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How to get the best sound from in-ear headphones

Audio expert Steve Guttenberg shows you how to maximize the sound quality--and reduce wear and tear--on any pair of in-ear headphones.

Steve Guttenberg
Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has also worked as a high-end audio salesman, and as a record producer. Steve currently reviews audio products for CNET and works as a freelance writer for Stereophile.
Steve Guttenberg
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Audio expert Steve Guttenberg shows you how to maximize the sound quality--and reduce wear and tear--on any pair of in-ear headphones. Note that many in-ear headphones include multiple ear tips, which come in foam, silicon dome and flange styles.
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The headphones (Monster Turbine shown) might not fit snugly right after being inserted into an ear.
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Pushing the earphone in can help yield a tighter fit.
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The "Lobe Pull" technique: push in the headphone while pulling your ear lobe down or out.
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The "Ear Pull" technique: reach over your head to pull your ear up while pushing the headphone in.
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Tangled, knotted headphone cables are a hassle.
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To avoid the hassle, don't wrap them in a circle like this.
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Try this: fold the wire into alternating U shapes...
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...then collapse and fold the wire.

For a more in-depth discussion, read How to get the best sound from in-ear headphones.

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