Product Description

Are you ready to hear the full range of music from your iPod, MP3 player or other personal audio device? The super.fi 3 Studio earphones give you studio quality sound in a unique in-ear design that incorporates pro-style ear loops to keep your earphones in place and a universal fit kit to maximize your comfort and minimize the noise around you. These earphones were specifically developed to offer you a full spectrum of sound to maximize your music experience, much better than the earphones that came with your personal audio player.

Product Details

• Color: Black
• Brand: Ultimate
• Model: 3 Studio Black
• Dimensions: .88 pounds

Features

• Single Driver technology with full range precision balanced armature
• Full Spectrum Sound
• Noise Isolating Design attenuates outside noise by an amazing 26db
• Comfortable and Secure Ear Loops
• Includes Universal Fit kit and a protective metallic travel case to store earphones

From the Manufacturer
For over 12 years, Ultimate Ears has been designing custom ear monitor products for your favorite professional musicians for use on stage and in the studio. Musicians put their hearts, their souls, their breakups, their memories and their passions into every song and they count on Ultimate Ears products to get the most out of their music. Now Ultimate Ears has taken the same technology found in its custom personal monitors and developed a line of personal earphones for music fans, so that you too can hear music the way it is meant to be heard.

Ultimate Sounds for Any Lifestyle

	metro.fi 2 If you are a fashion-conscious, active commuter who wants to get better sound from your MP3 player or iPod than you’re getting with your player’s stock headphones, the metro.fi 2 was made for you. It gives you a full spectrum of sound in a stylish in-ear design that incorporates a universal fit kit to maximize your comfort and minimize the noise around you. The passive noise-isolating design blocks out 16 dB of ambient noise, while the titanium-coated speaker and proprietary audio filters deliver a full, "punchy" sound. The metro.fi 2 series is perfect for those looking for an entry-level step up from their portable audio player's stock headphones.
	super.fi 3 The super.fi 3 Studio earphones give you studio-quality sound in a unique in-ear design that incorporates pro-style ear loops to keep your earphones in place and a universal fit kit. They seal your ear canal like the metro.fi 2, but block even more noise because the internal speaker is different. The super.fi 3 studio incorporates a proprietary balanced armature driver--the same technology found in hearing aids. Instead of pushing air to generate sound waves like your home speakers, a balanced armature is a coil that vibrates like a guitar sting. This driver gives you distortion-free, full-range audio clarity while the in-ear design provides up to 26dB of noise isolation for clearer sonic detail. The super.fi 3 series is a great introduction to true audiophile headphones for those who are looking to get more out of their portable player.
	super.fi 4 The super.fi 4 uses the same speaker technology and sound signature that is used in other Ultimate Ears professional monitors. The noise isolating design reduces ambient interference and enhances quality of sound. The custom tuned balanced armature/speaker is enclosed in a durable, lightweight aluminum housing. The super.fi 4 features two wearing styles, cable down for casual listening and over-the-ear while exercising. Accessories include a pocket-ready hard carrying case, comfortable silicone fit tips with small, medium, large and dual flange fitting options, and an airline attenuator for hearing protection when using an unstable sound source.
	super.fi 5 The super.fi 5 uses the same speaker and sound signature used in other Ultimate Ears professional monitors. It offers a detailed, sonically rich experience that is perfect for all types of musical genres. The super.fi 5 utilizes a precision crafted top-fire armature to produce a remarkably full soundstage. The metallic silver body with UE logo is stylish, low profile and ideal for a person on the go. The earphones are color coded for easy left and right identification. Cables can be worn down for casual listening or over the ear for active lifestyles. Accessories include three sizes of soft silicone ear tips, two sets of Comply foam ear tips, a cleaning tool, and a pocket ready pebble-shaped case.
	super.fi 5 EB For those who need a little more low-end response, the super.fi 5 EBs deliver the same professional-grade sound, noise isolation, and superb form factor as other earphones in the super.fi line--but with an increased bass sensitivity for deep and driving beats. Precise audio filters and an encapsulated diaphragm subwoofer ensure that the bass stays tight and distortion-free, never muddy. The super.fi 5 series' dual-driver technology makes these earphones ideal for studio-grade acoustic performance while delivering an increased "thump" for those who like to really feel their music. These earphones also include a metallic travel case.
	super.fi 5 Pro The super.fi 5 Pros are the closest you can get to the same professional-grade stage monitors custom-made by Ultimate Ears for stars like Madonna, Metallica, and Linkin Park. Experience superior full-range sound, thanks to audio filters that shape the sound for maximum detail and passive crossovers that direct music to two different drivers for precise audio reproduction. This design incorporates one 13.5mm diaphragm for clear, non-muddy lows, and one precision balanced armature for detailed mids and highs. These earphones also include a metallic travel case.
	triple.fi 10 Pro If the super.fi 5 series feels like being a musician in the studio, the limited edition triple.fi 10 series is like being a professional sound engineer. If you want to hear every possible nuance and musical layer, then you need triple.fi 10 Pro earphones. These earphones offer one of the most sonically rich experiences humanly possible when listening to any style of music--when a guitarist slides their fingers along the strings or when a singer exhales, you will hear every detail. The triple.fi 10 Pro series is Ultimate Ears' latest technological breakthrough and the only professional earphone product with three separate drivers--one for accurate bass, one for the critical vocal midrange, and one for crystal-clear highs. These earphones also incorporate all the best features that Ultimate Ears universal products have to offer, including pro-style ear loops that secure your earphones in place and a universal fit kit--plus a distinctive metallic blue finish that truly separates you from the pack. The triple.fi 10 Pro’s also come with a metallic protective travel case, sound attenuator and ¼" adaptor jack. Now your head is a world class recording studio. But don’t take our word for it--hear the difference for yourself.

Getting the Ultimate Fit from Your Ultimate Ears Just ordered yourself some Ultimate Ears or already own a pair? Click the image to the right to see a short tutorial on how to insert your Ultimate Ears to achieve the best seal for your ear-canal. (The tutorial will open in a new window.)

Customer Reviews

Great sound but a 'learning' curve
These sound great. Apple getting $40 for the white iPod set when these are under $100 is nuts.

The downside is the form factor. These cannot be wound up around your iPod and stuck in a pocket. The 2.5" of the wire closest to the buds is stiffened so it holds a shape going over your ear. Getting that wire into just the right shape is key. Once you've got it there you don't want it to move. Luckily the included metal case will protect them and keep your curve safe.

Why is that curve so important? If it isn't just right they are horrible to wear. I was on the verge of returning them before I got just the right shape figured out. It is worth spending some time playing with the various included tips and bending that wire around before you make up your mind on how wearable they are.

If the sound wasn't so good I'd have taken off 2 stars for the 'difficulty' of use.

A satisfactory treat for your ears
I bought these on an audiophile friend's recommendation, and I've been quite pleased with them.

$100 (about $80 when I bought them a year and a half ago) seemed a bit steep to a general audiophile like myself. I found that they are definitely worth it. Nice headphones are the kind of thing you don't think would be necessary/worthwhile until you experience them yourself. I had previously used Sony earbuds: adequate, but these are definitely a step up.

So the sound is great. However, the over-the-ear cord works only reasonably well--the over-the-ear portion is extra thick and not very flexible, so it doesn't fit the contour of your ear super easily. Also, the cord in general is a bit short and too thick (though perhaps more durable because of it). The cord is replaceable, which is definitely a good feature on headphones this expensive, but I've not had to replace mine yet.

The metal case that comes with the headphones is a nice touch. It's quite durable and resilient to dings and dents. The different ear molds are also nice, and I would encourage you to try a few different ones for a while to see which work well for you.

Lastly, don't try sleeping on your side with these in your ears; it works (sort of) but can be painful in the morning. This is more of a general earbud problem, and maybe goes without saying for some others. ^_^

Burn them in first!
Right "out of the box" these sound a little on the thin side. Plug them into your regular audio system (check the volume so you don't over-power them) and let them get a few hours of play time before you insert them into your ears... you'll be a lot happier... after 10-20 hours of "burn-in" time.

Great for working out at the gym!