Zero Audio-ear stereo headphone carbo Tenore ZH-DX200-CT

I've had these headphones for over a year now and they are still my go-to set. I haven't felt the need to get a different pair yet because I'm just so impressed at the quality and the value for money you get with these.I've tried a few different pairs of earbuds in the past, such as the JVC HAFX40A, and I usually try to aim for pairs that won't break the bank. Having checked many earbud threads in forums, I was pointed in the direction of the Carbo Tenores, as they were apparently the best midrange earbuds available. I wasn't disappointed.The earbuds are shaped like bullets, with a rubber cap that can be replaced with the two sets of different sizes included. The buds are coated in a shiny foil and feel quite solid, although the wire is placed at a somewhat odd angle to the rest of it. This could make them less durable, but I've not had mine break just yet. The earphones come with a little bag for carrying them in which I found to be just enough to keep them safe.The end of the wire has a jack which is placed at 90 degrees to the cord. This seems a little odd, but I've found this to actually add some extra durability to the wire as it cannot bend where the jack is, which is where most of my pairs break.The sound quality of these earbuds is really quite something. I was amazed at just how much better my music sounded, and I honestly could not believe that they were not more expensive. The highs are very crisp, if somewhat sharp (hence the 'tenore'), with the rest of the range feeling punchy in all the right places. I am able to clearly hear the bass in almost every song in my collection, which ranges from dance to funk and from classical pieces to rock. There is little sound leakage from the earbud and I found them to be rather effective at drowning my surroundings out when placed in my ear, in which they fit snugly.I'm very happy with these headphones and would gladly buy another pair if I was in need of another.

There are really only two things you need to know about the earphones.The first is that my pair died after just over a year of moderate-to-heavy use. One of the buds just doesn't produce sound any more; I can get it to flicker back on a bit by wiggling the cable, but have been unable to properly fix it.The second is that, despite this rather short lifespan and the high cost, I'm still planning to get another pair.True, it's not great value for money, but the quality of sound and ear-comfort on these is hard to overstate for someone who's only ever used cheap/device-included earbuds before. Decent sound quality on my headphones is something that I never realised I needed until I tried it, and as someone who wears them for multiple hours daily, I think it's worth the money purely as a QoL investment. Yes, you can get an alternative for a tenth of the price, but these are genuinely worth the extra cost if you use them a lot.So, a cautious recommendation from me, the generic disclaimers regarding personal circumstances and use-cases notwithstanding.

I have only had these a day. So, A) they're not worn in and B) I'm making no comments on longevity/build quality. The connection from cable to headphone feels like it'll last me 6 months (how long most of my daily-use ones last) but I'll update if this is the case. The actual headphone housing is designed well and feels very solid. They're also pretty small. Comes with 3 silicone tips but if you don't replace them with your own favourite tips anyway, you need to start doing that.Sound wise. They. Are. Awesome.My current daily use headphones are Westone's W30. In comparison, these lack a little weight on the bottom end, but the mids are super clear and a fantastic soundstage. Top end is clear and precise. There's no tinny sound, separation is great.Very impressive for £40.

I've been using these for around a week now. Purchased because of the hype article on The Verge.The sound is clear but lacks all excitement. You'll hear sounds you've never heard before in your music but constantly want to turn the volume up to just feel something. I feel like I'm studying my music rather than listening for pleasure.The problem is with the weak low end and only the slightest suggestion of bass. Bass should be felt rather than heard.The build quality is so, so. They look very basic and the cord is very thin and delicate so can't see them lasting long with regular use.The seal in the ear is very good which is perhaps why they felt the buds could be so quiet but I feel they missed the mark.The basso model looks like the more promising option, wish I bought them instead.

Zero Audio Carbo Tenore is a well known IEM in the Head-Fi community. I feel that this is the best IEM under the sub £100 category. The built of the earphone is light and it's fairly smaller when compared to other IEM's which adds to the comfort, the only place lacking here is the flimsy cable which is not a deal-breaker in my case. The sound is balanced and well detailed, lows, mids and highs blend in perfectly without any one overpowering each other (People at Head-Fi or other websites will do a much better job of going into details).They have been my go to IEM for the last 4 months, and they have a long way to go!

For me, honestly the highs can be a little screechy, but all round sounds superb. After eq I have fixed the screechy highs anyway. If I was to buy again, I would buy the Zero Audio Carbo Basso.Update: these respond really well to EQ. I wouldn't buy the bassos. With a small low end EQ they sound amazing. Plus, this altoids case is perfect for anyone wishing not to damage them :-) they do seem frail.