Part 7: A Review of the Best Cheap iPod In-Ear Headphones - Klipsch Image S2

New on the scene are the lower cost line-up from Klipsch including the Image S2. Like all headphones in this price range, they are a mixed bag ... but a pretty nice one, especially if you're a business traveler.

[caption id="attachment_1192" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Klipsch Image S2: a modern product with great old school looks."][/caption] We recently received a shipment of samples from Klipsch, which included their Image S2 in-ear headphone priced at around $50. I'm a sucker for old school good looks and I simply couldn't resist including it in this write-up. This headphone is quite a departure from the form-factor norm at this price range and is much more like the Etymotic deep seating type than the shallow seating in-ear cans that comprise the rest of the headphones in this review. What that means is that you will get a better seal and shut out more outside noise with these than other cans reviewed here --- this is important if you're a traveler and want to really get rid of the noisy environment on planes and trains. Additionally, the Klipsch in-ear cans come with a unique ear tip that is oval in shape that they claim fits most people's ear canals better.  We did find this to be the case, and we did experience a good seal and better comfort than most headphones of this type. Again, a sliding keeper is included in the cable for the over-the-ears and behind-the-neck cable routing I prefer. This model is also available as a headset with in-cord mic for your cell phone use.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="The Klipsch Image S2 frequency response is a tad hollow at 800 Hz."][/caption]The sound is slightly under par in this category however, it's not bad, just a bit boring. Over-all the frequency response lays in about where you'd want it for an in-ear can with a strong bass and moderate downward tilt, but a dip centered at 800 Hz takes a bit of warmth out of the vocals, and is a bit hurky jerky in the treble, resulting in sound that's a bit grainy. Nonetheless, when used by a traveler in loud environments this nitpicking won't mean to much and will likely satisfy the average listener quite well, with the oval tip bringing an extra level of comfort for long flights.Yup, recommended. We'll try to be carrying them soon!

On to the Sennheiser CX 300-II------> First page of this review is here.