Klipsch rolls Image X5 audiophile earbuds
updated 12:15 pm EDT, Wed June 4, 2008
Klipsch Image X5
Klipsch is expanding its young earbud group with an update to the IMAGE line. The silver-hued X5 is meant to drop the price of the in-canal earphones by allowing a slightly thicker design: the housing is about 2mm (0.08in) wider but allows for considerably less expensive components without sacrificing audio quality. The American audio equipment maker also notes a shift in the balance of the sound: where the original (now called the X10) still has Klipsch's longstanding emphasis on bass, the X5 is more balanced with purportedly stronger treble and more noticeable vocals.
The new IMAGE buds are designed to be flexible with a unique form of silicone ear tip and cable "tails" that reduce stress on the line over long periods of time. A narrow headphone jack that fits in the current iPhone as well as nearly any other audio device with a 3.5mm headphone jack. Klipsch delivers the X5s in late June for $250.
