Blog Geek

When Microsoft sent me the Zune 8Gb to evaluate, I also received the premium ear buds. These headphones fit into the ear canal to prevent external noise from entering the outer ear, rather like plugs to sleep.

The first observation I made is in terms of build quality headphones. The connection between the plug that goes into the Zune player and the son is made of solid plastic and tends to return to form when the twists. The idea is to try to absorb shock at the connection level and avoid breaking the Zune's headphone port.

The son is not covered with plastic like the iPod headphones, but fabric! I love this idea because the headphones do not tangle and it allows you to easily place the headphones when you want to use.

The ear buds are very comfortable, the end is very flexible allowing well obstruct the ear canal. In addition, 3 sizes of spare accompanying headphones. Three sizes over the average already fixed on the headphones. You Therefore, 1 x breakfast, 2 x 1 x medium and large. A small brown suede bag that also accompanies the headphones for storage. I like this bag because it closes with two magnets.

Speaking of magnet designers have thought of everything! To avoid the two headphones or mixed rolls in the son, they added two small magnets on the outside that allows them to "stick" together. As that they are still together and will not curl! Excellent!

Sound quality? Well, compared to the iPod headphones which lacks bass and are too "dull" I think they are really well balanced. All the frequencies are well made and there is sufficient "kick" when they are well placed in the ear. I can not compare to other ear buds because they are the first that I try to type this, but if we compare to those of the iPod, I assure you that they are really much better sound quality than construction. Compared to the Sony Fontopia headphones $ 20 (MDR-E818), again I think the Zune Premiums are much better. The Sony headphones are better balanced and low frequencies are better made than the iPod. But even there, the Zune Premium is better.

Of course, I am almost certain that the $ 100 Bose are better, but in the category $ 40 and under, I think the build quality of these headphones are what the highlights of their class. Should I buy that of Sennheiser MX400 to compare ... These headphones are what might be called the reference in the field of affordable headphones.

My verdict? To forty dollars, I think it is a necessary purchase for both audiophiles and for ordinary people. You will find them very useful.

Specifications
Frequency response: 20 to 15000 Hz (+ /-6dB)
Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 16 ohms at 1kHz (+ / -15%)
Sensitivity: 96dB Noise Level (+ /-3dB) at 1 mW, 1kHz
Cable Length: 1.4 m (4.6pi)
Connector: 3.5mm (1/8po)

Zune Premium Headphones v2
Microsoft Zune 8GB
Microsoft Zune 120GB