Klipsch IMAGE S4i-WH Premium Noise-Isolating Headset with 3-Button Apple

Customer Reviews

I bought these to go with a shuffle to use while working out and I am very happy with them.
Sound quality: The sound quality is excellent for the money ... they have a ton of bass which is perfect for what I am using them for. I own the Image X10s too which are superb but they are 3 times the price and don't have the inline controls. The X10s sound quality is definitely superior, they're more accurate and have much better separation but that's just not necessary when I'm more focused on not passing out while running up the hills here in San Francisco. I find the Klipsch's Image range to be pretty bassy in general so if you are listening to classical music or a lot of instrumental stuff at high bit-rates you will likely be happier with a set of Etymotic ER4Ps (very accurate with amazing separation) but if you're listening to rock/hip-hop/dance etc. the Klipsch Image range are a great choice.
Build quality: Time will tell how well they hold up but they feel sturdier than the X10s and I have had those for 8 months ... I've been pretty hard on them and have had no issues whatsoever.
Comparison to other brands: I have had Shures and several sets of Etymotics in the past and am now a total Klipsch fan. The Klipsch IEMs have comparable sound quality (better for some types of music), are far more comfortable than both Shures and Etys, are better made than the Etys and are better value for money than the Shures.
One word or warning that you will see in many of the reviews: if you have never used IEMs (In-Ear-Monitors aka sound isolating earphones) - they take some getting used to. You need to make sure to get a good seal in you ear for them to work well, if they're lacking bass it's probably because you don't have a good seal. They really do block out pretty much all noise so make sure to look both ways before crossing the road ;-)

After a somewhat disappointing purchase of the Apple In Ear Headphones with Mic that I wanted to use with my IPhone 3GS, I now faced the dilemma once again what to buy that would work with the phone. I do own several sets of Etymotics and still feel that these are the best sets out there, in sound as well as value. However, even the new type of Ety's for the IPhone 3GS does not have the volume up and down (aka Apple Chip) on the remote, making it impossible to take full advantage of the phone's features. After reading all the good reviews about the S4i, I decided to jump in once more and to purchase these. Amazon did a great job shipping and they shortly thereafter arrived.
With great anticipation I plugged these into my phone, turned on the music and was greatly disappointed. Mediocre sound with no bass. I now tried the largest inserts, pulled back my ears, opened my mouth and shoved them in as far as pain would let me. Still crap and they hurt big time. I was not happy and thought that I just wasted more money on a bad headset.
I researched other sites about Klipsch IMAGE S4i Headsets and one person wrote about the problems he had (same as mine) and how the 180 degree insertion method did make all the difference, due to how his ears are shaped.
I then took the plugs, turned them 180 degrees, Cable pointing up, and inserted them into my ears. This time they went in easily without any pain and effort! They actually fit nicely and the sound is great! Yeah!
Still not to Etymotic standards, but almost there. Big time bass and (now) great sound isolation. Better compared to my friends Bose Ear Plugs and in a different universe of the Apple in Ear Phones.
So for all of you out there with sound and comfort issues, try them upside down. This might work for you as well.
I did give them 4 Stars instead of 5 due to the 180 degree rotation requirement.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 1.3 x 7.9 inches ; 0.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00452TDSY
• Item model number: S4IWH
  

Price : $90.01

Product Description

Color: White
Premium Noise-Isolating Headset with 3-button Apple control, White
List Price : $99.99

Technical Details

• 3-button iPhone/iPod control (VOL+, VOL-, ANSWER/PLAY/PAUSE/SKIP+/SKIP-)
• High-quality echo-cancelling microphone, Piano black finish with chrome accents
• Exclusive Oval Ear Tips for longterm comfort and excellent sound-isolation ; seal
• Superior Bass Response and clarity from dual magnet micro-speaker and oval eartip seal
• Three sizes of oval eartips (Small, Medium and Large) to achieve the perfect fit ; "Snap" carrying pouch included