Review: Klipsch S4i In-Ear Headphones w/ mic & 3 button controller

The Highs: .Loaded with thoughtful features; sound quality; available in black!

The Lows:  .Provided ear tips/sleeves tend toward the small side

The Verdict: .A great alternative to your iPhone’s standard ear buds

iPhone and iPod Touch users who aren’t enamored with the provided ear buds don’t have many options for headphone upgrades, given the Apple buds’ integrated volume/playback controller/mic.  But there are a few, and one of the best is the S4i in-ear headphones from Klipsch.  I’ve mentioned the standard S4′s before, as they’re well recognized for excellent sonics; the “i” suffix indicates compatibility with the iPhone and 3rd gen iPod Touch^*.

Not only do the S4i in-ear headphones include a 3 button controller that functions exactly like the Apple controller, Klipsch engineers have improved on the Apple design in several notable ways.  Before we get to those, let’s take a quick look at the S4i’s features & specs:

Key Features

• Advanced 3-button mic and remote system
• Full music and/or voice control on select Apple products*
• Award-winning sound performance
• Patented oval ear tips for unbeatable comfort
• 360° mic yields highly intelligible phone calls
• Superior noise isolation
• Amazing bass response
• Durable cables with built-in strain relief
• Available in a sleek black or pristine white finish
• Use like headphones with other MP3 players (3.5mm headphone jack required)

Specifications

Improvements on the Apple approach

A couple of essential differences between the Klipsch S4i’s and the standard Apple ear buds are immediately apparent:  first, the controller is located at the yoke, making it much more easily accessible.  In addition, the S4i’s are black, although a white version will be available shortly; if you’re tired of instantly looking like just another Apple fan, these will help you break out of the mold a bit.

Other differences are significant, but a bit more subtle.  This 3½ minute video covers the S4i’s unique advantages very well:

A closer look at a couple of details

The S4i phones’ 3 button controller is much easier to locate than that on the standard Apple buds.  I tested the mic by leaving messages on our answering machine, and its performance was indistinguishable from that of the Apple mic:

One of the more unique features is the oval shape of the Klipsch sleeves, designed to fit the shape of the ear canal much more effectively than round sleeves; it’s subtle, but you can see a line on the sleeve which you line up with a matching line on the speaker housing:

Sonic performance & comfort

I tested the Klipsch S4i headphones versus the standard Apple ear buds, the Ultimate Buds/Future Sonics FS1′s, and my Bose Quiet Comfort 2 over the ear NC headphones.

Against the standard Apple buds, it’s no contest.  Not only are the Apple buds uncomfortable, but they’re no match sonically compared to the S4i’s.  The Klipsch in-ear headphones provide deeper, richer bass and a cleaner, fuller sound.  I frankly don’t feel that the Apple buds are terrible, it’s just a case that the Klipsch phones are much, much better and are considerably more comfortable.  An added bonus:  if you’re sick of looking like just another Apple lemming, they come in black (white is to be available shortly, if you’ve fully drunk the Steve Jobs Kool Aid).

Next I switched to my Bose headphones.  No question that their noise canceling abilities are extraordinary, but once again I was stunned by how muddy they sound.  Mind you, I paid something like $300 for these headphones; that a $100 pair of in-ear phones can kick their a$$ is rather amazing. The Klipsch units sound brighter and richer, no question.

Finally, I broke out the Ultimate Buds FS1′s, the subject of a recent review (see link at the beginning of this section).  The Klipsch S4i headphones provide a sonic experience that’s close to that of the UB/FS1′s, but the Ultimate Buds are slightly brighter and richer sounding; of course, they cost 35% more.  Greatness does have a price, after all.

Wrap-up

I love the feature set of the Klipsch S4i in-ear headphones.  The Klipsch engineers have done a marvelous job of improving on the Apple approach, and the S4i’s are a pleasure to use as a result.  If cost is no object, I’d suggest the Ultimate Buds for two reasons:  they’re slightly better sonically, and I personally found that their sleeves fit better and felt more secure.  Whether these two things are worth paying $35 more for, only you can answer.

Both are great options if you’re looking to (dramatically) improve on your iPhone / Touch listening experience.  The Klipsch S4i’s are available directly from Klipsch, or at Amazon.  $99.99; 2 year warranty; come with several different sized sleeves and a cleaning tool

*Compatibility
The remote and mic are supported only by iPhone 3GS, iPod nano (4th and 5th generation), iPod Classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation), MacBook, Macbook Pro and Mac Pro (2009 models).  The remote is supported by iPod shuffle (3rd generation). Requires latest iPod software. Audio is supported by all iPod models. Mic and call/music button control features functional with 1st generation iPhones and iPhone 3G. Volume Controls are not compatible with 1st generation and 3G iPhone. Also compatible with VOIP, Skype, iChat, and audio recording applications.

The Fine Print:  I have no connection to Klipsch; a review sample was provided to assist in the writing of this post.