Develop Bugs

[Q] Looking for a good pair of wired headsets

I know there's a lot of wired headsets out there, but they all seem to be for the iphone. Especially the ones with mic and music controls. Looking to replace the crapy headset that came with the phone.
Found the Plantronics Backbeat 216. They say these are for the iphone and other smartphones with a 3.5mm jack. Wondering since the MT4Gs OEM headset has a mic and music controls, would this work? If not, can anyone recommend?

How much are you looking to spend? I'd suggest the Metrofi series by Ultimate ears. It's a top notch brand and they have a good amount with mics.

HEADSET
I've tried out a few wired headsets (5+) all in the 70 and up range and am currently using the Bose in ear set which i think are the best sound if you aren't looking for complete noise cancellation, if you are check out the Klipsch Image S4i Premium Noise-Isolating Headset with 3-Button Control

Dude .. go with skullcandys there cheap and awesome alternative to the stock ...i purchased mine from tmobile for 20 (to anxious to wait for an online order) ...good sound quality and mic works fine with my mt4g

Get thinksounds, they are the best out there. IMO skullcandies are meh.
http://www.thinksound.com/ts02mic.php

I've used the Altec Lansing BackBeat plus Mobile that I picked up from my local Apple Store.
Tried most of them in the store but these sound the best for the price ($49.95). They are small earbuds and fit nicely in your ears. I like the cloth cords, they seem very durable and don't stick to my clothes (or each other) when I have them in.
There are bad comments in on the Apple Store for the product reviews, but those are mainly from people who complain about the sound the cloth cables make when they rub together, or from the fact they are not noise canceling like others.
Here's the link if your interested:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TV702LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco=MTA4NTczMjM&s=topSellers
I'm sure you can probably pick them up for cheaper from newegg or amazon, but I didn't want to wait for them to be shipped.
Good luck with your search.

I'm currently using the Sennheiser MM 50 iP's and they work wonderfully for the under $40 price tag.

I got a new Sennheiser MM60. The sound and microphone are exceptionally good.
A side note: the button cannot end calls, but you can advance to next track with rapid double press.

On ear (wired) headphones?

I'm trying to find a decent set of on-ear wired headphones (not around ear and not IN ear) to use with the galaxy note for music listening. I'm not concerned with the expense.
I'd prefer on-ear, as they tend to be lightweight and easy to walk around with. I'm currently using a pair of Sony 7506's - and while I appreciate the sound from them, they aren't very portable.
I have several in-ear models (mostly shure), but I'm finding that they are becoming uncomfortable. I guess that as I'm getting older, my ear canals are getting more sensitive.
I really do NOT want some overpowering bass headphones, and I refuse to jump on the "pay too much for a brand name" bandwagon. Clip on's are not acceptable. I'd like them to be somewhat isolating, but I know that good isolation simply isn't feasible with lightweight headphones.
This would be easy if not for one last requirement: no external amp.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Gary

Grado Labs SR60i
I've owned so many headphones over the past few years, different amplifiers...Grado is the best.

lulcho said:
Grado Labs SR60i .
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Aren't the grado's completely open? Do they offer any isolation?
thank you
Gary

I know you specifically said you didn't want to pay too much for brand names or anything, but nonetheless, Bose OE2's or OE2i's may offer what you're looking for. Sure they're an expensive brand name, but you get what you pay for, and they're quite comfy!

If I were looking in this category, my search would be between Beyerdynamic, Ultrasone, Grado, Bose, and Sennheiser...probably even in that order myself. You will find a good mix between open-air and closed on-ear headphones in those brands. If you really want a closed on-ear design, you should probably skip Ultrasone and Grado though.

Sennheiser PX100 are pretty detailed & portable, but open backed.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App

Westone
If you are not concerned about the expenses the go for the Westone 4R
(http://westonemusicproducts.com/music/index.php/products/personal-listening/westone-4r.html) .
After you wear those for 5 minutes you will find out there are sounds is the music you are listening, sounds never heard before. It is an amazing experience.
I simply love them. The only drawback... expensive
one more thing. try to use them with with complyfoam.com earbuds. they really make a difference.

Before dismissing IEMs make sure you tried different tips.
The Shure olives f.e. are very comfortable on my beloved Etymotics HF5, I can wear them for 10 hours straight on a flight without any discomfort, whereas most tips irritate me within 30 minutes.
A populair on-ear with reasonable isolation is the Sennheiser HD25.

Review of Beyerdynamic MMX 102ie and DX 160ie in-ear headphones w/lots of pics!!!

removed.

Really appreciate your reviews.. It's great to have someone like you in this section and I'm very much interested in earphones so thorough and in-depth reviews like yours are always welcome.
I went for the Xiaomi ones you reviewed instead, and looking forward to receiving them. Out of curiosity, do you use the Viper mod for your Note II?
Also, do you have a pebble watch? I've noticed a massive bug with that + the bluebuds x on Android 4.3 which I've not been able to ask anyone else about!

fade2black101 said:
Really appreciate your reviews.. It's great to have someone like you in this section and I'm very much interested in earphones so thorough and in-depth reviews like yours are always welcome.
I went for the Xiaomi ones you reviewed instead, and looking forward to receiving them. Out of curiosity, do you use the Viper mod for your Note II?
Also, do you have a pebble watch? I've noticed a massive bug with that + the bluebuds x on Android 4.3 which I've not been able to ask anyone else about!
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Thank you for the kind words! More headphones and other audio equipment reviews are on it's way
My N2 is all stock 4.3. Don't use Pebble, but Metawatch instead. Regarding question about Pebble, don't know if you aware but XDA has a separate smartwatch section with Pebble sub-forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/smartwatch/pebble - I have no doubt someone will be able to help you in there. Good luck!

vectron said:
Thank you for the kind words! More headphones and other audio equipment reviews are on it's way
My N2 is all stock 4.3. Don't use Pebble, but Metawatch instead. Regarding question about Pebble, don't know if you aware but XDA has a separate smartwatch section with Pebble sub-forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/smartwatch/pebble - I have no doubt someone will be able to help you in there. Good luck!
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Thank you for the link. Unfortunately though I had already barked up that tree a while back and got nowhere. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2655628
It's a shame as it makes using the Bluebuds with my phone useless unless I disconnect the pebble first, which sort of defeats the point of using apps like "music boss." Since it works fine on 4.4 on my Nexus 4, I'm guessing that the bitpool of the bluetooth connection lowers when the pebble is in town. Really hoping for a kit kat update soon to sort this out!

vectron said:
Thank you for the kind words! More headphones and other audio equipment reviews are on it's way
My N2 is all stock 4.3. Don't use Pebble, but Metawatch instead. Regarding question about Pebble, don't know if you aware but XDA has a separate smartwatch section with Pebble sub-forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/smartwatch/pebble - I have no doubt someone will be able to help you in there. Good luck!
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Hey man, thank you for such an in depth review!
I'm currently looking for some buds to replace my Sennheiser CX300IIs.
I am wanting a good sound at a good price and I've narrowed my options down to 3 possible buds:
RHA MA750i
Beyerdynamic DX 160 (after reading this)
Klipsch X7i (I think my favourite)
But I am no audiophile and these would be my first pair of half decent in ear buds.
I'd love your opinion and which ones would you go for?
Thank you for your time

To be honest, $25 Xiaomi Pistons were designed as an alternative to CX300 Klipsch has a very poor quality. Beyer sounds good, but Pistons have the best value.

Advise needed
I recently lost my Klipsch S4 headphones, with no clue as to where they are. *sad
I am looking to invest in a good pair of IEMs to replace them, something that will last me a while.
My list comprises of this: Soundmagic E10, Shure SE112, Klipsch Image S4A-II, Philips Fidelio S1, AKG K376, and one of the two Beyerdynamics you reviewed in this post.
I would like your advise on these earphones and possibly any others that may be of note. It's hard to buy earphones off the internet because of an inability to test them before committing to the product. I would like to have good audiophile quality and perhaps the extra functionality with my HTC One will be nice (although not having it will not be a dealbreaker).
Thanks mate.

PopeBaldie said:
I recently lost my Klipsch S4 headphones, with no clue as to where they are. *sad
I am looking to invest in a good pair of IEMs to replace them, something that will last me a while.
My list comprises of this: Soundmagic E10, Shure SE112, Klipsch Image S4A-II, Philips Fidelio S1, AKG K376, and one of the two Beyerdynamics you reviewed in this post.
I would like your advise on these earphones and possibly any others that may be of note. It's hard to buy earphones off the internet because of an inability to test them before committing to the product. I would like to have good audiophile quality and perhaps the extra functionality with my HTC One will be nice (although not having it will not be a dealbreaker).
Thanks mate.
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What is your budget? Your price spread is from $25 to $125 (Beyer phones are over $100). If you are constantly on the go and prone to loosing your headphones, I wouldn't invest into anything expensive. Stay within good value budget so if you loose it - it's easier to replace without breaking a bank. Klipsch quality went down. Shure lower price model is a junk. Except for E10, I'm not too familiar with others but see reviews with a mixed bag of comments.
If you want to stay on the budget in $25-$35 range, Pistons 2 and E10 are great. Btw, Soundmagic just released E10S version with in-line remote, I'm getting it for review toward the end of this week. Going a little higher in price you have Ostry KC06A and Audio Technica ATH-IM50 (with removable cables). Hitting $100, you have a great choice of Beyer DX 160 or Brainwavz S5.

Thanks
vectron said:
What is your budget? Your price spread is from $25 to $125 (Beyer phones are over $100). If you are constantly on the go and prone to loosing your headphones, I wouldn't invest into anything expensive. Stay within good value budget so if you loose it - it's easier to replace without breaking a bank. Klipsch quality went down. Shure lower price model is a junk. Except for E10, I'm not too familiar with others but see reviews with a mixed bag of comments.
If you want to stay on the budget in $25-$35 range, Pistons 2 and E10 are great. Btw, Soundmagic just released E10S version with in-line remote, I'm getting it for review toward the end of this week. Going a little higher in price you have Ostry KC06A and Audio Technica ATH-IM50 (with removable cables). Hitting $100, you have a great choice of Beyer DX 160 or Brainwavz S5.
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Thank you for your response and I will look into the suggestions you have made. I would also like to inquire as to how well these headphones would handle use during sports like jogging. Your advise is very much appreciated.

When you a dealing with this type of wire down headphones (versus wire over the year or with removable in-/over-ear stabilizers), the fitment while you are exercising will depend on how well eartip is jammed into your ear If you are using Comply foam tips, they expand creating a great inner ear seal and hold earpieces secure. BUT a big drawback with Comply tips is their superior noise isolation which cuts down on your awareness when outside running/exercising/cycling, etc.
For exercising and great sound quality, I would highly recommend Monster iSport Victory (look up in my list, I reviewed those as well). Totally forgot to mention about those, but their sound quality is on part with DX 160ie, and they got in-ear stabilizer. The neon green one is on amazon for $118, the same price as DX 160ie.

Loud headphones, buds, or BT

I am kind of hard of hearing.
I am looking for suggestions on the following for headphones/buds. I would prefer buds but over the ear is okay.
1. Loud. (Loud enough to use while I am mowing the lawn and weed eating) I listen to both music and podcasts.
2. Clear/Good sound.
3. Not too expensive.
First one that says "Beats" gets my AR-15 pulled on them. Though no one should make that suggestion since two of my requirements are that they sound good and are inexpensive.
I use the ones that came with my M8 for everyday use and I had a certain set that I used while mowing. (They were earbuds and came with one of my MOTO phones I think) I broke them the other day mowing when they caught on the handle of the pull start and ripped apart.
Anyway, is anyone in a similar situation that has suggestions for me?
Also, down the road, I would like to find some BT earbuds or headphones that fit the same criteria.

If you have seen a sticky with all my reviews (also the link in my signature), I reviewed a ton of headphones. When it comes to wired ones and on a budget, Xiaomi Pistons might be a good choice for you but wires will get in the way. Speaking from a personal experience when I'm working in my backyard, you need to go with a wireless headset. I absolutely enjoy using my LG HBS-730 because of all the controls under my fingers. HBS-800 has a better sound, but some of the controls are not as easy to access and 800 cost $90 while 730 is on sale for $43 now. Both were reviewed and in my list. 730 is a great choice under $50, you can get it loud enough, and all the controls are easy to access.

It really depends on what you want to use them for.. Yes obviously listen to music but is that all?. Do you want a pair for watching movies with big sound or are they just for your way to work on the bus..
Perso, I bought the cheapest pair of sony buds and they work like a charm.
On a side note, if your hard at hearing why would the sound quality be a priority since your probably going to phase out the deeper hrz you would find on more expensive gear.....

If somewhat hard of hearing, I think sound isolating headphones (either closed back ones that just keep sound out, or active noise cancellation ones) would be the way to go. In my experience, managing the signal-to-noise ratio is as important as total volume. Knock out the background noise, and the signal that you want to hear will be easier to hear at moderate volume.

Xiaomi Piston 2 have very good sound from what I have read. If you use Comply tips they will also isolate very well.
Xiaomi Piston IF Commemorative Edition (With more tips)
Xiaomi Piston Design 2.0 Earphones
They are both the same

vectron said:
If you have seen a sticky with all my reviews (also the link in my signature), I reviewed a ton of headphones. When it comes to wired ones and on a budget, Xiaomi Pistons might be a good choice for you but wires will get in the way. Speaking from a personal experience when I'm working in my backyard, you need to go with a wireless headset. I absolutely enjoy using my LG HBS-730 because of all the controls under my fingers. HBS-800 has a better sound, but some of the controls are not as easy to access and 800 cost $90 while 730 is on sale for $43 now. Both were reviewed and in my list. 730 is a great choice under $50, you can get it loud enough, and all the controls are easy to access.
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Sorry for just now getting back here but I have been busy. Thanks for the replies. As recommended both by you and note10 I will check out the Pistons.
As for the LG BT buds, I picked up a pair a few months ago at the Verizon store. A lot of the employees in the stores had them on so I specifically asked about quality and volume. I was told they were great. So I bought them. They were the LG Pro. On sale for $59.
Well they sounded like crap. no volume and it was like I was listening through a tin can. So I took them back. Someone I know was working theat day and I told him my problem. And he was wearing a pair. So this guy leveled with me. The ones they are carrying are the second gen and they have been getting them all back. Just about everybody in the store that was wearing them had the first gens. Huge difference.
obtuce said:
It really depends on what you want to use them for.. Yes obviously listen to music but is that all?. Do you want a pair for watching movies with big sound or are they just for your way to work on the bus..
Perso, I bought the cheapest pair of sony buds and they work like a charm.
On a side note, if your hard at hearing why would the sound quality be a priority since your probably going to phase out the deeper hrz you would find on more expensive gear.....
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I will mostly use them around the house and yard work for both music and podcasts of talk shows.
As for wanting sound quality, I am hard of hearing, not deaf. I have losses in some upper ranges. And I also have tinnitus which is mainly why I need the louder volume. I still like deep rich bases and clear highs (at least the ones I can hear)

Skullcandy
I don't like buying headphones that are too expensive. That's why I bough the Skullcandy Ink'd 2.0. They seem to be really solid headphones and even after 5 times in the washing machine were working for me. :good:
They can go pretty loud and they're really clear audio quality. That is my recommendation

If volume is the biggest problem, something like a Fiio E11 ask amp, or even an E6, would help.
However, I fully agree you should first focus on isolation and clarity, thus salvaging whatever hearing you can. Foam tips are your friend.
Bluetooth will likely never be as loud or as clear as plugging directly in, also.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

For me it is BT headphones.

Earbuds

What's everyone using for IEMs? Looking for recommendations in the sub $130 range.

I highly recommend the Triple Driver Headphones from 1More
http://www.amazon.com/1MORE-Triple-Driver-Headphones-Microphone/dp/B01A7G35S0
As someone who owns 35 different pairs of headphones. These are a STEAL at their price and offer really quality playback.

Neekeet said:
I highly recommend the Triple Driver Headphones from 1More
http://www.amazon.com/1MORE-Triple-Driver-Headphones-Microphone/dp/B01A7G35S0
As someone who owns 35 different pairs of headphones. These are a STEAL at their price and offer really quality playback.
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Looks very nice. Any experience with the RHA MA750s?

Heisenberg420 said:
Looks very nice. Any experience with the RHA MA750s?
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Unfortunately I have not experienced any RHA products myself but they definitely look really clean and would match the HTC10 well

For anyone who's looking for cheap buds, the LG Quadbeats 3 sound pretty good. They actually sound better than my Bose IE2s because of the great isolation on a high quality source. They came with my G4 and sounded so cheap. Perfect example of the 10 making cheap buds sound amazing.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XL...quadbeat+3&dpPl=1&dpID=41YVtORyDML&ref=plSrch

Heisenberg420 said:
Looks very nice. Any experience with the RHA MA750s?
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I have the rha ma750, bought it a few years ago. I do recommend it for the $130 range. I also have the rha t20.
Sony mdr ex750ap is also very nice with many colours and great sound.
Vsonic gr07 classic and gr07 bass are great as well.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

A decent pair of earbuds, the Klipsch R6. Can't go wrong with, especially if you buy the Isolation Comply Tips. You'll get some great sound from them. That's the combo I use.

Got the RHA MA750 a few days ago. Very pleased. Phenomenal clarity and balance overall. A little less bassy and warm than I was expecting though. Although I've read they get better after a good break in period.
Thinking about trying the Shure se215s just to compare.
Still keeping the MA750s regardless though, between comfort and build quality they're well worth the price.

i have shure se215s, very nice, detachable cable, bit bass heavy but very durable.

Neekeet said:
I highly recommend the Triple Driver Headphones from 1More
http://www.amazon.com/1MORE-Triple-Driver-Headphones-Microphone/dp/B01A7G35S0
As someone who owns 35 different pairs of headphones. These are a STEAL at their price and offer really quality playback.
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Just received these myself and the sound quality is phenominal once you get the set dialed in with the right tips.
However, I think the button functions dont work properly, or mine are broken. Do your button controls work properly?
Top button works for Vol+
Middle button is stop/start, 2 presses nothing. three presses next track
Bottom button does nothing.
Im gonna contact 1more but am curious if yours work ok.

bigpappa said:
Just received these myself and the sound quality is phenominal once you get the set dialed in with the right tips.
However, I think the button functions dont work properly, or mine are broken. Do your button controls work properly?
Top button works for Vol+
Middle button is stop/start, 2 presses nothing. three presses next track
Bottom button does nothing.
Im gonna contact 1more but am curious if yours work ok.
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When switching from an iOS device and an android device I often find issues for the controls to work properly haha.
Most of the time the controls work flawlessly hopefully it gets better overtime. If you get a response back let me know what they say! Also, I agree so much haha these headphones are absolutely amazing and for the price they are absolutely amazing!!

Neekeet said:
When switching from an iOS device and an android device I often find issues for the controls to work properly haha.
Most of the time the controls work flawlessly hopefully it gets better overtime. If you get a response back let me know what they say! Also, I agree so much haha these headphones are absolutely amazing and for the price they are absolutely amazing!!
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I will post here if they reply. I didnt come from IOS though. My last phone was the LG G2. Oddly the controls work on that phone, except for skipping back one track.
I'm guessing that maybe HTC didnt stick to a standard implementation.
So Im assuming your button controls dont work either? I cant tell by your reply if you answered my question?!?

I am a proud new owner of a Carbon Gray HTC 10! (coming from Failsung S7)
My sugestions for HTC 10 (of the same color) users:
AKG Y50 Black
AKG N20U Black
AKG K450
Sennheiser HD 2.20s
Philips Fidelio L2BO/27
Philips Fidelio S2BK/28
Senfer UEs (Dinamic driver + balanced armature)
KZ ZST (Dinamic driver + balanced armature)

A short update on the 1more Triple drivers. Support said that the inline button issues were fixed for android on their titanium color set. Apparently the black/gold have not been fixed yet (old stock?).
They offered to switch them out for me. Sucks cause I dont really want that color, but for $100 I want them to work properly. And they sound incredible so I'll deal.
For now, if anyone plans to buy them, get titanium color if you want the inline controls to work properly. I asked them on eta for corrections to black stock. Will update if I lean more.
I came from using sure's, xiaomi piston 2 and dual drivers, and sennheiser momentum in ears. These 1more triples shatter those in comparison of sound quality. I mean its not even a contest. Ive heard $1,500 cans that sound worse.

I'm unsure of how good they are, but the HTC Hi Res Audio earbuds and JBL Reflect Aware C Earphones are both 40% off if you sign up to join Team HTC. I bought the Hi Res Audio ones for less than $20. They should be here today (only took 2 days to ship).

Jyro275 said:
I'm unsure of how good they are, but the HTC Hi Res Audio earbuds and JBL Reflect Aware C Earphones are both 40% off if you sign up to join Team HTC. I bought the Hi Res Audio ones for less than $20. They should be here today (only took 2 days to ship).
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the hi res sound great... but you gotta be careful with them... the wires are weak and will disconnect inside

Yes -.-
my Hi Res earbuds broke on the right side after 2 months....
Then i bought the Xiaomi Hybried IEM. For 18$ really nice stuff.
I think they're also designed by 1More.

Shure Se-215 with aftermarket cables from ebay that allow the in-line buttons to work on Android. They have a in-line mic as well. The se-315 are supposedly great too, a bit more $.
I also actually love the Amazon buds. $15 and they are great. Fit is nice, buttons work and in-line mic, sound is decent and I love that they are not sound isolating. Great for walks and hikes where you'd like to hear traffic and such.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk

Haldi4803 said:
Yes -.-
my Hi Res earbuds broke on the right side after 2 months....
Then i bought the Xiaomi Hybried IEM. For 18$ really nice stuff.
I think they're also designed by 1More.
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Yea. 1more currently makes all of the xiaomi piston range and dual drivers. I have them all. Its what convinced me to try the triple drivers. In comparison to the dual drivers the triples are really 10x better sound quality. Not knocking any of the xiaomi range. At their price points they are all the best there is in the low end $ range, ......by far. I personally think the Piston 2's are fantastic, although base heavy.
As an aside, I also have thr JBL reflect and the HiRes HTC's. Guys, they are not even close to being anything near the right quality to take advantage of the DAC and amp on the 10. Rhey sound horrible. I'd rather use my non aptx photive bth3's than those.
My replacement 1mores's should be here tomorrow. I'll update on whether the controls actually work right on the 10.

bigpappa said:
Yea. 1more currently makes all of the xiaomi piston range and dual drivers. I have them all. Its what convinced me to try the triple drivers. In comparison to the dual drivers the triples are really 10x better sound quality. Not knocking any of the xiaomi range. At their price points they are all the best there is in the low end $ range, ......by far. I personally think the Piston 2's are fantastic, although base heavy.
As an aside, I also have thr JBL reflect and the HiRes HTC's. Guys, they are not even close to being anything near the right quality to take advantage of the DAC and amp on the 10. Rhey sound horrible. I'd rather use my non aptx photive bth3's than those.
My replacement 1mores's should be here tomorrow. I'll update on whether the controls actually work right on the 10.
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The htc earphones hi res, are they built for music productions?