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Performance
**click to enlarge**
Both products were primarily tested with two quality MP3 players...The
Creative Vision:M and the excellent
iRiver U10 flash-based player.
Both of these products have excellent sound quality and a very high
signal-to-noise ratio.
Pro|Tones m100
The
main advantage of using in-ear style headphones over all others is sound
isolation. They are primarily designed to "seal" off your ear canal,
eliminating all exterior noise. This is why I have always found these
to be the best option for those with MP3 players. Unlike the m250's, I
was very impressed with the sound quality from this less expensive model.
They do a good job and isolating all exterior noise, which did aid in
providing deep, rich bass. They performed very well with both players
and managed to deliver very balanced sound.
*Pro|Tones m100 vs. Sennheiser MX300*
The
biggest question was whether the m100's did perform better than my current
favorite headphones, the Sennheiser MX300's. While they sport the same
design, I was curious as to whether Razer's features did improve overall
sound quality. I will begin with an interesting note...
I found
that the ear cushions on the m100's where just slightly different in terms
of size. The m100's where able to fully seal the ear canal when using
the cushions that come already mounted on the headphones. With the
MX300's, I had to resort to the next (optional) size up, and these still
didn't provide a full seal. Razer's m100's are capable of truly
eliminating all background noise, thus providing not only deeper, richer
bass response, but better overall sound quality. Perfect music to test
with these products are the eclectic and complex sounds from the Blue Man
Group. In comparison, both were fairly close, with the exception of
the m100's slightly better high to midrange response. For $40, you will not get
better sound.
Pro|Tones m250
The
m250's were not as impressive as I initially thought they would be.
While they do deliver crisp midrange and high-end response, I was a bit
disappointed by the lack of bass. On top of
that, they simply did not deliver enough sound and I found myself having to
pump the volume up to almost the max of both MP3 players used for testing.
In fact, I couldn't use these in very noisy environments. These seemed to fit in well with the rock
genre but sound was a bit warm though and was noticeable with certain other
genres of music.
Construction & Comfort
Pro|Tones m100
Now, many are not fans of earbuds and some complain in regards to their
level of comfort. Personally, I think in-ear style headphones are
extremely comfortable and I wouldn't use anything else. The m100's are
no exception. Using the right size cushions, they are very
comfortable, even during extended wear. You'll forget you're wearing
them.
Pro|Tones m250
The
m250's were also extremely comfortable. The rubber-coated clip arms
and light and compact construction help provide the highest level of
comfort. Also, the hinged clips provide a very firm grip and these
headphones will stay in place, even when walking or jogging. They are
shaped just right and they "hug" your ears quite nicely.
Also, a majority of headphones I've used over the years are made of cheap
plastic and are always prone to breaking over extended use. The m250's
feature lightweight aluminum for additional quality and durability.
They ear clips are designed very well and I did not find any issues that may
result in them falling apart over time. They are very well built.
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