| | iPad HeadphonesThe top earphones for the iPad are the Shure SE215. These feature removable cables and are under $100. The Swiss designed Audeo PFE112 were the lightest and presented the most balanced sound. The Made in USA UM3X were the best tested earphones for the iPad for soundtracks, rock and general movie watching.     |
On April 3, 2010, the Apple iPad - hailed by Apple CEO Steve Jobs as "a magical and revolutionary device" – was released to the public and the world responded. Apple estimates that 350,000 devices were sold on day one of availability and some analysts say that nearly 700,000 of the innovative new tablets moved in the first weekend.
On March 16, 2012, Apple started selling the new iPad 3. By keeping the same prices as the original, the new iPad 3 may sell 5 times as much as the original iPad at its launch, according to some analysts and CNN reports: "iPad line goes around the block in NYC - The crowd at the big glass cube fills the FAO Schwartz plaza, extends down 58th Street, runs up Madison Ave. and across 59th Street all the way back to Fifth Ave." We got 2 of the white ones :) for the "office" and we already tested them with these earphones and they are superb.
With full integration with iTunes, a shiny new Netflix app that allows subscribers to watch Instantly on the iPad and other video- and audio-centric applications on the way, headphones will be a must for iPad owners. Apps like Truphone and (eventually) Skype will even give the iPad phone functionality.
But which are the best iPad 3 headphones? We compare some of our favorite high-end headphones and in-ear headphones to determine which one are the best for use with the new iPad.
Our rankings aren’t just an arbitrary top-ten list; they're based on product testing (listening to diverse genres of music in different locations from home to the subway to jogging outdoors), customer feedback, returns and known quality control issues.
When selecting the best iPad headphones, ideally the most important factors are going to be clarity of vocals (for audiobooks and movie watching) and great frequency response to deliver a great listening experience across several different types of music. For movie buffs who want to get immersed in what they're watching, wide-stage surround sound is another must-have in your headphones. Since you're likely to get heavy use out of your iPad – and your iPad's headphones – comfort is another prime consideration.
For great audio quality all-around, you can't do better than the UM3X. These headphones are perfect for iPad use, with a unique 3-way triple driver that makes for a sound signature that’s second to none because it has dedicated drivers for highs, mids and lows. That makes for a listening experience almost exactly like a stereo speaker. The UM3X is also aces for comfort, especially for long-haul listening.
Other great choices for high end headphones include the Shure SE425 Earphones. With an exceptionally bright mid-range, the signature feature of this set of headphones is the removable cables, dual driver design with a built-in 2-way crossover.
For a great pair of iPad headphones with a lower price point than the SE425, the JAYS t-Jays 4 is a more affordable choice that provides good sound. These sound isolating headphones come with an inline volume control, ergonomically designed earbuds, and the high quality cable reduces white noise.
For killer mid-range, the Shure SE315 is the best bet under $200.00.
And for a budget alternative that’s still leaps and bounds above the standard Apple headphones (which, by the way, are not packed in with the iPad), the Shure SE215. This pair of headphones comes with three different sizes of interchangeable ear tips for the best seal – and best sound – possible and a huge reduction in ambient noise. The SE215 touts superior comfort and has a 2 year warranty plus removable cables.
When it comes to headphones for your iPad or any other device, check out the selection here at Earphone Solutions. With our active review community, our commitment to quality testing and our authorized selection of the best products from the top brands in personal audio, you can be sure that you’re buying a great pair of headphones no matter what. |
|
