Earphone Solutions

I have used the Ultimate Ears vi10 with the integrated earphone for the last 3 years. The cord broke and now I'm using the new Westone triple driver earphones with the Smart Talk. The Smart Talk works well, it lets you control your iPhone with the integrated button, the only flaw I have with it, is the way you need to connect it from your phone. The cord becomes long and I have to tuck it in somewhere to avoid catching on something. However if you want the best hearing experience with rich full sound and the ability to use your phone, this is a cheap alternative, I would recommend it.

Short and sweet with this review. My first one lasted less than 2 months. Customer service was excelent and sent a replacement free of charge.
The second one died today, approximately 2 months after it was replaced. Clearly a design flaw after reading the other reviews.

I forgot how many of those I bought for replacement in years, but the fact is fabric didn't last! The copper wire inside smartalk is too fragile. As a normal listener I found one side, either right or left is muted because the wire is clipped.

Griffin should do something on their cables, such building quality is disappointing.

I seem to have had the same problem as the previous two reviewers. Unfortunately, my purchase predated their comments, so I did not have the benefit of their experiences.

This adapter was just what i needed, and worked admirably for a couple months until the wiring at the male end seemingly loosened itself inside the nylon sleeve. First there was occasional crackling, then frequent, and then the left channel cut out completely. For a while I could wiggle it around a bit and get it to work again, but eventually it just stopped working altogether.

After consulting the customer service section of earphonesolutions.com, I contacted Griffin. And after a slight miscommunication, they sent me a replacement at no charge.

I resolved to be as gentle as possible with the replacement so it would continue to function for the forseeable future. But as careful as I was with my new adapter, it too has developed the same problem after a little over a month of conscientious daily use.

I am very careful with my things. All of my iPods still work and barely show any wear. I have been using my Westone UM2s (which i adore) nearly every day -- hours a day -- for four years now, and they are still going strong. I had some doubt that perhaps I had not been gentle enough with the first adapter. But after the way i coddle the replacement, I am certain that I did not contribute to its untimely end.

That said, I purchased this adapter several months ago from Earphone Solutions, and both they and Griffin customer support have been excellent. As far as I am concerned, the fault lies squarely on the manufacturing and/or design flaws of this product. Given that, I am resigned to try to find another product to serve my needs -- which is unfortunate, since this one was perfect when it worked.

This product broke down in a month. One channel started cutting out and eventually became less and less able to play both channels, even with twisting it in the phone. I too believe that it decreased the sound quality. I will have to look for a better solution. This one was awful and I don't even want a replacement.

This is poor quality device. The first one I received lasted about a month. One ear stopped working but it was the device not my Westones. Griffins policy for replacement was very convenient and easy. Once I received my second smart talk it as well lasted a little over a month. Same defect, one ear would stop working. Also, the difference between the Westones with the smart talk and without was quite a difference. If you are going to spend $300+ on a pair of earphones why would you want diminished quality. You can just purchase one with a built in controller and not have to deal with a second device. Look elsewhere for better quality device.

Would of gave it a 5 star if it was as small as the original iPhone button-mic that is on the stock headphones. Works good tho, about twice the size, no problems.

I wanted a new set of headphone with mic to work with my iPhone. I have a great pair of ear buds to use and wanted to use them in my iPhone, couldn't until now. I simply plug in my headphones into the Smart Talk and plug the smart talk into my iPhone and the sound is amazing. I use this set up inside my helmet when i ride and people just think I'm outside for a walk. Its that good!

why not include volume control as well? All other functions work OK.

Product works great with my Bose headphones and iPhone. Great for running or working out. Service was fast and excellent.

great product, good price, quick easy delivery. highly recommend these folks.

We tested the Smart Talk and we loved it!

Very clever accessory that lets you take calls and manage songs on your iPhone at a very affordable price. It is not as practical as having the inline mic due to the added cable length, but if you want to preserve the quality of the sound of your preferred in-ear earphones, then that’s the way to go.


Sound when taking calls was crystal clear. The caller we tested them with mentioned a somewhat loud background noise but I tested these in the kitchen and rattling some pans was part of our testing. Just like with the Super.fi 5vi, you’ll have to mind your surroundings.


The earphones connect directly into the mic, and the clip is really a must. I had my iPhone on my waist and the Westone 3 cables dangling from the back. The added cables were not a big issue. No interference on the quality of the music. The smart button lets you take calls, skip the songs forwards and backwards. Excellent product for less than $20!