Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5 Pro Noise Isolating Earphones (Black)

Other products by Ultimate Ears

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 7 x 2.4 inches ; 14.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009Q4PHO
• Item model number: IF-P5PSB0006-02
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (278 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 2, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
For over 12 years, Ultimate Ears has been designing custom ear monitor products for your favorite professional musicians for use on stage and in the studio. Musicians put their hearts, their souls, their breakups, their memories and their passions into every song and they count on Ultimate Ears products to get the most out of their music. Now Ultimate Ears has taken the same technology found in its custom personal monitors and developed a line of personal earphones for music fans, so that you too can hear music the way it is meant to be heard.

Ultimate Sounds for Any Lifestyle

	metro.fi 2 If you are a fashion-conscious, active commuter who wants to get better sound from your MP3 player or iPod than you’re getting with your player’s stock headphones, the metro.fi 2 was made for you. It gives you a full spectrum of sound in a stylish in-ear design that incorporates a universal fit kit to maximize your comfort and minimize the noise around you. The passive noise-isolating design blocks out 16 dB of ambient noise, while the titanium-coated speaker and proprietary audio filters deliver a full, "punchy" sound. The metro.fi 2 series is perfect for those looking for an entry-level step up from their portable audio player's stock headphones.
	super.fi 3 The super.fi 3 Studio earphones give you studio-quality sound in a unique in-ear design that incorporates pro-style ear loops to keep your earphones in place and a universal fit kit. They seal your ear canal like the metro.fi 2, but block even more noise because the internal speaker is different. The super.fi 3 studio incorporates a proprietary balanced armature driver--the same technology found in hearing aids. Instead of pushing air to generate sound waves like your home speakers, a balanced armature is a coil that vibrates like a guitar sting. This driver gives you distortion-free, full-range audio clarity while the in-ear design provides up to 26dB of noise isolation for clearer sonic detail. The super.fi 3 series is a great introduction to true audiophile headphones for those who are looking to get more out of their portable player.
	super.fi 4 The super.fi 4 uses the same speaker technology and sound signature that is used in other Ultimate Ears professional monitors. The noise isolating design reduces ambient interference and enhances quality of sound. The custom tuned balanced armature/speaker is enclosed in a durable, lightweight aluminum housing. The super.fi 4 features two wearing styles, cable down for casual listening and over-the-ear while exercising. Accessories include a pocket-ready hard carrying case, comfortable silicone fit tips with small, medium, large and dual flange fitting options, and an airline attenuator for hearing protection when using an unstable sound source.
	super.fi 5 The super.fi 5 uses the same speaker and sound signature used in other Ultimate Ears professional monitors. It offers a detailed, sonically rich experience that is perfect for all types of musical genres. The super.fi 5 utilizes a precision crafted top-fire armature to produce a remarkably full soundstage. The metallic silver body with UE logo is stylish, low profile and ideal for a person on the go. The earphones are color coded for easy left and right identification. Cables can be worn down for casual listening or over the ear for active lifestyles. Accessories include three sizes of soft silicone ear tips, two sets of Comply foam ear tips, a cleaning tool, and a pocket ready pebble-shaped case.
	super.fi 5 EB For those who need a little more low-end response, the super.fi 5 EBs deliver the same professional-grade sound, noise isolation, and superb form factor as other earphones in the super.fi line--but with an increased bass sensitivity for deep and driving beats. Precise audio filters and an encapsulated diaphragm subwoofer ensure that the bass stays tight and distortion-free, never muddy. The super.fi 5 series' dual-driver technology makes these earphones ideal for studio-grade acoustic performance while delivering an increased "thump" for those who like to really feel their music. These earphones also include a metallic travel case.
	super.fi 5 Pro The super.fi 5 Pros are the closest you can get to the same professional-grade stage monitors custom-made by Ultimate Ears for stars like Madonna, Metallica, and Linkin Park. Experience superior full-range sound, thanks to audio filters that shape the sound for maximum detail and passive crossovers that direct music to two different drivers for precise audio reproduction. This design incorporates one 13.5mm diaphragm for clear, non-muddy lows, and one precision balanced armature for detailed mids and highs. These earphones also include a metallic travel case.
	triple.fi 10 Pro If the super.fi 5 series feels like being a musician in the studio, the limited edition triple.fi 10 series is like being a professional sound engineer. If you want to hear every possible nuance and musical layer, then you need triple.fi 10 Pro earphones. These earphones offer one of the most sonically rich experiences humanly possible when listening to any style of music--when a guitarist slides their fingers along the strings or when a singer exhales, you will hear every detail. The triple.fi 10 Pro series is Ultimate Ears' latest technological breakthrough and the only professional earphone product with three separate drivers--one for accurate bass, one for the critical vocal midrange, and one for crystal-clear highs. These earphones also incorporate all the best features that Ultimate Ears universal products have to offer, including pro-style ear loops that secure your earphones in place and a universal fit kit--plus a distinctive metallic blue finish that truly separates you from the pack. The triple.fi 10 Pro’s also come with a metallic protective travel case, sound attenuator and ¼" adaptor jack. Now your head is a world class recording studio. But don’t take our word for it--hear the difference for yourself.

Getting the Ultimate Fit from Your Ultimate Ears Just ordered yourself some Ultimate Ears or already own a pair? Click the image to the right to see a short tutorial on how to insert your Ultimate Ears to achieve the best seal for your ear-canal. (The tutorial will open in a new window.)

Product Description
For the last ten years, Ultimate Ears has been designing custom ear monitor products for your favorite professional musicians for use on stage and in the studio. Musicians put their hearts, their souls, their breakups, their memories and their passions into every song and they count on Ultimate Ears products to get the most of out of their music. Our super.fi products were developed so that you too can hear music the way it was meant to be heard. If professional studio quality sound is what you are after and only the best earphones will do, then you need the super.fi 5 Pro dual speaker professional quality earphones. The super.fi 5 Pro earphones offer the most accurate experience when listening to any style of music. The super.fi 5 Pro has the best quality in-ear, acoustic technology available making this our premiere dual speaker professional earphone product. These earphones also incorporate all the best features that super.fi products have to offer including pro-style ear loops that secure your earphones in place and a universal fit kit with 6 single flange silicone(2 small, 2 medium, 2 large), 2 dual flange silicone and 2 standard foam ear tips that maximize your comfort and increase noise isolation from the sounds around you. The super.fi 5 EB's come with a 46" cable, cable adjuster, and gold plated 1/8" input plug and ship with a metallic protective travel case, sound level attenuator, cleaning tool,1/4" adaptor jack, user guide and a 2 year warranty. Now your head is a concert hall. But don't take our word for it-hear the difference!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These are some of the best earphones on the market., July 13, 2005

By	J. Hall "JonnyMH" (Oakland, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a professional, classically trained musician and I have had these earphones for two weeks. I listen to mainly classical music, and have quite a collection of jazz and pop from various eras to which I listen as well. These earphones are wonderful. I did extensive research and returned several pairs of earphones (including Shure) before deciding on these.

These are canalphones, so you MUST have a good seal or you will not get proper sound. This means you have to choose the right fitting rubber inserts before they will work properly. The previous reviewer must have not fitted them properly because the sound is phenomenal when these are plugged in!

These phones have dual drivers for highs and lows. There is a lot of chatter on the internet about a weak high-end to these UE's, but I do not find that to be the case at all. The high-end is clear and defined. The strong low end, which is superb, may give many a scewed reference since most canalphones do not have good low ends, but the bass does not overpower the upper registers. Contrary to popular belief on the web, classical music sounds best when there is enough bass along with the highs. Just go to a live classical concert and listen for yourself! There is plenty of bass to go around! These phones are perfect for classical or for any type of music.

The other advantage to these phones is that you can change the wire and plugs yourself if they break or if you want a different cord of a different color. The earphones come with two nice cases, one all metal and the other in leather and the the accessorries all fit neatly together in the metal case.

Another nice feature is that there is little to no sound leakage. This means if you sleep with a significant-other, you won't disturb him or her at all. You should be careful when using them, because you won't hear much of anything other than the music.

The only downside is that these earphones will show you just how bad MP3 compression is on your player. I did a comparison with my CD player and discovered that even at 320 kbps, some of my MP3 files sound "distorted" compared to the CD. I did not notice this with my previous earphones.

If you're looking for great canalphones at a great price, then look no farther. I got mine at the Guitar Center and the sales person knocked $50 off the price, they are also the clear version. You can't go wrong with UE's proprietary monitor technology.

75 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Your iPod needs these earphones, February 27, 2006

By	Douglas A. Greenberg (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The UE Super fi 5 Pros have been designed to provide clear, balanced sound in a highly portable and comfortable product. As of this moment I think they represent a kind of "best buy" for iPod owners seeking to upgrade from the stock white earbuds supplied with their music players.

A key to optimal enjoyment of these IEM's is selection of the appropriate ear tip from the several provided, including a compressible foam version and several types and sizes of rubber tips. Once a proper in-ear seal is achieved (yes, moistening the rubber tips is helpful), the resultant sound quality is excellent. Since the Super fi Pros don't require deep insertion into the ear canal, wearers can avoid the potential discomfort associated with some other high-quality IEM's.

The over-the-ear design of the earpiece wires ensures that these UE's will fit securely even during exercise. The cord, however, is very thin and appears delicate. These UE cords are also more prone to tangling than any I have ever encountered. It's a good thing that the supplied metal storage case includes a winder.

The balanced two-driver design produces good musical detail, decent but not spectacular treble, and excellent bass reproduction. Those seeking the very best in musical detail, however, should consider instead the Etymotic ER-4 in-ear models. On the other hand, the bass response of the UE's is far fuller than that of the Ety's. For any kind of music in which bass slam is essential, the UE's are an excellent choice.

The use of an auxilliary headphone amp tightens up the sound quality a bit, but these IEM's are so easy to drive that an amp is not necessary. This model, in fact, seems well-suited to produce high-volume output with any portable. I suspect, in fact, that the sonic signature of the Super fi 5 Pros was designed with Apple's bass-shy iPod models in mind. The output from my Nano seemed frustratingly thin and sometimes shrill when I used both the Apple earbuds and my pair of Etymotic ER-4P in-ear monitors. With the Super fi Pro's, however, the music is reproduced fully and richly, with plenty of bass. There is excellent synergy here.

Overall, these earphones produce clear, detailed sound in a tiny, highly portable package. The sound is not as "big" or full as can be achieved with top-quality full-sized headphones, but for on-the-go use, the Super fi 5 Pros will not disappoint. People who want "the very best" can spend a lot more money to get custom-fit in-ear monitors (such as Ultimate Ears' own UE-10 Pro model). Certainly when you shell out $1000 you should expect top-notch performance. But for one-fifth this price the Super fi 5 Pro model delivers amazingly good sound. Some people will still consider these earphones excessively expensive, but consider: this is a purchase that will pay dividends every time you turn on your music player.

60 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Look NO Further., January 10, 2006

By	P. Kowalsky (Manassas, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently received my Ultimate Ears super.fi Pro 5's, and I've got to add my voice to the resounding "praise" that is echoed again and again here and elsewhere. There are few products that I feel deserve my praise, and I'm a pretty picky guy with it comes to electronics. That said, I feel like I have to tell you that these are easily the best in-ear-monitors (IEMs) that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Like others have said, they reveal hidden details in music you already own, and for me, they seem to "unleash" the true dynamic range of the music I love.

I listen to all types of music: from sacred to heavy metal/progressive rock, from ambient to pop (okay, well just a little "pop"), from classical to jazz ... you get the idea. I was a little concerned before I dropped my hard-earned money on these super.fi 5 Pro's that they might not live up to their lofty reputation. Well, I've got to tell you that these babies simply _blew_ my mind. Crisp highs (ZERO sibilance), strong mid-range (GREAT presence), and extremely well-defined and controlled bass (I'm a self-confessed bass-head and these are the bomb-diggity). I opted for 5 Pro's in lieu of the 5 EB's because it IS possible to have too much bass, and lose the music in the wash of low-end sound -- I prefer a more "audiophile" response, and can always EQ to my tastes.

Like the others have said, with any IEM (and the Pro 5's are no exception) a good seal in your ear is a must. The excellent variety of included "tips" will provide most owners with the perfect fit. I personally use the small silicone tips, and I have no troubles inserting or removing the headphones. In fact, for me, they're so comfortable that I hardly notice I'm wearing them after a short while. When the fit is proper, you will experience some of the best sound isolation (from external sources) and high fidelity that is possible. The other included accessories are really nice: the hard metal case, which has compartments for the 1/4" adapter, attenuator, and cleaning tool; and the soft leather case are all top-notch. The owners manual is very informative and written in plain English [but seriously dude, they're ear-buds, how difficult could they be to figure out?!?!?]. They are built very well and have a two-year warranty which I hope never to have to use. Remember those Sony MDR-EX71SL's you were all excited about, with the cord that split and frayed after a short while? Well, you won't find that cheap stuff here -- these have a user-replaceable cord -- go figure! It appears that Ultimate Ears may be worthy of their name.

Pair these with a great music player like Cowon's iAudio X5L (60GB of course), and you've got yourself a killer setup you can take just about anywhere that will allow you to slip away into your own personal space and enjoy your musical experiences in the way that the artists and engineers intended. [SAFETY MESSAGE: Just don't forget about your surroundings in the process!]

Yeah, I'm sure I'll still use my Sony MDR-EX71SL's from time to time (like maybe when I mow the lawn?). No, my MDR-7506's (with Beyerdynamic velour pads) aren't going anywhere any time soon, but for amazing fidelity, portability, and aesthetic reasons (i.e. in public), I'll be using my super.fi 5 Pro's quite a bit. And while it's probably a personal choice, I'm choosing to forget about Shure, Etymotic, and Westone.

Look no further my friend, and order these from Amazon.com today!!! I love 'em, and you probably will too.