Silent knight
Sennheiser CX300 — typically £40, or £32 from www.discountdiscs.co.uk
Five stars
Tiptop earplug-style buds that block out background sounds
In-ear canal headphones seal you off from outside noise — and are not to be confused with noise-cancelling models, which counter low-level rumble. Popularised by stage performers, this kind of bud provides an eerily accurate, if often bass-light, sound. This is where the CX300s swing the bat hard. They deliver that familiar disturbing spatial accuracy, but also provides a potent velvet bass. The result is a natural sweetness that belies the relatively low price. Be warned, though: it takes a while to get used to this style of headphone. You can also hear yourself chew — though not the bus you may be about to walk under. The CX300s offer stunning value, and the tangle-free cord is cleverly designed. Rock’n’roll. Alex Pell

Shape-shifters
AKG K24P — typically £22, or £20 from www.avland.co.uk
Five stars
Clever, distinctive-sounding fold-up headphones
Traditional over-the-head cans offer a huge sonic boon compared with most earbud headphones. However, they also tend to flap about once tucked inside an overnight bag. Step forward AKG’s collapsible K24Ps, which cleverly fold up, ready to be slipped into the soft-sided travel pouch supplied. Comfortably padded, they are a good-looking, if slightly garish, choice. In sound terms, the music has a vigour and verve that borders on aggression, but the exciting and dynamic delivery is backed up by an impressive level of detail. Although they lack the refinement of Sennheiser’s class-leading PX100s, these distinctive headphones should definitely be auditioned.

Wire-free wonder
Ixos XMM607 — typically £100, or £80 from www.hificablesandaccessories.co.uk
Three stars
The idea has legs; shame about the bass These cordless portable headphones use a Bluetooth adaptor that snips the link to an MP3 player (or any source with a 3.5mm jack). The adaptor transmits tunes to the none-too-stylish headset within a 10-metre range, depending on surroundings. Both parts rely on rechargeable batteries and lasted for four hours with good reception. The sound is open and clear, offering crisp treble, but the undercooked bass will leave R&B or reggae fans growling.

Reviews adapted from What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine unless stated.
Doors maximum rating: five stars
Prices include Vat and delivery

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