First Class
SLEEK AUDIO SA1:
Though you can break these
earbuds apart and customize them
to your liking, they are hardly Tinker
Toys. In fact, with Siam rosewood bod-
ies, custom tuned 6 mm dynamic drivers
and wireless capability, they are some of
the most sophisticated in-ear headphones
on the market—especially at this price.
And with a wide range of rubber flanges,
they should stay snug in just about any-
one’s ear, perfectly sealing the sound in
place. $79; sleek-audio.com
All Ears
Apple’s white earbuds are so ubiquitous
these days that it’s almost a shock to see
someone donning anything else, yet those
who have an ear for this sort of thing swear
by the benefits of an upgrade. These
headphones—with better sound, fit and
functionality—will compel you to defect
from the earbud army and march to your
own rich, deep beat.
JAYBIRD SPORTSBAND: People
go to the gym to look sharp and feel good, and
these headphones were created to match that
mantra. The Sportsband’s sound focuses on bass—
those heavy rhythms that keep you running and
pounding out those reps. And with a microphone and
Bluetooth, it’s even helpful in the office, where you can
use the headset to make a call via any Bluetooth-enabled
phone or with Skype. Supporting A2DP stereo Bluetooth, the
Sportsband is wireless, but it comes with a detachable wire to
handle old-school audio sources, no sweat. Oh, and speaking of
perspiration, the Sportsband also comes with a lifetime guarantee
against mist, rain or whatever liquids you encounter while getting
your fitness on. $89; jaybirdgear.com
Contributors to “First Class” include
Christene Barberich, Alison Lowenstein,
Elaine Pofeldt, John Patrick Pullen and
Martha Steger.
