Ultimate Ears adds in MetroFi 170 / 220 headphones

Ultimate Ears (by Logitech, we'll have you know) has introduced two new MetroFi earbuds here in Las Vegas, and both of 'em promise 16 decibels of noise isolation and offer up a single-driver, in-ear design. The 220 ups the ante with a swank titanium-coated speaker for more detail in the highs, though both sets are pushing a red-colored right earphone (so you don't get confused, or something) and three sizes of silicon ear cushions. We're also told that both sets will eventually be available in vi models ($10 extra) that boast an integrated microphone, but those uninterested in that can snag the vanilla versions for $50 (170) / $80 (220) next month.

[Via iLounge]

[M. @ Jan 9th 2009 6:24AM]

You know what I am really wondering, and this is really offtopic but Darren Murph. Are you an insomniac? you like post a shitload of articles the whole damn day. Engadget should give you a raise.

On topic:
Should the mic on these work with an iphone or 2G iPod Touch?

[hy565 @ Jan 9th 2009 6:56AM]

I got a pair of metro fi. 200v for my iphone some time back but misplaced them after a month or so =/

If the 220v works with the iPhone (this means both media controls and answering calls) I'll definitely get one.

Too bad there's no volume control though.

How do you guys think this will compare with the new Apple In-ear Headphones w/ mic

[lpppppl @ Jan 9th 2009 7:26AM]

16 decibels? That's a strange one... what does Shure promise for its low end earphones?

[Dan Fruzzetti @ Jan 9th 2009 10:34AM]

Considering CES is like the ultimate geekfest (as opposed to Comic Con, which my wife pointed out was the ultimate something else), I would imagine the loss of sleep is worth the high posting density for a few days :D

I would imagine those ear cushions are made of silicone; silicon would be pretty stiff and wouldn't really bend to form-fit the ear :P

[Victor @ Jan 10th 2009 1:50AM]

Their customer service sucks, probably due to the logitech acquisition. I have (had?) a pair of Super Fi.3's where one of the cables disconnected from the earbud and I sent it in in October and still don't have them back. I've called them 5-6 times, and each time I seemed to get a difference excuse ("we're processing, "we're out of stock", "it'll go out this week", "a manager will call you back", etc). I finally got a tracking number last week after the last call, so I'll probably finally get them back next week.

However, I'm done with Ultimate Ears. I'll probably craigslist/ebay them and get some Shures.

[tenderwender @ Mar 11th 2009 11:58AM]

You guys missed the point of the red-colored right earbud. This way, you can just glance down and discern between the two, instead of hunting for a tiny 'R' or 'L'. Looks like a nice feature to me.