Part 8: A Review of the Best Cheap iPod In-Ear Headphones - Sennheiser CX 300-II

I really don't want to be considered a Sennheiser fan-boy ... really I don't. It's just so hard not to be when they keep on coming out with such extraordinarily good headphones ... sigh ... like the very good CX 300-II.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="198" caption="Feels good, looks good, sounds good. The CX 300-II is just Sennheiser's competence showing up yet again. "][/caption] You'd think with thousands of dollars of high-end headphone gear here on my desk it would be awful hard to get excited about a $50 pair of headphones. I suppose it is rather like evaluating the world's best disposable chop-sticks, but somebody's got to do it. Fortunately, Sennheiser has made it a pleasure with the CX 300-II. Fit and finish are excellent from this fine manufacturer; the headphones are terrific to look at in gloss black and chrome, and they come with 3 different tip sizes and a convenient carry pouch. I will give them a couple of knocks for the "J-cord" and lack of sliding keeper on the cable. And the fit isn't quite as good as the Denon's with their angled tip, but all is forgiven once you put them in your ears and the sweet, sweet music appears in your head.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="The CX 300-II frequency response shows big bass, mid-range linearity, and zippy highs."][/caption]Headphones at this price are never faultless, but a good hard look at the frequency response data will show you that these little cans hold up very well. They've got a fun emphatic bass that remains well controlled and tight, and they are very linear throughout the mid-range delivering nicely organic tone to vocals and acoustic instruments. The treble is a bit forward, but surprisingly coherent and natural sounding.Also optionally available are a variety of double flange tips (S, M, and L) that fit this model. It's pretty clear to me that these are the in-ear headphones to beat in the sub-$50 price category. Highly recommended.

Please visit HeadRoom’s website to purchase your Sennheiser CX 300-II with our Best Price Guarantee. On to the concluding summary------> First page of this review is here.