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| Klipsch S4 Reference Headphones and Friends |
The Klipsch S4 Reference headphones are in-ear headphones of higher quality than most. The headphones are compatible with standard 3.5mm audio jacks of mp3 players and computers. As opposed to cheaper buds which, like standard apple ear buds, just rest against the ear, these buds are meant to be inserted into the ear.
The product description on amazon is as follows:
- Superior noise-isolating design
- Patented oval ear tips for unbeatable comfort
- Delivers smooth sound with enhanced bass
- Durable home theater style cables with built-in strain relief
- Available in a sleek black with signature Reference copper accents
The S4 Reference went for about $100 before it was discontinued, but I found them for about half that much in the amazon link above. Cheaper ear buds, maxing out at about $20, are my usual domain. However, I do know good audio quality from my high quality headsets and headphones used for gaming and music at my desk.
Running, walking, mowing lawns, and other activities all are done while wearing headphones and listening to music. These activities tend to wear the cheap ones out quickly, and that little $20 every four-six months can add up. If a more expensive pair could perform better and last longer, then why not give that product a try?
Audio Quality
The headphones deliver in the audio department. The highs and lows sound clear without any noticeable sacrifice between the two. The bass boost is of decent quality and moves drums into a more active roll in most music. Considerable improvement in all facets over cheap headphones and standard apple ear buds. The noise-isolation is effective, although the headphones sometimes have to set themselves in place and so isolation may not be effective just after putting them in. I've had to look out for cars more when walking because they can be difficult to hear coming. | |
| Alternative Ear Tip Sizes |
The headphones come with replacement tips if the standard-sized ones do not fit. As stated by Ricard Hsu in his review of the product "find the right ear tips for your ears. Once you do, the music is going to sound so good you wouldn't believe you only paid so much for this pair!"
There are four tip sizes including the default one: small, medium, large, and other. The last pair is not two different sizes stacked on top of one another, the tips legitimately look that way. Most ear types should be covered by the variety, perhaps even mythical creatures'.
Complaints/Concerns
The cord of the headphones is a bit of a bother. Many other customers marked it as the major downfall of the headphones. "Once you attempt to unwind it, you'll realize it doesn't straighten out. It remains mostly kinked and folded no matter how much unfolding, pulling and bending you do," stated John Novosad in his amazon review.It is true that the cord tends to return to a zig-zag state, but there are methods to keep it in a straightened fashion. A lot of people have said that heating cords will loosen them up and remove any impressed bends and folds from them (like wrapping it around a hot cup of water). My headphones are hanging from a hook in the wall with my iPhone weighing it down. This is straightening it out reasonably well and it has only been going on for a couple days.
Aside from the bends, many customers also dislike the cord noise. Cord noise occurs when you fiddle with the headphone cords and the fiddling can be heard in the ear buds. It is true that the cord has more noise carried than the average one, but so long as one does not massage the cord while listening or fiddle with it relentlessly, it should not be noticeable. I have not heard any noise from brushing against my clothes while moving or had any other uncontrollable things bring about cord noise.
Overall Assessment
- Do they have a superior noise-isolating design? The headphones isolate noise well, but sometimes it takes a bit to set in place, not really superior.
- Do they have oval tips for unbeatable comfort? The ear tips for the headphones are comfortable and have many shapes and sizes.
- Do they deliver smooth sound with enhanced bass? Yes, since the default ear tips fit my ears well, the headphones had great sound from the start.
- Do they have durable home theater style cables with built-in strain relief? Yes, unfortunately this contributes to the cord noise and the maintaining of packaging shape, but with the result of being more durable.
- Do they have sleek black with signature Reference copper accents? Yes, they do have that color and those accents, but those are hardly features to get excited about.
The headphones meet all the requirements I have: they have good audio quality, they will last longer than cheap headphones, and they are comfortable. Noise isolation is a bonus and will really shine when mowing lawns. A good product for those looking for good quality audio with their iPhone. If one is willing to put up with a little work to get the cord straight or a little time for it to straighten itself out, then this a great product for its price.
