Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Earphones (White)
by Ultimate Ears
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Our Price: $189.95
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Category: CE
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: Ultimate EarsModel: 5 Pro White
Color: White
Product features:
- Dual Drivers for wide frequency response (20 to 16,000 HZ) and efficient performance
- Professional Quality Sound
- Noise Isolating Design attenuates outside noise by an amazing 26db
- Comfortable and Secure Ear Loops
- Includes Universal Fit kit and a protective metallic travel case to store earphones
- Skullcandy SC-SBB3.5 Smokin' Earbud Black
- Able Planet Clear Harmony Over the Head Stereo Headphones
- Logitech Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Philips HL150 Lightweight Stereo Headphones
- Koss SPARKPLUG - Stereo In Ear Ear Plugs
Digital camera reviews of Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Earphones (White)
Digital camera Review: Definitely the best value in the UE line.
Summary: 5 Stars
The super.fi 5's are definitely the "most bang for the buck" in the UE product line. I currently own super.fi 3's (three pairs), super.fi 5's, super.fi 5 EB's, and triple.fi 10's, so I have some basis for my statements. The super.fi 3's are serviceable and have above-average sound, but they don't touch the super.fi 5's. The triple.fi 10's are bigger, bulkier, and more expensive. While they DO sound better, I don't think they sound THAT much better than the super.fi 5's. With that out of the way, a couple comments that may be helpful:
1. Whether it's stated or not, comfort and fit are probably the most significant factors in preferring one earphone to another. This is not just because it is fatiguing to use ill-fitting earphones, but because properly-fitted earphones generally have better and more balanced sound. And, contrary to what these reviews might lead you to believe, there are NO earphones out there that fit every ear comfortably. If you follow some of the "headphone forums" you will see that every manufacturer and every model of earphone eventually comes under criticism for poor fit. Some people can improve the fit with foam earpieces, some use custom molded earpieces, some buy after-market "olives", but nobody ever says "this earphone fits everyone perfectly." Soooo....try 'em out first.
2. The super.fi's and triple.fi's have "memory" cables (i.e., there's a wire embedded under the insulation at the connection to the earpiece.) Some people hate them and find them intolerable. Some people think they work great and wouldn't be without them. I find them very comfortable and prefer them to other cable types. I normally route them back over my ears and let the cables trail down to rest on my chest. If you want limp cables that fall straight down from your ears, I do not recommend the UE's.
3. The UE's are not the smallest earphones out there. If you want small, low-profile earphones, you may want to consider some other manufacturers' models. In fact, the super.fi 5 EB's are HUGE, with a low-frequency driver enclosure that looks twice as big as that of the standard super.fi 5's.
4. The cables on the UE's are replaceable. They have little gold-plated pins that pressure-fit into sockets on the earpieces. You can easily replace the cables or even buy UE and third-party "upgrade" cables to customize them.
5. I have worn UE's for hundreds of hours and never had a problem with breakage or intermittent connections. Of course, I treat them with respect. (This is where I expect to get flamed....) I coil them neatly and return them to the carrying case after every use. I clean them periodically. I do not wear them when I'm working out. (Well, actually, I DO wear super.fi 3's when I'm mowing the lawn or working in the yard, but only because they're fairly cheap. And even then, I'm careful of snagging the cables.) I truly believe that MOST of the reports of poor durability are actually cases of mistreating the earphones or cables. And don't forget...you can replace the cable assembly in its entirety in just a few minutes if you damage it or bend the pins in the plug.
6. Active noise cancellation has its place, but I've never heard a set of earphones or headphones with active noise cancellation that sound as good as high-quality sealing earphones without noise cancellation. I've tried Sennheisers, Bose, Sonys, Audio-Technicas...you name it.
7. Finally...make sure you have a decent audio source and quality material. The UE's are very efficient and I often use them without a headphone amp. (They will benefit from increased power, though.) But you need to have decent digital files (preferably uncompressed files...none of this 128 Kb/s junk) and a good quality player.
That's it. Good luck! If you are looking at these, then you also want to consider the Etymotics and Shure lines.
Summary of Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Earphones (White)
Imagine professional quality sound out of earphones designed for your on-the-go lifestyle. The compact, lightweight design and metallic travel case allow the earphones to go where you go. The flexible ear loops secure the earphones in place and the universal fit kit enables maximum comfort and noise isolation from the world around you. Best of all, the dual driver in-ear technology allow you to experience music as it is meant to be heard. Professional Construction - Small form factor, lightweight durable design made for active lifestyles Fashion conscious styling - Intuitive, stylish design. Available in white and black finishes Noise Isolating Design - In-ear fit and customizable ear tips maximize noise isolation from the environment for the ultimate listening experience Flexible ear loops & Low friction cable - Flexible ear loops secure earphones in place and route cable behind ears offering maximum comfort and eliminating tangled cables Metallic Travel Case - Metallic crush proof case protects earphones while on the go Input Sensitivity - 119dB/mW Impedance - 21 Ohms Input connector - 1/8-inch (3.5mm) Gold plated Frequency Response - 20 to 16,000 Hz Noise isolation - 26 dB Cable Length - 46 inches Weight With Cable Assembly - 0.6 ouncesCameras and Photo
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