Design and features:Although this portable ear-insert model lacks active noise reduction, the ear plug-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 when used with lower-powered portable audio devices. The MS 100 BA has 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 use a cable with a 4-contact mini-plug works with most mobile devices but may not be compatible with some other audio equipment. This model comes with four pairs of ear pieces in various sizes and a carrying bag.
Sound quality: We found the MS 100 BA delivers sound quality that falls in the very good range - it reproduces music and voice very well although it does have some noticeable sonic quirks. The overall sound can best be summarized as neutral (neither full nor lean) and fairly clean, but a bit sterile. The bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good detail, goes deep, and has decent impact. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is clear but slightly lean in general, and the upper midrange has good detail. The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is extended, but a bit smeared - sounds that should have a delicate shimmer sound a bit blurred. While the sound has a good sense of liveliness and is somewhat open (sound-wise it almost seems like you don't have anything plugging your ears), the MS 100 BA doesn't do a good job of conveying bass and lower midrange resonance so there is a lack of a sense of richness.
Comfort: We found that these earphones stay in place with no problems, but they produce a sense of pressure in the ear opening that might be uncomfortable for some. They require careful placement for some users to get the best sound quality.
