Throw away those iPod headphones! (Sennheiser CX 500)

Member Name: StrongSide

Product:	Sennheiser CX 500
Date:	12/10/09 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comfortable, symmetric cable, great sound, noise-isolation, case, extra buds

Disadvantages: There are better, more expensive ones, but these are excellent entry level headphones

I have been searching vigorously for headphones to replace the default iPod ones which crackle with too much bass, leak sound like speakers and have zero noise-isolating abilities. Sennheiser is a very respected brand which is attractive and they were my first search.

The cable is symmetrical, i.e. you don't have to wrap a longer one around your neck which I personally cannot stand. This is why I decided not to go for the 300s.

They are ear-canal headphones. This means that the rubber ending actually goes into the start of your ear canal. This may feel a little intrusive at first, especially if you've been using regular earphones for a long time like myself but as long as you fit the right bud, they are actually very comfortable. The main benefit of this design is noise-isolation and a better sound. You can still hear other noises as it doesn't cancel them but it significantly reduces them, especially compared to the iPod ones which I could hear people's conversation on the train half way down the carriage! These headphones are much better at closing the sound also, so others won't hear your music. E.g. on the train. You can have the volume fairly high with barely any sound escaping at all.


The quality is very good in my novice opinion, when it comes to audio equipment. I am definitely nowhere near an audiophile but deep, full bass with no crackling and crisp treble give a real immersive sound. It really is a huge step up. I cannot imagine what the high-priced (£200+) ones must sound like...

You also get extra buds and a carry case which I highly recommend you use to avoid damage as all these headphones are delicate, regardless of price. It will also keep them from getting tangled.

Unfortunately mine are white because Play.com only have these and Amazon only have Marketplace ones which I don't trust for electronics, as well as being slightly more expensive. Nonetheless, they do look nice and in either colour you'll be a more than happy customer with such a low price tag.

N.B. I am giving them 5 stars in relation to the price.

Summary: Highly recommended

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