You get three pairs of ear fittings with the iMetal iM-390.

Maximo’s iMetal iM-390 earphones don’t say “iPod” like the iPod earbuds do, but they certainly say “shiny.” Like V-Moda’s Vibe (4 out of 5 stars), the iM-390 earphones have fashionable aluminum bodies that are more than decorative - they also produce impressive sound.

If you like bass, you’ll like the iM-390. Bass drops heavy, but not too heavy, and it’s a definite improvement over the iPod earbuds, with a thump that’s a tad heavier than the bass from the $100 V-Moda Vibe earphones. The high notes from the iM-390 sounded a little too strong, but again, better than the iPod earbuds. We liked the overall fullness of the Vibe’s sound slightly better than the iM-390’s, but the iM-390’s sound quality will make you very happy, especially when you consider the low price.

Maximo didn't design this as an iPhone-compatible headset, since there's no microphone. (The iM-390 fit into the headphone jack of our iPhone for listening to the iPod functions, but the company says that others have reported problems getting it to fit into their iPhones.) Maximo also includes a 2.5mm adapter, an airplane headphone adapter, and a two-foot extension cord.

The bottom line. For $39, the iM-390 is an excellent alternative to the iPod earbuds and to pricier earbuds like the V-Moda Vibe.

COMPANY: Maximo
CONTACT: www.maximoproducts.com
PRICE: $39.99

REQUIREMENTS: Headphone jack
Industrial-looking design. Good overall sound.

Not designed for the iPhone.