Sennheiser CX380 Sport Series II Noise Isolating Earbuds

by Sennheiser

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001GSX7R8
• Item model number: CX380
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (199 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 27, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The CX380 In Ear Canal Mini Speakers deliver massive sound despite their small size. The sweat proof coating wicks moisture away enhancing fit and durability. They have a noise isolating design that eliminates noise from the environment. The different ear adapters guarantee a custom fit. They are small, medium and large rubber cushions that are included along with a special carrying bag that eliminate tangles and fits in to any gym, workout or hand bag. The frequency response is 17 - 21,000 Hz, 16 ohm impedance, SPL is 113 dB. All Sennheiser Sports Series products carry a 2 year warranty.

Product Description

The CX380 In Ear Canal Mini Speakers deliver massive sound despite their small size. The sweat proof coating wicks moisture away enhancing fit and durability. They have a noise isolating design that eliminates noise from the environment. The different ear adapters guarantee a custom fit. They are small, medium and large rubber cushions that are included along with a special carrying bag that eliminate tangles and fits in to any gym, workout or hand bag. The frequency response is 17 - 21,000 Hz, 16 ohm impedance, SPL is 113 dB. All Sennheiser Sports Series products carry a 2 year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

200 of 203 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Physically Active? These are for you!, October 13, 2009

By 

Anthony Hicks (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sennheiser CX380 Sport Series II Noise Isolating Earbuds (Electronics)

Let me start by saying that I have been on a very expensive quest this past year to locate in-ear headphones which met what I thought were fairly reasonable standards. After all every manufacturer out there has some sports figure on the packaging so how hard could it be right? I needed headphones which were durable, stayed put while: running, using the elliptical as well as laying flat while lifting weights and doing crunches. Finally and most importantly they needed to be highly sweat resistant. The headphones needed to meet these criteria while sounding phenomenal. If you are reading this you have probably been on the same quest and can't believe what a pain it is to find something that meets such obvious standards. Well I'm happy to report that you need not look any further!

These ear buds are the best I have ever owned and let me tell you I have tried several. I have a drawer full of failed headsets which all managed to die right outside the return policy. The warranties are useless since they will only replace them with what you already have which you know will only fail in a few weeks (if you are that lucky).

Sound:
The sound from these headsets is very rich. These headsets are capable of fooling your senses. I've had to pause music thinking there was external sound when it turns out it was simply sounds and instruments I didn't know was in the song because it was inaudible with previous headsets I've owned. It is literally like rediscovering your own music collection. The bass gives you the feeling of having a mini subwoofer in your head. Unless you have been to way too many Slayer concerts the volume these headsets can reach is simply stunning and will over power even the noisiest environments all with NO distortion. The Chicago subway is no match for them. Even without them playing they actually block sound because of the snug fit. If your cardio is heavily dependent on you being able to get into a zone and tune the rest of the world out while focusing strictly on the rhythm of your music then this is a huge plus. When you purchase these it is absolutely imperative that you spend just a couple of minutes selecting from the three bud sizes included. Without a proper fit you will be disappointed.

Durability:
They have been tugged, snagged in zippers, and I had to battle my cat for them at one point. Through it all they have managed to hold up. This is mainly because they didn't use plastic. Instead they used rubber. It makes a world of difference.

Staying put:
Simply put, they aren't going anywhere until you pull them out! I've run, used the elliptical, done weights, crunches, and through it all I was unable to shake them loose. Remember this is heavily dependent on selecting the correct size buds which are included in the package. The paperwork that comes with them tells you this but it doesn't tell you the other two factors that keep these in place. First, these headsets are designed so that the chord for the left ear bud is shorter than the right. These headphone are designed to go behind the head. Meaning you put the right ear-bud in from the back of your neck. Secondly, these headphones come with a clip. Attach the clip just an inch or two below the split for right and left ear. I usual clip to the collar of my shirt. These two things are just as important as finding a snug fit. If you don't run the headphone behind your head and place them in your ear, and if you don't clip it to your shirt, then the weight of the generous chord will pull them out once you get sweaty enough.

Sweat Resistance:
You are in the middle of your favorite work out jam. You are also about half way through the work out. Your heart rate is up, your breathing has synchronized, and you are totally focused. Then one of the ear buds starts sliding out so you grab it and push it back in trying to keep your pace. Then the music starts cutting out because you've inadvertently pushed a little sweat in when you reseated the bud. Now your music is in mono, you do what you can to try to revive the dead bud but its no use. You've got half a work out left and you know its going to be tedious because now its just you and the uncontrollable urge to stare at the timer. Sound familiar? I would say that perhaps 80% of my previous headphones have met their demise thanks to sweat. My cardio is very rigorous and when I'm done I'm usually drenched. These headphones have stood up to every soaking my brow can throw at them. As a testament to their resistance the instructions actually recommend running them under a light tap to clean them. Finally someone was listening!

These headphones have brought an abrupt end to my search and I hope this review has helped you do the same.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best sports headphones ever, but still not perfect, March 22, 2009

By 

Joseph Adler (Mountain View, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sennheiser CX380 Sport Series II Noise Isolating Earbuds (Electronics)

For years, I've been searching for a really good set of earphones to wear in the gym. Most headphones I've tried have been to fragile, breaking after a couple months due to repetitive motion. All of the headphones I tried got to be pretty gross (I sweat a lot). I didn't want the headphones to fall out of my ears (like the standard apple earbuds), or give me a headache (like most of the behind-the-head models). When I read that these headphones could be cleaned off under running water, I ordered a pair of these immediately.

These headphones are, by far, the best pair of headphones I've ever owned for active use. They're pretty comfortable, the sound quality is very good, and like other in-ear headphones, they do a good job keeping out noise. They're so good that I'm planning to leave my noise-canceling headphones at home on my next flight, and just travel with these.

Unfortunately, they're not perfect. As other reviewers have noted, the earbuds are attached to uneven cable lengths; the cable for the right ear is much longer. This means that you have to put the extra cable around the back of your neck. The headphone cord is made of a rubbery material, which I find sticks to the back of my neck, causing the headphones to pull a little when I move. Not a deal killer, but something to think about.

The angles connector is also slightly awkward. Recent iPods and iPhones are designed to have a connector that sticks straight out. (For example, take a look at the armbands designed for the iPod Nanos.) I'm slightly concerned that this will lead to more cable bending, possibly shortening the life of the headphones.

However, those are pretty minor quibbles. This is the best pair of sports headphones I've ever used; I already ordered a second pair of these for my wife. I'd recommend these to anyone who wants a pair of good quality headphones for exercising.

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars GREAT SOUND, but not quite as slip-free as i anticipated, May 8, 2009

By 

bdao (Richardson, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sennheiser CX380 Sport Series II Noise Isolating Earbuds (Electronics)

this review is based on my first use - i could wait after a few runs, but i guess i'm just excited to use them and i figured it wouldn't change with subsequent uses. i was originally considering the Sennheiser MX85 twist to fit, but saw these and decided to give it a shot. i have shure e3c, some cheapo sony in-ear, and they both slip everytime i run. i live in dallas, so heat and sweat during runs are a given.

as other reviews noted, the NEGATIVE aspects i agree on are:

1) the wire material is tacky and does tangle;
2) the case is pretty useless - i had to roll the cord around 3 fingers and stuff it in there - when i pull it out, it's a struggle to untangle;
3) they still slip out of my ear going into my first mile (due to sweat) and i normally run 3-4, so it requires alot of adjustment - i eventually gave up
4) i did get some wire noise (described as the noise from a stethoscope), but it wasn't too annoying

POSITIVE:
1) CLEAN and well-balanced sound - i have to set the bass on my eq to half and still get good punch. highs are crisp
2) very comfortable - i used the smallest adapter
3) can't comment on the rinsing to clean - first day using it
4) wire length didn't bother me as long as i let it run behind my neck - the clip that was included helped

if they stayed in my ear for more than 2 miles, then it would probably get 4-5 stars, b/c that's my MAIN ISSUE about in-ear sport phones - they can't stay in - is it even possible?! i can see how these phones are good for gym and non-agressive workouts, but it doesn't work for me on my runs. i guess i could go for the twist to fit and see how those are. otherwise, i'm still open for suggestions on good sport headphones.

i'll be keeping these for general listening b/c of sound quality and comfort. i hate to say it, but they sound better than my shure e3c (used a headphone splitter and plugged both in each ear), but that's not the point of this review.