earphones

Managing playlists and noise-canceling capabilities--Ask the Editors

There is no such thing as the perfect MP3 player. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, it means that there is always room for innovation and exciting new developments in the space. Plus, there's something to be said for having devices specifically tailored to certain tastes and activities. On the other hand, I'm never 100-percent satisfied with a single player. Apparently, I am not alone in this sentiment, as more than a few users own more than one MP3 player to suit their various needs. But what to do when those players won't work with one common piece of software and you're stuck updating playlists separately? An answer to that below. Also this week: just how useful is the Sony S-Series Walkman's noise-canceling capability?

Q: I own a Sansa SanDisk and a Zune 80. They are both terrific for the way I use them. The only downside I have found is they use different software for playlists and syncing. When I update my playlists in Windows Media Player (WMP) for the Sansa, I also have to go into the Zune Software and make the same changes. My question: is there any way to sync the playlists so I only have to make the updates in one of the programs? --Dan, via e-mail

A: Definitely. It's fairly easy, once you know a few tricks. Give this a try:

Choose one folder in which to save all of your playlists. My Playlists is probably best, as Microsoft's software (which includes WMP and the Zune Software) already recognizes it as a playlist folder. Make sure both programs are set to automatically update your library by monitoring folders, specifically My Playlists. In WMP, go to Tools > Options > Library. In the Zune Software, go to Settings > Collection. Open WMP and select a playlist to edit by dragging it into the edit pane on the right side. Make any edits you want, then click the drop-down at the top of the song list and select Save Playlist As. From the Save As Type drop-down, select M3U Playlist.… Read more

Apple iPod Touch versus the rest--Ask the Editors

I don't know about you, but I could get used to the four-day workweek. That said, returning from time off on the day of Apple's annual iPod announcement is not exactly the best way to ease back into things. With four new iPods unleashed on the world, the MP3-reviews editors are not hurting for things to do--including fielding a flurry of questions about whether an iPod upgrade is worthwhile. After two weeks off, MP3 Mailbox is back with a question worthy of the lingering iPod-overload atmosphere.

Q: I have a question about what MP3 player I should get. … Read more

Purebuds earphones protect your ears

Of almost all gadgets, earbuds have the least surface area to work with, which means external design innovations are often incremental and minute. Color and style are the most noticeable physical characteristics that manufacturers tweak, but neither has an effect on the performance of an earphone. So, what's a new company to do in order to stand out? Make an earbud with an innovative design that influences sound quality.

That's precisely what Amazing Tech Products has done with the Purebuds earphones, a $50 product with uniquely shaped eartips that affect audio output. Add to that some internal technology … Read more

Headphones with good warranties--Ask the Editors

As I'm always quick to point out, I'm not the most delicate user when it comes to my own gadgets. I'm clumsy and slightly reckless at times, which also goes toward explaining my tendency to bruise at the shins, hips, and wrists (or anyplace at coffee table, counter, or door knob level). It's always reassuring to be reminded that I am not the only one with such issues. This week's questioner, for example, can't seem to make his earbuds last out the year. You are not alone.

Q: I go through headphones like crazy! … Read more

Etymotic hf5 earphones: sleek style and solid sound

If you've ever shopped around for a pair of headphones, you've probably noticed a trend: there is a seemingly endless array of choices in the ultracheap, sub-$50 range; plenty of options in the $80 to $110 range; and quite a few luxury selections that run for $200 or more. There are surprisingly few models that list around $150, which might just be the sweet spot between "nice" and "ultra high-end." Etymotic seems to have recognized this deficiency and answered it with the hf5 High-Fidelity Noise-Isolating Earphones. These sleekly stylish in-ear 'phones strike an … Read more

JVC Gumy Air earphones are cheap and colorful

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: the stock earbuds that came packaged with your MP3 player are not going to help you recognize the full potential of your device. (Unless, of course, you happen to own one of these players.) No matter how many times we say it, we still see countless individuals rocking white iPod earbuds. Perhaps people want others to know they own an iPod, or maybe they balk at the idea of spending even more money to make the most out of a device on which they've already dropped a healthy … Read more

Ask the Editors: Library-worthy MP3 players and review dates

Audiobooks are great on-the-go entertainment, but they cost about twice as much as a standard hard copy of the material. With that price difference, I'd rather read it myself. Happily, for those whose eyesight isn't what it used to be, or others who just prefer the soothing sound of a narrator, there is a way to enjoy digital books without lightening the wallet: public libraries. Many city libraries are now offering audiobooks as free downloads...but there's a catch. Find out what it is below. Also this week: why it's important to pay attention to review … Read more

Workout companions and headphone life cycles--Ask the Editors

Summer may be drawing to a close, but just because you get to start wearing clothes with more coverage soon is no reason to sit on your duff. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: an MP3 player is just the ticket to get you motivated to move your body, and at least one person agrees with me. Check out the players he's considering for gym companionship and you may just get some ideas of your own. Also this week: why a two-plus year old set of headphones is still an excellent option.

Q: I'm currently in the market for a good MP3 player that I can take to the gym with me and after reading up on pretty much every single MP3 player buyer's guide, I've narrowed my selections down to the second-generation iPod Shuffle, the third-generation iPod Nano, and the Creative Zen V Plus. I was just wondering what your personal preference for an exercise MP3 player would be. I was originally drawn to the Sony NW-S203F that you reviewed, but the unfriendly interface of SonicStage scared me away. The Nano seems to be the most highly regarded and most respected of the three, but I'm tempted to get the Zen V Plus. I'm not sure if the armbands that you can get for the Zen V Plus is waterproof either, so do you think it would be a good idea to go with that choice? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank You!--Alex, via e-mail

A: My favorite player for working out specifically is actually the SanDisk Sansa Clip: it's super compact, has a built-in clip, and offers great sound quality. However, it doesn't have the bells and whistles of the Zen V Plus or the Nano (such as a color screen or photo and video support), which would come in handy for use outside the gym. I don't recommend the iPod Shuffle generally because the audio quality is not great.… Read more

Recycling tech and Creative Zen X-Fi curiosity: Ask the Editors

It's always tough to come back from vacation, especially on a Monday, which is already a day of dread in its own right. So much to catch up on. So. Much. E-MAIL. But, on this Monday, there is a bright spot, which is that I received plenty of compelling questions and comments for this column during my absence, and I appreciate every one of them. This week, I've decided to focus on a couple of relatively simple items because (a) my brain is still out of the office and (b) I think the simplest tidbits can be the … Read more

Never trust a headphone review

Not too long ago, we did our first ever headphone prizefight, and it got me thinking about how headphones might be the most difficult product to be objective about during a review.

This observation was compounded by the recent parade of Ultimate Ears earphones that came across my desk. Although audio professionals, previous CNET reviewers, and many consumers have posted plenty of glowing praise for the company's products, I had a helluva time with all three sets of the headphones. They just did not fit me properly, ranging from mild discomfort with the Metro.fi 2 to supreme irritation … Read more