JVC HA M5x Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JVC HA M5x review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Good
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(410)
amazon
4.1
(337)
amazon
3.4
(15)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(410)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(337)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(15)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • jvc-ha-m5x
  • jvc-ha-m5x
jvc-ha-m5x
jvc-ha-m5x

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JVC HA-M5X Xtreme Xplosives are over-ear wired headphones featuring large 50mm neodymium driver units and a proprietary 'Extreme Deep Bass Port' structure designed for high-output, thundering bass performance. Technical specifications include a frequency response of 7Hz–23,000Hz, a 32-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 105dB/1mW, all housed in a rugged plastic frame with rubber protectors for enhanced durability. Main pros include its ability to handle deep bass at high volumes without distortion and its sturdy, impact-resistant construction that offers a comfortable fit via soft padded ear cups and a headband. However, notable cons include significant sound leakage at higher volumes, a bulky design that lacks portability or folding mechanisms, and a sound profile where heavy bass often muddies mid-range frequencies and vocals.

Technical Specifications of JVC HA M5x

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

4.5
JVC HA M5x has a technical score of 4.53 points, which is lower than that of 70.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(410)
amazon
4.1
(337)
amazon
3.4
(15)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(410)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(337)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(15)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.9
JVC HA M5x has a user score of 8.95 points, which is higher than that of 83.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
JVC HA M5x has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.8
JVC HA M5x has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 51% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
JVC HA M5x does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

50 mm
JVC HA M5x uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
JVC HA M5x uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

7 Hz
JVC HA M5x reaches a lowest frequency of 7 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 83.2% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
JVC HA M5x does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JVC HA M5x is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
JVC HA M5x has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
JVC HA M5x does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
JVC HA M5x supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
JVC HA M5x does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
JVC HA M5x does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

JVC
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

280 g
JVC HA M5x weighs 280 g, heavier than 73.1% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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JVC HA M5x vs the average headphone

  • 10 mm larger driver size
    JVC HA M5x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA M5x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA M5x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    JVC HA M5x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA M5x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA M5x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA M5x has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    JVC HA M5x has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA M5x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    JVC HA M5x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.23000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 10x higher input power handling
    JVC HA M5x has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    JVC HA M5x has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Play while charging
    JVC HA M5x can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA M5x can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 11.8% higher user score
    JVC HA M5x has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.95 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    JVC HA M5x has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.95 vs 8.000).8.95 vs 8
  • 7 mm more spacious earcup width
    JVC HA M5x offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    JVC HA M5x uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA M5x has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA M5x has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA M5x has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    JVC HA M5x has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Play while charging
    JVC HA M5x can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA M5x includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA M5x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 28.4% higher weight
    JVC HA M5x is heavier than the average headphone (280 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No travel bag
    JVC HA M5x does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    JVC HA M5x has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JVC HA M5x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA M5x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    JVC HA M5x was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    July 2011
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    JVC HA M5x has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    JVC HA M5x has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.3 % vs 0.3 %
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA M5x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA M5x does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA M5x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA M5x has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 28.4% higher weight
    JVC HA M5x is heavier than the average headphone (280 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    JVC HA M5x is heavier than the average headphone (280 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.280 g vs 218 g
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JVC HA M5x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    JVC HA M5x has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • No travel bag
    JVC HA M5x does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA M5x does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6 older release date
    JVC HA M5x was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    July 2011
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    JVC HA M5x was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of JVC HA M5x and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about JVC HA M5x?

  • Powerful, deep bass response that handles high volumes without distortion
  • Extreme durability with thick plastic and rubber body protectors
  • Soft memory foam earpads and padded headband provide high comfort for long-term use
  • Effective at containing sound leakage, making them suitable for commuting
  • High value for the price, performing better than many other budget-tier headphones

What customers dislike about JVC HA M5x?

  • Recessed and sometimes 'muddy' or 'tinny' high-frequency response
  • Poor passive noise isolation allows significant outside sound to leak in
  • Bulky, non-foldable design lacks portability and does not include a carrying case
  • Aesthetic design can feel cheap or 'over-the-top' (e.g., camouflage patterns and large stenciled letters)
  • Lack of modern features such as an in-line remote, microphone, or detachable cable

Expert reviews

R
reviewed.com
No date provided

The Reviewed JVC HA-M5X over-ear headphone review highlights that while these budget cans deliver reasonable performance for their price, they fall short of studio-grade quality. The prominent pros centers on their exceptional short-term and extended comfort; the thick, ultra-soft padding on the non-removable fake leather ear cups and the urban-camo padded headband prevents physical...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
25/07/2011

The JVC HA-M5X over-ear headphones from the "Xtreme Xplosives" line receive a 3.5 out of 5 ("Good") rating from PCMag due to their impressive low-end capabilities relative to their budget-friendly $49.95 price point. A major pro highlighted in the review is the pair's ability to handle deeply extended, heavy bass frequencies at maximum volumes completely free of distortion, blowing...Read more

C
cnet.com
02/05/2011

The JVC HA-M5X Xtreme Xplosives are a pair of budget-friendly, over-ear headphones priced at $50, specifically engineered for bass-loving consumers as an affordable alternative to premium options like the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio. Weighing just over half a pound, the headphones feature a rugged, overbuilt design reinforced with tough plastic and rubber to withstand mobile...Read more

H
haltechtv.com
28/02/2012

The JVC HA-M5X Xtreme Xplosives headphones review highlights a durable, industrial design that punches well above its weight in audio performance. A major pro is the audio quality; the 50mm drivers deliver very good, deep bass as expected, while surprisingly maintaining clear highs and mids that outperform much of the budget competition. Structurally, the thick "Beats" style cable...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
17/05/2014

The JVC HA-M5X is a budget-friendly, over-ear headphone model priced at $49.95 list value that performs significantly better than standard-issue iPod earbuds. On the positive side, these headphones excel at handling deep bass at high volumes without experiencing audio distortion, making them a competent option for modern music. Furthermore, the circumaural, memory-foam-padded ear...Read more

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