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Klipsch Custom-3: Review

Posted to Headphones 2008-12-06

For all you sound junkies out there, listen up to this, the Klipsch Custom-3 is available now and provides more bang for your buck. Ok, the pun was intended. Seriously though, you would probably need to be sincere about your sound to drop the cash for these headphones, but have no doubt, they are not your average sound generating devices.

More than just headphones, it also comes with a clamshell style case that is packed full of goodies to make this the perfect headphone set. Five sets of ear tips, an airplane adapter, a quarter-inch adapter, a cleaning tool, and a partridge in a pear tree. Well, the last one was debated on, but was a logistical nightmare. Bird aside, it comes with everything you need to enjoy the music you love.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Value

While many will not spend or simply could not afford headphones like the Custom 3's, there are those who want to take their music sound to the next level. Due to the average shopper, I didn't score this as high as I probably should. While it's no doubt if you're picky about your sound, these are a good buy; the $300 price tag can still be a bit steep. Ultimately, like the debate between plasma and LCD, headphone purchases can be very subjective as sound quality is dependent upon the listener, so that comes into play as well. What I do think is awesome and gives the Custom 3 a great value factor is the multiple ear tips. There is a large probability that the openings to your right and left ear aren't exactly the same size. Since the quality of headphones can vary greatly due to fit, it is nice to know that with your investment comes assurance of options to get the best sound possible with five sets of ear tips.

Performance

For your money, you are getting more than just a set of headphones, you are really getting a sound package, and there is no pun intended there. 4' cable runs from the top of the earbud and over the top of your ear with memory wire and is covered with braided, tangle resistant cloth. The ear tip set comes with 3 single flange and 2 double flange ear tips. Whether using single or double flanged ear tips, the noise cancellation is spot on and the design of the memory wire allows you to pull the ear tips out and dangle them freely for times when you need to hear. The ear tips, with their oval design, do go into the ear canal more than some headphones so there is the possibility of irritation. And some earbuds can create annoying thuds or other microphone sounds (vibrations by movement such as walking or by touching the headphone wire) due to the way they fit in the ear. The nice thing about the Custom 3's is that with the proper fit, which shouldn't be a problem with the wide range of optional ear tips, irritation can be avoided and the microphone sounds can be eliminated. The bass is great, creating deep and rich wonderful sound during movies and music. While they won't match full size headphone quality depth (like DJ style headphones covering the whole ear), in the earbud category, they take the cake. They are decently balanced for sound but tend to lean a little to the low side. However, this makes it a great headphone for movies, capturing booming sounds with the dedicated woofer driver. They are extremely portable, using either the case or storing them in the pocket of your laptop bag.

Summary

It's a high end product, no doubt. Nonetheless, it is worth the money if you have a high expectation of sound whether listening to your MP3 player, your portable DVD player, or even you video game on your laptop. The Klipsch Custom 3 provides rich sound you simply cannot get from a generic headphone.

Pros

Five different sets of ear tips for your comfort
Great bass sound from dedicated woofer driver
Memory wire conforms to your ear
Multiple adapters and a cleaning tool complete the set
Forget all around you with excellent noise cancellation

Cons

There are no cons for this product