Apple MA850G/A Headphones
- Design: Ear Buds
- Sound Mode: Stereo
- Connectivity: Cable
- Compatibility: Personal Audio
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Keep Out The Noise
Pros
Great sound; one-click access for volume and navigation
Cons
Don't forget to occasionally clean them (yuck!)
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Well worth the premium for in-ear comfort, good sound quality, and added functionality
Several years ago, I bought a set of Shure E2c sound isolating earbuds. Although I initially thought it was crazy to spend $100 for earbuds, the ability to keep the volume of my iPod reasonably low by isolating outside noise was well worth the price.
The Shure earbuds worked well for awhile, when one side stopped working. Fortunately, my Amazon.com Chase VISA included extended warranty coverage. A phone call and a few forms later, I was told I could purchase a replacement set of earbuds and be reimbursed up to the original purchase price of the Shures.
At the time, Apple had just introduced its Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic (MA850G/B). This was Apple's second attempt at in-ear earbuds. The first version received tepid reviews. I didn't even consider them when I bought the Shure.
The new version seemed to address many of the original's deficiencies. Better fit was promised through the three included sizes of silicone ear tips, while functionality was increased with a small, single-piece control button that serves multiple purposes (including containing a tiny microphone) depending on where and how many times you click it. Most importantly, audio quality was substantially improved through the use of dual drivers in each earbud, unheard of in the sub-$100 price range.
Although I considered buying another Shure (the E2c had been discontinued), I decided to try the Apple In-Ear Headphones, primarily because of the additional functionality promised by the in-line control button. I purchased them from Amazon.com for $79.
Like most Apple products, minimal is a good way to describe the packaging. The headphones are wrapped in a convenient plastic carrying case that easily slips into your pocket. In theory, the case should also prolong the life of the earbuds by preventing severe kinks and hard folds that often result from being rolled up and stuffed in a backpack or pocket.
Inside the package are the aforementioned ear tips, along with two spare mesh caps. These caps are small metal covers that protect the tip of the earbuds. What is it protecting? You'll quickly learn from using in-ear earbuds that a coat of ear wax will inevitably accumulate on the ear tips and inside the earbuds. After all, you're inserting these earbuds much deeper than traditional headphones -- you're going to get wax. The mesh helps prevent the wax from being pushed deep into the earbuds themselves. An occasional cleaning is gross, but necessary.
So how does it sound? Pretty good. I still think my Shure E2c had slightly better highs, but the Apple definitely will suit all but the most sensitive ears. Most importantly, the silicone ear tips, when sized appropriately, will keep out most of the noise around you, enabling you to enjoy your music at a reasonable volume. I especially like using these headphones on long plane rides and, unlike some earbuds, they remain comfortable for hours of continuous use.
The Shure earbuds worked well for awhile, when one side stopped working. Fortunately, my Amazon.com Chase VISA included extended warranty coverage. A phone call and a few forms later, I was told I could purchase a replacement set of earbuds and be reimbursed up to the original purchase price of the Shures.
At the time, Apple had just introduced its Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic (MA850G/B). This was Apple's second attempt at in-ear earbuds. The first version received tepid reviews. I didn't even consider them when I bought the Shure.
The new version seemed to address many of the original's deficiencies. Better fit was promised through the three included sizes of silicone ear tips, while functionality was increased with a small, single-piece control button that serves multiple purposes (including containing a tiny microphone) depending on where and how many times you click it. Most importantly, audio quality was substantially improved through the use of dual drivers in each earbud, unheard of in the sub-$100 price range.
Although I considered buying another Shure (the E2c had been discontinued), I decided to try the Apple In-Ear Headphones, primarily because of the additional functionality promised by the in-line control button. I purchased them from Amazon.com for $79.
Like most Apple products, minimal is a good way to describe the packaging. The headphones are wrapped in a convenient plastic carrying case that easily slips into your pocket. In theory, the case should also prolong the life of the earbuds by preventing severe kinks and hard folds that often result from being rolled up and stuffed in a backpack or pocket.
Inside the package are the aforementioned ear tips, along with two spare mesh caps. These caps are small metal covers that protect the tip of the earbuds. What is it protecting? You'll quickly learn from using in-ear earbuds that a coat of ear wax will inevitably accumulate on the ear tips and inside the earbuds. After all, you're inserting these earbuds much deeper than traditional headphones -- you're going to get wax. The mesh helps prevent the wax from being pushed deep into the earbuds themselves. An occasional cleaning is gross, but necessary.
So how does it sound? Pretty good. I still think my Shure E2c had slightly better highs, but the Apple definitely will suit all but the most sensitive ears. Most importantly, the silicone ear tips, when sized appropriately, will keep out most of the noise around you, enabling you to enjoy your music at a reasonable volume. I especially like using these headphones on long plane rides and, unlike some earbuds, they remain comfortable for hours of continuous use.
