The Price: $400.00

The Verdict: As with any expensive noise canceling headphones that are geared towards frequent flyers, comfort, sound quality, and noise canceling are all equally important when reviewing.

Comfort
Doesn't matter how great a pair of headphones sound, they must be comfortable to wear especially when they're canceling out noise on long haul flights. My first comfort impression: they're surprisingly light when wearing. Usually big over-the-ear headphones are uncomfortably heavy; but not these. The ear-cup padding is relatively thin and firm, but still comfortable. The padding on the top head strap has this same firm feel and is more than adequate. A month ago on a SF to Paris flight, I wore these headphones for a continuous 10 hours before I started to notice discomfort. So I can safely say they pass the comfort test.

Sound Quality
Now I'm no audiophile, but I do enjoy a crisp vibrant sound. It must be noted that these headphones always have the noise canceling feature on, so they aren't exactly like a pair of normal headphones. The overall sound quality is great, but it's not astonishing. With volume at medium level the depth is there with a clean undistorted sound. In the higher volume levels the headphones start to produce very light noise and some minimal distortion. But this is at very high levels which I couldn't handle for more than a few seconds. Even though the headphones are expensive, it's excusable that the sound quality wasn't amazing because the noise canceling totally makes up for it.

Noise Canceling
I'm still a bit confused to how this "digital technology for noise canceling" exactly works. But I do know it works very well. It's my understanding that it converts the analog signal digitally by using a digital processor, and then it can apply different environmental filters based on the surroundings. When you first turn the headphones on they use the standard non-environmently filtered noise canceling. This setting worked well, but by clicking the AI (artificial intelligence) button located right next to the power switch, the audio cut out for a second then came back even better. The AI NC mode uses an automatic environmental filter mode where it can detect the HZ range of noise and apply a filter to mask it. There are three different modes, one for a plane, one for a train/bus, and another for an office/study environment. I did play with the different manual modes for a bit but found that the automatic setting could choose the right one for me, so I had no need for the manual settings.

Once I figured out the AI NC feature I started to enjoy the headphones even more. I could barely hear the roar of the jet's engines, but at the same time I could slightly hear important outside sounds, like my girl friend asking me to get her ice cream. I tested the noise canceling against a pair of $200 JVC HA-NC250 on-the-ear noise canceling headphones. Compared to the JBLs, the Sonys were amazingly better. The JBLs let in more outside noise and had a slight distortion/buzz in sound. The Sony's clarity and overall enjoyment was much better.

Accessories
These headphones come with a huge carrying case that is packed full of accessories. The case is so big that it makes carrying it sort of a hassle, but it does have every accessory you could ever need. It's got an in-flight adapter, 1/4" stereo adapter, 2 3.5mm stereo cords, a charger, and even a AA battery powered adapter for when you run out of internal juice.

Final Verdict
I'm currently 30,000 feet above the Atlantic in a Boeing 747 and I can't hep but gush over these headphones. They're simply amazing. But are they worth the price? For most people I would say no way. I think these are only for those frequent flyers who are regularly taking flights longer than 5 hours. The $400 price tag can only be justified if the headphones are being used a few times a month and not just to block out sounds around the house.

The noise-canceling is self-adapting based on the type of battlefield noise (super normal hearing!), and it has dual wireless push to talk. Not only are they waterproof to 20m (!), they're interoperable with the majority of tactical radios and will let soliders control two radios at once. And yes, that's the actual promo video. BAD. ASS. Blam's thinking about getting some for WWDC and CES. [Silynx via Gizmag]

While I completely agree that listening to music too loudly can inhibit your ability to recognize and react to a potentially dangerous situation around you, I can't help but find it completely baffling that this story sparked a debate about the dangers of headphone use while completely glossing over the fact that this dude was hit by a HELICOPTER. In fact, no concrete evidence was given that he was even wearing headphones at the time. At any rate, this fiasco has really struck a chord with me. From this day forward I will not wear headphones while traveling on foot just in case a meteor, satellite, or charging rhino should be barreling towards me. [Globe and Mail via Headphone Info]

Using these devices, visitors are treated to a clicking sound indicating water being pulled up from the roots to the leaves through the xylem tube. If this sounds like some weird hippie crap to you, I definitely hear that. However, I can appreciate Metcalf's unique artistic approach. Plus, it does represent an interesting way to fuse nature and technology. The Tree Listening Installation is currently on exhibit at the Royal Botanical Gardens just outside of London. [Alex Metcalf via Oddinstrument via Coolbuzz]

The standard, which runs $60 and has no separate volume control. There's also a backpack add on for $50, which Wilson seemed unusually amped about (pardon the pun) since he regularly lugs around a giant Boy Scout backpack. Finally, there's a motorcycle pack which has a beefier amp in the back in addition to the stereo speakers, and can supposedly be heard at speeds up to 80MPH, though the rep admitted he hadn't actually tested it. It's $140, but the shame is free. [Giz @ Koreannovation]

The Gear
From Razer, I got the Lachesis mouse, Lycosa keyboard, Piranha headset and Destructor pad. That's $80 each for components plus a $40 mouse pad, totalling $280.

From SteelSeries, it's the Ikari Laser ($90), 7G keyboard ($150), Siberia Neckband headset ($100) and QcK+pad ($15). Do the math and it adds up to $355.

My old, battle-tested equipment, all Logitech: MX500, Media Elite keyboard, whatever free Logitech headset came with Unreal Tournament 2004 and a free Vista mousepad. Street (or garage sale) value of about $45.

Quick and Dirty Conclusions
It takes more than 20 minutes to get used to a new keyboard and mouse. So I spent a couple days with each set to get comfortable before actual testing with what I've been at almost exclusively on PC as of late: Team Fortress 2. I didn't want readjusting to a game like Battlefield 2142 added to the list of possible variables.

Because of my style of play (mostly heavy/sniper, offensive support), the best indicator of whether or not my game improved is still kill-to-death ratio, even though TF2 is an objective-oriented game. I've taken the results for 15 rounds of gameplay for each set of gear, then averaged them out to a single K-D ratio for each, and accounting for dominations (killing same guy three times).

SteelSeries: 2.6, with 5 dominations
Logitech: 2.42, with 2 dominations
Razer: 1.98, with 2 dominations

What It All Means
Objectively, SteelSeries made me a better gamer. Why? Because comfort level is the bottom line when it comes to gaming (or any) gear you grip or pound everyday, more so than any stupid spec or number proving how awesome a piece of equipment is. Ergonomically, the SteelSeries stuff just felt right, even after using it a short while.

Fans of Logitech's MX500 (me!) or G5 series mice will dig the SteelSeries Ikari mouse, since it's almost the exact same, but with an extra nub for your ring finger, plus it fixes the crappy scroll wheel issue that plagues the G5 and G7. The Razer Lachesis mouse is ambidextrous, and it just never felt right. (I'm not a claw gripper, though.) I kept accidentally hitting the buttons on the right side of the mouse, causing it to reboot to change profiles, which got me killed more than once. The braided cable on the Ikari, like on Logitech's G5 mouse, was a construction plus over Lycosa's thin rubber cord, though they both feel solid. I don't think either is worth the price ($90 for a mouse is insane), though—my MX500 is still just fine.

Keyboard-wise, Razer's Lycosa actually has a better layout (big backspace, small enter) than SteelSeries' 7G. It's also the much sexier of the two. But I'm not too big on its squishy laptop-style keys for gaming, and the keys' rubber coating started out as a plus and grew into a minus as it made my fingers feel weird and sorta chapped after extended sessions. SteelSeries compromises between big clacky keys and soft touch by registering the key press at the halfway point—they're tall keys—so you can go light or really slam them. I wish it had the subtle backlighting like the Lycosa , and maybe some more macro options. But the build quality of the 7G is absolutely bunker-worthy—it's incredibly heavy. I could club a family of baby seals to death with it and go back to gaming (after wiping the blood off). Yeah, it's $150, but it feels like it's going to stick around to the next ice age, so you're actually paying for solid equipment, gaming BS aside. The Lycosa feels more fragile—not crappy, but just above average.

Headsets have the same build matchup—the SteelSeries is heavier and more sturdy—but this time the cheaper Razer Piranha comes out ahead in audio quality (no surprise, actually). Positional audio was much truer, especially rear to front (a necessity to avoid getting backstabbed by a bastard Spy). Besides, as SteelSeries readily admitted to me, the Siberias suck for music.

Mousing surfaces? Whatever. Beyond the basics of non-reflectivity, it's total hype.

Conclusion
SteelSeries made me a better gamer, but the label "gaming gear" is BS. Buy what feels comfortable, because that's what you'll game better with. If you're a fan of Razer ergonomic styles (I wasn't overly) then it might be worth the extra price, but on the construction merits alone, it doesn't necessarily stack up. The SteelSeries stuff felt more substantial and like the build quality was slightly more commensurate with the higher price point (though I still think the 7G should go for like $100, not $150). Most scientific statement I can make: I was most comfortable with SteelSeries and my old gear, so I did better with them. [SteelSeries, Razer]

It will be out in June or July 2008, for a suggested retail price of $80, and endless mocking from your friends and colleagues. [Popbox Collectibles]

Move Freely: Logitech Unveils First Wireless Stereo Headset Designed for Internet Calling with a PC

Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless Headset Offers 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology, Simple Setup, High-Performance Stereo Audio

HANNOVER, Germany - CEBIT - Mar. 4, 2008 — Today at CeBIT, Logitech (SWX:
LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) unveiled the company's first wireless stereo headset
designed for Internet calling with a PC: the Logitech(R) ClearChat PC
Wireless™ headset. The ClearChat PC Wireless headset combines
high-performance stereo audio with 2.4 GHz wireless technology, allowing
people the freedom to move around when they make VoIP calls - no wires
attached.

"More and more people are making voice calls over the Internet, but until
now, they have had to choose between wired headsets that keep them tethered
to their PCs or wireless headsets that offer poor audio and voice quality,"
said Gina Clark, general manager and vice president of Logitech's Internet
Communications business unit. "With the Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless
headset, people can make a PC call while grabbing a snack, sitting on the
couch or leaning back in their chair - PC calling has never been so
convenient and never sounded so good."

The Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless enables people to move freely up to 33
feet (10 meters) from their computer. With the included USB transmitter,
the headset effortlessly connects to a PC or Mac computer right out of the
box - no software or pairing required. And to help ensure no call gets
interrupted, the ClearChat PC Wireless headset's 2.4 GHz wireless
technology features both crisp, uncompressed stereo audio and an advanced
algorithm that minimizes interference -even in the busiest wireless
environments, such as an airport, office or hotel.

The ClearChat PC Wireless delivers rich, high-quality stereo audio through
proprietary laser-tuned audio drivers. For optimal voice clarity, the
headset features a noise-canceling microphone on a flexible boom that
adjusts to the desired distance from the mouth. Additionally, volume and
microphone mute controls are located on the right earpiece and the
microphone automatically mutes when rotated to an upright position. As an
added convenience, the microphone emits a soft, red glow when muted.

Designed with comfort in mind, the ClearChat PC Wireless headset features a
padded headband and plush ear pads. The headset works with popular Internet
calling applications, including Skype(R), Windows Live™, Yahoo!(R), Google
Talk(R) and AIM(R).

In addition to Internet calling, the ClearChat PC Wireless headset provides
high-performance audio and a comfortable design that make it ideal for
listening to music, watching movies or playing games on the PC.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless headset is expected to be available in
the U.S. and Europe in May for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.).

With three modes for walking, jogging and aerobics, the device also accepts audio input from an MP3 player so you can jog along to your favorite tunes, or a recording of your most inspiring jody if you actually are a military type. Available in April for around $53. [Tech.co.uk and Dvice]

It's pretty light as long as you don't look up. And you don't feel space age-y. The sound is good, but it's not isolated, so you can (and do) hear a lot of ambient noise, though if the volume's up, you can't really make out what anyone's saying. Bass didn't particularly stand out, but it wasn't lacking. My two big concerns: The sound doesn't quite justify $500, and I don't know how comfortable they would be after a couple hours of continuous wear. I think they're pretty neat overall though. [Sony 2008 Line Show]

The two speakers are one inch in diameter and die-cast aluminum in build, and the headband is of a light metal. Sony claims the the higher frequencies hit the outer ear, and the bass drills into your dome. $500, in April. These headphones have been in Japan for a little while now, and Wired even has a review of a prototype. (Which didn't go over so well.)

What you will look like wearing this V1:

Speakers Made Personal In a marriage between headphones and speakers, the PFR-V1 personal field speakers are designed to create a listening field around your ears. Music is projected through two 1-inch, die-cast aluminum speakers that are connected with a headband made of light-weight duralumin metal. When you place the band on your head, the speakers appear to float in front of your ears. The silicone rubber fittings on the band position the speakers about a half inch from your outer ear and direct the front of the speakers toward your ear canal. The speakers deliver mid- and high-range audio frequencies in a field of sound aimed toward the outer ear, while the bass frequency sound is delivered directly to the ear canal via the extended bass reflex ducts. By placing the speaker unit outside the ear and delivering the audio from multiple directions, you get the sense that music is being played directly in front of you — similar to the experience of being in a concert hall. The PFR-V1 personal field speakers, powered by two AA batteries, will be available in April for about $500.

See? Just don't ask me which is which.

Active Style Headphones Perfect for Sport and Fitness Enthusiasts Sony is also introducing a line of headphones that are designed to stay put when you're not. Whether on the treadmill, the track, or trekking through the mountains, the new Active Style collection features five headphones with a slim design styled with black silicone rubber with orange-red accents. In addition, all active style headphones have moisture-resistant features. The MDR-AS20J headphones fit around the outer ear with an earbud that sets inside the ear canal. The MDR-AS40EX headphones feature a convertible ear hanger so you can transform them from over-the-ear headphones to a traditional earbud style, offering users versatility and personal preference. The collection also will include more traditional headband style headphones (model MDR-AS100W), behind-the-neck earbud headphones (model MDR-AS50G) and behind-the neck open air headphones (model MDR-AS30G). The headphones will range in price from $20 to $100.

MDR-AS100W Over the Head Earbud Headphones Available in March for about $100 Lightweight, secure fitting headphones with single side cord for sports usage Short (2 foot) cord ideal for armband use; supplied extension cord (2 feet) for general use Water-resistant design Three sizes of earbuds (S, M, L)

MDR-AS50G Behind the Neck Earbud Headphones
Available in March for about $50
Lightweight spiral neck-band headphones for secure fit during activity
Short (2 foot) cord ideal for armband use; supplied extension cord (2 feet) for general use
Water-resistant design and washable carrying case
Three sizes of earbuds (S, M, L)

MDR-AS40EX Over the Ear Earbud Headphones
Available in March for about $40
Detachable ear hangers for stable fit
Short (2 foot) cord ideal for armband use; supplied extension cord (2 feet) for general use
Water-resistant design
Three sizes of earbuds (S, M, L)

MDR-AS30G Around the Neck Headphones
Available in March for about $30
Newly developed stability tip prevents movement of headphones

Transform Your Headphones

Sony's first portable Bluetooth receiver converts virtually any pair of headphones into a stereo headset and extends this wireless streaming technology to headphone styles that may not yet be available with embedded stereo Bluetooth capabilities.

Weighing just over half an ounce and measuring less than three inches long, the black and silver DRC-BT15 Bluetooth receiver clips to your clothing or can attach to an arm band. Simply plug your preferred headphones into the stereo mini-jack on the ultra-portable receiver, pair the receiver with a compatible Bluetooth device like the new NWZ-A820 Walkman® video MP3 player, and start streaming music in stereo.

A simple toggle control allows you to adjust the volume, play, stop, pause, fast-forward or rewind the music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled music source (using Bluetooth AVRCP or Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).
The receiver also has a discrete, embedded microphone that can be used for hands-free calls when you pair the receiver to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers up to six hours of talk time or music playback. The receiver will be available in March for about $130.

Check out this Q&A from today's Wall Street Journal:

Q: I was recently given a pair of the Bose QC3 headphones [smaller earphones at top] with active noise canceling, and have felt queasy every time I put them on. I had to take them off and lie down at one point, and ended up throwing up later that night and was unable to eat more than apple sauce the next day. As crazy as it sounds, did the headphones cause my discomfort?

A: It's possible. Bose's "Acoustic Noise Cancelling" headphones work by electronically determining the difference between wanted and unwanted sounds, and creating a correction signal that acts to negate the unwanted noise, according to its website. (The company didn't respond to requests to comment.) Sarah Stackpole, a New York ear, nose and throat doctor, speculates that the sound waves that cancel each other out may still transmit enough very low frequency vibrations to stimulate the balance receptors that are connected to the hearing hair cells in the inner ear. These vibrations are akin to those caused by blast explosions or barotrauma in scuba diving, but much less forceful, she says. The disequilibrium that some people may feel from this is made worse because the vibrations falsely signal that the head is moving, but the eyes report that the head is stationary. Those mixed signals make the headphone wearer feel dizzy.

Has anyone had similar experiences? [Wall Street Journal via Book of Joe]

Correction Request: Microsoft Sued, Zune Owner Claims Ear Damage Microsoft Zune Injuries Mon, Feb 4, 2008 at 4:14 PM To: bennyg@gizmodo.com Hi Benny,

I read your article and notice that you didn't mention the blast of noise that happened the very same instant as the shock. The coupling of these two device malfunctions are a key part of the claim. Would you mind updating the post?

The actual claim can be found here: www.microsoftzuneinjuries.com

Regards,

Joel

Thanks for the update, but we're not sure what the domain name is getting at — as far as we know, this guy's lawsuit is based solely on the headphone injury, but perhaps it will one day expand to represent victims of any and all bodily harm encountered while trying to join the Social. Geddis' attorneys hope to make this a class-action case, but first they'll have to find more Zune owners who have experienced this problem. Finding a niche that narrow sounds like a tall order to us. [Zune Injuries via Gadget Lab]

Elsewhere, audiophiles on the Head-Fi forums are complaining that the update brought "hiss" and "static" to the classic, and others say that the firmware froze their iPods or restored them inadvertently. (Note: We have not noticed any irregularities like this after extended use with our own updated classic.)

So what's the reason behind all this? Is El Jobso trying to control our minds with hypnotic pulses again? Make us switch to the iPhone? Per usual, Apple does not have any response to the matter. If a new firmware update comes soon, well, that's probably as good a confirmation as we're ever gonna get. [The Street]

They admitted that they weren't sure why there are other headphones advertised as digital noise canceling, since they all use an analog mechanism for equaling out the sound. These do an analog to digital conversion using a digital signal processor with three filters. That should, in theory, result in far better sound since the sound gets cleaned up with digital EQ before you hear it.

SONY PRESENTS WORLD'S FIRST DIGITAL NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES

Digital Signal Processor Boosts Noise Canceling Accuracy

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2008 - For anyone who spends more time reclined on an airplane rather than sitting at home in a recliner, Sony today unveiled the world's first digital noise canceling headphones.

The lightweight, MDR-NC500D model headphones use digital technology to more accurately reduce stress-inducing noise from planes, trains and busses, while providing a high-quality audio experience.

The headphones can reduce up to 99 percent of ambient noise at 160HZ, which is the peak frequency of a jet engine.

"By going digital, our noise canceling headphones deliver a balanced and rich sound, while delivering the highest level of noise cancellation when traveling or commuting," said Andy Bubala, director of marketing for personal audio accessories at Sony Electronics. "The ability to bring digital technology to ultra-light headphones should keep Sony as the industry leader in the headphone market."

Digital Defeats Analog

The increased rate and accuracy of noise reduction in these six-ounce headphones is due to the use or a unique digital noise canceling software engine, a set of digital filters located in the built-in digital signal processor.

To start the noise canceling process a microphone found inside the ear cup of the headphones takes an analog audio reading and converts the sound to digital. At the same time, the analog audio input signal is converted to a digital signal and sent through a digital equalizer to enhance the mid-range vocals and alleviate the excess bass — two features that can be negatively affected in most noise-canceling headphones.

The audio signal is compared to the noise signal, and the DNC software engine uses a digital filter to remove ambient noise that registers in the desired frequency range. The resulting signal is converted back to analog and sent to the headphones' driver for sound reproduction. Bubala said this digital-based process enables more effective noise cancellation than is possible using analog filter technology.

Sony's DNC software engine makes it possible for these digital noise canceling headphones to offer three distinct noise canceling modes optimized for different environments: airplane, train/ bus, or office.

By pressing an artificial intelligence noise canceling button found on the outside of the right ear piece, the headphones scan the ambient noise profile and intelligently select the best mode to cancel out the highest amount of unwanted sound.

Each mode uses a different digital filter in the digital signal processor, which has been specifically tuned for effective noise reduction in these different sound environments.

Quality, Comfort and Style

Sony developed the MDR-NC500D digital noise canceling headphones with long flights and stress relief in mind. They are powered by an internal lithium-ion battery that can operate for up to 16 hours on a single charge. They also have an external battery box that holds two AA batteries for when there is no access to a wall plug.

To provide comfort during long hours of wear, the new headphones feature thick, urethane foam padding in the ear pieces that reduce pressure and pinching on the outer ear. To add style to comfort, the ear cups are finished with black lacquer and have a single-sided cord connection for convenience.

The headphones' monitor switch allows you to temporarily suspend the noise cancellation feature and mute the music to listen to flight announcements.

The MDR-NC500D headphones will be available in February for about $400 at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony DS6000
Price: $300 retail, $230 street
Impressions: You'll notice the solid build quality immediately. Featuring soft cups that fit around your ears, the headphones turn on automatically when placed on your head. Testing out Superman Returns, we were impressed by bright trumpets and deep, powerful planets whizzing by our head during the opening credits alone. When Superman returns to the Kent farm, we felt and then heard the subtle roar of an asteroid approaching from behind our ears—while dishes clanked in the foreground and water gurgled in the middle of our ears. We were able to appreciate the crisp, distinct sound design in a way we never had before.

Acoustic Research AWD510
Price: $250 retail, $200 street
Impressions: We were disappointed that while the earcups appear oversized, they didn't wrap around our ears all the way. So even when the sound localization—our made-up term for how far or close the sounds felt from our ears—may have actually been slightly superior to the Sony model, we wondered why Acoustic Research didn't seal the deal and disconnect us completely from our wives/kids/lives by covering 100% of the ear. On the sound front, the AWD510 had a tinniness that was a real turn-off. It might have been a product of compression: on the other end, the headphones never once roared, and often left us craving more.

Sennheiser RS 130
Price: $170 retail, $110 street
Impressions: See the two headphones above these? They have two things in common. 1. True surround sound capabilities. 2. They run on 2.4ghz radio signals. These Sennheisers are a cheaper alternative, instead supporting SRS (fake 3D sound with only two speakers) and IR (infrared) data streaming. So how big are these compromises?

Actually, the SRS works pretty well. You won't get those a-ha! moments like, say, when Superman flies by the screen and you'd swear his cape is in your face, but there's a lot to say about really good stereo-esque sound attached to your head. It's the IR that's a deal breaker. From the second we put the headphones on our ears, we heard a hiss that never left and occasionally got worse. And it's a shame, because otherwise the headphones sound pretty good, though mid- to low-range speech left a bit to be desired.

Pioneer SE-DHP800
Price:$475 retail, $275 street
Impressions: (We didn't like our picture). There's no doubt, this pair of Pioneer headphones emphasizes clarity. The moment that stuck out most for us was during the space credits, a shattered meteor whizzed by our heads and we could distinguish more pieces, eyes closed, than on any other model. If the Acoustic Research model features good localization, the Pioneers sound even better. The catch? They cheat you out of the low ranges almost completely. And the effect is like eating reduced fat cheese: it seems alright in the first bite, but you're missing a whole dimension of fulfillment. Ultimately, they feel like a headphone experience.

Oh, and these bad boys are infrared as well, but we didn't encounter problems like we did with the Sennheisers (we could only make the sound fail by placing our hands in front of both our ears). As we've found with previous experience, avoid cheap IR headphones...they will probably just disappoint you.

VERDICT: We favor the Sony DS6000, especially since they're cheaper than Pioneer's offerings. From their easy dock charging to their very solid (and best-rounded) listening experience, we wouldn't mind turning off the speakers if it meant we were turning these on.* The Pioneers come in a close second, but felt like surround sound without a subwoofer: technically impressive, but at the end of the day, coming up a bit short on our id factor.

*But buyer beware, the Sony system's powerful radio transmission has occasionally interfered with both our Wi-Fi connection and, surprisingly enough, the clarity of our wireless Xbox LIVE headsets. We still recommend the product, but it's something to keep in mind if you have a small space and heavy Wi-Fi dependence. The Pioneer model should cause no such interferences.

Also of note, Panasonic has an interesting competitive model we were not able to acquire at the time of this testing.

1. Maxell Digital Earbuds 191208

Better fit, deep in the ear. Volume control on wire. But soft sound levels, and a slight static. Music was in the other room, not my ears.
Price: $15.95
Verdict: Staticky, NOT BETTER

2. Genius HP-02 Live

Once again, deep ear fit. These bad boys are exploring places of my body I didn't know I had. Sound doesn't have a bad balance, but once again, nothing spectacular here.
Price: $9.99
Verdict: Frisky but NOT BETTER

3. Philips SHE2650

Design is very similar to iPod headphones, as is the sound. But these are just a hair less sparkling than Apple's headphones with even less impressive lows.
Price: $7.99
Verdict: Has a case, NOT BETTER

4. Jlabs JBuds Hi-Fi

These had the strongest bass of any model we tested. And they gave Bolero, our test song, more of a stage feel. But fidelity was lacking. So while the headphones sound "big" they don't always sound so clear.
Price: $19.19
Verdict: NOT BETTER

5. Coby Super Bass CV-E92

The balance reminded me of the jLab model we tested, possibly with even better clarity in some ranges. There is certainly more bass in these headphones than Apple's offerings, but while it makes us crave more lows in the iPod stock earbuds, Coby doesn't touch the present highs to mids of Apple. They're a pretty sweet deal for $5 though.
Price: $4.88
Verdict: A bargain, but NOT BETTER

6. Koss BDZ1 Two-Pack Earbud Headphones with Case

Unresponsive. Very quiet at a given volume level compared to the ipod earbuds. But for this price, you get TWO sets of earbuds and a case.
Price: $8.01
Verdict: (NOT BETTER X 2) + Case

7. Philips SHS3201/37 Flexible Earhook w/ Bud -White

I'd expected these fancy white headphones to sound better, given Philips' reputation and the solid placement coming from the earhooks, but they were loud, but less clear than the iPod's.
Price: $8.38
Verdict: White, impossible to Shake Off, but NOT BETTER

Also of note, the iPod earbuds fit the Nano a lot better than competitors. We think this is mostly because the earbud jack isn't bent on Apple's model, unlike all the other models which bend at a 90-degree angle before the wire. A non-bending plug translates to less cord rotation and subsequent static/pops.

As for fitting the ears, most models on the market now offer multiple sized earplug adapters. If Apple's earbuds aren't fitting you correctly, then don't think twice about finding something more comfortable or just using the black foam inserts. You'll never get optimal sound out of any headphone that doesn't fit you properly, anyway.

At the end of the day, Apple might not give us the best headphones around with our iPods, but they're not highway robbery either. Given that they were better than quite a few $20 and under models, we're thinking that $30 isn't the most ludicrous price in the world, and "free with iPod" is looking pretty freaking decent.