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V-MODA Vibe Duo Headphones Review - Value & Comparisons |
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Published on June 13, 2008 Comment on this |
 Value (6.00) Typically fashionable gadgets put a huge price on their aesthetic value. In this case, however, V-MODA really doesn't. At $100, the Vibe Duo headphones are attractive, yet still priced appropriately for what they offer. The only thing to keep in mind is that they're also a headset. If you plan on using this feature, awesome, but if you're not it could potentially screw you up: older media players won't play back music correctly through microphone-equipped headsets. Also, no one wants a useless microphone dongle weighing them down. If you're checking out in-ear headphones and aren't a stickler for audio quality, the Vibe Duo headphones should definitely wind up on your list of potentials.   Denon AH-C351 - The Denon AH-C351 headphones don't have the aesthetic flair of the Vibe Duo headphones, but they did have slightly better audio quality. They also require the use of the included extension cord -- the headphones themselves are less than two feet long, to allow them to connect to an arm-worn media player with minimal slack. This feature, while useful for joggers, might be annoying for some. The Denon AH-C351 also costs $50 less. Basically, both are good deals, the AH-C351 is just a better one. It offers more value for every dollar, with the possible exception of aesthetic appeal. This match-up ultimately comes down to your own personal taste in aesthetics, how much you dis/like the AH-C351's mandatory extension cord, and how frugal you're trying to be.  Apple In-ear Headphones - This battle is more about aesthetics than the first, since the difference in audio quality between these headphones is even more negligible. The Apple In-ear Headphones are the status quo at the moment, and the Vibe Duo headphones are the chic alternative. Really, we don't see this choice coming up much, since each have their own, very different audience. Here we think we'd go with the Vibe Duo, since it's still not a drastic money investment, their overall usability is better, and they don't look like the Apple headphones. If you have no ill will towards the Apple In-ear Headphones or their aesthetic, however, then they are a better deal in terms of what you're getting for the price you pay.  Grado Labs iGrado - The iGrado headphones are relatively inexpensive, but they look dirt cheap. They're also uncomfortable, bulky, not very portable, and have worse audio quality. If you're looking for inexpensive and good, you should go for the Denon AH-C351 anyway, not the iGrado. V-MODA vanquishes Grado Labs in this challenge, hands down.  Shure SE210 - The Shure SE210 headphones are interesting, since they basically offer about the same as the Denon AH-C351 headphones, but they cost $179.99. We're not sure if the SE210 headphones are overpriced, or if the AH-C351 headphones are a great deal (it's probably a little of both), but in any case we think the Vibe Duo headphones win here. This battle comes down to value. You pay an extra $80 for the SE210 headphones, but you don't get much for your money. In this case we prefer a the Vibe Duo's abundance of style to the SE210's handful of substance. Etymotic Research 6isolator - This comparison asks the age old question: are you willing to pay more for higher quality? The 6isolators have much better audio quality for only $40 more. The catch? They don't look as fancy -- they certainly look like they cost less than they actually do -- and they don't appear to be as durable. Both are about the same value in terms of what you're getting for every dollar. Like the comparison to the Denon AH-C351 headphones, this one is too close and too dependent on your own personal taste for us to call. To summarize: the Vibe Duo costs less, is prettier, and has worse audio quality. |
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