Review: RHA MA450i Earphones

RHA MA450i Earphones

People who know me, know that I walk around with ear buds in most of the time listening to podcasts, audio books,  music and other audio content. I am probably one of the first candidates for the future implantable version. So when RHA offered me a pair of their new MA450i Earphones to review I seemed like an appropriate reviewer.

The RHA MA450i Earphones work with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod and offer:

• Dynamic speaker for high definition sound with full bass
• Machined from solid aluminium
• A choice of seven pairs of soft silicone ear-tip for a secure, comfortable fit
• Fabric braided cable for reduced tangling and prolonged cable life
• iPhone/iPod/iPad remote and microphone
• 3.5mm gold plated connections
• Carry case and ear-tip storage box

What I Like

The first thing I noticed about the ear buds was the fabric braided cable which has the pleasant feel of parachute cord. The next thing I appreciated was the small fabric carrying case since so often I end up with tangle cables from throwing my ear buds into a pocket in my day pack (a small nit here that the MA450i Earphones cord came pre-tangled). I also appreciated a box of 7 extra sets of tips for the soft silicone ear pieces.

MA450i Earphones tips

The ear buds fit snuggly and comfortably in my ears and I generally had to turn my volume down a bit when switching to these ear buds as they had good audio performance and also blocked out external sounds better than most, certainly much better than the original iPhone ear buds.

What I Didn’t Like

While I liked the feel of the fabric cable I often sit listening to music or podcasts reclined in a futon and I was surprised how much I got distracted by the sound of the fabric cord brushing up against my shirt. So while it felt good to the touch I found it a disadvantage in my use.

I actually listen to my iPhone half the time with only one ear bud in because I am driving or trying to be less tuned out socially. Unlike the standard iPhone 5 ear buds there is no clip to clip the ear buds together so I have to tie the cord in a knot and untie it again to listen with both ears.

Conclusion

The ear buds work well and although they won’t be my primary earphones the two things that make them not work for me might, in this case, be fairly idiosyncratic. These might easily be a good choice of earphones for you even if not for me.