Customer Reviews: Read 33 more reviews...
 Microphonics drives me crazy!!! May 25, 2008
I bought these back when they were on sale for something less than $50, can't remember exactly how much. . .
Others have applauded the superior sound quality, and I will second that without repeating the details. However, there is too little emphasis on the side effects of this technology: microphonics, the noise induction when under isolation.
Basically, the cables connected to the earpieces rub up against your shirt, ID badge, iPod, whatever. . . and you hear every single impulse and beat of that damn cable moving around. It's akin to hearing a motor boat miles away when underwater or holding your ear against a wall to eavesdrop on your neighbor. I find myself having to hold myself completely still to enjoy my music when I wear these.
So, if you are mostly docile and sedentary when listening, you'll be able to enjoy these. If you're moving about the slightest, such as rotating in your chair to reach for a pen, you WILL hear that cable rubbing. If you're looking for something to take on your jog, keep on looking. The cable noise will drive you crazy.
There's a new drawback with the advent of new digital music devices. The jack won't fit into the iPhone! Not good.
 Bargain sound February 24, 2008
I bought these for $50 from the "used and new" link; at that price,they are 1/7 the list price of the Etymotic ER4P they resemble, and 1/4 their discount price.
At first I thought they sounded tinny and I had trouble fitting them in my ear canal.
I burned them in for 24 hours (someone recommends 7 days) and the sound warmed up a lot. I found the flange eartips give better sound than the foamies. Moistening them made insertion better.
Now I am getting really nice sound from them for the price. In Bass mode, Bass, tremble, clarity, transient response, detail.
Compared to the Sennheiser PC 166 USB, handy for comparison, it is much better in Bass mode all qualities mentioned above. The headset has a slightly warmer presence for male vocals and a very little more efficiency. In HD mode, it is significantly less efficient and bass is much less, less than the 166, but the male vocal is warm and present. I suspect the Bass mode introduces some small distortions in the bass response.
I have read that the Etymotic ER88-50 filters and the ER61-18 eartips available on the etymotic website fit the IM716. Other accessories look like they would work. Good info as Altec Lansing may no longer market these.
These earphones are awful. January 11, 2008
0 out of 6 found this review helpful
Do not buy these earphones for an iPod.
1. Way, way over-priced.
2. Sound is very tinny. Bass is nonexistent.
3. Clog up with ear wax and you have to buy another pair (see #1).
I have a pair of free earphones from Jet Blue that sound better, honestly. Those free ear phones had better bass and I didn't have to turn my volume up to MAX to hear the song. I am going to return these for a refund. They are an awful waste of money.
I think the people who wrote positive reviews for these earphones either used them for something other than a mobile electronic device, they work for Altec or they are very, very high.
Amazing Headphones December 31, 2007
The design is been strange, definity might not fit well for anyone. The most amazing thing about this headphone is offered feature called HD, which really does work depend the quality of audio. However the audio has static sound you can also heard those as well, but you can hear thing u never heard before, the strong point is the vocal, heard clearly as well, major cons is nearly no bass support. But no headphone this size good in bass anyway. Has nice volume control and clip good for running. Perfect for classical music.
 Nice isolation not as good as my Shure December 15, 2007
Got it at good price (less than $50). Nice sound isolation and fairly comfortable. Not as good sound quality as my Shure with which I heard the music as I have never heard it before. Also Altec headphones transmit every sound through the wire - so if the wire rubs against desk or clothing you'll hear it - annoying.
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