Design and features:Although this portable ear-insert model lacks active noise reduction, the earplug-like design helps to reduce both outside noise and sound leaking out into your environment. The earphones have high sensitivity, so they can provide satisfying volume levels even when used with lower-powered portable audio devices. The Sonic Fuel ATH-CKX5iS has an inline volume control, plus an integrated microphone and player function controls that are compatible with iPads, some iPods, and some iPhones and some other cellphones. The call connect/disconnect button can be used with some iPhones and some other cellphones. These earphones may not operate properly with some non-iPod players or other audio equipment. This model comes with three pairs of earpieces of various sizes and types, three pairs of ear bowl clips of various sizes, and a carrying bag.
Sound quality: The Sonic Fuel ATH-CKX5iS delivers good overall sound, with a neutral to cool character. Bass has good impact and decent definition, and goes fairly deep, but it's a bit thuddy. Midrange is a bit thin and somewhat gritty, and treble, while extended, is pronounced and spitty, which could be fatiguing for some users. The overall sound is open, with good dynamics.
Comfort: We found that these earphones fit and stay in place with no problem, and that the ear-bowl support pieces make them very stable even with vigorous head movement. However, the ear inserts produce a sense of pressure in the ear opening that might be uncomfortable for some.
