I’m going to start sharing some of the things I’ve found on the net that are exceptional finds, buys, whatever. There’s so much crap out there, sometimes it’s hard to find the true gems.
A bit ago I started looking to replace my wired headphones. The requirements were pretty rough:
- Inexpensive (< $50 would be best)
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Good for long term wear (talking several hours here)
- Excellent audio range.
- Doesn’t look like ass
Simple, right? Uh huh.
After going through a couple el cheapo versions (which, I have to admit, told me how BAD headphones could be), and playing with some super-expensive ones (which… were good, but not as comfortable or durable as I had hoped), I started reading reviews for the Brainwavz Delta IEM Noise Isolating Headphones (say that 5 times fast!), and started to get interested.
The price tag certainly is attractive. Brainwavz has ones with remote for $19, but could something that inexpensive really be any good?
I’m here to tell you – they are. Easily one of the top 5 headphones I’ve ever owned, they’re rock solid in their build, come with a tough zippered carrying case to hold the headphones and the spare silicon earpieces, and sound magnificent. They have excellent range – the highs and lows are crisp and strong across all volumes. The cord is long enough that even plugged into my laptop, it doesn’t get tangled. And they are COMFORTABLE. I can (and have) worn them for 3-4 hours at a stretch and I don’t get sore ear canals or other discomfort. Volume wise, they can keep up with me just fine… I don’t feel like at low levels I have to crank them to hear the full range of what I’m listening to, and when I really want to blast things out, they step up to the task just fine!
So, if you’re looking for affordable, top quality ear buds, I can say with some confidence the Brainwavz Delta IEM headphones will do well by you!
But Dave, do they have a version that works with a lightning connector?
That’s a good question. I don’t know! I think the Brainwavz folks have really optimized all the best into headphones you can get at the lowest cost. Since the Lightning connector is a pure digital bus, there would need to be some form of interface there. I think for Lightning use the adapters that are kicking around will be your best bet (and if you get an iPhone7, it comes with one of them). Moving forward, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a new Lightning version, but it sure won’t be at this price point.