If you’re like me, then you can’t stand to go on a run without your tunes. Hell, some people even bring their music with them skiing, mountain biking and maybe even while naked unicorn riding in the woods. Whatever your persuasion, a quality set of earphones will make or break any outdoor jam sessions. I think I found my ideal pair in the RHA MA450i earphones.
RHA is a small British audio company that designs and engineers all sorts of cool stuff for audiophiles. Here in the U.S. their products are available in Apple Stores. The MA450i are what they call, “Made for iPhone” earphones. Features include:
- Machined from solid, aircraft-grade aluminum
- 10mm drivers inside aerophonically designed earbuds
- 1.5m fabric braided cable
- Apple specified in-line remote
- Packaged with seven sets of dual density rubber eartips
- Carry pouch
- Three-year warranty
I’ve been testing the RHA MA450i on all my runs and while editing video at work and found them to be exceptional in terms of comfort and sound quality. When they arrived, I was happy to see several sizes of eartips because most tips are too big for my earholes. After choosing the ones that fit best, it was easy to snap them onto the earphones and head out on a run.
In the past, I’ve found most earbuds to be tinny, but the RHA earphones explode with crystal-clear sound and deep bass. The rubber eartips do a great job with noise-cancellation, to the point that I can edit video in the chaos of a newsroom and not be interrupted or disturbed. This is also a good thing when running in the city, though perhaps somewhat dangerous as it’s difficult to hear cars. Maybe too much of a good thing?
The cable is a feature that I really like as it’s not a cheap, rubber cable like most earphones, but instead uses braided fabric around reinforced copper. This makes the cable more flexible and easier to deal with as it seems to tangle less. Attached to the cable is a remote control that can be used to adjust volume, pause music, skip tracks, or even answer phone calls. When running with my iPhone, it’s so much easier to change the volume or skip ahead to a different track than having to pull out my phone and basically stop running to operate the touch screen. The only bad thing is that the remote only works with iPhones and certain iPods, but is useless with my classic 80 gig iPod (which I prefer to take running.) Perhaps it’s time for me to upgrade…
Another thing that keeps the cable from tangle hell is the little carry pouch that comes with the earphones. I can simply coil it up and stuff it in the pouch that keeps everything secure. I’ve been keeping the pouch in my bag or a pocket so my earphones are at the ready should I need them.
The Good: Excellent sound quality, comfortable ear tips based on custom sizing, fabric cable reduces tangles, good external noise cancellation, in-line remote works great with iPhones.
The Bad: In-line remote only works with iPhones and limited iPhone models.
Final Word: The RHA MA450i earphones are pretty sweet, not only for taking tunes along on outdoor exploits, but for everyday use as well. They are unique, and and $50, pretty affordable.
RHA MA450i earphones are available in the U.S. at Apple Stores or online.
For more from RHA Audio, visit them at http://www.rha-audio.com/us/