The Klipsch Image X10i is the updated version of the original X10 with an added in-line remote and mic only compatible with apple products. It is the current flagship of Klipsch in-ears.
Specs:
Driver: Single Armature
Frequency Response: 5Hz~19KHz
Packaging / Accessories:
The X10i is packaged very nicely, like jewelry on display. It is enclosed in a black box that is see-through on the top, showing the X10i and it's in-line microphone and remote. Also included are 5 sets of Klipsch oval gel tips, a protective leather pouch (one of the nicest I've seen, it's hard and closes with a magnetic flap), an airline adaptor, 1/4" adaptor, ear tip cleaning tool, and a shirt clip.
Impedance: 50Ω
Sensitivity: 110dB
Cord Length: 1.3m
Sensitivity: 110dB
Cord Length: 1.3m
Plug Type: Straight
MSRP: $349.99
MSRP: $349.99
Packaging / Accessories:
The X10i is packaged very nicely, like jewelry on display. It is enclosed in a black box that is see-through on the top, showing the X10i and it's in-line microphone and remote. Also included are 5 sets of Klipsch oval gel tips, a protective leather pouch (one of the nicest I've seen, it's hard and closes with a magnetic flap), an airline adaptor, 1/4" adaptor, ear tip cleaning tool, and a shirt clip.
Build Quality / Appearance / Cable:
First off, these are tiny and very very light. They are extremely sleek and attractive with metallic copper and switches beautifully into the rubber strain reliefs. The cable however, feels fragile and is tangle-prone. The cable can be microphonic but nothing too extreme. The remote and mic is located at the y-split instead of being on one side of the cable. Although it works just fine, I find the mic/remote to be too far and would've preferred to have them on one side instead. Thankfully, Klipsch did include a shirt clip to bring the mic closer.
First off, these are tiny and very very light. They are extremely sleek and attractive with metallic copper and switches beautifully into the rubber strain reliefs. The cable however, feels fragile and is tangle-prone. The cable can be microphonic but nothing too extreme. The remote and mic is located at the y-split instead of being on one side of the cable. Although it works just fine, I find the mic/remote to be too far and would've preferred to have them on one side instead. Thankfully, Klipsch did include a shirt clip to bring the mic closer.
Comfort / Isolation:
Very comfortable, although some people may not like how deep the insertion is. Unlike other earphones that require you to wear the cable over and behind the ear (Westone, Shure to name a few), these are meant to be worn cable down. This makes it very easy to take the earphones in and out. When worn, these literally disappear in your ear canals and it seems like a piece of wire hanging out. I usually like to switch to Sony hybrid tips or ComplyFoam tips on earphones, but the oval tips the X10s come with offers a superior seal than any other tips I've tried on them. Comfort and isolation is very good with the stock tips and sometimes I even forget that they're even there due to how tiny and light they are.
Sound:
The Image X10 has a warm, rich intimate sound that has no harshness or sibilance. They sound transparent most of the time and are quite involving. It is a warm and sweet sounding IEM. With the double-flanged tips, bass is controlled and very punchy with good depth. I never found the bass to be lacking nor did I ever find it overwhelming. Keep in mind that the seal and depth of insertion will greatly affect the bass quantity and the overall sound signature. The single driver of the X10 is tuned to focus more on the mids and lows. The mids are present and full sounding. Vocals are clear and acoustic guitars sound decent, but cymbals and other higher frequencies aren't as sharp. Treble extension is disappointing and really made me feel like I'm missing a lot of highs. The soundstage is quite average in size and somewhat narrow. Overall, bass extends quite low but the driver struggles a little with clarity and highs.
Summary:
It was very impressive that Klispch was able to pack this kind of sound in such a tiny package when the original X10 first came out a couple of years ago; however over the past several years other companies have been able to match and surpass Klipsch by packing two BA drivers into earphones just as small (UE 700, Jays Q-Jays). Of course, more drivers doesn't mean it's better. The UE700 and Q-Jays are faster, more detailed, and thinner sounding, so they have a different sound signature than the X10i. I must stress again just how tiny and light these things are. Combined with such good isolation, these were great on public transits. The current street price at around $300 is extremely high and not competitively priced in my opinion. But for users who are interested in high quality sound and an in-line mic with remote, these may just fit the bill.
It was very impressive that Klispch was able to pack this kind of sound in such a tiny package when the original X10 first came out a couple of years ago; however over the past several years other companies have been able to match and surpass Klipsch by packing two BA drivers into earphones just as small (UE 700, Jays Q-Jays). Of course, more drivers doesn't mean it's better. The UE700 and Q-Jays are faster, more detailed, and thinner sounding, so they have a different sound signature than the X10i. I must stress again just how tiny and light these things are. Combined with such good isolation, these were great on public transits. The current street price at around $300 is extremely high and not competitively priced in my opinion. But for users who are interested in high quality sound and an in-line mic with remote, these may just fit the bill.
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