Expert's Rating
Pros
- Two-year warranty
- Choice of three different ear adapters means comfortable fit
- Good sound reproduction
Cons
- Build perhaps not as solid as more expensive models
- No carry pouch included
Our Verdict
Sennheiser’s CX 200 Street II earphones offer a way to buy into a quality brand without breaking the bank. These entry-level earphones don’t compromise on sound, build quality, comfort, or looks, and prove to be an affordable alternative to Apple’s own iconic white earphones.
Styled for comfort, the CX 200 Street II earphones come with a choice of three different eartips in small, medium and large. It’s worth experimenting with these to secure a good fit.
Sound is impressive, with rich detailed musical reproduction and decent treble and bass. Speech and FM radio faired well also, while the earphones offer a frequency response of 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
The earphones promise passive noise cancelling, or what Sennheiser calls “high passive attenuation of ambient noise,” which blocks some of the daily din out without removing it completely. The design means your body’s functions, down to feet pounding on pavements, can be amplified a little, which may prove a distraction for some.
The construction quality of these earphones is decent enough but not as solid or sturdy as more expensive models from Sennheiser. The cable length (over 47 inches) may prove a little long for some, but we found it just about right.
Macworld’s buying advice
The CX 200 Street II earphones from Sennheiser offer real value; if you shop around, they can be found for nearly half the suggested retail price of $45. Quality sound, looks, and fit helps set the CX 200 Street II apart from many similarly-priced earphones.