Audio-Technica's titanium earbuds

We thought crafting your devices from aircraft-grade titanium was, like, so 2001, but Audio-Technica went and proved us wrong with the release of their deep metallic toned titanium ATH-CM700Ti (left), and ATH-CM700, fashioned from aluminum in coppery brown or silver (right). We're not sure what kind of abuse you're putting your earbuds through that would require such exotic materials (and we might remind you to better mind the abuse you're subjecting your eardrums to on the daily), but if you're over Japan way they can be had for ¥17,325 and ¥12,600, respectively (about $155 and $113 US)

[Gordy @ May 23rd 2006 8:46AM]

My ears hurt just looking at them.

[jcg @ May 23rd 2006 8:50AM]

hmm, could be useful. I wonder if they will survive stepping on them.

[Paul @ May 23rd 2006 8:53AM]

Shure E2 will sound better. Only thing is...they look like hearing-aids.

[Ti @ May 23rd 2006 9:18AM]

Mmm, nasty join between the 3.5mm jack and the wire, they could at least have put some rudimentary reinforcement there. I can't honestly see that plug lasting too long in the top of a well used MP3 player.

[abhas1 @ May 23rd 2006 9:27AM]

mmm...titanium...

mmmm...

[Revrant @ May 23rd 2006 9:42AM]

Still baffled as to why their damned earbuds get all the attention, their headphones are some of the best in the business, and you don't hear a peep about them, earbuds? Lots of needless buzz.

[Mike M @ May 23rd 2006 9:46AM]

Why dont they just make them more bulkier and more uncomfortable, might as well go all the way if thats what they're into.

[tundraboy @ May 23rd 2006 10:07AM]

Titanium earbuds fashioned out of aluminum?

[Tim UF @ May 23rd 2006 10:29AM]

yea, lets just be clear: titanium and aluminum are two distinct metals.

Tim
Boeing Materials and Processes Engineer

[Potion @ May 23rd 2006 10:38AM]

Now what would happen with me cycling happily in the rain, while having a pair of these in my ears?? ? ??
Would I endup in a rhytemless rain dance?

[Gabe @ May 23rd 2006 11:09AM]

Nice one Engadget, these earbuds are so last years news, why don't you guys do a little better research and find some new stuff out there, or you could just read this months issue of WIRED and tell us Engadget-Fanboys about some uber cool SHITE!!! C'mon, get with the program.

[flockshock @ May 23rd 2006 11:46AM]

These earbuds wouldn't cut the mustard riding the El in Chicago. I need something that snugly plugs my ears; with any other type of headphone, the volume's gotta be cranked up to harmful levels in order to hear anything over the din of the train.

[William @ May 23rd 2006 11:49AM]

I have a pair of audio-technica earphones and i will attest to their durablity.. my pair are coming to an end after about 3 years of constant use but that a lot for me cos most of my other ones only last about 6months. i seem to abuse my earphones a lot so titanium might be the answer for me. looking forward to getting a new pair though admittedly 17 000 yen is a bit out of my price bracket :( maybe ill try these next time (ignore the price you can get them for about 1/2 of that price in Japan)
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/3959bcea6976f903/index.html

[Ypoknons @ May 23rd 2006 12:08PM]

The ATH-CM7ti's had a solid reputation and I hear was worth the price tag without considering the titanium; I wonder what's the difference with the 700's.

[Dobby @ May 23rd 2006 1:42PM]

I have a pair of ATH-CM7ti's ($3500 TWD or $105 US), and I'll tell you, I didn't by them for the titanium but for their well-balanced, clean sound and good volume without extra amplification. The 700's are 3.5 grams lighter but they don't have the same reported high frequency range (24k unlike 45k for the CM7s). The jacks don't look as sturdy either and the CM7s come with an extension. Hmmm.... well, if their overall quality is similar to the CM7s then I'd wager they're a safe bet anyways... or pick up a pair of CM7s. Great earbuds and who gives a *?#%* what they're made of--durability is never a bad thing.

[TSW @ May 23rd 2006 2:23PM]

the copper ones are neat looking.

I've been looking for a copper colored set of headphones (not earbuds) for ages.

[rip @ May 23rd 2006 3:17PM]

Wouldn't those earbuds suck in cold weather? Or if they were left out in the sun?

Last thing I'd want to do is stick an ice cold or burning hot piece of metal in my ear.

Otherwise, they look nice enough.

[Russ @ May 23rd 2006 3:34PM]

I picked up the Amadana 117 headphones in Japan in January, and they have been great ($110, so similar price range). I'm guessing they're also more comfortable than these, and the sound quality is definitely excellent (much better than the Bang & Olufsens I replaced). You can find them for an expensive price at http://dynamism.com/amadana-117/pricing.shtml...

[LordFarkward @ May 23rd 2006 10:44PM]

erm, aren't these earphones like... mega old news?

anyways, i'll stick to my UE 5pro's. thanks