iLounge

We haven't looked at budget-priced earphones in a while, so we were intrigued when Yamaha contacted us about the EPH-30 ($40), a new offering that promises rich bass and "concert sound quality," going up against low-end Sony canalphones while offering an even more iPhone- and iPod classic-matching style. Heavy chrome accents are offset by glossy white or charcoal black plastic bodies; the cabling offers no iPod- or iPhone-specific remote functionality, and does have an asymmetrical, anti-tug split such that the left earphone has less cabling than the right. Three sets of silicone rubber ear tips are included; no carrying case or other frills are in the package.