earphones

When Apple introduced the iPhone 5 last year, I was mostly unimpressed. Slightly bigger screen? Meh. Slightly faster processor? Meh.

But there was one "feature" that did sound pretty good, no pun intended: Apple's new EarPods. They promised a better fit, better sound, and stronger protection against sweat and water (I'm a runner, hence the appeal).

Apple sells them separately for $29, but today only, and while supplies last, DealFisher has the refurbished Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic for $13.99 shipped.

Whoa. Refurbished earbuds? That doesn't sound too appealing. But DealFisher says these … Read more

When I want to stick something in my ears, here's what I look for: a noise-isolating seal, in-line controls for playback and taking calls, and a clip to keep the cord from making too much of that rubbing noise.

Oh, also, a price tag below $20.

Ta-daaa: today only, and while supplies last, Daily Steals has the Logitech Ultimate Ears 350vi headset for $16.99 shipped. Price at Amazon: $59.99.

Actually, this is a slightly different package than what you'd get from Amazon. The latter includes a hard-shell carrying case and five sets of ear cushions. Here, … Read more

In-ear headphones, also known as IEMs (in-ear monitors), have become very popular in recent years, replacing the old-style earbuds. One of the annoyances with IEMs, however, is microphonics. Microphonics refers to the rustling and thumping noises you hear when you tap the cord or when the cord brushes up against something.

The old earbud style isn't susceptible to microphonics because it rests just inside your ear, whereas IEMs go in the ear canal. To reduce microphonics, some manufacturers have tried braided cords and other custom solutions. If your in-ear headphones didn't come with these modifications, there are a … Read more

Well, yesterday was kind of a train wreck, huh? Believe me that I get just as frustrated as you when a vendor suddenly jacks up the price on a product, as TigerDirect did yesterday on the Vizio sound bar. It's worse than a sellout, because it smacks of bait-and-switch tactics (even though the company's own promotional e-mail showed it at the higher price, so that accusation doesn't hold water).

Anyway, I still feel bad about it, which is why I'm giving you five -- count 'em, five -- deals today. Without further ado:

1. Wal-Mart has … Read more

With the iPhone 5 expected to make an official debut in the next few weeks, the rumors and pictures are hitting a fever pitch. The latest, from Vietnamese tech news site tinhte.vn, offers images of earphones that it speculates could accompany Apple's next wave of devices.

Of course, it could be earphones from a third party, rather than Apple.Or just another rumor that won't pan out. Apple isn't telling. Check out our complete iPhone 5 rumor roundup.

Watch the video from Tinhte.vn

All of the best sounding in-ear headphones I've tested over the years have been custom-molded to my ears models. Prices vary, but the $399 UE-4 was the least expensive, and most of the top-of-the-line models are more than $1,000. Those prices don't include the fee the audiologist charges to make molds of your ear canals, and the fees add $100 to the price of the headphones. Customs ensure a perfect fit, and the best isolation from external noise. Plus they can't fall out of your ears,

The FitEar ToGo 334 in-ear headphone is made in Japan … Read more

TGIF, am I right? Actually, I had a couple days off this week, so I'm taking my restored vitality and pouring it into today's post. One deal? Phbbllttt! How about five, baby!

Actually, I just had a hard time narrowing down all the killer deals I found today, so I figured why not share them all? Without further ado...

1. While supplies last, TigerDirect has the refurbished Elements ELDFW464 46-inch HDTV for $299.99. That's after applying coupon code NTP66913 at checkout, and not including shipping (which is $49.99). I tend to be a little leery … Read more

MartinLogan is known for making high-end speakers, so it came as a little bit of a surprise when I saw that the company's just-announced Mikros 70 reference in-ear headphones were priced at a fairly modest $149.95.… Read more

I haven't covered too many inexpensive earphones in this blog, mostly because I prioritize sound quality, and precious few under-$50 models cut it. The RHA MA450 really stands out in this crowded market, not just because it actually sounds pretty decent; the look and feel are outstanding and RHA sells the MA450 with a three-year warranty. Reid and Heath Acoustics products are designed at its research and development center in Glasgow, Scotland.

Build quality and features are exceptional for a $50 pair of in-ear headphones; the MA450 has machined aluminum earpieces, 10mm drivers, seven pairs of silicone eartips, … Read more