Phiaton PS 320 photos

If you loathe sticking earbuds in your ears and demand crisp, bright audio response, the Phiaton PS 320 headphones are a good choice.

Jasmine France

July 9, 2009 12:36 p.m. PT

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Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

For those who like compact headphones they don't have to stick into their ears, there are on-ear models like the Phiaton PS 320 Primal Series headphones, a lightweight set that can be worn for extended periods without discomfort. This $199 set of earphones is a good option for travel hounds and commuters who are looking for an alternative to standard earbuds, but the set is relatively light on features.

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Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

The Phiaton PS 320 headphones are very similar to the Bose On Ear headphones in design. Two small, oval earpads measuring 2.7 inches tall by 2.2 inches wide are designed to be worn on the ear rather than cupping it.

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Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

As with the Bose, a single cable descends from one earpiece (the left), although in the PS 320's case, the cord is not retractable--nor is it detachable. This is a slight gripe, as removable cables are easier to replace in the case of breakage (and retractable ones are less messy), but certainly not a deal-breaker.

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Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

The style of the Phiaton PS 320 headphones varies slightly from the Bose, but we're rather keen on it. The accents that ring the earcups are shiny gunmetal rather than muted silver, and the outer covering of the earpieces is a textured black leather.

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Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

When it comes to features and extras, Phiaton doesn't make much of an effort with the PS 320. The earphones fold flat and in for compact storage, and there's a thick leatherette pouch with two compartments included in the package.

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Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

The PS 320 headphones provide very clear and detailed audio playback, and overall sound quality is on par with what we expect from models in this price range.