Etymotic Research HF2 Hands-Free Earphone Headset with Microphone (Cobalt Blue, iPhone Compatible) available on November 06 2014 from Amazon for 106.90
UPC bar code 898234000244 ξ1 registered November 06 2014
Headset and earphones for iPod, iPhone and other mobile phones * For music phones and music players that take 3.5 mm/4-contact phone plus stereo plug * Highest noise isolation of all competing headsets * Exceptional sound quality * 20Hz-16kHz frequency response accuracy, 16 Ohms impedance
Others have applauded the superior sound quality, and I will second that without repeating the details. However, there is too little emphasis on the side effects of this technology: the noise induction when under isolation.Basically, the cables connected to the earpieces rub up against your shirt, ID badge, iPod, whatever. . . and you hear every single impulse and beat of that damn cable moving around. It's akin to hearing a motor boat miles away when underwater or holding your ear against a wall to eaves..
I've used in-ear headphones and monitors almost exclusively for just over two-years now, both for use on-stage music monitoring, and for day-to-day ipod listening. Obviously, comparing in-ear monitors to in-ear headphones isn't quite fair -- they don't do the same thing. But, judging each pair for how well they succeed at their given task, i would definitely say the ER HF2s are hands-down the best pair of headphones I own.(I currently use a pair of EarPeace LiveWires for on-stage music monitoring, and have ..
You've seen those people with earphone-mic combos for those phones - you know, *those* people who walk around, holding the mic up to their mouth, who might as well pull out the earphone and just hold the phone up to their ear. Are they uncomfortable, thinking that the mic won't pick up their voice, or are they compensating for a lackluster microphone? If the latter, that will not be necessary with the Etymotic HF2 earphone headset, whose mic is every bit as strong as the one built into most phones, if not..
