Hands-On with Monster Turbine In-Ear Headphones
I fully admit to being skeptical when the new Monster Turbine headphones showed up on my desk. Monster Cable has always had a bit of an embattled reputation amongst enthusiasts--strong opinions on both sides fly back and forth on message boards and newsgroups like verbal trebuchets whenever their name comes up. You can't blame me for feeling like I was being invited to walk face-first into a fusillade of fanboy flames (hah!) by reviewing Monster's first set of in-ear headphones.
The Turbines are certainly attractive, with their serrated black chrome housings reminiscent of the back of an F-14 Tomcat. Taking a cue perhaps from Etymotic Research's trade dress, the Turbines have red and blue rings to indicate left and right. The fittings are the silicone flanges that are pretty standard on in-ear headphones these days, and come in three sizes for the standard single-flange and two sizes for the triple-flange. I found the single-flange sufficient for reducing ambient noise and getting a good seal. As always with in-ear 'phones, getting a good seal in the ear is critical and I felt like it wasn't difficult to get a secure seal that wouldn't unseat itself if I quickly turned my head. The Turbines themselves are surprisingly heavy for an in-ear 'phone, but once they're in they feel secure and comfortable, not like they're going to pop out if you incline your head.
The reason they're so heavy is because there's an actual driver in there. Most in-ear phones at this price point use a balanced armature driver, which can yield fantastic results (see the Etymotic Research ER-4), but even the better balanced armatures can be described as clinical and lacking in low-end response. The full-range driver and roomy sound chamber gives the Turbine enough room to shake its butt.
The cord consists of a (surprise) Monster cable coated in a Duraflex jacket. It's billed as a "tangle-free" design, and although I think "tangle-resistant" is more accurate, it's actually not the cord's best selling point. I was pleasantly surprised by the almost complete lack of microphonics in the Turbine's cord. Microphonics--aka "cable noise"--are a nearly universal curse of good in-ear headphones, but they don't really show up here.
How do they sound? In a word, fantastic. Being Monster Cable's first in-ears, I was expecting a decent-sounding but ultimately uninspiring first attempt, but the Turbines produce a clean, warm sound with strong imaging for an in-ear headphone and the kind of low end that companies like Ultimate Ears usually have to put a second driver in for. Bass is full and punchy without muddying, enough to satisfy a bass enthusiast without pandering with an artificially inflated, sloppy lower register. The vocal midrange is distinct and not underserved like it usually is when a headphone advertises how great its bass is. Highs do get a little sibilant at very high volume but are otherwise crisp, clear, and well-localized.
It's tough to spend time with the Turbines and not think that Monster's first in-ear may already be the best headphone at this price point. They're a little warmer than the Etymotic HF5, more comfortable than the Klipsch Custom-2, and image better than the Shure SE210. If you want better sound than what the Turbines offer, you can find it, but expect it to cost significantly more than the Turbines' $149 list price.
We'll see if they can keep a streak up with the soon-to-be-released Monster Beats Tour, but in the meantime, the Monster Turbine headphones are highly recommended as a strong all-around performer at the midrange price point.
--Aric A.
Kimo Cornwell on February 06, 2009 at 10:26 PM
These ear buds are amazing! They sound very natural to me...not hyped. The bass end is very natural and the highs are nice and smooth...not harsh. There's a lot of ear bud fittings to choose from to find the one that best fits your ear. The casings for the headphones themselves are very cool and so light on your ears, and I love the tangle free cord. You cpuld spend hours with them. I can't wait to try them on an airline trip I'll be taking soon. Noel Lee and the rest of the Monsters have a lot to be proud of with this one!
Andan on February 11, 2009 at 02:13 PM
After no more than a morning spent with a pair of these, I am grooving on them, as the kids say. Thanks for the recomendation.
G on April 18, 2009 at 01:09 AM
This review is beautiful!...I have to agree 100% with u...I jus bought mine today and it came as such a surprise...I thought NO WHERE in canada sold these. I was about to buy a pair of Shure SE115's while explaining to the rep that I had to settle with these because I couldn't find the Monster Turbines....he pointed to the corner of the display and to my surprise there they were.
I have to say i'm quite happy with my purchase....even tho it ran me more than I was expecting to spend. Cheers to Monster ;)
hp on April 21, 2009 at 11:03 PM
can i ask where in canada you found these?
M on May 13, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Futureshop
StevieB on October 02, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Good review. Have you heard about/tested the Monster Turbine Pros? Thinking about making the upgrade. http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=5466
Aric A. on October 02, 2009 at 10:30 AM
@StevieB: We just reviewed the Turbine Pros a few days ago. :)
http://www.enduserblog.com/2009/09/handson-with-the-monster-turbine-pros.html
Josh Millerline on October 16, 2009 at 07:59 AM
The quality on the Turbines is really impressive, between the sound quality and the lightweight design of the product. I am curious to test out the Turbine Pros myself. Thought I would share this CNET review I found with everyone: http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/monster-turbine-pro-in/4505-7877_7-33775385.html
sweetie bracelets on June 30, 2010 at 06:47 PM
Every girl will be happy with inspired links of London jewelry which make her look dazzling and outstanding; every girl will be happier to obtain brand jewelry with less money which makes them a sense of achievement. That's why girls all like links jewelry where various links of London jewelries are at most keen prices
More http://www.linksjewelry.co.uk/Bracelets/