iLive IA54B Headphones $10

Shopping Mall Headphone Purchase

The Situation

While studying for my next exam at the shopping mall, I realized I forgot to bring a pair of headphones. Rather than make the two-hour drive back home, I decided to buy a basic pair of headphones. I came across the iLive IA54B for $10 at Sears, which fit my needs perfectly.

Basic Specifications

Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 100 dB
Impedance: 32 ohms
Connector: 1/8" Stereo Adapter

Sound Quality

Given the $10 price tag, expectations should be tempered. Initially, the sound quality was poor, with exaggerated bass and nearly non-existent mids. Certain tracks that typically showcase high and mid frequencies were nearly imperceptible. After adjusting the EQ on my iPhone 5 to 'Treble Boost' and setting the volume to 65%, the sound improved significantly. They became halfway decent, allowing for enjoyable listening with tracks from Adele, Led Zeppelin, and Layla. I would be curious to see how these headphones perform with a better audio source or an amplifier.

Build Quality

The build quality is quite flimsy, made from thin and cheap plastic. While they mimic the look of Beats Solo headphones, the resemblance ends there. They should be handled with care, as they feel like they could snap easily. If treated well, they might last a few months to a year.

Conclusion

After some research, I experienced a bit of buyer's remorse, realizing there are many decent headphones available in the $20 to $40 range. However, I reminded myself that these headphones serve a purpose: I had nothing, and this is better than nothing. I'll keep them as an alternative for listening to music and place them right below my Sony ZX100s in terms of quality. While the Sony headphones don't require EQ adjustments for decent sound, these will stay in my glove compartment as my emergency headphones.

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