You don't want to sacrifice sound quality when you are listening to your music or other multimedia through earphones. Whether you are exercising, taking public transportation, or simply enjoying music in a quiet place, high-quality earphones let you enjoy your entertainment in peace without any loss of quality. If you are looking to upgrade, Etymotic hf5 In-Ear Only Headphones provide the excellent sound you desire and a comfortable experience for your ears.Etymotic means "true to the ear," and Etymotic Research makes excellent quality headphones that live up to the meaning of their name. As one of the first to develop in-ear technology, the company uses its experience and knowledge to deliver a near-perfect sound clarity, even when there are noisy background conditions. With the hf5s, high pitches are crisp and bright without any tinny sound; bass notes are clear and noticeable without being overwhelming. When you are in a location with a lot of background noise, such as public transportation, it can be hard to hear in standard earbuds. With the Etymotic hf5 earphones, the noise-isolating capabilities are remarkable at nearly 100%, so you can hear songs or any type of multimedia without interference. These headphones are a great option for your iPod, iPhone, or Android device because of their low electrical impedance. The measured impedance at 1 KHz of the hfs is only 16 Ohms, resulting in amazingly clear audio quality.In addition to the electrical specs, the fit of the hf5 earphones plays a large part in their quality and noise isolation. They are made to insert deeply into the ear canal using triple-flanged ear tips that can provide up to 42 dB of noise isolation. Two sizes are included to ensure the correct fit and best noise-isolating ability. Foam ear tips are also included in the package. Filters are included to prevent wax buildup on the earbuds. The filters are small cylinders that go over the earphone opening and make the frequency response more efficient and smooth. The soft-touch finish on the tips also ensures that they will be comfortable to wear for hours. The high-performance hf5 headphone set comes in black and is amazingly light and portable. Weighing only 1 ounce, this headset seems delicate but is high quality and durable. The cable is 4 feet long, which gives you plenty of room to listen and move around. These in-ear headphones even look good: the flange tips aren't visible, and only small cylinders show on the outside. It can be difficult to believe that such good results can come from such a small headphone set. However, Etymotics developed the technology to deliver incredible listening experiences. The amazing noise isolation of the hf5 will prevent you from having to blast your device to drown out background noise, instead allowing you to listen at a comfortable volume. Music, audio books, and all other forms of multimedia sound fantastic. Whether you are using them to wear while traveling, working, or relaxing, they're comfortable enough to wear for hours without sacrificing audio quality.