Logitech Ultimate Ears 700 in-ear monitors

The Ultimate Ears 700 noise-isolating earphones are the latest addition to Logitech's line-up of in-ear monitors (IEMs) for audiophiles. These Logitech IEMs provide great sound quality and fantastic noise isolation. The Ultimate 700 in-ear headphones fit into the upper echelon of the Super.Fi series (the same class as the Super.Fi 5vi).

The Ultimate Ears 700 noise-isolating earphones manage to out-do Apple's In-Ear Headphones when it comes to minimalism. Since the headphones are little more than a small tube, they don't have to be worn in any particular way: the left and right earphones can easily be swapped, and they can be worn straight down or looped around the top of the ear. This neutral design is comfortable and means they will fit any number of ear shapes and sizes.

Without an ear-tip attached, the Ultimate Ears 700 in-ear headphones are 18mm long but still manage to fit two drivers within each earphone. The in-ear monitor has a frequency response of 10-16,500Hz, which is split into two separate channels in each earphone.

This dual-armature layout gives the Ultimate Ears 700 a lively sound. Heavy emphasis is placed on both bass and treble, so they suit dance music and tracks with heavy bass lines. There is no distortion in the bass frequencies; it is particularly crisp, with each note providing a small kick. Though highlighted, treble tones aren't shrill and piercing. Mid-range frequencies aren't buried beneath the bass and treble, so vocals and guitar are still quite prominent within the sound.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears 700 in-ear monitors won't provide the absolutely neutral sound that many audiophiles desire, but the lively audio they do produce will suit amateur musicians and those looking for a higher quality sound than standard earphones.

A big advantage of in-ear headphones is the noise isolation they provide, an area in which the Ultimate Ears 700 in-ear headphones generally perform well. They provide up to 26dB of passive noise isolation from external sources, so you won't have to turn up the volume excessively to hear the music over your surroundings. In practice, we found most external noise was isolated fairly well provided music was playing at a reasonable volume. Excessive noise sources, like trains, could still be heard but nearby conversation and other natural sounds were blocked out.

Logitech provides four pairs of silicone ear-tips to suit different ear canal sizes and a pair of Comply foam ear-tips. Both types provide an excellent seal in the ear without compromising comfort. A hard case is also included in the sales package.

One let-down is the lack of cleaning accessories. In-ear headphones are notorious for attracting ear wax, and though the ear-tips on the Ultimate Ear 700 IEMs aren't as bad in this respect as others (like the SoundMAGIC's PL30) they aren't immune. Ultimate Ears in-ear headphones are traditionally bundled with small plastic tools that help to remove the wax, but none accompany the Ultimate Ears 700.

Leaving aside minor criticisms, this is a fantastic pair of in-ear monitors that provide great noise isolation, a high level of comfort and a vibrant sound; the minimalist design means it won't attract attention.

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