Headphones Under Rs 1000

Soundwise, this baby has a mixed bag to offer. All the units features in this article are 32 ohm, with varying sensitivity. The loudness of each unit too would differ, obviously as the canal phones are more in-your-ear than supra-aural headphones which just rest on the pinna (outer ear).

In the case of the Sennheiser the sound was very laidback, and medium-to-low in loudness, when compared on an equal setting with the others. Some people like this response, as even prolonged listening is easy on the ears.

The bass was the best in these. Very low octaves were surprisingly attainable, and delivered with enough definition, though a killer thump in the sound was missing.

Overall a very mature sound, it would work for instrumental, lounge music and softer recordings that have good dynamics in them.

Price Rs. 900
Rating: 3

Koss KSC9
These are the newer generation of earphones; or rather these can be termed as in-ear-canal phones, as their design lends them to be inserted straight in.

These swanky earbuds have a large gray clip-on hook made of hard plastic. This is used to fasten the earphone into the ear, by gripping the whole outer ear from behind.

The outer side of the earphone is covered by a shiny metallic surface, bearing the Koss logo on it in deep black. The inner side is light metallic aluminum-color frame that holds the driver.

This particular frame is bent in at 90 degrees laterally, making the driver insert straight in your ears like canalphones. This gives the KSC9 exceptional loudness; you feel the sound is at the core of your head.

This effect is experienced at levels lower than half on the volume setting. At full loudness we imagine they can be harmful. Yes, these drivers really push – they seem very efficient. Even on a relative volume comparison with the Sennheiser, they still seem louder.

This has its drawbacks too: the sound level has lower dynamic range, and minor differences in the instruments come across louder than required. Also, the low frequencies get 'boomy' in some songs.

No audible distortion (clipping or breaking) was discernible though; at any frequency or level. No low bass was encountered, and at times the sound becomes too in-your-face (or should I say in-your-head?)

Overall these headphones are good, and ideal for sporty customers who like their music loud.

Price: Rs 850
Rating: 3