someecard: I would be worried about you… by Garrett Murray
I created this card today to send to Shawn, but I realized it will come in handy for me because I feel this way about everyone.
Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi Mini-Review
The 4vis have an extremely simple and attractive design, with metal buds. The cord, while plastic, is better than other plastic cords I’ve used since it doesn’t easily get bent and doesn’t seem to knot up as easily. The unfortunate thing about the cord is that the microphone and remote are separate and the remote is below the split in a ridiculous spot. Very hard to find without looking for it.
Sound-wise, the 4vis are crisp and clear and have more bass than the previously-reviewed Etymotic hf2s, but not quite as much bass as I’d like. I did, however, start to get used to the sound. Well, at least, I would have, had it not been for the fact that I could not stand having the earbuds in my ears for more than a few minutes at a time. I tried all of the included rubber sleeves and foam and couldn’t get a single combination that was comfortable. I’ll put it plainly: After wearing these headphones for the last 15 minutes, it feels like someone raped my ears.
At $129, they’re roughly the same price as the V-Moda Vibe Duos, but they’re not nearly as comfortable and the reduced bass and awkward remote placement make them a no-go. Verdict? Returned.
Note: I’m trying to find a suitable pair of in-ear headphones to replace two broken pairs of V-Moda Vibe Duos. This is an ongoing series of mini-reviews in which I make clear to the world that I will never, ever find what I want.
On the Subject of Reviewing In-Ear Headphones
Do you have a suggestion for me? My requirements are quite simple: They must be earbuds, they must have a remote for iPhone functionality. And they must sound good. You suggest something and I’ll buy it and try it out (and, quite probably, return it because I won’t be happy with anything, ever, or at least that’s what therapists keep telling me). So—which do you suggest?Etymotic hf2 Mini-Review
The hf2 is very comfortable in the ear and very light. Not nearly as much cord noise as a previous pair of Etymotic I had. Nice remote button with a very defined clicker. I liked the style of the buds, but I hate the cord—it’s that classic kind of plastic cord that gets bends in it that won’t come out so it looks like you slept with your headphones on. It’s also a little too long at 46 inches (I keep my phone in my back pocket while walking around and don’t like a lot of cord slack).
And, most importantly, the sound nearly completely lacks bass. It was very crisp and clear, but I need bass. Felt like I was listening to AM radio at times. For $179, I want a meatier sound. Verdict? Returned.
Note: I’m trying to find a suitable pair of in-ear headphones to replace two broken pairs of V-Moda Vibe Duos. This is an ongoing series of mini-reviews in which I make clear to the world that I will never, ever find what I want.
Shawn: Also that sign you put up on my front lawn that read “ONLY ONE OF US WILL MAKE IT OUT OF THIS FRIENDSHIP ALIVE.” That was literally a sign.
Garrett: Ahh, memories.
“Twitter was more fun when I could bitch about a company without them replying to ask how they can provide me with excellent service today.” Derek Powazek
