Replacing Cheap Headphones

A guide to replacing or upgrading the cheap standard headphones that come free with the iPod and other MP3 players.

What's Wrong With Standard Headphones?

The cheap headphones that come free with many portable devices, such as the iPod and other portable MP3 players, leave much to be desired.

The in-ear fit with these standard earbuds can be very poor, which in turn means the amount of sound leakage is often significant. This signal leakage means you have to crank the volume up to be able to hear the audio clearly. Obviously this is not a good situation, as the headphone drivers start to distort the sound and your ears have to put up with increased sound pressure levels.

Standard Cheap iPod Earphones

So you may have decided that the time has come to upgrade the headphones to get the most out of your music. You've stuck it out with those standard issue headphones for long enough! It's time to replace your cheap headphones with something that sounds a lot better, but without a hefty price tag.

Before we take a look at some of the options, there is one small piece of advice about the two main types of on-ear headphone. A major consideration when purchasing on-ear headphones is whether to go with open back headphones or closed back headphones. The main difference is that sound leaks in/out with open back headphones, and sound stays in/noise stays out with closed back headphones.

Below is a selection of both open and closed back headphones that are ideal upgrades for cheap headphones.

Some Recommended Upgrade Headphones

SoundMAGIC PL11

SoundMAGIC have pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the PL11 (RRP £22.95).  The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.

While you might expect a cheap earphone to be badly made, the PL11 comes fitted with good quality cabling and strain relief that is built to last.  The quality of the product is truly commendable.

Supplied with a neat carry case that is very useable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC PL11 is a very well thought out package.

In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the PL11 has just stolen that spot.

Sennheiser CX300-II Precision

The Sennheiser CX300-II is one of Sennheiser's entry level in-ear sound isolating earphones, but is very capable for the money. The CX300-II is a comfortable fit for most ears and is quite unobtrusive, as the earphone seal is made on the entrance to the ear canal, rather than inside the ear canal like full blown In Ear Monitor (IEM) style headphones.

Compared with the standard iPod earphones the CX300-II offers a vast improvement in sound quality. You will hear detail in your music that is just not possible with most cheap earbud style headphones.

The CX300-II's have a good solid bass response (like most of the Sennheiser in ear headphones). If you compare the CX300-II with much more expensive earphones, like the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro, then you will notice that the bass does actually colour the higher frequencies. Saying that the CX300-II is an excellent entry into the world of better quality headphones.

Grado iGrado

The Grado iGrado has become a legend in the World of mobile music listening. The iGrado shares the same headphone driver technology used in the Grado SR60's and sound very impressive. They offer the clarity and detail of their higher end cousins, but come in a street headphone package that is perfect for active listening. The bargain price makes them all the more attractive.

In our opinion the iGrado headphone cables are a little bit thin and easy to tangle. The open back design may also make the iGrado not suitable for listening in noisy environments, or where your music will disturb others.

The iGrado styling is distinctly retro, but you are definitely making a statement wearing a pair of these excellent street style headphones. You will also be hearing your music with so much more depth and resolution that you won't care what people think you look like!

Sennheiser HD202

The Sennheiser HD202 is a very low cost closed back headphone that actually sounds OK, considering the price. This pair of cheap sealed headphones are ideal for commuting and travelling. While the HD202 will not win any audiophile awards, it definitely fits the bill if you are looking for some very cheap headphones that keep your music in and the external noises out.

The HD202 is very popular in commercial and business applications, for example in schools, museums, waiting rooms, gyms & dentist chairs!

Sennheiser PX100

The Sennheiser PX100 headphones are hard to beat for the price. This cheap pair of on ear headphones have excellent bass and treble response - much better than you would expect for the size.

Sennheiser PX100's are very lightweight and fit well on most ears, with no concerns about sealing as they are an open back design. The high sensitivity of the PX100 makes it an ideal match for the iPod or other portable audio/video player.

The styling of the PX100 is quite contemporary and you will definitely not stand out with these on your head.

Grado SR60i

The Grado SR60i is an on-ear headphone that is really designed for listening at home, but could be pressed into duty for mobile listing if the ambient noise levels are low and you can't annoy anyone nearby with your music.

The SR60i is an open back headphone. If you can spend a bit extra and you want the best budget headphones you can get your hands on, then the Grado SR60i headphones are very impressive. The sound coming from the Grado SR60i's is comparable to headphones costing a lot more.

We love the bright, detailed sound that the SR60i provides. Bass response is also very impressive. Compared to similarly priced Sennheiser offerings the Grado's win hands down!