms impedance (excellent for low background noise floor levels) so they don't absolutely require an amp, but they'll nevertheless benefit from dedicated amplification to fully maximize their overall musical performance. We suggest partnering your customized JH13Pro earphones with a HeadRoom Portable Micro Amp or HeadRoom Portable Desktop Amp and your lossless or uncompressed music source for the most satisfying in-ear listening experience possible today. Serious music lovers and the most demanding critical listener will NOT be disappointed with the JH13PRO custom earphones.

Long considered the headphone to beat in the 'Under-$99' category, stiff competition has recently put the SR60i back into a good race for "Best Sounding Inexpensive Headphones". These mid-sized, open-earcup supra-aural cans will deliver a liquid-sounding midrange, present bright detail resolution in the upper mids/highs, and a cleanly focused bass response. The only possible detraction is a mild discontinuity in the treble ranges which gives it a somewhat "sparkly" sound rather than the ultra-smooth top end of extremely well-extended (and MUCH pricier!) headphones. Some customers express that the supra-aural foam mesh earpad comfort can be a fit issue, but gently bending the headband to conform more closely to the top of the head can help alleviate that problem for most wearers. The style thing is another matter altogether; use an SR-60i with an uber-hipster iPhone and you may be busted by the vigilant Fashionista Police. All kidding aside, this is a really enjoyable headphone that almost every listener could appreciate and the price sure is right.

Like all Grado Labs headphones, the SR-60i is an 'open' earcup design offering little or no isolation from outside noise. Also, others nearby might hear "leakage" from open-back cans when listening in quiet places or when someone's sitting nearby (i.e, libraries, workplace cubicles, bed etc,.).

A study in effective minimalist design, the Grado SR-60i has a very basic flexible vinyl headband with simple metal height adjusters that connect the earpieces to the headband, thus allowing for up and down adjustment plus complete 360 degree earpiece rotation. This feature is ideal for laying the headphones down flat--perfect for packing them in a briefcase. The SR-60i are very efficient & well-driven by most portable players or even inexpensive home equipment. The straight-type headphone connection cable measures roughly 7.5ft from the earcups to the plug tip and is attached to both earcups in a "Y" design. It comes terminated to a 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-plug and a snap-on 1/4" adapter handily comes provided on the SR-60i cord. 1-year SR-60 product warranty is handled by Grado Labs, the manufacturer, located in Brooklyn, NY USA.

Easily the best-sounding headphone Sennheiser has ever released anywhere near this reasonable pricepoint, the HD448 are outstanding audio performers bedecked with a bit of the cool hipster styling increasingly popular in headphone land. But don't let the cosmetic glitz fool you. The HD448 remain serious headphones suitable for even the most demanding ear. Excellent resolution, transparent timbral/tonal textures and quick dynamic range extension belie this can's within-reach price. The HD448's neodymium driver elements and lightweight diaphragm produce an airy yet rich tone full of correct musical detail with spacious soundstage imaging and surprisingly well-extended, seamless integration of the musical presentation at all frequency ranges. The HD448 earcups are a closed-back construction for ambient noise attenuation ability and nice listening privacy anywhere you want your tunes. Superb wearing comfort too from the HD448's full-size circumaural (around the ear) earpads. The HD448 sports a perfectly efficient 32-ohm impedance rating so they do not require an amp for good sound quality performance when used directly from MP3 players, iPads, iPhones and computers. However, adding a quality headphone amplifier can potentially transform the HD448 into a jaw-droppingly intense listening experience, the kind we've rarely experienced from a $99 can. So yet another no-holds-barred HeadRoom recommendation from these German headphone gurus!

The Sennheiser HD448 has circular earpad cushions that will gently rest on the extreme outer part of the earlobes for most wearers. It's a highly comfortable full-size headphone given the ergonomically balanced, lightweight design and 'no-pressure' clamping force of the headband assembly The single-sided (no messy 'Y-cord' tangles!) headphone cord exits at the left earcup, extends about 3 meters [9.5ft], and terminates to a 3.5mm (1/8") mini-plug jack ideal for nearly all mobile and portable audio sources. A full-size 1/4" gold-plated stereo plug adapter is also handily provided in the package along with a very useful 1.6 meter headphone cable extension cord for those needing a longer reach to their source. Neat Sennheiser storage/travel pouch provided. A free 2-year manufacturer's repair or replacement product warranty remains in effect with all Sennheiser headphones ONLY when proof-purchased via true 'Sennheiser authorized dealers'

There exist only a few bright stars in the sealed headphone universe and fewer still within reach of budget-conscious listeners seeking a well-priced can that is capable of doing many things very well. Enter the brazenly competent Audio Technica ATH-M50, a high-performance sealed/closed-back headphone that pro DJs, studio craftsmen, mobile music buffs, and budding audiophiles will all find attractive. The M50's excellent overall clarity, rich musical detail, and cleanly reproduced extension both high & low will surprise when comparing to others in the category at similar price points. Expect sonic accuracy fully responsive to the audio signal along with true presentation of the source quality for precise imaging of your music and recordings. For maximized resolution of subtle mix nuances plus quickened dynamic range response, we recommend mating the M50 with a dedicated headphone amp due to their 38-Ohm impedance & low 99dB sensitivity; However, they'll still perform just dandy un-amped direct from most iPods, MP3 players and laptop computers. And for those desiring listening privacy and environmental isolation without dreaded headphone 'leakage' disturbing others nearby, the M50's solid ambient noise seal -- combined with top-shelf sound quality -- makes these unassuming cans amongst the best 'mid-priced' sealed-earcup values in the entire industry in our humble HeadRoom opinion.

The ATH-M50 headphone comes in both a 9ft coiled-cord edition and straight-cord model featuring an approximate 11ft cable length. Both are otherwise identical with collapsible headband designs for easy portability and convenient storage or transit. The M50's cool black-matte look with stainless steel ring accents is very professional-looking without being too overstated. Soft black pleather circumaural earpads go fully around the ear for most wearers and can swivel 180 degrees for easy one-ear monitoring during DJ work or for live mixing needs. The single-sided headphone cord exits from the left earcup -- nicely eliminating pesky Y-cord tangling -- and terminates to a 3.5mm (1/8") mini-plug straight jack. A full-size 1/4" screw-on plug adapter is handily included with the M50 along with an AT travel pouch. A 1-year Audio-Technica manufacturer's warranty is standard for all AT 'Pro' series headphones when proof-purchased at authorized dealers

Shure have been leading the in-ear headphone category for years but the SRH series marks their introduction to the world of full-size headphones. Welcome Shure! The top-of-the-line Shure SRH840 model sports plush oversize earcups and a fully flexible headband design that may be most comfortable wearing experience in circumaural sealed headphones under $250. The bass reponse is definitely large and sonically pleasing but not overly thick or wooly, while the upper highs detail extension is well-rendered and simple sounding without acoustic coloration or harsh grain. We'd consider the SRH840 the warmer-toned 'big brother' versus the lower-priced SRH440's slightly brighter and more technically neutral sonic signature. The SRH840 40mm drivers and dynamic neodymium magnet transducers are optimized for critical listening as well as studio or home monitoring applications and deliver accurate, engaging musical reproduction. Consider these headphones for both home/office and portable use; they're especially well-suited for pairing with a headphone amp for maximized clarity, dynamics, and full musical detail resolution.

The all-black Shure SRH840 headphones have a 9.5ft detachable cord and a fully collapsible construction for ease of transit & travel. The easily removeable 3 meter coiled cord terminates to a 1/8" [3.5mm] gold-plated mini-jack; a screw-on 1/4" full-size plug adapter is provided in the package. The large earcups are padded in a soft leather-type material that remains comfortable for long listening sessions and also easily withstands heavy-duty usage. The SRH840 model thoughtfully includes an additional set of replacement earpads in the box. The SRH840's hinged earcups fold up and inward towards the adjustable sliding headband for collapsible storage. The Shure headband design remains a marvel of slick engineering and appears both extremely flexible (comfortable!) and durably built for the long haul. A Shure soft-sided headphone travel pouch is provided. The free 2-year manufacturer's warranty is serviced exclusively by Shure Audio worldwide ONLY when proof-purchased from verified "100% Shure-authorized" heaphone dealers

The venerable AKG K271 headphone made its handsome reputation in recording studios and pro applications in the most demanding audio facilities around the world -- and it's no wonder why. This updated AKG k271S-MKII model continues to deliver a smoothly refined sound with clean extension in the upper mids & treble ranges. The sealed/closed 'circumaural' around-the-ear earcup fit provides a good degree of ambient noise isolation while preventing dreaded "leakage" from the headphones into the microphone during critical close-mic recording sessions or while listening in close quarters and noisy environs. It's an excellent sealed-back candidate for listening to acoustic/classic jazz recordings and for guitar-based folk or chillaxed jam-band music. Chorale music, string quartet, and symphonic chamber music will also come through clear and articulate with a spacious soundstage image that gives a lovely presentation of quality reference recordings. However, the K271-MKII's tightly damped bass response is probably not quite slamming or present enough for most hip-hop, funk, or techno/electronica fans, but should do just fine if big heavy bass is not your thing. Despite their larger earcup sizing, these are still fairly lightweight headphones offering an ergonomic, comfortable wear for the vast majority of users. The k271 MKII's fairly efficient 55-Ohm impedance rating makes them game for most mobile listening applications sans headphone amp, although no question a dedicated head phone amp will fully maximize the clarity of precise timbral/tonal textures, dynamic range 'quickness', and overall musical detail resolution of this remarkable full-size headphone.

These classic old-school looking cans live up to the long-standing tradition of durable, comfortable headphones from Austria's powerhouse AKG Acoustics. Along with the signature 2-point suspension 'auto-fit' system of the headband, these cans feature a high-quality, easily detachable 99.99% OFC headphone cable that exits the left earcup and terminates to a gold-plated 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-plug jack. The K271MKII cord has a 3-pin mini-XLR connection into the headphones and can be quickly owner-replaced and/or upgraded. AKG includes two 'stock' quick-detach cables in the MKII packaging; a coiled 5-meter cord along with a 3-meter straight cable. Both 271MKII headphone cords terminate to a mini-plug 3.5mm jack (1/8") and a full-size 1/4"-inch screw-on adapter is handily provided. The MKII packaging also includes two sets of K271 earpads, a pair in black leather & another pair of velour fabric pads. The headphones feature a unique 'auto on/off' switch built into the headband assembly that activates whenever you take the K271 on or off your head. An AKG 2-year product warranty remains standard with all their headphones only when purchase from true AKG-authorized dealer -- like HeadRoom! 100% manufactured and assembled in Austria.

The Monster Beats by Dre Studio headphones are amongst the most in-demand cans in all of headphone-land and it's no wonder why; they really do have everything. According to Monster founder Noel Lee, the Beats went through 150 product design iterations before Dr.Dre and Monster were completely happy, and the extreme attention to detail clearly shows in both form and function. The Studio headphones offer astonishing looks, extremely comfortable design ergonomics, true "active" (powered) noise-cancelling design, and surprisingly advanced sound quality all in a circumaural, 'around the ear' sealed-earcup full-size headphone ready for the streets, airplane, iPod / iPhone or home stereo. If hearing all the bass present in your music is a top demand, the Beats by Dr.Dre handle it with ease delivering the full dynamics & sonic detail of the recording like you've never heard it. It's a clear contender to be one of the top audio performers in the entire noise-cancelling category and easily amongst the best-looking high-performance set of headphones we've laid eyes on. The Beats by Dre Studio are an easy HeadRoom recommendation for hip audio mavens everywhere.

The Monster Beats by Dr.Dre Studio headphones have a cosmetically beautiful, black-with-red-accents high-gloss finish that sets them apart from the usual boring grey headphones. Outstanding build quality includes: full headband collapsibility for travel, very comfortable sealed-back earcups and extra-soft earcup padding, and a matching red, fully detachable, flat-wound micro-cord that is terminated to a high-quality gold-plated 1/8" [3.5mm] mini-plug jack. The proprietary (of course!) Monster Beats by Dr.Dre headphone flat-wound, non-tangle cord extends only about 3.5 ft -- which is ideal for portable listening -- and features straight 3.5mm plug on both ends. This ingenious flat-wound micro-strand cabling nicely resists tangling while looking schweet in the process. Killer headphones and rated as "highly recommended" by our VERY picky HeadRoom audio fanatics!

How would you describe sonic perfection? How to describe something that simply disappears and evaporates? Neutral? Transparent? Just you and the night and the music? We listened agape ... astonished ... enthralled. Simply put, these are the best audio-engineered, most precisely neutral, and the best-sounding pair of open-back headphones we've encountered during our 20+ years in the industry. Every hard-core audiophile and audio professional should own a pair if possible.

Wrap your head in a pair of Sennheiser HD800s and the first thing you'll notice is the extraordinary transient response. The natural snap of the leading edge of pianos, strings and voices is beautifully coherent without being overly sharp. Within each xylophone strike one hears both the instantaneously loud bell-like tone and the metallic 'ting' as the mallet strikes the bar. Trumpets and trombones cease to blare and become the the vibrant urging of tightly pressed fleshy lips. What was a crash & wash of cymbals and drums are now discreet musical instruments each with a timbre and body of its own. The previously bland notes from an upright bass or hand-bongo become fingerprints on gut and skin. What can we say, simply the most astonishingly seamless, well-extended, articulate, accurate headphone we've ever heard.

So, how did they do it? At the heart of the HD800 is a patented ring radiating transducer whose special property is that it can radiate a very large -- and a very coherent -- audio wavefront. Sennheiser has placed this driver slightly in front of, and pointing slightly rearward at the ear so as to mimic the more planar wavefront the ear hears in normal spatial (speaker) listening. As much or more than any headphone we've heard before, the HD800 produces an exquisitely natural, deep, and exquistely stable audio image. This unique ring-radiator is structured to be both very large and very fast, allowing clear highs without cone breakup and naturally textured lows with it's ability to move lots of air quickly.

The luxuriant sumptousness doesn't just stop with the audio drivers either. Special Leona ultra-high rigidity plastics, stainless steel mesh ear cup grilles, metal sandwich headband construction, and super-cushy earpads provide a perfectly engineered acoustic system along with a display-worthy look and feel. A surprisingly excellent cable also comes with the HD800 headphone. It's fully detachable at the earcups by the user with 'quick-detach' custom metal connectors. The cord extends about 9.5ft and terminates to a sweet n' beefy 1/4" inch headphone plug. All HD800 headphones are precisely hand-assembled and individually serial numbered at Sennheiser's headquarters facility in Germany. A kingly piece of ultra high-end audio art, indeed!