Anyone who’s ever bought an iPod knows that Apple’s own headphones aren’t exactly, how should we put this, audiophile quality. Etymotic Research, though, have filled the pro-earphone-shaped hole with a pair of cracking noise-isolating buds for your iPhone.
Stick the hf2s in your ears and you’ll marvel at the way the firm, comfortable seals block out every last ounce of sound. Everything will feel like a silent movie, or a Trappist monastery if everyone around you is in robes.
Send some tunes to your head amplifiers and you’re immediately struck by the ample bass and a rich, immersive sound that’s confident, natural and detailed. Same goes for voice calls, which you can make via an in-line microphone, converting the hf2s into a hands-free headset. And thanks to a multi-function button you can switch between tunes and calls no problem.
Yes, at £100, the Etymotic hf2s are expensive, they’re not compatible with all MP3 players either, and you really have to squeeze them into your ears to get the best out of them (simply sticking them in your ears won’t suffice – you have to lift and pull your lobes, then insert them into your ear canal for a fit snugger than Russell Brand’s slacks) but there’s little out there to match the hf2s in terms of overall quality and performance. Want to get the best sound out of your iPhone? Invest in a pair of these…
