To help us provide you with free impartial advice, we may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site. Learn more
Etymotic’s latest set of noise isolation earphones, the MC5s, are cheaper than the company’s previous sets at just £55. We’ve been impressed with the noise isolation capabilities of previous models, but underwhelmed by their audio quality. Despite their low price, we hoped the MC5s would have improved audio quality as well as effective background noise isolation.
The MC5’s audio quality was indeed greatly improved over previous sets. Music from most genres sounded generally well-balanced and detailed. We were able to hear details such as backing instruments in jazz and blues tracks that were inaudible on many earphones.
However, those same tracks also sounded rather cold, lacking the richness and warmth that we prefer. Rock, R&B and other bass-heavy tracks weren’t as pleasurable to listen to though due to the unsatisfying bass, which wasn’t as thumping as we’d like, plus there’s a lack of volume.
The V-Moda Remix Remote aren’t as well-balanced, but their noise isolation is far more effective. If you have more money to spend though, Creative’s EP-3NC are even better at blocking out unwanted noise since they combine noise isolation and noise cancellation techniques.
