Reviewed Dec 2009
Details: Ultrabudget IEM from cable manufacturer AudioSource
Current Price: N/A (discontinued) (MSRP: $9.99)
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: N/A | Sens: N/A | Freq: 20-20k Hz | Cable: 3.6’ I-plug J-cord
Nozzle Size: 5.5mm | Preferred tips: stock single-flanges
Wear Style: Over-the-ear or straight down
Accessories (0/5) – Single-flange silicone tips
Build Quality (1.5/5) – Completely plastic housings with molding artifacts. Cabling is plastic as well.
Isolation (1.5/5) – Below average
Microphonics (3.5/5) – Low
Comfort (2.5/5) – Light housings, very generic fit. J-cord can make them difficult to wear over-the-ear
Sound (0.5/10) – The less said about the way these sound, the better. The drivers really cannot cope with anything more than a simple piano progression. They get overwhelmed very easily and end up sounding like a muddy mess. I thought they would clear up with burn-in but there seems to be no change whatsoever at 100 hours – I still can’t stand them.
Value (1/10) – AudioSource is a well-known name in cables and audio accessories. From Monster’s example we know that it is possible for such a company to successfully transition into making proper earphones. However, Monster’s R&D budget is obviously much bigger. The IEBAS earbuds feel generic and cheap. Worse than that, sound quality is really not up to the par set by my other $10 earbuds. Avoid at all costs.
Pros: None
Cons: Sound