JBL Roxy Reference 250 Earphones - Total Ear Candy

I love colourful things, but this one might be a little out of my league; it’s pink, with orange tips. Yikes, that’s bright! However, the Roxy Reference 250 earphones definitely serve as a great accessory as they look cool, sound great, and have the added functionality of a hands-free.

Shiny happy earpieces

Design and features
The pair of earphones I’m reviewing are a bright bubblegum pink, with earpieces that look a little like those tiny orange boiled sweets I used to love as a kid. However, they’re also available in a really nice shade of green with bright blue earpieces. The microphone for the hands-free is also the same bright orange and has the JBL logo, as well as the Roxy branding on it. One good thing about this set of earphones is that they come with this nice little carrying case that can also double up as your PMP case.

Here are the specifications:

• Compatibility: iPod (all models); MP3, CD and DVD players; laptop computers (all platforms); satellite radio; home stereos; airline sound systems
• Microphone: In-line-microphone with mute control enables hands-free operation
• Case: Matching carry purse included
• Input requirement: Main connection – 3.5mm stereo mini jack
• Power: 2 x 5mW
• Sensitivity: 94dB SPL/mW @ 1kHz
• Frequency Response_ 20Hz – 20kHz (–10dB)
• Input Impedance: 16 Ohms
• Wire length: 1.1m ( 43.3 inches)
• Dimensions: Diameter – 13.5mm (1.35 cm)

Performance
These are in-ear, so there’s a bit of noise reduction involved. I must admit that they’re a little generous with the mid frequencies, but the bass is loud and clear and the treble is sweet and sparkly. I listened to a lot of genres on it and found that it is best suited for hip-hop, pop and dance music as heavy rock and metal sounded a little muddy. The hands-free works well, but I heard a lot of hiss and both parties felt that the voice level could’ve been higher, so this is far from the best hands-free.

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Carrying case adds a nice touch

Verdict
I really like this set of earphones in spite of the colours, which make me look a little fruity (absolutely no pun intended). I’d obviously be a lot happier with the green and blue ones, but I had no qualms wearing these around the office today, even with people giving me weird glances. The colourful carrying case also adds a nice touch.

I give these earphones 3 ½ stars. I’ve cut points for the overbearing mid frequencies and weak hands-free, but the overall sound quality is good and so is the design and appeal. So if you have Rs. 1,999 to spare and like colourful things that sound good and make your ears pop (not literally of course), the JBL Roxy Reference 250 is the right set of earphones for you.