ZAGG Z.Buds In-Ear HeadphonesHands On Review – We’re Impressed

Its not that often that we're set samples from companies so we were
thrilled to be given the opportunity to get our hands on these new
Z.Buds in-ear headphones from ZAGG and, having had them firmly implanted
in my ears for some days now, I have to say that I'm pretty impressed
(and that really doesn't happen all that often).

At this juncture, if you're thinking somewhere along the lines that a
set of headphones, in-ear or otherwise, is not something to get
especially excited about then I'd question whether this post is
particularly suited to you (if you're the type that's happy sticking
with the invariably sub-par headphones supplied with your new DAP, PMP,
et all that's just fine). If, however, you care about the quality of
your audio then I am pleased to report that my experience with ZAGG's
Z.Buds has been a decidedly positive one.

Firstly, of note, is the fact that ZAGG's Z.buds have been designed to
be worn around the neck (specifically in what's termed the 'hangin'
tight' method - see below video) and, in that respect, and thanks to the
fact that they come with a series of sliders allowing you to adapt the
system to suit you, they work well to keep you free of cord in a way
that standard headphone just can't. Additionally the 1.37m cords are
described as being tangle-free and our experience of them would qualify
this statement unconditionally as well as confirm that, thanks to their
superior tough coating the cords are significantly more durable and
resistant to damage than comparable in-ear headphone solutions.

Additionally, the inclusion of an in-line volume control is welcomed
and, if you're using the Z.Buds with an iPhone the fact that you can
switch the music on/off and answer any inbound calls with the integrated
noise cancelling microphone as well as skip tracks makes using the
Z.Buds with a cell phone based DAP (aka the iPhone - this feature will
only work with the iPhone, incidentally) an especially hassle-free exercise.

But, it's in terms of sound reproduction that the ZAGG Z.Buds
particularly impressed me, and that is especially the case considering
the Z.Buds price point. Of particular note is the rich clarity of sound
reproduction thanks to the Z.Buds 10mm driver's 20hz to 20kHz frequency
response paired with their sensitivity of 94dB +/- 3dB SPL/mW. And,
certainly, in comparison to the headphones I was using prior to
receiving the ZAGG Z.Buds - which, I can assure you, were hardly cheap
(and were actually decidedly more expensive) - I was a little taken
aback at the range and audio clarity provided by the Z.Buds. Audio was
warm and rich whilst bass levels were deep and provided the level of
'thumb' that my previous headphone just couldn't conjure (regardless of
playing with equalizer settings in a bid to desperately compensate).

Interestingly, it should also be noted that the Z.Buds also come with a
large range of caps that can be attached to the in-ear mechanisms that
not only have been designed to provide maximum fit and comfort but
actually proved surprisingly good at blocking out external noise and
though this in no way offers the same degree of noise cancelling offered
by dedicated electronic wizardry the degree to which they sealed me away
in my own bubble of MP3 based bliss was pronounced.

ZAGG Z.Buds In-Ear Headphones Key Features:

2009 CES Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase Honoree
Rich, responsive sound from superior speakers
“Hangin’ tight” wearable - wear Z.buds around neck
Built-in music control for iPhone
Premium length, tangle-free cord
In-line volume control
Multiple sliders for better cord management
3.5mm jack compatible with first gen iPhone
Multiple earbud adaptors for all ear sizes

ZAGG Z.Buds In-Ear Headphones Specifications:

Earbuds:

speaker diameter: 10mm
frequency response: 20hz to 20Khz
impedance: 32 Ohms
max input power: 10mW
cable length: 1.37 meters/54 inches
plug type: 3.5mm
sensitivity: 94dB +/- 3dB SPL/mW

Microphone:

frequency response: 30hz to 16Khz
impedance: 10 Ohms
sensitivity: 42dB +/- 3dB

All in all, if the fact that I'm now using the ZAGG Z.Buds myself over
my previous pair (duly shoved away in a draw) is a recommendation then
you can indeed consider this a glowing testament to the degree to which
they impressed me and its hardly surprising, based on my experience of
them, that they received such attention at CES (as detailed above).

What further singles out the ZAGG Z.Buds in-ear headphones, however, on
and above the sound quality and impressive overall design and build
quality is that they will set you back just shy of pound sterling80
which, in my book at least, considering the quality they positively ooze
from all perspectives, is nothing less than a steal.

Highly recommended.