The Padvance 2011 Gift Guide kicks off with some outstanding headphones and a must-have accessory. Whether you're shopping for your favorite audiophile or you want to add some aural excitement to your holiday wish list, these are some of the best sound products you can buy for your iPad or Android tablet. All of the headphones covered in this feature offer stellar sound and a microphone that works with your favorite VoIP program. Let's get to it!
Bowers & Wilkins P5
It's rare to find a high-end set of over-the-ear headphones with a microphone. The Bowers & Wilkins P5 is one of the few products that fits the bill. These headphones scream luxury -- the metal frame and New Zealand sheep leather ear pads will make you feel like you're wearing the Aston Martin of headphones.
The P5 produces a mostly balanced sound that's exquisite. There's a slight emphasis on bass that most listeners will enjoy. It's not obnoxious and over-pronounced bass like the sound produced by Beats by Dre and Bose headphones, but rather slightly punchy tone that works well for most popular music. The mostly even balance works for a wide range of music, ranging from jazz to orchestral. For controls and chatting, there's a three-button control that also houses a microphone.
Etymotic HF3
Audiophiles that crave a perfectly balanced sound have been using Etymotic in-ear headphones for decades. The company makes some of the best in-ear sets around and its HF3 model was made specifically for iOS devices. The HF3s comes with a carrying pouch and a wide assortment of tips to help you achieve a perfect fit. The standard three-button control with an enclosed microphone lets you shuffle music, adjust volume, and chat away on VoIP.
As I mentioned, the sound is perfectly balanced. Those that are used to over-pronounced bass might find the sound a bit thin initially, but will come to appreciate the clarity and range the HF3 offers. The sound quality is extraordinary and works with all types of music.
The HF3s are also ideal for frequent flyers. When used with foam tips, nothing blocks out external noise like in-ear headphones. If you're looking for outstanding sound and want to block out the crying baby seated next to you, the Etymotic HF3 headphones are the way to go.
Ultimate Ears 500vi
If you're looking for great sound below $100 then look no further than the Ultimate Ears 500vi. These in-ear headphones offer a fantastic blend of performance and price. The 500vi comes with a plastic carrying case and a variety of tips to help achieve an ideal seal for sound isolation. Like the other models covered in this article, they feature a three-button control with a microphone housing for voice chat.
As far as sound goes, they 500vi produces a tone with slightly pronounced bass and treble. It doesn't have the perfectly balanced sound and the wide range of the Etymotic HF3s, but the sound quality is nearly as good and the 500vi headset costs half as much. They work very well for pop music and hip-hop, but those that desire a purely balanced sound might want to look elsewhere.
Like other in-ear headsets, the 500vi headphones are fantastic for traveling. The compact case and flat cord (that's nearly impossible to tangle) are features jet-setters will appreciate. When used with foam tips, the sound blocking is top notch. The Ultimate Ears 500vi offer great sound that won't break the bank.
Comply Foam Ear Tips
If you use in-ear headphones then I highly recommend picking up Comply Foam ear tips, specifically the Tx series. Comply Foam tips are comfortable and crazy good at blocking out external noise. The Tx series features a wax guard, that helps prevent ear wax from getting into your headphones. Ear-wax buildup degrades sound quality and it's a pain to clean out your in-ear headphones. The Tx series saves you the trouble.
Comply Foam tips run a bit small, so I recommend ordering a size up. For example, the standard Etymotic tips work well for me, but the medium Comply Foam tips are a bit small. I don't have particularly big ears, but the large size of Comply Foam tips work better for me than the medium size.
I can't recommend the Comply Foam Tx series enough. Between the wax guard, comfort, and noise blocking, they can't be beat.
