Monster Cable Turbine Pro Professional In-Ear Headphones (Playback 25)

A “Hot-Rod” Version of Monster’s Popular Turbine Headphone

November 24th, 2009 -- by Chris Martens
Source: Playback

SPECS & PRICING

Monster Cable Turbine Pro In-Ear Headphones

Accessories: three sets of single layer ear tips, two sets of triple layer ear tips, two sets of Supertips, and one set of foam tips, plus two carry cases.
Weight: Not specified
Sensitivity: Not specified
Impedance: Not specified
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, plus additional coverage where Monster declares “we’re offering a one-time replacement of your Turbine Pros, even if YOU break them.”
Price: $300

Monster LLC
(415) 840-2000
www.monstercable.com

Comments

Hubert (not verified) -- Fri, 11/27/2009 - 14:25

How would you compare the Monster Cable Turbine Pro to the Klipsch Image X10, which now appears to be available at comparable prices? Comfort seems to be a big advantage for both earphones (moreso than the Klipsch Custom 3 that you refer to in your review). Based on the separate reviews of these two earphones, it would seem that the Klipsch would have the overall edge, but since the reviews don't compare them directly, I wanted to ask. Unfortunately, no local stores carry these items so I can't listen for myself and must rely upon reviews.

BrianP (not verified) -- Fri, 11/27/2009 - 20:29

I had the exact same question since I've been looking into the Klipsch X10 for a while and am finally ready to pull the trigger...

Pat H. (not verified) -- Sat, 11/28/2009 - 09:55

I own the Klipsch X10 earphones. Amazingly comfortable and sound wonderful. You may want to buy an extra set of silicon tips, They can crack with use.

Chris Martens -- Mon, 02/01/2010 - 19:21

Hubert and BrianP,

My off-the-cuff sense is that the Images (back then, they weren't yet called the X10s) offer more a bit more performance potential and better comfort than the Turbine Pros, although the comparison would be fairly close.

In an absolute sense, the Shure SE530 may sound even better than the Images, though they offer offsetting benefits that might more or less cancel out. The Images remain, however, my all-time reference standard in terms of comfort and nearly universal fit (I've yet to find anyone who doesn't rave about the Klipsch's comfort factor).

I'm hoping, however, to update this comparison by looking at three new offerings: the Klipsch X10i (essentially an X10 with headset functionality at the same price as the original Images), the Monster Turbine Pro Copper (which is said to be an even more revealing and--I gather--detailed version of the Turbine Pro), and the Shure SE535 (an updated version of the SE530 with some interesting design wrinkles such as a removable signal cable system).

I've got the new X10i's in hand now, with the Turbine Pro Coppers on request. The SE 535 won't be out for another few months, however.

Best,

Chris Martens

Chris Martens
Editor, Avguide.com/Playback/The Perfect Vision

AnonymousXX (not verified) -- Thu, 01/07/2010 - 18:34

I would have thought the main comparison to be made would have been the Shure SE530 -- about $280 @ Amazon. These were highly rated by this publication previously.

Chris Martens -- Fri, 10/29/2010 - 09:44

Hi AnonymousXX,

I chose not to do the comparison to the SE530 because I knew it was soon slated to be replaced by the new SE535 (see my review of the SE535 on this site, which does include a cross-comparison to the Turbine Pro Copper Edition).

Best,

Chris Martens

Chris Martens
Editor, Avguide.com/Playback/The Perfect Vision