JUST RIGHT?
It's unusual to see PC Magazine award a five-star, "Excellent" Editor's Choice rating to anything, so I take notice when they do. Typically, even Editor's Choice ratings are four to four and a half stars.
The product that wins this lofty accolade is something I coincidentally ordered a few days ago based on other reviews, and am awaiting delivery. It's the Shure E500PTH "in-ear" headphones, for use with your favorite MP3 player, and/or stereo.
Here's what they say about the gizmo:
"Shure's new flagship in-ear headphone model, the E500PTH, simply sounds amazing. The company managed to squeeze three drivers into each compact noise-isolating earphone, and the included detachable Push-To-Hear module provides an innovative way to hear what's going on around you when you need to.
They're also comfortable enough to leave in for an entire day—which I actually did, believe it or not—unlike nearly every other in-ear model I've tested. So what's the catch? They'll run you a cool $549 (list), but this is a price I'd be willing to pay for what I consider the best."
I've been a long-time user of the Bose QuietComfort 3 "over-the-ear" headphones, and recently gave their new QuietComfort 2 "ON-the-ear" model. Both have been also given highly rated by PC Magazine, with the QC 3 getting 4 stars, and the new QC 2 getting 4 and a 1/2 stars, and an Editor's Choice rating.
I've typically disliked in-ear headphones, and prefer ones that go over or on the ears, like the Bose models. But both the Bose models can be a bit heavy, and a bit uncomfortable after a few hours of use. That's one cross-country flight, which is when I usually use these things.
On a recent such flight, I found the Bose QC 2 worked very well, but did cause a bit of pain in my right ear after about three and a half hours of use. The pain lasted for a couple of hours after we landed, and I've been hesitant to try them since.
I ordered the Shure headphones in the hope they avoid some of the pitfalls of the Bose, but am not sure I'll like the in-ear design in the long-term.
The PC Magazine review helps bolster by decision to get them, but will reserve final judgment until I get to try them on a cross-country flight.
If you've already experienced these in the "real world", I'd be curious on your opinion and feedback.
The three headphones cover the three different ways headphones are typically designed, and give a fairly good selection to choose from, even for a very picky Goldilocks.
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