Yamaha is known for quality audio/video products — heck, I’ve one of their AV Receivers powering my home theater’s 7.1 audio system. But as to in-ear headphones, like the Zipbuds Ear Bud headphones, I had no idea that they made a high-performance pair. So taking them out and inserting them, the first thing I wanted to know is how these headphones could justify their $149.95 price. Do they have applicable earbud memory foam? I don’t think so. But, I do know the best earbuds often come with a high price tag, but it’s good to know they are worth the asking price.
First Things First
Physically the EPH-M200 resembles others of their type: they’re black (although red and white versions are available) and have skinny wires running from each ‘bud that culminates at a small stick-like tab that’s an in-line remote. Working with iOS devices (and others, but I used it with my iPhone) you can answer/talk on the phone, control music playback, and adjust the volume. But the cord’s construction seems a bit tougher than most and is designed so as to avoid causing audio interruptions. This is a big deal when you’re in the middle of doing something where you can’t reach over to the phone and hit “Play” again because the cords caused the jack to force off the music. Speaking of play issues, if your earbuds aren’t working, you may want to see if your headphone jack needs a fix.
Related: If you like these headphones, you might be interested in our Yurbuds Limited Edition Focus Sort Earphones review.
Put It On
The EPH-M200 headphones are inserted into each ear in a conventional manner and stay put, thanks to a laser-cut design despite their somewhat roundish shape (reminding me of a mini-snowman sans headgear). Technically speaking, the 15 mm drivers (which are larger sized than what I’m used to) are housed in polycarbonate and ABS resin shell that work to suppress internal resonance, even as they minimize exterior noise interference. As to the driver, a sound port (two vents) aids in the flow of air that is being generated. All of this pressing against you means nothing though if listening to junky low-res MP3.
Related: For comfortable earbuds that prevent ear aches, take a look at our Wang Bud Earbuds By Fanny Wang review.
Listen To Something Good
So I don’t. I put the EPH-M200 through the wringer as far as music genres were concerned, starting with rock ’n roll, classical, audiobooks, and even digitized versions made from my old LP collection. Voices came through clearly, be that talking or singing, with no hiss or distorting or “bleeding” of musical instrumentation trying to push in to overpower. I especially appreciated the quality of the bass when listening to classical, something that this genre of headphones isn’t known for doing well at all. That may continue to be true for others, but not the EPH-M200s, they rocked the sound across the entire frequency range. Of course, sounding good means you’re enjoying what you are listening to and that’s pretty much all that needs to be said. These are so good that I’m unsure if I want to be taking them out and about rather than keeping them ensconced safely inside.
