It’s clear that bone conduction headphones aren’t quite there yet in terms of sound quality, so we’ll just have to cope with in-ear or over the ear headphones and today Etymotic announced a new set of hi-fi in-ears.
The hf5 earphones have the same award winning technology as the hf2, but ditch the lame microphone. Tuned for a full dynamic range of sound coupled with the noise-isolating tips the hf5’s let you hear everything without having to crank up the volume, which we all know isn’t good for us. The hi-fi, noise-isolating earphones are available exclusively through Amazon and retail for $149.
I hope that with the HF5’s they fix the noise issue when the cable rubs against your clothing. I have the HF2’s, and while they sound phenomenal, I actually don’t use them while walking because the cable noise-interference is horrible (there is a word for this that I’ve seen around the Head-Fi forums, but hell if I remember what it is). My 29 dollar Sony earbuds actually sound better when I’m out and about for this reason.
Other than that though, I’ve been extremely satisfied with the HF2’s, so I’m sure the HF5’s are great.
the word is microphonics. If they didnt change the cord material, or include a clip where you can clip it to your clothing for some relief it will suffer from the same effects.