Bose SIE2i

Bose is no stranger to the earphone market, but until now, hasn't delivered an exercise-focused pair. The Bose SIE2i ($149.95 direct)??is moisture-proof, secure-fitting, and comes with an armband and inline controls for the iPhone. (The SIE2?without the "i"?skips the iPhone controls and is $30 less.) Audiophiles who generally regard Bose products as bass-heavy with a tweaked frequency response are not likely to change their minds based on the SIE2i, which has a notable focus on the low-mid frequencies. If you like a little extra bass response, as well as some added crispness for vocals, however, the SIE2i delivers this in a flashy, gym-friendly design, and it does so without distortion, even at top volumes.

Design
Similar to Bose's?IE2 earphones , the biggest difference with the SIE2i?are the bright orange or neon green color choices?eye-catching hues that probably aren't for everyone. A white and orange (or green, depending on the model) striped cable houses an inline microphone and iPhone controls for playback, volume control, track navigation, and answering calls.

One of the major differentiators between Bose's earphones and most other in-canal pairs is their slightly open design?Bose's earphones project sound not only toward the ear canal, but also outward a little, like open, on-ear headphones often do. The result is added spatial depth, but if you're looking for the SIE2i to passively block out noise like many in-canal pairs do, it doesn't seal off the ear canal well enough to achieve this.

Indeed, some people might be thrown off by the SIE2i's fit?while it's definitely secure, it has the slightly offputing quality of also feeling as though it is not completely in place because it doesn't quite seal off the ear canal. This would usually result in a lackluster bass response, but Bose has accounted for that, and the SIE2i has the typical Bose low-frequency boost, so this isn't an issue when it comes to audio performance.

The SIE2i comes with three pairs of silicon eartips?all of them have fins that help secure them in place. The cable for the SIE2i is intentionally short to keep it from bouncing around too much during strenuous exercise. It also has a shirt-clip to further aid its stability. Bose thoughtfully includes an extension cable for when you're using the earphones in a more-typical listening scenario.

A Reebok-designed armband is also included with the earphones, and it's more than meets the eye. The Velcro adjustable band has an inside pocket for keys, and proper holes for earphones and access to buttons. It should be noted that the armband is optimized for use with iPhone 4/4s models?the longer iPhone 5 is not a perfect fit. (Bose claims an updated armband to accommodate the iPhone 5 will be available later this year.) You'll also have to remove any case you normally use for the iPhone before sliding it inside the armband, but once inside, it is secure, and the screen is protected from moisture, but still completely visible and functional.?

Performance
Like most Bose earphones, the SIE2i offers a healthy dose of bass response, though things aren't exaggerated to the extent that they are with, say, any pair of Monster earphones. Bose tends to boost more of the low-mid range, which often highlights electric and acoustic bass parts, and focuses a bit less on sub-bass frequencies, though it does not ignore them.

At maximum volume, the SIE2i does not distort, even on challenging tracks with extremely deep bass, like the Knife's "Silent Shout." You get the feeling that just a smidge more volume would send the SIE2i's drivers over the edge and they would start crackling, but distortion is not an issue at any level.

Another typical Bose trait is to match the sculpted low-end response with some tweaks in high-mid frequencies and highs, generally with a focus on making vocals stand out. On the new Grizzly Bear record, Shields, the SIE2i makes Daniel Rossen's vocals stand out from the whirlwind of guitars, synths, and percussion. Generally speaking, the SIE2i does a great job with highlighting the exciting elements of most modern pop, rock, and hip hop, but audiophiles and purists will likely take issue with its far-from-flat-response approach to its output.

Still, on instrumental and classical tracks, such as "The Chairman Dances," by John Adams, the boost in the lows mainly serves to add a pleasant resonance to the lower register strings and deeper percussion, whereas many bass-boosted earphones, like the Monster iSport Immersion In-Ear Headphones?, tend to add so much sub-bass that classical pieces begin to sound unnatural. Of course, most people probably aren't listening to classical music at the gym, but some of us like to mix things up once in a while.

Call clarity is about what you'd expect from any earphone pair optimized for iPhone use?calls are clear enough, but the iPhone isn't known for its excellent call clarity, and the SIE2i can't do much to improve that.

If serious bass response in an exercise-friendly design is what you crave, the aforementioned Monster iSport Immersion earphones are a good bet?they feature a similar fin on the ear tip that helps stabilize them during exercise, and they definitely add more low-end oomph. If your primary concern is better overall balance, and perhaps saving a few bucks, the Sony XBA-S65??is a fine pair of affordable exercise earphones that offers a unique, very stable-fitting over-ear fin, despite being in-canal earphones.

Finally, if your ideal exercise pair would eliminate the cable altogether, check out some of our favorite gym-friendly Bluetooth-enabled options, like the Outdoor Technology DJ Slims ?and the Sennheiser MM 100 . For the price, however, Bose squeezes in quite a few accessories, including an exceptionally useful armband and an extension cable. The SIE2i's audio performance may not be for audiophiles, but it should please fans of modern music who happen to like a little extra presence in the lower frequencies without going overboard.

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