Ultimate Ears were a perfectly well-regarded maker of in-ear headphones until Logitech, known for mice and keyboards, bought them. You could just see the audiophiles recoiling. Happily, the newly-cobranded 600vi headphones don't come with a CD of Windows drivers, and sound phenomenal for their mid-range price.

Logitech says they offer a "3D sound signature", but relax, there isn't any gimmicky surround sound processing going on inside. Sound is natural and balanced, not overwhelmingly bassy, not too sharp (sibilant) on the highs. You pretty much get what "the artist intended", to borrow a term often used by Monster's "beats by dr. dre" series, which are about as far from optimum fidelity as you can get for over $200.

The UEs are comparable with other single armature headphones such as Jays' "t-jays three", which cost more and offer few features.

 

They come equipped with an iPod/iPhone 3-button control + microphone along the right-side cord, and it feels sturdier and easy to operate by feel than Apple's own. The 600 series is the best and most expensive option in the new UE lineup that comes with these iPhone controls.

 

The chrome finish on the earpieces looks good, and you can wear them upwards with the cord looping over your ear, which virtually eliminates the problem of in-ear phones coming loose as you walk. The side pictured above has a red tint to indicate the right side; it's more obvious when staring down the inside of the tip. The left side is silver.

Five sizes of silicone tips are included, along with two pairs of Comply foam tips, which give a much better seal but take some getting used to. They're normally only supplied with Ultimate Ears' professional models, you know, the ones too posh to come with an iPhone remote, and indicate 600vi's hybrid 'prosumer' leanings.

 

You also get a rather deep hardshell case to store them in. Very useful and better than chucking them in your bag to get tangled and damaged.

I've used a slew of similar headphones over the years, from Apple's own in-ears, UE MetroFis, Jays, a couple from Audio-Technica, Nakamichi, and JBL, and these are in the sweet spot for everyday use if you love your music and won't settle for cheaper, frivolous designs.

 

Shop: Logitech Ultimate Ears 600vi