Whenever I get a new handset that comes with their own headphones, I tend to not bother with them at all since I know they’ll just ruin any music I listen to from the device due to their low quality. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure they’re fine for most people, but as I grew up with a strong background in music, I developed a more sensitive ear than most people. I can easily dissect the most complex harmonies and pinpoint any instrument, but I can’t do that if the headset I’m using isn’t of great quality.
Maximo was gracious enough send over their latest and greatest headset, the iP-HS5, for me to get some ears-on time with to hopefully sooth my music-loving ears.
The first thing I noticed about the iP-HS5 is its corded wire. Most headsets have straight wires that, during normal use, can break and cause the wires to pop out. The corded wire protects the delicate innards of the iP-HS5 so its wires last longer, resulting in being able to hear out of both earbuds without any loss of quality.
The earbuds on the iP-HS5 are made of a smooth rubber and its shape is what makes it so comfortable to wear for hours on end. Best of all, they’re noise-canceling, which allows users to appreciate more of their music and less of their wife nagging at him to take out the garbage in sub-freezing temperature.
Another area I enjoyed the iP-HS5 over other headsets is the location of its button, which is used to answer / end calls, as well as to pause / play or change tracks of music you’re listening to. Other headsets I’ve come across have their button located very close to the ear, which is also where the microphone is. Maximo’s iP-HS5 has a small, silver orb that positions the microphone near your mouth, and it has a dedicated button lower down towards the middle of the entire cord. I loved the placement of the button since there have been one too many times I attempt to change a track with another headset, only to rip the earbud out of my ear in the process. Having the button isolated and placed lower down ensures that this doesn’t happen. The button is also made of a soft, circular rubber inside of a metal housing. Pushing to click the button takes very little effort.
Enough about the iP-HS5’s exterior as the real reason I’d recommend them is for their sound quality. Thanks to the noise-canceling, the iP-HS5 really packs a punch. Basses sound heavy and full and the highs don’t sound tinny at all. Even at ridiculously loud volumes, the headset never distorts the quality of the music that is currently playing. I tested the iP-HS5 with a wide variety of music: Rap & Hip-Hop, Classical, Pop, even J-Pop, and all of it sounded fantastic!
If you’re looking for a great sounding headset that won’t break the bank, Maximo’s iP-HS5 is one that should definitely be considered.
