By Odeisel

If there was ever something that annoys me about portable music, it’s cheap ass headphones. I know sometimes you get caught out there and you have to buy some on the run occasionally, but cheap headphones can totally ruin music for a two big reasons.

You’re probably playing some “music” nobody else likes but thanks to your poorly made headphones, everyone can hear every single word of your crappy music , even on the loud subway, even though you’re at least 10 feet away from others.  Second, you’re already listening to an mp3 and the quality of your music needs all the help it can get to stretch itself into the realm of CD quality sound. (Tough luck trying to get that big echo record sound. We’re out n that). A good pair of headphones can bring out the lows and treble highs without sounding like noise.

You may prefer ear buds with noise reduction or ear muff style over the head phones that block out sound. If you’re at the gym, those may not be the most conducive to getting your workout on (and not breaking your headphones). This column is about introducing you to the latest in headphones of all varieties and brands. Today’s entry: Urbanears Medis.

Urbanears is devoid of the annoying hard plastic containers that make you hate buying electronics. That’s already a plus. The packaging was all paper/cardboard and about as friendly to the environment as anything consumer based could be. When you pull out the headphones you’re treated to subtle additions that you don’t expect, namely, extensions to the jack that account for compatibility. The jack is standard 3.5mm but included are a Nokia compatibility extension as well as a neutral stereo system extensions.

The cord is fabric, which lends to freedom of movement and protects against the traditional shorting that occurs when the cord takes to many twists and turns. The extended plugs give you even more length. The ear pieces come with a patented hook system that anchors itself into the folds of your ear (Urbanears patented EarClick construction). It doesn’t rest in your ear canal like silicon buds so there is no equilibrium issue or any listening to your pulse in your headphones action. There are also large and small EarClick pads for optimum fit.

We went back to the classics to test out these earphones and went to the king for “Burn This Disco Out.” There are a number of moving parts in this song including a running high hat section that goes unnoticed between the grand horns and the different guitars and drums. The funk guitar and the bass are all crystal clear and the trumpets blare. Mike’s vocals and the fiery delivery are all crisp. Almost as good as listening to the record.  

The sound is unbelievable at 50 bucks. While the EarClick setup is awkward until you figure out the angle, they are much less intrusive than silicon buds and they don’t gather wax from your ear canal. The extra sturdy fabric cord is easy to manipulate. This sharp a sound at this low a price is nothing to sneeze at. Urbanears Medis are the move.

Michael Jackson – “Burn This Disco Out”

Burn This Disco Out

• 15.7 mm handmade drivers
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20kHz
• Impedence 32Ω
• Sensitivity 113dB
• Max Input Power 10mW
• 120cm/ 47″ fabric cord
• 3.5mm stereo plug
• One Year premium replacement warranty.
• Microphone and remote compatible with most Nokia, Blackberry, HTC and iPhone 3.5mm standard

The Medis come in 14 different colors.

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