Accessory Review – Hf2

Manufacturer: Etymotic

Website: www.etymotic.com

Price: £99

In-ear buds are all the rage lately, and the more isolation a set of headphones can offer the better. Or so it seems. This offering from Etymotic Research Inc has a different approach to isolation. The Etymotic Hf2s use a three-tiered bud system to almost completely isolate the outside world and deliver extremely rich sounds. Using these buds creates more of a seal than we’ve ever had using any other buds, and it can be a little strange to begin with. The upside of any initial discomfort, however, is that the results of such a tight fitting bud ensures that a level of extremely good sound is delivered from the balanced armature transducers, which deliver a range of 20Hz to 16kHz. On top of the great sound there’s also a fair amount of functionality involved too. The Hf2s are also useable as a hands-free for your iPhone. They include a built-in mic and music control button that has the same controls as the standard iPhone buds, albeit in a lager cylindrical controller. As we’ve said before, the concern with noise isolating earphones is the threat they pose to your safety when you’re out and about. Luckily for iPhone owners these buds have a music control button so you can pause the tunes at any time.

Practicality: 7.1

Design: 8.0

Value for money: 7.9

Features:8.0

Durability: 7.4

Kung Fu Verdict: 8.0