This headphone is Audio-Technica's award-winning ATH-EC7 GM ear-bud/clip-on hybrid headphone. They are brand new to America – the Import Series are Japanese Headphones. The ATH EC7 GM (a very long name) blends innovative design and outstanding acoustic performance. These incredibly lightweight hybrids offer a three-position adjustable design for a custom fit. 15.5 mm drivers with rare earth neodymium magnets deliver deep bass, extended treble. Audio-Technica includes a protective wallet pouch. The Specs from the Web site are:

• Lightweight ear-bud/clip-on hybrid headphones
• 3-position adjustable design for a custom fit
• 15.5 mm drivers deliver deep bass, extended treble
• Neodymium magnet for maximum quality, minimum size
• Gold-plated mini-plug for exceptional corrosion resistance, superb conductivity, low noise
• Includes 0.6 m cable with 1.0 m extension cord and a protective portable wallet pouch

SPECIFICATIONS

Design : These are billed as “hybrid” earbud/clip-ons. What that means is that these headphones are premium ear-bud phones with an adjustable clip that goes over the ear. While the web site says they are “three-position” adjustable clips, I found that they were truly customizable to the shape of one’s ear. The ATH EC7 GM are very high tech looking headphones. They are lightweight and are designed to fit in a traveling pouch when not in use. One interesting thing to note about the design is that the cord is quite sturdy, but is much longer on the bud/clip for the right ear. There is an attachment to make the whole cord longer, but the discrepancy in the right/left cords was confusing to me.

Sound Quality: The ATH- EC7 GM quickly found their place next to the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro’s in the final head to head comparison of the premium buds. The bass was tight and strong – not as strong as the EG4’s – but more believable. The highs were clear and crisp – not quite as pronounced as the Altec’s – but very, very clear. The vocals and instrumentals were arguably the best of the bunch – wind instruments, horns and keyboards just sounded more accurate with these phones. Put all those things together and these were the winners in over all sound quality.

Comfort: The unique design of the ATH- EC7 GM’s took a little getting used to. Once I did, they went into place quickly and I found I could listen to these headphones for hours on end. They rested comfortable in the opening of the ear canal – more comfortable than Apple’s included buds, much more comfortable than jamming things in my ear canal, and the clip helps fit them very securely on my ears. These were, hands down, the most comfortable headphones I have ever listened with.

Conclusions: I have never worn a more comfortable pair of headphones. The sound quality was excellent – overall more balanced than any pair in this roundup. The bass was deep and crisp and the comfort was superb. These are not cheap either - US$249.00 list price at www.audiotechnica.com – but I have seen them for under US$120.00 on the web. For that price – they are a steal.

Overall Grade: A+ (I have never given one of these before)

Pros : Extremely comfortable, light weight, great sound

Cons: Different length right and left cords was a little awkward