The iPhone’s iPod functions replaced an actual iPod in my pocket long ago. But as great as it is to have one device I can use to tweet, listen to music, check my calendar, and make the occasional voice call, for me, the iPhone is a less than perfect music player. Without hard buttons for navigation, I can’t skip to my favorite tracks without having to look at the device. Luckily, Etymotic’s new hf3 headset has an inline remote for playback control (and taking calls), and this time around, they’ve added volume buttons as well for the ultimate in control.
Like the hf2 before them, Etymotic’s hf3 are in-ear earbuds designed to block out ambient noise. Etymotic includes two sizes of rubber eartips and two different foam tips, which make it easy to find a good fit. And if you’re looking for a true custom solution, the hf3s are eligible for a new program where you can have earmolds made, producing tips custom-fit for your ears alone. That’ll be pretty appealing for perfectionists and people who have a hard time finding earbuds that fit properly. The custom tips will cost you an extra hundy, but that’s quite a bit less than what several other companies charge for a similar service.
As far as the audio experience goes, the hf3 are a great investment. You won’t get the bass thump of earbuds built for boom, but what you will get is accurate sound reproduction. The hf3 can reproduce frequencies from 20Hz up to 15kHz, and we had no problems with ear fatigue when using them for extended listening. If you usually buy cheapo earbuds, the price of the hf3 might be a shock, but the listening experience will be leaps and bounds better than what you’re used to. We tested ours with everything from Miike Snow’s indie-pop gems to piano compositions by Franz Liszt, and they had no problems with that playlist or with phone calls or spoken podcasts.
If you’re looking for a great pair of noise-isolating earbuds that do double-duty as a phone headset, Etymotic’s hf3 are the new gold standard.
HF3
COMPANY: Etymotic Research
CONTACT: www.etymotic.com
PRICE: $179
REQUIREMENTS: iPhone or iPod
Noise-isolating. Comfortable for extended wear. Available in black, red, or blue. Custom-fit option. Exceptional sound quality.
Volume controls only work with newer devices.
jiubreyn
September 24, 2010 at 12:32am
I just bought the Hf2 (1 button instead of 3) and at first I was skeptical despite the high price. They don't lie when they say you need to have a snug seal around the ear -- it makes all the difference in the world.
People have said it before and I find it ironic I am now saying it myself, but I will probably not switch to another brand for a [long] time...if ever. GREAT investment.f
