NuForce NE-700X & NE-700M In-Ear Headphones (Playback 41)

Affordable All-Stars

COMPETITIVE COMPARISON

To give you a clear idea of the progress NuForce has made with these two new models, let me compare the NE-700X/NE-700M against the original NuForce NE-7M

NuForce NE-700X/NE-700M vs. NuForce NE-7M

• The MSRP of the NuForce NE-700X is $64 while the NE-700M sells for $79, whereas the NE-7M sold for $49. Obviously, prices have crept upward in the transition to the new models, but the good news is that performance has pushed forward as well (so that the new models arguably represent an even better value than the original did—which is saying a lot).
• The new models offer machined, solid aluminum driver housings said to resist unwanted vibration and resonance, and also provide light, rigid, and responsive 8mm titanium-coated drivers.
• In terms of tonal balance the two new models are simply more accurate than the original NE-7M, offering more extended (but not overly bright) treble response, bass that is better balanced (no longer overly-prominent, as in the NE-7M) and that offers better pitch definition, superior transient speed, and a more finely resolved sound from top-to-bottom. In every meaningful way, the NE-700X and NE-700M take significant sonic steps forward relative to the already very good NE-7M.
• Caveat: We could see some listeners—especially those who listen in environments where there is a lot of low-frequency noise present—wishing for a return to the more bass-forward sound of the NE-7M. Be that as it may, there’s no getting around the fact that the NE-700X/-700M are the more natural and accurate-sounding design.
• The NE-7M was already quite comfortable to use and wear, and the new models follow in the same path. We found, however, that the slightly larger diameter, ribbed housings of the new models are somewhat easier to grasp (typically between your thumb and index fingers) should you need/want to adjust their positioning on the fly.

COMFORT FACTOR/ACCESSORIES

NuForce’s NE-700X and NE-700M’s come with the following accessories:

• A fabric drawstring-type carrying pouch.
• A variety of eartips including three pairs of single-flange eartips (sizes S, M and L), and one pair of triple-flange sleeves.

Key differentiators:

• The earpieces of the NE-700X and NE-700M are mechanically identical, though the 700X is finished in Aqua Silver (a pale, bluish-gray shade of silver), which the -700M is finished in Smoky Bronze.
• The NE-700X signal cable is fitted with a three-pin (stereo) 3.5mm mini-jack.
• The NE-700M signal cable is fitted with an inline, omnidirectional microphone equipped with a multifunction call answer/end button (see FEATURES, above for further details), and with a four-pin (stereo + mic), 3.5mm mini-jack.

Compatibility:

• Compatible with iPhone 2G/3G/4G, iPod Touch, BlackBerry Storm.
• Works with iPhone 3GS/4G without volume control on mic button.
• Works with most devices that support stereo via 3.5mm three-pin (700X) or 4-pin (700M) mini-jacks.
• Not compatible with iPhone 1st generation, with Creative Zen, or with any device requiring a 2.5mm plug.

The NE-700X and -700M are easy to handle and to insert, and the multiple eartips should enable the vast majority of users to achieve a comfortable, airtight seal.

BOTTOM LINE

If you own an iPhone, iPod, or other device that’s compatible with 3.5mm plugs, and are still using box-stock earbuds or headsets, you owe it to yourself to step up to a set of NE-700X’s ($65) or NE-700M’s ($79), which will give you a quite substantial step up in overall sound quality.

No other in-ear headphones or headsets we know of can provide more (or even as much) performance for so little, meaning these models are bargains, pure and simple.

SPECS & PRICING

NuForce NE-700X In-Ear Headphones
Type: In-ear headphones with single, titanium-coated 8mm drive unit.
Accessories: See above
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
Weight: 15.4 grams
Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Warranty: 1 year, parts and labor
Price: $65

NuForce NE-700M In-Ear Headset
Type: In-ear headphones with single, titanium-coated 8mm drive unit. Includes in-line omnidirectional mic module with multifunction call answer/end button.
Accessories: See above
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
Weight: 15.4 grams
Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Warranty: 1 year, parts and labor
Price: $79