Sennheiser HD202

Package Includes:

-Headphones

-Jack converter

-Headphone cable wrapper

-Manual

Technical Details
Frequency Response	18-18,000 Hz
Transducer Principle	Dynamic,Closed
THD	< 0.5%
Max. SPL	115 dB(1 kHz, 1V)
Ear Cupling	Supra-Aural
Replacement Parts	Leatherette Ear Pads
Nominal Impedance	32
Weight (without cable)	130g
Connection Cable	3 m, OFC copper cable

Design- 6/10

Sennheiser used a very plain design for the HD202s and there is nothing wrong with it, but it doesn’t stand out.

Construction- 6/10

The plastic used feels very cheap, but its sturdy enough for everyday use. I don’t like the use of the 10 ft cable, its too long and not practical.

Comfort- 4/10

These clamp around your ears very tightly, after 15 minutes I have to take them off because of the pain.

Isolation- 8/10

These isolate well, it blocks out most of the outside noise, but it still doesn’t offer the level of isolation an IEM would provide.

Detail-6.5/10

The amount of detail is slightly above average. It really depends what your previous experience with earphones are, if you use stock Apple headphones then these will sound amazing.

Bass- 7/10

Bass is fairly strong however at higher volumes there may be overpowering.

Mids-6/10

Vocals are clear and natural but not outstanding.

Treble- 5/10

The highs are somewhat flat and muddy.

Value-6/10

The street price for the HD202s are around $20-30. Spending a few dollars more to get the Koss Portapros, PX100 or CAL! (Aurvana Live) is highly recommended. Although sound quality is acceptable with the HD202s, it is ergonomically poor considering the cable length and the discomfort.

Logitech (Ultimate Ears) UE200

Inside the package:

-Earphones

-Extra buds

-Plastic hard case

-Owner’s Manual

Specs

Driver: Dynamic transducer

Frequency Response: 25Hz ~ 15kHz

Noise Isolation: 26dB

Impedance: 16 ohm

Sensitivity: 107dB/mW

Cable: 1.15m

Connector: 3.5mm Stereo

 

Design- 7/10

There is nothing special about the design and it doesn’t really stand out. Logitech used a safe design that can appeal to everyone. They do sell in many different colors to accommodate for different tastes.

Construction- 6/10

The construction is ok, but there are a few flaws. Part of the earpiece tends to fall off, with only the wire supporting the buds. This problem can be solved by gluing it back together. Another problem is the noise the cable makes when it is rubbing against your clothes, it may be annoying for some.

Comfort- 9/10

These IEMs are really comfortable, and you can choose from several earbuds to get the best fit. Definitely one of the most comfortable IEMs available.

Isolation- 9.5/10

These isolate very well, especially with the XL sized earbuds. I have used them in the plane and didn’t even notice all the noise from take off.

Detail- 7/10

The amount of detail is slightly above average. It really depends what your previous experience with earphones are, if you use stock Apple headphones then these will sound amazing.

Bass- 5/10

Bass is weak and is similar to UE 700s. Much better than regular earphones (eg Stock Apple earphones) but weak compared to Sennheiser Cx300 and Meelec SP51.

Mids-7/10

These are the the IEMs strong point. Vocals are clear and crisp.

Treble- 6/10

Treble is somewhat muddy, some high notes don’t feel like they are reproduced properly.

Value-8/10

Value is great if you get them for the price I did. I got these from Logitechshop (www.logitechshop.com.au) which occasionally have sales and sell these in packs of 4 for $35. Retail is roughly around $30.

Creative Aurvana Live! Review

Inside the package:

-Headphones

-Pouch

-3.5mm extension wire

-3.5mm jack converter

-Owner’s Manual

Manufacturer Specs:
Frequency Response:10-30,000 Hz
Impedance:32 Ω
Sensitivity:103 dB SPL/1mW
Cord:3.94ft (1.2m) + 5ft (1.5m) extension; Straight Plug
Space-Saving Mechanism:N/A

Design- 9/10

The design is more conservative than beats or skullcandy headphones, but it looks elegant and classy, especially the metallic finish.

Construction- 7.5/10

Although made mostly of plastic, it feels quite durable. The 3 ft long cord is well constructed and can be used with the extension wire/jack converter.

Comfort- 9.5/10

The ergonomics on these headphones is nearly perfect. The leather earpads feel very soft against your ears, and they are built to swivel for the perfect fit. The headband also does not put much pressure on your ears. These are much more comfortable especially compared to the Sennheiser HD202, which I can only wear for 15 minutes at a time.

Isolation- 6/10

These do not isolate as well as other headphones. I usually have to turn the volume halfway whereas I would normally have it at 1/4 with other headphones. There is also some sound leakage.

Detail- 9/10

The amount of detail on these headphones are insane. You will hear things you don’t normally hear. This is credit to the Denon AH-D1001k drivers that it uses.

Bass- 7.5/10

Bass is closer to the weak side, however changing the EQ settings should solve this problem with minimal distortion.

Mids-8.5/10

Mids are clear and crisp, but not perfect.

Treble- 8/10

The treble is bright and distortion is minimal.

Value-10/10

I got two of these for $109 from the Online Creative store (http://au.store.creative.com/bundle/aurvana-live-twin-pack/700-20978.aspx). They shipped via Singapore post and it only took 3 days. These are an absolute steal for $55 each. They are the best headphones available in the mid range section.