Been through over 30 (THIRTY!) pairs of earphones in the past 5 years - all of them give up and die. I do a lot of sports and find music or talk pushes me more. I bike and run and do weights and I'm tough on the earphones. These are simply the best I've tried so far. I've only had them three months but no gliches at all yet. The chunky remote can be used with very thick winter gloves and I like where it hangs. I always put the earphones inside between a running vest and a luminous jacquard so I never run with "loose" wires and this makes these great I can press the remote on my chest and it just works. I can take calls, the mike works. Note: the vloume doesn't work on my iphone 3G, but when running that's not the end of the world as I just adjust it on the phone itself. I'm sticking with these and they had better last. Will update Dec 2011, if I remember, when I've had them a year - and if they die, you bet I'll be back to say so. Otherwise till then 100% happy. Klipsch Image S5i RUGGED In-Ear Earphone with Mic, 3-Button Apple Control and Saftey Case (Black/Gray)
I am a headphone junkie, and the search for the perfect iPhone-controlling pair has added a whole new dimension to my quest for perfection. I looked forward to these for months after they were announced as my s4i's were falling apart. Basically, I understand that headphones in NYC take a beating, but those things were coming apart at every junction...the cable around the earphones is frayed and the headphone jack has exposed wires and I've coveRed it with electrical tape. Amazingly, they were still my favorites, and the mic and controls are top notch so I dealt with it. Also, I hear that the slightest bit if moisture can ruin the mic/buttons.
So, these things would seem to address the durability issue, AND have a better, softer cable (the s4i cable is very stiff and downright plasticy, especially in cold weather). They're about 90% there... The cabling is definitely higher quality, in general ait seems like they are better made. They sound pretty much the same (excellent), but the mic/button controller is now huge. I mean, whereas on the other model it's almost invisible, on this one it's almost as big as a stick of gum. Makes it easy to find and use, but also kind of bulky. I'd love them to split the difference.
Here's my problem with these things... Both the s4i and these have gone bad within weeks of purchasing. And these are the rugged ones! Amazon replaced the others no problem, but these I received as a gift and I had to deal with Klipsh customer service. Pray you never have to do this, because they literally TREAT YOU LIKE A CRIMINAL. I explained to them that they were a gift and I didnn't have the receipt, but also that the mode l itself is only a month old and therefore should definitely be covered under the two year warranty... However I was told repeatedly that without the receipt I couldn't prove I hadn't stolen them and would therefore get no service. I did eventually track the receipt down and am now the owner of a replacement pair - hopefully they'll fare as well as the replacement s4i's (reasonably well).
PROS:
Soft, sturdy cabling and generally durable construction, stays supple even in the coldest weather
Excellent sound
Easy iPod controls (ff, pause, play, rew, voice-commands) even accessible with gloves
Excellent microphone
Comfortable earbuds
CONS:
Horrible customer service (save your receipt)
Questionable quality/durability - my microphone went south within weeks under normal use (especially bad because of aforementioned customer service)
Bulky controller
Silicone earbud covers only - NO FOAM ( which is much better for sound isolation and comfort)
Straight plug, rather than more compact, more durable L-type. I really wish they'd change this.
MEHS:
Included case and flashlight are mostly useless, probably lost within minutes. They should sell it cheaper without it.
**An issue that seems to be a concern for many people is the location of the controller and mic. It's at the Y-junction of the headphones rather than dangling off one of the earpieces (the more customary setup). I may have just gotten used to it, but now that I'm trying out a different pair of headphones I have some new opinions about it. I actually really like and kind of miss the controls on this model, they're easy to reach and easy to see. Also, because they're not hanging off an ear, they can be bigger and more substantial (still no need to be quite as big as they are). Having the mic down there is definitely questionable and I usually lift it up to my mouth even though the instructions say it's unnecessary and people haven't complained. Using the more traditional setup, I find myself fumbling for the controller for a moment every time, and it's a little more awkward of a move to FF/REW by reaching up to your ear than to simply tap your chest. It would be nice to redesign these to get the best of both worlds - put the mic by your ear and leave the controls where they are. This would also address the issue of getting the mic wet when you exercise/sweat (even though these are "ruggedized" they still seem to be susceptible to moisture).
I really like these headphones, I'm really pulling for this pair because I dread having to deal with the company again. I recommend them for sound and design and function, just keep your receipt and keep in mind that ruggedized in no way means indestructible.
I previously had Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5vi which is in a same price range as this S5i. The UE lasted less than 3 months after purchase so I wanted another new earphone that can endure through time.
Sound. Klipsch Image S5i was my first choice. So I decided to purchase. After testing the sound it seems that this product has a very weak highs but strong lows when comparing with my previous Ultimate Ears. Well, I admit that I don't really like this attribute as much since I focus more on highs. Still, it is a very personal issue. Anyone who wants to read more on sound attribute should look at the S4i that use the same sound system.
Comfort. I believe Klipsch S5i (along with S4i) provides you the best comfort in this price range. You will barely feel there is an earphone in your ears. This is due to the 'patented' oval shaped earpiece offered by Klipsch. Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5vi made my ear canal sore before. So this is a great upgrade. The earpieces stuck in nicely and don't fall out when running.
Function. I use these primarily with my laptop and HTC Desire Android phone. No problem with anything except the volume buttons don't work with my Android phone. It still can start/stop track and receive/end calls though. A relatively big control pad (comparing to other products) can spin around a bit when you walk/run and will probably make some cable noise by its weight. Anyway all of these are of no concern to me.
Longetivity. This is by first concern when I purchase any earphone. I don't workout that much. The cable is very tough, using a rubber-like substance found on iPhone factory earphones. The plug at the end of earphone that connect to your device is not an L-shape, it is straight. But that straight shape seems flexible on my first try. So forces can be distributed. Klipsch S5i beats my previous Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5vi by miles in this rugged aspect. Still, time will tell. The case is really neat and looks expensive and high-quality. Flashlight doesn't look like it is made in China at all.
In conclusion, everything is fine and deserved the price. I will update after some months passed and report if it can last or not.
EDIT :
3/14/11 One month passed.
No problem at all. I am very content about the build material; they do last and is durable. - Ear Buds - Headphones - Iphone 4 - Earphones'
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